Anybody see Joey Votto get thrown out of the game for...WHAT? He may have said something about the crappy call, but in baseball I believe you are allowed to mention your disagreement to the umpire, as long as you're not totally calling him out and showing him up.

http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?...=.jsp&c_id=mlb

I don't think it was a strike either, but regardless, he must have said something reallllllyyyy snarky to the ump to get thrown from the game. What do you see?

In contrast, here is a story about a mistaken call, responsibility, and sportsmanship:

http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2010/...SectionsArea.5

The Votto call is probably cause he said something nasty, or cause the ump is a cardinals fan, or simply cause votto's canadian.

Now the gallaraga one is a whole different story.
There are countless close calls at first base that always end up being called out...this is done so that the game speeds up.
They call them out even when they're evidently safe.
..so this 9th inning no-hitter breaker was totaly unnacceptable.
He's out by a mile!
Not one person can excuse that call.
if it had been close, or even slightly safe, no one would have said anything if he had called him out, based on the calls that are made in the majors, and under the circumstance.
it was a heist.

Twins!
I love this team. So solid and strong with Gardy leading the way. And what a farm. Danny Valencia? huh? ya hunh.
Ready for the post season. Gorgeous new park. It feels good. Just need Morneau back and hungry.

New park? They've left the big marshmellow with the trash bags in the outfield? That's a good move!

I had good years in the metrodome, but I tell ya, Target field is so well done and fun. Not a bad seat, each section has its character...
But for me, best feature: The organist Sue Nelson plays this vintage 60s keyboard--like right out of your grandma's front room. She plays it in the upperdeck pub- where the good beer is anyway. Shh. you can get a cheap ticket then find a great standing pub view right by the organist behind home plate-- that's going to be prime real estate during the playoffs.

And this one belongs to the Reds!

NL Central Title!

I don't follow baseball much these days, but that clip gives me a fond remembrance of The Big Red Machine. I was pretty young, but I remember even one of the nuns in elementary school took us to a room with a TV to watch the "Redlegs."

My younger brother and his wife and little girls are really ecstatic, as each one of them has a crush on Votto. ;)

You called it, W.HI.P.!

Oh thank you Shawnee!
The Reds have as good of a chance of making the world series, as any of the other teams in the national league.
Votto is top of the line!

I've also got the league leading Rays from the American league.
Also the Braves are pretty close to making it!

This early call is probable
Atlanta Braves vs Tampa Bay Rays = 110/1
and i have a LOT of money on it!

Don't discount those Phillies yet W.HI.P - They got three starters who are HOT HOT HOT right now and their bats have been alive lately.

Alright, Play-offs!

Philadelphia Phillies vs Cincinnati Reds
This will be an interesting series, the Reds are clearly the superior team with all things considered....
Reds in 6

San Fransisco Giants vs Atlanta Braves
Excellent match-up!
The Braves bats are the difference here.
Braves in 7


Tampa Bay Rays vs Texas Rangers
The Best team in baseball against a team that's lucky to be here.
Lucky in the sense that their main challenge in the division was coming from a no-name A's team.
Rays in 4

Minnesota Twins vs NY Yankees
This is up in the air.
If everyone stays healthy,
Twins in 7

Kick some Philly butt, Cincy! :)

Now, where can I bet a buck or two? ;)

on the lottery.....?

According to my brother (who has tickets but no high hopes for the playoffs) the odds would be better.

The Phillies will win the World Series.