I love the Dodgers, and I remember every big win since 1963. They were all sweet, but for personal reasons, this win was very significant. It was significant for two reasons: (1) because, for the past three seasons, the Dodgers have had an early, ignominious exit from the playoffs; and what may be the sweetest reason of all, (2) I made a conscious decision to drive all the negative, moronic, idiotic, pompous asses away from this board. The Dodgers have moved on to the National League Championship Series, and I have moved on from the Pompas Ass Morons! It’s a win-win situation!
I have been doing this for over 20 years, and I just could not deal with the morons any more! I am sorry (no, really, I am not), but LaDodgerTalk.com was descending into a cesspool of moronic drivel. I had to stop it, and I did. Since then, we have been adding over 85 new readers every week. Most of you don’t comment, but I would appreciate it if you would tell me (us) about yourselves. Please give me a quick comment.
The Idiots (Morons) wanted Dave Roberts to be fired. They pined for it. They wished for it. They wanted it. They planned for it. They really wanted it to happen, but they are stupid, jackass, idiot, senseless morons. I don’t care. Good Riddance to bad rubbish. I would list their names (beginning with Scott Andes), but I won’t give them any glory. I only say good things about commenters who are gone: “They are gone… good!” F_________ You and the horse…
OK, I had to get that out of my system. They have migrated away from here, and that is all I care about. Good Riddance to Bad Rubbish! This is the new LaDodgerTalk where we do not suffer morons. Have a take, and do not suck. Disagree with me all you want but don’t be a moron!
This was an epic win! Game Five of the five-game series. The inferior Dodger pitching held the Padres scoreless. STFU!
Let’s talk about the win and no morons allowed!
Leave it to Kike. He broke X with so many comments!
Let’s hope that Alex Vesia does not have an oblique strain. We should find out today.
Discussion (41)
Disagree, not disagreeable
Gee, I was hoping Stoner (as I’ve heard him call himself) would be O.K. after rest. He looked promising and was mostly reliable.
Gavin Stone has shoulder surgery, expected to miss 2025 season
Stone led Dodgers in starts, innings pitched, and wins in 2024 after winning the 5th.
Last night’s game didn’t fallow what I had envisioned. I thought the scoring would be close and that the Dodgers would be the ones standing but I also thought there’d be a lot more runs for both teams. At least I had more insight than the high paid analysts who bought and tried selling that San Diego was the superior team. Alls Dodgers needed offensively was one Kike with one at bat. Did voodoo have part or did deserves simply not allow that injustice to happen. It was way, way too easy and a great victory, but it surely was not Dodgers at their best offensively. Darvish pitched a good game. It just didn’t matter. We best expect more from our hired guns and they owe Kike more than I can imagine.
Love we are where we are at going against the Mets. I’m going to vent a little about comments that I hear all the time, not just this blog but in sports in general. Someone will come out and have a great game and we read by the public that the player was really into it in this game, the team was really fired up etc. For example, what great leadership skills Manny Mc. Showed when he called his team together in the dugout. During the season it is physically and mentally impossible to be all in on every game. In the playoffs if a player needs a pep talk or any kind of motivational tool, the player shouldn’t be in the major leagues. The only times I heard anything like it was when Manny played for the Dodgers and didn’t run to First hard. Not running hard to first is one thing but then telling the press he didn’t need to run hard is another. The other time was when Kenley Jensen didn’t back up home plate in the COVID World Series, he said he didn’t need to backup. Again not backing up is an issue but not THE ISSUE, fundamental’s especially in the playoffs can’t be taken for granted. Baseball is hard, execution against the greatest players currently in the game is hard. I believe that ever player is playing like he should but sometimes execution of a pitch, swing, or whatever may be off. Let’s enjoy the ride.
Senga is to the Mets as Buehler is to the Dodgers–a key pitcher coming back from injury.
While the Mets will be rested, the Dodgers have home-field advantage.
Should be a very competitive series–and the fact that I’m feeling optimistic is making me a bit nervous. I was pessimistic about the Pads.
In other news, congrats to the Tigers for making such a great run to reach the playoffs before bowing in five to the Guard Dogs, due largely to Lane Thomas blasting a slam off Tarik Freaking Skubal. Of all the midseason trade acquisitions, it seems that Thomas has had the biggest impact.
But Flaherty, Edman and Kopech have all been Grade A acquisitions. This is so much better than previous seasons.
So I’m optimistic. Nervously optimistic.
TheAthletic article on Senga’s arsenal and velo in his last start ($$$$)
https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5826237/2024/10/09/kodai-senga-stuff-mets-phillies-nlds/?source=user_shared_article
On the fastball, the velocity wasn’t good, but the movement was fine.
….
The sweeper swept, the slider dropped, and it was in the range of his demonstrated movements so far for the Mets. The one bit of worry might come from the fact that his slider averaged 83.5 mph, while it’s been 84.6 mph for his career, and 85 mph is currently accepted as a bit of a “magic number” for slider velocity.
…
The best news is that the vaunted Ghost Fork was no different from usual.
Mark. Your analysis before this past series was spot on. Will be looking forward to your take on the next round.
Hey boss. That’s you Mark. I just want to give you props for taking your blog to a new level. It was already loaded with good content and a loyal Dodger fan community. But now it’s loaded with smart, passionate and positive Dodger fans who love their team and do not suck. This is a magical year. Let’s win it for Quasimodo and all the cool old guys.
Book em
If Merrill can make it so can Freeland. Spend the SS money on Teoscar and roll with what we have.
Above
It is nice to find a forum like this. How is Freddy doing ? If he gets to 100%., for get about it! DODGERS WILL ROLL.
A FAN SINCE 1959 MET LARRY SHERRY AT THE FOX MARKET ON SLAUSON AND PASSIONS WHICH THEN WAS RIVERA ONLY; NOT PICO RIVERA. WHAT A RIDE!
I do believe that series matched the two best teams in baseball. For the fourth time since the start of September this team has responded when they were pushed. (Four game series in Arizona, getting a split in Atlanta after losing first two, winning two straight against Padres to win division, and winning this 5 game series.). Roberts has been adamant that this team is different and he knows better than any of us. Since the crazy six run inning against Buehler in game 3, the Dodgers basically turned the Padres water off.
On to the Mets. Roberts deserves a lot of credit. He had a vision for game 5 and he executed it to perfection. He would have been second guessed to death if Phillips struggled replacing Yamamoto but he stuck to his guns. Good for him. Kiké has a heartbeat for the playoffs. He delivered again. Great to see.
I read every day, but never post . I have been a Dodger fan since they arrived in 58. My dad would take us to games at the coliseum. Great place for baseball and for family.
Over all these years this is one of the most satisfying wins , beating those hotdogging , cry baby madres.
I believe Roberts is manager of the year, resign Teoscar, and build a stronger bench . That may mean dumping Taylor . Go Bums
Long time reader, seldom poster. Thoroughly enjoy reading your blog Mark! Dodger fan since around 1965. I grew up in Anaheim but was never an Angel fan. My Dad used to listen to most games on his garage radio, and that’s how I became a Dodger fan. I used to watch the games against the Giants on my 13 inch black and white TV. Very few games were televised back then so I mostly listened on the radio.
Great win last night! The best part was watching with my 13 year old grand daughter who is a huge fan and could not get her Spectrum app to work. I drove over in the 2nd inning to pick her up and brought her to my house to watch. She was literally crying thinking she wouldn’t be able to watch.
Go Blue!
I live in a very remote area in Brazil. I very rarely get to watch them play on tv, especially live, and don’t get much information on them. I have been reading this blog for about a year. If you had all the negative people commenting on it still, I would still be reading it, but just scanning past all the negativity like I did when they were on it. Watching the Dodgers and reading about them is a luxury for me. When you live in another country it becomes that. Especially one that loves soccer so much. I don’t think the people who are so negative understand this. In reality, it’s a luxury for all of us. We are spoiled as Dodger fans. Thank goodness!! The McCourt years were challenging.
I love the fight in this team. Thank you for keeping this blog going.
Don’t underestimate the Mets. They already knocked out two teams that were much better on paper. Never underestimate a team that gets hot at the right time.
That said, the Dodgers are one of those teams right now. No other way to describe the last two games. 10 runs to 0. You don’t shut up obnoxious teams by arguing with them. Dodgers pitchers showed how to shut them up.
Mets won’t come in arrogant like the Padres.
Mark,
Dodger fan since 1962, daily visitor to your site, love it, never commented, but you issued an invitation to first time commenters so here are a few thought:
1) I heard some talking heads yesterday talking about Roberts possibly getting fired if we lost. Shocking. Can’t believe it is even a discussion given his success. It would be a huge mistake.
2) Some guys just rise to big moments. You see it in every industry, not just sports. I’m sure you have seen it at US Water Systems. Kike is just one of those guys.
3) Mark, your baseball acumen is so good, may I be so bold as to suggest you focus on that instead of the “morons”. You have the best site content in the sport. You have been a highly successful businessman. Continuing to focus on them is beneath you. You made the right decision cutting them off. Enjoy that your site is now devoid of their unconstructive negativity and stay focused on your always insightful daily take on our beloved Dodgers. It is a high point of my day every day and I greatly appreciate it.
Senga will start Game 1 of the NLCS against the Dodgers on Sunday, Tim Healey of Newsday reports.
“Senga managed to last only two innings during his start in Game 1 of the NLDS — his first time pitching since suffering a left calf strain in late July. There’s a good chance he makes another abbreviated start Sunday, opening up an opportunity for David Peterson to possibly work as a bulk reliever”.
Kike said something that caught my attention, that it was the first time he was able to celebrate at home having won a playoff series.
And I don’t remember when the last time was.
Good morning to all those who were so worried about those sons of bitches all season!
I’ve been saying for years that those little whores aren’t a problem, and I mean years, not just the most recent ones.
Mets? The only thing that “might” worry me a little is that they are on a good winning streak, since really their batting, beyond Lindor and Alonso, is not really a big concern.
Can you imagine a world series between LA and DET?
you can almost guarantee if teo isn’t resigned he’ll end up somewhere in the nl west! can’t stand the thought of him being a padre or giant! with profar a free agent, the friars would probably take a shot at teo. certainly the giants would. i feel confident the dodgers will resign him. (they better!)…. i agree about the mets pitching. they don’t scare me like the padres staff. BUT, don’t sleep on quintanna! he’s a junk throwing lefty that could cause problems. along with manea and peterson , that gives the mets 3 lefties to throw at the dodgers. which means the dodgers will go to their righty lineup. no lux, maybe no muncy! Which also means Taylor in the starting lineup! love Chris , but he hasn’t come close to hitting a ball yet! Looks like Senga pitching game 1. Time for Flaherty to shine!! .. And last time but not least, hope the Guardians finish off the tigers season today! nothing against the tigers players or fans, just don’t want AJ (trash can) Finch to advance any further! And in typical Alex Cora behavior, the sox fire 6 coaches and he stays! never his fault!
This win is almost as satisfying as beating the Giants a few years back.
Looking at the Mets pitching, they seem to be getting career years from older journeymen— Quintana, Severino, and Manea.
I feel like these guys are not as difficult at Darvish, Cease, Mistgrove, and also King.
Of Buehler and Flaherty can avoid big innings, I think our line-up can get to these guys.
I read this blog almost daily but rarely comment. Been a Dodger fan since 1959 but much more so now in my senior years. I enjoy the many comments by others who follow the Dodgers closely and with sharp analysis, which is so much better than can be found anywhere else. Dave Rogers has impressed me this year. In the past I have often wondered about his bullpen management, but as it is written here, “Progress is not linear” This victory is incredibly sweet after all the strutting, profane gestures, and taunting by the Pads, oh yeah!, and to shut them down with two shut outs in a row, couldn’t be better. Thank you Mr. Timmons for all your work here and for continuing this best of all blogs.
Great win!! The Mets will be another challenge. 8 more wins till the parade.
Great effort by Yamamoto, the bullpen again lights out. Kiki and Teo came up big time.
No question the Dodgers should bring back Teo. Hopefully, Vesia just has a cramp.
Thought the Padres certainly were the most formidable team the Dodgers could face in the NL playoffs. Definitely the hottest team the past few months. No doubt the least likeable as well . But all is good.
Dylan Hernandez….. What a douchebag!….And to think the 5-foot-10 right-hander from Japan started for the Dodgers in Game 5 of their National League Division Series only because they figured their relievers couldn’t pitch the entire game……. F*** him & the mule he rode in on….,.
Arrogant showboaters are a bore. And the Madres were boring! I lived in San Diego for 20 years and 90% of my friends were Friar fans. Good people and definitely not boring. Bring on the next victim. Oh it’s the Mets. 4 more wins and it’s on to the Dance! Oh and Blutarski, don’t know why I’m trusting you, but I’m picking up a bottle of Lalo.
Book em
last night’s win ranks up there among the most satisfying wins ever! the looks on the faces of minny and fernando the baby calf said it all! Yamamoto looked like the star we all expected. kiki. ? go ahead and bring him back next year! Teo? for Gods sake, he’s practically begging to come back! All i’m reading is Adames. That’s fine. but don’t tell me they can’t afford Teo! The Mets are a good team. BUT, the dodgers are a better team! Dave Roberts? you’re here for as long as you want to be here!
What a game. It is simply amazing that a pitching staff that has been so maligned and downtrodden could completely shut down a very good hitting lineup for 24+ innings. Doc really earned his stripes through it all. As a lifelong fan of baseball, I appreciate sportsmanship and class. SD does not measure up in either area. I started disliking Manless Machado when he was a Dodger and it has only gotten worse. Really like our chances in the NLCS. AV is very important to our bp. Hope he is ok. Thanks for cleaning up the blog Mark. Having been one on many occasions, I don’t like morons either.
I’ll just say this:
“These are Doc’s guys, this is Dave Roberts’ team”
What a clutch performance by Yamamoto and the bullpen! Kike is money! I hope they resign him next year. Bring on the Mets and then hopefully the Yankees. Beating both NY teams would be epic.
To Mark’s question, I’m a daily reader who almost never comments but loves reading the analysis and comments here. This is my first Dodger blog of the day, and if I’m short on the time, the only one I’ll read. Thanks for continuing the good work.
What a game!!! You just gotta find a way to put Kike in the lineup from here on out, dude is a Big Game Player! And Kiss my ever lovin ASS all you Roberts Haters, the Man just delivered your arm chair quarter back asses from down 2-1., to playing the Mets in the NLCS with his lineup and bullpen moves. Once again, if your gonna trash him, which all you bandwagoners love to do, better suck your assets up and give the man props when he wins
Also grew up in Cali. Grandpa used to take me to Dodger‘s games even though from Central Valley. Living in Germany for almost 30 years. Been enjoying Mark‘s astute takes for quite a while and appreciate him not giving up on this site. Go Dodgers
Prior to this series I had no ill will towards the Padres but after witnessing Tatis, Machado and Profar’s antics, I’ve learned to dislike those guys. Very immature and unprofessional. Not exactly the role model types. Wouldn’t be surprised if the SD looked to split that trifecta during the offseason. It’s simply not a good reflection for an organization. Glad to see that become water under the bridge. Their antics wore on me.
On to bigger and better things. The Mets have something going on over there. On paper, the Padres were a superior team, so I believe the Dodgers have to feel good about themselves.
Go Dodgers!
Im a daily reader who never comments. Grew up in LA, moved all over and am now a high school teacher and football coach in Idaho Falls, Idaho. I couldn’t watch tonight because of my football game, but could not be more thrilled with the result. Go blue!
This team got mad, got focused, and got even.
Now let’s get ahead of NY and not look back.
They have advantage in SP, magic & nothing else.
Don’t let Lindor beat you and run wild on Alvarez.
No excuse not to beat them.
I’ll say one think mark you make a dam good salesman.
Hung out at my friends place. Which was packed. More packed than I’ve seen a place since before covid.
It erupted. All game. All the way.
Today is a good day.
Good win…
That was as impressive a stretch for a bullpen I’ve ever seen.
The Dodgers celebration after the final out was joyous yet subdued…they know there’s still unfinished business
Los Hermanos Hernandez…
¡Excelente!
Cheers…
I think the Padres were the biggest obstacle to the Dodgers going all the way to the World Series. I believe the Mets have been playing over their head and the Dodgers will beat them. I HOPE for a classic Dodgers vs. Yankees World Series.
As for Dave being fired? – The only people that post that truly do not know much about baseball. They COULD shut up, watch, read, listen and become better fans. But they’re too certain of themselves (morons) to do it.
PS: What the word on Vesia?
24 consecutive scoreless innings to close off the series. That was clutch pitching in the highest leverage situations you can find. I can’t say enough about the bullpen and what they accomplished against a hot offensive team.
That was fun. Bring on the Mets!