Offense needs to get in gear to take Game 3
I’ve been fortunate. I’ve been on teams down 2-0, down 3-0, and never lost. If we win Game 3 on Saturday, I’ve always felt there’s more pressure on the team that’s leading than on the team that’s trailing. That team -- in this case, the Mets --- doesn’t want to go to a Game 5. If we get to Game 5, there’s even more pressure on them. 
With that being said, it is tough to win, but we’ve gone on three-game win streaks before. We just need to play it like a regular game, instead of looking at it like a deficit. We’ve lost two in a row before and we’ve come back. We need to keep it that simple.
We shot ourselves in the foot a little bit in the first two games. Those things happen and the Mets capitalized. You look at any playoff game -- any big game -- and every small thing, right or wrong, is magnified. Sure, you’d like to take those plays back, absolutely. In close games, that’s what it comes down to. So there’s no formula, no right way to say, "Tomorrow, we’re going to do this." You never know what happens.
We’ve got to find a way to score runs, because the offense that we’re up against is going to score. We won’t win 1-0, 2-0. We have to score runs and do a better job. In my game, for example, it wasn’t the two solo home runs that hurt me. It was the inning that they scored two in the sixth. You have to limit them from getting a big inning.
Going into the game, we may have to try different things. You hear Tigers manager Jim Leyland say that we’re two different teams. The Mets hit home runs, we’re base to base. Maybe we will try different things. Maybe we force the issue. I’m not the manager and I’m not telling people what to do, I’m just looking at the situation and where we’re at.
Losing Nomar Garciaparra is a major blow, but this Dodgers team has confidence in all 25 guys on our roster. In a perfect world, he plays like he has. But if he doesn’t, I hope rookie James Loney has the kind of game that he had in Colorado; he recorded nine RBIs to tie a single-game franchise record. Injuries happen. Guys are going to get banged up at the wrong time.
I think it is good to have someone like you on the team, Derek, because you have been in situations like these before and you are used to the pressure. It is true what you said about the Mets having more pressure because they are the ones thinking about sweeping the Dodgers but if they loose a game, they will loose confince as well. Well im sure you guys will come back and win tomorrows game. GOODLUCK AND GO DODGERS!!!
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We all know it will be a differant story in Dodger Stadium, can't wait. Remember, one game at a time. It can be done. Hammer
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Derek keep the team spirit up! You guys get to Trachsel in Game 3 and you get a beatable Perez in Game 4. Losing Nomar does sting but you guys have won as a team all year! Good luck and have a blast!
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Two games in Dodger Stadium, then Lowe back out there for Game 5! I like our chances! Never give up, Blue! Think Blue! Think October!
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Coming home has gotta be nice. I know the team will use the crowd to its advantage. Tell Drew to stay sharp at the plate, and no matter what happens remember that at least you are not pitching for the lowely Giants!
THINK BLUE
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I have lots of faith in James Loney, he's a great player and we need him. Nomar needs some time. He's a great player and he plays hard. We can do this. We've won 11 in a row before and nows the time to defeat this team. Ya we dont have home run hitters, but we have a great team and lots of power. Lets go out there and win this one for the fans!!!
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Thanks again for the players perspective Derek, I think we fans forget that you guys are fans as much as we are. The only difference is we live vicariously through you and you get to actually go out and play the game at the highest level !!!
We just need to play tomorrows game with confidence, be patient at the plate and stay positive no matter what !! We can do it !!
Go Dodgers !!
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hey Derek My name is adan and im 19 I was at the 1988 W.S. My father took me to, although I dont remember it of course I was only A year old I still have the pictures my father had taken,so i've been a fan since basically day one Win or lose I bleed Dodger Blue Anyways I have a good feeling furcals and loftons bats will fire and if they do so then the rest of the line up will follow, we just need to shut down the 3-4-5 hitters and we're good. Yes the mts are a good team but its not impossible because derek you were on that 2003 Red Sox team that was also down 0-2 against Oakland I believe so lets go out there and show the mets that they still are the same mets from 2003 that only won 66 games and lost 95 and that this year was a FLuke. If its any team this year it the Dodgers that Deserve it and I believe We can do it, And ill be there tomorrow afternoon un the stands to cheer you and The dodgers on and also on sunday and trust me there will be a sunday so lets go out there and do it. C'MON DODGERS LETS GO!!
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Its not over until the Dodgers say its over. I harken back to 1988. Dodgers were down 2 games to one in New York. The Dodgers down 2 runs in the 8th inning of game 4 Gooden pitching well and up comes Mike Scioscia its gone the Dodgers tie it on Scioscia's Home Run and then win it on Gibsons extra inning blast to tie the series. This 2006 team has had magical moments and I see more on horizon. The Dodgers have Hall of Fame pitcher on the mound. I havent looked ahead at the pitching matchups but with what the Dodgers have going for them in pitching I like their chances. Maddox, Penny, & you the man Derek Lowe in game 5 we can do it and guess what this fan says we will do it. The Mets did what they were supposed to do win at home and nw its the Dodgers turn to win at home and then steal one in New York. Beat the Mets! Beat the Mets! Beat the Mets! Yes I see 1988 all over again Dodgers vs. A's World Series!
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Derek forgot one thing in my message. My birthday was yesterday and all I wish for is a Dodger series victory over the Mets! Can you guys give me my wish? Go get em Dodgers!
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Remember 2003 against Oakland and Trot's homerun? Obviously 04 was the ultimate comeback. You guys got this. I can only imagine the stories you have for your teammates, all the ways you can motivate them. You and Billy Mueller and Nomar and even Grady Little have all had your backs against the wall and overcome it. The Dodgers can too, but if not, there's always next year.
I feel for Nomie. It's gotta **** that he always gets these pesky little injuries that keep him down, but he got Comeback Player of the Year. Tell him that Red Sox Nation loves him.
-A
http://catchingredsox.mlblogs.com
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