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About Jon
Thank You For Not ...

1) using profanity or any euphemisms for profanity
2) personally attacking other commenters
3) baiting other commenters
4) arguing for the sake of arguing
5) discussing politics
6) using hyperbole when something less will suffice
7) using sarcasm in a way that can be misinterpreted negatively
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

Jones Tries to Straighten Out
2008-08-08 18:06
by Jon Weisman

UntitledTonight, Joe Torre has boldly given Andruw Jones another shot at redemption - inserting him in the starting lineup against noted if fallen San Francisco curveballer Barry Zito. Jones has seen 90 curveballs this season, according to Josh Kalk, and has an .067 batting average (and slugging average) against them. (Thanks to commenter Eric Stephen for the link.)

Jones hasn't swung and missed at all that many, but he definitely hasn't been able to do anything with them.

* * *

Welcome back, Brad Penny. (Brian Falkenborg has been designated for assignment, according to Tony Jackson of the Daily News.)

* * *

Confidential to the women of Los Angeles, perhaps America, perhaps the world: Your sunglasses are big enough. If they get any bigger, your faces and your desire to look at pictures of yourselves 20 years from now will disappear forever.

I don't know nothin' about fashion, but I'm just saying ...

* * *

Dodgers at Giants, 7:15 p.m.

Comments (460)
Show/Hide Comments 1-50
2008-08-08 19:12:09
1.   bhsportsguy
Ladies, fashion questions can be e-mailed to the address on the sidebar.
2008-08-08 19:12:34
2.   Bluebleeder87
Why was Falkenborg used so much if he wasn't liked to begin with?
2008-08-08 19:12:40
3.   Brent Knapp
Jon, they're not sunglasses. They're ski goggles.
2008-08-08 19:14:40
4.   Bluebleeder87
So what's going on fellas... who is gonna provide the whiffle balls & bats & such?
2008-08-08 19:15:04
5.   thinkblue88
I'm just glad I wasn't the only that thought the same about them goggles....but you try telling 'em...
2008-08-08 19:15:16
6.   trainwreck
Jon is not a fan of the stunna shades.
2008-08-08 19:15:38
7.   Penarol1916
Yeah, this summer I think that I've seen more than 2 square inches of my 10-year old daughter's face twice.
2008-08-08 19:16:06
8.   Bluebleeder87
Nice way to get things started MK.
2008-08-08 19:16:11
9.   Bob Hendley
Have a date with the wife, so I won't be along for the ride tonight. Looking forward to a good old shellacking of the Gnats.
2008-08-08 19:16:29
10.   thinkblue88
Hey! A baseball game!

Alright, go Kemp.

2008-08-08 19:18:14
11.   Gagne55
At least Falkenborg won't be around giving up a lot of runs anymore.
2008-08-08 19:22:25
12.   Bluebleeder87
You guys know if we're gonna face Lincecum in this series?
2008-08-08 19:23:05
13.   Alex41592
12 - No. Zito, Correia and Cain.
2008-08-08 19:23:13
14.   Bluebleeder87
Zito seems like the type of pitcher Manny Ramirez would devour...
2008-08-08 19:23:46
15.   Bluebleeder87
13

Woot-woot!

2008-08-08 19:25:37
16.   Gagne55
I wonder if the pitch type breakdown really means much. Like if certain players consistently do better with certain pitches. Has Jones always been weak against the curve? Has he always been strong against the cutter? This is the kind of analysis that could lead to major breakthroughs in platooning!
2008-08-08 19:27:10
17.   Bluebleeder87
Thank goodness for Doug Davis...

4-1 Braves with only one out & a man on 2nd.

2008-08-08 19:28:16
18.   Alex41592
Penny isn't throwing hard at all.
2008-08-08 19:29:03
19.   Gagne55
Not a good way to have it begin for Penny.
2008-08-08 19:29:53
20.   Gagne55
Bunting in the first inning with the second place hitter? Bochy has been possessed by Jim Tracy!
2008-08-08 19:31:29
21.   MMSMikey
casey blake had his left foot on first base recieving that throw from martin, same old penny. hittable fastballs.
2008-08-08 19:31:52
22.   Alex41592
I'll go so far as to say Brad Penny will not help this team down the stretch. There's something just off with him and has been all season.
2008-08-08 19:31:53
23.   68elcamino427
Penny - ???
2008-08-08 19:32:15
24.   Gagne55
Not good.
2008-08-08 19:32:33
25.   alexx
I like how Gameday is calling all of Penny's pitches changeups.
2008-08-08 19:32:45
26.   Bluebleeder87
in the early going it seems like Penny doesn't have control of his fastball.

a little up & away for Molina is just what the doctor ordered for him [Molina]

2008-08-08 19:33:49
27.   thinkblue88
CC going for his fourth complete game and second shut out.
2008-08-08 19:34:08
28.   Bluebleeder87
22

he just came back!! give 'em at least a few innings before judign 'em will 'ya.

2008-08-08 19:34:34
29.   MMSMikey
c'mon brad, you are pitching against a AAA lineup.
2008-08-08 19:34:39
30.   ucladodger
Not gonna be here long, but will leave with this. Penny really seems like he isnt going 100% out there. He has always had a max delivery and tonight it looks nothing like that. I dont know if its because he is afraid to let loose, but it wont help him. This lineup is pretty crummy, but with how Penny looks so far, I'm not too confident with him out there. Penny at 90 is easily hittable just because his fastball is so damn straight.
2008-08-08 19:34:50
31.   Bluebleeder87
27

the Brewers are putting a lot of miles on our future ace...

2008-08-08 19:35:11
32.   Gagne55
27 Going for? That game is over.
2008-08-08 19:35:51
33.   Bluebleeder87
Penny got out of it cheaply enough.
2008-08-08 19:36:09
34.   thinkblue88
32.

I type s l o w.

2008-08-08 19:37:08
35.   Gagne55
31 Cruising through nine innings adds fewer 'miles' than struggling through six. C.C. looks fine.
2008-08-08 19:37:53
36.   Gold Star for Robot Boy
These women with their huge glasses, they look like battered wives.
2008-08-08 19:38:07
37.   Gagne55
33 Good thing Bochy wasted an out with Ochoa.
2008-08-08 19:38:08
38.   Alex41592
28 - Think of it like watching Jason Schmidt last season. Something was just very wrong. Same feeling with Penny.
2008-08-08 19:39:15
39.   Fallout
21 MMSMikey
That's the right way to play it when the third baseman has to come in toward the plate to make the play.
2008-08-08 19:40:15
40.   MMSMikey
seems like fred lewis was playing really deep right there.
2008-08-08 19:40:53
41.   MMSMikey
jones, late on a zito fastball.
2008-08-08 19:42:59
42.   Gagne55
I was just about to comment that Zito was making a lot of pitches for the number of battes faced. Then Jones and Berroa compensated.
2008-08-08 19:45:29
43.   Bluebleeder87
man, Penny's fastball at 87mph??

uh oh.

2008-08-08 19:46:19
44.   Bluebleeder87
it does get pretty darn cold up there so maybe it's just that.
2008-08-08 19:47:11
45.   Ken Noe
Is Kevin Towers watching their game or this one, with Maddux's agent on speed dial.
2008-08-08 19:48:26
46.   68elcamino427
Sorry - the New Penny looks alot like the Old Penny to me ...

Ball's up out over the plate - film at 11

2008-08-08 19:50:57
47.   MMSMikey
danny!
2008-08-08 19:51:04
48.   DaveP
46 - minus about 8-10 mph on the fastball. I can't imagine how Penny would fare against the Cardinal mashers with this 86-87mph straight fastball.
2008-08-08 19:51:07
49.   Alex41592
ARDOIN! What the?
2008-08-08 19:51:13
50.   68elcamino427
Danny Power!
Show/Hide Comments 51-100
2008-08-08 19:51:15
51.   thinkblue88
Sweet!!

Alright Ardoin! Good for you!

2008-08-08 19:51:28
52.   MonkeyBlue
Dannny boy!
2008-08-08 19:51:36
53.   Tripon
Ardoin being Manny.
2008-08-08 19:51:43
54.   Bluebleeder87
is it just me, that swing reminded me of Jason Repko.

Ardoin dinger.

2008-08-08 19:52:07
55.   Gagne55
Ardoin power!
2008-08-08 19:52:21
56.   Fallout
A lot of hard hit balls off Zito. How long can he last?
2008-08-08 19:52:38
57.   Chiron Brown
Downtown Danny Ardoin!
2008-08-08 19:53:15
58.   68elcamino427
DFA Sweeney and keep Penny as the PH

Kuo may bat on nights that he will not throw

2008-08-08 19:53:23
59.   Gagne55
Penny helps his own cause
2008-08-08 19:53:27
60.   Tripon
Why did the Giants give Zito a $127 million contract? Its like the Dodgers giving Jones $36 million but about 5 times worse.
2008-08-08 19:53:32
61.   Ken Noe
First dinger in three years for the Catchin' Cajun.
2008-08-08 19:53:49
62.   Humma Kavula
MEMO

From: Humma

To: This Inning

Re: Approval

I find your ideas fascinating and would like to subscribe to your newsletter.

2008-08-08 19:53:56
63.   Alex41592
Zito Killer Matt Kemp.
2008-08-08 19:54:00
64.   MonkeyBlue
Come on Martin!
2008-08-08 19:54:40
65.   Gagne55
Bison liner!
2008-08-08 19:54:44
66.   Humma Kavula
60 Don't be silly. It's only about four times worse.
2008-08-08 19:55:21
67.   Gen3Blue
I just got in and was about to say how come Martin isn't playing, but I guess it isn't so bad. I just hope he is not hurt.Wait--here he is. Whats going on?
2008-08-08 19:55:45
68.   MJW101
Kershaw has now pitched as many innings as he did in 2007 (122). How many more innings is it safe for him to throw before being shutdown for 2008?
2008-08-08 19:56:16
69.   MonkeyBlue
Wooo! time for Kent to rack up some RBIs!
2008-08-08 19:56:16
70.   Alex41592
Zito is begging to be destroyed.
2008-08-08 19:56:18
71.   Gagne55
Walk this way!
2008-08-08 19:56:55
72.   68elcamino427
Old Man ...
2008-08-08 19:57:13
73.   Gagne55
According to camecast all four balls to Martin were on the black. Almost the exact same spot for three of them.
2008-08-08 19:57:20
74.   Humma Kavula
So this is what Cardinals fans felt like earlier this week.

Feels good!

2008-08-08 19:57:28
75.   MMSMikey
id say 30-40 more innings for clayton
2008-08-08 19:57:53
76.   EJM
Krukow and Kuiper are pronouncing Ardoin, "Are-dwa", almost French sounding...Anyone know if that's correct?
2008-08-08 19:57:54
77.   MMSMikey
lets go mustache!
2008-08-08 19:58:58
78.   Tripon
66

Actually, its only about 3.53 worse than the Andruw Jones contract in terms of money.

36 * 3.53 = 127.08

2008-08-08 19:58:58
79.   Tripon
66

Actually, its only about 3.53 worse than the Andruw Jones contract in terms of money.

36 * 3.53 = 127.08

2008-08-08 19:59:23
80.   MonkeyBlue
Old man KENT!!!!!!!
2008-08-08 19:59:26
81.   Bluebleeder87
splits the gap.
2008-08-08 19:59:28
82.   MMSMikey
mustache going to work!
2008-08-08 19:59:31
83.   Alex41592
D-E-S-T-R-O-Y-E-D!
2008-08-08 19:59:31
84.   Humma Kavula
Awesome.
2008-08-08 19:59:51
85.   MollyKnight
The only thing sad about that is we'll have to wait at least another inning to see Manny with the bases loaded.
2008-08-08 19:59:56
86.   68elcamino427
... comes thrtough with a long double!

Old Man!

2008-08-08 19:59:58
87.   Alex41592
Icing on the cake:

5-1 Braves Top 5.

2008-08-08 20:00:01
88.   Tripon
Giants fans must think Jeff Kent smells like old dog poo.
2008-08-08 20:00:34
89.   thinkblue88
I love when Vin goes:

"In come Penny.......In comes Kemp.....Here comes Martin to score!"

Nobody does it better.

2008-08-08 20:00:36
90.   Gagne55
KENT!!!
2008-08-08 20:01:14
91.   Gagne55
85 Don't think they can bat around?
2008-08-08 20:01:16
92.   Alex41592
Manny gets the first out. Funny game.
2008-08-08 20:01:19
93.   MonkeyBlue
Manny with a crappy at bat.
2008-08-08 20:01:57
94.   Gen3Blue
Whoa! Vin isn't shy about talking about Zito's current shortcomings.
2008-08-08 20:01:59
95.   Gagne55
Manny made an out. :(
2008-08-08 20:02:16
96.   Tripon
Manny isn't being Manny.
2008-08-08 20:03:33
97.   Ken Noe
Ardoin was Manny : Manny was Ardoin
2008-08-08 20:04:44
98.   Bluebleeder87
Looks like Zito KENT buy an out these days.
2008-08-08 20:05:53
99.   Alex41592
7-1 Braves Top 5.
2008-08-08 20:06:02
100.   MonkeyBlue
Andruw walked... Zito is done.
Show/Hide Comments 101-150
2008-08-08 20:06:18
101.   68elcamino427
Jonesy with a nice relaxed AB
2008-08-08 20:06:46
102.   Bluebleeder87
it's kind of a laugher now in Zona.

7-1 Bravos de Atlanta.

2008-08-08 20:06:51
103.   Ken Noe
They should walk Snipes and pitch to Ardoin :-)
2008-08-08 20:06:52
104.   Tripon
Jones being Walken.

"Guess what?! I've got a fever, and the only prescription... is more cowbell!"

2008-08-08 20:07:15
105.   Alex41592
Vinny is all over Zito and deservedly so.
2008-08-08 20:07:35
106.   68elcamino427
Berroa and Manny are tight!
2008-08-08 20:07:44
107.   Tripon
Jones being hustling out.
2008-08-08 20:07:45
108.   Alex41592
BERROA!
2008-08-08 20:07:52
109.   MonkeyBlue
Andruw! you slow pole!
2008-08-08 20:07:59
110.   MMSMikey
poor druw, nothing goes right for him.
2008-08-08 20:07:59
111.   Alex41592
High Five!
2008-08-08 20:09:27
112.   D Prouty
Amen to the sunglasses comment, and way to go Kent coming through. Maybe it is a good idea to bat him in front of Manny.
2008-08-08 20:09:47
113.   68elcamino427
Make Manny the Player-Manager!
2008-08-08 20:09:57
114.   Bob Timmermann
Andruw Jones.

Not Polish.

2008-08-08 20:11:42
115.   Tripon
109 Hey, do you think Adroin could hit another HR? Sending Jones was... well, it wasn't the right move. But eh, we scored 5 runs in that inning, unless we lose this lead I don't care at the moment.
2008-08-08 20:14:11
116.   D Prouty
Speaking of Berroa, has anyone noticed that recently he's been swinging the bat a little better. Hard to get much production out of the 8 spot, but he's batting .316 with an .855 OPS in the last seven games (ie since Manny trade). Samll sample size yes, but maybe we he can provide competency until Furcal comes back (fingers crossed). Thoughts?
2008-08-08 20:16:08
117.   Tripon
Kent being Old, and crusty.
2008-08-08 20:16:12
118.   MonkeyBlue
Did not do need to rush that throw.
2008-08-08 20:17:26
119.   Bluebleeder87
I wonder how Saito feels.
2008-08-08 20:18:33
120.   Tripon
119 He's supposed to be starting a throwing program next week.
2008-08-08 20:18:57
121.   eusmus
Is it a bad sign when gameday identifies all of your fastballs as changeups?
2008-08-08 20:19:10
122.   Bluebleeder87
if anything at least Jones was positioned well to get that Molina gapper.
2008-08-08 20:19:20
123.   Alex41592
8-2 Braves Bot 5.
2008-08-08 20:19:29
124.   Gagne55
116 I don't think Furcal is coming back.
2008-08-08 20:20:01
125.   The Dude Abides
Just think...if Andruw weighed ten fewer pounds, he probably scores on that gapper. Great hitting by Kent, it makes up for me averting my eyes every time he has to go to his right.
2008-08-08 20:20:31
126.   Alex41592
124 - Lets put it like this. If Furcal comes back he's a massive bonus.
2008-08-08 20:23:19
127.   Fallout
121 eusmus
Only for the team on defense.
2008-08-08 20:24:25
128.   MSarg29
With Penny's velocity down tonight, I predict we trade for Maddux. Then we employ a 6 man rotation and try to limit the innings of Kershaw, Kuroda, Billingsly.
2008-08-08 20:24:28
129.   Alex41592
Ardoin with the eight pitch walk.
2008-08-08 20:24:46
130.   Tripon
Man, Zito's just a belly itcher.
2008-08-08 20:24:56
131.   Gagne55
Ardoin earned that walk!
2008-08-08 20:25:07
132.   trainwreck
It's a real good thing Icaros is at the game and not listening to the Giant commentators tonight. They took it up a notch tonight.
2008-08-08 20:25:50
133.   Gagne55
130 Is Molina a belly scratcher?
2008-08-08 20:25:51
134.   Tripon
128 We're limiting Kershaw's pitching anyway. If we pick up Maddux, he'll likely take Kuroda's or Kershaw's spot.
2008-08-08 20:26:25
135.   Bluebleeder87
125

The Dude Abides is full of wisdom.

2008-08-08 20:26:34
136.   bhsportsguy
Matty Alou?
2008-08-08 20:26:42
137.   MonkeyBlue
Adrion! you fool!
2008-08-08 20:26:52
138.   Alex41592
Well that's just embarrassing.
2008-08-08 20:26:54
139.   Gagne55
Nice way for Penny to get the bunt down.
2008-08-08 20:27:17
140.   natepurcell
I love when the Dodgers are winning when I drink vodka red bulls.
2008-08-08 20:27:35
141.   Bluebleeder87
that Ardoin out was pretty humorous
2008-08-08 20:27:48
142.   Alex41592
It takes 395 feet for the out.
2008-08-08 20:28:33
143.   Gagne55
Well a promising inning fell apart really fast.
2008-08-08 20:29:07
144.   Gen3Blue
Well, Danny gives Zito life, and that is not a good thing.
2008-08-08 20:29:48
145.   The Dude Abides
135
That last out by Kemp really tied that inning together.
2008-08-08 20:31:35
146.   Tripon
144 Yes it is. The Dodgers has shown they can bat Zito around whenever they wish. Even if the Giants bullpen is porous, Zito is even worse. Zito is just the gift that keeps on giving.
2008-08-08 20:32:36
147.   Bluebleeder87
it's just amazing HOW MUCH Andruw Jones declined this year, I just can't believe it man.
2008-08-08 20:32:42
148.   trainwreck
Apparently, Mark Sanchez dislocated his knee-cap today.

Sorry, USC fans.

2008-08-08 20:33:34
149.   MMSMikey
8-4 braves bot 6
2008-08-08 20:34:04
150.   Alex41592
8-4 Braves Bot 6.
Show/Hide Comments 151-200
2008-08-08 20:34:24
151.   Bluebleeder87
I was thinking of a 25+ dinger year by A-Jones wasn't all that bad.
2008-08-08 20:35:19
152.   Gagne55
148 The QB in the loss to Stanford?
2008-08-08 20:35:27
153.   Tripon
148 Get ready for those "Only a Trojan man needs a Mustang" T-shirt.
2008-08-08 20:35:59
154.   MonkeyBlue
Nice dp!
2008-08-08 20:36:38
155.   Alex41592
Sweet little double play in S.F and AZ. 8-4 Braves Top 7.
2008-08-08 20:37:37
156.   trainwreck
152
That was Booty.

Apparently, he's only day-to-day. How you dislocate your knee and only be day-to-day is beyond me.

2008-08-08 20:37:55
157.   bhsportsguy
132 Sorry to interupt Dodger talk but TW asked for my UCLA practice report so here it is.

As you know, Olson did not practice so most of the reps went to Craft and Prince (ahead of Forcier, Crissman and Rasshan)

Could not get a gauge on the freshmen running backs, but Bell looks fit.

UCLA does have some talent on the outside, Marcus and Dominique had some nice grabs, Embree was again grabbing balls he could get to but Moutra, Rosario and Jerry Johnson are going to be really good. Austin was out today.

No report on O-line play and really even the QB play, I think they'll just have to say how the next few weeks go.

On the defensive side of the ball, spent time watching the receivors go against the DBs, Dye was getting turned around quite a bit and Viney also had some misplays but Moore looks like a player a saftey and eventually I think it will be fine but expect some issues early on.

I'll be there Sunday but that might be it for me for fall camp.

2008-08-08 20:38:54
158.   Tripon
156 People lie about injuries all the time in Football. Tom Brady was listed day to day all year, last year with a problem with his throwing hand.
2008-08-08 20:39:58
159.   Fallout
146 Tripon
The Dodgers has shown they can bat Zito around whenever they wish.
Say w h a t.
2008-08-08 20:40:13
160.   trainwreck
152
Sweet, thanks. Funny how the WR position has become such a strength all of a sudden.
2008-08-08 20:40:19
161.   Gagne55
156 You're right. I remember Booty was injured. But instead of playing Sanchez, Carroll decided to have Booty play through it. And Booty had a terrible game. Terrible enough to lose to Stanford.
2008-08-08 20:41:55
162.   bhsportsguy
158 I'm surprised they know so quickly, usually you need to wait for the swelling to go down.
2008-08-08 20:42:29
163.   Tripon
Manny being Andruw Jones.
2008-08-08 20:44:41
164.   Bluebleeder87
Finally got to see Molly Knights pic of Manny, what a crazy few days that must have been for people in the biz.
2008-08-08 20:44:57
165.   bhsportsguy
160 Let's wait for more reports but there is certainly some talent there but expect the early season to focus on Everett and Johnson.

Also Logan Paulson popped another short pass over the middle for what would have been a big gainer.

I will say this too, while they are not doing anything particularly different, there is some misdirection and Craft had a real nice play action pass play where he hit Embree on a nice comeback route.

2008-08-08 20:46:39
166.   bhsportsguy
161 Like the game that was being played in Pasadena at the same time, had Booty just handed the ball off that day, USC probably wins that game.
2008-08-08 20:47:34
167.   MonkeyBlue
I think Penny should pitch another inning. Screw the pitch limit!
2008-08-08 20:48:06
168.   Gagne55
76 pitches through 5. Penny may return with a quality start!
2008-08-08 20:48:59
169.   MonkeyBlue
168. Well its against a AAAA lineup, but hey! I ain't complaining!
2008-08-08 20:49:25
170.   Alex41592
Penny is getting it done despite the velocity issues which is encouraging. His next start will be against the Phillies, that's the big test. Try throwing 87 at them.
2008-08-08 20:49:35
171.   Gagne55
167 I'd pinch hit if it gets to him. Other wise send him out until either he gets through the sixth or trouble brews.
2008-08-08 20:50:50
172.   Gagne55
169 Putting up a 1.80 era in AAA is pretty good.
2008-08-08 20:51:20
173.   Alex41592
Casey Blake with an absolute BOMB!
2008-08-08 20:51:31
174.   68elcamino427
Casey! Home Run!
2008-08-08 20:51:38
175.   Tripon
Casey Blake being Manny.

Yikes, this team is going on a HR tear lately. Didn't we go like a month without hitting a homer?

2008-08-08 20:51:41
176.   Bluebleeder87
I'd wait & see but the way Penny is pitching so far, I'd really think about not picking up his option.
2008-08-08 20:51:57
177.   Jon Weisman
161 - Excuses, excuses, excuses. Stanford won that game!
2008-08-08 20:53:08
178.   Alex41592
8-5 Braves Bot 7.
2008-08-08 20:53:14
179.   Tripon
http://www.baseballthinkfactory.org/files/newsstand/discussion/reds_hire_bill_bavasi/

The Reds hired Bill Bavasi. Cross him off of any GM list.

2008-08-08 20:53:34
180.   MMSMikey
should be about 10 more days before jonsey gets another start, sound about right?
2008-08-08 20:53:50
181.   68elcamino427
and Andruw's done - Vin
2008-08-08 20:54:06
182.   Andrew Shimmin
When the revolution comes, and the New World Order rally gets off the ground, Olympic opening ceremonies and Super Bowl half time shows are going to get geometrically less bizarre. Not that that should be the only consideration for whether individuals should support such a thing, but it won't be all bad, is all I'm saying.
2008-08-08 20:54:26
183.   Tripon
177 Jon, even you have to admit that Stanford had no business winning that game.
2008-08-08 20:55:51
184.   Gold Star for Robot Boy
181 - Well, we knew that.
How did Vin present the "news?"
2008-08-08 20:55:53
185.   Alex41592
Penny's done.
2008-08-08 20:56:11
186.   68elcamino427
Mark Sweeney

This time it's for real!

2008-08-08 20:56:25
187.   Tripon
The 2008 Olympics Opening is the most bizarre thing ever. Good luck Britain trying to upstage this whackfest with their non-communist government that can't dictate people's lives.
2008-08-08 20:57:12
188.   Bluebleeder87
if you guys can believe it, Mark Sweeney played outfield way way back in the day.

I checked on Wikipedia.

2008-08-08 20:58:07
189.   Penarol1916
182. Bob Costas is now dead to me. I just don't see how he can say that this opening ceremony blew everyone away and you should in his words, "retire the trophy for opening ceremonies." For my money, Barcelona still reigns supreme.
2008-08-08 20:59:01
190.   Jon Weisman
183 - The final score would appear to indicate otherwse.

Stanford did not have the better season, but they were the better team that day. We win the game with a backup quarterback making his first start, and I'm supposed to write it off because of a USC coaching decision? I don't think so!

2008-08-08 20:59:44
191.   Suffering Bruin
Walking Sweeney... isn't there a Grabowski principle at work here?
2008-08-08 21:00:15
192.   Andrew Shimmin
I don't think 2008 is measurably worse than 2004 was. That's the part that sort of creeps me out. It's like this entire thing has come unstuck from any actual group of people, and created it's own, freaky culture. I'm not saying it's the work of extra terrestrials, but I'm not not saying that, either.

I'm also not not licking toads.

2008-08-08 21:00:56
193.   Fallout
188 Bluebleeder87
I checked on Wikipedia.
Why?
2008-08-08 21:01:02
194.   Suffering Bruin
190 Not to suck up to the host but I saw that game and if Stanford lost that day, I think they would've been kicking themselves. They outplayed USC.
2008-08-08 21:01:14
195.   68elcamino427
189
Any of those on the ground that attempted to express displeasure with the ceremonies are likely no longer breathing.
2008-08-08 21:02:39
196.   Alex41592
Hold your breath. 8-5 Braves Bot 7. D'Backs have two on for Conor Jackson and Julian Tavarez is the pitcher.
2008-08-08 21:03:03
197.   Gold Star for Robot Boy
190 - And why was Stanford starting its backup QB?
Because Arizona State's defense smacked around the No. 1 QB so hard the previous week, he had seizures the next day.
Football cannot be played with fear, and stories of such violence do not soothe the soul.
(In other words, I predict another fine season for the Sun Devils - i.e, we'll finish in second place.)
2008-08-08 21:03:04
198.   Tripon
194 Yeah, well.

UCLA lost to Notre Dame last year! =P

2008-08-08 21:03:35
199.   Bluebleeder87
Cory Wade busting out the side burns, uh oh watch out!
2008-08-08 21:04:31
200.   Jon Weisman
194 - Thanks. It's not as if I go around saying that the 1989 Siena men's basketball team had no business winning their first-round NCAA tournament game, and that was a hugely bitter defeat. Hugely.
Show/Hide Comments 201-250
2008-08-08 21:05:08
201.   Jon Weisman
197 - Sadly, that's the more typical outcome for us.
2008-08-08 21:05:19
202.   bhsportsguy
194 The biggest cheer at the Rose Bowl that day was when that game was over and Stanford had beaten USC. I watched the winning play through my binoculars into a suite that day.
2008-08-08 21:05:34
203.   Suffering Bruin
198 And people wonder why I have the nickname. :)
2008-08-08 21:06:13
204.   Bluebleeder87
I really feel Russell Martin's mohawk was the coolest though.
2008-08-08 21:06:17
205.   68elcamino427
183
Acknowledge the win!
Stanford out-played and out-coached USC!

Fight On!

2008-08-08 21:06:22
206.   Jon Weisman
Conor Jackson up as the tying run for Arizona, two on, two out, 3-2 count.
2008-08-08 21:06:33
207.   Jon Weisman
Swung on and missed!
2008-08-08 21:06:41
208.   Penarol1916
195. You don't have to express displeasure with the opening ceremonies, I think they were fine, but certainly nothing to get all hyperbolic about. Woohoo, you've got a guy running through the air on wires to light the torch. How does that beat a flaming arrow? I just hate media whores who have to exagerate how great what the event they are covering is. Why do they feel the need to do that?
2008-08-08 21:06:46
209.   Alex41592
Jackson strikes out. 8-5 Braves Top 8.
2008-08-08 21:07:49
210.   Gagne55
Molina goes deep.
2008-08-08 21:08:14
211.   Alex41592
Good 0-1 pitch to Rowand by Wade.
2008-08-08 21:08:40
212.   Gold Star for Robot Boy
What's the time difference between Beijing and MST/PDT?
2008-08-08 21:09:12
213.   Alex41592
212 - Beijing is 15 hours ahead of Los Angeles.
2008-08-08 21:09:14
214.   Tripon
Molina shows he's still the top dawg in the Molina family.
2008-08-08 21:10:01
215.   Jon Weisman
208 - In person, it can be pretty impressive - more so than on TV.
2008-08-08 21:10:29
216.   Suffering Bruin
212 It's 12:09pm yesterday or tomorrow, I'm not sure.
2008-08-08 21:11:15
217.   bhsportsguy
212 Its just past 1 in the afternoon in Beijing.
2008-08-08 21:11:32
218.   Gold Star for Robot Boy
213 - Ugh. I cannot watch taped events, just can't. And knowing what I'm watching took place at 6 a.m. makes me want to tear out my hair.
2008-08-08 21:11:56
219.   Tripon
Yikes, Cory Wade isn't being Cory Wade.
2008-08-08 21:11:58
220.   MonkeyBlue
Wade is not doing his job. Take him out.
2008-08-08 21:12:12
221.   Suffering Bruin
Or it could be just after 1pm... :)
2008-08-08 21:12:17
222.   Alex41592
Beijing time:

http://www.timeanddate.com/worldclock/city.html?n=33

2008-08-08 21:12:24
223.   Gagne55
214 So is Molina better than Molina and Molina then?
2008-08-08 21:12:49
224.   Suffering Bruin
Busted bat... two outs... I'm giving him one more batter.
2008-08-08 21:13:19
225.   68elcamino427
Penny the "pitcher" vs. Penny the "flame thrower" is suddenly looking not too bad.
2008-08-08 21:13:20
226.   Andrew Shimmin
I won't argue that it's unimpressive, but I can't imagine seeing it in person would make it any less weird.
2008-08-08 21:14:07
227.   natepurcell
Umm..That looked like Don Mattingly.
2008-08-08 21:14:16
228.   bhsportsguy
217 Oops sorry about that.
2008-08-08 21:14:18
229.   Gold Star for Robot Boy
222 - It's noon over there now! Why aren't we seeing live competition?
2008-08-08 21:14:32
230.   Tripon
223 Certainly is the best looking Molina in the group. Yadier scares the heck out of me.
2008-08-08 21:14:35
231.   Jon Weisman
226 - It's completely weird.
2008-08-08 21:15:07
232.   Bluebleeder87
you know what man, even Cory Wade is throwing slower today 84mph so I'm thinking it's just the cold weather.

CW is good for 90-91mph.

2008-08-08 21:15:12
233.   Gagne55
224 Good idea.
2008-08-08 21:15:40
234.   bhsportsguy
218 Then I hope you are not a Lakers fan for the games they play in Eastern time zone on local broadcast tv.
2008-08-08 21:15:51
235.   Tripon
229 NBC wishes to cause you pain.
2008-08-08 21:16:54
236.   Gold Star for Robot Boy
235 - Mission accomplished. :(
2008-08-08 21:17:56
237.   Gold Star for Robot Boy
234 - The Lakers tape-delay their games?
The Suns don't.
2008-08-08 21:18:16
238.   Gen3Blue
Poor Martin is having some awful at bats---is it fatigue?
2008-08-08 21:19:17
239.   Alex41592
http://www.nbcolympics.com/

Live streaming events going on right now.

MSNBC, CNBC and USA start coverage at 11 p.m PST. Those with HD can watch on Universal HD as well.

2008-08-08 21:19:40
240.   Suffering Bruin
Most painful TV viewing of a sporting event ever was an Olympics where the gymnastics was stretched out over about five hours or so. John Tesch was behind the mike that evening.

I happen to like Tesch personally but that night was painful. It was the last night I spent any time watching the Olympics. Anybody know what year I'm talking about? I don't.

2008-08-08 21:20:09
241.   dkminnick
I, for one, welcome our new Chinese overlords.
2008-08-08 21:20:34
242.   68elcamino427
238
My sources say yes. When you do the math it just makes sense.
2008-08-08 21:20:51
243.   Tripon
237 They do it for east coast games that start at 4PM local time. They claim that their ratings suffer if they play it live. Which is true since the majority of their audiences is still at work, or caught in gridlock trying to get home. But this somehow also forces the radio crew from not airing it live which really gets my goat.
2008-08-08 21:20:52
244.   Johnson
If Manny had connected on that first pitch, it was going to hit the water...and it was going to go to LEFT field. He didn't get cheated on that swing.
2008-08-08 21:20:59
245.   Gold Star for Robot Boy
238 - From July 2 entering tonight: 243/323/306/629 in in 111 at-bats.
2008-08-08 21:21:51
246.   bhsportsguy
229 You can see some live competition right now. The site will also tell you what will be on the various NBC channels (NBC, MSNBC, USA, CNBC, etc.)

http://www.nbcolympics.com/

2008-08-08 21:22:02
247.   Alex41592
8-5 Braves Top 9.
2008-08-08 21:22:04
248.   Tripon
241 As long as they replace McDonalds and Burger King with noodle shops, I'm gold.
2008-08-08 21:23:20
249.   Tripon
Rich being Manny's glovework.
2008-08-08 21:23:41
250.   68elcamino427
Manny being the Bison again
Show/Hide Comments 251-300
2008-08-08 21:25:03
251.   Suffering Bruin
It feels strange to cheer for Atlanta.
2008-08-08 21:25:04
252.   bhsportsguy
237 Yes, Lakers don't show their games on local TV from the East until 6:00 p.m. or right about in the middle of the 3rd quarter. KCAL's reason is that they get better ratings after 6 than do at 4:30.

They have done this for as long as I can remember and I don't anticipate that changing any year soon.

2008-08-08 21:25:53
253.   68elcamino427
Wow - Vin sounds great tonight.
2008-08-08 21:27:16
254.   Suffering Bruin
253 I joined this party late but you're right; he is on his game. I have never heard him call a bad game but I have heard him call great games and this is one of them.
2008-08-08 21:27:27
255.   Alex41592
CHIPPER JONES! 10-5 Braves.
2008-08-08 21:28:18
256.   Tripon
252 They did a trial run for about 5 games during a east coast road trip a couple of years ago. The ratings were down during the trip and it got an exec who approved the move fired. Never mind one of the games were against the Knicks, and teams of that ilk, and they're been garbage since the late 90s.
2008-08-08 21:28:36
257.   bhsportsguy
I am confused, in what order are they introducing these countries.
2008-08-08 21:29:23
258.   Alex41592
Ziegler is now up to 37 consecutive scoreless innings.
2008-08-08 21:29:32
259.   trainwreck
Yeah, the Laker game tape delays really annoyed me when I was in SB.

BUT I WANNA WATCH IT NOW!

2008-08-08 21:29:55
260.   Gagne55
Does it seem to anybody else like Beimel has kind of disappeared?
2008-08-08 21:30:27
261.   UVaDodger
257 I believe alphabetically by the Chinese Alphabet.
2008-08-08 21:30:42
262.   bhsportsguy
256 Up until recent years, the radio broadcast would be delayed also but now they air the games live so their call in show after the games goes on even before the TV game is over.
2008-08-08 21:31:06
263.   Gold Star for Robot Boy
And the Lakers tape-delay the radio broadcasts as well? That's madness.
2008-08-08 21:31:08
264.   Andrew Shimmin
Malawi got to march in to Scotland the Brave. Which is pretty cool, but also a little odd.
2008-08-08 21:31:29
265.   Tripon
260 Beimel became the go to situational tough lefty pitcher.
2008-08-08 21:31:29
266.   Marty
I liked the opening ceremonies this year so far. Having a Chinese ex-girlfriend who I'm on speaking terms with probably factors in it. But then again, I stopped watching to play a poker tournament.
2008-08-08 21:31:56
267.   Gold Star for Robot Boy
262 - Didn't see your post before sending.
2008-08-08 21:32:21
268.   Bluebleeder87
I remember back in the '84 Olympics the torch runner(s)? passed by near were I lived (then Brooklyn avenue now avenida Cesar Chavez) that was pretty fun.

Here is the offical '84 Olympic mascot [ http://tinyurl.com/69ckad ]

2008-08-08 21:32:28
269.   bhsportsguy
259 One last thing about practice, Norm Chow got a nice tan this summer. He also is one of the few coaches that does not wear a hat.
2008-08-08 21:33:26
270.   Gold Star for Robot Boy
268 - Sam the Eagle from The Muppets Show would've been better.
2008-08-08 21:33:43
271.   trainwreck
266
Must not make stereotypical joke about gambling.
2008-08-08 21:33:59
272.   bhsportsguy
266 Are you back from your travels? Are you going to be in town during the next week.
2008-08-08 21:34:14
273.   Suffering Bruin
Please notice how Vin called that AB by Eugenio Velez--he noted the movements of Velez, the movement of the pitches, talked about his speed... in other words, he was IN to the game, pardon my shouting.

It's just that not many guys do that. They talk about lord knows what; anything but the game. Charlie Steiner, you're a heckuva guy. But I'm speaking to you, sir.

2008-08-08 21:34:29
274.   trainwreck
269
He's too cool for hats.
2008-08-08 21:35:03
275.   Bob Timmermann
Chinese doesn't really have an alphabetical order since it doesn't have an alphabet as most of us know it.

The countries were arranged by the number of strokes it takes to make the initial character in the name of the country.

2008-08-08 21:35:36
276.   Gold Star for Robot Boy
269 - One of the dumbest things I have ever heard a football coach do (it was Tom Coughlin during his Jags days) was forbid anyone - coaches, media, anyone - from wearing sunglasses on the practice field.
What macho point is being proved with that? Tough guys are better squinters?
2008-08-08 21:35:44
277.   bhsportsguy
274 It would ruin his hair. I want hair like that when I am his age.
2008-08-08 21:35:55
278.   trainwreck
I wish I could carry Bob around like a Blackberry or iPhone.
2008-08-08 21:37:00
279.   bhsportsguy
275 Shouldn't you be out eating crabcakes or visiting the Jefferson Memorial?
2008-08-08 21:37:19
280.   Bob Timmermann
Bob had a three hour head start on watching the Opening Ceremonies.
2008-08-08 21:37:25
281.   trainwreck
276
He probably loathes smiley faces after posts.

: )

2008-08-08 21:38:09
282.   Tripon
Chan Ho Park is getting an at bat!
2008-08-08 21:38:19
283.   Gold Star for Robot Boy
Lindsay Davenport, chewing gum.
2008-08-08 21:38:20
284.   Marty
272 I'm home for 11 whole days. I have to go to Hartford on 8/20.
2008-08-08 21:39:43
285.   Suffering Bruin
Is it me or is Chan Ho limping right now?
2008-08-08 21:39:57
286.   Gold Star for Robot Boy
281 - If your smiley face shows up 5 minutes before the meeting is scheduled to begin, it's OK.
2008-08-08 21:40:03
287.   UVaDodger
282 And what an at bat!
2008-08-08 21:40:21
288.   trainwreck
Should I feel bad I am not watching Olympic ceremonies?

I did see some of the calligraphy part and that was cool.

2008-08-08 21:40:40
289.   bhsportsguy
280 Bob's cat though is having a party at his apartment, all the moo goo gai pan you can eat.
2008-08-08 21:41:21
290.   Andrew Shimmin
The Ukraine is wearing some really fantastic coats. I hope one of those ends up on eBay.
2008-08-08 21:41:28
291.   The Dude Abides
Man...Brandon Lyon is getting raked. Or is it Lyons? Atlanta's relief pitcher got an RBI ground-rule double off of him in the 9th.
2008-08-08 21:41:32
292.   jtrichey
I'm just going to assume the Dodgers lead the league in at bats by relief pitchers. So I'll just ask by how much do we lead the league?
2008-08-08 21:42:01
293.   trainwreck
286
And he wasn't even the biggest jerk coach at the Super Bowl.
2008-08-08 21:43:11
294.   Gold Star for Robot Boy
293 - But "Hoodie" wouldn't complain about sunglasses.
2008-08-08 21:44:10
295.   Tripon
I just want to see what the Russian and the Georgian teams are doing.
2008-08-08 21:44:37
296.   Telemachos
I haven't finished watching the opening ceremony yet (it's DVRed), but I think it's seriously cool. Zhang Yimou really pulled out all the stops. It's sort of the perfect combo of crazy technology and raw brute "mass of thousands" performing. And fireworks.

In terms of lighting the torch, though, my fave has always been the 1994 Lillehammer Winter Olympics, with the ski jump into the stadium.

2008-08-08 21:46:36
297.   Gold Star for Robot Boy
That colored footprints thing is really cool.
2008-08-08 21:46:50
298.   Alex41592
Dodgers and D'Backs are now tied in the loss column. 11-6 Braves win.
2008-08-08 21:47:17
299.   The Dude Abides
The home plate umpire has an aversion to called third strikes.
2008-08-08 21:48:48
300.   Bob Timmermann
My cat is boycotting the Olympics because he thinks China likes pandas too much.
Show/Hide Comments 301-350
2008-08-08 21:50:35
301.   bhsportsguy
300 I couldn't think of a reason why but I knew your cat would be boycotting, again allowing politics to intefere with sport.
2008-08-08 21:53:00
302.   trainwreck
Did you guys know that Bono is actually Robin Williams?

http://tinyurl.com/5hjbc6

2008-08-08 21:53:21
303.   xaphor
I have been impressed by NBC's online player. Slick, top quality, fast buffering and switching between feeds. The only quible I had so far was when they cut in for an advertisement with 10mins left in the Brazil v Belgium football match after showing a live still camera of the stadium crowd for the whole duration of half time.
2008-08-08 21:53:24
304.   Kevin Lewis
Does anyone know a physics professor? I need help buying a HD tv
2008-08-08 21:53:52
305.   Tripon
Manny goes 0 for 5.
2008-08-08 21:54:05
306.   Bluebleeder87
I wonder how long it took Manny Ramirez to grow the dreads.
2008-08-08 21:54:09
307.   xaphor
302 Good morning hang over.
2008-08-08 21:54:24
308.   Gold Star for Robot Boy
Kiribati? Never heard of that nation.
2008-08-08 21:54:54
309.   trainwreck
Yeah! India! I am part Indian and I did not even know we had athletes at the Olympics.
2008-08-08 21:55:08
310.   The Dude Abides
Manny swinging at the first pitch? Why can't we have Pierre in LF? At least he gives you a veteran at-bat and has a professional haircut.
2008-08-08 21:55:44
311.   Jon Weisman
Save opportunity!
2008-08-08 21:56:09
312.   Jon Weisman
Or should I say, Seove opportunity!
2008-08-08 21:57:07
313.   bhsportsguy
309 Last time I looked India was a nice sized piece of property.

292 I don't think they have more than 11-13 at bats so that is not too many is it.

2008-08-08 21:57:49
314.   Gagne55
304 I know plenty of physics proffesors.
2008-08-08 21:57:51
315.   The Dude Abides
I like the idea of Park getting a three-inning save. He only threw 22 pitches total in the 7th and 8th. Oops I may have spoken too soon.
2008-08-08 21:58:35
316.   xaphor
313 They got a few people to put down their stakes there as well.
2008-08-08 21:58:41
317.   Alex41592
Is anybody really upset Manny went 0 for 5?
2008-08-08 21:59:40
318.   trainwreck
313
They did only have like 15 people in their group.
2008-08-08 21:59:50
319.   Bluebleeder87
well I'm definitely curious to see Penny's next start.
2008-08-08 22:00:06
320.   dodgers82
Hey bluebleeder87, if you dont mind me asking, where abouts did you live near "brooklyn ave"?
2008-08-08 22:00:14
321.   The Dude Abides
Bison judgment!
2008-08-08 22:00:42
322.   Bluebleeder87
315

we should push the 3 inning save movement.

2008-08-08 22:01:51
323.   Gold Star for Robot Boy
309 - Don't read this headline
http://www.usatoday.com/sports/olympics/2008-08-06-4222784567_x.htm
2008-08-08 22:01:55
324.   Bluebleeder87
we shall call it 3-I.S.M...
2008-08-08 22:02:40
325.   Alex41592
1 out save coming up.
2008-08-08 22:02:56
326.   Tripon
Torre must love save situations.
2008-08-08 22:03:20
327.   trainwreck
323
LOL
2008-08-08 22:03:58
328.   Fallout
1-2-out of gas.
2008-08-08 22:05:48
329.   The Dude Abides
Nothing like walking banjo hitters with a four-run lead.
2008-08-08 22:05:58
330.   Kevin Lewis
This is where the save category is exposed as ridiculous. Park deserves something for his performance.
2008-08-08 22:06:08
331.   bhsportsguy
323 I never knew that, please excuse my earlier comment.
2008-08-08 22:06:14
332.   MonkeyBlue
Broxton is unstable the last two outings.
2008-08-08 22:08:32
333.   Tripon
332 Broxton can still strike people out.
2008-08-08 22:08:34
334.   Bluebleeder87
320

it's a very long street but I lived near rowan & brooklyn.

best days of my life & I didn't even know it, why bro?

2008-08-08 22:08:38
335.   Gold Star for Robot Boy
K! For the Winn!
2008-08-08 22:08:44
336.   Alex41592
4 straight balls and 3 straight strikes. 1/2 game back.
2008-08-08 22:08:44
337.   blutomania
332

You were saying?

2008-08-08 22:08:45
338.   68elcamino427
The Closer does his job.
2008-08-08 22:09:10
339.   Gagne55
Broxton FTS!
Penny FTW!
2008-08-08 22:09:15
340.   Bluebleeder87
that last minute drama was pretty cool.
2008-08-08 22:09:47
341.   Gagne55
335 Brilliantly played.
2008-08-08 22:10:08
342.   Gen3Blue
Broxton knows how to make it exciting, he almost always gets the tying run to the plate! We win!
2008-08-08 22:10:39
343.   Andrew Shimmin
I'm finding Lauer much more irritating than Costas.
2008-08-08 22:10:54
344.   bhsportsguy
327 Anyone for cricket?
2008-08-08 22:10:57
345.   Alex41592
That beard is tremendous. He must carry around one of those combs.
2008-08-08 22:11:20
346.   dodgers82
i never thought i'd see someone here who lived near that neck of the woods.....i lived on St. Louis and Brooklyn since 82 til 93...its just a funny coincedence.
2008-08-08 22:11:47
347.   Gold Star for Robot Boy
343 - The "Marco! Polo!" bit should've got him tossed from the booth.
2008-08-08 22:12:18
348.   LAT
Weird how Casey Blake doesn't make eye contact with the guy interviewing him.
2008-08-08 22:12:27
349.   trainwreck
344
They totally revamped the cricket league there. They went with an XFL type of marketing strategy.
2008-08-08 22:12:44
350.   Bluebleeder87
346

St. Luis pharmacy!! I know exactly were that's at bro, wow, small world!!

Show/Hide Comments 351-400
2008-08-08 22:14:09
351.   Andrew Shimmin
347- There really should be a feature where viewers can electrocute the people in the booth by text messaging, or voting at the website.
2008-08-08 22:14:21
352.   trainwreck
My best friend is Tongan. Go, Tonga!
2008-08-08 22:15:09
353.   The Dude Abides
Wow...that flag-bearer from Jordan was ridiculously hot.
2008-08-08 22:16:06
354.   dodgers82
yup..sure is a small world, i live above that burger joint on the NW corner in some crappy apts, i now live in dredded D'backs land (tucson) and instead of Scully's legendary voice every D'back/Dodgers game, i have to listen to Sutton/Grace....two bafoons.
2008-08-08 22:16:44
355.   Andrew Shimmin
The circle of dancing women greeting the athletes has become much more sedate in hour three of the procession. There should have been a second and maybe a third string to sub in so that the Croats didn't get a less enthusiastic welcome.
2008-08-08 22:17:04
356.   Gold Star for Robot Boy
353 - I've been enjoying the "global babes" aspect to the opening ceremonies.
2008-08-08 22:17:16
357.   LAT
351. But only when the camera is on them. Imagine Steve Lyons with smoke coming out of his ears and his hair and eye brows catching fire. Talk about Must See TV.
2008-08-08 22:18:20
358.   xaphor
344 Should I bring some gear to the picnic.
2008-08-08 22:18:33
359.   trainwreck
353
Lame, totally missed that.
2008-08-08 22:19:46
360.   Bluebleeder87
356

haha oh man, lol!!

2008-08-08 22:21:56
361.   Gold Star for Robot Boy
Mexico had some talent.
2008-08-08 22:23:00
362.   Gold Star for Robot Boy
Yao!
2008-08-08 22:23:06
363.   bhsportsguy
Late night Dodger Thoughts returns.
2008-08-08 22:25:34
364.   trainwreck
Do you think if I was there I could just walk down and sit next to one the presidents?

Okay, no.

2008-08-08 22:25:42
365.   trainwreck
Do you think if I was there I could just walk down and sit next to one of the presidents?

Okay, no.

2008-08-08 22:26:12
366.   dodgers82
LOL, ah man total disrespect on espn.com/mlb, the line reads "Dodgers activate Penny, starts against Giants" and they have an Angels logo next to it. Wow!
http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/index
2008-08-08 22:26:18
367.   trainwreck
Well that was odd.
2008-08-08 22:28:35
368.   Andrew Shimmin
I wish I didn't look like an idiot in hats. The French have some fine hats.
2008-08-08 22:29:49
369.   Gold Star for Robot Boy
368 - The whole French outfit, from the seersucker jacket to the hat, rocked.
2008-08-08 22:30:06
370.   xaphor
Watching the Men's Road Race as a cyclist from China leads the pack through the Great Wall is a fantastic sight.
2008-08-08 22:30:09
371.   bhsportsguy
Now they say that Sanchez may miss opener against Virginia.

The Mitch Mustain Marching and Chowder Society is calling its first meeting for tomorrow at the steps of the Natural History Museum.

2008-08-08 22:31:06
372.   xaphor
370 That's what I get for watching it muted. CHI stands for Chile. Amazing sight non-the-less.
2008-08-08 22:31:27
373.   bhsportsguy
368 Yes, its a good thing for me that hats went out as part of daily attire.
2008-08-08 22:33:40
374.   trainwreck
371
This is the world's smallest violin playing for all USC fans.
2008-08-08 22:36:44
375.   Andrew Shimmin
The Russians have hats, too, but they're inferior to the French hats. Syria is hatless, but I like their ties. The Americans are wearing silly hats.
2008-08-08 22:37:11
376.   The Dude Abides
Amazing personal story of the American flag bearer
2008-08-08 22:38:20
377.   Andrew Shimmin
Bush was sitting around in shirt sleeves at the beginning of the parade, but put his coat back on for the American entry. Xenophobe.
2008-08-08 22:39:01
378.   trainwreck
We look like a bunch of pompous private school kids.

Well, I guess that fits our image.

2008-08-08 22:39:04
379.   Andrew Shimmin
Anybody know what the thing above the Olympic rings is on the jacket crest?
2008-08-08 22:39:32
380.   Andrew Shimmin
Flat front pants. D4P would approve.
2008-08-08 22:40:16
381.   Gold Star for Robot Boy
These guys are shoo-ins for the synchronized goose-step gold.
2008-08-08 22:41:31
382.   bhsportsguy
I guess Jon isn't the only fashion critic on DT.
2008-08-08 22:43:30
383.   Andrew Shimmin
If 377 wasn't sufficiently silly to keep it from running afoul of rule five, I apologize.
2008-08-08 22:45:24
384.   Andrew Shimmin
382- Jon's brave, though, taking on women and their sunglasses. I haven't got nerve enough for that.
2008-08-08 22:46:19
385.   Gold Star for Robot Boy
384 - When we show up for tomorrow's game, the place will be surrounded by protesters.
2008-08-08 22:49:25
386.   Andrew Shimmin
He also didn't go for a California Raisins joke, which, if I had been the one making the point (which I wouldn't have been; I find gigantic sunglasses to be perfectly fetching and not at all worthy of derision), I totally would have.
2008-08-08 22:52:21
387.   Gold Star for Robot Boy
In this salute to the torch run, I assume they'll skip the San Francisco debacle.
2008-08-08 22:52:21
388.   Tripon
What, BMX is an Olympics sport? You have got to be kidding me.
2008-08-08 22:53:34
389.   xaphor
The president is a very naughty boy.
http://tinyurl.com/624x7j

#4 is a keeper.

2008-08-08 22:54:14
390.   trainwreck
I should move to a country that has barely any athletes, so I can be in the Olympics.
2008-08-08 22:55:48
391.   Gold Star for Robot Boy
The smoke from these fireworks won't clear until the London Olympics.
2008-08-08 22:56:55
392.   trainwreck
389
lol

He looks drunk in those pics. I can't blame him.

2008-08-08 22:58:39
393.   Jon Weisman
384 - My Dad e-mailed me a warning saying that I was asking for big trouble.
2008-08-08 23:01:43
394.   Jon Weisman
Dodgers prospect loses no-no in ninth

http://tinyurl.com/5ec7lb

2008-08-08 23:03:01
395.   The Dude Abides
389
The Prez gets around
http://tinyurl.com/56h92v
2008-08-08 23:05:46
396.   Andrew Shimmin
Two lapel pins are at least one too many.
2008-08-08 23:07:36
397.   The Dude Abides
Excellent! Sweden's always good for at least one smoking-hot athlete.
2008-08-08 23:14:36
398.   trainwreck
Mexico wins!
2008-08-08 23:16:24
399.   ToyCannon
Kaman-Yeah

Jordan won on % as far as I'm concerned.

2008-08-08 23:16:37
400.   Wen
First time posting but have been reading this site nearly everyday for a few months. Really enjoyed the discussion.

I will be in L.A. for the Colorado series and am thinking about taking the trolley. Since I am traveling alone, safety is a big concern. Therefore, I am wondering if anyone could tell me how safe (or dangerous) Union Station and the surrounding area is after dark.

Thanks in advance.

Show/Hide Comments 401-450
2008-08-08 23:16:48
401.   Andrew Shimmin
I'd like to hear more about the positive aspects of the East German approach to Olympic team building, Mr. Lauer. Stupid commercial break.
2008-08-08 23:17:54
402.   underdog
Woo hoo!

A successful sort-of-Dodger-Thoughts-North gathering tonight. The only nervous moments happened in the first inning, when Penny looked rusty, and the 9th inning, for about two minutes, but other than that, it was just the kind of rather boring game I don't mind seeing in person.

Ardoin!
The Beard!

Giants fans muttering to themselves and leaving early! A modest "Beat LA" chant that is drowned out by a girl yelling "Let's Go Dodgers!"

High fives with Vishal, Icaros, Louis and Jacob!

Broxton sending the few Giants fans left home sad!

A drunken nutcase in the bathroom scared a few of us Dodger fan. Nothing like feeling vulnerable when you are peeing.

But other than that, a fun night at the Phone Booth!

2008-08-08 23:18:17
403.   underdog
And crap, I forgot to tape the Olympic opener. Rats.
2008-08-08 23:19:56
404.   trainwreck
Can't beat the Scottish bagpipes. Makes me proud.
2008-08-08 23:20:21
405.   underdog
Wait, the opening ceremony's still on? Sheesh.

Moldova has a very hot athlete.

2008-08-08 23:21:23
406.   The Dude Abides
399
You saw Jordan's flag bearer too? I had no idea that place could produce such quality.
2008-08-08 23:21:46
407.   trainwreck
As a complete mutt, I have too many teams to root for.
2008-08-08 23:22:11
408.   Andrew Shimmin
Those are some serious windbreakers for the Australians. Very shiny. Pairing it with the shiny caps, too. Bold move.
2008-08-08 23:23:24
409.   The Dude Abides
China's flag bearer must play basketball
2008-08-08 23:23:39
410.   ToyCannon
400
Union Station is very safe. You should have no problems. Dodger Stadium may be more dangerous depending on where you are sitting.
2008-08-08 23:27:45
411.   Gold Star for Robot Boy
Jordan's flag bearer = Zenia Shaban http://www.angelfire.com/ak5/zeina/
You're welcome.
2008-08-08 23:27:58
412.   underdog
Btw, I was worried like you folks were about Penny after his first inning but thought he really settled down after that, from where I sat. I know his velocity was a little down but the SF gun is notoriously slightly slow and he picked up as he went along. For a first start i thought it was promising. If he can go 6 solid next time that'll be even better.
2008-08-08 23:29:49
413.   trainwreck
At first, I thought she was like 14 or 16, but I guess she is 20.
2008-08-08 23:31:00
414.   xaphor
Union Station is one of my favourite buildings in LA. If that is to be your only time there I'd leave a little early just to take in the structure and/or walk down Olvera Street just across the road.
2008-08-08 23:32:21
415.   The Dude Abides
Yep...all those pictures of her are from four or five years ago. I was feeling sheepish until I realized that.
2008-08-08 23:33:09
416.   Wen
410
Thank you. Where would the "dangerous" seats be, then? I've been to soccer games on my own and have had no problem even with the drunken fans.

I remember reading somewhere on DT about parking lots near Union Station but can't dig that info out. Any suggestions?

2008-08-08 23:33:56
417.   The Dude Abides
I was under the impression that Penny threw hard in his last rehab start. I think his highest reading on the gun tonight was 90. Let's hope that changes for the better.
2008-08-08 23:35:37
418.   Wen
Thanks to 414 , too. That's what I plan to do and part of the reason why I asked about that area.
2008-08-08 23:36:28
419.   bhsportsguy
416 The question for you is if you are driving anyway, is saving $8 worth the extra time, maybe not so much going in but when you want to leave. The trolley may add anywhere up to 30 minutes to your departure time.

The parking is located across the street at "parking lots" in the gas station or at the post office for I believe $7.00.

2008-08-08 23:37:25
420.   trainwreck
415
I guess I am going to have to watch table tennis now to see what she looks like.
2008-08-08 23:38:50
421.   xaphor
416 If you've been to soccer games then Dodger Stadium is a walk in the park mate. The outfield bleachers is where any likely trouble is going to brew but even that is taken care of quickly and minor by most football comparisons.
2008-08-08 23:39:10
422.   bhsportsguy
414 I would do that before the game, the trolley doesn't leave until 5:30 anyway but I would not walk around Olivera Street at night if you are not familiar with the area.
2008-08-08 23:41:07
423.   bhsportsguy
Good flag ceromony technique is pretty cool to watch.
2008-08-08 23:43:17
424.   underdog
Zito blames the umps (sort of):
(from SF Chronicle)

>>Zito fell into a lot of deep counts and hurt himself with high changeups to Kent and Angel Berroa, whose RBI double capped the rally. However, Zito believes other changeups called balls by home-plate umpire Larry Vanover hurt his cause.

"I thought some calls were missed tonight, which was unfortunate," Zito said. "These guys (the umps) are good, but there were a handful of changeups I thought were in the zone. That changes the at-bats. That part is frustrating, but I've got to make better pitches with my changeup.<<

(I actually thought there were a few questionable ball calls for both pitchers, or pitchers of both teams tonight, so he may be right, but it balanced out, and still, Barry... shaddup.)

2008-08-08 23:47:55
425.   trainwreck
I am kind of surprised I have no sympathy for Barry Zito. He went to UCSB for a year and was good for the A's. Plus, he's related to Patrick Duffy.

Yet, every A's fan I know loves to ridicule him.

2008-08-08 23:47:57
426.   Wen
419 I am thinking about taking a little tour of the station itself. Since I am going downtown any way, might as well combine the two trips on that day. On other days, I'll just drive to the stadium.

421 I am not a mate. Maybe that's why the drunk fans left me alone. (Should I feel sad about this?)

Thank you guys for answering the questions. Please continue with your fashion talk and Olympic discussions. Now I'll go find a different forum to talk about all the hunks in Beijing.

2008-08-08 23:48:47
427.   Bob Hendley
I thought that Bob had two cats. There must be some sort of gag rule involving the other one.
2008-08-08 23:50:26
428.   Gold Star for Robot Boy
426 - About those opening ceremonies hunks, you and my wife could have a good conversation.
2008-08-08 23:53:21
429.   trainwreck
Where is Eric Stephen? I need to talk Raiders football.
2008-08-08 23:53:41
430.   ToyCannon
419
Hanging with Dodger fans is priceless. If you are on your own a great way to spend the day is hopping aboard the subway and checking out LA before the game.

I was only kidding about Dodger Stadium, you should have no problem as long as you wear Dodger colors and don't pop the kids beach balls.

2008-08-08 23:55:43
431.   xaphor
426 Depending on where you are staying you could park up at one of the subway stops with free/cheap all day parking and then take the subway into downtown for the day. Then it is just a matter of taking the subway back to your car from Union Station.

And I use mate pretty unilateraly across the sexes. No offense.

2008-08-08 23:56:05
432.   The Dude Abides
Wow...London 2012 is screwed. How do you top that?
2008-08-08 23:56:31
433.   Andrew Shimmin
The kid that Yao Ming is holding is nine, right? Isn't that a little old for being held? By a stranger? Who's a giant?
2008-08-08 23:57:06
434.   trainwreck
431
xaphor, what part of England are you from?
2008-08-08 23:58:36
435.   xaphor
431 Manchester. And don't mention anything that prances around in red. :)
2008-08-08 23:59:14
436.   The Dude Abides
The balls and strikes definitely evened out for both teams. That ump's zone was tiny. Chan Ho was actually laughing at him in the 9th.
2008-08-08 23:59:48
437.   trainwreck
435
Haha, I never figured out what team to root for, so do not worry. My dad was from Essex.
2008-08-09 00:02:45
438.   bhsportsguy
Simers loves Manny

Manny agrees to buy each child in the cancer ward (44) a Manny dreadlock skull cap ($25 each) and will donate $1000 per home run and $300 per RBI (or at least $1300 per homerun) to the UCLA Children's hospital.

http://www.latimes.com/sports/la-sp-simers9-2008aug09,0,2148742.column

2008-08-09 00:04:26
439.   trainwreck
438
Great, gesture.
2008-08-09 00:04:33
440.   The Dude Abides
NBC reporter interviewing Yao Ming addressed him as "Yao." Without any "mister" or its Chinese equivalent. That's his surname. I don't think that's kosher, and if it really isn't, it's pretty shocking that NBC wouldn't even bother to properly prepare their reporters.
2008-08-09 00:14:42
441.   Gold Star for Robot Boy
440 - A culturally insensitive American?
No wai!
2008-08-09 00:17:57
442.   xaphor
440 At least he didn't call him comrade.

437 Not a lot of choice for quality football in Essex. The best of the bunch is League One side Colchester. City are always on the look out for a few good fans to torture endlessly. :)

2008-08-09 00:31:09
443.   trainwreck
442
Yes, you can see my conundrum. I am tempted to root for Newcastle United just because of the beer.
2008-08-09 00:48:10
444.   trainwreck
I apparently missed the air rifle event.
2008-08-09 00:53:09
445.   Gold Star for Robot Boy
Credit where credit is due: NBC's online player is pretty freaking sweet.
Right now, I'm watching China-Spain women's hoops (with no announcers). There's also the option to view 4 events at once.
2008-08-09 02:04:58
446.   Andrew Shimmin
Right about the time we were trying to figure out what time it was.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/26104003/

2008-08-09 02:24:41
447.   Pedro Astacio
http://ktla.trb.com/news/local/video/ktla-video-beijingpenis,0,4923681.htmlstory

Plaschke's adventures in a restaurant in Beijing. Rather grotesque.

2008-08-09 06:05:46
448.   al bundy
If I were to say I'm happy for Juanpierre's newfound but well-deserved status as a bench warmer, would that be the equivalent of a rule 9 violation?
2008-08-09 07:15:31
449.   Wen
431 None taken. I didn't know "mate" could refer to female. Now I do.

440 After living in the States for years, Yao's probably used to that already. Most Chinese I know are not comfortable being called by given name alone. Sounds too intimate for them. They usually use the full name. Some Chinese who live here might actually prefer to be called by surname with or without appellation than by given name if they had to choose between the two.

Taiwanese, on the other hand, are much more used to calling people of their age or younger by their given name. My Chinese friends told me that it makes us sound "American." Full name can sound too cold to us. When addressing older people and people of higher social status, we do use appellations/titles and generally avoid using given name alone. But most of us wouldn't object foreigners calling us by surname since it's usually easier that way. (Taiwanese tend to have two character given names like "Chin-lung" or "Hong Chih" instead of single character names like "Ming.") The Chinese-speaking Singaporean and Hong Konger might also have different preferences. It's pretty confusing even for a native speaker. I am not surprised that the reporter would have trouble figuring it out.

2008-08-09 07:33:27
450.   Jon Weisman
Farewell, Bernie Mac. Of pneumonia at age 50.

http://www.cnn.com/2008/SHOWBIZ/Movies/08/09/bernie.mac/index.html

Show/Hide Comments 451-500
2008-08-09 08:18:38
451.   LAT
How does a 50 year old die of pneumonia? I know it gets old people but 50 isnt that old. Sheez.
2008-08-09 08:27:26
452.   oshea2002
I just finished watching the Raiders game on tivo, I'm actually mildly impressed. With the schedule 8-8 is a real possibility. The running game should be lethal.
2008-08-09 08:29:13
453.   old dodger fan
It's pretty normal in China for people of roughly the same age to call each other by their surname.
2008-08-09 08:30:23
454.   LAT
438. Not to poo-poo a nice gesture by Manny, but isnt that like $20 to you and me.
2008-08-09 08:45:04
455.   Howard Fox
454 no, actually, its like between $20,000 and $30,000...and that is a big donation, in my opinion
2008-08-09 09:12:01
456.   Gagne55
It looks like higher management doesn't want Manny to cut his hair as they plan to make bank off of skullcaps. Torre on the other hand doesn't want anybody violating his fashion policy.
2008-08-09 09:13:28
457.   preacherroe
Jones tries to straighten out. Nice try Quasimodo.
2008-08-09 09:41:28
458.   Tripon
http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/news?slug=ti-manny080808&prov=yhoo&type=lgns

Tim Brown has a new piece out on Manny and the Red Sox. A good read.

2008-08-09 10:16:42
459.   underdog
450 Sadly, that's the second Bernie obit I've had to post at the GreenCine Daily the past couple of days. (Brillstein, RIP.) Man, Mac was way too young. :-(
2008-08-09 10:26:38
460.   Jon Weisman
NPUT

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