Jon opting for a minimalist approach to let us all caterwaul on our own.

The Grabowski Flight of the Over/Under Challenge has tightened up after two days. Still taking entries, email me if you want to join. Need three more to open up another flight (xeifrank@yahoo.com)

Grabowski Flight Standings.
Colorado Blue 1-1-0
Howard 1-1-0
Xeifrank 1-1-0 (Tonight 5 2/3)
CT Bum 1-1-0

The Grabowski Flight of the Over/Under Challenge has tightened up after two days. Still taking entries, email me if you want to join. Need three more to open up another flight (xeifrank@yahoo.com)

Grabowski Flight Standings.
Colorado Blue 1-1-0
Howard 1-1-0
Xeifrank 1-1-0 (Tonight 5 2/3)
CT Bum 1-1-0

Just to avoid the Fox broadcasters' tut-tutting about our injuries, Barry Bonds, who'd'a'thunk it these two teams would be playing for fourth place, I'm attending today's game.

If Jeff Kent likes Tracy so much, he should hold a team meeting and tell him if the Dodgers lose the next two games, JT will be fired.

Random Dodger game callback

July 16. 1983

Sparked by a first inning home run by maligned first baseman Greg Brock and five RBI from stone-glove third baseman Pedro Guerrero, the Dodgers cruised to a 7-4 win over the Chicago Cubs before a crowd of over 48,000 at Dodger Stadium. The Dodgers improved to 52-35, but were still 2 ½ games behind defending NL West champion Atlanta.

Dodger starter Fernando Valenzuela gave up a run in the first on an RBI single to Leon Durham, but the Dodgers came back to score four times in the bottom half of the innings.
Cubs starter Ferguson Jenkins walked Ken Landreaux and Dusty Baker and Guerrero tripled to left to score both men. Brock followed with his 12th homer of the season to make it 4-1 Dodgers.

The Dodgers added two more in the second. Valenzuela singled to lead off and Steve Sax reached on an error by Cub third baseman Ron Cey. Cubs manager Lee Elia had Baker intentionally walked to load the bases with one out for Guerrero, who foiled the strategy by singling in two runs to make it 6-1 and knock out Jenkins.

The Cubs cut the lead to 6-2 on a home run from Ryne Sandberg in the 7th. In the 8th, Keith Moreland and Jody Davis had back-to-back doubles to make it 6-3. Larry Bowa singled in Davis and it was 6-4. But Valenzuela hung in and got out of the inning, retiring pinch hitter Jerry Morales, striking out Mel Hall and getting Sandberg to ground out to end the threat.

The Dodgers got another run in the bottom of the 8th when Guerrero picked up RBI #5 with a single that scored Sax.

In the 9th, manager Tommy Lasorda sent Valenzuela out for more. He gave up an infield hit to Bill Buckner. Cey flied out to center, but Durham doubled to center to send Buckner to third. Finally, Lasorda brought in Tom Niedenfuer to relieve. Valenzuela gave up 13 hits in his 8 1/3 innings pitched. Niedenfuer retired Moreland and Davis to pick up the save.

After losing to the Braves on the final day in 1982, the Dodgers won the NL West in 1983 by 3 games over Atlanta with a 91-71 record. The Dodgers were able to use a 20-10 August to pull ahead and then survive a 14-14 September as the Braves slumped down the stretch.

The Dodgers would then lose the NLCS to the Philadelphia Phillies in four games. After losing 1-0 in Game 1, the Dodgers bounced back to take Game 2 behind a strong performance from Valenzuela, but the Phillies pounded the Dodgers twice in Philadelphia to close out the series and avenge their defeats in 1977 and 1978 to the Dodgers.

The 1983 squad was one of the more flawed division winners in Dodgers history. Guerrero led the team with 32 home runs and 103 RBI while batting .298, but he made 30 errors at third base. Sax followed up his Rookie of the Year season with a .281 average and 56 steals, but was caught 30 times and also made 30 errors at his position.

Mike Scioscia got injured early and missed most of the year. Steve Yeager got moved into the starting job and batted .203, but did hit 15 home runs. When Yeager got injured, Jack Fimple was called up from Albuquerque to fill in and did a credible job.

Brock had the misfortune for taking over for the immensely popular Steve Garvey and it was a given that unless he walked on water while curing cancer he would never succeed in the eyes of Dodgers fans. Brock batted .224 with 20 home runs. His 83 walks were pretty much ignored. Bill Russell, the last remaining player of the Dodgers famous infield, played his last year as a starter and batted .246 with one home run, which turned out to be a game-winner in the 9th against Cincinnati on June 11.

The Dodgers pitchers were good, but not great. Valenzuela was not as dominant as 1981 and 1982. He went 15-10 with a 3.75 ERA. Jerry Ruess was 12-11 and 2.95 and Bob Welch was 15-12 and 2.65.

Steve Howe saved 18 games, but his drug problems surfaced and he was suspended toward the end of the season and would miss all of the 1984 season. Niedenfuer took over and saved 11 games and Dave Stewart saved 8. Rick Honeycutt was acquired from Texas for the stretch drive, but went just 2-3 in 9 games with a 5.77 ERA.

The Dodgers and Padres played a tie game on September 28. A 4-4 game that was called because of rain after 14 innings. The Dodgers have not played a tie game since then.

1983 was an unusual championship for the Dodgers and one that is often forgotten. Much like the whole season for all of baseball. 1983 was the year that the Cy Young Award winners were John Denny and LaMarr Hoyt. The only Dodgers to win postseason awards were Tommy Lasorda as Manager of the Year (he would win it twice in his career) and Valenzuela getting a Sliver Slugger award as the best hitting pitcher (he batted just .187 with one home run.)

Thanks to the NY Times, BaseballReference.com and Retrosheet

Jack Fimple!

Let's see

1)A team makes massive offseason moves met with optimism by management and the fans but skepticism by the press;

2)A team has early season success, followed by significant injuries which exposes a thin roster and not ready for primetime players;

3)Some of the key offseason acquisitions fail to produce as expected and the front office doesn't shore up the roster at the trading deadline;

4)The team falters, and phones in the rest of the season amid a staggering number of losses and fan discontent.

2005 Dodgers, meet the 2004-05 Lakers!

Bob, at least your RDGC isn't focused on the 92 squad.

Coming up next week will be RDGCs on Dodger teams that make the 1992 squad look the 1953 Dodgers.

I didn't even know Bowa played for the Cubs! Not that I'm bragging on the holes in my baseball knowledge, which are indeed many, and voluminous.

As a hopeless Dodger fan I'm singing
.."so hoist up the John B Sails" alot lately...

It will take a lot of stories about Frenchy Bordagaray to remove the stench of the likes of Strawberry/Davis/Offerman and Todd Benzinger.

aieeeeee... are we going back to 1905 just so we can feel better about this year?

1905,
In the words of Comic Book Guy

Worst ... Dodgers ... Team ... Ever

But how many wins do people think the Dodgers will end up with this year?

I'm guessing 68.

Oh, and Larry Bowa was traded to the Cubs from the Phillies for Ivan DeJesus. The Phillies tossed in Ryne Sandberg to even out the trade.

It was not one of the Phillies better trades. But they went to the World Series with Ivan DeJesus

So "Mr. Zero" Shingo Takatsu is rumored to be traded to the Dodgers soon, any thoughts on him?

Re: #7
It's not that the Dodgers' roster was thin (actually I kept commenting on the quality of the depth earlier in the year), it's just that the Dodgers don't have any major-league ready alternatives in the minors to step in like - for instance - the Braves. Hopefully our increasingly improving farm system will help with this in the future.

14 -- Oh good. Another reason to hate DePodesta.

Right now, after the last few games, I'd say anything above 40 is optimistic. But we're all optimists here, aren't we? (sarcasm meter alert)

I'm guessing 73.

Bob I don't want to doubt your veracity on your RDGC account of that game,but one statement there just can't ring true...."Niedenfuer got the save..."I don't remember it that way.All I see is Jack Clark stepping to the plate...

overkill, where did you read that?

#7,
Yeah, I was sensing the Laker-Dodger parallel as well. Man...

There may be some Dodgers-Lakers parallel, but if anyone thinks Beltre = Shaq, you're nuts.

No way. Not that specific.

I'm also trying to picture Jim Tracy acting like Phil Jackson. Or dressing like Phil Jackson. Or dating Jeanie Buss.

According to this story
http://www.suntimes.com/output/sox/cst-spt-ssep16.html

Takatsu would be more likely headed for Oakland or San Francisco.

Going to the game today. Should be hot as #$*!. Lots of H2o and sunscreen. I'm expecting a Dodger win. Even a broken clock is right twice a day. As for any trades, I am prepared to stand pat. We can lament the season and when everyone is back in a month we can lament what might have been. It will give us humility next year when we run away with the division.

Sorry, it will be a Giants win. I'm going to be at the game.

The Curse of Jason Ellison is some pretty heavy mojo.

Is there any manager in baseball that is the equivalent of the Zen master?

Both the Lakers under Kupchack and the Dodgers under Malone have had terrible young development players. I like this Kwame trade though, maybe because i despise how Jordan ruined him.

Bob,
You mean dating Jamie McCourt?

well, I suppose not the owners daughter. Does McCourt have a daughter?

The McCourts, like my parents, have four sons and no daughters.

But Bob, I'm sure your father isn't a weenie.

Off to the game. Good luck to us.

14: wake me when the farm produces a useful spare part. We have been waiting until next year for a long time now. If nothing comes out next year, Logan White's stock is going to plummet.

Have fun LAT.

The only similarities either of my late parents had with the McCourts was religion and a penchant for producing male children.

I've realized that since the 1950s, the Dodgers have been in the hands of Catholic ownership.
The O'Malleys, then Rupert Murdoch (who converted to Catholicism, but I think got booted out or left when he married his third wife) and now the McCourts. Bob Daly was Catholic too I believe.

I think there's a "Da Vinci Code" story brewing here.

Per Vin's advice, I have bathed myself in sunscreen. I have a hat on (a Springfield Isotopes one). And a bottle of water. I'm ready for some exciting Dodger baseball.

I actually think the heat will be better than watching whatever pair that FOX sends out for you folks to listen to: Brennaman and Lyons?

go dodgers go.

yea.

exciting baseball?? I thought u were going to see the Dodgers lol

There must be a misprint. Hee Seop Choi is in the lineup batting 5th!

Anyone else read the Shingo Takatsu rumor floating out of Chicago? Rotoworld has him coming to us (possibly today) for an upper level prospect. I pray that it's Hanrahan at the most!!

12 -

over/under on wins this year?

vegas said 82 before the season and all the injuries...

at this point, I'll go with a record of 63-99, last in the division

this gets tracy fired, cause even tho losing half his team to injury made them bad, 99 losses will be too hard to take by the brass

Choi plays, but Phillips is still hitting 4th. So does that mean that I should care about this game half-ways?

From the More Good News department, Kuo pitched 2 scoreless innings yesterday. That's actually some of the best news we've had in a long time.

Minor League Update
Statistical summary format is AVG/OBP/SLG for hitters and ERA/IP/K/BB for pitchers.

Las Vegas 51s (AAA):
The 51s got crushed 10 - 1 by Tucson.

In true Dodgers fashion, the 51s only managed 1 run with 12 baserunners. Three baserunners were eliminated by double-plays and 8 were left on base. Milton Bradley started his rehab assignment as the 51s center fielder. Bradley went 0 for 2 before leaving the game after the 5th (.000/.000/.000). Third baseman Willy Aybar went 1 for 2 with a double and 2 walks (.303/.367/.447). First baseman Norihiro Nakamura went 0 for 4 with a strikeout (.285/.345/.565). Right fielder Cody Ross went 1 for 2 with a double and 2 walks (.271/.368/.507).

Starting pitcher Pat Mahomes took the loss, allowing 6 runs (earned) over 5 innings. Mahomes gave up 8 hits (1 homerun) and 5 walks while only striking out 1 (5.27/99.0/69/50). Right-hander Thomas Nall pitched two innings of relief, allowing 1 run (earned) on 2 hits and 2 walks with 1 strikeout (6.75/61.1/49/32). Mike Venafro, the archetypal LOOGy, pitched a scoreless 8th inning, allowing 1 walk with 1 strikeout (7.62/26.0/19/24). Twenty-five year old right-hander Beau Dannemiller finished the game, allowing 3 runs in the top of the 9th on 3 hits (1 homerun) and a walk (7.71/9.1/10/7). Dannemiller was promoted to Las Vegas on June 19th, though it likely wasn't due to performance as Dannemiller had a 4.81 ERA with 37 Ks, 28 BBs, and 4 HRs in 43.0 innings with Jacksonville.

Jacksonville Suns (AA):
The Suns beat Montgomery 8 - 3.

Shortstop Joel Guzman and second baseman Delwyn Young powered the Suns offense. Guzman (.287/.353/.500) and Young (.290/.338/.468) each went 1 for 4 with a 3-run homerun and a strikeout. Guzman added another run scored after reaching on an error. Catcher Russell Martin went 1 for 4 with a run scored and a strikeout (.317/.442/.424). Third baseman Andy LaRoche went 1 for 4 with a strikeout (.333/.409/.603). First baseman James Loney went 0 for 2 with 2 walks and a run scored (.274/.356/.393). Right fielder Justin Ruggiano went 1 for 4 with an RBI and 2 strikeouts (.409/.458/.545).

Starting pitcher Chad Billingsley got his first win of the season against the Biscuits, though his overall outing wasn't impressive. Billingsley pitched 5 innings, allowing 3 runs (all earned) on 7 hits and 3 walks while striking out 4 (4.28/90.1/105/32). Billingsley has had trouble against Montgomery, while dominating every other team he has faced in the Southern Leage. Yesterday, Billingsley was named the 7th best prospect (2nd best pitching prospect) in Baseball America's Midseason Report (http://www.baseballamerica.com/online/minors/050715midseason.html). Eric Hull pitched a scoreless inning of relief to get some work in between starts. Hull, a 25 year old right-hander, allowed 1 hit and struck out 2 (3.71/85.0/90/35). Hull's performance for the Suns has been an extremely pleasant surprise. Last year with Jacksonville, Hull had a 4.18 ERA with 39 strikeouts and 26 walks in 60.1 innings. Since last year, Hull has increased his K/9 from 5.84 to 9.53 and his K/BB from 1.50 to 2.57. Hong-Chih Kuo followed Hull with 2 dominant innings of scoreless relief. Kuo allowed 1 hit while striking out 3 (2.84/6.1/13/3). Kuo was only reaching 92 - 94 mph on his fastball, but he was fooling hitters with a devastating changeup. Right-hander William Juarez finished the game pitching a scoreless 9th inning, allowing 1 hit while striking out 1 (3.98/61.0/45/31).

Vero Beach Dodgers (High-A):
The Dodgers lost 5 - 0 to Dunedin.

The Dodgers only managed 4 baserunners (3 hits and 1 error) against Dunedin pitching. The Dodgers three hits (all singles) were by shortstop Chin-lung Hu (.278/.322/.399), designated hitter Cory Dunlap (.278/.375/.372), and center fielder Jamie Hoffman (.235/.250/.235). Second baseman Tony Abreu (.320/.345/.438) and right fielder Matt Kemp (.286/.323/.583) were each held hitless with Kemp striking out twice.

Starting pitcher Julio Pimentel pitched 7 quality innings, allowing 3 runs (all earned) on 6 hits and 2 walks with 6 strikeouts (4.24/87.0/83/33). Beltran Perez pitched the last 2 innings of the game, allowing 2 runs (both earned) on 2 hits (1 homerun) and 3 walks while striking out 3 (3.78/33.1/33/15).

Columbus Catfish (Low-A):
The Catfish lost 7 - 3 to Greenville in an 8 inning rain-shortened game.

Designated-hitter Travis Denker had a great night at the plate, going 2 for 3 with a double, a homerun, and a sacrifice fly (.289/.401/.527). Denker's 19th homerun moved him into a tie for third place in the Sally League homerun race. The current leader, 22 year old Hunter Pence, has 24 homeruns on the season. Denker, a 19 year old middle-infielder with tremendous plate discipline and power has gotten little recognition from Baseball America. Third baseman Blake Dewitt went 0 for 4 with a strikeout (.267/.316/.417). Right fielder Sergio Pedroza went 1 for 3 with a double, a run scored and 2 strikeouts (.364/.417/.455).

Starting pitcher Jarod Plummer did not have a good game in his second start for Columbus. Plummer took the loss, allowing 6 runs (4 earned) on 7 hits (1 homerun) and no walks with 3 strikeouts over 6 innings (3.10/17.1/15/0). Reliever Steve Nelson pitched 1 inning, allowing 1 run (earned) on 2 hits and a walk (4.20/15.0/6/3).

Ogden Raptors (Rookie):
The Raptors lost 13 - 11 in a slugfest with Missoula.

Catcher Juan Apodaca had the most exciting game at the plate, going 2 for 5 with 2 homeruns and 4 RBIs (.338/.365/.690). At 18 years old, Apodaca has the highest slugging percentage (.690) and ISOp (.352) on the Ogden team. Unfortunately, Apodaca only has 2 walks in 71 at-bats. Center fielder Adam Godwin went 2 for 6 with a run scored (.297/.366/.351). Godwin was the Dodgers 11th round pick out of Troy University in Alabama. After getting off to a rough start, Godwin has picked up the pace offensively. Godwin has raised his average from .091 on July 1st to .297. Here is what Baseball America had to say about Godwin prior to the draft:

"Outfielder Adam Godwin made headlines all spring as he ran away with the Division I stolen base lead (he had 81 in 89 attempts at the end of the regular season, 27 more than his closest rival). Godwin had improved his draft stock significantly as a senior after collecting just six extra-base hits as a junior. Godwin hit five homers as he improved his swing mechanics and got stronger, but speed is still by far his best tool, a 70 on the 20-80 scouting scale. He also has fearlessness and great instincts on the bases and should be a basestealer at every level. None of his other tools grades above-average, and his swing still doesn't convince scouts he can even be a big league starter and profile more as an extra outfielder in the mold of Kerry Robinson."

First baseman Donald Sutherland went 2 for 5 with a double and a run scored (.452/.527/.527). After getting only 13 extra-base hits in his first 122 professional games, Sutherland has hit 3 doubles in the last 3 games. Third baseman Russell Mitchell went 2 for 5 with a double and a run scored (.324/.346/.647). Second baseman Jesus Soto and shorstop Juan Rivera both sat for the game.

Three Ogden pitchers combined for a horrendous performance. Starting pitcher Alvin Hayes wasn't able to make it out of the first inning. Hayes allowed 6 runs (all earned) on 4 hits and 3 walks with 1 strikeout (7.15/11.1/17/9). Kristopher Krise relieved and pitched 6.1 innings, allowing another 5 runs (all earned). Krise gave up 8 hits (1 homerun) and 1 walk with 3 strikeouts (9.97/21.2/14/9). Matthew Gomez de Segura finished the game, allowing 2 runs (1 earned) on 2 hits and 1 walk with 1 strikeout (7.94/11.1/8/12).

GCL Dodgers (Rookie):
The Dodgers swept a double-header against the GCL Mets.

The Dodgers won the first game 2 - 1 in 7 innings.

The Dodgers scored 2 runs on just 2 hits and 1 walk aided by 2 errors and an unearned run. Center fielder Jeremy Brown led off and went 0 for 3 with a strikeout (.258/.395/.258). Shorstop Ivan DeJesus went 0 for 2 with a walk, a strikeout and a run scored (.310/.344/.379). Third baseman Eduardo Perez went 0 for 3 with a strikeout (.314/.407/.431). Designated hitter Josh Bell went 0 for 3 (.297/.338/.422). Left fielder Carlos Santana went 0 for 2 (.343/.290/.514). Second baseman Adolfo Gonzalez went 0 for 1 with a walk and a run scored (.306/.333/.429). Catcher Kenley Jansen went 1 for 2 with a strikeout (.343/.343/.543).

Dimas Reina started the game, pitching 2 perfect innings and striking out 2 (0.00/2.0/2/0). Reina is a 23 year old right-hander signed by the Dodgers in 2003. Howar Zuleta came on to pitch 2 scoreless innings in relief for the win. Zuleta allowed 2 hits and 1 walk while striking out 1 (0.00/2.0/1/1). Zuleta, an 18 year old right-hander, was signed by the Dodgers in 2002 as a 16 year old amateur free agent. Last year was Zuleta's first professional season, compiling a 2.14 ERA with 51 strikeouts, 19 walks, and 1 homerun in 42.0 innings pitched with the GCL Dodgers. Arismendy Castillo came on to relieve Castillo and gave up 1 run (earned) in 2.1 innings (6.10/10.1/10/8). Castillo was pulled in the top of the 7th after allowing a single. Miguel Ramirez came on in relief and allowed the inherited runner to score on a wild pitch and a single while striking out two batters for the save (1.93/9.1/9/1).

The Dodgers won the second game 5 - 4 in 7 innings.

The most exciting news for the GCL Dodgers came prior to the game, when it was learned that the Dodgers' 14th round draft pick, Scott Van Slyke, had signed and would be joining the GCL team. Van Slyke made a brief pinch hitting appearance in the Dodgers second game, going 0 for 1 (.000/.000/.000). Prior to the draft, Van Slyke had suggested he would only sign if drafted in the first 5 rounds. Due to concerns about his committment to Mississippi and his raw physical tools, other teams shied away, allowing the Dodgers to pick him up in the 14th round. The Dodgers convinced Van Slyke to sign by giving him a signing bonus commensurate with a much higher draft pick. Here is what Baseball America had to say about Van Slyke prior to the draft:

"Outfielder Scott Van Slyke, the son of Andy, likely will head to Mississippi rather than sign. He could be an early pick in three years, once he strengthens his 6-foot-5, 210-pound frame and shortens his swing. He has good actions and all-around athleticism. His older brother Scott, a University of Kansas outfielder, should be drafted this year as well."

Center fielder Eloy Gutierrez, shortstop Ivan DeJesus, and designated hitter Eduardo Perez combined for 8 of the Dodgers 11 hits. Gutierrez, a 20 year old switch-hitting outfielder, went 2 for 4 with a double, 2 runs scored and a strikeout (.262/.380/.357). DeJesus went 4 for 4 with 2 doubles, 2 runs scored and 1 RBI (.310/.344/.379). DeJesus' numbers are starting to look like what the Dodgers should have expected from their 2nd round draft pick. Perez went 2 for 3 with a double and 3 RBIs (.314/.407/.431). Third baseman Josh Bell drove in the winning run on a single in the bottom of the 7th. Bell was 1 for 4 overall (.297/.338/.422).

There weren't any spectacular pitching performances for the Dodgers. Starting pitcher Guiseppe Norito went 2 innings, allowing 1 run (earned) on 3 hits and no walks with 2 strikeouts (4.50/2.0/2/0). Guiseppe was drafted in the 48th round in 2004 and this is his second year with the GCL Dodgers. Ramon Paredes pitched 4.2 innings in relief, allowing 3 runs (2 earned) on 7 hits and 1 walk with 4 strikeouts (2.50/18.0/18/4). Twenty year old left-hander Paredes has been one of the Dodgers better pitchers this inning. Eduardo Quintana came on in the 7th with 2 outs and a man on. Quintana, a 20 year old right-hander, vultured the win by inducing the only batter he faced to flyout (2.13/12.2/13/10).

Thanks for the minor league update, as always.

I'll be honest, I'm starting to looking forward to checking the Jacksonville results more than I do for the actual big league club.

H. Nomo has been DFA by the D-Rays.

Choi is starting! Oh Boy! Looks like Buntermaker is finally throwing in the towel.
vr, Xei

Hey Odalis

It's not whether you win or lose, it's how you place the blame.

Philadelphia has rumoredly put Thome on the trading block. Not sure who'd go after the damaged goods, and what kind of contract does he have remaining? I guess the Phils thank the rook is ready.
vr, Xei

At this pace Odalis is going to be lucky to make it 5 2/3rds innings. :)
vr, Xei

44- Well, I'm sorry to hear that. I always, always cringed when I watched him pitch, but the guy was something.

Odalis sure is struggling here in the 2nd inning. Get ready to say "hello" to 4th place. I don't think there is any chance we can catch the Rockies.
vr, Xei

I know that DePodesta had little choice but to sign Odalis Perez in the offseason, but wouldn't this be a good time to find a "buyer" who's willing to give us something valuable for a whining pitcher who never comes through at money time?

From the OC Register:

"Kent was playing first base when he was hit by a ball thrown by pitcher D.J. Houlton in Thursday night's loss to the San Francisco Giants."

It makes it sound like Houlton fired a ball at his wrist while Kent was standing around innocently. None of the papers seem to blame Kent for the wrist injury even though he was the one to miss the ball.

Hee Seop Choi!

The Curse is now in effect.

Nice lineup JT. Can anyone explain Phillips hitting cleanup over Choi?

Maybe our luck is changing.

With that double, Hee Seop Choi now has a .250 batting average and .775 OPS in July.

Scrapko is hella clutch.

Hey guys, I'm up at 4:50 AM now.

This is the turning point. If we lose today, Jints are 3rd, Dodgers are 4th, and I will cease to wake up at this time in the morning to watch a Dodger game the rest of this season.

A run!

HEE SEOP CHOI!

CHOI HEE SEOP!

Odalis is looking awful. With the promise of Milton Bradley coming back I guess it was about time for a serious pitching funk.

Well we got out of that one by the hair on our chinny chin chins. I have to admit, I like Repko more than the other Jasons, especially Grabbo who might be might least favorite player of all the time. The prototype zero tool player.

the dodgers just need to let choi be and stop jerking his chain.

Choi is a hit-by-pitch machine.

Tracy likes to play those trends right?

Choi's last 7 starts:
.364/.481/.545 (8-22, 3 XBH)

Whoo hoo, the law of averages decides to allows us to take the lead for a brief moment in time.

Hey come on, I'm on a Tivo delay.

i like robles, he knows how to work the count.

Steiner reported that the Dodgers have used 67 different starting lineups in 91 games this year including today.

I feel like this is a boxing match between two old champs who are way past their primes. It would be like Ali-Fraser if they fought today. It is just so ugly and all you can do is wait for it to be over. Aside from last night's shallacking neither team has shown anything on the field. No hitting, bad bullpens, bad starting, bad defense.

Man! Cool shirt.

69. Thanks for that info. We must have the highest number of different starting lineups this season.

Izturis should be batting 8th starting next game.

#68: I like Robles as well. It's too bad he doesn't have any power (.047 ISOp). With very little power and slightly below average defense, Robles would be a below average starter at either SS or 2B. But, he will be a very useful utility infielder for the Dodgers until he gets too expensive. With Antonio Perez, Oscar Robles, and Willy Aybar, it seems like the Dodgers may have too many utility infielder types for next season. Though, after the injury parade this season, I would keep all of them with Aybar getting another year of seasoning in Las Vegas. Next year our depth should be much better than this year, assuming we sign another outfielder (Giles?). Werth could move back into a 4th outfielder / platoon type role. Ricky Ledee would be an excellent 5th outfielder and Jason Repko would be insurance in Las Vegas.

i think colby likes to hang out with weaver... he seems like someone that would.

Anyone else notice how Tucker keeps pointing to the ball when it's a ball in the dirt when he's at-bat? I hate Tucker for his ill-advised charge of Gagne last year and this seems like another jerk move on his part. If we're up or down by a lot tomorrow I'd like to see one in his ear.

Perez is a 5 inning pitcher. He should have been paid like a 5 inning pitcher too. It was unfortunate that Depo had to give him a 3 year contract. I don't think Perez is going to be here thru the end of his contract.

ha, this is a good comparison. robles is a mexican david eckstein.

well, perez used to be a 7+ inning pitcher but he doesn't seem himself, I think his shoulder is still bothering him. His fastball is topping out at 88 so subsequently he's throwing too many off-speed pitches, it'd be nice for him to gain some strength to put a few MPH on his fastball.

Or should you say, Mexstein?

#77: Eckstein has a little more power, but otherwise very similar, even about the same age. I think Oscar Robles and Antonio Perez should platoon at 3B until Valentin is ready.

74 - Whats wrong with the Weave?

.239 BA hitting Clean up for us!!!!!

Sad state of our offense.