Every Dodger fan knows that when you score more than four runs for Max Scherzer his record is something like 103 -2. Well, last night was a strange one, because the Dodgers scored five early runs for Max and he promptly gave them all back, plus one. Actually, the defense gave him plenty of help in giving back runs. But while the Padres were busy dancing and smiling when they went up 9-6, the Dodgers were having none of it.
In the eighth inning, Muncy and Pollock homered, and then Cody Bellinger (ever heard of him?) hit a home run to tie the game. Next, Justin Turner hit a pinch-hit double, and the 2020 World Series MVP jacked one out to give the Dodgers an 11-9 lead. Tim Neverett pronounced that the Dodgers had won… forgetting that the Padres had one more inning. But, when Kenley Jansen came out in the 9th, it really was over. Kenley Jansen smoked Fernando Tatis, Jr., Trent Grisham, and Jake Marisnick on just 10 pitches in the 9th… striking out the side!
A few weeks ago, I decided it did not make me any difference if the Dodgers won the NL West or not. Of course, I wanted to have that consecutive streak of winning the Division kept alive, but this team is capable of winning it from the Wild Card, and they are especially dangerous if Cody Bellinger is back. While pronouncing him back will take some time, last night was a nice first step for him with his new stance and new hair!
After Gavin Lux ate the CF wall in the 5th inning, Cody played CF the rest of the way. Gavin Lux has a future in CF if the Dodgers want, but it would surprise me if Cody Bellinger is not the Centerfielder the rest of the way. Gavin Lux may be on the shelf for a few days with neck and/or shoulder injuries. A large portion of success in hitting is confidence and Cody got a big shot of it last night! Take that Belli Bashers!
Max Scherzer was clearly without his best stuff and control last night. I chalk it up to “one of those nights.” There is no pattern here so, he should be ready for the Wild Card Game. It does not appear that the Giants will fold, even though I am certain that they are doing it with “smoke and mirrors.” It’s working… but the playoffs are a different animal. Tonight, the Dodgers close out the series with Catmandu versus Vince “Scrap Heap” Velasquez. There are only four games left, so there’s not much likelihood of overtaking the Giants… but until the fat lady sings, it’s not over.
Odds & Ends
- The Bazooka is pitching (if you call that pitching) himself off the playoff roster. Someone needs to sit down with him and explain that what a pitcher (a real pitcher) does, is actually get people out. Triple digits only mean something when you are talking IQ’s not fastballs! Hummm… maybe that’s the issue!
- If Scherzer pitches the Wild Card, Austin Barnes will be the catcher… I’m just sayin’…
- Where would the Dodgers be without AJ Pollock?
- It turns out that CT3 and Kike were the same player. Well, minues the strikeouts (CT3 struck out 50 more times in the same number of at bats) and the lack of defense. CT3 was looking good for half the year, but he has been worse than Bellinger over the past 60 days. He was on track to get a $60+ Million deal. I’d say it’s in the $30 million range now. I do not think the Dodgers will even pay that!
- Have you noticed that when the Dodgers win Dave Roberts is a genius? He’s only an idiot when they lose! Go figure…
- Name a better bullpen for the playoffs than this (you can’t):
- Treinen – 2.02 ERA
- Jansen – 2.26 ERA
- Vesia – 2.35 ERA
- Bickford – 2.57 ERA
- Knebel – 2.59 ERA
- Kelly – 2.74 ERA
- Gonsolin – 3.00 ERA
- Bruihl – 3.12 ERA
- White – 3.74 ERA
- Price – 3.84 ERA
(Photo by Juan Ocampo/Los Angeles Dodgers)
Wow! Did I go to bed too early!!!!!!!!’ I think with a lot of others! Down 9-5 in the 7th and I put my head on the pillow. If only the Giants would have cooperated!!!!!!
With the Dodgers lack of come back ability this season you had every reason to call it a day. I had as well as I’m sure many other fans did the same. Down three runs that late in the game has usually meant a loss for the team. They had already spent their offensive output in the first two innings. Watched the highlights and thought of that game against the Padres and Trevor Hoffman several years ago. It was ironic that Nomar was calling the game last night.
Love the playoff BP Mark. Now they need to execute when called upon to keep Roberts and the front office being labeled idiots!
What was Lux thinking? Flashback to Kemp’s introduction of his face to hard surfaces. Ouch!
Carry on
I replayed Belli’s very loud dinger about 5 times and it was the best (without doubt) path swing that he has taken all year. Just now while watching the pre/game for tonight’s showdown, they had some video of him taking BP and every swing was a duplication of his bomb shell from last night.
This is the time Belli to keep trusting the process…..you are on target !
Pre/game show also displayed a outline of a “dead body” on the left field wall…………compliments of his caring teammates !
Roll Blue
Wow, last night was amazing! That’s entertainment!!
Almost as entertaining was coming here in morning to read the comments. Y’all sound like a bunch of Nancy’s. They sky is falling one minute, best team in baseball the next!
I can’t believe the negative comments about Lux not pulling in that ball. What the hell did you think was going to happen when he’s only played like 10 games ever in the outfield?
Wouldn’t it be great if Bellinger started hitting like himself again? It’s pretty crazy that the recent golden boy goes down and Belli picks him up with a HUGE game tying home run. This is why baseball is the best sport. Anything can happen.
Man, it would have been so much sweeter if the Giants would lose. It’s like everyone in division wants the Giants to win it.
A lot of harsh words for Brusdar. Do you realize that he’s hasn’t been scored upon in 8 games prior? His last game, he was credited with stopping the bleeding with 1.2 perfect innings. Everyone lays an egg from time to time. Mark already cut him from the postseason roster.
Lux’s injury made Doc’s job a lot easier.
Pollock is arguably the Dodger’s best hitter. Let that sink in for a while!
I’m still holding out for some magic, a fairytale ending for a very strange season. As long as there’s games left, I refuse to concede to the thought of the wildcard.
The Cardinals finally lost. The only thing undecided in the NL is the West Division Crown and the top Wildcard.
The Blue Jays took one back from the Yankees and the Mariners are a half game up on the Blue Jays. The Blue Jays finish their season against the O’s, The M’s get the Angels, The Red Sox get the Nats and the Yankees get the Rays. They’re all bunched up within 2 games of each other. It’s possible to get a 4 way tie for 2 spots. What will the tie breaker look like?
No one complains about Roberts when he isn’t stinking it up. I haven’t seen any unnecessary double switches in quite some time. Less unnecessary mid inning pitching changes as well. Maybe he’s finally learning how not to over manage. His interviews have even been better lately, except for when he said Max has done enough to secure the Cy Young right before the game (not a good look to dismiss teammates Julio and Walker). Kiss of death!
100% agree on Lux. I have noted that with his speed & awareness he would be good/great in the OF ….. when he learned it completely & I said that his issues will show up when he has to track balls flying over his head. Pretty much borne out in that play.
cheers
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Lots of good stuff BandP. I agree that Lux has been in CF just a few games, but common sense tells you that running as fast as possible to catch a ball knowing there is a fence in the way is not a good idea. I hate to see that happen to anyone. I was surprised that he made that decision. But, live and learn.
Let’s hope Cody’s HR will start him off on a offensive onslaught for the playoffs. It’s amazing, with all the analysis of Cody’s failures this season and it turned out all he needed was a haircut to get him back on track. Who knew?
This strikeout rampage Chris Taylor is on the last 30 games has cost CT millions of dollars. He’s KO % in those 30 games is 43%. For a talented and veteran player at this point in his career that is beyond Bellinger stubborn. John Smoltz has commented in the past about Taylor’s swing plane never changes regardless of where the pitch is thrown. Again, when things aren’t going right try something new and/or different to get back on track. I don’t get the thinking of the player and coaching staff.
Here’s hoping Scherzer gets back on track for the playoffs. He has not looked good the last couple of outings. I don’t expect the return of what he has done since being with the Dodgers (which was other worldly), but get back to controlling his pitches better.
It should be a wild October. The Dodgers have a chance to make some history if they can go back to back WS wins.
I thought Cody’s new stance looked really good. About 6″ more back from the plate & the new leg spread has him starting with a much more secure base to start from.
cheers
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Lots of natural centerfielders have run into the wall, including Ken Griffey Junior. He was caught up in the moment going all out.
So I’m not buying that what was he thinking
I’ve replayed the Lux gaff a few times. I call them as I see them. This is similar to a wide receiver going over the middle – you know the collision is coming, catch the ball first, then cover up. Catch and cover. Lux dropped the ball 2 steps before hitting the wall. The ball was already on the ground rolling away when he did his Academy performance face plant. Tape don’t lie. He’s got the skills to play any position on the field. Maybe he’s not quite ready for first team centerfielder.
Great comeback? Yeah, sure. But the fact is, in a pennant race with our ace on the mound we gave up 8 earned and made 2 more errors, 3 if you count the Lux drop, which I do but nobody else likely does. I’m old school, ball goes in your glove you make the catch … Seager and Taylor.
The question must be asked – does this look like a team ready for a playoff run?
You call that Lux play a gaff ?
Wow, tough crowd. That was a very, very difficult play to make. I am not sure if Belli makes that one. To even remotely consider it an error and drop IMHO is absurd. Sorry.
However I am concerned about our starters. Julio and Walker seem a little tired and Max has now given up 11 earned runs over his last two starts. Going up against the Cards in that dreaded WC game he better bring his A stuff .
Hopefully Bellis HR will give him momentum and confidence. I expect Lux to be out a few days. Did not look good when he left the field.
That bullpen looks formidable too. Especially when you consider that Kelly, Treinen and KJ all have been lights out for some time now. A little bit worried from the left side though.
Go Dodgers!!!!!!!!!
Not that difficult d-ram. You see the good ones make that play every night. Some make that catch while in mid air crashing into the wall. Lux had room. The ball popped out 2 steps before the crash, and the crash looked deliberately theatrical to me. Again, I call them as I see them. And I’ve seen them for 60 years. Even made a few myself.
With all due respect, no way Badger makes that catch.
I credit Gavin for the effort and for the willingness to play multiple positions, even with very limited experience.
Sure some CF might make that catch, but remember that Lux is one of the fastest players on the Dodgers and in the NL. The ball was hit 379 ft and 99 MPH per stat cast with expected batting average of .410. Not sure where to find the stat cast catch probability but far from a sure out.
Scherzer gave up a rocket and should not expect that to be caught.
Lux has done a great job improving throughout the season, and I hope he is healthy enough to be back soon. He still has great baseball skills and could make a big impact on the postseason.
Oh yeah let me plant my face into the wall, take myself out of the game and possibly the playoffs. You Gotta be kidding me
Like I said earlier lots of great centerfielders have run into the wall and not caught the ball. I think he should be given props for the effort
I not only make that catch, I climb the wall like Bo, turn and fire a strike on the fly to the infield.
The ball bounced out of his glove before he got to the wall. He knew it, did the face plant 2 steps later. The video don’t lie.
You have a great imagination, right brain guy for sure. To me, it looked like he pulled his eyes off the ball right before it hit the glove to see where the wall was. I call Shenanigans that the play gets made by many others.
This was a much more difficult play than the one he caught the other night, which only had a 25% catch probability.
He dropped the ball well before hit the wall. Than analogy of a WR with alligator arms is correct. Bellinger probably makes that play. Lux got an incredible jump though and is showing improved instincts in the OF. However, some have been too quick to dub him an excellent outfielder. He did injure Bellinger. He did have a couple of other near collisions with players. In time, he could be an excellent outfielder or utility guy. It’s unrealistic for us to expect him to look like a veteran outfielder even though I agree with Badger that he dropped the ball before he hit the wall.
YES IMO. A playoff ready team rallies when they need to. They pick each other up. If the O is weak, the D needs to keep it close at the minimum. When the D is having issues, the O has to suck it up and start banging. Kind of like last night.
cheers
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I agree with you….I think Lux may have stayed down after he dropped it to get sympathy instead of booing. No doubt, he should have caught it and then used his glove to brace up against the padded wall. Obviously, Lux is not at Bellinger’s OF stature yet, but there is hope. He can grow into that stature for sure. And just for the record, I admit, that was a tough play that only great outfielders can make. Like I said, I believe his day is coming.
Now, I’m going to put on my Debbie Downer hat and remind everyone….all those pitchers last night had high ERAs. We won’t be seeing those kind of guys in the playoffs, which includes St Louis. Scherzer better be on….I’m thinking 4 runs may be the most one can ask for in that game.
Badger, that’s a tough call on Lux’s play. He had to run quite a ways to reach the ball and it would have been considered a great catch if he hadn’t dropped it. As a 16 year old I was playing CF and a ball was hit in the gap in left center. I’m left handed so it was on my glove side. I ran, dove for the ball and it went off my glove. My best friend’s dad was the scorer and gave me an error. What? He said it hit my glove so it was an error. So, I can see your take on the play. Oh, the guy that hit the ball was a friend and he was pissed because he lost a hit.
Yeah, the sloppy defensive play continues. It appears to be a lack of concentration because they are basically routine plays. That’s not going to cut it in the playoffs. Similar, is the base stealing against the Dodgers because of the lack of concern by the pitching staff. The Dodgers used to be fundamentally sound, but with the dumbing down of the game that too has become less important.
The scorer was obviously wrong Ted. If an out can be made with routine effort, and it isn’t, it’s ruled an error. Your play was a hit all the way. Good effort by the way. Lux’s play was obviously not an error, but the ball should have stayed in his glove. It popped out like it hit a brick.
I’d take issue with your final line.
Instead of “The question must be asked”, I believe it should read:
“The question should never be asked”
I mean of course they’re ready.
A lot more after that incredible comeback last night! If the offense comes back then I like our chances But you’re right. We need to tighten up the defense. In the playoffs you can’t afford to throw a game away.
Fun Game. Especially impressed with the O of course, but the relief corp minus bazooka was awesome & Kenley w/ the one more than immaculate inning was quite the throwback.
Interesting trivia I found about last night’s game.
>>>The late power burst was reminiscent of a Sept. 18, 2006, game between the teams. The Dodgers hit four consecutive homers in the bottom of the ninth to tie it, and Nomar Garciaparra’s two-run homer in the 10th gave them an 11-10 victory that put Los Angeles back in first place.
Garciaparra was at the ballpark Wednesday night. Roberts was a player on that 2006 Padres team.
“It certainly reminded me of that night. A lot of the same vibe,” Roberts said. “To be in this dugout is a much better feeling than to be in the visiting dugout.”<<<
cheers
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There is literally a 0% chance Smith is on the bench for the wildcard game…..ZERO.
I agree a 100%. There is no way Barnes should be catching in the playoffs unless the Dodger are up three games or so. With their lack of offense recently they need all the offensive weapons available to them. Smith is their most clutch hitter and is not afraid of the big moment.
Likely true, but he was o-fer last night. The only way I see that happening is if he slumps over the next few games. Then it MIGHT be up in the air.
cheers
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Agree, but I see Marks point.
Couple of days ago Red Sox’s first baseman let a foul ball drop because he was afraid of the railing. Late on, same at bat, Aaron Judge drives in two runs with a hit and the Sox’s lose. For all the complaining about Lux, he went all out. Yes he misplayed it but I give him a pass due to lack of experience in CF.
I guess it depends upon whether you think it is more important to score runs or prevents runs.
Here’s the facts, folks:
With Smith Catching Scherzer: 34 Innings/12 Runs Allowed
With Barnes Catching Scherzer: 33 Innings.5 Runs Allowed
There is definitely more than a 0 percent chance Smith is on the bench in Scherzers next start!
Maybe you should check in with B&P about using small sample sizes.
I remember when he couldn’t catch Jansen. What happened to that?
Well since you asked…
Barnes as Catcher for KJ – 22 G, 21.2 IP, 0.00 ERA (2 runs total), .554 WHIP, .086/.158/.100/.258, 27K vs 6BB (4.50 K/W ratio)
Smith as Catcher for KJ – 46 G, 46.0 IP, 3.33 ERA (20 runs total), 1.435 WHIP, .186/.318/.298/.616, 58K vs 30BB (1.93 K/W ratio)
Who would you rather have catching KJ in a must win close out game?
I guessed you missed the end of the game last night?
Barnes caught 20 scoreless games by Kenley. Smith caught 34 scoreless games by Kenley. I’ll take my chances with Smith because I doubt Smith is taking MPH off Kenley’s fastball which typically leads to runs.
I would rather Smith catch every game he can without burning him out. Barnes catches too much for this team in my opinion.
If you haven’t seen the post-game interview with Doc, Dylan Hernandez started off with…”Dave, you batted leadoff and went 0-6 with 4 strikeouts in the 4+1 game, how much nicer is it to be on this side of things…?”
Pretty funny, Doc took it well with a smile. He said it definitely reminded him of that game.
Good morning guys. Yes, I shut the game off when they were down 9-5. Not because I am not a true Dodger fan, but simply because most of this season when they are down 4 runs, they have not come back. Last year, different story. But I was on my computer doing some research and listening to the game on the radio. A lot easier than watching. But I went back and watched the 8th and 9th when the game was over. The difference between the game in 06 and this one is that that game, they did it off of a Hall of Fame reliever. After getting HR’s from Kent and Drew off of reliever Jon Adkins, Bochy brought in Hoffman, who had not blown a save to the Dodgers in 5 years. Rookie Russell Martin hit Hoffman’s first pitch over the left field fence to make it 9-8. Marlon Anderson, one of those late August trade acquisitions came up to hit. Anderson jumped on Hoffman’s first pitch and hit it over the right field fence. Hoffman then retired the next 3 hitters to get out of the inning. But the Padres scored a run in the top of the 10th off of Aaron Sele when Josh Bard, who is the Dodgers bullpen coach, tagged him for a run scoring double. Bochy did not like using Hoffman 2 innings in a row and replaced him with Rudy Saenez, who also pitched for the Dodgers a couple of times. Saenez walked Lofton, bringing up Nomar, who then hit a 3-1 pitch deep into the pavilion for the win. So it was a four plus one. What a lot of people forget is that Anderson’s HR was his second of the game, and the 6th of the game for the Dodgers. He and Furcal had hit solo shots earlier in the contest. So Garciaparra’s shot made it 7. Last night Pollock had 2 and their total was 6. A lot of similarities and it was cool that Nomar was in the booth calling the game. With Roberts and Bard, who were on the other side that night there too.
A good point Bear, a Hall of Fame reliever is capable of giving up a stinker from time to time. Let’s not jump down Brusdar’s throat with his tough game that would have been a lot worse if Muncy would have come up with a very catchable ball on that ground ball just inside the bag.
Let’s also remember that Trevor Hoffman didn’t even pitch in the Majors until he was 25 years old and wasn’t consistently good until he was 28. Brusdar is just 22 years old. He deserves a little slack.
Okay, it was a great comeback. There was a lot to like, and some things that just frustrate the hell out of you. They at least got some clutch hits early and got Max a 4 run cushion to begin the game. But you could tell he was struggling with location right from the outset. He looked nothing like the guy who pitched 7 perfect innings against them a little over a week ago. And like Nomar opined, he did not have that put away pitch. Give the Padres hitters some credit, they recognized and took advantage. I think Scherzer will be fine. He is too good to let stuff like that affect him the next time he pitches. He will go out to the pen and work his butt off. Errors happen. But errors on balls that should be caught and are routine plays are the most galling of all. Seager and Taylor made those last night. Taylor screwed his up on the transfer to his throwing hand. Seager just miss played an easy grounder. Both contributed to extending the inning when the pitcher needed outs. Taylor is a better outfielder than infielder at this point. Taylor has become a strikeout machine. Too much so for a player of his type. His K percentage is ridiculously high. He has been a Dodger for 5 full seasons. His K totals? 145, 178, 115, 55, 165. Those are 30 HR power hitters who make little contact numbers. The problem is he is not that type of player. Those totals are way too high for a utility player. And the criticism is right. He never changes the plane of his swing. Some will look at the 55 K’s and say, oh that isn’t so bad. It is when you consider they happened in 185 at bats. Almost a third of the time. I like Chris. Always have. But as a reserve, not a guy they have to count on for big hits and everyday play. As inconsistent as Kike could be, He never struck out at the kind of rate Taylor does. This season he has 60 less K’s than Taylor, 2 less HR’s and is batting just 6 points lower. He also has a 4.4 WAR compared to Taylor’s 2.9. Taylor has 11 errors, but only 2 in the outfield, Kike has 8. 4 of those coming in CF, the only outfield position he has played this season for the Sox. Taylor is a free agent. He is probably going to get a 4 year deal somewhere. I do not think it will be in LA.
A guy who has been banging on Lux all year long now says that…”I think Lux may have stayed down after he dropped it to get sympathy instead of booing.” You really honestly thinks Lux games it like that? If that is an opinion, what is it based on? Exactly how many games have you ever seen Lux play, and when has he ever done that?
Then he goes on and states that…”No doubt, he should have caught it and then used his glove to brace up against the padded wall.” Really? Is that how you do it? Then he says…”And just for the record, I admit, that was a tough play that only great outfielders can make.” Can’t have it both ways. He either misplayed it so badly and then laid down to get sympathy, or it is only a play that only a great OF can make. Gavin Lux is not a great OF. He has played all of 7 games as a CF (6 in MLB), and last night was his 2nd in Dodger Stadium.
I have no problems whatsoever about opinions on a player’s ability, a manager’s decision making ability, or front office machinations. But when you start to question a player’s character, you better be able to back it up. If you think that Gavin Lux stayed down for sympathy to not get booed, that is not an opinion of ability but one of character. Now support it.
Agree wholeheartedly. You said it much better than I, and I’m glad you did
Lux was just all out hustling, and there’s no other way to state it. His inexperience at the position is obvious but the man is playing like his hair is on fire. His athleticism has surfaced as well as his inexperience there. Pete Reiser destroyed his career due to his proclivity to run all out into concrete walls. I hope Gavin doesn’t become that. The padding should help a bit.
He is laying it out on the line out of sure grit. With time he will become more knowledgeable on how to take routes to those gappers. We all cringe when he nears Betts and Pollock out there. He seemed to be getting better but it is tough to learn that position at the Major League level and in a pennant race no less. I have a new found respect for him and hope that the injury doesn’t sideline him. Lux’s bat has been very valuable of late.
Mark, he kind of reminds me of someone you mentioned a week or so ago, Jason Repko. I used to refer to him as “pinball” because he seemed to fear no wall and warning tracks meant nothing to him until he bounced off them.
He’s got to learn how to play the wall. You don’t do that by leading with your face.
Watch videos of Griffey Jr and Bo Jackson. Do it the way they do it.
I think he stayed down because he ran face first into a padded wall. He had two steps, I’d recommend using one of those steps to turn your face AWAY from the wall. That’s like sticking your mug out to Tyson and saying “go ahead, I dare you”.
For a moment last night I thought I heard the fat lady singing, but it turned out to be the neighbor’s cat.
Just how close to you is your neighbor? Either really close or that cat has one hell of a set of lungs. Padres have no homers off of the CAT MAN. Dodgers have hit 4 off of Vazquez. Bellinger has one of them and is hitting the guy at a .600 clip. How many, lets see a show of hands, think Cody is in tonight’s lineup??????
I do.
I heard the Catman singing…………………………but it was after the game was over.
Bear, I think Doc already announced before the game last night that Belli would be starting tonight. He just wasn’t sure who would be sitting, and then Lux banged into the wall and made that decision a little easier.
According to some, Lux isn’t hurt, only a little theatrical. I guess his agent could want him removed so he can work on improving his Vlade Divac flops.
If he’s going to continue leading with his mug I’d recommend a helmet with a cage mask. Also the full backward somersault was over the top.
You might be a badger but Lux is a honey badger
Is there another kind?
But don’t call me honey.
A badger fears nothing. It’s so fierce that it can scare away lions. Its weapon: tearing the testicles off its opponents.
So then, should peeps be wearing “nut protection” anytime they are around you? Asking for your friend.
cheers
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http://www.badger.org/species.html
Graterol threw a lot of fastballs and sliders last night and like Scherzer “was clearly without his best stuff and control last night. I chalk it up to one of those nights.” Graterol had been doing a good job, improving game by game, getting outs, That he doesn’t strike out many players with his great fastball and you don’t like that that’s something else, but the guy was getting outs until he couldn’t last night because he too can have “one of those nights.”
Just sayin your picture looks more like an American badger than an African honey badger and yes there is a difference
My picture? That isn’t a badger it’s a steroided up blind squirrel.
Tonight’s Giants-D’backs game should be epic.
Starting pitchers = Kazmir vs. Madbum
Madbum should be motivated for sure. Now the snakes need to score a couple runs.
cheers
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I don’t see Madbum going out of his way to help the Dodgers.
Madbum has way too much pride to give anything less than his all whenever he takes the mound. The Giants pretty much told him he was needed any longer so I don’t think he’s going to do them any favors.
Now, who has less in the tank left between Kazmir and Madbum is another story, but I’m betting they’ll both be trying their damndest tonight. That might still result in a 10-9 game but it should be interesting.
I think Madbum is going to get clobbered.
Maybe someone who has played the game can answer more definitively, but I would think that his motivation to beat his old team in front of the fans that cheered him on for years would be MUCH higher than his lack of motivation would be because it would also help the Dodgers. I don’t think real pros are “de-motivated” like you describe.
cheers
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“Maybe someone who has played the game can answer more definitively”
You’ve never played this game? They don’t have baseball at Marine World? 😉
He-effin-larious. Played the game. But the game I played was NOT pro baseball. Question directed to those intimate with the pro game & mindset of pro players. Former beerball players are excused.
NEXT! 🙂
ps….. marine world? f that. marine mammals belong in the ocean, not plexi cages.
cheers
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I agree. He just bought tickets for Crawford’s kid to come boo the Dodgers in AZ. Not a big deal, but I don’t think Madbum is going to go out of his way either. I’m not counting on it. Hopefully, the Dbags can generate some offense tonight.
I posted this earlier. In case you missed it, here it is again:
On who watched Max Scherzer: I guess it depends upon whether you think it is more important to score runs or prevent runs.
Here’s the facts, folks:
With Smith Catching Scherzer: 34 Innings/12 Runs Allowed
With Barnes Catching Scherzer: 33 Innings.5 Runs Allowed
There is definitely more than a 0 percent chance Smith is on the bench in Scherzer’s next start!
So, in a Wild Card Game, would you still rather have Smith?
I’d rather have Smith every day.
Since you already have Lux in a helmet with a cage mask maybe you’d consider letting him catch.
Exactly. And then just tell him to watch videos of Molina and do it like he did it
Right after teaching Kershaw how to throw a change and showing Bellinger how to hit.
A legend in his own mind.
Just because I know how doesn’t mean I can still do it.
I’m an old coach. Teachers teach.
And don’t forget, he needs to be gold glove material after just a few games or he sucks. 🙂
I think I would ask Max who he wants.
I would never set that precedent as a manager.
Yes, no doubt about it. You can’t blame Smith that Scherzer has always been terrible in Coors (career 900+ OPS) and that he didn’t have control or movement last night. Before these last two games, Smith caught 23.2 inning/2 run allowed. Correlation or causation?
I’ll take the extra 200 OPS any day, except a day game following a night game, of course.
Smith is the best catcher on both sides of the game, and by far, according to Fangraphs and the eye says so too.
Of course that’s so and I agree with you with the information you provide: “Smith caught 23.2 innings / 2 runs allowed” also helped Scherzer by catching two runners at second base, but he conveniently omits it, nor does he say that Scherzer never he has won a game at Coors and gives a skewed interpretation of the numbers to support his idea, I don’t like it when people manipulate information to misrepresent the truth.
“I don’t like it when people manipulate information to misrepresent the truth.”
Me either. But I do it all the time so, who am I to judge?
Doing what he did, presenting that information smith Vs barnes, he could say that Buehler is the one who should open the WC game because in the last 7 IP he has 0R and Scherzer should not open the WC game because in the last 10 IP he has allowed 9 or 10 R and 18 or 20 H.
Not putting the full movie on is a way of manipulating truth and reality.
In June or July, I can’t remember the month, Scherzer lost a 7 or 8 R lead at San Diego, a relief pitcher in his first MLB AB hit him a Grand Slam, and no one blamed the Nats catcher, just one day failed you got it
Of course! Did Smith make him throw the ball down the middle of the plate last night? Has Barnes caught him in Colorado? I’m not lining up Barnes, Bellinger, and the pitcher up 7-9.
I think that when the Dodgers go deep into the playoffs this year (I promise that I won’t jinx it!), we’ll look at last night’s game as a turning point. We won’t be thinking about Mad Max’s second poor outing in a row, or about Lux running into a wall, etc. We’ll remember the 7th throufh 9th innings, when Mookie ignited a fire storm, Max Muncy came out of his slump, Pollack showed why we got him from Arizona (despite his tendency to get injured), Belli woke up from his long slumber, and Corey showed why he was the series MVP and the Dodgers should sign him to a long-term contract. And, oh, yes, we’ll remember that KJ has reanimated himself after 2 heart operations and Covid and seems miraculously to have regained his HOF form. This is all assuming that we get passed the WC game, of course!
Yeah, maybe. But I won’t quickly forget the man’s face versus wall match-up. That was a classic.
Any criticism of Lux is completely unwarranted and ridiculous. The kid busted his ass and his face and shoulder trying to make a really hard catch. It rattled around in his glove for a split second and he damn near caught it before he smashed into the wall. A fantastic effort for any centerfielder but especially someone new to the outfield. Anyone who thinks they could have ever done better, has delusions of adequacy.
Last night was the first time in years that I haven’t watched a game through its completion. It might be the next day on the DVR, but I watch all games until the end. But I was so pissed off last night after Graterol gave up 2 walks a double and single and again we had turned off the offensive spigot after the 2nd, as we’ve done too much lately. We let the Padres crawl into the lead. Scherzer was BP and we played like dog sh*t defensively. 6 1/2 innings of a lousy display of baseball for a team still trying to win the Division. I was discussed and pissed.
I went to bed.
I couldn’t believe it this morning. That will teach me a lesson I’ve professed for years. Never give up. I can’t wait to get my DVR fired up to watch the last innings.
All criticism is warranted. This is a baseball blog. Criticism is what we do here. We criticize umpires, we criticize stupid fans, we criticize our own manager, we criticize our team, we criticize opponents, we criticize each other, which brings me to your criticism of those criticizing. Well done.
I criticize criticizers!
As well you should.
It is critical that you do so.
A little off topic, but . . .
https://www.sportstalkatl.com/braves-travis-darnaud-credits-joc-pederson-for-turnaround/
Interesting. Thanks for that
Who knew. I always liked Joc. He looked like he was having fun all of the time. When he is going well, Mookie has that look too. Some guys, you wonder if they are enjoying themselves. I saw something I had not seen in a while last night. When Seager hit his 2 run shot in the 8th, he actually showed a lot of emotion. Corey usually does not do that, but as he rounded first he pointed at someone or something and he generally just goes around the bases. Cody’s smile when he crossed home plate after his homer was something I have been waiting to see for quite a while. He usually looks pretty happy during games, but that smile was worth a million words. I think Lux made a hell of an effort to catch that ball, and playing in only his 10th game as an outfielder and his 4th in center, he did a great job just getting to it. Not hanging on? I am not going to bash the guy for that. Bellinger probably would have made the play simply because he would not have had to have his glove in the same position as Lux did because he is a lefty. And Cody is pretty comfortable playing the position. Smith did a good job behind the plate last night. When is the last time a Dodger catcher threw out two would be base stealers. That being said, sometimes Will has a tough time getting on the same page as the pitchers. He does get shook off a lot. But when a pitcher is missing location as bad as Scherzer was last night, he is going to get hit and hit hard. It is not like the guy is invincible or something. He also was given the kiss of death when Neverett said he would win Cy Young # 4. That is a no no. Turner is pulling away in the batting race. Nice catch of Pollock’s first homer last night by the fan in the home run seats. Barehanded too.
Doc said it too pre-game. Bad look considering two other contenders on on the same team.
Funny that Joc should be the one to bring life into the Braves clubhouse when he’s probably the worst tv interview of all time. Just seems to hate those post game interviews, or at least he did when he was here.
That said, it may well be, as others here have said, that we miss Joc and Kike’s clubhouse presence more than we do their on field play this year.
We have the real pros (JT and Mookie). We have the father figure (Tio Alberto). We have the consummate hard working HOF pitchers whom the other pitchers look up to (Kershaw and Scherzer). What we don’t have is the upbeat guy/comedian to keep everyone loose. This team needs a cheerleader and maybe AF will think about that this off season as he adds a couple of guys to the end of the roster. I’m sure Mickey Hatcher would be willing to sign a contract if no one else is available.
I have a solution to that, add Mickey Hatcher to the full time coaching staff as an assistant to everybody. Mickey is just one of those guys.
Watching the game last night , as we lost a 5-1 lead to fall behind 9-5, I thought that not only would this loss certainly guarantee that we would not win the division, but that this simply did not look like a team which would go far in the playoffs, even though we have a great record. We just have never looked like a great team, the kind with the stamina and opportunistic quality to get through the grueling playoff series.
But then, after we came back and won in very dramatic fashion, I thought that this might be the something which brings the team together with the emotional spark that the GIants have seemed to have all year. Maybe that is an overreaction, it was one game, after all; and if we were down four runs to a playoff team, we would not see the passive reaction by the other team that the Padres had from the bench.
So one should never make too much out of one win or loss. But if one were going to, this would be the one. It has seemed to me that the Dodgers, while they certainly root for one another, do not play with much fire. Some of that may be that the manager, unlike the manager of the Giants, rarely plays hit and run, or uses the squeeze play (I saw Kapler do it twice in a couple of weeks), things that keep the players constantly alert, and with the attitude that any run you can get across can be very important, not something that we can just wait to hit few home runs to overcome.
You can’t really argue with 100-105 wins, except that if you want to win more than the one title in the shortened season, you have to grind out every win you can, using all your weapons, and you have to be resourceful, not all or nothing at the plate. We can hope for the Giants to lose two of the next four, while we win all four, and then to beat them in a one-game playoff. Or we can be the home team in the Wild Card game, and then have to win two road series, plus a road World Series. I would like to hope that the great win last night was something more than just an exciting game which people will remember. I don’t remember exactly what was our playoff result in the year the four plus one home run game against San Diego occurred, but I don’t think that we advanced too far, even with that thrilling comeback. Still, I have this hope that this was more than just one exciting win which will not change our playoff position. Even if it is not, it was still a very nice moment in the season.
If the Dodgers make it to the World Series, they will be the home team and host games 1-2 6-7. The team with the best record gets home field for the World Series. If they get the wild card and win the game, they then have a 5 game series with SF as the home team hosting 1-2 and 5. 3-4 would be in LA. Since the Dodgers are the # 2 seed, if they beat the Giants, they will also host the NLCS.
Are you sure about that Bear?
Yes. I am. For sure it is so for the series. Pretty sure it is the same for the NLCS>
My understanding was that Wild Card teams do not get home field advantage over Division winners.
I just don’t get how people say we don’t look like a great team. There’s only one freaking team with more wins and no one with such expensive injuries. You guys just make up stuff in your heads. Do you realize that we lost only two series in the last two month? That’s the exact same number of series the Giants lost the last two months. I think the short season last year spoiled everyone.
BTW – The Giants lost to the Padres three times this month. How many games have we lost to the Padres this month? Zero. As a matter of fact, we have an 8 game winning streak against them. If it weren’t for us, they would still be in the Wild Card hunt.
Preston Mattingly, former Dodger farm hand and DM’s son was named Director of Player Development by the Phillies. Manfred said that the leagues # 1 priority is avoiding a work stoppage. CBA expires Dec 1. The sides have begun talking, but there is a grievance on the table right now that has to be addressed first. MLB is seeking expanded playoffs, some rule changes and the universal DH in both leagues. Question for some of you. Noah Syndergaard is also a free agent this off season. Would AF be smart to consider kicking the tires on offering him a deal? Signing Scherzer to me is a no brainer.
Badger, you and I saw the video differently. I see as Lux jumps to catch the ball both feet are in the air. As he comes down with his right foot (I guess you call that his 1st step), his body turns to wall, and his second step has his left foot pinned against the base of the wall and he has no where to turn. If you slow it down and go frame by frame you can see it. He could not have avoided the wall. How many times has he experienced running full tilt to the wall to catch a fly ball? It was his 7th professional game as a CF and 2nd at Dodger Stadium. He has no idea how many warning track steps it takes running full tilt, and will not know until he plays the position for a while. IMO, last year’s NL GG CF, Trent Grisham, doesn’t get to the ball.
The ball hit off the palm of his glove, due to his inexperience in positioning, and he could not hold onto it. Did he misplay it? I say no, he just lacks experience in watching the ball go into the webbing of his glove. That will come.
I cannot dispute that Ken Griffey Jr, would have played the ball better. But he is a near unanimous 1st ballot HOF CF. I guess if you want to emulate a great defensive CF, Junior would be at the top of any list. But maybe we should give Lux a couple more games in CF before he can do his best Junior impression.
As far as Bo goes, he ran into NFL linebackers for a profession, and even by your metrics was a way below average defensive OF, who played all of 88 games as a CF.
As an aside, what 3 morons (and yes I mean morons) left Junior off their HOF ballots?
Video – https://www.mlb.com/dodgers/video/lux-exits-after-wall-collision?t=t119-default-vtp
Yeah, we see it differently alright.
The ball is gone and he knows it. If he had held on to the ball I am certain he would have protected the catch a whole lot differently than he did the drop.
And I watched the video several times before I came to that conclusion.
At full speed it was about one second between the ball touching the glove & his face hitting the wall ( maybe less than a second ). Not sure just WHEN you think he had time to come to all the “conclusions” you and other think he did. But I guess a super computer speed mind like yours does not take into account how us normal humans can react.
cheers
pb+
Think about what you just implied. If you were right, which obviously you are not, there would be no way a Major League hitter could hit a 90+ mph fastball with a two pound stick.
Prove it. You postulate much, that is merely guessing. If a batter is not ready for the pitch that is coming, they don’t usually hit sheeyit. You see guys standing there as both fastballs AND offspeeds go by when it is a completely different pitch than they are expecting. So batters have an idea of the pitch they are looking for and have planned in their mind how they are going to go about their AB. And even great hitters, hopefully knowing what is coming, hit balls about 1/4 of the time. Much less than that if you count swings and misses. PRETTY SURE, that a .250 fielding avg will get you to being a civilian & not a profession baseball player. Apples and oranges.
Keep trying though, you are on a roll with all the “non professional advice & expertise” today.
Thoroughly enjoyable.
cheers
pb+
A fastball takes .4 seconds to reach home plate after it leaves a pitcher’s hand, but a hitter needs a full . 25 seconds to see the ball and react.
According to you Lux had a full second to turn his body.
I went to bed at 9:30pm. Not because I thought the game was over at 9-5 (but I did think that), but because it was bed time. I got up at 11:30pm, saw the Mlb app alert that we won, watched the highlights and thought “damn.”. Then I got up at 1am, had coffee, and started working.
But before I slept for 90 min or so, I watched Gavin Lux go all out and try making a spectacular play for the team. Major props to him for playing hard, while learning a new position. I have zero criticism of him and what he attempted last night. Let’s hope he’s healthy, because he’s become a left handed Trae Turner at the plate.
I say it every day. We’re at 102 wins, so we’ve done NOTHING wrong. If the Giants won’t lose, then there’s nothing we can do but get ready for a 1 game season next Wednesday.
Also, not mentioned yet: Kenley had his A game stuff last night!
Agree. You can only be one pitch better than 10 pitches, 9 strikes to retire the side. I was talking to a customer in CO Springs today who is a lifelong fan who always says he is DONE with Kenley. I told him he may never “trust” Kenley again, but what I saw last night was a throwback to years gone by.
cheers
pb+
I agree and I still don’t trust him. But, they use Treinen in the highest leverage situations and it’s working right now. It’s up to Doc to pull his ass before he melts down completely. He has Kelly and Knebel and even Vesia to back him up.
That’s my one gripe with Doc last night. Brusdar should have been finished after the third batter. He should have had someone warming after the second hitter and a mound visit during the 3rd hitter to stall.
The comments today are very comical to say the least, some of the best I have read in a long time, keep them coming. I didn’t realize we are so blessed to have so many “Keyboard” Hall of Famers that post here all the time. Most of us have played this game at some point in our lives, whether that was in little league, High School, College, Semi Pro, Beer League Softball, etc. but to come here and post some of these comments about that Lux play is just mind boggling. Now I know why I and others quit posting comments here anymore. I’ll just stay on the sidelines and laugh at you all.
There are a lot of comments about Lux, which ones are “mind-boggling?”
Some have quit posting at our request!
https://www.mlb.com/news/remembering-when-minor-league-outfielder-rodney-mccray-ran-through-a-wall
That’s what a real crash looks like. The ball hit a brick in Lux’s glove as hard as Lux’s face hit the fence. Hope he’s ok, but, come on man.
Bo “Spiderman” Jackson ran up a wall.
Catch the ball first.
You think had he dropped the ball he would have done that? Not likely.
Gosh I miss seeing that dude play WHATEVER sport he was playing at the time. Talk about playing the game right.
Thanks!
All of the above can be true. Lux got an incredible jump. It was a difficult play. Lux dropped it before he hit the wall because he didn’t catch it in the pocket. He may or may not have dropped it after hitting the wall. The effort was excellent. Would Bellinger have caught it? I think so, but it doesn’t diminish Lux’s effort.
I agree the effort was there. Effort. Clank. Splat.
LOL! A loud splat. I hope he’s okay soon. It’s been nice to have a productive bat at the bottom of the order.
So much ink spilled on a play that half of the Center Fielders in baseball don’t get to. Just a guess, but I’m betting every single starting outfielder on all 30 teams have more experience than Lux playing outfield. Maybe just a handful of them make that play.
This is one of the stupidest conversations of the year.
If you have to post 30 comments backing up your position there’s an excellent chance you’re wrong.
Zeke
I agree, it is comical. A certain “defense is all that matters” poster thinks Lux sucks apparently because he didn’t catch the ball.
I stopped posting too. A rotten few apples can sure make someone stop participating.
I saw earlier that Eric replied to my post but now it’s gone? He didn’t call anyone out and I thought his post wasn’t offensive so why did an admin remove it? I don’t always agree with him but to censorship people is pretty arrogant and typical of what we see in today’s society. I thought we could post what we wanted, guess not? Someone disagrees with you and boom your cancelled. Oops did I get political, sheesh.
The Dodger who really deserves a major tip of the cap is Kenley Jansen. I was one of the crowd who’d seen enough of him. I suggested that he never pitch on back-to-back days and never more than 1 inning. The criticism at the time was justified. He had a brutal 2 weeks in late July. He had 5 appearances, gave up 13 hits, 6 walks, and 10 earned runs with 3 blown saves. He’d lost the closer job. He looked pretty much washed up and there was little reason to trust him in critical situations.
And then he started to make changes. To his credit, he apparently listened to what coaches thought he needed to do to regain the form that many, including me, had thought was likely gone forever.
Then he made changes, He adjusted. He scrapped total reliance on his cutter and added other pitches. He used a fastball with more velo. He broke out a nasty breaking ball and used it more. He changed speeds. These all made his cutter better and everything improved, but mostly his confidence.
Since August 6th KJ’s pitched 26.1 innings. All but 2, for only 1 inning (one was .1 inning and one 2 innings). He’s 3&0, with 15 saves with ZERO blown saves. He’s only given up 8 hits in that span, 2 earned runs, 34 K’s and 8 walks. His era is 0.68. That’s absolutely remarkable. We all know that our bullpen has saved our asses and KJ is has been the cherry on top. I no longer run for the tranquilizers when he comes into a game. What a reversal. He deserves a ton of credit for what he’s done.
Here’s hoping the same happens to Cody. He has obviously listened and maybe yesterday was the start of him coming around. Same type of “I am done w/Cody” came from many here. And KJ is getting towards the end of his career, Cody is in his prime.
Criticism of BOTH was warranted, the blood lust never was & rarely is.
cheers
pb+
I have voiced concerns about players often and was not a huge Jansen supporter when he went through that rough patch early in the season. But I have never quit believing in Bellinger. And I have felt from the get go that when he got healthy, and I mean really healthy, he would start to at least make solid contact. Now since he changed his stance just before he had his ribs cracked for him, I saw some improvement in the fact that he was not striking out so much. He struck out in his first at bat replacing Lux last night, but that was after sitting on the bench most of the game. The second time up, he chased one pitch he had no chance of hitting, but when the next one came in the zone, he did not miss it. And it was not one of his high fly ball homers, this shot was a liner. As much as I have liked Chris Taylor over the years, he has been painful to watch hit for over a month. He an Muncy have had an extended period since August of a lack of production. Both of them have increased K ratios and multi K games. Muncy has 118 Ks in 486 at bats. But Max walks a lot so his OBP is 368 and his OPS just a tick under .900. Taylor on the other hand has struck out 165 times in exactly 500 at bats, has walked 60 times. His OBP is .343 and his OPS is .785. Hardly a player worthy of a 4 year deal at about 60 million like some are projecting he will receive. AJ Pollock is going to fall just short of the plate appearances needed for his opt out clause to kick in. So next year he will be playing for a base salary of 10 million.
Since trading for Trea and Scherzer, the Dodgers are 40-13. Only 6 teams have had a 53 game stretch like that over the last decade.
The Dodgers have gained 1 game in that stretch.
Perspective! Nice add Bobby! I love when people backup their arguments with examples and facts.
Tonight’s Lineup:
RF Mookie Betts R
SS Corey Seager L
2B Trea Turner R
1B Max Muncy L
C Will Smith R
3B J. Turner R
LF AJ Pollock R
CF C. Bellinger L
P T. Gonsolin R
09/29/21 Los Angeles Dodgers sent LF Billy McKinney on a rehab assignment to Oklahoma City Dodgers.
The Dodgers and Cards will play at 5:10 pm PT at Chavez Ravine. It could potentially be up at Oracle Park, but this is assuming the standings remain exactly how they are.
Taylor substituted for Pollock batting 7th and playing LF
Great to see the Dodgers, and Gavin Lux, have a sense of humor
So great!
I was thinking the other day, that Lux was going to Wally Pip Bellinger. It would have been especially interesting knowing that Lux caused the injury to Belli in the first place, giving him the opportunity to steal his job. Now it looks like we could have a double Wally Pip situation with Bellinger holding onto it with a hitting / homer streak to end the season.
Let’s hope it plays out this way.
Wally Pipp on his best day was no Bellinger. And you should read The Iron Horse again. Pipp actually would replace Gehrig at first after he started his streak sometimes. Usually for defensive reasons. It took Gehrig a while to master the position
I should read The Iron Horse again just to nitpick the hell out of something that’s widely accepted? No thanks. Gehrig took Pipp’s job. If you want to think otherwise, that’s up to you.
When you apply an allusion, you are applying a current scenario to a reference to a past scenario. Of course the two things being compared aren’t going to be exactly the same. They couldn’t possibly be exactly the same.
BTW – You say Wally on his best day is no Belli. Well guess what? Wally on his worst day is no Belli, and we just lived through a year of Belli’s worst days.
I’m surprised you didn’t come up with something better. Like, Lux is no Gehrig. Now that’s not debatable.
This one for you Badger.
https://twitter.com/DodgersNation/status/1443721758524129289/photo/2
I agree with Will Smith. Funny. Good to see he’s got a sense of humor about it. Would have been a great play if he hadn’t clanked it.
Get one of those outlines for real and the homicide detective is on the case. In all honesty, I would have never even been within 50 feet of the ball. I would be on a respirator in a lounge chair back in center field. Kid did a great job just getting there. He did not make the catch. Stuff happens. It was one play in a game where there were some really bad plays on the infield. Him missing that ball meant nothing in the over all picture. Frank Thomas has purchased the Field of Dreams site.
The final word on Lux’s Leap. Thank You.
Did anyone else lose the Dodgers feed?
Nope. But it seems all of the ads have something to do with Atlanta. Weird.
AZ has left 9 on base now. I wish they had pinch hit for Bumgrabber in the 5th. They left a runner on 3rd then he went out and gave up the lead.
Make that 11 now. Home plate in AZ-Sf game is terrible.
Yes he is. And the home plate ump in the Dodger game has made some bad calls too. Especially the strike 3 call on Bellinger in his second at bat. Brian Gorman is retiring and tonight is his last regular season game. I would think he will be umpiring in the playoffs. Tatis crushed that pitch off of Gonsolin. I was at Dodger Stadium both times Stargell cleared the roof of the RF pavilion. First time off of Alan Foster and the second came off of Messersmith.
Headline: DODGERS SWEEP PITIFUL PADS- Padres Crawl Away Winless to SF
Giants win,nothing more to say
Giants win again with a walk of single in the 9th. 2 down with 3 to play. Cardinals have announced that Waino is going to pitch the wild card game. If Dodgers go to wild card game, I am starting Buehler. Then have Max open the NLDS after they beat Waino.
I’m throwing Scherzer. He mowed them down last time. I believe Goldy and maybe Arenado too have atrocious numbers against Scherzer.
You are probably right simply because that is the way they are lined up. I am not sure about Buehler’s numbers at SF though, I know how dominant he is at Dodger Stadium. I just checked the stats. Buehler is 7-1 against the Giants and 3-1 at Oracle Park.
Correction, Buehler is 6-1 at Oracle Park and has only allowed 2 HRs to the Giants. Scherzer is 4-5 against the Giants and has never pitched at Oracle Park.
We should have a new post up soon, but I’ll end my contribution on this one with what I just read in this morning’s Times:
Finish this sentence: The Dodgers will finish the season as …
Castillo: not World Series champions.
DiGiovanna: a $262-million team with a hefty luxury tax coming due and no World Series title to show for it.
Harris: champions of the National League — but not the World Series.
Shaikin: still waiting for their first parade since 1988.