Rays vs Sox

[sonorandesert]

This is the series I'll be paying attention to.

Back in 2001, before the Sept 11th attacks, the Yankees were heavy favorite to take the WS over the D'Backs.
That didn't happen. Great series, possibly one of the best series ever in the history of the WS.

In this case, the Rays then were the D'Rays (Devil Rays), brought into the League the same day as my Snakes.
Bastard twin.

Now it's Rays vs Sox...final four, screw the NL.
This is sweet.

It's not the WS, but it will fought like one.

Go Rays!

[tater]

I agree and if it wasn't for working in the mornings and being too poor to afford TBS I would be watching all those games. I could fully see a 7 game series out of this...in fact I hope it's a 7 game series.

[The Thrill]

They haven't forgotten about losing the AL East.

World Champion Boston Red Sox. In 6.

[tater]

They haven't forgotten about losing the AL East.

World Champion Boston Red Sox. In 6.

Yeah didn't that happen like two weeks ago. I would hope they haven't forgot yet.

[Diggin' Bear]

Yeah. Right. If Evan Longoria breaks a leg. Then...the sox might survive.

It's Rays v. Dodgers for it all.

[Jax]

I agree and if it wasn't for working in the mornings and being too poor to afford TBS I would be watching all those games. I could fully see a 7 game series out of this...in fact I hope it's a 7 game series.

There's only one network my station doesn't get on cable and it's TBS. The MC guys get grumpy when I ask them to tune in in the games and I'm sick of dealing with them, so I solved the problem and bought MLBTV postseason for $10.

I wanted the Rays badly to show that the Sox are the better team. Win or lose, it's going to be a good series (but the Sox will win in 6.)

I also want the Dodgers in the WS so we can all boo Manram.

[TVS]

Master Control guys are grumpy at all stations...everywhere...if you even have a master control these days.

[jrat33]

Holy F did we look bad last night. First time I've ever turned off a playoff game after the fifth inning.

[Clever Login Name]

Holy F did we look bad last night. First time I've ever turned off a playoff game after the fifth inning.

No kidding. I was thoroughly disgusted and checked in only once or twice after they went up 5-zip.

That and the Giants debacle led to a very long evening.

[adam & doctor drew]

the Rays were totally the better team last nite.

if Ortiz, Ellsbury and Beckett don't pick it up, this'll be a short series.

[jrat33]

the Rays were totally the better team last nite.

if Ortiz, Ellsbury and Beckett don't pick it up, this'll be a short series.

Add Varitek to that list. The guy's job is to manage the pitching staff and so far, the last two starters have giving up 8 and 5 runs respectably. If he's not managing the staff, then sit him down, because his bat is God awful. I was giving his lack of offensive production a pass because he's good with the pitchers. But now the pitching is awful so give Cash a few starts. He'll get one tonight with Tim "Launchpad" Wakefield on the hill.

[adam & doctor drew]

Add Varitek to that list. The guy's job is to manage the pitching staff and so far, the last two starters have giving up 8 and 5 runs respectably. If he's not managing the staff, then sit him down, because his bat is God awful. I was giving his lack of offensive production a pass because he's good with the pitchers.

I gave up on him months ago.

and how come he gets credit for being good with pitchers but no blame when the pitchers (Beckett in game 2, for example) stink?

[Judge]

No kidding. I was thoroughly disgusted and checked in only once or twice after they went up 5-zip.

That and the Giants debacle led to a very long evening.

Holy smokes. Bad week!!

But then you've had a much better run over the past century than I...not to mention the past few years...
(Red Sox? Giants?)

Actually, as I type, I realize you really haven't suffered much at all, all things considered.

Still, I realize this could turn into a potentially horrible sports week for even someone as sportsfully blessed as you, Clever...much like I endured a week and a half ago.
...therefore I reach into my semi-warm bucket of Old Styles, and fish one out for you, my friend.

*clink*

[tater]

He'll get one tonight with Tim "Launchpad" Wakefield on the hill.

Lot of good that did. The highlights I saw looked like batting practice.

[jrat33]

Lot of good that did. The highlights I saw looked like batting practice.

I'm not as upset at this year's team as I have been in year's past for a couple of reasons. First, they are hurt...bad. Lowell is on the shelf, something is obviously wrong with Beckett, JD Drew has a bad back, Papi's wrist is bad and it's making his swing look like a folding lawn chair. Second, these last two games haven't been remotely close, so I have NO hope. The worst thing in the world is when a team gives you hope and then dashes it. I've been able to sleep at night knowing that this team has no hope of advancing. Third, the Rays are just better than the Sox. They have good starting pitching, amazing offense and they are young and healthy. Barring a free agent raid by some of the high payroll clubs (including two in their own division, Boston and New York), the Rays will be good for a couple of years. I don't think they'll be able to keep Longoria and Upton for long. Their amazing years this year will garner them some big bucks down the road. Plus, now that they are good, they won't get those high draft picks they've been getting.

Ah well, at least we're not the Cubs! :-)

[jrat33]

Lot of good that did. The highlights I saw looked like batting practice.

Hey at least Kevin Cash hit the ball well. Varitek should update his resume. Don't get me wrong, I love Jason Varitek... I have his jersey (unlucky piece of clothing that is now buried in the closet). I love what he stands for and what he has meant to the Nation. But he's done. He's old, his swing is bad... he's done. Thanks for your service Captain, but it's time to start your golden years.

[Clever Login Name]

Holy smokes. Bad week!!

But then you've had a much better run over the past century than I...not to mention the past few years...
(Red Sox? Giants?)

Actually, as I type, I realize you really haven't suffered much at all, all things considered.

Still, I realize this could turn into a potentially horrible sports week for even someone as sportsfully blessed as you, Clever...much like I endured a week and a half ago.
...therefore I reach into my semi-warm bucket of Old Styles, and fish one out for you, my friend.

*clink*

Bless you ... I needed that.

I have had a real good run, and I'm not really complaining ... like jrat, I didn't really hold out much hope for the Sox in the postseason because they're so banged up and because the Rays (gag) are a better, younger and healthier team. ... I didn't even expect them to get past the Angels in the first round. But, like a spoiled child, when you've been given the goodies, you always want more ... so to see them lose like they have in the past few games is aggravating.

At least the Giants season rolls on ... they've got a tough second-half schedule, but I like their chances.

And 2007 lives on in DVD form anyway.

[adam & doctor drew]

First, they are hurt...bad. Lowell is on the shelf, something is obviously wrong with Beckett, JD Drew has a bad back, Papi's wrist is bad and it's making his swing look like a folding lawn chair.

one could argue that because of their age and/or histories, Drew and Lowell getting hurt shouldn't have been a surprise.
Ortiz and Beckett's failures are a different story.


I don't think they'll be able to keep Longoria and Upton for long.

Longoria signed a 6-year deal when this season started.
Upton, you are correct.

[halfpiperocks]

Hey at least Kevin Cash hit the ball well. Varitek should update his resume. Don't get me wrong, I love Jason Varitek... I have his jersey (unlucky piece of clothing that is now buried in the closet). I love what he stands for and what he has meant to the Nation. But he's done. He's old, his swing is bad... he's done. Thanks for your service Captain, but it's time to start your golden years.

He's not really old - but he is playing old, and scared. In fact they all need to get their swagger back, Ortiz, Beckett, Drew, and Ellsbury. Without them (any of them - it's over)