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Title: Infield Chatter Post by: sarah on 11/21/04, 06:25:33 PM Pitchers and catchers report in just a couple of months...so I'm already warming up:
Title: Infield Chatter Post by: Absinthe on 11/21/04, 06:44:19 PM To quote one of my favorite baseball movies:
There's no crying in baseball! :D Title: Infield Chatter Post by: Chip on 11/21/04, 06:52:22 PM Er, um, maybe you hadn't noticed, but football is now the national pastime here in the USA.
Baseball = :sleepy Football = :sniper :seb :fripp :indy :finger :sarah: There'll be time enough for baseball another time. For now, there is great joy every Sunday. Especially for Eagles fans. :moon Title: Infield Chatter Post by: Nadim on 11/21/04, 07:29:42 PM Yeah, and when I get stuck for a couple of hours *twice* on the same drive because I need to get past Soldier Field and Comiskey Park on the way from my friends' house to my dorm at IIT. Uh huh... :rant I'd prefer rugby to any of your sports; that sport doesn't draw millions of cars to hot spots right in the city on a weekly basis.
:sarah: Title: Infield Chatter Post by: Kram on 11/21/04, 11:20:09 PM Baseball has gone down the tubes since Carl Yastrzemski retired.
I watch it when I need to get sleepy. Basketball is da bomb! Go... umm... Portland (if Nick Van Exel is with them). Title: Infield Chatter Post by: ChristopherSly on 11/21/04, 11:27:11 PM I just want to see hockey! :burkabob:
Title: Infield Chatter Post by: Sebastian Knight on 11/23/04, 07:19:36 AM There's a big article in the NY Times today about how and why everybody in Chicago is pissed off at and fed up with Sammy Sosa, for you Cubs fans.
Title: Infield Chatter Post by: Chip on 11/23/04, 07:24:45 AM Guess the good folks of the Windy City finally figured out what the rest of us have known all along - Sammy's a big fraud.
Title: Infield Chatter Post by: Kcowboy Kcurtis on 11/23/04, 09:08:05 AM Heh heh heh...for once it feels great to be a RED SOX fan !!!!!! :cheers
Title: Infield Chatter Post by: Scott on 11/23/04, 09:13:37 PM Baseball = :sleepy
Basketball = :sleepy Football = :sleepy Title: Infield Chatter Post by: Chip on 11/23/04, 11:48:50 PM That t-shirt is a riot, Coach. I've never seen bigger wusses than on a soccer field. Prima donnas taking dives all over the place trying to draw yellow cards. Then when they realize the ref saw through it, they pop right back up. Buncha wusses.
Of course, basketball has Vlade, a flopper's flopper. Title: Infield Chatter Post by: Scott on 11/24/04, 06:02:13 AM Yeah, the acting at some soccer games is pretty horrid. That seems to happen more with the South American teams. I prefer to watch the EPL where that sort of thing doesn't go on quite as much.
American football used to be my favorite until I discovered soccer. I still watch my hapless Redskins on most Sunday's, but I don't get too excited either way. American football starts and stops too much to hold my interest anymore. Title: Infield Chatter Post by: Sebastian Knight on 11/24/04, 07:00:52 AM The only professional sports I follow are Baseball and Quidditch. I'd tell you more about how to go see professional Quidditch games, but I'm not at liberty to divulge any more info. Go Chudley Cannons!.
Title: Infield Chatter Post by: Stupidus on 11/26/04, 05:15:09 AM I understand the good health and stuff but otherwise I despise sports from all of my heart. Lots of bad memories from gym classes.
...But I did watch Wimbledon with Maria Sharapova! ;) Title: Infield Chatter Post by: The Doc on 11/30/04, 04:32:46 AM Title: Vroom Vroom Post by: The Doc on 06/19/05, 03:04:06 PM Just watched the Indianapolis Grand Prix, which was a bit of a shambles after non of the teams on Michelin tyres would race. I wondered if anyone over there watched it and how F1 racing was viewed in the States. One of the issues raised when the commentators were discussing the problems was their perception that F1 was weak in the US. any views?
Title: Infield Chatter Post by: Sebastian Knight on 06/20/05, 07:54:41 AM I've been watching all the coverage of the Indianapolis fiasco on European news this week, but they are quite right that Formula1 is pretty weak in the U.S. Most of the American auto-racing fans are fans of NASCAR, I'd say. The Formula1 circuit therefore regards the US as an untapped market, but this race seems like it may have put a bullet into the chances for F1 to expand much in the near future.
Title: Infield Chatter Post by: The Doc on 08/04/05, 05:38:57 PM Just thought a mention for the fine performance of the English cricket team was in order, 407 in one day is pretty good, even if no one made a century. I was following the score on the web whilst working and saw the highlights this eveniong - remarkable. Roll on the next 4 days
Title: Infield Chatter Post by: The Doc on 08/07/05, 04:28:26 PM Remarkable was an understatement
We bowled Australia out for 308 shortly before stumps on the second day giving a first innings lead of 99. we were 25 for 1 at close of play. After the traditional early collapse a cracking innings from Flintoff we made 182 by tea, setting Australia 282 to win (which would have been an all time record for a 4th innings total at edgbaston) when play closed with them at 175 for 8, that is to say needing 110 to win with only 2 wickets standing it looked like turning up in the morning would be a formality. Not to be the case however, they got 45 for the 9th wicket and 59 for the last before Kasparowicz was cought off the glove 2 runs short of an Ozzie victory To say we were wetting ourselves was putting it mildly Title: Infield Chatter Post by: scorched earth on 08/08/05, 07:21:39 AM EXPLAINING CRICKET TO AMERICANS
http://www.seattlecricket.com/history/crick.htm Title: Infield Chatter Post by: The Doc on 08/08/05, 11:13:37 AM Quote from: "scorched earth" EXPLAINING CRICKET TO AMERICANS http://www.seattlecricket.com/history/crick.htm an excellent resource which I would heartily recomend to you all, especially as, having clearly triggered a flurry of interest, I will try and give daily reports on the third test starting Thursday :sarah: Only items to add - in the County championship and international 'test' cricket the matches are of 2 innings each and for a limited time - 4 and 5 days respectively (but no fixed number of overs) This means that it is possible to play for seven hours a day for five days and still have a draw if the side batting last fails to either overtake the score of the other side and win, or lose all its wickets before passing the target(and so lose) I bet you can hardly wait :D Title: Infield Chatter Post by: The Doc on 08/08/05, 11:14:54 AM And dont even ask about the 'Ashes' :!:
Title: Infield Chatter Post by: Kcowboy Kcurtis on 08/08/05, 12:43:29 PM So, is cricket 'grim and necro'? Is it 'f$ckin' metal'???
Title: Infield Chatter Post by: sarah on 08/08/05, 01:54:06 PM Huh, I sense someone is suffering from a bit of overexposure to heavy metal. Maybe you should see a doctor who specializes in chelation therapy (http://www.wholehealthmd.com/refshelf/substances_view/1,1525,679,00.html).
So, Alun...what ABOUT the Ashes, anyway? Is it kind of like Wrigley Field and the goat? ~s Title: Infield Chatter Post by: tgraham on 08/08/05, 02:18:51 PM Quote from: "sarah" Huh, I sense someone is suffering from a bit of overexposure to heavy metal. Maybe you should see a doctor who specializes in chelation therapy (http://www.wholehealthmd.com/refshelf/substances_view/1,1525,679,00.html). So, Alun...what ABOUT the Ashes, anyway? Is it kind of like Wrigley Field and the goat? ~s There's no such thing as "TOO MUCH METAL" :seb Title: Infield Chatter Post by: The Doc on 08/08/05, 04:42:08 PM Quote from: "sarah" Wrigley Field and the goat? I'm scared to ask ... Some kind of satanic ritual? For the record the Ashes are the burnt remains of a bail (thats the thing that sits between the uprights of the wicket) and a batting glove, in a little urn which is the trophy in an England/Australia test series. Quote from: "BBC" The origins of cricket's oldest international contest date to 1882 when Australia achieved the unthinkable. Until then, England had never lost on home soil, but Australia, led by WL Murdoch, shocked the "Mother Country". England, with the legendary WG Grace in their ranks, went down by seven runs as Fred Spofforth took 14 wickets. The following day a mock obituary ran in the Sporting Times: "In affectionate remembrance of English cricket, which died at The Oval on 29th August, 1882". It added: "The body will be cremated and the ashes taken to Australia." Of course all you 'Hitchhiker' fans know all about Krikett anyway Title: Infield Chatter Post by: tgraham on 08/08/05, 06:13:59 PM Quote from: "The Doc" Of course all you 'Hitchhiker' fans know all about Krikett anyway Yeah, always take your towel to a cricket match. Title: Infield Chatter Post by: The Doc on 08/11/05, 04:03:00 AM Ok so we are off.
England have won the toss and will bat first. This is the usual decision as you don't usually want to bat last when the pitch will be deteriorating, although you might put the otherside in if you think there is a chance of getting early wickets on a lively first day pitch. This is what the Australian captain did last time but it didnt work and was probably a crucial mistake. England are unchanged but Australia have star fast bowler McGrath back who missed (and was greatly missed) in the last Test. Also Brett Lee (another pace bowler) is confirmed fit after a knee infection scare. next report at close of play or the end of the England innings whichever comes first Bet you can't wait Title: Infield Chatter Post by: The Doc on 08/11/05, 11:48:42 AM England 341 for 5 (that's scored 341 runs and lost 5 out of 10 wickets)
Excellent start on a match that might make it into the 5th day for a change. Might have been even better, Captain (and Yorkshireman) Vaughan made 166 before being 3rd man out. England had reached 333 for 3 before the Australians took the new ball (you get a new ball if you want it after 80 overs with the old one, it will be harder and bouncier and helps the fast bowlers) We lost the fourth wicket with the second delivery with the new ball and, there only being 2 and a bit overs to go before stumps, no 11 batsman (ie. he's in the side for his bowling) Hoggard came in as a 'Night Watchman' to protect the next batsman from having to face settling in twice, now, and again in the morning. he did his job but was clean bowled by the last ball of the day. Hero of Edgbaston Andrew 'Freddie' Flintoff will be next in tomorrow. BTW I'm still confused about the goat Title: Infield Chatter Post by: Sebastian Knight on 08/11/05, 12:02:09 PM Quote from: "The Doc" BTW I'm still confused about the goat The Chicago Cubs are notorious as a "cursed" baseball team since they have not won a World Series in a very long time, and have been known to collapse in horrible ways when they get close. The Boston Red Sox were the other team that was allegedly cursed, but they finally won a World Series, so the Cubs are pretty much the sole contender for the title of Cursed Club. Anyway, one popular story attributes the curse to a goat. You see, a local pub owner named "Billy Goat" Sianis attempted to bring a goat to the 1945 World Series at the Cubs' Wrigley Field. He was told that he could not bring his goat to the game, and he laid a dire curse on the club in retaliation. The Cubs lost that World Series and have not won since. Various attempts to de-curse the club by parading a goat around the field etc. have been made. Title: Infield Chatter Post by: The Doc on 08/11/05, 05:28:36 PM Quote from: "Sebastian Knight" Quote from: "The Doc" BTW I'm still confused about the goat The Chicago Cubs are notorious as a "cursed" baseball team ....... Various attempts to de-curse the club by parading a goat around the field etc. have been made. Thanks Sounds a bit Like Manchester City, except we might as well have given the goat a game to try and improve our performance. Actually we did have a forward called 'The Goat' (Shaun Goater to give him his full name) but we sold him. Perhaps if the Cubs signed him? Title: Infield Chatter Post by: The Doc on 08/12/05, 07:34:07 AM England 1st innings total 444 shortly after lunch on second day. Vaughan 166, Lee 4 for 100, Warne 4 for 99 (that's wickets taken for runs conceded for the 2 best Australian bowlers) Warnes first Wicket was his 600th in test cricket, an unrivalled feat.
Pretty good total but should have been better after the good start. Not quite enough to say we are safe from losing, but probably will be, especially as it looks like some time will be lost to bad weather. Australia now batting - their first target is to score at least 244 to avoid the 'Follow on' which is when a team finishing more than 200 behind on the first innings can be asked to bat again, giving the leading team more chance of bowling them out a second time in the time available. next update at close of play, or the end of the innings in the unlikely (but V good from the England POV) event that it precedes the close. Title: Infield Chatter Post by: The Doc on 08/12/05, 11:57:16 AM Close of play update (Day 2 of 5)
In a word - Brilliant in figures - Australia 210 for 7; Warne 45 not out; Jones 3 for 30, Giles 3 for 66 With Australia still needing 35 to avoid the risk of following on, we are in a very strong position. They started well but wickets have fallen regularly, including that of Clarke who had a back injury so had to bat with a 'runner' - this means Clarke bats, but someone else runse between the wickets for him - often a cause of confusion. Only Warne (who remember is a specialist spin bowler, not a batsman) has shown any resistance. Play restarts in 16 hours time and the change of innings bulletin should be shortly after that! Title: Infield Chatter Post by: The Doc on 08/13/05, 02:30:04 PM Look I'm sorry. I know you have been checking in every half hour or so saying "where is Aluns latest incisive and witty update on the thrillfest that is the 3rd ashes test"
Well it rained. It rained nearly all day in fact and onlt two short periods of play were possible. In this time Australia made another 50 runs without losing any wickets, finishing at 264 for 7 and have scored enough to avoid being asked to follow on, but are still 180 behind. Forcast better for tomorrow. Title: Infield Chatter Post by: The Doc on 08/14/05, 05:31:55 AM Australia 302 all out. Warne 90, S P Jones 6 for 53.
40 mins before lunch on day 4. Warne just failed to get his first test century. 5 wickets or more in an innings is considered v good so well done Jones England have a 142 run lead on the first innings and now have to try and build an unassailable lead (say 350) and still leave time to bowl Australia out on the last day (remembering the risk of losing time to rain) Any result is still possible though. Title: Infield Chatter Post by: The Doc on 08/14/05, 11:21:22 AM England 280 for 6 declared. Strauss 106, Bell 65. McGrath 5 for 118.
England have declared, ie volunterily ended there innings even though not all the team have batted, with a lead of 422. This gives the opening bowlers about 40 minutes to have a go at the Australian batsmen, and do the same again tommorow after a good nights rest. A v good position for us - It is almost inconceivabl ethat Australia would get 423 in the fourth innings (it would be an all time test record if they did) and a full day and a bit should be long enough to take the 10 wickets needed. Title: Infield Chatter Post by: The Doc on 08/14/05, 03:42:57 PM Australia 24 for 0 at close of play
Still 399 needed to win. England still need 10 wickets to win. Should do it but could be close. Title: Infield Chatter Post by: The Doc on 08/15/05, 06:21:56 AM Lunch Day 5
Australia 121 for 2 They need 302 more runs we need 8 more wickets Australia win must be out of the question but still balanced between england win and the draw - we need the win to go 2-1 up in the series - we are unlikely to get a better chance. Nailbiting time chez doc (between packing for hols!) Title: Infield Chatter Post by: The Doc on 08/15/05, 08:50:33 AM Tea
Australia 216 for 5 (Ponting 91 no, Flintoff 3 for 50) 5 more wickets needed in the remaining 42 overs - but the target of 207 more at just about 5 an over is still not immpossible. climbing the walls here Title: Infield Chatter Post by: The Doc on 08/15/05, 10:07:09 AM Drinks interval
29 overs left 270 for 7 (Ponting 117) need 3 wickets or 153 runs at 5.3 an over Title: Infield Chatter Post by: Kcowboy Kcurtis on 08/15/05, 10:15:12 AM Last week (or the week before?) on The Daily Show:
Clip of Tony Blair sqawking about Islamic Extremists of Maximum Undesirablity "Make no mistake about it, the rules are changing!!!!" Jon's follow up "...no, no, not to worry, we're not going to make cricket interesting or anything drastic like that" Title: Infield Chatter Post by: The Doc on 08/15/05, 11:07:35 AM 15 overs left
314 for 7 runs irrelevant now but we have to get the last 3 wickets soon :? Title: Infield Chatter Post by: The Doc on 08/15/05, 12:28:06 PM Quote from: "Kcowboy Kcurtis" "...no, no, not to worry, we're not going to make cricket interesting or anything drastic like that" I don't know about interesting but toecurling scrotumtightening nailbiting tense or what Close of play 367 for 9 (Ponting 156, Flintoff 4 for 71) After Ponting was out the Australian nos. 10 and 11 had to survive four overs to save the match. Which they just did, leaving the series level at 1-1 with two to play. The bad news for all you cricket fans (ok not you Kcowboy) is that I am off on my hols tomorrow, so if you want to know what happens in the next test, at Trent Bridge, you will need to check on here (http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/cricket/default.stm) Title: Infield Chatter Post by: The Doc on 09/08/05, 03:17:41 AM GOOD MORNING CRICKET LOVERS
So whilst I was in NZ and forced to reley on a brief close of play report on the breakfast TV news the mighty England team won a reportedly thrilling test leaving us 2-1 up in th eseries with one to play (starting today) If we win or draw this match we gain the ashes. If Australia win, so drawing the series, they keep the ashes (as they currently hold them) Australia are up to full strenght with McGrath back after injury. Our top fast Bowler Simon Jones is out for this game. A lot of English people are playing for rain! I will try and refrain from hourly updates (unless you beg me) PS. England's footballers got comprehensivley shafted by Northern Ireland last night so we had better win the cricket. Title: Infield Chatter Post by: The Doc on 09/09/05, 05:16:21 PM End of day 2 (see - I have been restrained)
England 373 all out (Just before lunch) Australia112-0 (at tea - bad light and rain stopped play after that) Draw looking most likely - especially if the rain forcast for tomorrow arrives, but Australia on top otherwise. Title: Infield Chatter Post by: The Doc on 09/12/05, 06:42:08 AM gnaw gnaw nibble nibble chew.
Right that's the finger nails - now to start on the toes. So its lunch on the final day and England having bowled Australia out for a first innings lead of 6 are 127 for 5, a lead of 133. We have to hang on to the last few wickets for long enough to give the opposition no chance of scoring the required runs in the time left for them. So every over survived, and every run gained makes a draw more likely, but we are only just hanging on. But it looks like Australia could be left chasing fewer than 200 runs in 40 or more overs, with any result possible - but most likely an Australian win. I'm not sure I can stand it :shock: :shock: Title: Infield Chatter Post by: The Doc on 09/12/05, 09:20:16 AM Tea, 221 for 7 with 47 overs to go.
I'm just starting to belive we could do it - a lead of 227 leaves Australia needing over 4.8 an over even if we lost the next 3 wickets straight off. That would be do-able but another 20 runs and/or another 6 overs survived should do it. I have to work now which constitutes cruel and unusual punishment in my book :x Title: Infield Chatter Post by: highlythrakked on 09/12/05, 02:58:43 PM Quote from: "The Doc" I have to work now which constitutes cruel and unusual punishment in my book :x That's the problem with sports that last for days. :P Title: Brilliant!! Post by: tgraham on 09/12/05, 06:41:29 PM For those who just coudlnt wait until Alun wakes up to update us:
From BBC sport. Fifth Test, The Oval: England 373 & 335 drew with Australia 367 & 4-0 England win the Ashes 2-1 Kevin Pietersen smashed his first ever Test century to earn the draw that gave England a 2-1 series win and the Ashes for the first time since 1987. And all over in time to pop down to the local for a bevvy with the lads. Title: Infield Chatter Post by: The Doc on 09/13/05, 05:10:03 PM Thanks for that
I was overcome with emotion (ok and catching up on work missed whilst watching) generally regarded to have been the best ashes series in living memory - one to tell the grandchildren Title: Infield Chatter Post by: sarah on 10/11/05, 03:12:04 PM Have I mentioned lately how much I detest the Astros?
Go Sox, ~s Title: Infield Chatter Post by: Chip on 10/11/05, 04:00:39 PM Astros fans perhaps have not suffered as long as, say, Cubs or White Sox fans. But geez, how can you dump on the Astros right now, Sarah? They've been on the losing end of so many significant post-season dramas that it's really nice to see them pull one out for a change.
Title: Infield Chatter Post by: Geno on 10/11/05, 04:27:31 PM Quote from: "Chip" But geez, how can you dump on the Astros right now, Sarah? I was just reassured to see her declaring a hatred for something in the first place. I'd been wondering if she was ok. Title: Infield Chatter Post by: sarah on 10/11/05, 05:15:52 PM The Astros are the team I love to hate*, whether it's February, October, or anywhere in between. Partly because they seem to trample the Cubs relatively mercilessly whenever they have the misfortune of meeting up. But mostly it's because of their FANS, who are absolutely insufferable. I swear to God, Astros fans have a corner on the world's supply of smug. Highly irritating.
~s _______________ *Unfortunately, G, I'm far from okay. The hate is nowhere to be found. Even my thoughts toward the Astros (and their fans) right now aren't getting any worse than mild annoyance. Any ideas on the cultivation of righteous indignation, drop me a line. Title: Infield Chatter Post by: The Doc on 10/11/05, 05:20:36 PM I feel the same about Manchester United
Title: Infield Chatter Post by: Scott on 10/12/05, 06:43:09 AM At least the Yankees are safely out of it, I can go back to ignoring baseball now.
MLS Soccer is hard to get overly excited about, but DC United looks ready to make another run at the MLS Cup. Title: Infield Chatter Post by: Sebastian Knight on 10/12/05, 07:21:18 AM I can't say that I feel badly that the Astros won the series with the Braves.
1) The Braves have made it to the post-season every year in a row for something like 14 years, but have only won the world series once. We therefore expect them to lose eventually anyway. 2) In particular, this year the Astros/Braves games seemed like a contest to see which team gets the honor of being flattened by the Cardinals. 3) It was a hell of a game. The last time I watched an 18-inning Braves game, it was the Fourth of July marathon against the Mets (19 innings) in 1985. That game also had a couple of rain delays, so in addition to the six hours of baseball there were a several more hours of rain delay and the thing actually ended around 3 am (and then they set of fireworks, cuz it was the fourth of July...). In the Mets game, the Braves were actually down a run in the bottom of the 18th with two outs, but relief pitcher Rick Camp (batting average at that point around 0.050) hit a solo homer to tie it, and then gave up like 5 in the 19th. 4) I have been a Roger Clemens fans since my days back in college watching him with the Red Sox. Seeing him come in to relieve for the first time since like 1984 and pitch really well was pretty neat. Title: Infield Chatter Post by: margie on 10/12/05, 01:07:02 PM Quote from: "The Doc" I feel the same about Manchester United Me too! Title: Infield Chatter Post by: tgraham on 10/12/05, 05:42:11 PM Quote from: "sarah" But mostly it's because of their FANS, who are absolutely insufferable. I swear to God, Astros fans have a corner on the world's supply of smug. Highly irritating. :cry: :cry: Title: Infield Chatter Post by: sarah on 10/13/05, 04:11:12 AM Oh, shut up already.
~s Title: Infield Chatter Post by: Chip on 10/13/05, 09:50:34 AM Have you ever been to an Astros game, S? Smug?!!! Hardly.
Now, the Mets. There's a team that deserves a little hate. Worst fans in the world. Except maybe Philly fans. Who I forgive. 'Cause I'm one of them. Title: Infield Chatter Post by: Kcowboy Kcurtis on 10/13/05, 11:48:48 AM Oh c'mon, if you want to talk about smug, obnoxious fans, you have to be talking about Yankee fans.
Seriously. I'm still on a high from the Red Sox FINALLY shutting them up last year. And I'm bummed that there's no Boston/New York duel this fall. Without the Yanks and the Red Sox, this post-season is just whiffleball. 8) Title: Infield Chatter Post by: Chip on 10/13/05, 12:44:45 PM Don't disagree, Kcowboy, re: smugness. It was nice to see the Sox stick a sock in Yankee fan's mouth last year.
I was referring to flat-out disgusting, vile fan behavior. None worse than the New York Rangers in that category. Mets fans are a close second. Philly fans rank very high, too. The "stinkin' Eagles" have a courtroom set up somewhere in the stadium during home games for instantaneous prosection of law-breaking fans. Title: Infield Chatter Post by: The Doc on 10/13/05, 06:20:42 PM Just for the record.
England qualified for the world cup on saturday with a very unconvincing win agains Austria. However yesterday we did a lot better beating Poland 2-1, to finish top of our qualifying group. USA are already qualified, so Coach and I may be having a few interesting exchanges next year Title: Infield Chatter Post by: Nadim on 10/13/05, 07:00:54 PM I can see your point, Kcowboy, regretting that the Red Sox didn't make it. Of course, as a non-baseball fan, I come from the viewpoint of "had the Red Sox killed the White Sox, we wouldn't have had as many days of mid-day to evening traffic mayhem on campus, which is just around the corner from Comiskey Park and puts up lots of additional parking for the stadium." :sarah:
I think I'll stick to football, if to any sport at all, because I'm not driving up Lake Shore Drive as often anymore and thus won't get stuck in Soldier Field traffic, and the Bears just don't do very well this century anyway (I think). Title: Infield Chatter Post by: Kram on 10/13/05, 07:43:01 PM I had a pal that tried zoloft. It made his pecker stop working.
Mostly, that's not a good thing. Title: Infield Chatter Post by: penston on 10/13/05, 08:22:03 PM Quote from: "Kram" I had a pal that tried zoloft. It made his pecker stop working. Hey batter, hey batter....hey batter...schwing! Title: Infield Chatter Post by: sarah on 10/14/05, 02:17:04 PM Would this be an appropriate place to point out that, since Lyle sent me packing, I don't have to worry about that pecker anymore?
No? ...I didn't think so. ~ :sarah: Title: Infield Chatter Post by: Chip on 10/18/05, 12:40:23 PM So, Sarah, are you gonna kick the Astros while they're down?
From espn.com: Quote By Bill Simmons Page 2 I feel like flying to Houston and giving everyone a hug. See, I've been there. It's a special club, and not really in a good way. When you get punched in the stomach by a sporting event -- I mean, truly walloped -- you're never quite the same afterward. The Red Sox have won the World Series; I even wrote a book about it called "Now I Can Die in Peace." But that's the thing: You never truly have peace. The strangest things end up triggering painful memories, the stuff you thought had been buried long ago. During the ninth inning of Monday night's Cards-Astros game, I wasn't hoping the Astros would win. I was hoping they wouldn't blow it. There's a difference. Weird things happen when you haven't won in a long time; the poor Astros have never even appeared in a World Series. After awhile, in that situation, you start expecting to lose. Then one of those seasons rolls around when good things keep happening, and they keep happening, and you wait for the other shoe to drop ... only it never does. Eventually, you reach a point that Houston fans reached Monday night -- you drop your guard, assume everything is different this season, give in to the moment -- and that's when sports can truly crush you. It's happened to me. I didn't want it to happen to them. And yes, I saw it coming. Before Eckstein's at-bat in the ninth, I remember thinking, "This has to rank among the happiest crowds I've ever seen at a baseball game." They were three levels beyond ecstatic. They could smell it. They were headed to the World Series. Then Eckstein bleeded out a grounder for a single. You could hear the subtle change inside the ballpark, a slight shift in sound and demeanor. Uh-oh. These are the Astros. Keep your guard up. I knew that sound. Knew that feeling better than anyone. Lidge started having trouble throwing strikes against Edmonds. Suddenly, people weren't screaming and waving those towels anymore. You could feel the wheels slowly starting to squeak. Pujols was on deck -- nobody wanted any part of him. They started showing those awkward shots of the guys in the dugout, or the people in the stands, everyone with that frozen, "Oh, my God" face going. When Edmonds walked and Lidge seemed rattled enough that Phil Garner felt obliged to visit the mound, the terror alert was officially raised to red. Now Pujols was digging in with one of those, "He better not hang a slider" looks on his face. If that wasn't scary enough, Fox showed a "St. Louis Cardinals: 39 comeback wins in reg. season" graphic. And this is where I hate what happened to me as a sports fan, because I don't think normally about this stuff anymore. Even before the first pitch to Pujols, I was sitting there thinking about the following five things... 1. Eckstein's single was just like Gary Carter's single in Game 6 of the '86 Series at Shea -- seemingly innocent, but not really. 2. Lidge has already thrown eight pitches that could have recorded the final out -- five away from the number of pitches Schiraldi and Stanley threw before the Mets tied Game 6. 3. The situation bore an eerie resemblance to Game 5 of the 1986 ALCS, the last time somebody blew a series-clinching ninth inning at home (Angels-Red Sox, aka the Dave Henderson Game). That series had policemen on horses protecting the field even before the final out (just about the biggest jinx ever), as well as tortured Angels manager Gene Mauch staring blankly from the dugout (saddled by his own immense baggage from Philly's '64 collapse) and a franchise that had never made the World Series. This series had the Astros still hoping to break their 43-year drought to make their first World Series as well as a brutal history of home losses in the NLCS (1980 and 1986). No horses, though. 4. Al Michaels announced the Hendu game 20 years ago; during the latter stages of Monday night's Astros-Cards game, he was announcing "Monday Night Football" at the same time on ABC. Warrants mentioning. 5. Roger Clemens was in the dugout for the Hendu Game, Game 6 at Shea ... and Monday night's game. Also warrants mentioning. There was one other thought, of course: Please don't let Lidge throw a strike to Pujols. Why do I think of these things? Because 1986 and 2003 wiped me out, that's why. You never truly get over it. When the Sox won the Series, I always assumed that the scars from Game 6 and the Grady Little Game would heal. Well, they don't. That's why they're scars. Last winter, about two months after the Red Sox won the title, I stumbled across a replay of Game 6 on ESPN Classic and ended up watching most of it. I couldn't pull myself from the television. That's the thing about scars -- they never go away. So I was fearing the worst, and I'm not even an Astros fan. Two pitches later, Pujols crushed a hanging slider about 900 feet to give St. Louis the lead, followed by the worst sound in sports -- a sellout crowd shrieking in horror, followed by a prolonged, wailing-like noise, followed by a creepy silence where you only hear the visitors celebrating. When Magic made the famous sky hook against the Celtics in the '87 Finals, we made that sound in the Garden, followed by that same wailing and the same silence, and you could actually hear the Lakers congratulating Magic on their bench. That's how quiet it was. Same for the Angels-Sox game -- Al Michaels finishes the first part of his call ("And it's gone!"), followed by the wailing and the silence. It's awful. It's an awful, disorienting sound. And I hate to say it, but teams rarely rally back from that moment. In my "Levels of Losing" column from three years ago, Monday night's nightmare qualifies as a full-fledged Stomach Punch (Level 2, one from the top) for Astros fans -- it only would have been worse if they were one strike from winning the World Series. Given the circumstances and the history of Houston's franchise, Pujols' homer has to rank on the short list along with Mookie/Buckner, Hendu, Grady Little, Sid Bream, Jose Mesa, Earnest Byner, Scott Norwood, Steve Bartman and every other ultra-excruciating defeat that can be described in two words or less. The true Stomach Punch losses are the ones you never see coming, the ones that make you say things like, "I may have to call in sick for work" and "I'm skipping that exam, I can't function." Of course, in that same column, I created another level just for this precise situation -- the "Dead Man Walking" game (Level 7). After blowing Game 5 of the ALCS, the Angels were finished -- they flew cross-country to Boston and lost the final two games by a combined score of 275-2. At least that's what it felt like. They were never in either game. During every other comparable situation in recent baseball history (Game 7 of the 2003 NLCS and Game 7 of the 1985, 1986 and 2002 World Series being the most memorable), the reeling team couldn't bounce back. That's why it's a Dead Man Walking Game: Maybe you still have a chance ... but really, you don't. (Note: There's one exception here -- the D-Backs' rallying back from the Byung-Hyun Kim/Yankees debacle during the 2001 World Series, although the last two games were in Arizona, and they didn't have enough of a franchise history for their fans to even fully understand what had just happened -- the Arizona fans were like the Mexican fans watching the Cardinals-Niners game two weeks ago. I'm not even sure those Arizona fans understood the basic baseball rules during those games, so I'm not counting them. You can make these decisions when it's your theory. Back to the column.) Sadly, the rest of the Astros-Cards series seems predictably depressing (unless you're a St. Louis fan). Not only are the Cardinals back at home, not only have they been handed a second life, but out of every sport, baseball hinges on emotion and momentum more than anything else. In the NBA, teams can lose the most devastating game possible and bounce back two days later as a completely different team (like the Nets after Game 3 of the 2002 Boston series). That doesn't work in baseball. Once you have the momentum, the other team has to take it back. And they can't do that when they're reeling on the road and wondering what the hell just happened. That's why I believe the Astros are finished, just like that '86 Angels team was. And yes, I hope I'm wrong. Actually, I would love to be wrong. As the e-mails started pouring into my mailbox from Astros fans last night -- some venting incoherently, some wondering what they did to deserve the Pujols homer, others wondering if they were stupid for still thinking the Astros had a chance -- I could feel the despair seeping through my laptop screen. A local named Amar summed it up best: "I was there [at Minute Maid], and the electricity in the air when there were 2 outs until just after [Pujols] unloaded the big guns was just something I can't describe. In fact, I can't type any more. I feel too sick." Amar, I know the feeling. You could even call me an expert. And according to my research, your team is cooked unless they can create a new Level of Losing for the Cardinals -- the "Reverse Dead Man Walking" Game on either Wednesday or Thursday. Then again, stranger things have happened ... after all, the defending champions right now remain the 2004 Boston Red Sox. If that doesn't give you hope, I don't know what does. Hang in there, Houston. You never know. Title: Infield Chatter Post by: sarah on 10/18/05, 02:16:24 PM Damn, Chip, what do you take me for? Of COURSE I am.
Go Cards! ~s Title: Infield Chatter Post by: tgraham on 10/19/05, 11:47:45 PM Quote from: "sarah" Damn, Chip, what do you take me for? Of COURSE I am. Go Cards! ~s I'll see if I can hitch a ride up to Chicago on the team plane... Title: Infield Chatter Post by: Chip on 10/20/05, 05:29:28 AM Quote from: "tgraham" Quote from: "sarah" Damn, Chip, what do you take me for? Of COURSE I am. Go Cards! ~s I'll see if I can hitch a ride up to Chicago on the team plane... Quite a game yesterday. So much for "momentum." I just heard that the White Sox have adopted Journey's "Don't Stop Believing" as their "theme song for the season." Ummm, I think that's a mistake. The baseball gods are not Steve Perry fans, and they will remember Shoeless Joe. Go, 'Stros! Title: Infield Chatter Post by: tgraham on 10/20/05, 07:43:22 AM I'm afraid to go to work today, only to discover that last night was all a mass hallucination and that the Astros really blew it in the 9th.
The Cardinals are my favorite team to play against, followed closely by the Cubbies. They're a good match and may the best team win. After so many disappointments by all the Houston teams over the years, the only bright spot the Rockets in 95 and 96 (only because MJ wanted to learn to hit a curve), Houston fans had come to expect heartbreak from ALL pro sports teams. All the College teams too for that matter (OK Rice never contributed to the heartbreak they're just bad at everything except baseball). Title: Infield Chatter Post by: The Doc on 10/20/05, 09:16:47 AM Quote from: "Chip" I just heard that the White Sox have adopted Journey's "Don't Stop Believing" as their "theme song for the season." Ummm, I think that's a mistake. The baseball gods are not Steve Perry fans, and they will remember Shoeless Joe. Go, 'Stros! Perhaps you should suggest 'The power to Believe' as a better choice - or perhaps someone might have other suggestions??? Starless?? (I dunno anything about baseball remember) Doctor Diamond?? (well a tiny bit then) Title: Infield Chatter Post by: tgraham on 10/21/05, 08:25:19 AM I wasnt sure whether this goes here or the on Tour section...
Buzzfest, the annual "alternative" rock festival put on by the local clearchannel station of the same genre, had to relocate this year. It was scheduled for this weekend at MinuteMaid park. Seems someone thought the baseball stadium wouldnt be needed for the rest of the fall. EHHHHHHHH, but thanks for playing. Its being held at the Woodlands pavilion, a lovely outdoor venue, with no infield grass to replant. ACTS SCHEDULED TO APPEAR - AUDIOSLAVE, NICKELBACK, SEETHER, COLD, FALLOUT BOY, TEN YEARS AND MORE. Title: Infield Chatter Post by: tgraham on 10/27/05, 08:18:35 PM :cry: :cry: :cry: :cry:
:notworthy Here's to the Sox. :cheers The whole series was much closer than the game count (4-0) would indicate. Title: Infield Chatter Post by: Scott on 11/07/05, 05:42:21 AM Redskins FINALLY beat the Eagles last night!
Woo-hoo! :P Title: Infield Chatter Post by: The Doc on 11/15/05, 06:12:15 AM Now I reckon you have all been wondering 'what is going on in the world of test cricket?', 'why isn't Alun keeping us up on the exciting developments in the greatest of games?'
Well no need to fret any longer, because there is a series just started (England v Pakistan in Pakistan - well it wouldnt be here in November would it) and it bodes to be almost as good as the last one. At the end of day 4 of the first test England (24-1) need another 174 to win. so any result is still possible. Title: Infield Chatter Post by: Chip on 11/15/05, 10:02:12 AM After last night's MNF game between the Pokes and the Iggles, I'm left to wonder if Scott, in assigning my nom de PC, meant "Stinkin'" Eagles fan (as in questioning my personal hygiene) or "Stinkin' Eagles" fan (as in the Eagles suck). If he meant the latter, I have to agree. If he meant the former, no comment.
Title: Infield Chatter Post by: The Doc on 11/16/05, 10:26:16 AM Quote from: "The Doc" Now I reckon you have all been wondering 'what is going on in the world of test cricket?', 'why isn't Alun keeping us up on the exciting developments in the greatest of games?' Well no need to fret any longer, because there is a series just started (England v Pakistan in Pakistan - well it wouldnt be here in November would it) and it bodes to be almost as good as the last one. At the end of day 4 of the first test England (24-1) need another 174 to win. so any result is still possible. Bugger Lost - bowled out 22 runs short Stinkin' England team :roll: Title: Infield Chatter Post by: Scott on 11/17/05, 07:36:55 AM Quote from: "Chip" After last night's MNF game between the Pokes and the Iggles, I'm left to wonder if Scott, in assigning my nom de PC, meant "Stinkin'" Eagles fan (as in questioning my personal hygiene) or "Stinkin' Eagles" fan (as in the Eagles suck). If he meant the latter, I have to agree. If he meant the former, no comment. Never say I'm without compassion. Chip is now a "Suffering Eagles Fan". I was actually hoping the Eagles would win Monday night as it would benefit my beloved Redskins. The NFL interests me less and less each season. After about the 15th commercial break before the end of the first half, I switched over to FSC (Fox Soccer Channel) to watch REAL football. :soccer Title: Infield Chatter Post by: The Doc on 11/24/05, 06:02:01 AM Second test Drawn
Pakistan 462 England 446 Pakistan 268-9 dec England 164-6 after an early collapse on the final day England hung on until the gathering loom stopped play Title: Infield Chatter Post by: The Doc on 11/24/05, 06:02:55 AM Quote from: "The Doc" after an early collapse on the final day England hung on until the gathering loom stopped play that would be gloom actually :oops: Title: Infield Chatter Post by: Chip on 11/24/05, 06:39:49 AM I dunno, Doc. I kinda like the Gathering Loom. Sounds like a crazy KC instrumental or something. You know - Talking Drum, Dangerous Curves, The Gathering Loom.
Title: Infield Chatter Post by: The Doc on 11/24/05, 08:48:56 AM you're right - I baggsy it for 'The Masters of Nonne' though.
Title: Not sure where the "Sports" thread is. Post by: Kram on 12/27/05, 02:50:06 PM Now this is a great coach [from AP]:
"Prime beef: Riley mulls a weighty idea to aid Shaq" Coach Pat Riley is talking about adding extra bulk -- and he means real tonnage -- to Miami Heat practices. Riley's idea? Sumo wrestlers. "We're going to bring them in and have them lean on him and lean on him and we're not going to let him just back them in," Riley said. "And then he's going to have to take 100 jump hooks and 100 turnaround jumpers." In Riley's eyes, there isn't much difference between sumo wrestling and the way teams defend his 7-foot-1, 340-pound center. Matches between sumotoris dressed in mawashis -- diapers, in the vernacular of the uninformed -- typically last 10 to 15 seconds, with two massive men pushing and shoving, trying to knock the other from a circular area. Defending Shaq is essentially the same concept. Brilliant! Are you listening Coach? Here's my idea: Sheltie sheepdogs and one Pekingese to nip at the heels of the goalie! Title: Infield Chatter Post by: Chip on 01/05/06, 12:05:22 AM Hook 'em, Horns!!!!!!!!! :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :!:
Title: Re: Not sure where the "Sports" thread is. Post by: Scott on 01/05/06, 08:59:10 AM Quote from: "Kram" Now this is a great coach [from AP]: "Prime beef: Riley mulls a weighty idea to aid Shaq" Coach Pat Riley is talking about adding extra bulk -- and he means real tonnage -- to Miami Heat practices. Riley's idea? Sumo wrestlers. "We're going to bring them in and have them lean on him and lean on him and we're not going to let him just back them in," Riley said. "And then he's going to have to take 100 jump hooks and 100 turnaround jumpers." In Riley's eyes, there isn't much difference between sumo wrestling and the way teams defend his 7-foot-1, 340-pound center. Matches between sumotoris dressed in mawashis -- diapers, in the vernacular of the uninformed -- typically last 10 to 15 seconds, with two massive men pushing and shoving, trying to knock the other from a circular area. Defending Shaq is essentially the same concept. Brilliant! Are you listening Coach? Here's my idea: Sheltie sheepdogs and one Pekingese to nip at the heels of the goalie! Just saw this! Mark you are a sick, sick man. Title: Infield Chatter Post by: tgraham on 01/05/06, 09:35:14 AM Quote from: "Chip" Hook 'em, Horns!!!!!!!!! :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :!: Who? why? Is this about sports? Hooking: the Rugby side then? :soccer Title: Infield Chatter Post by: sarah on 01/05/06, 11:57:53 AM Quote from: "tgraham" Hooking: the Rugby side then? :soccer I dunno, maybe it's about somebody's crocheting team. In more important news, it's only a little over a month until pitchers and catchers report for spring training... ~s Title: Infield Chatter Post by: Chip on 01/05/06, 12:24:28 PM Hook 'em, Horns!
What are these rugby pitchers and catchers of which you speak? Don't you know the State of Texas is Longhorn orange today? Title: Infield Chatter Post by: Scott on 01/05/06, 01:48:53 PM Quote from: "sarah" In more important news, it's only a little over a month until pitchers and catchers report for spring training... ~s In even more important news, I get my teams back in practice NEXT WEEK! :seb Title: Infield Chatter Post by: tgraham on 01/05/06, 04:22:20 PM Quote from: "Chip" Don't you know the State of Texas is Longhorn orange today? I thought someone spilled a large bucket of pumpkin pie filling, all over lots of co-workers. Title: Infield Chatter Post by: Chip on 01/05/06, 05:35:50 PM One more time for Vince Young, who put on the greatest single game performance by a college football player I've ever seen: Hook 'em, Horns!!!
Title: Infield Chatter Post by: Kram on 01/05/06, 05:57:28 PM I was happy to see those rich boys get their nancy asses kicked.
:sarah: Title: Infield Chatter Post by: Nadim on 01/05/06, 07:37:41 PM I guess I don't need to wait until Saturday's rerun anymore to know the results of the game. And I so valiantly tip-toed through ESPN's website to figure out rerun times without stumbling over the scores... :cry:
Title: Infield Chatter Post by: BeezOnAKake on 01/12/06, 10:25:21 AM The NFL playoffs are gearing up to be quite good...........The QueenBee is still boo-hooing that her Bucs got screwed by the refs. A few questionable calls ????????? Perhaps. If that little Sims boy would have thrown the ball OVER the defenders rather that into their arms and hands, those questionable calls would have not mattered as much...........Dont' tell her that though... :sarah: :roll: :wink: A diehard female fan is worse than a know-it-all guy fan.
I'm going with Seattle and Indy in the Superbowl. I think both teams are very strong and healthy. After what Coach Dungy has gone through that past month or so, both he and his team deserve to go far. My sentimental favorite. :) :x :x Title: Infield Chatter Post by: Kcowboy Kcurtis on 01/12/06, 11:41:04 AM GO PATRIOTS!!!!!
On paper, their chances look iffy, but Tom Brady and the boys know how to win in the post-season, unlike that golden boy from Indiana. I haven't watched enough NFC games to make a pick, but it would be nice to have another go at Da Bears in the big one. 1986 still smarts... Title: Infield Chatter Post by: Scott on 01/12/06, 11:53:03 AM Quote from: "BeezOnAKake" The NFL playoffs are gearing up to be quite good...........The QueenBee is still boo-hooing that her Bucs got screwed by the refs. A few questionable calls ????????? Perhaps. If that little Sims boy would have thrown the ball OVER the defenders rather that into their arms and hands, those questionable calls would have not mattered as much...........Dont' tell her that though... :sarah: :roll: :wink: A diehard female fan is worse than a know-it-all guy fan. I'm going with Seattle and Indy in the Superbowl. I think both teams are very strong and healthy. After what Coach Dungy has gone through that past month or so, both he and his team deserve to go far. My sentimental favorite. :) :x :x Some questionable calls for sure. Maybe it was payback for the Redskins getting screwed on the "two point conversion that wasn't" ? Either way, I'm happy to see my boys moving on. I don't think they will make it out of Seattle with a win though. Seahawks are a very strong team. Title: Infield Chatter Post by: Chip on 01/12/06, 12:04:35 PM That little Simms boy played a pretty fine game and made a compelling case that Tampa should stick with him as the starter next year. Sprinkle a little T.O. into the mix, keep the D intact, and Tampa really could be a player next year . . . .
As for the Skins, it's going to take a lot more O than they showed in Tampa to beat the Hawks. The Skins have a nasty D, though, and never underestimate Joe Gibbs (or his multimillion-dollar defensive coordinator). I like the thought of a Pats-Colts AFC title game, and I like the thought of a Pats-Bears Super Bowl redux. But if I were a betting man (and I'm not), I'd have to say I think the Colts spank Carolina's panther-asses in Detroit. This is the year that Dungy and Manning finally win the big one. And while I'm at it, how 'bout them Longhorns!!! Title: Infield Chatter Post by: sarah on 01/12/06, 08:01:58 PM Quote from: "BeezOnAKake" I'm going with Seattle and Indy in the Superbowl. You're, going with, Seattle and, Indy? Quote from: "BeezOnAKake" A diehard female fan is worse than a know-it-all guy fan. Bite, me, assmuncher. ~s Title: Infield Chatter Post by: Dinosaur on 01/13/06, 03:11:02 AM A new school teacher was beginning her first day in the Denver Elementary School System. As the class settled in, she introduced herself and told them a little bit about her backround. When she reached the end of her short presentation, she informed the class that both she and her husband were Denver Broncos fans. "Is anyone here a Denver Broncos fan?" Nearly the entire class held up their hands. The lone exception was a little girl sitting in the front row. "Well," she inquired, "aren't you a Bronco's fan, too?" "No," she answered, " I'm a Kansas City Chiefs fan." The teacher was curious at this turn of events and asked the little girl why she was a Chiefs fan. "My Mom and Dad are both from Kansas City. Both of them are Chiefs fans, so I'm a Chiefs fan." The teacher decided to press the little girl a bit to test her loyalty. "Well, it's good that you want to follow your parents example, but that doesn't mean that you should always do what they do. For example," she went on, "what if your Mother was a prostitute and a drug addict and your Father was a pimp and a car thief? What then?" "Oh!," the little girl replied brightly, "then I would be a Raiders fan."
AFC West humor-D. Title: Infield Chatter Post by: Kcowboy Kcurtis on 01/13/06, 03:12:39 PM Backatcha Dino
A Cleveland family of football fans heads out one Saturday to do their Christmas shopping. While in the sports store, the son picks up a Pittsburgh Steelers jersey and says to his older sister, "I've decided to become a Steelers fan and I would like this for Christmas." His big sister is outraged by this and promptly whacks him round the head and says, "Go talk with mom." Off goes the little lad with the Pittsburgh Steelers jersey in hand and finds his mother. "Mom?" "Yes, son?" "I've decided I'm going to be a Pittsburgh Steelers fan, and I would like this jersey for Christmas." The mother is outraged, promptly whacks him around the head and says, "Go see your father." Off he goes with the Pittsburgh Steelers jersey in hand and finds his father. "Dad?" "Yes, son?" "I've decided I'm going to be a Pittsburgh Steelers fan, and I would like this jersey for Christmas." The father is so outraged he, too, whacks his son around the head and says, "No son of mine is ever going to be seen in THAT!" About half an hour later they're all back in the car heading towards home. The father turns to the son and says, "Son, I hope you've learned something today?" The son says, "Yes, Dad, I have." "Good, son. What is it?" The son replies, " I've only been a Pittsburgh Steelers fan for an hour and I already hate you Cleveland bastards." Title: Infield Chatter Post by: Nadim on 01/13/06, 04:10:24 PM Why pick a side when you can watch the play-offs and then choose which team you like most? Just wanted to put that option out there... 8)
Title: Infield Chatter Post by: tgraham on 01/13/06, 05:17:32 PM Quote from: "Nadim" Why pick a side when you can watch the play-offs and then choose which team you like most? Just wanted to put that option out there... 8) :?: Are they playing football already? Title: Infield Chatter Post by: sarah on 01/13/06, 06:24:25 PM Pitchers & catchers report to Mesa in a mere 33 days...
:D ~s Title: Infield Chatter Post by: tgraham on 01/13/06, 08:00:28 PM Quote from: "sarah" Pitchers & catchers report to Mesa in a mere 33 days... :D ~s And thats why the Astros win!!!!! Astros pitchers and catchers will be reporting to spring training in kissimmee to practice baseball, while the cubs are going to Bobby Flay's hot spot for chips, mango salsa, and margaritas. Title: Infield Chatter Post by: BeezOnAKake on 01/14/06, 11:16:43 AM ahhhhhhhh yes. spring training down the road with those Astros. Assmunching aside (who luvs ya twidds ???? :wink: ), I'm awaiting for a return email confirming seat selection for spring training..... prices actually went down a few bucks from last year if you get a package of any kind. I'm going to try and hit a Braves game out at Disney, and maybe a Yanks down in Tampa. ... :P
Title: Infield Chatter Post by: Chip on 01/14/06, 09:25:52 PM Like 'dem football jokes, Dino and Kcowboy!
Title: Infield Chatter Post by: Kcowboy Kcurtis on 01/15/06, 07:03:53 AM :cry:
Broncos beat us fair and square. Oh well, I hear there's a Winter Olympics coming up... Title: Infield Chatter Post by: Dinosaur on 01/17/06, 03:20:15 AM Quote from: "Kcowboy Kcurtis" :cry: Broncos beat us fair and square. Oh well, I hear there's a Winter Olympics coming up... There is no fair and square when it comes to the Broncos. Ever hear of a chop block? Title: Infield Chatter Post by: The Doc on 01/17/06, 06:13:59 AM From this Saturday
Manchester City 3 - 1 Manchester United Thats all, either you don't care at all or thats all you need to know Title: Infield Chatter Post by: Scott on 01/17/06, 08:50:01 AM Quote from: "The Doc" From this Saturday Manchester City 3 - 1 Manchester United Thats all, either you don't care at all or thats all you need to know We get EPL games here, but rarely get to see them live. I'm sorry I missed this one! Any time I get to see Man-U lose I'm a happy guy. Hopefully I'll catch a re-broadcast of this match soon. :-) Title: Infield Chatter Post by: tgraham on 02/14/06, 11:47:03 PM (http://houston.astros.mlb.com/hou/images/bg_hou_tile.gif)
Back and better than ever. Its time to get excited about BASEBALL!!!!!! Title: Infield Chatter Post by: sarah on 02/15/06, 07:03:01 AM Yeah. What he said.
(http://www.cubbiesbaseball.com/images/humor/Cubs_Agony.jpg) Title: Infield Chatter Post by: Kcowboy Kcurtis on 02/15/06, 08:34:42 AM Spring training. Eh. Wake me up when the azaleas are blooming and it's time for The Masters. 8)
Title: Infield Chatter Post by: BeezOnAKake on 02/15/06, 08:55:24 AM I watched 3 solid hours of Curling yesterday at the Olympics. I was flipping between the 2 Canadian stations and MSNBC. It really sucked my in.............One of my missions today is to find out more about it and how it is played........ummmmmmmmmm Curling....... :shock: :D
Title: Infield Chatter Post by: penston on 02/15/06, 09:28:09 AM Quote from: "BeezOnAKake" ...ummmmmmmmmm Curling... Curling is my new favorite sport. The pace and strategy of baseball. Born in Scotland, just like Mrs. p. And like other sports of Scottish origin (e.g. Golf and the Caber Toss), it just seems to improve with participatory drinking. All hail the hipflask. And when I can?t curl up with Curling, give me the half-pipe. Yes, again with the hipflask while I practice my Ally-oop Bluntslide and my Fakie Leftside Skunkgrab Backflips. Title: Infield Chatter Post by: Chip on 02/15/06, 10:25:53 AM Quote from: "penston" . . . Yes, again with the hipflask while I practice my Ally-oop Bluntslide and my Fakie Leftside Skunkgrab Backflips. Ok, I didn't get much sleep last night. But come on - you're making that shit up, right? Title: Infield Chatter Post by: Nadim on 02/15/06, 01:55:41 PM Quote from: "BeezOnAKake" I watched 3 solid hours of Curling yesterday at the Olympics. I was flipping between the 2 Canadian stations and MSNBC. It really sucked my in.............One of my missions today is to find out more about it and how it is played........ummmmmmmmmm Curling....... :shock: :D I looked online but couldn't find a video stream for it, but it's time to plug them again, anyway... The Super Furry Animals' video clip for "Northern Lites" features some heavy curling action and another decidedly British sport set to beautifully Hawai'iesque pop. Check it out. (But, oops, that was another SFA song... :) ) Title: Infield Chatter Post by: The Doc on 03/04/06, 05:58:23 PM Test Cricket Update....
(Calm down now) Despite problems with injuries my boys finish the 4th day of the first test in India with a 367 run lead. Assuming they declare overnight, we will have all day to try and bowl them out for a win, No realistic chance* of them scoring the requisite runs so that they win, though they could well bat through the day for a draw. will know which in about 12 hours. *dangerous to say that - to use a much quoted saying, "It's a funny game, cricket" Title: Infield Chatter Post by: The Doc on 03/05/06, 06:30:39 AM In the end they hung on for a draw with 4 wickets in hand when bad light curtailed play.
Now off to 5 live for Manchester City/Sunderland.... Title: Infield Chatter Post by: Huberto on 03/08/06, 06:24:48 AM Quote Now off to 5 live for Manchester City/Sunderland.... Don't you wish you hadn't bothered? I knew it was destined for tedium when the GMR commentator started to refer to the "Huddersfield 10-1" after the first excellent 9 minutes. :roll: Title: Infield Chatter Post by: Chip on 03/08/06, 11:40:00 AM I am so glad Doc has someone to discuss cricket with here! :D My brother, who lives in Md. near Fort Meade, is a cricket fan (he lived in England for a year and developed a real passion for the game, but hasn't been able to persuade me to share this passion with him), but he couldn't care less about Crimson. I've been tempted to invite him to join this forum just so Doc would have some cricket companionship. Thanks, Huberto!
Title: Infield Chatter Post by: sarah on 03/08/06, 01:50:13 PM Now all we need is a soccer buddy for Scott, and our lives will be complete.
~s Title: Infield Chatter Post by: Kcowboy Kcurtis on 03/08/06, 02:38:17 PM Anybody else follow golf?
Yes. I admit it, I watch golf on TV. Played it as a kid, and I find Tiger Woods to be one of the most compelling athletes in all of sport. I never felt much worse about myself than one day a few years back when I was watching The Masters. There was a long rain delay, and I realized that I was sitting there watching people NOT play golf on TV. Title: Infield Chatter Post by: The Doc on 03/08/06, 03:57:33 PM Problem is Huberto is my brother - who seems only to communicate with me via this board at the moment :lol:
and btw Manchester City / Sunderland is football On which subject - comiserations to Ian W - Liverpool have just been dumped out of the champions league :cry: Title: Infield Chatter Post by: Kram on 03/09/06, 01:59:25 AM I love Wilt. I loved Bil too, just not when he played against Wilt.
(http://www.geocities.com/michaeljordangallery5/photo6/6768PhilaBillRussellWiltChamberlainRebound.jpg) Title: Infield Chatter Post by: Kram on 03/09/06, 02:03:03 AM Oops! Double post of the double duo.
Title: Infield Chatter Post by: Kram on 03/09/06, 02:03:58 AM Was that pic too large?
If you can name the two players in the background, I will make you my blood brother or sister. :lol: Title: Infield Chatter Post by: Sebastian Knight on 03/09/06, 05:35:23 AM Hal Greer and John Havlicek.
Do I get any benefits with that? Title: Infield Chatter Post by: tgraham on 03/09/06, 07:07:20 AM I'm always amazed that they played in the same $6 canvas Chucks that I wore when I was (much) younger.
Title: Infield Chatter Post by: Kram on 03/09/06, 10:57:40 AM Sebz, on the full moon in October you get to smear your body with jimson weed and bark at the moon with yours truly!
Or you can get first pick of a piece of my birthday cake in a few weeks. Sebz- you're alright, Blood. Tim- back in those days, Chuck Taylor's were the ONLY basketball shoes! No heel support. Title: Infield Chatter Post by: Kram on 03/09/06, 10:57:59 AM ...
Title: Infield Chatter Post by: Kram on 03/09/06, 12:27:26 PM The only choice in Converse was once black or white, high tops or low.
Then they came out with colors! I was a red high top guy. Title: Infield Chatter Post by: tgraham on 03/09/06, 04:17:51 PM Plain white, highs for me. Worn usually until the uppers divorced the soles for more than 25% of the perimeter. Till then they were just getting broken in.
Title: Infield Chatter Post by: The Doc on 03/20/06, 10:06:45 AM we managed to lose the second test, despite the first 3 days being rain effected and it looking all set for a draw. a complete second innings collapse set up an easy win for India.
Looking more hopeful for the 3rd (and final test) after scoring 400 in the first innings we bowled india out for only 279 and have made 31 for 2 by the end of day 3. with an overal lead off 152 and 8 wickets in hand we should post a decent total and still have time to bowl India out on the last day. Football tonight though. Manchester City play West Ham in an FA Cup 1/4 final. City have been their usual erratic selves in the league but we have good home form so are hopeful for tonight Title: Infield Chatter Post by: The Doc on 03/21/06, 08:16:54 AM Good News
We made 191 in the second innings setting a target of 313 for India, who were 19-1 at close of play on the 4th day. So we need to take 9 wickets tommorrow to win (most likely) or india need to hang on too the close for a draw (less likely) or score another 294 to win (very unlikely indeed) Bad news A typically eccentric display by City last night say us dumped out of the cup by West Ham (1-2) Title: Infield Chatter Post by: The Doc on 03/22/06, 03:49:05 AM Good News
India 100 all out so we win by 212 runs. especially impressive considering the number of injuries we are carrying. Even Better news (If you are an ex-pat drummer particularly) FA Cup 1/4 final Liverpool 7(yes that is seven) Birmingham 0 I bet coach has never been on either side of a scoreline like that. Title: Infield Chatter Post by: Scott on 03/22/06, 08:27:48 AM Quote from: "The Doc" ..... Liverpool 7(yes that is seven) Birmingham 0 I bet coach has never been on either side of a scoreline like that. Pah! Only SEVEN? I've been on BOTH ends of scorelines like that: Our scores from this winter. My team is the DSC Strikers: * http://www.mdsoccerplex.org/scripts/runisa.dll?m2:gp::92414+Elements/Display+E+46241+++4048710++3901930 * Disclaimer: The scores here are for indoor soccer, which is quite different from real soccer. No offsides rule and you get to use the walls (like in hockey). Also, the competition level varies widely and we were in a combined league. So for instance, the Bulls who beat us 15 - 1 are a U-12 team playing in the toughest league in our area. They have been together for 3 years (5 seasons outdoor, 2 indoor). My team is U-11 and had played one season together before we faced this team. If you note the 3 - 0 win we had over the same team, it was a forfeit. The Bulls had a tournament elsewhere that day and didn't show. Title: Infield Chatter Post by: sarah on 04/04/06, 12:40:38 AM CUBS WIN! CUBS WIN!!
Happy Opening Day, ~s Title: Infield Chatter Post by: highlythrakked on 04/04/06, 07:33:35 AM The Royals lose, The Royals lose, only 105 more loses to tie last season! :cry:
Title: Infield Chatter Post by: Kcowboy Kcurtis on 04/04/06, 10:31:14 AM The Boston Red Sox have a 100% win ratio. This is Masters week. Temperatures round here briefly hit 70 degrees a couple days ago.
Life is good. But it's all downhill from here... 8) Title: Infield Chatter Post by: tgraham on 04/04/06, 01:15:41 PM Astros win.
Lidge is on pace for 162 saves. Roy Oswalt is on pace for 30-35 wins. Arent early season stats great? Title: Infield Chatter Post by: The Doc on 05/11/06, 06:10:43 PM Its that time again
First test started today in unusually wonderful weather (England v Sri Lanka) End of first (of five but you knew that didn't you) day England 318 for 3, Trescothick 106 - this is good full report here:http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/cricket/4758225.stm Title: Infield Chatter Post by: sarah on 05/11/06, 10:36:07 PM Please allow me to beat Tim and Beez to the punch:
God DAMN, the Cubs suck. *Hangs head in shame* ~s Title: Infield Chatter Post by: Nadim on 05/11/06, 10:44:23 PM My friend Nate's AIM away message for the past few days has been, "Futility, thy name is Cubs." But then, all I know about baseball is that the Phillies should really pad the walls in their park... Ow, my nose! :x
Title: Infield Chatter Post by: tgraham on 05/12/06, 06:28:46 AM Quote from: "sarah" Please allow me to beat Tim and Beez to the punch: God DAMN, the Cubs suck. *Hangs head in shame* ~s Hey, c'mon. The Cubbies are still several games in front of the Pirates. I hadnt noticed the Cubs playing badly because the Astros have a closer this season who is fond of walking three before striking out the side. THats bad when you come in with the bases loaded already... Title: Infield Chatter Post by: highlythrakked on 05/12/06, 06:57:53 AM Hey, at least your not Royals fans.
Title: Infield Chatter Post by: Michael on 05/12/06, 12:10:39 PM I have one word for this forum: Sox 8)
Title: Infield Chatter Post by: The Doc on 05/12/06, 01:59:38 PM Stumps, Day 2
England 551 for 6 declared. Trescothick 106, Peterson 158, Collinwood 57 Muralitharan 48 overs 3-158 Sri Lanka 91 for 6 Mahmood 5 overs 3-59 A cracking debut for Sajid Mahmood and a century from kevin Peterson leave Sri Lanka needing another 260 to avoid the follow on with only 4 wickets left. Weather is threatening a bit though. (This post provided as a service to Sarah who clearly needs a more restful game to follow) Title: Infield Chatter Post by: The Doc on 05/13/06, 12:15:22 PM Just have to say - if anyone over there gets a chance to watch the FA cup final, do so. Best final I have ever seen.
Cricket scores to follow shortly :roll: Title: Infield Chatter Post by: The Doc on 05/13/06, 12:29:13 PM Stumps day 3
England 551-6 declared Sri Lanka 192 All out (at lunch) Jayawaradene 61 Hoggard 4-27 Follow on enforced Sri Lanka 183-3 still 176 behind with 7 wickets in hand and 2 days to go Title: Infield Chatter Post by: The Doc on 05/14/06, 04:05:43 PM Stumps day 4
England 551-6 declared Sri Lanka 192 All out and 381 -6 Jayawardene 119 This is why cricket is the greatest game in the world. Sri Lanka scored 198 for the loss of only 3 wickets ending 22 in the lead with 4 wickets in hand. so from certain defeat 3 days ago any result is now possible Tomorrow will be interesting Title: Infield Chatter Post by: BeezOnAKake on 05/14/06, 05:37:16 PM The Buffalo Sabres are headed to the Eastern Conf. Finals. We either have Carolina or New Jersey. An excellent overtime game last night. Thia city here is going crazy................They love their Hockey.
Title: Infield Chatter Post by: The Doc on 05/16/06, 03:38:51 AM Sri lanka 2nd innings 537-9 bad light stopped play
Match drawn a record 2nd innings total for lords and 7 of the Sri Lankan players scoring 50 or more equals the record. A very impressive rearguard action SL batting for nearly three full days to save the match - helped by quite a few dropped catches by the England team. Funny game cricket Title: Infield Chatter Post by: Scott on 05/16/06, 06:20:02 AM The U-11 DSC Strikers are now 4-0-1 and have still only surrendered 1 goal this season. GO STRIKERS!
Title: Infield Chatter Post by: The Doc on 05/25/06, 03:02:35 PM 2nd Test
Edgbaston (Birmingham) Day 1 Sri Lanka 141 all out. England 138-3 (and I know you all understand cricket now so I don't need to explain any more) Title: Infield Chatter Post by: The Doc on 05/26/06, 05:36:24 PM Stumps day 2
Sri Lanka 141 all out England 295 all out - Peterson 142, Muralitharan 6 for 86 England managed to lose their last five wickets for five runs! Sri Lanka 86 for 4 Title: Infield Chatter Post by: Nadim on 05/26/06, 05:54:50 PM Quote from: "The Doc" Sri Lanka 86 for 4 Hey, that sounds ridiculously close to my job application to interview ratio since November... Title: Infield Chatter Post by: The Doc on 05/28/06, 06:00:58 AM Day 3 - start delayed by rain
Sri Lanka 194-5 at stumps (Vandort 89) Title: Infield Chatter Post by: The Doc on 05/28/06, 06:16:40 PM Day 4
Sri Lanka 231 all out (Vandort 105, Dilshan 59.) England 81for 4 (Muralitharan 4 for 29 - making 10 in the match) England Win by 6 wickets And Nadim, I'm sure you'll score soon :luck Title: Infield Chatter Post by: tgraham on 05/28/06, 08:51:09 PM Quote from: "Nadim" Quote from: "The Doc" Sri Lanka 86 for 4 Hey, that sounds ridiculously close to my job application to interview ratio since November... For today's job market that's not too bad. Title: Infield Chatter Post by: The Doc on 06/03/06, 03:10:16 PM Sorry I have been very lacksadaisical - and I have had some computer issues (now fixed I think)
Any way I missed the first day so this is the postition in the 3rd test at the end of Day 2 Sri Lanka 231 England 229 Sri lanka 45-1 with Sri Lanka 47 ahead and 9 wickets in hand I wouldnt want to be the English batsmen looking forward to facing Muralitharan on the last 2 days. (He is a top class spin bowler and will be very difficult to play as the pitch wears and takes spin) Title: Infield Chatter Post by: Nadim on 06/03/06, 04:16:20 PM Quote from: "The Doc" And Nadim, I'm sure you'll score soon :luck Thanks! I could sure use a home run, but I think I'm with the wrong sport for this conversation... ;) Title: Oh Dear Post by: The Doc on 06/04/06, 05:04:49 PM Stumps day 3
Sri lanka 286-7 Sangakkara 66, Kapugedera 50no Panesar 36 overs 3-73 Sri Lanka lead by 288 with 3 wickets in hand and 2 full days to go - not looking v good for Freddie's boys Title: Infield Chatter Post by: The Doc on 06/05/06, 06:09:11 AM 11.40am day 4 (ie 40 mins play)
Sri Lanka 322 all out (Panesar 5-78 ) Target for England 325 plenty of time to get the runs, but plenty of time to lose the wickets too - I think he latter more likely! Title: Infield Chatter Post by: The Doc on 06/05/06, 11:20:41 AM As predicted
England 190 all out (Muralitharan 8-70) Sri Lanka win by 134 runs Series drawn 1-1 Title: Infield Chatter Post by: owen on 06/05/06, 06:05:43 PM Q: What do you call it when the third ranked team in the world cannot beat the 42nd ranked team in the world (who have not even qualified for the finals in 32 years)... in their own country... in front of 53000 fans... with the other team one man down for the final 30 minutes?
A: Sweet! LINK (http://www.theworldgame.com.au/home/index.php?pid=st&cid=71778) O! Title: Infield Chatter Post by: tgraham on 06/05/06, 07:37:27 PM Quote from: "owen" Q: What do you call it when the third ranked team in the world cannot beat the 42nd ranked team in the world... Well played Socceroos. Do the Aussie national side wear underoos? (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Underoos) :soccer Title: Infield Chatter Post by: owen on 06/09/06, 06:45:16 PM Ecuador! :shock:
Title: Infield Chatter Post by: Scott on 06/09/06, 09:25:34 PM Trying my best to get the World Cup frenzy going around the house. The kids just don't get it.
Title: Infield Chatter Post by: Sebastian Knight on 06/10/06, 09:06:49 AM This year's mascot is saddled with a dorky mascot (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Goleo), who
1) is a lion, which has nothing much to do with Germany 2) isn't wearing pants 3) hangs around with a talking soccer ball Atlanta residents sympathise, however. Since we had an even lamer mascot (http://www.izzypins.com/history.php) for the 1996 Olympics. A symbol representing Ted Turner and his Cable Empire would've been the mascot that would have been most recognizable for Atlanta back in 96, but I guess that would've been crass. Still, I would've loved to see just a big walking sign with a TV Guide entry saying "TBS. 8:05. The Mummy" Title: Infield Chatter Post by: The Doc on 06/12/06, 04:24:13 AM Couple of important appointments for planet dwellers today. - For Owen Australia play Japan at 2pm BST (ie about 3 1/2 hours from now) and for the rest of you USA against Czech republic at 5 (6 1/2 hours time).
Shame Diderot isnt still around - he could have had a nice gloat about how well Brazil are going to do. And what about you Nadim? In the inexplicable abscence of the Welsh team will you be rooting for USA or Germany - or are you waiting for Pakistan to shaft us at the Cricket next month? Title: Infield Chatter Post by: Nadim on 06/12/06, 05:17:48 AM Quote from: "The Doc" And what about you Nadim? In the inexplicable abscence of the Welsh team will you be rooting for USA or Germany - or are you waiting for Pakistan to shaft us at the Cricket next month? Hmm... I'm undecided here. Happy enough that the World Cup's on free TV here (since everything else runs on-demand) and I won't have to listen to my dad's gloating about capitalism... There are probably enough Joneses on the roster to make the English team qualify as an excellent stand-in, right? Otherwise, it's always good to see Germany win, but I probably won't watch until the semi-finals. Now, if I actually had Fox Sports World and could watch rugby, that'd be something. And Wales might actually play, too! :) Title: Infield Chatter Post by: Nadim on 06/12/06, 10:08:52 AM Strike that, Doc: Owen's team just pulled the most entertaining stunt I've seen in the few soccer games I've ever seen. I like to see people whom no one expected to do very well do very well, so I might root for them if they win a couple more matches.
But I'm also hoping for a USA::Iran match. Title: Infield Chatter Post by: The Doc on 06/12/06, 10:26:56 AM I'd agree with that - GO 'ROOS!
I didnt see all the match (working you know) but I reckon it was a fair result if a bit flattering. My patient who was watching in the waiting room says the Early Japanese goal should not have been allowed, which balances out the fact that they should def have had a penalty between the 1st and 2nd Australian goals. Assuming Brazil win all three the Australia -Croatia match will probably dicide the 2nd second round place. Title: Infield Chatter Post by: The Doc on 06/12/06, 02:06:19 PM Quote from: "The Doc" USA against Czech republic at 5 Oh Dear still time for shock victories against Ghana and Italy :) Title: Infield Chatter Post by: owen on 06/12/06, 04:54:41 PM Quote from: "The Doc" My patient who was watching in the waiting room says the Early Japanese goal should not have been allowed, which balances out the fact that they should def have had a penalty between the 1st and 2nd Australian goals. Agreed on both counts. Simply put, the ref was shit. Oh well! Australia 3 - Japan 1! :shock: :D :shock: :D :shock: :D :shock: :D :shock: :D :shock: :D :shock: :D Man that was a nailbiting game. Trailing between the 26th and 84th minute due to an illegal goal, then the lead taken in the last minute of normal play, then a quick Japanese counter-attack which threatened to bring the game to a draw, then a snatch of possession and a coffin sealing goal in the last 40 seconds of injury time. Phewwwwwwwwwwwww... Oh Yeah! This is the stuff! O! Title: Infield Chatter Post by: tgraham on 06/12/06, 10:58:41 PM I hate to interrupt all this chitchat about sport without hands.
But the Fightin' Rice Owls are on their way to Omaha for the College World Series. I got a third-degree sunburn at the game on Sunday. I also saw part of the USA Czech republic match today. It seemed to me like a college side scrimmaging Coach Scott's U-11 girls and trying not to make it look bad. Title: Infield Chatter Post by: The Doc on 06/13/06, 03:31:26 AM Quote from: "tgraham" But the Fightin' Rice Owls are on their way to Omaha for the College World Series. Remind me, how many nations are taking part in this World Series? :wink: Title: Infield Chatter Post by: tgraham on 06/13/06, 06:22:02 AM If your lads would get over the whole flat bats and googlies thing they'd be welcome too. :cheers
I am cheering for the Brits in that tournament going on in Germany. Title: Infield Chatter Post by: The Doc on 06/13/06, 09:47:19 AM Thanks for that G :)
Interestingly South Wales is one of the few (possibly only) places in the UK where Baseball is played. I remember once in my student days Stands and TV gantries going up on Roath Park Rec, just across the road from my then GF, now ex's house, for some major tournament or other. So I guess you could have a US v Wales contest every four years. Result might be a bit predictable though. . . . . . . . . . . Wales every time of course :lol: Title: Infield Chatter Post by: Nadim on 06/15/06, 05:32:47 AM Interesting that Wales--of all places!--could wrap its head around baseball. :shock:
Continuing my long-standing but more or less occasional tradition of watching only the last fifteen to thirty minutes of soccer matches, Germany vs. Poland yesterday was quite interesting. They tried and tried and tried. Both teams. Achim Achilles, sports writer for Spiegel Online (though they belong to the same publishing house, they don't stand a chance against the best German print newsmag of the same name--well, sans "Online"), already rechristened the German team "FC Klinsmann", one that finally played unified and with head and heart (http://www.spiegel.de/sport/fussball/0,1518,421500,00.html for anyone who understands the official language of quo-vadis-soccer pessimists everywhere). Well, from what I've seen, they certainly played with heart, but looked like they were running around the field like headless chickens (this opinion was seconded by the resident soccer expert, Dad; didn't see a close-up to determine if their lips were hairy or clean-shaven, though). Of course, they broke the alleged tradition of winning their first first-round game and losing the second. Another Spiegel Online article counted up loads of reasons why Germany will win the World Cup: Beckenbauer won a World Cup as a player and later became coach of a World Cup-winning team sixteen years later, after the team ended up in second place fours years earlier; Klinsmann would do likewise, they assume. If you multiply and add up the numbers of previous German world soccer victories together, you end up with 2006 as the result. (What was it again? 54*74 - 1990 = 2006. So, if we keep going and use ni-3*ni-2 - ni-1, should Germany win this world cup, their next victory will be in ... carry the one ... drop this insignificant digit ... format that hard drive ... the year 4654. :shock: ) And this isn't even the most occult of what I've read yet. :) Perhaps it's too early to proclaim this German team highly potent for a win. But this second win (outside of normal game time) certainly did sway the Spiegel Online sports writers who were--like the rest of the country--more pessimistic about the nation's survival in the World Cup than a naked person in space. Perhaps Germany had learnt to be careful if not outright negative about World Cups after the so-perceived Berti Vogts debacles (though the team won Euro 96 under him) and even the only-second-place team in 2002. J?rgen Klinsmann's national team has a lower winning percentage than Berti Vogts', as measured across their careers. I'm not going to place any bets (yes, this entire post is just another response to Doc's question). Yet. If I had to choose a team, I'd probably pick the referees. No one can beat a team with whistles... ;) ...and I just dug up an invaluable but priceless gem from 1994: Stefan Raab's USA World Cup song, "B??rti B??rti Vogts". Oh, the lyrics. A perfect reason why I wouldn't want to be thirteen again, but I guess it's okay to listen to every four years. Wer singt gern mit Village People? -Keiner, keiner. Franz ist gross, und was ist Berti? -Kleiner, kleiner. Wer muss schon um acht ins Bett? -Berti Vogts, Berti Vogts! Und wer ist eigentlich doch ganz nett? -Berti Berti Vogts! :sarah: Title: Infield Chatter Post by: The Doc on 06/15/06, 06:08:14 AM Bizzarly enough one of the stadiums appears to be playing the music for 'Go West' by the village people (and Pet Shop Boys) at the end of the matches. whether this is some sort of reference to reunification I can't say.
England/Costa Rica kicking of in 5 hours time. Im working (on call to 6.30 but few booked patients) so should be able to get out into the waiting room to watch! Title: Infield Chatter Post by: The Doc on 06/16/06, 03:39:54 AM 2-0 but fairly unconvincing. Through to the next round though so I hope our game is lifted as the competition progresses
Title: Infield Chatter Post by: The Doc on 06/17/06, 04:02:03 PM Breaking News
USA 1 Italy 1 Very impressive result - I caught the radio commentary for the second half - looking forwards to the highlights. USA with a decent chance of making the next round. Now lets see what the 'roos can do against Brazil tomorrow. Title: Infield Chatter Post by: tgraham on 06/18/06, 01:34:26 AM Spent today flipping the telly back and forth between Rice baseball (6-4 over Georgia) and the USA soccer match.
The lads did a much better job today than in the previous outing. Without the atrocious referee, they may well have beaten the Italians. Rice plays Miami on Monday to move on in the tournament. Title: Infield Chatter Post by: owen on 06/18/06, 06:37:33 AM Quote from: "The Doc" Now lets see what the 'roos can do against Brazil tomorrow. It's gonna be a bumpy ride... No sleep tonight. O! Title: Infield Chatter Post by: Nadim on 06/18/06, 07:43:16 AM Hmm... I tend to agree with the ref's decisions about those red cards. After all, they work with what they have, and they ain't got no instant replay... :)
I may actually watch the Australia game to see whether they pull any enjoyable stunts again, like in the first game. Alternatively, I may go wash my car for a Chicago road trip tomorrow. All these choices I have to make... What's your time zone, Owen? I remember watching some of the USA World Cup games (when was that? 1994? damn!) at 02:00, thanks to the time shift; urgh... Title: Infield Chatter Post by: owen on 06/18/06, 08:27:32 AM Quote from: "Nadim" What's your time zone, Owen? I remember watching some of the USA World Cup games (when was that? 1994? damn!) at 02:00, thanks to the time shift; urgh... I'm GMT+9 or GMT+11 depending on the seasons which means the games kick off at 11pm, 2am and 5am. Last World Cup in Korea/Japan was in (or at least very near) my time zone. I was so spoiled! O! Title: Infield Chatter Post by: owen on 06/18/06, 10:03:12 AM Hooray!
Japan and Croatia in a goal free draw! The best result possible for Australia's chances of making the second round. One hour to the real test though. 8) O! Title: Infield Chatter Post by: owen on 06/18/06, 08:01:33 PM Well played Socceroos. Real class under pressure from the world's best. I'm happy (but not as happy as i could have been) with the result.
O! Title: Infield Chatter Post by: Scott on 06/20/06, 07:11:55 AM Didn't get to watch the game live because we were in transit to our vacation spot on the Outer Banks of North Carolina, but thanks to XM I got to hear the entire match. Watching the replay later, I have to agree that the officiating was less than good.
USA has a fairly good chance of pushing through to the next round. :D Title: Infield Chatter Post by: Nadim on 06/20/06, 11:21:27 AM Well, Germany played a pretty enjoyable game today. Will they be able to keep that going, though? :)
Title: Infield Chatter Post by: The Doc on 06/21/06, 04:38:36 PM Big Day for the colonies' footballers* tomorrow.
By my reckoning if italy beat Czech Republic the winner of the US/Ghana match goes through. If they draw or if CR win the states would have to win by about 4 clear goals. If we make the wild assumption that Japan will lose to Brazil (and even if they win by fewer than 2 clear goals), the 'roos are through if they win or draw with Croatia Good luck chaps *in the British sense Title: Infield Chatter Post by: Scott on 06/21/06, 08:52:34 PM Thanks Doc!
Tough luck keeping the winless streak against Sweden alive. No better than a draw since 1964 and the brits gave up the equalizer in the 89th minute! OUCH! If my bunch doesn't push through, I'll cheer for England and Germany to win it all, but will be happy to see just about anyone aside from Brazil in the final. Argentina look like a tough draw for sure! Back to the tasty rum filled beverages for me! Peace! ~ S Title: Infield Chatter Post by: The Doc on 06/22/06, 11:05:12 AM Ghana 2-1 USA
Hard Luck USA Been following on BBC sport website. a v dodgy penalty by all accounts, and even though 1-1 would not have been enough, who knows what would have happened if both sides had needed to win to go through in the last few minutes. Up to the Roos now Title: Infield Chatter Post by: owen on 06/22/06, 05:09:29 PM :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D
A quote from my favourite bad movie is relevant here. "If you want to be the bomb-diggity then you have to act like the bomb-diggity." Socceroos, you are now officially the BOMB-DIGGITY! Bring it on Italy! O! Title: Infield Chatter Post by: The Doc on 06/22/06, 06:23:44 PM Yes, a deserved victory in the end, despite an appalling exhibition of 'goalkeeping'. 2 clear penalties denied for the 'roos and it shouldnt take three yellow cards to get someone sent off!
Title: Infield Chatter Post by: owen on 06/22/06, 06:51:29 PM Kalac has been complaining all week how they always give the gloves to Schwarzer. Hiddink must have decided it was time to give Kalac his chance.
He failed. Big time. I think he dropped (or failed to secure) the ball three times, once giving Croatia a goal. Schwarzer will be back against Italy. The refereeing was appalling. Rugby tackles are allowed in football now are they? And if you can't reach the ball with your head just reach up your hand? Hey, and while you're at it, let's forget how to count to two. Australia have been criticised for playing a rough game. I'd prefer to think we play tough not rough. Croatia, on the other hand, played dirty at times, and Australia almost fell into the retaliation trap, but for the most part we kept our "kewell"... (hehehe... that was bad...) And did I really see at least two of the Croatian players *push* the ref after fouls? Unacceptable. Simply unacceptable. Croatia simply didn't deserve to win this game. O! Title: Infield Chatter Post by: Nadim on 06/22/06, 11:11:52 PM I take it the aussies won, then? :) Good!
I was on the road (and in the rain) all day today, fiddling around with the tune/scan/set-time-machine-destination buttons on the radio while in Ohio, but couldn't find any soccer game commentaries whatsoever... Title: Infield Chatter Post by: Nadim on 06/24/06, 01:54:25 PM Well, Germany's perceived patriotism is through the roof now. If they take the World Cup this year, there's no stopping them. Next, we'll see them take the GP d'Eurovision by storm!
Title: Infield Chatter Post by: The Doc on 06/25/06, 02:50:31 PM Another game won in less than convincing style takes England throug to the quarters. I guess I'll take playing badly but not actually losing as a reasonable option.
Good luck for tomorrow O. I know you can do it. Title: Infield Chatter Post by: Nadim on 06/25/06, 04:10:19 PM Didn't see the England game, but the Portugal-Netherlands match reminded me of a rather vicious party of extreme full-contact curling... Jeez. This is working out to be a single elimination round for refs as well. :shock:
Though I'm more interested in seeing a relative newcomer win, I'm less than certain Australia would do very well against Italia tomorrow. Title: Infield Chatter Post by: owen on 06/25/06, 07:31:02 PM Q1: Can Australia win against Italy?
A1: Yes. There's absolutely no reson why not. Q2: Will Australia win against Italy? A2:................ O! Title: Infield Chatter Post by: Nadim on 06/25/06, 07:52:02 PM Quote from: "owen" Q1: Can Australia win against Italy? A1: Yes. There's absolutely no reson why not. Q2: Will Australia win against Italy? A2:................ O! That's a good take on it all. Let's just hope A/I play more civilizedly than N/P. Polls on Spiegel.de show the average opinion is the ref didn't do too badly, considering the mayhem around him. I tend to agree. Title: Infield Chatter Post by: Scott on 06/25/06, 09:13:03 PM Quote from: "Nadim" Didn't see the England game, but the Portugal-Netherlands match reminded me of a rather vicious party of extreme full-contact curling... England still hasn't played a match worth writing home about. I would favor Portugal in this one IF half of the Portugal side were not sitting out the game due to red card suspensions. FIFA has killed this tournament with the yellow card mandate. If a player so much as bumps into someone without saying excuse me loud enough the card comes out. I've been screaing at my television constantly: LET THEM PLAY! Let's hope the idiots at FIFA will see this as the experiment that failed and quietly put things back to something more closely resembling actual soccer by 2010. Then the US can get thumped again. Title: Infield Chatter Post by: The Doc on 06/26/06, 11:57:51 AM Oh dear Oh dear
Sorry O Another triumph for the referees :roll: Title: Infield Chatter Post by: Scott on 06/26/06, 12:51:55 PM What a horrible outcome! Another victory purchased by the Italian side? :wink:
Title: Infield Chatter Post by: owen on 06/26/06, 07:25:36 PM Terrible ending to a wonderful dream.
We made it to the final 16 ranked 42nd in the world. We were 0-0 against Italy after 92mins and 55secs. I think we can be proud of that. I am, and have been for a long time, a believer in video refereeing for fouls inside the box and goal decisions only (anything more than that would interrupt the flow of play and ruin the art of the game). This is yet another perfect example why. Oh well, roll on Asia! Aus vs Kuwait August 16. My alarm's set already. O! Title: Infield Chatter Post by: Nadim on 06/30/06, 01:19:13 PM Great game. It's unfortunate that one of those two really good teams had to go, and it's unfortunate it had to boil down to a gamble with these eleven-meter kicks. Oh well... For my dad, this game is a win-win situation. As a German rooting mainly for Argentina (out of traditional allegiance to Diego Maradona), either team winning would've made him happy. Sad, though, that someone (not sure on which team) found a pushing match necessary after the game was over--it wouldn't have changed the outcome, anyway.
If all soccer games were this interesting, I could easily imagine becoming a soccer fan. Next up: probably Italy. :shock: I still have high hopes for that England-Germany match in the finals that Ian W. and I have discussed at length last week. We'll watch what happens. NB: if you understand German in any way, I'd recommend looking through Spiegel Online's "Mohrs Deutschlandgef?hl" (Mohr's State of the Republic, so to speak), a more or less daily column by satirist Reinhard Mohr about the newly acquired patriotism in Germany. http://www.spiegel.de/kultur/gesellschaft/0,1518,424421,00.html is a nice article on facing Argentina and why fans of teams that were ousted stay in Germany to root for their host country. Title: Infield Chatter Post by: The Doc on 07/01/06, 01:01:25 PM Oh Bugger
There goes my dream of a Germany - England final What is it with England teams and penalty shoot outs????? Ah well, here's rooting for Jurgen's men from now on :D Title: Infield Chatter Post by: Nadim on 07/01/06, 02:12:44 PM Wow. I just woke up and saw the result of that game this morning (EDT)/afternoon (CET). :shock:
Sorry, Doc! I rooted for an England-Germany match, too. Of course, I'm not so sure how Germany will fare against Italy on Tuesday... Title: Infield Chatter Post by: blackjackdavy on 07/02/06, 01:28:32 PM Quote What is it with England teams and penalty shoot outs????? England have lost so many penalty shoot outs over the years they just lose their nerve totally. When I was a kid & played for the school team everyone wanted to take the penalties because it was a certain goal. Germany to win now though. Title: Infield Chatter Post by: Nadim on 07/02/06, 05:25:09 PM Quote from: "blackjackdavy" Germany to win now though. Would be neat. But Frings might get busted because of that post-quarter final crap with Argentinean players, and that would give them a huge disadvantage. But go ahead and knock on wood; we should know about Frings' fate by Monday night. Title: Infield Chatter Post by: Nadim on 07/03/06, 12:58:55 AM I didn't realize it until I read this morning's verboten column in the German really-quite-and-sometimes-too-liberal newspaper taz... The European Union is soccer world champion! Let's just forget about the last games. 8)
Or perhaps it's just a suggestion to ensure the German team won't lose before the World Cup is over? Title: Infield Chatter Post by: Scott on 07/03/06, 06:30:48 AM France took Brazil apart. Finally a team that has just gone out and played good attacking soccer! They were the only side in the quarter finals to not play like they were afraid of the cards. I never thought I would say this but France has saved this World Cup. What will they do against the National Dive Team of Portugal?
I was discussing the World Cup at dinner with my father the other night. When talking about each match, he still thinks in World War II terms. His comments on the upcoming games: Germany v Italy (They used to be on the same side, now look at them). A possible Germany v France final (Just like old times). Title: Infield Chatter Post by: The Doc on 07/03/06, 11:23:54 AM Quote from: "Coach Scott" What will they do against the National Dive Team of Portugal? Let's hope they take them apart too. -- bitter? me? no :wink: Looks like Frings is out for the other Semi, but will be ok for the final if Germany make it that far. Title: Infield Chatter Post by: Nadim on 07/03/06, 01:37:09 PM Quote from: "The Doc" Looks like Frings is out for the other Semi, but will be ok for the final if Germany make it that far. ...and he'll be able to play for third place if they don't make it tomorrow. Well, Klinsmann says they'll win. And if Klinsi says it, it's gonna happen. :roll: Title: Infield Chatter Post by: Scott on 07/03/06, 02:13:40 PM The German side have been fun to watch for the most part. It's great to see the creative style that Klinsmann has encouraged.
Gets me to thinking: Klinsmann lives in California...... Bruce Arena will most likely get fired....... Team USA will be looking for a coach....... hmmmm..... :D Title: Infield Chatter Post by: Nadim on 07/03/06, 04:00:32 PM Quote from: "Coach Scott" The German side have been fun to watch for the most part. It's great to see the creative style that Klinsmann has encouraged. Gets me to thinking: Klinsmann lives in California...... Bruce Arena will most likely get fired....... Team USA will be looking for a coach....... hmmmm..... :D Actually, you're not that far from the truth here. Rumors are they've already tried to tap him for the U.S. job. :) Title: Infield Chatter Post by: Scott on 07/03/06, 04:19:13 PM I think if Germany had been elimnated from the Cup earlier it would be a lot more likely. The closer they get to winning it all makes me think it less likely he will be let go easily. If Germany wins the whole thing, I hope US Soccer Federation has deep pockets!
:soccer Title: Infield Chatter Post by: Nadim on 07/03/06, 04:24:47 PM Well, they could probably lure him in by allowing all the practices to take place in SoCal. I'm not enough of a soccer fan to ask Margie to go over to his house and "nicely" ask him to stay with Germany, though. :D No, actually: :sarah:
But I'm sure the DFB would be willing to pay through the nose to have him around for South Africa. Up until the first German game this World Cup, everyone ridiculed Klinsmann for his odd training methodologies which just seemed outlandish, considering traditional German soccer. But now, they adore him. He's a national hero. I agree with you; they won't let him go that easily, especially if Germany makes it into the final and perhaps even beyond... Title: Infield Chatter Post by: margie on 07/03/06, 11:43:02 PM Quote from: "Nadim" Well, they could probably lure him in by allowing all the practices to take place in SoCal. I'm not enough of a soccer fan to ask Margie to go over to his house and "nicely" ask him to stay with Germany, though. :D No, actually: :sarah: OK, I'll do it....got directions? Title: Infield Chatter Post by: The Doc on 07/04/06, 04:53:21 PM Absolutely fantastic game. (2-0 to Italy aet for the record) both teams should be awarded the cup and one for the ref! Italy probably deserved it in the end but both teams should be proud of how they played.
Title: Infield Chatter Post by: Nadim on 07/04/06, 05:20:40 PM Well, considering Germany's goal kicks always put the ball into the Italians' hands (uh, feet, rather), Italy deserved to win eventually. Both teams played well (even though there wasn't enough charge towards the goal by the German players), and the ref did well as well. I was just annoyed that Klinsmann didn't put Neuville in until way into overtime. He and Odonkor complement each other's game, so they should have been put on the field simultaneously.
Margie: I'll research Klinsmann's address. Might have to ask my two cousins in Dortmund who seem to know everything about him (as girls, they started getting interested in soccer because of him during the World Cup in 1990...) For the German team, it's essential to keep him around until 2010... Title: Infield Chatter Post by: Scott on 07/04/06, 11:09:49 PM I don't often feel like I know what is going to happen during a game, but watching this one I did. I said to my daughter, Italy will score on this corner. I was disappointed to see it happen all the same, but Italy did deserve the win just a little bit more.
A small part of me would like to see Italy win it all without surrendering another goal. Then at least the US could say we were the only side to score on them. Nevermind that it was an own goal. ;-) Title: Infield Chatter Post by: blackjackdavy on 07/06/06, 02:36:55 PM The Italy/Germany semi was the best game so far in the tournament. I couldn't get the same enthusiasm for France/Portugal.
Italy/France I have no preference. Maybe Italy, but only because they build Ferrarris there. Title: Infield Chatter Post by: Chip on 07/06/06, 06:36:03 PM I saw a replay of the last few minutes of overtime of the Germany-Italy game. Even knowing what was going to happen, that was way intense!
Title: Infield Chatter Post by: Scott on 07/07/06, 08:03:53 AM Quote from: "Chip" I saw a replay of the last few minutes of overtime of the Germany-Italy game. Even knowing what was going to happen, that was way intense! :shock: Chip said something good about SOCCER! Title: Infield Chatter Post by: Chip on 07/08/06, 07:01:56 AM I love the World Cup. Unlike the World Series, the World Cup actually is what it purports to be.
Having said that, the flopping just whips me. And the officiating is poor at best, the-fix-is-in at worst (kinda like everytime Dwayne Wade went inside against the Mavs). And the one-word names? Please. (Is that any better, Coach?) Title: Infield Chatter Post by: Scott on 07/08/06, 09:18:45 AM All is right with the world again.
Title: Infield Chatter Post by: The Doc on 07/08/06, 11:41:32 AM Quote from: "Chip" And the one-word names? Please. :?: Title: Infield Chatter Post by: Chip on 07/08/06, 12:41:28 PM Ronaldo. Ronaldihno. Pink. Madonna. Oh, wait. Those last two aren't soccer players. My bad.
Title: Infield Chatter Post by: The Doc on 07/08/06, 06:13:46 PM Chip ?
Title: Infield Chatter Post by: owen on 07/09/06, 11:09:31 PM Is diving cheating?
Then, since both teams progressed (at some stage) through diving what does this World Cup final really prove? Bored now... (and I love the game). O! Title: Infield Chatter Post by: blackjackdavy on 07/10/06, 01:50:52 PM Quote Is diving cheating? Only if done with no style. The Italians are past masters at this and can easily score 10/10. Over now for another 4 years. Title: Infield Chatter Post by: Nadim on 07/10/06, 04:14:30 PM There's a rugby world cup coming up some time these years, right? 8)
Title: Infield Chatter Post by: The Doc on 07/10/06, 05:22:42 PM But it is the England/Pakistan tests first
bet you cant wait Title: Infield Chatter Post by: Scott on 07/10/06, 07:44:32 PM Women's World Cup is next summer. :-)
It is still not given much respect, but I enjoy watching the women play as much as the men. It's a different sport from the men's game. More style and less brute force and dives are very rare. It's a lot more fun now that there are more than just two or three real contenders. I wish they would push the WWC out to 2008. Title: Infield Chatter Post by: owen on 07/10/06, 10:08:41 PM Quote from: "Coach Scott" Women's World Cup is next summer. :-) Hooray! Dibs on Aus vs US in the final. O! Title: Infield Chatter Post by: Nadim on 07/11/06, 02:27:35 AM Quote from: "The Doc" But it is the England/Pakistan tests first bet you cant wait Famous last words: "I wasted three days of my life for THAT?!?" :P Title: Infield Chatter Post by: The Doc on 07/11/06, 03:18:10 AM Quote from: "Nadim" Quote from: "The Doc" But it is the England/Pakistan tests first bet you cant wait Famous last words: "I wasted three days of my life for THAT?!?" :P You think we will really last a full three days? Title: Infield Chatter Post by: The Doc on 07/13/06, 02:25:16 PM Yes, its that time again
Lords, First Test Day one (close) England 309-3 v Pakistan Cook 101 no, Collingwood 109 no Heard on test match special: "We have had an email from a listener in the United States, He says he was listening to TMS over the internet when his American wife walked in. 'I'm sorry, you're busy now' She says 'I'll come back when the game is over' " Title: Infield Chatter Post by: The Doc on 07/14/06, 12:52:48 PM Close of play Day 2
England 528 for 9 declared Collingwood 186, Cook 105, Bell 100no Pakistan 66 for 3 Pakistan require another 262 to avoid the follow on Title: Infield Chatter Post by: Kcowboy Kcurtis on 07/14/06, 01:20:46 PM Quote from: "The Doc" Close of play Day 2 England 528 for 9 declared Collingwood 186, Cook 105, Bell 100no Pakistan 66 for 3 Pakistan require another 262 to avoid the follow on What is this, stock market trading? I don't understand a word of it. Title: Infield Chatter Post by: The Doc on 07/14/06, 06:30:50 PM And I know you don't really care :D
But you did ask (sort of) so here goes about an hour before the end of the second day of play (out of five and each day 3 sessions of 2 hours each) England had scored 528 runs (this is very good) and had lost 9 wickets, that is 9 of their batsmen were out. Three of their batsmen had scored centuries (over 100 runs) and in fact after the last to do so (Bell) scored 100 England declared their innings closed rather than wait for the last wicket to fall so Bell was not out (no). This gave the England bowlers time to have a go at a Pakistan team tired from fielding all day. They were succesful, getting 3 of them out while Pakistan only scored 66 runs. In Test cricket if a team finishes more than 200 runs behind on the first innings, (this is quite likely in this case) they can be asked to follow on, that is to have to have their second innings straight away, this would give England a better chance of bowling them out a second time, and either winning without having to bat again, or only having to make a small score, before running out of time. Check in tomorrow Kcowboy for the next exciting update! Title: Infield Chatter Post by: Kcowboy Kcurtis on 07/15/06, 07:53:06 AM You're just making this up. It's like one of those those 'dealer's choice' card games - jacks are wild, unless you have a three, in which case queens are wild, and a pair of queens beats three of anything else, unless there's an ardvaark in the room, in which case everyone has to drink, except the dealer, who quietly steals everyone else's money.
Title: Infield Chatter Post by: owen on 07/15/06, 04:51:49 PM Calvinball!
Title: Infield Chatter Post by: The Doc on 07/16/06, 04:27:09 AM You see, you are getting the hang of it allready
Sorry todays update late - I have been in Harrogate Stumps - Day 3 Stumps another name for close of play, so called because the stumps (the thre upright sticks which form along with the 2 short bails which lie accross their tops to form the Wicket) are removed to signify the end of play England 528 for 9 declared You know what that means Pakistan 409 for 7 Yousaf 185 So Pakistan have scored 409 runs and lost 7 of their batsman. Yousaf was their best batsman, scoring 185. They will not have to follow on but are still 119 behind. England have to try and get 3 more batsmen out then they will be able to bat again. Title: Infield Chatter Post by: The Doc on 07/16/06, 01:14:12 PM Close of play day 4
England 528 for 9 dec Pakistan 445 all out Yousaf 202 (only the 2nd Pakistani batsman to score a doube century at Lords*) Harmison 4 for 94 These are bowling figures, a new bit of jargon for the Kcowboy - it means that Harmison took 4 of the 10 wickets, and conceded 94 runs when he was bowling. All were catches, two of them catches by the wicket keeper (I guess the eqivalent of the catcher in baseball) - "caught behind". 5 wickets in a match is seen as a good result for a bowler, like a century for a batsman England 258 for 7 Strauss 128 So England are 341 ahead, and will probably declare (voluntarily end their innings) overnight. They will then have all day tomorrow to try and take 10 Pakistani wickets to win. If Pakistan score the 341 runs they will win, so England could bat on tomorrow, score more runs and make this less likely, but this would give them less time to take the wickets, making a draw more likely (if Pakistan are still batting at stumps tomorrow, the game is drawn whatever the score) *The name of the ground and the headquarters of English and World Cricket Title: Infield Chatter Post by: The Doc on 07/17/06, 10:11:32 AM Tea day 5 (final day)
England 528 for 9 dec Pakistan 445 all out England 296 for 8 declared So contrary to my prediction we batted on for another half hour this morning adding 38 runs and setting a target of 380 off 80 overs. This was the safety option - there was no chance of Pakistan scoring that many in time, but did make it less likely that we would have time to bowl them out. Pakistan 151 for 4 nicely poised - there are 32 overs (6 balls bowled from one end of the pitch at the batsman at the other = 1 over, then another bowler bowls from the other end for 6 balls and so on) to go, we need to take 6 more wickets to win - a tall order but our spin bowlers are bowling very well and the weaker pakistani batsmen are coming in next. more likely that they will bat out for the draw though Title: Infield Chatter Post by: The Doc on 07/17/06, 05:33:18 PM yes indeed, it peters out into a depressing draw
Pakistan 214 for 4 at close of play, match drawn. And that my friends is the joy of test cricket Title: Infield Chatter Post by: Kcowboy Kcurtis on 07/18/06, 07:06:26 AM Quote from: "The Doc" yes indeed, it peters out into a depressing draw Pakistan 214 for 4 at close of play, match drawn. And that my friends is the joy of test cricket 'Test' cricket??? You mean you're posting scores of games (or chutneys or whatever the heck you call them) that aren't even for real???? Title: Infield Chatter Post by: highlythrakked on 07/18/06, 05:56:48 PM I know England shouldn't have declared their innings closed on day 2. :wink:
Title: Infield Chatter Post by: The Doc on 07/27/06, 04:56:30 AM Right Cricket fans (yes I know, you just can't help it can you) we are off again
England v Pakistan 2nd Test at Old Trafford Manchester (Yes, next door to THAT football ground) Apologies in advance, I am of on my hols next week so unless Whitby is awash with wi-fi hotspots I might not be able to update you on the last couple of days. I hope no one will be too disappointed if I can't :wink: England are still without their iconic all-rounder (Bats and Bowls) Andrew 'Freddie' Flintoff Pakistan won the toss and will bat first - This is considered a good thing as usually the pitch gets harder to play on as the match progresses, cracks make the bounce uneven and especially on the last day spin bowlers get more grip on the pitch and the ball turns (shoots off the pitch at a different angle rather than bouncing in a straight line) more. Title: Infield Chatter Post by: The Doc on 07/27/06, 03:47:36 PM Stumps Day 1
Pakistan 119 all out, Harmison 6 for 19 England 168 for 2, Cook 65 no Now you all know what that means so I needn't explain further, yes? 119 is a very poor score for a test side batting first (Second worse at old Trafford in fact) England already lead by 49 with 8 first innings wickets in hand which is a good position, but we will have to bat last on what is already a difficult pitch. Might be all over by Saturday! Worth mentioning Steven Harmisons bowling. His full figures are 13 overs (6 balls bowled from one end), 7 maidens (overs in which no run was scored) 6 wickets (5 catches, 1 clean bowled) for 19 runs scored. That is quite remarkable. Conceding less than 3 runs an over is good going - he managed 1.5. Looked at another way for every 2 overs he bowled, one was a maiden, one conceded only 3 runs and he took a wicket Title: Infield Chatter Post by: The Doc on 07/28/06, 03:23:30 PM Close of play, Day 2
Pakistan 119 ao England 461 for 9 dec (Cook 127, Bell 106 no) Pakstan 12 for no wicket with me so far? So we declared with a first innings lead of 342, giving the bowlers 4 overs at the tired (been fielding all day) Pakistan openers, albeit without success. Three days to go, huge first innings lead - should be an easy win, probably without the need for England to bat again, but... Todays new bit of important cricket based learning is: It's a funny game, cricket. Last update for a time probably lunch time tomorrow - I know you will be bereft but hey, a guy deserves a holiday. Title: Infield Chatter Post by: The Doc on 07/29/06, 07:04:01 AM Lunch Day 3
Pakistan 91 for 2 byeeeee Title: Say it aint so, Floyd!!! Say it aint so!!!! Post by: tgraham on 07/31/06, 10:45:55 PM I still hold out hope that Floyd Landis has an external or natural cause for his high testosterone reading.
The NY Times just reported that part of the testosterone was synthetic. If this is turns out to be true, I am SOOOOOO disappointed. Floyd's ride in stage 17 was the most amazing performance I've seen in nearly 20 years of following cycling. If he did it with willpower, adrenaline and a busted hip, he's still my hero. If he cheated to do it he can go sit on the bench with Barry Bonds. Its been a long time since one of my heroes has disappointed. I forgot how much it hurts. Title: Infield Chatter Post by: The Doc on 08/06/06, 12:33:33 PM Quote from: "The Doc" Lunch Day 3 Pakistan 91 for 2 byeeeee hello again. That match ended before the end of day 3, Pakistan 222 all out, Panesar 5 for 72, Harmison 5 for 57 and the man of the match award. England win by an innings ('cos they only had to bat the once) and 120 runs. We are already at the end of Day 3 of the Third Test at Headingly (Leeds) which is a different game entirely. England 515 ao Pieterson 135, Bell 119 Gul 5 for 123 Pakistan 538 ao Khan 173, Yousuf 192 England 3 for 0 (only had 2 overs to bat at the end of today) Title: Re: Say it aint so, Floyd!!! Say it aint so!!!! Post by: The Doc on 08/06/06, 12:36:54 PM Quote from: "tgraham" I still hold out hope that Floyd Landis has an external or natural cause for his high testosterone reading. The NY Times just reported that part of the testosterone was synthetic. If this is turns out to be true, I am SOOOOOO disappointed. Floyd's ride in stage 17 was the most amazing performance I've seen in nearly 20 years of following cycling. If he did it with willpower, adrenaline and a busted hip, he's still my hero. If he cheated to do it he can go sit on the bench with Barry Bonds. Its been a long time since one of my heroes has disappointed. I forgot how much it hurts. I'm afraid BBC news have got the same info http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/other_sports/cycling/5233476.stm Ironically I was reading recently that the evidence that any of the so called performance enhancing drugs actually have any effect is pretty poor, which makes the whole thing even more sad and stupid Title: Infield Chatter Post by: The Doc on 08/07/06, 05:31:53 PM Stumps day 4
England 513 ao Pakistan 538 ao England 345 ao Strauss 116 Pakistan 0 for 0 (only got to bat one over at the end of the day) All set up for an intriguing finish. If england had not been bowled out they would doubtless have batted on tomorrow rather than declaring and consigned the match to a boring draw. As it is a target of 323 for Pakistan to win is just about achievable, as is the chance of England taking all 10 wickets, so any result is still possible. Todays cricket lesson: The wicket can mean the apparatus of three upright stumps and two bails laid over the top of them, but also refers to the 22 yard strip of grass (well mostly bare earth) between the two wickets. At any one time there are two batsmen in, standing at each end of the pitch (or wicket), one facing the bowling and one 'non striker'. If they run 1 or 3 runs the other batsman is then on strike, unless it is the end of an over and the bowling changes to the other end. This is why although there are 11 men on the team you only have to take 10 wickets to bowl a side out as the last man cannot carry on on his own and is shown as 'not out' on the score card. If one of the opening batsmen is not out at the end of the innings he is said to have 'carried his bat' Title: Infield Chatter Post by: Kcowboy Kcurtis on 08/08/06, 08:37:17 AM :? :? :? :? :? :? :? :? :? :? :?
Outside of law reviews or medical journals, this post may take the 2006 Booker Prize for English as a Foreign Language. You're can't even be making this up, there's got to be some bizarre web site that generates random text using baseball and croquet terms. Title: Infield Chatter Post by: The Doc on 08/08/06, 04:26:04 PM Quote from: "Kcowboy Kcurtis" :? :? :? :? :? :? :? :? :? :? :? Outside of law reviews or medical journals, this post may take the 2006 Booker Prize for English as a Foreign Language. You're can't even be making this up, there's got to be some bizarre web site that generates random text using baseball and croquet terms. I'm afraid every word is true and in common usage in the UK - And I haven't got onto googlies yet. Glad you are enjoying it :wink: Anyway for the record Pakistan were all out for 155, Sajid Mahmood (despite the name one of the English fast bowlers) 4 for 22. England win by 167 runs. and take the series - 2-0 up with one test (Oval 17th August) to go. Title: Infield Chatter Post by: highlythrakked on 08/08/06, 08:05:57 PM I reckon it'll sink in some day. :lol:
Title: Infield Chatter Post by: owen on 08/09/06, 04:52:26 AM I hear ya Doc.
Bring on The Ashes eh? Care to explain Bodyline (http://www.abcofcricket.com/A_Legend_Is_Born/Bodyline/bodyline.htm) to these ignorant philistines? :P O! Title: Infield Chatter Post by: The Doc on 08/09/06, 04:23:44 PM I think they are doing pretty well :)
If I am honest I think we will be lucky to hold on the the ashes in Australia, although it will be interesting to see what your lot make of Monty. Title: Infield Chatter Post by: owen on 08/09/06, 05:32:43 PM Quote from: "The Doc" although it will be interesting to see what your lot make of Monty. We've already got a secret weapon. Mr. Hughes is bringing the moustache out of retirement. O! Title: Infield Chatter Post by: blackjackdavy on 08/16/06, 01:25:29 PM Separated by a common language.
Originating from north of Hadrian's wall I don't understand cricket either. On the other hand, I've seen one baseball game, Hiroshima Carp vs. Tokyo Giants and I hadn't a clue what was going on there either. The (US) guy I was with could tell who was going to do what, when it was going to be done and what the final score would be. We left early. Title: Infield Chatter Post by: owen on 08/17/06, 03:58:01 AM A new generation has begun!
Our World Cup team were all unavailable, so we drafted some local boys to get the job done. Rookie "Soccerwhos" prove they're up to the task (http://www.theworldgame.com.au/home/index.php?pid=st&cid=74214). Roll on Asia 2007! Tonight it's the Young Matildas turn. LINK (http://www.theworldgame.com.au/home/index.php?pid=st&cid=74216). The World Cup may be over but Football Fever continues down here! O! Title: Infield Chatter Post by: owen on 08/17/06, 09:58:49 AM Woohoo! Go Young Matildas!
3-Nil! First goal direct from the corner! And the sealer was scored by a Wagga Wagga girl. Makes me proud to be a local. Are you watching this under 20s Womens World Comp Coach? O! Title: Infield Chatter Post by: Scott on 08/17/06, 03:22:37 PM I'm afriad not. :oops:
Not sure if it is televised around these parts. I've been in music mode today getting ready for a gig in a few weeks. Title: Infield Chatter Post by: Nadim on 08/17/06, 06:24:34 PM Some 14 tickets for the White Sox vs. Kansas City Royals game this afternoon fell into Cleversafe's possession yesterday, thanks to Brenda at IIT's Real Estate Department. Of course, I couldn't resist hanging out with my TechOps group and other co-workers and bosses, so I went, even if that meant spending almost four hours in the scorching sun, sustaining myself on beer and hot dogs alone.
Well, now I do get why people spend almost four hours in the scorching sun, sustaining themselves on beer and hot dogs alone. It's a pretty fun outing. With the right set of friends, who cares about the game? :sarah: I guess it was a lucky strike to have my first baseball game attendance be at the first game in big-league baseball history in which both teams lead off the first two innings with home runs, eh? Title: Infield Chatter Post by: The Doc on 08/17/06, 06:29:35 PM I have every confidence Australia will be a major force in world soccer within the next few years. They do well at every other sport the take seriously and they seem to be taking football seriously now.
Anyway the good news (or bad depending on your point of view) is the 4th test started today, the bad news (or good) is that this is the last one of the home season. 4th test The Oval (London) England 173 all out, Pakistan 96 for 1 Pakistan won the toss and elected to field, not the usual decision but obviously the correct one, Gul and Asif picking up four wickets each as England collapsed. Pakistan look well set to post a big first innings lead, although they have also lost one of their opening batsmen to an injury. Title: Infield Chatter Post by: owen on 08/18/06, 09:37:11 AM Match Report (http://www.theworldgame.com.au/home/index.php?pid=st&cid=74224).
No TV coverage in the US for Womens Youth football! Outrageous! We are lucky here to have a free-to-air, commercial uninterrupted TV station that recognises the fanatical dedication of the football fans. SBS is our Special Broadcasting Service and was established in the 80s to cater for Australia's burgeoning "ethnic" population (Yeah, like we're all aboriginals!). Soccer was always known as "wogball" here, so SBS had the market cornered early, when the average "white aussie" couldn't care less about the game. A couple of years back they launched a special half-day show dedicated to The World Game (also the site of my links, which is the best Soccer site bar none). Along with this, EVERY Aussie international is televised here, including the current Women's U20s World Championship, plus EVERY World Cup game and European final etc. Now the game is a serious threat to the other football codes and the commercial and pay networks are getting hungry for some of the action. I seriously hope that SBS retain the market share though. The commercial networks would never be as good. As for "taking the sport seriously"... well... that's a lot easier for our population when we're doing well. We are not known for being a nation of good sporting losers. Here's hoping we can keep up the good form for a while and develop a long term football fan-base. O! Title: Infield Chatter Post by: owen on 08/18/06, 09:38:58 AM Quote from: "The Doc" 4th test The Oval (London) England 173 all out, Pakistan 96 for 1 OUCH! That'd hurt! O! Title: Infield Chatter Post by: The Doc on 08/18/06, 12:55:36 PM Lots of time lost to weather but-
Stumps day 2 England 173 Pakistan 336 for 3, Yousuf 115 no Quiz time now (have you been listening Kcowboy?) Is the England team a) cruising to victory b) poised in a finely balanced game c) getting stuffed, rolled over, wiped out and praying for three days of biblical style inundation as the only chance of salvaging a draw from the ruins. Title: Infield Chatter Post by: Kcowboy Kcurtis on 08/18/06, 01:10:56 PM Well, seeing as how Pakistan has 336 (somethings) to England's 173, one would think that England is getting stuffed. But seeing as how it's cricket, this is surely a trick question, maybe it's like golf when the lowest score wins. Or maybe you have to subtract 'Yousuf's number' from Pakistan's total, which would make it rather a closer match. Or maybe England is sitting on a stealth 'Get Out of Stumps Free' card, which they're planning on whipping out to the general dismay of Pakistan at the last possible moment.
I suppose it all comes down to how the Russian judges score it... :cheers Title: Infield Chatter Post by: Scott on 08/18/06, 01:20:15 PM Since I'm just now reading The Da Vinci Code, I'm sure Phi must work itself into Cricket scoring too.
Title: Infield Chatter Post by: highlythrakked on 08/18/06, 02:12:23 PM I'm not a Kcowboy (though my neighbor[no pun intended] has Cowboy Up on top of their windshield of their truck), but I'd vote c.
Title: Infield Chatter Post by: The Doc on 08/19/06, 05:14:03 PM well, you have been taking notice.
gold stars all round. End of day 3 now England 173 ao Pakistan 504 ao (Yousuf 128, Hafeez 95, Farhat 91) England 78 for 1 could have been worse, but England still need another 253 runs to make Pakistan bat again. Not very likely so we will probably go down to an innings defeat ( 'cos they only needed one innings to beat us). Todays lesson: When a right handed batsman faces the bowling he(or she) stands sideways with the left shoulder facing the bowler. The half of the field he is facing is called the "off" side, the half his bottom is facing is called the "on" or "leg" side. This convention is used in naming fielding positions etc, eg Square leg, mid on, silly mid off. for a right handed batsman the positions are reversed. I did wonder what happened in baseball with a left hander, The batter still runs the same way round the bases I presume but is the field set differently? Title: Infield Chatter Post by: sarah on 08/19/06, 07:41:52 PM Quote from: "The Doc" I did wonder what happened in baseball with a left hander, The batter still runs the same way round the bases I presume but is the field set differently? Nope. When a left-handed hitter comes up to bat, everyone still plays the same position and runs the same way around the bases, but some of the fielders might shift a bit to one side or the other depending on which way they expect a hit might be more likely to fly. Also the fielding team might call in a left-handed pitcher. Or not. The fans, on the other hand, will almost certainly order another beer. ~s Title: Infield Chatter Post by: Nadim on 08/20/06, 12:48:57 AM Quote from: "sarah" The fans, on the other hand, will almost certainly order another beer. ~s I wish they'd serve Guinness in Comiskey Park... Before too long, there'll be another company outing, and I'll get drunk off three overpriced plastic bottles of Miller Lite again. If getting drunk doesn't give me headaches, knowing that it was due to $6 Miller Lites will... :evil: Title: Infield Chatter Post by: highlythrakked on 08/20/06, 09:11:07 AM It would be strange:
"So, what do you do?" "Ohhh, I'm a professional silly mid off." "Fantastic!" :D Title: Infield Chatter Post by: Kcowboy Kcurtis on 08/20/06, 11:21:16 AM Quote from: "The Doc" Todays lesson: When a right handed batsman faces the bowling he(or she) stands sideways with the left shoulder facing the bowler. The half of the field he is facing is called the "off" side, the half his bottom is facing is called the "on" or "leg" side. This convention is used in naming fielding positions etc, eg Square leg, mid on, silly mid off. for a right handed batsman the positions are reversed. You realize this is totally nuts, right??? Title: Infield Chatter Post by: The Doc on 08/20/06, 04:24:22 PM You think thats crazy???
By tea today England had scored 298 for the loss of only four wickets, ie only 33 behind, This would have given them a fair chance of saving the match, or at least avoiding an innings defeat. Unfortunately half way through the afternoon the Pakistan team had had a five run penalty for interfering with the ball (eg scuffing it to make it swing more in flight) They understandably took umbrage at this accusation of cheating and rather less understandably refused to come out to play after tea. So the umpires and the england team stood there for a couple of minutes then went back. This technically meant Pakistan hed defaulted the match and England had won. So you were not far off in your earlier suggestions KC! Anyway with paying customers booked for the rest of the day and tomorrow, a hasty deal was stiched up and the Pakistan team agreed to continue so came out onto the pitch. Unfortunately the umpires refused to come back on, so after more frantic negociations play was abandoned when it started getting dark anyway. For the record mid off is a fielder who stands on a line somewhere between 1 and 2 o clock as viewed by the batsman. If he is a long way away he is called deep mid off, if he is quite near the batman he would be a short mid off, and if he is very close indeed and at high risk of beeing clouted by the ball he is a silly mid off Title: Infield Chatter Post by: The Doc on 08/21/06, 04:10:54 AM In the end the ICC (international Cricket Conference) backed the umpires - which was all they could do in the end if you don't want anarchy (OK in chicks maybe but not in cricket) Pakistan are deemed to have forfieted the match by refusing to play so England win the series 3-0. A rather sad way to end things, and the dispute is going to rumble on a while I suspect.
Anyway roll on the Ashes - O! and I will have to come to some sort of arrangement to share the reporting :) Title: Infield Chatter Post by: owen on 08/21/06, 06:04:40 AM Quote from: "The Doc" Anyway roll on the Ashes - O! and I will have to come to some sort of arrangement to share the reporting :) Ha! You're the cricket compere around here. I'll just follow the great Aussie tradition of lambasting every call you make. Roy and HG eat your heart out* * obscure reference of the week In other matters, the Young Matildas lost against Brazil last night. What did I think of the game? I fell asleep before it started. :oops: O! Title: Infield Chatter Post by: highlythrakked on 08/21/06, 06:23:20 AM Quote from: "owen" In other matters, the Young Matildas lost against Brazil last night. What did I think of the game? I fell asleep before it started. :oops: O! Title: Infield Chatter Post by: highlythrakked on 08/21/06, 08:56:29 PM Discontent in cricket land...
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/5270880.stm Title: Infield Chatter Post by: The Doc on 09/28/06, 10:33:13 AM Just cos I'm sure you were all wondering what had happened after the bizzare end of the last test.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/cricket/other_international/pakistan/5388402.stm Only 56 days to the ashes Title: Infield Chatter Post by: owen on 09/28/06, 04:56:34 PM Quote from: "The Doc" Just cos I'm sure you were all wondering what had happened after the bizzare end of the last test. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/cricket/other_international/pakistan/5388402.stm from that link: Quote ICC chief executive Malcolm Speed said he believed that should be the end of the matter. AMEN! Quote from: "The Doc" Only 56 days to the ashes I think you meant to say "only 56 days until England begins to lose The Ashes". :sarah: O! Title: Infield Chatter Post by: The Doc on 09/28/06, 06:15:54 PM After Hubris, Nemesis
:sarah: Title: Infield Chatter Post by: owen on 11/11/06, 11:40:54 AM Doc's not reporting the cricket, but never fear I'll fill you all in cause I know you're just dying to know.
Quote England made a terrible start to their Ashes tour at Manuka Oval as they were bowled out for 181 inside 39 overs after the Australian invitational side had posted a mammoth 347 for 5. Here's hoping our proper side are as good as the rookies! 8) O! Title: Infield Chatter Post by: The Doc on 11/11/06, 02:54:59 PM Quote from: "owen" Doc's not reporting the cricket, but never fear I'll fill you all in cause I know you're just dying to know. Quote England made a terrible start to their Ashes tour at Manuka Oval as they were bowled out for 181 inside 39 overs after the Australian invitational side had posted a mammoth 347 for 5. Here's hoping our proper side are as good as the rookies! 8) O! I was hoping to draw a veil over that one :oops: I thought I might set up a seperate thread for the Ashes so that it won't upset people looking in hoping to get some interesting info about rounders Title: Infield Chatter Post by: The Doc on 11/21/06, 05:30:09 PM It's the time you have all been waiting for. In a little over 24 hours, if I have got my time zones right, the umpires will call play and the Ashes tests will be off. Play is from midnight 'till about 8am in the UK so I will be able to post the end of play scores in the morning (for me) ready for your delectation the next day. Bet you can't wait :D
Coach - Perhaps ypu could change my member title to KCrimson KCriCKet KCorrespondent for the next few weeks :?: Title: Infield Chatter Post by: The Doc on 11/23/06, 03:51:01 AM Oh God
I'll have to do this or Owen will 1st Test Brisbane Day 1 (of 5) Australia 346 for 3, Ponting 137 not out England lost the toss and Australia elected to bat on a flat pitch. Harmison (our top bowler) sent his first ball straight to 2nd slip (ie about 5 metres wide of the stumps) and it has been uphill since then. We didn't include our best spinner on a pitch that is already taking spin. Warne is going to slaughter us. Title: Infield Chatter Post by: owen on 11/23/06, 07:37:39 AM Quote from: "The Doc" Oh God I'll have to do this or Owen will Not this day, I was sleeping (catching up after a couple of odd shifts), then lawnmower purchasing, then having dinner at my parents. I COMPLETELY forgot about the cricket until driving (to my temporary) home to get ready for work (night shift again). I am not fit to be an Australian. O! Title: Infield Chatter Post by: The Doc on 11/23/06, 08:29:06 AM Quote from: "owen" Quote from: "The Doc" Oh God I'll have to do this or Owen will Not this day, I was sleeping (catching up after a couple of odd shifts), then lawnmower purchasing, then having dinner at my parents. I COMPLETELY forgot about the cricket until driving (to my temporary) home to get ready for work (night shift again). I am not fit to be an Australian. O! right then, what I really meant to say was we are doing really well and I wouldn't bother watching if I were you Title: Infield Chatter Post by: tgraham on 11/23/06, 08:37:43 AM Quote from: "The Doc" Australia 346 for 3, Ponting 137 not out Ant that means the Aussies did well? Title: Infield Chatter Post by: owen on 11/23/06, 10:06:24 AM I just stumbled across this potential Christmas present (http://cgi.ebay.com.au/SHANE-WARNE-PICTURE-ACRYLIC-MAGNET_W0QQitemZ330053290909QQihZ014QQcategoryZ39898QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem) for you Doc.
O! Title: Infield Chatter Post by: The Doc on 11/23/06, 10:53:31 AM Quote from: "tgraham" Quote from: "The Doc" Australia 346 for 3, Ponting 137 not out Ant that means the Aussies did well? very much so, 350 would not be a bad score for a full innings and they still have two of their best batsmen in and plenty more to come. I would expect then to declare on about 600 about an hour before close of play tomorrow leaving their bowlers an hour to go full tilt at a tired opening pair and with us needing about 400 to avoid the follow on. (you do remember about the 'follow on' don't you? - never mind I will explain at the time.) And Owen - YES! for all his faults he is truly one of the greats. Title: Infield Chatter Post by: The Doc on 11/24/06, 02:35:09 AM Well, the good news is that I don't think I will be troubling you with reports for the full five days of this test.
Close of play Day 2 Australia 602 for 9 declared. Ponting 196. Flintoff 4 for 99 As predicted (spookily accurately even if I say so my self) Australia declared an hour and a half before the close. England 53 for 3 and we need another 350 runs to avoid the follow on :( (If we finish our fist innings more than 200 runs behing we can - and almost certainly will - be asked to follow on, ie bat again straight away giving more time for us to be bowled out a second time. Australia can still take their second innings at the end if they need) Title: Infield Chatter Post by: The Doc on 11/25/06, 04:26:48 AM It gets worse
Stumps day 3 Australia 602-9 dec England 157 all out McGrath 6-50 Surprisingly the follow on was not enforced (see above) presumably Australia are confident that they have more than enough time to bowl us out again and wanted to a) give the bowlers a bit of a rest b) humiliate us a bit more Australia 181-1 thats right - in 40 overs* and for the loss of only one wicket they have scored better than our entire team did in the 65 overs of our first innings. presumably they will bat tomorrow until Langer has got his century** and then mop us up in a session or two * Over - 6 consecutive balls delivered by one bowler from one end of the wicket ** Century - 100 runs scored by a batsman Title: Infield Chatter Post by: The Doc on 11/26/06, 03:41:40 AM That's a bit better at last
Aus 602-9 dec Eng 157 ao Aus 202-1 dec, Langer100 As expected Ponting (The Australian captain) declared as soon as Langer got his century. England 295-5 Warne 4-108 A better attempt at batting especially in a 153 run 4th wicket stand between Collingwood (98 ) and Peiterson (92 no). We are still 353 behind and will almost certainly lose unless the weather intervenes but it feels a little less humiliating now. Title: Infield Chatter Post by: owen on 11/26/06, 10:40:37 PM Thanks for the round-up Doc!
8) Believe it or not I've only watched about five minutes of Ashes Cricket so far. I had a few days off and did the long commute to see my family instead. Do you think I've got my priorities arse about? O! Title: Infield Chatter Post by: tgraham on 11/27/06, 08:41:53 AM Quote from: "owen" Do you think I've got my priorities arse about? O! Clearly Title: Infield Chatter Post by: The Doc on 11/27/06, 10:01:02 AM Quote from: "owen" Thanks for the round-up Doc! 8) Believe it or not I've only watched about five minutes of Ashes Cricket so far. I had a few days off and did the long commute to see my family instead. Do you think I've got my priorities arse about? O! Don't they have radio in Oz? But I'll let you off this time :D Any way as expected we were all out before lunch for 377 so you win by 277 runs. Warny took 4 but went for nearly 4 an over, Clarke took 4 for 72. The writing was really on the wall when Pieterson was caught at short mid wicket* second ball of the day - or at least even more than it had been since the first ball of the first day had the Australians peeing themselves laughing * Mid-wicket is a fielder on a line roughly perpendicular to the wicket mid way between the stumps on the leg side. Short mid wicket - ie close to the pitch is a fairly unusual position and presumably designed to play on Peitersipn's known weaknesses Title: Infield Chatter Post by: owen on 11/27/06, 02:29:20 PM Quote from: "The Doc" Don't they have radio in Oz? Well the antenna broke off the car I have at the moment and since I'm on the road so much... (and personally I'd rather dine on my own earwax than listen to cricket on the radio) O! Title: Infield Chatter Post by: The Doc on 12/01/06, 03:57:49 AM Here we go again - Actually not as bad as it might have been. England won the toss and elected to bat first on a fairly flat* wicket. At close of play we were 266 for 3 with Collingwood 98 not out. Should post a decent total tomorrow and be safe from embarrasing defeat at least. Big shock is that Monty Panesar - top spin bowler - was left out of the team again.
*Thats a metephorical flat - all cricket pitches are flat except possibly in Brockian Ultra Cricket. It means the ball was bouncing evenly making it relitively easy for the batsmen. Also no sign of it taking significant spin yet, althouh that is expected to be an issue as the pitch wears, hence the surprise at leaving out Panesar, Title: Infield Chatter Post by: owen on 12/01/06, 02:45:45 PM I have a feeling this one is going to be close Doc.
Although I agree leaving Monty out makes no sense whatsoever. Day two starting soon. Sweet. O! Title: Infield Chatter Post by: The Doc on 12/02/06, 09:13:22 AM English team doing quite well shock! Whatever next
2nd Test (Adelaide)Day 2, close of play England 551 -6 declared. Collinwood 206, Pieterson 158 Collingwood only the 3rd Englishman to hit a double ton in Australia, and the first for 70 years. His stand of 310 with Pieterson is a record for the 4th wickiet in ashes tests. Australia 28-1 The declaration gave the tired Aussies a tricky 40 minutes to face a fired up opening attack (Hoggard and Flintoff - To little time for Harmison to be risked after his difficulties in the last game) and we were rewarded with the Wicket of Justin Langer. We might even be in a position to ask Australia to follow on! Title: Infield Chatter Post by: The Doc on 12/03/06, 10:14:31 AM 2nd Test Stumps Day 3
England 551 -6 declared. Collinwood 206, Pieterson 158 Australia 312-5. Ponting 142 Ponting was dropped at sqare leg on 35 and would have been run out on 46 if Collingwoods throw had hit the stumps*, either event might have changed things significantly. As it is a draw is most likely, although either side could still win. If we take the remaining wickets cheaply and knock of some quick runs then a target for Australia of say 350 on the last day could prove difficult if the pitch deteriorates. Equally well if the Australians manage to take a first innings lead of as little as 150 I wouldn't want to bet on Warne not spinning us out on day 5. * Square leg - a fielder square (ie at 90 deg) to the wicket, on the leg side. A bit like mid-wicket but in this case level with the stumps at the batsmans end. run out - a batsman is out if when he is running between the wickets a fielder breaks the wicket with the ball before he passes the batting crease Title: Infield Chatter Post by: The Doc on 12/04/06, 09:08:56 AM Stumps Day 4
England 551-6 Australia 313 All Out. Ponting 142, Clarke 124. Hoggard 7-109 England 59-1 Great bowling prformance from the Hoggster to take 7 on such a good batting wicket. Looks like a draw now - ironically although we had a first innings lead an Australia win (if the pitch starts turning and Warne mops us up) is slightly more likely than us being able to set a reasonable target and bowl Australia out in less than two session Title: Infield Chatter Post by: The Doc on 12/05/06, 04:54:52 AM Quote from: "The Doc" ironically although we had a first innings lead an Australia win (if the pitch starts turning and Warne mops us up) is slightly more likely Me and my big mouth So we got to 69 without further loss, giving us a lead of 107, but then from a combination of injudicious batting, a stupid run out and a couple of dubious umpiring decisions managed to lose the remaining wickits for only 60 more runs, (Warne taking 4 for 49) setting Australia only 168 to win in 38 overs. Even at this stage it could have been close but after we took a couple of early wickets Ponting and Hussey knocked of the majority of the deficit and even though we took 2 more Australia made it with 3 overs to spare England 2nd innings 129 all out Warne 4-49 Australia 168 for 4 Australia win by 6 wickets (because they still had 6 wickets left to fall when they overtook our score) Title: Infield Chatter Post by: The Doc on 12/14/06, 06:32:45 AM 3rd Test Perth Day 1 close of play
Australia won the toss and elected to bat first Australia 244 ao. Hussey 76no. Panesar 5-92 Harmison 4-48 England made 2 changes, bringing in (to shouts of relief throughout the land) spin bowling sensation Mudhsuden Singh 'Mony' Panesar and swing bowler Sajid Mahmoud for Giles and Anderson. Monty lived up to all expectations by taking 5 wickets in his first ashes test. Other good news was the return to form of Steve Harmison who was disasterous in the first 2 tests. To get the score in perspective the first innings totals in the first two tests were 602 and 513, both times the batting side lasting until late on day 2 England 51-2 OK that could have been better, losing 2 in the tricky last 14 overs. we ill need to knuckle down tomorrow and hopefull set up a decent first innings lead. Title: Infield Chatter Post by: owen on 12/14/06, 07:11:05 AM There is a new Cricket legend in Australia.
His name is Monty. We love him. NOW we have a competition happening! O! Title: Infield Chatter Post by: tgraham on 12/14/06, 08:32:01 AM OK, a quick summary of the baseball winter player moves:
Lets see, Andy Pettite signed with the hated Yankees for a ton of cash. THe Astros traded Willy Taveras (promising young centerfielder) and a herd of young pitchers to Colorado for a #2 starting pitcher I hadnt heard of, but whose stats look pretty good. The Red Sox are about to sign Daisuke Matsuzaka (Seibu Lions Pitcher). Curt Schilling, having learned Bostonese only 3 years ago (Pahk the Cah in Hahvahd Yahd) is now taking japanese lessons to lake his new teammate feel more at home. The Rangers signed Eric Gagne, who has owned the Astors when he's healthy. Glad to see him going to the other league. Title: Infield Chatter Post by: sarah on 12/14/06, 09:34:21 AM Oh yeah, and that silly little team from Chicago who keeps trying to play in the big leagues got a new manager. Not that anyone in the NL Central is worried or anything.
~s Title: Infield Chatter Post by: Michael on 12/14/06, 11:25:28 AM Quote from: "sarah" Oh yeah, and that silly little team from Chicago who keeps trying to play in the big leagues got a new manager. Not that anyone in the NL Central is worried or anything. ~s Sarah: come over to the dark side. Even when we lose it's fun. :) Title: Infield Chatter Post by: tgraham on 12/14/06, 11:45:33 AM Quote from: "sarah" Oh yeah, and that silly little team from Chicago who keeps trying to play in the big leagues got a new manager. Not that anyone in the NL Central is worried or anything. ~s Who? not that the cubs ever get much coverage down here. Right, Piniella. Good baseball man. And a much better players manager than Baker. Baker was suited for a veteran prima-donna laden team like SF, where Bonds and the boys do what they wish, and steroids. Lou will make the Cubs a better team next year. Title: Infield Chatter Post by: sarah on 12/14/06, 11:49:39 AM Quote from: "Michael Flaherty" Sarah: come over to the dark side. Even when we lose it's fun. :) What, and give up the bitching and moaning about how much the Cubs suck? ;) ~s Title: Infield Chatter Post by: Michael on 12/14/06, 12:48:44 PM Quote from: "sarah" Quote from: "Michael Flaherty" Sarah: come over to the dark side. Even when we lose it's fun. :) What, and give up the bitching and moaning about how much the Cubs suck? ;) ~s Lol! Yeah, I think Cubs fans loved the Sox winning even more than we did--now the Cubs can't even claim to be the best team in Chicago. The century-long degradation continues! Title: Infield Chatter Post by: The Doc on 12/15/06, 04:47:58 AM Oh dear Oh dear - bye bye Ashes :cry:
Stumps day 2 Australia 244 ao England 215 ao. Pieterson 70, Clarke 3-49 A classic batting collapse by England only averted by Pietersons knock, although he did give his wicket away uneccesarily at the end, and a last wicket stand of 40, the best of the match, between Harmison and Panesar. Australia 119 for 1 Slight euphoria when Hoggard bowled Langer with the first ball of the innings soon abated when Ponting and Hayden comfortably took the lead to 148. On present form I wouldn't back us even to get that if they declared now Title: Infield Chatter Post by: owen on 12/15/06, 07:30:04 AM Quote from: "The Doc" Oh dear Oh dear - bye bye Ashes :cry: Stumps day 2 Australia 244 ao England 215 ao. Pieterson 70, Clarke 3-49 A classic batting collapse by England only averted by Pietersons knock, although he did give his wicket away uneccesarily at the end, and a last wicket stand of 40, the best of the match, between Harmison and Panesar. Australia 119 for 1 Slight euphoria when Hoggard bowled Langer with the first ball of the innings soon abated when Ponting and Hayden comfortably took the lead to 148. On present form I wouldn't back us even to get that if they declared now Thanks for the round-up Doc. I was mighty pissed off when the TV station here cut to a lengthy news break (one hour local news plus one hour national news) at tea and didn't get back to the action until it was time for me to get some sleep (night shift again). Well the result so far is a real bummer IMO. At tea all things looked good for a real battle with only 29 runs the difference and both teams having bowled well for the first innings. But now with Australia leading by two tests and 148 runs with 9 wickets in hand things do look set-up for a quick ashes result. But you never know, they were calling the last one "the unloseable test" on the last day here... and somehow you lost that one. So maybe fate will swing the other way? I honestly hope so. Even a draw will mean England still have a chance of retaining that precious little urn, and that will make the remaining tests much more exciting. Cheers, O! Title: Infield Chatter Post by: owen on 12/16/06, 07:36:05 AM see below... damn accidental use of quote instead of edit functions...
Title: Infield Chatter Post by: owen on 12/16/06, 07:37:16 AM Oh Dear! DOC!!!
Quote Australia piled on a further 408 runs from their overnight total of 1 for 119, setting the tourists what would be a world record 556-run victory target. Article (http://www.abc.net.au/sport/content/200612/s1813157.htm) Scorecard (http://www.abc.net.au/cricket/scores/ckt_scorecard_1016_3.htm) What will you do now? O! Title: Infield Chatter Post by: The Doc on 12/16/06, 04:35:50 PM the ghastly truth for those of you who couldnt be bothered to check O!'s links
Stumps day 3 Australia 244 ao England 215 ao Australia 527 for 5 declared. Hussey 103, Clarke 135, Gilchrist 102 not out Gilchrist's century was off only 57 balls, one short of the record for all test cricket. Apparently the declaration was unintentional due to a mix up in communication between the capain and the batsmen in the middle, but it worked out fine because... England 19-1 But are we downhearted? No, we'll just bring Monty in at four (the only england player to show the technique and determination to bat sensibly for the good of the team) and when he and Collingwood have ground down the bowlers let KP loose to knock of the last 100 or so runs. And then I'll celebrate by seeing KC on their UK tour. Title: Infield Chatter Post by: The Doc on 12/17/06, 04:02:01 AM Well that was a bit better - but I think Mr F is safe from having to bring the boys over here.
Stumps Day 4 England 265 for 5. Cook 116, Bell 87 In fact 3 overs before the end of the day we were 261 for 3, but Cook was caught behind off McGrath and 2 balls later Hoggard the nightwatchman was clean bowled. Flintoff and Pieterson still in but no significant batting after that. Fantastic knock by Cook - over 6 hours in sweltering heat. If only we had batted like that in the last 2 tests - we would have won the first and drawn the second. Title: Infield Chatter Post by: owen on 12/17/06, 06:18:36 AM Those final two wickets were taken while I made a quick trip to the loo.
What a difference a few minutes make. O! Title: Infield Chatter Post by: owen on 12/17/06, 06:22:39 AM Quote from: "The Doc" and when he and Collingwood have ground down the bowlers let KP loose to knock of the last 100 or so runs. And then I'll celebrate by seeing KC on their UK tour. I think we'll make that an Australian tour! O! Title: Infield Chatter Post by: The Doc on 12/18/06, 06:22:07 AM England 2nd innings 550 all out. Cook 116, Flintoff 51, Pieterson 60 no. Warne 4 for 115.
Australia win by 206 runs and regain the ashes with 3 wins and only 2 teasts to go. Still a pleasant surprise to last until after lunch on the final day I suppose, and nice to see Flintoff finding his form with the bad. I suspect Geriant Jones has played his last game for England though - When you are not the first choice Wicket keeper and are picked for your ability to strengthen the batting two ducks (and scores of 19,33, 1 and 10 in the first 2 tests) are not enough to keep you in the side. At least now it is decided we can have som efun in the next two games Title: Infield Chatter Post by: owen on 12/18/06, 06:33:40 AM Sorry Doc... I was really hoping for a long drawn-out battle.
But now, since the result's already known, I think I'll change direction and start rooting for a five-nil whitewash (not seen since 1922). :P See you at test number four my friend! O! Title: Infield Chatter Post by: tgraham on 12/18/06, 01:46:36 PM From the international herald tribune:
I always wondered about cricketers (http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2006/12/18/sports/AS_SPT_CRK_Australia_England.php) (http://img.iht.com/images/2006/12/18/web.1218ashesf265.jpg) Title: Infield Chatter Post by: The Doc on 12/18/06, 04:40:26 PM You should see Symonds without his hat on :D
Title: Infield Chatter Post by: owen on 12/23/06, 01:02:01 PM A link (http://www.shutdown-vol2.com/forum/index.php?topic=1046.msg19295#msg19295) for Doc.
:sarah: O! Title: Infield Chatter Post by: owen on 12/28/06, 04:17:29 AM Shhhhhh!
Don't mention the cricket (http://www.abc.net.au/news/newsitems/200612/s1818972.htm)! 5-0 here we come. 8) Oh well Doc, you could always buy yourself a ticket for this (http://www.ticketmaster.co.uk/event/12003D6DB9C039DE?artistid=952424&majorcatid=10004&minorcatid=11). I know I would if I were there. O! Title: Infield Chatter Post by: The Doc on 12/28/06, 06:47:40 AM Look, I was going to do it, honest. Its just been really busy withe family and all that :)
For those who want the edited highlights, rather than the full report England won the toss and elected to bat (a mistake the conditions looked good for some early wickets) and sure enough England 159 all out. Strauss 50, Warne 5-39 Shane Warne passed his 7000th test wicket - a record unlikely to be bettered, although we have high hopes for Monty. So far so bad. Lunch day 2 Australia 84-5 "Ah ha! we will have our vengeance" but Shortly before the close day 2 Australia 362-5 Oh Bugger eventually they were out early on day 3 Australia 419 all out. Hayden 153, Symonds 156 England second innings 161 all out (just before close on day 3) Australia win by an innings and 99 runs Title: Infield Chatter Post by: tgraham on 12/28/06, 08:10:37 AM Alun,
didnt you chaps invent Cricket? Isnt this a bit like us getting whipped at basketball or baseball? oh wait, that happens pretty regularly these days. Title: Infield Chatter Post by: The Doc on 12/28/06, 06:36:13 PM Yes I know
I think part of the British psyche is a love of being humiliated. It must be all those public schools :cry: Title: Infield Chatter Post by: tgraham on 12/28/06, 08:12:01 PM Quote from: "The Doc" Yes I know I think part of the British psyche is a love of being humiliated. It must be all those public schools :cry: Just like Cubs fans. Title: Infield Chatter Post by: sarah on 12/28/06, 08:37:35 PM HEY!!!
~s Title: Infield Chatter Post by: owen on 12/28/06, 10:43:14 PM Quote from: "The Doc" Shane Warne passed his 7000th test wicket 7000! Sheesh, when did he get the other 6300? :sarah: O! Title: Infield Chatter Post by: tgraham on 12/28/06, 11:58:39 PM That fifth match was a long one.
Title: Infield Chatter Post by: The Doc on 12/29/06, 04:40:09 AM Quote from: "owen" Quote from: "The Doc" Shane Warne passed his 7000th test wicket 7000! Sheesh, when did he get the other 6300? :sarah: O! I told you I was tired :oops: mind you if anyone was going to...... Title: Infield Chatter Post by: The Doc on 01/02/07, 04:58:15 PM 5th and final test, and our last chance to salvage even a smattering of pride from the debacle.
Stumps Day 1 England (won the toss and elected to bat) 234-4 (Bell 71) This might almost be considered respectable, however the last 2 recognised batsmen are in and could well end up in a collapse to 280 all out or similar. We should survive into the 4th day at least though. Title: Infield Chatter Post by: The Doc on 01/03/07, 05:36:50 AM Close of play day 2
England 291 all out. Bell 71, Flintoff 89 The new ball was taken first thing and as predicted we collapsed from 245 for 4 to 291 all out, even Monty failed to trouble the scorers Australia 188 - 4 On paper finely balanced, but as we have learned the Aussies are more likely to score 2-300 for the last 6 wickets than collapse, so I wouldn't bet on an England first innings lead. Title: Infield Chatter Post by: The Doc on 01/03/07, 05:38:40 AM Quote from: "The Doc" could well end up in a collapse to 280 all out or similar. Not bad even though I say it myself :) Title: Infield Chatter Post by: The Doc on 01/04/07, 01:55:38 AM Stumps Day 3
England 291 ao Australia 391 ao. Warne 71, Gilchrist 62. Anderson 3-26 ie they put on another 203 (see frighteningly accurate prediction above) At one point it looked like Shane Warne was going to get his maiden test century in his last match England 114 for 5 A lead of 12, well at least we have made it to day 4 and have avoided an innings defeat. I dont fancy the chance of it getting past tea tomorrow though Title: Infield Chatter Post by: The Doc on 01/05/07, 06:01:38 PM As expected
England 291 ao Australia 393 ao England 147 ao Lee 3-39. McGrath 3-38 Yes we added a massive 33 runs for the last 5 wickets :cry: Australia 46-0 Australia win by 10 wickets (cos they still had 10 wickets in hand when they passed our score) Australia win series 5-0 (a result only achieved once before 80 years ago) Australia regain ashes English nation hangs head in collective shame :oops: And that, boys and girls, concludes the cricket coverage until the summer. I'll get my coat :( Title: Infield Chatter Post by: Kcowboy Kcurtis on 01/06/07, 10:08:56 PM Quote from: "The Doc" And that, boys and girls, concludes the cricket coverage until the summer. ( Sigh...I'll take my good news where I can get it... Title: Infield Chatter Post by: owen on 01/11/07, 12:00:40 AM Quote from: "The Doc" Australia win series 5-0 (a result only achieved once before 80 years ago) ... by Australia I must add. Quote from: "The Doc" And that, boys and girls, concludes the cricket coverage until the summer. What? You mean you're not going to give in depth coverage of the one-day and 20-20 matches, nor any of the special games (vs states, select 11s etc)? The question now is can England return home with a win of any kind? O! Title: Infield Chatter Post by: tgraham on 01/11/07, 12:27:10 AM They could come over here and play an American side.
I'm not sure there are even enough Cricketers in the states to field a side. Title: Infield Chatter Post by: Nadim on 01/11/07, 04:09:19 AM Quote from: "tgraham" They could come over here and play an American side. I'm not sure there are even enough Cricketers in the states to field a side. Just stick 'em against the Colts and see what happens. ;) IIT's Indian/Pakistani student body could populate an entire international league. Title: Infield Chatter Post by: The Doc on 01/19/07, 06:39:14 AM Quote from: "owen" Quote from: "The Doc" And that, boys and girls, concludes the cricket coverage until the summer. What? You mean you're not going to give in depth coverage of the one-day and 20-20 matches, nor any of the special games (vs states, select 11s etc)? The question now is can England return home with a win of any kind? O! Hey, I have been a bit out of commision - and anyway I don't want to annoy the Kcowboy too much :) Anyway I see we did manage to beat NZ in a ODI and gave you a run for your money today Tim - found this http://www.usaca.org/ Title: Infield Chatter Post by: tgraham on 01/19/07, 09:25:50 AM Quote from: "The Doc" Tim - found this http://www.usaca.org/ Well, those are all Cricketers! Hails of derisive laughter, Bruce. Title: Infield Chatter Post by: tgraham on 01/21/07, 05:02:00 PM Da' Bears.
4th quarter in Chicago, snowing, damn they look cold. Bears 32, Saints 14 so far. Hmmmm. Bears vs International Terrorism Bears 47, Terrorists 3 (Bears with 8 sacks and 7 Interceptions). Its been a while since we've been able to say Da' Bears and mean it. Title: Infield Chatter Post by: Michael on 01/21/07, 10:13:29 PM Quote from: "tgraham" Its been a while since we've been able to say Da' Bears and mean it. Chicago and Indiana in the Super Bowl: that's pretty cool. Title: Re: Da Bears Post by: tgraham on 01/24/07, 03:24:47 PM Da' Bears vs Austalian Cricket side:
Bears 1437 for one, declared, Aussies 3, all out. DA Bears. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=68x-HFAXV9M cant insert links or flash embedding. Back to the stone age, copy and paste the link above... Title: Re: Infield Chatter Post by: Scott on 01/24/07, 03:58:11 PM Still having issues with the WYSIWYG stuff (the smileys and the other buttons up there). I'm off to Wonderful Wednesday at my church. It's very corny but I've come to consider it a valuable part of my week. Wednesday night dinner with my family and friends. The food is very good and very cheap and the company is better.
~ S Title: Re: Infield Chatter Post by: The Doc on 02/02/07, 05:04:53 PM At Last!
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/cricket/england/6308927.stm (http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/cricket/england/6308927.stm) Or for those who are unaccountably too busy to follow the link ONE-DAY SERIES, SYDNEY: England 292-7 (50 overs) beat Australia 200-9 (38.5 overs) by 92 runs Yes, I know it's only a One Day match but its the first win against Australia of the tour. Now we only have to beat New Zealand, and for Australia to beat New Zealand, and we will get the chance to be shafted in the finals. Title: Re: Infield Chatter Post by: Michael on 02/04/07, 09:53:24 PM Oh, well. :(
Title: Re: Infield Chatter Post by: sarah on 02/04/07, 09:59:38 PM Yeah. :'(
~s Title: Re: Infield Chatter Post by: tgraham on 02/04/07, 11:10:10 PM If Ditka had been in at tight end, it woulda been Bears 273, Colts -14.
Title: Re: Infield Chatter Post by: The Doc on 02/05/07, 07:53:18 AM Watched the first half (before exhaustion took me - it was after 1 am by then and I was in bed) looked very wet. Interesting contrast with the rugby I was watching over the last 2 days (our 6 nations championship)
Title: Re: Infield Chatter Post by: owen on 02/05/07, 07:57:59 AM At Last! The sad thing is I've been so busy lately (hence my absence here) I didn't even notice... Congrats! O! Title: Re: Infield Chatter Post by: tgraham on 02/05/07, 09:42:55 AM It made me laugh to hear the commissioner of the NFL call the SuperBowl Trophy he was presenting after the game "The Greatest Pinnacle in the world of sport" or something like that.
I could think of a few other sports which could make that claim. Title: Re: Infield Chatter Post by: sarah on 02/05/07, 01:49:35 PM It made me laugh to hear the commissioner of the NFL call the SuperBowl Trophy he was presenting after the game "The Greatest Pinnacle in the world of sport" or something like that. I could think of a few other sports which could make that claim. Yeah, like pie-eating contests. Or dwarf bowling. Or NASCAR. ~s P.S.: Can't believe I've neglected to mention until now that pitchers & catchers report in a mere 10 days! Let the Real Sports begin! Title: Re: Infield Chatter Post by: The Doc on 02/07/07, 03:30:19 PM At Last! The sad thing is I've been so busy lately (hence my absence here) I didn't even notice... Congrats! O! And we beat new Zealand too so you will get another chance to humiliate us in the finals Congrats! Title: Re: Infield Chatter Post by: owen on 02/09/07, 04:29:54 AM At Last! The sad thing is I've been so busy lately (hence my absence here) I didn't even notice... Congrats! O! And we beat new Zealand too so you will get another chance to humiliate us in the finals NEWSFLASH! Steady now! :o :o :o :o :o What a comeback! WOW! England win first final with three balls remaining after recovering from 3 for 15 early in the game. HOODA THUNKETT! This is GOOOOOOOOOOOOD Cricket. Thanks England for making this game exciting again. See you in final number two. O! Title: Re: Infield Chatter Post by: tgraham on 02/09/07, 07:16:28 PM Less than a week until pitchers and catchers (gold glove winning in our case) report to camp.
Its time to get excited about the game of baseball!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Title: Re: Infield Chatter Post by: sarah on 02/10/07, 04:00:47 PM Its time to get excited about the game of baseball!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! WOOOOOOOOOHOOOOOOOOOO!!! ...presently the windchill at Wrigley is -8*. ~s Title: Re: Infield Chatter Post by: tgraham on 02/10/07, 08:07:24 PM but on the good side the snow drifts in the infield will neutralize the opponents running game.
and the low temperature will make juiced baseballs more effective. Title: Re: Infield Chatter Post by: The Doc on 02/11/07, 05:22:08 AM OK, and I promise this is the last time (until the summer at least)
Second one-day final, Sydney: England 246-8 (50 overs) beat Australia 152-8 (33 overs) by 34 runs (D/L) and thats the final (best of 3) 2-0 As pleasing as it is surprising. Sorry O! So now out of fairness I will need to start following the rounders. Who should I be rooting for? Title: Re: Infield Chatter Post by: owen on 02/11/07, 05:45:52 AM Wow! What a turnaround for the books.
Now England can return home with some pride intact. Congrats! O! Title: Re: Infield Chatter Post by: The Doc on 03/26/07, 08:37:16 AM Why oh why (you are all saying I am sure)
Why oh why is Alun failing to keep us up to date with developments in the cricket world cup? Well I did think that this was turning into a cricket only thread, and as I understand the rounders season has started over the pond I thought I would leave it free for a while, but clearly there is nothing interesting happening on the diamonds so I might as well give you the current state of play. The first group stages of the world cup (and these are all one day games 50 overs a side BTW) has just finished. of the original 16 teams (I bet you never new there were 16 cricket playing countries did you?) Netherlands, Scotland, Bermuda, Kenya, Canada, Zimbabwe and surprisingly India and Pakistan have been eliminated. Australia, South Africa, Sri Lanka, New Zealand, England, West Indies, surprisingly Bangla Desh and astinishingly Ireland(!!!! ) have gone through to the second round. I will refrain from covering the whole thing (hurrah you all say) but might mention the England and Ireland games and any other exciting results ;D Title: Re: Infield Chatter Post by: Sebastian Knight on 03/26/07, 12:14:36 PM I will refrain from covering the whole thing (hurrah you all say) but might mention the England and Ireland games and any other exciting results ;D You don't think a coach being murdered, probably relating to his teams untimely exit from the world cup, counts as an "exciting result"? Title: Re: Infield Chatter Post by: tgraham on 03/26/07, 12:16:38 PM I'm sure the coach found it a less than exciting result.
Title: Re: Infield Chatter Post by: The Doc on 03/26/07, 04:01:13 PM I will refrain from covering the whole thing (hurrah you all say) but might mention the England and Ireland games and any other exciting results ;D You don't think a coach being murdered, probably relating to his teams untimely exit from the world cup, counts as an "exciting result"? Actually the main reason for posting was to appraise you of that bizzare and very unfortunate affair, but I kept getting interrupted (serves me right for doing it at work) and forgot. Title: Re: Infield Chatter Post by: Chip on 04/09/07, 07:12:44 PM From today's The Sports Guy blog on espn.com:
Suggestion if you're ever watching a golf major in a room mixed with males and females: Any time a no-name golfer wins and hugs his wife, if the wife doesn't look like a supermodel, quickly start making the "Uh-oh, time to trade her in!" and "Looks like somebody needs to go the dealer for an upgrade!" jokes. Any woman within earshot will flip out. High comedy. [Just checking to see if any of PC's two or three women are paying attention.] Title: Re: Infield Chatter Post by: sarah on 04/09/07, 09:33:13 PM I'm not paying attention. I'm too busy sulking over the outcome of today's Cubs-Assholes game.
~s Title: Re: Infield Chatter Post by: tgraham on 04/09/07, 09:42:06 PM Thats ASS-tros to you.
No one can lose every game, not even the Nationals and Devil Rays. Today was an anomoly, trust me, any other time you face the 'Stros pen, you can count on 2-3 runs per inning (5 if you see Lidge). I've been a die-hard Astros fan since 1967, and I've always been optimistic about the chances, even on teh teams that lose 90+ games. This year there are SOOOO many holes. Our pitching is suspect past Oswalt and Jennings. The few real offensive threats we have are adequate defenders at best, more likely defensive liabilities. The solid defensive spots mostly wont hit their weight. The only truly bright spots are Biggio, Phil Garner's ability to pull a rabbit out of a hat, and the possibility of the Rockets return to Astro pinstripes. Title: Re: Infield Chatter Post by: The Doc on 04/13/07, 06:19:33 PM Well the Cricket world cup seems to have been going on for ages, but the second round is now well past halfway (each team played five out of seven games) and we are getting a clear idea of what is going on.
Australia are unbeaten and are certain to go through to the semifinal stage (probably top of the table - I can't see them losing to anyone between now and the final) New Zealand and Sri Lanka have lost one game each but will almost certainly make the Semis, although they both still have to play the mighty Oz West Indies, Bangla Desh (almost certainly) and Ireland (definately) are out of the running. Ireland were trounced by Australia today (all out for 91 in 30 overs, Australia 92 for one in 12 overs) but otherwise have turned in creditable (if losing) performances. The last semi place is between England and South Africa and probably depends on the outcome of the match between them on Tuesday, although if SA beat NZ tomorrow we will also have to beat WI next saturday. England have been dreadful throughout the tournament, only beating such major cricketing nations as Kenya, Canada, Ireland and Bangla desh - and pretty unconvincingly at that. I reckon the States could give us a run for our money ::) Title: Re: Infield Chatter Post by: sarah on 04/13/07, 08:56:57 PM ...although if SA beat NZ tomorrow we will also have to beat WI next saturday. Wisconsin has a cricket team?! ~s Title: Re: Infield Chatter Post by: owen on 04/13/07, 09:03:48 PM http://madisoncricket.tripod.com/
O! Title: Re: Infield Chatter Post by: The Doc on 04/14/07, 03:18:18 AM And they would probably beat us
Title: Re: Infield Chatter Post by: The Doc on 04/14/07, 06:05:46 PM New Zealand beat South Africa and are definately in the semis, as are Sri Lanka, So the South Africa/England Match should decide the final semi spot (although there is a bizzare and unlikely combination of results that could just give it to West Indies (or Wisconsin, which would be about as likely)
Title: Re: Infield Chatter Post by: The Doc on 04/15/07, 06:14:18 PM Ireland beat Bangla Desh! (For the uninitiated that is something of a surprise - Bangla Desh are one of the elite test playing nations - albeit they gained that status quite recently)
Still looking like England or SA will be in the semis after their game on Tuesday Title: Re: Infield Chatter Post by: The Doc on 04/17/07, 02:37:20 PM English gloom in Barbados >:( :'(
England 154 all out in 48 overs. (Strauss 46, Hall 5-18 in his 10 overs) South Africa 157-1 in 19.2 overs (G C Smith 87 no) South Africa win by 9 wickets Pathetic :bang Title: Re: Infield Chatter Post by: Starless Scotch on 04/17/07, 03:47:55 PM Gotta agree Doc. They had no spine, no passion, no desire - and they still thrashed England!
On a serious note, I'd rebuild the entire side, including the backroom staff. I'd keep Duncan Fletcher, but ditch Kevin Shine. Appointing Darren Gough as a fast-bowling coach would have been inspired, but the ECB don't like taking chances. Of the current squad, I'd ditch Bell, send him back to Warks and let him find his best batting position, without interference from the ECB. I'd also get him to bowl his medium-pacers a bit more, concentrating on accuracy. I'd never have Vaughan again - he's a liability now. He's had his time, and he should bow out now. He used to be a good, occasional off-spinner, but he hardly does these days. I'm not sure about Strauss - I don't think he's a good enough ODI player. Pietersen stays, but I'd like to see him do some more bowling. After all, didn't he start out as an off-spinner? Collingwood stays, co he's the only one with a genuine desire to win. Flintoff has to stay, but he needs time at the Priory, and to learn to swim (especially when buggering about on a Pedalo). Nixon goes, as does Mahmood. Mahmood is a dreadful bowler - expensive, inaccurate and inconsistant. I'd drop Monty. He's not an ODI player, unless he's guaranteed a turning wicket. Bopara stays, but only by default - I'd let him bowl more. Anderson and Plunkett are both erratic, so they go. Replacements? Matt Prior; Michael Yardy; Jamie Dalrymple needs another chance as does Stuart Broad; I'd try Bilal Shafayat. I'd like to answer this in a couple of months time after the new season gets established. I don't fancy Tim Bresnan - he's too expensive. England seem incapable of finding real cricket talent with a good, positive attitude. I don't think England will ever win the CWC in my lifetime. Nick Title: Re: Infield Chatter Post by: owen on 04/18/07, 12:58:47 AM Oh man, that's a shocker of a result.
This whole Cricket World Cup is a farce though. The Ashes are the only thing that count... and who won those again? 8) O! Title: Re: Infield Chatter Post by: The Doc on 04/21/07, 05:20:35 PM Last match of the "super 8" stage and at last a decent England performance.
West Indies (aka Wisconsin) 300 all out off 49.5 overs. Gayle 79, Smith 61, Samuels 51. Vaughan 3 - 59 of 10 overs Englands best bowler was their captain and opening batsman. Great start by the Windies but we managed to restrict the scoring in the last 10 overs. England 301 for 9 in 49.5 overs. Vaughan 79, Pieterson 100. A nailbiter of a finish, Finely balanced up to the last few overs, with the asking rate building to a difficult but not impossible 9 an over. When Pieterson was out in the 47th followed immediately by the new batsman Plunkett, leaving only 2 wickets in hand, England wicket keeper Nixon, who had been playing a supporting role to KP up to then, stepped up and took 12 off the 48th over, leaving only 12 to get in the last 2 overs (12 balls). 8 off the 49th left us with a seemingly simple task, but after a single off the first ball Nixon was clean bowled going for the big one off the 2nd. This left 3 runs to win with the last two batsmen in. New batsman (and certified number 11) Anderson got a leg bye* and left Broad on strike with 3 balls to go. nothing of the next ball then 2 off the last but one ball to win the match. :guitar * Leg bye - when the batsman misses the ball but it hits his pads and a run is taken. counts to the teams score but not to the individual batsmans total. If the batsman run without the ball touching bat or bad this is a bye, and is unusual as it requires the wicket keeper to miss the ball as well. Title: Re: Infield Chatter Post by: The Doc on 04/28/07, 05:48:28 PM Congratulations to Owen
Unsurprisingly, and deservedly, Australia win the Cricket World Cup in a rain affected match- Australia 281 for 4 (Gilchrist 149) in 38 overs Sri Lanka 215 for 8 (Jayasuriya 63, Sangakkara 54) in 36 overs There's a thing called the Duckworth-Lewis method that works out who wins when rain or bad light stops the second side having their full quota of overs, and you really don't want to know about that, anyway suffice to say that Australia won by 53 runs. Now we beat Australia in the one day series a couple of months ago so that must make us the best in the world????? Title: Re: Infield Chatter Post by: Starless Scotch on 04/28/07, 06:21:02 PM Now we beat Australia in the one day series a couple of months ago so that must make us the best in the world????? Don't say things like that, it'll only raise antipodean hackles, AND we'll never hear the end of it!!!Title: Re: Infield Chatter Post by: The Doc on 05/17/07, 05:33:09 AM Yes fans, its back! Another summer of Googlies and Chinamen, reverse swing and bouncers, long legs and silly points.
Today starts the first test (thats the five day game - but you knew that) between England and West Indies at world cricket HQ, Lords. West Indies have won the toss and asked England to bat. Oh, and it's raining Title: Re: Infield Chatter Post by: The Doc on 05/17/07, 01:18:22 PM Got 56 overs in before bad light stopped play
Stumps day 1 England 200 for 3. Cook 102 not out. West Indies would have hoped to take more early wickets in the overcast conditions, so advantage England so far. Title: Re: Infield Chatter Post by: The Doc on 05/18/07, 05:29:40 PM 1st Test, Lords. Close of play day 2
England 553 - 5, Cook 105, Collingwood 111, Bell 109no Prior 126no. Prior's century was scored of only 104 balls and is a record for a wicket keeper on their England debut. England very much in the driving seat, expect an overnight declaration. Title: Re: Infield Chatter Post by: The Doc on 05/19/07, 04:39:07 PM Day 3
We declared overnight on 553-5 W Indies 363-7 Chanderpaul 63no. Panesar 4-108 off 31 overs Despite Monty's 4 wickets WI avoid the follow on (they are already less than 200 behind) so we will hav eto bat next and given the forcast for Monday it's looking suspiciously like a draw Title: Re: Infield Chatter Post by: The Doc on 05/20/07, 03:47:35 PM Stumps Day 4
England 553 - 5 dec West Indies 437 all out Chanderpaul 74, Panesar 6-129 A marathon bowling performance from the Sikh of tweak, partly neccesitated by an injury to Matt Hoggard one of our four frontline bowlers. England 284-8 dec. Peiterson 109 The declaration set a target of 400 with only 3 overs remaining today which were succesfully negociated West Indies 7-0 Rain forecast for tomorrow so the most likely outcome a draw, unless Monty produces something remarkable. Title: Re: Infield Chatter Post by: The Doc on 05/21/07, 04:29:54 PM Day 5
As predicted rain limited play to only 20 overs. West Indies 87-0. Match drawn hey ho! Title: Re: Infield Chatter Post by: The Doc on 05/26/07, 02:58:28 PM Good Lord - we are actually doing quite well
Stumps Day 2 (see I gave you all a bit of a rest) England 570 for 7 declared. Pieterson 226, Vaughan 103, Prior 75 Given the weather forcast a sensible declaration mid afternoon West Indies 146 for 9 (all out) Sidebottom 4-42 "What" you say, "all out? But I distinctly recall 10 wickets have to fall for a team to be all out." Quite correct, but the West Indies captain had been injured in a freak fielding accident and was unable to bat. "Alright, but I also know that if the team batting second finishes more than 200 runs behind they can be made to bat again" Dead right, the follow on was enforced and ... West Indies (2nd innings) 22 for 2. What can you say - brilliant double hundred from KP, a ton for Captain Vaughan on his return from injury and a 50 from new keeper Prior (to follow his century in the first test. Oh and six wickets in the day for Ryan Sidebottom on his return. WI still 402 behind with only 7 wickets to fall and 3 days to go. It would take a monsoon to save them. Title: Re: Infield Chatter Post by: The Doc on 05/28/07, 11:02:30 AM No Play day 3 (rain)
Day four (beetween hail, yes hail showers) West Indies 141 for 9 (all out - see above) Bravo 52. Sidebottom 4-44, Harmison 3-37 England win by an innings (because they only had to bat once) and 283 runs (which is WI biggest losing margin in tests) Woo Hoo Now where can youd cricket smilies when you need them? Title: Re: Infield Chatter Post by: The Doc on 06/08/07, 04:06:57 PM 3rd Test - Old Trafford (yes, next to where that team play
Stumps Day 2 (I thought you deserved a little rest) England 370 All Out . Cook 60, Bell 97 Not a bad score on a pitch which offered some help to the bowlers. England lasted to 12.30 this morning. West Indies 229 all out. Chanderpaul 50, Panesar 4 for 50 At one point WI were 216 for 4 but lost the last 6 wickets for only 13 runs, a collapse of monumental standards (But like us against Australia last year ::) ) We had to bat out another 6 overs losing one wicket for 34 in th process. So already 175 aheasd with 9 wickets standing and plenty of time - should be able to set a winning target Photos (http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/cricket/6733437.stm) (Check out number 13 for a happy bowler!) Title: Re: Infield Chatter Post by: tgraham on 06/08/07, 09:45:38 PM College Baseball Super-regionals
Rice over Texas A&M 3-2 in 10 innings ( the only game that really matters) North Carolina over SOuth Carolina 9-6 after spotting SC a 6-0 lead Mississippi State over Clemson 8-6 Louisville over Oklahoma State 9-0 More games tomorrow Super-regionals are best two of three games. Then on the the COllege World Series next weekend. Title: Re: Infield Chatter Post by: The Doc on 06/09/07, 03:17:57 AM Rice over Texas A&M 3-2 in 10 innings Am I right in thiking its normally 9 innings? Do they have extra if they are tied after 9? Title: Re: Infield Chatter Post by: Sebastian Knight on 06/09/07, 08:21:39 AM Am I right in thiking its normally 9 innings? Do they have extra if they are tied after 9? Yup, they keep playing until the tie is broken. Also, each team gets a chance to bat in each extra inning, so if a team scores in the top of the 10th inning, the game doesn't end (i.e. its not "sudden death") until the other team has a chance to try to re-tie or win. The damnedest game I ever saw was a July 4th game between the Braves and the Mets. It was raining off and on, so there were periodic delays in the game from the rain, but they were determined to get the game in. The game was tied after 9 innings, so even with an extra two hours (due to rain), it pressed on into the night. Nobody scored in innings 10 through 16. Finally, the Mets scored a run in the top of the 17th (at like 3am). The first two Braves batters did nothing in the bottom of the 17th, leaving the relief pitcher to bat with two outs in the inning. Now relief pitchers don't bat much, and I think he had a total of 20 or 30 at bats in the previous few years, so you don't really expect him to be able to do anything much in that situation. So naturally he hits a home run and we head to the top of the 18th. Possibly because he was so excited about the big game-tying home run, that same pitcher gave up a cluster of runs in the 18th, and the game finally ended at like 4am (on the 5th of July). They had planned fireworks after the game, and they still shot them off... Note also about the bizarre 18-inning sort of game: in baseball you sometimes swap in other players during the course of the game - particularly pitchers. But once you take a player out, they can't come back in. You only have a limited roster of players, so by the 18th inning, things are getting critical. I've seen teams go into games that go more than about 14 innings with two pitchers on the field, one right-handed and one left-handed, and the two swap back and forth between pitching and playing right field as needed. Title: Re: Infield Chatter Post by: tgraham on 06/09/07, 10:38:51 AM In 1989 the Astros hosted the Dodgers for a weekend series. Friday's game went 22 innings, Astros won 5-4. That game ended after 4am, several of the Astros slept in the clubhouse after the game ended. The noon game on Saturday went 13 innings with the Astros winning. Sundays game went 10 innings, I dont remember who won that one.
I watched every inning of all three games on TV, as I recall 3 different Astros position players pitched an inning over the course of the weekend. They had all been pitchers in college ball and didnt do too badly. Title: Re: Infield Chatter Post by: The Doc on 06/09/07, 12:54:26 PM And I though cricket was weird! Games that go on until the early hours???
Anyway back in the normal Old Trafford (Manchester for those that don't follow football) Stumps Day 3 England 370 all out WI 229 All out England 313 all out. Cook 106, Peieterson 68 Sammy 7 for 66 Interesting (ok I know I use the term loosely) bits: Kevin Peiterson was out "hit Wicket" which is an unusual method of dismissal. basically a bouncer (a short ptched ball from a fast bowler, in this case Bravo) knocked his helmet off which fell on the wicket and dislodged the bails. Darren Sammy took 7 wickets in an innings (pretty unusual) on his first appearance. his figures in full - 21.3o 2m 66r 7w . That is he bowled 21 six ball overs and three balls, including 2 maidens (overs in which no runs were scored) had 66 runs scored off him and took 7 wickets (6 caught and 1 caught and bowled) WI had 8 overs to face and eneded up 22-1 433 runs to go, one wicket down already and two days (with good weather predicted) to go - should be a win for us Title: Re: Infield Chatter Post by: The Doc on 06/11/07, 07:18:02 AM And this is why cricket is such a great game.
Did I predict an easy win for England? Well not quite - I said "Should be a win for us". However Wesi indies batted all the way through day four for the loss of only four wickets ending the day on 301-5, needing only 154 runs to win. At lunch they are 379 for 7 , so only 3 wickets needed by England but only 76 runs by WI. With only one specialist batsman left in it should still be an England win, but there will be some chewed fingernails this afternoon if the WI tail can hold on. Ball by ball commentary can be found on http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/cricket/6740073.stm (http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/cricket/6740073.stm), but I won't be hurt if no one follows the link ;D Title: Re: Infield Chatter Post by: Scott on 06/12/07, 07:42:27 AM Thing2 participated in the county track meet again this season. This is a once per school year event for kids in grade 4 - 8. Since the kids only compete against kids in their grade, they have two different meets. One for elementary students (grades 4 & 5) and one for middle school students (grades 6 - 8 ).
Thing2 was eager to defend her title in the 800M run from last year where she won by a large spread. This time around she had a real challenge and it looked like she was going to place 2nd when the young lady in the yellow shirt pictured below challenged her with about 125M left. For a few steps Thing2 lost the lead that she had held from 50M mark. A strong sprint at the end gave her the win by less than 1 second. (http://planetcrimson.net/images/track07.jpg) At the finish line our neighbor (and track coach) informed Thing2 that she was not allowed to play soccer anymore. Furthermore she was instructed to report to track team training at their next scheduled practice. Being the good girl that she is, she politely declined. Title: Re: Infield Chatter Post by: The Doc on 06/12/07, 11:26:45 AM Well done!
I bet she would be good at the 22 yard sprint between wickets too ;) Oh by the way it was all over shortly after lunch West Indies 394 all out. Chanderpaul 116no, Panesar 6-137, Harmison 4-95 England win by 60 runs and take the series 2-0 with one test to go. Fantastic and almost match winning innings from Chanderpaul - if he hadn't run out of partners.... and a ten wicket haul in the match for Monty. Good game and a much improved WI performance Title: Re: Infield Chatter Post by: tgraham on 06/12/07, 04:46:34 PM The bracket is posted for the College world series. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2007_College_World_Series#Bracket)
For benefit of those who play with bails, the first part of this portion of the tournament is double elimination. The four teams in each half of the bracket play, the winners move to the next round, the losers move to the losers bracket and play each other. If a team loses in the losers bracket game they are out and go home. The winner in the losers bracket moves forward to face the loser from the next round of play in the winners bracket. The last team standing from each losers bracket plays the winner from each side of the winners bracket until someone has lost twice. The team from teh winners bracket only has to win once, the team from teh losers bracket has to beat the team from the winners bracket twice in a row. When its down to two teams remaining, those two teams play best two of three games for the championship. At least as clear as cricket. Rice starts off with Louisville on Friday. I hear a beer calling me... Title: Re: Infield Chatter Post by: The Doc on 06/12/07, 06:03:16 PM I think I got that - Hey I can understand the Duckworth-Lewis method!
Don't forget to keep us updated Title: Re: Infield Chatter Post by: tgraham on 06/15/07, 04:42:06 PM Rice doesnt play boring baseball.
College world series starts off with a bang. Rice over Louisville 15-10. Rice gave a 10-4 headstart in the first few innings just to make if interesting. Tonight Mississippi St and North Carolina, the winner of that game plays Rice, the loser plays louisville ( the loser of that game goes home) tomorrow Arizona St. and UC Irvine early and Cal Fullerton and oregon St. late. Title: Re: Infield Chatter Post by: The Doc on 06/15/07, 05:01:26 PM Can I ask who we are rooting for?
btw no play on the first day of the 4th test - rain. We have had significant flooding in northern England - not Australian proportions yet but pretty soggy. Title: Re: Infield Chatter Post by: Scott on 06/15/07, 05:34:39 PM Team USA coasted pretty easily through the group round in the Gold Cup. I like this young team that Coach Bradley has put together. USA v Panama Saturday at 4pm local time.
My U-14 girls have a 3:00 game so it looks like I'll watch the re-broadcast of this one Saturday night. Title: Re: Infield Chatter Post by: tgraham on 06/15/07, 06:02:05 PM Title: Re: Infield Chatter Post by: tgraham on 06/15/07, 06:05:38 PM Team USA coasted pretty easily through the group round in the Gold Cup. Oddly enough the only scores I've seen in the local paper from the Copa de Oro have been for the tri-colores (Mexico) and central american teams. Even though some of the matches have been played in our local stadium. They must think that Houston isnt a futbol town. Just because we sell out a 90,000 seat stadium for friendlies with visiting national teams. Title: Re: Infield Chatter Post by: Scott on 06/15/07, 09:32:11 PM Team USA coasted pretty easily through the group round in the Gold Cup. Oddly enough the only scores I've seen in the local paper from the Copa de Oro have been for the tri-colores (Mexico) and central american teams. Even though some of the matches have been played in our local stadium. They must think that Houston isnt a futbol town. Just because we sell out a 90,000 seat stadium for friendlies with visiting national teams. I find it odd that ESPN isn't broadcasting any of this tournamet. I get Fox Soccer Channel (FSC) because I'm a soccer nerd and I'm willing to pay for it, but most people in this area aren't. What really bums me out is ESPN isn't broadcasting a single game of the tournament and FSC isn't HD. Title: Re: Infield Chatter Post by: The Doc on 06/17/07, 05:44:46 PM Riverside - Durham. Stumps day 3
There was only about half a days play on day 2 (between mopping up in th morning and bad light after tea) with West Indies getting 132-4. By 4pm today they were all out for 287 with Chanderpaul unbeaten on 136 and Ryan Sidebottom taking 5-88. A pretty good total in the circumstances and made even better when at close we were 121-4. We were 110-1 only 20 minutes before the close but after losing Vaughan edging to 2nd slip a nightwatchman was sent in (The job of the nightwatchman is to bat out the day and protect one of the better batsman having to face the first tricky balls twice) Unfortunately He was out attempting to drive (not the stroke for the circumstances), caught off the edge at first slip. If that wasn't bad enough Pieterson, who then had to come in, flailed wildly at the last ball of the day and was caught behind :bang On a lighter note - Go Lewis! (anyone watch the Grand Prix?) Title: Re: Infield Chatter Post by: The Doc on 06/17/07, 05:47:50 PM Oh and I see that Beckham has just won the La Liga title with Real Madrid.
Go Galaxy! Title: Re: Infield Chatter Post by: The Doc on 06/18/07, 05:21:47 PM Stumps day 4 (and a full days play)
WI 287 all out England 400 all out. Collingwood 128, Strauss 77 Prior 62. Edwards 5-112 Looked like it was all over when Strauss was out early on, but a partnership of 169 between Collingwood and Prior made it pretty safe. West Indies 3-83 And 3 wickets before the close leaving WI still 30 behind gives us an outside chance of a win if the weather holds. Chanderpaul (136no, 116no in his last 2 innings) is still there though. Title: Re: Infield Chatter Post by: tgraham on 06/18/07, 07:00:00 PM Yesterday's baseball action: (while I was off having barbecue with dad and watching the Rice game)
Louisville beat Mississippi St. to advance in the loser's bracket. Rice dominated North Carolina start to finish winning 14-4. UNC and Louisville play Tuesday evening with the loser going home and the winner facing Rice for a spot in the finals. Rice only has to win one game, whoever plays them must win two in a row. Today has Arizona State and Oregon playing in the other winners bracket game tonight, and Cal Fullerton and UC-Irvine in the losers bracket game this afternoon (just ended 5-4 in 13 innings - Irvine won). Title: Re: Infield Chatter Post by: The Doc on 06/20/07, 05:16:40 PM Go Rice!
meanwhile - in Durham WI 287 ao England 400ao WI 222 ao Chanderpaul 70, Gayle 52 Panesar 5-46 England 111-3 Man of the series (deservedly) Monty Panesar took another fivefer setting England 110 to win which they made with few worries England win by 7 wickets and take the series 3-0 You get a little rest now before India arrive - their first test starts 19th July (my 50th birthday fwiw) West Indies were universally regarded as a very weak team. It remains to be seen how we do against sterner opposition Title: Re: Infield Chatter Post by: Sebastian Knight on 06/20/07, 05:51:29 PM WI 287 ao England 400ao WI 222 ao Chanderpaul 70, Gayle 52 Panesar 5-46 England 111-3 You beat Wisconsin in cricket? That hardly seems fair! Title: Re: Infield Chatter Post by: tgraham on 06/21/07, 09:06:12 PM College World Series :'(
Rice lost to North Carolina yesterday 6-1 to force an elimination game today. NC won 7-4. Rice comes home, NC goes on to face Oregon State Saturday, Sunday and Monday. Funky team mascots: Oregon State are the Ducks, not mighty ducks, just regular ducks. UC Irvine - The fighting Anteaters My alltime fave however is still the UC Santa Barbara Fighting banana slugs (not represented in the CWS) Title: Re: Infield Chatter Post by: sarah on 06/22/07, 10:01:58 AM Over the many years I spent working for a company that does custom printing for schools, I was exposed to some pretty interesting mascots. Freeport High School in Freeport, IL is the home of the Fightin' Pretzels. There was another school (I forget where) whose mascot is the Potheads--apparently, there was a large factory in town that made clay pots. But the very best one I ever heard was a Catholic school: The Immaculate Conception Trojans.
~s Title: Re: Infield Chatter Post by: tgraham on 06/22/07, 05:28:13 PM But the very best one I ever heard was a Catholic school: The Immaculate Conception Trojans. ~s And their sideline mascot, Prophy Title: Re: Infield Chatter Post by: Chip on 07/16/07, 06:29:15 AM My beloved Philadelphia Phillies are the biggest losers in the history of sports: http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/recap?gameId=270715122
Title: Re: Infield Chatter Post by: sarah on 07/16/07, 01:12:32 PM Yeah, I saw that this morning! The Cubs are only what, the third worst? Thanks, Phillies, for making us look good.
~s Title: Re: Infield Chatter Post by: Michael on 07/16/07, 03:01:00 PM The Sox are in 4th place, and turning into a collective punching bag.
This wouldn't bother me QUITE so much if it weren't pretty much the same team that won the series a mere two years ago. ::) Title: Re: Infield Chatter Post by: highlythrakked on 07/16/07, 03:25:36 PM The Sox are in 4th place, and turning into a collective punching bag. This wouldn't bother me QUITE so much if it weren't pretty much the same team that won the series a mere two years ago. ::) Yeah, the Royals are only a game and a half behind the White Sox right now, that's pitiful. Title: Re: Infield Chatter Post by: tgraham on 07/16/07, 03:30:30 PM My only consolation for this sucky baseball season was knowing the CUbbies were right down there with us fighting it out for the bottom of the division. I turn around twice and sleep once, and what do they do? Make a run for first place.
No Fair. Title: Re: Infield Chatter Post by: tgraham on 07/16/07, 10:01:14 PM The Cubbies just improved their team with the addition by trade of Catcher Jason "Kid" Kendall.
He's one of my three favorite catchers in baseball currently along with Pudge Rodriguez and Brad "I dont need a nickname" Ausmus. Several years ago, Kendall snapped his right leg about 3-4" above the ankle while running out a grounder, and continued the 4-5 steps remaining to first base before collapsing and being carried off the field. That was right up there with watching Joe Thiesman's leg break for painful to watch. Title: Re: Infield Chatter Post by: The Doc on 07/20/07, 05:01:10 PM Between Shopping for Beer
England v India 1st test Lords Stumps Day 1 England 268-4 (Strauss 96) Stumps Day 2 England 298 all out (a pretty dreadful batting collapse - only adding 30 runs today for the loss of 6 wickets) India 145-4 Title: Re: Infield Chatter Post by: The Doc on 07/25/07, 02:13:56 AM Sorry for the delay (You will understand why)
England 298 ao India 201 ao Anderson 5-42 England 282 ao Pieterson 134, RP Singh 5-59 India 282-9 Bad light stopped play, Match drawn. Frustrating final day with the teams on and off for bad light, and England failing to take the last wicket needed for victory. Good match though. Oh and Daniel Radcliffe interviewed in the lunch interval on the last day on TMS. Title: Re: Infield Chatter Post by: tgraham on 07/25/07, 02:12:22 PM Tour de France junkie that I am, for the second year in a row, I have pulled for the underdog comeback.
Last year Floyd Landis, this year Vinokourov. Only to have my hopes dashed yet again. Is everyone on drugs these days? Perhaps everyone should pee in a cup after every stage. Update, now the Yellow jersey has been sacked by his team. Michael Rasmussen was fired by the Rabobank team and allowed to resign from the race for being intentionally deceptive about his whereabouts prior to the race to avoid doping tests. It just goes on and on. Really how hard can it be to ride an average of 100 miles per day for three weeks while climbing some of the steepest mountain passes in Europe? Title: Re: Infield Chatter Post by: The Doc on 07/28/07, 01:22:49 PM Whilst in Cricket it's the spectators who need stimulants to keep them going some days.
Trent Bridge was very wet yesterday (There has been major rain and flooding as you will know if you have been reading RFs diary) an dit was surprising that there was any play on day one. Might have been better if there had not as we reached only 169-7. We were all out this morning for 198 (Khan 4-59), and at stumps India were 254-3, and in a commanding position. Only chink of light for us is that India have to bat last on what must be a pitch likely to deteriorate, given the weathe. Title: Re: Infield Chatter Post by: The Doc on 07/30/07, 03:22:49 AM Ouch
Close of play day 3 England 198 ao India 481 all out (Tendulkar 91, Panesar 4-101) A first innings lead of 283 would have been worse but for a couple of dodgy umpiroing decisions, one robbing Tendulkar of what looked like a certain ton. England 43 - 0 So far so good, but we will have to bat until tomorrow morning to even post a lead, and keep going until tea to save the game. not very hopeful. Title: Re: Infield Chatter Post by: The Doc on 07/30/07, 05:20:00 PM As predicted - although it looked like it might have been better
Stumps day 4 England 198 ao, India 481 all out England 355 all out (Vaughan 124, Khan 5-27) in fact at one point (about an hour after tea) we were 287-3, ie had moved into the lead (albeit only by four) with 7 wickets in hand, but after the loss of Vaughan and Bell for a duck* 2 balls later the wickets tumbled India 10 - 0 ie needing 73 more with all second innings wickets in hand. I think I know where this one is going :bang * A duck - scoring no runs (possible derivation from 'Ducks egg' -> 0) see also Golden Duck - out for 0 first ball, and a pair - 0 in both innings of a match. You can work out a golden pair for your self ;) Title: Re: Infield Chatter Post by: The Doc on 07/31/07, 06:48:41 AM Pretty much as predicted
India 73-3 (Tremlett 3- 12) India win by 7 wickets Title: Re: Infield Chatter Post by: The Doc on 08/11/07, 05:56:27 PM And it gets worse
3rd test day 3 (you have been spared by my absence on hols) The Oval India 664 all out Kumble (pron. Kum-blay) 110, Anderson 4-182 England 326-9 Khan 3-32 3 batsmen got past 60 and threw away their wickets when a big score was within reach. We are still 139 short of avoiding the possibility of the follow on, so assuming the last wicket falls early tomorrow, will have to bat out two full days to save the match (The series is already lost) Title: Re: Infield Chatter Post by: Scott on 08/11/07, 07:22:37 PM David Beckham made his MLS debut Thursday night against DC United. My favorite moment of the night (aside from the goal that put a check in the WIN column for United) was when I noticed the banner pictured below.
(http://www.planetcrimson.net/images/united_beckham.jpg) regarding the empty stadium: The picture was taken a couple hours before the sold out game. Title: Re: Infield Chatter Post by: The Doc on 08/12/07, 03:33:48 AM That's pretty mild compared with some of the imaginative abuse he would be used to in the UK.
Would the sell out be unusual? There has been a lot of speculation in the British press as to whether Beckham would make any real (and lasting) impact on the popularaty of football in the states. Title: Re: Infield Chatter Post by: Scott on 08/12/07, 07:31:53 AM DC United has what is considered to be a very strong fan base for a U.S. soccer team. However according to Wikipedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/D.C._United#Average_attendance), their average attendance is about 17,000. RFK Stadium where they play seats about 56,000 (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert_F._Kennedy_Memorial_) so a sell out is a bit above average ;D
Title: Re: Infield Chatter Post by: The Doc on 08/12/07, 06:01:12 PM That's good then
It'll be interesting to see if it lasts though. Meanwhile at the Oval (stumps Day 4) India 664 all out England 345 all out Tremlett and Panesar put on 40 for the last wicket. If only some of the recognised batsmen had shown the same application! India 180 for 6 declared Surprisingly Dravid didn't enforce the follow on (come on now - I don't need to explain that again do I :) ) and at one point India were 3 for 11 getting hearts beating fast in the England camp. However they limped on (Dravid scoring the slowest 12 in test history - off 96 balls) and declared with 20 overs left in the day. England 56-0 our openers survived these leaving a maximum of 90 overs to face tomorrow, weather permitting. India win still the most likely outcome but we might hand on for the draw, especially if there is any rain. At 5 runds an over an England victory is all but out of the question. Title: Re: Infield Chatter Post by: The Doc on 08/13/07, 03:38:34 PM We did hang on in the end
Stumps, day 5 England 369-6, Pieterson 101, Sreesanth 3-53 Match drawn. India win series 1-0 Could have been worse Title: Re: Infield Chatter Post by: Scott on 08/15/07, 06:22:22 AM 2.5 hours from now, Thing1 tries out for the high school soccer team.
1. Jiminy H. Cricket, my kid is entering HIGH SCHOOL! How did that happen so fast!??!?!?! 2. Please send good vibes her way. The school team is VERY competitive and there will only be slots on the team for about half the kids that tryout. Title: Re: Infield Chatter Post by: Sebastian Knight on 08/15/07, 09:20:21 AM (good vibes, good vibes, good vibes....)
Meanwhile, since this was originally a baseball thread: Things are pretty interesting in the National League right now as far as potential playoff spots. In the East, the Mets have been holding onto a lead, but the Braves and Phillies are neck and neck and within striking distance. In the Central division the Cubs and Brewers are vying for the top spot. In the West, the Diamondbacks and the Padres are fighting it out (LA seems to have curled up and died). So you've got pretty exciting races for the division title in every division at this point. And there's a wildcard spot up for grabs as well, which right now looks like it is apt to go to whoever comes in second in the West. In Atlanta, the reaction to being about 3-4 games out of first with about 40 games left to play has been....crickets chirping. That's because in Atlanta the fans assume that the team will make the playoffs, and then lose. Also, we're collectively annoyed at Baseball because Hank Aaron played for the Braves (OK they weren't in Atlanta). And our collective sports attention is still focused on hating Michael Vick. But as a Cubs fan, I've been following the season with interest. ;D Title: Re: Infield Chatter Post by: tgraham on 08/15/07, 06:26:14 PM Hey, the Astros arent out of it yet...
All they need is another 25 game winning streak and they're right back in it. it COULD happen. Title: Re: Infield Chatter Post by: The Doc on 08/16/07, 05:10:55 AM Hey Manchester City have won their first two games of the season (never happened before) and are 10 places ahead of United in the league (unheard of in recent times), so miracles can happen. :guitar
You just need to get bought out by a disgraced Thai politician and hire a failed England manager :-[ ps Hope it went well for thing1 (where did the crossed fingers smiley go) Title: Re: Infield Chatter Post by: Scott on 08/16/07, 06:03:58 AM Day 1 of tryouts went OK.
In the pre-season meeting (back in June) all the girls were told that the first thing they would do at the tryouts is a timed 2 mile (3200 Meters) run. All the girls were expected to be able to complete the run in less than 15 minutes. If you have any experience with timed running, you'll know that this basically means that you'll need to sprint 3 or 4 of the 8 laps around the track to make it. Thing1 didn't come close to the 15 minute goal (17:30) but most of the girls didn't. In fact only one girl was able to accomplish it (14:34) but Thing1 finished near the back of the pack which is not a good first impression. I counted 27 girls trying out for 18 slots on the JV squad. They'll probably promote 2 or 3 girls directly to the varsity squad which means that there will likely be 7 girls cut. Thing1 is (in my opinion) on the bubble and needs a terrific showing today. Title: Re: Infield Chatter Post by: margie on 08/16/07, 09:44:44 AM Hey Manchester City have won their first two games of the season (never happened before) and are 10 places ahead of United in the league (unheard of in recent times), so miracles can happen. :guitar I'll give you that City look really good this year and I took much glee in United's pathetic showing on Sunday, but we're only two games into the season The tables won't tell the tale until much later in the year (she said in defense of Liverpool's appearance at No. 8 ), it's early days yet.Oh, and while I'm here I guess I should say that Becks has finally found the pitch and the back of the net for our Galaxy....good for him and the rest of the team! I love football season! Title: Re: Infield Chatter Post by: The Doc on 08/19/07, 03:54:16 PM Sorry but I can't resist this
Manchester City 1-0 Manchester United :guitar :guitar Yes I know it's only after 3 games but as a City fan you take what you can get. So we top the league a full 15 places ahead of United. Oh and for Margie - Liverpool should have won 1-0, that Chelsea goal was never a penalty. Title: Re: Infield Chatter Post by: Sebastian Knight on 08/19/07, 04:58:10 PM I heard a bit about Manchester City this morning in connection with the proposed Thai constitution. They were speculating on whether the team's new owner was likely to get extradited back to Thailand, and how much it would hurt the team. Weird...
Title: Re: Infield Chatter Post by: Scott on 08/19/07, 05:07:36 PM For those keeping track, Thing1 did NOT make the cut. She has however been accepted on the cross country team and begins practice on Tuesday.
Title: Re: Infield Chatter Post by: The Doc on 08/19/07, 06:23:49 PM Sorry to hear that Coach, give her my comiserations
I'm a bit vague on US schooling so how old is she - The timed run stuff seemed a bit brutal for a school team - I don't think I would have passed that at the peak of my career with the Ecumenicall All Star select invitation XI (first team) back in 1980 Title: Re: Infield Chatter Post by: tgraham on 08/19/07, 09:44:33 PM Ecumenicall All Star select invitation XI (first team) How did they fit all that on a strip? Title: Re: Infield Chatter Post by: tgraham on 08/19/07, 09:48:43 PM Hey how about those first place Cubbies?
Title: Re: Infield Chatter Post by: sarah on 08/19/07, 10:21:44 PM SSSSSSSSSSSSSHHHHHHHHHHHH! You'll jinx them!!
~s Title: Re: Infield Chatter Post by: margie on 08/20/07, 01:54:45 AM Sorry but I can't resist this Thanks to the wonders of technology, I watched the match live and you are correct....it was NEVER a penalty. As for Man U....well at the moment, it seems as if there is justice in the world! Yeehaw!!!Manchester City 1-0 Manchester United :guitar :guitar Yes I know it's only after 3 games but as a City fan you take what you can get. So we top the league a full 15 places ahead of United. Oh and for Margie - Liverpool should have won 1-0, that Chelsea goal was never a penalty. Title: Re: Infield Chatter Post by: The Doc on 08/20/07, 02:17:03 AM Ecumenicall All Star select invitation XI (first team) How did they fit all that on a strip? Teams in the Cardiff University intra mural leage didn't run to strips, an dwe could never persuade the authorities to put more than EAS on the fixture sheets. I nearly got to watch the baseball myself last night - theres some sort of all night live baseball show on channel 5. They hadn't actually started any playing at 1 am though and I couldn't keep awake any longer so I don't know who was on. Title: Re: Infield Chatter Post by: Scott on 08/20/07, 06:50:44 AM Sorry to hear that Coach, give her my comiserations I'm a bit vague on US schooling so how old is she - The timed run stuff seemed a bit brutal for a school team - I don't think I would have passed that at the peak of my career with the Ecumenicall All Star select invitation XI (first team) back in 1980 Thing1 is 14. Public school in my part of the US is broken into three stages. 1. Elementary School - Kindergarten through grade six. Kids usually start Kindergarten at age 5. 2. Middle School - Grades 6, 7 & 8. 3. High School - Grades 9 - 12. Most kids will turn 18 sometime during or the summer after their 12th grade year. As far as I know, most of the US follows this same basic pattern though there can be some variation. In some places elementary schools go through grade 6, middle school is replaced with "junior high" that could be just grades 7 & 8 or might be grades 7 - 9. Title: Re: Infield Chatter Post by: tgraham on 08/20/07, 07:17:26 AM And as for Man U...
Its all because they took sponsorship from AIG, the evil empire. Title: Premier League Post by: margie on 08/20/07, 08:55:30 AM I received the following this morning from a dear friend, an Englishman and Spurs fan:
Well this past weekend was a perfect demonstration of everything I love and hate about the Premiership. Great goals, exciting games and big upsets, but also overpaid petulant, puerile athletes and absolutely ludicrous and atrocious refereeing decisions that change the outcome of games (L'pool were robbed!) ...and all operated by a self-governing organization who are willing to turn a blind eye to just about anything (teams being owned by known international human rights violators, rich clubs flagrantly infringing 3rd party ownership rules) all in the worship of the mighty dollar. What a dollar fueled circus it has become!! Exactly! And as I said before - I love football season! Title: Re: Infield Chatter Post by: Michael on 08/20/07, 09:13:29 AM Hey how about those first place Cubbies? They'll fold. ;) The Cubs are in first and the Sox are in last. Normality restored. Title: Re: Premier League Post by: Sebastian Knight on 08/20/07, 10:06:42 AM all in the worship of the mighty dollar. What a dollar fueled circus it has become!! Hmmm....I thought they worshipped pounds over there. Title: Re: Infield Chatter Post by: The Doc on 08/25/07, 05:28:07 PM I know its only until tomorrow, but enjoy it while you can!
Pos P GD Pts 1 Chelsea 4 3 10 2 Man City 4 3 9 3 Wigan 4 3 7 4 Liverpool 3 3 7 5 Everton 4 2 7 6 Arsenal 3 2 7 7 Portsmouth 4 1 5 8 Blackburn 3 1 5 9 Newcastle 2 2 4 10 Aston Villa 3 0 4 11 Birmingham 4 -1 4 12 West Ham 3 -1 4 13 Reading 4 -3 4 14 Sunderland 4 -4 4 15 Tottenham 3 1 3 16 Middlesbrough 3 -1 3 17 Bolton 4 -2 3 18 Fulham 4 -2 3 19 Man Utd 3 -1 2 20 Derby 4 -6 1 Title: Re: Infield Chatter Post by: owen on 08/25/07, 07:09:05 PM And, as usual, Villa are right smack bang in the middle of the ladder. Never high enough to make it to Europe, never threatened by relegation, Villa are the experts at mediocrity it seems.
O! Title: Re: Premier League Post by: margie on 08/25/07, 07:18:46 PM all in the worship of the mighty dollar. What a dollar fueled circus it has become!! Hmmm....I thought they worshipped pounds over there. Title: Re: Infield Chatter Post by: tgraham on 08/25/07, 08:53:00 PM Go Derby, get past Big Red.
I used to work for AIG, they're the evil empire. Title: Re: Infield Chatter Post by: sarah on 08/28/07, 01:46:32 PM Wow, what a rough season--I'm almost feeling sorry for the Astros.
Almost. ~s Title: Re: Infield Chatter Post by: tgraham on 08/28/07, 03:34:17 PM I'm shocked that the owner saw the obvious: that the General Manager was an idiot without a clue.
Ironic that the world series teams from two years ago are now in the cellars of their respective divisions. Title: Re: Infield Chatter Post by: The Doc on 08/28/07, 05:38:25 PM So are the Cubs still on top?
Title: Re: Infield Chatter Post by: tgraham on 08/28/07, 06:04:30 PM Shhhhh, dont want to jinx them.
Title: Re: Infield Chatter Post by: sarah on 08/31/07, 01:39:24 PM The Astros' losing streak is starting to extend to the fans (http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/story/7141730).
~s Title: Re: Infield Chatter Post by: tgraham on 08/31/07, 03:59:27 PM I heard about that. The poor guy was on local news on every outlet in Houston.
Remember this name: Hunter Pence - NL rookie of the year. He's in a bit of a slump after breaking his wrist earlier this season, so the batting average is down to .325. Today against the Cubbies he's 2 for 4 with 2 home runs, three runs scored, and 5 RBIs. At times this season his batting average was above .340. And the kid plays with the joy and enthusiasm of a 10-year-old on a sandlot. He's fun to watch. Title: Re: Infield Chatter Post by: The Doc on 08/31/07, 05:26:12 PM Just in case you thought I had gone soft on you.....
There has been some cricket going on - The limited overs sort, in which each side gets to bat for 50 overs (6 balls each you doubtless remember) meaning the game finishes in one day, and there has to be a result. Anyway we are in the middle of a seven match series against India (who won the test series) and remarkably are 3-1 up. Title: Life is good! Post by: margie on 09/01/07, 11:23:26 AM It's great to be a Liverpool supporter this week!!!! I know, I know....it was an easy match and Derby are hardly challenging the way they are playing at the moment but it's nice to see my boys at the top of the table with that kind of goal difference. Now if only Roy "Mad Puddin' " Keane's lot can destroy the evil Man U then all will be well in the world!
Title: Re: Infield Chatter Post by: The Doc on 09/01/07, 11:52:31 AM You just beat me to it. But I would have given the score as well (6-0). Nice one.
Enjoy it while it lasts though - City will be passing you tomorrow ;D Title: Re: Infield Chatter Post by: The Doc on 09/17/07, 04:41:38 PM Hey Coach, are you following the womens world cup? USA are favourites I understand - good luck to them tomorrow, they will progress unless Nigeria beat them by 2 clear goals. England already through thanks to a gritty draw against Germany (who are also through in that group) and a good 6-0 against Argentina. Australia well placed only needing a draw with Canada to be certain of qualification.
Title: Re: Infield Chatter Post by: owen on 09/17/07, 04:49:01 PM Since moving back to Newcastle I've stopped watching the soccer for some reason. I completely missed the news that the WWC is on. Thanks for the tip Doc.
Oh yeah; GO MATILDAS! O! Title: Re: Infield Chatter Post by: Scott on 09/18/07, 07:04:34 AM Hey Coach, are you following the womens world cup? USA are favourites I understand - good luck to them tomorrow, they will progress unless Nigeria beat them by 2 clear goals. England already through thanks to a gritty draw against Germany (who are also through in that group) and a good 6-0 against Argentina. Australia well placed only needing a draw with Canada to be certain of qualification. Yes indeed! I've tried to watch as many matches as I can and even ordered a DVR to record the US v Nigeria this morning. I saw the England/Japan last week and couldn't believe the result of that. Kelly Smith is quite a talent. On the US side, Abby Wambach (whom I've seen play in person a few times) is outstanding but the rest of the US team has seemed flat. I'm watching a less than legal stream of US v Nigeria and the US just scored in what I think was just the 2nd minute of the match. I would know more, but I don't speak Japanese. Title: Re: Infield Chatter Post by: The Doc on 09/18/07, 07:46:53 AM I saw the England/Japan last week and couldn't believe the result of that. Hmm, we need to improve our defending against free kicks though - both the Japan goals, and the one Argentina scored (my error above - it was 6-1) were free kicks from just outside the area, straight past the wall, and the keeper. Title: Re: Infield Chatter Post by: Scott on 09/18/07, 08:03:33 AM Yes, to give up 3 goals like that shines a spotlight on the need to improve on the free kicks. My unwritten thought was that the last free kick was the result of a pretty bad call by the referee. I saw no foul on that play, just two players competing for the ball.
Title: Re: Infield Chatter Post by: The Doc on 09/21/07, 02:12:01 AM Congratulations to the Matildas - a thrilling 2-2 with Canada gets them through to the quarters of the Womens World Cup
QF Line up: Saturday Germany v N Korea, England v USA Sunday Brazil v Australia, Norway v China Title: Re: Infield Chatter Post by: Scott on 09/21/07, 08:27:02 AM Looking forward to all of these matches. Too bad they start so early here in the US. The first match begins at 5am on the east coast. I'm usually up by 5:30 anyway so I'll see it but I'm sure the vast majority of US Soccer fans will either record and watch later if at all.
Title: Re: Infield Chatter Post by: Kcowboy Kcurtis on 09/21/07, 10:26:30 AM Meanwhile, in actual infield news, the Red Sox are fading fast - this is turning into a nail-biter! The Kcowgirl was born with Original Sin, yes, she's a Yankees fan, and the house is turning into a War Zone...
Title: Re: Infield Chatter Post by: Scott on 09/21/07, 10:37:24 AM Wake me up when the World Series starts, until then if you put on a baseball game I'll be asleep on the couch.
Title: Re: Infield Chatter Post by: Kcowboy Kcurtis on 09/21/07, 11:50:07 AM By the time the Series starts it will be all over. The only thing that matters is that the Red Sox beat the Yankees. Watching either team crush some cricket club from the National League is completely anticlimactic.
Title: Re: Infield Chatter Post by: The Doc on 09/21/07, 11:56:22 AM Watching either team crush some cricket club from the National League is completely anticlimactic. Is describing a team as a cricket club a recognised insult in baseball or have I started a new trend? Title: Re: Infield Chatter Post by: Scott on 09/21/07, 11:59:49 AM Watching either team crush some cricket club from the National League is completely anticlimactic. Is describing a team as a cricket club a recognised insult in baseball or have I started a new trend? First time I've heard this one. I have heard soccer coaches get on players that aren't moving quickly in games by saying "If you want to walk, go play baseball". ;) Title: Re: Infield Chatter Post by: Michael on 09/21/07, 12:10:07 PM By the time the Series starts it will be all over. The only thing that matters is that the Red Sox beat the Yankees. Watching either team crush some cricket club from the National League is completely anticlimactic. On paper, that SHOULD be true, but tell it to last year's Cards and Tigers .... Title: Re: Infield Chatter Post by: Kcowboy Kcurtis on 09/21/07, 12:37:03 PM OK, I have a feeling that anything I would say here would piss off a) cricket enthusiasts b) soccer afficianados c) fans of baseball in general and teams that are not the Red Sox in particular. I think I'll must mosey on back to the music forum...
Title: Re: Infield Chatter Post by: sarah on 09/21/07, 01:08:55 PM You got that right. www.cubs.com is already advertising the on-sale date for playoff tickets, Houston is mathematically eliminated (but, to be fair, this probably happened about a month ago and I just wasn't paying attention), and you feel the need to rain on my parade, knowing darned well that it'll all end in a couple of weeks anyhow, with another truly spectacular example of the Cubbies snatching defeat from the jaws of victory?
THBBBBBPT to you, I say! :P ~s Title: Re: Infield Chatter Post by: Sebastian Knight on 09/21/07, 02:09:38 PM THBBBBBPT to you, I say! :P ~s I really really want to hear a new KC instrumental named THBBBBBPT now... Title: Re: Infield Chatter Post by: The Doc on 09/21/07, 03:56:04 PM OK, I have a feeling that anything I would say here would piss off a) cricket enthusiasts b) soccer afficianados c) fans of baseball in general and teams that are not the Red Sox in particular. I think I'll must mosey on back to the music forum... Not pissed off in the least mate, I'd love to think I was responsible for a new term of abuse. And anyway I know you are secretly fascinated by the game anyway ;) Title: Re: Infield Chatter Post by: Nadim on 09/22/07, 05:58:51 AM THBBBBBPT to you, I say! :P ~s I really really want to hear a new KC instrumental named THBBBBBPT now... That's all I have to say in this thread. :) Title: Re: Infield Chatter Post by: Scott on 09/22/07, 04:01:18 PM Germany and the US advance. USA will face the winner of the Brazil / Australia match. Germany will play either Norway or China.
Title: Re: Infield Chatter Post by: owen on 09/22/07, 04:23:40 PM I am PISSED OFF MIGHTILY.
This weekend's sport on (free)TV: - Rugby League finals - Aussie Rules finals - Rugby World Cup - 20/20 Cricket No Women's World Cup Soccer! And it's not even on Pay TV with their 12 gazillion sport channels! WTF!?!?!? Shame on you Australia, shame on you! O! Title: Re: Infield Chatter Post by: owen on 09/22/07, 04:34:05 PM Wait!
SBS to the rescue - a late change to the program. http://www.theworldgame.com.au/home/index.php?pid=cu HOORAY. O! Title: Re: Infield Chatter Post by: The Doc on 09/22/07, 05:45:16 PM Well played Ladies (sportingly shakes coach's hand)
slinks off Go Matildas Title: Re: Infield Chatter Post by: Scott on 09/22/07, 09:05:35 PM Well played Ladies (sportingly shakes coach's hand) slinks off Go Matildas Well played indeed! I think England has a very bright future with the women's game. Kelly Smith is an elite player to build a team around. The rest of the team played with a lot of confidence and I think this game could have been much closer if it weren't for the set pieces where the US is very dangerous. You can't give up 10+ corner kicks to them without cost. That's my 2 cents worth. Title: Re: Infield Chatter Post by: The Doc on 09/23/07, 06:15:54 AM I think you are right, we didn't go into the finals with any expectations, and to compete, get out of the group stage, and go out in a fairly close game with the favourites was pretty good.
The other positive thing for the women's game in the uk is the amount of coverage there has been. Highlights of all the games (albeit late at night) on BBC2 and the england matches shown live. Looking good for the european championships in 2 years Title: Re: Infield Chatter Post by: owen on 09/26/07, 08:48:56 AM Go Matildas (backtracking) And didn't they go! What an amazing header! A shame about the final result, but they can leave with their heads held high IMO. Oh, and well done Germany for just right now. O! Title: Re: Infield Chatter Post by: tgraham on 09/27/07, 01:19:48 AM Wow, can I take SkySports home with me?
I've been in Ascot all week for meetings, the Telly only has 11 channels but three of them are SkySports. Did you know they play a LOT of football over here. Got to see Fernando Torres (Liverpool's new striker) score a hat trick on Reading yesterday. They seem to play a lot of cricket as well. Oh, and for the first time in my life, I've been to a pub with no NASCAR beers on the tap handles. The weather has even been fairly nice. Title: Re: Infield Chatter Post by: The Doc on 09/27/07, 08:48:57 AM Glad you are having a fun time and enjoying your trip. what's the local beer where you are?
Title: Re: Infield Chatter Post by: owen on 09/27/07, 08:54:15 AM Commiserations 'mericans.
Brazil v Germany final. This is going to be hot! O! Title: Re: Infield Chatter Post by: Scott on 09/27/07, 03:49:48 PM Quick! Someone get me a beer to cry over!
Title: Re: Infield Chatter Post by: The Doc on 09/27/07, 06:12:58 PM Missed the game - about to check out the highlights, but it sounds like a very out of character thrashing. Dodgy sending off couldn't have helped but AIUI you were already 2 down, Any thoughts on what happened?
Title: Re: Infield Chatter Post by: Scott on 09/27/07, 07:22:57 PM I haven't seen it yet either. I recorded it on DVR, so I'll have a look sometime over the next day or two.
Title: Re: Infield Chatter Post by: tgraham on 09/28/07, 09:04:00 PM Glad you are having a fun time and enjoying your trip. what's the local beer where you are? The hotel bar had no nascar beers, a first for me. Their short selection had Cafferty's which I liked very much, Stella, and Grolsch (the latter two we have over here).Back home now, with a euro-cold, but on the whole a great trip. Cant wait to go next year and take some time to see more than the hotel and motorway, and of course the gatwick Hilton. Only downside being that with the crappy exchange rate, the duty-free was actually more expensive than getting it over here. Title: Re: Infield Chatter Post by: sarah on 09/28/07, 11:34:44 PM Cubs win! Cubs win!!
~s Title: Re: Infield Chatter Post by: tgraham on 09/29/07, 01:45:36 PM Mmmmmm, sweat flavored. (https://ssl.jonessodastore.com/seahawkspack/code/?)
Title: Re: Infield Chatter Post by: Sebastian Knight on 10/06/07, 08:29:55 PM Cubs lose! Cubs lose!
(mutter, mutter, grumble, curse) Title: Re: Infield Chatter Post by: The Doc on 10/07/07, 03:45:19 AM I have looked at the standings on th Cubs website, and I'm afraid I dont understand it at all. How many points do you get for a win, and how many more games are there???
Title: Re: Infield Chatter Post by: Sebastian Knight on 10/07/07, 06:11:31 AM The Cubs were just eliminated. Not sure what you were looking at, at what point, so here's the basic rundown of how baseball standings work.
During the Season: Each team plays 162 games over the course of the season. There are no tie games in baseball, so everybody ends up with a combination of wins and losses. Each team is in a division with about 6 teams, and there are 3 divisions in each league. The team with the best record in each division advances to the playoffs. In addition, a fourth playoff spot is given to the team with the best record who isn't already qualified, called the Wild Card spot. This year, things were unusually tight in the National League (the Cubs' league). There were close races to win the division in every division and also a close fight for the wild card. If you looked at standings in the weeks leading up to the playoffs, you would have seen teams with a number of "games back" listed. This is how many games it would take for the team to catch up to the leader if the leader lost every time and the other team won every time. For example, if the leading team has a record of 88 wins and 70 losses, and the team behind them has 86 wins and 72 losses, the other team is "2 games back" since with 2 losses by the first team and 2 wins by the second team, they would both be at 88 and 72 and tied. The "games back" is therefore (# of wins separating + # of losses separating)/2. Because not all teams have played exactly the same number of games on a certain day, it can be something like "1 1/2 games back". Once a team is more games back than there are games left, they are mathematically eliminated. In the Playoffs: The four teams advancing to the playoffs in each league do a best-of-five series. Whoever wins 3 games first goes on to the next round. The Cubs just lost 3 straight to be eliminated. The two surviving teams from the league play a League Championship Series, which is a best of 7 series. The winners from the National League and the American League play each other in another best of 7 called the World Series. Title: Re: Infield Chatter Post by: Kcowboy Kcurtis on 10/07/07, 08:51:08 AM My sympathies to the Cubs fans out there. As a lifetime Red Sox fan, I am all too familiar with hopes being crushed, and at times cruelly.
You, too, deserve a measure of redemption. The Sox are looking good, but it'll be a shame if the Yankees tank. There are few clashes in sport as compelling as Sox/Yankees in October. Title: Re: Infield Chatter Post by: tgraham on 10/07/07, 09:20:41 AM Sorry Kcowboy,
Nothing short of a first round sweep and Roger "Its not about the money, I just want to be with my family" Clemens crying on the bench will make me happy. Not that I'm bitter about Roger going back to NYC or anything. I hate the yankees about as much as I hated the Braves in the 80s and 90s, and Danny Ainge when he was playing. In other words, about as much as Saz hates the Astros. I was truly sorry to see the Cubbies go. I guess now its Go Sawx!!!! Title: Re: Infield Chatter Post by: Michael on 10/07/07, 01:58:43 PM While I'm a Sox (Chicago) fan, I was pulling for the Cubs--the rivalry never interested me. (OK, I'm not heartbroken, but I WAS pulling for them.)
At this point, the Boston Sox, I suppose, but I don't care. Title: Re: Infield Chatter Post by: Kcowboy Kcurtis on 10/07/07, 03:40:06 PM Sorry Kcowboy, Nothing short of a first round sweep and Roger "Its not about the money, I just want to be with my family" Clemens crying on the bench will make me happy. Not that I'm bitter about Roger going back to NYC or anything. I hate the yankees about as much as I hated the Braves in the 80s and 90s, and Danny Ainge when he was playing. In other words, about as much as Saz hates the Astros. I was truly sorry to see the Cubbies go. I guess now its Go Sawx!!!! I hate the Yankees more than any other sports franchise except the Oakland Raiders. But I want US to be the ones to beat them. Can't get real interested in the Sox playing, say, the Indians then the Diamondbacks. I'm not a baseball fan. I'm a Red Sox fan. Oh, and Danny Ainge ruled. Or, at least, he was no Bill Lambeer. Title: Re: Infield Chatter Post by: tgraham on 10/07/07, 09:29:49 PM Oh, and Danny Ainge ruled. Or, at least, he was no Bill Lambeer. No, Ainge was merely fortunate enough to play alongside the most amazing being ever to grace a basketball court. I hated the Celtics during the Bird years, mostly because they beat the Rockets so frequently, but the hick from French Lick was amazing to watch. Never as exciting or flash as Magic or Jordan. His ability to raise the game of those around him was amazing. McHale, Parrish, DJ and Ainge were good players. With Bird added to the mix they were each great players and the team was phenomenal. Title: Re: Infield Chatter Post by: sarah on 10/07/07, 10:40:52 PM A http://www.bustedtees.com/shirt/jesushatestheyankees/ (http://little something) for Kcowboy and the rest of you right-thinking folks out there.
Go Sox! ~s Title: Re: Infield Chatter Post by: Kram on 10/08/07, 11:11:12 AM Is there some sort of sporting event going on?
I was once a sports fan (peaked at eleven). I just reclaimed autographed pix of Lew Alcindor, Cary Yazstremski (sp.?!), Wilt, Bart Starr, Vince Lombardi, etc. They were going to fund my son Opie's* college but I ran away and now he's living on the streets. * Opie is an opossum. :D Title: Re: Infield Chatter Post by: The Doc on 10/08/07, 05:42:53 PM so here's the basic rundown of how baseball standings work. ....etc etc - and I thought that cricket was complicated... etc etc Thanks for that - makes a lot more sense now, just a couple of observations (and forgive my ignorance) but with about 30 teams (according to my reading of the MLB official site) 162 games seems a lot - everybody else home and away would only be 58. In fact 162 seems a hell of a lot anyway - thats playing every other day nearly all year. And according to this http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/standings/index.jsp (http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/standings/index.jsp) Cubs are still top - or am I being incredibly stupid? Title: Re: Infield Chatter Post by: Sebastian Knight on 10/08/07, 07:32:33 PM 1) The page you're looking at is the "regular season standings", which is to say it stopped being updated once all 162 games had been played. You'll notice the cubs finished at 85 wins, 77 losses, enough to win their division.
2) 162 games is a hell of a lot. You want to think of it as being a game nearly every day for about 6 months (roughly April through September). There are occasional travel days where the team flies from the east coast to the west coast (for example - remember the US is a big-ass country), and also days when they play two games in one day, but it's pretty steady. By contrast, in American football (or as you probably know it, "rugby for pussies") they only play 16 games in the regular season (about one a week for 17 weeks). In the baseball schedule, teams typically play series of 3 games in a row against the same opponents. The number was originally decided when there were ten teams in each league (you'd play everybody 18 times, 9 home and 9 away), and 18*(9 other teams) = 162. Now it's some complicated uneven thing where you play the teams in your own division more often, play other teams in your league (but not your division) less, and occasionally play teams in the other league. That play between leagues is a more recent change, and there's a slight issue because there is one major rules difference between the leagues (the "designated hitter". it's sort of a religious issue. The american league are a bunch of heathen dogs. best not to go into it). Title: Re: Infield Chatter Post by: Scott on 10/08/07, 07:35:14 PM so here's the basic rundown of how baseball standings work. ....etc etc - and I thought that cricket was complicated... etc etc Thanks for that - makes a lot more sense now, just a couple of observations (and forgive my ignorance) but with about 30 teams (according to my reading of the MLB official site) 162 games seems a lot - everybody else home and away would only be 58. In fact 162 seems a hell of a lot anyway - thats playing every other day nearly all year. And according to this http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/standings/index.jsp (http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/standings/index.jsp) Cubs are still top - or am I being incredibly stupid? I've never been much of a baseball fan, so my opinion isn't worth much. Since that's never stopped me from sharing my opinion in the past why should this be any different. :-) With so many games, it makes it really hard to give a shit about much that goes on until it gets close to the end of the season. So what if your team loses 4 in a row in the middle of June, you've got plenty of time to make it up. I don't even bother to pay attention at all until August. You can say close to the same thing about the MLS (The US Soccer League). With so few teams in the league, almost everyone makes the playoffs. As long as you have a decent record going into the final weeks, you've got a real good chance of getting in. So basically you can have a mediocre season, still make the playoffs then get on a hot streak and win the whole thing. To me, the best part about the NFL (American Football) is that there are only 16 games in a season and unless you are in a weak division, they all matter. Title: Re: Infield Chatter Post by: The Doc on 10/09/07, 08:55:07 AM Understand now
The 'Cubs Win' and 'Cubs lose' above preumably refer to the play offs, I was still assuming the issue was making the play offs (or not) I have to say I'm with Scott on the numbers thing - if City played United 3 days onthe trot (and up to 18! times in the season) it would certainly devalue the excitement of the big derby game. I bet there are commercial imperatives that prevent anyone reducing the numbers though. Title: Re: Infield Chatter Post by: Michael on 10/09/07, 09:04:19 AM I have to say I'm with Scott on the numbers thing - if City played United 3 days onthe trot (and up to 18! times in the season) it would certainly devalue the excitement of the big derby game. I bet there are commercial imperatives that prevent anyone reducing the numbers though. I think you're right on both counts. Beyond keeping half a sleepy eye on the Chi Sox's record, I really don't tune in to baseball until the season is closing. Actually, I'm that way with sports in general, as I don't watch much, I mostly stick to playoffs. Title: Re: Infield Chatter Post by: scorched earth on 10/15/07, 10:45:12 AM (As close to posting about sports as I'll ever get) On a morning news show here in Denver they made rattlesnake cakes just so they could talk about eating diamondbacks, lol. Also loved the comment from the weatherman last night describing yesterday's first taste of winter (overcast and wet all day long, in the 30s, felt like 20s): "It's enough to make a guy from Phoenix want to go back to Arizona." Yes indeed. (During the game last night I mainly watched "Little Miss Sunshine" on a free Cinemax preview.)
Title: Re: Infield Chatter Post by: Kcowboy Kcurtis on 10/22/07, 08:43:30 AM RED SOX WIN!!!!!!
RED SOX WIN!!!!!! Now, the bad news is that the Colorado Rockies are have won like 22 of their last 23 games or something. But the good news is, I think they're a hockey team. So, I like our chances... Title: Re: Infield Chatter Post by: tgraham on 10/22/07, 01:22:11 PM The Rockies have been sitting on their posteriors watching sports on the TV, while the Sox have been fighting for their lives and came out of it with the momentum.
Go SAWX!!!! Title: Re: Infield Chatter Post by: Sebastian Knight on 10/25/07, 07:23:30 AM Wow. You don't usually see somebody walk in three straight runs in a world series game. "Sox win" seems like an understatement. Meanwhile, my favorite comment about the baseball game was actually a musical one. Here's King Kaufman in today's Salon:
Quote So I was thinking to myself, "What's the deal with all this schlocky movie music Fox has been using on its postseason broadcasts?" Wednesday when the Fenway Park public address announcer introduced John Williams, the guy who writes all that schlocky movie music. He was there to conduct a subset of the Boston Pops for the national anthem. The announcer called Williams "the epitome of our culture." And that's when I decided to go live among the howler monkeys. Title: Re: Infield Chatter Post by: tgraham on 10/25/07, 07:47:39 AM John Williams actually only wrote one song in his life.
After that he picks 3 notes from that song and moves them to create a new theme. THe other evening at a high school football game (its Texas, what else are you going to do on a friday night?) one of the bands started playing a john williams theme. I had to think about it for a minute since the film wasnt rolling. Was that Starwars or Raiders? It was Raiders. And no, the opponents weren't raiders, they were panthers as I recall. Title: Re: Infield Chatter Post by: Kcowboy Kcurtis on 10/25/07, 08:48:15 AM If I were able to go back in time, one of my top ten or twenty tasks would be to stop the formation of the Boston Pops. Somewhere in the top fifty would be to somehow to prevent the conception (or barring that, the musical education, not that there is much evidence of it) of John Williams. "John, there's room to MOVE as a fry cook!"
I get a little nervous when the Sox go big in the first game of a series, but for now, I can live with it. Title: Re: Infield Chatter Post by: Chip on 10/25/07, 12:50:49 PM Quote from the Sports Guy's column today that reminded me of 81-84 Crim:
In his book "Showtime," Pat Riley unveiled "the disease of more" and argued that "success is often the first step toward disaster." According to Riley, after the 1980 Lakers won, everyone shifted into a more selfish mode. They had sublimated their respective games to win as a group; now they wanted to reap the rewards as individuals, even if those rewards meant having to spend way too much time at Jack Nicholson's house. Everyone wanted more money, playing time and recognition. Eventually they lost perspective and stopped doing the little things that make teams win and keep winning, eventually imploding in the first round of the postseason. So much for defending the title. Now, if you'll excuse me a minute, I'm off to remove 3 of a Perfect Pair from the changer and put in Absent Lovers, just to remind myself that, as always, I'm an idiot and my analogies suck. Title: Re: Infield Chatter Post by: Kcowboy Kcurtis on 10/26/07, 11:52:17 AM I feel good, good about Hood!!!!!!!!!
Off to Denver with two games in the pocket. Hope it doesn't snow... Title: Re: Infield Chatter Post by: Sebastian Knight on 10/31/07, 11:38:23 AM Now that the Red Sox have finished their trouncing of the Rockies, we can move on to
The most f-ed up football play you'll ever see (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kbblLniZbdk). Title: Re: Infield Chatter Post by: The Doc on 10/31/07, 12:21:08 PM I presume a 'lateral' is what is called in rugby a 'pass', except that you have the advantage of being able to pass forwards and backwards ;)
"Try" this (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AwCbG4I0QyA) Mind you I will admit the advantage that rugby players can't be tackled off the ball Title: Re: Infield Chatter Post by: tgraham on 10/31/07, 12:37:04 PM My vote for most f-ed up american football play (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kxWjb9E9Ea0&NR=1). 1982 Cal-Stanford.
Title: Re: Infield Chatter Post by: Sebastian Knight on 10/31/07, 02:11:07 PM I presume a 'lateral' is what is called in rugby a 'pass', except that you have the advantage of being able to pass forwards and backwards ;) A lateral can only be backwards or sideways. The idea is that you can pass forwards only once, but you can pass backwards a bunch of times. Title: Re: Infield Chatter Post by: The Doc on 10/31/07, 03:00:51 PM Thanks. I guess that makes sense or it wouldn't be called a lateral. I suppose I'm surprised it is seen as surprising when it is used, I would have thought keeping the ball moving rarther than accepting the end of a play at the first tackle would often have advantages (I should say I have watched very little American Football so I may have a false impression)
In rugby many plays do end on a tackle and 'restart' with the ball being recycled from a ruck or maul, which is pretty much the equivalent of a scrimmage, except that it evolves in open play rather than with a stop and restart. However the backs are always on the look out for opportunities to pass, and run with the ball. Title: Re: Infield Chatter Post by: tgraham on 10/31/07, 04:42:55 PM I dont remember if it was Knute Rockne or Bear Bryant (old rule: football coaches had to have cool knicknames) who said " When you pass the ball 4 things can happen and three of them are bad".
The lateral isnt used much except in the option offense, where the quarterback and another player will go around the end of the line (much like rugby backs) separated by a few yards. If the defense converges on the man with the ball he will lateral to the man farther out who will carry on. Title: Re: Infield Chatter Post by: tgraham on 10/31/07, 04:44:41 PM I'm celebrating. My fantasy football (real not american) side scored their first goal last night in a friendly with a team from Japan.
Title: Re: Infield Chatter Post by: sarah on 10/31/07, 10:05:43 PM I dont remember if it was Knute Rockne or Bear Bryant (old rule: football coaches had to have cool knicknames) Hey, some of them still do! Ours is called "Lovey." Okay, I guess that's not all that cool after all. ~s Title: Re: Infield Chatter Post by: tgraham on 11/18/07, 12:55:08 PM Coach,
did you go to DC to watch the New England Patriots play the Houston dreamsicles? I think Tom Brady is playing midfield for the Revolution. Title: Re: Infield Chatter Post by: Scott on 11/19/07, 06:21:32 AM Coach, did you go to DC to watch the New England Patriots play the Houston dreamsicles? I think Tom Brady is playing midfield for the Revolution. No, I was too busy coaching my own team in a tournament. Four games, zero goals. Why do I do this again? Title: Re: Infield Chatter Post by: tgraham on 11/26/07, 10:16:54 PM Bad news is i'm getting old and blind.
I got an email that said the Cubs had signed a vegetarian Right-hander... Oh a veteran. Thats different. Cubbies signed Kerry Wood to a one year deal. That kid had more talent (and power) in his pinky than most major-league pitchers will ever see. His arm was ruined by over-pitching in his younger years. I have always wished him well even when he was smokng my Astros like a salmon on a plank. Hopefully he can get past his last surgery and have a good year. Title: Re: Infield Chatter Post by: owen on 11/27/07, 01:20:57 AM A Beckham starring LA Galaxy take on Sydney FC down here in an hour or so in a friendly/promo which will probably draw a bigger crowd than any A League game this coming season.
Oh well, that's show business. Personally, I'd rather it was sport. I'll still watch the game though. O! Title: Re: Infield Chatter Post by: owen on 11/27/07, 04:17:32 PM How do you report on an exhilerating game won by Sydney FC 5-3?
With the headline "Beckham delights huge crowd (http://www.theworldgame.com.au/home/index.php?pid=st&cid=100691)" apparently. No wonder the sport struggles to maintain a good profile in this country. grumblegrumblegrumblegrumble... Good game though, at least what little I saw of it. O! Title: Re: Infield Chatter Post by: The Doc on 11/27/07, 04:35:16 PM Becks may be over the hill, but when he came on for the second half of England's dismal defeat (and thus failure to qualify for the European Championship) against Croatia he was head and shoulders above the rest of the team (apart from - literally and metaphorically - Peter Crouch). His cross for Crouch's goal was a sweet as you could ever wish to see. Hate to say it of an ex United player but the guy has got class.
Title: Re: Infield Chatter Post by: owen on 11/27/07, 06:39:46 PM Oh, no doubt about that! He's one of the all time best.
It's just the media down here are like BECKHAM BECKHAM BECKHAM BECKHAM BECKHAM!!! And I'm like, um, didn't the other team, OUR team, win the game??? Recognising talent is to be encouraged. But the cult of celebrity gives me the shits. Title: Re: Infield Chatter Post by: The Doc on 11/27/07, 06:47:10 PM You're right of course, and I wasn't taking issue with you, just reacting to the pathetic performance of the England team. At least your lot won! I still think there is a good chance you will be in the world cup in two-ten and we won't
Title: Re: Infield Chatter Post by: owen on 11/27/07, 07:30:08 PM You're right of course, and I wasn't taking issue with you, just reacting to the pathetic performance of the England team. At least your lot won! I still think there is a good chance you will be in the world cup in two-ten and we won't Oh, I don't know about that! We took a gamble with the whole joining Asian Confederation thing and now we have a lot of hard work to do. Quote No easy task for Aussies: China, Iraq and Qatar will be Australia's opponents in the third round of Asian Football Confederation qualifying after the Socceroos were seeded directly into this stage of the qualifying process. This phase of qualifying will see the Socceroos play their opponents home and away with the top-two placed teams progressing to the fourth and final round where four teams will gain direct entry to the 2010 FIFA World Cup while a fifth team will play off against the top Oceania team for the final place in South Africa. http://theworldgame.com.au/socceroos/index.php?pid=st&cid=100565 Note that we always were the top Oceania team before making the switch to Asia. Now the competition is a lot tougher, and we have to play through these tough knockout stages to be in with a chance. The trade-off is that since the competition is tougher, it is also higher quality. We are improving due to the regular experience at "world's best" levels, and our OS-based players are more likely to want to play for their country against Iraq than against Samoa. Hopefully, Asia will only make us stronger. The ultimate embarrassment would be to come fifth in Asia and have to play off against the new Oceania leader (whoever that turns out to be) and lose. God I hope that doesn't happen. I don't think we'd ever recover. It would be better not to come top five in Asia and miss out than lose to the group we abandoned. O! Title: Re: Infield Chatter Post by: tgraham on 11/28/07, 12:00:42 AM When the Galaxy came to Houston to play the back-to-back MLS champion Dynamo this season the match sold out quickly.The media were all over the Becks hype for two weeks before. I'm not sure he was even in this country. I believe his-Beckishness was resting his bruised knee/ankle/elbow in the UK.
I'm looking forward to going to a few matches next season. I hadnt seen the Dynamo play until the championship game, the MLS is a pretty exciting match. Title: Re: Infield Chatter Post by: Sebastian Knight on 12/04/07, 03:10:12 PM Remember the scene in Bull Durham when Susan Sarandon is in the stands watching Kevin Costner yell at the umpire and when the umpire finally turns red with anger and tosses Costner out of the game she simply says "Oh, he must've called him a cock-sucker...". Well, things weren't that different in 1898. See this document (http://s210975194.onlinehome.us/blog/?p=41) (click the images at the top of the page to read. Warning: contains language more commonly heard on Deadwood than official MLB documents)
Title: Re: Infield Chatter Post by: frankh on 03/25/08, 05:07:08 AM If I were able to go back in time, one of my top ten or twenty tasks would be to stop the formation of the Boston Pops. Somewhere in the top fifty would be to somehow to prevent the conception (or barring that, the musical education, not that there is much evidence of it) of John Williams. "John, there's room to MOVE as a fry cook!" I get a little nervous when the Sox go big in the first game of a series, but for now, I can live with it. The Pops were actually Really Something before John Williams. Arthur Fiedler's time. Good stuff! There's a version of Sleigh Ride that I consider definitive. And that ain't all! And uh, doesn't the Major League season begin in Japan in like the next 12 to 36 hours?! I feel my pulse quicken... Title: Re: Infield Chatter Post by: frankh on 03/25/08, 10:58:59 PM Really, really odd (though it makes sense in an odd way, lol) that the season was actually beginning as the previous post was being produced.
Title: Re: Infield Chatter Post by: Sebastian Knight on 04/28/08, 02:17:35 PM Baseball can be a dangerous sport.
For the fans. Hitting the ball...s (http://www.flickr.com/photos/matthewbaldwin/2445001306/sizes/l/) Title: Re: Infield Chatter Post by: tgraham on 04/28/08, 02:35:07 PM That's what you get for being a Rangers fan. Well, that and a crappy team.
Title: Re: Infield Chatter Post by: tgraham on 06/08/08, 06:31:54 PM OK this one's more about sport than anything...
The Astros first round draft pick in this years amateur draft was Jason Castro (Left), a Junior Catcher from Stanford U. Jason Castro (right) the American Idol contestant from this season (http://www.stanfordphoto.com/image_dir/album50555/md_Castro08_mug.jpg)(http://www.jasoncastroweb.com/graphics/front/Jason-Castro-front.jpg) Title: Re: Infield Chatter Post by: frankh on 06/08/08, 10:39:47 PM OK this one's more about sport than anything... The Astros first round draft pick in this years amateur draft was Jason Castro (Left), a Junior Catcher from Stanford U. Jason Castro (right) the American Idol contestant from this season (http://www.stanfordphoto.com/image_dir/album50555/md_Castro08_mug.jpg)(http://www.jasoncastroweb.com/graphics/front/Jason-Castro-front.jpg) LOL! That's great! Many moons ago ( and actually, I still play it, LOL ... I have this huge thick notebook with the words, "The Only Complete 1981 Baseball Season" printed upon the front; someone over the course of the decades emblazoned a Red Sox logo below that, knowing of my love for their rivals in the Bronx; filled with numbers that are meaningless to most other human beings aside from myself ... and! ... I've nearly completed it's 2,106 game tasking! ... Truth to tell, in it's way it's been riveting entertainment for me over the years ... nearly 26 of them to be something near exact ... and at least somewhat entertaining for my offspring ...) I came across a tabletop paper and dice baseball simulation game called Strat - O - Matic. Some of you may be aware of it, and even have actually played. It's fun. Quick. Anyhow, in one of the first versions of the game that I encountered there was a utility infielder by the name of Danny Ainge. Danny had just completed a multisport ( by the way, this makes me and anyone who follows what I'm talking about now officially Old! ) career at BYU, and would later go on to a fine NBA career which included championship seasons with Larry Bird and the Boston Celtics. We called him, in the playing of the old baseball sim game, presaging Chris Berman's chronic nicknaming just a tad, Danny "You Shoulda Played Basketball" Ainge. Title: Re: Infield Chatter Post by: tgraham on 06/08/08, 11:41:29 PM wow, another stats geek.
We used to play strat-o-ball, both baseball and basketball. It led to some interesting arguments, for example, if you had to fill out your baseball team with a pitcher and eight clones of the same player at all positions, who would it be? THe same question in basketball was easily answered in the 80s. Magic had the size to post up and clearly the ball handling to play point guard. He smoked the team of all Larry Birds by about 50 points. We didnt have the MJs yet, but I'm not sure he had the size to post up and rebound against the Magics. Title: Re: Infield Chatter Post by: Sebastian Knight on 09/24/08, 11:05:34 AM http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KajeVoqRdrs
Title: Re: Infield Chatter Post by: Kcowboy Kcurtis on 09/24/08, 12:17:13 PM Congrats to the Cubbies. Hope to see y'all in Fenway in a fewweeks. If not, then, please, feel free to go all the way.
Title: Re: Infield Chatter Post by: Michael on 09/24/08, 12:49:31 PM I'm still pulling for the Sox (the White ones), but as they don't seem to want to win, I suspect I'll soon be pulling for the Cubs.
A subway series would have been (still could be, I guess) pretty cool. Title: Re: Infield Chatter Post by: Michael on 10/01/08, 09:12:20 AM :beer:
Losing to anyone would be better than losing to the Twins. Well ... except maybe the Cubs. ;D Title: Re: Infield Chatter Post by: Sebastian Knight on 10/01/08, 11:00:57 AM Gratz White Sox fans.
Go El Series! Title: Re: Infield Chatter Post by: Michael on 10/01/08, 12:19:59 PM From The Trib:
Ozzy on the Sox vs. the Cubs: Of course, Sox manager Ozzie Guillen is always there to calm the waters. "One thing about White Sox fans, they show up and watch the game," he said earlier this season, a shot at those who are perceived to come to Wrigley for fun, not games. And "the Cubs haven't won in [100] years, and they're the [bleeping] best. [Bleep] it, we're good. [Bleep] everybody. We're horse[bleep], and we're going to be horse[bleep] the rest of our lives, no matter how many World Series we win." :D Title: Re: Infield Chatter Post by: Sebastian Knight on 10/05/08, 05:18:08 PM You know, the usual pattern for the Cubs in the post-season (and it hasn't happened often, but there's still a pattern) is to win a couple of games at the beginning and look pretty good. The fans get that little bit of hope and optimism going. And then the Cubs choke and die and generally fold like Superman on laundry day. But this year was different. They came out of the gate sucking, continued to suck, and never gave us a moment of hope. In a way, I admire the efficiency and mercy of this team -- going straight to the sucking with no delays.
:bang Title: Re: Infield Chatter Post by: sarah on 10/05/08, 07:40:13 PM It's still too fresh to talk about. I'm kind of in baseball crisis.
~s Title: Re: Infield Chatter Post by: tgraham on 10/05/08, 07:52:51 PM Well if it makes you feel any better...
Astros pitcher Brandon Backe was arrested along with 9 others in Galveston early this morning after a drunken brawl associated with a wedding reception. Apparently someone took exception with his pitch selection in his last start. Or maybe he's just a drunken bum. I really was hoping for an El series. Title: Re: Infield Chatter Post by: Michael on 10/05/08, 10:20:42 PM I really was hoping for an El series. I was too, although I wasn't expecting it, because I didn't expect the Sox to make it (still hoping on that half). To be honest, I thought it would be the Cubs against either Boston or Tampa--but to be completely honest I then predicted the Cubs would fold. Title: Re: Infield Chatter Post by: The Doc on 10/29/08, 04:29:07 AM We had an American Football game live here on Sunday afternoon (Nw Orleans v San Diego) and I did make an attempt, honestly but I really didn't get it. Ok it was quite exciting when they were running about, and I accept that if I wasn't quite sure what was going on when they were running about (in particular it not being immediately obvious who had the ball) that was down to my inexperience and the limitations of my TV)
But the gaps between the action ::) it makes cricket seem like a non stop rollercoaster ride. We kept cutting back to a studio with three blokes chatting - ok for the after match round up but in the middle of the game? And even when we stayed with the feed from the ground we kept getting ads for other shows on the network (not much point for UK viewers but never mind) voiced by the commentators "and that was a spectacular touch down by .... and don't forget that ..... is the brilliant new show on .... right after CSI" I am afraid I only made it to half time before giving up. Talking about cricket - is the Stanford Super Series being shown over there? As it is being sponsored by a Texan Multimillionaire I wondered if he was trying to make money out of selling 20/20 in the states? Title: Re: Infield Chatter Post by: Michael on 10/29/08, 08:45:55 AM I can understand your frustration, Doc. Our country never does anything without advertising--or at least not anything for free. If you've got the money, you can "sponsor" anything, and if you have enough you can put anything anywhere at any time.
Remember when Fripp allowed ads on DGM Live? What did that last, about 2 days? Title: Re: Infield Chatter Post by: The Doc on 10/29/08, 02:29:50 PM You can even delay the start of the World Series ;)
Title: Re: Infield Chatter Post by: tgraham on 10/29/08, 04:30:16 PM Our nephews' high school football team played a national TV game (ESPNU) a couple of weks ago, they had a TV timeout like every 10 minutes. in addition to every time someone scored. that game lasted about 4 hours.
They had a TV timeout guy who the refs learned to watch closely. He had a headset and a red ballcap on and would run onto the field waving his arms and everything would stop. he stood on the field arms extended to the sides until the timeout ended, then he ran off the field and play resumed. It was funny to watch. And as I recall our side won 68-21,and it was not as close as the score would indicate. Their last two TDs were scored on our third string. Title: Re: Infield Chatter Post by: Geno on 03/27/09, 05:24:44 PM Wow. (http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090326/ap_on_fe_st/odd_bodacious_burger;_ylt=AveHKTA8hz2Bp5zFG6bfYbcsQE4F)
Title: Re: Infield Chatter Post by: tgraham on 03/27/09, 08:58:55 PM Wow. (http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090326/ap_on_fe_st/odd_bodacious_burger;_ylt=AveHKTA8hz2Bp5zFG6bfYbcsQE4F) I'll have mine with bacon, and a bypass or three. Title: Re: Infield Chatter Post by: Kcowboy Kcurtis on 03/28/09, 06:53:14 PM The absence of bacon from that 'recipe' is unfathomable. And how are you supposed to eat that at a ballpark? I would require a dedicated room and heavy construKction equipment to eat such a beast.
Title: Re: Infield Chatter Post by: tgraham on 03/28/09, 08:15:58 PM Ballpark-mess-wise that burger is about on par with the extreme nachos and stuffed baked potato served at the park in Houston. At least the spud is served with a fork-like device.
Title: Re: Infield Chatter Post by: tgraham on 04/07/09, 01:04:07 PM Life begins again.
Opening Day!!!!!!!! It's time to get excited about the game of BASEBALL!!!!! oh, except that the Astros must suck much worse than the Cubs do this year since our best pitcher got beat up like the new kid on the playground... Title: Re: Infield Chatter Post by: sarah on 04/07/09, 01:42:04 PM Yeah, and they're coming back for more again tonight! Can't wait!
~s Title: Re: Infield Chatter Post by: tgraham on 04/07/09, 02:00:42 PM Yeah, and they're coming back for more again tonight! Can't wait! ~s You just wait, they just called up little Jimmy Harris from the west side little league. He's only 12 but big for his age. He has a fastball that can actually break a pane of glass (if its already cracked). Title: Re: Infield Chatter Post by: tgraham on 04/09/09, 12:00:53 AM Normally if a baseball team hits 5 home runs in a game, they win.
(Note to footballers: similar to "if both strikers get hat tricks, we expect to win") Sorry I dont know a cricket analogy. That is unless your pitchers ALL SUCK. Title: Re: Infield Chatter Post by: Michael on 04/09/09, 09:34:54 AM So far, Sox pitching good, hitting no so much.
I don't think anyone doubts that this will eventually be reversed. Title: Re: Infield Chatter Post by: Sebastian Knight on 08/31/09, 05:29:09 PM Sometimes I forget to thank Lou Piniella for all that he does (http://www.theonion.com/content/news_briefs/lou_piniella_lauded_for_not)
Title: Re: Infield Chatter Post by: sarah on 08/31/09, 10:32:52 PM Modified to fix broken link. Because it's so sad, but so true...and too good to miss.
~s Title: Re: Infield Chatter Post by: The Doc on 10/29/09, 02:53:29 AM Now that's (http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/americas/8331117.stm) what I call a fan
Title: Re: Infield Chatter Post by: Sebastian Knight on 04/02/10, 04:41:14 PM Upcoming events:
Monday, April 5, 4pm Chicago Cubs play their first regular season game of 2010 Monday April 5, 6pm After the Cubs get a lead after the first 5 innings, a Cubs fan says "They're really looking good this year! I think they could go all the way!" Monday, April 5, 6:01 pm Dark Forces stir, roused from their 6-month slumber by the dread phrase uttered a minute earlier. Monday, April 5, 7:30 pm Cubs give up 8 runs in the 9th inning to lose. Are somehow eliminated from the playoffs on the first day of the season, confounding mathematicians. Title: Re: Infield Chatter Post by: tgraham on 04/02/10, 06:31:38 PM The Astros on the other hand will hang in there until at least next saturday before being eliminated.
Thus proving the team slogan for this season: We're not the worst team in baseball. Title: Hey Sarah! Post by: Chip on 05/28/10, 05:23:33 PM Sarah, are you a Blackhawks fan? Or does your love of Chicago sports teams extend only to the Cubs?
Just wondering if there's any reason to gig you about the Flyers and the beating they're about to administer to the Blackhawks. Title: Re: Infield Chatter Post by: tgraham on 05/28/10, 07:42:21 PM Please abuse the Hawks. Anything to Bring Saz back down to earth from her overwhelming joy at the Astros being the worst team in the national league, about to be mathematically eliminated by July 4th and about to be dismantled to start the rebuild.
Title: Re: Infield Chatter Post by: scorched earth on 05/28/10, 08:27:30 PM I was gonna post "And can I tell Kram he left LA and so should realize the Lakers are evil, lol" but checked his Twitter page and found this recent post "Alvin Gentry, listen man, never eat cooked avocado! Go raw man! We'll get them next time. #gosuns". He's seen the light, hallelujah? ? ? ?
PS... some of his recent beautiful pics of flowers here: http://bit.ly/floral_images PPS... though avocado was mentioned on TV last night as being what made the coach sick, today's paper said it was artichoke. And just searching, hey leave it to Twitter: Twitter / Alexis Gentry: EXCLUSIVE INSIDE INFO: it was actually a fried artichoke that made my dad sick. There you go tweeps- fried artichoke made Alvin Gentry puke. Title: Re: Infield Chatter Post by: sarah on 05/28/10, 10:54:50 PM Sorry, Chip, I'm not really a hockey fan. I guess the Blackhawks are doing okay this year, but I don't really know.
I'm not even deriving a whole lot of joy from the Astros' phenomenal suckage, as it'll be a fight to the bottom between them and the Cubs. I am, however, a HUGE fan of avocado. Go avocadoes! ~s Title: Re: Infield Chatter Post by: Michael on 05/29/10, 10:16:41 AM Well, I know it won't be as much fun as gigging (is that the word?) Sarah, but if the Hawks lose you can have a go at me as I'm rather excited (hey, I was raised hours from the Canadian border).
Title: Re: Infield Chatter Post by: tgraham on 05/29/10, 01:25:53 PM Just to make Sarah's day, the Astros finally got their bats moving and pulled together a six run effort last night, only problem was the pitchers thought improved scoring meant them too, so they allowed 15 Reds to cross the plate. The backup catcher (third one this year) even pitched the 8th, giving up only one run on 3 hits (one of the better efforts of the game).
Title: Re: Infield Chatter Post by: Chip on 05/30/10, 12:35:57 PM No gigging today, Michael. Hawks win the first - crappy goaltending, especially by Philly. Hope the quality of defensive play picks up.
Title: Re: Infield Chatter Post by: Michael on 05/30/10, 06:06:39 PM No gigging today, Michael. Hawks win the first - crappy goaltending, especially by Philly. Hope the quality of defensive play picks up. Me too. I said as the third period started, whoever wins tonight dodges a bullet. I'm glad it was the Hawks, but I really hope if they take this they do it in a more impressive manner. I mean, you hope in a championship at least one team plays well. Title: Re: Infield Chatter Post by: Chip on 05/31/10, 10:51:36 AM . . . you hope in a championship at least one team plays well. Agreed. Though sometimes a team plays very well yet it doesn't look good. Perfect example is the San Antonio Spurs during their championship runs. Their game is to control the flow and frustrate their opponents. They have done this extremely well at times and while it ain't pretty, it is, in its own way, a thing of sports beauty. Saturday's Hawks-Flyers game, however, was not this. Here's hoping game two is "prettier." Title: Re: Infield Chatter Post by: Sebastian Knight on 06/03/10, 06:21:19 AM Well, major league umpire Jim Joyce can never go to Detroit again. Not that you'd really want to, but man that was a lousy call in the worst possible circumstance. (For those that missed it, he completely blew a call at first base where the runner was actually out by several feet and he called him safe. He missed that call with two out in the ninth. And a perfect game on the line...)
Title: Re: Infield Chatter Post by: Chip on 06/03/10, 05:33:39 PM video of classy male bonding (http://espn.go.com/video/clip?id=5247718&categoryid=2378529)
I really like how both Galarrage and Joyce have handled this situation. And I love this video clip. The handshakes to diffuse the awkwardness and restore dignity to a staged event. Grace and courtesy by Galarraga to reach out and pat Joyce on the shoulder before turning to walk away - "It's all right, man. I forgive you." And humility and respect, almost paternal, by Joyce in his hearty slap on the shoulder - "Thanks, son. You're a good man and I respect you." It's beautiful, man! Title: Re: Infield Chatter Post by: Michael on 06/10/10, 07:21:52 AM ;D
Title: Re: Infield Chatter Post by: Sebastian Knight on 06/21/10, 12:14:53 PM You know, it doesn't quite rival "Headless Body found in Topless Bar" for best headline ever, but there's something oddly evocative and whimsical about "Pirates Fire Outspoken Pierogi". (Note: the thread should partially explain what that headline means, but I'm sort of enjoying imagining what some of you are coming up with to go with that headline...)
Title: Re: Infield Chatter Post by: tgraham on 06/21/10, 08:02:29 PM They were upset when they found out about the Pierogi's improper relationship with the Brewers racing Kielbasa.
Title: Re: Infield Chatter Post by: tgraham on 06/21/10, 08:04:45 PM And watch out Saz, the Astros management have realized that they suck, and called up three players including Jason Castro (first round pick from 2 years ago). All three call-ups expected to see major playing time.
We may avoid 100 losses this season. Title: Re: Infield Chatter Post by: Michael on 06/21/10, 09:02:06 PM The Sox are at .500 and catching the Tigers and Twins.
Now if they can keep this up when they go back to playing teams above 500 (like, say, the Tigers and the Twins), I might start getting a little excited. Title: Re: Infield Chatter Post by: Chip on 06/23/10, 11:55:10 AM Wow wow wow wow wow!!!
USA 1-0! Wow!!!!! Title: Re: Infield Chatter Post by: Scott on 06/23/10, 01:46:41 PM 91st minute miracle.
Title: Re: Infield Chatter Post by: tgraham on 06/23/10, 07:36:39 PM Happy to also see England go through and the French go home.
Title: Re: Infield Chatter Post by: owen on 06/23/10, 09:08:34 PM Happy to see Aus finally win one. With some pride restored we exit. See you in four years!
Title: Re: Infield Chatter Post by: Chip on 06/24/10, 10:29:37 AM 91st minute miracle. A great throw by Howard. Glad it turned out the way it did for many reasons, not least of which is that it preempted all the bellyaching about how "we wuz robbed" by the refs. Which would have been annoying, even if accurate. Title: Re: Infield Chatter Post by: Scott on 06/24/10, 03:07:38 PM 91st minute miracle. A great throw by Howard. Glad it turned out the way it did for many reasons, not least of which is that it preempted all the bellyaching about how "we wuz robbed" by the refs. Which would have been annoying, even if accurate. My son (who just made the premier team in his Club by the way) plays for a guy that I really like. One reason why I like him is he doesn't tolerate ANY complaints about the ref. I really like his attitude about bad referee's. He tells the boys to treat the referee like a field condition. Just like the condition of the field can vary widely, each ref is unique. You have to figure out what they allow and what they don't and adapt your play accordingly.
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