From here on, could the Dodgers have Seanez or somebody pitch the first 2 innings of a Wolfe start, then pound it into Wolfe over and over that it is now the 3rd inning, so go pitch like his 3rd inning self?

Loney actually tripled last night, not homered.

Amen to almost everything said above. I was wondering how I missed that homer, but as I recall it didn't miss by much.

I love that Little is letting Abreu start again today. That shows me something. I just don't understand why Peirre always plays and Nomar never is considered at third.

2 - oh yeah, you're right. I'll fix.

4 - Nomar can barely field first base at this point, it appears.

Subconsciously, a ball hitting at the top of the fence, registers as a homerun.

It's going to be hard for me to root against ex-Dodger Edwin Jackson, who starts for Tampa Bay today. My allegiance to the Dodgers comes first and I'll be rooting for them to get on base with each plate appearance, but it'll hurt if Jackson struggles.

hit the nail right on the head on how it will feel, if anything he'll leave the game tide up & we'll get to the D-Rays bullpen.

5 - Watching the ball jump off Loney's bat makes it more painful to watch the ball limp off Nomar's bat. I am willing to experiment with Nomar at third if it means being able to watch Loney play more.

Glan to see others still wishing Jackson a good career.

Glan = Glad

Edwin Jackson can still have a good career if he can have control of his pitches. I really feel they brought him up way to early.

Does anyone have any details on LaRoche being back on the disabled list. Is it still the shoulder?

I am all for the kids winning spots and giving the club the momentum to hit the post season with flags flying but I'm not going to grind on Nomar. He'll get hot. Summer is only three days in.

Navarro gets his first HR VS Dodgers yesterday, I really hope Jackson doens't somehow eek out his 1st win.
Ex-Dodgers have always been a thorn in the side of this team. Oh, and Matt Stairs. Nghh...

Not only can't Nomar play third but watching Loney just one game should convince anyone that he can't plat first either. Don't the Yankees need a "First Baseman"? Nomar should be given the choice between pinch hitting for the Dodgers or accepting a trade.

13 - Nomar has the physical tools to play third base. Abreu and Betemit are clearly better defensively at third but Nomar is a better hitter. Nomar can neither hit nor field better than Loney at first base.

It may be up to Nomar to ask to play third otherwise hs has been beat out of his position at first, just as Pierre is the fourth best outfielder now playing for the Dodgers.

It's sad that Nomar was given a two year deal, while Gonzo just one. It should be the other way around.

Furcal, SS
Pierre, CF
Martin, DH
Gonzo, LF
Loney, 1B
Kemp, RF
Betemit, 3B
Lieberthal, C
Abreu, 2B
Kuo, P

If Nomar had been offered arbitration, he would have gone away and stunk for somebody else. And the Dodgers would have gotten two draft picks out of it. Not all backup plans are worth having.

There is some logic that says if Kemp can lose his job hurting himself against the right field fence, Nomar can lose his job due to the flue.

Nomar's BABIP: .308
Nomar's expected BABIP fx(LD%): .309

16 Nomar has the physical tools to play third base. Abreu and Betemit are clearly better defensively at third but Nomar is a better hitter.

Sadly, that's no longer true. Nomar used to be a better hitter than Betemit is now. But not any more. When a slump is this deep, and lasts for a full year (as it has, since last year's ASB), and is not obviously a result of bad luck, it's time to update our assessment of Nomar's hitting ability.

21 Yup, so it's not bad luck.

22 - Fine with me.

20-Money talks, unfortunately. We are stuck with Nomar, as I don't think the front office has the courage to DFA him.

Nice post Jon. I haven't read through yesterday's post-fest (just watched the game on TiVo) so forgive me and ignore me if this is redundant, but:

Just as it's fair to say that the silver lining was that the Dodgers put all those guys on base, that they put themselves in a position to win over and over, it's also fair to point out that the team's inability to hit home runs really showed up yesterday. TB scored two runs on two swings. The Dodgers NEED clutch hitting to win, because long sequences are their only realistic chance. So yes, it comes and goes, but the team's reliance on it is a weakness.

I'm not sure he's done. BP gave him a 26% chance of collapsing this year and, given that his EQA is right around their tenth percentile projection, it looks like that's what he's done. It could be a Mike Lowell situation and he'll come around next year, or the year after. But right now, he stinks. And he's hurting the team, arguably more than Juan Pierre--Pierre's sOPS+ for CF is 72, Nomar's for 1B is 65.

If you are interested in going to the Padres vs Dodgers game next sunday, drop me an email. My best friends brother is a local (Ventura County) historian and has written a baseball book, documenting all the local ball players who have made the pros, came close to doing so, or made an impact upon baseball in the local area. My friend's brother will be throwing out the first pitch. In order to get this honor, they had to buy a couple thousand tickets. Amazingly, only a few hundred are left. Before the game a few former pros will be in the stands signing his book. If you are interested in going, email me and I can get you in touch with the guy who has the tickets. My seats are Loge, down the right field line just past first base, section 40.
Go Dodgers
vr, Xei

xeifrank@yahoo.com
http://eteamz.active.com/cpba/

26. I should have added to my own post that, while the HRs are still not coming, I am thoroughly enjoying watching Loney, Kemp, and Ethier rip the ball all over the place. These guys hit the ball hard, something even Kent doesn't do very often, and something several other guys almost never do.

I like Nomar but when he´s in the lineup and Loney isn´t, it´s like the game is not so interesting.Does it happen with you guys?

I found games with Jason Phillips, Brian Myrow, and Mike Edwards interesting, so I'm not the best judge.

Mike Edwards: killing DT threads since 2005.

Andre had such quality at bats yesterday....The double play was because of a great pitch....and Pierre is in the lineup...If he costs the team some runs today, I would imagine the streak becoming a big question....

33- Why is this night different from all other nights?

I agree that even though last night's loss was frustrating, there are a number of positives. There is one aspect however that I think points to a problem that is not often discussed - Furcal's inability to steal a base.

I can only watch the games on Gameday so I may be overlooking some things. However, when Furcal led off the top of the 8th with a bunt hit, how come he couldn't steal second? I think Pierre even made a bunt attempt before he lined into a double play. Martin then came up, singled and stole second on the first pitch to Kent. If he can do it, how come the lead off hitter can't?

We needed to have Furcal on second with no outs and Pierre at the plate. Then, maybe his lineout at first is down the line (no one holding Furcal on base). At the very least, Pierre can move him to third where he can score on a sac fly. If Furcal can't steal becasue of his ankle, maybe he shouldn't be hitting lead off.

33 I only got to watch Ethier's 1st, 2nd, and 3rd at-bats, but the first two were pretty brutal. I agree that Pierre needs to be the one who gets some rest once in a while, but barring that I think today's line-up is pretty ideal.

34
Why do we set a place for Pierre at the table?

34-It is different because the other three outfielders are all hot, and one has to sit because Pierre is a "gamer".....

37
I believe the correct answer has to do with bitter herbs.

38
If a long term contract for too much money makes someone a "gamer" who deserves to play, then we should cart Jason Schmidt's shoulder out there.

40- It could bat leadoff. Shoulders have microscopic strike zones.

39 Hah hah.

In Brando voice: "The maror... the maror..."

(Okay, I know they're not pronounced exactly the same, just go with it.)

Drat, I have to play soccer at 11. Good luck Dodgers! I may wait til it's archived on MLBTV later to watch it...

41
I bet the shoulder would have a higher OPS than Nomar. :-)

It could probably cover first better on a ground ball too!

I bet the Orioles would take pierre....maybe the Pirates too...those are the only two teams I can think of that might have a huge enough hole to take him...

Ok, I have to admit it.

I am currently ignorant of Antonio Perez's current doings in MLB, but based on Milton Bradley's current DFA I would say the Dodgers got the better end of the trade.

I went on record here stating that Beane stole one from LA, I am currently under the persuasion that I was wrong.

That could change however. :-)

44
You mean the Orioles would want BOTH Corey Patterson AND Juan Pierre?

46-That can be the trade!...Pierre for patterson....CPatt would be a fine 4th outfielder...or he could start at AAA....:)

44
Hey, supermanager Jim Tracy is still in Pittsburgh. And you know how much he likes those "underrated" players that Pierre.

You might be on to something. Maybe we could get Jason Bay, who is obviously too defensively challenged for Tracy to stand.

:-)

there's a fair in the park i play baseball
today, so i'll be watching the full game today.

the thing that makes this whole Pierre situation uncool is that this coming winter some big names will be available for the CF gig, guys that can actually play the position & hit with some pop!

We will sign Ichiro, and find a way to get rid of Juan....I'm actually confident in that....

On the other hand...why didn't Ned just sign Dave Roberts!....made so much more sense....

Antonio Perez is doing .218/.343/.345 for Oakland's AAA affiliate.

51

or Kenny Lofton as a one year bridge to a free agent or one of the kids.

In the future, Ned Colletti will sign every free agent, then trade them away, picking up part of their salaries.

Dave Roberts has an OPS+ of 64, which is lower than Pierre's.

And Roberts gets hurt.

And throws about as well.

Yet, Roberts seems to bank more goodwill for the 2004 Red Sox than Pierre gets for the 2003 Marlins.

With a second inning triple, Johan Santana has triggered a sensor along the Distant Early Warning Line for the Cycle Police.

Has never won as a member of the Devil Rays?

Raise your hand if you'd take EJack back right now for Hendrickson?

55-Roberts is a nice part time player/leadoff hitter....would make sense as a "bridge"...

I'm glad Lofton is gone...his D was just too horrible...

Jackson looks big....

somewher in the dugout, Nomar just swung at the baseball being tossed onto the field.

57- Hendrickson for Jackson? Done and done. If he'll FedEx me his key, I'd be happy to crate and ship his belongings to him, so he doesn't have to come back to L.A.

I would take Lofton everyday of the week, especially over Juan-for-five.

I swear to god, if Pierre forces Furcal at second here....

Looks like Furcal needs some Icy Hot, pronto!.

57 My hand is raised.

okay, Furcal needs to sit. He can't run.

60.

Nah, if Nomar had hit it he would have rolled weakly to SS. The 1B grabbed it.

Coincidentally, Abreu swung and missed at it.

Bring up Hu!

Long time lurker, rare poster here.

As a displaced Dodger fan in Florida, I went to last night's game. Some observations:

- The pre-game Zimmer festivities were interesting. There were taped interviews from Vin Scully and Tom Lasorda about their time with Zimmer. Vinny was his usual self, telling an old story about Zimmer from his days as a minor leaguer trying to make the team in Vero. Tommy told an odd, and probably inappropriate, story about a joke involving Zimmer's sex life. Duke Snider, Carl Erskine, Johnny Podres, and Zimmer threw out the first pitches to Zimmer's son and grandsons.
- Lots of Dodger fans in attendance, and a lot of them wearing Brooklyn stuff. It seemed like they promoted this night for quite a while - I just went because I had the night free and I don't get a chance to see the Dodgers much.
- The Turn Back the Clock theme involved everything at the stadium - the music, the announcers, the scoreboards. I don't know how much you guys got to see on TV, but the scoreboards said Brooklyn and St. Petersburg, and the announcer would say things like "now batting for Brooklyn, right fielder Matt Kemp." They had graphics for the Devil Rays players when they would come up where their faces were photoshopped into old 50's stars, like Carl Crawford as Little Richie and Carlos Pena as Ricci Riccardo. All in all it was pretty entertaining.
- I noticed a few people comment in yesterday's game thread that Tropicana seemed quiet. The Rays fans actually made a lot of noise, especially in the 9th. There were plenty of fans there that seemed genuinely passionate about the Rays.
- The Rays fans HATE their bullpen. As soon as Kazmir was taken out, the crowd let out a collective groan when Witasick came in. Lots of fans I was sitting around were saying how the game was over now that the bullpen was in.

Just want to say that this is an awesome site for a Dodger fan outside of California. I don't always have the time to read the comments, but when I do, they are always entertaining.

How many of those this series?

These DPs are killing me.

Splash hit!

Luis Gonzalez, PETA is on the phone for you, line 3.

LuGo just made a pack of powerful, aquatic enemies.

68 Very cool write-up.

I didn't know there were actual Rays in that tank....poor things......Loney is awesome BTW...

Loney is in fuego!

The Great James Loney.

75
It's the Touch Tank.

Glad no one made any Steve Irwin jokes...Crikey!

79
I almost did!

Apparently they sent the Ray Whisperer in to get the ball.

Bad AB by Kemp.

I was working on a Steve Irwin joke, but then Loney stole my thunder.

I got nothing.

That's as bad as Kemp has looked all year....WOW...

jeez- the Bison's last swing wasn't even close. I don't even think he saw the pitch.

I feel bad for Edwin, but wow, Loney put a charge in it the other way.

79 someone apparently couldn't resist!:0)

And people say Loney has no pop....

These people have "pop":

http://tinyurl.com/388wlg

75 I like the Rays tank idea. Now if only Arizona would get rid of that pool and put a snake pit out there instead. Then they could have promotions and have fans chase after balls amongst the rattlers. Now THAT would be real cool.

87 Without looking, I'm guessing Pop vs. Soda map!

Kuo looks pretty awesome today.

Unfortunately, I have had to miss every game this week until today, but before that I had noticed that Kemp has had lots of trouble with pitches low and away.

Here again, he looked terrible - trying to pull a pitch that he shouldn't even swing at.

Can anyone tell me how he has been handling that pitch during his hot streak this week?

88- And the Giants could get a bunch of Samoans from Carson and Sunnyvale......And the Indians...

Sorry.....

87 data like that is why All Gore invented the internet

91-He has looked very good at the plate and has shown a good eye...this last at bat was surprising....to me at least...

89
Precisely.

Kuo=Domination.

Edwin Jackson is trying to become the first pitcher to start the season since 0-9 since ... Friday.

Looks like we get "Effectively Wild" Kuo today.

98 So far, he's wildly effective!

Kuo does look good, bu he needs to establish another pitch before he goes through the lineup again. His fastball was killing the lefties.

http://www.mlive.com/sports/sanews/index.ssf?/base/sports-0/1182680627228430.xml&coll=9

some colletti quotes on the Minotaur's performance from last night.

Edwin hit 97mph in the 2nd inning.

Crushed it...

101 move him up! Also, I really really hate the Minotaur nickname. I can't help but think of a terrible movie called "The Minotaur."

I hope that doesn't make Ned think Wigginton is what we need at third.

That ball was hit a little bit.

Why doesn't Charlie just be done with it and begin EVERY sentence with "oh by the way".

101- Best part of that article is that Kershaw embraces my radar guns are a social construct theorem.

Lyons- "It takes zero ability to hustle..."

(insert Pierre jokes here)

When Kuo strikes guys out, he sure makes them look overmatched.

105 If we were to get Wigginton and be obligated to keep him only for this year and if we swapped Tomko and/or Hendrickson for him, I would be happy to see him at 3rd for this year for the Dodgers.