LAT'd, but not worth reposting.

Basically I discovered mid-post why MLB teams with the best league record play the WC team and not just "the worst team" during the Division Series.

It has to do with the "you don't play a team in your own division" exception for the LDS.

and

Matt Holliday is out? Goodness gracious, I hope he's really hurt and not just "kind of hurt" so Hurdle can spite the Dodgers.

You want the wild card team to have the biggest disadvantage in the first round, so it has to play on the road against either the top team or the second best team.

"We'll probably have to give him (Holliday) today and tomorrow, the off day Monday, and re-evaluate him," Hurdle said before Colorado's game against Arizona.

From the AP.

3

Yep. That makes a lot of sense. There has to be incentive for winning your own division, and with the current alignment, that works best.

The NFL used to allow wild cards to host a playoff home game and I had a big problem with that. Thankfully, re-alignment ended that scenario.

5
In the NFL wild cards could only host other wild card teams though. Division champs always got priority.

Power came on about an hour ago! I can watch the game tonight!

1-0 D'Backs Top 1.

If the Rockies score 7 or more runs today, the Greater Denver area gets 4 for $1 tacos tomorrow!

GO ROCKIES!!!!!!!!

2-0 DBacks going to the bottom of the 2nd.

Padres lead the Nats 3-0. A win for the Padres could make it very difficult for them to finish with the worst record.

Noshawn Moreno can fly.

Home run Chris Young!

Relax, it's Tall Chris Young. Padres lead the Nats 4-0.

Noshawn Moreno can fly

But he's no Shawn Moreno.

Rockies broadcasters... exuding so much joy out of that run scoring infield single

/sarcasm>

1 It has to do with the "you don't play a team in your own division" exception for the LDS.

They play each other so much during the season that it shouldn't come down to a best-of-five. If that makes sense.

2-1 D'Backs Top 6.

FSNHD is still showing the Texas beat down of Rice instead of the Dodgers pregame show. This better not be the situation in about a half hour.

I find it a bit tragic that the last series in Yankee Stadium isn't against the Redsox. You would think they would have scheduled that. Is there something here I don't know about?

I always thought MLB assumed the Yankees would just make the playoffs and have the "real last game" some time in October. Thus, the scheduled last regular season game is an oversight.

well, the Yankees use to be the Baltimore Orioles

2-1 D'Backs Bot 6.

On Dodgers Live just now, Tommy Lasorda just said that he would be celebrating his birthday - on MONDAY - by coming to see the Dodgers play. Hmmmm, either he has a surprise coming or he's talking up his a---. Guess which.

Jeff Baker solo HR tied at Coors!

2-2 Top 7.

"Nobody thought we would win the division. Nobody thought we would beat the mighty Mets. Nobody thought we would beat the team who won 104 games, but we believed it!"

Chris Snyder draws a 10 pitch walk which pushes Cook over 100 pitches.

SCY bunts Snyder over to 2nd.

C'mon Rockies!

Cook is struggling as he walks Ojeda. Tony Clark is up with two on and one out.

Willy Taveras blows a fly ball and it drops untouched. 3-2 AZ. GAH!

And Glendon Rusch to the rescue! Lets go Dodgers!

31

I smell a conspiracy!

33 - nah, no reason for the Rockies to pull that kind of act. If it was the Giants, that would be a different story.

Also, someone let the kind folks at FSN know that Dodgers-Giants with play off implications beats a Texas blowout of Rice on HD

why intentionally walk Upton with 2 outs? He's 0-3 in the game, and is prone to striking out.

Probably for the lefty/lefty to face Tracy.

Rusch to the rescue!

3-2 D'Backs Bot 7.

36 - but Tracy is 2-3 with two extra base hits. It worked out, but seems like a strange decision

Brandon Lyon into pitch.

Here we go Dodgers! {clap clap clap}

Damn Randy Winn.

Let's go Hiro.

Sigh, Saturday night with Kruk and Kuip. How exciting.

Berroa's step toward second to cover cost the Dodgers an out on that soft liner.

Well aren't we knee deep in it.

Great start, sigh.

Oh well, get out of this without too much damage, Hiro, and then the Dodgers face Hennessey.

I was about to say I'd never seen the worm turn so quickly, and we may need the Rockies very badly. But it may just be Kurodas inability to get it over. Guess it doesn't make much difference.

41
Underdog, are you on MLB.tv or cable? For me, on cable, I have both feeds. SF feed is "Game 10", and Scully is "Game 9" channel, if that helps.

Nice swinging Molina.

That shut stupid Krukow up at least, who talked up Molina's huge plate coverage and predicted an opposite field double before that K.

you know what would be real nice right here? A 6-4-3 double play, would be.

A lot of foul balls so far.

46 I'm watching here on cable TV in SF. Not sure it'll let me choose the game here via MLBTV, thought it was blacked out? Oh well, I don't mind, it's nice to watch on TV for once.

Too many pitches.

channeling his inner-Ishii

Crap, c'mon Hiro! It was a good at bat from Ishikawa but you have to come inside at least once, c'mon. Keep 'em down.

51
I must have temporarily forgot you are in Giant Country.

Going to the bottom of the 8th in Denver, still 3-2 AZ.

There's the 6-4-3 DP.

Well not as bad as it could have been.

Only 1 run with bases loaded no outs is a small victory.

Time to punish Hennessy.

Wow. That could've been SO much worse. Whew.

57
Minus the 4.

We'll take it!

55 Yep, enemy territory. I'm spying for Bob.

Tomorrow I'll be in Niners Country, which is just as bad, and even more pathetic.

Leadoff double for the Rox!

Tulo leads off with a double vs Tony Pena for the Rockies.

Nice.

Andre's totally gonna go yard here...just watch

1st & 3rd none out for Colorado.

I never realized what bad teeth Lincecum has until that shot. It's like something from the Simpsons' Big Book of British Smiles.

Maybe it's just his baby teeth still haven't all come out yet.

68
Wow, that was a fielders choice. Grounder to Drew, who went to 3rd to try to erase Tulo, but Troy easily beat the throw.

Sac fly.

Tie.

69
"C'mon, give us a smile."

...

"There is no God!"

I'm calling it here. 2-1 Dodgers after this AB.

Watching the Dodgers lose to SF with Kruk and Kuip is a real...pleasure.

Yes indeed, tied in Denver.

Now let's get a run in LA, too.

73

Ya...er...let's go with your prediction..

"Why must you turn my office into a house of lies?"

I've got Vin thank god. But when I see Kuroda( who seems really intelligent and talented) appear to be terrified of coming over the plate, I wonder about our communication up the coaching ladder.
And of course we seem to fare terribly against unknown pitchers, thats a given.

78
when I see Kuroda( who seems really intelligent and talented) appear to be terrified of coming over the plate, I wonder about our communication up the coaching ladder.

Couldn't it just be Kuroda fighting his control? Not every mistake on the field is a character flaw.

how many pitches did kuroda throw last inning?

ok to keep the good luck going, i predict 3-1 dodgers after this ab

When is the September-smashing Loney going to appear? I'm feeling disenchanted.

74 As are paper cuts.

The Rockies just showed a replay of an earlier HR and I thought it was live. Fooled by PIP!

To be fair, I didn't say immediately after this AB.

That was weak boys, weak.

Well, Logan White said that Lambo could be a gold-glove first baseman.

3-3 Top 9.

Fuentes is in for Colorado.

Nice predictions guys...but just a little short. A strikeout and a popfly and we are still losing 0-1. As consolation we get to watch Kuroda attempt to outdo what maddux did last night.

Dude, Hurdle is sooo holding out Holliday for the rest of the dbacks serious because of his anti-dodgers obsession

90
I'm beginning to think your handle is ironic.

Should've caught that. Vizquel couldn't hit one past the pitcher in Arizona. God I hate the Giants.

I thought Andre caught that at first

haha Vin is so money on the recovery

That ball was ripped but Ethier should've had it. He was playing shallow but still.

Listening to Kruk and Kuip is sort of like an "aren't our Giants great?" dialogue, even if they can be generous about other teams' players. They're young guys are impressive, their pitchers are impressive, blah blah.

I take it "I Love LA" hasn't bought his playoff tickets yet?

Just to give you some advice, and to show that Dodger Thoughts' commenters run the gamut of culinary expertise:

It turns out the blade of a food processor is quite sharp. Thumb-cuttingly sharp.

SCY works a leadoff walk.

97

He's short-selling them:)

Ojeda pops the bunt. Conor Jackson pinch hitting.

nice easy inning for Kuroda

Jackson lines to left. Two away.

I like Holliday but I kinda hope he really is hurt or I'm gonna be particularly peeved at Hurdle, yeah.

Two outs in that ninth now, SCY still at first.

I'm fully on board with DeWitt at 2nd, but something about the deliberate way he goes after balls to his right and his backhand technique kind of bugs me.

97 - No how can I? This team has me on the edge of my seat..as you know I always anticipate the worse possible scenerio.

I must admit Ethier missing that catch reminded me of Manny's attempt last night and I thought Kuroda was going to pull a Maddux there.

106 Really? I hadn't noticed. ;-) (No, I'm superstitious enough about it too, I'm trying not to talk playoffs either. One at a time, one game at a time.)

Watching Brian Fuentes pitch makes me want to _____ .

OHn-Hell. Berroa's up

They're predicting Kent will be back soon, or at least in time for the final series in SF. If that series means something, I can see him getting a start, but I don't see what he adds to the infield on defense.

Whoa, did anyone else just see Jeff Kent doing what I think he was doing in the dugout?????

SCY steals second and Drew misses an extra base hit by 2 feet. Still batting with a full count.

109 ...test out a food processor blade?

Drew was all over him last night, just a matter of time. 2.5.

It's all on the Dodgers. No help tonight.

5-3 AZ.

108 - Exactly bro...hasn't our record been better off without Jeff Kent? I mean we can use his hitting.....I guess we just can't put him in front of Manny to upset him.

Yeah, thanks Fuentes. Thanks Hurdle. Thanks SOooooo much.

Well that splits our black hole at least.. But I have a bad feeling about the offense tonight. Of course most people here know I'm an awful pessimist.

Kent as a PH is fine by me, we could use some help in that department.

Furcal, if healthy, coming back would excite me much more.

I seriously hate fuentes right now....looks like 2.5 is inevitable. The more it is looking like we might have to play that extra playoff game at dodger stadium.

I Love LA, in my head, there is theme music whenever you enter a room.

121 looks like 2.5 is inevitable

Conceding a loss to the Giants already?

Our pitchers are tanking. I can't take this.

121 - You should look into buying tickets to that tiebreaker game.

121

ok dude I can handle so much,

but 2.5 being inevitable??

COME ON!
-in GOB Bluth voice

So we got the bad Kuroda tonight and on top of that the offense went south.

121 Take it easy. It's a 1-run game in the 3rd inning.

Rats.

Dang it Blake.

Stewart triples with one out at Coors.

C'mon, BDW, Kent could've done that.

Ian Steward triples with one out in colorado

Notice my negativity has some truth to it? Look how much sucking Kuroda is doing tonight. There is a reason for my madness guys.

Did he learn that from Kent or Ozuna? We haven't had a 2B who could make that play all year.

105
Stupid jinx foreshadowing.

122 Like something from Bernard Hermann?

133

whoops i meant stewart, actually i just wanna go into a black hole and disappear

I don't know if it is legal to get mad at Blake since the guy is usually pretty reliable. Kuroda needs to be on a short leash though. I can't stand him or Maddux pitching for us again.

I don't know about you, but if things go really badly this week, the Dodgers have the market cornered on breaking its team's fans' heart.

134
But you say everybody sucks, or is choking, or we're doomed, after seemingly every single Dodger out or opponent hit.

If the Dodgers lose tonight, I'll be glad I'm missing tomorrow's game. I get to go to Ft. Worth and (hopefully) sample some great BBQ.

Seriously though, what's all this talk from Clint Hurdle about playing his best players against the Dodgers AND Dbacks and he doesn't even start Brad Hawpe tonight

139

Kuroda?? I think that's a little extreme.

And Kuroda strikes out Rowand to prove it!

141 - I did not...please tell me all the dodgers that I have said suck. I only recall saying Maddux and Kuroda.

140
Won't we be moving in on the Brewers' racket?

Somebody named Joe Koshansky is our last hope in Denver.

I thought Arizona was tied but they seem to have won. Darn.

And Kuroda strikes out Rowand to prove it!

Couldn't it just mean Rowand out-sucked Kuroda?

142

Boy that sound tasty! I hope you get lots of good ribs! Beef and Baby Back!!

144 I just can't trust Kuroda, he is too inconsistent. Out offense has also been nonexistent for the past 12 going on 13 innings. That causes at least some concern.

I do love the first name Eugenio.

Tulo is the winning run at the plate.

Methinks Velez can't hit Kuroda's slider, what do you think?

Tulo represents the winning run.

Kuroda!!!! Great pitching after the error.

Our only hope is Qualls give up a hit over the fence otherwise we will be 2.5 up tonight.

151 It's not fun, but the offense has been fine for the most, even hot, over the past three weeks. Isn't that more a cause for optimism than 11 innings?

154

Are you still speaking Pirate?

145

You are going to go crazy watching baseball for 162 games getting too worked up about giving up a couple of runs. We haven't looked good yet on the homestand, but it has been all of 12 innings...

Tulo is about to strikeout.

Next person to say "2.5" goes on my obelisk. Seriously.

157

methinks you're gonna get in trouble

157
Yes, because our offense is apparently incapable of scoring runs according to you.

For the record, I will be laughing, a lot, when the Dodgers put together a six run rally in the next inning or so.

157 Since we've already lost this game, maybe you should go watch a movie or something.

I doubt Qualls will do anything stupid.

137 ...and performed by Beasley for the crossover vibe.

159 - Yar. She blows.

No.

and Arizona just won.

Ok, full focus on this game.

Kuroda!! Continues his awesomeness.

=( AZ wins.

The D-Backs' young SS came through in the 9th. The Rockies' did not.

161

HAHA he DIDN'T strike out!!!

The Dbacks finally win a game on the road after, I think it was 11 straight road losses.

They were due, wow.

166 ...For the next week.

168 Beasley??? don't ask. Bea Hefley

Dodgers got something going here.

Russ, Russ, the walkin' machine!

Hey, Hey! Two base runners!! Nice work, Russ.

Russ walking again. Makes me happy. =)

I just realized if the season ended at 154 games as it should, this would be over. Stupid expanded schedule.

Manny with a chance to turn the game around.

Gaa!! ethier! you suck!! ITS ALL OVER!! WAAAA!! WAAAA!!
2.5
2.5
2.5
2.5

GAA!!!

This Ethier guy's terrible, he should be benched!

{duck}

Russell Martin now has more walks as a catcher (81) than an any season ever by a Dodger.

Piazza had 80 walks as a C in 1996.

184

I really don't know why, but I just LOL'd really really hard

Hennessey sure seems to be throwing meat up there. This is like an itch I can't scratch. For seven years, even.

MANNY!!!! 3-2 DODGERS!

Take that Randy Newman!

YESSSSSSSSSSS!!!

MANNY!!!!!!! WOOO!!!

TAKE THAT I LOVE LA!!

YESSSSSSSSSSS!!!

Manny!

Tee hee.

MANNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNY!!!!!

Home runs are good.

Thank you.

Whoof! That was close, but Manny got it. WOOT CITY BABY!!

I like it when you do that, Manny.

HOT DAMN!

back to .400, baby!

Love to see Furcal celebrating with the boys. Would love it more if he didn't have his jacket on.

184 Okay, I'll just put you on the Spinal Tap Mini-Stonehenge-sized obelisk instead, since you were just being facetious.

---

Ohhh, to hear the sadness in the voices of Kruk and Kuip on that dinger was sweeter than nectar.

Hey, we should all lay off ILLA. His passion is obvious and he's a true fan.

I Love LA

Dude....CELEBRATE!

Would anybody believe me if I was secretly think HR the entire time? Doesn't matter...i guess for the time being I can stop freaking out until Kuroda, Torre or someone in the bullpen does something stupid.

203 - Trust me I am celebrating...I am sick and I just yelled really loud in the living room. neighbors probably think I am crazy.

What is up with Loney? I'm turning into JoeyP over here.

202 - Thanks, that means a lot bro.

204 oh c'mon--who would've thought that Manny could go yard there? ;-)

202 Can he still have theme music?

203

lol. sorry to hear you're sick. a manny a day keeps the dbacks away

202
Marty will you be able to watch the USC game Thursday night? Or are stuck doing businessy-type stuff in TX?

I think HR every time Manny bats. It's the whole point of having Manny.

MATT KEMP!!! 5-2 DODGERS!

BISON POWER!!

YES!!!

M. Bison rules all!

Bison.

Kemp felt Manny breathing down his neck!!! His HR lead is back to 2.

Did Kemp hit that to Toy Cannon?

BISON!!!!!

Are you laughing out loud yet KG? ;-)

WOOOOHOOOOOO I am so proud to OWN a Matt Kemp T shirt right now LOL.

Bison power!!!!

Roam Free!!!

Manny and Kemp taking turns with the foul lines! YESSSSSSSSS!

Something exciting happened, because I just came back and the Dodgers have a lead from a 1-0 deficit.

Kemp appears to be at playing baseball.

Matt Kemp is good at baseball.

Our offense is really in the tank.

Manny and Kemp make quite a pair!

224 - good, that is.

HERESSSSSSSSSSSSSS MATTY!

212
That's so true. I'm like a little kid when Manny bats, expecting the moon.

I like how Bison spit right after making contact.

208 Manny of us did, except those who are obsessed with reverse-jinxing.

210 - Thanks Bro....Manny and now Kemp has certainly make me feel better than any medicine can =)

210 - Thanks Bro....Manny and now Kemp has certainly makes me feel better than any medicine can =)

219
He said 6 run rally! :)

219 - I actually just stepped out of the room to plug the laptop in, after Manny's homer, and refreshed to see that Kemp it a home run.

But to answer your question, yes, yes I am.

210 - Thanks Bro....Manny and now Kemp has certainly makes me feel better than any medicine can =)

Kemp better stay with this team a long time and become a superstar, because I bought one of his shirts when I was in LA. It's the only piece of memorabilia I have ever purchased.

202

You may be right. However, I was at a Laker playoff game this year and there was a guy behind me who was whining and throwing a coniption every time something didn't go our way. I wanted to smack him and thank god we won or I think he would have been in tears.

It is okay to have passion, but being overly negative on every little thing that goes wrong gets old quick. A little patience is in order sometimes, especially in baseball.

Kemp goes deep - yes. Illustrating my point that you have got to roll with the tide in this game a little bit sometimes.

looks like the dodger's arrived a little late to the stadium ( a day late), but glad to have em' back

Ah, it didn't make the loge section this time.

202

You may be right. However, I was at a Laker playoff game this year and there was a guy behind me who was whining and throwing a coniption every time something didn't go our way. I wanted to smack him and thank god we won or I think he would have been in tears.

It is okay to have passion, but being overly negative on every little thing that goes wrong gets old quick. A little patience is in order sometimes, especially in baseball.

Kemp goes deep - yes. Illustrating my point that you have got to roll with the tide in this game a little bit sometimes.

233 - I hear bison noodle soup is good for colds.

239 - Well said.

--

Be nice to have Hiro shut the Giants down quickly after that big inning.

Magic number countdown:

Current: Garvey

Next:
Marshall (sorry Nomar)
Snider
Sax
Lasorda
Pee Wee
Al Oliver

Sorry my computer went a little crazy...

Kuroda is not doing so well. Would be surprising if he goes in the 6th.

238 - I have his t shirt too and I love it. he is actually my favorite Dodger well if you don't count manny.

248
That's fine. A 5-IP win is in order.

whooo kemp finally turned on one with his whole body...what power!

206 I love that comment, I could have made it myself. But I have been one of Loney's biggest boosters, and I think it is some kind of stupid sophomore thing.

Meanwhile we may have to take out people like Maddux and Kuroda the minute they show suck--even if it is the first inning.

Chan Ho has adopted my philosophy and is also growing a playoff beard!

Or perhaps he has hung around Casey Blake too much.

This is one of those games where I'd be fast-forwarding through the top of each inning if I was watching on DVR delay.

He caught this one! Whew.

I hope Kuroda doesn't run too many laps after this game....

253 - Shoe polish is my alternative explanation.

That would have been disastrous.

257
Hey, it worked as motivation 20 years ago! :)

Proctor warming up....ughhh

259 - that was eye black, but I'll take it. :-)

I could've sworn that hit the batter.

The heck?

REVERSED!

Yep it did hit the guy.

Did they use replay? I was about to rag on kuroda...even on a strikeout he couldn't do it right

it hit his leg i swear

266. They don't use replay on these kind of stuff. Only HR calls.

266
Replay can only be used on HRs. The 2nd base umpire was asked since he had a straight on view.

That is one crazy play.

The look of confusion on Vizquel's face in the dugout there is priceless.

Got to give some credit to the Giants announcers for saying it's a good call.

Nice job of the umps to make the right call.

Bet the Umps wish they had replay now on just about everything.

haha you gotta love the ovation for visquel coming back onto the field

I've never heard of that rule before.

271
As announcers, I actually like Kuiper & Krukow. I know they can be annoying especially if anything pro-Giant is grating, but they have a good rapport and generally call a good game. They are in the upper half of MLB announcers to be sure.

Way to go Kuroda to get out of it.

Man, the Dodgers got REALLY REALLY lucky there.

that was also huge for kuroda to get a little breather there

273. Yep, I would be loving them 4 hours games.

278

Not really, the Giants just ALMOST got really really lucky

Vin summed it up - I rather be lucky than good. That has to be what Kuroda is thinking because he definitely isn't good tonight. Now should we pull him or will Torre give him a chance to win this game?

I've never heard Kuiper and Krukow call a Dodger game. But, based off several other games that I've seen I consider Kuiper to be one of the best (especially on radio).

It's possible for Dodger games they act differently. Because of the rivalry and such.

I don't usually see Umps reverse their call. Usually they stick with their bad calls.

Thanks to the guys who told me how replay works.

5 more runs would be nice.

I believe Kuroda is a Japanese word meaning "One who lives in danger."

Nice to know Tommy is willing to be sacreligious in order to win.

280 Games wouldn't be longer. It took the umps a couple of minutes to talk to each manager, and to huddle about making the correct call. That replay wouldn't cut the time down is indeed debatable, but I doubt it would actually make it longer than TV breaks already does.

275.
I think Hu got hit on consecutive pitches after swinging and missing on both of them earlier in the year.

285. Yep the Dodgers got to take advantage of the weak giant bullpen.

I would pinch hit for Kuroda this inning but we'll see. He won't last more than one more inning at the absolute maximum anyway and why push it with so many relievers in the 'pen?

I believe Kuroda pitching + instant replay = 7 hour game, actually.

I'm surprised that already pulled the Giants SP, but I guess this part of the year, you're not worried about burning though your bullpen if you can have ten guys warming up at any time.

206- Loney is what he is. You got CanuckDodgerFan on one end, & then Paul Scott on the other.

Dodgers absolutely need a win tonight, especially with facing Cain/Peavy back-back, while the Dbax are throwing Haren/Webb.

Could very well be a 1 game lead with 5 to go (and knowing the team faces Lincecum again).

Tonight's a must win.

Nope, although he got a hit his last at bat which is probably more than Sweeney would give.

288. How about if the Ump don't want to use the replay, when the Manger ask for a questionable call? Do we use the flag system like NFL?

Hah hah. 2-2.

Worked out okay, any way.

291 So Kuroda can go the minimum five, and get Kuroda a win. That is the difference between Kuroda and Stults. Well, that and the $40 million contract, and the no trade clause.

And Kuroda singled! Obviously the correct decision!

Kuroda doing what he can with the bat.

Torre's only leaving Kuroda in to pitch 5 & get the win.

I really dislike that managing.

You got an expanded roster, he should be pinch hit for givin he's at 90 pitches thru 4.

Kuroda might suck at pitching tonight but he certainly can hit. I'll give him that.

Do we have a new pinch-hitter here in Kuroda?

C'mon Russ! Grrr.

For some reason the Dodgers down the stretch under Torre remind me of an old Johny Winter album. It had only three sides and had blues shuffles "I love everybody" and "I hate everybody" on it.( It also had a good cut called "Memory Pain" I think.

My main problem is I get the feeling if anyone from a bullpen catcher to Honeycutt to a pitcher himself said "Ive got nothing today" it wouldn't reach Torre. One guy I actually trust is Saito, who I think will make it clear if he is unable to pitch.

Well, half way through the black hole, I have to say Kuroda is a tough b___, at least with a bat.

296 Make it like the college football way, where all calls are reviewable from a guy upstairs.

For a game without a time limit, why are we worrying about slowing a game down that is already slow to begin with. Its baseball, not chess boxing!

Vin griping about the Ump is hilarious.

This homeplate umpire has Vin's respect almost as much as "Cowboy" Jerry West

Ethier is so impressive. Manny time.

294
Matt Cain has never beaten the Dodgers. He's 0-5 with a 4.73 ERA in 9 starts.

You are also discounting the fact that in the two games we face Cain & Peavy, we have Lowe & Billingsley going.

306. I don't know!

305 Even if a starting pitcher has nothing that given night, he still has to battle and try to get at least five innings. He's the first line of defense, and he gets blown out, bullpens today aren't constructed to last for seven innings. I mean the Dodgers don't really have a mop up guy outside of say, JJJ. Park, Kuo, Wade, and TronTron are capable to pitch multiple innings on a given night but they don't have a real mop up guy all year long.

Park is in the bullpen and easily could be coming in. Maybe, Torre didn't want to burn a pinch hitter with nobody on base.

312
I'd say Chan Ho has been mop-up as well, or at least a long-man. He has 9 relief outings longer than 2 IP this year.

When Vizquel retires, I'll be happy.

Damn Omar is still a good defensive play.

That one was hard to tell if it was a better play made, or a slower Manny running.

either way..he's got a free hustle pass in this game as far as i'm concerned

re: Viva Los Dodgers promo

Why would the Dodgers run a promo for something that just happened?

Come on Kuroda give us 1 good inning here and you can call it a night.

Kuroda is still in.

314 Both Park and Kuo has been doing long relief, but they had to change into set up men when Saito went down. Stults could be a mop up man/long relief guy if Torre ever lets him out of the dog house.

And er, wasn't Molina out there?

That should be all for Kuroda. Man, Molina is slow!

Take out Kuroda.

surely the ball beat fat lil Bengie by 30 seconds or so?

Oops! Well, there goes that argument about Torre leaving in Kuroda for the win.

Dont take him out now.
Leave him to get his "win"....

grr.

Guess not...Kuroda really stinking it up tonight.

i think he was out

Wow, he was about a shoelace away from being nailed at 2nd on that one.

326 - Who knows? Maybe if Kuroda stays in he might be looking at a loss. Then again Torre doesn't make very good pitching changes.

Thats gotta be some of the dumbest managing I've seen all year. Its not going to cost the Dodgers a game, but its little things like letting your pitcher bat, then having him face 1 guy the following inning that make me wonder what mlb managers are thinking.

I thought he was out too....maybe they should use replay on these kind of plays.

Just got home and watched the Bison bomb on Gameday. Man, what power he has when he pulls the ball. Such a sweet swing.

That was just a case of trying to get Kuroda the win, but letting him know if anyone got on he was out of there.

I agree, Kuroda should've never come in this inning, he seemed done long ago. On the other hand, y'all seem to be hyperbolizing (I know, it's not a word) just a bit.

331 - We did that to Stultz last time up in Colorado as well.

331

Kuroda might be a better hitter than the guy he would send up there (Sweeney)!

294 -- "CanuckDodgerFan?" Not that I doubt I have a fan around here, but I suspect he is called "JoeyP":)

A lot of managers do it.

334 - That's it.

Travis Ishikawa is now on my most hated list.

This kid Ishikawa has a really good approach at the plate. The Giants have a couple good youngsters. They may not be bad for forever after all.

Lets up Rowand can go 0-3 and strand 7 in his 1st 3 abs.

294

In a vacuum, I won't worry too much about Cain tomorrow. His daytime ERA is still 4.93, although it improved a lot over the season.

but yea, this is still a must win.

338 - I enjoy you and Paul Scott's posts even if they are exactly opposite ;)

Man oh man.

Dang it Chan ho.

Can anyone pitch tonight?

This whole "Giants loading the bases with nobody out" thing needs to stop. Mmmmkay?

Park doesn't have it either tonight.

Did our pitchers forget we're playing the Giants?

Any groundball come home.

312 Tripon: You have a good point there.
This is just the place a guy like
Stults could be very valuable, and if he did well he could get a start, instead of seeing a disaster like tonight happen.

I don't have a good feeling right now.

I know Bengie Molina didn't score from 2nd on Ishikawa's single earlier this inning, but he has actually scored a lot -- for him -- in those situations this year. He has now scored 8 times in 19 such situations, after going 0 for 16 combined in the previous two years.

352
Did you have some bad sushi?

Get...Chan Ho....Out

When is a strike on the knees not a strike?

This is agonizing!

2nd time tonight this has happen. MY GOODNESS!

Time to bring in the comebacker specialist.

Torre really butchered this inning. Yuck.

Wow, Park was surprisingly terrible there. Oh well.

Kuroda might have done a bit better than that.

Breaking things.

2 hours and we're in the top of the fifth.

360 "Park really butchered that inning." Fixed.

Is it too early for Saito?

Torre has been making terrible pitching changes all week long. Kuroda, park and Torre just may have screwed the team over tonight.

The Dodgers should have every representative of Asia in their bullpen pitch tonight.

Vizquel's only .123 vs lefties all year.
Beimel needs his patented 1-2-3 DP.

367 Dude, I'm sorry you're sick, I really am, but you have to try not to say the same thing over and over and over again, it's really tiresome.

Oh my gosh! This is just ridiculous.

This is ridiculous

Damn, I though Ishikawa was toast. Grrrr.

Merry-go-round broke down.

Karma comes to bite us in the butt.

I love L.A. just hates the Dodgers.

The way Beimel's right arm was exposed there trying to catch the Martin flip could have been dangerous. Non-pitching hand, but still.

Would be lucky if we get out of this inning with a lead.

346 No.

This has been another edition of....

That would've been our double play.

Park was an absolute arsonist tonight. 3 batters faced, 1 hit, 2 walks? Against the Giants??? Ugh.

LOSE.

Start winding that Torre cause this is going to be a long game.

*watch

So why was Chan Ho brought in over Proctor? Proctor was warming up first.

Halfway through and we are tied.

383
DRAW.

346 - me! Pick me!

It took over two hours for 5 innings. Gonna be a long game in maybe many facets.

I'm not sure I want to go into a play-off with Torre.

389 - and thanks to this, my wife is walking our bad dog.

To say something positive, Beimel was terrific that inning and at least put out the damned fire.

I love how people get upset when Proctor is in the bullpen but then wonder why he's not brought in. Park's been great this season. He was terrible that inning. End of story.

Now just imagine instant replay drawing this out by another five seconds. The horror!

Our starting pitchers three of the last four days:

Bills: 4.2 IP, 8 hits, 7 runs, 2 BB, 5 K
Maddux: 5.0 IP, 9 hits, 7 runs, 0 BB, 1 K
Kuroda: 4+ IP, 8 hits, 3 runs, 1 BB, 5 K

That's not against tough offenses, either. Anybody concerned?

Guess the Giants wanted their own Japanese pitcher.

390 - Torre is not the best base-ball manager.

387 That makes me miss Bert Convy for some reason.

I wouldn't say Beimel was terrific. He wild-pitched in the tying run.

397
Me too.

I hope Yabu continues tonight's theme of horrible outings from Asian pitchers.

I hope Saito doesn't pitch!

Loney eligible for the golden sombrero.

Why did the Giants announcers keep saying that Ishikawa bore the brunt of that collision with Beimel when both have them took it equally hard. Beimel took it into his back.

398 - Okay, that was bad. But he was good after that.

That was the same pitch called a ball in the last half inning.

401
Because Beimel is one tough hombre?

I always assumed that was a big selling point for Troy from WV.

Time to visit the Loge again.

Hopefully the Dodgers ban Journey for all eternity.

Btw, Eric, you were right - the Dodgers home broadcast is not blacked out for me up here so I can indeed watch Vin instead, which at least puts me in a slightly bette rmood.

394 Not really. If Bills and Kuroda does this again next time out, I'd be concerned.

Wow, that ate up two Giants!

That was like, a two-bank shot.

Berroa and then Mark Sweeney on deck.

My.

407
Nice!

406
It's sad they are not welcomed with Open Arms. I hope during next year's celebration of the 50th anniversary of the 1959 championship club, this song is displayed in honor of the series hero:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=te1CVVlaJzA

Sometimes those go through, and sometimes they don't. Ah well.

Time for the pen to shut things down.

Beimel's still in the game?

This is odd. Torre is he a LOOGY, or a long relief guy?

407 Are you talking about mlb.tv? Why isn't it blacked out for you? It's blacked out for me, I think.

Would you tip mlb.com if it allowed you to listen to Vin all year long?

That tarp again!

Words cannot describe how much I detest that fat blob.

Will the Cory Hotline be taking calls tonight?

Biemel restores order for now.

I'm surprised the Proctor hotline wasn't called yet. Torre already had him warm up twice.

All I know is Beimel pitched great after that first costly wild pitch, and even Molina's double was a golf swing on a pitch very low.

416 er, because I'm special?

I have no idea. I assumed it was and then just for the heck of it checked and it wasn't, so I have Vin. Although it's about 20 seconds slower than live action.

417 - There isn't enough money in the world for that.

Randy Winn, master of the needless outfield slide.

Clearly, we are headed to 9th inning walkoff territory.

Poor Pierre. Even when he does something right he's often foiled.

427 - nah, Broxton is going to get a save tonight.

what confused me was Ethier being called back to the dug out for a second. What are you telling him? Don't take second on a sure double so Manny doesn't get walked?

430 Try to get a walk?

431 - ugh.

Since when did Yabu become unhittable?

after 6 innings...12:48am here in good ole virginia.

Don't think the giants care about letting us clinch.

Isn't that the lyrics from a Labelle song:

Keiichi keiichi yah yah yabu.....?

That pitch had some crazy movement on it.

The guy on the plate right now has the same physical feature as Pierre... and weak ground outs.

Man, Saito's dealing at the moment. Guess we found our 8th inning guy for the playoffs.

439 - provided the Giants make the postseason.

Saito's also throwing around 92.

How the heck do you walk Omar? Come on!

Isn't this the guy who the Giants drafted this year, and put on the 40 man roster?

Omar Vizquel should not be having this good of a game.

443
Yep.

Watch Gillaspie rock one down the RF line.

94 MPH on that fastball right there.

HAHAHAHAHAHA. Omar doesn't have speed anymore.

446 - not that I think he has any serious expectation of doing so (the Giants are crazy to advance him as fast as they have).

Well, we'll never know. 'Bye, Omar.

LOL Omar!

In the words of Nelson Muntz,

Hah. Hah.

well, you don't see that everyday.

What's more unexpected...Omar getting on base thrice, or pulling that boneheaded baserunning move?

Ok, here we go guys.

This game feels playoff-y...come on, Blue!

453 - the former. Guys overestimate their abilities all the time.

455 - there's something very, very sad about that statement.

Not that I'd ever try to impersonate Cher willfully, but I do feel like slapping the Dodgers before this inning and saying "SNAP OUT OF IT!"

And here we go.

Good ole Tyler Walker.

Tyler. Manny.

Manny. Tyler.

This isn't a playoff game. If it was a playoff game, the Giants would be trying to steal signs from a telescope, and watering the fields down to prevent a running game.

How do you categorize zero runs out of five scored on RBI hits? Luck? BABIP Machine goes haywire?

443 445 Who?

Man(ny) on.

All walks to Manny should just be marked as IBBs.

Bah I knew they would walk Manny. Loney is struggling tonight.

The Dodgers aren't renewing Penny's contract.

Hopefully more people believe it now.

462 - there's a phrase in poker to explain the inexplicable: That's poker.

I think tonight can be summed up in a similar means: That's baseball.

We should move Kemp up to 4th.

Saito pitched like a great closer. He's back.

458
Tyler Walker wishes he could turn back time on that pitch.

There you go Loney!

Right through the hole. Nice piece of hiting.

466 LONEY SCOFFS AT YOUR STRUGGLING COMMENT.

I WANT RUNS. NOW PLEASE.

Why is Casey trying to bunt?

Apparently, Jim Tracy is wearing a Joe Torre mask tonight.

Oh come on, Joe. Don't do that.

467
Is that being reported, or are you just speculating?

IF you're going to ask Blake to sacrifice, you should at least ask him to sac fly something. Asking him to bunt is just ridiculous.

Hell, just take the walk.

479 Call it an extremely strong hunch.

Blake doesn't seem to want to bunt.

474 ,475 - CAPS LOCK IS AWESOME!

Well now he'll swing away. But, if you're asked to bunt you have to be able to do it.

This is so stupid. Blake clearly doesn't even know how to bunt.

FOrce out. COuld be worst.

2nd and 3rd with one out looks better than 1st and 2nd with one out. But, it falls on Kemp regardless.

Darn I was hoping that would go foul.

Okay, c'mon Bison!

{bite nails}

C'mon, Bison.

Sheesh, this is a ridiculously long, slow game.

I hope Blake scores from 1st on Kemp's double.

484- You are the wind beneath my wings.

That was a LOUD Rule 1 from someone.

We need a two out solution.

That could've been worse. Could've been better.

Sigh, is it up to Berroa?

FastForward >>

This innning.... so promising... still could be.

Jeff Kent?!?!?

494
Yeah, it was quite audible. If I had to guess, it was either Kemp, or perhaps more likely, Tyler Walker.

Not what I had in mind.

Good grief, it's 10:11 and we're only in the 7th.

Well?

Oh DeWitt, never mind.

So, is Kent available to pinch hit tonight? Maybe he could come up for Berroa or for the pitcher's spot this or next inning.

which dodger had the rule 1 violation?

Dodgers should look into playing games eariler at least on the weekends.

It'll be Nomar.

Nomar. Whoopie.

Nomar? WOW!

Nomar tries to help get the magic number to match his back.

DeWitt out of the game then?

509 Yes, Hu will come in to play 2B.

Or Nomar.

493 - Google TOLAXOR for help.

I really hate this ump.

510 - What're you asking me for?

509
I'm guessing Hu comes in at 2nd for defense.

Never crossed the plate but that's okay.

513 So does Vin.

Well its up to Angel.... God help us now!

That we're trusting Berroa to get a hit is amusing.

This is coming down to Berroa? That's torture.

I would have thought they would have PH for Berroa. Oh well, let's ride this one for as far as she goes.

Big at bat for Berroa.

um, what was that music just playing when Nomar walked? Was that something from Grease?

C'mon On Hell. Do something.

Please hit him or something.

bases are loaded, walk is as good as a hit.

(no, I can't believe I just said that either)

BALL 3!!!!

523 - The Four Seasons - Walk Like A Man

WALK HIM.

Angel Berroa asks the question: Rita Hayworth or Jack Taschner?

I believe you know his addendum to that question.

Berroa's been playing well. Maybe he can continue.

YES!!!!

YES. He walked Berroa!

Thanks Taschner. Good eye, Ahn-hel.

Suckers!

YES!!!!! Turnabout is fair play!

I'm laughing again.

oh yeah baby.

523- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bKFrovGdI8U

Good eye!

This game is hilarious.

Nice!

523 I think that was the Four Seasons - "Walk Like a Man (but sing like a girl)".

I believe in the almighty one!

yay, RWI!

493 - also, http://tinyurl.com/4vbsng

Time to capitalize on this Grabowski Principle moment!

Turnabout is fair play.

WHO LET THE DOGS OUT???

Now I love this ump! (Heh.)

What a choke job by Taschner!

Walkin Angel Berroa?

Young's PHing for Saito. Funny, our best PH in a high leverage system.

They really play "Who Let the Dogs Out?" for Hu?

That is just terrible.

Thankfully we got SOMETHING out of this inning. But I want MORE.

Oh the ump's squeezing him now is he, Krukow? Sheesh. (Yes, I stupidly put the game back on local TV.)

Good thing Bengie is slow as molasses.

552 - They had "Who Are You" by The Who earlier this season as well.

If Proctor pitches the 8th, this game is FAR from over.

552 I thought it was for Young.

i was just about to say, how long have they been playing that Who Let the Dogs Out for C.L. Hughley?

552
It could be Hu's Cryin' Now.

Taschner looks like he just ate a tasty furball.

this is a good at bat for Young.

For those of us on gamecast, who's up in the 'Pen?....Wade?....Proctor?

Perhaps this can be Proctor's theme song:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=neNtMX-v2eY

PeeWee!

564
Hilarious!

All right Pee Wee, just draw a walk.

564 I thought maybe it would be "Every Day (I Write The Book)".

God bless Krukow, the ump had a wide strike zone, he said that all night. Now he's one with a small strike zone that's getting smaller. Silly, silly man.

Vin is trying to will this to Cora territory.

This at bat alone puts D.Y on my roster.

Ha, ha.

The Pride of Riverside!

HOOWAH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

INCREDIBLE AT BAT! D.Y!!!

I had to laugh at that. That was just too funny.

FANTASTIC at bat by Delwyn. Super.

Let's see Sweeney have an 11 pitch at bat.

Taschner needs a playoff cut should the Dodgers make the playoffs.

3 walks in a row!

Tonight is a huge win.

PeeWee!!!!!!

What a great at bat by Pee Wee.

"That'll do it for Jack, and we'll be back."

Now we're even in the Runs Walked Home department.

Best AB of Delwyn's career.

Tomorrow's LA Times headline:

"Dodgers Walk Closer to Postseason"

369
It looks like you have come over to Icaros and mine's side.

I love this game.

574 You mean, the Pride of SBCC! Go Vaqueros!

569

What's the record for most bases loaded walks in a game?

585 Not bad!

I HATE this Giants pitcher. He's a real clown.

586 - Oh, he's annoying no doubt. In the past I've just appreciated that he can at least also openly effuse/praise the opponent's players and he seems to know a good amount about pitching. But he's a total homer and contradicts himself - like there - when it doesn't go the Giants way. Boo hoo! Siddown, Meat!

First pitch swinging and the inning is over. Be patient, Russell.

Martin comes out to some Hendrix. Finally he has a good batting song.

You can walk too Martin!

Ok, Russ, that was your one free swing. No more crazy stuff this at bat

The guy is throwing heaters!

Martin is merely baiting Sadler with those two overswings. :)

We're also due a wild pitch somewhere around here.

C'mon, Russ, you should be able to fare better against a character actor!

http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0006669/

I guess home runs & walks arent so bad.

No more walks!

Punk.

592 - candy colored?

Damn it Martin! you chased that. I think Kemp deserve his lead off role back!

Sadler appears a better pitcher than Taschner.

Russ is swinging out of his shoes. He needs to calm down.

601
Heywood struck him out.

Maybe Clew Haywood would have done better.

That's right, Russ. That nobody made you look terrible.

Sadler has a wicked curve ball.

601
He really shines in the Tales From the Crypt movies.

585 Better than walking into the light.

Well. Way to knock the cover off the ball, Dodgers. I appreciate the runs, but man, bases loaded for three or four straight hitters and that's all you got out of it?

Russ's OPS is down to .766 for the year. Good for a catcher, but not by Martin's high standards he's set his 1st two seasons.

612 He was kinda creepy in The Mist, too.

JoeyP said nice win for the Dodgers. I think there's a lot more to this game.

That's right he struck out Martin last time we faced him and show boated I believe. Martin was looking for some response and went up there swinging for the fences. But, that curve ball was a good one.

Wade's in the game. We got this!

Roy Orbison on the effectiveness of the Giants relief corps so far:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1opB5j-y-9I

Wade is now Torre's favorite reliever.

Man our bullpen is deep.

Hu has some range.

Dear Duane Kuiper,
It's "who," not "Hugh."

Sigh-ed,
underdog

624
lol was just about to say that.

Who's up for the win, Saito?

621. Does not bode well... for Wade arm at least! You think Proctor is jealous?

Hu covering some ground.

Kemp scored his 90th run of the season last inning. That has only happened 46 times in 51 seasons in LA.

Krukow and Kuiper were putting down the Dodgers PA for mispronouncing Schierholtz's name earlier, yet they both think Hu is said like "Hugh." Dorks.

617 - Yes, I was trying to pretend that jinx didn't happen.

SICK defense by Loney.

Now there's the Loney D.

Wow, an easy inning for the Dodgers. Awesome.

Loving the D in the 8th!

An insurance run sure would be nice, wouldn't it?

Wade most definitely has the "look" in his eyes. Closer material for sure:)

Wow, I didn't know you could end an inning that fast.

Well, that inning was uneventful. Nice job, Wade! Congratulations on your two inning save (thanks to the 4+ run lead).

Loney, DeJesus, Hu, DeWitt

DeFense.

630 - I'm gonna call him "Duh-wayne Cooper" from now on.

634 Didn't strike me as "easy" exactly. Two of the outs were nerve-wracking.

Kuiper also called David Eckstein, David Eckstein like Juan Luis Pedro Philippo DeHuevos Epstein.

Great defense in the 8th.

634 - Saito had a relatively easy inning in the 7th unless you count that walk.

636. I thought having more that one run is insurance? You don't trust Oxton?

642
You must have "I Love LA"'s nerves! :)

637 Tee-hee.

Well, we may see Broxton in the 9th, depending on what happens here. Hopefully his eyes will be spinning and steam is coming out of his ears like the bull in that Bugs Bunny matador cartoon.

Geno Vanelli is pitching now.

Our inability to pitch recently has got to cause some concern. Maddux, Kuroda, Park was terrible. I didn't expect that kind of crap from Park though.

Wow...old school stirrups!

646. You're not nervous?.... I don't know but it feels like 2004 all over for me.

650 Someone is going to throw a water bottle in the stands?

650
Normal pennant race nervous I guess, but I really, really like our chances to win this game. I certainly don't think we are on the precipice of blowing it...either the game, or the season.

I plan on using all the playoff tickets I bought! :)

651
I say Bowa.

ANOTHER WALK?

Another good at bat for Ethier.

650
Casey Blake walk-off grand slam to clinch the division?

645 I do, I do!

644 - Yeah it would be great if Saito does return to form, whether he's a closer or just a set up guy now having him pitching well again makes the pen that much stronger. Wade, Beimel, Kuo (if healthy), Saito and Broxton, plus Proctor, is not a shabby pen at all.

Oh man, Manny is going to straighten out one of these puss balls pretty soon.

651. lol

656. Why Casey specially? Anyways I would Kent should be the clincher!

658
Like that one

2008 is not quite like 2004. We don't face Arizona again this season. We may face the Giants 6 times in the final week and a half like 2004, but Arizona is chasing us.

This win would be a big one. But, they all are at this point.

659
Blake has been hitting kind of like Finley in 2004, and was a midseason pickup.

Manny just golfs that. FREAKING AWESOME.

Holy Mother of Dear!~!

MANNY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Saw that coming.

MANNY!!! Again? Yes, again!

I love Manny Ramirez.

Manny gets BOTH short porches on the night!

YESSSSSSS!

Well, whether we needed it or not... INSURANCE.

Geno Vanelli vs Manny is never a fair fight.

BEST TRADE EVER. NO DOUBT.

Ok, the Manny for MVP stuff, not so outlandish

I love Manny.

Goodness me.

Oh, my!

This man can sure hit a baseball, no? My goodness!

Manny's taking off. See ya tomorrow boss.

Well, Krukow was right about that one -- Manny had his FB timed and Espinelli should've avoided that at all costs.

662. I see

We need to remember what happened here the last two months. We may never see the like again.

Another walk . This time to Loney.

Thank You Manny

yeah, now I can exhale.

How does McCourt not resign Manny? How does Manny sign anywhere else? Was there such a love affair between Manny and the Sox fans, ever, like there is with the Dodger fans?

Seems like it was more a marriage of convenience in Boston. Sort of a "We like your hits but we don't like you."

679 - until he signs somewhere else, I will hold out belief that we will get to see it for 162 games next year.

That's what, 16 HRs for Manny since the trade? He's in realistic range to hit as many with us - in just the regular season - as he did with Boston on the year. Huh.

Mr. Ultimo indeed. Unreal.

These local SF commercials about fantasy football are awkward.

682 - if he gets in a bidding war with the Steinbrenner Brothers?

10 walks so far for the Dodgers WOW!

682 Boston fans loved Manny just as much as the L.A. fans do. Until it all went bad for them. The difference is that the Boston papers are Satan reincarnated.

687
That is what I am worried about. I think it is between Yankees, Mets, and Dodgers.

682 - more like, here's your paycheck, now produce like a HoF'er.

Apparently a bunch of fans got kicked out of the game.

I am very surprised that Manny got a 2nd shot at that HR....he just missed one earlier at that bat, I thought the pitcher would go more conservative.

687 Way I see it, Mets, Yanks, Angels, Cubs, Dodgers.

No way in heck the Cubs are going to be content with Reed Johnson as their LF in the off season.

Apparently, Orisis Matos is code for HIT EVERY DODGER.

Matt Kemp's getting hot!

694 - point taken, but the Yanks before anyone else will have a big pile o' dough to spend this offseason, more than anyone else.

695 - not like "take off every Zig."

694. I see the Jays in the Manny sweepstakes too. Their offense is putrid.

Help me, Jeebus. This game is gonna last 'til my 9am soccer game.

#11. Team OBP is getting a hefty inflation tonight.

Time for the Dodgers to blow this wide open.

Manny was beloved in Boston. All long term marriages that end, usually end badly.

Two years from now if Manny is signed the fans cheering him tonight will have forgotten these two months and wonder how they can dump his contract.

700
But you will miss the Raiders game!

This just in...with 90% of the precincts reporting, CBS News is ready to call this game a victory for the Los Angeles Dodgers.

[insert graphic with Dodger logo and check mark here]

Productive out.

At least Berroa was a productive out.

I'm glad I'm watching this at home. Hoo, boy, it's a long one.

694 - Angels won't compete for him, Moreno has already indicated that they aren't going to increase payroll much. Angels probably won't be too active this off season, probably resign Big Tex and that's about it.

I also think the Yankees are going to have to do a real rebuild over the next few years. Plus, they're already old in the outfield, can't see them wanting to get older.

Mets and Cubs will be the competition.

Good job Berroa.

704
Sadly it's not in here in SD, even though the Chargers aren't playing.

Sweeney batting for Wade. Doubt Broxton comes in this game, so who's getting mop up duties? Proctor, TronTron? Heck, Stults?

"dead run" is such a strange saying.

Sweeney put good wood on that at-bat, but he still blows and does not deserve a playoff spot.

712. I'll be comfortable with Proctor.

OHn Hell---Berroa!

Followed by Sweeney.
I totally agree with Kemp's play a game or two ago. Kemp knew the only chance was to steal third and then steal home somehow. Too bad it didn't work.

704 Don't worry, I'll be punished enough by going to see the Niners game live in the afternoon.

709 Angels already have Kendry Morales at first, and their outfield next year is going to be Torii Hunter and Gary Matthews Jr. Their outfield is going to be a bigger concern than first base. And Texiera is going to be expensive, since he's going to be looking for at least a 8 year deal, and possibly up to ten years.

I hear the sound of victory.

Compare a kid's at bat (D.Y) and the veteran's (Sweeney). It's not just tonight it's all season. I believe in Delwyn Young.

717
You will actually probably see a lot of scoring, which isn't that bad.

Oxton is in.

And Broxton's in the game regardless. And Journey is played with a 5 run lead. Yeah, okay.

713
Joker's Wild host Jack Barry comes to mind.

Is Broxton coming in because he'd already warmed up that last half inning? I assume so, otherwise I don't get having him in.

721 True, true. Though the Niners defense is pretty decent. But yeah.

Okay, off to put away laundry and listen to what I hope is the end of this game. Cheers.

725 Only reason I can think of. Torre should try to install a two headed closer thing next year.

725
I think it's a combo of (a) getting some work in (since Saturday he has pitched only twice, and (b) off day Monday, and he can pitch tonight and tomorrow and still get rest, and (c) he already warmed up.

With those two home runs tonight, Manny has now hit more home runs in two months then any Giant has all year. The Giants are having a 1968 Dodger type power outage. Paging Len Gabrielson.

The S.F. announcers have to go and bring up the spectre of the "Brian Johnson Game". Man, I still remember where I was when I saw that one...

Not sure why Berroa didn't go to first there.

I think Broxton is coming in because we need the best. Three western div. teams have no give against the Dodgers,

Looks like there might be a double indemnity situation between Berroa and Hu.

Broxton looks sharp tonight.

we are 1 for 11 with RISP tonight yet we have 10 runs. That is crazy combined with a lot of luck compliments of the Giants pitching. I guess that takes away all those giving Park and kuroda did as well.

729
He's one hot week from leading the Dodgers! :)

Why u gotta make it so hard? Oxton?

Doesn't matter what the lead is but Broxton loves to make the 9th inning filled with base runners.

736
I gotta ask, why "Oxton"?

C'mon Broxton. Don't Stop Relieving.

I've missed a couple of comment threads over the last week, is "Oxton" a thing we're doing? What's that all about?

Freaking heck Berroa.

He is built like one. Oxes are such majestic animal. Bah what the heck Angel?

When's Furcal back again? :-/

Unbelievable.

I may be going out on a limb here, but Mr. Berroa may suck at defense.

Dear. God.

A routine play to first.

Should've just gone to second there, Angel.

738 He's so hot, there's no "brr" in him?

...I now wish there was no "brr" in Brroa, either.

D'oh.

Berroa just reminded everyone why he sucks so much.

OHn-Hell Berroa.

735
If Ethier hadn't had his hot week he would be leading the Dodgers. The difference is that the lineup is scattered with double digit home runs.

Berroa also wanted to see Pablo hit one more time.

Berroa has not had the best defensive inning.

i am so sick of berroa and ozuna "defense".

740. It just my thing. Don't need to use it.

Sadavol scares the heck out o fme.

718 - I figure the Angels have a years*dollars figure for Teixeira and they're not exceeding it.

After San Fran rolled over for the Snakes.
This is disgusting.

THAT TARP AGAIN. THAT FREAKING TARP AGAIN.

It will be curious to see who become the better pro. The guy with no plate discipline who can hit bad pitches ala Manny Sanguillen or Carlos Santana the guy with plate discipline. They are both switch hitters, who starting catching late and just destroyed minor league pitching this year after not even making either teams top 20 prospect list spring.

Oh my!

I may get banned for saying it, but Broxton still is not that impressive in the 9th. That said, his defense has let him down multiple times.

cue twilight zone music...

758
It probably had nothing to do with the Snakes' pitching; you're right.

Tying run is at the plate. Good God.

762
which rule?

broxton just isn't a closer I am sorry. Sure Berroa sucks but Broxton is not the answer. One swing here and we are tied yet again. basehit makes it a 1 run game. Our pitching is beyond atrocious.

what the?!?! this game is still going on?!?

Dave Roberts looks really old.

758
How did they roll over? Losing doesn't mean they didn't try, they are after all not a very good team.

Come on and just finish the game.

I'm surprised Vinny hasn't said, "It's the Giants and the Dodgers."

767
Wrong.

8) making the same point over and over again

high heater please. Old man can't catch up to it!

C'mon, high heat!

Finally!

3 1/2 game lead.

Magic Number: 5

If the Dodgers go 4-3 in their remaining 7 games the Diamondbacks have to go 8-0 in their remaining 8 games in order to force a divisional tiebreaker at Dodger Stadium.

This was a very big win.

That game sucked.

woo! Dodgers win!! yay!

Randy Newman time. Jeez.

767
You can take your thumb out of your mouth now.

767
The only things Broxton is not the answer to are:

1) Name a player that skipped dinner today
2) Name a bad pitcher

Wooooo..... what a win! magical number 5?

759 - why does Dodger Stadium even have a tarp?

775 776 Less than one second!

782

Lol. I giggled at that comment.

Can't a man finish his laundry in peace without having to sweat through a ninth inning! Ay caramba.

Well, anyway... we win! Whew.

Broxton is no Brian Wilson. After all, Broxton has an ERA under 4.00

766 - wuzza?

Well, that didn't take long. I could tell from the first inning this was a Dodger win.

Let's skip right over 4 tomorrow and get to 3!!!

783 - also:

3) Name the player you want coming to the plate with two on and two out in the ninth inning of a tie game.

That's two ugly wins in three games. But, all that matters is the win.

"Our pitching is beyond atrocious."

I don't even know what to say... I... I give up.

Night for real folks. Magic number = 5.

786.Great mind think alike!

Did Broxton get a save out of that? If so that is just ridiculous. I don't think you should be rewarded for your inability to hold a 5 run lead. This is why stats are so misleading, chalk this save up as an asterik if he indeed got one.

794 - the only stat that matters is the final score

796 Apparently Russ Martin and Jon Broxton are not great minds, because that fastball was low and away. Oh well.

Just checked the box score...Wow! Manny is awesome!

Broxton wasn't credited with any Earned runs.

Also, Saito was credited with the win.

797 By rule, Broxton did not get a save. Now please stop complaining.

799. Meh, they knew the old man couldn't catch up to the heater though!

797
He didn't get a save. He did allow 2 unearned runs though.

And Ethier had another 3 walk night. That's beyond ridiculous.

803 - Why don't you get off my back man and please mind your own business. thank you. For the record I am not complaining.

Man, if only Broxton could run over to Loney and lift him on top of his shoulders in order to grab the ball thrown over his head by 2-3 feet. All runs were unearned. But, it felt like that all night except for Manny!

A good late night to you all.

805 thank you...803 can sure learn from you as to how to answer a question in a classy manner.

Wow, Yeager ran kind of funny.

(watching the post game show and the great moments in Dodger History)

807 If you're going to comment on this site, you shouldn't be surprised if people respond to you.

808
Man, if only Broxton could run over to Loney and lift him on top of his shoulders in order to grab the ball thrown over his head by 2-3 feet

That really cracked me up. What a great way to end the night!

Finally caught up on the comments.

Berroa had a hat trick that ninth inning: he flailed at Aurilla's grounder, botched a double-play ball from Ishikawa, and threw away Velez's ball. Maybe it's Broxton's fault that he just draws bad defense behind him, Nomar's catch the other week notwithstanding.

Sandoval's double was a 175-foot cue shot that didn't even make it past the tarp. Two other batters struck out. There was only one legit baserunner that ninth inning, and it came after what should have been three outs.

So yeah, this still doesn't work for me as a "Broxton can't close" game. (Of course, it wasn't a save situation.)

I disapprove of pitchers with good arms making it to the Majors the easy way---in relief, ala Broxton, and I hope not Elbert.

I want to thank all the people here that usually put up with me and understand what type of fan I am. Basically letting me be me, the obsessive way I am. With the exception of Trippon and Johnson, I don't know what their problem is. They have been haters from day 1. Oh well, I will just take the hit and not say anymore.

790
temporarily too lazy to scroll down to rules section......

Anybody else get the feeling that the Giants won't be that bad next year? I'm quickly becoming a Sandoval believer, and Ishiwaka should be a capable first baseman, who can flash the glove. And they have a pitching staff, no reason they can't be around .500 next year, which should be good enough to contend in the NL West.

813 But how was the look on his face? Did he look like he wanted it? ;-)

I Love LA -

I believe you're a real fan, but you do have a responsibility to comment according to the rules of the site. I know you've seen them by now. Here are some as a reminder.

6) using hyperbole when something less will suffice

8) making the same point over and over again

If you can't understand how your constant and excessive negativity can frustrate people, you need to try harder to understand it.

Most everyone here wants the Dodgers to win and fears they will lose. But they realize that they have to take other people in consideration when they comment. This is a social setting where there are limits to what you can say. I ask you again to pay attention to those limits.

810 But the Penguin made him look almost normal!

817 - I don't think .500 will be good enough to compete in the NL West next year. I fully expect the Rockies, Diamondbacks, and Dodgers to be well above .500. I think the division next year will be what we thought it would be this year. The Giants could also compete, but whoever wins the West is going to have to take care of business outside the division, because inside the division is going to be tough.

819 - Sure you got it. Its just hard to think and post at the same time when something on the field is frustrating. I usually just share the thoughts in my head right away. I know its not an excuse but...anyway but nothing. Oh well like someone said all it matters is the W. I hope everyone has a good night.

807 , 803 Another way that conversation could have been:

803 - By rule, Broxton did not get a save.

807 - Ah, that makes sense, then. Thanks.

823 - Yes, thanks.

I get it Love LA.

I'm having trouble dealing with a feeling that Manny is our Bonds. I know this isn't totally fair, but I think Giant's fans may taste how we felt for years.

825 - turnabout is fair play

825 Not exactly. Do we Dodger fans find ourselves needing to be apologists over Manny? It may be because I bleed blue, but I don't see Manny as a boorish jerk who very likely used PEDs to break records.

824 & 807 I apologize. I was frustrated, and I should know better and just let it go.

827 We as Dodgers fans get annoyed by all the Boston and National Media who are all outraged at Manny's exit from the Red Sox. In that way we're similar to the Giants fans who defended Barry Bonds over his troubles.

Say...

I may be suffering from being up a bit too late, and from small sample bias, but it seems to me that in terms of fielding at SS:

Berroa = Garciapara Berroa > Hu

So wouldn't it make sense to start Garciapara OR Hu before Berroa?

I mean, I get that Torre is totally gunshy about Hu's ability to hit, but he believes in Garciapara at the plate. So is Garciapara not 100%? I'd think he'd at least justify some of the awful defense we're seeing with some better hitting.

Most everyone here wants the Dodgers to win and fears they will lose.

Does that ever sum it up.

829 Ah, that's a comparison I didn't see. I guess that makes sense.

Since I live in San Francisco, the whole Bonds thing was uber-annoying, and I just can't imagine Giants fans generating the kind of animosity towards Manny.

831 Amen, said the choir
830 I'd be more comfortable with Nomar on offense or with Hu on defense. I hope Torre isn't smarter than me trying to get a little of both.

Thanks Johnson....In the end we all stand united under the Dodgers =)

Not me. I'm a D'backs fan.

I don't suspect Manny of using PEDs. But all these people around me see Manny as a Boorish Jerk who abandoned his team and his fans for $s.

835 Is Drew going to be an above average SS?

He is already. Having been born a Drew, he has no soul, of course. But he's running a 124 sOPS+ for a SS, this year, and his glove is at least adequate (I think).

New Simers article up:

"I kept asking everyone where you were," Ramirez says. "I thought maybe you were off talking to Schilling." Then Ramirez pulls out the perfume. "Every time I spray you, I get two hits," he says. He singles his first time up.

http://www.latimes.com/sports/baseball/mlb/dodgers/la-sp-simers21-2008sep21,0,2695182.column

Yet Jones, the five-time All-Star who left his bat in Atlanta, became a supporting actor, with Kemp as the electrifying force at bat, on the bases and with the postgame victory bump in center field.

"He's the Fonz," Kaufer said. "When 'Happy Days' started, Ron Howard was going to be the star. They found out people were tuning in to see Henry Winkler, so they rewrote the show to be a starring vehicle for the Fonz."

Well, that's the first time I heard Kemp referenced as the Fonz.

http://www.latimes.com/sports/baseball/mlb/dodgers/la-sp-bbcol21-2008sep21,0,645130.story?page=2

This might be a little long and rambling.

It was a long day, I spent the first part wondering how hard it can be to make a first down without the benefit of a penalty.

The only upside is that I do enjoy going to the Rose Bowl and that Neuheisal has a long honeymoon due to the previous regime.

Now, I go to Dodger Stadium and sit down on the field level by the foul pole, not real close but its nearby.

I had an adventure because I left my ID and credit card at will call and spent an unsatisfactory moment with the Guest Relations person who told me that I could wait for a phone call from them when someone turns in my cards. But little later on, I come back to my seat to find a guest relations person waiting for me with my cards, so all was good.

I'll sum up the game experience, lots of men on base, beach balls, Manny, more men on base, beach balls and Manny.

I felt bad that no one called out Kemp for a curtain call.

Congrats to Cory Wade for being the only Dodger pitcher to retire the side in order.

I have seen Berroa hit a home run and draw a bases loaded walk, which is more improbable, I don't know.

Best plate appearance, Delwyn Young.

Man, this Simers guy is a wreck. With his insecurity and name dropping, how did he ever get a blog.

Went to a BBQ in Diamond Bar and missed the game. Sounds like it was a doozy.

I ended up having to take the subway from Union Station to N. Hollywood and then the Orange Line bus to Woodland Hills - a long and arduous journey on late night public transport. I saw lots of ugly human behavior - a guy talking to a box of chicken, a half-dressed woman muttering to herself and drinking a 40, two guys trash talking each other and getting into a fight after getting off the bus... but what distressed me the most was the sight of two Dodger fans (who apparently used that new Union Station shuttle), dressed in jerseys and those gigantic blue sombreros, looking rather exhausted and forlorn on the subway. They looked like they had just seen the Dodgers lose a heartbreaking game. So when I finally got home, I rushed to the computer to see what had happened, and read through the comments of DT, and was happy to find the Dodgers eked this one out. Whoopie!

That was a long game.

I also got to see some schmuck wearing a Pierre jersey, which is almost as rare as a Pierre HR. I took a photo to commemorate the event.

844 I am happy you went to a game.

Just to be clear, I do not own a Pierre jersey.

I'm not sure if I previously mentioned this here, so I apologize for possibly doing a repeat, but I choose to think of Manny's turbulent exit from Boston (and subsequent arrival to L.A.) as payback for the whole J.D. Drew fiasco. I was personally glad Nancy opted out and left but I'm not exactly thrilled with the report of Ramirez pushing a traveling secretary to the ground during his last days in Beantown nor am I excited at the prospect of committing big-money long-term to a Boras client who's proven temperamental, but--despite Depo's assertion of its overratedness(?)--Manny's presence on the ballclub has been a boon for the Dodgers' chemistry and resulting success. If Theo's Red Sox can take advantage of situations resulting from Scott Boras's machinations, then the organization and its fans can buck up and take their medicine like the rest of us have had to endure.

As much as he'd like to, it would be against the rules for Juan Pierre to wear a Kemp jersey.

The best fit for Manny is right here.

I don't think he's like a Johnny Damon, getting a thrill out of thumbing his nose at his previous team's fans. I don't think Manny wants the grief.

The laid-back teams that fit Manny's personality: Dodgers, Angels, Padres, D-Backs, Marlins, A's, Mariners, Twins, Royals, Braves.

The laid-back teams that can afford Manny: Dodgers, Angels, maybe the Mariners.

I think he's coming back.

Manny having so much fun is contagiously making this squad have a lot of fun -- and I'm liking the potent broth of baseball chemistry that we're brewing day-by-day into this postseason... I just wish Broxton could CLEANLY close a game...!

Was at the Stanford San Jose State Football game, taped the game, but could not communicate with everyone in this fine community. Just watched the game and looked at the comments, this win was one of the most exciting, even if ugly late season Dodger Giant games I have ever seen...Dodgers always win these games sooooooooo easily!

The Manny Barry comparison does have similarities, Manny was not the first star player not too run out a grounder, but while the player whoever it is receives the rath of the fans and ire of the media, the manager almost never benches the player. Again this is usually with Superstar players. Perhaps had Francona benched Manny maybe things would have been different in Boston, but that is their loss.

With the crazy way the season has gone I predict a key hit between now and the San Francisco series by Kent to get the Dodgers in the playoffs. His shortcomings have been chronicled here in depth, but his hitting on the Houston road trip, as I recall really gave the team a lift. It goes nice with the LA Times Dodger story as a team which has been a TV show all year.

Nice to wake up here on the east coast and see that the Dodgers reduce their magic number to 5 in a wild game. As Matt kemp said, where would they be without Manny? I suppose we really have to give Ned credit for pulling off this trade. If the Dodgers fail to win the division, it won't be becasue of the Manny trade.

Let's go Derek Lowe!

848 I hope you're right. He just seems like he would be a better fit in the AL, especially at this stage of his career.

I've thought for awhile that Manny would be back next year. The weird thing is that I've concluded that Berroa will too. Berroa and Hu, with Furcal in some place like KC.

Well, he did work for the Patriots before he got to Notre Dame

http://tinyurl.com/3roole

I think there will only be one Pac-10 team ranked after Oregon's loss to Boise State. Boo.

849 What's the point? K-Rod's getting Cy Young and MVP considerations by hardly cleanly close a game, even in his cheap saves.

Terrific, Dan Fouts is calling Raider game.

Thank God for the WAC, Big 10, and Big Sky.

Pac 10 Non-Conference Records Against
Big Sky - 2-0
Mid-American - 1-0
WAC - 4-1
Big 10 - 3-1
SEC - 1-1
ACC - 1-1
Big 12 - 0-3
Mountain West - 0-5

The only non-conference games left:

Fresno St (WAC) at UCLA next Saturday
Oregon St at Utah (Mtn West) Thu Oct 2
Cal at Colorado St (Mtn West) Nov 15
WSU at Hawaii (WAC) Thanksgiving weekend
3 games against Notre Dame (Stanford, Washington & USC)

858
The non-USC Pac-10 teams are a frightening bunch to behold. They all have major flaws.

Even Rudy Carpenter can't save the conference! And without faith in him what do we have left?

858
We are doing complicated blitzing!

What no Ryder Cup thoughts?

858

Just a correction, Colorado St. is at Cal on Sept 27th.

Anthony Kim's belt buckle scared me, so I turned on baseball.

The Padres are already up 2-0 on the Nats with Odalis on the hill.

Last night, there were these two young boys, 8-9, I guess, sitting in the row in front of me. And all the time, Manny is out in LF, they are yelling "Manny, Manny, look over here."

I was tempted to say to them that he really can't acknowledge your constant yelling right now.

But I controlled myself.

864. If you are around give me a call on my cell 310-405-1232

For a good time call 310-405-1212

Does anyone have Jenny's number?

"Fonz."

That's kind of a cool moniker, I think. (How could it not be cool?)

It's still not as cool as "Bison."

876-5309?

The Dodgers big FA bat choices for next year are Manny, Tiexiera, and Holiday. I would only want to include Tiexiera in the mix if only, and I mean only, he were to play third base and then if only he would be good defensively there.

869
Somebody missed the 1980s and didn't quite remember the Greatest Hits of Tommy Tutone

871 - well, I was 11 when the 80s ended, and I was more interested in the hair bands than I was in the pop bands.

869, 871 Without google I would miss most of the humor and wisdom here.

also, I just woke up, brain is not yet working.

I am rooting really hard for the Mets so the Dodgers open up here in New York. That would rule.

875 - yeah, but you're going to end up with a lot of people looking to sleep on your couch...

If you want me, I'll be at FRozen Tundra-6-5239.

What, no one remembers "Play It Again, Sam?"

Actually, if you want me, I'll be watching the mistake-prone Lions@Niners game, following the Broncs and Dodgers via my cell phone and trying not to be too rude.

Tee hee. The Dolphins are beating the Patriots 21-6 at halftime. Tee hee. They're playing with a real porpoise, it appears. {duck}

The Raiders are beating the Bills 9-7. This is odd.

It was nice to see Pee Wee getting some DT love last night, showing some PVLness during this pennant race. I would be remiss, however, if I didn't note that M. Sweeney had a good week as well. Eleven PH PA by the two yielded 3 hits and 3 BB over the past week.

880 - True, Sweeney's looked a bit better as of late and last night he almost got a hit in his appearance. Since they'll likely keep him on the playoff roster (despite our protests) IF they make the playoffs might as well hope he's better. Delwyn's still their best PH though and I think even Torre knows it by now.

Okay, off to the 'Stick. Go Dodgers!!

Hey, crazy thought... Loney-Young-Hu-DeWitt as an infield next year? With Manny, Kemp, and Ethier in the outfield?

Yeah, I don't expect it either, and it's going to be a shame to see Young getting to play everyday somewhere else. Maybe they'll trade him to the Angels so he can DH and occasionally play second.

I love D.Y's bat. But, his glove will always hold him back.

Per ITD:

Martin, C

Ethier, RF

Manny, LF

Loney, 1B

Blake, 3B

Kemp, CF

DeWitt, 2B

Berroa, SS

Lowe, P

(I wonder if a certain DT FF player is regretting not starting Ronnie Brown today?)

From lightly read Detroit columnist Jerry Green
"And on the field this season, the Tigers are doomed to finish below .500. And the formerly woebegone Tampa Bay Rays are destined to finish far above .500, perhaps in first place in their division. And perhaps in the World Series, perhaps against the once-lowly Dodgers."

http://tinyurl.com/4ad7on

881 - Is that the famous big "if"?

NPUT

Unless Sweeney suffered a major injury, he would be on any putative Dodgers postseason roster.

886 - "once-lowly"? When, recently were the Dodgers "lowly"?