World Series: Tampa Bay Rays vs Philadelphia Phillies

[duhpunk]

Go Rays :-)


not too soon.

[wesgemm08]

Congrats Rays..



Phillies in 5

[duhpunk]

Rays in 6

[Drew Beringer]

Weebs just bought this shirt
http://mlb.imageg.net/graphics/product_images/pMLB2-5309283dt.jpg

GO PHILLIES

[DaveFeelsRight]

congrats to the rays


phillies in 7 lol

[odelay]

Go Rays.

[screamoutmyname]

let's go phillies.

[krimson]

Rays in 5

[crit]

Rays in 6. Upton will keep crushing it and be MVP.

[theESCO]

go phillies!

[TheOtherAndrew]

Phillies in 6

[MyWorldEntire]

Great ALCS

Rays in 7

[Brownpants06]

Dan Wheeler vs Brad Lidge, who's giving up the game ending home run first?

[StandMyBrothers]

welcome back Floyd. Rays in 6.

[laxcrs]

not gona lie i predicted phils/rays world series before the season started

phils in 6

[CellarGhosts]

Phillies in 6

[Drew Beringer]

I just hope this series goes 7, that would be awesome. I want the Phillies to win it though because that'll make the Brewers look better haha

[eman83]

Rays in 5.

[Scott Weber]

Good time to make this thread.

[preppyak]

not gona lie i predicted phils/rays world series before the season started

phils in 6
ok...I find it hard to believe ANYONE had the Rays in the ALCS, let alone the World Series

[preppyak]

Good time to make this thread.
haha, and its ironically right as Floyd is about to get unbanned

[wroteurname]

They only won cause i was bant

[wesgemm08]

ok...I find it hard to believe ANYONE had the Rays in the ALCS, let alone the World Series

Or higher than #3 in the AL east.

[dekdog11]

phils in 6.

[StandMyBrothers]

Floyd logged in tonight.

[sweetforever]

Phils in 7

[preppyak]

They only won cause i was bant
Sadly only from that thread
Or higher than #3 in the AL east.
I could see someone believing they would be above the Yankees, they had a good spring training and made some good moves...but to believe they were more than a wild-card who was gonna lose in 3 or 4 would just be taking a wild guess...hardly a prediction. Every analyst I've read admits they thought they were 1 or 2 years away

But, we'll have at least 6 Nostradamus' in this thread who "predicted" that the Rays would make it

[wroteurname]

Matt Garza looks like the clown from Twisted Metal.

[wroteurname]

You guys have been great the last month

[wroteurname]

And he just swore on national TV.

[duhpunk]

did he say "shit" or "shoot"? sounded like shit.

[ForlrnPerplxity]

I just hope this series goes 7, that would be awesome. I want the Phillies to win it though because that'll make the Brewers look better haha
Me too. We haven't had a World Series go past 5 games since 2003.

[wroteurname]

did he say "shit" or "shoot"? sounded like shit.
def shit

[livethesounds]

Rays in 7

[IcedOpethBlind]

since i loved Wheeler more than Lidge in Houston, im going Rays in 7

[livethesounds]

haha, how could you love wheeler more than lidge. trust me, had wheeler been the closer he would have given up a lot more saves haha.

i'm rooting for the rays, even though i'd love to see Lidge win

[imirish06]

Weebs just bought this shirt
http://mlb.imageg.net/graphics/product_images/pMLB2-5309283dt.jpg

GO PHILLIES

noooooooooooooooooooo!
Drew! You're 0-3!!!!!

[wesgemm08]

As an Orioles fan, the Rays making the World Series gives me hope for the O's to be there 2-3 seasons from now.

Phillies in 5

[imirish06]

This is going to be such a fun fucking WS. And I'm not saying that because I'm biased. They're both really fun teams to watch and definitely deserve to be there.

[bigmike]

Rays. Layoff will kill the Phillies.

[Scott Weber]

rays really are carrying so much momentum and energy into this series.

[IcedOpethBlind]

haha, how could you love wheeler more than lidge. trust me, had wheeler been the closer he would have given up a lot more saves haha.

i'm rooting for the rays, even though i'd love to see Lidge win

probably because he didnt have the chance and lidge is just warped in my mind now...doesnt make sense, but it does?

[Drew Beringer]

noooooooooooooooooooo!
Drew! You're 0-3!!!!!
hahaha I'm a curse!

[wesgemm08]

rays really are carrying so much momentum and energy into this series.

1-2 in their past 3 games momentum?

[preppyak]

1-2 in their past 3 games momentum?
they could be 1-50 for all it matters...they just won a huge game 7...thats the momentum he's talking about. Don't let that 717 bias cloud reality

[hailthewarrior]

Go Rays!

[imirish06]

I just ordered my "why can't us" tshirt.

[xbrokendownx]

Rays in 6

[billyboatkid]

Phillies in six. Done deal.

[imirish06]

"I put a Phillies hat in her casket. I sure did," Charlie said. "She's got a Phillies hat. [...] If she, mom, can help me in any way she can, I'm going to call on her to do it."

If it worked for Danny Glover............

[vandalroyale]

Awesome game...pulling for Rays all the way

[Metfan615]

Rays in 6

[pand75]

Rays in 6, but I'm rooting for the Phils

[screamoutmyname]

did i mention i'm a mets fan first, a phillies fan second?

i realize that i break the rules, but i don't care.

[imirish06]

did i mention i'm a mets fan first, a phillies fan second?

i realize that i break the rules, but i don't care.

ohhhhh I've smelled you from a mile away, Paulshock.

[laxcrs]

ok...I find it hard to believe ANYONE had the Rays in the ALCS, let alone the World Series

haha it was sarcasm

[preppyak]

haha it was sarcasm
ah. Yeah, I'm so used to people proclaiming that seriously...usually they have like, 20 posts though and its their first time posting in the sports forum

[lilRIPsta]

as long as Philadelphia fans continue their suffering i will be happy. GO RAYS!

[Broken Parachute]

Phillies fans are front runners.

[lucygray]

I go to Temple University, and it was ridiculous when the Phillies won the other night. If they win the World Series, I don't even think I'll want to step out of my building. This should be fun.

[Broken Parachute]

I go to Temple University, and it was ridiculous when the Phillies won the other night. If they win the World Series, I don't even think I'll want to step out of my building. This should be fun.You go to Temple...you should be scared to walk outside of your building any day of the week.

[startBBtoday]

I go to Temple University, and it was ridiculous when the Phillies won the other night. If they win the World Series, I don't even think I'll want to step out of my building. This should be fun.

you're a 17 year old in college?

[Broken Parachute]

you're a 17 year old in college?A lot of kids are still 17 until December.

[startBBtoday]

A lot of kids are still 17 until December.

yeah, but her birthday's in january

[preppyak]

you're a 17 year old in college?
trust me, as a senior in college, that was the scariest realization for me...that some of the freshmen girls were still 17, and as a 21-22 year old, its very illegal. My friend used to be in a frat, and he would talk about all the girls that would run around yelling "I'm legal".

[Broken Parachute]

yeah, but her birthday's in januaryHmmm...that's odd.

[lucygray]

Hmmm...that's odd.

Haha, you guys kinda creeped me out with that. Yes, I am a 17 year old in college. I skipped a grade when I was younger. And to whoever said I should be scared to walk out of my door any day of the week, hahaha.

[domotime2]

how about no sweep for the 5th year in a row?

[rcrook]

except for the fact the 06 world series went 5 games...

[acfrue]

wow, i dont think that anyone would have ever thought they would EVER hear "Tampa Bay Rays" and "world series" in the same sentence...excluding "the tampa bay rays will never make it to/win the world series"

[+thecalisonme]

phillies in 6, does anyone know what people in tampa watched last night the rays or bucs as far as ratings and numbers

[duhpunk]

got the pre-sale password for games 1 and 2 at the Trop. i'm gonna go to game 2. :-)

[LeftWideOpen]

Tampa Bay in 6.

Evan Longoria will be the MVP.

[Killadelphia]

You go to Temple...you should be scared to walk outside of your building any day of the week.

true story. It's ROUGH.

[Killadelphia]

Though the layoff sucks, the entire situation works out best for the Phillies. They can stay at their own spring training complex in Clearwater and work out there.

Also, it works out best for the shitload of Philly fans down there. From what I've heard @ game 1 of the boston series, it was like 70/30 Rays to Boston fans.

I know a number of people who are already getting tickets down there.

I believe! hahaha. Fuck that Philly-Tampa story line.

[Broken Parachute]

true story. It's ROUGH.I mean my school is surrounded by a rough area, but I know that Temple's area is pretty bad.

[duhpunk]

Tampa Bay in 6.

Evan Longoria will be the MVP.



Impact hitter for the Rays in the WS: Willy Aybar (.367 in postseason)

Longo has the homers, but has not been batting very consistently otherwise, although he has come through in clutch situations throughout the year.

[thatsignant]

This may not be the matchup that the casual fan wants to see but these are two teams that never lay down, should be a good series if the Phils can shake off the rust quickly

[Killadelphia]

I mean my school is surrounded by a rough area, but I know that Temple's area is pretty bad.

My sister used to live right on Broad. North, West, East of Temple equals the hood.

[Killadelphia]

I have a feeling that this series will be very good. Close games the whole way. I have a feeling both teams will have wide eyes to the bright World Series lights. Whomever controls their emotions the best will win it.

I'm expecting something big from Moyer or Burrell. This one is definitely for Moyer.

[thatsignant]

I have a feeling that this series will be very good. Close games the whole way. I have a feeling both teams will have wide eyes to the bright World Series lights. Whomever controls their emotions the best will win it.

I'm expecting something big from Moyer or Burrell. This one is definitely for Moyer.

I'm hoping Moyer can find himself and give 6 solid innings, if he isn't sharp he will get crushed, kind of like what happend to Wakefield

[Zeran]

go phillies

[xbrokendownx]

i would assume Kazmir-Shields-Garza- Sonny for the Rays?

[thatsignant]

Phils need 1 more win for Rollins 100 win prediction to come true

[Dirty Ernie]

I'll say Phils in 6. Overriding factor is the Phils bullpen > Rays bullpen. Myers start in game 2 will be huge, guy is capable of a complete game shutout or a three inning shelling. I expect big things from Howard too, can't do much worse, and as streaky as he is he could absolutely carry them through a series.

[jaimej]

Phils in 5, and not just because I'm going to try to get tickets to game 5. Haha.

[Scott Weber]

I'll say Phils in 6. Overriding factor is the Phils bullpen > Rays bullpen. Myers start in game 2 will be huge, guy is capable of a complete game shutout or a three inning shelling. I expect big things from Howard too, can't do much worse, and as streaky as he is he could absolutely carry them through a series.
I think the bullpen isn't a huge advantage for the phillies. Phillies bullpen was best in the league, but Rays was 5th, and most came without Price. So while Philly has the advantage, it's not a big one.

[screamoutmyname]

ohhhhh I've smelled you from a mile away, Paulshock.

hahaha damnit, connors! you caught me!

but seriously now, go phillies!

[duhpunk]

i would assume Kazmir-Shields-Garza- Sonny for the Rays?
that's what i was thinking as well.

[64 % chance]

I just hope this series goes 7, that would be awesome. I want the Phillies to win it though because that'll make the Brewers look better haha

it would be awesome because game 7 is my 21st birthday.

anyway phillies in 6.

[deadstar]

Tampa Bay in 6.

Evan Longoria will be the MVP.
Pshhh hes Longo is no David Eckstein.

[CubbyNick42]

Rays in 5, Shields for MVP

[Scott Weber]

I like that Kazmir is going in game 1 likely, because I almost feel like any time Hamels takes the mound it's a assumed loss, so you've got massive pitching advantages with Shields, Garza, and Sonny in 2, 3, 4. If all goes to plan the Rays are up 3-1. Of course it won't happen like that but it's an ideal way to plan.

[Throwback]

Matt Garza looks like the clown from Twisted Metal.
Yes he does. I am a huge Phillies fan and all year I was saying how I hope the Rays would do well. Now, I just hope that doesn't come back and bite me in the ass.

Sorry, Rays, you're a great story, but for fuck's sake, Philadelphia needs this.

Phils in 6.

[LeftWideOpen]

I like that Kazmir is going in game 1 likely, because I almost feel like any time Hamels takes the mound it's a assumed loss, so you've got massive pitching advantages with Shields, Garza, and Sonny in 2, 3, 4. If all goes to plan the Rays are up 3-1. Of course it won't happen like that but it's an ideal way to plan.

yeah, my Rays in 6 prediction is me giving the Phillies Game 1 and Game 5 (Hamels two starts).

[Killadelphia]

Phils in 5, and not just because I'm going to try to get tickets to game 5. Haha.

I have tickets to game 5, prices are ridiculous right now.

I think the bullpen isn't a huge advantage for the phillies. Phillies bullpen was best in the league, but Rays was 5th, and most came without Price. So while Philly has the advantage, it's not a big one.

Yeah, and our high numbers are inflated by including Tom Gordon and Seanez, two guys not on the roster.

I like that Kazmir is going in game 1 likely, because I almost feel like any time Hamels takes the mound it's a assumed loss, so you've got massive pitching advantages with Shields, Garza, and Sonny in 2, 3, 4. If all goes to plan the Rays are up 3-1. Of course it won't happen like that but it's an ideal way to plan.

I wouldn't throw Sonnanstine with the massive pitching advantages at all. It's an advantage probably, but not like Garza > Moyer massive.

3 RH starters sets up well for the Phillies and the DH. edit: though 3-5 that won't matter.

[Scott Weber]

I wouldn't throw Sonnanstine with the massive pitching advantages at all. It's an advantage probably, but not like Garza > Moyer massive.

3 RH starters sets up well for the Phillies and the DH. edit: though 3-5 that won't matter.
Sonnastine is a clear advantage over Blanton if you ask me.

[Killadelphia]

Sonnastine is a clear advantage over Blanton if you ask me.

Except Sonnanstine is more of a fly-ball pitcher, and pitching in Philly against our lefties, they can lift him deep. I'm going basically off numbers right now, so if he is relying on a lot of fly ball outs, that could hurt him.

11 fly ball outs against Chicago to 2 ground outs
9 fly ball outs against Boston to 11 ground outs.

And then upon looking further, Blanton and Sonnanstine are virtually the same pitcher, but blanton has a higher k/9, this postseason.

[jaimej]

I have tickets to game 5, prices are ridiculous right now.


I saw, I'm hoping they go down. How did you get tickets?

[Killadelphia]

I saw, I'm hoping they go down. How did you get tickets?

Phillies ticket lottery.

[Killadelphia]

With this World Series, the Phillies will now have played every current AL East team in a World Series.

[Scott Weber]

Except Sonnanstine is more of a fly-ball pitcher, and pitching in Philly against our lefties, they can lift him deep. I'm going basically off numbers right now, so if he is relying on a lot of fly ball outs, that could hurt him.

11 fly ball outs against Chicago to 2 ground outs
9 fly ball outs against Boston to 11 ground outs.

And then upon looking further, Blanton and Sonnanstine are virtually the same pitcher, but blanton has a higher k/9, this postseason.
2008 Sonnastine: 41.8% GB, 28.6% FB
2008 Blanton (Phlly): 40.5% GB, 32.9% FB

So your own logic kind of works against you since Blanton gives up a decent amount more fly balls when he's thrown for Philly. but we'll see.

[KStrat]

ok...I find it hard to believe ANYONE had the Rays in the ALCS, let alone the World Series
cody did.

then again he always does lol.

[Killadelphia]

2008 Sonnastine: 41.8% GB, 28.6% FB
2008 Blanton (Phlly): 40.5% GB, 32.9% FB

So your own logic kind of works against you since Blanton gives up a decent amount more fly balls when he's thrown for Philly. but we'll see.

Yeah, which is why I said when looking upon it further hahaha Blanton is just a fatter version of Sonnanstine. So, on the basepaths, Sonnanstine has a massive advantage.

Our pitchers > TB pitchers in terms of hitting. And that means everything. Okay, I'm kidding.

Somehow Blanton does pitch pretty well in our park, same with Moyer, so we'll see what happens.

I'd put it like this.

Phillies lineup > Rays lineup
Phillies SP < Rays SP
Phillies bullpen > Rays bullpen
Phillies bench < Rays bench

Greg Dobbs would be a great DH for the Phillies, but that'll only matter in games 2, 6, and 7.

[duhpunk]

if anyone willing to make the trip to St Pete wants the presale password for WS game 1 at Tampa, PM me. i'm only going to game 2.

edit: CLAIMED

[Smithers]

would the Phils go with Hamels for 1, 4, and 7 if they needed to?

[Killadelphia]

would the Phils go with Hamels for 1, 4, and 7 if they needed to?

No.

[Metfan615]

With this World Series, the Phillies will now have played every current AL East team in a World Series.
that's cool

[CubbyNick42]

No.
If you're down 3-0, you don't bring back Hamels in game 4?

[heyozzie]

yea i agree with the Rays in 6 comments. this series is gonna be close

[Killadelphia]

If you're down 3-0, you don't bring back Hamels in game 4?

I would

BUT as much as I enjoy having Hamels, he's a pussy when it comes to pitching on short rest and he said he'd be unwilling to do it.

He's also never done it in his career. If we're down 3-0, we're likely not coming back anyway, so we might as well protect his arm.

I mean you never know, but the chance of him pitching once, let alone twice on 3 days rest are probably around 5%.

[laxcrs]

ah. Yeah, I'm so used to people proclaiming that seriously...usually they have like, 20 posts though and its their first time posting in the sports forum

haha understandable, i forgot how badly sarcasm and the internet go together

[CubbyNick42]

I would

BUT as much as I enjoy having Hamels, he's a pussy when it comes to pitching on short rest and he said he'd be unwilling to do it.

He's also never done it in his career. If we're down 3-0, we're likely not coming back anyway, so we might as well protect his arm.

I mean you never know, but the chance of him pitching once, let alone twice on 3 days rest are probably around 5%.
No kidding? Interesting.

[preppyak]

haha understandable, i forgot how badly sarcasm and the internet go together
There needs to be a separate font or like, maybe italics to make sarcasm clear...so many jokes fail because sarcasm is impossible to detect

[thatsignant]

Keep in mind he is only 24 and has thrown about 250 innings this year including playoffs, as much as you want to overuse him now, it could really hurt in the longrun

[Killadelphia]

No kidding? Interesting.

yep, not kidding.

Keep in mind he is only 24 and has thrown about 250 innings this year including playoffs, as much as you want to overuse him now, it could really hurt in the longrun

He's turning 25 in December. And with all the prior freak injuries, his arm has had less of a workload getting to this level.

Here's an article on it last week:

http://www.philly.com/philly/hp/sports/30932474.html

[mht]

Rays in 4.

[thatsignant]

He's turning 25 in December. And with all the prior freak injuries, his arm has had less of a workload getting to this level.

Here's an article on it last week:

http://www.philly.com/philly/hp/sports/30932474.html

either way, i wouldn't want him pitching on short rest unless it was a game 7

[Killadelphia]

either way, i wouldn't want him pitching on short rest unless it was a game 7

well, if he doesn't pitch game 4, he's not pitching on 2 days rest for games 7.

[Chris M.]

I'll say Rays in 6 but I want the Phils to win so Matt Stairs can get a ring

[rcrook]

Weebs if I put up a Rays avatar of some sort will that garnish a thread similar to floyd's if they lose?

[BrandNizzler]

My projected lineup for game 1:

Rollins
Werth
Utley
Howard
Burrell
Victorino
Feliz
Coste
Ruiz

[bigmike]

I said the Rays will win, but haven't given a number of games ... I'll go Rays in 5.

[teddy]

I'm going Rays in 6.

[thatsignant]

My projected lineup for game 1:

Rollins
Werth
Utley
Howard
Burrell
Victorino
Feliz
Coste
Ruiz

I think Bruntlett will DH over Coste, it's also a possiblility Bruntlett will play LF and Burrell DH or maybe even Taguchi in left which would be horrible

[xbrokendownx]

Burrell should most certainly DH in Tampa IMO

[Dirty Ernie]

My projected lineup for game 1:

Rollins
Werth
Utley
Howard
Burrell
Victorino
Feliz
Coste
Ruiz

I might switch Utley and Werth to break Utley and Howard up, though Werth hasn't done much.

[thatsignant]

I might switch Utley and Werth to break Utley and Howard up, though Werth hasn't done much.

yea i wouldn't feel too comfortable with Werth in the 3 hole, plus Utley hits lefties pretty well

[Dirty Ernie]

I think Bruntlett will DH over Coste, it's also a possiblility Bruntlett will play LF and Burrell DH or maybe even Taguchi in left which would be horrible

I would rather them leave Taguchi off the roster altogether and put Marson on to have three catchers.

Burrell should most certainly DH in Tampa IMO

I think he has been quoted as saying he doesn't want to DH because he doesn't feel like he is in the game, same for Howard. He has a hose for an arm too which might actually help with the way the Rays run.

[bigmike]

Burrell should most certainly DH in Tampa IMO
Ideally might be Howard to DH, Burrell to first, and a better fielder in LF.

[xbrokendownx]

has Burrell played first though? it may be ideal but i doubt theyd try that out

[thatsignant]

I would rather them leave Taguchi off the roster altogether and put Marson on to have three catchers.






well for what its worth, Taguchi has played in and won a WS before, he's actually the only player in this series with a WS hit.

[bigmike]

has Burrell played first though? it may be ideal but i doubt theyd try that out
58 games in his career. He's only DH'd 22 games in his career.

[imirish06]

I'll be in Philly for all the home games just for the fact I that I don't want to miss anything. I'm waiting on buying a ticket though. I'm going to see how the series starts off.

[Killadelphia]

Burrell should most certainly DH in Tampa IMO

No, they don't have anyone else who can play outfield well enough that they can sacrifice for their shitty hitting. Bruntlett is the utility outfielder in LF right now.

Ideally might be Howard to DH, Burrell to first, and a better fielder in LF.

Ideally, but Burrell hasn't played 1B since what 98'?

I'll be in Philly for all the home games just for the fact I that I don't want to miss anything. I'm waiting on buying a ticket though. I'm going to see how the series starts off.

Nice. I'm thinking about doing that, but I don't know yet.

[Killadelphia]

and whomever brought up So Taguchi, that dickbag shouldn't even be on this roster.

[duhpunk]

i can't fucking get tickets. goddamn scalpers

[Killadelphia]

i can't fucking get tickets. goddamn scalpers

even with the presale? Tell you what though, the Flyers had a presale and it went real quick and I thought I was fucked. They went on sale the next day for everyone and there was plenty of tickets.

[duhpunk]

shit is completely sold out. i tried every section of the park

[Chris M.]

Matt Stairs should DH :-)

[Killadelphia]

Matt Stairs should DH :-)

I'd like it, but Dobbs will DH over Stairs against righties. I'm sure one day they might have Dobbs @ third and Stairs or Jenkins @ DH.

shit is completely sold out. i tried every section of the park

Is the presale or the ticket lottery though? Scalpers probably ate that up, which means a lot of Philly fans.

[bigmike]

I forgot Stairs was on the Phils. He might have enough pull to get me to root for Philly. I fucking love Matt Stairs.

[CubbyNick42]

I fucking love Matt Stairs.
Haha hell yes.

[BrandNizzler]

Matt Stairs should DH :-)
Charlie will never DH Stairs for a few reasons.

1. Dobbs is a much better left handed bat.
2. Charlie likes to use Stairs for one swing off the bench when runners are on base, hoping for that bomb he got against the Dodgers.

I really don't think Dobbs will start a single game this series at third, ESPECIALLY in Tampa where they will be playing on a very fast turf.

[Chris M.]

I forgot Stairs was on the Phils. He might have enough pull to get me to root for Philly. I fucking love Matt Stairs.

He's the only reason I want Philly to win. I fucking love that dude.

very homo.

[Killadelphia]

Charlie will never DH Stairs for a few reasons.

1. Dobbs is a much better left handed bat.
2. Charlie likes to use Stairs for one swing off the bench when runners are on base, hoping for that bomb he got against the Dodgers.

I really don't think Dobbs will start a single game this series at third, ESPECIALLY in Tampa where they will be playing on a very fast turf.

Doesn't really matter in the AL games.

I agree with the last statement, but he might start in game 5 off Sonnanstine

[bigmike]

Haha hell yes.

He's the only reason I want Philly to win. I fucking love that dude.

very homo.
Glad to see there are other charter members of the Matt Stairs fan club. I liked him for a long while even when he was in Chicago and Oakland and whatnot, but then he came to Detroit and hit a pinch-hit homer for us on the last game of the year, at home, against the Royals in like the 8th inning. I've still convinced myself that we won that game and, consequently, the division that year.

Edit: Go here (http://detroit.tigers.mlb.com/news/wrap.jsp?ymd=20061001&content_id=1693443&vkey=wrapup2005&fext=.jsp&team=home&c_id=det) and click top play and then on Stairs HR. My favorite Matt Stairs highlight and honestly, probably a top 5 homerun in my Tigers memory.

[CubbyNick42]

I know I told this story somewhere else, but he tossed me a ball during BP (an '02 ASG ball as it turned out) and signed my "Matt Stairs is da man" homemade poster a few years ago in Milwaukee. I'll love that guy forever.

[bigmike]

Matt Stairs is one of my top 5 favorite current players.

[Chris M.]

Glad to see there are other charter members of the Matt Stairs fan club. I liked him for a long while even when he was in Chicago and Oakland and whatnot, but then he came to Detroit and hit a pinch-hit homer for us on the last game of the year, at home, against the Royals in like the 8th inning. I've still convinced myself that we won that game and, consequently, the division that year.

Edit: Go here (http://detroit.tigers.mlb.com/news/wrap.jsp?ymd=20061001&content_id=1693443&vkey=wrapup2005&fext=.jsp&team=home&c_id=det) and click top play and then on Stairs HR. My favorite Matt Stairs highlight and honestly, probably a top 5 homerun in my Tigers memory.

Matt Stairs is the only current MLB player from New Brunswick, plus he was born in Saint John. I gotta cheer for the hometown guys.

I know I told this story somewhere else, but he tossed me a ball during BP (an '02 ASG ball as it turned out) and signed my "Matt Stairs is da man" homemade poster a few years ago in Milwaukee. I'll love that guy forever.

You have no idea how jealous I am right now

[youkwalks]

I drank a bottle of red wine, smoked a couple blunts, and did another substance I wont name, last night. The wine was for the loss, the rest was because I was drunk.


Rays take it, but I want the Phills to win.

[bigmike]

At least you took it well....

[rcrook]

youk doing the booger sugar with darryl strawberry and doc gooden?

[Dirty Ernie]

I should take notes in case we lose. My original plan was to jump of the Walt Whitman Bridge.

[CubbyNick42]

youk doing the booger sugar with darryl strawberry and doc gooden?
Don't leave out the Rock!

http://natnotes.com/wp-content/uploads/history/raines_tim.jpg

[Killadelphia]

Fe_YB0kc8b0

QSEt4zZmshc

:uh:

[imirish06]

Son of a bitch that is a catchy tune. (the second one).


It's obvious the Phillies have them beat though:
dR4_OMa5Bs8

[Scott Weber]

jesus that song is going to be stuck in my head forever now, ugh

edit: the 2nd one, the first one is sooooooooooo bad

[Killadelphia]

Don't worry, our fans tried their best or worst too. Though, I don't mind this one. I like the tune, the lyrics just aren't great and the guy cannot sing.

-f6GxYGRXIc

come on phils, come on phils, come on phils, come on phils, fight

k_D5fGZvruo

24ubhavYhHM

just wow.

[CubbyNick42]

Philly still wins

4rcFSl7lcVM

[bigmike]

New name now we here to play.

[Killadelphia]

Philly still wins

4rcFSl7lcVM

I like it. hahah

[Killadelphia]

This is it. We are one day away. We're a little more than 24 hours away from watching the Phillies play their first World Series game in 15 years. 80-08 seems to be what the Philly faithful hopes reverses the Philadelphia-Tampa trend. Will the simple reversal of dates reverse the past?

For those who don't know, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Tampa Bay Lightning beat the Eagles and Flyers on route to their first ever World Championships. However, both the Eagles and Flyers won the first ever postseason meetings between the respected Tampa teams. Which trend will hold?

The Phillies have the opportunity to stop the city's 25 year drought without a championship. Instead of the "It has to end at some point" mentality, I'd like to use the "It will end in 2008."

Now, it is time to evaluate the teams playing in this Fall Classic. Also, mark my word, this World Series will play out better than anything the Red Sox and Dodgers could have offered. Thank the Phillies and the Rays outsiders. They're the reason that you may be able to tolerate Joe Buck for entire World Series.

Offensively, during the regular season, the Phillies scored more runs in the NL than Rays scored with a DH in the AL. They did all of this without using a DH. As a whole, I like the Phillies better than the Rays. Both teams lacked a player hitting over .300 in the season, but they did hit a lot of home run (214-180 Phillies edge).

During the postseason, the Rays averaged 5.8 runs per game compared to 4.44 for the Phillies. Both teams relied heavily on the long ball to move to continue their postseason run. Hey, when you have power in the lineup, why is that a bad thing? Both teams strike out a lot and both teams have a tremendous amount of speed on the basepaths. The Phillies are also the best in terms of stealing bases effectively at an 84% rate.

In terms of experience, the edge still goes to the Phillies. The Rays are a young team and a veteran guy like Jamie Moyer might be able to use that to his advantage. However, it is the World Series and it is hard to judge how the hitting will be when both teams have barely, if at all, faced the opposing pitchers.

When it comes to the rotation, the Rays have the better staff. While Hamels is easily the best pitcher in the World Series, Shields, Garza, and Sonnanstine are better than the rest of our staff. Brett Myers can be good, but you never know what he'll give you. He can throw 8 quality innings or three innings of bad pitching. He is one guy that will show you what he has in the first or second inning to give you an idea on how the night will fair. James Shields is a far more consistent pitcher and has practically become the Rays "ace."

The game 3 match-up is probably the most lopsided match-up of the series. Matt Garza, the ALCS MVP, will face off against a struggling Jamie Moyer. Garza has been great this postseason, but he will walk a few guys here and there. The Phillies will have to try and do what the White Sox did and be patient with him. Make him pitch to them. Jamie Moyer has a good career track record against Tampa Bay and pitching against young Florida teams in general, but that doesn't mean shit right now. Moyer will have to step it up in game 3. He could be the difference maker in the series.

In game 4, we'll likely see Andy Sonnanstine against Joe Blanton. They're both virtually the same style of pitcher. They're flyball pitchers who rely more on their defense than striking guys out. They've both pitched well this postseason for being at the backend of the rotation. With the game being in Philly, the wind and cold could expect how the game plays out.

If the series does extend past 5 games, the Rays will have a significant advantage in games 6 & 7, especially in Tampa. Pitching in the NL, the Phillies allowed 3.2 runs per game. The Rays allowed 3.72.

Both teams have a good bullpen, but I'll give the back end of the bullpen advantage to the Phillies. It is really hard to compete with Ryan Madson and Brad Lidge right now. They've been a great 1-2 punch to close out game for the Phillies. The Rays will likely rely on J.P Howell and David Price to close out games, and it'll be hard to score late on them. It'll be interesting to see if the whole "pitching in Philly" mirage gets in the head of their youngsters.

In the postseason, the Phillies entire staff allowed 3.2 runs per game. The Rays allowed 3.72. We're dealing with two good lineups and two good pitching staffs. So, we're without the Sox. We're without Mannywood. We're without Torre vs. Francona. In this series, it is set up to see some very good games that will keep the attention of even the casual fan.

So, I will leave you with this Philadelphia fans. This team will either be the start of a new era or just another story shelved in the library of disappointments. Whatever happens, keep your head up with this team. I know, it sounds very hypocritical coming from me, but keep your head up. Take it all in stride. Everyone is picking against us. No one outside of the "City of Brotherly Love" understands how much we need this. My gut instincts say we'll finally get the final prize.

Though it is Philly slanted, I made a broad analysis of the series.

http://wehatetolose.blogspot.com/2008/10/preview-of-world-series-proportion.html

[Drew Beringer]

I hope tonight is a good game, over the past couple of days I have come to the realization I don't care who wins, I just want to see a great series.

[Killadelphia]

I am so excited for tonight, minus the Backstreet Boys.

[DaveFeelsRight]

i would like to see this one go atleast past 5 games

[imirish06]

Me too, I'd love for it to go 7. It'd be extremely nerve wrecking but who cares. I want to savor this moment as much as I can, I might not ever see it again.

[jaimej]

My Cole Hamels shirt is sitting next to me on my desk right now. Can't wait to get to the bar so I can put it on and watch the game. All during trivia night. Best of both worlds!

[Scott Weber]

My Cole Hamels shirt is sitting next to me on my desk right now. Can't wait to get to the bar so I can put it on and watch the game. All during trivia night. Best of both worlds!
Chillin' out take it slow, then you rock out the show?

[thatsignant]

the phillies are the justin morneau of the world series

[jaimej]

Chillin' out take it slow, then you rock out the show?
I don't even know what to say to you for knowing that.

Also, I had to google it. Haha.

[Scott Weber]

I don't even know what to say to you for knowing that.

Also, I had to google it. Haha.
You get the limo out front.

[Drew Beringer]

I wore my Phils hat this morning to class and my Rays hat this afternoon to throw people off.

[Circa1628]

I wore my Phils hat this morning to class and my Rays hat this afternoon to throw people off.

haha thats funny


Phillies in 6

[Killadelphia]

the phillies are the justin morneau of the world series

What does this even mean?

My Cole Hamels shirt is sitting next to me on my desk right now. Can't wait to get to the bar so I can put it on and watch the game. All during trivia night. Best of both worlds!

nice.

Me too, I'd love for it to go 7. It'd be extremely nerve wrecking but who cares. I want to savor this moment as much as I can, I might not ever see it again.

Fuck that, I'd like a Phillies win as soon as possible. People will savor the moment of the title forever regardless.

[LastPlaceRocks]

the phillies are the justin morneau of the world series
What?

[Spicoli hey bud]

My spite for Philly fans has made me a Rays fan. Too bad I left my old school Rays hat elsewhere.

[imirish06]

man I should have went to the gym earlier because I'm not going to go now. I'm a sucker for pre-game shows.

[youkwalks]

the phillies are the justin morneau of the world series
Does this mean really good, but under the radar?

Thats all I can think about Justin Morneau.

[Circa1628]

My spite for Philly fans has made me a Rays fan. Too bad I left my old school Rays hat elsewhere.

the Devil Rays have been around long enough to have an "old school" hat?

[CubbyNick42]

the Devil Rays have been around long enough to have an "old school" hat?
Not a big baseball fan?

[Spicoli hey bud]

the Devil Rays have been around long enough to have an "old school" hat?
10 years.

Think of how many teams have changed their uniforms/logos/hats/etc in the past 10 years.

[Circa1628]

Not a big baseball fan?


No I am, what am I missing? They have been around for 10 years..

[Circa1628]

10 years.

Think of how many teams have changed their uniforms/logos/hats/etc in the past 10 years.


I wouldn't call that "old school" personally, that's just me though

[jaimej]

the Devil Rays have been around long enough to have an "old school" hat?
Baseball fail.

[CubbyNick42]

No I am, what am I missing? They have been around for 10 years..
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2126/1896789461_912dfd448e.jpg?v=0

http://www.fansedge.com/Images/Product/31-10/31-10117-F.jpg

[Killadelphia]

Does this mean really good, but under the radar?

Thats all I can think about Justin Morneau.

I can't think of anything. Unless he's going with the whole Matt Stairs/Canadian aspect of Morneau?

[imirish06]

Anyone watch the Daily Show this week? With the WS flip flop talk? haha

[Spicoli hey bud]

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2126/1896789461_912dfd448e.jpg?v=0

http://www.fansedge.com/Images/Product/31-10/31-10117-F.jpg
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3155/2396176150_955db4f737.jpg (http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3155/2396176150_955db4f737.jpg?v=0)

[Scott Weber]

the Devil Rays have been around long enough to have an "old school" hat?
ooooooooooooooof.

http://www.fansedge.com/Images/Product/31-10/31-10117-F.jpg


http://i10.ebayimg.com/04/i/001/15/a3/3077_1.JPG
http://pics.ebaystatic.com/aw/pics/s.gif

http://i1.ebayimg.com/01/i/001/15/a3/6b14_1.JPG










m-m-m-m-m-m-m-m-ega fail.

[CubbyNick42]

Haha I just looked at those last two on eBay.

[Circa1628]

I am aware of the hats they have had. I have already explained, I don't think a logo from ten years ago is "Old school".

[CubbyNick42]

Then you're gay.

[Scott Weber]

I am aware of the hats they have had. I have already explained, I don't think a logo from ten years ago is "Old school".
you called them the DEVIL rays you fucking idiot.

[CarlosLunes]

well you are dumb

[Circa1628]

Then you're gay.

you are 22?

[CarlosLunes]

this is gonna end bad

[Circa1628]

you called them the DEVIL rays you fucking idiot.
we are talking old school aren't we?

[iihungrieii]

hehe

[Circa1628]

this is gonna end bad

I don't see why it should.

In my opinion a team that has been around for ten years doesn't have old school anything. That is my opinion, I wasn't dissing him or disagreeing with him, that was just my opinion.

Secondly, they were called the Devil Rays for 8 years.

Third, I was never being rude, I was just stating my opinion

Chill guys

[CubbyNick42]

you called them the DEVIL rays you fucking idiot.
Wait until he hears the Pilots moved.

[rcrook]

Actually I believe they were called the Devil Rays for 9 years

[Circa1628]

Actually I believe they were called the Devil Rays for 9 years

further proving my point, that it isn't weird to call them that, it's habit

[CubbyNick42]

Or 10. 1998-2007. Can no one do math? This is the "geological" incident all over again.

[rcrook]

mega fail on my part

[Circa1628]

Or 10. 1998-2007. Can no one do math? This is the "geological" incident all over again.

I was just trying to remember the years off the top of my head that they started and stopped.. I didn't use wikipedia

[imirish06]

My grammar is questionable and rc can't count.

No child left behind.

[Killadelphia]

Dewan uses a Plus/Minus System. According to fieldingbible.com (http://fieldingbible.com/), "video scouts review video of every play of every major league game and record detailed information on each play, such as the location of each batted ball, the speed, the type of hit, etc. ... A player gets credit (a "plus" number) if he makes a play that at least one other player at his position missed during the season, and he loses credit (a "minus" number) if he misses a play that at least one player made. The size of the credit is directly related to how often players make the play. Each play is looked at individually, and a score is given for each play. Sum up all the plays for each player at his position and you get his total plus/minus for the season. A total plus/minus score near zero means the player is average. A score above zero is above average and a negative score is below average. Adam Everett turned in the highest score we’ve had in four years of using the system with a +43 at shortstop in 2006. That means he made 43 more plays than the average MLB shortstop would make.
Here are the Phillies' individual rankings:

1B: Ryan Howard +1 (ranked 12th in MLB with rankings based on the 35 players who played most often)
2B: Chase Utley +47 (1st)
3B Pedro Feliz +7 (12th)
SS Jimmy Rollins +23 (1st)
LF Pat Burrell -20 (34th)
CF Shane Victorino +10 (7th)
RF Jayson Werth +2 (15th)
As a team, the Phillies ranked first at +74. The Rays ranked eighth at +34.

[Killadelphia]

btw, 3 of the last 5 teams with 5 or more days rest has either swept or won the WS with no problem. The Rockies lost to a far better Red Sox team. The Tigers failed to throw and catch.

[pand75]

You should stop getting so deep in all that stuff like that, and just sit down and hope for the best, because you're just going to get upset when that shit doesn't all happen.

[Killadelphia]

I'm not. I think the time lapse is a little overrated and I don't think it should be used an excuse if something doesn't work out. I'm still very confident.

[pand75]

Fair enough.

[duhpunk]

i'm ready for this shit.

and i got tix for game 2 :woot:

[bduke13]

How close are you to Tropicana Field?

[Scott Weber]

let's do this shit.

[duhpunk]

How close are you to Tropicana Field?

right now, about 3 hours.

[Scott Weber]

kevin kennedy is so dumb, haha. so is mark grace.

[bduke13]

I can't stand that woman who does the pregame show

[Scott Weber]

also dumb.

[HoustonCalling]

I guess I'll be rooting for the Rays. Even though it's a division opponent, I can't stand Philly sports.

[vandalroyale]

Can't wait for this. Took off work early for this.

[Scott Weber]

rofl charlie manuel running just made my day.

[vandalroyale]

Less hype, more game

[HoustonCalling]

via Peter Abraham's blog, if you're a fan looking for a reason to root for a team:


REASONS TO ROOT FOR THEM
Rays: Manager Joe Maddon is a unique character who doesn’t take himself too seriously and can speak intelligently about subjects other than baseball.
Phillies: Philadelphia winning would drive Mets fans even more insane.
Edge: Phillies. If the Phillies winning leads to Mets fans like WFAN’s Joe Benigno going into seclusion, we as a society will benefit.

REASONS TO ROOT AGAINST THEM
Rays: Manager Joe Maddon is an irresponsible crackpot who had one of his thugs run over poor Francisco Cervelli in spring training. And no 54-year-old man should have a Mohawk haircut.
Phillies: The fans in Philly are a boorish bunch. They deserve to continue their long streak of not having any championships.
Edge: Phillies. Have you ever known anybody who went to a game in Philadelphia and said, “Boy, the people who sat in our section were really nice.” No, me neither.

FORMER YANKEES FACTOR
Rays: Dionner Navarro was one of the prospects traded for Randy Johnson. Good thing the Yankees don’t have an aging, injured catcher who will need to be replaced soon. Carlos Pena played for Columbus in 2006 and credits Kevin Long for helping him get his swing back. Good thing the Yankees don’t need a first baseman.
Phillies: Tom Gordon, out since July with an injured elbow, played for the Yankees from 2004-05.
Edge: Rays. You’d take Navarro and Pena back in a second. Gordon not so much.

THE CITIES
Tampa Bay: Tampa Bay is more of a concept. The Rays are actually in St. Petersburg and draw fans from nursing homes, strip clubs and trailer parks across a wide area. St. Pete has some nice beaches and the Salvador Dali Museum.
Philadelphia: The City of Brotherly Love (ha!) is the cradle of liberty, cheesesteaks and Rocky Balboa.
Edge: Philadelphia has a big edge here. St. Petersburg is a decent enough place to visit but Philly has some swagger.

THE BALLPARKS
Tropicana Field: It’s not as bad as some people say. But it’s still not any good. The people ringing cowbells don’t help.
Citizens Bank Park: The Pony League dimensions aside, it’s a great place to watch a game. Well aside from the drunks yelling at you.
Edge: Philadelphia. This isn’t even close.

THE MEDIA
Tampa Bay: Marc Topkin of the St. Pete Times has been the Tampa Bay beat writer for the Rays since the team’s inception. Nobody in the history of mankind has seen more lousy baseball than this guy. He should get the Pulitzer Prize and a Purple Heart.
Philadelphia: This city is largely responsible for the rise to power of the obnoxious Stephen A. Smith. But Philly did send us Tyler Kepner of the Times and Sweeny Murti of WFAN.
Edge: Even. I hope Topkin is writing a book because it would be a good one.

THE GENERAL MANAGERS
Tampa Bay: The Rays are run by Andrew Friedman, a nice enough young man who made a pile of money on Wall Street and has done pretty much everything right since he was hired
Philadelphia: Pat Gillick is retiring after the season and plans to go home after a long and distinguished career. In a business full of back-stabbers, he has universal respect.
Edge: Philadelphia. No offense to Friedman, but people in baseball would love to see Gillick go out with a title.

IN SUMMATION
It’s a close call, but the pick is for Tampa Bay to win in six games.

[DaveFeelsRight]

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/preview?gameId=281022130

philly is projected as the favorite with 52%

[duhpunk]

i was just about to say something about charlie manuel. i'm still laughing

[vandalroyale]

I'm a big fan of Bartlett

[vandalroyale]

Oh wow- BSB

[duhpunk]

LOLOL

x

[Scott Weber]

oh god.

[duhpunk]

this is so bad.

[vandalroyale]

The dude on the right still looks like a moron

[DaveFeelsRight]

I'm a big fan of Bartlettim not. cause he was with the twins

[DaveFeelsRight]

oh wowza this is bad

[TheOtherAndrew]

I had no idea the Backstreet Boys were so un-American.

[AshesAshes]

Hahahaha that was awful

[duhpunk]

god only knows who we're gonna get tomorrow night.

Dixie Chicks?

[bduke13]

I had no idea the Backstreet Boys were so un-American.

I bet Jonathan Cook isn't a fan.

[duhpunk]

wasn't there a 5th one?

[CubbyNick42]

Kevin left a couple years back.

[vandalroyale]

wasn't there a 5th one?

Th fat one right? Fatone?

EDIT: Or did I get my boy bands mixed up?

[Vanilla Bear]

that's n'sync, idiot!!

[duhpunk]

the difference is, nsync still went on to do something after they broke up.

[vandalroyale]

6/6 commercials were election/political based. That's going to get annoying.

[vandalroyale]

that's n'sync, idiot!!

Well crap.

[duhpunk]

it's been annoying for the past 3 months

[HoustonCalling]

Politics and Sports should never mix

[vandalroyale]

That is true, but I've never had it be the whole block of commercials

[TheOtherAndrew]

Politics and Sports should never mix
Take note, Curt Schilling.

[duhpunk]

Take note, Curt Schilling.

hahah