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About Jon
Thank You For Not ...

1) using profanity or any euphemisms for profanity
2) personally attacking other commenters
3) baiting other commenters
4) arguing for the sake of arguing
5) discussing politics
6) using hyperbole when something less will suffice
7) using sarcasm in a way that can be misinterpreted negatively
8) making the same point over and over again
9) typing "no-hitter" or "perfect game" to describe either in progress
10) being annoyed by the existence of this list
11) commenting under the obvious influence
12) claiming your opinion isn't allowed when it's just being disagreed with

But At Least I Have a Husband
2008-10-15 15:40
by Jon Weisman

I just want to tell you all good luck. We're all counting on you.

* * *

Phillies at Dodgers, 5:22 p.m.

Comments (847)
Show/Hide Comments 1-50
2008-10-15 15:44:43
1.   Woden325
Go out there and win one for the Zipper!
2008-10-15 15:45:22
2.   njr
Good luck Bills. Good luck Boys in Blue. I hope you all know how hard all of us here are rooting for you.
2008-10-15 15:46:49
3.   Sam DC
Surely, we'll pull this one out.
2008-10-15 15:47:04
4.   underdog
Roger, over.

What's our vector, Victor?

2008-10-15 15:47:07
5.   njr
Also, let me just say:

Jon-- whatever happens tonight I cannot tell you how much joy and meaning I have gotten from reading this site every day. It has made me a better fan and most likely a better person as well. Many thanks!

2008-10-15 15:47:44
6.   East Coast Dodger
Game 5. It's an entirely different kind of flying altogether.
2008-10-15 15:47:49
7.   Bob Timmermann
Do you know what it's like to be kicked in the face with a steel-toed boot?
2008-10-15 15:47:50
8.   JJ42
Thank you for getting this far! We'll all be rooting for you to go farther! Good luck!
2008-10-15 15:48:44
9.   underdog
3 Don't call me Shirley.

(Sorry, but it has to get the response.)

There's been a little problem in the dugout.
The dugout? What is it??
Well it's a long space off the field where the players sit. But that's not important right now.

2008-10-15 15:49:43
10.   Jim Hitchcock
Boy, we're amping up here. I like this spirit!
2008-10-15 15:51:01
11.   Jim Hitchcock
9 Surely I picked the wrong day to quit chewing 'bacca.
2008-10-15 15:51:51
12.   Neal Pollack
I'll never get over Macho Grande.
2008-10-15 15:53:40
13.   Lexinthedena
So Clayton,

You ever been to a Turkish Prison?

2008-10-15 15:53:51
14.   Marty
We need June Cleaver to interpret Manny-speak.
2008-10-15 15:54:13
15.   Icaros
"Tell your old man to drag Walton and Lanier up and down the court for 48 minutes!"
2008-10-15 15:54:23
16.   Jim Hitchcock
Ever sat on a grown man's lap?
2008-10-15 15:55:12
17.   underdog
This one always cracked me up. Maybe because I'm Jewish.

Elaine (stewardess): Would you like something to read?
Old Lady: Do you have anything light?
Elaine: Uhh...how about this leaflet, Famous Jewish Sports Legends?

2008-10-15 15:55:29
18.   das411
Haven't seen this linked anywhere yet, behold MLB.com's "Pennant Traces" on Mr. Vin:

http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/news/postseason/traces.jsp?loc=traces_scully

2008-10-15 15:55:39
19.   ImprobableImpossible
Listen, DT. I'm out there busting my buns every night. Tell your old man to face Hamels and Lidge up and down the lineup for nine innings.
2008-10-15 15:57:32
20.   underdog
15 19 Hah hah.

Darnit, I wish I didn't have to bust my own buns for the next 78 minutes to get all my work done.

2008-10-15 15:57:37
21.   Lexinthedena
It's a guy who comes in to pitch after the starter has been removed, but that's not important right now!
2008-10-15 16:00:07
22.   Tangled Up in Blue
(Stadium Announcer): Now batting for Pedro Borbon....Manny Mota..Mota..Mota
2008-10-15 16:00:43
23.   Jim Hitchcock
18 Great quote by Koufax.
2008-10-15 16:01:54
24.   das411
14 - !!!! DUDE who is starting for the LAD tonight? Well played Jon!
2008-10-15 16:01:56
25.   Jon Weisman
TV Guide is sold - for below the newsstand price.

http://adage.com/mediaworks/article?article_id=131756

2008-10-15 16:02:49
26.   Bill Crain
Joe and Larry ought to be okay; they're on instruments.
2008-10-15 16:02:55
27.   Sam DC
9 . 'ppreciate it.
2008-10-15 16:04:22
28.   Shotupthemiddle
Man, as we close in on game time, the tension is getting thicker.

And Leon's getting laaaaarger!

2008-10-15 16:04:26
29.   Marty
I can remember eagerly awaiting the mail delivery because it was TV Guide day. I did the crossword puzzle first thing.
2008-10-15 16:04:29
30.   GMac In The 909
Looks like I picked the wrong week to stop violating Rule No. 11.
2008-10-15 16:06:49
31.   Jim Hitchcock
So, any thoughts on what celeb McCourt will be fawning over tonight?
2008-10-15 16:13:22
32.   Indiana Jon
Finally! A reference on this blog to a movie that I like! This is a definite sign of good fortune for tonight.
2008-10-15 16:14:51
33.   Eric Stephen
31
I'm hoping for Neil Diamond.
2008-10-15 16:17:35
34.   Zak
35 It's hard to believe there are still 3 million subscribers. Wonder how many of those will re-up. TV Guide, like others, used to be a huge part of my life. I haven't looked at one since before they ditched the digest format. Recently I started going to the tvguide.com website to read what Matt Roush has been writing. Kinda sad, but kinda expected.
2008-10-15 16:17:38
35.   Jim Hitchcock
33 Sweet Caroline ? :)

Oh, and Obama's 30 minute time buy is going to push back the start of Game 6 of the WS:

http://tinyurl.com/545f5j

2008-10-15 16:19:42
36.   Eric Stephen
Today's post would have been more appropriate if we were talking about the 1987 Twins.

http://tinyurl.com/4qlyt4

2008-10-15 16:22:21
37.   Lee Corbett
this has been my favourite season as a Dodger fan - DT has made it even more enjoyable. It's a great thing you've got going on here Jon
2008-10-15 16:23:28
38.   Lee Corbett
34 are you omniscient?
2008-10-15 16:28:04
39.   Zak
31 Is he going to sing "I'm a believer" or "Song sung blue"? As long as he doesn't go up to Vin and start going on about "Brooklyn Roads" or "I am I said".
Maybe he'll suprise us and tell Frank McCourt to "Play Me". He'll definitely get thrown out if he makes any references to Cracklin' Jamie.
2008-10-15 16:30:47
40.   Zak
38 Yes. And a lousy typist.
2008-10-15 16:31:54
41.   Preston Bannard
"Get the best available man who won't crack under the pressure."

"How about Mr. Rogers?"

2008-10-15 16:32:49
42.   Bob Timmermann
Neil Diamond is playing a concert in Dallas tomorrow, so I'm guessing he's not going to be at the game tonight.
2008-10-15 16:38:17
43.   Woden325
37 I'm not even a big fan of the Dodgers. But I am a fan of Dodger Thoughts. This is a top notch blog. And a top notch community, too.
2008-10-15 16:40:21
44.   Eric Stephen
43
Dodger Thoughts: Where Rockies Fans Won't Get Spat Upon! :)
2008-10-15 16:41:02
45.   das411
43 , high five Woden!

Is anybody else already feeling a little sick? As in, too sick to come in to work tomorrow if this one goes extras? Fortunately it only happens in one October...

2008-10-15 16:41:13
46.   KG16
I'm sorry, does anyone speak jive?
2008-10-15 16:43:10
47.   Woden325
45 Did you eat the fish?
2008-10-15 16:49:17
48.   Eric Stephen
Cole Hamels Tonight
Furcal: SLAP!!
Ethier: SLAP!!
Manny: SLAP!! SLAP!!
Martin: SLAP!!
Loney: SLAP!!
Blake: SLAP!!
Kemp: SLAP!!
DeWitt: SLAP!!
Bills: shakes Hamels violently

Lather, rinse, repeat.

2008-10-15 16:52:25
49.   LoneStar7
as manny would say, lets have a happy flight!
2008-10-15 16:52:55
50.   underdog
47 We had a choice, steak or fish.

Yes, yes, I remember, I had lasagna.

Show/Hide Comments 51-100
2008-10-15 16:54:43
51.   Gold Star for Robot Boy
Get me Hamels on five, hold the mayo.
2008-10-15 16:55:47
52.   Gold Star for Robot Boy
Funny about this thread, just a few moments before I was telling an intern about 70s disaster movies.

http://www.amazon.com/Stewardess-Flying-Plane-American-Films/dp/082125751X

2008-10-15 17:00:14
53.   Lee Corbett
MLB.com has the game and the debate. Nice
2008-10-15 17:03:11
54.   Gold Star for Robot Boy
53 - The benefits (or drawbacks) of corporate synergy at FOX.
2008-10-15 17:04:15
55.   scareduck
Without treading on Rule 5 territory, I assume by your post title that you're firmly in the No on 8 camp. :-)
2008-10-15 17:04:30
56.   Jim Hitchcock
53 Oh, what to watch, what to watch...
2008-10-15 17:04:35
57.   RIYank
Reporter: Nervous?

Billingsley: Yes.

Reporter: First time?

Billingsley: No, I've been nervous lots of times.

2008-10-15 17:05:46
58.   Icaros
I'm glad Kevin Kennedy told me that Billingsley has negative energy on the mound because I've never noticed. Zelasko was spewing a load of crap about him too. These idiots are beyond stupid. They should run for public office.
2008-10-15 17:08:04
59.   Bob Timmermann
Is Billingsley's negative energy some form of antimatter or is he just negatively charged?
2008-10-15 17:10:52
60.   JJ42
According to the P-E blog, Henry Winkler was on the field. Does the Fonz count as the celebrity guest of the Dodgers?
2008-10-15 17:11:11
61.   Icaros
59

I'm wondering if he'll change polarity if we rub him against a magnet.

2008-10-15 17:11:15
62.   Marty
Kevin Kennedy is the Rex Kramer of Fox Sports.
2008-10-15 17:11:48
63.   Ken Noe
"I've got to concentrate...concentrate... concentrate... I've got to concentrate... concentrate... concentrate... Hello?... hello... hello... Echo... echo... echo... Pinch hitting for Pedro Borbon... Manny Mota... Mota... Mota..."

You people call yourselves Airplane fans.

2008-10-15 17:11:59
64.   Marty
As long as he wasn't water skiing, I'm ok with Winkler being there.
2008-10-15 17:12:18
65.   underdog
I really hate Fox. I am going to mute this stupid game and put on Vin Scully. That way if God forbid this is their last game at least I won't be aggravated by the announcer, too.

I hear there's a separate trailer for Eric Karros' hair.

2008-10-15 17:13:23
66.   underdog
63 meet 22

Did they really say that about Billingsley?! Sheezus, I'm glad I missed that part. I was irritated by them even missing that.

2008-10-15 17:13:52
67.   RIYank
63 see 22 .
2008-10-15 17:14:23
68.   RIYank
Uh, 67 meet 66 .
2008-10-15 17:15:45
69.   Eric Stephen
60
Aaaaaaaaaay!!!

[pounds jukebox]
[I Love LA starts playing]

2008-10-15 17:15:47
70.   underdog
68 Roger, over.

That's 'Clarence Oveur', over.

2008-10-15 17:15:51
71.   Alex41592
The Fonz will do our lineup tonight.
2008-10-15 17:15:56
72.   Icaros
66

Yes, they did. Zelasko even accused him of blaming others for his failure. It was revolting.

2008-10-15 17:16:17
73.   Indiana Jon
58 Actually I think he made a lot of sense, if he was talking about Billingsley last year or the year before. I had the same thoughts for a while, but I think he is past that. I would love for Billz to come out with some Peavy confidence though.
2008-10-15 17:17:36
74.   Icaros
73

He needs to act like a crybaby prick? I'd rather not see it.

2008-10-15 17:17:48
75.   Ken Noe
66 67 Alas.
2008-10-15 17:18:16
76.   Buffalo Jones
Sorry if this has already been answered, but is there any place to watch the game online. I can remember during the first game of the division series there was, but I haven't needed to since. Thanks
2008-10-15 17:18:29
77.   Marty
Reporter: What kind of clubhouse is it?
Bowa: Oh, it's a big pretty white clubhouse with red stripes, curtains in the windows and wheels and it looks like a big Tylenol.
2008-10-15 17:19:58
78.   RIYank
70 You have clearance, under (if I may call you under); over.
2008-10-15 17:20:00
79.   Indiana Jon
74 I love to watch Peavy pitch. Crybaby to you is a confident perfectionist to me. I just like the way he goes after hitters. Billz could use some of that.
2008-10-15 17:20:25
80.   seesdifferent
What clowns died and left their clothes to these two play by play announcers?
2008-10-15 17:22:04
81.   scareduck
25 - Wow. Honestly, I'm amazed TV Guide fetched that much.
2008-10-15 17:22:25
82.   Sam DC
(Psst Icaros, I know Dad's at the game, but if you're this salty now, I fear for Rule 1!)

(Especially with all that Billingsley negative energy clogging up the place.)

2008-10-15 17:22:28
83.   Eric Stephen
Fonzie > Angel
2008-10-15 17:22:41
84.   RIYank
80 Where did you get that dress, it's awful, and those shoes and that coat, jeez!
2008-10-15 17:23:34
85.   Icaros
79

Why do you have to yell and scream all game to "go after hitters?"

2008-10-15 17:23:36
86.   underdog
The stuff they said about Bills then is complete and utter rubbish, sorry. They are literally making stuff up.

Anyway, I have Vin on now and all is better with the world.

2008-10-15 17:25:31
87.   Icaros
82

I've never broken rule one, but I guess that's one of those George Carlin profanities. I'll just go prick my finger and be quiet.

2008-10-15 17:26:13
88.   scareduck
Welp... it was a nice postseason while it lasted.
2008-10-15 17:26:15
89.   Marty
Wow
2008-10-15 17:26:20
90.   Indiana Jon
85 I'm not saying you have to. All I'm saying is that if you go after hitters, and usually get them, as well as Peavy, then I don't care if you yell, scream, cry or dance a jig on the mound.
2008-10-15 17:26:30
91.   Lee Corbett
geez
2008-10-15 17:27:16
92.   underdog
Well, that could've started better. I picked the wrong week to quit sniffing glue.
2008-10-15 17:27:22
93.   Sam DC
"That might be a good omen for Philadelphia here tonight."

That's why you get the big bucks, I guess, Joe.

2008-10-15 17:27:56
94.   Eric Stephen
I want to be the writer for the "keys to the game" and scouting reports on screen. It's like 100% puns
2008-10-15 17:28:06
95.   scareduck
Bills is all over the damn place. He looks rattled already.
2008-10-15 17:28:25
96.   Icaros
90

So basically you just want him to be as good a pitcher as Peavy. So do I.

2008-10-15 17:28:31
97.   Bob Timmermann
The dropping of the A-bomb on Hiroshima on the other hand was a bad omen for the residents there.
2008-10-15 17:28:53
98.   Lee Corbett
Bills is missing by too much. Pitchers need to throw balls to be effective, but when they miss by a long way too often the hitters can relax too much. I am concerned.
2008-10-15 17:28:54
99.   ucladodger
This might be another short outing for Bills. 15 pitches or so without an out. Great
2008-10-15 17:29:42
100.   underdog
Pressure. Check. Nerves. Check.

Just settle down, Chad. We'll love ya no matter what. But particularly if you settle down.

Show/Hide Comments 101-150
2008-10-15 17:30:42
101.   scareduck
DP was helpful.
2008-10-15 17:30:42
102.   Humma Kavula
That's good!
2008-10-15 17:31:11
104.   scareduck
Injury to Furcal, not helpful.
2008-10-15 17:31:39
105.   Humma Kavula
Hey Chad, just letting you know: the torch and pitchfork have been put away for the season. Whatever happens, happens.

So relax! And let something good happen. Like that double play! Good stuff.

2008-10-15 17:31:45
106.   trainwreck
How many mirrors did the team break today?
2008-10-15 17:31:45
107.   ucladodger
That helps.
2008-10-15 17:33:04
108.   scareduck
Damage minimized. But Bills looks, so far, like Don Newcombe II (skin color may vary).
2008-10-15 17:33:12
109.   underdog
I think we need to settle down, too.

Just as Chad apparently did.

2008-10-15 17:33:18
110.   Lee Corbett
He'll settle down now
2008-10-15 17:33:40
111.   DBrim
Nice recovery by Bills. Hope Furcal's knee/ankle is okay, that looked pretty ugly on TV.
2008-10-15 17:33:46
112.   Indiana Jon
96 No. I think he IS as good of a pitcher as Peavy. Actually what I think is that he has as good of pitches as Peavy, but he sometimes is scared to use them and instead gets timid and tries to nibble the corners unsuccessfully. He also gets rattled pretty easily. Like I said earlier, I think this was more the case in past years, but he still does it from time to time.
2008-10-15 17:33:47
113.   Gen3Blue
As much as I like Werth, I always considered him a bit like Repko in his ability to attract injury to himself and others. I certainly don't mean he does it on purpose.
2008-10-15 17:34:15
114.   underdog
Btw, that ball 1 call to Howard looked like a clear strike to me. Again, if umps are gonna squeeze consistently, then pitchers just need to adjust. But that can't help. He certainly settled down after Honeycutt's visit.
2008-10-15 17:34:22
115.   El Lay Dave
I wonder what the Fox announcers and "analysts" have to say about Chad's negative energy causing Utley to GIDP and Howard to ground out.
2008-10-15 17:34:28
116.   RIYank
Well, underdog, what can you make out of this?
2008-10-15 17:35:04
117.   scareduck
112 - He also gets rattled pretty easily.

Which would make him, not as good of a pitcher as Peavy.

2008-10-15 17:35:55
118.   Indiana Jon
71 I thought you were joking.
2008-10-15 17:36:24
119.   underdog
I haven't felt this awful since we saw that Ronald Reagan film.

(Hey, it's a quote from Airplane!)

2008-10-15 17:36:50
120.   Indiana Jon
117 Exactly what I'm saying for the last 20 minutes.
2008-10-15 17:36:51
121.   underdog
Well at least Raffy looks close to full speed there.
2008-10-15 17:37:15
122.   scareduck
Here we go again. Five pitches and two outs for Hamels.
2008-10-15 17:37:34
123.   scareduck
121 - you think? My impression was the exact opposite.
2008-10-15 17:38:08
124.   Andrew Shimmin
121- Did he? Looked slow to me. Maybe he just didn't want to tempt fate on a ground out.
2008-10-15 17:38:41
125.   seesdifferent
Manny: the antiARod.
2008-10-15 17:38:48
126.   scareduck
Manny getting the intentional-unintentional walk.
2008-10-15 17:39:27
127.   Bob Timmermann
If only Jason Varitek were batting now...
2008-10-15 17:39:37
128.   scareduck
Cole Hamels looks like what Quentin Tarantino would look like if he were a pitcher.
2008-10-15 17:39:40
129.   Andrew Shimmin
Is that Tim Allen?
2008-10-15 17:39:53
130.   Sam DC
Golden God.
Golden God.
Golden God.
Golden God.
Golden God.
Golden God.
Golden God.
Golden God.
Golden God.
Golden God.
Golden God.
Golden God.

(continues softly muttering)

2008-10-15 17:41:08
131.   scareduck
Teh suck.
2008-10-15 17:41:25
132.   Sam DC
(sighs, stops muttering)
2008-10-15 17:41:49
133.   DBrim
Those line drives just aren't bouncing our way this series.
2008-10-15 17:41:57
134.   nick
negative: some overeager swinging.
positive: Hamels not looking real sharp.
2008-10-15 17:42:42
135.   underdog
Well he didn't looked 100% (Furcal) but he wasn't limping or slow either, to my eye. Small victory I guess. Maybe he'll just have to hit a home run today just to be safe.
2008-10-15 17:44:53
136.   scareduck
134 - Hamels was trying to avoid the strike zone with Manny and it carried over to the next AB. He'll settle down with the next batter.
2008-10-15 17:45:34
137.   scareduck
Mmmm-K.
2008-10-15 17:45:42
138.   underdog
Isn't Peavy 4 years older than Billingsley, and obviously a lot more experienced? How is it fair to compare them as equal vets?
2008-10-15 17:45:53
139.   Humma Kavula
Swingandamiss!
2008-10-15 17:46:02
140.   das411
105 , also well played, not mentioning how soon the offseason would start if, um, there's a need to bring out the pitchforks!

Why can't FOX use random semi celebrities to do pointless sideline reporting instead of Rosenthal?

2008-10-15 17:46:52
141.   Crimson Bear
I thought Furcal looked really gimpy running to first. But we do have a good record with gimpy guys on this date
2008-10-15 17:47:00
142.   Eric Stephen
phillies wish Victorino was as good as Reyes
2008-10-15 17:47:00
143.   Bluebleeder87
positive: Hamels not looking real sharp.

just make 'em throw pitches, see what he has man...(basics)

2008-10-15 17:47:09
144.   Humma Kavula
ANOTHER swingandamiss!
2008-10-15 17:47:49
145.   scareduck
138 - I didn't say that it was. But the important point is that he is not (yet?) as good a pitcher as Peavy.
2008-10-15 17:48:04
146.   Bluebleeder87
I'll tell you what (captain obvious) Bills fastball looks very crisp, jumping from his arm.
2008-10-15 17:48:04
147.   bleedsblue
Bills is getting his stuff back!
2008-10-15 17:48:13
148.   Sam DC
Why was ball 2 to Feliz not a strike?
2008-10-15 17:48:34
149.   MollyKnight
Ack!!!

Project Runway finale, the last presidential debate, and potentially the last Dodger game of the year ALL HAPPENING AT THE SAME TIME.

CURSES.

2008-10-15 17:48:52
150.   scareduck
135 - are you kidding? Furcal was slow out of the box and slowed down after he got started.
Show/Hide Comments 151-200
2008-10-15 17:49:09
151.   nick
"Billingsley's lucky it stayed in the park"!?
-guy hit a medium-speed single....
2008-10-15 17:50:17
152.   Bluebleeder87
Bills looks pretty good, the only thing is, he's gotta slow his delivery down I'm thinking that's why his curve isn't biting that much.
2008-10-15 17:50:22
153.   scareduck
149 - Project Runway = indifference. Reality TV never impresses me, except negatively.

Presidential debate = open contempt. Sound bites rule the day.

2008-10-15 17:50:40
154.   Bote Man
149 That's why God made TiVO.

* Not my idea, someone else's.

2008-10-15 17:50:41
155.   Eric Stephen
Danger: Bison looming
2008-10-15 17:50:41
156.   Bob Hendley
Billz is part of a staff that Jake described as "Swee". That's good enough for me.
2008-10-15 17:50:55
157.   underdog
Repeat to yourself its just a game,
I should really just relax...For Mystery Science Baseball 2008.
2008-10-15 17:51:15
158.   scareduck
152 - his curve is biting plenty, but in the first he was hooking it out of the zone.
2008-10-15 17:51:35
159.   MollyKnight
154- Tivo won't record three things at once. And neither will DVR (what I have).

!!!!!

2008-10-15 17:51:46
160.   scareduck
156 - you sure that's not Sporky and "squee"?
2008-10-15 17:51:54
161.   gpellamjr
151 They're desperate to make HRT into the next big-game choke-artist. It will fill some air time, since they have nothing better to say-- and it will be a go-to narrative in future playoff appearances.
2008-10-15 17:52:01
162.   underdog
150 Sorry, I really must have seen it wrong then. Maybe my Tivo was running at slight fast forward. ;-)

Won't happen again! {salutes}

2008-10-15 17:52:17
163.   DBrim
He left a couple of sliders hanging last half inning. He did look sharper that time around, though.
2008-10-15 17:52:46
164.   scareduck
155 - hopefully home, with some range.
2008-10-15 17:52:54
165.   underdog
159 I know the debate will be repeated later, at least on PBS and probably elsewhere, as well as online. If that helps any. Can't help much with Project Runway though.
2008-10-15 17:52:59
166.   LoneStar7
someone besides manny is gonna have to make something happen, I'd love to see bison get his bat on something tonight, we're gonna need to manufacture runs
2008-10-15 17:53:29
167.   scareduck
161 - HRT?
2008-10-15 17:53:43
168.   scareduck
BISON!
2008-10-15 17:53:57
169.   LoneStar7
good boy james, come on now lets go lets not kill this
2008-10-15 17:54:04
170.   Sam DC
Apparently during the World Series they are going to give some undecided fans those little squeeze dials and run the white lines at the bottom of the screen during the game.
2008-10-15 17:54:08
171.   Bob Hendley
I look forward to squeeing tonight!
2008-10-15 17:54:21
172.   Indiana Jon
159 That is one of the many reasons why I have more TVs and satellite boxes than I do people in the house. You never know when you may need them.
2008-10-15 17:54:24
173.   superbas
yay loney...one more baserunner and we can call this a rally.
2008-10-15 17:54:26
174.   Eric Stephen
152
Bluebleeder, I gotta say I always love your scouting reports. You spot things that many of us don't. Thanks for the input, not just today but all year
2008-10-15 17:54:29
175.   gpellamjr
167 His Royal Thighness.
2008-10-15 17:54:35
176.   underdog
Good to see Hamels is capable of hanging 'em, too.
2008-10-15 17:54:48
177.   Andrew Shimmin
Several networks replay the debate later on. If you're not going to watch it till later, anyway, that should work out. Unless one or the other of them (or Mr. Lehrer) start swearing up a storm. That'd probably get cut from the replay.

I'm taking my chances.

2008-10-15 17:54:48
178.   Sam DC
167 I'm guessing it's not Hostage Rescue Team, but probably His Royal Thighness.
2008-10-15 17:55:54
179.   Andrew Shimmin
D'oh.
2008-10-15 17:56:23
180.   LoneStar7
darn...could be a bison special down 0-2
2008-10-15 17:56:33
181.   Icaros
I thought HRT was Hee Reop Toy. Now it makes more sense.
2008-10-15 17:56:45
182.   Alex41592
Rally.
2008-10-15 17:56:47
183.   Andrew Shimmin
Matt Kemp is good at baseball.
2008-10-15 17:56:54
184.   scareduck
BISON!

(Did I type that before? Huh.)

2008-10-15 17:57:09
185.   LoneStar7
i love being wrong, come on we need a solution
2008-10-15 17:57:25
186.   Alex41592
Rally over.
2008-10-15 17:57:28
187.   scareduck
The Solution is the problem.
2008-10-15 17:57:32
188.   underdog
Good hacks in that at bat from Kemp.
2008-10-15 17:57:40
189.   Bluebleeder87
bottom line is Bills LOOKES like he settled down in that last inning (I missed the 1st) let's see how he looks in this one.
2008-10-15 17:57:48
190.   Eric Stephen
DeFlated
2008-10-15 17:57:50
191.   LoneStar7
stomach punch number 2
2008-10-15 17:58:20
192.   Lee Corbett
We need some extra base hits. And has Kemp shaved his goatee off?
2008-10-15 17:58:37
193.   RIYank
DeWitt: {I sure picked a hell of a week to stop doing steroids.)
2008-10-15 17:58:39
194.   Bote Man
[ Joe Torre calls run manufacturing plant, can't get financing due to credit crunch. ]
2008-10-15 17:58:48
195.   underdog
Be nice to have made Hamels work a bit more at least, Solution. I love ya, DeWitt, but... maybe Kent today wouldn't have been so terrible.

or maybe he would've.

2008-10-15 17:59:06
196.   ucladodger
I like Blake's aggressive approach. The problem is that he just isnt very good right now.
2008-10-15 18:00:02
197.   scareduck
194 - the first real example of a connection to the financial crisis!
2008-10-15 18:00:28
198.   Sam DC
There's just something not quite right about this -- http://tinyurl.com/4khd9m
2008-10-15 18:00:34
199.   Eric Stephen
This post is a jinx but I've been successfully posting from my iPhone for an hour (a record).
2008-10-15 18:00:39
200.   scareduck
196 - The problem is that he just isnt very good.

Fixed.

Show/Hide Comments 201-250
2008-10-15 18:01:07
201.   underdog
13 runners LOP for DeWitt this series. Ouch.
2008-10-15 18:01:33
202.   superbas
a couple good curves right there by billz
2008-10-15 18:01:34
203.   underdog
200 Someone's particularly grouchy today.
2008-10-15 18:01:59
204.   LU Dodger
Hey Milli Vanilli guy is behind home plate in the stands again! yay
2008-10-15 18:02:11
205.   scareduck
198 - it doesn't hurt that the article photo includes some grade-A hotties.
2008-10-15 18:02:53
206.   ucladodger
200

I was trying to be nice :).

Wow, Bills getting squeezed a little bit there.

Also, Cole Hamels has an absolutely gorgeous swing.

2008-10-15 18:03:09
207.   nick
this whole postseason, on both networks, the annoucers have basically been grumpy, whiny, lazy, sporadically attentive killjoys.

if they were all struck mute and forced to get honest work, would anyone fail to rejoice?

2008-10-15 18:04:11
208.   Lee Corbett
yeah, DeWitt has been up in a lot of really big situations, as that graphic of the 13 LOB showed. That's how the game goes I guess. He's done what could be asked of him this year, and his defence has been really good.
2008-10-15 18:04:44
209.   underdog
207 Tim McCarver pumping gas or digging ditches would make me happy, yeah, I admit it.
2008-10-15 18:05:08
210.   Alex41592
I do remember a bases loaded triple in Game 3 by DeWitt.
2008-10-15 18:05:31
211.   superbas
wrong side of the base by martin
2008-10-15 18:05:34
212.   Andrew Shimmin
Horsefeathers.
2008-10-15 18:06:14
213.   Sam DC
So many small things so terribly close . . . .
2008-10-15 18:06:27
214.   Eric Stephen
instead of the sound from the game at the Claim Jumper bar I am hearing the debate. No rule 1 here apparently!

Hey DeWitt: quicker tag next time!

2008-10-15 18:06:42
215.   underdog
Decent throw, good slide.
2008-10-15 18:06:50
216.   njr
Ok, I've got Vin cued up to the TV so no matter what there will be something good about the viewing experience tonight. I thought about it on the way home, and it probably won't be too long now before we have to think about Vin like we're thinking about playoff games right now.

Also, Rollins was out.

2008-10-15 18:07:20
217.   Andrew Shimmin
That was a strike.
2008-10-15 18:07:32
218.   underdog
210 That doesn't count for anything. It's only the bad stuff that proves his bad. Good stuff is tossed out by the judge.
2008-10-15 18:07:41
219.   njr
Or I should say, "should have been out".
2008-10-15 18:08:11
220.   Indiana Jon
214 or Rule 5.
2008-10-15 18:08:33
221.   El Lay Dave
177 It would be a lot more entertaining if that were Mr. Tom Lehrer moderating.
2008-10-15 18:08:45
222.   LU Dodger
I can't believe that Kuroda has been our best starter in this series.
2008-10-15 18:08:49
223.   scareduck
NOW Bills throws a curve out of the zone.
2008-10-15 18:09:05
224.   Lee Corbett
211 Blake has to let that ball travel; the ball goes a lot faster before you've caught it than when you swing your arm. A lot of young pivots go out and get the ball because they're anxious.

And McCarver sounds dumb, again

2008-10-15 18:09:08
225.   LoneStar7
I just have to say, I'm a a big UCLA fan but i Chase just comes across as cold and a huge dbag. I hope I'm wrong
2008-10-15 18:09:59
226.   scareduck
Honeycutt is not impressed.
2008-10-15 18:10:00
227.   superbas
c'mon billz we need the chad that pounds the strike zone
2008-10-15 18:10:17
228.   Andrew Shimmin
I'd hit Howard, here.

In fact, I'd hit every single batter until they threw me out.

2008-10-15 18:10:27
229.   Sam DC
Oooooh . . . big spot . . . . very nervous.
2008-10-15 18:11:38
230.   Indiana Jon
229 I wouldn't be this nervous in a Turkish prison.
2008-10-15 18:11:46
231.   bleedsblue
Oh man this is too much.
2008-10-15 18:12:07
232.   trainwreck
228
I like your style.
2008-10-15 18:12:29
233.   Lee Corbett
I am so nervous I am eating peanut butter from the jar.
2008-10-15 18:12:59
234.   Rob M
Damn!
2008-10-15 18:13:12
235.   El Lay Dave
229 Nervous?
Yes?
First time?
No, I've been nervous lots of times.
2008-10-15 18:13:12
236.   scareduck
2-0 Phils with two out.

Two out rallies will get you to heaven. Unless you're the defending team.

2008-10-15 18:13:18
237.   DBrim
He's lucky that didn't go 300 feet further.
2008-10-15 18:13:25
238.   bleedsblue
Deja vu all over again...
2008-10-15 18:13:59
239.   still bevens
Does anyone else think Chad pushing his innings threshold for this season has anything to do with his horrible post season performance?
2008-10-15 18:14:02
240.   Andrew Shimmin
I bet he could hit three batters in a row before they threw him out.
2008-10-15 18:14:22
241.   El Lay Dave
What a pisser.
2008-10-15 18:14:24
242.   Sam DC
Still a big spot . . . still nervous.
2008-10-15 18:14:24
243.   Andrew Shimmin
Maybe four.
2008-10-15 18:14:38
244.   scareduck
233 - I do that, but only before 8 AM.
2008-10-15 18:15:21
245.   Alex41592
239 - Horrible NLCS performance.
2008-10-15 18:15:34
246.   Rob M
My god. This is killing me. I really, really, really want to see Chad have a nice start.
2008-10-15 18:15:39
247.   scareduck
Chad Billingsley is now going down as anti-clutch.
2008-10-15 18:16:23
248.   I Love LA
this is ridiculous, way to go out guys.
2008-10-15 18:16:32
249.   Indiana Jon
Please Joe, not Park again. What about Maddux?
2008-10-15 18:16:33
250.   El Lay Dave
239 Lest we forget, he was quite good vs. the Cubs.
Show/Hide Comments 251-300
2008-10-15 18:16:43
251.   bleedsblue
This sucks. Chad needs to be relieved.
2008-10-15 18:16:45
252.   Rob M
Does Torre thing Park could possibly be any better than a Chad? Get McDonald up.
2008-10-15 18:17:04
253.   underdog
Honestly I keep wondering if Bills is telegraphing his pitches at all. They are good hitters of course, so take nothing away from them, but even his pitches down and away and inside and so on, they seem to know where to find 'em.
2008-10-15 18:17:16
254.   Bluebleeder87
oh man, what was that Martin... signs of a tired catcher man, he doesn't do that...
2008-10-15 18:17:34
255.   El Lay Dave
Honeycutt, into phone: Get me someone who won't crack under pressure.
Bullpen Catcher: How about Mister Rogers?
2008-10-15 18:17:43
256.   nick
load them up with a wild starter?
unless Bills is coming out, yup.......
2008-10-15 18:17:48
257.   LoneStar7
chad you've given us a great season, much to be proud of, and much to look forward to, but its time to sit down, rest up, and regroup and focus on next year
2008-10-15 18:18:10
258.   Rob M
This really surprises me. Park is really the last guy I want to see in this spot.
2008-10-15 18:18:12
259.   Marty
Man, I run out to the store and all Hell breaks loose.
2008-10-15 18:18:14
260.   superbas
that's it for chad? come on
2008-10-15 18:18:19
261.   Lee Corbett
Oh man. They are just hitting a lot better than us, and not making fundamental mistakes. Rollins should have been out, but we have a 3rd baseman there; and, Loney nearly caught that ball, and that check swing of Howard's just went foul.
2008-10-15 18:18:44
262.   MollyKnight
I'm watching the debate instead of the game, and I swear it's like you guys are commenting on the trainwreck on my screen.
2008-10-15 18:18:46
263.   trainwreck
I will be getting re-acquainted with my dear old friend Beer tonight it seems.
2008-10-15 18:19:01
264.   nick
here's where conventional managing falls short. a single makes it 5-0, season over: why go to your long man?
2008-10-15 18:19:15
265.   Indiana Jon
Why do we have Maddux on the roster? I know he's not great, but he's not Park either.
2008-10-15 18:19:30
266.   Icaros
Tony Jackson: sharpening the knives.
2008-10-15 18:19:31
267.   trainwreck
Put in McDonald!
2008-10-15 18:19:54
268.   trainwreck
262
You got trainwrecks on all screens.
2008-10-15 18:19:57
269.   underdog
This makes me really sad. :-( I just feel bad for him. Never mind whether they win or lose this game. I just can't stand the thought of whatever is going to be written now and that he'll have to live it down and so on. So many good pitchers have struggled in post-season series. It just happens. It won't be as clear-cut and defined as whatever the third-rate journalists in the Times and on Fox and Phillies fans and so on will say about poor Chad.
2008-10-15 18:20:10
270.   Bluebleeder87
i missed that inning. what just happened? 3-0, that's all I know.
2008-10-15 18:20:31
271.   underdog
268 Hah hah.
2008-10-15 18:20:32
272.   Alex41592
There aren't many good decisions you can make when your starting pitcher has nothing.
2008-10-15 18:21:05
273.   LoneStar7
this could be the season right here
2008-10-15 18:21:30
274.   underdog
If this wasn't the do or die game of course, Chad would also be given more time. Not that he would settle down necessarily... But Torre couldn't afford to wait. As Vin just said.
2008-10-15 18:21:42
275.   trainwreck
I hate FOX so much.
2008-10-15 18:22:02
276.   bleedsblue
262 All my teams are letting me down.
2008-10-15 18:22:06
277.   Bluebleeder87
Nice inning by Park.
2008-10-15 18:22:32
278.   El Lay Dave
Feliz vs. dodger pitchers:
http://www.bb-ref.com/pi/shareit/RJBj

3-11, 1 HR vs. Chan Ho.
6-25, 2 HR vs. Maddux.

2008-10-15 18:22:59
279.   Eric Stephen
270
Basically all the worst parts of the bible.
2008-10-15 18:23:15
280.   underdog
Chan Ho: Well, my work here is done.

Time for a Kent pinch hitting appearance? Too bad we can't activate Delwyn for one at bat.

2008-10-15 18:23:18
281.   scareduck
In the time of chimpanzees I was a monkey
Butane in my veins and I'm out to cut the junkie
With the plastic eyeballs, spray-paint the vegetables
Dog food stalls with the beefcake pantyhose
Kill the headlights and put it in neutral
Stock car flamin' with a loser and the cruise control
Baby's in reno with the vitamin d
Got a couple of couches, sleep on the love-seat
Someone came in sayin' I'm insane to complain
About a shotgun wedding and a stain on my shirt
Don't believe everything that you breathe
You get a parking violation and a maggot on your sleeve
So shave your face with some mace in the dark
Savin' all your food stamps and burnin' down the trailer park

Yo. cut it.

Soy un perdedor
I'm a loser baby, so why don't you kill me?

2008-10-15 18:23:25
282.   LoneStar7
well there are still some signs of life, im out for a while gotta make sure there's a lot of beer available for tonight

if this is my last comment of the season here, its been amazing, and again many thanks Mr. Weisman, this website has been a pleasure to read everyday I hope to be here for many years to come..

go blue

2008-10-15 18:24:15
283.   Bluebleeder87
279

if anything at least I get good chuckles here...

2008-10-15 18:25:33
284.   fracule
279 Are you a writer for Jerry Bruckheimer?
2008-10-15 18:25:35
285.   Eric Stephen
McCain is blinking more than Terry Collins and Tony Phillips combined.
2008-10-15 18:25:37
286.   El Lay Dave
272 If Billingsley had nothing, how did he strike out Werth, Burrell and Victorino? Get Utley to GIDP.

274 Right, exactly.

2008-10-15 18:25:42
287.   nick
if Osuna is pinch hitting here, that's a sign that you have not constructed your roster optimally....
2008-10-15 18:25:43
288.   trainwreck
Did we really just give Pablo Ozuna an at-bat in the most important game in years?
2008-10-15 18:26:10
289.   scareduck
285 - yes, but is he doing the lizard tongue jut?
2008-10-15 18:26:30
290.   fracule
This current strategy is not going to work.
2008-10-15 18:28:29
291.   El Lay Dave
Who's pitching next? Maddux?
2008-10-15 18:28:41
292.   Bluebleeder87
286

Burrell's hit was actually a pretty good pitch watching the repeat.

2008-10-15 18:29:01
293.   fracule
291 Yup
2008-10-15 18:29:36
294.   trainwreck
Trader Joe's Garlic Fries are good.
2008-10-15 18:32:02
295.   fracule
294 MMMM. Garlic Fries.
2008-10-15 18:32:59
296.   Eric Stephen
281
A friend once told me that even the losers get lucky sometimes.

Speaking of that, baseball can be a real heartbreaker.

2008-10-15 18:33:09
297.   MollyKnight
268- I don't know what's worse: watching the Dodgers lose, or watching a scary Presidential debate. I am seriously unnerved right now on SO MANY FRONTS.
2008-10-15 18:33:27
298.   Bote Man
290 ...or is it a tactic?

Now listening to Harry Kalas, as Vin goes on break.

2008-10-15 18:34:02
299.   seesdifferent
Ethier can't bat again against Hamels, and neither should DeWitt. If Torre sends the pitcher up to bat again I'm going to break my television. There is no tomorrow and the Dodgers aren't going to beat Lidge.
2008-10-15 18:34:23
300.   njr
This game turns around now! Why not? Why couldn't it?! Maddux pitches 5 scoreless for one last hurrah; Bison gets his big hit; Manny hits another home run. Book it!
Show/Hide Comments 301-350
2008-10-15 18:34:45
301.   El Lay Dave
Every time I see "C. Ruiz" in the Phillies box score, I think "Chico".
2008-10-15 18:34:45
302.   Eric Stephen
I really love that pitch
2008-10-15 18:34:50
303.   Bluebleeder87
I scarfed down a wendy's double cheeseburger & fries earlier today (for lunch) & about an hour ago I ait some FRIED tacos (ugh!!) I feel SO bad...
2008-10-15 18:35:54
304.   bleedsblue
Maddux to the rescue. Nice.
2008-10-15 18:36:02
305.   El Lay Dave
299 At this point, I'd be happy if Manny had a chance to win it with Lidge (Manny is the closest thing around to hitting like Pujols) on the mound.
2008-10-15 18:36:10
306.   underdog
297 I'm getting very grumpy on all counts, too. I wish I was able to drink more than I am. Maybe I'll just hit myself over the head with a hammer until I lose consciousness. Choices, choices!
2008-10-15 18:36:18
307.   Indiana Jon
This could be the last time we ever see Greg Maddux pitch. I hope I have good memories of tonight.
2008-10-15 18:36:24
308.   Alex41592
Vintage.
2008-10-15 18:36:26
309.   Bluebleeder87
in my mind, the NL WEST was our prime target, anything else is just gravy man...
2008-10-15 18:36:39
310.   underdog
Well, Maddux is fun to watch at least.
2008-10-15 18:37:15
311.   trainwreck
306
Didn't you party in Isla Vista?
2008-10-15 18:37:50
312.   underdog
303 Oh man, that comment gave me indigestion just reading it, blue.
2008-10-15 18:37:54
313.   Sam DC
282 Offseason lively here too . . .
2008-10-15 18:37:58
314.   Bluebleeder87
seriously, Maddux just keep 'em at bay, our bats come around & before you know we'll have a ball game again.
2008-10-15 18:37:58
315.   FirstMohican
That last pitch against Hamels was not a strike. Pays to be Maddux.

I wonder if Utley was creeped out that the umpire was reading about him.

2008-10-15 18:38:18
316.   Bob Timmermann
301
Vin Scully calls Ruiz "Chico" a lot. And then tells stories about when Chico Ruiz was a catcher.

Which he wasn't.

2008-10-15 18:39:20
317.   underdog
311 When I was in HS (and once while in college), yeah, but those days are long past, man. Two beers is my limit.

Hmm, but wine, wine goes down a bit smoother. I have a bottle right here. Hrm.

2008-10-15 18:39:52
318.   scareduck
Frank looks like he just swallowed the future.
2008-10-15 18:39:57
319.   underdog
But darnit! I also lost $50 on the presidential debate -- I bet on H Ross Perot. I really have to talk to my bookie, man.
2008-10-15 18:40:01
320.   Bote Man
Wow. That was Manny definitely not being Manny.
2008-10-15 18:40:56
321.   Bote Man
313 Is this the DT Home for Wayward Yudites?
2008-10-15 18:41:02
322.   El Lay Dave
Maddux should at least be well-rested; that never hurts with an old pitcher.
2008-10-15 18:41:24
323.   Bluebleeder87
I just hope Kershaw developes a change up just like Hamels.
2008-10-15 18:42:15
324.   Bluebleeder87
Martin ain't got nothin' man!! you know what thoug, I hope this motivates him even more for next season. I do think he is a little tired though.
2008-10-15 18:42:16
325.   El Lay Dave
316 One imagines Chico must have been the emergency catcher on most of his teams though.
2008-10-15 18:42:36
326.   scareduck
I have a good dog on my sofa.
2008-10-15 18:42:37
327.   trainwreck
319
I bet on Smilin' Joe Fission.
2008-10-15 18:43:04
328.   scareduck
Hole Camels is rolling and the Dodgers are rolling over.
2008-10-15 18:43:10
329.   Alex41592
Cole Hamels is really good. That's all that needs to be said.
2008-10-15 18:43:22
330.   Bob Timmermann
Chico Ruiz did play one game at catcher for the Angels in 1971.
2008-10-15 18:44:13
331.   Eric Stephen
plenty of time left

[drinks]

2008-10-15 18:44:38
332.   El Lay Dave
330 Vin 1, Bob 0. Sort of; bet the story still isn't quite right.
2008-10-15 18:44:40
333.   MollyKnight
I'm searching for a pitchfork right now.
2008-10-15 18:45:22
334.   scareduck
333 - please tell me you aren't still watching that damned debate, Molly.
2008-10-15 18:45:39
335.   jdbeauchamp
Our team has the wind knocked out of it. This is tough to watch.

Maybe we can at least give Victorino a bruise to remember us by.

2008-10-15 18:45:54
336.   Bob Timmermann
326
I had a big cockroach in my kitchen sink this morning.

We bonded.

Then I killed him and ran him down the garbage disposal.

2008-10-15 18:46:34
337.   Bote Man
SLAM ON THE BRAKES!!
2008-10-15 18:46:48
338.   El Lay Dave
Is 43 pitches right? Crud, Cole could complete the game at that rate.

Cole Hamels sounds like the name of a voice-over guy. "I'm Cole Hamels, for Alpha-Beta." Something like that.

2008-10-15 18:46:52
339.   scareduck
336 - I thought it was a water bug, earlier. Is that the same thing?
2008-10-15 18:46:59
340.   fritts
I miss the Chad Billingsley from the regular season.
2008-10-15 18:47:02
341.   Bluebleeder87
if anything at least I went to the game we completely dominated.
2008-10-15 18:47:58
342.   Bob Timmermann
332
If Vin knew that Chico Ruiz played the 9th inning of a game between the Angels and Indians on August 19, 1970, then more power to him.
2008-10-15 18:48:17
343.   Indiana Jon
326 I have two black poodles on my couch. Sometimes I look at them and think of Manny.
2008-10-15 18:48:39
344.   jdbeauchamp
How are they hitting these pitches?
2008-10-15 18:48:57
345.   Bluebleeder87
I hope we get a good 'ol fashion spankin' it won't be that painful that way.
2008-10-15 18:49:01
346.   El Lay Dave
340 Or in the NLDS vs. the Cubs.
2008-10-15 18:49:30
347.   Sam DC
321 ::brushes right side of nose with index finger::
2008-10-15 18:51:16
348.   jdbeauchamp
Chase Utley looks like Tim Roth.
2008-10-15 18:51:26
349.   Bob Timmermann
339
Turns out they're all interchangeable terms used in the extermination business. I learned a lot about them today.

I think they crawl up through the pipes in the morning when it's cool and they're looking for a warmer clime.

I don't think there's an easy solution.

2008-10-15 18:52:21
350.   FirstMohican
I miss chad billingsley from the NLDS vs the great cubs offense.
Show/Hide Comments 351-400
2008-10-15 18:52:22
351.   Indiana Jon
Not good.
2008-10-15 18:52:26
352.   Bluebleeder87
ugh!
2008-10-15 18:52:38
353.   scareduck
The word "embarrassing" doesn't adequately describe this game.
2008-10-15 18:52:54
354.   trainwreck
Kick em while they're up
Kicm em while they're down
2008-10-15 18:53:15
355.   bigcpa
OK which guy are we gonna bean first? Bring in Wade.
2008-10-15 18:53:25
356.   jdbeauchamp
I didn't want to be pantsed in our last game. This unbelievably depressing.
2008-10-15 18:53:30
357.   Bob Timmermann
Even I would advocate the double error for that play.

Just out of spite.

2008-10-15 18:54:18
358.   scareduck
349 - given the market and our relative indifference, we didn't sell our prior house (a decision I now regret). We found out a couple weeks ago that we had bees living in the attic, which we called in a bee removal service for.

We had to call them back today.

There was 50 lbs. of honey in the attic.

2008-10-15 18:54:42
359.   Bote Man
349 Here in Florida we call them "palmetto bugs" and keep them as pets. Some might be as large as those two black poodles on the couch.
2008-10-15 18:54:57
360.   Indiana Jon
Look on the bright side. At least we aren't going to win the World Series and listen to how it was all because of Joe Torre.
2008-10-15 18:55:27
361.   Eric Stephen
338
Yes but can Cole Hamels pull in-her-prime Suzanne Sommers?
2008-10-15 18:55:55
362.   Indiana Jon
359 I hope not. They are standard poodles.
2008-10-15 18:57:16
363.   D4P
If I ever had to face someone with the bases loaded, I would choose Pedro Feliz.

Or with the bases empty. Or just a runner on first, or a runner on second, or a runner on third, or runners on first and second, or runners on first and third, or runners on second and third.

2008-10-15 18:57:19
364.   Bob Timmermann
Suzanne Somers and Alan Hamel are headed for their 31st anniversary next month.
2008-10-15 18:57:41
365.   Eric Stephen
354
That reminds me, I have a lot of laundry to do
2008-10-15 18:58:07
366.   El Lay Dave
361 He is a young, rich ballplayer. He can do better.
2008-10-15 18:58:15
367.   trainwreck
Cue the Benny Hill music.
2008-10-15 18:58:23
368.   scareduck
Rafael Furcal ensures he won't be back with the Dodgers in 2009.
2008-10-15 18:58:23
369.   Bob Timmermann
Mr. Furcal meet Mr. Davis.
2008-10-15 18:58:31
370.   Eric Stephen
This is tragically funny at least
2008-10-15 18:59:17
371.   oshea2002
Wow - I'd love to see Raffy back next year, but I hate that this is how it's ending. Ugghh.
2008-10-15 18:59:17
372.   scareduck
And I ask myself why I bothered to take a half day off to watch this krep.
2008-10-15 18:59:40
373.   seesdifferent
did someone put some bad drugs in my koolaid?
2008-10-15 18:59:43
374.   Indiana Jon
368 Good, he's overpaid.
2008-10-15 19:00:01
375.   underdog
Ken Rosenthal, meet Underdog's obelisk.
2008-10-15 19:00:06
376.   nick
Furcal has to be hurt--he limped badly running to first earlier....
2008-10-15 19:00:07
377.   Sam DC
Major sigh.
2008-10-15 19:00:26
378.   jdbeauchamp
The only thing that could cap this night would be a double play at home plate, let's say Kent and Either.
2008-10-15 19:00:51
379.   Rob M
This is so bad that I'm spending more time watching the debate than the game. Unbelievable.
2008-10-15 19:01:20
380.   ucladodger
I really am curious to see what kind of offers Furcal gets. His best bet is probably a 1 year deal somehwere.
2008-10-15 19:01:32
381.   Greg Brock
How will Ken Rosenthal sleep when I sneak into his house and punch him about the head, face, neck, chest, and stomach?

"Not very well" is my guess. Stupid pencil neck.

2008-10-15 19:01:44
382.   KG16
wow, looks like i missed a game that was worth missing. i know, it's not over, but still, it was a helluva run.
2008-10-15 19:01:52
383.   jdbeauchamp
Just take the sandwich, Steve!
2008-10-15 19:01:57
384.   underdog
Did the Phillies hire a witch doctor to put a spell on the Dodgers this week? I thought I saw one leaving the visitor's clubhouse but maybe I just dreamed that.
2008-10-15 19:01:58
385.   El Lay Dave
One of the runs is earned??
2008-10-15 19:02:04
386.   trainwreck
What did I miss Rosenthal saying?
2008-10-15 19:02:05
387.   Indiana Jon
At least there will be several former Dodgers in the Series.
2008-10-15 19:02:14
388.   njr
Yeah, this is pretty much the nightmare scenario. Hey-- at least it's the stuff of legends. We will either have a better-than-Gibson comeback, or continue this truly memorable melt down.

I wonder if Werth hurt Raffy and he's just hiding it. I wouldn't be surprised. That said, this isn't the time for heroics.

2008-10-15 19:02:43
389.   Frip
356 Is it depressing? Are we not permitted the crazy man's laugh at this point?
2008-10-15 19:03:00
390.   underdog
I think some circus music should've accompanied that last half inning. That's my only real complaint. That and that Ken Rosenthal has a job. And an unmangled face.
2008-10-15 19:03:26
391.   scareduck
388 - and the -Manny outfield next year to remind us of it, too.
2008-10-15 19:03:40
392.   Indiana Jon
384 In your dream, did Broxton have a tiny head?
2008-10-15 19:04:41
393.   Sam DC
ok . . . so, five half innings, need six runs . . . not impossible . . .
2008-10-15 19:06:44
394.   Frip
Mitch Hammels, pointless interview of the century.
2008-10-15 19:06:56
395.   trainwreck
Thanks for that stirring interview during the at-bat.
2008-10-15 19:07:47
396.   Indiana Jon
What did that guy next to him yell?
2008-10-15 19:07:50
397.   scareduck
Do. Not. Hit. Into. The. Triple. Play. Blake.
2008-10-15 19:07:52
398.   Betting with Johnny Podres
Atta boy Kemp. Is there life?
2008-10-15 19:07:54
399.   underdog
Sigh. Will this be 15 LOB for DeWitt? C'mon Solution... Let's not go gently into this good night.
2008-10-15 19:07:57
400.   Bote Man
The in-game crowd interview has to rank up there with Robothal for me.
Show/Hide Comments 401-450
2008-10-15 19:08:03
401.   nick
wow, they really want DeWitt to fail again, don't they?
2008-10-15 19:08:14
402.   seesdifferent
have to hit for DeWitt
2008-10-15 19:08:23
403.   LU Dodger
Cole Hamels = better pitcher than his brother
Dodgers = will sign his brother one day
2008-10-15 19:08:58
404.   FirstMohican
Cmooooon rook!!
2008-10-15 19:09:11
405.   jdbeauchamp
Monday night my depression hit toxic levels. I left before the top of the ninth to walk my dog (a rare event at 11 p.m. CST).

Tonight, dog (Koufax) hears angry braying from the house, dog comes to door expecting a leash.

Pavlov.

2008-10-15 19:09:25
406.   Bob Hendley
Got a problem, now let's see the Solution.
2008-10-15 19:09:32
407.   scareduck
399 - not on a DP.
2008-10-15 19:09:35
408.   trainwreck
DP DeWitt this game.
2008-10-15 19:09:38
409.   seesdifferent
Torre really wants to be the goat, doesn't he?
2008-10-15 19:09:44
410.   El Lay Dave
402 WITH WHOM?
2008-10-15 19:09:46
411.   Betting with Johnny Podres
DP. Aarrrggghhh.
2008-10-15 19:09:53
412.   underdog
Well, hey, only 1 left on this time! :-/

{open bottle of wine}

2008-10-15 19:10:05
413.   fritts
DeWitt might ground into 4 double plays tonight.
2008-10-15 19:10:20
414.   scareduck
405 - we briefly considered, and ultimately rejected, calling our dog Santo.

He is now Romeo, because he's such a good kisser.

2008-10-15 19:10:29
415.   oshea2002
This is a murphy's law game
2008-10-15 19:10:40
416.   FirstMohican
Good lord. Maybe we'll need to hit the 2B market hard.
2008-10-15 19:10:40
417.   underdog
409 I must have missed something -- how is Torre the goat of this game again?
2008-10-15 19:10:58
418.   Greg Brock
Good thing DeWitt got out of the way of a free base like the gritty hustlemonster he is. Wear it next time.
2008-10-15 19:11:01
419.   Alex41592
You know how you get your club into trouble. You make decisions based off of four games.
2008-10-15 19:11:18
420.   das411
Wait a minute...why did I open a random TinyURL someone posted here and get the bb-ref page for Les Straker?
2008-10-15 19:11:23
421.   Bote Man
Does Kent hitting mean that the Dodgers are now DeWittless?
2008-10-15 19:11:42
422.   Greg Brock
Orlando Hudson or bust.
2008-10-15 19:11:51
423.   PDH5204
In 2 ABs in 1 game, Blake DeWitt hit the same no. of double plays, 2, that Akinori Iwamura hit into in 627 ABs over 152 games.
2008-10-15 19:11:57
424.   scareduck
Kent is teh suck, too!

Well, at least there'll be some consolation knowing the Phils will get slaughtered by whoever wins the AL, most likely the Rays.

2008-10-15 19:11:58
425.   underdog
Who is the smug Phillies fan in the crowd they were interviewing? Some actor I should care about? Well, either way, I don't care about him.
2008-10-15 19:12:20
426.   Frip
This game reminds me of when bullies used to pin me down and try and make me eat doggy doo doo on a stick.
2008-10-15 19:12:25
427.   El Lay Dave
If L.A. is playing for five runs in five innings, would DeWitt bunting to bring up Kent or Nomar PHing have made sense? I guess the handedness is wrong there....
2008-10-15 19:12:38
428.   Sam DC
Dinner Impossible looks to be cooking on Alcatraz if you're looking for something cheerful . . . .
2008-10-15 19:12:44
429.   DBrim
DeWitt's been hammering the ball all series. He's been incredibly unlucky.
2008-10-15 19:12:57
430.   Indiana Jon
420 Too bad it wasn't Striker.
2008-10-15 19:13:12
431.   underdog
{Ring} Hello, is that Ivan DeJesus, Jr? Say, buddy, how fast can you become pro-ready?
2008-10-15 19:14:28
432.   fritts
Joe Torre holds the NL record for most double plays grounded into in a game with 4
2008-10-15 19:14:32
433.   Linkmeister
Well, I guess I don't need to worry who I'm gonna root for in the WS.

Go Rays! (If you get there.)

2008-10-15 19:14:39
434.   trainwreck
If that was the end, then thanks for a heck of a career, Greg Maddux.
2008-10-15 19:14:50
435.   scareduck
Jimmy Mickey gets the first out.

Enough. We know who our big game pitcher is (only half kidding).

2008-10-15 19:15:12
436.   Betting with Johnny Podres
Well, our defense can't get any worse with Kent in there, can it?
2008-10-15 19:15:29
437.   still bevens
424 Thats why Im not too upset about the result of this series. This game however Im pretty pissed about. Didnt want to go out like chumps (even tho its not technically over).
2008-10-15 19:15:31
438.   Eric Stephen
420
[Doffs cap]
Yes sir!
2008-10-15 19:16:16
439.   underdog
I'm really excited about the idea of McDonald in our rotation next year.
2008-10-15 19:16:47
440.   seesdifferent
Torre pulls double switch: Kent to play second, Fat Lady to sing.
2008-10-15 19:16:48
441.   ucladodger
429

You serious? i remember 2 hard hit balls - the triple and yesterday with men at second and third.

If we dont make any changes and our infield is Loney/Dewitt/Hu/Blake our infield will just be an absolute disaster at the plate next year.

2008-10-15 19:16:57
442.   FirstMohican
Wow, didnt even consider that I could be watching Maddux' last inning ever.
2008-10-15 19:17:03
443.   still bevens
Phillies probably have a plane to catch now.
2008-10-15 19:17:07
444.   Frip
Why bother to say "viewer discretion advised". That applies to everything on tv now.
2008-10-15 19:17:19
445.   El Lay Dave
Did Rollins try to bunt that at Kent?
2008-10-15 19:18:25
446.   El Lay Dave
444 Especially this game.
2008-10-15 19:18:35
447.   scareduck
429 - his DP ball in the previous inning was perfectly hit.
2008-10-15 19:19:29
448.   ucladodger
At least James is proving that he belongs in the rotation. Imagine how nasty a Sabathia, Bills, Kuroda, Kershaw, McD rotation would be. Wow.
2008-10-15 19:19:58
449.   El Lay Dave
Jimmy, Jimmy, oh Jimmy Mac, when are you coming back?

Next season's rotation, I hope.

2008-10-15 19:20:10
450.   underdog
441 Again, you're making the mistake of summing up DeWitt's future based on his understandably erratic debut season. He's done great things. He's done bad things. He had NEVER played a major league game until this year. He was in AA last year. He's 22. I understand your frustration with his LOB problems this series but to make assumptions based on just the negative is really unrealistic and unfair. That's all I have to say about it.
Show/Hide Comments 451-500
2008-10-15 19:20:21
451.   Bote Man
441 Which James Loney got all those hits and RBIs against the Cubbies? And earlier games against the Phils?
2008-10-15 19:21:28
452.   Andrew Shimmin
Oh, it's Schieffer, not Lehrer. Huh.
2008-10-15 19:21:37
453.   Bote Man
Tommy Lasorda seen waving the white flag.
2008-10-15 19:21:41
454.   Frip
Tommy's just wierd.
2008-10-15 19:21:42
455.   underdog
Plus the infield could be Loney, DeJesus, Furcal and DeWitt for all we know, which is better than you think. Not much out there on the 2nd base market other than Hudson. Who isn't exactly a savior imho.
2008-10-15 19:21:55
456.   trainwreck
Not very good swings for Furcal tonight.
2008-10-15 19:22:01
457.   scareduck
Choke. Choke. Choke.
2008-10-15 19:22:13
458.   Greg Brock
Tom Lasorda is going to rally the Dodgers to victory if it kills him...

...

Wait for it...

2008-10-15 19:23:04
459.   scareduck
453 - no, that's a tablecloth. He's actually calling the waiter for seconds.
2008-10-15 19:24:44
460.   Bluebleeder87
good point, these could be the last AB's for Manny on a Dodger Uni.

Also Maddux.

2008-10-15 19:25:17
461.   njr
458

It's amazing that anything could make me laugh out loud tonight, but you've done it. Well done Mr. Brock.

2008-10-15 19:26:00
462.   Bote Man
459 Yeah, when Tommy turned sideways to the camera I couldn't tell. He's as big this way as he is that way. :-)
2008-10-15 19:26:31
463.   Indiana Jon
There's one.
2008-10-15 19:26:32
464.   scareduck
Manny hits a futile but entertaining solo homer to get the Dodgers on the board.
2008-10-15 19:26:33
465.   Andrew Shimmin
Stat padder.
2008-10-15 19:26:34
466.   Greg Brock
Last home run before Manny goes to Baltimore on a six year deal.

I'm going to miss you, good sir.

2008-10-15 19:26:36
467.   underdog
And the crowd goes wild!

Or at least mild!

Something positive!

2008-10-15 19:26:38
468.   Bluebleeder87
Nice easy "go with it" swing by Manny.
2008-10-15 19:26:38
469.   Woden325
Manny!
2008-10-15 19:26:39
470.   CanuckDodger
From the time he took over for Kent at 2B to the end of the season, DeWitt hit .282/.404/.447. People judging DeWitt by this series might as well just say Billingsley will be the worst pitcher in baseball next year. Oh, and that James McDonald will win the Cy Young.
2008-10-15 19:26:55
471.   Alex41592
One last hurrah. Thanks for everything this season Manny. A season nobody will every forget.
2008-10-15 19:26:57
472.   nick
Manny remains Manny...
2008-10-15 19:26:58
473.   Eric Stephen
the beacon of hope flickers anew
2008-10-15 19:27:06
474.   El Lay Dave
Three PAs for Manny, zero runners on base.
2008-10-15 19:27:10
475.   Frip
That's just Manny toying with us.
2008-10-15 19:27:13
476.   fritts
Wow! He is good.
2008-10-15 19:27:14
477.   Bob Hendley
Tommy, gotta love him.
2008-10-15 19:27:27
478.   Rob M
Manny has been Bondsian this post season. I wish I could see what he's do in the next round.
2008-10-15 19:27:34
479.   trainwreck
I hope that wasn't like break-up sex for Manny.
2008-10-15 19:27:45
480.   jdbeauchamp
I think this late run (not late enough, apparently) helps the Bums appeal even more to free agents.

Sabbathia allegedly wants to play on a National League California team, why not the only one who's winning?

Who gets the money, Sabbathia or Manny or both?

2008-10-15 19:27:47
481.   seesdifferent
Manny would be MVP, but for Hamels
2008-10-15 19:28:13
482.   El Lay Dave
That's Mannyfacturing a run.
2008-10-15 19:28:27
483.   Frip
479 Excellent.
2008-10-15 19:29:00
484.   underdog
466 Manny in Baltimore. Naw, I don't see it.

He seems like more of a Kansas City Royal to me.

Or maybe a Shelbyville idea.

2008-10-15 19:29:04
485.   DBrim
Five to one, baby
One in five
No-one gets out of here alive?
2008-10-15 19:29:17
486.   scareduck
470 - and yet, Bills has decidedly choked -- twice -- in the postseason. He was all over the damn place when he was pitching. Small sample size to be sure, but he wasn't anywhere near the plate frequently.
2008-10-15 19:29:29
487.   Bluebleeder87
it was a strike Martin, it's o.k. buddy.
2008-10-15 19:29:35
488.   Bob Hendley
482 - That's great!
2008-10-15 19:29:40
489.   Andrew Shimmin
If Martin got tossed, I'm going to throw a trashcan through a Starbucks window tonight.
2008-10-15 19:29:45
490.   Bote Man
And now R. Martin has to get behind the plate in front of the umpire he just chewed out.

It just keeps getting better and better, doesn't it?

2008-10-15 19:29:47
491.   underdog
I could cry just thinking about how it should be 3-1 right now.
2008-10-15 19:29:53
492.   Frip
Martin comes close to being thrown out of the game, but Fox just HAS to have it's commercials.
2008-10-15 19:30:14
493.   Lee Corbett
473 I think the bacon of hope is well cooked already.
2008-10-15 19:30:39
494.   Alex41592
All this series needs is a Danny Ardoin cameo.
2008-10-15 19:30:49
495.   superbas
without manny we're a bunch of singles hitter going from base to base. can we overpay him for 3 years? no way he'll accept 2 years. he's just unconscious.
2008-10-15 19:31:08
496.   Bluebleeder87
Kim Ng choise of color for a Dodger sweater has me intrigued/fascinated.
2008-10-15 19:32:09
497.   Andrew Shimmin
Any GameDayers have a theory on whether strike three actually was a strike? Looked half way between his knees and his toes.
2008-10-15 19:32:56
498.   Frip
Why watch a predictable debate when you can watch a predictable baseball game.
2008-10-15 19:33:09
499.   Bluebleeder87
well, at least Furcal went ALL OUT & tied the record.
2008-10-15 19:33:12
500.   jdbeauchamp
Although my saying so should lead to further implosion, I love watching this kid get squeezed, I mean pitch.
Show/Hide Comments 501-550
2008-10-15 19:34:08
501.   jasonungar07
I wish Martin was thrown out. I'm sick of watching how pathetic he is playing. When you play that bad and choke this much, just shut up.
2008-10-15 19:34:22
502.   Alex41592
I feel your pain Russ.
2008-10-15 19:34:25
503.   seesdifferent
Phillies are a good team. Dodgers have too many holes. Manny was the best non pitcher, but the rest of the Dodgers are too young, too old, or just not good enough. And Joe Torre was outmanaged.
2008-10-15 19:34:31
504.   underdog
470 I agree with all that. Except McDonald will win the Cy Young! ;-)
2008-10-15 19:34:42
505.   ucladodger
450 451

You guys actually think that would be productive? Look, i like our players as much as anybody, but be realistic. I love James Loney and I think he will be a really good player. But he's not going to be a top tier first baseman offensively next year, which is what I was talking about. Dewitt hasnt proven anything anywhere, and its probably more likely that he's a career .750 OPS hitter than anything else. Blake is average at best and SS without Raffy will be a hole. We could resign Raffy and make a play for Hudson which would greatly improve the offense, but I dont see us adding much payroll up the middle when we have in house "Solution(s)."

2008-10-15 19:35:13
506.   El Lay Dave
Ah, the box score has been updated to no ERs for Maddux - a 0.00 ERA in his last playoffs.
2008-10-15 19:35:24
507.   Frip
501 I really wish this habbit of necessarily equating playing bad with "choking" would stop.
2008-10-15 19:35:40
508.   underdog
Dive, Andre, Dive.

Sigh.

2008-10-15 19:35:55
509.   Andrew Shimmin
Howard's a real baseclogger.
2008-10-15 19:35:58
510.   Bote Man
500 Perhaps Martin's outburst will cost McD some strikes.
2008-10-15 19:36:14
511.   nick
do the Philly lefty batters just pull inside pitches from Dodger righties every single time? story of the series, I swear...
2008-10-15 19:37:31
512.   Bob Timmermann
Darrell Chaney's NLCS record of 3 errors in a series by a shortstop is now history. (1972)

One more error for Furcal and he joins Spike Owen who had 5 errors for the Red Sox against the Angels in 1986.

Gene Alley and Kevin Elster had been the only other shortstops with multiple errors in an inning in the NLCS.

2008-10-15 19:37:31
513.   Alex41592
There's the Victorino bruise.
2008-10-15 19:37:49
514.   Bluebleeder87
ah man, BELIEVE ME that's gonna leave a mark.
2008-10-15 19:37:58
515.   Andrew Shimmin
For the record, just because Martin didn't get chased, doesn't mean I can't still throw a garbage can through a Starbucks window. It's still on the table.
2008-10-15 19:38:12
516.   Betting with Johnny Podres
Well Victorino finally got hit in the ribs.
2008-10-15 19:38:18
517.   underdog
505 Again, you're missing my point about DeWitt. And I'm not sure why you're saying he hasn't proven anything anywhere. What does that mean? His numbers in the minors were up and down but he showed a LOT of potential. Again this is his first season in the major leagues. He's contributed more than I actually expected him to. You're making assumptions to prove a point but they're based on little. I'm sorry. I get the worries about the infield, I have them, too. I'm not dismissing that. But I don't get your dismissal of DeWitt.
2008-10-15 19:38:30
518.   Bluebleeder87
well he was "cruising for 'a bruisin'
2008-10-15 19:38:30
519.   bleedsblue
I miss Beroa now. Seriously.
2008-10-15 19:38:34
520.   KG16
heh, Victorino finally got one in the ribs like he was asking for the other day.
2008-10-15 19:38:58
521.   Bote Man
511 Looks like righty batters do, too.
2008-10-15 19:39:12
522.   underdog
511 Seriously.

515 Do the Right Shimming, next on IFC.

2008-10-15 19:40:05
523.   KG16
so, re-sign Manny, pick up Orlando Hudson for second and move DeWitt back to third? Maybe go after CC while letting Lowe and Penny go? (also, Schmidt is off the books, right?)
2008-10-15 19:40:06
524.   Bote Man
515 The garbage can?
2008-10-15 19:40:13
525.   trainwreck
At least we know 4 of our starting pitchers next year.
2008-10-15 19:40:36
526.   oshea2002
I know every off season feels this way, but this off season is really going to shape this squad. You can argue that Manny and Raffy are the two best position players when healthy, and Lowe the best pitcher.
2008-10-15 19:40:53
527.   jdbeauchamp
Well fiddles, now I feel bad (not really, I'm just trying to convince my conscience to stick around...there it goes).
2008-10-15 19:41:48
528.   KG16
and is Furcal coming back a done deal?
2008-10-15 19:42:06
529.   CanuckDodger
486 -- Well, I don't know what your point is, because no one is arguing that Billingsley did well this series. My point was that it is foolish to take a very small handful of games and draw conclusions from that about what players are likely to do over a full season.
2008-10-15 19:42:31
530.   jasonungar07
Why? 507 This is choking. When the momment is to much for you and you throw up all over yourself, it's choking in my book. Playing bad is not what we are doing. 3 errors, a homerun to start the game. starter cant get thru 3 IP, No one hitting at all. Choking.
2008-10-15 19:42:52
531.   lukemccain
Is Gary Bennett coaching Martin on his throwing? Russ has not been lights out on any of his throws lately.
2008-10-15 19:42:53
532.   scareduck
517 - he is a singles-hitting first-baseman, a Mark Grace type without his power, and apparently, his OBP in his age 24 season. I understand it, having watched his twin, Casey Kotchman, not get a whole lot done over the course of a season. Both are useful players, but not great ones.
2008-10-15 19:43:07
533.   Bote Man
I just can't get the image out of my mind now of a really crufty garbage can sitting on Shimmin's kitchen table. UGH!
2008-10-15 19:43:18
534.   Bluebleeder87
528

I think so. if anything he is driving his price down.

2008-10-15 19:43:38
535.   KG16
527 - good god, Schmidt is on the books for another year?! i thought we had completed our penance.
2008-10-15 19:43:53
536.   underdog
Whatever happens, I'm really proud of the Dodgers, and think they have a lot of good young players coming back. There are definitely some tough decisions to make this off-season. So it'll be an interesting one, even if I'm not ready to go there just yet. But it would've been nice to go out with a better effort.

But the Phillies are a really good team. There's no huge shame in losing a series to them.

2008-10-15 19:44:52
537.   Bluebleeder87
man, Victorino can do no wrong.
2008-10-15 19:45:05
538.   trainwreck
I am not sure this has been covered, but it is too bad we no longer have that Victorino guy.
2008-10-15 19:45:22
539.   Andrew Shimmin
Chad Bilingsley will continue to be bad at pitching until he hits Victorino in the ribs and fulfills the prophesy.
2008-10-15 19:45:26
540.   underdog
I thought I was grouchy. Jason's really in need of a pick-me-up.
2008-10-15 19:45:51
541.   scareduck
529 - and that isn't my point. But what he does in the postseason does interest me, and it occurs to me that he's getting very close to Don Newcombe territory.
2008-10-15 19:46:01
542.   KG16
536 - yeah, i think that if nothing else, this post-season will be a good learning experience for the younger players on the roster, next time around, I they'll be more comfortable.
2008-10-15 19:46:48
543.   jdbeauchamp
Victorino looks like an Frankenstein monster of all the jerks I ever knew in high school.

All of 'em — even that one guy.

2008-10-15 19:47:54
544.   trainwreck
Bison has had a good game.
2008-10-15 19:48:05
545.   superbas
schmidt one more year. let's just sign manny, furcal, o-dawg, and cc. yea that's the ticket!
2008-10-15 19:48:13
546.   Bluebleeder87
It would be nice if the Dodgers at least go down fighting.
2008-10-15 19:48:39
547.   KG16
I'm wondering what kind of manager Nomar will make in 3-5 years?
2008-10-15 19:49:26
548.   Bob Timmermann
541
But Billingsley pitched well in the Division Series against the Cubs.

He's not approaching Don Newcombe territory, he's approaching Jerry Ruess territory.

And a lot of Newcombe's poor performances in the World Series were the result of overwork during the season.

2008-10-15 19:49:31
549.   Gen3Blue
Hamels is still in in the 7th?

How whupped dog is that.

2008-10-15 19:49:32
550.   ucladodger
Matt has had 4 really good ABs in a row.
Hopefully he'll work on some things in the off-season and come back and be a little more of a power threat next year.
Show/Hide Comments 551-600
2008-10-15 19:49:53
551.   chin music
I assume you're all listening to the radio broadcast, or maybe you're too distraught over the game to be bothered by poor attempts at witticism, but McCarver just delivered a classic McCarverism after Victorino caught the ball next to that Best Buy sign.
2008-10-15 19:49:56
552.   KG16
545 - I'll take three of four, as long as Manny is one of them.
2008-10-15 19:50:33
553.   Bob Timmermann
I don't see Nomar Garciaparra working as a manager. Or even a coach. I imagine he would just retire and check his account balance.
2008-10-15 19:50:45
554.   Andrew Shimmin
Nomar should spit in his mask, quick!
2008-10-15 19:50:46
555.   lukemccain
This might be the last time we see Nomar fiddling with his batting gloves as a Dodger.
2008-10-15 19:51:05
556.   trainwreck
One last parting gift from Nomar.
2008-10-15 19:51:21
557.   superbas
i'm probably projecting but hamels look like a jerk with his demeanor also. i hate losing to this team full of punks.
2008-10-15 19:51:25
558.   El Lay Dave
seesdifferent must be fuming that now Nomar is PHing for DeWitt.
2008-10-15 19:51:29
559.   Sam DC
Can we send Manny up again now?
2008-10-15 19:51:34
560.   Greg Brock
Nomar's last at-bat as a Dodger is a walk.

I need a ruling from the irony committee.

2008-10-15 19:51:44
561.   KG16
something very big is about to happen.
2008-10-15 19:51:55
562.   Bluebleeder87
I hope Kent puts good wood on it.
2008-10-15 19:52:50
563.   Bob Timmermann
561
I would feel more convinced if Keir Dullea told me that after his image magically appeared on my TV screen.
2008-10-15 19:52:51
564.   nick
will Kent see a fastball?
2008-10-15 19:52:53
565.   Bluebleeder87
I hope this is one of those Gibby sparky anderson type deals.
2008-10-15 19:53:00
566.   KG16
555 - this might be the last time we see Nomar fiddling with his batting gloves, ever.

560 - not to be a stickler, but a BB is not an AB.

2008-10-15 19:53:07
567.   Alex41592
Manuel leaves Hamels in.
2008-10-15 19:53:30
568.   Greg Brock
561 The end is near...

The end of high prices! Come to the new Springfield Mall!

2008-10-15 19:54:11
569.   jdbeauchamp
$10 says Manuel has overalls on under the uni and the callouses of hard workin' man on his hands.
2008-10-15 19:55:03
570.   El Lay Dave
Did Grady just leave Pedro in?
2008-10-15 19:55:16
571.   scareduck
Well, that was discouraging.
2008-10-15 19:55:18
572.   superbas
man that was low!
2008-10-15 19:55:36
573.   trainwreck
If that is bye, then bye, Kent.
2008-10-15 19:55:41
574.   Bluebleeder87
frustration... from Dodger batters, understandable.
2008-10-15 19:55:42
575.   Andrew Shimmin
Same call as the last one. Still makes me want to break things, and set other things on fire.

And pillage, still other things.

2008-10-15 19:55:42
576.   Alex41592
Pedro didn't get that call in the Bronx.
2008-10-15 19:55:52
577.   chin music
holy crap that was low.
2008-10-15 19:56:09
578.   Betting with Johnny Podres
That pitch was lower and further outside than the pervious one. Bad call, again.
2008-10-15 19:56:11
579.   KG16
Dear Dodgers,

Just an observation from this post-season, and some advice going forward:

When you have two strikes: SWING THE DAMN BAT.

Thanks,

KG

PS - I didn't say who the big thing would favor.

2008-10-15 19:56:21
580.   Greg Brock
Kent and Nomar. The end of an era. I'm sad.

No...Not sad. What's that word that means "Not sad?"

Happy? Yes, that's it. Happy.

2008-10-15 19:56:22
581.   jdbeauchamp
Only Victorino could have hit that "strike."
2008-10-15 19:56:22
582.   Bluebleeder87
from what I've seen he has been calling that pitch all game.
2008-10-15 19:56:37
583.   Alex41592
Mike Winters is on notice.
2008-10-15 19:56:50
584.   underdog
God, that was such a ball. Unlike the one Martin argued about, Kent had a legit beef there. Though on those you'd think a vet would try to poke it foul just to be safe.

Bummer of a birthmark, Hal.

2008-10-15 19:56:56
585.   DBrim
That's been a strike all night. You have to swing at it, even if it's actually a ball.
2008-10-15 19:58:16
586.   Betting with Johnny Podres
The fact that a vet needs to swing does not mean it was not a bad call.
2008-10-15 19:58:20
587.   El Lay Dave
Cody Martin has a solution for umpires like this.
2008-10-15 19:58:39
588.   KG16
from little league, you learn to protect the strike zone with two strike, that means swinging at pitches that are close, even if it means swinging at a ball.

Casey Blake at second?

2008-10-15 19:58:50
589.   scareduck
Dear Blake DeWitt,

Bye.

Love,

Joe Torre.

2008-10-15 19:58:58
590.   Marty
Did Kent get run? That would be a great career end.
2008-10-15 19:59:06
591.   Andrew Shimmin
If they were going to pull him anyway, Kent should have cut loose on the umpire.
2008-10-15 19:59:06
592.   dzzrtRatt
Kent goes out angry. For better or worse, that's how I'll always remember him.
2008-10-15 20:00:01
593.   trainwreck
Because Wade has not gotten enough work in this series...
2008-10-15 20:00:30
594.   Andrew Shimmin
Did he get run? Nobody said nothing. I just assumed he didn't. Good on him, if he did.
2008-10-15 20:01:19
595.   Greg Brock
Kent leaves the game as he played. Whining, complaining, and being generally unlikeable.

I'll give the man his consistency. Stay Gold, Ponyboy.

2008-10-15 20:01:55
596.   dzzrtRatt
We need pitching in 2009. I guess it's true, "you can never have enough pitching."

Hamels is a legitimate ace. We have some possible ace material, and a lot of other good pitchers, but we don't have an ace.

2008-10-15 20:02:15
597.   Andrew Shimmin
Not sensing as much respect for sore losers as I'd like.
2008-10-15 20:03:54
598.   jasonungar07
It is perfect. A whiner. That's what Kent has always been to me.
2008-10-15 20:03:55
599.   trainwreck
596
Have you looked at Billingsley's numbers?

I swear we had one of the best, if not the best, pitching staffs in the NL. I guess that must have been a long 162 game dream.

2008-10-15 20:04:04
600.   KG16
597 - I tend to like sore losers, as long as they're gracious winners. I've never seen Kent win, so I don't know if he's the type of guy I'd like. Plus, he reminds me a little too much of the guy in shorts from Reno 911
Show/Hide Comments 601-650
2008-10-15 20:04:07
601.   Alex41592
Ridiculously low strike call.
2008-10-15 20:04:07
602.   El Lay Dave
What? Why start the inning with Beimel just to force Taguchi to hit for the pitcher? Just start with Wade (or whoever) and save Beimel for Utley, Howard.
2008-10-15 20:05:27
603.   Bluebleeder87
i'm looking forward to watching McDonald, Billingsley & Kershaw next year... You guys think we'll pick up Penny's option or will we go all out for CC??

McDonald is gonna get a legit look though, that's for sure.

2008-10-15 20:05:41
604.   Sam DC
ok, so 2 half innings, need 4 runs, also not impossible . . .
2008-10-15 20:06:16
605.   jdbeauchamp
Jayson Werth is looking like Charlton Heston in Planet of the Apes.

Casey Blake is Dr. Zeus.

2008-10-15 20:06:38
606.   El Lay Dave
604 Why, I saw four runs scored in the 8th inning just the day before yesterday!
2008-10-15 20:07:02
607.   Bluebleeder87
the only thing about McDonald is that I REALLY THINK he's more of a 87-89MPH guy, he's well rested right now & I think that's why he is throwing the ball a little harder, but I do think he's a good enough pitcher though.
2008-10-15 20:07:18
608.   KG16
603 - I'm thinking they'll make a run at CC, I'd like to see Billingsly, Kershaw, and McDonald all next year, regardless of who they get.
2008-10-15 20:07:28
609.   still bevens
603 I wouldnt be shocked if we picked up Penny's option because its just so low vs. the buyout we'd have to give him. McDonald could start in AAA and be that oft pursued 'depth' Ned is always going for.
2008-10-15 20:07:34
610.   El Lay Dave
So who pitches to Utley and Howard to start the ninth? Torre going to risk Kuo's arm there?
2008-10-15 20:07:49
611.   Bob Hendley
Rally caps on, flying rally monkeys in the air.
2008-10-15 20:08:11
612.   trainwreck
Just let us have one, Utley!!
2008-10-15 20:08:11
613.   KG16
Chase Utley: dead to me.
2008-10-15 20:08:33
614.   jdbeauchamp
Utley!

OK, who wants to take me to the hospital.

2008-10-15 20:08:41
615.   trainwreck
We sure could be seeing a lot of Dodgers for the last time.
2008-10-15 20:09:26
616.   Alex41592
610 - He'll have about 5 months rest. So, sure.
2008-10-15 20:09:43
617.   Alex41592
Could be Manny's final at bat as a Dodger.
2008-10-15 20:10:02
618.   dkminnick
That pitch to Kent was not even close to the strike zone. That call was a crime. I would have been disappointed in Kent had he not complained there.
2008-10-15 20:10:11
619.   Bote Man
It is simply not Furcal's night.
2008-10-15 20:10:30
620.   El Lay Dave
616 That's not enough time to recover from a third UCL transplant surgery.
2008-10-15 20:10:59
621.   scareduck
Don't worry, you guys. The Phils won't get past the AL. I predict five games at most.
2008-10-15 20:11:04
622.   Greg Brock
It's more. Dramatic. When. You. Pause. Between. Words.

Thom Brenneman approves of Tim McCarver.

2008-10-15 20:11:17
623.   trainwreck
We can't let Alyssa get her hands on James McDonald.
2008-10-15 20:11:53
624.   scareduck
623 - a Brad Penny reference?
2008-10-15 20:12:34
625.   Andrew Shimmin
I agree with dkminnick. Kent should have broken the bat over his knee and stabbed the umpire with the handle.
2008-10-15 20:12:41
626.   trainwreck
624
Zito, Pavano... it just keeps going.
2008-10-15 20:12:41
627.   Bluebleeder87
NL West Champs!
2008-10-15 20:12:46
628.   jdbeauchamp
Calm down Madson. Ever heard of torsion?
2008-10-15 20:13:03
629.   CanuckDodger
532 -- Seriously, what are you talking about, Scareduck? Loney is not a "singles hitter." 33.7% of his MLB hits have been for extra bases, so above the 30% that hitters with "good power" are supposed to at least meet. Not a HR hitter, but definitely a doubles hitter. And you say Loney is without Mark Grace's power. If you look it up I think you will find that Grace's MLB SLG. was .403 when he was Loney age, 24.
2008-10-15 20:13:27
630.   fanerman
I always thought James MacDonald was a white guy. Who grew up on a farm.
2008-10-15 20:13:41
631.   Bluebleeder87
end of season AB's for both Manny & Martin...
2008-10-15 20:13:57
632.   fordprefect
618
certainly that's the least part of being disappointed in Kent.
2008-10-15 20:14:08
633.   scareduck
Every time I get upset I have a big slobbery dog come over and give me big wet kisses.
2008-10-15 20:14:27
634.   Andrew Shimmin
Manny's a magic man.
2008-10-15 20:14:28
635.   Bluebleeder87
that ball had eyes.
2008-10-15 20:14:29
636.   trainwreck
Fans are not creative enough for a "Please come back chant."
2008-10-15 20:15:08
637.   FirstMohican
Russell needs to hit a 5 run home run right here.
2008-10-15 20:15:08
638.   Bote Man
Watching Dodgers baseball on TV while listening to Vin Scully call the game on the radio.

I am blessed.

2008-10-15 20:15:38
639.   Andrew Shimmin
I guess that pitch is only a strike if it's strike three.
2008-10-15 20:16:13
640.   FirstMohican
Buck has officially exhausted his uses of "too much heat" for the rest of the playoffs.
2008-10-15 20:16:36
641.   fanerman
Martin goes quietly.
2008-10-15 20:16:48
642.   fordprefect
{638]

You kids & yer damn tivos--get off my lawn!

2008-10-15 20:17:31
643.   fanerman
640 Thank God for Vin Scully on a delayed mlb.tv broadcast.
2008-10-15 20:17:35
644.   trainwreck
ESPN just had to get on our bandwagon.
2008-10-15 20:19:15
645.   Marty
Not that I'm advocating it, but it would have been great TV if Kent had gone all Marichal on the umpire.
2008-10-15 20:19:27
646.   Bob Timmermann
Royals vs. Pirates in the 2009 World Series.

Book it.

9th inning, Game 7, Steven Pearce batting against Joakim Soria.

For

All

The

Marbles

2008-10-15 20:19:42
647.   tsundstrom
So we're going to re-sign Manny right? Things are looking grim this year but a month ago we didn't even think we were going to make the playoffs let alone come through and sweep the Cubs right out of all their hopes and dreams. It's been a good season, nice job boys.

Thomas

2008-10-15 20:19:55
648.   dzzrtRatt
599 Billingsley will remember his embarrassing NLCS performance and use it to fire himself up to be an ace in 2010.

But next season, when we're back in the NLCS, I want a 3-man rotation of Sabathia/Billingsley/Kuroda or Kershaw.

Whoah, we get to start at the top of the order and we get a dribbler?

I missed much of this game, although I saw that game of bad Frisbee Furcal and Loney were playing in a bar/restaurant. The place went dead.

I guess they had us at Jimmy Rollins.

2008-10-15 20:20:12
649.   scareduck
629 - okay, a bit of an exaggeration, but still he's hardly a power hitter.
2008-10-15 20:20:32
650.   das411
644 - was it ESPN or Sports Illustrated?
Show/Hide Comments 651-700
2008-10-15 20:21:37
651.   jdbeauchamp
So many things more important than baseball. So why don't I care about them?
2008-10-15 20:21:43
652.   Bluebleeder87
what the...!! the guy in the back grown looks like "mister super freak" him self!!
2008-10-15 20:21:59
653.   trainwreck
650
I do not believe in the SI jinx, but the "experts" at ESPN always get their picks wrong.
2008-10-15 20:22:03
654.   lukemccain
I feel like I am watching "The Hunt For Red October" only instead of Capt. Vasili Borodin, it is the Dodgers who lie on the floor near death uttering "I would have liked to have seen Montana (Philadelphia once more)."
2008-10-15 20:22:12
655.   jdbeauchamp
The final disgrace: Furcal digging fer gold on national telly.
2008-10-15 20:22:15
656.   FirstMohican
Is this worst case scenario? Too far into the playoffs to fire Ned, but no WS appearance.

Considering how disappointing the season began, it ended great. </ reverse jinx

2008-10-15 20:22:29
657.   scareduck
629 - and yes, I was wrong on my recall of Grace's numbers.
2008-10-15 20:23:35
658.   mintxcore
looking on the bright side; i dont HAVE to listen to McCarver for a while after tonight!

Now, if Kenley wins Project Runway tonight, the world will truly be against my household...

2008-10-15 20:24:16
659.   Bote Man
Ryan Howard:NL::David Ortiz:AL
2008-10-15 20:24:31
660.   FirstMohican
Shoot, Kuo gave up a hit to Howard. Can Cory Wade pitch again tonight?
2008-10-15 20:24:41
661.   trainwreck
Shane Victorino must be Rupert Murdoch's nephew or something.
2008-10-15 20:26:24
662.   fordprefect
here we go!
2008-10-15 20:27:45
663.   trainwreck
Thanks for the two and a half months of awesomeness, Manny!
2008-10-15 20:28:27
664.   fanerman
It's not over yet.
2008-10-15 20:28:30
665.   El Lay Dave
Manual made Torre's decision easy by having already lifted Burrell for Bruntlett, otherwise we would have seen Joe trotting out there so Kuo didn't face Pat the Bat.
2008-10-15 20:28:39
666.   FirstMohican
661 - Ha!
2008-10-15 20:28:40
667.   Andrew Shimmin
Bill Plaschke.
2008-10-15 20:28:53
668.   das411
Time to hear some stupidity from McC about how Lidge is coming in for a non-save situation...and then even more about how you cannot pitch yourself into one...
2008-10-15 20:28:57
669.   Andrew Shimmin
D'oh.
2008-10-15 20:29:17
670.   trainwreck
667
You aren't supposed to jinx our team.
2008-10-15 20:29:29
671.   FirstMohican
What are the odds that McCarver or Buck says "effectively wild" before the game's over?
2008-10-15 20:29:29
672.   Lee Corbett
Yeah it's been awesome having Manny on my team even for a short while. Flat out amazing this season.
2008-10-15 20:29:48
673.   Bluebleeder87
so is Broxton our closer next year or what?
2008-10-15 20:30:13
674.   Ken Arneson
655 I saw that and shouted at the TV, "Ewww, don't show him picking his nose!" Instantly, my 15-month-old looks at me and sticks her finger in her nose.
2008-10-15 20:30:26
675.   Bob Timmermann
Man, I wish Jason Varitek were batting in this inning.
2008-10-15 20:30:34
676.   Bluebleeder87
anyways. Great ride Dodgers, thanks for a great season...
2008-10-15 20:31:02
677.   fordprefect
angels= rally monkey

dodgers= ?

2008-10-15 20:31:08
678.   Eric Stephen
Broken bat = broken Phillie dreams?
2008-10-15 20:31:11
679.   FirstMohican
Bold prediction: Juan Pierre wins the game for the Dodgers.
2008-10-15 20:31:42
680.   lukemccain
663 Now we can return to being a team full of doubles hitters with warning track power.
2008-10-15 20:31:59
681.   fanerman
679 Juan Pierre will be Kirk Gibson.
2008-10-15 20:32:01
682.   das411
Sajak!
2008-10-15 20:32:03
683.   Eric Stephen
676
C'mon, blue! That's like thanking the producers before the game is done.

Hey, Al Michaels!

And yes I do believe in miracles.

2008-10-15 20:32:05
684.   trainwreck
Casey did you not see Loney's approach? Do not swing at his slider.
2008-10-15 20:32:31
685.   dzzrtRatt
I love the Dodger fans. They're having a carnival. They're backing our guys right to the end.
2008-10-15 20:32:32
686.   Frip
I know it's over
But still I cling
I don't know where else I can go

The Smiths

2008-10-15 20:33:02
687.   El Lay Dave
Nomar 2-4 vs. Lidge, 1 2B, 1 HR.
2008-10-15 20:33:07
688.   Bote Man
She can't bear to watch!
2008-10-15 20:33:12
689.   trainwreck
I sure wish all the Philly outfielders had the ranger of Pat Burrell.
2008-10-15 20:33:40
690.   scareduck
677 - broken bat groundout.
2008-10-15 20:33:50
691.   Indiana Jon
689 Is it a nice truck?
2008-10-15 20:33:53
692.   Bluebleeder87
there dancing in the streets of philly.
2008-10-15 20:33:58
693.   Andrew Shimmin
If Kemp doesn't hit a home run here, I would leave him off my World Series roster, if I were Torre.
2008-10-15 20:33:58
694.   Eric Stephen
689
Jeff Kent will be washing his Ranger soon.
2008-10-15 20:34:18
695.   FirstMohican
Kemp, please hit a home run. I want to see if anyone in the parking lot is leaving.
2008-10-15 20:34:18
696.   underdog
685 I am proud of them for sticking around, too. Seriously.

--

Man, there are times I wonder how many more runs the Dodgers would have if this series had been played entirely in Philly. Of course the Phils would have more runs, too, most likely. But still... so many near misses.

2008-10-15 20:34:22
697.   scareduck
674 - well, she's ready to be a major leaguer.
2008-10-15 20:34:52
698.   FirstMohican
No freaking way. No way. NO WAY. Another warning track ball.
2008-10-15 20:34:59
699.   Eric Stephen
Gave that one a ride, Bison.
2008-10-15 20:35:05
700.   dzzrtRatt
680 Like you said...
Show/Hide Comments 701-750
2008-10-15 20:35:05
701.   fanerman
Bison went for a ride but he just missed it. It looked like he knew it, too.
2008-10-15 20:35:05
702.   nick
can't get a break this series......
2008-10-15 20:35:06
703.   Bluebleeder87
uh, nice AB by Kemp.
2008-10-15 20:35:18
704.   trainwreck
He nearly hit a home run McCarver.
2008-10-15 20:35:42
705.   Lee Corbett
gosh all mighty, we've been that close so many times
2008-10-15 20:35:48
706.   fritts
In CBP, Lidge blows his first save of the year
2008-10-15 20:35:51
707.   Sam DC
Kemp just hit the ball to the wall in deep center and it shows how flawed his approach is?

Does not compute.

2008-10-15 20:35:53
708.   fanerman
680 Power comes as players get older.
2008-10-15 20:36:33
709.   underdog
Well, that was about as close to making your wishes come true. I think that should count at least as far as your demands go.

Again, that would've been out in Philly. That ball sums up this series in a nutshell.

2008-10-15 20:36:39
710.   Eric Stephen
Looks like Cybil Shepherd in the front row with the 1950s style Dodgers letterman's sweater.
2008-10-15 20:37:20
711.   dzzrtRatt
Hey, Vinny,

Who's W.C. Fields?

Signed,

All fans under 35

2008-10-15 20:37:22
712.   StolenMonkey86
707 - He was supposed to bunt.
2008-10-15 20:37:25
713.   FirstMohican
704 - Seriously. How egregious is McCarver, claiming you should lay off a ball you come 3 feet from hitting out to center freaking field?
2008-10-15 20:37:34
714.   trainwreck
710
I believe that is Mary Hart.
2008-10-15 20:37:47
715.   Brent is a Dodger Fan
707 I came here precisely to complain about McCarver's stupid insistence that Kemp should take the 2-0 fastball that's fat and right over the heart of the plate. Kemp hit it a pretty long way, and you sometimes have to swing at a pitch you can hit.
2008-10-15 20:37:48
716.   fritts
Wow, I have no idea what I was thinking when I just wrote that. Blowing a save? This game is driving me crazy.
2008-10-15 20:37:55
717.   Benjamin Miracord
If you have a sombrero . . . actually, I can't think of anything at all to do with it.
2008-10-15 20:37:55
718.   fordprefect
Meh.
2008-10-15 20:37:55
719.   Eric Stephen
Rays in 4.
2008-10-15 20:37:56
720.   Bluebleeder87
Congrants Philly fans!
2008-10-15 20:38:00
721.   das411
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1
2008-10-15 20:38:07
722.   FirstMohican
Good job Phils. Good job Dodgers.
2008-10-15 20:38:10
723.   trainwreck
Buuuurns!!

Buuuuurns!!!

2008-10-15 20:38:16
724.   Greg Brock
I would have liked to have seen Montana.
2008-10-15 20:38:16
725.   Bote Man
Like I said to my boss, the Cubs fan: maybe next year. Ya done good.
2008-10-15 20:38:20
726.   Lee Corbett
well now that it's over I'd love to break my baseball habit for a while, but DT is such a great place to come and visit I know I'll be back tomorrow. Fun season.
2008-10-15 20:38:21
727.   Bob Timmermann
This never would have happened with Jason Varitek on the Dodgers.

Interpret that any way you like.

2008-10-15 20:38:46
728.   old dodger fan
Great season. Sorry to see it end.
2008-10-15 20:38:52
729.   Brent is a Dodger Fan
dumptruck.
2008-10-15 20:38:55
730.   Bluebleeder87
710 714

It's a nice sweater REGARDS of who it is.

2008-10-15 20:38:56
731.   Indiana Jon
Now is it time to start my campaign for Manny?
2008-10-15 20:38:57
732.   still bevens
yayyyyyyyyyy dodgers

this off season is going to be terrifying.

2008-10-15 20:39:31
733.   trainwreck
Thanks for the ride, boys. You gave it everything you had.

Now we have to build on from this.

Thanks to Jon and everyone here for another great season.

2008-10-15 20:39:34
734.   Eric Stephen
Well, my Friday and Saturday are now free. Time to spend that earmarked World Series money on some women of ill repute!
2008-10-15 20:39:35
735.   El Lay Dave
717 Gag McCarver with it.
2008-10-15 20:39:35
736.   fordprefect
But at least i have a husband.

---err, wife, I mean...

2008-10-15 20:39:42
737.   das411
thanks for a terrific season Jon and all fellow DTers, care to stick around for another week of baseball though?
2008-10-15 20:39:43
738.   scareduck
Dodgers are teh suck.
2008-10-15 20:40:04
739.   Alex41592
Hell of a season. Thank you.
2008-10-15 20:40:06
740.   underdog
I was going to say a bright side is I don't have to listen to Tim McCarver again this year, but then remembered if the Rays are in the series I may still want to watch. And then I remembered I can mute him. So there's that.

Congrats to the Phillies.

Congrats to the Dodgers for having a better season than I expected, and for giving me a lot of highs (and lows) and excitement this season.

2008-10-15 20:40:19
741.   FirstMohican
Interview with Ryan Howard? What, Fox couldn't pull Victorino?
2008-10-15 20:40:29
742.   Frip
Victorino. What a stupid spelling of Victoriano.
2008-10-15 20:40:31
743.   dzzrtRatt
Scully says the better team won -- pitching, offense, defense.

He's right.

This doesn't feel so bad. 'Wait'll next year' feels credible. The Phils got stopped in the playoffs last season and now advance. Maybe next year will be the Dodgers turn.

Always a ball to hang out with everyone at Jon's house.

2008-10-15 20:40:37
744.   Indiana Jon
734 You know this is a great site when I can laugh right now.
2008-10-15 20:40:44
745.   trainwreck
734
Another party at the park for Eric.
2008-10-15 20:41:06
746.   KG16
well, it was a helluva right boys, hope to see most of you in Glendale in about 4-5 months.
2008-10-15 20:41:25
747.   El Lay Dave
I hate having the season end on a foul ball. It feels so impotent.
2008-10-15 20:41:28
748.   FirstMohican
The Phils ruined the Dodgers, but Ryan Howard thinks they won because they "manufactured runs"? Ryan Howard, the next Joe Morgan?
2008-10-15 20:42:00
749.   underdog
737 Nope. We're being shut down. DT will be outsourced, I've been told. Sorry.

(Just kidding. Congrats.)

Thanks to all of you for being such great company during this memorable season. It was made all the more fun because of you.

Not that I'm going anywhere -- this is going to be one hell of an interesting off-season, too.

2008-10-15 20:42:07
750.   Marty
I have zero interest in a Philly-Tampa world series. I'll just work through it.
Show/Hide Comments 751-800
2008-10-15 20:42:09
751.   Humma Kavula
What a fun season. Thanks, Dodgers.
2008-10-15 20:42:12
752.   fanerman
738 If losing in the NLCS means we suck, what about the rest of the teams in the NL that aren't the Phillies?
2008-10-15 20:42:17
753.   Kevin Maxwell
That was a great ride Manny and the Dodgers - thanks Jon:)
2008-10-15 20:42:19
754.   trainwreck
747
Looks like all those Viagra ads subliminally worked on you.
2008-10-15 20:42:46
755.   Bob Timmermann
737
I'm game!

I've already written the 1915 World Series recap and if need be I can work on a piece on great moments in Phillies-Rays interleague play.

Tampa Bay leads the alltime series 10-5.

2008-10-15 20:42:46
756.   FirstMohican
748 - Ruined the dodgers with homeruns...
2008-10-15 20:42:54
757.   DBrim
I just put on Oh Well by Fleetwood Mac. It'll take me awhile to get over it, but I always do. Blue is in my blood, and it will never go out. Here's to 2009.
2008-10-15 20:43:03
758.   Bluebleeder87
744

He coughs those up like nothing IJ...

2008-10-15 20:43:27
759.   El Lay Dave
734 and booze and cigars. Whatever's left you're allowed to waste.
2008-10-15 20:43:46
760.   Jimmyv11
Sad and deflating ending but one heck of season. Im ready for next year already.
2008-10-15 20:44:21
761.   njr
Great season all in all. Hopefully this is the beginning of a new era of Dodgers in the post season. DT was great this year as always and with all the variable this off-season, I have a feeling we'll all be seeing a lot of each other before spring training.
2008-10-15 20:44:42
762.   StolenMonkey86
Now to go back to worrying about what stupid things Ned Colletti will do this offseason.
2008-10-15 20:45:18
763.   lukemccain
Congratulations Phillies... the best team won.
It has been a good season nevertheless. We went farther that I ever thought possible in July.
Thanks to Jon for hosting this blog and for all of you fellow posters. It has made watching games a lot more fun.
Now we can look forward to seeing what kind of team the front office can put together for the debut of our new facility in Glendale, AZ.
2008-10-15 20:45:20
764.   El Lay Dave
Go Rays.

Per commenter SuperBruinMan at True Blue LA:

So far in the World Series the Phillies have lost to the Yankees, the Red Sox, the Orioles, and the Blue Jays.

All they need is Tampa for the full AL East collection.

2008-10-15 20:45:32
765.   still bevens
750 Im sure MLB isnt happy about a Philly/Tampa world series either. The ratings will be awful.
2008-10-15 20:45:38
766.   JJ42
I'm proud of our Dodgers! We had a good season, and I'm looking forward to next season. I'm also proud to be part of this DT group, who has gotten me through the season. I'm looking forward to more games together, more whiffle ball picnics, and great comments in the future! Thanks everyone.
2008-10-15 20:45:43
767.   Bluebleeder87
Thanks for making me laugh so hard DT'ers & if any Dodger players happen to read this, THANKS FOR A GREAT SEASON, I REALLY MEAN IT

Go Dodgers '09!

2008-10-15 20:45:56
768.   NorCal-Dodger
Better season than expected, thanks to all that makes this site so enjoyable and especially to Jon! We'll get em next year.
2008-10-15 20:46:02
769.   jasonungar07
3 seconds after bashing Kemp's at bat McCarver was explaining how much confidence Lidge was pitching with.
2008-10-15 20:46:36
770.   Frip
This stings, because there were such terrible terrible moments this series. I wish we could have just lost boringly. So many infuriating plays. And that strike call on the Jeff Kent ball. And Nomar's ultra-lame at bat the first game. And Torre's bullpen management. And Billingsly. And...

Yeah I know I'm a downer.

2008-10-15 20:46:41
771.   Disabled List
No World Series. No NL pennant. And Ned Colletti is coming back.
2008-10-15 20:46:51
772.   El Lay Dave
754 Viva!
2008-10-15 20:46:55
773.   Betting with Johnny Podres
I don't like Victorino!!!
2008-10-15 20:47:08
774.   Ken Noe
Well, congrats Phils, and thanks Jon and DTers for a fun year. Farewell Nomar, Kent, and I presume Furcal, Lowe, and Blake. I guess we're stuck with Ned another year.
2008-10-15 20:48:56
775.   trainwreck
Pat Gillick says to thank Ed Wade.

The thought of Ed Wade beating us is the saddest thing ever.

2008-10-15 20:49:02
776.   Bluebleeder87
773

I kind of do... he's a little guy man.

2008-10-15 20:49:27
777.   Bob Timmermann
770
You're the third least depressing commenter whose handle ends in "p."

And the other two are way ahead of you.

2008-10-15 20:49:50
778.   El Lay Dave
Yes DTers, it has been quite the ride this season, and there was a playoff series won, so I can't be too disappointed. Didn't understand the bandwagoners; it's not as if the Phillies aren't a pretty darn good team themselves. Well, in true Dodger fashion:

Wait 'til next year.

2008-10-15 20:50:02
779.   dzzrtRatt
Some sports guy was saying on the radio that there are lots of Phillies fans in the Tampa Bay area -- not sure why. Maybe they make good cheesesteak in that part of Florida.

Anyway, if this is true, that means the Rays can be the first team to sweep a World Series with all four games in front of the other team's fans.

2008-10-15 20:50:04
780.   fanerman
777 Well said.
2008-10-15 20:50:36
781.   Robert Fiore
So can we fire Colletti now?

Since it was essentially a contest to see which sheep goes to the slaughter I wouldn't say I was heartbroken, but it would have been nice to have stolen a pennant. If the pitching only hadn't blown up in two innings . . . well, actually, three innings, if Billingsley had only blown up for four once instead of twice . . .

Just make sure the pumpkin is disposed of properly, and see that the mice get nice homes.

2008-10-15 20:50:57
782.   Bluebleeder87
one more thing, if any DT'ers are heading over to spring training '09 AZ we should hook something up...
2008-10-15 20:51:47
783.   silverwidow
Countdown to Colletti's firing begins NOW.
2008-10-15 20:51:55
784.   El Lay Dave
776 I liked him partly for that reason. Until this series.
2008-10-15 20:53:01
785.   El Lay Dave
779 Tampa/St. Pete, where Hooters was founded. Whee.
2008-10-15 20:53:05
786.   I Love LA
First off I want to say thank you to the Dodgers and my fellow DTers here...thanks for making this a fun ride for me from the moment i became a member. I am still very proud of my boys in Blue for making it this far. We were 7 wins away from the one thing that has eluded us the past 20 years. I guess we have to continue our pursuit of happiness and that road will begin in 2009.

First order of business is that we better resign Manny in the winter. Here is to a good offseason!

And if TB closes out Boston, I hope they show no mercy to Philly.

2008-10-15 20:53:29
787.   KG16
782 - my birthday is in March, I'm thinking of making the trip around that time.
2008-10-15 20:54:00
788.   underdog
To me, much worse than a Rays-Phillies series would be if the Rays choked and it's a Red Sox-Philly series. I hate the Red Sox.

Right now I'm not too keen on the Phillies, either, so I don't know who I'd root for in that one. So, let's take care of bizness, Rays.

And I don't worry about ratings because it's not my problem. I could care less what sort of money loss Fox suffers. If anything that makes me feel better about that match-up.

LA-TB would have been better for me, though. :-(

Night folks. Back here sooner rather than later, I'm sure. But I think I need to watch a Wallace & Gromit cartoon now, or Jaws or something. Or Airplane!.

2008-10-15 20:54:28
789.   underdog
786 Peace, bro. Keep the faith. :-)
2008-10-15 20:54:31
790.   Humma Kavula
Indeed, the complicated calculus of teams I'm rooting for is getting a lot easier.

To wit:

Go Rays! Win Xei some green!

2008-10-15 20:54:37
791.   DBrim
I wish it was easier to hate Victorino. But he's such a classy guy.
2008-10-15 20:54:47
792.   Eric Stephen
Pennants Clinched at Dodger Stadium
1962 - Giants (Oct 3)
1963 - Dodgers vs. Mets (Sep 24)
1965 - Dodgers vs. Braves (Oct 2)
1974 - Dodgers vs. Pirates, NLCS Gm 4 (Oct 9)
1978 - Dodgers vs. Phillies, NLCS Gm 4 (Oct 7)
1985 - Cardinals, NLCS Gm 6 (Oct 16)
1988 - Dodgers vs. Mets, NLCS Gm 7 (Oct 12)
2008 - Phillies, NLCS Gm 5 (Oct 15)
2008-10-15 20:54:50
793.   trainwreck
788
I am totally with you on that one.
2008-10-15 20:55:28
794.   trainwreck
Hey, we haven't heard from Shane Victorino too much in this series. Let's ask him his thoughts.
2008-10-15 20:56:34
795.   Ken Noe
I don't hate Victorino, but I'm not real keen right now on the two GMs who consigned him to Philadelphia.
2008-10-15 20:56:38
796.   Bluebleeder87
787

I'm going out there no matter what, but it would be nice to see some DT'ers.

2008-10-15 20:57:22
797.   Eric L
I can't say that I'm not disappointed, because I am. At the same time, I was able to go to my first NLCS game and they won. The last couple of months were a fun ride.

Hopefully this is the first step and not the final destination. I like actually being invested in October baseball.

2008-10-15 20:59:47
798.   El Lay Dave
792 Today's game is not as hard to take as 1985 was.
2008-10-15 21:00:24
799.   underdog
Keep in mind the Phillies made the playoffs last year with many of these same players, and got embarrassed. But apparently learned something. If the Dodgers bring in another player or two, with the experience they've gained from this post-season run, there's no reason to think they wouldn't have a shot to be in a similar spot next season, too. /be optimistic

Okay, really out of here now.

2008-10-15 21:00:53
800.   Disabled List
I actually don't know if I could handle a team with a bunch of non-fans like Tampa Bay getting a World Series title, while my fellow Dodger fans and I have been suffering for 20 long years. After those worthless Marlins titles, the state of Florida does not deserve another World Series champion.

Philly's a cool town. They deserve a title. I gotta root for the Phils from here on out.

Show/Hide Comments 801-850
2008-10-15 21:01:12
801.   El Lay Dave
sporky - save the last out of the World Series squee! for 2009.
2008-10-15 21:01:50
802.   Kevin Maxwell
797-
I was able to take my two boys on unday.....my oldest was in a stoller during the '88 season, and the other still in the oven... we had a blast the last few months.
2008-10-15 21:03:33
803.   KG16
799 - it also doesn't hurt that they have the last two MVP winners in their line up. but yeah, i'm hoping the dodgers learn something from this.
2008-10-15 21:04:52
804.   Disabled List
799 The Phillies pretty much brought everybody back from last year's experience-building playoff run. By comparision, the Dodgers next year are going to look very different than this year's squad.
2008-10-15 21:06:08
805.   DBrim
803 - There's a ton to learn.

Hopefully Torre learned that Martin isn't a clean-up hitter.

Hopefully we ALL learned about McDonald (seriously, I can't wait to see him in the rotation next year)

Hopefully the young guys learned that patience is a virtue.

I could go on and on...

2008-10-15 21:06:28
806.   Bob Timmermann
800
I'm the opposite. I always root for the team with the least loyal fans.

I'm not sure why.

2008-10-15 21:09:23
807.   dontraiseplz
sigh... good season. I won't forget Russell Martin and the Bison climbing onto the Pavillion.

A tumultous offseason lies ahead. A public relations sensitive owner and a questionable GM both in a large market that carries quite an outspoken media. There will be LOTS of opinions on what to do... not signing Manny isn't neccesarily a bad thing, but the leftover money that "has to be spent in his place" could very well be another albatross in the making.

crossing my fingers...

2008-10-15 21:09:48
808.   KG16
804

Dodgers, October 2008:
Furcal
Ethier
Manny
Martin
Loney
Blake
Kemp
DeWitt/Kent/Nomar
Lowe/Billingsly/Penny/Kuroda/Kershaw/Kuo/Broxton/Saito/Wade/Biemel

Dodgers, March 2009:
SS(?)
Ethier
Manny(?)
Martin
Loney
3B(?)
Kemp
DeWitt
Billingsly/Kuroda/Kershaw/MacDonald/SP(?)/Broxton/Kuo/Wade

Not that different, depending on who fills the SP, SS, and 3B positions.

2008-10-15 21:11:19
809.   JoeyP
Next season the team will look very different. The GM has a big challenge this off season.

Thanks to Manny for the last 2 months.

2008-10-15 21:11:32
810.   LeeLacy
A frustrating way to see the season end: Billz unable to make it through the third; Furcal booting the ball 3 times in an inning; DeWitt grounding into a couple of rally-killing double plays; a couple of bad strike-3 calls in the later innings; a number of well-hit balls that couldn't find a hole or the fences.

But on the whole, this has been a great season, one that's refreshed my memory of how much fun it is to watch the Dodgers play meaningful baseball deep into October. I came of age as a Dodger fan in 1977 at the age of 7. From that point in my life until my freshman year in college in 1988, I took it for granted that it was in the natural order of the universe for the Dodgers to regularly go deep into the playoffs, as L.A. won 2 World Series, 4 NL pennants, and 6 division titles (narrowly missing out on 2 others in '80 and '82) during that span.

The dearth of Dodger playoff wins over the past 2 decades has reminded me that nothing is guaranteed in sports (or in life, for that matter) and that one has to savor the moments when the Dodgers are making a run deep into the playoffs, even if that run doesn't culminate in an appearance, let alone a victory, in the Fall Classic.

So THANK YOU DODGERS for a terrifically entertainment and memorable season. And let's hope for even greater success next season.

2008-10-15 21:12:04
811.   Daniel Zappala
Thank you, Dodgers, for a great season. And thank you Jon for this wonderful site.
2008-10-15 21:12:44
812.   Daniel Zappala
I never looked forward to the off-season until I found Dodgers Thoughts. I'm looking forward to our discussions.
2008-10-15 21:12:52
813.   KG16
809 - ok, Bob, who was the other one?
2008-10-15 21:14:00
814.   Frip
803 Learning is overrated. Nobody learns anything from anything.
2008-10-15 21:15:59
815.   KG16
814 - really? well, then i've wasted the last 30 years.
2008-10-15 21:16:23
816.   Frip
I don't mean to insinuate anything serious Bob, but tonight I think you're Rule 11'ing all over the place.
2008-10-15 21:17:00
817.   rayg
Fire Colletti?? Fat chance. his moves got us to the NLCS.,,IMHO.
I think Furcal comes back....I think Joe wants him back more than Manny...but both would be nice. You have to give Ned credit for bringing Manny to LA.
So we need a 3bman, LFer-maybe, SS-maybe, 2 SP....Ned has some work too do. Maybe McDonald showed them enough be given a shot to start next year.
I love Martin, but his defense has regressed....anyone agree?
Starting lineup-2009
c-martin
1b-loney
2b-dewitt
ss-furcal?
3b-would love to bring back Beltre
LF-please no Pierre-Manny?
CF-Kemp
RF-Ethier

SP-Billz
SP-Kuroda
SP-Kershaw
SP-McDonald??
SP-???

I read today that Peavy wouldn't mind playing in LA.....what would be the cost? Kemp +prospects?? do we want to give up Kemp?

Thoughts?

2008-10-15 21:18:16
818.   Tripon
Well, I purposely avoided posting here because I was didn't know if I could censor myself. That said, if you told me Dodgers went up to game five of the NLCS, I'd be happy with it, coinciding that the Dodgers haven't won a post season series in 20 years.

Some random thoughts.

1) Matt Stairs is more productive than Ryan Howard.
2) Chad Billingsley must have been hurt right?
3) Kuroda should have started at least the first or 2nd game. Dodgers let his road/home splits physche them out too much.
4) Despite it going only 5 games, this wasn't a total wipeout by the Dodgers. They lost two late leads. Dodgers hold on to them, its a 3-2 series. Its baseball, and these things happen.
5) James McDonald should be the next thing to guaranteed a rotation spot next year. 11 innings in Sept, and Oct. and no runs scored on him. He's pitched just absolutely amazing.
6) If Maddux has anything in the tank, we should considering signing him for a low end deal. He's a 5th starter, and we could do worse.
7) Chad, just what happened man?
8) James Loney was the Dodgers 2nd best hitter in the post season, and should have been hitting 4th in this series. As the series progressed, I had more confidence in him than over Ethier, Furcal, Martin, Blake, and Kemp. Funny how baseball works.
9) Ryan Howard might be the MVP, but Brett Myers will have more RBIs than Howard this post season.

2008-10-15 21:18:55
819.   KG16
817 - Kemp for Peavy is not a fair trade.

for the Dodgers.

2008-10-15 21:20:55
820.   Frip
I love Martin, but his defense has regressed....anyone agree?

No. Regressed would mean that his defense was bad when he started. It was never bad, and isn't bad now.

I'm going to bed. I'm just going to be a jerk for the rest of the night anyway.

2008-10-15 21:21:55
821.   still bevens
So what are we going to do with our 27 million dollars worth of useless outfielders next year?
2008-10-15 21:22:07
822.   LogikReader
Ah, what the heck... This moment deserves an Ice Cream!!!

Can you imagine saying in spring training "The Dodgers would make the World Series with most of their rising stars manning the lineup"? What a good season this has been. Awful finish, but considering the ride, a nice 2008.

Unless Ned is put out of his misery, I have some trepidation about 2009. It is very easy to panic and trade the guys who got us here.

Much of our lineup is under 26! Kemp, Martin, DeWitt, and Loney could turn out great. Whoever ends up in charge of this team, don't give up. Just don't give up.

I wouldn't even mind ditching Manny if NYC throws World Bank money at him. There is a future with the Dodgers.

And how about the rotation? Kuroda, Bills, Kershaw, and possibly McDonald and Stults? That rotation can go places! Perhaps the bullpen will be weaker, but perhaps not.

It's not easy being a Dodger fan. Most of your friends hate your fanbase (well, most of my friends), the media wants your team to crash and burn, and columnists will take every opportunity to put the organization down. But every time I see those cool blue cats go out onto the field, my fanship endures.

I love the Dodgers! I'll always love them through the ups and downs, twists, turns, you name it. It's been fun, y'all, and whatever happens, I'll always have you guys.

Thank you Dodgers, thank you Jon, and thank all of you, the people of Dodger Thoughts. It was a great ride.

I'll still check in during the off season as we work toward spring training.

---

Almost forgot... 800 that is a really good point! I hadn't thought of that.

2008-10-15 21:23:42
823.   KG16
821 - part of me would love to package Pierre with some prospects for Peavy, as a trade floated above. but i doubt that would happen. so, if we can't do that, I'm thinking shopping center openings, meetings with sick kids, and grand marshalling parades.

actually, come to think of it, I wouldn't want to do that to the sick kids.

2008-10-15 21:26:06
824.   ryu
Congrats to the Phillies. They were the better team this series.
2008-10-15 21:31:40
825.   JoeyP
Pierre for Peavy?
Maddux as 5th starter?

Maybe the offseason discussion can wait.

2008-10-15 21:34:27
826.   Bob Timmermann
816
I did have a chocolate malt after Game 4. And right now, I'm sipping a Diet Pepsi and watching a DVD of "Dexter."
2008-10-15 21:35:22
827.   Sushirabbit
I think the one I'm worried most about losing is Kim Ng.
2008-10-15 21:37:50
828.   Tripon
"Baseballs didn't have stitches before Matt Stairs hit them."'
2008-10-15 21:39:09
829.   dzzrtRatt
821 Bring 'em to Spring Training. The ones who don't make the grade, cut 'em or send them to AAA.

Ned should not be around to participate in that decision. We need someone who can be objective and isn't biased toward hoping his two follies will pull his chestnuts out of the fire. That's why he should be fired. For the past two seasons, his lack of objectivity and favoritism toward his acquisitions has hurt the team on the field as much as it's hurt Frank's pocketbook.

It's a business thing. Ned won't do what needs to be done because it might involve cutting his own throat. A new GM won't be worried about damaging his own reputation.

There. A calm rationale for firing Ned in spite of his good calls on Manny and Casey and the playoff wins, one that you might hear from an MBA (which I'm not.)

If the Dodgers had gone on to win the WS, you might give Ned another year as a reward, even though it still would be the wrong call. Sentiment counts for something. Short of that, the case is overwhelming that he needs to go.

2008-10-15 21:39:15
830.   stubbs
Matt (New Jersey): Black DeWitt for MVP!

Rob Neyer: (10:11 PM ET ) Right ... In all seriousness, DeWitt is one of the few real weaknesses on this team. I know he had a nice season, for him. But he's just not good enough to play every day. For a good team, anyway.

Mike (TX): You think Torre should have started Kent?

Rob Neyer: (10:19 PM ET ) I don't know why he didn't. I don't mean that as a knock. I mean that Torre presumably had some decent reason or reasons. I just haven't heard what they are. Anyway, Kent's in now. Hoping for a blast, now

2008-10-15 21:40:16
831.   Steve in Rochester
well the ending was certainly disappointing, but the complete 2008 ride was great. I never could follow the Dodgers too closely growing up in the Midwest, so this season has certainly been my favorite since picking up the ability to really follow the team closely in 2000.

I don't follow DT during the season too much because the daily grind of watching games just takes up so much time. For me, my DT interest & contributions come most during the offseason so tonight is actually Opening Day for me.

I am nervous about the offseason, I hope Ned & Co are very careful in the next few months, they could be very treacherous. He cannot afford another Pierre or Jones-like gaffe. Continuing to hold together the still-young core group should be #1 I think while plugging established talent into the gaps.

Thanks, Jon, as always for this blog. Let's hope the '09 Dodgers continue the upward trend.

2008-10-15 21:40:18
832.   LogikReader
^ Hear, Hear!
2008-10-15 21:40:25
833.   Bob Timmermann
RIP, Jack Narz.
2008-10-15 21:40:40
834.   Disabled List
808 Come on, look at those rosters again. Those are two very different teams.

The Dodgers could be without all of the following players next year:

Furcal
Manny
Kent
Lowe
Penny
Saito
Blake
Beimel

Included in that group are the three best players on the 2008 Dodgers. At best, only a couple of them are coming back. And those are key parts of the team: we don't make this playoff run in 2008 without Manny and Lowe, and to a lesser extent, Furcal, Blake and Saito.

This was an ad hoc team built to win right now. They didn't. And now Ned Colletti gets another offseason to bungle away.

2008-10-15 21:40:46
835.   LogikReader
829

^ also Hear, Hear!

2008-10-15 21:42:11
836.   LogikReader
833

NO!!!!!!!!!! Really, Bob? The world is not fair. Now you don't see it. Condolences out to the Narz family.

I think we'll be hearing from Eric Stephen about this.

2008-10-15 21:44:41
837.   bigcpa
The Dodgers played 8 postseason games against 2 great teams. They were 2-2 on the road. They were 2-2 at home. They outscored their opponents 40-31. They were 1-2 in game decided by 2 runs or less. With the exact same talent and without homefield advantage in either series, they came within a hair of going back to Philly up 3-2. I find it impossible to nitpick this team.

Side question- who had a more satisfying 2008, Angels or Dodgers? Who will hear more cries to "blow it up"? It's hard to make sense of 84 wins and 4 playoff wins. It was a great ride. A MAJOR improvement over 2007 in on-field results and in entertainment value.

I'd say see y'all next year but I guess it's more like see you tomorrow with this crowd.

2008-10-15 21:46:51
838.   Branch Rickey
So much to look forward to. No matter what moves are made, the maturation of Kemp, Loney, Ethier, DeWitt, Bills, Brox, Kershaw, Wade, McDonald will make us better and better. I don't even mention Martin because he seems to be near his prime already but also has nowhere to go for 3 years. None of these guys will need to be traded or worried about from a financial perspective for years. That's a core of 10 players who are almost sure to improve and create the base of a team we can root for for more than a year at a time. That has not been true at any moment since free agency began. We have a lot to look forward to and other than 5 months of offseason, nothing to be sad about.
2008-10-15 21:48:30
839.   DBrim
830 - DeWitt is probably the most unlucky player on our squad (the other Blake is probably second). He hit the ball HARD this series.
2008-10-15 21:49:20
840.   KG16
837 - they were two pitches away from winning game 1, and a pitch or two away from going into the bottom of the 9th of game 4 tied. literally, 4 pitches away from being up 3-1 going into game 5.
2008-10-15 21:49:40
841.   das411
...is anybody else wondering what Larry Bowa and Mariano Duncan are doing tonight?
2008-10-15 21:53:53
842.   tjdub
Tonight I'm grateful.

This is my first season spent aware of DT and all of you helped make this the most enjoyable Dodger season in years.

For two months we had our first high expectation in every at bat slugger in far too long.

Even if the kids didn't make enormous leaps forward, they've proven they can form a solid foundation that with an impact addition can play deep into October.

I'm not worried about Bills. Top 5 starter in the NL, and 18+ wins next year are more than reasonable. With full years from Kershaw and hopefully McDonald the starting staff will be young and strong.

I think Broxton is ready, right after the game ended tonight my daughter pulled his card from a new pack of baseball cards and I didn't cringe. I was happy for her and for this child of the scary bullpen years that says a ton.

Just wait 'til next year indeed, as I'm certain to be more optimistic next Spring than I was this Spring.

Thanks again everyone.

P.S. If you need a rooting interest in the next couple of days, throw some karmic love out to Jdub (10yo spawn of tjdub) who along with his teammates are starting a tournament tomorrow - the first in the 6 they've played together since last year that they have a real shot of winning. The kids of En Fuego have really turned the corner, making this a fantastic baseball season on so many levels.

2008-10-15 21:58:20
843.   Jon Weisman
NPUT
2008-10-15 21:59:01
844.   dodgerkramer1
As I look ahead to 2009, I came up with a list of offseason "gifts" I would present to various Dodger players:

To Chad Billingsley, I would give a short memory. Bills is our best starting pitcher, one of the best in the NL, and he just needs to forget about the two stinkers he produced in the NLCS and focus on the many, many good outings he gave us throughout the season.

I would give Jon Broxton a better secondary pitch, and a fitness guru. Brox throws nearly 100 mph, but his slider is a very inconsistent pitch with not much movement. The 300-pounder needs to get in better shape in order to improve his mechanics. That will allow him to have better command — with his fastball, he should throw nothing but strikes.

I would give Hong-Chih Kuo a healthy offseason and a healthy 2009. He's quite possibly my favorite Dodger. He's the biggest surprise of the season and one of the game's most overpowering relief pitchers, period. May his arm stay in one piece.

James Loney will receive brand-new weight equipment and supplements. Thirteen homers in 595 at-bats just ain't gonna cut it. He can hit 30, and this team needs that from him.

Matt Kemp: I'd give him a higher "Baseball IQ," and more quality at-bats. Still too many baserunning mistakes, and he struck out WAY too much for a guy with only 18 homers. His outfield play was a nice, nice surprise, though. He's gonna be a great player — let's just hope he figures it out sooner rather than later.

Andre Ethier: This is a tough one. He had the best season of any Dodger youngster, and I can't put my finger on what he needs most. Probably just a good hitter batting behind him in the lineup.

Russell Martin receives a better backup catcher. Martin should catch no more than 140 games next season.

Cory Wade/James McDonald: A fair chance to earn spots in the Dodger starting rotation. Unless Wade is absolutely needed in the bullpen.

Blake DeWitt: An everyday spot in the lineup, either at third base or second base. How can you not like this guy?

Rafael Furcal: A contract of some kind with L.A. I don't think we have a choice but to gamble that his back will be healthy.

Jeff Kent/Nomar: Happy retirements.

Juan Pierre/Casey Blake: A team that's willing to let them play every day. It CAN'T be the Dodgers.

Ned Colletti: The Dodgers GM needs to get a power bat. Maybe that's Manny. Maybe it's Andruw Jones. Maybe it's someone else. Colletti also needs a front-line starting pitcher or two. I realize that power bats and good starting pitchers don't grow on trees.

2008-10-15 22:01:23
845.   stubbs
830 Dewitt hit that second ball hard but I wouldn't call him unlucky all series. He also caught Martin's throw on the Rollins SB about 1 ft in front of the bag. Dewitt is 1-2 years away from being ready for an everyday role on a championship team.
2008-10-15 22:02:45
846.   kinbote
Despite all my pessimism this year, I consider this season a step in the right direction. Thank you to Jon and all the excellent commenters here for adding considerably to my overall enjoyment [or is it appreciation? ;)] of the Dodgers this year. Soon, there will be time for decisions and revisions which a minute can reverse. For now, let's just celebrate that we never have to see Sweeney bat for us again!
2008-10-15 22:10:12
847.   stubbs
With the amount of young talent and chance of full seasons from Manny or CC...things are very bright.
2008-10-15 22:25:27
848.   Bote Man
841 Larry Bowa was last seen throwing garbage cans through the windows at Starbucks.

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