Saturday, October 10, 2009

NLDS Game 3 Thread @ Fredbirds, 3p

Brrrrrrrrr.

Vicente Padilla (0-0, -.--) vs. Joel Pineiro (0-0, -.--).

Thursday's game-time temperature at Dodger Stadium: 71 degrees. Today's high in St. Louis: 60 degrees. Today's low: 38 degrees. In other words, the Dodgers can expect a chilly reception at Busch Stadium in more ways than one.

Heavy rains canceled on-field practice yesterday.

While a 2-0 lead over the Cardinals is pretty much a dream come true, a road win is the next big test the Dodgers must pass. And they would prefer not to stay in St. Louis for a second longer than necessary.

With his game-tying hit in Game 2, Ronnie Belliard has officially displaced Orlando Hudson as the Dodgers' starting second baseman. The O-Dog is handling the situation with his usual class: "I'm all right, I'm all right....I'll do whatever they need me to do," he told the Daily News.

Most of the other regular starters have already made offensive playoff contributions: Matt Kemp and Andre Ethier have homered, and Casey Blake worked that incredible nine-pitch walk to set up Belliard's Hudson-bumping RBI.

RBI-less so far are James Loney and Manny Ramirez. Will Road Loney make an appearance in St. Louis? Can Manny erase a disappointing regular season with one big postseason swing?

And then there's the question of Vicente Padilla. Whether he's earned the right to start a game before Chad Billingsley is a subject for debate, but the Dodgers have shown that while a spectacular start would be welcome, a solid start will suffice. Fortunately, Padilla has pitched effectively and remained on his best behavior since joining the team, knowing a strong playoff performance will enhance his value as a free agent this off-season.

So there you have it. One game from the NLCS. Momentum on our side. The team feeling loose and confident, but not cocky. Let's give the Cards something to talk about with the Cubs.

GO BLUE!

1: Jon SooHoo/Dodgers; 2 & 3: AP photos

505 comments:

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Mr. LA Sports Czar said...

Tony Abreu was sent to Arizona to complete the Garland deal, if anyone cares.

Anonymous said...

"Fredbirds", I love it. I've always found that funny, even though I'm not sure it makes any sense. Easily assumed I guess.

Anonymous said...

Not losing any sleep over Abreu. It was time to cut bait with him. Even if he's halfway decent with the Snakes I'm cool with it. Garland was a worth while deal, and either DeJesus or DeWitt will be our 2B of the future, not DeAbreu.

JuanLove said...

same line-up for us

they switched it up:

Shumaker, 2B
Ludwick, RF
Pujols, 1B
Holliday, LF
Rasmus, CF
Molina, C
DeRosa, 3B
Ryan, SS
Pineiro, P

Anonymous said...

DodgertownUSA twitter reports same lineup for today's game. I guess that's a reliable enough source.

Anonymous said...

La Russa is panicing. Giving the lineup a major make over for Vicente Padilla?

NicJ said...

While i do want to see manny perform waaaay better. Im a little more worried about kemp. Maybe its because im not expecting a whole lot from Manny. Either way im sure they will both come around soon.

Also, lets not forget what a great job furcal has done at the plate.

Josh S. said...

"Giving the lineup a major make over for Vicente Padilla?"

No one expects the Nicaraguan Inquisition!

rbnlaw said...

Look, JP found a hat that fits!

Ivory Coast and Germany get the first invitations to the big dance (World Cup dance that is).

Josh S. said...

"Look, JP found a hat that fits!"

Yeah, Lucas said it was OK if he borrowed it for the trip.

rbnlaw said...

UCLA up 3-0 on Oregon. Maybe if they beat a ranked opponent, they can break the top 27.

rbnlaw said...

That Lucas; always a giver.

rbnlaw said...

Nice picture on Matt Kemp's blog. Loretta, Kemp, JP (in a Beast Mode shirt) Belly 2.0, and Ethier all looking intense.

Josh S. said...

Pssst...MLB Network! The Yankees aren't playing today. You might have missed that.

It's like some voodoo curse. If they stop talking about the Yankees, they drop dead on the spot.

Josh S. said...

Mitch Williams: "John Smoltz knows every hitter on this Dodger team. He should close one of these games."

He does?

Let's get this done today, boys. I like my TV. I don't want to smash it in talking head stupidity-fueled anger.

Mr. LA Sports Czar said...

@Josh - I just looked up Baseball Reference. In 145 AB's, current Dodgers are batting .268 against Smoltz. It's decent, but I wouldn't say it's very overpowering. Besides, of current starters, only Ronnie Belliard and Rafael Furcal have had at least 10 PA's against him.

Josh S. said...

Stay tuned, kids. After the break, MLB Network is going to explain to us why tonight is a must win...

...for the Dodgers.

I shit you not.

I should just turn it off, but it's getting me FIRED UP!

Josh S. said...

To sum up, the Dodgers must win because they don't want to face Carpenter and Wainwright again.

Because facing a guy on short rest after a shaky outing is just TERRIFYING.

Now they're praising our bullpen and admitting that maybe the Dodgers won because the team has the lowest opposing AVG with RISP. Thanks for noticing, chumps.

Steve Sax said...

Josh, please tell me what the MLB network says.

Josh S. said...

I read your mind, Sax. See 2:35.

Josh S. said...

Oh, and Mitch Williams tooted Smoztz's horn again, saying he might be the key to beating the Dodgers.

Josh S. said...

Smoltz's

Josh S. said...

Wow!

Mitch Williams again:

"Of the teams down 0-2, the Cardinals have the best shot of coming back to win. If they can force a Game 4, they've got a good shot of winning it all. If they can't, then...uh...then...uh...of course they have no shot."

rbnlaw said...

Mitch Williams = Tool.
Ask Joe Carter about Williams' ability to close out big games.

On second thought, he was great at closing out games. . .for the Jays.

Keep on underestimating the Dodgers, and they'll keep on "surprising" people.

Josh S. said...

Oh thank God, the game is starting soon.

Josh S. said...

OH MY GOD THEY HAVE TOWELS.

Anonymous said...

Lets rack up a few 1st inning runs. It'd be nice to be the first one to score this time.

Anonymous said...

@Josh,

Cheaters

NicJ said...

I have my white rally towel in hand while I sit on the couch.

sanfrandodgerfan said...

Hello fellow Dfans...yes, 'up here in SF' the Gnasty fans are descrying Holliday as the newest v of Kfred, aka Fred Lewis...is that the same logic behind the Fredbirds handle?...

Mr. LA Sports Czar said...

THE, CARDINALS, THE!!!

Josh S. said...

Raffy home run right here.

Fred's Brim said...

here we go! let's finish this tonight!

Orel said...

Actually, the Cards' mascot is named Fredbird.

Josh S. said...

Sorry.

Anonymous said...

as Sax would say, wow Pineiro is pitching a no hitter already!

sanfrandodgerfan said...

ty, O...

Mr. LA Sports Czar said...

PERFECT GAME FOR PINEIRO

Mr. LA Sports Czar said...

Crowd: He fouled a pitch! Let's cheer!

Anonymous said...

Kemp finally with another hit. Come on Dre.

Mr. LA Sports Czar said...

Kemp reaches Mendoza for the playoffs.

sanfrandodgerfan said...

sweet...steal 2nd...single...run #1...

sanfrandodgerfan said...

he caught it!

Fred's Brim said...

haha nice cheer from the hometown fans

Mr. LA Sports Czar said...

They cheer because he didn't drop it.

Josh S. said...

MANNY!!!!

Fred's Brim said...

attaboy Manny!

Anonymous said...

MANNY!!! 1-0 Blue!

sanfrandodgerfan said...

nice...

MR.F said...

Woot! That was fast.

Mr. LA Sports Czar said...

MANNY WOULD!!! BELEE IT!!

Orel said...

MANNY!

Josh S. said...

Ha, suckers. You forgot we had Manny.

(I did too.)

Mr. LA Sports Czar said...

Oh man, how I love Vin.

Mr. LA Sports Czar said...

Work the walk, James. Just work the walk.

Anonymous said...

Ok Padilla, time to go to work.

Mr. LA Sports Czar said...

Well, at least we got a run.

sanfrandodgerfan said...

I'll take 1-0 after one....the fans in Cardville sure breathed a huge sigh of relief after Holly made the catch...

MR.F said...

Have you all seen this strange youtube video of a girl singing off-key about how great Colby Rasmus is?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pI8l87uyDXM

Fred's Brim said...

nice stab!

sanfrandodgerfan said...

fanerman...too funny...she sings as well as ashley simpleton...

sanfrandodgerfan said...

Hose time...

Mr. LA Sports Czar said...

Uh-oh...

Fred's Brim said...

Albert set up to Kemp us here

Anonymous said...

"walk your dog, not Pujols"

Really? You're gonna go with that?

Whatever, Cards fans.

Anonymous said...

I'll take a single. Time for a GIDP.

Mr. LA Sports Czar said...

Alright. Man in scoring position. That means will get the next two batters out.

MR.F said...

I don't have a good feeling about Padila.

sanfrandodgerfan said...

a DP sure sounds great right about now...

Orel said...

"Matt Holliday is 2-for-8 with the bat and 0-for-1 with the glove." —Vin

Fred's Brim said...

what is that? a dust storm?

Steve Sax said...

"these great fans in st Louis..."

please, make me vomit

Fred's Brim said...

ok one more

sanfrandodgerfan said...

Slugga...

Mr. LA Sports Czar said...

Alright, now just one more out.

Steve Sax said...

Sorry I'm late, ladies and gents.

Anonymous said...

@MLASF:

I forgot about that.

Now 3-23. Come on, one more out.

sanfrandodgerfan said...

scully rules...

Fred's Brim said...

what is all that detritus floating in front of the camera? it looks like they are playing under the ocean

sanfrandodgerfan said...

too damn close!..

Steve Sax said...

Padilla already going for Rasmus' head

Mr. LA Sports Czar said...

Just one more strike...

Fred's Brim said...

cmon, V

Steve Sax said...

Cone on Vicente. You're making Martin stay alert back there...

Mr. LA Sports Czar said...

Can a starting pitcher actually not make me shake?

Steve Sax said...

Wait, those great st Louis fans arebooing? Impossible!

Steve Sax said...

Hoo boy, is garland ready?

Mr. LA Sports Czar said...

Oh boy...

MR.F said...

Come on Vicente!

Orel said...

Rancho Cardiendo

Steve Sax said...

Padilla sure is sweating.

NicJ said...

No padilla!

Mr. LA Sports Czar said...

Rancho LOBiendo

Josh S. said...

Padilla's nervous. Vin said his mom is there.

YES!

Orel said...

Wiggles off!

MR.F said...

Phew!

Fred's Brim said...

there it is

Anonymous said...

3-25

Mr. LA Sports Czar said...

My witty remard stands up!

sanfrandodgerfan said...

3-25 RISP!...love it...

Let's get some more...

Mr. LA Sports Czar said...

*remark

NicJ said...

Good padilla

Steve Sax said...

Way to wiggle out Vicente!

Anonymous said...

Now lets pile it on.

Steve Sax said...

Okay, I just put dick and bob down, and Vin up.

Josh S. said...

That's what she said.

sanfrandodgerfan said...

RB has pretty good wheels...

Mr. LA Sports Czar said...

Russ homer right here.

Mr. LA Sports Czar said...

Scratch that.

Anonymous said...

Vin's about 2 second ahead of TBS for me. I can't handle it. If something big happens I'll turn the radio up to get Vin's take, but for now I'm stuck with TBS. (very funny)

Mr. LA Sports Czar said...

Siddown, Markie

Anonymous said...

So far so good.

MR.F said...

Nice and easy.

Mr. LA Sports Czar said...

I didn't know starters could get 1-2-3 innings!

Mr. LA Sports Czar said...

Hooray for Raffy!

Fred's Brim said...

Raffy!

Mr. LA Sports Czar said...

Kemp homer here.

sanfrandodgerfan said...

Pujols is wearing thirty grand around his neck...

Fred's Brim said...

MLASF, try predicting Ks and GIDPs :)

Mr. LA Sports Czar said...

Oh Matt

Nostradamus said...

Epale, all!

Let's go E!

Mr. LA Sports Czar said...

Work the walk, 'Dre, work the walk.

sanfrandodgerfan said...

BYE BYE!

Fred's Brim said...

DRE!!!!

Anonymous said...

DRE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Nostradamus said...

w00t!

Josh S. said...

DEE ARR EEE!!!!

MR.F said...

Nice and easy!!!!

Mr. LA Sports Czar said...

TAKE THAT, SUPERMAN'S FATHER!!!

sanfrandodgerfan said...

Poppin'...Manny!...

Anonymous said...

Wow, what a shot!

Manny! Another double! Pour it on!!!

Fred's Brim said...

haha MLASF! I give you 70% of the credit for that one (Dre gets the other 30% for hitting it so far)

Mr. LA Sports Czar said...

MANNY'S ON!!

Mr. LA Sports Czar said...

@FB - I was originally going to put "Homer for Kemp/Ethier right here," but I didn't want to hedge my bets :)

sanfrandodgerfan said...

hahahaha

Anonymous said...

It must've been the towels.

Fred's Brim said...

that's why you hustle

Nostradamus said...

James Loney with the hypnotic powers!

Mr. LA Sports Czar said...

Hah. Jor-El pulled a Holliday. He really Schruted that thing.

Fred's Brim said...

rats - he hit that hard too

Anonymous said...

Ok, I'll take the 2. 3-0 Blue! Lets go Vicente!

Fred's Brim said...

James Loney is hypnotoad?

sanfrandodgerfan said...

Three zip...nice...

No Beecentay...lights out compadre...

Steve Sax said...

My eldest child called the Ethier HR.

I promised I would do a dance if he hit one.

I'm still dancing!

Mr. LA Sports Czar said...

The error at least takes Padilla out of the leadoff spot in the fifth. That's good.

Fred's Brim said...

keep 'em down, V!

Paul said...

Loney is the lucky knome. Wish we could have taken advantage of that.

Good evening fellers.

Nostradamus said...

@fb

No, Padilla is the hypnotoad. James Loney just induces dropped fly balls, bad coverage, and other errors.

Fred's Brim said...

that's a mighty fine jig, Saxy!

Mr. LA Sports Czar said...

Just when you want to see Albert: with nobody one base.

Anonymous said...

Pujols batting is basically hitting with RISP, so this should be an out.

Paul said...

i want to see Albert at his home enjoying the off season.

Fred's Brim said...

cmon V, lets split Pujols and Holliday

Mr. LA Sports Czar said...

If you'll look closely, you'll see the rare Albert Pujols in the batters box. My, what a creature. You'll notice something very peculiar about this particular Pujols. His BA is under .300, something very uncommon for the mighty Albert.

Fred's Brim said...

keep them down, V

Mr. LA Sports Czar said...

Albert doing his best Casey Blake impression.

sanfrandodgerfan said...

Padilla reminds me of a drywall taper I know from La Puente...same build and journeyman appearance...but...dude could carry a bazooka all day long...I hope V holds up through 6...

Nice stroke Albear...

Mr. LA Sports Czar said...

There can only be one Beard, Albert.

Fred's Brim said...

spread the word, says Vin!

Nostradamus said...

@fb

I initially read your comment as "let's send Pujols on holiday"

I heartily agree.

Fred's Brim said...

hehe that definitely works too!

Mr. LA Sports Czar said...

A third of the way there.

Fred's Brim said...

Tender-Ronnie!

Mr. LA Sports Czar said...

Fangraphs is wrong again.

Josh S. said...

This just in: Andre was temporarily blinded by the sea of red and accidentally hit the ball too far for the outfielders to make a play.

Fred's Brim said...

shorten that swing, Russ

Fred's Brim said...

you got another hit in you, Raffy?

Mr. LA Sports Czar said...

You know what I just realized: Carl Pavano is starting for the Twinkies against the Stankees. I wonder if he will finally help Da Bronx succeed in the postseason.

sanfrandodgerfan said...

Raffi...

Fred's Brim said...

yes you do!!

Mr. LA Sports Czar said...

RAFFY DELIVERS!!

Anonymous said...

4-0! No mercy, Blue!

Josh S. said...

Fooooooky!!!

Steve Sax said...

Wow, Furcal has been the bomb in the postseason so far. Wow!!!

MR.F said...

Vicente is looking pretty good.

MR.F said...

I love Hot Furcal.

Fred's Brim said...

cmon Matty - put a good swing on it. don't worry about the results

MR.F said...

Kemp has sucked this series.

Nostradamus said...

That was pretty sorry looking, Matt.

Eric Karros said...

Another run, 4-0. Feeling good.

They keep on bringing it, even though it had already been broughten.

Fred's Brim said...

I hope Matty can refind it

Fred's Brim said...

damn - they've had a lot of lucky pokes down the lines this series

Anonymous said...

Come on, VP. Gotta get through this.

Fred's Brim said...

Molina grounds out. OK V, one more

Mr. LA Sports Czar said...

Now it's 3-for-43252 w/RISP

Fred's Brim said...

WOW great snag by V!!

Mr. LA Sports Czar said...

Nice stab!

Fred's Brim said...

Reyes in for Jo-El

Fred's Brim said...

take your time, Manny

sanfrandodgerfan said...

Eyes Manny...EYES!...

Mr. LA Sports Czar said...

Well, Superman's father did not last long.

Fred's Brim said...

that wasnt a strike

Fred's Brim said...

sheesh Manny - two of those werent even close

Fred's Brim said...

I think this ump owes Dennis Reyes some money

Anonymous said...

Bad inning. Lets not get content, boys.

Fred's Brim said...

Loney grounds out to end the inning

OK V keep it going

NicJ said...

The strike zone better be that big in the bottom half of the inning too.

Mr. LA Sports Czar said...

I think the strike zone adjusts to the pitcher's size, not the batter's.

Mr. LA Sports Czar said...

After a 21-pitch first inning, Padilla's made only 37 pitches.

Josh S. said...

John Smoltz is warming up.

As are Mitch Williams' pants.

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