I suspect one problem was that all the MM (mainstream media) prognosticators reached their conclusions first, then went looking for reasons to support those conclusions. Always an ill-advised way to go about things.

I also found the "don't catch the ball" comment amusing. If you count Choi as the 1B, then IMO all four Dodger infielders catch the ball very well. Valentin just can't throw it.

Stark also conveniently ignores the fact that the Dodgers have arguably the best defensive outfield in baseball -- three guys who can legitimately play center field, four when Werth comes back.

Five, counting Ledee, no?

IT'S A SCHMOLL WORLD, April 21:

A Googlism on "Schmoll" reveals the following:
[ for more information on Googlisms, visit: www.googlism.com/about.htm ]

Schmoll is a charming and delightful work, largely unknown.
Schmoll is great to travel with.
Schmoll is defensive about the attention and praise given sculptor Camille Claudel in recent years.
Schmoll is currently dean of graduate studies at the University of Michigan.
Schmoll is on vacation.
Schmoll is an MFA candidate in directing at Columbia, where he most recently created "The Green Ears."
Schmoll is airborne in more ways than one.
Schmoll is the religion editor for the Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung, and has advanced degrees from German universities.
Schmoll is an enthusiastic expert on Russia, and has specialized in conducting educational tours for young people to Russia.
Schmoll is the adopted name of my mother.
Schmoll is looking for Regina Rosenberg.
Schmoll is set to leave the Chief Financial Officer post at some time during the year.
Schmoll is a captain flying 757s and 767s for Britanna Airways in Germany.
Schmoll is targeting North America as an area for future growth.
Schmoll is a surprisingly good hitting pitcher.

Yeah, I was kind of dismissing Ledee although I don't know much about his defense. But upon checking, BB-Ref shows him as playing 124 career games in CF, including 16 last year.

So, five.

Five, counting Ledee, no?

Yup. He's no great shakes but he's played it.

Yeah, it seems like Choi actually plays a nimble first base, especially given that he's big and a bit on the ungainly side. And it's not even that Valentin can't throw. Kevin Kennedy pointed out that it's a mechanical thing; he seems to have a habit of getting under his throws and floating them. Kennedy said it's something that shortstops do and can get away with it, but it's a nasty habit for a third baseman. Which suggests that it's just muscle memory, force of habit, what have you. I suspect that the Dodger coaches have spotted it/will spot it and act accordingly.

So, several NL scouts are skeptical about the Dodgers. What does that mean, anyway? Is it safe to sayt that scouts are paid to evaluate players, and not teams? I'd be more interested to hear what these 'several scouts' had to say about, say, Repko's likelyhood of continuing to be productive, the movement on Lowe's sinker, or Brazoban's velocity and mechanics. These are things that scouts can teach me more about.

But to say that "scouts are skeptical that the Dodgers will continue to be good" is one of the most useless and irrelevant things I've ever read.

Besides, ask scouts about any team within WiFi distance of Paul DePodesta, and I think I can guess their answer no matter what playters are on the field.

here's my question: at what point does stark consider himself "right"? in other words, the dodgers are on pace to win 139 games. if, by some odd chance, they fall short of that, are stark and his scouts entitled to say "i told you so!"?

is stark saying, flat-out, that the dodgers won't win their division? (of course he isn't. there's a limb out there that i suspect he's not willing to venture out onto. still, this is what irritates me about him.)

I've tried to ignore what the "experts" think and just focus on the results. Although it is nice when your team gets the recognition you think it deserves, all that really counts is the wins and losses. Right now with all the "expert" skepticism with the Dodgers it seems like we are in on an inside joke that nobody else gets.

A little off topic, but I haven't read a good baseball book in a long time. Does anyone in the DT community have any recommendations? I could list all the baseball books I have read, but that would take too long. What is everyone's favorite baseball book? One that has been sitting on my shelf for a long time, but I haven't read yet is "Voices of the Game".

well one baseball book i intend to buy this weekend is the infamous 'Moneyball' - I'd like to find a definitive Jackie Robinson book too....

Average sports pundit before season started: DePodesta ruined the chemistry of a championship team, and they will come in third place if lucky.

Average sports pundit after 12-2 record: Dodgers have been playing way over their heads, this comes as a complete surprise to everyone in the sporting world that they're doing this well. Collapse coming soon.

Average sports writer after Dodgers win NL West in 2005: Dodgers are the comeback team of the year. In spite of terrible front office, Jim Tracy's solid moves, and the team's great chemistry saved the day. Tracy for manager of the year.

I thought "Moneyball" was quite good. I aven't come across a good Jackie Robinson book other than the parts about him in "Boys of Summer", which is a classic.

The Jayson Starks of the world aren't really worth responding to. Opinions are like noses.

I've long thought Stark was an idiot but I think the best from him today was reminding people that the last teams to start 11-2 didn't make the playoffs -- because it's BAD to start 11-2, VERY VERY BAD.

"is stark saying, flat-out, that the dodgers won't win their division? (of course he isn't. there's a limb out there that i suspect he's not willing to venture out onto."

That's the great hedge emerging among the media's finest. "Well, of course they can win their division, because their division is the worst in baseball." Was anyone calling the NL West the worst division before the season started?

Of course not. It's the "worst division" now, though, because the Dodgers keep beating the other teams in it. If the Dodgers were, say, 2-10 vs. the West instead of 10-2, that division would then look pretty good, with a bunch of teams sporting shiny records.

But as it, obviously, it's no good, because the Dodgers have beat up on it and made everybody look bad.

Just can't win with some people.

If you want a Jackie Robinson book straight from the horse's mouth, get his autobio "I Never Had it Easy". I haven't read any other books with Jackie as the centerpiece, so I can't really say if it is profound or not.

Back to the subject at hand, while I still think the Padres are a threat, did they really get better in the offseason? The key moves they made were acquiring David Roberts, Boomer leaving, and signing Woody. For a third place team, I hardly call those the kind of moves that would put them over the top.

Average sports writer after Dodgers win NL West in 2005: Dodgers are the comeback team of the year. In spite of terrible front office, Jim Tracy's solid moves, and the team's great chemistry saved the day. Tracy for manager of the year.

And to that I said good. Writers are going to think what they want to think, the occasional one will change his mind, but for the most part these guys are cement-head egotistical jerks. If it means Jim Tracy for Manager of the Year, I'm all for it.

re: my last post..

The Jackie Robinson autobio is "I never had it Made"

"because it's BAD to start 11-2, VERY VERY BAD."

Sure. Because you don't want to use up all your Magical Chemistry Points too early. There is a finite amount to go around, and it's very bad form to spend them all the first two weeks.

Also, when you start off too hot, you can't be a Gutsy Little Team. And everybody loves a Gutsy Little Team.

I'm rubbing my Alex Cora Lucky Medallion real hard right now, if you know what I mean. Jayson Stark, this one's for you.

I know a lot of people on this site don't like Tracy (which one of you runs "firejimtracy.com") but I actually like the guy. Despite the brain-freezes, think about some of the major positive things he's done. He stuck with Izturis when everybody wanted to bench him. He made Gagne a closer. He's coached the Dodgers to playoff contention every year he's been there despite average to poor rosters. And I believe he's instilled the never say die attitude they have now. Afterall, he's one of the few constants over the last three years and gradually they have become a team that never quits. That's a big change for a franchise that would pack it in everytime they fell behind between 1992 and 2000.

Erickson has yet to strike anybody out in this young season; not a pitcher, not a guy in a slump, nobody. He's giving up roughly 3 baserunners every 2 innings, and roughly 2 dingers every 5 innings. He is done.

IMO, the only reason he made the 25-man squad was because Edwin Jackson couldn't get it together. Hopefully a little more time in Las Vegas will motivate Jackson to become the pitcher scouts feel he's capable of becoming.

RE #15 -

Actually, quite a few writers pegged the West as the worst division in the NL this preseason; it might have been a calculated hedge due to the fact that none of them had any clue who was going to eventualy stand out.

I think there is very little differentiation between the NL divisions this year. The central and east have teams that are good, but overrated (Mets, Marlins, Cardinals, Cubs).

Larry Bowa summed it up perfectly at the BTF Dugout today. Normally I wouldn't refer to a post made someplace else but it was just so perfect I had to bring it up. Check it out.

As for Choi, he is a better fielder than you think. Not a Gold Glover, but much better than average.

The bashing of Kent's defense seems to be a constant among the experts as well. How did he get that bad rep? I'm curious, because even when he was a Giant I recall him diving for grounders and making great plays.

I'd recommend "Sandy Koufax: A Lefty's Legacy" by Jane Leavy. It is the last baseball book I read (not counting this year's Baseball Prospectus).

I agree with everything you said Jon. If you go outside of our division and look at the Central everyone has warts. The Cardinals now have a middle infield of Eckstien and Grundy. Houston has an infield of Bagwell(just about done), Biggio(just about done), Everett(good field no hit), and Ensberg who's had 1 good half in his major league career. Cubs had a great starting infield and a terrible outfield and now they have as bad a 2nd/SS combo as you can get and these are the top contenders in the Central. Sure we have warts but it is amazing how everyone else got a pass and the Dodgers got singled out.

So far this season is playing out about as perfect as any DT poster could hope for. We came in as huge underdogs even though most of us felt we had a competitive team. Our GM has been the most vilified GM in recent history. It is always much more satisfying to be an underdog and kick butt then do it the Yankee way.

Beltre/Finley/Lima are all scuffling though I only wish Beltre the best but after watching him I'm a bit worried. I've seen him hit some balls right on the screws and they died on the warning track and that wasn't even in Seattle. He's still getting his hits but where is the power?

"Actually, quite a few writers pegged the West as the worst division in the NL this preseason"

Sure, but it wasn't bandied about as common knowledge the way it's being done now.

In fact, The Plaschke himself downgraded the NLW from 2nd worst (after the ALC) to the worst in a 24-hour period, based on two separate ESPN appearances. It's quickly becoming a cheap meme for bad journalists.

The more the Dodgers win against their own division, the worse that division will become in the eyes of these people.

I'm reading "Baseball Before We Knew It" by David Block. Interesting reading about really, really, really, really early forms of baseball and an examination of baseball's creation myths.

Somebody dropped a copy of "National Pastime: How Americans Play Baseball and the Rest of the World Plays Soccer" by Stefan Syzmanski and Andrew Zimbalist.

I actually like both sports, which is a minority opinion as fans of each sports love to mock the other.

As a Padres fan, I am starting to already think "wildcard" for S.D. since L.A. is up 4 1/2 over 2nd place and they've only played 15 games. Big Blue could be up 15 games by end of May the way things are rolling.

I look at the L.A. line up and no name says "star" but they are over all above average and
that is easily enough to beat a team starting Geoff Blum or Mike Matheny

Re: books

I'll second the Koufax book. Angell's "Game Time" is now out in paperback (I read it in the library edition). The one I noticed at Borders yesterday but didn't buy is "The Last Great Season," about the 1956 Dodgers. I need digital photo equipment more than I need a baseball book right now, or I'd have bought it.

Berkeley Doug,

I'd recommend Rampersand's book about Robinson. It's not a hero worshipping account of his life, but a good account of a great but flawed man who did something incredible.

Anybody notice Baseball Prospectus is still calling the Angels Anaheim? (ANA)

RE 26: "Beltre...I'm a bit worried. I've seen him hit some balls right on the screws and they died on the warning track and that wasn't even in Seattle. He's still getting his hits but where is the power? "

Might Safeco (a great pitcher's park) vs. Dodger Stadium (pitcher's park overall, but above average HR hitter's park) have something to do with it? Or is it that AL pitchers are getting him out with low-and-away junk, until he proves again that he'll lay off it?

I hope I don't start World War III, but I really liked Marvin Miller's (self-serving, blowhardish) autobiography, A Whole Different Ball Game. It's just a narrow slice of the business of the sport, but it's a fun and crisp read, and a great reminder of how recently the business of baseball was very different than what it is now.

I have sitting in a box that I can't quite find a book that was very highly recommended -- Stolen Season, about minor league ball. Anyone have a view how hard I should hunt for that box?

Hey, Bob, if you're reading that you'll probably appreciate this.

http://the.honoluluadvertiser.com/article/2005/Apr/18/sp/sp05p.html

There was a plaque unveiled at Alexander Cartwright's burial plot here three days ago. He was an early fire chief in Honolulu, as well as the first president of the Honolulu Library.

He was headed to China but became ill, got off the ship here and never left.

We've discussed "The Last Good Season" on here before. It's one of the few books that doesn't paint O'Malley as a complete villain when he moved out of Brooklyn. You can get it used from Amazon for a pretty low price.

Regarding Kent's defense, I too have been very impressed - statistics aside, he LOOKS better than I remember. But last night, late in the game, Sean Burroughs hit a slow one up the middle that I fully expected Kent to flag down behind 2nd base, but he just kind of jogged toward it. THIS was the Kent I remembered, and the one everyone seems to think has limited range. Now, I don't know if Kent was playing Burroughs to pull, and it was just too far to go (in which case you'd think Izzy would've been closer), but at the time, I turned to my wife and asked, "don't you think he should have gotten to that?" All of which shows the danger of impressionsistic evidence, but at least he didn't dive meaninglessly at a ball 15 feet away, just to show his grit.

Regarding Kent's defense, I too have been very impressed - statistics aside, he LOOKS better than I remember. But last night, late in the game, Sean Burroughs hit a slow one up the middle that I fully expected Kent to flag down behind 2nd base, but he just kind of jogged toward it. THIS was the Kent I remembered, and the one everyone seems to think has limited range. Now, I don't know if Kent was playing Burroughs to pull, and it was just too far to go (in which case you'd think Izzy would've been closer), but at the time, I turned to my wife and asked, "don't you think he should have gotten to that?" All of which shows the danger of impressionsistic evidence, but at least he didn't dive meaninglessly at a ball 15 feet away, just to show his grit.

Sorry about the double post. I swear I only hit "submit" once.

I'd recommend "Sandy Koufax: A Lefty's Legacy" by Jane Leavy

Agreed, every Dodger fan who likes to read should make it part of their collection.

For those who don't mind reading about some Giants the book "Willie's Time" by Charles Einstein is excellent. Who knew that salad used to be served after dinner?

Might Safeco (a great pitcher's park) vs. Dodger Stadium (pitcher's park overall, but above average HR hitter's park) have something to do with it?

HR indexes:

2004: Safeco 113 Dodger Stadium 101
2002-04: Safeco 97 Dodger Stadium 105

I don't think the park is holding him back.

I enjoyed "Willie's Time" quite a bit. I'm speculating that the social and historical commentary was pretty unique for a baseball books when it was written.

Of course, if you want something a little more Dodger related (not much though), "Nice Guys Finish Last" (Leo Durocher) is a fun read.

"Bums" is another good Brooklyn Dodgers related book, though Golenbock is a little heavy handed with his "O'Malley is evil" rhetoric. Most of it is because of the primary sources (interviews?) I would guess.

Daniel Okrent's 'Nine Innings' is great reading as well as 'The Bill James Historical Baseball Abstract'.

Is this the first time the Dodgers are seeing Dave Roberts in centerfield this year?

If you want to read a good baseball novel, try "the Great American Novel" by Philip Roth. About the Rupert Mundy's of a mythical third league that has to play all of its games on the road. There's some really hilarious stuff in it.

Also "The Natural" by Bernard Malamud is really good, but one of the worst movies ever IMO.

I heard one of the knuckleheads on the Padres' radio station today say that what Valentin did after getting his triple was "bush" (paraphrase) and that one of the Padres pitchers should hit Valentin tonight.

I'm all for playing baseball the right way and not showing up the other guys, but when a guys hits a two-run triple to essentially win the game, he can celebrate a little bit.

Were the guys in the dugout "showing up" Linebrink as well?

By the way, whose back of the rotation isn't scary? Its almost impossible to have five solid starters nowadays.

The only Dodgers book I own is "True Blue" by Steve Delsohn, a year by year story of the Dodgers told by the players. I got it for $5, it's a pretty good resource for a Dodger fan. Some favorite lines:

Mike Scioscia on Steve Sax's throwing problems: "Of course, I remember it. I lost about 15 pounds running from behind the plate to backup first base."

Mike Marshall the pitcher on being traded from Montreal: "But I had, a long time ago, stopped trying to figure out the geniuses who ran baseball."

Tim Belcher on the Dodgers razzing David Cone in the 88 LCS after Cone called Howell a "high school pitcher" because he threw too many curves: "Everytime Dave threw a curve, Dempsey said "Aw, that's high school."

Bob Costas on the #$%@ Costas chant the Dodgers did before Game 4 of the 88 WS: "It was either "Kill Costas" or "%&#! Costas." I'm honored in either case.

Lots of other good ones. I recommend it.

Attabot Choi!

make that AttaboY

Attabot works for Choi. He's rather robotic.

nice ab from hee seop!

PRODUCTIVE OUT!

Look how unselfish Drew was..

Yes, it was positively Erstadian

beltre would have swung at that

Who would be our long guy if Erickson stinks it up and has to leave early?

Buddy Carlyle and D.J. Houlton are pleased to introduce themselves.

I'm wondering what scott erickson thought about today's line up. If I was him I might wonder about Choi(yes, I know he just doubled) and grabowski.

I wonder if the pitcher gets upset with whom the manager decides to start on any given day. I think I would.

I dislike it when people say "they haven't played anyone yet" or "they missed their best pitcher" Dodgers can't control that. they go out there and play who is put in front of them. Every game counts the same.There is an amount of luck that goes into any championship season and to discount a team for something that they can't control seems like a waste of time. (As I step off my soap box)

If the Dodgers somehow win this one I'll be beside myself(applauding). What great two weeks I'm having. Life is sweet. WHAT A TEAM

I wonder if the pitcher gets upset with whom the manager decides to start on any given day. I think I would.

There is no doubt that happens. Not with everyone of course, but heck, when Brett Tomko and Matt Herges were pitching to AJ Pierzynski you think they were happy?

Ultimately, I think a pitcher only worries about who the catcher is. The other guys he doesn't have much control over.

I realize the catcher would be a concern but if you see Bonds sitting down are you saying 'What the heck?!". I've heard stories that pitchers would get upset if they found out the players were going to play without taking any uppers or greenies. Maybe that was in Ball Four(another good baseball book)

They called it "Playing Naked" without taking the amphetmines

I realize the catcher would be a concern but if you see Bonds sitting down are you saying 'What the heck?!".

With Bonds, probably not, because you know he needs days off so you're probably alright with it, but someone else, absolutely. Lots of teammates don't get along for whatever reasons.

Bonds is an extreme example but if erickson has a prickly personality who is in or not in the lineup might be something he has issues with. (god, bad sentence, sorry)

How did Loretta "single on a line drive to third baseman Jose Valentin' as gamecast claims?

I don't recommend Leavy's book on Koufax, nor Fred Claire's book, (unless you want to learn how little he knows about evaluating players). Moneyball is an absolute must, and the sequel should be out shortly. The Glory of Their Times is a classic must-read.

How did Loretta "single on a line drive to third baseman Jose Valentin' as gamecast claims?

Comebacker ricoched off Erickson, died between the mound and 3B, with Roberts moving to 3B Valentin had to cover and Erickson couldn't get the ball to him in time so safe all around.

it went off erickson, who picked it up and tried to get roberts going to third

If a pitcher is thinking that his offense that day isn't going to score enough runs for him to win, then he's not going in with the right attitude. His job is to get the other team out. It's not to worry about his own offense.

That's not to say some don't.

makes sense, Bob. thanks

That Vanentin flyout looked a lot like his triple last night. He sure is hitting the ball hard. What a pleasant surprise he's been offensively, especially the walks.

Boy, Erickson got a little unlucky there. Should have gotten out of it only giving up one run. Not counting Loretta's fluke IF single, he gave up 2 singles, a fly ball out, and a SB.
Maybe no runs, because Klesko might never have come up.

Valentin, obviously.

What happened? I walk away from my computer for a few minutes and we are down 2-0.

BTW thanks for all the book suggestions so far. I forgot all about the Koufax book and I remember it received some good reviews.

re: #34 - Sam DC, I don't remember much about Stolen Summer except that I enjoyed reading it. There was also another book I read at that time about the daily life of an old-time scout that I though was interesting. Can't remember the title, though.

is it my imagination, or does erickson seem to be throwing harder this inning?

You say Erickson is unlucky; I saw no-stuffy.

Am I losing my mind or did Izturis just lick his bat after that foul ball?

#74- I believe the book you might be thinking of is 'Prophet of the Sandlots' by Mark Winegardner, which tells the compelling story of Tony Lucadello, Phillie's superscout. Another great baseball book.

Eaton has thrown 57 pitches.

No word from gameday whether he's licked any of them.

Choi!! I don't want to jinx him.

It's a veritable Choi hitting bonanza. He just needs a triple and homer now for the cycle!

#78 - I think you are right because I now remember many reference to the Phillies. On a sad note, if I remember correctly, didn't he commit suicide recently?

The engineer in the truck is en fuego tonight. Wrong way on the CCU there bub.

Come on JD.

Hee-Seop's tired pof eating veggies.

What a nasty pitch to get Drew

#82- Actually you just gave away the suprise ending of the book, which comes out of nowhere. Very sad story.

Alex Cora woulda.....
......fouled off 12 more pitches before popping up like that.

#87 - My bad. I forgot that happened in the book. I thought I read it somewhere else and they mentioned he was the scout profiled in that book.