Hello,
On Thursday the Dodgers lost 3-2 to the Giants as both teams continue to play out the string. Other than pride the Dodgers have literally nothing to play for the rest of the regular season. They already know what spot they'll be in the upcoming playoffs, neither winning or losing will change that. After winning the World Series last season, the Giants have had a very rough season. I'd like to thank the Giants for the very classy moment of silence in honor of Jonathan Denver, who was killed a few blocks away from AT&T Park Wednesday night. He foolishly was involved in a confrontation about the Dodgers vs. the Giants rivalry, a confrontation that cost him his life. Although that's a terrible reason for the son of a Dodgers security guard to be killed.
Thanks again to the San Francisco Giants organization for the moment of silence. Although a lifelong Dodgers fan I have a great deal of respect for the Giants current brain trust. Of course when a team wins two World Series in just a few years, it's obvious they are doing many things right.
Andre Ethier, hitting .272, has an injured ankle and will probably sit out the rest of the regular season. He should be able to rest up at least until Tuesday. The Dodgers could probably live without him, but it would be better for Ethier to be as healthy as possible on a team that's injury prone.
The Dodgers close out the regular season by hosting the Rockies for 3 games. Good luck to Todd Helton on his post MLB life, enjoy your horse.
In a game I'm sure the MLB thought would be an exciting season closing series when the schedule was being made , Atlanta beat Philadelphia 7-1 in the first game. Sadly for MLB the Phillies have struggled all season as their veteran core ages. They also have one of the worst contracts in all of MLB in their contract with Ryan Howard. He was in Atlanta to be with his Phillies teammates yesterday. That's a nice touch, but it's doubtful he'll ever become the Ryan Howard of old.
Altanta was powered by Jason Heyward, he started off the game with a lead off home run. Heyward's 14th homer of the season was the first run in the Braves 5 run first inning. The Braves scored all 7 of their runs in the first 2 innings, it was more than enough runs to secure their 94th win of the season. Both the Braves and the Cardinals are 94-65 and are tied for the best record in the NL.
Both teams have 3 games remaining this season. Atlanta closes out the season against the awful Phillies (72-87) in Atlanta. Meanwhile the Cardinals will be hosting the terrible Cubs (66-93). It seems that St. Louis has the advantage there. However if the two teams tie for the best record in the NL, the Braves own the tie breaker. They won the season series against the Cardinals.
Meanwhile probably the most exciting series to close out the regular season will be the 3 game series between the Reds and Pirates. The Pirates lead the Reds by 1 game, but the Reds have the home field advantage in this series. That series starts tonight and tonight's scheduled pitching matchup looks to be a battle. It will be between two pitchers whose skills are better than their record indicates. The scheduled starters are A.J. Burnett (9-11, 3.39 ERA) vs. Homer Bailey (11-11, 3.40 ERA). It's funny that two teams that are so close in the standings send out two pitchers who are so close in win-loss record and ERA.
In the AL Wild Card, both the Rays and the Indians won their 7th straight games. Both of those teams hold tight to playing in the AL Wild Card game. Meanwhile the Rangers have won 4 games in a row and trail the Indians by 1 game. Honestly I'm cheering for Cleveland to reach the post season, go Tribe!
Lastly I've loved how the Yankees, Mariano Rivera, MLB and their opponents have handled Rivera's retirement tour. It's been a tour of class and great moments. From the nice tribute at the All-Star game to the great respect the Red Sox organization showed him to the tearful hug between him and Andy Pettite Thursday night. Rivera played his final game in the Bronx last night, the Rays 4-0 win was one of the least interesting things about last night's game.
Although am I in no way a Yankees fan, I've always loved how Rivera has carried himself. He has always been a winner, we likely won't see another player like him ever again. Rivera has played 19 seasons, been on 5 World Series winning teams, has 652 career saves. 42 of those saves have happened in the playoffs, he's the career leader in that stat.
A couple of years ago Rivera said he would love to play center field for an inning or two. If everything works out that would be great to see.
Good luck Mariano on your post career life, may all good things come your way.
themusicaddict
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