Torre thinks outside the box.

My name is Eric and I approve of this starting third baseman. (As long as it doesn't become a habit.)

I'm guessing Martin is the only catcher to play in 29 games this year.

Answering Dodger Jack's question from the last thread.

245 "BTW, how did Traxler pass?"

The cause of death was not disclosed, but it was reported that he had "a short illness" and had been in a coma for two weeks prior. He had lifelong struggles with alcoholism.

Traxler was one of my all-time favorite Dodgers.

This move does not make sense.
You either sit Martin and start Bennett, or you play both Martin and DeWitt.

Essentially Torre decided that he'd rather have Bennett today, over DeWitt.

Didn't Jim Tracy take some criticism for starting Lo Duca at 1B on his "days off"...? Seems like this is a good way to wear down your catcher.

It's fine to use Martin at 3B in an emergency, but DeWitt at 3B is fine. If you're worried about losing Martin's offense, then start Ethier in LF instead of Pierre.

was today Ethier's scheduled day off?

secondly, what NoHoDodger said

i actually like the move. it's almost the same as giving Martin a day off, because 3rd base is not as demanding as catcher.
now if Torre were to give Bennett another start this weekend....

Will Martin's streak of catching 30 consecutive Dodger games come to an end tonight? He caught the team's last two games of 2007 and the first 28 of 2008 -- I wonder if that's a franchise record.

5
Think of it the other way. Bennett is bound to start somewhere between 20-35 games this season. Tonight just happens to be one of them.

Martin gets to "rest" from the rigors of catching, and his bat stays in the lineup.

5 it's cold, Torre wants Martin in the lineup, Martin needs a rest from catching, Martin > DeWitt, Martin has experience at 3rd. What doesn't make sense?

How many days has DeWitt had off while on the big club and in Vegas? I can understand the need to give him a day off, but wouldn't it make more sense to move Furcal (and his cannon of an arm) over to third and have Hu start at short?

Or is Martin going to make a run at Ripkin's record? Because that would be kind of cool, and kinda scary.

I think this is just a way of giving a guy a necessary day off from catching but still keep his bat in the lineup at a time when he's OPSing about 1.500. To pose it as a choice between DeWitt and Bennett is not correct, IMO.

Also, you give DeWitt a bit of a break from playing every inning of every game at 3B.

I assume that Bennett was going to catch today and Torre asked Martin and the Golden God said yes. So its Martin over the Solution, not Bennett over DeWitt. Which further suggests that the Solution is seen as a temporary one.

In 22 plate appearances against Francis, Pierre has an OPS of .931 (9 hits, a double, and a walk). Torre said yesterday that Jones will play all weekend.

What does it say about Martin that he can pick up a position he last played regularly half a decade ago, when defensive whiz Chin-Lung Hu can't?

What does it say about management that they think Gary Bennett is an acceptable backup catcher, but that Hu is an unacceptable backup 3B?

6 - No, at the time I think people generally liked that move. I know I did. Although if memory serves, it was more often in left field - and really not that often.

It was the Jason Phillips at first base stuff that was the stuff to get upset about.

I guess it's just sad when your backup catcher is so bad that you can't play him without keeping your starting catcher in the lineup somewhere.

Bennett is really not even worthy of a major league contract, and Martin's health and longevity aren't being helped by having such a terrible backup.

So does this answer the "Will Laroche start when he gets back" question?

0 "What does it say about Martin that he can pick up a position he last played regularly half a decade ago, when defensive whiz Chin-Lung Hu can't? Anything? Nothing?"

I'd say "nothing" because I don't accept the premise. I've seen no evidence and heard from no credible source that Hu can't learn to play third. They obviously don't trust Hu to play third, but that's different from him not being able to.

Which is not to say I have a problem with this, necessarily. Watching Martin at 3B is going to be fun.

12 I don't think because athletically the guy can play a position like 3B, means you want to play him there.

As a person who has Martin on their fantasy league roster, I wholeheartedly approve.

As a person who has never seen his team in the World Series and have seen more than his fair share of injuries to stupid moves, I apprehensively disapprove.

In other words, I'm on the fence.

I dont think it really says anything right now. Martin didnt even get a ball hit his way the last time he played 3b.

But I like that he's getting the start at 3b. It sure beats signing Juan Castro to play 3b.

19 - I'm no fan of Bennett or his signing, but the Dodgers are rather unique in having such a good-hitting catcher - yet not unique in having a weak-hitting backup. I'm not sure that having a different backup catcher would change today's scenario.

20 - I don't think so. It is possible that Torre decided to give DeWitt the day off and Martin is the only "acceptable" back up at third.

I personally would rather have the Solution playing third and Martin either having the day off or behind the plate, but I don't get to fill out the line up card.

23- How is that true for Furry and Hu, but not Martin?

Moreover, I just think we need to see if Martin can actually play the position. If no one ever hits the ball to him, its great.

But I suspect Taveras will be bunting his direction all nite. If he flubs those plays, I think Torre ends the experiment.

21 - Well, that's what I meant. I mean, I agree with you.

It may be moot tonight if the weather is as dicey as it appears on the weather forecasts on the internet. Night time temperatures in Denver under 30 degees with 20-30 mph winds and possible snow flurries. Saturday night and Sunday's day game forecast is more promising. 38 degrees expected high Saturday night and day game Sunday with temperatures in the high 60's and mostly sunny expected. Tonight is the least promising of the three games to get in.

I think what this lineup says is that Torre realizes if he is going to play both Jones and Pierre, he can't afford to take Russ's bat out of the lineup. What Torre should realize is that if he is going to give Either or Kemp a day off, make it on a day where Kent and Martin are both playing (preferably in their normal positions).

24
I was thinking of the fantasy aspect the other day too, but why wouldn't you use Martin at catcher for fantasy purposes? Isn't it easier to pick up a 3B that can hit better than a 2nd or 3rd catcher, depending on your league roster rules?

23 - for a spot start, I don't see a problem with it. Teams do that all the time to get guys rest.

For what it's worth, the HOT CORNER is probably the most stressful position in the infield. (reaction time, bunting situations, long throw, etc.)

I just don't see how 3B is giving Martin his "break." Martin's recent 3B experience in live games is diminimus.

If he needs a break, give him the day off.

I hope his defense does not come back to bite us in the *.

Martin at 3b doesnt have many positive aspects. Not many people would play Martin at 3b instead of C anyway.

Now, Pujols playing 2b (which he did earlier, but I dont think fantasy leagues recognized it) is pretty cool.

29 - I don't think that we need to see this, but I do think that we need to see if Hu can play there.

Reverting to the sportswriter theme--

Most DTers are on or near the West Coast and probably never have seen this particular column by a former sports editor of the Memphis Commercial Appeal.
The paper reprinted it each Christmas for years, and may still.

It's not even about sports. But it's one fine piece of writing. And it strongly refutes an often-held opinion that sportswriters can't write well about other things.

IIRC, this version cuts off a bit of the end and may have left others bits out. But it's the best Google could deliver. It's well worth the time of anyone who has any interest in history and/or appreciates good writing, as most folks here do.

http://tinyurl.com/4jjvrc

28 If Hu can play it, fine. I think this points more towards the idea that at some point this year, the Dodgers will need to find a player they feel comfortable as a backup at 3B. Whether its Abreu or not remains to be seen.

If they keep 12 pitchers, they can't keep two of these three guys, Nomar, LaRoche and Dewitt on the roster at the same time, it is just too limiting to have 2 players that can only play 3B. If it was Nomar and one of the other two and they DFA Sweeney, okay, I could see that though (Nomar would be the backup at both 1B/3B). Or they could get rid of an outfielder.

Maybe Torre wants to see how good or bad Russell actually is at 3B. I know I do. But, I'd rather he get a real day off. Andy how's that thumb feeling?

If Bob really wanted to impress us, he would let us know the last time a third baseman started his career by playing seven innings without a single defensive chance.

41
Is Bob staying away today because of his recent grumpiness...?

39- I think Sweeney's the odd man out, there. With Nomar and Delwyn Young, there's no real point to him. But I hope they don't go with twelve pitchers the whole year--that would be tedious.

I tend to agree with Eric Stephen in that I fail to see how this would have a Fantasy Baseball benefit.

32 -- While this explanation makes sense, and I agree with it, I don't think we have evidence to show that Torre actually thinks this way.

It is kind of kooky.

That said, I think Torre is saying that he'd rather have Martin's bat than Hu's glove.

0

I was under the impression that Chin-Lung Hu played 3rd base very well in spring training, I have no idea why Torre seems to shy away from playing him there now but I do not believe it has much to do with ablity.

42- There are other explanations for a person's finding you irritating than "grumpiness."

41 He would have had one in his very first inning but Park came down to field the bunt right in front of him.

I'm a little sad Sal Fasano isn't our backup.

The lack of mustache presence on the roster worries me.

My overriding reaction to this is that it's fun to see Martin at third.

And it makes me feel like we might get to see him play ball until he's 40 (if he wants), like Biggio.

But I still want to see him at shortstop too!

It might be that they don't think Hu's bat can carry third. In the long-term, they'd be correct. But in the short-term, it would replace Gary Bennett's "bat."

I love having Russell playing 3B today. People are always complaining about him not getting enough days off, but how could you actually take his bat out of the lineup with how hot he is? I doubt Torre sees him as a real 3B backup, but how much harm could he really do in one game there (especially with a flyball pitcher like Penny)? 3B is much less stressful than catcher and since DeWitt could use a day off I think it makes total sense.

51 Still doesn't explain taking Russell's bat out of the lineup.

I was one of those people who loved it whenever Adrian Beltre would play shortstop, and hoped he'd get lots of balls hit to him. Which he never did.

Actually, I find it enjoyable pretty much whenever a guy ends up playing a highly unusual position. I loved the Pedro Feliz catching game last year. And usually those guys end up doing a lot better than people thought they'd do.

Maybe if we have a big lead at the end of the season, Torre will let Martin pull a Bert Campaneris. (Or, if you prefer, a Cesar Tovar/Jose Oquendo.)

Also, why is Ethier lately getting the bench when they have a tough lefty is on the mound. I thought Ethier has proven he can handle the lefties rather well. Go figure!!

44 Well, in standard Yahoo leagues Russell probably won't qualify at 3B all year, but in my deep NL-only league anyone who plays one inning at any position qualifies there. Normally it's true that 3B is much deeper than C, but in my league you'll take anyone you can get who gets playing time so it's possible that I could pick up a catcher and move Russell to 3B.

There are other explanations for a person's finding you irritating than "grumpiness."

Rule 2 violation!

Plus, Bob admitted to being "grouchy" yesterday.

33 I like having guys who have multiple positions so I can set my lineup based upon matchups or whoever has the "hottest hand" instead of playing a guy because he's the only one that can play his position.

Torre was a catcher/third baseman wasn't he? Maybe he's reliving his past through Martin.

45 - I think he is saying that he would rather have Martin there than DeWitt.

55
It's especially ridiculous to bench Ethier vs. lefties in favor of Pierre.

It might have seemed like more but Hu only played 10 innings at 3B compared to the 140+ he just about split between SS and 2B.

He did successfully complete his 3 chances, 2 assists and 1 put out plus he participated in DP but it is still 10 innings.

59 - I think that's definitely a factor.

Another consideration, not that we have any lefty starting pitchers, but Dodgers RHP = more Rockies LHB = more grounders to first and fewer to third.

Benching Ethier versus some lefties is just a matter of figuring out when the best time would be to give him a rest. His career OPS against lefties is only .725 so while that's better than Pierre's career OPS, it's a better time to rest him than against a righty since his .852 OPS is quite nice.

After tonight's game, Ethier and Jones will lead the Dodger outfielders with 26 starts.

Ethier is still on pace to start 148-150 games.

For the record, I'm OK with giving Ethier a rest whenever the actual purpose is giving Ethier a rest. If the purpose is just to get playing time for Pierre, as I suspect it is, then that's another matter.

57- I guess I must be cranky. . .

67
If Torre doesn't think Martin (i.e. the catcher) ever needs rest, I don't see why he'd think Ethier (an outfielder) does.

67 - Two words: "showcasing Pierre".

Not that any team needs a reminder of what kind of player he is - either you're down with JP, or you're not. Eventually, though, LA is going to have to make a decision on Pierre unless they think he's the LFer of the future once Andruw's contract runs out.

showcasing /n./ 1. Playing your bad players who you don't want, just in case other teams might see how bad they are and want to acquire them.

(Needless to say, I'm against this practice. Just play the guys who can actually play baseball. It's a fairly simple concept.)

This sheds more light on my question from a couple weeks ago about moving Martin to 2B next year to replace Kent. Could get interesting. I can't see us moving him to 3rd long term with that being our most stacked position in the minors.

70 Im sure in Torre's mind its 5 words (or 4 words and a number):

.931 Career OPS vs. Francis.

67 He's started 26 of 28 games - I personally am not too worried about him getting too many days off in favor of Pierre

73
I seriously doubt Torre is aware of Pierre's .931 career OPS vs. Francis, though he might be aware of Pierre's .429 BA against him.

Update to this post above...

Johnny Bench started playing different positions to keep his bat in the lineup when he wasn't catching when he was 22.

And that meant usually playing in the outfield. Bench averaged around 20+ starts a year at other positions until he actually started getting just days off or he was hurt. He also rarely caught over 130 games in a season.

Joe Torre split time between 1B and catcher for the early part of his career, only in 1970 did he split time between 3B and catcher, he stopped catching in 1971 because Ted Simmons, who had split time with Torre the previous year, was ready to take the full time job and Joe just played 3B and became the MVP.

31 It may be a moot point this late in the comments, but it was a pleasant day here in Denver today (I didn't need a jacket) which likely means that it will be cool (but not cold) and windy as the storm blows out, but that any flurries will be relatively minor and short-lived. I would be shocked if they didn't play. It's the sort of conditions that probably favor the Dodgers.

Just once in your best Ross Porter voice, could you say, "Hmmm hmmm, hmmm, hmmm, are you ready for some Dodger Trivia?"

They'll probably get a bunch of Andrews that night.

72 Then who the heck would play catcher?

79 I meant to say a bunch of Andrews on the phone lines calling in.

Consider me irked that Pierre gets back-to-back starts after today's bit in the Times.

Pierre refused to say if he still wanted to be a Dodger.

Not exactly a Mondesi-level outburst but far from "anything to help the team."

Update to this post above...

Is this a one-time gig or something more permanent...?

My Great Lakes Loons cap just arrived from UPS. Now I'll probably have all kinds of people asking me why I'm wearing a duck on my head.

83 - Perhaps neither.

Along with Steve Lyons, I will be a substitute co-host joining regular emcee Ken Levine on KABC AM 790's Sunday Night Sports Talk from 7 to 10 p.m

Congratulations! You say substitute, so is it only this Sunday?

Stupid 83

82 - I would love to see Pierre's list of teams he'd rather play for than LA, given his current situation. Maybe LA could look the other way on any tampering charges, and allow Pierre's agent to try to negotiate a deal out of LA. I have a feeling that would be a humbling experience.

I loved how no matter how bad the trivia answer was Ross Porter would think for a second...and come back with something like "no, no the all time Dodger leader in pinch hits is not Chad Fonville...goodguesstho'"...loved it...oh how I miss Ross....

Regarding Bennett....I know he sucks, but how many backup catcher out there are that much better?

89
how many backup catcher out there are that much better?

At least 29.

OK, that was too snarky.

90 He he...but seriously...outside of teams that operate a tandem, who is that much better?

Just the facts: Bennett's OPS of .250 ranks him 71st out of 75 players that have played catcher this year. Those worse:

Corky Miller - .222
Colt Morton - .167
Chris Stewart / Robinson Diaz (tied) - .000

Speaking of Lyons. Did anyone catch his discussion about fantasy baseball during the end of the last Florida game? Steiner asked Steve if he had a team and he said yes, then paused. He followed the pause with "Well, I had a joke to make but I dont want to lose my job." Anyone else want to bet money that the words he was about to utter had something to do with "Yes I have a fantasy team. I have Andruw Jones and Juan Pierre in my OF and I am currently in last place."

I guess the record of most consecutive games played at catcher will be safe. The record is 312 by Frankie Hayes from 1943 to early in the 1946 season.

Hayes was so good that during this streak he played for three different teams: St. Louis, Philadelphia, and Cleveland, all of the AL.

The NL record is 233 by Ray Mueller of Cincinnati from 1943 through 1946, but the Sporting News gives him a pass for 1945 because he was in the military.

Jon and Steve Lyons. Wow.

I worry more about Russell Martin climbing the backstop in Atlanta and leaping into the dugout and hanging on the roof of it in Florida than I do having him play 3rd base.

Another game, another homer for Utley. 2-0 Phils over Giants.

Congrats, Jon. Just remember to yell and cut-off callers and you will fit right in with the radio guys.

92 But in fairness, both Miller and Morton have an RBI.

man, i'm all about quantifying things and logic and... but i've had a couple beers and it's been a long week, so i'm going to have to make the assertion that right or wrong, russ m. is the greatest dodger player since... okay, so it was a shot of wild turkey and two beers, but i teach middle school english five days a week, so i figure i'm entitled...

cool is what i say... quite cool.

www.hobosoul.com

The only active catchers with career OPS+ worse than Bennett are Chad Moeller, Corky Miller, and Kevin Cash.

That's among guys with at least 100 career games played. If you make it 50 games, you can add Humberto Quintero and Wil Nieves.

99 - Bennett knows that OPS is a more telling stat than RBI.

Another good post by Andrew:

http://www.truebluela.com/2008/5/2/471862/story-title

I would like to know from Lyons, who would have first hand knowledge via the Prime Ticket pregame shows, just how often Kevin Kennedy refers to his managing days, even off camera.

Jon, beware if you see "Psycho" before the radio show looking at you kind of funny and clutching a manilla folder with a bunch of printouts from Dodger Thoughts.

Also, I suspect that all the guys in 101 play defense better than Bennett does.

104 - That made me laugh. I think it's more likely that I'll get the "Who are you?" reaction.

82 Consider me in complete agreement. The Times isn't the only paper Pierre complained to after the game yesterday. I read an article in another paper that was basically the same stuff. What a bunch of crap. Ethier just turned 26. He doesn't need to rest and he hits lefties fine.

I think Pierre's comments were acceptable. He doesn't want to sit on the bench, and I don't blame him.

Colletti caused a problem, and now he needs to solve it. My guess is he won't even attempt to do so until at least the upcoming off-season.

104 At least Jon will have more warning than Leitch did. I mean, the guy is already named "Psycho."

Updated gametime forcast:

Rain / Snow Showers / Wind
38°F

That last post, by the way, should be read in the same tone of voice as the bowhunting joke from "Kicking & Screaming."

Playing off Steve Lyons is bound to be fun.

111 - You must be talking about the other Kicking & Screaming.

I consider the Will Ferrell one to be the other Kicking & Screaming. As all reasonable people should.

Why is it that so many of the executives in basketball are former star players (and there are none in MLB)? I reckon being the GM for an NBA team requires a somewhat different skillset than being an MLB GM does, but I tend to think that in general former players would make bad executives.

Russell Martin is the 14th Dodger to play at least three games at both C & 3B:

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

Jerry Grote was the last Dodger to play more than a game at 3B and C, with 49 games caught and 9 at 3B from 1977-1981.

Johnny Roseboro also played 2 games at 3B, but other than that the list is all Brooklyn.

116
What about Derrell Thomas and Bill Sudakis?

OT:

Has anyone seen "Iron Man" yet? Worth the hype?

117
My bad...the first search I did was for primary C or 3B (50% of games at one of those positions) and eyeballed for guys with 2 & 5 for positions.

Then I redid the search for just minimum games and hence my error.

115 Baseball used to be the same way. Basketball is now at approximately the same stage of its development as baseball was in the 1950s. Back in those days you'd have star players like Hank Greenberg, Charlie Gehringer, Joe Cronin, etc., as GMs. Then it got gradually more professionalized until there were relatively few former players who had the necessary qualifications.

Who was the last star player to be a GM in baseball? Sorry, Bill Stoneman, you don't count.

Maybe Al Rosen with the Giants?

117
To be clear, Thomas and Sudakis were on the list, but they were L.A. Dodger players.

Calling Bill Sudakis a catcher was kind.

Wow, Derrell Thomas really was a super utility player. He played all over the place! Throughout his career he made at least 3 starts at every defensive position except pitcher.

I saw something on ESPN last weekend, that Carlos Guillen is the first man since 1958 to make an opening day start at all four infield positions.

122 Who did it in 1958?

I'll guess Gil McDougald although him starting at 1B probably would have required an injury to someone else.

So who are we going to sign to a 4-yr $40M dollar to play CF next year? Milton Bradley?

123
It was a graphic on screen that didn't mention the last player to do so. It might be on one of Stark's recent columns, but I haven't checked.

Maybe it was 1956, covering the Retrosheet era. That seems more likely since a previous player wasn't mentioned.

The Derrell Thomas at catcher week was a memorable one. I got to ask him about it the one time I met him, a couple years back.

123 - Bugs Bunny?

124
Jim Edmonds will be a free agent this offseason.

Okay, so it's not Gil McDougald. He played at least 250 games at three of the four, but never played a single game at first.

Jackie probably did it if you count the Monarchs.

128 So will my arthritic grandmother.

I asked this a few days ago, but I don't think I saw a response:

Does anybody know where I could find a list of the top 20-30 international signees (by signing bonus) per year for the last 10 or so years?

I would think Billy Goodman would be the likely candidate to have made Opening Day starts at all four infield positions.

Accuscore (!) favors Colorado tonight:

http://scores.espn.go.com/mlb/preview?gameId=280502127

Congrats Jon; will your sunday night thing be streamed for foreigners and such?

131
My first guess would be Baseball America, but I don't have a subscription so I'm not 100% sure.

In 1958, Goodman started at third. In 1956, he started at second. He only played one game at short in his career though and that was in 1950.

133
I wonder if Accuscore is related to the Storm Tracker Accu-cast.

http://tinyurl.com/6msg8w

It's all guessing, but I sort of wonder if the Martin thing might have happened like this:

"Russ, night off tonight."

"No way coach, I'm fine. Don't need a rest."

"Sorry, every catcher needs a night off once in a while. Stay ready, might need your bat late."

"Well, how about third base?"

131 I do not know of such a list. Baseball America would be the most likely to have that somewhere, but I'm pretty sure they don't.

In case anyone was wondering, which I'm sure nobody was, there has never been a major league player who played at least 200 games at all four infield positions. There have been seven who played 100 games, though: Rollie Zeider, Don Money, Denis Menke, Mark Loretta, John Knight, Jimmie Dykes, Rich Aurilia.

Nope, not Billy Goodman. His game at shortstop in 1950 was not on opening day. He was playing first base. Junior Stephens was playing short.

126 Where did he coach at...was it Leuzinger High School in Hawthorne? I think he only coached there a couple of years.

139
I was wondering.

From the Detroit Free Press on 2/29/2008:

Guillen would become the first player since at least 1958 to make an Opening Day start at all four infield positions, according to Dave Smith of Retrosheet.org.

In other words, Dave Smith couldn't find it.

Well, if Dave Smith couldn't find it, then I'm giving up.

141 I just watched Leuzinger play on Weds. They got pounded 10-0 at Peninsula.

Honus Wagner, rather remarkably, played at least 35 games at seven of the nine positions. (He never caught, and only played pitcher twice. Slacker.)

Personal Vent:

Bought Lego shaped Eggo waffles, with an offer on the box to send away for a Lego Astro Fighter.

Ate waffles.

Had idyllic time with young son cutting out proof of purchase, writing the letter, and sending in the $1.95 for the Astro Fighter. Delivery in 6 to 8 weeks.

Young son asks every week if it has been 6 to 8 weeks.

It has now been 6 weeks. Received post card from Eggo waffle people saying that the promotion was so popular they have had to order more Astro Fighters. Delivery expected sometime after September 2008.

There Will Be Blood!

/Personal Vent

So, will Martin make his first play as a third baseman tonight?

147 You...are...finished!

147 - You should ask for a discount.

I believe Thomas' particular peculiar spelling for his given name was "Derrel" with one "l". That may be the first name with the most homonyms in MLB:

Derrel Thomas
Darryl Strawberry
Darrell Evans
Darrel Chaney
Daryl Boston
Daryle Ward

147 They abandoned your boy! They abandoned your boy!

Championship round of the Bucs Dugout Worst GM Poll is up. Ed Wade vs. Brian Sabean. It doesn't look like it's going to be close.

http://tinyurl.com/4vdc4g

From Diamond Leung, Press-Enterprise Dodger blog:

Tony Abreu ran the bases at extended spring training, and after getting in some games there is expected to begin a rehabilitation assignment with Class AAA Las Vegas next week.

If (a big if) Abreu's rehab goes well, there is going to be a lot of decision-making from mid to late May. It's possible LaRoche, Nomar and Abreu will all be healthy and ready to go in that time.

Congrats on the radio gig, Jon! It'll be nice to hear you in a long format, not just a 5-minute spot where you have to be so worried about being efficient. Really explore the room.

I need more cowbell.

133 I'm a die-hard Rockies fan and I don't favor them to win tonight.
The injuries and the fact that the bullpen seems to hate Jeff Franchise make me suspect the Dodgers will win this one.

154 Which would likely result in LaRoche sending DeWitt to Vegas, Abreu sending Hu to Vegas and Nomar sending Sweeny to the ol' DFA.

151 I think we've had this discussion before and reached the conclusion that Darryl was the name. Another spelling besides the ones you listed is Derrell Griffith. And Darold Knowles wants to know if he can play too.

Another name, however, is probably the champion among active players:

Derrick Turnbow
Derek Jeter
Derrek Lee
Daric Barton

If I would have seened this Line-up at any other time sooner, I would of, at least thought it was some kind of a prank.
But right now, tonight, I will respect any Line-up that Joe Torre makes out.
This is something that doesn't even need to be said, he's doing a fantastic job.

159 I still find it strange that Martin was forced to play third in an emergency situation (I never saw anything about the dodgers considering moving him back there at any stretch) and suddenly is considered a viable option there.

Brian Barton's got some hair.

158 Darold dismissed; 'd' dubbed da difference.

160 Martin must have been taking a lot of infield in drills, warmups and such lately?

The smartest manager in baseball just killed his inning with a delayed double steal attempt.

Oops.

why not bat penny 7th lol?

Ugh, it's almost 2 a.m. here but I really want to stay up for the Dodger game. Anyone have some Red Bull they can teleport to me?

I almost forgot, congratulations Jon on the radio gig. It will be good for the audience to hear some other viewpoints, like yours. Will you be referring to the team's most frequent RF as "The Bison™"?

Screw it, time to hit up the mini-bar

Oops, a bank of lights at new Nats Park just died.

Actually a bunch all over.

Carlos Zambrano is PHing for Daryle Ward in the third inning. Wacky antics a-brewing in St. Louis tonight.

Zambrano singled.

Martin has at least played 3B as recently as 2002 rookie ball. As far as I can tell, Furcal has never played 3B in the majors or minors.

Did anybody forget that Kershaw was pitching in front of Colletti today? 6.2 IP, 6 H's, 1 R (Unearned), 1 BB, 5 K's.

172 Ho-hum

170- Strike that. I stupidly listened to the play by play guy, instead of looking it up. He was PHing for Wuertz.

Since when did Michael Wuertz turn into Daryle Ward?

175- Grouch.

Sounds like a nasty night for a ballgame. 39 degrees, 31* windchill, lots of wind. Springtime in Colorado.

Just picked up a copy of Crazy 08. Seven pages in and it looks to be a fun read.

Cait Murphy won an award at the SABR convention last year for best research presentation, although I was told that she mainly just read from her book.

Cait Murphy is a woman who needs to wear a lot of sunscreen.

Mark TR Donohue put up a new post. He's not overly optimistic, for some reason.

Bob T., have you developed a mnemonic yet to help you spell the Rockies CF's name?

I missed the first 10 minutes of the Office last night, so I just saw it on NBC.com. The reference was Tremendous.

Oh my God, I've got Vin. I forgot this is western division so it doesn't have to be LA. Just amazing.

If Martin were catching, that would be an out.

I know hes a good athlete, but for some reason I'm nervous just seeing Russell running around out there..and they're gonna run on Bennett all night aren't they..

Willy Taveras is already more than halfway to his 2007 walk total. 11 this year, 21 all last season (408 PA).

184 - 8 innings at third this year, no action for Russell.

I didn't think the old man was going to make it.

Nice triple for Mustachio

181
Yes, my mnemonic is to just not mention him.

D4P,Jon, Marty and others. It certainly says something when you feel a need to play Martin at 3rd on his day off. I'm not sure what, but you sure have me thinking. Martin is so important that if he were a pitcher you would have to switch to outfield like Babe Ruth. But I think who ever mentioned it, there is Pierre politics involved. I have gradually fallen into the OBP school of baseball, and I think that to truly rest Martin you need to play Ethier and later LaRoche. These two players could be such an important part of an offense. I'm even thinking that a team like the D's may become in a year may be able to afford to, and benefit from batting Pierre(perhaps 8th).

Bad sign that we can't cash in a leadoff triple

172 - but can Colletti hit lefties?

192 I hope our luck hasn't turned.

why is jones even playing, he doesnt have a chance up there, its getting really old watching him.

Nate Silver has Tony Abreu as the seventh best second baseman under 25.

http://baseballprospectus.com/article.php?articleid=7458 ($ubscription required)

As much as I am concerned when Jones smiles when he does something dumb at the plate, I don't think I have seen him make a bad step in center, and that's amazing.

whoever commented on how bad Bennett's throw back to the mound is, was absolutely correct. Its really bugging me..

Penny seems to be havin' some problems.

196 I doubt he'll play there for the Dodgers, while
They have Hu
Furcal is doing so well
Boras is his agent.

Penny is angry, cold, and wondering why the Dodgers couldn't get Kent home from third.

And I'm betting Eliza Dushku isn't at the game.

That's got to be him as start at shortstop some time this year.

Nicely done, young Martin.

Nice play by Martin, though.

sounds like our new 3rd baseman is looking pretty good

201 Maybe he's got Eliza on his mind and not on pitching.

Well at least we have Penny coming up.

Did Martin have to charge? Go right/left? I know that Taveras is very speedy.

208- It was hit right at him, but hit hard and he was playing in.

201 Probably a good bet. I've never seen any famous people in the stands (other than St. John of Elway during the NLCS).

Penny almost got that one.

209 Thanks.

So if there is a DT softball game / picnic in the future, would it be a family event? Would Rules 1, 5 and 9 be in force?

210
Dead to me (football edition):
John Elway

But it goes back to the 1970s. I was in at the ground level!

Cubs may have just lost Aramis Ramirez for awhile...

Might as well try and run Havoc now.

212- I'd bet the picnic would be family-friendly. But not the after party; Nate's arranging the entertainment for that.

213 He's dead to my dad, too. Still holds a grudge for him not playing for the Colts.

RIP?
Robert Vesco.
http://tinyurl.com/5uumqv

alright come on Bison

218 Cuban authorities say he's a "non-issue."

Jeepers, that's dismissive.

210 Carmelo was in a suite during the WS. And I sat behind Anna Nicole Smith for the Home Run contest and George Brett for the All Star game. But those games probably don't count. And Pete Coors can often be spotted in the front row behind the dugout, section 125, but I don't know if he counts as famous.

dang nabbit

204 the video just popped up on gameday, that was a particularly nice play.

Just stopping in for a second, but has Vin explained why Martin is playing 3B.

On the bright side, I bet hitting a ball that hard when it's so cold hurts, at least a little.

212 If it happens, I'm bringing my dogs.

wow what a play by martin at third, the guy is a stud

Kershaw has a 3.06 bb/9ip on the season so far.

nice!

I killed the thread. OK, I won't bring the dogs.

I wonder what kind of odds I could get on Martin's winning a gold glove at third.

Has anyone ever won a GG at catcher AND third base?

On the one bright spot tonight, don't I recall Torre knew something about catchers playing third base?

230 I'll give you 90-1 right now. Caveats include- this year only, must bet at least $100.

this is getting ridiculos, he hasnt made 1 adjustment at the plate. its offically to the point where pierre needs to be playing everyday.

232 Todd Zeile is also available.

I'm going to bed if things don't turn around quick. Being up at 3:30 doesn't have the same ring to it when you're tracking a team with no chance to win.

Gary Bennett Principle?

Does Bills become our best starter this year?

236 I see no fault. I'm ready to go to bed, and it's not yet 7:30. I'm just super lazy.

Atlanta is wearing out the Boston Celtics.

I wonder if we could sell Andruw Jones to Atlanta for $36 million?

4 baserunners in 5 innings in Colorado against a mediocre pitcher? Come on boys.

234 AJ certainly seems to be having the same AB over and over again. You'd think he would do something different after 100 bad results.

Well, they did take Mike Hampton off the Rockies' hands...

Russell Martin owns my life.

244 For which we are duly grateful.

244 That was a great deal for the Rox (not the signing. Or Denny.)

I think Torre may realize we are missing Ethier somewhere near the middle of the order.

235 I was always intrigued by a team with Zeale, Biggio and someone like Torre at first. I just coudn't figure a catcher who could play SS, but there must be one.

Be nice to see Penny lower his pitch count and stretch his outtings to at least the 7th innings. Be nicer if we can score some runs tonite

hate to say it, but pierre really needs to be playing over jones, at least he can put the ball in play.

The Robot Made of Nails breaks up the shutout.

Funny, I mention we need Ethier, but Pierre is doing OK again tonight. Unfortunately, it is Jones we don't need tonight.

246 Rotation! Jason Phillips is your "like Torre" at first. (ducks)

If the Hawks win tonight and the Celtics win Game 7, can there actually be a playoff series in the NBA that, in the mind of Doug Collins, has never started?

This is an existential crisis.

PAT BURRELLLLLLLLLLLLLLL!!!!!!!!!!!!

Bison has had quite a week.

252 It's amazing that it has come to this, but I agree that that may be the best option right now.

250 No you don't, you said it 16 posts earlier.

that should have been 248 , although I have no objection to 246 .

If we had the DH rule, we can have Pierre DH for Jones.

I need at least an RBI single from Golden God here to keep me awake...

My wife and I are having a girl soon, and we're planning on naming her Meili (pronounced may-lee). My wife would like to use Antoinette for a middle name (after her great grandmother).

I'm a bit apprehensive about the name combination. Any thoughts?

Time for Loney to bust out.

257 Would Young/ Kemp/ Ethier be so scary?

253 Was that for me 248? anyway who's at SS.

Lets have a moment of appreciation for the Bison, right now. Matt Kemp has been on base for about five minutes now, and hasn't gotten himself in a run down.

262 To be honest, not a big fan of either name

jones is gonna come up big in this inning

262
Middle names are rarely used in combos with the first name. Unless you think your daughter is going to be a future member of SAG.

I hope you and your wife have a beautiful and healthy girl: Meili Antoinette Ghost of Carlos Perez.

262- Is the first name in honor of the Central Park jogger, or Thor's brother?

Kemp is like Vince Coleman this week. i think that's 5 steals for the week

sigh...

269 Unless the Ghost haunts the south, where our middle names matter.

How easy is it to replace mini-bar stuff if it's the exact same as what you took out? Not sure if I'll be able to find some airplane shooters of vodka, but these Red Bulls look pretty standard.

Bases juiced. Time to pinch-hit for Andruw.

PH with Ethier, do it Joe!

Hawks/celts game down 2 the wire

272 Sigh as in double play?

278- Nope, he walked. The sigh was about the batter coming to the plate.

274
Don't violate the spirit of the minibar!

if torre pinch hits 4 Jones, what little confidence Jones has in gone

274 Any hotel will quickly replace whatever you want, as long as you're willing to completely over pay for the privilege.

can jones hit the ball hard enough to hit into a dp? or is he fat enough he cant get down the line?

274- It might be easier to stage a burglary in the room, and then refuse to pay for what the "robber" took.

262 I like the name Meili. Antoinette might be a little trickier. I'm just thinking about the comments that might be made each time the cake comes out at her birthday parties.

jeez. Andruw Jones looks more horrible in slow motion.

Well, at least he didn't GIDP.

Jones is beyond pathetic right now.

Normally min-bar stuff is hard to replace due to being uniquely shaped, but these Red Bulls seem to be very normal. Paying 6.50 pounds for the two of them doesn't seem to be enticing to me.

Druw just doesn't get it. Takes two fastball strikes and then swings at a breaking ball at shoe level. Unwatchable.

Wow, Ned. Just.....wow.

why not EIther instead of Sweeney?

If Sweeney gets a hit, I'll be shocked.

why not ethier instead of jones?

I can't believe I was so in favor of the Andruw signing

I wish I could get paid $18 million for being bad at my job. I'm bad at my job now, but I get paid jack squat.

I'll take it!!!! Now you gotta put Ethier in right?

Nice to see a professional hitter at work.

Guys, relax it's only a month in. if Jones is this bad after the 1st week of July, well then the dodgers are in trouble

Sweeney with the clutch bases loaded 2 out walk!

Watching Jones hit--certainly not the right word--is astonishing. Colletti's mistakes to this point are well-documented, but it's doubtful Jones will hit .200 this year, and it'll be shameful if this doesn't cost Ned his job.

Joe Torre's hat looks like he just bought it. It doesn't fit his head.

To be fair to Colletti, I would have signed Jones to the same type of contract.

and now we're tied.

The Solution is turning into The Answer!

Blake Dewitt you are the man!

Jones did come up big. by not grounding into a double play, he allowed the rally to continue. Just kidding

Anyone who says a strikeout isn't any worse then any other type of out, clearly has never seen AJ strikeout.
I also canno't believe I was in favor of signing the round mound of whiff sounds.
Just pathetic.

THE SOLUTION!!!!!!!!!!!

YEEEEEEEEEEEESSSSSSSSS!!

The Solution comes through! Dodgers now up, 4-3.

Like I said earlier. The bullpen hates Jeff Francis. He's getting another no-decision.

Dewitt and Sweeney picks up Druw. Nice job guys.

304 You mean ahead?

Can Dewitt play any outfield to replace Kemp/Pierre once LaRoche gets back?

in this case a strikeout was much better then a groundball out, as any groundball likely would have meant a dp

Away from my computer, I just read on Gameday that Andruw struck out with the bases load. Good Lord what will it take to get him to snap out of it?

Perhaps DeWitt needs to hold his own hitting clinic. He is The Solution!

And in other news...Andruw strikes out....AGAIN.

There goes 38 Million down the gurgler.

People don't think Jones will crack .200 if he plays a full season?

That's a grim assessment. There have been just 10 players with 502 or more PAs in a season to not crack .200 for the season. One guy did it twice!

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

311- This inning is nearly over, though--Juan Pierre is on deck.

313 yes, NOW

Impressed Torre hit for Penny who'd only thrown 79 pitches there.

If I ever have a kid, I'm calling it Gochnauer. Boy or girl.

Nice Inning!!!!

Raffy!!!!!!!!! Huge Swing!!!!

Colletti better sign Furcal yesterday

god I love Furcal. That went far.

LUCKY SEVEN BABY!!! Furcal is the MAAAAAN (too)

I think Ned needs to resign Ferkel and redeem himself.

The 2-out hitting has been unreal during this streak.

Isringhausen gives up two in the top ninth -- tied 3-3.