It's About Time - Undercover Cops Will be Everywhere at Dodger Stadium

I'm getting sick and tired of reading about idiot fans - not only at Dodger Stadium, but elsewhere - committing acts of violence at games.  It's crazy, stupid and has no place in the world today.  So, I am happy to read that the police will be more proactive in rooting out the bad guys.  Via a story at the NY Daily News by Leonard Greene, "LAPD officers to don Mets jerseys at Dodger Stadium as ‘hundreds’ of undercover cops patrol crowd to prevent another brutal playoff beating."

That's right folks.  That guy sitting next to you or roaming the parking lot in Mets 'blue and orange' just might be an undercover cop.

"Literally hundreds of Los Angeles police will be out there, both in uniform and undercover," said LAPD Commander Andrew Smith.

"We have them dressed in undercover gear so they look just like a fan of one or another team's, so people will never know whether the person standing next to them with a Mets jersey is an LAPD officer or not," he said.

It's sad that it has to come to this, but after last weeks disgraceful incident this has to be done.

Pic above via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2015.

* Please follow on twitter @ernestreyes *

* Like Dodgers Blue Heaven on facebook *

* Dodgers Blue Heaven home page *

Game 5 of NLDS on Thursday - Batting Practice, Pregame Info and Other Stuff!

Game 5 of the NLDS is Thursday evening against the New York Mets.  Below are various odds and ends for this game.  Go here for information about purchasing parking passes and alternative transportation choices to the game.  GET THERE EARLY!

Extreme Loaded Dog

• Inferno Bacon Wrapped All-Beef Dog, an all-beef hot dog topped with jalapeño relish, tomatoes, sport peppers with ghost chili aioli. It will be available at three Extreme Loaded Dog locations on the field, loge and reserve levels. 
• Half Jidori Chicken with jalapeño cornbread, smoked baked beans, charred corn kernels served on a special pressed palm platter will be available at the Think Blue BBQ at the left-field pavilion plaza. 
• A Steakhouse Stuffed Smoked Gouda Burger on a potato bun with dijonnaise and fries will be available at the Elysian Park Grill on the field level section 22.

--------------

Game 5

Thursday, October 15th at 5:07 PM
RHP Jacob DeGrom vs. RHP Zack Greinke
TBS / AM 570 (Eng.), KTNQ 1020 AM (Span.), AM 1540 (Korean)

Friday's game starts at 5:07 PM.  Auto gates open at 2:00 PM, and stadium gates open at 2:30 PM.  Dodger Stadium Express service from Union Station begins at 2:30 PM.  Dodger batting practice is from 2:05 PM to 3:05 PM.  Mets batting practice is from 3:15 PM to 4:15 PM.  Pregame ceremonies begin at 4:45 PM.  The first 50,000 fans in attendance tomorrow will receive a rally towel.  The left-field plaza will be open to fans to enter and watch batting practice from 2:30 PM to 3:05 PM.

Face painters will be on hand in the left-field plaza and DJ Adam will provide musical entertainment in the right-field plaza from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Actor, director, singer and star of “Heroes Reborn,” Zachary Levi will perform the national anthem.  SportsNet LA broadcaster Orel Hershiser will throw the ceremonial first pitch tomorrow.

• The Military Hero of the Game is U.S. Marine Corps Staff Sergeant Antonio Maldonado of Pacoima. Maldonado has served two tours since his enlistment, one in Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and one in Okinawa, Japan. Maldonado currently serves at the Recruiting Station Los Angeles and Recruiting Sub-Station Eagle Rock as a station commander.
• The Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation (LADF) conducts silent auctions throughout the season featuring more than 25 signed pieces of memorabilia from Dodger players, coaches and alumni. Auctions take place behind the Vin Scully press box on the club level. The items for auction tomorrow include a Zack Greinke autographed baseball, Orel Hershiser autographed 1988 World Series baseball and Clayton Kershaw autographed Dodger jersey. The auction will end at 6:45 p.m.

* Please follow on twitter @ernestreyes *

* Like Dodgers Blue Heaven on facebook *

* Dodgers Blue Heaven home page *

Here are the Dodgers and Mets Rosters for NLDS

Just announced, here are the Dodgers and Mets NLDS postseason roster.  There are no real surprises for the Dodgers.  We had already found out in the days leading up to today that Peralta, Puig and Ruggiano would be on the team.  Notable exclusions include Scott Van Slyke (hampered by a sore wrist), Alex Guerrero, Carlos Frias and Juan Nicasio.  Notable excluded Mets include Eric Campbell, Dilson Herrera and reliever Sean Gilmartin.

DODGERS:	METS:
Starting Pitching:
RHP Zack Greinke	RHP Jacob deGrom
LHP Clayton Kershaw	RHP Noah Syndergaard
LHP Brett Anderson	RHP Matt Harvey
LHP Alex Wood	LHP Steven Matz
Relievers:
LHP Luis Avilan	LHP Jonathon Niese
LHP J.P. Howell	RHP Tyler Clippard
RHP Pedro Baez	RHP Addison Reed
RHP Yimi Garcia	RHP Hansel Robles
RHP Chris Hatcher	RHP Erik Goeddel
RHP Kenley Jansen	RHP Bartolo Colon
RHP Joel Peralta	RHP Jeurys Familia
Catchers:
C A.J. Ellis	C Kevin Plawecki
C Yasmani Grandal (S)	C Travis d'Arnaud
Infielders:
1B Adrian Gonzalez (L)	1B Lucas Duda (L)
2B Howie Kendrick	SS Wilmer Flores
SS Jimmy Rollins (S)	3B David Wright
IF Corey Seager (L)	2B Daniel Murphy (L)
IF Justin Turner	IF Ruben Tejada
IF Chase Utley (L)
Super Utility:
OF/IF Kiké Hernandez	OF/IF Kelly Johnson (L)
Outfielders:
OF Carl Crawford (L)	OF Yoenis Cespedes
OF Andre Ethier (L)	OF Michael Conforto (L)
OF Joc Pederson (L)	OF Michael Cuddyer
OF Yasiel Puig	OF Curtis Granderson (L)
OF Justin Ruggiano	OF Juan Lagares
	OF Kirk Nieuwenhuis (L)

* Please follow on twitter @ernestreyes *

* Like Dodgers Blue Heaven on facebook *

* Dodgers Blue Heaven home page *

NLDS Series Against Mets Starts Friday - Batting Practice, Pregame Info and Other Stuff!

The NLDS starts tomorrow evening against the New York Mets.  Below are various odds and ends for these upcoming two home games.

It is recommended that fans going to the game get their parking tickets in advance.  It will no doubt be a madhouse.  Go here for information.  For the NLDS, parking is $15 if purchased in advance and $25 at the gate.  Premium parking is available in advance for $40 in advance and $60 at the gate.  Parking at Lots 13 and 14 on Stadium Way costs $10 in advance and $15 at the gate for the Division Series.  You should also plan on arriving early... Like really early.

BTW Dodger Stadium Express, a dedicated bus lane on Sunset Boulevard from Union Station to Elysian Park Avenue, is free with a game ticket.  It begins operating 90 minutes before the game and continues for 45 minutes after the game. Fans can also park at Union Station for $6 and take the Dodger Stadium Express free with a ticket, with dropoff points behind the pavilions and the Top Deck (Lot P). 

South Bay fans can board the Dodger Express from the Harbor Gateway Transit Center (731 W. 182nd St., Gardena) located next to the 110 Freeway or two miles from where the 110 Freeway meets the 405.  Service from the South Bay starts two hours before game time and runs every 15 minutes thereafter.  South Bay stops include the following stations:  Slauson, Manchester, Harbor Freeway, Rosecrans and the Harbor Gateway Transit Center.  Go here for information on Dodger Stadium Express.

 Extreme Loaded Dog

• Inferno Bacon Wrapped All-Beef Dog, an all-beef hot dog topped with jalapeño relish, tomatoes, sport peppers with ghost chili aioli. It will be available at three Extreme Loaded Dog locations on the field, loge and reserve levels. 
• Half Jidori Chicken with jalapeño cornbread, smoked baked beans, charred corn kernels served on a special pressed palm platter will be available at the Think Blue BBQ at the left-field pavilion plaza. 
• A Steakhouse Stuffed Smoked Gouda Burger on a potato bun with dijonnaise and fries will be available at the Elysian Park Grill on the field level section 22.

--------------

Game 1

Friday, October 9th at 6:45 PM
RHP Jacob DeGrom vs. LHP Clayton Kershaw
TBS / AM 570 (Eng.), KTNQ 1020 AM (Span.), AM 1540 (Korean)

Friday's game starts at 6:45 PM.  Auto gates open at 3:45 PM, and stadium gates open at 4:15 PM.  Dodger batting practice is from 3:50 PM to 4:50 PM.  Mets batting practice is from 5:00 PM to 5:50 PM.  Pregame ceremonies begin at 6:30 PM.  The first 50,000 fans in attendance tomorrow will receive a rally towel.  The left-field plaza will be open to fans to enter and watch batting practice from 4:15 PM to 4:45 PM.

The Umpire crew for this game will be Alan Porter at home plate, Jim Wolf at first base, Greg Gibson at second base, Chris Guccione at third base, Gary Cederstrom in left field (Crew Chief), and Chad Fairchild in right field.  Eric Stephen at True Blue LA writes a nice roundup of how the Dodgers did for each umpire at home plate, here.

Four-year-old Ella Mason Annear, who has battled cancer for the past two years, will throw the honorary first pitch.  Annear, who also goes by “Ella The Great,” is the daughter of Dodgers Vice-President of Merchandising and Retail Allister Annear and his wife, Amanda.  Ella was diagnosed with Heptoblastoma and a lung tumor seven months ago.  After surgery on April 20th and seven rounds of chemotherapy, the youngster was cleared of cancer and pronounced NED (no visible disease).  Ella has a website, where fans can check her journey--http://ella-the-great.tumblr.com.

All-4-One, Grammy Award-winning ‘90s pop stars, will perform the national anthem. The U.S. Air Force will provide its Blue Eagles Honor Guard.

Face painters will be on hand in the left-field plaza and DJ Adam will provide musical entertainment in the right-field plaza from 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM.

• The Military Hero of the Game is U.S. Marine Corps Staff Sergeant Victor Mexicano of Jalisco, Sonora, Mexico. Mexicano has been deployed to Iraq in support of three missions for Operation Iraqi Freedom. He also served a deployment to Afghanistan with the 1st Battalion in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and is currently serving at a recruiting station in Los Angeles.
• The Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation (LADF) conducts silent auctions throughout the season featuring more than 25 signed pieces of memorabilia from Dodger players, coaches and alumni. Auctions will take place behind the Vin Scully press box on the club level. The items up for auction on Friday include a Vin Scully autographed baseball, Orel Hershiser autographed 1988 World Series baseball and Clayton Kershaw autographed Dodger jersey. The auction will end at 8:15 p.m.

--------------

Game 2

Saturday, October 10th at 6:07 PM
RHP Noah Syndergaard vs. RHP Zach Greinke
TBS / AM 570 (Eng.), KTNQ 1020 AM (Span.), AM 1540 (Korean)

Saturday's game starts at 6:07 PM.  Auto gates open at 3:00 PM, and stadium gates open at 3:30 PM.  Dodger batting practice is from 3:15 PM to 4:15 PM.  Mets batting practice is from 4:25 PM to 5:15 PM.  Pregame ceremonies begin at 5:45 PM.  The first 50,000 fans in attendance Saturday will receive a rally towel. The left-field plaza will be open to fans to enter and watch batting practice from 3:30 PM to 4:00 PM.

The Umpire crew for this game will be Jim Wolf behind the plate, Greg Gibson at first, Chris Guccione at second, Gary Cederstrom at third (Crew Chief), Chad Fairchild in left and Alan Porter in right.  Eric Stephen at True Blue LA writes a nice roundup of how the Dodgers did for each umpire at home plate, here.

Tommy Lasorda have been named to throw the honorary first pitch.  The Hall of Fame skipper, who is the special advisor to the chairman, is baseball’s greatest ambassador.  Lasorda is currently in his 66th season in the Dodger organization.  He managed the club for 20 seasons before retiring to the front office in 1996.  Lasorda won two world championships, four National League pennants and eight division titles.  He recently celebrated his 88th birthday.

Mariachi Sol de Mexico de Jose Hernandez will perform on the field pregame and also present the national anthem.

Face painters will be on hand in the left-field plaza and DJ Adam will provide musical entertainment in the right-field plaza from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM.

• The Military Hero of the Game is U.S. Air Force Major Robert Daugherty of Barstow. Daugherty enlisted in 1994 and has served as a basic Military Training Instructor and trained as a Flight Navigator and a Combat Systems Operator. He deployed to Afghanistan nine times in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom and will retire from 21 years of military service in January.
• LADF conducts silent auctions throughout the season featuring more than 25 signed pieces of memorabilia from Dodger players, coaches and alumni. Auctions will take place behind the Vin Scully press box on the club level. The items up for auction on Saturday include a Clayton Kershaw autographed baseball, Kirk Gibson autographed 1988 World Series baseball and Zack Greinke autographed Dodger jersey. The auction will end at 7:45 p.m.

* Please follow on twitter @ernestreyes *

* Like Dodgers Blue Heaven on facebook *

* Dodgers Blue Heaven home page *

Blog Kiosk: 10/6/2015 - Dodger Links - Greinke, Seager and Zaidi on Don Mattingly

I just want to have good thoughts.  So in that vein I thought I would share the above photo originally found on the Baseball Hall of Fame twitter account.  It features a young and eager to teach Pee Wee Reese of the Brooklyn club demonstrating the proper way to "choke up" on the bat to a bunch of even younger fledgling Dodger hopefuls.  Some of them are even paying close attention, so I wonder if they made it to the pros.  After all, Brooklyn was a Baseball hotbed back then.  Heck, as I look closely I swear that kid on the far left is a young Fernando... No? 

Below are more links to check out:

• Here is the complete postseason schedule.  It includes all the dates for every potential game and the channels you can watch them at.  For the Dodgers, Game 1 will be at 6:45 PST and Game 2 is at 6:07 PST.  Both games will be aired on TBS.
• Via Daniel Starkand at Dodgers Nation, "Zack Greinke Reflects On Career Season, 200 Strikeouts."
  

  “This year I didn’t pay attention to strikeouts at all,” Greinke said. “In year’s past it would be a big deal, but I didn’t really pay attention to it this year. I just was trying to get outs, that’s all I really paid attention to.”

• Via Darren Rovell at ESPN, Clayton Kershaw was the #4 selling jersey during the regular season in all of Baseball.
• Via Mark Saxon at ESPN, "Corey Seager goes from prospect to key to Dodgers' playoff hopes."
  

  “It got to the point where we kind of needed him here,” was how Dodgers vice president for baseball operations Josh Byrnes put it at the time.

• For just a moment relive the time the Dodgers and Mets faced each other in the playoffs in 1988 through the words of those who were there.  Via Lyle Spencer at MLB.com, "Oral history of epic Mets-Dodgers 1988 NLCS."

Mike Scioscia (Dodgers catcher): We felt like we didn't have anything to lose. One thing about that club was that we weren't intimidated, and [we] played free and relaxed. We weren't worried about making a mistake. As far as star power, we didn't have a lot. But as far as a team, we had a great team from one through 25. Everyone knew their role. All of us could do what the situation called for.

• Ken Gurnick at MLB.com interviews Dodger GM Farhan Zaidi, "Zaidi: Mattingly has done a 'great job'." 

MLB.com: Have you been pleased with the work of manager Don Mattingly?
Zaidi: I think he's done a great job. We've had, again, one of the biggest themes we've had is roster turnover with the injuries and having a lot of young players with options and trying to make maximum use of the 25-man roster. That definitely puts added stress on a manager and staff, not just to deal with the logistics of those moves, but also to deal with managing personnel turnover. From an on-field standpoint, every time you move a player in or out, you have to sort of recalibrate yourself on how to use everybody. So, I think he's done a real nice job with that and mixed and matched in some platoon situations, tried to navigate through some of the issues we've had in our bullpen. There certainly have been challenges with our roster that he's had to navigate and I think he's done a nice job.

• Via Jon Weisman at Dodger Insider, "Adrian Gonzalez nominated for Hank Aaron Award."
• Greg Zakwin at Plaschke, Thy Sweater is Argyle shares his newest Roy Campanella collectible, and it's awesome.  Check out his 1956 Dairy Queen figurine.

* Please follow on twitter @ernestreyes *

* Like Dodgers Blue Heaven on facebook *

* Dodgers Blue Heaven home page *

Good Game and Good Luck, Cards

For those who may not recall, during the conclusion of the 2004 NLDS, where the Cardinals defeated the Dodgers, a strange sight occurred - at least it's strange at MLB games.  On the other hand, for most youngsters in organized sports (and NHL hockey fans) it's something that is commonplace.  Heck, it's expected.

The Dodgers came out to congratulate the Cardinals for their series victory with a handshake line.

Unfortunately, this act has not become tradition in Baseball... And for that, I am sorry.  It is something that should happen after every series.  So, in its place I give my virtual handshake to the Cardinals and their fans.

"Good Game and Good Luck"

This was a fun series, and even though it didn't go in my teams favor I still enjoyed every second of it - even as my hair falls out.

I wish you all the luck in the world and look forward facing you again next season.

With that, I think the below shirt best expresses how I am really feeling.

P.S.  As a Kings fan, now I know what it feels like to be a St. Louis Blues fan.  doh!

Pic at the very top via Chris Carlson/AP (photo found at Think Blue LA):
Pic of TShirt via shirtaday.com:

* Please follow on twitter @ernestreyes *

* Like Dodgers Blue Heaven on facebook *

* Dodgers Blue Heaven home page *

It's Playoff Day

Those butterfly's are starting to stir in the pit of my stomach as this afternoon's Game 1 of the NLDS matchup between the Dodgers and Cardinals is only hours away from starting. 

I remember this feeling.  When nervousness manifest into sweaty palms and clenched fist.  I grab a cup of water, but somehow find myself unable to quench my thirst.

Am I worried or is this just the natural feeling of anticipation?

Am I confident or am I giving in to that uneasy sense of uncertainty?  I dunno.

All I do know is that this is a feeling I relish.  As a fan you go through the peaks and valleys of entire season in hopes of getting to this point - a point where you are sitting at the edge of your seat for the entire game.  You're clapping and cheering, screaming and ranting, all in the belief that your cries can actually be heard.

And through it all, you hope and pray that it will conclude with a feeling of pure elation.  And even if you don't feel that, you realize that there is another game to play in the series - until there isn't.

In hockey they call this the 'second season' and in some ways that is very apt.  Everything that was done in the past stays there, and everything that comes during these playoffs is something new.  Heroes will be made from sources you likely do not expect, so get ready to be surprised. 

In just a few hours we'll have an opportunity experience the grandeur of the postseason, and all I know is that my cup is ready to be filled. 

The photo above via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2014.

* Please follow on twitter @ernestreyes *

* Like Dodgers Blue Heaven on facebook *

* Dodgers Blue Heaven home page *

Here's the Dodgers Roster for the 2014 NLDS

We finally know who'll be roaming the Dodger dugout for this NLDS.  Just a moment ago the Dodgers released their 25-man roster.  Check it out below.

Pitchers (12) 
Starters:
LHP Clayton Kershaw
RHP Zack Greinke
LHP Hyun-Jin Ryu
RHP Dan Haren

Relievers:
RHP Pedro Baez   
LHP Scott Elbert
RHP Carlos Frias
RHP Brandon League
RHP Brian Wilson
RHP Jamey Wright
LHP J.P. Howell
RHP Kenley Jansen

Position Players (13)
Starters:
C A.J. Ellis
1B Adrian Gonzalez
2B Dee Gordon
SS Hanley Ramirez
3B Juan Uribe
OF Carl Crawford
OF Yasiel Puig
OF Matt Kemp

Bench:
C Drew Butera
IF Justin Turner
IF Miguel Rojas
IF/OF Scott Van Slyke
OF Andre Ethier

The only surprises to speak of is in the relief staff.  Pedro Baez, Carlos Frias and Scott Elbert make the team over Chris Perez, Paco Rodriguez, Paul Maholm, Roberto Hernandez and Kevin Correia - and thank goodness for that.  Perez has been a blight all season long, and the long-guys are just not that good.  I am a little surprised that Paco was passed over for Elbert; considering that Elbert had only recently come back from the DL and pitched in just seven games.

Furthermore, they decide to go with an extra arm in the bullpen over an extra bat/defensive replacement on the bench.  Many folks wondered if Darwin Barney would make the squad due to his strong September, but I think the Dodgers figured that if they don't carry a long-man in the 'pen then they should have an extra arm instead.  If a long-man is needed for a game you should expect Haren to take that role (or maybe Butera comes out to pitch-LOL).

Anyway, here's your Dodger team.  Overall, I can't complain. 

* Please follow on twitter @ernestreyes *

* Like Dodgers Blue Heaven on facebook *

* Dodgers Blue Heaven home page *

We are Playoff Bound! WooHoo!

It's now official.  The Dodger will be playing October playoff Baseball.

This afternoon, the Dodgers defeated the Chicago Cubs in glorious fashion and clinched, at minimum, a tie for a wild card playoff berth.  Then, with the Milwaukee Brewers defeat at the hands of the Pittsburgh Pirates this evening the Dodgers now claim an official berth. 

Of course, the "Boys in Blue" are not content with just the wild card.  They want to win the division.  So, you shouldn't expect the Dodgers to let up now. 

Per Don Mattingly via Dylan Hernandez at the LA Times:

"If you're able to do that, you've at least given yourself a chance to play when there's only going to be 10 teams left," Manager Don Mattingly said before the Milwaukee outcome. "If that's your only way, you're good with it. But you feel like winning the division is really what you're here to accomplish."

Clayton Kershaw seconded that notion, via Bill Plunkett on twitter:

Kershaw (cont): "It’d be kind of a letdown to get just the wild card ... Maybe not something to celebrate, but maybe just a pat on the back"
— Bill Plunkett (@billplunkettocr) September 19, 2014

Heck, Matt Kemp has an even bigger goal in mind, via Bill Plunkett on twitter:

#Dodgers Matt Kemp on maybe clinching wild card: "We have bigger plans than that. I'd still like to get the best record in NL." 1 GB Nats
— Bill Plunkett (@billplunkettocr) September 19, 2014

The Dodgers now have a magic number of seven games for a West Division Championship, and with the Giants currently losing 5 to 0 to the Padres at the time of this writing that number could drop to six.  As it now looks, the Dodgers may very well be able to secure a Western Division trophy against the Giants at home at the beginning of next week.  How great would it be to celebrate that with the Gaints watching from the dugout?

Graphic above via SportsNet LA on twitter

* Please follow on twitter @ernestreyes *

* Like Dodgers Blue Heaven on facebook *

* Dodgers Blue Heaven home page *

No Hanley Tonight - Here's the Starting Lineup

In pregame news that likely shocks, if not worries already nervous Dodger fans, the team reveals that Hanley Ramirez will not be on tonight's starting lineup.  In his place will be Nick Punto; who will hit in the #8 spot. 

This definitely is bad news for the Blue Crew.  Hopefully, Hanley is healthy enough to come off the bench, if needed.  At this time there is no news regarding his general health.

UPDATE: Dylan Hernandez provides some news about Hanley, and it's not good.

Mattingly: Hanley worse today than yesterday, can't swing, unsure if he can pinch hit.
— Dylan Hernandez (@dylanohernandez) October 18, 2013

UPDATE II:  OK... Ignore everything above.  Hanley is in the lineup.  See my update post here.

UPDATE II:  Hold your horses... Hanley is still questionable.

Also, Yasiel Puig moves to the clean-up spot in the batting order.  This creates a Dodger lineup that's balanced "left-right-left-right-left-right" at the top.

In Cardinals news, they replace their centerfielder with Shane Robinson.  John Jay had a terrible time in the field in Game 5, so this is likely to help out the Red Birds defensively.  As for Robinson's bat, he is hitting just .250 with a .664 OPS for the season.  In other words, he's a step down.  On the other hand, Jay was hitting just .182 in the postseason.

Take a look at the Dodger lineup below.

(pic credits: @Dodgers on twitter)

Below is the Cardinals starting lineup:

#Cardinals lineup: Carpenter 2B Beltran RF Holliday LF Molina C Freese 3B Adams 1B Robinson CF Kozma SS Wacha P
— J.P. Hoornstra (@jphoornstra) October 18, 2013

* Please follow on twitter @ernestreyes *

* Like Dodgers Blue Heaven on facebook *

* Dodgers Blue Heaven home page *

Check out the Dodgers NLCS Roster

The Dodgers officially announced their NLDS roster for their match-up against the Cardinals, and it includes a couple of changes.

(graphic via @Dodgers on twitter)

Chris Capuano, used as a long-reliever for the Braves series, will not pitch against the Cardinals.  Considering how poorly he's done against them in his career this is probably for the best.  He has a lifetime ERA of 6.00 against them.  Below are his career stats against them.

Also out of the roster is lefty-reliever Paco Rodriguez.  As you know, he's struggled of late.  Over the last month of the regular season he has recorded an ERA of 5.68 and a batting average against of .308.  In the playoffs, he's given up 4 hits and 2 earned runs in less than an inning of play.  Leaving Paco of the roster effectively leaves us with just one lefty, JP Howell, in the bullpen.  So, this move has some risk.  On the other hand, maybe his 78 appearances this year has been too much of a grind on the 22 year old, and he needs some time off.

Coming onto the roser are right-handed relievers Carlos Marmol and Edinson Volquez.  Both players came to the Dodger late this season; Marmol via a trade with the Cubs for Guerrier and Volquez as a free agent after being dumped by the Padres.

Marmol has pitched surprisingly well during his approximate 3 months with the Dodgers; making 21 appearances with a 2.53 ERA.  He's even done well against the Cardinals in his career.  Check out his career stats against them below.

Edinson Volquez, on the other hand, has not pitched well this season.  In his 6 appearances (5 of which as a starter) in Blue he's given up 13 earned runs in 28 innings.  He likely replaces Capuano as our long-guy out of the 'pen. 

Tonight's game starts at 5:37 PM PST on TBS.  Zack Greinke will go against Joe Kelly. 

Be sure to get home to watch as early as you can.  Put up your shoes and pour a glass of your favorite drink.  Rest, relax and put your Blue on 'cause this game should be a fun one.

* Please follow on twitter @ernestreyes *

* Like Dodgers Blue Heaven on facebook *

* Dodgers Blue Heaven home page *

Gametimes for Game 4 & 5 is Now Set - Tonight's Game May Start on TNT

We finally have the game times set for Game 4 & 5 of the division series between the Braves and Dodgers.  As you know, on Sunday Game 3 in Los Angeles will be at 5:07 PM.  Now we know that game 4 and 5 will also be evening games.

Per a couple of tweets from the Dodgers:

Game 4 of the NLDS on Monday, October 7th will begin at 6:37pm PT (if necessary). #ITFDB
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) October 4, 2013

If necessary, Atlanta will host Game 5 of the NLDS on Wednesday, October 9th will begin at 5:37pm PT. #ITFDB
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) October 4, 2013

Furthermore, if tonight's ALDS game on TBS runs past 3:07, then the Dodgers game, which starts in less than half-an-hour, will begin on TNT.  Per another Dodgers tweet.

If Game One of the ALDS goes long on @MLB_TBS , coverage of #Dodgers at Braves will begin on TNT. #ITFDB
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) October 4, 2013

* Please follow on twitter @ernestreyes *

* Like Dodgers Blue Heaven on facebook *

* Dodgers Blue Heaven home page *

Tonight's Lineup for Game 2 - Dodgers vs. Braves / Greinke vs. Minor

Los Angeles Dodgers at Atlanta Braves

Zack Greinke vs. Mike Minor

Game Start: 3:07 p.m., PST
TV: TBS
Radio: Dodgers 570 AM (English), 1020 AM (Spanish), ESPN Radio

This is Game 2 of the NLDS game between the Dodgers and Braves. The Dodger lead the series 1 to 0. 

As you can see, neither team make any changes to their starting lineups.

Dodgers Lineup:

#Dodgers lineup at Braves. #ITFDB Crawford LF M Ellis 2B Ramirez SS Gonzalez 1B Puig RF Uribe 3B Schumaker CF AJ Ellis C Greinke P
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) October 4, 2013

Braves Lineup:

Tonight's lineup vs. LAD (6:07, TBS/680AM/BRN): Heyward 8 JUpton 9 Freeman 3 Gattis 7 McCann 2 CJohnson 5 Simmons 6 EJohnson 4 Minor 1
— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) October 4, 2013

* Please follow on twitter @ernestreyes *

* Like Dodgers Blue Heaven on facebook *

* Dodgers Blue Heaven home page *

Dodgers Show Braves Who's Boss in Game 1

This game was like watching an older brother push aside his younger sibling without a sweat.  Sure, there were a couple moments when thoughts of a Braves rally crept into your mind, but then those ideas quickly dissipated as Dodger dominance came back in to play.

To start, the Braves came out strong as Medlen struck out the side in the 1st inning.  Fortunately, Kershaw was equal to the task as he struck out two in his bottom half.  Then, the Dodger bats got started.  Puig grounded to center for a single, Uribe lined a single to center to send Puig to 3rd, and Schumaker flied to center to score Puig for their first run of the game.  Next up was AJ Ellis. 

Video Link:

Ellis' double scored another run for the Dodgers, making it 2-0.

The very next inning, Adrian Gonzalez came up to bat with Mark Ellis in scoring position.

Video Link:

4-0, Dodgers!

From there, a Dodger win was a near certainty.  Via a tweet from Eric Stephen at True Blue LA.

Dodgers when scoring 4 runs in a Clayton Kershaw start this season are 14-1 (Kershaw is 11-0)
— Eric Stephen (@truebluela) October 4, 2013

Clayton Kershaw went 7 innings, striking out 12, walking 3 and allowing just 1 earned run.  What was even better was watching a well balanced Dodgers offense.  Mark Ellis, Adrian Gonzalez, Yasiel Puig and AJ Ellis all had two hits, and five different Dodgers knocked in a run. 

The Dodgers take the first game of the series, 6-1, and look to win again tomorrow with back-up ace Zack Greinke on the mound.

As for some additional highlights, watch Yasiel Puig snag a Chris Johnson's fly ball, then fire to first to complete the double play in the 2nd inning, below.  Watch a video of the play here.

(.gif link: Dodgers tumblr)

BJ Upton looked like a frightened deer as Clayton throws a bender to strike him out in the 6th inning.

(.gif link: Dodgers tumblr)

If watching one Kershaw strike out isn't enough, here are the 6 straight strike outs he threw from the 5th to 6th innings.

(.gif link: Dodgers tumblr)

And here is the final out by Kenley Jansen - fittingly via a strike out.

(.gif link: Dodgers tumblr)

(pic link)

* Please follow on twitter @ernestreyes *

* Like Dodgers Blue Heaven on facebook *

* Dodgers Blue Heaven home page *

Game 3 Gametime is Set for 5:07 PM on Sunday

Just in case you needed to know, Game 3 of this series at Dodger Stadium on Sunday will start at 5:07 PM. 

Unfortunately, the gametime for Game 4 was not announced in concert - which is dumb since planning for a weekday game is far more dire a situation than for Sunday.  Working stiffs need to know the time for Mondays game right away - assuming there is a Monday game!

* Please follow on twitter @ernestreyes *

* Like Dodgers Blue Heaven on facebook *

* Dodgers Blue Heaven home page *

Check Out Tonight's Lineup - Dodgers vs. Braves

Los Angeles Dodgers at Atlanta Braves

Clayton Kershaw vs. Kris Medlen

Game Start: 5:37 p.m., PST
TV: TBS
Radio: Dodgers 570 AM (English), 1020 AM (Spanish), ESPN Radio

This is Game 1 of the NLDS game between the Dodgers and Braves.  Yasiel Puig will be batting 5th and Skip Schumaker will man centerfield.  I am antsy in anticipation.

Dodgers Lineup:

#Dodgers lineup at Braves. #ITFDB pic.twitter.com/KNg1mDYmA2
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) October 3, 2013

Braves Lineup:

Tonight's lineup vs. LAD (8:37, TBS/680AM/BRN): Heyward 8 JUpton 9 Freeman 3 Gattis 7 McCann 2 CJohnson 5 Simmons 6 EJohnson 4 Medlen 1
— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) October 3, 2013

* Please follow on twitter @ernestreyes *

* Like Dodgers Blue Heaven on facebook *

* Dodgers Blue Heaven home page *

Here is the Official Dodgers Roster

Just in the nick of time, the Dodgers announce their roster for the postseason match-up against the Braves.  See it below.

There are a couple of shockers.  First of all, Chris Capuano made the roster over Carlos Marmol and Edinson Volquez.  He was out for three weeks due to groin issues, but came back during the final week and impressed the staff with two scoreless appearances - including three strike outs in two innings of play.  As expected, Brandon League will not figure in this series.  Another unusual addition is Dee Gordon.  I suppose he'll provide some speed off the bench, and is likely to be used as a pinch-runner in the case that Andre Ethier gets on base when he pinch-hits. 

And remember, tonight's game starts at 5:37 PM PST.

Pitchers (11)                                                   

Starting Pitchers:
LHP Clayton Kershaw
RHP Zack Greinke
LHP Hyun-Jin Ryu
RHP Ricky Nolasco
 
Relievers:
RHP Ronald Belisario                                  
LHP Chris Capuano
LHP J.P. Howell                                             
RHP Kenley Jansen
LHP Paco Rodriguez
RHP Brian Wilson
RHP Chris Withrow                                        

Position Players (14)

The Starters:
C A.J. Ellis
1B Adrian Gonzalez
2B Mark Ellis
SS Hanley Ramirez
3B Juan Uribe
OF Carl Crawford
OF Yasiel Puig
IF/OF Skip Schumaker

Reserves:
IF/OF Scott Van Slyke
IF Nick Punto
IF Michael Young
IF Dee Gordon
OF Andre Ethier
C Tim Federowicz

* Please follow on twitter @ernestreyes *

* Like Dodgers Blue Heaven on facebook *

* Dodgers Blue Heaven home page *

Thank You For A Great Season!

First of all, congratulations to the Phillies for winning the pennant. It was a hard fought series where their experience and grit took them over the top. I give them mad props.

For the Dodgers I have nothing but thanks and gratitude for a phenomenal year. 2009 was filled with so much promise and, for the most part, this team met my expectations. We just ran into a team that refused to be beat.

All I can say is, "wait til next year!"

Register For Postseason Seats Now

From the Dodgers press release.

In an effort to make 2009 postseason tickets available to as many fans as possible, the Dodgers will enact a ticket ordering process via dodgers.com/postseason. Similar to years past, the online opportunity invites fans to fill out and submit a registration form available now at dodgers.com/postseason for a chance to purchase 2009 postseason tickets. Tickets will not be available at the Dodger Stadium ticket office, ticket outlets or by phone.

Registration for NLDS tickets ends at 5 p.m. PST on September 16, followed by a random drawing that day to determine which registrants will have the opportunity to buy tickets for the first round of the postseason. Winners will be notified via e-mail by September 18 and the onsale will be held at 10 a.m. PST on September 19.

Registration for NLCS tickets ends at 6 p.m. PST on October 7, followed by a drawing that day. Winners will be notified via e-mail by October 8 and the onsale will be held at 10 a.m. PST on October 9.

Victory Is Ours

There is not much more that I can say. Last nights win was big.

Loney came through with an unexpected 0-2 round-tripper. Manny was being Manny. Ethier missed an opportunity, but redeemed himself with a walk in front of Loney's slam. Furcal was good, not spectacular, but good. Watch out, though, if he turns it on we will be unstoppable. All season long pitching has been our bedrock. In the playoffs it will be no different.

With every passing minute I like our chances more and more.

Pic Link: SoccerLens: