TWiB 8/7 - 8/13

[EVIL~! alkeiper 0]

With so many teams in the NL West and the NL Wildcard so close, could somebody please explain in 200 words or less the convoluted process that would occur at the end of the season if say...the 'Stros, Reds, and Padres tied for the Wildcard lead or better yet if the 'Stros, Reds, Padres, Dodgers, and D'Backs tied for the WC lead/NL West lead?

They play until they have the required teams left, with seedings determined by head to head matchups. 17 words.

[Bruiser Chong 0]

Mark Prior is done. Five earned, four walks, one strikeout, and 58 pitches through three innings. Where or where has that command gone?

[Guest Princess Leena]

I'm still confused what happened with last year's potential AL playoff scenarios.

[vivalaultra 0]

With so many teams in the NL West and the NL Wildcard so close, could somebody please explain in 200 words or less the convoluted process that would occur at the end of the season if say...the 'Stros, Reds, and Padres tied for the Wildcard lead or better yet if the 'Stros, Reds, Padres, Dodgers, and D'Backs tied for the WC lead/NL West lead?

They play until they have the required teams left, with seedings determined by head to head matchups. 17 words.

 

Oh...ok, then....thanks. Yeah...

[CanadianChris 0]

This reminds me of 2003, when five teams were tied for the NL WC lead at the end of August.

[EVIL~! alkeiper 0]

With so many teams in the NL West and the NL Wildcard so close, could somebody please explain in 200 words or less the convoluted process that would occur at the end of the season if say...the 'Stros, Reds, and Padres tied for the Wildcard lead or better yet if the 'Stros, Reds, Padres, Dodgers, and D'Backs tied for the WC lead/NL West lead?

They play until they have the required teams left, with seedings determined by head to head matchups. 17 words.

 

Oh...ok, then....thanks. Yeah...

That's the best you're going to get. MLB's tiebreaker scenarios are hard to find and on some occasions they don't even exist! What happens is that a team will not get excluded from the playoffs based solely on a tiebreaker. If there's a tie for playoff spots, teams will play single elimination games.

 

If there's a tie for the NL West/WC, head-to-head matchups determine the division champs, assuming both teams make the playoffs otherwise.

[Cheech Tremendous 0]

I've become increasingly worried about the Red Sox. Four of their main pitchers are rookies, and at least three of them seem to be running out of gas. Tek is out, Trot is out, Lowell and Youks are regressing to the mean and Coco forgot how to hit while he was injured.

 

This team desperately needs Wake, Wells and Foulke back to give them some innings and take a little heat off that taxed bullpen. I'm still okay with the fact that they didn't overspend for a minor piece at the deadline, but expecting Manny, Ortiz, Schilling and Paps to carry the team for 162 games is asking too much. This skid was inevitable... I'm just worried it came at the wrong time.

[the max 0]

I've become increasingly worried about the Red Sox. Four of their main pitchers are rookies, and at least three of them seem to be running out of gas. Tek is out, Trot is out, Lowell and Youks are regressing to the mean and Coco forgot how to hit while he was injured.

 

This team desperately needs Wake, Wells and Foulke back to give them some innings and take a little heat off that taxed bullpen. I'm still okay with the fact that they didn't overspend for a minor piece at the deadline, but expecting Manny, Ortiz, Schilling and Paps to carry the team for 162 games is asking too much. This skid was inevitable... I'm just worried it came at the wrong time.

 

They'll be in it down the stretch. I don't think they're a shoe-in to make the playoffs, but I think that the big pieces of the lineup and pitching staff are good enough to keep them in it.

[Longdogger_Pete 0]

Well, the Nation can only hope.

 

On the Ortiz/MVP situation - this guy's numbers have gone up every year. After doing a little quick math, he's on pace for 59 homers and 159 RBIs. If he doesn't win, it's because voters will vote against him solely because of his being a DH and ignoring his offensive ability entirely.

 

Seriously. How high do his numbers have to be?

[naiwf 0]

Nice job by Papelbum and the Sawx. I think they're getting pretty close to being d-o-n-e despite not being that far out of the postseason mix. When you might get swept by the fuckin' Royals it's time to panic.

 

Papelbum?

 

I'd hardly consider Papelbon to be the problem with the Red Sox right now. Especially when you consider that his ERA is still under 1 (which it has been all season). I realize that you're not that "big" into numbers, so I'll break it down for you.

 

Yanks are 3 (three) games up on the Red Sox...there are still 9 (that's nine) games between the two teams head to head.

 

Now, like I said, you're not big into numbers, but try to follow me here:

 

Yankees are 3 games up over Boston.

When they play head to head, that means that which ever team wins gains a game on the team that loses.

There are 9 games remaining in head to head competition between the two teams.

 

Hopefully you managed to get that...

 

Hopefully you manage to get this . . . the Sox are getting run by the D-Rays and the Royals aka two of the worst teams in MLB after dropping 2 of 3 against Cleveland. Most importantly the Yankees are hot, and could easily win 6 of 9 and then Boston's dead and buried since Chicago and Minnesota won't both end up tanking the same way Boston is. Winning 6 out of 17 is problematic regardless of how many games are left against the team pulling away from you. But keep being a wiseass as Boston's season is slipping away. If Papelbon struggles at all, and he's due for a bad stretch, they'll be 8 out by September 1st and the last 4 games against the Yanks won't even matter.

[the max 0]

Nice job by Papelbum and the Sawx. I think they're getting pretty close to being d-o-n-e despite not being that far out of the postseason mix. When you might get swept by the fuckin' Royals it's time to panic.

 

Papelbum?

 

I'd hardly consider Papelbon to be the problem with the Red Sox right now. Especially when you consider that his ERA is still under 1 (which it has been all season). I realize that you're not that "big" into numbers, so I'll break it down for you.

 

Yanks are 3 (three) games up on the Red Sox...there are still 9 (that's nine) games between the two teams head to head.

 

Now, like I said, you're not big into numbers, but try to follow me here:

 

Yankees are 3 games up over Boston.

When they play head to head, that means that which ever team wins gains a game on the team that loses.

There are 9 games remaining in head to head competition between the two teams.

 

Hopefully you managed to get that...

 

Hopefully you manage to get this . . . the Sox are getting run by the D-Rays and the Royals aka two of the worst teams in MLB after dropping 2 of 3 against Cleveland. Most importantly the Yankees are hot, and could easily win 6 of 9 and then Boston's dead and buried since Chicago and Minnesota won't both end up tanking the same way Boston is. Winning 6 out of 17 is problematic regardless of how many games are left against the team pulling away from you. But keep being a wiseass as Boston's season is slipping away. If Papelbon struggles at all, and he's due for a bad stretch, they'll be 8 out by September 1st and the last 4 games against the Yanks won't even matter.

 

I'm not denying that they're slumping. But I'm not giving up on them.

 

My response was you trashing Papelbon (the AL ROY) because he lost a fucking game. Compared to the numerous games where he's come in and slammed the door. He lost? Big fucking deal. As I said, his ERA is still under 1. He lost a game? OH NOES!!!!

 

But yes, let me abandon all faith in the team because they're going through a bad stretch.

[Longdogger_Pete 0]

Manny Ramirez (!) hitting streak reaches 25 games.

[lomasmoney 0]

Papelbon ain't the ROY and that's all I got to say about that

[Bruiser Chong 0]

A-Rod may have to skip town shortly.

[devo 0]

The only thing that might save him is the fact that about half the defense has committed a gaff at one point or another during this inning.

[Bruiser Chong 0]

Has Francona ever lifted a pitcher before everything fell apart? Schilling was clearly fading and he left him in there not only to blow the lead, but give the lead to the Royals.

 

P.S. doctors aren't confident Francisco Liriano will pitch again this season.

[vivalaultra 0]

The Astros won again. It's only the Pirates, but a sweep's a sweep. Either way they're only 2 1/2 back in the WC and the starting pitching and the offense is looking good. And they still have a series with the Cubbies and then a 4-game series with the Pirates this month. They finish up the season with series against the Pirates and the Braves, as well. Things are starting to looking similar to the end of the last two seasons concerning the Astros and their push to the pennant. And even if the Dodgers are for real, I absolutely to refuse that the Reds are. I mean...they're the freakin' Reds.

[KingPK 0]

I'm not denying that they're slumping. But I'm not giving up on them.

 

My response was you trashing Papelbon (the AL ROY) because he lost a fucking game. Compared to the numerous games where he's come in and slammed the door. He lost? Big fucking deal. As I said, his ERA is still under 1. He lost a game? OH NOES!!!!

 

But yes, let me abandon all faith in the team because they're going through a bad stretch.

 

I'm not abandoning faith....but I surely am not very confident going into that five game series with the Yankees next week. The offense is doing dick, the pitching can't get out of (or even INTO in some cases) the 6th most nights and the young-uns are starting to enter uncharted territory for their careers, so there's no saying if they are just slumping or wearing down.

[bob_barron 0]

Papelbon ain't the ROY and that's all I got to say about that

 

Quite the argument you put forth.

 

I really didn't want the Yankees to win the division and make the playoffs again, so when is Boston going to wake the fuck up?

[Vern Gagne 0]

Hawk's bitching about the Umpires again.

[Bruiser Chong 0]

Hawk's bitching about the Umpires again.

I just came back on here to see if anyone else was watching the Sox feed. Dear god. It's bad enough he's always complaining about the umps, but he always lets one call set him off on this tangent where he starts bringing up other games. He's STILL bitching about the game from Monday. Shut the fuck up already.

[Vern Gagne 0]

Why does Hawk have to call the players by their first names? Of all the annoying things, that might be the worst.

[Annabelle 0]

Papelbon ain't the ROY and that's all I got to say about that

 

he's right. justin verlander should & will win the roy. maybe the cy, too. especially considering he's won his last 7? i think something like that. he kid is getting better by each outing. he's sorta the poster child for the new tigers. everyone has been waiting for the other shoe to drop, whether it be by injuries, stamina, or ineffectiveness. but he's held it together. and he leads the league in wins. the case for papelbon & verlander just got strogner because word is that liriano may not even pitch again this season.

[UseTheSledgehammerUh 0]

Unfortunately, I have to agree with the rise of the Astros.

 

Hopefully they've topped off against the lowly Pirates and play .500 ball or such.

[Conspiracy_Victim 0]

The Astros won again. It's only the Pirates, but a sweep's a sweep. Either way they're only 2 1/2 back in the WC and the starting pitching and the offense is looking good. And they still have a series with the Cubbies and then a 4-game series with the Pirates this month. They finish up the season with series against the Pirates and the Braves, as well. Things are starting to looking similar to the end of the last two seasons concerning the Astros and their push to the pennant. And even if the Dodgers are for real, I absolutely to refuse that the Reds are. I mean...they're the freakin' Reds.

 

I'm really interested to see how Hirsch pitches on Saturday. They projecting him as a #2 or 3 starter with a good fastball and real good sinker. If he pitches well, he could be a good boost for the rest of the season.

 

Oswalt

Pettitte

Clemens

Backe

Hirsch

 

That would look good for the rest of the year.

[EVIL~! alkeiper 0]

Well, the Nation can only hope.

 

On the Ortiz/MVP situation - this guy's numbers have gone up every year. After doing a little quick math, he's on pace for 59 homers and 159 RBIs. If he doesn't win, it's because voters will vote against him solely because of his being a DH and ignoring his offensive ability entirely.

 

Seriously. How high do his numbers have to be?

It's not a matter of ignoring his offensive ability. It's recognizing that other players bring abilities to the table that David Ortiz does not. Compare Ortiz to Joe Mauer for example. According to runs created, Ortiz has created 93 runs compared to 80 for Joe Mauer. That's an edge of 13 runs. Now, Ortiz does not play defense, and thus does not take away any runs on the other side of the game. Mauer has thrown out 16 baserunners, which has saved somewhere around 10 runs for his club. Mauer has also made 16 assists otherwise. That does a hell of a lot to overtake the gap in offense.

 

Clutch ability? The clutch hits are nice, but production in the first inning counts just as much as production in the ninth inning. Mauer contributes just as much to his team's offense as the best hitters in the league, the only difference being that Mauer's hits don't lead off Sportscenter every day.

[Guest Princess Leena]

Plus, Ortiz taking the DH spot 98% of the time hurts his team every day. Especially with the Sawks, who'd also love to put that LF on the bench.

 

Plus, while Big Clutchi does have impressive power... Mauer is getting hits 8% more of the time. And on-base 5% more. While being a positive defensive addition at catcher.

 

Even if Ortiz had 70 HR's, I'd have a tough time putting him over Mauer and Jeter.

[vivalaultra 0]

The Astros won again. It's only the Pirates, but a sweep's a sweep. Either way they're only 2 1/2 back in the WC and the starting pitching and the offense is looking good. And they still have a series with the Cubbies and then a 4-game series with the Pirates this month. They finish up the season with series against the Pirates and the Braves, as well. Things are starting to looking similar to the end of the last two seasons concerning the Astros and their push to the pennant. And even if the Dodgers are for real, I absolutely to refuse that the Reds are. I mean...they're the freakin' Reds.

 

I'm really interested to see how Hirsch pitches on Saturday. They projecting him as a #2 or 3 starter with a good fastball and real good sinker. If he pitches well, he could be a good boost for the rest of the season.

 

Oswalt

Pettitte

Clemens

Backe

Hirsch

 

That would look good for the rest of the year.

 

 

The only thing I'm worried about with Hirsh's first start is that he's going up against Jake Peavy. The Astros never hit Peavy well. The only reason they got a win against him when Pettitte pitched against him last week is cuz Pettitte was lights out. I doubt Peavy's gonna give up more than 1 or 2 runs, so hopefully Hirsh isn't too jittery and can focus.

 

And people should start believing in the Astros. Look back to 2004 and 2005. In 2004, the offense was probably a little better than it is this year, but the pitching was nowhere near as good. They had Clemens, Oswalt, Backe, and Pete Munro. Still, 36-10 down the stretch. Last year, the offense was arguably alot worse than it is this year, but still...Wildcard. The last month or so, the Astros rank, I think, third or somewhere near third in the NL in batting average. They've hit about 20 or so homeruns in the last 5 or 6 games, and the pitching's been good, disregarding Lidge. When Backe's pitching 7 innings on 1-run ball, good things are gonna happen. The offense doesn't have to be the New York Mets or the St. Louis Cardinals. 3 or 4 runs a game should win about 85-90% of the rest of the games this season for the Astros.

 

Edit: Oh, and I forgot to mention that since the All-Star Break, the Astros bullpen ERA is also the lowest in the NL. Not counting Lidge, I have full confidence in anyone out of our bullpen.

[Dobbs 3K 0]

Brewers finally won a series yesterday (took 2 of 3 from the Cubs), for the first time since July 5th. Yet people around here are still talking about the wildcard race, when they're still 6 games below .500. It's like, let's get to at least an even record before we even think about the playoffs, guys.

[Guest Felonies!]

Yet people around here are still talking about the wildcard race, when they're still 6 games below .500. It's like, let's get to at least an even record before we even think about the playoffs, guys.

WHOOOO-EE LOOKIT THEM THERE ASTROS!!!!

 

It's hard to play when you think you're out of the race. It's hard to play without a purpose or a cause. Until you're mathematically eliminated, you're not out of the race. I check the scoreboard and standings every day. We're a ways behind, but who says we're out of the race?