Texas Rangers 2010 Playoffs

[Kirobaito]

Originally Posted by LonghornDub

Did we just sub in Murphy for Cruz? I'm on gamecast at work. What's up with that?

Hammy. Which is not good.

Yeah, we could be very much in this game, but we haven't gotten big hits. People on in every single inning. Sabathia, again, is pitching like a weenie.

[Mav Addict]

Bases loaded with only 1 out...gotta get a couple of runs here

[LonghornDub]

I'm 99.5% certain Treanor is about to hit a grand slam.

[DirkFTW]

it's been one of those 0.5% kinda days...

[Kirobaito]

I'm gonna say it one last time now that his night is done.

Sabathia pitched terribly. The Rangers should be winning this game. Despite how terribly CJ pitched, Sabathia did nothing to get the Rangers out. They only got themselves out. The previous inning could still be going on if Sabathia didn't get a call the Rangers haven't been getting all series - the called strike 3 on a pitch you miss your spot on. O'Day threw strike 3 yesterday to A-Rod, but because he missed his spot (actually a cross-up), the ump didn't give it to him. Sabathia missed by 25 inches and the ump gave it to him.

The Rangers are hitting .407.

[LonghornDub]

Leadoff man on at the top of the order. Here comes the rally. Vlad grand slam for the tie. 99.49% certain.

[dalmations202]

Lousy game today........argh..

Colby please come through for them.

Let Lee be ready to pitch 1,4, and available if 7 needed in the WS.

[Windmill360]

ThatSportsGirl Gina Miller:

Nelson cruz says he fully expects to play on friday. #fb

6 minutes ago

[kg_veteran]

Originally Posted by Windmill360

ThatSportsGirl Gina Miller:

Nelson cruz says he fully expects to play on friday. #fb

6 minutes ago

Whew.

[mavspwnage]

I am seeing that the Rangers team plane will be arriving tonight between 11-2 at DFW. Not sure why there is a huge time span.

[Flacolaco]

I'm still pissed. Seething.

If the New York fan wasn't such an obnoxious f$ck I wouldn't' care this much. I don't hate the yankee players so much as I hate the yankee fan.

[Dirkadirkastan]

Originally Posted by Flacolaco

I'm still pissed. Seething.

If the New York fan wasn't such an obnoxious f$ck I wouldn't' care this much. I don't hate the yankee players so much as I hate the yankee fan.

That's how I feel about the Lakers.

[Murphy3]

Originally Posted by Thespiralgoeson

Doubtful. I think a lot. For example, I think you're a douche bag. See how that works?

Ha.. sorry, you left yourself wide open on that one.

[Mav Addict]

Originally Posted by Mav Addict

There is no way to be disappointed regardless of what happens....they have already exceeded our expectations when they beat David Price in game 1 of the 1st round....anything after that game is just icing on my cake.....and if they win 1 more game, we all get to eat that cake

I mean c'mon who thought they would beat Price not once but twice.

I take this back...I would be thoroughly pissed if we don't win this series....I absolutely hate the Yankees, including the organization and their fans

[alexamenos]

bummer, but love the way we're swinging the bats...a decent outing by colby and this could be headed west (or maybe east).

[92bDad]

Originally Posted by Flacolaco

Question for the hardcore Ranger people that have been watching this team every summer for 15-20 years or whatever... (I've only been watching them for 5 or 6 years, so I don't count)....

Is there going to be a point, (presumably), where the sentiment could possibly turn from "Man, this is awesome. It's so great just to be here!!!" to "It would be tragic to come this far and not go ALL the way. This will become like the Mavs Finals appearance and we'll never get back here again!"

?

I don't think people will feel like that, but it's worth asking.

It's worth asking...and no doubt being up 3-1...failure is NOT an option!!!

[92bDad]

My only complaint, but it applies baseball wide...

If the low strike is never going to be called a strike, then make it official and change the dimensions of the strike zone...and if the UMPS can tell what a low strike is, then use the Ball Tracker and EDUCATE THEM!!!

[Male30Dan]

Look on the bright side. Finally we get to treat our home crowd to a celebration fit for a King. A trip to the World Series.

IT'S TIME!

[tcat075]

Originally Posted by 92bDad

My only complaint, but it applies baseball wide...

If the low strike is never going to be called a strike, then make it official and change the dimensions of the strike zone...and if the UMPS can tell what a low strike is, then use the Ball Tracker and EDUCATE THEM!!!

The low breaking ball will never be called a strike, because it will continue to fall and end up even lower when it reaches the glove, and honestly, even on TV it looks to be out of the zone. A low fastball, if it's in the zone, should always be called and usually is.

Sometimes I know Josh or Tom would try to defend the ump when a low fastball is not called and say "low strikes aren't called", but again, this is more of a breaking ball thing (curve, slider, change), not a fastball thing (including cutter/sinker/two seamers).

[Murphy3]

Originally Posted by tcat075

The low breaking ball will never be called a strike, because it will continue to fall and end up even lower when it reaches the glove, and honestly, even on TV it looks to be out of the zone. A low fastball, if it's in the zone, should always be called and usually is.

Sometimes I know Josh or Tom would try to defend the ump when a low fastball is not called and say "low strikes aren't called", but again, this is more of a breaking ball thing (curve, slider, change), not a fastball thing (including cutter/sinker/two seamers).

It's not rare at all for umps to miss the fastball at the bottom of the strike zone.. It's a frequent thing for the ump to miss a breaking pitch that could be towards the middle of the plate if it has significant break straight down.

[Flacolaco]

I don't like all this talk about the weather that's going on out there. It seems mother nature herself is conspiring against us. They could get Petite and CC again if things really fall right.

[Dirkadirkastan]

Originally Posted by Flacolaco

I don't like all this talk about the weather that's going on out there. It seems mother nature herself is conspiring against us. They could get Petite and CC again if things really fall right.

Yeah, I'm sure the weather would only affect one team.

Also, good point about the pitchers. I'm sure they're the only ones on either roster that could possibly make an impact. After all, they're the ones that have been the most dominant up to this point.

[Flacolaco]

Well, tell me how it's going to help the Rangers more than the Yankees because I would really enjoy it. Is it going to make Cliff Lee MORE available? It's not going to make CJ available, and based on what happened Wednesday that's not always a great thing anyway. The protraction of this series in any way, shape or form benefits the Yankees. The Rangers don't need extra time sitting around for all this to get into their heads.

[tcat075]

Originally Posted by Murphy3

It's not rare at all for umps to miss the fastball at the bottom of the strike zone.. It's a frequent thing for the ump to miss a breaking pitch that could be towards the middle of the plate if it has significant break straight down.

I'll agree that it will happen, especially when its right on the corners. The difference is that low breaking balls are almost never called. Honestly, any breaking ball has to be fully in the zone for it to have a chance of being called. You can't just graze the edges with a pitch that has a sharp downwards break, because they won't call it.

Honestly, a lot of it has to do with hitting the location. If the catcher has to move the glove from one side of the zone to the other, even if the pitch grazes that corner it often isn't called. If a catcher sets up on the outside corner 6 inches from the zone, but the pitcher throws right to the glove, you sometimes see that called a strike.

I support robots, but that's the problem: they will have a different strike zone than umpires. More accurate, yes, but different pitches will be able to be thrown that previously never were strikes (like that low breaking ball). It will be a big adjustment for hitters and pitchers, and that's why I think that robots aren't going to happen anytime soon.

[Male30Dan]

Originally Posted by Flacolaco

Well, tell me how it's going to help the Rangers more than the Yankees because I would really enjoy it. Is it going to make Cliff Lee MORE available? It's not going to make CJ available, and based on what happened Wednesday that's not always a great thing anyway. The protraction of this series in any way, shape or form benefits the Yankees. The Rangers don't need extra time sitting around for all this to get into their heads.

How could it help more? Well, you could throw Lee out in Game 6 and finish this thing off before things get crazy in a winner take all game where any number of things could happen to spoil our chances at our first pennant (costly errors, lucky swing, etc). Then, if the SF/PHI series goes the distance there is a chance you could still pitch Lee in game 1. Worst case scenario, if Lee loses you would still have Lewis to try to save this series.

[u2sarajevo]

Even if Phi/St.Louis goes the distance Game 1 of WS is Wednesday... as I understand it.

[Male30Dan]

Originally Posted by u2sarajevo

Even if Phi/St.Louis goes the distance Game 1 of WS is Wednesday... as I understand it.

Right you are!

I guess the 1/4/7 dream scenario is ensured only if Lewis wins tonight, with Mother Nature's help of course.

First things first - let's destroy NY tonight and send them home knowing that the Commissioner's Trophy is no longer theirs to keep!!! Let's make history tonight!!!

GO RANGERS!!!

IT'S TIME!

[jthig32]

Two things:

1. Flaco is right, a rain out is bad for us. No reason to treat him with such derision. A rainout would almost certainly allow them to pitch CC in a potential game 7, while CJ probably still wouldn't. And whether Cliff Lee pitches game 6 or a potential game 7 is irrelevant (except for our nerves, I suppose).

2. I seriously doubt there is a "1/4/7 dream scenario". The Rangers weren't keeping Lee on four days rest to save him. They did it because they think it's the best solution. Now maybe they change their minds and pitch him on short rest, but I really doubt it.

[chumdawg]

I am starting to get nerrrrrrrrvyous!

[Male30Dan]

Originally Posted by jthig32

Two things:

1. Flaco is right, a rain out is bad for us. No reason to treat him with such derision. A rainout would almost certainly allow them to pitch CC in a potential game 7, while CJ probably still wouldn't. And whether Cliff Lee pitches game 6 or a potential game 7 is irrelevant (except for our nerves, I suppose).

I sure hope you aren't referencing me here. I didn't do anything but suggest a possible "good thing" while being unaware that the WS started on Wednesday, even with a 7-game series from PHI/SF.

2. I seriously doubt there is a "1/4/7 dream scenario". The Rangers weren't keeping Lee on four days rest to save him. They did it because they think it's the best solution. Now maybe they change their minds and pitch him on short rest, but I really doubt it.

If you tell me that getting a possible 3 games pitched by Lee (with 2 on short rest) isn't better than a maximum of 2 games pitched by Lee (both on normal rest) then you are crazy. That isn't directed at you necessarily, just anyone that disagrees with it (see Ron Washington). Don't forget with Tampa that the format was different and with NY Lee couldn't start game 1. This is the first opportunity he will have to get three games out of Lee in a 7 game series. I think it is impossible to know what he will do given that. Besides, like one guy said about Hamilton, 70-80% of him is better than 100% of most. You do what you can to win it all when given the opportunity and Lee by FAR gives us the best chance to do that.

See above...

Again - first things first... DOMINATE NY!

[Male30Dan]

By the way, the rain out scenario is losing steam. Current projections have dropped to a 20% chance through 9pm and a 30% chance after that. Just 45 minutes ago it was a 50% chance at 7 and 40% chance throughout the rest of the night. Storm is moving apparently (though with Texas weather it could always move back).

[jthig32]

Originally Posted by Male29Dan

See above...

Again - first things first... DOMINATE NY!

Dirka was the focal point, but I also don't agree that any of the scenarios you laid out are "good". If Cliff and Colby are the two pitchers for games 6 and 7 I do not care at all who pitches which game.

As for the other point, I think the Rangers have made it pretty clear that they're not interested in pitching Lee on short rest. Philly didn't ask him to last year and we haven't yet this season.

Maybe they'll change their mind but I wouldn't hold my breath.

[u2sarajevo]

On the subject of weather... it's more likely now that if any baseball game were to get a rain delay it would be a game scheduled on Saturday... So let's finish TONIGHT and make that a mute point!

edit - and I'm NERVOUS... as well chum....

[DirkFTW]

Originally Posted by u2sarajevo

edit - and I'm NERVOUS... as well chum....

mi estomago es churningo tambien

[Male30Dan]

Originally Posted by jthig32

Dirka was the focal point, but I also don't agree that any of the scenarios you laid out are "good". If Cliff and Colby are the two pitchers for games 6 and 7 I do not care at all who pitches which game.

As for the other point, I think the Rangers have made it pretty clear that they're not interested in pitching Lee on short rest. Philly didn't ask him to last year and we haven't yet this season.

Maybe they'll change their mind but I wouldn't hold my breath.

So you honestly don't think that NY gets any advantage from being in numerous game 7s (and numerous World Series) before with us never being in a single game 7? I mean, look, I subscribe to Greenberg's theory that history doesn't throw pitches and history doesn't swing bats, but let's be realistic. NY is comfortable in this situation and Texas is not as comfortable - period. To make it do or die is just increasing the chances that a Andrus throw sails wide or that guys press at the plate a little more than normal. And yes, I realize that we already played 1 do or die game, but that was to win our Franchise's first ever playoff series - not to make it to the WORLD SERIES by beating the Yankees. It is different, no matter what you or anyone else might think. This is a much bigger stage.

I mean you really don't think that there is any extra pressure from this being the FINAL game that could end up negatively affecting our boys while possibly further motivating a team that was left for dead at 3-1 but full of life at 3-3? I just don't buy it. Sure it is better to pitch Lee in game 6 and I wish to hell that he was pitching tonight. With that said, let's win tonight and not have to worry about woulda/coulda/shoulda scenarios.

And regarding pitching Lee on short rest, how have they made it clear? By not doing it in the regular season? Really, that is why you think so? Who does that anyway in the regular season? By not doing it in a 5-game series where you only get to pitch him twice anyway (and considering we were up 2-0 there was no great benefit other than to avoid that same tension and nervous situation I spoke about above)? Really, that is why? Because another team didn't do it (AND LOST DESPITE TWO WINS FROM LEE!!!)? Look, Washington may not do it, but the reasons you listed are NOT valid reasons that PROVE he won't do it.

[jthig32]

Originally Posted by Male29Dan

So you honestly don't think that NY gets any advantage from being in numerous game 7s (and numerous World Series) before with us never being in a single game 7? I mean, look, I subscribe to Greenberg's theory that history doesn't throw pitches and history doesn't swing bats, but let's be realistic. NY is comfortable in this situation and Texas is not as comfortable - period. To make it do or die is just increasing the chances that a Andrus throw sails wide or that guys press at the plate a little more than normal. And yes, I realize that we already played 1 do or die game, but that was to win our Franchise's first ever playoff series - not to make it to the WORLD SERIES by beating the Yankees. It is different, no matter what you or anyone else might think. This is a much bigger stage.

I mean you really don't think that there is any extra pressure from this being the FINAL game that could end up negatively affecting our boys while possibly further motivating a team that was left for dead at 3-1 but full of life at 3-3? I just don't buy it. Sure it is better to pitch Lee in game 6 and I wish to hell that he was pitching tonight. With that said, let's win tonight and not have to worry about woulda/coulda/shoulda scenarios.

Would I rather Lee was pitching tonight? I guess. I'd rather not go through the stress of a game 7 myself. But a rain out allowing Lee to pitch game 6 means THEIR ace is available for a potential game 7. That's not better, which was the original argument.

And regarding pitching Lee on short rest, how have they made it clear? By not doing it in the regular season? Really, that is why you think so? Who does that anyway in the regular season? By not doing it in a 5-game series where you only get to pitch him twice anyway (and considering we were up 2-0 there was no great benefit other than to avoid that same tension and nervous situation I spoke about above)? Really, that is why? Because another team didn't do it (AND LOST DESPITE TWO WINS FROM LEE!!!)? Look, Washington may not do it, but the reasons you listed are NOT valid reasons that PROVE he won't do it.

There was a ton of discussion about Lee pitching games 3 and 7 of this series, and not once did a plugged in Ranger reporter say that Lee pitching game 5 in Tampa cost him a chance to pitch three times in this series. It wasn't in the plans.

I think the fact that Philly didn't feel comfortable pitching him on short rest, and the fact that Texas has not either is pretty relevant to the discussion. I'm not sure why anyone would think otherwise. Pitching on short rest is not a common thing. It's a very, very rare thing. Hell Halladay didn't even do it in the NLCS.

Again, they might just decide to do it, but I think it's a real long shot. Especially since the scenario you're laying out would require for him to pitch on short rest twice.

[jthig32]

Another point on the pitching schedule:

Cliff Lee's extra start would come at the expense of Colby Lewis, not Hunter/Holland. Unless of course you also want CJ and Colby to pitch on short rest.

So Lee, Wilson, Lewis, Lee (short), Hunter/Holland, Wilson, Lee (short)

So Lee has never, ever pitched on short rest, but he's going to do it twice and at the expense of another pretty good pitcher. Sorry I just don't see it.


Oh and I need to add the stipulation that this is clearly all hypothetical. The Rangers are not in the WS, and I am aware of that, karma gods.

[SMC0007]

http://mp3twit.com/52T

[Male30Dan]

Originally Posted by jthig32

Would I rather Lee was pitching tonight? I guess. I'd rather not go through the stress of a game 7 myself. But a rain out allowing Lee to pitch game 6 means THEIR ace is available for a potential game 7. That's not better, which was the original argument.

Sure it is, because you have Lee pitching against a guy that lost to Lewis and worse overall compared to Playoff-Pettitte and NY is less confident overall. Maybe you feel like that is putting all of your eggs into one basket, but we have roughed up CC twice now but just didn't score the second game so I am not all that worried about a CC/Lewis matchup. Hell I would be more worried about Playoff-Pettitte on normal rest to be honest with you.

There was a ton of discussion about Lee pitching games 3 and 7 of this series, and not once did a plugged in Ranger reporter say that Lee pitching game 5 in Tampa cost him a chance to pitch three times in this series. It wasn't in the plans.

The same plugged in Ranger reporters that question everything Washington does? Give me a break thiggy... No one knows what Washington is planning to do except Washington - and he may not have decided yet himself

I think the fact that Philly didn't feel comfortable pitching him on short rest, and the fact that Texas has not either is pretty relevant to the discussion. I'm not sure why anyone would think otherwise. Pitching on short rest is not a common thing. It's a very, very rare thing. Hell Halladay didn't even do it in the NLCS.

Why do you keep saying "and the fact that Texas has not either" as if we have had an opportunity up to this point? You don't pitch guys on short rest in the regular season. You don't have to pitch Lee on short rest up 2-0 in a 5 game series. You can't pitch Lee 3 times on short rest if he pitches game 3 (or game 2 for that matter). He has not had an opportunity to go on short rest yet for us so stop acting like he has. Stop it. Philly didn't do it, but last I checked Philly isn't the Texas Rangers. Lee also didn't have the post season aura he has now as he had yet to beat NY twice before that decision was made. AGAIN - Washington may not pitch Lee on short rest if we make the Fall Classic, but you have no proof that we won't - none - zilch. Your proof is some other team didn't do it and reporters didn't write articles and we didn't do it in the regular season. Stop it.

Again, they might just decide to do it, but I think it's a real long shot. Especially since the scenario you're laying out would require for him to pitch on short rest twice.

Unfortunately I think it might be a long shot as well, but I damn sure do it if I am in Washington's shoes, especially with the chance that he may not come back next year. Ride that damn stallion while you have him and, if we win it all on his shoulders, all the more reason to return (Lee's words - not mine).

See above.

[Male30Dan]

Originally Posted by jthig32

Another point on the pitching schedule:

Cliff Lee's extra start would come at the expense of Colby Lewis, not Hunter/Holland. Unless of course you also want CJ and Colby to pitch on short rest.

So Lee, Wilson, Lewis, Lee (short), Hunter/Holland, Wilson, Lee (short)

So Lee has never, ever pitched on short rest, but he's going to do it twice and at the expense of another pretty good pitcher. Sorry I just don't see it.


Oh and I need to add the stipulation that this is clearly all hypothetical. The Rangers are not in the WS, and I am aware of that, karma gods.

Lee, CJ, Lewis, Lee, Holland, CJ, Lee

I take my chances with that every damn time. Every damn time. Create a poll - I bet damn near everyone else would too when the other option is:

Lee, CJ, Lewis, Holland, Lee, CJ, Lewis

Maybe I am wrong, but whoever chooses against Lee x 3 is crazy. I wouldn't bet against him losing any of the 3, short rest be damned. It also prevents him from pitching against Halladay twice and puts Lee in a better spot. Lee vs Holliday/Hippy is a 50/50 so you would rather get Lee's starts against a weaker pitcher when possible, even if that makes Holliday's/Hippy's starts more than 50/50 as well. Holliday/Hippy only pitches twice if they don't do the same thing and Lee pitches thrice.