Posted on October 3, 2006 by Andrew Flynn
October 3rd - Playoff Dispatches
PLAYOFF HITTING ab r h bi | bb so avg --------------------------------------------------------- Khalil Greene SD SS 0 0 0 0 | 0 0 .000 Dave Roberts SD OF 4 1 3 1 | 0 1 .750 --------------------------------------------------------- Totals 4 1 3 1 | 0 1 .750 --------------------------------------------------------- 3B: DRoberts (1) PLAYOFF PITCHING ip h r er bb ibb so bf era whip ---------------------------------------------------------------------- None 0.0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0.00 0.00 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Totals 0.0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0.00 0.00 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- DID NOT PLAY: CHensley
From Rotoworld, Rototimes, Rotowire:
Dave Roberts went 3-for-4 in Game 1 of the NLDS. He tripled and scored the Padres’ lone run. Roberts and Brian Giles, the Padres’ first two hitters in the batting order, combined for a 5-for-7 afternoon. The rest of the team went 1-for-24, which led to the one-run output. If Roberts keeps getting on base, chances are that the Padres offense will drive him in more frequently than they did on Tuesday.
Johnny Estrada, not expected back with Arizona in 2007, took a swipe at the team. “You can try and kid yourself all you want,” Estrada said, “but at the end of the day, you can’t convince yourself you’re putting a championship team on the field.” Arizona is expected to let Chris Snyder and Miguel Montero battle it out for the catching job, leaving arbitration-eligible Estrada out of the picture. He thinks he’ll be traded and, after these comments, it’s clear he’s on his way out.
Khalil Greene had his first three at-bats on Sunday since August 17, striking out twice and grounding out. Greene has been recovering from a torn ligament in his left middle finger, and he doesn’t sound confident that he’ll be very productive offensively in the playoffs. “Defensively, I feel like I’m capable of doing what I need to do,” Greene said in the San Diego Union-Tribune. “Offensively, I don’t think I’m anywhere near where I need to be, to be a productive player.” Greene (finger) entered Tuesday’s Game 1 in the eighth inning as a defensive replacement at shortstop. He did not receive any at-bats. Greene should make frequent defensive appearances during the NLDS, many of which are likely to include at least one at-bat.
The Dodgers confirmed that Hong-Chih Kuo would start Game 2 against the Mets in New York. Greg Maddux will follow in Game 3. The Dodgers haven’t announced a Game 4 starter amidst speculation that Brad Penny could spend the series in the pen.
John Maine could get the nod for Game 1 with Orlando Hernandez doubtful with a strained right calf muscle, the NY Newsday reports. Hernandez strained his calf running in the outfield during the team’s workout Tuesday and his status may not be determined until the results of an MRI scheduled for later that day. Maine may get the ball because Tom Glavine would be starting on three days rest and Steve Trachsel has not yet returned from his personal business in San Diego.
Roy Oswalt had another fantastic year in 2006, going 15-8 with a 2.98 ERA and 166 strikeouts. Oswalt’s 2.98 ERA was good for second in the majors, behind just Johan Santana’s 2.77. The only reason he didn’t reach 20 wins again this year was due to the Astros’ weak offense and the bullpen blowing multiple of his potential wins in the eighth and ninth innings. He will continue to be a premier pitcher in the majors for years to come.
Trainer Stan Conte has revealed that Armando Benitez’s right knee rehabilitation in Florida is going “pretty well, and it looks like surgery will not be necessary,” the San Francisco Chronicle reports. The Giants sent Benitez to Florida about four weeks ago after pain and inflammation in the arthritic knee prevented him from pitching. Conte said the club set a timetable of roughly six weeks of rehabilitation, after which it would consider surgery if the knee had not improved. The club will still likely look into closer alternatives during the offseason.