Since there's talk about site changes, I'd like to implement one right now which is to change to criteria for Game of the Week (GotW). First off, I love the feature. It's neat to catch a glimse of going on's from all around the site. The Statistical Snapshot tool is also great. That said, it seems the overriding factor for choosing the GotW is playoffs. Was a WS berth on the line? Was it a Game 7?

Fine, that's well and good for the two owners involved. Reading the boxscore, I just find myself not caring at all about the playoff factor. It's just another boxscore to me. This week's game, playoffs aside, was a nice 0-0 pitching duel that ended with a walkoff. Both pitchers gave up several walks and one- and three-hitters. Neat, but not exactly spectacular. I want the game that was exciting all the way through. Back and forth scoring, great fielding. Just an all-around amazing read.

I also don't just want a single statistical abberation. Perfect game? Interesting, but I get that those happen. Not exactly news. 5 HR game. That's nice, but I don't really want to read the full boxscore. I want the game where a SP got shelled, gave up 9 runs in the first but the team clawed back and won anyway. Maybe an extra inning affair with runs scored in the 10th, 11th, and 12th before someone finally put up a zero to win in the 13th. I want to be amazed every time I open up the GotW.

I realize this is a fuzzier definition of GotW and harder to find. You actually have to read the play-by-play, not just choose "playoffs" plus "game winning walk-off" and call it a day. And really, that's the point.

I had one chosen for GOTW a couple months ago that was like you were describing. My team shot off to a huge lead (I think it was 11-0 after 2 innings) then ended up winning by 1, and it all came down to the 9th inning with multiple guys on base.

I agree with you both completely. Thanks loma_prieta for the suggestion. 

You mean such as this gem:

	7/16/2012 - 7/23/2012
User:	Got_Worms
Boxscore:	view
Details:	A trip to the World Series was on the line as the Home Grown Pale Hose traveled from the Windy City to take on the Oakland Originals at Oakland Coliseum. The matchup pitted Denny McLain and his cast of White Sox players against Mike Norris and a contingent of Athletics players. The Home Grown Pale Hose’s McLain quickly got into trouble, loading the bases in the first inning by hitting one batter and walking two more. But he worked his way out of the jam and escaped unscathed. McLain then pitched six more innings, allowing only one hit and no runs. Meanwhile, Mike Norris was just as spectacular for the Originals, pitching eight scoreless innings. As the bottom of the ninth inning began, Chris Sale entered the game to match the scoreless outings McLain and Shingo Takatsu had submitted. Alas, it was not to be. He surrendered a home run to the first batter, Jason Giambi, and the Oakland Originals earned a World Series berth with the 1-0 win.

Yeah, a good game, but not exactly a spine-tingling play-by-play. If you are going to make a 1-0 playoff game the GOW, then give us real details - 7th inning, runners on second and third, McLain v. Frank Robinson with one out - should he walk him ? and so on. Otherwise it is just a description of every other 1-0 game ever. 

I had intended to submit this game but forgot about it.  Would have been a good one.  Played it LIVE, too.

Yeah Got_Worms, yours was one of them but I've seen several more. Not trying to call you out, I've just noticed a general trend of GotW always being playoffs oriented. Congrats on getting your game selected. And mattedesa, I think I do remember your game which is probably why I used the example I used above.

It's a feature that for such a long time was so ignored, I started ignoring it.  I actually sent in a couple of interesting games and then saw the same game stay featured for another couple of months.

How about this one? Has statistical oddities (3HR game by Brian McRae) and a big comeback:
http://www.whatifsports.com/x.asp?r=614781&u=/slb/Boxscore.aspx?gid=18029072.ppid=1.ppbp=0.ptf=9.95

That is definitely at least a legit candidate for GOW - two exciting late inning come backs, lead changing hands. Nice. The only downside is that it has the single most common everyday event in baseball history: a blown save by Armando Benitez.

GotW:
8/6/2012 - 8/13/2012

A team down 2-8 after an unusual Clemens implosion claws back to win in extras. This is what I'm talking about. Loved it!
Subtle rarity: A Tim Raines caught stealing.

Also, question, how does one submit for Game of the Week? I just had a 14-13 thriller from the opening days of the WIS Championship that is close to being worthy.

Posted by loma_prieta on 8/7/2012 11:43:00 AM (view original):
Also, question, how does one submit for Game of the Week? I just had a 14-13 thriller from the opening days of the WIS Championship that is close to being worthy.

"Send Boxscore"

Posted by italyprof on 7/25/2012 4:29:00 PM (view original):
I agree with you both completely. Thanks loma_prieta for the suggestion. 

italyprof, are you feeling OK?  I think this is the shortest post of yours I've ever seen - your equivalent of "Jesus wept".

Grading exams most of the day. Floodgates of imported wisdom (or "professing" as I prefer to think of it) will re-open when I finish turning in grades for two courses. And I think when I posted that on the 25th it was a week I was at my in-laws (keeping mouth shut is a good strategy in that case - trust me if you are not married: anything you say at in-laws can and will be used against you - usually by spouse). Also I went to four funerals in July, so by the 25th I was probably not quite myself. 

Your Biblical reference reminds me of an article I published some time ago on the "Our Father" or "Lord's Prayer". I am pretty sure you won't be happy with it pinotfan, but you argue in a principled way, so let me know if interested and I will send it. The prayer is not what everyone thinks it is. 

The key phrases are: "Thy Kingdom come, thy will be done, ON EARTH (emphasis mine but I am convinced it was in the original) as it is in Heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts"

I am pretty sure the meaning of these two sentences would shock nearly all who say the prayer every week for the past 2000 years. 

Still, you are right. I have no shot at boogerlips' "Longest freakin' post" award this week. Back to grading Political Science exams.