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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
6) using hyperbole when something less will suffice
7) using sarcasm in a way that can be misinterpreted negatively
8) making the same point over and over again
9) typing "no-hitter" or "perfect game" to describe either in progress
10) being annoyed by the existence of this list
11) commenting under the obvious influence
12) claiming your opinion isn't allowed when it's just being disagreed with

Downs and Ups, Part 2
2007-04-21 09:24
by Jon Weisman

Thanks in part to Juan Pierre OPSing .462 in the leadoff spot but .820 as the No. 2 hitter, the Dodgers have the following team stats:

.867 OPS in the No. 2 slot
.470 OPS in the No. 1 slot
.684 OPS in the No. 9 slot

Crazy way to go 12-5, huh?

A saner explanation: The Dodger team ERA dropped to 2.94 Friday.

Comments (516)
Show/Hide Comments 1-50
2007-04-21 09:38:43
1.   Bluebleeder87
I'd still like Martin batting 2nd better & Pierre batting 8th.
2007-04-21 09:42:31
2.   StolenMonkey86
Coming into today, the Dodgers lead the majors in bullpen K/BB, at 3.20. The Dodger pen is also 3rd in team bullpen ERA at 2.32 and 2nd in team bullpen WHIP at 1.05.
2007-04-21 09:50:28
3.   Jon Weisman
I just went online to purchase tickets for me and my kids to go see Dan Zanes at UCLA. Adult ticket was $24, kids tickets $15 - $54 total.

Then, I got to the fees:

Online Processing Fee-29040 4.10

Handling Fee-29040 13.50

C06 Facility Fee 9.00

Will Call for Internet Orders 0.00

TOTAL: 80.60

A 50-percent bump. I mean, it's just amazing.

2007-04-21 10:14:39
4.   Benaiah
The bullpen was solid but shallow last year, but the big two of Broxton and Saito is complimented with outstanding depth this year. The rotation is solid, but hopefully nearly all the games with a lead in the sixth with result in victories.

BTW, how does Pierre already have 10 stolen base attempts? He is cheeky. 3 caught already, so he is break even at best. I don't know if he has bad instincts or they simply expect it, but he doesn't seem particularly good at stealing bases. He should have been caught last night too.

2007-04-21 10:21:11
5.   Bluebleeder87
Does Hawk Harrelson (sp?) realize WGN is a nationwide channel?
2007-04-21 10:23:27
6.   Curtis Lowe
3- That handling fee is out of control, isn't all the handling done by the server that processes your order?

4- I noticed the same thing, for a speedy little guy he gets pretty bad jumps when he steals, maybe he doesn't lead off enough.

2007-04-21 10:26:45
7.   Eric L
6 Not only that, but they tag with an online handling fee on top of the other handling fee.

What a joke.

2007-04-21 10:29:06
8.   Greg Brock
Forgive me if this was already mentioned, but Kevin Goldstein at BP lists Blake DeWitt as one of the 2004 first rounders on the verge of becoming a bust.

On scouts' charts, Dewitt's hit scores were as high as anyone going into the draft, but he dropped to the end of the first round because he was undersized, had no more than gap power, and didn't have a real defensive home. He was good-not-great in his full-season debut, batting .283/.333/.428 in the Sally League, but he seemed to take off last year--although his average dipped to .268 in the Florida State League, but his home run total up to 18 in just 106 games. That looked like a Vero Beach-inflated total when Dewitt collapsed following a promotion to Double-A Jacksonville, batting .183/.241/.221 in 26 games with just one long ball in 104 at-bats. Dewitt began his career as a third baseman, but was moved to second last year, where his reviews of his glovework by scouts considered is work there sub-standard. Back at third and back in High-A at the Dodgers' new California League affiliate, Dewitt is trying to get back on track, but is off to a slow start, .220/.258/.424 mark in 14 games.

2007-04-21 10:45:13
9.   Bluebleeder87
you guys read the LAUSD report card on the Daily News? all F's I know there's really good teachers but WOW.

PS I think i'm becoming a grumpy older person.

2007-04-21 10:50:47
10.   Terry A
Wasn't DeWitt asked to wear contacts by the Dodgers in the not-too-distant past? IIRC, he hadn't had vision problems and had no corrective lenses at the time. It seemed an odd move.

Here's hoping he figures things out.

2007-04-21 10:57:10
11.   Bumsrap
Once Furcal gets going I think there is less need for a Pierre type hitter in the #2 spot. I also think that Kemp should hit in the #2 spot until he proves he can make contact and walk more and strike out less. Kemp has the speed to hit #2 and the power to hit #3. Kemp should be in CF and Pierre and Gonzo should take turns in left.

Loney's only hope to make the team seems to be through injury to Nomar or Betemit continuing to hit below .150--that and Ned and Grady waking up to moving Nomar to third.

2007-04-21 10:58:06
12.   T Money
Hey, this question has no Dodger content, but I was hoping that someone with some baseball business acumen might know the answer:

As I understand it, Texas still pays a portion of ARod's salary (for some reason, $7 million a year sticks in my head, but I don't know....). Hypothetically, let's imagine ARod opts out of his contract at the end of this season, but the Yankees keep him anyway by extending his contract, perhaps giving him a per-year salary bump. Does that invalidate the standing contract, thus taking Texas off the hook? Or would they still have to contribute $7 million to that new salary, until the duration of the old contract has elapsed?

2007-04-21 11:00:21
13.   Michaelpop
If Pierre's history is any indication, 7 for 10 (70%) on stolen bases thus far is just shy of his career 73.61% success rate. I forgot where I heard it, but those numbers just make Pierre a "decent" base-stealer. He'd have to get up to about 80% to be considered good. Guess it's kind of like the baseball equivalent of free throw shooting?
2007-04-21 11:00:46
14.   Bumsrap
I think Loney is a very similar hitter to the Twins catcher Mauer who seems to be an important cog in the Twins offense.
2007-04-21 11:01:51
15.   Bob Timmermann
9
Welcome to the Dark Side. There's always room for one more.
2007-04-21 11:06:06
16.   Michaelpop
I actually like the Furcal/Pierre one-two punch at the top of the order. What's I've noticed is when one or the other gets on base, it really puts pressure on the pitcher to pay attention to them, which distracts them just enough from focusing on the hitter, which results in either the pitcher making bad pitches or throwing more fastballs in order to curtail base-stealing. And with Nomar and Kent being such good fastball hitters, it's resulted in them getting good pitches to hit and driving in runs.

I think Pierre's an exciting player once he gets on-base. It's almost like every time you look he's in scoring position.

2007-04-21 11:06:54
17.   Bumsrap
12 - I can only guess and therefore shouldn't say anything but just the same the odds that the contract would not address that circumstance would be slim and therefore I would bet that if AROD opted out Texas would not continue to send money to the Yankees.

However, if the trade ws AROD and $60 million to Yankees for Soraino, then perhaps all the money has already been exchanged.

2007-04-21 11:09:39
18.   Bumsrap
16 - While I agree with you I think that Kemp can do everything Pierre can do speed and steal wise if he gets on base. I think Kemp would have a higher steal success rate than Peirre and might be a faster runner.
2007-04-21 11:12:48
19.   tskent
Grady would be foolish to take Pierre out of the leadoff or #2 slot. That would defeat the whole purpose of bringing him here. Leave Martin in the 6 slot where he can drive the runners home. Pierre can change the whole complexion of an inning with the mind games he plays with a pitcher. Especially in late/tight game. Pierre was a bargain at 5 yrs/44 mils. I'm looking forward to 5 seasons of watching Pierre participate in playoff baseball with the blue. It will happen. Just wait and see.
2007-04-21 11:14:44
20.   Bluebleeder87
11

I'd put Nomar at 3rd if Betemit can't figure it out, If not him bring up Etanislao or put Wilson Valdez there.

2007-04-21 11:16:13
21.   Dodgers49
12. Hypothetically, let's imagine ARod opts out of his contract at the end of this season, but the Yankees keep him anyway by extending his contract, perhaps giving him a per-year salary bump. Does that invalidate the standing contract, thus taking Texas off the hook?

Back in spring training when the subject of A-Rod's opt out clause was being discussed I remember reading that if he opts out the happiest man in the country would be the owner of the Texas Rangers.

2007-04-21 11:18:25
22.   Michaelpop
18 - I guess I just never considered Kemp to be a "speed" guy. Faster than Pierre? Really? My brain's pigeonholed him as a "power" hitter, which automatically relegates him to hitting anywhere from 3-7 in my mind's managerial eye.
2007-04-21 11:20:44
23.   underdog
So you can now officially vote for Russell Martin's theme music:
http://losangeles.dodgers.mlb.com/la/fan_forum/martinsong_form.jsp

Unless you're under 13!

Looks like mostly crapola to me, but there's a few decent ditties in there I suppose. Have at it.

2007-04-21 11:27:50
24.   Michaelpop
Whoa! Just noticed that Pierre's quietly become the team-leader in hits at 20. Not surprised he's leading in runs scored (14) though. And with Kent and Nomar leading the team in RBIs, it seems that having Pierre at the top of the order's paying off.

Hm. I don't know why I've become such a fan of the guy. Maybe it's because I've noticed that most of the folks here rag on him a lot (and yeah, he does throw like a girl and sometimes he turns routine fly balls into little adventures) but gosh, he's just such an exciting player.

2007-04-21 11:28:53
25.   Bluebleeder87
22

I'm thinking he'll be good for stealing bases for a good 4,5,6 years & then he'll just be to big & strong to steal bases.

2007-04-21 11:33:56
26.   Bluebleeder87
23

I went with Machine Head by Bush, I was gonna go for "I can't drive 55 by Sammy Hagart for comical reasons, I always thought the title for that song was pretty funny.

2007-04-21 11:42:27
27.   berkowit28
4 How does 3 caught out of 10 attemps equal "break even at best"? It's a pretty small sample at this point, but do you mean "break even at worst"? Or is this some sort of creative stat process at work?

He's getting on base (first) a lot, and almost always gets to second one way or another - sometimes stealing, sometimes by more usual methods. From there he gets home when a batter hits a single. It keeps happening. I can't see what's wrong with that. He's helping a lot. And it's fun to watch, too.

2007-04-21 11:45:15
28.   still bevens
26 I abstain from this vote. I was hoping there would be something marginally good in there. I think he should stick with what he has now, or go back to the T.I. song from last year.
2007-04-21 11:46:07
29.   bhsportsguy
The Dodgers have scored 84 runs, only 12 have been the product of home runs.

Dodger HR hitters
Luis Gonzalez - 3 (2 solo and 3 run HR)
Andre Ethier - 2 (1 solo and 2 run HR)
Jeff Kent - 1 (solo)
Russell Martin - 1 (solo)
Nomar Garciaparra - 1
Jason Schmidt - 1 (solo)

Percent of Dodger runs by homers

2004 - 42%
2005 - 35%
2006 - 30%
2007 - 14%

2007-04-21 11:48:08
30.   Benaiah
27 - 70% success rate at stealing bases means that you are below the break even point. The bases stolen are less valuable than the outs given up. I think 75%-80% success rate is necessary even to make them slightly positive, which is all steals are anyway. He is a really mediocre steal guy, but he tries all the time anyway.
2007-04-21 11:49:47
31.   Michaelpop
Last year we hit .94 home runs/game. So far this year we're hitting .52/game. Since we knew coming into this season that home runs were going to be scarcer, I can't say that I'm too shocked at the disparity, but I think when it's all said and done that we'll probably finish the season somewhere in the neighborhood of 135-145 home runs.
2007-04-21 11:51:31
32.   T Money
Were I a player, I'd definitely choose John Cage's 4'33" as my theme music . Because there's nothing the baseball faithful like more avant garde post-modernism.
2007-04-21 11:54:54
33.   Michaelpop
Through 17 games as a team we're OPS-ing less than last season (.727 this year versus .781) and our on-base percentage is lower as well (.337 to .348). I'm especially surprised at that last number, but it's still early in the season and I'd expect those numbers to rise as the season progresses.
2007-04-21 11:59:01
34.   Curtis Lowe
This years team is more hip hop than last yaers.
2007-04-21 12:02:45
35.   Bluebleeder87
I don't know if it was mentioned yet but TWIB is featuring the Dodgers this week.
2007-04-21 12:03:22
36.   Benaiah
31 - I didn't expect us to actually hit less than last year. I assumed that last year was pretty much the basement. Hopefully Kemp will be back soon and Nomar will start swinging the bat better, though he has been remarkable with runners on (.357/.429/.500/.929), even better in scoring position (.583/.632/.833/1.465) and truly terrible with no one on (.222/.243/.361/.604).

He isn't the only one though, the team as a whole is hitting (.234/.300/.357/.657) with no one on, (.316/.379/.431/.810) with runners on and (.297/.380/.439/.819) with runners in scoring position. It is like the team is even flukier than last year.

2007-04-21 12:10:53
37.   Michaelpop
30 - I'd agree that Pierre needs to have a better stolen/caught average, but when he gets caught I don't find myself minding it nearly as much as, say, someone like Brady Clark or Ethier getting thrown out. I'd rather have what I perceive to be my best base-stealing threat trying to steal at a 70% success rate than someone like Ethier at 0%. If that makes sense to anyone.
2007-04-21 12:16:56
38.   Dodgers49
12 - Or would they still have to contribute $7 million to that new salary,

Rodriguez has four seasons left in the record $252 million, 10-year agreement he signed with Texas before the 2001 season. He is owed $27 million in each of the final three seasons -- with the Yankees responsible for $50.7 million and the Rangers owing $30.3 million, including $9 million in deferred money.

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=2807727

2007-04-21 12:21:24
39.   Benaiah
37 - It doesn't make sense to me. You are saying that because Pierre steals a lot of bases you don't mind that he gets thrown out a lot? Ethier and Clark both don't steal very well, they succeed at a little better than 50%, which is certainly negative. On the other hand, Pierre tries to steal about 60-70 times a year, which means it is a bigger problem than the 10 times Ethier does it. Furcal for his career has been successful 77.5% of the time. That is positive, that I don't mind.
2007-04-21 12:29:46
40.   Dodgers49
12 - Does that invalidate the standing contract, thus taking Texas off the hook?

Finally found the article I remembered reading in Sports Illustrated. :-)

>>> If Rodriguez were to vacate his $252 million Texas contract and leave the Yankees after the 2007 season, the biggest winner would be Rangers owner Tom Hicks, who is paying about a third of A-Rod's current contract. Such a move would save Hicks about $29 million. <<<

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2007/writers/jon_heyman/02/07/wednesday.scoop/1.html

2007-04-21 12:38:38
41.   thinkingblue
Juan Pierre has kind of won me over. Does he need to get on base more? Absolutely. Is his defense a liability? Of course. However,if Juan actually does get on base, it is great to watch. And you know his OBP won't be this low the whole year. Of course you can make the case that our offense has been relying on getting their few baserunners home at an alarming rate, however, I'm sure that it will all even out when guys like Furcal and Betemit start hitting.
2007-04-21 12:43:06
42.   Vishal
[24] i like watching pierre play too... just not on my team. i liked watching him on the rockies and the marlins.
2007-04-21 12:45:27
43.   Dodgers49
Meanwhile, in Kansas City:

>>> Odalis Perez (1-2) went five innings for his first win, giving up four runs and seven hits, with a walk and two strikeouts. <<<

2007-04-21 12:47:07
44.   Vishal
also, pierre may lead the team in hits (20), but he also leads the team in at-bats (72). the next two guys on the hit list are kent (19 for 57), nomar (18 for 64), gonzo (18 for 57), and martin (17 for 55). put ANY of those guys in the leadoff spot and they would "lead the team in hits", quietly or otherwise.
2007-04-21 12:48:22
45.   Dodgers49
42. i like watching pierre play too... just not on my team. i liked watching him on the rockies and the marlins.

And would have really loved watching him play this year in San Francisco. :-)

2007-04-21 12:48:37
46.   GoBears
I'm with Vishal. Pierre can only win me over if he surprises me by doing things I don't think he can do (walking and doubling more often, raising his SB%, generally just making many fewer outs). Career-average Pierre may be exciting from time to time but he's not all that valuable.
2007-04-21 12:48:53
47.   Michaelpop
39 - I get what you're saying. I guess what I'm trying to say (and not doing a good job of it) is that if anyone's going to be doing any base-stealing, that I'd rather have it be Pierre.

Let's just agree that Pierre needs to be a more selective base-stealer, get better jumps and run faster.

2007-04-21 12:49:41
48.   underdog
41 I can't tell if you're channeling Donald Rumsfeld or Jim Tracy there. ;-)

So how is everyone else celebrating National Yankees vs. Red Sox Weekend? I'm going celebrate by not watching TV, for one thing.

2007-04-21 12:53:45
49.   Bluebleeder87
48

I'm a sucker for big crowds & roars

2007-04-21 12:54:05
50.   Vishal
[44] oops, that was actually four guys, not two. but you get my drift.

[45] hehe, it was meant more as a back-handed compliment than a real put-down. i mean that on a purely aesthetic level, he's an entertaining player, but his faults are so much more glaring when your team is the one who pays the price for them.

Show/Hide Comments 51-100
2007-04-21 12:57:14
51.   Michaelpop
44 - At-bats notwithstanding, considering how horribly he hit the first week or so, I'm still surprised. He's projected to have 672 at-bats this season, which would equate to 187 hits at his current average. But I think that average is only going to go up, and probably plateau at around .300, which would make him a 200-hit man. And honestly, if he does that, to me, he earned his $7.5 million.
2007-04-21 13:00:08
52.   underdog
One thing I will say about Pierre over the 2nd week vs. his 1st week, is that he's hitting the ball more solidly. The first week he looked like the weakest hitter in the world, and I know he's not A-Rod but I didn't expect him to be that horrible. But he's been making better contact, even had some legit hits. You know, like a real hitter.
2007-04-21 13:01:05
53.   Dodgers49
NL West could be MLB's next power division

>>> Without question, at this moment in time the AL Central is the toughest division in baseball. However, in the coming seasons we may see a new power division emerge.

Will it be the AL East, what with that pair of traditional, moneyed powerhouses hanging around? Or maybe the NL East with the well-poised Mets and ever-resourceful Braves?

Nope.

Rather, in the very near future, it's likely that the NL West will come to be regarded as the most formidable division in the game. <<<

http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/story/6698040

2007-04-21 13:02:09
54.   still bevens
51 I just hope he works on his 2:1 K/BB ratio that he has now. Im getting annoyed at broadcasters talking about how hard it is to strike out Juan Pierre only to see him go down looking at the next pitch. Im not saying this trend will continue, only that it is currently bugging me. But on the whole, I've learned to live with him the past two weeks. His triple in AZ this past week can definitely be put in the 'fun to watch' file.
2007-04-21 13:03:20
55.   Michaelpop
52 - Seriously. It was like he was hitting whiffle balls into the wind.
2007-04-21 13:09:45
56.   Michaelpop
K-ratio for current Dodger starting hitters:

Furcal: 18% (6 ks/33 abs)
Pierre: 8% (6/72)
Nomar: 9% (6/64)
Kent: 12% (7/57)
Gonzo: 9% (5/57)
Martin: 20% (11/55)
Ethier: 7% (3/42)
Betemit: 29% (11/38)

2007-04-21 13:11:05
57.   Curtis Lowe
56- WoW I didn't realize Martin had struck out that often.
2007-04-21 13:17:11
58.   Bluebleeder87
57
same here wow.
2007-04-21 13:18:45
59.   Curtis Lowe
It's as if his production has masked his ability to strike out often.
2007-04-21 13:19:40
60.   natepurcell
uh oh, elbert scratched from tonights start with tendonitis in his left shoulder, Orenduff taking his spot...
2007-04-21 13:24:00
61.   StolenMonkey86
It's time for fun with small sample sizes!

The Dodgers are terrible with 2 outs, but good otherwise. Granted, you have to be better to make it to two outs than one out, but they're relatively bad with 2 outs. Here's how their ba/obp/slg ranks with all MLB teams:

No out
(7th/3rd/13th)

1 out
(3rd/5th/5th)

2 out
(26th/26th/28th)

2007-04-21 13:28:15
62.   natepurcell
4 stud young lefties...2 down with injury and its not the end of april yet!
2007-04-21 13:31:53
63.   das411
BONDS with 739
2007-04-21 13:34:21
64.   still bevens
62 But thats the nature of the beast I suppose.. And the reason why we keep drafting them with our first draft pick year after year.
2007-04-21 14:08:40
65.   skybluestoday
Hey, is anyone else getting the Sox-Yankees game with Spanish-speaking announcers only?

I can figure out what's going on, simply because the inserts and commercials are in English.

But I'm a little confused....

2007-04-21 14:23:37
66.   Sam DC
3 That's one of the things that makes season ticket miniplans a better buy than they appear at first. If you do the Nationals 20 game plan through the ST office, you get the ST price, rather than the slightly higher single game price, and don't pay all those fees/charges. It makes a big dif. Also, the Nationals have a group of "premium" games (the Os, the Cubs, July 4, some Mets games) and ST prices don't hike for "premium" games.
2007-04-21 14:24:09
67.   Andrew Shimmin
65- Sounds like your t.v.'s audio feed is SAP. There should be a button to switch it back to the English feed.
2007-04-21 14:25:15
68.   Bob Timmermann
65
Either your cable company is messing up with the signal or you hit the SAP button by accident.
2007-04-21 14:42:42
69.   Andrew Shimmin
When I wake up in the afternoon,
Which it pleases me to do,
Don't nobody bring me no bad news.

http://tinyurl.com/36muzt

2007-04-21 14:43:39
70.   Curtis Lowe
62- Who do you mean, Kuo and ???
2007-04-21 14:44:17
71.   Curtis Lowe
nevermind.
2007-04-21 14:49:35
72.   Bob Timmermann
I've noticed that the HD version of Fox doesn't let me use SAP, but the regular version of Fox does.
2007-04-21 15:06:09
73.   Michael D
Anybody have any word on Elbert?
2007-04-21 15:08:49
74.   Gen3Blue
Fees and interest. I am afraid Americans are being gored with fees and high interest and much of it is our own fault. The way to fight fees and high interest is to not accept them, even if you half to suffer a little. I'm a horrible offender. I paid 25% interest on a credit card for several years because I didn't notice and/or was too lazy to do something about it. You usually can do something alternative to paying fees or riciculous interest, but it takes some effort. We should all try! (Corporate types cringe).

By the way--couldn't you be hung in the middle ages for charging someone 25% interest?

2007-04-21 15:11:14
75.   natepurcell
73

shoulder tendonitis. thats all i know.

2007-04-21 15:12:12
76.   tskent
The only thing a person should borrow money towards is a home and possibly an automobile.
2007-04-21 15:15:04
77.   Andrew Shimmin
If you were a Jew.
2007-04-21 15:15:28
78.   Chiron Brown
23 There is a glaring error on that list. At least, it's glaring if you're my age and loved The Talking Heads. The song "Burning Down the House" is credited to Tears for Fears. That makes me want to cry.
2007-04-21 15:18:54
79.   Andrew Shimmin
77 should be directed at 74.
2007-04-21 15:31:18
80.   Dodgers49
>>> Las Vegas manager Lorenzo Bundy said he hoped to use Kemp as the designated hitter Friday, but Kemp said his shoulder was too sore. <<<

http://www.lvrj.com/sports/7132321.html

2007-04-21 15:36:20
81.   DXMachina
Per Inside the Dodgers:

Furcal, SS
Pierre, CF
Nomar, 1B
Kent, 2B
Gonzo, LF
Martin, C
Ethier, RF
Betemit, 3B
Penny, P

2007-04-21 15:37:12
82.   DXMachina
Did Grady use the same lineup three nights in a row at all last year?
2007-04-21 15:37:35
83.   imperabo
79 lol
2007-04-21 15:38:12
84.   Curtis Lowe
79- I was offended when I thought it was directed towards 76 now I'm even more offended that you would prescribe such ignorance to our middle aged brethren.
2007-04-21 15:39:12
85.   Jon Weisman
3, cont'd - So we threw on some clothes and went to UCLA. I thought maybe it might be sold out by the time we got there. When I asked an usher where to buy tickets, a woman of about 60 nearby spoke up and said she had extras. Ended up getting three for $35 total.

It was a good show - definitely recommend Dan to any families. He's almost the anti-Wiggles.

2007-04-21 15:40:21
86.   Jon Weisman
84 - If 84 isn't sarcastic, it should be. Let's move on.
2007-04-21 15:46:27
87.   dodgerkramer1
Guys, when do you think Kemp will be back at full strength? Honestly, now. ... My guess is spring training 2008. We're talking about a separated throwing shoulder, for God's sake. I hope I'm wrong.
2007-04-21 16:05:08
88.   Dodgers49
87. dodgerkramer1
Guys, when do you think Kemp will be back at full strength?

But they said it was the mildest kind of shoulder separation. Frankly, I expected them to shut him down for two weeks when he went on the DL. Instead, they shut him down for one week and tried having him spend his second week on the DL playing in Las Vegas. It just looks to me like they rushed it. I'm hoping to see him back on the field in a couple of weeks. But this may be just wishful thinking on my part (since he's my favorite player).

2007-04-21 16:08:04
89.   jasbo
87. Kemp will be fine within weeks, though maybe not days.

I'm also curious whether we can't find the old spring-is-for-optimism theme again. There seems to be a lot of fretting about HRs. (Who cares? An unstoppable rash of singles is more demoralizing to the opposition than a couple long balls); and Pierre's caught-stealing stats (no one likes them, but they're part of the game when you don't rely on the dinger). Somebody even seemed worried about Martin's K-rate.

It's April.

2007-04-21 16:15:18
90.   imperabo
Everything should be measured against the league. OPS is down overall from 768 to 723 in all of MLB so far this year. Everyone but A-rod is hitting fewer homeruns.
2007-04-21 16:25:05
91.   Benaiah
89 - A rash of singles may be more demoralizing (though I doubt it) but they are also less replicatible (if that is a word). Our offense right now is based on hitting much better with runners on base, this is a bizarre phenomenon that we can not count on for the rest of the year. And because we aren't hitting home runs, we should give away outs on the basepaths? I think that we should get more home runs when Furcal, Betemit and Nomar wake up, but it is a problem.
2007-04-21 16:28:24
92.   Andrew Shimmin
Dear Brian Cashman,

You've now lost to the Red Sox twice in a row. Tomorrow is the make or break game. Your season literally depends on the outcome! And you're starting Chase Wright? Seriously? Just so you know, Brett Tomko will have four days rest under his belt, as of tomorrow. Say the word and he could be on a plane out there tonight.

Your pal,
Ned

2007-04-21 16:30:23
93.   Bluebleeder87
The only thing a person should borrow money towards is a home and possibly an automobile.

You can get a loan from your home laon & pay the car cash, you save allot more money that way.

2007-04-21 16:56:34
94.   jasbo
91. In the case of the Dodgers, a bunch of singles is what they can repeat; at least they did last year and so far this year. Mainly, it's what they've got and I vote we be happy with what we've got.
2007-04-21 16:58:34
95.   underdog
92 I sent Brian the same note yesterday and signed it "The Dodgers". I think yours wlll work better. The only question is, what would we want back from them in exchange for Tomko? Some decent minor league prospect?

Wang is coming back for them next week though, at least they have that going for them.

2007-04-21 16:58:48
96.   old dodger fan
93 But if your job goes south and you can't make the payments on your car you lose your house, but you get to keep your car!
2007-04-21 17:06:24
97.   MJW101
For the record as of 4/21/07:

Furcal (.78) and Pierre (.74) lead the team in outs per PA. Kent (.59), Valdez (.59) & Martin (.70) were the best.

Martin (.20), Kemp (.19), Gonzo (.19), Pierre (.18) & Kent (.17) had the highest runs scored per PA. Betemit (.06) & Martinez (.00) had the lowest.

Kemp (.38), Kent (.33), Martin (.32), Gonzo (.29) & Nomar (.28) had the highest runs generated per PA. Betemit (.16) & Martinez (.13) had the lowest.

Why are Betemit and Martinez still on the 25 man roster?

2007-04-21 17:07:23
98.   Bluebleeder87
96

Not if you have a 3 plex, the house pretty much pays it's self.

2007-04-21 17:07:51
99.   Vishal
Why are Betemit and Martinez still on the 25 man roster?

because it's still april.

2007-04-21 17:10:31
100.   Bluebleeder87
Bob i think we're shut out of the Cuba series, I just tried to tune in & there was nothing?
Show/Hide Comments 101-150
2007-04-21 17:20:11
101.   Bob Timmermann
100
I can't find a link right now. Perhaps the broadcast isn't live. I saw a boxscore and it hasn't been updated yet.
2007-04-21 17:30:04
102.   Dodgers49
Poor Matt. He's not as lucky as Seanez. :-)

>>> The Colorado Rockies placed reliever Ramon Ramirez on the 15-day disabled list with a sprained right elbow and designated pitcher Matt Herges for assignment. <<<

http://www.sportsline.com/mlb/story/10141319

2007-04-21 17:33:40
103.   Gagne55
For all the grief about the Dodgers line-up, they are 2nd in the NL in runs scored. The staff is also second in fewest runs allowed. (The Mets lead the league in both catagories)
2007-04-21 17:35:38
104.   ToyCannon
97
You go through all that trouble to show some interesting numbers and then make a comment based on 20 games. If that was the case then most of the feared hitters in the league would be in trouble because alot of them are struggling.
Pujols, Howard, Bay, Tex, Soriano, and on it goes. Check back in June with your numbers and then we can talk about if Betemit deserves to be on the roster. Boom Boom has had a decent week absent the power. It will come.
2007-04-21 17:41:31
105.   Benaiah
103 - I am one of the prime culprits of said grief, and I admit that I am grasping at straws. The season has been wonderful so far, both the hitting and the pitching have been fantastic. I have concerns for the future (Betemit, Kemp, Furcal and Nomar hopefully will assuage them), but it has been a joy thus far.
2007-04-21 17:48:08
106.   Curtis Lowe
One thing I like about Grady Little is his patience. He is doing with Betemit what soo many wanted Tracy to do with Hee Sop, at least so far.
2007-04-21 17:57:40
107.   Marty
I borrowed $1000 back in 1979 to buy a rotten used Volkswagen. The lender was Avco Finance. The interest rate was 27.5%

Of course, that was when mortgage rates were at 17%

2007-04-21 18:00:36
108.   Bluebleeder87
103

You know it's funny we're in first place, hitting aside from power is good our starting pitching has been great our relievers have pitched great & yet us Dodgers fans always find something to moan about.

2007-04-21 18:02:59
109.   Curtis Lowe
105- Your lack of faith disturbs me...
2007-04-21 18:07:14
110.   Improbable88
107 - My father may very well have approved that loan! Or, at least, supervised the guy/gal who did.
2007-04-21 18:07:25
111.   Vishal
does someone here know how the mlb.tv blackouts work? why am i not able to see the oakland/texas game? i live neither in california nor in texas, and the game is not being broadcast nationally, so it's not on regular tv either.
2007-04-21 18:08:24
112.   Marty
As far as unwanted fees go, I personally hate AT&T. I make zero long distance calls, yet get charged something like $15 a month for long distance. Plus about $12 in other obscure fees. I'm just about ready to go with cable phone and Skype.
2007-04-21 18:09:28
113.   Marty
110 The only good thing about that loan is that it established my good credit rating.
2007-04-21 18:11:58
114.   DXMachina
At 27.5%, I'm surprised you're not still paying it off.
2007-04-21 18:14:28
115.   Andrew Shimmin
Saturday games that start before 7pm are blacked out everywhere thanks to the deal with Fox.
2007-04-21 18:15:21
116.   chazmac138
108.
No commas make me moan........
2007-04-21 18:15:23
117.   Improbable88
113 - Well, the entire company went under sometime in the 90s. I'm assuming the VW didn't make it quite as long.
2007-04-21 18:17:34
118.   Marty
The VW lasted until 1983, at least for me. I sold it for something like $100 to someone who then restored it.
2007-04-21 18:18:53
119.   Andrew Shimmin
VWs are the mechanical equivalent of cockroaches. You can't kill them. VWs will survive the apocalypse.
2007-04-21 18:22:22
120.   Marty
The car the VW replaced was my first, a 1972 Toyota Corolla. I hadn't really grasped the concept of maintenance so the Corolla really went down hill fast. I ended up deciding to go carless for awhile since I could walk to work. I ended up selling the Toyota for $50 and a bag of pot. The carless idea wore out quickly though, so I got the VW.
2007-04-21 18:32:25
121.   Bluebleeder87
118,119 I have a thing for not trusting cars with "intercooling" systems or what ever you call it, for what it's worth a friend of mine is a VW nut.
2007-04-21 18:36:42
122.   Andrew Shimmin
Any place that's too hot for an air cooled engine isn't fit for human beings. It's a feature, not a bug!
2007-04-21 18:43:25
123.   DXMachina
119 Clearly you do not live in a part of the country where they salt the roads during the winter. Not many old Beatles or Buses left in the Northeast. I miss my old Bus.
2007-04-21 18:45:06
124.   Disabled List
123 Not many old Beatles or Buses left in the Northeast.

You never know when Ringo or Paul might show up in the tri-state area, though.

2007-04-21 18:47:17
125.   Bluebleeder87
122

as you can tell i'm not educated on VW bugs.

2007-04-21 18:47:19
126.   Gen3Blue
If anyone besides me stays up on the east coast to watch the D's game, you will have a natural oppertunity to see a meteor shower. I can't remember its name but its the first in the spring, and if you have clear skies it is supposed to be best tonight after midnight and perhaps tomorrow night. After midnight the moon will set-making it darker and the earth will turn so that we actually run into the dust at maximum speed. About 20 meteors/hr are predicted, best between midnight and dawn.
Since your up until 1:00 am anyway, why not take a look.
2007-04-21 18:48:29
127.   Jon Weisman
I'm having trouble posting right now, but this will be the game chat thread.
2007-04-21 18:48:39
128.   DXMachina
124 Well George did show up in Providence every now and then when Dani was attending Brown...

And D'oh!

2007-04-21 18:51:44
129.   Gen3Blue
I'm not sure I still middle aged.
2007-04-21 18:52:10
130.   Gen3Blue
Nice typing!
2007-04-21 19:03:46
131.   Bluebleeder87
126

you just brought back memories of me living in mexico when i was 16,17 years old & watching meteor showers from time to time.

2007-04-21 19:06:58
132.   Andrew Shimmin
It's the Lyrid meteor shower.

http://www.space.com/spacewatch/070420_ns_lyrids.html

2007-04-21 19:08:20
133.   Greg Brock
I think Steve Lyons just tried to convince me that Brad Penny throwing 100 pitches in five innings is somehow a good thing.

Um, no Peg.

2007-04-21 19:14:06
134.   Bluebleeder87
Furcal & Pierre have good #'s against Snell
2007-04-21 19:17:50
135.   Gen3Blue
131 Mexico is probably a wonderful place to see the stars--at least most of it. There are very few good astromomers in New England(either pro or amatuer) because the weather/seeing is so terrible on the average. We have about 10 nights of excellent seeing a year, and on 9 of them it is below zero outside, in the back yard. I dream of somewhere like Mexico or even Arizona. Those must have been wonderful nights.
2007-04-21 19:20:00
136.   Vishal
boy, "cowboy" joe west sure takes his time with calling the balls and strikes.
2007-04-21 19:20:57
137.   Marty
Mexico is very good for seeing the stars.

I live at a slightly higher altitude than most in L.A. County and it's surprising how much better the star-gazing is up here.

2007-04-21 19:23:39
138.   Gen3Blue
Of course California mountains are where some of the classic astronomy was done. You just have to get above the smog, right:0)
2007-04-21 19:24:00
139.   Vishal
pierre flashes his warning track power...
2007-04-21 19:24:08
140.   Bluebleeder87
Those must have been wonderful nights.

looking back at it now they really were.

2007-04-21 19:24:41
141.   Benaiah
By the way, here is a link to Rob's gameday url:

http://tinyurl.com/33kk5p

2007-04-21 19:26:13
142.   Gen3Blue
I know the gloves aren't designed that way but the old little leaque "two hands" could still do some good!
2007-04-21 19:27:11
143.   imperabo
I was living in the O.C. when comet Hyacutake swung by. At near its peak you could see a dot and a dim coma. I happened to be driving to Reno on the peak night, up 395 through remote high deserts. I pulled off the road midway and let my eyes adjust. You could see a brilliant tail literally half the way across the sky. It looked like it should be pointing to the birth of a savior. So yeah, city viewing sucks.
2007-04-21 19:27:19
144.   Bluebleeder87
139

that ball is gone if it were a 1:10 game.

2007-04-21 19:27:39
145.   Greg Brock
Any pitcher who disagrees with the Pirates on how to treat pitchers has my full support.

Ian Snell, you are no dummy.

2007-04-21 19:28:28
146.   Benaiah
I love Jeff Kent.
2007-04-21 19:28:34
147.   Disabled List
Our BA with RISP continues to rock. Pessimist that I am, I keep waiting for the other shoe to drop.
2007-04-21 19:29:04
148.   Bob Timmermann
OK, I've had three naps today. I'm ready for this game!
2007-04-21 19:29:39
149.   Andrew Shimmin
The Pirates need to check their minor league coaching staff for steroids. Why are they picking fights with all the players?
2007-04-21 19:31:12
150.   Gen3Blue
Good old Kent and Nomar. Darn it Nomar, why don't you go to third: Its just like first only even better for a right hander.
Show/Hide Comments 151-200
2007-04-21 19:31:36
151.   Greg Brock
OK, I've had three naps today.

It's a thin line between fatigue and Mononucleosis.

2007-04-21 19:31:58
152.   regfairfield
Ian Snell is quickly becoming one of my favorite players. Anyone who refers to himself in the third person despite having an ERA over five is alright with me.
2007-04-21 19:33:36
153.   imperabo
nice dp
2007-04-21 19:34:40
154.   Bob Timmermann
151
The cumulative nap time was only a little over an hour.

It's my body catching up from the "Tristan and Isolde" marathon Wednesday.

2007-04-21 19:37:00
155.   Andrew Shimmin
Did Rich Little used to be funny?
2007-04-21 19:37:29
156.   Gen3Blue
You guys on the west coast can really make me jealous about sky views. I did get glimpses of those two comets that magic year-but mostly in between clouds. The D's seem lucky this year too, but I think this pitching depth may really tell over the season.
2007-04-21 19:39:17
157.   Bob Timmermann
155
Sit down Andrew and let me tell you about the 1970s...
2007-04-21 19:40:47
158.   Greg Brock
Rich Little is awesome. I will hear no criticism of Rich Little.
2007-04-21 19:41:57
159.   Bob Timmermann
158
And we know where Greg Brock stands in the eternal battle between fans of Rich Little and fans of Fred Travelena.
2007-04-21 19:44:53
160.   Gen3Blue
You guys on the west coast can really make me jealous about sky views. I did get glimpses of those two comets that magic year-but mostly in between clouds. The D's seem lucky this year too, but I think this pitching depth may really tell over the season.
2007-04-21 19:45:27
161.   Greg Brock
159
It's not even close. Rich Little is the Babe Ruth of people pretending to be other people.
2007-04-21 19:45:52
162.   Gen3Blue
Sorry to post that twice but I think toaster is acting up a bit.
2007-04-21 19:46:47
163.   Benaiah
It is uncanny how much Brad Penny looks like Bluto from Popeye.
2007-04-21 19:47:47
164.   Bob Timmermann
161
No love for Frank Gorshin?
2007-04-21 19:48:31
165.   Gen3Blue
Bluto it is! This could stick.
2007-04-21 19:49:33
166.   Andrew Shimmin
It's hard to decide whether it's sadder for the people who have to pretend to laugh, out of courtesy, or for the performer who's bombing.
2007-04-21 19:50:15
167.   Greg Brock
I always think of Frank Gorshin as The Riddler first. I also think people forget that Dick Gregory, while a genius comedian, was also a splendid impersonator. He could impersonate almost anybody.
2007-04-21 19:51:15
168.   Icaros
Phil Hartman was my favorite.
2007-04-21 19:51:25
169.   Benaiah
I hate that. How can you walk the pitcher? Just take something off it and throw it over the plate and 80% of the time you get an out of the deal.
2007-04-21 19:51:49
170.   Bob Timmermann
Frank Gorshin was on "The Ed Sullivan Show" the same night as the Beatles made their U.S. debut. He specialized in Kirk Douglas.
2007-04-21 19:52:09
171.   Gen3Blue
I'm afraid Bluto could morph into second half Penny before you could open a can of spinach.
2007-04-21 19:53:26
172.   Greg Brock
If you heard Dick Gregory sing "Rambling Rose" in the early 1960's you would think it was Nat King Cole.

Why, no, I'm not 60 years old. Why do you ask?

2007-04-21 19:53:38
173.   Gen3Blue
It is beginning to cloud over lightly in Massachusetts.
2007-04-21 19:53:53
174.   Benaiah
171 - I wish Bluto had a catch phrase so I could say it when Penny does anything interesting.
2007-04-21 19:53:56
175.   Bob Timmermann
I don't know if Eliza Dushku could pull off the role of Olive Oyl however.
2007-04-21 19:54:40
176.   Bob Timmermann
172
You are still not allowed to watch "Freaks and Geeks."

You won't appreciate it fully.

2007-04-21 19:55:41
177.   Greg Brock
166 Rich Little came along during a simpler time, Andrew. The Smothers Brother revived the Vaudville spirit, and Rober Klein dominated the Stand-up circuit.

Some would say we've evolved...But I disagree.

2007-04-21 19:56:18
178.   Greg Brock
176 Understood.
2007-04-21 19:56:26
179.   Marty
Oh man, Rich Little has never been funny. But he was huge nonetheless.

Now David Steinberg, he was funny.

2007-04-21 19:57:32
180.   Marty
I wore the grooves off of the Smothers Brothers Live at the Purple Onion.
2007-04-21 19:57:38
181.   StolenMonkey86
if Gameday is accurate . . .

KILL THE UMPIRE!

2007-04-21 19:58:20
182.   Bob Timmermann
Penny has not been particularly close to the strike zone on his walks.
2007-04-21 19:58:30
183.   Louis in SF
For those of you who have the MLB package or can see Texas and the A's from the Bay Area. Texas up 2-0 in the bottom of the 8th, Gagne scheduled to come in for the 9th.
2007-04-21 19:59:07
184.   Marty
I don't think Penny has any idea where his pitches are going.
2007-04-21 19:59:36
185.   StolenMonkey86
182 - yeah, but against Bay, he wasn't getting anything above the belt
2007-04-21 19:59:49
186.   StolenMonkey86
any calls, that is
2007-04-21 19:59:57
187.   natepurcell
joe west isnt really helping.
2007-04-21 20:00:34
188.   Benaiah
Ugh. Ball 3 looked like a strike, but all the other ones were terrible.
2007-04-21 20:01:26
189.   natepurcell
go grady go!
2007-04-21 20:01:39
190.   Greg Brock
Cowboy Joe West is probably the only guy in the majors that would throw Grady Little out of a baseball game.
2007-04-21 20:01:43
191.   Benaiah
That is weird, why did Joe West go out to the mound anyway?
2007-04-21 20:01:53
192.   Marty
Hopefully the rest will do Penny some good.
2007-04-21 20:01:56
193.   Bluebleeder87
this trully is a weird game Grady Little GOT KICKED OUT!?
2007-04-21 20:02:18
194.   Marty
Or not...
2007-04-21 20:02:30
195.   Bob Timmermann
That wasn't much of an argument. Little (Grady that is) doesn't strike me as much of an tantrum thrower. But gone he is.
2007-04-21 20:02:58
196.   Benaiah
Well, this isn't going well.
2007-04-21 20:03:14
197.   StolenMonkey86
I'd play the game under protest after watching Gameday on Bay's walk.
2007-04-21 20:03:30
198.   natepurcell
grady should have gotten his money's worth. that was weak!
2007-04-21 20:04:34
199.   Bob Timmermann
The Rangers are up 7-0 now obviating any Gagne involvement I believe.
2007-04-21 20:04:39
200.   Marty
I don't think you can protest a game because of strike and ball calls.
Show/Hide Comments 201-250
2007-04-21 20:04:59
201.   Benaiah
198 - What was there to argue about? One pitch? I don't understand why Mays come out to the mound, it was almost like he was provoking Grady. You can't argue balls and strikes anyway.
2007-04-21 20:05:43
202.   Bob Timmermann
200
I think he was issuing a metaphorical protest.
2007-04-21 20:05:49
203.   Bluebleeder87
198

Tommy Lasorda should teach him some techniques

2007-04-21 20:06:21
204.   Greg Brock
Protests are only for incorrect interpretations of the rules. You would have protests all over the yard if you could protest balls and strikes.
2007-04-21 20:07:14
205.   Jon Weisman
The ump came to the mound because Grady and Brad's conversation was longer than Frost-Nixon.
2007-04-21 20:07:17
206.   Bluebleeder87
the game is still with in grasp i'm not worried.
2007-04-21 20:07:23
207.   Bob Timmermann
Actually, arguing balls and strikes is grounds for an automatic ejection.
2007-04-21 20:07:57
208.   Benaiah
Man Raffie, you gotta step it up.
2007-04-21 20:08:30
209.   Bob Timmermann
205
I thought it had more of a "Fresh Air" Terry Gross vibe to it.
2007-04-21 20:10:27
210.   Disabled List
205 I saw Frost-Nixon just a couple of weekends ago. Not bad. Frank Langella, very good.
2007-04-21 20:10:41
211.   Greg Brock
Willie Stargell
2007-04-21 20:11:42
212.   StolenMonkey86
202 - I'd settle for not making first pitch outs too.
2007-04-21 20:13:29
213.   Gen3Blue
Dogers third- 3 batters, 6 pitches.
Penny over 70 pitches,if he could just throw it over he could win.
2007-04-21 20:13:37
214.   Bluebleeder87
211

that's the only name i could think of too, god knows by dad told me that story more than a few times.

2007-04-21 20:15:06
215.   Marty
211 What was the question? Only man to hit one out of Dodger Stadium?
2007-04-21 20:16:20
216.   Bluebleeder87
I did see Mike Piazza hit the tin roof at Dodger Stadium on t.v. once.
2007-04-21 20:16:32
217.   Bob Timmermann
215
Except that McGwire and Piazza have done it also.
2007-04-21 20:17:47
218.   Greg Brock
215 Only man to hit two balls out.
2007-04-21 20:19:52
219.   Bob Timmermann
218
And again, let's not forget Daryle Ward hitting a foul ball out of Dodger Stadium over the roof of the reserved level on the first base side.
2007-04-21 20:19:54
220.   Marty
I have a vague memory of being at a Dodger game with my little league team around when Stargell hit one of those. Not the actual game, but maybe the next day. I seem to remember people talking about it.
2007-04-21 20:21:41
221.   bhsportsguy
Tony Jackson reported that Kuo threw a 45 pitch simulated game today and he was fine afterward. He will throw a 60-pitch game on Wednesday or Thursday and then start a rehab assignment.

Matt Kemp was one of the batters and said his shoulder felt fine, he did some light catch, no update on when he would restart his rehab assignment.

2007-04-21 20:23:03
222.   bhsportsguy
218 Vinny always called him Wilver because that is what Stargell's mom preferred.
2007-04-21 20:24:29
223.   Greg Brock
Willie Stargell and Ferguson Jenkins have to be two of the most forgotten Hall of Famers in the last 40 years.
2007-04-21 20:25:34
224.   Bob Timmermann
Stargell's first blast:
http://retrosheet.org/boxesetc/1969/B08050LAN1969.htm

Stargell's second blast:
http://retrosheet.org/boxesetc/1973/B05080LAN1973.htm

The first one was hit back when the fences were about 15-20 feet further back.

2007-04-21 20:26:21
225.   Bob Timmermann
223
Give Bruce Sutter time. He'll catch up to them.
2007-04-21 20:27:22
226.   Marty
224 And I'm sure my memory is faulty since I was out of little league by 1969.
2007-04-21 20:27:59
227.   Andrew Shimmin
Betemit's just going to have to start hitting homeruns. Nothing else is falling for him. He needs to take initiative.
2007-04-21 20:29:00
228.   Disabled List
Stargell is not forgotten by anybody who was alive in the 1970s.

Ferguson Jenkins, maybe. And I've already forgot about Bruce Sutter.

2007-04-21 20:29:11
229.   Andrew Shimmin
He should have been the MVP of '73. But Pete Rose had 230 hits.
2007-04-21 20:30:12
230.   Bluebleeder87
221

Matt Kemp is gotta make up his mind if his shoulder is gonna hurt or not.

2007-04-21 20:30:44
231.   Marty
I remember Jenkins having 5 straight 20-win seasons.
2007-04-21 20:32:09
232.   Bob Timmermann
231
You refuse to remember the sixth straight 20-win season?
2007-04-21 20:34:02
233.   Marty
I need to remember to stop starting comments with "I remember"
2007-04-21 20:34:57
234.   gpellamjr
232 Marty's not remembering very well today. You should give him a break. Maybe he hasn't had his third nap yet today.
2007-04-21 20:35:32
235.   Dodgers49
191. That is weird, why did Joe West go out to the mound anyway?

Because the real reason Grady went out to the mound was to talk to Joe West. He didn't send his pitching coach out there. And he dallied knowing West would have to come out to speed the game along which would give Grady the opportunity to get a few words in. Obviously, West was not amused. :-)

2007-04-21 20:35:39
236.   D4P
232
What if he refuses to remember the first of the six...?
2007-04-21 20:37:22
237.   Gen3Blue
Vin --that could well be Penny's throwing.
Ahhh Adam came to his rescue and managed to strike out.
2007-04-21 20:37:30
238.   Marty
What if he had seven and it's just been erased from our collective memory? Ever think about that?
2007-04-21 20:39:23
239.   Gen3Blue
Bluto holds.
2007-04-21 20:40:21
240.   D4P
What if we had thought about that, but said thinking was also erased from our collective memory?
2007-04-21 20:41:21
241.   imperabo
That was some awkward baserunning.
2007-04-21 20:41:53
242.   Gen3Blue
Poor Furcal looks lost at see, but he will come around.
2007-04-21 20:42:14
243.   D4P
Coming into the game:

Juan Pierre .278/.303/.333/.636
Dodger pitchers .182/.300/.333/.633

2007-04-21 20:42:17
244.   Marty
240 Now you're talkin...
2007-04-21 20:42:25
245.   Gen3Blue
Err make that Sea.
2007-04-21 20:42:32
246.   Gen3Blue
Err make that Sea.
2007-04-21 20:43:00
247.   Bob Timmermann
Marty dances to remember. I dance to forget.
2007-04-21 20:44:25
248.   JoeyP
I just noticed tonight that Nomar looks alot smaller now, than when he was in Boston.
2007-04-21 20:46:15
249.   Disabled List
Argggh. You went and put that song in my head, Bob. I will now call up the captain and say, please bring me my wine.
2007-04-21 20:46:41
250.   Bluebleeder87
Jeff Kent still wears the old school batting helmet.
Show/Hide Comments 251-300
2007-04-21 20:47:01
251.   Andrew Shimmin
248- He has osteoporosis. Probably.
2007-04-21 20:47:35
252.   Greg Brock
Sorry for not towing the company line, but these are the games when having no home run hitters really hurts.

Three hits for every run is a real pain in the neck.

2007-04-21 20:49:36
253.   Bluebleeder87
we have had some really good opportunities but can't seem to cash them in.
2007-04-21 20:51:25
254.   Marty
Isn't it toeing the line?
2007-04-21 20:53:12
255.   natepurcell
Betemit needs to make boom boom soon.
2007-04-21 20:53:35
256.   Greg Brock
254
Ugh. Now Mary is gonna get me on my mistakes. When I've lost Marty, I've lost the center.
2007-04-21 20:55:49
257.   Marty
256 I'm sorry, I can't help myself.
2007-04-21 20:56:06
258.   Marty
And don't call me Mary.
2007-04-21 20:56:16
259.   bhsportsguy
Penny could be the first Dodger starter to have a quality start and lose the game. In each of his 4 starts, he has gone at least 6 innings and not given up more than 2 earned runs any of them.
2007-04-21 20:56:29
260.   Bob Timmermann
I thought it was "Draggin' the Line"

http://tinyurl.com/2o5k3m

2007-04-21 20:57:05
261.   bhsportsguy
258 Or Shirley.
2007-04-21 20:58:05
262.   bhsportsguy
They are beginning to hit the ball hard.
2007-04-21 20:58:10
263.   Bob Timmermann
I believe that eventually sacrifice flies will be renamed D4Ps.
2007-04-21 20:58:25
264.   natepurcell
that was a hard hit ball. oh well.
2007-04-21 20:59:30
265.   Bluebleeder87
That play there CF made was actually a really good play, those straight line drives are hard to read.
2007-04-21 21:00:14
266.   JoeyP
Does Betemit ever try to pull the ball?
2007-04-21 21:00:21
267.   D4P
263
As long as they pay me, I'm OK with it
2007-04-21 21:02:55
268.   natepurcell
why is penny still in the game?

okay nm, one hitter too late.

2007-04-21 21:03:12
269.   Bluebleeder87
Nice move I would have done the same.
2007-04-21 21:04:37
270.   Bob Timmermann
Looks like the problem with the feed from Cuba is that I had the wrong starting time.

It's available now and in the seventh inning with Industriales leading Santiago 5-0.

2007-04-21 21:04:58
271.   bigcpa
Gagne pitched an uneventful 9th with a 7-0 lead. He faced Milton Bradley and threw him two 68 mph Bugs Bunny curves for strikes. On the second one Bradley looked out at Gagne and laughed. Then Gagne hit him in the shoulder and gave Bradley a smile/wink over at first.
2007-04-21 21:05:20
272.   Bluebleeder87
Steiner really likes the way Tsao pitches
2007-04-21 21:09:12
273.   Andrew Shimmin
270- I'm placing you under citizen's arrest for violation of the Helms/Burton act. Please take yourself to your local jail, and surrender.
2007-04-21 21:10:42
274.   Bob Timmermann
It looks like Fidel Castro banned baseball players from wearing stirrups.
2007-04-21 21:10:49
275.   Gen3Blue
I've got to find a way back to the place I was before. But you can never leave!
3-2 We should b3e able to handle this.
2007-04-21 21:12:32
276.   Bob Timmermann
273
The feed comes from the Japanese Embassy in Cuba, so it's legal.
2007-04-21 21:13:01
277.   Gen3Blue
271 Like that ad--"Lets see how this bruise looks in Hi-def!
2007-04-21 21:13:44
278.   Mr Customer
275 Perhaps we should choose an athem that doesn't end in ritual sacrifice?

Allegedly.

2007-04-21 21:15:50
279.   D4P
So, Marlon Anderson was presumably kept on the team because he had a great month last year. But the fact that he never plays seems to indicate that management recognizes that his great month was a fluke, and he's not very good. So why keep him on the team in the first place?
2007-04-21 21:16:08
280.   JoeyP
Penny's ERA is surprisingly low given his K/BB ratio.

But 0 HRs allowed in 26ip will make most pitchers look good.

2007-04-21 21:16:26
281.   Bob Timmermann
278
It couldn't be a ritual sacrifice. Because we just couldn't kill the beast.
2007-04-21 21:18:41
282.   Mr Customer
281 Apparently unsucessful.

In an unrelated incedent, there is a busy signal playing over the top of the game on the MLB Audio feed...

2007-04-21 21:18:49
283.   Greg Brock
I really dislike the Eagles. They're the musical equivalent of Frank Robinson.

In fact, the word "dislike" is mild. I really hate The Eagles.

2007-04-21 21:18:57
284.   Bluebleeder87
Sportsline lied to me it told me Furcal & Pierre had good #'s against Snell there for they'd have a good game.
2007-04-21 21:19:25
285.   Disabled List
I checked out of this game already. But I can never leave.
2007-04-21 21:20:11
286.   gpellamjr
282 I thought it was just Rick Monday talking.
2007-04-21 21:20:46
287.   Mr Customer
283 That's it, get out of the cab.
2007-04-21 21:20:57
288.   D4P
I really hate The Eagles

I'll have to check, but I'm pretty sure you just violated The Patriot Act

2007-04-21 21:21:24
289.   Bluebleeder87
I guess they don't do the HD thing in Cuba.
2007-04-21 21:23:03
290.   Mr Customer
286 4:3 is the aspect ratio of the proletariat.
2007-04-21 21:23:10
291.   Greg Brock
I really think VH1 was invented to play Eagles tunes. It's the worst kind of easy listening wannabe rock n roll.

287 The Dude knows all.

2007-04-21 21:23:26
292.   Mr Customer
That was supposed to be 289
2007-04-21 21:23:52
293.   Bob Timmermann
The Cubans do use a "Fox box" of sorts. But their radar gun reading is very low tech and surprisingly is in MPH.

Industriales' pitcher doesn't throw very hard, but the Santiago pitcher is in the low 90s.

2007-04-21 21:25:34
294.   D4P
Does Steve not even show up for Jim Tracy anymore? Was he banned or something?
2007-04-21 21:26:48
295.   Bob Timmermann
I don't think we've seen Steve since UCLA made it to the Final Four.
2007-04-21 21:30:40
296.   Bluebleeder87
we're running out of innings, Let's Go Dodgers!
2007-04-21 21:32:15
297.   Mr Customer
291 I always get the feeling that there's just not a whole lot going on upstairs with those guys. As if they started out trying to be cryptic, but just decided to write tunes with good hooks instead.
2007-04-21 21:34:13
298.   Mr Customer
let's have some consecutive hits.
2007-04-21 21:35:59
299.   Bluebleeder87
Salomon Torres has a link with the Giants right?
2007-04-21 21:37:06
300.   Bob Timmermann
I have now learned that ERA in Spanish is PCL, permitidas carrera limpias.
Show/Hide Comments 301-350
2007-04-21 21:37:07
301.   Greg Brock
299 Bit of an understatement.

Yeah, where the heck is Steve? I'm actually kind of worried.

2007-04-21 21:41:35
302.   Marty
I just got rung up in a poker tournament where I had AA, raised before the flop, and got three calls. Then the flop comes AQQ and I go all in and everyone calls. One of the other players has QQ.

Brutal.

2007-04-21 21:43:43
303.   Bumsrap
Watching TWIB today I couldn't help but notice Anderson being a fun guy to have on the team. If somebody is playing the role of an as needed, it shouldn't be someone that is upset with the role. Until Grady lets Loney and Kemp and Ethier play as regulars they might as well stay in AAA instead of sitting ala Anderson.
2007-04-21 21:44:23
304.   Greg Brock
302 Really nothing to say. Four of a kind over a boat. Brutal.
2007-04-21 21:44:26
305.   Bob Timmermann
302
Who were you playing against, Lancey Howard?
2007-04-21 21:45:44
306.   Bumsrap
302 - That happens when you are using Pinochole cards
2007-04-21 21:46:18
307.   D4P
Not many managers use their "closer" in this situation
2007-04-21 21:46:48
308.   natepurcell
302

if you lose in that situation, you win at barrona. my buddy took home like 8 grand for having aces full and losing to a 4 of a kind.

2007-04-21 21:47:18
309.   Mr Customer
306 Salt, meet wound.
2007-04-21 21:47:33
310.   gpellamjr
307 Good thing the Dodgers don't have a manager right now.
2007-04-21 21:49:05
311.   natepurcell
ethier walks and wilson makes boom boom?
2007-04-21 21:49:52
312.   Mr Customer
310 They do. He's just leaving early to beat the rush.
2007-04-21 21:51:04
313.   D4P
Salomon Torres...?
2007-04-21 21:51:05
314.   Disabled List
302 You should be playing at a brick-and-mortar card club. That's a beautiful jackpot hand.
2007-04-21 21:51:23
315.   Mr Customer
That looked outside to me.
2007-04-21 21:52:19
316.   gpellamjr
Did I just hear Steiner say Valdez is going to PH for Betemit?
2007-04-21 21:52:28
317.   StolenMonkey86
7 ip, 3 k, 2 hr on the season
2007-04-21 21:53:45
318.   JoeyP
311--1 step down
2007-04-21 21:53:55
319.   natepurcell
theres my walk.... now here comes my jack!
2007-04-21 21:53:58
320.   bhsportsguy
We all know what is about to happen.
2007-04-21 21:54:12
321.   natepurcell
oh come on!!!!
2007-04-21 21:54:13
322.   Greg Brock
Oh goodness gracious. Valdez for Betemit?

I do not approve of such a substitution.

2007-04-21 21:54:29
323.   StolenMonkey86
well, you can't blame Grady for this one
2007-04-21 21:54:30
324.   Bob Timmermann
314
Isn't it more fun to play poker for money than masonry?
2007-04-21 21:54:34
325.   gpellamjr
Wow. Valdez is pinch hitting. This makes me sick. A righty in to PH for a lefty against a righty pitcher. What's the logic here?
2007-04-21 21:54:37
326.   Greg Brock
Bunting. Ugh.
2007-04-21 21:54:56
327.   JoeyP
I'm surprised their hitting for Betemit.
A walk wouldnt be bad in this situation, and thats something Betemit can do.

Using Valdez in his place I disagree with.

2007-04-21 21:55:01
328.   Icaros
Stupid move, Grady.
2007-04-21 21:55:42
329.   D4P
Sending in a pinch-hitter to bunt...?
2007-04-21 21:55:48
330.   Bluebleeder87
Valdez better not induce a double play
2007-04-21 21:55:48
331.   StolenMonkey86
Torres was so much in shock that anyone would think to bunt that he threw the next pitch way outside
2007-04-21 21:55:50
332.   JoeyP
Jim Tracy vs Jim Tracy
2007-04-21 21:56:23
333.   Mr Customer
328 Grady's at the bar already. He was tossed.
2007-04-21 21:56:26
334.   StolenMonkey86
328 - Grady's home now
2007-04-21 21:56:47
335.   Icaros
Just terrible.
2007-04-21 21:56:56
336.   MSarg29
I hate that play
2007-04-21 21:56:57
337.   gpellamjr
This is disgusting.
2007-04-21 21:57:04
338.   Greg Brock
Bunting...Thanks for being stupid.
2007-04-21 21:57:04
339.   Bluebleeder87
Grady pulls out his A's with Saenz at the bat.
2007-04-21 21:57:08
340.   Mr Customer
Ack.
2007-04-21 21:57:18
341.   Icaros
Grady is surely still calling the shots from the clubhouse.
2007-04-21 21:58:20
342.   bhsportsguy
Bunting okay by me, but with two strikes, not a good percentage play.
2007-04-21 21:58:29
343.   gpellamjr
I sense a scathing post from Jon this evening.
2007-04-21 21:58:33
344.   D4P
I'm not suggesting he start all the time, but doesn't it seem like Olmedo has been underutilized somewhat this season? This is only his 9th AB so far.
2007-04-21 21:58:41
345.   natepurcell
that doesnt seem like a grady move though.
2007-04-21 21:58:42
346.   Disabled List
I really wonder if these are Grady's moves. Pulling Betemit in that situation was seriously amateur.
2007-04-21 21:58:52
347.   Bluebleeder87
GO VALDEZ GO!!!
2007-04-21 21:59:15
348.   imperabo
Good move bringing Valdez in to bunt. ;-)
2007-04-21 21:59:17
349.   Greg Brock
May fortune favor the foolish.
2007-04-21 21:59:19
350.   bhsportsguy
Sometimes lucky is better, perhaps poetic justice.
Show/Hide Comments 351-400
2007-04-21 21:59:35
351.   Mr Customer
Ok, let's make this happen.
2007-04-21 21:59:46
352.   Bob Timmermann
Time for a D4P from Olmedo.
2007-04-21 22:00:22
353.   imperabo
wow
2007-04-21 22:00:29
354.   Greg Brock
How not to play baseball and tie the game.
2007-04-21 22:00:35
355.   Icaros
Yeah, it does seem stupider than I would expect from Grady, but I thought the manager always did that. What else would he do?
2007-04-21 22:00:41
356.   JoeyP
The Pirates are hopeless
2007-04-21 22:00:44
357.   imperabo
He's a heads up runner that's for sure.
2007-04-21 22:00:50
358.   Bluebleeder87
No hits & we score the run, you gotta love this game!!
2007-04-21 22:01:08
359.   bhsportsguy
Kirk Gibson lives..........actually he is Arizona but a wild pitch and a passed ball.
2007-04-21 22:01:28
360.   D4P
Valdez just killed the rally by scoring on the passed ball
2007-04-21 22:01:46
361.   Disabled List
Now THAT is Wreaking Havoc. I hope Pierre is taking notes.
2007-04-21 22:01:54
362.   bhsportsguy
Oohhh that was the pitch
2007-04-21 22:01:54
363.   StolenMonkey86
this reminds me of watching Mike Stanton close for the Giants at the end of last season
2007-04-21 22:02:41
364.   Greg Brock
A run on zero hits. This is Dodgers baseball!
2007-04-21 22:03:18
365.   Bob Timmermann
Three wild pitches, two throwing errors by catchers, and a passed ball in tonight's action.
2007-04-21 22:04:21
366.   JoeyP
Furcal should just start every season in June.
2007-04-21 22:04:23
367.   bhsportsguy
And the first extra inning game of the year.
2007-04-21 22:04:25
368.   natepurcell
now i might miss my movie. thanks dodgers!
2007-04-21 22:04:34
369.   Bluebleeder87
is Saito gonna pitch 2 innings, I'd let him throw 2 why not.
2007-04-21 22:05:04
370.   Marty
314 Even in a card club, the jackpot rules don't come into play in a tournament.
2007-04-21 22:05:07
371.   D4P
Why is that run earned? Seems to me that wild pitches and passed balls are really no different than errors.
2007-04-21 22:05:08
372.   bhsportsguy
368 You going out, I remember going out at 10:00 p.m. to see a movie.
2007-04-21 22:06:09
373.   StolenMonkey86
Free Baseball!*

* a few economists would like to remind you that nothing in life is free, as the costs are either non-monetary or hidden

2007-04-21 22:07:35
374.   bhsportsguy
369 Saenz batted for Saito.

370 Some poker clubs have jackpots for tournamentsm, I saw a similar hand with the players having AA vs. KK and AKK flopped.

2007-04-21 22:08:05
375.   Bluebleeder87
369

I forgot Saito was batting 3rd in that last inning, my bad.

2007-04-21 22:08:20
376.   Bob Timmermann
The run should be unearned, but the scorekeepers haven't caught it yet.

Without the error and the passed ball, the inning would have gone:
Ethier walk
Valdez force out
Valdez goes to second on wild pitch
Saenz strike out
Furcal grounds out

2007-04-21 22:08:26
377.   bhsportsguy
Wow, Broxton can move afterall.
2007-04-21 22:09:17
378.   D4P
Gameday now shows the run as unearned. I'll be able to sleep tonight.
2007-04-21 22:11:35
379.   Gold Star for Robot Boy
Wasn't the PB scoring Valdez the third strike on Saenz? So why did he keep hitting?
2007-04-21 22:12:01
380.   gpellamjr
Steiner is currently crediting the Dodgers' small ball approach with their success.
2007-04-21 22:12:22
381.   scareduck
376 - caught it on Gameday. Solomon Torres, one run, no earned runs.
2007-04-21 22:12:41
382.   D4P
I do not foresee the Pirates scoring any more runs in this game
2007-04-21 22:12:53
383.   Mr Customer
That was embarrasing.
2007-04-21 22:12:56
384.   natepurcell
i hate everything about joe west. from the way he spits his tobacco to the way he waits 5 minutes to ring a batter up.
2007-04-21 22:13:24
385.   scareduck
380 - There are reasons to like Charlie Steiner. His knowledge of baseball strategy is not necessarily one of them.
2007-04-21 22:13:33
386.   D4P
Steiner is currently crediting the Dodgers' small ball approach with their success

Relying on the other team to mess up is a brilliant, dependable strategy

2007-04-21 22:14:25
387.   Mr Customer
380 Steiner seems to speak to fill up airtime rather than impart and special knowledge or insight
2007-04-21 22:14:54
388.   bhsportsguy
380 Unlike the White Sox in 2005, the evidence (9 HRs vs. 17 SB) would back up his argument. But as Jon said earlier, pitching and timely hitting have been the formula, runs scored on passed balls is not something you can rely on.
2007-04-21 22:15:47
389.   gpellamjr
385 I just can't come up with a reason to like him. Just as with Rick Monday, I feel like I have no idea what's going on in the game when listening to him.
2007-04-21 22:15:59
390.   Andrew Shimmin
It's ugly, no question, but it's sort of Ellen Barkin ugly, seeing it done to Tracy. I don't care as much about the Dodgers winning this as I do watching Tracy lose. Again.
2007-04-21 22:17:09
391.   scareduck
386 - it's called the Blanche DuBois strategy.
2007-04-21 22:18:22
392.   Xeifrank
Pierre walks, steals 2nd goes to third on a ground ball and scores on a sac fly. vr, Xei
2007-04-21 22:18:27
393.   Gold Star for Robot Boy
390 - "Ellen Barkin ugly." That's awesome.
2007-04-21 22:18:27
394.   scareduck
390 - now that you mention it, Ellen Barkin has to be the least attractive attractive woman working in Hollywood I can think of.
2007-04-21 22:18:46
395.   Bob Timmermann
I feel like Jonah in the Bayliss of the whale!
2007-04-21 22:19:39
396.   Gold Star for Robot Boy
392 - Maury Wills comparisons begin in three, two one...
2007-04-21 22:19:40
397.   Mr Customer
395 Oh. That's just awful.
2007-04-21 22:20:17
398.   Bob Timmermann
397
Not a fan of the Burning Sensations?
2007-04-21 22:20:23
399.   StolenMonkey86
hey, Pierre hit a line drive
2007-04-21 22:20:31
400.   D4P
If you give Pierre 5 ABs, there's a good chance he'll get a hit
Show/Hide Comments 401-450
2007-04-21 22:20:51
401.   Gold Star for Robot Boy
395 - Anyone remember the Choose Your Own Adventure book "Your Code Name is Jonah?"
2007-04-21 22:20:53
402.   Disabled List
I'm hoping for another wild pitch, throwing error, and passed ball. Those seem to represent our best odds tonight.
2007-04-21 22:21:20
403.   scareduck
Feel like Nomah in the Bayliss of the whale!
2007-04-21 22:22:53
404.   bhsportsguy
If you were going to pitch out, now would be the pitch at 1-2
2007-04-21 22:23:19
405.   Bob Timmermann
404
The man is a prophet!
2007-04-21 22:23:37
406.   bhsportsguy
404 Me and Joe Morgan can predict pitch outs.
2007-04-21 22:23:50
407.   Mr Customer
404 Like clockwork.
2007-04-21 22:23:53
408.   gpellamjr
I wonder why Nomar's not bunting here. Isn't that what got us the run in the 9th?
2007-04-21 22:24:06
409.   bhsportsguy
He goes on the first pitch to Kent.
2007-04-21 22:24:14
410.   gpellamjr
408 I guess it's because Valdez wasn't available to PH for him.
2007-04-21 22:24:14
411.   Greg Brock
Well, if Pierre is going to swipe a bag, he'll try with one away.
2007-04-21 22:24:35
412.   JoeyP
Hopefully Pierre remains at 1st for the Kent AB.

IF he wants to run in front of Gonzo, more power to him.

2007-04-21 22:25:09
413.   Greg Brock
I should have refreshed. BH already made this inning's prediction.
2007-04-21 22:25:16
414.   Bob Timmermann
409
Your prophetic days are over.
2007-04-21 22:25:39
415.   bhsportsguy
1 for 2. I wonder if Nomar has a sacrifice bunt in his career, I could go look it up but I am lazy.
2007-04-21 22:26:26
416.   bhsportsguy
413 Oh go ahead.
2007-04-21 22:28:31
417.   Bob Timmermann
Nomar has five sacrifices in his career.
2007-04-21 22:28:35
418.   bhsportsguy
"Major League" was on earlier today, we need Willie Mays Hayes right now.
2007-04-21 22:29:46
419.   Gold Star for Robot Boy
We're in business.
2007-04-21 22:29:55
420.   JoeyP
Pierre should have tried for 3rd on that.
2007-04-21 22:30:19
421.   scareduck
The Dodgers just won this game on reflexive use of the LOOGY.
2007-04-21 22:30:30
422.   Disabled List
Singles, singles, singles...
2007-04-21 22:30:59
423.   Bob Timmermann
Jeff Kent has 10 sacrifices, the same as Luis Gonzalez.
2007-04-21 22:31:10
424.   bhsportsguy
420 And if he gets thrown out? Seriously, I was surprised but the rightfielder did get that ball pretty cleanly.
2007-04-21 22:31:56
425.   Greg Brock
I hear the major league guys call this "playing the percentages"

They are so smart!

2007-04-21 22:32:58
426.   Bluebleeder87
Pierre is bad for my health!!
2007-04-21 22:33:01
427.   Bob Timmermann
At the risk of sounding like Christopher Lloyd in "Buckaroo Banzai" I want to tell Vin, that it's Damaso Mar-TAY.
2007-04-21 22:33:03
428.   Icaros
401

Yes, I own a copy.

2007-04-21 22:33:08
429.   JoeyP
Pierre's only MLB skill is his speed. If he cant get to 3rd base on a ground ball single to RF, thats a problem.
2007-04-21 22:33:08
430.   scareduck
Wow, Pierre was out.
2007-04-21 22:33:18
431.   Andrew Shimmin
Looked out from here.
2007-04-21 22:33:35
432.   Greg Brock
Even though Gonzo is batting .400 against Marte, this is still "playing the percentages"

The invisible percentages of lefty/lefty

2007-04-21 22:33:49
433.   Jon Weisman
I wouldn't have sent up Valdez to hit for Betemit, but it's not worth all the consternation that's being shown. It was a situation where playing for one run was legitimate. Hoping Betemit gets on base is one way to do it, having Valdez bunt was another way to do it.
2007-04-21 22:33:53
434.   scareduck
429 - did anybody see what the third base coach told Pierre to do?
2007-04-21 22:34:21
435.   bhsportsguy
429 In the end, it may still end up with Russell Martin coming up with bases loaded.
2007-04-21 22:35:04
436.   Greg Brock
427 Not nearly enough Buckaroo Bonzai quotes around these parts.
2007-04-21 22:35:05
437.   Disabled List
Would be nice to have Saenz available here.
2007-04-21 22:35:23
438.   natepurcell
MARTIN'S SPARTANS!!!
2007-04-21 22:35:23
439.   Gold Star for Robot Boy
R-Mart vs. a LHP?
2007-04-21 22:35:42
440.   Mr Customer
Now it get's interesting.
2007-04-21 22:36:01
441.   gpellamjr
432 He was playing the percentages like when Mr. Burns put Homer in for Strawberry.
2007-04-21 22:36:04
442.   bhsportsguy
433 I was at UCLA watching the football scrimmage, what time was the show?
2007-04-21 22:36:37
443.   Gold Star for Robot Boy
428 - Really? Awesome.
2007-04-21 22:36:42
444.   D4P
LuGo sure is walking a lot this year
2007-04-21 22:36:49
445.   natepurcell
okay i hate jim tracy. i have to leave now. hopefully when i get back ill find out Russ was the hero.
2007-04-21 22:37:03
446.   Bob Timmermann
434
I rewound the DVR, but Rich Donnelly wasn't in the shot on Kent's single.

Perhaps if this had been an HD broadcast, he would have been in the frame.

2007-04-21 22:37:17
447.   still bevens
I will have a heart attack if Jauss calls for a suicide squeeze right here and Pierre pulls it off.
2007-04-21 22:37:25
448.   Greg Brock
433 Maybe with a banjo hitter. Betemit, despite his struggles, can still hit the ball out of the park, and has been really unlucky.
2007-04-21 22:37:54
449.   Bluebleeder87
Come on Martin i have you as my # 1 guy today on Inside the Dodgers.
2007-04-21 22:38:33
450.   Mr Customer
441 ...and look how that turned out!
Show/Hide Comments 451-500
2007-04-21 22:38:54
451.   bhsportsguy
Its Sunday Softball.
2007-04-21 22:38:55
452.   Gold Star for Robot Boy
Judging from the music, Martin's gonna destroy the Death Star. Or bulls-eye womp-rats.
2007-04-21 22:39:15
453.   JoeyP
Chacon's days of starting for the NY Yankees must seem like a long time ago for him.
2007-04-21 22:39:29
454.   D4P
Martin's offensive stats have quickly returned to normal as of late
2007-04-21 22:39:49
455.   Bob Timmermann
If the ball gets hits to Kelly, he's officially the right fielder.

Look for the old 9-2 groundout!

2007-04-21 22:39:55
456.   Gold Star for Robot Boy
451 - No, no girls on the field.
2007-04-21 22:40:21
457.   scareduck
Heh.
2007-04-21 22:40:38
458.   Greg Brock
Best catcher in the game.
2007-04-21 22:40:47
459.   Bluebleeder87
449

My Dodger Mojo is in tack, thank you very much Martin!

2007-04-21 22:40:47
460.   Mr Customer
giggle
2007-04-21 22:40:53
461.   Gold Star for Robot Boy
OUT-STANDING!
2007-04-21 22:40:55
462.   JoeyP
That is winning in style!
Grand Slam Russ Martin/
2007-04-21 22:41:00
463.   Samuel
WOW!
2007-04-21 22:41:04
464.   saltcreek
nice
2007-04-21 22:41:04
465.   dzzrtRatt
This guy Martin...charisma, baby.
2007-04-21 22:41:14
466.   Bob Timmermann
The 5-man infield is ill-suited to defend against a 375 foot home run.
2007-04-21 22:41:37
467.   scareduck
Jesus, that was a hit-me pitch. Waist high, almost dead center over the plate.
2007-04-21 22:41:46
468.   bhsportsguy
This team picks the strangest times to hit grand slams. Last grand slam at home and I was there, Nomar on the last pitch at the regular season home game.
2007-04-21 22:41:47
469.   saltcreek
that was a horrible 0-2 pitch
2007-04-21 22:42:02
470.   StolenMonkey86
yay, grand slam!
2007-04-21 22:42:22
471.   Andrew Shimmin
Do you see what happens? Do you see what happens, Tracy? This is what happens! This is what happens when you find a stranger in the Alps, Jim Tracy! This is what happens.
2007-04-21 22:42:35
472.   still bevens
wasnt quite a suicide squeeze
2007-04-21 22:42:53
473.   gpellamjr
I think I'm going to stay up and watch this game as soon as it's archived on mlb.tv and the blackout restrictions are lifted.
2007-04-21 22:43:11
474.   das411
WOW!!

just got an IM from a friend saying "turn on the game the pirates have 5 IFers in" and the first pitch i see, russ martin says "no that's ok, go back to watching star trek"...awesome!

2007-04-21 22:43:15
475.   Disabled List
Multiple runs scoring on one hit??? I like this concept, the Dodgers should practice it more often!
2007-04-21 22:43:24
476.   al bundy
Cheers to all the peeps who left early in order to beat traffic. Nice!
2007-04-21 22:43:26
477.   JoeyP
Martin has the "I know I hit a HR and will just walk out of the batters box and watch" thing down.
2007-04-21 22:43:43
478.   Bob Timmermann
473
This game was pretty dreary except for two innings.
2007-04-21 22:43:47
479.   bhsportsguy
471 If you have something against Jim Tracy, speak up, don't hold back.
2007-04-21 22:44:35
480.   Linkmeister
Well, if you're gonna tune in once you've cleaned up the kitchen after dinner, you might as well see the tying run score on a PB in the 9th and then a walkoff GS in the 10th.

Me oh my and a custard pie.

2007-04-21 22:44:38
481.   Mr Customer
As a bonus, that also made me flash back to the Russ walk-off against the Giants that almost made Joe Morgan cry. Good times.
2007-04-21 22:44:43
482.   scareduck
478 - and here I was bumming because the simultaneous scheduling of homestands for the Angels and Dodgers. Turns out it didn't matter.
2007-04-21 22:44:55
483.   Chiron Brown
Mr. Russell Nathan Coltrane Jeanson Martin Jr.

I love you.

2007-04-21 22:45:14
484.   Greg Brock
471 Tracy can still go to the In n Out over on Radford.

Those are good burgers.

2007-04-21 22:45:58
485.   Bluebleeder87
Russell Martin got a weeks worth of RBI's with that one swing.
2007-04-21 22:47:39
486.   bhsportsguy
482 To change teams briefly, any worries about Scott Shields or is just one of those things?
2007-04-21 22:48:22
487.   still bevens
Another great comeback, another game left early. This time I have a medical excuse as my dad's back acted up and he couldn't sit in those chairs any longer. Ohwell. I'll take the W.

Tomorrow I managed to luck into Diamond Club seats for autograph day so I got that going for me.. which is nice. Definitely wont be leaving that one early.

2007-04-21 22:48:47
488.   scareduck
486 - I'll get to that tonight, but the short answer is he's on my watch list. He's had slow starts before, though.
2007-04-21 22:50:13
489.   bhsportsguy
488 K-Rod can't keep coming into games when they have multi-run leads in the 8th. Looking forward to your takes.
2007-04-21 22:50:20
490.   Bob Timmermann
Don Kelly will now be eligible in the outfield for people in some roto leagues.

Of course, if you are picking Don Kelly for your team...

2007-04-21 22:50:28
491.   Disabled List
A hearty LOL to 471.
2007-04-21 22:56:09
492.   D4P
It's almost as if everything Ned touches turns to gold
2007-04-21 22:58:27
493.   Andrew Shimmin
492- Trouble maker.
2007-04-21 22:59:36
494.   tskent
492. You and I. We think alike.

I've got this friend I work with. I told him the Dodgers are a shoe in to win 95 games. He said I was stupid. He said they'd go 84-78. LOL.... 84-78, what an idiot. He also thought Joel Guzman was the Dodgers shortstop of the future. And no, my coworker isn't addicted to hard drugs...I think. LOL..

2007-04-21 23:01:09
495.   Greg Brock
492 Shame on you. LOL.
2007-04-21 23:06:14
496.   tskent
Saito, Tsao, JoeyB, Valdez, Martinez, Anderson, Clark.... Neddie's the king of finding the golden nuggies nobody wants. I think that's what makes him far and away the best GM in the game today.
2007-04-21 23:06:45
497.   bhsportsguy
Grady already said that Olmedo would be playing for Nomar, don't know if Luis Gonzalez or Ethier will sit against the LH, hunch is that Wilson Valdez plays 3B but both Luis and Andre play.
2007-04-21 23:07:02
498.   bigcpa
492 = Roach Motel.
2007-04-21 23:08:52
499.   Vaudeville Villain
Russell Martin treats objects like women, man.
2007-04-21 23:10:23
500.   twerp
435 bhsportsguy 2007-04-21 22:34:31
" In the end, it may still end up with Russell Martin coming up with bases loaded. "

And, yea, it came to pass...

Do you have any crystal balls for sale?

Show/Hide Comments 501-550
2007-04-21 23:10:59
501.   Andrew Shimmin
Anybody watching the Tracy interview? Does he have a black eye?
2007-04-21 23:11:04
502.   Jon Weisman
Okay, I think it's time I reminded, you know, everyone, that you don't use LOL for your own comments. If someone says something that makes you laugh out loud, then you can give an LOL. You don't LOL yourself.

I'm trying to put up a new post, but still having problems posting. But keep an eye out for it.

2007-04-21 23:11:31
503.   dzzrtRatt
482 I kind of enjoyed the fact that Seattle got a dramatic late inning grand slam against the Angels, but still lost.

Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't.

2007-04-21 23:12:41
504.   Xeifrank
With a lefty on the mound for the Pirates tomorrow, do you think the Dodgers will start Clark instead of Pierre and perhaps Olmedo instead of Nomar? vr, Xei
2007-04-21 23:13:09
505.   bhsportsguy
500 Did not predict the grand slam though.
2007-04-21 23:13:49
506.   Andrew Shimmin
Psycho is right. That guy is an idiot.
2007-04-21 23:14:35
507.   dzzrtRatt
Tracy would've wanted Jason Phillips in that spot with the bases loaded. He's a gamer.
2007-04-21 23:15:27
508.   berkowit28
Even a pop fly, with only one out - not to mention that with only two outfielders a pop fly might well not be caught - would have won the game. Trying for the HR - successful or not - was the best chance to win. Playing the odds. Martin is really smart, as well as great. He deserved to get the big prize.
2007-04-21 23:17:04
509.   bhsportsguy
504 As mentioned before, Nomar is getting tomorrow off and with the LH pitching, Olmedo will get a chance to pad his stats against the Pirates. Doubtful on Pierre but Clark could start for one of the OFs.

Irony alert, Russell Martin in a segment on blocking balls and of course they committed the sin of putting the analyst in the story by having Lyons try to block balls in the dirt.

2007-04-21 23:17:57
510.   Xeifrank
Martin really ran up the score with that walk off grand slam. All he needed to do was hit a single. I hope the Pirates don't take it out on us tomorrow. vr, Xei
2007-04-22 00:07:20
511.   Mark Linsey
Anybody notice that the mlb.com wrap after the first two paragaphs (which talk about the Dodgers' come-from-behind-win) talks about how the Dodgers lost the game?

Article here: http://tinyurl.com/2tk26h

I'm sure that it will be fixed soon, so here's what it says now:

"
LOS ANGELES -- Catcher Russell Martin hit a grand slam off Pittsburgh's Shawn Chacon in the bottom of the 10th inning as the Dodgers rallied for a 7-3 victory on Saturday night.

The Dodgers pushed across a run in the bottom of the ninth to tie it, with Wilson Valdez scoring on a passed ball.

Jonathan Broxton (1-0) earned the win by pitching a scoreless 10th inning.

Brad Penny was seeking to become the first Dodgers pitcher to win his first four starts of the season since Kazuhisa Ishii did it in 2002, but the Pirates spoiled his night.

Pittsburgh capitalized off a Dodgers error in the first inning and took advantage of three walks in the third inning to beat the Dodgers, 3-2, in front of a crowd of 48,995 at Dodger Stadium on Saturday night.
[...]

The Dodgers scored runs in the first and sixth innings and threatened to score throughout the game but were unable to get a hit when it mattered most."

I particularly like that last line!

2007-04-22 00:08:16
512.   das411
435 - 500 - 505 is my early nominee for Post Combo of the Year.

That trio definitely earned an LOL.

2007-04-22 00:27:24
513.   bhsportsguy
BTW - I was looking at the Dodger pregame notes for Saturday night's game and there was a note saying that the Dodgers were 9-0 (now 10-0) when they score better than 3 runs and they are also 9-0 (also now 10-0) when they allow 3 or less runs a game. The note continued that there has not been a game when both teams have scored more than 4 runs each.

The note was cited to Dodgerthoughts.com

2007-04-22 00:29:19
514.   LAT
Went to the game tonight and stayed till the end. Well worth it. However, Bob is right, it was pretty dreary but for two innings.

Actually tonight's game got me thinking things are almost too good. We have had such a nice easy season so far--almost winning at will--it is going to be difficult when the team cools off. And we will cool off. So should we be preparing for it now so we don't over-react when it happens or do we just keep telling ourselves that we are the Yankees and entitled to the best record in bseball all season long?

2007-04-22 00:40:15
515.   Dodgers49
>>> Stan Conte, the Dodgers' director of medical services, acknowledged getting "a tad greedy" with the progression of right fielder Matt Kemp's recovery from a separated shoulder.

Kemp had to terminate his rehabilitation assignment with triple-A Las Vegas and return to Los Angeles on Friday when he experienced soreness in his shoulder after making a throw earlier in the week.

"We just went a little quicker than we should have," Conte said. "We found out that he couldn't do what we wanted him to do, and that's why we pulled him back."

Kemp hit during a simulated game Saturday and played some light catch with Conte, but he must demonstrate the ability to throw at full strength from the outfield before he resumes his rehabilitation assignment, Conte said. <<<

http://tinyurl.com/2kh2jg

2007-04-22 01:00:08
516.   Dodgers49
Bill Plaschke remembers Tim Crews

http://tinyurl.com/244r8v

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