The National League needs to make a move soon. Maybe Utley can go yard.
Some thoughts from the middle innings:
- Is there a warning in the tale of Dan Haren and Co. for Mark Mulder with what the Phillies could do with Roy Halladay. The Oakland right was on his way to the Hall of Fame when he was traded to St. Louis. Since then, Mulder's career has been derailed while Haren has been a three time All Star, winning 68 games. Could J.A. Happ do the similar things? It's possible. But right now, if Halladay is there for the taking, the Phillies should grab him.
- Jeff brought up David Wright's work as a pitchman. Remember, Jeff, he has a huge amount of stock in the company.
- Someone needs to tell Carl Crawford to shave his ministache. It's rough. Really rough.
- What a play by Chase Utley. Of course, Hanley Ramirez' stretch was as important. No word on that by Timmy McCarver. Of course, we had to bring up Timmy Mac, who should just retire. He's become a complete caricature of himself in the booth. The sad thing is when he does interviews he's insightful.
- Can't help but wonder if Derek is wearing his thong.
- Is it just me, or is the National League swinging very early in the count? Call these guys the Jimmy Rollins.
- I'm not one to talk, but the ESPN headline right now says "Shinning in St. Louis" Groundskeeper Willie says: "Do you want us to get sued, lad." Anyway, the best part is Molly looked at it and said, "You didn't do that did you?"
Gotta love the confidence. - That "It's all about the Buffalo's, Baby" Taco Bell commercial lasted longer than Todd Van Poppel's career.
I didn't know David Wright had stock there too (he's got to be this generation's Ty Cobb). But if he really wanted to make money, he would hire someone a bit more charismatic and a bit less mosey.
There's nothing wrong with a little stachè.
The NL only has a 31 percent chance of victory heading to the bottom of the 8th. Not good:
http://www.fangraphs.com/livewins.aspx?gameid=290714132
Oddly enough, if the NL were to take the lead, its percentage chance of victory would rise. www.statisticalprobability.com.
Tim McCarver is using Ryan Zimmerman's donation of $250,000 to the University of Virginia's baseball program to highlight the generosity of players?
Did UVA's science department say it didn't need any more money? Did southeast D.C. have all it's ills remedied before Zimmerman cut his check?
I don't say this to bash Zimmerman. It's his cash, he can spend it however he wants. I haven't seen his tax returns, but he probably gives to other worthy organizations as well. But McCarver shouldn't hold him up for all that's sacred. He's buying aluminium bats and jockstraps for his alma mater. Maybe it would be better to highlight charitable work that, you know, helps save lives.
If experience has taught me anything, it's to ignore internet trolls.
For those who don't like graphs, here's the statistical breakdown: http://www.fangraphs.com/liveplays.aspx?gameid=290714132
NL down to a 21 percent chance of victory.
Flash: NL chance of victory decreases to zero percent.