Carl Crawford, LF
Mark Ellis, 2B
Hanley Ramirez, SS
Adrian Gonzalez, 1B
Yasiel Puig, RF
Juan Uribe, 3B
Skip Schumaker, CF
A.J. Ellis, C
Clayton Kershaw, P
It’s just so alien to have the same batting order four days in a row, with only the pitchers changing.
Go get ’em, kids.
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DeucesAreWild
LAT’d
In 1962, the Dodgers chose not to use Don Drysdale on three-day’s rest
for game 165 vs. the Giants. He would be starting Game 1 of the World
Series. The key word here is “would”
btimmer
In the regular season, the most frequently used batting order by the Dodgers (not counting) pitchers showed up just four times: Crawford, Puig, Gonzalez, Ramirez, Ethier, Ellis, Uribe, Ellis, pitcher
NoahUCLA
That might be our game 1 lineup for NLCS.
Jeffrey Thomas III
I saw Ethier was working out in center field and hoped he’d play there this series, so having him for the NLCS doesn’t seem far fetched.
John_from_Aus
I prefer Mellis at 2 and Puig at 5, even if Ethier is back
btimmer
The Dodgers haven’t had the same batting order (not counting pitchers) since May 12-16, 2009 when they used one five straight times: Pierre, Furcal, Hudson, Ethier, Martin, Loney, Kemp, Blake
Jon Weisman
Meaning it’s been that long since they’ve done four games in a row?
btimmer
Yep
Jeffrey Thomas III
Funny to think of a time where the O-Dawg bat third and Kemp was all the way back at 7th.
package206
I talked to O dog the other day and he said he will try and make a comeback next year. Great guy!
scooplew
I liked O dog. Did he get into some kind of dispute with Torre? Is that why the club apparently soured on him?
NoahUCLA
I think he got into a dispute with his bat and his batting average and he lost.
scooplew
That was true later in his career (dispute with his bat and his batting average), but in his only year with the Dodgers (2009), Hudson went .283/.357/.417/.774 and was selected for the All-Star Game. He also hit for the cycle in the home opener.
NoahUCLA
I loved that cycle. The Dodgers traded for Belliard that year for veteran help at 3 positions and then he went on a tear batting 351 in 24 games and 5 home runs while Hudson struggled down the stretch. It was just Torre going with the hot hand, not any fault of Hudson. Then Minnesota signed him for 5 million in the offseason and no way Mccourt was matching that in the beginning of the end for mccourt and the saga that was 2010-2012.
foul tip
Saga=soap opera.
NoahUCLA
= unhappy fans and lost years
scooplew
Number of no-hitters by L.A. Dodger pitchers: 10 (four by Koufax, including a perfect game; six other pitchers had one each).
Number of times L.A. hitters hit for the cycle: 2 (Parker in 1970 and Hudson in 2009),
package206
It was costing the Dodgers 10,000 bucks per ab at the end of the season and apparently they decided it was better to keep him on the bench.
package206
Wow! You mean Donnie finally learned how to make a lineup??
LittleBlueBicycle
A friend sent me a link to an abstract from the Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 2012 May;26(5):1181-7, and told me not to worry about Kershaw:
“there exists little evidence to show that the number of pitches thrown and the days of rest affect future performance and injury among adults….We examined performances of major-league baseball starting pitchers from 1988 to 2009 using fractional polynomial multiple regression to estimate the immediate and cumulative impact of pitches thrown and the days of rest on performance, while controlling for other factors that likely affect pitcher effectiveness. Estimates indicate each pitch thrown in the preceding game increased earned run average (ERA) by 0.007 in the following game. Each pitch averaged in the preceding 5 and 10 games increased the ERA by 0.014 and 0.022, respectively….. In summary, we found that there is a negative relationship between past pitches thrown and future performance that is virtually linear. The impact of the cumulative pitching load is larger than the impact of a single game”.
Linkmeister
Okay, but he’s already thrown something like 242 innings this year, which is a lot. It’s also some 3,400 pitches per this chart at TrueBlueLA.
Casey Barker
I think the abstract above means that you get the same Kershaw in game 4 that you would in game 5.
Linkmeister
True. I’m just adding data.
Jack Dawkins
Im fine with Kershaw today. Win today is a good strategy. The number off off days until friday makes it an easy decision I think. No,.asco futility aginst the braves makes it easier.
foul tip
Catching up, noted some thought last thread that the braintrust likely all was on board with this, which we’re never likely to be sure about.
But one thing is clear. They weren’t planning it when they let Clayton reach 124 up 6-1. Surely not..
But being flexible in strategy can be a very good thing. Let’s hope can be=is.
Linkmeister
Interview with Vinnie on NPR’s All Things Considered.
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=230192107
4d3fect
Thanks Steve, my wife listens all the time, just missed this though.(Her family lived up the road from DS in Glendale, and were acquainted with Casey Stengel)
Linkmeister
De nada.
Casey Barker
In my opinion, Mattingly IS overthinking this series:
1. He removed Chris Withrow from Game 2, where there was not much to say that Withrow was performing poorly.
2. He walked Reed Johnson to face Jason Heyward.
3. He removed Ryu too early. Ryu had been hit, but no where near as hard as Teharan.
4. He used far too many pitchers in game three, where Capuano had performed just fine, and with a 10-4 lead.
I hope that starting Kershaw isn’t just about making “the right move”, but about giving the team a greater likelihood of winning game 4.
I also heard that the team leading 2-1 in a five-game series has won the series 70% of the time. This is strange, because you’d expect it to be 75% for two EVENLY matched teams.
Bob_in_Vegas
I disagree with #3. I was at the game last night and Ryu did NOT have it. I said to the fan next to me that Kershaw also gets into trouble but gets out of it . . . Ryu did not. He gave up 2 immediately, losing two batters he had 0-2 (the first with four straight balls). When the Dodgers put up 4, Ryu immediately gave back two. And Don pulled Ryu for a pinch hitter, with runners at 2nd & 3rd — good move offensively AND defensively, in my opinion.
Casey Barker
I don’t strongly disagree with removing Ryu, but his final inning included a broken bat single, a busted double play, a bad decision to throw home, and a double play. Wobbly, but maybe worth seeing if he’d do better in the fourth.
Bob_in_Vegas
I agree with Kersh going tonight. The Dodgers have proven they can put up runs AND they can be shut down (Hanley aside). Go for the jugular now and don’t let it go back to Atlanta. Plus, this lets Kersh go further in the LCS, if they make it. AND there’s Zack for Game 5 (if needed).
Shades of ’88 and the Bulldog.
To me, the only downside is Kersh’s physical well-being. I would hope he and the medical staff protect his future as well as this series.
ASW1
Not that it matters one bit, but at first I was dead set against going with Kershaw tonight. Having time for it to sink in, I’ve warmed up to the idea somewhat. But one thing is for certain : nobody knows how effective Kershaw will be tonight as he’s never gone on three days rest before. Most starting pitchers crave and thrive on a routine. Sometimes, you mess with that routine, you mess with the effectiveness of the pitcher’s stuff. I’m sensing everyone who has been in favor of this move from the get-go is assuming that Kershaw will be just as effective on three days rest as he’s been all season on four and five days rest.
I hope this is true.
Bob_Hendley
Actually it seems that people are convinced that he would be significantly better than Ricky and not that he would necessary be as good as with four days rest.
Bob_in_Vegas
A bad Kershaw is better than most others on a good day.
scooplew
As game time nears, I sincerely hope that I am totally wrong in strongly feeling that Kershaw should not be starting tonight. I would like nothing better than for some of you to tell me (even at the risk of violating DT Guidelines 2, 7 and 8) in a few hours, “I told you so.”
Bob_in_Vegas
I hope to be happy to oblige.
KT
wow didn’t see the jump NPUT…miss a day and get rusty
KT
Let’s end this series Clayton…I want to go to the NLCS
Bob_in_Vegas
Me, too — do you have a ticket? I have one for Home Game 1 . . . if it happens, I hope to be on top of things and be able to meet.
KT
games 1 and 2…definitely need to hook up
foul tip
Did you all connect last night?
Bob_in_Vegas
No — my fault. I wasn’t on DT a lot the last week of the season and left a note too late.
KT
you were at the game?
Bob_in_Vegas
Yep — Reserve 4, just right of home.
KT
I was all over the reserve level corner to corner and also top deck getting people to sign a ball for Mike Petriello of MSTI
Bob_in_Vegas
Okay . . . even more of a reason for the Dodgers to advance!
BTW, I sat next to an older couple from near your territory — northern San Diego County. But they were Braves fans. Very well-mannered — their first visit to DS. They left early.
KT
ex-military?…yea I’m 4 miles from the border so that could be 30 miles difference
KT
I had to leave early for the trip plus and early lunch to meet someone from another site…met 8 people IRL that I only knew from the internet before
Bob_in_Vegas
How neat! I found myself saying or thinking comments that only DTers would appreciate!
KT
DP Time
Bob_in_Vegas
From your fingers . . .
Linkmeister
Adrian’s nervous?
KT
yes give away the outs
John_from_Aus
athough not officially, it is 1-1 in errors (mistakes)
Bob_in_Vegas
Kid K!
John_from_Aus
I predict 10 K’s before he is done for the night
Bob_in_Vegas
From YOUR fingers . . .
KT
I think you are going to be low…Barves lead the league in K’s
John_from_Aus
I am happy to be low :)
4d3fect
You’re gonna eat a bowl of chow mein and get hungry real soo–
-I PREDICT
Bob_in_Vegas
Sounds like Vinny was calling Kersh Koufax — but caught himself.
foul tip
Kinda understandable, all things considered.
Bob_in_Vegas
Totally agree!
John_from_Aus
How’s he looking after the first 10 or so pitches?
Bob_in_Vegas
Get the K, Kid!
Bob_in_Vegas
Let’s get some runs!!!!!
KT
Good job…time for runs
foul tip
Ugh….white bear not always hit hard white round thing with big stick. But try.
Talk now to other cavemen. See how hit this pitcher. Him not like others white bear see.
Bob_in_Vegas
CC!!!!!!1
KT
CC!!!!
Bob_in_Vegas
Crawford was AWESOME yesterday, including that catch!
John_from_Aus
Wow, gameday came up as in play (out/s). I am pleasantly surprised
John_from_Aus
Nice Hanley
Bob_in_Vegas
Hanley VERY nice!
John_from_Aus
Hammy’s OK then
Bob_in_Vegas
Kersh can get extra rest with long offensive half-innings!
Bob_in_Vegas
C’mon, Puig — pick him up!
Bob_in_Vegas
Dang!
4d3fect
Somebody call the cops, there’s been a robbery!
John_from_Aus
Good catch?
4d3fect
oh yeah.
John_from_Aus
That’s 2 (good to see a K with his curveball)
John_from_Aus
Nice Clayton
foul tip
Does every Brave batter start his AB 1-2 before he even sees a pitch, or does it just seem that way?
WinnipegDave
Kershaw appears to be throwing fine thus far.
Bob_in_Vegas
How does that go about runs? . . . Let’s get some Moar!
KT
all this worry about Kershaw for nothing…Clayton has looked sharper in the 1st few inning the the whole season
Bob_Hendley
More worried about pitch count and how how long he can go.
John_from_Aus
and also the long term effect
WBBsAs
I doubt a single start on short rest will have much long-term effect, if any.
John_from_Aus
hope so
WinnipegDave
Not sure if I want AJ to get on here. Let Kershaw bat next inning.
WinnipegDave
But he could have lasted a little longer than that!
Bob_in_Vegas
Puig!
Bob_Hendley
Clayton at around 40 pitches. Any guess on his notional pitch count tonight?
John_from_Aus
around 90 I think
Robert
I would venture to guess around 90 pitches. But if it is a one run game I bet they take him up to 100 if he stays this sharp.
Linkmeister
Holy Cow!
WinnipegDave
CC SQUARED!
Bob_Hendley
Si, si CC!
Jeffrey Thomas III
CC the slugger!
KT
CC’s night
4d3fect
Crawford must have an awesome golf game.
John_from_Aus
Just saw it on gameday, I know what you mean
KT
MEllis!!
WinnipegDave
Wild!
John_from_Aus
Double on a pop up?
WinnipegDave
Yep!
John_from_Aus
short description please
WinnipegDave
Looks like the Braves’ fielder juggled it while running and carried into foul ground then dropped it.
John_from_Aus
thank you both
Jeffrey Thomas III
Upton and Johnson converged near the foul line, Johnson got it in his glove but popped out. Fair ball and Ellis went to second.
John_from_Aus
that’s the Kemp, I mean Crawford we know and love
WinnipegDave
Would replay overturn that?
Jeffrey Thomas III
Looks fair to me.
KT
was a fair ball from the RF camera
Robert
Come on HanRam!
WinnipegDave
Hanley mad at himself there. Bonks himself on his helmet with his bat! (On purpose.)
Linkmeister
FYI, Tampa Bay hits a walkoff HR in the 9th to force Game Four.
John_from_Aus
by their replacement catcher
Linkmeister
So if Fedex . . .
Robert
HanRam upset. Let Garcia get away with a few mistakes.
KT
game on TBS now
Robert
Man..Ellis on 2nd with one out and HanRam and AGone up. Hurts a little not to get that run across.
Come one Kershaw. 3-4-5 get a quick inning here and we are looking at 7 IP
Robert
Freeman up first….big batter for Kershaw.
Robert
Base hit Freeman. DP now Kersh!
Jeffrey Thomas III
Shoulda been DP.
Robert
Wow Agone 2nd error. That was a DP.
Spence
What kind of throw was that A-Gon?
WinnipegDave
Not a good inning here.
Robert
Passed ball. 2nd and 3rd no out
4d3fect
Giving it away here.
John_from_Aus
6 fastballs in a row
Jeffrey Thomas III
Needed that!
Jeffrey Thomas III
But not that.
Linkmeister
Growl.
Robert
Base hit Johnson. 2-1 1st and 3rd 1 out
John_from_Aus
at least it was only 1
Linkmeister
Man, what’s with the errors?
Jeffrey Thomas III
Errors are hurting a lot so far.
WinnipegDave
Frustrating!
ASW1
Defense letting Dodgers down big time.
ASW1
Dodgers had zero errors in the first 3 games.
John_from_Aus
What was the error on that play?
WBBsAs
No error, technically, but a good throw woulda been an easy DP.
ASW1
Bad relay throw to Gonzo on the attempted double play
John_from_Aus
So we start all over again
Spence
Dodgers just gave the Braves 2 runs that inning
scooplew
Gonzalez made two errors in that inning. The first was mental. That ball was hit so hard to him that he should have stepped on the bag. He didn’t. The second was physical: his bad throw to Ramirez at second.
KT
Puig!
Linkmeister
Enough of the “shutdown inning” blather!
Bob_Hendley
Clayton needs a couple of quick innings if he is going to get to 7.
Jeffrey Thomas III
He slid too early, slowed down before getting to the bag.
scooplew
Not sure of the wisdom of sending him. Despite all of Puig’s speed, he was only 11 of 19 in stolen bases attempt this season.
KT
he gets bad jumps
Jeffrey Thomas III
I think they are comfortable running on Garcia, as evidenced by Hanley. He could have had it with a better slide.
scooplew
The Dodgers were 12th in the National League in fielding percentage this year.
KT
good hustle shoe
Spence
Didnt like Puig trying to steal that inning
scooplew
Does A.J. take a lot of strikes?
Jeffrey Thomas III
On Pitch Trax those were all off the plate.
Spence
None of those pitches to AJ were strikes
WinnipegDave
At the end of the day, if the Dodgers win, all is forgiven.
RBI
I’m here, and Garcia’s pitches look like slow meatballs, but our guys can’t seem to hit them! Except for CC, of course.
Linkmeister
Skip’s was a rocket judging from what it did to Freeman’s hand and glove. ;)
Spence
Freddy’s trying to pull a Jose Lima
RBI
It is bizarre.
scooplew
Whew!
Jeffrey Thomas III
Thanks for nothing ump.
WinnipegDave
The last 2 pitches looked like strikes. They would have been if McCann had been batting there!
Jeffrey Thomas III
Or if Garcia threw them.
KT
Now Let’s score MOAR runs
WinnipegDave
We have to cash in some of our non-HR hits.
Robert
78 pitches through 5 IP. Kershaw Crawford Ellis due up. We need some runs NOW!
WinnipegDave
This inning or the next to give Kershaw a chance for the win.
scooplew
At that pace, he will hit about 110 pitches through 7 innings, and he will likely be finished. So, we have to have the lead after 7 and have Wilson pitched the 8th and Jansen the 9th.
Spence
How many pitches does Clayton have tonight? He’s at 79 thru 5
scooplew
Can CC do it a third time?
John_from_Aus
maybe they will IBB him? :)
Robert
Crawford is seeing the ball VERY well right now. Good walk.
KT
Nice CC
Robert
Do you give Crawford the green light here?
Robert
Big AB for Ellis here from the big guns coming up. Get on Mark!
WinnipegDave
Yes!
Robert
And he had the green light! Stolen base for Crawford!
KT
hit and run…carl was looking in all the way
Robert
Heady move by Ellis to lay off that pitch on the hit and run. Ellis waving at the off spead junk.
WinnipegDave
Oh MEllis!
John_from_Aus
I’d be happy with just a single now
ASW1
That’s a good 5 innings Braves got out of Garcia.
WinnipegDave
Next inning we break through.
RBI
At this rate, their relievers will be a relief!
scooplew
I have to keep reminding myself that we are not losing, but it sure feels that way.
Jeffrey Thomas III
Unearned runs are the worst.
Robert
Yes it does.
John_from_Aus
3 from 3 (K’s) for McCann
KT
alright time to scratch again
Jeffrey Thomas III
Nice inning, I think he comes out for the 7th unless they need to hit for him.
WinnipegDave
If they need to hit for him, then I think we are in a good spot.
Jeffrey Thomas III
Yeah, I’m thinking two outs with a couple on they may hit for him.
scooplew
I think the only way that they would hit for Kershaw would be if it were bases loaded and two outs. If he is due up in any other situation, we would have scored at least one run.
WinnipegDave
Okay Gonzo, it’s make up time. Get on base.
Robert
Interested in seeing what Donnie does with Kershaw. He is at
91 pitches. I think you have to send him back out there 1 more IP against the bottom of ATL lineup.
scooplew
Time for Gonzalez to do it now.
scooplew
0-2. Here is where he’s vulnerable on the high strike.
KT
gonzo!
Benzojones
That ball had eyes. And a shifty foot dance.
WinnipegDave
Great. Now Puig, you need to hit an extra base hit.
scooplew
At least a homer to bring in Gonzalez.
Robert
great AB by Agone. SHORT SWING YASIEL!
WinnipegDave
Atlanta outfielders have their prevent defense going.
Jeffrey Thomas III
No bunts! Especially with Adrian on.
WinnipegDave
Drat. DP
David Farinella
Double drat….
scooplew
Judging by the handshake in the dugout, I think Kershaw is done.
Robert
Kersaw with handshakes.
WinnipegDave
We need another big hit now!
4d3fect
That’s some fine Uribe hustle.
Benzojones
Uribe was too winded to do the Agon fist bumpy thing
Robert
Come on AJ!!!!
Robert
Clutch 2 out hit here baby!
David Farinella
IBB to double play Schu up to bat? Interesting.
Jeffrey Thomas III
We expected Kershaw to have some sort of limit, 91 seems about right.
David Farinella
Tip of the cap to Garcia.
WinnipegDave
I don’t know what the win expectancy graph looks like tonight, but I have been up and down all night watching this game.
scooplew
It’s been almost excruciating.
WinnipegDave
The next 3 innings are going to be tense.
John_from_Aus
very
David Farinella
As opposed to the last 4?
WinnipegDave
It’s all relative!
John_from_Aus
It gets worse closer to the end
Linkmeister
Pfui.
WinnipegDave
7th-9th innings: Win for Vin!
scooplew
Belisario has been shaky a lot lately.
David Farinella
Grrrrrr.
WinnipegDave
Not good at all.
scooplew
Kershaw goes 6, allows 3 hits (all singles), walks 1, fans 6, and both runs are unearned. No decision.
Bob_Hendley
He gave us a chance to win.
scooplew
Never would have dreamed (nightmared?) that Gonzalez’ defense would let us down.
Bob_in_Vegas
Same thought! Then he had two chances to help at the plate and didn’t (at least two — I was away for a while). . . but that’s the way all the hitters not named CC are tonight.
John_from_Aus
We desperately need a K
twaseverthus
Knew as soon as that was cleared Gonzo that Puig would overract to the point that Johnson would land on 3rd.
scooplew
He looked like he was chasing a greased pig at a county fair.
WinnipegDave
Drat.
Robert
Crap
twaseverthus
If the Kershaw announcement had been coupled with “but he’s only allowed to pitch 91 pitches,” then I would have been unequivocally opposed to it.
Jeffrey Thomas III
That’s the thing, if you’re already starting him on short rest then why not let him pitch as much as he can?
Benzojones
League could have done that.
WinnipegDave
What’s the point of going “all-in” with Kershaw, if you don’t do the same with your bullpen – Withrow, Wilson and Jansen?
Robert
Agreed. Why would we go to Belli with Withrow available?
Spence
I like Withrow over Beli. I dont mind having Howell in there vs lefties tho
NoahUCLA
Because mattingly sees it as beli, Wilson and Jansen.
Spence
Beliario was upset
Benzojones
naw… he was just trying to soften up his glove.
scooplew
No surprise there. Belisario’s ERA in Sept/Oct was 7.94. Like Rodriguez, he has been ineffective for several weeks.
Bob_in_Vegas
He was fine last night — but no pressure on him.
Robert
Which begs the question? Why not Withrow / Wilson / Jansen to close it out?
Bob_in_Vegas
Just got back to a computer.
This is what I was afraid of — had’t thought about Gonzo making two errors and Kersh throwing a WP — but the Dodger batters have that incredible talent of making the opposing pitcher look like a world-beater.
If you don’t score runs, it doesn’t matter who you have pitching — but it helps to have your ace try to limit the opposition.
But, it ain’t over — Go, Blue!
Bob_in_Vegas
Get the K, JP!
WinnipegDave
Got him!
scooplew
This may be one appearance too many for Howell, but I hope not.
David Farinella
Big.
Spence
Leaving Howell in to face Upton. Interesting
Robert
So mattingly is desparate to play the tradition matchup Game 2..but leaves Howellin for Upton?
DodgerNole66
K-man did his part.
Robert
Ughhhhhhh
Linkmeister
Aargh
WinnipegDave
Focus Howell.
Resistor
I like Donnie. I really do. But Bellisario has not warranted trust in weeks. He’s had dumpster fires a lot in he last few months and there was even talk of leaving him off the postseason roster in lieu of Marmol. Hard to watch. By the way, I think we still got this.
John_from_Aus
We can’t give away any more though
Resistor
The heart of the order looms. These guys have some magic left, the bullpen held after Bellisario’s lack of resistance .
scooplew
Welcome to DT….I agree with you about Belisario and also that I think we will win tonight.
Bob_in_Vegas
From both of your sets of fingers . . .
Resistor
Thanks, good to be here. Optimistic and frustrated, nothing will surprise me this year.
Robert
Great job JP. Great job.
David Farinella
Sad that it feels like we won that inning with only one run scored.
Bob_in_Vegas
As usual, I’m listening to this (guess the the only way to see the postseason game for me is in person!) . . . does it seem the Dodgers are playing tight — or am I just projecting?
David Farinella
To me it looks like Hanley is playing a bit anxiously. I think you may be correct.
Jeffrey Thomas III
Runs please!!!
Bob_in_Vegas
At least one!
John_from_Aus
Andre time (or not yet)
Robert
Not yet. Young leading off. With #9 projected 4th in the 9th and leading off this inning…no way you go to Dre.
John_from_Aus
True
Bob_in_Vegas
We don’t want there to be a bottom of the 9th!
Robert
Young lets get on base for Crawford!
DodgerNole66
looks like they are pressing
David Farinella
Let’s Go!
WinnipegDave
Okay – now we got something!
Bob_in_Vegas
All right, MEllis!
Bring him in, Hanley!
NoahUCLA
Shows what some solid pitching can do to a 13 run offense.
David Farinella
Let’s Go! (take 2)
John_from_Aus
I almost left the computer to go to the toilet!
WinnipegDave
Up to Gonzo. Smart move by the Braves, I think.
Bob_in_Vegas
I agree . . . AGon has to be pressing . . . be he was soo dependable, especially at the beginning of the year.
Robert
I’m confortable with AGone up there. This is HIS spot!
Bob_in_Vegas
From your fingers . . .
scooplew
We are overdue for a hit with RISP tonight.
WinnipegDave
Likely last chance tonight for redemption Gonzo.
John_from_Aus
just a single will do
WinnipegDave
I would take 2 walks in a row!
Bob_in_Vegas
Or a walk and WP.
David Farinella
or 3
David Farinella
I always think at times like this — where the game hangs in the balance — the pitcher and batter should bow to each other as a sign of respect.
scooplew
Like a pair of warriors in an ancient battle.
David Farinella
exactly
WinnipegDave
And then – in this case – the batter should smash the ball over the wall.
WinnipegDave
Here we go…
Bob_in_Vegas
C’mon, Adrian!
Jeffrey Thomas III
Not gonna do it…
Robert
Adrian with a game to forget today…
Bob_in_Vegas
Pre-June 22 offense.
But even those guys won some games, so it ain’t over!
WinnipegDave
Could it be true that tonight is not the Dodgers night? It seemed to have so much promise, and now it is slipping away into the dark.
John_from_Aus
Stay strong
WinnipegDave
Thanks John. I promise I’m not going anywhere.
Resistor
Of course they follow Agon’s at bat with a Viagra commercial
scooplew
They follow everything these days with a Viagra commercial. One would think every adult American male suffers from ED.
foul tip
One might also think the ED drugs are hugely profitable and in great demand.
Hence the kazillion ads for them by their makers.
Spence
this either going to be an epic comeback series win or a horrible loss
Robert
At the very minimum, get a guy on in the 8th so HanRam will be due up in the 9th.
Spence
they’d need to get 2 guys on to get to Hanley. 5-6-7 is due up in the 8th
Benzojones
calling it now… there will be a walk off. ((Hopefully not in shame))
Resistor
I feel the same way. Kimbrel walked 2 the other night, methinks
WinnipegDave
Nice call! Hopefully you were one inning too early!
Bob_in_Vegas
No bottom of the 9th!
David Farinella
I’d like AJ Ellis to win the NLDS just like he won us the West.
Bob_in_Vegas
Sounds good. (Or substitute any other Dodger to get the win.)
WinnipegDave
Johnson is bugging me.
WinnipegDave
Eeep. Let’s get the next Johnson.
John_from_Aus
1 more out, c’mon
Resistor
Good gosh that former Met pitcher announcing for TBS hates the Dodgers. Nobody’s Darliing, I suppose, in reference to his comments about how the Braves would never ask Kimbrel to do something he’s never done. As opposed to the Dodgers & Kershaw…
Benzojones
wasn’t ron darling in Peter Pan?
Bob_in_Vegas
Steiner & Mo quoted Darling as saying it wasn’t that big of a deal for Kersh — the adrenaline and confidence of others would carry Kersh through.
The Kid wasn’t the problem tonight . . . the offense and defense have been.
But it ain’t over!
Resistor
It came out funny when Darling said it. I missed Mo and Steiner talking about it, Kershaw was money tonight. Money.
Bob_in_Vegas
What we expect from him . . . and he of himself, I’m sure.
WinnipegDave
So it comes to this: Now, or the next inning, or Wednesday – or never.
Robert
WE HAVE THIS GAME!!! LET”S GO PUIG!! SHORT SWING!! START IT OFF KID!!!!
John_from_Aus
refer to the logo on the right, ‘Dodger thoughts – where the game is never over’
Robert
Puig Uribe and I guess Dre hitting for Skip. Then Kimbrel will probably be called upon.
Bob_in_Vegas
The Dodgers got 3 in the 8th last night! Let’s go, Blue!
scooplew
That’s one.
Bob_in_Vegas
3 runs . . .
Bob_in_Vegas
Puig!
WinnipegDave
Yes Puig!
Jeffrey Thomas III
Alright Puig!
David Farinella
At this point I’m trying to remember what I was wearing last night to change the karma… Ah, maybe I don’t have to get off the couch!
Benzojones
I already changed
David Farinella
lolz
4d3fect
inspirational Puig
John_from_Aus
surely
WinnipegDave
Don’t bunt!!!
David Farinella
no kidding
Resistor
Wow, I hate bunting.
Linkmeister
No bunts!
WinnipegDave
Like Mel Gibson in Signs: “Swing away.”
4d3fect
WTH is it with all the bunting this season?
DodgerNole66
in the gap!
WinnipegDave
Oh mAN!
Bob_Hendley
URIBEAR!
Bob_in_Vegas
Uribear!!!!!!!
WinnipegDave
Much better than bunting hey Mattingly!!
Linkmeister
Yay!
KT
JUANITO!!!!
4d3fect
U!
Bob_in_Vegas
How fitting, from Juan this year!
4d3fect
Ribe!
John_from_Aus
Breathe, John, Breathe
Bob_Hendley
Thank goodness Juan doesn’t know how to bunt.
Bob_in_Vegas
Ha! and amen!
WinnipegDave
Be strong, be fierce, be winners.
twaseverthus
Who else noticed the accidental “I Love LA” over the PA as Uribe came home from 3rd?
WinnipegDave
I missed that!
Bob_in_Vegas
When I was shouting “Uribear” last night, no one knew what I was talking about . . .they weren’t DTers!
WBBsAs
Fine him for failure to bunt successfully!
JHT
Mattingly got bailed out for the stupid bunt call. We’ll take it.
Spence
They lesson in all of that is to not bunt.
DodgerNole66
well said Bob
John_from_Aus
I’d love to know Kenley’s heart rate about now!
Bob_in_Vegas
It’s gonna be the biggest inning of his career . . .
No bottom of the 9th!
Linkmeister
Fast.
John_from_Aus
Is it faster than mine though? :)
David Farinella
I don’t even know how Schumaker got out.
John_from_Aus
and A.J
Resistor
He did something or other
WinnipegDave
Lolz!
DodgerNole66
no idea
Bob_in_Vegas
3. More. Outs.
John_from_Aus
Strap yourself in Ladies and Gentlemen
Bob_in_Vegas
Let’s hope it’s uneventful . . . except for the celebration after out #3!
John_from_Aus
with no bumps in the road
Benzojones
I will name my next pet Kenley if we can get 3 quick outs.
SaMoDodger
Meet my gekko, kenley jones
Benzojones
as long as he’s not a gerbil, i’m sure that will be ok.
SaMoDodger
Good thing Uribe sucked at bunting!
Resistor
I guess I can stop Dufnering now. I told you we got this.
Spence
Uribe’s 2013 making everyone forget his 2011/2012
SaMoDodger
All of a sudden he is worth every penny.
DodgerNole66
I’ve watched too much baseball in my life to know it won’t go easy
Bob_in_Vegas
Great first strike!
Bob_in_Vegas
Get the K, KJ!
4d3fect
What’s cool is it got the crowd into it, haven’t heard full-throated roars like that in DS in quite some time.
Jeffrey Thomas III
Didn’t even know my neighbors were Dodger fans, but by the screams coming from the backyard I guess they are!
Uribear!!!
Bob_in_Vegas
Nice way to find out!
scooplew
Invite them over for an NLCS game if we make it.
John_from_Aus
Just saw the Hr on gameday, the crowd went nuts!
Bob_in_Vegas
K J!
WinnipegDave
1 down!
David Farinella
Surprised Puig didn’t Superman his way into the crowd to get that foul
Bob_in_Vegas
Get another K, KJ!
WinnipegDave
Random thought – I wonder how A.J.’s elbow is?
SaMoDodger
nothing that 4 days of rest can’t fix.
4d3fect
Good question. Adrenaline probably won’t wear off for a while though.
WinnipegDave
2 outs!!
Bob_in_Vegas
K K J!
WBBsAs
Vin is doing a stealth simulcast.
John_from_Aus
I’m standing with the crowd
WinnipegDave
Me too.
Bob_in_Vegas
I’m joining you!
Bob_in_Vegas
C’mon, KJ — I want to make another trip to LA!
David Farinella
Okay, standing up
Resistor
Cannot. Will not stand still
Spence
Braves getting eliminated while their closer stays in the pen. Ouch that has to hurt.
WinnipegDave
1 more strike!
Bob_in_Vegas
Uno mas! C’mon, KJ!
WinnipegDave
Yes!
KT
BALL GAME!!!! 8 WINS
TO GO!!!! NLCS HERE I COME!!!!!
GOOD JOB JUANITO!!!!
http://i.imgur.com/AMbO5zV.jpg
Bob_in_Vegas
YES!!!!!!!!!
WinnipegDave
First to make the playoffs and first to make the LCS!!
John_from_Aus
KKK – Kenley
Bob_in_Vegas
Only time I like that combination of letter(s)
John_from_Aus
Sorry, I just realised what you meant
Bob_in_Vegas
Go Pirates — LA homefield advantage!
WinnipegDave
Kershaw with a giant roar of a smile!
Jeffrey Thomas III
What a wonderful feeling after it had been going! NLCS here we come!
Spence
Lets all be Pirate fans Wedesday night
4d3fect
Wow. What a difference compared to the first half.
David Farinella
Crazy!
Spence
The only downside tonight. Not another Dodger game till Friday night. Going to be a LONG week!
das411
man oh man who knew freddy had that left in him…but what a game, just the way they wrote it up no?
Bob_in_Vegas
The difference between pre- and post-June 22nd: there’s always the chance that SOMEone will come through . . . Uribear!
2 ex-Giants win it for LA!
Bob_Hendley
Juantastic!
John_from_Aus
now I can dash to the toilet!
Bob_in_Vegas
Glad you had your priorities straight — no “runs” in the LCS!
scooplew
Ha!
Bob_in_Vegas
I just got an email from Dodgers.com that they won the LDS . . . thanks for the info, guys! Lol
Benzojones
they were holding their finger over the send button ever since Uribear’s dinger
David Farinella
Uribear with ice on his head!
JonnyTAFKAJ
Couldn’t happen to a better guy……. Juan-Gone!….
….
And, his teammates absolutely love him.
Do you have a special NL Championship Series “Uribear”?????? Jon Weisman?
:-)
NoahUCLA
We’ve been complaining about Uribe for 2 years now. I guess we deserve this, in a good way!! That was awesome. Uribe, JP Howell, Puig and of course Kershaw!!
Jeffrey Thomas III
Reverse batman: He’s not the hero we deserve right now, but the hero we need.
WinnipegDave
I know that they don’t award a MVP for NLDS – but who’s your vote for the Dodgers?
Kershaw?
Ramirez?
Crawford?
Uribe?
Bob_in_Vegas
Uribe these last two games but Hanley all 4.
NoahUCLA
You know it was a team effort when you can’t really choose from those 4 and add in AJ and Puig too.
Robert
Damn that is tough….I do not know. So close I would give it to Kershaw with 13 IP and only 1 ER.
David Farinella
Hanley and Kershaw share it for me.
Bob_Hendley
Clayton
Bob_in_Vegas
Most relieved: AGon.
David Farinella
Wow.
ASW1
Kershaw will have plenty of rest before his next start.
Bob_in_Vegas
The gamble pays off, including that he gets more possible LCS action.
KT
game two
KT
URIBEEEE!!!!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aznC-PiqcAA
twaseverthus
Ernie Johnson, Jr. damn near tears ruminating on the Braves heart-wrenching loss. No business in the booth, that guy.
twaseverthus
Nice long embrace between Ned and Uribe in the celebration there. What a long 3 years it’s been for them.
Daniel Zappala
Hooray! Wish Matt Kemp was in the lineup, but boy these guys are fun to watch. On to the NLCS…
das411
and the best part is we’ll get to do this again for at least 4 more games!
David Farinella
I feel like it’s 3AM. Exhausted.
Casey Barker
Pick me up off the floor, I am done!
Bob_in_Vegas
At the beginning of the year — forget the atrocious start — who would’ve believed that the biggest game of the year or the Dodgers would be won by a Juan HR and Brian Wilson would get the W?
scooplew
I was absolutely wrong in not wanting Kershaw to pitch tonight, and I am very happy that I was so wrong.
Bob_in_Vegas
Soo glad you got the chance to say that!
Robert
Me as well! Kershaw is just too damn good. He is going to go down as the best pitcher of our generation and one of the handful of best EVER. The guy is unbelievable.
PismoBruce
How fittimg that Uribe hits the game winner after all he has been through. Booyah!
WinnipegDave
It is great that the Dodgers finish in 4 games and the Cards or Pirates will have gone 5. Keep rolling boys!
WinnipegDave
AJ having a good interview with Rick and Charlie.
JHT
Only starter who wasn’t good to great in the series was Schu, and hopefully he won’t be starting in the NLCS.
RBI
But his hit was huge yesterday.
Bob_in_Vegas
Puig has proven to be an asset, not a liability!
WinnipegDave
I can’t believe how hard it seemed an hour ago, but now it’s just sweet.
NoahUCLA
No Wainright for game 1 if the Cards win, so we’ll have the advantage with Greinke on the mound. If it’s Liriano, then I still feel like we have the upper hand, except for our inability to hit lefties this year. Kershaw v. Macha for game 2 would be interesting, since Wainright can’t pitch until game 3, but I am still hoping for the Pirates.
ASW1
I think a Dodgers-Pirates NLCS would be awesome.
Bob_in_Vegas
Only negative will be the David vs. Goliath story, vis-a-vis payrolls. Any undecideds will be pulling for the Pirates. . . . But that never stopped the Yankees from winning.
Bob_in_Vegas
Bucs = homefield advantage for LA. And it means the Cards aren’t in there and they’ve had a habit of finding ways to win in postseason.
KT
https://twitter.com/ramonashelburne/status/387449827333640192
KT
kersh
http://i.imgur.com/AqgW7pK.jpg
KT
Flea ✔ @flea333
AND A MASSIVE INFINITE HIGH FIVE TO THE BEAUTIFUL PEOPLE OF LOS ANGELES!!!! GO @DODGERS !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
KT
Los Angeles Dodgers ✔ @Dodgers
RECAP: Juan Uribe launches 2-run HR to lead the #Dodgers over the Braves, 4-3, and clinch a berth into the #NLCS: http://atmlb.com/1bTcKOc
KT
Los Angeles Dodgers ✔ @Dodgers
Papi thanks you for sharing this unbelievable moment: https://vine.co/v/hXDFUvx7e5x
ASW1
I am EXTREMELY happy that stoopid chop has been mothballed for the year!
RBI
WHAT A GAME!!!! Keepin’ my toes blue! Onward!
LADodgersFan88
Great game. I was worried, but I always had a feeling this game would be won. Dodgers!
Robert
Man..hoping for a BIG outing from Cole for the Pirates aainst Wainwright as they seem to be a slightly easier matchup. With that said, Wainwright will only be able to pitch Game 3 and Game 6 on short rest or Game 7 on normal. Wacha would pitch Game 2 on normal rest versus Kershaw. Here is how I see our rotation lining up:
1) Greinke
2) Kershaw
3) Ryu
4) Nolasco
5) Greinke
6) Kershaw
7) ???
Huge advatage over St. Louis in Kershaw and Greinke each pitching 4 times prior to Wainwright even getting a 2nd start unless Wainwright goes on 3 days rest for Game 6 versus Kershaw.
ASW1
MLB Tonight on no Kimbrel :
14 out of 42 postseason saves by Mariano Rivera were 6 out saves.
Bob_in_Vegas
Nice to see someone other than Donnie being second-guessed.
KT
tbs did it also
Spence
Didnt Uribe hit a homer to send the Giants to the World Series? He’s clutch
NoahUCLA
I just realized Kenley got 7 outs, all by strikeout. Amazing!!
KT
From MSTI: NeDieterich2 minutes ago
http://i.imgur.com/UygAs33.jpg
KT
The Monocle4 minutes ago
http://instagram.com/p/fMjNuIKLEn/
Jack Dawkins
Hope someone posts Vin’s call of Uribe’s Hr soon.
Jeffrey Thomas III
Here’s the audio:
http://soundcloud.com/ogredd
Jon Weisman
Comment No. 500: New post up top.