Let's play 20 questions:
(1) When was Twisted Sister hired by the Rays?
During the frustratingly long pre-game show, Kevin Kennedy was really overselling the Rays new attitude, which was, "We're not gonna take it anymore!" This was a good example of the completely pointless information shared with viewers during a completely pointless pre-game show. Poor little Paige just wanted the game to start - and so did I.
(2) Regarding the National Anthem: What the hell was that?
If you didn't see it, count yourself among the lucky ones. If you did, well, seriously, can you tell me - what the hell was that?
(3) After Chase Utley hit his two-run home run, was I the only one who thought Pat Burrell was going to hit a solo shot?
Come on, be honest. I'm sure there were some others somewhere who were instantly reminded of what happened in the sixth inning of Game One of the NLCS. The good news is it came early, the bad news is that Pat struck out.
(4) Which was more confusing - understanding the ground rules or listening to Joe Buck incorrectly explain the ground rules?
To his credit, he did review them again later and got them right.
(5) Why try to score Shane Victorino on Jimmy Rollins' pop fly in the second inning?
First of all, I don't understand why you wouldn't give Jayson Werth, who was on deck, a chance to bat with the bases loaded (and two outs), and, perhaps more importantly, the ball was in shallow center field. No matter who made it, it was a bad decision.
(6) How concerned should I be that I agreed with Tim McCarver's assessment of the "weird" infield alignment when Ryan Howard was batting with Chase Utley at third base and one out in the third inning?
There were three infielders on the right side and they were in. The third baseman was standing practically next to third. Fuck the heck?
(7) Is B.J. Upton slow or lazy?
Clearly I'm being facetious, but I thought Upton was fast. He dogged it down the line when he grounded into a double play in the first inning. He dogged it down the line when he grounded into a double play in the third inning. And then he didn't run down Shane Victorino's single - in fact he didn't even catch it. It just bounced past him. I think mrs. tmmullen summed it up best, "Way to hustle - it's not like it's the World Series or anything. I'm sure you'll be back again." I added, "Yeah, just ask Cal Ripken."
(8) Did Joe Maddon really think that Scott Kazmir "looked good" after giving up three runs in the first four innings?
All things considered, he pitched okay, but he was constantly having to pitch out of trouble. With his pitch count climbing, he came out of the game early. Sure, the bullpen was effective, but how many times will Maddon be able to go to that well before the Phillies start hitting them? My point is that, after listening to Maddon's spin, just for a moment, I thought I was listening to an interview on "Fox & Friends."
(9) How many viewers had strokes when McCarver said, "Pack the bags and the light the lights, curves are coming left and right."?
Seriously, fuck the heck?
(10) How annoyed was Mike Hillman when Buck McCarver talked about "the two countrymen," Carlos Ruiz and Dioner Navarro, who hail from Venezuela?
He was pretty pissed. Probably because, while Navarro is from Venezuela, Ruiz is from Panama.
(11) How sweet was Ryan Howard's catch in the stands of Upton's foul pop?
Yes, he had a couple issues in the field Wednesday night, but that play was sweet. And so was his throw to second after Hamels picked Carlos Pena off first (see question 13).
(12) Did I really see and hear a Brit promoting Mexican food in the United States?
Hey I'm all in favor of a free taco [insert the joke of your choice here], but if I have to listen to Buck McCarver, spare me that transcontinental confusion.
(13) Did you think that was a balk?
Neither did I.
(14) What is with the pitch-trax or Fox-trax or whatever it's called?
That thing is useless. If the strike zone was really as small as that graphic makes it look, games would last six hours and pitchers would walk two batters an inning - at least.
(15) How lost is Ryan Howard?
I still can't decide which at-bat was worse, the one when he swung and missed at the pitch that bounced either on the plate or in front, or the one in the ninth when he struck out looking after they intentionally walked Chase Utley to pitch to him. I need to repeat that: THEY INTENTIONALLY WALKED UTLEY TO PITCH TO HOWARD. If the real Ryan Howard can show up sometime in the next five days, the Phillies will win this at home. If not, it could be a long slog.
(16) Why was Pat Burrell taken out of the game in the seventh inning of a one-run game on the road?
I would have preferred it if Charlie would have put Eric Bruntlett in left field after Chris Coste batted in the eighth inning, moved Burrell to DH, and taken Coste out. I realize this might leave you in a dangerous situation if Ruiz were to get hurt, but it's a risk worth taking - especially if you can keep Pat's bat behind Howard. Ugh.
(17) How enjoyable has it been to watch Ryan Madson evolve into arguably the best set-up man in baseball right before our eyes?
In eight games in the post-season, he has given up only one run on seven hits in 10 innings (0.90 ERA) while striking out seven and walking one. This follows a September (13 games) where he gave up only one run on 12 hits in 14 innings (0.64 ERA) while striking out 17 and walking one. Joe Owens can suck it.
(18) How lost is Jimmy Rollins?
He was 0-5 with two strikeouts and was swinging at pitches above his eyes. He's hitting .214 in the post-season and, let's be honest, it's been an ugly .214. But if the real Jimmy Rollins can show up sometime in the next five days, the Phillies will win this at home. If not, it could be a long slog.
(19) How good is Brad Lidge?
Very good. He made the first two hitters in the ninth look like minor leaguers. He flirted briefly with what a friend of mine calls "Mitch Lidge," but still turned in a perfect ninth. Who knows, he may yet blow a save in the World Series, but it wasn't on Wednesday. And that's that.
(20) How good was that game?
I realize some fans like slugfests - and I don't mind those every once and while. Other fans like it when the Phils blow the other team out, which, obviously, would allow us all to relax a little more later in games. But I do love me a good old-fashioned pitchers' duel. Every single pitch is magnified exponentially - for both teams - as a one run game like this creeps closer and closer to finality. Fortunately, the good guys came out on top Wednesday despite leaving 11 runners on base and going 0-13 with runners in scoring position. That won't get it done in the World Series.
As we wait for Game Two, hopefully the two or three people who visit our little corner of the internets will add their thoughts on the game or the series and - dare I dream? - maybe Mike will make an appearance. Only time will tell.
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