poppysox

They sold the hero worship for individual players and the wonders of fun at the old ballpark. See Ernie Banks and Wrigley field for examples.

It will never go back...but it would still be my preference. Playoffs are for the owners to make money not to find the best team. Every game was more important in the good old days. The teams played all other league teams and the winner went to the WS. Wild card teams winning the WS just doesn't sit well with me.

That's probably good for playoff prep. I agree with you...that my nerves could use a blowout on occasion.

Next year I would expect AV to be something of a monster with the bat. This year will work out great for his long-term development.

"He who laughs last... laughs loudest."

Abreu shows up every day and consistently gets the big knock. Anderson seems to inject life into the whole team. Roden stabilized the starting staff from out of nowhere. I won't argue with any of them being labeled as most important to this years success.

The good news is Lopez looks like he has found himself....another solid outing. The bad news is we can't seem to get the big hit when needed. Very anxious to have the whole team on the field at the same time.

Well good...I agree with him.

I view this game as a can't lose situation. Most of us are expecting a loss with Keuchel on the mound...and if Katz has fixed him it would be an unexpected development/surprise. On another subject...Keuchel annoys me with his I don't lose my cool persona when getting his butt kicked. His I'm not bothered attitude looks good when you have the ability to work yourself out of trouble. When you stink up the place I would prefer a look of disgust in how crappy you are pitching.

Eloy has twice the entertainment value as some of these guys.

I agree. Engel is a much more important piece of the team puzzle than some people realize IMO. It will be good to get him back.

Cease might currently be our best starter. Strange game this baseball.

Kimbrel gained a few believers with that strikeout of Perez.

Because you have been watching the games and have eyes.

Yep!

"Everything will be fine sir...now step slowly back from the ledge."

I know what you're saying but that would be a hard position to sell to most of us I would imagine. Our WS championships don't grow on trees. Plenty of people are willing to forgive Ozzie his sins in exchange for the 1 championship.

Yeah...something like two wins in the WS.

It's a fine line to play a little banged up or sit and get rusty. If the manager ultimately wins he's really smart and if he loses he's an idiot.

Getting Engel back would be a big help. In all fairness...Tony has managed all these injuries in such a way that the team will be close to 100% come playoffs. I haven't loved some of the lineups but here we are with a 9 1/2 game lead with 1 month to go.

If you told me we would be delighted with Lopez starting games in September I would have thought you were drinking your dinner. Strange this game of baseball is.

Not the worst way to play our hand. There would be a lot to like about a 100% healthy squad entering the playoffs.

He's a #5 and #5's don't start in the playoffs. He will definitely be given the courtesy of being put on the squad IMO and hopefully, we won't see him. I would give Tony and the FO a lot of credit if they put winning over courtesy but many would think it harsh.

I managed 3 innings and called it a night. Ugly game from the beginning...didn't have to read the tarot cards to know how this one would end.

I agree...seems like a nice guy and he does have some pop in that bat.