NLDS Game 1: Brew Crew, Phils phace off

October 1, 2008 by Benjamin Kabak 77 Comments

Play offs? You wanna talk about play offs? Well, then, do it here. Many of us will be watching the games over the next few weeks, and we all like to talk baseball. This here thread is for game 1 of the Phillies-Brewers NLDS. Yovani Gallardo, 0-0, 1.88, faces off against Cole Hamles, 14-10, 3.09. I’m pulling for the Phillies here.

http://www.new.facebook.com/home.php?ref=home#/profile.php?id=594331910&ref=name Jamal G.

I like the Phils because I believe in the saying “the enemy of my enemy is my friend”. However, my dream match-up for the Fall Classic is the Rays and Brewers, so obviously I will be pulling for the Brew Crew.
- http://img.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2008/02_01/burressDM0402_468x305.jpg Nady Nation
  
  Interesting, what’s the rationale behind the Brewer dream pick?
  - http://www.new.facebook.com/home.php?ref=home#/profile.php?id=594331910&ref=name Jamal G.
    
    I’m a sucker for young talent. Ryan Braun, Yovani Gallardo, Prince Fielder (he’s just fun to watch, isn’t he?), J.J. Hardy and Cory Hart are all young guys that I like. Also, what C.C. Sabathia is doing (and quite frankly, has done) is epic, he deserves a shot at a title for his efforts. Lastly, Ben Sheets has always ben one of my favorite pitchers. That Curveball is just wicked.
    
    Obviously, no need to list the plethora of talent employed by the Tampa Bay Rays.
    - http://www.spartacus.schoolnet.co.uk/CRsmithT1.jpg tommiesmithjohncarlos
      
      Jamal, would you say I have a plethora of pinatas?
      - Dave P.
        
        Freeze El Guapo, or I’ll shoot you so full of lead you’ll be using your dick for a pencil.
        
        What do you mean?
        
        I don’t know.
        
        Haha. Great movie.
Mike Pop

In anyones opinion where does Hamels rank in the NL for a SP ?
- http://www.riveraveblues.com Mike A.
  
  Johan, CC, Peavy, Lincecum, Webb and Haren are the only NL SP I’d take over him.
  - http://www.new.facebook.com/home.php?ref=home#/profile.php?id=594331910&ref=name Jamal G.
    
    I’d probably go with Hamels before I go with Webb; dude’s not even 25 yet.
    - Mike Pop
      
      Na Webb is sick…but im suprised no love for Carlos Zambrano
      - Colombo
        
        nah…you never know which zambrano you are gonna get…he could throw a no-hitter, or he can give up 5 runs in 2 innings…too much of a head case
      - radnom
        
        I would take Hamels over Zambrano, but you’re right. He is definitely a member of this exclusive group.
      - http://www.new.facebook.com/home.php?ref=home#/profile.php?id=594331910&ref=name Jamal G.
        
        Oh, Webb is sick. It’s just that I prefer southpaws and the difference in age. Absolutely nothing against Webb, just my personal preference. There’s no logical argument against a pitcher who will give you a 3:1-GO:AO, 7-K/9 and 2.5-BB/9. That’s ground-outs, strikeouts and control. What more could you ask for?
        
        BTW, is there a statistical way to quantify a pitcher’s command? Is K/BB a valid option?
        
        http://www.riveraveblues.com Mike A.
        
        No, that’s more a control thing, just strikes in general. I guess the best stat would be the percentage of pitches that are taken for strikes, but that’s not exactly accurate either.
http://www.spartacus.schoolnet.co.uk/CRsmithT1.jpg tommiesmithjohncarlos

BTW, I still say we should just pull a George Constanza and show up in Tampa Bay tomorrow for the playoffs and have Damon step up to bat to lead off the top of the first, like nothing happened and we’re supposed to be there.

—————

A.J. Pierzynski: Hey, wait a minute, how can these guys be in the playoffs, they didn’t even win a regional qualifying match?

Joe Girardi: OH MY GOD, WE DIDN’T EVEN WIN A REGIONAL QUALIFYING MATCH?!?!?! Oh, now I remember… Bud Selig’s an extremely personal friend of mine, and I helped him lose some unwanted small-market teams during TV Sweeps Season. So you can just shove it up your rulebook, Poindexter.

BigBankHank: WE ARE THE NEW YORK PURPLE COBRAS, AND WE WILL, WE WILL, ROCK YOU!</b
http://www.riveraveblues.com Mike A.

Yovani Gallardo is straight nasty. Tears a ligament in his knee, comes back and dominates in a pennant race/playoffs with no rehab appearances. Gangsta.
- mko
  
  He does seem to have control problems with his breaking stuff though. Just a matter of time before he hangs another one?
mko

Can the Yanks please get Jayson Werth? He’s not that good but he has only hit into 2 DPs during the last 2 seasons…;)
- A.D.
  
  they can pinch hit him for jeter late in games with a runner on first… Kay would love it
mko

Ouch Cameron…gotta make these plays in the postseason…
Bill N

Turned on ESPN radio… Kay and Phillips doing the Phils game terrible.
- http://www.riveraveblues.com Mike A.
  
  That’s almost as bad as when Kay and Morgan were in the booth during the last game at the Stadium.
  - TheLastClown
    
    The worst part was Kay looking like a strong pro broadcaster next to Morgan & Miller. He did act like decidedly less of an idiot, but it just feeds into my hypothesis that his retard antics are to give us Yankee fans something to laugh at, make fun of, and make us feel smart.
    - http://www.spartacus.schoolnet.co.uk/CRsmithT1.jpg tommiesmithjohncarlos
      
      Ah, the old “Baby on the Corner” trick, eh?
      
      Not gonna fall for that shit…
      - TheLastClown
        
        Whats the “Baby on the Corner” trick?
      - TheLastClown
        
        Oh yeah…the Chappelle gag..I remember :)
Mike Pop

Gallardo got killed by his own team that inning
Mike Pop

What bout Billingsley.. I’d probably take him over Hamels
- http://www.new.facebook.com/home.php?ref=home#/profile.php?id=594331910&ref=name Jamal G.
  
  Eh, let him prove it first.
Bill N

Late to the party but based on location (philly) and all my friends are Phillies fans I’m rooting for the Phils well that and I have never had a bad time at the Bank
Mike Pop

Cmon Yovanni i wanna see you keeep pitching
Mike Pop

“I’m not afraid to pursue big players, I’m not,” Cashman said. “It’s not something I’m against. I’m not trying to change that side of it. There’s a time and place when you push that button
Mike Pop

I’d like to put a first baseman at first, rather than have somebody who’s trying to step up on behalf of the team,” Cashman said……………good
- mko
  
  We want Tex, we want Tex!
  But he’s gonna stay with the Angels…if they cough up the money.
  - TheLastClown
    
    Don’t you think they’ll hang on to Frankie over Tex?
    - Mike Pop
      
      No, they like what jose arrerondo has to offer and Tex is biggger for their team and their offense plus theyd rather give big money to a 1b than a closer
      - TheLastClown
        
        Gotcha. I really do wonder what the future holds for him. Would love to see him in the Bronx, like *most of* everyone else.
        
        Mike Pop
        
        I’m with ya there.. I dont agree that he will be another giambi or giambis numbers were better so it wont turn out well…Tex is in great shape and as far as we all know he wasnt using you know what..plus the dude has averaged like 31 homers and over 100 rbis every year with a solid average.. plus hes been an on base machine with the angels… Id like to see him over CC but that is just my opinion
        
        http://www.spartacus.schoolnet.co.uk/CRsmithT1.jpg tommiesmithjohncarlos
        
        Just to be sure, Clown, you’re advocating for Tex in the Bronx, and not Fransisco “The Three-Walk, Six-Batters-Faced, Heart-Attack-Inducing One-Inning Save Artist” Rodriguez, right?
        
        Because signing K-Rod would be really Stupid-Rod. I just want to be clear with what you’re driving at.
        
        TheLastClown
        
        No no, my use of pronouns was overly presumptuous.
        
        First I thought that the Angels would want to hang on to Frankie cause he’s a fixture, WS ring, all that business, over Tex
        
        Then Mike Pop said they’d probably go after Tex harder, and extolled his virtues.
        
        At which point I agreed with him, and expressed my desire for, yes, Tex, in the Bronx.
        
        *and BTW, hitting behind or in front of A-Rod with solidity is great, but I’m really anxious to see the offense/defense combo out there at first, its just been so long, since Tino, that we’ve had that*
        
        But no, F-K-Rod
        
        http://www.spartacus.schoolnet.co.uk/CRsmithT1.jpg tommiesmithjohncarlos
        
        Okay, good. I was questioning your sanity for a minute, and then I figured I was just misreading you.
Bill N

Straight dealing
TheLastClown

I love a pitcher who can dominate with the changeup.

I love Phil Hughes’ chances next year if he can really develop that change & throw it more often. It just makes everything else so much better.

I’d love to see Joba develop it too, but it’s less urgent.
TheLastClown

You know, before Ben Sheets got hurt & was really pulling for a Tampa/Milwaukee WS, cause why not? I’m not any particular kind of nostalgic for the Cubbies.

Now though, I’d like to see the Phils win ASAP, just so CC can stop pitching on 3 days rest!

You think that he’ll reap some negative effects from it next year? Especially if they advance into the next round(s)?
- Mike Pop
  
  idk hes a warriot i dont like it that he is doing all that work but hes doing what he wants to do for the good of his squad. you have to respect that
  - TheLastClown
    
    Totally respect that, I’m just thinking of our potential #1 come 09, if anyone’s got an opinion whether or not he’ll be adversely affected for next year.
- mko
  
  Here’s an article about CC’s arm:
  http://www.hardballtimes.com/m.....lling-off/
  
  They think he’s one of the rare pitchers that can work until they faint. But who knows…let’s hope so.
  - TheLastClown
    
    Excellent article, just what I was looking for, thank you.
    
    I feel more & more that we should get him as priority #1 this Offseason.
    - mko
      
      That would definitely be awesome. But I agree that he’s gonna have to be seriously overpaid to come to New York. May be worth it though…
      - TheLastClown
        
        As compared to what? You think he’d accept less money for the National League so he can hit & face pitchers?
        
        Or do you think he’d sign with another AL team for less? I don’t quite get what you mean.
        
        Mike Pop
        
        I think what he means is its alot of pressure for CC to take on or CC def wants to stay in the NL and be able to dominate like he has for 60 70% of the year
        
        mko
        
        Popular belief seems to be that he would like to stay in the NL.
        – He dominates there so far. Good for the stats…
        – He likes to hit and is not even bad at it.
        – It has been said that he likes the west coast (he grew up there).
        – New York can be difficult.
        
        That’s why many people say he wouldn’t come to New York unless they really offer him a lot more than the teams that offer the above possibilites.
        
        http://www.spartacus.schoolnet.co.uk/CRsmithT1.jpg tommiesmithjohncarlos
        
        “He dominates there so far. Good for the stats.”
        -And he’s been dominant in the AL. The stats are there regardless.
        
        He likes to hit and is not even bad at it.
        -He also likes to win, be in pennant races, play with great players, and make buttloads of money. We can offer him that better than almost anyone else.
        
        It has been said that he likes the west coast (he grew up there).
        -And the NL California teams consist of the Dodgers, who can’t afford him and already have good pitching, and the Padres and Giants, who will be a combined 5 billion games below .500 for the duration of the Obama administration.
        
        New York can be difficult.
        -So can walking away from 40M sitting on a table, waiting for you to take it.
        
        mko
        
        I’ll add 10$ on his contract if that makes him a Yankee! ;-)
        
        TheLastClown
        
        Gotcha. But what about the argument that he’d front a rotation with Wang & Joba behind him, making it the best 1-2-3 rotation in baseball *right?*
        
        And his rabid willingness to pitch above and beyond what anyone else is doing to win a ring w/ the Brewers shows me that he wants to win more than wanting to hit or be close to comfort or pitch to easier lineups.
        
        He just doesn’t seem like a guy that prefers personal comforts to winning, and he’d have the best shot in NY, with what he brings to the team.
        
        mko
        
        Let’s hope you’re right ;-)
Bill N

Hamels has set his pitches up perfectly so far
Mike Pop

I know its off topic but im jus spitballing…. Kennedy for Towles ? Would Astros do it ? Would Yanks do it ?
- http://www.spartacus.schoolnet.co.uk/CRsmithT1.jpg tommiesmithjohncarlos
  
  At this point, we should probably just hang on to Kennedy for 2009 and see if he can climb back on the horse. He’s worth more to us than he is to anyone else.
  - Mike Pop
    
    Idk, Id love to be able to deal Kennedy for a guy like Towles, Salty, or Teagarden….. I know it probably would’nt happen… But I would deal Kennedy this offseason for them or a guy like Francoeur
    - http://www.spartacus.schoolnet.co.uk/CRsmithT1.jpg tommiesmithjohncarlos
      
      Francouer blows chunks. IPK has a much better chance of turning back into a capable major leaguer than Frankie does, IMO.
      
      I haven’t seen wheels come of anybody so thoroughly outside of Andruw Jones.
      - TheLastClown
        
        So Kennedy threw 108.2 innings this year, between NY & Scranton. WIll he pitch in winter ball?
        
        TheLastClown
        
        Or the Az Fall League, more appropriately?
        
        TheLastClown
        
        Nobody?
Bill N

I’m really surprised we haven’t been beaten about the head and neck with Frank TV ads.
- TheLastClown
  
  They’ve been on pretty consistently
Bill N

Everytime they tallk about Lidge they are showing Chad Durbin not Lidge. Get your shit straight TBS
TheLastClown

Nice play by Chase
TheLastClown

Am I the only one who wants the Dodgers to beat the Cubbies?
- mko
  
  I kinda like both teams, don’t care who wins.
  
  Although if the Cubs ever want to win again they might as well do it now…
  On top of that, the Dodgers’ record was not really deserving of a postseason spot…
  - TheLastClown
    
    Im a sucker for Joe Torre, what can I say? Plus it’s such a novelty to not want to retch every time I see Manny, you know?
    
    And about their record….the system’s not perfect, but it’s the only one we’ve got.
    
    The Yank’s *technically* had a better record than the White Sox too, but whatever
    - mko
      
      Im a sucker for Joe Torre, what can I say? Plus it’s such a novelty to not want to retch every time I see Manny, you know?
      
      I agree with you on both points ;)
      But can Manny alone really win these games? As pitching supposedly wins championships, maybe he can…the Dodgers have allowed the fewest runs in the league.
      
      And about their record….the system’s not perfect, but it’s the only one we’ve got.
      
      Maybe it’s time for a little revamp…
    - mko
      
      The Yank’s *technically* had a better record than the White Sox too, but whatever
      
      Even though the Yanks probably had tougher opponents…so shouldn’t they be in the playoffs?
      - TheLastClown
        
        I really don’t know. You’d have to abolish divisions completely, schedule teams to play within their own Geographical divisions for travel/rest purposes, and then take the statistically best 4 teams to play in a “divisional”
        Championship Qualifier round.
        
        I’m not opposed to that, but it takes division titles out of it, and probably affects the game in some way that I’m not versed enough to foresee.
        
        And about the Dodgers, I didn’t say I necessarily thought they Would win, just that I’d like to see them win.
        
        And depending on how many huge hits he gets, if their pitching against the Cubs’ is consistent, I think he can pretty much carry them through at least the best of 3 series…..Manny that is.
        
        TheLastClown
        
        best of 5, first to 3, you know what I mean
        
        http://www.spartacus.schoolnet.co.uk/CRsmithT1.jpg tommiesmithjohncarlos
        
        Best seven out of twelve.
TheLastClown

Wowza…and I thought this game was over
Samsonov KGB

whats the biggest win diiferential between a team that didnt make the playsoffs and a team that did? i.e. yanks-dodgers 08