Just Win, Baby!
I am not sure if Al Davis coined that phrase, but he sure used it a lot! Clayton didn t have his best stuff last night as he struggled with his command. But, he continues to ignore my advice. I tried to tell him. These guys are jumping on his first pitch. All he has to do is change that up a little. Don t make every first pitch a strike. But,
I am not sure if Al Davis coined that phrase, but he sure used it a lot!
Clayton didn’t have his best stuff last night as he struggled with his command. But, he continues to ignore my advice. I tried to tell him. These guys are jumping on his first pitch. All he has to do is change that up a little. Don’t make every first pitch a strike. But, he stuck to HIS plan and managed to do something no other Dodger pitcher has ever done: Give up 4 HR in a game! Here’s the re-cap of how they homered:
- Pollock homered on the first pitch.
- Martinez homered on 1-0 count.
- Mathis homered on the first pitch.
- Marte had a 2-2 count when he homered.
That’s the Bad News. The Good News is that the hitters, particularly Justin Turner, picked him up. He did pitch 6.1 innings so the pen is not gassed. I guess all you have to do is Win Baby! Look at the Indians – yesterday, their Ace got beat like a rented mule (his ERA is 20.00+) and they still won. It’s the “W” that’s important.
Now, if they can just get to Robbie Ray tonight. He is 3-0 with a 2.27 ERA against the Dodgers this year. They need to be patient and let him run up his pitch count. He has struck out 61 Dodgers in 159 AB’s. They should not just be swinging for the fences. This is a short series, Granderson’s leash is short. Andre Ethier will get a chance against a RHP before the series is over. Kike will play in LF tonight. I don’t know if Rich Hill prefers Grandal over Barnes but I suspect Barnes will get the start. Kershaw prefers Yasmani but I am not sure Rich Hill really cares.
The question is, do you leave Puig at #5 or move him to #8 against the LHP? He has not hit them well this year… and that is being very kind! Actually, he was horrid! Logan Forsythe is hitting .444 against Ray and Taylor is at .438. Barnes, Bellinger, Granderson and Seager all are hitting under .170 against Ray. To me, this has the makings of a pitchers duel. It’s for this game, that the Dodgers signed Rich Hill. Hopefully he makes them proud! When Ray and Hill are on, they are among the best in the game.
Dodger Hitters Verses Robbie Ray
Diamondback Hitters Verses Rich Hill
Justin Turner, Corey Seager and Yasiel Puig were the story of last night’s game. Tonight, some other players will need to step up. We will likely see “El Gasolino.” I believe he will be very, very good or verry, very bad. We all know that Chase Utley has such an important role on this team. Jerry Crasnick of ESPN, says that “the Dodgers fear disappointing Chase Utley.” That article is a very good read and reveals Utley’s value to the team. It’s end with a Corey Seager sound bite:
“You don’t ever want to disappoint Chase. That’s a good word for it. He sees everything, even when you don’t think he’s looking.”
In memory of Tom Petty, Roy Orbison and George Harrison:
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Discussion (62)
Disagree, not disagreeable
Lots of great stuff last night. To me the best was seeing the offense back to where it was in June and July. Being selective and not chasing balls out of the zone. Building pitch counts and keeping the line moving. We must do the same with Ray. Our guys looked focused and confident. GO DODGERS!
Gonzo, I love that kind of talk…
What a great time to be a sport’s fan!!! My Dodgers are once again in the playoffs, with a a couple W’s in the next 3 weeks my beloved Notre Dame will have a shot at a damn good bowl game and last but not least NCAA hoops is right around the corner…
I am legitimately concerned with Kersh and his future… A bad back is a terrible thing to try and compete with. I’m confident he can gut out the playoffs with attention by Honey and and Doc.
I believe Kershaw was pressing a bit last night. I believe that the homerun Pollock hit was a good pitch. Down in the zone so to me, Pollock earned it.
I have LA in 4, but wouldn’t be surprised if this is over in 3.
At this early point it appears the Indians look the scrappiest of the possibles and I think that’s what it’ll boil down to…….Indians@Dodgers! My last visit to Dodger Stadium Kershaw pitched against the Indians interleague.. Indians won in 12 innings if memory serves, but that was before Clayton could legally drink any of champagne he and Dodgers celebrated with winning the division that season. I think Clayton just may take a swig this next time round as he’s legally of age to do so. This is Dodgers year!
Great win last night, the offense had them on their heels all game! Is the Snakes rotation messed up or what? Ray will be short tonight, I agree get the pitch count up and into their bullpen. Now who goes game 4? Walker again? Corbin? Godley on 3 days rest? He was over 100 pitches last night. Whoever it is matches up with Wood. I like Greinke against Darvish, Dodgers seem to hit him. That leaves tonight the MUST win game for the DBacks and Ray can be beaten. I would bat Forsythe 5th tonight and then Barnes and Kike and Puig. Someone who has struggled against Ray will break out in tonight’s game.
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Leaving Joc off the playoff roster tells me his time with the team is done. Ryu is more problematic and he may be brought back next year, assuming Darvish is not signed. The only roster surprise for me was Farmer over Joc but Hawkeye called it long ago and it speaks volumes on how the team regards Pederson.
RIP Connie Hawkins. Probably my favorite player of all-time.
The Good – Turner, Seager, Puig, Morrow, Bellinger’s fielding, Dodger Stadium rocking, Don Newcombe, Vinny, Sandy.
The Bad – Bellinger, Grandal & Granderson with bats in their hands, Seager’s throw to 1st base for no reason.
The Ugly – 4 home runs, Granderson not being able to get Puig home from third with none out.
All in all, a win’s a win. Time to demystify Mr. Ray.
Just win baby!!! “Dodger Killer Robbie Ray” lets end that tonight, cant think of a better time…..
Great win in game #1 and I agree with your offensive game plan tonight. Got to be patient and if it’s possible grind out some long 9-10 pitch ABs early and get Ray’s pitch count elevated. Coming back on just two days rest, although he only pitched 2 1.3 innings, Ray probably won’t pitch 100 pitches and I would like to see the Dodgers get into the D-backs BP by the 4th or 5th inning.
Grandal and Granderson were horrible last night 0-8 with 4 Ks. Would love to see Eithier in LF against Grienke and would love to see Barnes come up big tonight. Who will be tonight’s key playmaker? I’m going with Logan Forsyth.