I watched the Dodger game last night. Or really, I should say that I watched the first inning and then left for an extended period, returning later to find the Dodgers stuck at the same score they began the game (0) and the Phillies at a score that 5 NFL teams failed to reach yesterday. I absolutely love the Dodgers and I still have every bit of confidence in their ability to reach (and win) the World Series. I'm just a little worried now. Ok, a lot.
Last night was more than a little painful to watch. Going up against a pitcher against Cliff Lee, I had a feeling that the odds weren't for the Dodgers going up 2-1 in the series. And with Kuroda, a pitcher who had been out since September, on the mound, I had a feeling the pitching might not be quite as stellar as Padilla had been in Game 2. However, nothing could have prepared me for that first inning. Within seconds, the Phillies had a hit...and then another...and then another. Suddenly they were up 2-0 and just when it seemed like the inning couldn't get any worse, one of my least favorite players in the league, Jayson Werth, hit a 2 run bomb off a pitch that had about as much deception to it as a pitch thrown by my little sister. I felt like one of the vampires in From Dusk Till Dawn getting my heart gouged with a pool cue. Not only were the Phillies winning, Jayson Werth and his stupid facial hair were at the helm. It was an absolute nightmare.
The worst part about last night's game for Dodger fans is that the Phillies are now one step closer to taking the Dodgers out again. It's deja vu in the worst possible way. To see the Dodgers finally win a series in the playoffs and then get crushed by the Phillies last year was rough, but this year, I really felt like the Dodgers had the pieces to beat another tough Philly team. Last night's game left an awful taste in my mouth and it's really making me worry about the game tonight. The biggest question is: which Dodger team will show up? Will it be the Dodgers of Game 1, who went bezerk at the plate and nearly matched the Phillies run for run? Will it be the Dodgers of Game 2, where they decided that pitching is kind of important if you want to win games? Or will it be the Dodgers of last night, who basically put a "Hit Me" sign on their chests and laid down in front of the Philly-driven steam roller? I can only hope for the best. Go Blue.
Showing posts with label Dodgers. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Dodgers. Show all posts
Monday, October 19, 2009
Monday, July 27, 2009
The Curse
The other day, I went to my first Dodger game of the season. I had a really great time, but when I got the tickets, I forgot about one important thing: The Curse.
In case you don't follow baseball, the Dodgers are having one of their best years ever so far. They have the best record in baseball and they show no signs of slowing down. Even with (arguably) their best player, Manny Ramirez, suspended for 50 games for steroid use, they continued to play strong and with him back, they look poised to make a run at the World Series. Going into Friday's game, they were even riding a 5 game winning streak. So basically what I'm saying is that I should have know better than to go to the game. You see, statistically, the Dodgers lose 90% of games that I attend.
My girlfriend and I were late getting to the game, so we strolled in around the 4th inning (I should note at this point that usually when I am late to a game, the Dodgers are down by multiple runs and the starting pitcher is fuming on the bench next to a cooler of Gatorade he has smashed with either his fist or the nearest bat). I cringed a little as we found our seats and looked at the score: Dodgers:1, Marlins: 0. Whaaaaaat? Maybe this really is their year. However, shortly after we took our seats, the Marlins made a charge and went up 3-1. To my shock, the Dodgers came right back, and tied the game at 3. Around the 7th inning, something happened that I have learned to accept through the years. Though I can't know for sure exactly what transpires each time, I imagine it to go a little something like this:
Joe Torre (the Dodgers manager) signals to home umpire that he wants to come out to talk to the pitcher and heads to the mound, looking into the outfield as he walks out. The pitcher is looking at him, confused.
Torre: Look, I know that you're pitching well, but did you see who's in section 313 tonight?
Pitcher (looks out at the bleachers. A look of disbelief comes over his face): Seriously? Doesn't he know we're trying to make the playoffs here?
Torre (shaking his head): I guess not.
Pitcher and manger sit in silence for a few seconds
Pitcher (looking up): Listen, I know the drill, but do you think maybe, just once, we could do things a little differently? I mean, my ERA is down below 2 for the first time in my career.
Torre: I'm sorry, there's just a way things are done when this guy shows up.
Pitcher looks at his feet and kicks some dirt, looking dejected.
Torre: Tell you what, Washington is coming into town in a few weeks. I'll play you a minimum of 2 innings a game when they're in town. Your ERA will be back down in no time. I'll even take you out for a Shirley Temple after the game. Deal?
Pitcher (smiling): Deal
Torre: Good. This guy likes high fastballs.
(Torre hands the pitcher the ball)
Torre (starting to walk back to the dugout): Serve it up!
Pitcher: Wait...what if he comes to the games against Washington?
Torre (stopping in his tracks and turning slowly): Then God help us.
In case you don't follow baseball, the Dodgers are having one of their best years ever so far. They have the best record in baseball and they show no signs of slowing down. Even with (arguably) their best player, Manny Ramirez, suspended for 50 games for steroid use, they continued to play strong and with him back, they look poised to make a run at the World Series. Going into Friday's game, they were even riding a 5 game winning streak. So basically what I'm saying is that I should have know better than to go to the game. You see, statistically, the Dodgers lose 90% of games that I attend.
My girlfriend and I were late getting to the game, so we strolled in around the 4th inning (I should note at this point that usually when I am late to a game, the Dodgers are down by multiple runs and the starting pitcher is fuming on the bench next to a cooler of Gatorade he has smashed with either his fist or the nearest bat). I cringed a little as we found our seats and looked at the score: Dodgers:1, Marlins: 0. Whaaaaaat? Maybe this really is their year. However, shortly after we took our seats, the Marlins made a charge and went up 3-1. To my shock, the Dodgers came right back, and tied the game at 3. Around the 7th inning, something happened that I have learned to accept through the years. Though I can't know for sure exactly what transpires each time, I imagine it to go a little something like this:
Joe Torre (the Dodgers manager) signals to home umpire that he wants to come out to talk to the pitcher and heads to the mound, looking into the outfield as he walks out. The pitcher is looking at him, confused.
Torre: Look, I know that you're pitching well, but did you see who's in section 313 tonight?
Pitcher (looks out at the bleachers. A look of disbelief comes over his face): Seriously? Doesn't he know we're trying to make the playoffs here?
Torre (shaking his head): I guess not.
Pitcher and manger sit in silence for a few seconds
Pitcher (looking up): Listen, I know the drill, but do you think maybe, just once, we could do things a little differently? I mean, my ERA is down below 2 for the first time in my career.
Torre: I'm sorry, there's just a way things are done when this guy shows up.
Pitcher looks at his feet and kicks some dirt, looking dejected.
Torre: Tell you what, Washington is coming into town in a few weeks. I'll play you a minimum of 2 innings a game when they're in town. Your ERA will be back down in no time. I'll even take you out for a Shirley Temple after the game. Deal?
Pitcher (smiling): Deal
Torre: Good. This guy likes high fastballs.
(Torre hands the pitcher the ball)
Torre (starting to walk back to the dugout): Serve it up!
Pitcher: Wait...what if he comes to the games against Washington?
Torre (stopping in his tracks and turning slowly): Then God help us.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)