the rout is on

TheFormerBrett44 · Post by **TheFormerBrett44** » Wed Oct 20, 2004 6:17 am

As Bill Simmons would say, I feel like I'm going to throw up in the mouth. In my opinion, if the Yankees blow this series it will be the biggest choke job in sports. With that being said I feel pretty good about tonight, game 7 at the Stadium.

Brett

TheFormerBrett44 · Post by **TheFormerBrett44** » Wed Oct 20, 2004 6:21 am

JackDog wrote: Parker you gave up on your boys and changed your avatar. You stopped with the "we" and "us" posts until the Sox got their first win. You lost all credibility as a true Red Sox fan when you bailed before it was truly over. Shame on you. 3-3 and your a blowhard again.

No doubt about it, the tiny sliver of credibility he had has been gone since he posted the white flag and admitted he was giving up. He's the first to post after a win, but after a loss he disappears.

He wasn't the only one, the entire Red Sox Nation had given up. Everyone in New England gave up except the damn Red Sox. Now excuse me while I go vomit...

Brett

krustylew · Post by **krustylew** » Wed Oct 20, 2004 7:02 am

The Yanks are really a classy bunch of professional players, aren't they?

Nice try again Parker.

I guess since Francesco Totti spit in a player's face last year, that would make everyone on the Italian National Team a bunch of no class scumbags, correct?

sportdan30 · Post by **sportdan30** » Wed Oct 20, 2004 8:05 am

Parker is one guy. Yes, he can be downright annoying and an instigator. But to root against the Bo Sox just because of him is ridiculous. But have it your way. Give me one damn reason why I should root for the Yankees that have what...29 championships? Their owner will pursue and 9 times out of 10 get a player because he was the highest bidder. Everything about the Yankee organization screams arroagance. Yes, perhaps they deserve to boast but frankly, I'm tired of them. If my Cardinals don't get in, then I'd love nothing more to see Houston and Boston in the World Series.

If anything, Boston going on to the World Series will only make the Yankee rivalry that much more hated.

By the way, what classy fans Yankee fans are for throwing balls on the field. Then having to bring in about 30 policeman to protect the players. Give me a break. It's just a game.

Spooky · Post by **Spooky** » Wed Oct 20, 2004 8:34 am

Kudos to the umpiring crew! It was really nice and refreshing to see them come together and get two VERY criutial calls correct.

Great games, great series. Go Sox!

Leebo33 · Post by **Leebo33** » Wed Oct 20, 2004 8:37 am

sportdan30 wrote:Parker is one guy. Yes, he can be downright annoying and an instigator. But to root against the Bo Sox just because of him is ridiculous.

Well, I deal with a lot of Bostonians at work and I can tell you there are many many "Parker's" out there. There can't be a more annoying fan base in the country IMO. I'd rather root for Haliburton to receive billions in no-bid contracts than the Yankees to win this series, but once this series is over I will be rooting for the NL.

edit: I'm sure there are great Bostonians out there...I just haven't met many of them yet.

pk500 · Post by **pk500** » Wed Oct 20, 2004 9:15 am

>>>Everything about the Yankee organization screams arroagance.<<<

Say what you will, but when you see 26 championship banners hanging at Yankee Stadium, everything about the Yankee organization screams winning. And everything about every fan of other teams that b*tches about Steinbrenner playing within the existing, f*cked-up financial structure of baseball to get players screams of jealousy.

Money is an important component of building a great team, and yes, the Yankees' payroll is $60 million more than any other team, which borders on obscene. But money is not the only component to winning.

Ask the O'Malley family how many championships it won when shelling out mega-bucks for Dodgers' salaries. Or Peter Angelos when he was spending like mad on bringing players to Baltimore. Or Boston, for that matter, spending big bucks in recent years on payroll. How many World Series titles has that delivered in the last 80 years? That could change this year, of course.

I'm glad to see that the Cardinals are doing so well with a roster filled with homegrown players brought through their system right from summer A-ball in Johnson City all the way to Busch Stadium. You know, low-budget career Cardinals like Rolen, Walker, Isringhausen, Woody Williams and Edmonds.

Oh, and the Cardinals had the ninth-highest payroll in baseball this year, so it's not like they're poor. In fact, if you compare payroll with market size, the Cards outspend the Yanks per capita. New York has a population of 8 million; St. Louis has a population of 348,000. So the Yanks can attract a larger TV deal, its own network, have a larger potential fan base from which to draw, etc., etc. All of that factors into greater revenue, which gives the Yanks the ability to spend more.

What do you want the Yanks to do, move to Laramie, Wyoming? There will be revenue injustice in baseball until a salary cap is instituted. Deal with it.

Fact is, St. Louis spent more this year than a handful of larger-market teams, including the Astros. Houston's population is 1.9 million. So don't weep for the poor, poor Cardinals.

Jack is right about Parker: The guy bailed on the Red Sox. Changed his avatar to the Patriots' helmet after Game 3. Fair-weather fan of the highest order.

And now he's back on the wagon? I'm not buying it. Fair-weather fan, no question.

Take care,
PK

webdanzer · Post by **webdanzer** » Wed Oct 20, 2004 9:20 am

This morning, I agree with the choke sentiments.

Wow, that was weird. Must have been in a cloud of pinstripe denial last night.

pk500 · Post by **pk500** » Wed Oct 20, 2004 9:28 am

My wife and I were trying to think this morning over breakfast of a bigger, more high-profile choke in sports history than if the Yanks lose tonight.

We couldn't.

Being Bills' fans, of course we remember Houston's choke against Buffalo in the NFL playoffs in the early 90s. But that was one game. This is losing four straight in a playoff series.

So even though I like the Yanks, they would share the dual distinction of being 26-time World Champions and the biggest chokers in American sports history if they lose tonight.

Sad, but true.

Take care,
PK

Leebo33 · Post by **Leebo33** » Wed Oct 20, 2004 9:45 am

pk500 wrote:My wife and I were trying to think this morning over breakfast of a bigger, more high-profile choke in sports history than if the Yanks lose tonight.

We couldn't.

I can't think of a bigger choke either. Everytime Yankees' fans say or write "26 Time World Champions" (which is about every 5 minutes it seems) they will have to add and "colossal chokers."

TheFormerBrett44 · Post by **TheFormerBrett44** » Wed Oct 20, 2004 9:46 am

pk500 wrote:
So even though I like the Yanks, they would share the dual distinction of being 26-time World Champions and the biggest chokers in American sports history if they lose tonight.

You're right, just like I mentioned in my post above, it'll be the biggest choke in sports history. I never even thought I'd ever even mention the word "choke" and "Yankees" in the same sentence in my life.

And again, as I've said before, I fully expect the Yankees to win tonight, so I suppose the whole choke thing is a moot point.

Brett

Brando70 · Post by **Brando70** » Wed Oct 20, 2004 10:01 am

It amazes me, given the history of the Red Sox, that any of their fans could be arrogant at this point. Because, while it will be a monumental choke by the Yankees if they lose, it could be the worst loss in Boston history if the Sox lose. The gut punch factor would be off the charts. You might see 1,000,000 people commit suicide. The Yankees, on the other hand, will simply go out and sign Carlos Beltran.

As for the fan factor, ask Mark Bellhorn how classy the Boston fans were to him on Saturday night.

jLp vAkEr0 · Post by **jLp vAkEr0** » Wed Oct 20, 2004 10:10 am

TheFormerBrett44 wrote: And again, as I've said before, I fully expect the Yankees to win tonight, so I suppose the whole choke thing is a moot point.

Brett

Well, since you won't be between the lines tonight afecting the outcome of the game.... then whatever you "fully expect" is a moot point...

All I "hope" is that the game is as exciting as last year's game 7.

Leebo33 · Post by **Leebo33** » Wed Oct 20, 2004 10:14 am

Brando70 wrote:It amazes me, given the history of the Red Sox, that any of their fans could be arrogant at this point.

I don't think they are arrogant at this point, but as Seanmac pointed out if you want to see how Bosox fans will act with a winner just check out the Patriots' fans.

tsunami · Post by **tsunami** » Wed Oct 20, 2004 10:17 am

Regardless of who wins tonight, you must tip your cap to the Red Sox. As a team, they have scratched and clawed their way to 3 straight wins and deserve to be commended. Their fans may have given up at times, but they never did. It's amazing what they have accomplished and they very well could pull off one of the most unbelievable comeback in sports history. Nothing more needs to be said about the effort Curt Schilling gave. He was phenomenal and deserves all the credit in the world. I wish the Yankees would have tested him more, but regardless, it was a courageous effort.

Now on to the Yankees...oh where to begin. It's almost as if they used up all their hitting in game 3. For 3 straight games they haven't been able to make the clutch play, whether it's a hit or getting an important out. Everyone seems to have "Aaron Boone-itis". They are all trying to end these games on one swing instead of being patient and getting hits.

If you would have told me that before the series started that Manny Ramierz would have no HR or RBIs, that Johnny Damon would be non-existant, and that 2 starts from Curt Schilling and Pedro Martinez would produce 1 win (for the starter, not the game) I would have taken that in a heartbeat. Unfortunately, Boston has been able to ride David Ortiz and Keith Foulke and some timely hitting by the bottom of the linueup. It's been incredible and disappointing at the same time. Two walks to Kevin Millar changed this series!

All in all, I think it can be considered a choke. Being up 3-0 you should not lose. Is it a lesser "choke" by the Cardinals to lose 4 straight as well? Looking at these teams, I figured it would be a tough series and might eventually lead to a seven game series. Boston is obviously a great team and better than they showed in the first 3 games. Conversely, the Yankees are better than they've shown for the last 3 games. So, on the one hand, it's difficult to watch, but on the other hand it's 3 in a row by each team.

May the best team win...and hopefully it's the Yankees.

Leebo33 · Post by **Leebo33** » Wed Oct 20, 2004 10:21 am

Good post, Tsunami.

lexbur · Post by **lexbur** » Wed Oct 20, 2004 10:24 am

Geeze, Parker ain't the only bandwagon-jumper around here.

What happened to all the baseball bashers on this board?

PK, I thought with soccer, auto-racing and football in full swing you didn't have time for baseball this October?

Even with all its problems, you still gotta love this game. Whoever wins tonight, the game itself is the real winner.

And just when I thought there's no way last year's post season could be topped.

Leebo33 · Post by **Leebo33** » Wed Oct 20, 2004 10:27 am

lexbur wrote:Even with all its problems, you still gotta love this game.

I agree. My favorite team hasn't had a winning season since 1992, but that doesn't diminish my love for the *game* of baseball. I love the postseason.

pk500 · Post by **pk500** » Wed Oct 20, 2004 10:29 am

Good post, Tsu.

Lex, let's just say that this series has rekindled my interest. You are an American sports fan without a pulse if it hasn't. I'll admit that this series has sucked me in. I couldn't tell you a damn thing about the Astros-Cards' series, though, as it has no interest for me.

I've been pretty consistent all along saying that I like the Yankees but only follow postseason baseball. A bandwagon baseball fan, for sure. I'll admit it. And if the Yanks lose tonight, I won't be crestfallen. Baseball doesn't mean that much to me -- I save that passion for Syracuse sports, the Buffalo Bills, the Edmonton Oilers, Subaru World Rally Team and Newcastle United.

I still find the regular season too long, and all baseball games take too long. But it's the postseason, and the postseason in any sport should stir the souls of sports fans.

I grew up worshipping baseball and the Yankees, so my current feelings about baseball are something that have evolved over time. I doubt I'll ever return to my love of baseball that I had a kid, but this series has been entertaining. And that's what sports is at the point in my life -- entertainment. If it's entertaining, I'll watch it.

And the entertainment value of this series -- from the rivalry, to the Yanks' collapse to the exciting games -- has sucked me in. No question.

Fair enough?

Take care,
PK

TheFormerBrett44 · Post by **TheFormerBrett44** » Wed Oct 20, 2004 10:31 am

javi wrote:
Well, since you won't be between the lines tonight afecting the outcome of the game.... then whatever you "fully expect" is a moot point...

I won't be between the lines but I will be affecting the outcome. Tonight I will be breaking out my lucky jersey that I haven't worn since last year's game 7. It's an old Mattingly batting jersey that I bought in the 1980's at Yankee Stadium, and it only comes out for special occasions. I wore it during last year's game 7 and during game 6 of the '96 series against the Braves.

Brett

wco81 · Post by **wco81** » Wed Oct 20, 2004 10:31 am

I didn't watch the division championship series at all and barely watched the first few games of the LCS games. Haven't seen much of the Astros-Cards at all (on Monday, they didn't show it out here until maybe late and by then most people had switched channels after the Yankee game to the MNF game).

Yeah it's been entertaining. But come 8 PM, I'm turning channels to watch Lost.

If the Yankees win tonite and win the WS, it'll be what, a half billion dollars to buy a WS championship? Whopee...

krustylew · Post by **krustylew** » Wed Oct 20, 2004 10:32 am

pk500 wrote:
I'll admit it. And if the Yanks lose tonight, I won't be crestfallen. Baseball doesn't mean that much to me -- I save that passion for Syracuse sports, the Buffalo Bills, the Edmonton Oilers, Subaru World Rally Team and Newcastle United.

Pk,

I imagine most of those teams leave you crestfallen enough.

Leebo33 · Post by **Leebo33** » Wed Oct 20, 2004 10:34 am

TheFormerBrett44 wrote:I won't be between the lines but I will be affecting the outcome. Tonight I will be breaking out my lucky jersey that I haven't worn since last year's game 7. It's an old Mattingly batting jersey that I bought in the 1980's at Yankee Stadium, and it only comes out for special occasions. I wore it during last year's game 7 and during game 6 of the '96 series against the Braves.

Maybe you should have considered wearing it during game 7 of the 2001 World Series or Game 6 last year?

pk500 · Post by **pk500** » Wed Oct 20, 2004 10:36 am

Lew:

My teams' rankings on the crestfallen meter:

Subaru: Low. Won the World Driver's Championship last year with Petter Solberg.

Syracuse basketball: Low. Won the National Championship two years ago.

Edmonton Oilers: Medium. Five Stanley Cups between 1984-1990, so I can still live off those vapors. I jumped on the team's bandwagon in 1982 but stayed on when the wheels fell off. The economics of hockey for small-market teams make baseball look fair, so I'm a realist -- there's not much the Oilers can do with their payroll.

Syracuse football: High. Only one national title, in 1959. A mediocre team in a lousy conference this season.

Newcastle United: High. I've only been a soccer fan since 1998, so I'm not a long-suffering Newcastle fan. But I'm aware of no silverware for the team since around 1970 and of the team's massive collapse in the Premiership in the 1995-96 season, I think it was.

Buffalo Bills: Insanely high. Need I say more?

But I love all my teams. Stick with them through thick and thin.

Take care,
PK

Brando70 · Post by **Brando70** » Wed Oct 20, 2004 10:44 am

lexbur wrote:
And just when I thought there's no way last year's post season could be topped.

It would have been topped if Alex Gonzalez had remembered how to field a f------ ground ball. And no, I'm not a bitter Cubs fan.