Victorino involved in the defining moments of NLDS

A look back at the five most important plays of the National League Division Series between the Phillies and Brewers finds Shane Victorino headlining two of them.

Only in a game as great as baseball could a walk and a grand slam represent the best two plays in a series. Let’s go to the list, in descending order.

Honorable mention: Brad Lidge strikes out potential go-ahead run Corey Hart with men on second and third to end the Brewers’ ninth-inning threat in Game 1, giving the Phillies their first post-season win in 15 years and a 1-0 edge in the series.

No. 5: Shane Victorino (hula figurine right) forces a bases-loaded walk to make it 3-0 in the third inning of Game 1, staying uncharacteristically patient with Yovani Gallardo’s breaking pitches. The Phils would struggle with RISP for most of the series.

No. 4: Brett Myers induces a Hart double play ground out with the bases loaded to limit the damage to one run in the first inning of Game 2.

No. 3: Pat Burrell connects for a three-run jack off Jeff Suppan to put the Phillies up for good in the third inning of Game 4. Burrell added one for good measure in the eighth.

No. 2: In front of thousands of roaring fans, starter Brett Myers fights off C.C. Sabathia to force a key walk to keep the two-out rally alive in Game 2.

No. 1: Victorino makes his first-career grand slam count in a big way, sending Sabathia’s eye-high slider deep into the left-field seats to complete the five-run, second-inning rally that was aided by Myers' walk. With Sabathia erased, the series balance shifted heavily in the Phils’ favor.

Fittingly, Vic was also involved in the lowest point of the series, receiving an interference call in the ninth inning of Saturday's ugly Game 3 loss. 

Comments

[J. Weitzel]

To only make one mention of the pitching is criminal. I know this. But it's tough to pick defining moments. The pitching is the reason they won this series.

[thephaithful]

1st inning 1-2-3 DP for Myers is definitely a honorable mention at the least - who knows what happens if Myers get roughed up early. Corey Hart beats out Vic for NLDS MVP.

[J. Weitzel]

That's definitely honorable mention if not No. 5 instead of Lidge nailing down Game 1.

[J. Weitzel]

Yeah. That's a better No. 5, I think. I've replaced it.

[thephaithful]

Might have missed it in earlier posts - anyone get the distance to Werth's CF moonshot yesterday? I was too busy going nuts for Burrell's shot to pay attention if it was given on the air.

[J. Weitzel]

Made it No.4 actually.

[J. Weitzel]

How would everyone vote a top 5 list of players?

1. Victorino
2. Hamels
3. Myers
4. Blanton
5. Burrell

Myers edges Blanton because of the walk.

[Sophist]

Pitching won the series. The Phils were terrible with RISP, so the timely hits stand out. Starting pitching isn't friendly to analysis in terms of moments, however. The overall performance of Hamels, Myers, and Blanton won the series. The 'pen's high-wire act in game 3 could have been a story had the offense found a way back in. Madson pitched some big innings for this team, and allowed Lidge plenty of (perhaps much-needed) breathing room in the 9th.

[Sophist]

I'm going to duck the question

T1 Hamels
T1 Myers
3 Blanton
4 Vic
5 Burrell

Madson gets HM

[NCPhilly]

Hamels
Victorino
Myers
Blanton
Rollins
HM: Burrell, Werth, Madson

[Squonk1964]

My #1 is the starting pitching staff. You don't go far without them in the playoffs.

I am still searching for a #2 through 5.

[Brian G]

I would like to add myself to the list of people who are really annoyed by the 415 start on Friday. What is the thought process there? I know they're expecting Red Sox and want to make that the primetime game.. well then make that one an 830 start time and the Phillies' game can start at 530 or 5 at the worst. Heck, start the ALCS game at 9. It's FRIDAY NIGHT, people can stay up a little later.
Let's hope it changes. Go Angels.

[CJ]

Has Ryan Madson ever looked more comfortable or more capable than he has recently?

[EastFallowfield]

Honorable mention: Johan Santana for keeping the falling Mets alive one more day so Brewers couldn't rest Sabathia...

[Squonk1964]

Thank you, Weitzel for changing the topic a bit. People need to lighten up.

[Bonehead]

Thanks, NCPhilly, for including Rollins on your list. He had a solid offensive series. But, he is ALWAYS a rock defensively, the team's best baserunner, and the heart of the dugout.
As much credit as he gets, he is still generally under appreciated.
All things considered, he is the best and most valuable Phillie. And one of the most valuable players in the NL.

[Squonk1964]

Brian: See my post regarding the time slot. The league that starts the LCS gets the day game the next day.

[BENTZ]

EFF is right. That's a highly underrated move. Though I wanted to play the Brewers in the first round, I rooted for the Mets to win on the final Saturday of the season. The Phils got the match-up they wanted AND at the time they wanted (clinch on Saturday allowed no Hamels and to rest everyone as well as forcing Milwaukee to throw Sabathia then). And obviously Milwaukee was an easier first-round opponent than LA would have been.

[joe]

JW -

I agree, Victorino is absolutely the star of this series, if only because you can say that his at-bats won two games.

He's absolutely electric, and I have big hopes for his performance in the next two series, as well as the rest of his career.

i'll go out on a limb and say that i expect vic to reach the all star game in the next year or two.

[BENTZ]

Also - despite the Dodgers playing very well recently - I think any of the following teams could have and would have beaten the Cubs in the first round the way Chicago played (walks, errors, no hitting): Phils, Mets, Marlins, Brewers, Cardinals, Dodgers (obviously), D'backs and they probably would have close series with Houston and Colorado. Heck, the Giants may have even beaten them because of the potential of their pitching just shutting it down.

[ae]

I must have watched the Myers walk/Victorino HR sequence at least a dozen times since Thursday. just an incredible moment (or, I guess, moments).

[NCPhilly]

One thing to take heart in is that in all the top 5 division series Phils lists we are likely to see here today, Utley and Howard will not be mentioned. Meaning that we won a series with our top two hitters not playing their best. I am dreaming of a series against the Dodgers in which Utley and Howard's bats wake up and our "other" guys (Victorino, the man of the last few weeks, and Werth) keep contributing. I am also very positive about our starting pitching and our rested bullpen.

[Squonk1964]

EastFallowfield: Almost fell of my chair, again. Great point.

The irony of it all, that the Mutts acquire "their savior", only to find themselves with no salary, and no farm system to call up any bullpen options.

I mean, what did signing Mr. Santana buy the Mutts, but another second place finish, and even more (possibly more dreadful) finishes to follow.

You folks can argue all you want about the Phillies tight-fisted nature when it comes to money. But where are we right now? Where are the Yankees or Mets right now?

What do the Washington Nationals have to show for their $55-mil payroll? Over half that payroll traded away, released, or on the DL or "restricted list?"

Big money clubs don't spend their wad on free agents. They spend their money eating salary by releasing big money players that don't perform.

I only hope the Mutts don't learn this point.

[MG]

Yeah Myers put up good numbers in Game 2 after the first inning but he still made his share of mistake pitches after the 1st inning too. The Brewers key hitter (including Fielder who did nothing all series except that empty HR yesterday) just largely swung at anytime and didn't make Myers actually make a number of tough pitches. Decent lead also helped too.

[MG]

Amazing thing is that Utley and Howard largely did nothing in the Brewers' series and the Phils still didn't have a problem scoring because of the power explosion by some other guys in the lineup including Vic and Burrell.

Against a staff that is largely right-handed, Utley and Howard need to have decent series for this team to have a shot against the Dodgers. If both guys scuffle, I doubt the Phils are going to continue to get power from other sources and thus will struggle to scores runs in the LA series.

[Squonk64]

MG: I think you're talking to yourself.

[RSB]

CJ: the way Madson has stepped up since late August is something that's been incredibly important to this team. He basically picked up where Durbin left off, emerging at last as a reliable, viable eighth inning option, and continued that into the playoffs. He and Eyre really helped down the stretch just when it looked like the bullpen might start to be a concern.

I think Blanton's performance should be high up among the short list of keys to winning the DS, although I understand that this list is different than one listing defining moments. He ran with that lead and shut the door the way you might hope for from your ace, and in doing so made the pitching staff look far more formidable going forward. When you have solid performances all around, it takes the heat off any one guy thinking he has to be the one to be to shut the other team down. Hamels and Moyer might not be affected by that sort of thinking, but Myers might, and anything that might possibly help that man to relax a little bit is an added bonus.

[PHIinBK]

1. Cole Hammels destroys the brewer lineup -he set the tone for the whole series plus showed that we have an ace to be reckoned with in the playoffs

2. Victorino hits a salami - Everyone billed Sabathia as the second coming of Sandy Koufax. Lose game 2 and the home field goes bye bye and you face the real possibility of having to take on C.C. again. He was the hero of game two and provided a bases loaded walk in game 1.

3. Brett Myers enduces the 1-2-3 DP - after 1/3 and inning it looked like the Phillies were screwed but he got Hart to GIDP, stymied the Brewers for the rest of the game and provided quality at bats that Utley and Howard couldn't even contribute.

4. Pat Burrell hits a three run ding dong - Nobody wanted to face a game five and he provided the offense in game four

5. Joe Blanton - a performance from the baseball gods

Honorable mention - Rollins hits lead off HR and a city goes "phew"

[MG]

Squonk - Maybe but just adding 2 cents to the topic. Offensively, the Phils' secondary guys came through against the Brewers and big shock the Phils scored almost all of their runs via the HR. Don't the power numbers continuing against LA.

[Bob]

Good points by RSB. I think the solid performances overall would take pressure off the entire staff, including the bullpen.

[EastFallowfield]

Howard at least scared Milwaukee enough that they walked him a lot. Pat finally made 'em pay for it yesterday. They pitched to him pretty much only when the matchups favored them.

[Squonk1964]

RSB: It might be tough for people to accept, but the Phils bullpen has been key. Madson stepped up, and the acquisions of Durbin, Eyre, and Seanez paid big points.

I this era of pitch counts, the bullpen might be more important than the starting five.

You also mentioned Blanton. I have been "critical" of Blanton, by Beerleaguer standards, but in reality it seems to have been a good pick up. The Phils are now, what, 10-4 in games he started? Say what you want about Blanton. I like the way he knows how to wear a baseball uniform.

[Squonk1964]

MG: "Maybe but just adding 2 cents to the topic. Offensively, the Phils' secondary guys came through against the Brewers and big shock the Phils scored almost all of their runs via the HR. Don't the power numbers continuing against LA."

You need to read all the posts before you start commenting. You have pinged me a few times before on this exact issue. Glad to return the favor.

I don't exactly call the starting pitchers, Rollins, or Burrell "secondary guys." I mean... No, won't go there.

[RSB]

I was critical of the Blanton acquisition also, but there's no way around it: he helped immensely. I still think Cardenas was an awfully high price to pay, but this allowed the team to finally be done with Adam Eaton - and so the point wasn't so much about adding Blanton but eliminating this major weakness.

I agree that the quality and depth of a team's bullpen is at least as important as the starting rotation. Seanez and Eyre weren't spectacular, but neither were they Brian Sanches or Mike Zagurski. Gillick got this team to the post-season on the strength of the bullpen more than anything.

[Voice of Reason]

With regards to the ranking of players in the Milwaukee series, I take issue with Pat the Bat coming in as high as fifth.

Granted, the guy had a monster game yesterday, but how can he go from zero hits in the first three games -- which led to calls for him being BENCHED altogether -- to having some admittedly key hits in the fourth game, but not even "game-winning" hits, and earn the fifth spot?

In yesterday's game, it was a relief for all to see Pat emerge from his awful slump, in which he looked clueless. But in that game, Rollins game-winning homer set the tone and was more important -- it will go down, officially, as the game-winning hit (in that it gave the Phils a lead they never relinquished). Take away Pat's two homers and the Phils still win the game, thanks to Rollins' and Werth's solo shots.

Rollins set the tone from the first at-bat, cracked the game-winning homer, and had an overall better series than Pat.

I'm really happy Burrell woke up, and he deserves the kudos that come with having a 3-for-4, 4rbi day, but as far as series MVP honors? I'll go with

1) Victorino
2) Hamels
3) Myers
4) Lidge (still perfect)
5) Rollins
6) Werth
7) Blanton
8) Madson
9) Burrell

Series 5 biggest goats:
5. Ruiz (mitigated only somewhat by his excellent game-calling)
4. Jenkins (why not?)
3. Howard
2. Utley
1. Feliz (please start dobbs, cholly)

[CJ]

RSB: Right... Blanton was the death knell for Eaton. And that was huge! I mean, we could have turned to Happ, but then who takes Kendrick's turn in the rotation once he lost his stuff?

I'm not sure how big of a loss Cardenas is because I don't know our minor leagues nearly well enough. I suppose some day we'll know how much of a price we really paid.

[Squonk1964]

RSB: I am never, really "critical" about any move the Phillies do, in season. I universally hate everything they do between seasons, but that us a topic for another thread...

I, too, did not like the fact that Mr. Joseph Mathew Blanton didn't give us what he was sold to do. The scouting report on Blanton was that he gives up too many hits, because he throws too many pitches for strikes. The upside was, he can pitch long into games because he keeps his pitch count low.

That didn't happen during this season. But we did win the NLDS with Blanton throwing a superb effort. There are a lot of "maybes" there.

Let's see how the Phils deal with Blanton during the offseason. Much of this will go unreported, things like referrals to local pitching coaches and other voodoo people, but...

Let's see. We have this season to complete, something that only four clubs can talk about as soon as the ALDS is completed. Right now, all we have are good times, better beer, and wearing red pinstripes during Eagles games.

What more does anyone need?

[Matt]

Speaking of Madson, when did he suddenly start throwing in the 96 mph range? His fastball has developed to the point where he can rear back and fire and throw it past a guy if he has to.

[bay_area_phan]

1. Hamels
2. Blanton
3. Victorino
4. Myers
5. Rollins

Honorable Mention: Lidge, Madson, Werth, Burrell.

Hamels was literally unhittable (in a day game, no less) & winning Game 1 was the key to the whole series. Blanton closed out the series with a hugely clutch performance. Vic had the series' signature moment & was a thorn in the Brewers' side throughout the series, as was Rollins. Myers gets graded down slightly because, although the results were good, he seemed to be pitching from behind in the count for much of the game.

[Squonk1964]

CJ (on his comment to RSB): It's about time you people understood baseball. (Not directed to you or CJ, BTW.)

The Blanton move means the Phils will dump Eaton's salary next year. They might string it out through spring traning, but...

The Phillies starters next year are Hamels, Meyers, Moyer (he'll sign), Blanton, with the five spot in serious competition between Kendrick and Happ.

[control13]

After seeing Madson get smacked around in 05, 06, and parts of 07, I still get the yips seeing him pitch the 8th. I have to say this is the best he's pitched since is rookie season in 04. I think it's important to use him properly also, such as when cholly got him and brought in JC to get Fielder in game 2 (I believe).

[CJ]

Squonk: Hmmmm... only talking heads worry about a pitcher's "scouting report" or how he was "sold." The point is the production. I think Joe Blanton should be judged on what he's actually done... and not compared to how some "expert" had "sold" him. The move was a success. An unqualified success.

[Squonk1964]

CJ: I think my creds are well justified.

I mean, how many high school games did you umpire behind the plate when some unknown called Piazza was the catcher? Ever had a player in Dodgertown stop, look, and give you a big hug?

Ever seen Mike Soscia's blast off the football press box at Sun Valley?

Didn't think so.

[Jim]

I have a dream, that one day when I'm at work and stop to get me some beerleaguer to quench my Phillies obsession, that I will read an entire thread where we don't a) talk about the Joe Blanton trade; and b) bitch about Charlie's lineup.

[Squonk1964]

Jim: I think you might have a point!

At least until Wednesday morning. Then we have tomorrow to deal with.

[joe]

It could be worse. We could be rehashing the Abreu trade.

[timr]

Vic is the kind of good but not all-star caliber player who always seems to end up really shining when a team makes a deep playoff run(although I think he could make an all-start team in the next couple years).

[joe]

timr-

are you talking about that guy who led the phillies in batting average? that good-but-not great guy?

Vic's biggest drawback is that he took up baseball late in life, so he isn't "baseball" smart.

[Squonk1964]

I like when the newbies--you know, those young tarts who think they know everything, run away.

[doubleh]

Victorino was one of our best players in last year's postseason, too. I remember that he scored the only run in the 3rd loss to the Rox last year. Forget baseball smart, I don't think he's that smart period, but sometimes thinking gets you in trouble.

[Squonk1964]

Jim: Abreau? Isn't the guy we released so we could make Victorino an every day player?

I know this is a bit of "stating the obvious," but the folks here on Beerleager tend to ignore the obvious.

[CJ]

Squonk: No need for you to take offense at my comment about "experts." I don't think anyone thought I was referring to you ;-)

My larger point was that I've heard a lot of people suggest that Blanton didn't live up to his perceived value as an "innings eater," and my point was that that was largely irrelevant. His job was to upgrade us from Adam Eaton. And, especially based on his last start, he's more than done that!

[Mike]

RSB: I agree with you about Blanton and Seanez, but Eyre has been spectacular since joining the Phils and provided that much-needed second left-handed option out of the 'pen.

[Squonk64]

CJ: I wasn't on the offensive. I mean, we are all celebrating right now, right? Mission not completed, yet, but we are in the NLCS. Right.

I think my point is, you all need to grab a beer, settle down, and enjoy the moment. Today doesn't happen that often, so please, y'all, enjoy yourselves, and please, don't take today all that seriously.

I do, however, take exception you what you, MG, and I have said in the past three pages. I mean, aren't we supposed to be happy and willing to beat the next team? But what do we do, beat ourselves up make us struggle even harder to be Phillies Phans.

I humbly appollogize (sp?) to everyone out there who read those bad posts I wrote. While they may have been technically correct, we need better support for the home team. And that means the people who support that team.

I'll be grumbling about things come Wednesday, belive me. But right now, bring on the alcohol!!!

[CJ]

Squonk: Well, a healthy discussion never hurt anyone :-) I'm about as positive as a Phillies Phan as you'll find (my record supports that)... well, apart from my feelings on Pedro Feliz. Although Charlie is giving him lots of opportunities to prove me wrong!!

[Squonk1964]

^^^ Saw another local (DC based) TV station that called the Dodgers the favorites.

PLEASE.

Pretty soon, I'll have to attend programs to change the person I am.

I love being a Phillies Phan because, right now, that means I am often right more than I am wrong.

[Squonk1964]

CJ: You know me. The Phils manager is properly called "Mr Manuel." But I give you a pass for calling our manager "Charlie."

Believe it or not, but "Chowly's" mommy is in fact a great person to meet. She's in the book, or at least she used to be. I know it might be a three hour trip from Philly, but...

I think the majority of the problem you all have the Mr. Manuel, isn't you haven't sitten down and talked to his mamma.

What do you think about that? I am not just a premier PIAA baseball umpire during the 70s and 80s, but I know how to use the web to have coffee with Mr. Manuel's mommy. I think that's pretty cool.

[Dull]

A key move to improve team chemistry was telling Eaton to pack his bags and go home after the regular season ended. If the Pirates could eat Morris's salary this year the Phils can eat Eaton's salary next year. Atleast Jimmy Rollins won't be reminded every day by looking at him that Eaton made more money than he did this season.

[EastFallowfield]

I don't mind if everyone picks the Dodgers.

In 93, everyone picked the Braves.

In 2007 and 2008, everyone picked the Mets.

Phils are better as underdogs.

[Batter's Eye]

Perhaps it's not my place to say since I'm only a regular reader and not a regular poster, but, Squonk, the site is a lot more enjoyable to read when you aren't degrading the beerleaguer community with your know-it-all accusatory attitude.

[NEPP]

The Blanton trade was a good one and it has paid off so far.

[CJ]

Batter's Eye: Don't take him seriously. He's just baiting people. I shouldn't have taken the bait myself.

[NEPP]

I second Batter's Eye...

[Pops]

Phillies fan from Scranton. Does anyone have a start time for Game One?

I've got a ticket - debating on whether or not to blow off work for the day.

[RSB]

Did TBS go out of their way to find the most colorless play-by-play announcers in the industry for all four series?

[Live Arm]

If anyone has any extra tickets to any of the dodgers games, to sell to a true diehard fan for 30 years, please let me know. I've never attended a playoff game, and would cherish the opportunity to take my son. Please email me at oeaton01@optonline.net

Go Phillies!!

[bay_area_phan]

But CJ is only the 2nd most positive Phillies fan on this website. I believe I'm even more positive.

[doubleh]

BAP: THe Dude has you beat. He's the most positive.

Speaking of which, where is he now that the Phils are in the playoffs?

[AFish]

If the Phillies are eliminated at any point, THe DUde will reappear, declare "SEASON = OVER," and complain about the "dysfunctional lineup" and lack of small ball.

[bay_area_phan]

hh: He actually popped on after the game yesterday. He took credit for the Phillies' victory, pointing out that his negative posts helped set the Reverse Beerleaguer Jinx in motion. I think he's got a point.

[bay_area_phan]

If the Phillies somehow win the World Series -- or even the NLCS -- some poster with a lot of time on his/her hands should go back and dig out the 100 most over-the-top fatalistic posts from the 2008 season. I'm sure I could lay claim to at least 10 of them, and Carson probably another 10. THe DUde's posts don't really count, since he just writes the same thing over and over again.

[Hitman]

I strongly favor moving Blanton to the #3 slot in the rotation. Moyer has had a great year, but at age 46 and 200 innings pitched his uncharacteristic control problems strongly suggest fatigue. Blanton has had pinpoint control and was lights out. If Cholly gambles on Moyer as the #3 guy, and he once again proves ineffective, then we are locked into the rotation, and we get Moyer again in game 7. Way too risky.

[GoPhilsGo]

I did see THe DUde pop in. THe DUde should get the credit that he deserves. Credit not for a reverse jinx, but for being completely wrong in his predictions.

[Andy]

1) In the last inning of the series, I posted as "Nelson Can't Hit That Pitch." One time. Without the "Remember personal info?" box checked. Since it has not remembered my name with the box xhecked I did not give it a second thought. Since that time it always comes up as "Nelson Can't Hit..."etc. I guess Nelson really can't hit Lidge's slider and the baseball gods want me to remember.

2) I have a theory on Madson and the rest of the staff. I think they have discovered that they can indeed throw high cheese even at the Zen. It just seems like all through the series everyone except Moyer went after the Brewers on the high side and it worked. Lots of pop-ups, fly balls and Ks. I think Madson, especially, instead of trying to cut it fine on the corners has begun letting loose with an eye toward blowing it past people at the top edge of the zone. And it's working.

Just a theory here. So feel free to shred it. After all, I'm just "Nelson Can't Hit..."

[Nelson Can't Hit That Pitch]

And just in case you doubt me...it's back!

[Andy]

Personally, I'm waiting for the Phils to win the WS and THEN we can all post, at the same time: "Season=Over."

[GoPhilsGo]

Sox 1-0 bottom 5th

[GoPhilsGo]

Personally, I'm waiting for the Phils to win the WS and THEN we can all post, at the same time: "Season=Over."

Posted by: Andy | Monday, October 06, 2008 at 10:10 PM

Sounds about right!

[AFish]

@Hitman: With the off days, the game 4 starter can pitch game 7 on normal rest, so there is no reason to rearrange the rotation to make Blanton available to pitch twice. Also, Moyer has shown himself to be a better starter over the course of the year, and the lefty/righty sequence seems better.

[doubleh]

OMFG, how does John Lackey not kill this defense behind him?

[GoPhilsGo]

Angels have been unimpressive to say the least.

[charlie hayes' brother]

Lackey sure doesn't appear pleased with the defense, huh? And Lester is fo' real fo' shizzle...

[doubleh]

Nice hit for Hunter...finally...

[Andy]

yo

[Andy]

How can I get rid of "Nelson Can't Hit That Pitch"? It's even more annoying to have to change your name every time you post than it is to have to type in the name and e-mail.

[Andy]

.

.

[GoPhilsGo]

Andy, good question. It never works for me.

[doubleh]

Andy, I would imagine if you clean out your cache (cookies, etc.) and delete internet history you should be able to get rid of it that way. It works for me.

[clout]

squonk: You either have the best sense of humor on here or you're the dumbest poster I've ever read. Either way, it's cool.

[GoPhilsGo]

Are the Sox really going to blow another game at Fenway?

[AWH]

clout, before you label squonk, I humbly suggest you

REMEMBER ALDEN!

[doubleh]

GoPhilsGo: No, because the Angels are stupid.

Damnit, I really, really want the Sox to lose. Forcing a game 5 would be awesome, plus it gives me something to watch tomorrow night...and it makes the Red Sox fans sweat it out for another day. Stupid, stupid Angels.

[GoPhilsGo]

hh, the way the Angels are playing I'm surprised they have made it this far.

[AWH the RBP]

"If the Phillies somehow win the World Series -- or even the NLCS -- some poster with a lot of time on his/her hands should go back and dig out the 100 most over-the-top fatalistic posts from the 2008 season. I'm sure I could lay claim to at least 10 of them, and Carson probably another 10. THe DUde's posts don't really count, since he just writes the same thing over and over again.

Posted by: bay_area_phan | Monday, October 06, 2008 at 09:41 PM "

b_a_p, I think MG belongs in your "esteemed group too.

I thought a couple of his posts in the last thread ought to be accompanied by the music from funeral dirges, notwithstanding the fact that some of them didn't make a lot of sense.

[GoPhilsGo]

So much for the Angels.

[doubleh]

Go Tampa! Beat Boston.

[AWH the RBP]

Aybar should be severely beaten by his teammates.

Little League 101 says you HAVE to make some kind of contact on a suicide squeeze play. You MUST make contact.

His lack of "baseball smarts", or courage to stand in there against a tough pitch cost his team momentum and possibly the game.

[doubleh]

That horrible baserunning gaffe just sucked any life the Angels had out of the team. Totally reversed momentum; even the normally moribund Sox fans felt it.

[doubleh]

AWH: Was it lack of contact or miscommunication? I thought the runner took off early...

I didn't see the whole thing, but whatever--Aybar was pretty bad the entire series--the whole play just sucked the life out of the team. Definitely changed momentum.

[GoPhilsGo]

...and the Angels didn't appear to have much life in them as it was. Pitching was decent, though.