Im sorry...I know they are "fundamentally sound"....

[bjf1984]

but the Cards are the GD luckiest team in the history of pro sports.

Score their first three runs today on:

One-out walk....then with two outs, base hit, walk, walk, walk, hit batter.

Put one freaking ball in play, and score three runs.

Then, down 2 in the 8th:

Base hit, hit batter, throwing error by pitcher

Two more runs on one single.

The game should have been a "laugher" win by the Nationals - who knocked the crap out of the ball all night.



UGH

 

[fairgambit]

but the Cards are the GD luckiest team in the history of pro sports.

Score their first three runs today on:

One-out walk....then with two outs, base hit, walk, walk, walk, hit batter.

Put one freaking ball in play, and score three runs.

Then, down 2 in the 8th:

Base hit, hit batter, throwing error by pitcher

Two more runs on one single.

The game should have been a "laugher" win by the Nationals - who knocked the crap out of the ball all night.



UGH

And they were the same last year, but their luck ran out in the playoffs and it will again this year. Nothing like having the best record in baseball and choking it all away in the playoffs.

 

[MacNit7]

And they were the same last year, but their luck ran out in the playoffs and it will again this year. Nothing like having the best record in baseball and choking it all away in the playoffs.

Not luck or "choking."

Baseball Regular Season and Playoffs are two different animals...inferior teams can win when rotations are shortened and relief pitching is paramount (why those great Braves Teams of late 1980s and early 1990s only won one title or and same with the Orioles of the 1970s). And why a team like the Giants won last year...

 

[fairgambit]

Not luck or "choking."

Baseball Regular Season and Playoffs are two different animals...inferior teams can win when rotations are shortened and relief pitching is paramount (why those great Braves Teams of late 1980s and early 1990s only won one title or and same with the Orioles of the 1970s). And why a team like the Giants won last year...

And why the Pirates will win this year.

 

[MacNit7]

And why the Pirates will win this year.

I guess we will see...I might be very concerned about the Cubs and Giants in a one game playoff...

 

[fairgambit]

I guess we will see...I might be very concerned about the Cubs and Giants in a one game playoff...

And they might be very concerned about the Bucs. The Pirates are an exceptional team at home. As you said, we'll see.

 

[MacNit7]

And they might be very concerned about the Bucs. The Pirates are an exceptional team at home. As you said, we'll see.

They were exceptional last year too..but one game against the best pitcher from Chicago or SF? Well, we say what happened in 2014....in a series - I am picking the Bucs over either of those two...but one game? Not so much...

 

[fairgambit]

They were exceptional last year too..but one game against the best pitcher from Chicago or SF? Well, we say what happened in 2014....in a series - I am picking the Bucs over either of those two...but one game? Not so much...

Some Temple loon has been saying I am guaranteeing a Penn State win on Saturday and I explained that I didn't guarantee anything, I predicted we would win. The Bucs are different. I guarantee we will win the Wild Card game. If I'm wrong, well, it won't be the 1st time.

 

[Nittany.Lion]

but the Cards are the GD luckiest team in the history of pro sports.

Score their first three runs today on:

One-out walk....then with two outs, base hit, walk, walk, walk, hit batter.

Put one freaking ball in play, and score three runs.

Then, down 2 in the 8th:

Base hit, hit batter, throwing error by pitcher

Two more runs on one single.

The game should have been a "laugher" win by the Nationals - who knocked the crap out of the ball all night.



UGH

Take THAT sucka!!! LOL

 

[NitneLiun]

Hahahahahahahahaha!

 

[Class of 67]

but the Cards are the GD luckiest team in the history of pro sports.

Score their first three runs today on:

One-out walk....then with two outs, base hit, walk, walk, walk, hit batter.

Put one freaking ball in play, and score three runs.

Then, down 2 in the 8th:

Base hit, hit batter, throwing error by pitcher

Two more runs on one single.

The game should have been a "laugher" win by the Nationals - who knocked the crap out of the ball all night.



UGH

 

[fairgambit]

Geeze, I hope those folks in St. Louis all get home safely after the game. I was looking for video of the game from a St. Louis station and found this.
http://fox2now.com/2015/09/01/st-louis-ranks-4th-on-list-of-most-dangerous-cities-in-america/

 

[Class of 67]

but the Cards are the GD luckiest team in the history of pro sports.

Score their first three runs today on:

One-out walk....then with two outs, base hit, walk, walk, walk, hit batter.

Put one freaking ball in play, and score three runs.

Then, down 2 in the 8th:

Base hit, hit batter, throwing error by pitcher

Two more runs on one single.

The game should have been a "laugher" win by the Nationals - who knocked the crap out of the ball all night.



UGH

I

To a Nats fan as I, you have a different perspective. Since the AS break the Nats have been an embarrassment. Starters have regressed, including early Cy Young candidate Scherzer. The pen has had issues all season. Poor fundamentals. Below career average hitting by most. Spate of key injuries.Thttp://onwardstate.com/2015/08/27/an-aerial-tour-of-penn-states-campus/hey can lose multiple ways

Geeze, I hope those folks in St. Louis all get home safely after the game. I was looking for video of the game from a St. Louis station and found this.
http://fox2now.com/2015/09/01/st-louis-ranks-4th-on-list-of-most-dangerous-cities-in-america/

To a Nats fan as I, you have a different perspective. Since the AS break the Nats have been an embarrassment. Starters have regressed, including early Cy Young candidate Scherzer. The pen has had issues all season. Poor fundamentals. Below career average hitting by most. A spate of key injuries starting in spring training. So, you see luck on the part of the Cards, but I see a "normal" Nats team of the past weeks.

 

[fairgambit]

I
To a Nats fan as I, you have a different perspective. Since the AS break the Nats have been an embarrassment. Starters have regressed, including early Cy Young candidate Scherzer. The pen has had issues all season. Poor fundamentals. Below career average hitting by most. Spate of key injuries.Thttp://onwardstate.com/2015/08/27/an-aerial-tour-of-penn-states-campus/hey can lose multiple ways
To a Nats fan as I, you have a different perspective. Since the AS break the Nats have been an embarrassment. Starters have regressed, including early Cy Young candidate Scherzer. The pen has had issues all season. Poor fundamentals. Below career average hitting by most. A spate of key injuries starting in spring training. So, you see luck on the part of the Cards, but I see a "normal" Nats team of the past weeks.

Hey, the Cards are very good. It's a shame the have so many ahole fans who show up here when times are good and are not heard from after Cardinal losses. Buc fans are here in good times and bad. I know this doesn't matter to anyone but me, but I once considered the Cards my second favorite team and now I despise them, not because of their players, but because of their fans. My joy was overflowing when the Giants sent them packing last year and I look for a similar reason to rejoice this year.

 

[NitneLiun]

Geeze, I hope those folks in St. Louis all get home safely after the game. I was looking for video of the game from a St. Louis station and found this.
http://fox2now.com/2015/09/01/st-louis-ranks-4th-on-list-of-most-dangerous-cities-in-america/

All that crime is in the hood. If you stay out of the hood, you won't get caught in the crossfire when negroes are shooting at each other.

 

[lobo lion]

And they were the same last year, but their luck ran out in the playoffs and it will again this year. Nothing like having the best record in baseball and choking it all away in the playoffs.

I realize you're frustrated, and I can't blame you, but suggesting that the Cardinals choke is truly one of the silliest observations a sports fan could make. Year in and year out they squeeze more out of their talent and their opportunities than just about any professional team out there. I don't think they're the most talented team in baseball, and I don't think the odds of them winning the WS should be better than a handful of other teams, but any post-season loss will almost certainly not be the result of choking ( a term that is used far too often these days).

 

[fairgambit]

I realize you're frustrated, and I can't blame you, but suggesting that the Cardinals choke is truly one of the silliest observations a sports fan could make. Year in and year out they squeeze more out of their talent and their opportunities than just about any professional team out there. I don't think they're the most talented team in baseball, and I don't think the odds of them winning the WS should be better than a handful of other teams, but any post-season loss will almost certainly not be the result of choking ( a term that is used far too often these days).

Sorry, but to me they choked last year and I don't typically use the word. Frustration has nothing to do with it. They should have beaten the Giants. They had leads in games 4 and 5 of the Series and couldn't finish the job. I actually wanted the Cards to win because the Giants had won the World Series 2 of the previous 4 years. The Giants have clearly become the dominant team in baseball and they are the one team I hope the Pirates don't face in the playoffs.

 

[fairgambit]

All that crime is in the hood. If you stay out of the hood, you won't get caught in the crossfire when negroes are shooting at each other.

Well, when the Bucs play the Cards in the playoffs, I may actually go to a game. I have a relative that lives in the St. Louis area. If I do, I will remember to stay out of the hood. I'm older now and not good at dodging bullets.

 

[Nittany.Lion]

Hey, the Cards are very good. It's a shame the have so many ahole fans who show up here when times are good and are not heard from after Cardinal losses. Buc fans are here in good times and bad. I know this doesn't matter to anyone but me, but I once considered the Cards my second favorite team and now I despise them, not because of their players, but because of their fans. My joy was overflowing when the Giants sent them packing last year and I look for a similar reason to rejoice this year.

I've been on this board for years and frankly don't recall one time when a cards fan even initiated a thread or acted as an ahole, now it's a different story for pirate fans, they can be aholes on a daily basis.

 

[hagberg]

I've been on this board for years and frankly don't recall one time when a cards fan even initiated a thread or acted as an ahole, now it's a different story for pirate fans, they can be aholes on a daily basis.

It's all about perspective...

 

[psu_83_drummer]

I guess we will see...I might be very concerned about the Cubs and Giants in a one game playoff...

This year will be different.....the Giants won't be coasting into the 2nd wildcard spot like last year and neither will the Cubs. They will be battling down to the wire and Bumgarner and Arrietta will have to make their regularly scheduled starts....maybe their rotation works to make them available for a one game playoff, but they may need to pitch them on the last day of the season just to make the playoff!

 

[fairgambit]

It's all about perspective...

Indeed. Cardinal fans have been pissing on Pirate threads for at least the last 2 years. Perhaps they think they're just watering the flowers.

 

[rohrmd9]

All that crime is in the hood. If you stay out of the hood, you won't get caught in the crossfire when negroes are shooting at each other.

Exactly. Everyone thinks because a city is high on the crime list that every part of the city and surrounding area is dangerous. My son lives in downtown St Louis and I felt completely safe walking around there when we visited. He's never had a problem.

And I'm not a Cards fan but the fans out in St Louis seem to be very nice and we never ran across any a-holes out there. I think it's just the rivalry...Pirates fans think Cards fans are a-holes and visa versa. I know that's the way with Boston-NY...Ravens-Steelers, etc. Each fan base thinks the other is the most obnoxious bunch of jerks on the planet.

 

[nits74]

All that crime is in the hood. If you stay out of the hood, you won't get caught in the crossfire when negroes are shooting at each other.

Here in the more civilized and progressive part of America we refer to blacks as African Americans. But, I guess from one who once used an image of a confederate flag as his sig pic, this is something foreign to you.

 

[nits74]

but the Cards are the GD luckiest team in the history of pro sports.

Score their first three runs today on:

One-out walk....then with two outs, base hit, walk, walk, walk, hit batter.

Put one freaking ball in play, and score three runs.

Then, down 2 in the 8th:

Base hit, hit batter, throwing error by pitcher

Two more runs on one single.

The game should have been a "laugher" win by the Nationals - who knocked the crap out of the ball all night.



UGH

Over the season those things tend to even out. Fact is they're just better and they take advantage more than any other team of their opportunities and gifts. The Pirates are a very good team. But, it's performances like last night and the day before that keep them from being elite. I think the Cards win this division going away. Hope I'm wrong.

On another subject, I'm no longer real comfortable with what is our best option for a starter in the WC game. Take a look at his stats since the break. Pretty underwhelming. At this point I still would go with Cole, but he worries me.

 

[kgilbert78]

Not luck or "choking."

Baseball Regular Season and Playoffs are two different animals...inferior teams can win when rotations are shortened and relief pitching is paramount (why those great Braves Teams of late 1980s and early 1990s only won one title or and same with the Orioles of the 1970s). And why a team like the Giants won last year...

Or the Cards in 2011.

 

[fairgambit]

Over the season those things tend to even out. Fact is they're just better and they take advantage more than any other team of their opportunities and gifts. The Pirates are a very good team. But, it's performances like last night and the day before that keep them from being elite. I think the Cards win this division going away. Hope I'm wrong.

On another subject, I'm no longer real comfortable with what is our best option for a starter in the WC game. Take a look at his stats since the break. Pretty underwhelming. At this point I still would go with Cole, but he worries me.

Yes, but we still have a month for him to get back to where he was.

 

[kgilbert78]

I saw the Blue Jackets play the Blues in St. Louis this spring. Took light rail in from the airport (was at a conference). No problems--but there was a fairly hefty police presence around the light rail station by the Arena. Went to Union Station too--which once was a nice mall but has again fallen on hard times, with most shops closed now (as compared with the last time I was there 2-3 years prior). So I think St. Louis is just like any other big city--be careful where you walk and keep your eyes on a swivel. But we were also in NOLA in May--again no problems barring some homeless trying to beg near Commanders Palace.

 

[nits74]

Yes, but we still have a month for him to get back to where he was.

Well, if he doesn't it won't be for lack of trying. He's obsessed with being the best. I can only hope he's pitching that game at PNC. If this team doesn't figure this division out very soon, they'll be in Wrigley on October 7th.

 

[Obliviax]

That's baseball (and Paterno's college football). The Cards just keep putting pressure on you until you make a mistake, they then capitalize. Its why experience is so important in baseball and why small market teams struggle so much.

Baseball is so much about preparedness, mental stability, concentration and confidence. Margin of victory over a season with 162 games is so small. Missing the cutoff man, giving four outs, or walking a batter is fatal.

The Tribe, the other night, gave up two infield hits where they just missed making the play. Then, a line drive goes off the glove of the center fielder to give up two crappy runs. meanwhile, tribe hitting line drives right at players all night. Crazy game.

 

[fairgambit]

Well, if he doesn't it won't be for lack of trying. He's obsessed with being the best. I can only hope he's pitching that game at PNC. If this team doesn't figure this division out very soon, they'll be in Wrigley on October 7th.

Come on nits74. That won't happen. Before their win last night the Cubs had lost 5 of 6. The Cubs had that hot streak in August where they went 15-1 and they are still 5 back of us with 30 to play. We play them 7 more times (4 at home) and we'll at least win 3 of those so they won't make up much ground and if we take 4, they lose a step. Just like us, they have 6 left with the Cards. Don't worry. We got home field for the WC locked up.

 

[bjf1984]

Yes, but we still have a month for him to get back to where he was.

He's pitching hurt..IMHO

Mentioned this a couple weeks back.....arm slot is dropping, fastball is losing its late movement.

He's still the best we got.....but he is gutting it out right now. On the plus side, it shows that Cole (in addition to being a mad-dog competitor) has really developed as a "pitcher". If, indeed, it becomes apparent that the Buccos are locked into a WC spot, I would really consider giving him a turn or two of rest before the post-season. Gonna' need him at top form to make a run. Doesn't matter one bit whether you finish 4 behind the Cards and 6 in front of the Cubs....or 8 behind the Cards and 2 in front of the Cubs (of course, its still a couple weeks until that bridge has to be crossed).

 

[hagberg]

Exactly. Everyone thinks because a city is high on the crime list that every part of the city and surrounding area is dangerous. My son lives in downtown St Louis and I felt completely safe walking around there when we visited. He's never had a problem.

And I'm not a Cards fan but the fans out in St Louis seem to be very nice and we never ran across any a-holes out there. I think it's just the rivalry...Pirates fans think Cards fans are a-holes and visa versa. I know that's the way with Boston-NY...Ravens-Steelers, etc. Each fan base thinks the other is the most obnoxious bunch of jerks on the planet.

The difference is that Cards fans and Ravens fans are WRONG!

 

[fairgambit]

He's pitching hurt..IMHO

Mentioned this a couple weeks back.....arm slot is dropping, fastball is losing its late movement.

He's still the best we got.....but he is gutting it out right now. On the plus side, it shows that Cole (in addition to being a mad-dog competitor) has really developed as a "pitcher". If, indeed, it becomes apparent that the Buccos are locked into a WC spot, I would really consider giving him a turn or two of rest before the post-season. Gonna' need him at top form to make a run. Doesn't matter one bit whether you finish 4 behind the Cards and 6 in front of the Cubs....or 8 behind the Cards and 2 in front of the Cubs (of course, its still a couple weeks until that bridge has to be crossed).

Agreed.

 

[Howie'81]

Or the Cards in 2011.

Branch Rickey used to say, "Luck is the residue of design."