Just Win This Game!
The Dodgers are up 2-0 on the Cubs but it has been a tough series. Except for 2 or 3 key plays it could just as easily be 0-2. But that is the difference in this team they are better, deeper and more experienced. Think about this, last year the Dodgers relied on Adrian Gonzalez, Andrew Toles, Josh Reddick, Yasmani Grandal and Chase Utley to step up in the playoffs.
The Dodgers are up 2-0 on the Cubs but it has been a tough series. Except for 2 or 3 key plays it could just as easily be 0-2. But that is the difference in this team… they are better, deeper and more experienced. Think about this, last year the Dodgers relied on Adrian Gonzalez, Andrew Toles, Josh Reddick, Yasmani Grandal and Chase Utley to step up in the playoffs. Gonzo and Toles have been injured most of the year. Chase Utley is 39 years old, and right now is clearly a limited role player, and Yasmani Grandal is losing his grip on the starting catcher position.
When one man falls another needs to step up:
- A-Gon injured his back – in stepped his replacement who was actually a huge upgrade over the aging Adrian;
- Andrew Toles blew out a knee – Chris Taylor burst on the scene;
- Utley was Chased by Logan who is on a Run (get that?);
- Yasiel Puig took back right field with a vengeance from Josh Reddick who is doing very good in Houston (thank you very much) and ironically, may face the Dodgers in the World Series;
- Austin Barnes has demanded playing time from Yasmani Grandal – It wasn’t “given” to him – He did it the old fashioned way: He Earned it;
- Yu Darvish, Tony Cingrani, Tony Watson and Brandon Morrow were not even on the team earlier this year and Kenta Maeda was a starter;
- Alex Wood was a good reliever who became a dominant starter; and
- Clayton Kershaw is not as dominant due to injury, I believe. But the team has so much depth that he doesn’t have to be.
These guys have become skilled in the art of picking each other up. Right about now, they are feeding on Yasiel Puig’s incredible talent and energy and Justin Turner is leading the charge, carrying the torch until Corey comes back next series – the World Series! Cody Bellinger has the demeanor of a grizzled vet and Joc Pederson even showed he can bunt! How about that? But right here, right now, Yu Darvish just needs to take the ball and go as long as he can, then the Tony’s, Brandon, Kenta and Kenley will slam the door.
Just win the next game… that’s all they can focus on. One game at a time.
After all, these are Destiny’s Dodgers!
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Discussion (52)
Disagree, not disagreeable
Did anybody notice Puig’s at bat against Montgomery? On the first pitch, the Wild Horse left his bat on his shoulder in a way that made it clear that he wasn’t swinging. Montgomery threw a strike and Puig stuck out his bottom lip like he was saying. “That’s all you got??” Monty obviously noticed and sent some chin music Yasiel’s way. Puig then homered on the next pitch. The TV announcers were into some other subject and didn’t pick up on this sequence. You can call it bush league, but I found it entertaining in a Cuban sort of way!
That’s why you only focus on the game today. You can’t give them hope by letting them win a game. Hope is a terrible thing for your opposition. Wars have been lost because of hope. Step on their furry little necks and break them!
Agree with Watford, the Cubs are not done. Doc only has to look back at his own playing days knowing that a 7 game series is not over until one team wins that 4th game. In 2004, Roberts was part of that miraculous Red Sox ALCS victory over the Yankees. Down 3 games to 0, down 4-3 in the 9th inning of Game 4 with HOF Mariano Rivera on the hill for the save, and Kevin Millar leading off with a walk. Dave Roberts comes in as a PR for Millar, steals 2nd on 1st pitch, and scores on a single by Bill Mueller. Big Papi comes up in the 12th with a runner of and sends a walk off HR into RF bleachers. Boston goes on to win the ALCS and the WS. I remember it as if it were yesterday. Our home was going crazy with family & friends (even some Yankee fans if you can believe that). Doc will keep them focused. He knows how quick it can turn.
Yankees not finished – very dominant display tonight.
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Mustn’t give the Cubs any hope.