A friend of mine took her daughter to a performance of "Carmen" at the Music Center so she could prove to her that "Carmen" was not an operatic version of "Hamlet."

But I still keep singing

I want to be,
Or not to be
That is the question that I ask of thee...

I have no response to that, other than it somehow caused "Part of Your World" from "The Little Mermaid" to play in my head.

As I head off for the last night of use of my beloved scorebook, which has been all over the world. (U.S., Canada, Japan, even Lake Elsinore)

Random Dodger game callback

September 7, 1967

Randy Hundley homered and then singled in the winning run in the 12th inning as the Chicago Cubs edged the Dodgers 3-2 before a crowd of around 17,000 at Dodger Stadium. The loss dropped the Dodgers record to 63-75. They were in eighth place, 23 ½ games behind the first place Cardinals.

The game was scoreless until the fifth when Hundley homered off of Dodgers starter Don Drysdale. But the Dodgers took a 2-1 lead in the sixth on a home run from Willie Davis and an RBI double from catcher John Roseboro.

In the eighth inning, the game got contentious. Cubs manager Leo Durocher brought in Pete Mikkelsen to relieve. Mikkelsen hit Lou Johnson with a pitch and then made an error on a sacrifice attempt by Jim Lefebvre to put runners on first and second with no outs and Roseboro due up.

Cubs pitching coach Joe Becker (who had been fired as a coach by the Dodgers along with Durocher after the 1964 season) came out to talk to Mikkelsen and give rookie lefthander Jim Ellis time to warm up. Becker left the mound and headed back to the bench. But Durocher told Becker that Ellis was warmed up and sent Becker back to pull Mikkelsen and Ellis came in.

Dodgers manager Walter Alston then came out of the dugout to tell home plate umpire Tony Venzon that Mikkelsen couldn't come out of the game because Becker had already made a trip to the mound and left and he had to stay in. (The rule was new in 1967.) The umpires realized their error and ordered Mikkelsen back into the game. And Mikkelsen was able to get Roseboro to hit a grounder to second base that Glenn Beckert ran to first base on his own after Ernie Banks fell out of the play and Johnson and Lefebvre moved up.

Now Durocher decided that he wanted Chuck Hartenstein to relieve. But Venzon declared that Ellis had to come in to pitch since he was already brought in. Becker and Durocher argued with Venzon about this and Becker got ejected. And Ellis had to pitch to Ron Fairly, whom he walked. Finally, Hartenstein was allowed to come in. Third baseman Bob Bailey lifted a fly ball to Cubs right fielder Bob Raudman who threw out Johnson at the plate for a double play to end the inning.

With all the machinations and arguments, the bottom of the eighth lasted nearly 30 minutes and Drysdale stiffened up and gave up a leadoff single to Beckert in the ninth. Ron Perranoski came in to relieve and he gave up a single to Billy Williams and walked Ron Santo to load the bases. Alston brought in Bob Miller to relieve and he gave up a sacrifice fly to Banks to tie the game.

The Dodgers got runners on base against Hartenstein in the ninth, tenth, and eleventh innings, but could not score. In the top of the twelfth, Santo reached on an error by shortstop Nate Oliver and moved up to second on a sacrifice by Banks (he had 45 of them in his career, so it wasn't an unusual thing). After an intentional walk to Raudman, Hundley singled to right to score Santo.

After winning the National League, three times in the past five seasons, the Dodgers finished 1967 in eighth place with a 73-89 record. The Dodgers were 28 ½ games behind the Cardinals and ahead of only the Astros and Mets.

The 1967 Dodgers were just a shadow of the team that had won the pennant the year before. Of course, Sandy Koufax had retired and that left a hole in the rotation that no one could fill (rookie Bill Singer got the spot). Shortstop Maury Wills was traded in the off-season to Pittsburgh and Gene Michael took his place and batted .202.

Al Ferrara led Dodger hitters with 16 home runs and batted .277 and he was the team's fourth outfielder. Lefebvre moved from second base to third and Ron Hunt took over in the middle of the infield. Hunt was acquired along with Jim Hickman from the Mets for Tommy Davis and Derrell Griffith. But neither man did much. Hunt batted .263 with 3 home runs and Hickman hit .163.

The Koufax-less pitching staff saw its ERA increase over half a run from 1966, although it was still just 3.21 in an era of outstanding pitching. Drysdale went 13-16 with a 2.74 ERA and Claude Osteen was 17-17 with a 3.22 ERA.

When the season was over, the Dodgers traded Johnson to the Cubs, Roseboro and Perranoski to the Twins, Hunt to the Giants, and Michael to the Yankees. Despite the bad year, the Dodgers still had the second best attendance in the National League at 1.6 million.

Thanks to Los Angeles Times, BaseballReference.com and Retrosheet

Randy Hundley was Jim Tracy's manager at AA Wichita in 1980.

Tracy won the batting title that year. I wonder if he was scrappy?

I watched Carmen on TV when I couldn't sleep one night. Beyonce played Carmen.

Cruz has been really good lately but those numbers suprised me.

Anybody ever go to a game at the Astrodome in the 1980s? I think our PA announcer should take their lead and introduce him as "Jose Cruuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuz!"

I do kinda like how he says "Jaysonwerth" as one word, though.

Cruz's OPS is 40 points higher against lefties, 890 to 759, over the last three years. I wouldnt mine bringing cruz back next year and pairing im with ledee off the bench and trading werth for something usefull.

Don't you mean Werthwhile instead of useful.

8 However, doesn't most of Cruz's power come from the left side? All of his HRs this year have come against right-handers.

If his OPS is hire against lefties why did felipe bring in eyre to pitch to him??

9. I meant usefull because i thought cruz will be a free agent.

8

I think you're reading the stats wrong. According to ESPN.com, Cruz does bat better against lefties over the past three years, but the difference is much smaller than you stated:

vs left: .792 OPS
vs right: .758 OPS

Despite this, his HR rate is slightly higher (but only slightly) vs. RHP.

Oh, wait, I just noticed that the .890 was probably a typo, since you did say a 40-point difference.

Although it's not 40 either, more like 30.

Jose Cruz has been a pleasent surprise. I think the Dodgers would be wise to give him a look next season.

Back to who should manage the Dodgers. Pete Rose. Peter Edward Rose. If we could just get him reinstated. How awesome would that be.

Imagine how much fun this board would be, everytime Pete made a questionable (or "tracy" like decision). We could have an open debate about how much money he may have had riding on the game.

Funny as that sounds ask yourself this. If Pete Rose were the Dodger manager and he managed like Jim Tracy has this season, made many of the same decisions Jim Tracy has made this season, wouldn't you think that Pete Rose was betting against his team?

Werth
Robles
Kent
Saenz
Cruz
Edwards
Navarro
Valentin
Weaver

I know it's been beat to death, but how did Choi completely lose his job? He never stopped being productive, and Phillips never started. I don't get it. And there's no rhyme or reason to the righty/righty platoon at first.

The ESPN stats also show that there have been 7 times over the last three years where Cruz has batted right-handed against a right-handed pitcher. I wonder in which situations he decides to do that?

"Back to who should manage the Dodgers. Pete Rose. Peter Edward Rose. If we could just get him reinstated. How awesome would that be."
-------

Yeah. Totally awesome.

Now if you'll excuse me, I need to go barf.

you should know better than trying to explain why managers do the things they do. cruz was 0 for 5 against eyre, but to me, 3 years of ab's should count more than 5.

cruz has all of his homeruns (13) this year against northpaws, but he's only had 58 ab's agasint lefties. Apparently his managers this year have decided that he cant hit lefties despite the fact that he's been stong against them in previous years.

Can anyone explain why Senor Valentin is in the line-up, batting .181? Other than nefarious schemes being dreamt up by JT?

"I know it's been beat to death, but how did Choi completely lose his job? He never stopped being productive"
---------

He did, actually, for a while. Look at this page:

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/players/gamelog?playerId=4595

Between June 14 and July 24, his OPS dropped about 100 points, from from .871 to .773. The latter date, not coincidentally, is the exact date on which Choi lost his job.

I'm a big Choi fan and I strongly believe Tracy should have stuck with him through the slump. But to say that he never stopped being productive is, well, false.

Following up on #22, Choi's batting average during that six-week period was .188. (I'm too lazy to figure out the OPS, but it's similarly sucky.)

Morse a utility player for Seattle just got suspended for steriod use.

"Back in November 2003 when I was 21 years old, I made an enormous mistake in my life: I took steroids while in the minor leagues," Morse said. "My thigh muscle, which I had previously torn, had never healed and I was scared that my career was over. I was desperate and made a terrible mistake which I deeply regret.... I embarrassed myself, my family and my team. I am responsible for the mistake of taking steroids and the positive result was not due to some over-the-counter supplement, protein shake or tainted test."

Honesty should count for something.

Justin Morneau
OPS/744
VORP/7.7

Hee Sop Choi
OPS/798
Vorp/13.9

The Twins know that Morneau is their future and so they keep playing him even in the middle of a pennant race. They could play Matt Lecroy much like we waste time on Philips but the Twins approach will pay off in the future. Our approach will not. If Choi does not play in September after we get our butts beat by San Diego then we can only assume that something else besides his baseball ability is keeping him glued to the bench.

22 - I am aware of that slump, and I didn't mean to imply otherwise. But Choi seemed to be in the mix well after that, and he was pretty productive in August. Then suddenly, he's getting no starts at all. So I was referring to the more immediate past, over the last couple of weeks. I didn't see what happened for him to lose his (limited) job, ignoring a full-time roll, which most of us would like to see.

Conversely, I don't see what Edwards and Phillips have done to earn theirs. It isn't a new topic, I know, but it keeps on baffling me.

25 - what he said.

I like Jose Cruz but he should just be another spare part. Remember he spent alot of this current season hurt and it was not until August that he said he felt healthy for the 1st time all year. Bad backs don't go away. I guess if we put together an outfield of Drew/Bradley/Werth/Ledee/Cruz the odds are that at least 3 of the 5 will be healthy at one time but we could also have the same situation as this year and have all 5 hurt at the same time.
It would be nice if Depo invested in an outfielder who has proven that he can handle the rigors of a 162 game season.

Thanks, Bob Timmermann, for that look back on the Dodgers game from 1967. One name included was Derrell Griffith, who seldom appears in Dodgers history. He was traded along with Tommy Davis to the Mets after the 1966 season, but was subsequently traded to Houston prior to the 1967 season and never appeared in another major league game. After getting a cup of coffee with the Dodgers in 1963 as a 19-year-old, Griffith was called up to play third base in 1964, a season that went badly for several reasons, including Koufax' injury. Griffith could hit, batting .290 in 238 at bats in 1964, but as a third baseman, well, the statistics speak for himself. He made a remarkable 21 errors in 35 games during which he had 91 chances. That puts his fielding percentage at .769 (cq). I wonder how many players have had worse fielding percentage with that many chances. Listening to games as a teen-ager in L.A. during that lost season -- I had just gotten my driver's license -- I was astonished as Griffith's error total grew and grew. And I also remember Scully's gentleness toward Griffith, who had at least one highlight that year. On July 22, he and Ron Fairly doubled in the third inning as Koufax won his 11th straight game, 1-0 over Houston. I wonder what Derrell Griffith is doing now. He's 61.

28 - like brian giles

25 It's starting to remind me of Marcus Allen's last two years in Oakland, when he lost his starting job though he was clearly the best RB on the team. He was clearly in Al Davis' doghouse, and the rumor I heard several times was that he has slept with Davis' daughter.

25 - Yeah, but the Twins don't have a great 1B option like Jason Phillips, or Morneau WOULD be benched.

22 Unfortunately, Edwards and Valentin are prime examples of players who are slumping far worse than Choi's cold spell (or simply never got to that point in the first place)... yet they regularly get 2-4 starts a week.

I can understand Choi not starting since he's 0 for 13 against Schmidt but how does Edward (0 for 3) start over Perez (5 for 7).

Weaver has to pitch a shutout to have a chance tonight.

#3 As Bob undoubtedly knows, the irony of the on field battle described in tonight's RDGC is that not only were Durocher and Becker former Dodger coaches, but the two principal pitchers involved, Pete Mikkelson and Jim Ellis were soon to be acquired by the Dodgers.

Mikkelson, and his palm ball, did well for the Yankee bullpen in their last "Dynasty" pennant run of '64. Unfortunately he soon found himself bouncing through the minors, with the Pirates, Cubs and Cards before surfacing with the Dodgers from 69-72 as a decent reliever.

Ellis was obtained by the Dodgers in one of their worst trades of the decade, when relief ace Phil Regan was gift wrapped to the Cubs for light hitting Ted Savage. Ellis never made it to the big club.

#29 Griffith was still playing in AAA into the late 60's and early 70's in the PCL, but even after converting to the outfield never got called up.

This info may not be of interest to most, but for some of us, it beats watching Valentin try to play the outfield.

Weaver must be thinking that this is continuation of his last start.

I love the way Vin can put it so simply and clearly, without sounding critical---to paraphrase-- only one Dodger is doing anything offensively, and he's the one playing the same position night after night.
Jeff Kent. Of course noone else can get going not knowing where they are playing day to day. With out any malice, Vin makes a fool look like a fool through mild truth.

35
For some bizarre reason only known to a 10 year old I took a liking to Ted Savage and Jim Hickman. I'm sure it had something to do with their baseball cards. In 1970 both of those players had career years far surpassing anything they had ever done before or would ever do again.

#35 -- Thanks for the added information about Derrell Griffith.
#21 -- I, too, am clueless as to why Valentin is in the starting lineup. Prior to this season, by the way, he had never played a game in left field and only about two dozen overall in the outfield. And his batting average has gone down every year in succession in the current millenium.

29 - Hey scooplew, not really sure why I think so, but that is a pretty great screen name.

Yes! I'm happy Bob and Steve got to see that in person.

Must be in heaven! But only Temp.

Jon must be beaming:)

41 Well, I'm sure Timmermann isn't there yet, what with the 4 runs being scored in the first and all.

effect: batting performance of Jose Cruz, Dodger

cause A: tips from talented batting coach Tim Wallach
OR
cause B: tips from talented batting coach Manny Mota
OR
cause C: ???

Dodgers playing 3rd this season.

Player, Innings, Errors, Pct:

Edwards, 274, 6, .923
Valentin, 216, 7, .913
Perez, 265, 5, .944
Robles, 292, 2, .979

We are winning in spite of Edwards and Valentin today.

Does Tracy think Edwards is better defensive 3rd baseman than Valentin?

Is Perez at 3rd any worse than Edwards or Valentin?

Jose Valentin is batting .160 against right-handers. .181 overall. And he wears a leg-brace. Pobresito!

40 -- Thanks. I got it when I was a young newspaper reporter, many moons ago.

45 C - His back is finally healthy?

Cruz was a pretty good player before coming here. He's always had an OPS of .750-800.

Obviously, the strategy for the dodgers would be to make Shmidt throw as many pitches as possible in the 2nd, so that even if Schmidt finds it, he won't be able to go too deep in the game. Why am I not confident that anybody involved will figure this out?

44 - But he's keeping score, Sam! :)

29 scooplew

The only recent news I could find of Derrell Griffith is of him serving as a pallbearer at someone's funeral last year:

http://tinyurl.com/dnocu

Appears to be the same guy. Either that, or it's a heckuva coincidence that he's also from Oklahoma and has the same unusual spelling of his first name.

Yahoo! People search shows a Derrell Griffith currently living in Tuttle, OK, about 38 miles away from where Dodger Derrell Griffith was born.

Vinny just said Izzy will undergo Tommy John surgery.

46. Perception is that Mike Edwards is a scrappy ball player that makes contact at the plate.

Someone brought up a great point in the other thread about in the late 1990's, Tom Kelly of the Twins wouldnt play David Ortiz or Todd Walker.

Me thinks thats akin to Hee Seop Choi, Antonio Perez, and Jim Tracy.

Kelly's been gone and no one wants him rehired.

I believe the same will happen to Tracy.

And not to rekindle the ABT debate, but consider us blessed not to have Frank Robinson at the helm. With the bullpen grossly, grossly overextended and exhuasted tonight, he managed to use 7 pitchers in a 12-1 loss. Yanked his starter -- admittedly, it was John Halama, after giving up 2 hits, one walk, one run in the first. (Maybe there was an injury or something that didn't show up on gameday.) But whatever the reason -- including a notionally admirable effort to keep it close -- for what possible reason could he burn through his key bullpen guys who've been pitching almost every day-- Majewski, Carrasco, Eischen, others - in a game where the team was down 5-0 after 4 innings, 8-0 after 6, etc. I suppose many will appreciate the never-say-die attitude but to me that's just a waste.

Does that mean Robles and Edwards rest of the season?

So does this mean Izturis is done for next year? I can only hope.

Welcome Raffy Furcal or Joel the Destroyer.

It is becoming obvious that Izturis' poor play has been the result of injuries, and the guy would try and defraud us by trying to play through without complaining or telling us. What an evil individual. We've got plenty of players who will tell us if they have a hangnail so they won't hurt us by going out less than 100%.

I bet Tracy will start Edwards at SS if Robles gets hurt.

This is purely anecdotal, but I've noticed over the years that big slugger managers who never bunted themselves as players (FRobby, Baylor, etc.) tend to overuse the bunt as managers.

Perhaps people tend to admire, and overvalue, the things they can't do themselves. This is also discussed in Moneyball regarding Beane and his playing career.

Eric E., told you I'm reading Looking for Alaska...just curious, what part of Alaska were you (sort of) considering moving to?

Tommy John surgery for pitchers usually means they miss the rest of the next season.

Is it the same for Short Stops?

61. Then how does that explain Tracy's bunting since he was never a power hitter in his limited playing days.

I really don't understand all the Izturis hatred around here but it's getting really freaking annoying.

I think demonizing Tracy's favorite players (Phillips, Robles, Izturis) and rooting for them to fail and get injured is taking the Tracy-hatred a little too far. It's pretty disgusting, frankly.

I don't think any of those guys are the second coming, either, but they all have their uses, and it's not their fault that they are being misused.

Vinny said that another player had the TJ surgery on Aug and came back next spring so Izzy might be back by beginning of season.

62 - Either Homer, or Seward (which is where the author lived). Those are the two coolest towns I found in Alaska, and coincidentally also the only two that don't have a mosquito plague. I'd love to find an excuse to live in one of those towns for a summer.

59. What is strange is I never noticed anything about Cesar Izturis's throwing... Which is would be effected if you had ligament damage in your arm.

However at the plate, how does Tommy John surgery effect how you swing the lumber?

Different muscles are used arent they?

Strange injury for Izturis.

66. Considering SS's relie on their arms just about as much as pitchers do, I think thats wishful thinking.

Gagne was looking at missing all of next year if he had the surgery.

Chris Carpenter, John Smoltz, Kerry Wood all missed an entire season.

Maybe its just wishful thinking, but I hope this is the end of Izturis as the everyday SS. Perhaps this injury will force DePo, or give him an excuse, to look for another SS.

Hopefully, when they go in to do the surgery they might find something less serious like Gagne.

Eric's right. I still approach my baseball viewing as I did when I was a kid...rooting hard for the whole team. As then, I have my favorites, but the denigrating of players who have an ability I could only dream of having just because they may not be star quality seems so unfair.

I was reading Ender's WS book the other night on the '88 series, and it actually brought tears to my eyes. I couldn;t believe it! Imagine how much abuse some of you guys would have been heaping on Mike Davis that year.

And then think how that turned out.

Last night someone mentioned that a lot of players on our roster had at least some experience playing third base. Digging though my memory and looking at rosters it appears tha many current ML third basemen have at least two traits. (1)They played ss in high school or college but couldn't cut it for the Majors and(2) they have above average power. Looking at our guys like Perez,Robles and several others, they seem to have passed the first qualifier but not the second. This doesn't seem to be a problem for either Guz or Laroche, tho god knows you can never tell who will hit ML pitching.

Its a shame Olmedo Saenz isnt used properly.

63 TJ takes considerably less time for OFs. No idea about SS's. Luis Gonzalez had it last year in August and was ready by early ST. If Izzy is like Gonzalez, then he'd be here somewhere around April or May. Either way, he's not going to be healthy for ST. Unfortunately this makes his trade value absolutely nothing

Good thing we got the runs, the Dodgers look terrible in the 3rd (I'm guessing it's Schmidt's fault, not the Dodgers)

With Schmidt pitching the Ja(y)son count has reached mesospheric heghts tonight.

67 - Sound like good choices. What I wouldn't do to have Ted Spraker's job. I'd do it for free rent and moose meat.

Know what would mean about the skeeters...I'm extremely allergic to them.

Also, down 1-0 in the 9th, 2 outs, 2 on, Blake Dewitt came to the plate. The next batter came to the plate--to greet Dewitt along with the rest of the Dodgers. Vero Beach wins 3-1 in dramatic fashion. The deciding game is tomorrow. I think Tiffany is pitching

jobe says 10 months for izturis to play and throw hard, but he can begin soft tossing by spring training

75 We're still missing 2 from the All Jason OF, and the Giants don't have Ellison out there

If you missed Vin's announcement, Rockies tied the Padres game 2-2. Denial coming back if we win and Padres lose...

King, what's going on with Suns. They lost last 4.

link: http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/news?slug=ap-dodgers-izturis&prov=ap&type=lgns

78 There goes his trade value. At least we have to plan on another SS to start the season. Possibly another item on our shopping list

Boy-if Weave could just skip the first couple innings1

Robles will play SS until Izzy comes back so we'll be okay. 3rd base is another matter.

80 They don't start their playoffs until tomorrow. I wouldn't worry too much about their losing streak. Billingsley should start, but on 6 days rest. His start was the last game they won

I'm anxious to see which Suns get called up after the playoffs.

It would be nice to see Billingsley get a start in the majors before the end of the season.

OK -- I'm very slow. Somehow I missed in all this that Izturis is out for the season and Choi knows how long for surgery. I for one think that just sucks.

Navarro does have an arm

I've been critical of Navarro's throws to this point, but that was perfect.

89. He just needs to throw it straight.

Yes Navarro.

I'm worried if Iz is another who can't start next year-we don't have many major leagues.

92. I think we'll be okay if Robles continues to perform as he has this season.

Huh, looks like Winn actually got in there. Too bad.

As much as I love The Cure, I hate that they play a song like "Boys Don't Cry" when an opposing player gets hurt. Weak.

I'm fine with Robles at SS as long as he's hitting 8th.

(Sung to Gilligan's Isle)

Just sit right back and you'll hear a tale,
a tale of a fateful team!
That started great on opening day,
destined for great things!
The team was sailing right along,
playing brave and sure!
But then one day along came May,
and then three months more; then three months more...
The games they started getting rough,
the players fell like flies.
The papers said without Tracy there,
the season would be lost; the season would be lost.
They were under .500 by fifteen games, then voices they got raised...
with Bradley-man, the Kent-man, too.
Lack of hustle was claimed... and racial strife...
April seems so far! And now we're all also-rans... here on Dodger's Isle!

Just got here in case anyone's wondering...

Schmidt's loss really is a disappointment...

Nady walked in a run, 3-2 Padres. Vin beat me again...

What happened to Schmidt?

My favorite part is the morphing of

"...and his wife..."

to

"...and racial strife..."

That's great, SB. Did you write that during recess?

Yeah, I'm all broken up Schmidt isn't in there (crocodile tears).

Seriously, is he okay? What happened?

There goes Giants hope to catch SD.

102 My favorite, too. Shows you that the creative juices weren't flowing until the last verse.

103 Made it up when I got home fifteen minutes ago. I ain't teaching until this Monday. By that time, the bullet-proof vest should be delivered... :)

Like a said, very disappointing =)

They broke even when they signed Kent to replace Cora.

Tim Brown, you will never live that down!

I was just typing that I don't think I've ever seen the Dodgers score off of Jeff Fassero in his entire 50 year career.

97 - Hey, that was pretty good, SB!

You missed my post last night, so I'll repeat: When is the book on your experiences at Locke coming out? Will the movie be named The Principle XIV? Will James Belushi or Morgan Freeman star, or will you hold out for Tom Berenger?

Schmidt grabbed his groin after throwing a pitch.

Schmidt grabbed his groin after throwing a pitch.

They all do that.

110 Sorry for missing that post, my man!

I start at Locke on Monday. I'm going to visit again tomorrow. I'm what they call a "pool" teacher, which means I'm placed where needed. I got a buddy who's pooling at Los Angeles High School, just up the road from me. They don't need him right now... so he's getting paid for sittind down. Nice...

Me? I'm going to be used every day and not in the subject I was trained in--English. I might be teaching Spanish! Who knows?

As for a book, I'm pretty lazy when it comes to writing books. I'll have Icaros ghostwrite it. Obviously, if a movie is made I'll insist on playing myself. I could use the extra cash.

7,000 people with crowbars trying to get in the ballpark.

Wild times, the 1920's were.

Obviously, if a movie is made I'll insist on playing myself.

Check out Mr. Saw Himself on TV a Few Weeks Ago.

Icaros would be the perfect choice to capture the edgy feel of any situation :)

115 Pardon my shouting here, folks...

I HAD IT TIVO'D AND THE WIFE ERASED IT!

May she rest in peace...

115 - Laughed out loud, Icaros!

...and still laughing...

Icaros would be the perfect choice to capture the edgy feel of any situation :)

I've tried to be kinder and gentler since moving back into enemy territory.

A peacemaker, if you will.

Edwards clearly belongs here...

Agassi vs Blake great match so far.

122 I've switched over. Blake won first two sets 6-3, 6-3, Agassi returned the favor in set number three and he's got momentum.

This should be fun if I can stay awake...

Brief post above about Izturis.

We've been lucky so far, Edwards and Valentin haven't made any errors yet.

Isn't it about time to make defensive substitutions.

ESPNNEWS reports that Izturis will be out 10 months.

117 Bruin has painted an image of his wife as being quite anti-Bruin.

Maybe that helps to explain his self-flagellative (new word?) journey into the depths of Locke High School.

124 I'd say that's a capper on an awful year... but we've still got time for some other stuff to happen.

Good thing Gio is warming up. Makes me feel safer.

Tracy, it's time, he's done

Like I said. Tracy needs to keep Weaver in doesn't he?

Wow. A HR to Matheny!?

can't blame gio for that one

Jeff Weaver really sucks.

127 In her defense, she felt bad about that one.

Agassi on a major role right now.

That pitch was fatter than Tommy Lasorda.

112- Derek Lowe did that against the A's.
126- are you kidding?

Weaver is back! This guy is a total choke artist. Anyone think he will reach 14 wins (a career high)

117- That's OK, SB. I have the replay etched in mind.

The only difference is in my version you trip coming down the steps, spilling coke in all directions...

I noticed that Matheny is slugging .418 this year, compared to his career number of .344. Must be the Balco connection. ;-)

I swear that is the only pitch in Weaver's repetoire that Matheny could hit out. Letter high, all Matheny has to do is make contact and get it airborne.

Unreal.

138 That came close to being true. Those kids with the banner were tough to get around...

Another dinger...to Winn.

Why is he in there?!?! Tracy...

The only difference is in my version you trip coming down the steps, spilling coke in all directions...

That was in the original script, but somebody felt like that would ruin his career.

LOL... Man another homer. Nice.

that loud noise you just heard was Scott Boras cursing as the ball left the bat.

I'm sorry to see Izturis with such a major injury. From all accounts, he's a good, stand-up guy. Not his fault that Tracy leads him off and all this "glad he's hurt" crap is seriously misplaced and offensive.

Tracy putting people in positions to succeed.

Choi should have taken Weaver to the HR Derby.

What is up with Rick Monday? His comment on JT taking out Weaver: "Jim Tracy did not waste any time." Excuse me? He is one HR too late!!

144 LOL!

And the Weaver Meltdown has now commenced.

Tonite might just end all hopes if each game holds.

I hate Tracy.

144 - Damn, Icaros...just when I was starting to catch my breath.

I wanted a pair of 30-homer guys in the lineup. I just didn't they're names would be Lowe and Weaver.

Weaver seems like he should be treated like Pedro. Quite good prior to 90 pitches and on a 6 inch leash afterwards.

I wanted a pair of 30-homer guys on the team. I just didn't they're names would be Lowe and Weaver.

I honestly don't know how I did that. Sorry...

At least we are going to get a draft pick.

The good thing about Winn playing so far over his head since coming to SF is that Sabean will now sign him long term.

Edwards, Valentin, and Saenz are 0-8 tonite.

AP, Ledee, Choi are 0-0.

154 You'd think a perceptive manager would see that.

I'm just going to say its over, thanks partially to Weaver, but largely to Tracy

And Repko PHs? What?

Repko?!

Agassi/Blake is a good match.

I had a tennis coach who said he knew a guy who knew Agassi. With that as a source, I heard Andre was in the batting cages once and started walking toward the pitching machine, bat in hand, and making contact on every single ball. The guy running the place told him to knock it off.

Looks like the match, by the by, is going five sets.

Nice AB. Another ridiculous move by Tracy

Really nice.

Nice...

Well, you just know Steve is screaming about that.

Steve is going to be running across the field doused in flames any second now.

Agassi is a long way from when he was all the rage when I was a high school tennis player. He has shed his early career moniker "Gagassi" competely.

Werth doesn't help much. One would think we'd try to do something with a leadoff walk. Might as well have Perez caught stealing, then we at least get a chance for a man on with Kent up

169 Ah, he'd just that there are 27 outs. What's one widdle out, late in a game?

Vinnie said that if they wanted a PH to bunt, they should've sent up Lowe or Penny, who each have 8 sac bunts... Repko has 1 sac bunt.

I remember when Andre Agassi and Michael Bolton shared the same wig.

This is really quite beautiful to watch.

Now Jason Repko can stay in and play the OF too...

Ridiculous.

Caught a piece of the 5th inning on the car drive home from Vons after picking up some milk for the baby. Doctor Steiner had just eyed Schmidt's groin injury and said he could very well be out for the season. I'm not sure how he came up with such a quick diagnosis. Heck, Schmidt hadn't even left the field yet. But who am I to question someone from the medical field. vr, Xei

174 LOL. Yeah, but his older brother, who was bald at the age of 30, foreshadowed the future for Andre's pate.

Probably been talked about but with Izturis out for the first half of 2006 are we stuck with Robles as our starter for the first half of the season? Does APerez play some SS? Too soon for Guzman to make the club?
vr, Xei

176 Who's Dr. Stei...uh, I just realized, after typing this...LOL. Oh, Charlie. LOL.

176 How strange, Xeifrank calls the Korova Milk Bar "Vons."

I think steal attemps should be at least 75% successful to make it worth it.

But what is considered successful pct for bunt attempts? 75% or higher?

do you give Kent a free pass?

Does anybody care that we just lost our SS for half of next year and Robles might be our starting SS or are people too busy celebrating?

Weaver is going to be a very attractive free agent...about as attractive as Eric Milton (maybe some GMs will learn this year)

So what SS are FAs (short-term)?

Listening to Steiner and Monday. Is it horrible execution, or horrible decision?

Agassi/Blake is now going to set number five.

177 It's too bad, Andre missed the rise of Propecia by about five years. Could've saved what he had.

181 Since almost all bunt attempts actively hurt your chances to score, I'm going to say something like eleventy-million percent.

177 - I want to make a meat byproducts joke, but I won't.

183 This sounds very cold, but I think the Dodgers are better off with Robles, than Izturis. I'm sorry for Izturis, but he has not looked good, and has not looked good in a very long time. I don't think his sterling defense makes up for his cluelessness with the bat.

man what a mess the dodgers are, i thought tracy finally decided to make dessens the set up man but i guess not, he still has carrara in the mix.
i've got a funny feeling tracy will be back next season which basically destroys our chances next season.
also bradley might have to be traded which creates a hole we need to fill.
also i was hoping that izturis would be the main piece of a trade in the offseason for a starting pitcher, but now that he is injured that isn't going to happen, he was the only one with trade value that we don't need, guys like edwards repko phillips carrara have no value.
what a mess.
man i was hoping bigtime that izturis plus 1 or 2 others would have gotten us a penny type starting pitcher.
i don't want a millwood type from free agency, we have 4 mediocre starting pitchers right now, we lose one and add one = no gain.
burnett is the only free agent i'd go after but he's going to be pricey.
offseason holes we need to fill are 1 starting pitcher,3b,2 outfield spots if bradley is gone, 1b if tracy is still around, and then how about the bullpen.
what a friggin mess.

A lefty brought in to face Saenz. Hmmm...

Wait, bringing in a lefty to face a guy who OPS's about 300 points better against left?

does alou care that saenz kills lefties?

164. I saw an Agassi/McEnroe exhibition match at the Forum in Inglewood many moons ago (back when Agassi had his Michael Bolton hair). Before the players came out to warm up they had what you might call a tennis undercard. They were two young little girls who lived in the area and were so-called tennis prodigies. One was about two years older and much taller and was beating the heck out of her little sister. Their last names were Williams. They are quite famous now. :) vr, Xei

188 The meat joke would require an accent aigue...or was it accent grave?

153

Best comment of the season.

Shouldn't Tracy be pinch-hitting with Choi now, to match his old master?

194 She beat the heck out of her little sister again a couple of nights ago.

191 Maybe Felipe thought JT would pinch hit with Choi?

189. If Izturis was slumping because of his injuries, does he get a pass? I would have an easier time giving Izturis a pass than someone like Jimbo Tracy. vr, Xei

196 The comment so nice I had to say it twice. Thanks for the compliment but if you want great comments, check the archives and look up "Icaros".

Well, that was a nice AB.

a very professional at-bat

Bench Olmedo.

And Repko.

190. I didn't think Bradley could be traded. I guess if we offered him arbitration and then kept him, we could then trade him. I thought it was considered dumb to even offer him arby.
vr, Xei

199 Yeah, he'd get a pass, if he were injured since May. I somehow doubt that though...

Ever notice that Oldmaido always gets impatient, swinging for the fences, when he is starting to get worn down? Must not be feeling very sexy.

Olmedo's back must be acting up again. Too bad JT doesn't have a bench player who can play 1B.

I've been waiting for Saenz to plummet all year, but it simply hasn't happened. If the man can have an .880 OPS in September, let him play.

We give Tracy crap all the time for sitting high OPS hitters, let's not follow him.

189- I'm sure his back injury had nothing to do with his offensive and defensive decline
190- sorry that you got your hopes up, but Izturis probably wouldn't have been traded with his value so low. If the McCourt wanted to please the media and build a team full of character guys, then I doubt he would want Izturis traded so he could sign FtB (Furcal the Boozer).

oldbear has probably passed out (from celebrating), but I hope he's having a good time, he got his wish.

I muted the Giants announcers and I can still hear them yelling. Olmedo is a rotten tomato.

Alou taught his student (Tracy) a lesson on using his most effective relief pitcher at a crucial moment in the game (7th instead of 9th) regardless of lefty/righty situation.

Note: Eyre is just as effective against righty (.179)/lefty (.179)

Now we have Cruz, Navarro, Werth, and 3 empty spots. Should be Ledee, Choi, and anyone but Edwards. If Repko got the bunt down, we'd be tied right now. Not that I agree with it...

207 Yeah, that is why they brought up Myrow.

204-- are you saying we are just going to let bradley walk.
if so the mess gets bigger, how do you let bradley walk and not get anything for him.

Olmedo is ultra agressive with the bases loaded. I remember him getting a hit against the Braves in that situation, but every other time he's made an out.

Olmedo, Edwards, and Valentin should not have started this game.

Choi, AP, and Ledee should have.

The former are 0-9 and have left 7 men on base.

I didn't realize Scott Eyre was actually effective.

Why the hell was Tyler Walker the closer then?

Izturis being gone till July gives DePo the excuse to get another legit SS. Or give the job to Guzman.

Furcal, Guzman, even Robles. Doesnt matter I'm very happy Izturis is done for next year.

I hope Furcal is brought in, but I'll settle on the other two.

Remove the other Scrap also: Repko, Edwards, Valentin, Tracy, Phillips.

Luckily, all those guys have 1 year deals. I doubt any are brought back.

Agassi/Blake has disappared off my television screen. USA switched to "Law and Order: Special Victims Unit."

Can you say Heidi?

209-- if izturis value is so low than why do you value him so high.
there are gm's that would want a mediocre hitter that has very good defense at ss.
man what do you want, do you want the dodgers to suck, thats what you'll get if you want izturis and tracy around, and you are the biggest izturis and tracy supporter on this site.

213. What are you going to get for a wife beater with an anger problem who is coming off major knee surgery? vr, Xei

215 I would consider this pretty effective:

IP H W K ERA
58 36 24 53 2.62

Too bad non of our relievers are as good.

Blake serving at 3-2 in the 5th set... still on my TV. vr, Xei

219 I think you can get a three-pack of wifebeaters from Target for like $1.99.

I'm in the camp of those who wanted to see Izzy packaged and traded for a pitcher or outfielder when his value was highest, mainly so we could open up a spot for one of the boys in AA. But I would never celebrate him being hurt. It's just not right. That's mojo that will come around to haunt you.

Just when they sing Dessens' praises, he starts to falter.

221 Oooh, Blake up a break.

At least Dessens is making the loss easier to accept. I thought at 5-2 against Schmidt that we actually had a chance

220 I wasn't doubting you when I said that, I had just assumed Eyre was another Giants reliever with a 4.75 ERA. You then enlightened me.

This one looks out of reach.
At least Justice will win tonite.

I lost the tennis match too - where is it?

Blake going to serve at 4-3 now. Let's see who holds up to the pressure. vr, Xei

It's still on USA Network where I live. But I'm sure I have totally different channel numbers than you Angelinos. vr, Xei

I'd chalk this one up to overuse of Dessens. And of course that's Tracy's fault. FJT.

226 We're still within slammin' range. ;-)

Wow, the goggles really have helped. Never thought Tracy would use him if we were within 10 runs

228 Thought David Justice was out of baseball.

200

Yes, I'm aware of some of the excellent input on this site but your comment sums up this season for me with brevity and humor.

229 It's gone in Los Angeles, apparently. The announcer said "we're going to stay with you on the west coast, the rest will see local news."

I think someone made a boo-boo. Sad.

Did Tracy just have eye surgery or did they dust off the lights at the ole ballpark? Does JT always where shades during night games? Or does he have a poker match going on the side? vr, Xei

Agassi serving at 3-5 now.
vr, Xei

Thought David Justice was out of baseball.

Not if LA loses another outfielder to injury this season.

237 - It wasn't even on the hour or half hour.

Snow should've been called out on strikes but wasn't. But that's cryin' over spilt milk.

I'm done, folks. Been good. Same time tomorrow.. and same thing, probably.

Best....

Blake to serve for the match at 5-4.
vr, Xei

241- late night shows usually start at the :35 mark, leno, conan o'brien, and letterman do anyways.

241 It's very weird. The TiVo has something called "The 4400" on. Xei is watching the match, wherever he is. And we on the left coast are left with... well, I'd prefer Heidi to Law & Order SVU.

Jon, it's not a night for LA sports fans.

Agassi holds. Blake serving for match.

Great job by Osoria. This is exactly how he should be used, men on and ground balls needed. He should be used even when we're winning as well, I really doubt Tracy knows that

242 You're going to miss the Edwards-led comeback, pal.

{243} I WANNA WATCH!!

I'm in Lakewood area and still getting the tennis match, what a great match.

Izturis being gone till July gives DePo the excuse to get another legit SS... and even Robles
I thought you said legit, thanks for the laugh.

218- Izturis played quality defense before this year and had a .330 OBP in Dodger Stadium. If Miguel Tejada was on the market, I'd drive Izturis to the airport. There is nobody on the market that is a big enough upgrade to warrant the raise in salary.

The Giants announcers are now using words like "ownage". Very professional.

San Diego still has tennis on USA.

Jr. with another dinger.

The Rockies have lost, meaning the Grand Plan is gone (Padres lose 6 straight, Dodgers win 5)

Woohoo for Cruz. Too bad he wasn't batting with the bases loaded

Ooh, Agassi breaks back.

Was that a replay?

Jose Cruz is a freaking stud.

Edwards just missed. Too bad about the Edwards led comeback

Jose Cruz, Jr. - A man on fire!

252 That's unbelieveable. It's not here in Los Angeles.

That was expected. We really needed that homer to get a productive AB from Edwards

30 all, 5-5 in the fifth set.

Edwards is a jerk. 0 for 4.

Time Warner Cable Torrance/South Bay still has tennis on USA.

gagne is almost ready to throw. He claims he would have been back if the season lasted another month, and he fully expects to play in the World Baseball Classic for Canada

Navarro struck out swinging. Must be the Wallach influence. Clutch Master up.

All we need is Kent to get one more at-bat.

Blake serving to get to a tie break.

Phillips: I'm predicting a 4 pitch (Backwards K) or a 6-3.

262 Thanks for this...

[Gagne] fully expects to play in the World Baseball Classic for Canada

I don't think I like that idea.

267 with someone on base hopefully

Well folks, the clock strikes 12 where I live, and despite the best efforts of Cruz and Edwards (bleh), we're about to drop to 4th place, 7.5 games back. I'm putting the packing tape on this season first thing in the morning. There's only one thing left to do:

GO RAIDERS!!

40-love. Blake about to get to tie break. BTW, I'm following on ESPN.com.

266 Eyre threw him a filthy slider.

I have dish network and its not on my USA either. Sounds like I missed the end to a great match.

272 If Phillips does the inevitable, that's the only way it can happen.

SB - are you DirecTV?

6 all. Tie break.

278 Yep.

I WIN!!!

Just got on espn.com. Thanks, Kayaker7.

That Edwards foul really hurt our chances because it gives us a run and guaruntees that Kent bats again.

2-0 in tie break. Blake up a mini break.

At this point lets just continue to play Edwards, Repko, and Valentin and hope for the higher draft pick.

Well, Kent might not get to bat now.

up two mini breaks. 3-0

269 6-3

281 Yeah, I can't believe he didn't beat that out.

check that. blake up one mini break.

3-3 in tie break.

That out by Phillips brings his average to under .240 (.239). Seems like a nice time to demote him to about #5 on the depth chart at 1B and maintain #2 at catcher.

Tennis is on USA in OC. Adelphia cable.
3-3 in the tiebreaker.

Come on, Brian, give Winn a four-year deal now. Please, I'm begging you.

It would appear that the lack of tennis is only for Directv customers. Sheesh...

It would appear that the lack of tennis is only for Directv customers. Sheesh...

That's what happens to greedy people who want 2,000 channels all to themselves.

Y'know what's killin' me? A neighbor across the way is getting the match and I can hear how into it he is.

295 - Probably the match I was most into in years.

Nice inning by Brazoban. I'm impressed with how he's starting to mix in his slider and changeup.

6 all in tie break.

Agassi wins, 8-6. Game set match.

296 I'm going to get a permanent LOL key or soemthing. That was funny...

298 I can sympathize. Doesn't help either of us but I can directly sympathize.

Just found out that Agassi won it.

Wow.

Choi leads off. Hopefully he'll get on, and Robles will drive him in. ;-)

How can the satellite providers switch to the regular feed of USA?

What a match!

Man I wish I could have seen it.

Our record when we score 6 or more runs was 41-4 going into today.

I wonder if Larry Stewart will have anything on this? He usually does.

My Izturis-Blake post above is a little more poignant, now.

306 I think Jon pointed out earlier we're undefeated when scoring seven runs or more?

308 Nice...

Above was a compliment, by the by.

303 Nothing beat the battle of 1816--Mac vs. Borg. Mac beats Borg 18-16 in the 4th set of 1980 Wimbledon. Set point and match point alternting each other. Borg wins match in fifth set. I have the tape.

Anyone want to explain how they ended up having to play tennis until 1:00 in the morning? Couldn't they start it earlier? Not like I'm complaining, I'm up 'till 3 or 4 every night regardless, but I'm just a bit surprised.

309 9-0. We need to win to keep that record intact.

Choi fans...

309 28-0 not 9-0.

Good at bat by Choi even though he struck out. 11 pitches. Impressive against a closer.

I've had DirecTV for over 10 years, and wouldn't trade it for anything...but in reality it is just cable multiplied.

It is useful, however, if I ever want to know if it is raining really hard outside.

Choi's stance looks different. The bat seems more perpendicular to the ground and the swing looks slower and weaker.

312 - Yeah.

In slightly more recent history, remember Connors' last stand in around 1990 or so?

Jason Grabowski, PR

Aye, carumba!

Another good at bat by Ledee. 8 pitch walk. Too bad these players cant get 4 at bats per game instead of 1...

Jason Grabowski, PR extraordinaire

Robles give Kent a chance to bat.

320 That was 1991 and truly unreal. I always found it hard to cheer for Connors but he had everything going for him that year. He got destroyed by Courier in the semis and no one cared. It was his Open and according to him, his greatest thrill.

320 Was that the year he beat Patrick McEnroe in an epic 5 setter? I think Conners used a lime green racket, abandoning his stainless steel t-2000 racket he used for years.

Uppercut, Robles. Big uppercut. Don't swing at anything below your knees.

321 Traceeee! You got some 'Splainin to do!

ROBLES!! WOW

OH!

are you serious?????? Did Robles just do that?

Mercy.

327 Icaros=Nostradamus.

ROBLESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS!!!!!!!!!!

Did that just hapopen???

Redux?

http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/gameday/gd2005.html?2005_04_12_sfnmlb_lanmlb_1

Que bueno!!!

Didn't see that coming...

WOW!!!

There's are 2006 SS!!!!!

wow! Oscar ties it with an HR, must be an inspiration to the people in the mexican league! haha!! Kent must be pissed that Robles cleared the bases ahead of him. :)
What is our record in games where we score 8 runs? vr, Xei

It was Choi's 11 pitches and Ledee's 8 pitches that helped... but man... Robles... he da man....

Robles will now start forever, if Tracy is managing.

Told you they'd come back.

336 I watch the ninth inning once a week. I still get chills.

Huh, that's a bit of a suprise.

327 Icaros, don't tell me that you were expecting a HR.

Now we can extend our 28-0 record when we score 7 or more runs.

333 I just didn't want a DP. Too bad he killed the rally.

342 Ain't nothin' wrong with that. At least until 2007.

Brancy Yazobran? Even Vinny is stunned!

30 pitches for Benitez.

Oldmaido, you're up.

Tracy is flipping his bunt coin right now.
vr, Xei

There will be no 31.

banjo slappy!!! silencing his critics about his.... banjo slappyness!

Benitez is pulled.

What will our defense look like in the 10th? Who plays the OF?

353 I think he finished on 31.

There will be no 32.

Tracy is flipping his bunt coin right now.

Ha ha!

336 - Edwards and Grabowski could move to the outfield, with Saenz at third and Choi at first. That's one option.

356 Hopefully there will be no 10th.

Edwards- LF
Cruz- CF
Grabowski- RF
3rd- Saenz
SS- Robles
2nd- Kent
1st- Choi
C- Navarro

Aweseome.

Pray for extra innings!

"Brehncy Yazobahn"

352 - is that the one with "bunt" on both sides? Maybe someone can swap it for one that says "swing away" on one side and "Call Reds about Managerial post" on the other.

364 LOL!

364 Very, very funny stuff.

363 - Eww. Eubonics, ya know?

I love this pitcher!

Funny listening to some of the callers on the Angels postgame show. They are trying to figure out how to protect Vlady. Nobody had a good option as they don't have any other good hitters currently. You heard all the lame theories like Molina and Erstad should hit after him since they have the best averages with runners in scoring position (Hey JT what are you doing calling talk shows during the Dodgers game). One thing they all came to agreement on is that Vlady had to hit 3rd or 4th. I just laughed and said to myself, there is nothing you can do your team is screwed offensively. There is no solution other than batting Vlady leadoff so he atleast gets more at bats. vr, Xei

Runners on the corners on pitcher's fielding error. Jr. getting an intentional walk. It is up to Edwards to air one out.

Tracy's hit and run causes Gnats pitcher to throw the ball away. Tracy will get credit for this win from the LA Times tomorrow no doubt. vr, Xei

Wow. That throw would've gone through the uprights.

I like this. Just need a deep flyball.

Stan from Tacoma

Mike Edwards, bases loaded...get Aybar up there. I see a DP...

I did call Edwards as hero awhile back.

So the key is, our guys need to make dang sure they score seven runs each and every game. We'll never lose.

371 Tracy puts opposing players in a position to fail.

364. Nope he left that one in the glove box of the pinto. He does have one of those crazy eight balls in his office that he only uses in really really big games.
Tracy: Should we bunt?
8 Ball: Ask again later.
vr, Xei

Screw it. Squeeze. I waana see a Kent bellyflop.

The infield in raises the BA. Is that true for Edwards, too?

C'mon Edwards, walk him in!

We need a walk-off walk.

3-2.

369 - I heard some of that postgame show, as well. It was funny to hear the host laughing at everyone who suggested benching Erstad with "crazy" reasons like he doesn't hit for average, power or high obp. Host's take was you can't be serious because Erstad is the "heart and soul of this team".

Particularly funny when the host said "can you imagine the message it would send in the clubhouse if Erstad were benched". The caller responded "yes. performance matters".

378. The A's have Moneyball, the White Sox have Smartball, the Angels have Smallball and dangit we have CrazyEightBall. vr, Xei

Eight walks, four homers for the Dodgers tonight as we await the 3-2 pitch to Edwards.

Well, all right!

Mike Edwards with a walk off? Miracles really do happen...

Edwards with a walk-off hit. The newly crowned Clutch Master!!

I told you to stay up, Bruin.

Wow. That was a great game.

Bob, Steve, I'm glad you were there.

Bob's scorebook can now be properly retired.

Good for Edwards. Redemtion after the throwing error the other night. Always like it when the Dodgers rally to beat the Giants.

Stan from Yacoma

what a comeback. reminds me of the good old days of April.

Does this mean more Mike Edwards? Nice job kid.

I still like beating the Gnats.

390 Glad you did.

Awesome stuff!

Nothing like stepping on the Giant's Hearts!

387 - Well, all right!

Hey, SB, one of my favorite Traffic songs!

Whatever Saenz and Ricky told Cruz, they should do that to the rest of the line up (that was one of his reasons for his surge in the post game)

By the way, don't miss the post up top. Good news on Eric Gagne to go with the bad news on Cesar.

Warning obvious statement below:

Dodgers must sweep Padres this weekend.
vr, Xei

What a exciting game. We're still undefeated when we score 7 or more runs(29-0). We survived Weaver meltdown.

I'm confused. Cruz Jr just said this team has a lot of heart. So are we just missing soul and if so, where do we get that?

Depo's pick-up of Jose Cruz certainly was a very good move. Good for him!

If Cruz isn't signed for next year, I think they're making a big mistake.

Edwards was clutch, but Choi should have been in there.

The Cruz deal is proving to be one of the best in season deals of the year. Chacon has been good for the yanks, don't know too many more who have been better (despite the small number of ABs)

402 - We need a minor league team in Motown.

Jose Cruz hopefully isnt pricing his way out of our range for next year...

I'd like to bring him back as a 4th OF'er. Ledee is our 5th OF'er.

Werth, Giles, Drew as starters aint bad.

True, very true, #406.

Confucious, forget backwards "K" SO Choke!

He's a big huge loser! :)

who has been better for thier new teams, winn or cruz?

I'm alright with Cruz jr. being on the 2006 squad as long as it is in Grabowski's spot. They need a starting left fielder with more consistancy than Werth or Cruz(in my view).

405. Choi led off the inning with an 11-pitch strikeout.

405 - Choi was already used.

408. I would think that it would be Cruz, Giles and Drew if Cruz comes back and Werth becomes the 4th OFer. Is Ledee's injury chronic? Or is it something that will heal in the offseason. Heck, I don't even know what his injury is exactly but the guy walks like Joe Namath does. vr, Xei

405. Choi had a good at bat to begin the 9th. He struck out on 12 pitches. Ledee followed by walking on 8 pitches. After that Benitez was gassed. Robles hits the 2HR. And we go on to win.

Thanks of course by some errors by the Gnats.

If Padres lose tomorrow, then we sweep them. Only 3 games back.

414. Ledee is here no matter what because he has a 2 year contract.

Cruz has to be offered arbitration by the Dodgers. If he declines, I wonder if he's worth a 1st rounder?

That would be 3 1st round picks counting the one we already have, and the one from Weaver.

410 Well, going strictly by numbers (before tonight's game), here are their stats for their new teams:

Winn: .299/.331/.551 with 5 SB
Cruz: .304/.400/.449

Cruz bumped his OPS significantly with tonight's performance, but Winn got a homer of his own. Both teams are hurting for offense, but I'd have to think the Dodgers needed Cruz more than the Giants needed Winn. Plus, we gave up nothing while the Giants gave up some good players.

Sorry, I was using tivo and fast forwarding. You know, to speed up the misery, I stopped when robles hit

Old Bear,
The season is O-V-E-R...

Time to prepare for next year. Sign Cruz. Cruz to the title. (trying to sound like a Baedeaker hot tip at the track!)

Weaver will still be a Dodger in 06' You head it here first. They aren't going to make the same mistake and they will get him for a suitable price.

Sign Weaver and "Weave" us a championship! (More Baedeaker track talk)

Bold Prediction: Weaver will be in Baltimore in 2006.

Cruz is fine as a 4th outfielder. I am not sold on Giles, what about the possibility of getting Matsui?

Kind of funny how the Giants announcers were using the word "ownage" earlier in the game. They must have been talking about the way the Dodgers have handled Benitez.

I have returned. The first thing I can say is: I really should have gone to the bathroom earlier.

But now my recap:
I must say that I was seated in front of some very nice people who really weren't too up on baseball, but liked to act like it.

Here were a sample of their comments today:
"J.T. Snow's father was a quarterback for the Rams. Now he's a Senator."
"Why doesn't Jason Grabowski play more?"
"Good thing Grabowski is running here. He's really fast."
(Man returns to seat to find J.T. Snow on second with none out in the 8th) "No one out and runner on 2nd. This guy should be bunting." (Moises Alou was batting)
"Four straight walks? Who would keep a stat like that."
"The Giants are bringing their closer in too early" (upon the entrance of Tyler Walker)

I think my experience at Dodger games this year has been like something out of Greek mythology. I have been cursed by someone. The only three games I have seen the Dodgers win in person this year were 9th inning, come from behind wins. Two of them by 9-8 scores! The other 7 games were just miserable affairs.

Or maybe this is more like Faust.

I'm not sure.

Time to go back and peruse the comments.

I heard about Izzy through back channels.

And the P.A. announcer said that Accardo was the losing pitcher instead of Benitez, which I thought was odd since he waited about five minutes to read off the totals.

424. Bob, glad you made it home safely. You were sorely missed on the board tonight, we had alot of grammar and typos that went unnoticed. :) Did you get the old scorebook signed by Mike Edwards after the game? vr, Xei

The only Weaver pitching for an LA team next year will be Jjjjjjjjaret. vr, Xei

I know the FSNW2 "Player of the Game" means nothing, but they really screwed the pooch on that one tonight with Edwards, who was, at BEST, the third-best choice.

1. Cruz
2. Robles
3. Edwards

Well, these are the same people that named people who played 50 years ago as the players of the game.

420. What about today's start makes you think that weaver will now come back, and for some reason, at a reasonable price. Ill go with the baltimore prediction.

I've been out all evening, but fortunately heard the last 2 1/2 innings on the radio heading back. Question: Does Izturis' elbow problem account for his sudden batting slump? Apologies if this has already been discussed to death.

What a game!

``A lot of young people participated again tonight and are beginning to sow their oats and respond to pressure-type situations,'' Dodgers manager Jim Tracy said.

Choi? Perez? Osoria? Brazoban? Nope, it's EDWARDS!

I think Tracy was also talking about Weaver, since he's the same age as Edwards. ;)