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  2. This week:

    1. Got rid of 2019 F-150 Limited
    2. Got rid of 2024 Mustang Dark Horse
    3. Got a 2025 F-150 Platinum Hydrid

    Easy Peasy!

  3. Game one is huge, and I love Shohei on the bump in hostile territory and batting leadoff.
    It’s all just epic. The game will start with Shohei stepping up to plate against the opposing pitcher Sanchez, and then he’ll be toeing the rubber against Turner (batting champ), Schwarber (HR champ, edging Shohei) and Harper (two-time MVP.)
    Will playing the Wild Card help the Dodgers? On the one hand, the batters should be in competitive sync, while the practice days may mess up the Phillies. Who knows? On the other hand, the Dodgers lost the home-field advantage–and the Phils have the noisiest fans in the majors.
    While Dodger fans love to diss the Padres, let’s remember that last year the Pads proved to be the toughest test during the playoffs. This year, the Phillies should be the biggest test–with deadline acquisitions Jhoan Duran and Harrison Bader positioned to play important roles.
    Sure hope Will Smith is healthy enough to play. Rortvedt has far exceeded expectations, but the best Dodgers lineup has Smith batting cleanup.

    In non-Dodger news, I hope folks noticed that old friend Jack Flaherty, who wanted so much to stay with his hometown Dodgers, pitched the Tigers past the surprising Guardians to advance in the AL playoffs. The Dodgers are sooo deep that there was no place for a good pitcher like Flaherty, because only Cy-quality guys like Snell and potential superstars like Sasaki could really apply.
    All considered, I’ve been pretty happy with these playoffs. Happy that Detroit bounced back after their collapse, and happy for the Guardians’ glorious run. Happy that the Cubs, a worthy team, knocked off the dreaded Pads. Happy for the Reds making the playoffs and happy that Steve Cohen’s $$$ couldn’t buy the Mets a spot. Initially, I was rooting for the Red Sox against the Yankees–but in retrospect I’m happy that the Yankees, especially Judge, have a chance to redeem themselves after last year’s debacle.

    1. The Tigers need Jack Flaherty to pitch better in the playoffs than he did in the season… much better.

      He was 8-15 with a 4.64 ERA and a 1.280 WHIP.

      1. Yes, but Flaherty came through big time when it mattered most.
        Speaking of ex-Dodgers, I wonder if we’ll see Buehler soon….

  4. Skip Schumaker named the new manager of the Rangers. Mets cutting ties with 6 coaches. Kurt Suzuki has interviewed for the Giants managerial opening. Pujols considered to be the front runner for the Angel job. Ron Washington, who missed much of the season with a heart condition, blasted Angel ownership. Rene Cardenas, first Spanish language announcer for the Dodgers is a 2026 Ford Frick Award nominee.

  5. Manager Dave Roberts said Friday that Smith (hand) will be available to catch against Philadelphia during the NLDS, David Vassegh of AM 570 LA Sports reports.

    “Roberts didn’t say whether Smith will be behind the dish in Game 1 on Saturday, but the skipper’s comments are a good sign that the 30-year-old backstop is nearing his 2025 postseason debut. Smith’s .901 OPS in the regular season set a new personal best for a season in which he logged at least 400 plate appearances, so his return to the starting nine will provide a significant boost to a Dodgers squad looking to defend its 2024 World Series title”.

    1. Thanks, AVF. Hadn’t seen that report.
      Assuming full health, Smith is the Dodgers’ best option on both offense and defense. He was an All-Star who was contending for a batting title and posting a near-.400 OBP before he got hurt. And he’s done a great job cutting down would-be base stealers.
      Smith typically bats clean up, but sometimes 3rd or 5th–while Rortvedt bats 9th.

  6. Dodgers vs. Phillies NLDS start times and schedule
    Game 1: Saturday, Oct. 4, 3:08 or 3:38 p.m. PT, Citizens Bank Park (TBS/truTV/HBO Max)
    Game 2: Monday, Oct. 6, 3:08 p.m., Citizens Bank Park (TBS/truTV/HBO Max)
    Game 3: Wednesday, Oct. 8, 6:08 p.m., Dodger Stadium (TBS/truTV/HBO Max)
    Game 4*: Thursday, Oct. 9, 3:08 p.m. or 4:08 p.m., Dodger Stadium (TBS/truTV/HBO Max)
    Game 5*: Saturday, Oct. 11, 5:08 p.m., Citizens Bank Park (TBS/truTV/HBO Max)

  7. “So, the Dodgers starting rotation should look like this in the NLDS:

    Game 1: Shohei Ohtani
    Game 2: Blake Snell
    Game 3: Yoshinobu Yamamoto
    Game 4: Tyler Glasnow
    At this point, it’s too early to name a Game 5 starter, but it appears it would likely be Ohtani”.

  8. where is Gabe Kapler?? not advocating for him to get a job, just wondering. Pujols? curious candidate. might do a good job if he had the talent. of course Moreno won’t spend the money to make the Angels a serious contender! Texas probably hired the best available manager. Who cares who the giants hire! I’m very curious to see what direction the Braves go. ….. As for today, the dodgers need to find a way to get to Sanchez early. i’m afraid if they fall behind to the phillies it could get out of hand quickly. I’m hoping a great ohtani outing won’t be wasted by a poor bullpen performance! Doc won’t be out managed this series! game 1 winner wins the series. if it were 7 game series game one wouldn’t be as critical. Teo is the key to a dodger series win! With all those lefties, he should have a great series! GO DODGERS!

  11. Pretty thin RH relief corps. The lefties will have to bring it from the pen. I think Glasnow–by pre-arrangement–throws a couple innings tonight starting in the 6th. If he’s on, he xan finish it.

  12. DODGERS NLDS ROSTER
    Two-way player (1): Shohei Ohtani

    Starting pitchers (3): Blake Snell, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Tyler Glasnow

    Right-handed relievers (3): Emmet Sheehan, Blake Treinen, Roki Sasaki

    Left-handed relievers (5): Alex Vesia, Jack Dreyer, Tanner Scott, Anthony Banda, Clayton Kershaw

    Catchers (3): Will Smith, Ben Rortvedt, Dalton Rushing

    Infielders (4): Freddie Freeman, Mookie Betts, Max Muncy, Miguel Rojas

    Outfielders (4): Andy Pages, Teoscar Hernández, Alex Call, Justin Dean

    Infielder/outfielders (3): Tommy Edman, Kiké Hernández, Hyeseong Kim

  13. 6:38 PM ET

    Dodgers (93-69)
    Phillies (96-66)

    SP Shohei Ohtani R
    1-1 2.87 ERA
    SP C. Sanchez L
    13-5 2.50 ERA

    Confirmed Lineup
    DH S. Ohtani L
    SS Mookie Betts R
    RF T. Hernandez R
    1B F. Freeman L
    2B Tommy Edman S
    3B E. Hernandez R
    LF Alex Call R
    CF Andy Pages R
    C Ben Rortvedt L

    78° Wind 5 mph Out

  14. So I’m writing this in the 6th inning, with the Dodgers down 3-0….
    And here’s a question for Dave Roberts.
    If Will Smith is healthy enough to enter the game as a pinch-hitter for Rortvedt–and take over on defense–why wasn’t he in the starting lineup against the tough lefty Sanchez?
    Smith was the Dodgers’ clean up hiiter against lefties. Rortvedt, bless him, bats 8th or 9th.
    Why didn’t Roberts have his the best possible lineup on the field from the start?

    1. So Smith has said his hand is ‘close to 100%’ Translation maybe its 50%. And if they are desperate maybe he can try to hit

    2. Duke,

      Because he is the manager and you are not!

      That is one of the stupidist questions I have ever heard… but I am not surprised!

      1. A Moron, you mean…
        What is stupid about asking why All-Star Will Smith, obviously healthy enough to play, isn’t in the starting lineup? What is Roberts’ rationale? Seems like reasonable questions to me.
        The answers here: “He’s the manager and you’re not!” (And I am not surprised.)
        “Best to shut up and cheer!”
        Touchy, touchy!
        Oh, I was cheering.
        Hey, do you think Roberts will be asked about his catching decision in the post-game?
        And how about this question: Who will start at catcher in the next game?
        Or perhaps that seems impertinent to you guys. How dare the manager be questioned!
        Perhaps it was Roberts’ mad genius to have Teo in a position for an (alleged) defensive lapse because he knew it would inspire Teo to seek redemption with his bat.
        When I saw the replay, I could see why one scribe described Teo as “lackadaisical,” because he was slowing down as he approached the ball. But upon looking at the replay, Realmuto absolutely smoked that liner so I’ll forgive Teo and Pages for minor misjudgements and not keeping it from reaching the wall.
        Anyway, it was crucial and fairlydramatic win to steal homefield advantage. Kike does his Mr. October thing, and Shohei’s strong start is followed by three zeros from the newly fortified bullpen. Kudos to Vesia for his bases-loaded derring-do.
        Hey Coach, are you thinking about using Sasaki as a closer again?
        What’s that? You say it’s that none of our business?
        Well…. excuuuuuuse me!
        In other news, ex-Dodger Zach McKinstry came up clutch for the Tigers.

  16. Cred to Dodgerdad who predicted Teo to be the key. Some guys just respond to pressure (Teo, Kiki)

    1. When I answered , I meant to add. Let me say it before Mark, ” Roberts knows the situation better than you. But I didn’t want to usurp Marks response.

      1. What is the situation?
        I trust that Roberts will be asked that question and I hope he has a good answer.
        Pretty important game, no?
        Why start Rortvedt if Will Smith is good to go? Why change catchers in midstream?
        It all worked out, of course. But I think the Dodgers should be past the “slow-play” strategy we’ve seen during the season.

        1. The answer is that he is not ‘good to go’. Otherwise there would not be 3 catchers on the roster. But maybe his right handed bat can be used now and then. Smith has already said that. Why do you keep questioning something that has already been answered? Same answer as why hasn’t Edman playing CF.

          1. Because he played ball a million years ago and thinks he’s the smartest mo!!n in the room.

    1. With Glasnow and Sasaki added to it, yes, the bullpen looks much improved.
      Anybody eager to see what Tanner Scott will do with the game on the line?

  19. It is not Teo Hernandez , its is “Tio” (uncle) Oscar Hernandez!!! Tio Ocar Hernandez!!! Go blue!!!

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