Yes, Major League Baseball is back! With the lockout finally ending last week, spring training games started (for some teams) today.

And the regular season will begin on Thursday April 7 (for most teams). That said, the games that were originally slated to be played from March 31st through April 3rd will be made up from October 3rd through October 5th, with doubleheaders in some cases; and games originally slated to be played from April 4th through 6th will be made up at various days of the season, thus preserving the 162-game schedule. (So, Closing Day will be on Wednesday October 5th instead of Sunday October 2nd.)

Pitchers are not going to bat anymore, as the DH has been implemented universally. So, games in NL stadiums will get the DH, which can be helpful in some cases. (At least the teams don't have to worry about hitting for their pitcher anymore and exhausting a bench player.)

The postseason will also be expanded, with six teams qualifying from each division. This might mean that the World Series will inevitably be played in November.

So...predictions, anyone?

Yes, Major League Baseball is back! With the lockout finally ending last week, spring training games started (for some teams) today.

And the regular season will begin on Thursday April 7 (for most teams). That said, the games that were originally slated to be played from March 31st through April 3rd will be made up from October 3rd through October 5th, with doubleheaders in some cases; and games originally slated to be played from April 4th through 6th will be made up at various days of the season, thus preserving the 162-game schedule. (So, Closing Day will be on Wednesday October 5th instead of Sunday October 2nd.)

Pitchers are not going to bat anymore, as the DH has been implemented universally. So, games in NL stadiums will get the DH, which can be helpful in some cases. (At least the teams don't have to worry about hitting for their pitcher anymore and exhausting a bench player.)

The postseason will also be expanded, with six teams qualifying from each division. This might mean that the World Series will inevitably be played in November.

So...predictions, anyone?


O0 No predictions here - just glad baseball is back!  I'm not 100% sold on universal DH as it has far reaching implications.  Nonetheless, I'll give it a try.

O0 No predictions here - just glad baseball is back!  I'm not 100% sold on universal DH as it has far reaching implications.  Nonetheless, I'll give it a try.

Well, the universal DH was implemented two years ago, during the shortened season, due in part to Covid. It didn't bother me at all. I think it helped move things along, as well as other modifications that were made (for that season only).

At least doubleheader games will be 9 innings (for regulation) again. (That's another thing: this year, the Dodgers are going to play two doubleheaders at Dodger Stadium with the Arizona Diamondbacks. This is from the games that were originally scheduled for early April, but were postponed via the lockout. This will be the Dodgers' first time playing a home doubleheader since 1999, when an April game with the Rockies was rained out and made up in July.)

Oh...and after the Dodgers signed Freddie Freeman to a multi-year deal earlier this week, the Braves (Freddie's ex-team) signed free agent Kenly Jansen, who spent 12 seasons with the Dodgers (and was their closer for most of that span). That's kindof a bummer, since Kenly was a great closer for the most part (and was a fan favourite)...so the Dodgers are gonna need a new ace reliever for the first time since 2013.

Oh...and after the Dodgers signed Freddie Freeman to a multi-year deal earlier this week, the Braves (Freddie's ex-team) signed free agent Kenly Jansen, who spent 12 seasons with the Dodgers (and was their closer for most of that span). That's kindof a bummer, since Kenly was a great closer for the most part (and was a fan favourite)...so the Dodgers are gonna need a new ace reliever for the first time since 2013.

Apparently, Kenley was a fan of the Atlanta Braves growing up in Curacao, due in part to the fact that Andruw Jones, also a native of Curacao, played for said team during a good part of Kenley's childhood. So him signing with the Braves does sorta make sense in that regard.

So...with shortened spring training almost half over, the Dodgers seem to have more ties than wins or losses. Today I think they lost another game...to the Whitesox (whom they will see in June for interleague play, at Guaranteed Rates Field).

As we all know, today was supposed to be the opening day for the regular season, but it was pushed back a week due to the lockout. So, spring training is now in its final week.

In today's game involving the Dodgers and Rangers, Corey Seager did plenty of damage against his former team! :o (At least the Rangers aren't scheduled to face the Dodgers this year.)

Spring training is almost done. This week we bring on the regular season! :) :D

Regular season begins today for some teams. The others start tomorrow! (My team, the Dodgers, is among the teams that start tomorrow. They will kick off the season in Denver against the Rockies.)

Padres’ Yu Darvish had a no-hitter against the Diamondbacks through 6 innings, but the Arizonas came back to win it in the 9th…with no outs.

Dodgers win their first game of 2022, defeating the Rockies 5-3 in Denver. Craig Kimbrel picks up his first save as a member of the Dodgers.

Dodgers win their first game of 2022, defeating the Rockies 5-3 in Denver. Craig Kimbrel picks up his first save as a member of the Dodgers.


Good for the Dodgers.  Best wishes to Kimbrel - he was lights out as Cubs closer but struggled on the White Sox as set-up man.  Hopefully a return to the closer ranks is all he needs.

The White Sox blew their early 3-0 lead to lose 5-4 in Detroit on a play that required review to overturn.  Late pitching woes - although our starter Giolito performed well.  :-\\

Good for the Dodgers.  Best wishes to Kimbrel - he was lights out as Cubs closer but struggled on the White Sox as set-up man.  Hopefully a return to the closer ranks is all he needs.

The White Sox blew their early 3-0 lead to lose 5-4 in Detroit on a play that required review to overturn.  Late pitching woes - although our starter Giolito performed well.  :-\\

And the guy who was traded from LAD to CHW to get Kimbrel — A.J. Pollock — was the one who committed the play that got overturned.

And the guy who was traded from LAD to CHW to get Kimbrel — A.J. Pollock — was the one who committed the play that got overturned.


I will say, watching A.J. Pollock at bat - my first impressions were quite good!

I will say, watching A.J. Pollock at bat - my first impressions were quite good!

Yeah, he was a good hitter, both with Arizona and the Dodgers.

I'm happy to report a good baseball day for Chicago teams.  The White Sox held on to beat Detroit today, 5-2.  Nice outing for starter Dylan Cease.  White Sox now 1-1.  Meanwhile the Cubs pounded the dreaded Brewers 9-0.  Cubs now 2-0.  Yay for both teams!  :)

Not so great news for my team though. We lost by a run. (But hey, there's plenty of season left.) Angels, however, finally won a game, by blanking the Houston Asterisks 2-zip!

So the NL West division is the only division that has no unbeaten teams and no winless teams. Each team in that division is either 2-1, 1-1, or 1-2.

The Pirates finally won!

The Pirates finally won!

That's good.

I wish my beloved LAD team could have taken the rubber match today, but they didn't. Starting pitcher Julio Urias, who was really good for the team last year, just wasn't himself today. :-\\

The Pirates finally won!


Good for them!


...I wish my beloved LAD team could have taken the rubber match today, but they didn't. Starting pitcher Julio Urias, who was really good for the team last year, just wasn't himself today. :-\\


Sorry, that's disappointing for Dodgers fans.

Today was a mixed bag for my Chicago teams.  The White Sox turned it on and prevailed in their game, 10-1.  Unfortunately the Cubs couldn't sweep the Brewers; they lost today 5-4.  Both teams now stand at 2-1.  I'll take it...

Sorry, that's disappointing for Dodgers fans.

You got that right. It's especially disappointing because it gives the team a losing record (but it's still early in the season, so they can certainly improve). Now they head to the state of Minnesota for a 1965 World Series rematch; they will play the Twinkies for a pair of games on Tuesday and Wednesday. Currently LAD has a six-game winning streak against the Twins dating back to 2014.




Today was a mixed bag for my Chicago teams.  The White Sox turned it on and prevailed in their game, 10-1.  Unfortunately the Cubs couldn't sweep the Brewers; they lost today 5-4.  Both teams now stand at 2-1.  I'll take it...


Oh well...

You got that right. It's especially disappointing because it gives the team a losing record (but it's still early in the season, so they can certainly improve). Now they head to the state of Minnesota for a 1965 World Series rematch; they will play the Twinkies for a pair of games on Tuesday and Wednesday. Currently LAD has a six-game winning streak against the Twins dating back to 2014.


GO Dodgers!  Beat those Twinkies!!!

WOW - Just watched parts of the Mets-Phillies game @Philly this evening.  After a tough first inning Phillies were down 3-0 (Ranger Suarez pitching); in the 7th the Mets tacked on another run (Nick Nelson) and it was 4-0 Mets going into the 8th.  But the Phillies had a terrific rally in the bottom of the 8th, scoring 5 runs.  Finally Philly's closer Brad Hand took care of business and the Phillies hung on to win, 5-4.  :D

My Chicago White Sox had their home opener today.  I'm happy to report that they fended off a 9th inning onslaught and hung on to win 3-2.  Also, my Chicago Cubs beat Pittsburgh 2-1.  Yay for both!  :D

GO Dodgers!  Beat those Twinkies!!!

So far it ain't looking too good...but I sure hope things change.

So far it ain't looking too good...but I sure hope things change.

In the 8th inning it started to get interesting!! :D Dodgers scored half a dozen runs to go up 7-1. Now there’s a rain delay.

In the 8th inning it started to get interesting!! :D Dodgers scored half a dozen runs to go up 7-1. Now there’s a rain delay.


It appears the Dodgers won O0

It appears the Dodgers won O0

They did!!

And they blanked those Twinkies by a touchdown today! (IOW, they won 7-0.) Kershaw was perfect for 7 innings, but left the game in favor of a reliever, who allowed a base hit in the 8th, but nothing to show for it (thankfully).

So the Dodgers now have an 8-game win streak against the Twins. (The teams will face off at Dodger Stadium in August for a pair of games.)

Mixed bag again for Chicago teams today.  My White Sox won in handy fashion today, 6-4.  But my Cubbies got roughed up today by the Pirates, 6-2.

(Incidentally, the White Sox season opening record 4-1 was last matched in 2005 - a very good year!  :))

(Incidentally, the White Sox season opening record 4-1 was last matched in 2005 - a very good year!  :))

Yeah! That's when they last won it all...for the first time since WWI.

That wasn't such a great year for my team, however.

No sweep for the White Sox in their game against the Mariners - Sox lost today 5-1.  It was a goofy crazy day because there were high winds wreaking havoc on the batted baseballs (I bet there's some kooky highlights).  But the Mariners' pitching was top-flight today, better than the Sox.  :-\\

No sweep for the White Sox in their game against the Mariners - Sox lost today 5-1.  It was a goofy crazy day because there were high winds wreaking havoc on the batted baseballs (I bet there's some kooky highlights).  But the Mariners' pitching was top-flight today, better than the Sox.  :-\\


But the Cubbies handled the Rockies today in Colorado, winning 5-2.  WTG Cubbies!  :)

Tonight was the Dodgers' home opener. Walker Buehler will be denied the W because one of his successors, David Price, gave up the tying run. Right now the Dudgers are trying to break the tie.

Update: it's now 7-3 LAD in the 8th!! :) :D

Update: it's now 7-3 LAD in the 8th!! :) :D

They went on to win 9-3. :)

They went on to win 9-3. :)


O0 Nice going, Dodgers!

On the Chicago teams front, good news for the Sox, they squeaked by the Rays today 3-2.  But the Cubs blew their early 3-0 lead to lose 6-5.

O0 Nice going, Dodgers!

They hung on to win last night’s game as well, 3-1. That gives the team 4 straight wins.



On the Chicago teams front, good news for the Sox, they squeaked by the Rays today 3-2.  But the Cubs blew their early 3-0 lead to lose 6-5.

Oh well, another mixed bag.

Oh well, another mixed bag.


O0


On the Chicago teams front, good news for the Sox, they squeaked by the Rays today 3-2.  But the Cubs blew their early 3-0 lead to lose 6-5.


It ain't over, but looks like deja vu all over again, unless the Cubs make a late game comeback.  Anyway, kudos to the Sox...

O0

It ain't over, but looks like deja vu all over again, unless the Cubs make a late game comeback.  Anyway, kudos to the Sox...

The Cubs didn’t come back. :-\\

But the Dodgers made it 5 in a row with a win over Cincy. Julio Urias bounced back from his rough outing in Denver. Today they will go for a sweep of the Reds.

Dodgers completed the four-game sweep of the Reds!! :) :D 8)

They scored a touchdown in the 4th inning (translation: they scored 7 runs). Final score was 9-1.

Yesterday (Monday) Dodgers did very well in their game against the Atlanta Knaves Braves. For starters, Freddy Freeman homered against his former team. LAD went on to win 7-4.

Tonight, however, it's a totally different story. :-[

After losing 3-1 last night to the Bravos, Dodgers turned things around this afternoon and won their game 5-1.

LAD now has the best record in MLB, with 9 wins and 3 losses. (I know, it's early in the season.)
That puts them on pace for a record opposite that of the '62 Mets. :D

The Cincinnati Deads Reds are dead last at 2 wins and 11 losses. :(

Congratulations to Miguel Cabrera of the Detroit Tigers for achieving his 3,000th career hit!!

He was denied the opportunity to reach the milestone last night, due to inclement weather in the Motor City.

Congratulations to Miguel Cabrera of the Detroit Tigers for achieving his 3,000th career hit!!

He was denied the opportunity to reach the milestone last night, due to inclement weather in the Motor City.

The Tigers went on to beat the Rockies, 13-0, by the way. (That’s more like a football score - Lions and Broncos, lol!)

Another football-esque score occurred today: Cubs 21, Pirates goose-egg! (Not Bears and Steelers, lol.)

I know our friend A.G. is probably glad about that.

Dodgers bounced back from an extra-innings loss last night with a 10-2 win today to take the series in San Diego.

L.A. Dodgers pitcher Walker Buehler has achieved the first complete game shutout of the '22 season. He went all the way in keeping the Arizona D'backs off the board in a 4-0 shutout in Chase Field. This gives LAD their 12th win of the season. O0

I might also want to mention that the Dodgers currently have the best record in MLB heading into play today, at 12-4! Giants are hot on the Dodgers' tail, at half a game behind. :o

I might also want to mention that the Dodgers currently have the best record in MLB heading into play today, at 12-4! Giants are hot on the Dodgers' tail, at half a game behind. :o

Bad news, this might be about to change :-[

Trevor Bauer will not be pitching at all during this year or next. He has been suspended for two whole seasons, effective right now!! :o

He hasn't pitched since last July, when he was placed on "administrative leave" due to assault charges against him. He'd been signed by the Dodgers prior to the start of the 2021 season.

So, if he ever pitches again, it'll likely be sometime in May 2024 at the absolute earliest.

Dodgers are now 3-0 in interleague play this year, so far. They have won the opener from the Tigers 5-1 at Dodger Stadium!

In yesterday’s action, the New York Mets no-hit the Philadelphia Phillies. It was the second no-no in franchise history (the only other one came a decade ago, courtesy of Johan Santana). This one was a combined affair, with five total pitchers involved, throwing 156 total pitches.

Clayton Kershaw has broken the records for most strikeouts by a pitcher in a Dodgers uniform!!
Tonight he achieved #2,697, breaking the record set by the late Don Sutton. (Sutton, however, pitched for more than just the Dodgers. During his time as a member of the Dodgers, he achieved 2,696.)

Game's not over, however.

And uhm, by the way, the Angels (who were in first place in the AL West entering today) laid a goose-egg in south Chicago, at the hands of the White Sox, who had been struggling as of late...but I think A.G. is glad about the Sox winning that game!

Clayton Kershaw has broken the records for most strikeouts by a pitcher in a Dodgers uniform!!
Tonight he achieved #2,697, breaking the record set by the late Don Sutton. (Sutton, however, pitched for more than just the Dodgers. During his time as a member of the Dodgers, he achieved 2,696.)

Game's not over, however.

Dodgers ended up losing last nite, btw. :-\\


But they won their game today, to take the series against the Tigers! :)

Mets designate veteran infielder Robinson Cano for assignment - who'da thunk it?

Looks like the Whitesox took both games at Wrigley Field in this year's Windy City Series...

I'm glad that the Dodgers swept the pair of games against the Giants the last couple nights. O0

Dodgers are off today, as they prepare for a weekend series against the Cubbies in Wrigley Field.

Looks like the Whitesox took both games at Wrigley Field in this year's Windy City Series...


Indeed.  Unfortunately, both Chicagoland teams seemed to tank around when we left town for Kansas - both now have a hole to dig out from.  :-\\

The White Sox will have quite the challenge in front of them with Boston on deck...

(I just noticed that Cubs-Dodgers game 1 is rain postponed.  It is rainy here today.)

(I just noticed that Dodgers-Cubs game 1 is rain postponed.  It is rainy here today.)

Yep - that means a doubleheader tomorrow. :-\\ Praying that the weather cooperates.

Yep - that means a doubleheader tomorrow. :-\\ Praying that the weather cooperates.

And the weather in Chicagoland cooperated today; my team blanked the Cubbies by a touchdown. (Yay me! Sorry A.G.)
Kershaw kept the Cubs off the board, as did his successors.

And the weather in Chicagoland cooperated today; my team blanked the Cubbies by a touchdown. (Yay me! Sorry A.G.)
Kershaw kept the Cubs off the board, as did his successors.


Cubs not looking good for game #2 so far (fell behind Dodgers 4-1 in 2nd).  :-\\

Meanwhile, the White Sox took the first two from Boston.  Today's game was quite the thriller, as the White Sox managed 1 in the 9th and 2 more in the 10th to pull out a win, 3 - 1 (fighting off a 9th inning Boston threat).  This 5 game winning streak brings them back to .500 - much needed.  Now the WSox have to chase the hated Twinkies...

Cubs not looking good for game #2 so far (fell behind Dodgers 4-1 in 2nd).  :-\\

Yep; even though CHC scored first, LAD answered right back in the 2nd inning after receiving several walks. They tacked on a pair in the 9th courtesy of Mookie Bettes hitting it out. Craig Kimbrel slammed the door on one of his former teams (getting ex-Braves/Cubs teammate Jason Heyward to fly out to end it), and my team swept the doubleheader. (One other note: Kimbrel and Heyward were teammates on the Braves in the early 2010s when they each first came up to the majors, and they were later reunited as members of the Cubs. Now they've faced each other.)

Meanwhile, the White Sox took the first two from Boston.  Today's game was quite the thriller, as the White Sox managed 1 in the 9th and 2 more in the 10th to pull out a win, 3 - 1 (fighting off a 9th inning Boston threat).  This 5 game winning streak brings them back to .500 - much needed.  Now the WSox have to chase the hated Twinkies...

Yep, they've taken both games of the "Battle Of The Soxes" so far.

Yep; even though CHC scored first, LAD answered right back in the 2nd inning after receiving several walks. They tacked on a pair in the 9th courtesy of Mookie Bettes hitting it out. Craig Kimbrel slammed the door on one of his former teams (getting ex-Braves/Cubs teammate Jason Heyward to fly out to end it), and my team swept the doubleheader. (One other note: Kimbrel and Heyward were teammates on the Braves in the early 2010s when they each first came up to the majors, and they were later reunited as members of the Cubs. Now they've faced each other.)


Dodgers sweep Cubbies at Wrigley.

Cubs were back on the winning track yesterday, blanking the Padres 6-0 in San Diego. That’s good for the Dodgers, who didn’t do so well in Pittsburgh.

Forgot to mention yesterday (Tuesday) that an Angels rookie pitcher named Reid Detmers no-hit the Tampa Ray Bays at Angel Stadium yesterday, with LAA winning 12-zip! O0

The Cubs held on last night to take the rubber game vs. the Padres, 7 - 5.  :)

Yesterday's  White Sox game was postponed due to Covid  :o  The Covid was found among the visiting Cleveland team, so the Sox may be able to proceed with their series against the Yankees.

The Cubs held on last night to take the rubber game vs. the Padres, 7 - 5.

I’m glad about that, because that keeps the Padres from gaining on the Dudgers, who lost in Pittsburgh again (yesterday).



Yesterday's  White Sox game was postponed due to Covid  :o  The Covid was found among the visiting Cleveland team, so the Sox may be able to proceed with their series against the Yankees.

Too bad about that. :-\\
I just happened to see part of the NYY-CWS game; Sox were taking the lead.

I just happened to see part of the NYY-CWS game; Sox were taking the lead.

But the Evil Empire struck back and won it.

Dodgers are playing below par again. :\'(

It's obviously not a good-luck Friday the 13th for them. Especially when they received the announcement earlier today that Kershaw would be placed on the Injury List.

Dodgers are playing below par again. :\'(

It's obviously not a good-luck Friday the 13th for them. Especially when they received the announcement earlier today that Kershaw would be placed on the Injury List.


Sorry to hear about Kershaw  :(


But the Evil Empire struck back and won it.


The Evil Empire was at it again yesterday  :-[

Sorry to hear about Kershaw  :(

The Evil Empire was at it again yesterday  :-[

I saw. :-\\

WOW!  The White Sox pulled one off today in dramatic fashion, winning 3-2 on a walk-off base hit!  :D  Cubbies still at it (tied) at the moment...

WOW!  The White Sox pulled one off today in dramatic fashion, winning 3-2 on a walk-off base hit!  :D  Cubbies still at it (tied) at the moment...

Glad the CWS won their game. Next month my team will be facing them in Chi-town. I just hope that my team wins some more games before then.

If in this series, the Dodgers get swept,
That's one thing that I'll find hard to accept.
A winless homestand for the team is bad.
It would make all the fans super sad.

Good news, the Dodgers actually won their game today! :) :D

They were down 4-3 with two outs in the 9th, with Cody Belinger representing the final out...but he got himself a triple; the next batter was walked; then Gavin Lux stepped to the plate and knocked in both runners, thereby giving LAD a walkoff win! O0

I am so glad that my team was able to avert a four-game sweep on their own field.

Elsewhere...the Reds-Pirates game was an interesting one.

The Pirates won the game, 1-0, without getting a hit. This is an "unofficial no-hitter", because the Pirates, who were the home team, only batted for 8 innings. This is the first such game in 14 years: on June 28th 2008, the Angels no-hit the Dodgers at Dodger Stadium for 8 innings, but the Dodgers scored a run without getting a hit and won that game 1-0.

Woohoo! Dodgers sweep a doubleheader at their home ballpark! They beat the Dbacks 7-6 and 12-3. This is the first doubleheader at Dodger Stadium since 1999, when the team made up a rained out game against the Rockies. (But this time, the lockout is the reason for this doubleheader.)

And this afternoon the Dodgers completed a sweep of the Arizona Dbacks.

Dodgers made it 7 in a row today with a win in Philadelphia - against the same Phillies team that beat 'em three times in a row a week ago.

I'm happy to report a good baseball day (finally!) in Chicagoland

The Cubs held on to beat the Diamondbacks today, 5-4.  Even better is that the White Sox took both games of today's double header against the Yankees, winning 3-1 and then 5-0.  Happy day!  :D

I'm happy to report a good baseball day (finally!) in Chicagoland

The Cubs held on to beat the Diamondbacks today, 5-4.  Even better is that the White Sox took both games of today's double header against the Yankees, winning 3-1 and then 5-0.  Happy day!  :D

Awesome!! I'm glad the Whitesox were able to beat the Evil Empire in both games today. (I knew the second game was gonna be the Sunday Night Baseball game on ESPN.)

Unfortunately, the Dudgers were not able to complete a sweep in Philly. :-[

They entered the 9th inning with a 2-1 lead and failed to capitalize on a bases-loaded opportunity. Then in the bottom of the 9th, the tying run scored, forcing extra innings. In the top of the 10th, LAD broke the tie...but with only one run, going up 3-2. Bottom of 10th, they got the first two outs...but then there were two baserunners, on second and third. A routine grounder came to the second baseman, but he botched the play! >:( This allowed the tying and winning runs to scored for the Phils. 8-P

And I think the Padres completed a sweep of the Giants in San Fran, thus shrinking the NL West lead to only a half-game. (I actually wanted the Giants to win, cuz that would have given the Pods a loss, and not shrink the Dudgers' lead.)

Dodgers scored big in Washington on Monday and Tuesday. But today they couldn’t score one lousy run! >:(

Dodgers scored big in Washington on Monday and Tuesday. But today they couldn’t score one lousy run! >:(


That stinks  :-\\

Another mixed bag in Chicagoland today.  Cubs fell to Cincy 4-2.  The White Sox held off the Red Sox, 3-1.

That stinks  :-\\

Yeah, it's their first goose-egg this year. 8-P

What's worse, starting pitcher Julio Urias - who lost only three decisions last year - was handed his 4th loss this year. It sucks that he couldn't get any run support.

Another mixed bag in Chicagoland today.  Cubs fell to Cincy 4-2.  The White Sox held off the Red Sox, 3-1.



And the Chicagoland teams will face off this weekend at Guaranteed Rates Field (both teams are idle on Friday, which is a rarity for any team).

And the Chicagoland teams will face off this weekend at Guaranteed Rates Field (both teams are idle on Friday, which is a rarity for any team).


Since I root for both teams (not all Chicagolanders do BTW) at times I find it hard to watch these games.  I often just wait to find out what happens.  (IMO now that I'm retired I watch too much baseball anyway.)  But the parks charge a premium for these games; many Cubs fans despise the White Sox, and vice versa.

Were I to go to one of these, I'd much rather go to GRF than Wrigley; Wrigley Field is charming and all, but GRF is IMO more of an experience with its more modern park, not to mention lots more food choices, plus they have real parking unlike Wrigley.  (In the distant past Wrigley patrons could park on the street around the park - those days are long gone.)

Since I root for both teams (not all Chicagolanders do BTW) at times I find it hard to watch these games.  I often just wait to find out what happens.  (IMO now that I'm retired I watch too much baseball anyway.)  But the parks charge a premium for these games; many Cubs fans despise the White Sox, and vice versa.

Were I to go to one of these, I'd much rather go to GRF than Wrigley; Wrigley Field is charming and all, but GRF is IMO more of an experience with its more modern park, not to mention lots more food choices, plus they have real parking unlike Wrigley.  (In the distant past Wrigley patrons could park on the street around the park - those days are long gone.)



Splendid! O0 I didn’t know if anyone normally favored one team over the other (although I thought some people might).

Btw, on Thursday, both teams got knocked around in their respective games, with the opposition scoring in double figures. ::) Both were like football scores.

Splendid! O0 I didn’t know if anyone normally favored one team over the other (although I thought some people might).


Oh yes, large numbers of fans are rabid haters of the other team; many others just ignore.  (I may be in the minority, although there are probably more "both teamers" than the Chicagoland media and etc. let on.)  Until the Cubs and White Sox face off in the World Series, I can continue rooting for both.


Btw, on Thursday, both teams got knocked around in their respective games, with the opposition scoring in double figures. ::) Both were like football scores.


              :-[

Oh yes, large numbers of fans are rabid haters of the other team; many others just ignore.  (I may be in the minority, although there are probably more "both teamers" than the Chicagoland media and etc. let on.)

which makes sense to me. Likewise, in NY many people like the Yankees and can’t stand the Mets, and vice-a-versa. And other people probably favor both teams.

And in my region, where I am a diehard Dodgers fan, many people prefer that team over the Angels by far (or vice-a-versa). I’m not saying I don’t like the Angels; in fact, I’m fine with that team. I just only root against them when they play the Dodgers. In fact, 20 years ago, when LAA made their first World Series appearance (and only one to date), I cheered for them all the way. Especially since their opponent was the Giants (a team that most Dodgers fans despise).


Until the Cubs and White Sox face off in the World Series, I can continue rooting for both.

              :-[

Of course, if the Dodgers and Angels ever meet in the World Series, I would favor the Dodgers. Back in 2009, both teams reached their respective LCSes, which made for a potential Freeway World Series, but neither team advanced. :-\\

So in yesterday's action involving California-based teams in the NL, the Dodgers won, the Giants and Padres both lost. This increases the Dodgers' lead over the second-place Pods.

And the Chicagoland teams will face off this weekend at Guaranteed Rates Field...


Crazy game today!  :D  It was a bona-fide pitcher's duel the first 9 innings - the Cubs scored first on an error, the Sox tied it in the 9th on a wild pitch, so it went to extras at 1-1.  The next couple innings both teams scored.  It went to the bottom of the 12th inning, and a Jake Burger single propelled the Sox to a 5-4 win.  A lot of craziness in the game.  As it turns out the teams split this 2 game series (Cubs won handily yesterday, 5 - 1).

The major negative of today's game - the Sox' Tim Anderson went down with a groin strain; we don't know the extent yet, but it looked like it will send him to IL.

And my team completed a four game sweep in Arizona. O0

Crazy game today!  :D  It was a bona-fide pitcher's duel the first 9 innings - the Cubs scored first on an error, the Sox tied it in the 9th on a wild pitch, so it went to extras at 1-1.  The next couple innings both teams scored.  It went to the bottom of the 12th inning, and a Jake Burger single propelled the Sox to a 5-4 win.  A lot of craziness in the game.  As it turns out the teams split this 2 game series (Cubs won handily yesterday, 5 - 1).

The major negative of today's game - the Sox' Tim Anderson went down with a groin strain; we don't know the extent yet, but it looked like it will send him to IL.



Good for the CWS, on winning their game. Bad that one of their players getting injured.
Said team has also DFAed Dallas Keuchel.

And my team completed a four game sweep in Arizona. O0


O0 Always a good thing!


Good for the CWS, on winning their game. Bad that one of their players getting injured.
Said team has also DFAed Dallas Keuchel.


Tim Anderson is one of the best players on the Sox, his loss will be much felt.

Sad about Dallas Keuchel going DFA - we all know he was doing what he could, but he had a lot of bad outings this year (and even going back to last year) although he helped win one over the Yankees.  I don't know what else could've been done.  :-\\

Tim Anderson is one of the best players on the Sox, his loss will be much felt.

Yeah. Anytime a team’s star player goes down, they can’t get the production they hope for; but they can find other ways to step up. (The Dodgers have been in that situation many a time in recent years.)


Sad about Dallas Keuchel going DFA - we all know he was doing what he could, but he had a lot of bad outings this year (and even going back to last year) although he helped win one over the Yankees.  I don't know what else could've been done.  :-\\



Yup; he hasn’t exactly been the same since leaving the Houston Asterisks.

Until the Cubs and White Sox face off in the World Series, I can continue rooting for both.

They have faced off in the World Series once before, namely in 1906. Sox won it in 6.

Anyhoo, one Chicagoland team played today, but the other one didn't. The Cubbies were swept in a doubleheader by the Brews.

Anyhoo, one Chicagoland team played today, but the other one didn't. The Cubbies were swept in a doubleheader by the Brews.


          :-[

          :-[

And my LAD team had woes yesterday as well; Craig Kimbrel suffered his first blown save this year and allowed the Pirates to take the lead. Bottom 9th, Dudgers put the tying and winning runs on, but couldn’t come through! >:(

And my LAD team had woes yesterday as well; Craig Kimbrel suffered his first blown save this year and allowed the Pirates to take the lead. Bottom 9th, Dudgers put the tying and winning runs on, but couldn’t come through! >:(

And tonight they dropped another one to the Pirates. :\'( Julio Urias just ain't the same guy he was last year.

At least the Padres have lost back-to-back games in St. Louis, thereby not gaining on my beloved team.

I sure hope my team wins tonight. It would be a cryin' shame if the Pirates swept them at the Ravine. :-\\ :-[

I sure hope my team wins tonight. It would be a cryin' shame if the Pirates swept them at the Ravine. :-\\ :-[

Looks like the Pirates got "sweep revenge" on the Dudgers :\'( :-[ :-[ :-[ :-[ :-[ :-[ :-[ :-[

Looks like the Pirates got "sweep revenge" on the Dudgers :\'( :-[ :-[ :-[ :-[ :-[ :-[ :-[ :-[


Sorry to hear that, Dodgers fans  :(

Tim Anderson is one of the best players on the Sox, his loss will be much felt.


The White Sox haven't won since Anderson went down  :\'(  Toronto swept them -

In other news, the Cubs turned it on the past few days, winning their last three - against major division opponents Milwaukee (splitting their series) and St. Louis (taking game 1 - they still have several games left in that series).  Nice going, Cubbies!

Sorry to hear that, Dodgers fans  :(

But they broke out of the slump last night and blanked the Mets 2-0. :) The Mets were the only team not to lay a goose-egg this year, and now every team has done so.

Oh; the Phillies are parting ways with manager Joe Girardi. :-\\

Oh; the Phillies are parting ways with manager Joe Girardi. :-\\


Yeah  :-\\  We pull for the Phillies (hubby's childhood fave team).  IMO it's awfully early to make this move.  I don't have a strong opinion on Girardi up or down, though.

Yeah  :-\\  We pull for the Phillies (hubby's childhood fave team).  IMO it's awfully early to make this move.  I don't have a strong opinion on Girardi up or down, though.

Of course, he used to manage the Yankees. During his stint as manager of that team, he led them to the 2009 WS title... over the Phillies. (Little did he know he’d someday manage them.) He also briefly managed the Miami Marlins in 2006, I think.

Right now the Girardi-less Phillies are trying to win a home game from the Angels for the first time ever.

Mets designate veteran infielder Robinson Cano for assignment - who'da thunk it?

The Padres picked him up shortly afterward, but now the Padres have cut him loose. Makes me wonder if he's gonna retire soon, or try to keep playing?

Mets designate veteran infielder Robinson Cano for assignment - who'da thunk it?



The Padres picked him up shortly afterward, but now the Padres have cut him loose. Makes me wonder if he's gonna retire soon, or try to keep playing?


Wow, could this be it for Cano?  ???

Wow, could this be it for Cano?  ???

We'll have to see.

He's gonna turn 40 in October. But that shouldn't matter. Pujols is older, but he's still putting up decent stats.

Could've been an extra nice day for Chicagoland teams - if the Cubbies didn't blow double header game 2 in the 10th.  Thus the Cubbies split their double header against their arch-rival Cardinals.  Meanwhile in Tampa Bay, the White Sox finally ended their losing streak, holding off the Rays to win 3-2.

Dud-gers got hit hard by the Mets. :-[

Before the game, the team had a special pregame ceremony to retire the uniform number 14 in honor of Gil Hodges, who was elected to the Baseball Hall Of Fame by the Veterans Committee earlier this year. (Coincidentally, this marked exactly half a century since the first time the Dodgers retired any uniform numbers. On June 4th 1972 they retired #32 in honor of Sandy Koufax, #39 in honor of Roy Campanella, and #42 in honor of Jackie Robinson.) Also, this was the first time since 1998 that they retired a number (that year, it was #20 for Don Sutton).

DUDgers once again effed up an opportunity to win.

This time Julio Urias left in the 6th inning with 1 out and his team ahead, but only by one run. And of course the bullpen relinquished the lead. LAD managed to erase that deficit by tying up the score 4-4 through 9 innings, thus forcing extras. But NYM scored in the top of the 10th and that was all.

Personally, I think this "runner on 2nd" to start an extra inning is unfavorable. It is disadvantageous to the teams in more ways than one. And the Dodgers haven't fared well with this new temporary feature. (Glad that it'll be a thing of the past next year.)

Could've been an extra nice day for Chicagoland teams - if the Cubbies didn't blow double header game 2 in the 10th...


Arrrgh - Cubbies blew yet another extra inning game to the Cardinals yesterday, this time in the 11th    :-
...Meanwhile in Tampa Bay, the White Sox finally ended their losing streak, holding off the Rays to win 3-2.


Thankfully, the Sox squeaked by Tampa Bay once more yesterday, 6 - 5.


...Personally, I think this "runner on 2nd" to start an extra inning is unfavorable. It is disadvantageous to the teams in more ways than one. And the Dodgers haven't fared well with this new temporary feature. (Glad that it'll be a thing of the past next year.)


Is this new "feature" going away?  If so, I won't fight that...

Arrrgh - Cubbies blew yet another extra inning game to the Cardinals yesterday, this time in the 11th    :-[

Thankfully, the Sox squeaked by Tampa Bay once more yesterday, 6 - 5.


Yeah, those Cubbies ain’t doing so well this year :-\\

Good for the Sox. They host my team next! (Starting tomorrow.)

Is this new "feature" going away?  If so, I won't fight that...

It will go away next year. Not sure if they’ll keep it for the ’22 postseason, though.

Oh; the Phillies are parting ways with manager Joe Girardi. :-\\

Yeah ... IMO it's awfully early to make this move.  I don't have a strong opinion on Girardi up or down, though.




Another manager was shown the door today; another one named Joe, in fact. :-\\ I'm talking about Mr. Maddon, who was hired as Angels manager during the 2019-20 offseason, hoping he'd lead them to success (like he did the Cubs and the Rays). Apparently he's not working out as planned, as the LAA missed the postseason in both 2020 and '21, and this year they just lost 11 straight games. The team's third base coach Philip Nevin (who spent the last four years as 3B coach for the Yankees and was hired for the same position this past offseason) is taking over as interim manager.

Well, after my team laid a goose egg against the Whitesox yesterday, they turned things around and won 4-1 tonight. Anthony Gonsolin is faring quite well as a starter this year; he's still unbeaten!

Dodgers take two of three in south Chicago against the White Sox! They won today’s game 11-9.

The Angels finally won another game, ending a 14-game skid and averting a 4-game sweep by the Redsox!

Dodgers ace pitcher Walker Buehler, who hasn't performed well in his recent starts, is apparently gonna be sidelined for a while. :-\\

https://nypost.com/2022/06/12/dodgers-dealt-major-walker-buehler-injury-blow/

I hope this doesn't lead to more bullpen games... :-[ :( :-\\

Dodgers narrowly take Game One of the 2022 Freeway Series opener at Dodger Stadium to keep Tony Gonsolin unbeaten this year.

And so the Dodgers sweep the Dodger Stadium half of the Freeway Series. Starting pitcher Tyler Anderson took a no-hitter into the 9th inning, but Shohei Othani broke it up with one out by hitting a triple. He then scored to kiss the shutout goodbye, but LAD prevailed by a score of 4-1.

Their win narrowly keeps them in first place in the NL West, as the Padres keep on winning. They buried the Cubbies in a landslide ( :( ) while the other Chicago team handed the Tigers a goose-egg.

...but the Padres completed a sweep of the Cubbies to take over 1st place from the idle Dodgers by half a game. :-[

The Cubs ended their 10 game losing streak by beating Atlanta, who was on a 14 game win streak.  It was a total pitcher's duel (the final was 1-0).  Who'da thunk?    :D

The Cubs ended their 10 game losing streak by beating Atlanta, who was on a 14 game win streak.  It was a total pitcher's duel (the final was 1-0).  Who'da thunk?    :D

WTG Cubbies!

A pair of double-digit streaks broken in one game.

WTG Cubbies!

A pair of double-digit streaks broken in one game.

Cubs beat the Knaves again today. :D

And the other Chicagoland team blanked the Asterisks by a touchdown in Houston.

As for my beloved Boys In Blue, they dropped another extra-inning affair last nite against the Guardians, but won today by a score of 7-1. They still need for the Padres to lose in order to get back into first place in the NL West.

Cubs beat the Knaves again today. :D

And the other Chicagoland team blanked the Asterisks by a touchdown in Houston.


Yay!    :D


As for my beloved Boys In Blue, they dropped another extra-inning affair last nite against the Guardians, but won today by a score of 7-1. They still need for the Padres to lose in order to get back into first place in the NL West.


O0 Glad they pulled today's game off - hoping for another Dodgers' win tomorrow, too!  (And I wouldn't mind seeing the Padres lose a couple, either.)

Yay!    :D

O0 Glad they pulled today's game off - hoping for another Dodgers' win tomorrow, too!  (And I wouldn't mind seeing the Padres lose a couple, either.)

We’re in luck - the Pods lost in Colorado again to put LAD back on top by half a game.

Dudgers couldn't take the rubber game against the Clevelands and capitalize on another Padres loss. :-\\

WOW!!!!  Exciting walk-off hit by the White Sox' Josh Harrison in inning 12 tonight, scoring Jose Abreu, winning 7-6.  Frustrating game at times - but Dylan Cease's sparkling start (that was nearly ruined by the bullpen) was redeemed at last.  WOW!!!!!    :D

Dodgers starting pitcher Anthony Gonsolin is now 9 and 0 - who'da thunk it?!

Dodgers starting pitcher Anthony Gonsolin is now 9 and 0 - who'da thunk it?!


O0 Hey, that's pretty awesome - way to go, Anthony Gonsolin!

O0 Hey, that's pretty awesome - way to go, Anthony Gonsolin!

I should add that he achieved his 9th win in yesterday’s game as the Dodgers defeated the Cincinnati Reds.

They beat Cincy again today; the starter today was Tyler Anderson, who is also off to a surprise start, but he got a no-decision. However, he too remains unbeaten.

Dodgers completed a season series sweep of the Cincinnati Reds today, winning 10-5!

LAD scored in every inning except the 1st, and the team collectively hit 5 home runs! Kershaw improved to 5-1 (although one reliever, Philip Bickford I think, almost coughed up the lead, which would have denied Kersh a deserved "W").

Freddy Freeman played in Atlanta as a visiting player for the first time ever. He received his World Series ring, as well as a hero's welcome from his ex-Braves teammates and the fans, before the Dodgers began their series.

Freeman was walked in his first plate appearance. The LAD won their series opener 4-1.

Good day (finally) for both Chicagoland teams today, both winning nail-biters.  The White Sox won in regulation 4-3; the Cubs won in extras 6-5.  I noticed the Phillies won too (we root for them) over the Padres.  Plus, it looks like the Dodgers won today (in extras) too.  Smiles all around!  :)

How about them Dodgers! They were one strike away from losing, against their former closer, Kenly Jansen; but the newly acquired Trayce Thompson (who at one time had been a Dodger earlier in his career) knocked in the tying runs and eventually forced extra innings. After both teams scored a run in the 10th, LAD scored a pair in the 11th and shut the door to win 5-3 and take two of three in Atlanta. More importantly, they keep Gonsolin unbeaten (his record remains at 9-0). Had the team not come through in the 9th, Gonsolin would have been handed his first loss this year.

How about them Dodgers! They were one strike away from losing, against their former closer, Kenly Jansen; but the newly acquired Trayce Thompson (who at one time had been a Dodger earlier in his career) knocked in the tying runs and eventually forced extra innings. After both teams scored a run in the 10th, LAD scored a pair in the 11th and shut the door to win 5-3...


O0 That's quite the story!  Sounds like an exciting game.

O0 That's quite the story!  Sounds like an exciting game.

It would have been dismal if not for the aforementioned comeback. It was the Sunday Night Baseball game on ESPN this week, and I was tuning in every so often to check in on it.

The other NL teams based in California - the Padres and Giants - lost their respective games, which helped the Dodgers gain on them.

And tonight those DUDgers laid a goose egg…in Colorado, of all places. >:(

Tyler Anderson no longer unbeaten.

Dodgers couldn’t win today either, but at least they scored this time.

@A.G.: looks like the Chicago teams produced a mixed bag today.

Dodgers salvaged a game in Colorado on Wednesday.

And last night, they began a 4-game series against the Padres, which could be a battle for the top spot in the NL West! L.A. took the opener.

Oh…and the Cubs beat the Redsox 6-5 earlier today. This is Boston’s first series at Wrigley Field since 2011.

Oh…and the Cubs beat the Redsox 6-5 earlier today. This is Boston’s first series at Wrigley Field since 2011.


The Cubs did it again today!  (That's 4 in a row.)  In other good news, the White Sox took the first two against the S.F. Giants in their interleague games...  :)

The Cubs did it again today!  (That's 4 in a row.)  In other good news, the White Sox took the first two against the S.F. Giants in their interleague games...  :)

And if the Whitesox can complete the sweep in San Fran today, that’ll be fine by me!

Similarly, the Dodgers have a chance to complete a four game sweep of the Padres at Dodger Stadium today to increase their division lead to 5 1/2 games! I would so love to see that.

Ah narts, the Padres averted a Dodger sweep! >:( Curtain Clayshaw pitched 7 shutout innings, but Kimbrel couldn't hold the 1-0 lead in the ninth! I HIW a starting pitcher pitches damn well and one of his successors effs it up, thereby denying him a deserved "W".

The Cubs did it again today!  (That's 4 in a row.)  In other good news, the White Sox took the first two against the S.F. Giants in their interleague games...  :)



I’m a bit late in responding to this, but the White Sox completed the sweep of the Giants on Sunday, which I assume you’re glad about. :)

Dodgers swept the Rockies last night, walking it off with the bases loaded in the bottom of the 9th!

Mookie Betts knocked in that winning run. He hit a chopper that seemed like a routine comebacker, but the Rockies pitcher was indecisive about where to throw it. He started to throw it toward home to make a play at the plate, but by the time he made his decision, it was too late; the runner was almost all the way home! So there was no play at all; LAD won 2-1.

Now the Dodgers welcome in the Cubbies for four.

Ah... the Dodgers looked like they were gonna lose their game last nite, but they tied it up in the bottom of the 9th, forced extra innings, and walked it off in the 10th! :)

The Padres, on the other hand, have already taken the first two games from the Giants, thereby keeping pace with LAD. Giants are now back to break-even, at 41-41; so they're sinking in the standings! :o I actually am rooting for the Giants this weekend, because if they win, they have a chance to push the Padres back.

Dodgers just finished off a season series sweep of the Chicago Cubs (sorry, A.G.)!

The game got off to a rocky start with Julio Urias giving up five runs in the first frame, but LAD recovered.

After losing in St Louis yesterday to the Cardinals, the Dodgers overcame a 6-run deficit in the late innings of today’s game to win 7-6. :) More importantly, they got Anthony Gonsolin off the hook; he will go into the All Star break unbeaten, at 11-0 with a decent ERA.

And it looks like the Angels are doing well whenever Shohei Othani is on the mound. Tonight he’s been pitching a gem against the Houston Asterisks. (This means the Dodgers won’t be facing him when they go to Anaheim on Friday and Saturday.)

Dodgers won the rubber game in STL by blanking the Cardinals 4-0! :D

And the Reds took two of three at Yankees Stadium - who’da thunk it?

Dodgers won the rubber game in STL by blanking the Cardinals 4-0! :D


O0 Yay Dodgers, knock around those redbirds!  (Not that there's any hope for the Cubbies - but I just like it!  We need an "evil grin" emoji...)

In the meantime it was starting to look bleak for the Sox - and then they pulled out a series split against Cleveland and grabbed the first two of the series against the dreaded Twinkies!  Happy day!  :D

I'm so glad Tim Anderson is all healed up - this year he gets to start as SS in the All Star game.  (Sadly our own Dylan Cease appears to have been overlooked, unless he's added late - he's earned it this year with his magnificent starting pitching.)


And the Reds took two of three at Yankees Stadium - who’da thunk it?


:o  Who'da thunk it indeed

And in last night's Dodgers-Angels game, Clayton Kershaw performed quite well, like his old self! He actually had a perfect game through 7 innings, but in the 8th inning, the first batter he faced broke up both the perfecto and the no-no with a base hit. And in the 9th inning, a reliever came on and erased the shutout with a run. Nonetheless, the Dodgers prevailed 9-1! And today they will go for a Freeway Series Sweep! (The only time that the Dodgers completed a 4-game Freeway Series sweep was in 1997, the very first year of interleague play. And in the shortened season of 2020, the Dodgers managed to win all 6 games of the Freeway Series, the last of which was on Closing Day. Conversely, the Angels swept the Freeway Series in 2019.)

And in last night's Dodgers-Angels game, Clayton Kershaw performed quite well, like his old self! He actually had a perfect game through 7 innings, but in the 8th inning, the first batter he faced broke up both the perfecto and the no-no with a base hit. And in the 9th inning, a reliever came on and erased the shutout with a run. Nonetheless, the Dodgers prevailed 9-1! And today they will go for a Freeway Series Sweep! (The only time that the Dodgers completed a 4-game Freeway Series sweep was in 1997, the very first year of interleague play. And in the shortened season of 2020, the Dodgers managed to win all 6 games of the Freeway Series, the last of which was on Closing Day. Conversely, the Angels swept the Freeway Series in 2019.)


O0 Kudos to Clayton Kershaw!

O0 Kudos to Clayton Kershaw!

He just might start the All Star Game on Tuesday at Dodger Stadium!

And today they will go for a Freeway Series Sweep! (The only time that the Dodgers completed a 4-game Freeway Series sweep was in 1997, the very first year of interleague play. And in the shortened season of 2020, the Dodgers managed to win all 6 games of the Freeway Series, the last of which was on Closing Day. Conversely, the Angels swept the Freeway Series in 2019.)

Dodgers did it! They won last night's game 7-1.

Those Angels ain't doing so well lately. When was the last time they won a game not started by Shohei Othani?

Good baseball day in Chicagoland.  The White Sox beat up on the Twinkies, winning 11 - 0!  Meanwhile, the Cubbies finally end their losing streak, beating the Mets 3 - 2.  Happy day!  :D

Good baseball day in Chicagoland.  The White Sox beat up on the Twinkies, winning 11 - 0!  Meanwhile, the Cubbies finally end their losing streak, beating the Mets 3 - 2.  Happy day!  :D

Yep, good for both teams! O0

Congratulations to Juan Soto of the Washington Nationals for winning this year’s Home Run Derby!

O0 I found this year's All Star game very entertaining this year!  The AL won 3 - 2.  Kudos to my guys, White Sox SS Tim Anderson (1 for 2 with a single), closer Liam Hendriks (pitched the last out of the 8th), and Cubbies' Willson Contreras and Ian Happ.  Fun game - I liked the guys being miked up.  Nice!

O0 I found this year's All Star game very entertaining this year!...


And check out this double play  :D

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=niqepqu7ug8

O0 I found this year's All Star game very entertaining this year!  The AL won 3 - 2.  Kudos to my guys, White Sox SS Tim Anderson (1 for 2 with a single), closer Liam Hendriks (pitched the last out of the 8th), and Cubbies' Willson Contreras and Ian Happ.  Fun game - I liked the guys being miked up.  Nice!

I was bummed that the National League never scored again after the first inning. :( I thought early on that they might've had a shot to win it for the first time in ten years. But that unfortunately did not happen. :-\\

In the top of the 1st, Kersh pitched well as the starter. Shohei Othani, the first batter he faced, got a hit...but then got picked off for the first out.

But it was another Dodger pitcher - Anthony Gonsolin (who is undefeated in regular season play this year) - who gave up the three runs to the A.L. in the 3rd inning.

I was bummed that the National League never scored again after the first inning. :( I thought early on that they might've had a shot to win it for the first time in ten years. But that unfortunately did not happen. :-\\


True, it has been lopsided over the past several years.  :-\\  At least these days, the game doesn't have any postseason implications (as had been the case for a while).

True, it has been lopsided over the past several years.  :-\\

More like one-sided. Particularly from 1997 through 2009 (except for '02 when it infamously ended in a tie) and again from 2013 through now.



At least these days, the game doesn't have any postseason implications (as had been the case for a while).

That's right, it did from 2003 through 2016. That "homefield advantage in the World Series" criterion was put in place in 2003 after the previous year's game ended in a tie. But after '16 it was dropped, partly due to the AL getting it for most of those seasons even if the NL winner had a much better record. Especially in '16 when the Cubs had a better record than all the other teams and they won the NL pennant. (Still, the Cubbies went all the way, which I was glad about.) Anyho, HFA in the WS being awarded to the team with the better regular season record makes much more sense.

...That's right, it did from 2003 through 2016. That "homefield advantage in the World Series" criterion was put in place in 2003 after the previous year's game ended in a tie...


Thanks for reminding me when that rule was in force - I couldn't remember.  I guess it was in force during all my fave teams' championship runs: 2005 White Sox, 2008 Phillies, and 2016 Cubs.  Interesting!

Thanks for reminding me when that rule was in force - I couldn't remember.  I guess it was in force during all my fave teams' championship runs: 2005 White Sox, 2008 Phillies, and 2016 Cubs.  Interesting!

Yes, and in 2016, when the Cubbies had the top seed of all the teams that qualified for the postseason, many people felt that said team should've gotten homefield advantage. Nonetheless, they did win one game on their home field...and more importantly, they went all the way. This may have been the key reason for eliminating the "All Star Game winner" criterion.

Anyways, the Dodgers in last night's game blew a 5-0 lead, got behind 6-5, but tied it up in the bottom of the 8th and then took a 3-run lead on Mookie Bett's 3-run home run; they kept the 9-6 lead and won by that score. O0

Anyways, the Dodgers in last night's game blew a 5-0 lead, got behind 6-5, but tied it up in the bottom of the 8th and then took a 3-run lead on Mookie Bett's 3-run home run; they kept the 9-6 lead and won by that score. O0


O0 Back to their winning ways, I see...

O0 Back to their winning ways, I see...

Yep, picking up right from where they left off! They haven’t lost a game since the 12th in St Louis.

However, tonight they are tied at 1 after 7 innings of play.

Final score in Boston: Blue Jays 28, Red Sox 5! :o :o

However, tonight they are tied at 1 after 7 innings of play.

Aha; this time, a Cody Belinger grand slam in the 8th inning unties the score and propels the Dodgers to a 5-1 win! :D :)

Dodgers narrowly won yesterday’s game, 4-2 over the Giants. This gives them win #63, making them the first NL team assured of not losing 100 games this year.

Wow - after choking on the first two, the White Sox pulled a series split against the dreaded Clevelands, winning convincingly today 6 - 3 (and yesterday's double header game 2 they just squeaked out, 5 - 4).  Hooray!  :D

Ordinarily, I'd be giddy about the Cubbies pulling off a sweep on the road.  Not this time, though.  We were hoping for a little more from the Phillies over that series, as they are in a serious race, and the Cubbies are still in rebuilding mode.  Alas, what can we do?

And my beloved Dodger team completed a 4-game sweep of the Giants (at Dodger Stadium) today!! :)

Looks to me like Mr. Gonsolin will no longer be unbeaten as of tonight. :-[ IOW, he'll be handed his first official loss of 2022.

That also means LAD's 8-game win streak will end.

The White Sox won a squeaker in Colorado, 2 - 1.  Meanwhile the normally-despised Brewers helped the Sox' cause today, walking off the Twinkies 7 - 6.  Alas, if only Boston had come through against Cleveland...

Meanwhile the Cubs beat the Pirates 4 - 2.  :)

Oh good; Dodgers salvaged a game against the Nationals this afternoon, scoring a half-dozen runs in the first inning and eventually coming out on top 7-1. It would have been a shame for the team with the best NL record to get swept by the team with the worst record in the majors.

And the Giants are on a huge skid right now; they now have a losing record! :o (But hey, I'm not gonna complain about that.)

Dodgers routed the Rockies in Denver yesterday, 13-0, without hitting any home runs.

Tonight they are trying to win their third in a row.

Dodgers routed the Rockies in Denver yesterday, 13-0, without hitting any home runs.

Tonight they are trying to win their third in a row.

They barely hung on, winning 5-4.

Mr. Kimbrel gave up a couple of runs; and it took a spectacular catch to get the final out to preserve a "W" for Mr. Urias.
I admit I'm not all that confident about Kimbrel; he's not lights-out like true ace relievers. I admit I haven't been confident with any Dodgers closers since the 2000s, when Eric Gagne (2002-2004) and Takashi Saito (2006 into 2008) would shut the door. Those guys have long since retired, but most of the time when they took the mound in the 9th, I could usually trust them to get batters out.

With the “trade deadline” approaching (on Aug 2nd this year), some teams have already been making moves. For example, starting pitcher Luis Castillo went from the Reds to the Mariners. And one key player, Nationals outfielder Juan Soto is likely to be sent to a different team (several teams are vying for him).

Dodgers didn’t have good defense yesterday, but today they did; plus they did some more scoring. Now if the Twinkies can take the rubber game in San Diego, then we can increase our lead by another game.

Dodgers didn’t have good defense yesterday, but today they did; plus they did some more scoring. Now if the Twinkies can take the rubber game in San Diego, then we can increase our lead by another game.

Padres won instead. This means the Dodgers’ NL West lead remains at 12 games.

The Dodgers finally won a game in San Francisco last nite, routing the Giants 8-2.

Juan Soto goes to the Padres. He was likely to be sent to either that team or the Cardinals.

After a tight loss yesterday 2-1, the White Sox won their game today 9-2!  :D  Even better, both Minnesota and Cleveland lost today!  (Oh how I need that evil grin emoji!)

After a tight loss yesterday 2-1, the White Sox won their game today 9-2!  :D  Even better, both Minnesota and Cleveland lost today!  (Oh how I need that evil grin emoji!)

Like this? >:D

Greater than, colon, capital D

Like this? >:D

Greater than, colon, capital D


Perfect, thank you!  Trying it myself  >:D

Perfect, thank you!  Trying it myself  >:D

Yep, just like the thumbs-up emoticon, the "evil grin" is one that's "hidden", but it can still be typed. (Of course on a smartphone, the > symbol is not as easy to access like it is on a computer keyboard.)

Occasionally I've used the >:D not just on the baseball threads, but elsewhere.

Anyways... the Dodgers did get one player in the "trade deadline", namely Joey Gallo (who'd been with the Yankees), but this has generated criticism from Dodger fans because he tends to strike out a lot; this might not help the Dodgers go far in the postseason if he's in their lineup.

Good news: Dodgers completed another 4-game sweep of the Giants, this time in San Fran! :D

Bad news: Clayton Kershaw hurt himself during the game. This likely means another trip to the Injury List for him. :(

Bad news: Clayton Kershaw hurt himself during the game. This likely means another trip to the Injury List for him. :(


Sorry to hear  :(

Yesterday was a good day for my teams - the Cubs and White Sox both won exciting squeakers yesterday, both 2 - 1.  Yay!  Plus the Phillies won too.  :D

Even better, Cleveland lost yesterday  >:D  The White Sox are as of right now tied with Cleveland.

Speaking of "right now", today's Cubs game is in progress, currently scoreless.

Sorry to hear  :(

Yep, he’s gonna be out for a few weeks or so.

But the team played well last night in its first home game since the passing of Vin Scully earlier this week. (There was a special pregame ceremony to honor him, since he was a highly respected man in more ways than one.)

Dodgers sweep the Padres (who spent a lot of $$$ to acquire big-name trade targets last week) to push them back even further in the standings!! (Not only that, but the Pads have traded places with the surging Phillies in the NL wildcard race.)

Yesterday was a good day for my teams - the Cubs and White Sox both won exciting squeakers yesterday, both 2 - 1.  Yay!  Plus the Phillies won too.  :D


And today your Whitesox split a doubleheader with the KC Royals, whom my L.A. Dodgers will face this weekend.

Today and tomorrow, the LAD host the Twinkies; hopefully we can extend our winning streak against them!!

Sad to report that Sox' All Star Tim Anderson will miss several weeks due to hand surgery  :(


Today and tomorrow, the LAD host the Twinkies; hopefully we can extend our winning streak against them!!


Go Dodgers - beat those Twinkies!!!

Sad to report that Sox' All Star Tim Anderson will miss several weeks due to hand surgery  :(

I just heard... and with eight weeks left in the season, there's a possibility he could miss the rest of it. (Or he could be ready for the final week or so. Only time will tell.)

Go Dodgers - beat those Twinkies!!!


And they succeeded in doing so!! Now if they can win again tonight, then it'll be a season series sweep of the Twinkies...and 10 wins in a row over them, dating back to 2014!

(In 2014, the Dodgers faced the Twinkies in Target Field for a 3-game series and swept 'em. Then in 2017, the Twinkies came to Dodger Stadium for a 3-game series and again were swept by LAD. And this year, the Dodgers went to Target Field for a pair of games in April and won 'em both, and won again last night.)

And they succeeded in doing so!! Now if they can win again tonight, then it'll be a season series sweep of the Twinkies...and 10 wins in a row over them, dating back to 2014!


Unfortunately, things started going downhill for the Dodgers in the 3rd inning when the Twinkies took the lead. It wasn't looking good on last check. Hopefully things'll change positively for them. Keep our fingers crossed.

Unfortunately, things started going downhill for the Dodgers in the 3rd inning when the Twinkies took the lead. It wasn't looking good on last check. Hopefully things'll change positively for them. Keep our fingers crossed.

Update: LAD tied it up at 4-4 in the bottom of 5th, getting spot starter Ryan Pepiot off the hook. Now if we could pull ahead!

Update: LAD tied it up at 4-4 in the bottom of 5th, getting spot starter Ryan Pepiot off the hook. Now if we could pull ahead!

Dodgers went ahead in the bottom of the 6th, then Joey Gallo hit a three-run homer an inning later (his first in a Dodger uniform) to go up 8-4. In the 9th, things got a little shaky with Kimbrel on the mound, but the Dodgers prevailed, 8-5, and completed the season series sweep of those Twins! :) :D 8)

Dodgers went ahead in the bottom of the 6th, then Joey Gallo hit a three-run homer an inning later (his first in a Dodger uniform) to go up 8-4. In the 9th, things got a little shaky with Kimbrel on the mound, but the Dodgers prevailed, 8-5, and completed the season series sweep of those Twins! :) :D 8)


O0 Way to go, Dodgers!

O0 Way to go, Dodgers!

Yep, that gives them 10 straight wins overall, and 10 straight wins against the Twinkies.

Field Of Dreams Game: Cubs defeat Reds 4-2. (Reds were the “home” team this time.)

Field Of Dreams Game: Cubs defeat Reds 4-2. (Reds were the “home” team this time.)


O0 That was very entertaining!  (Especially after the White Sox blew another game to Kansas City earlier today  :-\\)  The one scary part was seeing Contreras go down with the ankle, but thankfully it looked to not be too serious.

O0 That was very entertaining!  (Especially after the White Sox blew another game to Kansas City earlier today  :-\\)  The one scary part was seeing Contreras go down with the ankle, but thankfully it looked to not be too serious.



Yep, it was the second straight year that a Chicago team wins the game in Dyersville. Too bad about Contreras though. :-\\

Meanwhile, just as Fernando Tatis Jr. is about to come off the injury list, he tests positive for a naughty substance. >:( This results in him getting suspended for the remainder of this season...and at least a month into next season... tisk tisk! :o :o

Yep, it was the second straight year that a Chicago team wins the game in Dyersville. Too bad about Contreras though. :-\\


Thanks - Contreras appears to be OK as of now


Meanwhile, just as Fernando Tatis Jr. is about to come off the injury list, he tests positive for a naughty substance. >:( This results in him getting suspended for the remainder of this season...and at least a month into next season... tisk tisk! :o :o


I heard.  That's huge.  :-\\

The White Sox beat Detroit today!  Michael Kopech pitched 6 innings of no-hit baseball, but the bullpen couldn't preserve the no-hit.  But they did pull off the shutout.  Thanks to Andrew Vaughn's 2 RBI single in the 8th, they won 2 - 0.  :D

Happy too that the Phillies beat the rival Mets today.  Saw parts of that game.  Way to go, Phillies!

The White Sox beat Detroit today!  Michael Kopech pitched 6 innings of no-hit baseball, but the bullpen couldn't preserve the no-hit.  But they did pull off the shutout.  Thanks to Andrew Vaughn's 2 RBI single in the 8th, they won 2 - 0.  :D

Happy too that the Phillies beat the rival Mets today.  Saw parts of that game.  Way to go, Phillies!

Good for your teams! O0

My team (LAD) won its game today in KC to give Gonsolin his 14th win! Tony had a no-hitter going into the 7th, but the important thing is that we won.

The White Sox beat Detroit today!  Michael Kopech pitched 6 innings of no-hit baseball, but the bullpen couldn't preserve the no-hit.  But they did pull off the shutout.  Thanks to Andrew Vaughn's 2 RBI single in the 8th, they won 2 - 0.  :D

Happy too that the Phillies beat the rival Mets today.  Saw parts of that game.  Way to go, Phillies!


Today, the White Sox and Cubs both won -  hooray!  :D  Unfortunately, the Phillies didn't handle their rival Mets today.  (Couldn't see that one, out of market for us.)

In related news, Cleveland lost against Toronto - I love it  >:D

Today in KC, the Dodgers went on a wild scoring spree, routing the Royals 13-3!! :D They scored 5 in the 1st, 2 in the 2nd, 1 in the 3rd, 2 in the 4th... and three more runs came in the later innings. In fact, the team hit 6 home runs in this game. As a result, they have won 12 straight - something they haven’t done since 1976!

Let’s see if they can complete the sweep tomorrow. (If they do, then they’ll finish with a 16-4 interleague record this year!)

Today in KC, the Dodgers went on a wild scoring spree, routing the Royals 13-3!! :D They scored 5 in the 1st, 2 in the 2nd, 1 in the 3rd, 2 in the 4th... and three more runs came in the later innings. In fact, the team hit 6 home runs in this game. As a result, they have won 12 straight - something they haven’t done since 1976!

Let’s see if they can complete the sweep tomorrow. (If they do, then they’ll finish with a 16-4 interleague record this year!)


Go ahead, Dodgers - sweep 'em  O0

Go ahead, Dodgers - sweep 'em  O0

Their current winning streak has propelled them to the best record in MLB, btw.

Go ahead, Dodgers - sweep 'em  O0

Dangflabit, they ended up not doing so. In fact, they didn’t even score one lousy run. >:(

Still, they finish their interleague play this year with a 15-5 record, which is pretty darn good.

Dangflabit, they ended up not doing so. In fact, they didn’t even score one lousy run. >:(


Sorry to hear  :-\\  Those pesky Royals aren't going anywhere, they just exist to make things harder on the rest of us!  (Is my bias showing?)

Sorry to hear  :-\\  Those pesky Royals aren't going anywhere, they just exist to make things harder on the rest of us!  (Is my bias showing?)

Yeah; they did briefly have that success in the mid 2010s after not making the postseason for nearly three decades. And they haven’t really been doing all that great since winning the 2015 World Series (their most recent postseason appearance!).

WOW!!!  The White Sox with an amazing comeback win tonite over the dreaded Astros!  They entered the bottom of the 8th inning behind 2 - 0, and ended the inning ahead 4 - 2!  All with 2 outs - so exciting!  :D

Kudos to Eloy Jimenez and Yoan Moncada who each got 2-RBI hits.  Kudos to the other players who got on base in front of them.  Kudos to Liam Hendriks who closed the game out.  (And Johnny Cueto, our starter who was vindicated after the 8th.)  WOO-HOO!!!

In other news, the Phillies thankfully won today, but the Cubs lost.

WOW!!!  The White Sox with an amazing comeback win tonite over the dreaded Astros!  They entered the bottom of the 8th inning behind 2 - 0, and ended the inning ahead 4 - 2!  All with 2 outs - so exciting!  :D

Kudos to Eloy Jimenez and Yoan Moncada who each got 2-RBI hits.  Kudos to the other players who got on base in front of them.  Kudos to Liam Hendriks who closed the game out.  (And Johnny Cueto, our starter who was vindicated after the 8th.)  WOO-HOO!!!

In other news, the Phillies thankfully won today, but the Cubs lost.

I’m glad your Sox won this “2005 World Series rematch” game. O0

My beloved Dodger team handed the Brew Crew a goose-egg in Milwaukee yesterday; they re-increase their NL West lead to 17 games over the Padres, who laid a goose egg in Miami!

WOW!!!  The White Sox with an amazing comeback win tonite over the dreaded Astros!


It's practically deja vu all over again - the White Sox took the lead in the 8th inning again and won 4 - 3!  (This after the Astros had been ahead most of the game 3 - 1.)  :D

The "Cease vs. Verlander" contest - not sure how that hyped up matchup graded out, but Yay White Sox!

Tonight was also good for the Cubbies and the Phillies who both won - hooray!!!

Darn... LAD lost it in extras in Milwaukee tonight. ::) :P

Yesterday, the team found out that their starting pitcher Walker Buehler will undergo season-ending surgery next week. So we won't see him back on the mound until sometime in 2023. :( :-[

Darn... LAD lost it in extras in Milwaukee tonight. ::) :P

Yesterday, the team found out that their starting pitcher Walker Buehler will undergo season-ending surgery next week. So we won't see him back on the mound until sometime in 2023. :( :-[


Bummer.  :(  Sorry to hear about Walker Buehler, that's rough.

Bummer.  :(  Sorry to hear about Walker Buehler, that's rough.

Yeah, he was placed on the I.L. in June after going 6-3 in 12 starts. Then he was shut down indefinitely. Now he’s gonna go under the knife. Still, the team’s current starting rotation is doing pretty well overall. This weekend I think they plan to activate Dustin May, who has been recovering from Tommy John Surgery.

Bummer.  :( 

But tonight they turned things around and beat the Brew Crew 2-1. This gives my team its 81st win, which makes the Dodgers the first team to be assured of NOT having a losing record this year. O0

But tonight they turned things around and beat the Brew Crew 2-1. This gives my team its 81st win, which makes the Dodgers the first team to be assured of NOT having a losing record this year. O0

And today they lost a matinee game, thus splitting the series in Milwaukee. :(

It's practically deja vu all over again - the White Sox took the lead in the 8th inning again and won 4 - 3!  (This after the Astros had been ahead most of the game 3 - 1.)  :D


And today I happened to notice that your Sox were crushed by the Stros in a massive landslide score. (More like a football score, but still a landslide.) :(

And today I happened to notice that your Sox were crushed by the Stros in a massive landslide score. (More like a football score, but still a landslide.) :(


Yeah, that was yesterday.  Today wasn't good either.  The White Sox lost to arch rival Cleveland.  Plus the Phillies also lost to their arch rival Mets.  The Cubs beat the Brew-Crew today, which was great, but they're not going anywhere.  :-\\

Dodgers have taken the first two of three from the Marlins at Dodger Stadium!

Today, they activated pitcher Dustin May, who had been out for a good chunk of last year due to Tommy John Surgery, to start tonight. He performed quite well, allowing no runs at all over 5 innings pitched (71 pitches thrown). He got into trouble in the first inning but was able to wiggle his way out of a bases-loaded predicament. The offense provided 7 runs over the first three innings (including home runs from Will Smith and Justin Turner), and that was all they needed to put up a "W". O0

They still lead the Padres by 18 games in the NL West - by far the largest division lead amongst any of the six divisions right now!

Dodgers went on to sweep the Marlins yesterday, defeating them by a touchdown, 10-3!

Tonight they welcome in the Brew Crew, who last played at Dodger Stadium at the end of the regular season last year… and were swept. Let’s see if the Dodgers can continue their home success against them.
On last check, there was no score in the 4th inning.

On last check, there was no score in the 4th inning.

Ooh, I spoke too soon. The Brews struck first in said inning and lead 1-0. :( There has been no change in score, and now it’s the 6th.

Ooh, I spoke too soon. The Brews struck first in said inning and lead 1-0. :( There has been no change in score, and now it’s the 6th.

And my team ended up laying a goose egg. >:( They didn’t score ONE lousy run at all!