What an exciting season all around for baseball.

Sooner or later your legs give way, you hit the ground
Save it for later don't run away and let me down.
Sooner or later you hit the deck you get found out
Save it for later don't run away and let me down, you let me down.

Great to see our potential competition clawing for their playoff lives, hopefully it will come down to the wire for all 3 and they'll be drained.

15

honorable mention:

Chan ho Park

W 4 L 3
IP'd 94
BB 35
Dingers 12
K's 78
ERA 3.06
ERA+ 145

I totally forgot to mention Chan Ho Park on my "stand outs for 2008" another thing I noticed while checking out his numbers on B-R.Com is that he totally rocked as a Dodger & not so much with Tex, Mets & Pads.

2 Don't make me bore everybody with my English Beat stories again. Thanks for that, though.

3 True, true, but the Dodgers still don't have any guaranteed downtime themselves.

I'm really torn on the remaining races. I probably like the Brewers best, in a vacuum, but I'd rather the wild card come out of the east, so that the Dodgers don't play the Cubs in round 1.

5

I understand that, but I would ask for nothing at Christmas if the Dodgers swept the Cubs in three games.

3 well that wouldnt exactly help us if we draw the cubs who have been at ease for a while now..

2 for those of you unfamiliar with the English Beat...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0bM0wVjU2-k

Go Cards

I don't want the Cubs in the LDS either but if they did have to play a game on Monday (and/or doubleheaders this weekend), that wouldn't exactly help them right on the heels of a playoff series. Still, would rather face Phils or Mets, so... go Mets!

7 - It could if they have to play makeup games. Longshot, of course.

I mentioned this last night, but it bears repeating: these two months of Manny have been two of the most enjoyable months of baseball I've ever experienced.

Now, if I may, here is Who I Am Rooting For, In Order, From Here On Out, Among the Teams That Are Still Alive:

1. Dodgers.
2. Rays.
3. Twins.
4. Brewers.

Big Gap.

5. Red Sox, I guess. Old habits die hard.
6. Cubs.
7. Astros, for lack of a better choice.
8. Mets.
9. Angels.
10. Phillies, why not.
11. White Sox.
12. Diamondbacks.

I really, really dislike the White Sox.

The "ESPN Best-Case Scenario," a Red Sox-Cubs World Series, is not what I'm rooting for, but would be acceptable.

A White Sox-Phillies World Series would be an anathema.

11 - That's pretty much how I'd rank 'em, too, at least the first 4. I'd have Red Sox, Cubs, Mets, Angels and White Sox all tied for last. :-)

12 The first four are easy. Ranking the last eight is very tough. I don't really care about any of them.

But until the D-Backs are eliminated, they have to be last.

Arizona
SS Drew
CF Young
LF Jackson
1B Dunn
RF Upton
3B Reynolds
C Snyder
2B Ojeda
P Davis

StL
LF Barton
2B Lopez
1B Pujols
CF Ludwick
3B Glaus
C LaRue
RF Ryan
P Pinero
SS Izturis

11 You still hold a grudge because of 1919?

Bleeder's fall classic wish list:

Dodgers versus Halos
Dodgers versus Red Sox
Dodgers versus Rays
Dodgers Versus White Sox

Rays (150:1 to win W.S.) can clinch today with a win. They are 1-1 with Detroit in the 2nd inning (Detroit threatening to score). If I had to list who I am rooting for in order, the list would only be three teams long. I am leaving for China for three weeks on saturday, so I will miss the first two rounds of the playoffs. Please do your best to get the Dodgers and Rays into the W.S. for me. Thanks! If they don't, I want Bob to take names for me!! :)

1A. Rays (based on monetary reasons).
1B. Dodgers
3. Angels
.
.
.
X-1. Cubs
X. Red Sox
vr, Xei

What?!? Nobody wants an Angels-Dodgers "freeway" series? ;-)

15 I hold a grudge because of 2005. "Smart Ball," indeed. I hate Ozzie Guillen.

Fun fact about Ozzie Guillen: he is one of only a very small number* of men to be caught by the Hidden Ball Trick three times.

*That number might be one. I got bored as I tried to confirm that. Let's call it one. Why not? It's more fun to say that Ozzie Guillen is the only man to be caught by the Hidden Ball Trick three times, whether or not it's true.

Keith Law made me smile this morning. His opening lines before today's ESPN.com chat.

So here's my campaign for the moment: if the Dodgers reach the World Series, Fox needs to take one game at Dodger Stadium, lock its regular broadcasters in their hotel rooms (give them the minibar keys if they must), and let Vin Scully call one game, solo. I would be glued to the TV for that.

This is barely funny, but I thought I'd pass it along. SFW.

http://www.funnyordie.com/videos/2ebdbf7133

18 I don't, but I think I'm in the minority. I would guess that 75% or so of DT would prefer Dodgers-Angels, 20% Dodgers-Rays, and 5% Dodgers-Other.

Heres's a puzzle for Bob, if the Cubs v. Mets game gets rained out and then the Mets and Astros tie for the wild card, who would the Cubs play first?

17.
Did you happen to put any $ on the Dodgers at 40-1?

17 The Rays need someone to throw out the ceremonial first pitch for their first ever playoff game. There are no notable Rays of the past who are really worthy to do it. You should fly to Tampa Bay to do it. You believed in them since the beginning of the season.

20 - I'm willing to make that a cause.

My rooting interests among teams still eligible for the playoffs:

1) Dodgers
2) Cubs
3) Rays
4) Angels

5) Astros
6) Brewers
7) Twins
8) Phillies
9) Diamondbacks
10) White Sox
11) Red Sox
12) Mets

22 Actually, I have never been really excited about a Dodger v. Angel World Series. Personally, I would prefer the Red Sox only because I always wanted to see the Dodgers play at Fenway. (And this year, Manny going back to Fenway would be awesome).

25 How about Ned Colletti? (ducks)

Today's lineups at Busch.

1. S. Drew, SS
2. C. Young, CF
3. C. Jackson, LF
4. A. Dunn, 1B
5. J. Upton, RF
6. M. Reynolds, 3B
7. C. Snyder, C
8. A. Ojeda, 2B
9. D. Davis, P

1. B. Barton, LF
2. F. Lopez, 2B
3. A. Pujols, 1B
4. R. Ludwick, CF
5. T. Glaus, 3B
6. J. LaRue, C
7. B. Ryan, RF
8. J. Pineiro, P
9. C. Izturis, SS

26 With regard to your last two teams, I do have to say: a Red Sox-Mets World Series would not be any fun at all.

24 I did in May when they were 11-1 to win the NL.

Betting on baseball? Now you guys can't get into the Hall of Fame!

32.
But I wasn't managing the team so it should be ok in a few years, right?

Paul Philadelphia: I know this is a touchy subject and won't get picked, but do you find anything disturbing/odd about how few of the "scraptacular" players out there are of non-white descent?

Keith Law: (1:17 PM ET ) There is no question in my mind that "scrappy" is a term used to elevate white players who are not that athletic. You almost never hear about unathletic black players who play hard. There's still a lot of latent racism in baseball.

Jeez Keith, sometimes it maybe best to just bite your tounge.

19 Ah. Like the old intra-Kremlin fights: no cult of personality here, comrade!

I'm a sentimentalist in the AL; I want the 150:1s to win until they meet the Dodgers (if Our Boys get that far).

27

another reason (for me at least) is that the Dodgers have a poor record against the Halos. other than that, for entertainment purposes, I'm all for it.

34 This is nothing new, it is something that has been talked about for about 30 years, particularly in baseball and basketball.

Jon said Now, Houston has a makeup game to play against the Cubs on Monday if necessary. So potentially, we might not know until the p.m. of that day whether a three-way tie exists.

If that was to happen however improbable it would be, that would really screw the Cubs as instead of an off day they would have to play. For the integrity of the game since it would decide a playoff partner how would Lou play. Screw integrity and rest his team and best pitchers, or try to win with his starting lineup and his 3rd/4th pitcher? I'd hate to be in that situation but I'm hoping for it just because I'd be interested in seeing how it plays out.

There is no question in my mind that "scrappy" is a term used to elevate white players who are not that athletic. You almost never hear about unathletic black players who play hard. There's still a lot of latent racism in baseball.

Keith Law, meet Juan Pierre.

Maybe Keith thought Juan was latino & didnt qualify.

Last night was an experience I literally don't have words to describe. Through my work I got invited to go to the game in some really nice "company" seats that were given to us. I knew they were Dugout Club so I was incredibly excited. But they were not just Dugout Club. They were perfect. They were as close to that dreaming point of view (where you are the players, or sitting next to the players) as one could possible get. I realize the expression "like a kid on Christmas" is clichéd, but it's also entirely accurate. My senses were so heightened the entire night, straining to take everything in.
With the Dodgers winning, it would have been an amazing evening no matter what. But to get to hear: the sound of Andre's bat as he took practice swings; an inconsequential but touching greeting of Tommy Lasorda by Matt Kemp as he entered the on-deck circle; the sound of a Clayton Kershaw fastball hitting Russell's glove (like the sound it makes in little league only infinitely more crisp and wonderful); Frank McCourt thanking his guests for giving him the chance to go eat dinner with his kids for a few innings once the Dodgers had pulled ahead.
For one night, there was no front office tumult. No fears about playoff matchups or even magic numbers. I was able to experience everything I love about baseball totally viscerally. I kept my glove on my hand for most of the game. Amazing plays, like Casey Blake's snag of a hard hit ball down the line, were all the more amazing getting to see them from almost a catcher's perspective. I know it's been said before, but I'll say it again. These guys are amazing physical specimens. I always thought Blake looked like kind of a bean poll. But he is far from thin. His baggy pants barely hide thighs so strong and explosive they could eat my face. And everything everyone has said about Matt Kemp as an athlete is true. Even among other professional ball players his strength and speed are astounding to see up close.
A lot of the unfortunate stereotypes about the Dugout Club are true. With my LA hat, Dodgers jacket, and baseball glove I felt deeply out of place. Until I remember that I was at a baseball game. The section (perhaps because it was by the owner's box) where I sat was eerily quiet in the first few innings. I found myself feeling a little insecure, and unsatisfied in that way that being around a lot of power and privilege tends to make one (or at least me). But luckily I was able to let it all go. To let it be completely about the experience. To take as much in as possible. And it was magic.
I debated whether or not to post pictures here, but decided—what the hell! Why not try to share the experience:

http://tinyurl.com/3zr44h

i'm all for a freeway series. since the only world series game i've been to was at angel stadium, i'd like to see one at dodger stadium.

actually, i'd like to see games at both stadiums.

39 Juan Pierre generally isn't called scrappy though.

if the Dodgers take things for granted and stumble in the next two days, and Arizona ekes out two wins, well, that won't mean the Dodgers are blowing it, but I guarantee it'll be enough for panic to set in

Of course.
Sat/Sun the Dodgers face Cain/Lincecum.
Today is Peavy.

The game the Dodgers should clinch is Friday's game.

42--I've heard Pierre called scrappy many times.

Scrappy is another word for players with no power.

I dont beleive it has a racial connotation.

39 - Or, maybe that's why he explicitly used the word "almost."

I'm wondering if my head will explode: getting married in Cabo (will be there from 10/4 to 10/18) on 10/9/08..which is when the NLCS starts.

Does anybody know if they get TBS down there? I'm assuming the nicer hotels have cable, but..

34 Keith Law, meet Juan Pierre. Juan Pierre, meet Keith Law.

39 - Meet Maury Wills. For that matter meet Jr. Gilliam and Mr. Robinson. Always considered them to be scrappy, so I guess I didn't know what it meant.

Gameday link above is fixed.

And they are underway with a Stephen Drew flyout to left.

46 Congratulations!

News flash! Mets suspend season!

http://tinyurl.com/4jzhvg

Pineiro vs. Davis in St Louis could = quite a few runs today. No runs for AZ in top of 1st though.

Josh Chicago: Alexei Ramirez is pretty damn scrappy and he isn't white.

Keith Law: (1:57 PM ET ) Your "s" key is stuck.

This made me laugh, boy does he hate Alexi.

D'Backs go 1-2-3. Cardinals coming up in the 1st, No score.

46 - Or, you could enjoy Candy and Sr. No-nono-no, on the Latin feed.

52 Hey! I made that joke here yesterday (with AZ instead of NY); I want partial credit from Slacktivist.

I'm with BHsportsguy this year. Normally I'd be rooting for a Angel/Dodger World Series but with the whole Manny angle I think a Dodger/RedSox World Series would be the biggest world series in years. Fox would be giddy. Almost as giddy as a Cub/RedSox matchup. They must be dreading a Dodger Ray/Phillie match up or Dodger Ray/Brewer match up.

How can he not like Ramirez?
He's a 2nd basemen thats hit 20hrs, and has an OPS of .801. I probably wouldnt desribe him as scrappy though.

That joke now falls under rule 5 and rule 8 ...

One on, one out for Pujols.

Here we go Cardinals, here we go! Clap. Clap.

60 Party pooper... ;-)

Now 2 one with 1 out for the Cards bottom of the 1st.

1st and 3rd for Ludwick.

Rooting for Pujols is fun because he's good.

Ludwick pops out. 2 out.

57 Oh, sorry. In a thousand comments I must have missed it. Fred certainly took it to logical extremes, though, you gotta admit.

48
Your actually going to bring up players from 50 years ago who were all all-stars for racial discussion in the 21st century related to fringe ballplayers? Peruse the rosters and find the 24th/25th guys who are black. They are hard to find, even the Lenny Harris/Sharperson combo of time past is not very evident anymore.

Is it racism or do fringe black players quit while the gazillions of Hispanic fringe players continue to play? I don't know and I don't agree with Law's use of the word "scrappy" in defining racism but I think studies have shown that if you are not a above average black player the odds of making the major leagues are longer then the odds for other races. Reggie Abercombie excepted.

Full count to Glaus.

And he walked him. Bases loaded for LaRue.

65 Jason LaRue, on the other hand . . .

in play, runs

w00t!

Line drive...BASE HIT!

2-0 Cardinals Bot 1!

Yay! LaRue comes thrue!

71 He mocks you.

Frenchy LaRue with the two-run single!

Dodgers may not need any more wins to clinch.

75 Hey, that's the Kreuter Phenomenon (in which I rip a player right before he comes through)! Note - cannot be intentionally invoked.

2-0 Cardinals Top 2.

Crud.

Adam Dunn solo HR 2-1 Cardinals.

Stupid Dunn halves the lead.

Like I said, this one could be high-scoring, predict about a 7-5 final. Hopefully with Dbacks on the losing end.

i'm not liking adam dunn.

#200 for Reynolds.

Dunn was all over that 1st pitch

2-1 Cardinals Bot 2.

51.
thanks..! Should be the best week of my life I figure. Golf/Marlin fishing/Dodger playoff baseball..Oh, ya, and wedding..

Joe Maddon from the Rays looks just like my pastor

85 At least he's in the record books now

jennnifer chicago: compare the potential of kershaw, schrezer and lincecum and there stuff and numbers please

Keith Law: (2:36 PM ET ) Changing your user name doesn't make me more likely to answer, jeff/jennnifer/whoever. Scherzer's slightly behind the other two, and I've said before I see him as a reliever. Kershaw could be as good as Lincecum is now, but from the L side, three-pitch power pitchers with + curveballs. Lincecum's control improved in his early 20s, and I expect Kershaw's to do the same.

Drool

2-1 Cardinals Top 3.

I thought the current Cardinals would have great numbers against lefties since they're mostly right-handed, but it didn't quite turn out that way. Pujols and Ludwick have raked lefties and righties fairly equally this year, but Glaus is actually much better against righties (.881 OPS vs. 740). Yadier Molina was the only one with favorable splits and he's hurt.

That YouTube vid on The Juice Blog is wild.

2-1 Cardinals Bot 3.

This is a strange story - according a clubhouse insider for the Mariners, a lot of players on the team hate Ichiro so much that there was talk of beating him up earlier in the year.

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/mariners/2008201525_maribuild250.html

96 - if we don't resign Manny, I'm down for an Ichiro trade.

68 - I just brought up those players in regards to how I understood the term "scrappy", all the rest of this discussion seems like something you needed to get off your chest. Go for it.

How did the Diamondbacks lead the NL West all summer long without Adam Dunn?

I'm gonna do most of my traveling during my golden years.

2 on, nobody out for Cards after Pujols walks.

99 The same way the Dodgers stayed right behind them: no team in the NL West was good. The two best were both mediocre.

Lopez and Pujols reach. Two on, nobody out for Ludwick.

96 Maybe a trade to Cleveland?

Ludwick K.

larue can be a hero

Bases loaded again for LaRue.

In two hours, we will be champions of the West.

GIDP 2-1 Cardinals Top 4.

106 and he keeps the dbacks season alive

knock on wood