Dissecting The 2013 Game 3 World Series Obstruction Call

Jayson Stark posted a great article on ESPN.com going through the details with all the key players of the game three obstruction call that gave the St. Louis Cardinals a 2-1 series lead in the 2013 World Series.  The play, so unique, took on a life of it's own due to the grand stage, the fact that it ended the game and the fact that the umpires handed it so well. 

I watched it live in my buddies man cave.  He a Cardinals fan and me a Red Sox fan.  It was a great game that came down to the 9th inning.  What more could you ask for?  I was the guy who jumped up and yelled "what" at the screen after the play unfolded.  Not understanding what had happened in the immediate aftermath.  My friend understood quicker than me but I'm not sure I wanted to understand.  As he and the announcers explained it the reality set in.  Ugh.  After watching Yadier Molina thrown out at home on the play, the throw from home to third go awry and what seemed like a sure double play ending to a whacky play I had been so excited...and then it went downhill from there.  The ruling, the confusion, the ongoing explanations, the interviews...  As I drove the 60 miles back to my home I listened to the local sports radio station again going over and over that last play.  It didn't help my mood.  Losing is tough enough, much less when it seemed like the baseball gods had suddenly decided your team was destined to lose the Series.

It was the right call but it didn't make it easy to stomach.  It just seemed so random.  Something out of the player's control.  The fact the Sox won the Series in six games took most of the sting out of that play.  Still, it is one I'll never forget.  It was already a great night sharing good natured ribbing with my buddy all night but to be able to see that game, that play, that ending, in that setting was something I'll never forget.  The fact that he had a 1,000 inch TV was also a big plus.  He is also a smart fan and didn't rub it in (I only did that a little bit after the Red Sox won it all).  Take a look at the article Jayson Stark wrote.  It is a great recounting of all the action with tons of details added.    Even non-Red Sox and Cardinals fans should enjoy. 

Braves Lose to Dodgers in Division Series - Red Sox Advance to ALCS

Atlanta failed to advance past the first playoff series once again losing three games to one to the Los Angeles Dodgers.  Neither pitching nor the offense were good enough to get past the Dodgers whom the Braves had handled in the regular season series five games to two.  The offense only scored 14 runs while mustering one home run and 36 total bases over their four playoff games.  Pitching put up a 5.82 ERA, walked 21, while allowing a .280 batting average in 34 innings.  None of those numbers scream we're gonna win!  No matter how it all played out the bottom line is this will be a disappointing season.  Even with all the injuries this team had to play with they won 96 games and should have been able to compete with anyone in the playoffs.  Yes, they didn't get blown out by the Dodgers, but I just never had the feeling they were on the same level.  Maybe that is just the pessimistic fan always thinking the worst but the offense is inconsistent and while the pitching was very good in the regular season, outside of Craig Kimbrel, I didn't feel we could say this pitcher or that was a guy who'd be big come playoff time.  Hopefully the Braves can get healthy and maybe get the offense on track next year but it will still feel like this year was a loss.

Boston on the other hand dealt with Tampa Bay somewhat easily winning their series three games to one.  Boston showed off it's offense and their pitching had a very nice 3.03 ERA.  Boston only hit two homers but their .286 batting average, .390 on base percentage and 26 runs should make all Red Sox fans happy.  The pitchers only gave up 11 walks and allowed a .225 batting average.  I said it before the playoffs and this only enhanced my view - this team is built to win it all.  They have depth in pitching and an offense that no pitcher can rest on.  Detroit may have a better 1-2 punch but I think Boston can start four pitchers who are on par with any team out there.  I, like many, just have a good feeling about this team.  They seem loose and don't get rattled easily.  I'm hoping for eight more wins - sorry Detroit...