ALCS Game 2: Ka-Boom!

by Allen Chace on Oct 14, 2007 1:40 AM EDT in Game Stories

One picture is of a mushroom cloud from an atomic bomb. One picture is of Eric Gagne.

My eyes are unable to tell me the difference right now.

Feel free to use this as a venting/off-day/travel day/football? thread.

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Re: ALCS Game 2: Ka-Boom!

Gagne photo: Elise Amendola

Atomic bomb photo: this website (US Dept. of Energy)

by Allen Chace on Oct 14, 2007 1:48 AM EDT reply actions

Re: ALCS Game 2: Ka-Boom!

Replace the A-bomb picture with one of a picture being imploded.

http://static.howstuffworks.com/gif/building-implosion-9.gif

BC14

by BC14 on Oct 14, 2007 1:53 AM EDT reply actions

Re: ALCS Game 2: Ka-Boom!

Sorry, that would be "a BUILDING being imploded".

Freakin' GAG-me's got me so steamed right now.

BC14

by BC14 on Oct 14, 2007 1:54 AM EDT up reply actions

Rockies are playing Sunday...

... but they're calling for possible SNOW in Denver tomorrow.

Not a good day for baseball, that's for sure.

BC14

by BC14 on Oct 14, 2007 1:55 AM EDT reply actions

By the way...

I'm saving this quote I just picked up at LGT:

"Goodnight Boston. Your team ain't coming back for anothre game at the pahhhk."

BC14

by BC14 on Oct 14, 2007 1:57 AM EDT reply actions

Re: By the way...

BC,

Why are you obsessed with our group at LGT? You completely mis-characterized last night's events when you said earlier that we were incendiary.

You said, "I got flamed by a couple of AH's because I dared to respond to someoen there who'd asked "Where'd everyone go?" in the 6th inning."

Then you declared that anyone who would stay for a blowout is a loser.

But to be honest, what you were doing was rubbing it in. You waited for a blowout, then dropped by to taunt. That is absurdly poor etiquette.

Granted, our poster who maligned you was over-the-top. But we have a large group of regulars, and it's more than obvious that we're respectful.

So anyway, from LGT: incredible game tonight. We did not feel like we deserved to win; our aces have been a bust, and that's a big concern with five games left to play.

Sox hitters give a nightly clinic on how to wear a pitcher down. It is frustrating and impressive at the same time.

This is a long way from over. Good night and cheers.

by tabler84 from LGT on Oct 14, 2007 2:04 AM EDT up reply actions

Re: By the way...

"Then you declared that anyone who would stay for a blowout is a loser."

You bring that post in here.

You cannot, because I said no such thing. NO such thing.

Obsessed? The handful of posts I made there were mostly related to the flaming I took. I made only 2 or 3 other posts with a couple of people on largely unrelated topics (sports journalists, things like that).

But you have put words into my posts that do not exist.

I'll say it one last time:

I NEVER SAID ANY SUCH THING - NOTHING EVEN REMOTELY LIKE THAT.

BC14

by BC14 on Oct 14, 2007 2:13 AM EDT up reply actions

Re: By the way...

And other 'by the way':

I wasn't aware that you were so well acquainted with my work schedule.

I live the Mountain Time Zone, and I had just arrived home from work when I logged on, at the invitation of a Cleveland fan, who is a good friend of mine.

My very first post was a response to someone complaining about why folks were bailing out, and my post was simply pointing out the fact that it was "early" - in fact, it was only the 6th inning. I flamed no one, and implied nothing mean-spirited. The filthy language that was directed at me was completely unnecesary, and then someone else jumped on the pile, to boot.

I would suggest you re-read those posts, because I believe you are very much mistaken as to what I had said there.

BC14

by BC14 on Oct 14, 2007 2:18 AM EDT up reply actions

Re: By the way...

Relax, BC, this is not meant to be a flame war.

You did say this in your OP tonight:

"Frankly, any blog that has 600+ entries for a blowout indicates a bunch of folks with not a lot going on in their lives."

Fine, so you didn't say we were "losers." Close enough, right? And what's the problem with a tight group of fans who finds it cathartic to interact? We don't have a ring from 2004; we're irrationally interested in this series.

You also failed to address two important points:

Our group is filled with respectful, courteous, knowlegeable fans.
It's not fair to cherry-pick one attack from a large group of people.
You popped in when we were getting crushed; while perhaps that's not technically trolling, it's close. It's poor etiquette at the very least.

Anyway, I'm heading off to try to sleep off the adrenaline. I agree that the Sox are the better team, but it's close, and a short series is generally a fluke.

But at least it's a lot of fun, win or lose. Our emotions might very well be reversed on Monday night. Take care.

by tabler84 from LGT on Oct 14, 2007 2:31 AM EDT up reply actions

Re: By the way...

No. It isn't close.

You've completely mischaracterized what I said by adding words of your own.

And you're right - this isn't going to be a 'flame war', because I refuse to be dragged into it.

But it's notable that you came HERE to push some buttons.

I didn't just "pop in" - I logged in at the only time I could, and did so at the invitation of my Cleveland friend - who, by the way, posts at LGT. (Don't bother asking his name - he wants no part of this, and I don't blame him). And again - it was ONLY and I repeat - ONLY the sixth inning. I've been following baseball for more than 40 years - I'm fully aware of how the fortunes of the game can change, and how quickly. My response was sincere in pointing out the fact that it was early in the game. For one caustic, irritated individual, it was cause for a tirade filled with filthy language. I gave back, but without the offending language.

Yes, there are plenty of knowledgeable folks at LGT. Where did I say otherwise? What I find offensive and ugly is the constant use of the filthy language at that site. But my misfortune was being publically cursed at by at least one of those "knowledgeable fans". Not a very good start for me, I hope you'd agree. And you'll note that I posted nothing there today. I'd had quite my fill of that place.

I checked in after the game to see how folks there would respond to having won a game that was so intense - and I decided to hold onto one particular gem near the end. Not to worry, though, I've got better things to do with my time than engage that nonsense any more.

BC14

by BC14 on Oct 14, 2007 2:52 AM EDT up reply actions

Re: By the way...

BC,

Please explain what you meant when you said, "Frankly, any blog that has 600+ entries for a blowout indicates a bunch of folks with not a lot going on in their lives."

I took it to mean roughly the same as, "Those losers have nothing better to do than post on the internets -- get a life."

I'm reasonably certain that any sane person with a command of English would read it the same. But here's your chance to clarify! Maybe it was not meant to be inflammatory -- complimentary, perhaps?

Also! You jumped on our site when the wound was open. Only then. I came onto your site because you were slandering our guys. It's an obvious difference and I'm sure you see it.

by tabler84 from LGT on Oct 14, 2007 3:32 PM EDT up reply actions

Re: By the way...

Tabs, Pahlllesss we won the game, we deserved to win the game because we won the game. Come on man. Also Boston isn't the better team, neither is Cleveland, These are the best two teams in Baseball right now, and its going to be a matter of luck and (Trotman grit) that will decide this series.

So BC I welcome your comments about the tribe, cause in the end they're only comments. But, its going to be a hell of a series and anyone who thinks they know who's going to win is fooling themselves (and looking like a fool) its going to be a good series.

by Hans The Most Excellent xlgtx on Oct 14, 2007 3:07 AM EDT up reply actions

Re: By the way...

Agreed, it's a great series already! Witness the boring NLCS games (walking in the winning run?!?) and Colorado taking two from AZ in their park?

Funny thing is, I have T-shirts older than both those teams combined!

BC14

by BC14 on Oct 14, 2007 3:11 AM EDT up reply actions

Re: By the way...

You know, I never quite saw how the 2-3-2 format favored the team with the better record.

by MassGal on Oct 14, 2007 12:16 PM EDT up reply actions

Re: By the way...

Agreed. I think it should be 3-2-2

"You know you're having a bad day when the fifth inning rolls around and they drag the warning track." - Mike Flanagan, Baltimore Orioles pitcher, 1992.

by SoxDevil on Oct 15, 2007 1:43 PM EDT up reply actions

Re: By the way...

Agreed. I think it should be 3-2-2 or even 3-3-1

"You know you're having a bad day when the fifth inning rolls around and they drag the warning track." - Mike Flanagan, Baltimore Orioles pitcher, 1992.

by SoxDevil on Oct 15, 2007 1:44 PM EDT up reply actions

Re: By the way...

Actually 3-2-2 doesn't make much sense. I'll stick to 3-3-1.

"You know you're having a bad day when the fifth inning rolls around and they drag the warning track." - Mike Flanagan, Baltimore Orioles pitcher, 1992.

by SoxDevil on Oct 15, 2007 1:44 PM EDT up reply actions

Re: ALCS Game 2: Ka-Boom!

Also, I promise I'll have a little more rational analysis for you by tomorrow evening if Randy doesn't beat me to it. Before I do that, credit to:

Rafael Betancourt
Jensen Lewis
Indians lineup
Youks (quite the battle in the 9th, and a few more feet to the left ends the game)
Paps
Timlin (in my opinion, this has to be the most questioned move. He threw a clean 8th with two GBs. Why not at least let him start the 9th?)
I'm holding credit on Papi, Manny, Lowell, because they all put up such horrendous ABs against Mastny in the 10th.

by Allen Chace on Oct 14, 2007 1:58 AM EDT reply actions

Re: ALCS Game 2: Ka-Boom!

We're going to win this series. The Indians are a great team - a really fun team to watch. And good baseball storytelling makes them the World Series champs over the Rockies. We're overpriced and 3 years removed form our rings. If we win it isn't as satisfying for baseball overall. However, we're the best team in baseball and we're going to win.

And it was Trot. Isn't that kind of beautiful? This was such a fun game to watch, and it was Trot who won it. If I had to script a loss tonight, that part (though not what came after) is what I would written.

Matzusaka comes up big on Monday. Papi punishes Cleveland for his 9th inning groundout.

by alfredoz on Oct 14, 2007 2:09 AM EDT reply actions

Re: ALCS Game 2: Ka-Boom!

Agreed.

The Sox are battle-tested. I like the statement about Trot - it's hard to be upset knowing it was him doing the damage.

It's a 5-game series now. I like the Sox' chances in a big way.

BC14

by BC14 on Oct 14, 2007 2:56 AM EDT up reply actions

Re: ALCS Game 2: Ka-Boom!

That's the spirit! And let's be honest, Cleveland is too good a ball club to get swept at this point in the season. We're gonna have earn it and that's fine with me.

You can take the boy outta Boston, but you can't take the Boston outta the boy.

by B Cap on Oct 14, 2007 3:08 AM EDT up reply actions

Re: ALCS Game 2: Ka-Boom!

I think I lapsed into a coma when I saw Gagne warming up but I really felt there was no way he'd come in the game because the Sox didn't have a huge lead. One the other hand I didn't know who was left in the pen. The sight of Lopez warming doesn't really put me at ease either.

I don't usually question Tito's moves because I love him so ( I see him & little hearts & butterflies fill my head) --kidding of course but whose decision was it to keep Gagne on the roster? If it's Epstein's I really have to question his way of spotting the soft guys like Gagne, Drew.

This whole Gagne thing is like bizarro Pepe Le Pew, with the skunk he was oblivious that he stunk but everyone else knew --why doesn't/can't the Sox brass smell Gagne stinkin' up the joint?! Someone once wrote that Gagne is a "heck of a nice fella" -that's great but nice doesn't give him license to $uck.

Someone, anyone please explain why Gagne is still on the team. I am at a loss. It isn't like he was with the team all season or he was an expensive "get" like Drew.

by MassGal on Oct 14, 2007 8:47 AM EDT reply actions

Re: ALCS Game 2: Ka-Boom!

Gagne has a major league arm and he has good stuff but he has no confidence and has poor control. He is a risk no matter what the lead and probably should sit the rest of the year. There were other pitches that could have been used. Lopez is also looking weak.

The other area that I really question is why JD Drew is playing in front of Ellsbury. Drew is a good outfielder but still is a weak hitter, particularly in the clutch. Ellsbury would probably hit 50 percentage points higher and be a constant threat on the bases. We need all of our best capability on the field and Drew hasn't consistently shown himself to be superior to Ellsbury.

by Longsuffering on Oct 14, 2007 9:00 PM EDT up reply actions

Re: ALCS Game 2: Ka-Boom!

Look - Gagne is definitely a weak point and we all knew that coming into the series. The good news is that both of the Indians' aces have stunk. I cannot see the Indians winning as long as that is going on.

by RickD on Oct 14, 2007 10:44 AM EDT reply actions

Re: ALCS Game 2: Ka-Boom!

Right, both Cleveland aces were subpar but so was Sox ace Schilling. Does that mean it will happen again if/when these guys get the ball again?

I don't think Gagne deserved a spot on the roster but since he has it, I think he should be the last resort since he has earned his rep as a stinker.

by MassGal on Oct 14, 2007 12:22 PM EDT up reply actions

Re: ALCS Game 2: Ka-Boom!

Gagne doesn't deserve a spot on a little league roster. I dunno what Tito was thinking, he'll get better if there's more pressure?

by sdkramer.otm on Oct 14, 2007 1:25 PM EDT up reply actions

When it comes to the Sox chances of success

now, it is all about emotion. Just like in 2004, if an emotional catlyst can be triggered, the sox will be unstoppable. I almost felt that Ortiz and Manny getting on 10 times in game one would be that catalyst, but maybe not.

I am absolutely sure that the key management factor for the sox to win is somehow triggering or tapping into that 2004 type emotional catalyst, or at the least, staying away from negative emotional factors such as allowing some failing player to try and redeem himself in the post season????????????????????????????

by NG on Oct 14, 2007 11:00 AM EDT reply actions

Hey NG

Welcome back.

Manny Ramirez is a bad man

by tommy.otm on Oct 14, 2007 3:23 PM EDT up reply actions

Re: ALCS Game 2: Ka-Boom!

That's why this series can be considered a coin flip. Anything can happen to be the emotional catalyst for either team. As a Tribe fan, I would like to think the 5th inning was the kick in the pants the Indians needed to turn the pitching around. Interestingly, they did not yield a walk after that.

Emotion, momentum, and intangibles... How else can we explain the Rockies? (And do any of us want to find out what it would be like to face them right now?)

by Spidey on Oct 14, 2007 12:13 PM EDT reply actions

Yes

Because that would mean getting to the series...

Manny Ramirez is a bad man

by tommy.otm on Oct 14, 2007 3:24 PM EDT up reply actions

aah the sweet smell of intangibles...

How else can we explain his royal intangibleness Derek Jeter?

Hi LGT Spidey : I hope the tribe fares well in the remaining games just not too well. 1st runner up isn't so bad.

by MassGal on Oct 14, 2007 1:08 PM EDT reply actions

My $0.02 for what it's worth

Yeah Gagne collapsed like a rotten jack-o-lantern, and we did lose, but that was one hell of a game was it not?

Also if we were gonna take a loss I'd rather it be at the bat of a fellow Sock like Nixon.

Lastly, I fully believed we were lucky if we got one of the Sabathia/Carmona games, and we got that. I have no worries. Let's face it we weren't sweeping them and if you thought we were I'd like to know where you get your pharmaceuticals.

Not to go counting chickens before their hatched, but this is our WS. Whoever wins this should be able to take the NL contender handily. Lets slug it out at the Jake and make those Injuns cry. Chief Wahoo => Chief Wahhhhhh! :)

Go SOX!

by sdkramer.otm on Oct 14, 2007 1:23 PM EDT reply actions

Re: ALCS Game 2: Ka-Boom!

I know the Beckett/Sabathia and Schilling/Carmona match ups are the sexy picks and most at first glance look to those battles as the series decider, but to be totally honest I think most Sox fans thought they would win with Beckett and most Tribe fans believed they would win with Carmona.

Even with that being true, this series will be decided by Dice-K, Westbrook, Wakefield and Byrd. Games 3, 4 and most likely 7 (obviously =p) are the crucial games, because each bullpen has weaknesses and whichever starter can get into the 6th and 7th inning will help their side out immensely and not expose the weak sisters.

Beckett is good for one more, so is Carmona, if you call those games splits, its 2-2 with games 3, 4 and 7 up for grabs.

This series starts on Monday night in Canadian soldier territory.

Sox still have the best pitcher in baseball and a couple positives from Sat., Okie was filthy, Timlin looks like his old self and Paps is just nasty. If the Sox can get MDC to settle down, ill take those four.

BTW, why is Gagne even on the roster, cant we move Julian Tavarez or somebody to the roster. Crazy man must be better than Gagne?

by SoxAcumen on Oct 14, 2007 10:01 PM EDT reply actions

Re: ALCS Game 2: Ka-Boom!

What's the rule on making roster adjustments mid-series? We could put him on the DL (the Yanks put Clemens on), but I'd think it'd have to be "bona fide" - I don't think we're able to make a roster move just because they suddenly decide that Gagne sucks. So, I think we're stuck him for the rest of the series.

Manny Ramirez is a bad man

by tommy.otm on Oct 14, 2007 11:28 PM EDT up reply actions

Re: ALCS Game 2: Ka-Boom!

Not exactly sure, but I believe we can make roster moves but if you remove someone he is done for that series and the one following, which with Gagne is fine with me.

Maybe I am crazy but I think Tavarez is better than Gagne.

by SoxAcumen on Oct 14, 2007 11:31 PM EDT up reply actions

Re: ALCS Game 2: Ka-Boom!

At this point I'd rather see Julio out there. But I do think Gagne would have to be actually hurt to make the move. Unless they argue that he's psychologically disabled...

Manny Ramirez is a bad man

by tommy.otm on Oct 14, 2007 11:42 PM EDT up reply actions