Live From Dodger Stadium- Dodgers vs. Diamondbacks

A "mummy" just threw out the first pitch. Not a real one, of course, but the Universal Studios variety. His hand fell off when he threw the pitch (props to the boys in the special effects department!), so we know it wasn't Jonathan Broxton. Had it been the rook, it would have been the whole arm.

By the way, if it seems like I'm typing slowly, it's because I'm trying to finish my dinner. Just a little window into the world of live blogs.

Quick update if you don't already know- the Phillies won, and the Padres are up a run in the top of the 3rd. This is one of those crunch time sorts of performances for D. Lowe. The Blue need a big one... here we go.

TOP OF THE FIRST

69 degrees at gametime. If this were a Tampa Bay Bucs game, that would probably mean something. Lowe falls behind 3-1 on Counsell, and then walks him. I'm sure that's exactly what they had in mind. Does he not know he reputation of the Live Blog hangs in the balance tonight?

Quick note on the crowd. Very mellow. A little too mellow. I understand the traffic issues in terms of why the place isn't full yet, but the ones who are here are giving off a Xanax vibe.

Hudson beats out a chopper to Betemit. First and second. This is going swimmingly, I'd say. For some reason, Lowe has taken a page from the Brad Penny, pitch real slow playbook.

But he gets the chopper to Furcal for the unassisted double play to end the inning. Huge stuff. The way the offense has been (save Monday) you don't want to fall too far behind. And I love those plays where the SS throws on the off foot. Just looks cool.

BOTTOM OF THE FIRST-

They're pumpin' the Def Leppard between innings. Sweet, headbangin' stuff. Rock of Ages, to be specific. LONG LIVE ROCK AND ROLL!!!

Anyhoo, Furcal leads off... 3-1 on Raffy. Vargas must be thinking, "if it's good enough for Lowe, it's good enough for me..." Chopper down the line... base hit. Furcal took a massive turn around first. Good fundamental ball from Vargas to cover first. Had they thrown behind Raffy, he was dead. But they didn't, so good start for the Blue. How about putting Furcal in motion?

Lofton pops out. Nice ovation for Nomar. Although he gets extra points for "Lowrider" when he comes to the plate. I think that's smart. No matter how bad you're going, nobody will ever boo during Lowrider. Too funky. I still say send Furcal...

... and he'd be on third if they did, after Nomar goes oppie for a single. Kent up. THEY HAVE TO GET AHEAD HERE. Send a message. Get some confidence. Win one for the Gipper. Take it one day at a time. Or something like that. No pressure, though, but it's very possible the entire season hangs in the balance of this AB (got to drum up the drama somehow...)

Or maybe not. Kent goes down swinging. Hopefully Drew can pick him up. Yes, five or six weeks ago, that would have been thrown out there for a laugh. Now I kind of mean it.

Drew pops out to left to end the inning. If anyone's keeping a running tally of missed opportunities, you may officially make your first mark. Good teams take advantage of that stuff.

TOP OF THE SECOND

Lowe walks Chad Tracy to open the inning. Hey, it worked in the first, right? That actually would have been useful for me a couple weeks ago, when my fantasy team was still alive. I had Tracy, and always suffered for walks. Timing is everything, as they say.

Particularly true here. Lowe again erases trouble with the double play. It must be fun to have a natural inclination to throw grounders. Little Drew grounds to Kent, and it's all good. Three up, three down, just with a little flair. Wait, Tommy's telling me something important- apparently, avacado topping is available from the folks over at Haas avacado. You get a Dodgerdog, and someone throws some avacado on it, Gratis! Tommy says it's delicious, but on the other hand, Tommy would eat shoe leather if it was topped with marinara, so consider the source.

I may take him up on the offer later, with one of the press box Dogs.

BOTTOM OF THE SECOND

Good a time as any for Betemit to break out. Lead the way for Ethier, who needs to do the same. Justify Grady's love....

.... and there it is. Single to right center brings up Ethier with a man on. Ethier, first pitch swinging, pops up and out. That, by the way, is the sort of thing that put him on the bench to begin with. Look for Marlon tomorrow if that keeps up. Martin follows with a 6-4-3. I barely had time to type anything this half inning, and it's already over. I really respect how Martin hustles, though. But in the clubhouse before the game, he looked exhausted. I'm sure the guy will sleep for a month when the year is over.

TOP OF THE THIRD

If Lowe walks Quentin to lead off this inning, we know it's officially a new rule. Leadoff guy must walk. Nope. He grounds to second. One down, and now he's pitching with that good Lowe rhythm. Quickly, with a ton of grounders. This has the potential to be the eight inning outing the Blue need. Of course, we've been here before (i.e. Chicago). So fingers crossed.

K on Vargas, brings Counsell and his goofy-ass stance to the plate. I mean, seriously, in all the times you screwed around in the back yard with different poses, did you ever try that one? Unless you were saying, "This is my Craig Counsell!" Too strange. I wonder if he wins a bet with someone every year he finishes with that swing ("I'll give you three million bucks if you can last another year with that," the gambler says). It's the only explination.

BOTTOM OF THE THIRD

Now they're doing something called "Smile Cam," which frankly is sort of weak. Who frowns on the Jumbotron?

D. Lowe leads off, so I'm just gonna prounouce one out, and move on. FOUL BALL BACK IN THE PRESS BOX! Just like the natural, I think it broke Robert Duval's typewriter.

Writers love predictability. Had Lowe proven me wrong, I'd have had to write around it. Good for him. Furcal lines right to Hudson. Two gone. K-Lo's turn. Gotta give everyone credit tonight. Much zippier pace than earlier in the week. Looks like the first three will be done somewhere in the neighborhood of 50 minutes, ahead of the hour pace they've been keeping these days.

Lofton singles, Nomar's up. By the way, that big high school game everyone's been making a deal out of? One team is crushing the other. Not sure who is supposed to win, but it's a blowout. Oaks is killin'. Big hand for Nomar as he comes up. The crowd is starting to wake up. Again, though, it could just be the Low Rider effect.

2-2 on Garciaparra, and Vargas is making now friends in the crowd by constantly throwing to first. None in the press box, either. There goes Lofton, but Nomar pops out to end the third. More baserunners left on.

TOP OF THE FOURTH

Hudson leads off. Has Vin called him "O-Dog" yet?

And faster than you can say, "O-Dog," he's sitting down. Luis Gonzalez, now the West's second best Gonzalez behind Adrian in San Diego, follows... and walks. Byrnes grounds to Betemit, who almost turns the double play. Replay shows it was the right call. He beat the throw from Kent.

Now it's Byrnes at first with two gone. Lowe is paying a lot of attention to him over there. This is one place Nomar doesn't look totally natural at first. Still a little mechanical holding guys on. The other would be stretching for balls. Of course by now he's got so much scar tissue on his leg muscles, he probably couldn't stretch if he wanted to.

Nice play by Furcal to end the inning.

BOTTOM OF THE FOURTH

I'm feelin' a homer here from Kent...

Just kind of a gut feeling. Let's see how it works. 2-2. Shorten up, put the ball in play (and over the wall, so I look like a freakin' genius!!!)

Okay, he walked, which is kind of like hitting a homer. I'm sure he would have, had the pitcher given him something to hit. Vargas must have heard the prediction. Yet another example of the power of the blog. So the leadoff man is on, giving the Dodgers a golden opportunity to waste another golden opportunity.

Shocker, another deep count on J.D. This is one selective dude. Must take him forever to pick out fruit at the farmer's market.

Young is through 6.1. Still a no-hitter.

Drew pops out. There goes Jen's theory.

Let's see if Betemit can join in the squander fest. Double play. Ask and you shall recieve.

TOP OF THE FIFTH

One slightly intimidating fly ball to center, and there's one out. Good news, though, my fiance apparently went wine shopping at the BevMo five cent wine sale (which I highly recommend). Love that.

Single by Drew (wrong one) brings up Quentin. He strikes out, but Vargas (yes, he is the pitcher) singles. Somewhere, there's a D-Backs fan going, "how many chances are we going to give away?"

One more, at least. Grounder to Garciaparra ends it. Must be that rediculous stance.

BOTTOM OF THE FIFTH

BATHROOM BREAK!

TOP OF THE SIXTH

Sorry. Had to fill the ol' salad bowl again.

Did I miss much? Nope. Hudson grounds out. One down. And Young is an inning away from no-no in SD. Nice play by Kent. Like someone said, you get the feeling that something big is going to happen in this one, you just hope it's on the right end. Byrnes singles for Arizona. Hopefully that ain't it.

And it ain't. Pitch out, and Martin gets him.

Tommy's back on the Jumbotron, telling me about the "Avacado Ambassadors" ready to toss some Hass on my dog. He's really shilling hard for the avacado people. There's a really strong chance I'm going to take him up on the offer. After all, it comes from full fledged ambassadors.

BOTTOM OF THE SIXTH

One down in San Diego. Still a no hitter for Young.

Furcal leads off, and pops to right. He must be concerned about the no hitter.

Young walks a guy. Man on first, one out. Rally caps, Pirates! Rally caps!

Lofton grounds out. Lolo was making fun of me because he said I wanted the game to end quickly. Judging by the number of early counts guys are swinging at, I think they're in a bigger hurry than I am. First pitch single by Nomar (that's to be expected). He may be rounding into form.

Kent flies to center as Joe Randa takes Young deep to end the no hitter and keep Pittsburgh alive in this one. 6-2 in the ninth.

TOP OF THE SEVENTH

The only problem with these swift games is they really cut down on the amount of time I have to think of funny stuff to say. This game hasn't exactly provided a lot of material, aside from Tommy's constant pushing of the avacado topping for the Dodgerdogs.

Tracy tries to drag a bunt, doesn't work. That Lowe is agile as a cat on the mound. So the Dodgers are going to get their well pitched game, and may not score. Not a good sign, when the other two teams they're competing against buried their lesser opponants. Nice play by Ethier to get the second out, on a sinking liner from J. Estrada.

BOTTOM OF THE SEVENTH-

AAAAAGHHHH- lost a half inning. Blog platform issues. By now you may have noticed Drew homered, and Martin doubled. Sorry folks! this is what happens sometimes when you go live.

Anyhoo, bit spot for Anderson, with a man on second and two outs. HUGE insurance run, and you can make a solid arguement that the Dodgers bullpen needs all the cushion it can get. And there it is. Double for Anderson. I've said it before, I'll say it again. The guy is the single greatest totally ignored at the time deadline acquisition in history.

And that'll do it for Vargas. Remind me to ask Little what he'd have done if Martin reached first, but not scoring position. I'm not sure I'd have pulled Lowe in a situation where it would theoretically take two base hits to score a runner.

MORE TECH ISSUES!!!!!

I think I mentioned that K. Lo isn't getting any love, he could make them pay, doesn't etc. Beimel to relieve Lowe.

TOP OF THE EIGHTH

Bend at the knees, Joe. Bend at the knees. Green bunts his way on, and Conor Jackson will pinch hit for Counsel. And not that well, either. Good job by Beimel to get the K.

Not so good job by Beimel to allow the double to O-Dog, though (did we get another O-Dog from Vin?) . Ethier had a long way to go to get that one. Heart of the order coming up, with two on. Yikes. Close call on the check swing. By the way, the Dodger Stadium interweb has slowed to a crawl. It's taking forever to post comments, etc.

Big pop out from Gonzalez. Good work by Beimel. And now Grady will bring in Saito to face Byrnes, who has been all over the place tonight. I like the move. Don't screw around. Not that there are a lot of other choices, and I'm sure many of you are surprised to see him do it.

And it works. Questionable strike three call, but hey, this isn't an exercise in fairness, right?

Hopefully, the computer issues are coming to an end. Still having problems posting.

BOTTOM EIGHT

Ground control to Major Tom????

Okay, I think we're back for now. But there are two outs, so at this point, I'm just gonna get ready for the ninth.

TOP OF THE NINTH

Okay, here we go. Dodgers need a shut down inning from Saito. Can't let this one get away.

Tracy pops to Ethier. Good start. Estrada follows with a grounder that would have been fielded by a healthy Kent, which begs the question, why is Kent still in the game? This would be a good time for the ol' defensive replacement.

Oh well, moot point, as Drew grounds into the double play. Saito ties the Dodgers rookie record of 21 saves. Brazoban, you've got company.

Sorry for the sparse posting near the end. It was a struggle of man vs. machine.

Thanks for following along.

Posted by kambrothers on September 22, 2006 | Permalink

Comments

a mellow crowd, you say, BK?
let's give them something to scream about!! GO BLUE!
go yard, raffy!
where's my pill-poppin' pal, STARGAZIN!?!?!

Posted by: Orel Fixation | September 22, 2006 at 07:49 PM

Okay, I'm here! Wish I were at the Ravine, to add a little volume to the Xanax crowd. Thanks, Rafy, for the defense! Now give us a little offense!

Posted by: Jen | September 22, 2006 at 07:50 PM

jen i thought you'd be there tonight ... FAIR BALL!

Posted by: Orel Fixation | September 22, 2006 at 07:51 PM

ALL MY COMMENTS ARE IN CAPS TIL STARGAZIN ARRIVES.

Posted by: Orel Fixation | September 22, 2006 at 07:52 PM

Yeah, Raffy! I hope the rest of the night's snake defense looks like that!

I love when they play Gold Digger - love that song, and if you've never seen a suburbia mom rocking out to Kanye, it's quite a sight! (witnesses can debate on whether that's a good sight or a bad one)

Posted by: Jen | September 22, 2006 at 07:53 PM

K-LO POPS OUT MORE THAN ANYONE ON THIS TEAM.
NOW, AS STARGAZIN SAYS:
GO NOMMMMMMMMAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAARRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR

Posted by: Orel Fixation | September 22, 2006 at 07:54 PM

No, Orel, unfortunately I'm done until the postseason....and there will be one, right, boys?! GO BLUE!

Posted by: Jen | September 22, 2006 at 07:54 PM

Orel, if you wanted to have a conversation with a guy in left sitting in right, no problem.

Posted by: Brian Kamenetzky | September 22, 2006 at 07:55 PM

GO DODGERS!

mike

Posted by: Michael Teniente | September 22, 2006 at 07:56 PM

good job orel.

w/ the offense struggling why dont we try to manufacture some runs in the early stages? i'm sure lowe would appreciate pitching from ahead than behind.

Posted by: sok | September 22, 2006 at 07:56 PM

LOLO AND STARGAZIN HAVE JUST PULLED INTO THE LOT ... TROUBLE IS THEY CAN'T FIND PARKING AND THEY ARE TOO CHEAP TO VALE.
LET'S GO, BOYS! I'M NOT HOLDING YOUR DRINKS ALL NIGHT!

Posted by: Orel Fixation | September 22, 2006 at 07:56 PM

OK, with so little time remaining in the season it's time for Nomar to get hot, again.

Damn, Kent. Come on, Drew! Show us the good stuff!

Posted by: Jen | September 22, 2006 at 07:58 PM

KENT-STER - CATCH UP TO THAT FASTBALL!!

Posted by: Orel Fixation | September 22, 2006 at 07:58 PM

BK, NOTHING MAKES ME SICKER THAN SEEING THOSE PRIME YELLOW SEATS BEHIND HOME PLATE, SITTING THERE EMPTY. NO COMPRENDO.

Posted by: Orel Fixation | September 22, 2006 at 08:00 PM

WE COULDA SCORED BUT

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

Posted by: stargazin | September 22, 2006 at 08:01 PM

Someone microwave a steak in the guy's honor.

Posted by: Brian Kamenetzky | September 22, 2006 at 08:03 PM

OREL - YOU'RE DOIN A GOOD JOB . KEEP IT UP.
ITS LIKE WATCHING MYSELF BLOG. LIKE LOOKINDG
IN TO A MIRROR.

WHERES LOLOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

Posted by: stargazin | September 22, 2006 at 08:03 PM

Forget it. There he is.

Damn, two lead off walks in a row. Come on, Lowe!

Posted by: Jen | September 22, 2006 at 08:04 PM

dang it. why are we alway leaving men on base? dont answer rhetorical question.

Posted by: sok | September 22, 2006 at 08:04 PM

RAFFY IN SCORING POSITION RIGHT OF THE BAT.
BUTTTTTTTTT NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!
WE CAN'T GET HIM 'ROUND.

ANYONE:
JOHNNY ESTRADA = STEVE MCQUEEN

Posted by: Orel Fixation | September 22, 2006 at 08:04 PM

ONLY I HAVE THE SNAK FOR MICRO STREAKS.ITS A GIFT.

Posted by: stargazin | September 22, 2006 at 08:05 PM

All right, DP. We just need Lowe to settle down and cash in on every opportunity.

Posted by: Jen | September 22, 2006 at 08:05 PM

THOSE TWIN KILLERS ARE SAVING OUR RECTANGLES EARLY.

Posted by: Orel Fixation | September 22, 2006 at 08:05 PM

Stargazin's in the house!

The Padres are winning 3-0 now :-(

These double plays are really saving Lowe :-)

Posted by: Eric | September 22, 2006 at 08:06 PM

OREL- WE MUST BE LONG LOST TWINS- SEPARATED AT BIRTH.
JUST LIKE MCQUEEN AND TRACY.

WHAT KIND OF WINE YOU DRINKING TONITE///

Posted by: stargazin | September 22, 2006 at 08:06 PM

Did the Bucs showed up with their "A" game against us and tanking against the minipads?

Posted by: MTI | September 22, 2006 at 08:06 PM

there you are.
i prefer the lower case.
lowe's gettin the ground ball ... good sign.

Posted by: Orel Fixation | September 22, 2006 at 08:07 PM

Sure hope Lowe can get us 7 or 8 tonight. Biemel pitched 2 last night and may not be available. Anyone but Biemel, Brox, and Saito scares the hell out of me.

Posted by: Jim | September 22, 2006 at 08:07 PM

sok - its because we don't have clutch hitters.
NEVER HAS A QUESTION YOU DON'T WANT ANSWERED.
WHATS A RHETORICAL??

Posted by: stargazin | September 22, 2006 at 08:09 PM

BK, you are SO right about good teams taking advantage ... we are doing NONE of that now. during the STREAK we were -- but no more.
deep down, i believe we are a playoff team, but we have not played like a playoff team in september.

Posted by: Orel Fixation | September 22, 2006 at 08:09 PM

no wine tonight, stargazin.
my nine year old has a football game at 8:30am; we have to be on the field at 7:45pm.
(i did have a couple miller lites with my pizza at dinner!)

andre should get paid by the number of pitches he sees.

Posted by: Orel Fixation | September 22, 2006 at 08:11 PM

OREL- JOHNNY ESTRADA LOOKS LIKE THE HISPANIC GUY ON
"CHIPS" WHAT WAS HIS NAME????

Posted by: stargazin | September 22, 2006 at 08:11 PM

eric estrada

Posted by: Orel Fixation | September 22, 2006 at 08:12 PM

YOU KNOW "PONCH"

Posted by: stargazin | September 22, 2006 at 08:13 PM

Stargazin', that's pop culture information everyone should know.

Posted by: Brian Kamenetzky | September 22, 2006 at 08:14 PM

someone's TELLING andre to jump on the first one ... you can't do that on your own so many times.
Lolo must be finishing his cigarette outside. someone drag him in here .. he just missed an IN & OUT commercial.

Posted by: Orel Fixation | September 22, 2006 at 08:14 PM

They all should get paid for the # of pitches they see!

Posted by: Jim | September 22, 2006 at 08:15 PM

the scariest thought of all:
"the dodgers hit the road on monday."
v. scully

Posted by: Orel Fixation | September 22, 2006 at 08:15 PM

SOK- DON;T BE SNEAKING OUT ON US.

Posted by: stargazin | September 22, 2006 at 08:16 PM

two buck chuck here. although its 3.99

Posted by: MTI | September 22, 2006 at 08:16 PM

BK, didn't russell martin look exhausted today because he fell asleep on the massage table?
i looked tired today, too. almost fell asleep at my desk.

Posted by: Orel Fixation | September 22, 2006 at 08:18 PM

WE'RE GOIN GET AT LEAST 8 FROM THE BIG GUY TONITE.

DID YOU GUYS IN THE LEFT AND RIGHT FIELD BLEACHERS
HEAR THAT????

Posted by: stargazin | September 22, 2006 at 08:18 PM

Sorry guys. Just got in from the bar. That's one advantage I have being on the east coast. I can stay at the bar until 10:30 and still make it back in time to see the game. What can I say; I'm weak around Guinness. HAHAHA!

Posted by: LoLo | September 22, 2006 at 08:18 PM

"They all should get paid for the # of pitches they see!"

Dont you think JD Drew is making enough money already?

Posted by: mti | September 22, 2006 at 08:18 PM

i hear that's great stuff, MTI.
can't get that at WILD WINGS, though. ha.

Posted by: Orel Fixation | September 22, 2006 at 08:19 PM

BK - I KNOW. HOW EMBARRASSING. TOO LAZY TO GOOGLE.
NO EXCUSE.

MAYBE THEY'RE RELATED= BOTH ESTRADAS.

Posted by: stargazin | September 22, 2006 at 08:20 PM

PITT vs. SD on the very next channel here tonight. time for some picture in picture.

Posted by: Orel Fixation | September 22, 2006 at 08:21 PM

OREL- ANDRE BEEN WATCHING NOMAR FOR TOO LONG.

Posted by: stargazin | September 22, 2006 at 08:21 PM

MTI- YOU GOT RIPPED OFF.

Posted by: stargazin | September 22, 2006 at 08:22 PM

Orel-

I always look tired, but I'm not supposed to hit .290.

Posted by: Brian Kamenetzky | September 22, 2006 at 08:23 PM

counsell looks like a complete idiot with that stance.
can you imagine a scout seeing that crap on a high school field?

Posted by: Orel Fixation | September 22, 2006 at 08:23 PM

????? ONLY BEEN HERE 5 MINUTES AND I'M ALREADY GETTIN THE ALPHABET TEST????? BK??????

Posted by: stargazin | September 22, 2006 at 08:23 PM

Stargazin-

Assuming you're sober, or near someone who is, you'll get through it.

Posted by: Brian Kamenetzky | September 22, 2006 at 08:25 PM

Damn! Phillies won and "The Whale's Vagina" is winning. Can we get some help in this mutha?!?!?

Posted by: LoLo | September 22, 2006 at 08:25 PM

Pyramid Apricot Weizen here - I'm afraid I'm going to need more of it if the boys don't start doing something productive here.

Posted by: Jen- | September 22, 2006 at 08:26 PM

c'mon K-Lo. we need you tonight.
you ain't wearing GARVEY's number for nothin'

Posted by: Orel Fixation | September 22, 2006 at 08:26 PM

ONLY for the pitches they see!!!!

Posted by: Jim | September 22, 2006 at 08:27 PM

Orel,

Do you have Trader Joe's there? Thats their product.
I think its actually 2.99 , my bad

Posted by: MTI | September 22, 2006 at 08:28 PM

Nomah! Cash him in!

Posted by: Jen- | September 22, 2006 at 08:28 PM

Thanks for keeping my seat warm. Now give me my damn drink!! HAHAHA!!

Posted by: LoLo | September 22, 2006 at 08:28 PM

BK- YOU KNOW WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU ASSUME.

Posted by: stargazin | September 22, 2006 at 08:28 PM

BK i SO want your job right now. i would'a caught that foul ball with a foul mouth.

Posted by: Orel Fixation | September 22, 2006 at 08:29 PM

stargazin, when i was ALL CAP'N -- i got the alpha test on two or three of them.

Posted by: Orel Fixation | September 22, 2006 at 08:30 PM

never mind my theory; i just got alpha'd on the lowercase, too.

I MEAN ITS NOT LIKE I'M DRIVIN A CAR??

Posted by: stargazin | September 22, 2006 at 08:31 PM

BK,

From your tone it sound like you're in a hurry. HAHAHA!

Posted by: LoLo | September 22, 2006 at 08:32 PM

yeah, we love trader joe's.
they are the great snack supplier for this household.

Posted by: Orel Fixation | September 22, 2006 at 08:32 PM

I would have protected the 'puter before going after the ball (I can get a ball a lot easier than I can get a new computer). And besides, I'm in the third row of the press box, where it's virtually impossible for a ball to get there.

Posted by: Brian Kamenetzky | September 22, 2006 at 08:32 PM

The alphas come up when you post consecutively too fast.

Posted by: Jen- | September 22, 2006 at 08:33 PM

Lolo-

I love baseball, but I hate slow paced baseball. By baseball standards, I mean. It is, by definition, slow. It's not like I'm going anywhere afterwards. Just home.

Posted by: Brian Kamenetzky | September 22, 2006 at 08:35 PM

I COULD SEE LOWE GETTIN INTO THE 9TH. BUT WE
GOTTA SCORE. WISH WE HAD ONE MORE LIKE LOWE-
GIVE THE BULLPEN A REST.

Posted by: stargazin | September 22, 2006 at 08:35 PM

You guys hear that? Chris Young is pitching a no-hitter? We cant get Bautista and Sanchez out. I think they are tanking this series.

Posted by: MTI | September 22, 2006 at 08:35 PM

Hey, BK, maybe Lowe just screwed up in the 3rd - he meant to walk him but somehow couldn't do it. Weird. Really weird. I feel like I'm waiting for an explosion - not sure if it's a good one or a bad one.

Posted by: Jen- | September 22, 2006 at 08:36 PM

HEY=BYRNES LOOKS LIKE THE OTHER GUY ON CHIPS
YOU KNOW THE NON HISPANIC ONE.
WHAT WAS HIS NAME???

Posted by: stargazin | September 22, 2006 at 08:36 PM

No hitter for Young? Another "day late, dollar short" moment for the now dead fantasy team.

Posted by: Brian Kamenetzky | September 22, 2006 at 08:37 PM

what kind of laptop do you have in the third row tonight?

Posted by: Orel Fixation | September 22, 2006 at 08:37 PM

bad new good new.

bad new: phillies won.

good new: ryan howard is on my fantasy baseball team, so is gordon.

i mean every cloud has a silverlining right?

but i would trade losing my fantasy league for a dodger playoff run. even thought it's going to cost me a black angus dinner :(.

Posted by: sok | September 22, 2006 at 08:37 PM

Damn, we seriously need the Bucs to step up. GO BUCS!

Posted by: Jen- | September 22, 2006 at 08:38 PM

4-0 minipads.

Posted by: Orel Fixation | September 22, 2006 at 08:38 PM

RAFFY RAWKS!

Raffy gotz some HOP!! Maybe he can tryout for the Lakers.

Posted by: LoLo | September 22, 2006 at 08:38 PM

Just messin' with ya. HAHA!

Posted by: LoLo | September 22, 2006 at 08:39 PM

JEN- AND THAT APPLIES TO ME , HOWWWWW?????????????

I LIMIT MYSELF TO TWO COMMENTS PER MINUTE-
TRY TO PACE MYSELF, YOU KNOW??

Posted by: stargazin | September 22, 2006 at 08:40 PM

Ponch and John. Loved that show.

Posted by: Jen- | September 22, 2006 at 08:41 PM

well jim tracy didn't coach for the padres. it seems everyone gets up for to play the dodgers. only problem is we can't seem to get up to play sub par teams :(.

Posted by: sok | September 22, 2006 at 08:41 PM

YEAH OREL - YOU WERE ROLLING. I ALMOST STAYED OFF
THE BLOG JUST SO YOU WOULD KEEP GOIN.

BK- HEAR THAT. I ALMOST STAYED OFF THE BLOG.
A WHOLE NIGHT WITH NO CAPS.
OH WELL.

Posted by: stargazin | September 22, 2006 at 08:42 PM

Lolo,
Furcal can probably play better defense than Smush Parker

Posted by: Tom | September 22, 2006 at 08:42 PM

can't help but see that big sign behind home plate that says: THE DEPARTED.

Posted by: Orel Fixation | September 22, 2006 at 08:42 PM

Hey, I didn't say it was bad, stargazin, I'm just saying that's why it does it. We were worried when you didn't show up on time, who was going to keep it kickin' tonight?! You're the life of our little blue party!

Posted by: Jen- | September 22, 2006 at 08:42 PM

SOK- YOU NEED TO GET YOUR WIFE A CAR.

Posted by: stargazin | September 22, 2006 at 08:43 PM

I so wish you'd been right, BK. Maybe you were just thinking ahead to Drew...

Posted by: Jen- | September 22, 2006 at 08:44 PM

okay we got the lead off hitter on base 3 out of 4 innings. can't we get 1 score plz. dont make me make stargazer beg.

Posted by: sok | September 22, 2006 at 08:44 PM

Here I am!!! Rock you like a Hurricane!!!

Happy Rosh Hashanah folks!

Posted by: DodgerBlueBalls | September 22, 2006 at 08:45 PM

ANOTHER PITCHER LOOKIN LIKE CY YOUNG AGAINST US?

Posted by: stargazin | September 22, 2006 at 08:45 PM

freddy sanchez up against chris young in the 7th, two out.
sanchez pops up; nono through seven.

Posted by: Orel Fixation | September 22, 2006 at 08:46 PM

a NO-NO through 7 for Chirs Young

Posted by: Tom | September 22, 2006 at 08:47 PM

DBB,

I would have been more impressed if you would have come in singing "Sister Christian".

Posted by: LoLo | September 22, 2006 at 08:47 PM

Ethier will do something this inning...he is really really due for an RBI.

Posted by: Tom | September 22, 2006 at 08:48 PM

DBB, you have 20 laps
and you are SO cleaning erasers after the game.

Posted by: Orel Fixation | September 22, 2006 at 08:48 PM

JEN -JUST KIDDING. I KNOW I WILL GET THE ALPHA IF I
MACHINE GUN BLOG.

USUALLY ONLY TAKES ME 2 OR 3 TRYS TO GET IT RIGHT.
(I'M A QUICK STUDY)

Posted by: stargazin | September 22, 2006 at 08:49 PM

It's only the 4th inning Stargazin!!! We don't pass out Cy Young awards until the 7th! You know, Biemel time!!!!

Posted by: DodgerBlueBalls | September 22, 2006 at 08:49 PM

Love that song!

Posted by: Brian Kamenetzky | September 22, 2006 at 08:51 PM

HEY DBB H R U? GOT A POEM OR A SONG OR A LINK FOR US TONITE????

Posted by: stargazin | September 22, 2006 at 08:51 PM

these double plays are killing us.
jen, time for another Pyramid Apricot Weizen -- the adventurous wheat ale that offers the pleasing aroma and flavor of fresh apricots, and smooth and refreshing character for which wheat beers are known.

Posted by: Orel Fixation | September 22, 2006 at 08:51 PM

TOM - I DON'T THINK HE HAS ONE IN SEPTEMBER.

Posted by: stargazin | September 22, 2006 at 08:54 PM

LOL, Orel! Yeah, I'm thinking right now it's definitely time for another pleasing Apricot Weizen! These boys are killin' me - soon it'll be Tums time!

Posted by: Jen- | September 22, 2006 at 08:56 PM

Nomar is killing us on defense! But we need his bat! Saenz right now has more mobility than Nomar.

Posted by: Tom | September 22, 2006 at 08:57 PM

PHILY wins.
SD will win.
we need a lead, NOW.

Posted by: Orel Fixation | September 22, 2006 at 08:57 PM

SOK IS THE ANTI STARGAZER. all lowercase.always.
a very low key kinda guy.

Posted by: stargazin | September 22, 2006 at 08:57 PM

STARGAZIN,
But Anderson has made up for Ethier's lack of production or lack of playing time. Another great move by NEd Colleti

Posted by: Tom | September 22, 2006 at 08:58 PM

BK,
Do you see any scenario in the Dodgers schedule where they might go to a three man rotation? And is there any possiblity that that rotation will be Lowe, Maddux, and Bills 'cuz Penny just sucks right now.

Posted by: Tom | September 22, 2006 at 08:59 PM

Sorry for the delay folks! I'm shaggin' out field balls as we type. . .

Lolo,
The only place fitting to hear "Sister Christian" is when we go cruzin' in STARGAZIN's camarero. . .

Posted by: DodgerBlueBalls | September 22, 2006 at 09:00 PM

Why can't we get Lowe any run support. The poor guy has to pitch a great game just to have a chance. No wonder he blew up against the Cubs when we scored all those runs for him.

Posted by: LoLo | September 22, 2006 at 09:00 PM

Wine? I'm drinking Guinness. You guys are making me feel unsophisticated.

Posted by: LoLo | September 22, 2006 at 09:01 PM

Let's go Ethier!!! We will need you in the playoffs and need you to even make it!

Posted by: Tom | September 22, 2006 at 09:01 PM

well i have to go. i will listen on the drive.

my wife can't drive yet, but i'm teaching her. once she gets a license i can buy her..er.. myself a new car. she can have mine :)

Posted by: sok | September 22, 2006 at 09:02 PM

DBB - A SONG AND A DANCE???

Posted by: stargazin | September 22, 2006 at 09:03 PM

Young still has the NO-NO through 8.1

Posted by: Tom | September 22, 2006 at 09:03 PM

There, Vinny gave us a poem...

Posted by: Jen- | September 22, 2006 at 09:03 PM

Okay, I can hear the crowd cheering over what has to be a beach ball or the wave. That so cheeses me.

Posted by: Jen- | September 22, 2006 at 09:05 PM

Tom, nomar made a great play on that ball to his right; perfect flip to lowe.

Posted by: Orel Fixation | September 22, 2006 at 09:06 PM

8 innings of no-hit ball by Chris Young

Posted by: Tom | September 22, 2006 at 09:07 PM

There goes the O-Dog comment from Vin!

Posted by: Jen- | September 22, 2006 at 09:08 PM

we don't have a run; the pirates don't have a hit.

Posted by: Orel Fixation | September 22, 2006 at 09:09 PM

Jen-

I knew it was coming. It's right up there with Rick Monday's constant reminder that Uggla is Swedish for Owl.

Posted by: Brian Kamenetzky | September 22, 2006 at 09:11 PM

chris young bats second in this inning.
do you knock him down?
i do.
so does drysdale.

Posted by: Orel Fixation | September 22, 2006 at 09:11 PM

sok,
drive carefully.
ponch and john might pull you over and give you an alpha test.

Posted by: Orel Fixation | September 22, 2006 at 09:12 PM

SOK- DON'T FORGET YOUR HALL PASS.

Posted by: stargazin | September 22, 2006 at 09:13 PM

MOTOR'IN!!!!! WHAT'S YOUR PRICE FOR LIFE?!?

Posted by: DodgerBlueBalls | September 22, 2006 at 09:13 PM

Knock him down? SHATTER HIS KNEE-CAP!!!!

Posted by: LoLo | September 22, 2006 at 09:14 PM

There's that damn pastrami commerical again, only this time it sounds good. I have a serious case of the munchies!!

Posted by: LoLo | September 22, 2006 at 09:15 PM

OREL- THEY DON'T DO THAT ANYMORE.

Posted by: stargazin | September 22, 2006 at 09:15 PM

Well, at least the no-no didn't come against us, right?

COME ON NOMAH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Posted by: Jen- | September 22, 2006 at 09:17 PM

WOOOHOOOOOO!! Home run by the Pirates!!!!!!!!

Posted by: LoLo | September 22, 2006 at 09:19 PM

Lolo,

I prefer beer, but its not very friendly to my belly, and I hate hard liquors. Had too many of those when I was in high school.

Posted by: MTI | September 22, 2006 at 09:19 PM

2 Run Home run in SD! No more no no!

Posted by: Jen- | September 22, 2006 at 09:19 PM

BYE_BYE No-NO

Posted by: Tom | September 22, 2006 at 09:19 PM

YEAAAAAAH!!!
WAY TO GO JOKER JOE !!!
NOW YOU GUYS NEED BACK TO BACK TO BACK TO BACK HOMERUNS!!!

Posted by: MTI | September 22, 2006 at 09:20 PM

Arg...why is it on live blog dodger style...I always manage to be late lol

Go Dodgers!

Posted by: Faith | September 22, 2006 at 09:21 PM

I had been watching the Padres game for the last 15 minutes trying to use some hoodoo on them. IT WORKED!! Time to get the pooper scooper out in the littler box!!

Posted by: LoLo | September 22, 2006 at 09:21 PM

I'm dancin' the robot as we type. . .

Posted by: DodgerBlueBalls | September 22, 2006 at 09:22 PM

Pirates just need back to back to back to back homers to tie the game

Posted by: Tom | September 22, 2006 at 09:22 PM

Go D_backs!!!!

Posted by: i know | September 22, 2006 at 09:23 PM

Dodgers swing like girly men.

Posted by: i know | September 22, 2006 at 09:24 PM

BK, I thought the last delay was you finally caving and getting your self an avocadog.

Yeah, Young taken out! Come on BUCS!

Posted by: Jen- | September 22, 2006 at 09:25 PM

stargazin,

Is your Camaro an Iroc with T-tops?

Posted by: LoLo | September 22, 2006 at 09:25 PM

Did they stop testing for steroids on Barry? Or did he discover a new undetectable drug?
I suggest they have him tested before we play them.

Posted by: mti | September 22, 2006 at 09:26 PM

Oh God no, not Dessens! We can start playing "Tomorrow" the second Dessens hits the mound!

Posted by: Jen- | September 22, 2006 at 09:26 PM

What do you suppose Grady Lumberg is saying to DLo right now on the mound???

Posted by: DodgerBlueBalls | September 22, 2006 at 09:27 PM

How did that minipad fan get in here?

Posted by: MTI | September 22, 2006 at 09:27 PM

Yeah DREW!!!!!!! He's a PRINCE!

Posted by: Jen- | September 22, 2006 at 09:31 PM

Drrrreeeewwwwwww!!!!

Posted by: LoLo | September 22, 2006 at 09:31 PM

that was big, sweet, and syrupy!

Posted by: phat2zday | September 22, 2006 at 09:32 PM

JD!
that dinger was worth $11 million!!

Posted by: Orel Fixation | September 22, 2006 at 09:33 PM

43,000 at the Ravine on a Friday, and the last home series of the year? What?

Posted by: LoLo | September 22, 2006 at 09:36 PM

Yeah, Russell! C'mon Marlon, put some padding on that!

Posted by: Jen- | September 22, 2006 at 09:37 PM

Raise your hand if you wish Byrnes would break his neck when he throws the ball into the infield. Talk about a show-boating dumba**. What kind of idiot does a circus flip when he throws the ball?

Posted by: LoLo | September 22, 2006 at 09:38 PM

Let's go, Marlo!!!!!!

Posted by: DodgerBlueBalls | September 22, 2006 at 09:38 PM

SORRY FOLKS- I JUST HAD TO WADE THROUGH ABOUT 15 MINUTES OF TECH ISSUES. WE'RE BACK... I THINK.

If I'm Melvin, I walk Martin and force him to choose between Lowe and the PH with a man on 1st and two out. I'm not so sure Grady wanted to pull him w/o a man in scoring position.

Posted by: Brian Kamenetzky | September 22, 2006 at 09:38 PM

Come on Marlon, insurance.

Posted by: Jim | September 22, 2006 at 09:38 PM

hey, there's our Micky Hatcher (Burns)! We gotta sign him first!
That guy cracked me up!

Posted by: mti | September 22, 2006 at 09:39 PM

Marlon is THE MAN!!

Posted by: LoLo | September 22, 2006 at 09:40 PM

Yeah BABY! Marlon Anderson RAWKS!!!

Posted by: Jen- | September 22, 2006 at 09:40 PM

One WOrd: NED COLLETI

Posted by: Tom | September 22, 2006 at 09:40 PM

I MEAN PHRASE

Yes!
Sure glad we have Anderson next year.

Posted by: Jim | September 22, 2006 at 09:41 PM

Mr.Anderson = Dr. Feelgood!!!! Thank you, NED!!!

Posted by: DodgerBlueBalls | September 22, 2006 at 09:41 PM

oops...I guess its spelled B Y R N E S

And a thumbs down for Lolo???

Posted by: Marlon Isip | September 22, 2006 at 09:43 PM

DAMN I HAVE THE MUNCHIES!!!

Posted by: LoLo | September 22, 2006 at 09:43 PM

Up to the Bullpen! And Lofton is a choker!

Posted by: Tom | September 22, 2006 at 09:43 PM

TO NED COLETTI "WE'RE NOT WORTHY!!! WE'RE NOT WORTHY!!!"

Posted by: MTI | September 22, 2006 at 09:45 PM

BK:

Tech issues = "we ran out of five's and singles. the dancers will be right back."

Posted by: DodgerBlueBalls | September 22, 2006 at 09:45 PM

Great managing by Little. Lofton is hitting .205 against lefties. Great decision

Posted by: Tom | September 22, 2006 at 09:45 PM

How can Dodger fans thank little for his great managing throughout the season?

Posted by: Tom | September 22, 2006 at 09:46 PM

Should they have pulled Lofton for that one? I know Kemp hasn't been a big producer since coming back, but it would have been nice to see what he'd do. Let's just hope 2 is enough.

Posted by: Jen- | September 22, 2006 at 09:47 PM

Maybe we'll make Marlon our Mickey Hatcher.
I dont know much about his sense of humor. That Byrnes looks like a character tho.

Posted by: mti | September 22, 2006 at 09:48 PM

Bunt's the same as a walk, right? We're no worse off than with Lowe. Right? Right? Someone get me the Tums...peppermint please.

Posted by: Jen- | September 22, 2006 at 09:49 PM

how much gas in the Beimel?

Posted by: Orel Fixation | September 22, 2006 at 09:50 PM

DodgerBlueBalls-

I actually considered naming tonight's Live Blog post "Live From the Rhino-- I Mean the Ravine" but thought the powers that be might not find the humor in that.

Posted by: Brian Kamenetzky | September 22, 2006 at 09:50 PM

LOL DBB!

Posted by: Jen- | September 22, 2006 at 09:51 PM

Crap crap crap!

Posted by: Jen- | September 22, 2006 at 09:52 PM

wilson should have been guarding the line more, no?

Posted by: Orel Fixation | September 22, 2006 at 09:53 PM

Looks like BK made it to the VIP room of Rhino's. I hear it's "better" up there.

Posted by: LoLo | September 22, 2006 at 09:53 PM

Saito 1+ innings LIttle!!! He hasn't been used that much lately. ANother great move by Little.

Posted by: Tom | September 22, 2006 at 09:53 PM

Tom, is that a rhetorical question?

Posted by: Brian Kamenetzky | September 22, 2006 at 09:54 PM

ditto, DBB.

Posted by: Orel Fixation | September 22, 2006 at 09:54 PM

gonzo looked like he had trouble SEEING the ball.
eyes get old, too.

Posted by: Orel Fixation | September 22, 2006 at 09:56 PM

WOW!!! Little is making a move in the middle of an inning!!! The heck you say!

Posted by: LoLo | September 22, 2006 at 09:56 PM

It's Sammy time! Shut em down!

Posted by: Jen- | September 22, 2006 at 09:57 PM

THIRD STRAIGHT GAME FOR SAMMY.

Posted by: stargazin | September 22, 2006 at 09:57 PM

While you're in there, say hi to Candy for me. She's the 6'2 blond from Ohio.

Posted by: LoLo | September 22, 2006 at 09:58 PM

GOOD POINT, OREL.

Posted by: stargazin | September 22, 2006 at 09:59 PM

eric burns.
wears his pant legs like brad penny.
i hate the ronald mcdonald style.

Posted by: Orel Fixation | September 22, 2006 at 10:00 PM

There's a deuces wild from Vin. Haven't heard that all night.

Posted by: Jen- | September 22, 2006 at 10:01 PM

Way to strike out, Byrnes. Get a haircut, you F'n hippie!!

Posted by: LoLo | September 22, 2006 at 10:01 PM

That's a tough strike three call, but the Dodgers will take it.

Posted by: Brian Kamenetzky | September 22, 2006 at 10:02 PM

SAMMY RAWKS!!!!

Posted by: Jen- | September 22, 2006 at 10:02 PM

that third strike was low. as in Lolo.
home town call.
like you say, lolo, they all even out.

Posted by: Orel Fixation | September 22, 2006 at 10:02 PM

Saito!

Posted by: Faith | September 22, 2006 at 10:02 PM

GOOD POINT LOLO.

Posted by: stargazin | September 22, 2006 at 10:03 PM

Now that was a great move. Pulling Beimel for Sammy. Now that is managing.

Posted by: Michael Teniente | September 22, 2006 at 10:03 PM

GOOD POINT BK

ok --
gotta watch upstairs now, or my son doesn't make his football game in the morning.
you guys turn the lights out and lock up when you leave?
BK, thanks for another great time.

orel out.

Posted by: Orel Fixation | September 22, 2006 at 10:03 PM

SAMMMMMMY!!!!!!!!

I STILL THINK IMMIGRANT SONG SHOULD BE HIS SONG!!!

Posted by: MTI | September 22, 2006 at 10:04 PM

(DARN ALPHA TEST) GOOD POINT TOM.

Posted by: stargazin | September 22, 2006 at 10:04 PM

Maybe the ump doesn't like Byrnes' hair and those "light-in-the-loafers" flips he does when he throws that ball.

Posted by: LoLo | September 22, 2006 at 10:04 PM

GOOD POINT JEN.

(HATE THE ALPHA) GOOD POINT DBB.

Posted by: stargazin | September 22, 2006 at 10:05 PM