Crimson Red Sports

Game 1 is tonight at 6:30 CT on FOX.

Wainright will start for the Cards and Lester for the BoSox.

be there or be square  :lol2:

online link if anyone can use it http://www.vipboxonline.eu/sports/baseball.html

Should be a good pitching matchup. I just think Boston has too much firepower in that lineup for the Cards, though I think this one could go 7, just because St. Louis seems to always play their best ball in the playoffs.

No Braves = No Care

HTH.

so ?  :dunno:

we'll never see a World Series then ?   :lol:

Probably true.

Braves all the way  :clap:
we'll get back ... one year  :unsure:


but I will watch ... simply because it's the World Series  :worship:

Don't be such a knothead. This has the potential to be a great Series with several great players involved. I am a huge Brave fan, but I am still watching.


 :D

I understand. I don't care about the Braves either.  ;)

Well there is always next year. I heard this somewhere. RTR!

Ump almost blew that call. Good think he confabbed with the others.

Big 3 run double by Napoli in the first for the BoSox.

I was like " how in the 'bleep" do you miss that ?"  >:(

Big Papi gets robbed of a GS, but still gets a run home with the sac fly. Sox up 5-0 after 2.

For some old timers, and not so old-timers,  in N. AL., they are Cardinals fans, not Braves fans.  That is because St. Louis was the team they got on the radio, and before the Braves moved to Atlanta, St. Louis was the closest team.

When I got home from Church tonight and I saw the score at 5-0. I thought well, somebody might win this game. I'll just have to wait and see.  :lol: :) RTR!

True. My uncles were big Cardinal fans because of that.

If the Braves can't be in it, then I'm happy with the Cards and Red Sox.

 :popcorn2: :popcorn2:

I don't follow baseball all that much -- I enjoy going to games but no so much watching on TV.

It looks like ya'll called this one -- Boston up 5-0 -- maybe they are too strong. 

Exactly right. I was a young teenager growing up in Decatur and many of the adult men were Card fans for that reason. They even went there for games and had zero interest in the Braves. They grew up listening to Harry Caray, Joe Buck and the Cards.


 :popcorn2:

Red Sox win 8-1. David Ortiz got robbed of a grand slam early in the game by a great catch over the right field wall by Beltran. He came back and got a two run HR in the 7th to ice the game. St Louis was very sloppy on defense making several errors that lead to the Boston 5-0 lead. Lester pitched 7.2 innings of shutout baseball. St Louis got their only run in the 9th.

Good start for the BoSox. They hit the ball hard and got a great start from Lester but St. Louis helped them too much. The early inning errors put them down 5-0 and with Lester on the mound they could not chip away at the lead. Good win for the Red Sox.

Boston takes a 1-0 series lead. They play again tonight at 7:00. Lackey will start for Boston and Wacha for the Cards.

I am a little irritated at the media for concentrating on the reversed call early in the game rather than the dominating pitching and play of the Red Sox. The 2nd base umpire got the call wrong. The six man crew talked about it and reversed the call. It is rare to reverse a call in baseball but it is also rare when a call is missed that badly. The umpires got the call right and no one disputes it, not even the Cards.

It makes me mad when the media tries to create a story rather than just report what happens.

True dat. In my dad's house when he was young, he and his sisters were all bandwagon Yankees fans. My grandfather, on the other hand, was a die-hard Cards fan. He loved Stan Musial.

Shoot Stand The Man was a great ball player and person as far as I ever knew. RTR!

Bottom of the 9th Boston at bat.

St. Louis 4  Boston 2

Great game for thee Cards and their pitching came through for the, plus timely hitting.



 #+

Thou art correct in thine observation.
Why are we talking in archaic Middle English?  :toast4:

Timely hitting? The Cards won the game in the 7th. They loaded the bases because of a hit and two walks. A routine fly ball that should have scored one run turned into a two error mess that allowed two runs to score and the runner from first advanced to third. Two of the three runs were unearned. The Red Sox should have gotten out of that inning with a 2-2 tie rather than being behind 4-2.

The Cards did play better and deserved to win. Wacha piched a nice game. The Sox only got 4 hits.

The BoSox are a power hitting team that scores a lot of runs. I get that but it frustrates me when in tight games they get runners on 1st and 2nd with no outs and they refuse to bunt the runners over. That happened last night twice and they hit into two double plays.

Series tied 1-1. We go to St Louis and start all over again.

I was wondering the same thing.  Perhaps timely hit, two walks, bad throw to third by pitcher.  Nice pitching by the Cards.

I guess the Cards are not going to lay down and go to sleep. These guys go to the WS an awful lot. lol, RTR!

Thou slayest me.  :lol:

St Louis beat Boston 5-4 on a controversial obstruction call. You just have to watch the play for yourself and decide what you think. I think it is BS. That was a very important game to be decided on an umpire ruling giving the Cards the walk off winning run.

St Louis takes a 2-1 series lead.

Was it the same ump who invoked the infield fly rule on a missed fly ball in Atlanta last year? I believe St Louis was the beneficiary of that call, too.

I was watching the game when it happened and watched at least 10-15 replays after the game while the announcers discussed it. I think it was the right call. The Red Sox players did not go crazy after the umpires explained what happened. You can not obstruct the runner for any reason, period. Plus, it looked to me like the 3rd baseman deliberately raised his legs up to trip the runner.

 ???

It was a questionable call that could have gone either way. IMO you do not make that call in the bottom of the 9th with the outcome of the game on the line.

I saw the replay on sportscenter.  I thought the 3rd baseman deliberately raised his legs in the heat of the moment then decided to put them back down when he realized he was going to get called for it.  I think it was the right call.  By the way, as I mentioned previously:

No Braves = No Care

So I am looking at it from an unbiased point of view.

Bingo! Who raises their legs into the air if they are trying to get off the ground? He did it at the exact moment the runner tried to take off running. Also, I didn't see the third baseman jumping up and down protesting his innocence.

 :dog:

I admit it was a questionable call. I don't think anyone could say it was a clear obstruction or not without the benifit of replays. Even with replays it is not clear according to me and the talking heads on TV. At that point in the game most refs/umps in all sports would not call anything and let the play stand. A couple of examples is the non call foul on Trevor Lacey in the UT basketball game last year and the non call horse collar on Auburn against against A&M last week. In most cases umps will not make questionable calls at the end of the game that change or determine the outcome of the game.

I just watched another replay on ESPN.  The guy said that the defender's intent has nothing to do with the rule.  If he is in the way, regardless of whether or not he did it on purpose, then it is obstruction.

If that is indeed the rule (I don't know if it is), he was clearly in the way even if it was only accidental.

Tim McCarver was doing the game and he said any type of obstruction, whether deliberate or unintentional was still obstruction. The rules made no exceptions per McCarver.


 :dunno:

In that case, it was clearly obstruction.

Obstruction happens all the time in baseball. A catcher can block homeplate if he has the ball or if he is making a play on the ball. In this case the 3rd baseball was making a play on the ball. The runners got tangled up in the play. I don't think this was a clear cut call at all.

The obstruction happened when the ball was in left field though, right?  Not when he was trying to tag him out at 3rd.

Bingo! The ball was past the fielder and when the runner tried to advance the 3rd baseman tripped him.

It is a judgement call. It could have gone either way. Do you agree with that?

At any other point in the game I have no problem with the call. In that game, bottom of the 9th and score tied, was a good time to not make that call. It was too good of a game for it to end on an overturned out call at the plate.

It is a judgement call, but I can't say I support allowing the defender to attempt to trip the runner and not making the call because of the game situation.  If he had just laid there, or raised up on his hands and knees like you would when you are actually trying to get up, then they probably don't make the call.  But it looked like he intentionally tried to get in the way of the runner to me.  In fact, at the end he stays on his knees on purpose so as not to interfere with the throw to the plate.  If it was accidental obstruction, then maybe you let it slide... maybe.  But intentional obstruction has to be called, especially when the game is on the line.  Notice that when he does eventually come up on his knees, he does not raise his feet up in the air first.

Now think about this:  what if they didn't make that call?  The Cards would have probably emptied the bench and the manager would have probably gotten ejected from the game.  It was going to be a controversial call either way and the ump was in a no win situation.  But he has to make the call based on what he saw.  The defender loses the benefit of the doubt when he sticks his feet up like that.

Just my opinion.

I not saying it is the wrong call. I am just saying most umps would not have called it at time of the game.

Did you think it was intentional or accidental?  I think that is the heart of the call.  If it was intentional you have to call it, right?  I mean you can't tackle a guy to keep him from running home (as an extreme example).  Trying to trip him is also over the line.

one way some see it is that the 3rd baseman was laying
face down with his head towards 2nd base
his legs were pointing across the base path behind him , so
one could argue that the 3rd baseman was pulling his legs from
the base line path ?  or in other words , moving his legs out of the way
to give the runner a clear baseline to run down to home plate ?

 :lol:

I don't know. In regular speed it all happened so fast it looks harmless.  In slow motion his legs come up but the runner trips over his thigh. I don't think he raised his legs on purpose. I don't think he knew exactly where the ball or runner was. The runner also did not know where the ball or 3rd baseball was. The runner looks back for the ball and takes two steps toward 2nd base or he would have had a clear path home.

To me it was a baseball play. I don't like the call but it is over. Game 4 starts shortly and Boston needs it bad.

I am ready to see them play again. This thing is going to be exciting down to the end I think. RTR!

I played golf with a Boston native and a die hard Red Sox fan today. He said it was the right call. I've yet to see it.

GAME ON!! Bottom of 1st 0-0

WOOT !!!!!!   #+


PLAY BALL !!!!

for luck

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v200/FISHFINDER/autog.jpg)


but just in case

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v200/FISHFINDER/autog-2.jpg)

Well, it's almost like the first 4 didn't even happen.  Down to a 3 game series with the Sox having home field advantage.

Yep, Cards have to win tomorrow.


 :popcorn2:

I have the 1968 baseball cards of:

Hank Aaron
Johnny Bench
Pete Rose
Bob Gibson
Denny McClain
Tom Seaver
Steve Carlton (as a Cardinal)
Yaz
Jim Lonberg
Lou Brock
Willie McCovey
Roberto Clemente
Willie Horton
Frank Robinson
Boog Powell
Brooks Robinson
Pat Dobson
Phil Niekro
Ron Reed
Willie Mays
Joe Morgan (as an Astro)
Jim Wynn

And about 150 more. Eat your heart out. I collected them when I was a young teenager.


 :D

Boston gets a much needed win last night to even the series 2-2. Like HL said we are back where we started with a 3 game series to go. These are two good, evenly matched, teams. It could go either way.

Pitching has dominated this series and for the most part the entire postseason. Pitching will continue to dominate until they quit expanding the strike zone, especially the ankle high (actually mid shin) fast ball.

Game 5 tonight. Game 1 starters Lester for Boston and Wainwright for St Louis are back on the mound tonight.

This is one of the weirdest series I have ever seen. Game 3 ends with an obstruction call, Game 4 with a pickoff at 1st. I wonder if that pick off will end up being the Cards "Bill Buckner" moment.

The real weird part of Game 4 was that Gomes was not scheduled to start and was a las minute replacement. He ends up hitting a 3-run homer to win the game. That could be the turning point of this whole series. Looking forward to Game 5, tonight.


 :popcorn2:

Going to the B-9. Hope the Sox can hold them.

Red Sox win 3-1 and now have 2 chances at home to close it out.  :jump:

I like it.   8)

The Red Sox just seem so loaded everywhere. Cards will have to play perfectly to win the next 2 games. If Boston wins, it will be their first time since 1918 to clinch the World Series in Fenway.


 :popcorn2:

correct order will be ...

cart then horse   :unsure:


 :tinfoil:

Good win for BoSox as they take a 3-2 series lead back to Boston.

Both teams pitched good games but Boston's was great. Lester pitched 7 2/3 to get the win. Boston gave up 1 run on 4 hits against one of the best line ups in the MLB. Lester is the first lefty since Babe Ruth to win three world series games for Boston.

David Ortiz (Big Papi) is on fire. Even his outs are line drives that are hard hit off the nose of the bat. He is locked in. I have not heard any of the punits say but he may be putting on the best world series hitting display since Reggie Jackson for the Yankees. I don't remember another batter this hot.

Pitching throughout the playoffs and World Series has been outstanding. I give the pitchers a lot of credit but I think the strike zone the umpires are using has helped them. I have seen more pitches 4-6" below the knees called strikes than ever before. A 94 MPH pitch 4" below your knees is all but impossible to hit. I never liked the mid-thigh to letters strike zone. That is batting practice for MLB hitters. I believe they have expanded the stike zone too much.

I like a pitchers duel as much as anyone but not every game. Sometimes it is fun to see some big hits and runs scored.

This next game would not surprise me either way. I do think the Red Sox will take it now. RTR!

Game 6 starts in about an hour. Wacha is starting for the Cards and Lacky for the BoSox. Wacha is 4-0 in the playoffs and was great in Game 2.

Cards batting, top of the 1st.

 :popcorn2: :popcorn2: :popcorn2: :popcorn2: :popcorn2:

Big, loud out to start the game.

Yep, but an out (and 2 more followed it).

Bottom 1st starts with a strikeout (96 mph).

WOW......... no, long strike by 2nd batter!  ALMOST a homma.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SP1sItvLbi4

No score after one, but bats aren't exactly quiet.

Reminds me of when I got the Italian girls in Belize to pose for a CRS photo with the "49-0" sign during the Alabama - Michigan State game.  Their rendition of "Roll Tide" (with the trilled R's) was priceless.

Of course, there was drinking.  But it seemed wonderful at the time!

Cards smacking the ball.  Sox will be lucky to escape this inning.

BTW, do the Aubs really expect to sell these on our forum??

(http://ads.bridgetrack.com.edgesuite.net/assets/104324/AU_Affinity_300x250.jpg)

Lucky Sox.

FIFY  :lol2:

Middle 3rd.  Lackys escape again!

Victorino with a bases clearing triple!!!!!!!!!! 3-0 BoSox!

Thought the 3rd runner to cross the plate was out, but replay showed the ump was right.  Kudos to him.

Drew drought-breaker. Home run! 4-0.

Wacha walks Papi (intentional, as is my pun) then takes the walk to the dugout.

Sox are now ripping the cover off of the ball. 6-0, still in the bottom of the 4th.

I'm back (suffered a 1970 flashback).

Top of 5th, 2 down, runners 1st and 3rd.   :popcorn2:

 :lol:

Of course Buck had to bring up the Braves-Yankees series where Atlanta blew a 6-0 lead in game 4 and went on to collapse against them.  :eyeroll:

Lackey carving them up, now. Still 6-0 going to the bottom of the 6th.

I think I heard the fat lady gargling. I don't think it will be very long before she begins her song about turning out the lights because the party is over.

Yep, 3 outs away. 6-1 Boston, bottom of the 8th.

6-1 Red Sox win!!!

:jump:

 :facepalm: :facepalm: :facepalm:

The Red Sox got it done. World Series Champions. They had to get by two very good teams in Detroit and St Louis. They deserve it. I don't think they left any doubt they were the best team in baseball this year.

The BoSox went from last to first in one year. Two years ago they fired their manager and and got rid of a lot of the core players. Some bad decisions were made. They got a new GM, hired a new manager and changed up the personnel again. This time they made all the right moves. This was great year and a fun team to follow.

I have been a Red Sox fan since I was a kid. I stuck with them and it is paying off now.

Congrats, pmull. They were, indeed, the best team in baseball this year.

Well my favorite team in the American League is the Orioles, I was hoping the Red Sox would win it all. I would of course, pull for the Braves if they made it. Congrats to the Red Sox fans and team. They have put on  a show during the 2nd season. RTR!

Braves fan for over 40 years, but I have other teams I like, just not near as much.

Orioles-Liked them since the days of Frank Robinson, Brooks, Boog Powell, & many more
Red Sox-I admired Yaz, just an all around solid player
Tigers-
White Sox-Barons AA Team
Cardinals-Admire their tradition and dedication to good baseball-Best fans in baseball

Dodgers, Yankees, & Mets Suck!


 :popcorn2:

Remember the old days when we got information by newspapers. One of the first things I would do during baseball season is check the standings and box scores. I wonder if kids today even know how to read a box score or use a scoring book?

I really enjoyed the playoffs this year. I get tired of Oregon uniforms and pink all over the place. The Red Sox and Cards looked just like they did in 1967. About the only difference in the game then and the game now is the DH and wild card. I am glad baseball remains old school.

Congrats to your boys, pmull (and that is hard to say, coming from an O's guy!  :lol2: )

Papi had a WS for the ages. What did he hit, like .668 or something like that? Unreal.

Now those are some names I remember for sure. I remember spending every nickel I got on Topps Baseball Cards and the bubble gum that was in them. Blowing bubbles and trying to build full teams back then. Wow, thanks MD. lol, RTR!

He batted .688. He reached base 19 times in 25 plate appearances. He had 11 hits and 8 walks.

Incredible! Reggie Jackson, as good as he was in the post season, couldn't touch those numbers, even though he had 3 homers in one game. Big Papi was on fire!

Yep, had to wait for the afternoon paper to get all the results on the Braves. There is a difference from 1967 to now, there was no Gibson, Carlton, McCarver, Brock, Cepeda, Yaz, Lonborg, Petrocelli, R. Smith, and many more.


 :popcorn2:

If all you guys ever get a chance, pick up the book "The Long Ball: The Summer of '75 - Spaceman, Catfish, Charlie Hustle, and the Greatest World Series Ever Played." It was a fascinating account of the 1975 season and goes game-by-game of the World Series that year. That was the year I was born ( :D ), so I was not privileged enough to have seen the series, but I have heard a great deal about it over the years, but there were a lot of stories that I had never heard of before.

Spaceman Bill Lee, left-handed pitcher with red hair & beard, I believe
Jim "Catfish" Hunter
Pete Rose, Charlie Hustle
Plus, Yaz, Tony Perez, Johnny Bench, Joe Morgan, Carlton Fisk, Fred Lynn, Jim Rice, Ken Griffey, & MANY more.

This confirms you are a young punk. The year you were born I graduated HS.

Don't forget Dwight Evans and Lois Tiant for the Sox. George Foster and Dave Concepcion for the Reds.

Well 2 names you have to add is the 2 boys up north. Mickey Mantle and Roger Maris and they did it without any kind of drug help. RTR!

you forgot the most important hit of that series
bottom of the 8th , 3 runs scored to tie it

Evans catch !   :o

not the most famous but a very important one  :dunno:

Pete Rose screaming "ain't this fun Bernie" as he rounded the bases  :lol2:

good stuff !!!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k8XeTNH9P3A

Didn't Tiant win two games in the series? Or maybe I am mistaken, but I know he was pretty amazing. The author of that book I mentioned said his father had seen his son pitch in the majors since he was in Cuba. The Sox managed to get him to Boston for the series. Very touching story.

   

Tiant was 2-0 in the series. Both wins were complete games which is amazing in itself. He also pitched in relief in another game. He pitched in 25 of the 66 innings played in the series.

Cincy was loaded and known as The Big Red Machine. Boston had to beat three time defending Champion Oakland A's to make the series. What a series it was. Boston won Game 6 on Carlton Fisk walk off 12th inning home run. That was the home you still see with Fisk waving trying to help the ball stay fair.

Yep, I have seen that shot of Fisk many times.

I really enjoy setting and talking about that series with those old guys ,
great times ...

jeees , if I could go back  .... 1975 ....  :unsure: