Brrr: Boys of Summer Brace for Winter

Prefers prime time start

(NEWSER) - With all the late starts and later finishes plaguing the World Series, many are pining for an old-fashioned day game—including Bud Selig. The commish says he’d love to schedule an afternoon contest, if only Fox would let him. But the network insists on starting in prime time, when it can fetch more eyeballs and ad dollars. “We pay the money for the rights to televise baseball,” said Fox Sports’ president. “Nobody is giving us a rebate to change that scenario.” More»

(NEWSER) - Torrential rain in Philadelphia forced the suspension of tonight's World Series Game 5 midway through the sixth inning with the Tampa Bay Rays and the Phillies tied at 2. Carlos Pena tied the score on a two-out RBI single before Evan Longoria lined out and the umpiring crew called for the tarp. The contest will resume Tuesday night at 8, the Inquirer reports—weather permitting. The Phillies lead the best-of-seven series, 3-1. More»

Assuming Howard hits at all

(NEWSER) - The best reason to watch this World Series is that at some point, Ryan Howard will face David Price, and the game will probably be on the line, writes Dave Sheinin of the Washington Post. “That’s what you want to see,” says Jonny Gomes. “Power versus power in the World Series.” Both are homegrown stars and if you don’t know Price yet, you will. More»

Selig needs to get the boys of summer off the field

(NEWSER) - Isn’t the Fall Classic supposed to happen in the fall? Not this year. The World Series begins tomorrow night and, in case Bud Selig hasn’t noticed, it’s “never seemed more irrelevant,” writes Jay Mariotti. It’s simply too late in the year for baseball. “I can hear my body clock ticking, knowing Game 3 will be played on Halloween night.” Game 7, if it comes to that, will be in a probably frigid New York on November 5. More»

(NEWSER) - The Philadelphia Phillies edged Tampa Bay 4-3 tonight to capture the team's first World Series pennant since 1980. Pedro Feliz singled home Eric Bruntlett in the bottom of the seventh to break a 3-3 tie and provide the winning run, the Tampa Bay Tribune reports. The two teams had to resume the game in the sixth inning tonight after it was halted because of rain Monday night. More»