Official 2008 MLB thread

[Immortalfire]

LoL

[Nightmare]

LuLz

[Excel]

rays are just crushing the ball

[Captain Planet!]

Go Rays.

[Nightmare]

Rays over the Phillies in 5.

[FaT_tONle]

Rays aren't an underdog story anymore... this series was a slaughter... underdogs don't win like that. People should be rooting for the Phillies if they like underdogs.

[Spidey-Bat]

Rays will be considered the underdog because of their history. Though not like the Phillies have had much better success.

[Dark Donnie]

7-7

[NewYorkSpider]

This has been a great game so far.

[Showtime]

Go Rays.

Rays over the Phillies in 5.

Rays aren't an underdog story anymore... this series was a slaughter... underdogs don't win like that. People should be rooting for the Phillies if they like underdogs.

Rays will be considered the underdog because of their history. Though not like the Phillies have had much better success.

Not Tonight. 8-7 win. At least they are trying to make a series out of it.

[JaD]

8-7, Boston

[Cmill216]

Lol. Wtf?

[Bunker]

...:cmad:

:csad:

[NewYorkSpider]

This is why I love Terry Francona. He stayed patient through the whole game and didn't panic. He's one hell of a coach. We all know what happens when the Red Sox get momentum.

[Evelisse]

:csad: Rays.

[Pyroschik]

I can't believe they lost like that. They were doing so well in the first 6 innings. :(

[Spidey-Bat]

This felt like watching a Met game with the Rays being the Mets:o

[Showtime]

I was in complete shock during the entire comeback last night. I couldn't believe it, I just sat there with my mouth open. Exciting as hell.

However, I really don't think this is going to phase the Rays. They are so damn strong willed and are such a talented team. I don't see the Red Sox pulling this out to be honest, but the win still adds to what the Red Sox have done in the postseason.

[Spidey-Bat]

Beckett has to be vintage Beckett if the Red Sox want a chance of winning this.

[Showtime]

Which we haven't seen in a bit. I think he wanted this chance to redeem himself, if the bats are clicking as they did the last 45 - 60 minutes last night and Beckett is the Beckett he was, they have a good shot. Then the luxury of coming back with Lester in game 7 and hot bats, that would be huge for them. However, I really don't see that happening, but after last night, 2004, and 2007...

[Immortalfire]

I was in complete shock during the entire comeback last night. I couldn't believe it, I just sat there with my mouth open. Exciting as hell.

However, I really don't think this is going to phase the Rays. They are so damn strong willed and are such a talented team. I don't see the Red Sox pulling this out to be honest, but the win still adds to what the Red Sox have done in the postseason.

The Sox proved us wrong :wow:

[Showtime]

It was a nice win, but the Rays have been legit on all fronts during the postseason. Rays at home is tough.

[Dark Donnie]

What's the most you would spend for a ticket to the World Series?

[Spidey-Bat]

It's well over $100, IIRC.

[Showtime]

I get into Fenway for free, so if they make it that far, I won't spend anything.

[Dark Donnie]

It's well over $100, IIRC.
For face value yeah I think your right....all the scalpers and such got those right away :( I'd spend that in a heartbeat.


Worst seats in Citizens bank are going for $700...standing room are like $600. I'm thinking of going but I'll wait for the drop.

[Showtime]

I'm from the mindset I rather watch it at home at this point, but you should definately go man whatever fits in the budget it. It is so worth it.

[Dark Donnie]

I'm from the mindset I rather watch it at home at this point, but you should definately go man whatever fits in the budget it. It is so worth it.

I'm the same way...I'm fine watching it at home but if the chance comes up i'll probably spring for it.

[Showtime]

I'm the same way...I'm fine watching it at home but if the chance comes up i'll probably spring for it.

I definately would if I were you, never know when you'll get the opportunity agani. Jump on it if it comes to you.

I have a love hate with Fenway, the way I get into Fenway involves standing room, which I like so much better. Those seats are terrible and with standing room you have a lot of freedom.

[BlackLantern]

I've been to Fenway...those seats are made for short, white folk....I'm a 6'2 black guy, it's like sitting on a wooden kiddie bench

[Showtime]

I've been to Fenway...those seats are made for short, white folk....I'm a 6'2 black guy, it's like sitting on a wooden kiddie bench

I'm a 6'1 -6'2 white guy and I feel your pain. Those seats were made for frail men with derbys and women with umbrellas.

[BlackLantern]

If I wear a derby, would those seats not make my butt numb?

[Showtime]

Only if you travel back in time.

[Captain Planet!]

I'd like to go to Fenway one day.

[Dark Donnie]

For you baseball fans

Columbia pitches 'Moneyball' to Pitt (http://www.variety.com/article/VR1117994175.html?categoryid=13&cs=1)

[Spidey-Bat]

Moneyball is an interesting book to read. It would be awful as a movie. It'd end up being a biopic on Billy Beane when the book wasn't about him but the philosophies he developed.

[Showtime]

The book is fantastic, I don't see how its going to be a movie? Is Youkilis going to play himself?

[Johnny Blaze]

The book is fantastic, I don't see how its going to be a movie? Is Youkilis going to play himself?

He'd have to. Who else could mimic his batting stance?
It's the funniest ****ing stance I've seen, but it's also sweetly hypnotic to watch. :o

[Showtime]

His hands are spread apart like Ty Cobb on speed.

[Johnny Blaze]

And when that ball is pitched, it all comes together pefectly. Even though I don't like the Sox, I gotta give Youks credit. At first glance he may look like a bizarre jackass at the plate, but homeboy can hit.

[Spidey-Bat]

The book is fantastic, I don't see how its going to be a movie? Is Youkilis going to play himself?

Gerard Butler
http://movies.gerardbutlerangels.com/myPictures/300.jpg
http://www.thebostonchannel.com/2007/1019/14374625.jpg

[NewYorkSpider]

He'd have to. Who else could mimic his batting stance?
It's the funniest ****ing stance I've seen, but it's also sweetly hypnotic to watch. :o

Craig Counsell has a funny stance as well.

[Bunker]

My friend bats exactly like Counsell and he sucks. :up:

[Showtime]

Gerard Butler



Ha. That is pretty good casting.

[Spidey-Bat]

Looks like Peavy will be this year's Johan Santana of the off-season. Padres are shopping him. However, Peavy has a no-trade clause and would need "a lot" of convincing to accept a trade to the AL. Houston is at the top of his list (though Houston would be dumb to make that trade since they have a weak farm system and aren't as good as their record indicated). Atlanta (Yunel Escober and/or Kelly Johnson would be in that deal) and the Dodgers seem like other possible teams that could land him. Yankees will obviously pursue him but they will probably have to part with Hughes and Peavy may not want to go there.

Ha. That is pretty good casting.

I couldn't find a good picture of Youkilis screaming :(

My friend bats exactly like Counsell and he sucks. :up:

Just like Craig Counsell.

[Evelisse]

TBS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!:o

[The Incredible Hulk]

can the freaking Red Sox just DIE already? For the love of God, I LOATHE everything about this team, and no, I'm not a Yankees fan, I dislike them as well. I want to see Youkilis take a fastball directly in that stupid hobo beard that he's sporting.

[Spidey-Bat]

What team are you a fan of?

[Bunker]

can the freaking Red Sox just DIE already? For the love of God, I LOATHE everything about this team, and no, I'm not a Yankees fan, I dislike them as well. I want to see Youkilis take a fastball directly in that stupid hobo beard that he's sporting.

Amen brotha.

[The Incredible Hulk]

What team are you a fan of?

The Tigers. And seeing as how we havent played in a division with either of those teams in over a decade, it's odd that I dislike them that much. The Red Sox used to be the cute, lovable losers who you always felt bad for. Since 2004, their fanbase has become insufferable and they have this sense of entitlement which makes me laugh. Not to mention, they've basically become "Yankees Lite" in terms of payroll, etc.

For some reason I also have a deep-seated hate for Kevin Youkilis and his silly batting stance as well.

[Spidey-Bat]

And they tied the series.

[Captain Planet!]

Yeah... Kevin Youkilis' batting stance is (or is it Youkilises?) queer.

[Spidey-Bat]

At least he doesn't do that gay move where he bends his ass away from the plate to make the umpire think it was inside when it was right down the middle.

[Bunker]

And they tied the series.

Tampa Bay just lost the series.

[BlackLantern]

as long as whoever advances beats Philly retarded...I'll be happy

[Dark Donnie]

At least he doesn't do that gay move where he bends his ass away from the plate to make the umpire think it was inside when it was right down the middle.

Who does that?

Yanks' Chamberlain arrested on DUI charge


Chamberlain
Joba Chamberlain was arrested for driving under the influence early Saturday morning near his hometown of Lincoln, Neb.
Not the kind of thing a team wants to see from a 23-year-old potential star. Deborah Collins, a spokeswoman for the Nebraska State Patrol, said Chamberlain was pulled over after being observed speeding in a 2006 BMW 750i shortly after 1 a.m. He was arrested after an odor of alcohol was detected and an open container of alcohol was observed on the front passenger seat. Oct. 18 - 11:10 pm et
Source: The Journal News

Oh and Youkillis batting stance is extremely annoying.

[fu manchu]

i'm impressed he can hit with power with that batting stance.:o

[NewYorkSpider]

Who does that?

I think he's refering to Derek Jeter.

[Spidey-Bat]

I was.

[Dark Donnie]

Red Sox may try to grab Peavy this offseason


Peavy
According to the Boston Herald, the Red Sox will make a run at dealing for Jake Peavy this offseason.
The asking price is going to be monstrous, but Boston certainly has enough young arms to swing a deal. Peavy, 27, has said he prefers the National League, though industry sources believe he won't veto a deal to an AL power. The Padres are believed to be asking for two pitchers and a position player. Oct. 19 - 10:49 am et
Source: Boston Herald

[BlackLantern]

if Boston wins the WS...Peavy goes to Boston

[Spidey-Bat]

I wouldn't be too sure of that. He definitely will probably be more open to them than say the Yankees.

[Johnny Blaze]

The Tigers. And seeing as how we havent played in a division with either of those teams in over a decade, it's odd that I dislike them that much. The Red Sox used to be the cute, lovable losers who you always felt bad for. Since 2004, their fanbase has become insufferable and they have this sense of entitlement which makes me laugh. Not to mention, they've basically become "Yankees Lite" in terms of payroll, etc.

For some reason I also have a deep-seated hate for Kevin Youkilis and his silly batting stance as well.

Other than the fact that they're a division rival, their fan base is the reason I hate them. Not the true fans, mind you. Not the ones who've stuck with the team through the hard times. I can respect that.

But the Pink Sox. Those are the ones I hate.
Before they won in '04, you could go see the Rays and the Sox play at the Trop and it'd be like any other game. Then, once they won it, all of a sudden EVERYONE is a Red Sox fan.

Granted, the same thing has happened in the Tampa Bay area, but at least the bandwagon Rays fans aren't even a fourth as annoying as their Sox counterparts.

Even the die hard Sox fans can't stand the bandwagoners (it was from long time Sox fans that I heard the Pink Sox reference). You know it's bad when you're pissing off your fellow fans. :o

[Alex The Great]

Come on Tampa! Win!

[NewYorkSpider]

Hopefully this isn't a blowout. I have feeling Boston is going to light up the scoreboard.

And Pedoria hits a HR.

[Alex The Great]

God I hate TBS. I don't have the channel and they have a great series on a Channel not many people have :csad:

[Alex The Great]

Badda Bing

[Spidey-Bat]

I'd really like to hear the HP ump justify that check swing call by Drew. That was one of the worst check swing calls I've ever seen.

[NewYorkSpider]

WTF was that. :huh: That clearly wasn't a swing.

[Spidey-Bat]

So, what is the under/over for how long it takes Matt Garza to go berserk?

[The Incredible Hulk]

Tampa Bay just lost the series.

I think Tampa lost the series when they crapped away Game 5, though I hope I'm wrong and they win tonight.

as long as whoever advances beats Philly retarded...I'll be happy

Mets fan? I'm sorry but Philly would surely be the lesser of two evils in a World Series against the Red Sox.

if Boston wins the WS...Peavy goes to Boston

I think the question is, iff Boston wins the series, do they really need Peavy?

[Spidey-Bat]

Mets fan? I'm sorry but Philly would surely be the lesser of two evils in a World Series against the Red Sox.

One rule of being a fan is you never root for a division rival in the playoffs. I would rather see the Yankees win another WS than the Phillies.

[The Incredible Hulk]

One rule of being a fan is you never root for a division rival in the playoffs. I would rather see the Yankees win another WS than the Phillies.

LOL When was that "rule" made up? :confused: I've usually always voted for the AL team to win the World Series (unless it was the Yanks or Sox) because it made the league look better. It was the same reason we used to take pride in winning the All Star Game before it became a meaningless exhibition in the 80's. Same goes for football, even though I loathe the 3 other teams in the North/Central division, it made the division look better if the Champs resided in it and all the teams usually got more respect. Having lived in the Northern NJ area for 20 some odd years, you're the first Met fan I've ever heard say he would root for the Yankees for any reason.

[Alex The Great]

*wakes up* *Checks Score* *Falls Asleep*

[BlackLantern]

That is a long standing rule....if it was another NL team from another division, then it's ok to cheer for that team...but I would never EVER root for the Phillies or the Braves.....

[Alex The Great]

It is now 1-1

[NewYorkSpider]

I would never root for a divison rival in the playoffs. That's why I hope the Phillies win the World Series.

[The Incredible Hulk]

That is a long standing rule....if it was another NL team from another division, then it's ok to cheer for that team...but I would never EVER root for the Phillies or the Braves.....

perhaps that the case, but Phillies or Braves vs. Yankees? I'm sorry but every self-respecting Met fan I know (and I am related to a bout a dozen of them) would never root for the Yankees no matter who they were playing. Mets fans hatred for the Yankees runs far deeper than the Phillies who have never really been a true rival to the Mets until 2007 because the teams were never usually good at the same time.

[BlackLantern]

I wouldn't root for the Yankees....but my baseball hate meter goes as follows
1.Braves
2.Phillies
3.Yankees

Im hoping Boston or Tampa (preferably Tampa) goes to Philly and spanks the Phillies so hard that it gives Charlie Manuel a stroke

[The Incredible Hulk]

2-1 Rays, courtesy of New England boy, Rocco Baldelli. Great to see him playing again, I thought that weird disease was going to end his career

[Spidey-Bat]

I wish someone would beat up whoever is playing the cowbell.

[NewYorkSpider]

I wish someone would beat up whoever is playing the cowbell.

Will Ferrell is probably playing the cowbell.

[filmingit]

Shoot. I missed all of them today. I saw two in the first half and then missed all the fun.

I'd say someone update me but by the time you all respond it'll be late in the day.

[The Incredible Hulk]

:confused:

[The Incredible Hulk]

:confused:

[Nightmare]

Watch the Sox come back in the 9th to crush the rays hearts.

[Spidey-Bat]

It's amazing how last year most of these Tampa Bay relievers couldn't get an out if their life depended on it.

[Panophobia]

David Price... is the mother ****ing man!

[Spidey-Bat]

The HP ump must have it out for JD Drew.

[Panophobia]

Looked like his bat broke the plate from the replay.

[Cmill216]

Tampa Bay!!!!!!

[NewYorkSpider]

Congrats to the Rays. I'm glad it's them and not the Red Sox. Rays fans deserve this for going through all those losing seasons.

[Spidey-Bat]

"filthy" and "nasty" don't do David Price justice.

[Cmill216]

A rookie comes in and shuts the Red Sox out of the World Series.

Wow.

[Erzengel]

Very exciting game. Congrats to the Rays. What a difference a year makes.

[Immortalfire]

Congrats Tampa! :)

[Nightmare]

Hope Tampa wins it all.

[FaT_tONle]

THANK YOU GOD!!!!!!!!!!!!!

One *****t ass team down... one more to go... GO RAYS!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Bunker]

What a series!

[Evelisse]

Highly doubt the world series will be good as the Boston/Rays series. Congrat Rays!

[Bunker]

Congrats to the Rays. I'm glad it's them and not the Red Sox. Rays fans deserve this for going through all those losing seasons.

Carl Crawford deserves it more than anyone.

[Erzengel]

perhaps that the case, but Phillies or Braves vs. Yankees? I'm sorry but every self-respecting Met fan I know (and I am related to a bout a dozen of them) would never root for the Yankees no matter who they were playing. Mets fans hatred for the Yankees runs far deeper than the Phillies who have never really been a true rival to the Mets until 2007 because the teams were never usually good at the same time.

I never cared for inter city rivalries. If the Yankees, Giants, or Rangers didn't make the playoffs, I'd root for the Mets, Jets or Islanders if they did.

[The Incredible Hulk]

nice job Rays. :up: The scary thing is this Tampa team can be this good for a long time with the contracts most of those guys are under. Should be one hell of a World Series, like 2 fantasy teams going at one another.

[The Incredible Hulk]

I never cared for inter city rivalries. If the Yankees, Giants, or Rangers didn't make the playoffs, I'd root for the Mets, Jets or Islanders if they did.

you're the rare exception then. I grew up an Islander fan after moving to the area and wouldnt root for the Rangers if you had a gun to my mother's head. Although Yankees/Mets and Jets/Giants isnt as heated since they dont play as much.

[FaT_tONle]

WS will be a wash IMO... Tampa will sweep or win in five.

[Spidey-Bat]

Mets/Yankees is heated because interleague started when the Yankees dynasty did.



Matt Garza the ALCS MVP? Did no one see what BJ Upton did?

[The Incredible Hulk]

WS will be a wash IMO... Tampa will sweep or win in five.

I dont know about that. Phillies are a damn good team, as much as it pains me to admit it. Although I do have tickets to Game 4 here and it would be cool to see a clincher...

[Bunker]

Mets/Yankees is heated because interleague started when the Yankees dynasty did.



Matt Garza the ALCS MVP? Did no one see what BJ Upton did?

Seriously.

[Spidey-Bat]

After Hamels, the Phillies' rotation is a crap shoot. Myers can be downright awful. If players are patient with Moyer, he can be hit hard. Blanton is nothing special.

[The Incredible Hulk]

Mets/Yankees is heated because interleague started when the Yankees dynasty did.

Mets/Yankees is heated because the fanbases have basically detested one another since the Mets inception in the early 60's. Interleague just finally settled all the arguments. Remember the old Mayor's Cup preseason series they used to play back in the day before interleague started? I never sw more fights at a game in my life LOL



Matt Garza the ALCS MVP? Did no one see what BJ Upton did?

thats absurd, I know Garza pitched two great games, but Upton was unconscious for 6 out of the 7, especially the 3 in Boston.

[NewYorkSpider]

Carl Crawford deserves it more than anyone.

The fans went through 10 losing seasons. Crawford went through 6 of them. The fans deserve it more. As a player, Crawford definitely deserves it.

WS will be a wash IMO... Tampa will sweep or win in five.

I think the series could go to 6 or 7 games. But Tampa has the momentum right now and could take Philly by surprise.


Matt Garza the ALCS MVP? Did no one see what BJ Upton did?

I was a bit surprised that Upton didn't win it.

[Bunker]

The fans went through 10 losing seasons. Crawford went through 6 of them. The fans deserve it more. As a player, Crawford definitely deserves it.

They didn't have any fans until this year.

[Dr. Evil]

Tampa only needs 4 more wins to perform a miracle.

[The Incredible Hulk]

They didn't have any fans until this year.

the sad part is you're probably not too far off. The team gear in the crowd was a dead giveaway because your hardly saw any of the old green and black "devil rays" stuff from last year on anyone. Although there was the one old guy sitting above the 3rd base dugout with the old black D-Rays cap with the rainbow "TB" on it from the Wade Boggs/Greg Vaughn days. That guy was a true Rays fan. The rest, not so much.

I'd love to see the stats from MLB on just how much Rays gear was sold over the past month, I'd bet it eclipses what was sold the rest of the season easy.

[Erzengel]

Well Tampa Bay is essentially a hockey town. I kinda hope this win gets more people interested in their team.

[NewYorkSpider]

They didn't have any fans until this year.

They had fans. Most of them just didn't give a **** untill they started winning. But for the people who stay dedicated, they deserve whatever the Rays accomplish.

[Dr. Evil]

Well Tampa Bay is essentially a hockey town. I kinda hope this win gets more people interested in their team.

I thought they were a football town?

[Cmill216]

It's a football town.

[Erzengel]

See a lot of Lightning stuff when you are there. I mean it's been a while since I was there. But of course you've had recent wins for both teams in the past 6 years.

[Cmill216]

Hockey didn't become a big deal until the Lightning got competitive, which was just four years ago. This has always been the Bucs town first and foremost. And now USF football is becoming a powerhouse, and high school football continues to be a main attraction.

It'll be interesting to see how wide this baseball love will spread with the Rays success.

[Go Web Go!]

Well Tampa Bay is essentially a hockey town. I kinda hope this win gets more people interested in their team.

There's no such thing as a hockey town in FL.

Glad to see the Rays stick it to the Sox. Here's hoping they do the same to the filthy Phils.

[Kingfish]

Whew. Happy for the Rays. Even happier the Sox got beat. Hopefully it'll be a good World Series.

[cyborg ninja 14]

Congrats to the Rays, now beat the Phillies and finish the storybook season.

[FaT_tONle]

No one in Florida will ever care about baseball... the teams can't afford their players once the contracts are up... Rays will have a tear down in 2010 just like the Marlins had a tear down in 2005 and they'll go back to their usual selves... they'd be better off relocating to Carolina before staying in Florida...

[The Incredible Hulk]

No one in Florida will ever care about baseball...

Then why do they produce the second most MLB players of any state in the U.S.?


the teams can't afford their players once the contracts are up... Rays will have a tear down in 2010 just like the Marlins had a tear down in 2005 and they'll go back to their usual selves... they'd be better off relocating to Carolina before staying in Florida...

I disagree with this. The Marlins, both times they won the WS, had veteran laden teams nearing the end of their contracts, and the team was looking at escalating salaries they couldn't afford when contracts on some of their star players were going to expire.

The Rays are built completely differently. They're by and large a young team, with a median age of like 24 or something close to it. Pretty much all of their main cogs: Crawford, Longoria, Upton, Kazmir, Shields, Price, etc. are locked in to long term, cost-efficient contracts. (Team payroll is only $44 million this season, 2nd lowest in all of MLB). They also have 3 more insane pitching prospects who are nearing call up in Neimann, Davis, and McGee. And on top of all that they still have Tim Beckham, the #1 overall draft pick this year, waiting in the wings at SS. Provided they stay healthy and a few more of these prospects pan out, this team is setup to be good for a VERY long time.

[The Chris]

I never cared for inter city rivalries. If the Yankees, Giants, or Rangers didn't make the playoffs, I'd root for the Mets, Jets or Islanders if they did.

Likewise.

[FaT_tONle]

They have good farm systems because all the MLB teams usually have spring training down there. The Yankees have a large contigent there... that's how you attract athletes. Plus farm sytems have to do with scouting and you need to be really good there as a small market team. Has nothing to do with the fans. I mean it's great for fans to be that close to the players in spring training... but why doesn't that interest carry over into the season? Because once the stars leave and spring training is over... the local teams down there don't have much they can sell because they never have these big time bankable players.

Look, if you live in Florida you can be a wanna be fan who jumped on the band wagon earlier this year if you'd like. Once the team is bad again, people down there will just mark their calenders for when camps opens for both the college and professional football teams in the spring/summer. The attendance speaks for itself... both teams barely average over 15,000 a game. Rays attendance went up only 3% from last year... It's not a crime not to be a baseball fan... it's a slow game... and I'll admit myself I have a hard time getting into the game when the big market teams are not involved. It is what it is.

[The Incredible Hulk]

They have good farm systems because all the MLB teams usually have spring training down there.

What does MLb spring training have to do with the Rays having a good farm system? :confused:


The Yankees have a large contigent there... that's how you attract athletes. Plus farm sytems have to do with scouting and you need to be really good there as a small market team.

Actually farm systems specialize in player development. Scouting is usually an idependent function where you find players outside your organization that you want to put into it be it in the amateur ranks or on other teams rosters.


Has nothing to do with the fans. I mean it's great for fans to be that close to the players in spring training... but why doesn't that interest carry over into the season? Because once the stars leave and spring training is over... the local teams down there don't have much they can sell because they never have these big time bankable players.

It takes time. The Rays have only been existence for 10 years, and for the first 6 or 7 were awfully mismanaged and didnt draft or scout particularly well. I'd argue that you have a few budding superstars down there in Longoria and Upton, along with perhaps David Price who is looking like the real deal. See what happens once that takes hold. Baseball is a popular game in FL, as its played all over the state for 12 months of the year. So the fanbase is there, you just have to get them to care about the particular team.


Look, if you live in Florida you can be a wanna be fan who jumped on the band wagon earlier this year if you'd like. Once the team is bad again, people down there will just mark their calenders for when camps opens for both the college and professional football teams in the spring/summer. The attendance speaks for itself... both teams barely average over 15,000 a game. Rays attendance went up only 3% from last year... It's not a crime not to be a baseball fan... it's a slow game... and I'll admit myself I have a hard time getting into the game when the big market teams are not involved. It is what it is.

I think we should all get used to the Rays being in the post-season for the next few years. Seems the only people troubled by it are Boston and Yankee fans, who act as if it's their birthright to be in the playoffs every year. I remember the 80's when both of those teams were pretty bad and you couldnt draw flies to some of their games.

[Showtime]

Fantastic performance by The Rays. The Red Sox certainly made it interesting but the Rays are the better team and even if they weren't they outplayed the Red Sox in ever facet of the game for the entire series. I will be routing them on against the Phillies because I honestly love the way those kids play the game.


I think we should all get used to the Rays being in the post-season for the next few years. Seems the only people troubled by it are Boston and Yankee fans, who act as if it's their birthright to be in the playoffs every year. I remember the 80's when both of those teams were pretty bad and you couldnt draw flies to some of their games.

You mean SOME of the Red Sox and Yankees fans, not all I would imagine. Right?

[Raiden]

As a Yanks fan, I hate the Red Sox but I have to give them props for coming back from a 3-1 series deficit to tie it at 3-3, and lost in Game 7 in a tight game. You have to give them credit for fighting back instead of mailing it in like many teams would've done (Dodgers, for instance). As for WS, I don't really care who wins but if I have to pick one, then I'd like to Rays win it all because I just don't like the Phillies.

[Johnny Blaze]

Jesus Christ, I think I got an ulcer from watching that game last night. :o

Hell of a job, Rays. And hell of a series for both teams. With the Rays having their core guys signed to long term deals, the Rays/Red Sox could become a damn good rivalry to watch over the next few years.

I've only been a fan for the past five years (since I saw my first game live), so I haven't been around for all the misery. But it's nice to be able to finally hold my head up with pride when I wear my gear out.

The Rays are going to the World Series. I'd never thought I'd be able to say that. :yay:


You mean SOME of the Red Sox and Yankees fans, not all I would imagine. Right?

I would imagine as well.
Granted, I think the Sox fans are the most annoying on the planet and that the Yankees fans are the most arrogant, but those are pretty much just the bandwagoners who are like that.
Which, unfortunately, is the majority of them.

The long time, die-hard fans are more respectable since they've been through the down times.
They don't act like total doucheholes 99% of the time. Like the Pink Sox do, and the "hardcore" Yankees fans who can't name five players on the team.
Even when you spot them Jeter, A-Rod, and Rivera. :o

[Shemtov]

two words :
GO PHILLIES.

[BlackLantern]

No one outside of Philly is rooting for them.....correction...no self respecting baseball fan outside of Philly is rooting for them

[Dark Donnie]

No one outside of Philly is rooting for them.....correction...no self respecting baseball fan outside of Philly is rooting for them

:huh: not true at all.

[BlackLantern]

MLB wants Tampa to win this WS....

[Dark Donnie]

MLB wants Tampa to win this WS....

Thats fine but
No one outside of Philly is rooting for them.....correction...no self respecting baseball fan outside of Philly is rooting for them

Is an ignorant statement

[Immortalfire]

I'll be glad whoever wins. My mom is from Tampa originally, but my late friend Ted was a mega Phillies fan.

[kane9321]

I'm just happy the sox got beat.....that made me happy

[Showtime]

I'm just happy the sox got beat.....that made me happy

I take it the team you route for didn't make the playoffs?

[Shemtov]

MLB wants Tampa to win this WS....
because the comish. hates the phillies for beating his brewers. :(

[FaT_tONle]

What does MLb spring training have to do with the Rays having a good farm system? :confused:


Actually farm systems specialize in player development. Scouting is usually an idependent function where you find players outside your organization that you want to put into it be it in the amateur ranks or on other teams rosters.



It takes time. The Rays have only been existence for 10 years, and for the first 6 or 7 were awfully mismanaged and didnt draft or scout particularly well. I'd argue that you have a few budding superstars down there in Longoria and Upton, along with perhaps David Price who is looking like the real deal. See what happens once that takes hold. Baseball is a popular game in FL, as its played all over the state for 12 months of the year. So the fanbase is there, you just have to get them to care about the particular team.


Yeah I don't know what the hell I am talking about... THE POINT BEING... having a good farm system has nothing to do with atrracting/building a fanbase... I mean the Twins and Athletics have been doing this stuff for years and they still don't have huge fan bases... if there is a consistency there then you can be one of those small market teams that has a consistent fan base I agree with that. But having a good farm system doesn't bring fans into the game unless the players perform consistently... if you keep unloading the talent every three years then that fan base will lose interest after a while... and you can't win consistently like that if that's the pattern you follow. The Athletics have been awful since the end of 2006.


I think we should all get used to the Rays being in the post-season for the next few years. Seems the only people troubled by it are Boston and Yankee fans, who act as if it's their birthright to be in the playoffs every year. I remember the 80's when both of those teams were pretty bad and you couldnt draw flies to some of their games.

Yeah I see them making the playoffs maybe once in the next four years if that and never again for about another 15-20 years... these teams never duplicate the success the following year or the year after... Yankees and Toronto will be back.

[Showtime]

Toronto?

[NewYorkSpider]

Toronto will probably be losing A.J Burnett. Unless they sign another decent pitcher, they'll just be a mediocre team. I've heard Derek Lowe's name come up. There's like 12 teams intrested in him.

[BlackLantern]

http://deadspin.com/5065810/the-angryville-chronicles-stories-about-philadelphias-ferociously-loyal-amusingly-vile-fanbase

All you need to know about the Philly fanbase

[The Incredible Hulk]

Yeah I don't know what the hell I am talking about... THE POINT BEING... having a good farm system has nothing to do with atrracting/building a fanbase...

you're correct, not directly it won. But having a good farm system can lead to being a successful franchise, and that will build a fanbase. Again its hard to gauge a fanbase after a team has only been around for a decade in an area that is currently very transient in nature. people said the same things about the Dodgers and Giants after they moved to California in the 50's.

I mean the Twins and Athletics have been doing this stuff for years and they still don't have huge fan bases...

are we talking about huge fanbases? or huge attendance figures? because they arent one in the same, but when those teams have been in or near the playoffs their attendance has spiked. There are many fans of those two teams in their respective areas, thye just dont turn out at the ballpark for reasons. One of which would be that those are two of the worst stadiums left in baseball.


if there is a consistency there then you can be one of those small market teams that has a consistent fan base I agree with that. But having a good farm system doesn't bring fans into the game unless the players perform consistently...

agreed. so far so good for the young Rays.


if you keep unloading the talent every three years then that fan base will lose interest after a while... and you can't win consistently like that if that's the pattern you follow.

we'll have to see if that will be the case for the rays. Luckily for them they have pretty much all of those good young players locked up for quite a few years to come.


Yeah I see them making the playoffs maybe once in the next four years if that and never again for about another 15-20 years... these teams never duplicate the success the following year or the year after...

thats quite a prediction, there. In terms of rosterable talent, they're setup much better off than either the Yankees or the Red Sox, and they've got abouot 1/5 of their payrolls. I'm sure those two clubs will buy their way back into the picture soon enough though.


Yankees and Toronto will be back.

Toronto? LOL They havent been relevant in 15 years. It's funny though, all their crying about having to be in the Yanks/Sox division seems pretty weak now given what the Rays are doing.

[Spidey-Bat]

http://deadspin.com/5065810/the-angryville-chronicles-stories-about-philadelphias-ferociously-loyal-amusingly-vile-fanbase

All you need to know about the Philly fanbase

Wow. New York isn't even that bad.

My cousin's friend and his dad are Dodger fans. They went to a Philly/Dodger game and were standing when the Dodgers were in the middle of a potential rally. The Philly fan behind them threatened to knife them if they didn't sit down. Obviously they sat down.

[The Incredible Hulk]

Wow. New York isn't even that bad.

My cousin's friend and his dad are Dodger fans. They went to a Philly/Dodger game and were standing when the Dodgers were in the middle of a potential rally. The Philly fan behind them threatened to knife them if they didn't sit down. Obviously they sat down.

having lived in both areas for a decade, I cant tell you that they're both equally as bad and obnoxious. Some of the cretins at Yankees, Rangers, and Jets games can give even the worst of Philly a run for their money. (How about the new Yankees Stadium having holding cells (http://select.nytimes.com/2006/04/14/nyregion/14nyc.html?_r=1&oref=slogin)?)

Philly has a bum rap that is mostly well deserved but you can pull just as many horror stories out of Boston, Cleveland, Chicago, Oakland, New York, etc. Philly just seems to have more of the "fun" ones with Santan Claus, snowballs, etc.

[Showtime]

Toronto will probably be losing A.J Burnett. Unless they sign another decent pitcher, they'll just be a mediocre team. I've heard Derek Lowe's name come up. There's like 12 teams intrested in him.

They'll be stacked when they add....GIAMBI!

I believe I just read D. Lowe's first choice is Boston...

I just saw the 2009 All Star game hat, red with the St. Louis arch.

[Spidey-Bat]

having lived in both areas for a decade, I cant tell you that they're both equally as bad and obnoxious. Some of the cretins at Yankees, Rangers, and Jets games can give even the worst of Philly a run for their money. (How about the new Yankees Stadium having holding cells (http://select.nytimes.com/2006/04/14/nyregion/14nyc.html?_r=1&oref=slogin)?)

Philly has a bum rap that is mostly well deserved but you can pull just as many horror stories out of Boston, Cleveland, Chicago, Oakland, New York, etc. Philly just seems to have more of the "fun" ones with Santan Claus, snowballs, etc.

Jet fans are terrible. What was it that they were doing last year? I think it was something like they all lined up on those spiral ramps and heckled women or spat on them.

[NewYorkSpider]

The Yankees will probably get rid of Giambi and sign Teixera. He's looking for 10 years, $200MM. Giambi would probably end back up with the A's.

I'm really intrested in the three AL teams that Peavy is willing to play for. I'm gussing it could be Boston, Los Angeles and Detroit.

[Spidey-Bat]

I don't see the Yankees signing Teixeira if they want two of the top pitchers available (Burnett, Sabathia, Lowe, Peavy, etc.)

[NewYorkSpider]

I don't see the Yankees signing Teixeira if they want two of the top pitchers available (Burnett, Sabathia, Lowe, Peavy, etc.)

I doubt they'll go after two pitchers. Will have Wang, Petitte and Mussina back. Chamberlain will be back in the starting rotation(which I disagree with). Will probably sign/acquire one of the pitchers above. Peavy has said he doesn't want to play in New York. I'd rather sign Burnett/Sabathia to a deal.

[BlackLantern]

Jet fans are terrible. What was it that they were doing last year? I think it was something like they all lined up on those spiral ramps and heckled women or spat on them.

No..they were yelling "Show your tits!!!" over and over

[Showtime]

Now that is class.

[BlackLantern]

Now that is class.

even made it onto YouTube

[Showtime]

even made it onto YouTube

The classless guy I am, I am going to find it when I get home.

[Spidey-Bat]

I doubt they'll go after two pitchers. Will have Wang, Petitte and Mussina back. Chamberlain will be back in the starting rotation(which I disagree with). Will probably sign/acquire one of the pitchers above. Peavy has said he doesn't want to play in New York. I'd rather sign Burnett/Sabathia to a deal.

I don't think Pettitte and Mussina are locks. Pettitte wants a 2 year deal which is too much since he's nothing more than a glorified 4th starter. I think they may let him walk.

Mussina seems questionable about retirement. He'll probably come back though.

Signing Burnett is bad, IMO. He may have killed the Yankees but he was not very good. He's a big injury risk (only 3 seasons with 30+ starts in his career). He's also a flyball pitcher which wouldn't be good in Yankee Stadium.

No..they were yelling "Show your tits!!!" over and over

Thought it was something like that. Didn't they throw stuff at them or spit on them if they wouldn't?

[BlackLantern]

^^probably...it is Jersey after all....

[Alex The Great]

Congratz to the Rays :up:

[Spidey-Bat]

^^probably...it is Jersey after all....

I'm from New Jersey. So yeah, makes sense.



It was Keith Hernandez's birthday a few days ago. This site has a ton of quotes from his time in the booth. I fell off my chair laughing at these two:

131. “Kaz Matsui is the biggest chink in the Mets lineup.”

122. Gary: “The new Reds pitcher is Jon Coutlangus”
Keith: “Oh my”
Gary: It’s *very* carefully pronounced”
Keith: “It’s a tongue-twister, isn’t it?” (10 seconds of dead air)

[BlackLantern]

I love Keith, Ron, and Gary....the easiest way to tell if Keith is broadcasting a game is to listen and see if he's talking about himself....that's how you know its Keith

[The Incredible Hulk]

^^probably...it is Jersey after all....

hey now, most of the Jets fanbase is from Long Island...

[Spidey-Bat]

hey now, most of the Jets fanbase is from Long Island...

Different state. Same trash.

[Dark Donnie]

http://deadspin.com/5065810/the-angryville-chronicles-stories-about-philadelphias-ferociously-loyal-amusingly-vile-fanbase

All you need to know about the Philly fanbase

What is with your hatred towards Philly and there fans? You come off as a complete ass with the continuous posts about it.

All fan bases have bad wraps even your beloved Giants....again don't be ignorant.

[Spidey-Bat]

Giant fans are not as bad as Philly fans and the number of Giant fans like that are very few.

[Immortalfire]

hey now, most of the Jets fanbase is from Long Island...

Peter Griffin likes the Patriots.

[BlackLantern]

What is with your hatred towards Philly and there fans? You come off as a complete ass with the continuous posts about it.

All fan bases have bad wraps even your beloved Giants....again don't be ignorant.

I didn't post that story on Deadspin....Philly just has a reputation as having unique fans..

[Addendum]

I liked that last story where the Eagles fans threw a blanket still in the wrapping

[The Incredible Hulk]

Peter Griffin likes the Patriots.

LOL I said Long Island not Rhode Island... :)

[Immortalfire]

D'oh. Dang me, but dang Rhode Island for being the worst named state. It's not even an island. :cmad:

[BlackLantern]

Tampa in 6 and at I expect 8 plus runs out of Tampa in 2 of those games

[Spidey-Bat]

D'oh. Dang me, but dang Rhode Island for being the worst named state. It's not even an island. :cmad:

The worst named state is Idaho.

[ih8nyy]

No..they were yelling "Show your tits!!!" over and over

Now that is class.

That's been going on for years. I have a friend who is a Jets Season Ticket holder and he used to talk about that years ago. They do the J-E-T-S, chant only they replace it with T-I-T-S.

[Immortalfire]

That's been going on for years. I have a friend who is a Jets Season Ticket holder and he used to talk about that years ago. They do the J-E-T-S, chant only they replace it with T-I-T-S.

No wonder Erz goes all the time.

[FaT_tONle]

Giant fans are not as bad as Philly fans and the number of Giant fans like that are very few.

I agree. Philly fans are a disgrace... they are the only reasons why I hate their teams so much. Giant fans at least have some class... Philly fans are disgusting.

[Alex The Great]

Go Rays :up:

[Dark Donnie]

I agree. Philly fans are a disgrace... they are the only reasons why I hate their teams so much. Giant fans at least have some class... Philly fans are disgusting.

We get it Philly Fans are the Anti-Christ:whatever:

[FaT_tONle]

We get it Philly Fans are the Anti-Christ:whatever:

Exactly why they don't deserve a championship... YOU included.

[Spidey-Bat]

Fat Tonie, please stop talking.

[FaT_tONle]

Hey I never said the Mets deserved a chamionship either. Phillies are back dooring this thing... I mean they haven't beaten a playoff team with over 90 wins yet... they don't belong in there.

[Captain Planet!]

Go Rays. Go Rays. Go Rays.

[Bunker]

Go Rays. Go Rays. Go Rays.

I think I'll be seeing a lot of people with Rays gear walking around town from now on.

[Kingfish]

Hey I never said the Mets deserved a chamionship either. Phillies are back dooring this thing... I mean they haven't beaten a playoff team with over 90 wins yet... they don't belong in there.

Really. Stop talking.

[ih8nyy]

I think I'll be seeing a lot of people with Rays gear walking around town from now on.

They'll all still have the tags and stickers on that gear too.

[FaT_tONle]

Really. Stop talking.

So I am wrong about the Phillies assessment that they haven't beat a decent team as of yet?

[ih8nyy]

So I am wrong about the Phillies assessment that they haven't beat a decent team as of yet?

They play in the National League. They haven't beaten a decent team all year.

[Showtime]

Hey I never said the Mets deserved a chamionship either. Phillies are back dooring this thing... I mean they haven't beaten a playoff team with over 90 wins yet... they don't belong in there.

Whomever wins belong there. Both the Rays and Phillies belong there.

[Spidey-Bat]

The Brewers and Dodgers are better than decent, but not by much.

But to say their entire fan base including Donnie (who is obviously not the stereotypical Philly fan) don't deserve to see their team win a championship is retarded.

[FaT_tONle]

They play in the National League. They haven't beaten a decent team all year.

That's my point... Cubs choke and an 84 win team slips into the NLCS... Sabathia had half an arm left in the ALDS... AND Sheets was out. The NL outside the Cubs was God awful. That's why I think this series will end in five... six tops for the Rays. Unless the Rays just pull an 06 Detroit and collapse but I just don't see that happening.

But to say their entire fan base including Donnie (who is obviously not the stereotypical Philly fan) don't deserve to see their team win a championship is retarded.

A team where pretty much half their fans jumped on the bandwagon only the last couple of years... yeah they don't deserve it. I apologize to Donnie if he was a life long Phillie fan... but the majority of those fans don't deserve it.

[Showtime]

So let me get this straight. If the Rays lose it is because they collapsed, not because Philly beat them. Chicago choked, they weren't beaten, and the Brewers lost because Sabathia had only half an arm?

[FaT_tONle]

So let me get this straight. If the Rays lose it is because they collapsed, not because Philly beat them. Chicago choked, they weren't beaten, and the Brewers lost because Sabathia had only half an arm?

I am sure every New Englander feels the Giants beat the Pats in the SUperbowl... instead of the Pats beating themselves... :whatever:.

[Showtime]

I am sure you are the only New Englander who feels the Giants beat the Pats in the SUperbowl... instead of the Pats beating themselves... :whatever:.

No, there are plenty of New Englanders like myself who realize the Patriots lost the game. Aren't you a fan of the Yankees, I really don't even know who you are fan of, because all you do is rip on other fans and teams. I know you're a fan of the Cowboys though, and they certainly don't have yahoo fans. They are all very deserving of what they get.

http://images.cafepress.com/product/204459673v5_350x350_Front.jpg

[ih8nyy]

I am sure every New Englander feels the Giants beat the Pats in the SUperbowl... instead of the Pats beating themselves... :whatever:.


Pats lost cause their O-Line got Man Handled and couldn't keep TFB upright.

[FaT_tONle]

No, there are plenty of New Englanders like myself who realize the Patriots lost the game. Aren't you a fan of the Yankees, I really don't even know who you are fan of, because all you do is rip on other fans and teams. I know you're a fan of the Cowboys though, and they certainly don't have yahoo fans. They are all very deserving of what they get.

I edited the post meaning that there are still plenty of New Englanders who still think the Pats just flat out blew the game instead of the other way around...

As for the Cowboys and Yankees... their fans should feel entitled to Championships... because those teams have done it many times before. As for the Phillies... unless they flat out beat the Rays... and I'll admit that if that happens... I will call it a fluke. Until I see this team do it over and over again I'll give them some respect. But as of now I feel they have taken the easiest possible path to get here and it will show over the next week or so.

[Kingfish]

So I am wrong about the Phillies assessment that they haven't beat a decent team as of yet?

Those teams made the playoffs. They deserved to be there. The Phillies beat them. The Phillies deserve to be there.

It sounds like your beef is with the playoff structure, ala Hank Steinbrenner. Of course, it may be that you are merely co-opting that argument to rip on the Phillies, who you obviously hate. Either way, your case provides nothing of worth (again, quite similar to Hank).

[BlackLantern]

I expect Tampa to rip Philly a new one....so go Rays....

[Alex The Great]

If the Marlins win the WS next year, the world will explode.

Go Royals :csad:

[FaT_tONle]

Those teams made the playoffs. They deserved to be there. The Phillies beat them. The Phillies deserve to be there.

It sounds like your beef is with the playoff structure, ala Hank Steinbrenner. Of course, it may be that you are merely co-opting that argument to rip on the Phillies, who you obviously hate. Either way, your case provides nothing of worth (again, quite similar to Hank).

Don't make this a Hank Steinbrenner thing... point your comments at me... I don't really care about the playoff structure as far as making changes... maybe add some games in the first round. Dodgers had the worst NL record anyway so that was a fair matchup I suppose. I just don't see how people can see that the Dodgers... and 84 freaking win team... are this big time opponent in an NLCS. All people are gonna say is that that... "Oh the Cardinals did it a few years back... so the Dodgers could have done it." How often to you see a less than 85 win team making a run like that though? Seriously... you beat who is in front of you I get that. But give me a break. At the end of the day it doesn't matter what I think...just go out there and beat the Rays... and everything will fall into place. I don't say a bleeping word to Giant (football) fans these days... and I won't for another three/four years.

[Kingfish]

I'm not saying the Dodgers were a big time opponent, but they made the playoffs under the current structure. They deserved to be there. The Cubs may have had more wins, but they couldn't get it done when it when it mattered the most. Thus, they didn't deserve to be there. Whining about injuries and other such things doesn't mean they suddenly deserved it.

And I was directing my comments at you. By pointing out that your statements make about as much sense as Hank's.

With all that said, I hope the Rays demolish the Phillies.

[FaT_tONle]

I'm not saying the Dodgers were a big time opponent, but they made the playoffs under the current structure. They deserved to be there. The Cubs may have had more wins, but they couldn't get it done when it when it mattered the most. Thus, they didn't deserve to be there. Whining about injuries and other such things doesn't mean they suddenly deserved it.

And I was directing my comments at you. By pointing out that your statements make about as much sense as Hank's.

With all that said, I hope the Rays demolish the Phillies.

Well if Hank said that division winners are irrelevant... or that AL teams should replace NL teams with poorer records... I agree with you he is a retard... and Thank God a retard is running the New York Yankees.

[ih8nyy]

Well if Hank said that division winners are irrelevant... or that AL teams should replace NL teams with poorer records... I agree with you he is a retard... and Thank God a retard is running the New York Yankees.

Lets be PC here. Hank Steinbrenner is "Handi-Capable".

[BlackLantern]

Hank was complaining about division winners in both leagues and how teams in weaker divisions get in the post-season.....basically his position is that the teams with the best records should be in the post-season, and to hell with the division winners....

[ih8nyy]

Hank was complaining about division winners in both leagues and how teams in weaker divisions get in the post-season.....basically his position is that the teams with the best records should be in the post-season, and to hell with the division winners....

If he wasn't complaining about something I wouldn't believe he was really a Steinbrenner. It's in his blood.

[NewYorkSpider]

Phillies are back dooring this thing... I mean they haven't beaten a playoff team with over 90 wins yet... they don't belong in there.

So what team belongs in the World Series from the NL?

[The Incredible Hulk]

I agree. Philly fans are a disgrace... they are the only reasons why I hate their teams so much. Giant fans at least have some class... Philly fans are disgusting.

seriously, what bastion of upscale fans do you belong to? Please, please, please say it's the Mets....

Hey I never said the Mets deserved a chamionship either. Phillies are back dooring this thing... I mean they haven't beaten a playoff team with over 90 wins yet... they don't belong in there.

sounds like you're getting the excuse machine ready just in case a division rival takes home a title. Granted I dont really want to see Philly win either ( I live in the area now and they'd become even more insufferable) but if they beat the Rays, its legit. That team slapped around the AL's best all season and in the playoffs. The Phils had no control over the Cubs, at full strength, predictably crapping the bed so it's just a loser's lament to try and diminish them getting to the series.

[Dark Donnie]

Hey I never said the Mets deserved a chamionship either. Phillies are back dooring this thing... I mean they haven't beaten a playoff team with over 90 wins yet... they don't belong in there.
Your logic is so flawed that it's almost not even worth responding to. So let me get this straight The Phillies don't deserve to be in the World Series cause they haven't beaten anyone over 90 Wins? If they do win it's fluke? What about if the Rays win...that would have to be a fluke also then right? They had didn't have to play The Angels(best team in the AL) just like the Phillies didn't have to play the Cubs. The Phillies beat one of the hotter teams in the league in The Dodgers, and a struggling Brewers team. If the series' had gone to 7 games then I might somewhat agree with you, but they didn't. The Phillies won pretty convincingly. They have no choice who they play. Baseball, especially playoff baseball is about momentum...and The Phillies had that throughout the first two rounds.

The Brewers and Dodgers are better than decent, but not by much.

But to say their entire fan base including Donnie (who is obviously not the stereotypical Philly fan) don't deserve to see their team win a championship is retarded.

Appreciated :up:


A team where pretty much half their fans jumped on the bandwagon only the last couple of years... yeah they don't deserve it. I apologize to Donnie if he was a life long Phillie fan... but the majority of those fans don't deserve it.

Any teams fanbase will jump if the team begins to win it's commonsense. The Phillies hadn't been to the playoffs since 1993 before last year, obviously there won't be as many fans. It would be like that with alot of towns. I've been seriously following baseball and The Phillies since a little before 1993 so I have the right to cheer this team on in the WS.

[FaT_tONle]

seriously, what bastion of upscale fans do you belong to? Please, please, please say it's the Mets....



sounds like you're getting the excuse machine ready just in case a division rival takes home a title. Granted I dont really want to see Philly win either ( I live in the area now and they'd become even more insufferable) but if they beat the Rays, its legit. That team slapped around the AL's best all season and in the playoffs. The Phils had no control over the Cubs, at full strength, predictably crapping the bed so it's just a loser's lament to try and diminish them getting to the series.

Whatever... Mets are rubbish... Philly is a better ball club... I'll admit it... whoopdie doo... they won a mediocre division... a God awful League... sometimes the breaks go your way... now if they had to go through the cream of the crop... LAD AND ChC... maybe I'd give credit where it is due. As of now the represent a terrible league that had one elite team all year.

As far as beating the Rays... I'll steal a quote from Steward Denethor of Gondor (LOTR: ROTK)... "that depends on the manner of their victory..."

Your logic is so flawed that it's almost not even worth responding to. So let me get this straight The Phillies don't deserve to be in the World Series cause they haven't beaten anyone over 90 Wins? If they do win it's fluke? What about if the Rays win...that would have to be a fluke also then right? They had didn't have to play The Angels(best team in the AL) just like the Phillies didn't have to play the Cubs. The Phillies beat one of the hotter teams in the league in The Dodgers, and a struggling Brewers team. If the series' had gone to 7 games then I might somewhat agree with you, but they didn't. The Phillies won pretty convincingly. They have no choice who they play. Baseball, especially playoff baseball is about momentum...and The Phillies had that throughout the first two rounds.

I said that if the Phillies beat the Rays assuming the Rays actually play the baseball they are capable of playing and have played in October thus far then I'll give them respect... and don't talk about the Angels/Rays not meeting... that logic is even more flawed... because then you are basically comparing beating LA Dodgers to beating the freaking defending World Champion Red Sox. And TB was probably the best team in the A.L this year anyways... how could it be a fluke?


Any teams fanbase will jump if the team begins to win it's commonsense. The Phillies hadn't been to the playoffs since 1993 before last year, obviously there won't be as many fans. It would be like that with alot of towns. I've been seriously following baseball and The Phillies since a little before 1993 so I have the right to cheer this team on in the WS


Well band wagon fans are band wagon fans... it's like that with every city to an extent... it is what it is. But at the end of the day... that city will never be a baseball town... the Flyers haven't won a Stanley Cup since the 70's and they are probably ahead of the Phillies. For that reason most of those fans don't deserve a championship this year.

[Dark Donnie]

I said that if the Phillies beat the Rays assuming the Rays actually play the baseball they are capable of playing and have played in October thus far then I'll give them respect... and don't talk about the Angels/Rays not meeting... that logic is even more flawed... because then you are basically comparing beating LA Dodgers to beating the freaking defending World Champion Red Sox. And TB was probably the best team in the A.L this year anyways... how could it be a fluke?

My point was, that your disregarding what The Phillies have done because they(by your estimation) haven't played anyone good. They almost swept a Dodgers team that just beat up on The Cubs(who were the best team in the NL, elite you said). Also my logic isn't flawed at all about The Angels/Rays...The Angels had the best record in the AL, and The Rays didn't play them, not saying they would have lost, but teams matchup about against other teams better. Again, The Phillies had no control who they played, but the teams they did play, they beat. That's how the playoffs work.

Also you said nothing about The Rays playing up to potential, you said if The Phillies win, you will call it a fluke...until they do it consistently...even though the Phillies made the playoffs last year and The Rays stunk...that's where the talk of The Rays being a fluke came from. (for the record I don't think there a fluke)


Well band wagon fans are band wagon fans... it's like that with every city to an extent... it is what it is. But at the end of the day... that city will never be a baseball town... the FLyers haven't won a Stanley Cup since the 70's and they are probably ahead of the Phillies. For that reason most of those fans don't deserve a championship this year.

I'm lost why don't we deserve a championship? Because were not a baseball town? So The Rays don't deserve a championship either?

Over the course of the last two seasons this town has once again become a baseball town(it was during the late 70's and 80's).

At the moment its The Phillies, Eagles, Flyers, Sixers.

[Nightmare]

Wow, Sixers behind the Flyers.

[Dark Donnie]

Wow, Sixers behind the Flyers.

Definately, although The Sixers have been making some nice moves.

[The Incredible Hulk]

yeah I dont quite understand Philly's devotion to the Flyers either myself. Philly's not a hockey hotbed like some of the other cities in the Northeast and Northern Midwest where it's HUGE at the amatrue levels. For some reason the Flyers just have a hold over this town, probably because of the violent nature of the NHL.

[FaT_tONle]

My point was, that your disregarding what The Phillies have done because they(by your estimation) haven't played anyone good. They almost swept a Dodgers team that just beat up on The Cubs(who were the best team in the NL, elite you said). Also my logic isn't flawed at all about The Angels/Rays...The Angels had the best record in the AL, and The Rays didn't play them, not saying they would have lost, but teams matchup about against other teams better. Again, The Phillies had no control who they played, but the teams they did play, they beat. That's how the playoffs work.

Yeah well Rays beat both the Angels/Sox head to head during the season... you could have made the argument that they were the best team going in... plus they played in the tougher division... remind me who plays in Anaheim's division? I rest my case... Phillies are only in there because of the luck of the draw.... Dodgers were not an elite team... that's all there is too it.

Also you said nothing about The Rays playing up to potential, you said if The Phillies win, you will call it a fluke...until they do it consistently...even though the Phillies made the playoffs last year and The Rays stunk...that's where the talk of The Rays being a fluke came from. (for the record I don't think there a fluke)

I said if Tampa comitts multiple errors per game and plays like dog ****... like the 2006 Tigers... then I will call it a fluke. If the Phillies show me something more I'll be the first one to retract.


I'm lost why don't we deserve a championship? Because were not a baseball town? So The Rays don't deserve a championship either?

Over the course of the last two seasons this town has once again become a baseball town(it was during the late 70's and 80's).

At the moment its The Phillies, Eagles, Flyers, Sixers.

Eagles behind the Phillies? Ya okay... you go to that stadium in August/September and you'll hear Eagle chants going on in there. Tampa Bay is more deserving because they have been the best team all year long.

[Dark Donnie]

yeah I dont quite understand Philly's devotion to the Flyers either myself. Philly's not a hockey hotbed like some of the other cities in the Northeast and Northern Midwest where it's HUGE at the amatrue levels. For some reason the Flyers just have a hold over this town, probably because of the violent nature of the NHL.

I think it's because they've been the most successful team of the four in terms of consistantly winning, and they are always trying to improve the team. I mean they the worst team in the NHL two years ago and last year they bounced back to the ECF. Personally, Hockey games are incredibly fun to attend, but not as fun to watch on TV.

[Dark Donnie]

Yeah well Rays beat both the Angels/Sox head to head during the season... you could have made the argument that they were the best team going in... plus they played in the tougher division... who play's in Anaheim's division? I rest my case... Phillies are only in there because of the luck of the draw.... Dodgers were not an elite team... that's all there is too it.


I said if Tampa comitts multiple errors per game and plays like dog ****... like the 2006 Tigers... then I will call it a fluke. If the Phillies show me something more I'll be the first one to retract.



Eagles behind the Phillies? Ya okay... you go to that stadium in August/September and you'll hear Eagle chants going on in there. Tampa Bay is more deserving because they have been the best team all year long.
But The Dodgers swept an elite team(The Cubs so you said) so that has to mean something if The Phillies beat them.

Philadelphia is a sports-crazed town that can be hard on both its teams and players, just ask Jimmy Rollins, and in recent years the Phillies have overtaken the Eagles and Flyers as the city’s team of choice.
http://baseball.realgm.com/src_teamarticle/483/20080918/october_watch_can_phils_keep_fighting/

I live here, so I see it first hand. The Phillies over the course of the last 2-3 season have become more popular. Getting to the WS just cements that.

[FaT_tONle]

But The Dodgers swept an elite team(The Cubs so you said) so that has to mean something if The Phillies beat them.

If you say so...

I live here, so I see it first hand. The Phillies over the course of the last 2-3 season have become more popular. Getting to the WS just cements that.

So I guess this is a month to month thing down there, eh? Flyers win a Cup and they'll be number one... Eagles get back to the Superbowl and they'll be number 1.

[Dark Donnie]

If you say so...



So I guess this is a month to month thing down there, eh? Flyers win a Cup and they'll be number one... Eagles get back to the Superbowl and they'll be number 1.

:huh:

It's always been between The Eagles and The Phillies for who is number one. People have grown tired of The Eagles front office not going out and getting the necessary players to win, most important playmakers for McNabb. Since the Superbowl and Owens left the popularity has declined.

Also this town wants a championship...read Jayson Starks's column to get a better idea:

Reason No. 3: The city that never celebrates
In Philadelphia, they're growing a little tired of hearing about how the poor, downtrodden, cursified Chicago Cubs never win. In Philadelphia, you see, nobody ever wins.

Phillies' World Series history
YEAR OPPONENT OUTCOME
1993 Toronto Blue Jays L 4-2
1983 Baltimore Orioles L 4-1
1980 Kansas City Royals W 4-2
1950 NY Yankees L 4-0
1915 Boston Red Sox L 4-1
You would think it would be just about impossible for a city to run teams out there in all four major pro sports for an entire quarter-century and not have one of them win some kind of championship, let alone do it in the fourth-largest TV market in America.

But that's the sad story of Philadelphia, the United States' most parade-free city since 1983.

So this World Series is a chance to set these people free so they can toss around a little ticker tape, cancel their psychiatrist appointments and move on to a brighter tomorrow, with smiles on their faces and cheesesteaks on their plates -- forever and ever. Or at least until the next time the Eagles get stuffed on fourth-and-goal.

But this isn't just about all those teams. It's about this Phillies team. The losingest team in the history of any sport. A team with a sad, star-crossed, angst-laden history that is shockingly overlooked by baseball fans everywhere.

This is the Phillies' 126th season on Earth. They've won one World Series. That's one fewer than the Cubs have won. That's three fewer than that team across the state, the Pirates, have won. Sheez, that's even one fewer than the Marlins and Blue Jays have won.

That pall has hung over this franchise for a whole disastrous century, a century so messy that all Philadelphians know way more about Joe Carter, 1964 and Black Friday than they do about, say, their kids' report cards.

But this Phillies team seems different somehow. It's a group that keeps talking about raising the bar, changing mindsets and rewriting the sorriest history in sports. So explain to us why this isn't just as compelling a story as the Cubs' trying to undo their own sorry history.

It's missing ivy, billy goats and that fun little round number, 100. We get that. But other than that, it's pretty much the same tale of woe, heartbreak and misfortune. And what does America love more than a good tale of woe, heartbreak and misfortune?
http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/playoffs2008/columns/story?columnist=stark_jayson&id=3653757

This town doesn't have a histroy of winning so it's not the same as a NY where The Yankees have won a ton of titles. This town needs a championship. As Stark says, people cry about The Cubs, but this town has been through just as much.

[Immortalfire]

I wonder if Fat Tony would like it better if baseball had a wonderful ranking system like college football. Let's vote on a champion, instead of letting them actually play for it!

[Spidey-Bat]

Or have a system like basketball where sub-500 teams can make the playoffs.

[FaT_tONle]

:huh:

It's always been between The Eagles and The Phillies for who is number one. People have grown tired of The Eagles front office not going out and getting the necessary players to win, most important playmakers for McNabb. Since the Superbowl and Owens left the popularity has declined.

Also this town wants a championship...read Jayson Starks's column to get a better idea:

Reason No. 3: The city that never celebrates
In Philadelphia, they're growing a little tired of hearing about how the poor, downtrodden, cursified Chicago Cubs never win. In Philadelphia, you see, nobody ever wins.

Phillies' World Series history
YEAR OPPONENT OUTCOME
1993 Toronto Blue Jays L 4-2
1983 Baltimore Orioles L 4-1
1980 Kansas City Royals W 4-2
1950 NY Yankees L 4-0
1915 Boston Red Sox L 4-1
You would think it would be just about impossible for a city to run teams out there in all four major pro sports for an entire quarter-century and not have one of them win some kind of championship, let alone do it in the fourth-largest TV market in America.

But that's the sad story of Philadelphia, the United States' most parade-free city since 1983.

So this World Series is a chance to set these people free so they can toss around a little ticker tape, cancel their psychiatrist appointments and move on to a brighter tomorrow, with smiles on their faces and cheesesteaks on their plates -- forever and ever. Or at least until the next time the Eagles get stuffed on fourth-and-goal.

But this isn't just about all those teams. It's about this Phillies team. The losingest team in the history of any sport. A team with a sad, star-crossed, angst-laden history that is shockingly overlooked by baseball fans everywhere.

This is the Phillies' 126th season on Earth. They've won one World Series. That's one fewer than the Cubs have won. That's three fewer than that team across the state, the Pirates, have won. Sheez, that's even one fewer than the Marlins and Blue Jays have won.

That pall has hung over this franchise for a whole disastrous century, a century so messy that all Philadelphians know way more about Joe Carter, 1964 and Black Friday than they do about, say, their kids' report cards.

But this Phillies team seems different somehow. It's a group that keeps talking about raising the bar, changing mindsets and rewriting the sorriest history in sports. So explain to us why this isn't just as compelling a story as the Cubs' trying to undo their own sorry history.

It's missing ivy, billy goats and that fun little round number, 100. We get that. But other than that, it's pretty much the same tale of woe, heartbreak and misfortune. And what does America love more than a good tale of woe, heartbreak and misfortune?
http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/playoffs2008/columns/story?columnist=stark_jayson&id=3653757

This town doesn't have a histroy of winning so it's not the same as a NY where The Yankees have won a ton of titles. This town needs a championship. As Stark says, people cry about The Cubs, but this town has been through just as much.

So the Phillies have a history of winning? New York is a baseball town... it does not become a hockey town if the Rangers win a cup... it does not become a football town because the Giants win a Superbowl... it's a BASEBALL town. Chicago is a baseball town... they do not have a history of winning... BOSTON is a baseball town... it was before 2004. Patriots winning a couple of world championships did not change that. Philly... maybe you are right... they go from one good thing to the next... that's not loyalty. That's bandwagon hoppers...

[Erzengel]

This town doesn't have a histroy of winning so it's not the same as a NY where The Yankees have won a ton of titles. This town needs a championship. As Stark says, people cry about The Cubs, but this town has been through just as much.
I'm not a Cubs fan but 100 > 28 years. That's almost 4 times as long of a wait, I wouldn't consider Philly being through just as much.

[Showtime]

... BOSTON is a baseball town... it was before 2004. Patriots winning a couple of world championships did not change that. Philly... maybe you are right... they go from one good thing to the next... that's not loyalty. That's bandwagon hoppers...

several

[Dark Donnie]

So the Phillies have a history of winning? New York is a baseball town... it does not become a hockey town if the Rangers win a cup... it does not become a football town because the Giants win a Superbowl... it's a BASEBALL town. Chicago is a baseball town... they don't have a history of winning... BOSTON is a baseball town... it was before 2004. Patriots winning a couple of world championships does not change that. Philly... maybe you are right... they go from one good thing to the next... that's not loyalty.

No they don't and the fans still followed The Phillies. Do you think NY would be such a huge baseball town if The Yankees didn't win 26 World Series and played in it 39 times? Winning brings fans, it's the same for every city not just Philadelphia. Also I don't have the stats in front of me but I'm willing to bet that the Red Sox have won alot more games, and have certainly been to the Playoffs more over the years leading up to 2004.

As the Stark article states, The Phillies have lost more games then any franchise in all of sports, not to mention been through some of the worst GM's and Owners ever. For this team to have a sustained fanbase is pretty incredible but they do.

This whole arguement started because you had to make a statement like we backed into the WS and didn't deserve it. They beat everyone put in front of them, which is what your suppose to do. You could say they're going to get crushed in the WS fine, but to make a claim like that is ridiculous.

I'm not a Cubs fan but 100 > 28 years. That's almost 4 times as long of a wait, I wouldn't consider Philly being through just as much.
I was comparing The Cubs, to Philadelphia as a whole like Stark states. This town has gone 100 seasons without a championship. At least Chicago had that stretch where the Bulls were incredible.

[Erzengel]

I was comparing The Cubs, to Philadelphia as a whole like Stark states. This town has gone 100 seasons without a championship. At least Chicago had that stretch where the Bulls were incredible. I was bored so I did a listing of the top cities with at least 4 teams, one for each major sport.

In terms of that he's right, Philadelphia has had the longest stretch.

Although, Minnesota and DC aren't too far behind.

1. Atlanta, Ga. – Falcons, Braves, Hawks, Thrashers - 1995
2. Boston, Mass. – Patriots, Red Sox, Celtics, Bruins - 2007
3. Chicago, Ill. – Bears, Cubs, White Sox, Bulls, Blackhawks - 2005
4. Dallas, Tex.- Cowboys, Rangers, Mavericks, Stars - 1995
5. Denver, Colo. – Broncos, Rockies, Nuggets, Avalanche - 2001
6. Detroit, Mich. – Lions, Tigers, Pistons, Red Wings - 2008
7. Miami, Fla. – Dolphins, Marlins, Heat, Panthers - 2006
8. Minneapolis, Minn. – Vikings, Twins, Timberwolves, Wild - 1991
9. New York, N.Y. – Giants/Jets, Yankees/Mets, Knicks, Rangers/Islanders - 2008
10. Philadelphia, Pa.- Eagles, Phillies, 76ers, Flyers - 1983
11. Washington, DC – Redskins, Nationals, Wizards, Capitals - 1991

[FaT_tONle]

No they don't and the fans still followed The Phillies. Do you think NY would be such a huge baseball town if The Yankees didn't win 26 World Series and played in it 39 times? Winning brings fans, it's the same for every city not just Philadelphia. Also I don't have the stats in front of me but I'm willing to bet that the Red Sox have won alot more games, and have certainly been to the Playoffs more over the years leading up to 2004.

As the Stark article states, The Phillies have lost more games then any franchise in all of sports, not to mention been through some of the worst GM's and Owners ever. For this team to have a sustained fanbase is pretty incredible but they do.

This whole arguement started because you had to make a statement like we backed into the WS and didn't deserve it. They beat everyone put in front of them, which is what your suppose to do. You could say they're going to get crushed in the WS fine, but to make a claim like that is ridiculous.


I was comparing The Cubs, to Philadelphia as a whole like Stark states. This town has gone 100 seasons without a championship. At least Chicago had that stretch where the Bulls were incredible.

Then how come the team that YOU brought up... the Cubs... have a consistent fan base? Do the BUlls have anything to do with that? You don't need to win championships to be a (Enter sport) town. Philladelphia is a football town. No one gave a **** about baseball until the end of last year. You can deny that all you want... that was pretty much the case. A year and a half of decent baseball does not automatically mean the general Philly fanbase converted to baseball disciples... unless of course they are all band wagon hoppers... which they apparently are if we are going by what you or Jason Stark is saying.


several

A COUPLE... Pats only won two before the Sox finally came through... that's the point I was making.

[BlackLantern]

New York has a long baseball history...not only with the Yankees and Mets...but with the Dodgers and Giants, before they moved to the west coast...I would say out of all the big cities, NY is probably the most baseball friendly

[Dark Donnie]

Then how come the team that YOU brought up... the Cubs... have a consistent fan base? Do the BUlls have anything to do with that? You don't need to win championships to be a (Enter sport) town. Philladelphia is a football town. No one gave a **** about baseball until the end of last year. You can deny that all you want... that was pretty much the case. A year and a half of decent baseball does not automatically mean the general Philly fanbase converted to baseball disciples... unless of course they are all band wagon hoppers... which they apparently are if we are going by what you or Jason Stark is saying.

Reading Comprehension not a strong point? I was comparing The Cubs vs Phila. LIKE Jayson Stark, that came from his article.

Again the Cubs have a richer baseball history then The Phillies, what's so hard to understand? Over there history The Cubs have 2 World Championships, 10 Pennants, and 15 Playoff Appearances, while The Phillies have 1 World Championship, 6 Pennants, and 10 Playoff Appearances, and The Phillies have been around 10 years longer. Enough with the bandwagon ********...it's old. Like I said every team in every city will have a surge of fans if that team made the WS, it's common sense, but since you have none I can see why you don't get it. I NEVER said we were baseball disciples, I said the town is becoming more interested with The Phillies which is 100% true. There is a large group of Phillies fans that have been through the rough years, myself included. I have no problem with more people backin this team. We have an amazing core of players with Rollins, Hamels, Howard, Utley, Victorino, etc. Arguably the best The Phillies have had at each position (with the exception of Victorino).

I'm through with debating you, and I'd rather focus on the game tonight.

[Immortalfire]

several

Three = few. More than that is several.

[Spidey-Bat]

Appreciated :up:

No problem. I hate teams but I don't hate their fans enough to say they don't deserve to see their team win a championship.

[Showtime]

Three = few. More than that is several.

Several is more than two but fewer than many.

You've just been Showtimed.

[Spidey-Bat]

Several is like 4+. Besides, the Pats cheated :o

[Erzengel]

Several is more than two but fewer than many.

You've just been Showtimed.
Not to split hairs, but if I had 3 dollars I wouldn't say I had several dollars, I'd say I'd have a few. :o

[Spidey-Bat]

Couple=2
Few=3
Several=4-7
Bunch=8-10
Dozen=11-13

[Showtime]

2 a: more than one <several pleas> b: more than two but fewer than many <moved several inches> cchiefly dialect : being a great many

1. Being of a number more than two or three but not many:

more than two but not many; of an indefinite but small number; few

[NewYorkSpider]

I'm going with the Rays in 6.

[FaT_tONle]

No problem. I hate teams but I don't hate their fans enough to say they don't deserve to see their team win a championship.

Fair enough... but fan bases are a main reason why I hate the teams I do. I hate the Yankees because their fans can't get off their high horses. Ungrateful, unappreciative, spoiled... well you get the point. I hate the Eagles and Phillies STRICTLY because of their fan bases, and I hate the Patriots but that's because Belicheck is a ****ing **** ****ing ******, but that's another story. The way I see it, these teams don't deserve championships again until my teams win again.

[Immortalfire]

I have Erz and Spidey Bat on my side.

Victory is mine.

[Nightmare]

Can i be on your side?

[Dr. Evil]

Philly in six.....

So says the poster who is a fan of the only team in the entire Major Leagues to have never won a postseason series.

[FaT_tONle]

Whoever wins... Fox is really gonna dig them ratings this October... they are gonna dig them fo sure...

[FaT_tONle]

Whoever wins... Fox is really gonna dig them ratings this October... they are gonna dig them fo sure... I mean the Phillies and the Rays of all teams... must watch for every sports fan in America.

[Bunker]

Sarcasm?

[Dr. Evil]

MLB was hoping for:

1. Dodgers vs. Red Sox
2. Dodgers vs. Rays
3. Red Sox vs. Phillies

With Dodgers vs. Sox as the top option.

[NewYorkSpider]

Fair enough... but fan bases are a main reason why I hate the teams I do. I hate the Yankees because some of their fans can't get off their high horses. Ungrateful, unappreciative, spoiled... well you get the point.

Fixed

[Captain Planet!]

Can Fox just cut the crap and get to the game already?

[NewYorkSpider]

Can Fox just cut the crap and get to the game already?

It's not starting untill 8:35.

[Go Web Go!]

Woah, woah, woah....

The Tampa Bay Rays are in the World Series and the freakin' Backstreet Boys are performing the anthem? What the hell is going on? Where am I? :(

[Captain Planet!]

It said on MLB.com it was at "8 PM".





........The Backstreet Boys? Oh come on.

[Dr. Evil]

:funny::lmao: at the National Anthem singers.

[Bunker]

I really hate that corny heroic music they play before every commercial break.

[Dark Donnie]

That one Backstreet Boy didn't age well