Touring New York
Today started about as far from baseball as possible. A few of us left the hotel and went to Ground Zero. I hadn’t been there in three years. We walked around and thought a lot about what it means. I went over to Station 10, the fire station that’s located right across the street from where the towers fell.
A couple of the firemen recognized me and yelled my name. They called us over, and we spent maybe an hour with them. They showed us around the station and we talked. I didn’t want to get into too much detail, but I was curious and they told us about what it was like on Sept. 11. They were the first responders, being right there across the street. It kind of puts our job in perspective. A bad day for us really isn’t like a bad day, compared to what those guys go through.
After that, we walked around a little bit, then got back to the hotel and came over to the workout. It’s something to look forward to -- well, not the media part; I wasn’t looking forward to that -- but just getting into the playoff atmosphere, putting on the uniform, getting back into it after a day off.
We had our pitchers meeting, which I think was really smart. We usually do that the first day of a series during the regular season, but tomorrow’s going to be really hectic, so it was smart to do it today. We went over the Mets, as far as what we want to do against them. We came up with an overall game plan, and I think we’re all feeling pretty good about it, even though we know their lineup has a lot of weapons.
Now we’re heading back into the city, and there isn’t much planned -- a little dinner, watch some baseball and be ready for tomorrow. I won’t do anything different than I would for any start, but I don’t care who you are or how many times you’ve done this, there’ll be nerves. I’ve always felt the first guy who settles down has the best chance to win.
I think we have a pretty good feeling about this series. Like I’ve said, we didn’t back into this. We earned it. We’ve played really well and we’re confident, and we’ve got to continue the roll.

I've never seen Ground Zero, except on TV and in the papers so hearing about it from another persons view point really helps me keep perspective. Living on the West Coast it seems like a world away yet so close. Thank you for sharing.
Good luck tomorrow and have fun, we're all behind you 100%
Go Dodgers !!!
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Hey Derek. Thanks for sharing your thoughts with the fans, It's cool that you take time to do this.
I just want to say that I haven't seen a Dodgers team this explosive in many, many years. I definitely feel good about the team you all are fielding in the Playoffs. I just hope that above all, you all have as much fun on the field as I'll have watching on TV. Thank you, and Go Dodgers.
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Thanks Derek for sharing your day with us. I'm grateful for all the heros across the country who selflessly protect us each and every day. Your insight brought me to remember how things can change "in a New York minute". Apologies to Don Henly.
We're behind this team all the way! Good luck tomorrow and give 'em **** Derek!
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I watched my first Dodger game in the Coliseum ( yes, I was very young). I watched Fernando in 1981, I was there w/the bulldog (and Fernando) in 1988.
The boys in blue got me thru some tough times in my life, Vin Scully soothing us all, and you all have worked thru some tough times of your own. The Dodgers have always meant pitching: Newcombe, Koufax, Drysdale. Now: Lowe, Kuo, Maddux. Add Furcal, Nomar, Lofton, Kent, and the newbies. I'm going to sleep well tonight. See you all Saturday.
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Gracias Lowe por compartir un tus experencias con nosotros los fanaticos... te deseo mucha suerte mañana en el juego de playoff y ojala que a todos los Dodgers nos valla bien en esta postemporada.
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Derek
Over the years you've become my favorite player in baseball. Even with the Red Sox i still tried to catch as many games that you pitched as possible. Youre sinker is nasty and ever since my Sophmore year in high school ive been throwing one. Right now I should be playing at the junior college here but i had elbow surgery a year ago and im still recovering, but getting to watch you and Greg MAddux pitch in Dodger uniforms has been amazing and i hope you finish your career as a Dodger.
We Dodger fans have all the confidence in world tomorrow with you throwing. If you keep he sinker down no one can hit it. Good Luck!
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Derek,
I feel you are being cheated by not getting much attention when the Cy Young is mentioned. I feel the same for Saito regarding the ROY. Neither of you are getting the recognition you deserve.
Lead us to a WS Championship!
Best of Luck and bring it home.
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Derek,
You are my favorite player. Ever since you were in boston i was hoped you and Nomar would come to the Dodgers and now its true. I live in Fresno, CA and i will be watching the game and rooting for you and the Dodgers will all my heart. Dodger fan for life! Good luck Mr. Lowe. Hopefully you can put up a win on October 7th for my birthday. GO BLUE CREW
-Michael R.
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Derek....we all really appreciate you taking time to knock a blog out. We all have ultimate confidence in you and the team.....best of luck today from a SoCal transplant in Chicago!
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Thanks D-Lowe for posting. Hopefully, this will keep you and the rest settled down. Keep your stuff down, don't over throw and be ready for everything.
But, you've already done this. So you know what to expect. Like Maddux said, There's no tommorrow in the playoffs, only gameday. Make sure to include the younger guys, they need your guidance.
This team has the necessary tools to beat any team placed against them.
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Think Blue! i've never been to ground zero but i can imagine how humbling it must be. and just as we all had to in light of september 11, remember who you are, and kick the mets a*s!!!!! i was there on the 18th.. make it happen! when you believe in who you are, things fall into place. we can do this! 4 home runs in a row, history was made that night. i dont know about you, but i'm out to prove that there is something to be believed in here and it's dodger blue!
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Hi Derek and everyone out there in L.A. from Turku Finland!!!!
This is Henry, born and rise in L.A. and TrueBlue all the way. Good luck out there today and of course have fun.
Worldwide, Dodgers Fans are all pulling for the TEAM.
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D-Lowe,
Nothing is better than going into their house and shutting up 50,000 people. Do your thing homie i got your back
dogg!
ernie
Santa Ana
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D.Lowe,
What's the consensus on the team about the third base coach sending two runners to the plate in the 2nd againt the Mets who were thrown out by a long shot. I'm a Dodger fan from the Garvey, Cey, Russell days who doesn't really follow ball that much anymore except playoff time...that was horrible coaching. Just venting...good luck the remainder of the series...and tell the 3rd base coach to lay off the coffee!
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What's up D?!!
I just want to say you did a superb job out there today. We almost had them! Anyway, I can't wait till you guys come back to LA. You got thousands of fans, and we're with you all the way baby!
I really hope you keep this blog going. It sets you apart from all the other athletes, and adds that personal connection to your fans.
-Jose
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Great try tonight, looks like the comeback Dodgers will have to do what they do best. Let's go Kuo, 1 and 1 back to LA! :-)
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Dereck
I know you did your best out there today, i could tell by the look on your face that you were a little disapointed but i know that we will win this series and advance, and you will pitch one of your best games on your next start. Stay up Dereck and lets root for Kuo and get ourselves a win.
Sincerely
The Acosta Family
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Derek
I know you did your best out there today, i could tell by the look on your face that you were a little disapointed but i know that we will win this series and advance, and you will pitch one of your best games on your next start. Stay up Derek and lets root for Kuo and get ourselves a win.
Sincerely
The Acosta Family
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DLowe as always a great effort on the hill you are truly a workhorse. Tell Donny i said "what up". Watched the game at Squibbys. As always you made Dearborn, Michigan proud. I"m going to the MSU vs. U of M game on saturday, go sparty on. Go Dodgers go. Hammer
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