For the first time since I've started writing at True Blue I was embarrased about what I wrote and deleted a story. I had written off the Dodgers chances to win the NLCS. The first paragraph started off fine but it went to hell in a hand basket after that.

To get you in the mood for tonight's game I suggest watching the video that Jon links to. Turn it up loud and let the sweet spell of Vinny take over.

I still have hope, I'll be at the game tonight and I don't expect to be using my seat. Tonight will be about thanking the Dodgers for a multitude of reasons.

Breaking the postseason blues by not only winning more then one postseason game but sweeping the highly regarded Cubs

Chad Billingsley putting up the best 22/23 year old seasons in LA Dodger history.

Manny Ramirez for showing us what  a big bat and big personality can do in this town.

Hiroki Kuroda for being a consistent pitcher in the regular season and a force in the postseason

Kuo coming back against the odds and slamming the door on the opposition time after time

James Loney delivering a grand slam that will be forever remembered in Dodger postseason lore

Blake DeWitt for his improbable play at 2nd base in Sept

Rafy Furcal working his butt off to make the postseason roster

Matt Kemp for his July in which he did show off all of his impressive talents

Joe Torre for remaining calm and finally putting out the best lineup possible 2/3 of the way into the season.

Andre Ethier for being our Paul O'Neil

Clayton Kershaw for the sure enjoyment of knowing what the future holds

Thank You and good luck

[Update]

If you wanted some good news headed into the game tonight check out these numbers that Eric Stephen dug up over at Dodger Thoughts:

32.   Eric Stephen

I don't know if this means anything, but I thought it was cool. Chad Billingsley has given up five or more earned runs in six regular season starts in his career. Here are the starts immediately following those bad outings:

7/2/06: 6 IP, 4 H, 4 R, 2 ER, 4/3 BB/K, loss (4th ML start)
7/28/06: 6 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 5/5 BB/K, win
7/1/07: 7 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 0/9 BB/K, win
4/30/08: 7 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 4/8 BB/K, win
7/13/08: 7 IP, 5 H, 0 R, 1/13 BB/K, win
9/23/08: 6 IP, 9 H, 1 R, 2/5 BB/K, win

Totals: 39 IP, 28 H, 7 R, 5 ER, 16/43 BB/K, 5-1, 1.15 ERA