HAPe4me

no, they are from the Lucky Star. ~HAP

yes they do, although I was waiting for the news to break somewhere other than at Greasespot as I missed it in the paper. and correct, I explained the "excusees" thing earlier. Not directed to posters here

Thanks SimonZ. I was not pointing at you or anyone on this board. as I said in the first line of that post I was referring to several national media stories: This board has been congratulatory of the Rockies for the most part. ~HAP

ok, Rocky it wasn't an argument, but rather to point out that there is very little difference between the two teams agewise, even with adjustments. Who else beside Ojeda? It appears to me the list is correct for most of the games of the series. I also wish to express my hope that BOTH remain so competitively matched. The article I took the numbers from was written by Tracy Ringolsby, for the Rocky Mountain News, and is dated October 11, 2007, which was the day of game 1. http://www.rockymountainnews.com/drmn/mlb/...5719586,00.html Make whatever corrections you wish, how much does it change? Are the diamondbacks now averaging 6 months older instead of a year? Are they younger than the Rockies? big deal. faulty? naw I do not believe the 'backs problems in this series were in any way related to their age. They do not differ significantly from the Rockies in that regard. As far as whether one team or one player had experience in the playoffs or not is of no consequence. Helton (age 34)has been in the league for 11 years now and this was HIS first time in the playoffs. shoot, the Rockies' team had only been in one round (4 games) of the playoffs since they began, and THAT was in 1995 against Atlanta. Take their youth as solace for hope or whatever, but I am not buying it as an excuse for their loss of the series. As I said in the earlier post, BOTH teams are young and both did well. While the Rockies finished a whole 1/2 game behind in the regular season, they ARE going to the World Series and deserve credit from the media for what they accomplished. On second thought, maybe let the Indians or the Redsocks think it was only luck that got the Rockies to this point, for another couple of weeks. Let them be as unprepared as all their other opponents have been. ~HAP

Much has been made in the media of the youthfulness of the Diamondbacks, (and excuses made for their errors because of it). Lost in the talk of the young 'Backs stellar season, it is seldom mentioned that the Rockies finished only 1/2 game behind the 'Backs during the season. Following are the hard facts: Lining up • The ages of the Rockies and the Diamondbacks regulars: Pos. Rockies Age Diamondbacks Age C Yorvit Torrealba 29 Chris Snyder 26 1B Todd Helton 34 Tony Clark 35 2B Kazuo Matsui 31 Augie Ojeda 32 3B Garrett Atkins 27 Mark Reynolds 24 SS Troy Tulowitzki 22 Stephen Drew 24 LF Matt Holliday 27 Eric Byrnes 31 CF Willy Taveras 25 Chris Young 24 RF Brad Hawpe 28 Justin Upton 20 SP Jeff Francis 26 Brandon Webb 28 SP Ubaldo Jimenez 23 Doug Davis 32 SP Josh Fogg 30 Livan Hernandez 32 SP Fanklin Morales 21 Micah Owings 25 Cl Manny Corpas 24 Jose Valverde 28 The Totals: Rockies total years of age= 347 or an average age of 26.69 Diamondbacks total years= 361 or an average age of 27.77 Who is the youthful team? It is unfortunate that the media and the east coast wa so late to catch Rocktober fever, but the Rockies won with a never fear never give up attitude. both teams have built from within, with the Rockies having a slight edge in that category as well. Yes, the Diamondbacks did well with their youth. The Rockies did better. They stuck to what brought them to the dance, and peaked at the right time. The payrolls of the two teams are within $2 mil of each other, in the mid $50mil range. Both teams did better with less money than almost anyone in MLB. by the way, Tulo SHOULD be highly considered for rookie of the year. Cal Ripken was awed by his ability at his age, and Ripken should know. Dang, the kid has an arm, reads the ball off the bat like nobody else, and importantly, has demonstrated an uncanny leadership on the team that is inspiring. BOTH teams had awesome seasons, and have extremely promising futures next year. I am not belittling the diamondbacks, but it is high time that the Rockies get their due, and in spite of Eric Byrnes' comments, luck was only a small part of their success. (some luck is generally a factor in any championship, in any sport) The Rockies outplayed the Diamondbacks through the 4 games, in every aspect. the better team????? the one that is going to the REALLY BIG SHOW! ~HAP

According to this chart http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/story/7338876 it has never been done by anyone before. to sweep both series enroute to the World Series. The Rockies also won a one game "series" over San Diego to get into the playoffs.

that would surprise me frankly. but then, he also added the 21 of 22 record, and, put together, that might never have been done before. I liked the "we have unfinished business" line. ~HAP (edited to correct the fact that I have only 10 fingers and 10 toes, and thus have trouble keeping count beyond that)

Now we wait to see who we play. nitey nite Mr. Byrnes better "luck" next time. Congratulations to the Rockies, TRULY the best in the National League this year, with the winning record to prove it. ~HAP

top of the 8th- now we have a ballgame! ~HAP

wow, teams cannot afford to give the Rockies more than three outs in an inning. that error cost the diamondbacks, BIG

haha, glad it worked out Ron! When it comes to keeping a Win98 machine running, that is about as far as I go with knowing stuff related to computers. It comes as great relief that I don't suck. Life is good. LOL Now to work on that immature loser thing. That is a very moving photo. I am impressed Anyway, congrats and good luck with the photography. ~HAP

Nothing devilish at all. This team was told so often that they couldn't do it, they (being largely the younguns that they are) set out to do it anyway. Being healthy has helped, and the team is largely intact. The exception is their opening day #1 starter Cook who was hurt but is ready tobe called back up to the team at any time. The Rockies have won with a combination of great defense (best fielding perentage in the MLB)- they had 3 double plays in the first 3 innings last night-, solid pitching by the starters AND their bullpen, timely hits by SOMEONE every night even when Matt Holliday with the league leading average fails to come through. Pretty much all the things that make for winning baseball. ADD to that a bit of luck and good fortune and we find them where they are tonight. One win away from going to the World Series. I believe one has to go back to perhaps the 1970 Baltimore Orioles to see a streak similiar to this at the end of the season. It is unfortunate that playing in the West like they do, that the east coast gets to see them so little. Tonights game starts at 8:15 mountain time (after the ACLS game) and will not end until 11:30 or 12. THAT is 2 am on the east coast. I can't blame y'all for not staying up, but it might be worth it this once. The Rockies remind me of a little league team in their excitement at what they are doing. Remember when the love of the game and team accomplishment were the biggest things in a boy's life? I thrill to watch the those kids, especially the 10- 12 year olds. I especially like stopping in a park field and watching a pickup game by the youngsters, organized by themselves as they leave school. I wish it happened more often. Oh, there was one bad omen for the Diamondbacks. The other night their pitcher Valverde stepped on the 3rd base line while fielding a hit. He was visibly shaken by it, and inspected his shoes afterward, as he has stated several times that his ritual is to NEVER step on a baseline. It all fell apart for the 'Backs after that. Dry weather tonight. ~HAP

Nope, I did not count embryos. The Rockies need to get 27 outs, and have the lead at the time to go to the WS. I did not say what happens after that. One crucial game at a time. (this is why I left out anything after THEN.....) Two rookies for starting pitchers tonight. In addition to the aforementioned one for the D-backs, starting for the Rockies is 21 year old Frank Morales. He was called up to pitch his FIRST MLB game on Aug 18th of this year. 3 wins 2 losses thus far. He has not pitched against the Diamondbacks, and Owings has not pitched against the Rockies. Hope the two slept well last night. No pressure on either one or anything LOL. Owings only needs to keep the 'Backs alive, Morales is only pitching to get his team into the World Series, 2 months after getting to the big leagues. MUCH better weather tonight. ~HAP

tick tock tick tock 27 outs to go, for a trip to the 2007 world Series. THEN........................

great defensive plays tonight. 3 DP by the Rockies, and that juggling catch by your 2nd baseman. At least its a dry rain ~HAP

Brrr. game time temp at Coors Field tonight is expected to be 40 degrees. It has been drizzling all day, but the field has been covered and is said to be in excellent condition. The rain is SUPPOSED (or supposed or *supposed* ) to stop by game time. Hopefully the equipment managers remembered to pack the longjohns. Should the Rockies continue their march into the World Series, this could be a long series if games must be postponed. We often get measurable snowfall before Halloween, Can we borry the Diamonback's roof for the duration (if we win the NLCS)? ~HAP

If everyone gets 5 stars we will surely have become a socialist website. What would Ann Coulter say? More important, what will Paw say? ~HAP

Thanks Rocky Your team has GOT to stop those base running errors. I understand the zeal of youth, but dang, those things hurt.

one word----------WHEW! Far from a perfect game by either team, yet there were some great highlight shots. I am surprised by the lack of strong hits by either team so far, must speak to the great pitching. Rockies have won 19 of their last 20 games, and THAT is remarkable. I think Valverde's problem was that he stepped on the foul line fielding that weak tap down the third base line. He hates doing that, and danced trying to avoid it. SOooooooo... off to Coors Field for three games (if 3 are needed). Did I hear no team has come back from losing the first two at home in a championship series? It ain't over till its over, but it will be tough for Ari-zone-a to come back against a team in a zone like the Rockies are playing. It's ROCKTOBER! ~HAP

The hard lesson being....????? don't put your foot where it belongs? the rookie shortstop has a heck of an arm don't he? Yes, the hit you described was over the head of a shallow playing outfield, however that OTHER one did not get past him did it? Anyway, great game, tied after 9. and once again the ump got the call right, Tulo was off the bag there in the 9th. It does not get much better than extra innings in a playoff game, unless its extra innings in a World Series game. ~HAP

hahah the Diamondbacks forced the Rockies out of their mojo black jerseys. Boston showed some stuff tonight. ~HAP

Perhaps Lifted, with more ump experience than I, will weigh in on the call, good or bad. Bottom line, game 1 over Rockie win, game two tonight. Game 1 was sold out with walkup tickets just prior to game time, many of them to people who drove down from CO haha. But thanks Simon and Rocky for your explanations as to why there were tickets available at the official gate at face value. Old hat, lack of interest etc. Two games today- We get a feel for the Redsox and Indians I have not seen much of either team this year. So I have no comment. In the NL, The Rockies try to improve their poor road game record against a good left hander. The Diamondbacks try to deal with a blazing fast hidden fast ball. ~HAP

I think it was made clear that it was but a few, when it was pointed out that other fans identified the bad ones, who were then arrested. Like Matt Holliday said, the crowd was good, a few just made things look bad. I understand their anger, but I DO think the correct call was made (not that I am biased of course). The runner was out of reach of the base, AND he extended his elbow up and out to interfere. Odd plays tonight. How often do you see a dribbling foul ball down the third base line (second inning) slowly roll back fair again in MLB? I had to make calls like this in little league as an ump, but I think it rare in MLB. Then there was the last out of the game. down by 4 runs, what was the Diamondback's runner doing going past 2nd like that? They did not bring their A game tonight IMO, and it put them in a deep hole against a hot team like the Rockies. ~HAP

OK Rocky I had only heard the term used referring to the young players this year, as even YOU have mentioned. (by the way, the Rockies ALSO are young, with Helton being the old man with 10 years in the bigs) As I mentioned earlier about Webb, I felt he was deservedly the threat to break the Rockies string, even IF the Rockies have done well against him this season. All that said, with one road win under their belt, and against Webb in this series, the Rockies have got to feel good about their chances. I do NOT think it will go 7 games, but I do not think it will be a sweep either. Peace- HAP

No trash talk Rocky. If you are referring to the term Babybacks, it was a reference that has been around awhile, and calls to note the youthful team, NOT anything negative. sorry if you took it that way. Edited only to add that the Babyback term did NOT originate in Denver, and has been around all summer in national publications. ~HAP