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About Jon
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1) using profanity or any euphemisms for profanity
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May 17 Open Chat: Hold the Phone, Don't Hold the Phone
2005-05-17 14:45
by Jon Weisman

Tonight's Game

Putting lots of runners on base without driving them in is like holding your hands-free cell phone in your hand while you talk.

We can do something about this, people. Use your hands-free device to free your hands. If you're going to hold the hands-free device, just hold the phone.

Oh - and, drive those runners in.

Just fooling around here, thinking out loud ... not counting errors, the Dodgers have had 47 baserunners in their past four games and scored 12 runs, a ratio of 3.92 to 1. For the season, the Dodgers have had 513 baserunners and scored 190 runs, a ratio of 2.70 to 1.

Now, you can believe the Dodgers have lost their clutch-hitting ability of late. Or you can believe that the Dodgers have just been hitting in bad luck in the clutch. Or you could do further research, perhaps find that the Dodgers had a power dropoff or something like that.

My point is this: things change. And as long as you're putting people on base, the more a run-scoring slump can change for the better. (David Pinto has more to say about this at Baseball Musings.)

By the way, Dodger pitching has allowed 184 runs on 469 baserunners (not counting errors) this season, a ratio of 2.55. Dodger pitching is keeping more runners off base than opponents' pitching, but allowing almost the same number of runs to score.

Comments (337)
Show/Hide Comments 1-50
2005-05-17 15:15:16
1.   Linkmeister
I have no analogy to match that. All I have is increasing frustration at the LOB numbers. When the bases are loaded, can't somebody even get hit by a pitch?
2005-05-17 15:22:15
2.   Xeifrank
In case you missed it, tonights Over/Under for Derek Lowe is 7 IPs.

vr

Xei

2005-05-17 15:26:37
3.   Bob Timmermann
Random Dodger game callback

May 17, 1985

If one looked at the Los Angeles Dodgers on this date 20 years ago, one would not have been optimistic. The Dodgers fell a game under .500 and into fourth place 2 games behind San Diego after a dismal 10-5 loss to the Phillies at Veterans Stadium. Starting pitcher Jerry Ruess got an early shower at the end of four innings after giving up six runs, the final two on a Von Hayes homer.

Tom Brennan came in to relieve and gave up four more runs in the fifth and for the remainder of the game, the Dodgers weren't able to close the gap against Phillies pitchers Kevin Gross and Rocky Childress. Ten days later, Brennan pitched his last game in the majors.

The Dodgers starting lineup this day was: Steve Sax 2B, RJ Reynolds CF, Greg Brock 1B, Pedro Guerrero 3B, Mike Marshall RF, Mike Scioscia C, Terry Whitfield LF, Mariano Duncan SS, Reuss P. Bob Bailor came in to give Guerrero, who was off to a slow start, a rest. Ken Landreaux came in off the bench and Al Oliver, who was briefly a starter in left field, pinch hit. Mike Ramsey (the white one, the black one came up in 1987) pinch-hit. This Ramsey played just nine games for the Dodgers.

But in June, Guerrero and the Dodgers turned things around. Guerrero belted out 15 of his 33 home runs on the season that month. This power spike coincided with Guerrero's move from third base to the outfield. Manager Tommy Lasorda tried a variety of replacements at third base for Guerrero, including Bailor as well as Enos Cabell and Dave Anderson before the Dodgers acquired Bill Madlock from the Pirates in August to bring another bat to the lineup. Duncan played a solid shortstop in his rookie season to help out as well. Duncan was a late addition to the roster after Bailor was put on the disabled list to start the season. The Dodgers went 15-10 in June and 25-7 in July and led the NL West by five games heading into August.

The Dodgers pitching staff in 1985 was missing Bob Welch for most of the start of the season, but the strong performances from Fernando Valenzuela (17-10, 2.45) and Orel Hershiser (19-3, 2.03) and Reuss (14-10, 2.92) made that absence less noticeable.

In the bullpen, the Dodgers finally gave up on the troubled Steve Howe, but Tom Niedenfuer took over the role of closer. Niedenfuer struck out 102 batters in 106 1/3 innings and 19 saves. Niedenfuer was the subject of trade rumors in spring training, most frequently he was rumored to be on his way to Boston in exchange for a Red Sox third baseman by the name of Steve Lyons. Many thought that Lasorda overused Niedenfuer, often sending him out for 3 inning stints down the stretch. And in Game 6 of the NLCS, a tired Niedenfuer gave up a 3-run homer to Jack Clark of the Cardinals and the Dodgers 95-67 season and the heroics of Guerrero and Hershiser and co. went for naught.

Thanks to the Los Angeles Times, BaseballReference.com and Retrosheet

2005-05-17 15:33:53
4.   Vishal
i'm going to the game tonight, and i think this will be a very good one to watch. i'm really looking forward to see dontrelle willis. plus, i'm going to philippe's for a french dip beforehand, so what's not to be excited about?
2005-05-17 15:42:50
5.   JSN
I'm going to take the over on 7 innings pitched. Call me an optimist.
2005-05-17 15:45:13
6.   Formerly R
Jon (from previous string): "Everyone assumes that Saenz is a better hitter against lefties than Choi, and they may be right, but there's pretty much no evidence for it at all."

The rough numbers:

(over the past three seasons)

Saenz vs lefties -- .999 OPS
Choi vs lefties -- .507 OPS

Admittedly, during this time (pretty much his whole career) Choi has only 57 ABs vs. lefties.

So there you go. Am I missing something?

2005-05-17 15:47:27
7.   db1022
As I said, I'm all for giving Choi at bats against a lefty, but in a situation as in the 7th last night, I'm sending Saenz up to hit a 3-run dinger for the lead, then turning the game over to Brazoban and Gagne.
2005-05-17 15:51:26
8.   Robert Fiore
Has anyone seen the Shout Factory DVD "Dodger Blue"? It would appear to be either a compilation of all the old Pennant/World Series videos or edited versions of them. Since it doesn't give a total time it's hard to tell. Does anybody know: The manufacturer's description is at http://www.shoutfactory.com/.
2005-05-17 15:53:04
9.   Marty
Vishal, the lamb french dip at Phillipe is terrific. Slather the hot mustard on and its heaven
2005-05-17 15:56:33
10.   Bob Timmermann
That mustard at Philippe's is hot. Hot in the sense that it catches up to you later and makes you see God.

They always seem to run out of lamb when I'm there. Tell me if there is a very tall German woman working the counter. She usually is at the very end toward the Alameda side of the restaurant.

She seems really tall and I'm curious as to if it's an optical illusion.

2005-05-17 16:04:41
11.   heato
I want the Dodgers to win as much as anyone, but does anyone think the Dodgers might be better off in the long run if they were out of contention by the trading deadline? Depodesta would not have to trade any of the prospects for the final piece of the puzzle. More significantly, he might be able to trade Weaver to a team desperate to contend (Phillies) for some top of the line talent. Given Weaver's current salary and agent, it seems unlikely the Dodgers will resign him next year. When (or if) it comes to the decision between keeping Penny or Weaver, Penny seems like he has much more to offer in the long run. I am not saying I want the Dodgers to keep losing. I was just wondering what everyone else thinks.
2005-05-17 16:09:28
12.   DodgerJoe
My feeling is that there is a drop in power. Look at last night's game where every Dodger hit was a single.

The Marlins had 2 HR's, 1 triple, and 5 doubles. And I am sure the numbers are similar for the Braves game against Hudson.

2005-05-17 16:14:08
13.   LetsGoDodgers
JD Drew's RISP line this season:
.143/.350/.286
JD Drew's RISP line since 1987:
.294/.408/.525

It would appear that pitchers like to pitch around Drew. When he cooperates, he walks. When he tries to make contact, he's an easy out. He seems amenable to extending the inning due to his high OBP, but he's not driving in the runner(s) in scoring position, a big part of the #3 hitter's job.

Milton Bradley's RISP line this season:
.211/.244/.395
Milton Bradley's RISP line since 1987:
.256/.357/.405

It would appear that Bradley is hitting the ball with as much authority as he ever has (marginal difference in SLG), but is making contact a lot less frequently. Even more alarming is the drop-off in OBP. Does this suggest the opposing pitchers don't respect the 6/7/8 hitters? Is Bradley being too aggressive at the plate? I think it's a combination of the two with emphasis on the latter.

Jeff Kent's May 2005 line to-date:
.212/.271/.365

It appears our clean-up hitter is having a garden variety slump.

In a very small (and over-simplified) way, this is my spin on the current slump. Maybe moving some guys around in the lineup for a week or so will help:

Izturis
Ledee/Repko
Bradley
Kent
Choi
Drew
Phillips
Antonio Perez
Pitcher

I don't believe bench time will help, but maybe a different slot in the lineup (and a LOT of time with Tim Wallach) will help these guys.

2005-05-17 16:16:33
14.   LetsGoDodgers
RE: 11

You sound like a Red Sox fan, pre-2004.

2005-05-17 16:16:42
15.   Vishal
thanks, marty! i'll give the lamb a try.

and bob, no worries for me. i'm young, i have a good constitution, and i'm used to spicy food. i'll keep an eye out for your tall german lady, though ;)

2005-05-17 16:24:35
16.   Suffering Bruin
Thanks, Bob. The '85 Dodgers. I never saw a better hitter in the 80's than Pedro Guerrero. From what I've read, he's not doing so hot.

Speaking of 80's names, did anybody catch that Oil Can Boyd is making a comeback? He's 45. I was flipping channels away from last night's debacle and caught the story on ESPNews. I did not catch what league he was playing but he still looks the same.

----------------------------------------------

TODAY'S FACT OF CHOI, SB'S FAVORITE PLAYER, 2005:

... is not fact at all because I'm packing for a move. But I do need help from the more statistically inclined folks on this group, as well as from those of you who don't mind doing more research than yours truly.

In other words, everybody here but me.

Jim Tracy was quoted as saying that Choi should stick to hitting against the righthanders because he didn't want to ruin him against lefties. In addition to that, Saenz has a record of socking the southpaws.

So here's my question: If we stick to this strict platoon, are we not in reality weakening an up and coming player (Choi) by taking it as a given that he can't hit lefties? Choi's past history against southpaws is all but irrelevant due to small sample size and his recent surge. But it is a little relevant, I guess...

Shorter version: Are we damaging a young player's long-term growth by platooning him? Or does it actually help him in the long run?

I suppose I could track similar situations that occured during the history of this grand game but that takes work so I submit this question humbly to the group on the off-chance that someone might actually know.

2005-05-17 16:27:41
17.   Steve
Under. Way under.
2005-05-17 16:27:58
18.   Nagman
Regarding lineup shuffling, with Brian Giles mired in an 0-for-the-road-trip slump, he was flip-flopped with a hot Klesko from 3 to 5. Not saying this had anything to do with anything, but look at him (over .500 since then)/them now. To say he snapped out of it is an understatement, while Klesko maintained the hot bat.

Interestingly, it seems Giles and Drew have similar approaches -- while they weren't hitting, the OBP was at a decent level.

2005-05-17 16:35:35
19.   db1022
#16 - pick and choose exposure to lefties. As I've probably explained more than anyone cares, I fully endorsed Tracy pinch hitting for Choi last night. Give Choi at bats against lefties (maybe even start him occasionally, gasp!), but when you have someone whose sole duty on the team is to crush lefties, let him serve his purpose in obvious game changing situations. If there had only been one runner on, and Choi did not represent the go ahead run, let Choi swing away. But with 2 outs and extra base hit needed, go with the known quantity.
2005-05-17 16:50:33
20.   Marty
SB,

... is not fact at all because I'm packing for a move.

Have you picked out a dog yet?

2005-05-17 16:51:46
21.   Fearing Blue
The Baseball Musings article Jon posted is a bit of a downer. Two of the teams ahead of the Dodgers in LOB are also ahead of them in the standings (Padres and Diamondbacks). I'm not sure exactly what it means, but it doesn't seem good, considering we've been blaming some of the recent record discrepancies to luck.
2005-05-17 16:52:51
22.   LAT
Man, you guys are killing me! Last night doughnuts. Tonight Philipps! Bob, I'm 43 and even though there is a price to be paid for the mustard, its worth it. Have to veto the lamb and stay with the roast beef (but I hate lamb). Vishal, if there's room for pie, and there should always be room for pie, the pumpkin is outstanding.

I need to adjust my priorities. Its open house at the kids' school tonight and I would rather be eating frech dip and pie and watching the game. Shh, don't tell anyone I said that.

2005-05-17 16:53:06
23.   regfairfield
All things being equal, yes, pinch hitting for Choi might have been a smart move.

However, Hee Seop is beyond locked in right now. Whenever he makes contact with the ball, he's crushing it.

Everyone knows Hee Seop is not a .320 hitter, so we might as well ride this hot streak as long as we can.

2005-05-17 16:53:17
24.   Jon Weisman
#6 - give them the same number of plate appearances against lefties from here on out, and see how those OPS numbers change.
2005-05-17 16:59:47
25.   LAT
". . .Pedro Guerrero. From what I've read, he's not doing so hot."

SB, what's the story there. I loved that guy.

". . .Oil Can Boyd is making a comeback? . . .but he still looks the same."

Still looks like a heroin addict? How could that guy weight 98 lbs and throw as hard as Louis Tiant.

2005-05-17 17:01:04
26.   Icaros
How could that guy weight 98 lbs and throw as hard as Louis Tiant.

Maybe Ramon Martinez could tell you.

2005-05-17 17:06:30
27.   LAT
I hope Oil Can is going into the same league as Ricky. Wouldn't it be great to see those two face each other.

Icaros, was Ramon Martinez that skinny? I don't recall him being all that thin, but then I never noticed the tall German woman at Philippes either.

2005-05-17 17:11:14
28.   Icaros
Baseball Reference lists him at 6'4" 173 lbs. I don't know if you ever saw that picture of him and Eric Enders in Albuquerque, but he looked like a walking pipe cleaner.
2005-05-17 17:11:21
29.   Marty
I don't remember Tiant throwing all that hard. He had a million breaking balls from a million angles.
2005-05-17 17:14:23
30.   Icaros
Here's the link. Check out that forearm.

http://www.ericenders.com/ramon.htm

2005-05-17 17:16:12
31.   LAT
I am 6'4" 220. When I was in high school I was 6'4" 170 and you couldn't see me if I turned sideways. That said, I recognize how skinny he was/is.
2005-05-17 17:20:34
32.   Suffering Bruin
19 - Nice post. It appears to me that Saenz' sole purpose on the club is to hit lefties in place of Choi. I don't know if Saenz has pinch-hit for Ledee and I'm sure he hasn't PH'd for Drew.

20 - We are being strongly encouraged to save a dog's life at the shelter. I think that's the route we're going to go and thank you for remembering! It'll be my first dog in two decades and my wife and son's first dog, period. Should be interesting...

25 - http://tinyurl.com/9wsq9

This wasn't long after OJ Simpson made his girlfriend walk home from Guerrero's house because she was on an all-night cocaine binge. Simpson made a 911 call from his house that was played on Jim Rome's radio show.

That was five years ago, though.

2005-05-17 17:27:33
33.   LAT
SB, thanks for the Guerrero link. That article is sad on every level.

BYW, when we rescued our dog 3 yrs ago, Petco was running all kinds of specials and discounts for resecued dogs.

2005-05-17 17:27:58
34.   Bob Timmermann
I would say LAT and I are about the same size. I'm 6'5" and probably 215, although it could be 220. I have an aversion to scales. In grad school, I weighed 170.

For the record, I have never spoken to the German woman. Nor do I know if she's really German.

Just an educated guess. She does tend to stand from the rest of the staff at Philippe's.

2005-05-17 17:32:16
35.   LAT
Bob, you and the allegdly German woman have given me an excuse to go to Philippe's in the near term. Maybe before tomorrow's 12:10 businessman's special.
2005-05-17 17:41:07
36.   Steve
RE: Choi/Saenz. It seemed like this was a problem when Valentin was eating at-bats at third, and Saenz needed some ABs -- unfortunate that they would have to come from Choi, but they had to come from somewhere. Now, I don't even see why there is an issue. Saenz at third against lefties, Choi at first. When Perez comes back tomorrow, Choi at first against righties, Perez at third.
2005-05-17 17:41:49
37.   Steve
Until Perez ends up in Nakamuraville, and then we go to Aybar, Guzman, LaRoche, and finally George Wendt in Gung Ho.
2005-05-17 17:43:55
38.   DougS
Bob, your description reminds me of that big Asian (Korean?) guy with the James Brown 'do who used to work at the original Tommy's at Rampart and Beverly. Talk about standing out from your co-workers. Don't know if he still works there, though; been a while since I've haunted that part of town.
2005-05-17 17:49:48
39.   walking g
Does anyone know how much input or influence Jim Colborn has with Jim Tracy? Is he as disappointed with how his pitchers are being used as we are?

And rather than hearing way too much about Erickson's opinions about the defense, it would be interesting to know what the other pitchers think about continually being left in 2 batters too many. Actually I would think less of them if they did take verbal swipes at Tracy's decisions, but I am curious.

2005-05-17 17:59:32
40.   Steve
Down six runs, Dallas McPherson gets thrown out trying to go from first to third on a single. Sometimes people do get what they deserve, and this world is better for it.
2005-05-17 17:59:43
41.   al bundy
I'm going to take the line and bet that Lowe goes exactly 7.

Suffering Bruin - 3 yrs ago I was in almost the exact position you are in now ("my" last dog was 20 years earlier - although I didn't really take care of it, being just a kid). My wife and I chose a rhodesian ridgeback and it has been great. Wouldn't trade it for the world. Having a dog has been a tremendous experience.

And for any single guys out there looking to meet more women...get a dog, a really handsome/pretty dog. The girls will flock to you. It is well worth the added responsibility. You will be amazed. (The preceding message was brought to you by the "If I knew then what I know now" advice channel.) ;)

2005-05-17 18:03:02
42.   Bob Timmermann
For the record, I already date a tall woman. You can see the two of us Saturday in Blue Section 19, Row S.
2005-05-17 18:05:43
43.   Eric Enders
This thread condensed into 15 words: If you want to meet tall women, pinch hit for Choi and get a dog.
2005-05-17 18:14:23
44.   Linkmeister
A corollary to the "get a dog" postulate. Walk the dog in public. Don't just let it run in your large backyard; none of those tall women will see it. Or you.
2005-05-17 18:18:07
45.   Bob Timmermann
I own a cat. A really, really, really old cat.

But about 10 years ago, I had to "dog-sit" for my brother. I took his beagle and basset out for a walk in Redondo Beach. It was amazing how many women came up to me. If it weren't for the fact that I was already going out with someone and those two dogs were going to pull my arms out of their sockets, I would have followed up.

2005-05-17 18:19:03
46.   Bob Timmermann
Astros lead the DBacks 1-0 after 4.
2005-05-17 18:20:31
47.   LAT
When walking your dog you have to "reluctantly" explain how someone abandon the dog and you rushed into a burning buidling to save it.
2005-05-17 18:22:24
48.   Marty
Don't get a dog that likes to hump legs. That kinda ruins the magic
2005-05-17 18:30:24
49.   Marty
Lineups are in:
Izzy SS
Repko LF
Drew RF
Kent 2B
Bradley CF
Saenz 1B
Phillips C
Edwards 3B
Lowe P
2005-05-17 18:32:52
50.   Jim Hitchcock
That, and when an overly excited dog runs circles around you, tripping you on the leash...
Show/Hide Comments 51-100
2005-05-17 18:34:06
51.   Bob Timmermann
The Marlins are going to have batters too:
Pierre CF
Lo Duca C
Delgado 1B
Cabrera LF
Encarnacion RF
Lowell 3B
Easley 2B
Gonzalez SS
Willis P
2005-05-17 18:35:13
52.   Marty
My dogs tried to kill me the other night. They were wrestling in the backyard and I wasn't paying attention. The next thing I know, they've run full-speed into my bad knee. I'm on the ground writhing in pain and they are looking at me quizzically.
2005-05-17 18:35:15
53.   GoBears
re 49: Someone opined a couple days ago that Tracy juggles lineups too much. But for all that, this lineup was entirely predictable. I bet 99% of us could have Jim Tracy'd on this one. No RH hitters on the bench. Just Choi, Ledee, Grabs, Bako, and Robles. Note that the bench includes two of the three hottest hitters, who will likely only see action if unneeded (that is, if Dontrelle is knocked out).
2005-05-17 18:40:17
54.   Steve
Repko in the "good situational hitter" slot tonight.
2005-05-17 18:42:57
55.   Steve
53 -- it only appears random when you can't explain it any other way.
2005-05-17 18:43:44
56.   Fearing Blue
Suggested lineup improvement:

Izturis SS
Choi 1B
Drew RF
Kent 2B
Bradley CF
Saenz 3B
Phillips C
Edwards LF
Lowe P

I would much rather have Choi in the lineup than Repko, even considering the loss in defense at 3B. Choi's ABs don't have to come at the expense of Saenz or Edwards, who are both hitting well.

2005-05-17 18:46:18
57.   GoBears
THis lineup brings up an interesting question (to me, anyway). Have there been any (many?) bench players, other than regulars getting a rare day off, who were switch hitters? Tracy's strict platooning of starting lineups would be less risky if some of the scrubs were switchers. My brain's not working, so I'm wondering if others can come up with examples. Was Chad Fonville?
2005-05-17 18:47:07
58.   bigcpa
Someone update the Heart & Soul sidebar:

Lima today: 3ip, 7er, 3hr

Spotted 8-2 lead in the 2nd... leaves an 8-8 tie.

2005: 0-3, 7.77era, 21k, 21bb

2005-05-17 18:47:39
59.   dzzrtRatt
With Dontrelle Willis pitching, the best case scenario for the Dodgers tonight is a low-scoring game. That puts a premium on defense, so Edwards rather than Saenz at third makes sense.

Amazing though that we've reached the point where our third baseman is batting 8th.

2005-05-17 18:48:01
60.   Fearing Blue
Nakamura has already hit a 3 run HR for Las Vegas tonight. He and Chen may be the seeds for our new AAAA franchise.
2005-05-17 18:49:18
61.   Steve
With the caveat that Edwards is almost destined (if he's even on the roster tomorrow) to go on a Repkowski like 0 for 150 slump, I concur that Saenz against lefties at third is the way to go.
2005-05-17 18:51:50
62.   Fearing Blue
#59: The Dodgers score is certainly going to be lower with the free out Willis gets at the top of our order.

P.S. I'm talking additional smack in the hopes that Repko will prove me wrong.

2005-05-17 18:54:27
63.   Jim Hitchcock
Tonight is the night we derail the D-Train.

And purely to act as a contrarian to Steve (and highly my current inability to practice objective thought), I'll take the over.

2005-05-17 18:54:30
64.   Fearing Blue
There's another oddity from the AAA box score. Perez is not in the starting lineup, even though today is the last day of his 20-day rehab stint. If he wasn't going to play in AAA tonight, than why isn't he playing for the Dodgers?
2005-05-17 18:57:13
65.   Linkmeister
GoBears, I was gonna say Jim Gilliam, but he was a starter for most of his career.
2005-05-17 18:57:45
66.   Linkmeister
Um, it's a long flight from Vegas to LA?
2005-05-17 18:58:08
67.   Steve
Jim, my old nemesis. We meet again. :)
2005-05-17 18:59:54
68.   GoBears
65: That could be the answer, I suppose. If a switch-hitter is good enough for the majors, then his versatility earns him a starting job and not a bench job. Put another way: a mediocre MLB hitter who is equally mediocre from both sides gets to start. If he's mediocre and doesn't switch, he's a part-timer (platooner).

Or something.

2005-05-17 19:01:05
69.   Jim Hitchcock
Oh, great...Lowe's got a cod.
2005-05-17 19:02:04
70.   Jim Hitchcock
Whoops. `cold'
2005-05-17 19:07:31
71.   LAT
Who knew Lowe liked to fish.
2005-05-17 19:08:03
72.   LAT
Az leadoff single in top 8th.
2005-05-17 19:08:59
73.   Steve
October is prime fishing time.
2005-05-17 19:15:56
74.   Steve
Arizona out in the eighth -- 1-0 Houston.
2005-05-17 19:17:01
75.   Aug C
I'm not making any predictions, but Lowe's pitches have some sharp action on them.
2005-05-17 19:19:10
76.   Vic
As much as I enjoy watching Dontrelle...the TV guys are aware that playing train sound effects as he takes the field doesn't really bolster my confidence in the Dodgers tonight, right?
2005-05-17 19:21:46
77.   scareduck
Does anybody else get the feeling this is the night the Dodgers break out of their slump in dramatic fashion against the D Train, ending his current streak?
2005-05-17 19:24:12
78.   Steve
Now that's situational hitting
2005-05-17 19:24:26
79.   Jim Hitchcock
Dang, they forgot to water the warning track.
2005-05-17 19:26:15
80.   scareduck
Remind me, how much are we paying for that strikeout?
2005-05-17 19:27:58
81.   scareduck
Thank you, Jeff!
2005-05-17 19:28:38
82.   Steve
That it worked doesn't make it better. But Rob's prophecy is looking pretty good right now.
2005-05-17 19:30:01
83.   Steve
Told you nothing was wrong with the offense. Of course, Lowe still has to go six more innings.
2005-05-17 19:30:04
84.   Aug C
I have Dontrelle on my fantasy team, but nevertheless... YES!!
2005-05-17 19:30:30
85.   Steve
And Houston goes up 3-0 on Arizona simultaneously!
2005-05-17 19:31:36
86.   db1022
Choi woulda hit that out.
2005-05-17 19:31:36
87.   db1022
Choi woulda hit that out.
2005-05-17 19:32:19
88.   scareduck
Go Astros!
2005-05-17 19:32:36
89.   bigcpa
I'm a bit late to the party but I meant to post this in the pregame...

Willis has the 4th lowest BABIP (.225) in the NL and was due for a nice little correction. His DIPS ERA was 2.65 vs the 1.08.

2005-05-17 19:32:50
90.   Sam DC
6 innings of 3 hit, 1 run ball by Kaz Ishii tonight. 2 BB, 2 Ks. Happy for him.
2005-05-17 19:33:27
91.   dzzrtRatt
#82

"That it worked doesn't make it better."

Sure it does. Like an old boss used to tell me, better to be lucky than good.

2005-05-17 19:34:19
92.   Sam DC
Man, they couldn't even clear the pitcher. What's wrong with this team?
2005-05-17 19:37:30
93.   Steve
Can't believe Garner is pulling Oswalt for Lidge. He has a chance for the shutout!
2005-05-17 19:40:03
94.   Vic
Hehehe -- I was waiting for that.
2005-05-17 19:40:45
95.   GoBears
93: Was Oswalt's pitch count low, or the lead huge? Otherwise, this would seem to be the opposite of Tracy's "leaving the starter in to blow the lead" tendency.
2005-05-17 19:41:30
96.   Ben P
How about we just start Saenz at 3B and sacrifice the defense for the offense? I know Perez is ready for his audition now, but Saenz really is hitting well against both righties and lefties.
2005-05-17 19:44:58
97.   GoBears
Uh yeah - Izturis is plenty fast.

And a bad baserunner.

Grrrrrrrrrrr

2005-05-17 19:45:21
98.   Gold Star for Robot Boy
That's it - Izzy gets the red light from now on.
2005-05-17 19:45:53
99.   Steve
Dumb as a box of rocks. Don't go for the kill or anything.
2005-05-17 19:46:01
100.   Sam DC
Steve -- will you just hold on a second until I can grab some cover . . .
Show/Hide Comments 101-150
2005-05-17 19:46:24
101.   Sam DC
Too late, I see.
2005-05-17 19:47:18
102.   Steve
This calls for a reminder of the best scenarios, as outlined earlier by GoBears and slightly amended by me:

3) Teach Izturis how to steal bases
2) Jim Tracy not sending Izturis to steal
1) Someone else not sending Izturis to steal

2005-05-17 19:49:41
103.   Steve
Lidge finishes off the D-Backs. Shawn Green with a key strikeout to assist the non-rally. J.D. Drew and Green start wearing similarly colored shirts at weekend bar-b-ques.
2005-05-17 19:53:42
104.   GoBears
Drew .254/.385/.421
Green .253/.309/.390

I guess the difference, so far, is lots of walks for Drew, and smidge more power. And (I'd say) much better defense. Note, these are not park-adjusted, so it's not as close as it looks.

But I take Steve's general point - Drew needs to pick it up. Outhitting a fading Shawn Green is not really sufficient.

2005-05-17 19:54:16
105.   GoBears
Way to raise that OBP!
2005-05-17 19:54:45
106.   scareduck
A plunk and a walk and the game is ours...

Or not.

2005-05-17 19:56:31
107.   Aug C
The crowd should be chanting... "PLEASE DON'T BUNT, PLEASE DON'T BUNT, PLEASE DON'T BUNT"
2005-05-17 19:57:20
108.   Jim Hitchcock
Damn bat failed Milton.
2005-05-17 20:01:48
109.   scareduck
Lowe has a headcold and wants to go home early. Only two ways for that to happen. So far, looks like he's taking the high road.
2005-05-17 20:02:36
110.   Steve
104 -- Yeah, it disturbs me that you can put them in the same sentence and have it look good. But I am an OBP convert, and recognize its all-important power, and therefore will simply continue to crack wise about J.D. Drew until no longer necessary.
2005-05-17 20:04:41
111.   db1022
AFLAC: most wins to start a season by a pitcher?
2005-05-17 20:10:26
112.   Jim Hitchcock
19-0? All hail...
2005-05-17 20:13:55
113.   Jim Hitchcock
Quick quiz. Most hits during a game by a Dodger shortstop in the last 15 years? (hint: it was at the end of his tenure).
2005-05-17 20:17:05
114.   Steve
Greg Gagne!
2005-05-17 20:20:00
115.   Steve
Let me guess...nobody in the bullpen.
2005-05-17 20:20:17
116.   Jim Hitchcock
Did Gagne ever get a hit?

No, later.

2005-05-17 20:20:18
117.   scareduck
Great, another Lowe-scoring game.

This may not prove to be an advantage.

2005-05-17 20:23:27
118.   Steve
Oh man. Singles to 7 and 8 hitters. Cheap garbage run. Heart of the lineup coming up. NORAD has disaster alarms going at DEFCON 2.
2005-05-17 20:24:41
119.   bokonon42
Sure looked like that hit the line.
2005-05-17 20:26:59
120.   GoBears
So, it looks like the Dodgers aren't interested in scoring any more runs? Just want to make those outs as quickly as possible? Have they noticed that it's a 1-run game?
2005-05-17 20:28:13
121.   GoBears
113: I'm going to guess Bill Russell - the year he had all those doubles...
2005-05-17 20:30:47
122.   Ben P
Beltre would have caught that, done a cartwheel and thrown his man out in one fluid, gutsy motion.
2005-05-17 20:31:14
123.   Steve
Primer for playing third base: Let Izturis play it.
2005-05-17 20:32:56
124.   Marty
Saenz wouldn't have got to the ball so Izzy would have made the play. Another reason to have Saenz at third and Choi at first...
2005-05-17 20:33:18
125.   Steve
A pitcher must have invented first-pitch swinging.
2005-05-17 20:33:20
126.   Jim Hitchcock
The number of hits was six. They were playing the Giants, if I remember correctly.

His name was not Jose Jimenez...

2005-05-17 20:34:27
127.   Steve
I wonder if Repko can play third. He's more scrappy than gutsy, but that would qualify.
2005-05-17 20:36:00
128.   Ben P
Repko is 1/5 scrap, 3/5 guts and 1/5 intangible.
2005-05-17 20:37:52
129.   bokonon42
Grabowski principle?
2005-05-17 20:38:50
130.   bokonon42
Guess not.
2005-05-17 20:40:26
131.   patsweetpat
Am I panicking if I want Yhency to come in now?
2005-05-17 20:40:48
132.   Aug C
Anyone have a problem with sending Lowe up to bat, having thrown 73 pitches with a "head cold?" I don't. If Lowe blows up the next inning, I don't think we can really blame Tracy, because his decision was sound.
2005-05-17 20:41:27
133.   Ben P
Anyone know why Beltre came out of the SEA-NYY game tonight in the 5th inning? The box score shows good ol' Dave Hansen at 3B now.
2005-05-17 20:44:37
134.   Steve
Bunts forever. Makes a guy breathe a little easier
2005-05-17 20:45:01
135.   Xeifrank
Dodger win expectancy is now...

Top of 7th, one out, runner on first.

72.5%

vr

Xei

2005-05-17 20:45:05
136.   Jon Weisman
Beltre has an "injured leg" according to Gameday.
2005-05-17 20:46:17
137.   KAYVMON
Lowe cant believe it.
2005-05-17 20:46:18
138.   Jim Hitchcock
Oh, okay. AAARRRGGGHHH!
2005-05-17 20:46:20
139.   Xeifrank
Dodgers are 15-5 in games where they have the lead when my baby goes down for the night. A win expectancy of 75% using that formula.

vr

Xei

2005-05-17 20:46:26
140.   Steve
Wow.
2005-05-17 20:46:31
141.   Gold Star for Robot Boy
Wunsch time!
2005-05-17 20:46:55
142.   Bob Timmermann
Did I miss anything?
2005-05-17 20:47:39
143.   Xeifrank
Derek Lowe's Over/Under was set at 7 IPs (see post #2) and he fell one out shy of the Over/Under the same as Penny last night. Probably should've pitch hit for Lowe with a runner on base with two outs in the last inning.

vr

Xei

2005-05-17 20:47:50
144.   Steve
Tracy attempts to avert disaster before it occurs. News at 11!
2005-05-17 20:48:37
145.   KAYVMON
Vin just mentioned that Tracy's an idiot.
2005-05-17 20:48:42
146.   Steve
Oh oh -- Vinny says Pierre hits lefties at .400 :)
2005-05-17 20:48:52
147.   Xeifrank
Lowe/Tracy dugout conversation:

Lowe: Why did you take me out?

Tracy: Take you out of what?

Lowe: The game.

Tracy: What game?

vr

Xei

2005-05-17 20:48:56
148.   Fearing Blue
#144: Thinking the same thing. Even if Wunsch doesn't pull it out, I think Tracy made the right call.
2005-05-17 20:49:02
149.   Ben P
Just clicked over to the Mariners game for a minute. They said Beltre came out with a "tight left hamstring." For his sake I almost hope he has some sort of nagging but healable injury that explains why he's been so bad this year.
2005-05-17 20:50:01
150.   Gold Star for Robot Boy
Nice!
Show/Hide Comments 151-200
2005-05-17 20:50:19
151.   Bob Timmermann
Now we will get to see if the Yhency-Gagne combo will work.
2005-05-17 20:50:30
152.   Jon Weisman
That was some nice pitching by Wunsch. Good mix of speeds.

I don't think leaving in Lowe or going to Wunsch was an easy managerial decision to make, either way.

2005-05-17 20:50:46
153.   Steve
Tracy Actually Does Avert Disaster Before It Happens! Huzzah!
2005-05-17 20:50:50
154.   Fearing Blue
Perhaps the way to deal with Tracy is to have all the starters say they have a cold the day of their start?
2005-05-17 20:51:30
155.   Xeifrank
Would be nice to get an insurance run.

vr

Xei

2005-05-17 20:52:20
156.   Jim Hitchcock
Bob T could answer my shortstop quiz.
2005-05-17 20:52:26
157.   Ben P
Fool me Wunsch, shame on you. Fool me twice...
2005-05-17 20:52:57
158.   Jon Weisman
154 - at this stage, seriously not a bad idea.
2005-05-17 20:53:17
159.   Xeifrank
85.7% win expectancy now.

vr

Xei

2005-05-17 20:53:38
160.   regfairfield
Why on earth do you have the pitcher bunt, then pull him?
2005-05-17 20:53:44
161.   Steve
Pierre 15 for 38 this year against LHP. 14 singles, 1 double.

I say this sort of behavior should be encouraged, and therefore will sing praises.

Bat for Repko!

2005-05-17 20:53:56
162.   Gold Star for Robot Boy
Cesar, stand on the bag.
2005-05-17 20:54:33
163.   LAT
Left after the first inning for the kids' open house figured game was in the bag. Just got home. Shoulda known better. But at least now we get to see if the back-end of the bullpen can do what its supposed to.
2005-05-17 20:54:49
164.   GoBears
160: Because Willis is a better hitter than most of the bench guys.
2005-05-17 20:56:13
165.   LAT
NO DP!!!!!!
2005-05-17 20:56:13
166.   Steve
Repko saves Tracy by fouling a pitch off, then gets the cheapie!
2005-05-17 20:56:25
167.   Xeifrank
160.

I thought the same thing, then figured McKeon thought that Willis was a good bunter and he wanted a runner in scoring position for Pierre. Still not a good idea to bunt in that situation. Pinch hit was the call.

vr

Xei

2005-05-17 20:57:28
168.   Xeifrank
Raise your hand if you think Drew is going to knock in a run here.

vr

Xei

2005-05-17 20:57:40
169.   patsweetpat
Jon (152): "I don't think leaving in Lowe or going to Wunsch was an easy managerial decision to make, either way."

Indeed, there's no such thing as a free Wunsch.

[I know, it's a little forced, but I've been dying to type it for weeks now].

2005-05-17 20:57:56
170.   Gold Star for Robot Boy
160,
Yeah, I thought bunting was dumb too. I'd rather have two shots to bring a runner home from first than one shot to get him in from second.
2005-05-17 20:58:01
171.   Steve
Bunting is a good idea if it's against us!
2005-05-17 20:58:17
172.   Jim Hitchcock
Drew needs to watch the movie `Reanimator'.
2005-05-17 20:58:18
173.   LAT
Xei, if the Dodgers can't cash in here does the shfit in momentum change the percentage? Cuz if we don't get at least one I predict we loose.
2005-05-17 20:59:04
174.   Steve
JD, now this concerns me. Because that pitch was right down the middle. I don't know whether you need an eyecheck, but that's about three times tonight that you've walked away from a pitch right down the middle trying to buy a walk out of it.
2005-05-17 20:59:05
175.   Gold Star for Robot Boy
J.D., scream at the ump or something when you get hosed. ACT like you care, at least.
2005-05-17 20:59:34
176.   Xeifrank
if we don't score here the win expectancy drops to 78%.

vr

Xei

2005-05-17 20:59:42
177.   GoBears
Drew is NOT going to take this home plate ump out for dinner tonight. 3 times he's been rung up on 3-2 pitches. All 3 times, I think they were balls, but by the 3rd time, you'd think ol JD would just hack at it.
2005-05-17 21:00:30
178.   Xeifrank
Grand slam for Bradley?

vr

Xei

2005-05-17 21:00:46
179.   Jon Weisman
If a pitch starts inside and moves over the plate, Drew seems frozen. Willis did it earlier, and Bump - a righty - did it just now.

Can someone help me with some Pitching 101? I thought a pitch that came back toward the side the pitcher throws from (left to right for a righty, right to left for a lefty) was a screwball. That's what Fernando was famous for. But Bump doesn't throw a screwball, does he? What would you call that?

2005-05-17 21:01:15
180.   Gold Star for Robot Boy
Insurance!
2005-05-17 21:01:40
181.   Aug C
Alex Cora would have....

probably struck out.

2005-05-17 21:01:46
182.   Xeifrank
Win expectancy up to 94.5% now. Perhaps Choi will get into the game.

vr

Xei

2005-05-17 21:01:46
183.   Eric L
Perhaps a cut fastball or something like that?
2005-05-17 21:01:54
184.   Gold Star for Robot Boy
179,
It's probably just a cut fastball, Jon.
2005-05-17 21:01:58
185.   patsweetpat
I love it when Steiner calls Bradley "Uncle Milty".
2005-05-17 21:02:11
186.   LAT
Seems as though Kent is breaking out of the slump. Maybe he can tell Drew how to do it.
2005-05-17 21:02:15
187.   Jon Weisman
#175, #177 - I saw two of Drew's called third strikes, as I wrote in #179, and they looked like great pitches for strikes to me.
2005-05-17 21:02:18
188.   Steve
That 3-1 pitch hurt me. But it's ok!

I thought they were all strikes. But your point stands either way. Gotta be swinging at the close ones when the umpire isn't giving anything (and this one isn't -- three walks combined in the game)

2005-05-17 21:02:58
189.   GoBears
re 174: I guess this shows how hard umping is. Steve thinks all 3 were strikes; I think the first 2 were low and the 3rd inside. Drew apparently agrees with me, but the ump agreed with Steve.
2005-05-17 21:03:04
190.   Shlomo
TODAY'S FACT OF Drew:

Drew's OPS:

Home 1.002
Away .620

2005-05-17 21:03:04
191.   Jon Weisman
Oh - thanks 183 and 184. You know, I never really knew what a cut fastball was - that makes sense. So what's the difference between that and a screwgie?
2005-05-17 21:03:13
192.   Suffering Bruin
179 - Cut fastball.

Thanks, Uncle Milton!

2005-05-17 21:03:17
193.   Xeifrank
I'd call it a fastball with movement. They call Rivera's a cutter, when he busts it inside on a right handed hitter.

vr

Xei

2005-05-17 21:03:21
194.   Steve
Will LaRussa hose Bradley for the All-Star team this year? We always have one.
2005-05-17 21:03:23
195.   Gold Star for Robot Boy
"It's probably just a cut fastball, Jon."
When I typed this, my inner voice sounded just like Joe Morgan.
Eww.
2005-05-17 21:03:32
196.   Fearing Blue
Does anyone know the address for the Marlins bullpen? I'd like to send Nate a Thank You note.
2005-05-17 21:03:36
197.   Ben P
So can we assume/hope that Choi will hit for Edwards later and Saenz will move over to 3B?
2005-05-17 21:04:19
198.   Gold Star for Robot Boy
A cutter is just a two-seam fastball, held slightly off-center.
A screwball is a full-on breaking pitch.
2005-05-17 21:04:27
199.   Suffering Bruin
197 - We can hope...
2005-05-17 21:04:34
200.   Steve
Thank goodness idiot McKeon was playing for one in the bottom of the 7th!
Show/Hide Comments 201-250
2005-05-17 21:04:47
201.   Xeifrank
Peter Gammons is talking about the Yankees and AROD right now. Surprise??? Not!

vr

Xei

2005-05-17 21:04:54
202.   patsweetpat
Is there any lead big enough to justify sitting Yhency and Gagne back down (and handing it to Houlton or whoever)? Or do we just really wanna see Ghame Yhalmost Over followed by Game Over, no matter what the sitch?
2005-05-17 21:05:29
203.   Jon Weisman
Re: Bradley's nice double.

Nothing close to controversial happened on this play, but as the ball heads toward the low outfield fence near the left field line, you could see most of the entire front row reaching over with their hands. I'm not trying to be a killjoy, but this is wrong. That's not protecting yourself, that's potential interference. Keep your hands out of the game.

2005-05-17 21:06:30
204.   Eric L
To piggy-back on 198..

You can hold the "cutter" on either side of the seems to make it move different ways.

One thing I learned when I was a kid (cause my dad didn't let me throw curves) is that there are a lot of different ways to get movement on a pitch.

2005-05-17 21:06:50
205.   bokonon42
The whole world has gone mad. Saenz gets an IBB.
2005-05-17 21:07:09
206.   Gold Star for Robot Boy
Wow. Last year, Bradley goes nuclear on that call.
2005-05-17 21:07:15
207.   Xeifrank
Why'd they send Bradley? Left fielder had the ball before Bradley hit third base, and was in shallow LF. Dumb!

vr

Xei

2005-05-17 21:07:28
208.   Steve
Ummm...he was safe.
2005-05-17 21:07:43
209.   LAT
He looked safe on the replay
2005-05-17 21:07:48
210.   KAYVMON
he was safe
2005-05-17 21:07:58
211.   Gold Star for Robot Boy
Good deke by Paulie, acting like there was no play.
2005-05-17 21:08:01
212.   Jon Weisman
#202 - Yes, but I doubt we'll reach that point.

I don't know what made Hoffman, if he sent Bradley, think he should. Cabrera fielded that ball in shallow left.

2005-05-17 21:08:06
213.   Steve
But that doesn't absolve Glenn Hoffman of being a Mike Scioscia level idiot.
2005-05-17 21:08:09
214.   Bob Timmermann
So if Jack McKeon's last name is spelled wrong does that apply to America's Sweetheart Nancy McKeon, too?
2005-05-17 21:08:45
215.   Gold Star for Robot Boy
The Dodgers deal themselves a pair of 4s!
2005-05-17 21:08:51
216.   Xeifrank
Choi batting!!!!

vr

Xei

there is a god!

2005-05-17 21:08:58
217.   Fearing Blue
On second thought, maybe I should a send the Thank You note to the whole bullpen.
2005-05-17 21:09:15
218.   Steve
It appears that the Dodger coaching staff is under the impression that Milton Bradley is faster than he is.
2005-05-17 21:09:22
219.   Jim Hitchcock
Yes he was, Steve.
2005-05-17 21:09:28
220.   Xeifrank
will they let Choi hit up by 4 in the 7th with a LOOGY coming in? Great chance for Choi to show his MVP stuff.

vr

Xei

2005-05-17 21:09:30
221.   Suffering Bruin
Can we borrow the Marlin bullpen whenever the boys need to get back in a groove?
2005-05-17 21:09:51
222.   LAT
ok, now I won't object to Grabs.
2005-05-17 21:10:59
223.   Ben P
What was funny about the Bradley play was that Vin did something football announcers do -- they insist a play went a particular way even as they're watching a replay that shows the exact opposite. Vin said Bradley "was out by plenty" just his foot clearly beat the tag in slow motion.
2005-05-17 21:11:09
224.   GoBears
Bradley was actually safe. He beat the throw because Lo Duca had so far to reach to make the tag.

So now that a lefty is coming in, does Tracy replace Choi with Weaver?

2005-05-17 21:11:24
225.   Ben P
Never mind. Vin just took it back.
2005-05-17 21:11:31
226.   Jon Weisman
Mike Edwards is kinda Fimpleizing, no?

Bradley was safe. Definitely. Bradley was a man about it.

2005-05-17 21:12:04
227.   Steve
Vinny just caught up with the call -- good job Milton for pleading your case and getting out of there.

202 -- I just went back on the TIVO to make sure the blame was with Hoffman before we called him names.

It is.

2005-05-17 21:12:12
228.   Xeifrank
Choi takes one for the team.

vr

Xei

2005-05-17 21:12:16
229.   capdodger
Choi versus a LHP. Hooray!!

Yikes!!

2005-05-17 21:12:19
230.   Gold Star for Robot Boy
Painful way to boost the OBP.
2005-05-17 21:12:34
231.   Bob Timmermann
As Yakov Smirnoff would say, "In Soviet Union, Lefthanded pitchers hit Choi."
2005-05-17 21:13:10
232.   Xeifrank
Win expectancy is up to 129.4%

Game called! :)

vr

Xei

2005-05-17 21:13:12
233.   Fearing Blue
#206: The play made me think of cartoons where the red runs up the character's body like a thermometer and if it gets to his head, he explodes. On that bad call, Milton's thermometer didn't go past his waist, before dropping back down. Very impressive.
2005-05-17 21:13:16
234.   Aug C
Good thing he hit Choi before he could have his approach versus righties ruined.
2005-05-17 21:13:20
235.   Jim Hitchcock
So, the bad call at the plate actually cost us two runs.
2005-05-17 21:13:34
236.   capdodger
As has been said already, Bradley would have blown his lid about that call last year. Good for him.
2005-05-17 21:14:35
237.   Xeifrank
Hoffman sending Bradley cost us two runs!

vr

Xei

2005-05-17 21:14:59
238.   Nagman
Andruw goes deep for some insurance. End of 7 1/2.
2005-05-17 21:15:08
239.   LAT
Gotta give Bradly credit for not losing his s--t. Last year he would be outta the game by now. Maybe he is a new man.

What is Fimpleizing?

Did anyone catch that smug shot of Phillips on second after his base hit?

2005-05-17 21:15:34
240.   capdodger
Hopefully we won't need them.
2005-05-17 21:15:42
241.   Steve
I meant 212, not 202
2005-05-17 21:16:11
242.   Xeifrank
idiot fan touches ball. Must be tuesday night! Ejected!

vr

Xei

2005-05-17 21:16:21
243.   Bob Timmermann
Some people will be going home early.
2005-05-17 21:16:29
244.   Gold Star for Robot Boy
Jon, you were saying about fans down the LF line?
2005-05-17 21:16:37
245.   capdodger
TOSS THAT FAN!!!!
2005-05-17 21:17:04
246.   Fearing Blue
Time to make a statement. Give those fans in left field the boot and then tell Vin to announce it on the air.
2005-05-17 21:17:04
247.   GoBears
Fans really tick me off. Kick out the entire row!
2005-05-17 21:17:49
248.   Bob Timmermann
"Fimpleize" - v. -- To make an unexpected contribution when being called up from the minors and then immediately return to obscurity.

(circa 1983)

2005-05-17 21:17:54
249.   Jon Weisman
What is Fimpleizing?????

Jack Fimple, non-descript rookie callup, bails out the Dodgers in 1983 when injuries deplete the catching corps. He wasn't really that good, but he did just enough to hold his own and ward off a collapse at the position.

2005-05-17 21:18:26
250.   GoBears
Uh oh... group think. Hey Jon, your new nickname is "Big Brother." Not your fault -these things just happen.
Show/Hide Comments 251-300
2005-05-17 21:18:41
251.   Jon Weisman
244 - yep, I was saying ...
2005-05-17 21:21:27
252.   LAT
Thanks for the Fimple explanation. Looks like we have to make Gagne the set up guy and Yhancy the closer. Apparently Yhancy doesn't like going back to his old position.
2005-05-17 21:21:35
253.   capdodger
Well, it's Repko throwing and LoDuca running. There might have been a play at second.
2005-05-17 21:23:11
254.   Fearing Blue
When Perez comes up tomorrow, the Dodgers should consider sending Repko down. Edwards provides some defensive cover at 3B and can play OF. Additionally, Repko, who's still only 24, should benefit from playing on a daily basis in Las Vegas.
2005-05-17 21:23:57
255.   Johnson
Jeez, Steiner! It's NOT "En-cah-nar-see-own"! You only said it wrong 10 times in the AB.
2005-05-17 21:24:48
256.   Jon Weisman
According to Dodgers.com - Gurnick's notebook tonight - Edwards has probably beaten out Repko to stay on the team.
2005-05-17 21:25:37
257.   GoBears
255: Vinnie gets it wrong too - always has. Puts the emPHAsis on the wrong syLAble.
2005-05-17 21:26:16
258.   Steve
23 pitches
2005-05-17 21:27:12
259.   Jim Hitchcock
Interesting. I was just going to say it would be a shame to see Edwards sent down.

BTW, seems a good time to mention you all have the day off tomorrow, to attend the game.

2005-05-17 21:27:33
260.   Steve
256 -- that tells me that scrappy is assigned its proper place in the pecking order.
2005-05-17 21:27:36
261.   Bob Timmermann
Jack Fimple had a 2-run double to start the Dodgers scoring in their epic 7-6 win over the Braves on 9/11/1983.

Jon wrote a great piece about that game.

2005-05-17 21:27:47
262.   Herb Stencil
Innhing Over
2005-05-17 21:29:17
263.   LAT
#259 I'll be there.

Nice of Yhancy to try and get Gagne a save opportunity

2005-05-17 21:29:25
264.   Bob Timmermann
2-1 Braves in the 8th.

Brian Falkenborg in to pitch for the Pads.

2005-05-17 21:29:51
265.   Fearing Blue
#256: Thanks for the heads up. Gurnick even mentions Grabowski as a possibility, but he's out of options, so it seems unlikely the Dodgers would risk losing him.
2005-05-17 21:30:07
266.   Johnson
Now it's time to say one good thing and one bad thing about Yhency's performance tonight.

Good thing: The two runs scored may allow for Gagne's first save opp of the year.

Bad thing: I have Yhency on both my fantasy teams (don't worry, Holds is a category in both).

2005-05-17 21:30:59
267.   Bob Timmermann
Didn't the Civil Rights movement get rid of guys like the Marlins pitcher?

(listen to Vin pronounce his name)

2005-05-17 21:31:49
268.   Fearing Blue
I love the day games on TV. Makes being a stay-at-home Dad so much nicer.
2005-05-17 21:31:51
269.   GoBears
265: Geez, Fearing. I'd sure risk it.
2005-05-17 21:31:55
270.   LAT
I predict Drew gets a hit here--because it will be meaningless.
2005-05-17 21:32:48
271.   Steve
Oh yeah! Grabowski! #()&$*#^^%%#
2005-05-17 21:33:28
272.   LAT
This is getting Cora-ish
2005-05-17 21:34:27
273.   Steve
Let's see Grabowski do that!
2005-05-17 21:34:48
274.   Jim Hitchcock
Thatta boy, Jason!
2005-05-17 21:35:01
275.   GoBears
What a great AB from Repko. For a while, i thought he was trying to put a teammate in the dugout on the DL so that he could stay up.
2005-05-17 21:35:24
276.   Fearing Blue
#269: Tracy seems to have some strange fascination with the fellow. I, on the other hand, would trade him for a luke-warm burrito.
2005-05-17 21:35:53
277.   Jon Weisman
Drew enters this at-bat with a .600 OPS against lefties this year.
2005-05-17 21:36:39
278.   Im So Blue
Is that the golden sombrero for JD?
2005-05-17 21:37:17
279.   LAT
So much for my prediction. Sounded like a smattering of boos on that strikout.
2005-05-17 21:37:29
280.   Steve
276 -- Not to mention DePodesta, for which you can put a debit in his account.

Geez at least Green could move runners with the 3-1 putout.

2005-05-17 21:37:32
281.   Fearing Blue
#277: Time to start pinch-hitting Saenz for Drew. :)
2005-05-17 21:38:25
282.   Jim Hitchcock
Jeff's back.
2005-05-17 21:38:30
283.   GoBears
Kent has awoken, even if Drew is still asleep. As long as they're not both slumping at once, this team is OK.
2005-05-17 21:39:00
284.   Fearing Blue
#280: Assuming the runner's already on second.
2005-05-17 21:39:01
285.   Jon Weisman
I feel like we must be leading the league in HBPs this year. Even without Mike Kinkade and Alex Cora.
2005-05-17 21:39:10
286.   bokonon42
Third HBP of the game, right? Time for blood. Hope Gagne is back up to speed.
2005-05-17 21:39:21
287.   Im So Blue
No save opportunity for Gagne.
2005-05-17 21:39:22
288.   GoBears
Damn!
2005-05-17 21:39:35
289.   Jon Weisman
#281 - hmm ...
2005-05-17 21:39:38
290.   Steve
Saenz is not helping the don't bat for Choi argument tonight.
2005-05-17 21:39:52
291.   Jim Hitchcock
Olmedo goes sonic.
2005-05-17 21:40:21
292.   mikethinksblue
I'll take a win over a Gagne save anyday
2005-05-17 21:41:13
293.   Steve
280 -- and with runners on first and third and less than two outs, it was a surefire way to score a run, since that double play is hard to turn.

Dan Kolb is blowing up as we speak. Don't count on the Braves tonight.

2005-05-17 21:41:50
294.   GoBears
As someone (wait, was it you, Steve?) said, it's not Saenz vs. Choi. It's Saenz vs. Edwards. Unless this reference was just to last night's single PA.
2005-05-17 21:42:20
295.   Blue Crew
#292 I agree.

I've had company and not able to sit down and watch much of the game. Been glancing at gameday. Looks like among other things, Kent may be coming out of his slump.

2005-05-17 21:42:40
296.   Steve
294 - that was someone else, but I totally concur. Saenz at third against lefties. Screw his defense.
2005-05-17 21:43:33
297.   LAT
I bet McKeon is thinking "When is Tracy going to put Grabs in and kill this rally."
2005-05-17 21:43:44
298.   Steve
Tying run scores -- winning run on second with one out. Dan Kolb's soul-owning demon hovering over him to flip the switch
2005-05-17 21:43:51
299.   LAT
I knew it!!!!
2005-05-17 21:43:53
300.   Fearing Blue
This is the only situation I approve of using Grabowski.
Show/Hide Comments 301-350
2005-05-17 21:44:02
301.   GoBears
Oh thank goodness. I was worried we'd miss Grabowski tonight.
2005-05-17 21:44:22
302.   Jim Hitchcock
Was starting to sweat the fact we hadn't seen Grabowski...
2005-05-17 21:44:33
303.   Im So Blue
Watch Grabowski take a called 3rd strike.
2005-05-17 21:45:25
304.   Gold Star for Robot Boy
LA entered tonight with 21, 22 or 23 hit batters. (ESPN.com kept changing the number every turn of the page.) 23 would lead MLB.
2005-05-17 21:45:33
305.   GoBears
Natch. THat just earned him another 2 weeks on the roster.
2005-05-17 21:46:02
306.   capdodger
Grabs with a hit when it doesn't matter. Maybe they can get two more hits to make it an even 20.
2005-05-17 21:46:11
307.   Im So Blue
Boy, this Marlins reliever is really bad. Even Grabowski got a hit...Maybe Drew will get a chance to strike out for the 5th time. :)
2005-05-17 21:46:25
308.   LAT
Grabs got a hit. Grabs got a hit. He must have doubled his avg. Tears of joy must be streaming down hia face.
2005-05-17 21:46:33
309.   Jim Hitchcock
Re # 303: Oh ye of little faith.

Way to go, Sneezer!

2005-05-17 21:46:39
310.   capdodger
One more!!!
2005-05-17 21:47:18
311.   LAT
Ok guys save some for tomorrow
2005-05-17 21:47:21
312.   Im So Blue
Re 309: Just trying to unjinx him.
2005-05-17 21:47:26
313.   ARGHjimtracy
i lost all respect for this jim crowell pitcher. grabowski can hit him.
2005-05-17 21:47:33
314.   Steve
First and third and one out -- Kolb still laboring.
2005-05-17 21:48:02
315.   LAT
At least he can use this opportunity to lower that ERA
2005-05-17 21:48:03
316.   Louis in SF
Loved the comment about Green, here is what I would do with Drew as was done with Green, move Drew to 5 and Bradley to 3. Although I think Milton is doing great in the 5 hole and Drew even with his strikeouts usually gets his share of walks, but if you look over the past 10 days what Izzy has been doing and everybody's favorite Choi has been up to, Drew is just killing the offense at the top of the order...As far as Repko goes, even though Jason Grabowski is out of options and he is left handed, Repko does far more for this team between his defense and ability to hit. If somebody claims him, even if Repko falters or has to be sent down once Werth returns-we can use him for another month...How much money can we offer Robin Ventura (this is not a joke-switch hitting 3rd baseman who can also play first and a great pinch hitter!)
2005-05-17 21:48:19
317.   Johnson
Steiner just called out leadoff hitter "Little Cesar".

So, does that mean you get two RBIs for the price of one?

2005-05-17 21:48:21
318.   capdodger
Dan Kolb about to blow it. Maybe we can send the braves a run or two. We certainly don't need all of these.
2005-05-17 21:48:30
319.   Steve
Izturis double was The Grabowski Principle in action, but it didn't really matter
2005-05-17 21:48:49
320.   Steve
Cox loads the bases. Pretty stupid IW.
2005-05-17 21:49:49
321.   Johnson
Repko mercifully pops out, stranding Drew in the on deck circle.
2005-05-17 21:50:33
322.   mikethinksblue
how much does it cost FSN to skip commercials to watch Gagne come in?
2005-05-17 21:50:38
323.   Steve
KABOOM!
2005-05-17 21:51:53
324.   GoBears
Niccccccccccccce
2005-05-17 21:53:20
325.   Blue Crew
With Gagne back, the Padres and Arizona have to be concerned....All this offense tonight without Drew...No bad.
2005-05-17 21:53:21
326.   Fearing Blue
#323: I assume that's the sound of Dan Kolb exploding?
2005-05-17 21:54:03
327.   Im So Blue
GAME OVER
2005-05-17 21:54:16
328.   Aug C
Many thanks to Danny Kolb, he of the 6.48 ERA
2005-05-17 21:54:23
329.   bigcpa
Make that 10-0 for SD in their last 10 one-run games.
2005-05-17 21:54:29
330.   Jim Hitchcock
Well, I feel better.
2005-05-17 21:55:39
331.   LAT
Better keep this offense going tomorrow and with LAA coming to town
2005-05-17 21:56:11
332.   GoBears
And in time for The Daily Show, no less. Nice game.
2005-05-17 21:56:18
333.   Steve
Let this settle in your mind for a moment:

The Braves traded somebody to get Dan Kolb.

Now, it's true that when we traded for Dan Kolb v. 1.0, we gave up Paul Konerko. But that's not going to happen anymore.

2005-05-17 21:58:01
334.   Blue Crew
Tomorrow should be a good one.

I'm a little concerned about Fiday night with Erickson on the hill.

2005-05-17 22:02:41
335.   LAT
This weekend: Drew v. Finley: Battle of the over paid under performing superstar. One of them has to bust out. . .don't they?
2005-05-18 06:38:14
336.   Eric Enders
Raise your hand if, at any time in the past, you ever expected to see the following on ESPN's NL leaderboard:

BATTING AVERAGE
5. Cesar Izturis, LA .339

2005-05-18 06:38:33
337.   Eric Enders
Whoops, wrong thread...

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