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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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Just Like Last Time, Only Better
2007-09-13 16:40
by Jon Weisman

Countdown to 81 wins: just five more.

Tonight's game:

Gameday

Retro Gameday

* * *

Update: For those not watching in the bottom of the third inning, with James Loney on second and Jeff Kent on first and one out, Luis Gonzalez singled to left-center field. Scott Hairston had to range to his left to get the ball, meaning that Loney, even with his slowness, could score easily. However, it was also clear that Kent should not be trying to go from first to third. Nevertheless, there was Kent, stumbling toward third, ready to kill the inning for no reason. Only a terrible throw from Hairston enabled Kent to reach third base safely. He would have been out by 15 feet otherwise.

On the next play, Kent was thrown out trying to score on a fly ball to short center field by Russell Martin. Mike Cameron broke the wrong way on the ball, thus enticing Kent to go, but still threw him out easily.

Even on a night in which the Dodgers have started out wonderfully, leading 4-0 against Greg Maddux, we can't escape that there is something simply fundamentally wrong about how they run the bases. It is not just Matt Kemp. It permeates the entire club. The coaches and the baserunners just can't seem to grasp the obvious.

Meanwhile, James Loney's career OPS as I write this, at age 23 and after 414 career plate appearances, is .904. Astonishing.

Update 2: In the bottom of the fourth, Kemp was on second base when David Wells singled. Kemp was looking down to make sure he touched third base and ran through Rich Donnelly's proper stop sign, only to jam on the brakes and scramble back to third. Kemp is no saint on the bases, to be sure. But he fits right in.

But the hit by Wells is the 10th off Greg Maddux in 3 1/3 innings, and he is knocked out of the game.

Update 3: .907!

Comments (487)
Show/Hide Comments 1-50
2007-09-13 17:21:35
1.   ToyCannon
I got 1st post last night and we won so lets try it again.
2007-09-13 17:22:23
2.   GMac In The 909
Excellent plan. Let's hope Grady doesn't mess it up.
2007-09-13 17:26:54
3.   KG16
To pick up the conversation in the last thread, if/when Ned leaves the Dodgers, I'm hoping that either White or Ng get the job. I'd even be happy with them splitting responsibilities as co-GMs or some such.

Honestly, I'm not sure I trust Ned on his own, given some of the moves he has made. Hopefully it will turn out that he was simply pressing in his first year on or so on the job.

2007-09-13 17:27:46
4.   Jim Hitchcock
(to a round of boos) With Maddux pitching, all we need is Eric Karros on offense!
2007-09-13 17:27:48
5.   fanerman
3 Honestly, I can say with 100% confidence that I don't trust Ned on his own.
2007-09-13 17:35:25
6.   GoBears
Eek. I don't trust Colletti NOW, when he has all the help anyone should need.
2007-09-13 17:37:52
7.   trainwreck
The Patriots have been punished. 500k fine for Belichick, a 250k fine for the organization, and if they make the playoffs they will lose their first round pick.
2007-09-13 17:40:06
8.   GMac In The 909
6 I don't think he can do any damage right now, given that the trading deadlines have passed.
2007-09-13 17:40:24
9.   Howard Fox
maybe I am uninformed, and maybe I am saying something previously said, but it seems to me Logan White is a shrewd judge of talent especially in re: the draft, but how would any of us know how he would be in a managerial position overseeing all players in the organization as well as the managerial staff??
2007-09-13 17:43:01
10.   Gagne55
7 They should have just simply forfeited the game to the Jets. $750,000 dollars in exchange for the defensive playbook is a bargin deal.
2007-09-13 17:47:07
11.   underdog
9 I think there were some sorta responses to that in previous thread...

Upshot is, we don't know, but we can guess some things about him. He'd be more likely to favor young players over grizzled veterans, if I had to guess. I think Ng would be most qualified of all their in house options, but maybe that LogNg combo would be even better.

2007-09-13 17:47:48
12.   GoBears
10. I agree. Forfeit the game in which they were caught cheating. I wonder if there's any provision for ex post forfeits in the NFL. With only 16 games per season, it's a pretty severe penalty, although it wouldn't really matter to NE, who might not lose this year.
2007-09-13 17:48:07
13.   FirstMohican
8 - Don't jinx it.
2007-09-13 17:48:57
14.   Ghost of Carlos Perez
Why isn't there more talk about making Lasorda the GM? I think I remember him being the interim GM some time ago. Lasorda is a legend, and just look at what he did with that Olympic team some years ago.
2007-09-13 17:49:16
15.   overkill94
Good to see Abreu back in there again. I wouldn't be upset if I never saw Nomar in a Dodger game again. Nothing personal, he just seems to personify the stigma of PVL over talent.
2007-09-13 17:50:31
16.   underdog
14 is being facetious, right?
2007-09-13 17:53:00
17.   Icaros
16

If it isn't, I don't want to know.

2007-09-13 17:53:58
18.   JoeyP
The Yankees knew what they were doing in the 2006 draft.

Joba + Kennedy >>>>Kershaw/Morris/Mattingly

2007-09-13 17:54:15
19.   Ghost of Carlos Perez
14
On top of the colorful anecdotes, he's got a great eye for talent. Taking Piazza with the last pick in the draft was a steal.
2007-09-13 17:56:13
20.   eusmus
18 ok
2007-09-13 17:56:37
21.   Andrew Shimmin
Tommy's got a pretty sweet gig, as is. He gets an office, probably a secretary, the right of first refusal on all office pastry... I can't imagine he'd be willing to take a job that interfered with his nap schedule.
2007-09-13 17:57:53
22.   Ghost of Carlos Perez
I thought 750K looked a bit steep, but it looks like McLaren got hit a little harder for their spying indiscretions.
2007-09-13 17:59:18
23.   Curtis Lowe
Soo, Gonzo in the 5th spot and kemp in the 7th.

Makes perfect sense.

2007-09-13 17:59:21
24.   Ghost of Carlos Perez
And Goodell has a reputation for being tough.
2007-09-13 18:01:05
25.   underdog
18 Joba's great but you're judging that one waaay too early. Personally I think the Minotaur alone will make the Dodgers draft outclass the Yanks, but hard to see that right this minute. Morris could turn out great, too, and Mattingly is super talented but has a lot to learn. So I wouldn't be so sure in the long term.
2007-09-13 18:05:40
26.   El Lay Dave
Through 7 1/2, the Orioles have shut out the Angels. The Orioles.
2007-09-13 18:05:56
27.   Gagne55
22 750K per game would be $12 mil per season, about the salary of a star player. I think what the Patriots did gave them more of an advantage than a single star player. Plus you have to consider that there is a decent chance of getting away with the cameras. So the NFL is making cheating worth taking the risk. The punishment should fit the crime. A forfeit of the gaame in which a team was caught, I believe would be the right call.
2007-09-13 18:06:50
28.   eusmus
25 Are you saying it's possible that Joba and Kennedy aren't going to finish 1-2 in Cy Young voting for the next ten years? Yankee fans have mislead me!
2007-09-13 18:09:08
29.   Dodgers49
Commentary: Wake up, Dodgers fans, it's a pennant race

>> It's the biggest homestand of the season, and this team is playing in front of a lot of empty seats. <<

## Listen, excuses are worthless. It's borderline embarrassing the size of Wednesday's crowd. It's the biggest series of the year and all the Dodgers get is a lukewarm fan response. ##

http://www.dailybreeze.com/sports/articles/9755907.html

2007-09-13 18:09:13
30.   Gagne55
27 And the whole team was in on the cheating. The offense was setting up its plays based on the stolen signals. This isn't like a corked bat or a spitball in which one individual acts on there own. They had to conspire. The whole team should be punished as a result.
2007-09-13 18:11:04
31.   Bluebleeder87
11

Like I've said in the past I like Ned BUT his PVL leanings just leaves a bad taste in my mouth, the Dodger organization is in such a great place right now (with the fruits of the farm already riping in the ML) Ned simply has to cleanse him self from the Sabean (sp) form of thought & we're in good shape.

2007-09-13 18:11:24
32.   overkill94
19 He only picked Piazza because he was his godson

If this guy really is joking around then I feel dumb for falling for it.

2007-09-13 18:11:57
33.   trainwreck
29
The Dodger crowds are still very good compared to most stadiums I see.
2007-09-13 18:12:52
34.   trainwreck
30
As you said, taking away a game from the Pats will not hurt them that much, because they are still going to win the division. Taking away a first round pick hurts them long term.
2007-09-13 18:13:14
35.   overkill94
30 You did see that they'll lose their 1st round pick right?
2007-09-13 18:14:56
36.   CanuckDodger
18 -- No, they just paid off at the major league level much quicker, as they would have been expected to, given they were three years older. You show over and over again that that is all you care about, the quick payoff, so you are being consistent. Like me, the Dodgers are interested in the long-run, and getting the most in the long-run. I think it is going on two years now since you pronounced Oakland's 2002 Moneyball draft MUCH better than our 2002 draft, on the evidence of Swisher, Blanton, and Teahen being in the majors, while no Dodger draft pick from 2002 was in the majors. Yet now, the quintet of Martin, Loney, Broxton, Stults, and Young alone beats what Oakland got out of their 2002, and we STILL have McDonald, Miller, Hammes, and Megrew waiting in the wings with chances at major league careers.
2007-09-13 18:15:11
37.   overkill94
43,699 on a Wednesday is pretty dang good. Just because the Dodgers have a big stadium shouldn't be held against them.
2007-09-13 18:16:05
38.   El Lay Dave
LuGo vs. Maddux, career:

119 PAs .315/.368/.648/1.016, 6 2B, 10 HR
(1-4, 2BB this year)

As these things go, that's a large sample size. Grady trusts this and Loney's left-handedness - he's never faced Maddux either - more than Kemp, thus Kemp #7.

Kent vs. Maddux, career:
85 PAs .321/.356/.568/.924, 5 2B, 5 HR
(5-6, 1 2B, 1 HR this year)

2007-09-13 18:16:41
39.   Bluebleeder87
23

Here are Gonzalez #'s against Mr. Maddux.

At Bats - 108
Hits - 34
OB% - 648
SLG - 361
Batting Average - 315

_____________________________________

To by fair to Grady Kemp has NEVER faced Maddux so we don't know how well or how bad he'll do against him, it actually looks like Grady put some thought into this lineup for a change. :o)

2007-09-13 18:17:19
40.   underdog
Rats, my soccer game tonight is at 9(!) so I'm gonna have to leave before the game is over. Wish it was on regular TV here. I'll see if I can pause MLBTV and watch when I come back. Assuming it looks like the outcome will be in doubt before I leave.
2007-09-13 18:17:28
41.   Gagne55
Yeah, I saw they'll lose the first round pick. It just doesn't seem right to me. Like having to give up a cow for stealing a horse. But whatever. I'm not Paul Taliabue.
2007-09-13 18:19:23
42.   El Lay Dave
From Tony Jackson's blog:

Derek Lowe is going through pregame stretching wearing a red jersey, the way football quarterbacks to do avoid being hit in practice. What would a long, monotonous baseball season be without funny gags?

2007-09-13 18:22:46
43.   ucladodger
41

or Roger Goodell

2007-09-13 18:23:36
44.   GMac In The 909
42 Sometimes I question if Tony Jackson even likes baseball.
2007-09-13 18:23:47
45.   Curtis Lowe
38,39 - Yeh, perfect sense.
2007-09-13 18:26:48
46.   CanuckDodger
Kennedy is at best a #3 starter in the majors, but he was always a safe choice. Limited potential, but not much chance of failing to meet it. Chamberlain was a legit top 10 talent who fell in the draft because of medical concerns. The Yankees took a gamble on him at #41 and they were rewarded. I have no problem saying I wish we took him instead of Mattingly, but JoeyP said something a lot different than that. So the Yankees got one pitcher with ace potential, and one with #3 potential. Kershaw and Morris both have ace potential so that alone beats the combination of Chamberlain/Kennedy for LONG-TERM value, and Mattingly has the tools to be great if he doesn't go bust.
2007-09-13 18:27:23
47.   Howard Fox
29 et al...might I remind you it is a jewish holiday...there just might be a couple of jewish season ticket holders...
2007-09-13 18:27:52
48.   MollyKnight
I think I read somewhere that Gonzo has 10 HR against Maddux lifetime. But then, so do I.
2007-09-13 18:28:37
49.   Dodgers49
37. 43,699 on a Wednesday is pretty dang good. Just because the Dodgers have a big stadium shouldn't be held against them.

But that figure represents tickets sold. From all reports there were considerably less than that in the park.

2007-09-13 18:29:11
50.   das411
...aaaand J-Werth takes one on his 2 from Ramon Ortiz, forcing in a run and making it a 10-4 lead for the Phils. And the crowd should start falling asleep from all those dollar dogs any moment now...
Show/Hide Comments 51-100
2007-09-13 18:29:24
51.   Howard Fox
49 again, I refer you to my comment 47
2007-09-13 18:29:35
52.   Bluebleeder87
44

He makes a good point on the Tomko mural though, I picture good 'ol Ned blushing every time he sees that.

2007-09-13 18:33:32
53.   sporky
52 - Probably with manlust, considering how often he trotted Tomko out there.
2007-09-13 18:44:34
54.   goofus
On White as a GM: I don't want to lose him, I just want to keep him where he is. We all know Ned's tendencies to favor veterans and White's to favor prospects; If White became GM and wanted to trade our home raised and much loved 'veterans' (Martin, Loney, Kemp, etc) for other teams AAA prospects, how would we feel? Obviously being too much in either direction would not please us.
2007-09-13 18:45:44
55.   Ghost of Carlos Perez
Grady little takes a lot of heat for his constant (and often curious) tinkering of his lineup. I ran some quick (and oversimplified) numbers, and if little has to choose 4 players to play infield, one to play catcher, and 3 more for the outfield, then he has roughly 400 million possible lineups to fill out (assuming the pitcher bats 9th). With so many possibilities, who can blame the man for experimenting a bit?
2007-09-13 18:47:05
56.   Bluebleeder87
There's an update on ItD regarding Schmidt & La Roche.
2007-09-13 18:47:23
57.   KG16
just out of curiosity, does anyone ever use the chat feature on Gameday? Just noticed it, but don't really feel like registering for it.
2007-09-13 18:48:14
58.   das411
Bah, and Jimmy Rollins is robbed of one of those oh-so-important triples, and about 42,000 Phils phans now are proponents of instant replay. Oh well. 11-4 Phils, bottom 6th.
2007-09-13 18:50:20
59.   KG16
56 - anyone else slightly concerned that Schmidt hasn't thrown yet? I know there's a long way to spring training, but hearing that he hasn't thrown yet has me a bit disconcerted.
2007-09-13 18:50:55
60.   sporky
57 - I figure it'll be like the ItD comments, only less coherent.
2007-09-13 18:52:12
61.   Ghost of Carlos Perez
Has anyone noticed that Brandon Phillips is on the verge of a 30/30 season? That's got to be rare for a second baseman.
2007-09-13 18:55:19
62.   D4P
61
Didn't Delino DeShields hit 30/30 for the Dodgers a few times?
2007-09-13 18:57:04
63.   oswald
no offense to logan white, i would love to see kim ng as gm. but that's just me.
2007-09-13 18:58:44
64.   Ghost of Carlos Perez
It looks like Chris Young is also close to 30/30. If a D'Backs rookie can pull that off, maybe the accomplishment has lost some of its luster.
2007-09-13 19:01:13
65.   Ghost of Carlos Perez
64
Along those lines, it looks like Juan Pierre needs another 30 or so home runs in the final 2 weeks to make it into the 30/30 club.
2007-09-13 19:02:14
66.   GMac In The 909
62 Had I been drinking anything, you'd owe me a keyboard for that one. Classic.
2007-09-13 19:03:59
67.   ucladodger
56

No. Labrum surgery takes forever. I had it last year and wasnt able to do anything really physical with my arm for 3 months or so. Schmidt wont be throwing for a while, and it will take over a year for him to get back to how he was pre-surgery (if he does)

2007-09-13 19:04:38
68.   ucladodger
67
I meant 59, not 56. Carry on.
2007-09-13 19:05:59
69.   Bluebleeder87
63

ah, what the heck why not, seriously I wouldn't mind at all.

2007-09-13 19:06:29
70.   El Lay Dave
63 Not just you. Me too.

I'd like to see White promoted to "Vice President, Baseball Operations" (that title does not currently exist in the Dodgers front office), if both Ng and Colletti are still here, mainly in attempt to keep him happy and here.

Seems to me it's a bit of risk to hire White as a GM, but not precedented, because I perceive it as more of a business job than a talent job.

2007-09-13 19:07:49
71.   oswald
67 i thought i had read that schmidt would be ready for spring training. based on what you're saying, he may not be ready until the allstar break. is that right?
2007-09-13 19:10:57
72.   Bluebleeder87
67

do you play ball UclaDodger? or did your labrum just tear off? I have a friend that had arthroscopic surgery on both shoulders & it wasn't baseball related his tore off because of the hard work he does for a leaving.

2007-09-13 19:13:44
73.   CanuckDodger
And what exactly makes Ng more qualified to be a GM than White? She certainly doesn't have White's eye for talent. She is just a bean counter.
2007-09-13 19:14:10
74.   El Lay Dave
From Tony Jackson:
Little also said Chad Billingsley and David Wells will be the starters for Tuesday's doubleheader at Colorado and that Wells then will start on Sept. 22 at Arizona on short rest. "Wells has gone on three days' rest a lot in the past, so he should be fine," Little said.

Wells is an old man now though, not much younger than me! How about, "Billingsley is a young stud whose innings were artificially depressed by starting the year in the bullpen, so he should be fine" ?

2007-09-13 19:14:42
75.   oswald
73 there are two beans she can't count in the shower. that's why i like her. sorry.
2007-09-13 19:14:50
76.   sporky
Hey, they're playing like the Dodgers.
2007-09-13 19:14:51
77.   El Lay Dave
73 I'd rather have the bean counter negotiating with Scott Boras.
2007-09-13 19:15:12
78.   Bluebleeder87
Nice inning by Wells, but you can't help & think it's just a matter of time before the Pads figure him out, with Maddux you gotta hope that A)The Dodger hitters take him the other way & B) there patient against him.

ps I really hope we rock 'em!!

2007-09-13 19:15:22
79.   El Lay Dave
75 LOL
2007-09-13 19:16:21
80.   El Lay Dave
7 pitches, just what the old man needs.
2007-09-13 19:16:28
81.   Bluebleeder87
74

I hear you Dave, I don't like the sound of that either.

2007-09-13 19:18:30
82.   NorCal-Dodger
We need to get Maddux to his 75th pitch and he is done, this can happen by the 5th or the 8th, depending how sharp Maddux is.
2007-09-13 19:19:12
83.   Curtis Lowe
safe!
2007-09-13 19:19:24
84.   Bluebleeder87
the Dodger runners are gonna run wild tonight IF they get on base, Barrett or who ever is catching made a laughable throw.
2007-09-13 19:19:58
85.   KG16
Hey, just noticed that Maddux is wearing stirips, that's kind of cool, don't see a lot of ballplayers wearing those anymore.
2007-09-13 19:20:32
86.   underdog
Sure looked safe to me on the replay, not even close. Poor Pierre.
2007-09-13 19:21:45
87.   El Lay Dave
There is no reason for Pierre to bunt there, he rolls out 4-3 as effectively as anyone.
2007-09-13 19:21:49
88.   sporky
LONEY! (kinda)
2007-09-13 19:22:07
89.   Curtis Lowe
Yay Loney!

86 - See, close plays against the Dodgers seem to always go in the pads favor.

2007-09-13 19:22:25
90.   El Lay Dave
though he did nearly beat it out.
2007-09-13 19:22:33
91.   KG16
While I'm of the point of view that says a guy should be allowed to play as long as he wants to (and as long as a team will take a flyer on him), I have to say, it's still hard to see guys like Maddux and Wells in that point in their careers where they bounce from team to team.

James Loney, still my hero.

2007-09-13 19:22:33
92.   Bluebleeder87
I wonder what XeiFrank machine odds are today specially with the 1 run lead we have.
2007-09-13 19:23:08
93.   El Lay Dave
Loney career vs. Maddux:

1.000 / 1.000 / 2.000 / 3.000

2007-09-13 19:23:49
94.   El Lay Dave
Loney again, naturally.
2007-09-13 19:25:15
95.   KG16
If Maddux comes out, can we pinch hit Ethier for Gonzo?
2007-09-13 19:25:23
96.   Bluebleeder87
Seriously though, David Wells just doesn't inspire confidence for me today, I really hope we score plentiful today.
2007-09-13 19:25:29
97.   KG16
If Maddux comes out, can we pinch hit Ethier for Gonzo?
2007-09-13 19:25:50
98.   NorCal-Dodger
Is Mad Dog hurt?
2007-09-13 19:25:56
99.   El Lay Dave
Kent, before that, this season:
.297/.370/.504/.874

Not bad for a 39-year old.

2007-09-13 19:26:04
100.   KG16
95/97 - sorry, connection went slow.
Show/Hide Comments 101-150
2007-09-13 19:26:26
101.   sporky
98 - His left hand doesn't seem great, but he's staying in.
2007-09-13 19:27:33
102.   Gagne55
101 Well if he is hurting, the Dodger bats better show it.
2007-09-13 19:27:41
103.   KG16
98 - took a shot off his glove hand from Kent. But since he took a nice shot from Gonzo and turned it into a double play, I'll say, no, not really hurt, they just wanted to check on him... bones get brittle at his age.
2007-09-13 19:27:54
104.   Curtis Lowe
Perfect sense.
2007-09-13 19:28:56
105.   StolenMonkey86
And when you try for one run, that's all you're gonna get.
2007-09-13 19:30:02
106.   El Lay Dave
Maddux will be fine; he uses the right hand to whizz on his teammates in the shower anyway.
2007-09-13 19:30:10
107.   Gen3Blue
Looking at the replay, I wouldn't call Gonzo's grounder a "shot" Maddox's surprise that it went in his glove made it look like a better play.
2007-09-13 19:30:21
108.   NorCal-Dodger
Sheesshh..golden oppty. to put up more runs and drive up Maddux's pitch count..
2007-09-13 19:31:56
109.   El Lay Dave
Gonzales 5th career GIDP against Maddux, but that was also his 120th career PA against him.
2007-09-13 19:32:52
110.   underdog
I like it when Wayne Brady plays third for us.

If the Dodgers can get Greene and Cosmonaut out today they should win. They haven't the first two games, and they can't get the latter out yet today.

2007-09-13 19:32:54
111.   Bluebleeder87
Kouzmanoff (sp) is a singles machine
2007-09-13 19:33:49
112.   Frip
I don't think I've ever seen a strip club advertised during a baseball game like that. Not good. I went to The Spearmint Rhino once and the woman slammed her platform shoe against my throat and kept it there. I didn't even ask her to be mean. I thought that was a bit out of line.
2007-09-13 19:34:14
113.   D4P
Maddux will be fine; he uses the right hand to whizz on his teammates in the shower anyway

Golden...

2007-09-13 19:36:08
114.   underdog
WHERE was that pitch, ump?

Oh, it's Angel Hernandez. No wonder.

2007-09-13 19:36:32
115.   Curtis Lowe
Ummm is the strike zone shrinking or is it just me?
2007-09-13 19:36:35
116.   StolenMonkey86
Sure it's been mentioned, but the Gameday ticker said the Astros met with their Assistant GM Bennett and old friend Dan Evans to see who wants their GM job.
2007-09-13 19:36:44
117.   KG16
112 - sounds like an, um, interesting night...

113 - heh

2007-09-13 19:37:02
118.   Bluebleeder87
Russell Martin, your Golden.
2007-09-13 19:37:13
119.   ucladodger
Wells is getting squeezed like crazy.

Great throw by russ

2007-09-13 19:37:19
120.   KG16
Russell Martin: Golden GOD!
2007-09-13 19:37:43
121.   Curtis Lowe
Martin says Uh, in yo face!
2007-09-13 19:37:55
122.   underdog
So when do they estimate that home plate umps will be replaced by machines again? I look forward to that day.

Martin says, call THIS one Angel!

2007-09-13 19:38:12
123.   Gen3Blue
Good pick-off because the plate umpire was going to squeeze Well for at least one run for showing him up. I actually thought Wells was right the first time.
2007-09-13 19:38:41
124.   skybluestoday
Whoo-hoo! Russell Martin and James Loney are simply just about exactly perfect.
2007-09-13 19:38:48
125.   KAYVMON
When things are going bad...who you gonna call? The Golden God, Russell Martin
2007-09-13 19:38:56
126.   Bluebleeder87
the Padres runner got caught dozing off more then anything, that's pretty embarrassing I bet.
2007-09-13 19:39:00
127.   NorCal-Dodger
112 Usually lots of dollar bills, takes care of those little nuances.
2007-09-13 19:39:35
128.   skybluestoday
(and they seem to be a nice fit with David Wells, for what it's worth)
2007-09-13 19:40:14
129.   Gen3Blue
Whether or not the first disputed pitch was a strike, the ump took away a call or two from Wells, as as plain as the nose on my face. Which is rather plain.
2007-09-13 19:40:21
130.   Bluebleeder87
seriously man, this Angel Hernandez guy umps like the world is against him. Not cool!!
2007-09-13 19:41:22
131.   MollyKnight
Well, that sucked.
2007-09-13 19:45:50
132.   sporky
I wonder how many times Wells and Maddux had to pitch to each other.
2007-09-13 19:45:59
133.   El Lay Dave
Add 74 : Billingsley will also have an extra days rest for the doubleheader since Monday is an off day. Start him in game 1 and then start him on the short rest 9/22.
2007-09-13 19:46:04
134.   Bluebleeder87
I really thought at least one run would score on that, thank god for Russell.
2007-09-13 19:46:54
135.   Eric Stephen
61 The list of second baseman in the 30/30 club is a short one. It consists of one man (Alfonso Soriano) and three seasons (2002, 2003, 2005).

http://www.bb-ref.com/pi/shareit/7JrK

Brandon Phillips is currently sitting on 29 HR and 30 SB.

Raul Mondesi remains the only 30/30 Dodger in history (1997 & 1999), but a have a feeling a Bison may roam in that territory before its all said and done.

2007-09-13 19:47:58
136.   KG16
135 - and the Bison may be joined by a Golden God.
2007-09-13 19:49:28
137.   Curtis Lowe
I don't like Gonzo. Didn't like him when the Dodgers signed him,didn't even like him when he was playing alright and no I have no rational reason other then he looks like an alligator man.
2007-09-13 19:49:51
138.   Exick
I really hope Kemp figures out how to destroy pitches like the ones he saw in his last at-bat. 3 straight mistakes from Maddux, all of them fastballs left out over the plate, and Kemp didn't even get the bat off his shoulder.
2007-09-13 19:50:25
139.   overkill94
When doing a google search of worst umpires "angel hernandez" you get 510 hits
2007-09-13 19:50:32
140.   Frip
For a fly ball how exactly do you call off a guy, "No no me me me! Not you, you suck, me me me!"

Seriously do you just yell louder than the first guy who called it, or is there a standard phrase you use?

2007-09-13 19:50:42
141.   Bluebleeder87
taking 'em deep wells!
2007-09-13 19:51:02
142.   Eric Stephen
133 The flip side is this, playing devil's advocate:

1) Billingsley on short rest could be turning a 6/7 inning guy into a 5 inning guy, whereas Wells pretty much has 5 shaky innings in him no matter what (yes, I know he pitched 7 great IP last Saturday)
2) Moving Chad from 9/23 to 9/22 doesn't get him an extra start anyway, as the season ends 9/30 (the only way to capitalize would be to start Chad on 3 days rest 4 straight times, which wouldn't necessarily be capitalizing)

2007-09-13 19:51:12
143.   Eric Enders
138 He already knows how to destroy pitches like that, and does, with regularity. What he needs to figure out is which ones to swing at and which ones to take.
2007-09-13 19:51:27
144.   Curtis Lowe
Haha that was funny.
2007-09-13 19:51:47
145.   Bluebleeder87
oh man, I don't know I kind of don't want BOOMER running at all.
2007-09-13 19:51:49
146.   sporky
He can pitch, bunt and hit! That made my night.
2007-09-13 19:51:52
147.   KG16
I love David Wells, don't care if he is 56 years old.
2007-09-13 19:52:29
148.   overkill94
On a related note, *"worst manager" "grady little" gets you 429 hits
2007-09-13 19:52:35
149.   D4P
Wells has performed much better as a Dodger than I was expecting.
2007-09-13 19:52:52
150.   overkill94
oops, messed up the bold on that one
Show/Hide Comments 151-200
2007-09-13 19:53:07
151.   Eric Stephen
That's OK, Furcal will steal his way into scoring position anyway.
2007-09-13 19:53:32
152.   Curtis Lowe
Argh.
2007-09-13 19:53:44
153.   D4P
148
"best manager" "grady little" get you 689
2007-09-13 19:54:26
154.   KG16
140 - you yell, "I got it!" Outfielder always has right of way against an infielder. Centerfielder generally has right of way against other outfielders. Second baseman and shortstop have right of way over third baseman and first baseman. Pitcher is always to get out of the way.
2007-09-13 19:55:23
155.   Eric Stephen
David Wells joins Rudy Seanez on the list of Dodgers doing superficially well, yet I have no confidence in at all.

Every Wells start feels like a game of Keno.

2007-09-13 19:55:34
156.   Gen3Blue
Well , the best thing to do is try to make Maddux throw some pitches, steal a base or two, and let Wells recover from that exertion. Poor Boomer did great, but any young players would have had a triple, and I'm afraid that could do Wells in.
2007-09-13 19:55:39
157.   Frip
154 Thanks KG16.
2007-09-13 19:55:44
158.   KG16
Pierre better not swing 3-1
2007-09-13 19:56:05
159.   Eric Stephen
...and look who's coming up!
2007-09-13 19:56:29
160.   KG16
158 - nevermind
2007-09-13 19:56:32
161.   MollyKnight
Something good is about to happen!
2007-09-13 19:56:41
162.   Bluebleeder87
Perfect time for some Loney power!
2007-09-13 19:56:53
163.   sporky
I have my toes crossed
2007-09-13 19:57:13
164.   StolenMonkey86
When Odalis blew that 6 run lead right before being demoted to the pen, shortly before he had to score from first on a Kenny Lofton triple.

Nice hit for Pierre.

2007-09-13 19:57:15
165.   Eric Enders
So that was, what, the third time this year the Furcal-Pierre combo has worked the way it was supposed to?
2007-09-13 19:57:20
166.   KG16
If Pierre runs here, I suspect that Loney gets walked.
2007-09-13 19:58:14
167.   Bluebleeder87
seeing eye for Loney, we'll take it.
2007-09-13 19:58:14
168.   KG16
Ok, I'm going to stop predicting stuff now.
2007-09-13 19:58:17
169.   ucladodger
A baller and lucky...i love it!
2007-09-13 19:58:25
170.   Curtis Lowe
His name is James Loney.

I call him El Don.

2007-09-13 19:58:34
171.   MollyKnight
YESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS!!! I knew it!!
2007-09-13 19:58:41
172.   Eric Stephen
The Machine™ raises his OPS to .905, and his RBI total to 51.
2007-09-13 19:58:50
173.   Bluebleeder87
163

hahaha, that was a good one.

2007-09-13 19:59:19
174.   Jon Weisman
James Loney, career .905 OPS. (414 plate appearances)
2007-09-13 19:59:20
175.   overkill94
153 Then it's settled!
2007-09-13 19:59:20
176.   still bevens
Loney taking over Golden God duties from Russ during September.
2007-09-13 19:59:36
177.   Eric Stephen
161 Molly, that prediction was out of the Suffering Bruin on DT Day mold! :)
2007-09-13 20:00:41
178.   KG16
175 - of course, half of those "best manager" and "Grady Little" links also include the phrases "is not"; "how could any think that"' and "looks like, but is not"
2007-09-13 20:01:02
179.   MollyKnight
I would really like to see the bases loaded for Martin and Kemp.
2007-09-13 20:01:04
180.   underdog
Poor Vin, he's getting senile. Loney hit a "singing eye grind ball." Which I kinda like actually.
2007-09-13 20:01:32
181.   sporky
Gonzo again...
2007-09-13 20:02:02
182.   NorCal-Dodger
C'mon LuGo, time for the knock-out!
2007-09-13 20:02:36
183.   sporky
180 - You blaspheme!

I'd take a senile Vin over a lucid Steiner any day.

2007-09-13 20:03:29
184.   MollyKnight
177- Loney makes predicting greatness so easy! Let's get a walk, Gonzo! Yah!!
2007-09-13 20:03:36
185.   Eric Enders
183 Especially since the latter does not exist.
2007-09-13 20:03:46
186.   Frip
170 "El Don" for Loney is to short and abrupt, how about The Lone Don.
2007-09-13 20:03:48
187.   KG16
Wow, Maddux really looks off his game tonight.

Not that I'm complaining

2007-09-13 20:04:24
188.   ucladodger
Watching Wells and Kent run the bases tonight has made my day.
2007-09-13 20:04:26
189.   Eric Stephen
Even throws to the infield find a hole!
2007-09-13 20:04:28
190.   Bluebleeder87
some one posted earlier what Greg Maddux we were gonna get, I guess we got the bad Maddux, the 5 inning Maddux if you will.
2007-09-13 20:04:30
191.   MollyKnight
That works, too!
2007-09-13 20:04:45
192.   KG16
I'm rather surprised that Kent didn't end up in a heap at third, the way he sort of stopped there.
2007-09-13 20:04:54
193.   underdog
I like this game so far.

So far!

2007-09-13 20:05:07
194.   sporky
He just needs to walk someone to break that pesky streak of his. I'd be happy if he got hammered for 7 more runs to Hernandez-proof the game, but didn't walk anyone.
2007-09-13 20:05:07
195.   Eric Enders
Jeff Kent with another rookie mistake on the bases. When is he going to learn?
2007-09-13 20:05:24
196.   StolenMonkey86
Gameday says Gonzo got a hit on a ball in the other batter's box
2007-09-13 20:05:36
197.   Bluebleeder87
what the....
2007-09-13 20:05:53
198.   ucladodger
except for that. That was worse than anything Kemp has done. I wonder if it will be talked about tomorrow in the papers.
2007-09-13 20:06:19
199.   Eric Stephen
Did The Windmill™ send Kent, or was Kent just being veterany right there?

Does that play make the game story or notes? Nope!

2007-09-13 20:06:44
200.   underdog
183 Oh, don't get my wrong. Even when Vin, er, malaprops, I still love him more than any other option.

Oh good canny baserunning Kent! Sigh, those veterans and their baserunning goofs.

Show/Hide Comments 201-250
2007-09-13 20:07:22
201.   Eric Enders
I'm glad I already posted 195 so I don't have to repeat it.

I mean, the guy essentially runs us out of the inning twice within a 30-second span. I think Matt Kemp needs to sit him down and give him some baserunning pointers.

2007-09-13 20:07:28
202.   NorCal-Dodger
Was Cameron, like 20 steps behind 2nd base when he caught the ball??
2007-09-13 20:07:38
203.   Wilbert Robinson
Give Kent a break he made the jump from AA. He's learning on the job.
2007-09-13 20:07:48
204.   Bluebleeder87
195

that was just plain & flat out bad to watch.

2007-09-13 20:07:58
205.   underdog
198 Naw, Tony Jackson will still be too busy talking about Chad Billingsley's wildness, and another will wonder if Andy LaRoche's career might be over. No time, no space.
2007-09-13 20:08:00
206.   KG16
While I generally favor taking a chance on the basepaths, there are several things I did not like about Kent trying to score there:

1. he's lost a step
2. he waited a little too long to go
3. he slid head first into home plate
4. it was the third out of the inning

2007-09-13 20:08:25
207.   StolenMonkey86
203 - Give Kent a break he made the jump from AA.

AA . . . RP.

2007-09-13 20:08:28
208.   sporky
Veterans will be veterans.

Too bad Kent is as fast as algae.

2007-09-13 20:08:28
209.   Eric Stephen
I've seen the commercial for "Dragon Wars" a couple of times, and I'm amazed that a movie not worthy of the Sci-Fi Channel is released to anything other than straight to DVD.
2007-09-13 20:09:09
210.   Gen3Blue
198 You've got that right. Kents hair-brained base running all year has made Kemp look like a vet. Not to even mention the 1 plus 1 out at the plate game last year.
Kouzmanoff is worth having in the field no matter haow long his on base streak lasts.
2007-09-13 20:09:52
211.   Eric Stephen
That Kent play reminded me of when Karros tried to sneak a straight steal of home off of, I believe, Joey Hamilton.

Karros was not safe.

2007-09-13 20:10:10
212.   Jon Weisman
Please see update to this post above.
2007-09-13 20:10:22
213.   sporky
Those flyballs are going to come back to bite Wells in his ample, aged butt.
2007-09-13 20:10:49
214.   KG16
211 - for some reason (likely a very good one), I do not remember Karros ever trying to steal a base, let alone home
2007-09-13 20:11:25
215.   underdog
Okay, gotta go play soccer now. My fingers will be crossed!
2007-09-13 20:11:38
216.   King of the Hobos
209 It's the most expensive Korean movie ever made. I guess they want their money back (I don't think the Korean public was able to make it profitable, though I could be wrong).
2007-09-13 20:12:00
217.   Jimi Shelter
180.

Maybe I'm too old, but that seems like it should be some sort of rule violation. It's Vin's language; the rest of us just use it. :-)

2007-09-13 20:12:05
218.   PlayTwo
180-Vin is the best there ever was. Give him a pass. Even Van Gogh smudged once in awhile.
2007-09-13 20:12:10
219.   Exick
Wells probably doesn't have more than an inning left.

209. Dragon Wars is actually a Korean movie made in English. That's why it looks the way it does.

2007-09-13 20:13:15
220.   sporky
209/216 - It was perhaps one of the most expensive flops. It's a horrible, horrible movie that no one should be subject to.
2007-09-13 20:13:15
221.   MollyKnight
David Wells: Cy Young winner, 2008??
2007-09-13 20:13:42
222.   Eric Enders
214 Karros stole a lot of bases for a guy as slow as he was. He was pretty good at catching people by surprise. Except, I guess, for Joey Hamilton.
2007-09-13 20:14:10
223.   Jon Weisman
Only 45 pitches through four innings for Wells.
2007-09-13 20:14:13
224.   Eric Stephen
Another classic Kemp line-drivey non line drive.
2007-09-13 20:14:19
225.   King of the Hobos
214 Karros had 15 stolen bases in '97! And 59 in his career. Still not very good at it though, got caught 30 times.
2007-09-13 20:14:28
226.   MollyKnight
Is Kemp gonna run here?
2007-09-13 20:14:34
227.   nick
nice veteran savvy by Kemp, not getting greedy and trying to stretch that...
2007-09-13 20:15:13
228.   Gen3Blue
I'm sure will go for second. Unfortunately even the Pads are do to catch someone.
2007-09-13 20:15:14
229.   Eric Enders
That was merely a hard-hit ground ball by Kemp. Therefore, according to the know-it-all metrics, it was only luck.
2007-09-13 20:15:58
230.   NorCal-Dodger
Run, Matt, Run!!
2007-09-13 20:16:44
231.   overkill94
Kemp loves running through stop signs
2007-09-13 20:16:48
232.   Exick
Well Kemp looked up finally.
2007-09-13 20:17:05
233.   NorCal-Dodger
Let Wells swing the bat..
2007-09-13 20:17:17
234.   Andrew Shimmin
Quick, somebody check the dugout for lead paint!
2007-09-13 20:17:17
235.   MollyKnight
I think Kemp read your post on his blackberry, Jon.
2007-09-13 20:17:33
236.   King of the Hobos
227 Unless Kemp aged 10 years over night, that wasn't veteran savvy, just plain laziness. We want guys that hustle all the time, as a team of hustlers is far superior to a team of lazy good-for-nothings with actual ability.
2007-09-13 20:17:50
237.   KG16
heh, Donnolley actually tries to stop a runner and Kemp was looking down. Have to wonder if he was thinking, "Eh, he always waves us in, might as well just go".
2007-09-13 20:17:53
238.   Eric Enders
He woulda been safe. Oh well.
2007-09-13 20:18:03
239.   Eric Stephen
Jon, I only have Loney's career OPS at .904.

.316/.367/.537
120 for 380
23-8-15 2B-3B-HR
30 BB
2 HBP
2 SF

2007-09-13 20:18:25
240.   Gen3Blue
Only a sign that Kemp has a great amount of native intelligence. (ignoring Donelly that is)
2007-09-13 20:18:42
241.   King of the Hobos
231 Ever been to Yellowstone? Bison don't don't care about stop signs.
2007-09-13 20:18:44
242.   Bluebleeder87
I dig it! the Dodger hitters hit Maddux out of the game, & the icing on the cake is that it was Boomer who gave him the K.O.!
2007-09-13 20:19:11
243.   NorCal-Dodger
We got 4 1/3 Maddux tonite ;-))
2007-09-13 20:19:34
244.   King of the Hobos
239 Gameday agrees with you.
2007-09-13 20:19:45
245.   NorCal-Dodger
Make that 3 1/3
2007-09-13 20:19:50
246.   Jon Weisman
239 - Rats!
2007-09-13 20:20:33
247.   Exick
Not going for 2nd on that hit was not laziness, it was smart. Cameron in centerfield. Why test his him trying to get to the base closest to him?
2007-09-13 20:20:47
248.   Eric Enders
Before the season started, "David Wells gets two hits for Dodgers, knocks Maddux out of game" would not have been a headline I would have expected to see in 2007.
2007-09-13 20:20:49
249.   Jon Weisman
Suicide squeeze.
2007-09-13 20:20:49
250.   Disabled List
Opposing infielders should wear football pads when Kemp is up.
Show/Hide Comments 251-300
2007-09-13 20:21:04
251.   Eric Stephen
I looked up Karros's ill-fated home SB attempt. It was Andy Ashby, not Joey Hamilton. 3rd inning of July 5, 1997.

http://tinyurl.com/2otuct

2007-09-13 20:21:05
252.   KG16
I really hope Boomer gets the boys in Thief River Falls stirring.

I really wish these guys were playing like this all year.

2007-09-13 20:21:42
253.   Jon Weisman
235 - And yet if he pulled out his Blackberry on the bases to read Dodger Thoughts, I bet the press would criticize him for it!
2007-09-13 20:22:16
254.   sporky
This game is such a joy to watch (thus far).
2007-09-13 20:22:35
255.   StolenMonkey86
Loney has a .905 OPS on the year though.
2007-09-13 20:22:35
256.   Exick
Rafi going nuts
2007-09-13 20:22:42
257.   Eric Enders
Fundamentally, Kouzmanoff made the right play by throwing to second. But if I were the Padres, I think I'd rather have Wells on second than Furcal on first. Especially since, with the Padres' catching, Furcal on first equals Furcal on second.
2007-09-13 20:22:42
258.   Reiichi
Furcal trying to make up for a whole season of not running tonight.
2007-09-13 20:22:47
259.   nick
wow.....this game could be very easily turned into some kind of instructional video: "The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly: Learn Baserunning with Your LA Dodgers!"
2007-09-13 20:22:51
260.   KG16
I say let Furcal keep going
2007-09-13 20:23:13
261.   Izzy
I actually liked Kemps wreckless abandon on the the paths right there. As long as he is never out, of course. Odd Fact: And if Wells beats the pods tonight, does that make him a father killer?
2007-09-13 20:23:32
262.   Bluebleeder87
Bob T. & his scorebook are busy today, I'm sure Bob is liking this game plenty.
2007-09-13 20:23:38
263.   Andrew Shimmin
Is it no longer gauche to steal bases when the team is up by five?
2007-09-13 20:23:41
264.   Exick
LONEY!
2007-09-13 20:23:42
265.   NorCal-Dodger
Finally, Gameday updates the run..was starting to get curious on what happened?
2007-09-13 20:23:44
266.   GMac In The 909
Loney is a god.
2007-09-13 20:23:57
267.   overkill94
Crank up that OPS James!
2007-09-13 20:24:02
268.   Eric Stephen
Loney OPS:

2007: .909
Career: .907

2007-09-13 20:24:06
269.   Gen3Blue
That Kouz is slow!

Holy cow---Pierre walked.

This is partly luck. I wish it was the ninth.

2007-09-13 20:24:27
270.   Jon Weisman
.907!
2007-09-13 20:24:44
271.   Exick
263.
Running with a 5-run lead has never been looked at as running up the score. Maybe if the lead was 15 it would be frowned upon.
2007-09-13 20:24:45
272.   sporky
Loney is a monster. Glad Grady put him in the 3-hole.
2007-09-13 20:25:04
273.   overkill94
263 Nothing is gauche in the 4th inning
2007-09-13 20:25:05
274.   JJ42
what's going on tonight?! am I really watching the Dodgers?
2007-09-13 20:25:17
275.   fanerman
So good!
2007-09-13 20:25:26
276.   Daniel Zappala
it was also clear that Kent should be trying to go from first to third

Jon, I think you mean "should not be trying".

2007-09-13 20:26:54
277.   Eric Enders
Bard is having a terrible night behind the plate. Not only with the steals, but he's cost his pitchers a number of strikes by failing to frame the pitch properly.
2007-09-13 20:28:38
278.   Bluebleeder87
by the way this is a perfect game to see Jonathan Meloan pitch, I hope so anyway.
2007-09-13 20:28:41
279.   LeeLacy
Loney is quickly joining Martin in the pantheon of Golden Gods.
2007-09-13 20:29:10
280.   CarlosDeC
Count Down is down to 4 more games!!! Lets go blue!!! whooo!!
2007-09-13 20:29:18
281.   Gagne55
276 also, update two got the inning wrong. It's the fourth inning.
2007-09-13 20:29:58
282.   Louis in SF
Just as many on this site have said the general press has been unfair to Kemp with some of his base running errors and plain mistakes, I think while Kent was wrong to make the out at the plate, I think it was a decent calculated risk given the way Cameron played the ball and also the fact that Bard is not the Padre's best catcher...Jon's update on the base running issues of both vets and youngsters is right on point. Either Donnolley has no credibility or everyone runs with their head down. I think it is also possible since San Diego gives up so many stolen bases the Dodgers have expanded on this fault by running with abandon, at times to their peril.
2007-09-13 20:30:17
283.   Eric Stephen
LA Dodgers that have hit .330 or better in a single season (min 200 PA):

1) Piazza .362 (1997)
2) Piazza .346 (1995)
3) T.Davis .346 (1962)
4) Guerrero .338 (1987)
5) Piazza .336 (1996)
6) Beltre .334 (2004)
7) Kemp .333 (2007)
8) Sax .332 (1986)
9) Murray .330 (1990)
10) Loney .330 (2007)

2007-09-13 20:30:21
284.   Icaros
How many at-bats before Loney can finally earn the JoeyP Seal of Approval?
2007-09-13 20:30:41
285.   King of the Hobos
277 Have Bard's throws been bad? The Padres pitchers generally don't hold runners on, and I wouldn't be surprised if in this situation Cameron is told to concentrate 100% on pitching and forget about the runner.
2007-09-13 20:30:59
286.   Gagne55
278 Wells had thrown 45 pitches through 4. He could go 8 tonight. Ok, prolly 7. Then sure, why not Meloan.
2007-09-13 20:31:06
287.   sporky
285 - Yeah. High, for the most part.
2007-09-13 20:31:10
288.   Jon Weisman
276 - Rats!

281 - Rats!

2007-09-13 20:32:06
289.   Jon Weisman
283 - Kemp is batting .336. So there!
2007-09-13 20:32:20
290.   dzzrtRatt
Time for D-con.
2007-09-13 20:32:30
291.   Eric Stephen
288 Rats!

What is this, Angels of Anaheim Thoughts? :)

2007-09-13 20:33:02
292.   Gagne55
Btw, did Gameday lose the strike zone outline?
2007-09-13 20:33:07
293.   Eric Stephen
289 At this very moment, he's at .333! I'm up to the minute, baby!
2007-09-13 20:33:56
294.   Eric Stephen
293 I stand corrected. I forgot Kemp's single. My bad.
2007-09-13 20:35:17
295.   MollyKnight
I hate to be a jerk, especially because I have interviewed him multiple times and he's always been kind, but where would the Dodgers be this year if management hadn't put Tomko out there start after start? I hate to point the finger at one player, but I can't help but wonder....
2007-09-13 20:35:34
296.   sporky
Kouzmanout. Finally.
2007-09-13 20:37:39
297.   Bluebleeder87
285

in my opinion it's a combination of both, KingHobo the Pads catchers feet are slow & his ball transfer from glove to hand is bad as well not to mention he whines (sp) up when he's gonna throw the ball.

2007-09-13 20:37:40
298.   Eric Stephen
I'm utterly shocked and flabbergasted at the Dodger success of David Wells. If I were wearing a cap, I'd tip it to him right now.

296 Kouzman...Kouzman...Kouzman-not gonna work here anymore!

2007-09-13 20:37:56
299.   KG16
283 - wow, that Piazza guy must have been really good, he play when they were in Brooklyn or something?
2007-09-13 20:38:08
300.   Frip
Wow, missed all the excitement. My dad came in the room and wanted to talk "serious". Had to put the game on mute and pretend to listen to him. He's not the kind of guy to care about or or even understand, "But dad... Dodgers...bases loaded!"
Show/Hide Comments 301-350
2007-09-13 20:38:36
301.   Eric Enders
I can't believe the Padres released this guy.
2007-09-13 20:40:11
302.   Bluebleeder87
297 correction

it should be LOADS UP when he's gonna throw the ball.

2007-09-13 20:42:16
303.   Bluebleeder87
Don't look now but David Wells is pitching a shutout, I'm telling you I'd bring in Meloan today.
2007-09-13 20:42:23
304.   overkill94
301 The best part is that Tomko is now the scheduled starter on Saturday and will probably be their fifth starter for the rest of the year
2007-09-13 20:43:36
305.   MMSMikey
has abreu done a thing in the games hes started recently?
2007-09-13 20:44:16
306.   King of the Hobos
295 Looking at all of Tomko's starts, there are 4-5 where a much better pitcher would have allowed the Dodgers to win. No scientific method here, I just counted about 4 where a quality start would have allowed the Dodgers' a legitimate chance to win, and a few more where a slightly better performance might have won it.
2007-09-13 20:45:27
307.   KG16
This game is simply strange on some nights.

First, the Dodgers score six runs and the only extra base hit is by a 44 year old pitcher (who is promptly thrown out at third on the next AB)

Second, after putting up 28 runs in the previous two games, the Angels get shut out by the Orioles.

2007-09-13 20:46:00
308.   NorCal-Dodger
Ok Wells, has been magical the last couple of starts, hope this is his last inning, especially if his sked is gonna be shorten up.
2007-09-13 20:46:10
309.   MMSMikey
morgan ensberg...hes not very good.
2007-09-13 20:46:30
310.   Wilbert Robinson
if wells is going to be pitching on short rest maybe he should come out?
2007-09-13 20:46:33
311.   KG16
307 - ok, sorry, forgot that Loney hit a double. My point still stands.
2007-09-13 20:46:35
312.   Eric Stephen
305 No. Abreu is 1-13 with a walk in his 4 starts (including tonight) since July.
2007-09-13 20:46:55
313.   Eric Enders
305 At least he's fielded the position, which is more than you can say for those other two stiffs.
2007-09-13 20:47:10
314.   Wilbert Robinson
great I'm a jinx
2007-09-13 20:47:40
315.   NorCal-Dodger
Hope the BP is warming up..!!
2007-09-13 20:47:40
316.   Bluebleeder87
playing manager here, You gotta let Wells try & finish this inning right, then bring in the pen for the 7th.
2007-09-13 20:48:39
317.   Gen3Blue
Not to be a wet blanket but Loney and Kemps grounders have eyes lately and we have to expect a little regression.
Beyond that, for the ops. we have had tonight, we havent been very efficien about scoring, and we better have darn good management to preserve what could or should be a win. But I don't wee it being easy.
2007-09-13 20:48:59
318.   King of the Hobos
287 297 Thanks. Bard may not be very good at throwing runners out (though his stats before San Diego say he was at least average if not above average at catching baserunners), but the San Diego pitchers provide him no favors. They generally use a strategy of letting the runner run unless the extra base would have a huge effect on winning percentage. For example, Chris Young barely pays any attention at all (hence the fact that runners are something like 36 for 36 against him).
2007-09-13 20:49:01
319.   oswald
with all these fly-balls, should wells really be starting in colorado next week
2007-09-13 20:49:02
320.   KG16
316 - yes, I'd let Wells try and finish the inning, but two guys get on and he's done. Mainly because as it stands right now, you'd have to do a double switch with the third baseman or with Kemp...
2007-09-13 20:49:17
321.   overkill94
Ummm, I think this should be Wells's last inning
2007-09-13 20:49:22
322.   GMac In The 909
I think the wheels are falling off.
2007-09-13 20:49:31
323.   Eric Enders
Home run or no, I trust Wells more than whoever would pitch the seventh. (Except Meloan, but he's not a candidate.) His pitch count seems very low still.
2007-09-13 20:49:58
324.   Gen3Blue
Wells was at the warning track in the 1st inning, and it is weel past time for a change.
2007-09-13 20:50:08
325.   Eric Enders
And of course Cameron makes me look foolish.

Was that the first home run hit by a bald batter off a bald pitcher this year?

2007-09-13 20:50:44
326.   Exick
He's been giving those fly balls up since the 4th. I sure hope Grady only stayed with him because the lead was 6 runs.
2007-09-13 20:51:07
327.   NorCal-Dodger
Ok, so Wells gets his QS. Expect to see Beimel, Brox, and Sammy
2007-09-13 20:51:20
328.   Gen3Blue
Sorry for the typos.
2007-09-13 20:51:29
329.   overkill94
323 He's first up in the bottom of the 6th, so unless you want Jon's head to explode I think they should pinch-hit for him here
2007-09-13 20:52:04
330.   sporky
On the bright side, Sammy could get a save.
2007-09-13 20:52:18
331.   overkill94
Three righties due up in the 7th, I'm guessing we'll get a dose of Rudy
2007-09-13 20:53:38
332.   overkill94
Nevermind, I thought Proctor had pitched two days in a row, we'll probably get him instead
2007-09-13 20:53:38
333.   Wilbert Robinson
insert hustle joke here.
2007-09-13 20:53:38
334.   Frip
"A dose of Rudy" Sounds like some bad tasting medicine.
2007-09-13 20:53:39
335.   Eric Enders
327 Beimel in the game with five consecutive right-handed batters due up? Sounds like the stuff nightmares are made of.
2007-09-13 20:53:49
336.   NorCal-Dodger
When was the last time Tomato got a hit?
2007-09-13 20:54:03
337.   KG16
If the Dodgers go 1-2-3 can we put Ethier in the 9 hole and the pitcher in Pierre's spot?
2007-09-13 20:54:17
338.   MMSMikey
this has to be the old tomatos swan song
2007-09-13 20:54:20
339.   Eric Stephen
I forgot to report this bit of blasphemy from Padres' announcer Steve Quis after Loney's last AB. Here is the exact quote describing Loney:

"The makings of another Eric Karros."

2007-09-13 20:54:51
340.   Eric Enders
337 Is this where we're supposed to make the snide remark about how a pitcher is already batting in Pierre's spot?
2007-09-13 20:55:20
341.   KG16
340 - no, because our pitchers are capable of hitting doubles.
2007-09-13 20:55:26
342.   NorCal-Dodger
335 Roberto would be the makings of a nightmare.
2007-09-13 20:56:17
343.   overkill94
339 The horror, the horror
2007-09-13 20:57:09
344.   Wilbert Robinson
If Roberto Hernandez pitches in this game I will do a swan dive into the East River tonight.
2007-09-13 20:57:12
345.   Bluebleeder87
Ok, so Wells gets his QS. Expect to see Beimel, Brox, and Sammy

I like that as well, but it looks like Proctor, Broxton & Saito to finish it.

2007-09-13 20:57:34
346.   Eric Stephen
336 Last Wednesday, a double in Wrigley.
2007-09-13 20:57:52
347.   Frip
Nice to see Lofton is having a swell year. BA 297, OBP 372. Not sure if his fielding has improved. A good guy.
2007-09-13 20:58:13
348.   Gen3Blue
I'm surprised, but I can't help liking Wells.
I just looked up and I couldn't believe someone could get thrown out on that play--I'm guessing its Tomato.(think I saw 8)
It feels like the D's don't understand that this opponent is desperate to get to the playoffs, and when we had a good lead, not much was done to protect it. I'm sorry to be the pessimist, but with the current situation and attitudes, this is not looking like a good result.
2007-09-13 20:58:14
349.   Eric Enders
So will Loney get any Rookie of the Year votes this year? His OPS+ among rookies is second only to the guy who will win it, Ryan Braun.
2007-09-13 20:58:27
350.   overkill94
344 I'd love to see Roberto in there because it would mean we're up by a gagillion runs
Show/Hide Comments 351-400
2007-09-13 20:58:31
351.   Bluebleeder87
342

Dude, don't even say it jokingly bro!

2007-09-13 20:59:45
352.   eusmus
Scott Proctor makes me very nervous.
2007-09-13 21:00:09
353.   Wilbert Robinson
What a guy!!
2007-09-13 21:00:12
354.   Bluebleeder87
Proctors been giving tummy aches of late..
2007-09-13 21:00:22
355.   Eric Stephen
That was nice by Pierre. Good timing. Gotta give him credit.
2007-09-13 21:00:54
356.   Disabled List
Dear Dodger pitching staff,

Enough with the flyballs already.

Sincerely,
DL's ulcer

2007-09-13 21:01:01
357.   Eric Enders
Vin tends to throw the "takes a home run away" bouquet out a lot in situations where it doesn't apply.

Nice play, though.

2007-09-13 21:01:01
358.   Icaros
Vin always says the ball would have cleared the wall when it obviously would not have.
2007-09-13 21:02:25
359.   Eric Stephen
357 ,358 Jinx!
2007-09-13 21:02:47
360.   Bluebleeder87
are you guys as shocked as I am that Pierre is 6 feet tall? I swear I didn't know that, I thought he was more in the mold of Eckstein.
2007-09-13 21:02:56
361.   Eric Enders
Icaros: Always .003 of a second too slow.
2007-09-13 21:03:08
362.   Icaros
357 358

What the heck? Our comments have the exact same timestamp, down to the second. Does it go by alphabet in case of a tie?

2007-09-13 21:03:31
363.   Andrew Shimmin
358- That's got to sting. A fraction of a second late.
2007-09-13 21:04:24
364.   Icaros
Or the hundreth of a second. Or whatever. Math...
2007-09-13 21:04:46
365.   overkill94
Someone tell Gonzo that you're supposed to attempt to catch fly balls that come to your area
2007-09-13 21:05:18
366.   King of the Hobos
349 Braun should win it easily, and Tulowitzki will probably be second, but I would assume that Loney will at least get a few third place votes.
2007-09-13 21:05:38
367.   sporky
This game has been filled with weird plays.
2007-09-13 21:05:47
368.   Icaros
Where are you guys seeing .003? My screen shows us both at 21:01:01.
2007-09-13 21:06:26
369.   Bluebleeder87
Pitchers I think are on Grady Littles dog house (but don't take my word for it)

Hendy
R. Hernandez
Jonathan Meloan

2007-09-13 21:07:27
370.   sporky
369 - R. Hernandez

One can only hope...

2007-09-13 21:10:21
371.   Eric Stephen
Loney is hitting .435 in August after the strikeout (20 for 46). The best part is that that's not even his best month this year! In June he hit .440 (22 for 50).
2007-09-13 21:11:13
372.   Eric Stephen
371 August = September
2007-09-13 21:11:19
373.   Bluebleeder87
Angel Hernandez has a magicians strike call, nothing on this hand, nothing on this hand.
2007-09-13 21:11:56
374.   Gen3Blue
I hope the D's offense shows a bit of grit in the Seventh.
2007-09-13 21:12:34
375.   ucladodger
Thatcher is pretty nasty.
2007-09-13 21:13:09
376.   Bluebleeder87
I hope Broxton proves to be his old self in the 8th...
2007-09-13 21:13:50
377.   Eric Enders
Last year, Loney hit .346 in September and .500 (4 for 8) in October.
2007-09-13 21:16:29
378.   Nagman
They need to drag the warning track after this inning.
2007-09-13 21:18:17
379.   King of the Hobos
375 And of the 3 players that the Padres acquired for Linebrink, Thatcher was the throw-in.

Above all else, Towers and his staff know exactly how to build a bullpen. Too bad Ned can't figure it out.

2007-09-13 21:18:23
380.   Eric Enders
378 Which is appropriate, since two of the three outfielders were last seen in drag.
2007-09-13 21:19:50
381.   sporky
(exhales)
2007-09-13 21:19:54
382.   Nagman
379 It seems Kevin Towers does more with less than any other GM in baseball.
2007-09-13 21:20:22
383.   Eric Enders
Which Dodger will finish highest in the postseason award voting?

A) James Loney in ROY voting
B) Brad Penny in Cy Young voting
C) Takashi Saito in Cy Young voting
D) Russell Martin in MVP voting

2007-09-13 21:21:29
384.   eusmus
383 B
2007-09-13 21:23:37
385.   Eric Stephen
As of right now, 2007 OPS:

Pierre .6802
Nomar .6798

2007-09-13 21:24:02
386.   Bluebleeder87
I have to agree with Ausmus.
2007-09-13 21:24:39
387.   Eric Enders
Damn.
2007-09-13 21:24:55
388.   sporky
385 - LOL. And sob.
2007-09-13 21:25:06
389.   overkill94
What happened to that line drive stroke Abreu was sporting earlier in the year?
2007-09-13 21:25:20
390.   King of the Hobos
383 Penny. However, Martin could easily sneak in considering the points for MVP are quite a bit different than Cy Young/RoY.
2007-09-13 21:26:34
391.   Eric Stephen
383 Highest to lowest, B-A-D-C
2007-09-13 21:26:41
392.   Bluebleeder87
I was just looking at Saitos #'s his ERA is even SICKER this year than last.

'06 2.07
'07 1.73

2007-09-13 21:27:19
393.   overkill94
383 In Jayson Stark's latest column he has Brad Penny as his #3 in Cy Young voting with Saito as an honorable mention. I'd guess Martin and Loney will make top 10 but definitely not top 5.
2007-09-13 21:27:21
394.   Nagman
Is there any way that a pitcher is not charged with a run if a runner he allowed on base scores (in an earned fashion)?

The Padre announcer is going on about how Maddux, and not Cameron, is saddled with Furcal's run on the squeeze "because it was scored a sacrifice and not a fielder's choice". Does that make any sense?

2007-09-13 21:27:28
395.   Eric Stephen
386 What did Ausmus say? Is it something Vin brought up?
2007-09-13 21:27:29
396.   Eric Enders
392 '07 is a lot better than that.
2007-09-13 21:29:09
397.   Eric Stephen
394 I don't think he knows what he is talking about. Whatever pitcher allowed the scoring runner (or his substitute pinch runner) to reach base gets the run charged to him.
2007-09-13 21:29:14
398.   Gen3Blue
What kind of ROY stats are out there?
2007-09-13 21:29:24
399.   Bluebleeder87
oops

it should be 1.26, he's just awesome.

2007-09-13 21:30:22
400.   Nagman
397 I thought so. I know you are listening to the SD broadcast, did I hear him right?
Show/Hide Comments 401-450
2007-09-13 21:31:29
401.   Bluebleeder87
1½ I can smell it, yay!
2007-09-13 21:32:30
402.   GMac In The 909
Looks like Sammy has his A+ stuff tonight.
2007-09-13 21:33:05
403.   sporky
You can't see it, but I'm doing the happy dance.
2007-09-13 21:33:14
404.   overkill94
394 You can't penalize the relief pitcher for letting a runner on base by a fielder's choice so the run goes to Maddux
2007-09-13 21:33:51
405.   Gen3Blue
Oh, that Saito is something indeed.
2007-09-13 21:34:01
406.   Nagman
Huge, huge win.
2007-09-13 21:34:11
407.   Eric Stephen
392 Opponents batting:

Saito 2007: .155/.203/.235
Gagne 2003: .133/.199/.176

Since the 2006 AS break, Saito's ERA is 1.53.

2007-09-13 21:34:47
408.   Eric Enders
Saito always looks awkward when he gets the final out on a groundout. He looks like he's not quite certain whom to celebrate with since he's so used to ending it via strikeout.
2007-09-13 21:34:50
409.   sporky
And Adrian Garcia just killed it.
2007-09-13 21:35:15
410.   Bluebleeder87
great closers just seem to fall out of the sky for us, I swear the Dodgers have been very very blessed.
2007-09-13 21:35:50
411.   overkill94
398 Guys that are likely to finish ahead of Loney in the ROY voting:

Braun
Tulowitzki
Lincecum
Pence
C. Young

though I'm not sure if he'll get any votes at all considering the sportswriters only get to vote for 3 ROY candidates

2007-09-13 21:36:17
412.   LogikReader
It worked! I can't believe it worked!! Boy I take a hiatus from Dodger Baseball and they win 2 of 3 from the Pads in convincing fashion.

I was busy actually, watching Office S3 on DVD and compiling a list of Free Agent Pitchers with appropriate stats.

but WHAT A GREAT SERIES THIS TURNED OUT TO BE... even if I didn't see it. How'd Loney do?

2007-09-13 21:36:51
413.   Nagman
404 I get it. Furcal actually faced Cameron and reached on a FC which one of Maddux's runners drew the play.

I learned something that I had never thought about before. Thanks.

2007-09-13 21:38:16
414.   Eric Stephen
400 I rewound the broadcast to hear it, and Quis said Furcal's run got charged to Maddux because Furcal sacrificed (off Cameron; Wells was out at second).

Without looking at the rules, that can't be right. Furcal's run should be charged to Cameron. I'll look it up though.

2007-09-13 21:40:24
415.   overkill94
Oh, and Hamilton will probably get more votes than Loney as well
2007-09-13 21:41:22
416.   overkill94
414 I consider myself second only to Timmermann when it comes to scorekeeping, I've been doing it for a long time :)
2007-09-13 21:42:50
417.   Eric Enders
414 No, the Furcal run is definitely charged to Maddux. It's simple -- Wells reached base off Maddux. Furcal grounded into a fielder's choice, but Cameron did not allow that baserunner -- Maddux's original runner (Wells) was simply swapped out for another one (Furcal).

The fielder's choice is the key. The sacrifice has absolutely nothing to do with it. But the run belongs to Maddux.

2007-09-13 21:43:35
418.   Eric Stephen
400 ,404 ,413 ,414 I found it...Rule 10.17(g):

(g) When pitchers are changed during an inning, the official scorer shall not charge the relief pitcher with any run (earned or unearned) scored by a runner who was on base at the time such relief pitcher entered the game, nor for runs scored by any runner who reaches base on a fielder's choice that puts out a runner left on base by any preceding pitcher.

Furcal's sacrifice forced Wells (who was Maddux's responsibility).

2007-09-13 21:43:47
419.   Gen3Blue
411 Thanx. I know something about the pitchers but I better look at the pos. players. At this rate, Loneys rbi's/ab are going to be pretty wild. If he keeps that up, he is going to mess up the Players Assc. scales to the Max. Getting paid almost nothing and outperforming the vets must be discomforting.
2007-09-13 21:45:22
420.   Eric Enders
The rule in question is Rule 10.16(g), which states: "When pitchers are changed during an inning, the official scorer shall not charge the relief pitcher with any run (earned or unearned) scored by a runner who was on base at the time such relief pitcher entered the game, nor for runs scored by any runner who reaches base on a fielder's choice that puts out a runner left on base by any preceding pitcher."
2007-09-13 21:45:41
421.   Eric Enders
Or, what he said.
2007-09-13 21:46:02
422.   Eric Stephen
I had the rule right, but typed 17 instead of 16.
2007-09-13 21:48:48
423.   dzzrtRatt
So, they lost to the likely Cy Young winner, and took the other two. That was exactly what could realistically be expected.

Trevor Hoffman was never a factor. That's one way to make sure you beat SD.

Now we're done with the Padres. Hopefully Jim Tracy will look at the Pirate series as a chance to save his job.

2007-09-13 21:50:17
424.   bluegold
I am happy to report that I am eating crow for dinner and humble pie for dessert regarding Loney. I had doubts when he came up this season, but he has turned into a key player in the stretch run.

Kemp? I would defrost the crow, then I put it back into the freezer. Over and over.

2007-09-13 21:52:26
425.   sporky
From mlb.com

The Dodgers jumped all over Greg Maddux, riding the curtails of James Loney, who drove in four runs, as they moved to within a game and a half of the Padres with a 6-3 victory on Thursday night at Dodger Stadium.

I didn't know you could ride curtails.

2007-09-13 21:53:47
426.   Gen3Blue
Crow tastes OK if you are a D's fan. I'm dissapointed by Laroche, feeling the right young sports Dr. could keep ahead of his troubles.
2007-09-13 21:55:01
427.   ucladodger
409

That dude is terrible. He doesnt know anything about the game and asks the stupidest questions. loney just looked disgusted talking to him yesterday. I dont think Garcia has ever uttered a sentence that isnt a cliche.

2007-09-13 21:55:23
428.   LogikReader
Wow, that sounds great, curtails or no. I feel like I just crawled out from a cave.
2007-09-13 21:56:34
429.   Gen3Blue
425 As Doctor Maturin remarked at dinner. Why are the dog watches so short? Because they are curtailed. nough said.
2007-09-13 21:56:45
430.   LogikReader
Gen Blue, you're still up? I do not believe it... sleep and enjoy!
2007-09-13 22:01:36
431.   Bluebleeder87
427

wow, you feel very strongly about it don't you. ah cliche smiche all I know is we're 1½ back, & tomorrow Brad Penny, you gotta feel good about that.

2007-09-13 22:03:05
432.   sporky
427 - I'm surprised he didn't speak to Furcal in Spanish. Adrian Garcia is a buzz-kill and a royal dunce.
2007-09-13 22:06:08
433.   LogikReader
-- in English, Spanish, or both?

[probably both]

2007-09-13 22:09:11
434.   scooplew
Quite a bit earlier this season, when rumors where flying about possible trades, I opined that trading Loney would rank with our trading of Pedro and of Piazza. I would like to thank James for making me sound somewhat intelligent. (I am usually humble).
2007-09-13 22:12:48
435.   Xeifrank
Tonight's game had a 12.9% swing in the Dodgers probability of making the playoffs. With the win, the Dodgers now have approximately a 20% chance of making the playoffs, as opposed to a ~7% chance.
Nice win!
vr, Xei
2007-09-13 22:15:15
436.   Frip
435 Xeifrank, did you figure that out on your own?
2007-09-13 22:16:28
437.   LogikReader
Bed time! See you in the morning!
2007-09-13 22:21:00
438.   paranoidandroid
I just paid my postseason invoice. Due tomorrow if it concerns anyone else.

BTW, I have two passes for the Stadium tour. The passes are good through the 20th. I think they do tours on Tuesdays and Thursdays (check dodgers.com)

I won't be using them. If you want them and can pick them up in Anaheim this weekend, post a way to contact you and they are yours. I will be at Disneyland for three days.

Or you can pick them up in Palmdale on Monday.

2007-09-13 22:23:12
439.   paranoidandroid
Now that Loney went 9 for 13, does Grady sit him tomorrow against the lefty and get Nomar a start at first?

Let's hope not.

I think Nomar will get the nod at third tomorrow. Eithier's turn in left. Kemp back in the 3 slot but I think Loney moves up from 7th to 5th.

Let's go Giants! Hard to even type that.

2007-09-13 22:25:11
440.   oswald
the pitching matchups over the weekend look good for the dodgers. not only do they not face webb, the giants throw zito, cain and lincecum.
2007-09-13 22:29:11
441.   paranoidandroid
440 The Giants pen is what scares me. Also, we need D. Lowe to pitch, I don't want to go to war with Stults at this point of the season with Loaiza already going on Sunday.

Penny gives us a good chance to take the first game.

I hope Grady has a plan B and doesn't let Loaiza get down by 6 runs before he yanks him. We NEED two of three minimum this weekend. We need the Giants to get at least one in SD. Would be great if they could knock them off twice. Peavy on Sunday, so I sure hope the Giants get the win tomorrow.

2007-09-13 22:30:04
442.   Xeifrank
436. Sports Club Stats dot com slash. They figured out the hard part. I just did some simple addition and subtraction. Go to the site, click on the Dodgers. Each day they tell you how the results of each game (of playoff contending teams) affects the Dodgers chances of making the playoffs. Tonight's game was huge, I don't care what Jeff Kent says.
vr, Xei
2007-09-13 22:30:51
443.   Bob Timmermann
I think the best thing about the game is that I can tell people I saw a 4-5 FC!
2007-09-13 22:31:46
444.   Kevin Lewis
I have a new man crush, and his name is James Loney. Seriously, I can fully understand now if James was shocked and royally pissed off for being sent down after Spring Training. He is on fire!
2007-09-13 22:35:19
445.   KG16
443 - someone was commenting earlier that you must have really been enjoying this game
2007-09-13 22:36:11
446.   paranoidandroid
444 Where might we be if Loney was at first all year and Nomar played third out of spring training?

Also, what if Maddux was signed rather than Schmidt?

Just wondering...

2007-09-13 22:43:56
447.   bhsportsguy
443 As always, pleasant to see both ToyCannon at the game and then have the opportunity to hear Bob T. getting ready to storm the Bastille on Furcal's "sacrifice."

We were all wearing our DT shirts, I in the white long-sleeve version while Bob and ToyCannon in blue.

David Wells had two hits and was thrown out advancing to the next base on the very next play. However those hits allowed Furcal to each time eventually score a run that he would not have done without those hits.

The biggest play of the night, Hairston getting picked off by Martin in the second inning.

2007-09-13 22:52:04
448.   Telemachos
429 'Twas the most brilliant witticism Aubrey ever heard, true enough.

Although choosing the least of two weevils is also good.

2007-09-13 22:56:12
449.   King of the Hobos
Nutting claims the Pirates GM seach will remain "probably closer" than the close-to-the-vest President search. Nonetheless, both the Post-Gazette and Tribune-Review decided to name some potential candidates. White's and Ng's names did not appear in either (LaCava and Amaro were the only ones mentioned in both).

And I found this interesting. Coonelly was responsible for creating MLB's draft slotting system. Now that he no longer works for Selig?
"We are going to take the best player on the basis of talent," Coonelly said. "We're not going to make decisions on the basis of signability. If we believe it's in the best interests of the Pirates, we will (pay) over slot."

2007-09-13 22:57:24
450.   bhsportsguy
441 I'll be at Disneyland on Sunday, hopefully it will be the second happiest place in the world this weekend.
Show/Hide Comments 451-500
2007-09-13 23:00:20
451.   gpellamjr
427 What did he say that has everyone so mad, for those of us on EST who don't get to see such things?
2007-09-13 23:05:54
452.   paranoidandroid
450 If it is warm, I can usually convince my wife that I should have our six month old son in the air conditioned safety of ESPN Zone.

If we win Fri and Sat, that is my plan.

2007-09-13 23:18:07
453.   underdog
Well, my soccer team may have lost a heartbreaker, 1-0 with a goal in the final seconds, but I had faith my Dodgers were hanging on. Came back to watch the condensed game on MLB. Nice effort by Wells, save for a couple of long balls. Loney rules. The Dodgers rode his curtails for a sweet victory. What else can you say?

Except I'm glad I never have to see this Adrian Garcia guy up here.

I really hope Lowe can go on Saturday, too. Is that a national Fox game? Those always make me nervous.

439 No way. Loney's not sitting at all. Not unless he hurts something, God forbid.

2007-09-13 23:19:48
454.   underdog
Yep, just looked it up (to answer my own question). Fox Saturday at 12:55.
2007-09-13 23:22:15
455.   Gagne55
454 Sweet. Now that I'm back at school, I don't get FSNPT, s it'll be one of the few games I get to see from here on out. And hey, a clean sweep puts us only 2.5 back in the division.
2007-09-13 23:27:23
456.   dzzrtRatt
449 Nice. Even Bud's boy thinks the slot signing guidelines are to be ignored.

Ned Colletti is a "little person" in a world of Leona Helmsleys.

2007-09-14 00:03:16
457.   bhsportsguy
Upcoming Schedule

San Diego
San Francisco @ San Diego 9/14-9/16 (3)
Pittsburgh @ San Diego 9/17-9/20 (4)
Colorado @ San Diego 9/21-9/23 (3)

Los Angeles
Arizona @ Los Angeles 9/14-9/16 (3)
Los Angeles @ Colorado 9/18(2)-9/20 (4)
Los Angeles @ Arizona 9/21-9/23 (3)

Philadelphia
Philadelphia @ New York 9/14-9/16 (3)
Philadelphia @ St. Louis 9/17-9/19 (3)
Philadelphia @ Washington 9/20-9/23 (4)

Colorado
Florida @ Colorado 9/14-9/16 (3)
Los Angeles @ Colorado 9/18(2)-9/20 (4)
Colorado @ San Diego 9/21-9/23 (3)

2007-09-14 01:10:44
458.   Zak
Wish San Diego didn't have the easiest schedule. That is brutally easy for them. Go Cain and Lincecum!! Would be awesome if they can shut the Pads down. I'm hoping the D'backs go on a nice ten game losing streak right now to fall to 3rd in the division. I would be super ok with that.

If only we can figure out the magician who calls himself Doug Davis!

2007-09-14 03:50:56
459.   shmolnick
I mostly lurk here, but I thought you'd all be interested to know that Plaschke reports this morning that Ned has confirmed that Grady Little is returning to manage the Dodgers next season: "Yes, he's back." Go read the column for an example of faulty logic and horrible writing.
2007-09-14 05:00:55
460.   D4P
459
Ned on Grittle:
"He has put these kids in a position to succeed more times than not, he has been patient with everything, that has been the key to it"
2007-09-14 05:23:50
461.   D4P
He has put these kids in a position to succeed more times than not

The irony of this statement is that it seems to imply that the number of times Grittle has not put the kids in a Position To Succeed™ is greater than zero.

2007-09-14 05:43:54
462.   Xeifrank
The Dodgers odds of making the playoffs skyrocketed to 20.1% after last nights win. If the Dodgers can defeat the DBacks tonight, those odds will jump another 6.2% (or drop a similiar amount if we lose). If the Padres lose, that tacks on another 3.1% (or subtracts something similiar).
vr, Xei
2007-09-14 06:39:29
463.   old dodger fan
Last night was Maddux's next to worst start of the year. Change is in the wind. I think Wednesday night was the start of things going our way. Balls we hit found holes, theirs didn't. Pierre looked good in the OF and he and Furcal were great on the bases. Except for Kent on the bases (and that was ugly) we looked like a playoff team. Broxton pitched well. If Lowe is OK I like our chances. And I have some rose colored glasses I can sell you right after the baseball season ends.
2007-09-14 06:52:03
464.   D4P
463
I'd be more surprised if the Dodgers didn't make the playoffs than if they did. It just "feels" like they're gonna make it.
2007-09-14 07:08:54
465.   old dodger fan
If we make the playoffs and Wells pitches well (I like the sound of that) Colletti will be hailed as a genius.
2007-09-14 07:12:44
466.   bhsportsguy
457 One thing to be tested in these next sets of home and away series (home with AZ, away with Colo. & AZ and then home with Colo.) is the test the theory of playing teams with experience during this time of the year.

Both teams will be playing for something and while they should loose and care free, we'll see if the reality of what is at stake has any impact on the youth on these 3 clubs.

2007-09-14 07:16:51
467.   old dodger fan
Padres finish with 4 in Milwaukee. I hope those games mean something to the Brewers.
2007-09-14 07:50:33
468.   delias man
tomko is starting saturday
2007-09-14 07:53:12
469.   Terry A
I'm sorry if this has been asked numerous times in the past, but has a date been set for the next opportunity to purchase a DT shirt?
2007-09-14 07:54:07
470.   Bob Timmermann
The Prospectus Odds now contain a column for 1 day change and 7 day change.

Arizona's chances have gone up 27% over the past week. The Yankees are the next biggest gainers at 17%.

The biggest losers are the Padres at -16% and the Cardinals at -12%.

http://www.baseballprospectus.com/statistics/ps_odds.php

I feel like I'm studying stock charts.

2007-09-14 08:01:19
471.   sporky
468 - I was afraid Tomko would be unhittable when he became a Padre (for some inexplicable reason). I don't think that'll be the case.
2007-09-14 08:07:54
472.   old dodger fan
Cards have become a penny stock.
2007-09-14 08:08:42
473.   Bluebleeder87
Reading the The Times it looks like Grady Little will be back & it also sounds like Jason Schmidt is on track as far as his rehab is concerned. I don't wanna sounds like a jerk but I really hope they let go of some of the coaches I really REALLY feel they need to start fresh with some of them.JMHO.
2007-09-14 08:13:25
474.   Gen3Blue
Things are looking up. Of course I went through an overblown rant when Wells finally blew up, but pulled through.
I go through a tough period every September if we have a chance of making it, or truth be told even if we don't. For example, with all the home and west coast games I'm up till 1:00 or 2:00 five or six nights a week, and I'm sure that effects my mood.
I find myself liking Wells, perhaps regardless of the good things he has done the last 2 games. I think the midseason rest
may have done the trick at his age and thats something to keep in mind.
2007-09-14 08:17:13
475.   Jon Weisman
425 - When you're cutting curtails, you could be doing this. Also from MLB.com.

"I've got to help these guys out now, it's my job," Wells said. "I've cut the chord."

2007-09-14 08:23:06
476.   Gen3Blue
473 I sure agree with you on some of the coaches.
Jason Schmidt is an interesting case. There was a time when a Tommy John elbow or a torn rotator cuff was the end of the line, at least for a pitcher. A badly damaged labrum meant the end also, but perhaps we are at the time when modern medicine finds the key; I sure hope so with Schmidt.
2007-09-14 08:26:40
477.   Disabled List
Before the Padres series I was speculating that a 13-6 finish to the season would give the Dodgers 88 wins and put the team in the playoffs. After winning the Padres series, we now need an 11-5 close to the season. That basically allows for taking 2 out of 3 games in each of the remaining five series, leaving open the possibility of one series loss or a split of the next week's 4-game set in Colorado.

The Phillies could match the Dodgers with an 11-5 finish, and we all know they have an easier schedule. The Padres could force a tie with a 10-7 finish.

Bottom line: We need help, or we need to get red-hot. Simple as that.

2007-09-14 08:30:41
478.   Dave G
476--
Makes me wonder more generally about the state of medical technology. I know that both hitters and pitchers benefit, but I'm wondering whether anyone knows (probably Will Carroll or something) a way to quantify/analyze the changes that certain advances in medical technology (like TJ surgery) have had on the game. Ostensibly, one would think that better pitchers can pitch longer and stronger than before said advances, hitters can stay stronger, recover faster, etc.
No idea how it all shakes out (too many variables obviously) but it'd make for interesting water-cooler talk.
2007-09-14 08:38:40
479.   Gen3Blue
478 Good questions-in general both offense and pitching benefit. But I have to think pitching is such a specialized thing, pushing one extremity to the max, that high tech medicine has much more effect here.(not that hitting isn't a pretty specialized movement)
2007-09-14 08:59:48
480.   LogikReader
I'm pretty sure the Brewers' last four games will be important. Their division race with the Cubs is still very tight. Only half a game separates the two.
2007-09-14 09:07:59
481.   Gen3Blue
LReader--That has got to be the div. race with the most twists down to the wire.
2007-09-14 09:21:27
482.   LogikReader
One thing to watch for is the Brew Crew's series against the Reds. From my experience, the Brewers own the Reds and a sweep would not be inconceivable. Such a sweep could put some distance between Milwaukee and Chicago.
2007-09-14 09:26:32
483.   MollyKnight
474-As a resident of Manhattan, I too, am up until 1 or 2 am to watch these games until the bitter end. I learned my lesson about falling asleep when I passed out in the top of the ninth during the 4+1 game.

I have a great feeling about the Dodgers chances right now. Save for when facing Peavy, it seems like they are either going to win every game or do something to blow it (error by Furcal, three-run shot off Broxton in the 8th, etc).

I would very much like to see them play the Mets again this year, and not get swept!!

Kent's base running gaffe last night reminded me of that play during Game 1 of the NLDS last year where we had two guys get thrown out at home. I was there, and it was the most humiliating moment in my twenty-five years of being a Dodger fan.

2007-09-14 09:27:57
484.   old dodger fan
482 Reds have won 7 of 12 this year.
2007-09-14 09:30:06
485.   old dodger fan
483 What concerned me most about Kent's baserunning last night was that he made 2 gaffe's. He got away with the first one because of a bad throw. I don't know what he was thinking.
2007-09-14 09:32:10
486.   Jon Weisman
New post coming up top.
2007-09-14 09:34:36
487.   Ricardo
How much of Wells´ success can be credited to Russell Martin? Russ is a very smart catcher and I believe he has a lot to do with it.

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