The Crazy MLB playoffs

[Thunder]

A team that escapes near-certain doom like the Dodgers did in the NLCS can be tough to beat after that.

 

The 04 Red Sox were down 0-3 in the ALCS and then ran off 8 straight.

 

The 07 Red Sox were down 1-3 in the ALCS and then ran off 7 straight.

 

There are plenty of other examples.

 

So can there be momentum in the playoffs? Kimmi?

 

You also can't keep a team that talented down for too long. IMO, the Wild Card and NLDS series were more dangerous for them for that reason. They played up to their standard, but they would have lost to the Braves in 5 if it was a shorter series

[dgalehouse]

We all should know that you can't count out or underestimate the Rays. But the Dodgers really look like a juggernaut. Much like the 2018 Red Sox , they are a star-studded ballclub, deep and talented in every area. Hard to picture them losing the Series.

[Bellhorn04]

We all should know that you can't count out or underestimate the Rays. But the Dodgers really look like a juggernaut. Much like the 2018 Red Sox , they are a star-studded ballclub, deep and talented in every area.

 

The one difference being that the Dodgers did very nearly lose the NLCS.

[dgalehouse]

The one difference being that the Dodgers did very nearly lose the NLCS.

 

True. The 2018 Sox pretty much breezed through the post season against some very good teams. They were never really challenged, never in any real jeopardy throughout. A very special team indeed.

[notin]

You also can't keep a team that talented down for too long. IMO, the Wild Card and NLDS series were more dangerous for them for that reason. They played up to their standard, but they would have lost to the Braves in 5 if it was a shorter series

 

Assuming they did not strategize the starting pitching and just rolled out the same starters for each game...

[Thunder]

Assuming they did not strategize the starting pitching and just rolled out the same starters for each game...

 

Correct. It's impossible to make a comparison like that

[dgalehouse]

Assuming they did not strategize the starting pitching and just rolled out the same starters for each game...

 

It's like a fighter gets knocked out in the 11th round of a 12 rounder. You might say that he would have won if it was a 10 round fight. Well , maybe he would have , but maybe not. The situation would be different.

[notin]

It's like a fighter gets knocked out in the 11th round of a 12 rounder. You might say that he would have won if it was a 10 round fight. Well , maybe he would have , but maybe not. The situation would be different.

 

Or, to keep it in baseball context, like watching a runner get caught stealing third base right before the next hitter singles. If he hadn't tried to steal, he would have scored, right? Maybe not, because it's a different situation so the hitter might get pitched to differently.

 

The Butterfly Effect hits baseball...

[moonslav59]

I could be wrong but I can't see this being a close series.

 

Me, too.

 

Rays in 5!

[d-money]

These rays pitchers are handing out walks like it’s nothing.

[TylerD]

Rays may win this 1-0

[Bellhorn04]

Alright Rays, nice rally. 3 runs in 4 innings off Dave Roberts's parade of lesser pitchers.

[dgalehouse]

Now we are getting commercials during mound visits. Ooofah.

[dgalehouse]

Mookie steals a bag to get a free taco for everyone. It reminds me of a conversation in the Sox dugout during the 2007 World Series. Royce Clayton says to the rookie, Jacoby Ellsbury: " The whole country is counting on you to steal a base. ". Ellsbury says , " The whole country "? ( I think it was the first year for that offer ) Sure enough , Jacoby gets on and steals second. The nation rejoices. The pressure is off. Tacos for all.

[TylerD]

Rays may win this 1-0

 

I may have been wrong here.

[moonslav59]

Me, too.

 

Rays in 5!

 

I may have been right, here.

 

[Bellhorn04]

Tie series, baby.

[d-money]

Rays are a very resilient team. Good win.

[notin]

Tie series, baby.

 

Go Rays!!

 

(And this has nothing to do with Mookie. I just want to see the Rays have as many titles as the Yankees this milennia.)

[Bellhorn04]

I wonder if there are any Dodgers fans thinking "Hmmm...it would be nice to have the option of David Price starting games instead of Gonsolin & May..."

[notin]

I wonder if there are any Dodgers fans thinking "Hmmm...it would be nice to have the option of David Price starting games instead of Gonsolin & May..."

 

Of course there are. See my frustration comments in the other thread.

 

Of course, the Dodges did get where they are without Price all season long...

[TylerD]

Tie series, baby.

 

Ended up being a hell of a game.

[TylerD]

Rays are a very resilient team. Good win.

 

Are they ever! Glad to see them get some run support as well to help out their pitching.

[Thunder]

I may have been right, here.

 

 

Dodgers in 5

[Thunder]

I wonder if there are any Dodgers fans thinking "Hmmm...it would be nice to have the option of David Price starting games instead of Gonsolin & May..."

 

As long as they win the series, I don't think their fans care that much

[notin]

Are they ever! Glad to see them get some run support as well to help out their pitching.

 

ALCS Goat Brandon Lowe finally came through for them. Twice...

[redsoxrules]

I really like the pitching rule where if a releiver is coming in he has to face minimum 3 batters. Should of had this rule a long time ago.

[notin]

I really like the pitching rule where if a releiver is coming in he has to face minimum 3 batters. Should of had this rule a long time ago.

 

Disagree 100%. Stupid rule.

 

I am ok with rule changes, but the idea of disallowing certain strategies simply because some people don't like them is just wrong. Also why no one should be allowed to ban shifts.

 

MLB had other options to speed up games that they have ignored for reasons no one will ever understand....

[Thunder]

Disagree 100%. Stupid rule.

 

I am ok with rule changes, but the idea of disallowing certain strategies simply because some people don't like them is just wrong. Also why no one should be allowed to ban shifts.

 

MLB had other options to speed up games that they have ignored for reasons no one will ever understand....

 

Yeah. For once, I'm with you on this

[Bellhorn04]

Yeah. For once, I'm with you on this

 

For once?