Gameday Thread, NLDS #3: 10/6 vs. Cubs

by Jim McLennan on Oct 6, 2007 2:10 PM EDT in Gameday Threads

Livan Hernandez (32, RHP, 11-11, 4.93)

Rich Hill (27, LHP, 11-8, 3.92)

BaseballReference.com preview [opens in new window]

Okay, figured I might as well get thus up sooner, rather than later: that way, I can get everything out of the way, and kick back to relax what promises to be a fun game. Once again, all the pressure is on the Cubs: worst-case scenario for Arizona today involves us still holding a 2-1 lead, and knowing that we can still turn to Brandon Webb should it be necessary. Worst-case scenario for Chicago, involves the end of the 2007 season. I can't say I am ever confident with Livan on the mound, but I've seen very little to fear in the Cubs through the first two games. Which probably just means they will explode for sixteen runs this afternoon.

Mind you, according to Bleed Cubbie Blue, the wind will be blowing out a bit at Wrigley, so we might score sixteen runs too. We faced Hill there in July: he got a no-decision, with the win for Arizona coming on Drew's homer off the Cubs 'pen. Livan hasn't faced him as a Diamondbacks, but there are several opposing players who have excellent numbers lifetime: Ramirez (.385), Kendall (.355) and Floyd (.341), all with more than 25 at-bats. Livan will need to step it up: in his five September starts, he threw 27 innings, but allowed 41 hits and 12 walks, for an OOBP of .433 and an ERA of 6.67. That won't fly today, Mr. Hernandez - though in his defense he was unlucky, with a BA on balls in play of a hefty .368, so the balls were finding holes. Here's to that trend ending today.

Should be around for this one, needless to say: sitting in the same positions on the couch, drinking the same beer (Stella Artois) and with Mrs. SnakePit by my side. Might be slightly-late there, as we are dropping a present off at a grandchild's birthday party this afternoon. But needless to say, excuses will rapidly be being made for that, so we'll see if perhaps we can reach 1,000 comments: though as long as we sweep the Cubs out of the playoffs, that's the main thing. And tomorrow, they can hang a dead, skinned bear from Harry Carey's statue, rather than a goat...

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I gots a good feeling about today

Let's go D'backs!

Stay grindy, my friends.

by soco on Oct 6, 2007 2:20 PM EDT 0 recs

Love the sig...

Palehose 7, fantastic comic.

President of the Kazuo Matsui Fan Club

by MattTheRock on Oct 6, 2007 5:16 PM EDT up 0 recs

Yeah!

Too bad the White Sox has such a poor season this year that towards the end there weren't too many new comics. Plus, "Stay grindy, my friends" just seems to describe the D'backs this year.

Stay grindy, my friends.

by soco on Oct 6, 2007 5:24 PM EDT up 0 recs

Yeah! I think the dbacks take it tonight

and see the Rockies Thursday in Arizona. If you would have told me in April that we would be here in October I probably would not have believed you. The Dbacks have heart!

by DiamondbacksWIn on Oct 6, 2007 2:45 PM EDT 0 recs

oh well

Another blow to the bodyclock coming up lol. Game will end about 2.45am here and im up for work at 6 :-)

GO DBACKS!!

by Englishdback on Oct 6, 2007 3:03 PM EDT 0 recs

Yeah

let's go armed for bear.

We will meet in Red 3 at the hour of scampering.

by hotclaws on Oct 6, 2007 3:23 PM EDT 0 recs

Club the Cubs!

Because it's not quite as mean as clubbing baby seals!

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

by DbacksSkins on Oct 6, 2007 3:46 PM EDT 0 recs

Just so everyone remembers...

Don't blink; blink and you're dead. Don't turn your back, don't look away, and don't blink. Good luck!

by Stile4aly on Oct 6, 2007 5:27 PM EDT 0 recs

You sure that was Ted Lilly?

It sure looked like Carlos Zambrano.

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

by DbacksSkins on Oct 6, 2007 5:38 PM EDT up 0 recs

Peculiar

That zoom/head turn makes me wonder, is Lilly related to the dramatic prarie dog?

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

by kishi on Oct 6, 2007 5:47 PM EDT up 0 recs

TBS, continuing their stellar work

I just turned on the channel to see they'd made a music video of the Indians-Yankees game last night. Seriously, guys, it's one game in the division series. And that seemed like something I'd see on YouTube. Knock it off!

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

by kishi on Oct 6, 2007 5:43 PM EDT 0 recs

Aaaaaaand...

Now they're having bunt practice in the studio. Top notch.

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

by kishi on Oct 6, 2007 5:49 PM EDT up 0 recs

Keys to the game

Just a couple of quick thoughts. Much as in Game Two, we've got to keep the Cubs at bay early, in particular the first couple of innings. If we can stop them from scoring - ideally, even getting runners in scoring position - then I think they will begin to press, the crowd will start to get nervous, and that's going to trigger them into making mistakes.

I'm also thinking Melvin will have a quick hook. Both long-relievers, Nippert and EdGon are fully rested, since we haven't used anyone but the Apocalypse Boys thus far. Hopefully it won't come to that, but the base on balls count will be key. I believe it's Greg Gibson who's behind home-plate, and he tends to have a big zone: he also called Pwning's shutout in Pittsburgh.

Time for some of the veterans to step up: Byrnes and Clark are a combined 1-for-12 with five K's this far, though Jackson gets the start at first-base today. Hill is tough on lefties, and we'd probably be better off with Snyder at the plate, instead of Montero - but Miggy is Livan's personal catcher, so they're going with that. That does leave the bottom-third of our order looking kinda fragile, but Ojeda has been lightning and the plate: just one more game, please, Augie!

Chris Young has been alternatively brilliant and infuriating at the top of the order. In seven at-bats, he's struck out five times, but got hits in the other two (including that three-run homer, natch), and scored on both occasions. It'd be nice if he and Byrnes could get on base more regularly today, since Kendall is starting for the Cubs (because of prior success off Livan), and his arm barely surpasses Josh Bard level. Expect us to be running every chance we get, even with Hill on the mound. Aggression and unsettling the opposition will be the key.

by Jim McLennan on Oct 6, 2007 5:49 PM EDT 0 recs

Notable, pointless stats

From Bleed Cubbie Blue:

"[...]Geovany Soto has hit the only Cub HR in the series. (Incidentally, there has been only one other rookie Cub who has homered in a postseason game -- Frank Demaree, who homered in game 4 of the 1932 World Series.)"

So, we've already got more rookie home runs in ten seasons than the Cubs have in over a century? Stick that in your farm system and smoke it! Or whatever.

Still, impressed. Good work, guys.

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

by kishi on Oct 6, 2007 5:57 PM EDT 0 recs

HA!

First pitch swinging, CY goes long! Listen to that raucous Wrigley crowd!

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

by kishi on Oct 6, 2007 6:08 PM EDT 0 recs

Here we go

just watched Amir Kahn crush his opponant so I'm taking that as a good omen

We will meet in Red 3 at the hour of scampering.

by hotclaws on Oct 6, 2007 6:08 PM EDT 0 recs

That guy

Is our best boxing hope of this generation...well and Ricky of course

by Wimb on Oct 6, 2007 6:14 PM EDT up 0 recs

And such a nice guy too.

We will meet in Red 3 at the hour of scampering.

by hotclaws on Oct 6, 2007 6:21 PM EDT up 0 recs

Woo HOO!

Nice way to start, CY!

Come on D-backs! Let's have the NL Best close this thing out today.

Friendly visiting Rockies fan.

by Silverblood on Oct 6, 2007 6:09 PM EDT 0 recs

One pitch, one hit, one run.

Not a bad start, eh?

CY rocks!!!

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

by DbacksSkins on Oct 6, 2007 6:09 PM EDT 0 recs

OMGWTFBBQ! CY

We will meet in Red 3 at the hour of scampering.

by hotclaws on Oct 6, 2007 6:09 PM EDT 0 recs

DREEEEEW!

Knocks one for a double. This is looking pretty good so far...

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

by kishi on Oct 6, 2007 6:10 PM EDT 0 recs

Stephen Drew for NLDS MVP.

2 extra base hits so far in this game. No outs.

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

by DbacksSkins on Oct 6, 2007 6:10 PM EDT 0 recs

I am liking where this is going

Hopefully the Rox share in the West mojo tonight.

Friendly visiting Rockies fan.

by Silverblood on Oct 6, 2007 6:10 PM EDT 0 recs

Still booting up the 'puter

But did a little jig around the living-room as Young sent it out there. You couldn't ask for a better start than that - and Drew doubles.

Now, Eric, just don't pop-up or K...

by Jim McLennan on Oct 6, 2007 6:11 PM EDT 0 recs

He avoided the former

but not the latter.

Friendly visiting Rockies fan.

by Silverblood on Oct 6, 2007 6:12 PM EDT up 0 recs

Drew and CY

Saw the HR from the shower via the bathroom mirror.

We came to win, fellas.

Don't blink; blink and you're dead. Don't turn your back, don't look away, and don't blink. Good luck!

by Stile4aly on Oct 6, 2007 6:11 PM EDT 0 recs

Damn you, Byrnes.

1-for-8 now this series.

by Jim McLennan on Oct 6, 2007 6:12 PM EDT 0 recs

Be nice to get another run

That would really quiet the crowd.

by Jim McLennan on Oct 6, 2007 6:13 PM EDT 0 recs

Ealry quote from bcb

i hate arizona so much....

bunch of overachievers..

It WILL Happen!!!
by Chanman25 on Saturday, October 6, 2007 at 5:11 PM CT

I think they were talking about the SWEEP!!!

by AZDarkKnight on Oct 6, 2007 6:14 PM EDT 0 recs

Bah

"Oh, boo-hoo, this team is going better than I think they should!"

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

by kishi on Oct 6, 2007 6:14 PM EDT up 0 recs

Sorry

For being late fellas, lets go D-Backs!

by Wimb on Oct 6, 2007 6:14 PM EDT 0 recs

Just glad people are around

I was feeling a little lonely right before first pitch...

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

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

It was TBS

and their enthralling pregame...

by AZDarkKnight on Oct 6, 2007 6:16 PM EDT up 0 recs

Entirely understandable

I was nearly lulled into a stupor as well.

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

by kishi on Oct 6, 2007 6:17 PM EDT up 0 recs

Yeah, I suspect

It might be relatively quiet here this afternoon. Just seems that way.

by Jim McLennan on Oct 6, 2007 6:18 PM EDT up 0 recs

Come on, Sherrif!

RBI time!

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

by kishi on Oct 6, 2007 6:15 PM EDT 0 recs

Do it for Hotclaws

Reynolds.. you know you want to :)

by AZDarkKnight on Oct 6, 2007 6:15 PM EDT 0 recs

Aggressive hitters

Special K gets the green light 3-0

by Jim McLennan on Oct 6, 2007 6:16 PM EDT 0 recs

It was down the middle,

As was the 3 - 1 pitch.

How could he not swing?

Good man to draw the walk, that would have been a guaranteed strikeout a few weeks ago.

Don't blink; blink and you're dead. Don't turn your back, don't look away, and don't blink. Good luck!

by Stile4aly on Oct 6, 2007 6:17 PM EDT up 0 recs

Take the walk if nothing else, Reynolds

Do not resist if Hill wishes to put you on base.

Friendly visiting Rockies fan.

by Silverblood on Oct 6, 2007 6:16 PM EDT 0 recs

Excited about tonight Sliverblood

Got those tingly feelings yet?

by AZDarkKnight on Oct 6, 2007 6:18 PM EDT up 0 recs

Scared as hell, really

Excited, yes. But still scared.

Friendly visiting Rockies fan.

by Silverblood on Oct 6, 2007 6:20 PM EDT up 0 recs

Well facing a manager

Like the Phillies who puts out his 3rd game starter during the 2nd game has to inspire you with confidence I hope :)

I'll keep things crossed for you, even though I'd feel more confident playing the Phillies in the next round :)

by AZDarkKnight on Oct 6, 2007 6:21 PM EDT up 0 recs

Moyer's starting tonight

against Jimenez, and supposedly it would be Lohse/Redman tomorrow. Mark Redman in Game 4, which if we lose we head back to Philly.

Egods. Let's just win tonight.

Friendly visiting Rockies fan.

by Silverblood on Oct 6, 2007 6:23 PM EDT up 0 recs

Lohse was planned for #3 before though right?

and playing him still has to have messed up his approach.. you know how funny these pitching guys are..

by AZDarkKnight on Oct 6, 2007 6:26 PM EDT up 0 recs

Reynolds with the walk...

Hey, Upton, you wanna be the third D-backs rookie to homer in this series?

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

by kishi on Oct 6, 2007 6:17 PM EDT 0 recs

Only crowd I know

That cheer because they might only give up 1 run in an inning...

by AZDarkKnight on Oct 6, 2007 6:17 PM EDT 0 recs

It's only 2 runs

No big deal. The Cubs are gonna sweep, remember?

Friendly visiting Rockies fan.

by Silverblood on Oct 6, 2007 6:19 PM EDT up 0 recs

I think I saw all the brooms somewhere

Although I think its for the crowd to clean the stadium for the end of the season.

by AZDarkKnight on Oct 6, 2007 6:22 PM EDT up 0 recs

Mark takes on 3-2, draws a walk.

He has gotten soo much more disciplined up there.

Cubs are lucky he missed those fastballs, though.

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

by DbacksSkins on Oct 6, 2007 6:17 PM EDT 0 recs

He's been great

Seriously, when Tracy went down, that seemed to be as bad a loss as Hudson. But Reynolds has been incredible.

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

by kishi on Oct 6, 2007 6:18 PM EDT up 0 recs

I love it

the crowd dies like that ;)

by Wimb on Oct 6, 2007 6:18 PM EDT 0 recs

2-0

Well done, JUp

Don't blink; blink and you're dead. Don't turn your back, don't look away, and don't blink. Good luck!

by Stile4aly on Oct 6, 2007 6:18 PM EDT 0 recs

Scoreeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee

Oops.. did TBS volume just go off??

NO! Its the crowd!

by AZDarkKnight on Oct 6, 2007 6:18 PM EDT 0 recs

Reynolds goes to 3rd, Drew scores!! Go Jupton!!

Experience, WHAT?? 2-0.

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

by DbacksSkins on Oct 6, 2007 6:19 PM EDT 0 recs

w0000!

J-Dawg!

by Wimb on Oct 6, 2007 6:19 PM EDT 0 recs

did we..

ever decide on a final nickname? :D

by Wimb on Oct 6, 2007 6:19 PM EDT up 0 recs

Go Upton!

RBI to make it 2-0...

"You're not singing any more...

You're not sing-i-i-i-ing, any more...

:-)

by Jim McLennan on Oct 6, 2007 6:19 PM EDT 0 recs

Yes!

by DiamondbacksWIn on Oct 6, 2007 6:19 PM EDT 0 recs

RBI is good too

For he is the mighty Jupton, king of the gods! Wait, that's Jupiter. Hey, either way.

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

by kishi on Oct 6, 2007 6:19 PM EDT 0 recs

Special K is special

Jup is getting his act together

We will meet in Red 3 at the hour of scampering.

by hotclaws on Oct 6, 2007 6:19 PM EDT 0 recs

Cubs bullpen in action

Already! That's what I like to see...

by Jim McLennan on Oct 6, 2007 6:20 PM EDT 0 recs

Hey!

Watch that inside pitch, huh?

Let's go, Augie!

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

by kishi on Oct 6, 2007 6:20 PM EDT 0 recs

Get the bullpen up, Cubbies

You may call for help, but help will not come.

Don't blink; blink and you're dead. Don't turn your back, don't look away, and don't blink. Good luck!

by Stile4aly on Oct 6, 2007 6:20 PM EDT 0 recs

Loaded for Montero...

Not looking for much, but you never know...

by Jim McLennan on Oct 6, 2007 6:20 PM EDT 0 recs

Anyone else think

They were trying to hit Ojeda?

A couple real close ones there, and they finally plunked him.

Don't blink; blink and you're dead. Don't turn your back, don't look away, and don't blink. Good luck!

by Stile4aly on Oct 6, 2007 6:21 PM EDT 0 recs

Cubs, as we know, are dimwitted

Why do you want to give them more runners to keep a first-inning rally alive? Either that or Hill subscribes to the hit-a-guy, save-your-pitch-count attitude.

Then again. These are the Cubs, not Mensa members.

Friendly visiting Rockies fan.

by Silverblood on Oct 6, 2007 6:22 PM EDT up 0 recs

I wouldn't be surprised

The guy has as many hits as Soriano, Ramirez, and Theriot combined.

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

by kishi on Oct 6, 2007 6:22 PM EDT up 0 recs

BOOOOOOO!!!!

Rush the mound, Augie! Don't worry about getting hurt, we've learned the Cubs can't hit anything!

Seriously, though, yay, bases loaded!

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

by kishi on Oct 6, 2007 6:21 PM EDT 0 recs

lmao

A swing and a miss...

by AZDarkKnight on Oct 6, 2007 6:24 PM EDT up 0 recs

HBP

by Wimb on Oct 6, 2007 6:21 PM EDT 0 recs

The Littlest Ballplayer HBP

Is that even allowed? It might knock him over or something.

Come on Montero...

Friendly visiting Rockies fan.

by Silverblood on Oct 6, 2007 6:21 PM EDT 0 recs

Ouch.

Augie takes one in the kidney. Bases loaded. Do some more damage, Miggy!

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

by DbacksSkins on Oct 6, 2007 6:21 PM EDT 0 recs

Good luck

Rockies fan here, still watching the Oklahoma-Texas game, but hopefully we'll both be upholding our end of the bargain tonight.

by Tom on Oct 6, 2007 6:22 PM EDT 0 recs

Welcome!

Here's to an NL West sweep today!

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

by kishi on Oct 6, 2007 6:24 PM EDT up 0 recs

Welcome aboard

Showing them what the NL "worst" really is like today :)

by AZDarkKnight on Oct 6, 2007 6:25 PM EDT up 0 recs

Welcome

I like the Rockies and their fans;-)

We will meet in Red 3 at the hour of scampering.

by hotclaws on Oct 6, 2007 6:25 PM EDT up 0 recs

That is because we're pretty much

a carbon copy of you guys: a young, vastly underrrated/exposed team finally reaping the benefits of several tough seasons. The difference being, you have one World Championship and until this season, we had one playoff win. In the first round.

Also, because Rockies/D-backs fans are funny, passionate, and completely committed to their teams in the face of massive east coast ignorance.

Friendly visiting Rockies fan.

by Silverblood on Oct 6, 2007 6:27 PM EDT up 0 recs