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About Jon
Thank You For Not ...

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
6) using hyperbole when something less will suffice
7) using sarcasm in a way that can be misinterpreted negatively
8) making the same point over and over again
9) typing "no-hitter" or "perfect game" to describe either in progress
10) being annoyed by the existence of this list
11) commenting under the obvious influence
12) claiming your opinion isn't allowed when it's just being disagreed with

The High Horses Buck Their Riders
2008-09-01 11:19
by Jon Weisman

So, where do the Dodgers' last two victories qualify on the Heart-o-Meter? Chips are down, almost everyone has given up on them, and they beat two of the best pitchers in baseball. Do they get any spirit points for those? Or, at least, can we say that maybe the eight-game losing streak was an issue of performance and not character?

Or will this weekend be labeled the way Jonathan Broxton would be labeled - it wasn't really a pressure situation, so it doesn't count?

Me, I'm hoping that if nothing else, the two victories will put the moral judgments to rest for a while.

Comments (184)
Show/Hide Comments 1-50
2008-09-01 11:29:50
1.   Tripon
Can I still say its ridiculous that a team that went 2-8 on the road is still in a playoff race?
2008-09-01 11:31:39
2.   Jon Weisman
D4P, given that you know how sensitive I've been to the comments lately, can you make a case that bringing up racial comparisons and a presidential campaign issue in the last thread isn't a rule 5 and a rule 3 violation?

Is your need to have everyone's opinion on this issue so great? Or could it be you just can't resist bringing up a topic just to see if it will aggravate me?

Because, after all, what would Dodger Thoughts be without a good discussion of the politics of statutory rape?

2008-09-01 11:35:22
3.   Tripon
I was going though the game thread yesterday, and Jason Veritek name came up constantly. For what reason? As a backup catcher?
2008-09-01 11:36:04
4.   Sam DC
with election season is upon us and considering that some may visit a place like this for a break from all that, I would urge folks to be more cautious about Rule 5 rather than less.

If you feel compelled to put "Not to wade too close to Rule 5 territory" or "Without treading upon Rule 5," (which I certainly have done; the urge to share w/in a community is strong!) it's probably far better just to leave it alone.

/high horse to which I am not entitled anyways

2008-09-01 11:36:11
5.   Bob Timmermann
The Yankees are enjoying their one-day trip to Detroit.

A lot.

The Yankees lead the Tigers 11-2 in the third.

2008-09-01 11:37:04
6.   Sam DC
(erm was typing that before Jon's far more proper comment came up -- Rule 8, spare me!)
2008-09-01 11:37:20
7.   Bob Timmermann
3
Peter Gammons claimed that the Dodgers front office and/or coaches were interested in signing Jason Varitek to play catcher and Martin to third.

I broke FOUR monocles during Sunday night's game.

2008-09-01 11:37:44
8.   Jon Weisman
And of course, then someone mentions their preference for the election, and then the reply is to offer a further assessment of the election. And so it goes. Because if it doesn't bother you, it must not be a problem, right?
2008-09-01 11:40:58
9.   Tripon
7 That seems... especially silly. Who would view signing a 36 year old catcher replacing a 25 year old version who's having the better year as a upgrade? This sounds more like Gammons having an axe to grind.
2008-09-01 11:41:39
10.   Alex41592
I tried real hard not to discuss Bristol Palin yesterday and succeeded. It was really tough though.

Beating Webb and Haren should bring this team a load of confidence. But, it also means they have the potential to break our heart-o-meter. Beating Haren, Webb and TCY back to back to back would send the heart-o-meter into a frenzy.

2008-09-01 11:42:33
11.   trainwreck
I think you should go back to bifocals, Bob.
2008-09-01 11:46:29
12.   dzzrtRatt
Was it a Rule 5 violation for Scareduck to post the link to the FiveThirtyEight site? It's an incredible site devoted to deep statistical analysis of the election and I thank him for putting it out there. It's not openly advocating any party or candidate. I think that link follows the spirit of DT's sabermatricians.

However, I don't want to know which candidate any of our posters favor or why. This is going to be yet another 50-50 type of election, the fifth in a row. It's a divisive time. DT is a respite from it.

2008-09-01 11:48:21
13.   oshea2002
Which game are the Dodger/UCLA fans going to watch (or attending)?
2008-09-01 11:49:16
14.   Alex41592
Andre Ethier looks for #19 tonight:

Ethier vs. Chris Young lifetime:

9 for 19 with 4 HR's, 2 doubles and 3 walks.

.474/.545/1.211/1.756

Young is coming off the DL from a strained right forearm and has not pitched in three weeks.

2008-09-01 11:49:24
15.   trainwreck
13
I can only watch Tennessee/UCLA, but I would have probably concentrated on that one anyways, but change back and forth.
2008-09-01 11:50:41
16.   Tripon
Who would you pick between Andre Ethier/Jayson Wreth/Cody Ross? They seem they're going to finish with similar numbers this year.
2008-09-01 11:51:04
17.   D4P
I hadn't considered a question about what constitutes "statutory rape" in a legal sense to be "discussing politics" because it was a factual question that I didn't think would inspire controversy or emotion. I wasn't asking people to tell me what they think should constitute statutory rape. That's a very different question.
2008-09-01 11:53:23
18.   Bob Timmermann
After the contretemps over the spelling of a certain Dodger reliever's last name, I think you have to assume that any discussion that has the remotest chance to turn political will do so.
2008-09-01 11:54:50
19.   Bob Timmermann
And the Yankees lead in Detroit has gone from 11-2 to 11-8.

Only the fourth inning.

2008-09-01 11:57:31
20.   Humma Kavula
18 I propose that we call that Timmermann's Other Law.
2008-09-01 12:00:34
21.   D4P
According to Timmermann's Other Law, even the word "Law" is dangerous, because it could bait another commenter to start talking about laws, and which ones s/he does and doesn't like and such.
2008-09-01 12:00:38
22.   Jon Weisman
17 - You brought the issue of racism, which is naturally divisive. You brought it up explicitly in a political context. And when someone gave you an opening to offer your assessment of the presidential race, instead of ignoring it, you jumped on it.

Do you really think none of that was questionable, considering that I explicitly reminded you not to address the campaign here three days ago?

2008-09-01 12:01:35
23.   deburns
Re: fivethirtyeight.com: As many of you know, Nate Silver is a principal analyst with Baseball Prospectus, and it was a kick to see Keith Olbermann interview him about the election and polling and could not resist asking him whether Jeff Karstens was for real. Answer: no.
2008-09-01 12:04:53
24.   D4P
22
Without trying to explain myself further, I will let that be the last word on the subject.
2008-09-01 12:08:57
25.   Tripon
So whats the difference between Outside the Lines, and E:60?
2008-09-01 12:11:09
26.   Bob Timmermann
25
E:60 is younger and hipper. The reporters sit around a table and talk about stories with hand held cameras documenting their spontaneous conversation. The reporters jump out of subways and start talking on their cell phones.

Outside the Lines is for old guys in their 40s.

2008-09-01 12:13:02
27.   silverwidow
I'd bat Ethier 3rd tonight.

1. Martin 2. Kemp 3. Ethier 4. Manny 5. Loney 6. Casey Blake 7. Blake DeWitt 8. Hu

2008-09-01 12:15:50
28.   trainwreck
Plus, E:60 has Michael Smith, who never has an interesting story and I have no idea why he is on the channel.

Let's try this hard-hitting story, me interviewing another NFL star.

2008-09-01 12:16:02
29.   Johnny Nucleo
Let's hope the Cardinals also get a heart transplant from playing the D-Backs tonight, as they've lost their last three.
2008-09-01 12:19:25
30.   Alex41592
Weird, the Brewers have taken Sheets out of the game after 5 scoreless innings. 54 pitches. But, he looks fine.
2008-09-01 12:25:23
31.   Cannonball
As someone avidly reads DT comments, but hardly ever posts, I've come to really enjoy the DT community and, due to my personal bandwidth, don't spend time reading any other boards.

I miss a game when I'm traveling? After the box score & recap, I at scan through the DT game thread because I want to get a feel for how the game unfolded with this community. I also very much relish all the insight some of the DT regulars contribute (baseball-related or otherwise). I've become spoiled by this, and I'm reminded by this whenever Bob step away from his computer for more than an hour and a question needs an answer. If some Dodger or other sports news breaks, I can't wait to see what Enders, Bob, Molly, D4P, natepurcell, ToyCannon or Eric S. have to say about it. And when controversial general news breaks (especially political), I find myself quite curious about what this intelligent, humorous & informed group would say about it. But I know it can't be said here.

Is there anyway to have it both ways? Perhaps any potential Rule X violation discussions be moved wild lands of The Griddle?

2008-09-01 12:27:09
32.   LogikReader
Dodgers have a tall order tonight with Greg "can't hold teams down outside Petco" Maddux vs Chris "even with a broken nose I can dominate" Young. I think if the Marine Layer is thick enough Maddux might make it :)

Dodgers.com has the clip reel of Manny going 4 for 5 on Saturday. This is the first time I got to see the Dbacks Broadcasters' reaction to Manny's huge night on Saturday. With a little vintage Garagiola to boot!

2008-09-01 12:28:25
33.   Tripon
30 Maybe its a protest against last night's game?

"Oh yeah, you're not going to change that hit to an error?, NO MORE SHEETS FOR YOU!"

Or its just a case of protecting an injury prone player.

2008-09-01 12:30:50
34.   ucladodger
13

Will be at the Rose Bowl today. Fortunately my girlfriend has an iPhone so I can check the Dodger score at the game.

2008-09-01 12:32:23
35.   Bob Timmermann
I will be at the Rose Bowl and following the Dodgers game through the excitement of text updates on my phone.

That is if the Verizon signal comes through. It tends to get jammed up with big crowds.

I would say that after the game, I will be able to sing all of "Rocky Top," but I think I already can.

2008-09-01 12:33:39
36.   trainwreck
Sweet, I can talk to myself about the game here.
2008-09-01 12:34:19
37.   Bob Timmermann
The Nats have a quick 2-0 lead over the Phillies. Apparently the Nats will never lose another game this year.
2008-09-01 12:35:37
38.   LogikReader
37

If the Nats play the rest of the season at home, anything's possible.

2008-09-01 12:37:13
39.   Cannonball
31 I omitted Shimmin & bhsportsguy (and prolly some others) for my list. And, I have to admit even with all this talent...I still miss Steve.

Though I do fear unregulated comments by that group would ruin my laptop due to the frequency of spit takes it would create. Not to mention what it would cost in monocles.

2008-09-01 12:40:31
40.   Marty
I'm hosting a BBQ this evening, so I'll probably miss the game. I wouldn't watch much of the UCLA game anyway.
2008-09-01 12:40:33
41.   Bob Timmermann
The Griddle's rules, like many in baseball, are unwritten. So I may just decide to throw a fastball at your head for no good reason.
2008-09-01 12:42:00
42.   Gagne55
31 I would suggest that anybody wanting to discuss politics here do so in "The Juice." Scott Long does not shy away from politics and the latest thread is always on the sidebar at the top under "Hot from the Toaster."
2008-09-01 12:43:02
43.   Bob Timmermann
The Yankees lead the Tigers by a 13-9 margin in the 6th.

No word yet if Eric McNeal is playing.

2008-09-01 12:44:31
44.   Bob Timmermann
Sheets left the game against the Mets with a groin strain.
2008-09-01 12:46:35
45.   okdodge
Sheets is so fragile. I bet he bruises easily.
2008-09-01 12:46:42
46.   Gagne55
Mark from Bad Altitude says the NL West race is over:

We can all agree that the NL West race is over now that the Diamondbacks have acquired David Eckstein. Eckstein is the Ringo Starr of recent years in the MLB, and I mean that as no insult to either David or Mr. Starkey. Eckstein's a fine role player, a small-ball wizard, and a way better shortstop than anyone with his arm strength ought to be. Ringo was a great drummer and by far the best actor among the Beatles. In both cases those skills have little to nothing to do with the massive successes the two had in their careers; they piggybacked on the skills of others. Nonetheless, don't be surprised if the D-Backs now go on to win it all.

2008-09-01 12:48:43
47.   Bob Timmermann
Don't forget that David Eckstein plays best while wearing red.

And the D-Backs now have the scrappy awesomeness of both David Eckstein AND Augie Ojeda.

2008-09-01 12:49:44
48.   silverwidow
Upset might be brewin at the U.S. Open (Nadal losing in the 3rd set).
2008-09-01 12:49:49
49.   Tripon
How does David Eckstein do when he wears black? The D'Backs broke out the black home unis against us the past few days.
2008-09-01 12:49:49
50.   Cannonball
41 And I'd expect nothing less, but I just want to spectate anyway (it's safer that way).

There just seems to be a desire for a subset of this community to comment very openly about some topics. I just want to see that if it happens, unofficially or otherwise.

Show/Hide Comments 51-100
2008-09-01 12:49:56
51.   trainwreck
I hope we actually let Hu play.
2008-09-01 12:50:49
52.   okdodge
Good thing the D'back haven't picked up Reggie Sanders. They'd probably just cancel the rest of the season if they made that move.
2008-09-01 12:51:02
53.   D4P
48
Nadal isn't really losing in the 3rd set: they're on serve.
2008-09-01 12:51:59
54.   Bob Timmermann
Who would be the last player the Dodgers have used who had Ecksteinish qualities? Pierre was supposed to be that guy, but he never quite caught everyone's imagination in the same way.

I'm thinking it might have been Chad Fonville. Although Eckstein is a lot better than Fonville.

Mike Edwards could have been that guy, but he couldn't pull it off.

2008-09-01 12:52:44
55.   Bob Timmermann
The D-Backs actually use Reggie Sanders as a postgame analyst. And sometimes he sits in the stands and does interviews with fans.
2008-09-01 12:53:58
56.   oshea2002
David Eckstein is a gamer.
2008-09-01 12:55:39
57.   Tripon
Old Friend Koyie Hill has called up by the Cubs today.
2008-09-01 12:55:57
58.   okdodge
55 - Say that's a lie. If true then I'm officially giving up hope for the postseason. No one can deny the postseason powers of Reggie Sanders.
2008-09-01 12:57:30
59.   berkowit28
18 I don't recall that contretemps - and please nobody remind me - but I wondered about your post following so closely after 16 's "Jayson Wreth". Would that be implying a funerary Wreth, or maybe the Wreth of God, or some other less controversial Wreth, do you think? (Sorry, couldn't resist...I certainly supply my share of spelling mistakes, especially from my iPhone. ;-))
2008-09-01 12:57:56
60.   Dodgers49
Dodgers don't summon slugger

>> Mired in the minor leagues for 14 long years, 51s first baseman John Lindsey has been driven by the dream that he one day would make it to the majors.

Unfortunately for the 31-year-old slugger, that day won't be today when big league rosters are expanded. <<

http://www.lvrj.com/sports/27731739.html

2008-09-01 12:58:49
61.   MollyKnight
I really think these last two victories wiped away the previous eight losses, morale-wise.

Plus, today is September 1. August is the cruelest month. Now we're in a sprint.

2008-09-01 13:02:48
62.   Tripon
60 No offense to Lindsey, but if you're a 31 year old baseball player that never reached the majors, theres a reason. And that reason is usually is because you're a Japanese player who just got posted by your Japanese team for free cash, or you're just not good enough to make a team. Sorry John Lindsey, but there isn't room for you on the 40 man, let alone the 25 man roster.
2008-09-01 13:06:20
63.   Alex41592
Eckstein is batting second and playing second base for the Snakes. Upton is in right batting eighth while Dunn is at first base,
2008-09-01 13:07:21
64.   Tripon
But Chad Tracy is the D'Backs best player!?! (Or their worst player that was starting. Either one.)
2008-09-01 13:08:01
65.   alex 7
Ashley Lelie will likely sign with the Oakland Raiders later today. Suppress your excitement.
2008-09-01 13:08:22
66.   LogikReader
I always thought of Dave Roberts as an Eckstein-like player. He certainly sparked inspiring moments, like the triple against the Yankees in 2004, or when he ran all the way up Tal's hill to make a great catch in Houston.

I think Roberts was taller than Eckstein, though. Is that still along the lines of what you were thinking, Bob?

2008-09-01 13:10:35
67.   Dodgers49
DeJesus, Suns turn away Biscuits

>> Shortstop Ivan DeJesus Jr. extended his hitting streak to 23 games with a first-inning home run to lead the Jacksonville Suns past Montgomery 4-2 in a Southern League game Sunday night at Riverwalk Stadium. <<

## DeJesus' hitting streak is the longest of the season in the Southern League. He has 37 hits during the past 23 games, and only five have been extra-base hits (one double, four homers). ##

http://tinyurl.com/5pdwlu

2008-09-01 13:11:21
68.   trainwreck
65
Awesome, let's continue to get Bronco receivers that aren't any good.

Here will be every play with Ashley Lelie:

Run straight down the field for a long bomb.

2008-09-01 13:12:53
69.   D4P
66
I'm under the impression that Eddie Gaedel is taller than Eckstein.
2008-09-01 13:14:17
70.   LogikReader
By the way, Happy Labor day to all of you! I'm glad to have DT to get me through my day and all of you are a big reason why I enjoy this weblog.

I'm here on my couch watching the Cardinals and Dbacks game getting to choose between the very good Cardinals broadcasters and the... well "entertaining" Dbacks broadcasters.

This is much better than work.

2008-09-01 13:18:11
71.   oshea2002
Wow, I'm struggling to contain my excitement over Lelie. I'd have preferred Chad Jackson.
2008-09-01 13:19:56
72.   trainwreck
71
Yeah, he seems to be injury-prone, but at least there is some real upside there.
2008-09-01 13:20:15
73.   Bob Timmermann
Dave Roberts strikes me as being un-Eckstein like. You need to be an infielder to be a David Eckstein type.
2008-09-01 13:24:31
74.   Tripon
Figgins seems to me to be Eckstein-like. Particular the part where he's a starting 3rd baseman for one of the most successful teams this year.
2008-09-01 13:26:09
75.   Bob Timmermann
Figgins is definitely Eckstein like.

The key part of being an Eckstein is to be a little guy whom the scouts didn't think would be any good.

2008-09-01 13:26:47
76.   Bob Timmermann
The David Eckstein Era begins in Arizona with a GIDP.
2008-09-01 13:28:18
77.   KG16
31 - I'd plug my blog for the political discussions, but I just don't post very much these days.

I feel like I haven't been around all that much lately. Or not paying attention to what's happening.

2008-09-01 13:29:15
78.   Alex41592
1-0 Cardinals solo HR Molina.
2008-09-01 13:31:02
79.   KG16
74 - Figgins is a strange case. Defensively, he can play a lot of positions; offensively, he can't do a whole lot. I'd still have to pick Figgins over Eckstein. But I'd also prefer to not be in a position where it's an either/or question.
2008-09-01 13:31:21
80.   Alex41592
2-0 Cardinals solo HR Mather.
2008-09-01 13:31:21
81.   LAT
Randy J. tossing batting practice. 2-0
2008-09-01 13:31:36
82.   Neal Pollack
The Dodgers going 2-8 on that trip was a fluke. Yes, they played like dung and they got pounded several times, but with a different bounce here and there, they go 4-6, are two games over .500 instead of two games under .500, and the panic level here would be lower.
2008-09-01 13:31:42
83.   Bob Timmermann
Mather increases the lead!
2008-09-01 13:32:18
84.   Dodgers49
This week: Young/Baek/LeBlanc/Haren/Webb/Johnson

Young is just off the DL and LeBlanc is making his Major League debut.

Dodgers come home refreshed by wins

>> Webb is scheduled to face the Dodgers again Saturday. <<

http://www.dailybreeze.com/ci_10353510

2008-09-01 13:39:11
85.   LogikReader
Battle of the Dodger-beaters continues... It's now 6-0 Nationals over the Phils, 4th inning.
2008-09-01 13:40:08
86.   Bob Timmermann
Gagne coughs up the lead in Milwaukee giving up a 2-run homer to Delgado in the 8th. 3-2 Mets.
2008-09-01 13:40:28
87.   Alex41592
Dunn cuts the lead in half 2-1 Cardinals.
2008-09-01 13:41:27
88.   sweepstakes
62-- Do you think Lindsey would do worse than Sweeney?
2008-09-01 13:43:49
89.   Bob Timmermann
Why would the D-Backs sacrifice in the second inning down 2-1 with Short Chris Young?
2008-09-01 13:45:17
90.   Bob Timmermann
Eric Gagne: Not popular in Milwaukee.
2008-09-01 13:46:23
91.   Tripon
88 I don't think he can do any better.
2008-09-01 13:47:59
92.   scooplew
Gagne's ERA this season is now 6.81.
2008-09-01 13:54:42
93.   LAT
90 Not popular anywhere anymore, even DS.
2008-09-01 13:55:48
94.   Tripon
Eric Gagne would be popular in Wrigley field.
2008-09-01 13:58:10
95.   Alex41592
Pujols 2 run BOMB! 4-1 Cardinals.
2008-09-01 13:58:38
96.   Bilshaw
Monster Pujols Two run shot! 4-1 cardinals lead
2008-09-01 13:59:09
97.   LAT
This may be better suited for the Griddle, but we should have a contest: which team will hit the first instant replay reveiwed HR.
2008-09-01 13:59:21
98.   OhioBlues12
91 - All Lindsey would have to do is stand at the plate and not miss the ball to be better than Sweeney. Seriously, everytime I see Sweeney I think that he is occupying a spot on the 40-man that could go to a guy that deserves it and could easily make more of the opportunity than Sweeney has this season.
2008-09-01 14:00:34
99.   berkowit28
I can't get to MLB.TV nor to Audio for any game now, although I have an annual subscription that includes both. No matter which link I click, it flips me immediately to the page for upgrading to 800K and 1.2M feeds @ $29.

Whenever I've tried to watch MLB.TV basic this season, it's always frozen and been useless. But Audio has always worked perfectly. Does anyone know what's going on? I don't particularly want to spend $29 for upgrading - if that even works.

FireFox 3.0.1 in Mac 10.5.4. It's always worked OK here.

2008-09-01 14:01:42
100.   LAT
97 I forgot to mention I pick the Phillies. It will be called an HR and affirmed upon review.
Show/Hide Comments 101-150
2008-09-01 14:01:47
101.   Tripon
I will idly speculate that Manny signs with St. Louis next year so he can play with Pujols.
2008-09-01 14:03:07
102.   Bob Timmermann
The good people of St. Louis won't like Manny Ramirez much. Tony La Russa also wouldn't like him much.
2008-09-01 14:03:08
103.   OhioBlues12
Oh, and Ryan Ludwick was basically a career minor league player until given a chance last year. I am not saying that Lindsey could turn into a 30 HRer player but could he be a useful bat off the bench? I think so.
2008-09-01 14:03:08
104.   scooplew
54 How about Garey Ingram?
2008-09-01 14:04:25
105.   Bilshaw
Home run derby!
2008-09-01 14:04:27
106.   Alex41592
Felipe Lopez?!?!?!? 5-1 Cardinals.
2008-09-01 14:05:09
107.   Bob Timmermann
The Instant Replay Contest is on:
https://griddle.baseballtoaster.com/archives/1116050.html
2008-09-01 14:05:25
108.   LAT
Balls just flying out of Chase--no one will have to reveiw any of these HRs.
2008-09-01 14:07:44
109.   berkowit28
99 I figured out how to get around that. If I click on the "BUY" link, and then on the "Current Customer", and then just ignore it and don't proceed further, the links to TV and Audio from the Media page no longer flip to the BUY/Upgrade page but remain on the TV or Audio page I chose.

What a deceitful way to treat customers.

Anyway, TV isn't freezing today, but only showing the bottom half of the screen! I'll have to switch to Audio, as usual.

2008-09-01 14:08:16
110.   Bob Timmermann
Ryan Ludwick is not in the same category as Lindsey. He debuted in the majors at age 23 with the Rangers. He just bounced up and down until the Cardinals gave him a job last year out of necessity.

Ludwick still has a gruesome BB-K ratio.

2008-09-01 14:09:05
111.   Linkmeister
31 , 77 I post about national politics regularly at http://www.linkmeister.com/blog/
2008-09-01 14:09:40
112.   Tripon
98 http://minors.baseball-reference.com/players.cgi?pid=8368

Because he suddenly figured it out by playing in Las Vegas, a notorious hitter's park? I feel bad that Lindsey isn't able to make it with a team, but that doesn't mean the Dodgers should be the team that gives him that opportunity. There's about ten people ahead of Lindsey that's already on the 40 man, might as well let a player like D. Young use those precious at bats instead of a guy like Lindesy who won't help this team next year.

2008-09-01 14:10:52
113.   OhioBlues12
110 - True, he has had handfuls of games here and there but was not given a regular chance until last season. All I am saying give Lindsey a regular chance as a pinch hitter, maybe he wouldn't adapt but I really don't think it is likely that he would be worse than Sweeney.
2008-09-01 14:11:21
114.   LogikReader
It may be a while before this Cards/Dbacks game is over.
2008-09-01 14:13:50
115.   Neal Pollack
I missed last night's game but watched the Saturday contest...Vinnie was NOT impressed by the D'Backs, particularly their proclivity to strike out. His confidence in the Dodgers gave me confidence.
2008-09-01 14:16:48
116.   LAT
Did Dunn change his name to "Big Adam Dunn" cause everytime the Az announcers refer to him they add "Big." And I mean everytime.
2008-09-01 14:17:58
117.   Bob Timmermann
Vinnie grew up following baseball in an era when strikeouts were far less common.

In Vin's first year of working for the Dodgers (1950), the NL leader in strikeouts was Roy Smalley of the Cubs with 114. Nobody else had more than 100. Sam Jethroe was second at 93. Then you had to go all the way down to 79 for third place.

Presently, there are 25 players in the NL with 100 or more strikeouts starting today's game.

2008-09-01 14:18:18
118.   LAT
107. Thanks, Bob.
2008-09-01 14:20:27
119.   OhioBlues12
112 - Yeah, he won't help this season but if he decides to stick around, I would like to see him have a legitimate shot at a bench spot next season.
2008-09-01 14:22:08
120.   LogikReader
The Dodgers still have nine games remaining with the San Diego Padres

The scheduling team needs to put in some more work next year. Playing one team for half the month is a little outrageous.

2008-09-01 14:23:59
121.   thinkblue88
Willy Taveras singles
Willy Taveras steals 2nd base
Willy Taveras steals 3rd base
Willy Taveras scores on a wild pitch.

If he could learn to take a walk, or just not make so many outs, wow.

2008-09-01 14:24:33
122.   Bob Timmermann
Have Steiner and Monday had their traditional outrage at the Dodgers having to play an interdivisional series in September? Despite the fact that there are five teams in the division and somebody always has to play outside the division?

Yet, they still get upset.

2008-09-01 14:24:35
123.   Tripon
119 We should try to get away from guys like Sweeney or Lindsey as far as possible.
2008-09-01 14:24:50
124.   berkowit28
One of the Cardinals TV announcers just "corrected" the other one who had said that Maddux and Chris Young would be opposing pitchers tonight, saying in a lowered voice "They can't. They're on the same team." The other one had to put him right - a bit embarrassing. Now they're singing Happy Birthday to someone called Candyman.
2008-09-01 14:25:52
125.   Bob Timmermann
Pitcher got scared
Made Willy walk
Stole second, third
Came home on a balk
Hooray Hooray
The time has really come
Denver's got Willy Taveras and no other team does!
2008-09-01 14:26:30
126.   Bob Timmermann
124
I think you're watching the DBacks announcers. And Mark Grace was kidding.
2008-09-01 14:28:20
127.   KG16
120 - but that's the beauty of the unbalanced schedule! All those games against rivals! Who cares if two teams competing for the Wild Card only play each other 7 times during the season! Not when you can have the Giants and Padres play 26 times a season (or whatever the number is).

(I apologize for the snark, but the unbalanced schedule is right there with the DH and astroturf on my oblisek)

2008-09-01 14:29:47
128.   KG16
127 - one of those exclamation points was suppose to be a question mark. I'll let y'all figure out which one.
2008-09-01 14:31:56
129.   LAT
Eckstien-the diffrence maker
2008-09-01 14:34:58
130.   LAT
Usually, 9 games remaining against a last place team is a good thing but given the Dodgers record against the worst team in baseball I'm not so sure.
2008-09-01 14:38:47
131.   Tripon
I'd like to go back to the balanced schedule. Anything to get away from 9 games in Coors Field.
2008-09-01 14:40:26
132.   LogikReader
127

Nothing wrong with the unbalanced schedule, but for goodness sake, do they have to put all the divisional games in the same month?!

2008-09-01 14:41:31
133.   Eric Enders
Did Craig Counsell qualify as Ecksteinish during his regrettable stint with the Dodgers?

Vinny, incidentally, always seems to treat the Dodgers getting rid of Counsell as one of the great tragedies in the team's recent history. Does he not remember that Counsell, when in a Dodger uniform, completely forgot how to play baseball?

2008-09-01 14:42:21
134.   silverwidow
Martin. C
Ethier. RF
Ramirez. LF
Loney. 1B
Kemp. CF
Blake. 3B
DeWitt. 2B
Berroa. SS
Maddux. RHP
2008-09-01 14:42:59
135.   UVaDodger
Randy Johnson turned in quite the TTO game today:
3.2 IP; 6 H; 4 HR; 3 BB; 8 SO.

Of the 21 batters he faced, only 6 did not have TTO plate appearance.

2008-09-01 14:45:37
136.   Eric Enders
I like the unbalanced schedule. I just think the interleague games should be dropped and replaced with some extra games against same-league-different-division teams.
2008-09-01 14:46:48
137.   Tripon
Interesting that Kemp's still batting 5th. Something tells me we're going to look for a leadoff hitter in the off season so Kemp can stay in a power spot.
2008-09-01 14:48:08
138.   oshea2002
The Cards are slowly blowing this game. 5-4 in the 5th.
2008-09-01 14:48:20
139.   Alex41592
Wow, ball is flying. 5-4 Cardinals Bot 5.
2008-09-01 14:48:35
140.   Gagne55
Drew launches one. 5-4 Cardinals.
2008-09-01 14:51:36
141.   trainwreck
Time to start the Hu over Berroa campaign.
2008-09-01 14:52:07
142.   fracule
Bob, I think there is a situation in Arizona that needs your attention.
2008-09-01 14:52:49
143.   KG16
136 - ah, I forgot about inter-league play, also on the oblisek. I'd take the compromise of dropping inter-league play and if those games go to non-division games. But I'd still prefer a bit more balance in the schedule.

132 - they actually do that twice. In March/April the Dodgers played only 10 games (if I'm counting right) against non-division opponents and 17 against division opponents. They then played 3 games against a division opponent in all of May.

2008-09-01 14:53:21
144.   Andrew Shimmin
There was an entire Rule 5 discussion, and Bob didn't say: "don't blame me, I voted for Kodos" ? I worry that something horrible happened to him on his trip. It's like I don't even know him, any more.
2008-09-01 14:54:47
145.   fracule
But he has to give the alert. No-one else knows what color to make it.
2008-09-01 14:55:41
146.   berkowit28
127 131 It's not all that unbalanced, is it? I think all teams in the same division play each other the same number of times, don't they? That's what matters the most. Dodgers play each NL West team 18 times each. It should be the same for other 5-team divisions.

Given the differing number of teams per division, the number of intra-divisional games per opponent within different divisions is obviously going to differ. All teams also play all other teams in other divisions of their own league approximately the same number of times - usually a home and an away series with each, though the number of games per series can vary between 3 and 4. Maybe here you get the occasional third series that is inconsistent.

It's mostly the interleague games that are unbalanced. Very, very unbalanced. But it doesn't apply to September games within the division. We're playing the Padres 9 times because we played them less often than the other NL West teams earlier in the season - these balance out. We haven't played them since June 13.

2008-09-01 14:57:09
147.   Andrew Shimmin
It's an Orange Alert for Stephen Drew. Orange Alert!
2008-09-01 14:57:41
148.   lurkingdodger
I know there's a lot of people holding out hope of somehow stealing the NL West.... but this team absolutely depresses me. Yeah sure it was exciting last night how they smothered Webb, but I can't remember a Dodgers team I thought was better than this team, yet couldn't actually do anything consistently.

However, I've been calling for Russ Martin to be leadoff SINCE MAY! And finally Joe "Please Retire" Torre has listened to my pleas.

2008-09-01 14:58:03
149.   LogikReader
That's another thing... I don't follow the reasons why we insist on putting all interleague games on at the same time. The NFL and NBA just schedule matchups regularly regardless of conference affiliation.
2008-09-01 14:59:18
150.   Tripon
Dear TNT, nobody cares about the Closer. Please return to Law and Order marathons for the next holiday please.
Show/Hide Comments 151-200
2008-09-01 14:59:24
151.   fracule
147 Way to step in there.
2008-09-01 15:00:52
152.   LogikReader
Sorry about my scheduling rant, I'll calm down.

Welp, another run. This time the Cards score: 6-4 St Louis

2008-09-01 15:06:22
153.   KG16
146 - but the issue is the wild card. You're in a race against teams in other divisions that aren't playing the same teams that you are playing. It makes little sense to me. I could understand the unbalanced schedule in the days of two divisions in each league, but not so much now.
2008-09-01 15:10:09
154.   trainwreck
150
I don't watch it, but the Closer is extremely popular.
2008-09-01 15:12:48
155.   fracule
Tie game in Arizona.
2008-09-01 15:14:12
156.   LogikReader
The Cardinals are making a great case for why they won't make the playoffs.
2008-09-01 15:14:53
157.   ToyCannon
I'd be more impressed if Martin had been leading off when he was walking and his legs were fresh. His OBP in August was 311 and even Juan Pierre could do that.

Given that Joe is doing hit and runs with Loney on a regular basis because of his propensity to hit into double plays, I'd advocate what others have suggested and move him and his hot bat (singles) into the leadoff role.

I wonder if Hu will ever get another chance under a Joe Torre managed team. If you are not going to use Hu, then why is DeJesus not here. Tearing up AA should be enough to replace someone like Berroa.

2008-09-01 15:25:24
158.   Tripon
157 Martin is capable of drawing walks, and getting multiple hits in a game. JP's loves going for 1-5 with no walks.
2008-09-01 15:25:45
159.   natepurcell
cycle cycle.
2008-09-01 15:26:38
160.   fracule
Cycle!!
2008-09-01 15:27:43
161.   fracule
Diamondbacks are rolling.
2008-09-01 15:28:50
162.   trainwreck
Somewhere in the Rose Bowl, Brian Dohn is not very happy.
2008-09-01 15:29:28
163.   Andrew Shimmin
Eckstein is very clutch.
2008-09-01 15:30:27
164.   LogikReader
Cycle!
2008-09-01 15:30:39
165.   LogikReader
...who's Brian Dohn?
2008-09-01 15:32:56
166.   trainwreck
165
Best UCLA beat writer for the Daily News.

He is a Rutgers alum and fan.

2008-09-01 15:33:44
167.   Tripon
So where was this Ariz. team against the Dodgers?
2008-09-01 15:35:28
168.   fracule
167 We saw half of this team.
2008-09-01 15:39:13
169.   ToyCannon
Eckstein is unique, you will be hard pressed to find a short guy with limited skills who was still able to start at SS and lead two different teams, in two different leagues, to World Championships, who only played four minor league games at the position due to his rag arm, until Mike Scoscia decided one day to give him a shot.

While with the Angels contrary to the perceived notion, he was a solid offensive shortstop that season and did have a positive impact on that team.

With the Cardinals, injuries had beat him down and his offensive numbers took a hit. While he was extremely lucky during the world series to win the MVP, he did hit the ball at the right times.

He will end his career with a plus 350 OBP
which ain't chicken scratch.

He takes a lot of grief because of the pedestal he was hoisted upon by the everyman, but that was hardly his fault. Could anyone do less self promotion then he does? He is a humble man who knows that he has to do everything well, 100% of the time to even stay on the playing field with the larger and more talented athletes.

Why he's continually dumped on, is beyond me. I'd love to watch 9 Dodgers play the game with his joy and intensity while still keeping their humility. I would just like them to be more talented because otherwise that would be a lousy team.

2008-09-01 15:41:05
170.   Bilshaw
What a situation.Wild pitch
2008-09-01 15:44:21
171.   alex 7
He's a limited player who did not "lead" his team to any of those World Series.

My guess is he's dumped on because writers and GMs have lauded and financially rewarded him as if he was anything more than one of the worst starting players (when factoring in offense and defense) on each of those teams.

This annoys people similarly to when bad or average movies get media hype.

2008-09-01 15:45:38
172.   alex 7
8-6 AZ, top of the 8th, for those just reading the comments here.
2008-09-01 15:48:14
173.   jasonungar07
So you would rather have Berrora? Or Nomar at SS vs Eckstein?
2008-09-01 15:52:21
174.   Tripon
It really shouldn't be a choice of Nomar vs. Eckstein for SS. It really shouldn't.
2008-09-01 15:55:51
175.   Andrew Shimmin
I take no formal position on Eckstein. He's had a fine career and been a useful player often enough that he doesn't deserve all the abuse he takes. I can't remember ever having beaten up on him, though it's certainly possible I did--I'm kind of a jerk.

But, I wasn't trying to denigrate him, in 163, any more than was trying to denigrate Pedroia, yesterday.

2008-09-01 15:58:26
176.   Tripon
Time to bring in Bret Boone for a tryout.
2008-09-01 16:00:09
177.   KG16
169 - Other than "leading" two teams to the World Series, I think you're analysis is spot on.
2008-09-01 16:02:51
178.   Tripon
Who led the 2002, and 2006 teams? Pujols for the Cards, and Tim Salmon for the Angels?
2008-09-01 16:05:42
179.   Bilshaw
I hate drew brothers
2008-09-01 16:13:33
180.   Icaros
Who is Drew Brothers? Any relation to Dr. Joyce?
2008-09-01 16:18:11
181.   Tripon
D'backs beats Cards 8-6
W: Qualls
L: McClellan
S: Lyon
2008-09-01 16:18:20
182.   trainwreck
Brian Dohn is very unhappy now.
2008-09-01 16:21:28
183.   Tripon
182 Fresno St. is a good team with a very good coach.
2008-09-01 16:25:53
184.   Jon Weisman
NPUT

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