My co-worker and my college friend in Stinktown are passionate baseball fans, so much so that I set up a conference call with them periodically, even more so now that the baseball season is upon us. (The two have never met, but that changes the weekend of June 15 when the Stinktown Brewers of Milwaukee visit the big inflatable toilet.)
During last night's conference call we were discussing the competition, or lack thereof, that the Brewers have had through 34 games. The Cubs have big names on their roster, which means the team has the potential to be a winner, but to this point they're 16-15. Los Angeles is the only team that is firmly over .500 thus far. Every other team the Brewers have faced this season is below .500. But this weekend the Brewers face the Mets at Shea Stadium. Between now and the end of the month the Brewers will also face the Braves, Padres, Twins and the Dodgers again. Overall the quality of competition is much better during the next 20 games. Naturally we couldn't help ourselves, we made predictions about the next 20 games.
The giddy Brewers fan said Stinktown goes 14-6.
The grouchy co-worker said Stinktown goes 9-11.
I broke down each series and decided Stinktown goes 12-8.
We'll know who the baseball genius is sometime late May 31.
Question for a grammar cop such as D Cup: Which is correct, "the Dodgers are the only team that is firmly over .500" or "the Dodgers is the only team that is firmly over .500?" It's one team, after all, but the rules do change a bit when it comes to the sports section.
Los Angeles is a good team, but the Dodgers are a great team. Correct, or no?
You never hear anyone say "the Brewers is great" or "Milwaukee are great."
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If your friend who's a Brewers fan is a real fan, s/he'll sign up here; http://www.peeyourpantsforthebrewers.com/
Regarding your grammar question, if you refer to the team by the city, it's singular. So Boston IS the greatest team on the planet.
But if you refer to the team by its mascot, it's plural: the Red Sox ARE the most legendary players in the game.
That rule applies even for singular team names: the Heat are focused, the Jazz are overrated.
There's also a difference with the use of pronouns. For example, the Patriots say THEY'RE ready, but New England faces ITS biggest challenge.
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