[Zeke]

Tobra, that sums up the playing field pretty well. But, the dugout decisions are more complex than an NFL coach's play list.

I have to say though that the 1st 2 game of the WS are not typical games. The Giants have been on a rout of the Rangers. I think strategy is not working and you see the result. Hit after hit and not that many innings ending leaving men on base.

Letting scenarios develop and then squelching the situation is where the chess playing comes to light. You can't do that in football or basketball. There's a lot more controlling of the game going on that does not meet the eye. The pace of the game is what allows that.

I don't know a thing about cricket, but I suspect the Brits play that game much the way we play our baseball. Or the other way around. Knowing the Brit's penchant for being canny and subtle gives me that impression.

Then there's the skill. As you mention, Tobra, placing the ball in play where you want it is not all that easy facing today's pitchers. Just the cat and mouse between those 2 players at any given moment is cause for study. Put the catcher in that equation and I can see the disadvantage to the team at bat.