The Twins might have topped it with Bob Allison and Zoilo Versalles.

Yea, I successfully set up my new printer. Now can someone come by and make all the boxes and packing material disappear!

Did the Hammer ever bat leadoff? And if so, did a Williams ever bat second?

Hey, Ned isn't traveling with the team, is he? Because it is Florida and Tampa Bay is in the state of Florida and if it's all the same to you, I'd just as soon not tempt fate, much less Ned. :)

I should be on my way to Irvine right now, but roommate is lagging, but at least I get to watch some of the game.

Which they did in Game 2 of the 1965 WS, and possibly other games.

http://www.retrosheet.org/boxesetc/B10070MIN1965.htm

Good luck to the Dodgers or should I say the "Killer Ls" (Lofton, Lugo, Loney and Lowe) in tonight's game.
vr, Xei

Apparently Grady asked Lugo to play some OF, and according to Steiner "Lugo is willing to do anything."

In 1958, Don Zimmer was the regular shortstop for the Dodgers and Gino Cimoli an outfielder. Did Cimoli ever lead off with Zimmer batting second?

According to Retrosheet, from 1957 on (Aaron's first three seasons aren't covered), Henry Aaron batted in the leadoff spot just twice. He likely came in as a double switch or as a defensive replacement.

Tommie Aaron batted leadoff in 36 games. Most of those were in 1962 and none of the Braves regulars had names beyond "M".

Gino Cimoli usually batted second. Don Zimmer rarely batted above the #8 slot as he was a horrible hitter.

In 1958, Ken Aspromonte was the starting second baseman for the Senators and Norm Zauchin the starting first baseman. I wonder if they ever batted 1-2.

Funny your should mention it...

I don't know about the hitters, but I know that David Aardsma relieved Carlos Zambrano earlier today.

Apparently Grady asked Lugo to play some OF, and according to Steiner "Lugo is willing to do anything."

Yup, I smelled it coming (superutility)

Does the crack of the bat sound weird to anyone else tonight?

Abercrombie did bat leadoff, but Uggla was behind him (Willingham was 4th). Abercrombie does come before Amezega though, so that qualifies as a greater distance.

Furcal looks alot better now that Izzy is gone.

Lowe/Furcal-Loney 3, Marlins 0

With apologies to Jon, for this has nothing to do with his headline.
It doesn't add up.
That is my opinion after cogitating on the D's deadline activity for a while. Isturis for Maddox is OK even though I like Iz.
The other trades feel like trades for the sake of trading or getting rid of a few people we didn't want. I'm sure we could have gotten rid of Perez and Baez w/o spending any of the 5 prospects we lost. They were not first rate prospects(exc. maybe Guz.) but I think we will be amazed how fast are deep prospect ratings at places like BA will drop. We will see.

10 -- Zimmer was, in fact, not much of a hitter. He had a career average of .235. However, in 1958, he replaced Pee Wee Reese as the starting shortstop and hit .262 in 127 games. His 17 HRs that season remains as the club record for shortstops. I'm pretty sure he batted higher than 8th that season. The next year, he couldn't hit a lick and ending up batting .165, clearing the way for Maury Wills to replace him at shorstop. Zimmer was highly touted, but was badly beaned twice, once nearly fatally.

9/3/96 Baltimore at Anaheim

Leading off for the Orioles:
Brady Anderson

Batting second:
Todd Zeile

http://www.retrosheet.org/boxesetc/B09030CAL1996.htm

The sinker must be sinking. That's a good sign.

Dodger starters have held opponents *less in atleast the last 7 IPs.
vr, Xei

I am glad to see that Lugo is willing to play the outfield.

When everyone is healthy, does that mean he is the new starting center fielder?

I hope so.

RIP, Eldon Auker

In seven professional seasons, Abercrombie has 138 walks.

20 I suspected that, but Bob's retrosheet navigation skills are superior to my own.

20 -- That might settle it.

24 - Aw ...

I don't think you can do better than Anderson to Zeile unless you want to start taking things out to the second letter.

I'll have more on Auker as I find out. I imagine there will be obits tomorrow. Auker was 95 and sharp as a wip. He was also an inspiration to tall guys. Even in his 90s, he still looked tall. He hadn't shrunk much and seemed to get around well.

All the old famous old tall guys are dying: Mikan, Galbraith, Auker!

24- any relation to Bob Auker?

24 He was the last one to strike out the Bambino, right?

Eldon Auker was the last man alive who had pitched to Babe Ruth.

26 I suspected that, but Bob's retrosheet navigation skills are superior to my own.

yeah, Bob has sick computer skills.

The DRays have a chance at history, if they can acquire someone with an "A" name, and have him leadoff in front of Ben Zobrist.

I'm thinking the Aug. Lowe is WAY better than the July Lowe (we shall see)

Anybody hear anything about Jose Cruz Jr. yet? I wonder if we'll get anything for him.

Does the jinxing of baseball pitching rarities extend to opposing teams?

37 Hopefully we won't have to find out tonight.

Derek is going for homogenous innings.

1st inning - Ground outs to Short
2nd inning - Ks

And speaking of DFA:

"Toronto Blue Jays Designated C Jason Phillips for assignment; Recalled RHP Francisco Rosario from Triple-A Syracuse."

http://mlb.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/mlb/transactions/index.jsp

for any of you watching, that was weird what Russell did no? I thought he tipped the ball, but the ump called a swing & miss??

40 If they have Molina to hit into DPs, why do they need Phillips?

37 - Yes.

41
It looked to me like he fouled it, but apparantly it hit him on the hand while he was swinging at strike three

44

it hit the bat! (did you see the replay?)

If it had hit Martin on the hand, he would have been in too much pain to argue with the ump. The ump got it wrong.

Bengie Molina and Kenny Lofton have both grounded into 9 double plays.

He fouled it off, then it hit off his shoulder. I love tivo. Stubborn homeplate umpires, not so much.

As great as Nomar has been this year when healthy, the more I see of Loney, the more I can't justify re-signing Nomar.

We seem to be hitting a boat-load of triples suddenly (not that I'm complaining).

47 Today?

I agree it hit the bat, but I think the ump was saying that it hit his hand.

nice slap!

Lowe has got it going. We have to stop making this guy look like Warren Spahn.
These announcers are imbeciles--they didn't figure out that Martin was trying to argue it hit his bat.
Loneys got the power!

I see I misunderstood the rules in 1 & 5. Allison and Versalles were in the same lineup, but not as consecutive 1-2 hitters.

I regret the error.

who is Steiner's booth buddy today?

If it hit his hand, doesn't he get the base!
And if not, he should be scrutinized as possibly throwing at Martin, for Martin knows the zone. I hope his hand wasn't hurt.

55 I'll let you off with a warning, but don't let it happen again.

57
No, because the ump ruled he was swinging at the pitch. Martin argued he was trying to get out of the way.

55 - And, there's the whole part about it being the Marlins' lineup, but I'll let that go, too.

56 - I think Reuss was supposed to work some games on TV and A Martinez was going to do some radio.

57 Last I knew, the outside of the hands were considered part of the bat. I didn't look it up, though.

Hooray offense!

I agree it hit the bat, but I think the ump was saying that it hit his hand.

you could SO see that it hit the bat (the ball flu off like 10 feet on contact)

Ahh, that's what happens when the rabbits get loose.

For those of us following the game on Gameday, where was the throwing error scoring the second run?

So was Sanchez trying to pick off Furcal or Lofton when he made the throwing error?

I think it was a pickoff attempt at 1st.

Average character value of "Alfredo Amezega" = 8.5

Average character value of "Dan Uggla" = 8.375

A difference of 0.48% ;)

The error was on a pickoff throw over to first. The throw was low but far from uncatchable IMO.

67
At least that's what I thought it said on Gameday but the description is gone now. Maybe my brain added "1st base" for me.

nice heads up play by Furcal.

For Gameday people:

Ramirez strayed too far off second and then was thrown out on a grounder which Furcal threw over to Lugo for the out.

Actually they told Girardi that they were going to rebuild, so you are wrong Mr. Steiner.

in any other park, thats a homerun for Ethier. He hit that really hard.

65 Anibell made a pickoff throw to first. It was low. Its controversial wether the pitcher or 1b made the error, but it went to the stands, and both runners advanced.
Sorry my posts are so slow.

I am listening to the game on Marlins radio via XM. They just gave their trivia question for the game: who is the only Dodger pitcher to pitch a no-hitter in his first season with the Dodgers?

My guess, and it is only a guess, is Kevin Gross

Stan from Tacoma

Why is Alfredo Amezega batting leadoff? Is it because he's fast? He's basically Cesar Izturis lite. You would think that they would want Hanley Ramirez getting as many at bats as possible. Ramirez is going to bat in one of the first three spots in the order during his prime. What's the point of batting him near the bottom of the lineup?

That was uggly.

I'm trying to figure out who hits the baseball with the LEAST amount of authority.

Shawn Green '03-'04 or JD Drew '06

76 Sal Maglie

76 The game's on in demand. Channel 882.

And we get old friend Cody Ross. Good job Lowe.

sometimes players are "protected" from pressure by their managers by hitting them low in the lineup. Didn't Grady mention something about that with Kemp early on this season?
I haven't followed the situation, but I wouldn't mind that approach if it's only been a few weeks. After that, a player should be comfortable enough to hit anywhere, or bad enough to be sent back down.

Gold glove play by Loney. Take your time Nomar.

El Duque managed to balk twice in an inning, leading to a run scored. Utley remains 0-2 in the game, but will bat in the next inning.

James Loney glove is major league ready, WOWSERS.

79- 2006 Kenny Lofton

75 First baseman should have had it. No doubt in my mind. But that's what the speed of Lofton brings to the table. It's not about OPS with KLoft.

#80, you are correct.

Stan from Tacoma

86 So's the bat. Say buh-bye to Nomar. This his 1 and only season in blue.

Martin with a hustle double.

83 Except Ramirez played the first half of the season as the leadoff man, and did so quite well. It was only after a prolonged slump that he was replaced with Amezaga.

85

I'm pretty sure he'll manage a hit from El Duque.IMO.

I'm afraid we will pay for treating this Anibell guy so gently.These announcers kn ow how to subtly be homers and stick daggers while sounding fairly innocent.
They were discussing the possibility of moving Kent to 1st, or getting back Garc.,when the future is playing first tonight. The old front office and the fantasy guys could easily move Loney and lose part of our future dynasty.
Nice slide Martin. Can you imaging adding on to a core of Martin, Ethier, Loney and Furcal. The annoucers are talking about how the D's can't develop teams anymore. LOL.

Loney pulls the ball but makes out. Lowe with another chance with a runner at 3rd and 1 out.

Wow. Poor Reds.

There's an "interesting" game going on right now in Cincinnati.

stunk up the squeeze. Crap. They pitched out.

Mets take a lead on a triple by Hernandez and then a single by Reyes.

I hate that call. The count was 1-0 and Lowe is a pretty good contact hitter for a pitcher. As it turns out, Martin likely would have scored on that groundball. If you want to be risky, put the contact play on.

There's an "interesting" game going on right now in Cincinnati.

wow.

Nate, I don't think anyone answered your announcer question. It's Jerry Reuss, who is not winning me over.

Hanley Ramirez is having a game for the ages.

98 I hate that call. The count was 1-0 and Lowe is a pretty good contact hitter for a pitcher.

For some reason my brain tells me he's an awfull bunter (am I wrong)?

Heh. We get an out because Lofton's defense is so bad.

Hanley's having a really tough day on the bases.

Boy, that was an ugly play all around.

Man, Lofton looks indifferent out there.

Nate, I don't think anyone answered your announcer question. It's Jerry Reuss, who is not winning me over.

I remember him doing Angel games no?

For the Gameday-ers: Pop-up lands in between Lofton and Furcal. Lofton tries to scoop it up and misses it, then Furcal tries to pick it up and kicks it. Seeing this comedy, Ramirez, who had stopped at first, decides to go for 2nd. Furcal finally picks up the ball and throws it to Lugo to tag out Ramirez.

And btw, the Reds game has just become a lot less interesting.

Nothing to see in Cincinnati. Except that Hell has frozen over, as Clayton hit his second homer in 4 games.

#95, talk about a jinx... two run homerun by Royce Clayton to tie the game.

Stan from Tacoma

Anibal should quit baseball.

Anibal Sanchez should considering retiring....now.

Lofton still has some pop apparetly 3-0 Dodgers.

Utley frew out in the top of the 5th, so he's still hitless.

111,112 What about Chuck James, who moments before gave up a homer to Clayton?

111- lol 10 seconds behind you

Yes. Lofton.
Does anyone else agree that if we block Kemp,Laroche and Loney, we will be doing this young team a disservice.

111 Annibal looks like a quality pitcher to me. He's just been Loftonized tonite.

I find it really difficult to root for Kenny Lofton.

Borchard missed a HR by 3 feet. Foul ball.

117 I was just telling the wife it'll be shame if Loney gets sent down but what are you gonna do?

Bad timing... about thirty seconds before his homerun, I had christened him Kenny "NO-PS" Lofton. Probably not original, but it worked out for the best.

Uh-oh. Lowe's hit the 6th inning wall again.

Great. Lowe's in trouble. C'mon.

A sinker that was up. Before that, Amezgua looked to be meat.

C'mon, Derek.

Does anyone else agree that if we block Kemp,Laroche and Loney, we will be doing this young team a disservice.

agreed

Will he come inside?

117. Sort of agree. If I've learned anything from playing computer baseball (OOTP and Baseball Mogul), it's that you rely on cheap youth as much as you can and then go out and overpay for the top talent on the FA market. We have young hitters at basically every position, so we should rely on them and sign a top flight starter or two at all costs.

Easier said than done but that seems like it should be the ultimate goal, even if I do like Nomar a lot.

Ned really needs to play more computer baseball. I think I'm kidding but not sure.

119 I find it really difficult to root for Kenny Lofton.

I was rooting for him early in the season but, he looks worse & worse each time out.

nice strike out by Lowe

123 Let see if he can escape with only one run...

I didn't realize former Cardinal Joe Borchard was now playing for the Marlins.

129 Tell me more about OOTP and Baseball Mogul... should I look up information online? I've been looking for a good computer game since the playstation/nintendo games are just not that good.

Good comment, by the by.

shades of Beltre (Betemit)

What a play!

Has there been a greater alphabetic distance between the first two hitters in a Florida Marlins lineup than Alfredo Amezega and Dan Uggla?

I was just shocked that Amezega was still holding down a job in the majors. I really have no idea what business he has being on that, or any other team.

Lofton is a really bad defensive outfielder. I know he has a weak arm, but he caught that flyball flat footed which means that he didn't have any momentum on his throw.

Beltre Jr. to John Olerud II :)

great play by Betemit We can thank our lucky stars Aybar wasn't playing 3rd in that situation.

Outside of Lofton, there's been some good defense of late. Nice play by Betemit.

Good comment, by the by.

[chuckles]

137.

holding down a job with the marlins is not the same as holding down a job in the majors.

That was one quick catch and release by Betemit.

134 SB, if you want into an OOTP league, I can point you to one that I'm (sorta) in. The Commish is always looking for new managers.

137 Amezaga was signed only after Pokey Reese disappeared, so the Marlins were intent on having a terrible hitting utility man on their roster.

hey K j,
I've also been playing baseball Mogul and I basically use the same strategy that you use: relying on cheap, young talents and go after the big-money free agents. I've won 3 straight World Series already. The key is to spend a lot of money on the farm system and scouting.

Amezaga got a key hit off of Clemens in the WBC that helped Mexico eliminate the USA.

Wilson!!!

Wilson!

And Betemit with a HR.

I love this kid.

148 summed it up better than I did.

Steiner for some reason dosn't know when a ball is hit hard. (dinger by Betemit)

And Beltre Jr does what Beltre himself is struggling to do. I'd much rather have Beltre Jr on my team.

Is it a-ME-za-ga or A-me-ZA-ga. Betemit is a superman.

Wow, I like Steiner, but that home run call was pretty terrible.

Betemit looks just like Carlos Delgado.

And Beltre Jr does what Beltre himself is struggling to do. I'd much rather have Beltre Jr on my team.

especially at 2b in 2007.

134 - I recommmend Baseball Mogul. Baseball Mogul 2k5 can be downloaded for free on their website. I havent tried OOTP yet.

144 I'll check it out and then send an e-mail or get my e-mail address to you or something...it sounds like fun.

I like how Steiner gets super excited over lazy fly balls but when there is a clear cut homerun (that ball cleared the wall by plenty), not one peep comes out of him.

It just occurred to me that I don't even know what uniform number Grady Little wears. Every time I see him in the dugout on TV, he's wearing a pullover instead of a jersey.

2 words for Atlanta fans. "NO REFUNDS"

Neddie sure pulled a fast one on Jonnie.

Wow, I like Steiner, but that home run call was pretty terrible.

"fallow me! fallow me to fredom!!" he gets a free pass from me on that quote alone.

157- but where is Jeff Kent going to play?

155 I've been defending Steiner for a long time but you're right, he lost sight of the ball and so did Reuss. As a broadcaster, you learn real quick to watch the outfielders rather than the ball. The tough games are always the one's where the fences are pretty high because the outfielders will always go half-speed as they decide whether to go back to the wall or play the carom. Florida is example "A" of this.

Fenway is an exception because the wall is so close; it's easy to tell when the ball is going to go off the wall.

And yes, I do think way too much about baseball broadcasting.

LoL--these Florida announcers are blabbering about how Betemit was supposed to be the perfect replacement for Furcal. So what is he doing here. Prob. Good question.
Oh,good we got rid of Anibell! Oh ,the trials of managing a young team. If the D's have brains, they will be younger than Florida!

Lowe walks. Furcal singles. Keep it going KLoft. I don't know if I like Lowe standing around this long.

Hey Suffering Brian,

Both Baseball Mogul (http://www.sportsmogul.com/) and OOTP (http://www.ootpbaseball2006.com/main.php) are good games. Mogul is a much simpler game than OOTP but both have enough depth for a numbers baseball guy like me. I currently play OOTP, but it can be frustrating cause it is a crazy complex game.

And they aren't at all like the old Nintendo games. It is all simulation, so you act as GM and/or manager. But you can basically create an entire universe and play many decades. It's geeky but it's a blast if you like baseball and lots of stats. Both have demos you can download and try for free. Give one or both a shot.

164-

For the Dodgers' sake, I hope he plays for another team.

It's time the youth movement is in full effect next year, which is not to say that Kent hasn't been productive when he's played (uninjured).

When Barry leaves the Giants, Kent will be traded there to retire a Giant.

The Marlins center fielder's name is spelled correctly as:
Amézaga

Kent for Schmidt.

159 Linkmeister@gmail.com, if you want me to put you in touch with our group.

but where is Jeff Kent going to play?

Mets.

168 I appreciate that. I'm going to follow up with some trepidation because when it comes to electronic entertainment--particularly with sports games--I am the addictive type.

And Herges has been LOFTONIZED

That was a nice hit by Lofton.

FWIW, I like Reuss way better than Lyons.

My poor nick-name is never gonna catch on now.

178 I like Barry Bonds better than Lyons.

179 Maybe it was just the reverse jinx that he needed. He did go off at the end of last year too, maybe he'll win some of you over after all (as long as you don't watch him play defense).

177 It was. He worked the count, read the pitch and went with it. A real nice play. I love the way he's playing tonight (sans glove) and not to sound cruel but I'm hoping some team is watching and thinking, "This guy can really help us."

Hey Jon, I just read back to see your response, and I think "effect" would have had a nice effect. It's underused as a verb and in that situation would have been dramatic.

I appreciate Reuss' insight into a player's approach to the game, especially when he's talking about pitching. Obviously he has a wealth of experience to draw upon. However, the drawback to this is that he acts as enabler to Monday, and vice versa. They'll wander into digressions and never a mention of what's happening on the field.

121,129 Thanks for responding. SB, I wish I could help you with good game software,but I am too old and stupid. But it is definite that finding adequate youth for many position, and spending premium money for a couple of mercinaies is the way to win it all.
It is also true that defense and pitching is worth about 2X what is valued here, and most other site. No offense, just the truth.

SB.

Then a word of warning. Set aside a couple weeks for your newest addiction. And if you really plan to get into it and like depth, invest the time in OOTP. It will frustrate you at first but the development and discussion board is top notch and once you get it down, it is nearly a perfect simulation of real baseball. Plus you can customize it to a ridiculous degree.

Have fun.

I think Lyons is underrated but I am virtually alone in my thinking here. And with that, I need to sign off for now... GO TEAM!!

Just curious. Lofton gets no love around here. But I'm curious what the general feeling for his replacement should be -- given the options available to us on our roster at present. (Not hyphothetical options going back to the trade deadline.)

Kemp definitely seemed to need a bit more seasoning to me. Dazzling sometimes, an automatic out very often in his last several games.

Repko? Nice arm, so-so defensive ability sometimes. Seems to hit either very well for a bit or very poorly. Injury has clearly slowed him down for now.

Drew in CF? Have never seen him play the position.

Lugo? Converting an infielder has an excellent chance of being a disaster. Of course, it could also work. Hard to say.

Listen to Stiener - it's funny. "There is definiately a new and improved feeling in the club house since Maddux arrived" - or something like that. Yeah, Maddux' arrival did that. Or maybe, just maybe, it's the winning causing that? Tough call.

188 - Drew played a lot of CF last year.

Answering John's original question:

On 9/25/97, the 1-2 hitters for the Marlins were John Cangelosi and Gregg Zaun. So that was letter 3 and letter 26, a difference of 23.

Amezaga to Uggla (A to U) is 1 to 21, a difference of 20 spots in the alphabet.

On May 11, 1995, Eddie Zosky came in to play shortstop in the 15th inning of a game against the Reds. He was put in to the #2 slot, but didn't bat. Just ahead of him in the lineup was Gerry Browne. So that was a difference of 24.

The only Zs who have played for the Marlins are Todd Zeile (who never batted second for the Marlins), Zaun and Zosky.

Didnt Drew want to play CF at the beginning of last year?

189
Was there a neato feeling in the Cubs' clubhouse while Maddux was there...?

- Drew used to play center field quite well, no? There was even a mini-controversy over whether he or Milton Bradley would be the CF.

- Lugo has also played all three outfield positions for TB. While I'm sure CF is not his most natural, comfortable position, he does at least have some experience there.

- Kemp's offense is the inconsistency; his defense seemed quite capable. I'd argue that even his inconsistent offense was arguably the equivalent of Lofton's.

That being said, as long as Lofton continues to consistently and adequately produce, I don't see him getting taken out of the lineup on a regular basis.

Drew getting hot! I think?

193 Yes, but they had to let it go. Izturis (or more specifically, his glove) was exactly the shot in the arm the Cubs' anemic offense need. Or was it shot in the head - I can never keep those strait.

Ethier is a stud, but JD Drew is a great baserunner. Easily the best on the team and probably one of the best in the league. That's something we take for granted.

RBI double for Ethier. This kid can flat out hit. I love Ethier. The Dodgers are going to be so good for so long.

I'm wondering if we haven't catapulted to the favorites to win the west THIS season.

no outs 2 on with Martin batting

Let me be the first to make a joke about how the Dodgers are killing the Messenger.

I would leave Lowe in for the 8th.

Man, now these Marlin announcers are trying to blame our success on our management and not our core of young players. It makes one almost want to give up and accept the bull coming from every direction.

Re: 194

Something to be said for consistent and adequate production, I guess. Of course Lofton is having a great game, and I'll probably want to throw a rock through the TV the next time he has a horrible one.

I saw Ethier play center last year in the minors. He was adequate. Drew has a bad knee. As I recall last year when he played center when Bradley was hurt, Drew's knee problems flared up. I would keep Drew where he is.

Stan from Tacoma

tomkos hitting 96-97 on the gun. wow.

198 - did you know that Milton Bradley has magical powers?

http://sports.intertext.com/archives/2006/06/in_search_of_mi.php

Wow. Dessens got hurt in BP. Sprained his ankle and was taken off the field on a golf cart.

182 I'm just afraid of what Ned would ask for in return. And who would replace Lofton on the roster? Maybe Ruan?

205 Yeah. I would not mind seeing him moved into a closer role next year and then (assuming Broxton is ready as well) moved at the deadline. Tomko looks to have the stuff to be a quality "closer" and one that given enough saves could be easily overvalued by most teams.

209
Given enough saves, he'll be easily overvalued by this team.

206 LOL... I've seen it before though.

Neddie's probably the only GM to ever take Billy Beane to school on a trade.

Lofton catches another flyball flat footed. I really hope Kemp wasn't listening when Kenny was giving him tips on playing CF.

probably wasn't so much Ned as a combination of he, White, and maybe others.

And Tomko refuses to make it a save situation for my boy Saito.

The Dodgers released Cruz only 3 days after DFAing him. I realize there were probably no teams asking for him, but we could have easily waited the full 10 days to see if injury caused interest, even if it only meant we'd be getting a small amount of money for him.

215
Chois, Rosses, and Cruzes: Ned's practically giving them away!

Meanwhile, Ricky Ledee has done virtually nothing to justify his roster spot except for "being left-handed."

215 Someone had to go when Maddox was activated. Cruz was basically fodder. No need to send someone else out. I guess you could have made a case for Carrara though.

216 Aren't they sorely missed? LOL...

218 The point is he was off the roster already and could have remained in his current status for another 7 days without any penalty.

217

Sigh,

You have to have a matched set of "professional hitters." Saenz is the right-handed one and Ledee is the left-handed one.

another maalox/maddox moment. At least Cruz hit well from one side of the plate. Ledee only has one side and hasn't done much. Maybe the money was that important?

The Reds new and improved 'pen is not working tonight. Majewski and Cormier combined to pitch an inning, and gave up 2 runs, and Guardado currently has the bases loaded, no outs, in the 9th, up by 1.

223 that's what they get for trading for something as pointlessly interchangable as middle relief.

do we have to pay cruz's buyout for next year?

Carrara said he will never do that again! (food poisoning)

225 Yes.

218 I don't mind DFAing him, which is what we did to give Madduz a spot. After DFAing, you have 10 days to attempt to trade the player though, and instead of waiting the full 10 days, Ned just released him after 3 days. We're paying his full salary and the buyout, so it's not like the extra 7 days of salary would have meant anything. I just don't see the rationale for outright release before we had to.

Better warm up Broxton

Guardado induced a soft fly ball and got a double play, the Reds win. Barely.

Thanks Paul.

230

They all count the same however.

I swear this team is so streaky

Utley will be leading off the 9th inning, seemingly his last chance to extend his streak.

Yay!

Someone tell Steiner that a team that scores 6 runs didn't win the game because of "pitching and defense."

Gio says, "Food poison this!"

Yeah, they really are streaky. After this winning streak ends, we should take bets on how long of a losing streak they'll go on after. But it sure is nice to see them playing and hitting better.

Bartolo Colon is likely out for the year, so Joe Saunders should have a rotation spot for the rest of the year.

Are the Astros still wearing their putrid 70s uniforms (or costumes or whatever you want to call them)? Maybe that would explain why they keep rolling over and dying vs. NL West teams.

Or maybe they're just not very good.

How awful is this interview with Furcal? Maybe if Steiner could put together a sentence Furcal wouldn't have a completely blank look on his face

Amézaga was meant to play for the Amézing Mets.

So the Dodgers after the break have gone:
LLLLLWLLLLLLLLWWWWWWW

234

I can't believe he can't get a hit of El Duque? (probably old man Duque took him to school)?

When Nomar or Kent come back, then Ledee will also be DFA...

238 Thank goodness they didn't trade Escobar or Santana.

236 I think he was never "In"

Utley behind 0-2

246

Sorry, It was 238, I was referring to Bartolo

Utley's streak is over (barring a 9th inning comback from teh Mets sending this to extra innings).

Utley strikes out, so his streak is likely over.

250

Who was pitching? he had a good streak wow.

Pedro Feliciano was pitching the 9th.

251 Pedro Feliciano. Ryan Howard immediately homered afterwards, so the Mets now need to score 2 runs for extra innings.

I've decided that Loney is going to be a Grace or Olerude. He could even add power as he goes. He is free for several years.

253

I don't know but I'm rooting for this game to get tide.

"Old friend" Jason Phillips was DFA'd by the Toronto Blue Jays today.

Hey, Mike Kinkade is still playing, now with the Marlins AAA club.

Can anybody point me to a site that has the plate appearance stat? I was curious how Nomar was doing with his contract incentive and couldn't find PA's at any of the standard sports websites. I assume it's pretty much AB's + BB's but just wanted to find one anyhow.

Thanks.

258 MLB.com has them, they're just called TPA (total plate appearances). Nomar has 352. Chances are he will only make around half of the incentives if he comes back on time and plays through the end of the season.

258 - MLB has them, you just have to look a little harder.

They show on the second stat page (TPA)

Wow, if the Angels stay behind and the A's stay ahead, they'll be 3.0 games out, 3rd in the division.

Who would have believed me if I would have said the Dodgers would be at least as close to 1st place and the Angels last week?

254 Why are you so down on Loney?

259, 260 - Ah, there they are, TPA's. Thanks.

262. I don't think he's down on Loney. Olerud and Grace each hit a lot of doubles, hit for a very high average, and got on base a lot while playing the best defense in their leagues at first for a long time. I'd take that even if it means 10-20 homers a year. Nothing wrong with that.

262 Here's where I trot out the old you-don't-have-to-be-Albert-Pujols-to-be-a-great-1B schtick.

Again.

since when is being Olerud or Grace being down on Loney?

Olerud had a career line of .298/398/465/863
Grace had 303/383/442/825

If Loney has either of those careers, I'm a very happy man. I think Olerud cracked 20 homers twice and Grace never did. But still, great careers. But please, Loney better not end up like the bafoon Grace is in the Diamondback announcer booth.

And not that the award means all that much but Olerud picked up 3 gold gloves and Grace 5.

262 Yeah, ditto what others have said - should reread his comments. Think he was basically praising Loney there.

Meanwhile, if things stay as they are now, the Dodgers could be only 2 games out of first(!) Quite amazing given the plummet mode they were in a week or so ago.

I'd be more comfortable if the Dbacks would lose a few, but I wouldn't call that anything like a complaint.

Jason Phillips, DFA'd? Hubba-hubba!

signed,

Jim Tracy

270 Ahh!!! Qualls blew it! Arg! >:o

Anyone watching the Giants game? Bonds got thrown out for arguing a strike call in the bottom of the 9th and now the crowd is throwing stuff on the field. The announcers are mad at the umpire for daring to throw Barry out. "What does the ump expect is going to happen if you throw him out?"

It was only strike two, by the way.

I noticed that on Gameday. If an ump ejects a player, does that count as an out? I hope they don't get a fresh batter and fresh count.

I was watching it. Ugly behavior by the fans. It wasn't a great call on the pitch by the ump, but it wasn't outrageously bad, either.

I'm assuming there is just a pinch hitter type deal and the count stays at 2-2.

Yeah the pitch looked decent to me.

275 It's not an out. Todd Greene is finishing the AB.

279 Thanks. I was hoping to win by two thus my concern for the possibility of a fresh count.

Sweet. San Diego is getting torched. :D

The Giants lost and Houston tied it. :-)

So far, so good.

Nice contribution from three quarters of the "Killer Ls" in tonight's big win. Probably should come up with a better name than the "Killer Ls". Ls don't really put the fear into you that Bs do.
vr, Xei

2 out of 1st, 2 out of WC.

Whodathunkit?

Lidge better not blow this one. Man that guy has gone from being a top closer to a pile of 5h!7 fast.

Lidge is out now.

And Lidge gets pulled. Wow. Usually the closers are left in to give it up. Nice move, Garner.

287 - 1. Hey, nothing like rumors that your team owner wants you out of town to boost your confidence.

2. The language rule on the site still applies, even if you speak l33t. Not being critical, I forget occasionally, too.

Garner has done this before. He did it against the Dodgers.

uggh.

And Wheeler gives up a walk. Here comes Tony Pena to win it...

I meant to reference 286 above.

1337 was created to get around censors and rules like that, though.

Forgive me for my ignorance as i've usually just read the comments, but is there a link or anything to the rules of this website?

Glad to see Wheeler got the job done after all.

295 Not that I know of, but some here know the site a lot better than I do.

294,295 Think of DT as an Enlightened Monarchy. It's Jon's world, we just live in it. I've never personally visited any posted rules, but it's a courtesy thing more than a censorship thing.

The only rule that has been formally promulgated is the "no mentioning of a no-hitter by that name" rule.

Other things Jon frowns upon are:
1) profanity
2) mock profanity
3) personally attacking other commenters
4) arguing for the sake of arguing

I've never heard of anyone kicked out for (only) language, but you're likely to get reminded, either by a visitor or the philosopher king himself.

I've never heard of anyone kicked out for (only) language, but you're likely to get reminded, either by a visitor or the philosopher king himself.

The Dodgers need to go 30-23 (.566) or 31-22(.585) to get to 84-85 wins which would probably be enough to make the playoffs this year. That is daunting, but considering that that number was something like .630 a week ago I like our chances a little better.

Meanwhile, Houston brings the plane home dead-stick. Garner may need to be hospitalized after that adventure.

302 going 1.000 for the week makes the task a little less daunting, yes.

299 5. Politics

So I guess cussing in 1337 is mock profanity?

I don't know what is more amazing, gaining 5 games in 8 days or doing this without Garciaparra and Kent.

299 But sloppy or lazy research? That hasn't made the list yet, right? 'Cause if it does, I'm a dead man.

Just a few comments before I turn in...

a) I saw a lot of college baseball in the 1980's and John Olerud was one of the best college pitchers I ever saw. His dad was more confident in his ability as a hitter which I found incredible because he was such a good pitcher.

b) The hero worship San Francisco fans have for Barry Bonds baffles me. Perhaps it shouldn't but it does.

302 In this division, anything beyond tomorrow is probably too far to think ahead.

Swearing about politics is a real no-no.

299 Blasphemy too

310 I'm pulling for the 4 way tie for 2 playoff spots on Sunday.

306 Yes. The Gestalt of cursing is the only potentially offensive part, anyway.

I don't know what is more amazing, gaining 5 games in 8 days or doing this without Garciaparra and Kent.

Contributing credibility to my "Kent is a Clubhouse Cancer" campaign.

314 As far as I know, he has been in the clubhouse and dugout, just not playing.

Not to discount your theory but they also lost 8 games in a row after he went on the DL.

I do intend to post the guidelines soon.

Yes, if people can figure out that you're cursing, in whatever language, you're violating the rules of this site.

312 Part of me would enjoy having a 4 team play-in for 2 spots, but then I think of how horrific that would be for all parties. Two teams go home, and two teams limp into the playoffs. I would suspect they would both get drubbed in the NLDS

315
It's more of a "campaign" than a "theory." In other words, facts are irrelevant...

318 And amazingly that is not against the rules. Facts, they always get in the way of a campaign.

318 I'm probably both drunk and delerious, but something about that sentence is just funny.

Guidelines???
No shirt, no shoes, no service!
what else is there? :)
vr, Xei

I thought the rule was:

"If this blog's a rockin', don't come a knockin'."

The Dodgers and Mets are the only NL teams that don't have a losing record against any of the three NL divisions. vr, Xei

273, 276 - It's no surprise to me to see the Giants fans behave that way. They've treated Dodger players and fans for years that way. Dodger fans have one bad night against the Cards, though really the fans were upset with numerous bad umpire calls, throw some balls on the field (end of ball night) and the umps were so quick to forfeit the game. Dodger players in SF for years got routinely pelted with beer, batteries, car engines(okay exaggerating there)or anything hard the fans can get their hands on and never once do the Giants have to forfeit. Umm, seems like the baseball authorities condone the behavior by fans if its toward the Dodger players, the Commish back in the NY HQ probably applauding the Giant fans hoping Dodgers would get hurt, (part of my growing anti-LA conspiracy by Bud and his small market cronies). Otherwise how can you explain Reggie's hip move in 1978, no interference, Dwight Gooden not even getting suspended for plunking Alfredo Griffin in 1988 and admitting he was throwing at him afterward, then Pedro getting plunked by Cone two days later, and because he dared to fight back, he gets suspended and the Mets(NY team again) gets off scott free.

324 Too "Oliver Stone" for 11:31. It's time for something completely different.

324-(Cont'd) - It's NY revenge for the Dodgers leaving Brooklyn for the west coast and the oldies back in baseballs HQ in NY never let the Dodgers forget it. They don't punish the Giants the same way because they know O'Malley talked them into it and the Dodgers had more success out west than the Giants so they were jealous.
It's the reason, Selig approved the Fox sale to the McCourt's who was so leveraged that he couldn't afford to properly run the team the first year, we just got lucky and won the division anyway. Selig forced the McCourts down our throat knowing he wouldn't spend like the Yankees but be a model for big market but middle market salary budgets instead of seeking out local ownership interests. Selig forced Peter O'Malley out of the power committees which let to Peter wishing to sell the team.

318- It's a fact that Betemit, Lugo, and Loney are outproducing what Kent, Nomar, and Izturis were doing for the past month. When you're on the DL you can't really speak out or trash your teammates. I'm sure Kent is itching to get back so he can rip Lugo apart for stealing his 2nd base job (forcing Kent to move to 1B).

289, 294- 1337? Am I missing something? People now talk using numbers instead of letters?

325 - Sorry, That has been building up for awhile and when I saw what the Giant fans did, it brought back all those bad memories again.

Another important rule to keep in mind is:

Don't say "Becker" was good.

327 Uncle, read up on this; there'll be quizzes at random times.

http://www.urbandictionary.com/

330- believe me, I know about that website. I've added a few definitions myself ;)

I know normal slang, but not this "number" talk. Is it a computer thing? I blame Depodesta!

As I recall l33t means "elite" and is meant ironically. I think it's in the dictionary. ;)

324 Since I saw you on here, I have to report that I took your advice and avoided wearing the LA hat once again today. My chosen headware was my "Billings Mustangs" hat I bought on a trip last summer.

Incidentally, my girlfriend thinks I am crazy because of this episode. I told her that I can't mess with a winning streak (even before your post).

Another rule:

Always
Be
Closing

Cadillacs are for closers.

It's very impressive that two quotes can have been pulled from that movie without violating the no profanity rule. Of course, it's a total of seven words, so. . .

Mamet wrote that play as a kind of purging because he used to work in a boiler room. The play was great but the purging didn't work--he's still haunted by it. I know how he feels.

337

working at a boiler room must not be fun

So their guy today has some pretty gaudy numbers. I don't play Fantasy ball or follow the Marlins (and perhaps I should watch more Baseball Tonight) but who is this kid and what do we know about him?

336
The Dodger Thoughts version of "Deadwood"

Scene:
Two men ride into town on horses.

60 minutes pass

Closing credits play

340 I like to think of the Dodger Thoughts version of "Deadwood" as more like a silent film except with Buster Keaton gouging the bad guy's eyeball out at the end.

336 Second prize is a set of steak knives. Third prize is you're fired.

327 Yes. It's known as leet speek. Or 1337. It's not only numbers that get substuted. 0=o, l=l, 2=z, 3=e, 5=s, 7=t, 8=b. @ replaces a, ! or 1 replaces i. x replaces ck. Porn is rewritten pr0n, the is rewritten teh or t3h. Also, 1337 introduces the words pwn which means own or dominate and n00b which means somebody inexperienced.

That's just basic 1337, though. There are some much more complicated forms that give substituions for all the letters of the alphabet. Look up leet speek on wikipedia. Urbandictionary is also good.

333-Thank you for doing your part to keep the streak alive. It's alright if your girl thinks your nuts, my wife of 20 years knows I am a Dodger nut and knew that since we first met 24 years ago. She has gained a lot of baseball knowledge, history through osmosis, being around me. She tolerates with good humor by passion for the Dodgers, my anti-LA consiracy theories, my superstitions. I mean I was born 9 years after the "Shot heard round the World" and every time they play that moment, I shut off the sound so I don't have to hear that call, "Giants win the pennant". It makes my skin burn. Go blue!!