Baseball Toaster Dodger Thoughts
Help
Jon Weisman's outlet
for dealing psychologically
with the Los Angeles Dodgers
and baseball.
Frozen Toast
Search
Google Search
Web
Toaster
Dodger Thoughts
Archives

2009
02  01 

2008
12  11  10  09  08  07 
06  05  04  03  02  01 

2007
12  11  10  09  08  07 
06  05  04  03  02  01 

2006
12  11  10  09  08  07 
06  05  04  03  02  01 

2005
12  11  10  09  08  07 
06  05  04  03  02  01 

2004
12  11  10  09  08  07 
06  05  04  03  02  01 

2003
12  11  10  09  08  07 
06  05  04  03  02  01 

2002
09  08  07 
About Jon
Thank You For Not ...

1) using profanity or any euphemisms for profanity
2) personally attacking other commenters
3) baiting other commenters
4) arguing for the sake of arguing
5) discussing politics
6) using hyperbole when something less will suffice
7) using sarcasm in a way that can be misinterpreted negatively
8) making the same point over and over again
9) typing "no-hitter" or "perfect game" to describe either in progress
10) being annoyed by the existence of this list
11) commenting under the obvious influence
12) claiming your opinion isn't allowed when it's just being disagreed with

The Big Matchup
2008-04-09 11:15
by Jon Weisman

Hiroki Kuroda vs. Micah Owings. And I'm talking at least as much about Owings at the plate against Kuroda than on the mound.

Dodgers at Diamondbacks, 12:40 p.m.

Comments (558)
Show/Hide Comments 1-50
2008-04-09 11:30:15
1.   bigcpa
Oddsmakers have this one even and I tend to agree. This will be a good test of Kuroda's HR prevention skills.
2008-04-09 11:33:41
2.   Xeifrank
1. Yep, Vegas moved the odds from Dodgers as slight favorites to even after the lineups were announced. My simulator on the otherhand looks like it's going to bump the Dodgers odds up by 1% (1% is the margin of error so it could be noise) due to significant lineup changes. The DBacks took their regular SS and Catcher out of the lineup, the Dodgers replaced AJones with Pierre and are hitting him 8th.
vr, Xei
2008-04-09 11:37:12
3.   Quik
1 2 I've always wondered where you guys get these odds from.
2008-04-09 11:40:13
4.   okdodge
could someone be so kind as post said lineup so we can start complaining/discussing about it. thanks.
2008-04-09 11:40:14
5.   Xeifrank
3. Vegas baseball odds (many sources).
http://www.vegasinsider.com/mlb/odds/las-vegas/

I compare Vegas to my simulator to see which does a better job of predicting winners. So far Vegas is ahead by over 2%. Last year they beat me by just over 1%. Ugh!
vr, Xei

2008-04-09 11:40:54
6.   Xeifrank
4. It was posted multiple times on the previous thread. vr, Xei
2008-04-09 11:42:40
7.   PalmdaleSteve1
Tony Jackson saying Andruw sits today, boy going to miss that hot bat!

Anyone know if there's a hot bat down in the Dodgers AAA or AA farm system that could be brought up? Dodgers need some power and so far the answer is not Andruw.

2008-04-09 11:44:32
8.   ToyCannon
6
So do you want him peruse 780 posts looking for it or simply add it to the game thread.

Furcal, SS

Kemp, CF

Ethier, LF

Kent, 2B

Loney, 1B

Martin, C

DeWitt, 3B

Pierre, LF

Kuroda, P

2008-04-09 11:45:25
9.   Kevin Lewis
7

Way too early to dub Jones as not our power bate.

OT: Has anyone had experience with Rock Band for the 360? I am considering picking it up, but I don't know if it is worth it.

2008-04-09 11:45:36
10.   underdog
4 Just for convenience sake, here it 'tis again:

Furcal. SS
Kemp. CF
Ethier. RF
Kent. 2B
Loney. 1B
Martin. C
DeWitt. 3B
Pierre. LF
Kuroda. P

2008-04-09 11:46:35
11.   underdog
D'oh. Too slow.

Say, could someone post the line-up?

;0)

(Well, well, Freshy is batting ahead of Slappy.)

Or The Solution bats ahead of the Dissolution.

2008-04-09 11:47:30
12.   Reddog
So how much money has Ned spent on two centerfielders who can't hit?
2008-04-09 11:47:44
13.   Xeifrank
10. Thanks, I will take the single spaced lineup over the double spaced lineup. :)
vr, Xei
2008-04-09 11:48:14
14.   ibleedbloo
9 Rock Band is fun, but I hear the guitars don't last. I never buy extended warranties, but that may be one I consider. I don't have it, a friend does, so I am not sure how much use it takes before they start to mess up.

I do have Guitar Hero, which I can say from experience is a well made game and guitar...lots of fun.

2008-04-09 11:48:24
15.   Xeifrank
12. about the same amount that AROD is getting paid. vr, Xei
2008-04-09 11:49:18
16.   okdodge
Thanks guys, didn't take the time to read the last thread since I should be working. I guess sitting Druw isn't a horrible idea, his slump might need the rest.

Rock Band on the 360, well it pretty much rocks. As a guy with zero musical experience, I've become addicted to the drums, I feel really cool when I beat a tough song. You can download more songs which is nice too.

2008-04-09 11:49:30
17.   guy clinch
A friend mentioned to me yesterday that Vin Scully has been "harsh" when talking about Andruw Jones. I have only seen one game from Vin this year, so I'm not sure. I do remember in a past season, Vin seemed perturbed, talking about catching a flyball with both hands after Andruw did one of his no-look catches.
2008-04-09 11:49:49
18.   Ken Noe
What I like about this lineup: Jones sits likes everyone else who's slumping. No more Bennett. Kuroda-san! What I don't like: constantly moving Kemp and Ethier around the outfield.
2008-04-09 11:51:56
19.   Bluebleeder87
I told a gambling buddy about XeiFrank's simulator & his eyes kind of lit up
2008-04-09 11:52:17
20.   GMac In The 909
12 The real question is: How much money has NedCo wasted?
2008-04-09 11:52:34
21.   okdodge
As for the Rock Band guitar, the strummer (who knows what it's really called) has a defect. Mine quit working about a month after I got the game. I took it up to Best Buy and the Geek Squad fixed it in about 2 minutes, haven't had a problem with it since.
2008-04-09 11:54:23
22.   ibleedbloo
I went to the 66ers game last night and it was a typical Dodger game…very little scoring. My friend and I both went home with foul ball (could sound bad if this wasn't a baseball blog).

We were talking baseball, as guys often do at baseball games, and we couldn't agree on how to properly score a 3rd strike where the runner reaches first when the catcher misses the ball. I'm sure someone knows… any help is appreciated.

If anyone is going tonight, it is "bark in the park" so bring your dog; and a jacket, it was cold.

2008-04-09 11:54:34
23.   LA Native
18

It is a bit odd to me that Pierre doesn't start in center and Kemp in right, Ethier in left given that Jones is sitting.

2008-04-09 11:55:50
24.   LA Native
22

It is a strikeout and passed ball (or wild pitch) as far as I know.

2008-04-09 11:55:50
25.   Eric Enders
22 It simply counts as a strikeout and either a wild pitch or a passed ball depending on what the official scorer thinks.
2008-04-09 11:56:51
26.   underdog
Again, (and again) it's way too early to be harshing on the Andruw Jones signing. I still think he'll come around, despite his early struggles and his season last year (not that his power numbers were too shabby last year). No matter how good a season he has, he's going to strike out a fair amount anyway. There's no doubt he's not having good at bats right now and still looks too slow on fast balls he'd normally crush. But I am hopefully with the increased batting practice and some rest he'll start to pick it up.

I'm also one of those who thought we should sign him and was glad we did, so if it is a bust I'll feel a little hypocritical demonizing Colletti about it. I'm never happy when Pierre's in the line-up at this point, though. I'd take Young or Repko as a replacement when Jones sits, any day of the week. But we're not going to see that very often.

2008-04-09 11:57:09
27.   Humma Kavula
22 I score that as K-E2, but I don't know if that's correct.
2008-04-09 11:59:26
28.   DXMachina
They did use this outfield alignment (Pierre in LF with Kemp in CF) a couple of times during the spring.
2008-04-09 12:01:39
29.   underdog
I also do feel good in knowing that this year, unlike last year, the Dodgers seem to have realized that Pierre has no arm at all (yes, they should've known that before signing him) and thus when he does play, at least there's this realization that his arm could come around to hurt the team more than his speed can help in center. They're slow on the learning curve but at least there's that.
2008-04-09 12:01:47
30.   Eric Enders
"I think I could strike out Andruw Jones right now. I was clocked at 45 the other day."
-- Molly on the radio
2008-04-09 12:02:47
31.   regfairfield
21 If you send it back to EA you get a new one in about three days.

Rock Band is probably the best thing I've spent money on in several years.

2008-04-09 12:03:51
32.   GMac In The 909
31 A buddy of mine left Rock Band at my house on Saturday night, and I still have it. He's probably never getting it back.
2008-04-09 12:04:43
33.   PalmdaleSteve1
9 For sure, way too early, but Joe is not going to do a Grady and sit there forever waiting on Andruw to get "hot".

If Joe proved nothing with how he handled the whole JP streak deal, he'll bring in someone or something to get one thing done, win games. End of May, Andruw better be hitting or he find that he'll be doing a lot more sitting and some young stud from AAA or AA will be getting some playing time.

2008-04-09 12:07:23
34.   Kevin Lewis
Thanks all. That seals the deal. I am heading to Best Buy at lunch.
2008-04-09 12:08:23
35.   ibleedbloo
27 That's where the arguing with my friend came in. I didn't believe it was an error and he was saying E2.
2008-04-09 12:08:25
36.   JoeyP
Trent Johnson is getting out just in time, with the Lopez twins gone.
2008-04-09 12:09:13
37.   ToyCannon
26
Since he was on the top of my list for FA signing I will not make an opinion until November 15th. Unless were done playing before Oct.

I am bummed he came to camp looking like George Foreman but I have been pleasantly surprised at how he handles CF with his girth.

Vinny has commented in the past that he blames Rico Carty for bringing the one handed catch to baseball. I'm sure he's mistaken and has told the story so many times he now believes it to be true.

2008-04-09 12:09:17
38.   regfairfield
33 I'd be slightly more inclined to believe you if we have any ready outfielders in our system.

Andruw Jones isn't going to sit for extended periods of time this year.

2008-04-09 12:10:23
39.   Indiana Jon
30 Where is Molly on the radio?
2008-04-09 12:10:25
40.   ToyCannon
So is Guitar Hero for introverts and Rock Band for extroverts?
2008-04-09 12:10:26
41.   Longhorn Bill
Mets get rick rolled.

http://tinyurl.com/6cmfho

2008-04-09 12:10:47
42.   ibleedbloo
34 Here is a link to a link for a10% off coupon. Enjoy. http://tinyurl.com/3pqhru
2008-04-09 12:11:59
43.   ToyCannon
38
I don't think it would matter who we had, Andruw Jones is going to play 150 games unless his knees collapse under his weight.

One thing about Ned, he gets center fielders who don't miss games.

2008-04-09 12:13:44
44.   regfairfield
40 Partially. Guitar Hero III also isn't a very good game to begin with.

43 Of course, I was just pointing out the absurdity of the statement.

2008-04-09 12:13:56
45.   natepurcell
41

hahaha so amazing.

2008-04-09 12:13:56
46.   Doctor
Is there any way we can kill the DeWitt nickname before it gains sustainable momentum?
2008-04-09 12:14:20
47.   Eric Enders
Talk about your lateral moves. Why the heck would Johnson leave Stanford for LSU? I thought he was there for the long haul.

Even worse is that if he'd done it a week earlier, the Cardinal would have been able to get Mike Montgomery back in the saddle.

2008-04-09 12:14:57
48.   Eric Enders
39 On latimes.com, as posted in the previous thread. It's over now, though.
2008-04-09 12:18:32
49.   JoeyP
The academic restrictions around recruiting to Stanford may have been tough.

The NCAA has a minimum score that athletes need, but Stanford, Duke, Vanderbilt, etc may have slightly higher entrance requirements even for athletes.

LSU is a football school. There's talent there, but does seem like a lateral if not move downward. Stanford doesnt have much back for next year, so maybe he wanted to leave before his record worsened and no one wanted him.

2008-04-09 12:21:14
50.   Kevin Lewis
42

You rock!

Sorry, couldn't resist that pun

Show/Hide Comments 51-100
2008-04-09 12:21:44
51.   imperabo
If Kemp is better in center than Pierre I'm beginning to think there was never any reason to sign Pierre at all. Call me crazy.
2008-04-09 12:22:28
52.   old dodger fan
I can't believe my eyes. Tomorrow night-Mark Hendrickson vs Odalis Perez. It's even on TV here in Virginia.
2008-04-09 12:23:32
53.   Eric Enders
LSU's most talented player, Randolph, also declared for the draft.

Johnson is a Stanford guy and, with his time at Boise State, Nevada, Utah, and Washington, has spent his entire career in the West. He doesn't appear to have any recruiting or other ties in the South or any other reason to go to LSU. It must be a money grab, pure and simple.

2008-04-09 12:24:47
54.   vegasblueman
46

I think it is an amazing nickname. Someday when he has paid his dues, it will be even more amazing.

2008-04-09 12:28:49
55.   underdog
41 I don't get it...
2008-04-09 12:29:12
56.   TellMeTheScoreRickMonday
49 For the record, Duke and Vanderbilt are nowhere near Stanford's academic regimen or athletic requirements. Putting them in the same sentence is sinful.

Duke does have a better basketball team, though.

2008-04-09 12:29:29
57.   MC Safety
Freshy Fresh gets two thumbs down, if you ask me.
2008-04-09 12:29:31
58.   ibleedbloo
52 I'll take the over
2008-04-09 12:29:35
59.   okdodge
46 His nickname could be worse, at least people aren't referring to him as DeBomb or DeMan yet.
2008-04-09 12:31:19
60.   underdog
Well, I was calling him DeRoche for awhile, just to pretend I was a confused fan. LaWitt is good, too. If we really could combine those two guys we'd definitely have an all-star third baseman.
2008-04-09 12:31:50
61.   Reddog
I have an idea. Maybe we could call up the Yankees and offer them Pierre, Schmidt and Jones for A-Rod. Then we can have an outfield of Kemp, Ethier and Repko.
2008-04-09 12:34:51
62.   Xeifrank
What did Molly have to say on the radio?
vr, Xei
2008-04-09 12:35:18
63.   Xeifrank
57. It gets two thumbs cut off from me!
vr, Xei
2008-04-09 12:35:37
64.   still bevens
Anyone know why Bob Melvin insists on batting Chris Young leadoff and Conor Jackson cleanup? I couldnt tell you who should be in those slots if not these guys, but Im kinda confused since Chris Young has poor OBP skills and Conor Jackson isnt exactly a prototypical slugger.
2008-04-09 12:36:21
65.   JoeyP
Melvin must value steals...
2008-04-09 12:38:15
66.   old dodger fan
I like "Blake the Rake". Hmm... maybe not.
2008-04-09 12:38:40
67.   underdog
63 "The Xei of Greenwich Village"?
2008-04-09 12:38:44
68.   HoodedMafia
I bought Rock Band for 360 the day it came out. The game itself is incredible and always a lot of fun with the guys. However, there have been equipment issues. I have had to return the guitar twice due to strummer piece malfunctions. Both times I was able to get a new guitar no questions asked. This 3rd one is starting to go as well (so, that has been a problem). However, the guitar from the Guitar Hero games works for Rock Band, so that is the way to go. We just rock out with two wireless guitars from GH3 and everything works great. Definitely worth buying if you can afford to get the GH3 guitar as well.
2008-04-09 12:39:15
69.   regfairfield
64 Young, in theory, has good on base skills. He just didn't show them last year.
2008-04-09 12:39:31
70.   Xeifrank
I hope Bob is having a good time in Hawaii, sweating at the beach, while we sweat watching the Dodgers struggle. A co-worker booked a trip to Hawaii a few months ago. He booked his flight on ATA and his island hopping on Aloha Airlines. Both went bankrupt last month. Talk about bad luck.
Go Dodgers!
vr, Xei
2008-04-09 12:42:02
71.   underdog
Great, 2-3 more hours of Darren Sutton. Sigh.
2008-04-09 12:42:13
72.   Xeifrank
Furcal HBP to start the game and there is my theory that we would get paid back for the three HBP last night. vr, Xei
2008-04-09 12:43:18
73.   cargill06
72 fine with me.
2008-04-09 12:43:50
74.   cargill06
atta boy shawn.
2008-04-09 12:44:20
75.   underdog
I'm thinking that Kemp's rest did him some good. He looks like a changed hitter since yesterday. I hope he's gonna play 90% of the games the rest of the way.
2008-04-09 12:44:24
76.   Disabled List
59 His nickname could be worse, at least people aren't referring to him as DeBomb or DeMan yet.

Don't worry, you will. When Vasgersian finally gets tired of the "Hu's on first" routine, he'll start in on that one.

2008-04-09 12:44:33
77.   D4P
One thing about Kemp is that he can't hit righti...waaahhh...????
2008-04-09 12:44:42
78.   old dodger fan
2 up; 2 on base
2008-04-09 12:44:47
79.   Neal Pollack
Kemp may just be earning some playing time.
2008-04-09 12:45:41
80.   ucladodger
Kemp looks great at the plate right now. Amazing what 2 days can do. And playing time.
2008-04-09 12:45:47
81.   KAYVMON
The conversation the AZ guys are having right now is fascinating. Supposedly, only a couple of managers in baseball "have the pull" to be able to sit Pierre for Kemp and Ethier.
2008-04-09 12:46:08
82.   okdodge
70 sounds familiar, we book two centerfields that sound like a good time, only for them to go "bankrupt", good analogy.
2008-04-09 12:46:29
83.   Xeifrank
LAD win expectancy up to 59% on the Kemp hit.
vr, Xei
2008-04-09 12:47:51
84.   Linkmeister
70 xeifrank, if it's bad luck for the customers, think about the 1,900 employees at Aloha who just lost their jobs. What with the two airlines shutting down, there are now something like 480 pilots with little chance of finding new employment out here. The ramp personnel, ticket agents and back office people have a fighting chance at getting similar jobs; the pilots, virtually none.
2008-04-09 12:47:58
85.   underdog
I think Owings' change is surprising the Dodgers hitters this inning. I also don't think it's going to surprise them the next time through the lineup.
2008-04-09 12:48:05
86.   Xeifrank
How deep was Ethier's fly out?
vr, Xei
2008-04-09 12:49:37
87.   underdog
Argh! That ball couldn't have been foul by more than a few inches.

Nice to hear the DBacks announcers gush about Loney.

2008-04-09 12:49:48
88.   Telemachos
86 More of a high line drive to medium center field.
2008-04-09 12:49:53
89.   ucladodger
What crummy luck. 1" away from bheing up 2-0.
2008-04-09 12:49:58
90.   Xeifrank
it's up to J-Lo now.
vr, Xei
2008-04-09 12:50:47
91.   underdog
86 Just a lazy fly ball. He and Kent were fooled by changes. Then Loney missed a double down first base line by inches, and instead broke his bat on a grounder to pitcher. Ah well.
2008-04-09 12:52:54
92.   Neal Pollack
Maybe we should have hit-and-run?
2008-04-09 12:53:03
93.   old dodger fan
84 Unless they were flying empty airplanes there was a demand for those flights and someone else will pick them up. There will probably be fewer total employees (accountants and secretaries) but I suspect a lot of those who lose their jobs will find jobs with other airlines.
2008-04-09 12:53:29
94.   okdodge
I know he's the 3 hole hitter and everything, but anybody else think Ethier with a sac bunt might have been a good idea in that inning?
2008-04-09 12:55:02
95.   regfairfield
94 Bunting in the first is never a good idea.
2008-04-09 12:58:31
96.   Reddog
The Bison should now be a regular. I believe Torre has seen enough to know that Kemp and Ethier are the regulars, along with Jones - while Pierre will be a bench player.
2008-04-09 12:58:39
97.   cargill06
i would think joe will start to get something going and try a few steals when he gets a chance.
2008-04-09 12:58:59
98.   Xeifrank
93. Yes, but how do you get your money back?
I can't imagine that whole process would be much fun. vr, Xei
2008-04-09 12:59:31
99.   Andrew Shimmin
Tourism arrivals in Hawaii were down, last year, for the first time since 2003. People are getting wise to Hawaii. Sure, there are rocks and water, but they aren't magic rocks.
2008-04-09 12:59:52
100.   Neal Pollack
Anyone else tired of that commercial with the guy talking about seeing the building of Dodger Stadium with his dad? I'm getting pretty sick of all this manufactured nostalgia.
Show/Hide Comments 101-150
2008-04-09 12:59:54
101.   silverwidow
Kuroda is Ned's first great free agent starter.
2008-04-09 12:59:56
102.   bhsportsguy
95 It will be interesting to see how much the Dodgers bunt if Kemp stays in the 2 spot.
2008-04-09 13:00:21
103.   Xeifrank
94. Not unless you are expecting a 1-0 or 2-1 game. Not likely with Owings pitching.
vr, Xei
2008-04-09 13:00:55
104.   bhsportsguy
100 I think you better get used to it this year.

Maybe they should just show highlight clips or would that be manufactured too?

2008-04-09 13:01:40
105.   cargill06
do you sac bunt now?
2008-04-09 13:01:55
106.   underdog
Another walk for DeRook.
2008-04-09 13:02:18
107.   Marty
What the heck is a Rick Roll?
2008-04-09 13:02:21
108.   Xeifrank
105. No, i'd ground out to second base.
vr, Xei
2008-04-09 13:02:31
109.   Neal Pollack
I'm sure Pierre will foul this up somehow.
2008-04-09 13:02:44
110.   old dodger fan
98 I suspect you become an unsecured creditor. Depending on how how bad their finances are there is a good chance you are out of luck or get pennies on the dollar 2 years from now.

I have heard of other airlines honoring tickets from bankrupt airlines (giving "stand by" status) as a good will measure and hoping to gain favor with frequent fliers looking for a new travel provider but nobody is under any obligation.

2008-04-09 13:03:09
111.   Neal Pollack
I predict a pop out to third.
2008-04-09 13:03:14
112.   Andrew Shimmin
98- If he paid with a credit card, he should be able to get the money back from the card company. If he paid with cash or a check, he'd have to wait in line with the other creditors who won't get paid.
2008-04-09 13:04:22
113.   Eric Stephen
100 ,104
It beats the pants off of the Nomar van or Kent toast commercials.
2008-04-09 13:04:39
114.   underdog
Oh man. I actually feel sorry for Juan on that one. That nubber down the third base line looked destined to be fair and an infield hit, and instead decided to take a left turn.
2008-04-09 13:05:47
115.   Hallux Valgus
113 color bars for 30 seconds would beat that Nomar Van.
2008-04-09 13:06:21
116.   Longhorn Bill
107 http://tinyurl.com/3ygghd

Also, for the full effect go to youtube and search rick roll. You are welcome in advance.

2008-04-09 13:06:23
117.   ucladodger
Wawaweeewaaa!
2008-04-09 13:06:23
118.   cargill06
do we now have a jones pierre controversy?
2008-04-09 13:06:26
119.   Neal Pollack
Man, Pierre rules. I've been saying it all along.
2008-04-09 13:06:26
120.   Disabled List
Slappy!
2008-04-09 13:06:44
121.   D4P
Juan "In play, run(s)" Pierre...?

Weird.

2008-04-09 13:06:53
122.   Hallux Valgus
yay run!
2008-04-09 13:06:56
123.   underdog
Oh my LORD.

Pierre RIPPED that one, and drove in a run!

Wow. Credit the man with a rare rip to the deep fence.

2008-04-09 13:07:00
124.   Neal Pollack
That Kent toast commercial was the bane of my summer.
2008-04-09 13:07:31
125.   bhsportsguy
Who would have predicted Juan would come closer to HR than Jones so far.

Please Hiroki, don't bunt.

2008-04-09 13:07:48
126.   underdog
Slappy was more like Rippy on that one!

DeWitt was lucky not to have been thrown out at home. The DBack fielder threw to the wrong base first.

2008-04-09 13:07:50
127.   Eric Stephen
I was just going to post something about how I'd take the under if the over/under on Juan Pierre HR as a Dodger was 0.

He just missed one there.

2008-04-09 13:08:58
128.   underdog
Hah hah, no bunt attempts from Hiro.

He actually had a decent rip on that one ball that lined into the Dodgers dugout.

2008-04-09 13:09:00
129.   okdodge
With that hit, Pierre raises his average to a robust .125.
2008-04-09 13:09:03
130.   DaveP
126 - I was surprised how slow DeWitt looked. Seemed like it took forever for him to get from 3rd to home.
2008-04-09 13:09:23
131.   ToyCannon
I'm enjoying DeWitt, I'll be bummed when Nomar comes back on Monday. Maybe it will be like 2006 when Nomar missed the 1st week and then hit a ton in April/May thus spoiling Andrew's summer.
2008-04-09 13:09:32
132.   Andrew Shimmin
The important thing is that MLBAM shuts down any youtube clip of something cool, lest their grubby customers create infinitely better commercials than the paid marketing professionals.
2008-04-09 13:09:33
133.   Xeifrank
Win expectancy is now 62%.
vr, Xei
2008-04-09 13:09:50
134.   sie0174
guys, my internet is broken. gameday says "Juan Pierre doubles on a fly ball to right fielder Justin Upton. Blake DeWitt scores." Does anyone know how to fix this?
2008-04-09 13:10:05
135.   RELX
JP been lifting the weights!
2008-04-09 13:10:24
136.   underdog
Ah well. At least he didn't get injured hitting. Hiro holds the bat back over his back pointed so far down the tip almost taps his bum.
2008-04-09 13:11:27
137.   ucladodger
More bad luck...
2008-04-09 13:11:41
138.   underdog
Damn, Owings wasn't fooling anyone that inning. But Furcal's rip was snagged nicely by Conor Jackson. Ah well.

At least our RBI Machine drove one in.

2008-04-09 13:12:20
139.   Hallux Valgus
maybe Pierre got into Bennett's stash.
2008-04-09 13:12:25
140.   bhsportsguy
132 Is it too late to say congratulations and pledge any delegates I have to you?
2008-04-09 13:12:50
141.   Xeifrank
Ok, H-Rock hold the lead.
vr, Xei
2008-04-09 13:13:22
142.   underdog
131 Is Nomar coming back that soon? Sounded like he wasn't exactly rushing back to the lineup.

134 The MLBTV version of that play used CGI effects to show a ball hit by Pierre going almost out of the park. Very nicely done. I think the same people did "I Am Legend."

2008-04-09 13:13:49
143.   DGutierrez32
Pierre is mashing (for Pierre)...
2008-04-09 13:15:40
144.   Eric Stephen
141
H-Rock?

I'm not saying I don't like it. In fact, it's not half bad.

2008-04-09 13:16:29
145.   Gilberto Reyes
How close was Pierre's double to a HR? Was it off the wall or on the warning track?
2008-04-09 13:16:31
146.   Andrew Shimmin
140- Thanks. Really the best part is that I feel like I won by cheating off of "Pomeroy"'s test. I'm with KG about how boring luck is. Cheating, though, is very sweet.
2008-04-09 13:17:32
147.   Andrew Shimmin
145- Hit the warning track, bounced back off the wall. Probably needed another ten feet to go out. But it was a perfectly legitimate double.
2008-04-09 13:17:46
148.   RELX
I don't know about Nomar--I read today that while he is taking BP, his wrist still hurts. Microfractures are really trick things.*

*I actually know nothing about microfractures, and I am not a doctor. They just sound like tricky things.

2008-04-09 13:18:21
149.   bhsportsguy
146 Nahh, that was smart, this was the year when generally the best teams were pretty known though they all could have lost (oh if Curry could have gotten that lost shot against Kansas).
2008-04-09 13:18:56
150.   Xeifrank
148. I like the footnotes. vr, Xei
Show/Hide Comments 151-200
2008-04-09 13:19:48
151.   Xeifrank
The Dodger pitcher seems to be doing pretty well. Thoughts? vr, Xei
2008-04-09 13:20:06
152.   D4P
150
It was more of a handnote.
2008-04-09 13:20:22
153.   bhsportsguy
Arizona's shortstop will always remind me of this.

http://tinyurl.com/wygx7

2008-04-09 13:20:45
154.   underdog
Whoa, I think Upton was nailed on that pickoff. Didn't get the call.
2008-04-09 13:21:24
155.   Xeifrank
152. If Bob didn't have so much vacation time banked up, he could lecture us on the proper techniques. vr, Xei
2008-04-09 13:21:32
156.   madmac
gameday is apparently confused by Pierre's hit that no matter how many time I reload, quit out and reopen it still show Pierre facing Owens with one strike.
2008-04-09 13:22:43
157.   Jon Weisman
Did everyone get to SOSG today?

http://www.sonsofstevegarvey.com/2008/04/sosg-exclusive-dodger-stadiums-new.html

2008-04-09 13:23:08
158.   Paul Scott
Looking forward to Tony Jackson's Pierre-fest tomorrow morning.
2008-04-09 13:23:42
159.   D4P
To those watching the game: did you notice any change in Kuroda's countenance or demeanor once Upton reached base...?
2008-04-09 13:23:46
160.   RELX
151. Thoughts...I am thinking about much my face burns since I shaved a little while ago, and if I want to close the window because it is too breezy...oh, you want thoughts on Kuroda. As my mother would say, he seems nice.
2008-04-09 13:24:29
161.   bhsportsguy
157 I can report no such changes in the Reserved Level.
2008-04-09 13:24:42
162.   D4P
158
Pierre will go 1-5 with a double and 4 Ks, and Tony'll caption Pierre's photo "Pierre rips run-scoring double in Dodger victory"
2008-04-09 13:26:02
163.   LogikReader
Checked in late...

Pierre with an RBI? uh oh...

2008-04-09 13:26:34
164.   natepurcell
Ethier's been so close to a couple homeruns now.
2008-04-09 13:27:20
165.   underdog
Hometown kid continues to rip against DBacks pitching. Man, that ball was crushed, would've been out in some parks.
2008-04-09 13:27:25
166.   RELX
Pierre is now ahead of Kemp in the daily outfield competition.
2008-04-09 13:27:36
167.   bhsportsguy
Folks, please don't let JP's success today change anything, he still batting less than .200 I believe.
2008-04-09 13:28:20
168.   underdog
An interview with a stock car racer during the game on the DB broadcast has finally forced me to mute this thing.

Damn, Kent ripped that one, too.

2008-04-09 13:28:23
169.   Paul Scott
Is anyone else having issues with Gameday and Firefox? Forced to watch GameChannel (Yahoo) right now. When I click on Gameday it opens a new tab, but the middle part where the batter and all is supposed to be is just blank.
2008-04-09 13:28:35
170.   natepurcell
Unbelievable. So many balls ripped and nothing to show for it.
2008-04-09 13:28:43
171.   ucladodger
This is getting ridiculous
2008-04-09 13:28:57
172.   Neal Pollack
We are hitting the ball awfully hard.
2008-04-09 13:29:18
173.   Erin
While considering Pierre's RBI double, let's all remember that even a broken clock is right twice a day.
2008-04-09 13:29:37
174.   Eric Stephen
And now if there is anymore Dodger scoring, I must hear the news from Charley and/or Rick.
2008-04-09 13:29:38
175.   underdog
Can we just say that Owings isn't fooling anyone? Almost every out is a ripped ball. I hope the Dodgers eventually get to him more than just the run.
2008-04-09 13:30:45
176.   ucladodger
175

Owings has never really impressed me much as a pitcher. His stuff is really ordinary and doesnt have a ton of movement. He's really lucky he isnt down 5 or 6-0 right now.

2008-04-09 13:31:11
177.   Andrew Shimmin
169- Do you have AdBlock Plus or FlashBlock extensions installed? That's been the cause of most firefox problems with mlb.com things, this year. Or, if you're running Firefox 3 Beta 4, you have to upgrade to Beta 5.
2008-04-09 13:31:12
178.   underdog
169 I had that problem, too. I think it's due to their new Gameday interface, requires some sort of Flash (?) plug-in and won't work properly otherwise. Kind of frustrating because it's not obvious how to choose the old version. (I'm watching the game on MLBTV, but when I haven't been, I've done the Yahoo thing, too.)
2008-04-09 13:31:55
179.   Reddog
I think once we start hitting against average pitchers, we're going to break out of our hitting slump and score lots of runs.
2008-04-09 13:32:19
180.   D4P
I have no problems using Jon's link to the 2007 Gameday interface.
2008-04-09 13:32:39
181.   underdog
I'm with you on that, dog. Woof.
2008-04-09 13:32:40
182.   Hallux Valgus
at least they're hitting the ball hard. Now, if these D-Back fielders would just quit being so rude...
2008-04-09 13:32:49
183.   madmac
my gameday isn't working, I'm on Explorer
2008-04-09 13:33:29
184.   underdog
Oh yeah, duh. Just use Jon's link above - that's using the older, less wonky version.
2008-04-09 13:34:13
185.   underdog
Gack, is this stock car racer still talking in the booth? How droll.

No, wait, I mean dull.

2008-04-09 13:34:39
186.   ucladodger
Kuroda is really fun to watch. That forkball is disgusting.
2008-04-09 13:35:06
187.   madmac
espn's gamecast seems to be working
2008-04-09 13:35:54
188.   silverwidow
Who would've thought Kuroda would DESTROY Andruw in terms of free agent signings? (I know, it's early).
2008-04-09 13:35:56
189.   Gilberto Reyes
157 I find the comments on the old urinal troughs hilarious. My favorite..."I have no doubt that, like the removed stadium seats, Frank McCourt will put the old urinal troughs on sale to the public as well."
2008-04-09 13:36:17
190.   okdodge
Kuroda is making me look like a fantasy league genious.
2008-04-09 13:36:20
191.   Eric Stephen
I can't wait to see Kuroda up close or on TV. Friday I was at Petco but deep in RF, and today I'm listening at work.

I would love to see the movement on his pitches.

2008-04-09 13:36:27
192.   madmac
184 neither were working for me
2008-04-09 13:37:11
193.   natepurcell
Lets hit a homerun or two.
2008-04-09 13:38:10
194.   Andrew Shimmin
By the way, I'm a little irked with you people. How did nobody send up a warning that 21 was so awful? If they could ruin that book, I have no doubt that Moneyball can be made unbearable. Joe Morgan should get in on that--it could really advance his cause in the war against the stat nerds.
2008-04-09 13:38:42
195.   Paul Scott
177 Upgrading to 5 worked. Thanks.
2008-04-09 13:39:17
196.   Erin
Andrew, the presence of Kate Bosworth in any film is a warning that said film is awful.
2008-04-09 13:40:47
197.   underdog
194 You could always have read just about any review via metacritic.

Too bad, too, because as you say the book was a great read.

2008-04-09 13:40:57
198.   Gilberto Reyes
I love this Kuroda guy! How nice to insert a polsihed veteran starter that cost us nothing but cash into our rotation. It sure beats watching Loaiza, Park, Kuo, and even Billingsley after last nights performance
2008-04-09 13:41:19
199.   Andrew Shimmin
196- Yeah, I had no idea who that was. But she looked like the actress from that 80's tv show about the half alien/half human daughter of the woman from Saturday Night Fever who could stop time with her nose, or something. I don't remember what the time stopping mechanism was. Her name was Evey, though, I think.
2008-04-09 13:41:49
200.   Erin
You're thinking of "Out of This World".
Show/Hide Comments 201-250
2008-04-09 13:41:55
201.   JoeyP
This could be the worst slump of Russell Martin's career.

I cant imagine him ever going 3/30 in any stretch.

2008-04-09 13:42:36
202.   regfairfield
194 Having a white guy play the lead after the book specifically stressed the system doesn't work with white guys was a tip off to me.
2008-04-09 13:42:45
203.   Gilberto Reyes
*polished
2008-04-09 13:43:10
204.   LogikReader
199

Now that dumb theme song is in my head again.

2008-04-09 13:43:43
205.   underdog
3-1, let's see if Pierre can draw a walk...

Nope, he slaps it into the outfield for a basehit. He just hates walks. But as long as he gets on base...

Hey, other teams, look out our extra outfielder today. he's good, you know you want him. Detroit I'm looking at you!

2008-04-09 13:43:50
206.   Eric Stephen
199
Holy crap, an "Out of This World" reference. I used to watch that show. Man, I watched a lot of crap.
2008-04-09 13:44:43
207.   Paul Scott
198 Yes, watching Kou and his 0 ERA is really painful this year. Watching him sit on the bench while Loaiza starts or watching Torre pull him for no apparent reason so that Billingsly could get one inning's worth of work. If that is what you mean, then I agree Kou has been hard to watch.
2008-04-09 13:44:52
208.   MC Safety
Juan's on fire!
2008-04-09 13:45:02
209.   JoeyP
194--If you havent read the book, I imagine you'll like the movie.

I have the same feeling seeing the FNL TV series, as you do about 21.

2008-04-09 13:45:51
210.   Andrew Shimmin
I apologize for this, Xei. But I can't really talk about baseball, right now, without being irritating. So, you should give me this.

206- That show, for all its flaws, was still way better than Small Wonder, the which I watched every episode, I think.

2008-04-09 13:46:00
211.   GobiasIndustries
206
Uncle Bean-O says hello.
2008-04-09 13:47:03
212.   underdog
Hiro was blown away by an 87 mph fastball.

---

Out of This World. Yikes. Next you'll be making "Small Wonder" references.

2008-04-09 13:47:11
213.   trainwreck
206
I watched it too. For the longest time, I could never remember the name of the show.
2008-04-09 13:47:34
214.   underdog
210 + 212 = LOL.
2008-04-09 13:48:05
215.   alnyden
If you are using the most current Gameday interface with Firefox, you have to update to the most recent version of Firefox (2.0.0.13) for it to work.
2008-04-09 13:48:05
216.   Xeifrank
We might be a few innings away from a cycle-alert from the Griddle. Any word on who is 2nd in charge at the Griddle.
vr, Xei
2008-04-09 13:48:17
217.   trainwreck
202
Why doesn't it work with white guys? I swear I saw one of the MIT kids and he was a white guy.
2008-04-09 13:49:30
218.   Eric Stephen
210
As an avid Vicki the Robot watcher, I agree with you. And the dad on Small Wonder always seemed like he should be a registered sex offender.
2008-04-09 13:50:14
219.   Xeifrank
210. No problem. Thanks for thanking of me. :) vr, Xei
2008-04-09 13:51:21
220.   regfairfield
217 White guys attract attention throwing around big money. If you see a foreign kid doing it, you just assume his dad owns a car company in East Asia.
2008-04-09 13:52:24
221.   scareduck
That was ugly.
2008-04-09 13:52:38
222.   Gilberto Reyes
207 I stand corrected on Kuo. Didn't mean to lump him in with those other guys. My mistake. Kuo is indeed off to a great start and has not given up a run in his 6.2 IP this year. I also love his 8 K's during that time.
2008-04-09 13:52:50
223.   natepurcell
Furcal needs to catch that.
2008-04-09 13:52:53
224.   Andrew Shimmin
209- No. 21 is dead awful. In fact, it might have been written by Paul DePodesta's laptop. Bad, bad, bad. It worked on no level, had zero redeeming qualities, wasn't so-bad-it's-funny, or any other of the make believe things people say to excuse bad movies. It was just bad.
2008-04-09 13:53:15
225.   Xeifrank
221. What was ugly?
vr, Xei
2008-04-09 13:53:46
226.   underdog
Argh, Loney and Furcal blew that one. Loney made a nice pick up on the ball hit at first and then Furcal just didn't see the throw. That really should've been an error on Furcal, totally.

Sigh, either way, the DBacks get a break. Guess we'll see that patented Hiro Clampdown in action.

2008-04-09 13:54:15
227.   Xeifrank
Win expectancy down to 41% now.
vr, Xei
2008-04-09 13:54:27
228.   MC Safety
If Matt Kemp is a robot made of nails, Vicki from Small Wonder is a robot made of licorice rope. Man, was she hot.
2008-04-09 13:54:58
229.   LogikReader
1st and 3rd, nobody out. Garf! How'd I know that was going to happen?
2008-04-09 13:55:23
230.   Erin
Oh man. This inning is going badly.
2008-04-09 13:55:44
231.   Xeifrank
229. I blame TV chat for this predicament.
vr, Xei
2008-04-09 13:56:17
232.   scareduck
225 - Loney threw away a sure GIDP ball and now Kuroda plunked Conor Jackson to load the bases.
2008-04-09 13:56:45
233.   underdog
I'm sorry, but Conor Jackson almost literally leans right over the plate. I find it hard to feel real sorry for him for getting hit three times.

But I'm not tickled to see the bases loaded no matter how that happened.

2008-04-09 13:56:55
234.   Erin
Loney's throw wasn't that bad. Furcal should have had it.
2008-04-09 13:57:12
235.   Xeifrank
Need a strike-out and double play. Reynolds is not the guy we want up(1) in this situation. vr, Xei
(1) an understatement.
2008-04-09 13:59:21
236.   Kevin Lewis
233

If he gets hit leaning over the plate it is a strike

2008-04-09 14:00:12
237.   scareduck
Well, that makes up for it some.
2008-04-09 14:00:19
238.   underdog
Great pitch by Hiro. Great bit of hitting by Reynolds to make contact with that at all, yet alone to drive a run in. Great play by DeWitt to throw him out, too.
2008-04-09 14:00:45
239.   scareduck
234 - listening to this on the radio, so I couldn't tell. Thanks for that bit of detail.
2008-04-09 14:00:49
240.   Xeifrank
What happened on the ground-out? Why the force at first? vr, Xei
2008-04-09 14:00:54
241.   Eric Stephen
The old wild pitch out at the plate gambit. Works every time!
2008-04-09 14:00:55
242.   underdog
Dumb base-running by the O-Dog. Thankyouverymuch.
2008-04-09 14:01:27
243.   Andrew Shimmin
Yeah. There's a plan. Screw letting Justin Upton drive you in, just try to take home from Russ Martin. Smart. Kudos, O-dawg.
2008-04-09 14:01:38
244.   bablue
Wow! I was ust gonna ask how lucky can the dbacks get this inning and then the o-dog gives us ahuge break.
2008-04-09 14:01:51
245.   scareduck
"... and the Diamondbakes take a 2-1 lead."

Charlie Steiner inadvertently explains what it's like to live in Phoenix.

2008-04-09 14:02:13
246.   bhsportsguy
Okay, does Andruw Jones make that play if he is playing CF today.
2008-04-09 14:02:13
247.   Erin
Are either of these runs earned for Kuroda?
2008-04-09 14:02:28
248.   KAYVMON
Shouldn't we have intentionally walked Upton to get to Ojeda anyways?
2008-04-09 14:02:36
249.   underdog
236 Yah, I did say "almost." He leans in quite a bit. Not saying he deserves it but he's going to get hit more often that way. Same vs. Billingsley.

Darn it! Darn those 2 out RBIs.

Dodgers need some luck to turn their way now after nailing Owings for 4 innings and only a run to show for it.

2008-04-09 14:03:30
250.   Xeifrank
248. Possibly.
vr, Xei
Show/Hide Comments 251-300
2008-04-09 14:03:34
251.   bhsportsguy
248 No, especially 0-2.
2008-04-09 14:03:56
252.   underdog
Nice backhand by Juan P out there on that ball at least.

Darn, the DBacks are so hot even the H-Rock can't stop them.

2008-04-09 14:05:28
253.   underdog
They can't really be pitching around Hammock to get to Owings, can they? Sheesh.
2008-04-09 14:05:31
254.   natepurcell
I think the biggest reason I hate Daron Sutton is that he is announcing as if his audience is under the age of 12.
2008-04-09 14:05:39
255.   Disabled List
The AZ announcers are killing me. I really can't stand shameless homers. Announcers these days ought to realize their broadcasts don't just go out to the home audience anymore, but to fans across the whole country.

Yes, I'm in a bad mood and I'm looking for things to complain about.

2008-04-09 14:06:21
256.   Xeifrank
How long until the CHP gets up in the pen?
vr, Xei
2008-04-09 14:06:21
257.   scareduck
Gameday is still stuck on Upton's RBI swing.
2008-04-09 14:06:24
258.   Andrew Shimmin
Bum.
2008-04-09 14:07:21
259.   underdog
Well, good move in retrospect. Made Owings look silly.

Now come on, let's score some more runs off him!

2008-04-09 14:07:25
260.   Xeifrank
257. GameChannel/Yahoo is also stuck on the same at-bat. Fangraphs is keeping up.
vr, Xei
2008-04-09 14:08:11
261.   Xeifrank
Win expectancy now at 36%.
vr, Xei
2008-04-09 14:08:23
262.   natepurcell
You guys wanna know something cool? Kyle Blair is 8th in division 1 in K/9ip for starting pitchers with 12.86.

Awesome.

2008-04-09 14:08:24
263.   underdog
254-255: Exactly. It's tiresome.

And then the "And let's see Robby get his first RBI here, come on!" made me hit the mute button again.

2008-04-09 14:08:56
264.   Andrew Shimmin
255- The money only comes from the local broadcasts, though. And MLBAM won't bother to ask them to quit it, since they have youtube videos to squash, and performance crippling DRM systems to beta test on paying customers.
2008-04-09 14:09:00
265.   bhsportsguy
255 I think most markets are more favorable to the home teams, really the Dodgers (and really Vin Scully) is the exception to the rule.
2008-04-09 14:09:13
266.   Brent is a Dodger Fan
GameChannel says: - O. Hudson out at home, C. Jackson to third... while Reynolds was up, but doesn't show what happened to Reynolds.

What happened?

2008-04-09 14:09:24
267.   underdog
They walked the # hitter and then Hiro struck out Owings on three pitches, end of inning. 2-1 Az.

Conor Jackson is out of the game after being hit on the hand.

2008-04-09 14:10:29
268.   LogikReader
265

Yep. I can't even say that about the Lakers commentators any more. Where it makes the least sense is New York. How is the nation's largest city not more objective with their broadcasters?

2008-04-09 14:10:47
269.   bhsportsguy
264 Never bring up BAM when Andrew is around, its like saying you want to spend a day in San Francisco on The Griddle.
2008-04-09 14:11:21
270.   underdog
Finally! A ground ball down the line that is fair and not caught. Good way to start.

And the AZ announcers are still talking about Jackson getting hit three times this week and when a player thinks about saying "enough" and retaliating. Are you kidding me? {mute}

2008-04-09 14:11:41
271.   Erin
Watching the replay, Conor Jackson really does lean over the plate. His foot is basically right on top of what is left of the chalk outline of the batter's box. I think we're right to not feel bad that he keeps getting hit.
2008-04-09 14:11:46
272.   KAYVMON
Lets go Dre, flip around Xeifrank's graph right here. Im guessing that require a homerun.
2008-04-09 14:12:17
273.   bhsportsguy
270 I swear he got hit each time with 2 strikes, there's a pattern I believe.
2008-04-09 14:13:29
274.   underdog
Ethier ties it up with a sac fly. 2-2.
2008-04-09 14:13:55
275.   LogikReader
Today I went back to the game thread from the Day game where 'Dre hit a 3 run homer to win the game at Wrigley Field.

I remember how Xei's win expectancy increased to 3 trillion!

2008-04-09 14:14:02
276.   Gilberto Reyes
We are going to need Pierre to help us out with his big bat again today.
2008-04-09 14:14:03
277.   Xeifrank
Ethier's is a fairly large leverage at bat for this early in the game. vr, Xei
2008-04-09 14:14:18
278.   LogikReader
274

Time for a win expectancy update :)

2008-04-09 14:14:30
279.   underdog
271 Thank you for the backup, Erin! :-) That's what I'm sayin'. I do hope it's nothing serious, of course, but the talk of retaliation is ludicrous.
2008-04-09 14:15:27
280.   Xeifrank
Ok, we are up to a more respectable win expectancy of 43%. vr, Xei
2008-04-09 14:17:14
281.   PDH5204
247 No ER for Kuroda
2008-04-09 14:17:36
282.   Xeifrank
Chris Young for a 3rd strike-out?
vr, Xei
2008-04-09 14:18:10
283.   Erin
Thank you, PDH5204. That's what I thought, but I just wanted to make sure.
2008-04-09 14:18:38
284.   JoeyP
Did O-dog try to steal home?
Talk about running your way out of a big inning...
2008-04-09 14:19:35
285.   natepurcell
284

Ball got away from Martin, Hudson bolted.

Ball didn't get away far enough.

2008-04-09 14:19:36
286.   Xeifrank
284. wild-pitch near the plate. Didn't get there in time. vr, Xei
2008-04-09 14:19:43
287.   scareduck
284 - no, Hudson misjudged a wild pitch to be further out of Martin's control than it really was.
2008-04-09 14:20:20
288.   Xeifrank
Is Chris Burke going to get HBP this inning?
vr, Xei
2008-04-09 14:20:59
289.   Xeifrank
285-287. I think we covered that one. :)
vr, Xei
2008-04-09 14:23:14
290.   Andrew Shimmin
About forty percent of Jackson's PAs go to two strike counts. Five of Jackson's sixteen career HBPs were with two strikes. So, if it's a strategy, it's a new one.
2008-04-09 14:23:16
291.   kngoworld
Hopefully these will be those late innings where Kuroda turns it up a notch.
2008-04-09 14:23:21
292.   Gen3Blue
255 I understand. Things aren't going our way right now and sometimes it take many games for that to turn around. Homers can be intolerable at a time like this, and I thank the lord I seem to have a choice( I listening to Vin).
2008-04-09 14:24:48
293.   Bluebleeder87
274 thanks for the update underdog :o)
2008-04-09 14:26:45
294.   DodgerSinceBirth
265, I couldn't agree more. These commentators for the D-backs are a pair of idiots, sadly but truly I live in AZ and whenever the blue crew plays against AZ I have to listen to them. These D-back fans are not from that either.
2008-04-09 14:27:36
295.   Xeifrank
Do we hit for Kuroda if he comes up next inning. He bats 5th. vr, Xei
2008-04-09 14:28:25
296.   Xeifrank
Your Official Between Inning Win Expectancy Update (YOBIWEU). 50%
vr, Xei
2008-04-09 14:28:28
297.   Bluebleeder87
whoa! Gen3Blue is serious.
2008-04-09 14:29:26
298.   LogikReader
Good question. My feeling is it depends on if there's a rally or not, but we want to avoid "Dusty Baker Syndrome" which I saw last night in Milwaukee.

Guys on base: pinch hit for him

Nobody on base: let Kuroda hit

2008-04-09 14:29:40
299.   Xeifrank
296. Right where Vegas predicted.
vr, Xei
2008-04-09 14:29:53
300.   natepurcell
LONEYYYYYY......BOMB!
Show/Hide Comments 301-350
2008-04-09 14:30:08
301.   bhsportsguy
Steiner is going to kill me (not really) with these HR calls.
2008-04-09 14:30:12
302.   Xeifrank
298. He only bats this inning if two runners get on base... = rally.
vr, Xei
2008-04-09 14:30:19
303.   scareduck
Loney makes up for his lousy throw. 3-2 Dodgers.
2008-04-09 14:30:32
304.   KAYVMON
Lone-Eyed-Texas-Ranger!
2008-04-09 14:30:42
305.   Xeifrank
300. huh, what? HR? puff n stuff?
vr, Xei
2008-04-09 14:30:45
306.   JoeyP
Owings is getting pounded.
2008-04-09 14:30:45
307.   underdog
Loney says "hey look at me! I've still got some power"

"A majestic home run," says Darren Sutton in his first spot-on comment of the day. ;-)

2008-04-09 14:30:45
308.   LogikReader
298 300

Ok THAT ends that discussion!

2008-04-09 14:30:57
309.   madmac
Sweet Loney!
2008-04-09 14:31:06
310.   natepurcell
303

Okay...you are listening on the radio but the throw wasn't that bad. That should have been caught by Furcal.

2008-04-09 14:31:16
311.   underdog
Loney with the rally-killer.
2008-04-09 14:31:40
312.   bhsportsguy
303 I saw that bomb Hafner hit last night, how do you think Shields will do when he pitches?
2008-04-09 14:31:43
313.   JoeyP
Russ...wow.
2008-04-09 14:31:44
314.   natepurcell
Steiner is going to kill me (not really) with these HR calls.

To be fair, the ball barely cleared the fence.

2008-04-09 14:31:49
315.   DodgerSinceBirth
Ok, do we see what I mean, Mark Grace just hinted as to saying that Loney's homer was due to the wind. I cant stand them.
2008-04-09 14:32:04
316.   trainwreck
LONEY BOMB!!!!
2008-04-09 14:32:08
317.   fanerman
Ahhhhhhhh. The unnicknamed has left me confused. I'm ecstatic about his home run, but I can't channel my emotion into a a capitalized nickname of euphoria. Darn you unnicknamed one.
2008-04-09 14:32:21
318.   ToyCannon
Big shock but Cliff Floyd is headed for the DL. Old Friend Justin Ruggiano takes his spot.
2008-04-09 14:32:50
319.   trainwreck
Now I can say the season has officially started. I got to say my first Loney Bomb.
2008-04-09 14:32:56
320.   underdog
If Hiro bats this inning you have to let him stay in right? The bullpen needs as much rest as they can get.
2008-04-09 14:33:02
321.   LogikReader
307

But! Did Darron say that all sad and mopey?

I'm only on gameday, far as the level of majesty, I'll take your word for it.

2008-04-09 14:33:24
322.   KAYVMON
317 Just say all the nominees. The truth will come.
2008-04-09 14:33:37
323.   underdog
"Let's hope the bounceback by Micah Owings will send some momentum into that dugout." - Darren Sutton

{mute}

2008-04-09 14:33:51
324.   Erin
Grace is crazy. There's barely a wind, and it's blowing in from left. If it's affecting balls, Loney's should have gone foul.
2008-04-09 14:34:03
325.   JoeyP
He should try to get through 1 more inning then be pinch hit for in the 7th.

He's at 84 pitches.

2008-04-09 14:34:38
326.   bhsportsguy
318 I saw that, does not say a lot for JTD if that was the move they made.

But he's just a placeholder for Longoria anyway.

2008-04-09 14:35:11
327.   underdog
321 He wasn't mopey. He wasn't in the same gleeful tone he would be if a DBack had hit it of course, but was respectful. But I've muted him again. Every few minutes I forget and stupidly unmute it.
2008-04-09 14:35:21
328.   bhsportsguy
320 Didn't Beimel get the day off yesterday?
2008-04-09 14:35:39
329.   DodgerSinceBirth
But yes, great swing by Loney.
2008-04-09 14:35:40
330.   Erin
I love it when Vin finds something he loves about a guy. We'll hear about Kuroda's first pitch strikes all year, and I for one couldn't be happier about it.
2008-04-09 14:35:56
331.   fanerman
322 Ahhhh CRAZYBUGEYEDTHEBATMANWITHTHEGOLDENBAT!!!!!
2008-04-09 14:36:12
332.   underdog
So in 10 days Dan Johnson will be a Giant, I'm guessing.
2008-04-09 14:36:53
333.   DodgerSinceBirth
327, LOL!!
2008-04-09 14:37:19
334.   LogikReader
Not sure what the win expectancy is, but it's still anyone's game. The Dbacks (suddenly improved) lineup should factor into the last four innings.
2008-04-09 14:37:42
335.   underdog
328 True, we'll probably see him at some point before game's end today. And the Dodgers have an off day tomorrow, no? So that's more potential rest there...
2008-04-09 14:38:18
336.   Sushirabbit
Man, I'm still fighting with Gameday Audio and MLB.com's helpline. ...Charlie Brown >sigh<
2008-04-09 14:38:21
337.   PDH5204
Note to Juan, that's how it's done.
2008-04-09 14:38:33
338.   bhsportsguy
Why is he bunting for a hit, he made it but now you have a catcher that never plays and the pitcher's spot.
2008-04-09 14:39:23
339.   natepurcell
338

Just get on base baby!

2008-04-09 14:39:29
340.   scareduck
330 - the whole world loves a lover.
2008-04-09 14:41:21
341.   El Lay Dave
338 But what are the odds Ojeda (career Slg% .313) does better than that swinging away? He is Augie Ojeda not, say, Steve Garvey.
2008-04-09 14:41:51
342.   JoeyP
Hook him Joe.
2008-04-09 14:41:57
343.   underdog
Now I just hope Hiro gets out of this inning.
2008-04-09 14:42:32
344.   El Lay Dave
I hear Kuroda bears down with runners on. Does his facial expression look like a woman in childbirth?
2008-04-09 14:42:36
345.   dzzrtRatt
following the game from an airport by reading DT. pretty vivid.

I have a Loney nickname idea. I got it from Ray Charles: "Loney Avenue." Seems to capture his sweet swing.

on to boston...

2008-04-09 14:43:46
346.   Xeifrank
I might consider double switching AJones into the 9th spot and a new pitcher into Pierre's spot shortly. vr, Xei
2008-04-09 14:44:04
347.   madmac
did Steiner just say extrapalation is illegal in some states?
2008-04-09 14:44:22
348.   Erin
Who's going to Friday night's game?
2008-04-09 14:44:36
349.   cargill06
thank god for that HR, it helps shut up some of the youk is better than loney talk i have the listen to.
2008-04-09 14:44:46
350.   natepurcell
Where was that pitch! 95mph and on the black!
Show/Hide Comments 351-400
2008-04-09 14:44:47
351.   Xeifrank
Win expectancy at 53% after the Hammock single. vr, Xei
2008-04-09 14:44:52
352.   cargill06
347 yes he did.
2008-04-09 14:44:53
353.   DodgerSinceBirth
Way to bury yourself in the pitch count Owings........now get out of it Kuroda!!
2008-04-09 14:45:13
354.   underdog
Where was THAT pitch, ump? Sheez louise. Right down the middle. Owings should be sitting down.
2008-04-09 14:45:14
355.   cargill06
351 what about now?
2008-04-09 14:45:29
356.   Erin
That was strike three, no question.
2008-04-09 14:45:44
357.   JoeyP
Now Joe.
Hook him now, or one batter ago.
2008-04-09 14:46:19
358.   Xeifrank
355. What happened?
vr, Xei
2008-04-09 14:46:57
359.   Xeifrank
Do my double switch Joe!
vr, Xei
2008-04-09 14:47:03
360.   DodgerSinceBirth
Yup, that sure was a stike
2008-04-09 14:47:19
361.   Xeifrank
Win expectancy 44% after the BB to Micah.
vr, Xei
2008-04-09 14:47:31
362.   cargill06
358 he walked owings to load them up
2008-04-09 14:47:35
363.   DodgerSinceBirth
Please saves us JOE!!!!
2008-04-09 14:47:56
364.   Xeifrank
Leverage index is 4.2 which is very high. You could say this is a HUGE at-bat.
vr, Xei
2008-04-09 14:48:35
365.   D4P
This is a HUGE at-bat.
2008-04-09 14:48:44
366.   cargill06
atta boy h-rock
2008-04-09 14:48:45
367.   DodgerSinceBirth
nice pop-up, CY!!!!
2008-04-09 14:48:47
368.   kinbote
Bear down!
2008-04-09 14:49:02
369.   Xeifrank
Please give updates as some of us are on a 20 second time delay (online). vr, Xei
2008-04-09 14:49:22
370.   underdog
Sutton sounded like he had his heart broken by a girl he loved after that popped up out by Young.

(Yes, I am braving it unmuted again.)

2008-04-09 14:49:34
371.   Xeifrank
One more to go H-Rock!
vr, Xei
2008-04-09 14:50:08
372.   El Lay Dave
365 You could say that.
2008-04-09 14:50:15
373.   DodgerSinceBirth
OK JOE, maybe now?
2008-04-09 14:50:23
374.   Neal Pollack
Maybe one batter too many, no?
2008-04-09 14:50:24
375.   madmac
crap
2008-04-09 14:50:31
376.   D4P
There goes the Quality Start.
2008-04-09 14:50:37
377.   underdog
Xei: Bases loaded, two outs after Young popped up, and now stupid Eric Byrnes just singled in two runs. DBacks now lead 4-3.

Feh, I hate the DBacks and their damned homerish announcers.

2008-04-09 14:50:41
378.   cargill06
well pierre to the bench
4-3 d backs.
2008-04-09 14:50:57
379.   JoeyP
That was Jim Tracy-esque.

Someone fire up the firejoetorre blog spot.

2008-04-09 14:51:02
380.   Xeifrank
Too late! Double switch now????????????
vr, Xei
2008-04-09 14:51:35
381.   mannyman
Double switch comes 1AB to late
2008-04-09 14:51:46
382.   underdog
Darnit.

I would've left him in there, too, though. He's been tough, he just went over 100 but it's only the 6th inning, the bullpen was depleted after the first two games. But I really thought he'd come through. Darn.

2008-04-09 14:51:56
383.   Xeifrank
WE: 27% :(
vr, Xei
2008-04-09 14:52:08
384.   DodgerSinceBirth
370, did you hear after the base hit by the Clown in the D-back uniform? He sounded like they reconciled.
2008-04-09 14:52:15
385.   bhsportsguy
381 Yep it always easy to make that call now.
2008-04-09 14:52:15
386.   underdog
379 Spare me.
2008-04-09 14:52:29
387.   Xeifrank
Are they bringing in the CHP?
vr, Xei
2008-04-09 14:52:35
388.   Disabled List
I have the game on mute. I can only imagine what kind of pseudo-orgasm Sutton and Grace had on Byrnes' single.
2008-04-09 14:52:43
389.   mannyman
We also could've had a better arm in LF in case of a hit.
2008-04-09 14:52:47
390.   bigcpa
383 Did you check the box for Brandon Lyon in your 9th inning?
2008-04-09 14:52:56
391.   underdog
384 Hah hah. Indeed.
2008-04-09 14:52:58
392.   LogikReader
I know what happened; Joe was scared of having to decide whether to bat for a reliever in the Top of the 7th, given that the pitchers spot was due in that part of the inning.

Common sense says that Kuroda was tired and should have been taken out BEFORE the Owings at bat (which by the way makes no sense either).

Common sense loses again!

2008-04-09 14:53:18
393.   JoeyP
Interesting choice in Chan Ho.

Chan Ho in a close game.
Andrew will probably have something to say about this.

2008-04-09 14:53:50
394.   underdog
I hope no one's giving up on this game btw.
2008-04-09 14:53:58
395.   Ken Noe
382 I would've left him in too, FWIW.
2008-04-09 14:54:00
396.   bhsportsguy
387 The problem with having close games is burning through your relievers, compound that by Chad and Loiaza not getting into 6th inning and there you have a situation where you were trying to get through the 6th.
2008-04-09 14:54:36
397.   guy clinch
I'm following this one on gameday. Did Pierre's noodle-arm cost the Dodgers that second run?
2008-04-09 14:54:45
398.   DodgerSinceBirth
377, underdog, are we related, we think very much alike.
2008-04-09 14:54:46
399.   bhsportsguy
393 Who else would you bring in?
2008-04-09 14:54:50
400.   LogikReader
394

The way its going, it's far from over (especially since Owings is going for one more inning). 392 just pointed out the fault in trying to think too far ahead, as many NL managers do.

Show/Hide Comments 401-450
2008-04-09 14:55:04
401.   Xeifrank
390. I am using Fangraphs. A better indicator would be to use my simulator, as it has the actual players, but it takes too long to get an accurate sample size of games.
vr, Xei
2008-04-09 14:55:38
402.   Andrew Shimmin
397- I don't think it was that close. But with Ethier in left, maybe the runner doesn't go. . .
2008-04-09 14:55:51
403.   bhsportsguy
I think Kuroda will learn that when he is ahead, he can miss on some pitches and change speeds to get outs.
2008-04-09 14:55:53
404.   Xeifrank
CHP in to pitch. Panch and Johnny would be proud.
vr, Xei
2008-04-09 14:55:57
405.   cargill06
phew good job chp
2008-04-09 14:55:59
406.   Ken Noe
397 Weak and wide.
2008-04-09 14:56:16
407.   underdog
This squeezing ump hasn't helped matters much today, either. Let's not forget that by all intents and purposes Owings should have been struck out on that one call.

397 Probably, though it's debateable whether that runner would've been out no matter who was out there. But it's clear he never had a shot at the 2nd runner.

2008-04-09 14:56:19
408.   JoeyP
Chan Ho comes through!
2008-04-09 14:57:08
409.   underdog
Btw, this wouldn't be a bad time for Andruw Jones to stop, you know, stinking at the platye.
2008-04-09 14:57:14
410.   El Lay Dave
399 EDSP had yesterday off, so .....

The situation in 392 is what the double-switch is for. That way the reliever can hopefully get one quick out AND pitch the next inning.

2008-04-09 14:57:45
411.   D4P
Nice approach, Burke. Hack away.
2008-04-09 14:57:48
412.   PDH5204
302 In Japan, SPs routinely throw 200 pitches in their between start sessions. You might consider:

"[from Japan Baseball Daily's Central League Report for February 11, 2007] Veterans Kimiyasu Kudoh and Daisuke Miura each threw 223 pitches during their bullpens Sunday. Perhaps trying to make a point, Kudoh has been racking up high pitch counts despite being 43."

2008-04-09 14:57:51
413.   Jim Hitchcock
I'm getting dizzy watching the lead change on Gameday...
2008-04-09 14:58:00
414.   JoeyP
399--Probably Proctor.
2008-04-09 14:58:09
415.   DodgerSinceBirth
388, LOL!!!
2008-04-09 14:58:30
416.   cargill06
7th inning
jones 0-1 k
furcal 1-1
kemp 1-1
Ethier 0-1
kent 0-1
2008-04-09 14:58:31
417.   Ken Noe
If Chan Ho keeps it up, I may have to get my action figure out of the box it's been in since he went to Texas.
2008-04-09 14:58:51
418.   dodgriz
here is a stat question for you

GF (game finished) does only the winning team's last pitcher (that doesn't get a Save / Win) get credit for this or does the losing team last pitcher get one too?

2008-04-09 14:59:29
419.   bhsportsguy
414 I think Proctor has pitched in 4-5 games already.
2008-04-09 14:59:35
420.   PDH5204
Sorry, 412 should reference 392
2008-04-09 14:59:39
421.   El Lay Dave
400 Good point on 1-run defecit, Owings still out there, plus the D-Back bullpen can be hit.
2008-04-09 15:00:01
422.   LogikReader
It'd be ridiculous if 'Druw hits a homer right now.
2008-04-09 15:00:14
423.   cargill06
416 moron

hit!!!!!!!! andruw's ops is rising like microsoft in the 80s

2008-04-09 15:00:20
424.   bhsportsguy
Does Raffy bunt or hit and run?
2008-04-09 15:00:34
425.   underdog
Aw, poor Sutton's heart was broken again as Jones beats that out safely.
2008-04-09 15:00:39
426.   DodgerSinceBirth
Did Andruw Jones get on base, wow it's nice to see someone earn their money.
2008-04-09 15:00:53
427.   JoeyP
Druw will take them anyway he can get them!
2008-04-09 15:01:06
428.   GobiasIndustries
I think the home plate umpiring has been questionable at best all series long. Way to many K's from Dodgers caught looking. It's like Glavine/Maddux strike zone circa 1996. Ridiculous.
2008-04-09 15:01:41
429.   natepurcell
I'm curious why there is not an infield shift on Jones. He pulls everything.
2008-04-09 15:01:42
430.   JoeyP
424--Neither, just hit or walk.
2008-04-09 15:02:17
431.   LogikReader
422

'Druw "singles on a ground ball to Ojeda." Infield Hit? Huh?

2008-04-09 15:02:26
432.   DodgerSinceBirth
424, that should have answered your question.
2008-04-09 15:03:15
433.   JoeyP
Owings is getting that in that danger zone too--90 pitches and going against Kemp.

If Kemp gets on, they should pull him too.

2008-04-09 15:03:53
434.   bigcpa
Kemp can be a .308 hitter with a hit here.
2008-04-09 15:04:32
435.   Indiana Jon
429 Have to leave someone to cover 1st. Never seen an infield shift for a RH batter.
2008-04-09 15:06:39
436.   JoeyP
Gonna need a score off of Tony Pena or Brandon Lyon.
2008-04-09 15:06:44
437.   El Lay Dave
435 I have. SS way in the hole, 2B up the middle, 1B off the bag as far as possible, huge hole on the right side.

Hasn't this been done recently on Manny Ramirez?

2008-04-09 15:07:25
438.   fanerman
That was a Golden opportunity.
2008-04-09 15:08:01
439.   underdog
Sigh. Darren Sutton thinks Hudson's grab of that pop up was one of the most amazing catches you'll ever see. Or at least that's the sense you'd get from listening to him.

Confarnit, I can't believe we'd lose this game to Owings after ripping his pitches all over the first half of the game. Sigh.

2008-04-09 15:08:51
440.   Xeifrank
WE: 21%
vr, Xei
2008-04-09 15:09:52
441.   Xeifrank
439. Never fear, Brad Lyons is near.
vr, Xei
2008-04-09 15:10:08
442.   Xeifrank
441. Or whatever his first name is. :)
vr, Xei
2008-04-09 15:10:25
443.   underdog
440 That's also the percentage of baseball listeners who think Darren Sutton is a good announcer.
2008-04-09 15:10:50
444.   Indiana Jon
437 So then he could just drag bunt for a single every time?
2008-04-09 15:10:56
445.   DodgerSinceBirth
"very athletic play"(by Chan Ho)-Mark Grace dont I tell you, these guys are bafoons.
2008-04-09 15:11:07
446.   natepurcell
Augie Ojeda with 3 hits in a day should signal the oncoming apocalypse.
2008-04-09 15:11:30
447.   Xeifrank
443. That high? vr, Xei
2008-04-09 15:11:47
448.   El Lay Dave
436 Pena has pitched three of the last four days, including the last two games. I wonder if he will be used.
2008-04-09 15:12:27
449.   fanerman
446 Or the Grabowski Principle?
2008-04-09 15:12:34
450.   Xeifrank
I know Owings is a decent hitter, but does he hit for himself and still pitch/get taken out?
vr, Xei
Show/Hide Comments 451-500
2008-04-09 15:12:35
451.   GobiasIndustries
446
Ha!
2008-04-09 15:12:44
452.   DodgerSinceBirth
440, Excluding my wife and I, and many other people I know it should bring it down to about 16%
2008-04-09 15:13:57
453.   El Lay Dave
419 EDSP pitched in games 1,3,6, and 7. This is game 9, as you know.
2008-04-09 15:14:03
454.   Ken Noe
I'm convinced that Sutton and Grace are actually two actors in an SNL parody of sports announcers.
2008-04-09 15:14:24
455.   Andrew Shimmin
Josh Byrnes has to find some way to get Russ Martin. It's the only thing keeping my switch from being perfect. Chad Tracy might be available before LaRoche comes back. . .
2008-04-09 15:14:33
456.   Gen3Blue
439 The breaks are going the other way right now, and I'm trying not to get upset.
I truly think we will have a smoking offense later in the year, so I just have to hope the Front Office doesn't do anything stupid meanwhile.
2008-04-09 15:15:10
457.   KAYVMON
The AZ catcher who is up the plate, just looked at Russ after that play, and was like "Damn," you're crazy quick.

And then he almost got beaned in the head.

2008-04-09 15:15:56
458.   El Lay Dave
444 ? The 1B is off the bag, but still covering. Does ManRam even know how to bunt? And he is pretty slow.
2008-04-09 15:16:14
459.   kinbote
440 I really enjoy your WE updates. At what percentage should I start to get truly worried? ;)
2008-04-09 15:16:26
460.   DodgerSinceBirth
454, Ha! Ha! I concur.
2008-04-09 15:16:34
461.   Bluebleeder87
Well the D-Backs don't have a great bullpen so I'm still crossing my fingers.
2008-04-09 15:16:56
462.   JoeyP
Good job by Chan Ho.
2008-04-09 15:17:16
463.   Xeifrank
459. Not sure. I would say anything under 20%. vr, Xei
2008-04-09 15:17:32
464.   cargill06
459 we should make a game of it, after each batter every one guesses a %.
2008-04-09 15:18:02
465.   Indiana Jon
458 I meant Jones.

If you drag it by the pitcher then the 1B has to field it or it rolls to the outfield. All you have to do is beat the pitcher to 1st.

2008-04-09 15:18:09
466.   Bluebleeder87
Let's get some runs boys!
2008-04-09 15:18:33
467.   Xeifrank
454. Which SNL actors from the past would best play the parts? vr, Xei
2008-04-09 15:19:36
468.   Xeifrank
WE: 26% headed into the 8th inning (per Fangraphs dot com)
vr, Xei
2008-04-09 15:20:38
469.   fanerman
468 Fangraphs.com is quite nifty.
2008-04-09 15:20:50
470.   Xeifrank
Even if we don't score this inning, we need to keep it a run one game as Lyon is likely to pitch the 9th inning and he is very good at blowing saves. vr, Xei
2008-04-09 15:21:16
471.   Xeifrank
469. Oh yeah! It's my favorite site after this one. :) vr, Xei
2008-04-09 15:21:22
472.   LogikReader
Incidentally, the worst thing the Dodgers could get is a game that goes into extra innings. Imagine how taxing that would be for the bullpen.
2008-04-09 15:21:50
473.   cargill06
21%?
2008-04-09 15:22:12
474.   Bluebleeder87
Another tater from Loney would be nice
2008-04-09 15:23:23
475.   DodgerSinceBirth
What are we at now? 22%?
2008-04-09 15:23:29
476.   Jon Weisman
467 - Don't think I didn't see you ask a TV question there :)
2008-04-09 15:24:26
477.   Xeifrank
476. Drats! How did that slip through the cracks. vr, Xei
2008-04-09 15:24:56
478.   Xeifrank
475. 20% after Kent's K. vr, Xei
2008-04-09 15:25:02
479.   scareduck
This is where Martin hits a two-run jack to turn things around.
2008-04-09 15:25:23
480.   Bluebleeder87
a buck with 7 cents is Russell Martins early BA.
2008-04-09 15:25:25
481.   fanerman
BugEyes are GoodEyes.
2008-04-09 15:25:34
482.   Xeifrank
478. 26% after the BB to Loney. vr, Xei
2008-04-09 15:26:13
483.   Xeifrank
Let this be the at-bat that end Martin's early season woes. vr, Xei
2008-04-09 15:27:05
484.   natepurcell
Russ is so bad right now.
2008-04-09 15:27:30
485.   cargill06
15%?
2008-04-09 15:27:32
486.   ucladodger
Russ just cant seem to square one up. Even his hits havent been hit that hard.
2008-04-09 15:27:32
487.   Xeifrank
Keep us updated if something exciting happens. On delay. vr, Xei
2008-04-09 15:27:36
488.   DodgerSinceBirth
Youre friggin' kidding me!!!!
2008-04-09 15:27:39
489.   cargill06
11%?
2008-04-09 15:28:25
490.   Xeifrank
WE: 14%.
Drats, the TV comments jinxed us again and I fell for the trap. Never again! vr, Xei
2008-04-09 15:28:49
491.   okdodge
Looks like Russ could've used another day off
2008-04-09 15:28:55
492.   fanerman
It's at 14% after the GIDP.
2008-04-09 15:29:39
493.   Andrew Shimmin
Is it really fun, guessing something that you could just look up? I don't get it.
2008-04-09 15:29:45
494.   El Lay Dave
Oooof.
2008-04-09 15:30:56
495.   DodgerSinceBirth
just hear them going on about Broxton, what a pair of @$#!$% idiots.
2008-04-09 15:31:31
496.   Xeifrank
493. My guess is that it is not.
vr, Xei
2008-04-09 15:31:55
497.   El Lay Dave
I guess Chan Ho is the new Rudy, not a long man. Or is trying to sneak him through another inning just too dangerous. Still, even only one run behind, I'm not too fond of using Broxton, who already pitched yesterday, here.
2008-04-09 15:33:40
498.   Xeifrank
497. Do we have an off day tomorrow?
vr, Xei
2008-04-09 15:34:39
499.   DodgerSinceBirth
It's OK CY, you dont have to make anything happen, you've the big contract lined up.
2008-04-09 15:34:57
500.   gibsonhobbs88
470 -I don't think it matters. Even if some Dodgers squared a ball up, the D-Backs are living a charmed life right now. Hard hit balls by the opposition are finding their gloves, weak nubbers are hits by them, pitchers down the middle are called balls by the umpire with the AZ pitcher at the plate. I swear if a ball was headed for a homerun in the 9th, an invisible force field would knock it down right into Chris Young's or Eric Byrne's mitt at the wall for the final out with 2 men aboard. Just ask Andre Ethier, he'd swear there wwas one at Chase Field the last two days.
Show/Hide Comments 501-550
2008-04-09 15:35:14
501.   cargill06
498 here... look it up

http://losangeles.dodgers.mlb.com/schedule/index.jsp?c_id=la

2008-04-09 15:35:35
502.   FirstMohican
495 - What were they saying about Broxton?
2008-04-09 15:36:03
503.   DodgerSinceBirth
Hey Eric Byrnes, clowns cant run!!!!
2008-04-09 15:36:12
504.   Xeifrank
Off day tomorrow. No problem with Broxton facing 4 or 5 batters. vr, Xei
2008-04-09 15:37:20
505.   oshea2002
We could use one of those 9th inning Jose Valentin innings here.
2008-04-09 15:37:38
506.   Xeifrank
WE: 17% heading into the 9th. Fangraphs does not take into consideration that Lyon may be pitching and which batters are coming up. vr, Xei
2008-04-09 15:38:10
507.   Andrew Shimmin
When regfairfield gets done stabbing Colletti, I'm going to need to borrow the fork. Why are you nutcases running on Russ Martin? Is there a gas leak in the dugout? What's the matter with you?
2008-04-09 15:38:21
508.   DodgerSinceBirth
498, yeah were off tommorrow, unlike 501 I can give the common courtesy.
2008-04-09 15:38:36
509.   El Lay Dave
504 In the short run. In the long run, every inning not pitched now saves the arm for later in the season.
2008-04-09 15:39:17
510.   natepurcell
507

What is the dbacks equivalent of Dodger Thoughts?

2008-04-09 15:39:20
511.   Xeifrank
508. Thanks. It must've been pay back for something earlier? :) vr, Xei
2008-04-09 15:39:28
512.   El Lay Dave
Plus, if the Dodgers tie in the 9th, I want Broxton for the bottom of the inning, saving Saito for a possible save in the 10th.
2008-04-09 15:39:49
513.   DodgerSinceBirth
That was your pitch DeWitt!!
2008-04-09 15:39:58
514.   underdog
I think Martin had to start today as opposed to yesterday because Kuroda basically insists he catches him. Remember that whole thing about how he was worried about American catchers and then talked to Saito about Martin, and became fond of the way he plays behind the play rather quickly. So I think Martin had to start today to catch Kuroda. Much to Chad's chagrin. He definitely will be pleased to have the day off tomorrow though.
2008-04-09 15:40:10
515.   Xeifrank
510. AzSnakePit
They are fairly level headed, unlike PurpleRow and GasLamp. vr, Xei
2008-04-09 15:40:26
516.   Ken Noe
502 "world's biggest human being"
2008-04-09 15:40:59
517.   DodgerSinceBirth
Once againg the Clown!!!
2008-04-09 15:41:12
518.   El Lay Dave
511 For Shimmin's crack about guessing things that can be looked up. In that context, I thought 501 was pretty funny.
2008-04-09 15:41:12
519.   overkill94
Argh, I thought DeWitt got enough of that one
2008-04-09 15:41:28
520.   JoeyP
Still a good AB by DeWitt.
2008-04-09 15:41:47
521.   Xeifrank
What happened?
vr, Xei
2008-04-09 15:41:57
522.   underdog
I can't imagine a Yankees fan switching to become a Tampa Bay Rays fan. Or any other team in the AL East. So I just assume Andrew's of course joking about his DBacks fanship.

Oh MAN, DeWitt almost hit that one out, right at the warning track lip. Darnit. I've said "Darnit" a lot today.

2008-04-09 15:42:19
523.   overkill94
521 Fly ball to the track in LF
2008-04-09 15:42:31
524.   Jon Weisman
Jones for the tie.
2008-04-09 15:42:42
525.   overkill94
Now would be a nice time for Druw to start winning over some of us LA folk
2008-04-09 15:42:52
526.   Xeifrank
One out, WE: 9%... time to worry.
vr, Xei
2008-04-09 15:42:58
527.   underdog
{mute} I don't want to hear another Sutton-gasm.
2008-04-09 15:43:03
528.   DodgerSinceBirth
Lets go Jones, seal the deal "the worst HR move ever!!!"
2008-04-09 15:43:12
529.   Andrew Shimmin
515- They're level headed, but kinda boring. They don't have a Bob. Or a Marty. On the other hand, they also don't have a D4P, so. . .

I'm still feeling it out, not sure what I'm going to do.

2008-04-09 15:43:25
530.   Xeifrank
Two outs, WE: 4%... what, me worry?
vr, Xei
2008-04-09 15:43:37
531.   oshea2002
what was he doing taking strike 2?
2008-04-09 15:44:11
532.   Xeifrank
529. Their blog owner is from England, so they do a lot of teeth and cricket chat.
vr, Xei
2008-04-09 15:44:32
533.   cargill06
gosh andruw maybe a problem this year.
2008-04-09 15:44:43
534.   DodgerSinceBirth
And we have a Sutton-Gasm!!! friggin' idiots!!
2008-04-09 15:44:44
535.   natepurcell
Does Andruw get curveballs during batting practice?
2008-04-09 15:44:51
536.   JoeyP
Druw---not good.
2008-04-09 15:44:51
537.   scareduck
479 - or not.
2008-04-09 15:45:03
538.   Xeifrank
wow, Lyon got us. No lo creo.
vr, Xei
2008-04-09 15:45:50
539.   underdog
Ouch.

529 I stand by my 522 . Hope you won't defect, but if you do, there's no turning back, just remember! {Said in motherly voice}

Ah well, at least I won't have to hear Darren Sutton again for awhile.

Bye all. Gonna both do some work and take a break from thinking about the Dodgers for awhile.

2008-04-09 15:46:02
540.   El Lay Dave
537 There was a 2 involved though.
2008-04-09 15:46:52
541.   GobiasIndustries
Andruw Jones is beyond terrible.
2008-04-09 15:47:00
542.   DodgerSinceBirth
Why are they praising BLyons like he's some kinda knockoff Saito?
2008-04-09 15:47:05
543.   Xeifrank
Stars:
1. Byrnes
2. Lyon
3. Loney

Goats:
1. Kuroda
2. Martin
3. Kent

vr, Xei

2008-04-09 15:47:05
544.   DodgerSinceBirth
Why are they praising BLyons like he's some kinda knockoff Saito?
2008-04-09 15:47:24
545.   oshea2002
Swept by what is at the moment clearly a superior team.
2008-04-09 15:48:26
546.   guy clinch
I know it's early but the Dbacks have scored 54 runs and allowed 27. Not bad.
2008-04-09 15:48:37
547.   scooplew
The Dodgers have come to the plate in 80 innings over their first nine games (4-5). The breakdown:

0 runs -- 60 innings
1 run -- 14 innings
2 runs -- 4 innings
3 runs -- 1 inning
6 runs -- 1 inning.

Only six innings with 2 or more runs, and only two innings with three or more, and one of those was the three-run first inning on Opening Day.

2008-04-09 15:48:43
548.   Xeifrank
This never would've happened had Bob been here. vr, Xei
2008-04-09 15:49:40
549.   Jon Weisman
NPUT
2008-04-09 15:49:53
550.   El Lay Dave
Boy, I can't wait for Tony Jackson's DN article.
Show/Hide Comments 551-600
2008-04-09 15:50:46
551.   GobiasIndustries
What is a fair amount of time to gauge Andruw Jones' feeble attempts at hitting before enough is enough and people stop saying, "he'll come around, it's early."
Watching him right now is worse than watching Shawn Green the year he went downhill. What has happened to him, seriously? Is there any plausible explanation?
2008-04-09 15:50:55
552.   gibsonhobbs88
Thanks to 2 unearned runs in the 4th and the umpire squeezing Kuroda like a sponge in the 6th with Owings at the plate, the Charmed Snakes sweep the series. Let's get out of the D#$@ desert and get home!!! Somebody explain to me how a pitcher that is around the strike zone the whole game, getting first pitch strikes, ect.. all of a sudden doesn't get the benefit of call to an opposing pitcher with the count 2 and 2 and 3 and 2 and gets squeezed. Hmmm!! I guess Small market Bud is hard at work again helping the smaller market teams!!
2008-04-09 15:51:39
553.   JT Dutch
551

... He became a Dodger?

2008-04-09 15:53:18
554.   madmac
well that blows
2008-04-09 15:53:26
555.   whodat807
Watching 'druw whiff on that curveball gave me a chilling flashback to Beltre (pre-contract year) and Mondesi's inability to hit a breaking ball away.

At least Chan Ho and Broxton pitched well. How long before our hitters finally realize the season's started?

2008-04-09 15:53:57
556.   DodgerSinceBirth
552, i agree.
2008-04-09 16:03:38
557.   Andrew Shimmin
539- I'm still trying to take you lot with me. That's my strategy. Get Jon on board, hornswaggle the rest of you (except D4P), Tracy for Martin, and then have Vin decide to retire to the booth in Phoenix.

WE of this little fantasy: .02%

2008-04-09 16:41:30
558.   Bluebleeder87
It's still very early but I already have an almost Padre'esk hatred for the Snakes in the early goings...

Comment status: comments have been closed. Baseball Toaster is now out of business.