NLCS - Phillies vs. Dodgers

[rcrook]

I hope the stadium explodes in Game 1. Fuck both of these teams.


Dodgers in 6.

[SilenceBrokenTT]

Going with this thread...

And same as crook said, Dodgers in 6.

[TheOtherAndrew]

This season sucks, Phillies in 7.

[ForlrnPerplxity]

Dodgers in 5


The Dodgers bullpen will obliterate the Phillies.

[baseballfreak19]

Phillies in 6. The Phils hitting will obliterate the Dodger's bullpen.

[ActorInThisPlay]

Phillies in 6...I am hoping for this, not sure if it will happen though.

[rcrook]

anybody know what they'll do TV wise for the days that the ALCS and NLCS are on the same night (upcoming Friday and next Monday)

[imirish06]

I'm really hoping the Phillies games are scheduled early so I can make it to Game 2.


Anyways, I was a lot more confident with their match up with the Dodgers before they beat the shit out of the Cardinals.

[11:11]

Phils in 6, though I'm pretty biased.

[fightinirish217]

Dodgers in 6.

[manican sex]

Phils starting pitching will shut it down. Should be a good series.

[kofiadrian]

phillies in 7.

[CubbyNick42]

anybody know what they'll do TV wise for the days that the ALCS and NLCS are on the same night (upcoming Friday and next Monday)
What do you mean? One's on Fox, the other's on TBS. I assume one early, one late, which would work out perfect since the series shouldn't ever be on the same coast on the same night.

[ActorInThisPlay]

I'm really hoping the Phillies games are scheduled early so I can make it to Game 2.


Anyways, I was a lot more confident with their match up with the Dodgers before they beat the shit out of the Cardinals.
yeah but the same thing happened last year. Dodgers sweep Cubs, then promptly lose to the Phillies in 5. I'm hoping for the same results.

[StrictlyBiznas]

Last year's NLCS was good. Hoping for a similar result. I'll go with Phillies in 6.

[rcrook]

What do you mean? One's on Fox, the other's on TBS. I assume one early, one late, which would work out perfect since the series shouldn't ever be on the same coast on the same night.

Okay. I didn't know if TBS was only for the DS or for both.

[Meeze]

pretty sure the Phillies are world champs. Phillies in 6.

[sweepthenation]

Biased but Phillies in 6. World Champs

[rcrook]

lol what does being the world champs have to do with anything. boston were the world champs going into the playoffs last year and they were so successful.

[StandMyBrothers]

hope this series is on Fox so I don't have to watch it/listen to Joe Buck.

[itsmesean0630]

hope this series is on Fox so I don't have to watch it/listen to Joe Buck.
Ugh thanks for reminding me. Really not looking forward to hearing Joe Buck talk.

[imirish06]

Last year I just muted it and listened to the radio. I'll probably do the same thing this year even though it'll be weird without Harry. Anderson is the man though

[jay_klinkhammer]

I support Mannywood.

Dodgers in 4.

[itsmesean0630]

Last year I just muted it and listened to the radio. I'll probably do the same thing this year even though it'll be weird without Harry. Anderson is the man though
Sometimes the radio doesn't come in though. I agree about Anderson. Also, the Phillies series will be on TBS so no Joe Buck anyway! Yay!

[ctmk]

I hope the stadium explodes in Game 1. Fuck both of these teams.


Dodgers in 6.
fuck you!! dodgers in 6 also though

[ctmk]

Phillies in 6. The Phils hitting will obliterate the Dodger's bullpen.

how does that makes sense? you know the dodgers have the best bullpen in the NL dont you?

[StandMyBrothers]

how does that makes sense? you know the dodgers have the best bullpen in the NL dont you?
way to read, it was a reaction to a post above that one.

[xbrokendownx]

Dodgers in six. rocking my Dodgers hat for the games all week haha

[rcrook]

over your yankees hat? silly.

[xbrokendownx]

haha i meant to say on games the yankees arent playing...ill actually be down in philly saturday night, that should be fun

[Zeran]

this is too close to call for me. there have been some really fucking good games so far this postseason.

[Zeran]

and why exactly are there 2 threads for the same topic? they didn't bring the one from last year back, did they?

[xbrokendownx]

haha yea the one from last year was bumped

[baseballfreak19]

how does that makes sense? you know the dodgers have the best bullpen in the NL dont you?

How does it not make sense? You know the Phillies have some of the best hitters in the MLB don't you? Or does 4 players with 30+ home runs, 4 with over 100 runs scored (almost 5 but Werth only had 98), and 4 players with over 90 rbis (including 1 with 141) mean nothing to you? Hell, the Phils almost had all their position players hit double digit home runs, everyone but Ruiz, but I guess that doesn't mean anything. If you throw it, the Phils will hit it my friend.

[imirish06]

http://wac.10f4.edgecastcdn.net/8010F4/warmingglow.uproxx.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/gail_the_snail.gif

[ctmk]

How does it not make sense? You know the Phillies have some of the best hitters in the MLB don't you? Or does 4 players with 30+ home runs, 4 with over 100 runs scored (almost 5 but Werth only had 98), and 4 players with over 90 rbis (including 1 with 141) mean nothing to you? Hell, the Phils almost had all their position players hit double digit home runs, everyone but Ruiz, but I guess that doesn't mean anything. If you throw it, the Phils will hit it my friend.

i guess thats why the dodgers wont the season series...

[ctmk]

way to read, it was a reaction to a post above that one.

what the hell are you talking about?

[etomicsean]

how can anyone say this postseason sucks. this october has had some of the most entertaining baseball games i've ever seen.

dodgers in 6.

[inthemidst]

Dodgers in 6.

[inthemidst]

http://wac.10f4.edgecastcdn.net/8010F4/warmingglow.uproxx.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/gail_the_snail.gif


Nice!

[dignan]

I can't root for Manny. and I never root for the reigning champs. so, this matchup pretty much blows.

despite that ugly little monkey, the Angels are the only tolerable team that's left. go LAA! all the way!

[dignan]

how can anyone say this postseason sucks. this october has had some of the most entertaining baseball games i've ever seen.


three series sweeps. its been a snoozer.

game 2 of LA/STL was memorable. and last night's game was decent. other than that, its been weak IMO.

[xbrokendownx]

just because there have been sweeps doesnt mean anything. there have been some great games so far in these playoffs.

[kshtoinks12]

Phils in 7

[kofiadrian]

Phils in 7



:-) :-)

[sweetforever]

Phils in 6

[CubbyNick42]

The only people who complain about sweeps are the ones who don't tune in until game 4 anyway. There have been some awesome games so far.

[DCfreak]

three series sweeps. its been a snoozer.

game 2 of LA/STL was memorable. and last night's game was decent. other than that, its been weak IMO.

Yankees 3 run comeback over the twins? Sundays Phils\Rockies 4 hour game win in the 9th? There have been quite a few really good close games.

[pand75]

Phillies in 6.

[ssteveohh]

phillies all the way.
we'll always be the underdog.
fuck you LA cock suckers.

[COTA]

Phillies in 6.

[rcrook]

phillies all the way.
we'll always be the underdog.
fuck you LA cock suckers.

lololololololol and you wonder why we all hate philly fans

[Dirty Ernie]

That man makes it impossible for me to defend this city.

I like Phils in 6. They were picked to lose all three series last year, and instead only lost one game in each, same with Colorado this season. Wolf and Padilla aren't the least bit scary, and we beat Kershaw twice already this year. They do have a good bullpen but the Phils got to Broxton once already so it can be done, plus this is a fastball hitting team. Should be a great series no matter what happens.

[baseballfreak19]

i guess thats why the dodgers wont the season series...

The playoffs are a whole different monster, so series in the regular season really don't mean that much. And it means even less cause the Dodgers won 4 out of 7, so the Phils won 3 games. Plus the Phils didn't have Cliff Lee when they played the Dodgers in the regular season. So good try bro, but try getting some shit straight first.

Oh and P.S., who are the Dodger's top two pitchers? Oh right...Randy Wolf and Vicente Padilla...good luck with that...

[eons]

dodgers in 5 :)

[rcrook]

The playoffs are a whole different monster, so series in the regular season really don't mean that much. And it means even less cause the Dodgers won 4 out of 7, so the Phils won 3 games. Plus the Phils didn't have Cliff Lee when they played the Dodgers in the regular season. So good try bro, but try getting some shit straight first.

Oh and P.S., who are the Dodger's top two pitchers? Oh right...Randy Wolf and Vicente Padilla...good luck with that...

actually randy wolf and clayton kershaw, try and get it right you philly fuck. your fans are worse than aids. so uninformed and always feel like you're the victims. stop acting like fucking cunt muscles for one second and you might get some respect from the rest of america.

[xbrokendownx]

The Dodgers led the league in team ERA did they not? keep ripping on their pitching

[ssteveohh]

lololololololol and you wonder why we all hate philly fans


loll so what!
we love being hated

[Kaleidoscope]

actually randy wolf and clayton kershaw, try and get it right you philly fuck. your fans are worse than aids. so uninformed and always feel like you're the victims. stop acting like fucking cunt muscles for one second and you might get some respect from the rest of america.

omg LOLOLOL.

[xbrokendownx]

loll so what!
we love being hated



X-)

[rcrook]

If it is a Yankees/Phillies world series that thread is going to break the internet because of its stupidity.

[xbrokendownx]

im praying for a yankee/phillie world series because then it would shut up all of my moron philly friends from school when they lose

[areyoukiddingme]

im praying for a yankee/phillie world series because then it would shut up all of my moron philly friends from school when they lose

& I'm hoping for the same series, but just in hopes of shutting up all of the NY fans from home. :thumbup:

[Kaleidoscope]

I'm hoping for Yanks/Dodgers... not because of Joe Torre.

[rcrook]

I want a Freeway Series so we get tears from the East coast like the Angels/Giants World Series.

[Kaleidoscope]

That was a great series though.

[imirish06]

This is worse than last year.

[ctmk]

The playoffs are a whole different monster, so series in the regular season really don't mean that much. And it means even less cause the Dodgers won 4 out of 7, so the Phils won 3 games. Plus the Phils didn't have Cliff Lee when they played the Dodgers in the regular season. So good try bro, but try getting some shit straight first.

Oh and P.S., who are the Dodger's top two pitchers? Oh right...Randy Wolf and Vicente Padilla...good luck with that...

Dodgers have the best team ERA in the NL Wolf and Padilla are solid pitchers Billingsly and Kershaw also have some great stuff and if youd didnt notice the dodgers pitching totally shut down pujos holiday and molina and the dodgers O wrecked carpenter and wainwright

[Eich696]

Dodgers have the best team ERA in the NL Wolf and Padilla are solid pitchers Billingsly and Kershaw also have some great stuff and if youd didnt notice the dodgers pitching totally shut down pujos holiday and molina and the dodgers O wrecked carpenter and wainwright

Haha the Cardinals arent the Phillies.

[StrictlyBiznas]

Haha the Cardinals arent the Phillies.

Exactly. Aside from Pujols and Holliday the Phillies and Cardinals lineups aren't really comparable. I can't see Randy Wolf shutting down our hitters twice through the lineup. The same for Padilla. That said, I think this series comes down to starting pitching, and the Phillies are better.

[CubbyNick42]

This is awesome.

[xbrokendownx]

do all you Phillies fans realize that the Dodgers had the BEST TEAM ERA IN BASEBALL? and that cole hamels has been pretty crappy this season?

[StandMyBrothers]

do all you Phillies fans realize that the Dodgers had the BEST TEAM ERA IN BASEBALL? and that cole hamels has been pretty crappy this season?
it doesn't matter to them. they'll show up in like the 9th inning of each game and start talking smack.

[rcrook]

I absolutely hate the Dodgers but I think this thread has made my decision on who to root for much easier

[StrictlyBiznas]

do all you Phillies fans realize that the Dodgers had the BEST TEAM ERA IN BASEBALL? and that cole hamels has been pretty crappy this season?

Personally I don't think regular season stats come into play when you're talking about the post season. Chad Billingsley had a lot to do with the Dodgers team ERA and he was dreadful after the all-star break with an ERA over 5. We've got Cliff Lee who shut down the Rockies twice in the DS. And even though Cole Hamels hasn't been the Cole Hamels from last season, he's still a big game pitcher and COULD shut down the Dodgers. I'm expecting a good series, but I don't really believe in Randy Wolf and Vicente Padilla against the Phillies lineup.

[rcrook]

Personally I don't think regular season stats come into play when you're talking about the post season. Chad Billingsley had a lot to do with the Dodgers team ERA and he was dreadful after the all-star break with an ERA over 5. We've got Cliff Lee who shut down the Rockies twice in the DS. And even though Cole Hamels hasn't been the Cole Hamels from last season, he's still a big game pitcher and COULD shut down the Dodgers. I'm expecting a good series, but I don't really believe in Randy Wolf and Vicente Padilla against the Phillies lineup.

http://i26.tinypic.com/35wzt.jpg

[StrictlyBiznas]

it doesn't matter to them. they'll show up in like the 9th inning of each game and start talking smack.

Why the 9th inning?

[rcrook]

you do realize billingsley had the 4th best era of all dodgers starters don't you?

[DaveFeelsRight]

Personally I don't think regular season stats come into play when you're talking about the post season. Chad Billingsley had a lot to do with the Dodgers team ERA and he was dreadful after the all-star break with an ERA over 5. We've got Cliff Lee who shut down the Rockies twice in the DS. And even though Cole Hamels hasn't been the Cole Hamels from last season, he's still a big game pitcher and COULD shut down the Dodgers. I'm expecting a good series, but I don't really believe in Randy Wolf and Vicente Padilla against the Phillies lineup.http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l210/spotlessmind24/LUCILLEDOORSHUT.gif

[StrictlyBiznas]

http://i26.tinypic.com/35wzt.jpg

Ok? So you think Randy Wolf has a chance against Rollins, Victorino, Utley, Howard, Werth and Ibanez?

[StrictlyBiznas]

you do realize billingsley had the 4th best era of all dodgers starters don't you?

I was just pointing out the difference in the first half of his season and the second half.

[rcrook]

Ok? So you think Randy Wolf has a chance against Rollins, Victorino, Utley, Howard, Werth and Ibanez?

uhhhh yes. the 3.23 era and 1.10 whip all signs point to yes. it's not like you're a team that hits well for average. purely power. you shut down that aspect of the phillies game and they can kiss the baby.

[StandMyBrothers]

Big Game Pitcher. that obviously seals the deal right there.

[StrictlyBiznas]

uhhhh yes. the 3.23 era and 1.10 whip all signs point to yes.

The 12.1 innings pitched against the Phillies with 7 earned runs say no.

[StrictlyBiznas]

Big Game Pitcher. that obviously seals the deal right there.

So if you could have Hamels or Wolf start game 1 of the NLCS who do you take?

[CubbyNick42]

2009 Phillies' hitting > good pitching > good hitting

[rcrook]

The 12.1 innings pitched against the Phillies with 7 earned runs say no.

So if you could have Hamels or Wolf start game 1 of the NLCS who do you take?

such a tiny sample size plus one of those starts he kicked your ass so your point is moot. i'll take randy wolf on thursday over cole.

[sweetforever]

Phils in 6

[ctmk]

Haha the Cardinals arent the Phillies.

no but the cards are better

[CubbyNick42]

But Pujols probably isn't as clutch as Ryan Howard, am i right, Phillies fans?

[StrictlyBiznas]

But Pujols probably isn't as clutch as Ryan Howard, am i right, Phillies fans?

Pujols > Howard

[rcrook]

The MLB playoffs are a crapshoot once you get into them. There is no point in analyzing a series pre-flop. The 82-80 WS Champion Cardinals are proof of this.

[StrictlyBiznas]

The MLB playoffs are a crapshoot once you get into them. There is no point in analyzing a series pre-flop. The 82-80 WS Champion Cardinals are proof of this.

I agree. Anyone can win. BUT if you throw all stats out and you put Wolf and Padilla out there against Hamels and Lee, you're going to take Hamels and Lee. If not you're biased...or stupid.

[rcrook]

I agree. Anyone can win. BUT if you throw all stats out and you put Wolf and Padilla out there against Hamels and Lee, you're going to take Hamels and Lee. If not you're biased...or stupid.

Yeah and you put Wolf and Padilla out there against Carpenter and Wainwright, you're going to take the Cardinals to win the series. Yeah glad that worked.

[StrictlyBiznas]

Yeah and you put Wolf and Padilla out there against Carpenter and Wainwright, you're going to take the Cardinals to win the series. Yeah glad that worked.

Touche. Phillies in 6.

[KidRobot]

it doesn't matter to them. they'll show up in like the 9th inning of each game and start talking smack.

I'd think that'd be a horrible time to come in if Brad Lidge is on the hill.

[rcrook]

And why are you mentioning Padilla? Kershaw is the obvious 2 starter.

[CubbyNick42]

Why do you keep bringing up those two? Their best pitcher is CLAYTON KERSHAW.

[CubbyNick42]

Great minds think alike.

[StrictlyBiznas]

I forgot about Kershaw. Padilla pitched most recently for LA, I guess thats why. Even still, the Phillies always get to Kershaw.

[rcrook]

I forgot about Kershaw. Padilla pitched most recently for LA, I guess thats why. Even still, the Phillies always get to Kershaw.

and chris carpenter always deals against the dodgers but they got after him in game 1. so your point about the phillies and kershaw is void.

[CubbyNick42]

They might as well not even play the series.

[rcrook]

Dodgers should just hit the beach.

[StrictlyBiznas]

and chris carpenter always deals against the dodgers but they got after him in game 1. so your point about the phillies and kershaw is void.

I guess thats why the games not played on paper then. We'll just have to wait til Thursday. I'm not trying to come in here like a biased Phillies fan, I honestly think they're the better team.

[StrictlyBiznas]

They might as well not even play the series.

I never said anything like that. I was just pointing out reasons why i think the Phillies are better.

[Eich696]

no but the cards are better

Heroin is a bad drug my friend.

[imirish06]

Where were you pussyfarts before last year?

I've been here since 2003 and could count on one hand how many Phillies fans posted here before last year. Which it's whatever, new people join the board everyday. The problem is so many of you talk straight out of your brown eye.

[Dirty Ernie]

There should be a password to get into threads like this.

[StrictlyBiznas]

Where were you pussyfarts before last year?

I've been here since 2003 and could count on one hand how many Phillies fans posted here before last year. Which it's whatever, new people join the board everyday. The problem is so many of you talk straight out of your brown eye.


I've been a Phillies fan my whole life, just haven't posted about it here. AND i know what I'm talking about. If I thought the Dodgers were better than the Phillies I'd say it.

[QuikTrig]

i've read through the thread and you are giving this guy wayyyy more shit than he deserves. he really hasn't been that bad.

[rcrook]

i've read through the thread and you are giving this guy wayyyy more shit than he deserves. he really hasn't been that bad.

we've never personally attacked him. just given rebuttles to what he says.

[CubbyNick42]

Even if we'd been worse, it could be considered a preemptive strike.

[StrictlyBiznas]

i've read through the thread and you are giving this guy wayyyy more shit than he deserves. he really hasn't been that bad.

No it's fine. I haven't been an asshole. And I DID forget about Clayton Kershaw.

[QuikTrig]

what's so crazy about saying phillies rotation is better than la's? i think it's pretty damn close, to be honest.

[QuikTrig]

Even if we'd been worse, it could be considered a preemptive strike.

hahah i can go with that.

[StrictlyBiznas]

what's so crazy about saying phillies rotation is better than la's? i think it's pretty damn close, to be honest.

It is close. But I think the Dodgers come out on the losing end. Even with the way Hamels has pitched this year he's still better than Kershaw. And adding Lee was one of, if not the biggest, deadline aquisitions. It almost made it not matter that Hamels hasn't been himself. If Hamels come out looking like he did in last years NLCS and Lee pitches like he did in the DS the Dodgers are in trouble.

[rcrook]

What if Kershaw and Padilla pitch like they did in the DS? You need to look at this from both sides, not just the Phillies side.

[StrictlyBiznas]

What if Kershaw and Padilla pitch like they did in the DS? You need to look at this from both sides, not just the Phillies side.

I think the Philles lineup, from top to bottom, is better than the Cardinals. Dodgers pitching could quiet the Phillies bats, but not many pitchers keep the Phillies down after a few times through the lineup. And even though the Dodgers by far have the better bullpen I thought that the Cardinals were the biggest threat to stop the Phillies from winning the Pennant. I'm almost relieved that the Dodgers were the team to advance.

[imirish06]

I'd much rather the Dodgers than Cardinals.

[StrictlyBiznas]

I'd much rather the Dodgers than Cardinals.

Me too. Carpenter and Wainwright were easily the best one/two punch in the NL, aside from Lincecum and Cain. The Phillies are the only team left with anything comparable to that in Hamels and Lee.

[baseballfreak19]

I love how people are saying Phillies fans are ignorant of everything else and only see their team as the best, when YOU ARE BEING SO IGNORANT YOURSELVES. Generalize the fans a little bit more, honestly. Most Phillies fans are diehards, personally, I may be 17, but I've been a Phils fan all my life, even the 10 year span where the Braves basically shit all over the NL East.

I'll be honest, I forgot about Kershaw too, and he does kinda worry me. You might say that the Phils aren't as good as the Cards, but I completely disagree. The Phils have a better all around line up, and I've seen what their starters can do when they're on, and when the Phils starters are on, they make it hard for another team to win. Like I've said before, the playoffs are a whole nother animal than the regular season. Guys who struggled in the regular season can easily turn it on with the added adrenaline of the playoff spotlight. You may very well count Cole out, but I think that's a huge mistake. We shall see how it goes on Thursday though, it's gonna be a great series.

[xbrokendownx]

but but but but what if THE PHILS STARTERS ARENT ON?!?!?!

[CubbyNick42]

I love how people are saying Phillies fans are ignorant of everything else and only see their team as the best, when YOU ARE BEING SO IGNORANT YOURSELVES. Generalize the fans a little bit more, honestly. Most Phillies fans are diehards, personally, I may be 17, but I've been a Phils fan all my life, even the 10 year span where the Braves basically shit all over the NL East.

I'll be honest, I forgot about Kershaw too, and he does kinda worry me. You might say that the Phils aren't as good as the Cards, but I completely disagree. The Phils have a better all around line up, and I've seen what their starters can do when they're on, and when the Phils starters are on, they make it hard for another team to win. Like I've said before, the playoffs are a whole nother animal than the regular season. Guys who struggled in the regular season can easily turn it on with the added adrenaline of the playoff spotlight. You may very well count Cole out, but I think that's a huge mistake. We shall see how it goes on Thursday though, it's gonna be a great series.
No playoff spotlight. No "turning it on." It's a small sample size. Weird shit happens. Nobody flips their shit if Carlos Ruiz hits three bombs in the first week of the season. Why? Because it's a small sample size, and funny things happen. They aren't a "whole nother animal." It's baseball. It's the same game they've been playing since April. Just because the games mean more doesn't mean that what happens is on this whole other plane of existential phenomena.

[StrictlyBiznas]

No playoff spotlight. No "turning it on." It's a small sample size. Weird shit happens. Nobody flips their shit if Carlos Ruiz hits three bombs in the first week of the season. Why? Because it's a small sample size, and funny things happen. They aren't a "whole nother animal." It's baseball. It's the same game they've been playing since April. Just because the games mean more doesn't mean that what happens is on this whole other plane of existential phenomena.

The first week of the season isn't win or go home. The first week of the season you're not neccessarily playing one of the top teams in the league. The playoffs are different from the regular season in baseball just like they are in every other sport.

[xbrokendownx]

so they are playing better teams, so that means theyll automatically perform better?

[StrictlyBiznas]

but but but but what if THE PHILS STARTERS ARENT ON?!?!?!

Then they have the offense to support them. And what if the Dodgers starters aren't on? It goes both ways.

[xbrokendownx]

Then they have the offense to support them. And what if the Dodgers starters aren't on? It goes both ways.




you just proved our point for us

[StrictlyBiznas]

so they are playing better teams, so that means theyll automatically perform better?

No, it means that the best teams get to the playoffs. If the playoffs are no different than the regular season they why seperate them? Don't eliminate anyone. Give everyone a shot til the very end. Playoff atmosphere is different than regular season atmosphere.

[StrictlyBiznas]

you just proved our point for us

What point? I've said probably three times that I'm not biased. I know it goes both ways. I'm just pointing out the reasons I think the Phillies are better.

[xbrokendownx]

What point? I've said probably three times that I'm not biased. I know it goes both ways. I'm just pointing out the reasons I think the Phillies are better.





X-)

[QuikTrig]

well, i don't care how good you're starters are or how long you've been a fan, but if you go into a series vs the dodger's and just "forget" about some guy named clayton kershaw, chances are you're going to get heat. anyone that wants to debate in a baseball thread for the team shouldn't forget about arguably your biggest threat.

[CubbyNick42]

The first week of the season isn't win or go home. The first week of the season you're not neccessarily playing one of the top teams in the league. The playoffs are different from the regular season in baseball just like they are in every other sport.
I get what you're saying, but there's no tangible evidence supporting what you're saying. The players most likely to play well in the playoffs are the same players who were most likely to play well in the regular season. You can't just decide to play better because you want to.

No, it means that the best teams get to the playoffs. If the playoffs are no different than the regular season they why seperate them? Don't eliminate anyone. Give everyone a shot til the very end. Playoff atmosphere is different than regular season atmosphere.
Yes, but it's still the same game. There's no Rock N' Jock 50-point basket in left-center field. Same field, same game. It's only different because you want it to be.

[StrictlyBiznas]

What?! How does thinking the Phillies are better mean I'm biased. Thats crazy. I'm not using the fact that I'm a Phillies fan to prove that they're better. I've already said that if I honestly thought the Dodgers were better I'd admit it. I'd like the Phillies in the series if I was a Yankees fan. And if I were a Dodgers fan I'd be nervous.

[StrictlyBiznas]

I get what you're saying, but there's no tangible evidence supporting what you're saying. The players most likely to play well in the playoffs are the same players who were most likely to play well in the regular season. You can't just decide to play better because you want to.

.308 Avg with 3 RBI in the DS. That's Carlos Ruiz. People who don't perform well in the regular season are expected to step up in the post season. If the playoffs are no different then why does A-Rod, who is phenomanol in the regular season, get so much shit in NY for being a playoff bust?

[QuikTrig]

rock n jock was the shit.

[xbrokendownx]

.308 Avg with 3 RBI in the DS. That's Carlos Ruiz. People who don't perform well in the regular season are expected to step up in the post season.




what the hell are you talking about? its 4 games!!

the phillies are not expecting carlos ruiz to average an RBI per game in the playoffs. if he does, great...thats a bonus. but its not expected. i have no idea why youre thinking that

[CubbyNick42]

.308 Avg with 3 RBI in the DS. That's Carlos Ruiz. People who don't perform well in the regular season are expected to step up in the post season. If the playoffs are no different then why does A-Rod, who is phenomanol in the regular season, get so much shit in NY for being a playoff bust?
Because people are idiots. A-Rod's career playoff OPS is 42 points better than Jeter's.

[StrictlyBiznas]

what the hell are you talking about? its 4 games!!

the phillies are not expecting carlos ruiz to average an RBI per game in the playoffs. if he does, great...thats a bonus. but its not expected. i have no idea why youre thinking that

.375 Avg with 4 walks, 3 RBI and 2 runs scored...in the world series. Carlos Ruiz clearly steps up in the playoffs.

[xbrokendownx]

.375 Avg with 4 walks, 3 RBI and 2 runs scored...in the world series. Carlos Ruiz.




in 5 games. who cares.

[CubbyNick42]

Oh good call. Five games. Massive sample size.

[OveriseFan]

.308 Avg with 3 RBI in the DS. That's Carlos Ruiz. People who don't perform well in the regular season are expected to step up in the post season. If the playoffs are no different then why does A-Rod, who is phenomanol in the regular season, get so much shit in NY for being a playoff bust?

.375 Avg with 4 walks, 3 RBI and 2 runs scored...in the world series. Carlos Ruiz.

Please stop, you are looking like a total idiot now. He talks about what a small sample size 4 games is, and so you throw out World Series stats (5 game sample)... Do you even want to pretend to be intelligent?

[StrictlyBiznas]

It's a small sample size, yes. But it's the playoffs! He steps up his game when the games mean more. I don't know how anyone can think the playoffs are the same as the regular season.

[QuikTrig]

:popcorn:

[xbrokendownx]

It's a small sample size, yes. But it's the playoffs! He steps up his game when the games mean more. I don't know how anyone can think the playoffs are the same as the regular season.




please just stop

just because he has better numbers in a FIVE GAME STRETCH does not mean he is "stepping up his game"

[OveriseFan]

It's a small sample size, yes. But it's the playoffs! He steps up his game when the games mean more. I don't know how anyone can think the playoffs are the same as the regular season.

So you're saying Carlos Ruiz tries not to hit .375 with 130 RBIs in the regular season because...? You have to play to get into the playoffs, too...

Players get hot sometimes. Ryan Howard will have 5-game stretches where he strikes out every AB, and he'll have 5-game stretches where it seems like he knocks every ball out of the park. Do you think he "ups his game"? Do you think he's just being lazy when he isn't hitting home runs?

You're just looking stupid. Obviously, weird things happen in baseball and it's magnified in the postseason, but players don't have an "on" switch they can flick come October.

[StrictlyBiznas]

OK what about David Eckstein in the 06 World Series? MVP.

[StrictlyBiznas]

So you're saying Carlos Ruiz tries not to hit .375 with 130 RBIs in the regular season because...?

No that's not what I'm saying. I'm saying the stars aren't always the ones who come through in the playoffs.

[CubbyNick42]

And what about Cole Hamels, Mike Lowell, Manny Ramirez, Josh Beckett, Troy Glaus, Jermaine Dye, Curt Schilling, Randy Johnson, and Derek Jeter the rest of this decade?

[StrictlyBiznas]

Baseball players come to play everyday. But the regular season is the regular season and the playoffs are the playoffs. They are completely different. You hit .300 in the regular season, you're a great player. You hit .300 in the playoffs, you go down in history.

[OveriseFan]

Baseball players come to play everyday. But the regular season is the regular season and the playoffs are the playoffs. They are completely different. You hit .300 in the regular season, you're a great player. You hit .300 in the playoffs, you go down in history.

I don't even know what you're trying to argue anymore...

[xbrokendownx]

OK what about David Eckstein in the 06 World Series? MVP.





oh man not this argument again

[xbrokendownx]

Baseball players come to play everyday. But the regular season is the regular season and the playoffs are the playoffs. They are completely different. You hit .300 in the regular season, you're a great player. You hit .300 in the playoffs, you go down in history.





http://s3.amazonaws.com/twitter_production/profile_images/114942860/tx_joemorgan_all_bigger.jpg

[StrictlyBiznas]

So you're saying Carlos Ruiz tries not to hit .375 with 130 RBIs in the regular season because...? You have to play to get into the playoffs, too...

Players get hot sometimes. Ryan Howard will have 5-game stretches where he strikes out every AB, and he'll have 5-game stretches where it seems like he knocks every ball out of the park. Do you think he "ups his game"? Do you think he's just being lazy when he isn't hitting home runs?

You're just looking stupid. Obviously, weird things happen in baseball and it's magnified in the postseason, but players don't have an "on" switch they can flick come October.

Wrong. Look at Ryan Howard through out his career in September. He's a MONSTER. Game's mean more, players come to play harder. I'm not stupid.

[StrictlyBiznas]

I don't even know what you're trying to argue anymore...

That the playoffs are different than the regular season.

[CubbyNick42]

Wrong. Look at Ryan Howard through out his career in September. He's a MONSTER. Game's mean more, players come to play harder. I'm not stupid.
False. 1 win in April = 1 win in September.

[xbrokendownx]

Wrong. Look at Ryan Howard through out his career in September. He's a MONSTER. Game's mean more, players come to play harder. I'm not stupid.




explain to me how a regular season game in September means more than a game in April

[StrictlyBiznas]

How can you all honestly say that the stakes aren't higher in the playoffs and players don't come with a different mentality? Win or go home.

[Eich696]

False. 1 win in April = 1 win in September.

I see your argument but respectfully disagree. Even though a win is a win no matter what month, getting hot and winning at the right times is very important.

[QuikTrig]

being able to get hot and winning, period, is very important. what are the "right times"?

[StrictlyBiznas]

explain to me how a regular season game in September means more than a game in April


I don't neccassarily think Sept is more important than April...but would you rather have your best player hot in April or Sept?

[StrictlyBiznas]

being able to get hot and winning, period, is very important. what are the "right times"?

Playoffs.

[StrictlyBiznas]

http://s3.amazonaws.com/twitter_production/profile_images/114942860/tx_joemorgan_all_bigger.jpg

I don't get it.

[QuikTrig]

Playoffs.

we were clearly talking about regular season.

[CubbyNick42]

I see your argument but respectfully disagree. Even though a win is a win no matter what month, getting hot and winning at the right times is very important.
No...it isn't. If you go 70-20 before the break, you can basically play .350 baseball the rest of the way and there's an overwhelmingly good chance you will be in the playoffs. The wins don't go away because they happen earlier.

[StrictlyBiznas]

we were clearly talking about regular season.

I'd like to get hot going into the playoffs. So September into October.

[CubbyNick42]

I don't get it.
If you did, this discussion probably wouldn't be happening.

[xbrokendownx]

I'd like to get hot going into the playoffs. So September into October.




of course you would

...but you cant just get hot because you want to get hot

[CubbyNick42]

I'd like to get hot going into the playoffs. So September into October.
There's very little correlation between getting hot in September and winning in the playoffs. It's happened, but far more often the team that wins is the one who was best overall.

[StrictlyBiznas]

If you did, this discussion probably wouldn't be happening.

Oh, the discussion where you think regular season baseball is the same as post season baseball? Could be the stupidest discussion I've ever had. It's still baseball, but it's OCTOBER baseball. Eight teams make it to October. It's bigger.

Edit: I'm not calling you stupid.

[CubbyNick42]

I don't neccassarily think Sept is more important than April...but would you rather have your best player hot in April or Sept?
If he's hot in April and helps your team wins 6 extra games, isn't that more important than helping you win 3 extra games in September?

[xbrokendownx]

Oh, the discussion where you think regular season baseball is the same as post season baseball? Could be the stupidest discussion I've ever had. It's still baseball, but it's OCTOBER baseball. Eight teams make it to October. It's bigger.

Edit: I'm not calling you stupid.



http://s3.amazonaws.com/twitter_production/profile_images/114942860/tx_joemorgan_all_bigger.jpg

[StrictlyBiznas]

If he's hot in April and helps your team wins 6 extra games, isn't that more important than helping you win 3 extra games in September?

Yea fine April and September are equal. April and October? Not equal.

[StrictlyBiznas]

If he's hot in April and helps your team wins 6 extra games, isn't that more important than helping you win 3 extra games in September?

Yea fine. April and September are equal. April and October? Not equal.

[StrictlyBiznas]

http://s3.amazonaws.com/twitter_production/profile_images/114942860/tx_joemorgan_all_bigger.jpg

Ok now I get it. You're funny. Right?

[CubbyNick42]

It's still baseball, but it's OCTOBER baseball. Eight teams make it to October. It's bigger.
Game 7, down by one, man on third, one out - who do you want at the plate: Ruiz or Utley?

[xbrokendownx]

the things youre saying are actually exactly things joe morgan would say so yes, its actually hilarious to me

[StrictlyBiznas]

the things youre saying are actually exactly things joe morgan would say so yes, its actually hilarious to me

Surprise! I am Joe Morgan! ...I'm almost glad that I could entertain you.

[StrictlyBiznas]

Game 7, down by one, man on third, one out - who do you want at the plate: Ruiz or Utley?

Utley, obviously. But how does that prove that playoff games aren't different than regular season games? And I know I was posting Ruiz's stats earlier, But I was just trying to show how players who don't usually perform step up.

[Eich696]

I'd like to get hot going into the playoffs. So September into October.

Also during tough stretches during the season. If you can get hot when you have to play tough teams it makes things much easier.

[StrictlyBiznas]

Also during tough stretches during the season. If you can get hot when you have to play tough teams it makes things much easier.

Obviously.

[CubbyNick42]

Utley, obviously. But how does that prove that playoff games are different than regular season games?
Whoa, whoa, whoa...you're the one trying to prove that they're different. And that's exactly what I'm saying - the same players who are expected to perform well in May and June are the ones who are more likely to play well in October. Anything else is statistical noise and fodder for talking heads on Around The Horn.

[Eich696]

Obviously.

I was just saying that to Cubbynick or whoever he is.

[StrictlyBiznas]

Whoa, whoa, whoa...you're the one trying to prove that they're different. And that's exactly what I'm saying - the same players who are expected to perform well in May and June are the ones who are more likely to play well in October. Anything else is statistical noise and fodder for talking heads on Around The Horn.

I know. I meant to say "aren't". Just a typo.

[xbrokendownx]

Also during tough stretches during the season. If you can get hot when you have to play tough teams it makes things much easier.



http://s3.amazonaws.com/twitter_production/profile_images/114942860/tx_joemorgan_all_bigger.jpg

[StrictlyBiznas]

Whoa, whoa, whoa...you're the one trying to prove that they're different. And that's exactly what I'm saying - the same players who are expected to perform well in May and June are the ones who are more likely to play well in October. Anything else is statistical noise and fodder for talking heads on Around The Horn.

Ok fine. Playoff baseball still isn't the same as regular season baseball. I understand the game is the same and professionals should be able to perform the same either way. But they don't. Things change in the playoffs. A-Rod is a perfect example. He stinks in the playoffs (not this year). More is on the line. Teams are better. The weather is different. More fans are there. The entire atmostphere is different.

[StrictlyBiznas]

http://s3.amazonaws.com/twitter_production/profile_images/114942860/tx_joemorgan_all_bigger.jpg

It wasn't funny the first time. Why do you think it would be funny the 3rd time. Who are you, Dane Cook? How about you try and contribute something useful instead of making fun of people?

[CubbyNick42]

A-Rod does NOT stink in the playoffs. Stop listening to SportsCenter and look up some stats. Did you not see what I posted earlier about A-Rod's career postseason OPS being better than Jeter's?

[StrictlyBiznas]

Would you rather watch a game in June or a playoff game in October? If you say June you're lying.

[xbrokendownx]

Ok fine. Playoff baseball still isn't the same as regular season baseball. I understand the game is the same and professionals should be able to perform the same either way. But they don't. Things change in the playoffs. A-Rod is a perfect example. He stinks in the playoffs (not this year). More is on the line. Teams are better. The weather is different. More fans are there. The entire atmostphere is different.




ARod's career playoff #'s:

.291/.381/.519/.900

yea terrible!!!

[StrictlyBiznas]

A-Rod does NOT stink in the playoffs. Stop listening to SportsCenter and look up some stats. Did you not see what I posted earlier about A-Rod's career postseason OPS being better than Jeter's?

Since he's joined the Yankees hes hit .320, .133, .071, and .267 in the playoffs. For A-Rod, that stinks.

[StrictlyBiznas]

ARod's career playoff #'s:

.291/.381/.519/.900

yea terrible!!!

Look at his playoff AVG since joining the Yankees.

[CubbyNick42]

Would you rather watch a game in June or a playoff game in October? If you say June you're lying.
Haha, wow...talk about missing the point entirely. Just because it's more exciting doesn't mean certain guys have an innate ability to make themselves better because the games are important.

[StrictlyBiznas]

Clearly we're not getting anywhere. You think playoffs are the same as the regular season, I disagree. I don't know what else to say. I'm sure other people have the same arguments. I don't feel like talking about this anymore.

[CubbyNick42]

Also, stop quoting batting averages like the stat means anything.

[StrictlyBiznas]

Haha, wow...talk about missing the point entirely. Just because it's more exciting doesn't mean certain guys have an innate ability to make themselves better because the games are important.

I'm not missing the point. I don't think players have an innate ability to play better. I do think October baseball is different than April baseball.

[Eich696]

Also, stop quoting batting averages like the stat means anything.

The Minnesota Twins?

[imirish06]

Joe Morgan looks like a huuuuge pedophile in that picture.

[CubbyNick42]

I'm not missing the point. I don't think players have an innate ability to play better. I do think October baseball is different than April baseball.
You keep saying it's different, but you never say how. Is it because Joe Buck is there? Because they play fancy pump-up videos before the game with Green Day and Muse in the background? Teams are just as prone to the regular season ups and downs in the playoffs as they are at any other time in the season. The ability to play better just because it's the playoffs does not exist.

[StrictlyBiznas]

Joe Morgan looks like a huuuuge pedophile in that picture.

I think I saw him on how to catch a predator.

[StandMyBrothers]

lol love how ImIrish and Dirty Ernie are probably shaking their heads with laughter.

[Eich696]

http://www.yankeesdaily.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/04/jetergay1.jpg
Go Yankees!

[StrictlyBiznas]

You keep saying it's different, but you never say how. Is it because Joe Buck is there? Because they play fancy pump-up videos before the game with Green Day and Muse in the background? Teams are just as prone to the regular season ups and downs in the playoffs as they are at any other time in the season. The ability to play better just because it's the playoffs does not exist.

Because it's win or go home. If you win the few games in October you win arguably the greatest title in sports. I know you have to win in April - Sept to even get there, but winning once you're there isn't the same.

[StrictlyBiznas]

lol love how ImIrish and Dirty Ernie are probably shaking their heads with laughter.

Shaking their heads at me right? Because I'm stupid and think the playoffs are different than the regular season?

[xbrokendownx]

http://www.yankeesdaily.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/04/jetergay1.jpg
Go Yankees!





is that supposed to hurt my feelings?

[Eich696]

is that supposed to hurt my feelings?

Nah I just thought it was the post funny pictures thread.

[StrictlyBiznas]

is that supposed to hurt my feelings?

It's supposed to give you a boner.

[CubbyNick42]

Because it's win or go home. If you win the few games in October you win arguably the greatest title in sports. I know you have to win in April - Sept to even get there, but winning once you're there isn't the same.
No, winning in October is exactly the same. You pitch, you hit, you run, you field, all in an effort to score and prevent runs. Honestly, it is the same fucking game.

[StrictlyBiznas]

No, winning in October is exactly the same. You pitch, you hit, you run, you field, all in an effort to score and prevent runs. Honestly, it is the same fucking game.

Awesome. I disagree.

[Eich696]

No, winning in October is exactly the same. You pitch, you hit, you run, you field, all in an effort to score and prevent runs. Honestly, it is the same fucking game.

Yeah I am going to have to respectfully disagree on this one too man.

[StrictlyBiznas]

No, winning in October is exactly the same. You pitch, you hit, you run, you field, all in an effort to score and prevent runs. Honestly, it is the same fucking game.

Man, I'm not saying what you think is stupid, I just don't see how you can think this way. Yes, it's the same game, it's baseball. But it's the playoffs. You're playing for something more, you're playing the best teams/players. More intensity, more importance. Baseball is baseball, the regular season is not the playoffs.

[StrictlyBiznas]

There's no game 7 in April.

[xbrokendownx]

i literally am convinced this guy is Joe morgan

[Eich696]

Brokendown. Where is Scotch Plains?

[StrictlyBiznas]

I knew that was coming. I did laugh this time. It's funny now.

[xbrokendownx]

Brokendown. Where is Scotch Plains?



north jersey

30 mins from NYC

[Eich696]

north jersey

30 mins from NYC

Okay Okay, I understand why you're a yanks fan then.

[CubbyNick42]

Man, I'm not saying what you think is stupid, I just don't see how you can think this way. Yes, it's the same game, it's baseball. But it's the playoffs. You're playing for something more, you're playing the best teams/players. More intensity, more importance. Baseball is baseball, the regular season is not the playoffs.
I'm not arguing the intensity or the importance, OK? Not at all. But time and time again, folks much smarter than you and I have run numbers and determined that players in the playoffs, given enough opportunities, play exactly like they do in the regular season. No "choking." No "stepping up." A-Rod's career playoff numbers are better than Derek Jeter's because he's a better player. Say all you want about Carlos Ruiz, but if he played in the next 15 World Series, he'll have some good ones, he'll have some bad ones, but at the end of the day, his World Series numbers will look nearly identical to his career numbers. It has nothing to do with "stepping up" or "choking." It's a standard deviation from the mean. We're human, so we want to give everything a storyline, or an emotional tie-in, a dramatic undertone, but at the end of the day, we're all stats. We're all predictable.

[rcrook]

these past few pages have given me a headache and have been a merry go round. cubby and brandon just quit before you have an aneyurism, we know you're right and that's all that should matter.

[StrictlyBiznas]

I'm not arguing the intensity or the importance, OK? Not at all. But time and time again, folks much smarter than you and I have run numbers and determined that players in the playoffs, given enough opportunities, play exactly like they do in the regular season. No "choking." No "stepping up." A-Rod's career playoff numbers are better than Derek Jeter's because he's a better player. Say all you want about Carlos Ruiz, but if he played in the next 15 World Series, he'll have some good ones, he'll have some bad ones, but at the end of the day, his World Series numbers will look nearly identical to his career numbers. It has nothing to do with "stepping up" or "choking." It's a standard deviation from the mean. We're human, so we want to give everything a storyline, or an emotional tie-in, a dramatic undertone, but at the end of the day, we're all stats. We're all predictable.

OK. I see what you're saying. What I'm saying is that if you lose in April, you play in May. If you lose in October, you don't play in November.

http://s3.amazonaws.com/twitter_production/profile_images/114942860/tx_joemorgan_all_bigger.jpg

[StrictlyBiznas]

these past few pages have given me a headache and have been a merry go round. cubby and brandon just quit before you have an aneyurism, we know you're right and that's all that should matter.

You think majority of the country would disagree with me? Cause I'm pretty sure it would be closer to 50/50. I don't care too much what absolutepunk.net thinks about playoff baseball.

[rcrook]

Player A: 42 games, 151 at-bats, 40 hits, 7 homers, 19 rbi, .265 batting
Player B: 42 games, 158 at-bats, 46 hits, 9 homers, 25 rbi, .291 batting

who is player a and who is player b

[StrictlyBiznas]

A) Jeter B) A Rod ??

[xbrokendownx]

player B is ARod...im going to say player A is...chase utley?

[StrictlyBiznas]

player B is ARod...im going to say player A is...chase utley?

If it's Utley and you're trying to prove something, I HATE playoff Chase Utley. He's been very bad and I know that.

[rcrook]

Player B is ARod and Player A is Reggie Jackson in his first 42 games postseason games.

[xbrokendownx]

nah it cant be utley he hasnt played in that many playoff games

[Drew Beringer]

Player A: 42 games, 151 at-bats, 40 hits, 7 homers, 19 rbi, .265 batting
Player B: 42 games, 158 at-bats, 46 hits, 9 homers, 25 rbi, .291 batting

who is player a and who is player b
you got this from Deadspin right?

Player A: Reggie Jackson
Player B: Alex Rodriguez

[StrictlyBiznas]

nah it cant be utley he hasnt played in that many playoff games

Thats why I said Jeter.

[imirish06]

You keep saying it's different, but you never say how. Is it because Joe Buck is there? Because they play fancy pump-up videos before the game with Green Day and Muse in the background? Teams are just as prone to the regular season ups and downs in the playoffs as they are at any other time in the season. The ability to play better just because it's the playoffs does not exist.

I understand and agree with what you're saying for the most part but there are a few things I really don't agree with.


Playoffs in any sport are most certainly different than regular season. Aren't they different just for the fact you're part of a select group teams that have played well enough through out the season to be left standing? They're also different because you're playing the best of the best, not division bottom feeders and they most certainly mean more. There is for more importance to a game 7 game in the NLCS in which your season has a chance to be over in the blink of an eye than there is in an April match up against the Nationals.

Also, I'm not saying it's a give in, and that certain players automatically turn it on come playoff time... but playing better just because it's the playoffs most certainly does exist. Regardless of the sport, when the stakes are higher and the stage is bigger there is always going to be athletes playing well past their abilities even if it's just for a game, a catch, an a bat, a block, tackle, whatever. You see it all the time in sports.

I'm not saying any of this to be a dick, I just think you're underestimating the role adrenaline and emotion play in sports.

[rcrook]

Thats why I said Jeter.

Jeter's played in 126 playoff games dipshit. Anybody that remotely watches baseball would know that Jeter has played in more than 42 playoff games.

[rcrook]

you got this from Deadspin right?

Player A: Reggie Jackson
Player B: Alex Rodriguez

yeah....just trying to change the conversation

[StrictlyBiznas]

I understand and agree with what you're saying for the most part but there are a few things I really don't agree with.


Playoffs in any sport are most certainly different than regular season. Aren't they different just for the fact you're part of a select group teams that have played well enough through out the season to be left standing? They're also different because you're playing the best of the best, not division bottom feeders and they most certainly mean more. There is for more importance to a game 7 game in the NLCS in which your season has a chance to be over in the blink of an eye than there is in an April match up against the Nationals.

Also, I'm not saying it's a give in, and that certain players automatically turn it on come playoff time... but playing better just because it's the playoffs most certainly does exist. Regardless of the sport, when the stakes are higher and the stage is bigger there is always going to be athletes playing well past their abilities even if it's just for a game, a catch, an a bat, a block, tackle, whatever. You see it all the time in sports.

I'm not saying any of this to be a dick, I just think you're underestimating the role adrenaline and emotion play in sports.

Wow, I've been saying this the whole time. And all they do is call me Joe Morgan. Thank you.

Perfect example: the catch Ben Francisco made last night.

[StrictlyBiznas]

Jeter's played in 126 playoff games dipshit. Anybody that remotely watches baseball would know that Jeter has played in more than 42 playoff games.

I know that, guy. I said Jeter because I knew Utley hadn't played in that many games. AND I knew B was AROD and I thought he was comparing AROD to Jeter. So...why am I a dipshit?

[rcrook]

Wow, I've been saying this the whole time. And all they do is call me Joe Morgan. Thank you.

Perfect example: the catch Ben Francisco made last night.

Ben Francisco did not make that catch because it was the playoffs and he had adrenaline.

[Drew Beringer]

yeah....just trying to change the conversation
It's a great point, I almost posted it the other day.

[CubbyNick42]

I understand and agree with what you're saying for the most part but there are a few things I really don't agree with.


Playoffs in any sport are most certainly different than regular season. Aren't they different just for the fact you're part of a select group teams that have played well enough through out the season to be left standing? They're also different because you're playing the best of the best, not division bottom feeders and they most certainly mean more. There is for more importance to a game 7 game in the NLCS in which your season has a chance to be over in the blink of an eye than there is in an April match up against the Nationals.

Also, I'm not saying it's a give in, and that certain players automatically turn it on come playoff time... but playing better just because it's the playoffs most certainly does exist. Regardless of the sport, when the stakes are higher and the stage is bigger there is always going to be athletes playing well past their abilities even if it's just for a game, a catch, an a bat, a block, tackle, whatever. You see it all the time in sports.

I'm not saying any of this to be a dick, I just think you're underestimating the role adrenaline and emotion play in sports.
I can't speak for any other sport, but Baseball Prospectus proved conclusively in "Baseball Between The Numbers" that it does not.

[StrictlyBiznas]

Ben Francisco did not make that catch because it was the playoffs and he had adrenaline.

But it was a bigger play because he made it in a series clincher, at a point where it looked like we were going to lose, and not a game in April against the Nationals.

[rcrook]

I can't speak for any other sport, but Baseball Prospectus proved conclusively in "Baseball Between The Numbers" that it does not.

http://photos-d.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs277.snc1/10423_525447542397_64600083_3127204 7_6854845_n.jpg

[rcrook]

But it was a bigger play because he made it in a series clincher, at a point where it looked like we were going to lose, and not a game in April against the Nationals.

what is your point?

[CubbyNick42]

http://photos-d.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs277.snc1/10423_525447542397_64600083_3127204 7_6854845_n.jpg
Hahahaha thanks Crook

[StrictlyBiznas]

what is your point?

That the playoffs are different than the regular season.

[Eich696]

This argument will not go anywhere.

[deadstar]

No offense, but people who say all players perform the up to career standards in big spots seem to me like they never actually played in big games in sports. Sure if players get that many chances in the playoffs their numbers will match regular season. But thats why its called the playoffs and why you only play a best of series. There's a major paradox in using the "if they got as many opportunities as they did in the regular season" argument.

[imirish06]

I can't speak for any other sport, but Baseball Prospectus proved conclusively in "Baseball Between The Numbers" that it does not.

I wasn't totally referring to baseball, at least with the "play better" thing. I have never read that book though. To be honest the biggest example I had in my head was college football upsets coming from heavy underdogs. I'd like to think teams had that same sort of "give it all you got and more" attitude come playoff or championship time. That and the olympics

[StrictlyBiznas]

Why do you think they call Reggie Jackson Mr. October?

[StrictlyBiznas]

I wasn't totally referring to baseball, at least with the "play better" thing. I have never read that book though. To be honest the biggest example I had in my head was college football upsets coming from heavy underdogs. I'd like to think teams had that same sort of "give it all you got and more" attitude come playoff or championship time. That and the olympics

Or how about the Giants winning the Super Bowl a couple years ago? They got hot at the right time.

[ForlrnPerplxity]

Why do you think they call Reggie Jackson Mr. October?
Because people are extremely biased and just remember certain instances in 1 game that stick out to put that type of label on somebody aka his 3 HR game in the World Series.

Reggie Jackson's postseason numbers are barely better than his postseason statistics, and that's not taking into account that he never went to the playoffs after 1982 when his statistics in the regular season started to really diminish 1983-1987 (outside of 86).

These are the same people who claim Pettitte is some elite pitcher in the playoffs when his postseason statistics almost directly mirror his career stats.

[StrictlyBiznas]

http://espn.go.com/classic/biography/s/jackson_reggie.html

It's a long article, but it's about how Reggie Jackson was at his best in the playoffs.

[ForlrnPerplxity]

There are a few players who are outliers in these arguments. Mariano Rivera has much better numbers in the postseason, and he's pitched over 120 innings over his entire career, so it's not as if it's a sample size. I believe that people handle pressure in the playoffs better than others, so I think players can fold up under pressure, but the data that we have show that for the most part, "clutch" statistics don't show that players suddenly "up" their performance in the playoffs. There are outliers in this argument just like any other, but all of this talk about stepping up your game in the playoffs is generally highly misunderstood and exaggerated.

[Robb]

There's no game 7 in April.

Every team's game 7 is in April.