2014 MLB Playoffs

[CoachChaz]

KC over OAK
PIT over SF

DET over BAL in 4 games
LAD over STL in 5 games

[Thnikkaman]

KC over OAK
PIT over SF

DET over BAL in 4 games
LAD over STL in 5 games

I don't agree with LAD over STL, and I really hope BAL beats Detroit.

[CoachChaz]

I don't agree with LAD over STL, and I really hope BAL beats Detroit.

Obviously, I do too...but we sucked against them all year. Granted, it was early in the year, but I dont think our rotation over-matches theirs. If we can get to our bullpen and theirs...we have a great shot. But I think we're probably due to start feeling the absence of Weiters, Machado and Davis. More for defensive reasons than offensive.

[BroncoWave]

Would like to see Oakland win it all. If not them, I'd be ok with Pitt, kc, Washington, or Baltimore.

[Northman]

Coach going against his own team. But i agree, i think Bmore falls at some point.

[chazoe60]

Go Angels and Pirates.

[CoachChaz]

Coach going against his own team. But i agree, i think Bmore falls at some point.

I'm a realist. I picked Seattle to beat Denver in the SB as well.

That being said...if we were playing Anaheim or any of the 2 WC's...I'd pick the O's to win. Detroit is just a matchup nightmare for us.

[MOtorboat]

I just hope this lasts longer than one game.

[CoachChaz]

I just hope this lasts longer than one game.

Gotta start somewhere

[Bronco9798]

GO Royals!! I'll be pulling for them tonight!!

[Slick]

Coco Crisp is the only name from either starting line up that I recognize.

[BroncoWave]

I hate that one of these teams has to get put out tonight. They are probably the two teams I'd most like to see go all the way out of the 10 team field.

[CoachChaz]

I'm rooting for KC...mostly because I'm just sick and tired of hearing about how much of a genius Billy Beane is.

[BroncoWave]

I'm rooting for KC...mostly because I'm just sick and tired of hearing about how much of a genius Billy Beane is.

Huh, I'm rooting for Oakland because of Beane. You can be sick of hearing about it, but it doesn't make it less true. Like it or not, Moneyball revolutionized baseball. He deserves to get a title out of it.

[chazoe60]

I'm rooting for Oakland because **** KC. I love the thought of all those Chiefs fans crying over not seeing a postseason win in forever and all those people are Royals fans too so I don't want them to have this win either.

[MOtorboat]

So you want Raiders fans to rejoice?

I hope Yost knows what he's doing. Pulling Big Game James in the sixth in the game Moore brought him here to pitch.

[MOtorboat]

******* Yost.

[Timmy!]

Pulling Shields was dumb.

[WTE]

So you want Raiders fans to rejoice?

I hope Yost knows what he's doing. Pulling Big Game James in the sixth in the game Moore brought him here to pitch.

Brandon Moss! These Oakland Red Sox look damn good!

[chazoe60]

:laugh::laugh: that's what that pitcher gets for wearing that stupid ass looking flat billed hat.

[CoachChaz]

I'm rooting for KC...mostly because I'm just sick and tired of hearing about how much of a genius Billy Beane is.

Huh, I'm rooting for Oakland because of Beane. You can be sick of hearing about it, but it doesn't make it less true. Like it or not, Moneyball revolutionized baseball. He deserves to get a title out of it.

He got his credit...many times over. And if you're going to be glorified for the good deals, you should take the blame for the bad ones.

Bob Melvin has this current team where it is.

[Timmy!]

I bet that guy is happy he doesn't have to buy a puppy now.....

[chazoe60]

I bet that guy is happy he doesn't have to buy a puppy now.....
:laugh::laugh: can't high five enough.

[chazoe60]

BTW MO, most Raiders fans are Dodger fans not A's fans..

[Buff]

Exciting game. I still think the one game format is stupid from a fairness standpoint after a 162 game season, but I always enjoy it as a fan.

[CoachChaz]

Poor plate discipline. Up in the count, a slider pitcher is ALWAYS going low and away. Gave away to chances.

[Bronco9798]

last two bats were horrible.

[CoachChaz]

Exciting game. I still think the one game format is stupid from a fairness standpoint after a 162 game season, but I always enjoy it as a fan.

It emphasizes the importance of winning the division and benefits the division winners...While giving another team a shot at getting to a series.

No perfect but not a bad format

[BroncoWave]

Exciting game. I still think the one game format is stupid from a fairness standpoint after a 162 game season, but I always enjoy it as a fan.

Crazy exciting game. Nothing like a winner-take-all game.

[chazoe60]

This has turned into one helluva good game.

[CoachChaz]

Doolittle only throws fastballs. Amazes me the success he has

[Buff]

Sal Perez has always been a tease.

[BroncoWave]

This is seriously pressing my bedtime but I can't miss the end of this. What a game.

[CoachChaz]

This is seriously pressing my bedtime but I can't miss the end of this. What a game.

I know...i have to be at a deposition in 8 hours with a 90 minute drive to the location

[BroncoWave]

I know...i have to be at a deposition in 8 hours with a 90 minute drive to the location

Thankfully I don't have to go into work until 10 tomorrow, so I still have 9.5 hrs. I'd still like for this game to end though. I haven't stayed up this late in a while.

[CoachChaz]

KC gave away too many opportunities

[BroncoWave]

KC gave away too many opportunities

They've come back twice, maybe they still have a little magic left in them. Even though I am rooting for Oakland, it would be pretty exciting to see the stadium explode from another comeback.

[BroncoWave]

JFC. I swear if they tie this back up...

[BroncoWave]

There it is. What a freaking game. Good night everyone.

[chazoe60]

Awesome game. Makes me a little sick to my stomach to see people from Kansas City celebrating like that but whatever. Great game. KC will get shellacked in the next series. Safest bet in sports might be Angels in game 1.

[Timmy!]

She gets her puppy.

[MOtorboat]

Wow.

[OrangeHoof]

Here's a fact all the MoneyBall geeks never mention. The Oakland A's, poster boys for statistical analytical science and haughty smarter-than-thou hubris, are 1-8 in postseason series during Billy Beane's tenure as Oakland general manager. They made the big moves to try to make a title run and instead they are one-and-done.

[CoachChaz]

Here's a fact all the MoneyBall geeks never mention. The Oakland A's, poster boys for statistical analytical science and haughty smarter-than-thou hubris, are 1-8 in postseason series during Billy Beane's tenure as Oakland general manager. They made the big moves to try to make a title run and instead they are one-and-done.

But instead of being questioned about trading away his best hitter and his future for players that won't be around...he'll get glory for something or another

[Thnikkaman]

Congrats Mo. I hope your team makes it to the WS!!!

[BroncoWave]

Here's a fact all the MoneyBall geeks never mention. The Oakland A's, poster boys for statistical analytical science and haughty smarter-than-thou hubris, are 1-8 in postseason series during Billy Beane's tenure as Oakland general manager. They made the big moves to try to make a title run and instead they are one-and-done.

The fact that they have even played in 9 postseason series while having one of the bottom 5 payrolls in pretty much all of those seasons completely validates all if their "haughty smarter-than-thou hubris" as you put it. A team with that small of a payroll has no business even making the playoffs 8 times over a 13-14 year span.

Does it suck that they have been bounced early pretty much every time? Yeah, but that doesn't invalidate what Beane has done. It's a fact that once the secret of Moneyball was let out, pretty much everyone started to copy it. That alone is validation of how great the system is.

I feel a lot of this Beane-hate is really either hate of the media for over-covering it, or jealousy that their team didn't get a popular book and movie made about them like the A's did.

[BroncoWave]

To add onto that last post, this is what I would say is most impressive about Beane: Once Moneyball came out and everyone started to copy it, the A's started sucking for a while because they didn't have an advantage anymore. But despite that, Beane tweaked his system and found new ways of competing with his budgetary restrictions and has this team back as a yearly playoff team. I don't think enough can be said about that level of excellence as a GM.

[DenBronx]

So you want Raiders fans to rejoice?

I hope Yost knows what he's doing. Pulling Big Game James in the sixth in the game Moore brought him here to pitch.


Hey hey now im an As fan yet one of the biggest Broncos fans in Cali! Reason is this, when I became an As fan the raiders weren't even in Oakland. I'm hard headed like that and don't jump ship on my teams....even when most As fans decided to become Giants fans after they built their nice new stadium. Remember that battle of the Bay WS? Yeah that's when the raiders were in LA. Most As fans here cant wait for them to leave...trust me. And the As themselves might just move over to Santa Clara/San Jose area if their billionaire owner would ever get off his ass and do something.


But even if you dont like them you still have to respect that the were lime 25th in cap this year. Had they not made that stupid trade with Cespedes then I think they give the Angels a run for their money. Dumb trade....they were 8 games ahead of everybody.

[DenBronx]

To add onto that last post, this is what I would say is most impressive about Beane: Once Moneyball came out and everyone started to copy it, the A's started sucking for a while because they didn't have an advantage anymore. But despite that, Beane tweaked his system and found new ways of competing with his budgetary restrictions and has this team back as a yearly playoff team. I don't think enough can be said about that level of excellence as a GM.


Lol im thinking the raiders should just fire their current GM and hire Beane but don't let him do trades.


No on 2nd thought, I like the raiders in misery.

[Buff]

But instead of being questioned about trading away his best hitter and his future for players that won't be around...he'll get glory for something or another

I understand the Beane blowback, because what has he really accomplished?

But as a fan of a team with a completely incompetent GM, I would kill for a GM like Beane who is constantly trying to improve the roster and has made his team relevant on a yearly basis despite a limited payroll.

His risk taking didn't pay off this year - and he'll need to own that... But if I'm a fan of the team, I don't blame him for trying.

[OrangeHoof]

Granted, Beane deserves credit for taking a terrible payroll limitation and building a competitive team with it. He's the guru of building baseball franchises on the cheap. But facts are stubborn things and the facts are he's been in the job 15 years and never made it to the World Series, much less won one and is 1-8 in post-season series despite a constantly churning roster and lower-level management. Maybe he deserves credit and maybe he doesn't for staying with a franchise that has given him so little to work with (I think it's a personal decision that he likes Bay Area living and would rather stay there than practice his craft in NY, LA or Chicago).

To actually win a World Series, you still need expensive stars producing. That's the thread through every World Champion this century. True, plenty of teams have spent their way to failure but you gotta have some stars to win it all and if you keep dumping your stars because you can't afford them, a really shrewd GM can be competitive but they can't win it all.

[chazoe60]

Go Angels.

[Al Wilson 4 Mayor]

Go Angels.

That's what I'm talkin' 'bout.

I was pretty stoked the Angels had such a strong regular season, but my hopes for the post-season are not very high. We are missing our staff ace, and our second best pitcher isn't 100%. Combine that with the fact that CJ Wilson and Weaver are not pitching the way they use to it leaves the Angles needing to score a lot of runs, which works well in the regular season, but not so much in the post season.

[CoachChaz]

So where's the love for Andrew Friedman? The Rays are relevant almost every year and they always have a lower payroll than Oakland. However...they do it by developing players properly and using them until they cant afford them. Then they deal them for more up and coming talent to develop. To me...that's more impressive than signing a few players that fall under the radar and then letting my manager get the most out of them. It's not sustained as long, but more recently, a good case can also be made for Neal Huntington in Pittsburgh.

Getting the most out of a limited payroll isnt a new or unique thing in MLB. Beane just seems to be the media appointed poster boy for it all.

[Buff]

So where's the love for Andrew Friedman? The Rays are relevant almost every year and they always have a lower payroll than Oakland. However...they do it by developing players properly and using them until they cant afford them. Then they deal them for more up and coming talent to develop. To me...that's more impressive than signing a few players that fall under the radar and then letting my manager get the most out of them. It's not sustained as long, but more recently, a good case can also be made for Neal Huntington in Pittsburgh.

Getting the most out of a limited payroll isnt a new or unique thing in MLB. Beane just seems to be the media appointed poster boy for it all.

Fair point - he gets more than his fair share of exposure because a famous author wrote a book about him, which was made into a famous movie. The Rays are every bit as resourceful in a more difficult division, and Friedman deserves a ton of credit.

But you can't go too far to the other extreme and paint him as ineffective because he gets so much praise. He's still a hell of a GM, but I acknowledge that the hype may be overblown.

[CoachChaz]

Fair point - he gets more than his fair share of exposure because a famous author wrote a book about him, which was made into a famous movie. The Rays are every bit as resourceful in a more difficult division, and Friedman deserves a ton of credit.

But you can't go too far to the other extreme and paint him as ineffective because he gets so much praise. He's still a hell of a GM, but I acknowledge that the hype may be overblown.

And that's pretty much what I was getting at. Someone said earlier that the fans would be just happy that his deals this year got them (barely) to the post-season. But...they shouldnt be. After dealing his best hitter and best young players, plus some draft picks...he'll have nothing to show for it. Lester and Hammel will be gone and after a nice arbitration bump for 2015...Samardjia will eventually be gone as well. So good, young, talented players will be playing elsewhere and Beane will have to dig through the bin again and hope Melvin can motivate them to over-achieve.

[MOtorboat]

And that's pretty much what I was getting at. Someone said earlier that the fans would be just happy that his deals this year got them (barely) to the post-season. But...they shouldnt be. After dealing his best hitter and best young players, plus some draft picks...he'll have nothing to show for it. Lester and Hammel will be gone and after a nice arbitration bump for 2015...Samardjia will eventually be gone as well. So good, young, talented players will be playing elsewhere and Beane will have to dig through the bin again and hope Melvin can motivate them to over-achieve.

I think Beane deserves much of the credit for the Red Sox becoming a perennial power, and that's not a joke. They absolutely use saber to construct their lineup. I think he also deserves a lot of credit for keeping the A's relevant. Many other small market teams wish they had a GM like that.

I agree, it gets out of hand a little, and he does deserve some criticism for never going far in the playoffs. He shouldn't be immune from criticism, but he has done a hell of a job.

[MOtorboat]

Go Bucs.

[Thnikkaman]

I would love nothing more than the Buccos to Destroy the Giants tonight.

[Al Wilson 4 Mayor]

Yep, go Bucks. I got to watch a baseball game there about 10 years ago. It was a great experience. The view of downtown through the outfield is great, and the park itself is very nice.

[Slick]

I'm about as casual a baseball as there is but I would like nothing more than to see the Giants lose.

[WTE]

I'm about as casual a baseball as there is but I would like nothing more than to see the Giants lose.

Why is that?

[Slick]

Why is that?

I have hated the Giants and the Dodgers since I was a little leaguer. I grew up an Astros fan.

[MOtorboat]

#playoffbeisbol

[chazoe60]

I really want the Pirates to win but Volquez looks like such an ass out there with his gold chain, askew flat billed hat, and chomping gum in arguably the most annoying manner of all time.

[Buff]

I really want the Pirates to win but Volquez looks like such an ass out there with his gold chain, askew flat billed hat, and chomping gum in arguably the most annoying manner of all time.

It's weird to me that stuff like that still bothers you.

[WTE]

Time to get on the phone.

[Buff]

That was a hanger.

[Slick]

Damn.

[WTE]

That was a hanger.

Chazoe's right. Too much energy used chewing.

[Buff]

Chazoe's right. Too much energy used chewing.

I agree the gum chewing was a little aggressive. But the chain and hat didn't bother me.

[WTE]

I'm so old I remember when Clint Hurdle was a strikingly handsome ballplayer with the best name in sports.

[chazoe60]

It's weird to me that stuff like that still bothers you.

I think I'm just getting to be one of those old dudes who doesn't like the shit young kids do because I don't understand it. To me it just looks stupid. Also, from a more serious point, it seems kind of disrespectful to the game. I think the askew part bothers me more than the flat billed part.

[Thnikkaman]

I think I'm just getting to be one of those old dudes who doesn't like the shit young kids do because I don't understand it. To me it just looks stupid. Also, from a more serious point, it seems kind of disrespectful to the game. I think the askew part bothers me more than the flat billed part.

I think you're picking nits.

[WTE]

I think I'm just getting to be one of those old dudes who doesn't like the shit young kids do because I don't understand it. To me it just looks stupid. Also, from a more serious point, it seems kind of disrespectful to the game. I think the askew part bothers me more than the flat billed part.

I agree. If your shirt is untucked the ump will stop play and make you tuck it in. The same rule should apply if your hat is not on straight.

[OrangeHoof]

I grew up an Astros fan.

Man, I hope you outgrew that. I didn't and look what I've become, pretty much estranged from the entire sport.

[Bronco9798]

Pulling for the Royals and Nationals this year! Neither will probably make it to the series, but I can watch and hope.

[BroncoWave]

Pulling for the Royals and Nationals this year! Neither will probably make it to the series, but I can watch and hope.

Well the nats had the best record in the NL so I don't see why they couldn't go all the way. Kc probably is more of a stretch though.

But yeah, that is the world series I would like to see as well.

[Bronco9798]

Well the nats had the best record in the NL so I don't see why they couldn't go all the way. Kc probably is more of a stretch though.

But yeah, that is the world series I would like to see as well.

I see the winner of the Dodgers/Cardinals series going for the National League.

[OrangeHoof]

MLB and the tv suits breathed a big sigh of relief last night. A KC-Piitsburgh World Series would have caused some of them to slit their wrists. It's bad enough in their eyes that there's no Yankees and Red Sox this year. Peter Gammons is busily trying to learn the names of the other 28 teams.

[Thnikkaman]

I see the winner of the Dodgers/Cardinals series going for the National League.

Nats have better pitching, bats, bullpen than both. I think you'll be surprised.

[Slick]

Man, I hope you outgrew that. I didn't and look what I've become, pretty much estranged from the entire sport.

José Cruuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuzzzzzzz!!!!

[Al Wilson 4 Mayor]

Have you guys ever given your spouse the hot burrito?

[Bronco9798]

Nats have better pitching, bats, bullpen than both. I think you'll be surprised.

I very well could be and I hope I am. I want the Nats and the Royals in. Something just tells me it will be the winner of that series. And I don't like either of them, especially the friggin Cardinals.

[Northman]

Well, the Orioles are decimating the Tigers right now. Good start for them.

[Bronco9798]

Well, the Orioles are decimating the Tigers right now. Good start for them.

Absolutely. I'm pulling for the Orioles in this series.

[chazoe60]

Nice to see Chris Ianneta go yard for the Angels.

[CoachChaz]

Nice to see Chris Ianneta go yard for the Angels.

I called that one.

[Buff]

Nice to see Chris Ianneta go yard for the Angels.

I guess.

[Al Wilson 4 Mayor]

Nice to see Chris Ianneta go yard for the Angels.
Most definitely

I guess.
You son of a motherless goat.

[chazoe60]

Was that the luckiest catch of all time or not?

[MOtorboat]

Was that the luckiest catch of all time or not?

No.

[Bronco9798]

Good game here. Wish the Royals would of scored there. I need to go to bed.

[MOtorboat]

Good game here. Wish the Royals would of scored there. I need to go to bed.

Winner, winner...

[Al Wilson 4 Mayor]

No Richards, no Shoemaker...no runs. This series might be over soon.

[Timmy!]

Safest bet in sports might be Angels in game 1.

Good call Nostradamus.

[Bronco9798]

Nice win by the Royals!!! Hope they can keep it up.

[BroncoWave]

Awesome game. Makes me a little sick to my stomach to see people from Kansas City celebrating like that but whatever. Great game. KC will get shellacked in the next series. Safest bet in sports might be Angels in game 1.

LOL. Note to self, never take gambling tips from Chazoe. :D

[CoachChaz]

No Richards, no Shoemaker...no runs. This series might be over soon.

Except...Shoemaker starts tonight.

[Al Wilson 4 Mayor]

Except...Shoemaker starts tonight.

Does he really? I thought they were going to sit him for the Division series.

[Bronco9798]

Hope the Royals go up 2-0 tonight.

[Al Wilson 4 Mayor]

Hope the Royals go up 2-0 tonight.

That's some zealous hope you got goin' on there, since they don't play tonight. :D

[MOtorboat]

That's some zealous hope you got goin' on there, since they don't play tonight. :D

Yes they do. 9:37 EDT.

[CoachChaz]

Orioles magic!

[Bronco9798]

I was waiting for Molina to pull out a blade.

[Al Wilson 4 Mayor]

Yes they do. 9:37 EDT.

I was assuming. You know what happens when I ass-u-me.

[Al Wilson 4 Mayor]

Wow, the Giants won. I didn't expect that, but considering the way they have played the last 5 years I shouldn't be surprised.

[CoachChaz]

Wow, the Giants won. I didn't expect that, but considering the way they have played the last 5 years I shouldn't be surprised.

Never doubt them in even years

[Valar Morghulis]

Are we looking at an Orioles vs royals world series?

[MOtorboat]

Are we looking at an Orioles vs royals world series?

That's an impossibility Dave.

[Valar Morghulis]

That's an impossibility Dave.

Is that like saying Broncos vs dolphins super bowl?

Are they both the strongest teams if not who is?

I thought the Milwaukee team was supposed to be good bit I don't think they even made the post season? What happened to them - or were they always rubbish and I just have no idea what I am taking about?

[Canmore]

Is that like saying Broncos vs dolphins super bowl?

Are they both the strongest teams if not who is?

I thought the Milwaukee team was supposed to be good bit I don't think they even made the post season? What happened to them - or were they always rubbish and I just have no idea what I am taking about?

They are in the same league, the American league.

[Valar Morghulis]

They are in the same league, the American league.

And what about the Milwaukee team?

[ShaneFalco]

Go cards

[Bronco9798]

Great playoffs so far. Royals are fun to watch! My Reds are out of course, so I'm pulling for this magical run from the Royals!!!

[BroncoWave]

I think Kansas City is going to the World Series. They just have that magical feel to them right now.

[Canmore]

And what about the Milwaukee team?

National League.

[Bronco9798]

If the Dodgers don't win tonight, this series is over.

[Al Wilson 4 Mayor]

Well, I expect the Angels series to be over tonight. CJ Wilson has been horrible since the All Star break, and the Angels hitters all seem to be forcing the issue, with the exception of Calhoun. I honestly don't even expect tonight's game to be close, especially with the way CJ has been pitching.

Even though it's been painful to watch the Angels lose the last two games, as a baseball fan it's been a treat to see the Royals outfielders (especially the centerfielder), and their catcher is a good ball player too, not to mention their pitching. The Royals aren't on TV a whole lot.

[Bronco9798]

Well, I expect the Angels series to be over tonight. CJ Wilson has been horrible since the All Star break, and the Angels hitters all seem to be forcing the issue, with the exception of Calhoun. I honestly don't even expect tonight's game to be close, especially with the way CJ has been pitching.

Even though it's been painful to watch the Angels lose the last two games, as a baseball fan it's been a treat to see the Royals outfielders (especially the centerfielder), and their catcher is a good ball player too, not to mention their pitching. The Royals aren't on TV a whole lot.

Don't they play tomorrow night?

[MOtorboat]

Don't they play tomorrow night?

Lol... Yeah.

[Al Wilson 4 Mayor]

Don't they play tomorrow night?


Lol... Yeah.

What makes this even funnier is...I actually knew the game was tomorrow.

Maybe I said that because it feels like it's already over. :laugh:

[CoachChaz]

I'd be happy if KC won that series.

[Bronco9798]

I really don't care for the Dodgers, but I despise Molina and I hate the Cardinals. I'm glad the Dodgers won today. I hope they take this series.

[Bronco9798]

I'd be happy if KC won that series.

Me too. I'm loving the Royals!!

[CoachChaz]

I'd be happy if KC won that series.

Me too. I'm loving the Royals!!

Well...for me it's just my preference in an opponent. If my O's advance, I'd rather face KC than the Angels.

[Denver Native (Carol)]

Well...for me it's just my preference in an opponent. If my O's advance, I'd rather face KC than the Angels.

I'm curious as to why you would prefer KC.

[ShaneFalco]

I really don't care for the Dodgers, but I despise Molina and I hate the Cardinals. I'm glad the Dodgers won today. I hope they take this series.

molina is awesome. jog on!

[CoachChaz]

Well...for me it's just my preference in an opponent. If my O's advance, I'd rather face KC than the Angels.

I'm curious as to why you would prefer KC.

Much better match up for us for many reasons

[MOtorboat]

Much better match up for us for many reasons

That begin and end with "you never know when Mike Trout is gonna go all Mike Trout on everybody."

I'm extremely worried that he's going to go off tonight.

[MOtorboat]

Orioles win!

Down go the Tigers!

Come on Royals.

[CoachChaz]

Orioles win!

Down go the Tigers!

Come on Royals.

Pretty damn good day in my house.

[CoachChaz]

Much better match up for us for many reasons

That begin and end with "you never know when Mike Trout is gonna go all Mike Trout on everybody."

I'm extremely worried that he's going to go off tonight.

I still think you guys can get to CJ

[MOtorboat]

I still think you guys can get to CJ

Like I said, I'm just worried that Mike Trout will do Mike Trout and one of Hamilton or Pujols will show up.

#jerseyswitch

[MOtorboat]

Yup. Mike Trout just did Mike Trout.

[CoachChaz]

Damn...you called it

[CoachChaz]

I didn't wear O's gear for the first two, so I stayed away from it today. Guess it'll stay in the closet for a bit

[BroncoWave]

Congrats Coach! Buck Showalter is a Mississippi State guy so I always like to see him do well. I'm still rooting for KC overall but if they don't make it, I'll be pulling for you guys.

[MOtorboat]

Shields missed on all four opening pitches to each batting sequence.

That's a bad sign.

[MOtorboat]

Congrats Coach! Buck Showalter is a Mississippi State guy so I always like to see him do well. I'm still rooting for KC overall but if they don't make it, I'll be pulling for you guys.

I don't care about Miss. State, but I am also cheering for the Orioles once the Royals are done.

It's been since Jim Palmer and that crazy rotation of the 70s and 80s since they've been really good (Ironically, ditto for the Royals).

[BroncoWave]

I don't care about Miss. State, but I am also cheering for the Orioles once the Royals are done.

It's been since Jim Palmer and that crazy rotation of the 70s and 80s since they've been really good (Ironically, ditto for the Royals).

:lol: Ok?

Big spot for KC here. Could be a big inning.

[BroncoWave]

Oh shit!!! Damn clutch piece of hitting right there. With this crowd behind KC and going crazy, LA could be in trouble!

[MOtorboat]

I still think you guys can get to CJ

Damn. Good call.

:)

[CoachChaz]

Looks like we were both right, MO

[MOtorboat]

:lol: Ok?

Big spot for KC here. Could be a big inning.

I wasn't trying to slight you, I was just saying that that's not why I would root for the O's if the Royals were out. Jeesh.

[BroncoWave]

Ouch, pulled in the first inning.

[CoachChaz]

Congrats Coach! Buck Showalter is a Mississippi State guy so I always like to see him do well. I'm still rooting for KC overall but if they don't make it, I'll be pulling for you guys.

At least for today, I say **** Miss. State. Lol

[BroncoWave]

I wasn't trying to slight you, I was just saying that that's not why I would root for the O's if the Royals were out. Jeesh.

Just ribbing you a bit there. I would have figured you didn't give any shits about MS lol.

[BroncoWave]

At least for today, I say **** Miss. State. Lol

Haha oops, totally forgot you were a TAMU fan. Guess I could have looked at your avatar. I am pulling for you guys against Ole Miss next week though.

[MOtorboat]

Just ribbing you a bit there. I would have figured you didn't give any shits about MS lol.

Well other than the "somebody else might win the SEC" angle...

Go Mississippi!

[BroncoWave]

Man, good thing he trapped that one. That could have turned into a double or triple.

[CoachChaz]

Congrats Coach! Buck Showalter is a Mississippi State guy so I always like to see him do well. I'm still rooting for KC overall but if they don't make it, I'll be pulling for you guys.

I don't care about Miss. State, but I am also cheering for the Orioles once the Royals are done.

It's been since Jim Palmer and that crazy rotation of the 70s and 80s since they've been really good (Ironically, ditto for the Royals).

1983. Only WS game I ever went to (game 2). Dad is a big Phillies fan so it was a good memory for a 10 year old kid.

[MOtorboat]

So, 1 1/3 innings. Three pitchers. That's not good for Los Angeles at Anaheim via Orange County next to Long Beach.

[BroncoWave]

Flood gates are opening!

[CoachChaz]

I smell home field advantage

[BroncoWave]

Huge 4th inning here by KC. They stopped a potential huge inning at the top and are padding it back in the bottom. As I said, this team just looks to have that magic this year.

[Bronco9798]

GO Royals!!!!

[BroncoWave]

Awesome! We are now set up for the tongue-twister-series in the ALCS. Orioles-Royals!

[MOtorboat]

Awesome.

[Bronco9798]

Good for KC!! Nice story there!! Instead of getting rid of all their talent, prospects, good players, they actually made a few acquisitions, kept a few players and are making a run.

[BroncoWave]

Kinda crazy that the 2 best regular season could both get swept out of the first round. Gotta love the unpredictability of the MLB playoffs.

[CoachChaz]

Kinda crazy that the 2 best regular season could both get swept out of the first round. Gotta love the unpredictability of the MLB playoffs.

Little fact that people ignore...Baltimore was tied for the second best record.

Not that ANY of that matters in the post season

[Bronco9798]

Hope the Dodgers can get the W tonight!

[Bronco9798]

I wasn't real pleased with the strike zone last night. I thought the home plate umpire did a horrible job on balls and strikes.

[CoachChaz]

I wasn't real pleased with the strike zone last night. I thought the home plate umpire did a horrible job on balls and strikes.

Strike zone has been a problem in a lot of the series.

[Bronco9798]

You think Kershaw can do it tonight.

[MOtorboat]

You think Kershaw can do it tonight.

He's the right guy to have on the mound.

[Bronco9798]

He's the right guy to have on the mound.

If they get the win today they go home with Grienke to possibly wrap it up. I'm sure Wainwright would go in a game 5.

[chazoe60]

Go Cards!



**** the Dodgers and the Giants, **** em' right in the ****holes.

[Bronco9798]

Go Cards!



**** the Dodgers and the Giants, **** em' right in the ****holes.

I hate the Dodgers. But I'm a die hard Reds fan. I hate the Cards, a division rival. I'm rooting for the lesser of the two evils in my world.

[ShaneFalco]

How can anyone hate a mid market team that is playing against the likes of LA.

Go cards!

[Bronco9798]

How can anyone hate a mid market team that is playing against the likes of LA.

Go cards!
Because I'm a Reds fan. That's the only reason. It would be like rooting for the Raiders in the Super Bowl to me.

[CoachChaz]

I pretty much couldnt care who wins this series. No real love or hatred for either team.

[Al Wilson 4 Mayor]

I pretty much couldnt care who wins this series. No real love or hatred for either team.

My favorite team has always been the Halos, but St. Louis is a team I've liked going back to the 80's because of Ozzie Smith and Willie McGee. I also love the small market feel with the big time game they bring. It's cool to see a small market like St. Louis be so successful for so long, with such an impassioned fan base. I don't really think there's anything like it the rest of MLB.

[chazoe60]

I've been to 3 rockies/Cardinals games and Cardinal fans have always been awesome to sit near and banter with. I've also seen quite a few examples of Cardinal fans in Busch Stadium giving an opposing player a nice hearty round of applause for a milestone accomplishment (first hit, first HR, 1000th hit that kind of thing). They seem to me to be a very knowledgeable fan base with a deep appreciation for the game and it's history.

[MOtorboat]

I've been to 3 rockies/Cardinals games and Cardinal fans have always been awesome to sit near and banter with. I've also seen quite a few examples of Cardinal fans in Busch Stadium giving an opposing player a nice hearty round of applause for a milestone accomplishment (first hit, first HR, 1000th hit that kind of thing). They seem to me to be a very knowledgeable fan base with a deep appreciation for the game and it's history.

Of all the opposing fans that have showed up at The K in the last 10 years, they are the second-least annoying. Behind Twins fans, who are generally awesome and have a Norwegian accent.

[Bronco9798]

I've been to 3 rockies/Cardinals games and Cardinal fans have always been awesome to sit near and banter with. I've also seen quite a few examples of Cardinal fans in Busch Stadium giving an opposing player a nice hearty round of applause for a milestone accomplishment (first hit, first HR, 1000th hit that kind of thing). They seem to me to be a very knowledgeable fan base with a deep appreciation for the game and it's history.

They are very gracious. Usually family and kids and elderly people. They are very good fans. I go to games there as a Reds fan and I have no problems at all. I live in Missouri.

[MOtorboat]

Saw a Reds-Cardinals game at old Busch Stadium. Ken Griffey, Jr., was sitting on 499 homers. It was the Friday night game, two days before he hit 500.

[Bronco9798]

Saw a Reds-Cardinals game at old Busch Stadium. Ken Griffey, Jr., was sitting on 499 homers. It was the Friday night game, two days before he hit 500.

I also saw Junior play there. It was a day game. Reds lost of course and he went 0-5.

[Al Wilson 4 Mayor]

Saw a Reds-Cardinals game at old Busch Stadium. Ken Griffey, Jr., was sitting on 499 homers. It was the Friday night game, two days before he hit 500.

I saw a game in Anaheim over 30 years ago. The Orioles were in town with Eddie Murray and Cal Ripken, and proceeded to hammer the Angels 8-0. Eddie Murray was one of the best players in baseball at that time. He batted around .330 that year with over 30 homers. He hit a grand slam that game, which was a pretty cool memory.

The not so cool memory from that game was of some drunk guy about 5 rows in front of us with his shirt off screaming, "trade the whole f----ing team!". It was a shocking experience for an 8 year old kid from Emmett, Idaho.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Emmett,_Idaho

[Bronco9798]

Good game so far. Both pitchers are pretty dominant. First to score wins. That's my prediction.

[MOtorboat]

Cardinals got screwed in that last inning. That was a foul ball.

[CoachChaz]

Saw a Reds-Cardinals game at old Busch Stadium. Ken Griffey, Jr., was sitting on 499 homers. It was the Friday night game, two days before he hit 500.

I saw a game in Anaheim over 30 years ago. The Orioles were in town with Eddie Murray and Cal Ripken, and proceeded to hammer the Angels 8-0. Eddie Murray was one of the best players in baseball at that time. He batted around .330 that year with over 30 homers. He hit a grand slam that game, which was a pretty cool memory.

The not so cool memory from that game was of some drunk guy about 5 rows in front of us with his shirt off screaming, "trade the whole f----ing team!". It was a shocking experience for an 8 year old kid from Emmett, Idaho.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Emmett,_Idaho

Eddie was awesome. Finished 2nd in MVP voting more than probably anyone. A member of the exclusive 3000/500 club.

[CoachChaz]

Mattingly is such a horrible manager

[Al Wilson 4 Mayor]

Eddie was awesome. Finished 2nd in MVP voting more than probably anyone. A member of the exclusive 3000/500 club.

Definitely an all time great....not many guys in history can claim that kind hitting ability combined with power.

[WTE]

The St. Louis Cardinals are a tough playoff team.

Unless you're the Boston Red Sox.

[CoachChaz]

Eddie was awesome. Finished 2nd in MVP voting more than probably anyone. A member of the exclusive 3000/500 club.

Definitely an all time great....not many guys in history can claim that kind hitting ability combined with power.

When I played ball as a kid, I wore 33 because of him.

[CoachChaz]

The St. Louis Cardinals are a tough playoff team.

Unless you're the Boston Red Sox.

Mattingly is just mis-managing his starters. Leaving Kershaw in too long and taking Greinke out too soon.

The Cards just seem to always catch the Sux when it seems like destiny is with them.

[WTE]

Mattingly is just mis-managing his starters. Leaving Kershaw in too long and taking Greinke out too soon.

The Cards just seem to always catch the Sux when it seems like destiny is with them.

I would love to see a BALT/ST Louis match up.

[CoachChaz]

Mattingly is just mis-managing his starters. Leaving Kershaw in too long and taking Greinke out too soon.

The Cards just seem to always catch the Sux when it seems like destiny is with them.

I would love to see a BALT/ST Louis match up.

Me too. One of my best friends, as well as my mom and her entire side of the family, are big Cards fans. Plus, I think we match up pretty well against them.

[Bronco9798]

Mattingly is just mis-managing his starters. Leaving Kershaw in too long and taking Greinke out too soon.

The Cards just seem to always catch the Sux when it seems like destiny is with them.

Couldn't of said it better. Horrible decisions and the Cards were going to find away no matter what.

[ShaneFalco]

My favorite team has always been the Halos, but St. Louis is a team I've liked going back to the 80's because of Ozzie Smith and Willie McGee. I also love the small market feel with the big time game they bring. It's cool to see a small market like St. Louis be so successful for so long, with such an impassioned fan base. I don't really think there's anything like it the rest of MLB.
Ozzie is the best!

Saw a Reds-Cardinals game at old Busch Stadium. Ken Griffey, Jr., was sitting on 499 homers. It was the Friday night game, two days before he hit 500.
That stadium was like a Coliseum. I miss it.

[ShaneFalco]

The St. Louis Cardinals are a tough playoff team.

Unless you're the Boston Red Sox.
At least the Cards dont have to attempt to buy their way into playoffs every year.


GO CARDS!

[MOtorboat]

Ozzie is the best!

That stadium was like a Coliseum. I miss it.

The stadium was a hunk of junk.

[ShaneFalco]

The stadium was a hunk of junk.

lol it was. But it was still pretty cool.

[ShaneFalco]

The look on Kershaws face was priceless after that homer. The guy is great, much respect, but the Cards seem to just know him.

[Bronco9798]

Yeah they do.

[chazoe60]

Suck it Dodgers.



Go Cards!

[ShaneFalco]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fQUHMdL2irA

[MOtorboat]

That was a massive home run Harper hit.

[Buff]

That was a massive home run Harper hit.

Huge. And clutch.

[Thnikkaman]

I've been to 3 rockies/Cardinals games and Cardinal fans have always been awesome to sit near and banter with. I've also seen quite a few examples of Cardinal fans in Busch Stadium giving an opposing player a nice hearty round of applause for a milestone accomplishment (first hit, first HR, 1000th hit that kind of thing). They seem to me to be a very knowledgeable fan base with a deep appreciation for the game and it's history.

I've experienced this sitting in left center field at Busch

[MOtorboat]

Huge. And clutch.

He, quite literally, hit it out of the stadium.

Did you hear the ESPN announcer: "Was that a true splashdown? Did it splashdown without hitting concrete."

Too bad Harper generally comes across as a douche, because he is one hell of a baseball player.

[BroncoWave]

Harper provided one of the best sports quotes of our generation:

"That's a clown question, bro."

I instantly became a fan after that.

[Buff]

He, quite literally, hit out of the stadium.

Did you hear the ESPN announcer: "Was that a true splashdown? Did it splashdown without hitting concrete."

Too bad Harper generally comes across as a douche, because he is one hell of a baseball player.

Yeah, I'm not a big Harper fan... But I just happen to hate the Giants more than I hate him, so I thoroughly enjoyed his whole douchey display tonight. Plus when you hit a HR like that you can kind of do whatever you want.

[Timmy!]

WTF was with that ladies hat?

[MOtorboat]

Yeah, I'm not a big Harper fan... But I just happen to hate the Giants more than I hate him, so I thoroughly enjoyed his whole douchey display tonight. Plus when you hit a HR like that you can kind of do whatever you want.

I do somewhat wish I was alive when they allowed pitchers leeway to just plunk guys who acted like douches. I bet that was fun.

I think it was Nolan Ryan who was famous for buzzing anybody who hit a home run, regardless of if they styled or not. I'd love to see a pitcher with that moxie nowadays, but baseball probably wouldn't let them do it.

[Buff]

I do somewhat wish I was alive when they allowed pitchers leeway to just plunk guys who acted like douches. I bet that was fun.

I think it was Nolan Ryan who was famous for buzzing anybody who hit a home run, regardless of if they styled or not. I'd love to see a pitcher with that moxie nowadays, but baseball probably wouldn't let them do it.

Hamels kind of did that with Harper, and got killed for doing it.

[MOtorboat]

Hamels kind of did that with Harper, and got killed for doing it.

Exactly.

That play was crazy.

[MOtorboat]

Oh this is bullshit. They are going to give this run to San Francisco.

I hate this ******* rule.

[Buff]

That Nats pitcher got the yips.

[Timmy!]

Nice pitch out Dingus.

[Timmy!]

Oh this is bullshit. They are going to give this run to San Francisco.

I hate this ******* rule.

Good call Nostradamus.

[Buff]

Nice pitch out Dingus.

It was an intentional walk, not a pitch out, but the point stands.

[MOtorboat]

Good call Nostradamus.

That rule is stupid, confusing and applied inconsistently.

[Timmy!]

That rule is stupid, confusing and applied inconsistently.

Its a dumb rule.....I guess it doesn't apply to position players covering the plate?

[MOtorboat]

Its a dumb rule.....I guess it doesn't apply to position players covering the plate?

They are saying it does. Apparently it comes down to when you receive the ball.

[chazoe60]

WTF was the home plate ump doing on that 3rd strike call on Desmund? that was bullshit

[CoachChaz]

Yeah, I'm not a big Harper fan... But I just happen to hate the Giants more than I hate him, so I thoroughly enjoyed his whole douchey display tonight. Plus when you hit a HR like that you can kind of do whatever you want.

I do somewhat wish I was alive when they allowed pitchers leeway to just plunk guys who acted like douches. I bet that was fun.

I think it was Nolan Ryan who was famous for buzzing anybody who hit a home run, regardless of if they styled or not. I'd love to see a pitcher with that moxie nowadays, but baseball probably wouldn't let them do it.

If that was still the case, Hosmer would be a marked man next year.

[MOtorboat]

If that was still the case, Hosmer would be a marked man next year.

So be it. My guess is, if they still allowed pitchers to do that, less players would style.

[CoachChaz]

If that was still the case, Hosmer would be a marked man next year.

So be it. My guess is, if they still allowed pitchers to do that, less players would style.

Probably. I will be curious to see if his HBP rate increases against LAA next year

[MOtorboat]

Probably. I will be curious to see if his HBP rate increases against LAA next year

I hope he plays with even half the urgency he's showed. Moustakas too.

[CoachChaz]

Personally...i hope they lose the "rush". Although...we just dealt with MCab and the Martinez boys and survived, so Hosmer and Moose can't be that bad.

[MOtorboat]

Personally...i hope they lose the "rush". Although...we just dealt with MCab and the Martinez boys and survived, so Hosmer and Moose can't be that bad.

I was more referring to next season, but I understand your sentiments.

I'd like to see both of them display this type of power/urgency/passion for longer stretches of the regular season. Maybe the postseason wakes them up to the fact that they both really can be stars at the Major League level.

In terms of the series, I don't have much hope. Vargas will likely go game two and he will give up three or four homers if Yost keeps him in. Shields has not been "Big Game James" as advertised, but the Royals have survived it thus far. How long can that last? I don't like the prospects of coming back to KC with the balance of the series resting on Ventura.

[CoachChaz]

Personally...i hope they lose the "rush". Although...we just dealt with MCab and the Martinez boys and survived, so Hosmer and Moose can't be that bad.

I was more referring to next season, but I understand your sentiments.

I'd like to see both of them display this type of power/urgency/passion for longer stretches of the regular season. Maybe the postseason wakes them up to the fact that they both really can be stars at the Major League level.

In terms of the series, I don't have much hope. Vargas will likely go game two and he will give up three or four homers if Yost keeps him in. Shields has not been "Big Game James" as advertised, but the Royals have survived it thus far. How long can that last? I don't like the prospects of coming back to KC with the balance of the series resting on Ventura.

I think a lot of things went as "best case scenario" as KC could have hoped in that series, but...there really is no pressure on them, so anything can happen. We certainly aren't immune to going on a bad run like LAA did. I think it comes down to the managers and I take that match up all day...especially against Yost

[Bronco9798]

Pulling for the Giants and Royals!!!!

[CoachChaz]

I think that's one of the reasons I'm glad KC won. Now they'll get all the "Cinderella" and "underdog" love...and that rarely pans out.

[Al Wilson 4 Mayor]

I think that's one of the reasons I'm glad KC won. Now they'll get all the "Cinderella" and "underdog" love...and that rarely pans out.

It should be a good series. KC's pitching was really good in the ALDS, and Baltimore has probably been the best team in baseball since the All Star break.

[Buff]

I hope either of the AL teams win it. Don't like the Giants or the Cards, and am tired of their ongoing success.

[Buff]

Though as much as I hate the Giants, it's hard not to like/respect Bruce Bochy. That guys is steady.

[CoachChaz]

As long as it's not Skankees, Sux or Tigers in the AL...I'm good. And although it'd be nice to see someone other than STL or SF in the NL for a change...I'm okay with mid-market teams having success

[CoachChaz]

It should be a good series. KC's pitching was really good in the ALDS, and Baltimore has probably been the best team in baseball since the All Star break.

I'm entertained by some of the "experts" breakdowns of the series. Apparently some of them get such a hard-on for a dark horse team, that logic just escapes them. Some of them give edges to KC that are just ridiculous.

[Bronco9798]

KC is having fun and they have that attitude that nothing is going to keep them from that. They are having a fun time and enjoying it. That can go a long way to playing some good loose baseball. They are fast and play great defense as well. I like them.

[CoachChaz]

KC is having fun and they have that attitude that nothing is going to keep them from that. They are having a fun time and enjoying it. That can go a long way to playing some good loose baseball. They are fast and play great defense as well. I like them.

I get it and it's fun to watch. But they wont be running on Derek Norris or Chris Ianetta this round. Orioles pitchers are great at keeping runners close (all 4 starters have a delivery time under 1.3 sec.) and Joseph lead the AL in caught stealing percentage. The defense is also useless when balls are bouncing off of a warehouse or landing in a fountain. I think some of their strengths play to our advantage. Will it make a difference? Who knows. I can see this series going 6 or 7 games and I wont dare predict a winner. Should be a good one.

[Bronco9798]

I get it and it's fun to watch. But they wont be running on Derek Norris or Chris Ianetta this round. Orioles pitchers are great at keeping runners close (all 4 starters have a delivery time under 1.3 sec.) and Joseph lead the AL in caught stealing percentage. The defense is also useless when balls are bouncing off of a warehouse or landing in a fountain. I think some of their strengths play to our advantage. Will it make a difference? Who knows. I can see this series going 6 or 7 games and I wont dare predict a winner. Should be a good one.

I have no clue what they will do against the Orioles. I'm a National league fan and live in Missouri. When the Royals started to get interesting I could flip on a local channel and watch them. They were fun to watch. Once the playoffs started I really started watching and enjoyed them. They were stealing bases, make great defensive plays, etc., and just having fun. It was fun to watch. That's all my assessments are on. I've not seen the Orioles at all. KC could be in for a long haul. I can't assess the Orioles at all. Appreciate the info though, I'll be watching those situational match ups and see how it goes!!!! Should be fun!!!

[MOtorboat]

It's possible Yost has announced a Game 2 pitcher. I haven't seen it yet, but if it's Vargas, KC is in trouble. Camden isn't Anaheim or Kaufman.

[OrangeHoof]

I think it was Nolan Ryan who was famous for buzzing anybody who hit a home run, regardless of if they styled or not. I'd love to see a pitcher with that moxie nowadays, but baseball probably wouldn't let them do it.

Wrong. Don Drysdale and Bob Gibson were the noted headhunters of their day who took opposing homers personally. Stan Williams was probably the all-time headhunter of that era. (71 HPB in 482 GPs).

[OrangeHoof]

I'm surprised to see both LA teams gone before we even got to the LCS. Watching Kershaw lose twice reminded me of when the Astros got Randy Johnson in 1998 and he went 10-1 with a microscopic ERA after the trade but then lost two head-to-head duels with Kevin Brown and the Padres in the LDS. 102-win season. Out in four games.

[CoachChaz]

It's possible Yost has announced a Game 2 pitcher. I haven't seen it yet, but if it's Vargas, KC is in trouble. Camden isn't Anaheim or Kaufman.

I've been hearing Vargas vs. Chen...but I think that's more of a projection and not anything "official" yet. Although I'd be willing to bet Buck will go with Chen while having Gausman ready.

[Denver Native (Carol)]

Position-by-position breakdown: Royals-Orioles

http://m.mlb.com/news/article/97732302/position-by-position-breakdown-royals-orioles

[CoachChaz]

Position-by-position breakdown: Royals-Orioles

http://m.mlb.com/news/article/97732302/position-by-position-breakdown-royals-orioles

That one is about as close to legit as I've seen.

[Buff]

I get it and it's fun to watch. But they wont be running on Derek Norris or Chris Ianetta this round. Orioles pitchers are great at keeping runners close (all 4 starters have a delivery time under 1.3 sec.) and Joseph lead the AL in caught stealing percentage. The defense is also useless when balls are bouncing off of a warehouse or landing in a fountain. I think some of their strengths play to our advantage. Will it make a difference? Who knows. I can see this series going 6 or 7 games and I wont dare predict a winner. Should be a good one.

The Royals speed is legit. It'll be fun to watch strength on strength, but I predict the Royals will be able to run.

I'm calling Orioles in 7 just because I don't see how Yost outsmarts Showalter.

[Bronco9798]

I could look, but when does these start.

[MOtorboat]

I could look, but when does these start.

Royals-Orioles Friday, Cardinals-Giants Saturday and then I believe they alternate days from there.

[CoachChaz]

O's - Royals series

Friday, 7:07 CST @ BAL
Saturday, 3:07 CST @ BAL
Monday, 7:07 CST @ KC
Tuesday, 7:07 CST @ KC
Wednesday, 3:07 CST @ KC
Friday, 7:07 CST @ BAL
Saturday, 7:07 CST @ BAL

[CoachChaz]

The Royals speed is legit. It'll be fun to watch strength on strength, but I predict the Royals will be able to run.

I'm calling Orioles in 7 just because I don't see how Yost outsmarts Showalter.

My pick is Baltimore in 6. I know you cant completely stop the running game, but I feel good that the O's can manage it better than most teams. I think pitching overall is more equal than most "experts" would care to state...and "Big Game" James hasn't exactly lived up to his moniker so far. Not that facing a tough pitcher is something Baltimore worries about. Defense is pretty equal as well, so I think it comes down to the power advantage. It will be easier...in theory...for Baltimore to get the 2 or 3 run homer when needed than it will be for KC to manufacture 2-3 runs in an inning with timely hits and base-stealing. The only real power threats in KC are Hosmer and Moose...and quite honestly...I think their regular season numbers are more of an indication of their ability than 3 games against LAA. Managers to me is a no brainer. Buck has been around too long and developed top teams for quite awhile. He always seems to make the right choices, whereas Yost has a tendency to make some questionable decisions.

For many of the same reasons, I'm going with SF in 6 in the NL.

[MOtorboat]

The running game was almost nil against Anaheim. Gore stole three bases but scored no runs. Moustakas, Hosmer, Butler and Gordon have to hit.

80 percent chance of rain, 7 pm to 1 am Friday in Baltimore.

[weazel]

I predict
BAL over DET
KC over LAA
SF over WAS
STL over LAD


sweet, good job!

[OrangeHoof]

I'm glad MLB doesn't do the stupid 2-2-1-1-1 best-of-7 format that the NBA has. 2-3-2 is more energy and cost efficient and I really don't care about the dumb argument that Game 5 is too critical for the lower seed to have home field advantage. Good teams overcome regardless.

The KC-Balt and SF-STL matchups makes me feel like the 1980s. Too bad I can't actually be that young again. The 80s were a ton better than the 2010s. Can somebody find that "80s hot tub" that they made that time travel movie about? I'd take my life savings and bet on Villanova to beat Georgetown in the NCAA finals, then bet James "Buster" Douglas to knockout Mike Tyson then take the earnings and invest it in Apple and Microsoft...

[Valar Morghulis]

The 90s were where it was at