Baseball Remains The Focus As NLCS Begins
by Eric Stephen on Oct 15, 2009 11:00 AM PDT
in Game Previews
111 comments
One of the beauties of baseball is the daily grind, the unending test of wills. Off days can be excruciating, as we wait for our beloved game to return. We don't want to hear about owners potentially getting divorced, we don't want to read a lazy column still clinging to a false premise. In short, we don't want to talk about baseball; we want to watch baseball.
Today, we get that chance.
Clayton Kershaw continues his ascension to the top of the heap, as he gets the Game 1 start. At 21 years, 209 days old, Kershaw is the second youngest Dodger to start a game one, trailing only Fernando Valenzuela, who was 20 years, 339 days old when he started Game 1 of the 1981 NLCS.
Cole Hamels, 2008 postseason hero for the Phillies, gets the start for the Phillies, looking to continue his dominance of the Dodgers. Including the playoffs, Hamels has made six career starts against the Dodgers, and I see a disturbing trend:
| Date | Result | IP | H | R | ER | BB | K | ERA | WHIP |
| 8/12/08 | LA 4-3 | 7.0 | 5 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 7 | 2.57 | 1.000 |
| 8/23/08 | Phi 9-2 | 7.0 | 5 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 5 | 2.57 | 0.714 |
| NLCS Gm 1 | Phi 3-2 | 7.0 | 6 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 8 | 2.57 | 1.129 |
| NLCS Gm 5 | Phi 5-1 |
7.0 | 5 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 5 | 1.29 | 1.129 |
| 5/14/09 | LA 5-3 | 7.0 | 7 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 9 | 1.29 | 1.129 |
| 6/4/09 | Phi 3-0 | 9.0 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 0.00 | 0.556 |
| Totals | Phi 4-2 | 44.0 | 33 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 39 | 1.64 | 0.932 |
Yikes. In each of his six starts against the Dodgers, Hamels has pitched at least seven innings, and has never given up more than two runs. The good news for the Dodgers is that: (a) they won two of those six games, and (b) they have Clayton Kershaw.
Kershaw has given up three runs in only three of his 17 home starts this season, allowing a total of just 22 runs. Kershaw put up a 1.89 ERA and a 2.69 FIP at Dodger Stadium in 2009 so far. In short, Game 1 figures to be a low scoring affair.
In roster news, the only change for the Dodgers from the NLDS to the NLCS is that Hiroki Kuroda is on the roster, replacing Jon Garland. Chad Billingsley has been moved to the bullpen. For the Phillies, Eric Bruntlett and Old Friend Chan Ho Park are replacing Brett Myers and Kyle Kendrick, according to David Murphy of the Philadelphia Daily News. Bruntlett (a Stanford alum) presumably was added to match the Dodgers' Brad Ausmus (Dartmouth) as the smart guy who can't hit.
[Update] - Scott Elbert made the NLCS roster over Jeff Weaver
Complete NLCS Roster:
| Pitchers (11) | Infielders (8) | Outfielders (4) | Catchers (2) |
| Chad Billingsley, RHP | Casey Blake | Matt Kemp | Russell Martin |
| Clayton Kershaw, LHP | Orlando Hudson (S) | Juan Pierre (L) | Brad Ausmus |
| George Sherrill, LHP | Mark Loretta | Andre Ethier (L) | |
| Hiroki Kuroda, RHP | James Loney (L) | Manny Ramirez | |
| Hong-Chih Kuo, LHP | Juan Castro | ||
| Jonathan Broxton, RHP | Ronnie Belliard | ||
| Ramon Troncoso, RHP | Rafael Furcal (S) | ||
| Randy Wolf, LHP | Jim Thome (L) | ||
| Ronald Belisario, RHP | |||
| Scott Elbert, LHP | |||
| Vicente Padilla, RHP |
Enough talk. It's time for baseball.
Game Time: 5:07pm
TV: TBS (Chip "Fisted" Caray, Ron Darling, Buck Martinez)
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Elbert made the roster over Weaver BTW
by Eric Stephen on Oct 15, 2009 11:04 AM PDT via mobile reply actions 0 recs
The Elbertiacs around here are going to be super stoked, but that decision surprised me. Not disappointed, just surprised.
Also, I admit that I checked out the “lazy cloumn still clinging to a false premise” today. The following quote from the article really struck me as ignorant:
The choice was Kershaw, because nobody on the staff throws more fearlessly to more sides of the plate.
Ummm…has anyone told Mr. Plaschke who the Dodgers’ game two starter will be this series? Here’s a hint for Bill… He’s a goddamned psycho who looks like LA’s most notorious serial killer from the 80’s!!!
2009-10 LA Kings Hockey: Where Smyt Happens!!
by DodgerBlueBalls on Oct 15, 2009 11:35 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I’m sure if Weaver wouldn’t have been sick, Elbert wouldn’t have replaced him.
by PHAT JULIO on Oct 15, 2009 11:45 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Ooops. I was unaware of the illness. Thanks Julio
2009-10 LA Kings Hockey: Where Smyt Happens!!
by DodgerBlueBalls on Oct 15, 2009 11:48 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
//takes a bow
2009-10 LA Kings Hockey: Where Smyt Happens!!
by DodgerBlueBalls on Oct 15, 2009 1:23 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Can I just say...
ESPN makes me puke. I am so tired of listening to these idiots, all of whom are from the Least Coast, say the Dodgers have no chance. In the past five minutes I have heard the following from this collection of morons (who by the way predicted the Cardinals sweeping the Dodgers in the NLDS across the board):
-Ethier wont even make contact with ONE of Hamels’ pitches.
-Kershaw is too young and will walk the first eight batters he faces.
-Charlie Manuel is a better manager than Joe Torre.
-Rafael Furcal isn’t even in the same league as Jimmy Rollins.
There’s more, but I’m rambling. This is just ridiculous. ESPN should send me a f&^%king check for my cable bill because of their shitty performance the way Oregon football coach Chip Kelly sent a check to that booster as a rebate for their shitty performance against Boise State. Sorry for venting. I’m getting my game face on.
-
by Wile E. on Oct 15, 2009 4:17 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
That’s not what Jamie McCourt’s lawyers will tell you…
2009-10 LA Kings Hockey: Where Smyt Happens!!
by DodgerBlueBalls on Oct 15, 2009 11:36 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
June 4, 2009
Ethier and Kemp were hitting in the 7th and 8th spot, respectively…
by PHAT JULIO on Oct 15, 2009 11:40 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Does that really mean anything?
If you are going down that route you will see that Kemp tore it up from the 7th/8th spot compared to the clean up spot.
by meercatjohn on Oct 15, 2009 11:46 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Manny wasn't even in there either.
And he’s our best hitter against Hamels
by PHAT JULIO on Oct 15, 2009 11:48 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
You are focusing on one game
I’d say after six games that Hamels has done great against us no matter the lineup. Hopefully none of that will mean anything today.
by meercatjohn on Oct 15, 2009 11:50 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Agreed
Manny + 1 Year older Bison + Loney after learning mind control powers on Star Wars Night + 2×2B + HomevsLeftie Ethier + Martin 2 walks + SuperFurcal = 6runs
by Dodger Dude on Oct 15, 2009 12:18 PM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
Hope you still think so
when he hits Howard with the bases loaded.
by meercatjohn on Oct 15, 2009 11:37 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Wow. I assume you would like to see this great prospect traded soon?
by silverwidow on Oct 15, 2009 11:41 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
No
I just have this vision of him failing in the NLCS in a key situation.
by meercatjohn on Oct 15, 2009 11:43 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I have visions of Elbert getting a K on Howard or Utley in a key situation.
by silverwidow on Oct 15, 2009 11:49 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I like your vision
better then mine.
by meercatjohn on Oct 15, 2009 11:51 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think he’s just trying to say that Elbert isn’t necessarily ready for Prime Time yet.
2009-10 LA Kings Hockey: Where Smyt Happens!!
by DodgerBlueBalls on Oct 15, 2009 11:49 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
14/3 K/BB ratio vs. LHP with a .222 BAA
I don’t see what the big deal is. You gotta take risks sometimes to succeed.
by silverwidow on Oct 15, 2009 11:51 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah, I trust the stuff of Elbert over the smoke and mirrors of Weaver. I don’t want to keep testing his bases loaded numbers.
by Eric Stephen on Oct 15, 2009 11:54 AM PDT via mobile up reply actions 0 recs
Not a big deal. I think Elbert is a keeper. I am just nervous about his moxy during League Championship Series Baseball. I think we all hope that Elbert justifies your admiration this series because it all benefits the Dodgers.
2009-10 LA Kings Hockey: Where Smyt Happens!!
by DodgerBlueBalls on Oct 15, 2009 11:55 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'm panicked
We’ve gotten a LOOGY at the expense of our only BLOOGY
by YRLBruin on Oct 15, 2009 11:39 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
I approve of this nickname
by Eric Stephen on Oct 15, 2009 11:49 AM PDT via mobile up reply actions 0 recs
Not today
Hamels is going down. The Phillis will get fisted. R. Darling played a fat dude in sallow hal. Garland and Dream Weaver should have made the rotation. The Thome aquisition has yet to pay off. The cash in will come with one swing. Martin will play like the allstar he is. The Bison will be in “Beast Mode”. Dre will be bangin’. The Predator will be in playoff mode. Dodgers win baby!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Oh I can’t wait, I’ve been jonesing for Dodgers baseball.
by Skunkburner on Oct 15, 2009 11:42 AM PDT via mobile reply actions 0 recs
Beautiful day to play baseball
Too bad we’ll be playing in it for a little more than an hour..
by PHAT JULIO on Oct 15, 2009 12:03 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
My buddy just showed me why opposing team’s fans shouldn’t sit in the top deck (or what looks to be the top deck) of Dodger Stadium in a close game during the post season. Ugh, wow.
by PHAT JULIO on Oct 15, 2009 12:17 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
That was kind of vague
Do you work for Channel 9, writing the promo’s to get people to tune into the news? Just enough to entice but not enough to inform.
by meercatjohn on Oct 15, 2009 12:23 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
DS is full of losers
You’ll never get me to defend Dodger fans at Dodger Stadium. That is why I was not a big fan of the Bluetopia DVD, they made all Dodger fans out to be fucking angels, while Dodger Stadium is where I’ve met more losers then any other place I’ve ever been. That was some pathetic work done by the usher and security.
by meercatjohn on Oct 15, 2009 1:07 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
is where I’ve met more losers then any other place I’ve ever been
And this is coming from someone who has probably been to more Clippers games than you can shake a stick at!!!
{Sorry, Phil. I couldn’t resist. The joke could also work for my beloved LA KIngs}
2009-10 LA Kings Hockey: Where Smyt Happens!!
by DodgerBlueBalls on Oct 15, 2009 1:28 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Ha
Seriously I’ve never seen bad behavior from one fan to another at Staples, very few drunks and the security moves quick.
by meercatjohn on Oct 15, 2009 1:38 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Blocked by my work firewall as “pornography”. I don’t doubt it was obscene in some sense.
by David Young on Oct 15, 2009 1:09 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Language, though I thought we might get a wet T-Shirt
shot for minute.
by meercatjohn on Oct 15, 2009 1:10 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Could be better than ESPN
when they go “see who won the game between the Indians and Red Sox up next” when they show the game winning hit by Sizemore as they are talking, lol.
by Ivdown on Oct 15, 2009 1:43 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
No
The usual beer shower and meltdown..
by PHAT JULIO on Oct 15, 2009 12:25 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Steve Mason of 710 ESPN apparently posted it up on his twitter.
by PHAT JULIO on Oct 15, 2009 12:27 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Red Sox outrighted Saito to AAA. They will decline his 2010 option, making him a FA.
How about a Dodger reunion?
by silverwidow on Oct 15, 2009 12:38 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
His FIP certainty jumped high this season with the Sox
by PHAT JULIO on Oct 15, 2009 12:40 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yes, but he’s better than Mota. I say why not?
by silverwidow on Oct 15, 2009 12:42 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I would sign him. You’re right, he is better than Mota. And watching him kill batters with his slider during his tenure with the Dodgers was great.
by PHAT JULIO on Oct 15, 2009 12:49 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
2010 Pen…
Broxton
Sherrill
Kuo
Saito
Belisario
Troncoso
Elbert/Lindblom
I mean, it’s just sick.
by silverwidow on Oct 15, 2009 12:52 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
It’s also time to put McDonald back in the starting rotation. In order for him to become a great MLB pitcher, he needs to use that changeup. Starting would force him to use it.
by silverwidow on Oct 15, 2009 12:55 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Seriously. When he used it against Arizona and SF in September, wow. Fantastic pitch. He needs to be consistent with it.
by PHAT JULIO on Oct 15, 2009 12:58 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Pitching in the AL East all year will do that to a FIP. Poor Sammy he was quite the relief stud but never got a great payday because he came over as a nobody.
by meercatjohn on Oct 15, 2009 12:42 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
ERRRRRRRRRRRR
There’s a strong chance game 3 wont be played on Sunday
by PHAT JULIO on Oct 15, 2009 12:46 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
That could mean Kersh in G4
He would then be available on 3 days rest for G7. Favors us.
by Dodger Dude on Oct 15, 2009 1:06 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
The only starting pitchers I want to see on three days rest are Phillies.
by David Young on Oct 15, 2009 1:07 PM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
Can’t see how pitching Kershaw on three days favors anybody in blue, now and the future.
by meercatjohn on Oct 15, 2009 1:09 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
favors them too
they can do the same with hamels plus when would wolf pitch??
by matthewmafa on Oct 15, 2009 1:08 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
On weather.com they forecast 40% chance of precipitation in Philly on Sunday
Showers possible. Highs in the upper 40s and lows in the low 40s.
by David Young on Oct 15, 2009 1:06 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
They will play in the rain
It would have to be some storm to cancel the game.
by meercatjohn on Oct 15, 2009 1:08 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Have you guys read on this Balloon incident
Apparently a man in Colorado used his 6 -year-old boy for his science experiment, which was putting him in a flying-saucer like balloon. The boy was seen climbing inside. When the balloon touched ground, there was no sign of the boy anywhere.
WTF
by PHAT JULIO on Oct 15, 2009 1:19 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Yeah, they named the kid Falcon
How could they not expect him to take to the skies.
Guess they should have named him Pancake with the way this is playing out.
WHAMMY!
by Champ Kind on Oct 15, 2009 1:40 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Balloon crashed without the boy inside. They thought he fell out and probably died. Turns out he never got in the balloon and was hiding in a box in the attic the whole time. Sounds like a prank between some young brothers got a little out of hand. Glad it all ended ok.
vr, Xei
by Xeifrank on Oct 15, 2009 3:32 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
i blame brett favre
Because when I think of Boris Diaw, I think of Beethoven and the age of Romanticism....
by shaqfor3 on Oct 15, 2009 4:25 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
So the numbers indicate the Dodgers...
I read this article on predicting the NLCS
It basically says the Dodgers should be the Phillies. Since this is based on numbers I am inclined to hold on to it a bit more than just any other quack. Now admittedly the dude using the equation doesn’t even understand the numbers or the logic behind it, he just accepts it cause it is from Bill James.
But still, it predicts a Dodger victory, gotta love that, right?
WHAMMY!
by Champ Kind on Oct 15, 2009 1:25 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
I'd consider getting to the series
very magical.
by meercatjohn on Oct 15, 2009 2:00 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Woody Paige just said Kershaw could be the best pitcher in the NLCS, color me surprised, lol.
by Ivdown on Oct 15, 2009 2:08 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Goddamn it.
That fucking retard picked Kershaw? We’re fucked.
by Seanny Rotten on Oct 15, 2009 3:31 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Didn't think this deserved it own thread or post...
however, if anyone wants to know a little about my brother, the Philly Inquirer did a decent piece on him today, due to the connections with the Phillies, Charlie Kerfeld and Larry Bowa.
http://www.philly.com/inquirer/sports/20091015_Dodgers__Sherrill_looks_back_at_his_long_rise.html
by elsid on Oct 15, 2009 2:30 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
George Sherrill is your brother?
by Ian Capilouto on Oct 15, 2009 3:15 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Huh,
I must have missed that conversation on TBLA. Anyway elsid, if you talk to your brother soon, tell him good luck and I am happy to have him on the team. I guess baseball players are human after all.
by Ian Capilouto on Oct 15, 2009 3:43 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Didn’t know that…so he’s elgeorge? Or elbrim?
by KellyStephen on Oct 15, 2009 4:11 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
You’re not the only guy around here with a famous brother. :)
by David Young on Oct 15, 2009 4:41 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Dodger Notes
HERE YOU GO, KID – At 21 years and 211 days old, Clayton Kershaw tonight becomes the youngest pitcher in Major League Baseball history to start Game One of a League Championship Series. He is the third-youngest pitcher to start a Game One of any postseason series, trailing St. Louis’ Rick Ankiel in the 2000 Division Series against Atlanta (21 years and 77 days old) and the Dodgers’ Fernando Valenzuela in the 1981 DS against Houston (20 years, 339 days old).
►Kershaw is also the fourth youngest pitcher to start any LCS game, trailing Kansas City ’s Bret Saberhagen in 1984 and 1985 and Atlanta ’s Steve Avery in 1991. Thanks Elias.
by meercatjohn on Oct 15, 2009 2:30 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
For the record
no one knows Fernando’s real age. I’d be willing to guess he was closer to 25 than 20.
by Seanny Rotten on Oct 15, 2009 3:33 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Does he look closer to 55 than 50 now?
I don’t think so. (He’ll be 49 in a couple weeks.)
by David Young on Oct 15, 2009 3:35 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
The Phillies offense gives me the willies.
Much deeper than the Cardinals.
Utley/Howard roughly = Pujols/Holliday, but
Werth/Ibanez/Victorino >> Ludwick/Rasmus/Schumaker.
by David Young on Oct 15, 2009 3:56 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Yeah, it’s quite a formidable lineup.
by Eric Stephen on Oct 15, 2009 3:59 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I was more fearful of St Louis, given our recent history with them. I guess our recent playoff history w/the Phils hasn’t been that great either.
Should be a good series…our pitching vs their hitting should be a good match. Our hitting should be more than enouth for their pitching, as long as we’re not talking our hitting that last roadtrip of the season. (Or did that just not really happen?)
by KellyStephen on Oct 15, 2009 4:13 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
You Already Know Who Else Has a Formidable Lineup
But we beat them with pitching. The guys have to go out and execute though.
by Dodger Dude on Oct 15, 2009 4:26 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
If we added Greg Miller for the NLCS as a LOOGY, then I’d be worried. Not with Elbert.
by silverwidow on Oct 15, 2009 4:13 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
MVP of NLCS?
Just because he could be the most consistent player, I would tend to pick Manny Ramirez.
However in Matt or Andre have a big series, watch out.
What do you think. Notice I am not picking the series as I am hesitant to predict anything.
by bhsportsguy on Oct 15, 2009 4:22 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Kershaw and his two wins will waltz away with the award
by Eric Stephen on Oct 15, 2009 4:29 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Well if Furcal and Dre Keep on hitting over 500
and re-enact their tag team come from behind victories, they will get my vote as coMVPs.
by Dodger Dude on Oct 15, 2009 4:30 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Mark Loretta for sure
Because when I think of Boris Diaw, I think of Beethoven and the age of Romanticism....
by shaqfor3 on Oct 15, 2009 4:34 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
matt kemp fists a ball into center field
back at the wall gone!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
dodgers are going to the world series!!!!!!
Because when I think of Boris Diaw, I think of Beethoven and the age of Romanticism....
by shaqfor3 on Oct 15, 2009 4:23 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
haha at this photo of Torre:
Because when I think of Boris Diaw, I think of Beethoven and the age of Romanticism....
by shaqfor3 on Oct 15, 2009 4:31 PM PDT reply actions 1 recs
The word he was about to say ends in “uck.”
by Eric Stephen on Oct 15, 2009 4:34 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
It is about time I get out of work and get home
you know that long commute I have :-)
because it is about
TIME FOR DODGER BASEBALL
Hope all who are at the game see a great Dodger win, and please post some pics when you get home.
by MammothDodger on Oct 15, 2009 4:44 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
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