Over the last few years, we Dodger fans have become accustomed to botched relief in post season appearances. Which is why I have included one of my favorite images of reliever Steve Howe and catcher Steve Yeager following the final out of the 1981 WS. I have been fascinated with relievers since my first Dodger hero, Larry Sherry. From Clem Labine, Ron Perranoski, Phil Regan, and Bob Miller to Eric…
Thank You To All The Readers of LA Dodgers Talk!
I mean that from the bottom of my heart! Even though the 2017 season ended bitterly, it was the most enjoyable seasons in the past 29 years. I said that the season would be considered a failure if the Dodgers didn’t win the World Series…. and I still feel that way. I think FAZ, Doc, the coaching staff and the players feel the same way. However, that doesn’t mean they…
2017-2018 Hot Stove
One of the positives about getting to the WS and extending it to 7 games, is that there is only 5 weeks before the Winter Meetings in Orlando. We are going to have to pack in a lot of thought and suggestions about the restructuring of a 104 win team into a WS champion. We are all so much smarter than Friedman and Zaidi sitting in front of a computer…
Just Wait Until Next Year…
I hate saying that! It was a bitter loss… one that I am not likely to get over… ever! Early in Game 7 I blamed Roberts for leaving Yu Momma in for more than 3 seconds, and maybe that had an effect on the Dodgers psyche, but when you only score 1 run and are 1-13 with RISP, you can’t win. End of story! Justin Turner hit .160 in the…
Carpe Diem!
This Has Been Best World Series Ever…. Especially After Tonight! Justin Verlander was tough, very tough – he pitched 6 innings of 3 hit ball while striking out 9 and walking zero. The three hits were timely and gave the Dodgers a lead that the bullpen would not relinquish! Morrow and Maeda were nails and Tony Watson held his own, but Kenley “Freaking” Jansen closed out the final six outs…
It’s Hard To Beat a Person Who Never Gives Up!
That quote is attributed to one George Herman Ruth and I wholeheartdly agree! In the 1928 World Series, he hit .625 against the Cardinals. I guess he was one “Hot Babe.” What does that have to do with tonight’s game? Absolutely nothing! I’m just trying to lighten up the mood here and keep The Truth Hurts from calling me a whiny bitch (which I think he did). A skeleton walks into…
When Your Best Is Not Good Enough
Last year, the Dodgers acquired Rich Hill and in the NLCS, it was all set for Kershaw to even the series and then Rich Hill could take the mound and do what the Dodgers acquired him for: win game seven. Unfortunately, Clayton Kershaw surrendered 5 runs on two homers and lost the game and the game and the series. Fast forward a little over a year later and Kershaw did…
Beyond the Statistics
Last night’s comeback victory was typical of how the Dodgers have came back to win all year, but this one was different in that Dave Roberts did not try and exploit the usual matchups. It was not an analytic driven win. As much as some may dislike, it was a win that was made on “gut feelings” as much as analytics. I thought Dave should have left Rich Hill in…
Quit Overthinking It!
From the time when Andrew Friedman and Farhan Zaidi (“FAZ”) came to the Dodgers, I was their biggest proponent. I have admired what they have started and accomplished, including the hiring of Dave Roberts whom I believe is one of the best managers in baseball. I was never the biggest proponent of analytics and sabermetrics but I grew to see the value of using it. However, the past two games…
Going Back to Houston…
Some of you oldtimers will remember this: They don’t make ’em like that anymore, but I digress. The Dodgers are in Houston – hopefully for a sweep, but I’ll take 2 out of 3 and close it in LA. Really, this has the look of a seven game series. Tonight is a very critical game. The winning team will have momentum and that is important. Tonight, Yu Darvish faces the…