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About Jon
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1) using profanity or any euphemisms for profanity
2) personally attacking other commenters
3) baiting other commenters
4) arguing for the sake of arguing
5) discussing politics
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7) using sarcasm in a way that can be misinterpreted negatively
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Kershaw XI: Manny I
2008-08-01 16:25
by Jon Weisman

Snippet from an e-mail conversation about Manny Ramirez's Dodger arrival ...

Jon: "I think Manny in the middle of the order will make a bigger difference (than pitching), assuming he's at least 50 percent sane. Or I hope that he does. It would be nice if for once a new acqusition didn't go down the toilet."

Jon's dad: "Considering the caliber of the restrooms, I am sure even Manny will not go."

* * *

Diamondbacks at Dodgers, 7:40 p.m.

Comments (1125)
Show/Hide Comments 1-50
2008-08-01 16:29:19
1.   Eric Stephen
Tomorrow's LAT headline:

"Manny Happy Returns"

2008-08-01 16:31:18
2.   Eric Enders
He may just decide to go woodsman style, and use the new trees in the bullpen to relieve himself.
2008-08-01 16:31:25
3.   Bob Timmermann
Dodger Stadium's restrooms are far nicer than Fenway's.
2008-08-01 16:31:39
4.   AlmostGagne
I missed the press conference and I'm at work until 7:30! Where can I see Manny's press conference online?
2008-08-01 16:31:56
5.   trainwreck
I can't help but think having such a large Latino population will make Manny feel comfortable here.
2008-08-01 16:33:13
6.   silverwidow
Roster move?!?
2008-08-01 16:33:39
7.   Ken Noe
2 Maybe he's been in touch with Rick Bosetti.
2008-08-01 16:34:04
8.   Bob Timmermann
5
You mean the vast Dominican community that L.A. has?
2008-08-01 16:35:39
9.   Greg Brock
Why would anybody pitch to Ramirez with the sacks empty and Kent behind him?

I predict walks. Lots and lots of walks.

2008-08-01 16:35:45
10.   Eric Enders
Somebody really ought to write a joint biography of Manny and Rube Waddell.
2008-08-01 16:36:26
11.   Zak
That's a good thing, right.
2008-08-01 16:36:53
12.   Zak
I meant 9 , not 10 , although that may be a good thing too.
2008-08-01 16:37:39
13.   gpellamjr
I repeat: Andruw Jones gets untracked/on-track tonight. Book it!
2008-08-01 16:39:11
14.   Greg Brock
11 I love walks. Lots of pitches seen and lots of walks. It's why Ethier's at-bats are my favorite.

Walks are my triples.

2008-08-01 16:39:18
15.   scareduck
http://deadspin.com/5029107/thats-just-manny-being-fanny
2008-08-01 16:40:37
16.   Jim Hitchcock
13 That sounds suspiciously like a Tommy Lasorda impression.
2008-08-01 16:41:07
17.   trainwreck
8
I bet he answered more questions in Spanish in that one press conference than he did his entire time in Boston.
2008-08-01 16:41:49
18.   Zak
Tonight's game is kinda crucial. The next two pitching matchups really aren't in our favor, and we at least have to split this series, right? Right? Actually, is tonight's pitching matchup in our favor?
2008-08-01 16:42:48
19.   trainwreck
15
{Shakes head}
2008-08-01 16:45:09
20.   Eric Enders
The Boston area has a much larger Latino community than one might think. And probably more Dominicans than L.A. has, I would guess. If not more in raw numbers, certainly a much higher percentage.
2008-08-01 16:46:13
21.   Zak
15 Eh, we've had Tommy Lasorda here for 50 years. I'm sure maintenance workers have seen a flooded bathroom once or twice.
2008-08-01 16:46:36
22.   Sammy Maudlin
Was Manny Ramirez named after Manny Mota? They are both from Santo Domingo.
2008-08-01 16:46:56
23.   fordprefect
5

Riiiight, especially the most enlightened patrons in the left field pavilion.

2008-08-01 16:49:07
24.   Sean P
This probably has already been pointed out, but Andruw just posted his worst month in a historically (also histerically) bad season:

69 PA: .159/.243/.190/.433 0HR/6BB/26K

2008-08-01 16:50:34
25.   DodgerBakers
9 maybe, but I get the impression that most pitchers still see Kent as a potential threat. I mean, Joe Torre knows how to win and he bats him fourth...
2008-08-01 16:51:27
26.   Xeifrank
18. Vegas line has moved from this game being a toss-up (or very slight edge for AZ) to the Dodgers now being slightly favored at 52.83% to win. AccuScore still has the DBacks with a slight edge at 51%. My Simulator is more Dodger friendly tonight, giving the boys in blue a 55.93% chance of winning Manny's debut game. Vegas has a low Over/Under of 7.5, while AccuScore and my Simulator are around 8.6 on the O/U.
vr, Xei
2008-08-01 16:51:45
27.   Zak
It is so difficult to slug .190 in 69 ABs. That is seriously historical.
2008-08-01 16:52:55
28.   CajunDodger
124
Yuck...That's a bad month for Mark Hendrickson let alone Jones.

Is there any precedent for a player dropping off of the map this quickly without some devastating injury? This is becoming historic in a train wreck sort of sense.

2008-08-01 16:53:55
29.   Eric Enders
According to the Migration Policy Institute, the Boston metro area has the fourth-largest Dominican population in the US, at 39,000. Lawrence, MA, has the sixth-largest population, and Providence/Pawtucket the seventh. All of these have more than 20,000 Dominicans.

For comparison, the Dominican population of the entire state of California is 12,000.

2008-08-01 16:54:34
30.   Harold M Johnson
I've from disbelief, to anger, to rage to now feeling generally sorry for Andruw Jones. I can't think of any other time in professional sports that someone has gone through such a horrific collapse.
2008-08-01 16:55:16
31.   Bob Timmermann
Jason Bay walked and scored on a sac fly in his first appearance as a Red Thingee.
2008-08-01 16:55:29
32.   trainwreck
30
Practically happens to every RB in the NFL.
2008-08-01 16:56:25
33.   Andrew Shimmin
31- Manny is so on the clock!
2008-08-01 16:58:08
34.   Sean P
Juan Pierre outslugged Andruw by .146 in July.
2008-08-01 17:00:25
35.   Sean P
Ethier outslugged Andruw by .300 in July.

I kind of hate Joe Torre a little bit right now.

2008-08-01 17:02:37
36.   Greg Brock
Imagine how Ethier feels.
2008-08-01 17:02:50
37.   Eric Enders
34 Even more remarkably, Pierre outslugged Andruw by .146 in July despite not getting a single extra-base hit.
2008-08-01 17:04:13
38.   micktissue
I get it. New Post Up Top. NPUT. Took me a while ...
2008-08-01 17:06:24
39.   Sean P
37

Oops, I was looking at Pierre's June numbers. He actually outslugged Andruw by .158 in July.

2008-08-01 17:06:34
40.   CajunDodger
37
Not kidding...that made laugh out loud.

Wow.

2008-08-01 17:08:46
41.   GMac In The 909
36 He's not allowed to feel.
2008-08-01 17:11:19
42.   DaDoughboy
I can't believe he took #99.
That is awesome.
2008-08-01 17:12:21
43.   Deuce
Kind of funny how hypocrisy has reigned this year in
Dodgerland. Torre justifies inane personnel decisions with spin, Ned talks about building a club with character guys who know how to play the game the right way. Now the season is going to be saved by Manny, the guy who doesn't listen to anyone and sure doesn't play the game "the right way." I like the trade for the short-term, but let's be honest. The McCourt/Ned/Torre trio has been all about PR, pacifying the press, and trying to put butts in the seats. Not about building and sustaining the best baseball team.
2008-08-01 17:12:44
44.   micktissue
42 free spirit = ManRam
2008-08-01 17:13:51
45.   MonkeyBlue
Wish this game would start right now! so excited!
2008-08-01 17:14:19
46.   trainwreck
42
At the press conference he said he wanted 34, but that is Fernando's number, so they just gave him 99.
2008-08-01 17:14:34
47.   Greg Brock
43 Not to mention jerking around the only player who, talent not withstanding, seemingly does everything on the baseball field exactly how it should be done.

This young player is rewarded by sitting behind a fat load and a nobody.

2008-08-01 17:15:08
48.   Eric Enders
The more I think about it the more I think Manny and Waddell are kindred spirits. Manny has a ways to go before he matches Waddell's 1903 season, however. Lee Allen, quoted on Wikipedia:

"He began that year (1903) sleeping in a firehouse in Camden, New Jersey, and ended it tending bar in a saloon in Wheeling, West Virginia. In between those events he won 22 games for the Philadelphia Athletics, played left end for the Business Men's Rugby Football Club of Grand Rapids, Michigan, toured the nation in a melodrama called The Stain of Guilt, courted, married and became separated from May Wynne Skinner of Lynn, Massachusetts, saved a woman from drowning, accidentally shot a friend through the hand, and was bitten by a lion."

2008-08-01 17:15:23
49.   ryu
Manny said he wanted jersey #34, but it's Fernando's number. So he said they gave him #99.
2008-08-01 17:16:01
50.   Bob Timmermann
Sidney Ponson is no longer interesting.
Show/Hide Comments 51-100
2008-08-01 17:20:50
51.   Deuce
47 But the Times loved the fat load and nobody signings at the time. Talked about how McCourt and Ned were willing to spend to improve the club. Is it just me, or does Vin sometimes almost choke when having to spout the party line?
2008-08-01 17:21:05
52.   Dodgers49
Suns lose sixth game in a row

>> Before the game, right-handed pitcher Kieran Mattison was sent to the Suns. The Los Angeles Dodgers bought his contract from Grand Prairie of the Independent American Association.

Suns pitcher Luis Ferraras was re-assigned to the Great Lakes Loons of the Low-A Midwest League. <<

http://tinyurl.com/5q9qf9

2008-08-01 17:22:04
53.   Buffalo Jones
There is a bar here in Spokane named "Waddell's" after Rube. Not sure of the significance of Spokane in his life if any. But the have great beers on tab.
2008-08-01 17:23:46
54.   Bob Timmermann
51
What makes you think Vin Scully has to adhere to a "party line?" It's not like he has to worry about losing his job.

Vin started complaining about Juan Pierre's fielding on Opening Day last year. Vin said that he didn't see Andruw Jones get around on a fastball back in spring training.

2008-08-01 17:27:22
55.   Rob M
I'm ready to see the goldurn lineup already!
2008-08-01 17:28:58
56.   PalmdaleSteve1
Question for Stat Heads

How many NL Pitchers have a better batting average than Andruw Jones?

I did a quick count, 5 or so.

Pathetic

Ned...as Weird Al said..."Eat it, just eat it". Unconditionally release Andruw Jones.

2008-08-01 17:29:19
57.   Bob Timmermann
55
Goodness, gracious, sakes alive!

Kemp, RF
Blake, 3B
Martin, C
Ramirez, LF
Kent, 2B
Loney, 1B
Jones, CF
Berroa, SS
Kershaw, LHP

2008-08-01 17:29:30
58.   Alex41592
429. Jon Weisman
Tonight's lineup:

Kemp, RF
Blake, 3B
Martin, C
Ramirez, LF
Kent, 2B
Loney, 1B
Jones, CF
Berroa, SS
Kershaw, LHP

2008-08-01 17:30:07
59.   Alex41592
It's there twice for others, no excuses!
2008-08-01 17:31:17
60.   Jon Weisman
Nomar officially to DL.

Lineup posted in last thread.

2008-08-01 17:31:20
61.   Louis in SF
Any news on the roster spot? For someone who has listened to Vin over many years, he in my mind has been quite objective and not been fearful of criticizing Dodger players and complementing other teams players.
2008-08-01 17:31:34
62.   Deuce
[54} Maybe it's just that he tries to be positive about every Dodger. Raves about Jones' defense even though I think it's apparent he is not the CF he used to be. Talks constantly about how early Pierre gets to the ballpark. Gushed about DeWitt even though he didn't hit a lick for two months. I don't think he's told what to say, just tries to put a good spin on everything.
2008-08-01 17:31:51
63.   Harold M Johnson
No Eithier, but we are facing a lefty so no complaints.

Maybe Jones' turnaround starts tonight /snicker

2008-08-01 17:32:00
64.   Bob Timmermann
Before tonight's game starts, can the court stipulate that Andruw Jones isn't very good?

This way, the same facts don't have to be produced as evidence throughout the game.

2008-08-01 17:32:10
65.   Greg Brock
Seven-eight-nine is brutal.

Like having three pitchers hit.

2008-08-01 17:32:33
66.   Alex41592
From Tony Jackson:

Nomar to DL.

Although Juan Pierre is on the bench tonight against Randy Johnson, Torre said JP will likely become the primary CF now, with Matt Kemp moving to RF. That means Andre Ethier effectively joins Andruw Jones as backup OFs, although Torre was quick to qualify that by saying everyone is going to get enough playing time to stay sharp.

2008-08-01 17:32:51
67.   DaDoughboy
I wonder how well Vin would do as a manager...You have to figure he has seen about 80-90k innings of baseball as an announcer, seeing every possible situation hundreds of times. And, the guy can recall certain games from back in Brooklyn like they were yesterday. Makes me wonder.
2008-08-01 17:33:18
68.   Andrew Shimmin
84 Pitchers have a higher AVG than Jones. But most of those only have a handful of ABs.
2008-08-01 17:34:27
69.   Harold M Johnson
(one of many) Question(s) of the night:

When will Manny's first IBB be?

2008-08-01 17:34:34
70.   Eric Enders
56 There are 25 pitchers with better batting averages than Jones. (minimum 20 PA).

http://www.bb-ref.com/pi/shareit/BBPA

2008-08-01 17:35:13
71.   Louis in SF
60
With Nomar now on the DL and DY, Penny, and Proctor all due back within about two weeks the Dodger moves will be very interesting. If JP or Jones are claimed, could we finally have the right starting outfield.
2008-08-01 17:35:13
72.   Andrew Shimmin
It's 25 pitchers, if you set a minimum of 20 PAs.
2008-08-01 17:35:26
73.   max power
OUCH.

Diamond: "Juan Pierre and Andre Ethier are out of the lineup today, but it appears from what Joe Torre is saying that all things equal, it will be Andruw Jones and Ethier who will be the odd men out. Jones is starting today against left-hander Randy Johnson, but Juan Pierre is expected to return to center field tomorrow, with Ramirez playing left and Matt Kemp playing right."

2008-08-01 17:35:30
74.   Andrew Shimmin
D'oh.
2008-08-01 17:35:46
75.   Deuce
66 I thought it had been decided already that Pierre couldn't play CF. Wow, that's going to be a pitcher's nightmare with the Manny/Pierre combo out there.
2008-08-01 17:35:46
76.   Gagne55
I think Jones is going to be playing against lefties.
2008-08-01 17:35:49
77.   Ken Noe
66 Why refuse to move him, indeed keep Ethier for LaRoche, and then bench him for Slappy? Madness reigns supreme. Torre's resolve usually lasts as long as his commercials, but still this is just nuts.
2008-08-01 17:35:59
78.   Bob Timmermann
62
I would think Scully would be pretty ticked off if people thought he was just saying what he was told to say.

He could logically and legitimately believe what he is saying. Sometimes it may not agree with our own perceptions.

If you want to hear someone relentlessly positive about every player, go watch a Diamondbacks game with Daron Sutton. Or a Tigers game with Mario Impemba.

2008-08-01 17:36:11
79.   Marty
I'm back from Chicago and Manny is still a Dodger. Some things never change.
2008-08-01 17:37:03
80.   Deuce
76 Because the tears them up.
2008-08-01 17:37:59
81.   jasonungar07
So now we get to watch Juan Pierre play CF everyday and leadoff? So that's the rub...
2008-08-01 17:38:46
82.   PalmdaleSteve1
66

JP getting more playing time is a smart move, if Ned is trying to showcase him for a move ether before 1 September or in the off season.

JP has some value, Jones is not worth a dime right now hitting .167.

Get some cash free, Manny settles in, got the money to entice Manny to a two or three year deal so there is power for next year, and even more money freed up for next year for more bats.

Kent gone x $
Nomar gone Y $
JP gone Z $

x+y+z - Manny $ leaves some money to buy another bat for the middle of the order.

2008-08-01 17:38:57
83.   Greg Brock
Now I know how Torre is going to screw this up.

Didn't take long to find out.

2008-08-01 17:39:47
84.   Marty
Juan and Manny in the outfield should be entertaining. This is going to be hilarious.
2008-08-01 17:40:43
85.   Deuce
78 Sutton is bad. Not attacking Vin, just think he's very PR savvy. Part of why he's great and definitely a big reason the Dodgers have drawn so well.
2008-08-01 17:41:12
86.   sporky
Torre's word doesn't mean much, but let me just say GAAAAAAAARGH.
2008-08-01 17:41:56
87.   natepurcell
Are they going to call Hu up?
2008-08-01 17:42:53
88.   Alex41592
Well keep things in perspective. The ONLY place Pierre can start now is centerfield. Manny and Kemp are firmly in their spots with the occasional day off. Ethier/Jones/Pierre will rotate. I don't really take anything Torre says about the lineup seriously.
2008-08-01 17:43:03
89.   tjdub
I'm not sure I've ever disliked a person I didn't know more than I dislike Joe Torre.

Possibly Kevin McHale, but it's close.

2008-08-01 17:43:18
90.   Deuce
82 Showcasing a lesser player then who could be playing in a pennant race is not smart. I thought we got Manny to go balls out and win this thing.
2008-08-01 17:45:12
91.   Ken Noe
Torre has made these Olympian pronouncements since he was hired, only to forget about them a few days later. So this may not last long. Still, it gripes me beyond imagining.
2008-08-01 17:45:32
92.   Alex41592
From Diamond:

This exchange occurred before batting practice...

Takashi Saito: Call me Sammy.

Manny Ramirez: Sammy. Puts hands together and bows

Ramirez: You guys got some rice bowls here? I love it.

Saito: Turns to Japanese reporter with look of confusion

2008-08-01 17:46:14
93.   Sean P
88

My perspective is Manny/Kemp/Ethier every day.

Pierre = pinch hitter/pinch runner
Jones = defensive replacement

2008-08-01 17:46:31
94.   D4P
92
Ah, insensitive racial stereotypes...
2008-08-01 17:46:45
95.   Greg Brock
Cue Marty's favorite line from Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid.
2008-08-01 17:47:27
96.   PalmdaleSteve1
90

There's also the business of baseball, and getting ether Jones or JP contracts gone and the salary freed up for next year is critical.

Nobody is going to take Jones with his terrible hitting, not after the Dodgers tried to fix what could not be fixed in Hotlanta.

Ether at 400k is chump change and from a business standpoint, he can sit not a problem.

Parking Lot Frank will be happy with making round two this year of the playoffs with this crew.

2008-08-01 17:49:10
97.   PalmdaleSteve1
92

Someone tell Manny about Beef Bowl, cheap good eats if he likes rice.

2008-08-01 17:49:41
98.   Deuce
How much will the poor OF defense offset the offensive gains of Manny? We saw Pierre's act in CF last year and it cost a lot of extra bases. Manny is a terrible OF (in Fenway) and Pierre is Pierre.
2008-08-01 17:50:20
99.   Andrew Shimmin
Joe Torre thinks Pierre is better than Ethier. Maybe he thinks it only conditionally--that Pierre is better than Ethier so long as Furcal is out. But it looks pretty clear to me that he thinks playing Pierre is more likely to result in winning baseball games.

Oh well.

2008-08-01 17:50:20
100.   Harold M Johnson
#97, hope you're joking about the beef bowl!!
Show/Hide Comments 101-150
2008-08-01 17:50:31
101.   Paul Scott
Well, that's that then. We dumped LaRoche and Morris for no gain.
2008-08-01 17:50:54
102.   whodat807
92 groan. Reminds me of Shaq 'imitating' Chinese back when Yao was a rookie. That rubs me the wrong way.

Gotta say, if Pierre is in center for most of the rest of the year, my enthusiasm for this trade is dampened some. Why not trade Ethier if you're not going to start him? Then again, Torre also said Ethier would be a starter coming into the season, so who knows what the heck he has in mind.

2008-08-01 17:51:06
103.   natepurcell
92

I laughed at 92. I forgot Saito was still even here.

2008-08-01 17:51:17
104.   Bob Timmermann
So did everybody wake up on the wrong side of the bed today? And then once doing that stub their toe? And then hit their head against the wall? And then slip in the shower?

People haven't been this angry since the Detroit series.

2008-08-01 17:51:29
105.   Marty
95 You mean this one?

Pierre is as fast as the wind, and I've never seen anyone hit the ball harder than Manny. But you're still nothing but two bit outfielders. And you're gonna die bloody. Now tie me up Manny

2008-08-01 17:51:31
106.   Harold M Johnson
#101: no gain? We were going to be playing Pierre too much anyway, but now we've swapped Manny for Jones. No gain?
2008-08-01 17:51:40
107.   FirstMohican
Vin was raving last year about Druw's defense while he was a Brave. Vin commented about the double standard for veterans and kids when the Dodger org has openly criticized the kids repeatedly. Pretty sure Vin isn't pushing Dodger propaganda. I could see Vin taking great offense to that.
2008-08-01 17:52:09
108.   Andrew Shimmin
101- If Manny's taking Ethier's spot. If Manny's taking Jones's spot, then there's a big expected gain.
2008-08-01 17:52:45
109.   McNulty
Ethier to the bench? I need a drink.
2008-08-01 17:53:20
110.   Greg Brock
105 Morons. I've got morons on my team.
2008-08-01 17:53:26
111.   UVaDodger
Am I a bad person if I now hope that Pierre joins Nomar?
2008-08-01 17:53:54
112.   Marty
110 I know, but I felt I needed to go for another joke.
2008-08-01 17:54:05
113.   Lexinthedena
I'm sick and tired of being sick and tired of managers and their Pierre infatuation.
2008-08-01 17:54:52
114.   Andrew Shimmin
104- I'm angry that the Twins called up Liriano. It looked like the path was clear for the Tigers to steal the AL Central!

This, this I don't much like, but I also can't bring myself to care about, too much.

2008-08-01 17:55:35
115.   underdog
I am just going to make a bold (or bold) prediction and say whatever Torre says now, today about who will play more and blah blah will very likely be thrown out the window within a week. Especially after like two games of Manny's D and Pierre's Noodle. I wouldn't worry about it that much. Yet.

Also, I think whatever the Dodgers do the next two months, they wanted Ethier for the future, and Manny won't be here next year. (And very possibly Jones or Pierre will be gone at some point, too.)

I wish Andruw could be a pinch-fielder and have someone else bat for him each time.

Mmmm... between the Beef Bowl reference and Pierre's Noodle, I'm hungry now. See y'all in a while.

2008-08-01 17:55:35
116.   Paul Scott
106 No, we swapped Manny for Either - certainly gain there, offensively and a big drop defensively.

But, since Jones and Pierre had no place starting, yes it amounts to no gain.

Manny+Kemp+Pierre, Blake at 3B is essentially equal to Kemp+Either+Blake, with LaRoche at 3B - offensively and much much worse defensively.

2008-08-01 17:55:42
117.   sporky
104 I'm an aspiring pirate.
2008-08-01 17:56:10
118.   trainwreck
114
Because this helps your D-Backs.
2008-08-01 17:56:13
119.   Deuce
I thought Torre moved Johnny Damon to LF because he couldn't throw.
2008-08-01 17:57:24
120.   overkill94
Is firejoetorre.com already taken?
2008-08-01 17:58:17
121.   PalmdaleSteve1
117

I wish I had dreadlocks (wig) to wear tonight in honor of Manny, pre-haircut.

If Kent shows up in the pregame wearing a dreadlocks wig the game is up.

2008-08-01 17:58:48
122.   Andrew Shimmin
120- Yes. But the owner may be willing to move it. It's been dormant for more than a year.
2008-08-01 17:58:48
123.   bigcpa
We gave up 5 yrs of LaRoche for this upgrade:

Manny road 07-08: .292/.380/.522
Ethier career:        .289/.351/.457

2007 Fielding Bible +/-
Ramirez: -38
Ethier: +16

2008-08-01 17:59:12
124.   Alex41592
I'll focus on the positive and I look very much forward to seeing Russell Martin benefit from batting in front of Manny.
2008-08-01 17:59:33
125.   underdog
Or I should say Designated Fielder. That's what I meant, in the rules of that imaginary game of baseball I have in my head.

Or is that blernsball?

2008-08-01 18:00:26
126.   Paul Scott
124 yeah, well except for the fact that it is pretty well established that "protection" has no measurable effect.
2008-08-01 18:00:39
127.   larry slimfast
maybe manny will use juan as a hand towel and clog up the toilet with him. maybe someone could dip pierre in ranch dressing and andruw will eat him. as much as jones is struggling i'd still rather see him out there than pierre. pierre starting over ethier is an outrage. it's as if joe torre doesn't understand anything about baseball accept that juan pierre can steal bases. can we send joe to a class about probability? this madness is maddening.
2008-08-01 18:01:12
128.   Jacob Burch
116 Not that I disagree entirely, but you're kidding yourself if you think Blake/LaRoche/Kemp/ethier was going to be an everyday thing at any point without Manny.

I agree that if we go with Pierre/Kemp/Manny the whole way as the regular situation that it's not much better than the ideal non-move shuffling, it was never going to happen.

And I, like others, don't take much on what Torre says, and will pass judgment only as lineups come up over the next few weeks.

2008-08-01 18:01:12
129.   underdog
121 Kent in a dreadlocked wig for real, would make my year. Seriously. I would have that as wallpaper on my computer. (Well, briefly, before I realized how frightening it was.)
2008-08-01 18:01:19
130.   Paul Scott
123 6 years, but yes, we did.
2008-08-01 18:03:23
131.   underdog
I will say, though, that an everyday outfield right now that was always Manny/Pierre/Jones would turn me into this:

http://tinyurl.com/2zqsyz

2008-08-01 18:04:39
132.   Deuce
How can a guy be a Hall of Fame manager, win 4 World Championships, and think Pierre is a better player than Either? Boggles the mind. Or are all of us just stupid, not realizing the great leadoff abilities of JP?
2008-08-01 18:04:55
133.   ryu
92 LOL You can say that it's hypocritical to be happy about Milton Bradley being gone and then to be excited about Manny being here. But Milton was never this funny.

And I'm Asian.

2008-08-01 18:05:30
134.   Paul Scott
Plus, though I seem to be the only one who thinks this, but if we really wanted a 2 month rental of a poor defensive LF (but not as poor as Manny) with a big bat (bigger than Manny's) we could have just signed Bonds.
2008-08-01 18:07:37
135.   Eric Enders
133 "But Milton was never this funny."

I don't know, this was pretty funny.
https://dodgerthoughts.baseballtoaster.com/archives/167963.html

2008-08-01 18:07:52
136.   Paul Scott
128 Maybe, but I don't see that as a rational argument against it. You are essentially saying that Manny is a good move because our management is too stupid to do what is clearly best.

Though even if I were to accept that argument, I still see very little upgrade swapping Manny with Either when you factor in defense.

2008-08-01 18:09:38
137.   PalmdaleSteve1
132

40 Million ways, especially when those ways are coming from Parking Lot Frank.

2008-08-01 18:09:55
138.   Paul Scott
132 Because HOF means nothing when it comes to non-players and because failing to win consistently with the teams he had would have been the real shock, not the other way.
2008-08-01 18:10:14
139.   D4P
we could have just signed Bonds

But Bonds was a PED user, and the Dodgers don't support that...

2008-08-01 18:10:27
140.   Jacob Burch
136 I'm not saying that the Manny is a good move beause of it, per se (this is where I agree with you), just that our team will perform better over the next two months than if we had not done it. Its sad that it would take a trade instead of a simple depth chart re-alignment to do so, but its the sad case.

Plus, I'm holding out hope that one bad week of Juan brings ethier back to at the very least an even split.

2008-08-01 18:10:59
141.   Andrew Shimmin
Anybody got some cat pictures, or something?
2008-08-01 18:11:24
142.   trainwreck
139
Unless you are an easily replaceable back-up catcher.
2008-08-01 18:11:52
143.   Alex41592
Consider it Manny replacing Pierre tonight and Jones tomorrow. You'll feel better. I know it makes me feel much better.

Then as a seperate comparison take Jones playing over Ethier like tonight and Pierre playing over Ethier tomorrow. Hurts, but that's nothing new.

2008-08-01 18:12:01
144.   Ken Noe
Manny/Kemp/Ethier makes for a better team. Manny/JP/Kemp means the trade was a PR move from a GM trying to impress the press as well as future employers, and an owner who is slowly importing the Red Sox team he once loved. I agree with underdog, this won't last any more than Torre's other big decisions, but it does reveal the true foundation of the trade.
2008-08-01 18:15:23
145.   Marty
When does Torre rest Manny to get Pierre in there.
2008-08-01 18:15:59
146.   Jacob Burch
144 I agree, although I think the announcement about the lineup is more indicative of poor player evaluation than the nature of the trade.
2008-08-01 18:19:38
147.   Deuce
144 You nailed it.
2008-08-01 18:19:54
148.   PalmdaleSteve1
145

Four runs up in the bottom of the 8th.

2008-08-01 18:22:08
149.   Linkmeister
(sees lineup)

Oh, man, I thought the point of acquiring Manny was to improve the team.

(goes off to sulk)

2008-08-01 18:22:56
150.   larry slimfast
Ned doesn't make the lineup so I don't think the trade was a PR move. I know it's being harped on but I just don't understand the reasoning behind playing Pierre over Ethier against righties. Surely something else is at work here.
Show/Hide Comments 151-200
2008-08-01 18:23:53
151.   Greg Brock
I'd submit that Torre knows Ethier is better, he's just afraid of upsetting vets and not kids. Kids will just have to deal with it.

He's not stupid. He's just a coward.

2008-08-01 18:24:38
152.   Deuce
150 And playing Pierre in CF, ever!
2008-08-01 18:24:50
153.   Linkmeister
150 Well, Ethier was reported as not feeling well yesterday, and he did just pinch-hit, so maybe that explains this lineup. I hope.
2008-08-01 18:24:53
154.   Icaros
Hopefully Pierre gets hurt again.
2008-08-01 18:25:10
155.   Sean P
138

He managed the most dominant 5-year run in MLB since the '49-'53 Yankees. He deserves a little bit of credit for that.

2008-08-01 18:26:10
156.   Harold M Johnson
it does reveal the true foundation of the trade

I don't believe this for a second. Torre has benched Ethier before against left-handed pitching, and it's also true that Ethier genuinely has had some problems vs lefties this year. I agree that it's totally bone-headed to believe that Ethier is not the team's 3rd best outfielder, but that doesn't mean the trade is a sham.

2008-08-01 18:26:16
157.   mattSD
Anyone notice that Dodger stadium is playing as the most extreme pitcher's park in MLB, by far, this year?

It seems like for a long time, we've been pushing the idea that Dodger stadium is no longer a pitcher's haven, and that has been true for a while, but this year seems to be different.

Sample size?

2008-08-01 18:26:25
158.   Greg Brock
154 I kept searching for the diplomatic way to say that.

Thanks for not being a wimp like me.

2008-08-01 18:27:01
159.   Alex41592
Regardless, tonight's atmosphere should be electric and I can't wait to hear Dodger Stadium chant, "Manny, Manny, Manny"

Just enjoy the game because it's a big moment for all of us. Don't let a lineup decision ruin tonight. Deal with it tomorrow.

2008-08-01 18:28:45
160.   Icaros
158

Thanks for your support. It sucks that it has to come to this, but apparently it's the only way.

2008-08-01 18:29:49
161.   Harold M Johnson
#154 the correct way to express it is to hope that Pierre gets traded to the Giants.
2008-08-01 18:30:00
162.   Icaros
157

I think it's probably because the Dodgers have had great pitching and terrible hitting this season.

2008-08-01 18:30:22
163.   Alex41592
The last time I cheered an injury LaRoche got hurt a few minutes later. He's now in Pittsburgh. It's not a good way to go.
2008-08-01 18:30:24
164.   Eric Enders
157 Where are you getting that from? According to Baseball-Reference, Dodger Stadium this year has park factors of 105/104, making it more of a hitter's park than any other year in its history.
2008-08-01 18:31:07
165.   Icaros
161

I opted for something halfway realistic.

2008-08-01 18:32:24
166.   tethier
I see DeWitt is playing first base tonight for Lasvegas. Didn't he play second last night? Looks like they're grooming him for a utility role.

Oh, for the record - has to be Manny-Kemp- Ethier. I'm thinking Torre's mind will change in a week or so; it's the thing he's been most consistent at this year.

2008-08-01 18:32:38
167.   Eric Enders
I have no qualms about rooting for a Pierre injury. Maybe that's bad karma. Maybe it makes me a bad person. I don't really care. It's what's best for the team, and I'm a team player. I have nothing against Juan but I like it when the Dodgers win.
2008-08-01 18:32:43
168.   Icaros
163

No cheering from me. Just want the good players to play and the worthless, terrible, boring players to sit. However that happens is fine with me.

2008-08-01 18:33:30
169.   Greg Brock
There's nothing wrong with rooting for an injury. It's rooting for a terrible, career-threatening injury that's bad.
2008-08-01 18:33:47
170.   Deuce
Is Berroa the SS until Nomar comes back?
2008-08-01 18:34:01
171.   Icaros
With Brock and Enders by my side, I can do anything!
2008-08-01 18:34:39
172.   sporky
Unleash the Repko!
2008-08-01 18:34:57
173.   Alex41592
I want the best team on the field as much as the rest of you. But, if Kemp pulls up lame tonight you all will answer for it.
2008-08-01 18:35:39
174.   larry slimfast
i'm rooting for a pierre self-realization in which he benches himself.
2008-08-01 18:36:10
175.   Icaros
173

Okay. Want my address?

2008-08-01 18:37:05
176.   mattSD
164

I was getting it from ESPN.

2008-08-01 18:37:06
177.   Greg Brock
173 Because the baseball gods have shined a light of brilliance on the Dodgers for nigh on twenty years.

Bring it, baseball gods. Joke's on you. I'll just switch allegiances.

2008-08-01 18:37:10
178.   Alex41592
175 - I'll send a message in a bullet proof vest.
2008-08-01 18:39:01
179.   Icaros
178

Why? I'm not a gun owner.

2008-08-01 18:39:33
180.   Paul Scott
179 it was a movie reference.
2008-08-01 18:40:03
181.   Alex41592
179 - Hmm. I don't know where to go from here.
2008-08-01 18:40:13
182.   Icaros
What movie?
2008-08-01 18:40:21
183.   Greg Brock
179 Luca Brazi, man!
2008-08-01 18:41:05
184.   Paul Scott
182 "It's a message. Luca Brazi sleeps with the fishes."
2008-08-01 18:41:20
185.   Alex41592
http://foreignerinformosa.typepad.com/photos/uncategorized/2008/04/08/luca_brasi.jpg
2008-08-01 18:41:39
186.   micktissue
164 http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/stats/parkfactor
2008-08-01 18:41:45
187.   Icaros
I missed a Godfather reference? Wow. Someone take my DT Veterans Card.
2008-08-01 18:42:50
188.   Icaros
Was the fish wrapped in a bullet-proof vest? I never noticed that.
2008-08-01 18:42:51
189.   Marty
I love the way Bruno Tataglia's lip and cigarette quivers when Luca Brazi is getting garroted.
2008-08-01 18:43:18
190.   natepurcell
187

When were those issued out!??!!

2008-08-01 18:44:34
191.   Icaros
190

Pre-Toaster days.

2008-08-01 18:44:35
192.   Alex41592
188 - Yes, it was. He was shown putting it on in his room before heading off to the meeting. So, of course they stab his hand and choke him to death. Brilliance.
2008-08-01 18:44:51
193.   Eric Enders
190 You have to be at least 30 years old, sorry. It's like playing for the Dodgers.
2008-08-01 18:45:07
194.   larry slimfast
curious, just off the top of my head, i cannot think of a single MLB starting left or center fielder that pierre would be an upgrade over. can any of you think of any?
2008-08-01 18:45:47
195.   Alex41592
194 - Michael Bourn. I win!
2008-08-01 18:46:18
196.   Penguin
If Pierre gets hurt, than Torre starts Jones. I suspected Ethier would be the odd man out with this trade.
2008-08-01 18:46:57
197.   thinkblue0
any truth to the rumor that we're buying out Jones? A friend mentioned he had heard it today but I haven't seen anything...
2008-08-01 18:47:08
198.   whodat807
At first I was going to slam Icaros for rooting for an injury, but missing that Godfather reference? A bigger crime!
2008-08-01 18:47:15
199.   Gold Star for Robot Boy
185 - That man behind Luca, it's nice to see someone really enjoy their work.
2008-08-01 18:47:54
200.   underdog
You guys need to have a gun battle like there is in the third from last episode of "Spaced" season 2. And then help yourself to some special chicken stew with lots of oregano afterwards.

--

I do think bringing up Repko could accomplish what Icaros is wishing for.

Show/Hide Comments 201-250
2008-08-01 18:48:05
201.   Gagne55
194 Joey Gathright.
2008-08-01 18:48:23
202.   whodat807
197 Buy him out now? Or in the offseason?

I guess it's silly to ask questions about an unsubstantiated rumor... but still. How great would that be?

2008-08-01 18:48:26
203.   trainwreck
I'm on the I hope Pierre gets injured team too.

Pretty much felt that way since the day we signed him.

2008-08-01 18:49:17
204.   Icaros
192

Right. I actually haven't watched it since the first major DT Godfather chat about three years ago, so I must be rusty.

2008-08-01 18:49:42
205.   Alex41592
I'm going to have to buy a lot of fish. Though, bullet proof vests have to be hard to come by.
2008-08-01 18:49:46
206.   trainwreck
200
Yeah, totally. Or paintball. I think Duane is my favorite character.
2008-08-01 18:50:14
207.   Paul Scott
194 Pierre has some value as a high plus defensive OF in left, so there will certainly be teams that can do worse. Ideally, he would bat eighth (or ninth) on a team that had a strong offensive option at SS. Some places where his offensive liabilities would be minimized and his speed-based plus defense in left taken most advantage of would include SD and CO
2008-08-01 18:50:21
208.   underdog
I love Manny.

"I don't know how to play football. If I was going to Green Bay, it was going to be as a backup."

"I took like 5,000 pounds off my back coming here."

That's a big monkey!

2008-08-01 18:50:49
209.   Marty
I don't think rooting for an injury is any more tempting of the baseball gods as saying Manny=we win.
2008-08-01 18:51:40
210.   Icaros
Okay, some folks are starting to label this as "what Icaros wants." There are a handful of longtime, respected participants who are in agreement. We're in this together.
2008-08-01 18:52:35
211.   larry slimfast
Would Houston trade for Pierre? They are "going for it" and Ed Wade is a big dummy. Showcase!!!
2008-08-01 18:52:45
212.   Gagne55
Also, Michael Born, Corey Patterson, and arguably Carlos Gomez.
2008-08-01 18:53:13
213.   Penguin
Ken Griffey Jr just got his 2nd RBI tonight, driving in both white sox runs
2008-08-01 18:53:27
214.   underdog
206 Duane. Duane Benzie.
Tim, hi, I didn't expect to find you here.
2008-08-01 18:54:55
215.   Gagne55
211 If they put in a waiver claim, they could just have him. I doubt anybody will put a waiver claim on Pierre though.
2008-08-01 18:55:20
216.   underdog
210 - Sorry. I see there's a running list now. I should update it. It's getting large. There's a second list next to it for Those Wishing Pierre Gets an Ingrown Toenail and It Gets Infected and He'll Be Fine in 15 Months But Has To Rehabilitate For Quite Some Time. I've started that one off.
2008-08-01 18:55:21
217.   D Money
Manny and Kemp in the lineup everyday is an upgrade over the jones/ethier/pierre/kemp whirlwind outfield that has been going on all year.

The sole fact that Jones will probably get the least amount of playing time in the group is a huge improvement. even if Ethier plays less.

2008-08-01 18:55:54
218.   Paul Scott
Bay needs a HR in his final PA to complete the TTO cycle.
2008-08-01 18:56:05
219.   underdog
213 And Mike Downey weeps quietly for joy in front of his typewriter.
2008-08-01 18:56:13
220.   whodat807
I hate 7 40 start times. It's especially bad now that I'm on the east coast, and spend all day waiting for the game to start.
2008-08-01 18:58:16
221.   Andrew Shimmin
216- Ingrown toe nails hurt a lot. And an infection would hurt even more. Mono is the way to go, I think.
2008-08-01 18:58:56
222.   Icaros
216

Ingrown toenail would be fine. I want Pierre to be perfectly healthy for his new team next year.

2008-08-01 18:59:48
223.   Icaros
I think Andrew just offered to make out with Juan Pierre for the good of the Dodgers title hopes.
2008-08-01 18:59:51
224.   Andrew Shimmin
Griffey had a single in his first PA as a Sock, too. Manny just keeps getting more on the clock.
2008-08-01 18:59:57
225.   MollyKnight
My brain hurts.
2008-08-01 19:01:06
226.   Andrew Shimmin
223- Enders thinks he's a team player. He has no idea.
2008-08-01 19:03:44
227.   D4P
On an unrelated note, does anyone have Jeff Gillooly's cell number...?
2008-08-01 19:04:04
228.   Eric Enders
Is that last Google ad directed at Andruw Jones, or what?
2008-08-01 19:04:13
229.   larry slimfast
juan pierre is disrupting the wrong team's concentration & psyche.
2008-08-01 19:05:24
230.   Andrew Shimmin
From August 1st on, last year, Pierre hit: .325/.369/.399. He was .277/.312/.330, before that. He's .283/.328/.320, right now.
2008-08-01 19:05:56
231.   MollyKnight
Manny's at-bat song, for whoever is interested, will be "Heaven Sent" by Keyshia Cole.
2008-08-01 19:06:51
232.   trainwreck
I'm stuck with this ad that shows Red Sox gear.
2008-08-01 19:07:18
233.   Eric Enders
230 So we should hold out hope for "Still sucky, but not horrifying."
2008-08-01 19:07:25
234.   Icaros
230

So when he's hitting way above his head, he's almost as good as Ethier.

2008-08-01 19:07:58
235.   Terry A
Gnawing feeling: The Pirates were never angling for Ethier. Colletti invented a story about how he didn't want to give up either young outfielder so it would sound as if he negotiated and haggled over the young players involved, when in reality it was always LaRoche.

If they valued Ethier as highly as Colletti claims, no way would they jerk him around they way they have all season, and no way would they be benching him now. Especially not for Pierre or McManboobs.

2008-08-01 19:08:18
236.   trainwreck
Jason Bay has a chance to win the game for the Sox.
2008-08-01 19:08:48
237.   Eric Enders
232 On my screen the last ad is for FatLoss4Idiots.com.
2008-08-01 19:09:57
238.   D4P
I'm not getting any of these ads. Don't you people use Firefox with Adblock...?
2008-08-01 19:10:11
239.   Andrew Shimmin
I don't think anybody should feel better about this. It's garbage. But, stupider things have turned out okay.
2008-08-01 19:10:26
240.   trainwreck
237
I bet you go there and in big bold letters it says:

DON'T EAT SO MUCH, STUPID!

2008-08-01 19:10:34
241.   Icaros
237

Mine is an ad that asks "Want to Quit Your Job?" Works for Jones, also.

2008-08-01 19:11:02
242.   larry slimfast
JAWFJB
2008-08-01 19:12:53
243.   trainwreck
Now I got, "Ten Rules For a Flat Stomach."
2008-08-01 19:13:39
244.   Alex41592
Mike Lowell came up lame in Boston.
2008-08-01 19:14:18
245.   Eric Enders
238 Every once in a while I click on one in the hopes that it'll make Jon a few pennies.
2008-08-01 19:15:04
246.   D4P
245
You should be careful, if you're using IE.
2008-08-01 19:18:26
247.   bcg60
Who is Jones suddenly trying to impress? He never comes out of the dugout to stretch when he's in the starting lineup and suddenly he's running sprints next to Manny? What a joke. I was at the game last night and there was no sign of him as usual before the starting lineup was announced. I'm happy about Manny, but not happy Ethier gets the shaft once again since he's a superior player to both Jones and Pierre. I was hoping they would dump Jones and trade Pierre.
2008-08-01 19:22:41
248.   Penguin
Yankees have lost to Angels again. The Angels are getting into the Yankees heads i think. Least thats the way Michael Kay sounded today.
2008-08-01 19:23:07
249.   Andrew Shimmin
Manny had his pick of pretty much anywhere?
2008-08-01 19:23:39
250.   Andrew Shimmin
Jim what'shisname is interviewing Manny on the pre-game show, I should say.
Show/Hide Comments 251-300
2008-08-01 19:24:18
251.   McNulty
Dodgers FSN Live showed an interview they had today with Brandon Webb. After the interview, they commented on the fact that Webb is well on his way to another Cy Young. That's a bit of a stretch, especially when you see the fact that our own Billingsley is having as good a year as Webb but I don't remember anytime they have mentioned the Cy Young award and Chad in the same sentence.
2008-08-01 19:24:46
252.   Andrew Shimmin
He repeated the thing about not hitting home runs any more. Is that a thing? Was he getting criticized for hitting too many home runs?
2008-08-01 19:25:41
253.   Andrew Shimmin
Billingsley wasn't even an All Star. I definitely think he deserves to be in the CY conversation, but I don't think the voters will agree.
2008-08-01 19:26:03
254.   MollyKnight
First curtain call for Manny. 7:25 pm.
2008-08-01 19:27:18
255.   Andrew Shimmin
Kennedy disagrees with Manny, thinks he'll be going deep, tonight. Unless it's in the first at bat, it's irrelevant.
2008-08-01 19:29:38
256.   ucladodger
Not sure if anyone posted the contect of the article on the outfield on dodgers.com, but Torre says,
"To me, Juan certainly deserves the right to play," Torre said. "At this point in time, his experience, his consistency, the way he goes about his business. When [Rafael] Furcal went down, he's meant so much to the club. He brings another dimension, his basestealing ability. He gives a professional at-bat on a regular basis. He's done it [leading off] longer than Matt. He's willing to take pitches."

Torre also said he hadnt talked to Ethier about his decision, but he told Pierre he would play. So not only is he a complete fool that cannot tell the obvious dfifference between two players, but he can't even tell Ethier to his face that hes going to sit? I never thought highly of torre as a manger (and his decisions this year validate that), but right now, its hard to have a high opinion of him as a professional.

2008-08-01 19:30:18
257.   Marty
Regardless of how we feel about wins for pitchers, the Cy Young voters treat it as the most important stat. Chad has zero chance.
2008-08-01 19:31:15
258.   D4P
What if the catcher interferes with Manny in his first at bat...?
2008-08-01 19:31:35
259.   Marty
Actually, I have a high opinion of Torre as a manger.
2008-08-01 19:32:31
261.   micktissue
Video intro to the game Manny holds up flash cards, "Hi I'm Manny Ramirez, I'm the newest Dodger. Let's have some fun."

Yeah.

2008-08-01 19:33:18
262.   Eric Stephen
I'm on board with the Icaros Plan™, despite the swift karmic retribution we will surely all receive.

I'm rooting for diphtheria.

But tonight is not about that. It's about the glorious beginning to the Manny Era©. This is gonna be a fun ride.

2008-08-01 19:33:19
263.   Marty
I'll say this about MannyGate. No one has mentioned Kershaw in this thread.
2008-08-01 19:34:17
264.   Eric Enders
256 That's just cringeworthy. The longer the season goes on, the more evidence mounts that Torre is either disingenuous, or a fool. I'm hoping for disingenuous.
2008-08-01 19:34:58
265.   Alex41592
Also, in that article Torre says they're going to look at Pierre in center.

He'll look. He'll see. He'll sit him down.

2008-08-01 19:35:20
266.   Icaros
He's done it [leading off] longer than Matt. He's willing to take pitches.

So Torre never watches Pierre bat, then. Okay.

2008-08-01 19:36:29
267.   Bob Hendley
I am so excited. I gots Manny Fever! (and a touch of Either stomach flu) {sigh}
2008-08-01 19:36:46
268.   Icaros
262

My first DT trademark! When do the royalties start coming in?

2008-08-01 19:36:58
269.   D4P
P/PA in 2008

Pierre: 3.76
Kemp: 3.76

2008-08-01 19:37:04
270.   Terry A
Ken Tremendous would have a field day with Torre's comments in 256.
2008-08-01 19:37:25
271.   Ken Noe
256 Ethier seems to be taking his demotion in stride better than Nomar.
2008-08-01 19:37:40
272.   Neal Pollack
Torre has drunk the Pierre Kool-Aid. Lots of people do.
2008-08-01 19:38:18
273.   Eric Enders
270 Then let's make sure it gets e-mailed to him.
2008-08-01 19:38:20
274.   underdog
256 Y'all have to stop dissecting and analyzing every bit of manager-speak that comes out of Torre's mouth as if it were Zapruder footage from the Kennedy assassination. They all say these things to placate their players and ramble on about this and that, some of it means something, some of it only means something in the moment, some of it means nothing. I don't care what Logan White says in a few seconds of off the cuff interviewing, and don't care much what Torre says, either. What I do care about it is who gets the majority of the PT over the next two months. If his line-ups are consistently stupid, especially now that he has three good outfielders (well, hitting-wise) and two overpaid guys, one of whom (Pierre) is not worthless but isn't as valuable as the top 3, and another who is a huge disappointment, a bust, basically, then that's on him. But what he says? Pfffft. In one ear and out the other.

Just repeat to yourself it's only a show, I should breathe and just relax.

2008-08-01 19:38:45
275.   McNulty
If he looks and sees that Pierre has a good week, what will he do then? Give Ethier a shot after? And then when he has a bad week, give Jones a shot? After that, back to Pierre? There is no need to juggle those three around, Ethier is the right choice.
2008-08-01 19:39:45
276.   Terry A
271 - He ought to be used to it by now. It happens to Ethier every other day: benched to give more time to lesser players, for no apparent reason.
2008-08-01 19:39:47
277.   mattSD
Kemp and JP have an identical 3.76 pitches per PA
2008-08-01 19:40:22
278.   Michael D
I imagine Manny is going to get a huge ovation when he is first announced. Lets hope the AB ends with a curtain call.
2008-08-01 19:40:37
279.   underdog
For Pierre, how about vertigo caused by allergies? My friend had that once. I can be cured -- with medicine that makes you kind of sleepy. And eventually it goes away.
2008-08-01 19:40:42
280.   thinkblue88
256.

Is it really so difficult to see what the obvious line-up should be? I don't understand...are fans really smarter than major league managers?

Heck, even school children know to choose the best players when picking teams...

2008-08-01 19:41:03
281.   Alex41592
11,000 seats moved for tonight's game after the Manny announcement.
2008-08-01 19:41:04
282.   Terry A
273 - Have you? If not, I shall.
2008-08-01 19:42:23
283.   underdog
Well, the curve seems to be working to start.
2008-08-01 19:42:48
284.   nick
256 yep: what Torre says is calculated not to describe reality or present a future plan, but to soothe the ears of old-school baseball men...that it doesn't soothe new-school fans is arguably evidence of its success, imo....
2008-08-01 19:42:59
285.   Tripon
Well, that was two quick outs.
2008-08-01 19:43:01
286.   Terry A
279 - Better. I like it. Maybe just a daily dose of Benadryl about an hour before game time.
2008-08-01 19:43:15
287.   whodat807
Is that the picture of Manny that SI had up on its website? Because that is an awful picture.
2008-08-01 19:43:21
288.   MonkeyBlue
Blake! nice D!
2008-08-01 19:43:33
289.   Gold Star for Robot Boy
Nice start!
2008-08-01 19:43:39
290.   Alex41592
Nice play Casey. Efficient Kershaw.

And here we...go!

2008-08-01 19:43:42
291.   Tripon
Three outs! ...For five pitches? Apparently, Ariz. needs a crash course on working the pitcher.
2008-08-01 19:43:51
292.   ucladodger
Great play by Casey. Hudson looked like he pulled up lame, too.

Funny how Blake and Berroa have been pretty darn good defensively thus far.

2008-08-01 19:44:00
293.   underdog
So where's this sucky defense I was told to expect from Blake? 'cause I haven't seen it all week.
2008-08-01 19:45:20
294.   whodat807
Heh. Just noticed that Blake is in the MLBTV commercial, dressed in his old Cleveland uniform, telling us to keep watching.
2008-08-01 19:45:49
295.   Ken Noe
293 [et al] So far I've been pretty impressed.
2008-08-01 19:46:18
296.   underdog
I think I'm gonna go on a litterbox strike. For every game the Dodgers don't win, I'm going to refuse to clean up the litterbox.
2008-08-01 19:46:18
297.   Lexinthedena
292 I know. I've seen nothing but stellar D from Berroa.
2008-08-01 19:46:44
299.   Gold Star for Robot Boy
293 - Post-trade, what I was hearing about Blake's defense didn't jibe with the numbers (more DPs than Es - a sign of quality).
2008-08-01 19:47:11
300.   Bob Hendley
274 - I think that you are generally right on not listening to Torre, but in this particular case there is a lot of evidence that he drank the Kool Aide.
Show/Hide Comments 301-350
2008-08-01 19:47:15
301.   JoeyP
6 pitch 1st inning.
Dbax are hacking tonight, which bodes well for Kershaw.
2008-08-01 19:47:41
302.   underdog
294 - But no one's as exciting in those commercials as his former teammate. "Hello. This is. Victor. Martinez...zzzzzzz...."
2008-08-01 19:47:42
303.   silverwidow
The radar gun is slower than Gameday (about 2 MPH). So don't expect Kershaw to hit more than 94 MPH tonight.
2008-08-01 19:48:25
304.   Tripon
293 Only play I seen that Blake couldn't catch was a liner across the 3rd base line that Blake couldn't catch up to. But I figure it was more of a problem of placement, since Blake was almost where the shortstop would be when the liner was hit.
2008-08-01 19:48:29
305.   whodat807
302 I sorta like Martinez' blurb. He seems like a shy little kid.
2008-08-01 19:48:39
306.   underdog
300 Maybe there was actually acid in that Kool-Aid.

That happened to me once.

Er, no, to a friend of mine. I heard about it.

2008-08-01 19:48:39
307.   Gold Star for Robot Boy
Matt Kemp, Mr. Snappy.
Mr. Snappy, Matt Kemp.
2008-08-01 19:49:35
308.   Tripon
300 Which is why Jones is starting today? Torre just says one thing and does something else.
2008-08-01 19:51:16
309.   Ken Noe
What I've learned this year: you can't believe what Torre says.
2008-08-01 19:51:28
310.   Greg Brock
Wow...That, er, was not a strike.
2008-08-01 19:52:00
311.   underdog
Okay. Hope that wide strike zone applies to Kershaw, too.
2008-08-01 19:53:11
312.   bcg60
309 - I think Ethier has learned that too.
2008-08-01 19:53:15
313.   Gen3Blue
Just saw the line-up. I would say the Dodgers are done for this year.
And the Dynasty I once evisioned 2010-2012 is melting a bit too.
2008-08-01 19:55:15
314.   Gold Star for Robot Boy
Dammit - go to start the sprinklers and miss Manny's first fly ball.
2008-08-01 19:55:53
315.   Alex41592
What I've learned:

44 year old Cy Young vet gets the 'corner'

20 year old rookie does not

But, that's the norm.

2008-08-01 19:55:58
316.   Gold Star for Robot Boy
In the replay, looks like he hustled.
2008-08-01 19:56:11
317.   Andrew Shimmin
Martin saved the hell out of that pitch.
2008-08-01 19:56:22
318.   MonkeyBlue
Kershaw not looking good in this inning.
2008-08-01 19:56:25
319.   micktissue
314 and it was Jones'
2008-08-01 19:56:38
320.   Bob Hendley
308 - Yes, underdog is right, there must have been an addititive.
2008-08-01 19:57:16
321.   Andrew Shimmin
I'm starting to think Pellam might be right. It's not entirely out of the question that Jones could hit three home runs tonight.
2008-08-01 19:58:40
322.   scareduck
308 - because Torre Has His Favorites!
2008-08-01 19:58:57
323.   Kevin Lewis
302

I want to know why they replay countless ads for mlb.tv when I am already watching the game on mlb.tv

2008-08-01 19:59:12
324.   Andrew Shimmin
Eww. FSN just ran a "Manny leads off next inning" note across the screen. That better be a one time only deal.
2008-08-01 20:00:11
325.   Bob Hendley
Just about the only thing I believed from Joe's lips is when he said that he had not be fair to Andy.
2008-08-01 20:00:23
326.   scareduck
324 - if they were smart, they'd get that on other channels as well.
2008-08-01 20:00:24
327.   underdog
Sigh.
2008-08-01 20:00:30
328.   Andrew Shimmin
323- Nobody else wants to pay for the ad space, I assume. If they run a blank screen, in between innings, people will call customer service and gripe that their feed is out.
2008-08-01 20:00:49
329.   KG16
313 - I wouldn't go that far. If Jones and/or Pierre end up playing more than Ethier in the next week, I'll agree with you. But I still can't believe that Torre would be that stubborn.
2008-08-01 20:01:01
330.   scareduck
325 - ???
2008-08-01 20:01:29
331.   Bob Hendley
323 - They keep encouraging us to "keep watching", but I think they get to keep my money, even if I don't.
2008-08-01 20:01:30
332.   whodat807
323 Isn't it obvious? They want you to keep watching. Keep watching. Keep watching.
2008-08-01 20:01:51
333.   silverwidow
Gameday has Kershaw at 94-96 MPH on every fastball.

I hate that they jipped Kershaw's velocity on TV.

2008-08-01 20:01:58
334.   scareduck
329 - Torre+moron = Torron.
2008-08-01 20:02:06
335.   Lexinthedena
I like that they are calling a lot of fastballs from Kershaw today.
2008-08-01 20:02:10
336.   Andrew Shimmin
Nope. Not getting that corner. Some pitchers are more equal than others.
2008-08-01 20:02:18
337.   KG16
332 - can't sleep, clown will eat me?
2008-08-01 20:02:26
338.   ucladodger
The strike zone is um...well....different for the two pitchers.
2008-08-01 20:02:37
339.   Greg Brock
You may be great, but you still look like Sam the Eagle, Brandon Webb.
2008-08-01 20:02:45
340.   Bob Hendley
329 - Two words: the Solution.
2008-08-01 20:03:00
341.   LoneStar7
does anyone know how to make that free trial for mlb tv work...i must see mannys first AB!
2008-08-01 20:03:05
342.   Ken Noe
328 It's better than that creepy tune they played last year. I kept waiting for the pile of memorabilia to stand up and wield a knife.
2008-08-01 20:03:09
343.   Terry A
So I sent the stupid quote from our manager to Ken Tremendous. I did not notice (until now) that I accidentally sent it from my wife's e-mail account, which begins:

torre@...

(Yeah, her parents were big Cardinal fans back in the day.)

2008-08-01 20:03:20
344.   Gold Star for Robot Boy
Not too long ago, Chris Snyder suffered the most horrific-sounding injury EVAR.
2008-08-01 20:03:29
345.   Kevin Lewis
this ump is killing me with the strike zone for Randy and not for Clayton
2008-08-01 20:03:44
346.   whodat807
This ump is squeezing Kershaw.
2008-08-01 20:03:54
347.   underdog
According to my roll sheet here, which is different than the two Pierre Injury Watch sign-up sheets, according to that there are still five or six DT commenters who have not yet chimed in about either the line-up or Torre's obtuse comments.

We've decided to keep the polls open for another thirty minutes or until Manny's second at bat, whichever comes first.

However, discussions about the umpire will be continuing into the wee hours.

2008-08-01 20:03:56
348.   Lexinthedena
Brandon Webb looks like he should be smoking a corn cob pipe.
2008-08-01 20:04:06
349.   Greg Brock
Kick your dog, Blue.
2008-08-01 20:04:07
350.   Bob Hendley
330 - Right before actually starting him in consecutive games in Colorado.
Show/Hide Comments 351-400
2008-08-01 20:04:30
351.   Gold Star for Robot Boy
342 - Earlier this season, MLB.tv was using Radiohead's "The National Anthem."
2008-08-01 20:05:33
352.   KG16
347 - did my comment in 329 count? or do you want something more formal?
2008-08-01 20:05:57
353.   Lexinthedena
Ok, now is a good time for public enemy #1
2008-08-01 20:06:09
354.   underdog
The crowd sounds appropriately aggravated by the ump's strike zone.
2008-08-01 20:06:13
355.   micktissue
341 You gotta pay for it and cancel within 5 days to get your money back.
2008-08-01 20:06:21
356.   Gold Star for Robot Boy
NICE!
2008-08-01 20:06:23
357.   thinkblue88
Awesome.
2008-08-01 20:06:36
358.   Eric Stephen
Kershaw was pumped!
2008-08-01 20:06:41
359.   ucladodger
Great pitch. Great call by Russ with Johnson on deck. If its a strike, K looking. If not, Randy is up.
2008-08-01 20:06:42
360.   Alex41592
Kershaw got that call. Thank you very much. FILTHY!
2008-08-01 20:06:44
361.   scareduck
Public Enemy Number One finally makes it into the strike zone for the last out looking against Burke.
2008-08-01 20:06:44
362.   KG16
apparently, Kershaw just has to throw that pretty curve on the outside corner.
2008-08-01 20:07:22
363.   underdog
352 It definitely counts. Though next time you should probably show your work in the margins.

---

THERE'S public enemy #1. Yesssss. Even the myopic ump can't miss that one.

2008-08-01 20:07:43
364.   whodat807
PUBLIC ENEMY NUMBER ONE

Man, it's a ride watching Kershaw pitch. I love it.

2008-08-01 20:07:52
365.   Andrew Shimmin
Any chance Kershaw was getting squeezed because Martin gave the umpire a little guff over ringing him up on a ball six inches outside? If so, Kershaw's fiery exit may not have helped.
2008-08-01 20:07:56
366.   micktissue
Yow! Nice bender!
2008-08-01 20:08:02
367.   Lexinthedena
353 Give credit where it is due folks.
2008-08-01 20:08:03
368.   Gold Star for Robot Boy
A 28-pitch inning.
Ugh.
2008-08-01 20:08:04
369.   Bob Hendley
Public Enemy Number 1!
2008-08-01 20:08:41
370.   Bob Timmermann
355
You can whine a lot to MLB.com too and get your money back even after five days.
2008-08-01 20:08:46
371.   JoeyP
That was ball 4 but the Dodgers will take it.
2008-08-01 20:08:47
372.   whodat807
Has Vin used "Public Enemy Number One" since he named Clayton's curve in spring training? Or was that a one time turn of phrase?
2008-08-01 20:08:53
373.   Kevin Lewis
347

I could make a comment if you want, but I promised myself to just enjoy this game

2008-08-01 20:09:01
374.   Eric Stephen
Vin saw Streisand?

It's as if his entire career has been for nothing!

2008-08-01 20:09:02
375.   underdog
Btw, for those of you who are guest lurkers on Dodger Thoughts tonight, welcome, and please note that we're not usually so complainy about an ump's strike zone. Personally, I hate being like that -- but this ump's strike zone is hypocritical and tight on Kershaw. So far.

And here's Manny!

2008-08-01 20:09:10
376.   KG16
Vin went to see Barbara Stristand in Vegas? That must have been an interesting evening
2008-08-01 20:09:21
377.   Gold Star for Robot Boy
Anti-climactic.
2008-08-01 20:09:31
378.   Greg Brock
Boooooooooooooooooo!
2008-08-01 20:09:36
379.   scareduck
This is hilarious. His first AB and he's got a first-pitch swinging 6-3 groundout.
2008-08-01 20:09:36
380.   underdog
Was Vin really just reminded of Barbra Streisand with Manny's first appearance?
2008-08-01 20:09:37
382.   Tripon
Least he was hustling on that.
2008-08-01 20:09:42
383.   whodat807
Oh man. Manny Ramirez. I still can't believe he's in a Dodger uniform.
2008-08-01 20:09:47
384.   micktissue
28 pitches that inning for Clayton. I agree with the squeeze ... wait IT'S MANNY!!!!
2008-08-01 20:10:02
385.   Bob Hendley
367 - Nice call.
2008-08-01 20:10:21
386.   D4P
The trade was an unmitigated disaster.
2008-08-01 20:10:28
387.   Gold Star for Robot Boy
CY Sno-Coned that one.
2008-08-01 20:10:32
388.   Ken Noe
So when does Manny get the lecture on taking pitches the Torre Way?
2008-08-01 20:10:33
389.   Tripon
Nobody can make the pitcher work today!
2008-08-01 20:10:42
390.   underdog
347 That's okay. I've read your mind. Good enough. ;-) Enjoy!

Man, Manny, work the count a little at least... The crowd sure got excited on that ground out!

2008-08-01 20:10:58
391.   whodat807
:( I hate how behind the MLBTV feed is. The only thing more anti-climactic than Manny's first AB is finding out the outcome in comments before hand.
2008-08-01 20:11:06
392.   Bob Hendley
Mmmmh...Torre will have to work on that patience thing.
2008-08-01 20:11:07
393.   Alex41592
That was way too quick of an inning.
2008-08-01 20:11:07
394.   scareduck
OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG!!!!!! MANNY'S MANHOOD IS BEING SUCKED DRY BY SITTING NEXT TO ANDRUW!!!!! ONOOOOOOSSSSS!!!!!
2008-08-01 20:11:09
395.   Gold Star for Robot Boy
Drew Sno-Coned that, too.
2008-08-01 20:11:16
396.   MonkeyBlue
Yesssh
2008-08-01 20:11:28
397.   micktissue
Is Juan wearing a wig and #99?
2008-08-01 20:11:36
398.   Kevin Lewis
my wife hung around for that first at bat before she went out to run an errand. She was disappointed
2008-08-01 20:11:46
399.   KG16
389 - making Randy Johnson work generally means "falling behind 0-2". Plus, they are getting pitches to hit on the first or second pitches, nothing wrong with swinging at good pitches early in the count.
2008-08-01 20:11:59
400.   underdog
Oops, that was for 373 obviously.

I love Vin, remembering Barbra and Turk Wendell in the same inning.

Well at least all the hitters were equally bad about working the count. For shame!

Show/Hide Comments 401-450
2008-08-01 20:12:03
401.   whodat807
C'MON
2008-08-01 20:12:34
402.   Tripon
http://www.latimes.com/sports/baseball/mlb/dodgers/la-sp-manny2-2008aug02,0,6329565.story

THE MOST FRIGHTENING IMAGE EVER.

2008-08-01 20:12:34
403.   scareduck
I think RJ likes working at sea level in humid air. You?
2008-08-01 20:12:50
404.   Bob Hendley
Jeez, Weird Game already picking up bad habits from his Manniness.
2008-08-01 20:12:53
405.   underdog
391 I know, ditto. I've learned to not refresh DT quite as often because of that.
2008-08-01 20:13:27
406.   Tripon
Kershaw should bean Randy Johnson just to stick it to him. :(
2008-08-01 20:13:27
407.   whodat807
If I have to watch Coco Crisp give that annoying smirk seven more times this game, I'm going to go beserk. I hate that little jerk.
2008-08-01 20:13:39
408.   Kevin Lewis
okay, I just realized the tv feed is faster than the internet. I kept refreshing and you guys would have a comment already down while I was seeing the play happen.

I thought you all were just crazy fast typers

2008-08-01 20:13:39
409.   Gold Star for Robot Boy
402 - No thanks for blasting out my retinas.
2008-08-01 20:13:52
410.   KG16
403 - could you imagine him getting half his starts in San Diego?
2008-08-01 20:13:53
411.   be2ween
Vin just called it a ten-inch strike zone for Kershaw.
2008-08-01 20:14:04
412.   Greg Brock
Coulda done without that story, Vin.

TMI, man.

2008-08-01 20:14:40
413.   Gold Star for Robot Boy
Hey! He can catch fly balls!
The Boston media told me he was more prone to fall on them,
2008-08-01 20:14:43
414.   Greg Brock
402 Dude, NSFW!
2008-08-01 20:15:05
415.   underdog
402 C'mon, that needs a not-SFW warning attached to it. It burns, it burns!

--

Hey, Manny caught it!

So if the Dodgers are all getting assigned Muppet character equivalents, which Muppet is Manny? Snuffelapagus?

2008-08-01 20:15:05
416.   KG16
that would have been cooler if he'd have flipped it from the glove to Loney, or bare hand it. Still nice play
2008-08-01 20:15:08
417.   Gold Star for Robot Boy
412 - What, the Babs story?
2008-08-01 20:15:37
418.   whodat807
Slick play by Kershaw!
2008-08-01 20:15:41
419.   KG16
ok, gents, i'm out for the evening... don't do anything I wouldn't do.
2008-08-01 20:16:25
420.   Alex41592
402 - BOOM!
2008-08-01 20:16:31
421.   Gold Star for Robot Boy
Kershaw's pitches, by inning: 6, 28, 8.
2008-08-01 20:16:33
422.   Ken Noe
99, I've been waiting so long
Oh 99, Where did we go wrong
Oh 99, I love you
2008-08-01 20:16:43
423.   underdog
Gee whillikers. This game could be over by 9.
2008-08-01 20:16:53
424.   Greg Brock
417 I heard something about lube. I tuned out mentally after that.
2008-08-01 20:17:29
425.   whodat807
Plaschke, that's one guy I don't mind rooting for an injury to occur to is Plaschke. Maybe a severe sprain of his pinky finger from excessive use of the 'enter' button.
2008-08-01 20:18:10
426.   Andrew Shimmin
Here comes number one!
2008-08-01 20:18:22
427.   Tripon
ANDRUW JONES IS AT BAT.
2008-08-01 20:18:36
428.   Greg Brock
This strike zone is trash.
2008-08-01 20:18:49
429.   Gen3Blue
I've been listening to the buzz about the "big trade" and it initially said the Dodgers got a good deal. But as it progresses, it seems that it gets combined with the Blake aquisition, and its beginning to feel like the Dodgers have given up alot of good player-years, and get nothing beyond this year, unless they do well with draft picks. I admit BP is a part of this analysis, and they have an auto negative D's slant.
2008-08-01 20:19:01
430.   Gold Star for Robot Boy
425 - "Ouch.
Ouch.
My finger hurts.
Really hurts."
2008-08-01 20:19:14
431.   underdog
I hate this ump.
2008-08-01 20:19:28
432.   Alex41592
Absolutely HORRIBLE strike zone.
2008-08-01 20:19:35
433.   ucladodger
This umpire stinks. That cant be a strike.
2008-08-01 20:19:40
434.   Andrew Shimmin
Sit down Jones. You can't hit three home runs if you get thrown out!
2008-08-01 20:19:40
435.   scareduck
I could stand there while RJ throws strikes.

I'm just saying.

2008-08-01 20:20:14
436.   Gold Star for Robot Boy
429 - More like, an auto-negative Ned slant.
Read their entry for the Dodgers in BPro 2008 - the contempt drips off the pages.
2008-08-01 20:20:18
437.   underdog
I kinda feel for Andruw there. That was two borderline calls.
2008-08-01 20:20:30
438.   D4P
I could stand there while RJ throws strikes

But could you make $18 million/year doing so...?

2008-08-01 20:20:35
439.   Vishal
402 all that made me want to do is punch plaschke in his smug, self-righteous, one-line-paragraph writing face. really really hard.
2008-08-01 20:20:47
440.   scareduck
429 - I admit BP is a part of this analysis, and they have an auto negative D's slant.

That is because Ned Colletti is a first-rate moron. Bad moves are still bad moves.

2008-08-01 20:21:05
441.   Sharkie
I can't believe andruw struck out. When was the last time?
2008-08-01 20:21:08
442.   Vishal
439 i forgot to include self-congratulatory and self-important as well. god i hate that man so much.
2008-08-01 20:21:26
443.   ucladodger
That was awesome. Randy johnson isnt exactly Greg Maddux out there.
2008-08-01 20:21:34
444.   scareduck
438 - My point exactly.

That's hilaripus. Infield single!

2008-08-01 20:21:47
445.   bablue
Not that it wasn't a bad at bat for Druw but that was just a horrible strike 3 call.

Wow, Berroa sure hit that one! :)

2008-08-01 20:22:04
446.   Michael D
Is playing Sweet Child O' Mine when the 20 year old comes up supposed to be funny?
2008-08-01 20:22:06
447.   Eric Stephen
415
Snuffelapagus wasn't a Muppet. He was on Sesame Street.

Manny is Animal (Manimal?). Kent is one of the two dudes on the balcony.

2008-08-01 20:22:15
448.   Gold Star for Robot Boy
Excellent bunt, young man.
2008-08-01 20:22:20
449.   underdog
That's your punishment for getting a bunch of balls called as strikes, RJ. That's the exchange with the devil.
2008-08-01 20:22:22
450.   Alex41592
Kemp will get a chance to score a run for us.
Show/Hide Comments 451-500
2008-08-01 20:22:53
451.   scareduck
Randy Johnson is 13 days older than me.

It's not quite the same thing as comparing yourself to Mozart. But.

2008-08-01 20:23:14
452.   Eric Stephen
442
I hope you are allowed punches by the paragraph!
2008-08-01 20:23:14
453.   Gold Star for Robot Boy
He looked like he was falling out of a plane catching that one.
2008-08-01 20:23:26
454.   Tripon
Freaking D'Backs with their frigging good defense.
2008-08-01 20:23:29
455.   ucladodger
Man, that was just a spinning, hanging slider. Must make him pay on that, Matt.
2008-08-01 20:23:49
456.   Sharkie
What is with the first pitch swinging? Did mickey hatcher come along with Manny in the trade?
2008-08-01 20:24:13
457.   underdog
447 - Oh right! I was thinking of Sweetums! The big ol lumbering monster. He was on the Muppet Show I believe. But Animal totally works.

And yeah, Kent I think we'd already ID'd him as Statler (or Waldorf).

2008-08-01 20:24:26
458.   Eric Stephen
FSN has finally corrected the Magic baby sky hook reference in the commercial. It used to say 1984 Finals instead of 1987 Finals.
2008-08-01 20:24:36
459.   Bob Timmermann
Do the Angels intend to lose again?
2008-08-01 20:24:41
460.   D4P
456
All our patience went to Pittsburgh.
2008-08-01 20:24:49
461.   Greg Brock
If every pitch is going to be strike one, might as well hack.
2008-08-01 20:25:22
462.   underdog
454 That really wasn't the great play he made it seem. It required a jogging catch, not easy, but he totally lost it in the lights or the stands or something.

Kemp should've hammered that pitch, though.

2008-08-01 20:25:22
463.   whodat807
THAT HIT THE GROUND

or maybe I'm just a homer.

That story Vin told about Randy almost makes me like the big guy. But then I imagine him as a sad giraffe and I giggle. Nice yarn by Vin anyways.

2008-08-01 20:25:23
464.   Tripon
Oh no, FSN prime lost its feed.
2008-08-01 20:25:26
465.   Andrew Shimmin
Uh oh.
2008-08-01 20:25:29
466.   Gold Star for Robot Boy
461 - Can't argue with that.
2008-08-01 20:25:50
467.   scareduck
Well, this is teh suck. What happened to the Prime Ticket feed?
2008-08-01 20:25:52
468.   ucladodger
456

Its not like he swung at a ball. That was a really hittable pitch and he just missed it. Why take strike one if it might be the best thing you'll see all at bat?

2008-08-01 20:26:01
469.   Gold Star for Robot Boy
That's the second time O-Dog has hit the first base bag weird, and looked hurt.
2008-08-01 20:26:46
470.   underdog
Eric S:

http://muppet.wikia.com/wiki/Sweetums

2008-08-01 20:27:12
471.   Ken Noe
MEMO
TO: Red Army Security, Olympic Village, Beijing
FROM: A Friend
RE: William Plaschke

This man is an enemy of the people. Please detain.

2008-08-01 20:27:22
472.   underdog
I like how Sweetums is speaking at Barnes & Noble in that picture, too. Heh.
2008-08-01 20:27:33
473.   Rob M
No TV!!!
2008-08-01 20:27:46
474.   Alex41592
We need play by play for those who have a feed.
2008-08-01 20:28:07
475.   Gold Star for Robot Boy
Can't give up 0-2 hits, Clayton.
2008-08-01 20:28:14
476.   scareduck
In play, no out.
2008-08-01 20:28:23
477.   Eric Stephen
470
Sweet! I guess that's Andruw.
2008-08-01 20:28:45
478.   Gold Star for Robot Boy
474 - Gameday is your friend.
http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/gameday/index.jsp?gid=2008_08_01_arimlb_lanmlb_1&mode=gameday
2008-08-01 20:29:18
479.   scareduck
Thank God for Gameday Audio.
2008-08-01 20:29:19
480.   Tripon
ARGH. THEY LOST THE FEED AGAIN.
2008-08-01 20:29:31
481.   Greg Brock
If I miss the second Manny at-bat, I'll be most flummoxed!
2008-08-01 20:29:33
482.   underdog
Oh okay -- with two quick outs, Reynolds lined a single to right on an 0-2 count. He's at first with Clark up. 1-0.
2008-08-01 20:29:36
483.   Eric Stephen
So far...

- O. Hudson grounded out to third
- C. Jackson flied out to right
- M. Reynolds singled to right

2008-08-01 20:29:47
484.   Marty
Great, they can figure out how to get some ads in, but no game.
2008-08-01 20:29:51
485.   Gold Star for Robot Boy
480 - Is LA having more quakes or something?
2008-08-01 20:30:20
486.   Rob M
feed back
2008-08-01 20:30:21
487.   Eric Stephen
Cruel twist of fate, EI!!!
2008-08-01 20:30:25
488.   Alex41592
AHH. It's FSN ARIZONA!
2008-08-01 20:30:27
489.   Bob Timmermann
Daron Sutton time!
2008-08-01 20:30:31
490.   Tripon
Now we're getting the Ariz feed. ..No more Vin? :(
2008-08-01 20:30:33
491.   thinkblue88
>|
2008-08-01 20:30:34
492.   ucladodger
Mark Grace isnt Vin Scully
2008-08-01 20:30:41
493.   Rob M
as opposed to feedback
2008-08-01 20:30:54
494.   scareduck
The Diamondbacks' audio feed! Well, that's something new!
2008-08-01 20:30:55
495.   underdog
Tony Clark fooled badly and it's now 1-2.
Now it's 2-2 on a fastball away.
2008-08-01 20:31:03
496.   Gold Star for Robot Boy
No idea if this is real, but, wow:
http://dodgersblueheaven.blogspot.com/2008/08/laundry-guerrilla-marketing.html
2008-08-01 20:31:03
497.   Marty
Man, I hate everything right now.
2008-08-01 20:31:05
498.   Eric Stephen
2nd inning ending PE#1.
2008-08-01 20:31:32
499.   underdog
Strike three called! Clark was fooled in that whole at bat.

Going to the bottom of the inning scoreless.

2008-08-01 20:31:32
500.   Alex41592
Smart decision actually and I'll sync it to KABC if Prime's feed doesn't come back.
Show/Hide Comments 501-550
2008-08-01 20:31:37
501.   Rob M
I have the radio on too, but the chuckster is on there, not vin.
2008-08-01 20:31:41
502.   Eric Stephen
497
I hate that you hate everything.
2008-08-01 20:32:14
503.   whodat807
People are getting the Arizona feed? That's an atrocity! It's a toss up who I'd less rather have announce the game I'm watching: Bill Plaschke or the god awful Arizona broadcasting team.
2008-08-01 20:32:28
504.   underdog
Wait, how come I'm getting the LA FSN feed just fine on MLBTV? Obviously it's not broken from the source. Must be a cable problem? Or is it broken in EI?
2008-08-01 20:32:35
505.   Tripon
Vin's back!
2008-08-01 20:32:40
506.   Alex41592
Vin is back.
2008-08-01 20:33:21
507.   whodat807
505 Your too-long local nightmare is over. Los Angeles can watch in peace.
2008-08-01 20:33:33
508.   Eric Stephen
This glove business won't end well. Someone's getting plunked.

I have a nominee!!!

2008-08-01 20:33:45
509.   Gold Star for Robot Boy
503 - The Arizona radio team (Greg Schulte and old friend Tom Candiotti) is very good.
The TV team of Sutton the Younger and Gracie is passable IF - and it's a big if - they keep their focus on the game.
2008-08-01 20:33:52
510.   Tripon
Joe Torre made Randy Johnson take a glove off to mess with his head.
2008-08-01 20:34:08
511.   Rob M
Who's getting beaned for the glove? Shall we start a pool?
2008-08-01 20:34:10
512.   underdog
Randy Johnson was asked to remove a black glove he was wearing, saying it was a distraction so the umps made him take it off. Melvin is wondering why the 4th inning all of a sudden? Anyway... that's your update.
2008-08-01 20:34:33
513.   whodat807
Haha, I like it when Torre's annoying the opposing team instead of Dodger fans.
2008-08-01 20:35:04
514.   Gen3Blue
I think it may have more impact when you are on the east coast and do something like walk 3 or 4 miles to stay up for the game that starts at 10:40 ET. Then you find out the Dodgers aren't trying to win. IE. Either is not playing. I don't care who is left handed. This is depressing.
2008-08-01 20:35:12
515.   Rob M
Hudson is amazing over there.
2008-08-01 20:35:23
516.   underdog
Man, Blake's not exactly a speedster.
2008-08-01 20:35:40
517.   scareduck
422 -

Hast Du etwas Zeit für mich
Dann singe ich ein Lied fuer Dich
Von 99 Luftballons
Auf ihrem Weg zum Horizont
Denkst Du vielleicht grad' an mich
Dann singe ich ein Lied fuer Dich
Von 99 Luftballons
Und dass sowas von sowas kommt

2008-08-01 20:36:06
518.   Rob M
Russell looked like Andruw on that swing.
2008-08-01 20:36:08
519.   D4P
Blake's not exactly a speedster

Course not: he's a Gamer.

2008-08-01 20:36:20
520.   Greg Brock
I would overpay for Orlando Hudson.
2008-08-01 20:36:24
521.   Rob M
That was a HORRIBLE call.
2008-08-01 20:36:46
522.   Alex41592
MANNY part 2.
2008-08-01 20:37:05
523.   Tripon
Manny's at bat again!
2008-08-01 20:37:23
524.   3upn3down
Anyone recognize Manny's at-bat music?
2008-08-01 20:37:33
525.   thinkblue88
Yay!
2008-08-01 20:37:34
526.   whodat807
You've gotta be kidding me, ump.
2008-08-01 20:37:34
527.   Gold Star for Robot Boy
517 - That's my favorite song about balloons setting off air-defense radars.
Kind of like how Paul Hardcastle's "Nineteen" is my favorite song about America's failed involvement in Indochina.

WOOO! Go MANNY!

2008-08-01 20:37:34
528.   Eric Stephen
Cue the official scorer!
2008-08-01 20:37:39
529.   Tripon
Manny hustled again!
2008-08-01 20:37:40
530.   Rob M
That was a rope.
2008-08-01 20:37:49
531.   Alex41592
A ROCKET SHOT!
2008-08-01 20:38:01
532.   Andrew Shimmin
Looked like an E6, from here.
2008-08-01 20:38:07
533.   scareduck
My First Hit As A Dodger!
2008-08-01 20:38:36
534.   underdog
Yay! At least that makes the inning last another few seconds!
2008-08-01 20:38:38
535.   Gold Star for Robot Boy
533 - By Fisher-Price!
2008-08-01 20:38:42
536.   bablue
Okay ump, the game has started now. No more practicing your stikeout call one half inning and then working on improving your plate discipline the next.

First hit for Manny as a Dodger!!!

2008-08-01 20:38:56
537.   JoeyP
Now Manny needs to steal 2nd.
2008-08-01 20:39:10
538.   Blue in Beantown
So, I rarely post, but I wanted to comment that here in Boston, all the Sox fans are despondent over Manny leaving. He is well loved, and everyone wonders whether management really couldn't work things out. I feel this is great because (1) this affirms that we got a great player, and (2) I'm happy to stick it to Boston in any way possible after our crushing defeat in the NBA finals.
2008-08-01 20:39:31
539.   scareduck
527 - I just get a kick out of German-language songs that make the U.S. charts.
2008-08-01 20:40:06
540.   scareduck
532 - yup.
2008-08-01 20:40:09
541.   Tripon
Manny needs to punch Jeff Kent in the face.
2008-08-01 20:40:33
542.   Gold Star for Robot Boy
539 - "Der Kommissar."
2008-08-01 20:40:55
543.   underdog
538 Hah hah. Welcome! And that's kind of reassuring, especially the 2nd point. ;-)
2008-08-01 20:41:05
544.   whodat807
538 My high school years in New Hampshire and witnessing the non-stop bandwagon hopping of Sox fans have made me also happy to stick it to Boston.
2008-08-01 20:42:27
545.   nick
grabbed a bat and a glove, now they call Manny 99....
2008-08-01 20:42:34
546.   Tripon
Randy Johnson now has a white glove on his hand.
2008-08-01 20:42:57
547.   D4P
Kershaw's getting some high strikes.
2008-08-01 20:43:25
548.   Alex41592
Kershaw isn't getting nearly enough strikes.
2008-08-01 20:43:31
549.   nick
546 grabbed a bat and a glove, now they call him Manny 999

(weak enough in the first place--sheesh!)

2008-08-01 20:44:11
550.   Rob M
Berroa has looked better than I expected him to in the field. Anyone know what the advanced defensive metrics say about him so far?
Show/Hide Comments 551-600
2008-08-01 20:44:17
551.   nick
549 I give up.
2008-08-01 20:44:49
552.   ucladodger
Ummmm...Manny being Manny?
2008-08-01 20:44:54
553.   Eric Stephen
Reading 547 & 548 back to back was funny.
2008-08-01 20:45:05
554.   bablue
That was really weak... Great hustle by Manny and Druw!!!
2008-08-01 20:45:06
555.   scareduck
Well, that was horrible. It's almost like they know the left fielder is really bad or something.
2008-08-01 20:45:08
556.   Alex41592
That was absolutely disgusting.
2008-08-01 20:45:20
557.   Marty
Get used to that.
2008-08-01 20:45:23
558.   Tripon
that was an Ack! If I ever seen one.
2008-08-01 20:45:31
559.   Gold Star for Robot Boy
Don't like seeing triples to LCF.
2008-08-01 20:45:33
560.   Rob M
Just I typed that, Berroa couldn't get a ball hit 3 feet to his left, but then again it was smoked.
2008-08-01 20:45:52
561.   Eric Stephen
That triple was sad. Hell, Pierre can do that!

Oh well, Life Goes On.

2008-08-01 20:45:55
562.   D4P
A ground ball triple to center field...?
2008-08-01 20:46:01
563.   jasonungar07
that's a HR tommorrow night.
2008-08-01 20:46:01
564.   scareduck
549 - which of course is 666 upside down.
2008-08-01 20:46:02
565.   Icaros
Don't run too hard to cut that off, you overpaid slobs.
2008-08-01 20:46:09
566.   ucladodger
At least Manny ran faster than a 5.2 to first base both times tonight.
2008-08-01 20:46:33
567.   Bob Hendley
550 - All I see him doing is fielding routine groundballs. What are you seeing?
2008-08-01 20:47:00
568.   scareduck
RJ not happy about that called third strike.
2008-08-01 20:47:07
569.   Gold Star for Robot Boy
That didn't look like a swing, but I figure we're owed one.
2008-08-01 20:47:07
570.   Tripon
Ump! You should have thrown out Randy Johnson for talking back at ya!
2008-08-01 20:47:24
571.   Greg Brock
Hey Unit, I wouldn't chirp at the umpire if I was you.

He's been berry berry good to you this day.

2008-08-01 20:47:51
572.   Rob M
567 - Well, he looks relatively smooth. I always thought he was horrible. He's been at charging slow hit balls.
2008-08-01 20:48:18
573.   Eric Stephen
568
It was swinging. But you're right, he wasn't happy.
2008-08-01 20:48:18
574.   Tripon
JP looks so sad on the bench.
2008-08-01 20:48:42
575.   D4P
574
He looks even sadder on the field.
2008-08-01 20:48:54
576.   Eric Stephen
PE#1 ends all innings!
2008-08-01 20:48:55
577.   Gen3Blue
When the Dodgers come up, two will be Jones and Berroa----we are conceding this game
2008-08-01 20:48:58
578.   scareduck
G3 to end the frame... nice!
2008-08-01 20:49:24
579.   Gold Star for Robot Boy
577 - Will you knock it off?
2008-08-01 20:50:12
580.   Tripon
Kershaw isn't going to win this game, if only because nobody is scoring on Kershaw or RJ. This is going to be a battle of the bullpens.
2008-08-01 20:50:25
581.   D4P
This feels like a game the Dodgers will win.
2008-08-01 20:50:27
582.   Bob Hendley
572 - Well, he does get style points.
2008-08-01 20:50:40
583.   Gold Star for Robot Boy
580 - Then I like our chances.
2008-08-01 20:50:55
584.   scareduck
575 - now imagine $49,182 going into his bank account for sitting on that bench.
2008-08-01 20:51:06
585.   whodat807
577 You're repeating yourself.
2008-08-01 20:51:21
586.   jasonungar07
Gosh I wish Jones would Morph back into Jones again.
2008-08-01 20:51:23
587.   regfairfield
All that defense matters stuff doesn't seem so crazy now, does it :)?
2008-08-01 20:51:43
588.   underdog
565 What about us braindead slobs?

(You'll be given cushy jobs!)

2008-08-01 20:51:47
589.   Tripon
Woo Loney!
2008-08-01 20:52:13
590.   Andrew Shimmin
Here we go. Number one, coming up. For reals, this time.
2008-08-01 20:52:20
591.   Alex41592
Bunt Jones. Bunt.
2008-08-01 20:52:27
592.   Eric Stephen
I love when Manny points at something with both hands. It reminds me of this:

http://tinyurl.com/6bgg63

2008-08-01 20:52:27
593.   Gold Star for Robot Boy
588 - Monorail!
Monorail!
2008-08-01 20:52:56
594.   D4P
Strike one to Jones called ball one.
2008-08-01 20:53:09
595.   Greg Brock
587 Small sample size!

/Check and mate

2008-08-01 20:53:27
596.   D4P
Ball one to Jones called ball two.
2008-08-01 20:53:34
597.   underdog
As a fine substitute for rule 8 violations, I recommend our house wine, a nice Chardonnay from the Santa Ynez valley. Open up a bottle.

One bottle per inning.

2008-08-01 20:53:37
598.   nick
2-0, guessing fastball, gun says 83, swing and miss.....
2008-08-01 20:54:30
599.   Eric Stephen
597
Would you recommend some cheese with that whine? :)
2008-08-01 20:54:31
600.   ucladodger
And Ethier sits for that pile of junk...
Show/Hide Comments 601-650
2008-08-01 20:54:38
601.   Tripon
Maybe we should have just asked Jones to bat Loney over.
2008-08-01 20:54:47
602.   Andrew Shimmin
Pellam has led me astray for the last time. I renounce him.
2008-08-01 20:54:55
603.   Bob Hendley
Hitter's count. Now all we need is a hitter.
2008-08-01 20:55:14
604.   Gen3Blue
It is scary that the Dodgers don't know they could have been a good this year. However it is much worse that they don't realize they could have been a very good team the next few years.
2008-08-01 20:55:28
605.   Greg Brock
I hope Andre Ethier is enjoying his ranch sunflower seeds.

No need for you to play, son. No need at all.

2008-08-01 20:55:38
606.   D4P
If Andre were allowed to have feelings, I would guess they'd be negative.
2008-08-01 20:55:46
607.   Gold Star for Robot Boy
597 - I used to live in Lompoc, not too far from Sideways country.
Had I known the SYV would be so popular, I woulda bought a bunch of bottles and stowed them away.
2008-08-01 20:55:47
608.   MonkeyBlue
Jones sucks and Torre conitnues to play this guy! GENIUS!
2008-08-01 20:55:57
609.   Tripon
http://zip.4chan.org/sp/src/1217649267186.jpg The invasion of the Dodgers into enemy camp.
2008-08-01 20:56:01
610.   Vishal
so far, this new, improved dodger offense is looking a lot like the one we had before :P
2008-08-01 20:56:11
611.   underdog
599 There's plenty of whine and cheese on this thread tonight as it is. We're trying to pace ourselves.
2008-08-01 20:56:53
612.   scareduck
Oh man, I got excited about that foul flare by Berroa.
2008-08-01 20:57:03
613.   OhioBlues12
So it looks like we are bound and determined to negate positive effect that Manny will have. Regular OF will be Manny, Pierre, and Kemp.

http://tinyurl.com/5hrjbb

Sorry if this has already been discussed.

2008-08-01 20:57:25
614.   micktissue
Wow. I wonder what Torre sees when Jones flails and misses like that ...
2008-08-01 20:57:33
615.   Bob Hendley
606 - I hear that he is sick to his stomach.
2008-08-01 20:57:35
616.   scareduck
I personally am looking forward to RJ's acceptance speech at Cooperstown.
2008-08-01 20:58:04
617.   Tripon
Sorry Burke, no web gem for you!
2008-08-01 20:58:13
618.   underdog
607 Yeah I grew up in SB and feel the same way. If only I'd known... Or thought to open a winery!

--

At least Berroa works some pitches from RJ, more than we can say about the hitter before him.

2008-08-01 20:58:17
619.   Gold Star for Robot Boy
614 - "Hmm. He just needs a few more at-bats to get things straightened out."
2008-08-01 20:58:19
620.   scareduck
613 - you surmise correctly. Nevertheless, a tragedy.
2008-08-01 20:59:02
621.   Gen3Blue
We conceded this game--there is no other way to view it.
With luck we could still win, but it probably didn't have to come to that.
2008-08-01 20:59:04
622.   underdog
613 Uh, yeah, it was discussed. :-)
2008-08-01 20:59:09
623.   JoeyP
I sense a weakness in Randy Johnson.
He's having trouble putting away Berroa.
2008-08-01 20:59:36
624.   Xeifrank
Torre needs to be roasted if Jones gets more than one start per week.
vr, Xei
2008-08-01 21:00:17
625.   Gold Star for Robot Boy
621 - We conceded this game--there is no other way to view it.
Yes, with Chad tossing up those gopher balls, we look like the 1919 Black Sox.
Again, G3B, STOP.
2008-08-01 21:00:37
626.   Icaros
I hope Andre Ethier is enjoying his ranch sunflower seeds.

I always liked the BBQ when I experienced unjustified benchery in high school.

2008-08-01 21:00:40
627.   underdog
621 Seriously. A nice tall glass of wine, I highly recommend it.
2008-08-01 21:00:46
628.   whodat807
Randy was a Trojan? Man, another reason to hate him.

(...go bears.)

2008-08-01 21:00:54
629.   MonkeyBlue
WHAT HE WAS SAFE???? Is the ump blind????
2008-08-01 21:01:04
630.   micktissue
Does anyone know if there's a rule or contract obligation that prevents or prohibits Jones from being sent down to "get things straightened out"?
2008-08-01 21:01:07
631.   Alex41592
Duncan took one for the team. FIRE THEM UP!
2008-08-01 21:01:07
632.   Gold Star for Robot Boy
That was a terrible call.
No, wait, Loney pulled up short of the bag - after all, we've already conceded this game.
2008-08-01 21:01:11
633.   Bob Hendley
Come on Gramps, do that Cora thing.
2008-08-01 21:01:18
634.   Eric Stephen
Loney was out, but he is lucky he didn't get run for the helmet bounce. The 1B ump looked itching to eject someone.

Cue Mariano!

2008-08-01 21:01:19
635.   Tripon
Duncan, the first baseman coach tossed for arguing against the DP.
2008-08-01 21:01:25
636.   Andrew Shimmin
Who had Duncan getting thrown out first?
2008-08-01 21:01:31
637.   bablue
Argh, and now the pitcher's gotta lead off the next inning. Bad baserunning, Loney.
2008-08-01 21:01:38
638.   underdog
Another crap call by an umpire. He was so safe.
2008-08-01 21:01:47
639.   Icaros
Remember when umps avoided conflict?
2008-08-01 21:01:55
640.   ucladodger
Love me some Mariano Duncan
2008-08-01 21:02:21
641.   Gold Star for Robot Boy
Good for you, Dunc!
2008-08-01 21:02:21
642.   JoeyP
Bad base running by Loney.
The play was right in front of him.
2008-08-01 21:02:26
643.   micktissue
Wow, really questionable calls tonight and Mariano gets tossed ...
2008-08-01 21:02:39
644.   whodat807
Whoa, there goes Duncan. The umps sure are raising the ire of both teams today.
2008-08-01 21:02:42
645.   Gen3Blue
579,589
Sorry, I tend to get too passionate.
2008-08-01 21:02:46
646.   underdog
632 - Hah hah. I caught that one. ;-)

I really want to see a replay of that one again. Maybe I'm missing something.

2008-08-01 21:02:51
647.   Eric Stephen
630
Like any player with his experience, Jones can't be sent down without his consent.
2008-08-01 21:03:03
648.   Sagehen
517 Er ... but that's a song about WWIII and the end of the world. Is that what Manny taking #99 signifies? Hmmm. Perhaps for the Ethier and LaRoche fans among us.
2008-08-01 21:03:04
649.   Xeifrank
As poorly as Pierre hit last year, his OPS of .648 so far this year, would be the lowest of his career. And Joe Torre wants to start him and his weak arm in CF and move Ethier to the bench. Oh, great.
vr, Xei
2008-08-01 21:03:23
650.   Alex41592
Yeah, he was out. Duncan did the right thing otherwise Loney might have been thrown out.
Show/Hide Comments 651-700
2008-08-01 21:03:53
651.   Xeifrank
Kershaw's last inning?
vr, Xei
2008-08-01 21:04:06
652.   Tripon
That curveball was a strike.
2008-08-01 21:04:29
653.   Neal Pollack
Since I'm having trouble logging on, I assume that we've all discussed Jones' atrocious defense on Burke's "leg triple."

Seriously, Joe? Do you have to play him?

2008-08-01 21:04:30
654.   daglew
I realize this is an obscure topic that has probably never been raised here before, but why is Andruw Jones still a starter on this team?
2008-08-01 21:04:30
655.   underdog
Hmm. It looked like a tie or that the ball did get there just a hair before his hand. Very close call. But I like Duncan's passion there!

I also think that ball was lined so hard that I don't see how Loney could've been any farther back than he was.

2008-08-01 21:04:43
656.   Andrew Shimmin
649- He was worse at this point last year than he has been this year.
2008-08-01 21:05:02
657.   Tripon
Kershaw might pitch the 7th.
2008-08-01 21:05:08
658.   Gold Star for Robot Boy
648 - I had to look back to make sure the song wasn't Vera Lee's "We'll Meet Again."
2008-08-01 21:05:13
659.   surfing slug
This should be Kershaw's last inning.
2008-08-01 21:05:16
660.   whodat807
Man that curve is looking good today.
2008-08-01 21:05:27
661.   Greg Brock
We have pretty calm base coaches.
2008-08-01 21:05:41
662.   ucladodger
Wow, the crowd cheering on that.
2008-08-01 21:05:42
663.   micktissue
647 Thanks for that, and it makes me wonder what Jones sees when he flails and misses like that. Why doesn't Kent get in Jones' face? Maybe he's afraid of getting mustard on it?
2008-08-01 21:05:47
664.   Gold Star for Robot Boy
Love the derisive cheering for that foul tip.
2008-08-01 21:05:48
665.   Marty
Hey, the only guy on the team is due up fifth next inning.! Thanks Fox!
2008-08-01 21:06:00
666.   Alex41592
Dodger fans cheer the ump being hit by the ball. I concur.
2008-08-01 21:06:01
667.   Andrew Shimmin
Bill Plaschke.
2008-08-01 21:06:03
668.   Eric Stephen
Sometimes fans are funny. A nice loud cheer for the home plate ump getting nailed with that foul ball.
2008-08-01 21:06:13
669.   Sharkie
Is that a miami vice actor behind the ump?
2008-08-01 21:06:20
670.   Tripon
654 Jones is making 18 million a year, and Don Matterley asked Torre to give him a couple of weeks to fix his swing.
2008-08-01 21:06:32
671.   Andrew Shimmin
D'oh.
2008-08-01 21:06:36
672.   underdog
Okay, cool. Well, that's everyone. I believe all DT posters on our roll call sheet have now chimed in on the line-up and Jones/Pierre. Cool. We're all set. Now we can move on. Thanks to everyone who participated in our survey.

And the crowd cheers the ump's getting beaned by the deflection, and for once I agree with their rudeness.

2008-08-01 21:06:38
673.   Sagehen
At least Ethier can get a hit off the bench -- unlike what Sweeney's shown us every night except last night.

Yeah, that's why Ethier's on the bench -- because he's a better pinchhitter than ole spaghetti arm. And he can be used as a late inning defensive replacement too! There's no end to his usefulness coming off the bench!

Grrr. Ethier on the bench makes me grumpy and sarcastic.

2008-08-01 21:06:47
674.   Tripon
You know Jeff Kent, if you can't field, why are you playing?
2008-08-01 21:07:18
675.   MonkeyBlue
Jeff Kent is old.
2008-08-01 21:07:23
676.   MollyKnight
These umpires are not having a good night. Not at all.
2008-08-01 21:07:50
677.   Icaros
658

I thought it went: "Does anybody here remember Vera Lynn? Remeber how she said that we would meet again some sunny day? Vera. Vera. What has become of you? Does anybody else in here feel the way I do?"

(I love Roger Waters).

2008-08-01 21:08:14
678.   ucladodger
Event though Kent couldnt have gotten the out, him not even touching the ball was pretty sad. Can it even be argued that we dont have the worst fielding team in baseball?
2008-08-01 21:09:07
679.   Gold Star for Robot Boy
Gotta have that, James.
2008-08-01 21:09:11
680.   Andrew Shimmin
The Marlins' defense is pretty rough, too.
2008-08-01 21:09:22
681.   Alex41592
Damn, Loney really should've had that.
2008-08-01 21:09:24
682.   ucladodger
Yuck. Must make that play.
2008-08-01 21:09:27
683.   Tripon
Possible DP broken up. Was that due to Kent's poor throw, or should Loney should have held the ball?
2008-08-01 21:09:51
684.   Eric Stephen
12 straight scoreless for Clay K.
2008-08-01 21:09:54
685.   Alex41592
Only cost Kershaw one pitch.
2008-08-01 21:10:12
686.   Tripon
How the heck did we survive that inning without a D'back scoring?
2008-08-01 21:10:16
687.   Gold Star for Robot Boy
678 - Florida's D is light-years worse than LA.
2008-08-01 21:10:17
688.   underdog
The O-Dog doing his slide tackle there on Kent.
2008-08-01 21:10:18
689.   whodat807
Wasn't Torre talking about exactly that sort of play in regards to Loney's fielding a few days ago?
2008-08-01 21:10:36
690.   D4P
I don't think the DBacks are gonna score tonight.

On a related note, the Dodgers are not giving up many runs these days.

2008-08-01 21:10:46
691.   thinkblue88
I say one more inning on a short leash. Give the guy some confidence.
2008-08-01 21:10:50
692.   Alex41592
683 - Kent was busy trying not to be crippled. Loney came up too quick on the bounce.
2008-08-01 21:10:59
693.   bcg60
670 - I think his few weeks are just about up and nothing has changed. He is beyond help.
2008-08-01 21:11:11
694.   Eric Stephen
670
Don Matterley

Really? When Bluebleeder does it, its cool. Matterley?

2008-08-01 21:11:41
695.   Greg Brock
680 But they hit bombs.
2008-08-01 21:11:59
696.   thinkblue88
Anyways.....
2008-08-01 21:12:01
697.   underdog
How many pitches for Kershaw now?

Cool, this game might be over so early I can watch an entire movie tonight after it's done! If I can finish some work while I'm watching it.

2008-08-01 21:12:18
698.   JoeyP
polite golf clap

Nice job Clayton.

2008-08-01 21:12:30
699.   Kuo-fax
672 - Well, almost. I for one am glad that Ethier is on the bench... Just think about our depth with Kemp & Ethier to call upon late in games! ;-P
2008-08-01 21:12:37
700.   Alex41592
If we were up Kershaw probably goes back out there.
Show/Hide Comments 701-750
2008-08-01 21:12:46
701.   Gold Star for Robot Boy
That crawled up O-Dog's arm.
2008-08-01 21:13:03
702.   ucladodger
Pierre makes things happen! And sees 2 pitches!
2008-08-01 21:13:06
703.   bablue
O-Dog, practicing his juggling again...
2008-08-01 21:13:06
704.   Tripon
That was odd. Guess both teams don't care about fielding tonight.
2008-08-01 21:13:08
705.   underdog
About 90 pitches. That's about right. Well done Clayton, very well done.
2008-08-01 21:13:21
706.   Gold Star for Robot Boy
I agree that's an error.
2008-08-01 21:13:21
707.   Alex41592
Here we go. Pierre got on.
2008-08-01 21:13:22
708.   Greg Brock
That wasn't your fault, Orlando.
2008-08-01 21:13:28
709.   Andrew Shimmin
695- I was only addressing whether the Dodgers have the worst defense in baseball. I defintely wouldn't argue that their position player are on balance worse than the Dodgers' position players.
2008-08-01 21:13:53
710.   underdog
That was a nice trick, O-Dog. I saw a clown at Fisherman's Wharf do that once.
2008-08-01 21:14:01
711.   Tripon
697 Vin says 89. Not bad, but Kershaw's still on the strict innings limit.
2008-08-01 21:14:06
712.   D Prouty
46 49 I knew Manny didn't get #34 because that's the number of the beloved Fernando Valenzuela, but #34 isn't officially retired by the Dodgers, is it? My question is: why not? Is there some semantic reason? Is Fernando still somehow playing and whiffing batters in some obscure league so he's not officially retired? What's the deal with that? We should lobby to hang that #34 across the pavilion overhangs because it certainly belongs there.
2008-08-01 21:14:43
713.   Sagehen
And our left-handed pinchhitter, benched in favor of Jones, gets on base against RJ ... oh, the irony.

There are no right-handed pinchhitters available tonight at all, are they? Colletti doesn't even know how to give Torre a bench to use.

2008-08-01 21:14:49
714.   Gold Star for Robot Boy
Oh. My.
2008-08-01 21:14:50
715.   Tripon
2nd error!
2008-08-01 21:14:50
716.   Alex41592
Giants bullpen blows another Lincecum start.
2008-08-01 21:14:58
717.   silverwidow
A 20-year-old with a 4.00 ERA in the big leagues is pretty impressive.
2008-08-01 21:15:10
718.   Greg Brock
Making things happen by being stupid.
2008-08-01 21:15:11
719.   Eric Stephen
Kershaw's ERA: 4.02
ERA+: ~113
FIP: 4.05
2008-08-01 21:15:13
720.   Alex41592
And all the AZsnakepit goes, "WHERE'S TRACY???"
2008-08-01 21:15:15
721.   Andrew Shimmin
The rabbit escapes the stew pot.
2008-08-01 21:15:22
722.   scareduck
Jar de har har. Picked off turns into a stolen base.
2008-08-01 21:15:24
723.   MonkeyBlue
Big breaks for the Dodgers.
2008-08-01 21:15:26
724.   Icaros
710

Was that before or after the Bush Man made you jump out of your shoes?

2008-08-01 21:15:41
725.   Bob Timmermann
716
Bob's fantasy team weeps.
2008-08-01 21:16:08
726.   Gold Star for Robot Boy
720 - Yep. This was their fear: Clark gets a start a week "to keep him sharp."
2008-08-01 21:16:12
727.   Tripon
712 Manny knew the significance, and didn't push for it. Something along the lines of, "Its Fernando, man. He's the man!"
2008-08-01 21:16:16
728.   underdog
699 Hee. Sorry, didn't mean to exclude one of my favorite handles here. Duly noted (although Kemp isn't going to the bench). And of course my post was so thick with sarcasm that you could drizzle it on pancakes. ;-)

---

Pierre makes things happen! He's six levels of awesome!

2008-08-01 21:16:27
729.   whodat807
712 I read somewhere that Fernando kept pitching in Mexico for years after he left the bigs, but I might be confused.

That said, I do wonder why more players haven't had their numbers retired. I guess it's a good policy to only do that for the special ones, but there are a few numbers I wouldn't mind seeing hanging from the rafters.

2008-08-01 21:16:29
730.   Sagehen
712 The Dodgers only officially retire the numbers of Hall-of-Famers. Garvey's #6 went unused for a long time as well.
2008-08-01 21:16:43
731.   Eric Stephen
712
You pretty much have to be in the HOF to get your number retired by the Dodgers. The only non-HOF retired # is 19 for Jim Gilliam, who was:

a) a very good player
b) a coach in the 1970s that died young
c) Walter O'Malley's favorite

2008-08-01 21:17:17
732.   micktissue
When is Hu coming up?
2008-08-01 21:17:23
733.   Gold Star for Robot Boy
YEAH!
2008-08-01 21:17:32
734.   ucladodger
Bison Brilliance! I love him...
2008-08-01 21:17:33
735.   thinkblue88
Yesssssssssssss 19 game hit streak!!!
2008-08-01 21:17:37
736.   Tripon
Wooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo!!!
2008-08-01 21:17:41
737.   Eric Stephen
Kershaw = Pitcher of Record©
2008-08-01 21:17:42
738.   Icaros
Bison.
2008-08-01 21:17:44
739.   Greg Brock
Atta boy Matt.
2008-08-01 21:17:49
740.   Alex41592
YES! Thank you Juan Pierre. Seriously. And thank you Matty Kemp!
2008-08-01 21:18:04
741.   MonkeyBlue
Bison power!
2008-08-01 21:18:05
742.   Blue in Beantown
712 That's exactly what I thought when I read Manny's quote.
2008-08-01 21:18:07
743.   Eric Stephen
732
September 1
2008-08-01 21:18:21
744.   underdog
Yay. Bison makes 'em pay!

Roam, Bison, Roam!

2008-08-01 21:18:25
745.   scareduck
So here comes the man who should have been out, and not only do the Dodgers lead, but Matt Kemp has a standup double, and it is 1-0 Dodgers.
2008-08-01 21:18:29
746.   Sagehen
730 Except for Jim Gilliam.
2008-08-01 21:18:37
747.   whodat807
MATT KEMP! And the beat goes on!
2008-08-01 21:19:01
748.   Tripon
729

Fernando still hasn't officially retired. He still plays in the off season somewhere. Not at any high level league mind you, but he still plays pro ball last I heard.

2008-08-01 21:19:10
749.   Alex41592
Casey will have a professional at bat here.
2008-08-01 21:19:15
750.   scareduck
744 - RMON makes 'em pay!
Show/Hide Comments 751-800
2008-08-01 21:19:21
751.   Gold Star for Robot Boy
Qualls warming up!
Seriously, that's like Arizona conceding the game.
2008-08-01 21:19:31
752.   micktissue
With that Torre will feel justified on giving Pierre CF all to himself.
2008-08-01 21:19:52
753.   Xeifrank
Juan does what he does best. Comes off the bench in a late inning situation.
vr, Xei
2008-08-01 21:19:56
754.   Eric Stephen
748
If the Dodgers wanted to retire Fernando's number, I don't think they'd care whether or not he's still playing in the Mexican winter league.
2008-08-01 21:20:03
755.   MonkeyBlue
Please advance the baserunner! Blake!
2008-08-01 21:20:19
756.   whodat807
748 Wow, I knew he kept on pitching, but still? I say we take a DT trip down to wherever he's pitching.
2008-08-01 21:20:25
757.   Gold Star for Robot Boy
752 - Better that than Jones seeing the light of day, or his name in the lineup, again.
2008-08-01 21:20:31
758.   Ken Noe
752 Doesn't bode well for Jones.
2008-08-01 21:21:15
759.   Xeifrank
I could go for a new post up top about now. Taking forever to load DT. :)
vr, Xei
2008-08-01 21:21:18
760.   Alex41592
Pierre will at least hustle his butt off even if he has no arm.
2008-08-01 21:21:42
761.   micktissue
757 I suppose that is the silver lining, but I'd prefer to see Either out there.
2008-08-01 21:21:48
762.   Sagehen
752 Pierre will at least be an improvement over Jones.
2008-08-01 21:22:05
763.   MonkeyBlue
Chased! Ugh!
2008-08-01 21:22:15
764.   silverwidow
Blake = K machine.

Very disappointing.

2008-08-01 21:22:21
765.   Alex41592
Filthy. Many men have K'd on that pitch.
2008-08-01 21:22:23
766.   Tripon
How many walks does Casey Blake has? He seems to get a hit or Strike out. No in between.
2008-08-01 21:22:23
767.   Gold Star for Robot Boy
756 - Hopefully, he's pitching for my favorite Mexican League team - the Cancun Langosteros (Lobstermen).
It was in Playa del Carmen, 50 clicks south of Cancun, where I first had lobster. One bite from the tail, and I thought, "Oh, this is why people eat it."
2008-08-01 21:22:35
768.   whodat807
Randy looks like he's losing it a little.
2008-08-01 21:22:51
769.   Alex41592
Case in point strike 1 to Martin.
2008-08-01 21:22:51
770.   Bob Hendley
748 - Does a little pitching in the Mexican winter league for his old team.
2008-08-01 21:23:04
771.   Sagehen
Perhaps Torre is getting Dre and Druw mixed up. He means to be starting Dre, but Druw's name keeps making it onto the lineup card instead.
2008-08-01 21:23:04
772.   whodat807
768 Right when I type that...
2008-08-01 21:23:19
773.   Greg Brock
This game has not been officiated very well.
2008-08-01 21:23:20
774.   underdog
Damn, that slider is the one pitch still giving people fits. Just tire him out here guys so we can swap RJ for DJ Qualls.
2008-08-01 21:23:28
775.   Tripon
That was a balk.
2008-08-01 21:23:43
776.   Alex41592
Now they have to walk Manny here.
2008-08-01 21:23:45
777.   nick
ibb?
2008-08-01 21:23:47
778.   whodat807
That first base coach is asking for it.
2008-08-01 21:23:49
779.   MonkeyBlue
Manny is going to be walk.
2008-08-01 21:23:58
780.   micktissue
Vin: "Johnson can still snap it off"
2008-08-01 21:24:02
781.   Tripon
Manny's at bat!
2008-08-01 21:24:12
782.   Gold Star for Robot Boy
Blake entered the night, as a Dodger, with 11 Ks and 2 BBs.
For the season, he's now 80 Ks, 35 BBs.
2008-08-01 21:24:24
783.   Sagehen
OK Manny. Here's where you show us why we traded for you.
2008-08-01 21:25:02
784.   Eric Stephen
According to Wikipedia, Fernando last pitched in the Mexican League in 2005-2006.
2008-08-01 21:25:19
785.   Xeifrank
walk Manny?
vr, Xei
2008-08-01 21:25:33
786.   Eric Stephen
Mattingly has the worst soul patch ever.
2008-08-01 21:25:47
787.   Gold Star for Robot Boy
That was weird.
2008-08-01 21:25:50
788.   Alex41592
DAMMIT!
2008-08-01 21:25:50
789.   underdog
766 - He's had two walks so far as a Dodger.
2008-08-01 21:25:50
790.   Greg Brock
Manny is all hustle.

Goddamnit.

2008-08-01 21:25:56
791.   Tripon
Oh what, the heck.
2008-08-01 21:25:57
792.   Eric Stephen
That play had it all!
2008-08-01 21:26:19
793.   Gold Star for Robot Boy
3-5-2-6, I believe.
2008-08-01 21:26:22
794.   MonkeyBlue
Kemp! why?
2008-08-01 21:26:23
795.   ucladodger
Damn. If Clark gives the ball to Randy, Matt scores.
2008-08-01 21:26:24
796.   scareduck
Kemp totally blows what could have been a men on the corners situation. My, but that was disappointing.
2008-08-01 21:26:30
797.   D Prouty
730 731 Why isn't Fernando in the Hall then? And if there's anyone the Dodgers should make an exception for on that HOF rule, it should be him, in my opinion.
2008-08-01 21:26:51
798.   Andrew Shimmin
786- Walt Frasier says his beard is weird.
2008-08-01 21:26:51
799.   underdog
That was ridiculous. Two things that shouldn't have happened so I guess it evens out.
2008-08-01 21:27:01
800.   Tripon
Did Bowa wave him in? Bowa waves everything and anything in!
Show/Hide Comments 801-850
2008-08-01 21:27:31
801.   Xeifrank
Care to splain what happened?
vr, Xei
2008-08-01 21:27:34
802.   jasonungar07
Mattingly looks like Chris Cooper
2008-08-01 21:27:36
803.   Gold Star for Robot Boy
You know what's responsible for Kemp's out?
Randy Johnson's lack of hustle.
2008-08-01 21:28:05
804.   ucladodger
800

Doubt it. Inexcusable play, but I'm guessing Matt thought Clark was going to toss the ball to Johnson, and then he could score.

2008-08-01 21:28:14
805.   Tripon
795 It was two outs anyway, doubt Kemp would have been able to score from 2nd.
2008-08-01 21:28:31
806.   scareduck
"Can't Explain" by the Who to lead into the seventh. Perfect.
2008-08-01 21:28:42
807.   underdog
786 I held the previous record for Worst Soul Patch Ever, but fortunately came to my senses and shaved it off pretty quickly. I think it was about the time the Simpsons did their first satire of soul patches.
2008-08-01 21:28:54
808.   surfing slug
Great outing by the kid!
2008-08-01 21:28:56
809.   Gold Star for Robot Boy
Oh noes.
2008-08-01 21:29:02
810.   ucladodger
Un-freaking-real.
2008-08-01 21:29:06
811.   Xeifrank
Chan Ho-mer Park
vr, Xei
2008-08-01 21:29:10
812.   Alex41592
And there goes Kershaw's win.
2008-08-01 21:29:16
813.   Eric Stephen
Kershaw is no longer the pitcher of record.
2008-08-01 21:29:18
814.   Andrew Shimmin
So. That happened.
2008-08-01 21:29:19
815.   MonkeyBlue
Wow.
2008-08-01 21:29:30
816.   Tripon
Well, Kershaw can't win now.
2008-08-01 21:29:34
817.   thinkblue88
Fertilizer.
2008-08-01 21:29:34
818.   scareduck
Park lets Clark park one into dead center.
2008-08-01 21:29:41
819.   Vishal
booooooooo.
2008-08-01 21:29:48
820.   Greg Brock
801 Kemp went around third and went too wide on the Manny infield hit and got back-picked.

Stupid, stupid play by Kemp.

2008-08-01 21:29:54
821.   underdog
Great. Clark giveth, and Clark (and Park) taketh away.
2008-08-01 21:29:59
822.   whodat807
sigh.
2008-08-01 21:30:16
823.   MSarg29
that was a buzzkill
2008-08-01 21:30:24
824.   Icaros
Rule 1. Loud.
2008-08-01 21:30:24
825.   scareduck
Speaking of inexplicable things...
2008-08-01 21:30:44
826.   micktissue
Nice start for Clayton. Too bad the other boys can't give an equal effort.
2008-08-01 21:31:05
827.   Vishal
that really illustrates though, how much easier it is to score runs when you hit homers.
2008-08-01 21:31:05
828.   underdog
One thing I don't enjoy, is seeing any sort of DBacks celebrations going on here at Dodger Stadium, so let's not see any more runs today, Dodgers.
2008-08-01 21:31:23
829.   Greg Brock
Kershaw doesn't know how to win.
2008-08-01 21:31:34
830.   ucladodger
That was Clark's 6th extra base hit in over 110 ABs. Wow.
2008-08-01 21:31:51
831.   Bob Hendley
756 - Plays with his hometown team the Mayos de Navojoa. Ricky Henderson played there last year as well.
2008-08-01 21:32:02
832.   Vishal
820 not having TV, is it possible that it was only an infield hit because kemp went so far? i have a hard time imagining manny legging one out.
2008-08-01 21:32:05
833.   scareduck
Manny allows a "single". Nice.
2008-08-01 21:32:08
834.   alex 7
Kemp being Kemp. Hope they leave Randy in one more inning. Looked about done.
2008-08-01 21:32:18
835.   Sharkie
Oh fickle BABIP gods -- are you now looking at Chan Ho unkindly?
2008-08-01 21:32:53
836.   Gold Star for Robot Boy
Mark Grace is ripping Manny for not catching that, or coming close.
Didn't look playable to me, but I'm not MLB's leader in hits during the 1990s.
2008-08-01 21:32:54
837.   Andrew Shimmin
832- No. Nobody was covering first, Manny was safe no matter what.
2008-08-01 21:33:37
838.   underdog
Well, it's nice to dip into the DBacks pen at least.
2008-08-01 21:34:01
839.   Greg Brock
Yes, please bunt.
2008-08-01 21:34:25
840.   Gold Star for Robot Boy
832 - Manny hit a grounder to the first/second hole. Clark fielded it cleanly, but RJ was late getting off the mound. Clark looked to throw to first, realized there was no one covering (Manny was hustling), and then noticed Kemp was in no-man's land.
2008-08-01 21:34:33
841.   Sharkie
Mark Grace is just jealous of Manny's hair.
2008-08-01 21:34:56
842.   Vishal
837 ah, that's a shame. we probably wouldn't have scored anyway though.
2008-08-01 21:35:43
843.   whodat807
Is it possible to like a player too much? Me and my dad, whenever we watched Chan Ho, we rooted so hard for him that we couldn't enjoy his good starts because it was so nervewracking. My mother loudly celebrated when he signed with the Rangers, so glad was she to be rid of the moodiness he brought us every five days.
2008-08-01 21:35:44
844.   Eric Stephen
I learned this on the KABC radio pregame show yesterday:

Rodney McCray, he of the run through the OF wall play in the minors, is now a roving instructor for the Dodgers. The batter that hit the ball that send McCray through the wall in Portland 15 some odd years ago was Chip Hale, currently the D-Backs 3rd base coach.

2008-08-01 21:35:45
845.   lakerican
829

How this has to do anything with Kershaw exactly?

2008-08-01 21:35:51
846.   Marty
This is why getting a great hitter doesn't guarantee anything,
2008-08-01 21:36:10
847.   Alex41592
I'm stunned Beimel wasn't up for this moment.
2008-08-01 21:36:30
848.   Tripon
Chan Ho doesn't look like he has it today.
2008-08-01 21:36:41
849.   Gold Star for Robot Boy
845 - It's sarcasm.
For an explanation, ask Bert Blyleven.
2008-08-01 21:36:53
850.   Tripon
845 He was joking.
Show/Hide Comments 851-900
2008-08-01 21:36:54
851.   Gen3Blue
It doesn't matter who is in the outfield on a hit like Clark's.
2008-08-01 21:36:57
852.   Luis Chavez
Did anyone here go to tonight's Las Vegas game here in Oklahoma City? I met some Dodger fans and I'm just wondering if it was anyone who posts here.
2008-08-01 21:37:11
853.   TheBigGrabowski
850 comments, wowsers, this will probably go to 1000
2008-08-01 21:37:45
854.   Eric Stephen
852
Will you see Penny tomorrow night?
2008-08-01 21:39:19
855.   lakerican
Well, FWIW Dodgers fans don't have a good humor lately, that's including me...
2008-08-01 21:39:54
856.   Greg Brock
Figures that the stat nerds around here would defend Kershaw and his inability to get a job done.
2008-08-01 21:40:17
857.   Tripon
Chan Ho's pulled.
2008-08-01 21:40:35
858.   Luis Chavez
854
Yes, that is the plan!
2008-08-01 21:40:46
859.   micktissue
Lordy this is painful.
2008-08-01 21:40:53
860.   underdog
Here we go. It's Beimel Time. Alert Troy.
2008-08-01 21:41:01
861.   whodat807
Ugh. Yeah, get on the phone, Honeycutt. This game is churning my stomach.
2008-08-01 21:41:05
862.   MSarg29
Park was due for a bad outing.
2008-08-01 21:41:34
863.   Eric Stephen
I was at Chan Ho's 1st major league start, in SD in 1995. Hard to believe it has been 13 years.
2008-08-01 21:42:13
864.   Tripon
856 Your momma kiss you with that mouth? Cause she gave me a good one last night!
2008-08-01 21:42:15
865.   Sharkie
Who needs humor when you have JP and Andruw? Angst is the new humor. This is the post bubble SoCal, man!
2008-08-01 21:42:26
866.   scareduck
Dizzy in the head and I'm feeling blue
The things you've said, well, maybe they're true
I'm gettin' funny dreams again and again
I know what it means, but …

Can't explain
I think it's love
Try to say it to you
When I feel blue

2008-08-01 21:42:29
867.   Greg Brock
Let's see a Beimel comebacker DP.
2008-08-01 21:42:36
868.   cloakedarbiter
Clark, on the other hand, is a baller.
2008-08-01 21:42:42
869.   underdog
856 If I wasn't too busy playing "Doom" in my mom's basement I'd come over there and slug you one. But, you know, my slurpee's melting, too, and I have some sabermetric twitter updates to make.
2008-08-01 21:43:02
870.   Gold Star for Robot Boy
NOT HAPPY.
2008-08-01 21:43:07
871.   TheBigGrabowski
UGH
2008-08-01 21:43:07
872.   Alex41592
I saw this game last night.
2008-08-01 21:43:09
873.   Tripon
Well, this sucks.
2008-08-01 21:43:43
874.   Eric Stephen
Last night the Dodgers scored in the 6th to take a 1-0 lead.

D-Backs scored 2 in the 7th.

Deja vu.

2008-08-01 21:43:53
875.   Tripon
Vin gives two reasons why Beimel shouldn't have been in this game.
2008-08-01 21:43:59
876.   cloakedarbiter
Why are they showing a replay of yesterday's game?
2008-08-01 21:44:02
877.   ryu
Well, we all know that this just sets the stage for Manny to hit the walk-off HR.
2008-08-01 21:44:25
878.   Icaros
Game. Bye kids.
2008-08-01 21:44:25
879.   underdog
Darnit! I don't think either Drew or Kemp thought that had a chance of landing fair. We're cursed I tells ya! Cursed!
2008-08-01 21:44:34
880.   micktissue
867 Jinx.
2008-08-01 21:44:56
881.   Bob Timmermann
Gary Wayne pitched for the Dodgers in Chan Ho Park's major league debut back on 4/8/1994.

Kent Mercker had a good night.

2008-08-01 21:45:16
882.   ucladodger
This is incredibly painful.
2008-08-01 21:45:16
883.   Gold Star for Robot Boy
875 - And they are...?
2008-08-01 21:45:30
884.   micktissue
875 Vin to replace Torre?
2008-08-01 21:45:36
885.   underdog
874 It's definitely deja vu all over again.

Sigh.

Maybe I should cue up that DVD now, just in case.

But unlike SOME people I'm not giving up on this game.

2008-08-01 21:45:51
886.   Eric Stephen
You're welcome, Vin's teleprompter! :)
2008-08-01 21:45:59
887.   Bob Timmermann
DBacks = Cubs
Dodgers = Brewers
2008-08-01 21:46:35
888.   Andrew Shimmin
Sometimes Bob is evil. It gives me faith in humanity.
2008-08-01 21:46:43
889.   shamrok
852.

Hey, I'm stationed out in Oklahoma City, gonna try and catch tomorrow's game. Wanted to make tonight's game, but work kept me out of town again tonight.

2008-08-01 21:47:12
890.   Eric Stephen
881
I was supposed to go to that game!
2008-08-01 21:47:28
891.   Tripon
883 884 Lefties are batting .294 against Beimel, and while Beimel hasn't giving up a run during a day game, he has a over 3 ERA at night.
2008-08-01 21:47:45
892.   underdog
This has to be up there with all-time most negative DT threads...

I think I'm gonna open that bottle of wine now.

2008-08-01 21:48:19
893.   MSarg29
sadly this outing will compel colletti and torre to claim a crappy "veteran" reliever off waivers.
2008-08-01 21:48:21
894.   Eric Stephen
887
Bob just means the DBacks will go at least 100 years before winning, and the Dodgers previous owner was pure evil.
2008-08-01 21:48:27
895.   Gold Star for Robot Boy
891 - Sample size, and sample size.
2008-08-01 21:48:32
896.   Greg Brock
I don't think Mondesi, in his worst at bat, swung at a more terrible breaking pitch.

Just kidding...But that was terrible.

2008-08-01 21:48:34
897.   Sharkie
Don't give up. We still have one gamer left on the bench in Sweeney. The other guy isn't a gamer. He only hits the ball and fields well. What's that called?
2008-08-01 21:48:36
898.   Bob Timmermann
890
I believe more people miss out on going to see a game that is a no-hitter than actually attend them.

Even if the stadium is more than half full.

2008-08-01 21:49:44
899.   Tripon
Woo! Cory Wade contained the damage!
2008-08-01 21:49:48
900.   Icaros
892

We didn't make reality. Reality made us.

Show/Hide Comments 901-950
2008-08-01 21:50:10
901.   Alex41592
Great job by Wade.
2008-08-01 21:50:25
902.   Tripon
897 A game changer?
2008-08-01 21:50:27
903.   ucladodger
Wade has been freaking brilliant this year. Would be nice to score more than 1 run against this damn team.
2008-08-01 21:50:50
904.   Sagehen
I'm depressed.

First LaRoche is traded (albeit for Manny, so maybe I can live with it)

Then my favorite, Andre, is benched.

And now Dodger relief pitching is giving away a game beautifully pitched by Kershaw.

I'm depressed.

It's not easy being a Dodger fan. It's been a huge emotional roller coaster for us all over the last day and a half.

I'm depressed.

2008-08-01 21:50:57
905.   Sharkie
Wade'd!
2008-08-01 21:51:05
906.   Eric Stephen
898
It was a logistical nightmare for my friend's dad apparently. Remember we had to drive from Palm Springs.
2008-08-01 21:51:12
907.   Greg Brock
This has to be up there with all-time most negative DT threads...

Not even close! We've been way worse than this.

2008-08-01 21:51:18
908.   whodat807
Wow, that's the way to put out a fire, Wade! We got three solid innings to get back in this thing. The game's not over, no matter what people are saying.
2008-08-01 21:51:34
909.   scareduck
888 - http://tinyurl.com/ctxph
2008-08-01 21:52:25
910.   bcg60
Wade has been really impressive, especially of late.
2008-08-01 21:52:26
911.   Alex41592
Qualls is in.
2008-08-01 21:52:40
912.   Tripon
We forgot that Jeff Kent is still in the game.
2008-08-01 21:52:44
913.   Greg Brock
Unincorporated LA County in the house!
2008-08-01 21:52:52
914.   Bob Timmermann
907
The Detroit series was worst.

At least from my perspective. I was ready to crawl through the wires and punch people in the face and tell 'em "SNAP OUT OF IT!"

2008-08-01 21:53:12
915.   Eric Stephen
907
No kidding. May I direct the author of the Icaros Plan™ to the year 2005.
2008-08-01 21:53:19
916.   scareduck
913 - unincorporated OC in the house!
2008-08-01 21:54:18
917.   Bob Timmermann
913
Lomita is incorporated.
2008-08-01 21:54:37
918.   Icaros
915

What about 2005?

2008-08-01 21:54:37
919.   Xeifrank
WE: 32%
vr, Xei
2008-08-01 21:54:40
920.   Greg Brock
916 Bob, BH and I were just discussing the merits of Lomita, California at the game the other day.

Jim Thorpe died there, and...There you go.

2008-08-01 21:55:17
921.   Luis Chavez
889
Ah, It was a good one. 5-4 Las Vegas. Maybe I'll see you there tomorrow. I still need to buy tickets though.
2008-08-01 21:55:19
922.   Icaros
918

Other than being the worst year of my life so far, for various reasons.

2008-08-01 21:55:28
923.   Sharkie
902 I heard someone say, "In LA players who can hit and field are called bench warmers."
2008-08-01 21:56:56
924.   Xeifrank
How many pitches will Jones K on?
vr, Xei
2008-08-01 21:57:37
925.   Bob Timmermann
The only Dodger I know of who hails from unincorporated LA County is Delwyn Young, the pride of Littlerock.
2008-08-01 21:57:37
926.   silverwidow
My boy Ivan DeJesus went 4-for-4 with a homer today.

YEAAAAAAAH!

2008-08-01 21:57:59
927.   micktissue
924 2. That's how bad he is.
2008-08-01 21:58:03
928.   Icaros
924

The rule is still 3 strikes, right?

2008-08-01 21:58:06
929.   underdog
907 That's true! I think I was guilty of a rule 6 violation.

And possibly a rule 1 violation in a second.

I just want Manny to be able to bat 9 times tonight. The game would be more fun that way at least.

2008-08-01 21:58:14
930.   Eric Stephen
922
I just seem to remember super-negative threads and anger over Choi-Phillips, Mike Edwards, etc.

But Bob's right, the Detroit series was a low point too.

2008-08-01 21:58:43
931.   silverwidow
DeJesus is my new LaRoche.
2008-08-01 21:58:45
932.   Gold Star for Robot Boy
Can't believe he wasn't punched out on that checked swing.
2008-08-01 21:59:01
933.   Alex41592
Right now Manny would bat third in the ninth. We've got high hopes.
2008-08-01 21:59:05
934.   Tripon
Torre, you got to end this. Please. Just please.
2008-08-01 21:59:22
935.   Eric Stephen
922
How was 2005 the worst year of your life, if you don't mind my asking a personal question?
2008-08-01 21:59:54
936.   Alex41592
This is where you double switch Jones for Ethier with him batting ninth.
2008-08-01 22:00:08
937.   Bob Timmermann
I believe during the Detroit series someone asked for the abolition of Rule 8 and I was chided for demanding "happy talk."

gpellamjr talked me down off the roof.

2008-08-01 22:00:49
938.   Eric Stephen
937
Is there a clock tower near the library?
2008-08-01 22:00:53
939.   alex 7
instead of searching through 800 comments, can someone tell me if Ethier is sick today?
2008-08-01 22:01:11
940.   Icaros
930

The worst in 2005 was getting swept in Kansas City, climaxing with being shutout by Jose "Herpes Donor" Lima. But at least we had a GM I trusted then, until Tommy got him axed.

2008-08-01 22:01:13
941.   Gen3Blue
We're sure looking good now.
2008-08-01 22:01:14
942.   Sagehen
926 They'll probably trade him for a veteran firstbaseman tomorrow because, well, this time of the year, it's important to play as many veterans as possible.
2008-08-01 22:01:17
943.   Xeifrank
FanGraphs says Jones was hit by a pitch and we are still batting with a man on first.
vr, Xei
2008-08-01 22:01:33
944.   Greg Brock
The Dodgers are going to win this game.

Book it.

2008-08-01 22:01:34
945.   Bob Timmermann
935
There was an incident at a Dodgers-Twins baseball game involving an oversized novelty foam finger, a serving of nachos, and six members of a secret CIA death squad.
2008-08-01 22:02:06
946.   Groucho Marx
Seriously, it kills me to say this - but the Dodgers field the most boring team in baseball...
2008-08-01 22:02:07
947.   micktissue
A smash by Jones. Sorry, but what the HE-double-hockey-sticks is wrong with Dodger management that they can't see Jones cannot hit?

I'm depressed just watching it, but like the film Eraserhead I just can't stop watching it.

2008-08-01 22:03:03
948.   Tripon
This Dodgers crowd loves Manny as much as they hate Jones.
2008-08-01 22:03:11
949.   Icaros
935

I lost some very important things, so I packed my bags and moved away.

2008-08-01 22:03:37
950.   Alex41592
Nice play by Casey.
Show/Hide Comments 951-1000
2008-08-01 22:03:41
951.   scareduck
920 - there you go. My particular problems are that OC wants to force the unincorporated section where I live now (Rossmoor) to incorporate. About a third of the people who live here are quite old, but very active in local government, so it's difficult to get this across.
2008-08-01 22:03:51
952.   underdog
946 Did you miss any of the games vs. the Nationals? Their opponent in that series is the most boring team in baseball.

The Royals are pretty boring too. The A's frankly, are really boring, on offense. The Padres are ridiculously boring. Should I keep going?

2008-08-01 22:04:02
953.   gpellamjr
944 Yeah! Book it!

946 I heartily disagree.

Back to watching the game.

2008-08-01 22:04:03
954.   Bob Hendley
937 - And I bet they asked for this repeatedly.
2008-08-01 22:04:29
955.   bcg60
We were finally starting to score some runs with Kemp and Ethier batting next to each other, both at the 1 and 2 spots and 2 and 3, and Russ batting behind them. They were just starting to gel together. Far be it for Torre to stick with something that was starting to work. Now we're back to scoring 1 and 2 per game every night.
2008-08-01 22:04:42
956.   Eric Stephen
949
Sorry to hear it. But I like Bob's story better.

Hey, CHB is in the house!!!

2008-08-01 22:04:43
957.   Icaros
945

And that.

2008-08-01 22:05:40
958.   Sharkie
Wade is looking good. Need us some runs.
2008-08-01 22:06:02
959.   Eric L
Not that I am Icaros, but 2005 was the strangest year I've ever had in my life. There were so many ups and downs that by the end of the baseball season, I really didn't care anymore.
2008-08-01 22:06:02
960.   Tripon
Wade's awesome. Was he a converted starter?
2008-08-01 22:06:30
961.   whodat807
Does Wade have a nickname? He is quickly climbing up the charts of my favorite players.
2008-08-01 22:06:31
962.   Gen3Blue
Thats great--watching the dodgers play Jones and Pierre is almost exactly like watching Eraserhead. Depressing but fascinating.
2008-08-01 22:06:31
963.   underdog
Wade rocks.
2008-08-01 22:08:00
964.   underdog
My cat just killed and ate a moth, in what I hope is a special ritual that will help the Dodgers in this game.
2008-08-01 22:08:40
965.   scareduck
Vinny: "And this is so much like last night...."
2008-08-01 22:08:40
966.   scareduck
Vinny: "And this is so much like last night...."
2008-08-01 22:09:24
967.   scareduck
962 - especially the part where the articulated roast chickens start moving.
2008-08-01 22:09:39
968.   whodat807
2005 was an interesting year for me. August 2004 - August 2005 might have been the worst 12 months of my life. But things picked up in September (particularly on the 17th), thankfully.
2008-08-01 22:09:41
969.   Sagehen
If I were at the game right now, I'd be giving Ethier a standing O just for being in the game.
2008-08-01 22:09:47
970.   Icaros
Ethier sucks.
2008-08-01 22:09:53
971.   Alex41592
Unbelievable. Are you watching this, Torre.
2008-08-01 22:09:54
972.   Greg Brock
Great at-bat by the guy that can't sniff the starting lineup.
2008-08-01 22:09:59
973.   Bob Hendley
Dang, I can't find Fernando's stats from last winter. Looks like Mike Hampton pitched there as well. Speaking of whom, I wish Bob would come up with more contests.
2008-08-01 22:10:03
974.   MonkeyBlue
Ethier walked! see that Torre?
2008-08-01 22:10:12
975.   silverwidow
Wade is the reason Ned kicked Meloan to the curb.
2008-08-01 22:10:13
976.   underdog
Yay, a Robert Pershing Wadlow story!
2008-08-01 22:10:27
977.   Eric Stephen
Vinny busting out the Guinness Book of World Records.

Meanwhile Mike Shannon busts out the Guinness.

2008-08-01 22:10:28
978.   whodat807
964 underdog, you're my favorite DTer. I laughed out loud.
2008-08-01 22:10:31
979.   scareduck
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rmowtt9vhLY&NR=1
2008-08-01 22:10:42
980.   Bob Timmermann
The way people talk about Andruw Jones I get the feeling that this game is like watching "Grave of the Fireflies."
2008-08-01 22:11:33
981.   Sagehen
Way to get on base Dre! Gosh it would be nice to have another pinchhitter to use here. Kuo anyone?
2008-08-01 22:12:14
982.   whodat807
980 That is the most depressing movie ever made. And by Studio Ghibli (I think)! Whodathunkit.
2008-08-01 22:12:48
983.   Greg Brock
Mark Sweeney does what Mark Sweeney does.
2008-08-01 22:12:55
984.   Gen3Blue
Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha--did you see Sweenewy!
2008-08-01 22:13:23
985.   scareduck
All these people bought tickets to see Manny in a Dodgers uniform are now reduced to amusing themselves with The Wave.
2008-08-01 22:14:22
986.   Ken Noe
Nomar wonders, they DL'ed me for that?
2008-08-01 22:14:37
987.   MonkeyBlue
Bison MAD!
2008-08-01 22:14:42
988.   Sharkie
That was outside.
2008-08-01 22:15:10
989.   Tripon
980 Hey, Grave of the Fireflies had an happy ending!
2008-08-01 22:15:14
990.   Alex41592
Outside and low, but at least he's consistently AWFUL.

Manny bats second in the ninth.

2008-08-01 22:15:51
991.   Sagehen
This is just depressing. When you're depending upon Jones and Sweeney to be run producers, not even importing Ramirez is going to help. So frustrating. The Dodgers just have to play the right people whom they already have and they might generate a little more offense.
2008-08-01 22:15:54
992.   whodat807
Kemp K's a bunch, but he did not deserve that one. This ump is a joke.
2008-08-01 22:15:56
993.   Andrew Shimmin
Third, no?
2008-08-01 22:16:17
994.   underdog
That definitely hit the right level for a strike but looked outside. But then he's been calling outside balls strikes all night so I guess he's consistent. Well at least we have a non-sucky hitters to start the next inning.
2008-08-01 22:16:28
995.   Sharkie
Martin gets on. Manny launches one. It's so LA.
2008-08-01 22:16:59
996.   scareduck
990 - There's a part of me that will be highly amused if Manny hits into a double play with nobody out.
2008-08-01 22:17:00
997.   Jacob Burch
980 982 Eerily, I'm in the middle of working on my second to last essay of UCLA--a seven pager all on Grave of the Fireflies.

It is from Isao Takahata of Ghibli, but is not from Ghibli itself.

2008-08-01 22:17:06
998.   Eric Stephen
993
No. Is this one of the few 1000 comment threads in DT history?
2008-08-01 22:17:26
999.   Tripon
Great, Ethier is a late inning replacement. Argh argh argh argh.
2008-08-01 22:17:27
1000.   sporky
That sucked.
Show/Hide Comments 1001-1050
2008-08-01 22:17:32
1001.   Underbruin
995 I hope you're right.

Hello folks - for 1000+ comments and Manny, I figured I'd make an appearance.

2008-08-01 22:17:33
1002.   Bob Hendley
http://youtube.com/watch?v=jj6yDUKXKRM
2008-08-01 22:17:41
1003.   Sagehen
In honor of Manny's new uniform number, we're going to get to post #999 on this thread!
2008-08-01 22:17:46
1004.   scareduck
991 - exactly. Management gets all these Big Names and doesn't understand why they're losing so much.
2008-08-01 22:17:53
1005.   ucladodger
Can anyone watching on Gameday give up the location of Kemps third strike? At least 3 inches outside it looked like. Eric Cooper needs to be disciplined for his incompetence.
2008-08-01 22:18:18
1006.   Sagehen
991 Woo hoo! I got the Battle of Maldon.
2008-08-01 22:18:45
1007.   Eric Stephen
Did Kemp get ejected?
2008-08-01 22:18:47
1008.   Blue in Beantown
Ok, maybe Torre played Jones today so that everyone will be relieved when he replaces him with Pierre as the regular CF.
2008-08-01 22:19:04
1009.   Underbruin
997 I'm pretty sure it was in fact a Ghibli film - but it is NOT a Miyazaki film. There are Ghibli films that are not Miyazaki movies.
2008-08-01 22:19:54
1010.   Tripon
They gotta put a pitch hitter for Kent right?
2008-08-01 22:20:03
1011.   Gen3Blue
991 But this is at least funny as well as depressing. Every baseball site said Manny would make a difference if Joe played the right players. And he didn't! It may only take one game to tilt the field, so it is kind of humorous.
2008-08-01 22:20:26
1012.   Andrew Shimmin
Oh. I thought Kemp was the last out. Missed Blake's fly ball. I've been awake for a long time.
2008-08-01 22:20:41
1013.   Sharkie
I have just started up the infinite improbability drive. It says it's 2 to the 2,000,000 to 1 against Ethier starting.
2008-08-01 22:20:47
1014.   Underbruin
1009 No, I'm wrong. The animation was Ghibli, but the production itself was not. Sorry.
2008-08-01 22:21:11
1015.   silverwidow
Hey, why doesn't Broxton hit 97-98 anymore?

Oh that's right, they screwed up the gun.

2008-08-01 22:21:41
1016.   Greg Brock
1011 Keith Law only said the Dodgers would be good if they played Ethier so that he could rip them when they didn't play Ethier.
2008-08-01 22:21:51
1017.   Sharkie
Feed the Lyon to the Manny.
2008-08-01 22:22:22
1018.   Icaros
1012

Awake is overrated.

2008-08-01 22:22:50
1019.   whodat807
OK Manny, here's your chance to make a splashy first impression.
2008-08-01 22:22:56
1020.   Luis Chavez
Man, the crowd loves Manny!
2008-08-01 22:23:01
1021.   Jacob Burch
1014 I would have said the same thing as you two weeks ago, and will likely forget two weeks after I turn it in. Still made me weep more than once, which will not be forgotten.
2008-08-01 22:23:32
1022.   Alex41592
vs. Lyon lifetime

Martin: 2 for 6
Manny: 2 for 3 with a HR
Kent: 3 for 11 with a HR
Loney: 2 for 3
Failure: Doesn't matter he'll K

2008-08-01 22:23:35
1023.   micktissue
That's the thing about being a pitcher's park. It's a knife that cuts both ways.
2008-08-01 22:24:11
1024.   Andrew Shimmin
Griddle has the scoop on Jim Colborn's hitching his wagon to a non-Jim Tracy star.
2008-08-01 22:24:30
1025.   Eric Stephen
1023
Dodger Stadium is still not a pitchers' park.
2008-08-01 22:25:19
1026.   micktissue
1025 - tell that to espn ...
2008-08-01 22:25:49
1027.   Xeifrank
we're in business.
vr, Xei
2008-08-01 22:25:56
1028.   Alex41592
OH MAN! DODGER STADIUM GOING NUTS!
2008-08-01 22:25:57
1029.   Tripon
MANNY'S AT BAT WITH A RUNNER AT FIRST.
2008-08-01 22:26:00
1030.   Gold Star for Robot Boy
Down 0-2, but R-Mart fights back!
2008-08-01 22:26:02
1031.   thinkblue88
Here we go. This is what is all about.
2008-08-01 22:26:14
1032.   Eric Stephen
And look who's coming up.
2008-08-01 22:26:15
1033.   thinkblue88
Here we go. This is what is all about.
2008-08-01 22:26:15
1034.   MonkeyBlue
COME ON MANNY!!!!!!!
2008-08-01 22:26:32
1035.   Greg Brock
Manny!
Manny!
Manny!
2008-08-01 22:27:04
1036.   Underbruin
1014 No kidding. I gotta say, as great as Miyazaki is, I really only started to understand WHY his works were all so amazing when I watched some of the non-Miyazaki products by the Ghibli staff - he surrounded himself with really talented people, because even when he's not involved, they still do incredible work (Whisper of the Heart, for example).
2008-08-01 22:27:06
1037.   Xeifrank
WE: 34%
with Manny up there.
vr, Xei
2008-08-01 22:27:15
1038.   Xeifrank
WE: 34%
with Manny up there.
vr, Xei
2008-08-01 22:27:20
1039.   micktissue
No pressure.
2008-08-01 22:28:00
1040.   Xeifrank
doesn't look like we're getting a new p up t.
vr, Xei
2008-08-01 22:28:03
1041.   Blue in Beantown
This is an awesome situation for Manny's first game!
2008-08-01 22:28:15
1042.   Tripon
Lyon's pretty wild.
2008-08-01 22:28:51
1043.   Eric Stephen
1026
ESPN's "park factors" do nothing to measure such a thing. They just add up totals in each park.

The best way to measure is to compare totals by both teams in both home & away games and compare them, to get the true park factor.

Go to www.baseball-reference.com, to any team page for a truer park factor.

2008-08-01 22:29:33
1044.   Underbruin
Oh, is there a baseball game on? I had no idea.

Who is this Ramirez fellow you all seem to be mentioning?

2008-08-01 22:29:45
1045.   Greg Brock
You suck, meat.
2008-08-01 22:29:48
1046.   Gold Star for Robot Boy
Nuts.
2008-08-01 22:29:51
1047.   Tripon
Oh, that sucked.
2008-08-01 22:29:52
1048.   Eric Stephen
Curse you, Rob McMillin!
2008-08-01 22:29:54
1049.   Gen3Blue
That was great! Manny can get the crowd going no matter what!
2008-08-01 22:29:57
1050.   MonkeyBlue
...
Show/Hide Comments 1051-1100
2008-08-01 22:29:59
1051.   Andrew Shimmin
Scareduck is a witch! Burn him!
2008-08-01 22:30:05
1052.   Xeifrank
GLDP.
vr, Xei
2008-08-01 22:30:10
1053.   thinkblue88
Bleh.
2008-08-01 22:30:19
1054.   scareduck
996 - I am now highly amused.
2008-08-01 22:30:27
1055.   Icaros
Must remember to send Plaschke a thank you note.
2008-08-01 22:30:28
1056.   Jacob Burch
1036 Miy. Gives a lot of credit to Takahata--not only for helping the films they co-created (and helping found the studio), but influencing the Moral edge his films have.

Shimmin's half-predictions make me sad

2008-08-01 22:30:39
1057.   Alex41592
Ah. The joys and pains of baseball.
2008-08-01 22:30:41
1058.   Underbruin
... That sucked.
2008-08-01 22:30:45
1059.   ryu
:(
2008-08-01 22:30:49
1060.   sporky
That sucked a little more.
2008-08-01 22:31:11
1061.   Eric Stephen
Fiddlesticks.
2008-08-01 22:31:16
1062.   thinkblue88
Fertilizer.
2008-08-01 22:31:17
1063.   underdog
That wasn't in the script at all!

No improvising! Okay, let's take it from the top. Russell back to first. Manny back to the plate. Let's do this over.

What's that? Only one take?

2008-08-01 22:31:17
1064.   thinkblue88
Fertilizer.
2008-08-01 22:31:18
1065.   Alex41592
And 3 games back.
2008-08-01 22:31:21
1066.   Sagehen
1051 Does he weigh the same as a duck? Does he float like a duck?
2008-08-01 22:31:22
1067.   whodat807
:(
2008-08-01 22:31:23
1068.   Xeifrank
GB 3
vr, Xei
2008-08-01 22:31:47
1069.   Tripon
I don't know what to feel.
2008-08-01 22:31:56
1070.   Blue in Beantown
wow... that was deflating
2008-08-01 22:31:57
1071.   Alex41592
Too early to be must win games. But, we're almost there.
2008-08-01 22:32:07
1072.   ucladodger
Even with Manny, its hard to score runs with the 7-8-9 we had tonight.
2008-08-01 22:32:19
1073.   micktissue
1043 will do - thanks
2008-08-01 22:32:33
1074.   scareduck
1066 - no, but apparently a bridge can be built out of me.
2008-08-01 22:32:33
1075.   Andrew Shimmin
1066- This is not a time for experimenting. This is a time for action.
2008-08-01 22:32:43
1076.   Icaros
Will every loss of this four game sweep be by one run, Bob? Just wondering.
2008-08-01 22:32:51
1077.   Sagehen
I'm depressed.
2008-08-01 22:33:27
1078.   Greg Brock
Keep benching Ethier. Plenty of time to make up ground.

No worries. No need to play the right people.

2008-08-01 22:33:45
1079.   LeeLacy
A carbon copy of last night's game: the Dodgers break a scoreless tie in the bottom of the 6th only to see the D-Backs put up a deuce in the top of the 7th.

A lot of pressure to win the next two.

2008-08-01 22:33:51
1080.   underdog
1036 Did you see Ghibli's "Pom Poko"? I really liked that one, too, although it's got some things about it that are even odder than anything Miyazaki's done. Good stuff.

--

Anyway, nice chatting with y'all. 1000+ posts and all. But now I'm going to curl up in the fetal position and pray for a few more runs tomorrow. Chins up!

2008-08-01 22:33:55
1081.   Marty
Manny couldn't save us tonight.
2008-08-01 22:34:01
1082.   ucladodger
No Steve Lyons, that ball wasnt hit hard.
2008-08-01 22:34:07
1083.   Underbruin
1056 Yeah, the work they did together was really something (also, you must have found a pretty interesting class that you could be writing a paper on Miyazaki).

I'm rather in agreement with Bob's sentiments regarding this game in comparison to watching GotF.

Le sigh.

2008-08-01 22:34:37
1084.   Sagehen
1075 Burn him! Burn him!
2008-08-01 22:34:41
1085.   Icaros
Who can we trade Kemp for? If he doesn't clear waivers, no loss.
2008-08-01 22:35:26
1086.   dontraiseplz
depending on the next two games, we may have to reconcile on the fact this team had no business trading for Blake and Manny and that Arizona is really just better and now showing it.

and part of the gap between us and Arizona is incompetent managing.

2008-08-01 22:35:46
1087.   ucladodger
Lol at Lyons. "Arizona is a great hitting ballclub, but their numbers dont show it." priceless
2008-08-01 22:36:05
1088.   Sagehen
1086 ... and general managing
2008-08-01 22:36:54
1089.   Icaros
I don't usually get to watch Barry Lyndon's son do the post-game show anymore.
2008-08-01 22:37:05
1090.   Sagehen
1087 and Jones and Sweeney are great hitters, but their numbers don't show it.
2008-08-01 22:37:08
1091.   Jacob Burch
1083 Modern Japanese Lit., but the professor infused it with an abnormally high amount of Manga and Anime. But again, as its GOFF, Its about Takahata, not Miy. =). He tried to go against the grain on the film selections, so he chose his Lupin film to represent Miyazaki--instead of some of the more popular choices.
2008-08-01 22:38:18
1092.   Sagehen
1085 No, it's important to keep 5 outfielders for the future. We can trade that Loney fella, though. Who needs an infield?
2008-08-01 22:40:30
1093.   Greg Brock
A bad manager is worth probably 5 games, tops.

And this guy is right there.

2008-08-01 22:40:41
1094.   Tripon
What just happened.
2008-08-01 22:41:10
1095.   Vishal
1093 that's more than manny's worth.
2008-08-01 22:42:31
1096.   Andrew Shimmin
Manny's WPA today: -.338. Lowest in the game.
2008-08-01 22:42:45
1097.   Tripon
1086 Ariz has Chris Young .234 BA, and a .300 OBP batting second. Ned can fix this thing in one sec and DFA Jones.
2008-08-01 22:43:40
1098.   milkshakeballa
Vin: "And people are walking out like Kent is hamburger meat!"

Newsflash Vinny!!! he IS hamburger meat!!!

If Kent is continues to hit behind Manny, why did we trade for Manny?

Why are we going to trade LaRoche so we CAN bench Ethier?

Depressed.

2008-08-01 22:44:26
1099.   dontraiseplz
1097. idk about Arizona's manager, just saying that ours certainly doesnt help the winning cause.
2008-08-01 22:45:49
1100.   Linkmeister
Curse the bullpen. Two runs given up immediately after we score one to go ahead.

Guys, I know you've been great all year; why have you failed us two nights in a row against the team that's ahead of us in the standings? Why?

Show/Hide Comments 1101-1150
2008-08-01 22:47:27
1101.   Vishal
1100 we've scored a grand total of 2 runs in the past 23 innings and you're blaming the bullpen?
2008-08-01 22:47:53
1102.   sporky
I can't seem to find my pitchfork. Can you guys wait for me?
2008-08-01 22:49:04
1103.   Greg Brock
It's amazing that Kevin Kennedy thinks he knows more about hitting than Don Mattingly, our hitting instructor.
2008-08-01 22:50:48
1104.   milkshakeballa
Save the pitch forks for tomorrow. If Pierre starts, I will join you.

I will keep my pitch fork at home and steal sammys samurai sword if we DFA Young when he gets back and keep Sweeney. Is that possible or will Young not get off the DL in time?

Part of me wants DY to get DFA just like LaRoche, so he gets a chance.

2008-08-01 22:51:22
1105.   milkshakeballa
Save the pitch forks for tomorrow. If Pierre starts, I will join you.

I will keep my pitch fork at home and steal sammys samurai sword if we DFA Young when he gets back and keep Sweeney. Is that possible or will Young not get off the DL in time?

Part of me wants DY to get DFA just like LaRoche, so he gets a chance.

2008-08-01 22:52:06
1106.   bhsportsguy
Wow, I feel left out, I was out making a goat cheese tart and come back to almost 1100 game comments.

I guess Manny didn't hit a game winning home run.

And I really do want to pay Jon some money on DT Picnic day so go ahead and start Kemp and Ethier at the same time.

2008-08-01 22:52:32
1107.   Linkmeister
Sure. Had they not given up the two runs tonight we'd have won.

Johnson pitched a superb game, so I can't blame the offense too much.

2008-08-01 22:53:32
1108.   Vishal
also, i know i haven't been around DT very much lately, but am i the only one who wants quite badly to be done with Old Man Kent? can't he be the new mark sweeney or something? i bet he'd be a lot more energetic if he didn't have to, you know, play.
2008-08-01 22:53:39
1109.   silverwidow
Pierre declined to comment when approached at his locker for a second consecutive day.

I don't care what anyone says - he is a selfish jerk.

2008-08-01 22:55:09
1110.   bhsportsguy
1105 He never has to come off the DL, I predict they will play it safe with his oblique, they will probably wait and maybe even let him do some rehab games just to test it later this month. I predict he will remain on the DL until after September 1st and then when he comes off, they won't have to worry about the 25 man roster anymore.
2008-08-01 22:56:26
1111.   bhsportsguy
1108 Seriously, who else is going to play 2B? And no it won't be Hu or DeWitt.
2008-08-01 22:59:42
1112.   Vishal
also, speaking of mark sweeney, did anyone post this from a few days ago?

http://tinyurl.com/marksweeneystrikesout

2008-08-01 23:02:00
1113.   Deuce
If Jones starts, you're not doing everything you can to win. It's that simple.
2008-08-01 23:02:00
1114.   Vishal
1111 why not hu or dewitt?
2008-08-01 23:03:44
1115.   Deuce
1109 But he's the first guy to the ballpark...
2008-08-01 23:03:51
1116.   Vishal
1114 i mean, kent's .700 OPS and crappy defense isn't exactly a high bar to surpass.
2008-08-01 23:04:04
1117.   sporky
No one's sponsoring Andruw's B-R page. Even Mark Sweeney's has a sponsor.
2008-08-01 23:04:47
1118.   bcg60
Someone on Inside the Dodgers posted Either's comments:

"Ethier said he had heard the Dodgers refused to deal him but took the high road when asked about reduced playing time.

"We worked hard all of these first couple months to get to this situation where we could get a chance to get to where we want to go, and now we've kind of added another solution that could help solidify what we're going for," Ethier said. "With that, we've got to start focusing on that stuff and put all the individual stuff aside and just say, 'This is what we're going for, and we've got a legitimate shot to do it,' and with this guy we can definitely say that we're going to be a contender and can be a contender."

Why does the media go on and on about Pierre and his work ethic, etc., when he cries like a baby every time he doesn't get to play regularly? Ethier has way more of a reason to be upset, but I guess he knows better than than to say a word about it since he gets slapped down every time he has an opinion about anything.

2008-08-01 23:06:39
1119.   kinbote
$0.10 (3) JAE WEONG SEO cards ROOKIE . . .

Good deal?

2008-08-01 23:07:38
1120.   Zak
1119 Well, it'll be hard to find a better deal.
2008-08-01 23:08:35
1121.   Louis in SF
It is so sad that Torre with an already depleted line-up refuses to play Ethier ahead of JP. It is a shame Andre can't play either short or second. As the saying goes it is getting late early.
2008-08-01 23:08:50
1122.   milkshakeballa
Stay positive milk. Stay positive.

In 2 years, I dare any team to beat Kershaw an BIlls in a playoff series, even with Torre as a manager!!!!

2008-08-01 23:08:52
1123.   Zak
Great couple of games last two nights. Too bad we ended up on the wrong side both days. Tony Clark vs Chan Ho Park just gave me a bad feeling for some reason. Oh well, the good Kuroda better show up tomorrow or I have a feeling it'll be bullpen time for him.
2008-08-01 23:16:58
1124.   silverwidow
1119 Ah, 2006 - watching clowns like Seo and Odalis throw BP fastballs every fifth day. Good times.
2008-08-01 23:24:35
1125.   Andrew Shimmin
They started 18 games between them. Two more than Billingsley started that year. Three more than Tomko did.
2008-08-01 23:24:50
1126.   Jon Weisman
NPUT
2008-08-01 23:45:56
1127.   Megaballs
And for his last trick, trade a potential star 3b before age 25 for a fifth outfielder.

When the alcohol buzz wears off on most of us...oh in say 10 weeks, we'll realize we have Dewitt,Nomar or Blake accepting arb at 3b next year. Or 3b number 22 since Beltre left 4 years ago.

Gave away Navarro, now Laroche. For a PR move and a chance to get his owner off his back.

Dead man walking. And a bigger mess than Kevin Malone...$115mil and all these transactions.

I want my two pitching prospects, my catching prospect and our 3b for the next 5 years back.

Utterly ridiculous.And frankly I'm shocked at how many bright people here accept this whole mess of a July.

2008-08-02 20:02:37
1128.   Who Is Karim Garcia
My trivia guesses... Ruth, Aaron, McGriff and Bonds.

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