A Postseason To Remember: NLCS Game 3 Preview, Dodgers vs. Phillies, Sunday 10/18, 7:07 CT

by Al Yellon on Oct 18, 2009 1:00 PM CDT in Game Threads

Regardless of how this postseason ends up (please, not the Yankees winning, please), we have already had more than our share of exciting, close games, with controversial umpiring calls, clutch hitting by various players, and misplays at the worst possible time.

There's absolutely no doubt that Maicer Izturis made the wrong decision late last night (if you missed it, it was shortly after midnight Chicago time) in trying to turn a double play with Yankees on first and second and one out in the 13th inning. It had been raining for a while, conditions were poor, and the ball was likely wet when Izturis, trying for a throw to 2B, flung the ball in the general direction of short left field, where Chone Figgins picked it up with no chance to get Jerry Hairston Jr., who scored the winning run.

Jerry Hairston. Winning run. In a league championship series game. Yes, the same Jerry Hairston who, as one of Dusty Baker's "horses" in 2006, hit an Aaron-Miles-like .207/.253/.244 in 82 at-bats before being exiled to Texas (for Phil Nevin), where he hit a not-much-better .206/.270/.253 in 88 AB. And now, he's two wins from being in the World Series.

Anyway, had Izturis made the proper choice and thrown to first for an easy out, the Yankees would have had runners on second and third with two out and Jorge Posada at bat -- the game had a chance, at least, to go to the 14th inning. Nevertheless, even with the crushing loss, the Angels will have a shot at evening up the series at home starting tomorrow. Many teams have come back from 0-2 deficits to win a seven-game series.

Meanwhile, if you liked watching baseball with players wearing hats with earflaps and rain pouring down, you'll love tonight's forecast for the Philadelphia area. I'm guessing many people here won't be watching the game tonight, instead tuned to some other game in some other sport on some other channel.

Dodgers at Phillies, 7:07 pm CDT. Series tied 1-1. TV: TBS. Announcers: Chip Caray, Buck Martinez and Ron Darling.

MLB.com Gameday

Baseball-reference.com game preview

SB Nation game preview

Please visit our SB Nation Dodgers site True Blue LA and Phillies site The Good Phight.

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Comments

Poor Angels. These two games haven’t been very representative of how good they have been all year.

"The riches of the game are in the thrills, not the money." --Ernie Banks

by dtpollitt on Oct 18, 2009 1:12 PM CDT via mobile reply actions

A couple points:

Earlier this postseason, we discussed the ex-Cubs factor on teams still playing. I boldly proclaimed the Yankees were destined to lose on the Hairston/Gaudin factor alone. I’m not bitter or anything, but it’s really annoying how they’re on the verge or going to a World Series.

When I saw the Angles 2B (I thought it was Aybar all along), I immediately thought, “this dingbat is gonna want the DP. Throw to 1B, dumbass.” And in a fraction of a second, he pooped his pants. There are poor fundamentals all over MLB, which makes me feel a bit better about the Cubs’ season of comedy.

by chilango2 on Oct 18, 2009 1:13 PM CDT reply actions

The Yankees have one other ex-Cub.

Jose Molina. Yep. Look here.

"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra

by Al Yellon on Oct 18, 2009 1:16 PM CDT up reply actions

Well, what do you know?

Thank you for that nugget. I really don’t remember him being here at all.

by chilango2 on Oct 18, 2009 1:19 PM CDT up reply actions

I remember being surprised when he was simply released.

Because for the next four years, the Cubs could have used a backup catcher like him.

"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra

by Al Yellon on Oct 18, 2009 1:57 PM CDT up reply actions

Actually

Lately (mostly, since 2003 – yes, that’s lately for me), I mostly think that the Cubs are so much better than the Cubs standard of (1969-2009) that I am used to. It has gotten better — really, trust me.

"When you're going through hell, keep going." - Winston Churchill

by vonde6 on Oct 18, 2009 11:56 PM CDT up reply actions

its amazing how scrubs like hairston gaudin and gathright managed to get on contending teams

"hey

by jesus christos on Oct 18, 2009 1:21 PM CDT reply actions

Very Scott Eyre-ish

"I always tell the truth -- Even when I lie"

by calicubfan on Oct 19, 2009 3:14 AM CDT up reply actions

Closers

It has not been a great playoff for closers, either.

by dmlichte on Oct 18, 2009 2:10 PM CDT reply actions

Not sure why we should hate the Yankees.

As far as I’m concerned, I’d be very happy to see the Cubs become the Yankees of the NL, with the assets that the Cubs have access to. What the Yankees accomplish should be the high-water mark for big market teams to aspire to.

Since it has been a long time since the Yankees beat the Cubs in the 1935 World Series, I’m OK with it.

I can do nothing about small markets v. big markets. That’s the way the game is structured.

I have no problems with the Yankees winning. I envy their accomplishments, I do not dislike them. That, I save for the Cardinals. And, with their early exit, I’ve seen all I need to this post-season.

Now, on to saving Cristobel Huet’s career.

by San Diego Smooth Jazz Man on Oct 18, 2009 2:13 PM CDT reply actions

I'd love for the Cubs to enjoy success like the Yankees

It’s just, to me, I’d rather see the Cubs develop and use talent that they have drafted, not plugged numerous holes with expensive free-agent signings.

If we’re going to ask the Cubs to use the Red Sox Model or the Yankees Model when it comes to franchise-building, I’d rather go with the Red Sox Model that they’ve employed over the last 7 seasons or so. Plus, it’s a remarkably similar plan to the one used by Gene Michael when he got run the Yankees 15 years ago.

I love to play baseball. I'm a baseball player. I've always been a baseball player. I'm still a baseball player. That's who I am. - Ryne Sandberg

by Bill Potter on Oct 18, 2009 3:40 PM CDT up reply actions

Didn't the Red Sox get swept

By a team in a 2-0 hole in the LCS?

Just sayin’…

"Who ever heard of the Cubs losing a game they had to have?" -Frank Chance
"If [Ruth] had [called his shot], I would have knocked him down with the next pitch." -Charlie Root

by Clutch16 on Oct 18, 2009 3:50 PM CDT up reply actions

C'mon

The key players in the breakthrough 2004 team were bought and paid for.

"When you're going through hell, keep going." - Winston Churchill

by vonde6 on Oct 18, 2009 11:58 PM CDT up reply actions

But the 2007 team was developed from within.

And some of the other players on that team were traded for, using developed prospects. That’s what I want – the flexibility to sign and trade players while simultaneously developing a strong Minor League system.

I love to play baseball. I'm a baseball player. I've always been a baseball player. I'm still a baseball player. That's who I am. - Ryne Sandberg

by Bill Potter on Oct 19, 2009 9:57 AM CDT up reply actions

I have no reason to hate the Yankees either

I’m not a Red Sox or Mets fan so I could care less what they do.

A Yankees/Cubs World Series one day would be an amazing series!

by ak123 on Oct 18, 2009 3:16 PM CDT reply actions

I was hoping for this in 2003.

It would have been fitting for the Cubs to win their first Championship in 95 years by beating the winningest franchise in baseball on the 100th Anniversary of the World Series.

Okay, I’m going to stop thinking about that year now…

"Was you ever punched in the face five hundred times a night? It stings after a while." ~Rocky Balboa

by Goodie1969 on Oct 18, 2009 3:50 PM CDT up reply actions

I wanted Red Sox/Cubs

This was obviously before Red Sox won in 2004…that World Series would have been extremely historical.

by ak123 on Oct 18, 2009 3:55 PM CDT up reply actions

Just as long as no one points their bat at the Cubs' bench...

"Who ever heard of the Cubs losing a game they had to have?" -Frank Chance
"If [Ruth] had [called his shot], I would have knocked him down with the next pitch." -Charlie Root

by Clutch16 on Oct 18, 2009 3:50 PM CDT up reply actions

or just past their bullpen.

Chicago
Cubs

We are the better CC.

by Zy Toro Young on Oct 18, 2009 4:14 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions

Epic game last night.....

Bear Down!

by JB 23 on Oct 18, 2009 4:46 PM CDT reply actions

Jerry Hairston, Jr. (along with some guy whose name is too holy to be mentioned on such a profane site)

might be the greatest evidence Cubs fans will ever see that Rudy Jaramillo is a great teacher of the mechanics of hitting. JHJ has become a very serviceable utilityman since his sojourn in Tejas.

One question: will Rudy come to the Cubs with a manager who is a former hitting coach who likes to stick his nose into the hitting coach’s business — then fire him to create a scapegoat?

"I've never complained about it. I'm thankful to have a jersey." Mark DeRosa, 22 Aug 2007

by DeRoMyHero on Oct 18, 2009 4:52 PM CDT reply actions

So you're predicting failure?

Or what? It’s Sunday and hypothetical questions are just not clicking for me today.

Good to see you around here.

by chilango2 on Oct 18, 2009 5:29 PM CDT up reply actions

I'm just speculating

as to why Rudy would come to the Cubs when other teams’ managers will gladly stay out of his way.

Remember what happened when Gerald Perry was working with Felix Pie and Lou stepped in and made some changes? When Felix decided that he wasn’t comfortable with Lou’s changes, he went back to what he had been working on with GP. Lou responded by benching him four games into the 2008 season and burying him forever.

"I've never complained about it. I'm thankful to have a jersey." Mark DeRosa, 22 Aug 2007

by DeRoMyHero on Oct 18, 2009 7:37 PM CDT up reply actions

Why does anyone who has a choice want to come to Chicago?

They want to be here when the Cubs finally do win it all so they can eat and drink for free for the rest of their life!

Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."

by ballhawk on Oct 18, 2009 8:34 PM CDT up reply actions

I hadn't thought about the free drinks...

I thought that they came to the Cubs because of Jim Hendry’s remarkable personality and extreme willingness to overpay…

"I've never complained about it. I'm thankful to have a jersey." Mark DeRosa, 22 Aug 2007

by DeRoMyHero on Oct 18, 2009 10:59 PM CDT up reply actions

I'm glad CBS switched away from the Patriots-Titans game

That game is just plain ugly. Bellichick called a time out with 17 seconds remaining so Brady could make another TD pass before the end of the half to make the game 45-0. Freakin yikes. Say what you want about Bellichick, but the Titans obviously suck.

And the eighth and final rule: if this is your first time at Fight Club, you have to fight.

by Ace Venom on Oct 18, 2009 5:31 PM CDT reply actions

OK, how about this?

Belichick is a jerk, AND the Titans suck.

"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra

by Al Yellon on Oct 18, 2009 5:34 PM CDT up reply actions

No doubt about that

And the eighth and final rule: if this is your first time at Fight Club, you have to fight.

by Ace Venom on Oct 18, 2009 5:38 PM CDT up reply actions

I personally think it was a low with the time out call

And then the call that was made after that. Then again, every Pats fan in the nation would disagree with me.

And the eighth and final rule: if this is your first time at Fight Club, you have to fight.

by Ace Venom on Oct 18, 2009 5:41 PM CDT up reply actions

Agree, big-time.

Especially about Belichick.

Do not meddle in the affairs of dragons, for you are crunchy, and taste good with ketchup!

by Vermont Cubs Fan on Oct 18, 2009 7:04 PM CDT up reply actions

Yeah, because I was dying to see fellow cholo Marco Antonio Sanchez!

Why does the AFC irritate me so?

And Belichick is a jerkwad.

Sorry for the hatefest.

by chilango2 on Oct 18, 2009 5:36 PM CDT up reply actions

With Belichick, it is justified.

Trust me, Patriots fans are getting to be nearly as bad as Cardinals fans.

Do not meddle in the affairs of dragons, for you are crunchy, and taste good with ketchup!

by Vermont Cubs Fan on Oct 18, 2009 7:05 PM CDT up reply actions

What happened to the Dodgers?

I was distracted by a phone call. Didn’t see the shellacking…

by chilango2 on Oct 18, 2009 8:05 PM CDT reply actions

The Philly offense happened.

Chicago
Cubs

We are the better CC.

by Zy Toro Young on Oct 18, 2009 8:20 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions

is it just me or does billingsley look like a midget

"hey

by jesus christos on Oct 18, 2009 8:41 PM CDT reply actions

I think it's you.

It’s the ill-fitted uni.

by chilango2 on Oct 18, 2009 8:43 PM CDT up reply actions

He's getting it done though.

Too late though. Can’t give Lee six runs.

Chicago
Cubs

We are the better CC.

by Zy Toro Young on Oct 18, 2009 8:56 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions

spoke too soon

"hey

by jesus christos on Oct 18, 2009 9:05 PM CDT up reply actions

Of course.

And in that case, no way Lee let’s the Dodgers back in the game. Lol

Chicago
Cubs

We are the better CC.

by Zy Toro Young on Oct 18, 2009 9:12 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions

i remember thinking that in june against cliffy

good thing clevelands bullpen sucks

"hey

by jesus christos on Oct 18, 2009 9:16 PM CDT up reply actions

Out by an eyelash at 2nd.

Chicago
Cubs

We are the better CC.

by Zy Toro Young on Oct 18, 2009 8:52 PM CDT via mobile reply actions

LMAO at the Raiders beating the Eagles

Chicago
Cubs

We are the better CC.

by Zy Toro Young on Oct 18, 2009 8:54 PM CDT via mobile reply actions

The high society of Philadelphia heckling Craig...

good times.

by chilango2 on Oct 18, 2009 8:57 PM CDT reply actions

Pretty conservative outfit tonight...

…for Craig’s taste anyway.

"I always tell the truth -- Even when I lie"

by calicubfan on Oct 19, 2009 3:24 AM CDT up reply actions

Score of baseball game?

Do not meddle in the affairs of dragons, for you are crunchy, and taste good with ketchup!

by Vermont Cubs Fan on Oct 18, 2009 9:26 PM CDT reply actions

8-0 in 7th

Chicago
Cubs

We are the better CC.

by Zy Toro Young on Oct 18, 2009 9:31 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions

8-0, Philadelphia?

Do not meddle in the affairs of dragons, for you are crunchy, and taste good with ketchup!

by Vermont Cubs Fan on Oct 18, 2009 9:32 PM CDT up reply actions

yep - they went for two.

Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."

by ballhawk on Oct 18, 2009 9:34 PM CDT up reply actions

4 safeties

Chicago
Cubs

We are the better CC.

by Zy Toro Young on Oct 18, 2009 9:38 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions

And a field goal.

Do not meddle in the affairs of dragons, for you are crunchy, and taste good with ketchup!

by Vermont Cubs Fan on Oct 18, 2009 10:40 PM CDT up reply actions

Jay Cutler! Our best running back!

"The riches of the game are in the thrills, not the money." --Ernie Banks

by dtpollitt on Oct 18, 2009 9:51 PM CDT reply actions

not the best form

Holding the ball with two hands, but effective.

Chicago
Cubs

We are the better CC.

by Zy Toro Young on Oct 18, 2009 9:55 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions

Johnny Knox > Percy Harvin

"The riches of the game are in the thrills, not the money." --Ernie Banks

by dtpollitt on Oct 18, 2009 9:53 PM CDT reply actions

Johnny is exciting to watch.

Recipe for Disaster;
C'mon Cubs, hurry up and blow this so I can relax.
by Bluekoolaide on July22, 2009 3:08 PM CDT

by sue369 on Oct 18, 2009 10:16 PM CDT up reply actions

Victorino with a long home run - now 11-0 Philly.

Every time I hear Vin Scully say his name, it sounds like he’s saying “Beef-arino” and I think of Kramer and “Rusty” and a certain hansom cab ride…

Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."

by ballhawk on Oct 18, 2009 10:10 PM CDT reply actions

What on earth happened? Wow! Go Phillies....

As a European, I hate the 2 A.M.play-offf starting times.

Well, I never heard it before, but it sounds uncommon nonsense.
- The Mock Turtle, Alice in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll -

by eths on Oct 18, 2009 11:18 PM CDT reply actions

Angels/Yankees game winning play

Hey Al,

You said that Figgins picked it up with no chance to get JHJ at the plate. It looked to me like Figgins dropped the ball when picking it up…if he had, from replays it looked like there might have been a play at the plate.

Scott Bora$ is satan.

by Canadian Cubs Fan on Oct 19, 2009 6:28 AM CDT reply actions