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1) using profanity or any euphemisms for profanity
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The Dodger Thoughts 2008 Postseason Guide
2008-09-29 00:28
by Jon Weisman

So, here they are, the Los Angeles Dodgers. C students of the postseason, baseball's nothingdictorians. Barely a .500 team ... but they can dream.

No one should be favoring the Dodgers against the Cubs in their 2008 National League Division Series, who outscored their opponents by more than a run a game. But since the Dodgers do have the starting pitching capable of shutting down an opponent and a slugger capable of rallying them with one swing, it might be worth at least seeing who's who and what's what.

And away we go ...

Catchers
Player PA OBP SLG OPS OPS+ EQA
*Russell Martin 649 .385 .396 .781 103 .284
*Danny Ardoin 54 .278 .314 .592 53 .208
Gary Bennett 23 .261 .381 .642 64 .218
A.J. Ellis 3 .000 .000 .000 -100 .000
*likely on NLDS roster
Martin slumped in the second half again, but he actually put together a pretty decent September (.424 on-base percentage) and he caught some dugout Zs once the Dodgers clinched last week. He enters the postseason as someone who can initiate or extend a rally. Ardoin replaced Bennett, the opposite of a complete player (incomplete? uncomplete? noncomplete?) months ago, and does what you ask of a backup catcher. The Cubs probably won't see Ardoin unless something goes really right or really wrong for Los Angeles. Minor leaguer Ellis made his first career start Sunday.


Infielders
Player PA OBP SLG OPS OPS+ EQA
*James Loney 647 .338 .434 .772 98 .272
*Jeff Kent 474 .327 .418 .745 91 .258
*Blake DeWitt 417 .344 .383 .728 88 .259
*Angel Berroa 252 .304 .310 .614 60 .222
*Casey Blake 231 .313 .460 .773 97 .267
*Nomar Garciaparra 181 .326 .466 .792 102 .273
*Rafael Furcal 164 .439 .573 1.012 160 .346
Mark Sweeney 108 .250 .163 .413 10 .127
Chin-Lung Hu 129 .252 .233 .485 27 .166
Luis Maza 88 .282 .278 .561 46 .196
Andy LaRoche 69 .319 .322 .641 67 .230
Pablo Ozuna 32 .242 .375 .617 57 .205
*likely on NLDS roster
Loney played in 161 games this season but because of recent inconsistency, he gave way to Garciaparra in two starts against lefties last week (both of which produced home runs). With second baseman Kent also limping back into the swing of things as another option at first base, there's a good chance Loney will be in a platoon arrangement. Still, expect Loney to get most of the at-bats at first base.

For his part, Kent has been given to good and bad streaks that left him an average hitter at best this year. Given his shaky knee, he will give up starts at second base to surprising rookie DeWitt, who hit Death Valley at midsummer but OPSed over .900 in September.

Historians will gasp, but forever will it be written that the regular shortstop for the 2008 NL West Champions was none other than Mr. Berroa. While the Kansas City kastoff had his moments, Furcal will be an improvement upon him just by being upright. Whether Furcal can remain that way is another matter. An MVP candidate through the first month of the season, Furcal had two hits Saturday, rested Sunday and remains the biggest question mark on the roster.

In his two-plus months with the Dodgers, Blake showed solid power at third base but not that much production in the way of getting on base. At a minimum, he's someone Cubs pitchers have to be careful of.

With those seven potentially on a roster together for the first time, Sweeney might finally be pushed off the 25-man squad after surviving the year with the seventh-lowest OPS+ by a non-pitcher in Dodger history (minimum 100 plate appearances). Sixth on that list is a name the Cubs might recognize: Daryle Ward. With at least two first basemen on the bench for every game, Sweeney would cost countless amounts in excess baggage if the Dodgers tried to check him on their flight to Illinois.

The presence of Furcal already eliminated the slick-fielding Hu, who might well have been the most approriate 25th man, from the NLDS. Ozuna, who was designated for assignment August 27 but then cleared waivers (shock) and returned, could still grab the final roster spot, but with Garciaparra available as an emergency shortstop behind Berroa and Furcal, it really doesn't make sense to include Ozuna's weak bat-and-glove combo. (Maza and LaRoche are no longer with the organization.)


Outfielders
Player PA OBP SLG OPS OPS+ EQA
*Matt Kemp 653 .340 .459 .799 104 .280
*Andre Ethier 594 .375 .510 .885 126 .301 .
*Juan Pierre 402 .327 .328 .655 70 .245
*Manny Ramirez 229 .489 .743 1.232 213 .406
Andruw Jones 238 .256 .249 .505 32 .170
*Delwyn Young 141 .321 .341 .663 72 .232
Jason Repko 19 .250 .222 .472 24 .202
Terry Tiffee 5 .400 .250 .650 74 .253
*likely on NLDS roster
Kemp set a Dodger season record for strikeouts, lost a chunk of points off his batting average and can look lost at the plate sometimes. And then you look again, and he's just lashing and dashing. He has grown into his center field position nicely, looking positively graceful at times, and in doing so makes his .280 EQA more than tolerable. The media will be looking to pick on him - hopefully he can play a gaffe-free series.

Ethier, a streak hitter throughout his first three seasons in the majors, absolutely caught fire as the season wound down, turning in a banner year. Again, I'm feeling media-conscious: Don't let the TBS announcers try to convince you he simply rode the Ramirez coattails - Ethier did plenty on his own. Even if he slumps, he's an absolute battler at the plate. It also should be mentioned that Kemp and Ethier combined for 27 outfield assists.

Was Pierre watching the 2004 World Series? His best chance to shine will be in the Dave Roberts role, which he is nicely suited for - much more than that of starting outfielder. Fortunately for the Dodgers' sake, the team finally found three outfielders it was happy to start in Pierre's place. It was never personal.

Ramirez hit. Jones did not.

Young, as noted before, is finding himself having to make a case for inclusion on the roster. His numbers frankly didn't turn out that great this year, and his defense is suspect, so it's not as if banishing him from the roster turns him into Jean Valjean. But his potential is higher than the alternatives. Repko and if he's amenable, Tiffee will cheerlead from afar.


Pitchers
Player IP OBP SLG K/9 GO/AO ERA ERA+
*Derek Lowe 211 .285 .352 6.27 2.48 3.24 136
*Chad Billingsley 200 2/3 .324 .363 9.01 1.59 3.14 141
*Hiroki Kuroda 183 1/3 .299 .359 5.69 1.59 3.73 119
*Clayton Kershaw 107 2/3 .344 .405 8.36   4.26 104
*Chan Ho Park 95 1/3 .336 .413 7.46 1.92 3.40 130
Brad Penny 94 2/3 .378 .465 4.85 1.77 6.27 71
Hong-Chih Kuo 80 .263 .303 10.80 1.18 2.14 207
*Cory Wade 71 1/3 .256 .328 6.43 1.10 2.27 195
*Jonathan Broxton 69 .298 .297 11.48 1.24 3.13 141
*Joe Beimel 49 .347 .324 5.88 1.09 2.02 219
*Takashi Saito 47 .294 .299 11.49 1.05 2.49 178
*Greg Maddux 40 2/3 .294 .417 3.98 1.66 5.09 87
*Scott Proctor 38 2/3 .355 .478 10.71 0.73 6.05 73
Eric Stults 38 2/3 .315 .417 6.98 0.73 3.49 127
Ramon Troncoso 38 .333 .384 9.00 3.37 4.26 104
Jason Johnson 29 1/3 .357 .504 6.14 2.38 5.22 85
Esteban Loaiza 24 .291 .447 3.38 0.62 5.62 79
Brian Falkenborg 11 2/3 .313 .409 6.94 2.10 6.17 72
James McDonald 6 .261 .273 3.00 0.33 0.00 ----
Scott Elbert 6 .452 .615 12.00 1.75 12.00 37
Yhency Brazoban 3 .438 .538 9.00 0.60 6.00 74
Tanyon Sturtze 2 1/3 .222 .250 3.86 0.20 0.00 ----
*likely on NLDS roster

Lowe was sensational in the second half: a 2.38 ERA, including 0.59 in September. The Cubs didn't have to wait that long to struggle against him, going 4 for 23 with two walks and two double plays in seven scoreless innings against Lowe on May 28 - in a game the Dodgers lost by allowing runs in the ninth and 10th innings. The Cubs will come out ready to lumber, but if anyone were primed to follow Jose Lima as the second winning Dodger pitcher of the past 20 years, it's Lowe. As always, infield defense behind him will be critical.

And yet, the true ace of the staff this year was Billingsley, who turned 24 in July. Billinglsey struck out a batter an inning while posting the fifth-best adjusted ERA in the NL. (Game 1 Cubs starter Ryan Dempster was third at 153.) Billinglsey has exceeded his career high in innings by far, but like many other Dodgers he picked up some rest, throwing two innings in a tuneup run Saturday.

According to Baseball Prospectus, Kuroda led qualifying NL starting pitchers in FLAKE - which is a technical term but should be self-explanatory. His range of performance never let you be certain of what to expect; the potential for utter greatness or disappointment is more than present. Still, he was good more than he was bad.

Those three should carry the Dodgers through the maximum five-game series, allowing Kershaw and Maddux to grab a couple of chairs in the bullpen. Whether or not the young lefty is suited to make a pressure appearance in the middle of the inning is unclear - although it's worth noting that even with his control issues, his on-base percentage allowed was still less than that of Beimel. Meanwhile, Kershaw brings that great strikeout potential. Still, he might be the last guy chosen to appear - and that's before considerations of resting his young arm are factored in. Maddux is certainly an intriguing choice to use in relief against his original team - he certainly isn't going to walk anyone - but he still is risky enough to likely remain a reserve to the reserve.

Park has been on the Dodgers all season and a pleasant surprise at that for the most part. Had the absolutely scintillating Kuo been healthy, the Dodgers might have been forced to push either Park or Proctor off the roster, and while Proctor has looked fairly solid coming off a long (and shamefully overdue) disabled list stint, Park has really struggled the past two months. Even if the case for including promising young McDonald founders on his propensity at this stage to allow fly balls in droves, Park still shouldn't be allowed to grip a baseball in Wrigley Field.

While Kuo and Penny sit on the sidelines - one trying to work his way back for a potential NL Championship Series appearance, the other wondering about his contract status - Wade quietly continues as a middle-relief savior for the Dodgers. Something interesting to note is that Wade has been a lot luckier than Troncoso, who was left off the roster. Opponents are hitting .216 on balls in play against Wade, .350 against Troncoso, even though Troncoso gets more strikeouts and grounders. Wade has been magic all year; the Dodgers are hoping it doesn't run out, as he definitely will join Beimel, who hasn't allowed a home run in a team-record 103 games since July 21, 2007, as a regular element out of the pen.

The marquee names of the Dodger bullpen are Saito and Broxton. Like Furcal and Kent, the 38-year-old miracle from Japan has been making a late-September comeback from injury. While Dodger fans will be eager to see him back in the games, it's not as if he isn't fallible, not with three losses and four blown saves. But the goal here isn't to put Saito down - not when he's striking out 11.5 batters per nine innings and allowing an OPS below .600. The point is that Broxton does the same. If it's true that Broxton does so a little less effectively in save situations, that point has been vastly overstated. The bottom line is, if the Dodgers have a lead after seven innings, the team could hardly be in better hands, even if those hands have white knuckles.

No one else will figure in the Dodgers' postseason plans. Stults could have been filling the Maddux role but for one bad start in Colorado that submarined what had been a fine season for him. Johnson was something of the opposite - he was ineffective far more than he wasn't and has joined Penny in going home. Elbert briefly looked like he might make a stab as another lefty in reserve, but couldn't control that reborn arm of his enough to gain Torre's confidence. Maybe next year. Brazoban is trying to get his career back together, while Falkenborg, Loaiza and Sturtze are no longer in the organization – as players. Sturtze has made the unusual decision to remain as a second bullpen catcher for the Dodgers.

Summary
May 26-28, the Dodgers allowed a total of eight runs in three games to the Cubs - and were swept. For the season, the Dodgers held the Cubs to 19 runs in seven games - and lost five. Billingsley, Kuroda and Lowe started all but one of those seven. The Dodgers know their pitching can succeed against the Cubs.

But the hitting? Hard to say. The last time the Dodgers played the Cubs was June 8, nearly two months before Ramirez joined the team. In their seven games against Chicago, Pierre had the most plate appearances (and OPSed .563). Hu, Maza and Berroa combined at shortstop to go 1 for 24 with one walk. On the other hand, though Loney and DeWitt also struggled with sub-.600 OPSes, Kent, Martin, Ethier and Kemp all hit well. The point is, this is not the same Dodger offense the Cubs faced earlier this season. Replacing Pierre with Ramirez and inserting Furcal could transform Los Angeles.

Whether this is a Dodger team that will perform any better than the May-June 2008 Dodgers, or for that matter the 1989-2007 Dodgers ... there's just no way of knowing. Several hopeful Dodger teams in the past 20 years have gone ever so gently into that bad night. The Dodgers somehow have to change that.

It starts with Lowe and Ramirez. Anyone can be a hero, but those two have been going so well for so long that they are poised to make an impact that Dodger fans haven't seen in a generation of postseasons. For them to reverse their two-month-old hot streaks right here and now would bring a confounding agony to Dodger fans.

Comments (533)
Show/Hide Comments 1-50
2008-09-29 00:44:52
1.   Eric Stephen
It's going to be a busy baseball weekend in SoCal!

Friday: Red Sox @ Angels, 6:30pm
Saturday: Cubs @ Dodgers, 7pm
Sunday: Cubs @ Dodgers, ???pm*

*if necessary

2008-09-29 00:45:46
2.   Greg Brock
I have to believe that, eventually, the Dodgers will benefit from this crapshoot thingy everybody talks about.

Let's go dumb luck let's go! (clap clap).

2008-09-29 01:03:44
3.   DBrim
I, for one, am annoyed that the Angles have home field over the Red Sox. No flyover over my apartment this year.

Interesting analysis on the roster. I still have a suspicion that Torre will pick Sweeney (over DY or similar). If he does, I'll lose my trust that I've given him as a manager. It already wore thin with the benching of Ethier.

I'm not convinced about Furcal, but he'll be an upgrade over Berroa. I'm worried about his swing, though. It hasn't looked the same since he got back. Hopefully he'll be getting a lot of cage time.

2008-09-29 01:08:23
4.   Jon Weisman
3 - Yeah, even though Young has been twice as good as Sweeney, it really might not be enough to make a difference.

The only thing I keep telling myself is, does Torre really want to show October audiences that he's using a .127 hitter? I do think the presence of Garciaparra, Kent and Furcal could be a gamechanger with Sweeney.

2008-09-29 02:29:40
5.   DBrim
4 - Let me be clear on my feelings on DY, though. The man can hit, but only if he's used consistently. Pinch hitting can really bring down somebody's numbers. It's to the point where I'd feel better if he was elsewhere and starting (it has been great to see Cody Ross starting and doing so well in Florida, for example).
2008-09-29 02:38:24
6.   Louis in SF
3

Good analysis of the roster. Like everyone else I have questions about Furcal and actually would have loved to seen him or Kent pinch hit for Berroa in the 9th on Sunday. I know why it didn't happen, but the Giants took yesterday's game very seriously, and would have been interested to see how Furcal reacted. Kent as well especially since both maybe coming off the bench in the series.

I think the DY decision is such a no brainer for three reasons: he is a switch hitter, as a PH which is what he would primarily be in the series, his OBP is 393 and he is hitting 292. Stats are far higher than Sweeney, and whatever his defensive shortcomings he can play multiple positions, Sweeney can't.

2008-09-29 03:00:29
7.   bhsportsguy
When you look at the numbers after the All-Star Break, the offensive numbers are much closer.

The Cubs scored 38 more runs in one less game. Their line was .273/.346/.443, It must also be noted that the Cubs did go into playoff management a week earlier than the Dodgers and were nursing injuries in this period.

The Dodgers had the 4th best OPS in the NL after the ASB (3 teams tied for first including the Cubs). The Dodgers line was .279/.350/.434.

Both teams continued to pitch well in the second half.

No question adding the best hitter in the NL from August 1st helps these numbers (and Ethier's numbers from that time are no slouch either).

2008-09-29 04:52:34
8.   das411
Woah woah woah, after all that, the AL leader in home runs this season ended up being...Miguel Cabrera???
2008-09-29 06:01:23
9.   DBrim
Additional thoughts on our chances:

Given how poorly the rest of the offense did in our series without Manny, we have to be worried a bit. If Manny is the only one hitting, he'll be pitched around the entire series. Obviously, a lot more has changed since then (Ethier in the full lineup, Furcal back perhaps, Dewitt swinging a much hotter bat), but I'm very curious to see how we do against this pitching. The kids are going to need to step it up, because if we can get them to their bullpen (which is poor compared to ours) early enough, I like our chances.

2008-09-29 06:35:36
10.   Dodger Dawg
The Cubs are a good team, the Dodgers have been playing good as of late, it can go either way. The one thing about this series is that if the Ds manage to win it, and they might, they're in a really good position to go to the World Series. Beating the Cubs in the opening round could give them the confidence to go all the way.
2008-09-29 07:41:38
11.   Raf
8 Only because Alex Rodriguez was hurt, and Manny Ramirez was traded.

I'm more surprised that it took 37 HRs to lead the league.

2008-09-29 08:14:24
12.   ToyCannon
Injuries are part of the game and I doubt if Manny hit's 37 if he's stays in Boston. Miggy is a well deserved home run champion and even if things didn't break the Tiger way this season they stole Miggy last winter. But baseball is a strange game, the Marlins even with the lousy trade will probably see the postseason before the Tigers. Their future rotation is making the NL East queasy.
2008-09-29 08:23:15
13.   JoeyP
Must feel bad for Kuo.

He's gone from pitching in the playoffs, to pitching in the instructional league in front of maybe 50 people.

Also, when is the deadline for setting the 25 man playoff roster? If a player gets hurt during one of the games, can that player be replaced by someone not on the original roster?

2008-09-29 08:26:21
14.   JoeyP
Wed/Thursday will both be cold games.
High - 60
Low - 45
2008-09-29 08:39:47
15.   bhsportsguy
I saw a note where Philadelphia's deadline to set their post-season roster (for the first round) is 10:00 a.m. EDT, Wednesday just prior to the first game of their NLDS.
2008-09-29 08:41:31
16.   bhsportsguy
13 I do not think you can replace an injured player during a series, you have to wait until the next round, if you get there.
2008-09-29 08:46:29
17.   FirstMohican
Also, Jason Marquis and Dempster are the #3 and #4 least "FLAKEY" qualifying starters. Lilly is at #17 and Zambrano is 79th, juuuust a little less FLAKEY than Kuroda.
2008-09-29 08:48:30
18.   ToyCannon
13
It does suck for Kuo. He's a big reason why we are here. I don't feel bad for Penny because we made it in spite of his performance not because of it.

If Saito had not come back I'd be very worried about the middle relief since Park/Proctor/Beimel would have had to pitch more then I want. Our bullpen has been our strength but without Kou I'm not sure if we can call it a strength right now. I've felt Wade was pitching with mirrors all year and it would not surprise me if those mirrors crack in the playoffs at an inopportune time.

2008-09-29 08:49:19
19.   Kevin Lewis
Have there been any articles on the Penny situation?
2008-09-29 08:49:48
20.   underdog
16 Except at catcher, I believe. (Ellis will be emergency catch if something happens to one of the others.)
2008-09-29 08:50:25
21.   KingKopitar
So the Dodgers are relying on a 35 year-old starter, a 36 year-old slugger, and a 38 year-old closer? I can't decide if that's good or bad.
2008-09-29 08:57:05
22.   underdog
This seems like a pretty fair breakdown of the matchup, from the Chicago Tribune:

http://tinyurl.com/4wgwg5

2008-09-29 09:08:01
23.   Eric Stephen
Manny is 16 RBI behind Bernie Williams for the all-time postseason lead. Manny had 16 RBI last postseason. You do the math.

Perhaps more likely is that Manny's 59 postseason walks place him in 4th place, 13 free passes behind all-time leader Larry Jones.

2008-09-29 09:13:01
24.   regfairfield
8 Amazing, Miguel Cabrera ended up having a Miguel Cabrera year (minus some intentional walks and BABIP) after the horrible start he got off to.
2008-09-29 09:15:04
25.   Eric Stephen
It would have been cool if Carlos Quentin led the AL in HR despite missing a month.
2008-09-29 09:24:44
26.   MollyKnight
Vegas has the Dodgers at 8-1 to win the world series. The Angels are favored at 11/4. The Rays are at 4-1, but before the season started they were at 150-1.

http://www.vegasinsider.com/mlb/odds/futures/

2008-09-29 09:24:49
27.   Eric Stephen
For those of us interested in such things (basically me and overkill94), Adam Dunn did end up with exactly 40 HR for the fourth year in a row.

Players with Exact HR Total Four Straight Years (3+ HR)
Dunn (40), 2005-2008
Ken Boyer (24), 1961-1964
Fred Lynn (23), 1984-1987
Curt Walker (6), 1925-1928

Al Evans hit 2 HR for six straight years (1945-1950).

Luke Sewell (1932-1935) and Jimmy Austin (1910-1913) hit 2 HR for four straight years.

2008-09-29 09:26:17
28.   Eric Stephen
26
I slapped a $20 down on the Dodgers to win it all in early September (right after AZ series #1) at 25-1.
2008-09-29 09:29:26
29.   dzzrtRatt
I wonder where the LA Times' loyalties will be?
2008-09-29 09:35:27
30.   unlazy4sports
28 I got 26-1 after the victory over Brandon Webb, the first time, so a day before you placed your bet.
2008-09-29 09:39:08
31.   underdog
Sporting News breakdown of the NLDS included this in the bit on each team's defense:

>>The return of shortstop Rafael Furcal would go a long way in stabilizing the Dodgers' infield; Shortstop Angel Berroa is erratic and, according to one N.L. scout, is not manager Joe Torre's most trusted defender. Furcal has been back only a week after missing four-plus months because of back surgery, but he was making long, back-stretching throws from the hole in workouts over the weekend.<<

The article seemed fair 'nuf but lost some credibility with this: "The Dodgers are paying outfielders Andruw Jones and Juan Pierre a combined $17 million this season, and neither will see much, if any, action in October." Uh, Jones definitely won't see any action.

http://tinyurl.com/3gsk9t

2008-09-29 09:42:42
32.   Jon Weisman
20 - I've never heard of a postseason exception for adding a catcher mid-series.
2008-09-29 09:45:22
33.   dzzrtRatt
31 A combined $17 million?

Are Pierre and Jones giving some of their money back? Because I think the total is more like a combined $26 million.

2008-09-29 09:46:57
34.   underdog
32 I've heard references to it a few times. Then I'd seen this aside on Yahoo

>>Ellis, a September call-up from Class AAA Las Vegas who projects as a major league backup, had previous appeared in two games as a defensive replacement. Ellis will travel with the club during the playoffs in case an emergency catcher is needed, but he won't be on the roster.<<

But I can't find anything official on it.

2008-09-29 09:49:45
35.   underdog
34 http://tinyurl.com/4zv5hu

--
But it could be referring to between series, if they make it that far? Or to help out away from the game? Not sure. I feel like this would make sense, though.

2008-09-29 09:50:13
36.   regfairfield
33 Jones' contract is backloaded, he's not getting all that much this year.
2008-09-29 09:52:47
37.   Jon Weisman
35 - Yeah, I took that to mean he'd continue working out with the team in case he's needed in the NLCS. I can't say it doesn't exist, but if it does it certainly is new since 1988 and Rick Dempsey ...
2008-09-29 09:53:40
38.   underdog
Weird, Wikipedia has this in its entry on baseball rules, but this wasn't my impression:

>>Until 2007, teams could not replace players on their playoff rosters in the event of an injury and had to play out the series shorthanded. Starting in 2007, an injured player could be replaced by another player not included on the initial 25-man roster, but the injured player is no longer eligible for the next round of the playoffs should his team advance.<<

Is that true?

2008-09-29 09:54:55
39.   underdog
(Of course, most importantly is that Russell Martin stay healthy anyway, or the team will be in trouble regardless.)
2008-09-29 09:59:47
40.   Bob Timmermann
38
That rule is indeed true and was added last year. No one used it.
2008-09-29 10:00:27
41.   Jon Weisman
How about that.
2008-09-29 10:05:26
42.   underdog
40 So when Sweeney is added to the roster and then pulls his groin in batting practice, they can go ahead and add Delwyn? Cool.
2008-09-29 10:08:44
43.   Bob Timmermann
Players replaced during a playoff series also have to be the same position. Pitcher for pitcher, catcher for catcher, etc.
2008-09-29 10:09:30
44.   Bumsrap
Random thoughts:

Young is the emergency catcher and therefore might make the team instead of Sweeney.

I don't think both Furcal and Kent should be on the team due to risk of injury.

Torre should be loyal to the players that got them to the playoffs and not to players at the end of their careers. This means Loney plays and does not get platooned and Nomar pinch hits, and Kent doesn't get near first base.

Hu should be on the team.

Furcal could have used Sunday's game to sharpen up and with him not playing, begs the question as to how many innings he will be able to play in a 5 game series.

2008-09-29 10:12:37
45.   Jon Weisman
From the Daily News via L.A. Observed:

http://www.dailynews.com/news/ci_10585922

"Los Angeles City Councilman Ed Reyes last week asked the city to seek federal legislation that would declare the area around the stadium as 'Dodgertown.'"

2008-09-29 10:16:10
46.   Jon Weisman
44 - "Torre should be loyal to the players that got them to the playoffs ..."

"Hu should be on the team ..."

I'm with you in spirit, but I think there's a slight contradiction here.

In any case, Torre should be loyal to who will be the best going forward into October, not looking back.

2008-09-29 10:21:26
47.   Jon Weisman
45 minutes until "Spoil or No Spoil."
2008-09-29 10:23:24
48.   Bob Timmermann
45
Why does the Federal government have to declare the area "Dodgertown?" Can't the City just slap some of those blue neighborhood signs up and be done with it?

Or does Councilman Reyes want the Board of Geographic Names to add "Dodgertown" to the map?

2008-09-29 10:24:46
49.   oshea2002
Anyone here live in Chicago and thinking about going to game 2?
2008-09-29 10:25:40
50.   Bob Timmermann
I don't believe the White Sox-Tigers game is on Extra Innings.

I may have to settle for listening to Steve Stone and Ed Farmer.

Show/Hide Comments 51-100
2008-09-29 10:27:24
51.   DBrim
50 - If you have ESPN360 available the game will be streamed on there.
2008-09-29 10:28:51
52.   Kevin Lewis
Are the games going to be on mlb.tv or is TBS or bust?
2008-09-29 10:31:36
53.   Bob Timmermann
Postseason games aren't on MLB.tv.

Sadly, I don't get ESPN360 at home. Just at work. And I have the day off!

Oh cruel fate!

2008-09-29 10:32:24
54.   Bob Timmermann
Wow, UCLA is favored by 17 to 20 points against Washington State.

This leads me to believe that Washington State is not very good this year.

2008-09-29 10:33:28
55.   Jon Weisman
53 - Are you addressing your larger problem?
2008-09-29 10:34:26
56.   LogikReader
The Sox/Tigers game will also be on ESPN2, I believe
2008-09-29 10:34:46
57.   Penarol1916
I'm going to Game 1 with a Cubs fan co-worker. We're each bringing our respective 5-year olds. His daughter is a die-hard Cubs fan. While my son is a Dodgers fan, he is a huge bandwagon jumper and openly states that he likes whoever wins. Maybe I should take my 3-year old who likes the Dodgers no matter what.
2008-09-29 10:44:05
58.   scooplew
Jon: Excellent comprehensive analysis of the post-season roster. Thank you.
2008-09-29 10:47:27
59.   Bob Timmermann
56
That makes things a lot simpler then.
2008-09-29 10:56:22
60.   Kevin Lewis
53

Well, then I don't have to choose between the debate and the game.

2008-09-29 10:58:50
61.   Bob Timmermann
55
The larger problem was resolved quickly this morning as I believe other units in my building had the same problem.
2008-09-29 10:59:16
62.   bhsportsguy
A.J. Ellis is immortalized but not some other notable 2008 Dodgers.

http://tinyurl.com/3j5d8p

2008-09-29 11:00:38
63.   Neal Pollack
Sweeney will be on the postseason roster, despite all evidence to the contrary. He is a master hypnotist.
2008-09-29 11:02:02
64.   Kevin Lewis
62

Too bad for Andruw

2008-09-29 11:03:43
65.   ToyCannon
38
That new rule changes things as you can carry an risky addition like Kent because if he hurts himself he can now be replaced. I like the new rule and I'm glad they instituted it. Thanks for finding it.

I'm expecting Kent on the bench for game one with Lowe pitching so that we go with the Furcal/DeWitt keystone combo.

2008-09-29 11:04:39
66.   Bob Timmermann
Rain delay in Chicago.
2008-09-29 11:04:46
67.   ToyCannon
Xeifrank and his simulator won our True Blue contest with his prediction of 84 wins.
http://www.truebluela.com/2008/9/29/624399/we-have-a-winner
2008-09-29 11:08:17
68.   D4P
Hilarious. The Rams have fired their head coach.

In other news, ESPN has an article up about the big drop in MLB power numbers in 2008.

2008-09-29 11:09:44
69.   Tripon
The Rams should just move back to L.A. already.
2008-09-29 11:10:30
70.   underdog
63 Hrm.
Sweeney the Magnificient (to Torre):
"Every day in every way I'm getting better and better"

Torre (watching shiny object move back and forth): "Every day in every way you're getting better and better..."

2008-09-29 11:10:35
71.   Jon Weisman
66 - We don't want the 2008 regular season to ever end!
2008-09-29 11:10:50
72.   underdog
68 That just made Icaros very happy, at the least.
2008-09-29 11:10:56
73.   Bumsrap
46 - My desire for the players who got the Dodgers to the playoffs to be on the team and play most of the innings and wanting Hu on the team seems like a contradiction but since I don't it wise to have no more than two of Kent, Nomar, and Furcal on the playoff roster, who else other than Hu should be the utility infielder? Ozuna?

Hu is their best defender and appears to be hitting the ball now. As soon as Nomar is forced to play defense he is lost for pinch hitting.

2008-09-29 11:11:12
74.   DodgerBlueBruce
45 I went to Dodgertown. I knew Dodgertown.
Dodgertown was a friend of mine. Councilman, the area around Dodger Stadium is no Dodgertown.
2008-09-29 11:13:38
75.   ToyCannon
Are the financial markets considered Rule One violations?
2008-09-29 11:16:55
76.   Jon Weisman
75 - It depends.
2008-09-29 11:18:28
77.   Eric Stephen
67
Speaking of predictions, I was remiss in not rewarding someone named uke for being the only one in the DT prediction contest to guess 84-78.

GMac in the 909, Penarol916, Doctor, Brent Knapp, dzzrtRatt, and El Lay Dave can all blame their loss (they picked 85 wins) on Nomar's bad managing! :)

2008-09-29 11:18:36
78.   ToyCannon
76
I meant rule 5 but at the moment I guess it is applicable to rule 1.
2008-09-29 11:23:00
79.   Bob Timmermann
So what's this thunder thing I'm hearing?
2008-09-29 11:24:32
80.   underdog
I love Facebook sometimes. Glimpsed on my home page's news feed:

"Judah Friedlander and Norm MacDonald are now friends via the People You May Know tool."

2008-09-29 11:30:57
81.   Sagehen
53 For those of us who refuse to overpay for cable, this is just bad news. I would happily pay the money for an October of watching the games on-line, and MLB might have even gotten me sucked in for next year. Do we at least get Gameday?
2008-09-29 11:33:32
82.   Bob Timmermann
Yes, there will be Gameday. But the best thing to do is to follow DT game thread comments.

That way you will know ahead of time when Mark Sweeney is in the on deck circle. There will be swearing.

2008-09-29 11:36:00
83.   Tripon
One scout on Cubs vs. Dodgers: "The Cubs should beat the Dodgers easily. The Dodgers don't play good defense.''

• That scout also worries about the Dodgers' bullpen. Jonathan Broxton is a "cardiac closer,'' the scout said.

• As for Manny, one executive noted, "the Dodgers are almost forced to bid on him now.''

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2008/writers/jon_heyman/09/29/monday.scoop/1.html

2008-09-29 11:36:27
84.   Sagehen
Fortunately, my laptop has a wide enough screen that I can have both Gameday and Dodger Thoughts up at the same time. Hmmm. This might be more fun than going to a sports bar.
2008-09-29 11:36:33
85.   D4P
This is a website that allows one to watch all kinds of sporting events online (including many MLB games), for free.

http://www.myp2p.eu/index.php?part=home

Click on the "Live Sports" link at the top to find out what's playing right now.

(NOTE: As far as I can tell, there's nothing illegal about this, and the website is SFW).

2008-09-29 11:41:17
86.   okdodge
79 Was that a refernce to the new NBA team in OKC?
2008-09-29 11:41:33
87.   underdog
83 Worries about the Dodgers defense are warranted but also possibly a bit overplayed. As that matchup scorecard I posted earlier noted, the defense is more even than it appears when you factor in Ethier and Kemp's outfield assists (highest totals for 2 Dodger outfielders in 25 years) and, additionally, the potential (major) upgrade at SS with Furcal over Berroa (who understandably worries Torre), and DeWitt's presence at 2nd over Kent. The defense has generally been much improved. We'll see.
2008-09-29 11:41:57
88.   D4P
86
refernce

I guess you really are from Oklahoma...

2008-09-29 11:42:06
89.   Kevin Lewis
81

I agree, obviously.

I want to give up on Heroes, but I don't know if I can.

2008-09-29 11:43:51
90.   briano
Officially, when will we know the Dodger playoff roster for the first round?
2008-09-29 11:44:05
91.   okdodge
Dadgum mispelt words!!! Ya'll always catch'um round these parts. :)
2008-09-29 11:44:37
92.   Bob Timmermann
With the rain delay in Chicago, I now have time to clean up the mysterious gunk in my shower. I really don't want to know what it is. But I believe rubber gloves are in order.
2008-09-29 11:48:31
93.   regfairfield
87 But it might not matter if people don't respect their arms. Ethier had a ton of assists last year but since no one respected him he was still below average.

Even if they are strong, it's really hard for an arm to really matter unless you're Soriano.

2008-09-29 11:49:28
94.   Bob Timmermann
Rain in the forecast in Chicago until 3 pm PT.
2008-09-29 11:50:28
95.   D4P
Can mysterious gunk be cleaned up in 10 minutes...?
2008-09-29 11:50:53
96.   Jon Weisman
83 - Well of course, the Dodgers are going to bid on him. Whether they sign him is another matter.
2008-09-29 11:51:00
97.   Marty
94 What's the forecast for Wednesday and Thursday? Besides a dead stock market?
2008-09-29 11:55:01
98.   underdog
I don't know what's going on in the Timmermann househould, but between isolated thunder and mysterious toxic gunk, everyone best stay away. Sounds like the Hammer House of Horror.
2008-09-29 12:01:57
99.   bhsportsguy
94 More people will show up at Tuesday's Cubs rally then today's game against the Tigers.
2008-09-29 12:05:12
100.   LogikReader
I feel like these rallies are a new thing. I don't remember there being one for the 2006 Dodgers.
Show/Hide Comments 101-150
2008-09-29 12:05:18
101.   bhsportsguy
95 Did you finish watching "The Verdict?" I have always enjoyed Newman's summation scene.
2008-09-29 12:05:40
102.   bhsportsguy
100 There was one at Universal Studios.
2008-09-29 12:08:30
103.   D4P
101
Yeah. I thought it was very good, but not quite "great". I guessed part way through that Laura (Paul Newman's love interest) was a double agent, and when my guess proved correct, I was a little disappointed. (I like to be tricked, and when I'm able to predict plot twists ahead of time, I end up wishing the film had been cleverer).

But it was interesting to actually see Paul Newman in something other than "Road to Perdition".

2008-09-29 12:10:00
104.   Bob Timmermann
The gunk has been cleaned up. I'm not sure what it was. But I have used a lot of bleach in my bathroom. I'm only going in there for short periods of time until it dies down.

I think there may be some CHUDs.

2008-09-29 12:11:52
105.   underdog
103 They have Cool Hand Luke, Hud, The Sting, Butch Cassidy and The Sundance Kid (still great except for the bicycle scene), Cat on a Hat Tin Roof, Hudsucker Proxy, Harper and Slap Shot on DVD now, ya know.
2008-09-29 12:12:14
106.   Bob Timmermann
Can't I just go cheer on the Dodgers at Union Station as they get on their special train called "The Playoff Express?"

Joe Torre can address the crowd from the back of the train.

We'll throw confetti, yell "Huzzah!" and then throw our straw hats in the air.

2008-09-29 12:12:47
107.   D4P
105
DV what now...?
2008-09-29 12:13:33
108.   D4P
106
If Tom Hanks (or some animated representation thereof) is involved, count me out.
2008-09-29 12:13:45
109.   underdog
104 What was found in Bob's bathroom:

http://tinyurl.com/3qs6td

2008-09-29 12:13:59
110.   Sagehen
89 I gave up on Heroes during the first season when there was such a long break midseason that I missed a few episodes when it finally did come back. Some day I will Netflix the DVDs. I love serialized drama, and I don't mind waiting a week, but the month or two layoffs drive me nuts. I am much happier if I just wait and watch an entire season at once once the DVDs come out. Well ... except for LOST. I am too sucked into that one, since the first episode, to wait for the DVDs. Funny, but except for missing Dodger games (which is a big deal), I haven't missed cable much.
2008-09-29 12:14:47
111.   ToyCannon
103
It is amazing you have only seen two Paul Newman movies. Funny that you started at the end of his career. That would be cool to have never seen his movies and then work backwards. I'd suggest "Nobody's Fool" next, by the time you hit "Hud" you will have seen some of the best work from Hollywood.
2008-09-29 12:15:43
112.   Sagehen
85 thanks for the tip.
2008-09-29 12:16:27
113.   D4P
I'd suggest "Nobody's Fool" next

I'll plan on it.

2008-09-29 12:18:00
114.   D4P
112
It's a cool website, especially for watching tennis and golf (and soccer too, though I haven't watched it). NFL games are on there too, not that I care. The MLB games are the least reliable. Sometimes I can get them to work and sometimes not, though I haven't followed all the directions on the site as closely as I possibly could have.
2008-09-29 12:19:30
115.   Kevin Lewis
110

That is my problem. I already re-watched seasons 1 and 2, but the premiere left me with a mixed feeling about it all.

2008-09-29 12:19:41
116.   underdog
Oh yes, and add Nobody's Fool to my list in 105. I love Richard Russo's book, too.
2008-09-29 12:22:56
117.   Jon Weisman
Confidential to D4P:

http://defamer.com/5056438/is-michael-cera-two-or-three-steps-from-being-over

2008-09-29 12:24:51
118.   Dane Bramage
116
I would add "Absence Of Malice". Not that it's the greatest, but because you get the bonus added cast of Bob Balaban, Melinda Dillon, and Wilford Brimley (Oh yeah, and Sally Field, I guess...)
2008-09-29 12:25:16
119.   Sagehen
115 Ah, I understand. Perhaps it will be like Lost, which was just plain bad last fall but then rallied for a pretty good spring. Once you've invested two years into a serialized drama, it's pretty hard to leave even when it does get bad for awhile.

On another note ... I spent the summer watching all of Battlestar Galactica, seasons 1-4.1 (thank you Netflix and itunes). What is it about these shows slumping for part of the third season before picking it up again? You guys did warn me. What a great joy to watch without huge breaks ... but now I'm going to have to hope season 4.2 episodes will be on the internet.

2008-09-29 12:26:46
120.   Bob Timmermann
117
But I clicked on the link. Did I break the seal of confidentiality?
2008-09-29 12:29:04
121.   Tripon
http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/news;_ylt=AhNKSfEsXu1751VO8tRXqKgRvLYF?slug=nldsmatchupcubsvsdodgers&prov=tsn&type=lgns

Yahoo previews the Cubs-Dodgers series

2008-09-29 12:30:35
122.   seesdifferent
Casey Blake will be the difference maker. In the Friendly Confines, some of Manny's line drives will be outs or singles, but some of Blake's fly balls will be home runs. You heard it here first.
2008-09-29 12:31:02
123.   trainwreck
117
Funny, I have had this conversation with a couple of friends over the last couple of weeks.

I think he is too talented to be type-cast. Yes, for a little while he will and it does not seem to help that he is choosing movies like Extreme Movie, but I think he will move onto different roles eventually.

2008-09-29 12:31:57
124.   Tripon
Micheal Cera is not Shia LaBouf.
2008-09-29 12:34:15
125.   Bob Timmermann
Casey Blake, since he's been in the AL most of his career, has batted just twice at Wrigley Field and he's 0 for 2.
2008-09-29 12:36:47
126.   Bob Timmermann
Blake played for the Twins in Wrigley in 2001. He grounded out against Todd Von Poppel and struck out against Courtney Duncan.

Until today, I did not know that there was a pitcher named Courtney Duncan.

2008-09-29 12:37:30
127.   Tripon
ESPN.com has 9 experts out of 10 picking the Cubs over the Dodgers. Jim Caple is the lone voice against the madness. Jim Caple is an admitted Dodgers fanatic.
2008-09-29 12:39:02
128.   underdog
127 Yeah, I saw that. And Peter Gammons wasn't listed but on BBTN he also picked the Dodgers. So I guess you could say it's 9 out of 11.
2008-09-29 12:42:58
129.   ToyCannon
Being an underdog is so much fun.
2008-09-29 12:43:30
130.   regfairfield
The Cubs are pretty much the perfect playoff team according to BPs secret sauce, plus they have a better offense. They should be the favorites.
2008-09-29 12:44:53
131.   ToyCannon
123
Really, I have a hard time picturing him doing anything other then what he's doing. If he has a notable career from age 25-40 I'll be surprised.
2008-09-29 12:46:26
132.   ToyCannon
130
If the sauce is secret how do we know it is any good? Did it do a good job of predicting past post season success better then other systems?
2008-09-29 12:46:33
133.   Eric Stephen
129
"Nobody thought we could beat the mighty Cubs! And nobody thought we could beat the Brewers. And nobody believed we could beat a team that won 100 games, but we believed it!!!"
2008-09-29 12:48:45
134.   Eric Stephen
I tend to stray from secret sauce, since it usually contains a thousand island base.

I'll take this first round series with drilled onions, Manny and Casey instead, thank you very much.

2008-09-29 12:56:29
135.   regfairfield
132 In recent memory, both Boston teams and the White Sox were very good secret sauce teams, the Cardinals were horrible at it.

It's still a short series so anything can happen, but things are in the Cubs favor.

2008-09-29 12:58:18
136.   regfairfield
Or from a simpler perspective the Cubs have better hitting, top of the rotation pitching and defense.
2008-09-29 13:02:25
137.   Dane Bramage
127

Jim Caple is the lone voice against the madness. Jim Caple is an admitted Dodgers fanatic.

If that's the case, wouldn't it be more like he's the lone madness against the voices? ;-)

2008-09-29 13:03:01
138.   Marty
I'm wagering a dumpling lunch with one of my Cub fan friends.
2008-09-29 13:09:09
139.   LogikReader
It's really tough to project the Dodgers to win this series realistically. The main issue is the Cubs lineup from top to bottom is more consistent.

Bullpen: Us! Our bullpen is rock solid compared to the Cubbies.

Starters: toss up. Both staffs have rather remarkable ERA's, strikeout numbers, and other periphs.

Lineup: Dodgers are Manny and mostly raw youngin's. Cubs have about 4 All Stars in their lineup with Soto, Lee, Ramirez, and Soriano.. and if you really want to, Edmonds.

Intangibles: Probably favor the Dodgers, there is 3x as much pressure on the Cubs to get to the World Series. Then again, Chicago has an intimidating home field advantage.

Conclusion: Chicago in 4 or 5

Does that sound about right?

2008-09-29 13:11:14
140.   Harold M Johnson
I like being the underdog, but not being the under-under dog as in '04 and '06
2008-09-29 13:11:19
141.   Eric Stephen
I have upgraded at work from a 17" to a 22" monitor, and the difference is amazing!
2008-09-29 13:11:38
142.   Jacob Burch
124 And yet, Both he and Shia will be the stars for the two graphic-novel based films I'm looking forward to the most. Hopefully both do well.
2008-09-29 13:14:40
143.   LogikReader
I think given the choice, I'd prefer being the underdog myself. Were we "underdogs" in 1995 and 1996?
2008-09-29 13:18:09
144.   Eric Stephen
143
We were underdogs in both 1995 and 1996. The Reds had home field advantage in the NLDS due to their better record, but the series was set up Away-Away-Home-Home-Home. The Dodgers had the first two at home but didn't take advantage.
2008-09-29 13:19:32
145.   underdog
I prefer being the underdog, too.

Will the real underdog please stand up?

2008-09-29 13:23:25
146.   Eric Stephen
145
I have to ask, did you even bother to see the live action Underdog film? From the previews it looked beyond terrible.
2008-09-29 13:24:32
147.   underdog
Deadspin's take on the series (written by an avowed Cardinals fan, for what it's worth):

http://deadspin.com/5056083/nlds-preview-cubs-vs-dodgers

2008-09-29 13:26:21
148.   underdog
146 I eventually watched parts of it on a movie channel. It's pretty bad, though benign. I think it would be cute for kids but for adults or those of us with a nostalgic connection to the cartoon, it was pretty pointless and lame. Even the normally fun Jason Lee's readings of Underdog's rhyming dialogue were often kinda flat. I will say that Peter Dinklage made a fine Simon Bar Sinister, however!
2008-09-29 13:30:10
149.   Jon Weisman
Is there a precedent for MLB allowing two teams, if they both agree to it, to replace their on-field matchup when it rains with an indoor game of Othello?
2008-09-29 13:35:08
150.   Bob Timmermann
Mrs. Scott Erickson blogs for the LA Times now:
http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/sports_blog/2008/09/lisa-guerrero-c.html
Show/Hide Comments 151-200
2008-09-29 13:35:24
151.   okdodge
It took me forever to figure out the answer to the IQ question on the ad below. I feel like I'd have a really low IQ today.
2008-09-29 13:37:05
152.   bhsportsguy
149 They should just fly all three teams (Chicago, Detroit and Minnesota) down to Tampa Bay for the next two games. They can play a day/doubleheader for the AL Central title.
2008-09-29 13:39:12
153.   Eric Stephen
Here's a shining ray of hope for the Dodgers: In the 25 playoff games that have been played at Wrigley Field, the Cubs are 7-18.
2008-09-29 13:42:02
154.   Bob Timmermann
I hope if Greg Maddux gets into a game at Wrigley, he makes sure to put his glove over his mouth to avoid any lipreading incidents.
2008-09-29 13:43:39
155.   Johnson
139 Lineup: Dodgers are Manny and mostly raw youngin's. Cubs have about 4 All Stars in their lineup with Soto, Lee, Ramirez, and Soriano.. and if you really want to, Edmonds.

I would think that if Kemp, Ethier, Martin, and Loney qualify as "raw youngin's" that Soto should fall into that category as well.

Obviously anything can happen in a five game series, but I think our lineup is actually quite good. With DeWitt swinging again, Berroa seems to be the only hole, and that hole might be plugged by Furcal.

2008-09-29 13:45:26
156.   Daniel Zappala
I like this ESPN scoreboard explanation for why the Cubs and Astros aren't playing today:

THE CHICAGO CUBS AT HOUSTON ASTROS GAME HAS BEEN CANCELLED DUE TO THE HOUSTON ASTROS BEING ELIMINATED FROM PLAYOFF CONTENTION.

I know it was a make-up game so it's not "important" ... but by the logic of the above sentence, we could have canceled a lot of games by now.

2008-09-29 13:45:56
157.   underdog
There's a 50% chance of rain in Chicago on Wednesday. Man, I hope that game doesn't get all out of whack because of weather.
2008-09-29 13:48:39
158.   JoeyP
117- I agree. Cera does seem to be playing the same role over & over again. He's falling into Sean William Scott levels of type casting, but just a different character.

Its pretty crazy he's 20yrs old & will be playing a 14yr old.

2008-09-29 13:51:25
159.   dkminnick
Forgive me if this has been covered, but can someone explain to me how what is essentially a Game 7 playoff game is not on national TV today? I'm guessing that MLB did not have the foresight to grant rights to such games to one of the baseball networks - Fox, TBS, ESPN - and therefore no one has those rights. Could this possibly be true?
2008-09-29 13:52:56
160.   Bob Timmermann
The game will be shown on ESPN2.

Eventually.

2008-09-29 13:55:22
161.   Eric Stephen
158
Its pretty crazy he's 20yrs old & will be playing a 14yr old

It's old school 90210 math.

2008-09-29 13:56:29
162.   dkminnick
160 - Gracias, Bob.
2008-09-29 13:56:55
163.   Alex41592
New start time for Tigers/White Sox:

2:10 p.m.

2008-09-29 13:59:13
164.   Bob Timmermann
I believe ESPN is using Dave O'Brien for the game. Would that mean he'd be accompanied by Steve Phillips or Rick Sutcliffe?
2008-09-29 14:01:24
165.   bhsportsguy
153 If you are wondering, the Dodgers are 27-20 in post-season play at Dodger Stadium, 1-6 since 1988.

NLDS*: 4-6 (*includes 1981 NLDS Series against Houston)
NLCS: 9-8
World Series: 14-6

2008-09-29 14:01:47
166.   Bob Timmermann
So how many people will ESPN show expectorating during the National Anthem. I've counted five.
2008-09-29 14:03:35
167.   Bob Timmermann
Oh no! Steve Phillips!

My ears have started bleeding and he's not even talking yet.

2008-09-29 14:03:48
168.   Eric Stephen
166
It's like The Naked Gun all over again. I'd keep an eye on the home plate ump.
2008-09-29 14:04:11
169.   Bob Timmermann
What's the deal with Orel Hershiser's nose?
2008-09-29 14:04:49
170.   bhsportsguy
165 This does not include the 1962 NL Playoff or the 1980 NL West Divisional Playoff since those are counted as regular season games.
2008-09-29 14:05:48
171.   D4P
117
I had noticed that George Michael (not the singer-songwriter) plays the same character in every gig. (I've actually only seen AD and "Superbad", but I'd gathered as much about his other roles).

The sad will taste like sad if the AD movie doesn't happen because he's not on board.

2008-09-29 14:06:09
172.   Jacob Burch
Bob needs to get more days off. This is making my day go quicker.
2008-09-29 14:07:23
173.   Bob Timmermann
172
I work five days a week. It's a revolutionary schedule.
2008-09-29 14:07:33
174.   delias man
Sheffield is not hitting #500 today. There - I said it.
2008-09-29 14:07:51
175.   Jacob Burch
For the curious, Shia is set to star as Yorick in a two or three film adaptation of Y: The Last Man and Cera is set to play the titular character in Scott Pilgrim (a roll that is only a semi-type cast: its the same sort of young-adult funny character, but not really a shy or innocent type).
2008-09-29 14:11:04
176.   Jacob Burch
173 And I demand an end of it!

I actually will be switching to a 9/80 schedule shortly, allowing for a day off every two weeks. I'm eagerly awaiting it, though I wish it would have come before the playoffs. Ah well.

2008-09-29 14:11:16
177.   underdog
175 I'm definitely interested, having read that series this year. I can see that... There are, obviously, quite a few more intriguing roles for women in that film than for men. (Which is rarely said.)
2008-09-29 14:12:13
178.   Bob Timmermann
The Tigers changed their minds and brought fired pitching coach Chuck Hernandez and bullpen coach Jeff Jones down to Chicago for the game.
2008-09-29 14:13:07
179.   D4P
BTW: In case you were wondering, I hate that guy from "Knocked Up" who played the cop in "Superbad". I'm not a fan of the other kid who was in both movies, either.
2008-09-29 14:17:52
180.   trainwreck
158
Except Sean William Scott can't act and his career was made playing a jerk, which is quite easy.

Cera can actually act.

2008-09-29 14:18:12
181.   bhsportsguy
167 Of those 47 games, I have been to 3 (1-2). I have been to 4 Angel playoff games (3-1). I don't think I have been to many Laker playoff games, one Clipper playoff game, and probably a Kings playoff games, though none come to mind.
2008-09-29 14:19:30
182.   Eric Stephen
181
Was the one Angel loss THE Angel loss in 1986?
2008-09-29 14:20:19
183.   D4P
Cera can actually act

Some people think he's just being himself. Granted, himself is funny and endearing, but it's still kind of ridiculous to get paid millions for it.

2008-09-29 14:21:45
184.   Eric Stephen
181
With me in attendance..

Dodgers (2-3)
2006: Game 3
2004: Games 3-4
1995: Game 2
1988: WS Game 2

Angels (0-1)
2005: ALCS Game 5

I did get to see a team clinch a series/pennant in 2005 so that was kind of cool.

2008-09-29 14:23:17
185.   LogikReader
182

My Dad was at that game, I think!

2008-09-29 14:23:24
186.   trainwreck
183
You should go into acting and get paid millions for doing nothing.
2008-09-29 14:23:44
187.   ToyCannon
The Cubs have won the pennant but the Toaster Cub Town hasn't posted since 9/20. I guess nothing is happening in the Windy City that might be considered interesting right now.
2008-09-29 14:24:39
188.   D4P
186
I think I would have been a good actor, but:

1. I don't think I would have had the "connections" to make it big

2. I don't want to be an actor

2008-09-29 14:26:34
189.   underdog
Michael Cera's salary hardly seems like the most pressing issue of today.

Such as, how is "Fireproof" with Kirk Cameron #4 at the box office?

2008-09-29 14:27:25
190.   bhsportsguy
182 No, it was the 4th game in the 1979 ALCS.

I kept planning to go to an Angel playoff game in 2002 but just never got around to seriously trying to buy a ticket.

2008-09-29 14:27:45
191.   Bob Timmermann
I've never seen the Angels in the postseason. I've never been to a Lakers, Clippers, or Kings playoff game. Nor a Rams or Raiders playoff game.
But I have been to a playoff game in one of the four big North American team sports (MLB, NBA, NFL, and NHL) in a city outside of L.A.
2008-09-29 14:28:08
192.   trainwreck
183
He's not really just being himself. His facial expressions, timing, little ticks, a bunch of little subtle things that he does very well.
2008-09-29 14:28:38
193.   D4P
Is Kirk Cameron now a 30-something heartthrob...?
2008-09-29 14:28:41
194.   Bob Timmermann
188
You're just afraid to use your middle initial in your screen credit.
2008-09-29 14:28:55
195.   underdog
Freddy Garcia appears to be doing all he can to extend the White Sox season.
2008-09-29 14:29:19
196.   Ken Noe
My AL Tuesday fantasy: "Yes!! The Sox win! The Tigers are leaving the field...and out come the Twins!"
2008-09-29 14:29:27
197.   trainwreck
189
I wish I could talk about the hilarity that is Kirk Cameron's website, but it breaks Rule 5 or something similar to Rule 5.
2008-09-29 14:29:51
198.   Humma Kavula
Dear Detroit Tigers,

Please stop laying down and dying. I know that you really want to go home and I understand that, but you should at least try to win this game.

I will be rooting for you next year, but only if you show effort in this game.

Sincerely yours,

Humma K.

2008-09-29 14:30:34
199.   underdog
193 Only for die-hard evangelical Christians, who apparently like to go to the movies once in awhile.
2008-09-29 14:31:16
200.   LogikReader
I've been to a couple of Kings playoff games, along with a Clippers playoff game, and a Dodgers playoff game. No Lakers playoff game yet, I haven't recieved the proper financing.
Show/Hide Comments 201-250
2008-09-29 14:33:08
201.   Eric Stephen
I'd rather watch an Andrew Koenig* movie instead of Fireproof.

*Yes, I had to look that up.

2008-09-29 14:34:14
202.   underdog
Garcia hear's Humma's cry and gets out of it cheaply enough.
2008-09-29 14:34:14
203.   Eric Stephen
191
But I have been to a playoff game in one of the four big North American team sports (MLB, NBA, NFL, and NHL) in a city outside of L.A.

I'm going to guess Anaheim Ducks.

2008-09-29 14:34:23
204.   Bob Timmermann
AIG's collapse happened in part because too many people defaulted on loans to pay for the deposits to Arizona Cardinals playoff tickets.
2008-09-29 14:34:45
205.   D4P
194
It's funny: I actually use my middle initial in journal publications.

But I don't do it to scam people into thinking I'm cooler (and thus more worthy of money) than I really am.

2008-09-29 14:35:03
206.   Bob Timmermann
203
No. It was in 1999.
2008-09-29 14:35:57
207.   trainwreck
Ok, well I have to suggest people go watch this video. Kirk and some Australian guy have a faith-based website and they have a section of videos about creationism.

One of the videos is them bringing a gorilla onto a plane, but since gorillas are not allowed on planes and act crazy, therefore humans did not come from apes.

2008-09-29 14:39:07
208.   bhsportsguy
Fortunately, a flight from Minneapolis is only a little more than hour to Chicago, so the Twins should still be able to make it there at a reasonable hour tonight.
2008-09-29 14:39:18
209.   underdog
207 That sounds like something from this Simpsons episode:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Monkey_Suit

2008-09-29 14:39:41
210.   D4P
One of the videos is them bringing a gorilla onto a plane, but since gorillas are not allowed on planes and act crazy, therefore humans did not come from apes

Ugh. Butterflies have wings. Caterpillars do not have wings. Therefore, butterflies did not come from caterpillars.

2008-09-29 14:40:03
211.   Jon Weisman
198 - Maybe the Tigers just aren't as good as the White Sox. I notice that their record is worse.

I don't see anything wrong with having the Sox and Twins settle this face to face tomorrow.

2008-09-29 14:40:59
212.   Humma Kavula
Indeed, well done, Tigers. Now for some offense.

By the way, I am not saying that you HAVE to win in order to gain my loyalty for the 2009 season. It's baseball -- any team can win on any given day. And the White Sox are better than you are this year, making the White Sox's victory probable. But you must try to win, or else... I won't root for you!

P.S. I forgot the other reason I hate the White Sox: Hawk Harrelson. He is the anti-Vin. I wonder what would happen if Vin and Hawk were ever in exactly the same space at the same time; perhaps the world cannot imagine the annihilation.

2008-09-29 14:41:10
213.   Daniel Zappala
183 Is there anyone who gets paid millions who actually earns it? That is, the things they do are actually worth millions of dollars a year?
2008-09-29 14:41:48
214.   bhsportsguy
211 If you glance at Jon's comment really fast, you say to yourself whoa, oh he said Sox and Twins.
2008-09-29 14:42:15
215.   JoeyP
Dont underestimate the evangelical movie goer. Passion of the Christ made alot of money & it was all in subtitles.
2008-09-29 14:43:35
216.   bhsportsguy
213 Bob Timmermann's cat but now the money is held due to a securities fraud investigation.
2008-09-29 14:43:40
217.   D4P
213
Well, economists would talk about marginal products of labor and such. It's easy to make an argument for why people should get paid millions, when their activities bring in millions.

While I understand such arguments (and ultimately accept the logic), I think they can be used as a ruse to ward off critical discussions about how our society prioritizes and rewards different kinds of behaviors and services.

2008-09-29 14:43:42
218.   JoeyP
213--Possibly heart/brain/transplant surgeons if they do in fact make a $1mil+.
2008-09-29 14:44:11
219.   trainwreck
215
Or the Growing Pains factor.

It made Leonardo DiCaprio.

2008-09-29 14:44:46
220.   Kevin Lewis
215

That appealed to the Catholic audience too.

I went to his website, and now the Growing Pains song is in my head. I want someone to be held accountable for this!

2008-09-29 14:45:31
221.   Humma Kavula
213 The answer to that question is yes.

Just because some things that we think SHOULD be worth millions are underpaid doesn't mean that others who do earn millions aren't worth the money they're paid.

Say a movie studio invests in a movie star in the hope that people will go see that movie because he's in it. He is being paid to lure people to the theater and, as a result, pay off the investment of the studio. That leads to a successful business that employs thousands and makes money for its shareholders.

2008-09-29 14:45:38
222.   JoeyP
What is Candace Bure up to these days?
Does she still act?
2008-09-29 14:45:47
223.   Daniel Zappala
217 I'm not talking theoretically -- I'm talking do you, personally, think any job anyone does is worth millions per year?
2008-09-29 14:46:28
224.   underdog
Hawk Harrelson is definitely the worst of the worst. He makes Daron Sutton look like Scully.
2008-09-29 14:48:07
225.   underdog
222 From Wikipedia:

Recently, Cameron has made a few television appearances. She appeared on I Love the '80s and I Love the '80s Strikes Back as a commentator, and was the host of 50 Cutest Child Stars: All Grown Up on the E! network. In 2006, Cameron guest starred on the sitcom That's So Raven.

Currently, she stars in The Wager with Randy Travis. She recently finished filming Moonlight & Mistletoe, a TV movie with Tom Arnold that will air November 28, 2008 on the Hallmark Channel.

2008-09-29 14:48:34
226.   underdog
225 (Cameron = Bure, above.)
2008-09-29 14:49:43
227.   Bob Timmermann
Before even loses interest, and they likely had, I saw the St. Louis Blues beat the Dallas Stars 3-2 in Game 4 of the 1999 Western Conference Semifinals.

I just walked up and bought a ticket.

All the Blues fans were given towels to swing. The people on either side of me were shorter than me. So when I stood up to swing the towel around the first time, the guys on either side kept whipping my face with their towels.

I didn't stand up after that.

2008-09-29 14:52:53
228.   ToyCannon
This would appear to be a violation of rule 5 so I'm taking the salary conversation over to the Juice. I'd welcome any comments.
2008-09-29 14:53:33
229.   D4P
223
There are 2 sides of me that have different answers.

One side says that people whose activities net millions should receive the lion's share.

The other side of me tries to consider the importance of different activities to humanity. This side tells me that garbage collection is more important than acting or playing baseball, or at the very least, that acting/playing baseball aren't many times more important to humanity than things like garbage collection. (I understand the arguments about skills and such, and how "anyone" can collect garbage but not everyone can act/play baseball).

2008-09-29 14:55:55
230.   D4P
Then there's the whole thing about whether actors/singers should be making millions more than writers.
2008-09-29 14:58:18
231.   Humma Kavula
After... Hawk... scream... "hegone..."

...will...to...live..............

................failing..........

.................................

2008-09-29 14:59:04
232.   Eric Stephen
227
The funny thing is I was going to guess a Dallas Stars game first because they just popped into my head, but I decided against it because of the St. Louis factor.

Did the guys whip your face on purpose or was it a coincidence. Did they stop after they realized they were hitting you?

2008-09-29 14:59:31
233.   Bob Timmermann
231
The catch phrases of Ken Harrelson:
http://www.sportscenteraltar.com/phrases/usage.asp?ID=41
2008-09-29 15:00:55
234.   D4P
Is Harrelson as bad as that Cardinals's guy...?

Hard to imagine, if so.

2008-09-29 15:00:59
235.   trainwreck
Wow, people watched hockey here?

There is usually crickets whenever I bring it up.

2008-09-29 15:01:39
236.   bhsportsguy
Will Carroll believes the Dodgers are preparing a multi-year offer for Manny, Joe Sheehan wonders why since they will be out of the playoffs by Saturday night, and Jay Jaffe (an admitted Dodger fan) tries to balance it all out on the ongoing roundtable at Baseballprospectus.com
2008-09-29 15:02:33
237.   LogikReader
234

The TV guy or the Radio guy? Neither one desirable.

Growing up, I thought "Hawk" at had good baseball knowledge, but he practically defined the term "homer."

2008-09-29 15:03:01
238.   Eric Stephen
My pure hatred of Hawk Harrelson has gone so far off the charts that his broadcasts are actually comical to me now. I can definitely enjoy watching a broadcast with him, especially listening to his near-suicidal tones if the Soz are losing.
2008-09-29 15:04:53
239.   JoeyP
There's not many big OF bats out there in place of Manny.

Re-signing Manny has to be the #1 priority.
If that falls through, I'd sign Teixeira, & deal Loney for prospects.

2008-09-29 15:05:27
240.   Bob Timmermann
235
I was visiting my brother in St. Louis. He had to work that night and I wasn't in the mood to babysit my infant niece at the time.

Nor were her parents inclined to let me figure out how to do it.

2008-09-29 15:07:35
241.   Bob Timmermann
The biggest homer among Cardinal broadcasters is Mike Shannon, who just does radio. Shannon is a St. Louis native.

The TV guy we usually hear is Dan McGlaughlin, who works with Al Hrabosky. They aren't overly homerish.

The body of Jay Randolph does some games on TV.

Old friend Ricky Horton also works for the Cardinals.

2008-09-29 15:10:20
242.   Eric Stephen
240
It must have been their first child. As a 13-time uncle, I've noticed the worrying of the parents decreases with each subsequent child.
2008-09-29 15:12:11
243.   underdog
234 In a word, yes.
2008-09-29 15:13:03
244.   bhsportsguy
242 When I babysat my first niece, once I put her down, I just let her cry and cry, she eventually got tired and went to sleep.
2008-09-29 15:13:11
245.   Bob Timmermann
242
First and only.

My other brother left me alone with his four kids from ages 6 to 11 back in August. He didn't seem to worry.

His instructions were, "Just make sure no one kills anyone else."

2008-09-29 15:14:48
246.   Frip
Jon:

Dodgers, C students of the postseason

Hilarious

baseball's nothingdictorians

that...just...doesn't work.

2008-09-29 15:15:28
247.   Jon Weisman
236 - Is it at all logical that the Dodgers have made their decision on what to offer Manny before a playoff game has been played?

It seems obvious they will explore signing him, and it seems obvious that it's completely up in the air at this moment how high they would go in their bid. I could be wrong, but I'm struggling to imagine a scenario in which Frank McCourt has decided on the eve of NLDS Game 1 that he wants to break the bank on Manny.

2008-09-29 15:15:47
248.   Eric Stephen
246
Perhaps he should have said invalidictorians?
2008-09-29 15:17:12
249.   Humma Kavula
244 You did your sibling's parents a huge favor by doing that.

We toyed for months about what we were going to do about the fact that Spawn of Kavula wouldn't sleep. Read book after book. Finally, we did just what you did (with one small concession -- we'd go in after 5 minutes, 10 minutes, 15 minutes, to remind her that we were still there, we love her, and that we'd see her in the morning).

Now she sleeps 11 hours straight through the night.

2008-09-29 15:17:32
250.   Jon Weisman
248 - Actually, that would have been better. But I'm not sure why mine doesn't work at all.
Show/Hide Comments 251-300
2008-09-29 15:18:49
251.   Humma Kavula
249 sibling's parents? I mean, sibling and spouse.
2008-09-29 15:19:10
252.   Eric Stephen
249
Now she sleeps 11 hours straight through the night

I'm jealous! :)

2008-09-29 15:19:10
253.   Jon Weisman
249 - Big source of controversy among my wife's Peachhead chat friends. We're believers in sleep training, with the periodic check-ins of evolving lengths.
2008-09-29 15:22:33
254.   Bob Timmermann
I check in on my cat every 15 minutes to make sure he's asleep.

One day he'll be able to sleep through the night. And he'll stop biting my feet.

2008-09-29 15:22:51
255.   Kevin Lewis
If we went after CC, what is the best bat we could get after the salary increase?
2008-09-29 15:23:32
256.   Humma Kavula
253 Oh yes, big source of controversy. Some people think that we're monsters for doing this. Monsters who hate our baby.

But I will tell you this: since it started working, daddy is happier, mommy is happier, and baby is much much much happier, since her sleep is no longer interrupted half a dozen times a night.

Eric, remind me -- how old is your baby? I will add that this didn't really work until Spawn was eating quite a bit of solid food during the day and especially for dinner -- 9 months.

2008-09-29 15:24:36
257.   Bob Timmermann
Yes, Eric, how old is YOUR baby? Inquiring minds want to know.
2008-09-29 15:25:30
258.   trainwreck
255
Casey Blake.
2008-09-29 15:25:45
259.   bhsportsguy
252 I think he is jealous of anyone sleeping 11 hours straight, that's all.
2008-09-29 15:26:04
260.   Humma Kavula
Hello, Tigers!
2008-09-29 15:26:07
261.   LogikReader
I tell you the Greatest Offense of All Time&trade is one of the bigger disappointments in baseball this year.
2008-09-29 15:26:28
262.   bhsportsguy
247 Consider the source.
2008-09-29 15:26:37
263.   LoneStar7
I gardener on campus at SMU stopped me and said and mentioned he used to be dodger fan, after noticing my shirt.

He said he stopped being a Dodger fan after Walt died, and that he really disliked Tommy Lasorda and stopped being a Dodger Fan after Tommy became manager.

Tommy's tenure ended when I was eight, and while he's obviously regarded as a local dodger hero, I've heard people that don't really care for him. but I cant really imagine why someone would disown their team because of one man..

2008-09-29 15:26:38
264.   underdog
259 Well then he should appreciate cats more than he does! ;-)

Double from Inge brings in the tying run in Chicago, 1-1.

2008-09-29 15:26:48
265.   Humma Kavula
257/259 red face oops.
2008-09-29 15:27:06
266.   trainwreck
256
You have to eat your young when you become a Raider fan.
2008-09-29 15:27:07
267.   Jon Weisman
260 - I was wondering if anyone would notice :)
2008-09-29 15:28:49
268.   underdog
1st and 3rd, none out for Tigers.
2008-09-29 15:29:31
269.   bhsportsguy
263 Tommy is an acquired taste, to me he's like eggplant, I hated eggplant as a child, tolerated as a young adult and now consider it a tasty side, especially grilled or cooked Italian style.

But to some, Tommy will always be brussel sprouts (which I also like now but didn't for the longest time).

2008-09-29 15:30:09
270.   Frip
253 periodic check-ins of evolving lengths.

Man, just READING that phrase exhausts me. I could NEVER be a parent.

If I had a baby I would put him in a sound-proof room at night, and then go sleep in my own sound-proof room just to be sure I couldn't hear him. No sound, no guilt. Because whatever happens, he's not going to DIE overnight. (Unless he was sick, then I wouldn't do this).

2008-09-29 15:30:40
271.   ToyCannon
Not that I'm proud of it but I'm infamous for being the Uncle who has never changed a diaper. I was fairly active with my nieces/nephews but babysitting an infant was not one of them.
Probably because if the question came up should we call Uncle Phil or Grandma/Grandpa who live within walking distance the answer was obvious.
2008-09-29 15:30:43
272.   trainwreck
269
I think a meat analogy would have been more appropriate for Tommy Lasorda.
2008-09-29 15:31:15
273.   Bob Timmermann
Brusells sprouts are the peaches of vegetables.
2008-09-29 15:31:24
274.   bhsportsguy
266 I guess the bat-phone works at the Ram's office.

Its good that the Rams waited until the Cardinal season ended, otherwise firing their coach would have not have made the first page in tomorrow's paper.

2008-09-29 15:31:26
275.   ToyCannon
270
Except they do die overnight. It is a very good thing you are not a parent.
2008-09-29 15:33:11
276.   bhsportsguy
272 Then he would be liver though I don't seek it out that often. I guess he is like lamb (but then, I generally liked lamb).

Hmmm, okay, Tommy is a acquired taste like sushi, there are some who will never eat raw fish and others who think it is the ambrosia of the gods.

2008-09-29 15:36:15
277.   trainwreck
276
I was thinking of Rocky Mountain Oysters.
2008-09-29 15:37:17
278.   Kevin Lewis
It is because of situations like this that I feel guilty for how well my baby sleeps. We met with our Lamaze class this weekend as a reunion, and everyone was still waking up every 2-4 hours. I was afraid to tell them how well our boy sleeps.
2008-09-29 15:37:22
279.   fiddlestick
255 CC Sabathia
2008-09-29 15:37:29
280.   ToyCannon
263
One of my best friends hates the Dodgers because of Tommy and his bleed blue. He hates all blowhards. He gets payback because he's a huge Raider fan and has to deal with Al Davis.
2008-09-29 15:38:19
281.   Frip
275 They don't die overnight very often. At least not often enough for you to criticize my rearing strategies.
2008-09-29 15:38:22
282.   Harold M Johnson
Meat analogy? Got to be tripe. Some can't stand it, others swear it's the only thing to eat. Tripa ala Fiorintina is probably Tommy's favorite.
2008-09-29 15:39:32
283.   underdog
Jeez. The Tigers didn't score another run after 1st and 3rd and no one out. Oh well. 1-1, going to bottom of 5th
2008-09-29 15:41:23
284.   Humma Kavula
281 Waitaminute. The person who in comment 270 is saying "I could NEVER be a parent" is getting touchy about others criticizing his child-rearing strategy, which involves abandoning the child for 8+ hours?

That is maybe the funniest comment I've seen on this board in some time, and I've seen some funny, funny comments.

2008-09-29 15:42:09
285.   ToyCannon
281
Infant death syndrome. For someone who is so critical of mere spelling mistakes or how to construct a sentence maybe you should deal with real facts before stating a bad opinion.

"Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) is a medical term that describes the sudden death of an infant which remains unexplained after all known and possible causes have been carefully ruled out through autopsy, death scene investigation, and review of the medical history. SIDS is responsible for more deaths than any other cause in childhood for babies one month to one year of age, claiming 150,000 victims in the United States in this generation alone - 7,000 babies each year -nearly one baby every hour of every day."

2008-09-29 15:44:14
286.   underdog
Yeah, I was just gonna bring up the sad specter of SIDS but thought I'd leave it to the parents here. I did know someone who lost a child that way (as did Lamar Odom).
2008-09-29 15:44:44
287.   Bob Timmermann
It's the Brandon Inge Show in Chicago.

Held over for one more year!

2008-09-29 15:45:47
288.   Kevin Lewis
281 285

I think it is safe to say that one's idea of parenting changes drastically when you have your own child. It would be hard to not check on your own baby. Whether or not you leave the baby there crying is one thing, but I think you would find it difficult to not check in from time to time.

2008-09-29 15:46:19
289.   mintxcore
277 Fried Gizzards?
2008-09-29 15:47:53
290.   ToyCannon
I keep hearing that the Tigers are going to prune payroll. Does that mean they are not going to be in the mix for Lowe? He looks like he could pitch for quite a while with that sinker of his.
2008-09-29 15:48:32
291.   Humma Kavula
I really think Frip was kidding. He had to be kidding. I think that was sarcasm. It had to be.

Oh don't get me wrong, 281 is at best a violation of Rules 3 and 7, but still, just a joke.

I think.

Frip, help me out here. That was just a joke, yeah?

2008-09-29 15:50:11
292.   Bob Timmermann
290
Edgar Renteria will be a free agent next year.
2008-09-29 15:51:42
293.   Eric Stephen
256 ,257 ,259
Ha! Yes, I was only jealous of anyone being able to sleep 11 hours. I am without child at the present time.

I'm actually going to call myself 15-time uncle* because one of my nieces already has 2 boys, and great nephews count!

271
TC, I have changed many a diaper in my day, but I was always fearful that I wouldn't have the diaper tight enough (afraid it would fall off) so I probably did more harm than good by restricting blood flow with my super tight diaper technique. :)

*I like to think of this the same way someone calls Oscar de la Hoya a 5-time world champion or something like that.

2008-09-29 15:52:14
294.   Bob Timmermann
Gavin Floyd, meet Mark Langston.
2008-09-29 15:52:29
295.   Humma Kavula
Hello, Tigers!
2008-09-29 15:53:08
296.   Frip
285 Your SIDS stats seem exaggerated. Nearly one baby every hour? But I'll yield to you on that one. It does seem to be a bigger problem than I thought.

As for being critical of people's spelling and grammar, you are mistaken. If anything I am critical of those who get all flustered and self-conscious about such status signifying trivialities.

2008-09-29 15:53:58
297.   Eric Stephen
294
Where was the throw? Will Gavin Floyd be staring down Alexei Ramirez in the dugout a la Langston / Rex Hudler?
2008-09-29 15:53:59
298.   underdog
Gavin Floyd makes a key throwing error and the Tigers score the go-ahead run in the 6th, and Floyd may be done. Gene Rayburn is on at first.

Er, Ryan Raburn.

2008-09-29 15:54:14
299.   Daniel Zappala
Bob called the official scorer in Chicago and read him the riot act -- they changed their initial ruling of 2 errors by Floyd to 1 error on the play.
2008-09-29 15:54:27
300.   D4P
The biggest homer among Cardinal broadcasters is Mike Shannon

Yeah, that's the guy.

Show/Hide Comments 301-350
2008-09-29 15:54:39
301.   Daniel Zappala
Fixing the world's scoring errors, one call at a time!
2008-09-29 15:55:48
302.   Bob Timmermann
Floyd threw the ball about three feet over Paul Konerko's head.
2008-09-29 15:56:13
303.   underdog
Nearing 120 pitches for Floyd. I'll assume if by some miracle they make the postseason that he wouldn't pitch in it for awhile...
2008-09-29 15:56:53
304.   ToyCannon
293
I cemented my reputation when I did have to watch my niece once and was engrossed in a Dodger game and failed to notice that she needed changing. By the time I noticed she had done some serious finger painting with the foul excrement. I blame that incident for leaving me childless but on the plus side, she turned into a huge Dodger fan.
2008-09-29 15:57:04
305.   LogikReader
Is Charles Nelson Reilly on deck?
2008-09-29 15:58:50
306.   Humma Kavula
304 While I have not yet been there, I fear that I am going there one day.

I anticipate that day with dread, but I realize that I cannot stop its coming. I might as well shout "Stop!" at the tide.

2008-09-29 15:59:01
307.   underdog
305 Actually Bret Sommers, up to pinch hit.
2008-09-29 16:00:09
308.   underdog
304 Hopefully she didn't spell out "Redrum."
2008-09-29 16:00:23
309.   ToyCannon
Remember when the Tiger relief pitchers kept making throwing error after throwing error during the World Series?

This would be cool if the Twins/Sox can decide this between themselves two days after the season ended.

2008-09-29 16:00:37
310.   Daniel Zappala
Professional competitive juices are 100% natural, whereas rookie competitive juices are loaded with artificial sweeteners.
2008-09-29 16:01:19
311.   bhsportsguy
304 I am sure she loves it when you tell that story at family gatherings.
2008-09-29 16:04:03
312.   Underbruin
285 - I ask this not to be confrontational, but out of genuine curiosity:

Does checking in on a child help prevent SIDS? The initial back-and-forth was regarding the question of whether or not one would leave a child alone overnight. I understand the unwillingness to do so. However, would checking in on an infant over the course of an evening prevent SIDS?

If not, would Frip's claim be so erroneous?

2008-09-29 16:05:22
313.   Humma Kavula
Dear Tigers: I am officially letting you off the hook. I would definitely still prefer it if you win this game, but I believe that you have tried to win in a satisfactory manner.

I promise: I will root for you in 2009. You are the official AL Central team of Humma Kavula. Accept no substitutes.

2008-09-29 16:06:46
314.   xaphor
308 Shell spelled out "Repaid".
2008-09-29 16:07:38
315.   Jon Weisman
So, I showed "What does a yellow light mean?" to my daughter yesterday and she liked it.
2008-09-29 16:08:01
316.   LogikReader
Humma Kavula has now joined the official LogikReader Detroit Tigers for the AL Central Bandwagon. Woo hoo!
2008-09-29 16:08:02
317.   Jon Weisman
Did something happen to Garcia?
2008-09-29 16:08:34
318.   underdog
315 Yay! It's definitely a giggle inducing scene for kids of all ages, including me.

"Slow down!"

2008-09-29 16:09:56
319.   trainwreck
Whenever I have to watch over my young cousins, I can't watch their shows, so the closest thing to kids shows I have are DVDs of the Simpsons and South Park.
2008-09-29 16:10:19
320.   ToyCannon
311
Are you kidding, they love to bring that stuff up. I would have forgotten about it 25 years ago if I wasn't reminded out it.

296
That is possible. I took them from a SIDS site and was astounded myself at the number. Tough being a parent these days. First you hope for a healthy baby, then you hope they survive the SIDS time, and then you have to hope they are not autistic. Then you get a break for 8 years before they hit the teens and after a few tough teen years, you hope you don't have a ...rule 5 violation...

2008-09-29 16:10:33
321.   Bob Timmermann
317
The Tigers said he was injured. But nothing in particular. Probably just soreness as part of his recovery.
2008-09-29 16:12:22
322.   bhsportsguy
If the relief pitcher just hit Dye, we would have known that the fix is in.
2008-09-29 16:12:32
323.   Humma Kavula
Two wild pitches in a row?

As soon as I let the Tigers off the hook, they test my patience.

2008-09-29 16:12:33
324.   Bob Timmermann
Blown save for Galarraga. Now it's time to watch a parade of really bad Tiger relievers.
2008-09-29 16:12:43
325.   blue22
312 - We would let our young ones cry it out and then check in on them after a bit of time had passed once the crying had stopped. I don't see what checking in on them does when they are crying hysterically (re: SIDS; to put it bluntly - if they're crying they ain't dead).

There is a debatable point mentioned above about reassuring them that mommy and daddy are still here. I've found that just causes them to freak out more and cause the process to restart.

2008-09-29 16:12:52
326.   underdog
And two - count 'em two! - wild pitches by Galarraga and the tying run scores. Nicely done.

I am losing interest in this one, leaving work, going to the gym. Go Tigers.

2008-09-29 16:13:24
327.   bhsportsguy
319 You don't get Nick or the Disney Channel, or do you have those stations blocked?
2008-09-29 16:14:21
328.   Humma Kavula
320 I will say, without going into detail, that even if you have a baby that seems healthy, you can get a doozy of a diagnosis that, best case, turns your life upside down for a few months.
2008-09-29 16:14:32
329.   trainwreck
327
I can't watch those channels for my own sanity.

If it is the real young ones, I have no choice but to watch Hannah Montana.

2008-09-29 16:16:01
330.   sporky
I hope I can live my life without ever watching/listening to Hannah Montana. Or the Jonas Brothers.
2008-09-29 16:16:22
331.   Humma Kavula
Oh for pete's sake.
2008-09-29 16:16:42
332.   Alex41592
Ok, time to break out the record for most wild pitches in an inning.
2008-09-29 16:18:22
333.   blue22
319 - My kids are 4 and 2. I'm partial to the Backyardigans myself (I like the music).
2008-09-29 16:19:37
334.   ToyCannon
Getting into a car of a parent with their kids music is serious punishment. It is so serious I think it should be used as institutional punishment.
2008-09-29 16:19:46
335.   silverwidow
HIS ROYAL THIGHNESS
2008-09-29 16:20:06
336.   trainwreck
Oklahoma City Thunder unveiled their terrible uniforms that looks like the Knicks mixed some D-League team.

Ever artistic idea with this franchise is terrible.

http://www.nba.com/thunder/

2008-09-29 16:20:15
337.   Bob Timmermann
The Sporting News doesn't list a team record for wild pitches in an inning. The individual record in the regular season is 5. Four pitchers have thrown four in an inning. The last two were Ryan Madson and Kevin Gregg. Walter Johnson and Phil Niekro also had four in an inning.
2008-09-29 16:20:29
338.   Humma Kavula
Hawk counted off the balls in an intentional walk. "There's ball three... and there's ball four."

Is that really necessary? Can't you just tell your listeners that they're putting him on, let them know when he's been put on, and use the rest of your time to say something else or be quiet?

2008-09-29 16:21:23
339.   Bob Timmermann
The 1921 Red Sox threw 8 wild pitches the whole season.
2008-09-29 16:23:14
340.   Bob Timmermann
Hmm... Baseball-Reference.com lists 15 wild pitches for the 1921 Red Sox.
2008-09-29 16:23:37
341.   Underbruin
325 - Gotcha.

On another note, who's up for a bases-clearing WP followed by two throwing errors?

2008-09-29 16:23:48
342.   Humma Kavula
OK, Bullpen Survivor. Who's worse, Tigers or Mets?
2008-09-29 16:24:33
343.   Bob Timmermann
Oops, the record is held by the 1921 Boston Braves, not the Red Sox.
2008-09-29 16:24:48
344.   Underbruin
342 - And who plays the part of Jeff Probst?
2008-09-29 16:25:20
345.   trainwreck
Well, they pretty much foretold that slam.
2008-09-29 16:25:39
346.   blue22
337 - Rick Ankiel's 5 in an inning in the 2000 playoffs warrants a special mention, I think.
2008-09-29 16:25:42
347.   Bob Timmermann
So is the Twins charter going to land at O'Hare or Midway?
2008-09-29 16:25:59
348.   Humma Kavula
You give the Tigers an inch, they take a mile.

6-2 Sox on a GS by Alexi Ramirez.

2008-09-29 16:26:06
349.   Underbruin
345 - My dream, ruined.
2008-09-29 16:26:08
350.   Alex41592
You want drama?

There's your drama! Welcome to October two days early!

Show/Hide Comments 351-400
2008-09-29 16:26:40
351.   blue22
Oh to be Keith Law's inbox right now...
2008-09-29 16:28:04
352.   Humma Kavula
I am not going to take back my post in 313 . A promise is a promise, and a letting-off-the-hook is a letting-off-the-hook.

That said, watching the Tigers next year is going to be mighty disappointing if they can't improve the pen.

2008-09-29 16:29:00
353.   trainwreck
352
They have a lot of holes, frankly.
2008-09-29 16:30:22
354.   CanuckDodger
Trainwreck, I have some bad news. I gave the friend I told you about some Ken Finkleman videos to duplicate on disk and he tells me his DVR wouldn't duplicate the material. The process has worked in the past, he says, but he hasn't tried it in quite a while, and he has been having other problems with the machine. If he gets a new DVR in future, and I suppose he'll have to eventually if the one he has is breaking down, I'll get him to try again with the Finkleman tapes. For now, I feel bad for getting your hopes up. Sorry about that.
2008-09-29 16:33:37
355.   trainwreck
354
No worries, thanks for the effort.
2008-09-29 16:34:34
356.   MollyKnight
I really, really don't enjoy the term "Junior Griffey."
2008-09-29 16:35:20
357.   bhsportsguy
Cards avoid the rush, they signed Kyle Lohse to a 4 year/$41M contract extension today.
2008-09-29 16:36:17
358.   bhsportsguy
356 How about a Junior Mint? They are quite refreshing.

Are you heading to Chicago soon?

2008-09-29 16:37:34
359.   oshea2002
I'm looking to buy tickets for Game 2 on Thur - looking at Stubhub, Ebay, and Craigslist. I rarely buy this way - what do you all recommend?
2008-09-29 16:38:03
360.   Eric Stephen
351
Just because he picked Longoria over Alexei for ROY?
2008-09-29 16:39:41
361.   ToyCannon
354
Finished the 2nd season of Twitch City. It grows on you, not LOL funny but certainly worth watching. Thanks Canuck for recommending it and thanks Underdog for ordering it. I'm enjoying GreenCine, hope you make it.
2008-09-29 16:40:57
362.   bhsportsguy
359 I have sold tickets on Stub Hub, E-Bay could be cheaper, Craigslist even cheaper still.
2008-09-29 16:41:36
363.   ToyCannon
359
Deep pockets
2008-09-29 16:42:29
364.   bhsportsguy
Wouldn't you think the Twins are getting ready to board their charter flight and head down to Chicago, if they don't have to play, they could always go back tonight.
2008-09-29 16:43:28
365.   Eric Stephen
Either the Dodger Stadium scoreboard was prescient, or this is a jinx:

http://tinyurl.com/3zuvsr

2008-09-29 16:44:25
366.   blue22
360 - The topic of Alexei really draws out the wackos in Law's ESPN chats.
2008-09-29 16:49:52
367.   arborial
365 I was at the game and that definitely showed for 5-10 minutes until somebody realized the mistake and fixed it. We took it as a bold prediction
2008-09-29 16:51:54
368.   Tripon
Griffey Jr. is not a center fielder.
2008-09-29 16:53:31
369.   Marty
I wouldn't insult a brussels sprout comparing it to Lasorda. Lasorda is more like beets to me.
2008-09-29 16:53:47
370.   Daniel Zappala
Getting into a car of a parent with their kids music is serious punishment. It is so serious I think it should be used as institutional punishment.

My kids, under the influence of their mother, listen to John Mayer, Jack Johnson, Leona Lewis, et al. Under my influence, they listen to 80's alternative. Due to exposure with their friends, they like Queen and anything that comes from Guitar Hero.

2008-09-29 16:55:55
371.   trainwreck
370
So getting into a car with Mrs. Zappala's music is serious punishment. ; )
2008-09-29 16:57:45
372.   ToyCannon
370
I was referring to toddler music - wiggles and such.
2008-09-29 16:58:37
373.   Dane Bramage
I made a Spike Jones mix disc for my kid, and lately when we pile into the car that's all he wants to listen to.
2008-09-29 16:59:22
374.   ToyCannon
369
I'm disappointed you don't like Beets. Kind of like finding out Bob doesn't like pitted fruit. I hate to find out that my heroes are flawed.
2008-09-29 16:59:25
375.   bhsportsguy
The Dodgers should be arriving in Chicago in about an hour.
2008-09-29 17:00:15
376.   Humma Kavula
373 Vehn der fuehrer says, "ve ist da master race," ve heil! heil! right in der fuehrer's face....
2008-09-29 17:00:38
377.   trainwreck
My parents must have had to listen to Why Should I Worry from the Oliver and Company soundtrack a thousand times.
2008-09-29 17:02:12
378.   Daniel Zappala
372 Yeah, I know, but not all parents put up with toddler music.
2008-09-29 17:02:45
379.   ToyCannon
373
Without Dr. Demento I wonder how many Los Angeles denizens under 50 would have heard of Spike Jones? I expect many under 30 have never heard of Dr. Demento.
2008-09-29 17:03:21
380.   Jon Weisman
I like hipper children's music. Dan Zanes, Trout Fishing in America. They Might Be Giants and Bare Naked Ladies have great kids CDs.
2008-09-29 17:03:35
381.   Humma Kavula
I find that my daughter enjoys anything with clear, recognizable lyrics, or lyric-free classical music.

She likes Ella Fitzgerald.

2008-09-29 17:03:56
382.   Dane Bramage
Thanks to my son, I think I can recite every lyric to every Thomas the Tank Engine song from memory...
2008-09-29 17:05:45
383.   Humma Kavula
379 Dr. Demento, via the Westwood One radio network! Every Saturday night, 11pm-1am, on WPYX 106.1, Albany-Schenectady-Troy.

At least -- every Saturday night until I discovered that my parents wouldn't get too mad if I watched Saturday Night Live.

2008-09-29 17:05:45
384.   ToyCannon
378
I should have known that an Angel/Dodger fan would be smart about such things. I must tell you that for the first time I am not rooting for the Angels in the postseason. Unless the Dodger Rays and Dodgers get eliminated early. Then it will be back to the Angels as getting the RedSox to the Series will only be fun if they are playing the Dodgers.
2008-09-29 17:06:55
385.   Dane Bramage
379
Apparently, he still lives around here...

http://www.drdemento.com/

2008-09-29 17:07:08
386.   ToyCannon
383
Cool, I didn't realize he was syndicated. I thought we were the only lucky ones.
2008-09-29 17:08:12
387.   bhsportsguy
I wonder if the Twins and Dodgers will be staying at the same hotel.
2008-09-29 17:08:25
388.   Daniel Zappala
One caveat about being in my car -- our kids like to sing every single song once they learn the lyrics. My kids particularly do this with John Mayer, Jack Johnson, and Jason Mraz. I don't actually listen to music in the car, I listen to my kids sing.
2008-09-29 17:09:11
389.   bhsportsguy
388 Will you be wearing your Matt Kemp shirt on Wednesday?
2008-09-29 17:09:57
390.   Daniel Zappala
I find the name "Dodger Rays" hilarious. This needs to take off.
2008-09-29 17:10:04
391.   Humma Kavula
386 I thought I was sooooo hip when he closed one show by saying, "Next week, we celebrate spring! And maybe we'll do in a
squirrel or two."

I will also say that at one point I decided to memorize "New Math" after taping it off of Dr. Demento. Mrs. Kavula is a lovely and patient woman, but nothing gets her hotter than me saying, "You can't take three from two, two is less than three, so you look at the four in the tens place..."

2008-09-29 17:10:17
392.   Jon Weisman
380- That's not to say the more conventional kiddie stuff doesn't get heard, though.

I mean, we were at Chuck E. Cheese yesterday. We are not role models.

2008-09-29 17:10:56
393.   trainwreck
388
And Jason Mraz!! Good grief, I feel for you.
2008-09-29 17:11:01
394.   Daniel Zappala
389 Sadly, I am out of town on business, and I didn't pack my Kemp shirt. I would have liked to have worn it while watching the game on TV. I'll have to save it for the third game of the sweep.
2008-09-29 17:11:32
395.   Bob Timmermann
Yovani Gollardo gets the call for the Brewers in Game 1 of the NLDS against the Phillies.
2008-09-29 17:11:39
396.   Humma Kavula
391

And you know why four plus minus one plus ten is fourteen minus one....

....'cause addition is commutative! Right!...

..so now that's fourteen tens and you take away seven and that leaves five....

2008-09-29 17:13:53
397.   Daniel Zappala
393 OK, I now know how to torture trainwreck.
2008-09-29 17:17:49
398.   Marty
I like to torture my friends by arguing there's no such thing as subtraction or division.
2008-09-29 17:18:02
399.   jasonungar07
My kid loves Wordless Chours...by my morning jacket.
2008-09-29 17:19:35
400.   Tripon
Cardinals agreed to terms with RHP Kyle Lohse on a four-year, $41 million contract. Lohse will receive a $1.25 million signing bonus, $7,125,000 in 2009, $8,875,000 in 2010 and $11,875,000 in each of the final two seasons. He also gets a full no-trade clause.

Good deal for the Cards, outside of the no trade clause. I'd think Lohse could have gotten an extra 5 million at least if he signed with another team.

http://rotoworld.com/content/playernews.aspx?sport=MLB

Show/Hide Comments 401-450
2008-09-29 17:19:36
401.   Tripon
Cardinals agreed to terms with RHP Kyle Lohse on a four-year, $41 million contract. Lohse will receive a $1.25 million signing bonus, $7,125,000 in 2009, $8,875,000 in 2010 and $11,875,000 in each of the final two seasons. He also gets a full no-trade clause.

Good deal for the Cards, outside of the no trade clause. I'd think Lohse could have gotten an extra 5 million at least if he signed with another team.

http://rotoworld.com/content/playernews.aspx?sport=MLB

2008-09-29 17:20:34
402.   Daniel Zappala
392 I was forced to go to a Chuck E. Cheese once and I put my foot down since then.
2008-09-29 17:22:39
403.   D4P
Sadly, I am out of town on business

Conference...?

2008-09-29 17:24:47
404.   Dane Bramage
402

There's nothing wrong with going to Chuck E. Cheese! After two days, the tinnitus you get is so constant you'll hardly notice it.

2008-09-29 17:24:53
405.   Daniel Zappala
Yes, just down I-85 from you, D4P.
2008-09-29 17:25:29
406.   Daniel Zappala
So that's where I got my tinnitus from!
2008-09-29 17:25:55
407.   Marty
I watched a super bowl at a Chuckie Cheese once. I think it was the Marcus Allen one, but I'm not sure.
2008-09-29 17:25:59
408.   D4P
405
Wow. Whereabouts...?

Do you like conferences? I'm still in the stage of my "career" where I really like them. It's fun to go to different cities and see people that I haven't seen in a year and go to sessions where I learn about other people's research.

2008-09-29 17:27:30
409.   Bilshaw
Chan Ho Park should not be on the playoff roster. (Mcdonald on the ps roster)
Last 25 games(After Aug.1): 24.2 IP 28 H 22 R (17 ERA) 6.20 ERA
2008-09-29 17:28:44
410.   Daniel Zappala
408 Atlanta. Conferences are great, except that you have to be away from your family for longer than you would like.
2008-09-29 17:31:15
411.   D4P
except that you have to be away from your family for longer than you would like

True. And in your case, it's not like you can bring them all with you...

Are you presenting?

2008-09-29 17:32:34
412.   Bob Timmermann
411
Since Daniel is away from his family, he doesn't like to present to women he doesn't know.

But man does he have some great plumage.

2008-09-29 17:33:01
413.   trainwreck
397
If you really wanted to torture me your kids could do some kind of Simple Plan, Kenny Chesney, Jason Mraz medley.
2008-09-29 17:33:34
414.   Marty
Ah, the Northern Zapala, beautiful plumage.
2008-09-29 17:34:29
415.   Dane Bramage
413
Isn't that what they blasted over the loudspeakers to Noriega?
2008-09-29 17:35:05
416.   Tripon
Because McDonald didn't let huge fly balls hit against him, that luckily weren't hit for doubles or home runs.

I love McDonald's unquantifiable ERA+, but lets be realistic, the guy got lucky in a couple of his outings that he didn't give up a run. His outfielders saved his butt a couple of times(And that what they should do.) But McDonald wouldn't be necessarily be a better option over Park this year. Next year? Most likely, but not this year.

2008-09-29 17:35:17
417.   Daniel Zappala
411 Yes, I'm presenting several times. In rare cases, the kids stay with their grandparents and my wife travels with me. She prefers to come with me when I visit Hawaii later this year.
2008-09-29 17:35:23
418.   Dane Bramage
414
There's a Monty Python reference in there, somewhere.
2008-09-29 17:36:42
419.   Daniel Zappala
Wow, I should push for promotions based on my plumage, not my publications, apparently.
2008-09-29 17:39:18
420.   D4P
417
My 4 conferences thus far have been in places (Fort Worth, Milwaukie, Knoxville, and Chicago) that left too much to desire for my wife to want to accompany me. She actually would have liked to go to Chicago, but had to work.
2008-09-29 17:39:29
421.   Dane Bramage
And so, the road to Tampa Bay runs through Chicago. Good night, everyone. See you tomorrow.
2008-09-29 17:41:30
422.   KG16
so, how is playoff game threads working this year? are we doing like last year?
2008-09-29 17:48:58
423.   trainwreck
422
I would assume so, but this year we get to stay at DT for the most part.
2008-09-29 17:49:01
424.   Bob Timmermann
422
TBD
2008-09-29 17:54:25
425.   Indiana Jon
422 How did they work last year? Split between here and The Griddle?
2008-09-29 17:57:46
426.   Marty
There were playoffs last year?
2008-09-29 17:57:59
427.   Bob Timmermann
425
There weren't any on the Griddle last year because there was always a "home" team involved in a series: Cubs, Rockies, Phillies, Yankees, Red Sox.
2008-09-29 18:00:00
428.   D4P
Then this will be a big year for the G-dizzle.
2008-09-29 18:00:32
429.   Daniel Zappala
We need a Dodger Rays blog on the Toaster.
2008-09-29 18:01:58
430.   The Dude Abides
After looking up Fireproof, I noticed this little tidbit in the Trivia section at IMDB:
Kirk Cameron, a fundamentalist Christian evangelist, refuses to kiss any woman other than his wife under any circumstance, so to film a scene in which his character in Fireproof (2008) kisses his wife, the filmmakers had to dress Cameron's real-life wife, Chelsea Noble, as the wife character (played throughout the rest of the movie by Erin Bethea) and shoot the kissing scene in shadow so the difference between Noble and Bethea would not be as evident onscreen.
2008-09-29 18:04:18
431.   trainwreck
430
I guess that must have been a very important kiss to film.
2008-09-29 18:22:04
432.   underdog
Kirk Cameron, Method Actor.

Not.

2008-09-29 18:22:47
433.   D4P
Kirk Cameron, Method Actor

He's got range!

2008-09-29 18:23:26
434.   bhsportsguy
Tony Jackson has arrived in Chicago. He is staying by O'Hare for the series. I hope this isn't a reflection on the financial situation of the Daily News.

http://www.insidesocal.com/dodgers/2008/09/flying-really-s.html

2008-09-29 18:24:55
435.   underdog
433 So does my stove, and I don't want to freakin' watch it in a movie for 2 hours.
2008-09-29 18:25:11
436.   LogikReader
Chicago is going to play a big role in this year's postseason. I'd be impressed if the White Sox could get through all this and still make the World Series. Wouldn't necessarily enjoy seeing them there, but it would be a remarkable achievement.

---

Anybody know the name of the song in the Bud Light Lime commercial?

2008-09-29 18:29:18
437.   bhsportsguy
Lane Kiffin should order a nice meal tonight on the Raiders.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=3617200

2008-09-29 18:31:49
438.   trainwreck
437
Whoopie, Paul Hackett.

Ugh.

2008-09-29 18:34:09
439.   Bob Timmermann
Paul Hackett replacing a Pete Carroll disciple would be ... funny.
2008-09-29 18:37:08
440.   Ken Noe
434 Tony needs to turn that frown upside down
2008-09-29 18:43:47
441.   Kevin Lewis
in regards to the checking in to prevent SIDS...it all depends on what data you believe. I know back in the day sleeping on the back was considered a cause. But today of is typically taught that "back is best ". The newest theory is that "re-breathing" is the cause of gradual death. The child re-breathes their exhaled air slowly until they pass out and die from lack of oxygen. This is why most people will say nothing should be in the crib (blankets, pillows, toys) that the child can roll against. Henc the many reasons you might want to check in throughout the night.

Oh, I forgot to mention that I just found out Manny lives on my street.

2008-09-29 18:46:16
442.   Kevin Lewis
I apolgize for the spelling errors. I posted that on my iPod and it was not easy.
2008-09-29 18:47:45
443.   scareduck
430 - Pardon me, my moron detector just sounded.
2008-09-29 18:56:38
444.   Tripon
Braves are saying that they're going to extend past their 102 million dollar payroll today. Scott Boras wants a bridge to sell him...
2008-09-29 18:59:06
445.   bhsportsguy
Payroll Rankings for 2008 Playoff Participants

Payroll amounts as of 4/1/08.

4. Boston Red Sox $133.4M
5. Chicago White Sox* $121.1M
6. LA Angels $119.2M
7. Chicago Cubs $118.5M
8. LA Dodgers $118.5M
13. Philadelphia Phillies $98.2M
15. Milwaukee Brewers $81.1M
24. Minnesota Twins* $62.1M
29. Tampa Bay Rays $43.8M

*Teams tied for AL Central Title, will play one game playoff in Chicago on Tuesday. This does not include any in-season roster moves. The Angels went up a bit, while the Dodgers may have changed only a little.

2008-09-29 19:02:19
446.   trainwreck
445
Anyone else surprised with how large the White Sox payroll is?
2008-09-29 19:05:42
447.   Tripon
446 Nope, but I do think it means that they missed on some big free agent signings. Just scanning the list, it seems to me that a big part of the reason why big market teams have such huge payrolls are payroll mistakes that have to be corrected most often by replacing a high priced vet with another high priced vet. (Example: Gary Matthews Jr with Torii Hunter.)
2008-09-29 19:10:11
448.   Tripon
So was the 2007 Dodgers team better or worse than the 2008 Dodgers team?
2008-09-29 19:31:52
449.   Tripon
Robinson Cano 2008 88 OPS+
Blake DeWitt 2008 88 OPS+

Who the heck can predict that?

2008-09-29 19:36:39
450.   Tripon
http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/playoffs2008/columns/story?columnist=kurkjian_tim&id=3616779

Tim Kurkjian previews the Dodgers-Cub series.

Show/Hide Comments 451-500
2008-09-29 19:41:33
451.   D4P
From ESPN's Tim Kirk-John:

Before (Manny) Ramirez arrived, the young Dodgers hitters were often undisciplined at the plate. Plus, said a club source, "they were more concerned about their statistics, not whether we won or lost the game.''

2008-09-29 19:42:18
452.   Tripon
451 Said young players were Brad Penny, and Andruw Jones.
2008-09-29 19:45:14
453.   Tripon
*SAN DIEGO -- Bud Black is coming back as manager of the San Diego Padres despite the club's worst finish in 15 seasons.&

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=3617255

2008-09-29 19:46:42
454.   D4P
Firing the manager is often a cop-out. I appreciate organizations who realize that the manager probably doesn't matter much. It's not as if the Padres dramatically underperformed relative to their talent level.
2008-09-29 19:50:46
455.   Tripon
454 You wouldn't fire Ned Yost?
2008-09-29 19:53:10
456.   D4P
455
I wasn't paying attention to Ned Yost, so I don't know. I'm not saying I'd never fire a manager. More to the point, there's a decent chance I wouldn't hire one in the first place...
2008-09-29 19:54:13
457.   KG16
450 - I count at least 47 things wrong with that excerpt.

454 - yeah, it's not like Black was making terrible decisions regarding the everyday line up or strategic moves during the course of games. I was surprised, however, with how quickly the Padres fell off - I thought they had one more year to compete in the division before becoming who they are

2008-09-29 19:56:12
458.   The Dude Abides
443
At least it's an ethos.
2008-09-29 19:57:07
459.   KG16
456 - MLB rules require that someone is appointed "manager". by rule he's the guy that is suppose to confer with umpires and is responsible for roster moves during the course of the game. so, technically, you'd have to have one. You could, I suppose, appoint a player-manager, but that means you wouldn't be able to trade one of the players on your roster.
2008-09-29 19:57:08
460.   Tripon
Told that Torre wasn't as certain, he said, "There are a lot of people who think the glass is half empty. In baseball and throughout my whole life, I've always felt it was half full. I don't know what the expectations were. I took it one day at a time and pushed as hard I could."

...Kent is a glass half full guy? Really? Seriously?

http://www.latimes.com/sports/la-sp-dodfyi30-2008sep30,0,4533314.story

2008-09-29 19:58:45
461.   still bevens
Its not Bud Blacks fault that the Padres utilization of magic beans and wizardry to extract offensive production from the leagues cast offs didn't work this time around.
2008-09-29 19:59:30
462.   Tripon
459 You wouldn't be able to trade a player-manager? I think it'd be more akin to a player rep, where the team just picks a new one when the old one retired or leaves the team.
2008-09-29 20:02:13
463.   KG16
462 - well, if the contract specifically said that the player was also the manager, I think it would be hard to trade him, because you'd be frustrating one of the major purposes of the contract (the role as manager). i suppose you could just designate a different player as manager each day/week/month.
2008-09-29 20:15:37
464.   underdog
From the new Dodgers.com story on Joe Beimel:

>>The Dodgers have two nights in this party town with nothing to do before Game 1 of the National League Division Series, but don't worry about Joe Beimel. He's placing himself under protective custody.

"First, I'm going to buy a straightjacket and chain myself to the bed and hang out," he said. "I'll watch a few movies. I'm not going to take any chances of something stupid happening."<<

2008-09-29 20:17:52
465.   Gen3Blue
The Dodgers need to make some creative and important decisions to fill a 25 man roster for the playoffs. The American people need to go through a big depression to see where reality lies in the present world. The playoffs are due to turn our way fairly soon, maybe now. I can hope. Sorry.
2008-09-29 20:21:07
466.   MollyKnight
I really, really can't believe everyone is drooling over the Cubs to slaughter the Dodgers. I mean... really? Praising the Cubs bullpen, John Kruk?

On the other hand, Peter Gammons picks the Doggies.

2008-09-29 20:23:40
467.   Tripon
http://www.dailynews.com/dodgers/ci_10586200

Tony Jackson does a Kuroda story.

2008-09-29 20:27:55
468.   Alex41592
464 - I hope everybody does the same thing. We need everybody. Not to say don't have fun but be good guys.

Also, everyone channel the reverse lock theory. A LOT of people are picking the Cubs. I believe that means the pressure falls on the Cubs. That and 100 years. 100 years

2008-09-29 20:34:31
469.   KG16
all it's going to take is one strange play/close call at Wrigley Field to mess up the Cubs' psyche (particularly of the fans, 35,000 expecting something bad to happen at the stadium tends to lead to something bad happening).
2008-09-29 20:36:01
470.   Tripon
We need to bring Steve Bartman back.
2008-09-29 20:38:51
471.   underdog
470 They have him chained to a bed in a hotel room, too. (And not in Chicago.)
2008-09-29 20:41:05
472.   trainwreck
If we tag out two runners at home, that might also ruin their psyche.
2008-09-29 20:43:11
473.   KG16
it'll be something screwy, like one of the Cubs' outfielders chasing a ball into the Ivy and DeWitt getting an inside the park home run.
2008-09-29 20:43:55
474.   KG16
wait, their was a ship, within the last week, hijacked by pirates?

in 2008?

2008-09-29 20:45:35
475.   Tripon
What do you think DeWitt can do in 2009? I say he has a 2008 Loney-seque year with 15 Home runs, and a 100-110+ OPS.
2008-09-29 20:45:37
476.   KG16
474 - their, there, they're... they all sound the same.
2008-09-29 20:45:47
477.   Bob Timmermann
Player/managers have been traded before. The Cardinals traded player/manager Rogers Hornsby after he led the team to a World Series title in 1926. Mainly because Cardinals owner Sam Breadon and team president Branch Rickey hated him.

In 1932, the Cubs fired Hornsby in mid-season again and he was operating as a player-manager, although he didn't play much. And nobody liked him.

Don Kessinger was player-manager for the 1979 White Sox and he was replaced by Tony La Russa during the season.

2008-09-29 20:46:27
478.   Tripon
474 Somalia likes to do things the old fashioned way.
2008-09-29 20:47:02
479.   KG16
475 - tough to say. i could see 15-20 HRs and a batting average around .275 or so.
2008-09-29 20:47:45
480.   Branch Rickey
I remember how I felt going into the 2006 playoffs and it wasn't like this. It was very much a feeling of "well, I guess anything can happen... in theory". This time it feels like we're up to the battle. While it is true that anything can happen, I do think we have a far better chance this year.
2008-09-29 20:51:09
481.   Bob Timmermann
My biggest fear in 2006 would be people gloating over how the Mets were able to win a playoff series with guys like Paul Lo Duca, Shawn Green, and Guillermo Mota.

So Taguchi and Yadier Molina restored my faith in humanity.

2008-09-29 20:54:15
482.   KG16
481 - restored? or just prolonged the inevitable?
2008-09-29 20:54:59
483.   Tripon
I'll be surprised if Paul Lo Duca ever wins a starting job again.
2008-09-29 20:56:26
484.   Jon Weisman
"The Dodgers have the best offense of any NL playoff team"

http://www.hardballtimes.com/main/article/the-dodgers-have-the-best-offense-of-any-nl-playoff-team/

2008-09-29 21:03:11
485.   Tripon
Does Kuroda have an underrated contract?
2008-09-29 21:03:15
486.   trainwreck
484
I guess a lot of that depends on how Furcal is.
2008-09-29 21:08:47
487.   Tripon
486 I'd say six innings of Furcal in game one and two respectively.
2008-09-29 21:17:59
488.   MollyKnight
484- That's what I've been telling anyone who will listen.

It's not how you start, but how you finish. People saying the Dodgers will get clobbered simply haven't been watching them play for the last month.

Check out these September #'s:

D. Lee: 7R 2HR 13RBI .353OBP .435SLG
Aramis: 12R 3HR 12RBI .359OBP .518SLG

Manny: 20R 10HR 30RBI .491OBP .828SLG
Ethier: 20R 3HR 20RBI .523OBP .682SLG

2008-09-29 21:23:26
489.   LAbits
479 - Beltre-esque, just like my .270/20 thought about De Witt 2009... but with higher OBP than Adrian.

What if they got Beltre back... at lower than his last absurd rate? Good defensive infield with Beltre, Hu/Berroa, DeWitt and Loney with Nomar as the fill-in.

2008-09-29 21:27:39
490.   Tripon
I would think Beltre would command a prospect like Ivan DeJesus Jr. Especially if Kim Ng is the next M's GM. She'll know that Dodgers system better than Coletti probably does. That's a scary though, if you think about it. Kim Ng must have her favorites in the Dodgers minor league system that she thinks might be underrated by the Dodgers, and could target them in a GM role.
2008-09-29 21:27:45
491.   MollyKnight
And for fun. Pitching stats for the last month:

Derek Lowe: 4W 21K 0.50ERA 4QS
vs.

Ryan Dempster: 2W 27K 3.00ERA 3QS

Billingsley: 4W 30K 3.09ERA 4QS
vs.
Zambrano: 1W 16K 7.08ERA 1QS

Hiro Kuroda: 2W 18K 2.96ERA 2QS
vs.

Rich Harden: 1W 14K 2.65ERA 2QS

Lowe and Billingsley have pitched better down the stretch than Dempster and Zambrano, respectively. Kuroda and Harden have similar numbers. To say the Cubs rotation is far and away better is a bit much.

2008-09-29 21:38:18
492.   ucladodger
I'm with you on everything, Molly. The national media is really underestimating this team, and all of the "experts" might look silly in about a week.

As for the pitching matchups, I think Harden is the big key. Zambrano's mechanics are crap right now and I dont think he will give the Cubs a solid start. i'm thinking we take the Zambrano game and go back to L.A 1-1. Harden in his last start was sitting in the mid-80's, which is far under what he usually throws. Who knows if he is hurt or just tired, but a less than 100% Harden is a huge advantage for the Dodgers. If Raffy can play the bulk of the series, my prediction is Dodgers in 4.

2008-09-29 21:51:22
493.   KG16
489 - I was always disappointed that Beltre left, so I definitely wouldn't mind seeing him back.
2008-09-29 21:52:48
494.   KG16
490 - the question is, will there be a place of DeJesus in the future?
2008-09-29 21:55:32
495.   trainwreck
I gave up on predicting the playoffs. Just not enough games to say with any real conviction.
2008-09-29 21:56:46
496.   dzzrtRatt
I'm feeling good about the Dodgers' chances, but I don't want to see these statistics that appear to prove they shouldn't be underdogs.

I'd rather be misunderestimated.

If they win 11 games, there will be plenty of time to present algorithms of inevitability.

2008-09-29 21:57:47
497.   Alex41592
Harden is by far the pitcher I fear most in that rotation. But, he's also made of glass. I'm still not a believer of Ryan Dempster. It is a BIG misconception his numbers are better at home than on the road. Sure, he's 14-3 at Wrigley but he has a higher WHIP and BAA at Wrigley than on the road.

The lineup we threw at him back in May at Wrigley was:

Pierre, Ethier, Martin, Kent, Sweeney, Kemp, DeWitt, Maza and Billingsley.

Replace Maza with Furcal, Sweeney with Loney, Pierre with Manny and Kent with Casey Blake.

Totally different team!

Carlos Zambrano is a giant wild card as he's looked just awful in his last two starts. Plus, he scratched himself from his final start because he wanted to throw in the bullpen rather than in a game. Zambrano threw an incredible game against Houston for his no-hitter but in doing so may have crippled the Cubs' chances at a title. We'll see but to me he's the key.

Rich Harden scares me as he is super good. But, he'll be facing 56,000 rabid Dodger fans as well.

2008-09-29 22:00:25
498.   LAT
481. Hey, watch it! ;-)
2008-09-29 22:01:39
499.   LAbits
So wait, Lowe is sick and waving Manny away from his locker on Sunday so he doesn't catch it? Any update on that report?
2008-09-29 22:01:58
500.   68elcamino427
I'm eager for a modest one game win streak.
Show/Hide Comments 501-550
2008-09-29 22:06:04
501.   LAbits
So wait, Lowe is sick and waving Manny away from his locker on Sunday so he doesn't catch it? Any update on that report?
2008-09-29 22:15:54
502.   Tripon
494 2nd or 3rd base if Furcal is signed to a long term deal. DeJesus may be ready by mid-2009, but it won't hurt the Dodgers or DeJesus to stash him until 2010 where a spot might be open for him. If DeWitt stays at 2nd, the Dodgers should really try to take at look at DeJesus at 3rd. He's 5'11", the same height as DeWitt is, and if he can play SS, he can field 3rd base as well.
2008-09-29 22:19:56
503.   ToyCannon
D Lowe has been obscenely lucky during his Sept streak, with a hit rate of 20%, his expected ERA would be 3.33 instead of 0.59. His normal hit rate as a Dodger is around 30%. DeWitt has some range compared to Kent but it can't all be DeWitt. Or can it?
2008-09-29 22:20:17
504.   Tripon
The Mariners are looking for fresh blood in their GM search. A few names in the mix: Kim Ng, Jerry DiPoto, and Tony LaCava. If the Mariners opt for experience they could try to lure Brian Cashman or even Brian Sabean. -via Rosenthal.

Brian Sabean as the Seattle GM. We might find a place for JP yet.

2008-09-29 22:25:35
505.   Tripon
501

http://www.latimes.com/sports/baseball/mlb/dodgers/la-sp-dodgers30-2008sep30,0,3138981.story

2008-09-29 22:31:26
506.   trainwreck
504
Seems like all the buzz is around Kim Ng.
2008-09-29 22:36:04
507.   trainwreck
Apparently the Lakers do not have an advanced statistics guy, because Phil Jackson does not believe in it.
2008-09-29 22:40:08
508.   Tripon
http://www.dailynews.com/sports/ci_10579700

Tom Hoffarth writes the connection between Ken Levine and the Albuquerque Isotopes. (Ken Levine co-wrote the ep where the Isotopes were created way back in season two of the Simpsons.)

2008-09-29 22:46:55
509.   Jon Weisman
508 - Argh. It's like I can't save anything.
2008-09-29 22:56:35
510.   LoneStar7
508 thats classic..wow i didn't even realize he wrote for a ton of shows

I also like the shelbyvillians hah..

2008-09-29 23:01:24
511.   LoneStar7
I actually dont quite understand how the whole partnership with AAA teams works...now that the isotopes are a Dodger affiliate, does that mean those prospects on the isotopes become Dodger prospects...or are they replaced with Dodger prospects...or all mixed in?
2008-09-29 23:05:21
512.   Tripon
509 Hey, the Simpsons were good... once.
2008-09-29 23:12:47
513.   trainwreck
511
It's our prospects.
2008-09-29 23:14:27
514.   Tripon
Ah, but who signs the Terry Tiffie, and John Lindsey of the world?
2008-09-29 23:14:29
515.   Alex41592
Broadcasting pairing have been announced:

Red Sox/Angels: Chip Carey, Buck Martinez and Craig Sagar.

Dodgers/Cubs: Dick Stockton, Ron Darling, Tony Gwynn and Tom Verducci.

Twins OR White Sox/Rays: Don Orsillo, Harold Reynolds and Marc Fein.

Brewers/Phillies: Brian Anderson, Joe Simpson, John Smoltz and David Aldridge

2008-09-29 23:18:18
516.   Tripon
Is Craig Sagar doing sideline reporting?
2008-09-29 23:18:29
517.   trainwreck
514
Probably us, since we do not have much talent at the AAA level.
2008-09-29 23:19:51
518.   Alex41592
516 - Yes, Sagar, Verducci, Fein and Aldridge are sideline/dugout reporters. The others are in the booth.
2008-09-29 23:19:57
519.   trainwreck
515
Thank the stars, we do not get Harold Reynolds.
2008-09-29 23:20:34
520.   bhsportsguy
511 A minor league franchise like the Isotopes is independently owned and the all the employees outside of the field staff are their employees. In order to stock their team with players, the minor league team becomes an affiliate for major league club. The MLB club acquires the players, furnishes the coaching staff and generally oversees the development side of the players.

When the Dodgers signed up with their new AAA home, the former team packs up the players that they have rights to (anyone outside of minor league free agent) and their coaches, so that the Dodgers can start planning their 2009 AAA roster.

2008-09-29 23:26:11
521.   Alex41592
L.A Times Dylan Hernandez:

"Whatever fears I had about my elbow are gone," said Saito, who was out for two months with a sprained elbow ligament. "My mechanics are what I was worried about. I was wondering why it was taking so long for that to come around, but I think I'm where I have to be."

Though Torre made a concerted effort to get Saito ready to pitch the ninth inning in the playoffs, he hasn't said whether he would make Saito his closer again or whether he would stick with his replacement, Jonathan Broxton.

http://www.latimes.com/sports/la-sp-dodfyi30-2008sep30,0,4533314.story

2008-09-29 23:26:18
522.   LoneStar7
520 ah thanks for that, and train thanks as well
2008-09-29 23:30:56
523.   bhsportsguy
514 They were non-roster invitees to the Dodgers Spring Training.
2008-09-29 23:42:32
524.   KG16
507 - I'm going to say that Phil's record pretty much speaks for itself. As do whatever standard of evaluation that he uses.

Also, helps having the best player(s) in the world on your roster.

2008-09-30 00:23:56
525.   coachjpark
Dodgers in 4.

I had a dream that the Dodgers won 5-3 in Game 1 with Manny hitting 2 bombs.

2008-09-30 00:48:37
526.   Eric Stephen
525
I like that prediction! Did your Thursday get together at the stadium go well?
2008-09-30 00:53:15
527.   trainwreck
526
Local newspaper here says Kiffin has officially been fired.
2008-09-30 04:10:45
528.   gpellamjr
525 Pff. The idea that they might lose a game this series is unacceptable to me.
2008-09-30 05:57:49
529.   MollyKnight
I agree with everyone that it's better to me misunderestimated. :)

Now I'm staring down the real possibility of not being able to watch game 1 or 2 'cause I'll be on a train back from Philly.

2008-09-30 06:02:21
530.   D4P
That's a long train ride.
2008-09-30 06:34:19
531.   overkill94
529 I spent $150 to change my plane ticket back from Jacksonville because I would have missed the whole game.

Hopefully I can expense it, but I'm not sure the explanation will hold up.

2008-09-30 06:36:25
532.   Ken Noe
I wonder what a good GM could get out of the Mets in return for some decent relief pitcher or two. They seem to be in some disarray.
2008-09-30 06:47:07
533.   Jon Weisman
NPUT

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