Rays vs Dodgers, 5:00PM PDT, TV: Fox
By virtue of the better season record the Dodgers earned “home field advantage” for this neutral-site series; they’ll have last ups in games 1,2,6 and 7.
Here’s MLB’s position-by-position analysis. (Spoiler: In their estimation the Dodgers have large or small edges everywhere except the rotation and the bullpen.)
The Rays give the ball to their very tall (he’s 6′ 8″ and his nickname is “Baby Giraffe,” MLB says) RHP Tyler Glasnow, who’s 2-1 in the playoffs with 25 Ks. His last appearance was in Game Four of the ALCS and it didn’t go particularly well: he gave up four runs to the Astros in six innings of work. He’ll face the Dodgers’ LHP Clayton Kershaw, who’ll be making his fifth World Series start. We all know the stories of his postseason woes; Roberts does too, one assumes, and he should be ready to replace Kershaw at the first moment he looks to be in trouble.
Now this is startling:
Six years and six days before Game 1 of the 2020 World Series, Andrew Friedman left his longtime post running the Tampa Bay Rays’ front office to become the Los Angeles Dodgers’ president of baseball operations.
He departed with a promise disguised as friendly banter, one that will be fulfilled when his current team lines up against his former club on Tuesday night in Game 1 of the World Series at Globe Life Field in Arlington.
“We joked when I left the team that we were going to meet up in the World Series one day,” Friedman said, “and for it actually to happen is surreal.”
Oh my. I like Jeff Passan of ESPN, and he wrote a good book, but I dunno. Here he is on Pablo Torre’s podcast earlier today:
I am not exaggerating when I say that the best — or worst — thing #ESPNDaily has ever done involves @JeffPassan’s musical #WorldSeries tribute to Randy Arozarena. WHICH MAY NEVER LEAVE MY BRAIN. https://t.co/TVYn0wx8Va @RaysBaseball pic.twitter.com/e6zvNJlj8k
— Pablo S. Torre (@PabloTorre) October 20, 2020
Today in Dodgers’ history:
- 1988 The Dodgers become World Champions when Orel Hershiser limits the opposition to four singles in Game 5 of the World Series and beats the A’s, 5-1. The right-hander, who also won Game 2, is named the Most Valuable Player of the Fall Classic.
- 1994 Receiving all 28 first-place votes, Raul Mondesi (.306, 16, 56) is named the National League’s Rookie of the Year. The Los Angeles right fielder, who easily outdistanced Astros’ hurler John Hudek and Braves’ outfielder Ryan Klesko, is the third consecutive Dodger to win the award.
- 2010 Ted Lilly signs a three-year, $33 million deal to remain with the Dodgers. The 34 year-old southpaw, obtained from the Cubs in early August, compiled a 7-4 record with a 3.52 ERA in 12 starts for LA, including victories in the first five starts for his new team.
Lineups:
Rays:
World Series Game 1 https://t.co/iczLrjjPfS pic.twitter.com/igCJkxHC2C
— Tampa Bay Rays (@RaysBaseball) October 20, 2020
Dodgers:
Tonight's lineup vs. Rays:#WorldSeries | #LATogether pic.twitter.com/kzU5PXKfKF
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) October 20, 2020
You know, I just like Mookie Betts as a person.
https://twitter.com/mookiebetts/status/1318946197730697216
NPUT
Kershaw as must-see player. From the Washington Post.
The Athletic:
Doc says Goose will start.
Not likely to go very long.
Should be good for 2-3 innings if effective. Only threw 41 pitches Oct 18.
Kelly smiling after he deflected the ball with his bare hand to Seager to throw out the batter at first.
He really wanted that assist.
As noted, I’d like to see Wood start tomorrow. I prefer him over the other options, which I expect are Gonsolin and May on two days’ rest.
Agreed.
First non-spectacular outfield play.
Phlegming’s not doing so well.
Mookie monster mash!
Get yours on Taco Tuesday the 27th!
One down, three to go. Let’s get ’em done fast, guys.
I feel a 3 run inning coming up for the Dodgers.
And you previously said you took freshman Psychics.
Ha!
Good beginning.
Glasnow pitch count getting up there, and due to face the order for the third time.
86 and that last inning was stressful for him
A comfortable way to start the World Series with only a couple of moments of deep concern.
I think I needed a game in which I wasn’t eating my liver, speaking of liver.
Lol!
Your basic 1-6-3 put out.
Kershaw with the W!!!!
Dodgers win!!!!!!!!!!
Woo-HOO!!!!!
Beautiful strike three called.
Generous strike call there.
Top of the zone, clearly.
It was great!
In a beautiful way.
Love the low walls. Always thought that they brought more excitement to the game.
Belli catch!
Belli – I’m going to make up for the one I missed!
Robbery!
¡Un robo total!
I get how it’s only one game and that we don’t know how the rest of the series will play out. But if the Dodgers win Game 1, I think it really helps them in terms of setting up some pitching for future games.
And would help with my own comfort vs stress levels as well!
Pitching change. Odd.
Guy has thrown a lot of pitches. Probably want him to pitch again at some point. Also, giving up more runs would make game even more out of reach, so bringing in righty against righty.
It’s Kelly.
Good choice.
RBI’s wish for a quick inning was granted….Raise your hand if you thought that Baez would become Mr. Reliable. Do you send him out there for another inning and save the pen?
Save him and send out Wood.
Had one ball that was scorched down the line by Tampa but fortunately it was foul. Other than that – it was a sweet inning!
Let’s get a run or two back. Just because. Unless that means we don’t get them tomorrow. Ok. Never mind. Carry on.
And give the ball to Wood.
Are you suggesting that Wood starts tomorrow? If so, I agree. Or have the Dodgers already made an announcement?
I was totally thinking if the Dodgers won tonight they could start Wood tomorrow.
Actually for the ninth. He might be able to pitch to their lefties for an inning or two tomorrow.
If only we could know if it worked like that!
What roster moves did the Dodgers make between the NLCS and the World Series? Did they have to trim the list of active players to 26?
No changes.
Thanks.
Good question. With the off days would have been reasonable to cut back to 26.
First out. Good.
Five more!
Three more.
Yes! Big shut down inning.
Petey!
Gonzalez and the Dodgers were quite fortunate, the former more than the latter. Gonzalez had great instincts and remarkable luck. Had that gone through the Rays would have had an even bigger inning.
Might not have gone through. Infielders were stationed up the middle.
But momentum felt like it was swinging their way. I am very glad Gonzalez stick his mitt right where that screamer was headed.
He nearly tossed it away – Quique made a nice save.
I saw that.
Not sure if Hernandez might have made a play on it or not.
Looked to be in position to catch and run over to the bag.
For a for more conventional DP.
We need a quick inning now from our pitcher. Top of their line up though…
That was amaze-balls.
Was Belli’s play ruled a hit or an error?
Hit.
Fair enough. But it did clank off his glove. Or wrist.
Usually don’t penalize a fielder for getting close enough to a ball like that to get his glove on it.
It was well hit. But could also have been well caught. 🙂
Superman would have had it, but not the standard used by the scorer.
I will stand down. 🙂
Nor penalize the hitter.
Yes, but he had a long way to run. It would have been a remarkable catch, which we have gotten use to with him.
Play he’d normally, but it’s gotta be a hit. A little wall-shy, I suspect.
I think you are likely right.
It was his right shoulder going into the fence.
Yep.
What a play by Gonzalez!
Yow!
Love good fielding pitchers
Wild stuff!!
DP from Heaven!
Spectacular future person!
Ground ball please.
K is likelier.
We were both wrong!!
Not a very Zunino thing.
Getting WS experience which will help in the next games.
Zunino’s an all or nothing guy.
hopefully nothing here
Double nothing!
Guys, come on. Bullpen not getting it done.
Bad hitter lucks out.
Again.
alright, that will do
Oh come on. This is getting annoying. 8-3 now.
it would have been more annoying if it was 8-5
True!
https://twitter.com/MLB_Mexico/status/1318746322074275840?s=20
We need to shut this inning down.
Was Choi announced and then pulled?
Yep.
Weird.
Rays seeking advantage with RISP.
Blew a bench bat.
Should Kersh have gone one more?
Nope.
Thanks.
Pen needs to hold a seven run lead.
I don’t know. Don’t want to second guess too much tonight.
Just want to keep them on the ropes, that’s all.
Agreed!
Glanced at the wall and the last moment.
Usually catches that.
Don’t give them any room for hope, Floro.
Brooklyn won the first two games in 1956 WS.
I was four.
I was five. Remember it well. 😉
I remember the Mets well.
I was nine, the first Series I really remember.
I was a Brooklyn fan and paid attention to the 1955 WS. I remember a neighbor walking by during the 1956 Series who was a Yankee fan, we were in Southern California, and I was trying to rub it in that the Dodgers were up 2 games to none. He came back to tell me the Yankees won the first two games in 55. I was 8 and just beginning to go beyond enjoying games and becoming aware of the bigger picture.
Edited.
Shut down inning, Floro?
I’m not used to such a definitive start to the World Series.
Kershaw was stellar in Game 1 2017 – but yeah – it was a closer lower scoring game.
Klayton out.
It looks that way.
Well – if this series goes only 4 games – that might have been his last time pitching this year. 🙂
A good way to end the year.
I wouldn’t write off the Devil Rays just yet.
I know. I know. The God Fish are pretty good.
Back another day, rested.
Ray’s pitcher not happy.
It’s the old saying good hitting stomps good pitching
Maximum Joy!!!
Muncy! It’s a rout!
Your futuring está en fuego!
It’s icing
Turner!! I love this team tonight. This week. This month. This year.
MOOKIE!!! JT double!!!
Mookie!!!
I am SO happy for Kersh! Runs support! Defense support!
I so happy and excited I’m almost overwhelmed with joy.
7 or 8 pitches. Clayton looks good.
Heck, don’t think that Klayton even got warm that half inning.
One more inning for Kersh?
You are the doctor.
Oh man!!! What a play!!
JT, leather and cannon!
Wow! JT!
Good defenders out in the field with Hernandez and Taylor.
Seager and Turner say “what are we, chopped liver?”
Maybe it’s the British roots in me – but I love a nice plate of liver and onions.
Didn’t know there was such a thing
Oh yes indeed. My mom’s favorite. She also loved tongue…
Ha! You are my sister from another mother!!
Are we really doing this again?
It would be edible if it weren’t for the ghastly aroma it makes when frying.
Just need one more clean inning Clayton! Or 2 if you are feeling it.
Now, Clayton, shut ’em down and take a seat on the bench.
It’s nice to be on this side of one of “those” innings.
Let’s put it out of reach
Done, now apply icing to the cake
Wow! That just found a hole.
Smith motors!
Another! Small ball!
Well done, CT3!
Set up by the 10 pitch at bat to Cody.
3 run inning!!!
So far!!
Let’s go for more
Double down and go for 6!
CT3 RBI!
Let’s go CT3.
Smith is clutch.
I’m feeling a bit giddy right now!
Will! Nice rbi!
Fine future person!
I’m so surprised they are leaving Glasnow in this long!
Yeah, no.
Guessing the were waiting to bring in a lefty for Belli and Joc.
Taylor will be the delicious creme filling between them.
2 out of 3 is about the best you can do with 3 batter minimum.
Delicious!
¡Exquisito!
I’m so surprised they are leaving Glasnow in this long!
107 pitches
I don’t think he’ll get to face Bellinger again.
This should be his last hitter
Mookie keeps finding ways to win
That was Mookie All. The. Way.
Walk. Steal second. Front end of double steal. Home on FC!
2nd coming of Willie Davis.
Indeed!
Mookie!
Skinny Mookie slides by!
What a play!!
A little crazy to do the double steal at that point.
Oops, didn’t realize there were no outs.
One out. Oh, after.
At the time no outs, but JT swung at strike three.
Right. I was surprised by the double steal, but happily so were they!
One out. Oh, after.
Supposedly a good pitcher to steal
I was referring to the situation, which I misread.
Double steal!!!
Saved by the double clutch!
Picked off and people would have to give back their tacos.
Again
Followed by a double steal!
Mookie hugged Adames! Why?
Because he’s a nice guy?
Because he gets a taco!
Old divisional rival.
Probably saw him a lot then after stealing.
Ha! Do people get tacos, or defensive indifference?
I don’t get a taco 🙁
I just had half a burrito – does that count?
I just want the Dodgers to win the whole enchilada!
They’ve been one taco short of a combination plate twice in the previous three WS.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=inVZfBZhzko
How about Chilean tacos? https://southernconeguidebooks.blogspot.com/2010/11/tacos-chilenos.html
Yep, but it might be the ones they took back and kept under the heat lamps
Good adjustment, Mookie!
Not taking any painkillers tonight, so enjoying a glass of Chilean Sauvignon Blanc.
Career postseason Ks:
1. Verlander (205)
2. Kershaw (201 and counting)
3. Smoltz 199
Came right back, though. We need more runs this inning.
That’s okay. Just don’t walk anybody and he and the Dodger will be fine.
Kiermaier’s a bad hitter, too.
That was served on a platter.
Shoot. Left a slider hanging after all those amazing pitches.
rats
Three beautiful pitches to Adames.
Art work.
Long layover for Kersh. Hope he stays sharp.
A BBuncy walk and a Belli HR — a good plan
Well, he doesn’t seem to be suffering any after-effects from the Quique collision.
I guess the shoulder is okay!!!
Let’s gooo!
Belli goes yard!
Cody bomb!
Belli!!!!!
Easy guy to walk.
Kershaw with 35 pitches in the last three innings after 20 in the first. That’s a total of 55 for an average of 13.75 per inning.
That’s pretty good.
JT held up, I thought.
I didn’t think it was even close.
Silly view in the replay of the check swing.
Yeah, hard to tell.
We’re seeing patient Seager tonight.
Hasn’t seen much that he wants to hit, and hit wants to hit just about anything.
It needs to rub off
Tough guy to walk.
Guessing he wants nothing to do with him.
You can say that again
Ump even pinched Glasnow a little
Mookie again swing at ball four
Kershaw with 41 pitches through 3 after over 20 after one.
Slip sliding away.
Zunino’s a terrible bat who somehow manages to connect once in a while.
Joc badly fooled.
Nope.
Go Joc go.
If Zunino hadn’t double-clutched CT3 was out.
Belli needs to run those out.
Smith swung at ball four and then at ball five.
Yep. I think Mookie might have swung at ball four as well
He did.
The Wendle sounds like a Lewis Carroll villain.
Or a Tolkien river.
I’ve heard of Tolkien, but never read him (or her).
We wouldn’t want you to develop any bad hobbits.
Low hanging fruit
Tough guy to walk.
Glasnow’s been gopher-prone lately.
Kershaw fields his position extremely well.
Huge first 3 outs.
Smoltz giving Kershaw benefit of the doubt.
Professional courtesy
I wanted a quiet first.
I will grant you with a doubleplay then
20 pitches. Just six or so beyond desirable.
Because I got busy, I missed the last half-hour of posts on Sunday, but if you didn’t see what I eventually posted, I want to thank each and every one of your for helping to make this such an enjoyable season. I have had to tape all or parts of the prior postseason games and that deprives me of the live camaraderie, friendliness, banter and observations that you post. So, thanks, and Go Dodgers!
My memory of Game 5 of the 1988 World Series: Watching the game instead of studying for my first year university Physics mid-term.
Totally worth it! (But my goodness that was a lifetime ago…)
I was at Game 5 in 1988, sitting in George Steinbrenner’s seats between home and third, about 12 rows up. Steinbrenner, so annoyed that his Yankees weren’t in the WS, gave his tickets to a friend, who then gave them to a good friend of mine. He knew what a big Dodgers fan I am, so he invited me. I sat next to the late Lou Gorman, then the GM of the Red Sox. The entire evening was fantastic.
Wow!!
are we ready everyone to go through all the ups and downs again? 🙂
Downs!?
https://media4.giphy.com/media/ZdrMQrt8cRGxulSUrO/giphy.gif
Around here, retired Gnats are irrelevant. https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/bdcd1899ed638891263e3a1561eb8d1ec5f815adb79de006a41c88667c638698.png