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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
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9) typing "no-hitter" or "perfect game" to describe either in progress
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12) claiming your opinion isn't allowed when it's just being disagreed with

Calf Roped: Garciaparra to the DL
2007-08-14 16:41
by Jon Weisman

Now we learn from Josh Rawitch of the Dodgers that Nomar Garciaparra has had a strained calf "for a while." Today, he goes on the disabled list. Shea Hillenbrand is now your starting third baseman, with Wilson Betemit gone and Andy LaRoche and Tony Abreu battling their own mini-crises.

Oh Andy
Well you came and you gave without taking
But we sent you away
Well you, um, kissed us and stopped us from shaking
And we need you today
Oh Andy

Lineup roulette: Matt Kemp is in right field, batting third. James Loney has been dropped to fifth, Russell Martin has been dropped to No. 6, Andre Ethier is batting seventh, and Juan Pierre is back up at the No. 2 spot.

Can you imagine the crow I'll be chowing if Hillenbrand becomes a Dodger folk hero?

Also, Eric Hull has come up to the latest bullpen buckin' bronco. And Abreu, with little explanation, was de-in-activated from the AAA Las Vegas inactive list.

Comments (82)
Show/Hide Comments 1-50
2007-08-14 16:44:26
1.   bigcpa
I'm still scarred by our last game vs. this Albers guy. He has been getting smacked around by righties, lefties, home, road whatever.

If we go on a 2-week tear then Plaschke can blame it all on Nomar, and we'll be primed for the LaRoche era.

2007-08-14 16:45:41
2.   Andrew Shimmin
The Society for the Advancement of the D'Backs' Bandwagon would like to offer anyone willing to sign up now the chance to root for a team that isn't starting Shea Hillenbrand. Line forms to the left. No shoving.
2007-08-14 16:45:47
3.   Eric Enders
Funny how Dodger management is so inscrutable that the player many feared would be sent to the minors before the game was instead moved to the #3 hole.
2007-08-14 16:46:03
4.   bhsportsguy
In many ways, I'm glad I won't be around much during the next 3 games.

I brought up Nomar being hurt back in May/June (in comparison to Steve Finley) but it being his calf appears to be something that would have lingered for a while.

2007-08-14 16:46:59
5.   Eric Enders
Apropos of nothing: Will somebody please hurry up and invent an optical mouse that works on woodgrain?
2007-08-14 16:47:25
6.   Greg Brock
2 I actually picked a new team today. I used a number of criteria to go through a process of elimination. This is merely a contingency plan.

I am now a Nationals fan. Sorry, Sam.

2007-08-14 16:48:21
7.   Robert Daeley
5 Mine at work does:

http://www.apple.com/mightymouse/

2007-08-14 16:48:43
8.   D4P
In other news, ESPN has an article in which the author observes that the 30 MLB teams are on pace to hit 578 fewer home runs this year, which is only partly Juan Pierre's fault...
2007-08-14 16:49:25
9.   Xeifrank
Pre-Nomar to the DL, Hillenbrand starting at 3B DodgerSims gave the Dodgers a 61.35% win probability (which will now have to be reran) and LV Hilton had the Dodgers WP at 57.45%. All I can say is this Albers guy must be pretty cruddy. vr, Xei
2007-08-14 16:49:57
10.   bhsportsguy
2 Its wierd that sports team allegiances are set for life and probably nothing could change them.

Good luck on your membership drive and may the name Jay Bell nor the fact that your team is still paying Russ Ortiz ever come up again.

2007-08-14 16:49:58
11.   Humma Kavula
Ned Colletti is like my friend's two-year-old. He is testing the limits of my patience. Shea Hillenbrand, the starting 3B? I believe my patience is at an end.
2007-08-14 16:51:21
12.   D4P
2,6
You people have this all wrong. Instead of picking new teams to root for, you should instead be rooting against your old team. Next time you watch a Dodger game, try shouting out things like "Hey Hillenbrand: you suck!" or "Hey Pierre: you suck!" or "Hey Tomko: you suck!"

It's not only therapeutic: it's also fun.

2007-08-14 16:53:26
13.   Humma Kavula
12 "Shouting Thoughts: D4P's outlet for not dealing at all well psychologically with the Los Angeles Dodgers and baseball"
2007-08-14 16:53:49
14.   regfairfield
You guys are all traitors to the cause.
2007-08-14 16:53:55
15.   D4P
We need to come up with a Hillenbrand Principle. Nee, a Hillenbrand Hypothesis (note the alliteration...!). I don't know what it would be, but I'm sure it would be fun for all ages.
2007-08-14 16:54:44
16.   King of the Hobos
I was hoping to at least see Abreu starting at 3B for Vegas, so he could be recalled within a game or two, but he's not. The good news is that he is starting, just at 2B. Hopefully he's back in the majors soon, along with Laroche.
2007-08-14 16:55:11
17.   El Lay Dave
As 286 from the last topic asks, just how long is "for a while"??? Was this known to management when Ned made the Betemit/Proctor trade?
2007-08-14 16:55:36
18.   Michael D
I can't believe I'm sad to see Nomar go to the DL, I hope LaRoche comes up soon.
2007-08-14 16:55:51
19.   Daniel Zappala
I'm the one that's in the Arizona market, according to MLB. And I won't be changing allegiances any time soon.
2007-08-14 16:55:59
20.   Humma Kavula
15 For your approval:

The Hillenbrand Hypothesis: If a player has been dumped unceremoniously by your four chief arch-rivals, and your GM acquires that player anyway, it is grounds for dismissal.

2007-08-14 16:56:23
21.   Bluebleeder87
2

I aint ever gonna be a D-Backs fan, speically when Kim is getting smacked around 3-1 Marlins (so far) in the 1st inning, today is the day we turn around the ship peepz I feel it!!

2007-08-14 16:56:25
22.   goofus
285 Go to MapQuest, enter the address of your hotel; it will produce a map with the hotel centered. You can zoom in or out on the map to get greater detail or larger coverage area. Print map. No printer? Enter your hotel address on MapQuest and then address you want to go to. Mapquest will give you explicit directions which you can print or send to yourself as an email.
2007-08-14 16:56:30
23.   Greg Brock
14 Going down with the ship is not my idea of fun.

A hero ain't nuthin' but a sandwich.

2007-08-14 16:57:36
24.   Eric Enders
I am not going to inch toward the ledge just yet, since Las Vegas has two third basemen better than Hillenbrand, both of whom should be ready for action in less than a week. If they become ready and Hillenbrand is still starting ahead of them, then I'll be worried.

I hope that even Ned is smart enough to know that if Shea Hillenbrand is the answer, you've asked the wrong question.

2007-08-14 16:58:30
25.   jasonungar07
Nomar has been damanged good since 2003. Is this really a shock? The shock was last season's first half.
2007-08-14 16:58:50
26.   Andrew Shimmin
14- I didn't hire Hillenbrand! I put up with Pierre the whole year, only lashing out on occasion, but this is a bridge too far. I will not root for Shea Hillenbrand. I have morals and ethics and standards. It's not okay to have Shea Hillenbrand on your team. And if it falls to me to stand athwart history shouting, "Stop giving Shea Hillenbrand money!", well, so be it.
2007-08-14 16:59:54
27.   Humma Kavula
24

I hope that even Ned is smart enough to know that if Shea Hillenbrand is the answer, you've asked the wrong question.

"If you are on a ship with the 25 current Dodgers, and you see Pol Pot treading water, what do you throw at him?"

Hmm. Eric was right.

2007-08-14 16:59:57
28.   Eric Enders
This is how much people care about the Astros: Tonight's game is not viewable anywhere within the state of Texas. Extra Innings and MLB.tv are blacked out, and the Astros flagship station is carrying the Rangers game instead.
2007-08-14 17:00:27
29.   El Lay Dave
Can you imagine the crow I'll be chowing if Hillenbrand becomes a Dodger folk hero?

GIDP and throwing high on a potential DP ball (still got the force) is not an auspicious start for such tales.

The Angels survived 204 Hillenbrand PAs; one hopes the Dodgers can weather two or three handfuls.

2007-08-14 17:02:47
30.   D4P
23
Greg will not be going down with this ship. And he will be putting his hands up and surrendering. There will be a white flag above his door. He is not in love, and always won't be.
2007-08-14 17:02:57
31.   El Lay Dave
23 It's not usually Shea's either, yet here he is.
2007-08-14 17:03:12
32.   regfairfield
15 I think "If you're GM acquires Shea Hillenbrand, then actually plays him, they are a bad GM" works well.

23 I don't know, I was raised with the idea that you can't ever switch allegiances, and if people can be Pirates and Royals fans, then I sure as hell can be a Dodger fan.

Heck no matter how disastrous this year ends up, we'll still have a pretty good team for at least the next five years.

2007-08-14 17:03:52
33.   Bluebleeder87
Kim had such a poor outing he was pulled in the 1st inning 4-1 Marlins 1 out & still in the 1st inning
2007-08-14 17:04:24
34.   Eric Enders
"if people can be Pirates and Royals fans, then I sure as hell can be a Dodger fan."

At least that's what Kirk Gibson's momma said.

2007-08-14 17:04:32
35.   Daniel Zappala
22 Future commenting is not an implemented feature of the toaster. But I'm sure Ken is working on it.
2007-08-14 17:06:35
36.   jasonungar07
I just throw on Tom Petty's "time to get going" and it makes everything ok.
2007-08-14 17:07:59
37.   El Lay Dave
"for a while"

How long has this been going on? Well, agents with their fancy persuasion don't admit that it's part of a scheme, but I can't help but have my suspicions, 'cause I ain't quite as dumb as I seem. Nomar said he was never intending to break up third base this way. But there ain't any use in pretending, Nomar's on the DL today.

How long has this been going on?

2007-08-14 17:08:28
38.   xaphor
23 . The Dodgers will walk alone. These are sad days indeed. :)
2007-08-14 17:08:36
39.   D4P
22
Thanks. I got a street map from the hotel. I walked around for maybe 10 minutes, then realized I'm not in the best part of town for walking around. I could brave the urine stench and such if there were actually something to see, but there's really not much in my immediate vicinity.
2007-08-14 17:09:13
40.   Bluebleeder87
Andrew picked the wrong day to recruit Dodger defectors.
2007-08-14 17:10:26
41.   D4P
Tom Petty's "time to get going"

Love that song. Long the syncopation. Love the lyrics.

2007-08-14 17:13:26
42.   El Lay Dave
39 Public transportation in SF is usable. One should never pass up an opportunity to dine in SF.
2007-08-14 17:14:21
43.   Humma Kavula
Here are my options for tonight:

1. Watch the game.
2. Watch one of the many movies/tv shows I have waiting on Tivo/DVD.
3. Continue re-reading the Harry Potter books so that I can finally start Book 7.
4. Go see a movie.

Help me decide!

2007-08-14 17:16:00
44.   Andrew Shimmin
40- It only seems like it. BHSportsguy just sent me a private email asking for an informational packet on the D'backs bandwagon.
2007-08-14 17:16:47
45.   El Lay Dave
43 Kemp, Loney, Ethier and Martin are all starting. This has almost been lost in the Hillenbrand hysteria, of which I have been a part.
2007-08-14 17:16:51
46.   D4P
42
I'll have more time for sight-seeing over the next few days. I'm too tired right now.
2007-08-14 17:17:05
47.   jasonungar07
41 Maybe his best total album? (Wildflowers) And then before you know it..a top concert favorite of mine...."it's good to be king" whatever it pays...
2007-08-14 17:17:35
48.   D4P
44
So much for privacy.
2007-08-14 17:19:34
49.   Greg Brock
You can't pick a new team that's in the same division as your old team. Andrew is cheating.

And he's picking a team that is good, and has good young players. Cheater.

My team has Nook Logan on it. Nook Logan!

2007-08-14 17:20:30
50.   Gagne55
And Betemit has been booming...
Show/Hide Comments 51-100
2007-08-14 17:20:31
51.   Humma Kavula
45 Problem is, so is Tomko.

I haven't watched in several days -- busy weekend, movie premiere last night -- so I'll likely end up watching. But oy, I will not root for Shea Hillenbrand. Neither will I boo. I will sit quietly.

2007-08-14 17:20:36
52.   Bluebleeder87
45

Kemp needs constant playing time (like some have suggested) to get going again it almost seems like Grady is teasing us with Kemp, Although if Gonzalez wasn't a Dodger I'm sure he'd be penciled in everyday to be fair to Grady.

2007-08-14 17:22:01
53.   Andrew Shimmin
48- I'd feel bad about violating the confidence, if I hadn't made the whole thing up.
2007-08-14 17:23:06
54.   D4P
53
So much for your promises
They died the day you let me go
Caught up in a web of lies
But it was just too late to know
2007-08-14 17:30:24
55.   Bluebleeder87
the D-Backs are getting hammered now 7-1 Marlins (Miggy "chubbs" Cabrera) just hit a bomb with Henley Ramirez on 2nd base it's still only the 2nd inning.

ps back to back bombs. 8-1 Marlins.

2007-08-14 17:32:47
56.   bhsportsguy
54 Get off the net and head out while you can, go see the sun set, if you want cheesy SF tourist stuff, take cab to Market and then take the cable cars to Fisherman's Wharf, have some crab and sourdough bread.

But get out and explore the city.

This is coming from a lifetime LA guy.

2007-08-14 17:33:49
57.   Icaros
56

He's afraid because he knows there are folks like me prowling the streets.

2007-08-14 17:35:36
58.   D4P
56
I'm gonna get out tomorrow and Thursday, in between actually "working" and stuff.

57
You should take a shower once in a while. You don't smell so good...

2007-08-14 17:36:48
59.   bhsportsguy
58 No chance of coming down to LA for some games?
2007-08-14 17:37:44
60.   Icaros
58

That's my bathroom you're smelling. Some people here also call it the "sidewalk."

2007-08-14 17:38:56
61.   Linkmeister
43 I vote for 3.
2007-08-14 17:41:26
62.   Bob Timmermann
The best thing to do in San Francisco is try to finish off the work of the 1906 Earthquake.

This is San Francisco specific advice.

2007-08-14 17:42:14
63.   bhsportsguy
62 Man, whatever scarred you, scarred you for life.
2007-08-14 17:45:23
64.   Linkmeister
62 I thought the hatred usually flowed much more strongly from the North to the South, but Mr. Timmermann has disabused me of that idea.
2007-08-14 17:45:48
65.   El Lay Dave
43 Are 1. and 3. mutually exclusively?
2007-08-14 17:46:27
66.   Greg Brock
When Bob dislikes something, he doesn't play around.
2007-08-14 17:47:07
67.   mankatododger
62 I'm with Bob here.
2007-08-14 17:47:27
68.   El Lay Dave
I, too, am a lifetime LA guy, and I enjoying visiting SF.

58 You gotta eat man. Go someplace good - lots of choices!

2007-08-14 17:47:50
69.   bhsportsguy
62 So to be clear, Palo Alto, Oakland, Berkley, and other nearby locales are to be spared?
2007-08-14 17:48:01
70.   El Lay Dave
65 exclusive. (I don't think they are - do both!)
2007-08-14 17:51:57
71.   sanchez101
sorry if this has already been discussed recently

when is LaRoche expected back from injury

2007-08-14 17:53:53
72.   Bob Timmermann
69
If you can find me ten good people in those cities, they will be spared.
2007-08-14 17:53:59
73.   Jon Weisman
I decided to start a rally thread now. I didn't think we could afford to fall any farther behind in tonight's game.
2007-08-14 17:54:52
74.   Greg Brock
The guy who lost his 54 million dollar lawsuit over missing pants has filed his appeal.

To be fair, they were some pretty sweet pants.

2007-08-14 17:56:00
75.   Andrew Shimmin
71- About three days after somebody in the front office leaks to Tony Jackson that he's only pretending to be hurt.
2007-08-14 17:56:55
76.   Jon Weisman
72 - I've got about 10 family members up there, so maybe you can give them a look.
2007-08-14 17:59:03
77.   D4P
72
Do you have (and enforce) a "Turn into pillar of salt for looking back at destroyed city" policy...?
2007-08-14 17:59:59
78.   El Lay Dave
72 76 And I have about 20. Don't judge them by me; they are MUCH nicer, more reasonable people.
2007-08-14 18:04:33
79.   MC Safety
72- I also have ones that need to be spared in Walnut Creek. Come on you know its a beautiful city.
2007-08-14 18:44:07
80.   underdog
I never take Bob's wishes for a SF catastrophe seriously - that way I can still like him. I survived the 89 quake so you can't get rid of me that easily by gum!

Icaros (and maybe underdog) will wine and dine D4P and then quietly brainwash him about SF's superiority in all things that could potentially irritate Bob.

2007-08-14 18:46:25
81.   Dodgers49
Looking into my crystal ball for tonight's game I see Pierre creating havoc on the basepaths thus causing the pitcher to try throwing fastballs by Kemp. I see one going over the fence. :-)
2007-08-14 18:57:23
82.   Dodgers49
The D-Backs trail 14-3 in the 6th. The night is already off to a great start.

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