04/20/24
September 30, 2015
SportsFilter: The Wednesday Huddle:
A place to discuss the sports stories that aren't making news, share links that aren't quite front-page material, and diagram plays on your hand. Remember to count to five Mississippi before commenting in anger.
An interesting streak in Cincinnati (thankfully not chili-related): "[T]he Reds have now used a rookie starting pitcher in a record 59 straight games — and they're likely to finish out the season with all rookie starters, which will bring the streak to 64 come year's end."
posted by yerfatma at 10:26 AM on September 30, 2015
Thanks to yesterday's rain-out, the Cardinals have the odd opportunity to clinch the NL Central in the first game of a doubleheader today. I'm curious as to what they would do about the usual champagne party woo woo time that comes with clinching.
posted by Ufez Jones at 10:37 AM on September 30, 2015
Isn't winning the NL Central just something they do now? Like, what's the point of celebrating when it's the norm?
posted by NoMich at 10:46 AM on September 30, 2015
If someone wanted to piss off the Busch family, they could have the Cards' clubhouse celebration fueled by an alternate supplier.
posted by beaverboard at 11:06 AM on September 30, 2015
Thanks to yesterday's rain-out, the Cardinals have the odd opportunity to clinch the NL Central in the first game of a doubleheader today. I'm curious as to what they would do about the usual champagne party woo woo time that comes with clinching.
The Toronto Blue Jays are in exactly the same situation in Baltimore today. With only 30 minutes between the end of the game and the second one, I assume it'll just be jumping around on the mound for now.
Then, after the second game is completed (with a AAA/backup/scrub lineup), they'll get some serious partying on in the visitor's locker room.
posted by grum@work at 11:27 AM on September 30, 2015
And, in case you are wondering, the Detroit Tigers clinched the AL pennant exactly 70 years ago today (1945/09/30) by winning the first game of a (make-up) double-header against the St. Louis Browns. They cancelled the second game (because it was now unnecessary and because of the rain that was falling at the time.)
posted by grum@work at 11:41 AM on September 30, 2015
Thanks, grum. I was wondering.
posted by Ufez Jones at 11:52 AM on September 30, 2015
thankfully not chili-related
Being 2,000 miles removed from my beloved Skyline Chili, I am forced to make Cincy chili from scratch at home. Nowhere near as convenient as a jaunt to the corner Skalini's Spaghetti Palace (as the locals refer to it), but it does cut back on the streaking.
posted by tahoemoj at 12:55 PM on September 30, 2015
"And we scored three touchdowns to their three points." — Rex Ryan on taking care of business against the bullying Patriots. I like to think when Rex opens the door and walks the long hall between realities he and Jose Mourinho stop and chat.
posted by yerfatma at 01:14 PM on September 30, 2015
I used to look at Marv Levy on the Bills sideline with winter approaching, and between the lack of hot air and the frailness of frame, the prospect of hypothermia was a real concern.
I'm relieved not to be burdened by those worries any longer.
posted by beaverboard at 01:59 PM on September 30, 2015
Looks like the Cards are going to avoid that aforementioned potentially awkward situation.
posted by Ufez Jones at 04:19 PM on September 30, 2015
Looks like the Cards are going to avoid that aforementioned potentially awkward situation.
Highlight of the game was when the HUGE group of Toronto fans that came to the game (some reporters believed it was 50/50 split in attendance) all started a chant to thank the man most responsible for the team's amazing 2nd half, GM Alex Anthopolous.
He was sitting in the crowd (with his front office staff) and acknowledged them at the end of it. He also then high-fived all of them as he made his way over to the dugout to celebrate with his team after the game was over.
posted by grum@work at 09:07 PM on September 30, 2015
Follow-up: AA addresses the troops as the REAL party is about to start. (NSFW language)
posted by grum@work at 11:25 PM on September 30, 2015
Good on AA.
Recovered from the Marlins trade and really took advantage of the opportunity this year to bolster the team with the Yankees and Red Sox in hold and rebuilding.
With Stroman returning, JD being JD, and a healthy return of Tulo the sky is the limit!
posted by cixelsyd at 11:43 PM on September 30, 2015
Okay, now that the Jays have clinched the AL East, let's get serious about a very important topic: Can we have a nightmare scenario (for the MLB schedule makers) for the AL wild card spots (and AL West division)?
Current standings:
TEX 86 wins (4 games left)
NYY 86 wins (4 games left)
HOU 83 wins (4 games left - currently playing tonight)
LAA 83 wins (4 games left)
MIN 82 wins (4 games left)
Future games:
TEX vs LAA (4 games)
NYY vs BOS (1 game), NYY vs BAL (3 games)
HOU vs SEA (1 game), HOU vs ARI (3 games)
MIN vs KC (4 games)
To achieve nightmare scenario:
LAA sweeps TEX
NYY loses every game
HOU wins 3 of 4
MIN sweeps KC
Result: 5 teams tied for 3 playoff spots
As best as I can figure out, the tie-breakers would be:
The AL West teams would be designated A/B/C based on tie-breakers like overall record vs each other.
Game 1: AL West Team A vs AL West Team B - winner gets AL West title
Game 2: NYY vs MIN - winner gets Wild Card spot
Game 3: Loser of Game 1 vs AL West Team C - winner gets Wild Card spot
posted by grum@work at 12:04 AM on October 01, 2015
Please may this nightmare scenario come to pass. Extra games!!!
posted by holden at 12:07 AM on October 01, 2015
Go Astros.
Currently tied in the 6th against Seattle, we have a major retail at-bat in progress, with Fields pitching to K Marte.
posted by beaverboard at 12:39 AM on October 01, 2015
If MLB just let the teams keep playing for another week and a half, the suddenly Godzilla Red Sox would help settle the situation.
Meanwhile the Giants are heading into the offseason perfectly positioned to continue their "every other year" title pursuit strategy.
posted by beaverboard at 12:49 AM on October 01, 2015
the suddenly Godzilla Red Sox
They are the team (after the Blue Jays) that I would bet on to win the AL East next year. If they get their pitching in order, that batting lineup (assuming Pedroia/Ortiz don't crater) is scary.
posted by grum@work at 09:43 AM on October 01, 2015
I'm an idiot.
TEX and LAA can't end up tied, so my nightmare scenario won't work.
One of them is going to end up with at least 87 wins.
So the nightmare scenario is:
TEX/LAA (one of them) 87 wins
TEX/LAA (one of them) 86 wins
HOU 86 wins
NYY 86 wins
MIN 86 wins
So the team with 87 wins gets the AL West.
The remaining four teams would have to play the extra games for the wild card spots.
A vs B
C vs D
The winners of those games would be the wild card teams, where their order is determined by other tie-breaking rules.
OR
TEX/LAA (one of them) 87 wins
HOU 87 wins
TEX/LAA (one of them) 86 wins
NYY 86 wins
MIN 86 wins
TEX/LAA (87 wins) vs HOU for the AL West division, loser gets Wild Card 1.
The remaining 3 teams would then have to play AvB, winner v C to determine the 2nd wild card.
posted by grum@work at 10:04 AM on October 01, 2015
How's that whole "Larry Brown" thing working out for you, SMU? Good?