ESPN

Buzzmaster

  (7:31 PM)

Anyone ready for a little more baseball? The Astros and Cardinals are getting ready for Game 7 in St. Louis, and we're ready for The Show on ESPN.com. Rob Neyer will be along for inning-by-inning analysis and more, so settle in and start talking!

Clayton St. Louis, MO

Why is ESPN telling us that people are missing out on this series when we already know that they are in cluded in that group? Less than 5% of the LCS coverage has been dedicated to this series. ESPN, stop being hypocritical!

Buzzmaster

  (7:33 PM)

Hey, we won't even mention the Red Sox tonight. Oops, well we won't mention them again ... unless the game gets out of hand.

Marco (Richmond, KY)

Clemens is a plus for Houston. But the Cards are at home, in Bush stadium. I lived in St louis for 10 years and I know the place: that is 2 plusses for St. Louis. I think they have the edge now.

Josh - Evanston, IL

Do you think Garner should have brought Oswalt on in the 12th for one inning to face 3,4 and 5?

Buzzmaster

  (7:34 PM)

What do you guys think? Wise choice saving it for Game 7, or did Garner and the Astros miss their best chance for a road win in Game 6?

jason houston,tx

I think the astros are going to beat the cards tonight, but it should be a good game

David (Houston, TX)

Garner was saving Oswalt for the save, but I would have pitched him against the toughest part of the Cardinal's lineup.

Mike Oceanside Calif

No i think Garner was playing his cards right, Bring the BIG guns in for game 7 and take em out. Like the Soxs, his pin might be tried

Lou (Phoenix)

you gotta go with rocket in game 7 on full rest

Brian (Houston)

If he was saving Oswalt then he should have saved Lidge.

Devin (Warner Robins, GA)

I don't think they missed out...good choice giving Clemens the rest and seeing what they could do without him in game 6. I don't think this one will be close. I think the Astros will come out swinging early and post a lead to large to catch up to when they send in a reliever.

JT (Lynchburg, VA)

GREAT move for Garner. Has his guns locked and loaded. Look what happened to the Cubs in games 6 and 7 last year with Prior and Wood on short rest.

Buzzmaster

  (7:39 PM)

But what about using Lidge and Wheeler, your two best relievers in this series, for five innings? Lidge only threw 32 pitches, but can he go more than an inning tonight?

Jacob (Bartlesville, OK)

Lidge will still be able to pitch at least one inning i would imagine

Lou (Phoenix)

he was trying to win the game you have to get your closer if you have a chance

Mike (Fresno, CA)

Good point. If Garner was going to save his bullets for Game 7, he should have saved Lidge as well as Oswalt.

Brian (Houston)

Well the astros can take comfort in the fact that Isringhausen was used for three innings also.

Buzzmaster

  (7:41 PM)

I don't know, at this point it might be Cardinals fans taking comfort if Isringhausen isn't available.

Keith (LA)

If you get a decent outing from Clemens and Oswalt can give you two innings, how much do you really need from Wheeler and Lidge?

Justin (Iowa City)

I think Clemens and the Stros will get caught looking ahead to a Fenway reunion and St. Louis will demolish them

Briggs (Denver CO)

I disagree Mike. They had a chance to win. If he saved Lidge and Oswalt, he might as well have totally given up the game. Garner had to choose one of them.

JT (Lynchburg, VA)

As an Astros fan, I hope Micelli isn't available.

Matt (Parkersburg, WV)

Closer or no closer, the Cards still have Tavarez who can go tonight, I figure. Isringhausen will go an inning if needed, and maybe even Marquis coming out of the BP... It will be an interesting game...

Adam, San Diego, CA

Cards will destroy Astros. You heard it here. Busch is too tough! It's rockin' there.

Devin (Warner Robins, GA)

After only 32 pitches, I'm sure Lidge could go more than one inning. I don't think there's too much of an issue with Houston's pitching tonight. It's just waiting to see if the B's can hit like they should.

Buzzmaster

  (7:47 PM)

Speaking of which ...

Matt (Parkersburg, WV)

Do you think a trip to the World Series would maybe convince Carlos Beltran to stick around in Houston?

Buzzmaster

  (7:49 PM)

Even with Boras doing the deal and Steinbrenner looking to make a splash after the ALCS, I see Beltran landing somewhere other than New York. Someone outside the NE (Seattle for once?) is going to make a big offer, like the Angels did with Vlad last year.

Chance (Avon, CT)

Yes, Beltran will stay in Houston. He's a perfect fit for the Astros.

Joe (Fayetteville, AR)

There is no way......Beltran is gone....no matter what Houston does.

marko (los angeles)

I don't think Beltran will go to New York. Steinbrenner should never of have gotten A-Rod, because, as good as A-Rod is (in my opinion the best player in baseball) He didn't help them that much because he didn't really fulfill a need. What they needed after last season was pichers after the loss of Clemens, petitte and Wells. Steinbrenner hopefully realizes this and gets pitchers in the offseason

Briggs (Denver CO)

I don't think the Astros can make Beltran stay. After this series, he is going to make BIG money. I sincerely hope he doesn't end up in NY. What do you think?

Steve (Bismarck, ND)

I think there is a possibility he could end up in Wrigley

Robby (Charleston, SC)

If Beltran is like most young good ballplayers then only money matters..he will go to the highest bidder regardless

James (Blacksburg,VA)

If the astros win the world series then the odds of Bagwell and Biggio retiring are fairly high I imagine. If that happens that would free up more than enough money for Beltran.

Joe (Fayetteville, AR)

What about Beltran going to the Cubs.....I heard they may make a big push

Erik (Boston, MA)

Why is it so hard for some baseball fans to understand that good pitching ALWAYS beats good hitting? The difference between the Cards lineup and the Astros lineup is marginal in comparison to the difference between Suppan and Clemens. End of story.

Buzzmaster

  (7:54 PM)

Just for the record, the Yanks, Sox and Cardinals all ranked among the top six in runs scored. And the Sox and Yanks ranked in the middle of the pack in runs allowed. Hitting counts for something, Erik.

Dre (TO)

Erik, using that logic, Mariano Rivera gets the save in Game 4 and the Yankees are waiting for this one to play out.

Asher (Houston)

Great point Erik!!! Clemens, Oswalt and Lidge to finish will be unbeatable.

JT (Lynchburg, VA)

...and during Houston's early and late-season surges, they did it with hitting about as much as pitching.

marko (los angeles)

Also a huge thing forgotten about is defense and whatever edge the Astros MIGHT have in pitching, the cardinals make up for in their edge on defense

Erik (Boston, MA)

Just for the record, the Sox had better starting pitchting then the Yanks and beat them, and the Astros have better starting pitching then the Cardinals, and the Astros will win as well.

Buzzmaster

  (7:57 PM)

So did the Twins.

Bill (Cincy)

Wow, Erik, while I actually agree with you, I'm kind of amazed at how quickly ending 80+ years of frustration against the evil empire has made someone from beantown the baseball expert all of a sudden

Jonathon (London)

How about smart baseball? Solid baserunning, small ball, management decisions that don't send the fans into a panic; these win games. Oh, and I heard the Cardinals can hit.

Lou (Phoenix)

well i agree with the good pitching beats good hitting but you still have to score runs besides the 88 dodgers most ws winners have had good hitting

Jeremy (ft. lauderdale)

but as a COMPLETE team, you've gotta give it to the 'stros, they've got the whole package, while st. louis relies on run support

Robby (Charleston, SC)

Where do these stats come from personal opinion...if you look at season stats the cards had the 2nd best ERA in the majors...houston was 7th...looks to me like STL has the edge

Erik (Boston, MA)

Buzzmaster, The Twins had one great pitcher in Santana, and a decent pitcher in Brad Racke. Other than that, they had noone. Lieber and Mussina matched up much better with Santana and Radcke than Woody williams and Suppan match up with Clemens and Oswalt. It's not even close.

Preston (Richmond)

I disagree, I think the Cardinals are much more complete. Their lineup is deeper, their starting pitching is deeper, their relief pitching is deeper, and their defense is unquestionably better.

Rob Neyer

  (8:01 PM)

Evening, everybody. Hope you don't mind if I just sort of slide into the conversation...

Dre (TO)

If Houston is such a marvelously complete team, why didn't their class show by winning the Central?

Buzzmaster

  (8:02 PM)

Rob Neyer's in the house, good to have him on board for Game 7!

Jeremy (ft. lauderdale)

staff ERA factors in all the other run-of-the-mill pitchers houston employed because pettite and miller were out, besides it's a matchup between clemens and suppan, not the whole staff

marko (los angeles)

The most important stat to look at is the fact that Clemens is going up against Suppan, what matters most is how the teams match up that day, they are after all playing one game, not a whole season against each other.

Rob Neyer

  (8:05 PM)

As everybody knows, the Cardinals are better than the Astros. But that's not really all that important tonight, is it? All that matters is who's better in this one game, and considering the starting pitchers, I think the answer is pretty clear.Which does, of course, not necessarily mean the Astros will win. After all, isn't Kevin Brown better than Derek Lowe? I do think that Clemens will give the Astros six good innings, and Oswalt and Lidge will give the Astros a fantastic 1-2 punch to close out the victory. Anybody have a (logical) counter-argument?

Randy (Moss Bluff, LA)

Im an astros fan...but it's gonna be hard for clemens for the fact its in st louis and is never easy to win away...especially game 7 in the playoffs

Lou (Phoenix)

its hard to argue with neyer lol

Dave (Lexington, MA)

Actually Rob, I would like to agree. If the Astros jump out to a lead of 3 or more runs early, it will be over

Matt (Memphis)

Rob...1. Clemens post-season record isn't exactly stellar.2. You have to hope Lidge's arm isn't about to fall off.3. Oswalt is a starter, not a closer...different mentality.

Erik (Boston, MA)

It's not like the Cardinals are putting up huge crooked numbers and running away with any of these games. Considering how hot the 'Stros lineup is right now, especially with regards to Beltran, the difference between the lineups is just not great enough to make up for the difference in talent between Clemens and Suppan.

Brian (Boston)

I have a (semi-) logical one for you, Mr. Neyer. Any track record on Oswalt out of the pen on short rest? Also, Clemens did not exactly show up for game 7 last year in the ALCS... Other than that I think the 'stros have the clear edge.

Buzzmaster

  (8:09 PM)

Pedro certainly looked less than terrific coming out of the bullpen last night.

Austin (San Antonio)

Oswalt had 3 days rest, he's not gonna go more than 4 innings. Short rest means nothing.

Rob Neyer

  (8:11 PM)

Matt, 1) Clemens' career postseason ERA was 3.47 before this year, which is actually pretty good, 2) sure, anything could happen, and 3) okay, but I would argue that starters are actually better as relievers, because they don't have to pace themselves. Just watch Oswalt bring it tonight...

Mal-2, Los Angeles

Perhaps the Cardinal plan is to tread water till the Astros have to put out someone they can hit? The Clemens for 6, Oswalt for 2, Lidge for 1 plan is a nice idea, but plans like that worked ujust great for the Yanks last night, didn't they?That said, maybe someone channels Jose Lima and is just lights out...

Buzzmaster

  (8:12 PM)

Lest we forget, we're playing NL ball tonight, which means even the most carefully scripted pitching plans can go awry. What happens if Clemens goes five and Oswalt is due up in the sixth or seventh with the score tied or runners on?

Dre (TO)

I think the Cards have to have patient approaches at the plate and be pests, try to wear Clemens down and get him to make mistakes. Even if Lidge comes in, he's been throwing a lot of balls, the Cards just haven't held back. Patient ABs will be a big factor in this game.

Rob Neyer

  (8:14 PM)

Sure, sometimes plans don't work. That's why we watch, right? But if you're betting, the choice seems at least moderately obvious, doesn't it?

Matt (Memphis)

Rob...agreed that a starter doesn't have to pace himself coming in for relief, but he also doesn't have the luxury of easing into the game. He has to be 100% ready RIGHT NOW. I think that's difficult for a starter to do. BTW...Suppan's post-season ERA (this year) is 3.46 with a 1-1 record.

Rob Neyer

  (8:15 PM)

Steve Lyons just described Roger Clemens as a "finesse pitcher."No comment necessary.

Dave (Lexington, MA)

Forget the stats. Everybody overanyalyzed the game yesterday, and, the game was over after 1 and a 1/2 innings

BT (SF)

Rob, I wish I could bet you on this....Can you really feel comfortable with Clemens on the mound in Game 7 of a road park? I'd be terrified if I were a Houston fan....

Ben (St. Louis)

Everyone underestimates Suppan. He threw a SERIES CLINCHING GAME against the Dodgers. By the way, that game was a 2 hitter.

Larry (KC)

Being a long suffering Royals fan, can't believe ANYONE is counting on Suppan for something this significant!

Rob Neyer

  (8:20 PM)

Yes, Dave! Let's forget the stats!(pause...)Okay, now what do we talk about? I mean, I'm all for just having a good time, but if we're going to forget about the stats then anything's not only possible, but likely. Hey, maybe Suppan will pitch a perfect game and hit two grand slams. It could happen!

Buzzmaster

  (8:22 PM)

All right, here we go with Biggio.

Joe (Kirksville, MO)

Busch is LOUD...the best fans in baesball are ready for this game.

Matt (Fairfax, VA)

Craig Biggio could really use a Bellhorn/Damon-like big hit tonight

Tom (Seattle)

Biggio is going to Damon us tonight.

Buzzmaster

  (8:23 PM)

And Tom gets the Nostradamus award for the night, as Biggio goes yard.

Bill (Cincy)

I guess that answers my questions about biggio in the big game

Matt (Fairfax, VA)

Everybody give Tom and I credit, we called it!

Cory (Bryan, TX)

darn..every time a visiting team has scored first in this series, they have lost...

Terence (Philadelphia)

Biggio hasn't hit all series. This can't be good for the Cards.

Austin (San Antonio)

There goes Suppans perfect game.

Joe (Kirksville, MO)

Hey, we got Beltran out. Thats progress.

Tom (Chicago (formerly of St. Louis))

Suppan got off to a slow start, bad first inning in game 3, but settled down nicely after that. It's a LONG game!

andy (champaign)

and thats why i said sanders makes me nervous in left yesterday

Buzzmaster

  (8:27 PM)

Sanders with the Manny-esque angle on that ball, makes the catch for out no. 2.

David (Curacao)

Is Manny playing left?

Justin (St. John's)

Interesting catch

Erik (Boston, MA)

On a side note, Manny is the WORST left fielder in the game.

Buzzmaster

  (8:28 PM)

Bagwell hit it hard, but Suppan did a good job after Biggio took him deep. Now it's Roger's turn.

Austin (San Antonio)

cant we get off of the sox or yanks?

Rob Neyer

  (8:29 PM)

Nice comeback for Suppan, retiring the rest of the Killer B's after Biggio hit the leadoff homer. You know all those things you've heard about the record of the team that scores first? Forget about them. Being ahead 1-0 after 1/18th of the game really doesn't mean a whole heck of a lot.

Buzzmaster

  (8:29 PM)

It was one post, Austin. You know, NLCS fans are becoming almost as paranoid as Red Sox Nation.

Tony (Columbia, MO)

Whats this discussion about the Sox Manny? Come can we get one night, our night w/o talking about the AL?

Bill (Cincy)

how about this, Austin, Adam Dunn is the worst striking-out left fielder in the game

roger (Stl)

you call it paranoia, Buzz, we call it media-fixation with the east coast

Eric (St. Louis, MO)

Edgar is leading off? QUE?!?!

Buzzmaster

  (8:32 PM)

You know Brad Lidge has arrived when the announcers say Clemens has a "Lidge-type slider" ...

Joe (Kirksville, MO)

Ok, does anyone else think that Renteria is leading off because Womack is hurt...so when Womack leaves for Luna it wont hurt like it did last game.

andy (champaign)

womack has back spasms. barely could start and is batting 7th

Eric (St. Louis, MO)

I like that thinking Joe.

Tom (Chicago (formerly of St. Louis))

EXACTY RIGHT JOE!

Tim (Austin, TX)

Looks like they're working the pitch count on Clemens...

reverse the curse (houston)

Clemens falling behind

Buzzmaster

  (8:35 PM)

Two down for Clemens, as Walker pops up to third.

Dre (TO)

Just like I asked for, patient ABs.

Matt (Memphis)

Exactly what they should do Tim...get to the middle relievers if at all possible.

Pat (Paducah KY)

All fast balls - Clemens is going to bring it - and he will be sorry....Cards no how to hit pitches that throw all fast balls

Erik (Boston, MA)

Clemens is throwing harder than his last two starts, consistently hitting 94

Vishal (Philly)

Clemens always tries to throw a lot of fastballs the first time through the order. That way he gives hitters a different look in the subsequent ABs.

Andrew (Toronto)

Meanwhile, Steve Lyons almost makes me wish I was listening to Tim McCarver. Clemens has never lost to the Cardinals in the postseason, apparently! In... one appearance!

Buzzmaster

  (8:38 PM)

And Pujols flies to right to end the first.

reverse the curse (houston)

have to like that start by clemens..only threw fastballs and still got them out..hasnt had to show splitter yet..advantage stros

Rob Neyer

  (8:39 PM)

Good inning for the Rocket. You know, I think having Oswalt in reserve is a huge edge for Clemens tonight. He doesn't really have to worry about pacing himself, can just go full-out until he runs out of gas in the sixth or seventh.

Trevor (Norwalk)

Clemens didn't impress me, fastballs down the middle won't get it done all night.

Ben (Atlanta)

No, he's setting up for the breaking pitches.

Andrew (Toronto)

I still feel like St. Louis is going to put together a multi-run inning in the fifth or so. Clemens has been great this year, but hasn't shown he can go too deep into games... not to take anything away from him, the man's old enough to be my father.

Bryce (New Orleans)

Kent usually kills Suppan

Adam (Toronto)

Am I alone in really disliking Kent?

Buzzmaster

  (8:42 PM)

Barry Bonds is with you, Adam.

kenneth (sydney)

of the next six batters only Kent and Vizzy are hitting their weight - should be an easy inning for Suppan

Ryan (Rochester, NY)

Adam, I was thinking the exact same thing!

KB (Springfield, MO)

No, I think I really despise the guy as well.

Dave (Lexington, MA)

Kent is the man, maybe you should go watch hockey

Killer B's (Houston)

Suppan is having trouble locating....

Jacobh (Boston)

I like Kents approach. If Suppan is going to keep throwing junk, the Astros should try to work him in the count . Make him throw some strikes.

Buzzmaster

  (8:45 PM)

Vizcaino lines a single into left with one out.

Marcus (San Antonio)

Atta bot Viz...

DeWayne (Houston)

Let's play small ball better than we have been!

Cody (Memphis)

Suppan needs a double play ball.....

Dan (Derry NH)

Wasn't Brad Ausmus a decent threat at the plate with Detroit? or am I imagining this?

Buzzmaster

  (8:47 PM)

Only given the context on some of those Tigers teams ...

Buzzmaster

  (8:47 PM)

Tremendous catch by Edmonds in center!

Dan (Derry NH)

Unbelievable Catch. Un-Be-Liev-Able

Larry (Frederick, MD)

EDMO!

Hook (Tuscaloosa)

YES!!! That's classic Edmonds. Stud, Stud, Stud.

Matt (Memphis)

Great freakin' catch!!!

Casey (AZ)

great catch, but StL looks like they're in trouble tonight

Joe (Kirksville, MO)

JIM DANDY!!! That is what you do in Game 7!

Erik (Boston, MA)

Jim Edmonds just singlehandedly saved this game in what could be the best catch in NLCS history.

Buzzmaster

  (8:49 PM)

I'll give you that he did indeed make the catch with one hand ... but easy on the hyperbole.

John (Albuquerque, NM)

Andruw Jones makes that catch standing up, but I swear I'm not a bitter Braves fan.

Buzzmaster

  (8:50 PM)

And the Cards get out of it, no runs scored.

Tom (Chicago (formerly of St. Louis))

That was Willie like!!! That kind of catch can ignite some offense!

Josh (Baghdad(via st. louis))

Jim is the master of making routine plays look difficult.

Rob Neyer

  (8:50 PM)

Suppan escapes the second with no damage to the scoreboard. But you guys are right: if he doesn't pitch better than he's looked, could be a long night for the St. Louis bullpen, not to mention the fans.

sam (ST. LOUIS)

buzzmaster...you're definitely an astros fan... OBVIOUSLY

Buzzmaster

  (8:52 PM)

Sam, I can honestly say that's the first time I've been accused of that.

Matt (Memphis)

Jim Edmonds is, on a day-by-day basis, ensuring that he'll never have to pay for another meal or drink in St. Louis as long as he lives. Between the HR last night and that catch...

Mike (Phoenixville, PA)

Isn't Edmonds a bit notorious for making catches look more difficult than they have to be in order to make highlight reels?

Matt (Fairfax, VA)

And, of course, Edmonds is due up in the next inning...anyone willing to bet against him getting a huge hit?

Jerod (Seattle)

what are your affiliations, Buzz? Are do you have to maintain the appearance of objectivity?

Buzzmaster

  (8:54 PM)

a) Red Sox, and b) absolutely not.

Dustin (Houston)

How many times have you seen it? A guy makes a great play in the top of the inning, only to be an easy out in the bottom of the inning.

Buzzmaster

  (8:54 PM)

And Clemens cruises through the inning, with Bagwell making a nice scoop for the third out.

Hopfrog (Columbus)

Man, Rocket is on tonight. Good location. Changing speeds. Getting them to swing at his pitches.

Marc (Tempe)

Don't the Cards have to take some pitches to make Clemens pitch count go up and get him out as soon as possible?

Keith (Tomball, TX)

Clemens absolutely breezes through that inning

Rob Neyer

  (8:55 PM)

Clemens is just pouring in the fastballs -- "finesse pitcher," huh? -- and it's working, because he's got movement (as he's had for a couple of decades now). Can he get away with it all night? No, of course not. Just wait, though; the second time through the order, he'll start mixing in more splitters and sliders. Remember, this is 1) the 2004 Cy Young winner, and 2) one of the five greatest pitchers who ever lived.

LT (Los Angeles)

To Eric in Boston, that catch by Edmonds was the most fantastic cosmic achievement since the dawn of man.

Terence (Philadelphia)

Marc, increasing the pitch count would be a bigger factor if Oswalt and Lidge weren't waiting in the wings.

Jimmy (Columbia)

Is it me or does it seem that the announcers are rooting for the Astros. They keep saying good things about the astros and when the cards do something good, they start to point out all the things that could have affected the play made that easier for them

Rob Neyer

  (8:58 PM)

For those of you not watching on TV, Fox just presented a wild set of numbers . . . through the first six games of this series, the Astros and Cardinals have the same number of runs, the same batting average, and the same ERA.

Buzzmaster

  (8:58 PM)

Jimmy - I'm thinking of a Buffalo Springfield song ... paranoia strikes deep, into your life it will creep ...

Matt (Memphis)

OK, Suppan is officially scaring the hell out of me right now.

Dan (Derry NH)

Suppan isn't going to get through this lineup again throwing pitches like this.

jay (syracuse)

most of suppan's outs are hard, he's not fooling anyone

marko (los angeles)

What do you gusy expect? Its JEFF FREAKIN' SUPPAN?

Dustin (Cincy)

Rob, when I saw those numbers I immediately thought of you

Cody (Memphis)

Beltran may swipe a base here

steve (san francisco)

I don't want him to steal. I just want him to freak out Suppan.

Tim (Austin, TX)

Six straight balls for Suppan, almost all of which were in the dirt.

Buzzmaster

  (9:03 PM)

And Beltran steals second without much of a fight.

Eddie Dean (Toronto)

Could that Suppan delivery have been any slower?

Shannah (Houston)

Beltran, I love this kid!

Rob Neyer

  (9:03 PM)

Speed kills.

Buzzmaster

  (9:03 PM)

Beltran takes a chance but forces a throw which ends up in the dugout. 2-0, Astros.

Ron (Houston)

Amazing! Beltran can change the entire game

JT (Lynchburg, VA)

You gotta love SPEED!

Brian (Franklin, MA)

Beltran single handedly produces a run again.

Killer B's (Houston)

So much for Edmonds saving a run...

Rob (Shadows of the Yankee Lore)

Is that the 3b's fault? should he have froced beltran on a different line?

joel (portsmouth)

that's actually a pretty good throw by edmonds... just deflects off of beltran

jay (syracuse)

Beltran shouldn't have tried for third there with two outs... but i'm sitting at my computer and he just scored in the NLCS

Rob Neyer

  (9:06 PM)

Another singleton for Houston, thanks to Beltran's patience, Beltran's speed, and Beltran's speed again. How many dimensions can a single baseball player display?

JT (Lynchburg, VA)

BTW, this sure is more fun than saying all these things out loud to my wife and her wondering why I'm talking to the TV.

Buzzmaster

  (9:06 PM)

Just don't forget to take out the trash, JT.

Tim (Austin, TX)

Considering how Suppan has been pitching, the Cards have gotten off easy so far....

Andrew (Toronto)

Despite everyone freaking out about Suppan, I've gotta point out that he's allowed 1 ER on 2 hits over 3, with a couple K's. I'll take it.

Michael (Sacramento)

It's like we all get to be our own little analysts...we should do this every year...

jason (kc)

id like to remind every one this "great" beltran hit a measley .267 in the regular season....

John Amsterdam the Netherlands

It is good to follow the game here, you guys are giving a great play by playThanks,Cardinal fan here, how bad does Suppan look and who is going to take his place?

Mike (Indianapolis)

More Beltran propoganda -- he has a fantasic two weeks of baseball, and all of the sudden he's Mays? Give me a break!

Buzzmaster

  (9:09 PM)

Womack slides into second with a double, but the effort might be all he's got for the night. He looks like he's hurting pretty good.

Owen (Valdez, Alaska)

No way that should have been a double.

Casey (AZ)

John - suppan doesn't look bad... he's just not getting any breaks

Matt (Memphis)

Suppan doesn't look good, but he seems to be functional at least (John). Don't know who'd replace him, they've not made any comments about anyone warming up in the BP.

Brandon (Columbia, MO)

to John: Suppan looks like Suppan. He's hitting spots at times and making mistakes at times. I say TLR will let him pitch for a while and then expect Haren at some point.

Pat (Paducah, KY)

Time for Cards to play small ball

Buzzmaster

  (9:11 PM)

And Matheny grounds to the right side, moving Womack to third.

Buzzmaster

  (9:11 PM)

And the squeeze scores Womack. Great "small ball" or a waste of two outs? Given that it's Matheny and Suppan, probably not bad strategy.

Owen (Valdez, Alaska)

Now that's baseball, ladies and gentlemen! Beautiful squeeze.

Matt (Fairfax, VA)

They should put a picture of that squeeze next to its definition in the Baseball Encyclopedia

Mike (Rochester, NY)

Oooooohhh the Squeeeeze.

Ben (St. Louis)

That is what great managers do to make it a game!

Michael (Sacramento)

Beautiful sqeeze you won't see that in any AL game...

James (Sacramento)

Great squeeze play! Again, both teams taking that extra chance and playing aggressive. This is great baseball.

Eddie Dean (Toronto)

Oh man, that was risky. What if Suppan completely missed?

Vishal (Philly)

Don't credit the manager, credit the pitcher! Great job by Suppan.

Robin (Calgary)

Even if Womack is spent now, he can leave with his head up high. Gutsy effort.

Nidal Qasem (Columbus, ohio)

This series bores me

Rob Neyer

  (9:13 PM)

I love the squeeze play (mostly because it worked). I also enjoyed Brennaman's call: "Suicide squeeze works to perfection!" Broadcasters always add "to perfection" on these, and also hit-and-run plays. But doesn't it just work or not work? Can a squeeze play work, but imperfectly? Curiously yours...

Buzzmaster

  (9:13 PM)

More than this year's Buckeyes?

steve (san francisco)

Buzz, it's not all homers and DH's in the National League. We earn our runs here.

Hook (Tuscaloosa)

That's called baseball Buzz, we play it out here in the midwest.

JT (Lynchburg, VA)

Sorry guys. Had to leave to take out the trash.

Matt (Fairfax, VA)

People from Columbus know a lot about boring

Eric (OAK)

If you guys enjoy watching bunting, I suggest you attend more spring training games and watch the pitchers hit.

Stephen (Provo)

Wouldnt it be imperfect if he missed the bunt but its a passed ball? Theres no way you could call that perfection

danny (new haven)

i guess the squeeze could work with an error or bad decision by someone, and it would not be perfect

Greg (PSU/NH)

Mr. Neyer raises a great point, but its for dramatic effect, the whole perfection thing. Maybe they should use "successfully" as the proper adverb rather than perfectly. But, i digress and no one really cares, as long as the run scores.

Jeremy (Chapel Hill)

Why do the announcer's want Ensberg to bunt? He's hitting sixth, followed by two offensive vacuums

Matt (St. Louis)

LaRussa makes his third pitching change in the 7th...to perfection.

Buzzmaster

  (9:19 PM)

Suppan finally get ahead of someone 0-2, with a runner on first.

Dustin (Houston)

Bunting is in this year.

Buzzmaster

  (9:19 PM)

You might even say it's the new poker.

DeWayne (Houston)

Come on Astros, move the runner, it doesn't take a homer or even a base hit to score a run with a man on and no outs!

Tom (Seattle)

Would be a nice time for Suppan's FIRST ground ball

Austin (San Antonio)

already 50+ pitches for Suppan w/o a guy like oswalt to come outta the pen. u gotta like that if you are the astros.

Rob (Shadows of the Yankee Lore)

so much for staying ahead of the batter

Eric (OAK)

I say the sooner Suppan comes out of the game, the better chance St. Louis has to win the game.

brandon (washington)

haren has proven to do well in long relief and he is fresh in the pen

Tony (Columbia, MO)

Who cares about his pitch count, the cards have 12 pitchers just like him, its not as if hes clemens or something. a number of guys can come in do same as Soup.

Bryce (New Orleans)

Ensberg hasn't been hitting in the postseason but has really had some great AB that run up pitch counts

Buzzmaster

  (9:22 PM)

And the count goes full ...

Casey (AZ)

come on houston, now's your chance, blow it open...

Jeff (Columbus, OH)

Suppan needs to get a ground ball before he leaves. Only fitting that a sinkerballer gets at least one ground out.

John Amsterdam the Netherlands

His pitch count must be massive at this stage, and it sounds like they are not real quality pitches

Buzzmaster

  (9:24 PM)

Ensberg gets the single, but Kent has to hold at second.

Jared C (Coopertown, TN)

Who wants Vizcaino to bunt?

Tom (Seattle)

Suppan must be tipping his pitches, since they haven't swung at one sinker/slider.

JT (Lynchburg, VA)

OK--you gotta bunt and move them over--even with Ausmus and Clemens coming up.

T.J. (Macomb, IL)

They need to get Haren in ASAP

Buzzmaster

  (9:25 PM)

Looks like he's nearly ready in the pen.

Jeremy (Chapel Hill)

A bunt here has absolutley zero effect on the chances of scoring a run under normal circumstances, with the bottom of the ordrr due up, it's bad

Bryce (New Orleans)

what is this commentary, vizcaino hits.500 off of Suppan

Dave (Chicago)

Vizcaino hits Suppan better than anyone in the league! How can you bunt here???

Alex (Winona, MN)

Ok Buzz: bearing in mind all they just said (which was a good point), swing away or bunt? WHat would you do as the manager?

Buzzmaster

  (9:26 PM)

I'd say swinging away was the right call, but what do I know.

Michael (Sacramento)

even my 12 year old brother says Suppan looks tired and he's never seen a Cardinals game in his life...

Buzzmaster

  (9:27 PM)

Runners on the corner with one out, as Vizcaino grounds into the force.

Chainsaw (Houston)

Ausmus got his one good swing for the month robbed by Edmonds earlier, you cant expect him to hit again

JT (Lynchburg, VA)

Hey, give Ausmus some credit, He has just as many RBI's in the LCS as Manny!

John (Irvine)

Tit-for-tat? Another Suicide Squeeze "to perfection?"

Mark (Chaiyaphum, Thailand)

What do you do if Clemens comes up with the bases loaded? Let him hit?

Buzzmaster

  (9:29 PM)

Might happen, count goes 3-0 on Ausmus.

Dave (Chicago)

Please give me a DP grounder

Eric (OAK)

Ausmus will strike out, it's what he does.

Pat (Paducah, KY)

full count - nice jam from Suppan

Buzzmaster

  (9:30 PM)

Suppan gets the big K on a check swing to bring up Clemens with two outs.

Matt (Fairfax, VA)

Biggest out of the game so far right there

kenneth (Sydney)

Ok - i am ready to admit that Suppan needs mapquest to find the strike zone

David (Oakland)

Worst. AB. Ever.

Jeff (Columbus, OH)

I realize that it wasn't Beltran, but that was a nice pitching job by Suppan.

Lenn (Blacksburg, VA)

I'm an O's fan so I'm not biased...are the Card fans not the best in baseball?

Michael (Sacramento)

Thank you for calling OnStar how can we help you Mr. Suppan...

Buzzmaster

  (9:33 PM)

Clemens Ks looking and Suppan escapes again.

David (Toronto)

Yep, Suppan is actually showing us something

Matt (St. Louis)

i am the best fan in baseball, but i cannot speak for my peers i suppose.

Keith (Tomball, TX)

I'm an Astros fan but Cardinals fans are first-rate.

Brian (DC)

No comparison.... St. Louis is the best baseball town in the nation

Robin (Calgary)

Is there any way you bring Suppan back out for the 5th? Even if he finished strong, he still looks way too vulnerable.

Killer B's (Houston)

Astros fans are AMAZING...did you read the decibal level at MMP???

Dre (TO)

Meat of the order here...I feel a big inning.

Rob Neyer

  (9:35 PM)

I'm not sure I buy the "St. Louis is the best baseball town" argument. What's the evidence, exactly? Better than Boston? Why? Because the fans get off on wearing red? I'm not saying it's wrong. I'm just saying I haven't seen a great argument yet.

Toby (Austin Tx)

so what do you have to do to get your comments posted????

Buzzmaster

  (9:36 PM)

Make an interesting point. Or you know, just use a lot of question marks ...

sam (st loo)

we are among the bst fans because we give credit where it is due and are faithful to those who work hard, even though they are underappreciated...look at New York fans for an opposite example

Owen (Valdez, Alaska)

No, Rob, the way they support their team on and off the field is exemplary. They're far more positive than Boston or New York fans.

Rob Neyer

  (9:37 PM)

That works?????

Michael (LA, CA)

st. louis might have that killer combination of passion, dedication, and class, the latter of which the boston/ny fans sometimes seem to lack...

Todd (Lewisburg, PA)

I say Philly teams, theres so much emotion and love for sports there, even though they treat everyone like trash.

Rob Neyer

  (9:39 PM)

Well, that's one way of defining "best," and not a bad one. But are Cardinals fans as knowledgeable as, say, Red Sox fans? That's a pretty tough test.

Matt C. (St. Louis)

STL fans are very overrated. They are good fans, but these are the same people who showed up late for Mark McGwire Day early in the season. These are the same fans who, at the last game I attended, were discussing whether Tony Womack was the first or second best secondbaseman in baseball, etc.

Seth (L.A.)

Thank you, Rob. Boston was a baseball town before St. Louis was on the map.

Buzzmaster

  (9:40 PM)

Meanwhile, Pujols is battling Clemens at 1-2 with one out.

Nathan (Oakland)

I've heard that players like to play in St. Louis, both for the Cardinals (they take to new players right away) and as visitors (generally classy, unless you're the Cubs).

James (Sacramento)

Rocket's in a groove. Pujols came into this game on fire. He really didn't get a good swing on Clemens.

Lenn (Blacksburg, VA)

No, Boston is OBSESSED. Today on ESPN radio they talked about Boston fans praying in Baltimore at Ruth's house yesterday.

Matt C. (St. Louis)

Actually, Seth, the St. Louis franchise is older than the Red Sox (1882 v. 1887) if I'm not mistaken.

Brian (Franklin, MA)

I'll tell you what, if St. Louis pulls out a win here... we Red Sox fans will show you the true meaning of "class"... mwuahahaha...

Joseph (Houston)

Long way to go, clemen's doesn't look to be getting his slider or splitter over right now... they could start sitting on the fastball

Hook (Tuscaloosa)

Rob, if you take a look at the QHCASO's (Quality hand clap and standing ovations) for the past decade, St. Louis edges out Boston.

Joseph (Houston)

I will say this for St. Louis fans, is it really necessary to ask for a curtain call on every home run?

Rob Neyer

  (9:44 PM)

Another great inning for Clemens, this one against the heart of the St. Louis lineup. You know, earlier in his career there were suggestions that Clemens got too pumped up for big games. I don't know if that was actually true, but now, in his sunset years, Clemens appears to have found the perfect blend of focus and intensity.

Buzzmaster

  (9:44 PM)

Rolen takes Clemens to the wall, but Beltran makes the catch to retire the side.

Brian (Franklin, MA)

Meanwhile, the Rocket is tossing a one-hitter...

Al (New Bedford)

Things like QHCASO are just superficial barometers. They say nothing about knowledge, just showing up and shouting.

Buzzmaster

  (9:45 PM)

Wow, I didn't think anyone would actually bite on that as a legit stat.

Brian (L.A.)

I'm telling you, it's only a matter of time before one of those Cards tees off on Clemens. That's three shots around the warning track tonight. They're sitting dead red at this point

Boose (Atlanta)

Buzz, why don't you weigh in?

Buzzmaster

  (9:48 PM)

On best baseball towns? My take is every city has about the same number of diehard, true baseball fans. The rest is a matter of winning and "cool" factor. How cool is it to go to the ballpark? In Boston, as an example. Fenway is a social scene. Best baseball town? I don't think there is one.

Edward (Chicago)

Suppan's still in there? Edmonds' defense and Ausmus' and Clemens' bad hitting saved him before. I don't like the feel of this.

Buzzmaster

  (9:49 PM)

Two quick outs as Beltran grounds out. He might buy himself another inning with this.

Pat (Paducah, KY)

Suppan is going 1-2-3 against the top of the order - who would have thought?

Buzzmaster

  (9:50 PM)

And Sanders makes the catch for a very quick inning.

Mike (Indianapolis)

Looks like Suppan needed to warm up. Too bad it took two runs before he did

Rob Neyer

  (9:51 PM)

Quick fifth inning for Suppan and he didn't throw many pitches, which might buy him a sixth. Really, he's pitched about as well as anybody could reasonably have expected, and both Astro runs were a bit fluky in their way. This is shaping up as one of the biggest challenges in Clemens' career.

Edgar (L.A.)

Can you guys at least once just put one of my comments on here. I just want to know that i'm not talking to myself here.

Buzzmaster

  (9:52 PM)

Although this doesn't prove you aren't talking to yourself, Edgar.

Eric (OAK)

Clemens is at 53 pitches through 4, he's got at least three more innings in him as long as his stuff keeps him in the game.

Pat (San Diego)

Clemens hasn't struck out even one batter. The Cards have to have more patient ABs.

Brad (Philly)

At first sight, Clemens/Suppan may look lopsided, but Suppan's keepin the cards in it.

Buzzmaster

  (9:54 PM)

Edmonds gets the Cards started with a single. Now ... bunt?

Brian (L.A.)

I smell a rally here.

Matt (Corunna, Ont)

And so it begins......

Buzzmaster

  (9:54 PM)

And that breaks the record for posts from Canada in one Show.

Alek (Denver)

The Cardinals, excluding last night, have seemed to have been really quite impatient recently. Somehow they keep on making it though. May the best team win tonight, regardless of patience(Though it does help...).

Dan (Derry NH)

Too bad after Sanders the lineup dies.

Killer B's (Houston)

Trust me...Reggie Sanders isnt bunting...

Rob Neyer

  (9:56 PM)

I mocked Steve Lyons for calling Clemens a "finesse pitcher," so in fairness I should mention that Clemens does not, oddly enough, have even one strikeout yet. It's had to get strikeouts if you don't throw good off-speed pitches late in the count, and I think it's time that Clemens started. Because if these Cardinals continue to make contact, eventually one of them's going to achieve lift-off.

kenneth (australia)

i think Edmonds needs to get on to second - I wouldn't leave this to Sanders

Sunny (Los Angeles, CA)

Cards are trying not to fall behind to Clemens. Once the rockets got the count, nothing can stop him.

Tim (Austin, TX)

Clemens doesn't seem to be throwing inside as much as he usually does.

David (St Louis)

The line up defineatly doesnt die after sanders, womack is the best contact hitter on the team

Brad, Denver

I'd be getting Oswalt up about now, he may have to go 3 innings

Dave (Chicago)

Edmonds has already been caught once this series and was lambasted in here for it

Buzzmaster

  (9:59 PM)

Sanders Ks looking for the first out.

Eric (OAK)

Clemens is at 63 pitches, got his first K with a breaking pitch, I think he's fine.

Joseph (Houston)

nice breaking ball there

Shane (Austin)

I think its funny listening to fellow arm chair coaches attempt to second guess Roger's pitching. I'm pretty sure Roger knows what he's doing

Joel (Auckland New Zealand)

I'm sure he felt the stinging retribution from the people in "The Show" here...

Matt C. (St. Louis)

We're pretty international up in here tonight... Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Texas...

Buzzmaster

  (10:01 PM)

Womack comes through with the single, first and second with one out. And you know Suppan won't bat if there isn't a DP here.

Buzzmaster

  (10:02 PM)

Or if they don't pick off Womack at first ...

DeWayne (Houston)

Ausmus,,,,,,,HEADS UP!!!!

Kevin (CA)

wasted chance, there went the inning.

Rob Neyer

  (10:02 PM)

You want to hold off on using Oswalt for as long as you can, because ideally he'll start Game 1 of the World Series -- or perhaps Game 2 -- in just a few days.

Bigfoot (Hairy, Me)

WHAT A PLAY BY AUSMUS!!!

Evan (Houston)

One of the best defensive catchers in the league comes through again

Matt (Memphis)

Great job Womack, you tool.

Mel (Ulm, MT)

He was safe. By a lot.

Owen (Valdez, Alaska)

Too bad we can't have an umpires' conference for this call.

Buzzmaster

  (10:04 PM)

So much for that rally, as Beltran retires the side with a running catch.

Buzzmaster

  (10:04 PM)

So does Suppan get another inning, due up first next inning?

Sam (Kansas City)

Bottom part of Card's lineup didn't get the job done. Big mistake, regardless of blown call by umpires

Rob Neyer

  (10:05 PM)

Tough inning for the Cardinals, with Womack getting picked off first base by Ausmus (whose throw, it should be said, was not particularly accurate). He may well have been safe, but it was a very close play and (it should be said) shouldn't have been.

Buzzmaster

  (10:06 PM)

Wow, listen to the next Sounds of the Game, whenever they play it, and tell me Suppan doesn't sound like Christian Slater.

Alek (Denver)

Suppan should go again. Last thing the Cards need is to kill the momentum by taking out a pitcher who is doing his job in a great, great way. Remember Game 5. Woody was taken out while pitching a brilliant no-hitter and Isringhausen had a record of giving up tough jacks. Keeping him in would be the smart thing to do.

Michael (London, UK)

When you have this kind of pitching duel, how do you take out the pitcher? I am usually against it this early.

Mike (Yokosuka Japan(Houston Tx))

I think Suppan will come out he's been strong the whole game and with the pitchers spot due up next I believe this will be his last inning

Buzzmaster

  (10:07 PM)

And Suppan it is.

Ryan (Cambridge, MA)

Yeah, this is Suppan's last inning. What a solid start though...

Joseph (Houston)

Berkman is swinging at some bad pitches

Matt (Fairfax, VA)

Let's not speak too soon about Suppan's great performance...he's got 3 tough hitters coming up

Tony (Columbia, MO)

Wow, three innings ago the entire "Show" was saying how terrible Suppan looked, how it was only a matter of time, how he was hanging everything. This is how he has pitched every single start all year. Gives up about 3, but we score 4 or 5 for him. Solid is the perfect discription.

Jamila (Boston)

Be careful with that, Alek. Last night, Pedro came in because Lowe was exhausted after six. Suppan could be as well, I think he's done after 6.

Keith (Tomball, TX)

that was a terrible AB to get K'd looking

Joel (Auckland New Zealand)

More chatter on what's happening on the tube please, the gamecast is dog slow at times.....

Buzzmaster

  (10:12 PM)

Berkman Ks looking, bringing up Kent.

Casey (AZ)

christian slater, buzz? get your hearing checked! he sounds more like justin timberlake

Buzzmaster

  (10:12 PM)

I'll take your word for that, Casey.

Buzzmaster

  (10:13 PM)

Inning over easily for Suppan, but he's due up for first. What's the call, Show folks?

sam (st .loo)

here comes cedeno and his .400 BA against clemens

Dave (Chicago)

Cedeno, Renteria, Walker coming up

Max (New York)

Does anybody realize that after all this, Suppan could very well get the loss?

James (Sacramento)

Unless he's exhausted - you bring him back for the top of the 7th.

Matt (Memphis)

Man, Suppan is rolling. You've got to keep him in at this point.

Rob Neyer

  (10:14 PM)

Suppan cruises through the sixth, but now he'll be bumped for a pinch-hitter. Fine performance, especially considering how it started. But can La Russa's tired bullpen hold down the Astros while the Cardinals try to scratch out a couple of runs?

Mike (Indianapolis)

Gotta pinch hit -- one run game for a trip to the World Series? Put a hitter in the batter's box

Eddie Dean (Toronto)

Pull him, his pitch count is way to high to keep him in at this point. Like someone previously mentioned. He hasn't been all that special in this game, but he's got the job done. You can credit that to Houston's poor batting performance rather than his "good" pitching. I think any reliever could do just about the same job at this point.

John (Albuquerque, NM)

Suppan's gone. You only have 12 outs left. Here comes overpaid Roger Cedeno.

Buzzmaster

  (10:16 PM)

And it's Cedeno.

Michael (London, UK)

Please post... Mark my words... bad move by TLR.

Ryan (Cambridge, MA)

Suppan's got to be gone... this isn't a regular season game, and twelve outs to save your season aren't exactly enough to waste one. What are bullpens for? Throw in all the pitching you have to. Here's a question: how long does Clemens go, 8? Then Lidge? If Clemens can only go 7 what do they do?

Buzzmaster

  (10:17 PM)

Cedeno thought about going to second but reaches first on the single.

James (Sacramento)

How does Roger Cedeno - who's been a marginal player for his entire career - own the Rocket?

Terence (Philadelphia)

Kent is slower than molasses in January.

John (Albuquerque, NM)

Clemens just threw himself a double. Cedeno will be running

Tony (Peoria, AZ)

20-20 hindsight: Cedeno was a good call.

Matt (Corunna, Ont)

and he can run...will there be a bunt?

Rob Neyer

  (10:18 PM)

Sample size, James . . . sample size. Remember when everybody said that Enrique Wilson could hit Pedro Martinez in the dark?

Hook (Tuscaloosa)

Bunt here? Renteria's been struggling.

LC (Albany,TX)

Cedeno get's a hit. Now will get picked off at 2B.

chase (ramadi,iraq)

they need to get oswalt warming up

danny (new haven)

probably because clemens has never bothered to read a scouting report on cedeno

Evan (Houston)

A bunt? Not with the top of the order up

Buzzmaster

  (10:20 PM)

He's shown bunt twice, but it's 2-0 now.

Rob Neyer

  (10:20 PM)

I think it's time to get Dan Wheeler working in the bullpen. With the pitcher due up third in the top of the seventh, you could use Wheeler in this inning, pinch-hit for him, then go with Oswalt and Lidge the rest of the way.

Michael (Wichita)

Should a veteran like Clemens be this bothered by a little pressure? Hasn't this guy played in a couple of WS?

Mike (New Jersey)

Bunting is a good, smart play. Move the runner over and have two chances to score him.

Noah (Charlotte)

This is a great hit and run count.

Rob Neyer

  (10:21 PM)

Cedeno's going to steal second base, won't even be close.

Owen (Valdez, Alaska)

Renteria got two hits yesterday, a hit-and-run would be smart with two fast guys right now.

Fahd (Birmingham, England)

More like a scout has never bothered to put a scouting report together on Cedeno!

Buzzmaster

  (10:22 PM)

I would have taken the strike and let Cedeno try and steal, but it's a good bunt by Renteria to move him over.

David (St Louis)

bad move, renteria could have gotten himself a hit

Jeremy (Chapel Hill)

Why? Cedeno could have stolen easily. If they lose, LaRussa should be fired

Noah (Charlotte)

SMART PLAY! Asking one of your big guns to bunt in the playoffs can be the key to winning.

John (Albuquerque, NM)

Why waste an out there ? Why not just have Cedeno steal second ?

Rob Neyer

  (10:23 PM)

O, La Russa and his bunts. . . With Clemens looking shaky, why not try to get the lead rather than the tie? Yes, it's certainly "good baseball." I'm just not sure it's winning baseball.

Pearlander (Pearland TX)

runner at second, one out...Walker and Pujols coming....this could be the key moment of this here

Jamie (Austin Tx)

Clemens is running out of gas!

Alek (Denver)

Good move. The bunt is very, very smart. Small ball is the way to go in this game. With the wind, you aren't gonna find many homers.

Rob Neyer

  (10:24 PM)

Is nobody working in the bullpen yet? If not, WTHN?

Adam (Toronto)

I dont understand why everybody gives professional ball players so much credit for properly executing a bunt

Richard (San Francisco)

Did you watch the poor bunting skills shown by the Red Sox a couple nights ago?

Matt (Corunna, Ont)

maybe it's because you aren't a professional ball player

Buzzmaster

  (10:25 PM)

Ooh, Canadian fight!

Buzzmaster

  (10:26 PM)

Two outs as Cedeno moves to third on Walker's grounder. Now it's Pujols' chance to tie it up.

David (Sao Paulo, Brazil)

Oh, the Canucks are going at it. Send one to the penalty box!

Eric (OAK)

Clemens vs. Pujols, isn't this why we're watching this game?

Rob Neyer

  (10:26 PM)

MEMO TO PHIL GARNER: Do not intentionally put the lead run on first base. Don't do it, man.

Dale (Greenville, SC)

Walk Pujols now ......

Sapien (San Jose)

Pujols has been hot this series - I would walk him and pitch to Rolen instead

Brandon (Houston)

Walk PUJOLS. Rolen's damage in this season has been minimal.

Buzzmaster

  (10:27 PM)

Phil's listening to Rob, pitching to Pujols.

Tony (Peoria, AZ)

Are you kidding? Rocket would probably shake off the IW sign for a chance at this

Buzzmaster

  (10:29 PM)

And we're tied on the Pujols double.

mike (bloomington)

that a boy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 2-2

Dan (Derry NH)

That's why Pujols is an MVP candidate.

Matt (Memphis)

Albert, you are a minor deiety.

Buzzmaster

  (10:30 PM)

And now we're not tied on Rolen's two-run homer.

Jason (Mississauga, ON)

Huge hit by Pujols... bigger one by Rolen!!!!

Max (New York)

PULL HIM NOW!!

Matt (Corunna, Ont)

book the tickets to Boston now!

Rob Neyer

  (10:30 PM)

Okay, I know what you're going to say . . . "See, they should have walked Pujols!" Maybe. But if Clemens throws that same pitch to Rolen . . . actually he just threw that same pitch to Rolen, and Rolen hit it over the fence to give the Cardinals a 4-2 lead.

Boose (Atlanta)

Has Garner been in the bathroom? Nobody is even warming up.

Robin (Calgary)

Rolen hasn't had a great postseason, but has come up big when he's had to.

Mike (New Jersey)

Phil Garner has mismanaged this inning by leaving Rocket in. He's obviously laboring.

Matt (Memphis)

Yes, please bring in Wheeler. Please.

Rob Neyer

  (10:32 PM)

Lyons just made a canny observation: "Clemens didn't adjust." It's true; Clemens has been throwing fastballs all night long, and eventually that had to catch up to him. Meanwhile, Dan Wheeler is just now starting to get loose in the bullpen. In this inning, Clemens was stubborn and Garner was negligent, and now we've got a completely different game.

Buzzmaster

  (10:33 PM)

Going to the 7th with a whole new game at 4-2. Kiko Calero takes over for Suppan.

Jordan (Pittsburgh)

Grady Little all over again?

Brian (L.A.)

Garner didn't mismanage. Rocket's got more game then anyone in the bullpen. He made a terrible pitch to Pujols. After that, Rolen's homer was gravy.

Mike (New Jersey)

Why is Wheeler warming up and not Oswalt? What is this guy thinking? This is game 7 and your chance to get to the World Series, wouldn't you want your best out on the mound?

Alex (Winona, MN)

Did Garner coming out to Clemens to talk to him then leaving him in remind anyone else of Grady Little last year?

Dale (Greenville, SC)

Now we get to see if the St. Louis shaky bullpen can hold Houston... I believe this game is not over by a long shot.

Keith (Tomball, TX)

The bullpen for the Cardinals didn't hold the lead yesterday though. The offense had to win it. Keep that in mind.

Leif (St. Louis)

Here's some food for thought. It's the top of the ninth, Cardinals still have the 4-2 lead. You bring in Izzy to pitch though he's been shakey in the postseason thus far?

Rob Neyer

  (10:35 PM)

Wheeler was warming up because 1) he's been pretty good lately, and 2) the pitcher's spot is due up third in the Astros' seventh. With Clemens finishing the sixth, though, we might see Oswalt getting loose while the Astros bat.

Erik (Linden, Germany)

Hope you are right Keith. Certainly sucks staying up late here (4:35 a.m. local time) and having the 'Stros lose

Cody (Memphis)

Oswalt is warming up.... hopefully the Cardinals can get a quick inning so Oswalt isn't ready.

Roger (Austin)

Oswalt's throwing now - we need him ASAP. Hope he does better than Pedro last night

Buzzmaster

  (10:38 PM)

Two quick outs brings up the pinch hitter.

David (St Louis)

Calero has come up big this post season for the cardinals

Michael (Sacramento)

is there a name that's more fun to say than Kiko Colero? just say it out loud a few times sounds like a girl you'd meet in a brazilian cafe

Brian (L.A.)

Man the Astros are getting seriously impatient.

Buzzmaster

  (10:40 PM)

HBP brings Biggio to the plate.

Shane (Austin)

Do they have a lot of Brazilian cafes in Sacramento?

danny (new haven)

oh wow, cannot hit the batter with the count on your favor

Cub Fan (NJ)

Calero is all over the place. Take some pitches!

Lee (Pingree Park Campus, RNF)

biggio needs to answer back like he did in the first already!

Buzzmaster

  (10:43 PM)

Force at second sends it to the bottom of the 7th. God Bless America should give Oswalt a few more seconds to warm up.

Sapien (San Jose)

Buzz and Rob - just to compare with last night's game, how many messages have you gotten so far today?

Buzzmaster

  (10:44 PM)

The NLCS games have been a little, or a lot, lighter in traffic. Then again, they've also had a lot fewer mindless insults.

Jamie (Cleveland)

is it just me, or is it nice to have a low-tech, organ-produced GBA, with the crowd as the singer?

Rob Neyer

  (10:44 PM)

Not looking too good for the Astros, huh? They're down two runs, but at least they don't have to face Pujols-Rolen-Edmonds again, and they do have a shot at Isringhausen still. Right now it's the Cardinals' game to lose, though, and I'm already thinking about a rematch of the '46 and '67 Seriouses.

Shane (Austin)

Could they not have brought someone in to sing God Bless America?

Owen (Valdez, Alaska)

This is the way "God Bless America" should be done, instead of using it to delay the game for 15 minutes.

Matt (Memphis)

Oh yeah, Oswalt starts off GREAT!

Buzzmaster

  (10:48 PM)

Quick out for Oswalt, grounder to short.

Hook (Tuscaloosa)

That's a bad at bat, way too jumpy. Make him throw strikes, you've got the lead.

Brian (Baltimore)

1-2-3 by Oswalt is a necessity to quite crowd and shift momentum

Brad (Philly)

Oswalt should have been in a long time ago.

Matt (Fairfax, VA)

Shouldn't this be Womack's last AB? I would imagine we get a defensive replacement in this big a game and Tony hobbling...

David (Sao Paulo, Brazil)

Oswalt coming in strong. Suprised me as I thought he would start slow.

Buzzmaster

  (10:52 PM)

Oswalt cruises through the seventh and Beltran will lead off, possibly against Tavarez.

Dave (Misawa AB Japan)

Here we go 6 more outs. Can they get them?

Joseph (Houston)

Beltran needs to get on base... I think he can get into taverez's head if he does

Rob Neyer

  (10:53 PM)

Granted, it wasn't the heart of the St. Louis order, but does anybody still think Oswalt can't pitch out of the bullpen? I'm telling you, if you made him a reliever he'd be one of the very best in the game. But you don't do it, because a good starter's more valuable than a great reliever.

roger (stl)

I would throw lefty Ray king here against Beltran, Bagwell and Berkman

Rob Neyer

  (10:54 PM)

My first non-baseball editorial of the postseason . . . Is that Applebee's commercial the corniest, silliest thing you've ever seen? Or is it just me?

Hook (Tuscaloosa)

Maybe Applebee's in Houston will feed the Astros after tonight's loss.

Shane (Austin)

King? He'd give up 2 runs easy!

Jeff (Columbus, OH)

I agree with Roger. Turn Beltran around.

Rob Neyer

  (10:55 PM)

If I were a Cardinals fan -- my grandma, for instance -- I'd be worried about Tavarez. He might have left everything on the mound last night.

Buzzmaster

  (10:56 PM)

Down goes Beltran for the first out.

Matt (Fairfax, VA)

This just in: The Red Sox won last night! Thanks, FOX! I was hanging on the edge of my seat for that one...

John (Albuquerque, NM)

Did Fox mention that Fox will be showing the World Series ?

Sapien (San Jose)

I would be more worried about Izzy than Tavarez

Buzzmaster

  (10:57 PM)

Nice snag by Renteria for the second out. Houston can't afford to go to the 9th trailing by two with 5-6-7 due up.

David (St Louis)

Tavarez looks great, as expected

Rob Neyer

  (10:58 PM)

Better lucky than good, right? Two batters, two rockets at the shortstop. Look for Berkman to get a happy swing here.

Brad (Philly)

Where has Lance Berkman been this series?

Robby (Charleston, SC)

If tavarez cruises through this inning there is no way you can bring in izzy

Buzzmaster

  (10:59 PM)

Renteria with the great play to end the 8th, but Taverez looks like he's hurt.

Dave (Misawa AB Japan)

Nothing beats great D

Michael (Sacramento)

nice snag by Pujols...don't think you'll be seing Tavarez anymore...

Mike (New Jersey)

What a play by Pujols to pick that out of the dirt. The guy is Primetime.

Tom (Seattle)

For better or worse, they will pinch hit for Taverez, so it's going to be Izzy in the 9th. (And now he's dead).

Rob Neyer

  (11:01 PM)

Did somebody really suggest that Tavarez pitch the ninth, rather than Isringhausen? He didn't have much of anything tonight, and the Cardinals are lucky that Isringhausen will have a save opportunity to convert.

Buzzmaster

  (11:02 PM)

Anderson leads off the 8th with a double, another run would spell doom for the Astros.

Kevin (Phoenix)

I'm used to watching the ALCS... normally the game in only in the 5th inning at this point in time.

Hook (Tuscaloosa)

Marlon Anderson!?!? I didn't know he still played baseball.

Buzzmaster

  (11:03 PM)

Runner to third on Renteria's bunt.

Brian (Baltimore)

Little dramatic there Buzzmaster

Buzzmaster

  (11:03 PM)

I'm auditioning for a tv gig.

Doug (St. Louis)

Small ball? What about Pujols's double and Rolen's homer? I'd say Big Ball has been the order of the day.

Buzzmaster

  (11:05 PM)

And there's the insurance run, as Walker singles.

Dan (Chicago)

Ballagme

Marcus (Omaha, NE)

Time to celebrate in St. Louis after that clutch hit by Walker.

Matt (Fairfax, VA)

Get the champagne ready, Cards fans

Rob Neyer

  (11:05 PM)

Game over, sports fans. Oswalt needed a strikeout there, and didn't get it.

Buzzmaster

  (11:05 PM)

Won't they be using Budweiser?

Ryan (Columbia, MO)

Cardinals pouring it on now

Buzzmaster

  (11:07 PM)

Double play gets the Astros out of it.

Michael (Wichita)

So when did "oh gosh don't bring Izzy in" with a 2 run lead become "game over" with 3?

Nick (Laramie, WY)

So does Isringhausen have anything left or will this be another gut-wrenching finale?

danny (new haven)

hey buzz can we get a little excitement outta ya! you were much more energetic for the alcs

Buzzmaster

  (11:09 PM)

I was also more energetic 14 games and 10 days ago.

Wadi (Santiago, Dominican Republic)

If St. Louis finishes of the game?? Who deserves the MVP?? I'd give my vote 2 Pujols ( Pujols and Ortiz Dominican MVP'S )

Matt (Corunna, Ont)

as I have said before (but it wasn't posted), Izzy is better with a multi run lead than a 1 run lead...take a look at last night, after it was tied, he was on...it's been that way all season for Izzy

Rob Neyer

  (11:10 PM)

Anybody want to compute the odds against Isringhausen blowing a three-run lead?

Matt C. (St. Louis)

Yeah... you need to be a little more "animated"

Buzzmaster

  (11:10 PM)

Don't make me bring in Dan Shanoff

Buzzmaster

  (11:11 PM)

Womack still in the game, makes a great defensive play. Interesting call to leave him in.

Chris (Las Vegas)

Womacks back cant hurt that bad, eh?

Cody (Memphis)

Great catch by Womack

Matt C. (St. Louis)

How do you swing at the first pitch there? Don't you make him work after three innings last night?

Buzzmaster

  (11:11 PM)

Two pitches, two outs. One more to go, Cardinals fans ...

Matt C. (St. Louis)

Hey, here's an idea... TAKE SOME PITCHES!!!!

Rob Neyer

  (11:11 PM)

Two pitches = two outs. This is going to be even easier than we thought.

Cub Fan (NJ)

Pathetic to swing at first two pitches

JMoney (Little Rock, AR)

Don't know what the heck the Astros are doing? Two pitches two outs?

Buzzmaster

  (11:13 PM)

And it'll be Cardinals-Red Sox in the World Series!

Dale (Greenville, SC)

Turn out the lights, the party's over !!! The fat lady is in full throttle!!!!

Mike (Boston)

wow what a pathetic inning

Alek (Denver)

In the words of the late, great, immortal Jack Buck, "Go crazy, folks! Go crazy!"

Mel (Ulm, MT)

The red sox have lost to the cardinals twice in the world series. Look forward to hearing that about 5 million more times in the next couple weeks.

Jamila (Boston)

My goodness, it's 11:15 and the game is over. I can sleep!

Mark (Syracuse)

1967 1967 1967 1967 1967 1967 1967 1967 1967

David (Sao Paulo, Brazil)

What a pathetic offensive performance by the 'Stros in a game 7.

Joseph (Houston)

Great season for the Astros, it was amazing we were even made it into the playoffs... this hurts though

Fraser (toronto)

You have to question the decision to use Clemens tonight instead of pitching him last night. You have to go for the throat when you get the chance.

Rob Neyer

  (11:16 PM)

The Astros and their fans will, of course, wonder what might have been. But two months ago they were long shots to even reach the postseason, let alone come within a few innings of reaching the World Series. So it was an amazing season for the Astros, and their inability to score against Jeff Suppan shouldn't really be held against them.And now we've got the Red Sox and the Cardinals, two storied franchises that just might have been the two best teams in the world this season. It doesn't get much better, and now we can only hope for a World Series that goes six or seven games. And as a native Missourian, I'm thrilled for all my kinfolk who used to tell me stories about Stan Musial and Bob Gibson.

Satan (Hell)

How big was that catch by Edmonds!!!! Saved the game.

Buzzmaster

  (11:17 PM)

Odd, I would have pegged you as more of a Yankees man ...

Michael (Wichita)

And only one day's rest for the Cards and that day spent traveling halfway across the country. Early advantage: Sox

Ryan (Chapel Hill, NC (via Houston))

In a way, I'm glad the Cards scored off Oswalt. Makes the decision to leave Clemens in that long seem not quite as terrible.

Mike (St. Louis)

Couldn't have asked for a better matchup. The two best offensives from both leagues going heads up.

Matt (Fairfax, VA)

Tim Wakefield vs. Woody Williams on Saturday?

Dan (Minneapolis)

correct me if i'm wrong...but the yankees are the best offensive americal league team, not the sox

Buzzmaster

  (11:21 PM)

All righty, we'll correct you. Sox scored 52 more runs.

Hook (Tuscaloosa)

They let Rick Ankiel spray champagne?

Jeff (Victorville)

Doesn't the all star game determining the home field advantage seem like a big joke now.

Devon (Boston)

If the Sox pitching has the gas left in the tank, that's gotta be the difference. And homefield advantage will be important. Great series coming up and the Sox aren't satisfied without a WS.

Mike (DC)

So how are the Bosox going to deal without the DH rule in the series? Taking David Ortiz out would be a huge thing!

Buzzmaster

  (11:25 PM)

How about it? How much of a factor will it be losing the DH for three games? Does Ortiz have to play first, knocking Millar out of the lineup?

Andrew (Boston)

Ortiz will play 1st base of course, can't lose that big of a bat. Millar will pinch hit if needed

Spencer (Amherst, MA)

Ortiz will play all three games, hes not that worse than Millar

Dave (Fort Collins, CO)

OK then, less than a week until Walker dribbles a ball through Ortiz's legs.

Matt (Fredericksburg VA)

They have already said that Ortiz will play first base in st louis, with doug coming in the late innings

Ryan (Cambridge, MA)

Yes, Ortiz plays first. And it's not like the Cards have a great player to DH in their pocket, so both sides will have home field advantages. Plus... and this should be surprising... it's the American League team with the better bench, and a former NL manager who knows how to use it.

Matt (Fairfax, VA)

Ortiz will play 1B for sure, but depending on the pitcher you either move Millar to RF against lefties or bench Millar in favor of Nixon in RF against righties...I say stick Pokey at 2B to make up for Ortiz

Geoff (Chicago)

Millar off the bench to pinch hit and a late inning defensive replacement but no way you take the LCS MVP out of the lineup for three critical games

Buzzmaster

  (11:28 PM)

What about Schilling? Obviously they had to keep him out of the mix in the NL park, but is he going to be able to bounce back enough to put together another solid start in Game 2?

Mike (St. Louis)

Here's a stat for you ESPN Analysts. Cardinals score differential this season = +197, Red Sox differential = +180, Next highest = +145, League average = 0

Matt (Fairfax, VA)

Now that I've noticed the Cards SP are all righties...you bench Millar in favor of Nixon in RF...but that is a huge advantage to the Red Sox, who have a lot of big left-handed bats

Michael (Wichita)

Like Theo said, they stapled him together once, they'll do it two more times.

anthony (carson city)

schilling will..he proved it in his last start..i mean..what a preformance

Alex (Ann Arbor)

Schilling came to Boston to win a world series. He is going to pitch a fantastic game and shut down St. Louis.

Brian (Baltimore)

According to Schilling's comments today on WFAN the ankle won't be a problem for 2 more starts if needed

Jack (Sandwich, MA)

Is St. Louis going to have to put Ankiel on the World Series roster now that Kline is hurt and King is the only other lefty in the 'pen? They need some kind of lefty to try and stop all the lefty bats of Boston

Matt (Memphis)

Ankiel pitching in the Series...that's a scary thought.

John (Albuquerque, NM)

You can't count on Ankiel this late in the playoffs after not pitching in the first two series, but I bet you will see Chris Carpenter on the WS roster

Josh (Springfield, MO)

Is this series destined to go to 7 games just like the last four Red Sox appearances in the World Series? Or does this year's team have a shot at closing it out sooner?

Chad (Nashville)

Why is no one talking about the game that Suppan pitched and the fact that he outlasted Clemens?

Buzzmaster

  (11:34 PM)

Go ahead Chad, praise away.

Mitch (STL)

Carp is going to go - I'd bet the house on it - Why not Ankiel if Kline can't go? Next best option is an even less-established minor leaguer - and with all the lefties in the Sox lineup - I suspect Cards would need the depth in the pen

greg (STL BABY!!!)

carpenter has been pitching off a mound this week, it's thought that he will be completely ready later on in the series...maybe a game 3 or 4

Lennox (Dubuque)

With as scary as the Cardinal lineup is, imagine it with an added DH. Lookout Boston bullpen!

Buzzmaster

  (11:37 PM)

Yep, John Mabry or Roger Cedeno are sure to cause some nightmares for Boston pitchers ... although come to think of it, they may have en edge on Kenny Lofton.

David (Oakland)

Hey Buzz, dont forget about So Taguchi!!!

Michael (Wichita)

I'm with Chad...three or 4 years ago Sup was the opening day starter for one of the worst teams in baseball, my sad, beloved Royals. Now he's winning Game 7 of the NLCS.

Bobby Valentine (Japan)

I know Roger Cedeno has caused me many nightmares

Todd (Jackson, MO)

John Mabry is a hero from earlier in the season. When many of the guys on the Cards were injured or needed a rest, he filled in with more than anyone could ask of him. I am thankful we got him back and I hope he is given the chance to hit as the DH.

Jeremy (Chapel Hill)

Has Wakefield ever pitched against the Cardinals?

Buzzmaster

  (11:40 PM)

Six innings of six-hit ball last year, one ER, Not much of a sample size.

Chris (Boston)

Buzz in 92?

Buzzmaster

  (11:41 PM)

Last year, interleague play.

Dave (Fort Collins, CO)

Hey may not be Wakefield, but the Cards did get seven runs in seven innings off of Steve Sparks this season.

Jeremy (Chapel Hill)

As a knuckelballer his style is unique enough that hitters who haven't seen it before might have problems

Nate (RI)

Anybody want to guess how Pedro will do batting? =)

Buzzmaster

  (11:44 PM)

Cardinals fans might correct me here, but none of the guys in the mix for WS starts are really the brushback type, are they? Certainly not to the extent Clemens would have been in a potential Game 3 start against Pedro.

Ryan (Akron, OH)

If Pedro gets hit, he will let Ortiz charge the mound for him and then he will go after the pitching coach

Justin Zeth (Altoona, PA)

I'm gonna try to bribe Suppan to drill Pedro just to see what Pedro does

RedBird GrandDaddy (Jasper, IN)

Pedro will watch a lot of pitches and swing late.None of our guys are brushback instigators but they ALL will protect their team

Rich (Miami)

Don't forget that Pedro earned his reputation as a headhunter while in the National League, when he routinely had to bat. I don't think he will pitch any different than normal.

Chris (St. Louis)

Has anyone noticed how stink-poor the Red Sox defense is compared to the Cardinals? Manny in Left is a concrete block and the infield is only slightly above average... I think the pitching better be great to make up for that oor the Cards win in 5 or 6 games...

Jeff (Boston)

What kind of fielding potential does Ortiz possess at 1st base?? That could hurt the Sox

Buzzmaster

  (11:48 PM)

The real question is does Ortiz even "possess" a glove for first base.

Plantier (Portland, OR)

22 Gold Gloves in the Cards starting 9

Justin Zeth (Altoona, PA)

The Red Sox infield defense is pretty poor even with Cabrera, unless Reese plays second... but the Red Sox also have the best defensive second baseman AND first baseman in baseball as late inning replacements

Andrew (Boston)

Red Sox made ONE error in the ALCS. They have a good defense

Matt (Fairfax, VA)

Ortiz isn't good, but he's not terrible...4 errors in 260 innings of work

Jeremy (Chapel Hill)

Aside from Lowe, the Red sox don't feature any ground ball starters, and the Cardinals hitters aren't the type to ground out that often, Pokey and Mientkiewicz need to start behind Lowe, but other wise it shoulndt be much of a problem

Ryan (Akron, OH)

I still wanted to see Francona vs Garner...would that not have been the worst managed WS of all-time? I think LaRussa alone gives the Cards two games

mike (boston)

mueller, cabrera, reese, menkesljslshjeth.....best defensive infield in baseball

Buzzmaster

  (11:50 PM)

For the one inning a night they play together.

Lance (Perth, Australia)

If Kline can't go, Ankiel is the next best option. This will be an outstanding Series. The Cardinals have better pitching than everyone thinks. It is not all about offense.

matt ((dc))

Buzz, are we going to have somebody knew during the series since you are a Boston fan ;)?

Buzzmaster

  (11:53 PM)

Well, ShowGirl will be on hand for a few games. Of course, she's still in Boston celebrating last night's game, so ... not really.

Nathan (Beantown)

Less talk and more action, let's just get this series started!!!!!

Buzzmaster

  (11:54 PM)

Less than 48 hours, Nathan.

Matt (Fairfax, VA)

Hey Buzz, think the Sox will put Youkilis back on the roster, just to have an extra hitter for those NL games?

Buzzmaster

  (11:56 PM)

I sort of doubt it. Losing the DH gives them a hitter they aren't used to having, anyway. Kapler, Millar, Mientkiewicz, Reese, Roberts, Mirabelli (even if you can't really PH him)

Justin Zeth (Altoona, PA)

Youkilis will be on the roster. the front office loves him

Kevin (Boston)

I think this series is going to come down to down right toughness. These two teams are very evenly matched in defense, offense, pitching and fielding. But what team is going to be able to last? What team can group together and carry each other along the way? I think you have to lean towards the Sox on that one!

Buzzmaster

  (11:56 PM)

Couldn't you phrase that another way, and say which team is going to benefit the most from lucky breaks?

Jim (Boston)

PH pokey reese? you might as well just tell the umps to add an out to the scoreboard

Andrew (Lowell, MA)

You need to have the pitchers, can you imagine if the sox had 1 less pitcher in the last series.

Buzzmaster

  (11:58 PM)

All right, time to start winding this to a close. It's "last call" in The Show. I'm taking the Sox in seven (why not go for the full 21 games out of the LCS and WS), but like the ALCS, I think a lot depends on Curt Schilling's ankle. Tell me who's going to win?

mike (boston)

i just wanna see a game 7 at fenway halloween night, it's only fitting for the sox to exorcise any demons on demon night

castro (cuba)

and the buzzmaster is a partisan hack

Buzzmaster

  (11:59 PM)

Ahh, c'mon, every dictator says that.

Kevin (Boston)

Sox in six, win the opening two, they're getting one in St.Louis, and then they are going to watch the city burn as the Sox win game six!!!

Mike (St.Louis)

Cards in 6, Woody is gonna keep up how he pitched last game, and I think the Old Morris will show up.

Ryan (Akron, OH)

Cards in 7 after Rolen hits a Wakefield knuckle 450 feet over the monster (different year-different third baseman-same result)

brandon (washington)

sox win, has nothing to do with shilling, everything to do with the sox crushing st louis pitching

Brian (St. Louis)

Larussa masterminds a 4 game sweep, cuz... he's that good.

Adam (Ashburnham, MA)

I am going with the Sox in 6 as well, their pitching will be plenty to slow down the StL offense, and especially with Wake and Lowe looking on top of their game, it should be plenty

Jeremy (Springfield, MO)

The Sox do not have good defense at any position. They are a good offense and have good pitching, but the Cardinals are the best team in the majors against good pitchers. Cardinals in 6.

Ryan (Easthampton, MA)

I'm surprised nobody has mentioned these cardinals playing the outfield at fenway. Edmonds is the only guy with alot of experience with those quirky outfield dimensions. That might be good for an extra base or two for Boston in the series.

Matt (Harrisonburg)

Cardinals 2-0 against Boston in WS, after this make it 3-0.

Evan (DC)

The cards only need 5 innings from their starters their relief is the best in baseball and can handle the rest, cards in 5, curse still in effect

Mark (Syracuse)

cards win in game 7 19-18 in the series with the most runs scored in world series history

Preston (Richmond)

I don't think a merciful God would let this go to Game 7 so the Sox could lose there again. Sox in 6

Jeff (Tacoma)

This is going to be a tough matchup. Red Sox have some good, timely hitters and a great pitching lineup. Cardinals, on the other hand, have better hitters but lack the pitching depth of Boston. The other thing to consider is the momentum Boston has right now from the NY series, which they seemed doomed to eventually lose. St. Louis, on the other hand, was taken all the way to game 7 when they were expected to be handed the NLCS. So through that perspective, St. Louis may have a bigger chance of choking.

Buzzmaster

  (12:03 AM)

All right folks, that's going to do it for The Show from the NLCS. We'll be here live for all seven games of the World Series. And don't forget to check out the regular Show schedule for Friday, including Hall of Famer Joe Morgan at 11 am ET. Thanks and have a good night!