The BP staff is back to chat during NLCS Game Five on Friday night.
Ben and Sam discuss how the postponement of Game Four hurt the Yankees, talk about how terrible at baseball Hunter Pence appears to be and whether he’s always looked like that, and conclude by revisiting the widespread anti-Cardinals sentiment among baseball fans and examining their own emotional allegiances.
Tim Lincecum returns to the rotation opposing Adam Wainwright in a matchup that’s too close for PECOTA to call.
PECOTA still isn’t quite buying the recent success of Kyle Lohse, the Cardinals’ Game Three starter.
Ben and Sam discuss whether Matt Holliday’s takeout slide at second was against the rules and why the Cardinals are so widely disliked, then talk about how Ryan Vogelsong has rewarded the Giants for their faith during a string of bad starts.
Until recently, Game Two starters Chris Carpenter and Ryan Vogelsong weren’t expected to pitch in the playoffs. Which one does PECOTA prefer?
The NLCS kicks off with a matchup of two starters who have been vulnerable to opposite-handed hitters.
Was the Giants’ decision not to bring back Melky for the NLCS justified on a pure performance level?
Jason keeps a running commentary as he scouts the decisive game between the Reds and Giants from home.
Can the Giants survive a second elimination game against Cincinnati?
A brilliant start by Bronson Arroyo pushes the Giants to the brink of elimination.
Can the Giants strike back at home behind Madison Bumgarner in the second game of their series?
Two lopsided teams face off in a series with no clear favorite.
Ben and Sam discuss what we can learn from Travis Snider’s revelations about his relationships with his former manager and hitting coach, then talk about whether they would bring Melky Cabrera back for the NLCS.
Ben and Sam discuss the Giants’ starting rotation and decide what it would take to trust Barry Zito, then talk about how they decide which teams to root for.
Shining a spotlight on the minor mental mistakes and successes that often go overlooked.
San Francisco Giants