I'm good with that. Many people should go to college 1st if they think it is better for them. My only complaint is when it is money that keeps us from signing our picks.
I'm actually very happy that Price is headed for the DRays. I can easily see a scenario where they become my 2nd favorite team. Right now they are 3rd.

The thing is, you would think that a team with (a) the monetary resources the Dodgers have, and (b) the scouting guru the Dodgers have, would realize that it is to their extreme advantage to invest a lot of money in the draft. I'm not suggesting that the Dodgers have been cheap, but there are players out there like Price who can be had for the taking in lower rounds and then can be bought away from attending college. LaRoche in the 39th round is a prime example. I'm kind of disappointed that there haven't been more LaRoche-type scenarios in recent years. This is one way in which the Dodgers could really get a leg up on the competition. Frank McCourt no longer has to worry about Selig's wrath, he's not a new owner anymore, so he should be able to get away with paying above-slot bonuses if he wants to.

We're not going to have Logan White for too much longer; we should take advantage of him while he's here.

Nate, John is asking for a roll call of GMs for the Mock Draft.

3

thanks.

in regards to goldstein picking Main for the dodgers, i really dont know.

pros
-electric fastball
-knockout curveball when on
-one of the most athletic players in entire draft
-workable change with a chance to be plus
-fierce comepetitor
-quick, loose arm action

cons
-really struggle on the showcase tour last summer
-when he just trys to overpower with just fastball, he is really hittable.
-had a bout of shoulder tendonitis his junior year
-more of a smallish, RHP

Ken Rosenthal on Russell Martin:
http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/story/6868932
Many quotes from current teammates.

IIRC, this pretty much squares with what Price said when he signed with Vandy.

I think he was set on going to college, period. I don't think he had a "price."

I believe he thought going to college--especially a school like Vandy--could only help him and would pay off big time later on (like now). Vandy's Corbin is good at developing the mental side, which is what Price said he needed.

There was some risk of injury, of course, but it appears Price's decision will prove to be right for him, not so much for the Dodgers.

If every smallish RHP going to be compared to Roy Oswalt for the next 10 years?

Today's lineup, per Tony Jackson:
SS Furcal
CF Pierre
1B Nomar
2B Kent
LF Gonzo
C Martin
3B LaRoche
RF Ethier
LH Hendrickson

7

well before oswalt, it was pedro. Now its probably going to be lincecum :(

Far be it from me to jinx it, but how often has one team shut out another three straight times?

As in what happens tonight, hopefully...

8 Depends on how Tim Lincecum continues to develop.

There's also Pedro, of course.

From Keith Law's chat

Greg (C-town): Keith, I am sick of all this "prospect" talk. Our two biggest prospects are flops, Jeremy Sowers and Andy Marte. While a guy no one ever heard of has out dueled Johan Santana twice, Fuasto Carmona. Why can't we just talk about what's going on now instead of who will be in someone's rotation in 2009?!?

SportsNation Keith Law: Sorry, Greg. Joe Morgan will be along shortly to chat with you.

9, 11 Beaten to the punch!

8 - Nomar's seemingly permanent place in the 3-spot is beginning to remind me of Jim Tracy's stubborn refusal to move a slumping, powerless Shawn Green down in the lineup a few years ago (2004?).

8 We could be on the verge of seeing Hendrickson return to the bullpen, as noted in previous threads, Hendrickson has regressed in May and even when he is at his best, he's a 5 inning starter.

If Schmidt comes back in the next 10 days, Hendrickson could have one more start. I don't think Schmidt replaces Kuo/Bills in that spot.

This sets up a situation where both Tomko and Hendrickson are back in the bullpen, I suppose there is always a minor deal that could be made but we will leave that for another day.

It continues to amaze me that the first 3 hitters in our lineup now have over 600 PA's and 1 HR between them. Thanks to the link to BR above I see that the 3 of them have OPS+ of 103, 72 and 85. I am delighted that we are 10 games over .500 and in 1st place but worry that we lack the firepower to stay there.

7 Much like how every bad left handed pitcher will be compared to Jamie Moyer.

15 In Hendrickson's first 6 appearances he pitched 27.2 innings, gave up 4 ER with an ERA of 1.30. In his most recent 4 appearances he has pitched 22 innings with 16 ER (plus 4 unearned) with an ERA of 6.55. None of his last 4 appearances has been good and he seems to be getting worse.
I can't imagine Grady will stick with him much longer unless his performance improves.

The article Jon quotes discusses the Talent Pyramid and the Plexiglass Principle. I understand the Talent Pyramid. Can anybody give me a short summary of the Plexiglass Principle?

18 I don't think he has to anyway, Schmidt should take that spot back, Hendrickson was doing well as the long man in the pen. I think the real issue will be who do you pick between Kuo and Bills, and to Chad's detriment, he has shown that he can be effective in the pen while Kuo has not been ablt to do that.

Full Disclosure:

I am hoping for Hendrickson to get pounded, Billingsley to come in and shut em down with the bases loaded and then the offense to pick on the beleagured Nat pitching staff with La Roche hitting his 1st majore league home run thus giving us a win and a win as this would be his last start as a Dodger.

Kuo then needs to do his part on Saturday.

I'm being greedy but I want a six game sweep.

21 They play 4 in Pittsburgh, so I think you want them to roll a 7.

That is going to be a late night flight on Monday, probably arriving in San Diego around 3-4 in the morning and then playing that night.

Bhsportsguy and myself are headed to Dodgers stadium to watch Chatsworth/Cleveland and more specifically to watch Moustakas and Dominguez try to do what our powerless offense can't do and that is actually hit a home run at Dodger Stadium. According to Bob the game is at 07:30 Saturday night. If other DT folks would like to see what a top 5 draft pick looks like please join us.

21 By a 6 game sweep I assume you mean the DC / Pitt visit. Pittsburgh is a 4 game series.

They play Monday? They must hate those games.

21 And I don't think he needs to be pounded, I think its more a situation of determining who is the better guy. If Hendrickson can only pitch 5 innings effectively, he is going to be replaced with someone who can go longer.

Never mind, seven is to much to ask for.

25 If you see Hendrickson in the ballpark on Monday, I would be guessing that Jason Schmidt will be pitching Tuesday night in San Diego.

I doubt if either Kuo or Billingsley can pitch more then 5 effective inning at this point either.

19 The Plexiglass Principle basically states that teams that improve or decline dramatically tend to fall (or rise) back toward the middle the following season.

Dodgers Shoot For History In Washington

>>> Los Angeles last shutout an opponent for an entire series when they blanked Houston in all four games of a set in September of 1966. <<<

http://www.nbc10.com/mlb/13411564/detail.html

Can we start a Lavin to Florida campaign?

"There is a law in baseball called the plexiglass principle, which states that teams which significantly improve or decline in one season have a tendency to relapse or bounce back in the next."

It's not just Furcal and Nomar (though Nomar's drop seems especially precipitous); power seems to be down throughout baseball.

NL
Year HR/G Slg%
2007 0.893 .402
2006 1.097 .427
%decrease 18.6 5.9

AL
Year HR/G Slg%
2007 1.026 .418
2006 1.123 .437
%decrease 8.6 4.3

I don't know if those changes are that significant without trending over more years - not enough time right now, but at glance 2005 looks somewhat similar to 2006 - but gut feel is that an 18.6% decrease in HR/G is notable. ("Game" is team-game, twice the number of actual contests.)

14 I don't know, I think Grady's stubbornness is nowhere near the level of Jim Tracy's, though it can be irksome at times. Grady at least shows a willingness to bench people (less than we'd like, sure) or move struggling pitchers to the bullpen quicker than Tracy would.

I'm glad to see LaRoche in there today at least, and won't say anything about Martin starting again :-)

Btw, I think Main will be gone by the time the Dodgers pick anyway. It's amazing how all over the map the mock drafts are though - with Smoker, for example, going anywhere from around 10, 11, to after the Dodgers pick.

35 Let's remember that "Tiny" Tim was projected to a little later than No. 10 and we all know how that worked out.

I wish we could trade up in the draft. Porcello as a Dodger would be too good.

29 Yeah, I know. Though Chad is being more efficient with his pitches, I think his 3 inning outing on Saturday (40 pitches) was real impressive and hopefully sets him up to be more efficient when he does get that chance to start again.

14 Well, Green did move from primarily 4th to primarily 5th about halfway through the season, but outside of Beltre's career year, the team lacked other legitimate options. Bradley or, later, Finley, hit 3rd a lot. Who else but Green 5th? Werth? Encarnacion? LoDuca before the trade?

36 True, and it does seem like a deep draft. We should end up with someone good, at any rate.

benmaller.com today reports that the Yanks might try to trade Johnny Damon (OPS+ 101). Juan Pierre and a pitcher might attract the Boss. Any thoughts on that possibility?

41 - The Yankees are complaining about Damon mainly because he's playing like a decent version of Pierre.

For many reasons, there is no chance of Pierre going to the Yankees.

And Jason Giambi will be out three weeks too, so I think the Yankees need a bigger bat.

41 I stopped reading after "benmaller.com today reports". (Not really, but it smells like pure speculative rumor.)

Steinbrenner, channeling Roy Scheider: "We're gonna need a bigger bat."

42 Steinbrenner might notice the 550 outs.

44 It is just that. The Damon rumors are starting solely because he's the only big name the Yankees have without a no trade clause.

The Padres claimed Hiram Bocachica off waivers - will he haunt the Dodgers?

41 No one wanted Juan Pierre for 5/44 six months ago, there's no one that wants him at that price now.

48 As one who fears the jinx... I still say "no." Next question.

48 No.

49 - No one?

It's too bad Hiram Bocachica and Kevin Bass never got to play in the same lineup.

If Hiram can put another home run into the loge seats, then I will be impressed.

"Hiram's coming!
Hiram's coming!
Hiram's coming!
Guys, you better hide your bat
Your favorite bat!
Hiram's coming and the cards say ...

Broken bat, oh broken bat, oh broken bat!"

23 We need to check because the LA Times reported that the game is at 4:00.

Where's inside sources?

41 I am surprised that they found time to report on anything else with all the Kobe stuff going on.

55
Call 213-745-1980 and ask the City Section office.

55 Chatsworth HS web site also says 4 P.M.

That is going to be a late night flight on Monday, probably arriving in San Diego around 3-4 in the morning and then playing that night.

well at least Vinnie will be well rested for that game. Ken Rosenthal's read on Russell Martin was o.k. IMO he could have done better.

If Hiram can put another home run into the loge seats, then I will be impressed.

Exactly what i was thinking Bob

Yeah I hate to say it but I can think of one person who wanted Juan Pierre for 5/44 six months ago and I know it's not me.

57 Start time for the Chatsworth game is at 4:00 p.m. per that office, tickets are $10.00. There are two other games at 10:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. and the same ticket gets you in for all three games.

I was randomly compiling a mental list of Center Fielders with the worst throwing arms in baseball. Pierre and Damon come to mind. What about Boston's Coco Crisp? Is he in that category as well?

61 Geez. Whoever that was must not know much about baseball.

63 - Lofton. Dave Roberts.

63 Wily Tavares

[The Dodgers] have not recorded three consecutive shutouts since July 25-27, 1991, defeating the Chicago Cubs once and the Montreal Expos twice.

The starters those days were Ramon Martinez, Orel Hershiser and Bobby Ojeda. The day after that was when Dennis Martinez tossed his perfect game against Mike Morgan (who allowed only two unearned runs).

63 Dave Roberts.

from BAs draft tracker...

11. Blake Beavan, rhp, Irving (Texas) HS (15)The Dodgers are one of a handful of teams believed to be hot for Beavan, whose season has been over for more than three weeks.

67 - Mark Gardner threw 9 innings of no-hit ball in one of those Expos games. LA won it in extra innings, with Strawberry getting the key hit (though not the first hit I don't believe).

I was just wondering because some of the commentators on ESPN were joking about how Crisp can't hit or throw, but he can run and catch. I think I remember Boston giving up a lot of good talent for him. Thought he would be more impact player

71 - It was really only Andy Marte who Boston traded for Crisp, but they gave up Renteria (who was awful in his one year in Boston after signing a big contract) plus a big chunk of cash in return for Marte from Atlanta. And Marte's been a bust (so far) for Cleveland.

69

was it do to injury Nate?

Wowsa, the Nats have five of the first 71 picks in the draft. Good chance for them to immediately improve their weak farm system. If they don't blow it.

70 Correct. Gardner started the 10th with a no-hitter, but Lenny Harris had an IF single, Eddie Murray grounded a single into RF, Gardner came out and Jeff Fassero gave up Darryl's line drive to LF. Dodger pitches (Orel, Kevin Gross, Jay Howell) combined for two-hit shutout.

74 I still find it somewhat tragic that they would have gotten the #3 pick if it wasn't for Soriano signing with one of the few teams with a worse record than they had.

74 "If they don't blow it."

They have Rizzo now. They're not going to blow it.

72 I thought they gave up Kelly Shoppoch, their best catcher in their farm system, as well?

66
I thought Wily had a gun which made him unique to the weak and fleet crowd.

Roberts arm was okay, nothing special but I don't remember it being weak.

78 Crisp Traded by the Cleveland Indians with Josh Bard and David Riske to the Boston Red Sox for Guillermo Mota, Andy Marte, Kelly Shoppach, and cash.

This will be the game chat thread.

76 Sad maybe, but not too tragic, given they still have a high pick and 4 others in the first 2 rounds. Certainly not as tragic as the way the NBA lottery panned out for, say, Celtic fans.

80 Thanks. Now, put down the hatchet. You've already buried it once.

I'm sure Guillermo Mota was the key to that whole trade, too.

80 - Marte was the prize. The catchers and relievers kinda cancel(l)ed themselves out.

Crisp has gone bust. Marte's on his way.

Renteria did well to get out of Boston and back into the NL.

82 I guess the tragedy lies in whether Nats fans believed that Bowden actually had a solid plan when he decided to keep Soriano instead of trading him.

69

nah, high school season ended.

Dodgers left fielder Luis Gonzalez has sizzled of late.

Sizzled to the tune of an eight-game hitting streak of his own, during which he was batting .414 (12 for 29).
``I made some minor adjustments,'' Gonzalez said. ``I worked a little bit with (hitting coach) Eddie (Murray), just trying to shorten some stuff up a little bit.

http://www.insidesocal.com/dodgers/

I checked with the Reds - they still don't want Mark Hendrickson. Get your seatbelts on folks for HR derby.

Any other MLBTV subscribers out there? I'm having trouble accessing the game so far because it's saying I need to be a 700k subscriber. Normally it gives you the choice, you know, between 400 (the cheaper subscription) and 700. When I found a link for both, even clicking on the 400k choice still gives me that message. Any ideas? Just a temp. glitch maybe...

Wow - the perm'd hair of Don Sutton is on MLB extra innings. I've always thought he was pretty decent as a color commentator.

Okay, after logging in 3 times, it finally works. Stupid site is full of cookie blockers and glitches. Sufferin' succotash. Anyway, whew.

Seeing the Nat's pitcher's name makes envision someone walking around, cradling a shotgun and chanting "Lucas boy!"

I'll be happy if Hendy gives us 6+ innings & keeps us in the game, you can't ask for much more out of Hendy.

93 Is it pronounced BOW-ee or BOO-ee ?

thus endeth thy streak of consecutive scoreless innings

niiice

And so it begins.

Paging the superstud prospect "innings eater"...

Hendrickson is fired.

"out of play, run(s)"

Pat Sajak must be a big Dodger fan, to come all the way to festering RFK stadium to watch them play.

92

i've heard it get's trouble some at times.

at least that leaves the bases empty. oh, wait. never mind.

Those in the "I Hope Mark Hendrickson Blows Today" camp should be happy.

Dimtri Young, proud graduate of Rio Mesa HS.

Sajak's wife is attractive.

DFA Hendrickson.

Okay Mark, take a deep, cleansing breath here. Forget about the past and focus on the one task at hand. Visualize yourself throwing strikes on the black....

Man, he's off to an even worse start than I'd imagined today. The Nats must also be more than ready to score a few runs for a change.

101. I saw RFK referred to as "that great unflushed toilet" in some story or blog this morning . . .

94 "I'll be happy if Hendy gives us 6+ innings & keeps us in the game, you can't ask for much more out of Hendy."

{In Maxwell Smart voice:} How about 2 innings and the team still within a touchdown?

Sam DC is at this game. Look for someone in the stands with 14 fingers and a prehensile tail.

He'll be the guy NEXT to that guy.

107 You are on a ship at sea. Rocking, gently rocking....

Hobbs! Get back here!

Orange or something alert for the Nats to hit for the cycle this inning.

109 Did you read Tony Jackson' assessment on his blog? Not particularly thrilled with the place.

Batting Practice confirmed! Will the Dodgers ever get to bat again?

I'm still a bit mystified why Hendricksen is starting when Bills, Houlton and probably several others should make better starters and Bigfoot is well suited to long relief. It is harder to come from behind.

the MASM play by play guy is much less annoying when the nats aren't winning. funny how that works out . . .

I think Hendrickson's therapist should have pitched this inning himself.

116 I don't think you'll have to wonder about that much longer.

31 The Dodgers' four-game shutout sweep of the Astros, Sept. 9-11, 1966:
9-9 -- 7-0. Claude Osteen pitches CG, 3-hitter, 5Ks, 0 BBs. John Kennedy gets 2 of 24 RBIs he has that year.
9-10 -- 1-0, 10 innings. Phil Regan ("The Vulture") gets win with 1.1 innings of relief behind Don Drysdale. Al Ferrara drives in run with 2-out PH single in bottom of 10.
9-11 (Game 1) -- 4-0. Sandy Koufax with CG, 6-hitter, 6Ks, 2BBs. Wills 3x4. Dodgers get 6 hits.
9-11 (Game 2) -- 1-0. Joe Moeller goes 5, Bob Miller 2, Regan 2. Miller WP. John Roseboro drives in run with PH single.
Losing pitchers -- Bob Bruce, Mike Cuellar, Larry Dierker, Chris Zachary.
Times of game (in order): 2:08, 2:30, 2:07, 2:13.

117
That's Bob Carpenter. I own a Bob Carpenter brand scorebook.

Apparently, he fills most of the orders on his own. When my brother Tom ran into him in St. Louis, he remembered my name from that.

This leads me to believe he does not have a big customer base.

The player would have been better trade bait with a sub 4.00 ERA.

It may be an effort to be fair and try to balance the league a bit, giving the bottom teams a chance, sort of like a lead in a race or a handy-cap. That would be OK if all the other teams are on board.

121. or a VERY good memory.

118 - pretty funny
106 - an obvious second to the motion of a Hendy DFA

ToyCannon is going to be so ashamed of himself when he sees the boxscore, and learns that he's responsible for it.

martin just rocks.

Russell Martin rocks!

Hendrickson needs a triple for the cycle.Maybe he´s trying to show to Nats´ GM he´s bad enough to play there! Just kidding!

No way. Dead center.

The golden god is...er...Golden!

"out of play, run"

About Kevin Goldstein predicting the Dodgers would take Main, where did he do that? I think I remember him saying some time ago that it would be a good idea if the Dodgers took Main as an outfielder, but that was it, and I don't see a new article by him at BP.

This Matin kid can play. We should think about keeping him.

RFK cannot contain Russell Martin.

120 - When it comes to 1966, another four-game pitching performance comes to mind.

Russ Martin is such an All Star.

{mancrush, ON}

Hendy: 18 earned runs in his last 23 innings. What was Little thinking in throwing him out there tonight? Amazing. I am not among those who hoped Hendrickson would fail tonight. But I had little expectation that he would succeed.

Joe Mauer is on line one, Charlie, and he doesn't sound happy.

Yay, Andy!

Andy thought he was faster with the haircut.

112 People don't start pitching above average at your age, they retire!

NL West Update:

SD
PIT - Rain Delay

SF-2
NY-0 1st

COL
STL 6pm PDT

132 It was on the MLB.com draft show today. Goldstein refereed to Main as the kind of HS pitcher Logan White likes though his secondary pitches are not yet as refined as the Dodgers usually like.

Wow! i just saw the replay of Martins dinger & it was no cheapy.

Russell, how I love thee

Was that a busted hit and run? Couldn't tell. {in Floyd the Barber voice:} Oooh, Andy...

137

i hear ya underdog

BTW, anyone seen the video they play of Russell before he comes to bat at Chavez? He looks so young, they need to do a new one with his scruffy look.

136
I wonder if Ned has an extension offer ready yet. If so, that "C" captain's patch would look awfully good on his right shoulder

Don Sutton really deserves to broadcast a better team.

138 He really didn't have a lot of choices and I just think he does not feel comfortable with Brazoban as his first RH in the pen, which is why Grady is hesitant to change Billingsley to a starter.

144 -- Thanks.

The Dodgers had LaRoche try to steal a base? Are you kidding me? Ron Cey had more footspeed.

with the new haircut laroche looks just like bill mueller

Hendy talked to his sports psychologist between innings, I bet.

153 I still think it was meant to be a hit and run...

Rick Monday is perilously close to a Rule 5 violation.

153--Maybe LaRoche's ADD acted up and he missed a sign?

158 - I knew Adam had ADD, but didn't know Andy did.

155 - Worked well. 9 pitch inning

157 I don't even want to know, but glad I missed it. He's probably also violating rule #11.

way to work the count Mark

I think the LaRoche delayed steal makes some sense. With two out he's no going to score from first on anything other than a HR by Ethier. So is he sits on first and Ethier gets a hit or a walk, you're left with the pitcher. Take a chance on getting to 2nd where Ethier can knock you in with a single. He's too slow for a straight steal, maybe thought he could catch them sleeping with a delayed steal.

and the Nats retire a Dodger pitcher

162)

I used to love the delayed steal in my high school days

If he's too slow for a straight steal, then taking off even later would seem to make even less sense.

o-o-p-o-r-p-h-y-r-i-n

opporphyrin.

Do I win the Bee?

165. Clearly a delayed steal is not just about starting later so you have to run faster. It's about catching the other team sleeping so you can steal it without having to run as fast.

And just as quickly, the Mets have tied the Giants after 1.

Maybe LaRoche's ADD acted up and he missed a sign?

andy doesnt have ADD, adam is the only one.

I believe Andy LaRoche is only guilty of being peculiar.

158 -- I'm afraid you've got your LaRoche brothers confused. Adam has ADD.

I have a feeling we're going to need a quality innings eater tonight.

according to Ken Gurnik Demitri Young owns Hendy

Paging Chad Billingsley, please come to the front desk.

173
Does 7 for 10 lifetime now qualify as sufficient grounds for repealing the 13th Amendment?

175. LOL

The thing is, I'm really rooting for Hendrickson. It's nothing personal, and I'd rather the Dodgers have the depth. And I'm wary of the feeding frenzy when he does poorly. All that being said, I hope Kuo and then Billingsley get the kind of rope Hendrickson has gotten this month.

well, it looks like the 3,4,5 section has Mark's number. At least he hasn't imploded at this point...or caved in on himself like a dying star.

152- Sure he had choices. He could have started Billingsley; he'd have had to make the decision earlier than today, but that doesn't mean he had no choices. It's fine if he doesn't feel comfortable using Brazoban as the first RH out of the pen--he can use Broxton. Or, if it's a low leverage situation, he can suck it up and use Yhency, or Seanez, or Tomko.

rain delay is over.

players are on the field in Pittsburgh.

Hey, come on; this isn't a joke. Each game is important in this division.. We don't have a team that can overcome any disadvantage with it's offense. I get the feeling that we are managed in a civil way, that will not offend anyone, and will give everybody plenty of rest, and maintain rotations and be very proper. As long as everything is proper, who would quibble over one or two games.Good luck at the end of the season!

177. I hope nobody needs that much rope. I also hope that Schmidt re-enters the rotation and we only need one of Kuo or Bills to show up.

Anthony Jr. needed a lot of rope.

Steiner's depth perception battery is running low today.

181
As Carl von Clausewitz said, "Baseball in the NL West is the continuation of politics by another means."

181. Do you think Grady doesn't take each game seriously? In what way do you think he doesn't do what he believes gives the team the best chance to win the most games?

I don't have anything against Hendrickson either, and have even sorta defended him here over the past year when he's actually pitched well. That said, despite the progress made with the psychologist, I still don't have much confidence in him. (I think he can be good out of the bullpen actually.) It's certainly more fun to watch Bill's "stuff" than Hendy's, at any rate.

175

that was too funny Bob.

181. And I'm pretty sure he doesn't manage worried about offending. Did you see him pinch hit for Gonzales in a key situation last week?

The kids will get no rope.

I still predict we will eventually beat Micah like a drum. Just takes a little time to get used to the idea that this guy is pitching in the major leagues with his stuff.

Honestly if Hendrickson goes 5 or 6 and only the three runs, that'll be okay. (Still a ways to go, however.) The Dodgers need to be scoring more runs vs. the Nats' pitcher anyway. This still should be his last start for awhile, though. (Or maybe next to last.)

Did you guys see Ken Rosenthal's article on Russ?

http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/story/6868932

"his last start" refers to Hendy, of course, not Bowie, though maybe that should be true, as well.

It's certainly more fun to watch Bill's "stuff" than Hendy's, at any rate.

younger & more upside, Hendy is doing a serviceable job so far today though.

186 I believe Grady does think he gives the team the chance to win the most games. I may be more volatile, and he may be better. But I truly believe he is wrong on certain individuals and games. No, I don't question his sincerity or belief. Only his Ability.

186 I believe Grady does think he gives the team the chance to win the most games. I may be more volatile, and he may be better. But I truly believe he is wrong on certain individuals and games. No, I don't question his sincerity or belief. Only his Ability.

That was a nice few pitches there, from Hendy.

Didn't mean to be doubly emphatic.

196. Oh okay. Your post 181 lead me to conclude otherwise. Disagreeing with him is certainly understandable but I think it would be hard to argue he's not doing what he believes will help the team win and not worried about anything else.

Don Sutton just said Russell Martin's dinger traveled 445 feet, that's pretty deep for a straight away dinger.

LaRoche is still wearing his Dirt of Shame on his uni.

The Spelling Bee is back on.

The most peculiar thing about this A-Rod/Blonde chic story is that A-Rod apparently stays at a different hotel than the rest of his teammates on the road.

192 see 5

162 But if the steal is successful, the opposition can choose to pitch around Ethier and use the pitcher as the escape hatch.

C'mon guys, this is Micah Bowie, not Don Sutton! What's going on? Oh well...

202 - Not on the west coast.

Nice recovery there after the ball ate his glove.

Should I assume Mr. Young will be pitched to very carefully with first base open?

Apparently not.

That's all she wrote for Hendy

205- True. But probably wouldn't and even if they did, you get to start the next inning with your leadoff hitter instead of your pitcher. Just not much downside.

Looking ahead to the series against the Padres next week it looks like we're gonna face Young, Maddux and Peavy, uh-oh.

Ugh. That was a batting practice pitch there.

209--Apparently not.

Gonzo's arm was really exposed there.
That was a hard hit ball.

203

Rodriguez wears True Religion jeans.
$300 a pair. His photo in the Post yesterday
is contributing to a buzz on Wall Street,
their stock is up about 20% this week.

216 - Team player.

Were the Dodgers not aware of Young's success against Hendy in that last at bat? Pitching carefully would have been a good idea, yeah.

i don't think the dodgers have that pitching surplus everyone believed. After Schmidt and bombko bombed out, and Hendrickson returning to form, the dodgers seem to be lacking on quality 4 or 5 pitchers
geez when dodgers are considering calling up Houlton who is horrible, this team needs just ONE more quality, consistent starter...hopefully schmidt will come back to be effective

That throw was pitiful

well, at least it didn't go into the stands . . .

The Dodgers beat Young in L.A. Maddux is not unbeatable.

Peavy is a guaranteed loss.

Braz could have thrown that to 2nd base first.

nomar's rbi this year have almost all been on singles...his batting average last year was higher than his slugging percentage this year i believe...we need texiera badly.

Yhency's ERA (in tiny sample size) so far looks scary. Would be nice to...

Yeeeegah, what was that??!

Not on the west coast

Oh, I guess that makes sense.

209,210,211 talk about n sync, not the lolly pop group.

And again, another reason why Grady is uncomfortable beyond Beimel, Broxton and Saito. Chad's fate rest upon Yhency get out of this mess.

219 They have them, they're called Billingsley and Kuo. And if Schmidt does come back to be more effective this time around, I'd say they're still pretty solid 1-5 (or 6).

is this stat coorect?

Brazoban 16.20 ERA?

hmm...

i say schmidt gets called up to the dodgers, hendrickson gets benched, and kuo takes the 5th starter spot...hopefully

well after that base hit, like hendrickson i'm out

ruh, roh. trainer out to see braz.

'felt it pop'

Martin is now our OPS leader. Did hendu come out cause of injury or cause he sucks. It's hard to tell.

Nomar's OPS is below LaRoche. Just above Pierre's and Penny's.

219 the dodgers seem to be lacking on quality 4 or 5 pitchers
Who isn't? Even the Red Sox started Julian Tavarez for a while. Maybe the Padres. If Schmidt is healthy and one of Kuo/Billingsley works out, the Dodger's starters look pretty good.

Ruh roh is right. Kuo might not be the only one packing his bags in a few days...

good heavens. what have I done to deserve this? I have to endure henrickson, which was bad enough, but now tomko twice in three days?

did anyone else read stan johnson's lips when he told grady 'he felt it pop'

228- I still don't get it. If Hendrickson creates messes that Brazobahn can't clean up, it's imperative that Hendrickson continue to be allowed to make messes because otherwise there wouldn't be anybody (except for two of the best RH relief pitchers in baseball) to clean up the messes that he makes?

i swear i wasn't feeling Brazoban coming in 2 times in a row but i didn't posted it cause i was to busy typing the "n sync" comment. i'm not kidding.

but let's face it Brazoban doesn't stay in peak shape aither, i really hope it's nothing serious though.

239. no. but I was pounding my head on the coffee table during most of the conversation on the mound, so I could have just missed it.

Potentially a tough spot for Tomko, except it's Nook and Micah due up.

Just tuning in. So this game means the bullpen for Hendrickson, right?

Right?

240 Look, its not that I think Chad or probably Schmidt isn't going to take over Hendrickson's spot anyway.

I am just saying that Chad is Grady's number one guy in 6th/7th inning and until someone else looks like he can handle that job, Grady is not going to move Chad.

I also heard A Martinez say that Kuo is not in some spot start on Saturday (although if Chad isn't used today, I wonder if he is still thinking about Kuo) but whoever pitches on Saturday is going to start in that spot for the immediate future.

did Brazoban pitch yesterday? i might be confusing my days.

241 Yhency pitched Tuesday, but not yesterday.

Etanislao!
(that looks like something spelled backward, but it isn't)

third time through the order for Bowie, and he should have been hittable anyway.

248

thanks Dave, i've been really busy lately.

249 Of course, you CAN say it backwards, which is dociousaliexpilisticfragicalirupus, but that's taking things a bit too far, don't you think?

Full count, way to work it Raffy.

Furcal, Pierre, Nomar, Kent, Gonzolaz ----------O for what? Against who?

246 - Why do you think Grady thinks that having a third setup man behind Broxton and Beimel (given the way Beimel has been used) is more important than having a better starting pitcher?

As much as I don't believe in him long-term, in the short term, Seanez has essentially proven himself capable of being a third setup man.

Has any manager changed pitchers to face Pierre this year?

Bowie looks tired and old and vulnerable.

Nice at bat by Furcal making Bowie throw 9 or 10 pitches.

furcal hung out to dry again

246- He wasn't Little's number one guy today. Or his number two. Hasn't the relative potential value of the fifth starter got to be greater than that of the third most important right handed relief pitcher?

I'm not trying to pick a fight; I genuinely don't think I understand the point you're making.

"Only the speeed of Juan Pierre was able to avoid the double play," says Rick Monday.

Yeah -- and only the bat of Juan Pierre got the grounder to second in the first place.

261. monday sees a donut. we see the hole.

The poor Nats know if they have to go to the bull-pen it probably means 5 or 10 runs, but with luck we may have given them enough.

256 - I think some have gone for a platoon advantage against him.

255 Its not more important its just looking at the resources, I think this is a moot argument because Schmidt is going to convince the Dodger management that he should be put back in the rotation and its going to be Wolf, Schmidt, Penny, Lowe, and Kuo for now.

If Kuo can't cut it or something happens to the other guys than Chad will get his chance.

256- LaRussa did. I remember it well. It was awesome.

261 On a 1-0 pitch just after the previous batter walked. Yuck.

jumping in late, so don't know if this has been discussed...

but isn't it about time we give bills a chance in lurtch's spot?

JARBISFN

268. oh, no. it hasn't come up at all ;)

LaRussa did it three times! I'd forgotten that.

http://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/LAN/LAN200705140.shtml
http://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/LAN/LAN200705150.shtml (x2)

This would be a good time for Kent to crank one out.

So here's how I would like to see things work out:

Saturday
Kuo called up to start, LaRoche sent down -- Abreu stays around in a platoon with Betemit while getting spot starts at 2B and SS

Soon
Martinez DFAed, Kemp called up -- with Abreu as the new utility guy, Martinez is redundant (and not a good player). Kemp goes into a platoon with Ethier and spot starts for LuGo and Pierre occasionally

Once Schmit is ready
Hendrickson traded or DFAed -- Billingsley continues to be the multi-inning setup guy, Tomko goes to long relief. Billingsley is next in line in case Kuo falters.

Eventual Roster
C - Martin, Lieberthal
1B - Nomar, Saenz
2B - Kent (Abreu)
SS - Furcal (Abreu)
3B - Betemit, Abreu
OF - LuGo, Pierre, Ethier, Kemp, Clark

SP - Schmidt, Lowe, Penny, Kuo, Wolf (Billingsley)
RP - Saito, Broxton, Billingsley, Beimel, Tomko, Seanez, Brazoban

Kent! first pitch swinging... again. Make him prove to you he can throw a strike.

And his atbat is wasted.

267

i've trained my mind not to feel anything when i see that

273-

Really like your ideas there. With Abreu, Martinez does become redundant, but I can't see us getting rid of him.

Hendrickson really has to go, so that'll be interesting to see what happens. With our surplus of pitching we can pretty much afford to either DFA him or trade him for a bag of balls.

Hey, another single. And now the right man is at the plate.

219. "geez when dodgers are considering calling up Houlton who is horrible..."

If you'll check around I think you'll find Houlton's stats much improved from last year and Dodger brass talking about how better command of his FB is a big reason why.

IMO, the worst he would do is the equivalent of Bombdrickson. He did that well the year he was with the team, and he's improved over that. At least he should have upside.

Probably a moot point. Wouldn't appear he's likely to get a shot unless there are injuries.

273- Had enough of LaRoche, have you?

if Martin hits it out i'm gonna go on happy overload

274-

Normally I can't stand that either, but that was a fastball right in his wheelhouse. I'm okay with him taking that shot there...

One, I think they didn't want to use up a lot of innings with Chad when the season started, which is why they took him out of the starter's role to begin with.

Two, starting with that extra inning game against the Padres, Chad really began to be a dominant and efficient pitcher but he was also adjusting to the bullpen.

Three, Tsao, brillant in the first month (or lucky based on BABIP) blew up in Atlanta and was shut down later in May, Brazoban had been shaky to begin with and now with his exit today, his immediate future is questionable.

Four, only Derek Lowe has shown that he can get into the 7th inning on any consistent basis, so Grady is thinking that he needs to get 3+ innings each night and for Tomko is only used in blowouts (either way), Seanez had been that guy before, and with Tsao/Yhency not securing that role and the desire not to overuse his main 3 guys, that is where Chad fits in for now.

Okay I'm done. Actually, and this relates to the offense, since they are not scoring as many runs as they did last year, the margin is smaller so I think managers become even more hesitant to change something that is working.

280 He needs to start all the time wherever he is, so I'd rather give Betemit another extended audition. Abreu works better as a utility guy since he can play anywhere and he seems like the kind of guy who has a less high-maintenance swing.

In closing, yes, but only for the short-term. I hope that he tears up AAA pitching and becomes our starting 3B next year.

282 I agree. The #4 hitter should be someone looking to tattoo a mistake almost completely irrespective of count.

3-1 now. Hopefully Martin gets a good pitch here...

Who did Grady put on deck?

Who did Grady put on deck?

Who did Grady put on deck?

oh well.

Well, at least they got a look at it there.

Sorry about the rare triple post.

Tomko isn't a horrible pitcher. I don't see the point in reserving him exclusively for blowouts. He's not a good pitcher, so there's no special reason for him to pitch any more than the bare minimum, but if he really is only going to be used in blowouts from here on out, better to ship him off and let Houlton be that guy, for free. There are plenty of teams with a fifth starter worse than Tomko. The Dodgers, for example, so long as Hendrickson continues to be the fifth starter.

we cut the lead in half so i'm still optimistic.

292 Might as well keep him around as extra insurance instead of giving him away for free. He can pitch in games like today and keep it fairly close and I wouldn't be afraid to use him late in a game if we're up by four runs or more. Not a true mop-up guy, but not quite a setup guy.

Tomko looks so much better as a reliever (I'm sure I'm jinxing the inning here) than as a starter, in these 1-2 inning chunks. I could see him, as Andrew says, being used more and more, and especially if Bills is switched to starter at some point.

Not that I mind, but the Nats' announcers sure do like to take extra long pauses between saying anything.

Let there be no doubt, our pitching depth exceeds anything most teams could hope for. When you have solid to all-star starters in 4 positions and the 5th spot can be filled by the likes of Billingsley, Kuo, Tomko, Hendrickson, Houlton - all major league caliber pitchers whether you like them or not- and a bullpen with no holes in it including two of the best relievers in the league... you have serious depth. The pitchers named above may not be great but I would bet at least 2 or 3 of them can step up to be better than most any #5 starter in the league. Ask the Yankees what pitching depth means.

Another frustrated offense, Shawn Chacon channeling his Yankee days, 5 IP, 0 ER, 7 strike outs against the Padres.

Well, I did jinx it I guess. Maybe those chunks should be 1 inning.

If there is anywhere to be a flyball pitcher, DC is the place.

did wilson valdez clear waivers?

Betemit comes threw again in a pinch hitting role

Boy if only Betemit could do once a game as a starter, we would be a much better team. (of course I mean on average, not everyday)

300. Yes

300 Yep. He's playing SS for Vegas.

Shawn Chacon is shutting down the Pirates through 6.

I'm really hoping last year wasn't a fluke and that Ethier really is a .300 hitter.

303,304 - thanks.

(ah, I see. I misgoogled him as "valdes")

Abreu contributes with D4P's favorite type of out!

Don Sutton and his leader are putting me to sleep.

Not enough Don Sutton is the reason. Acerbic, he is. I like it.

307
Shocking self-sacrifice from such a young player. That really bodes well.

On another note, one of the 7 spelling bee finalists is surprisingly good looking for a speller.

Lyons made a good point in that Abreu & Furcal should have worked the count allot better, but instead they swung at the first pitch they saw. We're getting closer 4-6 so there's still a chance.

Pierre needs to hit more flyballs.

Hunter Pence would be a nice addition to our team.

310- If you get an unexpected package from Eric Enders in the next couple of days, I advise you not to open it.

When you have solid to all-star starters in 4 positions

The Dodgers probably have the 3rd best starting rotation in the NL West.

314
Well, the speller I'm talking about has a gender advantage over Double E.

314
I now have a large poster of Eric Enders up in my bedroom.

But I think I've said too much...

El Gigantor!

Actually I'm home. Tomorrow night I go see Jake Peavy strike out 16 Nationals. I get to sit in Aramark's Diamond Club seats which they gave me in response to the complaint letter I wrote after a cashier abandoned our line after I waited in it for forty minutes on opening day and then shoved me when I complained.

It's a longer story than that. In fact, I wrote a letter. Bob has seen it. He said it looked like it was scratched out in a Montana cabin.

319 Letter or manifesto?

319 - He said it looked like it was scratched out in a Montana cabin.

Yours or their reply?

320
I think "letter" and "manifesto" are now templates on Microsoft Word. You go to "Page" and then "Style."

I think they've also built in a Manifesto Wizard.

Very nice by Gonzo.

martin gets another chance to tie it up.

322 That's funny because its true.

If Hendrickson makes his next start, and gives up at least four runs, he'll tie the Dodger record for consecutive games yielding four or more runs. Three Dodgers hold that distinction: Goltz, Valenzuela, and Tomko.

Too far in front for Russell (just guessing since I can't see the game here)

326- I should say that's an L.A. record.

327. he got around on that pitch unbelievably fast. he must have heard us talking about him tying it up.

argh. and he k's looking.

326 That's actually pretty impressive. When the Rockies talk "most consecutive starts allowing 4 or more runs," they call it "1998."

Does gameday have strike three about half a foot outside?

That pitch looked VERY outside

WWSH

I'm really curious about this, but do people here want Jeff Kent for next year?

I have something to say, which I can't say at this point.

Re: 331

Shows you that gameday can be more accurate than the umpire.

WWSH

we'll be looking for that makeup call next inning, blu.

Brian Bohanon started 12 straight games for the Rockies where he gave up four or more runs.

Russell Martin has a good eye.

Unless what Lyons means by "frame that pitch" is that Schneider payed the umpire to call it a strike, I don't understand what he's complimenting him for.

Do you think if Russell put his glove in that spot and had Broxton hit it, that would be showing up the umpire?

Andy Hassler has the longest streak of 4+ runs allowed games as a starter since 1957 with 13 for the Angels in 1975 and 1976.

It looked outside to me initially, and then I went back on Tivo. Definitely outside, framing or no framing.

WWSH

337- Hendrickson's personal record is eight. But I don't think he has a reasonable shot at that.

Andrew,
Are there any other criteria for your streak other than being a starter and giving up 4+ runs?

Because I have a different leader.

His name is Koufax.

http://www.baseball-reference.com/pi/shareit/qVJK

Didn't Telly Savalas play that guy?

don sutton and his masm friend really like grady little, don't they?

they bring up his demise with the red sox altogether too frequently.

Shawn Chacon with 7 innings of shutout ball, 10Ks, v. the Pads?

Shawn Chacon?

I think the masm play by play guy just wet himself.

Zimmerman geez.

344- I wasn't using as a starter.

Which makes it more weird.

http://www.bb-ref.com/pi/shareit/HtEC

Sam - i've been listening too, who is Sutton's partner? ZZZZ. If I hear one more time how great it is that there's 18000 in attendance, and 22000 the other night, I am gonna walk the plank.
Why did Sutton not get any interest from the Dodgers when he split from Atlanta?

Shawn Chacon?

I wondered the same thing.

Or less weird, since Koufax pitched in relief at the end of '59, breaking up his streak.

Zimmerman hits it a little farther it's a three-true outcome inning for Broxton so far.

At least Broxton's getting scored upon in a game that was probably already lost.

Goof.

JB - Throws it away. We were close. Lit up.

we're getting a good old fashioned spanking today by an inferior team. It's o.k. getting slapped back to reality every now & again.

355 But now he has been hit two out of his three outings.

Just curious: have the Dodgers thrown anyone out at home from the outfield this year?

355 But it was only a two-run game. Stranger things have happened than a two-run (or more) ninth.

Moot point.

I'll say it later.

Why isn't Hendrickson in to mop-up? Oh, wait.

Sutton's partner is Bob Carpenter of scorebook making and Cardinal loving fame. Sutton is beloved by Nationals' fans; Carpenter not so much.

351. I wondered the same thing about sutton. I was surprised to see him doing the nats broadcast; I thought he had just dropped of the face of the earth.

it's seems like it would be such a natural job for him that you suspect there is a conflict with sutton somewhere in the organization.

at least the office comes out today.

360 LuGo to Furcal to Martin happened once.

Somebody was saying something about the Dodgers' pitching adequacy (sp?).

Time for Lucille II to pitch.

has bob carpenter has a sex change operation recently? he seems, uh, "disoriented" in unguarded moments of excitement.

i think you mean MASN Sam, no?

Number one pick in 2004 is done as a SS and headed to the mound.
http://tinyurl.com/2thsou

Nice that he has options. I expect SD would like to do that draft pick over. You don't go cheap with the number one pick. EVER

Well, they might as well get it out of their system tonight. Serve up them gopher balls!

Ladies and Gentlemen, we have a Spelling Bee champion.

367 Oh yeah, I remember that. Good thing Furcal's on the team.

371. masm was more fun to type

No save for you Mr. Cordero! Come back one year.

A leadoff walk, what a concept.

Padres have tied their game in the top of the 9th.

the Nats manager still needs some more classes on how to look when the camera is on him.

379

darn it.

379 - maybe hoffman will go benitez

380. they are new to this tv thingy.

and that's a wrap.

I suppose something had to happen after kicking their muppet 10-0 and 5-0.

baseball is a cruel and unfeeling, uh, matron.

We took the series so it's all good, we should be o.k. in Pittsburgh also. I can't wait for the S.D. series.

I am happy - no more Nats broadcaster, Sam's buddy...

Beisbol gratis en el Burgo de Pitts

I was looking for news on broz, and read that the marlins are about to "acquire" benitez. unusual verb for basically hauling away someone else's garbage.

http://tinyurl.com/2ts8xv

I have to say it. Grady went into this game content to get 2 of 3. And when you don't go in to win, you will get killed. He had several better choices for a starting pitcher, but he didn't want to upset his rotation and his relaxed resting.
Russell Martin wanted to win--I could tell. You won't keep him omn a team that chooses when to win
I hope this strategy works on the Mets and the Padres.

386. the guy screams like a girl when he gets excited. I am sure he was a chick not too long ago . . .

UPDATE: Brazoban has posterior shoulder pain and will undergo an MRI tomorrow in Pittsburgh.

From Diamond Leung's blog.

387 - "Beisbol free in the Town of Pitts"? babelfish can be wildly unreliable . . .

391 - gracias (trying to keep in the spirit of #387)

perhaps I am looking too hard for a silver lining, but the shoulder is better than the elbow.

Well, The D's lose a game and rip a guys arm up. But at least they played veterans, and didn't threaten to reduce payroll of their pals.
I guess its good that Brox gets to have an inev. bad outing when it couldn't concievably count.

I guess its good that Brox gets to have an inev. bad outing when it couldn't concievably count.

Baseball is a very cynical sport huh?

A game like this really makes me wonder why guys like Tomko and Hendrickson are given chances to be a rotation in the first place,especially with the dodges having Billingsley and Kuo, and as it appears neither will be soon enough.

this is what i found on posterior shoulder pain on wikipedia In anatomy, it refers to body parts near the rear of the body. it sounds like it's the back of his shoulder

394 It's not as if they misused Brazoban.

389 Starting pitchers have to be planned in advance so they are properly rested. It's not going to be changed on the day of the game.

I don't even know what 389 meant?

396 Billingsley and Kuo are not ready for the rigors of a 180 - 200 inning season yet. Holding down their innings now allows them to replace Tomdrickson when they (inevitably) cease to be effective. If your choice is to have the kids start the season and be burned out for the stretch run, or hold them back and pitch them later, and you think they are better anyway, isn't this the better course?

Much anger in Pittsburgh after Josh Bard's home run is taken off the board and changed to a double.

Padres still lead 3-2 in the 11th.

397. or the part that looks the most like kaz ishii.

399 if 389 wanted Billingsley, my response is that Chad would have started today on three days rest, not a good thing.

401 why was it changed to a double?

What kind of double was it? Gameday says "ground rule" but we all know how that goes.

404
Because the ball didn't go over the fence. The ball bounced off the top of the railing in right field.

It was a very tough call.

Bard and Black were ejected.

But again, the Padres still lead 3-2 with a runner on 2nd and no outs and the Pirates having to face either Meredith or Hoffman.

It really wasn't a "ground rule" double, but the umpires had to figure out someplace to put Bard. So they settled on second.

Apparently Sharpless is flat.

Four runs would be enough for this team to win, if it got something like the usual pitching. Or at least have the game in doubt.

The team needs to make a decisive--and correct--change at starter #5, while hoping Schmidt comes back somewhere near what he was the last few years.

If there were no better choices available, the team would be justified in sticking with the likes of Tomko and Lurch and hoping to go .500 in their starts.

But there are at least two better choices, not counting Schmidt.

Kuo and Bills would do no worse than Tomko and Lurch have done lately. What's the risk?

No more starts from Tomdrickson.

Make the move. Now.

Folks on Baseball Tonight are speculating that Bard will be suspended for a good amount of games (5-10). Hopefully that stretches out into our series.

406 The ball bounced off the top of the railing in right field.
And back onto the field? If it went into the stands, isn't an in-play railing kinda stupid?

403- That's only an issue because Hendrickson wasn't yanked from the rotation after his last start. If the decision had been made then, Billingsley could have been ready. Little didn't have any choice, this afternoon, but to start Hendrickson, but he could have if he'd wanted one. If the announcement isn't made today that Hendrickson is out, it probably means he'll start again. And get his shot at a share of a very specific, completely unimportant record.

410 Suspension?? Did he strike an umpire?

Bowen's been having a better year than Bard, anyway. Maybe he'll get suspended in the bottom of the inning, and they'll have to use Robles!

410
Any suspension by Bard would be appealed and deferred to some time when it coincides with a hamstring pull or a hurt thumb.

Such are the way of baseball suspensions.

413- Bumped him. I'd like to have see it again, since with only the one viewing, it seems possible he only ran into the ump by ricochet off the third base coach. Which would have to mitigate the offense, I'd think.

403 I agree, but my point was intended only to be that 389 starts with "Grady went into this game content to get 2 of 3." In agreement with what you wrote, the first two games in D.C. have no bearing on who started today.

410 He'll appeal any suspension anyway, so he'll probably still be playing when they meet the Dodgers.

Bard did appear to bump one of the umpires. He ran out of the dugout in George Brett style.

The ball hit a railing that keeps people in the RF seats from plunging to their deaths on the field.

The ball bounced back into the field.

It likely won't matter as it's 4-2 Padres with Hoffman in.

416 IIRC, bumping is not usually 5-10 games, more like 1-3?

417- Ah ha! I didn't scroll back up and re-read the one you were responding to; so, uh, never mind.

418 The railing is the top of the fence?

The ball hit a railing that keeps people in the RF seats from plunging to their deaths on the field.
Are Buc's fans that close to suicidal? RFK probably needs a rail like that; from what I've read, the place already smells like death.

I can understand a player hating to lose a HR, but the Padres already led; going ballistic is a bit much.

Schmidt is supposed to throw on the side Friday, maybe in the pen in Pittsburgh so Grady, Honeycutt et al. can witness. If looks great, is he possible for Tuesday, when Hendrickson's slot comes up again? If Yhency's MRI is bad, is Billingsley doomed to stay in the pen, with Kuo getting Saturday's start? Or is there no way Ned/Grady will rush Schmidt like that? Or... ah, better just wait and see.

Looks like we're in a 2 way tie with the D-Backs & half a game lead on the Pads. it looks like we're gonna be on a hell of a ride this season.

419. yeah, but 5-10 often gets reduced on appeal to something more like 3-5.

...from Nashville...
took my 5 year old to the 51s v Sounds game tonight. Decent crowd we were a few rows up from the 51s Dugout (1st base side). Umpire had a moving strike zone. Juarez wasn't sharp, started hanging some. So, my son was willing to go down to sit by the bullpen to watch eckert warm up and I was hoping Miller, too. Not 3 minutes later, guess who shows up? David Price. I tried and tried to get my son to go up and say "hi" or get him to sign something, but he's still a bit shy. It sounded like Lamura got him tickets. A few minutes later the whole entourage and various Vandy teammates appear. Sitting all around us. They were all friendly and soft spoken. I'm trying to watch Eckert warm up and a foul comes our way, misses Prices finger tips by a couple inches and grazes one of the cute girls.

Miller had some control sturggles warming up and pitching. He looked like hes coming around on top, and rotating his hand out too much. Hard to say, my eyes are not any good anymore, plus I had 3 hours sleep last night in preparation for a weekend in Atlanta. It was very cool to see Price and the Vandy guys. I told them I'm a UT guy and I was rooting for them.

Saw a good number of Dodger hats and shirts. I think I was the only one with the DT T-shirt, though.

Now I'm off to catch the Tivo'd game. I'm sorry I'll miss most of the comments for the next few days, but no time. Oh yeah, Loney made some great plays in the outfield. Wilson Valdez looks good in the field.

423 - SD and Az have been on some hellacious winning streaks lately. both are like 8-2 in their last 10, which is what got them to the top of the standings. Az has won 7 or 8 in a row, in fact.

I think SD will be there in the end, but I am not so sure about Az.

Is the Canadian spelling finalist from last year back this year?

427 No, it was a new kid who finished second.

I wonder if they went out of their way to avoid giving him "colour" or "organise."

Oh, dang it. I just realized I probably shouldn't have said that. Stupid tape delays.

Braz's injury: Anyone think his mechanics contributed to his shoulder injury? He seems to finish high and he's throwing across his body, slinging his arm around.

Well... That was an ugly game. The only thing of beauty from my seat was Russ Martin's frozen rope of a home run. Over the 410 sign an 20-30 feet up the wall. Sweet.

For what it's worth, I would have replace Hendirckson after the trainer came out for a visit. Look at it as an opportunity to make a change without having to plan ahead.

From this week's SI Pop Culture Grid with Russ Martin:
People say I look like: Turtle from Entourage
Best nickname you ever had: Turtle
Shrek reminds me of: Jonathan Broxton

FYI: LeBron basically just beat the Pistons by himself in double OT by scoring the last 25 points.

432 Shrek reminds me of: Jonathan Broxton

So who is Donkey then?

New post up top.

A workmanlike effort from Evan O'Dorney. He didn't preen. He didn't faint. Nary a magic finger to be found. The young man just went out there and got a job done. A win for the ages.

Booya.