20 years, disappearing
Dodgers fans have been waiting... and waiting... and waiting. 20 years worth of waiting, and Saturday night at the Ravine with a 3-1 win over the Cubs, finishing off a three game sweep of Chicago in the NLDS, the Blue finally gave fans a taste. Yes, it's just one series, but one series can mean a lot in the wake of recent playoff disappointment. The formula they used to make it happen was the same the Dodgers used in the first two games- great pitching, solid defense, clutch hitting. Hiroki Kuroda, Corey Wade, and Jonathan Broxton combined to shut down the Cubs, limiting opportunities and pitching around trouble when it popped up. James Loney provided the big blow, a two run, two out double in the first that gave the Dodgers an early lead.
One series is not the World Series, but for the first time in a while, the Dodgers have momentum, they have hope, and have a legitimate chance to move to the World Series. 100 years for the Cubs will dominate the headlines but, the Dodgers unloaded some serious baggage of their own Saturday night, expressing emotion and having fun in the process.
No word yet who the Blue will play. Should Philly polish off the Brewers today, the Dodgers will head east. If Milwaukee completes the miracle comeback, the Blue will open in LA. Either way, the Dodgers get to rest until Thursday, and fans can live it up for a few days.
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!st two games in Philly on Friday and Saturday...i don't know if I can hold out that long...where am I going to get my Blue Crew Fix????
Posted by: K T | October 05, 2008 at 01:19 PM
The Dodgers have had periods this season when they played great ball. To play as good as they have right now, when it's needed the most is pretty amazing and shows what this team is really made of.
I'll admit it, I didn't think they had this kind of character. But it's not like I didn't think they had a chance, lol. Far from it. But I think if most bloggers admit it, they are just the tiniest bit surprised.
The teams that win in the playoffs are the teams that get hot. And I don't think the Dodgers can play much better than this right now.
Go Blue! Eight more!
Posted by: Andy B | October 05, 2008 at 02:16 PM
Its about time the Dodgers get a step closer to the World Series! Dodger fans have been waiting for this for a long time and maybe just maybe they will win. So lets start thinking blue and GO DODGERS!!!
Posted by: Lupe Hernandez | October 05, 2008 at 02:36 PM
I was at the game last night, and it was awesome!! And when Torre came out to speak to the crowd, after he thanked everyone, he said..."we still have 8 more games to win..."
I turned to my friend and said, this guy plays for championships!"...and I like our chances against the Phillies, obviosly they are playing well, the Dodgers pitching is the X-factor here, for sure,...and enough can't be said about Mattinly's influence on the Dodgers offense, in tems, of patient, pitch selection, especially for the younger hitters...
Go Blue!!
Posted by: ADRIAN | October 05, 2008 at 04:15 PM
KT,
You only have to hold out until Thursday. First two games in Philly are Thursday and Friday. Saturday is a travel day, and then games are scheduled in LA for Sunday, Monday, and, if necessary, Wednesday (no game scheduled for Tuesday). Last two games, if necessary, are the following Friday and Saturday in Philly.
Posted by: Brooklyn Dodger | October 05, 2008 at 06:09 PM
Hi Folks, I'm a Phillies fan (live in Philly). And just curious about what Dodgers fans are thinking about upcoming series.
I agree with KT above, I don't know how I'm going to wait unitl Thursday.
Posted by: Fightin' Phil | October 05, 2008 at 06:25 PM
After watching the game and celebration by the dodgers and listening to what they had to say I am sure that they have the will and talent to win this next series and may be even (i hope) the world series. They have been through injuries, losing streaks, and other drama and have worked extremely hard to get to this point. I think they are getting used to winning so they need to keep up their solid pitching, timely hitting, defense, and last but not least their drive and will to win.
Posted by: Ana Gil | October 05, 2008 at 06:48 PM
shocking turnaround
Posted by: dave m | October 05, 2008 at 07:01 PM
Hi Folks, I'm a Phillies fan (living in Philly) and curious about what the Dodger faithful think of this series. Obviously the Phils were terrible out there in LA and the Dodgers weren't much better here in Philly. Both teams are playing well and Manny is just unbelievable- I know the Phillies pitchers aren't looking forward to facing him.
I'm old enough to remember the late 70's and early 80's NLCS between the 2 teams and had my heartbroken by the first two series. I'm really looking forward to this one and like KT above- I really can't wait for Thursday.
Posted by: Fightin' Phil | October 05, 2008 at 07:11 PM
What's the feeling about the series out there in LA. Here in Philly we are nervous about Manny, but otherwise think it's a pretty even series. Like KT above, I can't wait for Thursday.
Posted by: Fightin' Phil | October 05, 2008 at 07:29 PM
Fightin' Phil,
I personally hoped it was the Phillies because I think it will be a better, more exciting series vs the Phils... plus as you said the prior two times these teams met in the late 70's, the Dodgers came out on top... I'm hoping history repeats itself.. i.e. the Cubs losing in the playoffs again.
I must admit I was shocked that our Dodgers made it to the playoffs and then to beat the Cubs... not so much that they beat them, but that they sweeped them!? I definitely wrote the Dodgers off when they lost 8 straight... they come back to hold off and win the NL West.... NOTE: I think we have to thank St.Louis though.. look what Arizona did to Colorado in the last three games!?... Hurdle, what a loser!@.......... and then face the Powerful Cubs in the first round. I was hopeful that the Mets would win the Wild Card so that we could face the Phils first and then Cubs but looking back in retrospect, I feel the Cubs were ideal for the taking.
The so called "Curse" is a self-fullfilling prophecy. The Dodgers did play good baseball but the Cubs did fold once something negative happened... it snowballed, for sure. I'm glad it did!... I thank the curse and I hope our playoff history against the Phils holds true.
SaMo,
Yeah, Broxton sure did surprise me too! I was envisioning a "TOM NIEDENFEUR" moment when Brox came in but he crushed all my fears.... although a couple of early pitches were HANGERS!!?? and DeRosa should of sent them out.
Finally,
I'm happy about this season. I lost $100 on the over in Vegas...(Dodgers needed to win 87 regular season games.. only won 84??!!)... but it was worth it that they won a playoffs series.
That being said, I hope the Dodgers don't feel like I do and start to be satisfied?!... they still need be hungry but I fear they might be satisfied like I am.
Posted by: Rob | October 05, 2008 at 08:29 PM
I have a good feeling for the Blue, they were underdogs against the best team in the NL(Cubs) and swept them. The Blue's confidence should be high for what they have done and how they dominated the Cubs. From a mental point, they should consider themselves the best team in the NL for what they have done and how they beat the poor Cubbies. They have momentum, confidence, and Manny, it's going to be an interesting NLCS. I wonder how the rest of america is feeling about this series outside of LA? And I have to agree with the rest of the comments above, I really can't wait til Thursday! Go Dodgers!!
Posted by: Matsuda | October 05, 2008 at 08:56 PM
gritty win for the Halos, btw.... please, please let it be a Dodger-Red Sox World Series, I know I'm getting ahead of myself, but can you imagine how great it would be to see Manny back in Fenway, and Torre almost finishing Yankee business, and a perhaps slight revenge for LA against Boston (re:NBA Finals)......anyway, Philly series should be great too...Manny at that Philly ball park could be like batting practice...I'm digging these playoffs.
Posted by: 10milliondollarzen | October 05, 2008 at 10:04 PM
gritty win for the Halos, btw.... please, please let it be a Dodger-Red Sox World Series, I know I'm getting ahead of myself, but can you imagine how great it would be to see Manny back in Fenway, and Torre almost finishing Yankee business, and a perhaps slight revenge for LA against Boston (re:NBA Finals)......anyway, Philly series should be great too...Manny at that Philly ball park could be like batting practice...I'm digging these playoffs.
Posted by: 10milliondollarzen | October 05, 2008 at 10:05 PM
My advice to Philly fans?
Stay away from Dodger Stadium unless you want to be abused verbally and/or physically for supporting your team. We attended last night's game wearing Cub's hats and shirts and were constantly the victims of attendees yelling obscenities at us; had beer, peanuts, and soda bottles thrown at us; (they serve sodas and water bottles with the caps on, so they were thrown full); were threatened physically whenever we so much as clapped for our team; told to go home; and on and on and on. We spoke to one Dodger fan who was ashamed of the way some Dodger fans act to the point where he would not bring his kids to the game. I did not see one security employee in our section RS59 the entire time. Had the Cubs won, I may not be writing this to you today as I fear the actions by some Dodger fans would have been considerably more physically abusive to my family and me. One of the saddest moments for me was looking down at a guy in Row A while he was chanting, "F*** the Cubbies" in a sing-songy voice, looking directly at us, while his son about 8 years old joined in. Another one was when a man turned to 4 Cub fans to call they "homos," told them to F*** off, and flashed the finger as well as some gang signs. When "the wave" came around, we were directed to stay seated by boisterous fans, their fingers pointing in the shape of guns. One rude Dodger fan tried to pay someone sitting right behind us $100 to steal my daughter's Cub's sweatshirt. A fight broke out in RS57, and I never saw security. There were Dodger fans who tried to stick up for us saying, "they're fans we are fans," and others who are worried their reputation will very soon rival that of Raider fans.
Let me tell you, it's already there. If a Dodger-only audience is what you unruly Dodger attendees want, in my book it's yours. I'll spend my money elsewhere.
Posted by: Pam | October 06, 2008 at 12:23 AM
Pam -
On behalf of decent Dodgers fans everywhere, I am sincerely sorry you experienced such unpleasantness during your visit to Chavez Ravine for Game 3. However, if you can be honest and objective, you should concede that fans from Los Angeles are no worse than other MLB fans across the country.
If you regularly attend sporting events, you're probably already aware of the sad reality that such occurrences are par for the course IF you are a fan of the opposing team in hostile territory. To deny that such nastiness happens everywhere, and amongst the crowd in every major sport, would be naive.
Part of it has to do with the psychological condition of a mob mentality that can take over a crowd, and whip it into a feeding frenzy, fueled by equal parts: adrenaline, testosterone, excitement, and if their team is losing...frustration. The charged-up crowd seeks a target for their emotions, and since the opposing team is usually beyond reach, fans of the "enemy" stand in substitution.
When this mob frenzy is combined with alcohol, it can become a very combustible mix (pun not intended), as inhibitions are lowered or removed. If you've ever tailgated at sporting events, you know that free-flowing alcohol is a regular part of the whole experience, and liquor does tend to speak very loudly when it's released from the bottle.
With the above in mind, your warning to Philly fans was misguided. How can anyone forget the reports of fans from the City of Brotherly Love showing little of that Phileo when they cheered as opposing players suffered injuries while they watched? What about the stories of Philly fans booing Santa Claus?
P & G R
Posted by: Purple & Gold Reign | October 06, 2008 at 11:25 AM
Pam,
That is really terrible. I am very sorry to read that. I too have felt that fan behavior at Dodger Stadium has been on a decline for the past 10 years or so. I recall a different atmosphere in the O'Malley years. And when I was in LA this summer and went to about a week's worth of games, I was really embarrassed for Angelenos at the way we were booing Andruw Jones and yelling insults at the opposing players that were inappropriate for young ears. Security won't solve it though; the only way courtesy becomes the norm is if it is enforced by fellow fans. At least some of those around you were trying to do the right thing. I hope more people make that choice in the future.
Posted by: VA Blueblood | October 06, 2008 at 12:03 PM
I've lived in L.A. all my life and in the past 30 years I have seen it go from a GREAT city to a battlefield. I remember when a family got off of a freeway downtown to ask directions and got shot and killed, including a baby. Now it seems to have spilled over to Dodger stadium. I have never seen it but then again I'm a Dodger fan. You can't even go to amusement parks without taking your life in your hands. Thank god I know the freeway system in L.A. cuz I will NEVER get off to ask directions...I would rather end up in San Diego. Goes to show the decline of the human race in L.A.
Posted by: k217 | October 06, 2008 at 04:46 PM
Im a big Dodger fan and to see them have an outrageous victory was great. To see James Loney do what he does best, two runs, two out doubles in the first that gave the Dodgers an early lead. It is one serious they won which is not a world serious but that means alot to all the players and even the fans. It is about time that the Dodgers stepped up there game.
Posted by: Tyler Honeycutt | October 06, 2008 at 11:52 PM