PHILADELPHIA - Proof that major league baseball is run by a bunch of buffoons came at midnight when the suspended game notes were handed out.
At the bottom of the sheet, the powers that be maybe thought it was cute or even pithy to include Koppett’s Law.
“Whatever creates the greatest inconvenience for the largest number of people is guaranteed to happen.”
Yeah, that’s what the suspension of Game 5 was, inconvenient.
Inconvenience was why the Phillies clubhouse all but boiled over after the game. Inconvenience was why what began as a day not of hope, but of destiny quickly dissipated into disgust and bursts of anger directed at the television where Commissioner Bud Selig held a press conference on why Game 5, tied at 2-2, was suspended in the middle of the sixth inning.
“That (expletive deleted) guy,” one pitcher said as he saw commissioner Bud Selig before walking out the back door of the clubhouse. “I wouldn’t let him supervise one of my (bowel movements). He has no clue. Not one (expletive deleted) clue.”
“(Expletive deleted),” one position player said in the direction of one television pausing only for a moment before leaving. “He’s a moron. How stupid can one person be?”
Well, pretty stupid if this night was any indication.
Compounding matters, several national media members couldn’t figure out why the players were so upset? The game was still tied and really how could it continued to be played.
Well:
1. Hamels is now done. He won’t be available to finish this game despite a low pitch count. It’s a stretch to believe that he will be ready for Game 7 even if this game resumes on Wednesday. That means three days of rest and we know the history on that one.
2. The Phillies held a 2-1 lead heading into the sixth as the rain continued to fall and rivers formed throughout the infield. The grounds crew - already working beyond the call of duty - did their best but as the inning wore on the field worsened. B.J. Upton hit an infield single that Jimmy Rollins had in the tip of his glove. Normal conditions, inning over. In these, Upton reached base, stole second and then scored on a flare into left field.
3. Tampa can start David Price tomorrow or whenever this game resumes. The Phillies have already indicated they will begin with their bullpen. that favors the Rays as Price can go multiple innings.
4. The emotions of the crowd will be diminished and it will be interesting to see how many fans can and will show up.
5. If this series goes back to Tampa, James Shields and Matt Garza will get the starts and they have been very good at home this year.
“I feel really bad for Cole,” catcher Carlos Ruiz said. “He was pitching well even though the ball was tough to grip. I don;t know why we started that inning. I don’t understand this at all.”
He’s far from alone.
October 28th, 2008 at 11:01 am
I just hope they don’t play again until it’s clear. F’ it, wait ’til Thursday. Then, worst case scenario, we have Hamels back for Game 7. I’ve been a fan for a long time and I’ve never experienced anything like this. It’s like those stupid Miller Lite commericals when time is frozen.
October 28th, 2008 at 11:03 am
And by the way, just keep in mind that this is all - and I mean ALL - playing out this way because of money. $$$$$$$$$.
October 28th, 2008 at 11:05 pm
WOW…just wow. wowowowowwwwwwwwwwwww. Get your batteries, beers, and boos ready for Bud Selig if he ends up showing his rotten face on that field after the end of the “game”. Could Philly be any more raped by the situation?