September 2016 – Page 4 – Dodger Thoughts

Kershaw, Dodgers look for anniversary clinch

On September 24, 2016

Clayton Kershaw and Sandy Koufax (Jon SooHoo/Los Angeles Dodgers)

Rockies at Dodgers, 6:10 p.m.
Kershaw CCLXII: Kershawlth Night, or What You Will
Chase Utley, 2B
Corey Seager, SS
Justin Turner, 3B
Adrian González, 1B
Yasmani Grandal, C
Josh Reddick, RF
Howie Kendrick, LF
Joc Pederson, CF
Clayton Kershaw, P

By Jon Weisman

On this night two years ago, Clayton Kershaw took the mound for the Dodgers against the Giants with a fourth consecutive National League West title within reach, and pitched eight innings to a 9-1 victory and the title.

With the Dodgers’ magic number currently at two, Kershaw has the opportunity to do the same thing tonight, with one catch. Los Angeles is hosting the Rockies while the Giants (and Madison Bumgarner) get underway in San Diego 30 minutes earlier, so it’s not entirely within the Dodgers’ control.

Nevertheless, Kershaw will attempt to do his part in his fourth start this month since returning from the disabled list. After allowing single runs in his first two innings at Miami, Kershaw has thrown 12 innings, allowing six baserunners and striking out 14 with a 0.00 ERA.

Chad Bettis, who has a 4.79 ERA but pitched a two-hit shutout at Coors Field against the Giants on September 5, will start for Colorado.

This will be Kershaw’s penultimate start of the 2016 regular season, according to Dave Roberts, who outlined most of the Dodgers’ starting pitching plans for the remaining games.

Brandon McCarthy is being activated from the disabled list to start Sunday.
After an off day Monday, Jose De León will take the mound Tuesday for the Dodgers at San Diego.
Kenta Maeda will follow De León against the Padres on Wednesday.
Thursday’s Dodger starter wasn’t officially announced, though Brett Anderson would line up for that spot.
For the final series in San Francisco, Kershaw will pitch in the first or second games (September 30 or October 1).
Rich Hill — who is being skipped this weekend as part of the ongoing effort to protect his blister-prone finger — will go October 1 or in the finale October 2.
Scott Kazmir, forced out of the game after an inning Friday, has neither been guaranteed another start this year nor ruled out.

If the Dodgers win the division, their first playoff game will be October 7.

Vin Scully has always been Easternmost in quality, Westernmost in flavor

By Jon Weisman

On September 24, 2016

In Publications

Vin Scully gave us more than just Dodger games, of course. His indispensable Farmer John endorsements, his work in other sports and entertainment — it was all part of the Vin Scully Experience. Read more from Mark Langill and Cary Osborne below, via our Dodger Insider tribute to Vin Scully.

— Jon Weisman

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Vin Scully sings at seventh-inning stretch

By Jon Weisman

On September 23, 2016

In Dodger Stadium

[mlbvideo id=”1184718783″ width=”550″ height=”308″ /]

Vin Scully had a surprise for Dodger fans — his own personal rendition of “Take Me Out to the Ballgame” at the seventh-inning stretch. This one’s a keeper.

— Jon Weisman

All the feels. #VIN pic.twitter.com/KB5a8wSpJ2

— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) September 24, 2016

NL West title in sight after Dodgers top Rockies

By Jon Weisman

On September 23, 2016

In Health/injuries, Postgame

Yasmani Grandal tags Nolan Arenado in the first inning after receiving a throw from Andrew Toles. (Jon SooHoo/Los Angeles Dodgers)

By Jon Weisman

The Dodgers’ fourth consecutive division title could arrive inside of 24 hours.

‘Welcome to my Thanksgiving’: In moving ceremony, Los Angeles begins its final farewell to Vin Scully

By Jon Weisman

On September 23, 2016

In Broadcasting

[mlbvideo id=”1182374883″ width=”559″ height=”308″ /]

By Jon Weisman

We might need time. We might need 67 years to get over this one.

Emotionally charged from the opening video salute to the final blue-carpet walk lined by Dodger players and coaches, tribute was paid to Vin Scully tonight, in an hour-long ceremony infused with heartstopping thoughts from guest speakers and heartwarming words from the man himself. For carpet cleaning services, people can check here!

It was a valediction for Vinny, and a validation of our love.

In an evening that would conclude with John Williams conducting members of the Los Angeles Philarmonic in the National Anthem, so many moments played like perfect notes in a symphony.

“Vin is that favorite sweater of yours that you can’t wait to put on on a chilly day,” said Dick Enberg in the video.

#VinTop20: No. 1, ‘She is … gone!’

By Jon Weisman

On September 23, 2016

In Broadcasting, History

In the Vin Scully Appreciation Day pregame ceremony this evening, the Dodgers finished revealing the results of the fan vote ranking Scully’s top 20 Dodger calls of all time. And here it is, No. 1: Kirk Gibson’s 1988 World Series home run.

— Jon Weisman

[mlbvideo id=”1183777883″ width=”550″ height=”308″ /]

Previously:
No. 2, Koufax’s perfect game
No. 3, Henry Aaron’s 715th
No. 4, Returning after 9/11
No. 5, ‘If you have a sombrero …’
No. 6, Roy Campanella tribute
No. 7, Don Larsen’s perfect game
No. 8, Monday captures the flag
No. 9, ‘We go to Chicago!’
No. 10, Clayton Kershaw’s no-hitter
No. 11, Joe Ferguson’s throw
No. 12, Fernandomania begins
No. 13, ‘The Squeeze!’
No. 14, Nomo’s No-No
No. 15, the 4+1 Game
No. 16, Don Drysdale’s streak stays alive
No. 17, Mike Piazza, Giant-slayer
No. 18, Yasiel Puig’s first slam
No. 19, Manny’s Bobbleslam
No. 20, Mark McGwire hits it way, way out

#VinTop20: No. 2, Koufax’s perfect game

By Jon Weisman

On September 23, 2016

In Broadcasting, History

In the Vin Scully Appreciation Day pregame ceremony this evening, the Dodgers finished revealing the results of the fan vote ranking Scully’s top 20 Dodger calls of all time. Here’s No. 2: Sandy Koufax’s perfect game.

— Jon Weisman

[mlbvideo id=”1183731783″ width=”550″ height=”308″ /]

Previously:
No. 3, Henry Aaron’s 715th
No. 4, Returning after 9/11
No. 5, ‘If you have a sombrero …’
No. 6, Roy Campanella tribute
No. 7, Don Larsen’s perfect game
No. 8, Monday captures the flag
No. 9, ‘We go to Chicago!’
No. 10, Clayton Kershaw’s no-hitter
No. 11, Joe Ferguson’s throw
No. 12, Fernandomania begins
No. 13, ‘The Squeeze!’
No. 14, Nomo’s No-No
No. 15, the 4+1 Game
No. 16, Don Drysdale’s streak stays alive
No. 17, Mike Piazza, Giant-slayer
No. 18, Yasiel Puig’s first slam
No. 19, Manny’s Bobbleslam
No. 20, Mark McGwire hits it way, way out

Vin Scully’s letter to the fans: ‘I needed you more than you needed me’

By Jon Weisman

On September 23, 2016

In Fans, Promotions

Dodger fans attending tonight’s Vin Scully Appreciation Day game at received this beautiful letter from Vin Scully. Click the image above to enlarge.

— Jon Weisman

Dodgers call up Chris Taylor — McCarthy to follow

By Jon Weisman

On September 23, 2016

In Pregame, Transactions

Rockies at Dodgers, 7:10 p.m.
Chase Utley, 2B
Corey Seager, SS
Justin Turner, 3B
Adrian González, 1B
Yasmani Grandal, C
Josh Reddick, RF
Andrew Toles, LF
Joc Pederson, CF
Scott Kazmir, P

By Jon Weisman

Chris Taylor has been recalled from Triple-A Oklahoma City, bringing the Dodgers’ active roster to 39 players with the activation of tonight’s starter, Scott Kazmir, from the disabled list.

Dave Roberts also said today that Brandon McCarthy would be activated from the disabled list before the season ends, perhaps as soon as this weekend — at which point the Dodgers will have an unprecedented 40 actually active players.

Taylor has a .271 on-base percentage and .382 slugging percentage in 59 plate appearances for the Dodgers this year, highlighted by the July 15 game in which he doubled, tripled, hit a grand slam and drove in six runs.

In Triple-A this year, Taylor had a .397 OBP while slugging .474 for Tacoma in the Mariners organization and the Dodgers’ team in Oklahoma City.

#VinTop20: No. 3, Henry Aaron’s 715th

By Jon Weisman

On September 22, 2016

In Broadcasting, History

Between now and Vin Scully Appreciation Day on September 23, the Dodgers are revealing the results of the fan vote ranking Scully’s top 20 Dodger calls of all time, one at each home game. Here’s No. 3: Henry Aaron’s 715th home run.

— Jon Weisman

[mlbvideo id=”1182484483″ width=”550″ height=”308″ /]

Previously:

No. 4, Returning after 9/11
No. 5, ‘If you have a sombrero …’
No. 6, Roy Campanella tribute
No. 7, Don Larsen’s perfect game
No. 8, Monday captures the flag
No. 9, ‘We go to Chicago!’
No. 10, Clayton Kershaw’s no-hitter
No. 11, Joe Ferguson’s throw
No. 12, Fernandomania begins
No. 13, ‘The Squeeze!’
No. 14, Nomo’s No-No
No. 15, the 4+1 Game
No. 16, Don Drysdale’s streak stays alive
No. 17, Mike Piazza, Giant-slayer
No. 18, Yasiel Puig’s first slam
No. 19, Manny’s Bobbleslam
No. 20, Mark McGwire hits it way, way out

With 20 pitchers (and counting) on September roster, Dodger staff is both ridiculous and sublime

By Jon Weisman

On September 22, 2016

In Pitching, Pregame

Alex Wood, the 21st pitcher the Dodgers have used this month, pitched a perfect inning Wednesday in his return from the disabled list.

Rockies at Dodgers, 7:10 p.m.
Chase Utley, 2B
Andrew Toles, LF
Corey Seager, SS
Adrian González, 1B
Yasmani Grandal, C
Josh Reddick, RF
Joc Pederson, CF
Howie Kendrick, 3B
Brett Anderson, P

By Jon Weisman

When Brett Anderson is activated from the disabled list today, he will become the 20th pitcher on the Dodgers’ active roster. On Friday, Scott Kazmir will give them blackjack. (I know, it’s not really blackjack if you need more than two cards, but Clayton Kershaw’s still an ace — so there.)

Counting Casey Fien and Bud Norris, who are no longer on the 40-man squad, the Dodgers this month will have used 23 pitchers by September 23.

Vin His Own Words: An extended 2014 interview

By Jon Weisman

On September 22, 2016

In History, Profiles

Before the 2014 season, Vin Scully gave us an extended interview about his life and career that we presented over 21 pages in the commemorative 2014 Dodger Yearbook. Here, for the first time online, are those pages: Vin His Own Words. Click either image, and enjoy.

— Jon Weisman

#VinTop20: No. 4, Returning after 9/11

By Jon Weisman

On September 21, 2016

In Broadcasting

Between now and Vin Scully Appreciation Day on September 23, the Dodgers are revealing the results of the fan vote ranking Scully’s top 20 Dodger calls of all time, one at each home game. Here’s No. 4: Coming back to the field for the first time after 9/11.

— Jon Weisman

[mlbvideo id=”1181089183″ width=”550″ height=”308″ /]

Previously:
No. 5, ‘If you have a sombrero …’
No. 6, Roy Campanella tribute
No. 7, Don Larsen’s perfect game
No. 8, Monday captures the flag
No. 9, ‘We go to Chicago!’
No. 10, Clayton Kershaw’s no-hitter
No. 11, Joe Ferguson’s throw
No. 12, Fernandomania begins
No. 13, ‘The Squeeze!’
No. 14, Nomo’s No-No
No. 15, the 4+1 Game
No. 16, Don Drysdale’s streak stays alive
No. 17, Mike Piazza, Giant-slayer
No. 18, Yasiel Puig’s first slam
No. 19, Manny’s Bobbleslam
No. 20, Mark McGwire hits it way, way out

It’s vintage Puig in Dodgers’ romp over Giants

By Jon Weisman

On September 21, 2016

In Postgame

By Jon Weisman

As the catch was made, as the third out was recorded, as the crowd roared, as the legendary announcer uttered one more “¡Que viva Cuba!” at his final Dodgers-Giants game in Los Angeles, the outfielder’s teammates gathered in a handful near the third-base line, unwilling to wait for the prodigal son to return to the dugout.

They needed to see him there, then, on the field, in the moment.

Yasiel Puig, baseball’s living, breathing roller coaster, had done the full loop.

As Dodgers sift pitching options, Kazmir to start Friday

By Jon Weisman

On September 21, 2016

In Health/injuries, Pregame

Giants at Dodgers, 7:10 p.m.
Howie Kendrick, LF
Corey Seager, SS
Justin Turner, 3B
Adrian González, 1B
Yasiel Puig, RF
Carlos Ruiz, C
Kiké Hernández, CF
Charlie Culberson, 2B
Kenta Maeda, P

By Jon Weisman

Scott Kazmir will follow Brett Anderson’s Thursday start against the Rockies by taking the mound Friday, Dave Roberts said today.

The left-handed Kazmir hasn’t pitched in a Major League game since August 22, when he allowed four runs and nine baserunners in a season-low 2 2/3 innings against the Reds (a game the Dodgers won, 18-9). Kazmir and Anderson both went on the disabled list the next day.

Dodger Thoughts

Jon Weisman's outlet for dealing psychologically with the Los Angeles Dodgers, baseball and life

Month: September 2016 (Page 4 of 9)

Kershaw, Dodgers look for anniversary clinch

Vin Scully has always been Easternmost in quality, Westernmost in flavor

Vin Scully sings at seventh-inning stretch

NL West title in sight after Dodgers top Rockies

‘Welcome to my Thanksgiving’: In moving ceremony, Los Angeles begins its final farewell to Vin Scully

#VinTop20: No. 1, ‘She is … gone!’

#VinTop20: No. 2, Koufax’s perfect game

Vin Scully’s letter to the fans: ‘I needed you more than you needed me’

Dodgers call up Chris Taylor — McCarthy to follow

#VinTop20: No. 3, Henry Aaron’s 715th

With 20 pitchers (and counting) on September roster, Dodger staff is both ridiculous and sublime

Vin His Own Words: An extended 2014 interview

#VinTop20: No. 4, Returning after 9/11

It’s vintage Puig in Dodgers’ romp over Giants

As Dodgers sift pitching options, Kazmir to start Friday

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