MLB Playoffs

[Hammer]

So is your team in? How do you like their chances? If your team is not in the playoffs, is there a team you are rooting for?

[Melanie]

Oh my goodness, where to start? It's crazy for our household this year. Braves in - YAY! So happy for Bobby, but I'm pretty certain they don't have what it takes to get very far. Not a pessimist, just being realistic, especially with the pitching they'll be facing. My adopted hometown Rays are in and I couldn't be happier. Their play in this last month has been just a notch above dismal though. I hope their knowing they were a lock for the playoffs had something to do with that. Now Longo needs to get back healthy and I'll feel a lot better. Can't wait to see what crazy outfits they come up with for travel. They have so much fun with that!

But here's the issue with my family. My DH is a Texan and lifelong Ranger fan, so he's not liking the first round matchup. And my youngest, a Yankee fan through and through. Ugh. Hopefully the Twins can jump on CC, take game 1 and never look back.

I CAN'T WAIT! I October!

[Ms. Mode]

Go BRAVES!

(But...I don't hold out much hope...they just aren't hitting the ball right now.)

[Dopey's Girl]

GO Twins, GO!

[RedSoxFan]

My Red Sox are not in ---- so I guess I'll cheer on the Rays. So long as the Yankees don't win; I'll be happy with whatever team wins the World Series.

[Ian]

First off, I was happy to see the Rays win the East and not the Yankees. I've been wrong before about them, but I wouldn't be at all shocked the see the Yankees ousted in the first round. Their pitching is a mess and they've been playing dismally the last month or so. You've got to go in on a roll.

That being said, they're the Yankees and the defending World Champs so they basically deserve respect until proven otherwise.

I'm very happy with the way the NL playoff picture played out. The Phils have their rotation set, drew probably the most favorable first round match-up they could have, and are going in smokin' hot.

I'm really excited for Wednesday!

[ftwildernesskid]

Go Reds!!! It's been a long time coming and I'm so excited we're in the play offs!!!!

[Pagan]

First off, I was happy to see the Rays win the East and not the Yankees.

So was I...I don't think anyone wants a piece of Texas in the first round. Coming in as the wild card actually works to the Yankees advantage.

[Hammer]

So was I...I don't think anyone wants a piece of Texas in the first round. Coming in as the wild card actually works to the Yankees advantage.

Well, after Lee, I'm not that impressed with the Rangers' pitching staff, and Lee is banged up this year (though I put nothing past him in the post season).

Remember, the Twins now play in an outdoor stadium. Yes it is cold in NYC, but it's colder in Minneapolis! Also, this year, they have a better DH in Jim Thome.

Never mentioned who I was rooting for (though I think you all know who my #1 team is ). Besides the Phillies, I am most definitely rooting for the Rays. I like the team, but it is more for my parents, especially my Dad. My Dad passed away in July (I did not really publicize it to the boards) due to complications from cancer. My parents adopted the Rays when they retired to Clearwater and Dad enjoyed going to games, with me flying down at least once a year to join him at a game, and we always talked about how each of our teams were doing when we talked on the phone, right up to the point where he could not talk anymore. Dad went to playoff games in 2008. Sadly, my Dad passed away a couple of weeks before Garza threw his no-hitter, but we all watched for him.

Our family will be watching, with Mom wearing Dad's Rays shirt.

[kakn7294]

My team is the Pirates who definately are NOT in it with the worst record in baseball and a losing record for the past 18 yrs. *sigh* I'll be rooting for the Yankees with my DH.

[darthmacho]

I hate to admit this, but being a Red Sox fan, I am rooting for the 7 teams that aren't the Yankees. Sadly, in any given years, those still aren't great odds.

I would like to see the Rays win one, but I'm also pulling for the Reds, if only for old friend, Bronson Arroyo.

[Hammer]

My team is the Pirates who definately are NOT in it with the worst record in baseball and a losing record for the past 18 yrs. *sigh* I'll be rooting for the Yankees with my DH.

Kathy, in the MLB regular season wrap up thread, I actually speak about the Pirates, especially for you! Hang with 'em, Kathy, and I'll hope that that they will someday get better ownership .

[kakn7294]

Kathy, in the MLB regular season wrap up thread, I actually speak about the Pirates, especially for you! Hang with 'em, Kathy, and I'll hope that that they will someday get better ownership .

Thanks Christine! They fired John Russell today so maybe we'll get someone in there who can work with the young talent we do have. I truly believe that with proper management these kids can turn it around - not to make the playoffs but to at least have a winning season and not be the laughingstock of baseball. As for ownership, I think we're unfortunately stuck with them for a while.

[Hammer]

I think everyone must be in shock over the first day of the playoffs! Observations:

1) Guess Roy Halladay didn't have any jitters from being in the playoffs for the first time! My favorite comment from after the game came from Roy Oswalt when he recounted a conversation with Cole Hamels, "Glad I don't have to pitch next"

2) Rays have got to covert better with runners in scoring position. Don't know why they had Baldelli instead of Aybar in as DH.

3) Night game was pretty good, but if I was a Yankee fan, I would be a bit nervous as your ace did well, but he did not shut them down like Lee and Halladay did their opponents, which is what an ace should do. If you have to be bringing in Rivera in the eighth for the first round, he may be worn out by the later rounds.

[Melanie]

2) Rays have got to covert better with runners in scoring position. Don't know why they had Baldelli instead of Aybar in as DH.

He's not on the roster. At least he didn't throw a fit and leave when he was told like Dioner Navarro did.

My fears were confirmed with this first game. Not sure what's up with this team, and even Longo being back didn't spark them. No doubt, leaving men on base like that will not win you games. That first inning bases loaded strike out by Baldelli was a killer.

[kakn7294]

Night game was pretty good, but if I was a Yankee fan, I would be a bit nervous as your ace did well, but he did not shut them down like Lee and Halladay did their opponents, which is what an ace should do. If you have to be bringing in Rivera in the eighth for the first round, he may be worn out by the later rounds.

Yankees haven't been playing well as of late - they actually should have finished first rather than making it into the playoffs as a wild card team. It is nerve-wracking to a Yankee fan (and his family!). Hopefully they figure out what has them in this slump and fix it quick or this may be a short post-season for them.

[Melanie]

Yankees haven't been playing well as of late - they actually should have finished first rather than making it into the playoffs as a wild card team.

And the same could be said for the Rays if they'd been the wild card.

Oh, and major props to Halladay. Amazing!

[Hammer]

He's not on the roster. At least he didn't throw a fit and leave when he was told like Dioner Navarro did.

My fears were confirmed with this first game. Not sure what's up with this team, and even Longo being back didn't spark them. No doubt, leaving men on base like that will not win you games. That first inning bases loaded strike out by Baldelli was a killer.

My Mom and I were saying it was a really stupid move by Maddon to not have Aybar on the playoff roster and it was proven with Baldelli's strikeout in the first. We aren't talking Mike Sweeney here who has never been on a playoff team. He was on the Red Sox after he left the Rays the first time!

I had to laugh talking to my Mom after the game. She was ranting on how Maddon deserved to be fired for the move. I asked her if she was channeling Dad with her reaction!

[Melanie]

I had to laugh talking to my Mom after the game. She was ranting on how Maddon deserved to be fired for the move. I asked her if she was channeling Dad with her reaction!

[PirateLover]

I have been to many sporting events in my life and as most of you probably know by now I am a partial season ticket holder for the Phillies. I was lucky enough to be sitting in section 211, row 10, seat 10 for last night's no hitter. By far the single most memorable game I have ever witnessed in person. The last two inning we were handing out high fives for every strike. Our section was great. I'm glad I bought my program before the game, the line afterward was insane!

LET'S GO PHILLIES!!!!!!!!