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MLB 2025

I think Tigers / Blue Jays would be a fun ALCS match up. These teams had a good rivalry developing in the 80’s. Toronto and Detroit are fairly close. But Detroit got moved out of the East division on the 90’s and they don’t face each other as much anymore.

I am doubtful Detroit can overcome Seattle in their ALDS matchup. And it won’t be easy for Toronto to get past NYY either.
 
The ending of the Cub-Padre game was so tense and filled with zigs and zags. Reminded me so much of the ending of Game 7 of the 2016 Cubs-Indians World Series.

Gotta say, as a Cub fan and an umpire for 30 years, that called 3rd strike on Bogarts in the 9th was really tough to see. No way it was a strike. ABS will correct that next year, I hope.

Yet, their big guys didn't hit and Darvish was ineffective.

Amazing. Now, on to Milwaukee.

.
 
The ending of the Cub-Padre game was so tense and filled with zigs and zags. Reminded me so much of the ending of Game 7 of the 2016 Cubs-Indians World Series.

Gotta say, as a Cub fan and an umpire for 30 years, that called 3rd strike on Bogarts in the 9th was really tough to see. No way it was a strike. ABS will correct that next year, I hope.

Yet, their big guys didn't hit and Darvish was ineffective.

Amazing. Now, on to Milwaukee.
As we all know, bad calls have been part of baseball ever since the game began. That said, the Padre's threatening behavior towards the umps as the umps walked off the field through the Padre dugout was unsportsmanlike like and uncalled for. It was reported that one player even spit at the umps. I am thinking that MLB should fine some of the players involved for such bad behavior.
 
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As we all know, bad calls have been part of baseball ever since the game began. That said, the Padre's threatening behavior towards the umps as the umps walked off the field through the Padre dugout was unsportsmanlike like and uncalled for. It was reported that one player even spit at the umps. I am thinking that MLB should fine some of the players involved for such bad behavior.


I've heard this is now under MLB investigation.

Brought back bad memories of our walk off the field of the last HS soccer match I ever officiated. Incredible abuse from fans of a team who lost 6-0 in a State sectional match .

We can do better, people

.
 
I've heard this is now under MLB investigation.

Brought back bad memories of our walk off the field of the last HS soccer match I ever officiated. Incredible abuse from fans of a team who lost 6-0 in a State sectional match .

We can do better, people

.
I’m as passionate about sports as any of them, but decency is a learned thing. Its my opinion that the club should step up and set an example of non-tolerance
 
Well, you will be disappointed if you live that long. But you won't. Neither of us will. The stress will make us dead and blind and probably a few more things that will make it impossible to enjoy baseball any more. The only people who will survive long enough to enjoy it will be Yankees fans, since they are used to it. Another reason to hate the Yankees.
We need a reason?
 
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I only caught the middle innings. The Cubs have great defense up the middle. Hoerner and Swanson are quite the infield duo. And PCA is no slouch in CF either! Above average defense can really be a boon in the postseason. Bummer to see the Pads exit this early. However, Cubs @ Brewers is going to be an exciting NLDS matchup!
Well, neither team can b!tch about the travel.
 
I've heard this is now under MLB investigation.

Brought back bad memories of our walk off the field of the last HS soccer match I ever officiated. Incredible abuse from fans of a team who lost 6-0 in a State sectional match .

We can do better, people

.
Seems to be the way things are going these days...
 
Back to baseball today... four games and then games every day all week. Will complicate my bass practicing, for sure.

The narrative at this point is always "rust vs sharpness" for the top four teams getting the bye.

But having all your pitching arsenal tanned, rested, and ready seems an amazing advantage.

Cubs at least only had a short bus ride up I94 to Milwaukee.

Enjoy the games!
 
Division Series Day is here! :hyper: Which teams have you folks got advancing to the Championship Series?

Cubs @ Brewers
The Brewers have been a very good team for much of the year. Best record in MLB. They don't have an obvious superstar like a Judge or Ohtani, but their team is full of very good, above average players. They should have the edge... but I am tempted to pick the Cubs here. The Brewers weren't exactly playing inspired baseball in September (12-12 record in the month) but their level of urgency was also not as high as other teams. The Cubs were very impressive to me in the Wild Card round against San Diego, and FWIW they had a slight edge in the season series vs. the Brewers (7-6). Having said all that, if the Brewers used the week off to rest, reset, and figure out how to correct what wasn't working for them in September, they should be able to overpower the Cubs. I guess I'm still betting on Chicago but I feel uneasy about it...

Dodgers @ Phillies
I will be honest: I do not like to cheer for Philly teams 😅 I don't like the Sixers, Flyers, or Phillies. Not one bit. And the Dodgers have more players that I want to see continue playing in the postseason. So, my heart says the Dodgers win somehow... But my brain says it will be Philly advancing 🫤 They've been super consistent all summer. Only one very minor dip below .500 in July (11-12 in that month). They finished with the second most wins in the MLB, only one fewer win than the Brewers. I feel like Philly is the most likely team to represent the NL in the World Series.

Tigers @ Mariners
The M's ought to win this series comfortably. The Tigers are a pesky team with a good amount of young talent, so maybe they will make it closer than I think, but Seattle's pitching is better and they have a pretty strong home field advantage IMHO. I don't dislike either of these teams, so it's easy to be happy whatever the outcome. Of course I'll be extra happy for @Gaolee if (when) Seattle advances to the ALCS :cool:

Yankees @ Blue Jays
This series could be incredibly fun and satisfying or incredibly painful for me 😬 The Jays handled the Yanks fairly well in the regular season, but this NYY team is still very dangerous. They hit more HRs than Toronto does, and they probably have the edge in terms of pitching. Toronto's strength is the depth and persistence of their lineup. In the regular season, they led the MLB as a team in terms of hits (1,461) and OBP (.333). They also had the second fewest strikeouts as a team with 1,099. NYY on the other hand was #3 in the league with over 1,400 strikeouts as a team. Their lineup possesses a lot of power and a lot of swing-and-miss. Toronto's hitters need to keep doing what they've done all summer. Put pressure on pitchers, don't strikeout, wear the pitchers out. Don't let them get comfy on the mound. Test the Yankees' questionable defence by putting the ball in play. Defence is, I think, another area of strength for Toronto. The Jays will also need some strong performances from the pitching staff. Gausman gets the Game #1 start. When the splitter/fastball combo is working, he's a treat. When he looses his fastball command and the other team starts ignoring the splitter... it's not such a treat. If today is a bad Gausman day then the 'pen is going to get worked hard. I'm picking the Jays to advance, because how could I not!? Not super confident though.
 
Division Series Day is here! :hyper: Which teams have you folks got advancing to the Championship Series?

Cubs @ Brewers
The Brewers have been a very good team for much of the year. Best record in MLB. They don't have an obvious superstar like a Judge or Ohtani, but their team is full of very good, above average players. They should have the edge... but I am tempted to pick the Cubs here. The Brewers weren't exactly playing inspired baseball in September (12-12 record in the month) but their level of urgency was also not as high as other teams. The Cubs were very impressive to me in the Wild Card round against San Diego, and FWIW they had a slight edge in the season series vs. the Brewers (7-6). Having said all that, if the Brewers used the week off to rest, reset, and figure out how to correct what wasn't working for them in September, they should be able to overpower the Cubs. I guess I'm still betting on Chicago but I feel uneasy about it...

Dodgers @ Phillies
I will be honest: I do not like to cheer for Philly teams 😅 I don't like the Sixers, Flyers, or Phillies. Not one bit. And the Dodgers have more players that I want to see continue playing in the postseason. So, my heart says the Dodgers win somehow... But my brain says it will be Philly advancing 🫤 They've been super consistent all summer. Only one very minor dip below .500 in July (11-12 in that month). They finished with the second most wins in the MLB, only one fewer win than the Brewers. I feel like Philly is the most likely team to represent the NL in the World Series.

Tigers @ Mariners
The M's ought to win this series comfortably. The Tigers are a pesky team with a good amount of young talent, so maybe they will make it closer than I think, but Seattle's pitching is better and they have a pretty strong home field advantage IMHO. I don't dislike either of these teams, so it's easy to be happy whatever the outcome. Of course I'll be extra happy for @Gaolee if (when) Seattle advances to the ALCS :cool:

Yankees @ Blue Jays
This series could be incredibly fun and satisfying or incredibly painful for me 😬 The Jays handled the Yanks fairly well in the regular season, but this NYY team is still very dangerous. They hit more HRs than Toronto does, and they probably have the edge in terms of pitching. Toronto's strength is the depth and persistence of their lineup. In the regular season, they led the MLB as a team in terms of hits (1,461) and OBP (.333). They also had the second fewest strikeouts as a team with 1,099. NYY on the other hand was #3 in the league with over 1,400 strikeouts as a team. Their lineup possesses a lot of power and a lot of swing-and-miss. Toronto's hitters need to keep doing what they've done all summer. Put pressure on pitchers, don't strikeout, wear the pitchers out. Don't let them get comfy on the mound. Test the Yankees' questionable defence by putting the ball in play. Defence is, I think, another area of strength for Toronto. The Jays will also need some strong performances from the pitching staff. Gausman gets the Game #1 start. When the splitter/fastball combo is working, he's a treat. When he looses his fastball command and the other team starts ignoring the splitter... it's not such a treat. If today is a bad Gausman day then the 'pen is going to get worked hard. I'm picking the Jays to advance, because how could I not!? Not super confident though.

Excellent analysis!

For me, a Cubs fan, I'm looking at it like this.

Brewers are just plain good and overlooked nationally because of the lack of superstars. I think they will win but I'm still hopeful for my Northsiders.

I think the Phillies are just bashing. But they will need to bash big time. No dog in that fight but it could be a good series, 5 games worth.

I'm pulling for the Mariners and think they should dispatch the Tigers. Really hoping Cal Raleigh can hit some more home runs and gain further recognition, which he deserves.

I wonder if the Jay's are up to the moment. On paper, their talent is really good. And the Yankees can get sloppy on defense. It could go 5 games, with my nod to NY.

Man, I enjoy this....
 
Ok, our Pirates finished the season none the worse for wear. I wish I could the same for my patience as a Pirate fan.

However the Pirates this week has taken a tremendous daringly impressive step in making the team better by firing their 3rd base coach. With last offseason’s dismissal of their director of Latin American Baseball, I’m certain that they are a shoe in for the World Series.
 

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