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Well, the Phils missed a golden opportunity to go up 2-0 in this series. Myers wasn't great, but he wasn't terrible either. The first inning still gives him troubles, but he shouldn't have given up any runs in the 2nd inning after a bad call by home plate umpire Kerwin Danley. Myers got Baldelli to check swing far enough on a slider for it to be a called third strike, then my boy Kerwin rings him up... or does he? He throws up his arm to ring him up but he checks with the 1st base umpire, who blew the call of him swinging as well. So that changed the inning from 1 on with 2 outs to 2 on with 1 out.

Link to event + ruling.

I understand the rule, but they fail to point out that Danley already raised his arm to call it a 3rd strike before it was appealed... by himself? Ruiz didn't ask for an appeal on the swing and I don't believe Baldelli did either. As far as I know, once a ruling has been made on balls and strikes, they can't be overturned, even by yourself. I have no idea why Danley called him out and then asked for a 2nd ruling.

One could argue that this call evened out the supposed Hamels balk in game one, which I guess I can't argue with. But, I'll refer to my point that there was no guarantee the Rays would've scored after that, but they did here. Of course, had Myers done a better job, this would all be a moot point.

As forShields, he was good, but he wasn't BIG GAME in my opinion tonight as he didn't even finish 6 innings. Sure he didn't give up any runs, but he had runners on base basically every inning, and the Phils continued with their lackluster performance of hitting with runners in scoring position. I honestly didn't think they'd have back to back games where they basically did nothing with runners in scoring position. 1 or 2 hits with RISP in any innings from 2-6 or so could've changed the face of this game.

They did actually get one in the 9th. Which brings me back to my boy Kerwin! Clearly that ball hit J-Rolls jersey and he should've been on 1st base for 2 on and 0 outs. On Home plate umps I'm usually not that critical when it comes to the strike zone as everyone has their own feel for it, but he's gotta make those calls (or rather not screw up) that involve swings and hits by pitch. Werth connected well enough to score Ruiz on that weird hop that Longoria couldn't handle, and who knows, with that speed maybe J-Roll scores from 1st, making it 4-3 instead of 4-2.

But yeah, I can't blame it all on umps, the Phils did their fair share of not getting clutch hits. Howard woke up a bit, but when he did he was leading off and was stranded twice, but J-Roll was looking pretty bad again. It goes to Philly for 3 must win games in my opinion. It might be difficult with Blanton and Moyer going for the Phils in 2 of those 3, but perhaps some home cooking will do them good.

At 10/24/08 12:02 AM, phileeguy wrote: Well, the Phils missed a golden opportunity to go up 2-0 in this series. Myers wasn't great, but he wasn't terrible either. The first inning still gives him troubles, but he shouldn't have given up any runs in the 2nd inning after a bad call by home plate umpire Kerwin Danley. Myers got Baldelli to check swing far enough on a slider for it to be a called third strike, then my boy Kerwin rings him up... or does he? He throws up his arm to ring him up but he checks with the 1st base umpire, who blew the call of him swinging as well. So that changed the inning from 1 on with 2 outs to 2 on with 1 out.

Well, that's harsh. I saw the footage and, like the commentators were saying, once you've made the call (out - everyone can clearly see the gesture from the Home Plate ump), you can't be overruled, by an appeal (who appealed anyway?) or by yourself (must have been what the ump was trying to do)

We have a saying back home - when you get so deep, stop digging.

One could argue that this call evened out the supposed Hamels balk in game one, which I guess I can't argue with. But, I'll refer to my point that there was no guarantee the Rays would've scored after that, but they did here. Of course, had Myers done a better job, this would all be a moot point.

Swings and roundabouts. You still take a finely balanced series to Philly and will get a chance to see how you guys play at home.

They did actually get one in the 9th. Which brings me back to my boy Kerwin! Clearly that ball hit J-Rolls jersey and he should've been on 1st base for 2 on and 0 outs. On Home plate umps I'm usually not that critical when it comes to the strike zone as everyone has their own feel for it, but he's gotta make those calls (or rather not screw up) that involve swings and hits by pitch. Werth connected well enough to score Ruiz on that weird hop that Longoria couldn't handle, and who knows, with that speed maybe J-Roll scores from 1st, making it 4-3 instead of 4-2.

What you hope for with Umpires is that even though one will make a different call from another, you will hope that during the course of the game, you will get the same amount of like-for-like calls as your opponents. This clearly did not happen last night and you feel somewhat affronted. I'd be the same if it was happening to the Yanks and someone like Dukey would tell me to stop whining.

I think I've found the problem though. Look how camp Jayson Werth looked, when he dejectedly tossed his helmet to one side.

Hey, if the Phillies could hit with runners in scoring position, then it would not matter, right? Right! They are 0-22 so far with runners in scoring position so far in the WS, they have themselves to blame.

At 10/24/08 01:05 PM, Dream-of-Duke wrote: Hey, if the Phillies could hit with runners in scoring position, then it would not matter, right? Right! They are 0-22 so far with runners in scoring position so far in the WS, they have themselves to blame.

Weegee puts stops to J-Rolls base getting.

And how bout that David Price closing the door in nearly 3 innings of work,forget about Big Game James Shields that phrase should go to this so called noob pitcher.

At 10/25/08 04:53 AM, Molotov wrote: And how bout that David Price closing the door in nearly 3 innings of work,forget about Big Game James Shields that phrase should go to this so called noob pitcher.

Well, since he doesn't have a name James, it doesn't sound any good, calling him "Big Game James" Why not call him The Price is Right, after the game show, because he's being paid a hell of a lot less than any of the 'stars' who are playing for both teams - I know Tampa is a young team, but they are still paying reasonable wages to anyone past sophomore years, aren't they?

I wonder if Moyer will last 2 innings tonight, lol!

While pitching 5 innings and giving up 3 runs, Moyer would then hit two home runs with his cane until he was thrown out of the game when it was discovered he corked his cane.

After spending the off day watching Dragonball Z on youtube, Garza attacks Maddon thinking he's Frieza (due to their resemblence thanks to his addiction to plastic surgery that made him look like MJ), he was subdued and was locked up for the night, he's been replaced by Wheeler for odd reason.

Wheeler gives up 30 runs in 3+ innings and 18 hits despite facing only 11 batters, yes he's that bad.

After beating the Rays 36 - 7, the Philly fans celebrates by running into the streets where it would later broke into a full scale riot and made Boston look stable, the National Guards were send to quell the uprising which they did though the action would later be condemned by the UN.

A weak grounder sealed the Phillies' Game 2 victory. Now fatttttttttttttttt Blanton will get a free shot. If he can win tomorrow, the Phils will have a great chance to wrap up the series at home with Hammels on the mound in Game 5.

I'm glad this game didn't go to extras, and incredibly glad the Phillies won this. It was a game they needed to win as I think all these home games are must-wins, especially due to the fact that the Phillies rotation isn't stocked with Cy Young types.

Moyer pitched excellent and gave up only 3 earned runs, which 1 of them shouldn't have even counted. If you missed it, there was yet another blown call by an umpire at first base after Moyer made an incredible play to shovel the ball to Howard who also made a decent bare had grab. A double followed and which was in turn followed by 2 RBI ground-outs. So at the time it should've only been 4-2, not 4-3. And since the Phils went into the bottom of the 9th tied, instead of up by 1 and thusly winners, this definitely could've been an even more extended game had it gone to extras.

But that turned out to be a really strange bottom of the 9th. Bruntlett gets hit by a pitch trying to look for a pitch to hit (or work a walk as that is what I thought he was really trying for), so he gets a free pass. The Aussie, Balfour, contiunes being wild with a pitch that nearly hit Victorino, but goes to the backstop and is followed by a wild throw, so Bruntlett gets to 3rd with 0 outs. Now I know the Phils have been bad with RISP so far this series, but if they can't get a man on 3rd home with 0 outs, they might just as well pack up and go home. 2 walks, a gutsy defensive setup by Maddon, and a swinging bunt by Ruiz and a tough play for Longoria got the job done.

So yeah, the Phils may be up 2-1 with 2 home games still left to play with Hamels pitching one of them, but Blanton MUST stay focused. He'll have the home crowd behind him, and Howard and Rollins are starting to get out of their slumber/funk. He doesn't need to throw a no-no, but he has to do what he's done all year and keep the Phils in it.

At 10/25/08 12:20 PM, Dream-of-Duke wrote: I wonder if Moyer will last 2 innings tonight, lol!

I think he answered your question adequately. I think he'd have gone further if the umpire had got the call right on Crawford's bunt single.

At 10/26/08 02:08 AM, Dream-of-Duke wrote: A weak grounder sealed the Phillies' Game 2 victory.

It's certainly proving to be entertaining baseball, unfortunately, the reasons aren't always the right ones. Now this is where we get to the real meat of the series, with Tampa having to respond, in order to keep the series tight. If Philly can squeak some daylight and a 3-1 series lead tonight, expect Hamels to lights out the series in 5

At 10/26/08 02:43 AM, phileeguy wrote: I'm glad this game didn't go to extras, and incredibly glad the Phillies won this. It was a game they needed to win as I think all these home games are must-wins, especially due to the fact that the Phillies rotation isn't stocked with Cy Young types.

Yeah, just that one Cy Young type who keeps on rolling. That can carry a team and when your fielding / hitting staff is stocked with at least 3 MVP calibre players, your opponents should usually be worried. Not that Tampa ever get fazed by anything at all so far this year :P

If the Rays do not win tonight, there WILL NOT be Game 6, baby.

Home run, RYAN HOWARD!
Good night, Rays. Thanks for coming. You will never win a WS, hahahahahahaha! >:D

The game ends due to birds

Crawford had a fight with a giant chicken.

At 10/26/08 09:51 PM, Dream-of-Duke wrote: Home run, RYAN HOWARD!
Good night, Rays. Thanks for coming. You will never win a WS, hahahahahahaha! >:D

you know, it's rare that i say things like this, given my even-keel personality.

but since we're on the verge of a 3-1 series lead and you still don't shut the fuck up and step away from the keyboard:

please purchase a gallon of diesel. take your computer, your monitor, and most importantly your keyboard and mouse outside. Douse them in gasoline, and light that shit on fire.

afterwards, consider either of the following:

a) pour it on yourself and join the fun
b) find some traffic to play in.

honestly, all you've been doing is taking one side and then the other depending on who wins the game. now uh, i know this has been going on for oh...THREE YEARS, but this is the time where you shut up. the Sox are long gone, and nobody wants to hear "OMG GO RAYS LOL PHUCK PHILLY" followed by "OMG GO PHILLIES LOL RAYS LOL U SUX" over and over during the course of this series.

if you'd like to start producing constructive sentences that will enhance the conversation and general banter on here, then by all means, please attempt to do so.

otherwise, go fuck yourself.

Ok so the Phils had an offensive outburst today to win 10-2, and more importantly, take a 3-1 series lead. Cole Hamels goes tomorrow against Kazmir. I'm glad it's Cole going for the series win in game 5, but I'm not taking this upcoming game for granted, and I'll still be concerned with the Rays until the series is over. I'm not counting them out.

Here's what I'd like to see for game 5. Obviously I'd like to see Cole be Cole and pitch a hell of a game. Secondly, I'd like to see the Phillies continue to score runs as they fall prey to not scoring runs after big run scoring games, and also in games where Cole pitches. So I'm hoping that they get the bats going early and often so Cole can pitch with the utmost confidence.

At 10/26/08 11:14 PM, Buddhist wrote:

otherwise, go fuck yourself.

Thanks for the burn

As for the game,what domination by the Philadelphia Phillies with Joe Blanton pitching a gem then hitting one out the park being the first pticher since 1974 to do so and it was his first one ever which had to be really special then the bullpen did their thing and just totally shut down the Rays winning 10-2 and throughout the series Pena and Longoria being 0-29 with 15 Ks is really just astonishing,also how about Ryan Howard finally waking up knocking two out of the park with five RBIs,i have been really impressed with the whole team effort by them in this series.

As for next game it's really hard to go against Cole Hamels who has by far been the best postseason pitcher but i just really don't see Tampa going out this way,i'll say this much though Philly needs to end it now and not let it go back to St.Pete for Game 6 and 7.

At 10/26/08 09:51 PM, Dream-of-Duke wrote: Home run, RYAN HOWARD!
Good night, Rays. Thanks for coming. You will never win a WS, hahahahahahaha! >:D

Keep back-pedaling (pun intended?) lol. Everyone said the Rays will NEVER win the division and everyone said they were going to self-destruct during the last month or so and let the Sox or Yanks take it. But, yeah, WHAT HAPPENED?

Note: I'm rotting for the Rays, mainly because of fellow Rhode Islander Baldelli and the other guy. I'm a Yankees fan as well.

At 10/27/08 02:37 AM, MultiCanimefan wrote:

At 10/26/08 09:51 PM, Dream-of-Duke wrote:

Note: I'm rotting for the Rays, mainly because of fellow Rhode Islander Baldelli and the other guy. I'm a Yankees fan as well.

Rooting*

At 10/26/08 11:46 PM, phileeguy wrote: Ok so the Phils had an offensive outburst today to win 10-2, and more importantly, take a 3-1 series lead. Cole Hamels goes tomorrow against Kazmir. I'm glad it's Cole going for the series win in game 5, but I'm not taking this upcoming game for granted, and I'll still be concerned with the Rays until the series is over. I'm not counting them out.

I'm not sure that it's going to be straight forward. It's the first time that the Rays have had serious elimination pressure (lol sox) and they can respond, so let's see how that pans out.

If we consider that a lot of figures point towards Cole Hamels getting the job done, the Phils are going to have to count on at least a little offense to get past the Rays. Will Cole last more than 7? Will the bull pen be able to protect the lead (if any) and will Tampa be able to respond?

Then there's also the blown call - who's going to get one in game 5? I don't buy it when the media said that the Rays could have gotten away in the first with a 1-6-3 double play. Rollins was out, sure, but it wasn't a double play ball. That might have had an impact on the game, as Rollins went on to score

I don't think that made much of a difference, as it didn't trigger a huge inning, nor anything major until the 4th. Not as much of a swing as some errors.

Here's what I'd like to see for game 5. Obviously I'd like to see Cole be Cole and pitch a hell of a game. Secondly, I'd like to see the Phillies continue to score runs as they fall prey to not scoring runs after big run scoring games, and also in games where Cole pitches. So I'm hoping that they get the bats going early and often so Cole can pitch with the utmost confidence.

If Hamels pitches anything like his 'normal October' pitching, he will lead the Phils to their second World Title. A lot remains to be seen, as 9+ innings of baseball can really switch things around.

At 10/27/08 04:41 AM, Coop83 wrote: Then there's also the blown call - who's going to get one in game 5? I don't buy it when the media said that the Rays could have gotten away in the first with a 1-6-3 double play. Rollins was out, sure, but it wasn't a double play ball. That might have had an impact on the game, as Rollins went on to score

Well, there have been plenty of blown calls so far for each side. Arguably none have really impacted the outcome of any game. I think the better team of each game won each game resepectively. Still, it was a double play ball as if Sonnanstine went to 2nd he would've had Utley and the slow Howard would've been out at first.

Anywho, right now I'm looking for things to do to keep my mind off the upcoming game. The wait is excruciating.

At 10/27/08 04:41 AM, Coop83 wrote:

If Hamels pitches anything like his 'normal October' pitching, he will lead the Phils to their second World Title. A lot remains to be seen, as 9+ innings of baseball can really switch things around.

There is one thing to watch out for and that is with him playing outdoors on a very cold october night the changeup might not be as effective.

Buddhist, I will stick around for a long time...unless you can find a way to kill you which I doubt it. :P One more thing, I just love you guys too much not to post, give me a hug, lol! :P
Back to business. After doing next to nothing for the entire postseason, Ryan Howard suddenly caught on fire. Oh, how about Joe Blanton hitting a home run? It has been 34 years since a pitcher went deep. The only reason why I am rooting fr the Phillies in the WS is because I cannot stand the Rays who eliminated my beloved Red Sox. So yeah, it is about time that they go back to reality.
Hammels will be on the mound tonight. He has been lights out in the postseason with an 1.50 ERA.The last thing the Phillies want is to let the Rays off the hook. As long as Hammels remains the dominant guy he has been, it is probably going to be over tonight and nobody will talk about the under-achieved Eagles for the next two months once the Phillies win the WS.

Phillies scores 5 runs in the first inning from errors after Pena attempted a 367 triple play, you know how that works out.

Maddon got hit by a mustard bottle and was knocked out.

Lupica becomea an hero.

Anyone know what time the continuation of last nights game will start?

Or even if it's still going ahead?

At 10/28/08 01:25 PM, thegreatmorph wrote: Anyone know what time the continuation of last nights game will start?

Or even if it's still going ahead?

Tonight at 8

What happen is that despite being taken out of the game, the ump will still molest Kazmir and the castrate him in a ritualistic manner before the game resumes

Meanwhile discouraged by the delay, Howard decides to drown himself in sorrow by drinking 50 gallons of 7UP while gulping down David Ortiz in the process, it's later being revealed that Utley is responsible for Romo's pinky problem

B.J. Upton follows the steps on Ruben Rivera and steals Pat Gilick and sells him in the blackmarket for a fistful of beads

Maddon gets pelted with a bottle of mustard gas

Despite all this the Rays would score an extra run when Lidge walks in a winning run intentionally being that his math skills are terrible just so he can get to Pena

Price strikes out the side and yells "The Price is WRONG BITCH!!!"

At 10/28/08 01:25 PM, thegreatmorph wrote: Anyone know what time the continuation of last nights game will start?

It is scheduled at 8: 37 P.M tonight.

Or even if it's still going ahead?

Probably, if it does not rain.

At 10/28/08 04:56 PM, Dream-of-Duke wrote:

At 10/28/08 01:25 PM, thegreatmorph wrote: Anyone know what time the continuation of last nights game will start?

It is scheduled at 8: 37 P.M tonight.

Or even if it's still going ahead?

Probably, if it does not rain.

It isn't, not tonight anyway. It's been re-scheduled for the 8:whatever time tomorrow night due to weather. I'm understandably pissed at the situation, but since I can't do a damn thing about it, I'll just wait like everyone else.

At 10/27/08 12:18 PM, phileeguy wrote: Anywho, right now I'm looking for things to do to keep my mind off the upcoming game. The wait is excruciating.

ROFL

At 10/27/08 01:20 PM, Molotov wrote:

At 10/27/08 04:41 AM, Coop83 wrote: If Hamels pitches anything like his 'normal October' pitching, he will lead the Phils to their second World Title. A lot remains to be seen, as 9+ innings of baseball can really switch things around.

There is one thing to watch out for and that is with him playing outdoors on a very cold october night the changeup might not be as effective.

I want to know where we stand now with regards to Hamels - he's had 2 days rest in what could legitimately be the middle of a start. He's pitched 6 innings and I need to know if he could conceivably come on an pitch another 3 tomorrow night? That could be a major bone of contention for the Rays, as the rules certainly wouldn't favour them, considering that Hamels hasn't gone the full 9 innings since the 5th of June (Though he did go 8 2/3 on the 3rd of July)

I'm just hypothesising that his pitching is more reliable than that of the Bullpen in Philly, so why wouldn't you stick your ace out there for what is his last start of 2008. In the Fall Classic, you're going to push your stars a little further, aren't you? Either that or make the change straight away, giving him a chance to rest up as much as possible before a game 7, if required.

At 10/27/08 07:49 PM, Idiot-Finder wrote: Lupica becomea an hero.

Ah, well we've seen that already, haven't we? I thought he was a media darling, for having such standards of Yankee Bashing :P

What if the Game will be postponed until Friday? Then Hamels will have fresh arms to pitch another 6/7 innings. :P

At 10/29/08 02:10 PM, Dream-of-Duke wrote: What if the Game will be postponed until Friday? Then Hamels will have fresh arms to pitch another 6/7 innings. :P

In the spirit of the game, apparently Charlie Manuel has been quoted as saying that Hamels is done for the game. He is due up second, when the game gets going again, so we'll see. I think that Balfour will continue to pitch for maybe 1 more batter, then get pulled in favour of a lefty pitcher for the left handed pinch hitter that comes in to replace Hamels.