Re: Don't Call it a Rivalry?
Really, events like those over the past year are what the greatest rivalries are built upon.
Re: Don't Call it a Rivalry?
I think more often than not it's perceived as a rivalry by the fans, not the players. These two teams certainly have some bad blood between them, but in the end they're just ballplayers doing their jobs.
Re: Don't Call it a Rivalry?
Also, if the player themselves are holding grudges, they aren't going to mention them to the press. Unless they're the Cards ;)
Re: Don't Call it a Rivalry?
It's absolutely a rivalry.
It's obvious the players don't like each other, the managers don't like each other, and the fans don't like each other.
not that hard to put the pieces together
Re: Don't Call it a Rivalry?
I like Berkman's answer. In the heat of the battle, people say and do some dumb things.
Re: Don't Call it a Rivalry?
I'm not sure what'd I'd call it, but I love how it's played out on the field the past year and a half. Friday night's game had the feel of a playoff game to it. The other two games weren't as close, but I love the roller coaster ride of emotions I'm on in tight games between these two teams. I could do without the off the field jabs at each other as well as the on the field shenanigans, but I assume those are what have helped increase the intensity of the games as well.
Re: Don't Call it a Rivalry?
Personally, I think these two teams are one more event from cementing the series into a full fledged rivalry. I say this for a few reasons:
1. The Cubs have been the Cardinals traditional rivals. Yes, there's always room for more hatred in sports, but I don't think these two clubs have been through enough yet to cement the Reds as a full fledged rival of the Cardinals. This is because the Cubs and Cardinals have a history of hating each other, due in part to their fan bases.
2. There haven't been that many "signature" rivalry moments between the two clubs. Yes, the brawl was definitely a signature moment, but there needs to be more over several years in order to put a stamp on the rivalry. A rivalry does not develop over 1.25 seasons time. There needs to be some history to it. Another brawl or something equivalent could push the series into the rivalry category.
3. The series has not had playoff implications until the past season. Rivals need something on the line (other than bragging rights) every time they play each other. Rivalries are the best when postseasons are at stake. If the Reds continue their winning ways, the stakes will grow higher each time these two clubs meet.
We're close, but not to rivalry status yet.
Re: Don't Call it a Rivalry?
Sorry, but this is one of those questions that didn't even need to be asked. It absolutely is a huge rivalry.
Re: Don't Call it a Rivalry?
We better enjoy this while we can, as free agency has a way of quickly ripping these things apart.
Re: Don't Call it a Rivalry?
Quote:
Originally Posted by
jhiller21
I think more often than not it's perceived as a rivalry by the fans, not the players. These two teams certainly have some bad blood between them, but in the end they're just ballplayers doing their jobs.
That's the case with most rivalries. Rivalries are always built by the fans and their responses to players' actions.
Re: Don't Call it a Rivalry?
Quote:
Originally Posted by
mlh1981
We better enjoy this while we can, as free agency has a way of quickly ripping these things apart.
A true, heated rivalry will survive player changes over the years, its the team/fans that keep it going.
Re: Don't Call it a Rivalry?
Quote:
Originally Posted by
bounty37h
A true, heated rivalry will survive player changes over the years, its the team/fans that keep it going.
Exactly. Will the animosity between the Cardinals and Reds continue say after Brandon Phillips or Chris Carpenter leave their respective teams?
The question boils down to whether the Reds have ticked off enough St. Louis fans to take notice of the Reds and whether the Reds fans will retain interest in their club in the future.
Re: Don't Call it a Rivalry?
They brought home a title in 2006. Until we do the same, they will not fear us as a team.
Re: Don't Call it a Rivalry?
Quote:
Originally Posted by
jwmann2
They brought home a title in 2006. Until we do the same, they will not fear us as a team.
I disagree. We have 2 players that were here in 2006. That stuff doesn't matter.
And their comments and whining are perfect examples of the Reds success getting under their skin.