Derek Lowe (0-0, -.--) vs. Ryan Dempster (0-0, -.--).
COMMENTS: Welcome to Sons of Steve Garvey's inaugural post-season Game Thread! There will be a minimum of three and a maximum of 19 such threads in October; the more, the merrier.
Much has been written about today's Dodgers-Cubs match-up. Want a stat-friendly breakdown of the Dodgers' roster? Dodger Thoughts has you covered. How about a positional comparison from the Cubs' point of view? Look no further. Looking for the opinions of national baseball journalists? Here they are.
"But Orel," you say. "Where is the ABBA-related playoff material?" Fret not—SoSG has you covered! Would you like some bitching and moaning about extortionary merchandise pricing? No problem. Can we interest you in our mining the country's current fiscal crisis for Dodger-related parallels? Enjoy!
Unfortunately, if you read enough (real) analysis of this series, one conclusion becomes inescapable: The so-called experts and odds don't favor the Dodgers. Fortunately, we do!
Of course, this game is important to both the Dodgers and Cubs...but it's more important to the Dodgers. Why? Call it the Big Z Factor. Tomorrow, Carlos Zambrano starts Game 2 against Chad Billingsley. Bills is the Dodgers' ace, but home-field advantage and experience give Zambrano the edge. Since the Dodgers don't want to come home down two games, Game 1 is more important to them. Ipso facto voilà.
The biggest wild card in the Dodgers' lineup? Rafael Furcal batting leadoff. The biggest surprise? Maybe Casey Blake batting seventh eighth, although Joe Torre seems pretty into the whole lefty-righty-lefty thing. If Furcal is even close to his old self, this will be by far the strongest lineup the Dodgers have fielded this year. And just in time! GO BLUE!
UPDATE:
Thanks to Dodger Thoughts for passing along this online viewing option as well.
227 comments:
1 – 200 of 227 Newer› Newest»Furcal, SS
Martin, C
Ramirez, LF
Ethier, RF
Loney, 1B
Kemp, CF
DeWitt, 2B
Blake, 3B
Lowe, P
Blake is batting eighth, not seventh...
Danke.
MIL 0, PHI 0 after 1.
Bitte.
I think you just got confused by The Two Blakes.
Anyone know how I can listen to the game online?
PHI 2, MIL 0, bot 2
Speaking of Danke, he came up huge for the ChiSox in yesterday's game
Jenke got the save.
Jar Jar Binke is annoying
Gallardo just walked in a run. 3-0 Phils, bases still loaded.
Honestly, game two is probably yours. Z has been terrible the last month+ (minus the no-no, of course). Game one is a toss up. Game 3 is ours (Harden = God, or at least Ditka) and game 4 and 5 toss ups again. This is WAY to scary a matchup for me...fucking Manny.
- The guy who wrote that matchup thing in Cubs perspective.
Thanks, Zach. You fear Manny, we fear Zambrano. Should be interesting!
Phillies 3-Brewers 0
Hamels seems to be nasty today.
Days like today make me really hate the fact that I have no air conditioning. I am BAKING. The Dodgers better win.
Erin, what are you baking? Cub stew?
Former Dodger Jayson Werth has three Ks and a popout today for the Phils (who still lead 3-0)
2-hitter for Cole Hamels with 9Ks? Yikes.
Yep, Cub stew. Except I appear to be the main ingredient.
Brewers just scored ine run at the 9thm off Lidge. Runner at second, Fielder at the plate.
Fielder K. One hour and 15 minutes to the Dodgers game.
D
O
D
G
E
R
S
T-minus 30 minutes!
LETS GO BLUE!
I HAVENT CHIMED IN FOR A WHILE, BUT I'M BACK FOR THE PLAYOFFS!!!!!
I SAY WE MAKE IT 101 YEARS.
I HATE THE BERENSTEIN BEARS AS WELL!!
I feel like I might throw up a little. I'm reading The Stand right now, and I think I'll have to read while the game is on, because the pressure of the actual event might be too much, at least in the beginning. But don't worry, I'll also check in here.
Here we go!!!!
And Dick Stockton to announce on TBS. I feel like I am watching the Lakers-Celtics Finals during the 80's.
The Stand? Hopefully the trachcan man can help stop the angels later.
Erin, The Stand by Stephen King?
Correct, Karina. A friend insisted that I read it (to the point that she went out and bought it for me), so I'm getting close to about halfway through. The is the unabridged version, and it's 1141 pages long.
TBS is showing the game online!
http://losangeles.dodgers.mlb.com/mlb/hotcorner/index.jsp
That thing Dempster does with his glove really bugs the crap out of me. It's bugged me all season, but it seems even worse now that we're against him in the playoffs.
I never thought i was going to say UEFA Champions League would ever bother me. Have to wait game's over to watch the game.
Erin, i also read The Stand for a close friend's recommendation.
Raffy K's, Russell walks, Manny GIDP.
Lowe starts with a beautiful K to Soriano.
I got to watch the game for a venezuelan sports channel. hating it, they never broadcast any west division games, unless it's Santana or Big Z pitching.
It's disgusting how they are biased towards the Cubs.
Cruising until Lee walks. Ramirez up.
Cubs down in the first....phew. Man, my heartrate is up...
Orel, how are you getting the game live online? Please forward the link!
Solid 1st by Lowe.
Sax-DT has links too.
Isn't my link showing up?
http://losangeles.dodgers.mlb.com/mlb/hotcorner/index.jsp
Hours later, I am just now realizing that one does not bake stew.
That should have read "pot pie"
Ethier walks, King James is up, no outs.
Dempster already w/2 walks. Let's take advantage.
Very bad at-bat by King James. I hope he isn't feeling nervous.
Loney flies out. Come on KEMP!
I know you don't bake stew, but I was trying to be nice and go along with it. I'm compassionate, if nothing else.
People stuck online—check the update at the bottom of the post for viewing options.
Didn't like the Dodgers younglins at-bats. It's worrisome.
Youngsters have a case of the nerves in the second, failing to advance a leadoff walk to Ethier. 0-0.
Edmonds single. Boo.
Shit. Nice ground-ball pitching there, Lowe.
Crap.
karina, you're about 5 mins ahead of my damn firewalled mlb gameday...
...and I can't get the tbs links to work. I'm leaving at 5p sharp.
I hate you Mark DeRosa. 2-run HR.
Lowe breaking down when he gets a runner on again. CUbs up 2-0
We need to use that jet stream too. Blah!
Damn Wind.
Glad Lowe struck out Theriot.
And now Dempster???
Guys, i have to take my mom to a quick medical check.
In spite Lowe allowed Demspter to hit a single off him, they can win this game.
two straight walks. Nce AB from Furcal, battling a walk out of an 0-2 count
please tell me martin didn't just GIDP
On the gameday chart, that fly ball to Soriano looks like it was out of the stadium. What happened?
Martin hit a ball that would have been out if not for the wind blowing in to left field. I thought it was out for a second.
Come on Manny.
He Z Big ONe.
Bases loaded for Ethier. Come on, Andre. Don't get nervous.
And Ethier swings at ball four. Son of a bitch.
Sorry, guys. My potty mouth will likely be out in full force during the playoffs.
Crap, Andre Ks with the Ranchos Ardiendod.
If you curse in Spanish it doesn't count, Erin.
Cue up the "kids can't get it done" chant.
Dodgers look tight, not the loosey goosey Dodgers of the last month.
Plenty of time.
BTW, loving the live stream on the computer, vs. MLB radio.
well, at least we made dempster pitch a lot of balls
on the other hand, we only have one hit
erin, curse away.
the cubs are used to curses.
All right, neeebs.
I'll go with hijo de puta, then. I'll showcase my minimal grasp on the Spanish language for Karina's sake.
Hi everyone. Nice goatee Neeebs.
Give me a second to research how the Cubs scored their runs...
furcal turns a dp!
ek, in neeebs' case, that's a "goateee"
Ha, good one Sax. And after reading through the comments I see your 'baking' comment was stewing in your head for awhile.
Erin, if you curse in French it counts for double. That would thus be a more efficient use of your vocal chords.
someone tell loney and kemp to calm the hell down during their at bats
I'm much more adept with Spanish. The best I can come up with in French is "merde," which I guess is appropriate enough.
It's amazing how a few innings of terrible at-bats have already soured me on the Dodgers' chances in this series.
ek, too true. I'm a little dusty on what it takes to be a baker.
Just for some french fun...
http://www.vnutz.com/curse_and_swear/French
I still have this feeling that we're going to break through on Dempster...just not in the first four frames, I suppose. Keep us close, Lowe.
Erin - German cursing counts for triple, Mandarin quadruple. Curse for the cycle!
Thanks Quad. Now I know what those taunting kids at the bistro meant by 'charogne'.
Erin has gone 4 for 5, officially cursing for the cycle (the curse in spanish counted as an out).
If we don't start hitting, we are enculé.
Hey this thread has as many comments as the Cubs have years since their last World Series title...
...until this comment
Let's keep adding comments and years between titles for the Cubs.
In one year, you can count that last comment and your statement will remain true
My aunt and enculé were going to visit this weekend, but my cousin got sick so they're staying home.
Raffy may not be swinging the bat, but two walks in three ABs ain't bad.
Let's try and make Dempster pay for his passes this time, boys
ek, that last pun of yours was so enculé.
Let's go Man E Faces
Dempster at 90 pitches.
We are 19 comments ahead of Dempster's pitch count
Dempster is giving more walks than MS and breast cancer combined.
Come on, blue. This is Dempster's SIXTH WALK. Cash it in, Andre!
Andre, please. I'm begging you.
I don't know why Gameday makes such a big deal about "ball in dirt" if the runners don't advance anyway. Just call it a low ball and be done with it.
Yes, cash it in, dammit!
Dempster's pitch count is catching up to our comments, 101 to 112
Andre, erin makes a mean apple pie.
ek, does that mean we can't comment in the bottoms of innings?
Dampster walks the rancho ardiendo.
oh no
Well, at least Loney can't GIDP here. Let's see if he's smart enough to take some pitches, likely earning a walk....
Dampster? Not sure how that typo occurred...
Seven f*cking walks. Now I'm begging James Loney.
I'll take a walk over an apple pie any day of the week.
Dempster walks three people in this inning. Naturally, Loney swings at the first pitch.
Jesus. And the second.
Hooooo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
JAMES!
in play, run(s) WHAT HAPPENED?!?!?!?!?!
I didn't even realize that was a grand salami!
That was the sound that spontaneously came out of my typing.
OH. MY. GOD.
With an 0-2 count? LOOOOOOONNNNNEEEEEYYYYY!!!!
FREEE
JAMES
LLLLLLLLLOOOOONNNNEEEYYY!!!
Tres bien Monsieur Loney
Wow.
Did I say that they looked tight?
YESSSSSSSSSSSSS
No Fricken WAY!!!! Go King James!!!
EK: Delayed reaction. Its the parallel universe Star Trek.
And SS is right, you have to count to 3 eee.
I am seriously shaking here at my desk terminal.
And I just got off the phone with Alex Cora. He can't believe it, either.
I went crazy in my apartment with my friend. My fiance called right as the ball went over the fence, since I guess DirecTV is delayed more than the radio. Very exciting moment, to say the least.
Ok Lowe, there's the lead, keep the ball down.
Lowe might be confused, since he's not used to pitching with the lead.
Even I didn't see that grand slam coming
Casey Blake: "Don't forget about me, guys!"
Dont get rattled by that DK. Settle down. Concentrate!
Double Play ball come on Derek.
Whoa, a Nostry sighting
Heres to a shit day at work being wiped out by a Dodger win...one time dealer!
I gotta go for a second. The Dodgers better still have a lead when I get back.
THAT'S WHAT I AM TALKING ABOUT. Great job DL.
Double Play!
Two DPs for Lowe in five frames
Hey Nostry, looking forward to Gears of War 2?
If the Dodgers discreetly placed Derek Lowe on the disabled list, it would be DL to the DL on the DL.
It's awesome how the pace of comments has picked up with the Loney bomb. Wow. A playoff grand slam.
Let's PLEASE make it hold up...
I AM SO OVER YOU, SEAN MARSHALL
150!
four pitch walk to D Lowe
DL draws the 4-pitch walk!
whoops, I meant 151
SEAN MARSHALL, YOU HAD ME AT UNRATED
Oh wait, that doesn't work as well.
Wow, this has been the tightest most lifeless crowd Ive ever seen. Its as if they only need one more win to win it all. I think the pitchers are reacting to such.
Marshall mellows out, getting Furcal to strike out
Orel - Gears of War 2 will rock.
That prediction is not in doubt.
Andrew - sorry about your shit day today. Sorry about your tomorrow, too.
LOL at Nostrodamus' comment to Andrew.
Literally, Laughing my ass off.
I am on pins and needles here. Even with a lead.
Come on, Dodgers.
Dodger lead still intact. Good.
what just happened with A-Ram there>?
Me too, neeebs. That was awesome.
leadoff double. Not good.
Double to center for Ramirez. And now a 2-0 count to Soto. Keep it together, Lowe.
I'd be a little worried if I were Andrew
Double, Smouble.
Good job, DL.
Nicely done, Lowe! He's at 94 pitches—we'll see him in the seventh.
I could go for some Geico here.
Has Manny been first-pitch swinging every AB today?
Manny's due.
NO WAY!!!! Manny GOLFED THAT ONE!!!
Call me Nostradeeemus.
THANK YOU MANNY
Hey Nostrodamus...call in sick? Or will that backfire too?
Manny being completely insane.
Sure was fun to see Manny hit that one. Who else could that hit that pitch out?
MANNY!
neeebs, I like your nostry comment too
Geez James, what have you done for us lately?
Loney, you're allowed to K there. That's still the best 1-for-4 line I've seen in a looooooong time.
Honestly, How the heck does Manny hit that one out? That ball was so low. He just flicked his bat out there and it was gone.
I hate to see the Dodgers seem complacent here...Im nervous once Lowe leaves, that ball is getting out of here pretty easily.
Nah, just messin' with you Andrew. Tomorrow will be a sunny day for everyone.
What do you think, Lowe-Broxton-Saito?
Guess not. Cory Wade in to pitch the 7th!
Manny extends his lead in most postseason HRs, right?
Wow, Wade in for Lowe.
this one was manny's 23rd
I think that is true, Sax
I missed the Manny HR though
Manny now has 25 postseason home runs. Definitely in the lead.
DP NOW.
I'll take the pop up.
I'm just watching the videos of the HRs now. Some thoughts:
--DeRosa's HR was really a cheapie, into the corner. Hmm.
--Loney's grand salami was followed by the "you can hear a pin drop" comment. Wow.
--Manny should never have been able to hit that ball in a million years, it was so low.
--Tony Gwynn really has a high voice.
erin, thanks for the confirmation. Wonder who is in second?
Nice, Wade!
Nice inning, Wade!
Right after getting maligned by Christina Kahrl today on BP!
I've gotta go...
OK.
I'm out of here.
Heading home and tuning to Vinny.
Keep the faith guys.
...but wanted to get #200 first
neeebs swipes #200 out from under my grasp! nice move, neeebster.
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