Why they decide to push back these Series every year, and have the World Series end in frickin' Novemeber is beoyond me, but here is your full MLB LCS announcing schedule. I never thought I'd say this, but after Chip Caray's showing in the LDS, I'm almost glad to have Buck and McCarver back....almost....

Thu, 10/15: Philadelphia Phillies @ LA Dodgers, Game One (TBS, 8:07pm)- Chip Caray, Ron Darling, Buck Martinez and Craig Sager
Fri, 10/16: LA Angels @ NY Yankees, Game One (FOX, 7:57pm)- Joe Buck, Tim McCarver, Ken Rosenthal and Chris Myers
Fri, 10/16: Philadelphia Phillies @ LA Dodgers, Game Two (TBS, 4:07pm)- Chip Caray, Ron Darling, Buck Martinez and Craig Sager
Sat, 10/17: LA Angels @ NY Yankees, Game Two (FOX, 7:57pm)- Joe Buck, Tim McCarver, Ken Rosenthal and Chris Myers
Sun, 10/18: LA Dodgers @ Philadelphia Phillies, Game Three (TBS, 8:07pm)- Chip Caray, Ron Darling, Buck Martinez and Craig Sager
Mon, 10/19: NY Yankees @ LA Angels, Game Three (FOX, 4:13pm)- Joe Buck, Tim McCarver, Ken Rosenthal and Chris Myers
Mon, 10/19: LA Dodgers @ Philadelphia Phillies, Game Four (TBS, 8:07pm)- Chip Caray, Ron Darling, Buck Martinez and Craig Sager
Tue, 10/20: NY Yankees @ LA Angels, Game Four (FOX, 7:57pm)- Joe Buck, Tim McCarver, Ken Rosenthal and Chris Myers
Wed, 10/21: LA Dodgers @ Philadelphia Phillies, Game Five* (TBS, 8:07pm)- Chip Caray, Ron Darling, Buck Martinez and Craig Sager
Thu, 10/22: NY Yankees @ LA Angels, Game Five* (FOX, 7:57pm)- Joe Buck, Tim McCarver, Ken Rosenthal and Chris Myers
Fri, 10/23: Philadelphia Phillies @ LA Dodgers, Game Six* (TBS, 8:07pm)- Chip Caray, Ron Darling, Buck Martinez and Craig Sager
Sat, 10/24: LA Angels @ NY Yankees, Game Six* (FOX, 4:13pm)- Joe Buck, Tim McCarver, Ken Rosenthal and Chris Myers
Sat, 10/24: Philadelphia Phillies @ LA Dodgers, Game Seven* (TBS, 8:07pm)- Chip Caray, Ron Darling, Buck Martinez and Craig Sager
Sun, 10/25: LA Angels @ NY Yankees, Game Seven* (FOX, 8:20pm)- Joe Buck, Tim McCarver, Ken Rosenthal and Chris Myers

If you were watching FOX Baseball over the weekend, you may have been one of the precious few to get a preview of Tim McCarver's new album! MLB on FOX, played some of the songs for the viewing audience, and what was a surprise to everyone, it really wasn't that bad. Via The Sporting Blog....

McCarver has a new album coming out called Tim McCarver Sings Selections from the Great American Songbook. My assumption is that there is no actual printed songbook he reads from (if there is, I want video), but rather the concept of great American classics that people have chronicled together. And classics they are. McCarver's dulcet tones serenade us with the likes of "One for My Baby (And One More For The Road)" and "Gone With The Wind."

But here's the thing – by the sound of it, McCarver can really sing. When the Fox telecast cut back from a break they showed the Phillie Phanatic dancing to one of the old classics and play-by-play man Howie Rose made the joke that we weren't listening to Frank Sinatra play over the PA, but McCarver instead. And after hearing his 'talk-as-singing' style that Sinatra made so famous, it was quite a pleasant sound. If you're a sports fan and a fan of old crooners, this album will be right up your alley as nobody in sports is as old and 'croony' as McCarver.

Who would have thunk it? Maybe McCarver should consider a career move. In fact, I think everyone should buy it from Amazon now, so we can plant that seed.

Press Coverage (The Sporting Blog)
Tim McCarver Sings Selections from the Great American Songbook (Amazon)

I spent most of the night not paying attention to the All Star Game, but I made sure to record/watch Barack Obama's appearance in the booth, with Buck and McCarver. I honestly thought that the two Fox announcers would find a way to ruin it, but they and the Pres, actually made it enjoyable. The talk was loose and light, and focused on the game of Baseball, which is a welcome change from all the Politics that have crept into Sports as of late. Here's the appearance if you missed it....

Good stuff....now about that first pitch. Albert Pujols swears it didn't touch the ground, and there's talk of a Fox camera conspiracy, but I'm pretty sure he bounced it up there. The thing that everyone has to remember though, is that he threw it from the mound, which most people don't do. To throw it down the middle, and barely bounce it, is actually not THAT bad. In fact, I almost guarantee that half of the Nationals would have swung at that sinker.

Saturday, July 11th:

New York Yankees at Los Angeles Angels (FOX, 4:10, 71%) - Dick Stockton & Eric Karros
St. Louis Cardinals at Chicago Cubs (FOX, 4:10, 29%) - Joe Buck & Tim McCarver

Sunday, July 12th:

Los Angeles Dodgers at Milwaukee Brewers (TBS, 2:00pm) - Chip Caray & Buck Martinez
St. Louis Cardinals at Chicago Cubs (ESPN, 8pm)- Jon Miller, Joe Morgan & Steve Phillips

Monday, July 13th:

Home Run Derby (ESPN, 8pm) - Chris Berman, Joe Morgan & Steve Phillips
2009 Taco Bell All-Star Legends & Celebrity Softball Game (ESPN, 10pm)- Gary Thorne, Rick Sutcliffe & Erin Andrews

Tuesday, July 14th:

2009 MLB All Star Game (FOX, 9:05pm)- Joe Buck & Tim McCarver

You know those weekend movie blocks, which usually feature a couple of comedians promoting their latest crappy movie? Well FX has come up with the ingenious idea to have the FOX team of Joe Buck and Tim McCarver host one of their very own! The duo will be hosting a set of movies that will air on the FOX network before the All Star Game on Sunday, July 12th. From the WSJ via Sportress of Blogitude....

Fox Sports spokesman Lou D'Ermilio confirmed network executives will head to Milwaukee next week to strategize with Commissioner Bud Selig about reversing the downward trends. "The purpose of the meeting is to find a way to boost the ratings for the All-Star Game and the World Series," he said. Plans include showing baseball movies on Sunday afternoons on Fox's sister channel FX, and promotional ads with broadcasters Joe Buck and Tim McCarver. Fox says it is less concerned with the shrinking Saturday audience, since the regular season games represent about 10% of the value of the $255 million annual rights fee the network pays.

I guess it's as good an idea as any when it comes to promoting the dreadful All-Star Game, but I'm for one going to be tuning that one out. Actually I take that back....with a lineup like Mr. 3000, Fever Pitch and The Benchwarmers....I'm 100% in!!!

Baseball Mired in a Mysterious Ratings Slump (Wall Street Journal)
Who Are The Ad Wizards Who Came Up With This One? Buck And McCarver To Host A Movie Marathon On FX (Sportress of Blogitude)
Buck and McCarver to host All-Star movie marathon (Sports Media Watch)

I was going to pass on this item because I reported on it back in May, but the World is apparently now learning about FOX and Joe Buck's penchant for using U.S. Marshals as escorts to and from ballparks. In May, Baseball was the only Sport that FOX used the trips for, but now The Smoking Gun is reporting that Buck and Troy Aikman were given multiple rides for NFL games....

JANUARY 12-- A federal government lawyer who moonlighted as a statistician for Fox Sports improperly arranged for United States Marshals Service (USMS) deputies to drive broadcasters Troy Aikman and Joe Buck to the 2008 Super Bowl and lead motorcades for Buck and Tim McCarver during the 2007 World Series, according to a blistering report by the Department of Justice's inspector general. Lawyer Joseph Band, who works in the USMS's Office of General Counsel, violated government ethics rules by arranging the transportation by armed federal marshals, according to the January 9 IG report, excerpts of which you'll find below.

In October 2007, Band improperly arranged for USMS escorts from Fenway Park for McCarver and Buck after Games 1 and 2 of the World Series. In January 2008, Band set up a USMS escort to the Tampa airport for Aikman and Buck after the sportscasters called an NFL playoff game. And, on the morning of the 2008 Super Bowl in Arizona, the attorney also arranged for a USMS deputy to pick up Aikman and Buck at their hotel and drive the pair to University of Phoenix Stadium. After the game, a deputy drove Aikman to his hotel and escorted Buck to the airport. While federal prosecutors declined to press criminal charges against the 68-year-old Band, the IG's findings have been provided to USMS brass for "appropriate action." In an IG interview, the marshal who chauffeured Aikman and Buck at the Super Bowl recalled telling a colleague afterwards that he thought "the whole thing was silly" and "an inappropriate use of his time." Usually, federal marshals hunt fugitives, guard federal judges, courts, and protected witnesses, and transport prisoners.

Again, this is an old item, but it's still pretty damn ridiculous. I understand traffic around events can get insane, but to be that much of a diva that you need to call in U.S. Marshals is just unbelievable. The best part of the whole story though is that a few of the Marshals were even invited to watch the World Series game from the booth. I mean if they're going to waste their time, at least they got something out of it.

If you feel like reading a bunch of jargon, then head over to TSG. They have a seven page report on the case.

Free Federal Ride For Fox Sports (The Smoking Gun)
Only Buck And McCarver Could Get A U.S. Marshall In Trouble (Awful Announcing)

It was definitely an odd way to win it, but even in a three and a half inning romp, it's still a win. Here are the highlights from Philly's 4-3 win over the Rays to take the World Series, four games to one....

Just a great team and one that was built mostly with homegrown talent. Be careful out there tonight you Philadelphians and don't do anything I wouldn't do (that should cover just about everything).

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

Well that throws a wrench into things doesn't it? Game Five has been officially labeled as suspended and it won't be finished tonight. The game will be picked up in the same spot tomorrow (weather permitting and it doesn't look good) thanks to a Carlos Pena single in the Top of the Sixth, and here is the explanation of why the league suspended the game from COO Bob DuPuy....

I'm sure all Philly fans just want to try and end this thing tonight, but with the way that field was starting to look, the decision was ultimately the fairest for all parties involved. I'll pick the live-blog up whenever the weather lets us get this thing in. Geesh.

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.

So, it's time for another World Series game, and it looks like this one will start on time tonight. Andy Sonnanstine is starting for the Rays; Joe Blanton will take the hill for the Phillies. I'm taking the Rays to even it up at 2 a piece tonight.

"The Day The Earth Stood Still" looks awful based on that sole promo.

Far be it for me to hate on Patti LaBelle, but could she get the words to the national anthem right? It's "twilight", not "skylight", and it's "perilous fight," not "flight."

Now it's over, and that was bad. Not Roseanne bad -- at least Patti was on pitch, but the Star-Spangled Banner does not need that much melisma. As some of you have suggested, more of you aspiring anthem singers ought to take Whitney Houston's take in mind.



That's the way to do it. Or, if you want to reinvent it, go the Marvin Gaye route:



Much, much better.

Top 1st Inning

Aki Iwamura, after taking a few pitches and fouling off a few more, flies out deep to left.

Bossman Junior fouls the first pitch from Joe Blanton back. He takes another strike and then Blanton gets him looking on a pitch right down the middle.

Carlos Pena pops up the first pitch behind the plate to Carlos Ruiz, and we're done. Fox cuts Joe Buck off, mercifully.

Bottom 1st Inning

So Harry Kalas does the Phillies lineups, his son Todd did the Rays for the top of the inning. What a voice, Harry Kalas.

"If I had that voice, I'd just sit around all day and talk to myself." - Joe

Man, I think that's the first time Joe and I agree on anything.

Jimmy Rollins takes Andy Sonnanstine's first two pitches for balls, then a strike. He smokes a 3-1 pitch down the right field line, and he's at second to start it off.

Ah, there's my hero, the reason I got into broadcasting...Harry the K. I think he's had at least a six pack today. In other words, a light drinking day for the Voice of the Phillies. - Jim Williams

That voice is as smooth as a good single-malt scotch.

Sonnanstine is down 3-0 to Jayson Werth. The Phillies right-fielder hits one to right, where Ben Zobrist catches it and Rollins tags and makes it to third easily. He then proceeds to go 3-0 to Chase Utley, which is a BAD IDEA -- and we have ourselves a four pitch walk, runners at the corners with Ryan Howard on his way to the plate.

Howard takes strike one a little inside, while I'm wondering why hitters who get the shift don't hit it to left, almost ever -- and a dribbler to the mound, which Sonnanstine throws to third to get Jimmy Rollins in a rundown when the double play would end the inning. But they should have had Rollins, because Longoria tapped him on the butt for the out and the ump totally missed it.

Bases loaded, one out, Pat Burrell up. Sonnanstine digs a 2-0 hole. Breaking ball just misses for a 3-0 count. Strike one with a high fastball. Burrell takes ball four and Rollins comes home, 1-0 Phillies. Not the most auspicious of beginnings for Tampa.

Shane Victorino takes strike one, then knocks one in front of the pitcher that he flips for the force at home. 2 outs.

When did Tim Welke get traded for Ed Hochuli? - 49er16

Good question. Pedro Feliz is up with a strike and a better question is why he's playing when Greg Dobbs is hitting the cover off the ball. Feliz flies out to end the inning.

As for the ump missing the call, it's a classic case of the man in blue not being an ass man. - Jim Williams

OK, that's a +1 too.

Top 2nd Inning

Evan Longoria has two strikes on him after taking one and fouling another Blanton pitch. Ball one is up and away. The Desperate Infielder goes down swinging on a sinker.

Timmeh can't get over Sonnanstine not going to second last inning. Carl Crawford is the next victim, as he gets him on another slider low and in to whiff.

Blanton looks like he'd be a truck driver if he wasn't pitching. Fastball over for strike one to Dioner Navarro. Bunt fouled for strike two, and why? Navarro is not as slow as molasses, but close. Ball one out of the zone, ball two is high and inside. Ball three is borderline, and Navarro takes the high pitch to right field for a single.

Ben Zobrist pops the first pitch up, and Victorino calls off Utley to snag it for the third out.

I hate these Bud Light "drinkability" ads. I think I might have mentioned that yesterday. All "drinkability" means is that it tastes like water with grain in it. There's nothing interesting about the taste of Bud Light, but if you wanna get ripped, chug a half dozen to start and see how it goes.

It looks like the strike zone is the exact opposite of last night/early this morning. - JFein

Christie Brinkley, still gorgeous at 54 in those DirecTV ads. She went through a divorce recently -- her rich ex was cheating on her with an 18-year old chick and had an extensive porn collection. I can only chalk this up to "some people don't know how good they got it."

Bottom 2nd Inning

Carlos Ruiz flies out to the warning track in right, where Zobrist tracks it down.

Blanton's got a 1-2 count on him after taking two pitches and fouling off another. Goes down swinging on a high fastball.

J-Roll's up again, takes strike one down the middle. Ball one, a bit low. Timmeh calls him "an eye-opener," as if we know what that means other than it's a reference to him being the lead-off hitter or spark-plug of the team. In other words, Cliche 101. Rollins smacks a single that lands in front of Zobrist.

Werth has a 1-1 count now, then flies to right to end it.

Jim Williams brings up an important point: the redhead in the tailgate Drinkability ad is cute, but my verdict says: not enough to offset the inanity of the ad campaign. As usual, beer companies think you're a moron when they advertise on sports telecasts.

Top 3rd Inning

Blanton's on a roll. A ball followed by 3 straight strikes to get Jason Bartlett to sit down.

Sonnanstine takes the first two pitches, is at 1-1. Ball 2 in the dirt. Sonnanstine smacks a single into left, taking a decent Blanton pitch the other way.

Iwamura takes a low fastball for a strike. He bunts the next pitch foul for strike 2. Ball 1 high, as is ball 2. He hits a chopper to force out Sonnanstine at 2nd.

B.J. Upton went down on three straight pitches last time, think he can do better this time? He grounds to Rollins, who forces Iwamura out at 2nd, but I gotta say, I think they rush those force calls way too often. It looks like Utley came off the base a little, but EVERYONE does that anyway because the umps never call it.

Bottom 3rd Inning

Chase Utley takes ball one and two high. Sonnanstine threw a strike, and then another ball to make it 3-1.

"There are different forms of wildness, and throwing a 3-1 count to a home run hitter in a small park is one of them." - Timmeh

Full count. Iwamura bobbles a bad hop off his glove, and that's the 10th error for the Rays this post-season. Again, why is the shift on for Utley with nobody out? He can hit it the other way and has done so.

Howard takes the first pitch down the line and smokes it towards Zobrist. Utley moves over to third on the single. Runners on the corners, no outs. Burrell takes ball one outside. It's gone up to 3-1 after another ball way inside.

In comments, John informs us that Grand Rapids has lost the feed. Fun!

Burrell takes strike two to make it full, then gets the worst of all possible options that aren't striking out: a pop fly to short. One out. and an easy double victim at first in Howard. However, Victorino is up. Maddon visits the mound quickly.

Sonnanstine gets strike 1 outside. Up and away to even it up. Victorino fouls it off for strike 2. He pops out too, again to Bartlett.

Feliz waves at strike 1 in the dirt. Barely inside for ball 1. Feliz comes through with a single to left, and Utley scores to give the Phils a 2-0 lead.

Why couldn't Feliz ever do that for the Giants? - 49er16

I was gonna crack that joke, but I figured I'd check the comments first.

"The second one, a backup slider, begging to be hit hard." - Timmeh

Ruiz takes the first two pitches for balls. He then grounds up the middle, and Iwamura keeps it on the infield, but no play. That's OK, make Blanton help himself. Blanton pops out to Pena, but they get that hit in scoring position.

If you had "Gonna Fly Now" after the bottom of the 3rd in your office pool, you are a winner. Seriously, Bill Conti better be getting major residuals for his work being played so often. - Jim Williams

Jim Carrey Movie Formula = One part flimsy plot device + two parts wacky faces + a pinch of raunchy scatological humor. I don't think Yes Man will move away from that too much.

Top 4th

Carlos Pena takes strike 1.

"Blanton is the type of pitcher that Pena and Longoria can break out of their streaks of because he's standardized. He's not left handed and he doesn't have the stuff that Brett Myers has." - Timmeh

Down goes Pena, swinging at another sinker for Blanton's 5th K.

Longoria grounds to Jimmy Rollins, who throws him out at first. I'm not sure that's the way he wanted to get the bat on the ball, Chris Myers.

Crawford takes the first pitch for a ball. Blanton throws two straight strikes, then Crawford cranks one out to right field and GONE, now it's 2-1, Phillies. These are the effects of a band box like Citizens Bank Park -- that's a long fly ball in a few parks.

Navarro grounds out to Rollins, and the inning's over.

Those Burger King ads for the Mushroom and Swiss Steakhouse Burger are just as annoying as the Saved by Zero ad now.

Bottom 4th

As you have no doubt noticed, it's the Rocky theme when the Phils score and Tom Petty when the Rays do.

Rollins grounds through the right side under Iwamura's glove, he's on base for the third time after Iwamura's 2nd error.

Man, it's really awkward hearing Ken Rosenthal's reports from the first base camera deck. The guy comes off like he's a recent graduate of the William Shatner School of Pause Speaking. - Jim Williams

Werth takes a walk after four pitches. Edwin Jackson and Trever Miler are getting up in the Rays bullpen.

"I don't think you can say [the layoff] has affected his effectiveness, but you can say it's affected his control." - Timmeh

Well, if it affects his control, it make shim less effective, doesn't it, Tim? Sonnanstine responds by striking out Chase Utley swinging on three pitches.

Howard's at 2-1 after Navarro guns it to take a shot at Rollins at second. Howard gets all of it and takes it the opposite way, 5-1, Phillies.

I think Sonnanstine's night is done.

Well, they let him get Burrell out, and they're going to have him finish the inning, I suppose. Victorino up, pops it out of play -- and Sonnanstine stays because the bottom of the Rays order is due up anyway come the top of the 5th. Victorino pops out to Evan Longoria at third, and that will be the last we see of Andy.

Hey Fox: STOP PLAYING "GONNA FLY NOW", OKAY? It got old realy quick.

Ratings note: Sports Media Watch reports last night's delayed game got a 6.1 rating, a record low, obviously influenced by the 10 PM Eastern start.

Top 5th

Another asinine ad: the one for Jack in the Box's pita snacks with two grown men acting like babies.

Ben Zobrist takes a 2-2 count, and Victorino yells off Burrell to make the fly ball catch. Is he miked or is he just that loud? I'd vote latter.

Bartlett knocks it off Blanton's leg, and then Feliz makes a nice barehanded throw to first to get the runner.

Eric Hinske will pinch-hit for Sonnanstine, and it looks like we'll see Edwin Jackson in the bottom of the frame. Hinske jacks it to center field, and it goes out, 5-2 Phillies. Not bad for your first playoff at-bat.

"I think Joe Maddon pulled the right string right there." - Joe
"I should say so!" - Tim

Iwamura grounds it to Blanton, toss to first, frame over.

"If the Rays lose tonight, they will not, I mean they will, they will face elimination tomorrow night" - Tim McCarver completely forgetting the situation of the series. (via JFein)

Bottom 5th

Edwin Jackson gets Pedro Feliz to pop-foul out on the first pitch. The home umpire is yelling at the Tampa dugout. "IF I HEAR ANY MORE CRAP FROM YOU YOU'RE GONNA GO!" Maddon goes out there to make a peace offering.

Ruiz grounds out to Longoria, who guns it over to Pena.

OK, you know it's the Phillies' night when Joe Blanton goes yard to left. 6-2.

I'm not gonna say it's over tonight, but if the starting pitcher's gonna jack it, your line-up is feeling it. Rollins grounds out to Iwamura to end the inning.

Goddamnit, stop with the fucking Rocky music.

"He's doing it with his arm. He's doing it with his bat." - Joe Buck not realizing what he just said. - JFein

Top 6th

Upton's at a 2-2 count. He flies out to right field, Werth's got it easy.

And Buck says the Flyin' Hawaiian is wearing a mike. No wonder. 1-2 to Carlos Pena. He keeps fouling pitches off, eventually taking a walk instead of waving at a pitch out of the strike zone.

Longoria is caught looking at a fastball right down the middle on a 1-2 count.

Crawford swings and misses for strike one. He then gets plunked on the ankle.

"Now with Dioner Navarro up, with one swing of the bat, the Rays could be right back in this." - Joe

Navarro ain't exactly a home run threat, guys, but this is Citizens Bank Park. Obviously, Blanton has wiped enough sweat on his brim to the point where it's obvious to see. Ball 1 is in the dirt. Strike one, way outside on that corner. Curve floats for a ball. Another breaking ball on the outside corner for a strike. Navarro chases and misses the high fastball for Blanton's 7th K, and the truck cuts off Buck early again.

"This month's Gillette Rookie of the Month, for June..." - Joe Buck

Get that man a calendar and a shot of talent, stat! - Jim Williams

Oof.

If you're buying a cheesesteak from Subway, kill yourself now.

I don't know about anyone else, but I'm almost positive when Buck said there was a "Let's Go Joe" chant, the crowd was saying "Tam-pa Sucks." - Bazooka Jones

Bottom 6th

Werth up, 1-1 count now. He knocks that one far and off the wall for a lead-off double.

"The Who has been together as long as Jamie Moyer has been alive." - Joe Buck

Utley strikes out swinging, here comes Howard, and they'll intentionally walk him to pitch to Burrell -- and they're talking about Jamie Moyer having a major case of the shits last night. Burrell complies by grounding into a 6-4-3 double play to end the inning.

Here's that full Rosenthal column on Moyer's stomach bug, if you'd like to spoil any appetite for a late snack.

Top 7th

Blanton gives up a lead-off walk to Ben Zobrist, and we get shots of Chris Myers being driver over from the Linc to the Citizens by the Phillie Phanatic -- and the producer gets a shaivng cream pie in the face.

Joe Blanton's night is done.

Chad Durbin is in. Bartlett flies out to Victorino. Willy Aybar pinch hits for Edwin Jackson, takes a strike. Aybar lines one into right center, drops for a single and it's first and second. Scott Eyre comes up to pitch to Iwamura.

"Here's the 1-0....strike 1." - Joe
"Two-strike breaking balls from Eyre to Iwamura." - Tim

Uh, Timmy, check the count, please, which is now 3-1. Iwamura flies out to Bruntlett, who's subbing for Burrell in left. Charlie Manuel goes for Ryan Madson to face B.J. Upton.

Strike one to Upton, 1-1 count....we eventually get to a full count, of course, and Madsen gets Upton swinging with a 3-2 change-up that most definitely would have been called for a strike if he hadn't swung.

Honestly, guys? It's been seven years after it started. Do we still need to do "God Bless America" during the 7th inning stretch. At least this guy sings it better than the woman who was a half step flat last night.

God Bless that it wasn't Patti LeBelle singing it. - Rob in WI

Bottom 7th

Dan Wheeler in to pitch to Shane Victorino, and he flies out to right. Zobrist makes a nice catch, sliding a little to bring it in.

Pedro Feliz grounds to third, and Longoria boots it after sliding to his left. Wheeler paints strike one to Ruiz on the outside corner.

VERY NICE PLAY BY IWAMURA. Ruiz hits a rocket to to second, which Iwamura spears and throws to first to double off Feliz.

Guhhhhhh....working in an American Idol promo into the World Series. I can't wait to ignore another season of Idol until really late, when all of my co-workers are talking about it and I watch just to see what kind of crap passes for singing talent.

Top 8th

Pena is down 1-2 against Madsen, looks at ball 2, then goes down on strikes again. He's still hitless in the World Series.

Longoria hits one hard foul for strike one. Fouled off the fists for strike 2, and he goes down swinging too. 0-29 for Pena and Longoria combined in the Series so far.

Crawford takes strike one on the outside corner, then grounds to Utley and Howard scoops up the throw.

Methinks Eva Longoria would stand a better chance at the plate than Evan Longoria. - Jim Williams

I think Role Models will actually be funny. I base this on the Paul Rudd Rule. Most movies I've seen with Paul Rudd have been funny in the same, kinda juvenile way. (Notable exception: The Object of My Affection. I don't know why I saw that, but it sucked even for a rom-com of sorts.)

Bottom 8th

Matt Stairs hits for Madsen against Wheeler, and strikes out after tagging one just foul that would have been good for a double, but we did get a highlight of his NLCS homer.

Rollins knocks one off the wall, and heads into second with his third hit of the night.

Jayson Werth adds on more pain by hitting a 2-run job out to left center. 8-2, Phillies.

Question: do the Phillies need to bring in Brad Lidge in the 9th? Really?

Trever Miller comes in to pitch to Utley and Howard. Utley takes a four pitch walk.

Lord have mercy, Ryan Howard got all of that. 10-2.

That's gonna come down with ice on it. Bruntlett grounds out for out #2. Victorino flies out to center for out #3.

STOP WITH THE FUCKING ROCKY THEME. JUST. STOP.

That ball made it all the way to Scranton. Yes. That ball was Schruted. - Rob in WI
get the extra cops ready and start those parade plans out, Mayor Nutter. - James Craven
To use a popular line around here: DAGGER! - Jim Williams
Stop with the Rocky crap already. Its getting annoying as the USC fight song - Anon

J.C. Romero to finish, Cole Hamels to start tomorrow. Tampa, meet the rock and the hard place.

Top 9th

Romero starts off with Navarro. He grounds it back to Romero, who makes a bad throw to Howard at first, but if there's a first baseman who can't really save you on a bad throw, it's Howard. Not great defensively. Error rightfully goes to the pitcher, though.

Ball one inside to Zobrist, Utley short hops a grounder and only gets the force on Navarro at second. Bartlett takes ball 1 up. He quickly gets two strikes into the count, one off a foul ball. Down and away for ball 2, gets him for the strikeout on the next pitch.

Rocco Baldelli comes up, pinch-hitting for Miller. Outside for ball 1. Romero comes back with two quick strikes. Ball 2 low and away. Fouls off the next one. Romero gets him swinging at high heat, and the Phillies take Game 4, 10-2, with a 3-1 lead heading into Game Five tomorrow. The Rays are officially up against the wall, and Philly fans are going ape-shit in anticipation.

Thanks for hanging around, folks. Joe Blanton has a flat-top fade straight out of the early 90s. Beautiful.

"Forget Joe the Plumber, it's Joe the Pitcher...or Joe the Hitter!" - Chris Myers

Fuck you, Chris. We almost made it without that dumb, obvious joke on air. Asshat.