“ARE YOU CRYING? There's no crying! THERE'S NO CRYING IN BASEBALL!”
Tom Hanks’ memorable line does not hold true for the heavens above, as they opened up and God’s tears poured onto Citizens Bank Park below. Or Mother Nature’s tears, depending on which one you think hates Bud Selig more.
What a bizarre chapter in what has been a relatively uneventful Series. Should Game 5 have been played? Should it have been called before the fifth inning ended? Should it have been suspended before the Rays tied the game in the sixth? At that point, nobody knew that Selig wasn’t going to let the Series be decided by an abbreviated rain-out.
More importantly, I’m pretty sure that most bettors didn’t realize the rule that the score at the end of the last completed inning is what would stand, as opposed to the 2-2 tie when the game was called. Rays backers’ disappointment was only matched by Philly backers’ pleasant surprise.
Between the rain game, the horrible job by the umpiring crew, and the Rays not showing up, this contest has been lacking in excitement.
So why do I still possess a sliver of hope for my Rays Series wagers? This team could have three depressing innings remaining, or they could have 21. Given their theatrics, they could possibly have 30! Who knows? What I do know, is that they somehow survived Cole Hamels, and are this close to taking this back to Florida. It’s quite possible that Grant Balfour could be facing pinch hitter Matt Stairs when the game resumes. There is at least one out. Baby steps.
Wednesday night at 8:37 pm EST this game will resume, weather permitting. The Phillies are favored at -160.
Some other thoughts and reflections with Mr. Tom Hanks:
“Men under strain can snap. Hurt themselves. Hurt others.” – The Green Mile.
For baseball commissioner Bud Selig who has been catching blame from all sides. It seems like he could do no right here. Watching him snap would be pretty funny though.
“Well when I think of home, I... I think of something specific. I think of my, my hammock in the backyard or my wife pruning the rosebushes in a pair of my old work gloves.” – Saving Private Ryan
For the Rays and their fans. The bland, domed confines of The Trop never sounded so appealing as they do right now.
“This is a perfect time to panic!” – Toy Story
For me and my wagers: Rays to win World Series at +605 (at beginning of playoffs), Rays to win the World Series at -145 and Rays to win in seven games at +365. COME ON RAYS!!!
“All right, there's a thousand things that have to happen in order. We are on number eight.” – Apollo 13
This goes to the Rays, who need to concentrate on one thing at a time…beginning with a strikeout of Matt Stairs.
“Now you wouldn't believe me if I told you, but I could run like the wind blows. From that day on, if I was ever going somewhere, I was running!” – Forrest Gump
To the Ray’s speedy baserunners. B.J. Upton hydroplaned to Tampa Bay’s most important stolen base in their franchise’s history on Monday night en route to the tying run. Jason Bartlett earned everyone in the country a free 79 cent taco in Game One. The Rays stole more bases than anyone else this year, and they have to keep sending Upton and Crawford every time like there is no tomorrow.
Run BJ! Run!!
“Just a little while longer Freddo. Just a little while longer…” – Apollo 13
For the umpiring crew allowing the game to be played during a downpour just long enough for the Rays to tie the game. At that point, I wasn’t sure that a rain-out wouldn’t end the Series.
“Stupid is as stupid does.” – Forrest Gump
This one is for the umpiring crew as well, with several blown calls. What is this…the NFL???
“Mama always had a way of explaining things so I could understand them.” – Forrest Gump
To L.T. Profits, who was there to inform the confused masses right away how the game five payouts would work. Whether they wanted to hear the news or not is a different story.
“I don't know if we each have a destiny, or if we're all just floatin' around accidental-like on a breeze. But I, I think maybe it's both.” – Forrest Gump
With the floods having a definite effect on Jimmy Rollins fielding a few balls, and probably Hamels pitches, this game could easily still be 2-0 Philly.
“They're sendin' me to Vietnam... It's this whole 'nuther country.” – Forrest Gump
The extra night layover forced the Rays to stay in a hotel in Wilmington, DE. That probably doubled the state’s populace.
“One day it started raining, and it didn't quit for four months. We been through every kind of rain there is. Little bitty stingin' rain... and big ol' fat rain. Rain that flew in sideways. And sometimes rain even seemed to come straight up from underneath.” – Forrest Gump
I enjoy playing in the rain. I do not enjoy betting on teams playing in the rain.
“Well, I could certainly use the money.” – A League of Their Own
FOX execs can’t be too happy about this.
“Uh, Lord, hallowed be Thy name. May our feet be swift; may our bats be mighty; may our balls... be plentiful.” – A League of Their Own
There are potentially three innings left in the season. Longoria is batting .053. Pena is hitting .125. Crawford and Iwamura are both at .222. With the delay, Hamels would be available again if needed in this series. A little prayer is definitely in need.
Still rainin’ boss
“What did you do, big boy? What did you do to me?” – The Green Mile
Right fielder Jayson Werth has been fantastic for Philadelphia. In this series he is hitting .438, with three doubles, six walks, scoring four times and stealing two bases. Possible MVP?
“On the day of my judgment, when I stand before God, and He asks me why did I kill one of his true miracles, what am I gonna say? That it was my job? My job?” – The Green Mile
To the Phillies. How could you think about ruining this worst-to-first dream season for the Rays? Shame on you.
“That's all I have to say about that.” – Forrest Gump
That’s all I have to say about that.
Tom Hanks’ memorable line does not hold true for the heavens above, as they opened up and God’s tears poured onto Citizens Bank Park below. Or Mother Nature’s tears, depending on which one you think hates Bud Selig more.
Jimmy Dugan was wrong
What a bizarre chapter in what has been a relatively uneventful Series. Should Game 5 have been played? Should it have been called before the fifth inning ended? Should it have been suspended before the Rays tied the game in the sixth? At that point, nobody knew that Selig wasn’t going to let the Series be decided by an abbreviated rain-out.
More importantly, I’m pretty sure that most bettors didn’t realize the rule that the score at the end of the last completed inning is what would stand, as opposed to the 2-2 tie when the game was called. Rays backers’ disappointment was only matched by Philly backers’ pleasant surprise.
Between the rain game, the horrible job by the umpiring crew, and the Rays not showing up, this contest has been lacking in excitement.
So why do I still possess a sliver of hope for my Rays Series wagers? This team could have three depressing innings remaining, or they could have 21. Given their theatrics, they could possibly have 30! Who knows? What I do know, is that they somehow survived Cole Hamels, and are this close to taking this back to Florida. It’s quite possible that Grant Balfour could be facing pinch hitter Matt Stairs when the game resumes. There is at least one out. Baby steps.
Wednesday night at 8:37 pm EST this game will resume, weather permitting. The Phillies are favored at -160.
Some other thoughts and reflections with Mr. Tom Hanks:
“Men under strain can snap. Hurt themselves. Hurt others.” – The Green Mile.
For baseball commissioner Bud Selig who has been catching blame from all sides. It seems like he could do no right here. Watching him snap would be pretty funny though.
“Well when I think of home, I... I think of something specific. I think of my, my hammock in the backyard or my wife pruning the rosebushes in a pair of my old work gloves.” – Saving Private Ryan
For the Rays and their fans. The bland, domed confines of The Trop never sounded so appealing as they do right now.
“This is a perfect time to panic!” – Toy Story
For me and my wagers: Rays to win World Series at +605 (at beginning of playoffs), Rays to win the World Series at -145 and Rays to win in seven games at +365. COME ON RAYS!!!
“All right, there's a thousand things that have to happen in order. We are on number eight.” – Apollo 13
This goes to the Rays, who need to concentrate on one thing at a time…beginning with a strikeout of Matt Stairs.
“Now you wouldn't believe me if I told you, but I could run like the wind blows. From that day on, if I was ever going somewhere, I was running!” – Forrest Gump
To the Ray’s speedy baserunners. B.J. Upton hydroplaned to Tampa Bay’s most important stolen base in their franchise’s history on Monday night en route to the tying run. Jason Bartlett earned everyone in the country a free 79 cent taco in Game One. The Rays stole more bases than anyone else this year, and they have to keep sending Upton and Crawford every time like there is no tomorrow.
Run BJ! Run!!
“Just a little while longer Freddo. Just a little while longer…” – Apollo 13
For the umpiring crew allowing the game to be played during a downpour just long enough for the Rays to tie the game. At that point, I wasn’t sure that a rain-out wouldn’t end the Series.
“Stupid is as stupid does.” – Forrest Gump
This one is for the umpiring crew as well, with several blown calls. What is this…the NFL???
“Mama always had a way of explaining things so I could understand them.” – Forrest Gump
To L.T. Profits, who was there to inform the confused masses right away how the game five payouts would work. Whether they wanted to hear the news or not is a different story.
“I don't know if we each have a destiny, or if we're all just floatin' around accidental-like on a breeze. But I, I think maybe it's both.” – Forrest Gump
With the floods having a definite effect on Jimmy Rollins fielding a few balls, and probably Hamels pitches, this game could easily still be 2-0 Philly.
“They're sendin' me to Vietnam... It's this whole 'nuther country.” – Forrest Gump
The extra night layover forced the Rays to stay in a hotel in Wilmington, DE. That probably doubled the state’s populace.
“One day it started raining, and it didn't quit for four months. We been through every kind of rain there is. Little bitty stingin' rain... and big ol' fat rain. Rain that flew in sideways. And sometimes rain even seemed to come straight up from underneath.” – Forrest Gump
I enjoy playing in the rain. I do not enjoy betting on teams playing in the rain.
“Well, I could certainly use the money.” – A League of Their Own
FOX execs can’t be too happy about this.
“Uh, Lord, hallowed be Thy name. May our feet be swift; may our bats be mighty; may our balls... be plentiful.” – A League of Their Own
There are potentially three innings left in the season. Longoria is batting .053. Pena is hitting .125. Crawford and Iwamura are both at .222. With the delay, Hamels would be available again if needed in this series. A little prayer is definitely in need.
Still rainin’ boss
“What did you do, big boy? What did you do to me?” – The Green Mile
Right fielder Jayson Werth has been fantastic for Philadelphia. In this series he is hitting .438, with three doubles, six walks, scoring four times and stealing two bases. Possible MVP?
“On the day of my judgment, when I stand before God, and He asks me why did I kill one of his true miracles, what am I gonna say? That it was my job? My job?” – The Green Mile
To the Phillies. How could you think about ruining this worst-to-first dream season for the Rays? Shame on you.
“That's all I have to say about that.” – Forrest Gump
That’s all I have to say about that.
