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Dodgers Must Wait Yet Again To Clinch

It sucks for the clubhouse attendants to keep having to pack champagne on these trips.

More photos » Lenny Ignelzi - AP

It sucks for the clubhouse attendants to keep having to pack champagne on these trips.

Did I mention recently how the finish to the season didn't really matter in the playoffs?

The Dodger offense was nonexistant again tonight, getting all of one hit off Clayton Richard and pals, losing 5-0 to the Padres, and postponing their once seemingly inevitable clinching of the National League West by yet another day, at least.

Jon Garland couldn't get out of the fourth inning, allowing five runs on seven hits, including a three-run home run to Kevin Kouzmanoff in the third inning.  However, having 1999 Pedro Martinez on the mound tonight for the Dodgers wouldn't have mattered since they couldn't get a runner past second base.

Andre Ethier finished the nine-game road trip with one hit in 29 at-bats.  He did have six walks however, including one tonight.

The Rockies won again, 10-6 over Milwaukee, and now control their own destiny.  If they win their remaining four games -- a tall task, to be sure -- the Rockies will win the division.

As if the four straight days of failing to clinch the division weren't bad enough, word also came tonight that Hiroki Kuroda would miss his scheduled start on Saturday with a stiff neck, per Dylan Hernandez of the LA Times.

The Dodgers are off tomorrow, but can clinch the division if the Rockies and Aaron Cook lose to the Brewers and Manny Parra.  If the Rockies win tomorrow, the Ubaldo Jimenez vs. Randy Wolf match-up on Friday is that much more intriguing.

WP - Clayton Richard (9-5):  7 IP, 1 hit, 3 walks, 2 strikeouts

LP - Jon Garland (11-13):  3.1 IP, 7 hits, 5 runs (4 earned), 1 walk, 4 strikeouts

Box Score

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here's to the Brew Crew having a big day today

as for Loretta? (aka, little a-rod)

that’s going to haunt him now I fear.

by shooterm1 on Oct 1, 2009 7:43 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Thankfully, Garland likely sealed his playoff fate tonight

And hopefully a flat out denial on his 2010 option.

by silverwidow on Sep 30, 2009 10:02 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

friday is our game

wolf on the mound…
at home!
belli and beardman return!
home ethier!

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

by shaqfor3 on Sep 30, 2009 10:03 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

Except you have to face the Rockies' best pitcher

"I have no special talents. I am only passionately curious." - Albert Einstein

by Andrew T. Fisher on Oct 1, 2009 9:39 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Rockies’ best pitcher

oxymoron?

2009-10 LA Kings Hockey: Where Smyt Happens!!

by DodgerBlueBalls on Oct 1, 2009 10:06 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Not this year buddy

The Rockies staff leads MLB in WAR

"I have no special talents. I am only passionately curious." - Albert Einstein

by Andrew T. Fisher on Oct 1, 2009 10:25 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

But didn’t we go through this yesterday….

WAR doesn’t fly around here (I’ve decided); we’re all about the x-FIP.

by Michael White on Oct 1, 2009 10:32 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Right right right

Well then I like xFIP fine too.
Jimenez, 3.70, 9th > Wolf, 4.24, 27th
De la Rosa, 3.86, 14th > Kershaw, 4.05, 20th
Marquis, 4.45, 34th.

Unless you have Bills going Sunday, the Rockies have the advantage in all three pitching matchups

"I have no special talents. I am only passionately curious." - Albert Einstein

by Andrew T. Fisher on Oct 1, 2009 12:29 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Ya, I figured the x-FIP’s would turn out that way also (in our head to head matchup), I just don’t think your pitcing staff is the best in MLB like WAR does.

by Michael White on Oct 1, 2009 12:55 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

I don't either

It’s just fun to cite to confuse people. Having Jason Hammel as a fifth starter has really made a huge difference. Few teams have five main starters all season

"I have no special talents. I am only passionately curious." - Albert Einstein

by Andrew T. Fisher on Oct 1, 2009 1:43 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

LINK

"I have no special talents. I am only passionately curious." - Albert Einstein

by Andrew T. Fisher on Oct 1, 2009 10:26 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

yes....but dont forget u have to face our best pitcher too... :)

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

by shaqfor3 on Oct 1, 2009 10:41 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Jimenez still > Wolf

"I have no special talents. I am only passionately curious." - Albert Einstein

by Andrew T. Fisher on Oct 1, 2009 12:29 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

at least the clubhouse people have packed up champagne and took for the final time

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

by shaqfor3 on Sep 30, 2009 10:04 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

down the plastic sheets*

anyway u cant celebrate with the fans at pet food park
do it big at dodger stadium!

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

by shaqfor3 on Sep 30, 2009 10:06 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

I'm thinking a Champagne Vending Machine may be in order

Just put in a dollar and pull the bottle out when needed.

by RawhideBlue on Sep 30, 2009 10:06 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

The only other time we lost four in a row

We were playing good teams.

Hopefully home cooking convinces the Dodgers that they are the Dodgers and this silliness will be done.

by Dodger Dude on Sep 30, 2009 10:06 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

Heads up

There might be a mention of the “does finishing strong matter” on Prime Ticket on “Dodgers Live” tonight.

by Eric Stephen on Sep 30, 2009 10:06 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

Sorry…had to turn it off.

by KellyStephen on Sep 30, 2009 10:07 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

I just feel left out

of the Division celebration champagne thing.

Neither a lofty degree of intelligence nor imagination nor both together go to the making of genius. Love, love, love, that is the soul of genius. -Mozart

by Ian Capilouto on Sep 30, 2009 10:09 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

Can someone give me a little ray of hope

So that I can slip off to sleep tonight without thoughts of having to watch the playoffs in cold sweats and migraines

Anything? beard, belly, bobbleslam, and walk off ethier? Torre will have the best “Team Meeting” ever Friday? Tommy will arrive throwing explicatives and motivate the team to win the next 13 games straight?

Anything?

by RawhideBlue on Sep 30, 2009 10:12 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

Sorry man. How about..the Dodger are waiting for True Blue LA night to win it. :)

by Eric Stephen on Sep 30, 2009 10:30 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

there's nothing left to be said, but I'm gonna say it anyway

the Dodgers are much, much better than this. Heck, the Baltimore Orioles are much, much better than this. Heck, the celebrity softball team at Dodger Stadium is much much better than this!

Here’s what I’m hoping for tomorrow:
Milwaukee beats the Rockies, so the Dodgers feel extreme pressure. They need to deal with an extreme pressure situation (and get it out of it) before reaching the playoffs. (assuming the league doesn’t revoke their playoff spot. just kidding I hope)
-Phillies lose, so that there is still a chance we’ll have home field advantage, as improbable as that seems now.

I’m gonna say something else- I am glad that Jon Garland lost. Seriously. Well, not that he lost- that he pitched POORLY. Nothing against the guy on personal level, but people were seriously considering using him instead of Chad Billingsley in game 4 (assuming we even GET a game 4, at this point). Those that doubt Chad- and yeah, I’ve become one of them, unfortunately- nevertheless need to realize what an outstanding pitcher he is when he’s “right”, and I’ll take Chad Billingsley, post-All Star break 6th inning problems and all, over Jon Garland any day.

Let’s hope the boys get some sleep, reflect on their crimes against humanity, and get back to the being the REAL Dodgers that we are all about to pay ridiculous amounts of money to cheer on as they shock the world!

by sarcastro9 on Sep 30, 2009 10:13 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

LOL

damn strike through again- I’ve got to stop doing that! :))

by sarcastro9 on Sep 30, 2009 10:14 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

just for clarity

Here’s what I’m hoping for tomorrow:
- Milwaukee beats the Rockies, so the Dodgers feel extreme pressure. They need to deal with an extreme pressure situation (and get it out of it) before reaching the playoffs. (assuming the league doesn’t revoke their playoff spot. just kidding I hope)
- Phillies lose, so that there is still a chance we’ll have home field advantage, as improbable as that seems now.

by sarcastro9 on Sep 30, 2009 10:15 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Don’t you mean Colorado beats Milwaukee would put the Dodgers in a pressure-packed situation?

You wanna know how great baseball is? The greatest basketball player ever left his sport to play baseball.

by Jesse S. on Oct 1, 2009 12:42 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Are we allowed to celebrate

When the Brewers win tomorrow?

by Dodger Dude on Sep 30, 2009 10:18 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

Nah- like I said, let's pull for the Brewers.

At this point, a nominal division title is meaningless. Let the boys EARN their title, and get a very, very small taste of being champions. I don’t see that happening if they’re watching it on TV at Manny’s house.

by sarcastro9 on Sep 30, 2009 10:20 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

As mentioned above, I'm pretty sure you got it backwards.

Wouldn’t you rather the Rockies win tomorrow, thereby giving the Dodgers the chance to actually clinch while winning a game and celebrating in the clubhouse, rather each of them by themselves at home? I’d think it would suck to be the only team to win their division and not get to celebrate at all.

Alanna Rizzo is my dream girl.

by Cargo's Ball Sack5 on Oct 1, 2009 2:10 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

im really glad we lost

and i hope we beat the rockies and celebrate at home..

by matthewmafa on Sep 30, 2009 10:28 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

This was a tough, tough game to attend folks. The Dodgers bats were anemic tonight. But at least my nachos were awesome!

2009-10 LA Kings Hockey: Where Smyt Happens!!

by DodgerBlueBalls on Sep 30, 2009 10:58 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

i’m not worried about the dodgers. the belli and the beard are back on friday, i will be at dodger stadium (which is usually good luck), and we own the rockies. my guess? we win the west AND still have HFA throughout the playoffs. i will relish in the “i told you so” come sunday :)

by DJDodger on Sep 30, 2009 11:18 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

one more thing...

the boys can’t lose on TBLA day, so Friday and Saturday are a lock. who’s got sunday?

by DJDodger on Sep 30, 2009 11:22 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Phil is in the press box Friday
True Blue LA in the stands Saturday
Me in the press box Sunday

by Eric Stephen on Sep 30, 2009 11:26 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

so there you go.

seriously guys. when it really matters we bring our A-game. i would be absolutely SHOCKED if we did not bring our A-game this weekend and well into the playoffs. i think endre might even pull off some walk-off shenanigans…just sayin’. AND THAT’s how we want to go into the postseason. this ain’t over until it’s over. KEEP THE FAITH!

by DJDodger on Sep 30, 2009 11:32 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Next Wednesday's lineup

Furcal
Kemp
Ethier
Manny
Loney
Blake
Belliard
Martin
Wolf

by silverwidow on Sep 30, 2009 11:29 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

You missed Loretta. Ok, I’m done with that now.

by RawhideBlue on Sep 30, 2009 11:32 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Furcal
Hudson
Ethier
Manny
Kemp
Loney
Blake
Martin
Wolf

by Eric Stephen on Sep 30, 2009 11:36 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

if this fact helps:

weve dominated the rockies this season
were like 12-3 against them….

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

by shaqfor3 on Sep 30, 2009 11:40 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

The good news from tonight's game
  • Matt Kemp was 1-3 to raise his BA from .301 and a fraction to .301 and a bigger fraction.
  • The back end of the bullpen threw 4 2/3 IP of 2-hit shutout ball.
  • No injuries except Mark Loretta’s bruised ego

Yeah, that’s it.

by David Young on Sep 30, 2009 11:54 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

Two-game sweeps are lame! :)

by Eric Stephen on Oct 1, 2009 12:03 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

The Padres have to take whatever little credit they can find.

by David Young on Oct 1, 2009 10:08 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

If you read Gurnick's dreck

he makes it seem like Billingsley simply can’t start vs. the Phillies. Billingsley’s workman-like 7 inning, 3 hit, 1 run performance from May has long since been forgotten.

by silverwidow on Oct 1, 2009 12:07 AM PDT reply actions   0 recs

If Billingsley is a bad option v Philly, then Garland is suicide.

by oshea2002 on Oct 1, 2009 5:52 AM PDT via mobile reply actions   0 recs

Lee v. Paulino in Philly tonight

needless to say, pretty good chance they’ll be catching us tonight.

by oshea2002 on Oct 1, 2009 8:18 AM PDT reply actions   0 recs

We’ll get to put that tiebreaker advantage to good use!

by Eric Stephen on Oct 1, 2009 9:01 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Have a Good Thursday off Dodgers...

From Bill Plaschke’s Article, “Dodgers wrestle with inability to clinch the West”

Said Loretta: “I was certainly not trying to keep him from going back to the base. It was just one of those things that happened when we were lying on the ground.”

That’s what she said.

by RawhideBlue on Oct 1, 2009 8:23 AM PDT reply actions   0 recs

With the luck the Dodger’s have had the last week I’m just happy today’s headlines weren’t “Joe Torre Sponsteanously Combust” or “Casey Blake out for the year with the plague”

If we hit that bullseye, the rest of the dominoes will fall like a house of cards. Checkmate.

by Sordid on Oct 1, 2009 9:13 AM PDT reply actions   0 recs

*Spontaneously

If we hit that bullseye, the rest of the dominoes will fall like a house of cards. Checkmate.

by Sordid on Oct 1, 2009 9:14 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

chris carpenter?

wowowowowow

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

by shaqfor3 on Oct 1, 2009 10:17 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Roster for next week?

OF (4) – Manny, Ethier, Kemp, Pierre
C (2) – Martin, Ausmus
IF (7) – Loney, Hudson, Raffy, Blake, Belliard, Thome, Castro or DeWitt for the final spot(although I fear it will be Crapetta).

P (12) – Kershaw, Billingsley, Wolf, Kuroda, Padilla, Broxton, Sherrill, Kuo, Tron, Bellisario, Elbert, and then coin flip b/t J Mac and Weaver.

by oshea2002 on Oct 1, 2009 10:20 AM PDT reply actions   0 recs

They won’t have 12 pitchers in the playoffs. Likely 11

by Eric Stephen on Oct 1, 2009 10:27 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

I don't think you need both Weaver and Padilla

they provide essentially the same thing. And if you need both of them in the playoffs, we are in trouble.

by Michael White on Oct 1, 2009 10:29 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Just a guess...

If they play the Phillies, the last reliever spot will be Elbert

If they play the Rockies, the last reliever spot will be J-Mac

And Loretta will be on the playoff roster.

by Eric Stephen on Oct 1, 2009 10:30 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

by Rockies I meant Cardinals

by Eric Stephen on Oct 1, 2009 10:30 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Adding Crapetta is so depressing

If it’s going to be 14 and 11, then I want DeWitt and Castro on the roster.

by oshea2002 on Oct 1, 2009 10:32 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

If Dewitt was going to be on, he would have gotten some more reps these last few games. Castro is the wiley veteran, he doesn’t need reps, he can just step in and do his job (and play the game the right way.)

by Michael White on Oct 1, 2009 10:33 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Right

but I think we both know that won’t happen.

by Eric Stephen on Oct 1, 2009 10:34 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

I hate praying for someone to get injured

so maybe if Loretta comes down with Swine flu, say 5 hours before the roster is turned in?

by oshea2002 on Oct 1, 2009 10:36 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

I’ll have a game thread for the Rockies/Brewers game up in about an hour (game starts at 12:10).

by Eric Stephen on Oct 1, 2009 10:28 AM PDT reply actions   0 recs

u going to root for the brewers??

or want the rockies to win so the dodgers have to take care of business friday???
i dont know for me…its kinda a mixed bag….

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

by shaqfor3 on Oct 1, 2009 10:43 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

I'm rooting for the Brewers.

I want this division race over with.

by Michael White on Oct 1, 2009 10:44 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

The only reason for me to root for the Rockies is so Phil can be in the champagne soaked celebration Friday.

That said, I’m rooting for the Brewers.

by Eric Stephen on Oct 1, 2009 10:47 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

I think it would be nice to have the Dodgers have to win a meaningful game before they get to the playoffs. Otherwise, they get into the 4th inning behind and without scoring a run and their hitters (and I use that term lightly) will be pressing. Like they are now.

by KellyStephen on Oct 1, 2009 12:58 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Is anyone worried that the DODGERS may not win any more games this year ?
The way they are playing they could be swept by Colorado and in the play-offs very easily.

So depressing….c’mon DODGERS….pleaseeeee

by TJdodgers on Oct 1, 2009 10:46 AM PDT reply actions   0 recs

Nope

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

by shaqfor3 on Oct 1, 2009 10:55 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Crying Blue

Im going to need theraphy after this week

by SARA S on Oct 1, 2009 10:55 AM PDT reply actions   0 recs

this song came into my head after yesterday's game

its depressingly good: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ST2H8FWDvEA

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

by shaqfor3 on Oct 1, 2009 10:56 AM PDT reply actions   0 recs

Dodger play-off

Hey Dodgers, Twinkie fan here from Minnesota and believe you guys can pull this out, there is no such thing as backing into the playoffs, either you make it or you don’t. Keep up the good work, alot of Minnesotans are rooting for you guys this year cause it doesn’t look good for our team right now.
Good luck!!!

by Fashant on Oct 1, 2009 12:53 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

Why Dodgers?

Why not another small market team?! :) Rox fans are all rooting for Minny btw

"I have no special talents. I am only passionately curious." - Albert Einstein

by Andrew T. Fisher on Oct 1, 2009 1:44 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Thanks

and I agree with the not backing in sentiment.

Ben Maller on Twitter this morning posted that the Dodgers have disgraced the franchise with their play this week, and intimated they don’t deserve to make the playoffs. I disagree strongly with that.

by Eric Stephen on Oct 1, 2009 2:14 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Dodgers are losers

After the Rockies sweep the Dodgers this weekend, they will have the West. Then they own the tie breaker over the Cards, so they will just need the Phillies to lose one game this weekend. Then they will have the best record and home field. The Rockies do not lose at home. They should sweep the Cards and then win a close series against the Phillies. Then bring on the Yankees. They need a whipping!

by Senor_Loser on Oct 1, 2009 4:38 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

Your screen name is approriate

by Eric Stephen on Oct 1, 2009 8:12 PM PDT via mobile up reply actions   0 recs

But he has such an intelligent point

If everyone else loses every game, and Lowalrado wins every game, they will win the world series.

by Dodger Dude on Oct 1, 2009 8:36 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

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