Notes from MLB Postseason on TBS / Division Series – October 11, 2012 

MLB Postseason coverage continues on TBS today, Friday, Oct. 12, beginning with the TBS MLB On-Deck presented by Dodge Dart pre-game show at 4:30 p.m. ET. The network will exclusively televise all the action including the Baltimore Orioles at New York Yankees, ALDS Game 5, at 5 p.m. and the St. Louis Cardinals at Washington Nationals, NLDS Game 5, at 8:30 p.m. The night will conclude with the Inside MLB presented by Captain Morgan post-game show on TBS.

 

**** **** **** ****

MLB On-Deck presented by Dodge Dart

Matt Winer (host), Dennis Eckersley and David Wells (analysts) 

Eckersley on San Francisco Giants starting pitcher Matt Cain: “Cincinnati has had his [Matt Cain’s] number, but this guy is their ace and he needs to prove it to make this big elimination game.” 

Wells on Cincinnati Reds starting pitcher Mat Latos: “This guy is the real deal.  He comes at you.  He throws the ball real hard.  He’s not afraid to take the ball. He’s like the opposite of Matt Cain.”  

Wells on New York Yankees starting pitcher Phil Hughes:  “He’s got shut down stuff.  His problem is the home run ball up in the zone.  When he’s down in the zone, he’s untouchable, he’s a grinder.  You want him on the mound.  The home run is the factor in Yankee Stadium.”   

**** **** **** ****

NLDS, Game 5: San Francisco Giants (6) at Cincinnati Reds (4) – San Francisco wins and advances to the NLCS

Brian Anderson (play-by-play) with Ron Darling and Joe Simpson (analysts) and Tom Verducci (reporter) 

Simpson on Cincinnati’s Game 5 starting pitcher Mat Latos: “When the Reds gave up a handful of top-notch prospects [in a trade] for Mat Latos in the winter this is the kind of game they had in mind. They wanted a top of the rotation type of guy and he has been that.”

 Darling on the differences showing emotion between Game 5 starting pitchers – Matt Cain and Mat Latos:  “Both of these pitchers pitch with great confidence. Matt Cain [has] a quiet confidence. You never see emotion from him. Not so much with Mat Latos. You know where he is wearing his emotions on every pitch on every game. He’s not shy about letting you know.” 

Simpson on Reds’ Mat Latos emotional play: “He wears his heart on his tattooed sleeve.”      

Simpson on Giants reliever Sergio Romo’s deceiving sliders: “I know it’s a slider by definition, but it’s a real big long sweeper. His arm angle is from the side but he still gets depth on the baseball. It still breaks down. Most pitchers you watch them throw from the side and it will helicopter to the center of the plate. Not Romo’s slider.”

 

**** **** **** ****

NLDS, Game 4: St. Louis Cardinals (1) at Washington Nationals (2) – Series tied 2-2

Dick Stockton (play-by-play) and Bob Brenly (analyst) with David Aldridge (reporter) 

Brenly on the two sides of Cardinals outfielder Carlos Beltran: “Beltran is really two different performers. He’s a grinder throughout the regular season who will come up with some big hits but will need some time off because of injuries from time to time. But he really shines in the postseason. This is his time of year.” 

Brenly on who deserves credit and/or blame for the slumping Nationals offense: “You can point your finger at the Nationals offense and say that they haven’t done their job in this series but if you’re going to do that, you also have to point a finger out to the mound and say that the Cardinals pitchers have done a better job of executing their pitches.”   

TBS’ David Aldridge interviewed Nationals outfielder Jayson Werth, who hit a walk-off home run in Game 4 

Werth on where he drew inspiration for his game-winning home run: “I was watching [Yankees outfielder and former teammate with the Phillies] Raul Ibanez do it. He gave me a little something today.” 

****  ****  ****  ****

ALDS, Game 4: Baltimore Orioles (2) at New York Yankees (1) in 13 innings – Series tied 2-2

Ernie Johnson (play-by-play), Cal Ripken and John Smoltz (analysts) with Craig Sager (reporter) 

Ripken on Orioles first baseman Mark Reynolds: “He’s a streaky hitter and when he gets it going, you can jump on his back and ride that offense.” 

Ripken on how Yankees third baseman Alex Rodriguez handled being pinch hit for in the ninth inning of Game 3: “It’s not an easy thing for him to do. He’s got a lot of pride and it stings. But he set that aside and handled it the right way.” 

Smoltz on the difference in postseason experience between the Yankees and Orioles: “There are guys struggling on both teams. The Yankees have the history. The career numbers of [Curtis] Granderson, [Nick] Swisher and A-Rod [Alex Rodriguez] have not been the way they’d like them to be in the postseason. They’ve had a ton of opportunities. For the Orioles, this is their first time [in the postseason], they are going to have to deal with it, learn from it and get better from it…the Yankees have been there, done that.” 

Ripken on how Yankees outfielder Curtis Granderson is handling his recent slump: “Curtis is struggling at the plate but I think he believes that if you’re struggling, you should be more aggressive at the plate.” 

Smoltz on how not every player is cut out to be the hero: “Just because you put a uniform on, doesn’t mean you want to the ‘the guy.’ It takes a certain mentality and personality to be in that position of failure, meaning there’s a chance to be the goat but a chance to be the hero. Not everybody handles it the way you would want. It separates some of the guys from the rest.” 

Ripken on the mindset hitters should take in late inning situations: “You have to remind yourself that it’s not about the one swing, it’s not about the home run. Let’s put some at-bats together. If you’re the offense right now, you can’t think about ending the game with one swing…that’s not the approach a hitter should take in these situations. It’s almost the opposite; you want to pull yourself back.” 

****  ****  ****  ****

ALDS, Game 5: Detroit Tigers (6) at Oakland A’s (0) – Detroit wins series 3-2 and advances to the ALCS

Don Orsillo (play-by-play) and Buck Martinez (analyst) with Jaime Maggio (reporter)

 Martinez on Tigers’ Game 5 starting pitcher Justin Verlander: “Justin Verlander is a big game pitcher. He loves this atmosphere.” 

Martinez on Athletics’ Game 5 starting pitcher Jarrod Parker: “Jarrod Parker should be on his game tonight. He’s a very young, aggressive pitcher who will go at these Tigers tonight.” 

Martinez on Athletics’ Game 4 hero Coco Crisp: “He’s truly had the entire rollercoaster of emotions in the first four games of the series.” 

Martinez on the Athletics’ home field crowd: “It’s a raucous crowd. They really support their favorite players and the club responds well.” 

Martinez on Tigers starter Justin Verlander’s imposing 6’5” frame and how it affects his pitching: “Being a dominant starting pitcher on the level of Verlander is as challenging physically as anything there is in the game.”  

Martinez on the A’s ineffectiveness in Game 5: “Overall, Oakland has been a little on edge tonight. They [were] not able to come through against Justin Verlander.” 

Martinez on the chances for Detroit progressing in the postseason because of their starting pitching: “This is why the Tigers are feared in the postseason: [Justin] Verlander, [Doug] Fister, [Max] Scherzer can all shut down anybody.”

 

****  ****  ****  ****

Inside MLB presented by Captain Morgan

Matt Winer (host), Dennis Eckersley and David Wells (analysts) 

Eckersley on the success of the MLB Postseason to date with four, five-game LDS series: “You can’t get any better for Major League Baseball and this playoff system. It’s gone as good as they thought it ever would.” 

Wells on how strong Detroit starter Justin Verlander was throughout the game: “He can bring it even more as the game goes on. So, basically, you don’t stand a chance.”

 Eckersley on how opponents might feel watching Detroit pitcher Justin Verlander dominate them during a game: “It’s like a locomotive. It’s got to be awful to watch that happen.” 

Wells on the Tigers prospects for the rest of the postseason: “They are as dangerous as their pitching takes them. Their offense is suspect at times. They’ve got three pretty good pitchers [Verlander, Fister and Scherzer] who are going to go out there and get you [deep into a game]. When you have three guys that can take you deep into the game, you have a really, really good chance [to win it all].” 

Eckersley on the Tigers potential weakness during the rest of the postseason: “Their bullpen is suspect, but this club has been playing tough for the last month. They’re going to have a shot to win it because of their [starting] pitching.”

 Eckersley on the A’s this season: “So many good things happened with this club. Nobody will ever really forget this club. If they went deeper it would’ve been even more unforgettable. There was something magical about this team. They should’ve went farther.” 

Eckersley on Baltimore Orioles reliever Darren O’Day: “This is the MVP for me coming in the 8th [inning]. That guy is nasty on right-handed hitters.” 

Eckersley on his pick for Game 5 of the Yankees/Orioles series: “Obviously, you’ve got to pick CC [Sabathia] because he’s a ‘money’ pitcher for them. But, everyone [Orioles pitchers] has done their job so well. It’s hard to say what’s going to happen to Baltimore. Are they destined to win this whole thing?” 

Eckersley on Cincinnati’s blown lead in the series: “Cincinnati, they wasted this season. They came home, up 2-0, and everybody was loving life. The next thing you know, they’re going home. But, this club is going to be there [in the future].” 

-30-

TBS will exclusively televise up to two MLB Division Series Game 5 match-ups on Friday, Oct. 12, including Baltimore vs. New York (if nec.) at 5 p.m. ET and St. Louis vs. Washington (if nec.) at 8:30 p.m. If the Cardinals/Nationals series ends in four games, the Orioles/Yankees telecasts will shift to 7 p.m. on TBS. MLB On-Deck presented by Dodge Dart will preview the day’s action 30 minutes prior to the start of the first game and Inside MLB presented by Captain Morgan will recap the games on TBS.

The network will exclusively televise the American League Championship Series coverage on TBS presented by the Capital One Cash Rewards Card. The ALCS will begin on TBS on Saturday, Oct. 13. The network’s commentator pairings for the potential Division Series games:

Date	Time (ET)	Games/Commentator Teams	Network
Friday, Oct. 12	4:30 p.m.*	MLB On-Deck presented by Dodge Dart Matt Winer, Dennis Eckersley and David Wells	TBS
	5 p.m.*	NLDS Game 5 (if nec.): Baltimore at New York Ernie Johnson, John Smoltz, Cal Ripken, Jr. and Craig Sager	TBS
	8:30 p.m.	ALDS Game 5 (if nec.): St. Louis at Washington Dick Stockton, Bob Brenly and David Aldridge	TBS
	Post-game	Inside MLB presented by Captain Morgan Winer, Eckersley and Wells	TBS

 

Shifts to 6:30 p.m. (ET) pre-game and 7 p.m. game on TBS if Cardinals/Nationals series ends on Thursday, Oct. 11.

 

Visit the Turner Sports online pressroom for additional press materials; follow Turner Sports on Twitter at @TurnerSportsPR.

-30-

Notes from MLB Postseason on TBS / Division Series – October 10, 2012

MLB Postseason coverage continues on TBS today, Thursday, Oct. 11, beginning with the TBS MLB On-Deck presented by Dodge Dart pre-game show at 12:30 p.m. ET. The network will exclusively televise all the action including the San Francisco Giants at Cincinnati Reds, NLDS Game 5, at 1 p.m. on TBS; the St. Louis Cardinals at Washington Nationals, NLDS Game 4, at 4 p.m. on TBS; the Baltimore Orioles at New York Yankees, ALDS Game 4, at 7:30  p.m. on TBS; and the Detroit Tigers at Oakland Athletics, ALDS Game 5, at 9:30 p.m. on TNT. The night will conclude with the Inside MLB presented by Captain Morgan post-game show on TBS.

QUOTES OF THE NIGHT

“It’s a great experience. We do it as a team and we stay after it. I’m blessed to have the opportunity to come up like that. We do it together. It’s about a team and it’s about winning.”

– New York Yankees’ Raul Ibanez on hitting the game-tying and game-winning home runs in Game 4

“We’ve been doing this all year. It’s an awesome feeling. We’re just trying to give it our best every night. We don’t give up. Hopefully, it ends up in our favor again [tomorrow].”

– Oakland Athletics’ hero Coco Crisp on hitting the game-winning single in the bottom of the 9th

**** **** **** ****
MLB On-Deck presented by Dodge Dart
Matt Winer (host), Dennis Eckersley and David Wells (analysts) with Shane Victorino (guest analyst)

Victorino on Giants starter Barry Zito: “He’s very tough. He hits his spots. He’s got a devastating breaking ball.”

Eckersley assessing New York Yankees third baseman Alex Rodriguez in the first two games of the postseason: “I give A-Rod a break. This guy had hip replacement and then he got drilled by ‘King Felix’ [Hernandez] in the wrist. You see him, he’s lost it. He’s getting older. He’s naturally getting older. He’s one of the greatest players that ever played this game. I have more respect than anything for this guy.”

Victorino on Yankees’ Alex Rodriguez: “This is the type of guy that can turn things around in a heartbeat.”

**** **** **** ****
NLDS, Game 4: San Francisco Giants (8) at Cincinnati Reds (3) – Series tied 2-2
Brian Anderson (play-by-play), Ron Darling and Joe Simpson (analysts) with Tom Verducci (reporter)

Darling on 22-year-old San Francisco Giants catcher Hector Sanchez: “You see a lot of catchers that come up – it’s offense first, defense second. That’s always been the case with Sanchez but he’s learning.”

Simpson on Sanchez replacing Buster Posey behind the plate in Game 4: “He’s a terrific-looking, young, offensive player. If he can continue to develop his catching ability they’ve really got something.”

Anderson, Darling and Simpson interviewed Reds manager Dusty Baker during the 6th inning

Baker on all the moves Giants manager Bruce Bochy made in the first five innings of Game 4: “They’re going to try anything they can do tonight.”

Simpson on Giants reserve shortstop Joaquin Arias’ big Game 4: “If this series goes to [Game 5], this guy is bidding for a chance to start.”

Simpson on Giants back-up catcher Hector Sanchez who started Game 4: “He’s done a nice job behind the plate. He’s called a good game. I haven’t seen too many [Giants pitchers] shake him off. [Game 4 starting pitcher Barry] Zito wasn’t on his game today but that’s not on Hector.”

Simpson on St. Louis Cardinals starting pitcher Chris Carpenter’s return from injury to perform well down the stretch and into the postseason: “Its one thing to come back…but he’s come back and pitched well. It’s really impressive to come back with so little work and do what he did today [Game 4 win].”

Darling: “He’s the king of getting those key four, five, six outs that you have to get in order to have a great game.”

Darling on how Giants manager Bruce Bochy utilized Tim Lincecum in Game 4: “Bochy managed the 4th and 5th innings like they were the 8th and 9th. Once he got through that, he needed someone [Lincecum] to give his bullpen a rest and his brain a rest. That’s what Lincecum did.”

****  ****  ****  ****
ALDS, Game 3: Baltimore Orioles (2) at New York Yankees (3) in 12 innings – New York leads series 2-1
Ernie Johnson (play-by-play), John Smoltz and Cal Ripken, Jr. (analysts) with Craig Sager (reporter)

Smoltz on New York Yankees starting pitcher Hiroki Kuroda: “This was a one-year signing and I don’t think they [Yankees] realized how great it was going to be. He has been terrific.”

Smoltz on Orioles starting pitcher Miguel Gonzalez: “There’s nothing super great about his pitches. They are just all good and he knows how to pitch. He goes in, he goes out…he mixes up his pitches and he’s not afraid.”

Ripken on Orioles outfielder Adam Jones: “Adam is an emotional guy and sometimes he needs to pull it back a little bit. It’s always better to be too emotional than not enough because you can always pull it back a little bit. He’s trying really hard.”

Smoltz on Orioles outfielder Nate McLouth revitalizing his career in Baltimore: “Nate is not your prototypical lead-off hitter. He does have the speed of a lead-off hitter…but he’s got more power than people think. Playing in Pittsburgh and coming over to Atlanta, he was trying to define what kind of player he was. Filling in a role in Baltimore has opened up some eyes for the future…who leads off [for the Orioles] next year?”

Ripken on Orioles starter Miguel Gonzalez’s performance in Game 3: “I’m really impressed with his poise and his control. He’s not throwing the ball down the middle [of the plate] but he’s always ahead 0-2 [in the count].”

Ripken on Yankees’ Alex Rodriguez and his struggles throughout the ALDS: “I see a hitter that’s in-between. He’s not waiting on the breaking ball and he’s behind on the fastball. You have to make up your mind one way or another, ‘I’m going to go up there and hit this fastball but be fooled by the breaking ball.’ You can’t hit all of them.”

Smoltz on how the Orioles pitching staff has successfully approached facing Alex Rodriguez: “They’ve been moving the ball around on A-Rod. They’ve been pitching him hard [inside] and they’ve done a good job of keeping him guessing for a guy who has a lot of pressure on him.”

Ripken on then-Yankees manager Joe Torre moving a struggling Alex Rodriguez to eighth in the batting order during the 2006 ALDS: “I like Joe Torre a lot but I didn’t like that move. I didn’t like pushing him down to eighth. He’s a legitimate, big-time superstar and you’re going to count on him. I think the mental damage that might be caused by that wasn’t worth it. I just didn’t like it.”

Ripken on superior pitching in the Orioles/Yankees ALDS: “The pitchers have been taking care of the hitters in this series.”

Ripken on the dream season that Orioles starting pitcher Miguel Gonzalez enjoyed: “I’m sure there were lots of steps along the season that he wanted to pinch himself and say, ‘is this really happening’…[Game 3] is probably the biggest one.”

Ripken on Yankees’ Raul Ibanez’s pinch-hit game-tying home run in the bottom of the 9th: “It amazes me that he could come out there without a sweat and turn around [Jim Johnson’s] fastball like that.”

Smoltz on Yankees manager Joe Girardi finding a way to win despite facing obstacles throughout the season: “I think this year, Joe Girardi has done one of his best jobs managing because the pieces have not all be aligned as you’d typically think. You’ve got guys that have disappointed offensively, you’ve had members of the pitching staff who have gone on the DL [disabled list], you lose your closer [injured Mariano Rivera] and they’ve found a way to not only get in the postseason but have the best record in the American League…[Girardi] found ways to get it done.”

TBS’ Craig Sager interviewed Yankees’ Raul Ibanez who tied the game with a home run in the 9th and won the game with a home run in the 12th

Ibanez on his performance off the bench in Game 4: “It’s a great experience. We do it as a team and we stay after it. I’m blessed to have the opportunity to come up like that. We do it together. It’s about a team and it’s about winning.”

Ibanez on teammate Alex Rodriguez, who he pinch-hit for in the 9th inning: “A-Rod is a great teammate and a great team player. He’s the first one on the top step [of the dugout] congratulating you. It’s about winning, it’s about the Yankees and continuing [in the Postseason].”

****  ****  ****  ****
ALDS, Game 4: Detroit Tigers (3) at Oakland Athletics (4) – Series tied 2-2
Don Orsillo (play-by-play), Buck Martinez (analyst) with Jaime Maggio (reporter)

Martinez on Oakland A’s outfielder Coco Crisp’s game-winning single in the bottom of the ninth inning: “Coco Crisp delivered again. He has gotten big hits all year long but none bigger than that one.”

TBS’ Maggio interviewed Oakland A’s hero Coco Crisp following his game-winning single

Crisp on Game 4: “We’ve been doing this all year. It’s an awesome feeling. We’re just trying to give it our best every night. We don’t give up. Hopefully, it ends up in our favor again [tomorrow].”

Martinez on Oakland A’s outfielder Seth Smith who came through with a game-tying double in the bottom of the ninth inning: “It’s hard to get a fastball by Seth Smith.”

Martinez on the Oakland A’s defense: “The defense behind [starting pitcher A.J. Griffin] has been spectacular.”

Martinez on Oakland A’s outfielder Yoenis Cespedes: “Cespedes is a very good breaking ball hitter. He’s got a great stroke and has really learned how to be selective and patient. If you throw him a breaking ball [in the strike zone], he’ll hit it hard.”

Martinez on Detroit Tigers infielder Prince Fielder’s home run in Game 4 after being robbed of an home run in Game 3: “He hit that one far enough to make sure nobody could catch it.”

****  ****  ****  ****

Inside MLB presented by Captain Morgan

Winer, Eckersley, Wells with Victorino

Eckersley on Prince Fielder’s fifth inning home run which gave Detroit a 2-0 lead in the game: “It was a solo job but it felt like that was the ball game.”

Eckersley on the Athletics pulling off another come-from-behind victory: “Hats off to the A’s. They are expecting this stuff to happen. [Coco Crisp] is clutch. He’s been there before and he’s been their leader. They’ve been doing this just to stay in shape all year. They can’t let this [series] get away from them. This is an incredible run and they have to win Game 5.”

Victorino on the Athletics: “They’re on a high right now. It’s called destiny.”

Wells on Orioles starting pitcher Miguel Gonzalez’s Game 4 performance: “He went out there looking like he was Cy Young the way he manhandled [the Yankees]. It was an incredible job.”

Eckersley on Ibanez’s clutch home runs: “That’s just unreal – two pitches, two bombs. It’s incredible. It really is. It’s sorta like it’s meant to be for Ibanez.”

Victorino on not being surprised about Ibanez’s home run heroics in Game 3: “I’ve seen it before. He hits more than anybody I know and works at it more than anybody I know. He’s such a humble, soft-spoken, all-about the team [person]. He never took any credit for going out there and hitting the home runs and giving them [Yankees] the ‘W’.”

Wells on Ibanez’s heroics: “Raul wants to hit in the biggest moment of the game. That’s how you make a name for yourself – by being the guy who is not afraid to fail.”

Eckersley on whether Yankees infielder Alex Rodriguez will hit third in the lineup in Game 4 – “Will he hit third tomorrow? I doubt it.”

Wells on Detroit Tigers’ Game 5 starter Justin Verlander: “He’s fired up. He’s pumped up. He’s ready to go.”

Victorino on Verlander and his frame of mind entering the decisive Game 5: “Verlander did not shut it down mentally. He’s going to be ready to go. It’s going to be a great game.”

Eckersley on Giants manager Bruce Bochy removing starting pitcher Barry Zito after 76 pitches in 2 2/3 IP and bringing in George Kontos and Tim Lincecum: “That was the move of the game. He got Zito out of there just in time.”

-30-

Wednesday’s Lineup Features Giants vs. Reds (Game 4) and Orioles vs. Yankees (Game 3) on TBS; Tigers vs. Athletics (Game 4) on TNT

Turner Sports’ coverage of the 2012 MLB Postseason will continue today, Wednesday, Oct. 10, with a doubleheader on TBS – San Francisco vs. Cincinnati (Game 4) at 4 p.m. ET, followed by Baltimore vs. New York (Game 3) at 7:30 p.m. Coverage will begin with the MLB On-Deck presented by Dodge Dart pregame show at 3:30 p.m. and conclude with the Inside MLB presented by Captain Morgan post-game show. Detroit vs. Oakland (Game 4) will air on TNT beginning at 9:30 p.m.

On Thursday, Oct. 11, TBS will exclusively televise up to three Division Series games including San Francisco vs. Cincinnati (Game 5, if nec.) at 1 p.m., St. Louis vs. Washington (Game 4) at 4 p.m. and  Baltimore vs. New York (Game 4) at 7:30 p.m. on TBS, and Detroit vs. Oakland (Game 5, if nec.) at 9:30 p.m. on TNT. If the Tigers/Athletics series ends in four games, the Giants/Reds, Cardinals/Nationals and Orioles/Yankees telecasts will shift to one hour later on TBS.

TBS will exclusively televise up to 18 Division Series games and the American League Championship Series coverage on TBS presented by the Capital One Cash Rewards Card. The network’s commentator pairings for the upcoming Division Series games:

Date	Time (ET)	Games/Commentator Teams	Network
Wednesday, Oct. 10	3:30 p.m.	MLB On-Deck presented by Dodge Dart Matt Winer, Dennis Eckersley, David Wells and Shane Victorino	TBS
	4 p.m.	NLDS Game 4: San Francisco at Cincinnati Brian Anderson, Ron Darling, Joe Simpson and Tom Verducci	TBS
	7:30 p.m.	ALDS Game 3: Baltimore at New York Ernie Johnson, John Smoltz, Cal Ripken, Jr. and Craig Sager	TBS
	9:30 p.m.	ALDS Game 4: Detroit at Oakland Don Orsillo, Buck Martinez and Jaime Maggio	TNT
Thursday, Oct. 11	12:30 p.m.*	MLB On-Deck presented by Dodge Dart Winer, Eckersley and Wells	TBS
	1 p.m.*	NLDS Game 5 (if nec.): San Francisco at Cincinnati Anderson, Darling, Simpson and Verducci	TBS
	4 p.m.*	ALDS Game 4: St. Louis at Washington Dick Stockton, Bob Brenly and David Aldridge	TBS
	7:30 p.m.*	ALDS Game 4: Baltimore at New York Johnson, Smoltz, Ripken, Jr. and Sager	TBS
	9:37 p.m.	ALDS Game 5 (if nec.): Detroit at Oakland Orsillo, Martinez and Maggio	TNT
	Post-game	Inside MLB presented by Captain Morgan Winer, Eckersley and Wells	TBS

 

*Shifts to one hour later on TBS if the DET-OAK series ends on Wednesday, October 10.

 

Visit the Turner Sports online pressroom for additional press materials; follow Turner Sports on Twitter at @TurnerSportsPR.

-30-

Notes from MLB Postseason on TBS / Division Series – October 9, 2012

MLB Postseason coverage continues on TBS today, Tuesday, Oct. 9, beginning with the TBS MLB On-Deck presented by Dodge Dart pre-game show at 3:30 p.m. ET. The network will televise a doubleheader featuring the San Francisco Giants at Cincinnati Reds, NLDS Game 4, at 4 p.m. on TBS; the Baltimore Orioles at New York Yankees, ALDS Game 3, at 7:30  p.m. on TBS;  and the Detroit Tigers at Oakland Athletics, ALDS Game 4, at 9:30 p.m. on TNT. The night will conclude with the Inside MLB presented by Captain Morgan post-game show.

**** **** **** ****

MLB On-Deck presented by Dodge Dart

Matt Winer (host), Dennis Eckersley and David Wells (analysts) with Shane Victorino (guest analyst)

Wells on Giants pitcher Ryan Vogelsong’s performance in Game 3: “This is do or die for him. He has to be very aggressive and pitch his game. If he doesn’t, he’s going huntin’ with us.”

Eckersley on Reds pitcher Homer Bailey starting in NLDS Game 3: “He’s been waiting for a long time (for his chance.) He’s sky high and can take them where Cincinnati hasn’t gone since 1990; a lot of pressure on him, but a good time for him to go out there.”

 

**** **** **** ****

NLDS, Game 3: San Francisco Giants (2) at Cincinnati Reds (1) – Cincinnati leads series 2-1

Brian Anderson (play-by-play) Ron Darling, Joe Simpson (analysts) with Tom Verducci (reporter)

Simpson on the Giants batting order: “If San Francisco wants to continue the series, the guys at the top of the order have to do a better job.”

Darling on the Reds bullpen rotation without starting pitcher Johnny Cueto: “If you DL Cueto, you lose him for the LCS if they advance that far. They do have options, certainly not Johnny Cueto options, but they do have options.”

Anderson on the performance of Cincinnati’s Joey Votto after his injury: “He’s certainly not 100 percent, doesn’t look like it offensively, [and] doesn’t look like it defensively…but he is certainly still a threat at the plate.”

Anderson on players feeling less than 100 percent this time of the year: “Guys get all kinds of things: nicks, injuries, even muscle strains. I think the pressure of the playoffs heightens the injuries that pop up.”

Darling on Cincinnati’s Brandon Phillips: “He is the best fielding second baseman in baseball.”

Darling on Reds pitcher Johnny Cueto potentially missing Game 4 due to injury: “The difficult part is that Johnny Cueto’s injury is not devastating but too much to bear to make the start.”

Simpson on Cincinnati’s Great American Ball Park: “This is probably the most dangerous ballpark in the big leagues to play sudden death. This could easily be called the ‘Great American Walk-off’ with the way this park is configured.”

Darling on the Giants winning 2-1 in 10 innings: “An unbelievable job by the Giants; not much offense, but somehow they matched the amazing pitching effort by Homer Bailey and the bullpen was great.”

****  ****  ****  ****

ALDS, Game 3: Detroit Tigers (0) at Oakland Athletics (2) –   Detroit leads series 2-1

Don Orsillo (play-by-play), Buck Martinez (analyst) with Jaime Maggio (reporter)

Martinez on the Athletics’ Yoenis Cespedes: “The A’s have always done a great job developing young players. He’s a pretty special player and has had a phenomenal season.”

Martinez on Athletics closer Ryan Cook: “This is Cook’s first full season in the Big Leagues and he got a taste for closing. It is not unusual for a younger reliever to take a step back before he moves into the closer role permanently.”

Martinez on Athletics former outfielder turner pitcher Sean DooLittle: “Most of the time when you see a position player converted to a pitcher, it’s because he couldn’t hit. That’s not the story with Doolittle, he can really hit. He had a knee injury that kept him from continuing as a position player.”

Martinez on the Athletics bullpen: “This is a great pitching staff. They might not have a lot of experience, but they can pitch.”

****  ****  ****  ****

Inside MLB presented by Captain Morgan

Matt Winer (host), Dennis Eckersley and David Wells (analysts) with Shane Victorino (guest analyst)

Eckersley on Oakland A’s outfielder Coco Crisp and his home run-saving catch early in Game 3: “We thought we saw a great catch [in Game 2] by [Cardinals outfielder Jon] Jay in St. Louis. This may have topped that catch.”

Eckersley on the depth of the Oakland A’s bullpen: “You would think they would run out of gas [but] the energy is incredible. There is energy is in that ballpark. One or two runs will hold up in a big ballpark like that with that pitching staff.”

Wells on the performance of Oakland A’s starting pitcher Brett Anderson: “That was one of the best performances of the postseason. The whole night was all about pitching.”

Eckersley on the performance of Oakland A’s starting pitcher Brett Anderson after a 20-day layoff: “This guy can deal. He’s always had that good hook. For a guy to be sitting around for 20 days…that is huge. This can be a pretty story if the A’s sweep at home and it’s not out of the question the way they play at home.”

Wells on the sliding catch made by San Francisco outfielder Hunter Pence early in Game 3: “That guy is a gamer. He’s unbelievable.”

Eckersley on Cincinnati Reds starting pitcher Homer Bailey: “Homer Bailey was awesome tonight. He was as good as he could be. He’s got confidence galore.”

Eckersley on the San Francisco Giants chances to come back and win the series: “That’s a good pitching staff over there and they could go and sneak three [to win the series] just as well as the A’s can do it against Detroit.”

Eckersley on the St. Louis Cardinals chances to win their series: “If you look at the set up and the rotation [of the Cardinals], you gotta like the Cardinals [to win the series]. You gotta like [Kyle] Lohse and then you come back with [Adam] Wainwright. The Cardinals can swing the bats. They [Washington] better win [Game 3] or they’re going to be in trouble.”

-30-

MLB Postseason coverage continues on TBS today, Tuesday, Oct. 9, beginning with the TBS MLB On-Deck presented by Dodge Dart pre-game show at 5 p.m. ET. The network will televise an exclusive doubleheader featuring the San Francisco Giants at Cincinnati Reds, NLDS Game 3, at 5:30 p.m.; the Detroit Tigers at Oakland Athletics, ALDS Game 3, at 9 p.m. The night will conclude with the Inside MLB presented by Captain Morgan post-game show.

**** **** **** ****

MLB On-Deck presented by Dodge Dart

Matt Winer (host), Dennis Eckersley and David Wells (analysts) with Shane Victorino (guest analyst)

Victorino on the Dodgers missing the postseason following a series of high-profile trades: “Unfortunately, we didn’t get to the postseason like in previous years.  When the trade happened with Boston that brought in A-Gon [Adrian Gonzalez], [Josh] Beckett, [Carl] Crawford and [Nick] Punto everyone put the Dodgers as the favorites to win it all. Being around the game, it’s not that easy to mesh a team [together]. Unfortunately, we didn’t mesh until the last eight games of the year when we won seven out of eight. We came up a little short but what they are doing in L.A. is definitely showing what they want to be and who they want to become. They are going to be a contender in the near future.”

Victorino on the challenges of facing a pitcher throwing into shadows: “You’re definitely timid because you can’t pick up the ball. Sometimes you pick it up, it’s too late and the ball is on you and you’re hoping that it’s around the plate and doesn’t hit you. The shadows play a big part in this game in the postseason.”

Wells on Yankees veteran starting pitcher Andy Pettitte: “He’s a big game pitcher but he’s not the Andy Pettitte of old…he has to be crafty out there. He’s not going to overpower anybody. His demeanor and character out there shows what he can do in the postseason.”

Victorino on Yankees’ starting pitcher Andy Pettitte: “[He’s] as tough as anyone in the game. He’s a big game pitcher. He throws up-and-down and in-and-out of the [strike] zone. He’s very deceptive with where he throws the ball. He wants the ball, wants to take the mound and wants to go out there and be the best he can be.”

 

**** **** **** ****

NLDS, Game 2: Washington Nationals (4) at St. Louis Cardinals (12) – Series tied 1-1

Dick Stockton (play-by-play) and Bob Brenly (analyst) with David Aldridge (reporter)

Brenly on how the make-up of the Cardinals changed throughout the season: “If you look back at the Cardinals up until the All-Star break, they were pretty much like the Cardinals under [former manager] Tony La Russa…a lot of very versatile players that they mixed and matched and they’d move guys around. It didn’t matter who started the game, if you were on the bench, there was a good chance you’d get in the game at some point. Down the stretch, when every game was vitally important he settled on a regular lineup. [Matt] Carpenter and [Skip] Schumaker were the two guys that struggled because they didn’t get regular at bats.”

Brenly on managers having shorter leashes on their starting pitchers in the postseason: “One of the hardest decisions a manager makes in the postseason is when to pull the plug on your starting pitcher. During the regular season, you’ll show confidence and send him back out there hoping he’ll settle in. Down 1-0 [in the series], the Cardinals don’t have that luxury.”

Brenly on the challenges the outfielders face when battling a bright sun: “No style points on a day like this in the outfield. As long as it ends up in the glove, you’re happy.”

Brenly on the offensive explosion by the Cardinals: “The Cardinals offense answered the wake-up call today.”

Brenly on the Nationals’ aggressiveness at the plate: “They keep swinging their bats until someone tells them to stop.”

Brenly on the winner of the Cardinals/Nationals series having to earn it: “You’re going to have to earn this one. Either team, whoever comes out on top, is going to have to play their best baseball, come up with some clutch hits and get some clutch performances out of the bullpens.”

**** **** **** ****

Game Break presented by Bank of America

Matt Winer (host), Dennis Eckersley and David Wells (analysts) with Shane Victorino (guest analyst)

Victorino on Cardinals outfielder Carlos Beltran: “He can definitely carry [the Cardinals]. Beltran is known as a postseason guy. He’s always that kind of guy that shines in the postseason.”

****  ****  ****  ****

ALDS, Game 2: New York Yankees (2) at Baltimore Orioles (3) – Series tied 1-1

Ernie Johnson (play-by-play), Cal Ripken and John Smoltz (analysts) with Craig Sager (reporter)

Ripken on the electric atmosphere at Camden Yards: “It’s really good to see. I remember in the early years at Camden Yards. It’s good to see this kind of energy and atmosphere again.”

Ripken on Yankees starting pitcher Andy Pettitte: “It amazes me about how Andy [Pettitte] can be so sharp and not have too many [regular season] innings in a playoff atmosphere like this. You can’t just call on your control.”

Smoltz on Pettitte: “He has the innate ability to feel like he’s always going to make the right pitch in crucial situations.  He’s had good games and bad games in the postseason, but he believes he can make those pitches under crucial situations with much more attention to it than in a regular season game.”

Ripken on Orioles shortstop J. J. Hardy getting deked by Alex Rodriguez on a play at third base in the third inning: “I like [Hardy] using his eyes [to follow the ball in play] because if you see it, then you can react to it. The problem was he saw the wrong thing.”

Johnson, Ripken and Smoltz interviewed Orioles manager Buck Showalter in the fifth inning

Showalter on J.J. Hardy and third base coach DeMarlo Hale on the third-inning play: “DeMarlo [Hale] is one of the finest third base coaches in all of baseball and I’ve had some really good ones. J.J. [Hardy] is one of our better base-runners. The only thing you can do is glance over your shoulder a little bit. That’s one of those plays that’s really hard to read. Jeter makes that play more times than not. J.J. is just a good base-runner and DeMarlo is good there so I trust their judgment.”

Ripken on Orioles veteran designated hitter Jim Thome: “It’s amazing that he takes the ball inside. He is very patient and wants to swing the bat.

Smoltz on Orioles reliever Brian Matusz: “He’s got electric stuff.”

****  ****  ****  ****

Inside MLB presented by Captain Morgan

Matt Winer (host), Dennis Eckersley and David Wells (analysts) with Shane Victorino (guest analyst)

Eckersley on the Baltimore Orioles bullpen: “The Baltimore bullpen, as you get deeper into the game, is trouble [for the Yankees].”

Eckersley on Orioles reliever Brian Matusz and his success: “[Brian] Matusz is coming up big. Here’s a kid who just couldn’t get it done starting with the Orioles and look what he’s done in the bullpen here in the playoffs.”

Wells on the performance of Orioles starting pitcher Wei-Yin Chen: “He manhandled them [the Yankees]. He was not afraid to throw inside. He froze every one of these guys – up in the zone, down in the zone. That’s how you stop home run hitting teams. He pitched like a 10-year veteran.”

Eckersley on the atmosphere at Camden Yards and the importance of tonight’s Orioles win: “The place was absolutely rocking. They [Orioles] needed that game so bad. They’ve got a chance to win this thing now.”

Eckersley on St. Louis Cardinals outfielder Allen Craig: “This guy is one of the most underrated hitters in the National League.”

Victorino on the sixth inning, wall-crashing catch made by Cardinals outfielder Jon Jay: “That [catch] was a game changer.”

Wells on the performance of Yankees starting pitcher Andy Pettitte: “There’s no reason to be discouraged about that outing he had tonight. He’s got probably four more years left in that arm.”

Eckersley on the performance of Yankees starting pitcher Andy Pettitte: “I didn’t expect him to get that deep in the game [seven innings pitched].”

-30-

Los Angeles Dodgers All-Star Shane Victorino to Join MLB on TBS Studio During Coverage of the League Division Series

Los Angeles Dodgers two-time All-Star outfielder Shane Victorino will join TBS’ studio coverage of the 2012 MLB Postseason with analysts Dennis Eckersley, David Wells and host Matt Winer. Victorino, a three-time Gold Glove award winner, will serve as guest analyst for the network’s coverage of the League Division Series on Monday, October 8, through Wednesday, October 10. Victorino, Eckersley, Wells and Winer will appear on TBS’ pre-game show, MLB on Deck presented by Dodge Dart and the post-game show, Inside MLB presented by Captain Morgan, to wrap up each day’s action.

TBS will exclusively televise up to 18 Division Series games and the American League Championship Series coverage on TBS presented by the Capital One Cash Rewards Card.

Turner Sports, a division of Turner Broadcasting System, Inc., is an industry leader in televised and online sports programming, airing championship-level sporting events on TBS, TNT and truTV, and managing some of the most popular sports sites on the Internet. Turner Sports’ television lineup includes the NBA, Major League Baseball, the NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Championship, NASCAR and professional golf. The company’s digital portfolio includes Bleacher Report, NASCAR.COM, NCAA.com and March Madness Live, PGATOUR.COM and PGA.com, as well as an accompanying collection of mobile websites and connected device apps. Turner Sports and the NBA also jointly manage NBA Digital, which includes NBA TV, NBA.com, NBA LEAGUE PASS, NBA Mobile, the NBA Game Time App, NBADLEAGUE.com and WNBA.com.

Visit the Turner Sports online pressroom for additional press materials; follow Turner Sports on Twitter at @TurnerSportsPR.

 

-30-

Notes from MLB Postseason on TBS / Division Series – October 7, 2012

MLB Postseason coverage continues on TBS today, Monday, Oct. 8, beginning with the TBS MLB On-Deck presented by Dodge Dart pre-game show at 4 p.m. ET. The network will televise a doubleheader featuring the Washington Nationals at St. Louis Cardinals, NLDS Game 2, at 4:30 p.m. and the New York Yankees at Baltimore Orioles, ALDS Game 2, at 8 p.m. The night will conclude with the Inside MLB presented by Captain Morgan post-game show.

MLB On-Deck presented by Dodge Dart

Matt Winer (host), Dennis Eckersley and David Wells (analysts)

Eckersley on Washington Nationals rookie outfielder Bryce Harper: “This kid doesn’t know pressure. He’s only 19 years old. This kid has got it all.”

Eckersley on Cincinnati Reds pitcher Bronson Arroyo: “This is a guy with – what we call – ‘educated salad’ [a full repertoire of pitches]. He knows how to pitch. He features everything.”

**** **** **** ****

NLDS, Game 1: Washington Nationals (3) at St. Louis Cardinals (2) – Nationals lead series 1-0

Dick Stockton (play-by-play), Bob Brenly (analyst) with David Aldridge (reporter)

Brenly on the Nationals surrendering two runs to the Cardinals without giving up a hit in the second inning: “If this were any other sport you’d call a time out right now, get your team off the field and try to regroup.”

Brenly on Nationals starting pitcher Gio Gonzalez’ accuracy woes early in the game: “[He has been] very dominating on his regular four [days of rest] or the occasional extra day, but six or more [days of rest and] it has not been pretty [4-6, 5.80 ERA]. He is really struggling right now.”

Brenly on Nationals rookie Bryce Harper: “Think back about what you were doing back when you were 19 years old. He is old school. He doesn’t do anything to disrespect his opponents, the game or his fans. It is refreshing and it’s fun to watch.”

With St. Louis temperatures in the 40s and 50s during the game, Brenly on the impact the weather has on a game: “The cooler the temperature, the more the advantage shifts to the pitcher.”

TBS reporter David Aldridge interviews Nationals pinch-hitting hero, rookie Tyler Moore

Moore on his clutch hit:  “I tried to settle my nerves down and really just try to put the ball in play as best as I could.”
Moore on the Nationals win: “To get the first one is huge. It’s huge for us and gives us a lot of confidence.”

**** **** **** ****

Game Break presented by Bank of America

Matt Winer (host), Dennis Eckersley and David Wells (analysts)

Oakland A’s outfielder Coco Crisp during a post-game interview on his dropped fly ball resulting in the Tigers scoring two runs in the 7^th inning to take a 3-2 lead: “I had a good read [on the ball] off the bat. It’s unfortunate I didn’t make the catch. I felt like I should’ve made the catch.”

Wells on St. Louis Cardinals starting pitcher Adam Wainwright and his 10 strikeout performance: “He had the most incredible curveball I’ve seen in many years. You’ve got to tip your hat to a guy who throws a game like that.”

Eckersley on Washington Nationals reliever Ryan Mattheus: “Mattheus was heavenly.”

Wells on New York Yankees starting pitcher CC Sabathia: “With guys on base, CC has to be careful.”

Eckersley on Baltimore Orioles starting pitcher Jason Hammel: “This kid’s got good stuff. This kid…if he can pitch for them, there’s no telling how far the Orioles can go in this thing [postseason].”

 

**** **** **** ****

ALDS, Game 1: New York Yankees (7) at Baltimore Orioles (2) – Yankees lead the series 1-0

Ernie Johnson (play-by-play), Cal Ripken, Jr., John Smoltz (analysts) with Craig Sager (reporter)

Ripken on the Baltimore Orioles entering the series: “This is a different team. They’re not intimidated by the Yankees at all.”

Smoltz on the New York Yankees entering the series: “Although the pressure is on the Yankees, they’re primed and ready to get through this Division Series.”

Smoltz on the special nature of the Orioles’ 2012 season: “They [Baltimore] have made so many drastic changes from last year pitching-wise. That’s why this team is competing in the postseason.”

Smoltz on the Orioles depth of pitching: “The Orioles bullpen has so much confidence. That’s why they are here [postseason].”

Smoltz on the effort of Yankees pitcher CC Sabathia in Game 1: “For your starter to go on the road in a tie game and pitch into the [ninth] inning, that’s why he’s getting paid all the big bucks.”

Ripken on Yankees catcher Russell Martin and his game-winning HR: “He got some huge hits in September down the stretch and one here in October.”

**** **** **** ****

NLDS, Game 2: Cincinnati Reds (9) at San Francisco Giants (0) – Cincinnati leads series 2-0

Brian Anderson (play-by-play), Ron Darling, Joe Simpson (analysts) with Tom Verducci (reporter)

Simpson on the home run by Cincinnati outfielder Ryan Ludwick: “I don’t know what to make of this…this park [AT&T Park] has turned into a home run haven in this series. [Ryan] Ludwick had been one-for-16 in his career against [Madison] Bumgarner.”

Darling on Ludwick: “The scouting report on [Ryan] Ludwick is…you have to be careful on your first pitch because he is a very aggressive hitter.”

Darling on how the Reds are handling the postseason in the first two games of the LDS: “The Reds have made every play. The Giants have not. And the pitching has been much better for the Reds.”

Darling on what the Giants will need to do to get back into the series: “These Reds hitters have looked awfully comfortable up at the plate. Some pitching inside is going to be needed in Cincinnati.”

**** **** **** ****

Inside MLB presented by Captain Morgan

Matt Winer (host), Dennis Eckersley and David Wells (analysts)

TBS reporter Craig Sager interviews Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter on the return of Andy Pettitte for Game 2:   

“With Andy [Pettitte] you know what to expect.  He’s not going to be overwhelmed by the situation, but he is going to have to make his pitches.  Baltimore has won all those games for a reason.”

Wells on New York Yankees pitcher CC Sabathia’s pitching in the series:  “The big game pitcher that CC [Sabathia] is, that when he’s on, there’s nobody better. He makes the pitches and he pitches out of a jam.  That’s what you do as a big game pitcher; you go out and dissect what’s going on.  You know the guys that can beat you and you adjust and you make your pitches and that’s how you get W’s.”

Eckersley on the Oakland A’s status and what they need to do during the rest of the series: “The [Oakland] A’s are in trouble…they swept Texas and now they have to sweep Detroit with [Detroit Tigers’ pitcher Justin] Verlander hovering.  If they do win the first two games, he [Verlander] will be pitching the third.”

-30-

Notes from MLB Postseason on TBS / Division Series – October 6, 2012

MLB Postseason coverage continues on TBS today, Sunday, Oct. 7, beginning with the TBS MLB On-Deck presented by Dodge Dart pre-game show at 2:30 p.m. ET. The network will televise a tripleheader featuring the Washington Nationals at St. Louis Cardinals, NLDS Game 1, at 3 p.m.; the New York Yankees at Baltimore Orioles, ALDS Game 1, at 6:15 p.m.; and the Cincinnati Reds at San Francisco Giants, NLDS Game 2, at 9:30 p.m. The night will conclude with the Inside MLB presented by Captain Morgan post-game show.

**** **** **** ****

MLB On-Deck presented by Dodge Dart

Matt Winer (host), Dennis Eckersley and David Wells (analysts)

Eckersley on the Oakland Athletics: “This is an exciting team and they are going to make people find out what their name is as we go forward (in the playoffs). I think they are in a good spot.”

Wells on Detroit Tigers ace Justin Verlander: “He has a nasty curve, so you can’t sit on anything with him. He’s got good movement. If he pitches his game and he’s on, no one is going to beat him.”

Eckersley on Cincinnati first baseman Joey Votto: “He’s not the same guy, but he’s still an on-base guy. They haven’t scored a lot of runs in the last month; they have been on cruise control. I think you will see much better Votto in this playoff series.”

Wells on San Francisco starter Matt Cain: “He hasn’t had a good year against [the Reds]. Matt Cain is a guy that is going to pound the strike zone, a [Justin] Verlander type. He’s going to give it 100 percent, no matter what…that’s just his demeanor.”

**** **** **** ****

ALDS, Game 1: Oakland Athletics (1) at Detroit Tigers (3) – Tigers lead series 1-0

Don Orsillo (play-by-play), Buck Martinez (analyst) with Jamie Maggio (reporter)

Martinez on the stamina of Detroit’s Verlander throughout a game: “He has the ability to throw 97, 98, 99 [mph] late in the ball game. He prepares himself very well in the off-season. He envisions himself as a 200 inning, 200 strikeout guy every single year. It takes quite a toll on your body, but he is able to maintain that velocity and pitch deep into the ball games.”

Martinez on Detroit’s lineup: “Austin Jackson has really been a spark at the top of the order. He’s refined his approach at the plate and has allowed him to wait longer to pick up the baseball.”

Martinez on the Athletics improvement turning double plays: “This is one thing that has really improved since Stephen Drew was acquired – the A’s ability to turn double plays.”

Martinez on Detroit’s Prince Fielder: “This is his first year in the American League. He’s a guy that is a very smart hitter and likes to know who he is facing. It will take him a while to get acclimated to the pitchers in the America League.”

Martinez on the athletic ability of the Athletics and Tigers outfielders: “Before the series is over, we are going to see some spectacular plays in the outfield. Both of these teams have outfielders that can really go get it. They both have outstanding centerfields and the corner outfielders are very athletic.”

Martinez on Verlander’s pitching style: “There has never been a question about [Justin] Verlander’s style. It has been excellent from the first moment he stepped on the mound. He can really pitch. He knows how to add and subtract with his fast ball, he knows how to add and subtract with his breaking ball. He’s gotten to the point where he can read hitters.”

Martinez on Oakland’s Josh Reddick: “Reddick wore down at the end of the season. He’s just a little guy…the rigors of playing every single day caught up to him in September.”

Martinez on Detroit’s Justin Verlander, who had thrown 120 pitches with two outs in the top of the seventh inning: “Verlander is like a throwback pitcher from the era of [Sandy] Koufax, [Bob] Gibson and [Tom] Seaver. When he can see the finish line, he reaches back for a little extra. He knows how to finish.”

**** **** **** ****

Game Break presented by Bank of America

Matt Winer (host), Dennis Eckersley and David Wells (analysts)

Eckersley on pitcher Jose Valverde closing out Game 1 of the ALDS in the Tigers’ 3-1 win: “Tonight he did his job, a couple of punch outs and a pop up. This is a game that Detroit really had to have.”

**** **** **** ****

NLDS, Game 1: Cincinnati Reds (5) at San Francisco Giants (2) – Reds lead the series 1-0

Brian Anderson (play-by-play), Ron Darling, Joe Simpson (analysts) with Tom Verducci (reporter)

Darling on Cincinnati’s Drew Stubbs: “One of the best athletes in the National League. He can fly.”

Anderson on the Reds’ running game: “It’s not just the stolen bases that the Reds were very successful at this season. They take extra bases; they are very aggressive at trying to score.”

Darling on San Francisco’s Brandon Belt: “They always talk about power hitters and it takes three or four years for them to find their form. I think Belt, if given time, is going to be one of those guys that is going to be 20-plus home runs.”

**** **** **** ****

Inside MLB presented by Captain Morgan

Matt Winer (host), Dennis Eckersley and David Wells (analysts)

Wells on Reds pitcher Johnny Cueto potentially returning to the mound for Game 3: “If you are pitching like that, you want to stay on the field. You are going to sacrifice yourself longer down the road, but you want to be in that situation now; every athlete would.”

Eckersley on Reds second baseman Brandon Philips: “Cincinnati did a lot of things right and defensively he was the star of the game.”

-30-

TBS Announces Commentators for Upcoming Division Series Games

Network to Exclusively Televise Up to 18 Division Series Games

Following tonight’s exclusive TBS presentation of the first-ever, single-elimination Wild Card presented by Budweiser on Friday – Atlanta hosting St. Louis at 5 p.m. ET; Baltimore visiting Texas at 8:30 p.m. – the network’s Division Series coverage will begin tomorrow, Saturday, Oct. 6, with a doubleheader.  The Oakland Athletics will visit the Detroit Tigers at 6 p.m. and the San Francisco Giants will host the Cincinnati Reds at 9:30 p.m., both games marking the first meeting of their respective best-of-five series.  MLB On-Deck presented by Dodge Dart will precede live game coverage at 4:30 p.m.

TBS will exclusively televise up to 18 Division Series games and the American League Championship Series coverage on TBS presented by the Capital One Cash Rewards Card. The network’s commentator pairings for the first four days of the Division Series:

Date	Time (ET)	Games/Commentator Teams
Saturday, Oct. 6	5:30 p.m.	MLB On-Deck presented by Dodge Dart Matt Winer, Dennis Eckersley and David Wells
	6 p.m.	ALDS Game 1: Oakland at Detroit Don Orsillo, Buck Martinez and Jaime Maggio
	9:30 p.m.	NLDS Game 1: Cincinnati at San Francisco Brian Anderson, Ron Darling, Joe Simpson and Tom Verducci
	Post-game	Inside MLB presented by Captain Morgan Winer, Eckersley and Wells
Sunday, Oct. 7	2:30 p.m.	MLB On-Deck presented by Dodge Dart Winer, Eckersley and Wells
	3 p.m.	NLDS Game 1: Washington at St. Louis/Atlanta Dick Stockton, Bob Brenly, David Aldridge
	6:15 p.m.	ALDS Game 1: New York at Baltimore/Texas Ernie Johnson, John Smoltz, Cal Ripken and Craig Sager
	9:30 p.m.	NLDS Game 2: Cincinnati at San Francisco Anderson, Darling, Simpson and Verducci
	Post-game	Inside MLB presented by Captain Morgan Winer, Eckersley and Wells
Monday, Oct. 8	4 p.m.	MLB On-Deck presented by Dodge Dart Winer, Eckersley and Wells
	4:30 p.m.	NLDS Game 2: Washington at St. Louis/Atlanta Stockton, Brenly, Aldridge
	8 p.m.	ALDS Game 2: New York at Baltimore/Texas Johnson, Smoltz, Ripken, Sager
	Post-game	Inside MLB presented by Captain Morgan Winer, Eckersley and Wells
Tuesday, Oct. 9	5 p.m.	MLB On-Deck presented by Dodge Dart Winer, Eckersley and Wells
	5:30 p.m.	NLDS Game 3: San Francisco at Cincinnati Anderson, Darling, Simpson, Verducci
	9 p.m.	ALDS Game 3: Detroit at Oakland Orsillo, Martinez, Maggio
	Post-game	Inside MLB presented by Captain Morgan Winer, Eckersley and Wells

 

Visit the Turner Sports online pressroom for additional press materials; follow Turner Sports on Twitter at @TurnerSportsPR.

-30-