I feel like the 2009 MLB Season took forever, but it's finally over. The Yankees are your champs, and Hideki Matsui becomes the first full-time DH to win the MVP. Here's your celebration, and everyone stay safe tonight (in both NYC and Philly)....

It's been since 2003 since the Yankees made an appearance in the World Series, so it comes as no surprise that they're breaking out all the stops for this year's Fall Classic. Before game one there will actually be a concert, and Jay-Z and Alicia Keys are scheduled to appear. Via NY Daily News....

The Yankees will get Empire State-size support from two of the music world's biggest stars.

Hip-hop mogul and Bombers booster Jay-Z will perform his hit "Empire State of Mind" just before the Yanks take on the Phillies in Game 1 of the World Series on Wednesday.

The Brooklyn native will join fellow New Yorker Alicia Keys in singing the rap anthem blasted at Yankee Stadium during the Bombers' postseason run.

"Thank the good Lord for making me a Yankee," Jay-Z said Monday, invoking the famous quote by Yankee legend Joe DiMaggio.

I'm a bit sick of that song, but it's about NYC and has been Jeter's entrance theme for awhile now, so it makes sense. Maybe the Phillies can get Pearl Jam to walk over to Citizen's Bank before the start of game three.

Jay-Z, Alicia Keys to perform 'Empire State of Mind' before Game 1 of World Series (NY Daily News)

Yesterday's big riot story was that a Phillies fan fell off the top of a cab. Well today, it gets even sexier as this crazed fan decides to mocking making love to this NBC 10 reporter....

I really can't get enough of Philadelphians acting like total asses on television. You would think that they'd wait until they won the World Series like last year, but who am I to tell them what to do?

Video - Phillies Fan Dry Humps NBC Philadelphia's Claudia Rivero (Bob's Blitz)

TBS might have had one of the worst set of broadcasts a network has every had, and the fact that people were singing the praises of Buck and McCarver....speaks volumes. Following the Phillies' series clinching win on Wednesday night, TBS' Ernie Johnson made his way to the podium to present the team's brass with the trophy. Ernie, being the true professional that he is, decided to announce the pleasure it was for his network to call the NLCS. Bad idea....

I don't say this very often, actually ever, but THANK YOU PHILADELPHIA! There is no better way to voice your displeasure for a network than they way you just demonstrated. I commend you, and promise to never bring up you guys booing Santa Claus....EVER AGAIN!

(P.S.- Don't get me wrong about Ernie Johnson. The reaction by him is the reason why he's one of the best in the business.)

One of my favorite genre of typo is when large sites prematurely post results to big games, even though the entire world knows the real result. The best example of this happened last night when MLB.com decided to hit publish on a pre-made story, and didn't bother to watch the bottom of the ninth....


Whoops. I remember the game happening more like this....

Can we also bring up the fact that there was never a throw to home plate? Another great game-winning call by Chip Caray.

I understand that a lot of the stuff that we post here is very 12 year old humor'esque, and most of the time it's a stretch, but there are some that just speak for themselves. Like this clip of Phillies' announcer, Sarge Matthews, talking about jerking off balls! Via HHR....

Hey....if it comes, it comes. I don't know if I've heard better advice in my life.

Audio: Sarge Mathews on Jerking off the Ball (Hugging Harold Reynolds)

The brain is a funny little organ. Most of the time, it keeps you out of trouble, but occasionally it fails you. That's exactly what happened to Phillies' announcer, Chris Wheeler last night in the bottom of the ninth last night. Check it out....

Oh that sure was a great song! That along with "Jailhouse Cock", and "Jingle Bell Cock", were my favorites!!! Too funny.

"The Pen", a reality show which follows the goings on of the Philadelphia Phillies bullpen, is set to debut this Sunday on the MLB Network. The show gives unprecedented access to a Major League club, and will be narrated by none other than Mitch Williams....

The Pen takes a look at the players’ lives following the team’s 2008 World Series win and the pressures of keeping their roster spot for the 2009 team. The series features relief pitchers Brad Lidge, Ryan Madson, J.C. Romero, Scott Eyre, Clay Condrey, Chad Durbin, Gary Majewski, Jack Taschner, J.A. Happ, Chan Ho Park and bullpen coach Mick Billmeyer, and follows them to everything from fishing trips and youth baseball games to the White House for a post-World Series visit. The program also speaks with players following the sudden death of longtime Phillies broadcaster Harry Kalas on April 13.

“As a reality-based series The Pen is the ultimate look into the lives of these players, both on and off the field,” said Tony Petitti, President and CEO of MLB Network. “So much of what we know about relief pitchers is based on statistics and saves, and a series like The Pen gives a level of familiarity to each player.”

The program, a co-production between MLB Network and MLB Productions, marks the first program ever produced using a camera and microphones installed in a Major League bullpen to film in-game and practice footage. Two other cameras were installed in Citizens Bank Park - one behind home plate and one at low first base - and were controlled by MLB Network’s headquarters in Secaucus, New Jersey. Producer Danny Field suited up as a catcher with a camera attached to his mask to capture footage during Spring Training in Clearwater, Florida.

The details of the press release alone should be enough to make you want to watch, but after watching the preview, I'm officially in. The schedule is below if you want to mark your calendars....

June 14th – 8:00 p.m. Debut, Episode One
June 21th – 9:00 p.m. Episode Two
June 28th – 8:30 p.m. Episode Three
July 12th – 8:30 p.m. Episode Four
July 19th – 8:30 p.m. Episode Five
July 26th – 8:30 p.m. Finale, Episode Six

Just a terrible, terrible day for Phillies' fans and Baseball fans in general. Harry Kalas was pronounced dead this afternoon at the age of 73 years old. Via the Daily News....

Harry Kalas, the Phillies' Hall of Fame announcer, died at 1:20 p.m. today, the Phillies announced.

Mr. Kalas collapsed in the press box at Nationals Stadium in Washington at about 12:30 p.m. and was rushed to George Washington University Medial Center.

The cause of the death was not announced. Today's game against the Nationals will be played, but the team will not visit the White House tomorrow.

"We lost Harry today," David Montgomery, the team president, said. "We lost our voice."

I spent a year in Philly after graduating College, and I immediately felt an attachment to Harry Kalas when listening to games. Philly fans are harsh on many players and personalities, but once you're in you're in their hearts forever. Kalas was one of those individuals, and was the voice of not only a Baseball team and city, but all of Baseball. The only fitting tribute I can give to Kalas is by posting his call of the final out of last year's World Series. You will be missed, Harry....

The Daily News and Sports Center have just reported that Phillies' Broadcaster Harry Kalas passed out in the booth at Nationals Stadium, while preparing for tonight's Phils-Nats game, and has been taken to the hospital. Phillies' representatives are calling the situation "serious", but that's the only word that we've heard. Via the Daily News....

Legendary Phillies broadcaster Harry Kalas has been taken by ambulance to a Washington area hospital after he was found passed out in the press box at Nationals Park.

Team president David Montgomery said Kalas, 73, was found at about 12:30 p.m. by Rob Brooks, the Phillies' director of broadcasting. Emergency medical personnel were called and took Kalas to George Washington University Hospital.

Team president David Montgomery characterized the situation as "serious," but did not have any further information.

The Phillies' announcers were brought to the team's clubhouse at about 1 p.m., and they and the players were told about Kalas.

Man, that is not the news that you want to hear on a Monday afternoon. I'm a huge Kalas fan, and certainly hoping for the best. I'll keep you updated throughout the day, but if you're religious in any way, take the time to say a prayer for the legendary Phils announcer.

Kalas passes out, taken to hospital (Daily News)

Every network has a reality show or two these days, and now the MLB Network is getting into the game. The newly formed Baseball network will be following the Phillies Bullpen around in a new show called "The Pen". Via MLB....

MLB Productions has been in Phillies camp the past week shooting footage for the debut episode of "The Pen," an inside look at the Phillies' bullpen, which is scheduled to debut June 1 on MLB Network. It will be MLB Network's first original programming.

"I think it'll be pretty neat," righty reliever Clay Condrey said.

MLB Productions chose the Phils' bullpen for a couple of reasons: First, it had tremendous success in 2008. And second, it has diverse personalities.

Six weekly episodes are scheduled to run through the All-Star break. The series is expected to show how a bullpen works, as well as how individual pitchers work together and rely upon each other throughout the course of the season. The show also will visit with the pitchers off the field to give viewers a sense of their personalities and interests.

Camera crews are expected to be with the team a few times a month, so they won't be followed everywhere (this isn't "Big Brother" or "The Real World").

Not a bad idea, and as long as they keep it simple, it could be an interesting watch. I think the rule of thumb with reality TV these days, is to just the opposite of what the crazy MTV and VH1 shows are doing. Well at least when it comes to Sports.

The show debuts on June 1st, and I'll be sure to grab some clips for those of you in Philly who don't have the MLB Network.

Bullpen to have own reality show (MLB)

There are a handful of World Series vids floating around these interwebs, but none more awesome than this one that I found over at HR Derby. A fan was filming the parade when a random beer can comes flying at one of the floats carrying a handful of Phillies and more specifically, Ryan Howard. Watch closely as the first baseman backhands the thing at the last second....

Wow! That's talent right there. He couldn't seem to field simple ground balls in the Playoffs this year, but his hand are like glue for Budweiser cans. Hey, everyone has their priorities.

Ryan Howard can catch a beer can (Home Run Derby)

I've never really understood the whole "riot when your team wins the Championship" thing. I get the partying and drinking in the streets side of it, but I never got the whole destruction of property bit.

Either way though, you can't help but laugh when an entire bus shelter collapses under the weight of celebrating fans....

Rock on Philly! I know it's about out of your system, and no one has been reported as dead....so yeah that's a good thing.

Alrighty, we're trying this thing again folks. The game gets underway after the Barack Obama commercial and we're going strong for 3 and a half innings. Phils win, that's all she wrote.....Rays win, we're going back to Tampa for Game Six (presumably tomorrow). It's Game Five 2.0 on Fox.....NEXT!

The cheesy Oscar-like music is playing so that means just one thing, we're live from Philly! Joe Buck cues the intro with your highlights from the other night and we get to hear the word "hydroplaning" once again.

The fact that a POS infomercial delayed the start of a World Series game is a travesty. I could careless if it was Obama or McCain, but it's a shame a fricking political campaign commercial takes over America's pasttime. (Via Brett)

As someone mentioned in the pregame post, it didn't technically delay it. It really just got rid of the Fox Pregame show with Jeanne Zelasko. Ultimately that's not a bad thing. Chris Meyers is all decked out tonight with gloves and a gigantic coat. Nice look.

Let's get this thing (re)started. 25 years since Philly won a championship. Let's hope that drought ends now. (Via JFein)

Rain Delay: Forty Two Hours, Forty Six minutes. (Via James Craven)

Bottom of the Sixth:

Geoff Jenkins will be your pinch hitter and Ryan Madson will be coming into the game in the seventh for the Phils. David Price looks to be getting ready to warmup for the Rays. Annnnnnnd we're underway with ball one to Jenkins. Full count....JENKINS CRUSHES ONE OFF THE WALL! He's into second with a leadoff double. Rollins up....bunt....and a perfect one. Jenkins to third. Werth is your batter now and he gets up in the count 2 and 0.

"On a double, it will be louder." - Tim McCarver after Jenkins hit a double after McCarver said the place would be loud if Jenkins got walked. (Via J)

Pop up.......Iwamura can't get it! Phillies go up 1-0 3-2!!!!

As a prior poster in a prior live thread said best, "If we win, we riot. If we lose, we riot." (Via Jim)

That's all for Balfour as the Rays bring in Howell with Werth on first and Utley coming to the plate. Balfour is fuming in the dugout, as he should be. Chase takes two quick strikes and ends up striking out on a sweeping curve. Howard up and a pickoff attempt has Werth.....NO! He beats out the throw from Pena!!! Good hustle there. Doesn't matter though as Howard pops up to third.

One Hit, One Walk, One Run....3-2 Phillies.

For Fox dugout shots are the baseball equivalent of student bands. (Via Bazooka)

You think Ryan Howard loses "street cred" in Philly for endorsing the Subway cheesesteak instead of a local establishment? (Via Anon)

Yes....yes I do.

Top of the Seventh:

Navarro, Baldelli and Barlett coming up for the Rays. Nav goes down on an inside fastball and that's one out.

Baldelli up.....GONE! Rocco crushes and inside fastball and we're tied again just like that.

Can of spray paint: $5
Designer Sunglasses: $100
World Series directly behind home plate: $1000
Looking like an androgynous oompa-loompa on national television for over 2 hours: priceless
(Via Mr. Earth)

You can watch the game without announcers at MLB.com.
REPEAT: You can watch WITHOUT announcers at MLB.com.
(Via Matt)

That's amazing. Bartlett now lines a single off of Madson and here come those pesky Rays! A bunt moves him over to second and Madson is pulled from the game for JC Romero.

If Price comes in next inning, Joe Maddon should be fired for not knowing how to manage in a NL ballpark. (Via Brett)

Utley can't make the play at first....Bartlett heads for home! He's gunned out by the second baseman. Great play again from Utley and his fake throw might have caused Bartlett to go there.

Bottom of the Seventh:

It's high drama in Game 5 Version 2.0. Ratings be damned, this is the best thing on TV tonight. (Via Jim W.)

I'd argue that "Sons of Anarchy" is, but I'd be lying. It's close though. Burrell, Victorino and Ruiz are your batters. Howell is still on the mound.....Burrell kills one! Way back......off the wall!!! The wind kept in by an inch and slow ass Pat only ends up with a double. Bruntlett pinch runs for the Left Fielder.

I hope McCarver draws another gigantic arrow for us in the stands to show why Burrell's ball stayed in the park. (Mr. Earth)

OH MY GOD!!! BURRELL GOT A HIT!!! I DON'T BELIEVE WHAT I JUST SAW!!!!!! (Via JFein)

That's his first of the Series and Victorino will be batting against Bradford. Victorino misses on the bunt and he'll be swinging away now. He does and grounds out to the right side, moving the runner over. Great hitting there. Feliz up with a runner on third and one out....

SINGLE! Feliz delivers and it's 4-3 Phils!!!

Ruiz up....Sing....OH! Iwamura with a great dive and flip to Bartlett for the force out. Romero stays in the game to hit and grounds out to second. The Phils get the lead back though....4-3....6 outs to go!

McCarver: "The park is called Citizen's Bank Ballpark."
(CUT TO SHOT OF WHOLE PARK)
"If you hit the ball under the Citizen's Bank sign in left field..."(pause)
(NOTICE CITIZEN'S BANK SIGN CLEARLY IN RIGHT CENTER FIELD)
"...you'll hit it....away from the wind..."
(Via Adam)

He is just clueless.

Top of the Eighth:

Crawford up....single up the middle. Doesn't matter though....the King of Double Plays, BJ Upton, erases the hit.

This Game 5, with its roller coaster ride feel is eerily reminiscent of Game 5 of the 1980 NLCS. Ebbs and flows, ups and downs, highs and lows. (Via Jim)

Rocky is a great movie, but don't you think in general the theme is a little played out? C'mon fox, pick another song to play! (Via Anon)

Very much so. Pena up as both Price and Lidge warm up in the pen. Romero can't find the zone and the count is quickly 3 and 0. He follows up with a strike and then gets Pena to line out to left.....3 outs away!

Bottom of the Eight:

It could be just me, but the commercial breaks seem extra long tonight. I wouldn't put it past Fox to try and work some extra advertising in during the shortened night. Price in and the top of the order up for the Phillies. J-Roll tests the wind in left field and loses. One out.

Joe Buck gives us the official "Last Time Philly Won A Championship" jinx and Werth comes to the plate. He's down on strikes and Utley will be your batter. Chase gets on with a walk and Ryan Howard will hit with two outs.

Chris Myers with the William Penn swami angle. Comcast may have put Penn on top of their building, but they still can burn in hell in my eyes (and those of millions of others). (Via Jim)

Can a statue be 3 inches tall? (Via Mr. Earth)

I don't think it can, but whatever works right? Utley takes second after a nice jump it's 3-1 to Howard. Fouled off and it's a full count. Philly fans get loud, but Howard strikes out. Here we go Philly....Brad Lidge in....three outs away....

Top of the Ninth:

Enter Sandman....I'm just gonna leave now. News choppers are over Frankford and Cottman Avenues as I speak. (Via James Craven)

Godspeed James....Godspeed. Here it is. Longoria, Navarro and Baldelli to face Lidge.

Any guesses on how Joe Buck is going to ruin the moment if the Phillies finish it off here? (Via Jesse)

Longoria....pops out to Utley. One out. Navarro....singles to right field on a broken bat looper. One out and Perez pinch runs for Dioner. Zobrist is up and Perez steals second! Uh oh....

Zobrist smacks one! Right to Werth!!! Two outs and up strides Eric Hinske representing the go ahead run and he has a runner on second in Perez to drive in. One to go....

1st pitch....fouled down the first baseline. 0 and 1.
2nd pitch....check swing by Hinske....strike! O and 2.
3rd pitch....STRIKE THREE....

THE PHILLIES WIN THE WORLD SERIES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

28 years after their last one they take it in one of the oddest ways possible, but it still counts. Joe Buck wisely lets them and the fans celebrate without his commentary, and it's going to be a long night in the City of Brotherly Love.

I'll have video and some more commentary in a few, but congrats Philadelphia....you certainly deserve it.

Final: Phillies 4 - Rays 3, Philadelphia wins the Series 4-1

Okay folks, let's try this again. It's Game Five Version 2.0 tonight and it's a 3 and a half inning showdown with the Phillies having a chance to end this crazy thing. Just a reminder that tonight is also the night that the 30-minute Barack Obama infomercial is airing. If you don't want Politics getting all in your Baseball, then I suggest you tune in around 8:35 or so (I know that's when I am). Your particulars are below. Be sure to leave your predictions on the game and each managers moves, and I'll see you later on tonight....

Who: Tampa Bay Rays and Philadelphia Phillies
What: 3.5 innings of fury!
When: Tonight, 8:37pm (FOX)
Where: Citizens Bank Park - Philadelphia, PA
Why: So Bud Selig can postpone the game again and solidify his spot as the worst Commish ever.
Weather: It's going to be cold, and windy as hell

MLB has just announced that Game Five will be played tonight promptly at 8:37pm and who cares if it's under 40 degrees and winds are upwards of 25mph?! We're getting this thing in! The Phillies will be batting in the Bottom of the Sixth and only do they have the advantage of getting twelve outs to the Rays nine in this thing, but Cole Hamels is the first scheduled batter of Game Five-Version 2.0. Charlie Manuel will obviously get a pitch hitter in the game but it gets interesting from there.

Joe Maddon will go probably "keep" righty Grant Balfour in the game, which will could bring Matt Stairs or another lefty out of the Phillies dugout. Maddon could essentially just walk right out there and bring in any left handed pitcher that he wanted to face Stairs. Manuel also has a big decision for the top of the seventh and that's whether to bring in Brad Lidge, who hasn't played much this Series, right away or save him until the eighth. It's unlikely he would go with him that early, but it's certainly possible. The possibilities for the start of this game are endless!

The more you think about the moves and decisions in this 3.5 inning contest, the more you realize how unprecedented this whole situation is. Bud Selig is a dumbass, but he really lucked out with his decision to delay the game. The ratings should be good, and if the game goes extras, FOX will be kissing his ass for the rest of his days "in office". The Live-Blog picks back up at 8:30pm tonight....BE THERE!

Game Five of the 2008 World Series to be resumed tonight (MLB)

I can't remember the last time I live-blogged a Baseball game, but we're going to give it a shot tonight. Hopefully I don't bore you too much and I can keep your attention for the better part of the game. I'll also be flipping over to Football when there's a break, so keep those updates coming if you're watching the game. It's the Rays, It's the Phils....and it's on Fox....NEXT (or around 8:35pm after Daryl Hall sings the National Anthem)!

Alright. Joe Buck is on camera giving his whole "no one thought the Rays would be here" speech for the 15th time this Series, so that means we're about ready to get going. McCarver just mentioned that Maddon has moved Crawford up into the two spot, which is seemingly where he should have been all postseason.

28 years Philly! Are you ready?

Stat of the night: The rays are 0-6 when the temprature is below 50 degrees. As posted on FOX, the game time temprature is 44 degrees. (James Craven)

This pregame music is definitely less than inspiring. (Anon)

It really is. It's like the Oscars music, only nowhere near as good and even more annoying. Rocco Baldelli is on lineup duty and has to deal with a damning "Rays in World Series: .187 Team Avg" graphic. That's not good at all.

"The Ford Keys To The Game" are for the Phils to not let up, and for the Rays to get big hits early and "rise from the ashes". Do people even read this stuff before they write it?

Top of the First:

Cole Hamels gets Iwamura on a flyout, Crawford on a groundout and Upton on a groundout. That was quick...one, two, three.

"Cole Hamels may never have this chance again."- Tim McCarver

Huh? It's not like he's Jamie Moyer. The kid is 24!

How many times are we going to hear the "Rocky" theme tonight? I say atleast 5 times. (Via Anon)

Am I having a stroke, or did Tim Macarver just start speaking a completely different, hitherto unknown or unheard of language? (Via Anon)

It's very possible.

Bottom of the First:

Donovan McNabb is on the Phillies lineup complete with some money glasses. Joe Buck correctly points out that Donovan was poked in the eye during yesterday's game. Kazmir falls behind to J-Roll but gets it back full with a close call on the inside. Rollins then flies out to left.

Tony Kornheiser just made a really bad joke where he said "The Titans haven't been in the spotlight in a long time for something that didn't involve Elvis impersonators." Kill me now. Buck/McCarver, or Kornheiser? Choices... very bad choices. (Via Anon)

Ugh....I'm almost glad I'm missing that thing. Werth draws a walk with one out and Utley is coming to the plate. Kazmir decides to hit the second baseman and that brings up Howard with 2 on and 1 out.

"They had the worst record in baseball last year, we've worn out that stat" - Joe Buck (Via JFein)

Howard falls behind and K's on a fastball on the inner half. Kazmir is working it in there at 94mph now. The hitless ladies man, Burrell is your batter now. Patty draws a walk and Shane-O-Mac is at the plate with the bases loaded and two outs.

Line drive and Victorino drives in two! 2-0 Phils.

Feliz up and he rips a pitch straight back. He was all over that fastball. Pedro follows that up with a line drive single to left, but he hit it too hard for Steve Smith the 3rd Base Coach to send Burrell. Bases Loaded again....

McCarver says the Rays should get someone up in the pen, but Ruiz flies out. Cue the Rocky Theme! 2 Runs, 1 Hit, 1 Walk, 1 HBP....2-0 Phillies.

Why can't Fox find any other music besides the damn Rocky theme? (Via 49er16)

WHY DOES TONY KORNHIESER NEVER TAKE A SICK DAY!?! (Via Frank T. Tank)

He did earlier this year actually.

"In many ways, it is easier to hit a pitcher when he is wild." - Tim McCarver (Via JFein)

"Kerry Collins steps up in the pocket, and he can still stroke it." - Ron Jaworski (Via SS)

Top of the Second:

I don't think the Simpsons "Tree House of Horrors" commercial has been played as much as the Frank TV spot on TBS....but it's close. Pena tries to bunt his way on and hits it right to Ryan Howard and that's immediately followed up with a flyout by Longoria. Navarro draws a two-out walk and Baldelli will be your batter....He pops out to Utley and Cole Hamels is flying through the top of innings tonight.

At this point, "Eye of the Tiger" would be welcome relief. (Via Rob in WI)

Amen.

Bottom of the Second:

Hamels, Rollins and Werth due up, and that pitch count for Hamels sits at an amazing thirteen through two innings. Cole goes down on three pitches....one down. Victorino, who's mic'd up, talks to Werth about the wind and that can't be fun to deal with tonight. Rollins then flies out to right field on cue, but it's not a problem for Baldelli.

@ AA: I'm pretty sure the Family Guy commercial with Stewie high on soda has been played as much as the Frank TV ads. (Via JFein)

Touche.

To make things interesting, they should have switched out McCarver and Kornheiser for these 2 games. I mean, a Kornheiser/Buck Duo??? Could it get any better? And McCarver could say the same exact things he would be saying in the baseball game and still would make just as much sense! (Via Keith)

I think my head would explode if that actually went down. Werth is battling with Kazmir and has the starter up to eight pitches before singling to left. Great at-bat. That gets Utley to the plate with two outs. Pop up....no damage done. Still 2-0 Phillies after two.

"I think that 4:00 tomorrow would be a good time for you to stop by a Taco Bell." - Joe Buck admitting even he doesn't like Tim McCarver

Hahaha....that one actually made me laugh out loud. Indy just got a TD (Manning to Clark) and they're up 7-3 nearing the end of the first.

Top of the Third:

Hamels mows gets Bartlett to groundout and has Kazmir and Iwamura left to deal with this inning. Joe Buck is annoying with me his whole "check on ______" schtick, whenever someone grounds out. I'm also getting annoyed with the whole FOX sponsors thing in the middle of the inning. I haven't noticed them missing a pitch yet, but it's certainly distracting.

"He really does himself a favor by throwing strike one." - Joe Buck (Via J)

Thanks Captain Obvious. Iwamura gets a single up the middle and there goes your no-hitter. Crawford up and he ground the first pitch right to Utley. Howard, Burrell and Victorino are up next half inning.

Bottom of the Third:

Credit where due: I think that kind of "behind the scenes" thing, having the umps mic'd and talking about the first base line is one of the better things Fox Sports does...The other of course is scooping Chris Mortenson. (Via Rob in WI)

I certainly agree. Hamels up to a whopping 33 pitches through three innings. Howard strikes out on three straight pitches and he looks to be struggling with the lefty on lefty matchup tonight. Burrell pops it up to Baldelli for out number two and Victorino follows with a K of his own. Finally a quick inning for Kaz.

0 Runs, 0 Hits, 0 Errors.

I submit the Holidy Inn Express commercial with Cal and the fake security guard who needs to be punched in the face as the beisbol Fox Caliendo. (Via Rob)

Yes, yes...that one too.

Top of the Fourth:

Upton, Pena, Longoria due up for the Rays. Buck tells us that rain is picking up and looking at the map, that should be the last of it for the night. Upton grounds to short.

"Honest, thoughtful and straight."- Tim McCarver on Joe Maddon

Now what does his sexuality have to do with anything, Tim? Pena crushes one of the wall and that's a double for the Ray. Longoria with a shot now with one down.

His leap was there but his windage was off."- Tim McCarver on Werth's attempt at catching the ball.

What the hell is "windage"?!?!?

Longoria singles past Rollins and Tampa is on the board....2-1 Phils.

A 6-4-3 double play off the bat of Navarro ends the inning. 1 run on two hits and no errors.

Bottom of the Fourth:

Bottom of the lineup coming up for the Phils and the rain has really started to pick up now. Feliz goes down and Kaz has five Ks now....

"I think the Titans need to win this game more because they're a small market and if you dont they stop talking about you." - Kornheiser

Why is that a bad thing? Ruiz laces one to left field and Hamels is coming up with a runner on first and one down. Hamels tries to bunt and oh no!!!!!!!! It hits his pitching hand! Doesn't appear to be bothering him on the next pitch though as he bunts it back to Kazmir who guns out Ruiz running to second. Hamels gets a coat and will be on first with one out.

"It appeared to hit the knuckle and not the tip, which would be better for Hamels. You would think."- Tim McCarver

Really, Tim? Really??? Rollins up....and good lord do those fans have to be miserable right about now with that cold, rain and wind. Ugh. Rollins walks and there's two on with two out and Werth coming to the plate.

Hamels hit in the pitching hand. Philly collapse in... 3....2.......1.... (Rob in WI)

If they stop this game because of the rain. Do you think Buck finally goes crazy? (Via 49er16)

I'm praying for it actually. McCarver tries to explain the difference a 4-seam and 2-seam fastball and I think I actually just became a little dumber trying to listen to that. 3-2 to Werth....fouls it off. 3-2 to Werth....fouls it off. 3-2 to Werth....walk. And the bases are loaded. Hickey comes out to visit with Kazmir and Utley will be your batter.

Damn, what an at bat by Werth. (Via JFein)

Seriously. A ten pitch at-bat in this weather, and with two outs, can only cause Kazmir more control problems. Scotty Kaz is all over the place now and it's 3-1 (the one strike being a ball that Utley swung at). Ooooh....Kazmir gets a close call on the inside which Fox Trak shows was actually a strike. 3-2....Utley hits into the shift and the Rays get out of the jam.

Top of the Fifth:

Rain, Rain and more Rain. Baldelli up and the outfielder pops up behind third.....WHOA! The wind picks it up and Rollins can't get it!!! That's an error for the shortstop. Bartlett comes to the plate now with Baldelli on first and no one out.

Damn Candlestick and Wrigley winds thinks that was brutal. (Via James)

The error doesn't matter though as Utley completes a great double play by tagging Baldelli and flipping to first. Amazing concentration there. Kazmir strikes out and that's your inning. The hand doesn't seem to be bothering Hamels much.

Twelve to go. (J Craven)

Jinnnx. Jinnnnnnnnnnnnx!

Bottom of the Fifth:

"All of a sudden, a domed stadium doesn't seem like a bad idea."- Tim McCarver

Ummmm....are they normally considered bad ideas? Tim is all over the place tonight. Howard walks on four straight pitches and Buck throws to Chris Meyers for a weather report.

"I have to sit down. I'm blocking someone's view I think."- Chris Meyers

7-6 Colts at halftime. (Via SS)

Phillies Fans don't care about your dumb update, Meyers! Burrell up and he takes a strike to start off the at-bat. If I were either of these teams, I'd start trying to hit fly balls because that wind ain't slowing down. Pat B takes a sure strike that isn't called and it's 3-2....foul ball. 3-2....foul. 3-2....foul. 3-2....Low! Another walk and that'll do it for Kazmir. That was another strike that Kellogg didn't call and the Phils are in business with a new pitcher coming in.

Never understand why they don't do this. But, I'm sure there is a Fox affiliate in Philly. Why not bring on the weather man to give an update on the situation so people watching the game know what is going on. (Via Alex)

Hmmm good idea.

I'm sure Jillian would do the weather update. (Via 49er16)

And I'm sure I'd let her. Balfour is in and so is the grounds crew to work on the infield. Maddon is also out there checking on his new pitcher and we got a shot of Joe and Tim in the booth, which is complete with a giant hippie tapestry of the World Series logo. Nice touch. Victorino comes up after what seemed like a 20-minute delay and to reset....Howard on 2nd....Burrell on 1st....nobody out.

Victorino tries a drag bunt and that goes foul. Shane then pops up to Crawford....should have stayed with the bunt. Feliz up now and he proceeds to crush a pitch foul and then another straight back....0-2 and Feliz pops up on the infield to Pena who has trouble....but makes the catch. Buck and McCarver start talking about some "Fair Catch" rule and I'm pretty sure it's actually called the "Infield Fly Rule" in this Sport.

A fair catch rule in baseball? Who knew? (Via James)

2 down and Ruiz with the last chance to drive the runners in. Carlos pops it up and Balfour is pumped....2-1 still and I'm guessing we're going to get a delay any second now.

"The weather has taken the routine part of the game out of the routine". - Tim McCarver (Via J)

Top of the Sixth:

We get our first look at Ken Rosenthal tonight and the kid has an umbrella, an overcoat and gloves on while standing right outside the dugout. Grow a pair, Kenny! He's talking about CBA's and Umpire agreements so I'm tuning him out now. The Phillies are now getting the extra special treatment from the ground crew and we're still waiting for the start of the sixth.

They do realize that if they just play the game instead of having 20-minute delays every 5 minutes, they would finish the game faster. (Via JFein)

If I could redo my Venn diagram from earlier today, I would give Joe Buck his own circle off in the middle of nowhere. But I felt my eyes would explode if I had to see that I'd taken the time to write both his and McCarver's names on the blackboard. (Via Dante)

I love me some Venns! Hamels is finally ready to go with Iwamura coming up. Every other pitch is a bad one for Hamels, but he has the count to 2 and 2...and the crowd tries to come alive. STRIKE THREE! That one was outside but Hamels gets the call and Buck points out the inconsistency at the plate. Crawford grounds out to Howard and there's two down. Upton up....and he gets an infield hit as Rollins juggles the ball on what would have been a tough play.

TOUCHDOWN COLTS!! Dallas Clark, 14-6. (Via SS)

Is MLB trying to become the NHL? They are really trying to destroy baseball. I'm waiting for them to call the game because of rain so the Phillies clinch in a game that goes less than 9 innings. (Via Captain Redbeard)

There's no way that Heir Selig would let that happen. They'd HAVE to play the whole thing. McCarver is saying that the weather is "robbing" the Rays of their talent, and I'm sorry....but those are the breaks. Mother Nature is a part of Baseball and if you can't run because of a wet field, then oh well. That's why teams water down infields all the time.

Hamels is throwing over to first on every play now, four in a row actually, but it doesn't matter....Upton walks into second base. A basehit will tie it, and Hamels is still worried about Upton.

Just heard a "fuck" from a titan o-lineman after a false start. Yay for ref's open mike. (Via JFreak)

"You would need a moat to get to second." - Joe Buck
"Hydroplaning has come to baseball." - Tim McCarver

"I don't know how a crowd this soaked can make this much noise."- Joe Buck

28 years, Joe....28 years.....

Pena singles to left....Burrell with the throw....NOT IN TIME! Upton scores and we're tied at two!!!

Longoria swings through a changeup but Ruiz misses it and Pena heads to second. He's in scoring position now but Longoria flies out. Well that was a crazy inning wasn't it? Onto the Bottom of the Sixth with Hamels, Rollins and Werth coming up.

Bottom of the Sixth:

Titans just scored on a LenDale White run and got a two point conversion to tie it. Not sure why they went for it in the third, but they still got it. 14-14.....

****AND WE HAVE AN OFFICIAL RAIN DELAY****

Meyers is talking with Bob DuPuy now and it's not looking good for us to finish this thing tonight. He does however say that the game would be picked up tomorrow in the same spot because Tampa Bay tied it up in the top of the inning. If they hadn't of scored that one....this thing might be have been over. Wild.

Well I'm going to try and wait this thing out, but it's looking like a wash at this point (pun intended). I'm going to get the DuPuy video up underneath here and then see if I can't pick up on the Football game for a short, 4th quarter live-blog.

Hahaha....just caught this on CBS' Live Scoring of the game and it made me laugh....

43°F - Light rain. Mostly cloudy. Nippy. Wind: 15mph/NW

Who: Tampa Bay Rays and Philadelphia Phillies
What: Beisbol
When: Tonight, 8:30pm (FOX)
Where: Citizens Bank Park - Philadelphia, PA
Why: So Joe Buck and Tim McCarver can explain the ground rules at Tropicana Field just one more time, even though the game is in Philadelphia....and/or....mean mug the camera while their seats are at awkward and completely different heights (seriously...what is that about?)
How: Ryan Howard in the Laboratory with a Subway Cheesesteak
Weather: All I know is that I'm freezing my ass off and Philly is about 2 hours north of here.

Alrighty people, you've spoken and you want to talk Baseball tonight and what baby wants....baby gets. I'll be starting the live-blog around 8ish, leave your predictions and thoughts in the comments, and I'll see you later on.

I was personally glad that MLB and FOX decided to play Game Three late Saturday night/early Sunday Morning. There's nothing better than going out for awhile and then coming back and watching the rest of a game late night. Well apparently not everyone stays up as late as I do, because FOX's ratings for Game Three were abysmal. So bad in fact, that it's the lowest rated World Series game ever with a 6.1. It was obviously a tough decision to air the game, but when pressed Bud Selig had this to say in support of the decision, "It was a terribly difficult situation. ... You know what, it was a great game and those that saw it enjoyed it."

You never want to completely postpone a Playoff game, but when your start time is 8:30pm, and the first pitch is moved to past 10pm, you might want to think about it. As far as Game Four last night, the numbers aren't nearly as bad. The overnight numbers say that it received a 10.7, which is down 25% from last year, but that game was a Series clincher for the Red Sox. If you're looking for more comparable numbers, the PSU-OSU game on ABC pulled a 7.2 and the Giants-Steelers game on FOX got a 15.6. You'd expect a World Series game to fall somewhere in between those and that's exactly where it wound up.

However, through the four games FOX is averaging an 8.5, which is a full one and a half points lower than the all-time low of 10.0 in 2006. All in all, the decision of airing Game Three pretty much assures this World Series of being the lowest set of Games, on average, ever. The potential of the Phillies clinching certainly helps, but to best that 10.0 from 2006, tonight's game would have to pull over a 16.0.

With Monday Night Football, Dancing With The Stars and a new episode of Heroes....that ain't happening. Unless Tampa Bay comes back and pushes it to seven, this will be your lowest rated World Series in history. Book it.

(Numbers via Sports Business Daily)

Another game, another collection of Phils homers. I don't have anything clever at this late hour, and S2N captured everything in the live-blog, so here's your Game Four highlights....

Random thought here, but where did you think the "Joe The Hitter"/"House Promo" combo by Chris Meyers, during his postgame interviews, rank on the cheesiness scale? God I can't stand that guy. Anyway, Game Five is tomorrow night and we'll see if the Phillies close this thing out. Just one more Philly.... onnnnnnnne morrrrre!