2023 Division Series

NLDS Diamondbacks (84-78) vs. Dodgers (100-62)

Game 1 - ARI RHP Kelly vs. LAD LHP Kershaw @ Dodger Stadium

Game 2 - ARI RHP Gallen vs. LAD RHP Miller @ Dodger Stadium

Game 3 - LAD RHP Lynn vs. ARI RHP Pfaadt @ Chase Field

The Dodgers are back in the postseason for the 11th straight season, winning the NL West for the 10th time in that span. They’ve put together yet another 100+ win campaign for the 4th consecutive full season(they were on an historic pace in the COVID-shortened 2020 season or it could have been 5 in a row). This organization has been a machine built not only on star power, but also on unrivaled depth. They rely on multi-positional defenders, platoon lineups, and a stable of relievers with incredible stuff. Of course, they are led by two perennial MVP candidates in Mookie Betts and Freddie Freeman, not to mention a star catcher in Will Smith. But these Dodgers likely would not have won the West without revivals from J.D. Martinez, Jason Heyward, and Max Muncy. This Los Angeles squad does have one major flaw, however. The starting pitchers are either hurt, old, ineffective, or inexperienced. The future Hall-of-Famer Clayton Kershaw will get the call in game one, but shoulder problems have drastically limited his innings and severely diminished his stuff. Walker Buehler, Dustin May, and Tony Gonsolin are all out with elbow injuries. Trade deadline acquisition Lance Lynn gave up a league leading 44 home runs, and Bobby Miller, the best and most consistent of the options, has never pitched in the postseason. So, for often maligned manager Dave Roberts, how much he will get out of his starters is quite frankly a mystery. Despite all the regular season success of the past decade, every year save one has ended in bitter disappointment in the City of Angels. Will this year be different, or will the Dodgers fall yet again to an underdog.

The Arizona Diamondbacks have gotten hot at the right time, rallying for two comeback wins against the NL Central champ Brewers in the Wild Card round. And now they have to go up against their division rival, who have had the Snakes number over the past few seasons. Working in their favor, however, is how they can lineup their pitching. Their top two starters, Merrill Kelly and Zac Gallen, will be able to start 4 out of 5 games if necessary on regular rest. The only problem, Kelly has never beaten LA in his career (0-11 5.49 ERA 16 GS), and Gallen has not fared much better (0-4 4.29 ERA 6 GS @ LAD). The Arizona offense can run hot and cold, but as they demonstrated against the highly touted Brewers, the Snakes can strike quickly and in bunches. Look for the dynamic duo of Carroll and Marte to set the table, while Walker, Moreno, and Gurriel aim to drive them in. Torey Lovullo has this team primed and ready to keep shocking the world.

Audio clips from MLB.tv

TBS - Bob Costas and Ron Darling

ARI Radio 98.7 - Greg Schulte, Tom Candiotti, and Chris Garagiola

Catch you next time,

P.C.O.

Baltimore’s Hoover. Mr. Oriole. The Human Vacuum Cleaner. The greatest defensive third baseman to ever grace the diamond. Baseball lost a legend this week. Brooks Robinson was not only a Hall of Fame baseball player, he was a Hall of Fame human being. From Little Rock, Arkansas, Brooks Robinson exemplified the Oriole Way for 23 seasons as a ballplayer, and many more as a broadcaster and as a member of the Baltimore community. He amassed 2,848 hits, 268 HR, 1357 RBI, 18 All-Star appearances, the 1964 MVP, the 1970 WS MVP, and perhaps most impressively 16 consecutive Gold Gloves at third base (a record for position players). Brooks was beloved for the way he played the game. At the hot corner, he made the spectacular appear routine, ranging and diving to his left or his right to take away would-be base hits. His unrivaled anticipation and relentless effort allowed him to make plays on balls nearly any other player would deem impossible. Brooks is, and forever shall be the gold standard for third base defense. And when it mattered most, Robinson would deliver in the clutch with a home run or a double. And he did it all with a smile on his face. Brooks Robinson played baseball with incredible joy and grace, not to mention another tremendous quality, generosity to the fans. Brooks considered himself blessed to have a Hall of Fame career, a loyal fanbase, a supportive family, and a successful life. We, as fans, were blessed to have Brooks Robinson. Baseball was made better by Brooks Robinson. We will miss you, dearly.

Audio clips from Youtube, links below.

As always, shout out to Baseball Reference and SABR for statistics, boxscores, background information, and much, much more.

Catch you next time,

P.C.O.

Wednesday October 17th, 1979 @ Memorial Stadium in Baltimore, MD

It all comes down to this. Game Seven. Chuck Tanner’s Terrors have forced a winner-take-all battle against the Earl of Baltimore and his Birds. These Pirates, who call themselves the ‘Family’, have rallied from a 3-1 deficit, besting two of the Orioles’ aces, Mike Flanagan and Jim Palmer. Can they make it three in a row? Standing in their way will be one of the breakout stars of this postseason for Baltimore, 25 year old Scott McGregor (13 - 6 3.35 ERA 174 IP). The crafty lefty has been sensational in these playoffs, going the distance in both of his starts. He’ll need to be on his game if he intends to quiet this high-powered Pittsburgh offense. Starting tonight on short rest for the Buccos will be big Jim Bibby (12 - 4 2.81 ERA 137 IP), who has been strong in his two postseason starts thus far. It will be all hands on deck aboard Chuck Tanner’s Pirate ship, and when it gets down to the late innings, they will look for their Captain, Willie ‘Pops’ Stargell, to lead the way. Tune in to the thrilling conclusion to one of the best World Series in baseball history. It will be a fitting send off to an outstanding decade for the sport.

Audio clips from joeydbball Youtube. ABC broadcast w/ Keith Jackson, Howard Cowell, Don Drysdale, and Vin Scully.

Also, clips from The Cobra at Twilight, MLB Network Documentary

As always, shout out to Baseball Reference and SABR for statistics, boxscores, background information, and much, much more.

Catch you next time,

P.C.O.

Tuesday October 16th, 1979 @ Memorial Stadium in Baltimore, MD

The Pirates were able to rally around their heartbroken manager and stave off elimination in game five behind huge performances from Tim Foli, Bill Madlock, Bert Blyleven, and unexpectedly Jim Rooker. The series now heads back to Baltimore, with the odds still against Chuck Tanner’s Terrors. To try and close out this series for the Orioles, manager Earl Weaver turns to one of his most dependable starters, Jim Palmer (10 - 6 3.30 ERA 155 IP). The tall, handsome right-hander, whom many would argue is one of, if not the best pitchers of his generation, was solid in game two, but the O’s took the loss in the ninth despite his efforts. Taking the hill on short rest for the Pirates will be John Candelaria (14 - 9 3.22 ERA 207 IP). The tall and … tall lefty has battled injuries all year, and he was pummeled by the Orioles bats following the rain delay in game three. Despite those struggles, the Pirates know their lefty has the talent to deliver a gem any time he toes the rubber. Given the desperate circumstances, expect Chuck Tanner to turn to his ace reliever, Kent Tekulve (10 - 8 2.75 ERA 31 SV 134 ?IP). The lanky sidewinder is looking for redemption after a nightmare of an outing in game four. Can the Buccos keep their season alive for another day, or will the Birds seal the deal at home. Tune in for a great game six!

Audio clips from joeydbball Youtube. ABC broadcast w/ Keith Jackson, Howard Cowell, and Don Drysdale.

As always, shout out to Baseball Reference and SABR for statistics, boxscores, background information, and much, much more.

Catch you next time,

P.C.O.

Sunday October 14th, 1979 @ Three Rivers Stadium Pittsburgh, PA

On the verge of elimination, the Pittsburgh Pirates have just received heartbreaking news; manager Chuck Tanner’s mother passed away. It is undoubtedly a blow to 'the Family’, but perhaps the grief may serve as a rallying cry. The Buccos will need to stay together if they want to do what just three teams have done in World Series history (as of 1979); come back from a 3 - 1 deficit. And do they have a tall task ahead of them.

Taking the mound for Earl Weaver’s Orioles is the Cy Young of the AL, Mike Flanagan (23 - 9 3.08 ERA 265 IP). The lefty ace went the distance in game one, but he did have to labor through the final innings, providing the Pirates bats plenty of looks at the lefty. To counter, Chuck Tanner turns to veteran lefty Jim Rooker (4 - 7 4.60 ERA 103 IP), a curious decision with the season on the line. Rooker was injured for most of the season, but he was brilliant out of the bullpen in game one. The Pirates will need more of that from the lefty if they hope to quiet the potent Baltimore offense. Even if Pittsburgh can stave off elimination in this game, the road ahead does not look promising, with Jim Palmer and Scott McGregor waiting to greet them if the series goes back to Baltimore. That being said, never tell these guys the odds.

Audio clips from joeydbball Youtube. ABC Broadcast w/ Al Michaels, Howard Cosell, and Don Drysdale. Pregame by Vin Scully.

As always, shout out to Baseball Reference and SABR for statistics, box scores, background information, and much, much more.

Catch you next time,

P.C.O.