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About Jon
Thank You For Not ...

1) using profanity or any euphemisms for profanity
2) personally attacking other commenters
3) baiting other commenters
4) arguing for the sake of arguing
5) discussing politics
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Farewell, Clem Labine
2007-03-02 07:37
by Jon Weisman

"Clem Labine was one of the main reasons the Dodgers won it all in 1955. He had the heart of a lion and the intelligence of a wily fox…and he was a nice guy, too. He will be truly missed by all who knew him."

- Vin Scully

The Dodgers public relations department passed along the news that Labine died this morning. Labine had been hospitalized since Feb. 13 and had brain surgery earlier this week, according to Steve Henson of the Times.

Labine had a 2.20 ERA in his rookie season - that wild 1951 ride for the Dodgers. All but 38 of his 513 career games were in relief, and he finished his career with a 111 ERA+. In World Series play for the Dodgers, Labine had a 1.65 ERA in 27 1/3 innings over 10 games, including 12 shutout innings in 1956 (keyed by his 10-inning, 1-0 win in Game 6, the day after Don Larsen's perfect game).

On back-to-back days during the Dodgers' first World Series triumph in 1955, October 1 and 2, Labine pitched 4 1/3 innings in relief to get the Game 4 victory, retiring 11 of the final 12 batters (that game tied the series, 2-2), then came back to get a three-inning save in which he allowed a Yogi Berra solo homer but induced two double-plays to preserve a 4-3 Dodger win.

Update: According to Ken Gurnick at MLB.com, Labine once retired future Hall of Famer Stan Musial 49 consecutive times. Henson also has more.

Update 2; When Labine shut out the Yankees in Game 6 of the 1956 World Series, he batted for himself leading off the bottom of the 10th inning. He popped out, but later in the inning Jackie Robinson drove in the game-winning run - the Dodgers' first run in 19 innings.

Comments (200)
Show/Hide Comments 1-50
2007-03-02 07:43:42
1.   Gen3Blue
Good-bye Clem. One of the "Boys" and a great one at that.
2007-03-02 07:56:45
2.   Xeifrank
Still a couple of openings in both the Friends of Dodger Thoughts Roto and H2H 5x5 fantasy basebal leagues. Email me if you'd like to join us. vr, Xei
xeifrank@yahoo.com
2007-03-02 08:15:41
3.   Bob Timmermann
Clem Labine designed his own line of sports wear in his spare time.
2007-03-02 08:18:06
4.   Bob Timmermann
Correcting myself from last night:

dan reines went to Cal, not USC. My apologies. There is a hardcore Trojans hoops fan among us who has nice seats at the Galen Center.

Also, Washington State did not clinch second. USC would finish second in a tie against WSU because they beat Oregon twice, while WSU lost to the Ducks twice.

2007-03-02 08:23:18
5.   godvls
ASU was the first school to clinch their position in the Pac 10 standings!
2007-03-02 08:42:53
6.   D4P
PS: I hate the "Geico cavemen"...
2007-03-02 09:10:50
7.   Indiana Jon
I love the caveman. He reminds me of my co-workers.
2007-03-02 09:36:41
8.   Benaiah
I think the cavemen are brilliant. It is a little understated, one of the commercials is driven just by the acting and the song, with no dialogue, which is a rarity in the beat you over the head ad agency. Plus, I just like companies that go for entertainment and only tangential product pushing.
2007-03-02 09:37:08
9.   caseybarker
Cavemen are such a dramatic bunch!
2007-03-02 09:39:11
10.   Bob Timmermann
5
I will root for the Sun Devils Wednesday night!

Someone has to.

2007-03-02 09:42:36
11.   D4P
Plus, I just like companies that go for entertainment and only tangential product pushing

That's all well and good, but I pity the poor fool who actually get duped by such a transparent gambit.

2007-03-02 09:50:44
12.   Benaiah
11 - Why? I mean, I don't see what is wrong with buying Gieco because you need car insurance and that is the first name that pops into your head. It isn't really a gambit, it is pretty explicit that they are trying to sell insurance.

Those commercials in particular are interesting because the message of the commercial ("Gieco.com is easy to use") is hidden behind a weird look at political correctness. Sure it is a straw man to use cavemen as the offended party, but imagine if the commercial was "So easy black people can use it." Further, the caveman is the hero of the commercial (if slightly clownish also) while Gieco itself is the offender, and society at large is patronizing. I find all of that a pretty interesting way to sell car insurance.

2007-03-02 09:51:28
13.   Bob Timmermann
The DH will be used in today's game according to Tony Jackson despite the fact that two NL teams are playing.
2007-03-02 09:56:59
14.   ToyCannon
Hate must be the most overused word in the 21st century and now we have bold hate.

10
My new co-worker is a ASU grad and a huge Dodger fan. First time in 25 years where I walked into an office and actually met a devoted and intelligent Dodger fan.

2007-03-02 10:05:52
15.   Landonkk
Does anybody here want game updates? I'm bored at work and can do it..
2007-03-02 10:05:53
16.   Jon Weisman
I think there's kind of a quiet sweetness to the caveman ads. Whether they are good fodder for a TV series, I don't know - it'll just depend on the execution.
2007-03-02 10:07:42
17.   caseybarker
...A caveman TV series? Brilliant!
2007-03-02 10:09:10
18.   caseybarker
After that hugely popular dinosaur series in the 1990's--the one about the family of dinosaurs--why not.
2007-03-02 10:10:58
19.   ToyCannon
The Musial stat is amazing. That is almost two no-hitters worth of pitching against maybe the greatest NL LH hitter in history pre Bonds.
2007-03-02 10:13:27
20.   Landonkk
Schmidt pitching for LA

Felipe Lopez - ground out to 1B (Garciaparra) 1 out.

D'Angelo Jimenez - BB

Ryan Zimmerman - Pop out to SS (Valdez) 1 out.

Austin Kearns - K looking.

Middle 1st, Nats 0 Dodgers 0

Stop me if I am cluttering things..

2007-03-02 10:15:17
21.   ToyCannon
Daily News had a great article on prep baseball. The Chatsworth team should be loaded. Wouldn't be surprised to see Dominguez and Moustakas playing ML baseball someday. Saw Dominguez hit a homerun at DS as a sophmore.

Other interesting tidbits:
Nicolai Bonds playing at Crespi along with Matt Scoscia.

Gavin McCourt at Harvard-Westlake. Just a sophmore. Have no idea if he's starting but if he is that would be impressive.

2007-03-02 10:15:20
22.   still bevens
I cant believe the horror show that is the Nationals' pitching staff. What in God's name was Bowden doing at the trade deadline when he kept Soriano??
2007-03-02 10:15:20
23.   adraymond
20
The updates are appreciated. For the life of me, I can't find a way to follow the action for free.
2007-03-02 10:17:12
24.   caseybarker
Isn't Bret Saberhagen the coach at Chatsworth? It amazes me how serious some of the high-school teams are in SoCal.
2007-03-02 10:17:41
25.   Jon Weisman
21 - There's an article in the Daily Breeze (I think) today about Eric Karros' stepdaughter being a star volleyball player or some such.
2007-03-02 10:19:11
26.   D4P
I bold hate the "Geico cavemen"
2007-03-02 10:21:56
27.   Landonkk
Shawn Hill on the mound for WAS

Wilson Valdez - chopper to short, high throw by Jimenez, E6. (steals second, high throw by Schneider)

Pierre - line drive base hit to center, Valdez scores. (advances to second on WP)

Nomar - ground out to second. Pierre to 3rd. 1 out.

Kent - ground out to short. Pierre scores. 2 out.

Gonzales - ground out to first.

End of 1, Nats 0 Dodgers 2

2007-03-02 10:23:44
28.   Benaiah
22 - Bowden is the biggest clown in professional baseball. I don't understand the approach to the trade deadline where you hold all contenders hostage for a player you can't keep. Sure, Soriano was valuable, but as far as most teams were concerned the best case scenario was that their competitors didn't get him. The Nats meanwhile, HAD to sell him. So Bowden prices Soriano out of the market, and everyone wins except DC baseball fans. Even looking at keeping Soriano as a guaranteed two draft picks, those picks won't mature for 3-4 years, if ever, there seems to be more reward and less risk to trading him. Bowden was drunk at the wheel...
2007-03-02 10:28:04
29.   ToyCannon
Other then not trading Soriano he had a good year last year. Not many GM's can pickup a starting 2nd and RF for spare bullpen parts. Then snag two nice prospects for an overpriced 2nd baseman who can only DH at this stage of his career.
2007-03-02 10:29:51
30.   Landonkk
Ryan Church - Double to the gap in right-center.

Alex Escobar - blooper drops in front of a diving Pierre, Ethier catches Escobar trying to take second. 1 out. Church to third.

Brian Schneider - BB

Larry Broadway - 1-4-6-3 DP (tipped off Schmidt's glove)

Middle 2, Nationals 0 Dodgers 2

2007-03-02 10:30:36
31.   Johnson
Is Schmidt scheduled to go over 2 innings today, or is he done?
2007-03-02 10:33:29
32.   Bumsrap
But, but the Nationals need pitching. Isn't that a good thing.

Betemit, Penny, Hindrickson, Tomko, Zimmerman, all interesting thoughts.

2007-03-02 10:33:30
33.   Johnson
To answer my own question, sounds like he's done and Hendrickson is on tap next.
2007-03-02 10:34:18
34.   Xeifrank
I think we need to thank the Nats for winning that series at the end of the year against the Phillies. It took some pressure off the Dodgers in that last series vs the Giants. That's the only positive thing I can say about Nats baseball at this moment. vr, Xei
2007-03-02 10:34:32
35.   still bevens
Hendrickson is warming up so I think Schmidt is done.
2007-03-02 10:34:54
36.   Bumsrap
30 Alex Escobar - blooper drops in front of a diving Pierre

Is Pierre ok?

2007-03-02 10:34:57
37.   Benaiah
Schmidt is a little wild today huh? 2 BB, two hits, and one K in 2 innings. Is he getting behind on people, or nibbling or what?
2007-03-02 10:35:15
38.   Steve
I was hoping Clem Labine would win Hendrickson's spot on the roster.
2007-03-02 10:36:17
39.   CanuckDodger
Landonkk, thanks for doing the game updates. I really appreciate it. If it isn't too much trouble, please pass along any comments that are made about our young players. I especially want to hear anything said about Greg Miller, when he pitches. Again, thanks.
2007-03-02 10:36:30
40.   Landonkk
Bottom 2nd

Betemit - ground out to second. 1 out.

Lieberthal (DH) - ground out back to the box. 2 out.

Ethier - ground ball base hit to right.

Ken Huckaby - bloop fly back to the box.

End 2, nationals 0 Dodgers 2

2007-03-02 10:38:10
41.   Bumsrap
bloop fly back to the box
2007-03-02 10:46:07
42.   Steve
Back to the hypnotist. Cluck like a chicken.
2007-03-02 10:46:13
43.   still bevens
Hendrickson is not making a strong case for the starting job at the moment.
2007-03-02 10:47:48
44.   CanuckDodger
43 -- Hooray.
2007-03-02 10:49:45
45.   still bevens
Poor gigantic man is getting no support from our boy, Wilson Valdez. Guess his long shot bid for the shortstop job is also looking dim. =)
2007-03-02 10:50:23
46.   Charenton
New Ken Rosenthal article @dickchaneysports.com

On the implications of Furcal and Pierre at the top of the line-up.
-----
While Rosenthal gently refers to the folly of the Pierre signing,
he tries to look at the (potential)upside of the situation.
--------
Shouldn't Dodger fans…
( DTer's are essentially Dodger fans(?) )
(or are they all transplanted boobirds from Philadelphia ?)
…be taking that attitude in the month of March, rather than spreading negativity like a contagious disease(?).
If the month of June comes along and Juan's dragging the team down, then that would be the time to insist that he and his 44 million take a seat on the bench.
I hope that you all go and cheer him on for the entire month of April…
And who knows maybe Rosenthal's rosy scenario might come to pass…
--------
It's funny but the 3 most maligned Dodgers on this site happen to be the only 3 who have been players on World Series winning teams.
(Nomar, of course doesn't count even though he got a share in 2004…)
And I agree with most of the very logically argued DT critiques of these 3 players, but isn't it now time to cheer them on : they're "our bums"!
--------
If "our teammate Juan"
(and he is "our teammate" on "our team")
read this blog
(I sure hope he is not even aware of DT's existence)
he'd probably have to see a psychologist specializing in "A-Rod type dysfunction" and this even before the season starts.
(at least Yankee fans gave ARod a few months on the field…)
And then the accusations on this site would just become a self fulfilling prophecy.
----------
Just my 2 cents…

2007-03-02 10:51:40
47.   Johnson
43 To the tune of 5 runs with only one out, right? Couple of those are unearned, though maybe the infield is just giving Mark that gentle nudge out the door.
2007-03-02 10:54:09
48.   Landonkk
Hendrickson in for Schmidt

Top 3

Nook Logan - high chopper to short, tough play, scored E6.

Lopez - BB. Logan to second.

Jimenez - line drive base hit to CF. Logan scores, Lopez to second.

Zimmerman - sharp grounder past a diving Kent, single. Lopez scores, Jimenez to second.

Kearns - base hit to RF. Jimenez to third, Zimmerman to second. Mound visit (Honeycutt).

Church - broken bat grounder to first, throw from Nomar off the glove of Valdez (E6). Jimenez scores, Zimmerman scores. Kearns to third.

Escobar - 4-6. 1 out. Escobar safe at first. Kearns scores.

Schneider - Deep fly to CF. 2 out.

Broadway - ground out to second

Middle 3, Nationals 5 Dodgers 2

2007-03-02 10:57:48
49.   D4P
Pierre sacrifices himself for the good of the team
2007-03-02 10:57:53
50.   Steve
An ironic time to pull out the self-induced three-run down sacrifice bunt.
Show/Hide Comments 51-100
2007-03-02 10:58:01
51.   Bob Timmermann
Bret Saberhagen is the baseball coach at Calabasas High.
2007-03-02 10:58:57
52.   D4P
With Pierre, sometimes it's difficult to tell the difference between a bunt and a non-bunt
2007-03-02 11:01:50
53.   D4P
Ahhh: Steiner just got all excited about a deep foul ball from Kent.
2007-03-02 11:04:12
54.   Bob Timmermann
Regarding the claim of Labine retiring Musial 49 straight times, I was initially inclined to dismiss it out of hand, but in the Retrosheet Era (from 1957 on), Musial was 2 for 22 against Labine with 6 walks.

However, 0 for 49 is tough to do. I have referred the claim on to Dave Smith.

2007-03-02 11:05:05
55.   D4P
LuGo sacrifices himself for the good of the team
2007-03-02 11:07:53
56.   Landonkk
Chris Michalak in to pitch for WAS

Bottom 3

Valdez - slow roller to short, infield hit.

Pierre - sac bunt up the first base line. 1 out. Valdez to second.

Nomar - hard grounder to short, E6. Valdez stays at second. Damian Jackson PR for Nomar.

Kent - BB. Valdez to third, Jackson to second. Loney PR for Kent.

Gonzales - Sacy fly to CF. 2 out. Valdez scores, Jackson to third.

Betemit - popped up to second.

End of 3, Nationals 5 Dodgers 3

2007-03-02 11:11:01
57.   ToyCannon
54
It does sound impossible. Has any hitter in history with a 300 avg gone 0 for 27 against any pitcher. Seems very unlikely.
2007-03-02 11:16:44
58.   Icaros
Call the big guy's psychologist!
2007-03-02 11:16:46
59.   bigcpa
Time to write-off $2.9M and give Hendu's spot to La Roche.
2007-03-02 11:17:27
60.   ToyCannon
Was really hoping the big guy would have been lights out in ST so we could have flipped him for something usefull.
I blame all of this on someone making fun of the Nat's pitching stuff. The BG does not take kindly to mocking.
2007-03-02 11:18:28
61.   Steve
Dumbest...tender...ever...
2007-03-02 11:18:46
62.   Landonkk
Hendrickson still in (Matt White warming). Loney stays in at 1B, Jackson at 2B.

Top 4

Logan - Fly out to RF. 1 out.

Lopez - K. 2 out.

Jimenez - grounder to second, backhanded by Jackson, throws late. Infield single.

Zimmerman - HR to left-center. Jimenez scores, Zimmerman scores.

Hendrickson hooked. 'The Billionaire' in to pitch.

Kearns - ground out to short.

Middle 4, Nationals 7 Dodgers 3

2007-03-02 11:18:58
63.   Gen3Blue
39 I second that. With great thanks.
2007-03-02 11:19:33
64.   D4P
Ned should have traded BJ before his trade value completely evaporates.
2007-03-02 11:24:32
65.   Landonkk
Womack in at 2B, Josh Wilson in at SS for WAS. Lopez moves to 3B.

Bottom 4

Lieberthal - ground out to short. 1 out.

Ethier - K. 2 out.

Huckaby - ground out to second.

End 4, Nationals 7 Dodgers 3

2007-03-02 11:27:37
66.   Gen3Blue
Now is not a bad time to have our 20 game losing streak.
2007-03-02 11:30:54
67.   Landonkk
Bigbie in LF, Repko in RF, Freeman in CF, Tatis at 3B, and Stinnett at C for LA.

Top 5

Church - pop out to second base. 1 out.

Escobar - deep fly ball to RF. 2 out.

(Greg Miller warming)

Schneider - K.

Middle 5, Nationals 7 Dodgers 3

2007-03-02 11:30:55
68.   Benaiah
Eh, the tall one (Sauron?) was bad, but I doubt one spring start will evaporate his value. He sucks, but I bet the Nationals would still trade for him even after roughing him up. Pitching is still in high demand, and even mediocre to bad pitchers have value.
2007-03-02 11:31:45
69.   Benaiah
In other words, I think Hendrickson playing bad only helps us in that Ned will be more likely to trade him, while his questionable value can't take much of a beating.
2007-03-02 11:33:55
70.   CanuckDodger
So, the Billionaire did okay.
2007-03-02 11:34:42
71.   Xeifrank
What was the line on Hendrickson?
IP, ER, K, Hits, BB??? thanks. vr, Xei
2007-03-02 11:35:59
72.   adraymond
Greg Miller sighting.
2007-03-02 11:44:19
73.   still bevens
71 Off the top of my headsomething like 1 2/3IP, 7R, 1K, 5H, 1BB. Not sure which runs were earned or not.
2007-03-02 11:44:21
74.   saltcreek
71-1.2IP, 5H, 7R, 5ER, 1BB, 1SO, 1HR, 27.00 ERA
2007-03-02 11:45:08
75.   Steve
The first error was fake too. It should have been scored a hit.
2007-03-02 11:45:28
76.   bigcpa
Bigbie = Jason Romano
2007-03-02 11:46:18
77.   Icaros
All I want from this Hendrickson fiasco is for Colletti to learn that lousy pitchers don't ever "figure it out," especially not in their 30s.
2007-03-02 11:46:19
78.   Landonkk
Chris Schroder pitching for WAS. Chris Snelling in RF, Danny Ardoin at C for WAS.

Bottom 5

Valdez - blooper base hit into short right. (advances to second on WP)

Freeman - K looking. 1 out.

Jackson - fly out to center. 2 out. Valdez to third.

Loney - BB

Bigbie - Big Fly over the RF wall. Valdez scores, Loney scores, Bigbie scores.

Tatis - Fly out to CF.

End 5, Nationals 7 Dodgers 6

2007-03-02 11:47:40
79.   Benaiah
I know there are some serious Sunset Blvd. lovers at DT, so I thought I would link to this article discussing whether or not Norma Desmond was really insane. There is a Billy Wilder Blog-a-thon going on this weekend, and I bet that this won't be the only close look at SB.

http://eddieonfilmspecial.blogspot.com/2007/03/norma-knew-what-she-was-doing.html

2007-03-02 11:48:33
80.   Icaros
76

Wasn't Bigbie a real prospect at one time, though, unlike Romano?

2007-03-02 11:49:43
81.   Steve
All I want from this Hendrickson fiasco is for every idiot to learn that lousy pitchers don't ever "figure it out," especially not in their 30s.
2007-03-02 11:49:53
82.   D4P
All I want from this Hendrickson fiasco is for Colletti to learn that lousy pitchers don't ever "figure it out," especially not in their 30s

And that a sub-4.00 ERA through half a season does not (in and of itself) indicate value.

2007-03-02 11:51:46
83.   bigcpa
82 And that road/grass splits may sound neat in a press release but are a lame rationalization for acquiring a starter with lousy stuff.
2007-03-02 11:52:35
84.   CanuckDodger
80 -- Jason Romano was ranked as the Rangers' #3 prospect in the 2001 Baseball America Prospect Handbook.
2007-03-02 11:53:05
85.   Icaros
83

What about the He's From the Great AL East corollary?

2007-03-02 11:54:19
86.   Steve
God, the excuses. I'd forgotten about those last two.
2007-03-02 11:55:13
87.   bigcpa
80 Bigbie looked like a Rusty Greer type guy when he came up. Never really hit lefties. Could be a poor man's De Lucci who is kind of a poor man's Drew.
2007-03-02 11:55:18
88.   Icaros
84

Oh, okay. I just thought he was a guy people liked for his speed and scrap. Thanks for the info.

2007-03-02 11:55:32
89.   Landonkk
Greg Miller pitching for LA. Chin Lung Hu in at SS for LA.

Top 6

Broadway - ground ball basehit up the middle.

Logan - bunt attempt, 3-6 force out. 1 out.

Womack - HBP. Logan to second.

Wilson - slow roller to third, out at first. Loney turns and fires a seed to home catching Logan trying to score. 5-3-2 DP.

Middle 6, Nationals 7 Dodgers 6

2007-03-02 11:58:11
90.   Icaros
87

Got it. I'm just especially prone to liking outfielders who might actually SLG above .450.

2007-03-02 11:58:14
91.   Benaiah
89 - Loney is awesome.
2007-03-02 11:59:15
92.   Steve
That was awesome, and Nook Logan is a useless tool.
2007-03-02 11:59:30
93.   Gen3Blue
Ah--that Loney.
2007-03-02 12:02:23
94.   Benaiah
90 - At this point though, does anyone think Bigbie can out hit Ethier and Kemp, because its not like he can take Gonzo's spoke on the roster?
2007-03-02 12:03:24
95.   bigcpa
Our all LH platoon-free OF + Bettamitt will be putting up some serious 0's against LH starters. And the NL West has many good ones such as: Zito, Lowry, Doug Davis, Francis maybe this Eveland guy on AZ. Kemp/Ethier and LaRoche/Betmt platoons would help a ton.
2007-03-02 12:05:17
96.   D4P
Small ball, baby
2007-03-02 12:06:59
97.   Landonkk
Luis Martinez pitching for WAS. Jorge Toca at 1B for WAS.

Bottom 6

Lieberthal - Fly out to 2B. 1 out.

Repko - BB

Stinnett - liner off the glove of the shortstop, score a base hit. Repko to second.

Hu - popped up to short RF. 2 out.

Freeman - grounder to the hole, diving stop by the shortstop, infield hit. Repko to third, Stinnett to second.

Jackson - line drive base hit to LF. Repko scores, Stinnett to third, Freeman to second.

Loney - ground out back to the box.

End 6, Nationals 7 Dodgers 7

2007-03-02 12:08:09
98.   adraymond
95
Well, Ethier actually did pretty well against lefties. LHP .351/.378/.468 RHP 298/.362/.480
2007-03-02 12:08:24
99.   bigcpa
95 And Big Unit.
2007-03-02 12:12:34
100.   ToyCannon
94
No, he has career slug % of 417 and his high water mark was 4 years ago. I don't consider him anything other then spring training fodder or a 5th outfielder on a good team.

I'd rather have Chris Snelling so we could watch and see how he can get hurt again.

Show/Hide Comments 101-150
2007-03-02 12:14:26
101.   bhsportsguy
49 years ago, two LA sports icons meet on the street. From Larry Stewart's LA Times column

"When I came to L.A. with the Dodgers, my wife and I lived in an apartment in Brentwood," Scully said. "A few days after we moved in, I went grocery shopping. After returning to our apartment building, with two bags of groceries under my arms, I was trying open the gate into the building when a man walking by asked if he could help.

"He said he lived in the neighborhood, so we began talking. He introduced himself by saying, 'My name is John Wooden. I coach basketball at UCLA.' And I told him my name and what I did."

BTW - I knew it was spring when I heard Vinny do a Farmer John commercial, Easternmost in qualtiy, westernmost in flavor.

2007-03-02 12:15:02
102.   ToyCannon
The National's announcing group doesn't sound half bad. At least they aren't annoying.
2007-03-02 12:15:07
103.   Landonkk
Top 7

Kory Casco (PH for Zimmerman) - Sharp grounder to third, Tatis diving stop, throw in time. 1 out.

Michael Restovich (PH for Kearns) - Fly ball to RF. 2 out.

Snelling - sharp grounder past a diving Loney, base hit.

Joe Thurston (!)(PH for Escobar) - ground out to second.

Middle 7, Nationals 7 Dodgers 7

I would love to add some color about Miller's pitching, but Steiner is busy yapping away.

2007-03-02 12:20:06
104.   bigcpa
Bigbie did put up an OPS+ of 120 and 96 over 765 ab in 03/04. He has a better career line than Marlon A.
2007-03-02 12:24:43
105.   underdog
So, I tuned into this game late, but I see that Hendrickson pitched well. :-/ Is that good or bad? Because if we want to trade him, we'll need him to pitch better. But on the other hand, if we, as fans, want the Dodgers to clearly see they shouldn't be starting him, then I guess it's good.
2007-03-02 12:25:11
106.   underdog
Go Repko! RBI Double off the wall. I'm rooting for Rep.
2007-03-02 12:26:14
107.   Landonkk
Jesus Colome pitching for WAS.

Bottom 7

Bigbie - Drilled to RF, ground rule double.

Tatis - K. 1 out.

LaRoche (PH for Lieberthal) - line drive into the glove of a leaping Casco at third. 2 out.

Repko - Drilled to left center, short hops the wall. Double. Bigbie scores.

Stinnett - Fly out to CF.

End of 7, Nationals 7 Dodgers 8

2007-03-02 12:27:18
108.   underdog
This is off-topic, but Jake Plummer is standing up for himself. Saying he'll retire rather than play for Tampa Bay.
http://www.denverpost.com/broncos/ci_5340491

The Broncos should get more for him than a 4th rounder anyway, imho.

2007-03-02 12:28:03
109.   adraymond
Bigbie is the new Pujols.
2007-03-02 12:28:07
110.   ToyCannon
He was a good hitter four years ago. So was Luis Gonzalez. Doesn't mean I want either of them on my team in 2007.
2007-03-02 12:29:14
111.   underdog
And for those of us in the keep Miller, drop Hendrickson Club (which is what, all of us?), this was a good day.
2007-03-02 12:30:44
112.   Icaros
Did Miller get any Ks?
2007-03-02 12:32:58
113.   Landonkk
Rudy Seanez in to pitch for LA.

Top 8

Ardoin - Caught at the wall in CF by Choo. 1 out.

Toca - Blooper to second. 2 out.

Wayne Lydon (PH for Logan) - K

Middle 8, Nationals 7 Dodgers 8

2007-03-02 12:33:39
114.   underdog
No K's, but 2 innings, no runs, 2 hits. Looked good (apparently).

Okay, so is there a wet bar in the booth there at Holman? Because Steiner sounds tipsy.

2007-03-02 12:34:47
115.   underdog
There is a live box score here on mlb.com btw (not that we don't appreciate the live updates here!)

http://tinyurl.com/29pd6h

2007-03-02 12:36:43
116.   CanuckDodger
111 -- I'm not in the "keep Miller club," if by that you mean keep him with the big club. I would rather Miller be a starter in the minors than a reliever in the big leagues this year. Ideally, I say start the season with Kuo in the rotation, Billingsley in the bullpen, and Hendrickson goes elsewhere. We've got Beimel and we don't really need more than one lefty in the pen.
2007-03-02 12:37:14
117.   bigcpa
We'll have to play Hu's on first later on.
2007-03-02 12:38:01
118.   Icaros
Hu just hit that double?
2007-03-02 12:38:43
119.   underdog
True, Canuck, given the #s of pitchers they will probably take, it would still be Kuo and Bills first before Miller, and assuming they can get rid of Hendy at some point. I guess I just think Miller can be a really great lefty reliever, but I can see arguing for him building it back up as a starter. Either way, I'd like to see him on the team this year.
2007-03-02 12:39:31
120.   underdog
118 Yep.

117 Unfortunately, Steiner's already killed that joke with his Hu intro just a few mins ago.

2007-03-02 12:39:38
121.   bigcpa
118 Yes- and it was no cheapie.
2007-03-02 12:39:41
122.   Johnson
110 Bigbie was 25 four years ago. Gonzalez was 35 four years ago. Who is more likely to return to form? If Bigbie can continue to hit the ball as hard as he has through the first few games of spring, why shouldn't he get a reserve outfield slot?
2007-03-02 12:42:35
123.   underdog
Loney just drove in 2 runs with a double down the line.
2007-03-02 12:43:29
124.   Steve
If I was Sam DC, I'd change my name.
2007-03-02 12:44:09
125.   underdog
Holy Crap, speaking of Bigbie...

He just crushed a two run homer. Again.

2007-03-02 12:44:09
126.   natepurcell
lol, larry bigbie is doing the september marlon anderson impression.
2007-03-02 12:44:50
127.   bigcpa
OK time to revisit the Romano reference. Ned better have his cell phone on.
2007-03-02 12:45:41
128.   CanuckDodger
122 -- If Bigbie makes the team, it would be at Loney's expense, because Anderson and Repko sure aren't going to fail to make the team. So tough luck, Bigbie. I would rather see him in Vegas than Loney.
2007-03-02 12:47:23
129.   underdog
I'd say it's a little early to get excited, too - not only is it just day 2 of ST but it's the Nats 4th string bullpen we're talking about here. But still, good to see La Roche get a hit.
2007-03-02 12:48:08
130.   Landonkk
Emiliano Fruto in to pitch for WAS.

Bottom 8

Hu - Double off the base of the RF wall.

Freeman - K. 1 out.

Jackson - BB

Loney - Double down the RF line. Hu scores, Jackson scores.

Bigbie - Another HR (5 RBI today). Loney scores, Bigbie scores.

Tatis - K looking. 2 out.

LaRoche - sharp single back up the middle.

Repko - BB

Fruto hooked... TBC

2007-03-02 12:51:50
131.   Landonkk
Felix Diaz in to pitch for WAS.

Stinnett - line drive base hit to LF, LaRoche gunned at home.

End 8, Nationals 7 Dodgers 12

2007-03-02 12:54:09
132.   robohobo
106. I'm rooting for Repko as well. 2 walks and a double looks pretty good for a lead off hitter type player. I remember he got a couple of nice walks toward the end of last year. If he can keep a decent average he is a better center fielder than Pierre by far.
2007-03-02 12:54:26
133.   Xeifrank
Hendrickson just dropped to 4th on the "Battle of the 5th Starter". Let me know if there are others in consideration.
http://GuoMania.blogspot.com/
vr, Xei
2007-03-02 12:56:30
134.   robohobo
Not that being better than JP is saying all that much. He would make way more highlight plays on Baseball Tonight as well.
2007-03-02 12:59:08
135.   Landonkk
Joe Beimel in to pitch for LA.

Top 9

Flores (PH for Womack) - ground ball basehit into LF.

Wilson - slashed in to short center for a hit. Flores to second.

Casco - 4-6-3 DP. 2 out. Flores to third.

Restovich - Fouled out to second.

FINAL Nationals 7, Dodgers 12

2007-03-02 13:01:15
136.   robohobo
I am looking forward to watching Abreu and Hu playing for the 51s this year. I'm thinking Cora and Izzy, 2004.
2007-03-02 13:02:28
137.   adraymond
Landonkk, thanks again for your hard work!
2007-03-02 13:02:39
138.   Benaiah
133 - Tomko is in the running. DJ Houlton and Eric Stults depending on the weather, of course...
Well, it's supposed to be crisp and clear on Friday... so...
Oh, I'd been told hell was going to freeze over... I must've been misinformed... count me out... unless of course, the forecast changes...
2007-03-02 13:03:08
139.   adraymond
136
Both in hitting and fielding abilities, eh?
2007-03-02 13:03:50
140.   Franklin Stubbs
The posts in this thread are too off the subject of Clem. Sorry but I think he's death is a little more interesting than a spring training game. I remember hearing Clem play the national anthem before the 1955 Brooklyn tribute game. That was a special moment for me.
2007-03-02 13:05:17
141.   chazmac138
Thank you Landonkk for the updates! For someone like me trapped behind a brutal firewall at work with limited internet access, you are a godsend. Please keep it up. It is much appreciated!
And another note, the Geico Cavemen getting their own sitcom is the best news I've heard all day! I can't wait for it.................those commercials kill me.
2007-03-02 13:09:12
142.   robohobo
139. Unfortunately, yes... Although Abreu apparently had a nice winter ball offensively.
2007-03-02 13:09:22
143.   adraymond
Good news. Tomorrow's game against the Mets will be on tv here in NYC.
2007-03-02 13:26:27
144.   Benaiah
140 - I don't think it is an either or thing, nor do I think that posting is generally restricted to only topics relevant to the post they appear in.

Reading "Boys of Summer" was a joy, and Labine features prominently. My thoughts and condolences go out to his family, and I am sure no one is offended that we paid attention to a baseball game today.

2007-03-02 13:28:02
145.   overkill94
144 I agree, it's not like Clem was a spring chicken who went way too soon. He will be remembered, but I don't think we need to go into mourning or anything.
2007-03-02 13:30:27
146.   underdog
Okay, here's a Clem Labine moment for you. I'm too young to have had any kind of connection with him directly, though I remember reading about his exploits as a Dodger. But when I was little my dad and I used to play his old strat-o-matic game, just for a fun bit o'nostalgia, and I remember his name came up a lot. Hard to forget. We also played this early computer baseball game that allowed you to play guys from throughout baseball history and my dad always played the old, old Yankees (Moose Skowron was another name I always remember) so I always picked the old Dodgers. Anyway, I remember how impressive his stats were.

Oh, sorry Mr. Chass, I remember how impressive his gumption was.

2007-03-02 13:34:03
147.   robohobo
143. Its on MLB TV as well. I wish they still let you buy one game at a time. I mostly end up listening to games on MLB audio but it would be nice to tune in to a game on "TV" once in a while without having to buy a month. That said, I spend 15 bucks buying beer with friends at least 2 times a month. Funny how a 4-5 dollar beer can be purchased with minimal whining but 15 dollars for a month of Dodger baseball goodness and I am a cheapskate.
2007-03-02 13:41:50
148.   Benaiah
147 - We all have some internal maven that tells us what is worth what. I will (perhaps unwisely) spend 60-100 dollars on a night on the town, but then I won't spend $20 on something that arguably provides me hours and hours of enjoyment. 15 dollars for a time out with friends (to be a nerd) has a higher VORLE (Value Over Replacement Life Experience) than watching grainy Dodger baseball on a tiny screen. One is social, enriching and non-reproducible (IE: you can't have the same experience for free since I doubt you can get your friends to hang out at a park bench with you), the other can be marginally recreated with D.T. and Gameday for free.

PS I would guess that watching reruns of "Will and Grace" on lifetime is a replacement level life experience.

2007-03-02 13:52:03
149.   trainwreck
Good to see Hendrickson in mid-season form.
2007-03-02 13:52:48
150.   berkowit28
For anyone thinking about getting MLB.TV, it's really worth the extra $5 to get the Premium: the video quality is terrific, not "grainy" or stilted at all - more like DVD quality. (If you're on a Mac, watch it in Firefox 2, not Safari.) You also get Gameday Audio (for all those games without TV) included, although it doesn't say so anywhere.

Get it just for one month, ST, then cancel the subscription before the next month if you live in SoCal, since all the regular season Dodger games will be blacklisted. (Unless you want to watch non-Dodger games, of course.)

Show/Hide Comments 151-200
2007-03-02 14:03:05
151.   Steve
PS I would guess that watching reruns of "Will and Grace" on lifetime is a replacement level life experience.

Only if you also consider incontinence a replacement level life experience too.

2007-03-02 14:13:39
152.   Benaiah
151 - Sorry Steve, but W&G is terrible, but it is benignly so. It is the worst possible way to spend the time between birth and death without actively hurting yourself, which is my definition of a "replacement level life experience." If you are bored and you absolutely can not go the night without something to entertain yourself, but you also have very little money and "Frasier" is on, then you might just sit and waste your night (I am assuming that you have no books or movies around). But if "W&G" is the best you can do, then you will probably spend money you don't have or get creative (shoplift a six pack?) in order to get through the night. W&G=Grabowski.
2007-03-02 14:24:30
153.   El Lay Dave
140 Labine played the anthem on a harmonica, I think.
2007-03-02 14:26:51
154.   Jon Weisman
153 - https://dodgerthoughts.baseballtoaster.com/archives/240292.html
2007-03-02 14:34:25
155.   Dodger Jack
There is actually a TV program worse than "Will and Grace." Ever seen the spin off from "American Idol" that has singing contestants vying for roles in "Grease"? It is smaltzy beyond words. It has a live audience of bad taste robots who stand up and perform some kind of wave. I think these are the same folks who buy tickets for "Mama Mia." I dare anyone to watch more than five minutes. Exquisite pain.

But, more importantly, did the game commentators give any clue as Greg Miller's performance? We know his game stats. But did they give a radar reading?

2007-03-02 14:42:54
156.   Benaiah
155 - I rate that show above W&G because it is specialized programming that won't have a second life in syndication. I think it is utterly worthless, but it has a select audience that appreciates it. "W&G" had mass appeal as least common denominator programming. It thrived on people who wanted to feel like they were gay friendly and liked a laugh track to know they were watching something funny. At least Grease: The Audition, will go away and never be heard from again. In ten years "W&G" will still be on the air, and some people will still maintain that it is their favorite show of all time. Thus making it the Juan Pierre of television programming.
2007-03-02 14:45:06
157.   Steve
Much better analogy.
2007-03-02 14:55:23
158.   D4P
I never watched "W&G". To be fair, I was always biased against it, given that I liked "Ned & Stacey"
2007-03-02 14:59:09
159.   Uncle Miltie
Apparently, Greg Maddux likes to urinate on rookies. Is that the veteran leadership that Ned was talking about?

Maddux? For a guy with a CPA's demeanor, he has a sense of humor that a 12-year-old would envy. Maddux is a master of strategically timed nose picking, sidling up to an unsuspecting rookie in the shower and urinating on the kid's leg, and inventing just the right nickname for a teammate with big ears, a prominent schnozz or some other pronounced physical qualities.

"I call him 'The Silent Scumbag,'" Wells said. "You would perceive him to be Einstein because he's quiet and he's always sitting there at his locker with a crossword puzzle. But he's got a silent sickness to him, sort of like David Cone. Those quiet guys are the ones you have to watch out for."

http://tinyurl.com/3y33o6

2007-03-02 15:01:04
160.   trainwreck
158
Ned & Stacey was a great show.
2007-03-02 15:05:09
161.   D4P
Have Maddux and Moises Alou ever been teammates...?
2007-03-02 15:05:12
162.   CanuckDodger
160 -- I'm still waiting for Season 2 to come out on DVD.
2007-03-02 15:07:22
163.   CanuckDodger
159 -- Greg Maddux is into golden showers? And with other men? WTF!
2007-03-02 15:08:54
164.   D4P
I should look into N&S on DVD. I haven't seen that show since it got canned.
2007-03-02 15:09:58
165.   D4P
I wonder if Maddux peed on Kent's leg...
2007-03-02 15:10:50
166.   El Lay Dave
159 Maddux, 40, is not a long-toss devotee.
Is it illegal to be a long-toss devotee?
2007-03-02 15:11:30
167.   CajunDodger
Is the payroll worksheet to the right updated? I am already looking at FAs for next year and am wondering how much money is coming off of the books. About $37 million if Kent retires, $26 million if he stays.

I just keep wondering what we are going to spend the money on. No pitching is needed with Lowe, Schmidt, Billingsley, Kuo, Penny, Elbert, and Wolf (with a team option) all controlled through the end of next year.

There are NO big bats who are FAs next year except Adam Dunn and Andruw Jones. All of the others (Hunter, Ichiro) are covered by current minor leaguers or Juan Pierre (@#&%!). Where will this big bat come from next year?

I see some big trades coming...

2007-03-02 15:11:51
168.   CanuckDodger
164 -- Season 1 of Ned & Stacey was released on DVD quite a while a go.
2007-03-02 15:12:05
169.   El Lay Dave
Would Maddux have dared try to pee on Gibson's leg?
2007-03-02 15:17:22
170.   Uncle Miltie
Would Maddux have dared try to pee on Gibson's leg?
How do you think he hit the home run?
2007-03-02 15:17:26
171.   dianagramr
169

or Tim Hardaway's leg ... ?

2007-03-02 15:19:39
172.   robohobo
Maddux would be a good guy to have around if you got stung by a sting ray.
2007-03-02 15:22:12
173.   D4P
inventing just the right nickname for a teammate with big ears, a prominent schnozz or some other pronounced physical qualities

I wonder if he ever invented nicknames while in the shower...

2007-03-02 15:33:59
174.   Andrew Shimmin
Imagine what he'd have called you if he caught you bawling at the end of watching Ice Princess on your laptop.
2007-03-02 15:40:38
175.   El Lay Dave
159 I found the Dean Wormer reference in the middle of an Odd Couple simile strange.
2007-03-02 15:52:41
176.   Greg Brock
I see that Mark Hendrickson had a strong outing today.

Ye Gods

2007-03-02 16:00:47
177.   overkill94
159 Just one more reason why he's my favorite baseball player: pinpoint control, smartest pitcher in the game, fiery competitiveness, and veteran golden shower giver.
2007-03-02 16:01:57
178.   Icaros
176

He needs to just be sold as firewood. Or maybe he could be planted in some little boy's backyard and renamed The Giving Tree.

2007-03-02 16:03:28
179.   D4P
Imagine what he'd have called you if he caught you bawling at the end of watching Ice Princess on your laptop

"Andrew"...?

2007-03-02 16:10:33
180.   Greg Brock
178 I love The Giving Tree

{mists up}

2007-03-02 16:16:33
181.   Icaros
180

I know. I was just looking it up on wikipedia, and it made me sad.

2007-03-02 16:36:49
182.   Jon Weisman
Sadder than "The Little Matchgirl?"
2007-03-02 16:40:07
183.   trainwreck
182
Most people in my class laughed at that film. I think they were just really surprised or are just evil.
2007-03-02 17:00:38
184.   bhsportsguy
For those buying game tickets tomorrow, I just got off the phone with a sales rep and he told me that the Loge section seats are nearly sold out because several field level folks moved up there because of the price increase. So you might score some Field level seats if you choose to pay some bucks.
2007-03-02 17:04:35
185.   Gen3Blue
Interpret Uncle Miltie literally at your peril.
2007-03-02 17:13:37
186.   underdog
Gosh, I guess the Giants are glad it's only day 2 of spring training, too:

http://tinyurl.com/yqutms

2007-03-02 17:28:55
187.   Gen3Blue
Interpret Uncle Miltie literally at your peril.
2007-03-02 17:41:47
188.   Gen3Blue
186 that is a truly beautiful box score for a D's fan. thanks for the tip.
2007-03-02 17:49:51
189.   underdog
188 3 touchdowns! The Giants need to get a new secondary and get more of a pass rush going.

Watching Barry Bonds field this year will be a joy for any Dodgers' fan.

2007-03-02 19:06:11
190.   Sam DC
From the You Are Not Alone files, a random comment from the Nats chat on today's game:

"Of course, the Dodgers will get light years better the moment they jettison Hendrickson."

2007-03-02 20:16:42
191.   saltcreek
wow Ned and Stacey fans....i thought i was the only one
2007-03-02 20:21:08
192.   Bob Timmermann
Congratulations to the Penn Quakers! First team to qualify for the NCAA tournament.
2007-03-02 20:33:23
193.   D4P
I've seen Thomas Haden Church in two TV shows (Wings and N&S) and one movie (Sidways) and thought he was great in all three.
2007-03-02 20:38:35
194.   saltcreek
193-Just never watch the movie George of the Jungle 2
2007-03-02 20:39:13
195.   D4P
194
I think I'm safe on that one
2007-03-02 21:41:55
196.   Xeifrank
who is slated to pitch for the Dodgers tomorrow? vr, Xei
2007-03-02 21:46:18
197.   Marty
A friend of mine wrote a Ned and Stacy episode. I watched the taping but have no recollection of it other than Thomas Hayden Church is insane.
2007-03-02 22:05:40
198.   Icaros
196

Penny and _uo. Not sure who else.

2007-03-02 22:12:08
199.   Greg Brock
Penny, Stults, and G/Kuo
2007-03-03 00:40:19
200.   Xeifrank
198,199. Thanks. Should be a good one to watch/listen to. vr, Xei

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