Starting Thursday, I will be largely away from Dodger Thoughts for approximately one week, finding myself at the Toronto International Film Festival for Variety for the second year in a row. Game chat threads are set up for each day of action, and the reliable and effervescent Bob Timmermann will be offering his insight as much as his schedule and inclinations allow.
With the magic number for clinching the National League West at 12, Timmermann’s fair reign potentially will include a celebration post.
I imagine there is some concern that the Dodgers are peaking and/or counting their chickens too early, what with their ferociously strong summertime run and tonight’s start of Edinson Volquez in Coors Field.
To that, I offer these soothing thoughts:
1) For those who think they’re peaking too early, well, the lineups of the past two days offer the antidote. I’m practically ready for Don Mattingly to be given a breather and Manny Mota to manage the team for a day.
2) Even if Volquez gets torched, cutting a break to the guys in the potential postseason starting rotation offers a greater good. And Volquez might not get torched.
3) Though there are famous stories of hot teams in the summer flaming out in the fall, there is no cause-effect relationship there. There are plenty of stories of teams that peaked at the last possible moment and still didn’t win the World Series.
4) These Dodgers are hungry. I don’t know if they’re hungry in the same way as the fans who have waited 25 years or their entire lives for a World Series title, but they did not come this far just to go through the motions in October. Don’t buy into the idea that losses are inherently a character flaw.
5) Ultimately, we have limited control over whether the Dodgers win or lose. So just treasure every moment you can.
KT
Go BLUE!!!!
KT
The always reliable BT at the controls…that’s good also
btimmer
TOO MUCH PRESSURE!!!!
Bob_in_Vegas
That’s what she said.
KT
Dodgers lineup:
Hairston LF
Punto 2B
Ramirez SS
Young 1B
Van Slyke RF
A Ellis C
Uribe 3B
Schumaker CF
Volquez P
TAFKA_Gagne55
lol, spring training lineup.
KT
Got this on MSTI: Off The Wall 79 2 minutes ago
http://i.imgur.com/JTkbA0R.png
WinnipegDave
Welcome back to Canada Jon… we hope you enjoy your stay.
Jon Weisman
Thanks :)
NoahUCLA
I think if it weren’t for Kershaw, Greinke would have a solid shot at winning the Cy Young this year. Fernandez has been awesome and could have been the Cy Young and ROY, but with a great September Greinke could have overcome him. At this point though, it’s Kershaw’s unless he pitches a whole month of 5 inning 5 run ball.
Bob_in_Vegas
Definitely agree re Zack. When the season started, I was excited with 2 previous CY winners, then for both of them to live up to the hype . . . great!
Linkmeister
It’s a pity the Blue Jays have had such an unexpectedly awful season. You might have had a chance to see a pennant-race game at that big ol’ stadium there.
Jon Weisman
Frankly, I’m glad I don’t have to deal with the traffic as I race from the airport to my first screening.
RBI
Hope you get to see the documentary Faith Connections by Pan Nalin. He’s a friend, and a lovely guy…
package206
I will be in Cincinnati for the 3 game set this weekend. I hope crazy Donnie does not put out the kind of lineups he has been playing. Almost all subs. I know, I know, Donnie’s lineups have been winning but I would like to see the regular Dodgers. His luck is due to run out. These tickets are not cheap behind home plate.
btimmer
I have a feeling that Mattingly wanted to do more resting of his regulars against a team that wasn’t in contention. Remember that the rotation was juggled so the top guys will pitch on the weekend.
package206
Hope you are right.
ASW1
I agree with btimmer – pretty sure Donnie wants to see how the team stacks up against a playoff contender in Cincy – there is plenty of time to give the regulars more rest against all of the games remaining vs. the NL:West.
btimmer
Arizona beats Toronto 4-3 in 10 innings
WBBsAs
Toronto loses to Arizona 4-3 in ten innings.
dalegribel
I had the thought today that if the Dodgers are going to give starters a few extra days between starts and hopefully the bullpen too (see Dylan Hernandez tweets), why wasn’t Stephen Fife recalled and/or Javy Guerra? Certainly the extra arms couldn’t hurt even if there are no October expectations.
Jon Weisman
Fife was recalled.
dalegribel
Quite obviously, I missed that. Thanks.
scooplew
The Dodgers (83-55) have a winning percentage of .601 with 24 games remaining.
Here are their only seasons since they moved to L.A. in 1958 with a higher winning percentage:
1974 — .630 (102-60) — lost World Series to A’s.
1962 — .618 (102-63) — lost NL playoff to Giants, two games to one. W-L includes playoff games.
1963 — .611 (99-63) — won World Series vs. Yankees.
1977 — .605 (98-64) — lost World Series to Yankees.
The highest winning percentage ever for the Dodgers since 1900 was .682 (105-49) in 1953 in Brooklyn, followed by a World Series loss that year to the Yankees. From 1951 through 1956, they were above .600 five times and at .597 once (1954). From 1941 through 1956, they were above .600 in 10 of 16 seasons.
foul tip
Eric Stephen says Cappy to sub for Ryu v. Reds. Ryu issue back stiffness.
jim hitchcock
Add erudite to reliable and effervescent. No pressure, Bob!
WBBsAs
I will be paying attention for the rest of the regular season, but I won’t be worrying very much unless there’s a major injury.
Bob_in_Vegas
Was Toronto where “Argo” broke out last year? Interesting to hear what impresses you, Jon.
Meanwhile, especially loved (and try to keep in mind) #5 above.
Jon Weisman
I was at the “Argo” premiere there – it definitely played well though I didn’t realize it would win best picture.
btimmer
And years from now, we will wonder why “Argo” won Best Picture. Not that it wasn’t good, but it was a movie that was directed by BEN AFFLECK.
History’s Greatest Monster.
Linkmeister
Nah. 2013’s Greatest Monster. There are prior claimants to History.
Sometimes I think the Internet’s pop culture vultures are 60% foolish and 40% uncaring. I’m in the latter group.
WinnipegDave
Just got my hands on Amour from the library – the last of the 2012 nominees for Best Picture that I have yet to see. Depending on how captivating the Dodgers game is, I may watch it tonight with the Mrs.
btimmer
The feel good movie of 2012!
WinnipegDave
I realize that this is completely off topic, but I am curious what kind of downloading speed people are running through their internet provider these days. I have been running at a miserly 256 Kbps for a very long time and am finally making a jump to more. Any thoughts on how much more would be good?
Thanks.
Bob_in_Vegas
What was Tim Allen’s phrase — “More power!” ??
WinnipegDave
Good ol’ Home Improvement. Although I still accidentally refer to the whole show as Tool Time.
Bob_in_Vegas
Easy to see why . . . and I’m sure they wouldn’t complain!
KT
just tested with 10 browsers open…I get 16.90Mbps download and 1.50 Mbps upload…I never noticed a problem…I have the second fastest speed with AT&T
ASW1
I have the exact same – no complaints.
Linkmeister
Time Warner’s local outlet – Oceanic Cable – I’m getting 16133kbps download and 1083kbps upload speeds.
WinnipegDave
When people tell me that they can stream live webcasts, tv shows, etc from their computers – I just look at them like they are from the future.
John_from_Aus
nice start Jerry
KT
Myung with his 1st rbi as a dodger
btimmer
I didn’t know he was Korean.
Linkmeister
Grins. Confused me too.
KT
Inside joke over on MSTI…just brought it over here
scooplew
We will Ryu your sense of humor.
Bob_in_Vegas
Yay for team . . . and Young!
ASW1
Yeah – good for Young – 2 hits and now and RBI – now he can relax.
scooplew
A lot of hits for us on 0-2 counts lately. Nice.
scooplew
OK, Edinson, we got you your run. Now shut them out!
ASW1
If that happened, we could go ahead and just give Honeycutt Yoda status.
scooplew
Yoda’s singular status remains unchallenged.
foul tip
So, Obi Wan Edinsonobi is a non-starter….?
But then we kinda thought maybe not already.
scooplew
Lincecum allowed five runs in 5.2 innings for the Giants today, raising his ERA to an even 4.50. He is a free agent after this season. He was paid $22 million this year. I wonder if the Giants will attempt to resign Lincecum and, if so, for how much. How much might he get on the open market?…The Giants are leading the Padres 8-5 in the 7th in their continuing battle to stay out of the cellar.
ASW1
I’m rooting for 1st to worst – very few teams have finished last in their division after winning the WS – I know the Marlins did after one of thier fire sales but that doesn’t even really count – Giants expected to contend – they basically brought back the same team they won it all with – Giants of 2013 would be a good addition to the list
Bob_in_Vegas
Is Coors the Home of the Triple?
JHT
Pretty much.
http://espn.go.com/mlb/stats/parkfactor/_/sort/triplesFactor
KT
OK let’s get those back
KT
Los Angeles Dodgers ✔ @Dodgers
Take a look at Michael Young getting his first RBI as a member of the #Dodgers with an opposite-field single: http://atmlb.com/15wanvB
Linkmeister
Hmm. The Dodgers’ lineup doesn’t have too many big boppers in it today. Might be tough to come back.
Mr. Volquez’ mechanical adjustments aren’t taking yet.
scooplew
Edinson Volquez is
a) simply off to a bad start
b) pitching in a hitter’s ballpark
c) tipping his pitches
d) pitching from the wrong side of the rubber
e) past his prime
f) costing us a chance to gain a game on the Braves
g) a reclamation project still in process
h) all of the above
KT
h)
scooplew
Pitching matchups over the weekend vs. the Reds:
Friday — Capuano-Leake
Saturday–Greinke-Latos
Sunday–Kershaw-Bailey
KT
If we lose by 1 run, I’m going to be pissed at the second base ump
Linkmeister
For those of us who can’t see it, what happened?
KT
ball hit to ss Hanley threw to Uribe high….Uribe ran the runner all the way back to second and tagged him…ump was screened on the play and called him safe…Donnie asked for a ump help and the 2nd base ump said no
Linkmeister
Ah. Yep, not asking for help would annoy anyone.
foul tip
Well, Edinson has given up the cycle, including the not-easy to allow triple. That’s something, anyway.
KT
in coors…not easy…they have more triple alleys than AT&T
foul tip
Now I see AJ has a passed ball. Is Edinson contagious?
btimmer
What happened to Arenado?
KT
jammed thumb
btimmer
Thanks
btimmer
Is there a Disqus delay?
KT
sat
KT
Rockies aren’t showing replay…did he foul it off?
KT
Juanito!
Bob_Hendley
Well, we should have a nice cadre of PHs.
KT
Gonzo the 1st to come off the pine
RBI
Not looking like our night.
KT
we fielded the AAAA team…didn’t expect much too much…but felt we could still win if thing fell our way…they haven’t
foul tip
Carlos Danger.
Linkmeister
Pfui. Bad game all around.
RBI
I really do not understand balks.
KT
I go away to help my son with his toilet training and all hell breaks loose…doubt this AAAA team can come back from 5 down
Spence
Just let Fife have his spot back in the rotation. And looks like Brian Wilson has the lead on both Marmol/League for that final bullpen spot
KT
Myung 2 rbis
KT
Shoe!
KT
Nicky with the walk
RBI
I thought he had it.
Jon Weisman
Almost, Hanley.
KT
Night all
Jon Weisman
How come the Dodgers never give Volquez the run support he deserves? :)
RBI
Strange game, I thought. Weird calls, passed balls, twitchy balk, etc.
ASW1
Didn’t watch the whole game tonight but from what I did catch it struck me as the definition of a throw-away game. Bad calls, bad lineup, bad starting pitcher, bad ballpark, etc etc.
Cincy will be infinitely more interesting.
Bob_in_Vegas
I was like you, catch the game sporadically . . . and yet the Dodgers still made a game of it at the end — that was encouraging.
Linkmeister
Given Volquez’s unhappy history (“a frightening 8.34 career ERA at Coors Field”, Gameday’s wrap says), why on earth did Mattingly start him there, and why didn’t he say “Thanks, but can’t I have a test someplace that hasn’t already eaten into my head?”
foul tip
Maybe they figured see how he handled things at the very worst and go from there.
All things considered, could have been worse. Did K 4 in his 4 IP and actually didn’t give up a run in inning 4. Maybe the trend will be his friend.
KT
First this guy knocks a ladies phone on the field:
http://i.imgur.com/ez2KGv5.gif
KT
Then he spills another ladies beer on her, Happy fan:
http://i.imgur.com/iq6C6mT.gif
btimmer
NPUT