A New Experience
by Andrew on Oct 2, 2008 9:34 AM PDT
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The last time the Dodgers had a lead in a playoff series, I was four, and I don't think I realized that players took their swings at home plate. 16 years later, I finally learned what a playoff win was like, but after that high died down I was left with the idea of Odalis Perez and Jeff Weaver shutting down one of the best offenses in recent memory to take the series. For the first time, I actually have hope in October, and I like it.
Tonight we send our ace against Carlos Zambrano who is getting by on name recognition at this point. His peripheral stats are like Jeff Weaver's in 2004, just with less control, would you be scared about facing Jeff Weaver? While his no hitter in early September got a ton of publicity, it hid the fact that over the last two months, the guy had two good starts, leading to a 7.28 ERA since August. Despite what the mainstream impression is, the Dodgers have a huge advantage on the mound tonight. We are the favorites in a game that could have us coming home with a 2-0 lead. How's that for hope?
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I'm too nervous about the jinx to
predict anything… Who knows what we’ll get from Big Z. I am totally fine, however, with Chad Billingsley flying under the radar. There’s less pressure on him today and I just hope His Royal Thighness doesn’t let nerves get to him in the early going. If he can pitch as he’s capable of he could silent Wrigley once again, especially if Zambrano loses it. A very unpredictable game tonight, the Cubs absolutely have to have it and yet if they look past their opposing pitcher they could be in trouble.
Let’s see how our “thin” line-up does outside of Manny tonight.
I’d like to see Furcal start things off as he’s capable of.
An optimistic Andrew
is also a new experience. I truly do not understand holding Harden back until game 3. Based on the performances, I would have expected Zambrano to be pitching game 4 not game 2.
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
I agree. Harden’s got the best chance to beat Billingsley. But maybe they were willing to give this matchup away in order to ensure that they beat Kuroda (because Z might’ve lost to him, too).
Dodger Fever: Catch it every summer; head to the ER every October.
by Tango and Cash on Oct 2, 2008 4:17 PM PDT up reply actions
Andrew...
I’m shocked to find out you’re only 24!
I was eight years old in 1988; young enough to believe that EVERY year was supposed to be magical. Last night was twenty years in the making for me. Having actual hope — not just optimism — for my beloved Dodgers is a foreign and welcome feeling.
Do not be fooled
Billingsley is a good match for a healthy Zambrano (but this is a Zambrano who missed time in September for shoulder tendonitis).
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