Expect a lot from this team - we do
We get on that plane Monday and head to New York and that’s when it will really start to sink in. That’s when we start to get ourselves in the mode for playoff baseball. And fans should expect to see the same type of game that we’ve been playing the last two months instead of what they saw the first four months.
By that I mean, a team that doesn’t give up, a team that finally has found its niche as far as roles in the bullpen, because we have a bona fide closer in Takashi Saito. And when we added Greg Maddux that gave us a huge lift with the starting rotation.
When you look at the way we played the last two months of the season, and especially the last month and really the last week, I think that’s very encouraging not only for us, but for the city of Los Angeles. You know, we didn’t back in. We didn’t get into the playoffs because some team lost a bunch of games and let us in. We earned this. We won seven games in a row.
But it’s going to be a wild series. From the fans' point of view, it should be very intriguing. You have two well-established organizations from two of the biggest markets, so it’s going to be exciting for everyone.
When we get to the park for Tuesday’s workout, we’ll be looking at a lot of game film and go over the scouting reports and see what they’ve done the last 10 days or so, but by this time in the year, you know what they’ve got. It’s more like a chess match.
And fans should expect a lot out of this team, because the players expect a lot out of this team. This isn’t a situation where we made it this year and that’s the accomplishment and whatever happens, happens. That’s not the way we feel.
Fans should have expectations for a team that had the second-best record in the league. This team is loaded with players who know what it takes and know how much fun this is. We were built for this time of year.
Hey Derek, good luck man! I chose the Dodgers to beat the Mets in my playoff prediction...you guys can make that happen...although I won't be rooting for you if you end up facing the Cardinals...sorry haha.
-Brady
In the Cards
http://inthecards.mlblogs.com
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Believe in your stuff and give it all you got Derek. At 19 years old, this has been a lifetime of waiting for me. I don't even remember 1988 or Kirk Gibson. Restore pride in this organization and the city. I may be in New York because of college, but I haven't forgotten my roots back in California. Everyone's counting the Dodgers out against the Mets, but that's never stopped this team before. These are the games that separate the men from the boys. Show the Mets and that worthless piece of minor league trash, Russell Branyan who the real men are. You are the ace of this staff and you will guide us to the promiseland.
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Couldn't have said it better, Mr. Lowe. The one factoid you're missing is your own stellar second-half. One of the best stretches by a Dodgers starter in recent history. Thanks for the big game attitude and look forwrd to big things from you and the staff in the post season.
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Hey D-Lowe
I'm a Red Sox fan - always have been, always will be, and I just wanted to thank you once again for what you guys did in 2004. I'll never forget it. Tell Nomar we all still love and miss him and we are really proud of what he's done. It's too bad Petey can't play. Last time, the two of you were on the same team. Good luck against the Mets. Hopefully you'll pitch the way you did in the '04 playoffs.
Thanks again,
-A
http://catchingredsox.mlblogs.com
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You sound as if your expectations are as high as the rest of ours. I'm more excited about this team than I have been about any Dodger team in 25 years, including the 88 championship team - primarily because of you, Maddux and the rest of the staff and the veteran leadership in the field. Good luck!!! I'd say make us proud, but you already have.
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From a Mets' Fan,
Come read, " Why I'd Rather face the Dodgers"
http://bestblog.mlblogs.com/inside_pitch/2006/10/mets_miscellane.html
And another thing, you guys certainly did play well down the stretch, but it sure looked like Grady was playing for the WildCard with the lineup he fielded yesterday. You guys are lucky you won that game.
Oh, and Shawn Green has your number
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derek, first of all, you are the only person i would want to start the first game.. your our ace.. i know you will bring your A stuff..
BELIEVE IN THE PONCHO!
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I'm glad to hear you speak this way Derek. When you have true confidence in your game, then it makes the fans believe in you and the Dodgers. If you continue to play the way you have, we will be in the World Series soon. I hope you keep this attitude in new york, I know you'll come back with a win or two.Although I live in tahoe, I'm having my own little satilite rally monday next to the lake her in norcal. Screw the giants and A's, Dodgers all the way!
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Derek good luck and very well said!! I'm happy that as our Ace you wil be our starter!! I believe in my Dodgers!! As a fan of Carolyn Hughes I hope she's doing well. Dodgers all the way!!
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Hey Derek congrats to you and the team its been a wild ride and no way is it gonna end. You guys are good and ready to bring that blue crew pride back to LA. Let those "reporters" talk and have the Dodgers getting beat. I'm the guy with Spina Bifida who won batting practice with Manny Mota and no one thought that would ever happen. So start game 1 off with a win and the bring home a title.
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D-Lowe
In this series, game one is the most important. I live in Boston so, I know you can meet the challenge of a hot hitting team like the Mets. I believe they will be looking for the bloops and bunts to get people on.
You're **** right! You guys earned your way into the playoffs. What a spectacular run into the post season.!
Let's keep it going.
All us Dodger Nation fans in Boston are rooting for you!
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I know you Mets fans are so happy to crow about all the ex-dodgers on your team and how they have our number...but, the truth is if Shawn Green had the Dodgers number then Diamondbacks wouldn't have chucked him out their back window.
Much like Mike Piazza, Green has got a dangerous bat, but no killer instinct...
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D-Lowe,
Another Boston area Red Sox fan wishing you the best against Petey's team. You are a big-game type of pitcher as we all know from '04. McCourt, Nomaaahh and you still got Boston in your veins. I'm sure Quincy will be rooting for ya.
Glad you're the underdogs going in to NY. That's the Belichick/Red Sox way. You'll see some Lowe Sox jerseys tomorrow night.
I thought Frank McCourt would be the one to bring back National League baseball to Boston. Maybe he still will. Hey, Frank : Move Derek, Nomah and the crew back east after you win it all this year!
Len Rideout
Concord, Massachusetts
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D-Lowe,
Keep riding high, man. That lineup is tough, but the Mets have got nothing on the LA pitching staff.
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Derek,
I have been a Dodger fan since I was 9 years old, unfortunately that makes me old, ever since the 1963 World Series. I'm also a Red Sox fan, not as long, but had been a long time fan before your 2004 dramatic win. Anyway you are one of my favorite players, and I know you guys can go far. Heck you guys beat the Mets in September with two rookies. Anyway best of luck. I have spent many sleepless nights watching you guys on MLB on the east coast, (the 4 homerun 9th inning against San Diego did not end here until 2:15am and I could not sleep the rest of the night because I was so hyped!) Go Dodger Blue! Take it all the way!
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Hey Derek, I've been asking and hoping to see some of the players participate on the Dodger Blog. I never expected it to be a veteren or the starting pitcher of game one of the 2006 playoffs, so I thank you for your time.
I agree this team has been building and working toward this part of the year. Everything that's happened this year was addressed in a way that would support the post season. What's been especially intriguing has been how Ned and his team have been able to do it without giving up the farm. I know you veterens are giving it your all on the field, but we can sure tell your giving special attention in supporting the kids coming up, ie a bunting lessen in the dugout after a failed attempt by one of the kids !!!
Stay positive and give it your all, it's that time of year for it and we all have faith in this Dodger team !! I hope to be shaking your hand as the World Series Champion next spring training
Go Dodgers !!
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Derek, I am a lifelong Red Sox fan, but you and Bill Mueller are near and dear to my heart. Best of luck to you and the team - I will definitely be rooting for you! :) We miss you over here, don't ever forget that!
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Thanks Derek for posting the obvious!! We love it when we can shove our records and personnel into the spotlight of the east-coast media conglomerate.
SCOREBOARD BABY!! Second-best record and a TOP NL Rookie of the Year candidate in Russell Martin!
Rafael Furcal for TEAM MVP!!
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Let's do it! I like the way this team has come together and played as a team and not 25 or 40 individuals. As Kent said, everyone has contributed from top to bottom. Some players have given more than anyone could have ever hoped to expect this year or even over the next few seasons. We lost some key players early, and still, this team has found a way to win games and build on what is available. This club is one of the most memorable and exciting teams I've seen in a long time. I hope we can repeat the magic of 1988. In many ways, the team now and the team then are not all that disimilar. There's even a chance to meet the A's in the World Series after having gone through the Mets.
Good luck! Whatever happens, this season and team has been one to look back on.
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Go get 'em Derek! If I had the means I'd be on the first flight to NYC to cheer you guys on in person. See you on Saturday, and good luck!
GO DODGERS
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Hey D-Lowe! Thanks for getting on here and contributing. I'm sure I speak for everybody when I say we look forward to reading your thoughts/comments/ramblings, etc.
Good luck tomorrow!
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i can sense you're enthusiam Lowe, just go out there & do what you do, all of us fance well be there no matter what!
Go Dodgers!
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It is great to hear your thoughts Lowe. I think that you are the key to the series, if you pitch like you have since the All-star break then the pundits will be left explaining how the pre-ordaned cornation of the Mets got derailed. I think you should get some Cy Young buzz as you have absolutely been the Dodgers best pitcher over the course of the year and they have the second best record in the NL (as you pointed out). Get it down D-Lowe and Go Blue!
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Derek, I was at the game earlier this season when you threw the complete game and you were very gracious to us after the game in the Dugout Club. Good luck and let's get the Mets!
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Kick some ****, Derek. We're pulling for you and the crew hardcore over here. This team is more impressive than any of the playoff teams since 88. We know you guys are going to do some serious damage!!! Now it's time to let New York know.
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I have to admit D-Lowe,
After last year, I didn't have much confidence..but this year, you and the rest of the team have really shown what you're made of. You really stepped it up when Penny struggled to keep up his performance from the first half. And, as you said, Maddux was a HUGE addition. I've been a die hard Dodgers fan since I can remember, but I was only 5 in '88. Lets bring another championship to LA of LA (not LA of Anaheim, haha!) Good luck tomorrow!
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