Baseball Toaster: Dodger Thoughts : Backbones and Back Moans

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Backbones and Back Moans

2006-09-30 08:42

by Jon Weisman

From the Elias Sports Bureau and ESPN.com, relayed by Dodger Thoughts reader Bhsportsguy:

The Dodgers trailed the Giants 3-0 on Friday night in San Francisco but scored two runs in the seventh inning and two more in the ninth to win 4-3. It was the third straight game in which the Dodgers overcame a deficit of at least three runs to win. They won the last two games of their series in Denver despite trailing by three runs in each game. It's the first time in 81 years that the Dodgers have won three consecutive games in such fashion. The franchise, then representing Brooklyn, last strung together three straight wins in that manner in June 1925, all against the Cubs in Chicago.

* * *

Brad Penny is hurt, was hurt, has been hurt, according to Bill Shaikin of the Times:

Brad Penny is expected to throw in the bullpen before today's game, testing whether the back tightness that forced him out of Thursday's game has subsided enough to enable him to pitch effectively. If the Dodgers must play a tiebreaker Monday, Penny is the scheduled starter.

Stan Johnston, the Dodgers' trainer, revealed Friday that Penny was diagnosed with what he called a "slight bulge" in two disks several months ago. After Penny complained of back spasms in April and May, Johnston said the Dodgers sent him for an MRI examination that showed "normal wear and tear that everybody has" and "nothing pressing on any nerves."

At the time, the Dodgers put Penny on an exercise program to strengthen the back muscles, and Johnston said the discomfort did not return until Penny's previous two starts.

Although Penny's earned-run average is 6.25 since the All-Star break and 6.83 this month, Little repeated that Penny would be included in a playoff rotation "if he's healthy enough to pitch."

But he may not be. We'll learn more today about whether Penny will join New York pitchers Randy Johnson and Pedro Martinez on the sidelines.

* * *

Phillies at Marlins, 10:20 a.m.

Brewers at Cardinals, 10:20 a.m.

Dodgers at Giants, 1:15 p.m.

Padres at Diamondbacks, 1:15 p.m.

Astros at Braves, 4:05 p.m.

Reds at Pirates, 4:05 p.m.

Bob Timmermann previews the day's action at The Griddle.

Update: Julio Lugo gets the start today (with Jeff Kent moving to first base) instead of James Loney. And remarkably, Lugo bats third. Andre Ethier is in left field.

Update 2: Bob Timmermann suggests that Vin Scully might do all nine innings on radio today with Fox's national team broadcasting the Dodger game on television. Scully, remember, had the call of Steve Finley's division-winning grand slam on radio in 2004. Update 3: Josh Rawitch of the Dodgers confirms it.

Comments (628)

Show/Hide Comments 1-50

2006-09-30 08:51:26

1. Bob Timmermann

The 1925 Dodgers finished tied for 6th at 68-85 with Philadelphia. The Cubs were in last at 68-86.

The team batted .296, but that wasn't much of an accomplishment as the NL batted .292.

2006-09-30 09:02:25

2. Greg S

Funny because somebody said last night that the team had only come back when down after 7 one time this year. I was thinking, that may be true but doesn't it feel like this team does nothing but come back in dramatic fashion over the last two weeks? I have great confidence in the team now, even when they're down and I'm sure they have it too. Nice asset in post season play.

2006-09-30 09:08:32

3. Bluebleeder87

i feel the same way

2006-09-30 09:09:15

4. Bob Timmermann

Late-inning comebacks are relatively rare for any team no matter how good or bad it is. So if a few of them are bunched together in a few days may not that be unusual.

Think of taking a deck of cards and throwing it in the air and then just picking up one card at a time in what you think of as a random fashion. You will likely end up picking up two aces in a row. Random events don't necessarily mean discrete and indpendent events.

I could explain this better, but I'm not David Krumholtz's character on "Numbers".

2006-09-30 09:13:00

5. Greg S

4 Are you saying I've been fooled by randomness? That may be so but I would guess that the Dodgers have as well and that may cause confidence which is not random and can have an effect on outcome. =)

2006-09-30 09:18:45

6. dkminnick

4, 5 - Demonstrating the ability to come back late in games definitely affects a team and their opponents. One may not be able to prove it by numbers, but all championship teams seem to have that quality.

Come to think of it, this probably could be proved by numbers - by someone more industrious than I.

2006-09-30 09:20:07

7. Greg S

There is only one number I care about right now and it is magical. It is the number 1.

2006-09-30 09:25:44

8. dkminnick

One is not the loneliest number today

2006-09-30 09:42:03

9. Bluebleeder87

the most rewarding tambien (spanglish sorry)

2006-09-30 09:42:53

10. Disabled List

It's been all about streaks for the Dodgers this year. They have now won 5 in a row and 7 of their last 8. I cannot say I foresaw that after the first two games of the Pittsburgh series.

The only way the Dodgers miss the playoffs now is if they suddenly go on a three-game losing streak. Which, sadly, is always a real possibility with this team.

2006-09-30 09:43:02

11. Sam DC

We're busy making a get well soon card for Nick Johnson at my kitchen table.

2006-09-30 09:47:59

12. ToyCannon

Brad Penny realizing he may not make the playoff roster will of course say his back is fine after today's bullpen session. Later in November if he has an unsuccessful postseason he will disclose that his back never felt right.

2006-09-30 09:49:10

13. bluegold

6 - That begs the question: Shouldn't championship teams not get into situations where they have to make comebacks? The Dodgers are not a championship team yet...doesn't mean they won't be. Still have bitter taste from all those blown games to baseball doormats.

2006-09-30 09:57:13

14. xaphor

If you hit the ball for a good average and haven't hit the ball earlier in the game, the chances are you're going to hit the ball late in the game.

The motto is: Don't worry about your ability to come back in a game, just take care of hitting the ball and everything else is taken care of.

2006-09-30 10:09:21

15. das411

Gahhh it was DREW that won that game for the LAD last night?!?!?!? GRRR!!

2006-09-30 10:11:41

16. das411

Oh no, Rosenthal just dropped a Dontrelle-for-Francour rumor...

2006-09-30 10:17:13

17. xaphor

15. He had hit a 2 run homer earlier, but if it's any consolation he struck out in the ninth.

2006-09-30 10:24:35

18. 50 years a Dodger Fan

I know everyone's not going to agree with this but here's my playoff roster:
Martin, Nomar, Kent, Furcal, Betemit, Anderson, Lofton, Drew
Hall, Saenz, Martinez, Ethier, Repko, Lugo
Penny, Lowe, Maddux, Kuo, Billingsley, Saito, Broxton, Biemel, Tomko, Sele, Hendrickson

I chickened out; I really wanted to leave Lugo and Hendrickson off and put Loney and Stults on. Lugo only makes it because of fear of Kent getting hurt. I suppose Anderson could play second and I could add Loney because Nomar will definitely miss some games, maybe all of them. Hendrickson beats out Stults just because it would be so insulting to him to not be included. I really can't think of anything he has done to help the team this year. Like Hall, he gets in only because we have no other backup catcher. Maybe something will happen in these last two games to change things.

2006-09-30 10:31:56

19. FelixP

I seem to remember the 88 Dodgers having a number of late-inning comebacks, and that was before the playoffs. A Franklin Stubbs walk-off homer sticks in my mind but I can't remember details on any others. It's weird, that and the 86 Mets painful comebacks seemed like the first time that any baseball team had come back in the late innings; I guess it was just the first time I really watched baseball closely.

2006-09-30 10:35:12

20. 50 years a Dodger Fan

I would like to bring Nomar back next year but I just can't see it. Despite his frailties, or maybe because of them, he is the heart and soul of the Dodgers. But how can we pay him $9M, with all the injuries and down time he will have, when we can get equal or better performance out of a healthy 22 year old kid who will play for $340,000? I just wished we had that problem at third base. Betemit isn't going to cut it there and LaRoche probably won't be ready to take the job next spring. Our number one priority this offseason should be going after Ramirez from the Cubs or Cabrera from the Marlins. And there's always A-Rod. Then Eric Byrnes and some pitching...

2006-09-30 10:46:12

21. das411

Wow, McCarver just said he thinks Luis Pujols should be the NL MVP this year.

2006-09-30 10:47:03

22. FelixP

c'mon rain, stop falling in Florida so the Phils can lose.

2006-09-30 10:54:04

23. Bluebleeder87

his avious meter is way up today.

2006-09-30 10:55:07

24. xaphor

Game on in South Florida.

2006-09-30 10:55:09

25. das411

I wonder what this season would have looked like if Manuel had gone with a lineup of Victorino-Conine-Utley-Howard-Rollins for the second half...

2006-09-30 10:56:53

26. MMSMikey

jeers the rain delay.

2006-09-30 11:05:21

27. Connector

Florida leads 1-0. Yeah!

2006-09-30 11:06:15

28. thinkingblue

So, will today be another day of bloopers and bleeders, or could we just hit the ball harder? I mean, too bad the score looks bad for Kuo, but at least 3-4 of thie hits were not hit hard. And he struck out 8. He pitched a lot better than the score would indicate.

And nice one Miguel Cabrera

2006-09-30 11:06:37

29. thinkingblue

28.

I mean, he struck out 6.

2006-09-30 11:06:46

30. MMSMikey

From inside the Dodgers:

Last night was a true team victory. Let's see if we got two more in us.

Furcal, SS
Lofton, CF
Lugo, 2B
Kent, 1B
Drew, RF
Betemit, 3B
Ethier, LF
Martin, C
Maddux, P

2006-09-30 11:07:01

31. MMSMikey

ugh lugo 3rd.

2006-09-30 11:07:22

32. Linkmeister

Y'all do remember that Victorino was once Dodger property?

Our local sportscasters love the kid, since he was born in Maui (we also hear more than I care to about Tyler Yates and Brandon League, for similar reasons).

2006-09-30 11:08:30

33. dianagramr

marlins back-to-back hr, 2-0

2006-09-30 11:09:36

34. Connector

Make that Marlins TWO, Phils 0.

2006-09-30 11:11:21

35. Humma Kavula

I'll feel a lot better about lugo batting third if the Phillies lose this game.

2006-09-30 11:11:40

36. Humma Kavula

30 pitches for Wolf in the first.

2006-09-30 11:12:29

37. dkminnick

Why does Grittle insist on batting Lugo third? Is it because Lugo complains? I mean really, what other reason could there be?

2006-09-30 11:14:52

38. MMSMikey

37.
its just mind boggling.

2006-09-30 11:15:29

39. Humma Kavula

Why is Lugo even playing over Loney?

2006-09-30 11:16:27

40. Greg Brock

I like Grady, but sometimes his lineups are baffling.

I know, lineups don't matter, so on and so forth. But come on here, folks. Lugo third, Drew fifth (again), no Loney against a righty, Martin chained to the eight spot? Weird.

2006-09-30 11:16:39

41. dkminnick

39 - That, too.

2006-09-30 11:17:01

42. gpellamjr

39 Seriously. There has to be a reason. Does Grittle honestly think that the Dodgers have a better chance of winning with Lugo in the lineup than with Loney? I just don't get.

2006-09-30 11:18:04

43. bearlurker

42 Obviously, Grittle's going with the hot hand.

2006-09-30 11:18:08

44. dkminnick

40 - It is weird. That's the best word for it. However, I'm not in a complaining mood today. It's time to celebrate...almost.

2006-09-30 11:20:50

45. dianagramr

40
Maybe Grady is suffering some distress over hearing that Pedro won't pitch again this year.

2006-09-30 11:21:01

46. MMSMikey

3-2 phils

2006-09-30 11:21:07

47. thinkblue88

3-2 Phillies

2006-09-30 11:22:40

48. Humma Kavula

In the meantime, Philadelphia has decided not to go gentle into that good night. Too bad.

2006-09-30 11:22:44

49. dianagramr

3-2 Phils ...

2006-09-30 11:24:00

50. MMSMikey

i hate these stupid backout restrictions i got DTV extra innings and MLB.tv and i cant watch one game.

Show/Hide Comments 51-100

2006-09-30 11:24:04

51. thinkingblue

30.

Talk about putting the worst line up in there. At least he didn't put in Robles I guess.

But c'mon, Lugo instead of Loney? What the ?

2006-09-30 11:24:29

52. nofatmike

Why couldn't the Marlins walk Nunez to load the bases for Wolf?

2006-09-30 11:24:48

53. thinkblue0

20-

why Eric Byrnes? We've already got Drew, Anderson, Kemp, Eithier for next year.

If the rumors of us going after Aramis are true then it's going to be interesting to see what we do with Laroche and Betemit.

2006-09-30 11:26:43

54. MMSMikey

loney had more RBI's in one game then lugo has had in 140 At bats.

2006-09-30 11:28:08

55. dkminnick

54 - LOL - Grits must think Lugo is "due".

2006-09-30 11:28:08

56. dianagramr

Its a conspiracy to force us to listen to Buck and McCarver .... :-(

(I'm listening to Harry Kalas on WPHT now)

2006-09-30 11:28:37

57. MMSMikey

53, yeah i dont agree with the byrnes thing either. i think this offseson our 2 main objectives should be a 3rd baseman (agaian) and pitching pitching pitching.

2006-09-30 11:30:30

58. Icaros

Loney has to be playing today. I wouldn't care if Kent sat and Lugo still played second, but why put in an extra righty against a righty starter when you have a lefty on the bench two days removed from one of the most productive games in Dodgers history?

Loney is also the best 1B defender on the team.

2006-09-30 11:30:32

59. dianagramr

meanwhile ... the ChiSox are making life difficult for the Twins again (6-0 top 9).

The Twins are probably gonna end up playing the Yanks, and given their recent playoff history, I'm not optimistic.

2006-09-30 11:31:17

60. dkminnick

53, 57 - I think we should sign Byrnes, then convert him to catcher so he can do his little throw-and-somersault routine every time he returns the ball to the mound.

2006-09-30 11:31:42

61. dianagramr

perhaps there are some atypical righty-lefty splits going on here?

history with the pitcher?

2006-09-30 11:31:57

62. Benaiah

What would be your ideal matchup in the playoffs? I think it has to be the Cardinals, despite the season sweep. Both teams are completely different since then (the Dodgers are 39-22 since that series, and the Cards are 26-36) and if we played them then we would be at home to start the series. The Astros on the other hand, despite their flakey offense, terrify me. (now lets clinch before I jinx anything)

2006-09-30 11:32:00

63. Connector

Marlins have tied it up. 3-3.

2006-09-30 11:32:01

64. Humma Kavula

woohoo! single by the pitcher!

2006-09-30 11:32:15

65. thinkblue88

3-3 Phills-Fish

2006-09-30 11:32:19

66. dianagramr

3-3 Marlins/Phils ... rbi single by pitcher Olson

2006-09-30 11:32:32

67. MMSMikey

60, lol

2006-09-30 11:36:08

68. MMSMikey

M. Cabrera up with 2 on 2 out.

2006-09-30 11:36:28

69. fan 4 40 plus

come on Miguel !

2006-09-30 11:36:56

70. das411

Quick Draw Charlie makes an appearance...I wonder if he would even think about using Leiber in this game should this inning turn ugly...

2006-09-30 11:37:33

71. MMSMikey

Leiber has left the team for personal reasons.

2006-09-30 11:38:13

72. MMSMikey

wow wolf is out. madesn in.

2006-09-30 11:38:18

73. Humma Kavula

Whoa! They pulled Wolf?!

2006-09-30 11:38:19

74. fan 4 40 plus

that was a quick hook for Wolf

2006-09-30 11:38:57

75. dianagramr

hmmm .... Dodgers have 16 H in 37 AB against Cain lifetime ....

2006-09-30 11:39:29

76. dianagramr

they cried Wolf?

2006-09-30 11:39:49

77. bearlurker

Good move by Charlie, considering Miguel already went deep against Wolf.

2006-09-30 11:40:02

78. Humma Kavula

I mena, he wasn't pitching like Koufax or anything, but...

2006-09-30 11:41:03

79. das411

56 - Hey D, when they switch Wheels back in you'll want to hit up http://chriswheelerglossary.com/

Yknow, the Wolfman is from CA isn't he? And you guys will need a lefty in your rotation...plus he knows Mike Lieberthal!

2006-09-30 11:41:21

80. bearlurker

The pitcher Suppan is 2-2 against Sheets; the rest of the Cards are 3 for 16. Finally, some protection for Pujols.

2006-09-30 11:42:36

81. MMSMikey

crap.

2006-09-30 11:43:24

82. Humma Kavula

I was really hoping that wasn't going to work out.

Still, just because it did work out doesn't make it the right move.

2006-09-30 11:44:32

83. dianagramr

LOL ... thanks for the head-up ....

I've actually contributed to the "Cole Hamels Facts" site :-)

2006-09-30 11:44:58

84. fan 4 40 plus

well the fish tied it up now let's hope that olsen can shut them down for at least the top o f the 3rd

2006-09-30 11:48:25

85. Jon Weisman

Phone message from Bob: He suggests that Vin Scully might do all nine innings on radio today with Fox's national team broadcasting the Dodger game on television. Scully, remember, had the call of Steve Finley's division-winning grand slam on radio in 2004.

2006-09-30 11:49:59

86. Greg S

It's looking like the Phils game will go on until at least the time that Fox goes on the air on the west coast. Hopefully they will go live to "exciting moments".

2006-09-30 11:51:18

87. das411

!!!!!!!!!!!!! Shane-O with some clutch baserunning, gotta love the Flyin' Hawaii'an!!

2006-09-30 11:56:44

88. Connector

Olsen's struck out 4 Phillies already.

2006-09-30 11:57:47

89. thinkingblue

No point pitching a hurt pitcher that can't pitch in Penny, Grady.

2006-09-30 11:57:53

90. StolenMonkey86

My theory is that Grady wants the wild card. He figures the Mets don't look as good as the Astros or Cardinals because of the Mets rotation, although both Houston and St Louis have faulty closers this year, while Billy Wagner has been pretty reliable.

2006-09-30 12:03:11

91. MMSMikey

im listening to "you've got another thing coming" by priest to get fired up for todays ballgame.

2006-09-30 12:06:14

92. StolenMonkey86

old friend Cody Ross with a 2 out walk

2006-09-30 12:07:18

93. fan 4 40 plus

looks like he took of on the 3-2 a little early

2006-09-30 12:10:28

94. MMSMikey

it was a 2-2 pitch, its impossible to get caught going 3-2 with 2 outs unless there is a lefty pitching and you are really dumb. if theres a righty and you get picked 3-2 with 2 outs you are just retarded.

2006-09-30 12:16:25

95. Humma Kavula

It's possible that 93 was joking -- saying he took off on the 3-2 a little early... so early, in fact, that the count was only 2-2.

2006-09-30 12:19:56

96. thinkingblue

BTW, Jon, you might just want to update the payroll worksheet. ;)

2006-09-30 12:22:24

97. StolenMonkey86

bunt single for Olsen!

2006-09-30 12:23:55

98. StolenMonkey86

Ramirez up, waiting for coaching visit to be over

2006-09-30 12:24:52

99. StolenMonkey86

Lieberthal pulled!

2006-09-30 12:25:05

100. JoeyP

Whom else is hoping that these last two days are the last of Julio Lugo?

Playing him when he shouldnt be playing is one thing.

But batting him 3rd is I think a fireable offense of Grady Little. The manager doesnt have much to do other than make out the lineup card, and putting Lugo 3rd is basically flunking. Its like misspelling your name on the SAT.

Little started out as a really good manager this season, but his September managing (Drew batting 5th, infatuation with Lugo, non-use of Saito in important games) has brought him down several notches.

Show/Hide Comments 101-150

2006-09-30 12:26:21

101. fan 4 40 plus

93 sorry 'bout that, GameDay mis-read, brain and hands ahead of my eyes

2006-09-30 12:27:27

102. Humma Kavula

I'm not ready to flunk Grady yet. I've seen flunking. I saw flunking last year. This isn't flunking.

At the same time, I just do not get it.

2006-09-30 12:29:44

103. Dodger Hill

Inning over. Can you say Uggla.

2006-09-30 12:30:17

104. dkminnick

103 - What happened to Leiberthal? Was he hurt?

2006-09-30 12:30:59

105. JoeyP

I think batting Lugo 3rd, when you consider all the other options, is on par with batting Izturis lead-off.

2006-09-30 12:33:03

106. Connector

102
Grady Little trusts his ballplayers. I think he sees something in Lugo that hasn't yet been revealed to us fans.

2006-09-30 12:34:32

107. confucius

105 It's far worse in my opinion.

2006-09-30 12:35:07

108. dkminnick

104 - Leiberthal was very nice to my kids at baseball camp earlier this year.

2006-09-30 12:36:20

109. natepurcell

106

so when is that "something" going to be revealed? I hope its sometime this weekend. Cause you know, time's running out a bit.

2006-09-30 12:38:31

110. Bluebleeder87

105

it's Lugos magical powers i tell you.

2006-09-30 12:40:13

111. dkminnick

106, 109 - It could just as easily be revealed in the 8-hole.

2006-09-30 12:41:12

112. StolenMonkey86

Olsen channels Billingsley

2006-09-30 12:41:24

113. 50 years a Dodger Fan

Is Lugo going out with one of Little's ugly daughters? No one with an IQ of more than 50 would play him at all. Maybe Colletti promised his cousin in Tampa Bay that Lugo would get beau coup playing time. Be honest, folks, you hate Lugo playing as much as I do; realistically the only thing we can hope for is an injury; the manager is insane.

2006-09-30 12:41:55

114. JoeyP

I'm thankful that Jeff Conine still sucks.

2006-09-30 12:42:48

115. Jon Weisman

Josh Rawitch confirms via e-mail: Vin is doing nine innings on radio.

St. Louis losing 2-0 in 8th.

2006-09-30 12:44:37

116. Connector

All right, Olsen!

2006-09-30 12:47:05

117. das411

Chris Coste = not clutch.

Ahhh and here's the Beard!

2006-09-30 12:48:57

118. Bluebleeder87

115

that's pretty weird, what happens with Steiner & gang?

2006-09-30 12:49:32

119. 50 years a Dodger Fan

106 Well it isn't hitting, fielding, or baserunning, what could it be? The only solace I can find is that every time the incompetent bozo plays, he knocks zeros off his salary next year. I'm starting to be very afraid he is damaging his rep so bad that no one will sign him and we will be stuck with him again next year. And our dumb donkey manager will make him the regular third baseman hitting in the three hole. Average .197; OBP .198; Slugging .212; HomeRuns 0; RBIs 19.

2006-09-30 12:51:11

120. 50 years a Dodger Fan

15 If Josh will converse with you via email, please ask him why Lugo plays when there is no earthly reason for it.

2006-09-30 12:51:49

121. Bluebleeder87

119

i'll drink to that, you're anger inspires me!!

2006-09-30 12:51:58

122. Doug N

119 I'm going to suggest that rules 3 & 8, though especially number eight, are being violated at this point.

2006-09-30 12:55:37

123. Connector

119

Our d.d.m. is 86-74, so he's doing something right. Give him some faith!

2006-09-30 12:55:54

124. Doug N

I'd like to point out that there are four AL teams with records better than St. Louis who will not be in the playoffs. Would anyone like to speculate if any NL team can win the World Series?

2006-09-30 12:57:11

125. Bluebleeder87

i have a feeling that the guys who took the gameday pictures of Maddux & Cain aren't professionals

2006-09-30 12:58:41

126. Jon Weisman

122 - I agree.

2006-09-30 12:59:07

127. Jon Weisman

Bases loaded triple by Spezio puts Cards ahead, 3-2.

2006-09-30 12:59:24

128. Doug N

a triple in st.louis and the cards are up 3-2...

2006-09-30 13:06:06

129. JJoeScott

115 re: Scully -

I can't think of a time over the past 30+ years of listening to Dodger games where Vinny has done all 9 innings on radio. Hasn't he always said that he didn't want to prevent the other 'casters from doing their jobs, which is why he wouldn't just simulcast the whole game? Odd that he would be doing all 9 innings today.

I'd hate to declare shenanigans so late in the season, but ...

2006-09-30 13:09:19

130. Bluebleeder87

129

i guess it's because these games are very important.

2006-09-30 13:11:06

131. Bluebleeder87

is Bob up in frisco this weekend or what?

2006-09-30 13:11:34

132. Curtis Lowe

Does anyone else find Josh Lewin to be extremely annoying?

2006-09-30 13:11:36

133. ToyCannon

Gotta say I'm loving the Lasorda spots for ESPN playoff baseball. Clever stuff.

2006-09-30 13:13:15

134. Bluebleeder87

133 he sounds like he has a mean sinus condition.

2006-09-30 13:14:04

135. nofatmike

Ben Sheets in 6 innings today: 7 K's, 1 BB,7 H's, 0 ER. Sheets is one of my favorite non-Dodger players and one of the best pitchers in baseball in general. It's a shame that it seems he can never stay the whole season healthy.

2006-09-30 13:14:45

136. ToyCannon

124
Yeah I was going to make the same point yesterday but when I started breaking down the AL teams they are just as flawed. This could be one of the greatest offensive minded playoffs due to the incredible shallowness of everyone's pitching. Don't base on the year stats base it on who is in the rotation come playoff time and it is not pretty for anyone.

2006-09-30 13:15:14

137. trainwreck

Well, Lugo did something useful.

2006-09-30 13:15:31

138. clopez

that is Lugo's first "significant" contribution in as long as I can remember.

2006-09-30 13:15:54

139. DodgerHobbit

Alou is Loftoning RF for the Giants.

2006-09-30 13:16:48

140. xaphor

Thanks for the radio tip Jon/Bob

2006-09-30 13:17:00

141. nick

man, that Julio Lugo, just a professional hitter...there's no substitute for an RBI guy in that #3 slot....

2006-09-30 13:17:02

142. Bluebleeder87

J.D. Drew had a fly ball out for the 3rd out.

2006-09-30 13:18:40

143. ToyCannon

He did have 3 hits one game and was an integral part of the victory several weeks ago.

2006-09-30 13:19:51

144. DodgerHobbit

That was the luckiest hit i have seen in a while

2006-09-30 13:20:22

145. nofatmike

Speaking of weak lineups, no Bonds!!!

2006-09-30 13:20:23

146. joekings

luck is the residue of design, or so i've heard.

2006-09-30 13:20:55

147. Bluebleeder87

i don't know man, i'm scared of the giants.

2006-09-30 13:22:47

148. joekings

i think we gave away that run.

2006-09-30 13:23:04

149. nofatmike

Well it looks like both team's weak three-hole hitters have exchanged Olneys.

2006-09-30 13:23:35

150. Bluebleeder87

that pitch that Maddux just maid was like art in motion.

Show/Hide Comments 151-200

2006-09-30 13:23:51

151. Connector

Still 4-3 Phillies, middle of 7th inning

2006-09-30 13:25:25

152. joekings

Tried listening to the Vinny on the radio and watch it on TV but he's ahead of the TV and it's kinda freaking me out.

2006-09-30 13:26:15

153. StolenMonkey86

the first is usually Maddog's worst inning. And that one only took 9 pitches.

2006-09-30 13:27:03

154. Gen3Blue

Just got in. I am astonished at playing Lugo over Loney!

2006-09-30 13:27:24

155. Bluebleeder87

my Dodger mojo just told me Ethier will have a good day today.

2006-09-30 13:27:58

156. JoeyP

I hope either A-Ram signs with the Dodgers, or LaRoche is ready for next year.

I dont think I can stomach watching Wilson Betemit Feliz patrol 3rd base all of next season.

2006-09-30 13:29:28

157. das411

Booyah! Miggy C has been remarkably unclutch today and I am lovin every minute of it!!

2006-09-30 13:30:03

158. nofatmike

156. Speaking of LaRoche, wouldn't it behoove the Dodgers to put him at second considering his labrum injury?

2006-09-30 13:30:08

159. Gen3Blue

I don't think the D's really mean to keep their young players.

2006-09-30 13:30:17

160. nofatmike

156. Speaking of LaRoche, wouldn't it behoove the Dodgers to put him at second considering his labrum injury?

2006-09-30 13:30:46

161. nofatmike

darn, didn't mean to double post (of course, who does?)

2006-09-30 13:31:39

162. JoeyP

Conine is unclutch to the Nth power.

2006-09-30 13:32:41

163. natepurcell

156

Betemit has a better ISOd then A-Ram.

2006-09-30 13:33:02

164. Bluebleeder87

i love how Martin frames pitches

2006-09-30 13:34:43

165. MollyKnight

hey guys-

how do i listen to the game online? mlbtv is blacked out and fox isn't showing it on the East Coast. KFWB 980 is playing the news..

Can anyone help?

2006-09-30 13:35:08

166. scooplew

I, too, just got in and I join the chorus of astonishment that Lugo is playing ahead of Loney. Lugo entered the game with 3 hits in his last 25 at bats, although I see that he had a sac fly in the 1st.

2006-09-30 13:35:12

167. regfairfield

158 If LaRoche could play second, he'd be playing there already.

2006-09-30 13:35:35

168. DodgerHobbit

156 I think LaRoche will be ready if the shoulder that needs surgery is his non dominant one. He is as ready for MLB pitching as Loney, Aybar, and Ethier were.

2006-09-30 13:38:09

169. JoeyP

Pedro Feliz does nothing to quel a stereotype.

2006-09-30 13:38:55

170. DodgerHobbit

LaRoche doesnt seem athletic enough to play second. He would probably be about as good as Kent is right now while playing hurt.

2006-09-30 13:39:07

171. natepurcell

168

Laroche tore labrums in both of his shoulders. the one in his right was a slight tear and has healed through rehab. the one in his left shoulder ia a full complete tear that he will have surgery on this winter.

http://projectprospect.com/2006/09/28/andy-laroche-interview.aspx

2006-09-30 13:41:39

172. trainwreck

That guy needs some Lasik surgery.

2006-09-30 13:42:45

173. DodgerHobbit

171

thanks, Nate. I wasnt sure because of the conflicting info out there.

The only other observations i have about LaRoche comes from my wife. She said he is bow-legged and needs to lose what she believes is his mullet.

2006-09-30 13:43:21

174. Bluebleeder87

luck is on our side

2006-09-30 13:43:34

175. Uncle Miltie

Nice blooper by K Loft. Too bad Lugo is batting 3rd!

2006-09-30 13:43:38

176. nofatmike

Geez, the Marlins really seem to be hitting out of synch.

2006-09-30 13:43:56

177. natepurcell

Lugo is going to fail us again.

2006-09-30 13:44:32

178. natepurcell

173

Mullets are making a comeback.

2006-09-30 13:44:42

179. confucius

LaRoche has long hair. It's not a mullet.

2006-09-30 13:45:26

180. nofatmike

I'd have Lofton run right now and get caught stealing. It would be less painfull than to watch Lugo hit into a DP.

2006-09-30 13:45:38

181. nofatmike

painful*

2006-09-30 13:46:06

182. Uncle Miltie

Lugo gets a double!

2006-09-30 13:46:07

183. natepurcell

Quentin robs Roberts of a 2run homerun. nice! I am getting the SD-AZ game here in Tucson :(

2006-09-30 13:46:10

184. Johnson

Wait a minute - I thought that a ground ball (one that has already hit the ground before getting to the bag) is fair if it bounces over the bag, regardless of where the first bounce is behind the bag. Right? So the Furcal hit wasn't fair on the basis of hitting the chalk, it was fair on the basis of going over the bag fair, having already hit the ground.

2006-09-30 13:46:19

185. nick

gotta love the RBI man!

2006-09-30 13:46:27

186. trainwreck

Lugo is useful again! He must be reading DT.

2006-09-30 13:46:32

187. Bluebleeder87

Grady knows what he's doing with Lugo.

2006-09-30 13:46:55

188. Connector

Way to go, Juliooooooo

2006-09-30 13:47:12

189. DodgerHobbit

with my tongue in my cheek i will say that was, "clutch".

2006-09-30 13:47:21

190. MollyKnight

on second thought, i'm just going to go to a sports bar on bourbon street.

2006-09-30 13:47:43

191. Uncle Miltie

Kent is being pitched around

2006-09-30 13:47:57

192. natepurcell

Gameday is telling me Lugo did something beneficial to the Dodgers.

I am going to sue gameday for lying.

2006-09-30 13:49:09

193. regfairfield

I don't think Cain was pitching around Kent to get to a better hitter.

2006-09-30 13:50:09

194. nofatmike

Of course now Little is probably going to bat Lugo third throughout the post-season.

2006-09-30 13:50:34

195. Uncle Miltie

193- it definitely looked like that

DJ just blew it!

2006-09-30 13:50:47

196. Uncle Miltie

K Lofty!

2006-09-30 13:51:05

197. Bluebleeder87

take that GIANTS!!

2006-09-30 13:51:05

198. FelixP

run, Forest, run!

2006-09-30 13:51:38

199. Greg Brock

Stupid play, good result. Goodness.

2006-09-30 13:51:55

200. nick

wow! shades of Alfredo Griffin...

Show/Hide Comments 201-250

2006-09-30 13:52:14

201. MollyKnight

what happened??! what did drew do?

2006-09-30 13:52:15

202. Uncle Miltie

I have never seen anyone tag on a ball hit that shallow in the outfield. That was a hell of a play by Lofty.

2006-09-30 13:52:19

203. oswald

i don't mean to sound like mother hen here, but i think the slams on lugo are kind of annoying. i know he's been bad, but he's had to adjust to being a bench player, which is tough. and besides, you're supposed to root, root, root for the home team!

2006-09-30 13:52:24

204. trainwreck

Felipe's reaction was priceless.

2006-09-30 13:52:25

205. Connector

Good hustle, Kenny!

2006-09-30 13:52:38

206. Johnson

So does Drew actually get a sacrifice fly and no AB on that plate appearance?

2006-09-30 13:53:44

207. KG16

I'm just glad that I have a strong heart, otherwise this team would have had me in the cardiac ICU sometime around August 1st.

2006-09-30 13:53:57

208. Linkmeister

206 I think so. And an RBI.

2006-09-30 13:54:02

209. confucius

Why did the pitcher cut that throw? HAHA

2006-09-30 13:54:47

210. Bluebleeder87

203

We gotta complain about somebody, Drew's been great of late.

2006-09-30 13:55:17

211. Linkmeister

203 I agree. In addition, he's not playing much in a new league where he doesn't know the pitchers.

2006-09-30 13:55:55

212. gpellamjr

So, should I forget about the Phillies for now and start following AZ/SD now that the Dodgers are winning?

2006-09-30 13:55:59

213. Eric Enders

So I'm sitting here listening to Vinny while waiting in the Vegas airport for my flight to board... god bless technology!

2006-09-30 13:56:15

214. Uncle Miltie

199, 201-
not a stupid play. Durham casually positioned himself under a flyball that was barely hit into the outfield. Assuming the Lofton wouldn't tag, he caught the ball flatfooted and nonchalantly tossed the ball back into the infield.

2006-09-30 13:57:30

215. gpellamjr

203 Of course I'm rooting for Lugo today, as it seems most everyone here is doing. It's just frustrating that Loney is sitting after his game in Colorado in favor of a guy who has just not performed for the Ds this year.

2006-09-30 13:58:07

216. Marty

So is this going to be the game where every Dodger who is most hated by someone on this board is going to contribute? For me, that would mean Gio gets a two-inning save.

2006-09-30 13:58:21

217. gpellamjr

Hey Nate, what happened to the starter for AZ?

2006-09-30 13:59:07

218. KG16

Edgar Gonzales is getting "interesting" against the Priests through 4 innings.

2006-09-30 13:59:23

219. Greg Brock

214 If the pitcher doesn't cut it, he's out from me to you.

Agree to disagree, I guess. He's safe, so it's brilliant.

2006-09-30 14:00:17

220. KG16

My bad, didn't realize Gonzales came in in relief, still, 4 innings of interesting baseball

2006-09-30 14:00:27

221. natepurcell

Hey Nate, what happened to the starter for AZ?

nothing. it was planned to use cruz for only 2 innings.

2006-09-30 14:00:30

222. das411

216 - JD Drew drove one in already right? I'm covered.

2006-09-30 14:00:44

223. Bluebleeder87

214

you always have to take 2 or 3 steps back on a fly ball when there's a man on 3rd PERIOD

2006-09-30 14:02:07

224. Connector

213

Talk about cool...It's 12:00 MIDNIGHT where I live. I'm watching MLB.TV on my computer while conversing with you guys on DT as though we're all sitting together in my living room.

2006-09-30 14:02:31

225. gpellamjr

Ah! Where's Vin? I thought he was going 9 tonight.

2006-09-30 14:02:59

226. DodgerHobbit

203 I think the Marlon Anderson pickup evens out the bust of the Lugo acquisition. Lugo is a decent player he just didnt play well for us...

2006-09-30 14:03:06

227. Bluebleeder87

223

i just quoted/got a flashback of my couch

2006-09-30 14:03:24

228. Uncle Miltie

219- the ball would have slowly rolled to the catcher and the other runners might have advanced, if the Giants don't cut it off (I'm pretty sure it was their 1st baseman)

2006-09-30 14:04:37

229. nofatmike

In the Phils-Marlins game, Josh Wood just doubled with 1 out in the ninth.

2006-09-30 14:04:47

230. Johnson

224 Where are you, Israel?

2006-09-30 14:05:17

231. gpellamjr

Marlins with a runner at third, one out, Hanley Ramirez batting in the 9th.

2006-09-30 14:05:22

232. Uncle Miltie

Wild pitch by Gordon in Philly, runner advances to 3rd with one out in the 9th

2006-09-30 14:05:29

233. Greg Brock

228 It worked. It's all pixie dust and fairy farts, provided the Dodgers clinch a spot. Nice play, Kenny.

2006-09-30 14:05:31

234. xaphor

You lied to me Jon/Bob. You're out of the circle of trust.

2006-09-30 14:05:33

235. Connector

Bottom of 9th: Marlins have a runner on 3rd. 1 out.

2006-09-30 14:05:39

236. KG16

New bats for everyone!

2006-09-30 14:05:56

237. nofatmike

Reed, who pinch-ran for Wood, just went to third on a passed ball.

2006-09-30 14:06:17

238. Uncle Miltie

Another steal for Maddux this year, he did the same thing with the Cubs!

2006-09-30 14:06:17

239. KG16

Um, wha?!

2006-09-30 14:06:18

240. Bluebleeder87

Maddux is a baseball genious!!

2006-09-30 14:06:26

241. trainwreck

This game is nuts.

2006-09-30 14:06:52

242. Greg Brock

Hey, why not. Let's pull the hidden ball trick next.

2006-09-30 14:07:00

243. nick

that's a great play by Maddux...

2006-09-30 14:07:28

244. regfairfield

What the heck, Fox?

2006-09-30 14:07:47

245. trainwreck

Don't care...don't care...

show the Dodger game only please!

2006-09-30 14:07:56

246. nofatmike

Ramirez just grounded out in the Marlins game, 2 outs.

2006-09-30 14:08:23

247. gpellamjr

Two outs, Uggla with a chance to put the Ds in the postseason.

2006-09-30 14:08:31

248. das411

Victooooooooooooooooooooo-ry!!!

2006-09-30 14:08:33

249. Bluebleeder87

darn you Victorino

2006-09-30 14:08:46

250. Uncle Miltie

*Ugh*gla...

that was hit hard but Victorino made a great play

Show/Hide Comments 251-300

2006-09-30 14:08:51

251. KG16

Uggla is Dead To Me

2006-09-30 14:09:01

252. Greg Brock

Good. Let's win this game, and dance on the Giant's mound. That's what I want anyway.

2006-09-30 14:09:13

253. gpellamjr

Uggla out. Ds have to do it on their own.

2006-09-30 14:09:31

254. Uncle Miltie

Hanley Ramirez had a chance to tie the game with a sac fly, but couldn't hit the ball out of the infield

2006-09-30 14:09:49

255. ddger

Well we just have to win today now since PHI won.

2006-09-30 14:10:06

256. StolenMonkey86

Pitch counts

Maddux: 33
Cain: 70

2006-09-30 14:10:56

257. Uncle Miltie

Hanger by Maddux

2006-09-30 14:11:05

258. regfairfield

Of course, it couldn't be easy.

Why do I have the feeling tomorrow is going to count?

2006-09-30 14:11:08

259. StolenMonkey86

son of a knuckleball went yard

2006-09-30 14:11:26

260. ddger

I would rather have us celebrate after a win instead of backing into the playoffs.

2006-09-30 14:12:04

261. capdodger

How did Maddux steal second there? Was it a delayed steal? Was he not being held on? Cain pitching from the windup?
Please explain/inform.

2006-09-30 14:12:25

262. StolenMonkey86

Aye, warning track.

2006-09-30 14:12:51

263. regfairfield

261 No one was covering second, Cain wasn't watching him.

2006-09-30 14:13:03

264. StolenMonkey86

well, that's more like it.

2006-09-30 14:13:03

265. KG16

The Priests take the lead in the desert.

It will not be easy.

2006-09-30 14:13:22

266. Bob Timmermann

2-0 Padres on a Cameron homer.

2006-09-30 14:14:04

267. StolenMonkey86

Maddux is a model of efficiency.

2006-09-30 14:14:31

268. Berkeley Doug

The game is no longer interesting in AZ; and it is no longer tied. 2-0 SD after a Cameron HR.

I'm a few blocks from AT&T Park, but I have to work today. (:

Let's Go Dodgers

2006-09-30 14:16:00

269. Greg Brock

Baseball's great. Bleed Dodger blue. Dodgers. McCourt. Gibson. Greatest game in the world. Pasta. Hate the Giants.

Thanks Tommy. We get it.

2006-09-30 14:16:52

270. StolenMonkey86

Has Greg Maddux had a start this year without an assist?

2006-09-30 14:16:59

271. njr

This is the first time in months I've been able to watch the game at home and also follow with you guys on the internet. It's great!

2006-09-30 14:17:08

272. Marty

Lugo aspires to warning track power.

2006-09-30 14:19:44

273. JoeyP

Kent, Furcal, and Drew have been on fire this month. The 3 highest paid players on offense are certainly doing their part.

2006-09-30 14:19:47

274. KG16

Jeff Kent apparently thinks he's 22 instead of 42

2006-09-30 14:19:48

275. Greg Brock

Finally, somebody ignores Rich Donnely.

2006-09-30 14:19:51

276. Bob Timmermann

Kent with the California rolling stop there. I hope he didn't get a ticket for that.

2006-09-30 14:19:51

277. Bluebleeder87

Baseball's great. Bleed Dodger blue. Dodgers. McCourt. Gibson. Greatest game in the world. Pasta. Hate the Giants.

don't forget slim fast

2006-09-30 14:20:21

278. gpellamjr

That play sounded ugly--- but, you know, Steiner was calling it.

2006-09-30 14:20:21

279. StolenMonkey86

JD Drew just added a digit to his RBI total

2006-09-30 14:20:34

280. FelixP

what kind of baseball credentials does Donnely have?

2006-09-30 14:21:26

281. StolenMonkey86

Drew doubled, and then advanced to 2nd on a throwing error?

2006-09-30 14:21:58

282. JoeyP

How did Kent score all the way from 1st?
Is Moises Alou really that slow out in RF?

2006-09-30 14:22:50

283. njr

Big moves by Lofton and Kent on the base path.

2006-09-30 14:23:04

284. thinkblue88

282
If anything, the error should be givin to Alou, he did bobble it.

2006-09-30 14:23:27

285. Bob Timmermann

As for Maddux having a game without an assist, I can't find day-by-day fielding totals. I checked last year's on Retrosheet and in only two starts did Maddux not record a putout or assist.

2006-09-30 14:24:40

286. Gen3Blue

I'm still rooting desperately to win, and could never do anything else, but if by chance we don't make the play-offs or have to play extra games(suicidal with our pitching) I won't feel it reflects on our talent. We are using hurt players and utility players we don't have to, and not even playing in position.

2006-09-30 14:24:42

287. oswald

cain's not going to make it much longer. how is the giants bullpen?

2006-09-30 14:24:52

288. StolenMonkey86

285 - sounds about right. Thanks, Bob.

2006-09-30 14:25:16

289. Bluebleeder87

282

my spelling skills don't allow me to answer you're question sorry bro.

2006-09-30 14:25:16

290. Bob Timmermann

The Giants bullpen is not just a job, it's an adventure.

2006-09-30 14:26:38

291. oswald

i like adventure, bob

2006-09-30 14:26:45

292. JoeyP

The game plan must be to hit the ball towards Moises Alou general direction.

Lofton- triple on fly ball to RF Moises Alou
Furcal- doubles on ground ball to RF Moises Alou
Lofton- singles on soft fly ball to RF Moises Alou
Lugo- doubles on line drive to RF Moises Alou
Maddux- singles on soft line drive to RF Moises Alou
Drew- doubles on line drive to RF Moises Alou

2006-09-30 14:27:00

293. StolenMonkey86

287 - Mike Stanton is the closer

http://www.baseball-reference.com/s/stantmi02.shtml

2006-09-30 14:28:11

294. ddger

Althought Lugo has gained lot of positive points today, Betemit is slowing creeping up on Lugo for the most underperforming Dodger.

2006-09-30 14:28:45

295. Greg Brock

280 He's a baseball lifer. Base coaches are recycled like two liter bottles of Pepsi.

See: Roenike, Ron. Sveum, Dale.

2006-09-30 14:28:51

296. StolenMonkey86

Knoedler manages 6 pitches out of Maddux.

Why pinch hit for your catcher but not your pitcher?

2006-09-30 14:29:53

297. JoeyP

How important is a 1st base coach?
Why are there 1st base coaches?

2006-09-30 14:30:08

298. thinkblue88

292 Don't forget Jeff Kent!

Jeff Kent singles on a line drive to right fielder Moises Alou.

2006-09-30 14:30:31

299. Bob Timmermann

Maddux came into the game with 1644 fielding chances as a pitcher. He is 117 behind Christy Mathewson's record. He would likely have to pitch two more years to break the record.

Or have a lot of guys try to bunt on him.

2006-09-30 14:30:36

300. Bluebleeder87

294

i was thinking that my self.

Show/Hide Comments 301-350

2006-09-30 14:31:24

301. StolenMonkey86

3.5!

2006-09-30 14:31:36

302. oswald

i worry that ethier's struggles have little to do with being tired and more to do with the league catching up with him. i hope that i'm wrong because he seemed so good (and it doesn't hurt that he's the best looking dodger)

2006-09-30 14:31:57

303. Greg Brock

Bob, when you have a chance, check out the wrapup of the Everton/Manchester City game.

Goal at the death, foul language, mooning fans. Good times.

2006-09-30 14:32:12

304. JoeyP

Andre Ethier singles on a ground ball to RF Moises Alou.

2006-09-30 14:32:13

305. StolenMonkey86

through the 3.5 hole

2006-09-30 14:32:41

306. Bob Timmermann

If you didn't have a first base coach, who would yell "BACK!" ?

2006-09-30 14:33:41

307. Bob Timmermann

Randy Choate in to pitch to replace Gonzalez who will in turn in be facing Gonzalez.

Gonzalez looks on from left field.

2006-09-30 14:33:59

308. StolenMonkey86

And who would yell at Jake Peavy?

2006-09-30 14:34:01

309. Greg Brock

306 If you ever attend a Dodger game and hear a bunch of idiots in the stands yelling "BACK!" on every throw to first...

Congrats. That's me and my friends.

2006-09-30 14:34:05

310. dianagramr

306

Chris Berman?

2006-09-30 14:35:04

311. KG16

C'mon Greg, chicks dig the long ball

2006-09-30 14:35:07

312. dianagramr

OK ... so the Fox game is over here in NYC, and I STILL can't get the 4PM games on Extra innings or MLB.TV ..... sigh

2006-09-30 14:35:13

313. FelixP

today's episode of Dodgers Playoff Adventures features Greg Maddux in the role of Orel Hershiser

2006-09-30 14:36:00

314. dianagramr

I predict a single up the middle ...

2006-09-30 14:36:04

315. FelixP

hey, Brock, is there a place to see those highlights somewhere online?

2006-09-30 14:36:06

316. Bluebleeder87

302

you're a chick huh!

2006-09-30 14:37:33

317. Bob Timmermann

303
More importantly, my nephew's soccer team won its first soccer game. Ever. They won 3-1 today and my nephew scored a goal, his first since kindergarten. He's in third grade.

He likes to play in the back. I think he's better equipped to be a libero.

2006-09-30 14:38:05

318. oswald

316 last time i checked ;)

2006-09-30 14:38:46

319. Marty

Get used to seeing a lot of Felipe for the rest of the game.

2006-09-30 14:39:28

320. Greg Brock

315 Here's the BBC article, with video clips. Fox Soccer (DirecTV 613) should also cover it.

http://tinyurl.com/ojwt7

2006-09-30 14:39:39

321. Bob Timmermann

Not Doug Mirabelli drives in a run to make it 3-0 Padres.

2006-09-30 14:40:38

322. dianagramr

321

Not Doug Mirabelli .... nice! :-)

2006-09-30 14:41:04

323. Greg Brock

317 Congrats, Uncle Bob. Tell your nephew that fans love the strikers, but coaches love defenders.

2006-09-30 14:41:10

324. StolenMonkey86

4 HR allowed in 89 AB

pinch hit here?

2006-09-30 14:42:12

325. dianagramr

Hmmm .... Beltre is now at 25, 88, .268 .... not quite 13M/yr. worthy, but not as putrid as what his first two months would have foretold

2006-09-30 14:42:20

326. FelixP

thanks, Brock.

2006-09-30 14:43:10

327. MMSMikey

golden opportunity.

2006-09-30 14:43:24

328. trainwreck

Don't die on me Fox.

2006-09-30 14:44:13

329. trainwreck

325
That is pretty much a common Beltre season.

2006-09-30 14:44:43

330. Greg Brock

326 Glad to help.

2006-09-30 14:45:33

331. Bob Timmermann

323
My nephew apparently has started to learn to lean over the ball when kicking it. Third grade goalies don't like bending kicks in the air. They are used to stopping balls rolling on the ground.

2006-09-30 14:46:02

332. JoeyP

Beltre has hit 9 homers in september.
16 homers in Aug/September.

Yeah, that a regular Beltre type of season.

2006-09-30 14:46:54

333. xaphor

303. That's my boys. Richards is quickly becoming City's version of Nomar.

2006-09-30 14:47:12

334. JoeyP

These giants make it easy for Maddux.
They swing at everything.

2006-09-30 14:47:55

335. ddger

I suggest Beimel, Broxton, and Saito to close this out.

2006-09-30 14:48:46

336. JoeyP

60 pitches in 6 ip.

2006-09-30 14:48:57

337. Gen3Blue

Do you think they might let Maddox go 80 or 90 pitches if it means making the play-offs?

2006-09-30 14:49:11

338. twerp

On Dodgers.com, there's a picture of Maddux in action.

Two questions==

1) What kind of pitch does that grip indicate he's throwing?

2) Does the ball he's throwing have two small (scuff?) marks.....hmmmmmmm......?

2006-09-30 14:49:17

339. Greg Brock

331 That's outstanding. No matter the age, my first two practices always entail twenty minute ball striking practice, where one kid holds the ball, and another plants his foot, leans over, and strikes the ball in slow motion. Ball striking and using the outside of your foot are the two most criminally undercoached things in soccer.

2006-09-30 14:49:20

340. Linkmeister

It's very odd listening to "Wait Wait Don't Tell Me" while this game is on. I laugh at moments that shouldn't be laughed at, like Lofton's strikeout.

2006-09-30 14:49:32

341. StolenMonkey86

I think Maddux has another inning in him

2006-09-30 14:49:33

342. Bob Timmermann

Brandon Medders gets out of the mess without further damage. 3-0 Padres

2006-09-30 14:50:13

343. trainwreck

I wish I knew this stuff about striking a ball when I played youth soccer.

2006-09-30 14:50:26

344. StolenMonkey86

338 - that looks like the mlb logo

2006-09-30 14:51:42

345. JoeyP

Maddux should definitely go 1 more.
Then Broxton/Saito for the last two.

2006-09-30 14:52:10

346. Bob Timmermann

Khalil Greene playing shortstop now for San Diego.

2006-09-30 14:55:08

347. Bluebleeder87

I suggest Beimel, Broxton, and Saito to close this out.

McCarver teretory

2006-09-30 14:55:26

348. KG16

The baserunning adventures return at a less than ideal time of the season

2006-09-30 14:55:30

349. ddger

Bad baserunning by Drew.

2006-09-30 14:56:03

350. MMSMikey

betemit, 0-4.

Show/Hide Comments 351-400

2006-09-30 14:56:05

351. scareduck

Drew leaves his brains at the plate.

2006-09-30 14:56:16

352. JoeyP

Drew, what on earth are you thinking?

2006-09-30 14:56:22

353. dianagramr

Are we SURE Vizquel can't make the Hall mostly on his defense?

2006-09-30 14:56:37

354. Bob Timmermann

349
It was also a very good play by Vizquel and Niekro.

2006-09-30 14:56:45

355. scareduck

Is there any reason for putting Wilson Betemit in the lineup?

2006-09-30 14:56:50

356. trainwreck

Look on the bright side, it would have been a DP by Betemit anyways.

2006-09-30 14:57:31

357. Greg Brock

.392 OBP. 20 HR's, 100 R'sBI.

I think JD has done just fine this year. He has, at least, silenced some people.

2006-09-30 14:57:34

358. KG16

356 - you assume the same pitch sequence.

2006-09-30 14:57:47

359. StolenMonkey86

355 - the best reason is putting him in instead of Lugo. He has gone yard for the D's before too

2006-09-30 14:57:50

360. thinkblue88

For those on gameday, Drew was actually out at 1st, not 2nd.

2006-09-30 14:58:04

361. JoeyP

355. He's not Julio Lugo.

Thats the best I can come up with.

2006-09-30 14:58:04

362. oswald

if not betemit, then who at third?

2006-09-30 14:58:05

363. Daniel Zappala

355 Well, now that Lugo has decided to hit, Rob ... :-O

2006-09-30 14:58:06

364. brandesh

338 - yeah looks like a MLB logo and that Maddox is throwing a 4 seamer... although it's hard to tell. It's definitely not a sinker.

2006-09-30 14:58:46

365. Bob Timmermann

356
Betemit's grounder wouldn't have been a DP. It wasn't hit all that hard.

2006-09-30 14:59:40

366. StolenMonkey86

did he forget to tag first?

2006-09-30 15:00:17

367. Steve in Rochester

I don't know if anyone has mentioned before, but Vin doing the last three innings in addition to the first three is a God-send for me. I'm stuck in Rochester, NY without TV coverage because FOX has the rights to the game. I like Charlie & Rick, but Vin is amazing.

2006-09-30 15:00:29

368. MMSMikey

365, they probably would of turned it, betemit is slow as molasis.

2006-09-30 15:01:07

369. bhsportsguy

365 Bob, what time do you head out to the Rose Bowl since you live so far away?

2006-09-30 15:01:40

370. dianagramr

367

I second that (e)motion ...

Diane in NYC ....

2006-09-30 15:01:53

371. adraymond

367
Hey Steve. You listening to the game online?

2006-09-30 15:01:56

372. lakerican

For me, Maddux is going

ALL

THE

WAY!!!

2006-09-30 15:01:59

373. KG16

Why do they stick Charlie Stiener with a color guy? He's always struck me as a guy that could do games on his own.

By the way, why do they have color guys in baseball?

2006-09-30 15:02:24

374. Bob Timmermann

Padres pinch-hitting for Wells in the 7th. It will probably Merebrinkman to finish up.

2006-09-30 15:02:28

375. trainwreck

I was not envisioning Maddux getting us to the 8th.

2006-09-30 15:02:51

376. scareduck

70 pitches exactly. You've done a man's work, sir.

2006-09-30 15:03:20

377. Greg Brock

373 You need somebody to say "Back when I played..."

2006-09-30 15:03:40

378. Steve in Rochester

371 yes, MLB Gameday Audio

2006-09-30 15:03:44

379. nofatmike

373. I think you have that reversed, when was the last time Monday had any color?

2006-09-30 15:04:04

380. KG16

377 - is that like having FMLM Kevin Kennedy saying, "back when I was managing..."?

2006-09-30 15:04:37

381. dianagramr

Joe Morgan has "warped Jon Miller's fragile little mind"

2006-09-30 15:04:55

382. JoeyP

I hope that the Dodgers lineup never resembles that of the Giants.

2006-09-30 15:05:08

383. Bob Timmermann

The chase for 1223 LOB update.

Presently the Dodgers are at 1213 LOB for the season. It will likely be wait till next year on this one.

2006-09-30 15:05:22

384. Greg Brock

380
Kevin Kennedy managed in the bigs?

I had no idea.

2006-09-30 15:06:06

385. Steve in Rochester

381 when not teamed with Joe Morgan, I find Jon Miller tolerable, except for his incessant need to pronounce every latin name 100% correctly despite him being the whitest man alive.

I cannot stand to hear Joe Morgan call anything, even the LLWS this year.

2006-09-30 15:06:18

386. MMSMikey

kevin kennedy was in the dodger organization? no way.

2006-09-30 15:06:50

387. KG16

385 - I feel the same way about Miller's Spanish

2006-09-30 15:06:55

388. FelixP

at least Monday's played baseball... when I lived in NJ and heard Steiner doing Yankee games, the color guy was an annoying non-athlete. at least I think it was, I couldn't listen to those games w/out getting ill at all the self-congratulatory talk.

2006-09-30 15:08:08

389. dianagramr

As a Mets fan .... I must say "sigh ...."

(And Will Carroll will undoubtedly say "cascade injury". I alerted Will that Pedro's arm angle was almost sidearm upon his return a couple of weeks ago. Will mentioned it in his column today. I guess there will be more info in his column Monday)

WASHINGTON -- New York Mets will be missing ace Pedro Martinez for more than just the postseason.

The Mets right-hander will have rotator cuff surgery next week and be out eight months. The injury is expected to sideline him until at least June.

Martinez, who turns 35 this month, was already out for the playoffs because of a torn tendon in his left calf. The Mets won the NL East and start the playoffs next week at home.

The Mets said it was not known when or how Martinez hurt himself. He went 9-8 during an injury-filled season that was slowed by ailments to his hip, right calf and toe.

2006-09-30 15:09:37

390. MMSMikey

monday is a lot better as an analyst than just a broadcaster, when he was by himself in the booth he NEVER said the score.

2006-09-30 15:09:45

391. JoeyP

Epstein looks smart in letting Pedro Martinez go.

2006-09-30 15:10:15

392. oswald

i work for a federal judge that is a huge mets fan. next week's not going to be comfortable in chambers ...

2006-09-30 15:10:27

393. Steve in Rochester

you wanna talk about a joke of a radio team...get a load of John Sterling and Susan Waldmon on the Yanks radio network. I get a heaping helping of them here in ROC. Sterling has to give everyone a nickname...like "the Giambino" and Georgie (Posada). especially good this season was "the Melk-man"

2006-09-30 15:10:47

394. bhsportsguy

391 What about Lowe?

2006-09-30 15:10:49

395. FelixP

390 or when Monday is pbp and A Martinez is on color

2006-09-30 15:10:57

396. KG16

390 - but you knew what a guy was batting in day games against left handers after the fourth inning with runners on and nobody out...

2006-09-30 15:11:02

397. dianagramr

391

Yes ... Theo did the smart thing ....

2006-09-30 15:11:14

398. Bluebleeder87

"there goes my hero watch 'em as he goes!"

2006-09-30 15:11:19

399. Greg Brock

Broxton to Saito. Steak to Sushi. Let's get a job done, fellas.

2006-09-30 15:11:40

400. MMSMikey

.393 is Susan Waldmon thoe one with that thick new york accent? god i hate that woman.

Show/Hide Comments 401-450

2006-09-30 15:12:21

401. Bluebleeder87

i really doubt we'd be anywere with out Saito.

2006-09-30 15:12:34

402. dianagramr

393

John Sterling needs to go away ... far away.

Between him and Michael Kay, I can't STAND the Yankee broadcasts ...

2006-09-30 15:12:49

403. FelixP

393 that's it, John Sterling. his "theeeeeeeeeeeeeee Yankees win!" made their recent WS losses all the sweeter. him and Steiner switching off pbp and color was rough.

2006-09-30 15:12:51

404. Steve in Rochester

400 she has somewhat of an accent. she is rather annoying, always taking an extreme opinion on things just to be respected I think.

2006-09-30 15:12:52

405. Bob Timmermann

Stephen Drew homers off of Meredith to make it 3-1 SD.

2006-09-30 15:13:45

406. dianagramr

stephen drew homers for zona .... 3-1 pods

2006-09-30 15:13:46

407. nofatmike

I really hope no one gets on for the Giants the next two innings, because if they do, you KNOW who's going to come off the bench.

2006-09-30 15:14:01

408. Steve in Rochester

the good thing is that I work with some humble Yanks fans who agree that Sterling and Kay are just jokes. so we spend much of the summer mocking their "Yankees win...theeeeeee Yankees win!" and "SEE YA!"

2006-09-30 15:14:09

409. JoeyP

15 in a row set down by Dodger pitching.

2006-09-30 15:14:25

410. tjshere

396 sounds more like Ross Porter. I learned to love Ross, though.

2006-09-30 15:14:27

411. oswald

broxton just mowed them down!

2006-09-30 15:14:33

412. StolenMonkey86

The Bull needs to K the side to reach 100

2006-09-30 15:14:56

413. Connector

Good pitching, Jonathan!

2006-09-30 15:15:38

414. MMSMikey

.410
I always liked ross, i remember when he used to do dodger talk and 90% of the show wasnt commericals. it was just ross and the fans.

2006-09-30 15:15:51

415. trainwreck

So who starts tomorrow if we clinch? Dessens?

2006-09-30 15:15:51

416. oswald

broxton is listed at 6'3" 290 lbs. that's kind of gross if you think about it.

2006-09-30 15:16:09

417. KG16

410 - ah, that's right, I always mixed them up on the radio broadcasts.

2006-09-30 15:16:11

418. dianagramr

Hey Oswald .... here is a good article on Mets and Yankees players taking the train to and from the game each day.

http://tinyurl.com/r7rvj

(I grew up 10 minutes from Shea ... took the 7 train many a time)

2006-09-30 15:16:15

419. JoeyP

Fenway didnt really help out Derek Lowe.
It would have been a hard decision to resign Lowe after 2004, considering how bad he was in that ball park and league.

The NL West and Dodger Stadium really have helped Lowe.

2006-09-30 15:16:16

420. StolenMonkey86

415 - I nominate Stults

2006-09-30 15:16:16

421. oswald

broxton is listed at 6'3" 290 lbs. that's kind of gross if you think about it.

2006-09-30 15:17:20

422. Steve in Rochester

410 I only had a few seasons of listening to Ross Porter consistently, but I LOVED the way he did the games. listening to Vin for only three innings wasn't so bad cuz Ross followed it up. I can still hear him calling all of those saves by Gagne, "HE struck him out and the Dodgers win!!!"

2006-09-30 15:17:34

423. Sam DC

Well, been away from computer and gameday audio all day -- glad to be back for this.

Go Blue!

2006-09-30 15:17:40

424. Greg Brock

419 I would contend that pitching against the AL East does that to everybody. It's a brutal division for pitchers.

2006-09-30 15:17:56

425. KG16

416 - it really depends on body composition. He looks a little thick in the mid-section, but I'm guessing he's probably in good shape.

2006-09-30 15:19:36

426. JoeyP

I dont think you can under-estimate the difference between a DH and pitcher batting. The AL is just that much more difficult to pitch in, which is why I think if Zito comes to the NL he's going to dominate.

2006-09-30 15:20:06

427. StolenMonkey86

Lofton will keep Niekro playing close to bring more balls over to Alou

2006-09-30 15:20:09

428. tjshere

422 I don't think Ross is technically a very good broadcaster, but he's such a genuine nice guy he has a tendency to grow on you.

2006-09-30 15:20:11

429. dianagramr

416

there was that Orioles 1B last year who was like 320 pounds .... didn't make it for more than a cup of coffee

2006-09-30 15:20:19

430. MMSMikey

sammy saito in the 9th or stick with broxton because saito made a lot of pitches last night, and its a day game.

2006-09-30 15:20:24

431. Greg Brock

426 Agree. Going from the AL to NL is like a godsend.

2006-09-30 15:20:52

432. Steve in Rochester

426 the thought of Zito pitching home games in Dodger Stadium is VERY enticing.

2006-09-30 15:21:27

433. StolenMonkey86

431 - especially if you're not from Tampa Bay

2006-09-30 15:22:22

434. JoeyP

There's a rumor that Zito was offered like 6/72 to pitch for the Padres.

2006-09-30 15:22:24

435. dianagramr

It didn't work for Jeff Weaver .... but then again ... it WAS Jeff Weaver

2006-09-30 15:22:37

436. MMSMikey

432, i find schmidt more attractive than zito. with zitos curveball players can hit cheap homeruns down the line at dodger stadium, but schmidt can throw that high fastball and get a lot of outs, like chan ho park used to.

2006-09-30 15:23:36

437. oswald

429 but at 6'3"? that's freakish!

btw diana, thanks for the article!

2006-09-30 15:23:58

438. trainwreck

I hope they show the champagne party.

2006-09-30 15:23:58

439. Steve in Rochester

436 am I the only person that would find it hard to swallow Schmidt becoming a Dodger. he's had numerous injury issues, hasn't he???

2006-09-30 15:24:10

440. dianagramr

432 Zito's arm is healthier than Schmidt's ... isnt' it?

2006-09-30 15:24:35

441. KG16

What's the projected starting rotation next year?

Lowe, Penny, Bills, Kuo, ???

2006-09-30 15:24:54

442. trainwreck

I would rather take Zito for durability reasons.

2006-09-30 15:25:05

443. FelixP

wonder what kind of career Clemens would've had if he wasn't in the AL east for so long...

2006-09-30 15:25:15

444. MMSMikey

Im not sure about schmidts injuries, but zito has got lit up a lot this year.

2006-09-30 15:25:56

445. trainwreck

Zito has been pretty much the most durable pitcher in baseball since he got in the league.

2006-09-30 15:26:08

446. KG16

439 - you are not alone. But it's more of a principle thing for me, I don't like guys that use to play for the Giants.

2006-09-30 15:26:14

447. JoeyP

2 lefties- Kuo/Zito
3 righties- Penny/Lowe/billingsley

That would be a good rotation, assuming Kuo isnt a flash in the pan.

2006-09-30 15:26:17

448. Steve in Rochester

other than the guys mentioned, the free agent SP market is pretty thin, isn't it?

2006-09-30 15:26:41

449. Uncle Miltie

Bring in BJ!

2006-09-30 15:26:41

450. Paul Scott

441 that looks like a good rotation. no need to ruin it by adding a fifth starer.

Show/Hide Comments 451-500

2006-09-30 15:26:57

451. Benaiah

3 outs from the playoffs!

2006-09-30 15:27:14

452. Connector

Hold e'm. We're three outs away.

2006-09-30 15:27:16

453. bhsportsguy

Hey guys and gals, lets keep the focus on the goal, three more to go.

2006-09-30 15:27:17

454. KG16

So if the Dodgers can't sign Zito, do we bring back Maddux?

2006-09-30 15:27:49

455. Steve in Rochester

I know no one wants to think about it, but don't you have to assume that Tomko will get another shot at the rotation? I am assuming he has another year under contract w/ the Dodgers. Am I wrong?

2006-09-30 15:28:07

456. Greg S

3 out to Playoffs.

2006-09-30 15:28:28

457. Steve in Rochester

453 good point, sorry I got carried away. no TV to captivate me.

2006-09-30 15:28:31

458. Daniel Zappala

They scored that a steal for you, Bob.

2006-09-30 15:29:35

459. Bluebleeder87

Saito rocks!

2006-09-30 15:29:49

460. Benaiah

6 Strikes away!

2006-09-30 15:29:51

461. Uncle Miltie

Bonds probably left the stadium already

2006-09-30 15:29:51

462. JoeyP

I like this strike zone haha.

2006-09-30 15:29:57

463. Connector

Way to go, Sammy!

2006-09-30 15:30:01

464. Paul Scott

455 One more year plus a team option in 2008.

2006-09-30 15:30:30

465. Bluebleeder87

2 down

2006-09-30 15:30:32

466. trainwreck

Oh joy one more out.

2006-09-30 15:30:36

467. Greg Brock

Stomp on their mound.

2006-09-30 15:30:39

468. Andrew Shimmin

457- There's never a bad time to talk about Ross Porter.

2006-09-30 15:30:59

469. scareduck

TWO!!!

2006-09-30 15:31:02

470. Benaiah

1 out!

2006-09-30 15:31:10

471. JWilder

Steve in Rochester. Is that Rochester, NY? One more out!

2006-09-30 15:31:12

472. Connector

One out to go !!

2006-09-30 15:31:16

473. Steve in Rochester

468 you know it.

one more, Sammy.

2006-09-30 15:31:19

474. KG16

Playoffs, here we come!

2006-09-30 15:31:23

475. trainwreck

Happy happy joy joy happy happy joy joy!

2006-09-30 15:31:26

476. Benaiah

1 strike

2006-09-30 15:31:28

477. Uncle Miltie

Give Saito the game ball!

2006-09-30 15:31:31

478. Greg Brock

DANCE ON THE GIANTS' YARD!

2006-09-30 15:31:37

479. tjshere

YESSSSSSSSSS! Playoff bound!

Go `Zona!

2006-09-30 15:31:42

480. Steve in Rochester

471 yeah, i'm in ROC, NY

2006-09-30 15:31:45

481. StolenMonkey86

Got him!

We're in the playoffs!!!!!!!!

2006-09-30 15:31:45

482. Paul Scott

K! We are in!

2006-09-30 15:32:03

483. Gold Star for Robot Boy

Dodgers are about to clinch, and I can't get Web radio. Ugh.

2006-09-30 15:32:03

484. oswald

how's that for a statement! SAITO!

2006-09-30 15:32:16

485. Connector

yes!!!

2006-09-30 15:32:20

486. scareduck

CLINCH!!! YEAH!!!! THANK YOU GREG MADDUX!!!

2006-09-30 15:32:21

487. Bluebleeder87

we made it fellow Dodger fans!! it was a roller coaster ride WELL WERTH IT!!

2006-09-30 15:32:26

488. Benaiah

Yeah!

2006-09-30 15:32:29

489. JoeyP

18 in a row to finish the game.
92 pitches for the entire game.

WILD CARD CHAMPIONS! (at least)

2006-09-30 15:32:30

490. dianagramr

congrats to the Dodgers ....

2006-09-30 15:32:33

491. Greg Brock

That's right! Stomp on the yard. Biggest insult to the hated Gents! On your yard!

2006-09-30 15:32:39

492. Berkeley Doug

Your 2006 Playoff Bound Los Angeles Dodgers

2006-09-30 15:32:39

493. JWilder

Same here Steve!

Woot! We're in!

2006-09-30 15:32:51

494. JWilder

Same here Steve!

Woot! We're in!

2006-09-30 15:32:53

495. Steve in Rochester

AWESOME, SOOOO AWESOME!!!!!

SAITO IS A GOD-SEND!

EAT IT GIANTS, ON YOUR FIELD!

2006-09-30 15:32:57

496. JWilder

Same here Steve!

Woot! We're in!

2006-09-30 15:33:01

497. Jay Jaffe

OCTOBER BASEBALL FOR THE DODGERS! Damn, it feels good to say that!

2006-09-30 15:33:05

498. FelixP

Dodgerz rule!! Giants are teh suck!

2006-09-30 15:33:43

499. we are infinite

Woo! Way to go, Dodgers! Bring on the next round!

2006-09-30 15:33:48

500. Steve in Rochester

494 JWilder, what bar you celebrating at tonite?

Show/Hide Comments 501-550

2006-09-30 15:34:00

501. Jay Jaffe

495 what you said. Eat it, Giants!

2006-09-30 15:34:05

502. Paul Scott

If SD manages to lose tonight, I think we should do what we can to win tomorrow. Otherwise, give Sele or Tomko the start and prepare for teh playoffs.

2006-09-30 15:34:07

503. Underbruin

B.
O.
O.
Y.
A.

2006-09-30 15:34:14

504. Uncle Miltie

How sweet is it to celebrate on the Giants field and in their visiting clubhouse!

2006-09-30 15:34:22

505. Greg Brock

Nothing like stamping your ticket on the rival's field. Oh, the joy. Beat LA? I don't think so.

2006-09-30 15:34:28

506. Bluebleeder87

I'm already on my 7th beer so i'm ahead of all of them :o)

2006-09-30 15:34:55

507. trainwreck

I feel bad for Furcal. I know before with the Braves he was not able to celebrate due to his battle with alcohol.

2006-09-30 15:34:56

508. JoeyP

Go for the title tomorrow!
We want HFA.

2006-09-30 15:35:05

509. mikethinksblue

Nice to Gagne in there with the champagne...

2006-09-30 15:35:22

510. bhsportsguy

Greg Maddux officially went 6-3 but in games he pitched, the team went 8-4.

2006-09-30 15:35:24

511. Sam DC

Aaarrriiiighhtt!

2006-09-30 15:35:27

512. Gen3Blue

It is done. No extra play-off games.
Its over, there is not much difference, but it may be best to play the Pedro-less Mets

2006-09-30 15:35:46

513. DXMachina

Woo hoo!!

So glad Vin was doing the play by play.

2006-09-30 15:35:47

514. trainwreck

Noooooooo we want to see the celebration!

2006-09-30 15:36:10

515. Daniel Zappala

Way more than I expected from the Dodgers this year. Fantastic season, one I'll remember for a long time, regardless of how they do in the playoffs.

Let's put that postseason losing streak to an end and get to the World Series!

2006-09-30 15:36:19

516. JoeyP

502. San Diego is winning 3-1 in the 9th inning.

It'll be interesting to see which team rests their players tomorrow.

2006-09-30 15:36:31

517. Bluebleeder87

something tells me Lowe is gonna get really tipsy today.

2006-09-30 15:36:32

518. Gen3Blue

Booooooooyahhhhh! indeed.

2006-09-30 15:36:44

519. Jay Jaffe

no TV (Extra Innings or MLB.TV) and no Gameday Audio here, so I followed the whole thing on GameCast, deciding not to jinx anything once they went up 3-1. That was REALLY hard to do and I wish I could see or hear the scene. But still, it feels GOOD.

What I want to know is why the Giants didn't at least bat Barry in the 9th for Niekro, if for no other reason than to take the chance that he'd walk to bring the tying run to the plate. Did I miss something?

2006-09-30 15:36:47

520. Steve in Rochester

513 having Vin break it down for me since I got no TV today was awesome.

2006-09-30 15:36:52

521. Uncle Miltie

507- I think they gave Furcal some soda last time

I don't want to see this game right now, I want to see the Dodgers celebrating!

2006-09-30 15:37:10

522. bhsportsguy

502 Padres up 3-1 in the top of the ninth. The magic number is 2 for the Dodgers and as of this minute, 2 for the Padres.

2006-09-30 15:37:39

523. oswald

it's really too bad that maddux only got 13 wins last year. if he had gotten two more, his streak of seasons with 15 wins would still be alive.

2006-09-30 15:38:50

524. Gold Star for Robot Boy

Two postseason appearances in three year.
Haven't been able to say that for a decade.

2006-09-30 15:39:34

525. Connector

I'm so glad the Dodgers clinched a playoff spot today because I can't see the game tomorrow.

2006-09-30 15:39:49

526. bhsportsguy

Linebrink batted in the top of the 9th, I guess Hoffman is sitting out today.

2006-09-30 15:40:14

527. Benaiah

Want to have a contest to guess the playoff roster? I am very curious as to who Grady likes at this point.

2006-09-30 15:40:22

528. BlueCrew Bruin

SWEEEEEET!!!

Not that I have a problem with champagne celebration for clinching a playoff spot but if the Dodgers happen to win the division tomorrow, do they celebrate again or is it just a moment of "I guess we'll be playing the Cardinals now?"

2006-09-30 15:40:31

529. JoeyP

Saito finished 24-26 on save chances.
Good job Saito!

2006-09-30 15:40:38

530. Gold Star for Robot Boy

No, Hoffman is warming up.

2006-09-30 15:40:49

531. bhsportsguy

526 Sorry, gameday was wrong.

And Bob can safely do his work thing on Monday without worrying about any playoffs.

2006-09-30 15:41:13

532. dianagramr

http://tinyurl.com/rwbkl

Playoff scenarios not including s.d. game

2006-09-30 15:41:18

533. Bluebleeder87

i hope Dodgers.com has the celebriting

2006-09-30 15:42:00

534. Bob Timmermann

531
I can safely be bored in a training session all day to be precise.

2006-09-30 15:42:02

535. KG16

528 - given the way they've played against the Cardinals this year, they may want the champagne for a different reason.

2006-09-30 15:42:03

536. trainwreck

That BCS commercial was pretty sweet.

2006-09-30 15:42:18

537. tjshere

I would love to see the look on Joe Morgan's face about now.

2006-09-30 15:42:26

538. StolenMonkey86

Gonzalez, Byrnes, and Jackson due up, bottom 9, 3-1 SD

go Dbacks. Beat Hoffman

2006-09-30 15:43:28

539. Chiron Brown

How sweet it is, the fruits of victory.
What a team! What a team!

2006-09-30 15:43:47

540. bhsportsguy

And the great thing is that all those moments especially the 5 homer game (did we ever come up with a name yet) can now be safely put in the category of great games because we have made the post-season.

2006-09-30 15:44:02

541. Gagne55

Fortunately this game was on FOX. I haven't been able to watch the Dodgers in a while. Anyway, Maddux pitched as good a game as I've seen. The movement, oh the movement. It wasn't just the results, but the way he got there was beautiful.

2006-09-30 15:44:18

542. StolenMonkey86

in play no out recorded

2006-09-30 15:44:27

543. Jay Jaffe

Eat it, Joe Morgan.

2006-09-30 15:44:29

544. Paul Scott

Gonzo singles.

2006-09-30 15:44:45

545. bhsportsguy

And today is the first time the team is 13 games over .500

2006-09-30 15:44:54

546. Sam DC

It's the four homer game (for me anyhow).

My son says: "I'm happy for Marlon Anderson because he is on the Dodgers now."

2006-09-30 15:45:08

547. Uncle Miltie

Why is it a "classy" move to pinch run for Gonzalez? He's slow anyways so it makes sense.

Oh Byrnsie!

2006-09-30 15:45:32

548. Bluebleeder87

so who are we gonna face in the playoffs??

2006-09-30 15:45:35

549. RELX

527. Here it goes, the PLAYOFF!!!!!! roster:

INF
Garciaparra
Kent
Furcal
Betemit
Lugo
Loney
Saenz

OF
Drew
Lofton
Anderson
Ethier
Repko

C
Martin
Hall

P
Lowe
Maddux
Penny
Billingsley
Kuo
Saito
Broxton
Beimel
Tomko
Sele
Hendrickson

2006-09-30 15:45:42

550. Paul Scott

GIDP either way. :( One out left.

Show/Hide Comments 551-600

2006-09-30 15:45:45

551. StolenMonkey86

Byrnes GIDP

Conor Jackson 2 outs

2006-09-30 15:46:11

552. KG16

548 - not decided yet, depends on what happens tomorrow. But it'll most likely be the Mets.

2006-09-30 15:46:15

553. Paul Scott

Over. SD wins 3-1.

2006-09-30 15:46:23

554. Bluebleeder87

i want the Padres so bad!!

2006-09-30 15:46:43

555. Griffon64

All right!

This makes the pain of becoming a Dodger fan during last year's "Team of Jasons" fade into the distance!

2006-09-30 15:46:43

556. bhsportsguy

I am off to Rose Bowl, I expect another 200-300 posts unless Jon opens a new thread, its funny but I feel sharing this season with all of you made it really fun, I hope we have some more wins to enjoy.

2006-09-30 15:46:50

557. Linkmeister

Sorry, Philadelphia. Congrats to the Pads (he says, grudgingly).

2006-09-30 15:46:55

558. trainwreck

Now cut to the Dodgers again!

2006-09-30 15:47:18

559. StolenMonkey86

6-3 groundout

Gotta win tomorrow if ya want the division.

Brandon Webb starts for Arizona tomorrow

2006-09-30 15:47:27

560. Benaiah

527 - My guess is:
Hitters:
Furcal
Lofton
Nomar
Drew
Kent
Martin
Anderson
Betemit
Lugo
Hall
Loney
Saenz
Repko
Either

Pitchers
Lowe
Maddux
Kuo
Penny
Broxton
Saito
Biemel
Billingsley
Tomko
Dessens
Sele

2006-09-30 15:47:32

561. dianagramr

how many years in a row have the phillies missed the playoffs by like 2 games?

2006-09-30 15:47:58

562. Steve in Rochester

Ethier was very gracious on the radio just now about his playing situation with Marlon.

2006-09-30 15:48:12

563. Bluebleeder87

you guys notice how many Dodger fans were in Frisco!!

2006-09-30 15:48:15

564. JoeyP

There's a chance Brandon Webb beats the Padres tomorrow.

That Dodgers cant just trot out Repko, Lugo, Kemp, Lucille, and Hall and hope for the best.

Home field Advantage is at stake here.
Potentially significant HFA for both rounds with the Mets really being bad.

2006-09-30 15:48:16

565. BlueCrew Bruin

554 As much as I dread facing them, I'll be rooting for a Dodgers-Padres NLCS.

2006-09-30 15:48:29

566. bhsportsguy

If Houston loses today, then all the players will be set, we just don't know where they will play.

Also, if Detroit wins today, then all the matchups will be set for the AL.

2006-09-30 15:48:46

567. Sam DC

Hey das, sorry for how that came out for you.

Though I am glad Gillick did not make the playoffs after trading Abreu for a canoli.

2006-09-30 15:49:15

568. we are infinite

How appropriate that the race for the NL West title should come down to the last day! What a season! Here's hopin' that tomorrow the Padres will remember that they usually lose in AZ, hehe. I wonder who will get the start tomorrow. Sele? Hendrickson? Stults (or did we give up him as a starter)?

2006-09-30 15:49:42

569. Steve in Rochester

yeah, Furcal!

I LOVE THIS TEAM!!!!

2006-09-30 15:50:04

570. Bluebleeder87

it is very hard for me to say David Wells is an athlete with his body type.

2006-09-30 15:50:08

571. bhsportsguy

561 That call that denied the Chase Utley home run and the 4 1/2 hour rain delay game will be forever debated in Philly.

2006-09-30 15:50:41

572. RELX

560. I think they'll take Hendrickson over Dessens because he can be used as a LOOGY (not that that is a good thing necessarily!)

2006-09-30 15:51:18

573. Gagne55

527 Here goes:
Pitchers (11): Lowe, Maddux, Kuo, Penny, Billingsley, Saito, Broxton, Beimel, Tomko, Dessens, Sele
Catchers (2): Martin and Hall
Infielders (8): Nomar, Kent, Furcal, Betemit, Lugo, Saenz, Loney, Martinez
Outfielders (4): Lofton, Drew, Eithier, Anderson

2006-09-30 15:51:45

574. BlueCrew Bruin

We can have different rosters for each round of the playoffs, correct? If that's the case and we face the Mets in the first round, I would give serious consideration to finding a spot for Stults. Gotta squeeze as many lefties in there as possible.

2006-09-30 15:53:39

575. Gen3Blue

The Pads are welcome to St Louey.

2006-09-30 15:54:01

576. Steve in Rochester

574 VERY TRUE

2006-09-30 15:54:20

577. JoeyP

I agree thats probably what it will be Gagne.

2 of (Dessens, Hendrickson, Sele) will make it.
1 of (Repko, Kemp, Loney) will make it.

I think everyone else is pretty safe.

2006-09-30 15:55:12

578. Gagne55

Really, it's just a question of Martinez vs. Repko. I doubt either will play any anyway.

2006-09-30 15:56:22

579. Gen3Blue

It is Done.

2006-09-30 15:56:40

580. Bluebleeder87

i love watching the celebration!

2006-09-30 15:58:19

581. Benaiah

577 - I think both Loney and Repko will make the roster as Lugo makes Martinez unnecessary.

2006-09-30 15:58:43

582. JWilder

No bar Steve, just some compy problem. Nice to know there are others around here.

2006-09-30 15:58:49

583. Bob Timmermann

The Dodgers need to leave 9 guys on base tomorrow to tie the LA record.

Go for it!

2006-09-30 15:59:47

584. Gagne55

I'm thinking Loney because of Nomar's status. The outfielders are all healthy.

If Penny is declared hopeless, then Hendrickson might make it. If there is any chance that he'll be ready by game 4, then he'll be on the roster with the gamble that it's a dead spot.

2006-09-30 16:01:09

585. scareduck

565 - me, too.

2006-09-30 16:01:20

586. Gagne55

583 Have they clinched the average, OBP and slugging records? (assuming a 9 inning game)

2006-09-30 16:03:17

587. Gagne55

583 Setting a recod for LOB is like a football team setting a record for field goals.

2006-09-30 16:04:02

588. Linkmeister

So now it's Ohio State-Iowa State, right? ;)

2006-09-30 16:04:40

589. Steve in Rochester

I freaking love Eric Gagne. He could easily sulk because he can't contribute on the field, but he's genuinely excited and as he said, "a Dodger fan." AWESOME!!!!!!!

2006-09-30 16:06:42

590. thinkingblue

Alright. Hope Kuo starts in the playoffs though.

2006-09-30 16:07:31

591. Bluebleeder87

all i know is that i'm buzzing it!

2006-09-30 16:07:48

592. StolenMonkey86

587 - I know the NCAA record-holder for holding the most field goals in a game

2006-09-30 16:10:28

593. gibsonhobbs88

Oh Happy Days are Here Again! Clinching a playoff spot at the phone booth is so SWEET!! Another vintage Maddux performance keeps us in the game, Lofton came up huge when needed (smart hustle play, K-LO for that 3rd run) and Lugo even contributed. (The stars must have been aligned just right!) I can now breathe for a day. Whether they win the division or WC, I'm not going to sweat that either way, I just wanted them to clinch a spot in the postseason. Giants fans have nothing to live for now as they can't knock us out of the playoffs, looking for a long bleak winter for the battery chuckers!!

2006-09-30 16:11:47

594. tjshere

567 I concur, I feel bad for das. He's so much one of the gang I often forget he's a Philly fan.

My condolences, das. I know all too well how it feels. Next year, eh?

2006-09-30 16:14:25

595. Bob Timmermann

Setting a team record for LOB means that you have a team that gets on base a lot, like the Dodgers, but doesn't hit a lot of home runs, like the Dodgers.

When Lofton tagged and scored on Drew's popup, that ended up being the 782nd run batted in for the Dodgers, setting a team record.

2006-09-30 16:14:41

596. gibsonhobbs88

589 - Yes. That was cool. Gagne showed his character there with being there and rooting on his team. I also love the fans that braved the ridicule and torment from the Battery Chuckers. Was that any of our DT posters out there with that "Think Blue" sign. Gutsy!!!! Take credit if it is, that was cool. Talk to you fellow posters through the postseason. I'm taking a 1 day breather tomorrow and gearing up for the postseason tension and drama! Love the Blue!!

2006-09-30 16:16:39

597. Bob Timmermann

Also, the team that left the most runners on base in a season in the NL is the 1976 Reds. They were pretty good.

The 1941 Browns hold the major league record. They left all those guys on base because they were supremely incompetent.

2006-09-30 16:17:17

598. Bluebleeder87

567

"das" to bad, you'll get 'em next year bro.

2006-09-30 16:19:17

599. gibsonhobbs88

6 game winning streak and eight of the last nine going back to the last Pirate game. Got the one good last win streak when we needed it most!! For all the years of heartbreaking defeats and bad breaks going against us, it was nice for a change to have a couple breaks go our way. I am smiling now, believe me I am a happy clam!!:) :)

2006-09-30 16:19:18

600. mikethinksblue

589 As a fan, I would love to see Gagne back next year. I know there is some question about whether or not that happens, and given injuries, it may be a bad move to sign him for next year. But the possiblity of a Gagne/Saito/whoever bullpen for late innings sounds really good to me, even if it is a gamble on Gagne staying healthy.

Show/Hide Comments 601-650

2006-09-30 16:21:13

601. Bob Timmermann

592
The Western Michigan guy or the Nebraska guy?

2006-09-30 16:23:08

602. Benaiah

Dodger Notes said that Grady feels Kuo has earned a start. On the down side it also said that Penny might get a start because he threw a very good bullpen session before today's game. Lowe is game 1, and I think Kuo might get game 2 since Maddux went today, though you never know.

2006-09-30 16:23:33

603. Steve in Rochester

601 I have no knowledge of this record you guys are discussing, but WMU is like a stone's throw from my hometown.

2006-09-30 16:24:50

604. das411

561 -
2001 - 2 games back of Atlanta, NL East
2003 - 5 games (wow) behind WC and WS champion Florida, after a Conine-induced swoon
2005 - 1 game behind WC champ, WS loser Houston
2006 - 2 games (at least) behind LAD and SD

567, 594 and if i missed any others - Thanks guys, although Matt Smith came up big in this last run we'll hear about that Abreu trade from the statheads alllll winter.

A year of Moyer instead of Mathieson/Floyd should make a big difference...and Arthur Rhodes alone cost us those 5 wins Gillick came in here to get.

But for now it's time to pick another playoff team to root for...any suggestions? :)

2006-09-30 16:26:15

605. das411

598 - Thanks Bluebleeder87, see 604!

2006-09-30 16:26:29

606. Bluebleeder87

Juan camanai!! i'm buzzing it!!

NL WEST WHOO HOO!!!

2006-09-30 16:28:36

607. Uncle Miltie

So what's tomorrow's lineup going to look like. I'll take a wild guess.

C Toby Hall
1B James Loney
2B Marlon Anderson
SS Julio Lugo
3B Wilson Betemit
LF Andre Ethier
CF Jason Repko/Matt Kemp
RF Matt Kemp/Jason Repko

I'd like to see Stults start since Lowe isn't going to pitch. Using BJ or Sele would be a waste, they don't have anything to prove -- we know that they are mediocre.

2006-09-30 16:28:49

608. Bluebleeder87

But seriously i hope we face NY, & then S.D. i really despice S.D.

2006-09-30 16:30:16

609. Bluebleeder87

Stults is an intriguing lefhander for tomorrow.

2006-09-30 16:30:30

610. Bob Timmermann

Mike Prindle of WMU in 1984 against Marshall kicked 7 of 9 field goals. Dale Klein of Nebraska in 1985 went 7 for 7 against Iowa State.

2006-09-30 16:33:28

611. Bluebleeder87

610

i once hit a Hrun that went more then 360 feet, i was 16 years old.

2006-09-30 16:35:50

612. Bluebleeder87

i really like our chances against the Mets, but i'd love to face the freaking Pads.

2006-09-30 16:38:43

613. Andrew Shimmin

611- But did you ever win a Jalisco championship while striking out 17, like I once did?

2006-09-30 16:43:18

614. Bluebleeder87

613

those were my glory days, lay off me man. :o)

2006-09-30 16:44:41

615. Bluebleeder87

613

the theme from married with children instantly came to my mind reading you're post.

2006-09-30 16:45:31

616. Andrew Shimmin

Not at all; I like it when you talk about them, although I'm still not sure what Jalisco is. Is it like High School baseball, or an independent league?

2006-09-30 16:50:16

617. micktissue

I was unplugged all day down in San Rafael and I'm late to the party but I wanted to congratulate Lugo for getting what looks like a clutch hit to help the Dodgers get into the dance.

Someone wondered yesterday if Grady knew something about Lugo that the rest of us didn't. Hopefully, this is it.

Thanks to Jon for this site for allowing me to read and share in the frustration and joy of being a Dodger fan amongst so many informed and clever posters.

WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!! GO DODGERS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2006-09-30 16:54:15

618. Bluebleeder87

616

it's a state in Mexico, i really beautiful state in Mexico i might add

2006-09-30 16:55:15

619. MMSMikey

Drew has 20 homers and 100 RBI's. hes even steven.

2006-09-30 16:56:05

620. Linkmeister

My contribution to the euphoria:

http://www.linkmeister.com/blog/archives/002084.html

2006-09-30 16:56:32

621. Greg S

Congratulations to the Dodgers and to all DTers who stuck by this team. We all have a lot to celebrate!

Seems like every move that Grady made (especially this week) worked out perfectly. Starting Maddux today worked to perfection. We'll never know if Billingsley could have got the job done but we know for sure that Maddux did so. It's been a long fun ride and now who knows how far we can get.

Thanks to Jon for creating such a great enviornment to discuss and enjoy this team!

2006-09-30 16:58:47

622. Gen3Blue

621 Amen!

2006-09-30 17:03:07

623. Bluebleeder87

Saito has been great for us.

2006-09-30 17:04:40

624. Jon Weisman

Hooray to everyone :) New post up top.

2006-09-30 17:05:05

625. Gen3Blue

ESN News puts college football above baseball in many ways. Although I don't mind professional Football. I find college football the most ingenuous marketing tool I have ever seen, with the possible exception of college basketball.

2006-09-30 17:08:54

626. Gen3Blue

625 I probably meant disingenuous.

2006-09-30 17:11:18

627. Bluebleeder87

i like posting in DT's

2006-09-30 20:59:11

628. Andrew Shimmin

618- Yeah, I didn't word that well. I've never been to Jalisco, but I did know that it is a state--I meant to ask about the baseball championship. If it was a high school tournament, or like Little league. Doesn't really matter.

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