October 26, 2008
Huge Win
This was an important win for the Phillies. I felt, given the Rays success against low strikeout lefties, that they could beat Moyer. Jamie getting the win gives the Phillies a chance to win the series by taking all four games started by their southpaws.
Have you ever seen so many runs scored on outs? I'm going to need to count those in the morning when I'm away, but it seems both teams are getting their share on grounders and sacrifice flies. More later in the morning.
Is it just me or is this the worst umpiring exhibition in a WS in maybe, 20 years? Hell, maybe ever...
I don't know about the series as a whole, but in games two and three, the Rays scored a total of seven runs. Six scored on outs.
Generally, I don't put much stock in the notion of "productive outs." But with the Rays scoring so many this way, and the Phils having strikeout-prone hitters in the heart of their order, this is a category in which the Rays have a clear advantage.
It could be argued that "productive outs" is something that matters very little in the regular season, but can very much come into play in the short series of the postseason. I know Terry Francona manages differently in the playoffs -- much more likely to play for a single run. I wouldn't be surprised if Joe Maddon hasn't altered his tactics as well.