Official 2017 MLB Season Thread

[JoeTait75]

Royals with a 9 game winning streak yet can only gain one game on the freaking Indians.

Tribe has won 8 in a row but can't shake the freaking Royals.

[Clipper Nation]

Tim "GOAT" Raines is finally getting inducted into Cooperstown tomorrow!


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q4UclkYmr7g

[JoeTait75]

Tim "GOAT" Raines is finally getting inducted into Cooperstown tomorrow!


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q4UclkYmr7g

You've got to hand it to a guy who slid headfirst to avoid breaking the vials of cocaine in the back pocket of his uniform pants.

[Chris]

891452038470668288

[Clipper Nation]

891726697015410690

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891758917180698625

[Clipper Nation]

891759048437248000

[Robz4000]

Good shit Beltre. Might be his last game as a Ranger too.

[Pelicans78]

Good for him and the fans. Hopefully he's not traded to an American League contender.

[Pelicans78]

At last, the freaking Indians finally lose and the Royals take the series at Fenway. Great fucking day.

[midnightpulp]

Congrats to Rock.

lefty get your doublehandjobball loving ass in here and pay some respects.

[Pelicans78]

Tribe has won 8 in a row but can't shake the freaking Royals.

This division race might have to be settled in the ALCS.

[lefty20]

SP needed = Quintana
RP needed = Wilson
Veteran Catcher needed = Avila

Wonder if Thoe wouldn't mind tackling my Christmas shopping list while he's at it.

[Robz4000]

Can't believe the Rangers didn't move anyone. Daniels is a moron.

[Clipper Nation]

Can't believe the Rangers didn't move anyone. Daniels is a moron.
Just suckered the Dodgers into trading for Yu Darvish, tbh.

[monosylab1k]

What a stupid fucking trade. I don't care how poor Yu has been this season, you don't trade an elite starting arm, unless they're getting a king's ransom, which I doubt they did.

[monosylab1k]

And with this trade, the Rangers also take themselves out of the Otani sweepstakes too. Fucking dumbasses.

[Kim Jong-il]

892120972693618688

Dodgers held strong and the Rangers flinched.

[Robz4000]

Yep, would've rather held on to Darvish than give him up for scraps.

[lefty20]

Those couple bad starts actually worked out in LA's favor, tbh.

[Clipper Nation]

And with this trade, the Rangers also take themselves out of the Otani sweepstakes too. Fucking dumbasses.
How many of these mega-hyped Japanese pitchers have to bust in the MLB before people stop buying into them?

[monosylab1k]

How many of these mega-hyped Japanese pitchers have to bust in the MLB before people stop buying into them?

Rangers did just fine with Yu, plus Otani has the bat to be able to transition should he fail at pitching.

[midnightpulp]

Yu!

But will ClipperNation 's Japanese pitcher theory do us in?

Optimistically nervous.

[midnightpulp]

Rangers did just fine with Yu, plus Otani has the bat to be able to transition should he fail at pitching.

Side note. You called Smoak years ago. I remember you being pissed the Rangers gave up on him.

[monosylab1k]

The Jap pitcher theory is retarded. It's not 1995 anymore.

[midnightpulp]

Looking at the trade. Oh, you guys got Cliff Lee in the Smoak deal, so I guess it was justified.

[monosylab1k]

Yu!

But will ClipperNation 's Japanese pitcher theory do us in?

Optimistically nervous.

Dodgers are as stacked a team as I've seen since the 1998-2000 Yankees. If they don't win the WS it will be the biggest choke since the 07 Patriots tbh.

[midnightpulp]

Dodgers are as stacked a team as I've seen since the 1998-2000 Yankees. If they don't win the WS it will be the biggest choke since the 07 Patriots tbh.

I'm expecting it :lol

They haven't proven themselves clutch in the Kershaw-era. Bellinger will also suck in the playoffs. Kid is having a great year, but that uppercut swing is exploitable.

[monosylab1k]

Looking at the trade. Oh, you guys got Cliff Lee in the Smoak deal, so I guess it was justified.

iirc it was one of those "this is dumb unless they get to the world series" trades for me. So ultimately it was worth it for Texas. Also, to be fair, Smoak sucked for way longer than I thought he would, I had given up on him years ago :lol

[midnightpulp]

iirc it was one of those "this is dumb unless they get to the world series" trades for me. So ultimately it was worth it for Texas. Also, to be fair, Smoak sucked for way longer than I thought he would, I had given up on him years ago :lol

He's finally came around. Wonder if Toronto's band box has anything to do with it.

[Pelicans78]

Astros traded for that turd Liriano.

[lefty20]

Astros traded for that turd Liriano.

Turd is what you get when you are unwilling to offer up any significant prospects. Wouldn't be surprised if their GM is a regular practitioner of rosterbating while gazing deeply at his 40man list.

[Chris]

R.I.P Rangers :depressed

[Chris]

Split finger+screwball = nasty

http://www.mlb.com/images/3/5/0/244219350/072417_wood_splitter_1_5id6wh20.gif

[midnightpulp]

Split finger+screwball = nasty

http://www.mlb.com/images/3/5/0/244219350/072417_wood_splitter_1_5id6wh20.gif

Nasty

[midnightpulp]

R.I.P Rangers :depressed

Joey Gallo is fun to watch. If he can fix the other aspects of his hitting, he'll be a stud.

[Chris]

Joey Gallo is fun to watch. If he can fix the other aspects of his hitting, he'll be a stud.

Dark days ahead I fear. Good luck in the playoffs :toast

[Robz4000]

Yep, Rangers are poised for five years of irrelevancy ahead. Thanks Daniels.

[Fabbs]

Congrats to Altuve, Judge, Pick a Dodger or ___ (insert other MVP winner if rigged) by
:lol sports media persons. Specifically the Baseball Writers' Association of America (BBWAA).

But with all due respect to Altuve, Judge and Dodger, Trout you still the real MVP.

[Chris]

I agree Fabbs - Trout was looking very MVPish before the injury. God what a nightmare for the Rangers.

[lefty20]

Don't think anyone in their right mind would ever dispute Trout = MVP. I'd say hes joined that rare category reserved only for the elite athletes, where the silly number they put up start being taken for granted. If only the LAA had a competent FO...

[Reck]

The Sox found the lucky streak. Those Dodgers though. They're unreal this year.

[midnightpulp]

The Sox found the lucky streak. Those Dodgers though. They're unreal this year.

Told you the Sox would be fine and Tampa was a pretender.

[Reck]

Great going there Addison.

Get this faggot back to the choking Mets.

[midnightpulp]

Great going there Addison.

Get this faggot back to the choking Mets.

Tough one. 5 runs in the 8th.

[Reck]

Tough one. 5 runs in the 8th.

This is why I'm hesitent to get excited about them. They always find a way to fuck it up. And it always comes down to the pitching.

Ferrel needs to freeze Addison Reed out. This is not even the first game where he's melted down.

That atrocious base running at the end too. Jesus..

[Clipper Nation]

897259554760794112

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[Fabbs]

I agree Fabbs - Trout was looking very MVPish before the injury. God what a nightmare for the Rangers.
He is in the process of fixing one of his only holes. Strike outs.
Entire career he has always had more strikeouts then walks. Many years a pretty high number of stikeouts.

This is the first season where he is on par to have at least an equal number of walks to strikeouts.
His on base % is farking .468.
If you throw out ancient stats like pre 1930 and obvious PED stats like Barroid Bonds era fluffers, Trout is on pace to have one of the top on base in decades. Like only 3 players or so since 1995 have had a better one. Again I don't recognize Barroid. Lets see how Trout ends up.

While I am not honking his MVP chances, it will be a hoot if the MultiSkosha's make the playoffs and Trout ends up at .470 OBP with a .340 ave and 30 HRs in 175 less at bats then everyone else.

[midnightpulp]

897259554760794112

897283575510437888

897285803273060352

897286182765289473

Great story.

[Robz4000]

Rangers are starting to become more consistent offensively while the starting pitching is holding steady. Too bad the bullpen is still a mess or I could think of this team as a true Wildcard.

[Chris]

F me they're making a run. Inevitable heart break coming soon.

[Reck]

Time to battle the Yankees, say the Red Sox....let's turn to mush and lose to them again. Yay.

Faggots.

[Robz4000]

Fucking Granderson to the Doyers. If they don't win it all it'll be a legendary choke.

[lefty20]

MLB Umps having their period I see.

[Fabbs]

MultiSkoshas lose in extra innings. :rolleyes

Props to Texas for that 10th inning.

[midnightpulp]

Fucking Granderson to the Doyers. If they don't win it all it'll be a legendary choke.

Ugh. Looking like shit right now. 5 game losing streak and then barely squeak by your Dads.

Nothing is guaranteed in baseball.

[midnightpulp]

Fuckin' Dodgers. Hopefully it's a sample size glitch, but this team seems to be reverting to their inner mental midget. And of course the D-Backs are looking unbeatable. Figures.

[midnightpulp]

:lmao Gave a 4 run homer game and managed only 3 hits at home. Dodgers have problems. Fuck me.

Thread AZ sports talk doing a jig?

[Clipper Nation]

:lol Between the choke-ass Dodgers and the LOLakers, Time Warner probably wants their money back.

[Thread]

:lmao Gave a 4 run homer game and managed only 3 hits at home. Dodgers have problems. Fuck me.

Thread (http://www.spurstalk.com/forums/member.php?u=19320) AZ sports talk doing a jig?

Screw you. Every time I have misery you come a knockin' for a view & comment.

Conveniently I never see you at misery, Midst.

I ain't giving you shit.

[Robz4000]

Fucking Doyers started falling apart a month before the playoffs. New level of choking for them.

[midnightpulp]

Screw you. Every time I have misery you come a knockin' for a view & comment.

Conveniently I never see you at misery, Midst.

I ain't giving you shit.

Cub, the dodgers are my team. I'm at misery. I was just wondering how those fucks on AZ sport talk are acting. Skinning and grinning?

[Thread]

Cub, the dodgers are my team. I'm at misery. I was just wondering how those fucks on AZ sport talk are acting. Skinning and grinning?

Horseshit. I'm talking Spurs, Midst. And you know it. You never suffer in public at my feet. You never vent your spleen at total loss.

You wriggle it around until it's "a good thing." I've seen that tact here till I'm blue in the face. It's chickenshit.

I ain't giving you no more of my shit. No.

[Thread]

Cub, the dodgers are my team. I'm at misery. I was just wondering how those fucks on AZ sport talk are acting. Skinning and grinning?

I apologize, Midst. I came down on ya hard there. It's been my choice to submit myself at suffering to you & others. I have no right to expect you or anybody else to submit themselves in like manner.

Consequently, I chewed your ass because of this suffering during this endless fucking win streak and Trump's continued travails.

I can't even listen to the talk radio for long. There is just no relief there, not even a moment. The longer the streak goes the smaller the window of their talk can be enjoyed. I literally want to kill.

I'm just going to have to hope & pray a malady befalls them, or, they tighten up come that one game playoff. If it goes best of 5 with the Dodgers I won't be able to stand the gaffe & will likely go into seclusion.

Again, my fine friend, my deepest apologies to you.

- Cub

[midnightpulp]

I apologize, Midst. I came down on ya hard there. It's been my choice to submit myself at suffering to you & others. I have no right to expect you or anybody else to submit themselves in like manner.

Consequently, I chewed your ass because of this suffering during this endless fucking win streak and Trump's continued travails.

I can't even listen to the talk radio for long. There is just no relief there, not even a moment. The longer the streak goes the smaller the window of their talk can be enjoyed. I literally want to kill.

I'm just going to have to hope & pray a malady befalls them, or, they tighten up come that one game playoff. If it goes best of 5 with the Dodgers I won't be able to stand the gaffe & will likely go into seclusion.

Again, my fine friend, my deepest apologies to you.

- Cub

No prob, Cub.

Yeah, the Dodgers are driving me up the wall right now as the D-Backs are looking unbeatable. I can't figure out what's going wrong? Dodgers can't hit, pitch, and just totally lost the plot. Grim business, as you would say.

[Thread]

No prob, Cub.

Yeah, the Dodgers are driving me up the wall right now as the D-Backs are looking unbeatable. I can't figure out what's going wrong? Dodgers can't hit, pitch, and just totally lost the plot. Grim business, as you would say.

Coming back just now from the store I turned it on---off---on---off---on---off. Yackin' about blowing 8 1/2 games off that lead. Yackin' about those 3 left handers for the Dodgers. I wanted to run that car into an abutment.

[AlexJones]

Don't care what anyone else says: Mike Trout should be the AL MVP.

[midnightpulp]

Coming back just now from the store I turned it on---off---on---off---on---off. Yackin' about blowing 8 1/2 games off that lead. Yackin' about those 3 left handers for the Dodgers. I wanted to run that car into an abutment.

Jesus, Cub. ANOTHER ONE. We can't find our asses. My blood is boiling right now.

[Thread]

Jesus, Cub. ANOTHER ONE. We can't find our asses. My blood is boiling right now.

I know. I just looked at the box score. It's a living nightmare. I don't dare listen to the post game on the radio. I don't think I could stand it.

[midnightpulp]

I know. I just looked at the box score. It's a living nightmare. I don't dare listen to the post game on the radio. I don't think I could stand it.

Pedro Baez needs to be taken out back and shot.

[lefty20]

Mid, put the razor down and take a look at this...

https://www.yahoo.com/sports/dodgers-skid-bad-hardly-unprecedented-164647531.html

[Clipper Nation]

Tbh, most of those streaks were in May or June, and none were as bad as the Dodgers' current streak. Plus, the Dodgers are natural chokers. They choke in the playoffs every year :lol

[midnightpulp]

Mid, put the razor down and take a look at this...

https://www.yahoo.com/sports/dodgers-skid-bad-hardly-unprecedented-164647531.html

I'm not sure I can chalk this up to baseball variance. There's something off here. I've always said that baseball has the highest choke factor out of all team sports. It seems once the Dodgers became "aware" of their historic pace, they cracked. Granderson and Darvish are also sacks of shit. Worthless.

[midnightpulp]

Fucking Granderson to the Doyers. If they don't win it all it'll be a legendary choke.

Thanks for stomping the D-Backs. :tu

[Robz4000]

Thanks for stomping the D-Backs. :tu

Padres have been playing great as of late. If they didn't always have their yearly one month out of the season where they go 5-20 they'd be a playoff team.

[JoeTait75]

Kinda figured the Indians were going to get hot at some point- they were too good not to- but I never expected this kind of run. This is incredible.

[midnightpulp]

Kinda figured the Indians were going to get hot at some point- they were too good not to- but I never expected this kind of run. This is incredible.

Pretty amazing. And Kluber is the best pitcher in the AL. He's a master out there.

[midnightpulp]

Padres have been playing great as of late. If they didn't always have their yearly one month out of the season where they go 5-20 they'd be a playoff team.

:lmao 6 runs in the 9th. Nice one. D-Bags deserved that shit. Yet the cocksucking Dodgers still can't find their asses.

[JoeTait75]

Pretty amazing. And Kluber is the best pitcher in the AL. He's a master out there.

Kluber is the best starting pitcher I've ever seen in an Indians uniform and I go back more than three decades with this club. Actually this might be the best Indians team I've ever seen. The 1995 team was amazing, but this club might be better equipped to win the whole thing with their pitching, depth and overall balance.

BTW I know it sucks the way the Dodgers are playing, but it really doesn't matter much. They aren't the first team to take their foot off the gas late in the season with everything clinched. Obviously they need to play better at some point but for a team in their position the most important thing is to get to the postseason reasonably healthy. Once we hit October it's a brand-new season.

[AlexJones]

Pelicans78 laughed when I said the Indians and Dodgers would win their divisions in 2016. Both teams are winning their 2nd consec. Tribe 18 straight W. Lmao

[Pelicans78]

Pelicans78 (http://www.spurstalk.com/forums/member.php?u=15164) laughed when I said the Indians and Dodgers would win their divisions in 2016. Both teams are winning their 2nd consec. Tribe 18 straight W. Lmao

I picked my Royals as a homer pick especially as the defending champs with most of their roster just liked you picked your Tigers to easily win the 2012 WS against the Giants before getting their asses swept. Let's not forget how you picked the Seahawks over the Falcons last season in the playoffs. Or how you picked the Blue Jays over the Royals in the 2015 ALCS. How much money did you lose on those two bets?

[midnightpulp]

Kluber is the best starting pitcher I've ever seen in an Indians uniform and I go back more than three decades with this club. Actually this might be the best Indians team I've ever seen. The 1995 team was amazing, but this club might be better equipped to win the whole thing with their pitching, depth and overall balance.

BTW I know it sucks the way the Dodgers are playing, but it really doesn't matter much. They aren't the first team to take their foot off the gas late in the season with everything clinched. Obviously they need to play better at some point but for a team in their position the most important thing is to get to the postseason reasonably healthy. Once we hit October it's a brand-new season.

Make it 19!

Good articles about why Kluber (and the Indians staff overall) are so good.

http://www.fangraphs.com/blogs/corey-kluber-might-have-the-best-pitch-in-baseball/

Dodgers are an enigma right now. Have no clue what's going on, although Alex's Wood fastball velo has dropped like 3mph from when he was looking like a Cy Young candidate to now. Darvish, great stuff, but as RobZ knows, prone to meltdowns. And the most of the lineup was playing above projections. Chris Taylor finally remembered he was Chris Taylor and so forth. Still doesn't explain 15 losses out of 16. It's like you have to try to lose that many games.

[Clipper Nation]

Darvish, great stuff, but as RobZ knows, prone to meltdowns.
:lol Japanese pitchers

[Clipper Nation]

20 straight wins for the Tribe!

[midnightpulp]

:lol Japanese pitchers

Maeda has been shitting the bed for us, too.

[midnightpulp]

Dodgers finally fucking win and didn't make easy against one of the worst teams in the league. Christ. I've never been so irritated during a regular season stretch of games (in any sport) as I have been over these last two weeks. The 1995 Raiders starting 8-2 and then losing 6 in a row comes close. And I have a feeling the frustration won't end. They still played like shit this game.

[Spurtacular]

20 straight wins for the Tribe!

F'kn' A, man. Indians winning 20 straight yet my Angels only getting two hits when they need a win to keep pace with the Twins. Just wasting a one-run effort from their ace, too.

[Spurtacular]

I still remember that 20 streak by the A's in 02. It helped relegate my Angels to a Wild Card series vs. the vaunted Yankees. But then we beat the Yanks in four w/o home field advantage and then still had home field advantage for the next two rounds (after the Twins upset the A's) on route to beating cheater Bonds and our only ring. Good times.

[midnightpulp]

I still remember that 20 streak by the A's in 02. It helped relegate my Angels to a Wild Card series vs. the vaunted Yankees. But then we beat the Yanks in four w/o home field advantage and then still had home field advantage for the next two rounds (after the Twins upset the A's) on route to beating cheater Bonds and our only ring. Good times.

Get rid of Pujols's carcass next year (worst player in the league for the majority of the season, despite his recent hot streak) and acquire some pitching, and the Angels will be in the hunt. Great core with Trout, Simmons, Calhoun, and now Upton who is only 30 (don't know if he's an FA after this season, though).

[Spurtacular]

Get rid of Pujols's carcass next year (worst player in the league for the majority of the season, despite his recent hot streak) and acquire some pitching, and the Angels will be in the hunt. Great core with Trout, Simmons, Calhoun, and now Upton who is only 30 (don't know if he's an FA after this season, though).

I called it at the time; 10 yrs $275 M for a guy on the downhill is/was a killer even if he played up to his potential.

Angels having Trout is like the Spurs having Kawhi. It makes it fun to watch even if the rest the team is often unspectacular. He's the only untouchable as far as I'm concerned. Unfortunately, Scioscia had another untouchable back in the day. I remember when Erick Aybar couldn't be traded because Mike claimed he was too important to the offense. That's all we needed to trade away to get Roy Halladay for a playoff run (a steal!). I just thought, what f'ing BS. Keep the mediocre midget and call him untouchable instead of getting an ace. It's always been this way. Even in 02 we won despite Scioscia. I used to defend the guy; but it's pretty clear this team sputters with him at the helm.

[Mark Celibate]

I called it at the time; 10 yrs $275 M for a guy on the downhill is/was a killer even if he played up to his potential.

Angels having Trout is like the Spurs having Kawhi. It makes it fun to watch even if the rest the team is often unspectacular. He's the only untouchable as far as I'm concerned. Unfortunately, Scioscia had another untouchable back in the day. I remember when Erick Aybar couldn't be traded because Mike claimed he was too important to the offense. That's all we needed to trade away to get Roy Halladay for a playoff run (a steal!). I just thought, what f'ing BS. Keep the mediocre midget and call him untouchable instead of getting an ace. It's always been this way. Even in 02 we won despite Scioscia. I used to defend the guy; but it's pretty clear this team sputters with him at the helm.

Erick Aybar was "untouchable" and they wouldn't even trade him for Roy Halladay? wtf? never heard about det one

[Spurtacular]

Erick Aybar was "untouchable" and they wouldn't even trade him for Roy Halladay? wtf? never heard about det one

Yea, I'd have to do research on the year. 2009 would be my best guess. I misspoke when I stated it was because of his offense; I meant his defense. MS basically said it would all go to hell w/o him up the middle. Can you imagine passing on an ace because you have that much doubt about the next best option? And it's not like EA brought sh** to the table offensively. Anything dropped on D could very well have been made up for by a SS with any power. Yea, it wasn't just a rumor either. MS candidately excused that Aybar for Halliday was not something they would do.

[Spurtacular]

Damn, called the year after all these years. Pretty good considering I haven't been following it nearly as closely in this decade.

http://bluejayhunter.com/2014/08/flashback-friday-halladay-almost-traded-to-la.html


“Talks broke down when the Angels refused to include shortstop Erick Aybar in their offer. Then-Toronto General Manager J.P. Ricciardi was believed to have asked for a pitcher, either Jered Weaver or Joe Saunders, Aybar and outfield prospect Peter Bourjos.”

Unfucking real!

[AlexJones]

I can't even imgaine if the Indians had Jason Kipnis and Michael Brantley healthy.

[Spurtacular]

Damn, called the year after all these years. Pretty good considering I haven't been following it nearly as closely in this decade.

http://bluejayhunter.com/2014/08/flashback-friday-halladay-almost-traded-to-la.html



Unfucking real!

Fucking hell; I loved Dick Schofield or Gary DiSarcina. But I wouldn't have to think twice about trading either of them for Roger Clemens or Greg Maddux!

[AlexJones]

Poor Pelicans78.. nigga thought the Tribe were gonna drop the streak tonight. And now he has to endure an angry Tom Brady tearing his team apart AT HOME

[midnightpulp]

Indians are playing magical baseball. So smart at the plate, too. I'd love to see their combined average/ops on 2 strike counts. They simply don't chase and know how to punish outer half payoff pitches by going opposite way.

[JoeTait75]

I can't even imgaine if the Indians had Jason Kipnis and Michael Brantley healthy.

It's been like this for two years. One guy goes down, another guy steps in and does the job. The depth of this club is unbelievable. There is no dead wood- everyone on the roster contributes in one way or another.

[Fabbs]

Fark!
Choking teams vs Minnesota.

I'm still holding out hope that Trout can lead the Angels beyond Skoskas incompetence.

[Pelicans78]

Poor Pelicans78 (http://www.spurstalk.com/forums/member.php?u=15164).. nigga thought the Tribe were gonna drop the streak tonight. And now he has to endure an angry Tom Brady tearing his team apart AT HOME

Didn't even bother watching the game. Royals have been done since early August. But thanks for thinking about me. I'll be at the game Sunday so your ass better hope your prediction comes true because I'm gonna tear you a new one if it doesn't.

[Pelicans78]

Poor Pelicans78 (http://www.spurstalk.com/forums/member.php?u=15164).. nigga thought the Tribe were gonna drop the streak tonight. And now he has to endure an angry Tom Brady tearing his team apart AT HOME

:lol

[JoeTait75]

Alas, The Streak is over. But it's okay, we've got a lot of baseball left to be played.

[Pelicans78]

Alas, The Streak is over. But it's okay, we've got a lot of baseball left to be played.

Seriously, that was an awesome streak. If I wasn't a Royals fan, I would have wished for the streak to continue. Good luck to the Tribe the rest of the way.

[Spurtacular]

Fark!
Choking teams vs Minnesota.

I'm still holding out hope that Trout can lead the Angels beyond Skoskas incompetence.

They don't have the line-up to win consistently, imo. But "hope" all the same, I guess.

[JoeTait75]

Seriously, that was an awesome streak. If I wasn't a Royals fan, I would have wished for the streak to continue. Good luck to the Tribe the rest of the way.

Thanks. The 2015 Royals are the template. They suffered a heartbreaking Game 7 World Series loss and came back the next year to win the whole thing; hopefully the Tribe can do the same.

[midnightpulp]

They don't have the line-up to win consistently, imo. But "hope" all the same, I guess.

Also gotta keep Implosion Bedrosian out of any and all high leverage situations. Only 2 gb of the WC, though.

[midnightpulp]

Alas, The Streak is over. But it's okay, we've got a lot of baseball left to be played.

Amazing run. I really though Frankie was going to come up big again. Looked too amped up there, swinging at some bad pitches unfortunately. You could tell he wanted it bad.

[JoeTait75]

Amazing run. I really though Frankie was going to come up big again. Looked too amped up there, swinging at some bad pitches unfortunately. You could tell he wanted it bad.

He was definitely pressing and when you start pressing and playing outside of yourself to keep the streak going, that's a good time for the streak to end.

BTW, looks like the Dodgers have their mojo back.

[Reck]

Indians are playing magical baseball. So smart at the plate, too. I'd love to see their combined average/ops on 2 strike counts. They simply don't chase and know how to punish outer half payoff pitches by going opposite way.

They will either roll everyone through and keep winning going into the playoffs or they will get stopped cold turkey like what happened to the Dodgers.

I think they're using all their luck on the home stretch.

Kinds of reminds me of the Red Sox last year. Stout coming in and got outed in the first round. Ironically by this same Indians.

Hopefully the roles reverse this time.

[midnightpulp]

They will either roll everyone through and keep winning going into the playoffs or they will get stopped cold turkey like what happened to the Dodgers.

I think they're using all their luck on the home stretch.

Kinds of reminds me of the Red Sox last year. Stout coming in and got outed in the first round. Ironically by this same Indians.

Hopefully the roles reverse this time.

Any of the AL division leaders have a shot at winning the pennant. All have strong starting pitching with Cy Young level aces (Kluber, Sale, Keuchel), strong closers (Kimbrel, Giles, Allen). Indians do have the bullpen edge with Andrew Miller and Shaw, but Miller isn't invulnerable, as we saw in the WBC and last year's World Series. Red Sox Achilles is their lack or power, but they try to compensate that with pressuring on the basepads. Their below league average OPS+ is concerning though. Indians beat them on paper, but it's baseball where the choke factor matters more than anything else.

[Spurtacular]

More impressive streak: Cleveland Indians winning 22 in a row or Hillary Clinton's book 'What Happened' at 48-and-counting five-star reviews in a row on Amazon?

[Reck]

Any of the AL division leaders have a shot at winning the pennant. All have strong starting pitching with Cy Young level aces (Kluber, Sale, Keuchel), strong closers (Kimbrel, Giles, Allen). Indians do have the bullpen edge with Andrew Miller and Shaw, but Miller isn't invulnerable, as we saw in the WBC and last year's World Series. Red Sox Achilles is their lack or power, but they try to compensate that with pressuring on the basepads. Their below league average OPS+ is concerning though. Indians beat them on paper, but it's baseball where the choke factor matters more than anything else.

I feel a little less concerned about Red Sox inability to hit the ball hard in the playoffs.

I think most teams step up big time and make it a game of will in GO time. Honestly I'm more worried about Red Sox ability to choke at will during these winding times going INTO the playoffs.

Yankees can still nip them.

[AlexJones]

under no circmstance this chicago cubs team going to lose to the nationals

[lefty20]

under no circmstance this chicago cubs team going to lose to the nationals

I admire ur confidence. Cubbies have played very well since the ASB, but the Nats will still give us a all we can handle.

PS I'm more worried about facing Godphy than I am of either Hairper or Strikezer, tbh.

[JoeTait75]

This postseason field is a monster. Potentially three 100-win teams, eight +100 run-differential teams, potentially three or even four teams with +200 run differentials, Dodgers and Indians teams that had long all-time dominant RS stretches, the defending champions... I don't know for sure but this has got to be the strongest field in a very long time.

From my standpoint it sucks that maybe the best Tribe team since 1948 has to face this kind of field, but whatever. If it's meant to happen it'll happen; if it isn't it won't.

[midnightpulp]

This postseason field is a monster. Potentially three 100-win teams, eight +100 run-differential teams, potentially three or even four teams with +200 run differentials, Dodgers and Indians teams that had long all-time dominant RS stretches, the defending champions... I don't know for sure but this has got to be the strongest field in a very long time.

From my standpoint it sucks that maybe the best Tribe team since 1948 has to face this kind of field, but whatever. If it's meant to happen it'll happen; if it isn't it won't.

Just about to come here to post this. Indians pitching vs. Astros offense is a match made in baseball heaven. But it's baseball, and I'm not overlooking the Yanks/Twins or Sox playing spoiler. Post-season is a different animal of pressure (although the Indians are the best equipped on that front, I think).

[midnightpulp]

under no circmstance this chicago cubs team going to lose to the nationals

Surprised at that take, considering the 3 headed monster of Scherzer, Strasberg, and Gonzalez. Cubs pitching has been lukewarm all year.

[Reck]

Red Sox were touch and go there but finally clinched the AL East division. Fuck you Yankees.

[Fabbs]

Altuve has to be the MVP choice, right?

Or did Judge heat up enough in time to challenge

By this I mean fuck what the media tards vote, I mean amongst us.

[lefty20]

I'd give it to Altuve. But it's close enough that you can't really fault someone for giving it to either of them. Judge bouncing back from is post ASB slump definitely made this a very interesting race.

[Robz4000]

Great game to start the postseason imo.

[Pelicans78]

I hope the Tribe kick their ass.

[midnightpulp]

Great game to start the postseason imo.

Indeed. Gotta love post-season pressure, where solid pitchers like Santana and Severino turn into Bud Norris.

[JoeTait75]

I hope the Tribe kick their ass.

The Yankees are a formidable opponent with their lineup and their bullpen. But if the Indians are as good as I think they are, they'll handle business.

[Clipper Nation]

Diamondbacks/Rockies tonight is going to be amazing.

[lefty20]

Damn!

[Clipper Nation]

Ketel Marte is the first player with multiple triples in a playoff game since Mariano Duncan did it on the '93 Phillies. Only eight players have ever done it. :wow

[AlexJones]

This could come down to Fernando Rodney in a save situation with 1 run lead

[Robz4000]

This fucking game.

[Robz4000]

All dem trips

[Clipper Nation]

915785952819281920

[Robz4000]

I think the D'Backs beat the Doyers in 4.

[midnightpulp]

Hell of game. Goddammit Thread, I just knew the Rockies wouldn't act like somebody. A triple to the pitcher with 2 outs and 2 strikes? Fuck me.

[Clipper Nation]

Thread, get in here and celebrate! Your Diamondbacks won!

[midnightpulp]

915785952819281920

I would like to see mega huge parks make a comeback. When guys like Odor are hitting 30 bombs, you know the modern day player has "caught up" to modern park dimensions. Yeah, juiced ball and all that, but a physicist did a break down and determined it only adds about 7 feet of distance. In addition to that, so much speed in outfields today. These guys are running down fly balls like going out to lunch. Would love to see Buxton and Hamilton operate in such a park.

[Reck]

Red Sox players already breaking down one pitch in. LOL

[Reck]

:lmao Red Sox
:lmao Overrated Chris Sales
:lmao About to get swept

[lefty20]

umm do the sox not have a bullpen?

[AlexJones]

John Farrell is a clown. There is no reason for Sale to still be in the game. Espeically if you need him for game 4.

[Clipper Nation]

:lol Sale
:lol The new Price

[Clipper Nation]

Three home runs for Altuve!

[Robz4000]

Altuve is a fucking legend

[lefty20]

Tribe up 3-0.... Yanks got em right where they want em, tbh.

[midnightpulp]

Three home runs for Altuve!

Amazing. Best Athlete in Houstons.

:lol Frauden
:lol Watt

[midnightpulp]

Tribe up 3-0.... Yanks got em right where they want em, tbh.

That was a mismatch tonight. Surgeon pitching vs. a bunch of amped up young players trying to go deep every swing.

[JoeTait75]

That was our third starter, fellas.

Great night for the Tribe. Tito's gamble paid off, Bauer was brilliant and even though they blew some opportunities I thought the Tribe's approach at the plate was terrific. We're in good shape.

[midnightpulp]

That was our third starter, fellas.

Great night for the Tribe. Tito's gamble paid off, Bauer was brilliant and even though they blew some opportunities I thought the Tribe's approach at the plate was terrific. We're in good shape.

Yankees have no chance against your pitching. They're a fast ball hitting team and Cleveland throws more off-speed than anyone.

[AlexJones]

non-HR hitting teams like the red sox not doing so well in the postseason as of late tbh

thoughts and prayers to idiots like Pelicans78 :lmao

[Clipper Nation]

League and umps doing everything they can to keep the Red Sox in it. Angel Hernandez is a joke.

[AlexJones]

Not many fluke teams left in MLB after the Royals fluked one for the ages. I guess Rangers in 2016 but they were decent and got swept, so doesn't really count. Only top tier ballclubs left

[Pelicans78]

non-HR hitting teams like the red sox not doing so well in the postseason as of late tbh

thoughts and prayers to idiots like Pelicans78 (http://www.spurstalk.com/forums/member.php?u=15164) :lmao

Still obsessed with me and still trying to pretend you have any kind of intelligence despite routinely have shitty picks and predictions. You're not on my level homie so don't even try to start. Like Richard Sherman said once, "I'm better at life than you".

And besides, the game has dramatically changed since teams like the Royals and Giants won the World Series. Home runs have dramatically increased the last two seasons surpassing steroid era numbers. Any idiot can see that, especially a dunce like you.

[Clipper Nation]

Angel Hernandez is the Red Sox MVP today. Just awful calls all screwing over the Astros. The league is so desperate for another fluke Red Sox title run, it's not even funny.

[Pelicans78]

Not even bad umpiring will keep the Red Sox in this series. They don't have the pitching to keep up with the Stros.

[Pelicans78]

Hoping the Astros and Indians sweep their series so the real playoffs can begin.

[Clipper Nation]

Not even bad umpiring will keep the Red Sox in this series. They don't have the pitching to keep up with the Stros.
Oh, I agree, the Astros should sweep them still. But it won't stop the league and umps from doing everything they can to help their beloved Red Sox.

[AlexJones]

HR hitting teams dont win titles = NBA 3 point shooting teams don't win titles.

same people who think this about mlb also would've predicted hte pelicans beating Golden State in 2015. *cough*

[lefty20]

Hernandez is the MLB's version for Joey Crawford. Possibly even worse, tbh.

[Pelicans78]

HR hitting teams dont win titles = NBA 3 point shooting teams don't win titles.

same people who think this about mlb also would've predicted hte pelicans beating Golden State in 2015. *cough*

Bringing up another homer pick when you were slobbering over your 2012 Tigers before they got swept :lol

[Robz4000]

Stros/Tribe is gonna be a hell of a series.

[Clipper Nation]

:lol Correa pimp-slapping the Saux.

[lefty20]

Tribe pitching vs Stros hitting match-up is definitely the stuff of baseball dreams.

[Clipper Nation]

Kluber already in choke mode.

[lefty20]

It seems that baby bombers not ready to fold quite just yet.

[Clipper Nation]

Encarnacion just rolled his ankle... looked pretty bad.

[Clipper Nation]

Is that Kluber or Kershaw out there? Can't tell the difference from that chokejob :lol

[Robz4000]

Spoke too soon about the Injuns...

:lmao Kluber

[lefty20]

Strasburg looks nasty early on, don't like this one bit.

[Robz4000]

:lmao Joe Girardi

[Clipper Nation]

WTF? I long since flipped over to Cubs/Nats. How did the Indians manage to tie this up?

[Robz4000]

WTF? I long since flipped over to Cubs/Nats. How did the Indians manage to tie this up?


:lmao Joe Girardi

[lefty20]

TBS streaming app is complete fucking shite, tbh.

[lefty20]

#Bryzzo doing work

[Robz4000]

:lmao Girardi again holy fuck

[Clipper Nation]

Yan Gomes walks it off! Indians win!

[JoeTait75]

I've seen some insane Tribe postseason games, starting with the Tony Pena 13-inning walkoff against the Red Sox in Game 1 of the '95 ALDS, but this one takes the cake. Utter insanity. I'm glad they won. I'm more glad its over. Losing Encarnacion is a fucking tragedy.

[lefty20]

GG. Happy to see the Professor do what he was suppose to. But I've got no idea what to expect form Lester 2morrow, he's been unreliable/inconsistent for majority of the season.

[lefty20]

This has got to be some kind of record with the amount pitchers having early game meltdowns

[Robz4000]

Eww, this D'Backs pitcher. Kershaw doesn't even get to have the chance to choke.

[DeadlyDynasty]

This is hard to watch

[midnightpulp]

Eww, this D'Backs pitcher. Kershaw doesn't even get to have the chance to choke.

I'm holding my breath.

[midnightpulp]

I've seen some insane Tribe postseason games, starting with the Tony Pena 13-inning walkoff against the Red Sox in Game 1 of the '95 ALDS, but this one takes the cake. Utter insanity. I'm glad they won. I'm more glad its over. Losing Encarnacion is a fucking tragedy.

Unfortunately missed most of the game. Was Kluber off or were the Yanks just dialed in? I would've bet my house that Kluber wouldn't have given up more than 3 runs, and yet he got shelled. That's playoff baseball for you.

[JoeTait75]

Unfortunately missed most of the game. Was Kluber off or were the Yanks just dialed in? I would've bet my house that Kluber wouldn't have given up more than 3 runs, and yet he got shelled. That's playoff baseball for you.

Kluber was just off. He just didn't have it. What's surprising is he couldn't bounce back from his early struggles; he usually does. He had a game against the White Sox during the Streak in which he got cuffed around in the first inning and came back to strike out 13 (of course, the White Sox aren't the Yankees.) He was on six days rest so if anything he may have been too rested, I don't know. I'm not worried about Corey Kluber, though. He'll be fine.

[midnightpulp]

Kluber was just off. He just didn't have it. What's surprising is he couldn't bounce back from his early struggles; he usually does. He had a game against the White Sox during the Streak in which he got cuffed around in the first inning and came back to strike out 13 (of course, the White Sox aren't the Yankees.) He was on six days rest so if anything he may have been too rested, I don't know. I'm not worried about Corey Kluber, though. He'll be fine.

Indeed. Good to get the "choke game" out of the way early and in a win.

[midnightpulp]

Not going to be comfortable with anything less than a 10 run lead.

[Clipper Nation]

916489846222458886

[JoeTait75]

916489846222458886

Hammy is fucking great.

[midnightpulp]

I knew it we needed a 10 run fucking lead to ensure this shit.

Fuckin' Kershaw and 7th innings. And Granderson and Grandal are simply worthless.

[lefty20]

Well fuck!

[lefty20]

Did the moron next to Ernie just say that Davis was setting up Chapman last year?

[midnightpulp]

Opened it up. Now hold the lead.

[midnightpulp]

Phew. Made it harder than it had to be, though. This BP is gonna choke a game away sooner than later.

[Robz4000]

Surprised the Doyers have a 2-0 lead while the Cubs don't; Nats choke harder than LA.

[midnightpulp]

Surprised the Doyers have a 2-0 lead while the Cubs don't; Nats choke harder than LA.

Dodgers are looking like the Dodgers of mid-season finally, at least offensively. Bullpen is trending down aside from Jansen, but it seems every team's bullpen is getting hammered this October.

[Clipper Nation]

Astros already pouring it on, up 3-0 in the 1st.

[Clipper Nation]

The Astros are turning back into the same old Astros.

[Clipper Nation]

Astros are in full-on Houston sports choke mode.

[Clipper Nation]

Go Indians, tbh. Probably our only hope of avoiding another nauseating Boston sports title run.

[lefty20]

It's only one game. I'm sure Astors will finish em off 2morrow.

[Robz4000]

Hell of a game in the Bronx.

[lefty20]

Looks like Dodgers will be the only team to sweep LDS.

[JoeTait75]

From a fan's perspective that was a great game. Tribe lost this one because they abandoned their normal patient approach at the plate and were flailing wildly at pitches outside the zone. They- particularly Lindor and Ramirez- just need to settle down a little bit.

[midnightpulp]

From a fan's perspective that was a great game. Tribe lost this one because they abandoned their normal patient approach at the plate and were flailing wildly at pitches outside the zone. They- particularly Lindor and Ramirez- just need to settle down a little bit.

Tanaka was really on tonight. Dotting the zone with that sinker. Just a tough pitch to hit when he's locating like that. Carrasco was just as brilliant. Also a different ballgame if Aaron Judge was only 6'1" or something :lol

Indians claimed a small victory tonight in making Chapman throw 30 some pitches. And Santana missed a 3 run shot off Chapman by this || much.

[JoeTait75]

The Yankees really are a good club, BTW, and they probably should be up 2-1 in this series.

[Clipper Nation]

FS1's announcers have reached a new level of pathetic. They're actually advocating for John Farrell to pull a Bobby V and sneak back into the dugout after getting ejected.

[Clipper Nation]

AJ Hinch overmanaging yet again. Why is Verlander warming up?

[Clipper Nation]

Same old Astros.

[Clipper Nation]

:lol Hinch is so stupid, for real. Giles for six outs? That's dumb even if it works.

[Clipper Nation]

Playoff Beltran turning back the clock to 2004 :wow

[lefty20]

Tease the pitcher with a perfecto/no-no into the 6th then crush him thereafter... been the signature move for the Cubbies over the last few weeks. It would be nice if that happened again.

[Clipper Nation]

B:lolst:loln

[Clipper Nation]

Schwarber looking Buckner-esque out there :lol

[Robz4000]

Good shit by the Astros :tu

[lefty20]

Dusty doing the Cubs a solid by taking out Strikezer, tbh.

[Clipper Nation]

CRAZY double play by the Nats!

[lefty20]

Giving away outs when we are struggling to get on...:bang

[lefty20]

Oh lawd have mercy. That was Javy-esque.

[lefty20]

Stella-r AB there.

[lefty20]

Papa bear bringing the cubbie home safely :toast

[Clipper Nation]

SMH. The Nationals are a waste of a playoff spot every year. Can't they just go back to the basement and let one of the real franchises in their division start making the playoffs again?

[lefty20]

God Damn! Nothing shaves years of the life like playoff baseball stress, but I wouldn't have it any other way.

[The Gemini Method]

That end of the Astros v. Red Sox and the Nationals vs. Cubs was pretty intense.

[Robz4000]

SMH. The Nationals are a waste of a playoff spot every year. Can't they just go back to the basement and let one of the real franchises in their division start making the playoffs again?

Bryce Harper and Dusty Baker have no business being in the playoffs.

[Fabbs]

What a weeny arm on that Cleveland CF on the shallow flyball tag up.
With a huge running start throws a soft one bouncer. :lol

Injury to arm?

[JoeTait75]

The Indians are fortunate they're going home at 2-2 w/Kluber on the mound for Game 5 because the Yankees probably should have wrapped this series up already.

[midnightpulp]

The Indians are fortunate they're going home at 2-2 w/Kluber on the mound for Game 5 because the Yankees probably should have wrapped this series up already.

Did you agree with starting Bauer on 3 day's rest?

[midnightpulp]

Thread we did it! You can sleep easy now.

[lefty20]

Who would you rather face Cubs or Nats?

[midnightpulp]

Who would you rather face Cubs or Nats?

Cubbies. Sherzer/Strasberg/Gio scares me, but you guys are pitching lights out lately aside from that Carl Edwards blip. Either team is gonna be tough.

[Robz4000]

Cubbies. Sherzer/Strasberg/Gio scares me, but you guys are pitching lights out lately aside from that Carl Edwards blip. Either team is gonna be tough.

D'Backs were the bigger challenge imo, both mentally and physically when you consider how they'd beaten up the Doyers the past month and a half and with how much momentum they had coming into the series. They'll have the added motivation from last year's loss to the Cubs to push them if they see them this year, and the Nats are the only team to choke harder than LA the past five years in the MLB.

[midnightpulp]

D'Backs were the bigger challenge imo, both mentally and physically when you consider how they'd beaten up the Doyers the past month and a half and with how much momentum they had coming into the series. They'll have the added motivation from last year's loss to the Cubs to push them if they see them this year, and the Nats are the only team to choke harder than LA the past five years in the MLB.

Agreed. D-Backs scared me more than any other NL team. Dodgers couldn't figure out Ray in the regular season and got hammered by the deep lineup all September. I'm a bit more comfortable facing the Cubs since I don't want to see Scherzer go Bumgarner. Cubs have proven to have the clutch gene now, though, especially Rizzo. Love his approach and he loathes striking out.

[JoeTait75]

Did you agree with starting Bauer on 3 day's rest?

At the time I was on board with it. Obviously it didn't work out. In retrospect it doesn't make much sense to carry six starters on your roster for a best-of-five series and then start one of them on three days' rest. A lot of Tito's roster decisions are going to be second-guessed if the Indians lose this thing.

[Reck]

Your yearly Red Sox choke, errone.

I knew these faggots would pull one of their classic no shows.

[midnightpulp]

Your yearly Red Sox choke, errone.

I knew these faggots would pull one of their classic no shows.

Kimbrel wild pitch was killer.

[lefty20]

Game postponed. Huge break for the Nats, tbh.

[lefty20]

Just heard that Nats intend on sticking with Tanner Roark instead of going with Strasburg with regular rest. I'm sure he'll be on a very short leash but it still seems like a risky move when you are facing elimination.

[Robz4000]

Just heard that Nats intend on sticking with Tanner Roark instead of going with Strasburg with regular rest. I'm sure he'll be on a very short leash but it still seems like a risky move when you are facing elimination.

Strasburg is sick tbh, otherwise he'd be the starter.

[lefty20]

Fucking wind

[lefty20]

lol getting picked of by Lester :lol

[Clipper Nation]

Michael A. Taylor with the grand slam!

:lol Cubs

[lefty20]

GG. On to game 5 now. The professor should take care of business on the road. I do wonder if they'll bring out Strikezer out of the pen on short rest.

[Clipper Nation]

Aaron Judge just set the record for most strikeouts in a playoff series.

[Clipper Nation]

That's two home runs now for Gregorious!

Man, I gave the Indians the injury excuse for the World Series last year, but now it's pretty clear that they're just massive chokers.

[Robz4000]

Fucking Cleveland

[Clipper Nation]

Kluber taken out already... the biggest choker on a team full of chokers.

[Clipper Nation]

Sabathia suddenly looking old and tired.

[Robz4000]

Nevermind, Cleveland cracked the Yankees.

[Clipper Nation]

This strike zone the Yankees are getting is such a joke, it's reminiscent of the '90s Braves.

[Clipper Nation]

:lmao Indians
:lmao That cute regular-season team

[lefty20]

What an AB there

[resistanze]

Historic choke iob

[Robz4000]

Welp, Gardner clutched the fuck up per par. I really hope we don't end up with a NY/LA WS.