The 2008 playoffs weren't all bad for Chad Billingsley. He had the two forgettable starts against the Phillies, which he heard about all winter. However, Billingsley did have one playoff start before the NLCS, and it was in Wrigley Field. He shut down the Cubs, allowing one run over 6.2 innings while striking out seven, as the Dodgers won Game 2 of the NLDS, 10-3.
So far this season, Billingsley has resembled the pitcher from the NLDS rather than the one from the NLCS. He is 6-2 with a 2.82 ERA in ten starts, and is sixth in the National League with 69 strikeouts in 67 innings.
Billingsley's mound opponent is former Dodger farmhand Ted Lilly, whose wallet is $1,500 lighter thanks to an argument with an umpire on Monday, a practice that's becoming commonplace for the Cubs. Per Paul Sullivan of the Chicago Tribune:
Ted Lilly was fined $1,500 for his actions on Monday night at Wrigley Field, when the left-hander jumped over the dugout fence to argue with umpire Bob Davidson.
Lilly said he was telling Davidson to "concentrate." Davidson said Lilly lied and really told him he was "embarrassing himself."
"Why do I want to spend time talking about it?" Lilly said. "Do I have to defend myself? I don't. It's not important. I wouldn't say that's true -- that I'm a liar -- regardless of what Bob says."
Davidson said Lilly used some choice expletives, while Lilly maintained he was "nice" to the umpire
As reported on the postgame show last night, Will Ohman has been placed on the DL, and was replaced on the roster by catcher A.J. Ellis.
James Loney takes over the "longest current hitting streak" mantle from Orlando Hudson. Loney has an 11-game streak, during which he is hitting .370/.404/.435.
Rafael Furcal is expected to sit today, as he rests his back in a day game following a night game.
The Dodgers are 11-4 in day games this season.
Fat Tony himself, Joe Mantegna, will sing during the 7th inning stretch today.
Get your guesses in for "Just A Bit Outside" here.