2017 alcs/nlcs

Lawman 2017-10-20 18:44:11 UTC #21

I just want to see a Game 7, where something feels like it's on the line for both teams.

Also, this has been a pretty boring post season. Nothing really stands out in my mind. Maybe b/c I don't have the time to follow all the games live.

I guess I'm rooting for Houston or LA, but even the NYY aren't that bad this year. A lot of home grown, young talent, peppered with veterans.

Philsmania 2017-10-20 19:18:10 UTC #22

I would say that the Yankees' Cinderella run through October has probably been the only compelling story of this postseason.

donaldorc 2017-10-20 19:54:49 UTC #23

I was quite surprised to read that this is the first WS the Dodgers have been in since 1988. I hadn't realized that it has been that long. Sorta took out the sting of my negative reaction.

zambonir 2017-10-20 20:03:28 UTC #24

Yeah the Yankees story is pretty good. They were written off early in the play-in game!

I too would root for the Dodgers over the Yankees. But also, while my rooting interest wouldn't be strong and the hype would be unbearable, it's hard not to like such an historic, high-wattage, big-market match-up on some level. Ratings may even go up this year (not that young viewers watch actual TVs). Unless the Dodgers keep buzzsawing.

Both teams are pretty likeable IMO, as far as what they are right now. Yeah, they have stupid money to pay for their mistakes but Cashman has always been good at his job and the Dodgers have a cutting-edge front office. Roberts would also become just the second African-American manager to win a World Series (we all remember the last guy).

DurhamBull 2017-10-21 04:08:57 UTC #25

Astros radio announcers mentioned tonight that Ken Giles learned some pitching tips from Justin De Fratus who learned them from Brad Lidge. Random side note -- it's De Fratus' birthday today (the 21st)! Happy birthday, Justin! (thanks to baseball-reference.com).

zambonir 2017-10-21 06:52:08 UTC #26

Sure didn't like seeing Giles in there tonight but I guess he hasn't thrown that many pitches, overall, since Game 1. Will certainly be interesting if it comes down to closers.

tom81 2017-10-21 10:38:10 UTC #27

I would have had Giles pitch the 9th last night. Like you said he hasn't pitched that much. He had warmed up in the 8th after Judge's HR so he had some use that night anyway. He also has had a poor postseason and I would have welcomed the chance to get him some work in a more comfortable situation to give his confidence a boost.

EDmuch 2017-10-21 13:21:51 UTC #28

Well there is still hope to divert the Yankee Express before it gets to the station.

nycphils 2017-10-21 14:36:39 UTC #29

Got to believe Sabathia and the Yanks ridiculous bullpen have the advantage tonight over Morton and a mediocre Stros bullpen when it is one game only.

zambonir 2017-10-21 17:29:38 UTC #30

Yeah all those reasons made sense, just would have been nice if he'd pitched a little better/thrown fewer pitches. But, in a Game 7 they hopefully aren't going to need him for multiple innings with Keuchel and McCullers available.

Too bad the Astros don't have Utley to hit CC.

DurhamBull 2017-10-22 03:17:48 UTC #31

Or Shane Victorino.

Hey, that Charlie Morton guy is pretty good. Why can't the Phillies ever get someone like him?

zambonir 2017-10-22 04:39:44 UTC #32

Yup, thought of Shane too but he's not playing. Anyway, that all worked out nicely!

I guess we would have just traded Charlie Morton at the deadline anyway.