Chad Billingsley (12-6, 3.70) vs. Ryan Dempster (6-7, 4.28).
COMMENTS: Dodgers : Cubbies :: Cards : Dodgers? Whatever the analogy, the Boys in Blue are looking to complete a four-game sweep of the Other Boys in Blue today. Unlike in the Cards series, both the Dodger bats and arms have showed up for this Cubs series, although it's unlikely Billingsley (on a pitch count) will be able to match the seven strong innings each turned in by Randy Wolf and Charlie Haeger. But the most notable Dodger still not at full strength is Manny Ramirez, although he's 4-for-11 in this series and may very well be on his way to warming up in September. Let's hope the forecast calls for some H.E.A.T. in the weeks to come.
Same two Game Thread superstitions are in play today (not referring to opponents by their name in the headline; posting the GT one minute after the hour). But this time, we're going absolutely N.U.T.S. at SoSG and pushing our luck with another superstition: SoSG Sax, 7-0 this season, will be at today's game (field level, third base side). Post a comment if you're there and want to grab a beer!
161 comments:
Saxy- Avoid the heat dehydration. I was at the game yesterday and Dodger medics had to escort a guy out of the stands.
@Brandon: that was me! Sorry I didn't say hi!
In all seriousness, thanks for the headsup...
not only will i be at the game today, but ill be with someone who knows the secret identity of at lease one SoSS!
@John G:
You mean these identities aren't real? It was the only reason I kept posting on this site.
Damn.
Saxy,
Fight the good fight today. Hopefully you're on the 3rd base side so you'll get the shade by the 2nd or 3rd inning.
Furcal SS
Ethier RF
Manny LF
Blake 3B
Kemp CF
Martin C
Abreu 2B
Loretta 1B
Billingsley P
Sax, I'm on my way now. I'll post again when I'm actually in the stadium, but you may request a beer of your choice now so I don't show up at your seat empty-handed.
From far away, that guy looks kinda like GOB.
Loney sits again. When did Dempster start throwing lefty?
On field level, of you're lucky, the very back rows get shade by about the third inning. I sit in row D near the foul pole and I don't think I get a lick of shade the entire game. Which is why I just go steal seats elsewhere.
Erin, I should be there at 12:30p!
@Sax:
Did you make a Shortstop run? All the cool kids are doing it.
When the stars align and I can go to a day game, I get loge 161, row K or farther back. Shade all game long.
Weird that Loney's sitting again, since the first article on the Dodgers website talks him up and says he was expected back in the lineup today.
I usually sit in the last couple rows of field 36 or 38 during day games. Shade all the way.
Torre going with the stats once again:
Loney v. Dempster (lifetime) .143
Loretta v. Dempster (lt).250
Not a great improvement, but FJL needs to get his head straight before he gets to Denver.
Our questions answered, thanks to Eric Stephens @ TBLA:
"James Loney is not in the starting lineup today because of the flu. Loney actually went home early during yesterday's game. He is available to pinch hit if needed today"
OK, going for my ceremonial first beer:
A Sam Adams Black Lager.
Sax, I'm in the stadium. Tell me where you are.
Rox to sign Russ ortiz. We can't beat that guy, sadly.
Erin just got here
I'm currently stealing seats in the shade in field 25, but I don't know how this will last.
@RB
Sam Adams Black Lager? Pls explain...
@RB
I practically own a piece of Sam Adams brewery and have had virtually every type they have ever made. However, I've never had the mysterious Black Lager.
On their Octoberfest at the moment, in fact.
I'm watching the first half of the first on the Spanish telecast on FSW. Don't understand that much, but I certainly understand why Jaime has been calling games so long. Dead smooth.
BTW, does Torre forget what Loney did to Dempster last year? Why is Oldretta starting again?
BTW, looks like another shitty strike zone day. Theriot was out.
Loney is recovering from the flu.
@Ali:
See above re; Loney. Got the flu.
I agree about the zone. Bills got squeezed.
@DB:
I got it at my local Vons. BevMo! carries it regularly. Their Oktoberfest is equally good.
Nic - Then why not Castro at 2B, Abreu at 3B and Blake at 1B
Even Sam Fuld can't get that one.
I worry about Manny's power numbers. Mainly because I have little else to worry about.
@DB:
Moved on to #2 in the Black Lager openers.
Yeah, watching the Spanish-language telecast today. Wish they would speak slower so lame gringos like me could keep up with the call. It's like: rapid-fire Spanish rapid-fire Spanish rapid-fire Spanish rapid-fire Spanish Case Blake rapid-fire Spanish rapid-fire Spanish.
The same pitch this ump called a ball on Theriot was a strike on Blake. More bad ump mojo.
Squeezing on the inside, open on the outside.
Going to be an interesting day at the plate.
@ RB
I had three Guinnesses for breakfast while watching the footy and have moved on to Sam October. However, there are precious few left in the fridge. May have to pause Tivo and make a run up the street to BevMo! around the 5th inning.
Dusty - It really is no wonder that Jarrin has been around so long though. My father, who really has little idea about baseball, noted that he thought he sounded a bit like Vin Scully speaking Spanish. That is smooth.
The contrast between Jaime and Fernando is hilarious.
A cuadrangular!
All the Russ haters - You see the way he framed that pitch?
Chad is a bit wild today.
how hot is it out there?
@Erin: Just sent you an email
Chad doesn't appear to have his best stuff today. Fight, through it, Bills!
@DB:
Chelsea v. Fulham?
My Gunners are up 2-0 and top of the table currently.
We'll likely finish off Celtic on Wed.
When you go to BevMo, pull two.
"Los Mini Sirloin Burgors Hoy!"
@RB
Indeed! I'm a Chelsea man. Nice Drogba goal today.
Teams in blue...
Bison Hustle
Just say no to Chelski.
Its all about the Toon.
Wow. That skimmed his toes.
@DB:
Ask karina about your new manager. She's an AC Milan supporter.
We're getting breaks in this game. Just hope we can overcome the one run deficit.
Hey, I remember Tony Abreu now.
OK, overcame the deficit. Let's build.
Toon, eh? How's life in the Championship?
Dusty - I didn't say life is perfect. They need to let Shearer take over.
Hey Loretta, what's that big piece of wood for?
Sorry to poach your manager, Karina, if you're out there today.
Awww, Dusty said "cuadrangular", lamentablemente fue para los Cachorros.
Jaime Jarrin's voice is spectacular. He participated in a profile show ESPN Deportes made about Fernando.
Manny does a lot of defensive "little things.". That backup in case something happened was a good example.
I going to watch en Espanol through the 4th, so I can hear Pepe. Then it is back to God himself.
Where the hell was that pitch?
@Dusty Baker don't call yourself "lame gringo"
Ali-
Is Shearer the answer? Not fully convinced.
I blame the Magpies for Eduardo not being the same.
Self-deprecation is one of my things, Karina.
Just saw Erin. Life is good.
1-1 through 3 and they insist on playing Jason Mraz again.
Eduardo's pass for the first goal yesterday was brilliant.
Batting Stance Guy getting his own commercials now? Damn. The Gibson one they just showed was pretty cool. I saw a Steve Finely last night.
Dusty - Such heady players make great managers.
Pepe isn't nearly as smooth as Jaime. He sounds more like a futbol announcer.
Man it is hot out here
need more beet!
And @rbnlaw, thanks for the headsup on the Black Lager. Good call.
Chelsea is going to be fine with Carlo Ancelotti. He was very successful with the AC Milan, shame his cycle within the team expired.
Though how he is translating his strategy to the Premier League is intriguing. After all, the AC Milan had a great international run under his wing, for example TWO Champions League cups.
Gotta catch that damn ball Tony
Sax- you need more beet?
Someone get that man another beet, stat!
Fox hates Bills.
I blame them not signing Onyewu for part of their problems. Depending on Michael Owen was another mistake.
Really putting on a show this afternoon.
What's up with Fox owning Bills?
Manny needed to turn and fire. That said, Blake should have been able to short hop it.
Any link for the batting stances guy commercials?
Nice recovery Chad. Sexy rise on that fastball.
Ali-
The thing about Shearer trying to run a team is that he can't use what was always his best weapon - his elbows!
Dusty - Gritty in football is a good quality.
Sweet play by Loretta, but Bills should have probably thrown to Russ.
Depending on Michael Owen for anything at this point is insane. I can't wait for him to fail miserably and bring ManUre down with him! *insert evil laugh*
Damn lincecum.
@ Karina
This is all I could find:
http://www.battingstanceguy.com
The commercial they played was the first I'd seen, so the gig may be too much in its infancy to have a web presence.
That elevado by Manny was hit pretty hard. He is definately showing signs.
It's your birfday! You go Casey, it's your birfday!
Too bad you're 0-2 on your special day.
"Beardday," maybe?
Can a Cub outfielder drop ONE stinking catch, please?
Welcome to Soccer Talk!
Eduardo is flat brilliant. Hopefully he gets back to full fitness this year. The Gunners have started strong. The question of the season is; What's up with Liverpool? I know they'll never walk alone, but wow, do they look inconsistent.
@Sax:
My pleasure. It's just one of the services I provide.
Can't help you with the beets though.
@karina
http://www.battingstanceguy.com/2009/07/25/gibson-vs-eckersley
It's the Gibson/Eckersley. They have others too...
Ah Vinny. There is just something about his voice. I can see Jarrin having that quality in Spanish.
. . .and epale karina!
Nice start for the rosette.
Nice catch by BIP Tickets.
That was indescribably nasty.
Sons of Gary Lineker?
I suppose losing Alonso is the main problem. And all their defenders are hurt or old. Whatever is wrong w Liverpool, I hope it sticks!
If Fuld makes one more catch, Vinny is just going to go down on the field and start humping on him.
@Dusty Baker "Whatever is wrong w Liverpool, I hope it sticks!"
Agreed, very much.
@Dusty Baker and Brandon thanks for the link, i didn't know he had a website, i follow his channel on YouTube.
@DB:
That makes two of us. One could also blame Man City for raiding everyone's cupboards.
Vinny said the Rox are close to signing Giambi. If he hits even a scoring flyball against the Dodgers, I'm preserving the rights to quote the Hives:
Hate to Say I Told You So.
Muy guapo! Says Vin!
@Rbnlaw i really want Sheva has the best season with the Chelsea, maybe Ancelotti will help him a lot.
@RB
Indeed, you will have every right if Giambi does well there. And don't look now, but Smoltz is having a good outing, too. Both will have to play well for the rest of the season for me to admit I was incorrect.
PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE do not wish Sheva playing on us. He is shite for Chelsea, no matter how well he may play in the Italian league.
Oh lord.
Oh yeah, I forgot about that bills sixth inning thing.
Looks like are going to actually have to score some runs to win this game.
@NicJ
What is this strange "score some runs" concept you speak of?
This Fox fella is asking to be plunked.
LOL Fontenot.
Can't even call this a quality start for Bills, can we? Maybe on the Schmidt scale.
BEAST MODE SQUIB SINGLE!
@Rbnlaw Sheva just had a rough patch. Give him a chance, he might grow on you.
Do you know Ancelotti doesn't like his nickname "Carletto"?. I called him Carletto when i didn't agree with him.
HAH, Karina. Can someone at the game send a signal down to the dugout that Fox needs to be plunked.
Sheva has had plenty of chances; he just doesn't play well in the English game. And what's with his golden locks all of the sudden? The Fabio look makes me laugh.
Indeed Chexxum.
C'mon Dre, tie this up.
Awesome.
Sorry peeps, gotta run.
Hold up the fort without me.
I'll also be switching to tequila.
And dempster can go at least one more inning. Yay!
I thought for sure BEAST MODE!! would steal on a catcher that has a Frankenstein throwing hand and a Tommy Johned throwing arm, do you think Torre told him to be more cautious on the base paths?
We are really going to have to go into Colorado and take two out of three.
@ RB
Don't have any of that cheap tequila they advertise during Dodger broadcasts!
Vince Vaughn sighting!
Why does the GBA singer have 3D glasses on?
@Nic j you talk like this game is already over. Can we wait a little bit?
Even if we win we still have to take two out of three n Colorado.
Also, this series was nice because we are winning but we still aren't scoring very many runs. Our situational hitting is still in a rut.
Manny's new nickname is Toaster.
"Manny Ramirez pops out to second baseman"
You are 110% right, Nic j. We need clutch very badly.
You guys keep talking about "scoring" and "runs." I'm so confused by these concepts.
-- Manny
And not because he's a Cylon.
The only run we've scored today is unearned.
@Josh that was very funny!
When is your baby boy gonna born?
Scoring a run these days is like pulling teeth. Man I hope we step it up in Colorado.
Riiiibit.
Paul, were you referring to that F.R.O.G. bit that Vinny just told us?
If so, nice.
I thought Young Mc was supposed to plunk Fox this time at bat! Karina, they must have gotten the signals mixed up.
I told you Fox needed to be plunked. Why don't they ever listen to me?
@DB
yes and thanks.
Karina, us being a team right in the heat of a pennant race I don't think we need to get into a beanball war with a team ready for the offseason.
@Nic j i'm sort of frustrated and i want to find an escape goat.
Haha, got it Karina.
Finally. We get to the pen.
Another pitcher has his longest outing against us. Well a lead off walk has to mean good things are ahead I hope.
another walk, YAY!
keep taking pitches guys!
Two on and none out
grabow is starting to remember he was a pirate for a long time.
are you kidding ME!!! he came off the BAGGGG!!!!!!
come on O DOG!!
stupid cubs fans.
that whole inning right there is why im really worried about going into colorado. We cant score any runs off of two walks to begin an inning.
@karina: He's due tomorrow! No sign of him just yet, though.
I did get him set up with this today.
That inning was fugly.
I'll ignore this inning.
Koyie vey!
At least Milty still sucks. That's encouraging.
milton better leave the visitors gatorade bucket alone.
@Josh WOW! congrats! those garments rock: "rookie of the year" "i love my Dodgers".
I guess you're not playing the puzzle tomorrow!
My best wishes to you family :)
5 stinkin runs in the last 3 games and 2 of those knocked in by Wolf.
I'm about to wet myself I'm so nervous. This game is still in reach!
WIth the caveat that we actually have to score runs.
top of the order vs. Marmol.
This would be the time for Manny to break out and Blake to have his birthday cuadrangular.
one down.
Nice Raffy.
Mr. Walkov at the plate.
there are so many cub fans behind home plate.
I'm pretty aware Ethier is not in a walkoff situation, yet.
What the hell with all the Cubs fans at the Ravine today?
He's walking off over to the dugout now, despite a decent at bat.
Why our hitters let themselves get into 0-2 holes continues to confound me.
SWING AT THE FUKIN BALL MANNY.
Ugh and a half. Now I have to root for the Giants tomorrow. I feel so dirty.
manny still aint right.
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