True Blue LA: An SB Nation Community

Navigation: Jump to content areas:


Sports blogs for fans, by fans.
Around SBN: Tobias Harris signs with Tennessee

Dodgers Take Show On The Road For Game 3

"Their name:  The Aristocrats!"

More photos » by Matt Slocum - AP

"Their name: The Aristocrats!"

After splitting two games at Dodger Stadium, the Dodgers and Phillies resume the NLCS tonight in the city of brotherly love tonight for Game 3.

Hiroki Kuroda makes his return from a bulging disk in his neck (try saying that three times fast -- it's hard; just ask Steve Levy), pitching against a team he has had great success against.  Kuroda has allowed four runs in four career starts against the Phillies:

Date Result IP H R ER BB K ERA WHIP
8/14/08 LA 3-1 7.0 2 1 1 0 7 1.29 0.286
8/24/08 Phi 5-2 6.0 2 1 1 2 5 1.50 0.667
NLCS Gm 3 LA 7-2 6.0 5 2 2 1 3 3.00 1.000
6/6/09   LA 3-2 6.0 2 0 0 3 5 0.00 0.833
Totals LA 3-1 25.0 11 4 4 6 20 1.44 0.680

Then again, Kuroda hasn't pitched since September 28.  The long layoff seemed to work for Pedro Martinez though.  If Kuroda is to win Game 3 of the NLCS for the second year in a row, he will rely on his great control, among other things.  Kuroda on the season walked just 1.84 batters per nine innings, 10th best in MLB for pitchers with 100 innings or more.  However, Cliff Lee was fourth on that list, walking 1.67 per nine.

Lee, acquired at the trade deadline by the Phillies, has been wonderful since joining the National League (and he was no slouch in the American League, either).  In 96 innings as a Phillie, including the playoffs, Lee has a 3.00 ERA, a 2.75 FIP, has walked 1.22 batters per nine innings, and struck out 7.88 per nine.  In six starts at Citizens Bank Park, Lee has allowed zero or one run four times.

For those worried about Chad Billingsley's future prospects, look no further than Cliff Lee.  As Canuck Dodger has pointed out, Lee was sent to the minors at age 28 in 2007, and was left off the Indians' postseason roster that year.  All he proceeded to do was win the AL Cy Young award in 2008, and had another stellar season this year.  That said, it wouldn't bother me if Lee had some trouble in the sixth inning tonight.

Andre Ethier, who is hitting .450/.522/1.000 this postseason, has an RBI in four straight postseason games.  Only Manny Ramirez, who had a run batted in every game in last year's NLCS, has had a longer streak in Dodger playoff history.  Bill Russell also had a streak of four straight playoff games with an RBI, in 1981.

From the useless trivia department, the Dodgers have lost their last four NLCS games three on the road (1981, 1983, 1985, and 1988).  Their only such win was in Game 3 of the 1977 NLCS in Philadelphia -- the Vic Davalillo / Davey Lopes game, when the Dodgers scored three in the ninth to win 6-5.

Dodger assistant general manager Kim Ng interviewed yesterday with the Padres for their vacant general manager position.

**********

Check out Xeifrank's simulation of today's game here.

Game Time:  5:07pm

TV: TBS (Chip Caray, Ron Darling, Buck Martinez)

Baseball Reference Game Three Preview



0 recs  |  Comment 130 comments |

Story-email Email Printer Print

Comments

Display:

42 Degrees and Rain

at game time.

Weather link

Tell me again why the W.S. will extend into November again? Oh ya, money. To hell with the integrity of the game. Atleast it’s not the BCS.

vr, Xei

by Xeifrank on Oct 18, 2009 11:02 AM PDT reply actions   0 recs

Not much rain

It says mostly cloudy from 8-10 and then “light drizzle”.

Good enough for me.

by PHAT JULIO on Oct 18, 2009 2:14 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

I’ll be around a little more (I think) during the game thread today, but I have scheduled new game threads to publish on the hour again (6pm, 7pm, and 8pm).

by Eric Stephen on Oct 18, 2009 11:05 AM PDT reply actions   0 recs

That’s so cool that you can automate the new game threads. Usually it takes people 10 or 15 minutes to realize the new thread is up. Perhaps you could auto pump a few jigi watts of electricity into everyone’s chair when the new threads are up. :)
Go Dodgers!
vr, Xei

by Xeifrank on Oct 18, 2009 11:08 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

I would’ve posted reminders in the comments on the hour Friday but I was having a hard time getting consistent internet access on my phone. Tonight I’ll be able to check from the comfort of a home internet access :)

by Eric Stephen on Oct 18, 2009 11:11 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

I do not like the idea of a cold sloppy game in Philly

but maybe that improves our chances with Cliff battling the Elements

William Doolittle at your service, a.k.a. will do.

by Ollie on Oct 18, 2009 11:47 AM PDT reply actions   0 recs

some numbers to consider again
vs Cliff Lee

manny : .429/.571/1.071 6 for 14 6 RBIs, 2 HR, 6 BB, 3K

odog: .400/.500/1.400 2 for 5 RBI, HR, BB, K
          
furcal: .667/.667/1.667 2 for 3 RBI, HR

Because when I think of Boris Diaw, I think of Beethoven and the age of Romanticism....

by shaqfor3 on Oct 18, 2009 11:47 AM PDT reply actions   0 recs

lol

William Doolittle at your service, a.k.a. will do.

by Ollie on Oct 18, 2009 1:00 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

can’t say that I didn’t see this coming :D

by K3vo on Oct 18, 2009 1:02 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Lets smash these fools tonight!!

Hopefully Kuroda’s arm is nice and fresh for tonight. I wouldnt be surprised if he hits 97 on the gun hehe.

by desecrator09 on Oct 18, 2009 11:51 AM PDT reply actions   0 recs

Hiroki Kuroda vs Phillies Offense

Rollins 0 for 6 1 K

Victorino 0 for 5 0 Ks 1 Walk

Utley 2 for 7 1 double 2 walks 1 K

Howard 0 for 8 4 Ks

Werth 2 for 7 1 Double 4 Ks

Ibanez 0 for 2 1 K

Feliz 1 for 2 0 XBH 0 Ks

Ruiz: 1 for 4 0 XBH 0 Ks

The only real problem in this lineup is Utley for Kuroda

I cant WAIT!!!!!!

by matthewmafa on Oct 18, 2009 11:55 AM PDT reply actions   0 recs

Also

Post season stats from last year are not included

by matthewmafa on Oct 18, 2009 11:56 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

brilliant

Because when I think of Boris Diaw, I think of Beethoven and the age of Romanticism....

by shaqfor3 on Oct 18, 2009 12:34 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Game 3 Dodgers lineup
He left Rafael Furcal first and Russell Martin eighth, but moved everybody else around. Ronnie Belliard moved from seventh to second; Andre Ethier, Manny Ramirez and Matt Kemp moved down one slot each from second, third and fourth to third, fourth and fifth; and he moved James Loney ahead of Casey Blake, the pair now sixth and seventh.

http://kengurnick.mlblogs.com/archives/2009/10/torre_shuffles_batting_order.html

So its’
Furcal
Belliard
Ethier
Manny
Kemp
Loney
Blake
Martin
Pitcher

by Tripon on Oct 18, 2009 1:25 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

nothing at all really

just alot of “you know uh, you know duh-duh doobie, he a good pitchin coach he uh communicate good”

William Doolittle at your service, a.k.a. will do.

by Ollie on Oct 18, 2009 1:39 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Stupid computer

NO, BRAD LIDGE HAS NOT RETURNED TO FORM!!!! I DON'T KNOW HOW THE HELL YOU CAN DEDUCE THAT BASED ON TWO OUTINGS!!!!

by Mr. LA Sports Fan on Oct 18, 2009 2:22 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Iowa above USC

is pretty funny.

Surprised Florida is ahead of Alabama…

by mwhite06 on Oct 18, 2009 2:27 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Boise St. and number 4

If that doesn’t strike a nerve, I don’t know what does.

by PHAT JULIO on Oct 18, 2009 2:32 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

That doesn't really strike a nerve with me

having attended a mid-major school (for basketball; no football program) I’ve always had a soft spot for mid-major schools.

But once you start having the mid-majors playing in the Rose Bowl (starting in a few years I think) I’m going to be more pissed off about it.

by mwhite06 on Oct 18, 2009 2:36 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

I like Rutgers actually.

But the Big East picked the wrong teams to join its conference when the ACC poached the 4 most traditionally powered teams.

by Tripon on Oct 18, 2009 3:23 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

agreed

Rutgers is gonna make the jump to the Big 10 in the next 5 years…rumblings are already starting here

VT, BC and the U all left and left the football conference crippled. Although all take this basketball conference over any other every year

by Rutgers Dodger fan on Oct 18, 2009 3:26 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

but the BE will be down this year

Pitt, Uconn, Lville all lost too much

by Rutgers Dodger fan on Oct 18, 2009 3:28 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Don't see Rutgers jumping to the Big Ten

the Big Ten want’s a 12th team but their preference is a big 1) Notre Dame and after that Syracuse. Rutgers is not natural rivals with any other team in the Big Ten and the conference still fancies themselves as a midwest conference (Penn State’s addition notwithstanding.)

by mwhite06 on Oct 18, 2009 3:43 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

ND gets too much freedom/money to leave the independent status

THe Big 10 does do the midwest thing but rumors are they want to get into the NY market. Cuse makes sense but people question whether they will leave bc BE basketball> B10 bball…

In my opinion, RU goin to the Big 10 would be a mistake on RUs part. To spend the money to travel all of the non revenue sports to the midwest every week would not cover the extra money from fball/bball

Also, if RU cant be successful in the BE against the Pitts and Cincis of the world, how the hell are we gonna compete with OSU, PSU and Mich

by Rutgers Dodger fan on Oct 18, 2009 3:48 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Agree about ND

but the Big Ten keeps their finger’s crossed. Because once they admit Syracuse or Rutgers, it’s over. Their ND dreams are over.

by mwhite06 on Oct 18, 2009 3:50 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

They picked teams for basketball purposes

not football. What teams would you have suggested joining the Big East?

I think Cincy is solid. UConn and USF are not bad. Cincy beat OSU in Corvallis (ask USC fans if that is an accomplishment.)

by mwhite06 on Oct 18, 2009 3:32 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Well, they didn't need to expand to 12 football teams.

I would have gotten small and just pick the better football programs at the time, like Louisville, and play a round robin schedule like the Pac-10 does.

by Tripon on Oct 18, 2009 3:35 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

yes 8

if we still consider Louisville and Syracuse as football teams haha

by Rutgers Dodger fan on Oct 18, 2009 3:38 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

oh well then!

I don’t know why Miami or VaTech didn’t stay then.

by Tripon on Oct 18, 2009 3:38 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Miami and Virginia Tech made sense (IMO)

both in-state rivals (Florida State and Virginia) are in the ACC and the ACC is the better football conference anyway.

Boston College made no sense to me.

by mwhite06 on Oct 18, 2009 3:40 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

I feel like all the Northeast conferences should be re done

like how is Pitt in the BE and PSU in the Big 10…then you look at USF and there is no reason for them to be in the BE and not the SEC or ACC…

by Rutgers Dodger fan on Oct 18, 2009 3:43 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

SEC won't take another team ever

they are the old guard and I doubt they even like that they admitted South Carolina and Arkansas. If anything, Georgia Tech would re-join the SEC, but that’s it (IMO.)

Bring back the Southwest Conference!!

by mwhite06 on Oct 18, 2009 3:45 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

exactly

The BE commish is a Providence guy and Prov does not have a football team so all he did was push basketball.

Cinci is legit. I saw them first hand stomp the crap outta RU (granted we are not that good this year).

USF is decent but every year they fall off the mark (I see no reason they wont this year). UConn is decent, shame about their corner. Pitt is the most talented team in the conf but they ahve terrible coaching

by Rutgers Dodger fan on Oct 18, 2009 3:35 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Iowa over USC? USC 7th while it’s 4th in the other polls? What a load of crap.

by Ivdown on Oct 18, 2009 2:47 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

I can understand that

Boise at 4 I can’t. But If Cincy,Iowa, and USC win all their games, they can easily jump over Boise because of the strength of their schedules.

by PHAT JULIO on Oct 18, 2009 2:53 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

But with that...

What exactly is Boise supposed to do? It’s not like they can join the Pac-10. You can only beat the teams on your schedule.

by mwhite06 on Oct 18, 2009 2:58 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Which is why the BCS is crap

Look what happen to Utah last year… Boise would probably play in the Tostito’s bowl this year.

by PHAT JULIO on Oct 18, 2009 3:03 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

I don't follow

so now the BCS is crap because Utah got screwed last year, yet you are complaining at how high Boise State is ranked?

by mwhite06 on Oct 18, 2009 3:08 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

eh?

Boise St.‘s schedule isn’t as tough as Cincy’s or Iowa’s, out of those 3 undefeated teams, I would say Iowa is first, Cincy second, and Boise third, I’m complaining that Boise is ranked that high. For the Utah point, Utah was the only other team that was undefeated last year and they had a fair argument that they should have played in national championship game. Utah’s conference, MWC, is much better than boise st.’s conference, which is the WAC.

by PHAT JULIO on Oct 18, 2009 3:21 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

I ask again

what exactly is Boise State supposed to do?

by mwhite06 on Oct 18, 2009 3:29 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

I cant knock Boise, they are trying to have outta conference schedule but NOONE wants to travel to Boise and play on the turf. They are too good of a program to accept only road games with high majors.

Oregon agreed to play on the turf and we all saw how well that went for them

by Rutgers Dodger fan on Oct 18, 2009 3:32 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Boise St. would dominate the Big 10. :)

But the Big 10 is still hoping ND will join.

by Tripon on Oct 18, 2009 3:45 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Until ND joins a conference

I will never take them as a serious competitor. Until then, their fans can enjoy beating Navy.

NO, BRAD LIDGE HAS NOT RETURNED TO FORM!!!! I DON'T KNOW HOW THE HELL YOU CAN DEDUCE THAT BASED ON TWO OUTINGS!!!!

by Mr. LA Sports Fan on Oct 18, 2009 3:46 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Big Ten has a rule

that the school’s state has to border a current Big Ten school.

Therefore the addition of Penn State was huge as it allowed for the Big Ten to include Syracuse or Rutgers in the future.

Boise State, no.

by mwhite06 on Oct 18, 2009 3:46 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Also

The Pac-10 is the 4th best conference, well, the computers think so..

by PHAT JULIO on Oct 18, 2009 2:54 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

FoxSportsWest “Dodgers Live” delivers pre AND post-game coverage surrounding today’s Dodgers @ Phils gm. Tune-in 2 PRIME HD at 4:30PM! @DodgertownUSA @MLB

by Tripon on Oct 18, 2009 2:19 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

Belliard in the two hole

Can’t really recall a situation with the Dodgers where a regular player who was having a good year was replaced by a waiver wire pickup not only in Sept but in the playoffs. Andre in 2006 might qualify but he was just a kid so replacing him with Marlon didn’t seem so strange at the time considering what Marlon did in Sept. Still for someone of Hudson’s pedigree this is quite amazing.

by meercatjohn on Oct 18, 2009 2:47 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

It has to be the wrist.

I wouldn’t be surprised if Hudson’s going to get another surgery on it in the offseason.

by Tripon on Oct 18, 2009 3:22 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

several times

he looked like he was in pain with the wrist.

by LA Taco on Oct 18, 2009 3:39 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Well lets kick some philly ass tonight boys

by peteyweestro on Oct 18, 2009 3:03 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

NFL

Patriots are demoralizing the Titans. Holy crap.

by PHAT JULIO on Oct 18, 2009 3:23 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

They'll have to fight the Rams to get it

NO, BRAD LIDGE HAS NOT RETURNED TO FORM!!!! I DON'T KNOW HOW THE HELL YOU CAN DEDUCE THAT BASED ON TWO OUTINGS!!!!

by Mr. LA Sports Fan on Oct 18, 2009 3:36 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Almost just picked again

NO, BRAD LIDGE HAS NOT RETURNED TO FORM!!!! I DON'T KNOW HOW THE HELL YOU CAN DEDUCE THAT BASED ON TWO OUTINGS!!!!

by Mr. LA Sports Fan on Oct 18, 2009 3:57 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

LOL

Bills are so stupid. How many penalties is that now??

by desecrator09 on Oct 18, 2009 3:58 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Hello

I’m just stopping by to wish you guys good luck tonight. I won’t be here for the start of the game but hopefully I’ll be able to join you guys later. Go Dodgers!

by SabreRoseTiger on Oct 18, 2009 3:53 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

Why? Because they’re tied against Buffalo at home? Last time I checked they’re in first place in the AFC east.

by PHAT JULIO on Oct 18, 2009 4:00 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

and because they're QB is a rookie

hes talented as hell dont get me wrong but hes gonna be very unpredictable as you’ve seen this game

by desecrator09 on Oct 18, 2009 4:03 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Cuz you're a fortune teller, ok.

You probably thought Arizona was going to lose in the first round last year, too.

by PHAT JULIO on Oct 18, 2009 4:04 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

its just my gut feeling man

lol im saying for sure its gonna happen. Chill out

by desecrator09 on Oct 18, 2009 4:12 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

They're tied with Pats

and at this rate, they might fall behind.

NO, BRAD LIDGE HAS NOT RETURNED TO FORM!!!! I DON'T KNOW HOW THE HELL YOU CAN DEDUCE THAT BASED ON TWO OUTINGS!!!!

by Mr. LA Sports Fan on Oct 18, 2009 4:04 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Saints look unstoppable

NO, BRAD LIDGE HAS NOT RETURNED TO FORM!!!! I DON'T KNOW HOW THE HELL YOU CAN DEDUCE THAT BASED ON TWO OUTINGS!!!!

by Mr. LA Sports Fan on Oct 18, 2009 4:00 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

yup

they’re D is underrated too

by desecrator09 on Oct 18, 2009 4:01 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

i like the Vikes too

there front four on D are unbelievable

by Rutgers Dodger fan on Oct 18, 2009 4:05 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Vikings look good

And Favre has been great

NO, BRAD LIDGE HAS NOT RETURNED TO FORM!!!! I DON'T KNOW HOW THE HELL YOU CAN DEDUCE THAT BASED ON TWO OUTINGS!!!!

by Mr. LA Sports Fan on Oct 18, 2009 4:06 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

The Raiders will not go 1-15 this year.

Even when they suck, they can’t suck right.

by Tripon on Oct 18, 2009 4:17 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

them winning this game

makes me hate them even more for that exact same reason lol. Last yrs Lions were one of my all time favorite teams

by desecrator09 on Oct 18, 2009 4:19 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Final Odds

Vegas +165/-157 or 61.69% (PHI)
Sim with real lineups: 58.66% (PHI)

Go Dodgers!
vr, Xei

by Xeifrank on Oct 18, 2009 4:17 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

Raiders beat Eagles

Only Part 1 of California defeating Philadelphia today

Hiroki Kuroda does not care about your head.

by Mr. LA Sports Fan on Oct 18, 2009 4:18 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

wow

Jamarcus Russell actually having a QB rating over 60.

by PHAT JULIO on Oct 18, 2009 4:30 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

dont hate on Jamarcus bro

hes gonna be a stud. You quote that too.

by desecrator09 on Oct 18, 2009 4:32 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

He's running out of time

Hiroki Kuroda does not care about your head.

by Mr. LA Sports Fan on Oct 18, 2009 4:37 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

MLB Network showing Dodgers hitters in the cage before the game. Casey Blake just finished laying down a few bunts. Hopefully not a sign of things to come. :)
vr, Xei

by Xeifrank on Oct 18, 2009 4:19 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

a TampaBay Ray fan from florida here. wishing you luck tonight and for the rest of the series.

we aren’t too fond of kevin kennedy down here, but good luck tonight I hope you go on to win the WS

by gjsor on Oct 18, 2009 4:47 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Kevin Kennedy used to do the pregame and post game show for the Dodgers until Big FOX got fired him.

And a lot of Dodgers fans were rooting for the Rays due to the former Dodgers connection on the Rays team last year. (Edwin Jackson, Navarro, etc.)

by Tripon on Oct 18, 2009 4:50 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Don't forget

We also hate Philly

Hiroki Kuroda does not care about your head.

by Mr. LA Sports Fan on Oct 18, 2009 4:53 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

will we be able to pick up the kcal feed over the internet tonight?

i heard something like they were taking extra measures to make sure it is synced, but i dont know if we can get it through kabc.com

William Doolittle at your service, a.k.a. will do.

by Ollie on Oct 18, 2009 4:45 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

i know, i'm wondering if i can sync it with kcla

so i can listen charlie and vin

William Doolittle at your service, a.k.a. will do.

by Ollie on Oct 18, 2009 4:47 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

sorry kabc..

William Doolittle at your service, a.k.a. will do.

by Ollie on Oct 18, 2009 4:47 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Comments For This Post Are Closed


User Tools

A place for Dodger fans to congregate without spending $15 on parking.
Start posting about the Dodgers »

Join SB Nation and dive into communities focused on all your favorite teams.

FanPosts

Community blog posts and discussion.

Recent FanPosts

Small
Dodgers 200 Prospect Countdown: 180 - 171
Th_punkedoutmercat_small
2nd base Dodger rumors
Small
Dodgers 200 Prospect Countdown: 190 - 181
Memoriesofkevinmaloneavatar_small
2009 NL Gold Glove Award Winners
Img_0108_small
Lookouts Win Promotional Award From MiLB
Small
Mark Cuban interested in Dodgers
Knights-09_small
Disenchanted Blue Jays Fan Looking For A New Team
Repo-man_small
CLUTCH!™: Pulls Through to Win World Series: Overacheiving vs. Godzilla, Mediocrity, Voodoo, and Luck Narated by Screamin' Jay
Sc_white_small
It's Going to Get Worse Before It Gets Better
Ed-ak286_scully_g_20091006143938_small
An apology of sorts

+ New FanPost All FanPosts >

SPONSORS


Managers

100_1427_small Phil Gurnee

Img_0108_small Eric Stephen

Editors

Bison_small David Young

Small Brendan Scolari