So here we are, Rangers vs. Giants in the World Series. Ugh. Out of all 16 possible World Series match-ups when the postseason started, this one would have been #16 on my list of series I wanted to see. We can debate the fine points, but in my opinion, the Rangers and Giants were both the weakest contenders in their respective fields. Like many Angels fans, I also have "personal issues" with both these franchises. Now they get to duke it out for CHAMPION OF THE WORLD!!! (except that inconsequential part of the world that doesn't include the US and Canada). That's baseball. Winning it all in October pretty much means going 11-8 or better in the right order. Keep that little nugget ready with the rest of your troll repellent.
Pitching probably means more than anything at this time of year, although it doesn't mean everything (ask the Rays). The Yankees were done in by crappy pitching, a collapse I was expecting in the 2009 ALCS, but those bastards got away with it last time. Joe Giardia trotted out pretty much the same crew again, and the Yankees finally paid for over-investing in a couple of arms at the expense of everything else. While the Rangers were pounding meatball after meatball, did anyone else notice Hankenstein and $$$man already sizing up Cliff Lee's jersey for next year? They have a history of purchasing pitchers who burn them in the postseason.
And the Giants are frickin' lucky, man. Six of their seven postseason wins have been by one run. Sure, their great pitching has something to do with that. But I mean, Cody Ross hitting four homers across three games? Juan Uribe driving in two game-winning runs in the same series? I haven't seen such truly random heroics since Jeff Suppan and Jeff Weaver turned into Cy Young and Cy Younger for the Cardinals in 2006 (before immediately reverting to their lousy selves after signing big deals in the offseason, I might add). It was good enough to knock off the hobbled Braves and then punish the Phillies for their bullpen weaknesses, but can they do it a third time? As uninspiring as the Rangers were during the regular season, I don't see how they can't be huge favorites this week.
So what does it mean for Angels fans? Unless you're more charitable than I am, I guess it means Giants or bust. If only they weren't so...unlikeable. Unfortunately, one of these two teams has to win. Yes, I do believe we're on the eve of destruction. At least we're finally done with TBS and Ron Darling and the Conan blimp and "Booooooorn Freeeeeeee!" (when did Kid Rock go from crappy nu metal to crappy country music)?
0 recs | 78 comments
Its definitely for the "World Champions"
The best players from all over the world come HERE to play this game. You dont have to play a sport in every country in every season to warrant a “world” title.
PhiSlamma - October 27, 2010
Yeah, and it's trAdition!
Commander_Nate - October 27, 2010
honestly i dont have a problem with the giants.
The Angels don’t have a rivalry or bad blood with them, and we beat them in 7 games so story over. Also I don’t see the need to hate on them for putting together a good enough team and getting hot at the right time.
(!ts_a_C.A._thing) - October 27, 2010 via mobile
and about the ranting of the Giants getting lucky and winning close games.
DUHH??
Nobody has ever won a title without a little luck. Doesn’t 2002 ring a bell? We got lucky when we won our title too so I don’t see your point
(!ts_a_C.A._thing) - October 27, 2010 via mobile
Exactly, what's with the Giants hate?
Bruce is no Dusty. Lincecum is funny looking, but so what? He’d fit in a locker room with Jered Weaver. There’s no Barry Bonds on the team, even of some Giants fans are calling Cody Ross “Barry Ross” like that’s a good thing.
You’re going to seriously root for “claws and antlers”? Excuse me while I puke.
Okay, I’m back. I’ve been saying this from the start of the playoffs — GO GIANTS!
AlanFalcon - October 27, 2010
I can NEVER root for the Giants
Visions of Juan Marichal hitting Roseboro in the head with the bat, Alvin Dark flooding the infield, Dusty handing Russ Ortiz the game ball, some asshole dragging a rally monkey behind his truck in the Angel parking lot after game 1. I pretty much hate that team. Other than the trolls on LSB, Ranger fans have always been friendly and treated me with respect. The ballpark is a fun place to watch a game and I have a huuuuge man crush on Bengie (Damn you Stoneman!!!) and Vlad.
Rangers in 7
Moondoggy - October 27, 2010
It's a different team now
They’ve spent their 40 years in the desert.
rspencer - October 27, 2010
Yeah I'm going with the Giants
I’m happy the Rangers stopped the Yankees cold. But I just can’t cheer for a bunch of ex-Angels against a team with San Francisco’s sordid World Series past. Also, I think Bochy is twice the manager Washington is. And I like Brian Wilson’s glued-on Fidel Castro beard.
Also, a team that plays the waiver wire like a seasoned fantay football pro gets lots of love from me. A team that makes one good trade and a bunch of head-scratchers (Cantu? Really?) against a team that stole Ross out of spite and picked up a bunch of dead-enders.
Also, pandas are better than antlers.
Kernel - October 27, 2010
Going with the Giants to win
If ever there was a year to throw a bone to the NL, it’d be this one. Plus I never paid attention to them much before, but I find myself liking Brian Wilson. Crazy eyes and that beard plus his arm make for a fun closer to watch. Plus they don’t seem like a team you’d think would make it to the WS. But neither did the Angels in ’02.
So go Giants!
Monkeyspanked - October 27, 2010
Fear the beard!
AlanFalcon - October 27, 2010
In terms of the Cardinals
It proves Dave Duncan can turn water into wine. I want to root for neither team, but I will enjoy this series. I think both of these teams are actually pretty damn good. Sorry they don’t have the offenses of the Yankees and Phillies, but they have amazing pitching. I love the crazy Nor Cal style of the Giants (Lincecum’s stonerness and WIlson’s craziness) The Rangers have their Antlers and Claws. Both teams have been tormented with horrible playoff histories. While I have great friends who are Rangers fans and Giants fans, I will probably root for the Rangers. Cliff Lee is slowly turning into my favorite pitcher to watch (that does not pitch for the Angels). I can’t wait to watch tonight’s matchup.
princeton11loveshalos - October 27, 2010
^ this. ^
Have fun with your friends!
cath619 - October 28, 2010
Oh, and another reason for Rangers not-quite-love:
I am a total sucker and love Bengie and Vladdy and the Darrens, too.
cath619 - October 28, 2010
No investment in either team.
I love the ex-Angels on the Rangers. But then, it is the Rangers. Giants? Meh. Little to like, little to dislike. I will cheer for high quality, competitive baseball.
May the worst team lose.
sothball - October 27, 2010
My sentiments exactly.
agent_99 - October 27, 2010
Come on Timmmmmmmmaahhhhh!!!!!
KB_24 - October 27, 2010
yes!!!
dulciusXasperis - October 27, 2010
Troll repellent?
I’m not from Texas – how’s that for troll repellent?
OH SNAP!
The Giants drought is longer.
Their last title came when they were still residents of the East Coast, so as far as their SF history is concerned, they’re like an expansion team that has never won.
Tim Lincecum looks and acts like he was in AFI back in the late 90’s and quit to join baseball because screaming in to a mic at a crappy venue wasn’t hardcore enough for him.
Brian Wilson acts like I do when I’m drunk except I’m pretty sure he’s sober when he’s doing it.
Buster Posey is going to be on my fantasy team next year.
They are from California and not named the Dodgers so there is no risk of losing street cred. Everyone knows how important their street cred is.
They earned my support for…let’s say “past services rendered.”
Commander_Nate - October 27, 2010
+1
Monkeyspanked - October 27, 2010
Plus--it'll make Mad Dog Russo happy. And who doesn't want THAT??
firebird81 - October 27, 2010
OMG
Lincecum totally looks like Davey Havok. Good call, Nate.
cath619 - October 28, 2010
I could totally see him pausing on the mound...
…and suddenly bursting out into “Girls Not Grey” or “Days of the Phoenix” and I would totally believe it.
Commander_Nate - October 28, 2010
But first, he needs a little more eyeliner.
I’d buy tix for that.
cath619 - October 28, 2010
I'm not watching.
But I guess I’ll be sort of rooting for Texas so Vlad can get a ring.
Fred Fredrix - October 27, 2010
People really want this claw and antler shit to continue?
Go Giants.
clover_black - October 27, 2010
I'm sure the Thunder Sticks and the Rally Monkey
princeton11loveshalos - October 27, 2010
were loved
princeton11loveshalos - October 27, 2010
New Angels meme for 2011: Buckshot
Graphic Design Dept., get on it.
Commander_Nate - October 27, 2010
Word
Big Easy Halofan - October 27, 2010
Rec'd! With verve.
RexTookMyStash - October 27, 2010
The claw and antler crap needs to stop...
Go Giants.
Besides I can’t cheer for our rival. If it was TB or the Twins that would be a different story – but I’m not cheering for the rangers.
angelsfan7 - October 27, 2010
You’re seriously hating on the fact that the Phillies and Yankees didn’t make it? Any team over those two is a great world series, let alone a AL/NL West showdown. See how ESPN and the John Kruk circle jerk like that.
Dontbatvlad4th - October 27, 2010
God i hope they both lose
I dont want to hear from every around me about how great the Giants are (Nothing but fair weather fans around here).
Texas just sucks big gay bull balls
DAD OF VLAD - October 27, 2010
Careful
in 1989, I told people at work (in NY) I was rooting for an earthquake. There are people in that office to this day that are convinced I’m Damian (which if were so, more than a few of them would have been sheet glassed)
Moondoggy - October 27, 2010
you bastard
my parents were at that game
DAD OF VLAD - October 27, 2010
I want to meet them, so I can see what created you.
RexTookMyStash - October 27, 2010
RedFog - October 27, 2010
that was pretty much the respnse at work the next day
but think on it, your parents’ safety was insured because they were at the game
Moondoggy - October 27, 2010
Go Giants!
I know Tex is reppin the AL west, but the claws and antlers did it in for me. I somehow hate them and their organization and fans even more.
Plus, there’s Giants fever in the city so everyone’s being more chill than usual and it gives me a reason so get drunk during the week at my local watering hole.
RexTookMyStash - October 27, 2010
i cant stand these Giants Fans now
DAD OF VLAD - October 27, 2010
Ah, I don't think I've ever met a real fan in San Francisco.
Everyone in San Fran is from somewhere else. There are actually very few old school fans I’ve met, I’m talking about the ones who froze their collective asses off at candlestick park back in the day.
People around here are just excited to be watching baseball in October and having a venue to show off their zac posen tops and paul smith jackets.
I feel like most hardcore giants fans are tough looking philipino guys from Daly City and San Jose. Anywho, similar thing happened in Anaheim in 2002, so I’m cool with letting local people have their time in playoff sunshine while it lasts, because it never does.
RexTookMyStash - October 27, 2010
^^
Lmao! That is entirely true. Even here in Vegas, there are a bunch of Filipino peeps and i’d say most, if not all, are from the Bay Area. And boy do they love them some Giants.
maze88 - October 27, 2010
i remember going to Candlestick often
that place was cold. I went to one game where we could not see the field because the fog was so thick. I have been to more games then half of these hard-core giant fans
DAD OF VLAD - October 27, 2010
So I heard you guys
did pretty good in the playoffs this year.
AfterSchoolSpecial - October 27, 2010
Oh goody, the trolls are here
~MMP~ - October 27, 2010
Damn right! At least in my case
I’ve been drinking a ton this month. I think I remember getting laid somewhere in there too…
Commander_Nate - October 27, 2010
I've been drinking more than usual thanks to the Giants.
I’m pretty sure my liver is half gone.
RexTookMyStash - October 27, 2010
I got drunk last weekend off
GIANT JUICE
Orange juice
rum
vodka
I was camping with giant fans
DAD OF VLAD - October 27, 2010
Nice
One of my roommates and I have this dream: One day we’re going to make Riot Punch (from It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia) and consume it for a sporting event and/or day party. In case you’re wondering, Riot Punch consists of grain alcohol mixed with Gatorade and served in a milk jug.
It will be glorious.
Commander_Nate - October 27, 2010
your not going to put wine in a coke can?
love the show
green man forever
DAD OF VLAD - October 27, 2010
I love that episode
RexTookMyStash - October 27, 2010
i love the cat in the wall one
i put a cat in the wall to get the other cat out
DAD OF VLAD - October 27, 2010
I have already done that
It was a “Wine Wednsday” party and everyone had already used or smashed all the party cups.
Commander_Nate - October 27, 2010
Lol
which totally reminds me. I went to a game to the Big A this season (I think it was the 4th of July one) and I saw some guy wearing the green man suit! haha! that was sweet.
maze88 - October 27, 2010
It's pretty well in the playoffs, not prettey good.
LOL WE IN DA PLAYOFFS!!!
RexTookMyStash - October 27, 2010
pretty*
grammar nazi fail
RexTookMyStash - October 27, 2010
i am suprised that a Texas fan can even spell
playoffs
DAD OF VLAD - October 27, 2010
spellcheck
and I’m pulling for the Rangers
Moondoggy - October 27, 2010
He proably got all his friends together to write that pithy comment.
Fear the Lonestar brain trust!
RexTookMyStash - October 27, 2010
LoneStar Retard Trust more like it
DAD OF VLAD - October 27, 2010
so I heard you guys
FINALLY won a playoff series.
what’d it take, something like 50 years?
whats that saying? even a blind squirrel…
2pintsofbooze - October 27, 2010
....finds a gay in Texas
DAD OF VLAD - October 27, 2010
ohhh dammnnnnnnn
cliff lee hates you.
clover_black - October 27, 2010
damn
I just wrote how I support you guys and you talk shit. Way to be.
princeton11loveshalos - October 27, 2010
not everyone
knows how to handle success
2pintsofbooze - October 27, 2010
Maybe Nelson Cruz, Josh Hamilton, or Elvis Andrus will end up breaking their leg before the series is over.
44FAN - October 27, 2010
or maybe all 3
2pintsofbooze - October 27, 2010
OR
their sweet little Clifton Lee gets hit by a ball
by Youkilis.maze88 - October 27, 2010
A comment of that caliber deserves one of equal cunning...
At least our manager isn’t into the booger sugar.
Teixeira Who? - October 27, 2010
Giants to win
Because the Dodger fans want the Rangers to win, and I don’t like the Rangers.
Besides that, my dad grew up a huge Giants fan
MiHaloFan - October 27, 2010
Between the lesser of who cares...
Gotta go Giants. Not an easy decision, because the one thing you have to give the Rangers is that at least some of their followers are actually baseball fans. I guess they’d have to be, since the Rangers aren’t a particularly fashionable team yet. And a Giants victory means sad faces on Los Dilettante fans. Which will conversely make me smile. So strangely tonight I’ll be rooting for that emo kid what got caught with the kush.
Zoe Necrosis - October 27, 2010
I don't really care, but...
I’m leaning towards the Giants. That being said, I think the Rangers are a better team and will probably win. I’m watching nonetheless, just because I love the game.
chairmanofthebar - October 27, 2010
I bought a pair of shoes
from an online retailer, now all my ads on this and other SB Nation sites are ads for the very same shoe. Why would I buy the same shoe again right away?
44FAN - October 27, 2010
shoe trafficker
DAD OF VLAD - October 27, 2010
Because you might lose one up the arse of a random Rangers fan?
RexTookMyStash - October 27, 2010
Buy some online porn and replace those shoe ads with 3 weeks of superior graphics.
Stirrups - October 28, 2010
I'm rooting for Tim McCarver to get blasted with a foul ball in the head
if that doesn’t happen I guess I’ll go for the Giants….ranger fans will be unbearable next year.
lifegrind - October 27, 2010 via mobile
don't leave out Joe Buck.
I thank God that the yankees didn’t make it – we would never be able to list to one play without Buck getting a man crush on Jeter.
angelsfan7 - October 27, 2010
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