Rockies @ Dodgers Sept. 25, 2016: Dichotomy

Rockies
Dodgers
1:10 p.m.
Los Angeles
CF
Blackmon
LF
Kendrick
2B
LeMahieu
3B
Turner
RF
Gonzalez
SS
Seager
3B
Arenado
RF
Puig
LF
Dahl
1B
Gonzalez
1B
Parra
C
Ruiz
SS
Adames  CF Hernandez
C
Garneau
2B
Culberson
P
Anderson (L)
P
McCarthy (R)

Today’s game is rather overshadowed by an impossible construction of sad events. Not only is the baseball world reeling from the tragic loss of Jose Fernandez, but this is also Vin Scully’s final home broadcast. Scully will call next weekend’s series against the Giants, but there will be another huge void created in the baseball world when he steps away from the microphone at Chavez Ravine for the final time. There will be tears, and that’s okay. Scully will likely address the loss of Fernandez, too, and there won’t be many dry eyes to spare.

All of this is in very stark contrast to the fact that the Dodgers have strong odds of clinching the division today, entering the contest with a magic number of one. The images of spraying champagne and the images of Jose Fernandez’ life in the foreground of our minds will be very difficult to deal with at the same time. Of course we should be happy, the Dodgers overcame some very difficult times to get where they are now. They’re well positioned for the playoffs, and Vin Scully calling the clinching moments in his final home broadcast would be special. But, at the same time, a part of me wants the celebration to be postponed until Tuesday, even if it means the Giants win and the Dodgers lose today. I don’t know.

Meanwhile, today’s start is important for Brandon McCarthy. The last time we saw McCarthy pitch, he was incredibly wild with his fastball. Given how effective he was before his sudden fastball control loss, if his command is more dialed in he may be the de facto pick for the playoff number four start.

But yeah, we’ll still be thinking about Jose.

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About Daniel Brim

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Daniel Brim grew up in the Los Angeles area but doesn't live there anymore. He still watches the Dodgers and writes about them sometimes.