The first-palce Padres at the fourth-place Dodgers, 4.5 games separating them. Hard to believe after the total collapse that the Dodgers are in at the moment. And yet another shot to undue the damage with the Friars in town. It's as if nobody wants to win this division. Whoever does win, tough, gets a crack at the post-season, where anything can happen. For example, the '88 Mets owned the Dodgers is a similar fashion to the way the '06 Cards own the Dodgers. But L.A. won the NLDS 4-2. My point is that it isn't just a futile gesture to win the division. In the short run, inferior teams can win.
Speaking of inferior teams, we have a game tonight. Unfortunately, the Dodgers haven't had much luck with teams named after members of the Catholic clergy so far. I can't believe I'm saying this, but maybe Repko can turn it around for them. And a very happy 100th game to all of you.
Go Blue.
The Pitching Match-up:
Chris Young (RHP, Padres) vs. Derek Lowe (RHP. Dodgers)
For the (51-47) San Diego Padres:
Roberts, LF
Cameron, CF
Giles, RF
Piazza, C
Gonzalez, 1B
Greene, SS
Belhorn, 3B
Barfield, 2B
Chris Young, P
For your (47-52) Los Angeles Dodgers:
Furcal, SS
Drew, RF
Garciaparra, 1B
Ethier, LF
Martin, C
Aybar, 3B
Repko, CF
Izturis, 3B
Lowe, P