Baseball Toaster Dodger Thoughts
Help
Jon Weisman's outlet
for dealing psychologically
with the Los Angeles Dodgers
and baseball.
Frozen Toast
Search
Google Search
Web
Toaster
Dodger Thoughts
Archives

2009
02  01 

2008
12  11  10  09  08  07 
06  05  04  03  02  01 

2007
12  11  10  09  08  07 
06  05  04  03  02  01 

2006
12  11  10  09  08  07 
06  05  04  03  02  01 

2005
12  11  10  09  08  07 
06  05  04  03  02  01 

2004
12  11  10  09  08  07 
06  05  04  03  02  01 

2003
12  11  10  09  08  07 
06  05  04  03  02  01 

2002
09  08  07 
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

I Missed You, Did You Miss Me
2005-08-18 18:24
by Jon Weisman

Game On

Blame it on the ISP, baby.

Game chat away, but here's this morning's post:

* * *

A coincidental day after a discussion in the Dodger Thoughts comments about manufacturing runs while on base, Nate Silver of Baseball Prospectus explores the issue.

A lot of times you'll hear the case made that OBP undervalues a player like Jose Reyes or Carl Crawford because it doesn't account for their baserunning ability. This is a perfectly reasonable argument. Getting on base, as [reader Mike Mitchell] intimates, is not the goal. Rather, getting on base is a means to an end, that end being scoring runs. But running the bases well is also a means to that end. If Bill Mueller gets on base five percent more often than Scott Podsednik, but Podsednik scores 10 percent more often than Mueller those times that he does reach base, which player is the more valuable run-generator?

Silver described a method to calculate speed-adjusted on-base percentage, or using the term inspired by Mitchell, SOB. Rickey Henderson's 1985 season added .057 to his on-base percentage using this method, for example. The 2005 leader is Carl Crawford of Tampa Bay, whose OBP is .317 but SOB is .343, a .026 difference.

Silver also noted which baserunners have done the most damage to their on-base percentages, and Cesar Izturis and Jason Phillips of the Dodgers make the 2005 Top 10. Izturis has knocked his .306 on-base percentage down to .286, and Phillips falls from .291 to .273.

The formula for SOB, which Silver elaborates upon in the article, is this:

H + BB + HBP + (SB * .366)--CS + (EqBR * 2.27)
------------------------------------------------
                   PA--SH

* * *

People talk about baseball bloggers increasing their exposure or access at the ballpark, but David Pinto of Baseball Musings almost took it one step further - by getting a call from the bullpen.

My family and I just got back from game 1 of the doubleheader at Norwich. The Navigators were hosting the New Hampshire Fisher Cats, the AA affiliate of the Blue Jays. Norwich starter Anthony Moreno was hit hard. He gave up three runs in the third and four more in the fourth before Norwich manager Bob Stanley pulled him with two out and two on. Oscar Montero entered the game and gave up a three-run homer to make the score 10-5 in favor of the Cats. Montero got out of the inning. We were sitting behind home plate, and Stanley walked over to where we were sitting to retrieve the pitching chart from one of his players. After getting the chart, he looks right at me and says, "Can you pitch?"
I replied that I wished I could. In the middle of the seventh, after Montero pitched effectively, Stanley came by and told me he wouldn't need me for the second game. Given that I can't get the ball to the plate, I was quite relieved. :-)

* * *

Speaking of increased exposure, Futility Infielder Jay Jaffe has a piece at Salon on the shadow of steroids:

It's a no-win situation for baseball fans. As one who follows the Yankees, I find a real conflict in rooting for (Jason) Giambi. Earlier this month, ESPN's Buster Olney wrote that Giambi's streak may be fueled by human growth hormone, a naturally occurring substance undetectable in a urine test, and as such outside the scope of MLB's current policy. In his leaked BALCO testimony, Giambi admitted he had used HGH in the past. But even putting that aside, taking pleasure in the slugger's resurgence is tough when I can't dismiss the possibility it's chemically fueled. As his role in the Yankees offense becomes more prominent, rooting for the entire team becomes that much less fun. Giambi is not the only one in purgatory for his transgressions; so are all of us who love the game. ...

Taken together, the only clear picture is that we still can't gauge the total effect of steroids on the game. We can't tell the good guys from the bad guys, and the ambiguity is unsettling. The portrait (Howard) Bryant paints in "Juicing the Game" is that we're all complicit in letting steroids flourish. That goes for the baseball commissioner (merely a tool of the owners), owners (loath to commit financial suicide by acting on suspicions that their players were using the drugs, and too belligerent in bargaining with the union to reach an agreement on testing), union (hiding its juiced-up stars behind rhetoric, while failing to heed the wishes of the marginal players, who are more receptive to testing), writers (afraid of losing access to the locker rooms and unwilling to police the game), and fans (enamored of the long ball and turning out in record numbers despite the game's transgressions). Baseball is mired in purgatory and we're all in it together.

* * *

Peek into the Dodger Stadium nightscene with this visit to the Martini Bar - that's right, the Martini Bar - courtesy of Kevin Bronson of the Times.

"It's friendly, it's clean and people treat it as their home base," says Drew McCourt, the team's director of marketing. "And the bar is a great place to spend the postgame and let the traffic blow over."

I remember years ago, after a day game, I was going to hang out at Dodger Stadium with the newspaper while the traffic blew over - and was told to leave by security 30 minutes after the game ended.  Do they still have that time limit out in the seats?

When the sound system is not tuned to the action or the postgame "Dodger Talk" (which originates from the lounge), regular bartender Betty Ward often plugs in her iPod to provide music.

There must be nothing quite like listening to bitter Dodger fans over a martini.

Comments (151)
Show/Hide Comments 1-50
2005-08-18 18:28:38
1.   Linkmeister
Goes with the vermouth.

I may need one after back-to-back home runs here.

2005-08-18 18:29:07
2.   overkill94
Good lord, I've been trying to access this page every five minutes since 4 pm. Just in time for the Weaver Meltdown however.
2005-08-18 18:32:29
3.   Bob Timmermann
Random Dodger game callback

August 18, 1977

Don Sutton came within four outs of a no-hitter, but had to settle for a one-hit shutout as the Dodgers beat the San Francisco Giants, 7-0 before a crowd of 15,955 at Dodger Stadium, The Dodgers were now 73-47 and 12 games ahead of the second-place Cincinnati Reds. The small crowd was a result of a day game start after the Dodgers and Giants had a Wednesday night game postponed by the rarest of events, an August rainout at Dodger Stadium.

Sutton struck out seven and walked four and didn't allow a hit until Giants catcher Marc Hill hit a clean single to left. The one-hitter was the fifth of Sutton's career and it was also his 46th shutout. It was also Sutton's 187th win as a Dodger, which tied him with Don Drysdale for the Los Angeles record. Sutton finished his Hall of Fame career with a 324-256 record and a 3.26 ERA. He threw 58 shutouts in his career. Sutton had lost his last seven decisions and had tore up part of the Dodgers clubhouse in his last loss when he gave up a grand slam home run to Atlanta shortstop Rod Gilbreath.

The Dodgers got Sutton the only runs he would need in the second inning when Davey Lopes hit a 3-run home run off of Giants starter Jim Barr. Reggie Smith homered in the fourth to make it 4-0 Dodgers. Sutton got an RBI single on a squeeze play in the fifth that knocked Barr out of the game in favor of Dave Heaverlo. The Dodgers concluded their scoring in the fifth on a sacrifice fly from Rick Monday and an RBI double from Dusty Baker.

1977 was a wonderful year for Dodgers fans. It was the first full year as manager for Tommy Lasorda and the enthusiastic Pennsylvanian led the Dodgers to a 98-64 record and a 10-game edge in the National League West.

The Dodgers had one of the most powerful lineups in Los Angeles history. The team hit 191 home runs and for the first time in major league history, four teammates would hit 30 home runs in a season. Steve Garvey hit 33, Smith hit 32 and Ron Cey and Baker would hit 30. Even the Dodgers pitchers hit five home runs, three by Rick Rhoden. Smith led the team in batting average at .307 and led the National League in OBP at .427.

Tommy John continued his incredible comeback from the elbow surgery that would later bear his name. He went 20-7 with a 2.78 ERA. Sutton was 14-8 with a 3.18 ERA. Burt Hooton was 12-7 and 2.62. Rhoden was 16-10 with a 3.74 ERA and Doug Rau was 14-8 and 3.43.

Charlie Hough led the team in saves with 22, but also went 6-12. Mike Garman contributed 12 saves. Veteran Al Downing was released on July 21, ending a 7-year career with the Dodgers. But Downing would never really leave.

The Dodgers also had Boog Powell on the team, but he was released on August 31 to make room for catcher Jerry Grote. The day before Sutton's one-hitter, the Dodgers picked up another veteran in Vic Davalillo, who would play a key role in the postseason. The 38-year old Davalillo was batting .392 for Aquascalientes in the Mexican League at the time.

The Philadelphia Phillies were the Dodgers' opponent in the NLCS. The Phillies scored twice in the 9th at Dodger Stadium to win Game 1, 7-5. In Game 2, a Dusty Baker grand slam led to a 7-1 win over the Phillies.

Game 3 would be one of the most dramatic comebacks in Dodgers history. The Dodgers trailed 5-3 with two outs in the ninth and no one on against Gene Garber. Davalillo came up to pinch-hit for Steve Yeager and reached on a drag bunt single. Manny Mota batted for Lance Rautzhan and doubled off of Greg Luzinksi's glove to score Davalillo and he went to third when Ted Sizemore let Luzinski's throw get past him. Davey Lopes then bounced a ball off the Astroturf that hit Mike Schmidt in the leg and caromed to Larry Bowa who threw too late to first and Mota scored the tying run. Garber appeared to have Lopes picked off, but his throw got past Richie Hebner and Lopes went to second. Bill Russell singled home Lopes to make it 6-5. Garman closed out the game.

Game 4 was played in a steady rain, but play was never halted and the Dodgers won 4-1 behind a strong performance from John.

The World Series would be Yankees vs. Dodgers, part 9. The Yankees had won 6 of the previous 8 contests between the two and they would make it 7 out of 9 with a six-game win. The Dodgers lost Game 1 in 12 innings, 4-3, but beat the Yankees 6-1 in Game 2 to tie the Series with four home runs.

Going back to Los Angeles, the Yankees took Games 3 and 4 with Mike Torrez beating John in Game 3, 5-3 and then the Yankees took advantage of an injured Doug Rau in Game 4 with four early runs for a 4-2 win.

In Game 5, Sutton kept the Dodgers season going with a 10-4 win, but he did give up a home run to Reggie Jackson in the 8th. In Game 6, Jackson's power barrage continued as he belted three home runs to give the Yankees an 8-4 win. Jackson hit 5 home runs overall in the World Series.

Thanks to the Los Angeles Times, BaseballReference.com and Retrosheet

2005-08-18 18:33:19
4.   Jon Weisman
I had been hitting refresh for about nine hours.

Weaver seemed to like us offline.

2005-08-18 18:33:51
5.   overkill94
some thoughts that have been building:

1. Thomson looked like crap, i would have been disappointed had we not rocked him
2. Still no Choi
3. Izturis needs to be put in a semi-platoon at SS. He still hits lefties very well (.311 BA) and Robles hitting LH helps it make sense. I'm not talking a straight platoon, just an extra day off a week at the least. Oh yeah, and Izturis needs to be moved to the 8 spot as much as I need to stop spending so much time at the computer.

2005-08-18 18:36:16
6.   Bob Timmermann
I was so bored today that I went out and tried to buy a new car.
2005-08-18 18:36:43
7.   overkill94
BTW, this needs to be Weaver's last inning, he seems to be playing with fire out there. Have Dessens throw the 7th (and maybe 8th) then let Duaner close it. Usually I'd like to see Schmoll pitch the 8th but he threw 27 pitches last night.
2005-08-18 18:37:25
8.   Bob Timmermann
Schmoll threw 27 not very good pitches last night also.
2005-08-18 18:38:15
9.   Bob Timmermann
Meanwhile in the NL West,
The Padres lost
The Giants lost
The DBacks are ahead of the Cardinals 3-2 in the 4th.
2005-08-18 18:38:26
10.   Linkmeister
6 "Tried to?"
2005-08-18 18:38:31
11.   Jim Hitchcock
HOORAY!

I'm guessing all that BBQ talk yesterday had something to do with gumming up the server.

Anyway, I feel better now.

2005-08-18 18:38:51
12.   overkill94
Beltre's proving to be quite unclutch today:

1st inning - bases loaded, 1 out, popped up
3rd inning - none on, 0 out, homered
5th inning - one on, 0 out, GIDP

2005-08-18 18:39:39
13.   Jim Hitchcock
Remember, Bob, you have to wash a new car regularly. It's tradition.
2005-08-18 18:40:37
14.   Uncle Miltie
Tracy get Antonio Perez in the game, get Weaver out, and a message to Steiner and Lyons- shut up the game isn't over after 5 innings!
2005-08-18 18:41:01
15.   Bob Timmermann
10
They didn't have any Priuses in at the dealership. So I'm officially on the waiting list. And since I'm going to pay cash for it, they will keep me in my mind.
2005-08-18 18:43:12
16.   Linkmeister
15 I went out for Burger King sandwiches once back in 1986 and came back with an '86 T-Bird instead. Had a four-year loan, though.
2005-08-18 18:45:46
17.   King of the Hobos
Despite that K, Werth is looking much better. Cruz isn't looking so bad himself. Sure would be nice if Werth kept up on his recent tear

As for Weaver, he couldn't lose to Lowe could he? The homer race between them will be very tight, and could go all the way to the finish

2005-08-18 18:47:24
18.   Jim Hitchcock
16 - Oh, gee, Link, I drove my 86 T Bird for 15 years, even though I work at a Ford dealer and money wasn't a problem. Just got kinda used to it, I guess. Still miss the speedo :)
2005-08-18 18:48:58
19.   Gen3Blue
I thought it was me! Between the East Coast,my service provider, and my inability to watch when we are losing (Picked up in the last year or so), I only woke to reality after those back to backs. Should have known Weaver wouldn't let those three last night go unanswered. Iv'e been so damaged, I would leave JW in! Hes the only guy we have who seems to have an always good arm. Its only his brain that deserts him now and then.
2005-08-18 18:50:13
20.   Bob Timmermann
Weaver still gets a QS!

The Padres were shut out for the 12th time this season. The Dodgers have been shut out six times.

2005-08-18 18:52:28
21.   Linkmeister
Jim, mine died due to a long stretch of unemployment when I couldn't afford to maintain it. It got dragged off to wherever cars go in about 1995, and I ended up (it pains/shames me to admit) driving my deceased father's 198_ Chrysler LeBaron. Words don't exist to express how much I hated that Chrysler.

I now drive a 1997 Geo with 44K miles on it.

2005-08-18 18:53:12
22.   bigcpa
Dessens was an odd choice here. He's pitched 2 2/3 the whole month. Guess he's fresh!
2005-08-18 18:53:48
23.   King of the Hobos
I have no idea why Tracy doesn't use Dessens more often. He's been consistent as anyone is his limited playing time
2005-08-18 18:54:59
24.   overkill94
See, if Tracy would just let me make the decisions this team would be dominating! ;)
2005-08-18 18:56:45
25.   overkill94
Wow, 2 hits for Cruz, never thought I'd see the day.
2005-08-18 18:56:57
26.   King of the Hobos
Werth and Cruz really should be our starting OFs at this point
2005-08-18 18:57:19
27.   Bob Timmermann
Dioner gets an Olney!
2005-08-18 18:57:21
28.   Jim Hitchcock
Nicew to see Cruz get a couple of hits. Also made a nice play to throw out McCann at 2nd.
2005-08-18 18:57:58
29.   bigcpa
FREE HEE SEOP!
2005-08-18 18:58:17
30.   Bob Timmermann
So who pitches the 8th?

It could be ... Carrara...

2005-08-18 18:59:55
31.   Bob Timmermann
It's no fun to have a play like that without Steve around. :-(
2005-08-18 18:59:59
32.   Jim Hitchcock
Bite your tongue, Bob.
2005-08-18 19:00:19
33.   King of the Hobos
Izzy comes close to contributing. Hopefully a 3 run lead is safe, as someone like Carrara will now pitch
2005-08-18 19:01:29
34.   Uncle Miltie
Terrible at bat by Choi. Izturis showed off his catcher's running speed.
2005-08-18 19:02:03
35.   Bob Timmermann
Off topic, but the Red Sox are batting Tony Graffanino fifth tonight in Anaheim.
2005-08-18 19:04:29
36.   Jim Hitchcock
Well, looks like I was wrong. Carrara clearly overmatched the hitters...
2005-08-18 19:05:19
37.   King of the Hobos
Well, Carrara pitches well again for the second straight day.
2005-08-18 19:05:20
38.   Jim Hitchcock
Add ;) inflection to above.
2005-08-18 19:18:31
39.   Jim Hitchcock
O.K., Duaner...you're the man.
2005-08-18 19:18:35
40.   King of the Hobos
The Brewers have scored 5 runs off Clemens tonight. He pitched 6.1 innings, one of the runs scored on a sac fly after Clemens was gone. His ERA is up .21
2005-08-18 19:22:27
41.   Jim Hitchcock
Has Duaner changed his windup?
2005-08-18 19:23:51
42.   overkill94
Hmmm, 4 games back sounds kinda nice right now...back to denial?
2005-08-18 19:23:59
43.   Jim Hitchcock
Naw, I guess it was just that one pitch.

Four back.

I am still in acceptance.

I am still in acceptance.

I am still in acceptance.

2005-08-18 19:24:07
44.   Bob Timmermann
Once the Dodgers shorten the game and turn it over to the trio of Dessens-Carrara-Sanchez, you know the game is over.
2005-08-18 19:24:47
45.   King of the Hobos
Sanchez continues to do well in his new role (despite the lack of preesure just now). The bullpen seems to be coming together, save for blowout games like last night. 4 games out, we're getting ever closer
2005-08-18 19:24:49
46.   Jim Hitchcock
No sense in tempting fate, overkill.
2005-08-18 19:25:48
47.   Bob Timmermann
I think we should adopt the slogan that UCLA is using for its football team this year:

Just listen!

I have no idea what that is supposed to mean.

2005-08-18 19:27:40
48.   Jim Hitchcock
I have no idea what that is supposed to mean.

Me neither. It would go hand in hand, however, with `I can't watch!'

2005-08-18 19:28:51
49.   Linkmeister
Bob, if only USC would adopt the same one and forget to show up for the opening game, the Rainbow Warriors might be a lot happier. Starting QB is unsettled for the first time in five years for the guys in green.
2005-08-18 19:32:54
50.   Bob Timmermann
My girlfriend is going to Hawai'i for the game. She's an SC fan.

Yet we still talk to each other.

Except on Saturdays from September through November.

Show/Hide Comments 51-100
2005-08-18 19:34:03
51.   Linkmeister
50 Did you get an MLS from UCLA? My mother got hers there back in 1961 or 1962. Larry Powell was one of the professors.
2005-08-18 19:35:16
52.   Bob Timmermann
I got an MLIS from Berkeley. I was a UCLA undergrad.
2005-08-18 19:35:33
53.   jasonungar05
today was a reallllly long day at work. I did at least set a personal refresh record.

One more game and I can be a diehard again.

Tonight I will practice my Pacino/Godfather impression.

2005-08-18 19:37:09
54.   Nagman
I think I may have officially crossed over today...

All this time, as wrong and illogical as it seemed, I've been rooting for the Dbacks to win because I wanted SOMEBODY to put some pressure on the Pads. Well, after today's win I find myself finally rooting against the Dbacks. Denial, here I am.

And yes, I felt lost when DT was down.

2005-08-18 19:37:11
55.   Linkmeister
Ha. Then you and Mom switched schools; she got her BA Am. Lit. (I think) from Berkeley and then moved on to UCLA about 20 years later for the MLS.
2005-08-18 19:39:10
56.   King of the Hobos
The Lowe-Weaver race:

Lowe: 163.1 IP, 177 H, 25 HR, 36 BB, 107 K
Weaver: 165.1 IP, 171 H, 26 HR, 34 BB, 111 K

2005-08-18 19:40:27
57.   Bob Timmermann
The DBacks have increased the lead to 4-2.
2005-08-18 19:49:33
58.   Bob Timmermann
6-2 Arizona.
2005-08-18 19:51:14
59.   Bob Timmermann
See nobody is happy with their manager.

This is in the Cardinals-DBacks game chat on BTF

I really, honestly can't believe he did this tonight. They gave Reyes his big-league debut just so Marquis could get an extra day of rest! What was the point if you're going to frag him for his next two starts in a row? Now, you didn't even get a good one from him today, and next time is ####, too, because he threw more than 115 pitches. So yeah, Marquis sucks, but his ERA is about to be 4.40 instead of more like 4.00 because of LaRussa's bone-headed genius managing this season.

2005-08-18 19:55:13
60.   Nagman
59 I was amused at this rant at Ducksnorts.com, the Padre blog. You can subsitute JT and Perez in this and it would sound very familiar:

"More Nady ranting. OK, I see the heavy shift to LHB, but why not put Jackson at SS and Nady at 3B? Bochy treats Nady and 3B as if a player hits a ball to Nady at 3B MLB will deduct 10 wins from the Padres record.

I don't mind resting [Randa], but in a game that is most likely going to be low scoring, get your best AB to HR hitter in there. Bochy drives me nuts sometimes."

2005-08-18 19:56:51
61.   Bob Timmermann
8-2 Diamonbacks
2005-08-18 20:02:20
62.   Bob Timmermann
Scott Rolen says he has a torn labrum. Should he play with it and put up 2003 like Shawn Green numbers?
2005-08-18 20:04:58
63.   werthgagne31
sanchez has added a change up, and today was the first time i've seen sanchez pitch since adding the change up, and that change up had the braves hitters off balance.
i've seen terrible pitchers turn things around by adding a pitch such as a change up.
i've never liked sanchez, i've allways thought he was garbage, and he has been garbage, but after seeing him pitch for the first time since adding the change up, i'm open minded about him.
and ever since he has added the change up he has pitched well, i've just never gotten a chance to see him on t.v. till now.
where i live i don't see very many dodger games, but i listen to all of them that are not on t.v. on mlb gameday.
his change up might just turn him around, i'm rooting for that to happen.
2005-08-18 20:08:00
64.   Gold Star for Robot Boy
When was the last time the Dodgers were only 4 games out?
2005-08-18 20:13:30
65.   Nagman
I think they got to four just a couple weeks ago when the Padres lost 8 in a row. Its been a long time since they've been less than that though.
2005-08-18 20:17:57
66.   Bob Timmermann
The Dodgers were last four games back on August 3.
2005-08-18 20:31:01
67.   LAT
"You just don't know what you've got till its gone"

--Joni Mitchell on Dodger Thoughts being down for the day.

2005-08-18 20:32:20
68.   Bob Timmermann
Put up a parking lot!
2005-08-18 20:34:05
69.   Kayaker7
67 Really? I thought it was the hairspray band, "Cinderells."
2005-08-18 20:35:02
70.   Kayaker7
69 I meant "Cinderella."
2005-08-18 20:38:04
71.   LAT
69 Your'e making me feel old cause I have no idea who Cinderella is or what a hair spray band is. I assume we aren't talking about Tracy Turnblatt the Hair Hopper in the movie/play "Hairspray."
2005-08-18 20:44:32
72.   LAT
ESPN just gave a teaser that later in the show they will be reporting on Beltre and Wayne Franklin going "mano-a-mano" in the dugout, yet I can find no mention of it in the post game reports. Franklin must be suffering from roid rage.

(Note: perfect opening for Steve: "At least Beltre hit something. . ."

2005-08-18 20:51:40
73.   Steve
I'm not sure the world really needed more evidence of Izturis's uselessness.

Stupid Red Sox.

2005-08-18 20:52:07
74.   Midwest Blue
63 I think garbage is too strong a word. Duaner has been very inconsistent, but has had flashes of brilliance. I too hope that his new pitch is the beginning of a beautiful friendship.

BTW: I can take credit for the Dodgers resurgence. I attended my first two games at DS in over twenty years this past weekend. And what happened? Bottom of the 10th walk-off homer for Dioner and 8th inning two-run bomb to end a no-no for Ped-woe.

You're welcome.

2005-08-18 20:52:31
75.   Jim Hitchcock
Hair spray band? Just the thought of that detunes my G-string.

On second thought, make that my E-string. Don't want anybody to get the wrong idea.

2005-08-18 20:53:58
76.   Jim Hitchcock
74 - Whatever you do, MB, Don't attend a game with Bob.
2005-08-18 20:56:16
77.   Bob Timmermann
76

The Dodgers won the last time I saw them at Dodger Stadium. They beat the Giants 5-4 on the day the ump blew the check swing call on Jason Phillips.

I'll be back on the 24th when the Dodgers face the Rockies.

The Dodgers have six home games left with the Rockies!

2005-08-18 20:58:21
78.   Jim Hitchcock
Too bad they don't play like the Rockies when they face us :)
2005-08-18 20:59:00
79.   Jon Weisman
You guys can pretend it's the morning now and comment on my post.

Baserunning!

Martinis!

Or not.

2005-08-18 20:59:04
80.   Bob Timmermann
The Rockies are a really bad road team though.

The Dodgers have only one trip left to Denver.

2005-08-18 21:00:22
81.   LAT
Well that was not very informative. ESPN showed Beltre grabbing Franklin by the jersy and having to be separated. Beltre clearly the aggressor but ESPN says they don't know why.
2005-08-18 21:03:34
82.   Steve
You mean Ryan Franklin right? Wayne Franklin is the LOOGY gascan that gave us the NL West last year, then got to pitch for the Yankees this year as his own personal hell.

At least Beltre hit something... :)

2005-08-18 21:05:42
83.   Nagman
I read on a Mariner site that apparently Franklin was going at it with the pitching coach and Beltre stepped in. One explanation by the Mariners is that Beltre was attempting to "shock" Franklin out of his anger and it is no big deal. Of course its not.
2005-08-18 21:06:41
84.   Kayaker7
71 Hairspray bands were the rock bands from the 80's that had the curious gimmick of trying to look like women. "Poison" is one notorious example. Anyway, I present to you, Cinderella: http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B000001FK4/002-1278094-6071220?v=glance

The genre is alterately known as glam rock or hair metal.

2005-08-18 21:09:02
85.   Brendan
Bob you might want to try ebay motors in your pursuit of a prius.
2005-08-18 21:10:41
86.   Bob Timmermann
Can't I just go to a dealer and give him a check and take home a car?

There's not much in the way of haggling when it comes to these.

2005-08-18 21:13:23
87.   Brendan
I think you need to have dugout club tickets to hang out after the game. it's a small little bar behind the main bar. the bartender told me no one goes in there because they think it is off limits or VIP but it's for anyone in those seats. can't fit more than 20-30 people in it. I hung out there(Ms. Milano and Ms Guerrero were also waiting there) after the 3 HR game for Choi. when we left the Minn twins bus was parked on the warning track and the center field fence was wide open to accommodate it. people were cleaning up but no seemed to mind that we were lingering in the stands.
2005-08-18 21:14:58
88.   LAT
82. Yes I meant Ryan.

Rex just said that the Red Sox have scored 5 runs or more in an inning 23 times this year. That's amazing. I would guess the Dodgers have scored 5 runs in an inning less than 7 times, including tonight. Hell it seems like the Dodgers haven't scored 5 runs in a game 23 times this season.

2005-08-18 21:15:46
89.   Jim Hitchcock
I find that my baserunning suffers after a couple of martinis...

Seriously, the Martini Bar story sounds like another case of young Drew being trying to impress upon us how cool it is to hang out with him. If only one can afford it.

I'd rather hear from him his ideas on how to make DS a better experience for the general fan. You know, the unwashed horde :)

The SOB is a great stat! Don't know if I'll ever look at OBP the same again.

2005-08-18 21:16:36
90.   Xeifrank
wow, only 4 games out. Now on to Florida where we are sure to face some tough pitchers? I am proud to say that I have never left denial for acceptance once this year. I am ready to welcome those of you in the acceptance camp, back onto the bandwagon. The Dodgers are a tough habit to kick. It was also nice to see the Dodgers score 7 runs in a Phillipless lineup. Hopefully Buntermaker will come to his senses... heck, who am i kidding. Phillips starting tomorrow is pretty much a lock. vr, Xei
2005-08-18 21:17:09
91.   Brendan
86
Not when oil is sixty bucks a barrel.

I always see a prius available on ebay motors and the seller is usually a dealership in Long beach. The car is available right away.every other dealer ship puts you on a waiting list if you walk in to the dealership. It shouldn't be long for you though, less than 30 days depending on the extra's you want.

2005-08-18 21:19:22
92.   Bob Timmermann
Fri DJ vs AJ
Sat Penny vs Scuffy
Sun Lowe vs Vargas
Mon Perez(?) vs Willis
2005-08-18 21:20:31
93.   Brendan
89

Jim every person I spoke to in the dugout seats were there on someone else's dime. it was all "Our partner in the law firm has these tickets" or some story like that. I asked a ton of people(20+) and not one person had paid to be there. all were given the tickets.

2005-08-18 21:21:09
94.   Bob Timmermann
86
I'm not in a huge hurry to buy the car, so I'm willing to wait.

The dealer I'm using says they sell a lot of Priuses and the guy there knew a lot about them.

They had one on the lot, but it had too many options for me. I don't need a car with a GPS. I have a Thomas Guide.

2005-08-18 21:21:28
95.   Steve
Roger Clemens is going to need a good lawyer -- even if it is just to file a whole lot of defamation claims.
2005-08-18 21:21:40
96.   Brendan
92

friday game is tough. too bad that is not the game that isn't televised. still can't believe sat's game isn't on t.v.

2005-08-18 21:22:41
97.   Jim Hitchcock
84 - Yeah, I saw a doc on those bands not too long ago...Poison was one of the bands. Gotta say, I wasn't much impressed. As a veteran garage bander, it was always about the playing, not the costume.

Not that that isn't the ticket to fame and riches; just never liked gimmick bands.

2005-08-18 21:22:53
98.   Brendan
94

you are fine then. usually people have to wait for the right option pkg. you'll be at the top of the list if you don't need much added.

2005-08-18 21:23:22
99.   Bob Timmermann
I just want the "Smart Key".
2005-08-18 21:25:10
100.   Xeifrank
Interesting article on the SOB. I am still not sold on the importance of the stolen base, especially from a macro point of view. Sure a good base stealer can help his team score runs. I just don't see how the stolen base can be related to on base percentage since you have to already be on base to steal a base. I would think they should apply this stolen base added formula to not only on base percentage but also slugging percentage, since you are adding an extra base by stealing, and the stolen base only relates to on base percentage when you get thrown out, because you have to be on base already to actually steal a base. A good base stealer can make up for a lacking slugging percentage by stealing bases successfully, but I'd just rather have the player with the higher slugging percentage in the first place as stolen bases just don't correlate very well to runs scored.
vr, Xei
Show/Hide Comments 101-150
2005-08-18 21:25:42
101.   LAT
"says Drew McCourt, the team's director of marketing. "And the bar is a great place to spend the postgame and let the traffic blow over."

That's what we want Drew, people sitting in the bar getting liquored up, downing martinis, before the drive home. With a marketing campaign like that I wouldn't expect MADD to be coming out to the ballpark.

2005-08-18 21:26:18
102.   Jim Hitchcock
93 - Yeah, that's true, isn't it, Brendan? And it is understandable that they need to go after the corporate clientele.

Just as long as they stay away from skyboxes. I feel about skyboxes as Bob feels about Russ Nixon.

2005-08-18 21:27:55
103.   Bob Timmermann
I hate Russ Ortiz. I hated Richard Nixon.

Russ Nixon? I have no opinion about him.

2005-08-18 21:28:24
104.   Jim Hitchcock
99- Bob, isn't a Prius rather cramped. Won't you need a sunroof (or a moonroof, if you wish to use it at night?) for headroom?
2005-08-18 21:30:18
105.   Bob Timmermann
I drove around in a Prius and it was fine.

I have a brother who is about the same size as me and he hasn't complained about it.

I figure that since the majority of my driving is stop and go, that it would actually be useful for me.

2005-08-18 21:30:42
106.   Jim Hitchcock
Well, that was silly of me. I used to work with a guy named Russ Nixon. Stupid brain!
2005-08-18 21:30:50
107.   LAT
97 Jim I'm guessing your not a big KISS fan.
2005-08-18 21:32:00
108.   LAT
I am 6'5' and was suprised how easily I fit a Mini.
2005-08-18 21:33:43
109.   LAT
I think there are some D'Back fans who wish Russ Ortiz was dead and Richard Nixon was pitching for them.
2005-08-18 21:34:06
110.   Bob Timmermann
108
I'm the same size as LAT and I fit into my sister-in-law's Mini quite easily.

I drove a Mazda 323 for years.

2005-08-18 21:35:55
111.   Bob Timmermann
Russ pitches tomorrow in Cincinnati against Brandon Claussen.

There's going to be a whole lot of home runs in that one.

2005-08-18 21:36:56
112.   Jim Hitchcock
The Prius is a great idea. It's only a matter of time before we're all driving hybrids.

When my uncle retired from McDonnell Douglas in the 70's, he and a partner built a couple of prototype electric cars, incorporated as `Lectra Car'. They promptly sold the company, and it went the way of the L.A. electric steet car.

2005-08-18 21:39:06
113.   LAT
112 Timing really is everything
2005-08-18 21:40:09
114.   Bob Timmermann
Also Chan Ho Park vs. Mike Hampton in Atlanta.
Brad Hennessey vs. Chris Carpenter in St. Louis.
2005-08-18 21:41:20
115.   Jim Hitchcock
107 - Ha! I was going to mention how much I hated Kiss in the post...

I once sat third row at a Wishbone Ash/Camel concert at the old Long Beach Auditorium. Kiss was inserted as the second act at the last minute. At the end of their set, the crowd was going crazy, and I was facing away from the stage, yelling at them all to shut up.

Tilting at windmills, that.

2005-08-18 21:42:54
116.   Brendan
112

I think it's only a matter of time before we are all driving personal aircraft. Have any you guys heard about the NASA Space highway program? basically NASA has software that will create corridors and you'll just get in the personal craft and the computer on board will keep you in your corridor and NASA satellites act as the air craft controllers. This software has led to a lot of research into personal aircraft.

2005-08-18 21:47:18
117.   Xeifrank
116. I've debugged some of the software that NASA scientists have written... and all I can say to flying in the sky with their software keeping me alive is NO THANKS. Sounds cool though. I think cars with real-time telemetry sensors is cool enough for me. Meet George Jetson!
vr, Xei
2005-08-18 21:49:11
118.   LAT
116 About a month ago, one of the ABC news programs, 20/20 I think, did a whole report about inventors and investors working on personal aircraft development. Some of them were pretty wild. Reminded me of the Gilligan's Island where Gilligan finds the rocket pack. Anyway most of them were designed to fly aboout 25-50 feet off the ground. They still had a long way to go.
2005-08-18 21:49:49
119.   Jim Hitchcock
I haven't read anything more about it for a year or so, but the FCC was slated to introduce a new license class with the license no harder to obtain than a drivers license, and would be used in a whole new class of personal airplanes selling in the 40 - 50k range.

The head of Toyota was also interested in introducing a range of affordable aircraft.

I'm all for it. I've wanted to fly in the worst way since I was a kid. Waited too long. It's just too damn expensive now.

2005-08-18 21:50:36
120.   Xeifrank
I see that Edwin Jackson was named the Southern League pitcher of the week. I would assume he gets called up in September.
vr, Xei
2005-08-18 21:51:27
121.   Jim Hitchcock
Man, flying 25-50 feet above the ground is dangerous! Height is everything.
2005-08-18 21:51:45
122.   Xeifrank
I see the Angles are playing "small ball" again tonight... 13-3 Halos in the 8th.
vr, Xei
2005-08-18 21:56:44
123.   Xeifrank
Just be glad your last name isn't...
http://tinyurl.com/bpn5a
vr, Xei
2005-08-18 21:57:45
124.   LAT
121. yea Jim, that was my thought but these were not enclosed crafts. I wondered about low buildings and such. I would say not in our lifetime but after the last 15 years of technolgy, anything is possible.
2005-08-18 22:00:36
125.   Jim Hitchcock
124 - I have visions of acting as a human pinball, or maybe George of the Jungle :)
2005-08-18 22:14:07
126.   Eric Enders
"I think it's only a matter of time before we are all driving personal aircraft."

A friend of mine has a bet with somebody on that. He bet someone $10,000 that hovercraft will be available for consumer purchase by 2007, and that he'll be driving around in one.

He's a Phillies fan. That probably explains it.

2005-08-18 22:15:00
127.   Eric Enders
123 - Has Kodak signed that guy to an endorsement deal yet?
2005-08-18 22:22:37
128.   Eric Enders
"Baserunning!
Martinis!"

I think you've stumbled upon Izturis' secret.

2005-08-18 22:36:47
129.   Jim Hitchcock
Looks like Eric showed up late. Just didn't want you to think you'd cleared the room :)
2005-08-18 22:38:55
130.   Eric Enders
Late? It's early where I am. I don't have to take Jon's suggestion to pretend it's morning -- it is.
2005-08-18 22:41:12
131.   Eric Enders
Looking for something to do, I was just browsing the ex-Dodger sidebar... man, I totally forgot Scott Stewart played for us last year.
2005-08-18 22:43:05
132.   Xeifrank
Great headline over at Fire Jim Tracy dot Com
vr, Xei
2005-08-18 22:46:41
133.   Xeifrank
Roger Clemens the next steroid announcement?
100% rumor at this point.
http://www.redreporter.com/story/2005/8/18/121748/328
vr, Xei
2005-08-18 22:50:37
134.   Jim Hitchcock
133 - It could be right, but I'm not at all comfortable even paying attention to rumors such as that.
2005-08-18 22:57:46
135.   LAT
That certainly would meet the "make Palmero look like Pepe Frias" standard. But I will withold judgment until its actually confirmed. Really hard to believe he could be so stupid as to tarnish one of the greatest careers of all time. But after Palmero anything is possible.
2005-08-18 22:58:30
136.   Midwest Blue
123 A Japanese 170lb hockey goalie in the NHL?? After seeing that I believe personal aircraft will be available in 2007 too.
2005-08-18 23:00:36
137.   LAT
If its true, its the best to ever happen to Palmero.
2005-08-18 23:01:27
138.   LAT
thing, LAT, thing. Its the best thing to ever happen to Palmero
2005-08-18 23:11:43
139.   Eric Enders
More details on the Beltre-Franklin altercation.

http://ussmariner.com/?p=2895

2005-08-18 23:37:40
140.   Benaiah
I finally went to a game where the Dodgers won! Every year I journey to the capital of the "New South" to watch the Dodgers lose to the Braves, but I guess I was due. It was a solid effort top to bottom, Weaver was very solid, except for two pitches, and the offense took advantage of a worthless opponent. Watching Furcal made me wonder if little Cesar's defense is really worth 600ABs with a mid 600 OPS, not that Furcal is ARod, but he does have ten dingers. I think that we should add Dessens to the list of underused players that Tracy mismanages. He looked very impressive in his inning of work, and has the lowest ERA in the bullpen. It has been a fine week to be a Dodger fan, hopefully we can split or better with the Fish, while the Braves scalp the Dads.
2005-08-18 23:43:50
141.   fanerman
4 games out. Let's try to get past that wall. Last time we were 4 games out we couldn't move up.
2005-08-18 23:52:21
142.   Benaiah
By the way, the Suns lost tonight to snap a 12 game winning streak. Former top prospect Joel Hanrahan gave up 5 ER in 5 IP, but the Suns managed to bring a one run lead into the 9th behind a 3 run homerun by Loney. Carlos Alverez blew the save by giving up a solo shot with two outs and the Suns lost in ten. The Suns failed to gain first place during their streak because Birmingham has won 10 in a row including tonight.
2005-08-19 00:15:30
143.   fanerman
Aaron Gleeman has taken our anti-Tracy rants to the baseball public (at least the ones that read The Hardball Times).

Take a look. The link's on Jon's sidebar. It's in "News, Notes, and Quotes (August 19, 2005)."

2005-08-19 02:21:24
144.   Eric L
Bob T...

My best friend has a Civic Hybrid.. and it's really cool...

As for me, I have a regular Civic. I actually got my Civic because I realized that I would be able to fit in it (I'm Gagne sized.. 6'3, somewhere in the 235-250 range).

I couldn't stomach spending the extra $6,000 on a hybrid. My Civic doesn't get the same gas mileage as his, but I doubt that during the life of my car that I'm going to spend $6,000 more in gas.

Hybrids are really cool though. If I were to by an Accord or something like that right now, I wouldn't hesitate. I just couldn't see spending the extra money on my car (including fincance charges, but you don't have to worry about that with cash) when I already get a really good MPG without a hybrid.

BTW, I totally love my car, hybrid or not.

2005-08-19 06:45:13
145.   Steelyeri
43 Good article. He basically wrote what we've been saying all along. Glad more people are noticing.
2005-08-19 07:09:19
146.   Steelyeri
Oh yeah, about the baserunning article...

I knew Izzy and Phillips were SOBs but I never thought they would be top 10 SOBs in the league.

2005-08-19 07:58:23
147.   Colorado Blue
63 - I feel the same way... always thought Duaner was just a hurler. He pitched well last night and his changeup was awesome. I may have to "X" out the "h" on my "Ghame Over" shirt and a add a "u" if he keeps this up.
2005-08-19 08:07:44
148.   db1022
147 - Come on now...that shirt's a classic.
2005-08-19 08:09:37
149.   db1022
144 - Sounds like there are some experienced hybrid-ers in here. I heard you get a tax break, is that true?

Also, anyone heard about the Toyota Highlander Hybrid (their SUV built on a Camry base)?

2005-08-19 08:24:06
150.   Brendan
126

Eric,when did your friend make that bet? 2007 might be tough but your friend might only be a few years off.

Show/Hide Comments 151-200
2005-08-19 10:39:52
151.   Eric Enders
I think it was about five years ago.

Comment status: comments have been closed. Baseball Toaster is now out of business.