2008 World Series Game 1 Live

8:00 PM (All times local game time) Pre-Game: Welcome to This and That in the Morning...I'm This Guy. That Guy will be joining us soon (I think). Sit back, relax, pull up a chair, and enjoy our musings for this Game 1 of the 2008 World Series.

8:04 PM Pre-Game: Just a heads up-- I'm pretty sure I hate Joe Buck and Tim McCarver.

8:08 PM Pre-Game: Once you get past the extreme close-ups and rediculously crazy-loud crowd noise, Fox puts on a pretty good production. I have appreciated the music they've used during the playoffs. It's classy and I would even go as far as to say it's a risky choice.

Player Introductions: How do you boo Chase Utley? I'm not sure even Philly fans would be booing during the player introductions of the 1st game of the World Series. And what's with the damn cowbells? That's not normal at a baseball game. Sounds more like something a soccer game would have. We won't even discuss that any further.

I wish both teams the best. Above all (other than a Phils win) I hope for a good series. This looks on paper like it will be one.

National Anthem: Interesting.

8:31 Pre-Game: So Vegas odds of 155-1. That's a pretty good bet if you made it. I don't believe I would have. McCarver was a little better tonight, during NLCS pre-series comments he stated that there was a huge drop-off in talent from Cole Hamels to the rest of the Phillies starters. Now he says there's more of a drop-off for the Phillies than the Rays. I don't disagree with him. I just found it crazy how much he iterated how bad of a drop-off they had from Hamels to Myers. It's going to be a long series having to listen to them.

8:36 Pre-Game: Last comments before the first pitch. As That Guy's Daughter would say, "GO PHILLIES."

Phillies 0, Rays 0 1 Out Top 1:
Nice to see Rollins get the team off to a good start.

Phillies 2, Rays 0, 1 Out, Top 1:
Now that's a way to get ahead. I guess bunting may not have been Utley's best idea. First official "Get Out" of the WS from This Guy's house. It won't be the last.

Phillies 2, Rays 0, 3 Outs, Bottom 1:
There goes that first mistake of the WS. Nice turn by Rollins-- where was Upton out of the box?

Phillies 2, Rays 0, 1 Out, Top 2:
Would we have gotten two free tacos had they actually been able to execute the double steal? I guess we'll never know.

Phillies 2, Rays 0, 3 Out, Mid 2:
This Guy's comments seemed to wipe mine out. Why can't Jimmy hit a fly ball deep enough for a sac fly?

Phillies 2, Rays 0, Mid 2:
You play the 3rd base coach. Do you send Victorino there?

Phillies 2, Rays 0, 0 Out, Bottom 2:
It's early, why not? How could a guy named Steve Smith be wrong?

Phillies 2, Rays 0, 1 Out, Bottom 2:
Good point. You're up 2 runs and it's only the 2nd inning. I don't want to jinx things... but Mr. Hamels is looking quite tough tonight.

Phillies 2, Rays 0, 3 Outs, Bottom 2:
I think Mr. Longoria and Mr. Aybar haven't seen a change-up quite like his. Good start. How long do you think he can go? He's not throwing as many pitches as I've seen him throw.

Phillies 2, Rays 0, End of 2:
That's a great point. Let's just shoot for a solid 7 innings and let the back end of the bullpen take it over. Am I the only one that freaks out when everyone keeps mentioning the fact that Brad Lidge has been perfect all season?

Phillies 2, Rays 0, 0 Outs, Top3:
Ken Rosenthal= bad on TV. Not bad in print, but please, does he have to be in on the coverage? Chris Myers is a pretty decent interviewer. I freak out when Lidge comes into the game. Why do they keep ruining the free tacos???

Phillies 2, Rays 0, 1 Out, Top 3:
Look at that shift? Have you ever seen that? And who wants to be the first basemen in with Ryan Howard at bat?

Phillies 2, Rays 0, 3 Outs, Top 3:
That was a unique defensive alignment. Has Howard ever heard of put the ball in play? Some of those stats were impressive, though. A-Rod is 40 RBIs behind him in the past 3 yrs. Can the Phils win without Howard and Burrell hitting?

Phillies 2, Rays 0, 3 Outs, Top 3:
That is a great question. Is anyone starting to get worried about all these runners left in scoring position. I am surprised Phillie hater McCarver hasn't mentioned it yet. And by the way, how does a guy like that become a Philly hater. Did the fans hurt his feelings or something?

Phillies 2, Rays 0, 1 Out, Bottom 3:
Funny you should mention that. tonight on PTI he actually said he enjoyed playing in Philadelphia. Buck then made a wisecrack that he knew who McCarver was rooting for. I found that quite ironic.

Phillies 2, Rays 0, 1 Out, Bottom 3:
Hamels is starting to miss up in the zone. Not getting worried just yet, but is it possible that this 23 year old may start acting like he's only 23?

Phillies 2, Rays 0, 1 Out, Bottom 3:
McCarver simply doesn't pay attention. The pitch to Zobrist right after the first curveball, was another curveball. PAY ATTENTION!!! Jackass.

Phillies 2, Rays 0, 1 Out, Bottom 3:
How about that fist pump from Ryan Howard. Good to see that these guys are fired up as well. I guess Feliz is worth it for his glove after all.

Phillies 2, Rays 0, End of 3:
Quick question... do old dudes like me get in for free at Disney World on their birthdays or is it just the little kids?

Phillies 2, Rays 0, Top 4:
Pretty sure you get in for free as well. Just have to bring the family and still go down $400 without the cost of getting down there. Victorino is impressive.

Phillies 2, Rays 0, Top 4:
Yes, very impressive for a waiver guy. Did that pitch actually brush the ground and still get called a strike?

Phillies 2, Rays 0, Top 4:
Free taco anyone?

Phillies 2, Rays 0, 0 Outs, Top 4:
I don't even like Taco Bell. I just like the stolen base. I'm going to need a codeword to bitch about McCarver. It's just going to happen too often.

Phillies 3, Rays 0, 2 Outs, Top 4:
I suggest Square Face. How is it possible, that the strike zone keeps expanding each inning?

Phillies 3, Rays 0, 3 Outs, Top 4:
Okay, so we have Big Head and Square Face calling the game for FOX. Big Head references Buck's ego, just in case you didn't know. I sure hope Rollins gets the hang of this hitting thing. 0 for 8 with RISP for the playoffs isn't good.

Philies 3, Rays 0, 2 Outs, Bottom 4:
Big Head and Square Face. Kind of sounds like a cartoon show? I am surprised that Fox hasn't thought of that already. Too bad Charlie doesn't do those interviews. Crap... there goes the shutout.

Phillies 3, Rays 1, 3 Outs, Bottom 4:
I didn't hear Square Face correctly there. Did he say at first it was a change-up? Or did he say he feels the curveball is the most dangerous pitch to a left-hander from a southpaw? Either way he's an idiot. That was a nice piece of hitting by Crawford. I wasn't expecting this team to be shutout.

Phillies 3, Rays 1, Top 5:
You heard him correctly on the curveball thing. And according to Square Face, it wasn't that great of hitting because that curveball is the easiest thing to hit for lefthander. By the way, am I drunk or does Joe Maddon have a faux hawk?

Phillies 3, Rays 1, 1 Out, Top 5:
I'm pretty sure you're drunk...but that's besides the point. He probably does have a RayHawk as they're calling it.

Phillies 3, Rays 1, 2 Out, Top 5:
Either way, he is too old for a hawk anything. Phillies need to take advantage of this mistake... even with 2 outs.

Phillies 3, Rays 1, 0 Outs, Bottom 5:
Question with this replay thingy that now exits. If a ball seems to hit one of these things (catwalks) protruding from the ceiling of this baseball stadium...do they replay it in case there's a question?

Phillies 3, Rays 1, 1 Out, Bottom 5:
I would think they have to go to the replay. I am not sure that any camera would be able to catch it though. That's got to be very difficult to track a fly ball in that place. Wouldn't it be cool, if some kid got stung by a sting ray right on national television?

Phillies 3, Rays 1, 2 Outs, Bottom 5:
I'm not sure about cool, but it would probably cause them to rethink the tank. I would think they aren't the type of rays that sting. I would like to see it though.

Phillies 3, Rays 1, 2 Outs, Bottom 5:
Ok, I realize that Brett Myers isn't Sandy Koufax or anything, but if Square Face says one more time about a drop off. I am going to fly to St. Pete and just beat the crap out of him. There's your taco.

Phillies 3, Rays 2, 2 Outs, Bottom 5:
That's why you can't walk the 9 batter. Especially since Iwamura is Ty Cobb. Think I can auction off my free taco on ebay?

Phillies 3, Rays 2, 3 Outs, End of 5:
Seeing how everyone in America gets one, you might have a hard time getting much for it. But hey, go for it and see what happens. I have been known to be wrong in the past. Here's where 5 or 6 to 2 would be much better. If the Phillies lose this game, then they only have themselves (mainly Jimmy Rollins, Ryan Howard, Pat Burrell) to blame.

Phillies 3, Rays 2, 0 Outs, Top 6:
Do you agree with Coste as DH in this game?

Phillies 3, Rays 2, 1 Outs, Top 6:
I'm not a fan of making a big deal out of the lefty/righty match up, which this clearly was. I do feel Coste deserved a chance to play at some point. I probably would have used Dobbs- who has also earned it.

Phillies 3, Rays 2, Mid 6:
I agree with you on the lefty/right match up, but apparently we are only the two people in the world who feel that way (well, actually Grace doesn't really get the whole obsession with getting that match up either. But she is a traditionalist and hates the DH, Astroturf and the Wild Card as well). Again, the leadoff man gets on and they get nothing. At least Jimmy hit the ball hard this time.

Phillies 3, Rays 2, 1 Out, Bottom 6:
Howard was bailed out there. That was a heck of a tag by Rollins. I think it was a pretty good non-call on a balk. It was close, but Square Face's comment on you can't deceive the runner is especially interesting considering the runner was already running therefore can't be deceived.

Phillies 3, Rays 2, End 6:
I was thinking the exact same thing. Kind of hard to be deceived when you weren't even looking in his direction. Don't get me wrong. I love Ryan Howard. But he's going to have to step up very soon.

Phillies 3, Rays 2 1 Out, Top 7:
Since Square Face doesn't know what a read is, I'll explain. A read is when a left-handed pitcher waits to decide to throw to first or home based on what the runner does-- he's reading the runner. Hamels doesn't do that. He decides before delivering the ball whether he's going to first or home. The Rays have scouted that and know he doesn't read runners, therefore they're running on first movement.

Phillies 3, Rays 2, 2 Out, Top 7:
What is wrong with Ryan Howard?
Apparently everything.

Phillies 3, Rays 2, 2 Out, Top 7: it's the SprintPCS call to the bullpen.
Well, if I asked you who would have the most RBI's for the Phillies by game 1 of the WS before the playoffs started, who would you have said?

Phillies 3, Rays 2, 2 Out, Top 7:
Utley, Howard, Burrell. Let's see if he can add one more to the mix.

Phillies 3, Rays 2 Mid 7: Stretch time
Don't swing at the high ones. Name the movie.

Phillies 3, Rays 2 Mid 7: Stretch time
I hate to say it, but I am not positive on that one. As a consolation, here's some stretch entertainment.

Phillies 3, Rays 2, 1 Out Bottom 7:
We'll open it up to the listene-- I mean readers. First to comment with the answer gets something-- we'll figure it out later. Thanks for the music.

Phillies 3, Rays 2, End 7:
Excuse me while a charge my battery. And that is not a euphemism. I'll be back online in a second.

Phillies 3, Rays 2, Mid 8:
I'll admit it, I'm nervous. Everybody has been praising the Phillies 8th and 9th inning. Let's see how they'll hold up. This is great! I'm getting tired of seeing Chevy Chase jump into the pool.

Phillies 3, Rays 2, Top 8:
Just like that other annoying Direct TV commercial with the Coach. I'm baaack! Ryan Madson has definitely shown his stuff in the LCS. Let's hope it continues. Remember when he was a struggling starter?

Phillies 3, Rays 2, 1 Out, Bottom 8:
Hey Square Face, first pitch to Iwamura was a slider-- I think that's a breaking ball?!

Phillies 3, Rays 2, 1 Out, Bottom 8:
So who in the production department decided that 96 mph and higher deserves a flame display on the Fox Box. Why not 95... 95 seems pretty damn hard to me as well.

Phillies 3, Rays 2, 2 Outs, Bottom 8:
I'm pretty sure anything over 90 deserves a flame. I can't hit that--I've faced it. Not easy. Wasn't it the Rays who drafted Matt White from Waynesboro Highschool? Yeah, I foul-tipped him!

Phillies 3, Rays 2, End 8:
Ok, would it kill you guys to just give Lidge an extra run or two cushion. I mean, my old heart won't be able to take another bases loaded jam. I mean did we really need another Mitchypoo?

Phillies 3, Rays 2, 1 Out, Top 9:
Now, what would a Phillies post-season be without a little 9th inning drama?

Phillies 3, Rays 2, 1 Out, Top 9:
Can anyone explain to me why Square Face sits up so high and smug little Big Head just sits down there low. Can't they at least be on the same level when they take that shot? Damn that is annoying. Why do I hate them so much? Oh, I know why. Because they SUCK! Oh yeah, how about that Jayson Werth?

Phillies 3, Rays 2, 1 Out, Top 9:
Well That Guy was able to erase my last post, which said basically the same thing about their booth shot. It also said that someone needs to tell Big Head that it's an automatic double. A ground rule double, would be if a pop-up or fly-ball hits one of those crazy catwalks.

Phillies 3, Rays 2, 2 Outs, Top 9: Howard officially sucks (right now at least)
RIGHT. DOWN. THE. MIDDLE.

Phillies 3, Rays 2, 2 Outs, Top 9:
Ugh Ryan Howard. Ugh.

Phillies 3, Rays 2, 3 Outs, Top 9:
Ugh Square Face. Ugh... ok, here we go... IT'S LIDGE TIME!!!

Phillies 3, Rays 2, Mid 9:
14 to 1 odds it goes 1, 2, 3. Same odds that Vegas had the Phillies to win the World Series before the season.

Phillies 3, Rays 2, Bottom 9:
Mrs. That Guy isn't even taking those odds.

Phillies 3, Rays 2, 2 Outs, Bottom 9:
Longoria had never seen a slider like that before.

Phillies 3, Ras 2, FINAL
Well, it ended about as ugly as the rest of the game went... but a win's a win. GO PHILLIES!

Thanks for joining us this evening. It's been fun, This Guy and That Guy have work in the morning. I hope you've enjoyed it as much as we have bringing it to you. Ken Rosenthal is really short.

And really bad... despite all the best efforts of Big Head and Square Face, the Phillies still pull one out. This blogging has been a production of Smi Sports. Good night everybody!