This year, the season is scheduled to start on April 1st...tomorrow! And it's on track to start on time...with a few Covid restrictions in place. Certain stadiums will welcome fans, but with very limited capacity.

Any predictions?

Will the season play out normally?

Will the Dodgers eventually repeat as champions? (No team has won it all in back-to-back years since the Yankees from 1998 through 2000, and no National League team has done so since the Big Red Machine in 1975-1976.)

This year, the season is scheduled to start on April 1st...tomorrow! And it's on track to start on time...with a few Covid restrictions in place. Certain stadiums will welcome fans, but with very limited capacity.

Any predictions?

Will the season play out normally?

Will the Dodgers eventually repeat as champions? (No team has won it all in back-to-back years since the Yankees from 1998 through 2000, and no National League team has done so since the Big Red Machine in 1975-1976.)


Welcome back, MLB!    :)

Welcome back, MLB!    :)

I can hardly wait!

Of course, when tomorrow's Dodgers @ Rockies game starts, I will be working (at my office), so I might catch some of it when I get home. (Or I could even listen to part of it on the radio in the car on the way home.)

In the past few seasons, there were matches arranged to be played here in the UK, I reckon now it is out of the question?

In the past few seasons, there were matches arranged to be played here in the UK, I reckon now it is out of the question?

Perhaps so, due to covid travel restrictions and such.

In fact, the Toronto Blue Jays won't be playing any home games at their actual stadium until further notice, due to Canadian travel restrictions and such. In fact, last year they played all their "home" games at a baseball stadium in Buffalo, NY.

...and I just found out that my team lost, 8 to 5. :-\\

Apparently, in yesterday's Dodgers-Rockies game, Cody Bellinger thought he hit a home run to put LAD on the board, but Rockies' outfielder Raimel Tapia caught the ball as it was going over the fence, only to lose it...but existing baserunner Justin Turner assumed the catch was being hung onto, so he retreated to the base he was at...while Cody started circling the bases! But Cody realized he was passing his teammate on the basepads, so Turner was called out and Bellinger was held to a single... because Tapia failed to hang on to the catch, plus the baserunners passed each other on the bases, which is a no-no.

Trevor Bauer was impressive in his regular-season debut as a member of the Dodgers. He took a no-hitter through six innings. Then in the 7th, Rockies bats woke up, scoring a half-dozen runs. Then in came David Price, who also made his regular-season Dodger debut yesterday (he's pitching out of the 'pen for now). Still, LAD picked up its first W, scoring 11 runs (without a home run).

Yermin Mercedes, rookie with my Chicago White Sox  :-*  had five hits yesterday - and it was his first MLB start ever!  One for the record books!

The video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9mZAuqnjDUo

Yermin Mercedes, rookie with my Chicago White Sox  :-*  had five hits yesterday - and it was his first MLB start ever!  One for the record books!


He actually went 8 for 8!  :D  Way to go, Yermin Mercedes!

He actually went 8 for 8!  :D  Way to go, Yermin Mercedes!

I saw that on MLB Network's "Quick Pitch" last night. In the Modern Era, that's the longest streak to begin a season; I.O.W., he's the first player in the Modern Era (1900-present) to begin a season with 8 hits in 8 at-bats.

Oh, and the Dodgers nailed down another win today. They took 3 of 4 in Colorado.

Now they travel to Oakland to face the Athletics for three games. They haven't done well at the Coliseum (which has undergone many a name-change in the last 30+ years), especially during the Interleague Era (1997-present). However, they did eke out a win there in August 2018.

Dodgers will have their home opener next Friday, the 9th, against the Washington Nationals...who have postponed all of their opening-series games due to Covid testing. I hope that team can finally get down to playing soon. Especially when they come to Dodger Stadium next weekend.

Oh, and the Dodgers nailed down another win today. They took 3 of 4 in Colorado.


O0 Dodgers off to a good start...

O0 Dodgers off to a good start...

Yep. They recovered nicely from that opening day loss.

Also in today's game, Julio Urias was the starting pitcher for L.A.; he picked up right from where he left off from last year. (As you may recall, he pitched in relief in the final game of last year's World Series, recording the final 7 outs.) Today he pitched very well, not allowing a run to the Rockies until the 8th inning.
The Dodgers also finally hit a home run ball that left the yard.

One of Shohei Otahni's (Angels) home runs this weekend:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7bg9SEY8-oQ

Dodgers piled on plenty of runs in Oakland against the A's last night, due in part to poor starting pitching. But they got the offense going, and that's good because they ended up winning, 10 to 3.

If they can win tonight, then it'll be the first time that the Dodgers win consecutive games in Oakland since winning the 1988 World Series! I hope that comes to fruition!

Dodgers piled on plenty of runs in Oakland against the A's last night, due in part to poor starting pitching. But they got the offense going, and that's good because they ended up winning, 10 to 3.

If they can win tonight, then it'll be the first time that the Dodgers win consecutive games in Oakland since winning the 1988 World Series! I hope that comes to fruition!

They did it! They won 5-1. Tomorrow afternoon they will go for a sweep... in which case the A's would remain winless.

Dodgers failed to complete the sweep in Oakland... due in part to not being able to tack on insurance runs in the 9th (they led by only ONE RUN), and Kenly effing it up in the bottom of the 9th. He allowed the tying run to score (denying Trevor Bauer a win), making extra innings necessary...and then the next reliever let the winning run score in the 10th. Bah! >:(

Dodgers win their home opener! 1-nothing over the Nationals, with Justin Turner providing the only run - a solo home run in the 6th. O0

Prior to the game, the team personnel was presented with World Series rings (however, there are some players who were with the team last year who aren't on it this year, and vice-a-versa). And for the first time in a year-and-a-half, fans were in attendance at Dodger Stadium! (Coincidentally, it was also against the Nationals, in Game Five of the 2019 NLDS, which the Nats won.)

Dodgers hot right out of the gate!

They're doing much better than my middling White Sox at 4-4, and Cubs at 4-3.  I notice the Phillies, who we also pull for (hubby's a Philly area native), have had a hot start too - but we don't get many of their games here.

Congrats to Joe Musgrove of the San Diego Padres for throwing the first no-hitter in franchise history!!

Until this year, the Padres were the only team that had yet to accomplish a no-hitter. They came close on several occasions, but they finally completed it on April 9th 2021, at Globe Life Field, against the Texas Rangers.

Dodgers hot right out of the gate!

Very much so! They completed a sweep of the Nationals over the weekend. Today they are idle as they prepare for a series with the Rockies starting tomorrow.



They're doing much better than my middling White Sox at 4-4, and Cubs at 4-3.  I notice the Phillies, who we also pull for (hubby's a Philly area native), have had a hot start too - but we don't get many of their games here.

Yep, those teams are not really on a hot streak just yet. It's still early in the season.

Tonight, Carlos Rodon of my Chicago White Sox  :-* threw a no-hitter (almost a perfect game, except for a HBP in the 9th).  The Sox won 8-0.

Tonight, Carlos Rodon of my Chicago White Sox  :-* threw a no-hitter (almost a perfect game, except for a HBP in the 9th).  The Sox won 8-0.


Congratz to the White Sox!

And congrats to Yadier Molina for becoming the first catcher to play 2,000 games with exactly one team (namely the St. Louis Cardinals).

And congrats to Yadier Molina for becoming the first catcher to play 2,000 games with exactly one team (namely the St. Louis Cardinals).


Hats off to Yadier Molina!  (Despite my strong dislike for the pesky Cardinals...)

Hats off to Yadier Molina!  (Despite my strong dislike for the pesky Cardinals...)



There are teams I tend to root against as well (for a long time one such team was the Yankees, and sometimes I still do tend to) but I salute players who achieve notable milestones and feats, especially if they exemplify the game. (Basically, give credit where it's due.)

Still, he is the only player who has caught 2,000 MLB games all with the same team. There are a handful of catchers who've played more games at that position, but each man did it with multiple teams.

After completing a perfect homestand (6 wins, no losses), the Dodgers began a series in San Diego last night and ended up winning another game, this time in 12 innings, by a score of 11 to 6. I honestly thought they were gonna lose it in the 9th (especially after relinquishing the lead they had), but after I watched Quick Pitch on MLB Network this morning, I found out they took it to extras and won! (I went to bed early, so I didn't get to see the outcome of the game in real time.)

After completing a perfect homestand (6 wins, no losses), the Dodgers began a series in San Diego last night and ended up winning another game, this time in 12 innings, by a score of 11 to 6. I honestly thought they were gonna lose it in the 9th (especially after relinquishing the lead they had), but after I watched Quick Pitch on MLB Network this morning, I found out they took it to extras and won! (I went to bed early, so I didn't get to see the outcome of the game in real time.)


Extra innings - and they won 11-6  ???  Wow, what a top of the 12th they must've had!  :o

Extra innings - and they won 11-6  ???  Wow, what a top of the 12th they must've had!  :o

Yep, they scored five in the top of the 12th and kept the Pods from scoring any further runs.


In yesterday's game, they continued to keep the Pods off the board. However, during the first 4+ innings, it was a pitchers' duel between Clayton Kershaw and his former teammate Yu Darvish. Darvish actually was perfect through the first 4 2/3 innings (he retired the first 14 LAD batters he faced), but then he hit a batter, eventually loaded the bases, and walked Kershaw with the bases loaded to force in a run. Mookie Betts eventually hit a solo homer to extended the lead to 2-zip. It stayed that way through the rest of the game. The game ended with Betts making a spectacular diving catch to preserve the shutout. (Had the ball touched the ground, the runners on 2nd and 3rd would have scored, thereby tying the game and denying Kersh a win.) Betts was clearly the player of the game, both defensively and offensively.

LAD had a chance to sweep the Pods in SD yesterday, but could not get it done. The Friars' offense came alive in late innings. :-\\

Tonight they begin a two-game series in Seattle.

After the Dodgers extended their losing streak to two games by dropping the first one in Seattle yesterday, they turned things around this afternoon by winning 1-zip. Julio Urias went 7 strong innings, allowing only one hit, striking out 11, and not walking anybody. The 8th and 9th inning pitchers didn't allow any hits at all, making the game a combined one-hitter.

The Oakland A's seem to be the "hot" team right now. After losing their first half-dozen games of the season, they won and lost some...but now they have a 12-game winning streak?!

The Oakland A's seem to be the "hot" team right now. After losing their first half-dozen games of the season, they won and lost some...but now they have a 12-game winning streak?!

Make that 13!

...but today the Athletics' win streak came to an end, courtesy of the Baltimorioles.

Elsewhere, the Arizona Demonbacks shut out the Atlanta Braves in a doubleheader! This included an unofficial no-hitter in the second game. It's considered unofficial because the game was only seven innings long, due to the rule in place for this season saying that all doubleheader games must be 7 innings.

Dodgers ended a three-game skid this afternoon! Not only that, they avert a sweep at the hands of the Cincinnati Reds. LAD handed Cincy a goose-egg, 8 to nothing, with the Boys In Blue scoring the bulk of their runs in the 8th inning.

I just don't know what is wrong with my L.A. DUDgers team lately. >:( :-[

I just don't know what is wrong with my L.A. DUDgers team lately. >:( :-[


Believe me, I feel that - especially as I look at my Cubbies lately.  :(

(On the other hand, my young White Sox look pretty interesting these days...)

Believe me, I feel that - especially as I look at my Cubbies lately.  :(

(On the other hand, my young White Sox look pretty interesting these days...)

Yeah. My team gets a lead, but the bullpen efs it up in late innings. The bullpen's job IS NOT TO RELINQUISH THE LEAD.

If they somehow get to the postseason this year, I have a feeling it's gonna be short lived. (I don't want this prediction to come true. I hope they can find a way to prove me wrong.)

...The bullpen's job IS NOT TO RELINQUISH THE LEAD....


You said it!    ;D

You said it!    ;D

Thank you. But I'm serious about that.

I mean, it's bad enough that my team has been injury-plagued as of late (pitchers AND position players), but in the past they've found ways to step up in such situations.

I sure hope they're not headed down the same route that they went 16 years ago. Let me elaborate: Back in 2005, they got off to a hot start (12 and 2, I think?), but they took a nosedive the rest of the season and ended up with a record of 71 and 91. (That was the first time they lost 90+ games since 1992.) I don't wanna see that happen (or worse) this year. Of course, the team personnel and the coaching staff was completely different back then.

Dodgers went on a wild scoring spree in Milwaukee today!! :D :) They buried the Brewers in a 16-4 landslide, to avert a four game skid and sweep.

Dodgers went on a wild scoring spree in Milwaukee today!! :D :) They buried the Brewers in a 16-4 landslide, to avert a four game skid and sweep.


O0 At least Dodgers fans can be happy!  Plus, always good to see the hated Brewers go down...

Cubs, White Sox, Phillies all lost on Sunday  :(

O0 At least Dodgers fans can be happy!  Plus, always good to see the hated Brewers go down...

You don't like 'em, since they are a NL Central rival of the Cubbies?



And your Cubbies were supposed to open a series with my team this evening, but the game's been postponed due to inclement weather... :( :-\\

You don't like 'em, since they are a NL Central rival of the Cubbies?
...


Growing up, the Brewers were more disliked by White Sox fans, being in their division.  Then when they were realigned into the NL, stuck in the Cubs' division with 4 other teams (so that division had more teams than the others) after that the enmity started, for a couple reasons: (1) whenever the Brewers hosted the Cubs, due to the short-ish 1.5 hour drive, their stadium would overflow with loud Cubs fans, not too welcome to Milwaukee Brewers fans or the team; (2) there have been a number of unpleasant incidents between the teams' players over the last decade or so.  Thus the Brewers have moved up into that "hatred" sphere as the much despised Cardinals.  (The Reds and Pirates haven't drawn nearly so much ire, at least not recently.)

Of course the Astros were later moved to the AL west, so the divisions evened out again...

Growing up, the Brewers were more disliked by White Sox fans, being in their division.

That is true, altho when the Brewers were in the AL, they were originally in the AL West. Then they switched to the AL East when the Washington Senators Mk II became the Texas Rangers. The White Sox remained in the AL West. But then in 1994, when the Central Division was introduced in both the AL and NL (I sometimes like to refer to this as the start of the "Tri-Divisional Era"), the Sox and Brewers were placed in the AL Central, and they were divisional rivals through 1997.



Then when they were realigned into the NL, stuck in the Cubs' division with 4 other teams (so that division had more teams than the others) after that the enmity started, for a couple reasons: (1) whenever the Brewers hosted the Cubs, due to the short-ish 1.5 hour drive, their stadium would overflow with loud Cubs fans, not too welcome to Milwaukee Brewers fans or the team; (2) there have been a number of unpleasant incidents between the teams' players over the last decade or so.  Thus the Brewers have moved up into that "hatred" sphere as the much despised Cardinals.  (The Reds and Pirates haven't drawn nearly so much ire, at least not recently.)

I can totally understand that. They were in close proximity, geographically speaking. O0



Of course the Astros were later moved to the AL west, so the divisions evened out again...



Yep, that was in 2013, which made all six divisions equal, at five teams apiece.

Not to go too far off topic...but, I'd like to expand on the last part. Having the Stros in the NL Central seemed awkward, since the Texas Rangers, who play in the same state, were in the AL West. So that made scheduling interleague games awkward in a sense. Rivaling the Rangers and Stros made sense (that rivalry began in 2001), but that created anomalies with the intended scheduling for one division playing another while preserving "natural" rivalries such as Dodgers vs Angels, Mets vs Yankees, etc. (For example, in years where teams played in corresponding divisions, the Rangers couldn't play all 5 NL West teams. Case in point, 2006: the Rangers played all NL West teams except the Dodgers, who ended up playing the Twins, an AL Central team, in one round.) Now, with all six divisions balanced, all teams have an equal number of interleague games per year; and in years where teams don't play in corresponding divisions, they maintain a full rivalry with a "natural" rival in their corresponding division (for example, Giants vs Athletics), although some teams don't have natural rivals (such as the Arizona Dbacks and Colorado Rockies; they have generally taken turns rivaling the Rangers and Astros).

O0 At least Dodgers fans can be happy!


And your Cubbies were supposed to open a series with my team this evening, but the game's been postponed due to inclement weather... :( :-\\

Speaking of the Dodgers and their fans...one thing they won't be happy about is the fact that pitcher Dustin May injured himself in Saturday's game and is gonna have to undergo Tommy John Surgery. :( This means he'll be shut down for the rest of this year, and possibly a good part of the 2022 season. The team thought they had a potential fifth starter in him -- and he wasn't too bad overall -- but now they're gonna have to fill his void with someone else.

...pitcher Dustin May injured himself in Saturday's game and is gonna have to undergo Tommy John Surgery...


Oh no - so sorry to hear that  :(

Speaking of injuries, Luis Robert of the White Sox is going to be out 4 months due to a nasty hip flexor injury.    :(

The White Sox have already been hit hard by the injury bug this year...

Oh no - so sorry to hear that  :(



and the DUDgers have fallen out of first place, thanks in part to all those L's last week. >:(

Why can't the &$&@% Dodgers hold on to a lead in late innings?! >:(

Congratulations to Baltimorioles pitcher John Means for throwing a no-hitter against the Seattle Mariners.

#JohnMeansBusiness!

Congratulations to Baltimorioles pitcher John Means for throwing a no-hitter against the Seattle Mariners.


O0 Very cool!

Albert Pujols has just been DFA by the Angels, in the final year of his contract with said team. :o

The rationale for this is that two particular "newer" players are primarily DH-ing and playing first base now--- Shohei Othani and Jared Walsh, respectively. Othani figures to be the regular DH when he's not pitching, and Walsh figures to be the everyday first baseman, leaving nowhere for the veteran Pujols, who clearly isn't a bench player.

Albert Pujols has just been DFA by the Angels, in the final year of his contract with said team. :o


WOW  :o  End of an era

Incidentally, in 2010 hubby and me embarked on an eastern driving trip (fun!) and we included Cooperstown on our itinerary, a terrific little town to visit.  In the HOF, Pujols already had a really big, really nice display.  Even though he was actively playing then (whereas most HOF entries pertained to retired players), it seemed completely fitting for him to be recognized that way.

^ Well, he'll definitely get into the HOF when he's eligible! (I predict he'll be a first-ballot HOFer.) For now, it is not known whether he'll retire at the end of this year, or hope to get signed by another team in 2022.

Meanwhile, the Pujols-less angels will be welcoming in my beloved L.A. DUDgders for a weekend series. (Yep, it's the start of the 2021 Freeway Series. The Dodger Stadium half will be played in August.)

Meanwhile, the Pujols-less angels will be welcoming in my beloved L.A. DUDgders for a weekend series. (Yep, it's the start of the 2021 Freeway Series. The Dodger Stadium half will be played in August.)

And they're doing just fine without him.

WHAT HAS GOTTEN INTO MY TEAM LATELY?! >:( >:( >:( >:( >:( >:( >:( >:( >:(

HAVE THE DUD-GERS FORGOTTEN HOW TO WIN? WHAT'S THE DEAL?? >:( >:(

/end rant...I hope

Btw, another no-hitter was thrown in Friday's games... Wade Miley Cyrus of the Cincinnati Reds no-hit the Cleveland Indians.

Coincidentally, two years ago today, on May 7th 2019, the Reds were on the losing end of an interleague no-hitter, courtesy of the Oakland A's' Mike Fiers.

Btw, another no-hitter was thrown in Friday's games... Wade Miley Cyrus of the Cincinnati Reds no-hit the Cleveland Indians.


O0 Congrats to Wade Miley and John Means for no-hitters this week!

O0 Congrats to Wade Miley and John Means for no-hitters this week!


Now if LAD could perform something of that nature. Personally, I'd be happy with them just winning a game. Even if it's by only one run.

Dodgers finally, but barely, won another game!

They were ahead of the Angels 13-0, after 5 innings, but the bullpen gave up a whole buncha runs (11 to be exact), but LAD barely hung on to keep their original 13-run lead from completely evaporating. The final score was 14-11. I just know that I was shocked when the relievers allowed seven runs to the Angels in the 7th. Especially after Kershaw allowed none through 5 innings. And I didn't understand why Dave Roberts replaced the regular starting lineup guys with second-rate players. But at least we won.

Dodgers finally, but barely, won another game!

They were ahead of the Angels 13-0, after 5 innings, but the bullpen gave up a whole buncha runs (11 to be exact), but LAD barely hung on to keep their original 13-run lead from completely evaporating. The final score was 14-11. I just know that I was shocked when the relievers allowed seven runs to the Angels in the 7th. Especially after Kershaw allowed none through 5 innings. And I didn't understand why Dave Roberts replaced the regular starting lineup guys with second-rate players. But at least we won.


O0 All right, good news once again for Dodgers fans!

O0 All right, good news once again for Dodgers fans!

But we lost our game today. :(

When is the team gonna win consecutive games again?! They haven't done so since, uhm... mid-April. That's too long!

My Chicago White Sox  :-* have been on a nice run recently!  Even in spite of the injury bug...

My Chicago White Sox  :-* have been on a nice run recently!  Even in spite of the injury bug...

Good for them!! O0

I wish I could say the same about my LAD team. They've had a injury bug of their own, but they ain't stepping up, or so it seems. :-[ :-[
(I'm sorry, it makes me VERY frustrated when my team plays so far below its normal standards. I wish there was something we fans could do.)

Dodgers actually came from behind to win last night, thanks to a 3-run 8th-inning go-ahead home run by Gavin Lux.

Dodgers actually came from behind to win last night, thanks to a 3-run 8th-inning go-ahead home run by Gavin Lux.


O0 Well, there you go!

O0 Well, there you go!

Right now, they're ahead 2-zip after 4 innings of play. Hopefully they'll preserve this lead! If so, they'll not only win consecutive games for the first time since the middle of last month, but also win 7 straight home games from the Seattle Mariners, dating back to the start of 2015.

Right now, they're ahead 2-zip after 4 innings of play. Hopefully they'll preserve this lead! If so, they'll not only win consecutive games for the first time since the middle of last month, but also win 7 straight home games from the Seattle Mariners, dating back to the start of 2015.

They went on to win, 7-1! O0

They went on to win, 7-1! O0


O0 That's more like it!

Meanwhile, my Chicago White Sox  :-* completed a sweep today of the dreaded Twinkies!  First place in the division, besting Cleveland by game and a half.

O0 That's more like it!

I should say so!! Like I said, that means they've won 7 straight home games against the Seattle Mariners, dating back to 2015. (And that stat will likely stand until at least 2024, when interleague games are scheduled to be in corresponding divisions again.)




Meanwhile, my Chicago White Sox  :-* completed a sweep today of the dreaded Twinkies!  First place in the division, besting Cleveland by game and a half.



Good for them! O0 And on last look, Cleveland was leading the Mariners up in the Pacific Northwest, hoping to extend the M's losing streak.

Dodgers made it three wins in a row last night, winning the opening game from the Miami Marlins.

Pujols to the Dodgers. Who'da thunk it?!? :o

If the deal is finalized and he gets added to the major league roster, he can't have uniform #5 because Corey Seager is already using it.

Pujols to the Dodgers. Who'da thunk it?!? :o

If the deal is finalized and he gets added to the major league roster, he can't have uniform #5 because Corey Seager is already using it.

Seems like it's a done deal.

He's going to wear uniform #55.

Pujols to the Dodgers. Who'da thunk it?!? :o



Seems like it's a done deal.

He's going to wear uniform #55.


Verrrry interrrresting (doing my best Arte Johnson)....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=krD4hdGvGHM

Verrrry interrrresting (doing my best Arte Johnson)....



In his first plate appearance tonight, he flew out to center on the first pitch he saw.

But in his second plate appearance, he knocked in a run. O0

Verrrry interrrresting (doing my best Arte Johnson)....

Meanwhile, your Whitesox buried the Twinkies in a landslide, 16-4!

Another no-hitter was thrown yesterday: Spencer Turnbull of the Detroit Tigers no-hit the Seattle Mariners! That makes 5 no-nos this year, and it's the 2nd time this year that the Mariners have gotten no-hit.

And today, yet another no-hitter was thrown! This time it was Yankees pitcher Corey Kluber, no-hitting the Texas Rangers!

That makes 6 total no-no's this year. When was the last time there were no-hitters on consecutive days?! (I don't know, but I do know that this is the first time the Yankees have accomplished a no-hitter since July 18th 1999, when David Cone tossed a perfect game against the Montreal Expos; so far that's the only perfect game in interleague history, to date.)

Pujols hit his first home run as a member of the Dodgers tonight! This gives him 668 in his career. (He's been the active leader since A-Rod retired.) His home run broke a scoreless tie in the 2nd inning; LAD eventually won the game 3-2 to give them a 4-game sweep over the Arizona Demonbacks.

A couple of landslide scores in MLB yesterday (both won by the home team):

Padres 16, Mariners 1
Braves 20, Pirates 1 :o

Dodgers and Giants now tied for 2nd place in NL West at 28-18. Padres are atop the division at 29-17. (If they had lost yesterday, it would have been a 3-way tie at 28-18. D'backs and Rockies are now battling it out in the basement of that division.

If Dodgers win today, they will sweep the series in San Fran and overtake the Giants. If that happens, and the Padres lose, then SD and LAD will be tied for the division lead.

In yesterday's (Sunday) game between the Dodgers and Giants, LAD starter Julio Urias was perfect through 5 1/3 innings (he retired the first 16 batters he faced), but the Dodgers ultimately won 11-5, sweeping the Gints at San Fran!

In yesterday's (Sunday) game between the Dodgers and Giants, LAD starter Julio Urias was perfect through 5 1/3 innings (he retired the first 16 batters he faced), but the Dodgers ultimately won 11-5, sweeping the Gints at San Fran!


O0 Way to go, Dodgers!

O0 Way to go, Dodgers!



And in the last two days, they split the series against the Houston Cheaters in Minute Maid Park. On Tuesday, Clayton Kershaw pitched well and earned a "W" (coincidentally, that was the 13th anniversary of his debut at the major league level), whereas on Wednesday, Trevor Bauer struggled.

For the Dodgers, that concludes their 2021 interleague games on the road. I'm a bit surprised they didn't use Pujols as the DH in either game. But it seems he's still able to play the field just fine.

My Chicago White Sox  :-* are back to their winning ways after hitting a wall in NYC against the Yankees.  Took 2 of 3 from the Cardinals (which helps my Cubs BTW) and took the first of the Orioles series.  Unfortunately, as everywhere the injury bug continues to strike.  :-\\

Okay, this is crazy so I have to post it:

Javy Baez crazy play from yesterday 5/27 -
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s60hHhEDtbw

                              :D  ;D  8)

Okay, this is crazy so I have to post it:

Javy Baez crazy play from yesterday 5/27 -


                              :D  ;D  8)


I saw that; MLB showed it on "Quick Pitch" last nite! :D

Anyhoo, I have noticed that several games in the Eastern Time Zone were postponed due to inclement weather. Must be rather gloomy back East?

Anyhoo, I have noticed that several games in the Eastern Time Zone were postponed due to inclement weather. Must be rather gloomy back East?


Yesterday we had a persistent rain storm last evening and it was cold, it knocked out the White Sox game...  :-\\

(Cubs played in the day, they got their game in.  Double header today for the Sox.)

Yesterday we had a persistent rain storm last evening and it was cold, it knocked out the White Sox game...  :-\\

(Cubs played in the day, they got their game in.  Double header today for the Sox.)


Good day for Chicago baseball.  My Cubs  :-*  won their game against the Reds, and my White Sox  :-*  won both games of their double header against the Orioles!  Both teams in their respective divisions' first place (Cubs in a tie with Cardinals, though)...

Yesterday we had a persistent rain storm last evening and it was cold, it knocked out the White Sox game...  :-\\

(Cubs played in the day, they got their game in.  Double header today for the Sox.)

Well I'm glad the weather cooperated for today's games. O0

Good day for Chicago baseball.  My Cubs  :-*  won their game against the Reds, and my White Sox  :-*  won both games of their double header against the Orioles!  Both teams in their respective divisions' first place (Cubs in a tie with Cardinals, though)...



Good for both Chicago teams!! O0


Too bad the DUDgers can't do so well in the NL West right now. They are behind the Padres, who just can't seem to lose.

The Pods played a day game against the Astros in Houston, and were one out away from losing...but came back to tie it in the 9th, and ultimately win it in extras (just like they did last night).

And the DUDgers are getting knocked around in front of their home crowd against the Jints. ::)

...Too bad the DUDgers can't do so well in the NL West right now. They are behind the Padres, who just can't seem to lose.

The Pods played a day game against the Astros in Houston, and were one out away from losing...but came back to tie it in the 9th, and ultimately win it in extras (just like they did last night).

And the DUDgers are getting knocked around in front of their home crowd against the Jints. ::)


Sorry to hear that  :-\\  Not to despair, your team has an awfully good record, you just need to find someone who can beat the Padres and keep the Giants at bay...

Incidentally, an aside - we went to Ohio last weekend and made a little side trip to Great American Ballpark in Cincy, as we got tickets to see them vs the Giants.  It was a nice trip on a hot day and the stadium was very nice, in a lovely setting.  The fans were friendly and we were having fun.  And then the game started.  Talk about the home team getting pounded - we watched in horror the awful performance of the Reds against the Giants.  Not that we were on the clock, but we decided to leave in the 5th inning after the score became 14-1.  There were a lot of unhappy campers there!  Another instance of it's too bad the opposing team wasn't able to help your cause...

^ Yeah I remember. When the Giants were playing in Cincy earlier this month, they swept the Reds in that four-game series. Not to mention they buried the Reds in a landslide in that one game. Not something that the fans would enjoy, that's for sure.

I hope the Astros can salvage the finale of their series with the Pods tomorrow.

I hope the Astros can salvage the finale of their series with the Pods tomorrow.


O0 It appears the Astros did indeed beat the Padres earlier today.

(Sadly, it appears the Giants prevailed in today's contest w/ the Dodgers...)

Chicago team news was mixed today - the White Sox won 3-1 and the Cubs lost 5-1.

O0 It appears the Astros did indeed beat the Padres earlier today.

That's good. I saw they were leading by a touchdown early in the game. (That is, 7-zip.) They ended up winning 7-4.

Too bad the DUDgers couldn't do their part.


(Sadly, it appears the Giants prevailed in today's contest w/ the Dodgers...)

Yeah, they were being goose-egged for most of the game, but they finally got on the board in the 8th inning...only to eventually come within one run. >:( :(



Chicago team news was mixed today - the White Sox won 3-1 and the Cubs lost 5-1.

Yeah, the CWS swept the Baltimorioles, huh?

Yeah, the CWS swept the Baltimorioles, huh?


O0 Yes indeed!

Mixed day for Chicago teams today -

The Cubs beat the Padres 7-2 in the first of their series.

The White Sox split their double header with Cleveland, winning the first 8-6 and losing the second 3-1.

Mixed day for Chicago teams today -

The Cubs beat the Padres 7-2 in the first of their series.

The White Sox split their double header with Cleveland, winning the first 8-6 and losing the second 3-1.

I'm glad about the Cubs defeating the Padres, because that gives the Dodgers a chance to gain ground on them.

However, the Giants walloped the Angels in a day game up in San Fran. :(

O0 Yes indeed!

And the O's are continuing to lose...

Anyways, I'm happy that my team went on to beat the Cardinals tonight.

Another mixed day for Chicago baseball -

I/m happy to say that the Cubs staved off the Padres and took the second game of their series, 4-3.

Unfortunately my White Sox' comeback attempt in the 9th fell one short, as they lost to Cleveland 6-5.

And I think the DUDgers are in danger of laying their first goose-egg since 2019. :-[ :-[ :\'(

I hope they prove me wrong before it's too late.

Edit: They're on the board now! Yay!! O0

My Chicago Cubs  :-*  completed a sweep today defeating the Padres 6 - 1!

(It appears the White Sox game scheduled in Cleveland today is postponed...)

My Chicago Cubs  :-*  completed a sweep today defeating the Padres 6 - 1!

(It appears the White Sox game scheduled in Cleveland today is postponed...)

I'm glad they did so. Now if the Dodgers could capitalize on that by defeating STL tonight, that would help.

The Giants don't play today. The Angels beat 'em in San Fran last nite.

...Now if the Dodgers could capitalize on that by defeating STL tonight, that would help...


O0 Getting 11 runs in the first inning has to help!

O0 Getting 11 runs in the first inning has to help!

I saw! :D

They were leading by a football score on last check...

...yep, it's over. Dodgers bury the Cardinals in a 14-3 landslide!

My Chicago White Sox  :-*  prevailed in game 1 of their series against the Tigers today, 4-1! 

My Cubbies, unfortunately, aren't up to the task today, trailing the Giants 2-7 in the 7th...

(They could come back today, but not holding my breath  :-\\)

My Chicago White Sox  :-*  prevailed in game 1 of their series against the Tigers today, 4-1! 

My Cubbies, unfortunately, aren't up to the task today, trailing the Giants 2-7 in the 7th...

(They could come back today, but not holding my breath  :-\\)

I agree with you about the Cubbies, cuz they're playing the Giants. And if the Giants lose, that'll help my idle LADodgers. But I ain't holdin' my breath either, given the circumstances. :-\\

I agree with you about the Cubbies, cuz they're playing the Giants. And if the Giants lose, that'll help my idle LADodgers. But I ain't holdin' my breath either, given the circumstances. :-\\

Giants hung on to win last night.

Hopefully they'll lose tonight.

Dodgers had a big inning against the Braves in Atlanta not too long ago!

Giants hung on to win last night.

Hopefully they'll lose tonight.

Dodgers had a big inning against the Braves in Atlanta not too long ago!


Giants currently lead Cubbies 8-5 in the 6th; could be another rough night.

White Sox held on to win a thriller walk-off style against the Tigers today, 9-8.  :D

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E2saiyTSBX0

White Sox held on to win a thriller walk-off style against the Tigers today, 9-8. :D


Yeah, I saw that on MLB Network not too long ago!

Also, Dodgers hung on to win in Atlanta. They went up 8-1 in the 5th inning...but the Knaves got four in the 8th to cut L.A.'s lead to 8-5. Dodgers got a run right back in the top of the 9th...but when Kenley walked the first two in the bottom of the 9th, things got shakey. Fortunately he did not allow anyone to score... and we won 9-5. O0

Giants currently lead Cubbies 8-5 in the 6th; could be another rough night.

Giants went on to win by that score, I think. :(

And the Padres defeated the Mets again.

Also, Dodgers hung on to win in Atlanta. They went up 8-1 in the 5th inning...but the Knaves got four in the 8th to cut L.A.'s lead to 8-5. Dodgers got a run right back in the top of the 9th...but when Kenley walked the first two in the bottom of the 9th, things got shakey. Fortunately he did not allow anyone to score... and we won 9-5. O0


Well, there you go!  O0

...Chicago baseball...  my Cubs  :-*  ... my White Sox  :-*  ...


Incidentally, I don't know what it's like in L.A. but in Chicago, it's not universal for a fan to love both teams; a lot of Chicago fans love one team and despise the other:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kZ19jZ-WAjg

On the other hand, the way I was raised by my Dad, family and friends resulted in me loving both teams...

(As an aside, Buona Beef is delicious!)

Incidentally, I don't know what it's like in L.A. but in Chicago, it's not universal for a fan to love both teams; a lot of Chicago fans love one team and despise the other:

On the other hand, the way I was raised by my Dad, family and friends resulted in me loving both teams...

(As an aside, Buona Beef is delicious!)


Well... I'm pretty sure that most people are either Dodger fans or Angel fans, but not both. This is due to the fact that Dodger Stadium is actually in L.A., whereas Angel Stadium is in Anaheim, which is in Orange County, a good distance south of L.A. via the I-5 freeway (hence the term "Freeway Series" for the Dodgers-Angels rivalry). However, since the counties that surround L.A. County are all close together (in one way or another), which is why they are all considered part of the 'greater L.A. area'). Also remember that the Angels were referred to as the California Angels for a good part of their existence.

The only time I ever root against the Angels is when they're playing the Dodgers. This is because I'm a Dodger fan first and foremost. And during the 2002 World Series, which was a battle of California teams, I rooted for the Angels (and I was glad to see them come out on top) partly because they're my semi-local team, but also because the other team was the Giants (and it's traditional for Dodger fans to root against the Giants, since those teams have had a long-running rivalry, ever since their early years of existence, when they were both in New York).

Dudgers had opportunities to pull ahead in today's game, but did they follow through? No!

What makes matters worse for them is that the Gints beat the Cubbies again in San Fran. :( :-[ 8-P

...What makes matters worse for them is that the Gints beat the Cubbies again in San Fran. :( :-[ 8-P


Yeah - Cubbies can't seem to handle the Giants  :-\\

Furthermore the White Sox lost earlier today to the Tigers  :(

Yeah - Cubbies can't seem to handle the Giants  :-\\

They handled 'em quite well in the 2016 NLDS, which I'm happy about...but that was now more than 4 1/2 yrs ago, plus there's different people on the team now. But you're right, someone needs to stop the Gints dead in their tracks. I don't want them winning the NL West division. (I know, there's plenty of season left, but it's never too early for the complexion to change.)



Furthermore the White Sox lost earlier today to the Tigers  :(

Yup - not a good day for your teams. :-\\ :(

Darnit, those dumb Dudgers lost again to the Knaves. >:(

And it looks like the Cubbies are in danger of getting swept in a four-game series at SF. >:( This after they swept the Pods in the Windy City.

Congratulations to White Sox manager Tony LaRussa - upon today's win over the Tigers, he became the #2 all-time manager wins count with 2,764 wins!  :D

Darnit, those dumb Dudgers lost again to the Knaves. >:(

And it looks like the Cubbies are in danger of getting swept in a four-game series at SF. >:( This after they swept the Pods in the Windy City.


UGH!!!  Cubbies letting us down  :-[

Congratulations to White Sox manager Tony LaRussa - upon today's win over the Tigers, he became the #2 all-time manager wins count with 2,764 wins!  :D

Ah yes; for some reason I keep forgetting that he's now the White Sox' manager. (Not to mention the oldest active manager?) After he managed the Cardinals to the WS title ten years ago, I thought he was retiring...but last offseason he apparently came out of retirement. (He also apparently became the first manager in baseball history to return to managing after being elected to the National Baseball Hall of Fame as a manager.)

Anyways, good for him on the managerial wins achievement!! O0 I think that makes him the active manager with most wins.

UGH!!!  Cubbies letting us down  :-[

Yep - both of our respective teams are letting us down.