149 replies to this topic

[asection8]

Yep, the rockies are the feel good. Hopefully the sox can win their series and win it as the feel blase.

[MidnightC]

That was surprisingly anticlimatic. Though I guess that's always true of sweeps.

I was rooting for Arizona, but I love that that douchebag Byrnes made the final out, complete with his quasi-hustle head first slide. Enjoy your winter, moron!

[gaelgirl]

You know, if Byrnes didn't sit there watching it for five minutes, he might have made it to first.

[TeddysBonefish]

I'm here in Boulder and I can hear people screaming and fireworks outside (no couches on fire yet though).

Edited by TeddysBonefish, 16 October 2007 - 12:45 AM.

[mabrowndog]

UGH. I hate Todd Helton. I hope he slips on a banana and can't play.

GG, what's the origin of the Helton Hate? Just a division rivalry thing with your Giants?

[Wingack]

21 of 22. Can they make it 25 of 26?

[gaelgirl]

Did they just announce that Chevy's making a $1,000 donation to youth baseball? $1,000? Gee. I'm impressed with their generosity.

I must have misunderstood... it's $1,000 for each player or something, right? Fuck, Chevy probably makes $1,000 every 30 seconds.

[Talon]

this is sure to become a collectors item for years to come

[TeddysBonefish]

Byrnes STILL hasn't touched home.

[TheBoomah]

To Met fans everywhere:

says "Herro!"

[hunter05]

His dog is still floating around in the cove.

[gaelgirl]

GG, what's the origin of the Helton Hate? Just a division rivalry thing with your Giants?

Pretty much. I really dislike the Rockies, probably as much or more than anyone other than the Dodgers and Yankees. Not that I have a whole lot of goodwill stored up for the fucking Dbags, but I really do like Melvin and what he was able to do with a very young, very unheralded team.

The Rockies, on the other hand, are annoying and I have a very deep hatred for Clint Hurdle, who is an asshole.

[gaelgirl]

I am guessing Holliday for MVP?

[rembrat]

Watching a world series game be delayed because of snow will be fun.

[E5 Yaz]

Byrnes STILL hasn't touched home.

ummmm ... kay

[Lars The Wanderer]

I am guessing Holliday for MVP?

League and NLCS.

[asection8]

Someone get Tony Gwynn some Jenny Craig

[hunter05]

Why do people wave towels like that?

[gaelgirl]

I also, by the way, hate all these fake Colorado fans. Where are you in the middle of June for a mid-week game against the last-place Pirates or Giants? Fuck you.

[ExtremeR7]

What is Youkilis doing there holding a girl??

[E5 Yaz]

Why do people wave towels like that?

They're all French

[mabrowndog]

I have a very deep hatred for Clint Hurdle, who is an asshole.

Huh. That's a little surprising to hear.

[mbarrett]

If the Sox get to the WS, Gael Girl needs to write a tutorial on Hating the Rockies.
Hell, she should write one even if the Sox don't make it.

[hunter05]

They're all French

"SKLD:WHEKJT I might have just woken up everyone in my house.

[gaelgirl]

League and NLCS.

It would be really funny if he doesn't win the National League MVP.

"Praise God! Praise everybody who's in His stadium."

FOR FUCK'S SAKE!

[TheBoomah]

What a boring ownership group. Not a dentist, mobster or a GM that dresses like a gorilla among them.

[mabrowndog]

I hate live postseason awards orchestrated by the media. This is the most boring ceremony in the history of sports television. It's like a fucking pep rally.

The players have to keep their emotions bottled up instead of reveling in the moment and going nuts. What a crock of shit.

The way the Sox handled it is the way ALL teams should do it. Let Ernie Johnson fight for his 15-second interview while trying to stay dry in the locker room, and while his subject is interrupted by 40 different players, coaches and staff who want to give him a hug.

Way to destroy the spontaneity, you network assfucks.

Edited by mabrowndog, 16 October 2007 - 01:00 AM.

[mbarrett]

I completely agree Mabrowndog, but the Rockies must have agreed to the ceremony.

[mabrowndog]

Jesus. Look at the size of the trench coat Tony Gwynn is wearing.

Mother of God...

[gaelgirl]

Huh. That's a little surprising to hear.

There are some great quotes out there from him talking about how winning games isn't really the focus, it's more about getting his players experience. He plays petty little games like playing hard against one team and "just getting experience" against another. He shoplifts $2 worth of Valentine's Day goodies. He's a fucking moron.

Edited by gaelgirl, 16 October 2007 - 01:02 AM.

[hunter05]

The snakes on a plane sign was semi amusing

[gaelgirl]

As for celebrations, this is God's team. I doubt they even have beer or wine available.

[mabrowndog]

Cameras panning the crowd slowly, and there's a huge "Byrnes Sucks" sign. Hilarious.

I completely agree Mabrowndog, but the Rockies must have agreed to the ceremony.

No, the teams don't have a say in national network broadcasts. TBS calls all the shots as part of their contract. The only agreement came from Selig and his detestable band of cronies.

Edited by mabrowndog, 16 October 2007 - 01:06 AM.

[mbarrett]

[No, the teams don't have a say in national network broadcasts. TBS calls all the shots as part of their contract. The only agreement came from Selig and his detestable band of cronies.]

really? that's appalling.
Is that new? I recall seeing lots of champagne dousings in recent postseasons, that's why I'm wondering.

Edited by mbarrett, 16 October 2007 - 01:15 AM.

[gaelgirl]

I guess there *is* some bubbly available. That's good.

Clint Hurdle, in like 2004:
"It's not about, we have to win every game. We are going out there to do that, but not every game is a win or lose situation. You are picking your spots to build mind-sets and incorporate for the future."

Cars being overturned in Denver, etc. Looks like run-of-the-mill winning chaos.

Edited by gaelgirl, 16 October 2007 - 01:33 AM.

[Sam Ray Not]

Just chiming in full support of the gaelgirl position. I fvcking loathe the Rockies, and don't understand all the love they get in this forum. Plasticky newfangled team, ugly unis, bandwagon pseudo-fans. And of course, the main sticking point...

(Quotes from early in the season)

• Club President Keli McGregor: "Who knows where we go from here? The ability to handle success will be a big part of the story, too. There will be distractions. There will be things that can change people. But we truly do have something going on here. And [God's] using us in a powerful way."

• Clint Hurdle: "We're not going to hide [our zealotry]. We're not going to deny it. This is who we are."

• GM O'Dowd: "You look at things that have happened to us this year. You look at some of the moves we made and didn't make. You look at some of the games we're winning. Those aren't just a coincidence. God has definitely had a hand in this."

• CEO Monfort: "I don't want to offend anyone, but I think character-wise we're stronger than anyone in baseball. Christians, and what they've endured, are some of the strongest people in baseball. I believe God sends signs, and we're seeing those."

http://www.usatoday....ies-cover_x.htm
http://www.thenation.../20060619/zirin

Seriously, how can any enlightened secular person not want this team to lose in the most excruciating way possible? Other than the Yankees, they're the only MLB team I actively root against. On the bright side, there's no team I would relish trouncing in the WS more. To me it would be twice as satisfying as avenging our WS loss to the Mets. God's team losing to a team from Taxachusetts, run by a liberal Jew from Brookline? God, why hast thou forsaken us???

And if the Indians take us down -- even in the most heartbreaking fashion, with Wedge ordering his pitchers throw at Manny and Papi -- I'll be furiously rooting them on.

[mr guido]

I have to admit, I do get a kick out of gaelgirl's blind, irrational hatred of anything Rockies. It's like The Plant Lady and Randy Johnson / A-Rod / anyone who ever left the Mariners for another team.

I snuck into the ballpark on the way back from a birthday party where we watched the game. Pissed that my tix for game 5 are no good now, but it was worth it. Pretty great scene down there.

Edited by mr guido, 16 October 2007 - 01:56 AM.

[E5 Yaz]

Good for the Rockies. Not everyone, or every team, that believes God had a hand in their success is being holier-than-thou. It seems to be simply what they believe.

Some teams gain additional strength by not shaving. Others "Cowboy Up" or adopt a Rally Monkey, or decide to "Win It For ..." whoever. The Rockies obviously have a core that believes their faith helps propel them to victory.

To each their own

Edited by E5 Yaz, 16 October 2007 - 01:58 AM.

[TeddysBonefish]

Just chiming in full support of the gaelgirl position. I fvcking loathe the Rockies, and don't understand all the love they get in this forum. Plasticky newfangled team, ugly unis, bandwagon pseudo-fans. And of course, the main sticking point...

(Quotes from early in the season)

• Club President Keli McGregor: "Who knows where we go from here? The ability to handle success will be a big part of the story, too. There will be distractions. There will be things that can change people. But we truly do have something going on here. And [God's] using us in a powerful way."

• Clint Hurdle: "We're not going to hide [our zealotry]. We're not going to deny it. This is who we are."

• GM O'Dowd: "You look at things that have happened to us this year. You look at some of the moves we made and didn't make. You look at some of the games we're winning. Those aren't just a coincidence. God has definitely had a hand in this."

• CEO Monfort: "I don't want to offend anyone, but I think character-wise we're stronger than anyone in baseball. Christians, and what they've endured, are some of the strongest people in baseball. I believe God sends signs, and we're seeing those."

http://www.usatoday....ies-cover_x.htm
http://www.thenation.../20060619/zirin

Seriously, how can any enlightened secular person not want this team to lose in the most excruciating way possible? Other than the Yankees, they're the only MLB team I actively root against. On the bright side, there's no team I would relish trouncing in the WS more. To me it would be twice as satisfying as avenging our WS loss to the Mets. God's team losing to a team from Taxachusetts, run by a liberal Jew from Brookline? God, why hast thou forsaken us???

And if the Indians take us down -- even in the most heartbreaking fashion, with Wedge ordering his pitchers throw at Manny and Papi -- I'll be furiously rooting them on.

Wow, I think people like the Rockies because they are a good sports story. GaelGirl is just a bilious Giants fan but your ongoing anti-Christian crusade is a bit odd. I'll root for the team on the field if they play good baseball be they Christian, Muslim, Hare Krishna, whatever as long as they don't let their religion/race/culture get in the way of the game. Shilling is a bible beater... so what? I respect him as an athlete and I respect that he can have his own politics. I love that when the game is on on the field all that garbage goes away. You should listen to what you are saying because it really doesn't sound all that different from the right wingers.

Are you rooting against the guy who says this?

"I do it normally, just to thank God and thanks to my mom, too."

[TeddysBonefish]

Good for the Rockies. Not everyone, or every team, that believes God had a hand in their success is being holier-than-thou. It seems to be simply what they believe.

Some teams gain additional strength by not shaving. Others "Cowboy Up" or adopt a Rally Monkey, or decide to "Win It For ..." whoever. The Rockies obviously have a core that believes their faith helps propel them to victory.

To each their own

Amen.

[LateRally]

oh for the love of god please shut the fuck up

[Sam Ray Not]

Wow, I think people like the Rockies because they are a good sports story. GaelGirl is just a bilious Giants fan but your ongoing anti-Christian crusade is a bit odd. I'll root for the team on the field if they play good baseball be they Christian, Muslim, Hare Krishna, whatever as long as they don't let their religion/race/culture get in the way of the game. Shilling is a bible beater... so what? I respect him as an athlete and I respect that he can have his own politics. I love that when the game is on on the field all that garbage goes away. You should listen to what you are saying because it really doesn't sound all that different from the right wingers.

Are you rooting against the guy who says this?

"I do it normally, just to thank God and thanks to my mom, too."

Ouch. Point taken. I didn't realize my two or three posts on the matter constituted an "ongoing crusade," but if you're keeping tabs on me, I see how it could be annoying. Sorry for the repetition. A few parting thoughts in my defense before I shut up on the subject (I'm assuming LateRally's gentle request was directed to me):

1. Obviously I have nothing against Schilling's faith or the guy who says "thank God and thanks to my mom, too." Do you not see the difference between these things and the people in charge of the team saying "I think character-wise we're stronger than anyone in baseball" or "I believe God sends signs, and we're seeing those"? I think this kind of talk isn't really appropriate for civilized discourse. I would be just as appalled if they said "we're a muslim team, and our faith in Allah makes us stronger than anyone in baseball" or "we're an atheist team, our lack of reliance on God makes us stronger than anyone in baseball." I worry that, coming from the owners of the team, it might have the effect of browbeating those who don't fall into line. Former Giant/Rockie Marc Sweeney put it well: "You wonder if some people are going along with it just to keep their jobs. Look, I pray every day. I have faith. It's always been part of my life. But I don't want something forced on me. Do they really have to check to see whether I have a Playboy in my locker?"

2. My intent certainly wasn't to be "anti-Christian" (for the record, I'm a half-assed Christian/half-assed Jew/full-assed atheist). Mostly I wanted to voice support for Gaelgirl, who seemed to be twisting in the wind a bit. Having lived half my life in the Bay Area, I guess I've developed a kind of kinship for what I imagine to be the counter-cultural, Bay Area "bilious Giants-fan" subgroup on this site: Bong, Brohammer, Gaelgirl, et al. Somehow they tend to voice my thoughts and feelings in a way the mainstream of this site doesn't always. (Whether they want me in their fraternity is another issue...)
.
3. As I mentioned the first time I got called out, this is a game thread, fanatical by definition. At some level all sports fandom is nutty and arbitrary. In the absence of the usual rooting interests (place of birth, e.g.), we all look for reasons to root for one team or the other. Maybe "a good sports story" is a better reason than disliking the owners' politics; the problem in my case is that the "good sports story" is actually a negative, since I instinctively root against the teams the mainstream sports media wants us to love (the Cubs, for example). Throw in the pious Christian garbage and the bad unis, and I have myself a full-fledged sports villain. It doesn't mean I actually think they're horrible people who hate puppies.

OK, I'm off the soapbox now. Sorry again if it seemed like I was preaching; I won't bring it up again. Go American League.

Edited by Sam Ray Not, 16 October 2007 - 06:59 AM.

[MentalDisabldLst]

the problem in my case is that the "good sports story" is actually a negative, since I instinctively root against the teams the mainstream sports media wants us to love (the Cubs, for example).

dude, I agree with the rest of your points, but we don't need the media to tell us that a team who's won 21 of 22 games at the end of the season, 7 of them in the postseason (thereby double-sweeping their way to a Pennant) is a good sports story. I'm sorry. That's about as movie-cliche as you get, and it's right there for us to see. Rooting for them isn't being a sheep, it's being a sports fan.

I can see your point of view, I might even agree with it, but stop trying to paint those who disagree with you as somehow brainwashed ESPN flunkies. Come the fuck on.

Edited by MentalDisabldLst, 16 October 2007 - 07:42 AM.

[Sam Ray Not]

dude, I agree with the rest of your points, but we don't need the media to tell us that a team who's won 21 of 22 games at the end of the season, 7 of them in the postseason (thereby double-sweeping their way to a Pennant) is a good sports story. I'm sorry. That's about as movie-cliche as you get, and it's right there for us to see. Rooting for them isn't being a sheep, it's being a sports fan.

I can see your point of view, I might even agree with it, but stop trying to paint those who disagree with you as somehow brainwashed ESPN flunkies. Come the fuck on.

Ouch again. I think I must have a problem modulating my cyber-tone this week: it keeps provoking replies that I wouldn't have imagined. Honestly, I'm not trying to "paint" anything but a self-portrait of my own personal sports biases. Anyway, I said I'd shut up on the matter, and I fear I've led this thread astray. Feel free to PM me if you want to continue along these lines.

Edit: on topic, "the Indians' first title since '48" is also a pretty damn good story. Plus Dennis Kucinich would love it...

Edited by Sam Ray Not, 16 October 2007 - 09:41 AM.

[Fratboy]

Count me firmly in the anti-Rockies camp. They're attributing their wise decision to invest heavily in their player development system as divine providence rather than simply good baseball sense, and I loathe the inclusion of religious, rather than moral, principles as a part of corporate strategy and philosophy.

May the moral Jews, mainstream Christians, and secularists from Boston or Cleveland roundly defeat the hubristic Bible-thumpers from the mountains.

[LateRally]

(I'm assuming LateRally's gentle request was directed to me)

Actually no, not at all.


Though it was the alcohol talking in any case.

[I hear rings]

What did that asshat Byrnes do this time to make another opposing fanbase hate him?

Said that they had little skill, just lucky breaks. That wil pi$s a fan base off who won 21 of 22.

[rembrat]

Said that they had little skill, just lucky breaks. That wil pi$s a fan base off who won 21 of 22.

It especially pissed God off.

[ColoradoJack]

I have a very deep hatred for Clint Hurdle, who is an asshole.

i know i'm a little late replying but i can't let this statement go....i have met clint hurdle, talked to him for several hours after the Rockies clinched their playoff spot in '95 (he was their minor-league hitting instructor at the time).....back then he was quite the partier, believe me, and one of the nicest people i've ever met.....

your complaint that he has been using seasons past to improve his young team as the front office built the farm season simply doesn't hold water....the Rockies' sudden success only underlines the effectiveness of this prudent, patient approach to winning baseball games on the major league level.....

on the flip side of that is what was the face of your ball club for 15 years, barry bonds, who I've had the great misfortune of meeting personally as well...GG that is fucking asshole....

BTW, the Giants were always my favorite NL club when i was growing up....in fact Bobby Bonds was my favorite player but since meeting his son I've maintained a healthy scorn for them and their myopic fans.....

I also, by the way, hate all these fake Colorado fans. Where are you in the middle of June for a mid-week game against the last-place Pirates or Giants? Fuck you.

this i can agree with......a good 90% of them couldn't give you their batting order from Monday's game.....

Edited by ColoradoJack, 18 October 2007 - 11:54 AM.

[RedSoxinIsrael]

LOCK THE SUBFORUM.