BASEBALL!

[Wolfsong]

Originally Posted by Dominique

The winning run occurred after the Cubs loaded the bases (again) in the bottom of the 9th, score tied 2-2 and then the pitcher hit our batter and walked in the winning run.

Few fans were laughing. We've been on the other side of this for far to long and could feel the Cubs pain.

Don't feel sorry for them. We were laughing here too. How the hell do you load up the bases and then WALK the winning run in?

[Kobi]

I like the Pirates and have high hopes they will turn out to be one of those miracle teams soon.

The WSJ article was pointing out they have the worst offense in baseball, scoring just 2.86 runs per game. But they are not hitting just worse than any team in 2012, they're hitting worse than any team in baseball history - after adjusting for league norms.

Well, hell, then there is nowhere to go but up! Keep plugging away Pirates. Got a couple of your pitchers on my fantasy team and I have faith they will do well.

[Ciaran]

I made my first ever visit to Dodger Stadium yesterday for the Dodgers' game versus the Astros.

Overall, a very enjoyable afternoon -fairly low key and family-friendly atmosphere in a crowd of just over 33,000. Atmosphere was much more laid-back than I imagined it would be - probably, in part, because it was a sunny Sunday afternoon but maybe also a west coast thing?

I much prefer stadia that are in the heart of a city, such as the Padres' Petco Park, but the setting of Dodgers' Stadium is beautiful with the mountain range backdrop and it's one of the best stadia I've watched baseball in too.

Some remnants of the Brooklyn Dodgers remain - references to the 1955 World Series, some imagery of Brooklyn Dodgers stars of the past including, unsurprisingly, Jackie Robinson and longer-back, Casey Stengel who was famous for playing for or managing all the New York teams (Dodgers, Giants, Yankees and Mets).

However, this Dodgers "franchise" (I hate that word) is very much Los Angeles and the vintage heros of the crowd yesterday were not of those great, and sometimes heroically comical "wait til next year" Brooklyn sides of the 1910s, 1940s and early 1950s but, rather, the great Dodger teams of the 1960s and 1980s ..... at least, that's what the retro shirts many in the crowd were wearing implied.

All-in-all, a good day out and, notwithstanding over $11 for a beer, I'd happily return.

[Dominique]

Originally Posted by Wolfsong

Don't feel sorry for them. We were laughing here too. How the hell do you load up the bases and then WALK the winning run in?

I wouldn't say I was feeling sorry for them....I just couldn't laugh at a blunder costing them a game. The Pirates have been the basement Buc's for 20 years. Last year we had a 2 month period where we were actually contenders instead of pretenders and this city was on fire with baseball fever. This year, we've S O M E H O W been hovering at .500 and the goal is to at least win the division.

The Cubs are not awful. They field an awesome defensive. When you struggle offensively (and we certainly have) and repeatedly we were robbed of hits by your position players Campena, DeJesus, Soriano, Barney and Starlin Castro.

We also understand your problems with catchers. We used 8 last season. I wonder if thats any kind of record(?) We play the Cubs more than any team this season....(that could be good for us) but I fully expect Dale Sveum will get things worked out.

Anyhow, The Reds come to town today, and this will be an opportunity for us to see how we really compete.

[Wolfsong]

Originally Posted by Dominique

The Cubs are not awful.

Yes they are

Other observations about this game.......the seats are still full at the end of the game. I cannot stand it when people leave a game early. I LOVE the lone fan yelling "Let's Go Bucs!!" and trying to get others to chant with him. I love the response and enthusiam of the Pirates after winning as if that game. Nice team, nice fans.

[Wolfsong]

This is silly......it's only June 1st...... There is a lot of baseball left to play......why is my heart already so hopeful?

[Dominique]

Originally Posted by Wolfsong

Yes they are

Other observations about this game.......the seats are still full at the end of the game. I cannot stand it when people leave a game early. I LOVE the lone fan yelling "Let's Go Bucs!!" and trying to get others to chant with him. I love the response and enthusiam of the Pirates after winning as if that game. Nice team, nice fans.

LOL! Well, I the pot won't call the kettle black. We do have good fans. Those that love or even like the Pirates.....but we have our share of haters. The only player I've ever Booed was Lyle Overbey.
___

In other news, Nate McClouth was given an unconditional release today. If he clears waivers, he's a free agent.

[Wolfsong]

Originally Posted by Dominique

LOL! Well, I the pot won't call the kettle black. We do have good fans. Those that love or even like the Pirates.....but we have our share of haters. The only player I've ever Booed was Lyle Overbey.
___

In other news, Nate McClouth was given an unconditional release today. If he clears waivers, he's a free agent.

We were sitting behind the Sox dugout during Alexei Ramirez first game. Boy we gave that kid a hard way to go and hazed him through the entire game. In person he looks like a giant martini olive on a toothpick. Really skinny you know? Didn't even look like her could lift a bat let alone hit the ball. *Laughing.

Egh, I'm in love what can I say? Win or lose, good guys wear black. I'm going to try and catch the Seattle game tomorrow. Those guys are red hot, but we've had a day off and Peavy is starting. We swept them last time so I'm sure they'll be here with guns blazing. Should be exciting.

[AtLast]

Yes! SF finally is playing well overall! 4 games out, behind the Dodgers. GO GIANTS!!!

[chefhmboyrd]

that is all...........