Let s Get Ready to Rumble
Today s the day we have been waiting for. It seems like forever. It seems like 30 years to me But, today the Dodgers statrt the final leg of the journey to the World Series. Did I mention that 30 years was enough already? We have had so much analysis that we now feel paralysis. I m ready to wach the games. I m ready to see what the roster is. I ll keep
Today’s the day we have been waiting for. It seems like forever. It seems like 30 years to me… But, today the Dodgers statrt the final leg of the journey to the World Series. Did I mention that 30 years was enough already? We have had so much analysis that we now feel paralysis. I’m ready to wach the games. I’m ready to see what the roster is. I’ll keep the roster updated.
Thank You
I do want to take a minute and thank all our loyal readers and commenters – I really appreciate your input, passion and support. I started this blog back in the early 2000’s and then shut if down for a year around 2016 because it wasn’t fun with all the in-fighting and arguing. I finally figured out that I had to get rid of the bad actors and when you have a site full of straight-up Dodger fans, it becomes a joy again. I think this site is unique because we have a very diverse group of people all over the World who come together as a community and it is a joy for me to be here again. Additionally, there is a whole lotta’ knowledge here with this bunch. As we start this very important chapter in Dodger Lore, maybe you can take a minute out of your busy day and post Go Dodgers! and tell us where you are from. I think this could be pretty cool. You can say more if you like. I know that thousands read this blog every day, but don’t post… and that’s OK. Just let us know where you are. Godspeed!
Arizona Fall League Report
The Glendale Desert Dogs lost 10-9. Cody Thomas hit #3 and was 0-4, but scored a run. Keibert Ruiz hit #5 and was 1-3 with a run scored, and RBI and 2 BB. . Errol Robinson was 2-4 with a double and 2 RBI to go with a run scored. Andre Scrubb started the 10th inning and was the losing pitcher as he gave up two runs, neither earned, on an Errol Robinson throwing error.
Bowman Hitting Challenge by Dodger Chatter
The sixth annual Arizona Fall League (AFL) home run derby is scheduled for Saturday, October 13 beginning at 6:35 MST at Sloan Park at Mesa, the spring training home of the Chicago Cubs. Fans attending the event will be treated to the Bowman Hitting Challenge.
The event was born and raised by Bowman Baseball Cards back in its inaugural season in 2013. This year’s sponsors include Bowman Baseball Cards, Rawlings, Sprouts Farmers Markets, Big AZ Promotions and Zinger Bats.
To call it a home run derby is perhaps a misnomer although home runs are certainly important in the final tally in the contest. However, the challenge is to do much more than hit home runs.
The Bowman hitting Challenge features 30 young sluggers, one from each of the 30 MLB organizations participating in the Arizona Fall League.
Like the MLB all-star home run derby the hitters face live pitching but unlike the annual slugfest prior to the MLB all-star game the home run is not the be all and end all. The contest includes some twists and turns as well as other opportunities for the hitters apart from the home run. In theory, at least, the contest could be won without hitting a home run although that might be most unusual.
- Each batter has two minutes to hit off live pitching.
- Points will be awarded for home runs on a sliding scale of difficulty valued between 100-500 points.
- Participants also can accumulate points by hitting a variety of targets placed around the playing field with a batted ball.
- Hitters will be penalized for foul balls.
- Batters must bunt the first four pitches at targets.
- Following each two-minute hitting period, the batter will be given one free swing at the Bowman Bonus Ball placed on a batting tee.
- The Bowman Bonus Ball is worth double points.
The hitting targets include:
- Bunting targets
- Bowman oversized baseball trading card targets (3)
- Eye Promise Batter’s Eye
- Moving human sphere (Zorb ball)
- Pepsi Power Alley triangle
- Rawlings Factory Store ball bucket pyramids
- Sports Chalet trampoline (jumping outfielder)
- Title Boxing inflatables sponsored (3)
- Zinger Bats vertical bat targets
Fans pay $8.00 to not only watch but participate in this hitting challenge. When targets are struck by batted balls, fans in the stands have the chance to win prizes. These prizes include baseball cards, gift bags, autographed items, event tickets, gift cards from area merchants and Arizona Fall League merchandise and admission tickets. Once inside the gates of Sloan Park, fans pick up their entry in the Lucky Number Booth and are then entered for a chance to win a prize as targets on the field are struck by the various players.
Dodgers shortstop Corey Seager represented the team in 2013 and responded with 1,050 points including a monster shot on his last swing. He did not win the competition taken by catcher Pete O’Brien with 1,575 points.
During the 2015 challenge Dodger outfielder Jacob Scavuzzo emerged as the winner by scoring a 50-point bunt hit, a 200-point home run and a 300-point home run. He also hit two balls off the 300-point Bowman cutout in the infield, a 700-point knockerball in the outfield and the final 800-point shot off the inflatable target in right field.
Oddly enough players find hitting the final ball off the tee the most challenging part of the competition and it sometimes comes down to the bonus ball on the tee to win the contest. Jacob Scuvuzzo did just that in 2015 striking a 400-point target for double points.
“That money ball, everybody’s trying to be the guy that hits the home run because it hasn’t been done before,” Scavuzzo said of the tee shot. “I luckily hit it off the end a little bit and it wound up hitting the target, and that wound up sealing the deal for me. I’m pretty happy with the way that worked out.”
I would expect Cody Thomas to be the Dodger player but would also be more than happy with Jared Walker. I will keep this updated – D.C.
UPDATE #1
Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic has a piece that is a very interesting read, entitled: Rosenthal: Get ready for managerial chess matches unlike any other in postseason history
UPDATE #2 – NLDS Roster
PITCHERS (12)
Pedro Baez
Walker Buehler
Caleb Ferguson
Dylan Floro
Rich Hill
Kenley Jansen
Clayton Kershaw
Ryan Madson
Kenta Maeda
Hyun-Jin Ryu
Julio Urias
Alex WoodCATCHERS (2)
Austin Barnes
Yasmani GrandalINFIELDERS (6)
Brian Dozier
David Freese
Enrique Hernandez
Manny Machado
Max Muncy
Justin TurnerOUTFIELDERS (5)
Cody Bellinger
Matt Kemp
Joc Pederson
Yasiel Puig
Chris Taylor
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Discussion (187)
Disagree, not disagreeable
I’m sorry, but that is really stupid. Pitchers can hit too when you groove it!
Get Baez and Urias up.
Bad throw by Bellinger.
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Bad cather by Grandal.
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2 PB – 2 E.
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Wow!
Grandal’s inability to play defense and hit with RISP is between his ears as much as anything.
This plate umpire has no business being in the umpire business.
Could not agree more, inconsistent to say the least and what a surprise seeing Kershaw’s history with this umpire
There have been errors and passed balls, but Clayton Kershaw looks like a #3 or #4.
Nothing new with Grandal or Kershaw. Well I guess Grandal is actually much worse tonight but he always seems to have a passed ball at an inopportune time. Kershaw well he gave up a homer to the cardinal pitcher to start a big rally. I think Kershaw has now given up the third most homeruns in playoff history behind Andy petite. That may be wrong but suffice it to say he has given up a bunch. Now he can’t get the 7 and 8 hitters out. Turn out the lights!
You will likely see Urias tonight!
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I am so disappointed in Clayton.
They gave in to Kershaw’s ego and let him go #1. Has he put 2 really good games together all season? I’m with Mark, let him opt out, he hurts us having to respect his past.
I love Kershaw but if he opts out I would not get in a bidding war. He no longer has a strikeout pitch, his shutout against the Braves was a mirage and the post season narrative will continue to be written that he “shrinks” on the bug stage.
The freaking 2 inning start for the Brewers and an effective BP game for them will allow the pundits to claim Counsell is a genius. Don’t get me wrong Kersh needs to be in Cooperstown with a Dodger cap, but he is not worth anymore than the next two years at $34 million. He’s just not that kind of investment and as Al Campanis used to say “you’ve got to get rid of a player before they lose it” (something like that!)
He will opt out even if he is and in game 5 also, the right move would likely to let him walk, but I still see he Dodgers offering like 4/125 mil.
How about some competitive at bats similar to what the Brewers have done all night, are we scared of this pen?
Not at this has anything to do with the outcome but…replacing Freeze in the 4th inning is asinine.
Here’s the good news:
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Kershaw, Woodruff and Hader likely won’t pitch tomorrow.
Dang,, I guess we got old time first strike Kershaw instead of LDS soft out slider and big time curve Kershaw. Everybody talks about Kersh choking in the postseason. Love the guy, but he is his own worst enemy. The whole league knows that he is first pitch strike every time, and if that’s a ball, next pitch is strike for sure. For some reason, and I love the guy, his competitive ego still tells him he can physically over power hitters, instead of channeling his inner Greg Maddux at this stage in his career, and pitch instead of throw. Kind of like gettin hit on the back of the head by a two by four and still diggin it.
It’s hard watching Roberts get out-managed by yet another dweeb. First Hinch, now Counsell.
How about taking a strike Bellinger?
The thing that has got Kershaw in trouble in past is his falling in love with his fastball.
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As for Kershaw opting out, I have long contended that the Dodgers should not re-sign him if he does. The $30-35 million annual salary could be better spent on multiple other players.
Just wait until Game #2.
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i.e., This game is over.
As we all build the funeral prye, dont forget, we win tomorrow and the Brewers home field advantage is gone. Just steal one guys…
If it’s any comfort, the 1959 Dodgers lost the first game of the WS, and then went on to win in 6 games.
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And there have been years when the Dodgers won after losing the first two games.
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And while this one doesn’t look good, I’m not ready to say that it’s over.
Rudy Byrd said both things I came here to say: losing Freese was stupid and Doc is being outmanaged. Good news is the whole team (except for Machado) is playing like shit so it probably doesn’t matter.
I left out that Dodgers lost that first game in 1959, 11-0.
I left out that score of that first game in 1959 was 11-0.
Great AB by Kemp, terrible AB’s by Kike and Bellinger. They were both trying for HR’s. This game is far from over and the team cannot figure out Hader so at least he’s done and probably won’t go tomorrow.