During the entire NLCS between the Cubs and Marlins, all I could think about
were those poor fans. The waiting, the suffering. How South Floridians have
been able to withstand six long years of not winning the World Series is
beyond me. But the wait is finally over, Miami. For the first time
since 1997, the Marlins are back in the World Series!
Everyone's gonna look for someone to blame for the Cubs' collapse, up there
with the most dramatic of all time, considering the circumstances. How 'bout
blaming the Marlins for knocking the shit out of the ball in Games 6 and 7?
And you can stop blaming the guy in the headphones, because the umps sure
didn't tag him for breaking any rules. (Big ups to Moises Alou, who had the
class to stick up for the kid and tell it like it was: he would have caught
the ball, but it didn't cost the Cubs eight runs.)
I thought Cubs-Marlins was one of the best playoffs series I have ever seen
in what is shaping up as one of the greatest postseasons ever. Somehow it
managed to combine dominating pitching with home run records and some speedy
mo-fo's. Not only that, it featured one of the great ironies in all of
sports: Cubs fans bragging to have lifted three starters from the Pittsburgh
Pirates! Who ya' gonna fleece next year, the Devil Rays?
Everyone's been asking me, Why aren't you writing about Yanks-Red Sox? Let
me tell you something ... I can't. I'm so nervous that every game I think
I'm gonna throw up on myself.
Some quick playoffs thoughts:
Cowboy Up? What were the rejected slogans? All aboard? Hi-Ho Silver?
Anchors Aweigh?
Manny Being Manny: Ramirez, who was laughing in the dugout after
striking out in the ninth inning of Game 5, could do worse than watch Trot
Nixon for tips on being a professional. Nixon's ninth-inning home run in
Game 6 was a game-clincher, but he didn't walk halfway to first or point in
anyone's dugout. He just cruised around the bases like he's done before. I
was also impressed when Jorge Posada did not come out for a curtain call
— an almost universal practice at home for the Yanks — after his
home run in Game 6. Like Nixon, he knew there was still work to be done.
Game 7: Pedro vs. Rocket: In his final season, Clemens is pitching to
extend his career at least one more start. Can this game possibly have any
more drama? Is this the most anticipated non-World Series game ever?
Billy Corgan's Take Me Out to the Ball Game: His Game 7,
Inning 7 rendition came after a Marlin was thrown out at third trying to
stretch a two-run double that set the Cubs back four runs. OK, who's ready
for a sing-a-long?!
Scalped Tickets at Wrigley: What did the crappy seats go for,
$300 a pop? Bet an iPod sounds better right about now, though getting kicked
in the nuts two nights in a row has gotta be worth something.
FOX: Really enjoyed Al Leiter's commentary. Really don't feel sorry for them taking a hit with the World Series ratings — do you think anyone in Chicago is gonna watch? — when they spend half their promo time plugging a show about duping women.
Manny Being Manny: I hope we trade him to the Yankees. No offense being a Sox fan but I have had enough of of him honestly. The Yankees to be honest are the only ones that can afford him and it's sad to say. Manny has said it before that he has wanted to play for the Bronx Bombers so after this season I think Theo should make some serious talks. Just my opinion. That's all.
Game 7: Pedro vs. Rocket: In his final season, Clemens is pitching to extend his career at least one more start. Can this game possibly have any more drama? Is this the most anticipated non-World Series game ever?
*Above comment by you:* I cannot say enough. I am leaving NH in the morning heading for Manhattan to my friends house. My roommates best friend lives in Manhattan and his father works for NESN and scored him tickets for game 7 tomorrow night. I cannot even believe that I am going to game 7 between the Yanks and Red Sox at Yankee Stadium. I think this series has honestly been better than any World Series in the past 10 years. May the better team win!!!
Posted by Ryan at October 16, 2003 1:33 AM