Sample programming:
The Dave Anderson Story.
Round-table discussion with Jerry Reuss, Jay Johnstone, Don Stanhope and Steve Yeager. Topic: "Remember that time in Philly?"
Monster Chiller Horror Theater: The pennant races of 1962, '82, '91 and '97.
DodgersCentury: Mike Marshall picks off Herbie Washington.

I would have put Lugo number 2 in the lineup and Lofton number 8, but that's just me.

2
Yeah. At least Lugo's not 3, with Drew 7...

1
Ron Coomer: Beyond the Glory

no official word yet on whose roster spot he is taking.
A commenter on ItD made it sound as if Loney has been sent back to LV.

My lineup
Furcal, SS
Lugo, 2B
Drew, RF
Kent, 1B
Ethier, LF
Betemit, 3B
Martin, C
Lofton, CF
Penny, P

Educational documentary:

How to tell apart the two Mike Marshalls and the two Mike Ramseys.

It will be fun for the kids.

1. Where in the world is Chad Ricketts.

kinda sad to see Loney go. He was getting into hos groove.

I am answering Nate's question on roster issues.

If a player signs before he turns 19, he can remain unprotected for four years (generally, Latin American players who signed at age 16-17, their participation in Domincan/Venezuelan Summer Leagues do not count against that timeframe).

A player who signs at 19 or older has 3 years that he can remain unprotected.

Injuries do not stop the count against that time limit, that is why Greg Miller had to be put on the 40 man roster last year despite his lack of play for about a year and a half.

I agree with Nate, there are not anyone that stands out (Chad Billingsley and Matt Kemp were among the obvious ones that had to put on the 40 man roster at the end of this year but since they came up, they are already on it).

Justin Orenduff would have to go on, though they could risk leaving him off since it would be doubtful that he would picked up as a Rule V pick until his recovery status is known.

When ESPN2 premiered, they did not have enough programming to fill 24 hours. So for several hours in the middle of the night, they broadcast boxscores. Full-screen. It was glorious. Sort of like the Yule Log, only more relevant.

I know Kent has been a run producer in the past, but he doesn't really deserve to be our cleanup hitter right now, especially coming off a nagging injury.

8 I'm pretty sure that violates site policy.

We'll see Loney again in a few weeks at least, if that's any consolation for him and us...

Say, I just noticed that the Comeback Player of the Year Award is "presented by Viagra"... Why do I find that amusing?

10 - That ranks right up there with Al Gore's idea of the Earth Channel: All planet, all the time.
Seriously, I would pay for the Boxscore Network in a heartbeat.

Other programming:
Prospect Report, with co-anchors Billy Ashley and Joe Thurston.

1 - Guess The GM
- My Favorite Jason
- Boom-Boom Beck Variety Hour

I really feel I need to snag a half an hour of this network for DT. Who's with me?

14 - Pre-Internet explosion, it was even cooler.

1 - That's my Busch! The zany adventures of Mike the Scab.

17 Sounds good, how about a steel cage match to settle once and for all the GM question?

17 Absolutely (as long as it doesn't pre-empt "Late Night with Mickey and Jay")

17 - If you're not on this channel, there's something quite amiss.
And Bob can host a trivia game show!

17
I fully agree.

my brain just wen't on happy overload while reading you're comments Jon thank you for the good news (I had adelphia, but it will now be Time Warner) woo hoo!!!

The afternoon soap period will be captured by the long-running All My Shortstops.

Maybe they would need a host for the "Down on the Dodger Farm" show.....

Other programming:

The Surreal Life: Ogden
World' Most Extreme Mound Confrontations
So, You Think You Can Bunt?

6 Let's not forget the two Reggie Williamses!

"How to be an American" Hosted by Derek Lowe

26 Brought to you by Farmer John?

17 Perhaps it could be "Jon Weisman's Dodger Thoughts Half-Hour Variety Hour featuring Bob Timmermann". I'm in, if I can be a staff writer/camerman/director/key grip/snake wrangler.

We should just take over the network.

Bill Plaschke vs Dodger Thoughts

Where in the world is Chad Ricketts.

Behind the Music(baseball) Raul Mondesi

If they really know what they are doing, they would broadcast dodger minor league games.

Bill Plaschke's Late Night Adult Funhouse with Special Guest Stars Paul LoDuca and Alex Cora.

a Dodger starting pitcher has been the victor in six straight road games for the first time since 1978

Elias can come up with this weirdity, but we have yet to hear if any team has followed an 8-game skid with an 8-game win streak before.

If it's "On Demand" programming, they aren't broadcasting anything. They're just saving prerecorded programs for people to watch when they want to.

Bill Plaschke vs Dodger Thoughts

Plaschke would be dead.... literally.

Perhaps the DT slot could simply be called "Weismania!"

39 "Weismann"

36 Always look to the The Griddle.

https://griddle.baseballtoaster.com/

Just giving Bob (his site) some love.

I have a whole bunch of info on streaks, I'm going to post once the person who sent it to me said it's OK too.

The longest losing streak of any team that made it to the World Series is 11 by the 1951 Giants.

The 1982 Braves lost 11 straight en route to the NL West championship.

If it's "On Demand" programming, they aren't broadcasting anything. They're just saving prerecorded programs for people to watch when they want to.

quote from Bob Timmermann

______________________________________________

Dodgers On Demand will be the ultimate Dodger Channel and will be updated with new information continuously.

quote from Jon Wiesmann

I'm comfused?

On Demand Dodger Movie: Fast Times At Steve Garvey Junior High

Hmm. Since my cable system is T/W, I wonder if I'll get this. I'll let you know.

Hawai'i only has two choices of cable; Jones has the outer islands, and Oceanic T/W has Oahu.

This looks like McCourt is taking baby steps towards establishing a regional sports network. Apparently, he noticed that the YES network earns record profits for the Yankees.

This seems like a good first step. The cost of producing this content is likely to be incredibly low (low enough that the costs can be covered by the relatively miniscule fees that On Demand content is likely to generate). Plus, all this content will come in handy in 2013 when the FSN contract expires and something is needed to fill in the programming gaps between games (and replays of games).

To me "broadcasting" implies that there is a signal sent out to anybody tuning in when they want.

"On demand" programming is sent to a digital cable box and is played off of a computer disk.

I'm just being picky. But I've been laid up much of the day with flu-like symptoms.

This sounds like a VOD channel, so there won't time slots just a menu. That said DT should have a button of some kind. Jon should start taping himself reading reams and reams of his blog entries- perhaps while smoking and drinking. I'm thinking of Koko the Clown reading to the kids in Groove Tube.

41 I found the entry- nice work Bob.

For those who didn't see it, Elias sent out the following:

"The Dodgers are the sixth team in Major League history to lose at least eight straight games and follow that immediately with a winning streak of at least eight games. The others were the 1931 Cubs, 1949 Red Sox, 1965 Pirates, 1985 Twins and 2001 Cubs."

"Hi, this is Jon Weisman, the host of 'Dodger Thoughts' on the web. In tonight's discussion, I'm brining in Hollywood star Danica McKellar to help demonstrate how VORP works."

"I thought this was going to be about my new TV movie."

"Well, get to that, Danica. But first, here's a Sharpie and could you go over to that greaseboard."

"My agent said there wouldn't be any greaseboards."

How does "Free On Demand" work? If it's free, why do I have to demand it? ESPN is free for me, so does that make it "Free On Demand"? Curious minds want to know.
vr, Xei

The Cardinals scored five runs in the first at Cincinnati and, even more surprisingly, Jeff Weaver didn't give any up in the bottom of the 1st.

If you hear giggling in the far-off distance, that's me reading some of these TV show suggestions here in Montreal.

25. Nice.

Ironic that Nomar is announced as a finalist for Comeback POY during a stretch when he's back on the DL. Only the 15-day, and he certainly was terrific for two and a half months (1.025 OPS in 7 April games, 1.051 in May, .988 in June), but let's see how long it is before he returns, and if he's out of that July-long slump (.673 OPS).

So far, Nomar has played in 79 of 111 team games, so if he comes back tomorrow and doesn't miss another game, that'll be 130 for the season. More likely is somewhere between 110 and 120. If he gets back to his May-June form, that'll be well worth it. If he settles in somewhere between his May-June self and his July slump, it'll still be worth it (May and June were that good) if he doesn't miss many more games. If he plays fewer than 120 games, and finishes with a .900 OPS (a little below his current .935) that's still a terrific contribution and a legit candidate for Comeback POY. But the jury would be out on whether that sort of performance would be worth the contract he'll likely demand.

The cost of a player who misses a lot of games depends on the value and price tag of his replacements. Loney is cheap. He contributed little in his April stint, but did much better this time around. Saenz has played a few games there, for relatively little money, and has (as always) raked LHP and suffered against RHP. Now we'll have Kent (essentially Lugo) replacing Nomar. We'll see how that goes.

Anyone know what all those incentive clauses are in Nomar's contract? I imagine games played (or PAs or ABs or somesuch) is one of them. If he costs less the more games he misses, then of course the value of the signing goes up.

On a more serious note, perhaps Jon & Bob. T could host a weekly 20-30 minutes roundtable discussion regarding some interesting points rasied on the message boards. They could invite a newspaper reporter, a player, the message board poster, etc. Very low production costs, and a huge selling point is that it could be pitched as a hook into the show with weekly "fresh" content.

On Demand video is often a stagnant pool, but if people go on there with some regularity to watch X, they often will watch Y as well. The business model for On Demand is either as a selling point of the cable service package, or includes advertising. Maybe The Jon & Bob show could be sponsored by someone. Ideas?

52
I have "HBO on Demand". It ain't free. But I get it because I get regular old HBO (and its six cousins.)

There are a lot of free on demand channels on cable systems. They tend to have very uninteresting programming.

52 "On Demand" implies a pull medium, versus the "push" media such as broadcast radio and television.

Internet is a pull media in that you navigate to the content that what you want to see while ignoring most everything else. Think of "On Demand" as clicking a hyperlink with your remote control to get the content you want, rather than waiting for a predetermined time and channel to get what you want to see.

Jon should start taping himself reading reams and reams of his blog entries- perhaps while smoking and drinking.

"Dodgers After Dark."
Jon, you have a decent smoking jacket? TV-worthy pajamas?

Judging from the times that Jon and I have sat next to each carrying on a conversation in person, I think you would find more compelling program on C-SPAN34.

We'd just agree with each other all the time. That makes for very boring TV. I couldn't be the Colmes to Jon's Hannity-like personality.

Maybe instead of "Dodgers on Demand," it should be "Dodgers on a Whim."

"Dodgers, Because Nothing Else Is On"

"Dodgers If I Must"

"Fine, Already, I'll Watch Something on the Dodgers"

60 - OK, how about bluetahoe vs. D4P/Steve/Andrew?

This is one of the threads where if people don't read the comments, they're really missing out.

Someone named "Elizardo Ramirez" is a regular starter for the current Wild Card leaders?

I really thought I followed baseball quite closely.

JoeyP can be our Bill O'Reilly. But he is going to have to start using "Shut up!" as an argument.

61 - I have small kids, so "When "Ron Cey's Best Homerun Trots" is more appealing than yet another episode of Barney".

Or is that too wordy?

someone needs to be Joe Morgan. Or we could just get the real Joe Morgan on the show. Although that migh exceed cost limitations.

"Dude, Where's My Contract? The Jody Reed Story"

This could go on all night.

If only Bradley was here. Kent and Bradley make for the perfect sitcom odd couple.

64 - EZ for Cory Lidle was an Ed Wade Deadline Special a coupla years ago...

I took a semester of Television Media Productions in high school. So, I'm qualified to be a study audience member.

65 Only if I get to wear a mask of JoeyP and do my Olbermann impression.

69 - You wouldn't watch Lofton and Penny in the same premise?

Studio, even. And, looking back on it, that class title doesn't make much sense. I'm pretty sure that was it, though.

Elizardo Ramirez pitched against the Dodgers when they were in Cincinnati. He didn't fare well.

Maybe a new generation of the "Transformers" cartoon, led by shortstops transforming into third and first baseman. Jason Phillips transforms from catcher to first baseman to minor leaguer. Minor league prospects transform into D-Rays middle relievers.

71 So, you can applaud when so directed? :)

Former Dodger catchers Mike Piazza and Paul Loduca teach us how the trip is made from Los Angeles to Miami to New York.

LoDuca then admits that his entire career is just a poor imitation of Piazza, right down to marrying a Playboy model.

Someone must take the job of ensuring that Russell Martin never catches any episode of this show, however.

The Odd Couple Redux:

Steve Garvey/Don Sutton
Tommy Lasorda/Paul Olden (see Dave Kingman)
Kirk Gibson/Shoe polish
Kevin Brown/Any beat writer during his tenure with the Dodgers
Kevin Malone/Lee Baca

Okay, getting a little Dennis Miller like in my warped sense of humor but you get the idea.

Elizardo is a young Pedro Martinez, according to Kevin Kennedy.

Parental discretion advised for following shows:

Tommy Lasorda on how he felt about Dave Kingman's three homer-game against him.
Tommy Lasorda's "discussion" with Doug Rau after pulling him from a World Series game.
Panel discussion involving T.J. Simers and "Sheriff" Malone on the fan-in-the-stands incident vs. San Diego.
Audiotape of the locker room after the Dodgers lost the third playoff game against the Giants in 1962 when Alston saved Drysdale in the bullpen for the first game of the World Series and let Stan Williams pitch.

Kershaw made Baseball America's Hot Prospect list today. Something interesting in the comment. If Kershaw is promoted at all before the end of the season, it would be all the way up to high A so Kershaw could stay in Florida and enjoy the protection of Florida tax laws, as Florida has no state income tax. Some of us have probably wondered why Kershaw has been at the lowest level of Rookie ball when the Dodgers usually start their advanced high school draftees out west in the Pioneer League. When Kershaw's representative negotiated Kershaw's bonus, I guess the Dodgers had to agree to keep Kershaw in Florida to avoid state income tax on Kershaw's $2.3 million bonus. I wonder why more agents don't think of that when negotiating on behalf of the big bonus babies.

When Tommy John Attacks

We could have had a show called Jason, Jayson, Jason, Jason. Sounds like it should be on Nickelodeon.

80 meet 78

The Jay(son) Team

How about we tape DT Live it in front of a studio audience? Episode 1 could have a speech therapist invited in to treat Rick Monday. I'd camp out overnight to watch that.

There's got to be a Tommy cooking show in the works. Maybe it'll be Tommy as Rachel Ray, watching other people cook.

87
Cooking with Gladware.

81

thanks for the info Canuck. Thats very interesting.

From the archives:
The Mr. Ed episode that included Leo Durocher discussing baseball with the horse.
The TV Western which included a brief appearance by Sandy Koufax.
The Ed Sullivan Show that included Koufax, Don Drysdale and Tommy Davis doing some soft-shoe after the Dodgers won the World Series (either 63 or 65).

Tigers analyst says that the Twins aren't a good team on the road. And they do have a losing record on the road (26-30).

However, they have won eight straight on the road. They started out 5-18 on the road and since then have been 21-12.

Liriano does not appear particularly sharp tonight.

El Bastardo can be the name of the spanish show.

Since Tommy Davis missed much of the 1965 season with a broken ankle, I would assume that he wasn't dancing after the 1965 series.

Actually, as much as we're all hoping this thing won't be horrible, I think we need to seriously consider the possibility that it'll be a daily dose of Kevin Kennedy explaining what happened in the last game, and giving the ticket sales phone number, for five minutes. Or, worse, ten minutes.

How 'bout "Survivor: Las Vegas" with the 51's bullpen?

The Yankees and Mets networks are terrible, so this shouldn't be any different. In fact, it will be worse since they can't show current games.

I say we put the bullpen through some series of challenges that have nothing to do with anything relevant to baseball to see who gets demoted when Nomar comes off the DL.

89 Another note that was in today's BA,
in the not so hot list.

Joel Guzman, of, Devil Rays (Triple-A Durham)
The 21-year-old looks lost since the trade that sent him to the Devil Rays. He is 3-for-19 with no walks and seven strikeouts for the Bulls and his elite prospect status is starting to come into question.

"Dodger Bandstand" with your hosts Wille Davis and Maury Wills.

Similar to the Dodgers in the Greg Maddux game, the Blue Jays had a combined two-hitter today with three relievers splitting up the innings after Ted Lilly was scratched. Jeremy Accardo gave up both hits.

It was a Simcoe Day matinee!

Now if they would just play the games in high definition regularly...

Chef Odaliz Perez prepares fat meatballs and serves them over a dish

98
So Guzman doesn't get the luxury of adjustment time?

These are some great ideas folks. The key is, making them appeal to more than our...unique...sense of humor. :-)

But I'm all for the "Guess this Dodger's weight!" segment, in which we get a random, but large, Dodger and have a tie-in with a web contest where people can guess the guy's weight. We announce the player/coach in advance, and close the entries before we film the segment obviously. Closest/first wins two pavillion seats, complete with a riot shield and smuggled in bottle of vodka. I kid...a little.

I've got T/W and their MOXI cable-box.... I'm looking forward to checking this out. Basically, Adelphia used to offer free On Demand movies -- a collection of seemingly random movies drawn from different genres and decades. It isn't an amazing feature, but it's a neat one, and I do use it occasionally -- it's basically the equivalent of your old-fashioned mom-n-pop video store, if they managed to stock an eclectic bunch of B-titles. I assume the "free On Demand" channel would work in a similar channel.... I'll check out my box when I get home and see if there's anything listed yet.

105- Bad news. Those old movies are probably gone. Also, no Monk On Demand. But, I welcome our new T/W overlords.

51 Shouldn't well, get to that, Danica be We'll get to that, Danica?

Bob was also brining Danica. Reducing her to her least common denominator.

I have Charter cable so I'm going to miss out on CSI:DL with your host General Soreness.

COPS, Live From The Bradley's

Lowe vs Lowe

Cooking, Eating and Eating With Tommy

Three Men and A Baby, starring Brad Penny, Derek Lowe, Aaron Sele and Odalis Perez.

My Favorite Martin

Get Smart, starring former manager Jim Tracy.

83 meet 16

61 To take the idea somewhere even more abstract, how about "Dodgers By Wim" - with German filmmaker Wim Wenders making documentaries about many of the Dodgers, with a screenplay by Sam Shepard. Actually, I think Werner Herzog would be more interesting. Maybe he could do a version of "Grizzly Man" with Derek Lowe as the titular character, and Jonathan Broxton could play the bear.

Wait, what were we talking about?

Ken Landreaux and Mike Devereaux Go To Mardi Gras

"Deadwood" - Featuring the 2003 Dodgers.

"Growing Pains" - Reality series starring Joel Guzman. Find out what happens when a player grows too tall for his natural position. (Cancelled, reruns only)

"A Different World" - Starring Toby Hall. A group of Devil Rays find themselves in a different world from where they comin' from.

"Cheers" - Behind-the-scenes look at how the Dodger Stadium jumbotron operators get the crowd to make noise.

"Lost" - Featuring the 2005 Dodgers.

90 - Don't forget Drysdale's appearance on "The Brady Bunch," and Jim Lefebvre playing a native on "Gilligan's Island."

Good one Xei.

How could I forget?

"Desperate Housewives" - Starring Derek Lowe & friends.

112 - Shouldn't that be, Geaux to Mardi Gras?

The comedy value of this is too high.

"Who's the Boss?" - Starring Dan Evans, Paul DePodesta, Ned Colletti, and Frank McCourt.

"The Art of Being Interviewed" with Al Campanis
"Thrown For a Loss: The Tom Neidenfuer Story"
"Dressed to the Nines: The Story of Burt Shotton"
"Hey!!! That's My Cap" with Dave Anderson*

*In 1988, my cousin was at Game 7 of the NLCS against the Mets. During the on-field celebration after the final out, a fan took Dave Anderson's cap and started running. My cousin swears he saw Anderson run after the fan, hitting him several times to get his beloved cap back.

"Lost in Space" - A how-to guide on navigating the Dodger Stadium parking lot.

"ER" - Starring Dodger trainer Stan Johnson. With special guest appearance by Dr. Frank Jobe.

118 - Is Jamie the mom?

114 Koufax and Drysdale also appeared in an episode of "Dennis the Menace."

Emergency! Starring Danys Baez and Lance Carter

"Curb Your Enthusiasm" - a look at Ned Colletti and the trade market.

119- Chad Kreuter should be good for a guest spot on "Hey!!! That's My Cap." As should Mariano Duncan.

The last couple of years could also be wartime black comedy called

D*L*

I see both Penny and Lofton are in the lineup tonight; I wonder what the odds are they will exchange some bitter words?

How to commentate a Dodger game without giving away the score... Rick Monday.

Director's special bonus... saving the flag and how you can save one for yourself.

"Penny For Your Thoughts" could be part of a DT/Wacky Sitcom hour every Friday on the new Dodger Network.

"Midnight Blue with Kevin Elster"

"Making the Movie" - How Kenny Lofton became Willy Mays Hayes.

Steve Yeager may be the most sucessful former L.A. Dodger (Chuck Connors being a former Brooklyn Dodger was the Rifleman among other roles) to act in films, his classic portrayal of Duke Temple, the 3rd Base coach in all three Major League films, remember his key role in signaling the old run and bunt play that won the game in the first movie.

How about celebrity "Capture the Flag" tournaments hosted by Rick Monday...

If I have my facts straight, a lot of the Koufax and Drysdale appearances happened during their combined contract holdout in 1966. Back then, TV (even cameos) paid as well as baseball and they wanted to show that they had alternatives. That's why you see so much of them on re-runs from that period.
Gotta go, someone just stole my seat next to Norm.

Questions and Answers with Jim Tracy

Anger Management by Milton Bradley

The Graceful Dive by Mark Hendrickson

X Games with Jeff Kent

An aside, based on what I have heard in radio shows across the land today, (XM, ESPN, etc.), the moves at the trade deadline are getting a lot of the responsibility for the change (also, see quotes from Brett Tomko, among others who credit those moves) and of course, the beneficiary of all these kudos is our man Ned.

Now, the moves in 2004 involved different people and the team was in 1st place but the 180 degree change in perception, at least nationally, is one for the books.

Again, it was the national media (outside of Baseball Prospectus and Rob Neyer (Gammons, like Depodesta too as I recall or at least never disliked him that much) who were hyper critical of Depodesta and many of them liked and still like Jim Tracy.

Right now, I would say that both Ned and Grady get love from the media and despite what we think about that, it does make coverage of the team on a national basis move favorable.

Players that made cameos in the 1960's - 1970's

Drysdale, Koufax, Willie Davis, Maury Wills (a Get Smart episode where he was killed in the opening minutes of the show), Wes Parker (cameo at the end of a Brady Bunch episode).

136-

That mention of Tracy reminds me of how happy I am that he's not here anymore.

Sounds like it may be Dessens going on the DL after all (according to something heard on the radio, but not official yet.)

So for now it's (to reference one of my favorite songs), "Loney again, or..."

125
I have seen Timothy Bottoms from "That's My Bush!" on State Street in SB a few times.

"Entourage" - A group of friends piggyback off the success of their more-talented buddy. Starring Mike Piazza, with Eric Karros as Johnny Drama.

"60 Minutes" - How long after a pitcher shows signs of fatigue should a manager wait before pulling him out of the game? Hosted by Grady Little.

140 I grew up surrounded by members of the Bottoms family in SB - they were all over. The dad designed the dolphin statue. Talented family. To me, though, Timothy will always be Sonny in The Last Picture Show.

St. Elsewhere with Milton Bradley and FTOGS.

Has anyone suggested "All My Children" starring Steve Garvey yet?

PS If Tommy gets a cooking show, I think Fernando deserves to be his sidekick.

The Closer with Danys Baez

(Program Note: This program has been picked up by another network)

The Great White North with Gagne and Martin. Welcome to the show, eh?

And of course: Mr. Ned

"Holidays with the McCourts" featuring the Boston Pops. Special guest Nomar sings "I'll Be Home For Christmas."

Crossfire- Jolbert Cabrera and Jose Hernandez discuss philosophy, social science, and statistics in a stimulating debate to determine why Alex Cora played ahead of them.

Real TV- Chad Kreuter shows Ron Artest how it's REALLY done. With face-punching ACTION!

Ten Things I Hate About You- Hideo Nomo on Jim Tracy, and how he single-handedly ended his career. There's actually only one thing he hates about Jim, but he repeats it ten times.

Heart & Soul- Paul LoDuca hosts a Love Connection-eque program, except he goes out with all the women. Guest Appearance by Bill Plaschke, on a hilarious crossover with Ashton Kutcher's Punk'd, when Plaschke dresses up as a woman and declares his love for good ol' Paulie.

Sabermetric Methods and Baseball for the Discerning, Intellectual Fanatic- A show where Paul Depodesta immediately loses any credibility by claiming that Jason Grabowski deserved another shot. Much pie-throwing abounds.

STAY TUNED VIEWERS!

Too darn funny. I hope I'm not too late to play. 133 and the Behind the Music: Mondesi among many others are huge LOLs.

Dodger Apprentice: After every Dodger loss, follow the cameras to Frank and Jamie's office while a nervous selection of midlevel Dodger officials wait to hear "You're Fired!"

Bedtime Stories with Vin Scully -- the networks top rated show.

The Rockford Files ("Hey, who keeps sticking these back in here?")

(And is it bad taste to suggest a tearjerker hallmark move: "The Other Side of the Mound: The Darren Dreifort Story")

Ring ring . . .

"Hello. Oh yes Mr. Weisman. Yes, glad to hear the show's doing well."

"Well, no, I don't think this is the right time for Ms. McKellar to do another guest appearance."

"Oh, I think so to. She was great the last time. But that was after all only four days ago."

"Right, and before that it was only two weeks."

"And haven't you only been on the air for two weeks?"

---

and obviously the last line of 150 is missing an "i".

"Antique Roadshow" - The Dodgers go on a road trip to AT&T Park.

Junkyard Wars: Hall and Hendrickson vs. Lugo and Carter

Dessens is not on the Gameday roster; Loney is.

This is the game thread.

so is Dessens going on the DL or what?

FSNPT confirming that Dessens is on the DL. Also, Bob got scooped by Psycho. He should have run his streak story without permission.

154

well that's weird Jon because FSN/PRIME just said Dessens to the D.L. so is Loney still with the team??

From the other thread (posted by Joey)
Jennifer Walcott dates former Rams safety Adam Archuleta, and that I can buy bc Archuleta looks the part of someone that would date a playmate. Loduca/Penny not so much.
I had no idea who he was, so I look him up. Here's his picture:
http://tinyurl.com/he5vq

He must make an awful lot of money or it's a really bad picture

157 - No, that's not weird - that's the explanation. That was what I was saying. Dessens to the DL, Loney stays on the active roster.

The Holmby Hillbillies starring Frank & Jaime McCourt

Gonna tell you a story 'bout a man named McCourt
Found the Sox were more than he could afford
Then one day he was in his parking lot and up into his head came a troublin' thought...
Dodgers that is. Luxury Suites, Football teams, Elysian Park Tea.

That reds bullpen is continuing to prove large in keeping muli-run defecets where they are.

That reds bullpen is continuing to prove large in keeping muli-run defecets where they are.

He must make an awful lot of money or it's a really bad picture

He makes an awfull lot of money & it's a bad picture (please don't hold it against him)

A Dodger Thoughts show would be a blast. I have directv here, but I would imagine that someone would internet stream the show on this site? How about a show here even without "Dodgers On Demand?"

Hey, I've got a trade for Wayne Krisky! Hows about Franquilis Ororia, Joe Bimel, and Giovanni Carrarra for Adam Dunn!

165 Three middle relievers for one player, that's insane! I think we need Edwin Encarnacion too.

165.

Actually, hows about switch Cararra or Bimel with Sele.

DodgerThoughts will get its own show. Regular commenters will get their own featured sections. Early possibilities:

Jon Weisman- I've Got Your VORP Right Here

Steve- Middle Relief and its Effect on Your Blood Pressure

Natepurcell- Let Me Tell You About This Prospect Before He Gets Traded To The Devil Rays

JoeyP- Depodesta: Great? Or Greatest?

bluetahoe- Ned Coletti and the Long-Lost Secrets of Alchemy

DzzrtRatt(sp?)- Why Ned Coletti is not the Devil, Possibly a Lesser Demon

Bob Timmerman- The Unfortunate Career of Stubby Clapp: Why the Dodgers Should Have Picked Him Up

regfairfield- I've Got a Stat for That, Too

Everyone Else- Get These Shortstops off The Damn Roster

168 Hey! I wanna do "Hawaii Calls!"

There could also be a telenovela starring Fernando. Odalis could be the prodigal son cast out among thieves.

166.

Oh no, for that, we'd have to throw in Dessens and Mark Alexander too!

I'll be the anonymous cameraman.

By the way, will the dodgers finally promote Kershaw already?

Also, whats with the 7 home runs Elbert has given up?

Rotoworld says Dessens was DL'd for his ankle sprain.

http://www.rotoworld.com/content/playerpages/player_main.aspx?sport=MLB&id=2257

Uh oh, nobody get in Bob's way:

Jim Edmonds reaches on fielding error by second baseman Brandon Phillips. Albert Pujols scores. Scott Rolen to 3rd. Jim Edmonds to 2nd. Throwing error by second baseman Brandon Phillips.

122,114,90 Piazza made an appearance on Married... With Children, as Joe Morgan's camera man.

172 His contract won't allow him to play outside the state of Florida. It was mentioned earlier in this thread by Canuck.

175
Fortunately, I was taking one of my many naps today during that.

There has already been an extra set of checkered jerseys handed out today as the White Sox lost and fell into a tie for the AL Wild Card with Boston.

The Reds lost 13-1 so the Dodgers and DBacks can both tie for the NL Wild Card spot tonight.

I got one:
"Welcome Back, Carrara!"

I guess he's back up to Kenny speed.

Trade him :)

Lofton's wheels still have the gitty up. (3 bagger hit)

Man, Lofton's been such a stud at the plate, its amazing he has so much trouble with fly balls.

Come on Miltie, give Kent a kiss ;)

Welcome Back Kent. :)

168 What, my pilot "Triumph of the Underdog" didn't get picked up?

Boy Vinnie just loves saying "Butter and Egg Man" when talking about Kent doesn't he?

I think I recall a discussion about Ethier not walking enough. :)

http://www.miskatonic.org/butter_and_egg.html

176.

Ok, so when can he leave Florida?

Kents playing first and Drews playing! I think they've seen the future. This may do injustice to Kent, who has never seemed shy of wanting playing time!

my pilot "Triumph of the Underdog" didn't get picked up?

well if SamDC was a producer, I'd be batting 1000. (see 33

For the people complaining about all the games Drew has missed, Vin just announced it.

12 out of 112. That doesn't seem like very many to me. How many has Nomar missed?

is Maddux starting Weds?

"Interesting" start for Penny thus far...

Lugo us looking like a great sup.un.

I think Jon has touched on this before, but with Drew I think it's important for him to get a higher number of days off than normal to ensure that he avoids stints on the DL and can play the entire season.

What is the consensus of the DT community? Is it sacrilegious to root for the Giants if they are playing a team tied with or ahead of the Dodgers in the standings?

195 Unless we're in the last week of September, yes.

194 I think that is reasonable.
A club with this much young talent now available should be glad to see a contract like that end.

Penny with the stick!

195 I'll put it this way: in the first inning, I was happy to see Bonds ground out and bring the runner home.

Was Penny's first strike a bunt foul or full swing.

And on 195, I think this has been discussed before with a strong "can't root for the Giants" sentiment unless maybe it's scoreboard watching time in the final days of the season.

195 It's not sacrilegious at all - it is, however, harder to do than I imagined. I was "rooting for" them most of the weekend and yet I couldn't watch any of the games because i found it emotionally impossible to do live. Same thing tonight. Plus, when I root for them, they do even worse, so, I give up.

199 Well put.

200 Full swing. They had the hit and run on.

Ah, I like the end of September rule. I'm going to go with that now.

Holiday didn't know how many outs there were!

Thx.

Off topic question:

If Bronson Arroyo finishes the season with a 4.20 ERA or so, will anyone notice, or is Wayne Krivski still a genius/Midas?

I think this umpire has a big strike zone.

the Rockies pitcher thowring Penny an offspeed pitch was crimenal (unless you're a Dodger fan)

201 I share your feelings. I find it to be almost painful to root for the Giants. I guess in the big picture, the Dodgers should put themselves in a position where they control their own destiny and don't need to rely on the Giants for anything.

[196, 200] Playing devil's advocate - how is a loss in September any different than a loss in August?

210 None at all, but if I'm going to even have a slight hope of rooting for the Giants, I need to justify it.

An "interesting" play by Jeff Kent... sorry D4P.

200still has my mind spining 195

I guess my brain can't register rooting or the the Giants.

210 It hurts more, because there are fewer games left.

50 games after tonight? Sheesh. Time flies, etc.

210 The idea, I think, is that you feel less nauseated rooting for the Giants if they are safely in the division cellar. I personally can never get excited over any success by the Giants. That's why I love baseball. In the real world you can't be a jingo anymore, but in baseball, I can hate someone simply because of the color of his uniform.

38 pitches for Penny through 3 innings. Maybe he'll actually pitch more than 5 innings tonight.

I'd rather root for the Giants than the Angels. I don't have to put up with Giant fans eveywhere I go.

210 They are different in that with less time to go it is easier to predict the meaning of a loss. If it's the last day of the season and the Diamondbacks are tied, you can know that the Giants beating AZ helps the Dodgers into the playoffs. A month earlier, if the teams are tied, you don't know how things will end up, and you might have rooted for the Giants for nothing.

On some level, I'm sure the Giants' fans hatred of the Dodgers is similiar to the Dodgers' fans hatred of the Dodgers. It's possible that a Giants win that actually helps the Dodgers in the standings may actually cause them more ire.

216 Actually, it was 38 through two innings, but fortunately the Rockies only looked at seven pitches in the third, which helped a lot.

In my view, it is acceptable to root for the Giants only if a win by them would assure the Dodgers of a playoff spot on that day.

Other than that, you're unnecessarily making a pact with Satan.

So much for what I said about Kent in the cleanup spot.

Sure sucks to have Kent back.

well an ex-Giant just hit it out (Kent) I'm even more confuced.

I love just tuning in and seeing a homerun!

220 My bad - I didn't realize Yahoo didn't update the pitch totals until after the inning. Thanks for the clarification.

182 redux.

It's beginning to look as if the Fogg was not underestimated...

That Kent sure is a rally killer.

Welcome Back Kent, Welcome Back.

Darn, I'm having trouble resenting Kent for benching Loney. The only backhand I can give him is trying to play hurt. And I have to shut my mouth.

Darn, I'm having trouble resenting Kent for benching Loney. The only backhand I can give him is trying to play hurt. And I have to shut my mouth.

"The Young and The Restless" (Former Dodgers Eric Young and Jim Eisenreich travel to all 30 major league teams, looking for work and randomly shouting obscenities)

"My Name is Squirrel" (A goofy Southerner who used to be a Dodgers GM gives up his car dealership and goes back to undo all his bad trades and signings)

"Taxi" (Raul Mondesi, Guillermo Mota and Rafael Furcal share a court-ordered ride to the ballpark)

"Wings" (Carlos Perez joins Kevin Brown in the friendly skies; hilarity ensues!)

"The Practice" (Coverage of the only defensive drill session of the Davey Johnson era)

Kent isn't benching Loney - Lugo is.

Well, speaking of The Devil, the Giants have inched closer, now 3-2 after Feliz homered. Still, if they can't beat Gonzalez, with Schmidt pitching, well, then they're slumping at least as bad as the Dodgers were a few weeks ago.

I wonder if Lugo beat his wife because she didn't live up to the standard of his mother.

233 I don't know what prompted that but that was pretty funny.

221 In my view, it is acceptable to root for the Giants only if a win by them would assure the Dodgers of a playoff spot on that day.

I'd be happy but I'd still be thinking very bad thoughts about them (yeah you wone, but I still hate you my arch rival...& so forth)

I'm just way, way behind the earlier conversation, SB.

SB -- you should take the time to read the whole thread, if you can spare it. It's a goodie.

Trivia time...

Cy Young, Walter Johnson, Grover Alexander, Christy Mathewson, Warren Spahn... Kid Nichols...

I no longer feel bad that I missed this game because of flu-like symptoms.

Well, so much for that. Whatever "that" was I won't say. Even now.

234 Thats painful to me.

240 Thanks for that... I love some of the tangents you guys get into.

233,237 Reminds me of Firesign Thearter
Yes I know thats old.

Hey -- yesterday I was talking about Facts of Choi.

241 Men who have not been in my kitchen?

Well hopefully we can have to watch what we say every night.

241 Men who have not been in my kitchen?

241 Men who have not been in my kitchen?

Pud Galvin? Who is Pud Galvin??

I am not in Berkeley Doug's kitchen.

I don't have a problem rooting for the Giants to win a game if the situation really calls for it. I don't know if we're at that point yet, though - tonight, for example, I'm indifferent.

250 & 251 :)

Considering Penny doesn't have the lowest BA in this lineup (I'm looking at you Lugo), I hope he doesn't bunt.

Mr. Galvin appeared in this RGC:
https://griddle.baseballtoaster.com/archives/382995.html

Cheers references are as timeless as Seinfeld.

254 I know a guy who told me that he roots for the Giants when they play Pittsburgh, so odious did he find the reign of Jim Tracy.

257 That's particularly embarassing to me because I read all of those and I remember that one.

I guess he was a heckuva pitcher.

259 I am in that boat as well.

258 - Only from the first few seasons. Anything from the Kirstie Alley era is dead weight.

We've had this debate before; my position is clear and will not be gainsayed. Or gainsaid.

Charlie Finley was upset when Pud Galvin was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1965 because he thought it was a waste of time to have a ceremony for a man who had been dead for 63 years.

Steinday are going on and on about how cohesive this team is now and how different the clubhouse has been since they started winning.

The Early Warning Cycle Monitoring Squad has been alerted. As of now, all conditions are normal.

Fake to third throw to first...works?

264 You mean the players are happier when they're winning. Wow.

Shouldn't a good clubhouse be happy all the time?

259 - Yeah, I know that guy, except it's "the final year of the reign."

Kenny Lofton wins this year's Milton Bradley Baserunning Blunders Award. It comes in the shape of a facial expression going "wha?"

266 I've only ever seen it work against the Dodgers and that several times, I believe all this year.

266 It's all about context.

And the Giants have taken the lead on a 2-run homer by Moises Alou off of Jeff Bajenaru.

That doesn't do a whole lot to change my Kenny Lofton stance.

(One more and I'll quit.)

"Wallace and Vomit" (A claymation series featuring a former Dodger pitching coach who dispenses sage advice on life, love and arm angles while lounging around the clubhouse in his underwear)

Ray Durham is enjoying the pitching stylings of Mr. Bajenaru also as it is now 5-3 Giants.

Penny is looking pretty good with the bat lately.

Anyone have any good music they could recommend? I'm bored with my current lineup of usuals in my ipod.

264 The old "winning creates chemistry". Or is it "chemistry creates winning"?

Bob you're too smart for you're own good. :o) (ref.to257)

275 Pink Floyd 1983 and previous.

What has happened to Todd Helton? Aside from the obvious, possible answer (which I don't believe), is there any reason for his diminished performance?

277 That Bob is so smart and well-researched has always bothered by but I take solace in the idea that I may be taller.

Pedro Feliz has opened up a can of Bajenaru as well.

6-3 Giants.

275 Joanna Newsome is awesome, too.

269. My guess is that it works ar least as often as any other pickoff attempt. If someone can prove or disprove this with statistics, I'll be very very impressed.

279
Obvious answers aside, Coors Field is no longer the hitter-friendly park it used to be.

273 Haha!

274 Yay, for those who can bear to root for the Giants. Those none of us.

Btw, getting a rare opp to watch a game on MLBtv, and I meant to ask, is it just me or do the Dodgers need to find more excitable fans for those new seats behind home plate? Most of the ones you can see on TV are too busy making cell phone calls to their buddies, yawning, or, what, reading Dostoevsky there?

I get it!

I love this Vin Scully story. He ran through it because he's told it so many times but I never tire of the "I got it" story from the Fordham days.

279

I think the stomach problem took a lot out of him. I don't think it's anything more sinister than that.

Well, getting older.

282 Joanna Newsom?

279 3 years past his prime? Expect a continued decline through the rest of his enormous contract.

Fake to third throw to first...works?

chronicles of Lofton

275 Kronos Quartet and Asha Bhostle "You've Stolen My Heart" Bollywood music. Great stuff. Also still rocking my ipod: Sleater Kinney's The Woods, and John Doe's solo record, whatever that's called.

289 Yes... spelling uncertain.

The Giants didn't score any more but I still want to type Bajenaru.

273 My laptop is grateful I am not drinking anything as it probably would've shorted after reading that one. Very good stuff.

Lofton at it again...

Lofton fields like he's riding a skateboard.

Can someone save me the search and give me the link to the improved Firefox, whose virtues have been extolled here recently?

After seeing "A History of Violence", I worry about Nomar and Mia going up that wooden staircase.

Bob was affected deeply by a particular scene.

275 My Morning Jacket, The Walkmen, Spoon, The Shins, The Libertines, The Arcade Fire, Brendan Benson, and The New Pornographers

(Please disregard this post if you do not like indie rock)

And I imagine he was effected by a similar scene.

If you have Firefox open, you can just click on the Help menu.

298 http://www.mozilla.com/

298
I should think you'd be able to go up to "Help/Check for Updates" in your current FireFox browser.

I had deleted Firefox from my computer a while back because it was working well for me.

The Shins and MMJ, never get tired of other of them. Good stuff.

Jon: http://www.mozilla.com/firefox/

We're all giving Jon a fish today!

We need to teach him how to fish.

Step one: Go to the pier and find somebody fishing and tell him "I'll give you $10 for the next fish you catch."

FYI: Jeff Kent has hit a grand total of 1 triple since becoming a Dodger.

287 I got it instead of I have it I echo your thuuts.

306

I assume that you left out "not" in that post or else you were just being vindictive.

thuuts? I honestly don't mean to tease you but for a second I thought you spoke Finnish.

306 Makes perfect sense to me.

This umpire seems to only have a wide strike zone for breaking pitches. A lot of fastballs that look pretty good aren't being called, but questionable breaking balls are.

I had deleted Firefox from my computer a while back because it was working well for me.

Man, remind me never to go to work for you!

311 - LOL, right.

I'd like to buy a NOT.

301, best suggestions so far. Still shopping...

Most critical thing Vin Scully has ever said?

I'm paraphrasing, but Vin just said about Ethier, "The people in the Bay Area are wondering how in the world they took Milton Bradley over this kid."

God bless Vin. "There must be people in the Bay Area who wonder, 'how in the world did we give up this kid for Milton Bradley'?"

317

Leave it be, Jon. You're practically Andrewian in your edginess.

You can never go wrong with Tuvan or Mongolian throat singing. It's very good setting the mood when you want it to be very romantic.

Damn, and I thought I was a fast transcriber. Should I retype Vin's thoughts about the beachball and the DS attendant?

Rally! A scrappy rally!

Andre Ethier's two walks are just proof that he reads Dodger Thoughts.

Jason Schmidt got into the act and he homered and it's 7-3 Giants.

It really is amazing how luck can change so switfly and plays such a role in whether a team is on a losing streak or a winning streak.

Vinnie doing his "best of" tonight.

I heard Vin say some years back, "You know, if all the Dodgers played with the same fire as Raul Mondesi... well, you know." I might be paraphrasing but it was something like that. I couldn't believe it because Vin rarely goes there.

322 Bob, have you seen Genghis Blues? You must have... Terrific doc.

Bob's fave Bajenaru has been replaced by the much less enjoyable Aquino. Don't worry, you can give an update on Tampa Bay's Zobrist next inning if you like.

324 Martin will kill this rally with a HR I am sure. :(

330

Yes, I have. Far be it from me to skip a good Tuvan throat singing documentary.

The fox is in the henhouse. Repeat: The fox is in the henhouse. Over.

314 Totally

334 - You do the math.

Lets see if Hurdle can get pitched.

OK, gameday could not cope with that chain of events.

334 Who's where when?

334,336 It's too soon to tell

330
I have seen that film as well. That guy died last year if I remember right.

321- Hardly. I deleted Firefox from my system because Opera was giving me trouble. Nobody out-edges me.

338 If that was a request for an update, Fogg got kicked out after the double switch for arguing with the ump.

340 - The (fire)fox ...

333 It's definitely one of the best in that genre.

...
So what just happened now? Fogg was leaving the game anyway, then got tossed for arguing balls and strikes? "You missed a few, you missed a few" he said. Fogg missed a few, too.

Martin is so unclutch

That pitch was there to be crushed.

Penny's hot bat continues? (fingers crossed in order to avoid jinx)

Here's where Penny makes up for Peavy's homer the other day.

close.

So that means Brad Penny sprinted to first base for nothing?

Oooooh, wow, nice catch by ["Silky"??] Sullivan on Penny's ball, Penny was robbed.

----

Why would a company name their web browser after a bad Clint Eastwood movie anyway?

351 - They always about how tired pitchers get when they have to run the base.

The odd thing about using the "Silky" nickname for Cory Sullivan is that it's not really appropriate.

Unless you thought Sullivan got a very late break on the ball.

195 Sorry, just had to comment on this one. I don't root ---for--- the Gnats, I root ---against---- the other team...that's just how I roll.

Haven't outfielders been complaining about losing the ball in the pastel seats at Dodger Stadium? Did I read that somewhere or am I hearing voices?

Sandy Koufax. I saw him live several times and the myth doesn't capture the reality.

HA! Take that, Shimmin. Jon is so edgy he can randomly exclude words from his comments.

352 - There's a browser called Pale Rider?

353.
I think he meant "they always not about how tired pitchers get".

356

Why is that an either/or proposition?

353
And then, suddenly, a spontaneous game of "Guess the Word Jon Omitted" erupted.

359 - Yes, that was another gift for you guys.

Full moon shining through my window right now.

361 He's either messing with us or drunk. I'd prefer to assume option 2.

underdog 352. Bad Clint Eastwood movie? It seemed to be about the best movie ever when I was 8. I built a lego firefox to go with my lego Airwolf and Lego Blue Thunder.

Oh, the days of renegades with billion dollar flying weapons. Where have you all gone to?

359 - Ah. The fox is in the henhouse, indeed.

352 No, no, silly man. I was of course referring to the browser "PinkCadillac".

340 I think firefox is dead to Jon??

Did anyone see last week's "It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia" with the campaign speech that Charlie wrote, revealing that he was funcitonally illiterate? That's how I feel.

Ethier obviously has been taked under the wing of Kenny Lofton. Unfortunately that is a turkey wing.

4-5-2-5

minwhile Lugo took the rookie Rokie to schoo.

Ahh, the old 4-5-2-4. I think that Sullivan still gets credit for a hit.

Some more Dodgers on Demand programming...

The Fall Guy starring Paul DePodesta
Family Matters starring Derrek Lowe
Kingman's Performance starring Dave Kingman, a Mystery Science Theater 3000-style show, with running commentary by Tommy Lasorda
Vega$, a daily recap of the Dodgers' AAA affiliate, narrated by Robert Urich
Amen, part of the "Dodger Foes" series, a weekly recap/analysis of the Colorado Rockies

And, since Charley Steiner is employed by the club let's hope they can snag footage from ESPN of Charley's ESPN commercials ("follow me to freedom", "Steiner! Come out and get your whoopin'") and Charley's recap of Carl Lewis's national anthem.

If they would have gotten Sullivan at second the world would have spun off its axis.

That kind of play (at 3rd) happened ealier the year to the Dodgers... one of the Rookies. I think Kemp.

364 Well, I confess I saw Firefox in the theater when I was a lad, it sounded cool to me. Of course, I also went to see Jaws 3-D and Halloween 3 around the same time, and sometimes ate dirt, so there you go.

wow, that was a great play by Lugo.

Pretty good throw.
Never underestimate how vulnerable we are.
I'd love a few more runs.

375

Early in the year, the Dodgers hit into a 4-6-5 DP against the Giants when Vizquel pivoted the other direction and nailed Cody Ross off of third.

That game also featured Jae Seo balking in a run when he threw a pickoff throw to James Loney standing about 20 feet off of first.

By the way, 3upn3down, if you're still browsing, have a listen to some KoKo Taylor. If the blues isn't your kind of music, you're listening to the wrong kind of music.

368 What tv shows do you watch weekly Jon? It seems like you know about every show.

375 I think it was Cody Ross.

Crazy outfield positioning ruined Lofton's chances of going to code purple on the cycle chart.

380 - I only know about the ones I watch. Most shows with initials in the title, I ignore.

379 I like your taste Andrew. I was gonna suggest some Son House, Blind Willie Johnson, Charlie Patton....if you like some ol' school blues....or Billie Holliday.....if you feel so inclined.

381
It was Cody Ross's last play as a Dodger, no less.

- K. Lofton grounded out to second, C. Ross out at third, R. Furcal out at second

April 16

Hmm, if the Dodgers held on to win today they'd only be three wins away from tying the LA Dodger record of 13. (The Brooklyn record is 15.)

Kenny was out. But that's how things are going.

But I ain't one to gossip (or jinx) so you didn't hear that from me.

That was a great slide by Lofton, whew...

Bad strategy: TJ Hooker, Magnum PI, Mayberry RFD, WKRP In Cincinnati

Next time I see Flanders, I'm going to give him a big wet smooch.

389
Furcal too?

Jeez, louise, the Giants just hit their 6th home run against Arizona's terrific pitching. Hillenbrand this time.

389 - Just proves that initialized shows aren't what they used to be.

383 Which shows do you watch?

Hey now, WKRP was a good show!

393 -- He was just saying that those shows are good and shows with initials now are bad.

390 -- Blecch. He's why we've won ten straight and we're still relegated to the dregs of the National League. Well, him and Baez. But Logan White, he's dreamy.

The Magic "WOOO!" God, I wish they would lose that commercial!!

Delayed LOL for 360.

I've gotten to know plenty of actors over the years and it's interesting how many of them talk freely about who's "good" to work with and who's a "problem."

Robert Urich ended up on a lot of good lists.

395. Come on. Another nice play. Kissy kissy!

Hard to remember in summertime. In no particular order, here are some:

Curb, Entourage, Sopranos, Big Love, Office, Earl, Lost, Grey's, It's Always Sunny, Scrubs, House, Veronica Mars, American Idol ...

The one future deficiency this D's team may have is speed. The only guy who might really scare a pitcher is Lofton. Some of the Rooks are fairly fast, but not baserunning specialists. Many will say this is unimportant, but my formative years played out when we won if we scored three runs--every time.

Uh oh, Maddux talking to Billingsley Alert. Do you think he was imparting wisdow or just chatting?

So did Maddux move into a hotel or does he have a home in Orange County?

Jos Whedon has had some very good things to say about Veronica Mars. I think I am going to pick up the first season on DVD.

Big Love turned out to be much better than I expected - though "breif nudity" really should mean something other than Bill Paxton's butt.

Hey Jon,

Quit stealing my Tivo list!

Actually, I'd take out Sopranos, House, Veronica Mars and replace with Battlestar Gallactica, Daily Show, and Colbert Report.

Curb my Enthusiasm is my all-time favorite show.

The producer who made Magnum, P.I., Donald Bellisario, makes NCIS and made JAG. I have seen every episode of all three series and I would rank NCIS and JAG over Magnum, P.I.

396 I sort of agree but then I remember....that's Magic saying that....and he can do whatever he wants..... :)

398 -- I'll give him somewhere to kiss. But it doesn't matter, because now Lugo has been acquired to take Furkel's place as "random overrated middle infielder that everyone likes but for no real good reason."

I still can't believe that the Milton Bradley trade almost got us Kirk Saarloos. And that Jay Payton is still playing outfield for the A's.

So what's with Veronica Mars? I have no idea what that show is about. Please explain? Maybe it's time I became a late adopter of the show.

397 - This probably sets me up for all sorts of abuse here, but I really enjoyed "Spenser: For Hire" during its original run.

407- Minus Ethier, what are the odds that JtD gets shipped off to Tampa?

Man, Vinnie really nonchalanted that home run call. Either he didn't think it was going out or he was just bored by the whole thing. Almost sounded like one of those homer-ish announcers, which he isn't.

I turned Bob on to Veronica Mars.

Big Love succeeded because it was much less tabloid-like than advertised. It neither shied away from nor sensationalized its topic. The characters were finely drawn.

Does M*A*S*H 4077 count as an "initialled" show?

Someone in the Dodger orginization told me that they are concearned that "there are only two guys (Lofton and Furcal) on the team who can score from 2nd on a single". That was about a month ago and may be part of why they picked up Lugo. I think it is an issue.

411 He started to say Drew plays it off the wall. Vin, for better or worse, doesn't correct himself when he errs, so when it was a homerun instead of a double off the wall he just casually called it a HR and let it go at that.

405 Bellisario's step-son was my neighbor in the dorms my first year of college. We had some rockin' parties at their mansion. The step-son eventually dropped out though, so I haven't seen him in quite a few years.

He also claims to have created the A-Team, but being screwed when the studio stole his idea or something like that.

Oh, and he did Quantum Leap also.

413 - With an asterisk.

I think people are making too much of a throwaway line of mine :)

Someone asked earlier about Nomar's contract incentive status, and I'm not sure if anyone brought it up, but he makes $6 million, plus $500k for every 25 plate apps from 400-575. He's currently at 352 PA's.

Also, here are some guys that I believe need to be added to the 40-man by December (not sure if they were mentioned earlier):

2B Tony Abreu
OF Xavier Paul

It looks like some of the bigger names for the December 2007 40-man are Scott Elbert, Cory Dunlap, Blake DeWitt, Chin Lung Hu, Justin Orenduff, and Juan Rivera.

The attendance Vin announced includes me, even though I'm not there! It's an existential puzzle.

When was the last time the Dodgers blew a late-inning lead?

417 Phew. Well, there's gotta be an exception to every rule. :)

Yeah. And what about BJ and the Bear?

420 When Baez and Hamulack were on the team.

The Dodgers led the Cardinals 2-0 in the 7th at St. Louis on July 16 and then lost in extra innings.

420 that's funny. I was just thinking when was the last complete game of a Dodger pitcher...

420 I'm not sure but I wonder if comments such as this should be treated the same as mentioning "no-hitter" while a guy is throwing a no-no? :)

I remember I used the word "no-no" on a DT thread a few years ago (2003?) and from the comments I received, I had to backpedal so much I damn near fell over.

On June 21, the Dodgers led Seattle 5-2 at home in the seventh and gave up two in the seventh and four in the eighth and lost 8-5.

And then there was that darn Sunday game in San Diego...

424 Was that the Odalis-serves-it-up-on-a-tee -to-Pujols game?

Odalis was on the ESPN highlights yesterday and it was not good.

425
The Dodgers last complete game and their only one this year was on June 22 by Derek Lowe.

On Dodgers.com, the "Draft Results" page does not list the signing date of this year's picks. Does anyone know the status of these picks?

Player (Round)
Kyle Orr (4)
Anthony D'Alessio (10)
Nicholas Akin (13)
Alex White (14)
Gorman Erickson (15)
Justin Coats (16)

[424-427-428] Okay, so I guess this subject isn't taboo after all?

When the Dodgers were in their losing streak, it was usually the starters who were bad. There weren't any leads to lose.

Mike Stanton is doing his very best to give AZ hope in the bottom of the 9th.

Mike Stanton is doing his very best to give AZ hope in the bottom of the 9th.

431

Orr - Needs a visa
D'Alessio - Won't sign
Akin - Won't sign without a lot of money
White - See above
Erickson - Don't think it makes a difference
Coats - I haven't a clue

432 I hope not. But I figure if I could affect the game, I should be earning at least $327K

D'oh, twin killing (mine, not theirs)

436 Thanks.

418 I'll agree on Estanislao and Xavier, and not just for their names. It seems like enough obsolete models could drop off to make room.
Also, are pre-deadline transactions cleared some space. But I'm not sure we are in perfect shape, and I think we should protect many of these prospects even though they are not up with this current crew. We are spoiled.
Is Dessens available?

I'd prefer Brox, with Saito if things go astray, but I fear they pitched last night.

When was the last time a Dodger catcher stole third?

Never mind.

Drew is running really well these days.

Somewhere, Joe Morgan is deeply conflicted about what just happened here.

Not that any one really cares but Silky Sulivan was a famous horse here in California. He was known for staging impossible come from behind wins(41 lengths one time). Willie Shoemaker was often his jockey.

I only know this because there is a decent little bar in Fountain Valley named after the horse(Silky Sullivan's 405 freeway at Brookhurst) and I have misspent much time there.

(Bob I did like the late breaking comment as well)

All over in AZ. 8-4 Win for SF.

Who's warming up in the bullpen?

402

I read that Maddux had a vacation home in Dana Point. don't know that he is staying there though.

444 I think that is one of the things that makes Drew such an enticing player. When healthy, he can hit for power (this year excepted), has a great eye with a high OBP (how many times have we've seen him draw a walk after a 0-2 count), play great defense, and is a great baserunner.

Does anyone else have that same invincible feeling that you had during last year's April winning streak? I hope this one works out better in the end.

Okay, folks, here's something to catch your eye. Griddle readers know by now that a Detroit minor leaguer jacked four homeruns tonight.

Now, ask yourself what the record is for the most homeruns in a minor league game. Think of the number and then check the comments. I was amazed.

Rollin' down the Imperial Highway...

Rollin', rollin', rollin'.

452 Where's the mercy rule when you need it?

451 I've got a paranoid schizophrenic feeling after watching this team win ten straight after losing 13 of 14.

Dodgers Win! Dodgers Win!

The three stars for the game:

1. Penny - Not only can he pitch, but he can hit too!
2. Kent - Welcome Back Jeff Kent.
3. Broxton - Because he came in and threw heat. 3 up, 3 down. Nice exclamation point for the game.

The Checkered Jersey arrives in Los Angeles.

451

after the Dodgers started 12-2 I was sure they were going to the World Series. I learned my lesson.

10 in arrow, my baseball love has gotten better (after loosing 8 streight) wow what a game. LOVE IT!!

458 Let's hope it is soon replaced by the yellow jersey. I've heard Floyd Landis doesn't need it anymore.

Why do Colorado fans allow Clint Hurdle to live?

I would take Hurdle over Tracy.

458 If you're tied for the WC, do you both have to wear checkered jerseys? Or do both teams have to share them, three-legged-race style?

after the Dodgers started 12-2 I was sure they were going to the World Series. I learned my lesson.

And an equally important lesson was that after losing 8 in a row in July, we were not "out of it".

442 Surely you have not forgotten Jason Philips entirely. :)

Totally off topic, but if the Dodgers decline to pick up Gagne's option can they offer him arbitration?

457 And dare I say... Kenny Lofton. 3 for 5 with a triple and a couple of runs scored.

I will not stick around to get flamed (perhaps deservedly) for praising Kenny. Good night and let's make it eleven tomorrow! Go, Maddux! Go, Dodgers!! It feels good to type those last few words. This is fun.

462 Because he's so leathery and tan.

Oh, one more thing...

465 Amen.

Why do Colorado fans allow Clint Hurdle to live?

because he bouces the ball when he's nervous! (free pass in colorado fans book)

Of course, Grittle warmed up both Saito and Broxton in a three/five run game, so I guess the sin is on both their heads.

465 What fun is being a Dodger fan if I can't fluctuate wildly between abject depression and manic elation?

Don't come selling your common sense around here!

467 I was tempted to include Lofton, but anyone who falls for the fake throw to third play is automatically eliminated from consideration.

465 -- Actually, we were, which makes this all the cooler.

446 That is an excellent piece of information. I bet many were wondering why that escaped Vin's lips.
But what does this mean. You go from not being able to win to not being able to lose.
I think the best answer is in baseball, nothing signifies.
This would mean more if someone has read Patrick Obrian's age of sail novels. If you want to spend a pleasant year start reading.
I've never seen a series of books grab people, ruin marriages, and lose jobs. They are great.

465 To be fair, if the Dodgers make the playoffs, it's their biggest comeback ever.

There are two sets of Checkered Jerseys.

472
Wasn't just you. Many others believed it. Not naming names but you'd have to be in the land of OZ to believe that.

We believed it because it was true.

So what does everyone think the chances are of Kuo starting in next year's rotation? Early to tell, I know, but if Zito and Schmidt are given ridiculous contracts, there aren't many others out there to go after.

479. By definition, it wasn't.

How was Kent player of the game over Penny? I didn't watch much of the game, but it seems like Penny's performance contributed more to the win.

Hey, it's all good. We're in it now and we are living in the land of Milk and Honey. Let's enjoy it!

Gees, in the gameday photos, Holiday looked fatter than Brox. It didn't help though, as he struck out!

Gees, in the gameday photos, Holiday looked fatter than Brox. It didn't help though, as he struck out!

405 Bellisario also produced Renegade with Lorenzo LLamas, Blacksheep Squadron, and Tales of the Golden Monkey. I liked that. As a matter of fact, I liked all his shows but I didn't like him (Like Alfred Hitchcock, he liked to make cameo appearances in most of his shows). One actor, Jeff MacKay, had continuing roles in Tales of the Golden Monkeys, BlackSheep Squadron, Jag, and two different recurring characters in Magnum. Must have been Bellisarius' favorite actor.

Not at all. You're redefining the term after the fact. It's all well and good to say it after the 10-game winning streak that we had less than a 1% chance of pulling off. We're not out of it now. We were then. Had we gone 5-5 as one could have only optimistically expected, we would be 52-60, and glad that our first round pick would be protected.

Heh, he said swagger.

479,481 We believed it because it was sensible. Baseball, however, is a maddeningly unpredictable sport.

I have driven the length of the Imperial Highway before. Just for fun.

482 Oy

Why is Lugo the designated utility guy? Even though he's a larger part of our future (and on my fantasy team), it seems Betemit should be the guy to lose more playing time.

487 When you die, will you a chance to be alive later?
Over means done, no more, no chance. Tough road and over are two different things. We had a tough road. It was not over. We were not out of it. Nobody expected a 10 game winning streak. None was needed. It's STILL only August 7th. We had tons of time and the fact that we are where we are as quickly as we are only underscores that point.

ok, ok. Semantics. Let's move on to "Thing That Happened Tonight That Illustrate Why Colorado Will Never Win Anything Ever"

1) Jason Smith looking oh so coy when he got picked off of third. I've never seen anyone that nonchalant getting a wedgie in front of 50,000 people. It takes years of practiced incompetence to look that good looking that bad.

2) Clint Hurdle using every last middle reliever and three bat-boys, then complaining in September that he has no middle relief (delayed gratification version)

3) Todd Helton's contract

I'm getting a rare overdose of Kevin Kennedy back east here. I find myself in painful agreement. He said , you got these guys who will be free agents like Lugo and Betemit, you got to get them involved for this year.
But why did we get here?

Oh well, we do well with draft picks, so why"complain".

492 - Betemit's outhitting Lugo, so why?

491- I'm definitely not complaining about the win, but even Vin seemed like he was expecting Penny to be player of the game.

8 IP 5 H 2 R 0 BB 4 K
1-3 2B RBI

Kent failed to reach base in 3 out of 5 at bats.

Seriously, both had great games, but Penny pitched 8 quality innings. When's the last time a Dodger pitcher has done that (probably Penny)?

I'm definitely rooting for Kent. If performs well, the Dodgers have a better chance of winning. It also increases the likelihood that Ned will be able to unload his gigantic contract in the offseason.

494. Purple uniforms.

ricky ledee claimed on waivers by the mets.

Heh, a lot of people finally got their wish, Ledee was claimed off waivers by the Mets.

Hmmm... Ledee claimed off waivers by the Mets.

Yawn. Hmm.

according to the post game ricky claimed by the mets. not sure sure what dodgers will get in return.

10 in a row and the beard grows another couple milimeters more. Remember, no shaving until the Dodgers lose. vr, Xei

Now you've answered. I'm contractually obligated to re-answer. We actually did need a ten-game winning streak. We needed to pass eight teams by improving our play almost 200 percentage points over the last sixty games of the season. We needed the kind of inside, less than one percent chance, straight that a ten-game winning streak provided. We got it. You're happy. I'm happy. Sort of. We still traded Guzman for a useless middle infielder. But I'm happy. I just don't think that it's as easy as just saying "Of course it wasn't over." We beat tremendous odds and all we're debating is whether that 3% is defined as "over" or not. We're never going to agree on that point, but I like you anyway, because you stand up for Kenny Lofton in an intelligent way even when people give you crap, and I know how that feels.

Ah, we got nothing for Ricky Leedee, but we may survive this whole season, for we had so much extra material. But a poor team would have got so much more for what we gave up that it makes one wonder.

497 Betemit is slightly outhitting Lugo since they both joined the Dodgers, but Lugo's stats are better in every stat except slugging on the year.

If Lugo gets one inning of Betemit's playing time, I will be carrying an extremely large torch, and possibly a bayonet.

Houlton update: After another nice start, Houlton continues to look very strong after his change in delivery.
Before: 106 IP, 6.20 ERA, 10.19 H/9, 1.78 HR/9, 3.91 BB/9, 7.30 K/9
After: 30.2 IP, 3.52 ERA, 7.04 H/9, 0.29 HR/9, 2.64 BB/9, 6.75 K/9
Today's lackluster K outing (4 in 7 IP), hurt his post-change K rate, but he still managed to throw 7 shutout innings while walking no one.

Lofton and Kent had to be pretty even with both having a 1.60 OPS for the game. Lofton had a better OBP, he also had two steals but was picked off once. Probably a toss up on offense. Penny probably had a slightly better game than both, but any of the three could've been player of the game. vr, Xei

508 Better defense, better baserunning, better OPS, way more steals, what else do you want?

It's not like Betemit sitting a few days a week will stunt his growth.

508- How would you go about affixing a bayonet to the end of a torch? Is this some kind of magic, vertical torch?

505. Not sure how you believe that we needed to win 10 in a row but I think I've made my point. Glad we're on friendly terms because I'd hate to be on your bad side ;)
We're all good. Hopefully all Dodger fans are feeling good. No matter what happens from here on out, we all better enjoy times like this.

what else do you want?

Playing time for the guy who's going to be on the team next year.

Better defense, better baserunning, better OPS, way more steals, what else do you want?

Arguable, don't care, questionable, don't care, Guzman back.

507 - Slightly? Not that it matters, but Betemit's OPS is more than 200 points higher than Lugo's. Beyond that, I'm just having trouble buying that Lugo is a better hitter.

Both have fielded well for the Dodgers.

504- too late, I've shaved 9-10 times during the streak. I can't let it grow right now, at least not until I get back to school.

Ledee was claimed off waivers, once the Met claim was accepted aren't the Dodgers able to get something back. I understand about the roster spot being needed once Nomar comes back.

I like backup drones to have complimentary skills to primaries (why I liked Iz over Lugo,Bet.)
At least having Leedees good bat in NY. may sting the Yanks a bit. That should always lift a D's fan.

517. Hopefully, somebody besides me has offset your 9 or 10 shaves with 10+ days of non shaves. vr, Xei

I'm sure someone will correct me if I'm wrong (Bob, where are you?) but I believe if the Mets claimed him, they just take him and pay his salary. It would only be if we took him back off waivers that we could then trade him to the Mets (and only the Mets).

So, assuming 6 games per week, how does everyone want to see the playing time split up?

Personally, I'd go:
Nomar - 5
Kent - 5
Ethier - 6
Furcal - 5
Lugo - 5
Betemit - 4
Drew - 5
Lofton - 4
Repko - 1
Loney - 2

Playing time for the guy who's going to be on the team next year.

I had this vision you were talking about Lugo, and turned the bayonet on myself.

July 14th LA Times:

Manager Grady Little is eager to regain the services of Ledee, who would fill a need by giving the Dodgers a potent left-handed pinch-hitter.

Also this one:

Little said Cruz's spot is safe and that struggling rookie outfielder Matt Kemp won't be sent to triple A.

My, things change.

So, we're down to four outfielders now, right?

This Repko character better be worth it.

Is Nomar returning tomorrow?

518. I think the Dodgers can work out a trade, let him go for nothing or pull him back off of waivers. Griddle had a great summary about how waivers worked today, I recommend checking it out. Might have to scroll back a few posts as Bob tends to have quite alot of daily entries. vr, Xei

518

right. ok so he is claimed off waivers and the dodgers let him go.

The dodgers had a option to pull him back off waivers once he was claimed but chose not to do so?

525 Loney can play OF.

512 -- Do you doubt that I can attach a bayonet to a torch?

Lugo's the new fourth outfielder (assuming Repko is the fifth). For reasons that surpass understanding.

522. 6 times 8 = 48 right? In that case, I will go with.

Ethier-48

vr, Xei

529 Is this play in the sense that he can stand where J.D. Drew usually stands, or is he actually good? Real question.

I'm trying to figure out where the Nomar-5 part comes from.

There's a link on the sidebar about how waivers works.

The most recent post about waivers is a jovial one.

505-Actually Steve, an inside straight is roughly 10% to hit on the river. A more appropriate analogy would be hitting a 4 of a kind to beat a higher set (2.5%) or getting a flush when you both old unsuited A-K (about 2%). But I get where you're going with it.

533 He was playing OF in Las Vegas. So he can do more than stand around, but I have no idea how good he was.

536
I trust those probabilities are for entertainment purposes only...

Look you sillyhearts...

536 -- If you say so. Now, about Nomar...

538-That goes without saying.

Why do I always get the feeling Lofton's about to go Barbaro when he's halfway between 2nd and 3rd on a triple?

Loney had numerous OF assists and most reports I heard about his OF defense were positive. Runners under estimated his arm, so that explains the assists.

543- Loney has a great arm. He was a pitcher in high school who could crank it up to low to the low 90s. Most teams scouted him as a pitcher, but the Dodgers decided to make him into a first baseman. He probably doesn't have the speed to be a good defensive outfielder. He's about as fast as Pat Burrell.

Ok Bob, aka-Mr Streak. How about a list of the Dodgers longest losing streaks and where this one compares with them. Thanks.
vr, Xei

545. Make that winning streaks! yikes!!
vr, Xei

I wonder what is the fastest in baseball history a team has gone from last place to a playoff spot? The Dodgers were in last on the morning of August 1 and were the Wild Card leaders on the evening on August 7.

547
Probably happens faster really early in the year.

Why don't we just leave Loney at first and get an American Airlines 2 for 1 pack for Lugo and Ledee?

The longest winning streaks in L.A. have been 13 in 1962 and 1965. The one in 1965 happened at about the same time the Giants had a 14-game winning streak.

550. With Colorado for three more and the "no shaving" anti-jinx working like a charm we could see 13 with the Hated 1s headed to town. Wouldn't that be something. Keep up the good work. At ease!!
vr, Xei

FSN just showed a live shot of downtown San Diego. Looked like a large quantity of people shaking in their boots. vr, Xei

Bash on Lugo all you want.. the guy made 2 great defensive plays tonight and has been solid with the glove. I doubt he will hit .200 the rest of the year but worse things have happened.

553. If Lugo's primary position is going to be in the outfield now, especially with Nomar's upcoming return then a weak bat will stick out even more. I'm not saying he is a weak hitter at this point, just that there will be more pressure on him to produce as an OFer. vr, Xei

554
Having a weak bat has never kept K-Lo out of the OF...

555. True, won't argue with you there. But with Repko hurt most of the season and Kemp in the minors most of the season who would you have played ahead of him?
1-2. Drew, Ethier.
3-Lofton?
4-Cruz?

I think the job was Kemp's to win, but he obviously needed to work some things out in the minors where he could play every day.
vr, Xei

556
I would have probably played Cruz vs. lefties and Lofton vs. righties. In fact, I'm kinda shocked Grittle didn't do that...Seems kinda obvious...

555 Despite his low OPS, I don't think I would call someone hitting .300 as having a weak bat.

558. Well, what's more important?
OPS or batting average?
Perhaps weak isn't the most accurate terminology. How about hollow.
vr, Xei

Perhaps hollow is more appropriate. :)

I just think unless you are the Yankees you are not going to have a lineup full of .800+ OPS hitters. Relatively speaking, a .300 hitter for a not-quite-full time player is not a bad.

555 Yeah, I think you got that backwards D - having a weak glove hasn't kept Lofton out of the line-up. ;-) I wouldn't question his hitting overall this season... his ability to judge flyballs however may be another matter.

It is far better that this particular Stockholm Syndrome is so pleasant. Nevertheless, nothing will save the Lugo trade, and certainly not by continuing to pretend that he is actually as advertised, just as with the Cuban Missile Crisis and Hendrickson before him. Of course, even if he was advertised, it wouldn't save the Lugo trade, all the more reason...not to make it.

Rag on Lofton for his defense, and I won't say a word. But for cryin' out loud, folks, he's hitting .300, he's 18-21 in SB, he's got 9 triples this year, and he's 4th on the team in runs scored with 49. He's been a welcome addition on offense.

Lighten up!

even if he was as advertised, etc.

On a lighter note, a less than serious explanation of the waiver process....

http://www.mcsweeneys.net/links/fantasybball/7waivertradesexplained.html

Nevertheless, nothing will save the Lugo trade
If the Dodgers win a championship this year, I'd say the trade was worth.

Ned needs to figure out how he can trade Jeff Kent to the Devil Rays for Carl Crawford. So far, I've come up with 2 possible ways.
1. Get their GM really drunk
2. Point a gun to his head

566
3. Make him feel really guilty about the previous trades

563. Lofton is 5th among Dodger outfielders in OPS counting Ethier, Drew, Repko and Kemp. His base stealing is like nice touch up paint on a cracked wall to me. His runs are a function of where he bats in a lineup that was leading the NL in runs scored for a large chunk of the season. Yeah, he's not killing the team and he is a decent backup outfielder. I have no problem with him holding a roster spot on the team and wish him success as long as he is a Dodger. Ok, I will try to lighten up now. :)
vr, Xei

If the Dodgers win a championship this year, I'd say the trade was worth.

Absolutely not. In fact, the streak is the best example of the uselessness of the Lugo trade. The first three games of it came before he was even here. Since then, he's OPSing 590. Sample size, yes, but then the entire premise of the trade was that he would play for three weeks and then...um...well...we'd figure out a place for him. So we're essentially one-third of the way into the Lugo trade, and he's useless. None of that justifies what we gave up, and it never will. If we won a championship, it would only underscore why such trades are futile.

The very nature of the trade renders it highly suspicious, and Roy Smith as much as comes out on ItD and says that they pulled the trigger to keep him from some unnamed National League West team. That, and the fact that he can score from second on a single, are not sufficient reasons to watch him regress to the mean for three weeks in a Dodger uniform.

It does, however, justify Ned Colleti's ego, which is all this exercise is about anyway.

Bob always says I misspell things when I'm upset.

571
theengs? thyngs? thingz?

It does, however, justify Ned Colleti's ego, which is all this exercise is about anyway

"Lugo my ego"

Yeah, Lugo's weak. That's why he has 12 home runs. Only Nomar can say that he's hit at least that many this year. Oh, and Steve, make a ritual of it and we can call it sepukku. And Xeifrank, that depends. Is he hitting cleanup? Or leadoff? And can he steal bases and so turn that single or walk into a double? Why anyone would use OPS for a leadoff hitter, which is what Lugo was, simply defies rational comprehension. Leadoff hitter means OBP and stolen bases. But if we wanted to look at OPS and not OBP, let's see, Lugo's career OPS is higher than Lou Brock's. Higher than Davey Lopes' as well. Oh, and don't think of Lugo's '06 numbers with the DRays as "contract numbers" since that won't explain '05.

Sorry, back to the idiocy of OPS for a leadoff hitter:

http://keith.baseballevolution.com/podsednik.html

93 -- Must have been 1963, then...

(I was gone for a few hundred postings -- had a meeting, then watched the Bronco World Series in Monterey.)

Not sure if this was posted, so sorry if it has. Live chat w/ Roy. From ITD:
Want to find out more from Roy? Be sure to take part in the live web chat tomorrow (Tuesday) at 2 p.m. at dodgers.com

Is there a team in baseball that has sent 2 bench players as good as Cruz and Ledee (relatively speaking, of course) and received nothing in return?

Did anyone read the article in the LA Times about the guy who created girls gone wild?
http://tinyurl.com/ejum8

WARNING, it's a pretty graphic article. This guy is a pathetic human being.

To borrow from SI, this week's sign of the coming apocalypse, to wit, a Giants' fan agrees with me:

"Re: Julio Lugo
I was thinking they were going to move nomar to 3rd since hes already played there (when hes healthy obviously) and kent to first, and having lugo play 2nd which is an easy transition from short.
*
by Azmanz on Mon Jul 31, 2006 at 08:26:15 PM EST"

See: http://www.mccoveychronicles.com/story/2006/7/31/16397/9796

And on that same page, well, one Giant fan even respects Ned:

"Hate the Dodgers, but think these are all good deals. They get help now and later.

Wish they had hired Saybean instead of Colletti."

Mornin' all. Just an update, Ricky Ledee is on the way to the Mets on the waiver wire. I'm supposing this is to open up a roster slot for Nomar's return.

352 I think the browser was named after the good Craig Thomas book, not the bad Clint Eastwood movie. When I was kid and my family was on vacation somewhere, my dad was reading that book. I picked it up when he was halfway through and read the first few pages and told him I wanted to read it when he was done. And to my utter shock and amazement, he just ripped the book in half and gave me the beginning.

It was only a cheapie paperback, but I would never do such a thing.

And on another note, how can spy novels survive without the Cold War?

--------

I know it's poor taste and all, but this really made me laugh: "Big Love turned out to be much better than I expected - though "breif nudity" really should mean something other than Bill Paxton's butt."

----------

Tied with the Reds. Wow.

All i gotta say is pitching, pitching, pitching, pitching, pitching, pitching, pitching, pitching.

This 10 game winning streak is because of pitching.

Hendrickson both times he's pitched in this winning streak has gotten lucky tho.

579. I don't mean to be rude, but I have to ask, what does it matter if a Giant fan agrees with you about this? There are people on this board who agree with you and quoting a Giant fan that respects Ned really means nothing, especially since the quotes you posted are not great arguments anyway.

So we traded JtD for a shortstop we didn't need, who will turn into a sixth infielder next year that will cost us $5M or an extra draft choice that will cost us $2M and will have a 10% chance of ever reaching the majors. I'd rather have JtD, even on the bench or in Las Vegas. He could have had a lot of trade value next summer.

580 - See 500, 501, 502, 518, etc. You don't have to read all the comments, but if you're going to post news updates, you might want to :)

While at the game last night after the 3rd great play by the infield saving Penny 3 hits in 3 innings it struck me that this infield is every bit as good as the 2004 infield. I wonder if the folks who follow the game via gameday have any appreciation for how good the defense has been since the streak began and the combo's of Loney/Lugo/Furca/Betemit and Kent/Lugo/Furcal/Betemit all seem to be Hoovers right now which is helping the pitching.

While at the game last night after the 3rd great play by the infield saving Penny 3 hits in 3 innings it struck me that this infield is every bit as good as the 2004 infield. I wonder if the folks who follow the game via gameday have any appreciation for how good the defense has been since the streak began

Eyes are decieving.
Any proof that those guys are any better than lets say nomar/kent/furcal/aybar?
Or nomar/kent/furcal/betemit?
Or whoever?
Or did they actually save penny 3 hits, or did penny just do a good job of pitching?
Or would those 3 hits have cost the dodgers any run, and if so, would it have cost the dodgers the game?

My point is that there is no legit stat for defense and that there has to be a huge "eye catching" difference in defense to affect the outcome of the game.

586. So dumping Izturis has made the defense better?

Thats fascinating.

When Lugo replaced Izzy on the roster, its as if Lugo became Izturis.

A high OPS as a leadoff hitter is stupid? Let's see, OPS correlates to runs scored more than OBP, SLG, AVG and by a long shot stolen bases. Then there is the thing about lineup construction and how much it really doesn't matter. I better stop here, good thing Steve and I went to bed before the McCovey Chronicles reference was made. :)
vr, Xei

When Lugo replaced Izzy on the roster, its as if Lugo became Izturis.

214/313/286/599

It think you have a valid point there.

586 I wonder if the folks who follow the game via gameday....

LOL

591 Sample size my friend. Enjoy this streak while it lasts. It won't last 4ever.

Is it ironic to anyone else that the keepers of the flame of the Small Sample-Size Hating Society are busting out stats about Lugo after 28 at-bats? Are the 289 he had with TB this year totally irrelevant in your minds?

I agree about OBP being more important for leadoff hitters than OPS, especially in the NL when they're normally following the pitcher. You can show me as many crazy articles as you want, I still believe in line-up construction unless a team has an unlimited payroll. Would anyone here really choose Craig Monroe (.818 OPS/.311 OBP) over Ichiro (.801 OPS/.383 OBP) as your leadoff man?

Dear Gameday followers,

Please stop hurting America. Thanks.

Your friend,
Jon Stewart

And we have convergence

Is it ironic to anyone else that the keepers of the flame of the Small Sample-Size Hating Society are busting out stats about Lugo after 28 at-bats? Are the 289 he had with TB this year totally irrelevant in your minds?

No, not at all.
Just like his career stats are not irrelevant.

594- In the very narrow point that Lugo only has a reason for existing until Nomar comes back, the small sample size is all that's relevant. If he becomes the starting CF, then that he actually is a decent ball player becomes relevant. But, if he really is a two week fill in, it doesn't matter for the same reason the marginal difference between Hall and Navarro didn't really matter.

MB31 wakes up saying "pitching,pitching,pitching" and I agree.That is focus.
I wouldn't be surprised if all this unneccessary(IMO) shuffling causes are rate of double plays to go down for a while.

Nice little meditation on Livan, if you go in for that sort of thing.

http://tinyurl.com/zsuqn

are>our etc.

In his "Daily Scoop" column at CNNSI, John Heyman says that Drew likely won't exercise his opt-out clause. I'm guessing that he's basing his statement on common sense/statistics rather than inside info.

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2006/writers/jon_heyman/08/08/rangers.astros/2.html

594 Like mentioned above, OPS isn't the best stat since it gives too much weight to slugging.

But, if you ordered your lineup by something that gives on base it's proper due, like say 3x on base+slug, you'd probably have the optimal lineup.

On base is more important than slug for all hitters, not just lead off.

603 So, using your formula, do you put the guy with the highest OBPx3+slugging leadoff, followed by the second second, third third, et alia?

604 I meant "alii", of course.

Sam, quick question, who will take Livan's spot in the Nat's rotation? I'm in an NL only fantasy baseball league. Thanks.

606 -- Team hasn't said for sure. Two AAA New Orleans pitchers Steve Watkins and Jason Bergmann have been mentioned as possibles.

607 - Thanks a lot!!

What does everyone think about Ledee being traded?

I have a bit of a problem with it. He was a solid lefty off the bench.

592. Yes, let's laugh at the people who don't live in the area and can't watch all of the games. I'm getting a little sick of yours and Toy Cannon's high-handedness about people who follow the game via gameday. Every other day it's little digs from you two and a few others, and it is quite disconcerting.

sweet, sweet convergence

I think more research needs to be looked at to determine if OBP is 3x more valuable than SLG'ing.

If OPS has a higher correlation to scoring runs than OBP does (and I've seen studies that suggest this to be true), then shouldnt OBP be at the very least less than 3x more important than SLG?

They may not be equal, but if it was true that OBP was 3x higher correlated, then OPS would not be a very useful stat. However, most studies show it to be the most important stat when evaluating runs created.

609. He wasnt traded. He was released. Same with Jose Cruz Jr.

Is the GM just being lazy when he cant at least get back anything for those guys?

I mean, how can he get something at least usefull (at a minor league level) for Sandy Alomer, but then just dump Cruz/Ledee in the trash?

612 Moneyball mentioned that 3 x OBP + SLG had the greatest correlation to runs scored, according to an unnamed San Diego Executive, formerly with Oakland.

604 Yep. Getting your best players as many at bats as possible is apparently the optimal strategy, but I don't really agree with it.

Ledee was not released. He was not traded. He was claimed off of waivers. The Mets assume Ledee's contract.

613 Neddie seems to be getting rid of as many of the previous regimes players as possible. The scrubby ones anyways.

610. I don't live in the area. It seems to me shelling out about $150 to see your team play most all games is a worthwhile investment.

612
I don't think you've done the math correctly. Say, for example, that OBP and SLG together explain 80% of the variation in Runs Scored. If OBP is 3X as valuable as SLG, then OBP would explain 60% of the variation, and SLG would explain 20%. Thus,

OPS: explains 80%
OBP: 60%
SLG: 20%

So I assume Ned says "what will you give us for him?", and Omar says "Nothing, you can keep him if you want something for him." Then Ned scratches his head, thinks for a minute, and decides he'd rather dump the contract and free up the roster spot?

I guess the idea is to get rid of him when you have the opportunity.

617. Ah, so we're only laughing at the people who can't afford $150 or can't afford cable to be able to have the opportunity to shell out $150. Even better.

620. I'm not laughing. It's just that $150 seems like chump change to me. I just spent roughly $1000 in Cincinnati.

I can't imagine we're going to have a productive discussion if people attach dollar values to people's opinions.

Wouldn't be America without the class warfare.

Not-so-great lessons in winning friends and influencing people going on here this morning.

New post up top.

621. Good for you, but I honestly don't see the point of laughing at people who can't afford the $150. It's not chump change to everyone, like me.

618-- Yeah I guess it could be that. I just think SLG'ing would have to be worth more than 20%.

Maybe someone will regress SLG'ing vs Runs, OBP vs Runs, and OPS vs Runs and compare the R-squares of each.

Xeifrank:

Haven't been here long enough to know whether anyone ever goes back to read prior posts, but you said above:

"A high OPS as a leadoff hitter is stupid? Let's see, OPS correlates to runs scored more than OBP, SLG, AVG and by a long shot stolen bases. Then there is the thing about lineup construction and how much it really doesn't matter. I better stop here, good thing Steve and I went to bed before the McCovey Chronicles reference was made. :)"

Did you read the article on Podsednik and OPS that I posted? At the time of that writing, Podsednik was 8th on the CWS in OPS but was 2nd in runs scored. So, you said something about OPS being the premium correlate [as it were] re runs scored? Probably explains why Mark Twain said something about human experience inculcating no more valuable and/or salient lesson than that one should never trust the so-called expert. Either that, or Mr. Podsednik is a living statistical anomaly.

I would simply prefer that we think of OBP as the creation of baserunners and SLG as the moving of those baserunners into scoring position, which can include the scoring itself. As you can imagine, the ideal is what more than a few have become so overly enamored with, the homerun, in which circumstance we have Steve's rather complete and total "convergence." All I will otherwise report in this regard is that George Will report appearing in Ken Burns' Baseball, wherein Mr. Will reports, re Bad Henry, that the word in the Dodger clubhouse once was, make sure that no one's on when Bad Henry hits it out. And so we need both those who can create baserunners, and those who, if all goes well, will plate those baserunners and themselves with a single swing of the bat. Sorry, one more, re lineup composition, well, don't we want our best hitters, i.e., our OBP and SLG guys, to be the ones having the most ABs for the year? And going back to Mr. Will, isn't it the circumstance that Bad Henry would rather have the single before and not after his homer? And not that it matters, but I didn't see any Hall of Famers on the Prospectus site, so if they say any different, then please kindly tell them for me that they need talk with Don and Sandy re Bad Henry, and about whether it mattered that some might have been on base when Bad Henry dropped his hammer.