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jg2977 · 08-22-2025, 04:04 PM

Mike (steady, analytical):
“Dog, the Cincinnati Reds — 103 wins, 59 losses. First division title in forever. They were the most consistent team in the National League Central all year. Top to bottom, that rotation is excellent, they hit the ball out of the ballpark, they play tremendous defense. Cincinnati earned that bye, and frankly, they look like the class of the league right now.”

Mad Dog (hands flying):
“MIKE, HOW ABOUT THE REDS! ONE HUNDRED AND THREE WINS! They’ve been knocking on the door for YEARS, and now they blow it wide open! Best team in the division from Day One to Day 162! And the city of Cincinnati is STARVING, Mike, STARVING for another World Series run! You talk about balance, you talk about pitching, you talk about lineup depth — THIS TEAM HAS IT ALL!”

Mike (nodding):
“Chicago deserves credit too. Ninety-three wins, back in the playoffs. They’ve quietly been very good, very steady. Not as flashy as Cincinnati, but they’ve got some pieces that can do damage in a short series.”

Mad Dog (grinning, shaking his head):
“MIKE, THE CUBS! NINETY-THREE WINS, SOLID, BUT LET’S BE HONEST — THEY’RE NOT THE REDS. Good ballclub, sure, playoff-caliber, yes. But if you put Chicago head-to-head with Cincinnati in October? I don’t see it, Mike. I DON’T SEE IT!”

Mike (leaning forward):
“And then, Dog, the defending World Champion St. Louis Cardinals. They barely sneak in at 89-74, needed a one-game playoff to beat the Padres just to get here. But — you know this, Dog — once you’re in, you’re dangerous. The Cardinals know how to win in October.”

Mad Dog (throwing his arms up):
“MIKE, THIS IS WHAT MAKES THEM SO SCARY! They BARELY got in! They’re limping, they’re leaking oil, BUT THEY’RE THE CARDINALS! THEY’VE DONE THIS BEFORE! You can’t kill ’em! You can’t bury ’em! You put St. Louis in the postseason, they are TROUBLE. It doesn’t matter how they got there!”

Mike (matter-of-fact):
“Pittsburgh at 71-91, Milwaukee 65-97 — both non-factors. Those two teams need a lot of work before they’re competitive again.”

Mad Dog (dismissive, waving his hand):
“MIKE, TERRIBLE! ABSOLUTELY TERRIBLE! The Pirates were lifeless, the Brewers were a disaster, and it made this division top-heavy. It’s a three-team race — Cincinnati, Chicago, St. Louis — and the Reds came out on top.”

Mike (closing thought):
“So now, Dog, we go into October with Cincinnati trying to cash in, the Cubs hoping to surprise, and the Cardinals lurking as the dangerous defending champs. It’s going to be fascinating to watch.”

Mad Dog (pointing, loud):
“MIKE, YOU HIT IT! THE REDS ARE THE FAVORITE, THE CUBS ARE THE DARK HORSE, AND THE CARDINALS — YOU DON’T WANT TO SEE ’EM IN OCTOBER! THIS IS GONNA BE A GREAT PLAYOFF RACE!”

08-22-2025, 04:04 PM	#2909
jg2977 Hall Of Famer Join Date: Feb 2007 Posts: 24,573	Mike (steady, analytical): “Dog, the Cincinnati Reds — 103 wins, 59 losses. First division title in forever. They were the most consistent team in the National League Central all year. Top to bottom, that rotation is excellent, they hit the ball out of the ballpark, they play tremendous defense. Cincinnati earned that bye, and frankly, they look like the class of the league right now.” Mad Dog (hands flying): “MIKE, HOW ABOUT THE REDS! ONE HUNDRED AND THREE WINS! They’ve been knocking on the door for YEARS, and now they blow it wide open! Best team in the division from Day One to Day 162! And the city of Cincinnati is STARVING, Mike, STARVING for another World Series run! You talk about balance, you talk about pitching, you talk about lineup depth — THIS TEAM HAS IT ALL!” Mike (nodding): “Chicago deserves credit too. Ninety-three wins, back in the playoffs. They’ve quietly been very good, very steady. Not as flashy as Cincinnati, but they’ve got some pieces that can do damage in a short series.” Mad Dog (grinning, shaking his head): “MIKE, THE CUBS! NINETY-THREE WINS, SOLID, BUT LET’S BE HONEST — THEY’RE NOT THE REDS. Good ballclub, sure, playoff-caliber, yes. But if you put Chicago head-to-head with Cincinnati in October? I don’t see it, Mike. I DON’T SEE IT!” Mike (leaning forward): “And then, Dog, the defending World Champion St. Louis Cardinals. They barely sneak in at 89-74, needed a one-game playoff to beat the Padres just to get here. But — you know this, Dog — once you’re in, you’re dangerous. The Cardinals know how to win in October.” Mad Dog (throwing his arms up): “MIKE, THIS IS WHAT MAKES THEM SO SCARY! They BARELY got in! They’re limping, they’re leaking oil, BUT THEY’RE THE CARDINALS! THEY’VE DONE THIS BEFORE! You can’t kill ’em! You can’t bury ’em! You put St. Louis in the postseason, they are TROUBLE. It doesn’t matter how they got there!” Mike (matter-of-fact): “Pittsburgh at 71-91, Milwaukee 65-97 — both non-factors. Those two teams need a lot of work before they’re competitive again.” Mad Dog (dismissive, waving his hand): “MIKE, TERRIBLE! ABSOLUTELY TERRIBLE! The Pirates were lifeless, the Brewers were a disaster, and it made this division top-heavy. It’s a three-team race — Cincinnati, Chicago, St. Louis — and the Reds came out on top.” Mike (closing thought): “So now, Dog, we go into October with Cincinnati trying to cash in, the Cubs hoping to surprise, and the Cardinals lurking as the dangerous defending champs. It’s going to be fascinating to watch.” Mad Dog (pointing, loud): “MIKE, YOU HIT IT! THE REDS ARE THE FAVORITE, THE CUBS ARE THE DARK HORSE, AND THE CARDINALS — YOU DON’T WANT TO SEE ’EM IN OCTOBER! THIS IS GONNA BE A GREAT PLAYOFF RACE!”