Chat during NLCS Game 6 and ALCS Game 7!
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Submit your questions and comments now and join The Show on Wednesday at 4 p.m. ET!
Buzzmaster (4:00 PM)
Anyone ready for a little more baseball? Fans may be spent after tonight's action in St. Louis and New York, but the Cardinals would like to ensure there is still some LCS business to finish on Thursday. We'll be here for Game 6 of the NLCS, with inning-by-inning commentary from Rob Neyer!
St. Charles, MO
So - what is the general consensus for the Cards/Astros game today?
Ken(St.Louis,MO)
If Cards win at home today, isnt pressure back on Houston bigtime? Even though they have Clemens in #7
Buzzmaster (4:05 PM)
I think anytime you have a Game 7, the pressure is pretty much on both teams. Even if one of them has just blown a 3-0 series lead ...
Chris (Houston)
Pressure is on the Cards the rest of the way. Gotta win at home. Gotta follow up that kind of a season. Astros are just having fun. Did you see Kent's face after THE HR.
Austin (San Antonio)
In these last 2 games, the pressure will never be on tha Astros, b/c everyone and their mamas picked STL to win this series.
Ryan (Upper Saddle River, NJ)
I think with Munro pitching, they're going to need a lot of run support. The Astros cannot afford to loose their momentum tonight against a Cardinals team that is strong at home.
Buzzmaster (4:07 PM)
All of our SportsNation polls suggest you guys agree with Garner saving a fully rested Clemens for a potential Game 7. Anyone out there want to explain why they think Clemens SHOULD be pitching tonight?
rich (spokane)
clemens might be used out of the bullpen tonight
Dave (Edgewater, NJ)
Both bullpens are fresh so it could come down to them.
Chris (Houston)
You forget, Munro only gave up 2 in 5 2/3. That's pretty good for this series.
Rob Neyer (4:08 PM)
Warming up for Game 6 . . . Okay, should we just assume that Matt Morris vs. Pete Munro is a mismatch? Well, Morris's ERA this season, in 32 starts, was 4.72. Munro's started 35 games over the last three seasons, 5.09 ERA. Morris hasn't pitched well in his two postseason starts (12 innings, 5.25 ERA), nor did he pitch well in September (40 innings, 6.03 ERA). Basically, Morris gives up too many home runs: 35 this season. And the Astros are the sort of team that can take advantage of that. So yes, the Cardinals are favorites today because 1) they're playing at home, and 2) yes, Morris is better than Munro. But the difference between these two teams, today, might not be as large as you (and me, until just this moment) think.
Papa Bear (Redmond, WA)
To close off the deal and get extra rest instead of risking a game 7. Clemens should pitch.
Jaytee (houston)
No real reason. He should be rested for at least a game 7. A well rested Pete Munro is a comperable as a tired Roger Clemens.
Jon (Boston)
Clemens should pitch tonight. Remember last year in the world series when Jack McKeon had to decide to pitch his ace, Beckett in game 6 rather then 7, and he picked to go with 6 because that was the game they had the Yanks down. Garner made a stupid mistake.
Dave (Edgewater, NJ)
There isn't a snowball's chance that you see Clemens out of the bullpen. That is not Roger's deal. you'll see Oswalt before you see Rocket.
Chris (Brownsville)
Sadly, I can't watch the game because the Direct TV package we have here at college doesn't offer FOX
Buzzmaster (4:10 PM)
Don't worry Chris, we'll try and keep you and everyone else at work/school updated with a little more frequent situational updates than we do at night. And we've got Rob Neyer in the house for analysis!
Dave (Lansing, MI)
I think that you should pitch Clemens tonight... because then your backup would be Oswalt in game 7. You really don't want to try and save Oswalt for a game 1 start... since there may not be a game one. You also have to factor that whatever team gets out of the ALCS won't have their pitching set up either.
Matt (O'Fallon, MO)
I got a huge kick out of Munro saying he proved himself and earned respect in game 2. Since when is 3R in 4 1/3 proving yourself?
Rob Neyer (4:11 PM)
Now, about Clemens on short vs. regular rest . . . As I said in my column today, occasionally there are situations where I'll admit that the manager knows more than I do, and this is one of those situations. If I'm playing Strat-O-Matic or something, I'd send Clemens out there on short rest, and then come back with Oswalt in Game 7 if necessary. But Garner thinks he's got a better chance of winning the series with Munro and Clemens, and no matter what happens I'm not going to second-guess him.
Buzzmaster (4:12 PM)
And we're ready to go from St. Louis.
Mike (Portland, OR)
In light of how the houston series is playing out is it at all reasonable to think baseball needs to switch to the 2/2/1/1/1 format that basketball uses so that if you win your home games you are never down in the series as the favorite?
Buzzmaster (4:13 PM)
Rolen makes a nice play on Biggio's grounder and Morris has an out.
Buzzmaster (4:13 PM)
By the way, they just announced the umpires on tv. After last's night's ALCS game, has anyone ever paid as much attention to who those names are?
Rob Neyer (4:14 PM)
Finally, Houston's bullpen . . . As you know if you've seen my columns in past Octobers (and this one, too), I think the single biggest mistake that managers make in the postseason is somehow managing to lose close games without using their best relief pitcher. Drives me nuts, and Garner's already done that a couple of times in this series. That said, I think he should leave Lidge in the bullpen unless the game is tied or the Astros have a late lead. If they're one or two runs behind in the seventh (etc.), I think you save Lidge for tomorrow, when you'll almost certainly need him for two innings.
Nobody (Western NY)
Those Cardinal fans are a great bunch of fans. They may be the best in baseball.
John (Portland, ME)
Did they introduce the riot police for this game as well?
Parker (VB, VA)
Basketball is setup as East and West geographically and MLB is not. What if SF played the Mets for the Pennant? That 2/2/1/1/1 does not work.
Patrick (Chicago via StL)
Mike I totally agree with changing it to 2/2/1/1/1, the only issue for me is the travel and scheduling enough off days. That could wreak havoc on pitching rotations though..
Buzzmaster (4:16 PM)
After drawing a walk, Beltran steals second easily.
Dave (Edgewater, NJ)
Beltran is on....do you give him second and concentrate on Bags?
Rob Neyer (4:16 PM)
You know, it's a little tough for a Royals fan like me to hear everybody rave about Beltran...
David (Oakland)
Will we see Beltran steal every time he gets on? I hope so.
Adam (Minnesota)
Is Beltran not the best player in baseball right now? I would take him over anyone else.
Buzzmaster (4:17 PM)
Bagwell bloops in a single, but Beltran has to hold at third. First and thrid for Berkman.
Michael (Sacramento)
Beltran is not the Best player in baseball though he is the hottest right now...
Matthew (NYC)
I am not sure Beltran is the best player in this game.
Andy (Philly)
Pujols is still the best player in baseball. Beltran has had an unreal postseason, but Pujols does it ALL YEAR LONG!!
Rob Neyer (4:18 PM)
Following up on that last comment, if the Royals had money they might have Damon in left field, Beltran in center, and Jermaine Dye in right.
Buzzmaster (4:18 PM)
And Berkman comes through with the sac fly. Early 1-0 lead for Houston.
Stack (Marlboro, NJ)
You mean if the Royals wanted to SPEND money...
Bryan (Houston)
Kent being smart and trying to throw Morris off his rhythm by stepping off
Issam (Houston)
1 run is all Munro needs baby. Oh wait, who am I kidding. 8 more please...
Buzzmaster (4:21 PM)
Rolen gets the force at second to retire the side, but Munro gets to start ahead a run.
Hoss (Seattle)
Beltran is better than Pujols all around by far... Pujols can't play defense or run the bases. Beltran is a 5 tool player behind only Arod.
B (St. Louis)
If I lived in Houston, I would start raising money myself to keep Beltran there...actually, I might do that here in St. Louis
Papa Bear (Redmond, WA)
What happened to Alex Rodriguez being the best in baseball? Or Vladimir Guerrero? Just because Rodriguez is now among a team of actual stars, doesnt mean he isnt in contention for best player. And just because Guerrero is out of the scene right now doesnt mean he isnt in contention. Both are young players entering the prime of their career, putting up numbers that are elite in most categories.
Rob Neyer (4:22 PM)
I think it's tough to make a case for Beltran as the best player in the game, if you define "best player" as the player who means the most in the standings. That's Barry Bonds. But is Beltran the best all-around player, defined as the player who does the most things to help his team win? Yeah, he might be. Back in May (I think), I ridiculed the talk of Beltran being the best player in the game, and I think I even denied his place among the 10 best players in the game. I think I was right then, but wrong now. And I'll probably revisit the topic at some point soon.
Matthew (NYC)
Can my work monitor my use of this? SPORTSNATION is going to cost me my job.
Buzzmaster (4:23 PM)
We do our best, Matthew.
Chris (Houston)
There's actually already a site of people raising money for Beltran. I think it went over 10,000 today. Not quite enough yet
Parker (VB, VA)
Well, if A-Rod still played SS. Beltran's ability to cover the field in center covers for the other two OF spots. That and he stole significantly more bases than A-Rod and Pujols.
Buzzmaster (4:24 PM)
Uh oh, if you're an Astros fan, you can't like seeing Tony Womack start the game with a single.
Chris (Brownsville)
not with Walker up to bat, no.
Buzzmaster (4:25 PM)
Pujols up with Womack on second after Walker grounds out.
B (St. Louis)
I'm sure not many people outside of St. Louis and Houston have watched much of this series, but it has kept me on the edge of my seat from pitch 1
Ian (Houston)
With a base open, why not walk Pujols, make somebody else beat you?
mike (champaign, il)
put Pujols on? .... I would
Travis (Houston)
Do you walk Pujols for the double play chance?
Buzzmaster (4:27 PM)
Tough to give him the Bonds treatment with Rolen and Edmonds behind him.
Brandon (Columbia, MO)
As a Cardinals fan, I don't even expect them to come thru w/ RISP anymore. Not after the 3 games in Houston.
Buzzmaster (4:28 PM)
Or maybe you walk him ... Pujols homers to left-center and the Cards take a 2-1 lead.
Rob Neyer (4:28 PM)
Graphic on Fox: Cardinals averaging eight runs in postseason home games. But does it mean anything? Maybe: Pujols just hit two-run homer.
jeffry (st. louis )
HERE WE GO!!!!
Papa Bear (Redmond, WA)
And thats why you start Clemens
Jon (NJ)
Whos the best player in baseball?
Ian (Houston)
One arms it into left field over the fence.....
rob (atl)
They are both streaky hitters and Pujols is slow. Give him the Bonds treatment.
Rob Neyer (4:29 PM)
P.S. No, you can't just walk Pujols when first base is open. Rolen and Edmonds far, far too good for that.
Austin (San Antonio)
People are already acting like this game is over. Since when is Matt Morris Cy Young?
Travis (Houston)
Starting Munro is still the right choice. There's no guarantee Pujols doesn't yank out a Clemens splitter either.
Adam (Pittsburgh)
Rolen looks horrible
Buzzmaster (4:31 PM)
Munro bounces back to whiff Rolen.
Papa Bear (Redmond, WA)
Matt Morris may not be a Cy Young, but can you expect Munro to not be rattled? Giving up a two run home run on the road in the first inning?
Chris (Houston)
What's going on?
Buzzmaster (4:34 PM)
Edmonds on first after the single and Munro has fallen behind Renteria.
Bruce (Duluth, MN)
Maybe someone should put a suture in Pete Munro's ankle...just for the hell of it.
Adam (Nashville)
I think a lot of it is probably nerves. Munro will settle down and after this inning.
Buzzmaster (4:35 PM)
And Munro can't get out of it, as Renteria singles and Edmonds goes to third. Actually looked like Renteria could have hit that pitch a lot harder.
Vaup (Marion,il)
now how big was that strikeout of rolen after the base hit from renteria
Buzzmaster (4:36 PM)
And Sanders takes Munro off the hook, flying out on the first pitch.
Greg (Austin)
Munro is leaving the ball up...
Andy (Philly)
Edgar has been pressing real badly...Cards NEED him to relax up there and be the clutch hitter he's been in the past.
Rob Neyer (4:38 PM)
Munro escaped further damage, stranding two runners when Reggie Sanders swung at the first pitch (and hit an easy fly to right). Still, it wasn't exactly an auspicious beginning. Assuming he can get past the bottom of the order (and Tony Womack) in the second, the third inning will probably tell us a lot about the final result of this game.
big daddy (h-town)
not bad for munro... on only his second post season start ever.... giving up a homer to the SECOND best player in all of this post season (other than beltran of course) and gettin that fly out doesn't hurt bad either
Matt (Chattanooga)
Both of these pitchers are going to get hammered today...neither have shown much poise at all in the playoffs. Especially Morris!
Bryce (New Orleans)
Munro is going 4 innings tops , which is bad news for Astros fans with that bad middle relief
Chris (Brownsville)
Munro's trying to hard to be clutch, he needs to be the pitcher he was against Colorado... realize the game means something, but just go out and do what he normally does
Austin (San Antonio)
Lamb had a baby. He's due for something big today.
Buzzmaster (4:40 PM)
Then how come Shawn Kemp didn't have more big days?
Buzzmaster (4:41 PM)
Cards miss a chance to get the double play on Vizcaino.
Brandon (Columbia, MO)
And that's why St. Louis misses Fernando Vina.
Bryan (St. Louis)
and his .220 avg? no thanks
Dave (Boston)
ausmus is gonna do something big, hes had some good swings
Bryan (St. Louis)
What is Ausmus doing?
Buzzmaster (4:44 PM)
He's worked the count full from 0-2.
Bryan (Houston)
At least Ausmus is battling
Damian ((Palo Alto))
I'm getting tired of Morris not getting ahead of his batters!
Jerrod (State College)
35 Pitches in the 2nd inning already for Morris, that's not good
Chris (Houston)
adding to the pitch count
Buzzmaster (4:46 PM)
Ausmus fans with Vizcaino running and the double play ends the inning.
Tim (Portland)
Thank you Phil Garner
Ken (St.Louis)
Gold Glover Matheny...strike em out..throw em out
JMoney (Navarre, FLA)
Now the pitcher leads off the 3rd.
Lou (Oklahoma City)
Well I guess that kind of backfired for the Astros
Rob Neyer (4:46 PM)
K+CS ends the top of the second, made even worse because Munro will lead off the third. Oh, Brad Ausmus . . . it's a good thing you're so adept at framing pitches!
Issam (Houston)
The guys on the radio said Ausmus should have let the pitch hit him. That's how much faith we have in him.
Bryan (Houston)
Garner was trying to stay out of a GIDP, not his fault Ausmus got caught guessing
Patrick (Fridley (MN))
Just me or should Ausmus swing at ANYTHING close with the runner going? A walk doesnt do much with Munro batting next...
Matt (St. Louis)
Who thinks the Cardinals, regardless of the outcome, need to get a strong pitcher/ace type during the offseason?
Buzzmaster (4:48 PM)
Any Cards fans have faith in Ankiel for next year?
Matt (Chattanooga)
I heard Ankiel's making a very strong comeback...I'm all about it
colby (st louis)
with the money they save when they let morris and renteria go, they should bring in an ace
SCOTT (ST. LOUIS)
The Cards are lucky Morris didn't sign that contract he was offered.
Asher (Houston )
Ankiel can be a solid 4 or 5 starter
Matt (St. Louis)
I actually really do. But i also had faith that Vince Coleman would see a tarp coming his way.
Bryan (St. Louis)
Sure, why not...he showd a little bit of being able to come back...He can only help...as long as he isn't throwing pitches to the back screen
Andy (Philly)
I do have faith in Ankiel as far as a 4th or 5th starter, but I think the Cards must go out and get an ace (Carpenter is a decent #2).
Matt (St. Louis)
Not in Ankiel, maybe Haren. But they are 1 and a half starters short of domination.
Lou (Oklahoma City)
I am not a Card fan but saw Ankiel pitch this year against Oklahoma of the PCL - If he has his head straight (and from the game I saw him pitch, he does) he will be a great addition to the Cardinal staff.
Buzzmaster (4:50 PM)
Matheny lines it up the middle, actually glancing off Munro's glove, and they get him at first.
Bryan (Houston)
Nice play by Munro to at least get a glove on that ball, 1 out
Buzzmaster (4:52 PM)
Get Morris easily, it'd be good for him to get out of the second without getting back to the Walker-Pujols-Rolen-Edmonds bunch.
Patrick (Fridley MN)
Munro is getting under the Cardinal bats, lots of grounders it seems like
mike (champaign, il)
2 groundballs in a row to the middle/left side .... Munro finding a groove?
Buzzmaster (4:52 PM)
Or not, as Womack picks up his second hit of the day.
Ken (St.Louis)
Womack back into leadoff form...bad news for Houston
Larry (Frederick, MD)
womack getting on can only mean a whole bunch of pain coming up in a hurry
david (houston)
not finding a groove!
Dave (IL)
No he only found the 8-9 hitters....
Matthew (St. Louis)
This is where Walker is dangerous. Houston doesn't want to have 2 on 2 out for Pujols. HR on the way?
Buzzmaster (4:54 PM)
Walker doesn't make Munro pay, grounding to short.
Chris (Little Rock)
Cards need to sign Pavano, add him to Carpenter and Haren - that is a huge upgrade to Morris & Willams
Damian (Palo Alto)
Carpenter, Suppan, Haren, Ankiel, and somebody else. Morris will go to the NY Yankees since he can up tons of innings, free agent, and is from there. Plus, that line-up will bail him out also. Ankiel will start and so will Haren. Woody will retire, IF they Cardinals win it all. Suppan and Marquis will pitch next year and have the same results like this year.
Josh (Great Falls,Mt)
Not suprising...The only people capable of making the astros pay right now are Pujols and well...pujols...
Chris (Lafayette, LA)
I'll take that, because now only have 3 of the big four next inning...and pujols can only hit a solo home run.
colby (st louis)
20 bucks says Morris walks Munro to start the 3rd
Buzzmaster (4:58 PM)
Grounds out to start the third. Colby, you can send your check to ESPN Plaza, Bristol, CT ...
Papa Bear (Redmond, WA)
You owe me 20 bucks colby
Buzzmaster (4:59 PM)
Nice leaping snag by Renteria to keep Biggio frustrated.
Bruce (Duluth, MN)
Nice catch!
Scott (St. Louis)
WALK BELTRAN PLEASE
Asher (Houston )
Renteria the biggest dissappointment in the NLCS does something on defense
Randy (Lake Charles, LA)
Beltran hasnt hit a homerun in 2 games...hes due
Sam (Urbana, IL)
Think Beltran is swinging for the fences here?
Buzzmaster (5:00 PM)
Beltran slams it off the wall in right, but Walker holds him to single.
Terence (Philadelphia)
did he start to trot?
Randy (Lake Charles, LA)
OOOOH so close to #9 on the postseason
danny (new haven)
walker with another amazing play to keep beltran to one
Buzzmaster (5:01 PM)
So is Beltran running here?
Buzzmaster (5:02 PM)
Beltran's going to score as the ball down the line takes a bad hop off the left-field stands. Good hit from Bagwell.
Dustin (Houston)
That'll work. Tie game.
colby (st louis)
he sure is, all the way to home
Brandon (Columbia, MO)
That was one of the worst outfield displays I've ever seen.
Terence (Philadelphia)
Big Play short double makes up for the fluke long single
Bryan (St. Louis)
Damn it sanders....Bring back Lonnie Smith
Dave (Panama City (Panama))
Berkman own Morris, this should be good!
Rob Neyer (5:04 PM)
The Fox broadcasters keep talking about Beltran having "the speed of Willie Wilson and the power of Willie Mays." Well, I'm sorry, but there's simply nobody in the majors today who runs like Willie Wilson did. I've seen both Beltran and Wilson play hundreds of games, and I can tell you with absolute confidence that there's no comparison. Beltran's fast, but Wilson might have been as fast, home to home, as anybody who ever played.
Bryan (Houston)
I don't think Sanders miss played that ball, it barely caught the facing of the bleachers
Andrew (Houston)
Sanders has been consistently good on all 18 teams he's played for, everyone misjudges a ball sometimes
Rob Neyer (5:06 PM)
Sanders didn't do anything wrong on Bagwell's hit. He had to respect the chance the ball would go all the way into the corner. It didn't, and Bagwell hit it so hard that the ball took an unusually long carom. Sanders did everything he could do.
Buzzmaster (5:07 PM)
Kent lines out to end the inning. It's tied, but Pujols leads off against Munro.
Rich B (Lancaster, OH)
So Beltran already has drawn a walk, stolen a base, and accounts for both Astros runs. Somewhere, Boras is smiling. cha-ching. The Astros must keep him, though I hate the thought of a Houston lineup without Biggio or Bagwell, old age be damned.
Rob Neyer (5:08 PM)
In addition to Beltran's walk and Bagwell's screamer, Morris gave up a couple of ropes that, luckily enough, were sent straight at Renteria. Shaky inning, and Cardinals lucky to be tied, 2-2.
Chris (Brownsville)
Bagwell is around for another year or so, Bigio is a free agent this year and Kent might retire this year.
archie (ny)
morris 58 pitches thru 3 bullpen by 5 maybe 6 innning
Buzzmaster (5:10 PM)
Pujols doubles to lead off the inning, Munro and Morris are battling to see who looks more unstable.
Josh (New York)
It seems impossible to get Beltran or Pujos out
Matt (St. Louis)
that is clutch. BIG leadoff hit for St. Louis
Patrick (Fridley, MN)
mmmm...if im the astos, im warming someone up RIGHT NOW
Dan (Champaign, IL)
"Soup" Campbell on ESPN Radio: Whoever gets the last at-bat between Beltran & Pujols wins the game.
Peter (Houston)
This is perfect. Now strike out Rolen, walk Edmonds and then get Renteria to hit into double play.
Jaytee (houston)
Where's Charlie Kerfeld when we need him....
Buzzmaster (5:12 PM)
My guess is he's eating, wherever he is.
Buzzmaster (5:13 PM)
Vizcaino can't make the play deep in the hole and Rolen reaches. First and third for Edmonds.
Buzzmaster (5:13 PM)
Oops, first and second for Edmonds.
Kyle (Galveston, TX)
Why would Viscaino even throw it? He had no chance of throwing him out.
Bruce (Duluth, MN)
Bagwell to Rolen: "You really knocked the crap out of that one."
Ian (Houston)
Great play by Bagwell.
Bryce (New Orleans)
Nolan Ryan's on the payroll, get him up in the bullpen
Buzzmaster (5:15 PM)
Edmonds flies to deep left and both runners advance.
Harry (New Castle, DE)
What baserunning!! I love it
Dave (Boston)
How on earth did Pujols tag? Biggio has a weak arm
Ken (St.Louis)
Bigio not a strong arm anymore....smart play
Dre (TO)
Redemption for Edgar here.
Buzzmaster (5:16 PM)
Nice call, Dre. Renteria comes up with a single to drive in both runs.
Bryan (St. Louis)
The birds just know how to play the game the right way
Buzzmaster (5:16 PM)
And Munro is done with one out in the third.
Mital (Springfield, IL)
That's only his 2nd hit of the LCS.
Larry (Frederick, MD)
Just what Houston needed -- Renteria waking up
Brandon (Columbia, MO)
Now the Cards can feast on the pathetic middle relief that the Astros have.
matt (anchorage)
dang ... early hook, no?
Buzzmaster (5:18 PM)
Early but probably wise. Like Arroyo in Game 3 of the ALCS, even a lot of the outs were either hit hard or fat pitches that hitters missed. Munro just didn't have much today.
Rob Neyer (5:18 PM)
Even I thought Munro would escape the third inning . . . look, if Harville (or whoever; I didn't notice was warming up) pitches brilliantly for two or three innings, Garner has to at least give the illusion of trying to win this one. But if the Astros fall any further behind, Garner has to garner his pitching resources for Game 7. It might not make for good baseball today, but it's smart baseball.
Matt (Little Rock, AR)
That's a LOT of innings the Stro's shaky bullpen will have to cover now
Dave (Boston)
Terrible performance from Munro, hopefully Garner won't make a really stupid mistake and waste their bullpen, they should leave harville out there for a while
Buzzmaster (5:19 PM)
Harville takes over.
Kyle (Galveston, TX)
Yeah...early hook. And Munro wanted to know why everyone was talking about him like he was second rate.....it's because he is.
Josh (Great Falls,Mt)
Harville, Miceli? If this game is close...or remains close, how many pitchers does he go through tonight?
Chris (The Loo)
Look, there are only three pitchers going tomorrow for Garner....Clemens. Oswalt and Lidge. Garner can burn everyone else today cuz they won't see the mound tomorrow at all.
James (Houston)
Its not like Morris is pitching that much better. Houston will soon get into the Cards bullpen as well which hasn't been lights out either.
Buzzmaster (5:21 PM)
Sanders doubles and it's second and third with one out.
Mike (St. Louis)
game 7 here we come
Chris (Houston)
I feel one of those 19 - 6 bashings coming today
danny (new haven)
i agreed that munro should have started, but now you have edmonds, renteria, and rolen all getting hits, building confidence, and pujols is back on, womack's got a pack of hits, this could be dengerous
Sam (Urbana, IL)
Harville throws hard, and Miceli and Qualls had been effective before the playoffs. Maybe they can keep it close.
Anthony (Lethbridge)
Never a good idea to call a game over in the 3rd inning, regardless of the situation
Marty (State College, PA)
A walk for St. Louis is just like a home run here. haha
Austin (San Antonio)
w/ Matt Morris on deck, shouldnt u walk Matheny?
Buzzmaster (5:25 PM)
Count goes full to Matheny.
John (Santa Barbara)
when did baseball fans become walk happy? Everyone whines about bonds getting walked and you guys want to freaking walk everybody? What happened to having some faith in your pitching?
Buzzmaster (5:26 PM)
Matheny fans, bringing up Morris. Astros would have to be thrilled to get out of this down just 4-2.
LP (boston)
BIG out there for harville
Jeff (Baytown, TX)
That's why you don't walk Matheny
Nick (Houston, TX)
You could here the collective vacuum of air from Bush Stadium as Metheny struck out ...
Buzzmaster (5:28 PM)
Down goes Morris to end the third.
Mike (St. Louis)
eh hes got our 8th and 9th out...wait till next inning
Bryan (Houston)
wow, small moral victory there, getting out of the inning only down a couple of runs, and Morris has been shaky.
Chris (Brownsville)
I've never understood this... pitchers have to work a zone for their living... why aren't they better hitters?
Rob Neyer (5:29 PM)
Well, Harville escaped the jam . . . which means he has to face the top of the order in the home fourth, no easy chore. But at least it's still close. Garner's job is actually pretty easy right now: he can just put the back of the bullpen on auto-pilot and hope for the best. It's not exactly like this game's over, though; Morris still has to pitch reasonably well.
Marc (Charlotte)
St. Louis, "1 (run) for you, 2 for me...1 more for you, 2 for me..."
Bryce (New Orleans)
Pitchers that can hit are called Right Fielders or Third Basemen
Paul (NYC)
Pitchers don't practice enough.. they have to spend enough time as it is working on their pitching.
Damian (Palo Alto)
Why didn't Tony put someone else in to hit for Morris. Morris is a liability on the mound and at bat. A guy on second and third? Put Dan Haren in!
Buzzmaster (5:31 PM)
Womack's out of the game, bringing Luna into the game at second and leading off next inning.
Anthony (Lethbridge)
womack is leaving the game with the top of the order for st. louis coming up... this is big for houston
Patrick (Fridley, MN)
Womack just got removed? What gives?
Buzzmaster (5:32 PM)
The replays they just showed make it look like he might have pulled something on his second hit, or aggravated an old injury.
Sam (Urbana, IL)
Womack must have hurt himself chomping at the bit to hit against the Houston bullpen...
Buzzmaster (5:32 PM)
or none of the above ... back spasms knock Womack out.
Mark (San Diego)
What ever happened to Bo Hart he was a stud.
Buzzmaster (5:33 PM)
Homer for Mike Lamb, 4-3.
Buzzmaster (5:33 PM)
Give Garner credit for playing the numbers and giving Lamb the start.
Vaup (Marion,il)
can someone PLEASE get morris out of this game!!!!!!!
Bryce (New Orleans)
Leave Morris in LaRussa, Astros fans are begging you
Anthony (Lethbridge)
wow... womack leaves the game, and the stros get a HR from Lamb all in a matter of minutes... big momentum swing
Brandon (Columbia, MO)
Bo Hart was never a stud. He got on a lucky streak for a while last season and played well. This year, he didn't get out of spring training. Horrible hitting and defense.
Jason (Houston)
Lamb should be the regular starter at 3rd.. he KILLS the ball.
Anthony (Austin)
Those numbers weren't too difficult to dissect. Ensberg isn't swinging it at all and Lamb was hot at the end of the year.
Bryan (Houston)
when Ausmus is hitting it back up the middle, you know the pitcher is shaky!
Aakash (stamford)
everett is bunting...he's one of the better bunters in the game.
Buzzmaster (5:36 PM)
Everett pinch hits for the Astros, bullpen will be busy today apparently.
Keith (Tomball, TX)
Nice to see Adam Everett back at the plate. He's awesome defensively. Hopefully, he'll replace Vizcaino.
Dre (TO)
Leave Morris to finish the inning at least, then put in Haren.
Rob Neyer (5:37 PM)
Gee, I dunno . . . Adam Everett, pinch-hitting? He's not good enough to play shortstop, but he's good enough to pinch-hit? This makes sense only if Garner's convinced that Harville wouldn't be effective for another inning. Because you don't gain much with Everett, and now you start digging deeper into that bullpen...
clay (midland, tx)
Who's warming up for Houston? I'm stuck at work and can't watch except for Gamecast on MLB.
Buzzmaster (5:37 PM)
Gallo was warming up last inning.
Buzzmaster (5:38 PM)
Renteria with a nice play to get the force at second.
Rob Neyer (5:38 PM)
. . . and Everett would have got a single if not for Renteria's spectacular dive and throw for the force at second.
Adam (UMass)
unreal, just remember that guy is the reason adam kennedy became a 2b and went to anaheim
Bryce (New Orleans)
Qualls is warming up as well
Brandon (Columbia, MO)
Chad Qualls is warming up.
Dre (TO)
Renteria is turning in a great performance today, hopefully not in vain.
Rob Neyer (5:40 PM)
Thanks to Renteria, Morris got out of it with only one run (Lamb's homer). Interesting decision for La Russa coming up soon . . . does he go to the bullpen this early, or does he see if Morris can handle Beltran-Bagwell-Berkman one last time? My guess: bullpen.
Chris (Saint Paul, MN)
Bottom of the inning looks a little different when you have to face Luna instead of Womack.
Jason (Houston)
Qualls scares me. Well, to be more specific, the houston bull pen scares me... with 2 exceptions
Derek (Pittsburgh)
Renteria is also a big part of the reason Jack Wilson is in Pittsburgh.
Buzzmaster (5:41 PM)
But how is he connected to Kevin Bacon?
Matthew (St. Louis)
St. Louis pitching is scary. If you are a St. Louis fan you have to be worried no one can get out the top of the Houston order - and now the bottom is hitting.
LP (boston)
So Clemens tomorrow...does that mean Oswalt is "available" to enter game 7 in the event that things get out of hand?
Ryan (St Louis)
Rob, I agree. Morris will pitch to Bags and then Ray "Burger" King will face Beltran.
Matt (Chattanooga)
I agree with Neyer on the bullpen...it's way too risky
Stuart (Redcar, United Kingdom)
I Expect Danny Haren to be in before long
Buzzmaster (5:44 PM)
Two quick outs for Qualls, gets Walker looking.
Bryan (Houston)
Can you say BB to pujols?
Buzzmaster (5:44 PM)
Pujols just misses another extra-base hit down the line.
Jerrod (State College)
Qualls throwing strikes, good sign to keep the 'Stros in the game
Jerrod (State College)
Man he is locked in, Pujols
Buzzmaster (5:46 PM)
Tough hop, but Lamb butchered that play, letting Pujols reach.
roger (Stl)
i guess that's why Ensberg is the regular 3rd baseman
Dustin (Houston)
That's why Ensberg is the starter at third.
Bart (TN)
That's the only downfall of Lamb's game
Tony (Columbia, MO)
Looks like that 3rd baseman for the Indian in Major League, alley oop.
Buzzmaster (5:46 PM)
"Get in front of the ball, Dorn!"
Buzzmaster (5:47 PM)
Another ball off the padding! Pujols runs through the stop sign and is meat at home after a great tag from Ausmus.
Tony (Columbia, MO)
agressive I like it with two outs.
Bryan (Houston)
Wow, awesome play by Ausmus, that's why he's the C
Austin (San Antonio)
That's why Beltran is better than Pujols.
roger (Stl)
OUCH! Edmonds left on deck!
Chris (The Loo)
Oquendo was trying to stop him....he ran right through it....
Wally (Boston)
Wait, was that David Ortiz running the bases?
Jeff (Oakland)
Wow. He can hit, but he certainly can't run.
Ian (Houston)
Momentum shift on the play at the plate with the heart of the order coming up for the Astros!
Aakash (Stamford)
That's why Brad Ausmus has won two gold-gloves, and why he's a key cog in this Astros team.
Rob Neyer (5:48 PM)
Wow, what an ending to the home fourth, as Pujols runs through a stop sign and is tagged out at home. You're in trouble any time you blow off the third-base coach and don't make it, but with two outs it wasn't a terrible decision. That said, with a decent throw, Pujols would have been out by five feet rather than five inches.
Matthew (St. Louis)
St. Louis made a base running mistake in Game 5 as well (williams). Starting to repeat itself. This is why Houston is winning the series. That could come back to haunt them.
Buzzmaster (5:50 PM)
Beltran retired to start the fifth.
Nick (Houston, TX)
Pujols should have tried swatting at Ausmus ...
Rob Neyer (5:51 PM)
Well, I was wrong about Morris/La Russa; Morris comes back out for the fifth, and Houston's meaty middle. If he gets through this one, he can probably get through the next one. And then La Russa gets to do what he loves more than anything: signal his bullpen every batter or two.
Buzzmaster (5:52 PM)
Morris breezes through the fifth.
Rob Neyer (5:52 PM)
Not only did Morris get Beltran-Bagwell-Berkman, he barely broke a sweat doing it. Great decision by the manager...
Brandon (Columbia, MO)
Did I miss something or did Morris just pull his head out of his ...?
Nick (Hermosa Beach, CA)
HUGE inning for Morris and the cards...
roger (Stl)
Not very good at bats for 2-3-4 hitters .....
Peter (Portland, OR)
Buzz: Edgar Renteria shares a first name with Edgar Martinez who lives in Seattle as did Courtney Love who was in The People vs. Larry Flynt with Woody Harrelson who was in Welcome to Hollywood with Laurence Fishburne who was in Mystic River with Kevin Bacon. I think that's five degrees.
Buzzmaster (5:53 PM)
Ok, glad we got that cleared up.
JMoney (Little Rock, AR)
Just what Morris needed...pitch count is high
Jeremy (New Haven, IL)
Morris can pitch good as long as no one is on base...something about pitching out of the stretch that ruins his fast ball.
Bryan (Houston)
I think Houston just lost what momentum they had from the Ausmus play...weak showing from the B's
Ryan (Tipp City)
So much for that momentum shift
Buzzmaster (5:54 PM)
Adventures with fielding, starring Mike Lamb ...
Terence (Philadelphia)
Lamb is a hitter.
Austin (San Antonio)
Again, just why Ensberg is starter at 3rd.
Alan (Huntsville, TX)
I SWEAR ON ALL THAT IS GREAT AND HOLY, IF SOMEONE DOES NOT TELL ME WHAT THE HECK WOMACK IS DOING OUT I AM GOING TO GET MAD
Buzzmaster (5:55 PM)
back spasms, Alan.
reverse the curse (houston)
Mike Lamb is turning into the first NL DH ever
Buzzmaster (5:56 PM)
Edmonds grounds out to start the bottom of the inning.
Bigfoot (Hairy, Me)
Jim Hickey gets more airtime than Tim McCarver.
Boose (Atlanta)
I hate talking to managers during games.....get rid of it
reverse the curse (houston)
talking to the coaches gives you ingame insight..ilikeit..especially with the bullpen situoation
Paul (Houston)
Did I just see Ray King eating a Whopper?
Buzzmaster (5:59 PM)
Sanders has found his groove, doubling for the second time today.
Bryan (St. Louis)
I hate when people say "Adventures with fielding staring Mike Lamb" and then don't tell you what happened?
Buzzmaster (6:00 PM)
Bryan- He misplayed a foul pop and nearly ended up face-down in the dugout.
Frank (Indy)
I'm sensing an intentional walk.
Aakash (Stamford)
That's one way to get rid of Matt Morris.
Ian (Houston)
Great move by Garner
Chris (The Loo)
Big decision for Tony....do you leave Morris in or pitch hit for him? I say take him out.
Damian (Palo Alto)
Mabry needs to be clutch like he has been all year!
Mike (Chicago)
Mabry to hit for Morris
Ken (St.Louis)
Middle relief of Cards is better than that of Stros....so PH and RP a welcome change at this point in the game
Boose (Atlanta)
This is the worst idea ever. He pitched well last inning and could go at least another inning or 2
Ryan (St Louis)
Ray King is warming up the grill in the bullpen.
Buzzmaster (6:03 PM)
Strikes out Mabry to end the inning.
Brandon (Columbia, MO)
that was a horrible at-bat
Bart (TN)
You just saw John Mabry being clutch like he has been all year
Bryce (New Orleans)
Qualls has done a great job quieting these hitters
Rob Neyer (6:05 PM)
Mabry strikes out in key spot, just as he struck out in Game 5. Look, two strikeouts don't mean anything, but Mabry's really not as good as his 2004 stats might lead you to believe. The fact is that the Cardinals really don't have much of a bench. Now we'll see how good their bullpen is, because they've got a one-run lead (4-3) and here come the relievers.
Bigfoot (Hairy, Me)
Who has homefield advantage in the WS? Houston or the AL representative?
Buzzmaster (6:06 PM)
AL has the edge, Bigfoot.
Bill (St. Louis)
I think I've probably posted about 100 times since you guys nailed this up, and I've NEVER made it to the big board. You guys are killing me. I think I'm done with this...
Buzzmaster (6:07 PM)
There you go, Bill.
Big Body Berkman (Houston)
Astros have hit the Cardinals bullpen this series. I don't think 4 runs will be enough to win the game. King has given up 2 runs in 2 innings so far.
Dave (Houston)
The game is going by fast. Unlike the other series. This one is just as good as the AL, we just don't get the love.
Matt (O'Fallon)
Morris did his job. 5 decent innings, and left with the lead. It's time for the "best bullpen in the game" to live up to their billing (for once)
Buzzmaster (6:10 PM)
Nice play by King to start the double play. Dare I say, he's nimble on his feet?
Duncan (Londonderry, NH)
Double play, that is huge, Cards are in much better shape now
Dave (Chicago)
defense is saving st. louis...walker, renteria, now double plays...
Robb (Madison)
Sooner he gets done pitching the sooner he can grab some food
Jeremy (New Haven, IL)
I never though I would hear someone say King was nimble...remarkable
Buzzmaster (6:12 PM)
Hope LaRussa has on some comfortable shoes. Another walk to the mound and King is done with two outs and Vizcaino on first.
Tony (Columbia, MO)
Okay hold on just a second....its only the 5th Tony....you had better hope one of these guys can throw a couple of innings in a row or the prospect of extra frames is gonna kill us. Why haven't we gone with Haren in long releif
Chris (The Loo)
Calero pitches to this hitter and gets the next inning I think. That will get the Cards to 8th and I think you WILL see Tavarez today.
Buzzmaster (6:15 PM)
Calero enters to pitch to Ausmus.
Bigfoot (Hairy, Me)
I think Ausmus already got his hit this week.
Bryan (Houston)
But he has already saved one run today
Brandon (Columbia, MO)
I don't think Tavarez comes in. I think Tony puts the ball in Izzy's hand for the 8th and 9th.
Buzzmaster (6:17 PM)
And Calero gets the job done. Going to the bottom of the sixth. Looks like Wheeler will be on the mound.
Frank (Indy)
I think you try to save Izzy for 1 inning if possible. Maybe bring him in the 8th, but not to start it.
Big Body Berkman (Houston)
Wheeler goes 1 inning and leaves for a pinch hitter in the top of the 7th. Who does Phil put in? Miceli? Gallo?
Rob Neyer (6:19 PM)
Astros fail to score in the sixth, despite picking up a few more baserunners. In the long run, this might be the best thing for them, because if Ausmus hadn't made the last out, 1) Garner would have replaced Qualls with a pinch-hitter, and 2) Wheeler would have replaced Qualls on the mound. But the Astros will probably need a rested Wheeler tomorrow night, so he shouldn't be used until/unless the Astros tie the game, at least.
Buzzmaster (6:20 PM)
And as always, Rob's right. Qualls still in the game for the Astros.
andy (champaign)
luna brings nothing to the table for me
Buzzmaster (6:21 PM)
Flies out to start the inning, hasn't looked good in either at-bat.
Ian (Houston)
Talk about stretching Qualls.....this will be impressive if he gets out with no harm.
Chuck (Houston)
The Astros don't need to rest anybody today. Then need to throw everything out there, even the kitchen sink. They are winning today baby!!!!
Keith (Tomball, TX)
Qualls got REALLY lucky there
Buzzmaster (6:22 PM)
Walker flies out to deep right, got under it a little. And here's Pujols ...
Bryan (Houston)
let's see how agressive they are w/ pujols here
Rob Neyer (6:23 PM)
Can Pujols triple here, and become the first player ever to do that in the postseason? Only if an outfielder tears a knee ligament.
Buzzmaster (6:23 PM)
Wow, quick inning for Qualls as Pujols grounds out.
Nick (Champaign)
Pujols must have difficulty swinging with the rest of the Cardinals on his back.
Austin (San Antonio)
HEY, Lamb caught it, and made a good thorw!!!
Bryan (Houston)
Just want to make sure I'm not crazy, but did Lamb just make a play at third base?
Rob Neyer (6:24 PM)
Impressive inning from Qualls, as he works a quick 1-2-3 inning, finishing up with Pujols. This game is about to make Phil Garner very uncomfortable...
Marty (Austin)
Huge inning for the 'stros a pinch hitter and then the B's
Juan (New Brunswick, NJ)
why is it gonna make him uncomfortable?
Bryce (New Orleans)
This is about the point where Garner loses his mind and double switches everyone out of the game
Buzzmaster (6:26 PM)
Orlando Palmeiro down 0-2 as the pinch hitter for the Astros.
Lance (Gainesville, FL)
You know it's the NLCS when you see everyone alive ripping on Garner. This is what October Baseball is about.
Josh (Great Falls, Mt)
Can Calero finish the game? Just curious he is about the only St Louis pitcher I trust right now.
Paul (Houston)
Biggio really needs to do something here
Buzzmaster (6:29 PM)
Biggio pops up, two away for Beltran. Could potentially be his last AB of the game.
Brandon (Columbia, MO)
Do you even pitch to Beltran here??
Chris (The Loo)
that was a huge out....now Beltran bats with no one on and they can be careful.
Bryan (Houston)
for the Astros sake, let's hope it is Biggio's last AB
Mike (Ventura)
You have to pitch to him. Bagwell's been hitting the ball well also.
Buzzmaster (6:30 PM)
His second single off the wall in right, he's drilling the ball so hard, he can't get to second.
Tom
This looks familiar
Brandon (Columbia, MO)
Fantastic play again by Walker.
Bob (Chicago)
Beltrans absolutely amazing....
Buzzmaster (6:31 PM)
Bagwell doesn't give Beltran a chance to run, popping up the first pitch.
Andy G. (Jeffersonville)
Good job Kiko
Jake (Dubuque )
Anyone else notice FOX is on the "Beltran Bandwagon," and rightfully so, but that they aren't giving nearly the same amount of press as they are for Pujols..who is having an equally amazing series.
Nick (Champaign)
Remind me why Calero isn't the closer?
Rob Neyer (6:32 PM)
I think this is the first in my life that I've seen a player hit two singles off the right-field fence in one game. . . Calero worked around Beltran's super-single, and now Garner has to use Wheeler and try to win this game, or a lesser reliever and try to win tomorrow night's. Tough choice, but I'd save Wheeler.
Aaron (Dallas)
We've all heard of Albert Pujols. Who really heard of Carlos Beltran before this post-season?
Paul (Houston)
No press for Pujols...what games have you been watching?
Ryan (stranded in Cincy, from StL)
I agree about Fox being on Beltran's bandwagon. Not that he doesn't deserve it, but to be fair, Pujols had a better season, and consistency means something.
Buzzmaster (6:35 PM)
Wheeler takes over for the Astros, facing Rolen, Edmonds, Renteria.
Buzzmaster (6:35 PM)
There goes Lamb, making it tough to make fun of him, Great diving grab to rob Rolen.
Keith (Tomball, TX)
Lamb is making the most of his playing time today.
Sam (Urbana, IL)
Lamb's defensive redemption?
Austin (San Antonio)
Is that Morgan Ensberg in Mike Lamb's uni?
Owen (Valdez, Alaska)
Lamb's been watching Tom Emanski videos in the dugout.
Austin (San Antonio)
Izzy is warming up for the Cards. Looks like they arent gonna bring in Tavarez aka Kevin Brown Jr.
colin (tacoma)
i'd pitch around Edmonds. he's been the unsung hero for the CARDs
Buzzmaster (6:39 PM)
Edmonds chases and whiffs. Two big outs for Wheeler.
Keith (Tomball, TX)
Big strikeout for Wheeler
Craig (Denver)
It's about time Renteria caught fire
Matt (Fairfax, VA)
Renteria is coming alive, the Astros need that like a hole in the head
Chris (The Loo)
renteria is feeling it....that could be huge if there is a game tomorrow.
Buzzmaster (6:40 PM)
Single for Renteria, Sanders looking for his third hit.
Rob Neyer (6:41 PM)
Garner's using Wheeler, obviously. It's not what I would have done, but I can't really fault Garner for trying to "steal" a win today, because if it works the Astros are perfectly set up for the World Series. But I still think this series might hinge on how effective Wheeler is tomorrow night.
reverse the curse (houston)
wheeler is getting away with some horrible pitches
Jason (Austin)
I don't think Garner uses Wheeler tomorrow. You pitch Clemens for 6, Oswalt for 1, Lidge for 2
Kevin (St. Louis)
As LaRussa, who sets up in the 8th, Kiko??
Buzzmaster (6:43 PM)
Looks like it may be Isringhausen setting up himself.
Jake (Dubuque )
I think using Oswalt is a bad idea. Ever hear the old adage it takes starting pitchers to settle in? Using Oswalt for an inning may be counterproductive. If Roger gets in trouble early I can see Oswalt coming in for a couple..but not for 1 or 2
Rob Neyer (6:44 PM)
Interesting point, Jason. If Garner's willing to use Oswalt out of the bullpen, and Oswalt is comfortable with that, then I heartily endorse using Wheeler today. Oswalt hadn't really occurred to me, but it's certainly true that using him for one or even two innings wouldn't be a stretch, physically.
Buzzmaster (6:46 PM)
After a long at-bat, Sanders singles to left. First and second, but Matheny is up.
andy (champaign)
heaven help us, let matheny walk somehow
Mike (Ventura)
Here we go again.....Matheny with ducks on the pond...
Chris (The Loo)
6 hits for Reteria and Sanders today....again...that will be huge is there is a game tomorrow...can't pitch around Rolen and Edmonds anymore
Rob Neyer (6:47 PM)
Anybody else notice the similarities between Matheny and Ausmus? If I had time I'd write a mini-essay...
Buzzmaster (6:48 PM)
Matheny flies to left, Astros have six outs left. 4-5-6 due up this inning.
Bigfoot (Hairy, Me)
I notice the similarities, Rob. Ausmus can't hit and neither can Matheny.
Keith (Tomball, TX)
Rob, I've noticed. Poor at the plate, great at defense, and both are good at calling the game.
Rob Neyer (6:49 PM)
Here we go . . . Astros' next-to-last stand, with the No. 4 hitter (Berkman) leading off the eighth against Isringhausen. Yes there's always the ninth, but it's hard to see the bottom of the Astros' order doing much with Izzy. Anybody want to predict a game-tying home run from Berkman? It would only add to the reputation of this postseason.
chris (detroit)
ausmus played for the tigers though, which adds to his team's ex-tiger factor, the 'stros have 2 ex-tigers while st. louis only has 1, thus the stros will win the series
Kyle (Galveston, Tx)
Oh, that would be EPIC.
Austin (San Antonio)
If Berkman gets on to lead off, then we will have Kent-Izzy II, possibly the biggest AB of the game.
Buzzmaster (6:51 PM)
Isringhausen is indeed on for the eighth.
Buzzmaster (6:52 PM)
And he gets Berkman to fly out to Taguchi.
Tony (Columbia, MO)
Buzz, Have I mentioned how nervous Izzy is making me with the two inning situation? One down...still not feeling better about it though
Brandon (Columbia, MO)
Huge out for Izzy to get Berkman. That might have been the difference between a W and a L.
Rob Neyer (6:52 PM)
No tater for Berkman, as he lifts easy fly to Taguchi in left field. But Kent's next, and seems like he's pretty good, too...
Justin (Indy)
This is obviously is a must win for the Cards, but what will they have in the pen tomorrow?
Buzzmaster (6:53 PM)
And Kent doubles down the line. Runner in scoring position with one out.
Bryan (Houston)
Izzy hung another one to Kent, this one lucky to not be in the seats, too
reverse the curse (houston)
Kent owns Izzy
Chris (Minneapolis)
Here we go Lamb with the D now a good AB
Eric (Boulder)
I still don't see why they couldn't leave Calero in for another inning
Ray ((Dallas))
Come on, Lamb just get a little rip for a run...
Eric (Chicago)
If Kent had ANY speed, he could steal third, Izzy only giving him a quick look.
Buzzmaster (6:56 PM)
Count goes full on Lamb.
Keith (NYC)
Is there anything less scary than Vizcaino and Ausmus, except perhaps Tony Clark and Miguel Cairo?
john (north little rock)
sit downn
matt (anchorage)
huge K
Craig (Crofton, MD)
Big big BIG strikeout.
Eric (Chicago)
Vizcaino has a nose for big hits though, he's a tough out in this situation.
Frank (Indy)
Have to get Vizcaino out so you can possibly avoid Beltran in the 9th.
Buzzmaster (6:58 PM)
Vizcaino pops out to Luna to end it. Beltran would need someone to get on base in order to bat in the 9th.
Jake (Dubuque )
THREE MORE OUTS
Dre (TO)
Yea, I don't want Beltran near the plate in the 9th.
derek (houston)
you have to pinch hit for aumus next inning
Rob Neyer (6:59 PM)
Eric, nobody has a "nose" for big hits (least of all Vizcaino). Frank, great point about Beltran. Orlando Palmeiro's looking pretty important right now, as I would assume he'll bat in the pitcher's slot.
Jack (San Francisco)
It's amazing that everyone now talks about Beltran like managers have been talking about Barry for years. "Need to get this guy out so three innings from now Barry won't come up."
Rob Neyer (7:01 PM)
Wheeler out there again, which lends credence to earlier suggestion that Oswalt will play a bullpen role tomorrow night.
Austin (San Antonio)
I think the 'Stros need to pinch-hit w/ Jason Lane. He's a power hitter who could tie it w/ 1 swing.
Buzzmaster (7:03 PM)
Wheeler fans Luna, he must love facing Taguchi-Luna to start the inning. Like being in Triple-A again.
Keith (NYC)
Watch out for Larry Walker.
Dre (TO)
Pray that Womack is back tomorrow.
Rob Neyer (7:04 PM)
Sorry, I missed Orlando Palmeiro already having been used. I don't have a postseason roster handy . . . so who's going to bat in the ninth spot, in the top of the ninth?
Tony (Columbia, MO)
C'mon walker, big hit here. insurance...i'd like to buy some if anyone's selling
Terence (Philadelphia)
Jason Lane is a good PH candidate.
derek (houston)
lane should bat in the 9th slot and bruntlett should bat for ausmus with chavez on the bench
Craig (Crofton, MD)
Jason Lane seems like the best choice. Or Morgan Ensberg.
Buzzmaster (7:06 PM)
Walker fighting off pitches at 2-2 with 2 outs.
Ivan (Puerto Rico)
Strike him OUT!!!
Andy G. (Jeffersonville, In)
Man this is intense
Buzzmaster (7:07 PM)
Count goes full on Walker.
Gary (Canton)
wow, that was close
Andy G. (Jeffersonville, In)
AB giving Izzy rest
Buzzmaster (7:07 PM)
Pops up, and we go to the 9th.
Rob Neyer (7:08 PM)
Jason Lane and Morgan Ensberg are still available, right? I think Garner should use both of them, pinch-hitting for Ausmus and the pitcher. Then you have to like the chances of somebody reaching, which barring a double play would bring Beltran to the plate. Anyway, here we go to the ninth (oh, and great job by Wheeler and the rest of the bullpen)...
Marty (Austin)
hell of a job by wheeler this series
John (Houston)
Time for the rally caps for those in Houston
Jake (Dubuque )
Well, bright side of things, if Izzy gives up a run we got Pujols, Rolen, Edmonds in the bottom half
derek (houston)
if beltran gets to the plate, you can bet that everyone at Busch will be holding their breathe
sroneysabr (Orange Cty, CA)
Or will Garner pull a Torre and let Ausmus hit for himself...
Chris (Williamsport, PA)
And again, the series that no one is watching produces another great game...
Aaron (Dallas)
That makes a lot of sense to me. You cannot send Ausmus up to just give up an out in this situation.
Rob Neyer (7:10 PM)
Ensberg hits for Ausmus; good move, Phil!
Greg (Austin)
ph lane for ausmus..if he gets on, bruntlett...if not, then ensberg
Eric (Chicago)
I'm assuming Bruntlett comes up to bunt over Ensberg if he reaches - if Ensberg doesn't reach he'll go with Lane
Bryan (Houston)
Why is Bruntlett on deck instead of Lane?
Barry (St. Louis)
Alright.....I'll admit, I'm nervous. Izzy has a knack for making things exciting, as if they weren't already!
Buzzmaster (7:12 PM)
Leadoff HBP and now we'll see the bunt.
John (Pullman, WA)
He hit him!!!
Bryan (Houston)
thank you, Izzy, now barring double play Beltran comes up
Rob Neyer (7:12 PM)
You know, there aren't many teams that could throw out pinch-hitters like Ensberg and Lane in the ninth. Pretty impressive, and if the Astros reach the World Series they'll have some solid options at DH (which isn't always the case with NL teams).
John (Houston)
now do you bunt over ensburg to put him in scoring position?
Buzzmaster (7:13 PM)
Good bunt from Bruntlett, moves Ensberg to second with Biggio up.
John (Houston)
great bunt, biggio will come through now, and beltran will bat again
Rob Neyer (7:13 PM)
Oops, no Lane because Garner wanted to bunt. I don't like the move.
Aakash (Stamford)
Craig Biggio, Astros hero?
Eric (Chicago)
Beautiful execution there - Astros in a good spot with the top of the order coming up now.
colin (tacoma)
Huge mistake by Izzy, this is looking alot like his last plunder. he's only guaranteed for 3 outs.
Buzzmaster (7:14 PM)
Count goes to 1-2 on Biggio ...
Brandon (Columbia, MO)
If you get Biggio, you HAVE to walk Beltran. Take your chances with Bagwell, since 1st base will be open.
Rob Neyer (7:15 PM)
Why don't I like the bunt? Because with Lane and Beltran, you've got two pretty good shots to not only tie the game, but win it. And when you're playing on the road, you want to win (which goes double when your bullpen's almost empty).
Buzzmaster (7:15 PM)
Taguchi makes the catch in left. Beltran up and first base open.
Tony (Columbia, MO)
PITCH AROUND HIM
Aaron (Dallas)
I walk Beltran.
Eric (Chicago)
Gotta walk Beltran here.
Frank (Indy)
Do you walk him? It is scary either way.
Zach (Columbia, MO)
I disagree. Bagwell is one of the most proven hitters in the game
Scott (Pittsburgh)
This is the season. You HAVE to walk him
Bryan (Houston)
They are walking beltran, La Russa gave the signal
Rob Neyer (7:16 PM)
No, you can't walk Beltran here. It's simple, really: the chance of Bagwell doubling (and putting the Astros ahead) is greater than the chance of Beltran homering (ditto).
Buzzmaster (7:16 PM)
So Bagwell will bat with runners on first and second, two outs.
Mike (Chicago)
Some choice... death by hanging or firing squad...
Vikram (Folsom, CA)
now hopefully bagwell will get pissed, like kent did the other night
Jake (Dubuque )
Thank you Rob. I feel the same way.
Boose (Atlanta)
I think Beltran has a better chance right now. He is seeing a beachball up there
Buzzmaster (7:18 PM)
Bagwell delivers and we're tied at 4-4.
Aakash (Stamford)
Jeff Bagwell - Astros hero
Zach (Columbia, MO)
second straight game a stupid intentional walk has bit la russa where the sun don't shine
Chris (Williamsport, PA)
Late inning heroics in the LCS?!? Who would have thought that?
Rob Neyer (7:19 PM)
That looked like the same pitch that Kent hit to end Game 5. You can't throw belt-high fastballs to these guys unless you're Nolan Ryan.
Buzzmaster (7:19 PM)
Double-steal as both runners advance.
Jeremy (Chapel Hill)
Think LaRussa will walk Berkman now
Nick (Champaign)
Isringhausen is trying to single-handedly save me $270 worth of Series tickets.
Buzzmaster (7:20 PM)
2-2 to Berkman ...
Matt ((denver - displaced in England))
Izzy is wild high - get him out
Buzzmaster (7:21 PM)
Comes back to get the K, but it'll be Lidge vs. Pujols, Rolen and Edmonds in the 9th.
Keith (Tomball, TX)
Lidge is coming in so this will be interesting.
Barry (St. Louis)
If we lose this series....the blame goes on Izzy for sure. I've been saying all year that Izzy is the most overrated pressure choker of all time. Proof last night and same tonight.
Eric (Chicago)
This is becoming one of the best post-seasons in recent memory!
Bryce (New Orleans)
Well that bunt sure paid off
danny (new haven)
you know bringin in the closer to pitch 2 innings has become en vogue, but it depends on the pitcher. izzy is not as 2 inning pitcher.
Chris (The Loo)
At least Izzy is gone from the game now...how can LaRussa possibly trust him in a close game tomorrow. Hitting Ensberg KILLED them.
Rob Neyer (7:22 PM)
Doesn't it seem like almost every game lately has been 4-4 in the ninth? That's where this one is, with Murderers Row due up and "Lights Out" trotting in from the bullpen. Garner couldn't use Lidge until the Astros really had a shot at winning this game. Now they've got it.
Jordan (Houston)
How many innings will Lidge pitch??? I think his arm will fall off any inning now.
Buzzmaster (7:24 PM)
Lidge vs. Pujols, what more could you want?
Austin (San Antonio)
That slider is just nasty.
Buzzmaster (7:24 PM)
Grounder to short, and that's one out.
Ivan (Puerto Rico)
If the Astros survive this inning they've got a great chance at winning
Bryce (New Orleans)
Umm Garner took out Berkman in a double switch....bad move, horrendous move, or worse
Max (New York)
I'm questioning the idea of taking out Berkman, because if this game goes into extra innings, Berkman's bat could really help the Astros.
Stephen (Fort Mill)
This is where the St. Louis sluggers have to earn their pay...they can't just be good against average starters.
Buzzmaster (7:26 PM)
Strikes out Rolen and Lidge is winning this battle without much of a fight from the Cardinals hitters.
Ivan (Puerto Rico)
Lidge has no fear to this Cards hitters
Mike (Hot Springs, AR)
Yo Edmonds..GET OFF MY PLATE!
Buzzmaster (7:28 PM)
Edmonds whiffs and Lidge just owned the heart of the St. Louis order.
Kevin (St. Louis)
Lidge is tearing the cards up
Jeremy (MO)
way too easy
Terence (Philadelphia)
How long does Lidge pitch tonight, if necessary, given his heavy load the past 3 games?
Chris (The Loo)
if the cards can hold on for one more inning the Astros will have to put out Springer or Miceli....Lidge can't go three tonight and still pitch tomorrow if needed.
Austin (San Antonio)
Speaking of Lidge, in a poll on espn.com, the question which closer would u rather have next year, gange, rivera, or lidge, 46% said lidge, which is amazing w/ those other 2 closers.
Sam (Urbana, IL)
The double switch suggests Garner forsees Lidge being in awhile...
Rob Neyer (7:30 PM)
Lights out, again, so here we go to the 10th. I don't have a problem with the double-switch. With Garner having used all his good relievers, he probably figures this game will be won in the 10th or 11th, and Berkman might not even bat in either of those innings. Now Lane's in the eighth slot, where he can make a difference. In fact, with the possible exception of the sac bunt in the ninth, Garner's managed this one perfectly.
Cory (Bryan, TX)
with the day off yesterday, maybe 3 innings for Lidge?
Buzzmaster (7:31 PM)
Driven back to the wall, but that's an out with Julian Tavarez on the mound.
nate (illinois)
ok so i stopped breathing there for a second....long fly out
Buzzmaster (7:33 PM)
Sorry, Izzy was on the mound for the long shot to start the inning. Buzz's mistake.
Rob Neyer (7:33 PM)
Easy inning for Izzy, first time all season he's pitched more than two innings. Man, what La Russa wouldn't give right now for a healthy Steve Kline and Julian Tavarez...
Killer B's (Houston)
Lidge needs to be "lights out" for one more inning....
Marcus (San Antonio)
What Garner wouldnt give to have a healthy Pettite and Miller...
Eric (Chicago)
Chris Carpenter would sure be handy right now, too.
Buzzmaster (7:35 PM)
Renteria grounds to third to start the bottom of the 10th.
derek (houston)
i think lidge has rubber for tendons
Aaron (Dallas)
Money save by Bags at first!!!
Eric (Chicago)
Huge pick by Bagwell - that could have been ugly.
Rob Neyer (7:36 PM)
It's true that the Astros' injury problems are just as serious as the Cardinals'. But the Cardinals had all their guys just a few weeks ago, which makes it a bit easier to play the what-might-have-been game with them.
Buzzmaster (7:37 PM)
Two away, and nobody is getting anything close to hard contact off Lidge.
Aaron (Dallas)
Former Astro Roger Cedeno showing why he's a former Astro.
Kevin (St. Louis)
matheny is terrible at the plate
Travis (Chapel Hill)
Isn't it amazing to anyone that, now seeing Lidge's emergence, that last season the Astros basically had three very good closers in their bullpen? That's incredible.
Buzzmaster (7:38 PM)
Three up, three down for Lidge. To the the 11th.
Rob Neyer (7:39 PM)
Bottom of the 10th, Lights Out again. In fact, Lidge has thrown so few pitches that he could probably go one more. But if he goes three today and the Astros lose, what does he have left for Game 7?
Eric (Chicago)
Two-and-a-half - Dotel hasn't proven to be a good closer yet.
Keith (Tomball, TX)
Dotel was awesome setting up Wagner but wasn't all that great as the closer this season. Glad the Astros traded him.
Jack (San Francisco)
I'm an A's fan. Dotel is NOT a good closer.
Jake (Dubuque )
Anyone else think they'll bump the NLCS game to F/X and start the ALCS game on time on FOX? After all, the NLCS is this year's ugly stepchild of the postseason
Terence (Philadelphia)
Astro fans don't like long, extra innings in Game 6 of the NLCS. Bad memories of the Mets-Astros 16 inning epic in '86.
Buzzmaster (7:41 PM)
And now Tavarez takes the mound, facing Lane to start the inning.
roger (Stl)
Big Mistake with Tavarez here
Tyler (Columbia, MO)
Why Tavarez? With the broken bones and his nutty antics, this isn't a good choice
Barry (St. Louis)
I can't believe Tavarez is really out there right now...am I hallucinating?
Rob Neyer (7:42 PM)
Hey, maybe everything in the dugout and clubhouse should be padded. That would prevent crazy people like Tavarez and Kevin Brown from hurting themselves.
Berto (New York)
SOMEBODY BUNT! The guy has a broken hand!
Buzzmaster (7:42 PM)
Lane drives it deep to center, but an easy out for Edmonds.
Killer B's (Houston)
Astros are barely keeping this ball in the park...
Michael (Chicago)
Why is everyone suddenly down on Tavarez? He had a great year and two bad ABs and now he's a terrible pitcher?
Buzzmaster (7:43 PM)
Gets ahead of the hitter 0-2 for the second time in a row.
Buzzmaster (7:44 PM)
Strike outs Raul Chavez for the second out.
Jake (Dubuque )
thats a WICKED pitch
andy (kc)
nice!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! one more out to get!!
Keith (Tomball, TX)
If Biggio gets on, a big at-bat for Beltran looms.
Ben (St. Louis)
Tavarez can be nasty if he doesn't go insane
Phil (Denver)
Biggio 0-5. Time for a hit.
Rob Neyer (7:46 PM)
By the way, Lidge has thrown only 19 pitches in his two innings, so I don't see the harm in sending him out there again. You keep him under 30 or 35, and he can probably give you an inning in Game 7.
Buzzmaster (7:46 PM)
Renteria has Biggio played well, and the grounder ends the half inning.
Joe (Kirksville, MO)
Renteria is just making SS look easy today.
Chris (The Loo)
Cards need to score here or else Tavarez will face Beltran again.
Marcus (San Antonio)
Lidge one more inning?
Jeremy (Chapel Hill)
And he's facing two of the worst hitters in baseball to start the inning; shouldn't be much work before Walker.
John (Sierra Madre)
He HAS to throw Lidge out there again. Otherwise the double-switch for Berkman makes no sense at all.
ko (kc)
regardless of pitch count, lidge HAS to be availible tomorrow - its a game 7
Bryan (Houston)
Exactly, it doesn't matter how many innings a pitcher is out there, it's how hard he works...and Lidge is making the Cards look like little leaguers
Ben (St. Louis)
You will be surprised by Luna
Buzzmaster (7:48 PM)
I'll be surprised if he just makes contact.
Joseph (Houston)
We have a good chance to go ahead the next inning if LIdge holds... but then someone other than Lidge will have to go in for the save
Aaron (Dallas)
Taguchi is looking for a walk.
Buzzmaster (7:50 PM)
But goes down swinging, one out.
Buzzmaster (7:50 PM)
Marlon Anderson pinch hits for the Cards.
Chris (The Loo)
Oh crap....this means Anderson will be playing 2nd base....not good...
Jake (Dubuque )
Marlon..that means he has to play defense too....EEK
Rob Neyer (7:51 PM)
Yet another fantastic performance by Lidge: three innings, no nothing. If you've got other nominations for best postseason by a modern reliever, send them my way (rob.neyer@dig.com). Considering what Lidge and Keith Foulke have done, this subject is currently relevant.
Rob Neyer (7:53 PM)
Yet another fantastic performance by Lidge: three innings, no nothing. If you've got other nominations for best postseason by a modern reliever, send them my way (rob.neyer@dig.com). Considering what Lidge and Keith Foulke have done, this subject is currently relevant.
Buzzmaster (7:53 PM)
Nine hitters up and nine hitters down for Lidge. Would Garner send him back out for one more inning if the Astros score?
Keith (Tomball, TX)
Lidge is a stud! He made Walker look totally foolish!
Eric (Chicago)
I've never seen a pitcher make Larry Walker look so helpless with a bat in his hand.
Bryan (Houston)
only if Lidge swings the bat in the 12th
Buzzmaster (7:55 PM)
Good point, Bryan.
Nathan (Oakland)
They have to pinch hit for Lidge, and save him for tomorrow, but who do they even have?
Kyle (Galveston, TX)
Lidge is money....but I'd try really hard to resist sending him out there for a fourth. Unless he request it, he looks like he's in that wonderful place known as the ZONE.
Michael (Chicago)
but, if they score before Lidge's AB it will hard to resist using Lidge for one more inning.
Buzzmaster (7:56 PM)
Oswalt warming up, but Pujols beats Beltran to the bag for the first out.
Rob Neyer (7:56 PM)
But unless Lidge can pitch a fourth inning, I think this game isn't going to last much longer. Not with the Cardinals' best hitters due up in the bottom of the 12th. In the meantime, one pitcher or another is going to bat for the Astros in a couple of minutes, which isn't the best way to keep a rally going.
Jase (Waterown)
That was a huge out for the cardinals
reverse the curse (houston)
backe is gonna hit for lidge..he has to
Chainsaw (Houston)
they dont have any positon player left to pinch-hit, the only possibility being Brandon Backe, a former position player
Buzzmaster (7:57 PM)
Bagwell pops out for the second out.
Rob Neyer (7:57 PM)
Two pitches, two outs? What's going on in St. Louis?
Austin (San Antonio)
We're missing Berkman now.
Killer B's (Houston)
Ugly swings from Astros
Ethan (Berkeley, CA)
If Backe homers here, he officialy has the greatest playoff series ever for a no-name.
Aaron (Dallas)
I don't agree with this move. Lidge has to go through the heart of the Cards' lineup, not Danny Miceli. See y'all in Game 7.
Rob Neyer (8:00 PM)
Maybe Backe should give Beltran and Bagwell some hitting lessons (and did anybody notice that Backe's a B, too?).
Owen (Valdez, Alaska)
I recant - Backe has a damn good swing for a pitcher.
Buzzmaster (8:00 PM)
Count goes full on Backe.
Rob Neyer (8:01 PM)
Heading to the home 12th, but who's going to pitch for the Astros? Miceli? Oswalt? Dave Smith? And who should pitch?
andy (kc)
SWEET!!! 1-2-3 INNING for the cards
Dan (RI)
Don't punch a wall... Tavares looked pumped.
Paul (Houston)
Man...I wish we did have Dave Smith....if it's Miceli...it's ovr
Big Body Berkman (Houston)
They gonna go with Miceli. Im thinkin Oswalt if the Astros take a lead
Jacob (Boston)
I say let Oswalt pitch. Your best chance at getting through the meat of their lineup.
Buzzmaster (8:04 PM)
And it'll be Miceli against the heart of the order.
Brandon (Houston)
I don't know what I'm worried about more... Miceli coming in or wasting our whole pen for tommorow. I feel like the Yankees were last night.
Rob Neyer (8:05 PM)
So it's Miceli, with Oswalt presumably coming in for the save, should the Astros ever take a lead. The problem, of course, is that if Miceli's not effective the Astros won't get a chance to take a lead. I think you can argue that Oswalt should have been used here, with the Cardinals' best hitters due up.
Buzzmaster (8:05 PM)
Miceli wanted no part of Pujols, although I doubt he wanted to walk him that easily.
nate (illinois)
rolen HAS to bunt
Buzzmaster (8:06 PM)
Swings at the first pitch and pops out to the catcher. Lot of frustration for Rolen this postseason.
Aaron (Dallas)
Edmonds is so due to crush something.
Ben (St. Louis)
WHY swing at the first pitch after a walk?
Ryan (Orlando)
Wow, Rolen blew that one. Where was the sac bunt?
Buzzmaster (8:07 PM)
Walk off HOME RUN for Edmonds. Just crushed it to right field.
Rob Neyer (8:07 PM)
Gee, that wasn't predictable.
Zach (Montezuma,IA)
GAME 7!!!!!!!!!!!! THAT A BOY, EDMONDS!!!!!!!!!!
Keith (Tomball, TX)
Aaron in Dallas called it!
Jamie (Atlanta)
all I can so is WOW
Marcus (San Antonio)
Dan Miceli....Your fired!!!!!!!!!!!!
Thomas (Kingsley, IA)
What a terrible ending, should have been a play at the plate
Tyler (Columbia, MO)
Tavarez is the winner just one game after losing it. What a turnaround!
Rob Neyer (8:11 PM)
Upshot? Well, you probably won't see Miceli too often the rest of this month? And tomorrow night, unless Clemens gets bombed it'll probably be him, then Oswalt, then maybe Lidge for just the ninth. Meanwhile, the Cardinals have bullpen problems of their own, because Isringhausen threw a lot of pitches and they certainly can't match Oswalt with a starter-as-reliever. Actually, the real upshot is that this postseason just keeps getting better. I'll see you toomorrow night, but stick around for Yanks-Sox and Buster Olney.
Buster Olney (8:12 PM)
Hey, folks -- I'm jumping in here in mid-conversation, as Edmonds rounds the bases... Couple of openers on the Yankees-Red Sox: Pedro Martinez is going to be an important part of what happens tonight, and appropriately so; he was out on the field early, preparing to pitch. I figure he'll be a factor in innings 5-6, at some point. The big thing I'm wondering about the Yankees is how much Joe Torre will trust Tom Gordon. Gordon is rested and ready to go, relatively speaking, after not pitching Tuesday, but if Torre starts Gordon to open the seventh inning, for example, and Gordon starts to get into trouble, will he extend Rivera all the way from the seventh? From what we hear, El Duque will be the first Yankee reliever out of the pen, followed by Javier Vazquez, then Gordon and Rivera, with Mussina possibly plugged in their someplace. Other reporters agreed on this assessment about the Yankee Stadium atmosphere: Very tense, like no one is quite sure what is going to happen, even in light of the one-sided history between these teams.
Buzzmaster (8:13 PM)
All right, Buster's in the house. Anyone ready for a little more baseball?
Michael (Chicago)
Let's get it on...it's the reason we're all here. Good vs. Evil, Right vs. Wrong, bourgeoisies vs. proletariat. Boston vs. New York.
billy, daytona beach fl
is anyone else getting tired of walk-off wins?
Buzzmaster (8:14 PM)
I think you may be alone on that count, Billy.
John (Pullman, WA)
No, I'm not ready for baseball. The heart can't much more.
Chris (Little Rock)
Here's the scary part...that game was the TEASER
Steve (Bronx)
If it is like the rest of the series, or like the game that just ended, we are in for an intense evening
Adam (Chicago)
After seeing both Championship series go to game 7 for 2 years running, I am hereby convinced that baseball is scripted. I mean the Red Sox couldn't possibly be THAT unlucky, could they? And the Yankees couldn't have that much "mystique" could they?
Jeremy (Medford, MA)
To adam: yes. they could. to both
Steve (Bronx)
And Schilling thought that Mystique was just a dancer...
Matt (Memphis)
Anyone else just a little tired of all the hype that NY vs. BOS is receiving? There's a pretty good series going on in the NL and it seems lost in the background.
Buzzmaster (8:18 PM)
Matt, where were you for the last four hours! That's all we were talking.
Keith (NYC)
Nope. Nobody is tired of it. It's all on Kevin Brown tonight. Can he regain that '97 form?
Lucas (Engalnd)
Buster--is this game perhaps the biggest game of the recent generation? There is so much riding on this game...can you see the futures of both franchises hinging on what happens tonight? there aren't really words to describe the gravity of this game are there?
Dan (Dallas)
Who else think the pitchers are gonna come in like it's an all-star game?
Buzzmaster (8:19 PM)
That;s a good place to start as we wait for the first pitch. What can we expect out of Brown and Lowe? How many innings?
Jose (LA CA)
I believe...in Kevin Brown.
Seth (Detroit)
I think Lowe will do ok for 4-5 innings. He's a bit of a head case, but I think he realises that tonight the team is counting on him and he comes through for them.
Matt (Fairfax, VA)
I can't imagine Lowe getting past the 5th, if he gets past the 6th it's amazing
Josh (Los Angeles)
Brown had his bad game in Game 3. Expect him to bring his good stuff tonight.
Adam (Chicago)
By the way, does anybody else think Torre's making a mistake by starting Brown instead of Vazquez? Brown's back couldn't hold up last start on full rest, now he's going with one day less rest and they expect him to come through? The Yankees are much better off going with the younger and more versatile Vazquez. Even though he finished weakly, he was still an all-star and could at any point regain his old form...
alex (montreal)
2 to 3 innings tops out of every pitcher
Buster Olney (8:21 PM)
Lucas -- The writers at the field have been kicking that around this evening. '78 playoff game between Yankees and Red Sox was big, but that was before mass media, and not everybody could see the run-up to the game. I thought the end of the '01 World Series was big, but it didn't have the same kind of competitive ramifications as this, lacking the rivalry and the history that this game has. We could not come up with another game that has the same stakes... I heard today that Game 6 got an 86 TV share among greater Boston males, and 20 percent higher overall than the Patriots' last Super Bowl game...
Rachel (Newark, DE)
If the bullpen is just a rotating door we are all going to need some strong antacids
Jack (San Francisco)
If you're a Boston fan, you have to be terrified of Derek Lowe out there. He's the kind of guy that curls up in a ball during a big game.
Dave (Misawa AB Japan)
Lowe headcase? Brown isnt? Who broke their hand throwing a hissy fit.
Keith (NYC)
Question isn't Lowe as much as can the Yanks hitters go back to being patient, working the count and manufacturing runs like they did when they were winning or are we destined to a night of men on 1st & 2nd, no outs and Tony Clark swinging at balls in the dirt?
Buster Olney (8:23 PM)
Dave -- Interesting that for both teams, guys who were recent castoffs are now needed to start the biggest game in the history of the rivalry. Lowe was dropped out of the rotation and complained, and Brown infuriated teammates when he broke his hand -- and here they are...
Chris (Dallas)
When will the hype end...JUST PLAY THE DAMN GAME!!!
Jared (Brookline, MA)
Just go ahead and say it... "YOU'RE RISKING A PATIENT'S LIFE!" There can we play ball now?
Sons of Sam Horn (Boston, Ma)
The Yankees worst scenario was facing a seventh game after grueling extra ining games leading up to it. It really exposes the weak point whcich is their pitching. Unlike years past they are very vulnerable and will be pressing tonight. Could be the Sox playing with ease tonight.
Greg (NYC)
Buzz and Buster... and everyone else: Could anyone have imagined a better three days of baseball? At the last pitch of ALCS game 3, everyone just sensed that both the ALCS and the NLCS were predetermined for the Yanks and Cards. We've ended up having great series on both ends with dramatic finishes and walkoff hits galore. I'm a Yanks fan and have been living and, more often, dying with the last three days. But this is truly great for baseball with legends old (Clemens), new (Beltran), Japanese (Matsui) and somewhat shreklike (Ortiz). This is why baseball is the greatest sport. You can go from blowout to nailbiter in a second.
Fred (NYC)
For a key to the game, watch Derek Jeter's first at bat. If he's patient, that's a very good sign for the Yankees. Jeter sets the tone...
Buster Olney (8:28 PM)
Reminds me of a football game, in that the opening drive for each team is huge; this is a game -- especially if you are Boston -- where seizing the early lead really sets the tone and multiplies the pressure on the opposition exponentially...
Buzzmaster (8:28 PM)
All right, Brown's on the mound and we're about ready to play baseball.
Frank (Baltimore)
the sox have to jump out to a lead, they can't afford to face rivera and try to beat him again.. no way can they do that
Matt (Fairfax, VA)
It seems weird to be saying, but who else thinks Manny is due for a big game?
Casey (Tokyo)
9:30 AM here and rooting for the Sox over Matsui. All of Japan is watching.
Neil (Still in Hartford)
What is Browns expected velocity?
Buzzmaster (8:30 PM)
Looks lively on his first couple of pitches, no surprise with all the adrenaline.
Paul (Glen Carbon, IL)
Now's about time for Damon to wake up..
Chuck (Boston)
The sox need SOMETHING from Damon tonight.
Bob (Boston)
Buzz get the cards and astros score off the top no 1 cares about that game
Buzzmaster (8:32 PM)
Done and done, Bob.
Buzzmaster (8:32 PM)
Damon leads off with a hit. Not used to typing that ...
Matt (Memphis)
Jeez, did Damon get a hit? Hell must be freezing over.
Elliot (Kalamazoo, Mich.)
that's sign no. 1 of the apocalypse.
Brooks (Boston)
Yes! Nice job Damon
Sam (Hill Country, TX)
Bellhorn is the key here, Manny hasn't had anyone to move along all serie, they need to set up Manny for a big night.
Buster Olney (8:33 PM)
Don't know if Brown will get better, but his fastball is pretty average stuff so far... Six pitches in and we haven't seen the sick movement you see from him sometimes...
Eric (Boston)
Anyone know what the wind conditions are tonight as compared to last night?
Larry (Detroit)
I mean, I know Bellhorn had the sweet homer yesterday, but why is he back in the 2 slot?
J.R. (Whitman,MA)
Do you agree with batting Bellhorn at the 2 hole again?
kenneth (australia)
i am suprised not see Mueller in teh two spot today
Buster Olney (8:34 PM)
Eric: Cold, like last night, but not wet, overall much better...
Fred (NYC)
Given the crucial importance of getting a lead, Francona should be playing small ball in the first inning, and sacrificing Damon to second. Oops, I forgot, the Red Sox don't know how to do that!
Nate (Troy)
Does anyone else think that the abscense of olerud in the lineup is a part of their falling apart?
Buster Olney (8:35 PM)
Nate: Agree completely...
Buzzmaster (8:35 PM)
Damon swipes second easily
Doug (Wyoming, Ia)
Nice jump...good steal
Jeff (Ann Arbor)
That would count as small ball right?
Brooks (Boston)
wow...what a jump
Zach (Boulder)
Bellhorn is great at upping the pitch count. I hardly see pitchers throw less than 5 pitches against him, probably an average of 8 or 9.
Greg (PSU/NH)
Making Brown work...good strategy.
Kevin (los angeles)
hes pretty good at striking out too zach
Nate (Troy)
only a matter of time til bellhorn struck out
Bob (Boston)
thats the bellhorn i know
Jamie (San Jose, CA)
Listen to those boos for Manny! R E S P E C T
Bill (Somerville, MA)
Manny...is great when he gets ahead in the count
Buster Olney (8:38 PM)
Two batters in, pitch count at 12, but early in the game, I think that will be mostly irrelevant. Nobody will be stretched out; first sign of real trouble and El Duque, Vazquez or Mussina will come in, and the same handling on the other side...
Buzzmaster (8:39 PM)
Damon is toast at the plate, had to pause to make sure Manny's hit was getting through.
Max (Boston)
SVEUM!!!
Pedro's My Daddy (Boston)
That's the Dale Svuem I know
Jimmy (UMass Dartmouth)
BIG PAPI!!!!!!!!
Buzzmaster (8:40 PM)
Ortiz with the home run to right! But should it have been three runs?
Chuck (San Diego)
WOW....A New Mr October!
Jay (Boston)
Dale is killing me! But that's the BIG PAPI I know....Lets ride that guy all the way baby!
Buster Olney (8:41 PM)
Brown's got almost nothing; if I'm Torre, I'm getting El Duque throwing...
Elliot (Kalamazoo, Mich.)
wow... i cant even imagine the emotional roller coaster you sox fans are on right now.
Bryan (Lake in the Hills,IL)
shlamalama-ding-dong!!!!
Chris (Boston)
Do you Yankee fans fear anyone coming to the plate quite like David Ortiz?
Jeff (Holliston, MA)
www.DavidBigPapiOrtizfor Mayor.com
Steve (Long Island, NY)
Brown is just terrible. Matsui and Jeter bail him out and that's what he does with the break? Put this bum out to pasture.
Thomas (Kingsley, IA)
Buster . . . two ain't gonna be enough to win this, can't push the panic button yet if you're Joe Torre
Greg (NYC)
Two runs will not be enough for Lowe, but the Yanks have to determine if Brown's location is so bad that he can't hit his spots. If he misses be 6" on sinkers he will get shellacked.
Buzzmaster (8:44 PM)
Sox jump on Brown early, 2-0 lead after the first half. Now it's Lowe's turn to show what he's got.
Ben (Boston)
This is going to be one of those 15-14 games tonight, I can just feel it
Buster Olney (8:45 PM)
Thomas: I hear you, but Brown is a really negative thinker, he doesn't have good stuff -- he left a couple of pitches over the plate to Varitek -- and you're running this game piecemeal, anyway. You might as well run them out quickly if they don't have it, and I don't think Brown does. Leo: Pitch count on Brown is 23...
Bill (Seattle)
Yanks need to score early to keep the crowd in it
Zach (Boulder)
I think my big question for the game right now is whether or not Lowe will be on his game tonight. We know that Brown came out looking terrible, and Lowe has the same downside.
Hendu (state college)
Epstein should have Svuem's job now. Don't even send him out there for another inning
Craig (baltimore)
Mental note for later...should be 3-0. Get a new third base coach
Matt (Memphis)
I have this feeling that the Sox should have started Wake. I think they'll regret not doing so (though I'm a big fan of Wakefield, so I may be biased).
Joe (NY,NY)
Send em in Sveum has been killing us all season, another bone headed decision, I understand being agressive but geez the second hottest hitter in the game was coming up, you have to hold him!
Buzzmaster (8:47 PM)
One note for the Sox, has any postseason Yanks team had a 7-8-9 as unimposing as Lofton-Clark-Cairo?
Buster Olney (8:47 PM)
Matt: The feeling was, interestingly, that Wakefield didn't start, in large part, because Francona wanted to make sure he could Varitek, the team's leader, in the lineup...
Owen (Valdez, Alaska)
I would have started Wakefield and switched Mirabelli out for Varitek at the same time as I pulled Wakefield.
Chase (Billings MT)
I'm glad they didn't start Wake because I'm having flashbacks from last year.
Mike (Jackson, NJ)
Wakefield is also better out of the bullpen than Lowe
james (park slope)
cairo is having a great series but i hear you, clark is weak. we need olderud...
Buzzmaster (8:50 PM)
Lowe induces a grounder from A-Rod after Jeter flied out to start.
matt (spokane)
is olerud available to pinch hit?
Buster Olney (8:50 PM)
Word is he's available for spot duty tonight...
Jimmy (UMass Dartmouth)
I feel like I'm going to throw up on every pitch...
Warren (Raleigh, NC)
Amazing that the loss of Olerud could be so critical.
Jared (Brookline, MA)
Lowe seems to have fairly good movement on his pitches; more than we could say for Brown so far.
Buzzmaster (8:52 PM)
Lowe catches Sheff looking, gets the high strike to end the first.
Brian (Beacon, NY)
Way to keep the bat on your shoulder Sheff
Max (New York)
That pitch was NASTY.
Robert (Phoenix)
WOW. That was impressive
Eric (Canton, NY)
Has anyone else been seeing balls and strikes in your sleep with all of this amazing baseball over the past week?
Buzzmaster (8:54 PM)
I've been counting pitches just to fall asleep at night.
Steve (NYC)
Do you think this ranks up there with the US upset of Russia?
Buster Olney (8:55 PM)
End of the first: Since the middle of Game 4, A-Rod, Sheffield and Matsui are 3-for-36... I think they're tired, but I also think they are suffering from The Big Man syndrome. Each of those guys -- particularly A-Rod and Sheffield -- are accustomed to being The Man, and they are taking huge hacks and completely overswinging, off-balance, A-Rod in particular. Rodriguez was doing that in early September, until he got switched to the No. 2 spot; thereafter, he straightened out his swing, but now he's messed up again.
Thomas (Kingsley, IA)
Ok Buster, we'll see who's right about Brown in this inning, I've got him taking down the Sox 1-2-3 in the 2nd
Buzzmaster (8:55 PM)
Different dynamic in terms of an upset, since they're evenly matched, but in terms of monumental sporting import? Yeah, maybe. Plus, like that game, the winner still has to play for the real title.
Buster Olney (8:55 PM)
Thomas: If you're right, tip of the cap from me...
John D (Medfield MA)
Lowe's chance at redemption is beyond belief. You have to understand how bad he was to get left out of the playoff rotation. And he goes out game four and halts the Yankee momentum and now he has the chance to make a mark here
Dan (Derry NH)
So much for 1-2-3
Buzzmaster (8:59 PM)
Single for Millar up the middle.
Tom (Nashville)
Sorry Thomas, Buster wins this one
Tom (Madison)
Double play bailout?
Buzzmaster (9:00 PM)
Vazquez starts to warm ...
Mike (NY)
Brown just doesn't look comfortable. A back problem is bad news for any pitcher, but now imagine you're 39 and you need the modified Luis Tiant spin to generate power.
Buster Olney (9:01 PM)
Start Millar on a 3-1 count from first...
Tim (Louisville)
Brown can't get the ball over the plate, Yanks have to pull him.
c-for (ny)
hes done...you gotta get somebody warm
Francois (Paris, FR)
Brown is down, pitching like a clown. See that frown on Torre's crown? The Yankees are gonna drown.
Alice (Providence)
I think they should have started vasquez. i dont know what they were thinking
Ben (Memphis, TN)
Did Brown just pitch in the Cardinals game? Cause he's looking tired.
drew (chicago)
oh, heck, just give Mel the ball and let him throw.
Buster Olney (9:03 PM)
This is the situation about the bullpen, for those who weren't with us before: Vazquez or El Duque will follow Brown, then Mussina, then Gordon and Rivera, with the last 9-10 outs from Gordon and Rivera, in the best case scenario. Or at least that's what Joe was hoping for...
Jacob (Washington DC)
Let me say this right now: Orlando has NEVER hit a postseason homerun in his career...
Bill (Somerville, MA)
Buster, pull brown if he walks cabrera here?
Buster Olney (9:04 PM)
Bill: Or if Cabrera gets a hit...
Jose (LA CA)
Keep swinging Cabrera. Please keep swinging at anything.
Jared (Brookline, MA)
I woulnd't let him get to Damon, no matter what.
Buster Olney (9:05 PM)
I amend that: Unless Brown gets a DP here, I don't let him face Damon. He looks awful, and Damon got a hit the first time...
Aaron (Watertown, WI)
Several hours later, Brown throws another pitch.
Kyle (Boston)
Buster, if Mussina will be ready to pitch, why is it doubtful for Pedro?
Buster Olney (9:07 PM)
I think Pedro will be available for a couple of batters later...
Buzzmaster (9:07 PM)
The pitch way inside on Cabrera loads the bases. And Brown is already done.
JimZ (Atlanta)
Here comes the hook!!!!
Tim (Louisville)
Great, pull him when the BASES ARE LOADED
Buster Olney (9:09 PM)
Wow -- He faced nine batters, threw 44 pitches, and six hitters reached base. If the Yankees lose this game, Steinbrenner is giong to make his life miserable with grievance stuff over him breaking his left hand; I bet the Yankees try to void the contract, just to embarrass him.
Ali Nagib (Wilmette, IL)
1.1 IP, 44 pitches, 4 H, 1 BB, 1 K, 2 ER, 3 LOB for Brown
Frank (Baltimore)
if they dont at least get the (should-be) automatic 1 run here then damon needs to be taken out back and put out of his misery
Noam (NY)
If Matsui gets hot, Pedro might be available to come put him on his back again. Anybody notice that Matsui has gone ice cold since Pedro's chin music?
John (Irvine)
Sorry, but I'm playing the world's smallest violin for Kevin Brown. He broke his own hand, no excuses.
Dave (Misawa AB Japan)
This is the biggest inning of the game. They must get 2 runs here.
Dan (Chicago)
Grand Slam!!!!!!!!!!
Chuck (Boston)
I TAKE IT ALL BACK JOHNNY.
Mike (Jackson, NJ)
Johnny of Nazareth comes through big time!!!
K.H. (Seoul,Korea)
damon finally coming through... grand slam
Buster Olney (9:13 PM)
Damon finally got to that inside fastball, in a big damn way... Did you guys here Giambi clapping in the Yankees' dugout? "Let's go guys..."
Rich (Taunton, MA)
I just heard a collective scream of joy from my apartment complex here.. First time I've ever heard anything....
Dan (Michigan)
Everyone pray the Red Sox remember this is only the second inning.
mike (brooklyn)
El Duque should have been the first one out, especially with the bases loaded
Nathan (Oakland)
If Manny walks or hits, bring on El Duque.
Buster Olney (9:15 PM)
Mike -- It's interesting that you say that, because at the stadium, a couple of folks who had talked to Torre were sure he would follow Brown with El Duque. Maybe he wanted to do that only to start an inning...
Wayne (Beatrice, Ne)
Lowe has a chance to go a while now. Being a sinker ball ground ball pitcher with a 6 run lead is rather nice.
Tim (Portland)
This game ain't over - by a long shot. This will be the toughest 8 innings of the Red Sox franchise
Doug (Wyoming, Ia)
El Duque is a bit wilder then what you want with the bases juiced...he needed someone to throw strikes...just got the homer instead..
Buster Olney (9:17 PM)
Doug: I think you're right, Joe might've figured he wanted to give El Duque some margin for error, because he tends to navigate through innings...
Buzzmaster (9:17 PM)
The Sox have a six-run lead in Game 7 of the ALCS and Manny hasn't done much of anything this series. Tough to believe.
Kyle (Boston)
Buster, would it be unprofessional for you to tell us who you're pulling for in this game?
Colin (DC)
I'd like for Manny's big bat to wake up at some point tonight...that'd be nice...
Buzzmaster (9:19 PM)
And the inning finally comes to a close fo the Yankees.
colby (st louis)
for the NLCS i can go to the kitchen to get a beer and miss an inning, for the ALCS i can take a 4 hour nap and it still be the same inning...
Buster Olney (9:19 PM)
Kyle: Always root for the most interesting story... And that tends to change throughout each game. I really haven't rooted for anybody since I willed the Dodgers to a championship in '88 (with some help from Kirk Gibson).
Ray (Iron Mountain, MI)
Boy, Johnny Damon just showed all of you there why you are sports writers and not coaches, didn't he? Still think he should be pulled for Dave Roberts?
Buzzmaster (9:20 PM)
Um, Ray, how about taking a little credit as fans? I don't think it was just writers calling for Damon and/or Bellhorn to hit the pine.
Buster Olney (9:21 PM)
Middle of the second: Don't know if you guys all caught it, but Schilling trashed A-Rod on Baseball Tonight this afternoon, calling his play classless. The Red Sox players are livid at A-Rod, and I think he's a handy villain for them, anyway -- someone to target with their anger. Tino martinez and David Cone would talk before each post-season series and if there were guys they didn't have strong feelings aobut on the other team, they'd try to manufacture reasons to hate them.
Matt (Memphis)
Damon's been colder than liquid nitrogen...and considering that you've GOT to win this game, it's not unreasonable to think maybe he should have been coming off the bench.
Jeff (Ann Arbor, MI)
In my defense I always wanted to leave Damon in....it was Bellhorn I wanted pulled two nights ago...so its a good thing I'm not the manager :)
Andrew (Boston)
Now the worst thing Lowe can start doing is walking people... just throw strikes...
Chris (Hells Kitchen)
If you're Joe Torre, do you start Lieber tomorrow night even though he just pitched?
Mike (Lowell, MA)
Buster, was the AROD play classless or not in your opinion?
Buzzmaster (9:23 PM)
Um, Chris, I hate to be the bearer of bad news ... but about tomorrow ...
Brian (Raleigh)
Hell throw it down the middle until they start to string a couple of hits together
Buster Olney (9:24 PM)
I think the worst part about it was when they called him out and he waved his arms far out to the side, like he had no idea why he was being victimized by the umps. That was cheesy. He took a chance, got caught; just run off the field and let Torre argue for you.
Drew (Norristown, PA)
I think it's an odd rule that says you can run into a guy as hard as you want, but it's not ok to slap at him.
Ross (Boston)
how many inn. think lowe can go?
Dan (Elk Grove)
Yeah, I saw Schill on BBTN calling AROD's play a bush league play and saying Jeter would never do that, but interestingly, when Pedro was interviewed in the hallway, he said he had no real problem with the play.
Buster Olney (9:26 PM)
Ross: I think everybody will be evaluated batter to batter. If Lowe allows a couple of more runners now, for example, they will get action in the bullpen rapidly. The guy is working on two days' rest...
Tom (Nashville)
Robert Fick did the same thing last year againts the cubs in the nlds and everyone said it was a cheap shot, i think arod is getting a bit of a free pass.
Buzzmaster (9:27 PM)
Yanks can't get on the board in the second. Still 6-0.
Annie (Memphis, TN)
All that in only two innings ... we're in for a long one.
Aaron (Huntsville, AL)
I just want 5 innings out of Lowe...
Buster Olney (9:28 PM)
Tom: The Red Sox players made a point of pulling aside writers and telling them that they thought we should've made a bigger deal out of it than we did. I bet the Red Sox will file that away for next season; maybe you'll have A-Rod/Varitek II...
Dave (Fairfield)
Buster, I hope the sox have varitek for an A-Rod/Varitek II? Will they resign him?
Robert (Redmond ,WA)
I find it amazing how people drown on about the call. The right call was obstruction. If you need a picture of obstruction to show umps - it would be the one with Arod Arroyo and the First baseman stading two feet in front of the bag in the baseline.
Buster Olney (9:30 PM)
I think he'll be back. he is Boston's priority in the offseason, without a doubt. They think this team really belongs to him, in how it plays.
Dan (Derry NH)
Varitek ought to be the red sox #1 priority this offseason, no question.
Brian (Raleigh)
Tek will be resigned before Pedro
Ben (Memphis, TN)
Sox are making contact tonight - Yanks have thrown 69 pitches in 2.1 innings.
Buzzmaster (9:33 PM)
Quickly, at least for an AL game, Vazquez gets two outs in the third.
Trey (Oakland, CA)
You gotta feel bad for Vazquez. That was a tough for a guy that made his mark as a starter to have to come into game 7 of the ALCS and get out of a bases loaded jam. I gues New York either ruins you or makes you a star.
Deb (Sammamish, WA)
I agree that Variek has to be their #1 priority, and at this point, I think I'd place Cabrerra ahead of Pedro, also, he's just not a $15M dollar man anymore
Jeremy (Medford, MA)
vazquez looks much better.. striking out two with a tiny strike zone
Geoff (Penn State)
Oh way to go Vazquez... lets start looking good after giving up the Grand Slam
Jamie (NY)
There is more than enough time for the Yanks to come back...and I have no doubt that they will. Something will happen to Boston...it has to...it will.
Tom (Philly, originally Boston)
Is this an all-time record for "Earliest point in a game Joe Buck waxes poetic?"
Buster Olney (9:35 PM)
Deb: I think that the Boston and Yankees' front offices (below Steinbrenner) would love for the other team to take Pedro off their hands. Don't sense a great deal of enthusiasm by either team for giving him a multi-year deal. On the other hand, if Boston does actuallly win the WS, the Red Sox ownership might be feeling a little generous (and flush with cash) and work a little harder to bring him back.
Scott (Albany)
Buster, where do you think Pavano will end up?
Buster Olney (9:37 PM)
Back with Florida, or with Boston...
Buzzmaster (9:37 PM)
Jeter retires Mueller after the walk to Millar.
Matt (Fairfax, VA)
Buster/Buzz...how do you feel about Lowe? If he continues to roll, will they keep him out for 6 or 7 tonight?
Buzzmaster (9:39 PM)
No chance, you can't do that to him on such short rest. Especially if they maintain this kind of lead, Francona has to start at least contemplating a WS rotation that includes Lowe with his arm fully intact.
Buster Olney (9:39 PM)
Middle of the third: Some players have come to New York and flamed out completely, but I think Vazquez will bounce back next year. He is a highly accountable type, takes responsibility, and knows he needs to work extensively on his mechanics to get back together. A first class guy who will work like crazy to make it back. But let's face it, his second half collapse created a real hole in the Yankees' rotation.
Aaron (Manchester, NH)
I actually think Anahein will pursue Pedro (especially with the Latino influence), the Owner (Morales?), Vald, etc & the is willing to spend some....My guess on Pavano, who has said he'd like to return to Boston (remember he was traded for Pedro)
Jamaal (Minneapolis)
Buster...who do you bring in right after Lowe?
Buzzmaster (9:40 PM)
Leadoff hitter gets on as the ball brushes Cairo.
Buster Olney (9:41 PM)
Jamaal: I think they'd like to start an inning with Wakefield at some point. If they've got a problem in the middle of a rally, then you might see Timlin or Embree pretty early because the Red Sox have a sizeable lead and have to keep the Yankees from burbling...
mike (brooklyn)
Not leadoff, Clark was lead off
Buzzmaster (9:41 PM)
Good point, Mike.
Steve (Long Island, NY)
Everyone gives these umps grief, but the honest truth is they do a helluva job making these calls at full speed. It's easy to critique slow motion replays.
MTG (Bay Area)
Clark got out so quickly, it was easy to miss. Ridiculous how bad he has been.
Max (New York)
If Wakefield goes in, Will Mirebelli?
Buster Olney (9:43 PM)
No, unless its to finish the game. Before the game, Red Sox pitching coach Dave Wallace said they would stick with Varitek, in all likelihood, if Wakefield comes into the middle of the game.
Buzzmaster (9:43 PM)
There's a run for the Yankees, as the ball gets misplayed in left.
Bernardo (Chapel Hill)
Oh boy...here we go
Andrew (Boston)
Manny Ramirez had a legitimate shot at getting Cairo
Andy (NJ)
Cairo is killing the Sox.
Buster Olney (9:44 PM)
A-Rod will get heavily booed if he whiffs here, I bet...
Buzzmaster (9:46 PM)
A-Rod can't come through, grounding back to Lowe.
Dave (Lexington, MA)
Pedro takes off his jacket and grabs his glove... The making of a true classic
JT (New York)
very very very soft grounder for yet another out!!!! arod, is very very bad.
Buzzmaster (9:47 PM)
And Sheff follows suit, but the Yanks get a run back.
Nan (Oakland, CA)
Every inning has me holding my breath -- I can't take anymore -- thank gawd it's game seven!
Mike (Fresno, CA)
Is A-Rod going to go into the annals of a 'great regular season and lousy postseason player'?
Buster Olney (9:48 PM)
End of the third: He'll send Lowe back out for the fourth, I think, but he'll probably be going batter to batter. And he could call on Myers or Embree to face Lofton and turn around Clark and make him hit from the right side...
Kavin (NYC)
Got to say...even though Lowe gave up that hit, it was a ground ball. His sinker's working great.
Matt (Atlanta, GA)
one HBP (althoug Cairo did everything so the ball hit him) and one single....good job Lowe
Aron (Clemson)
does it really matter what side clark hits from, has he made contact yet this series?
Geoff, Double D's Boy (Wyoming, IA)
Arod is trying to do to much he needs to settle down if he want to help his team out.
Sam (Durham)
ARod is just a louy clutch player. Just check out his stats in the regular season with runners in scoring position.
Jerrod (State College)
That HR for Damon probably would have not gone out if the weather was like it was last night. Just a thought
Nick (Flint, MI)
How much do the Yanks miss Giambi...The first base slot hasnt hit consistently but why not play olerud over clark??
Buster Olney (9:52 PM)
Nick -- Olerud is hurt and is available tonight only for PH duty, maybe spot work at first, and his loss to injury has really created a hole in the NY lineup.
Buzzmaster (9:53 PM)
Do you believe it? He must have been saving it all for Game 7. Another HR for Damon.
Dan (Dallas)
Well Damon was due... But come on now...
Alex (Boston)
CAAAAPPPTTTAAIINNN CCCAAAAAAVVVEEEMMMAAANNNN!!!!!
Max (New York)
Between Ortiz and Damon...WOW!!
Scooter (Charlotte)
Always a bonus when they walk Belhorn
frank (ny)
i think cashman's gone.. i would get rid of everyone expecially brown..
Keith (Franklin,MA)
Think Cashman just shuts off his phone at this point?
Buster Olney (9:56 PM)
Frank: Assuming the Red Sox hold on, I think Cashman will be marginalized, rather than fired, given some cubby-hole office. George wouldn't cut him loose because he's signed through next year and George doesn't want him working for somebody else...
jeff (dc)
where's steinbrenner- I want to see his head explode at the game
Gary (Atlanta)
The problem with cleaning house for the Yanks is that they're all under obscene contract. Unless George wants to be paying +100MM to other teams in cash, he's stuck with them.
Matthew (Gainesville, FL)
Cashman is looking for a flight outta NY right now.
ba (grand rapids MI)
Man Ram is an absolute black hole in both aspects of this series
Jon (Boston)
Does Torre get fired after not winning the World Sereis with 185 million dollar payroll.
Lance (Gainesville, FL)
So let's see...Pinstripes 2005: Beltran, Beltre, Pavano, Pedro....am I missing anybody?
Buzzmaster (9:58 PM)
Checking in from Boston, SportsNation's own ShowGirl reports the city is at frenzy level ... and she "hearts" Johnny Damon.
Mike (Fresno, CA)
Will the Sox be at a big disadvantage in the World Series without the DH in the NL park?
Buzzmaster (9:58 PM)
As Ortiz steps to the plate, that's a great question.
Buster Olney (9:59 PM)
Jon: No. Again, assuming the Red Sox win this game, remember that Torre starts a 3-year extension for $20 million next spring. But I do think that Joe, who might be four years removed from the Yankees' last title by the end of the night, will move into the crosshairs next year. And after this game, I wouldn't be surprised if George fires Mel Stottlemyre.
MA (NYC)
In NL parks, Ortiz will be at first. Just has to keep his glove in one piece.
Alex (Rochester, NY)
You can't take Ortiz's bat out of the game... as little as he's played at 1B this year you have to take the risk of a couple errors in 3 games for his runs.
Andrew (Boston)
Alright Buster and Buzz, here's my dilema... I go to Boston College and have 4 pages left to do on a term paper due tomorrow at 1:30... do I A) try to do this paper while watching the game which isn't working,... or B) ditch the paper for tomorrow and head downtown to chill with Red Sox Nation...??? HELP!?
Richard & Ed (Springfield, VA)
really? i think that mel has done a pretty good job with the staff, considering what he had to work with...
Buzzmaster (10:01 PM)
Andrew -- How many years will you be able to celebrate an ALCS win? If you go to BC, you'll have at least five or six years to hand in college papers ...
Buster Olney (10:02 PM)
Richard and Ed -- you are trying to apply logic. This is Steinbrenner we're talking about...
Casey (AZ)
Andrew - this is history in the making, a 4-game comeback... go down to Government Center!
bill (boston)
ehh i just bombed a midterm this morning cause of last night's game
Mike (Syracuse)
If the Yanks somehow pull this game out, wouldn't this still be the greatest postseason collapse in history?
Buzzmaster (10:04 PM)
Bades loaded again for the Sox. Unfortunately, Damon isn't up.
Buster Olney (10:05 PM)
That error is ridiculous; the ball was crushed...
steve (san francisco)
Buzz, the "d" is close to the "s" on the keyboard. Don't sweat it.
Buzzmaster (10:06 PM)
My bad, Steve. Buzz has been going since four and the manager doesn't have anyone up in the bullpen.
Mike (Lowell, MA)
Nice threads by Jim Leyritz
Chris (Madison, wi)
What is that coat that Leyritz is wearing??
Mike (Boston, MA)
nice jacket on Leyritz.. where can I get one of those?
Anthony (Morristown, NJ)
Why is "The King" wearing a jacket with a Red Sox patch on it.
eric (boston)
no runs after that homerun!! come on!! how can nixon strike out there?
Buster Olney (10:08 PM)
Anthony: It looked like he had the logo of every team on it. He works for MLB.com.
jordan (austin)
buster, if this holds up will this go down as the greatest comeback in baseball history or as the greatest collapse?
Buster Olney (10:10 PM)
Jordan: Depends on who your favorite team is, doesn't it? Red Sox fans, I bet, would much rather have this tagged as the greatest collapse ever, rather than the greatest comeback, to stick it to the Yankees as much as possible. RS fans, is this the case?
Buzzmaster (10:11 PM)
Lowe stays in and gets Matsui on the grounder. Maybe the Sox let him go through the order this last time and then go to the pen.
Chuck (Boston)
Totally true Buster
Ryan (Missoula, MT)
No man, RS fans will take making history with the greatest comeback ever.
Tony (Davis)
i think in order for a great comeback to occur, a great collapse has to along with it and vice versa
Buster Olney (10:11 PM)
Ryan, others: OK, I stand corrected...
Tom (Philly, originally Boston)
No! If they win this, no more blind Yankee-hating. Up with People! And the Sox!
jeff (boston)
we want BOTH!
Bob (Chicago)
It depends on how the Sox do in the Series. If they win, greatest comeback. If not, Yanks collapse.
Jeff (Phoenix)
No! Praise the boys from Boston first -- no, wait, you were right. Yankees suck.
Gary (Atlanta)
The Sox stank in the first three, no two ways about it. The turn-around is amazing. Definatley the Greatest Comeback.
Sean (Boston)
Buster, no way. This is about us. We need to be seen in our own light, enough of being in someone's shadow.
Wally (Boston)
Would you let Lowe take his chances with the bottom if he goes 1-2-3?
Buzzmaster (10:13 PM)
He's got two, as Bernie flies to Manny in left.
Mike (Boston)
Does anyone else want to wretch when Manny goes for a play in left?
Eric (Columbus, OH)
Lowe goes at least 5.....you have to let him get the win
Mike (Boston)
Buzz or Buster, If the yankees don't win this game, give me a project number of years this gets rubbed by Boston fans in the Yankees fan's faces?
Buzzmaster (10:14 PM)
Posada grounds to first and Lowe is cruising.
Buster Olney (10:15 PM)
Mike: How much longer you planning on living? It'll go on longer than that -- assuming they wrap it up, of course.
Ed (UVA)
The Yankees scored 19 the other night, you don't think they can score 8 vs Derek Lowe on 2 days rest???
John (St. Louis)
I know you're embarrassed Buzz.
Buzzmaster (10:17 PM)
About many, many things, John. But what in particular?
Buster Olney (10:17 PM)
End of the fourth: Five more innings for Francona to manage, but with such a large lead, he'll inevitably begin to make decisions with the WS in the back of his mind. If he was ready to use Pedro before the game started, maybe he'll work to make sure he doesn't use him.
Mike (Boston)
Yo Buster, If you had to pick one play that turned this series around for the Red Sox, what would it be?
Bob (Fresno)
the hits just keep on coming
Rob (Shadows Of Yankee Lore)
will damon go 4-4 by this inning?
Buster Olney (10:18 PM)
Mike -- Tony Clark's double bounces into the stands. Red Sox probably are home on the couch by now if that didn't happen.
Forrest (Atlanta)
Damn, I feel bad for the city of Boston itself. There's gonna be riots everywhere if the Sox win or lose, no win situation for the city itself. I pity the Boston PD..
Howard (Atlanta)
Cabrera's play on A Rod's liner was the most underrated play of the series.
Buster Olney (10:20 PM)
Howard -- another good call... And what in the hell what Loaiza thinking? There already was one out...
Buzzmaster (10:20 PM)
Everything breaking Damon's way, as Mueller kicks the ball away on the play at second.
Aaron (Huntsville)
that's a play that ALWAYS goes the Yankees' way
Jon (Boston)
This seems wrong. The Sox are supposed to make the bad plays under pressure.
Jake (Oakland, CA)
Mueller made the legal version of A-Rods swipe there...
Devin (Durham, NC)
apparently they don't work on fundamentals anymore
Mike (Boston, MA)
that was a play that always went the O'Neill, Brosius, Clemens, Wells Yankees' way... these are not your father's Yankees. They are mercenaries with no heart.
Buster Olney (10:22 PM)
Heck, if Loaiza just throws to first, he's got two outs and a runner at third. Just take the out.
JJ (New York)
I love how everybody is taking cheap shots at the yankees. 101 wins and people already think that they are going to be broken up.
teebs (sox nation-NH)
I think even the Yankee parking attendants are fearing the wrath of George.
Buzzmaster (10:24 PM)
Ramirez grounds out, again coming up empty, and we head to the bottom of the fifth.
Buster Olney (10:25 PM)
Middle of the fifth: True story: Earlier today, I was walking through the hallway underneath the stands at Yankee Stadium, and a guy was mopping the floor (which happens about every 10 minutes when George is around). A co-worker walked up to him with a horrified look on his face, staring over his shoulder, and hissed, "OH MY GOD, IT'S MR. STEINBRENNER." The employee who was mopping straightened up and turned, looking frightened, before he realized the guy was playing a joke on him. That's the Yankees' world tonight, so far...
Angel (Caracas)
Seeing Manny batting with man in scoring postion is sickening me. When is he going to drive a run???
Brett (Portsmouth NH)
Ramirez just isn't coming through in the clutch, good thing Damon's bat has woken up
Joe (Evansville IN)
It is not that people think they are going to be broke up, its that George is so trigger happy that a team brake up after a collapse like this is the norm.
Michael (Sacramento)
You're talking about a man that FIRED AN EAGLE after it landed in the wrong spot the rules of logic do not apply here...
Paul (NYC)
Please, please give us Yankee fans something positive (or interesting) to look forward to next year!
Buster Olney (10:26 PM)
Paul: You've got a lot of great players. Endless resources. They'll always have a chance, as long as Steinbrenner is owner...
Dave (Seattle)
Why would you think about taking Lowe out after 5? He's got a 1-hitter going?
Buster Olney (10:28 PM)
Dave: absolutely. Roll with it, until he slows down...
PmcG (Milwaukee)
I think it's safe to assume that Tony Clark won't be back next year...
Buzzmaster (10:30 PM)
Lowe is absolutely rolling through five.
Buster Olney (10:30 PM)
PmcG: Sadly, you are right. He's a first class guy who has been awful, having been pressed into duty after not playing the last month of the season. A total second-guess (and not to be taken seriously): As it turned out, the Yankees would've been better off giving at-bats to Clark than Giambi in September, because no one really believed Giambi was going to make it back, anyway.
matt (chicago)
this is the derek lowe of three years ago
Randall (Greensboro, NC)
Let him pitch. He's a train right now.
Mike (Jackson, NJ)
Lowe is earning himself some nice scratch for next season.
Barry (Hartford)
The scorer finally took the bogus error on the hard shot to second base two innings ago.
Sanjeev (Cambridge, MA)
Buster, isn't it possible that at some point George could revert to his days of getting players like Danny Tartabull & Cecil Fielder instead of more valuable recent signings/acquisitions like Sheff, Clemens, etc? My point is that his limitless resources have been misused before. Right? Not that they will again, but George isn't infallible.
Buster Olney (10:35 PM)
Sanjeev: As Game 7 of the 2001 World Series ended, and O'Neill and Martinez and others walked off the field as Yankees for the last time, George was walking through the clubhouse saying, "There are going to be changes, there are going to be changes." The biggest change is that he started disregarding the advice of the same baseball people (Gene Michael, in particular) who built the 1996-2001 dynasty. George has made some good moves himself, but he's had a lot of bad moves (Mondesi), as well, and the team has gradually gotten older as the pitching became eroded. Now they have no farm system, and they have to replenish through free agency. The last pitcher they developed and kept for a decent length of time: Ramiro Mendoza.
ROSS (BEANTOWN, MA)
What's up guys? Do you see Pedro in the bullpen!
Thrilla (Boston)
Is that Pedro warming up in the bullpen? Is that a paranoid move, Buster? What about the regular bullpen folks?
Buster Olney (10:37 PM)
I think Pedro is just playing catch because it takes him a little longer than most to get warm. Maybe they told him before the game that they might consider him in the sixth, and he's just lightly tossing just in case Lowe starts to have some trouble in the bottom of the sixth; then Pedro would warm up in earnest...
Travis (Chapel Hill)
I just want to say one thing, and although it may sound bitter, and of course it is, but here goes: The curse is not that the Red Sox haven't beaten the Yanks since 1918, but that the Sox haven't won the World Series since 1918. So, on that note, regardless of by how much they win this game (which they clearly will), the onus is still on them to win the Series. If they do not win the Series, which is tough to see given the quality of the N.L. teams, the curse still stands and the season is still a wash. This is true for either team though. Anything short of a Series win is a failure for either the Yanks or the Sox. (Please post this, I'm a poor college student who's very in the dumps right now).
Buzzmaster (10:38 PM)
Not to worry anyone, but with one hit through five, the Yankees look a little like the Sox in Game 1 ... before they peeled off all those runs in a near-comeback.
Buster Olney (10:39 PM)
Travis: Hope this post cheers you up, but I respectfully disagree. I talked to about 10 Boston fans or boston writers today and they all agreed that if the Red Sox beat the Yankees in this game and lost the World Series, the year would still be considered a success, in light of all that has happened between these two rivals over the years. RS fans here disagree?
Alan (Petersburg)
Although I agree with Travis that the mission is the Series, I have to believe that if the Sox can get past the Yankees, there will be so much pressure taken off that the Series itself will be practically a vacation, especially for the "idiots". At least until game 6 of the Series...
Slugo (Natick, MA)
Buzz, don't say that. My nerves can't take much more this series. The Sox need an easy one.
Tomball (Tomball, TX)
dude ...i'm a red sox fan.....and i dont believe we've done anything without the title
Dave (OH)
Sadly, but beating the Yankees is considered the WS
Geoff (Boston)
Beating the Yankees is a goal, but not THE goal. Beating them is a means to an end, which is a World Series championship.
Buster Olney (10:41 PM)
By the way, folks, sorry we can't get to everybody's question -- we've had some 18,000 comments/questions to this point in the game...
michael (watertown, ma)
buster - beating the yankees, getting revenge will be sweet sweet sweet. i want the series, yeah - but beating the yankees will give us a psyhic edge for years. as fans anyway,
Dale (Greenville, SC)
Buster, I agree. The Yankees have been and will always be the biggest obstacle us RS fans have. Can you imagine Having Clemens pitch against the RS.
Alex (Dudley, Ma)
I agree completely, die hard sox fan and this series is huge. we win this, i can take the WS loss
Kevin (Newport News)
(RED SOX FAN) It would be extremely disappointing if they make it to the WS and then lose, but it's better to look at it positively: They came back on the infamous YANKEES after being down 3-0 and made it to the World Series. They changed history! (please post this! i too am a poor college kid!)
John K (San Francisco)
Buster, how do you explain Lowe's performance in regular season, compared to tonight? It's night and day.
Buzzmaster (10:44 PM)
To whoever I scoffed at for suggesting the Sox would let Lowe go six or seven innings, I offer this mea culpa. What an effort.
Buster Olney (10:45 PM)
John K: No one doubted his talent. It's his mental approach that drove everybody nuts. I think, too, that the Red Sox coaching staff/Francona decided to really make him mad to get him motivated. That's the thing Lowe never figured out -- they want him to be good; they didn't drop him out of the rotation because they don't like him. And he's been terrific tonight, and in Game 4, certainly much better than I would have imagined. I wrote before Game 4 that he was going to get hammered; that turned out to be a good call, eh?
John (Trenton)
Buster, it's pretty obvious that if the Yankees lose this series (which they most likely will) that George Steinbrenner will be determined more than ever to raise payroll again, but if you got to run the Yankees this offseason how would you change the chemistry of the team and get them back to the heart they had through 1996 and 2001? (Please post this guys, it's a really good question.)
Buster Olney (10:47 PM)
First and foremost: You've got to really start letting the farm system grow again, rather than trading off anybody as soon as they begin to develop in Double-A. You have to let Michael become a big part of the process again, because he's a hell of a talent and character evaluator...
Deven Grover (Fremont)
WHY PEDRO? LOWE IS HAVING HIS GAME OF HIS LIFE! LET HIM STAY TILL HE GIVES UP RUNS?
Buster Olney (10:50 PM)
Deven: Given Lowe's reaction, they must have told him before the sixth that that was his last inning. I am surprised they are bringing in Pedro, for the same reasons that they have mentioned on TV...
Jake (Anna Arbor)
Buster, Who is Michael? a Scout?
Buster Olney (10:51 PM)
Gene Michael was the GM from 1990-'95, head of Major League scouting since then, but everybody in the organization goes in and out of Steinbrenner's doghouse from time to time and is marginalized.
Robby (Charleston, SC)
Name a farm system that has won a WS lately...the only thing it helps you do is trade for big name players...yankees just pick them up in free agency with money..much easier and it works since they have been the team to beat for the past decade
Dan (Dallas)
When is the first game of the WS?
Buzzmaster (10:53 PM)
Saturday from the AL park, Dan.
Tom (Philly, originally Boston)
I think one reason to take Lowe out is the Yankee Stadium Eternal 7th Inning Stretch Effect... God Bless America took fifteen minutes last night.
Buster Olney (10:54 PM)
Robby: Respectfully disagree. The Yankees' farm system was ostensibly responsible for four championships in five years -- Bernie, Jeter, Rivera, Pettitte, Posada, plus, as you say, the ability to make deals for players in mid-season, like David Justice. The fact that they did not have the prospects to deal for the Big Unit in the middle of the season tells you a lot about how horrible their system is right now. Rival scouts say it is barren.
Hook (Tuscaloosa)
Maybe tonight's webMD report will be steinbrenner bursting a vein over this collapse.
Dave (Seattle)
They're not showing ol' George on TV much this game. Agreement w/ the Boss?
Buzzmaster (10:57 PM)
And here comes Pedro ...
Buster Olney (10:58 PM)
Dave: George tends to hide out from the cameras more than he used to. But, wow, if the score holds, there is going to be an army of reporters staking out The Boss tonight. I bet we read stories of Steinbrenner angrily blowing through the reporters with help of security in the morning.
Bob (Chicago)
You think we'll hear any "who's your daddy" chants?
Will (Montreal)
If I'm Terry Francona, I take out Pedro if the Yankees get within 5 runs. I just don't trust him.
Eric (Cincinnati)
Why, why, why WHY is Pedro coming into this game? Can anyone give me a logical reason?
Buster Olney (10:59 PM)
I asked that very question before the game to Gammons -- if the score was one-sided for boston when Pedro come in, how would the crowd react? I think there will be the most half-hearted chants that die out; Peter didn't think they would chant at all.
Scott (Eglin Fl)
Explain bringing in Pedro
Buzzmaster (11:01 PM)
Matsui starts it off with a double.
Buster Olney (11:01 PM)
It's his throw day, anyway... but as we talked about in the early innings, I thought for sure Francona would try like hell to keep Pedro out of this game and save him for Game 1. And Matsui just ripped a double, and here comes the Who's Your daddy chants...
Alex (Dudley, Ma)
what is this, the opposite of Grady Little??? we can't leave him in too long this time, so we put him in to blow it....
Elliot (Kalamazoo, Mich.)
After one batter, Pedro has allowed as many hits as Lowe allowed after 6 innings.
Tom (Philly, originally Boston)
Here come the chants... Yankee Stadium thinks they can win this.
Scooter! (Baseball Hell)
Hey gang! Scooter here with a tip for you fans. Chanting "who's your daddy?!?" isn't as intimidating when your team is down by seven runs.
rone (San Jose, CA)
Terry Francona's medication is wearing off.
Buzzmaster (11:03 PM)
And things get interesting, as Bernie doubles in Matsui, missing a homer by feet.
Mark (Oak Harbor)
Oh man this is crazy what is going on
Buster Olney (11:03 PM)
Now Francona better get Timlin and Embree going and start playing matchups...
Buzzmaster (11:05 PM)
And it's 8-3 as Lofton singles up the middle.
Brad (Pensacola, FL)
He's throwing cheese...I'm getting the shakes.
Bill (Woooster)
PULL HIM NOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
gentry (beverly, ma)
have we massaged his ego enough? take him out now!
Angel (Caracas)
What would be Francona thinking (I don't care if its logical or not I just want to know WHAT if he is thinking)
Ann (San Francisco)
Is this an example of Pedro's colossal ego -- did he push to get put in so he could try to exorcise the "Yankees are my daddy" comment? Now they've let the crowd back in. Completely idiotic!
Buzzmaster (11:07 PM)
And a gimpy Olerud trying to pull his own version of a "Schilling"
Buster Olney (11:07 PM)
Somewhere, Schilling might be getting stitches and a pain-killing shot... Some other things to question about this move: With Matsui leading off the inning, why didn't Francona start with a lefty, if he was going to take out Lowe...
Buzzmaster (11:08 PM)
Lofton gets them out of a potential double play with the steal.
Mike (Hot Springs, AR)
Well, if nothing else, the game just got interesting
Buster Olney (11:10 PM)
The way Pedro is cutting loose now, I think he believes he's only throwing this inning...
Mike (Boston)
95 mph? where was this about 3 batters ago?
Greg (PSU/NH)
Buster, $1,000 if you put a stop to that organ player.
Buzzmaster (11:12 PM)
And the Sox get out of it. Has a five-run lead ever felt less secure than it did with Pedro on the mound for the seventh?
Hook (Tuscaloosa)
Remember when Pedro was the most dominant pitcher in baseball? Ahhh, those were the days.
Chuck (Boston)
This move is equally as bad as Grady last year. Even if we win.
Buster Olney (11:15 PM)
End of the seventh: You are Francona and the top of the Yankee lineup is due in the bottom of the eighth. I suspect he's going to go with Timlin, to face the right-handers Jeter, A-Rod and Sheffield, but I think the worst thing he can do now is assume he will use Foulke to throw the 9th inning; he should do everything he can to avoid going to Foulke, short of a save situation, because Foulke looked like he had almost nothing last night. If he starts the eighth with Timlin, he should plan on finishing with Timlin or Embree or Wakefield.
Buzzmaster (11:16 PM)
And Bellhorn gets one back with a dinger. Bellhorn and Damon, four home runs in the last two games. What's tougher to believe than that?
Chris (Boston)
THANK THE LORD an extra run, we will need it with Pedro going back out
Eric (Cincinnati)
Buzz- how about the Sox coming back 3 game sot none against the Yanks?
Buzzmaster (11:17 PM)
Yeah, all right, that too.
Buster Olney (11:17 PM)
Wow, Olerud looks like he's really hurting, moving very gingerly.
Jesse (Pasadena, CA)
Aha! Now I understand. Bring in an ineffective Pedro to motivate the offense again.
Alex (Winona, MN)
I'll go with Manny having a grand total of ZERO RBI in seven games.
Sean (Fredonia, NY)
Bringing in Pedro is a great move. Name a better way to motivate Pedro to pitch well in the world series than showing NY who the daddy is?
Chris (Sox Fan in Philly)
I bring in Timlin and have Meyers and Foulke warming up to start the inning.
HH (c-town)
heart of the yankee line up comming up. talk about tension!
James (Boston)
I never thought that turning a 5 run lead into a 6 run lead would qualify as a huge insurance run....but that is exactly the case here
Dan (Boston)
They will probably have Timlin for Jeter, A-Rod, and Sheff. Then Myers for Matsui and Embree to finish it off
Michael (Sacramento)
what's so tense aobut it Arod and Sheff have been windmills all game...
Buster Olney (11:24 PM)
Middle of the eighth: We were talking about this yesterday, but worth repeating here, after Gordon gave up that homer -- Torre really mishandled his bullpen this year, relying far too heavily on Quantrill, Gordon and Rivera, who all finished in the top 6 in appearances in the AL. Joe never really tried to develop other guys, he used those three even in games when the Yankees had chunky leads, and the fallout has been apparent in the last four games.
Jerod (Seattle)
Buster: Any chance they'll bring in Wakefield and Mirabelli to finish it off? Or will they have to slip Varitek some tranquilizers in his milk to get him out of the game, a la the A Team getting Mr. T onto an airplane?
Buster Olney (11:25 PM)
Jerod: I think Francona will want to make sure Varitek is on the field for the rest of this game...
Jim (Sugar Hill, GA)
C'mon, just throw strikes.
Scott (Boston)
No walks please
Buzzmaster (11:26 PM)
Big scoop from Mientkiewicz tp get Jeter.
Greg (PSU/NH)
There is your defensive sub
Geoff (Baton Rouge)
Thank you Minnesota!
Patrick (Worcester MA)
What a dig by Mientciewitz. Great to have a gold glover coming off the bench
Buster Olney (11:27 PM)
He made the mid-range scoop, thrown ball bouncing 3 to 4 feet away -- toughest play for a first baseman -- look simple. Terrific...
Buzzmaster (11:29 PM)
A-Rod goes down swinging and the fans aren't thrilled about it ...
Jacob (Washington DC)
A-rod 0-4. He may be a cheater, but I guess it's clear he doesn't cork his bat.
Alex (Boston)
Right Down the Middle, 25 Million dollar swing and miss
Jacob (Washington DC)
A-rod 0-4 in the biggest game of his life. Does this prove once and for all that he is anti-clutch?
Buzzmaster (11:30 PM)
Sheffield retired and we're going to the 9th.
Brad (Boston)
3 more outs...
Zac (Washington)
I wonder if, for maybe the first time, Boston is glad it failed to get A-Rod this off season
Dan (Dallas)
Timlin! The Boston Bullpen working again.
Buster Olney (11:33 PM)
End of the eighth: OK, you're Terry Francona, again -- who are you sending out for the ninth? He's crazy if he doesn't use Timlin, who can rest on Thursday and Friday and be plenty ready for the WS.
Ethan (Bennington VT)
Has anyone else noticed that it's been 18 years since the Red Sox were last in the World Series in 1986 and 86 years since the Red Sox last won the World Series in 1918? Coincidence?
Alan (Petersburg)
So....if the Sox hold it off....what do you think Buster....Handshake, or No Handshake after the game?
Buster Olney (11:34 PM)
Alan: No chance. You might see Varitek take a swing at A-Rod.
Peter (Higganum, CT)
Who's pitching the ninth for Boston???!?!? I say Timlin, with everyone warming up. As an aside, I'm not sure I'll ever forgive Francona for bringing Pedro in for that 7th inning.
Tyler (Toronto)
Send Timlin back out - have Leskanic/Meyers or Embree ready in the pen
Jason (Killeen)
I don't think anyone else is throwing in the BP right now. So for now, I would assume its Timlin in the 9th.
David (Seattle)
If the Sox win, they will have to quicky rush off the field to avoid the debris from the stands
Buster Olney (11:36 PM)
Sadly, you would have to guess that there will be all kinds of stuff launched onto the field after the last out in the bottom of the ninth. I wonder if they will disperse those riot police again in the bottom of the ninth.
Max (Boston)
I wish the Sox had Dave McCarty on the roster, they could pitch him in the 9th. The ultimate kick in the teeth for the Yankees...
Aaron (Knoxville)
Buster David Ortiz is the MVP if the soxs hold on
Steve (Boston)
I actually want to comment the Yankee fans.... I thought things were going to get out of hand early but they are showing a lot of class tonight.
Buster Olney (11:37 PM)
Aaron, I agree...
matt (kingston ri)
right now all the cops in ever college town from UCONN to UMaine is out in the street ready to watch the students celebrate the victory
Larry (Frederick, MD)
If you want to talk about a curse, let's talk about Don Mattingly's curse. That poor guy can't catch a break with the post season can he?
John (Miami)
Rivera warming up. Wishful thinking at its best
Kyle (Boston)
Hey, Buster: If the game ends, score as is, with no drama in Game 7, is this *still* considered the best postseason series ever?
TY (ames iowa)
Hey buster, dont you think foulke should be concidered an mvp of the series with his excelent relief pitching?
Buster Olney (11:41 PM)
Considered, yes, but Ortiz had walk-offs in 4 and 5 and a huge homer in the first inning tonight, especially after Damon got thrown out at home.
chito10 (TUCSON)
THE BEST POSTSEASON EVER IS THE 20O1 WORLD SERIES
Buster Olney (11:43 PM)
Chito: That was incredible baseball, but what was a little odd about that was that many of the innings were just awful baseball. Arizona dominated Game 1, Game 2, Game 6, and the Diamondbacks had leads for most of 3, 4 and 5. The combacks in 4, 5 and 7 were incredible, but a lot of that series was one-sided.
John (Scotland)
Buster: what's schilling looking like for the ?
Buster Olney (11:45 PM)
John: he will pitch. Hell, right now any of them would pitch with a broken leg, given how they've gotten there. With a couple of days of rest coming up, the Red Sox will be a very tough team to play in the World Series...
Aaron (Colchester, CT)
Buster, will Pedro start game 1 and Schill in game 2?
Buster Olney (11:47 PM)
Aaron: Assuming the Red Sox finish this off, I bet they go Pedro, Arroyo, Schilling in Games 1-2-3.
Jeremy (Orono)
Buster: after such a physically and emotionally draining series, what are the chances the Sox will win the World Series, after seeing how the Yankees performed under the same conditions last year
Buster Olney (11:49 PM)
Jeremy: Big difference between last year and this year -- the Yankees won on a thursday night and had so little time to celebrate, then reload and play. The Red Sox will go crazy tonight, take some Tylenol tomorrow, BP Friday, host on Saturday. Assuming they win, of course.
Scott (NY)
Buster: Why would they pitch Schilling game 3 in the NL park, where he would have to bat and put more strain on the ankle?
Buster Olney (11:51 PM)
Scott: You make a great point, and you are probably right, on second thought. I figured they would align their rotation to limit their reliance on Schilling and, at the same time, feel comfortable about sending their best out there if the series went 7. But as I said, great point.
Jon (Hattiesburg, MS)
With Beltran maybe going to NY, is this Bernie's last AB as a Yankee?
Buster Olney (11:52 PM)
on: He's got another year on his contract.
Amar (NY)
How likely is Torre to be fired after this mess ?
Claire (Saline, MI/New Ulm, MN)
Alright people focus! Man on base, full count!
jordan (austin)
one out. oh god
Brent (Atlanta)
I dont know how to feel as a red sox fan
Bear (Los Angeles)
1 out! 1 more out!!!
Buster Olney (11:55 PM)
Amar: No. He's just starting a 3-year, $20 million extension. But I think he'll go into the crosshairs sometime next year if the Yankees don't play up to George's expectations. It's been four years since the last Yankee title.
Dave (Sacramento)
The " Babe " Has left the building
Jacob (Washington DC)
Folks, you have just watched history. This game/series will be on ESPN Classic for the next 50 years
neil (new haven (yale))
IS CASHMAN FIRED NOW, BUSTER ?
Buster Olney (11:57 PM)
Neil: Marginalized, not fired. I wonder if Timlin is tired or, more likely, a little nervous.
Clint (Detroit)
Buster: What actual tradable players do the Yankees have on their team that other teams would want and Yankees would like to get off their hands to retool?
Nina (Boston)
Sad, b/c I woulda liked to have seen Kenny Lofton to go down in infamy as the last batter standing.
Buster Olney (12:00 AM)
Not much at all. That's one interesting aspect of what is to come this off-season: The yankees are not in position to make many moves. they are completely tied up with high-priced players who may not be that good any more (Giambi), so their payroll flexibility is nil. All they can do is add. And they have no prospects to trade for young players from other teams.
Buzzmaster (12:01 AM)
The Red Sox do it, taking four in a row from the Yankees to advance to the World Series.
Jason (Killeen)
Boston is going to the WS!
Pat (Pittsburgh)
Simply stunning
Nikki (Washington DC)
what an embarrassing day for the yankees
Jon (Hattiesburg, MS)
We now live in a world where the Red Sox have beaten the Yankees
Thomas (Kingsley, IA)
I would love to see a classy move like shaking hands at the end of this series, too bad the Yanks and Sox have no class
Eric (Seattle)
Jeezus.. as a sports fan who only watches baseball peripherally... one heck of a story here
Buster Olney (12:04 AM)
Hey, folks -- What a series, history altering. Thanks for sharing. We'll talk to you next week. Congrats to Red Sox fans, and for the Yankees, you know this -- George will spend in an attempt to come back.
Mike (Pittsburgh)
What does it take to get a question posted? Do you guys think the Yankee fans will be rooting for the Astros so Clemens can stick it to the Red Sox?
Buzzmaster (12:05 AM)
Thanks to Buster Olney for hanging out and fielding so many questions tonight. A clutch performance of its own.
Aaron (Knoxville)
GO Astros beat the Cards. this is from a yankees fan.
Ernesto (Boston)
Tough position to be in as a Yankee fan. Root for the Texas two stepper, or for him to lose to the Sox
Tom (Philly, originally Boston)
Isn't the extra day of rest a huge advantage for the Sox? Cards/'Stros will be spent tomorrow night...
Andrew (Stamford, CT)
Oh root for anyone who plays against the Sox as a Yankee fan. No question.
josh (wellesley, ma)
This is unbelievable, people are going crazy, and im on a campus in DC, boston on the phone at a bar in boston, could event begin to hear what he was saying
Buzzmaster (12:10 AM)
Yep, that's easily confirmed. SportsNation's ShowGirl checked in from Cambridge and could not be heard. Absolute bedlam in Boston.
Robert (Wayne)
Let's hope it stays safe up there in Boston
Buzzmaster (12:11 AM)
All right, looking ahead. What's the outlook for Schilling in the World Series. Can he really be expceted to start one of the first two games in Boston? Or was Game 6 all he had?
Bill (Woooster)
Schill gets game 3, but that's it -- the first road game
Yatin (Palo Alto)
He has more..save him for Game 3...on the road...give him some rest
Aaron (University of Louisville)
Schilling is a warrior. Expect to see him in the Series.
Dave (FL)
Schilling has more left in the tank
Jacob (Washington DC)
Is Theo above the drinking age now?
Robby (Charleston, SC)
Is theo epstein old enough to be holding that beer??
Trent (Iowa City)
he has to bat on the road...game 2 if he is going to go at all.
Matt (Boston)
This is Schilling's dream. Unless game 6 blew out his tendon there is no way he sits down.
Mike (Oxlong, Ma)
He won't hit, he has to go game 2
Justin Zeth (Altoona, PA)
I think Boston's going to have to do it without Schilling from here. He was risking his career pitching in game 6... if Boston falls behind in the world series then I can see Schilling starting a game late in the series, but that's about it
Justin Zeth (Altoona, PA)
and Schilling absolutely can't pitch games 3-5 because he can't hit for himself. Literally, he can't run, the Sox would have to just concede the out
Buzzmaster (12:15 AM)
All right, how about those games in the NL park? Does Ortiz play 1B in all of them? And do you need to get Pokey in at 2B, to cover for the defense on the left side if he does?
Justin Zeth (Altoona, PA)
you have to get Big Papi in the lineup at 1B. I lean more toward Bellhorn at 2B but Pokey isn't a bad choice... I'd play Pokey when Lowe starts
Jon (Boston)
Ortzi at first definately. Millar will sit.
Gary (Atlanta)
They might be willing to concede Schilling's out. His pitching is good enough to compensate for it. and besides: when was the last time a pitcher was a real threat at the plate?
Dan (Michigan)
I think it is a must that Ortiz plays.
Robert (Redmond ,WA)
No brainer - Ortiz at first. Pokey or no pokey.
Aaron (Knoxville)
Yes Ortiz is their most clutch hitter he has to be in every game. Bellhorn has not played bad defensively just leave him in.
Jacob (Washington DC)
If Lowe pitches in games 3-5, Pokey will definately play
Buzzmaster (12:19 AM)
So who is it going to be against the Red Sox? Garner saved Clemens, but he burned through three innings of Lidge in Game 6.
Michael (Houston)
Who agrees that the NL game 7 will definitely have more drama, this game was over from the beginning?
Jason (Knoxviile)
If you don't print that then you aren't really a jounalist. I can out write you anyday and twice on Sundays.
Buzzmaster (12:21 AM)
Yes, you're a regular Tolstoy, Jason.
Jerod (Seattle)
Clemens is going to dominate, besides Schilling and maybe Randy Johnson you'd want him going in a game 7 over anyone in the game today
Gary (Atlanta)
The long series works to St. Louis' advantage, with their best tools on the offensive side. With this going to seven games, I have to give it to the Cards.
Matt (Boston)
Gotta go with the 'Stros. Even if Clemens has trouble Oswalt can come in to clean up the rest of the game.
Frank Gunderson (The U)
OSwalt will have to pitch because Clemens can't go past 6 IP
Robby (Charleston, SC)
Problem with Clemens starting is he most likely wont go longer than 6 or 7 innings...I think Lidge is amazing but how much can you ask from a guy
Adam (Brooklyn, NY)
Do you think that the curse is dead? Or does it only end when Boston wins the World Series?
John (Berkeley)
Boston needs to win the W.S., of course
Matthew (Gainesville, FL)
Gotta get the series.
Chuck (Boston)
Curse is dead. No doubt about it.
Dan (Michigan)
Of course it only ends when they win the World Series. They've been there 3-4 times since 1918, only to lose in bizzare manners. If they don't win it this time, we'll be hollaring for a Cubs/Red Sox WS again next year, and Boston fans will be seen trying to commit suicide again.
Mike (Portland, OR)
Have a great night guys, great work through the ALCS, hope you'll be around for the WS
Buzzmaster (12:31 AM)
And with that, it's time to put the wraps on an amazing eight and a half hours of baseball. From a walk-off homer in St. Louis to Boston's completed miracle, it was quite a night. So you know what? Let's do it again tomorrow for Game 7 of the NLCS!
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