Think Blue - Go Dodgers!

[DrumNFeather]

Grienke was pretty nasty yesterday.

[concerned]

http://www.si.com/mlb/2015/07/17/vin-scully-1950-brooklyn-dodgers?xid=si_social

[LA Ute]

Jansen putting away the Anaheim franchise tonight at the Ravine.

http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/07/31/91426118f68ed790daeef201fd9fd163.jpg


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[concerned]

http://grantland.com/the-triangle/mlb-sandy-koufax-don-hendley-perfect-game-50-year-anniversary-interview/

[DrumNFeather]

If it makes any of you feel better, I hate the Mets too.

Sent from my LG-D800 using Tapatalk

[LA Ute]

Ugh. Our two aces -- two of the top three pitchers in baseball -- lose at home in the first round.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Scratch]

Ugh. Our two aces -- two of the top three pitchers in baseball -- lose at home in the first round.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk


Kershaw and Greinke combined to pitch 27 1/3 innings and give up 9 ER. That's an ERA under 3 in the playoffs. The loss of this series isn't on them at all, it's on the offense that couldn't score.

[LA Ute]

Kershaw and Greinke combined to pitch 27 1/3 innings and give up 9 ER. That's an ERA under 3 in the playoffs. The loss of this series isn't on them at all, it's on the offense that couldn't score.

Exactly.


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[concerned]

They needed Koufax not his pretenders.

[LA Ute]

They needed Koufax not his pretenders.

Even the great one usually needed more than two runs to win.


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[concerned]

Even the great one usually needed more than two runs to win.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

no they didn't. The 65-66 Dodgers were the most anemic offense in the history of World Series participants. (maybe a slight exaggeration but not much.) Their offense was a walk to Wills a stolen base or two and a sac fly.

That is what made Koufax and Drydale so great, imho. That is why Koufax was need this week. (Im biased of course)

[Scratch]

no they didn't. The 65-66 Dodgers were the most anemic offense in the history of World Series participants. (maybe a slight exaggeration but not much.) Their offense was a walk to Wills a stolen base or two and a sac fly.

That is what made Koufax and Drydale so great, imho. That is why Koufax was need this week. (Im biased of course)

The interesting thing in a Koufax-Kershaw comparison is that due to Koufax's injuries and slow start to his career (relatively speaking, of course), Kershaw has already had a better career than Koufax, and Kershaw is only 27. Of course, as you noted, Koufax pretty much single-handedly won the 1965 WS. He only pitched one game in the 1966 WS, and allowed 4 runs in 6 innings in a loss.

[concerned]

The interesting thing in a Koufax-Kershaw comparison is that due to Koufax's injuries and slow start to his career (relatively speaking, of course), Kershaw has already had a better career than Koufax, and Kershaw is only 27. Of course, as you noted, Koufax pretty much single-handedly won the 1965 WS. He only pitched one game in the 1966 WS, and allowed 4 runs in 6 innings in a loss.

He lost 4-0 because Willlie Davis had three errors in centerfield in the sixth inning.

[Scratch]

He lost 4-0 because Willlie Davis had three errors in centerfield in the sixth inning.

"It's not my wife; it's not my life. It's just a game."

And Koufax did pitch well in that game (only 1 ER), but I brought that game up more for the fact that Koufax's post-season impact was really limited to that incredible 1965 WS. A 27-year-old Kershaw has already had a better career than Koufax.

[concerned]

"It's not my wife; it's not my life. It's just a game."

And Koufax did pitch well in that game (only 1 ER), but I brought that game up more for the fact that Koufax's post-season impact was really limited to that incredible 1965 WS. A 27-year-old Kershaw has already had a better career than Koufax.

1963 too (although one game).

Koufax also won the 1963, 1965, and 1966 pennants singlehandedly (well Drysdale too). Woudl have won 62 but for his injured finger mid July.

P.s. where Koufax is concerned, it is my life for better or worse.

Until Kershaw wins the big one consistently, he can't compare. Hopefully his arm doesnt break down at 32 like Koufax's did.

[Scratch]

1963 too (although one game).

Koufax also won the 1963, 1965, and 1966 pennants singlehandedly (well Drysdale too). Woudl have won 62 but for his injured finger mid July.

P.s. where Koufax is concerned, it is my life for better or worse.

Until Kershaw wins the big one consistently, he can't compare. Hopefully his arm doesnt break down at 32 like Koufax's did.


I also think it's fair to say that Kershaw had just as much to do with the Dodgers' making the playoffs the last 3 years as Koufax did in '63, '65, and '66. Obviously Kershaw hasn't done anything close to what Koufax did in the '65 WS, but I'm not sure that's enough to make up for Kershaw's longer string of superior regular season performances.

[LA Ute]

I'm just saying the Dodgers' failures are not Kershaw's or Greinke's fault. They're headed for the Hall of Fame. I also think MLB offenses are much more prolific these days, FWIW.

All that said, Koufax's and Drysdale's greatness will never be eclipsed.


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[concerned]

I also think it's fair to say that Kershaw had just as much to do with the Dodgers' making the playoffs the last 3 years as Koufax did in '63, '65, and '66. Obviously Kershaw hasn't done anything close to what Koufax did in the '65 WS, but I'm not sure that's enough to make up for Kershaw's longer string of superior regular season performances.

I am sure. If you think I am going to give you the last word on Koufax, you are sadly mistaken. I can outlast you.

[LA Ute]

80 years old today.

1743

[concerned]

80 years old today.

1743

80? hard to believe. I wonder how good his curve ball is. Does it still break two feet?

[LA Ute]

Dodgers 7, Bay Area Franchise 3.

http://m.dodgers.mlb.com/news/article/172622964/dodgers-hernandez-pounds-bumgarner-in-win

[concerned]

classic




https://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/551062581461282816/XFht_Phc_bigger.pngWill BrinsonVerified account‏@WillBrinson (https://twitter.com/WillBrinson)

Actual story about Madison Bumgarner told by national treasure Vin Scully last night on the Dodgers broadcast.

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CgK14wLUUAAMXRa.jpg:large

[LA Ute]

1843

[LA Ute]

concerned, you know you want one of these.

http://teefazily.com/la-logo1

1871

[concerned]

concerned, you know you want one of these.

http://teefazily.com/la-logo1

1871

yes I do. That is great. Thanks for the headsup . I am going to get one, but I cant figure out the sizing. Are the sizes unisex? What is 5xl? I have never heard of that? And why is the background Giants stadium and McCovey Cove?

[LA Ute]

yes I do. That is great. Thanks for the headsup . I am going to get one, but I cant figure out the sizing. Are the sizes unisex? What is 5xl? I have never heard of that? And why is the background Giants stadium and McCovey Cove?

http://www.vtxcafe.com/images/smilies/shrug.gif

[LA Ute]

Dodgers fans will want to read this book. Here's an excerpt in Sports Illustrated:

The Last Innocents: The Collision of the Turbulent Sixties and the Los Angeles Dodgers

http://www.si.com/mlb/2016/05/18/dodgers-sandy-koufax-maury-wills-excerpt

[LA Ute]

Vin Scully's call of Koufax's perfect game:

https://www.facebook.com/Dodgers/videos/10155314227133508/

[LA Ute]

Dodgers clinch a fourth consecutive National League West crown with a 4-3 win over the Rockies, in Vin Scully's last regular-season game as a broadcaster, on a walk off home run in the bottom of the 10th inning. It couldn't have been scripted better.

http://m.dodgers.mlb.com/news/article/203311116/dodgers-walk-off-in-10th-clinch-nl-west-title/

[Scorcho]

Pretty sure Vin is traveling and calling the last 3 games in San Francisco. I've heard that from a couple different places.

[LA Ute]

Pretty sure Vin is traveling and calling the last 3 games in San Francisco. I've heard that from a couple different places.

I have heard that too. I hope so.

[concerned]

why would anybody write an article about something so obvious?

Anyway, its LA's Ute's chance to read the Atlantic.

http://www.theatlantic.com/entertainment/archive/2016/10/sandy-koufax/503036/

[LA Ute]

why would anybody write an article about something so obvious?

Anyway, its LA's Ute's chance to read the Atlantic.

http://www.theatlantic.com/entertainment/archive/2016/10/sandy-koufax/503036/

Great piece, thanks. I hadn't seen it.

BTW, I enjoy the Atlantic, even if SU says it's no good.


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[concerned]

Great piece, thanks. I hadn't seen it.

BTW, I enjoy the Atlantic, even if SU says it's no good.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I read a couple of testimonials to Vin Scully recently about how everybody in SoCal grew up listening to him on car radios and their transistor radios, often underneath their pillows at night. that is exactly what I did. When we were kids, you could pick up Vin Scully and jerry Dogget on KFI after the sun went down. I listened about every night on my radio. Somebody tweeted out or said the other day, "when I think of Vin, I remember my whole life." That is how I feel about my childhood. And my brother was such a huge Giants and Willie Mays & McCovey fan.

[LA Ute]

I read a couple of testimonials to Vin Scully recently about how everybody in SoCal grew up listening to him on car radios and their transistor radios, often underneath their pillows at night. that is exactly what I did. When we were kids, you could pick up Vin Scully and jerry Dogget on KFI after the sun went down. I listened about every night on my radio. Somebody tweeted out or said the other day, "when I think of Vin, I remember my whole life." That is how I feel about my childhood. And my brother was such a huge Giants and Willie Mays & McCovey fan.

Yep, the Dodgers on KFI and the Giants on KNBR, if I recall correctly.

[LA Ute]

For the last four years the Dodgers have been really good at blowing the post-season, and I thought they'd do it yesterday. But there's hope! I'd love to see them in the World Series again.

[LA Ute]

By the way, just for the record, the Nationals seem to be the better team this year, and it just seems to be their time. Nevertheless, I continue to root for the boys in blue. Maybe they will pull it off this year when they are not supposed to.


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[DrumNFeather]

By the way, just for the record, the Nationals seem to be the better team this year, and it just seems to be their time. Nevertheless, I continue to root for the boys in blue. Maybe they will pull it off this year when they are not supposed to.


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In the Scherzer vs. Rich Hill match up, you've gotta favor Scherzer and the home team. However, he's been known to give up the long ball this season and the LA lineup seems to have some pop. Here's hoping you guys are sad come tomorrow night.

[LA Ute]

What an amazing game. The Nats played so well I felt bad to see them lose. But I'm happy for my Dodgers. Let's see how they do against the Cubs.


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[LA Ute]

Poor Blanton. He's got the guy at 0-2 with the bases loaded and he throws a gopher ball? To a pinch hitter with a .216 average?Then his very next pitch is another gopher ball? He will need some friends tonight. If I had a photo of a goat handy I'd insert it here.

[LA Ute]

I love watching great pitchers perform. Kershaw and Jansen were superb last night.


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[Hot Lunch]

I love watching great pitchers perform. Kershaw and Jansen were superb last night.


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Rich Hill followed it with an incredible performances. Let's hope the rookie can do it again tonight.

Have you made it to a playoff game LA?

[DrumNFeather]

Rich Hill followed it with an incredible performances. Let's hope the rookie can do it again tonight.

Have you made it to a playoff game LA?

I'm still mad about his balk-pick-off move on Harper.

[LA Ute]

Rich Hill followed it with an incredible performances. Let's hope the rookie can do it again tonight.

Have you made it to a playoff game LA?

I saw the Oct. 10 game against the Nats (Dodgers used 9 pithers and lost, 8-3.) I'm going to Thursday's game against the Cubbies. Can't wait. With some luck I might see the deciding game.

And this is for DrumNFeather:

MLB Playoffs: Breaking down Julio Urias' filthy pickoff move before NLCS Game 4 (http://http://www.cbssports.com/mlb/news/mlb-playoffs-2016-breaking-down-julio-urias-filthy-pickoff-move-before-nlcs-game-4/)

[LA Ute]

I got to go to tonight's game. The Cubs simply have better pitching. That was clear tonight.

[concerned]

I got to go to tonight's game. The Cubs simply have better pitching. That was clear tonight.

I saw you on tv. Right behind home plate. AT first I thought it was Larry King. with his finger in his mouth most of the time, looking really old, but I realize must have been you. The resemblance is uncanny.

[LA Ute]

I saw you on tv. Right behind home plate. AT first I thought it was Larry King. with his finger in his mouth most of the time, looking really old, but I realize must have been you. The resemblance is uncanny.

Fooled you. That was my own doppelgänger. We were sitting disconsolately on the 3rd base line.


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[concerned]

Fooled you. That was my own doppelgänger. We were sitting disconsolately on the 3rd base line.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Good to know
Not many people would admit to Larry King as their doppelganger.

[LA Ute]

Good to know
Not many people would admit to Larry King as their doppelganger.

Oh, THAT Larry king. I thought you were referring to this one:

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20161021/fd537b1f03ffeaa7aeaa1fcf33783ee7.jpg

He is an interesting fellow. For example, this Larry tells me he's a doppelgänger for more than one person. What are the odds?

[LA Ute]

For Hot Lunch and concerned: Just in time for a Christmas hint to your wives and kids.

2025

[Hot Lunch]

For Hot Lunch and concerned: Just in time for a Christmas hint to your wives and kids.

2025

I totally need that. Just showed this to my wife. Perfect stalking stuffer

[concerned]

I totally need that. Just showed this to my wife. Perfect stalking stuffer

Until opening day, I am still a life long Cubs fan.

[LA Ute]

WATCH: Dodgers' Corey Seager hits MLB's longest HR of 2017 (http://247sports.com/Bolt/WATCH-Dodgers-Corey-Seager-hits-MLBs-longest-HR-of-2017-52505603/)


And he did it against the Western Bay Area Franchise. x:)x

[DrumNFeather]

Dodgers ad Yu Darvish today. Woof.

[LA Ute]

Walk-off homer! I’m telling you, the Boys in Blue are on their way!!

[LuckyUte]

walk-off homer! I’m telling you, the boys in blue are on their way!!

booooo!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[LA Ute]

A former Ute player is in the Dodgers organization. Lucky kid.

Dodgers prospect Riley Otteson benefits from two-year mission to Japan

http://www.mlive.com/loons/index.ssf/2018/04/dodgers_prospect_riley_otteson.html

[LA Ute]

The surge is under way.
(http://www.latimes.com/sports/la-sp-dodgers-plaschke-20180902-story.html#nws=true)
With mojo back in town, Dodgers stake their claim as best in the West (http://www.latimes.com/sports/la-sp-dodgers-plaschke-20180902-story.html#nws=true)

[Scorcho]

http://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/24593957/mets-todd-frazier-comes-clean-fake-catch

x:)x

[LA Ute]

http://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/24593957/mets-todd-frazier-comes-clean-fake-catch

x:)x

Typical Giants fan condones cheating. :p

[LA Ute]

NLCS tonight!

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20181017/2867a82bdfff814e4a2ea3521de442ae.jpg

[Irving Washington]

NLCS tonight!

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20181017/2867a82bdfff814e4a2ea3521de442ae.jpg
So is that a little sushi and tofu in the styrofoam container?

[sancho]

NLCS tonight!


Quite a game you're watching. What a catch in right in the 10th.

[LA Ute]

Quite a game you're watching. What a catch in right in the 10th.

Bellinger is the best athlete on the team.

Have the TV commentators said how many strikeouts each team has? Must be a lot. Dodgers batters have been behind in the pitch count all game long.

[LA Ute]

So is that a little sushi and tofu in the styrofoam container?

Dodger Dogs are everywhere, Yankees fanboy.

[Scratch]

Bellinger is the best athlete on the team.

Have the TV commentators said how many strikeouts each team has? Must be a lot. Dodgers batters have been behind in the pitch count all game long.

Through 12, Dodger pitchers have 14, Brewers have 17.

[LA Ute]

Dodgers players celebrating in the outfield.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20181017/ddd97a18b576f3a217913d36e739e1bb.jpg

[LA Ute]

Despite disappointment, Dodgers look forward to what’s ahead

https://dodgers.mlblogs.com/despite-disappointment-dodgers-look-forward-to-whats-ahead-d693c9edc494

[LA Ute]

Dodgers get better of blockbuster deal simply by getting rid of Yasiel Puig

https://www.latimes.com/sports/la-sp-dodgers-trade-plaschke-20181221-story.html

I think Plaschke is right.

[UTEopia]

This only happens in early April, so I need to enjoy it when it happens. Padres sit atop NL West after wild win at Arizona

[UTEopia]

Los Dodyers took 2 of 3 from Los Padres, like they usually do, but a walk-off grand salami to win game 3 was beautiful.

[LA Ute]

I watched the Dodgers beat the Yankees yesterday in a tight pitchers’ duel. It was a fine battle between the two teams with the best records in baseball. The “players‘ weekend“ uniforms were ugly as sin, however. Also, the players went by their nicknames, even on the scoreboard, so it was not clear most of the time who was at bat, unless you happened to be able to recognize a player from a distance and know his nickname. That was especially the case with the Yankees players, whom we didn’t know.

[Irving Washington]

I watched the Dodgers beat the Yankees yesterday in a tight pitchers’ duel. It was a fine battle between the two teams with the best records in baseball. The “players‘ weekend“ uniforms were ugly as sin, however. Also, the players went by their nicknames, even on the scoreboard, so it was not clear most of the time who was at bat, unless you happened to be able to recognize a player from a distance and know his nickname. That was especially the case with the Yankees players, whom we didn’t know.
At least you saw the one game you'd enjoy. Gotta like the Yankees, what with all the injuries and replacements that are playing like All Stars, like Cameron Maybin and Gio Urshela.

[Irving Washington]

What happened to the Dodgers?

[DrumNFeather]

What happened to the Dodgers?

Nats baby!!!

[Applejack]

What happened to the Dodgers?


Nats baby!!!

I agree--it was the Nats.

[LA Ute]

It was a shocking finale, an epic loss. I think there will be changes, but who knows? I also think that if Kershaw stays with the team he needs to get some intensive therapy to overcome his tendency to choke in the post-season. I'm serious. He is a great pitcher and still young enough to get past the stigma of post-season goat.


Still, a juggernaut like the Dodgers succumbing in the first round sent a shock wave across the industry. Teams like the Dodgers, who won a franchise record 106 games in 2019, rarely lose this quickly. Since the introduction of the wild card in 1995 through 2018, six teams finished the regular season with 104 wins or more. All of them survived the division series. (The Houston Astros would join the Dodgers in ignominy if they lose to the Tampa Bay Rays in their Game 5 on Thursday night.)As the Dodgers fade into a winter of reckoning, they must deal with this reality. Only two teams in history have put together postseason appearance streaks longer than the Dodgers’ current run of seven: the Atlanta Braves and the New York Yankees of the 1990s and 2000s. Unlike the Dodgers, both of those organizations took home rings. The Yankees won four championships in five years from 1996 through 2000. The Braves managed only one title, in 1995—a disappointment, but still one more than these Dodgers, who last won the World Series in 1988.

Maybe the Dodgers will still claim their long-awaited prize eventually, but they could look different in 2020. Nearly all of Roberts’s major decisions backfired Wednesday. It might cost him his job. At the same time, it seems difficult to improve the Dodgers. Every year, they establish themselves as arguably the best team in baseball. Every year, they lose too soon.

In 2019, they lost sooner than anybody imagined.

https://www.wsj.com/articles/another-season-ends-in-devastating-fashion-for-the-los-angeles-dodgers-11570707854?emailToken=318de763bc2c9dc296ed61c456c 17c359wPk6aTMuYNqqRDj2zGug4InvNzdOB8v6hiKKOtEXTavy q0JXYeTMhz1AbqReDYH323sJNvKOnflUIjAbeKgF7+E3+SBiUM FD7VEvJtP3PCPUHb0/LQ6taqK1ENGT9tyl7wiEofXtf9bWAOSMac+wg%3D%3D&reflink=article_gmail_share (https://www.wsj.com/articles/another-season-ends-in-devastating-fashion-for-the-los-angeles-dodgers-11570707854?emailToken=318de763bc2c9dc296ed61c456c 17c359wPk6aTMuYNqqRDj2zGug4InvNzdOB8v6hiKKOtEXTavy q0JXYeTMhz1AbqReDYH323sJNvKOnflUIjAbeKgF7+E3+SBiUM FD7VEvJtP3PCPUHb0/LQ6taqK1ENGT9tyl7wiEofXtf9bWAOSMac+wg%3D%3D&reflink=article_gmail_share)

[sancho]

https://www.wsj.com/articles/another-season-ends-in-devastating-fashion-for-the-los-angeles-dodgers-11570707854?emailToken=318de763bc2c9dc296ed61c456c 17c359wPk6aTMuYNqqRDj2zGug4InvNzdOB8v6hiKKOtEXTavy q0JXYeTMhz1AbqReDYH323sJNvKOnflUIjAbeKgF7+E3+SBiUM FD7VEvJtP3PCPUHb0/LQ6taqK1ENGT9tyl7wiEofXtf9bWAOSMac+wg%3D%3D&reflink=article_gmail_share (https://www.wsj.com/articles/another-season-ends-in-devastating-fashion-for-the-los-angeles-dodgers-11570707854?emailToken=318de763bc2c9dc296ed61c456c 17c359wPk6aTMuYNqqRDj2zGug4InvNzdOB8v6hiKKOtEXTavy q0JXYeTMhz1AbqReDYH323sJNvKOnflUIjAbeKgF7+E3+SBiUM FD7VEvJtP3PCPUHb0/LQ6taqK1ENGT9tyl7wiEofXtf9bWAOSMac+wg%3D%3D&reflink=article_gmail_share)

I always think of the 2001 Mariners, who set a record for regular season wins but failed to win the pennant. Rather unfair to play 162 and then let a 5 or 7 game series determine the important outcome.

[LA Ute]

I know there are Ub5ers who don't like the Dodgers (sorry, guys, I don't care what you think about this) but for those of us like me, who are long-time fans, this article raises some uncomfortable questions and points to some really disturbing facts:

Dodgers Dugout: There’s a whole list of people to blame

https://www.latimes.com/sports/story/2019-10-10/dodgers-dugout-nlds-loss?fbclid=IwAR3n3TkDCurr6F51Oa3RfP1j2nnabyUZCMZ6 RqhbW1C2_VXpE-H79HnQZQc

[concerned]

I know there are Ub5ers who don't like the Dodgers (sorry, guys, I don't care what you think about this) but for those of us like me, who are long-time fans, this article raises some uncomfortable questions and points to some really disturbing facts:

Dodgers Dugout: There’s a whole list of people to blame

https://www.latimes.com/sports/story/2019-10-10/dodgers-dugout-nlds-loss?fbclid=IwAR3n3TkDCurr6F51Oa3RfP1j2nnabyUZCMZ6 RqhbW1C2_VXpE-H79HnQZQc



Wow. I knew Kershaw was horrible in the postseason, but I had never really focused on how horrible Bellinger was this year and in the past.

P.s. I take some consolation in the article's statement that Kershaw is not Koufax. I assume that debate is now settled for good, it it wasnt already.

[LA Ute]

Wow. I knew Kershaw was horrible in the postseason, but I had never really focused on how horrible Bellinger was this year and in the past.

P.s. I take some consolation in the article's statement that Kershaw is not Koufax. I assume that debate is now settled for good, it it wasnt already.

I think the entire team needs to spend time with a sports psychologist. Too many stars who are post-season head cases. If Roberts is let go, I'll feel bad for him because I really like him, but he seems to make major decisions based on gut feelings, and too many of them backfire. (Thursday night every one of his decisions backfired.) I also wonder -- has Kershaw reached his sell-by date?

[Mormon Red Death]

I think the entire team needs to spend time with a sports psychologist. Too many stars who are post-season head cases. If Roberts is let go, I'll feel bad for him because I really like him, but he seems to make major decisions based on gut feelings, and too many of them backfire. (Thursday night every one of his decisions backfired.) I also wonder -- has Kershaw reached his sell-by date?

this guy (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WN-aCYVVtyo)is probably available

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WN-aCYVVtyo

[LA Ute]

It’s kind of comforting to know that Kershaw isn’t the only future Hall of Famer who’s terrible in the post-season.


https://www.getmoresports.com/mlb-news-yu-darvish-trolls-justin-verlander-tweet-astros-world-series-collapse/

[LA Ute]

So for all time we will wonder whether all those home runs and long balls hit off of Yu Darvish in that final 2017 Series game came from batters who knew what pitch was coming.

https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/mlb/columnist/gabe-lacques/2020/01/13/astros-cheating-jeff-luhnow-aj-hinch-world-series/4460053002/

I doubt it’s possible, but I believe the Astros should be required to cough up their World Series trophy.

[sancho]

I doubt it’s possible, but I believe the Astros should be required to cough up their World Series trophy.

I agree. Cheating in sports is pathetic. Go out and win or lose like men.

[concerned]

I don't have any doubt that they had illegal knowledge of Darvish's pitches (at the time, the claim was that Darvish tipped his pitches, right?). The punishment is so severe (appropriately) that I assume they would have taken away the title if they could have.

[LA Ute]

By the way, it is well-known and documented that the Bobby Thomson home run in the 1951 National League championship game - “the shot hear ‘round the world” - also was part of a sign-stealing scandal. It wasn’t revealed for many years, but Thomson knew what pitch was coming when he hit it out of the park. Both he and Ron Branca, who threw the pitch, knew that for years but kept silent about it.

For baseball lovers this is a great book about that:

https://www.nytimes.com/2006/10/08/books/review/Thorn.t.html

[Scratch]

Virtually every team does this. The Astros just did it more frequently and were much more sophisticated (and effective) with it. Every team has a guy who they will put in CF with binoculars and a flashlight or something similar in certain situations to try to steal pitches. There's a reason why you haven't heard much outrage from other players and coaches, and it's also why you haven't seen player suspensions. The real issue here is that the Astros were cavalier enough to do it in a way that was caught on tape.

[sancho]

Maybe baseball needs those big posters with pop culture images like they have in football. Or maybe they need some high tech, earpiece stuff. I wonder, if data science could tell the pitcher/catcher what to throw on every pitch, how much of a difference would it make?