Gameday Thread, NLCS #4: 10/16 vs. Rockies

by Jim McLennan on Oct 15, 2007 4:41 PM EDT in Gameday Threads

Micah Owings (24, RHP, 8-8, 4.30)

Franklin Morales (21, LHP, 3-2, 3.43)

BaseballReference.com preview [opens in new window]

Smoke 'em if you got 'em, folks. We're calling on all the blessed saints and martyrs this evening, simply in order that we can see the dawn tomorrow. St. Penelope of the Cross, the Blessed Salma of Hayek, and the Very Reverend Milla Jovovich are all being invoked. Though since their boss appears to strongly favor the team we're facing, I'm not sure the entire pantheon will be sufficient tonight.

At the moment, it looks like we'll be going with Owings, and I can't argue with that. The problem has not been the pitching this series, it's the offense, and a credible bat in the pitcher's spot could be very helpful. Same goes with the news Cirillo will be replacing Ojeda at, er, second-base. We need more production than Ojeda can give us: though if Cirillo boots a ball, I am allowed to reverse my position entirely on this.

Remember, "A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step," as Lao-Tzu once said. And any historic comeback has to start with a win tonight. Focus on that, and we can then see what tomorrow brings. And if all else fails, we turn to the words of Dylan Thomas:

Though wise men at their end know dark is right,
Because their words had forked no lightning they
Do not go gentle into that good night.

Good men, the last wave by, crying how bright
Their frail deeds might have danced in a green bay,
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.

Wild men who caught and sang the sun in flight,
And learn, too late, they grieved it on its way,
Do not go gentle into that good night.

Grave men, near death, who see with blinding sight
Blind eyes could blaze like meteors and be gay,
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.

So, even if we can't win, a Peña fastball between Tulowitski's shoulder-blades will do. He can then at least teach Justin Upton the "right" way to take first-base. :-) Aroundness for me is uncertain: we have a concert at the Paper Heart tonight, but I'll be laptopping, all being well, so should be able to comment sporadically.

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Call me crazy...

But I like our chances tonight. And maybe game 5. Now, I can't say I have the same optimism for winning four in a row, but what the hell. Gotta start somewhere.

by Azreous on Oct 15, 2007 4:52 PM EDT 0 recs

Please don't let this be the last game of the year

The D'Backs have broken off 4+ game winning streaks at a moment's notice several times this season. Here's to it happening again!

by oklahomasooners on Oct 15, 2007 4:52 PM EDT 0 recs

I posted this picture before all 3 Cub games..

.. and we won. I haven't posted it since then.

by oklahomasooners on Oct 15, 2007 4:57 PM EDT 0 recs

Yeah, I was about to bring that up.

I'm using that as my desktop picture at the moment because the logo looks good, and was reminded earlier today of the same thing you said. Maybe it'll bring good fortune again.

by Azreous on Oct 15, 2007 4:59 PM EDT up 0 recs

Here is a bigger version

I have it set for a widescreen laptop, so hopefully it fits your computer. If not, I will fix it up for your screen resolution if you would like. http://img153.imageshack.us/img153/782/72631031fk2.jpg

by oklahomasooners on Oct 15, 2007 5:27 PM EDT up 0 recs

Imageshack not working today...

http://i22.tinypic.com/33bmmb8.jpg It is not my best work because I made it in class without use of a real mouse and really bungled up the NLCS logo, but it looks okay.

by oklahomasooners on Oct 15, 2007 5:28 PM EDT up 0 recs

I'm at 1024 x 768

While there's a little bit of stretching, the image is still crisp, and that's all I'm worried about. This will do nicely; thanks.

by Azreous on Oct 15, 2007 6:10 PM EDT up 0 recs

1024x768

http://i21.tinypic.com/30aalq0.jpg

by oklahomasooners on Oct 15, 2007 6:36 PM EDT up 0 recs

Nice!

Looks great on my desktop. I was kind of getting sick of that blue ocean with the island and the palm tree anyway. Thanks, OK!

by TwinnerA on Oct 15, 2007 9:41 PM EDT up 0 recs

Logo/background

Thanks!

"Are we out of bananas? No, we are in of bananas."

by 4CornersFan on Oct 15, 2007 5:32 PM EDT up 0 recs

You're welcome!

by oklahomasooners on Oct 15, 2007 5:34 PM EDT up 0 recs

Altho' not effective last night, candle of hope ..

..will burn tonight. I think I figured out where I boo-boo'ed--I lit it during the game. During the 2004 ALCS when the Red Sox were down 0-3, I lit it before the fourth game began and then before every subsequent game. So tonight I will follow the same protocol. For you non-believers, this is an innocuous act that should not conflict with any of your own rituals. For us believers, I will carry the torch all the way over to the wick. Mr. batster was not a believer at first until the end of game 4 in 2004 then once when the wind blew it out in game 6 and the BoSox started to falter, he looked over at the candle and start screaming "The CANDLE OF HOPE has GONE OUT!!!!!" over and over again. (I still chuckle to myself when I recall that memory.) Let's hope the Dbacks can follow in the Red Sox footsteps and end the series in a most dramatic fashion.

by batster on Oct 15, 2007 5:00 PM EDT 0 recs

The Candle of Hope

We will use whatever works!! Candle of hope, St. Penelope, whatever.

Go DBacks!!

"Are we out of bananas? No, we are in of bananas."

by 4CornersFan on Oct 15, 2007 5:10 PM EDT up 0 recs

Wha' Happened?

I go off to San Diego for a week and come back to staring into the abyss of a 3-0 deficit?

I was literally 'unplugged' at the beachhouse so didn't watch a single pitch. Listened to the game on the way home last night, but that was it.

My D-Backs garb did get lots of attention in San Diego - but to be fair that's where lots of Arizonans seem to go. It being so close and all. ;-)

If nothing else, here's to letting a little wind out of the Rockie's sails tonight. A Diamondbacks victory is in the cards. And as oklahomasooners noted above the Diamondbacks have been known to snap off a few winning streaks of their own. Perhaps these guys are simply too young and wet behind the ears to realize the herculean feat ahead of them.

Just win one at a time. Starting tonight.

by cavscout on Oct 15, 2007 5:18 PM EDT 0 recs

I would love

to see Tool-owitzki get drilled. I would also enjoy seeing him try to get tough with upton closer than 100 ft away. that would be interesting.

by Adam on Oct 15, 2007 5:40 PM EDT 0 recs

I'll be here this time

... but I'd like to thank all of you who posted last night, while I was at work and had no access to the game. Updating Yahoo every 30 seconds told me the score but nothing else. Keeping an eye on this board -- well, it was like being stuck in the kitchen while everyone's screaming and cussing in the TV room, but at least I knew what was going on.

Today's 10/15, not 10/16, right? Is the 10/16 date on this post a clever way of manipulating the mojo? If so, pretend I didn't bring it up.

by monica in el paso on Oct 15, 2007 6:52 PM EDT 0 recs

Good spot

No, the date was simply an error. But it can't do any harm to leave it that way, since it's a promise of a better tomorrow! And if we win tonight, I'll certainly continue it for as long as we keep winning... :-)

by Jim McLennan on Oct 15, 2007 7:18 PM EDT up 0 recs

I didnt mention

it because it meant either

A. we have some hope after a win in game 4
OR
2. we are a half nights sleep removed from the pain of game 4.

Also acceptable is 10/14 AM- disappointed but hopeful.

by Adam on Oct 15, 2007 7:35 PM EDT up 0 recs

Rituals

I like the idea of lighting a candle and at least the house will smell nice even if the game should stink up the joint.

Yeah, I am not adverse to Tulowitzki getting drilled either. While his defense has been fab, his offense has sucked this series so far. So here's hoping he doesn't get rookie of the year just for lording his superior rookiness over Upton.

Go Micah and do D-Backs and their bats with RISP!

by TwinnerA on Oct 15, 2007 7:08 PM EDT 0 recs

Micah extends his streak to 24 innings.

Also has his 3rd 4-hit game of the year, with another 2 homers like the Atlanta game. Heck... maybe he even hits for the cycle? Time for Micah to take his team on his shoulders, like he did in the inaugural Bricktown Showdown.

Hey, prepare for the worst, hope for the best.

Come on, Sandy Baby, loosen up. You're too tight.

by DbacksSkins on Oct 15, 2007 7:38 PM EDT 0 recs

Holy Crap

Hey, at least it's not this bad for us yet:

Top 2nd: Boston

M. Ramirez walked
M. Lowell singled to center, M. Ramirez to second
J.D. Drew safe at first on first baseman R. Garko's fielding error, M. Ramirez to third, M. Lowell to second
J. Varitek flied out to left
C. Crisp grounded into double play shortstop to first, J.D. Drew out at second

Bases loaded... no outs... no runs score. That's bad.

Bob Melvin Sucks

by nihil67 on Oct 15, 2007 7:43 PM EDT 0 recs

True, it's not that bad yet,

but the game hasn't started.

Come on, Sandy Baby, loosen up. You're too tight.

by DbacksSkins on Oct 15, 2007 7:44 PM EDT up 0 recs

Couldn't hurt

'Only one team in history has ever won a series after going down 3-0: the Red Sox, who achieved said task by shocking the Yankees in the 2004 ALCS. According to first baseman Kevin Millar, the self-proclaimed "Idiots" of Boston fueled this unprecedented comeback by taking pregame whiskey shots. So, Arizona, there's your blueprint.'

Anyone else think this might be a good idea??

Come on, Sandy Baby, loosen up. You're too tight.

by DbacksSkins on Oct 15, 2007 7:43 PM EDT 0 recs

I think

thats what Valverde does before coming into a game.

by Adam on Oct 15, 2007 7:52 PM EDT up 0 recs

Funny

To bad they cant let Upton do that

bleeding Sedona red and having fun

by Pigpen Fan on Oct 15, 2007 9:21 PM EDT up 0 recs

I think in a situation this dire,

rules can be bent.

Besides, I've drank alcohol underage in Denver, and I wasn't even trying to come back from an 0-3 NLCS deficit. I was just trying to get drunk with my cousins.

Come on, Sandy Baby, loosen up. You're too tight.

by DbacksSkins on Oct 15, 2007 9:53 PM EDT up 0 recs

wait...

if they do this, how would Upton's mom feel?

"very cunning Mr. *VIII*" -- Jim

by Mr. Philosophical on Oct 15, 2007 10:16 PM EDT up 0 recs

I'll be happy to take a whiskey shot

for the good of the team! I've already got a candle lit; I'll gladly get lit myself if it'll help. (The candle and the whiskey simultaneously might not be such a good idea, though.)

by monica in el paso on Oct 15, 2007 7:49 PM EDT 0 recs

No more F-Bombs

It's time for some Cruz Missiles and Micah Missiles

Lets go D-Backs

by Wimb on Oct 15, 2007 7:49 PM EDT 0 recs

Formal Apology

I wish to formally apologize for all I offended in last night's thread. I had a few too many beers, and Yorvit's home run upset us all in our own ways. If you know me, I do have an agressive demeaner, but the way in which I was aggressive was clearly out of line. I was able to look back today at what I had written and I give my promise (if it means anything) that I will not swear so hatefully or often anymore. I also apology especially to AZSnakepit because he clearly does so much for this site and such an excellent job. I took advantage of my posting priveleges so I hope my apology is accepted by him as well. It really is a great site that I only recently found I already abused my priveleges. I will not be able to post tonight anyway, but I do hope to post in the future with a different attitude toward the thread. As for the enthusiam/passion part all I gotta say is, GOOOOOOOOOOO DBAAAAAACKS!!!!!!!!!! The Red Sox did it, now it's time for us to do it.

by dbacksfan55555 on Oct 15, 2007 7:57 PM EDT 0 recs

Welcome back

It takes some courage to come back and apologize, and I appreciate the fact that you did. As far as I'm concerned, yesterday is now a closed issue, and I'd be happy to welcome you back - as long as you behave! :-) Any other thoughts on the topic are, of course, invited.

by Jim McLennan on Oct 15, 2007 8:29 PM EDT up 0 recs

Thank you

...for your heartfelt apology.

"Are we out of bananas? No, we are in of bananas."

by 4CornersFan on Oct 15, 2007 10:15 PM EDT up 0 recs

Let's go!

In an effort to change our fortunes, I've returned my signature back. Yes, I acknowledge the irony.

I'm not superstitious- it's bad luck.

by kishi on Oct 15, 2007 7:57 PM EDT 0 recs

If you can't win, hit Tulo?

C'mon guys, at least go out with class.

Friendly visiting Rockies fan.

by Silverblood on Oct 15, 2007 8:05 PM EDT 0 recs

If you're gonna hit anyone...

hit Yorvit. I mean granted I hate Holliday and Tulo more, but come one, Yorvit had the killing blast last night.

by dbacksfan55555 on Oct 15, 2007 8:07 PM EDT up 0 recs

Not about losing

just hate that guy. Don't even talk about class. Pete Rose's little sister yelling across the field at upton, now thats class. I'm sure he was just saying a loud prayer for him right. Drilling a guy is just part of the game.

by Adam on Oct 15, 2007 8:12 PM EDT up 0 recs

Hmm

Let's not point TOO many fingers about unruly behavior here.

Friendly visiting Rockies fan.

by Silverblood on Oct 15, 2007 8:14 PM EDT up 0 recs

No worries here.

This isnt basketball. Guys charge the mound, slid in hard (they all do it), drill someone or throw behind them, etc. AND what difference does it make if I WANT them to hit a guy??? last i checked i'm not on the payroll and even if i was they wouldnt listen to me. you cant tell me one person in COL didnt hope to see Byrnes take one in the ribs

by Adam on Oct 15, 2007 8:19 PM EDT up 0 recs

I'll say this:

Don't turn into the Cubs. In our four-game August series they were bouncing balls off our guys for no apparent reason. Two of our rookies were hit in the head (Baker and Stewart) Holliday in the foot, and everyone else was dodging out of the way. We didn't retaliate (although the fans wanted to). But if we had, that would have been part of the game; you protect your own. Taking a cheap shot at a good player for the other team on the tail end of a series looking down? Eh, you guys can do better.

Friendly visiting Rockies fan.

by Silverblood on Oct 15, 2007 8:25 PM EDT up 0 recs

Part of the game?

No, it's just being a poor loser. Come on, guys.

I'm not superstitious- it's bad luck.

by kishi on Oct 15, 2007 8:15 PM EDT up 0 recs

part of the game

it's been happening since the Christy Matthewson days.

by dbacksfan55555 on Oct 15, 2007 8:16 PM EDT up 0 recs

But there is a difference

Hitting a guy in retaliation for something, yeah, it's a part of the game, though some may not like it. Hitting a guy because you (the fans) don't like him, and he's been playing well? That's just lame.

I'm not superstitious- it's bad luck.

by kishi on Oct 15, 2007 8:19 PM EDT up 0 recs

that's why

i recomended Yorvit above instead of Tulo

by dbacksfan55555 on Oct 15, 2007 9:03 PM EDT up 0 recs

A couple of thoughts

When one rookie takes it upon himself to deliver a lecture to another rookie on the proper etiquette of walking to first-base, umbrage seems perfectly fair.
It's also perhaps worth remembering that three D-backs hitters have been hit in this series already (two by Francis, one by Corpas), compared to no Rockies. Seems credible justification for payback to me.
Only Kim has hit more batters than Micah Owings in the National League this year. He's not a head-hunter, but he will pitch inside, and if the batter gets hit, so be it.

All told, I would be quite surprised if nobody got hit tonight. I'm just saying. :-)

As an aside, I always thought it would be appropriate, rather than walking Barry Bonds on four pitches, to hit him with one. Economical, and far more entertaining for everyone. Except Barry, but he wears so much armor, he'd probably not even notice.

by Jim McLennan on Oct 15, 2007 9:10 PM EDT up 0 recs

Well, if you want to hit someone

do go ahead.

We'll just hit a home run right afterwards. ;)

Friendly visiting Rockies fan.

by Silverblood on Oct 15, 2007 9:12 PM EDT up 0 recs

Fair enough

:-)

Though let's hope that's in a losing cause!

by Jim McLennan on Oct 15, 2007 9:14 PM EDT up 0 recs

That's only allowed if you aren't awarded the base

Come on, Sandy Baby, loosen up. You're too tight.

by DbacksSkins on Oct 15, 2007 9:18 PM EDT up 0 recs

Pulling a Drew?

I'm not superstitious- it's bad luck.

by kishi on Oct 15, 2007 9:19 PM EDT up 0 recs

Todd Helton was hit.

But he wasn't awarded the base.

Just picking nits, that's all.

Come on, Sandy Baby, loosen up. You're too tight.

by DbacksSkins on Oct 15, 2007 9:17 PM EDT up 0 recs

Sportsmanship

Please. The Rockies haven't shown much sportsmanship as I see it.

Rockies withhold the final score on the Mets game (when the game has been final and every other score was promptly posted to the scoreboard) so the Diamondbacks don't know they have made the playoffs.
Rockies have to have it their own way when being introduced in our ball park and refuse to walk out individually when introduced (I am sure the Diamondbacks went along with whatever CO wanted when on their field).
Tulowitzki, a rookie himself, calling out another rookie.
Diamondbacks wanting to wear their black jerseys on a Friday as they haven't had a home Sat. playoff game and Rockies think it's all about them of course. If the Rockies aren't superstitious about their black jerseys, why don't they wear the purple ones?

by TwinnerA on Oct 15, 2007 9:29 PM EDT up 0 recs

Even if all of that were true...

It would be all the more reason not to retaliate. Hitting someone does not beget more sportsmanship.

Besides, can we really afford to be giving the Rockies more base runners?

by Azreous on Oct 15, 2007 9:32 PM EDT up 0 recs

There's an opportunity there

The goal shouldn't be to lower to the perceived level of our opponent. It should be to maintain our own standards, regardless of what we face. Sadly, I don't feel that we (the team, or the fans) have done so this series.

I'm not superstitious- it's bad luck.

by kishi on Oct 15, 2007 9:39 PM EDT up 0 recs

Okay

You do have a point. Maybe I should try to rise above what I perceive to be poor behavior. I guess the Rockies don't know the etiquette as they have never been there before.

by TwinnerA on Oct 15, 2007 9:44 PM EDT up 0 recs

No, we haven't been here before

But we're learning quickly.

Friendly visiting Rockies fan.

by Silverblood on Oct 15, 2007 9:52 PM EDT up 0 recs

OK look

No one expects the guy to really get hit. and what difference does it make. Seriously this is a joke.

But wow, i didnt know i controlled the game. Sorry guys for lettin you down. i'll make sure they score some runs and win the next 4.

by Adam on Oct 15, 2007 8:24 PM EDT 0 recs

It's not about the game

Obviously. It's about showing some good sportsmanship. Think about how many teams are reviled, largely for their fans- think back to our interaction with the folks over at Gas Lamp Ball, if you will. Seriously, do you want to be "those guys"?

But, just get us those runs and the win, and all will be forgiven. ;-)

I'm not superstitious- it's bad luck.

by kishi on Oct 15, 2007 8:52 PM EDT up 0 recs