Wednesday, October 01, 2008

NLDS Game 1 Thread: Oct 1 @ Cubs, 3:30p

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 voilĂ .

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:

TBS has live footage online.

Thanks to Dodger Thoughts for passing along this online viewing option as well.

227 comments:

1 – 200 of 227   Newer›   Newest»
Orel said...

Furcal, SS
Martin, C
Ramirez, LF
Ethier, RF
Loney, 1B
Kemp, CF
DeWitt, 2B
Blake, 3B
Lowe, P

Steve Sax said...

Blake is batting eighth, not seventh...

Orel said...

Danke.

Orel said...

MIL 0, PHI 0 after 1.

Steve Sax said...

Bitte.

Steve Sax said...

I think you just got confused by The Two Blakes.

Orel said...

Anyone know how I can listen to the game online?

Orel said...

PHI 2, MIL 0, bot 2

Eric Karros said...

Speaking of Danke, he came up huge for the ChiSox in yesterday's game

Orel said...

Jenke got the save.

Eric Karros said...

Jar Jar Binke is annoying

Orel said...

Gallardo just walked in a run. 3-0 Phils, bases still loaded.

Zach Martin said...

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.

Orel said...

Thanks, Zach. You fear Manny, we fear Zambrano. Should be interesting!

karina said...

Phillies 3-Brewers 0

Hamels seems to be nasty today.

Erin said...

Days like today make me really hate the fact that I have no air conditioning. I am BAKING. The Dodgers better win.

Steve Sax said...

Erin, what are you baking? Cub stew?

Steve Sax said...

Former Dodger Jayson Werth has three Ks and a popout today for the Phils (who still lead 3-0)

Steve Sax said...

2-hitter for Cole Hamels with 9Ks? Yikes.

Erin said...

Yep, Cub stew. Except I appear to be the main ingredient.

karina said...

Brewers just scored ine run at the 9thm off Lidge. Runner at second, Fielder at the plate.

karina said...

Fielder K. One hour and 15 minutes to the Dodgers game.

Neeebs (The Original) said...

D
O
D
G
E
R
S

Orel said...

T-minus 30 minutes!

Booger said...

LETS GO BLUE!

Booger said...

I HAVENT CHIMED IN FOR A WHILE, BUT I'M BACK FOR THE PLAYOFFS!!!!!

Booger said...

I SAY WE MAKE IT 101 YEARS.

Booger said...

I HATE THE BERENSTEIN BEARS AS WELL!!

Erin said...

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.

Alex Cora said...

Here we go!!!!

Alex Cora said...

And Dick Stockton to announce on TBS. I feel like I am watching the Lakers-Celtics Finals during the 80's.

Booger said...

The Stand? Hopefully the trachcan man can help stop the angels later.

karina said...

Erin, The Stand by Stephen King?

Erin said...

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.

Orel said...

TBS is showing the game online!

http://losangeles.dodgers.mlb.com/mlb/hotcorner/index.jsp

Erin said...

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.

karina said...

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.

karina said...

Erin, i also read The Stand for a close friend's recommendation.

Orel said...

Raffy K's, Russell walks, Manny GIDP.

karina said...

Lowe starts with a beautiful K to Soriano.

karina said...

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.

Alex Cora said...

Cruising until Lee walks. Ramirez up.

Alex Cora said...

Cubs down in the first....phew. Man, my heartrate is up...

Steve Sax said...

Orel, how are you getting the game live online? Please forward the link!

Orel said...

Solid 1st by Lowe.

Alex Cora said...

Sax-DT has links too.

Orel said...

Isn't my link showing up?

http://losangeles.dodgers.mlb.com/mlb/hotcorner/index.jsp

Steve Sax said...

Hours later, I am just now realizing that one does not bake stew.

That should have read "pot pie"

karina said...

Ethier walks, King James is up, no outs.

Orel said...

Dempster already w/2 walks. Let's take advantage.

karina said...

Very bad at-bat by King James. I hope he isn't feeling nervous.

Alex Cora said...

Loney flies out. Come on KEMP!

Erin said...

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.

Orel said...

People stuck online—check the update at the bottom of the post for viewing options.

karina said...

Didn't like the Dodgers younglins at-bats. It's worrisome.

Steve Sax said...

Youngsters have a case of the nerves in the second, failing to advance a leadoff walk to Ethier. 0-0.

karina said...

Edmonds single. Boo.

Erin said...

Shit. Nice ground-ball pitching there, Lowe.

Alex Cora said...

Crap.

Steve Sax said...

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.

karina said...

I hate you Mark DeRosa. 2-run HR.

Alex Cora said...

Lowe breaking down when he gets a runner on again. CUbs up 2-0

QuadSevens said...

We need to use that jet stream too. Blah!

Neeebs (The Original) said...

Damn Wind.

karina said...

Glad Lowe struck out Theriot.

Steve Sax said...

And now Dempster???

karina said...

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.

Steve Sax said...

two straight walks. Nce AB from Furcal, battling a walk out of an 0-2 count

Steve Sax said...

please tell me martin didn't just GIDP

Steve Sax said...

On the gameday chart, that fly ball to Soriano looks like it was out of the stadium. What happened?

Erin said...

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.

Neeebs (The Original) said...

Come on Manny.

He Z Big ONe.

Erin said...

Bases loaded for Ethier. Come on, Andre. Don't get nervous.

Erin said...

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.

Steve Sax said...

Crap, Andre Ks with the Ranchos Ardiendod.

Neeebs (The Original) said...

If you curse in Spanish it doesn't count, Erin.

Orel said...

Cue up the "kids can't get it done" chant.

Neeebs (The Original) said...

Dodgers look tight, not the loosey goosey Dodgers of the last month.

Neeebs (The Original) said...

Plenty of time.

BTW, loving the live stream on the computer, vs. MLB radio.

Steve Sax said...

well, at least we made dempster pitch a lot of balls

Steve Sax said...

on the other hand, we only have one hit

Steve Sax said...

erin, curse away.

the cubs are used to curses.

Erin said...

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.

Eric Karros said...

Hi everyone. Nice goatee Neeebs.

Eric Karros said...

Give me a second to research how the Cubs scored their runs...

Steve Sax said...

furcal turns a dp!

Steve Sax said...

ek, in neeebs' case, that's a "goateee"

Eric Karros said...

Ha, good one Sax. And after reading through the comments I see your 'baking' comment was stewing in your head for awhile.

Eric Karros said...

Erin, if you curse in French it counts for double. That would thus be a more efficient use of your vocal chords.

Steve Sax said...

someone tell loney and kemp to calm the hell down during their at bats

Erin said...

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.

Steve Sax said...

ek, too true. I'm a little dusty on what it takes to be a baker.

QuadSevens said...

Just for some french fun...

http://www.vnutz.com/curse_and_swear/French

Steve Sax said...

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.

Eric Karros said...

Erin - German cursing counts for triple, Mandarin quadruple. Curse for the cycle!

Eric Karros said...

Thanks Quad. Now I know what those taunting kids at the bistro meant by 'charogne'.

Eric Karros said...

Erin has gone 4 for 5, officially cursing for the cycle (the curse in spanish counted as an out).

QuadSevens said...

If we don't start hitting, we are enculé.

Steve Sax said...

Hey this thread has as many comments as the Cubs have years since their last World Series title...

...until this comment

QuadSevens said...

Let's keep adding comments and years between titles for the Cubs.

Eric Karros said...

In one year, you can count that last comment and your statement will remain true

Eric Karros said...

My aunt and enculé were going to visit this weekend, but my cousin got sick so they're staying home.

Steve Sax said...

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

Steve Sax said...

ek, that last pun of yours was so enculé.

Eric Karros said...

Let's go Man E Faces

Orel said...

Dempster at 90 pitches.

Eric Karros said...

We are 19 comments ahead of Dempster's pitch count

Orel said...

Dempster is giving more walks than MS and breast cancer combined.

Steve Sax said...

Come on, blue. This is Dempster's SIXTH WALK. Cash it in, Andre!

Erin said...

Andre, please. I'm begging you.

Steve Sax said...

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.

Eric Karros said...

Yes, cash it in, dammit!

Dempster's pitch count is catching up to our comments, 101 to 112

Steve Sax said...

Andre, erin makes a mean apple pie.

Steve Sax said...

ek, does that mean we can't comment in the bottoms of innings?

Eric Karros said...

Dampster walks the rancho ardiendo.

Steve Sax said...

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....

Eric Karros said...

Dampster? Not sure how that typo occurred...

Erin said...

Seven f*cking walks. Now I'm begging James Loney.

I'll take a walk over an apple pie any day of the week.

Erin said...

Dempster walks three people in this inning. Naturally, Loney swings at the first pitch.

Jesus. And the second.

Eric Karros said...

Hooooo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Orel said...

JAMES!

Steve Sax said...

in play, run(s) WHAT HAPPENED?!?!?!?!?!

Orel said...

I didn't even realize that was a grand salami!

Eric Karros said...

That was the sound that spontaneously came out of my typing.

Erin said...

OH. MY. GOD.

Steve Sax said...

With an 0-2 count? LOOOOOOONNNNNEEEEEYYYYY!!!!

FREEE

JAMES


LLLLLLLLLOOOOONNNNEEEYYY!!!

Eric Karros said...

Tres bien Monsieur Loney

Neeebs (The Original) said...

Wow.

Did I say that they looked tight?

MR.F said...

YESSSSSSSSSSSSS

Alex Cora said...

No Fricken WAY!!!! Go King James!!!

Neeebs (The Original) said...

EK: Delayed reaction. Its the parallel universe Star Trek.

And SS is right, you have to count to 3 eee.

Steve Sax said...

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.

Erin said...

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.

Alex Cora said...

Ok Lowe, there's the lead, keep the ball down.

Erin said...

Lowe might be confused, since he's not used to pitching with the lead.

Nostradamus said...

Even I didn't see that grand slam coming

Orel said...

Casey Blake: "Don't forget about me, guys!"

Alex Cora said...

Dont get rattled by that DK. Settle down. Concentrate!

Alex Cora said...

Double Play ball come on Derek.

Eric Karros said...

Whoa, a Nostry sighting

Unknown said...

Heres to a shit day at work being wiped out by a Dodger win...one time dealer!

Eric Karros said...

I gotta go for a second. The Dodgers better still have a lead when I get back.

Alex Cora said...

THAT'S WHAT I AM TALKING ABOUT. Great job DL.

Steve Sax said...

Double Play!

Two DPs for Lowe in five frames

Orel said...

Hey Nostry, looking forward to Gears of War 2?

Orel said...

If the Dodgers discreetly placed Derek Lowe on the disabled list, it would be DL to the DL on the DL.

Steve Sax said...

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...

Orel said...

I AM SO OVER YOU, SEAN MARSHALL

Steve Sax said...

150!

four pitch walk to D Lowe

Orel said...

DL draws the 4-pitch walk!

Steve Sax said...

whoops, I meant 151

Steve Sax said...

SEAN MARSHALL, YOU HAD ME AT UNRATED

Oh wait, that doesn't work as well.

Unknown said...

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.

Steve Sax said...

Marshall mellows out, getting Furcal to strike out

Nostradamus said...

Orel - Gears of War 2 will rock.

That prediction is not in doubt.

Nostradamus said...

Andrew - sorry about your shit day today. Sorry about your tomorrow, too.

Neeebs (The Original) said...

LOL at Nostrodamus' comment to Andrew.

Literally, Laughing my ass off.

Steve Sax said...

I am on pins and needles here. Even with a lead.

Come on, Dodgers.

Eric Karros said...

Dodger lead still intact. Good.

Steve Sax said...

what just happened with A-Ram there>?

Erin said...

Me too, neeebs. That was awesome.

Steve Sax said...

leadoff double. Not good.

Erin said...

Double to center for Ramirez. And now a 2-0 count to Soto. Keep it together, Lowe.

Eric Karros said...

I'd be a little worried if I were Andrew

Neeebs (The Original) said...

Double, Smouble.

Good job, DL.

Orel said...

Nicely done, Lowe! He's at 94 pitches—we'll see him in the seventh.

Orel said...

I could go for some Geico here.

Orel said...

Has Manny been first-pitch swinging every AB today?

Neeebs (The Original) said...

Manny's due.

Alex Cora said...

NO WAY!!!! Manny GOLFED THAT ONE!!!

Neeebs (The Original) said...

Call me Nostradeeemus.

Orel said...

THANK YOU MANNY

Unknown said...

Hey Nostrodamus...call in sick? Or will that backfire too?

MR.F said...

Manny being completely insane.

Erin said...

Sure was fun to see Manny hit that one. Who else could that hit that pitch out?

Steve Sax said...

MANNY!

Steve Sax said...

neeebs, I like your nostry comment too

Orel said...

Geez James, what have you done for us lately?

Steve Sax said...

Loney, you're allowed to K there. That's still the best 1-for-4 line I've seen in a looooooong time.

Alex Cora said...

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.

Unknown said...

I hate to see the Dodgers seem complacent here...Im nervous once Lowe leaves, that ball is getting out of here pretty easily.

Nostradamus said...

Nah, just messin' with you Andrew. Tomorrow will be a sunny day for everyone.

Orel said...

What do you think, Lowe-Broxton-Saito?

Orel said...

Guess not. Cory Wade in to pitch the 7th!

Steve Sax said...

Manny extends his lead in most postseason HRs, right?

Neeebs (The Original) said...

Wow, Wade in for Lowe.

Steve Sax said...

this one was manny's 23rd

Eric Karros said...

I think that is true, Sax

Eric Karros said...

I missed the Manny HR though

Erin said...

Manny now has 25 postseason home runs. Definitely in the lead.

Neeebs (The Original) said...

DP NOW.

Neeebs (The Original) said...

I'll take the pop up.

Steve Sax said...

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.

Steve Sax said...

erin, thanks for the confirmation. Wonder who is in second?

Orel said...

Nice, Wade!

Steve Sax said...

Nice inning, Wade!

Right after getting maligned by Christina Kahrl today on BP!

Steve Sax said...

I've gotta go...

Neeebs (The Original) said...

OK.

I'm out of here.

Heading home and tuning to Vinny.

Keep the faith guys.

Steve Sax said...

...but wanted to get #200 first

Steve Sax said...

neeebs swipes #200 out from under my grasp! nice move, neeebster.

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