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About Jon
Thank You For Not ...

1) using profanity or any euphemisms for profanity
2) personally attacking other commenters
3) baiting other commenters
4) arguing for the sake of arguing
5) discussing politics
6) using hyperbole when something less will suffice
7) using sarcasm in a way that can be misinterpreted negatively
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11) commenting under the obvious influence
12) claiming your opinion isn't allowed when it's just being disagreed with

A Hand for Hammonds
2005-06-10 16:11
by Jon Weisman

Tonight's Game

* * *

One of my all-time favorites from Stanford, Jeffrey Hammonds, who won us over right away with a 37-game hitting streak in college, has retired from the majors.

People mocked Hammonds for his inability to stay healthy, arguing that he was stealing paychecks, but I always rooted for him. It's nice to see that he's going out with a positive attitude.

"People ask me, am I disappointed about the injuries that I've sustained during my career, that prevented me from fulfilling my potential?" Hammonds said. "My answer is: Are you kidding? I have played with the best ballplayers in the world, at all levels, from high school, to college, to the Olympics, to the major leagues. That is a dream in itself."

Comments (463)
Show/Hide Comments 1-50
2005-06-10 16:22:04
1.   the OZ
In a show of solidarity with Our Boy Choi, I ate some delicious eel sushi at lunch today. Hopefully this can be the start of another hot streak for the Eel-Loving One.
2005-06-10 16:35:59
2.   Berkeley Doug
A little off topic, but it ties in Stanford baseball, but Ron Cey's son (Dan Cey) was a middle infielder for the Cal Bears in the mid 90s and one day I was watching a game between Cal and Stanford down on the Farm at Sunken Diamond (which has to be one of the nicest college baseball stadiums today) and between innings I looked over to my side and I realized that I was standing next to Ron Cey. I swear even if you didn't know that Dan Cey was Ron's son, you could tell by his running which was just like his dad.

On another note, when I was at a Cal game this year I noticed that they had these huge banners beyond the outfield wall celebrating some of their notable alums like Xavier Nade and Lance Blankenship (ok notable relative to Cal baseball), but there was no banner for Jeff Kent. It was odd.

2005-06-10 16:38:19
3.   Jon Weisman
You usually saw Ron at Dan's El Camino Real High games, too.
2005-06-10 16:38:48
4.   Berkeley Doug
"Xavier Nady"
2005-06-10 16:39:03
5.   joekings
Kaz Ishii struck out the side in the first inning against the angels and has 5 K in two innings so far.
2005-06-10 16:44:35
6.   Berkeley Doug
5 - Well it is time for one of his good starts. These are his last seven starts It's eerie how it's always one bad start and then one great start. It's also maddening as all Dodger fans can attest to.

Date Opponent Score Dec IP H R ER HR BB K W L SV IP ERA
Jun 5 SFO L 3-6 L 6.1 10 6 5 1 2 1 1 4 0 42.0 5.14
May 28 @ FLA W 6-1 W 6.2 5 1 1 0 3 3 1 3 0 35.2 4.79
May 23 @ ATL L 6-8 L 4.0 7 7 7 1 3 0 0 3 0 29.0 5.59
May 17 CIN W 2-1 - 6.1 3 1 1 0 2 2 0 2 0 25.0 3.96
Apr 18 @ PHI L 4-5 L 5.0 6 5 5 1 6 2 0 2 0 18.2 4.82
Apr 13 HOU W 1-0 - 7.0 2 0 0 0 3 5 0 1 0 13.2 3.29
Apr 7 @ CIN L 1-6 L 6.2 2 6 5 1 4 7 0 1 0 6.2 6.75

2005-06-10 16:46:37
7.   Berkeley Doug
Perhaps easier to read -

Date IP H R ER
Jun 5 6.1 10 6 5
May 28 6.2 5 1 1
May 23 4.0 7 7 7
May 17 6.1 3 1 1
Apr 18 5.0 6 5 5
Apr 13 7.0 2 0 0
Apr 7 6.2 2 6 5

2005-06-10 16:48:55
8.   bigcpa
Joe Mays 3.59 era
Carlos Silva 3.04 era

Impressive indeed. But these two opposing starters hold a sinister secret. Mays and Silva rank 106th and 108th respectively in K/9 out of 110 qualifiers. Only one man can save us from these Cloaked Hurlers. It's DIPS Man!

Joe Mays 5.11 DIPS
Carlos Silva 4.19 DIPS

Bwahahahaha!

2005-06-10 16:50:09
9.   Jon Weisman
LOL, Big.
2005-06-10 16:54:35
10.   Icaros
#2 - We took some students on a Cal tour last week and I noticed the same thing about the lack of a Jeff Kent banner. How could they leave out the greatest MLB player to come through their school? He even had success for a local club (SF).

I saw that Matt Luke has a banner, though.

2005-06-10 16:55:06
11.   bigcpa
You see Jon we need a colorful character like DIPS Man to ease the stat into the vernacular. Now can we arrange to have Scooter cover DIPS on the Fox Game of the Week tomorrow?
2005-06-10 16:57:34
12.   Berkeley Doug
I have high hopes that the Dodgers can pick up at least one game against the Padres this weekend. We have our two best pitchers going today and tomorrow and the Padres are facing Garland, Buehrle, and Garcia, who coincidentally all have a better ERA than our best pitcher.
2005-06-10 16:58:30
13.   Berkeley Doug
10 - Maybe Kent stiffed them on an alum donation.
2005-06-10 17:04:25
14.   Icaros
Maybe they feel he disgraced the university with the motorcycle incident.
2005-06-10 17:12:00
15.   Ken Arneson
Kent has donated a lot of money to Women's Athletics at Cal. Maybe his picture is over on the softball field, instead.
2005-06-10 17:16:59
16.   Im So Blue
Kent has done fundraising for Cal. From the Cal Bears website, dated April 1999:

Women Driven is a program created by Kent and his wife, Dana, in 1998 to provide full scholarships to women athletes at Cal.

The program raised over $100,000 last year from contributions by Kent and corporate sponsors...

"Dana and I have always believed that it is incumbent on us to give back to the community in which we live and in which I am lucky enough to have the opportunity to earn a living playing baseball," said Kent. "I wouldn't be where I am today without my experiences going to Cal and this is a way of repaying the school. I want my young daughter Lauren and other girls growing up to have more opportunities to play sports, because it is such a positive experience."

[Also see http://www.womendriven.com/, but the website hasn't been updated since 2001.]

2005-06-10 17:17:42
17.   Berkeley Doug
#15 - Looking on the Cal website, I noticed that Kent has developed a scholarship fund for walk-on women athletes at Cal.
2005-06-10 17:18:21
18.   Berkeley Doug
#16 - You beat me to it. :-)
2005-06-10 17:19:45
19.   Berkeley Doug
And the great performance from Ishii continues. Two hits, no runs, and 8 Ks thru 5 innings.
2005-06-10 17:19:47
20.   Im So Blue
Yeah, but Ken beat us both.
2005-06-10 17:31:25
21.   Linkmeister
I haven't been to a college baseball stadium on the Mainland, unless you count Arizona's awful field in the Sixties, but U of Hawai'i has a really nice one these days:

http://tinyurl.com/bp7j6

I've been to 15-20 games out there; its only drawback is bleepin' Astroturf.

2005-06-10 17:34:51
22.   Jon Weisman
I can't remember when I've had to wait this long for a Random Dodger Game Callback. I'm sure it's been at least a dozen years since the last time Bob was so tardy.
2005-06-10 17:41:42
23.   Berkeley Doug
#21 - The stadium look really nice. Now Evans Diamond at Cal on the other hand.....I've seen little league diamonds nicer than Cal's baseball stadium.
2005-06-10 17:44:19
24.   Jim Hitchcock
22- Bob did say he was either going to take a nap or go buy a new couch. Most likely he combined the two.
2005-06-10 17:44:40
25.   Bob Timmermann
Ok, but you're not going to like it....

Random Dodger game callback

June 10, 1951

Over 21,000 people came to Ebbets Field to take in a Sunday doubleheader between the first place Dodgers and the last place Pittsburgh Pirates. The Dodgers won the opener, 2-1, but dropped the nightcap in 11 innings, 5-4, after a Ralph Kiner home run off of Carl Erskine.

In the opener, Ralph Branca won his fifth game of the year, surrendering only a first inning run and giving up just six hits in going the distance. Three players who would go on to win a total of five World Series as managers played in the opener, Danny Murtaugh of Pittsburgh and Dick Williams and Gil Hodges for Brooklyn. They also appeared in the second game.

In the nightcap, Pittsburgh jumped out to a 3-0 lead against Dodgers starter Bud Podbielan, but the Dodgers rallied to tie the game with two runs in the seventh and one in the eighth.

In the 11th, Erskine, pitching his fourth inning in relief, walked former Dodger Pete Reiser with one out. Kiner followed with his second home run of the game and 15th of the season to give the Pirates a 5-3. The Dodgers scored once in the 11th, but Pirate reliever Bill Werle held on for the win.

The Dodgers looked to be in pretty good shape on June 10. They were 31-18 and 5 ½ games ahead of second place teams St. Louis and Cincinnati. The defending champion Phillies were stuck in seventh place and the hated cross-town rival Giants were in fourth.

Few teams have their losses remembered better than the 1951 Dodgers. While the Giants would win in the famous playoff, there is often a perception that the Dodgers choked. But that wasn't necessarily the case. On August 11, the Dodgers led the Giants by 13 games with a 70-36 record. The Giants were 59-51.

When the regular season ended, the teams were 96-58. This mean that the Dodgers went 26-22 in their last 48 games, while the Giants went 37-7 in 44 games over the same stretch. The Dodgers did go 1-6 in regular season games against the Giants before the playoff.

The 1951 Dodgers were a very good team, especially at the plate. They pounded out 184 home runs, including 40 by Hodges. Roy Campanella had 33 and Duke Snider had 29. Seven Dodgers had double-digit home run totals. Left fielder Andy Pafko, a midseason acquisition from Chicago, had 18 homers in just 84 games with Brooklyn. Ultimately, it would be Pafko standing forlornly at the leftfield wall of the Polo Grounds as Game 157 of the season ended. (OK, it was really game 158 as the Dodgers played a tie earlier in the year, but it was Game 157 for the Giants.)

Don Newcombe and Preacher Roe headed up the pitching staff. Newcombe went 20-9 with a 3.28 ERA and a NL-leading 164 Ks while Roe went 22-3 with a 3.04 ERA. The star-crossed Branca went 13-12 and Erskine went 16-12 as both men bounced between the rotation and the bullpen. Down the stretch, manager Charlie Dressen used his three best starters (Newcombe, Roe and Branca) often and likely wore them out. And it was Dressen who opted to bring in Branca, who had started two days earlier against the Giants and lost in the first playoff game and had a history of giving up home runs to Bobby Thomson, to relieve in the 9th inning of the final playoff game.

Dressen would have the best record of any fulltime manager of the Dodgers in the 20th century. In his three seasons, the Dodgers played .642 ball. But his ego would get the better of him.

Branca would pitch in just 16 games in 1952 for Brooklyn and 7 in 1953, before moving on to Detroit. He would return to pitch one game for the Dodgers in 1956 and he was through as a major leaguer at the age of 30.

Thanks to the New York Times, BaseballReference.com and Retrosheet

2005-06-10 17:47:14
26.   joekings
In New York Ishii has reverted to form and is in a bit of a tight spot. He's already allowed two runs and after a Bengie Molina sacrifice has runners at 2nd and 3rd with 1 out.
2005-06-10 17:56:49
27.   Jim Hitchcock
...and then came Finley. 3 run bomb.
2005-06-10 17:57:20
28.   Bob Timmermann
I think once that Colon got an RBI single off DeJean, tens of thousands of Mets fans threw their remotes at the TV.
2005-06-10 18:03:13
29.   Jim Hitchcock
Damn, Bob...37-7. Talk about turning it on. Makes the SHATW that much more of a crusher.
2005-06-10 18:09:05
30.   Linkmeister
I wonder if Russ Hodges has "The Giants win the pennant" on his tombstone?
2005-06-10 18:11:37
31.   Bob Timmermann
Tomorrow will be happier. But everyone except Eric Enders will likely say, "I didn't know that."

I looked at an old Cal baseball media guide. One reason Jeff Kent is honored all over the place is that he was just an above average player at Cal, but nothing special. He was never all All-America or All-Pac-10.

And in his last year at Cal (1989), he broke his wrist and missed most of the season. He was a 21st round draft pick.

Of course, UCLA named its baseball field after a guy who was terrible in that sport when he was there, but I think there were extenuating circumstances and I wouldn't change the name.

2005-06-10 18:18:26
32.   Bob Timmermann
Russ Hodges probably "The Giants win the pennant!" inscribed four times on his tombstone.

That was his initial yell.

2005-06-10 18:24:25
33.   Linkmeister
Hmm. He died in 1971, but neither FindAGrave nor the baseball HOF graves site can tell me where he's buried.
2005-06-10 18:54:17
34.   Mark Joseph
1 - I also had sushi for lunch. Although, I think we could have showed a little more solidarity had we had kimchi, rather than sushi.
2005-06-10 18:55:32
35.   Mark Joseph
Does anyone know (or can easily find out) the Dodger all-time record on June 10? Today is my younger daughter's birthday, and she is the only one of the four of us with a birthday during baseball season. Thanks in advance.
2005-06-10 18:59:20
36.   Mark Joseph
This is (only) a little off-topic, so I'm working on the "easier to get forgiveness than permission" theory; if it's too far off-topic, would someone be so kind as to direct me to a baseball site where I should ask this?

Would it be possible for someone out there who has access to a sabermetric encyclopedia and/or knows someone at SABR please find out for me, using the 2004 NL for a statistical base, (1) what percentage of the time, when a sac bunt would reasonably be in order (that is, runners on first, second, both, or first and third, with less than two outs), was it actually attempted? (2) What percentage of sac bunt attempts succeeded (that is, an out was recorded, and one or more runners moved up a base), and (3) how many times a hitter came up with less than two outs and a runner on third (that is, a potential sac fly situation). Thanks in advance!

OK, I've now already used up my quota for posts today!

2005-06-10 18:59:25
37.   Bob Timmermann
Mark,
The Retrosheet site is down temporarily so it would be a little harder. You could do it from BBREF.org, but that would take more clicking.

Russ Hodges died in Mill Valley, California so he is likely buried in a cemetery near there. Stories about his funeral said that he settled there when the Giants moved west. He had retired from broadcasting the year before.

He was just 60 when he passed away.

Hodges was so excited in 1951 that he forgot his trademark home run call, "Bye, Bye, Baby"

2005-06-10 19:03:36
38.   Jim Hitchcock
34 - You could have, but you'd have been waved off by everbody you tried to talk to the rest of the day.
2005-06-10 19:05:58
39.   Bob Timmermann
Mark,
Just guessing here
1) That question is subjective. Some people would say that sacrifices are never in order. I suppose you could dig up Buster Olney's Productive Out records from last year.
2) I don't know if attempted sacrifices are tabulated, i.e., a guy failing to get down a bunt and doing something or bunting into a force play/pop out.
3) I don't know last year's stats, but I've seen older stats that show that there isn't a lot of "sacrifice" in the sacrifice fly. I.e., batters don't hit deep flies with runners on third than any other time.
2005-06-10 19:08:24
40.   Bob Timmermann
Lineups:
Land of 10,000 Lakers:
Stewart
Rodriguez (2B)
Mauer
Hunter
Jones
Morneau
Cuddyer (3B)
"Old Friend" Castro (SS)
Mays (not Willie)

Land of fewer Lakers:
Izturis
Choi
Drew
Kent
Werth
Perez
Grabowski!
Phillips
Penny

2005-06-10 19:24:14
41.   Bob Timmermann
Pale Hose up on the Friars 2-0 after 1 1/2
2005-06-10 19:25:24
42.   Denezin
In what must have been over a year and a half ago, ESPN Classic was showing the 1988 World Series Game 1. I managed to hit record on my TiVo right before the bottom of the ninth came up. I immediately hit "Save Until I Delete" for the 20 min segment, and it has remained on my TiVo ever since. Whenever I'm feeling either down or in the mood to get fired up, I'll watch Gibby's home run again. I was only 11 at the time, but I still recall running around my aunt's house out of control for what must have been over an hour out of sheer ectasy. My dad was at the game (I forget why I wasn't taken with... oh well) and still talks about the crowd cheering non-stop for over 45 minutes after the game ended. Anyways, I was watching it again tonight, and that one little segment is really a showcase of how unmatchable Vin Scully is behind the mic. No blatant homerism, a real respect for the opposing pitcher, the dominant Eckersley, the sad state of Gibson as he limped to the plate. And of course, his magical call... "High fly ball into right field, she is... gone! [5 minute interlude as the Dodger players swarm Gibson] In a year that has been so improbable, the impossible has happened."

Just thought I'd relive one of my favorite all time Dodger moments, with my favorite Dodger broadcaster...

2005-06-10 19:34:19
43.   Bob Timmermann
Arizona is clobbering KC 5-1 in the third. "Old friend" Shawn Green has a double and homer.

The Evil One will likely get a win.

2005-06-10 19:38:22
44.   Bob Timmermann
This is what I looked like the last time the Dodgers and Twins played:

http://tinyurl.com/dpkgq

I've gotten bigger.

2005-06-10 19:43:41
45.   regfairfield
36 - If you are trying to maximize your runs for the inning, you should never sacrifice. Your expected runs goes down in every situation.

If you are playing for one run, if you sacrifice when a runner is one second with no outs, your odds of scoring one run increase if you are successful 91.5% of the time. If you flub one out of ten bunts, it's not worth it.

All of this assumes that the average hitter is at the plate, whose OPS is .700.

2005-06-10 19:52:34
46.   Linkmeister
I don't have any digitized pictures of my 15-year-old self, Bob, or I'd try to one-up you. ;)

I'd been transplanted to DC by then. Washington's papers were schizophrenic; the Twins, after all, had been the Senators until four years earlier.

2005-06-10 19:52:50
47.   Jim Hitchcock
Real happy that didn't work out to a bear rug shot, Bob.
2005-06-10 19:54:44
48.   Albert in Hong Kong
CHOI!
2005-06-10 19:55:02
49.   Jim Hitchcock
Meat tonight!
2005-06-10 19:55:08
50.   Langhorne
Say Hey! Hee Soep!!!
Show/Hide Comments 51-100
2005-06-10 19:56:41
51.   alex 7
how can you not love that guy? What a 1st baseman combination we have with him and Saenz. I wonder how much Saenz is worth to other teams.
2005-06-10 19:58:19
52.   Bob Timmermann
There were people who had ultrasound photos of fetuses that were 7-months along, but they all looked the same to me.

When the Dodgers won the World Series in 1981, I thought, "This is the second one in my lifetime."

Then I remembered I was born in December of 1965. Took me nearly 15 years to put that all together.

2005-06-10 19:58:25
53.   regfairfield
If we trade Saenz, we'll start seeing Repko at first base.
2005-06-10 19:59:20
54.   Mark Joseph
49 - Au contraire; rather sushi for lunch again tomorrow!
2005-06-10 20:00:25
55.   Icaros
If we trade Saenz, we'll start seeing Repko at first base.

Funny, but in reality we'd probably start seeing Mike Edwards.

2005-06-10 20:00:29
56.   Bob Timmermann
Through four innings at the BOB, Shawn Green has a double and two homers and 4 RBIs.

So far KC starter Zack Greinke has given up 11 hits. 7 have been for extra bases.

2005-06-10 20:04:04
57.   Icaros
Can't take advantage of a break without giving up a stupid out.
2005-06-10 20:04:50
58.   Jim Hitchcock
Wonder how much of that was Hoffamn's fault?
2005-06-10 20:05:00
59.   Aaron Gleeman
Brutal. Jacque Jones has lost the ball in the lights (or worse, like that) about 10 times this year.
2005-06-10 20:05:58
60.   Vishal
thank you, DIPS man.
2005-06-10 20:06:11
61.   alex 7
it's contagious.
2005-06-10 20:06:19
62.   Bob Timmermann
The play at third caught the director unawares, so we will have to wait.

We have an esteemed member of the Twins fans in our midst. Welcome, Aaron.

2005-06-10 20:07:19
63.   Bob Timmermann
Russ Ortiz meet Jeff Weaver. Ortiz gave up a homer to Zack Greinke, but he's still ahead 7-2.

Greg Maddux homered today off of John Halama.

2005-06-10 20:08:32
64.   Aaron Gleeman
"We have an esteemed member of the Twins fans in our midst. Welcome, Aaron."

Let's not get carried away, here! But thanks. I've been lurking in the comments here for a while now, so I figured now was the time to finally register.

I'm sad that I can't listen to Vin do the game, I would love to hear him talk about the Twins.

2005-06-10 20:08:41
65.   Jim Hitchcock
Saw Steve Sax get an ITPHR against Barry Bonds once. I was gleeful.
2005-06-10 20:09:32
66.   Vic
Hate to say it, but I can't help but think that if Saenz were traded, Tracy would find a way to give Grabowski several starts at 1B, despite the fact that he bats from the same side of the plate as Hee Seop.
2005-06-10 20:09:37
67.   Icaros
Castro=Grabowski Principle
2005-06-10 20:09:39
68.   Aaron Gleeman
I'm stuck with Bert Blyleven and Dick Bremer doing the game on TV, but at least they have Mudcat Grant in the booth with them.
2005-06-10 20:10:02
69.   Jim Hitchcock
...on a similiar play, I meant to add.

Juan Castro, do not incur my wrath.

2005-06-10 20:11:07
70.   Aaron Gleeman
Our pitchers can hit!

http://www.battersbox.ca/article.php?story=20050603145306545

2005-06-10 20:11:31
71.   regfairfield
This does not bode well...
2005-06-10 20:11:56
72.   Icaros
And the double GP for Penny. He's looking like a guy who just signed a big extension.
2005-06-10 20:12:08
73.   Aaron Gleeman
So can our leftfielders, thankfully.
2005-06-10 20:12:22
74.   Vic
Aw crap. Anyone think Milton might've gotten to the two balls Drew has lunged at so far tonight?
2005-06-10 20:12:48
75.   champion of choi
just like I said a few nights ago, Choi is back...

our fair Choi has triumphantly returned

2005-06-10 20:13:22
76.   Jim Hitchcock
Hey, I talked to Mudcat when he was in our pen as a kid. Real nice man.

This is starting to look like a night of 'When Good Pitchers Go Bad'.

2005-06-10 20:13:31
77.   Langhorne
It's not looking like either starter will last very long. How's the Twin's pen?
2005-06-10 20:13:42
78.   Jon Weisman
Who gets the game's first strikeout among these strikeout-light pitchers? Whoever it is is gonna need it.

Welcome, Aaron.

2005-06-10 20:13:53
79.   Aaron Gleeman
What is the general consensus about Bradley's D vs. Drew's D? I watch the Dodgers quite a bit and think Drew has looked pretty good out there, but I'd be curious what you guys think.
2005-06-10 20:14:09
80.   fanerman91
Aaron,
I must say. It's an honor to be commenting on the same website as you.
2005-06-10 20:14:24
81.   regfairfield
Pretty brutal.

They have Nathan, Romero, Rincon, plus some other guys.

2005-06-10 20:14:45
82.   Jon Weisman
Or that works too.
2005-06-10 20:15:06
83.   fanerman91
I think Bradley is slightly better (according to stats some have said). I don't get to watch that many games (living in the middle of giant country right now), so I can't comment from personal experience.
2005-06-10 20:15:12
84.   Jim Hitchcock
"Our pitchers can hit!"

There may be a small issue with baserunning, however.

2005-06-10 20:15:16
85.   Jon Weisman
I personally like Bradley in center, but that's anecdotal.
2005-06-10 20:15:28
86.   Icaros
Penny is really sucking.
2005-06-10 20:15:28
87.   Aaron Gleeman
I'm in love with Joe Mauer.
2005-06-10 20:17:06
88.   champion of choi
79-Drew takes a better route to the ball but Milton seems more athletic and can adjust on the fly.

I love it when Vin says, "Bradley's on his horse."

2005-06-10 20:18:10
89.   Icaros
Drew seems to get better jumps on the ball, but what do I know?
2005-06-10 20:19:09
90.   Fern
I second the Mauer man-love. But, what's the deal with Penny. His low strike out totals worry me. Is he not throwing hard enough, or is he predictable? What's the deal?
2005-06-10 20:19:23
91.   Vishal
the twins are my third favorite team. i still hope they get swept by the dodgers though.

also, i like bradley in center a little better too. drew's solid but bradley has more flashes of brilliance. bradley's the better athlete.

2005-06-10 20:19:25
92.   regfairfield
According to Baseball Prospectus, Bradley and Drew's fielding runs over average are about equivelant.
2005-06-10 20:19:36
93.   Albert in Hong Kong
Not very encouraging. Penny is being distracted by an extension.
2005-06-10 20:20:01
94.   Fern
No Vinny. No Santana is good.
2005-06-10 20:20:09
95.   fanerman91
Aaron, You echoed some concern about how Mauer's knee would hold up in the long run when he was injurid earlier in the year. How's it doing now?
2005-06-10 20:20:42
96.   Vic
Penny's precipitous K/9 decline is extremely worrisome. I keep waiting for s sudden increase, the same way I keep waiting for Gagne's velocity to jump back up to the mid-to-high-90s...a fruitless quest?
2005-06-10 20:20:45
97.   bokonon42
I'm not, like, a hard-core conspiracy theory nutjob, but is it possible that Scott Erickson killed Brad Penny, skinned him, and is wearing his carcas like a wetsuit?
2005-06-10 20:20:49
98.   Aaron Gleeman
Penny's low K rate is very interesting, because he throws damn hard. I haven't seen him enough over the last year or so, but I'm guessing his breaking stuff must not be producing enough Ks? I was surprised by his contract extension.
2005-06-10 20:20:50
99.   Vishal
penny's consistently 93-96 with his fastball. it's not a velocity issue.

also, i'll third the mauer love. morneau, hunter, and santana too. i haven't seen much of crain and bartlett yet but they intrigue me as well.

2005-06-10 20:21:21
100.   Langhorne
Vin is disappointed that we won't see Santana, but I've made my peace with it.
Show/Hide Comments 101-150
2005-06-10 20:22:39
101.   Icaros
I saw enough of Santana against the Padres. Works for me.
2005-06-10 20:22:47
102.   Aaron Gleeman
"Aaron, You echoed some concern about how Mauer's knee would hold up in the long run when he was injurid earlier in the year. How's it doing now?"

The Knee hasn't been an issue all season, amazingly. Unfortunately, he's had groin problems.

2005-06-10 20:23:28
103.   fanerman91
Icaros,
Must be a win-win then.
2005-06-10 20:24:15
104.   Icaros
I love when Cesar has at-bats like that.
2005-06-10 20:24:34
105.   Langhorne
This would be a good spot for Izzy to not try to steal.
2005-06-10 20:24:35
106.   champion of choi
HEE SOP CHOI!!!

HEE SOP CHOI!!!

2005-06-10 20:24:48
107.   Aaron Gleeman
Is it just me, or has the strike zone been all over the place tonight?
2005-06-10 20:24:54
108.   Fern
Slightly off topic...for those who have watched Thompson pitch (i live on the East Coast), impressions? Is he a legit full-time starter this year and next?
2005-06-10 20:25:19
109.   Icaros
Now watch Tracy call the two-out hit-and-run.
2005-06-10 20:25:59
110.   champion of choi
looks like Choi shortened his swing a bit and is staying inside on the ball
2005-06-10 20:27:23
111.   Fern
This at bat aside, I'm cautiously optomistic that Choi, if he keeps going the other way with his Herculean strength, can develop into a Thome-esque 1B.
2005-06-10 20:27:37
112.   Icaros
Anything good that Choi does must be solely credited to Tim Wallach.

It's in his contract.

2005-06-10 20:29:16
113.   Jim Hitchcock
It's not just you, Aaron.
2005-06-10 20:29:21
114.   Vic
Wow. Methinks it might be time to turn off the TV and find something less aggravating to do on this fine Friday evening.
2005-06-10 20:29:38
115.   Icaros
Can someone watching the game see what's wrong with this guy?
2005-06-10 20:29:55
116.   champion of choi
Who is coming in for Penny? Houlton?
2005-06-10 20:30:21
117.   Albert in Hong Kong
Blah blah Penny.
2005-06-10 20:30:37
118.   Aaron Gleeman
Mudcat: "I remember having a game like Penny is having. The pitching coach came out and asked Earl Battey what sort of stuff I had. Earl said, 'I don't know, I haven't caught anything yet.'"
2005-06-10 20:30:38
119.   Icaros
Don't worry, folks. Erickson is warming up.
2005-06-10 20:30:43
120.   Vic
Scott Erickson's warming up! We're saved!!!
2005-06-10 20:31:10
121.   Vishal
oh no, vinny! erickson warming up is NOT a nice touch. :/
2005-06-10 20:31:22
122.   champion of choi
Grabowski is a nightmare in the field...
2005-06-10 20:31:36
123.   Jim Hitchcock
What a nice touch this is??? Vinny, sentimentality is fine and all...but there's a limit.
2005-06-10 20:31:48
124.   Aaron Gleeman
Morneau now leads the Twins in triples.
2005-06-10 20:32:11
125.   LAT
Stupidity abounds: Grabs dives for ball causing a double to turn into a triple and Erickson warming up.
2005-06-10 20:32:41
126.   Albert in Hong Kong
I agree with Vinnie. Grabowski had no reason to dive for that, unless his name was Andruw.
2005-06-10 20:32:55
127.   Aaron Gleeman
And to think, I almost traded for Penny in my Diamond-Mind keeper league last night.
2005-06-10 20:33:00
128.   regfairfield
Erickson?
2005-06-10 20:33:09
129.   Steve Saxs Sweaty Jockstrap
Nooooo!!!!!!!Please JT, dont bring in the one who wears Dave Roberts pants.
2005-06-10 20:33:43
130.   champion of choi
Please not Erickson. Please not Erickson.
2005-06-10 20:34:12
131.   Steve Saxs Sweaty Jockstrap
Penny, please stop throwing the hanging curve over the plate.
2005-06-10 20:34:13
132.   Aaron Gleeman
Another highly questionable strike call.
2005-06-10 20:34:38
133.   champion of choi
129-lol. Erickson's pants are severely short. they look like dungarees.
2005-06-10 20:34:45
134.   bokonon42
I'm pretty sure the "Scott Erickson" in the bullpen is just a hologram. The real Erickson has been on the mound.
2005-06-10 20:35:19
135.   Steve Saxs Sweaty Jockstrap
What a slugfest, I smell double digits for both clubs.
2005-06-10 20:35:19
136.   Vishal
wow, even mays almost hit it out.
2005-06-10 20:35:23
137.   Aaron Gleeman
Seeing Scott Erickson pitch will make my mom happy, at least.
2005-06-10 20:36:32
138.   Icaros
Seeing Scott Erickson pitch will make all Twins fans happy.
2005-06-10 20:36:39
139.   Vishal
should make you happy too, aaron. it'd seal the twins victory.
2005-06-10 20:36:48
140.   alex 7
what a waste of an offensive outpour.
2005-06-10 20:37:03
141.   Steve Saxs Sweaty Jockstrap
Quick, somebody lock the bullpen doors so Scottie doesn't come in, I'll take my chances on Penny staying in.
2005-06-10 20:37:42
142.   Aaron Gleeman
I have no proof of this whatsoever, but the Twins seem to struggle against the first pitcher out of the bullpen when they knock a starter out early. Which is both a good and bad thing, I guess.
2005-06-10 20:38:16
143.   champion of choi
I actually met Scott Erickson at a bar in Los Gatos, CA, in 1997. Needless to say, he was very arrogant and the perma-scowl never left his face the entire night; even when surrounded by Northen Cali's finest.
2005-06-10 20:39:42
144.   Aaron Gleeman
There is an imfamous story here locally about Erickson and a local news reporter (who I think now does the "California Sports Report"?) doing interesting things together in a bathroom stall.
2005-06-10 20:40:02
145.   Langhorne
JT, you see there's the frying pan and then there's the fire. The frying pan is bad but the fire is worse.
2005-06-10 20:40:53
146.   champion of choi
At the time, I really didn't know who he was but I remember thinking his was a total a.h.
2005-06-10 20:41:10
147.   bokonon42
144-Mark Gubicza?
2005-06-10 20:41:12
148.   Icaros
I've heard other first-hand anecdotes about Erickson's arrogance in public. Must be what his brilliant wife found endearing.
2005-06-10 20:41:25
149.   champion of choi
Werth is so due for hr.
2005-06-10 20:42:01
150.   Steve Saxs Sweaty Jockstrap
Somebody, anybody in the left field pavilion, jump out of the stands and tackle Scottie if he try to come in.
Show/Hide Comments 151-200
2005-06-10 20:42:25
151.   champion of choi
or a double play
2005-06-10 20:42:29
152.   Aaron Gleeman
147-No, but close.

http://www.amiannoying.com/(ei4o1nez5gz4ok45wt3xbby3)/view.aspx?ID=6374

2005-06-10 20:44:41
153.   Steve Saxs Sweaty Jockstrap
Why is Scottie still on the team. It's baffling to me. I know he's probably gone when Dessens gets here, but I think we have a better club if we only carry 24.
2005-06-10 20:46:21
154.   Langhorne
Charlie Osteen
2005-06-10 20:47:33
155.   Ben P
On a side note, the official scoring of the Marlins-Rangers game tonight provides yet more evidence of how ridiculous the "hold" statistic is. Our friend Guillermo Mota came into the game, faced two batters, allowed two hits and two earned runs and left without recording an out. For that fine effort, he was awarded a hold.
2005-06-10 20:49:18
156.   Albert in Hong Kong
Hopefully, Penny has settled in.
2005-06-10 20:49:22
157.   Bob Timmermann
Fellow Kennedy High alum Jon Garland still has the Pale Hose ahead of the Friars 3-1 after 7. Bruce Bochy got tossed in the 7th.

The DBacks are crushing the Royals 11-3.

And Cleveland leads San Francisco 5-2. It was 3-2 until CC Sabathia doubled in a pair.

2005-06-10 20:51:10
158.   Bob Timmermann
Zack Greinke
4 1/3 ip
15 H
11 R
11 ER
5 2B
1 3B
4 HR
2 BB
2 SO
2005-06-10 20:52:38
159.   Steve Saxs Sweaty Jockstrap
Stewart down for the count
2005-06-10 20:53:40
160.   Icaros
If the game goes one extra inning, and Penny finishes with 10 IP and 5 ER, does he get a quality start?
2005-06-10 20:54:27
161.   regfairfield
158 - That's gonna hurt the ol' fantasy team.

Anyone know why he was allowed to allow 11 runs?

2005-06-10 20:55:19
162.   Bob Timmermann
The Royals relievers are all worse than Greinke.
2005-06-10 20:57:22
163.   Bob Timmermann
The pitcher with the most Ks among NL relievers in pitching now for San Diego.

Yep, it's Rudy Seanez.

2005-06-10 20:57:33
164.   Vishal
i like that andy sisco kid a lot over in KC. he strikes out a ton of people.

ps. what a catch by stewart. wow.

2005-06-10 20:57:42
165.   regfairfield
Oh, I fully realize that Greinke is by far the best pitcher on that team, but leaving anyone in for 11 runs, no matter what, is just insanity.
2005-06-10 20:59:13
166.   Midwest Blue
Mays has thrown more pitches than Penny: 69-65. What's the over / under for Penny?
2005-06-10 21:01:01
167.   Bob Timmermann
Well, Greinke's ERA is now over 6.00

Yesterday the ERAs of the four pitchers, the Royals used were 8.16, 8.59, 5.06 and 5.89

2005-06-10 21:02:16
168.   champion of choi
Is Penny trying to hit people or is he wild or crossing up Phillips?
2005-06-10 21:02:29
169.   Ben P
Pitching inside has now officially been outlawed.
2005-06-10 21:03:35
170.   champion of choi
I like it when a Dodger pitcher throws inside...ala Drysdale
2005-06-10 21:04:29
171.   Jim Hitchcock
The over was 7 IP, Midwest.
2005-06-10 21:11:15
172.   Steve
I took the under in spirit. A big contract demands at least 12 crappy post-contract starts to convince everyone how dumb it is to give injured pitchers big contract extensions.
2005-06-10 21:12:14
173.   Vishal
"hee-seop-choi-UH!" was just about the funniest thing i've ever heard vinny say.
2005-06-10 21:13:06
174.   champion of choi
"Truck monkey"=worst
commercial
2005-06-10 21:14:04
175.   Brian Y
I still don't know the fascination with Hee Seop Choi. He swings one-handed for the most part severely limiting his power, he looks overmatched in many of his at bats, and he inside-outs the pitch 3/4 of the time. And when he makes good contact everyone thinks he hit the ball hard. I have never seen him hit the ball that hard at all.
2005-06-10 21:14:29
176.   champion of choi
Penny is dealing now
2005-06-10 21:14:31
177.   Midwest Blue
Thanks, JH.

I thought that a big contract extension would make a pitcher so giddy he would go out and thrown a fantastic game. Silly me.

2005-06-10 21:16:21
178.   Mark Linsey
175-Well if he keeps hitting home runs while "not hitting the ball that hard at all", that's fine by me.

But really, I think the only "fascination" is because he's a lightning rod for debates about DePo and debates about Tracy.

2005-06-10 21:17:10
179.   Midwest Blue
Penny looks much better now (eeriely reminiscent of the Weaver game where he gave up the granny in the first and settled down). Now if we could only find a way to get two runs.
2005-06-10 21:17:23
180.   Jon Weisman
175 - "I have never seen him hit the ball that hard at all."

I know not to take you literally, but I see Choi hit the ball hard all the time. I would say he hit two or three very hard balls just Wednesday alone. And you say this on a night he hit a home run.

Inside-outs the pitch 3/4 of the time? I'm not trying to be rude, at all, really, I swear - I just don't know where you're getting this.

2005-06-10 21:18:59
181.   Steve
144 - There's a local story of some renown about Scott Erickson doing that to Dodger fans every time he takes the mound.
2005-06-10 21:20:38
182.   Steve
Re Penny: That was Cuddyer, Castro and Mays. He's not Weaver. He ought to look better against those three.
2005-06-10 21:21:51
183.   Steve Saxs Sweaty Jockstrap
180- I agree, given the opportunity, I think Choi will produce for this team. As long as JT plays him.
2005-06-10 21:22:52
184.   Steve Saxs Sweaty Jockstrap
Jeffery!!!!!!!!!!
2005-06-10 21:23:02
185.   Albert in Hong Kong
I thought Mauer was a good throwing catcher!
2005-06-10 21:23:12
186.   champion of choi
The stolen base attempt succeeds in spite of JT
2005-06-10 21:23:22
187.   Icaros
All the time Steve and I are telling you guys how important aggressive baserunning is.
2005-06-10 21:23:56
188.   Fern
Now I really love Mauer
2005-06-10 21:24:59
189.   Steve
Other teams like to give us runs.
2005-06-10 21:25:25
190.   Bob Timmermann
The Royals have loaded the bases in the 8th and are down 11-5 with Herges into relieve.
2005-06-10 21:25:44
191.   Mark Linsey
Sweet! Although what exactly happened? Gameday is messing up...was ball four a wild pitch?
2005-06-10 21:26:15
192.   champion of choi
I really don't understand the contempt some people have for Choi. To say he doesn't hit the ball hard is ridiculous.

I have seen him tatoo several balls this year. Granted, his one-handed swings aren't pretty but I don't know if they necessarily rob him of that much extra power. The guy is 6'5", 240

2005-06-10 21:26:31
193.   Albert in Hong Kong
Yes 191
2005-06-10 21:26:57
194.   Icaros
If Penny's spot comes up this inning, does Tracy let him hit?
2005-06-10 21:27:12
195.   LAT
KC mounting a comeback 11-8. Welcome to AZ Mr. Herges.
2005-06-10 21:27:46
196.   Bob Timmermann
Pinch hitter Emil Brown knocked in a run with a force out and then David DeJesus tripled to make it 11-8.

And that ended Mr. Herges' night.

2005-06-10 21:27:52
197.   champion of choi
Per Vin, Duaner Gaschanchez is warming up
2005-06-10 21:28:07
198.   Steve
Matt Herges is not going to solve the D-Backs bullpen problems. If they like washed up relievers, maybe...
2005-06-10 21:28:23
199.   Bob Timmermann
Sorry, Herges is still in the game.
2005-06-10 21:30:03
200.   Bob Timmermann
Now Herges is out after walking Matt Stairs.
Show/Hide Comments 201-250
2005-06-10 21:30:31
201.   Steve
So there's that from Mr. Big. Don't get in a hurry or anything.
2005-06-10 21:30:48
202.   champion of choi
sigh...Grabowski swings at the first pitch and flys out.
2005-06-10 21:31:07
203.   Steve Saxs Sweaty Jockstrap
Mikey(a la Dave Hansen) Edwards, our secret weapon.
2005-06-10 21:31:28
204.   Icaros
I don't think Frank Thomas's one-handed swing ever cost him much power.

And it's more of a one-handed follow-through. When contact is made, both hands are on the bat. By releasing the top hand in the follow-through, the batter is supposed to get maximum arm extension upon contact.

It's from the Charlie Lau school of hitting, later espoused by guys like Walt Hriniak.

2005-06-10 21:32:02
205.   Steve
Makes me pine for Repko and his bunting
2005-06-10 21:32:37
206.   Jim Hitchcock
Edwards (so far) has been more akin to Manny Mota.
2005-06-10 21:33:22
207.   champion of choi
even if we score here, I say Penny's gotta stay in the game the way he's chucking it now
2005-06-10 21:34:36
208.   Bob Timmermann
Tony Graffanino walks to load the bases against Javy Lopez (the other one). Two outs and Mark Teahen batting in Arizona.
2005-06-10 21:34:41
209.   Steve Saxs Sweaty Jockstrap
MIKEY!!!!!!!!!time to get it done, baby.
2005-06-10 21:34:59
210.   Albert in Hong Kong
Let's go Edwards.
2005-06-10 21:35:27
211.   Jim Hitchcock
Naw. Gotta go for the lead.
2005-06-10 21:36:04
212.   champion of choi
"citizen crain"
2005-06-10 21:36:15
213.   Icaros
Good call there. Penny made almost 90 pitches, but he was still suspect. Gotta go for runs when the bases are loaded.

At least JT didn't send Robles up there.

2005-06-10 21:37:31
214.   Bob Timmermann
Teahen draws a walk to make it 11-9 Arizona.

Fourth DBack reliever of the inning coming in: Lance Cormier.

2005-06-10 21:37:36
215.   Steve
I suspect 207 was assuming Penny wouldn't bat this inning.
2005-06-10 21:38:07
216.   Jon Weisman
"If one looks up courage in the Oxford English Dictionary, one might very well come upon a photo of these two gladiators. They approach the final hole in the shadow of the Great Emancipator, deadlocked at eight strokes on the happy side of par. Soon, one man will emerge triumphant; he will drink naught but champagne, while his opponent tastes bitter defeat in this oft cruel game."
2005-06-10 21:38:48
217.   Icaros
Let's hope Duaner has something tonight.
2005-06-10 21:39:01
218.   Fearing Blue
#213: Pinch hitting for Penny was definitely the right call. I'm glad we didn't see Robles either. But, if Tracy is not going to play the matchup game, why Edwards instead of Saenz? Maybe because we only needed a single?
2005-06-10 21:39:02
219.   Jon Weisman
Six walks allowed by Arizona in the inning.
2005-06-10 21:39:08
220.   LAT
Hard to believe AZ was leading 11-3, its now 11-9 and KC has bases loaded. Bullpen imploding.
2005-06-10 21:39:19
221.   Bob Timmermann
The first four pitchers for Arizona tonight have ERAs of
5.45
108
6.15
9.77
2005-06-10 21:40:44
222.   Midwest Blue
Too bad we didn't have Grabowski available to pinch hit for Penny.
2005-06-10 21:40:44
223.   Steve
uhhhh...you left a decimal point out of one of those, Bob! :)
2005-06-10 21:41:15
224.   Fearing Blue
#221: Haha.. thought you had forgotten a decimal point on the second ERA. Nope.
2005-06-10 21:41:22
225.   bokonon42
216- Which team is Todd Flanders?
2005-06-10 21:41:47
226.   Steve
222 -- or Odalis Perez.
2005-06-10 21:41:51
227.   Bob Timmermann
The fifth pitcher for Arizona has an ERA of 1.67 however.
2005-06-10 21:42:00
228.   champion of choi
Holy Grabowski!!!
2005-06-10 21:42:15
229.   Icaros
#218 - Tracy is saving Saenz to pinch-hit for Choi later.
2005-06-10 21:42:27
230.   Fearing Blue
Wow.. Grabowski could draw comparisons to Manny Ramirez out there in LF.
2005-06-10 21:43:27
231.   champion of choi
230-lol. grabowski's nickname should be the butcher
2005-06-10 21:43:49
232.   Bob Timmermann
What was even more puzzling in the top of the 8th in Arizona is that Bob Melvin put in Scott Hairston to give Luis Gonzalez a rest. But he put Hairston in center and moved Jose Cruz to left. Then in the middle of the inning, he switched them.
2005-06-10 21:43:52
233.   Steve
Oh man. What did he do now?
2005-06-10 21:44:40
234.   champion of choi
does everyone recall when Grabs dropped/lost his mitt over the fence on a homer earlier this season and then waited patiently for someone to throw it back over?
2005-06-10 21:45:17
235.   Icaros
My only fear is that Tracy will be so moved by Sanchez's impressive inning that he'll send him out for another one.
2005-06-10 21:45:53
236.   Aaron Gleeman
"Bob Melvin put in Scott Hairston to give Luis Gonzalez a rest. But he put Hairston in center and moved Jose Cruz to left. Then in the middle of the inning, he switched them."

Hairston had been getting time in CF at AAA, so I'm guessing Melvin figured he could let him play a little out there in a blowout. And then when it wasn't a blowout, he changed his mind.

Or was the game still a blowout when he re-switched em?

2005-06-10 21:45:53
237.   Vishal
hahah yeah, that was in arizona
2005-06-10 21:46:03
238.   Steve
Duaner restores my faith. Now we have to suffer through Carrara and Wunsch in the eighth.
2005-06-10 21:46:54
239.   Jon Weisman
Wunchtime is funtime!
2005-06-10 21:47:18
240.   Jon Weisman
Worst throw of Castro's career?
2005-06-10 21:47:20
241.   Bob Timmermann
It was 11-8 when Melvin switched Cruz and Hairston.
2005-06-10 21:47:23
242.   Fearing Blue
The Twins really want us to win tonight.
2005-06-10 21:47:32
243.   Icaros
Not if we get a lead, Steve. Then Ghame is allowed to pitch.
2005-06-10 21:47:41
244.   champion of choi
repeat thricely

hee seop choi
hee seop choi
hee seop choi

2005-06-10 21:47:43
245.   Steve
Braztime is wintime!
2005-06-10 21:47:48
246.   Jim Hitchcock
Boy, this is really the kind of game I was seeing in person.

Jon, great quote. Describes the situation perfectly.

2005-06-10 21:48:11
247.   champion of choi
a bunt? wtf? fjt!!! fjt!!!
2005-06-10 21:48:14
248.   Icaros
Gotta love that bunt by HSC.
2005-06-10 21:48:23
249.   Aaron Gleeman
I have to say, Castro's arm is pretty weak and he seems to make a lot of lazy throws. It doesn't keep him from being a very good shortstop, of course, but still.
2005-06-10 21:48:38
250.   Steve Saxs Sweaty Jockstrap
Lets go J.D., time to earn your paycheck.
Show/Hide Comments 251-300
2005-06-10 21:48:38
251.   Jon Weisman
Bad Idea Jeans calls for the sac.
2005-06-10 21:48:58
252.   Steve
I will now jab my eyes out of my head with spoons.
2005-06-10 21:49:23
253.   alex 7
that was so out of nowhere, it's funny. Was he really told to sac? that's what it says on gamecast.
2005-06-10 21:50:12
254.   Icaros
Too bad we only have one out left now.
2005-06-10 21:50:20
255.   Bob Timmermann
I'm almost postive that Choi was given a bunt sign.
2005-06-10 21:50:25
256.   Steve
What a moron. What a complete buffoon.
2005-06-10 21:50:26
257.   bokonon42
That sac bunt is looky bloody brilliant right about now.
2005-06-10 21:50:40
258.   alex 7
how quickly it was proven the wrong move.
2005-06-10 21:50:57
259.   champion of choi
Choi looked dismayed by the bunt call. izzy was already in scoring position! tracy could ruin another scoring opp.
2005-06-10 21:51:06
260.   untitled instrumental demo
Wouldn't want Choi to hit 2 in a game, wouldya Tracy?
2005-06-10 21:51:27
261.   Jim Hitchcock
Steve, please don't. Substitute eyes of newt. Even if their hard to come by in Utah.
2005-06-10 21:51:37
262.   Icaros
Forks will work better, Steve, but I thought you got rid of those eyes weeks ago.
2005-06-10 21:51:45
263.   alex 7
a double head scratcher. When did Werth become Shawn Green?
2005-06-10 21:52:42
264.   champion of choi
man, tracy's got to go
2005-06-10 21:52:46
265.   regfairfield
Well, at least he bunted at a time when it would increase our odds of scoring one run. Not that I support that sort of thing.
2005-06-10 21:52:50
266.   Jim Hitchcock
253 - It gives you the signson Gamecast???
2005-06-10 21:53:36
267.   Jon Weisman
small strike zone
2005-06-10 21:53:44
268.   champion of choi
is werth the second coming of Billy Ashley?
2005-06-10 21:53:48
269.   Steve Saxs Sweaty Jockstrap
come on JT, let our big Korean Thumper take a swing. Your killing us JT.
2005-06-10 21:53:54
270.   Bob Timmermann
Melvin let Lance Cormier bat with 2 outs and 2 on, so it's his job to be the closer now in Arizona.
2005-06-10 21:54:27
271.   Icaros
Steiner drives me crazy with his bogus flyout calls.
2005-06-10 21:54:44
272.   regfairfield
We didn't score that inning because we failed to execute on fundamentals.
2005-06-10 21:55:02
273.   Albert in Hong Kong
That big inning going down the drain was so JT's fault.
2005-06-10 21:55:23
274.   Steve
How about that, it didn't work. Do you think he gets a Christmas Bonus from DePodesta based on the number of stupid bunts that waste baserunners at the end of the year?
2005-06-10 21:55:26
275.   Fearing Blue
Tracy's likely explanation for Choi's bunt: Werth hit the ball hard, but Jones made a great play.
2005-06-10 21:55:45
276.   Bob Timmermann
Werth did hit it pretty hard and pretty far and Jones had to make a nice play to catch it.
2005-06-10 21:55:55
277.   alex 7
Most frustrating is that, as Jon feared, Tracy is not adjusting or changing philosphies as the season goes along and as sabermetrics show the statistical truth of old school moves.
2005-06-10 21:56:03
278.   Vishal
and that, class, is why you don't give up outs, especially when it's only the 7th.
2005-06-10 21:56:04
279.   bokonon42
271- I know what you mean, but that wasn't one of them. That looked like a sure double; Jones caught it on a dead run. Werth got robbed.
2005-06-10 21:56:15
280.   walbers
jon, please rename this blog Fire Jim Tracy Now! gawd almighty it's enough to make me cough up my wine....maybe we should start a letter writing campaign or something.

what happened to the t-shirts?

rgds
will

2005-06-10 21:56:27
281.   Midwest Blue
I can take the bunt. I can't take that $11 million infield sac. Disgusting.
2005-06-10 21:56:29
282.   Fern
JT manages like a man afraid for his job. Well, at least he's right in that.
2005-06-10 21:56:33
283.   Bob Timmermann
The Royals have gotten their first two guys on in the 9th.

Now it's time for Joe McEwing! The Royals announcers are excited over this.

2005-06-10 21:56:35
284.   champion of choi
it is hard to ignore tracy's incompetence with him handicapping them at least once a game
2005-06-10 21:57:14
285.   Bob Timmermann
Super Joe bunted into a force out.
2005-06-10 21:57:31
286.   Icaros
I'd rather give three guys the chance to get a base hit, especially when it's 2-3-4 coming up.
2005-06-10 21:58:05
287.   Steve
275 -- wouldn't make any difference to the bunt, since he would have scored from second anyway. But for Tracy, any retarded excuse will do.
2005-06-10 21:59:00
288.   Steve
KC playing for the tie with their strong bullpen.
2005-06-10 21:59:20
289.   Icaros
Okay, I'll give Charlie a reprieve. I really like him otherwise.
2005-06-10 21:59:37
290.   Mark Linsey
Well I wouldn't have given the bunt sign either but hey, look who Tracy brought out in the 8th even though we didn't have the lead.
2005-06-10 21:59:56
291.   Bob Timmermann
Bases loaded for the Royals with one out and David DeJesus at the plate.
2005-06-10 22:00:44
292.   Jim Hitchcock
Super Joe is still playing? I'd thought he'd move on to stunt doubling for Kurt Russell.
2005-06-10 22:01:01
293.   Steve
290 -- he did that because he thought he was going to have the lead
2005-06-10 22:01:04
294.   champion of choi
if the Dodgers lose, maybe that bunt will be Tracy's waterloo...

even for the casual observer, that move made zero sense.

2005-06-10 22:01:31
295.   Bob Timmermann
Glaus saves the game taking away a hit and getting a force play. 11-10 Arizona with 1st and 3rd and 2 outs for KC.
2005-06-10 22:02:39
296.   Icaros
Where is Mike Sweeney, by the way? Matt Stairs bats third?
2005-06-10 22:02:55
297.   regfairfield
Sweeney is hurt.
2005-06-10 22:03:18
298.   Steve
I figured Drew would squeeze.

The test for JT now is who pitches the ninth. I'm not watching, but Gagne's gotta be warming up.

2005-06-10 22:03:23
299.   Vishal
scoring fielder's choice in AZ. 11-10, first and third, stairs batting.
2005-06-10 22:03:29
300.   Fearing Blue
#287: Indeed, but I must admit I'm getting tired of bashing Tracy for each poor decision. It's feeling more and more like attacking Robles for not being a very good hitter every time he grounds out. They are what they are.
Show/Hide Comments 301-350
2005-06-10 22:03:58
301.   Icaros
I smell steroids.
2005-06-10 22:04:40
302.   Bob Timmermann
Stairs singles to tie it at 11.
2005-06-10 22:04:54
303.   Icaros
Sweeney is hurt.

Of course, silly me.

2005-06-10 22:04:59
304.   Steve
YAY! Arizona sucks! It's official!
2005-06-10 22:05:11
305.   Xeifrank
JT, please pinch hit for Grabowski. We'd like to win this game.
vr, Xei
2005-06-10 22:05:42
306.   Icaros
Hooray, Bob! Satan loses his win!
2005-06-10 22:06:04
307.   Xeifrank
298. Gane is up in the pen. Only one throwing.
vr, Xei
2005-06-10 22:06:07
308.   Bob Timmermann
Tony Graffanino with the chance to be the hero now for KC.
2005-06-10 22:06:32
309.   Fearing Blue
#294: I agree it was the wrong decision, but it wasn't that bad. Ignoring the possibility of a double-play, you're trading the chances of 1 single in 3 ABs for either a single / flyout in the first AB or a single in the second AB. The first probability is higher, but it gets a lot closer once you include the chance of a DP and the chance of Izturis being thrown out at home.
2005-06-10 22:06:49
310.   Xeifrank
Oh crap, Grabowski hitting for himself. I smell an 0 for 4.
vr, Xei
2005-06-10 22:06:58
311.   Steve Saxs Sweaty Jockstrap
Lets go, GRABBOOOOOOOOO!!!!
2005-06-10 22:07:04
312.   Jim Hitchcock
Time for Steve to be conflicted.
2005-06-10 22:07:06
313.   Jon Weisman
298 - not a test. Tracy always puts Gagne in in that situation. No save opp left.
2005-06-10 22:07:29
314.   Xeifrank
Sorry Jason.
vr, Xei
2005-06-10 22:07:30
315.   Bob Timmermann
Ultimately Russ Ortiz was undone by his own Grabowski Principle. He gave up a homer to Zack Greinke way back in the 5th.

It was a harbinger.

2005-06-10 22:08:05
316.   Xeifrank
atleast they took him out for a runner. :)
vr, Xei
2005-06-10 22:08:13
317.   Steve
Every base hit means another month of agonizingly bad .160 hitting.
2005-06-10 22:08:55
318.   Xeifrank
315. Russ Ortiz is a very good hitter. Saw him homer at Dodger stadium 2 years ago.
vr, Xei
2005-06-10 22:09:14
319.   Fearing Blue
#313: As Jon said, this is a pretty common usage scenario. Over 1/4 of Gagne's innings last year came 9th inning or later with the game tied.
2005-06-10 22:09:29
320.   Nick Iyengar
313- Jon, if we score here, wouldn't Eric get a save opp?
2005-06-10 22:09:39
321.   Xeifrank
No double play Phillips, Old Maid Signs is on deck.
vr, Xei
2005-06-10 22:10:28
322.   Xeifrank
320. Yep, unless we score more than 3 runs.
vr, Xei
2005-06-10 22:10:31
323.   untitled instrumental demo
Apparently Greinke wanted to make sure he was responsible for as much scoring as possible...with a HR for his team and 11 ER for AZ
2005-06-10 22:11:02
324.   Steve
Why isn't Phillips bunting?
2005-06-10 22:11:18
325.   Xeifrank
Setting JP up for the breaking stuff away.
vr, Xei
2005-06-10 22:11:34
326.   Steve Saxs Sweaty Jockstrap
Mauer having a rough night!!!!!!I love it!!!!
2005-06-10 22:11:47
327.   Xeifrank
324. He must've missed the signal. :)
vr, Xei
2005-06-10 22:11:51
328.   Nagman
ASU just lost to Fullerton when the umpire called a balk on an intentional walk w/a runner on third -- saying the pitcher didn't come to a complete stop. Ludicrous.
2005-06-10 22:11:54
329.   Steve
How about giving up 11 runs and getting a no-decision? Very Weaver-like.
2005-06-10 22:12:41
330.   Fearing Blue
#326: You know what else you love?????? Punctuation!!!!!!
2005-06-10 22:13:03
331.   adg
Is this the banned substance guy now pitching for Minnesota? (Sorry, joining late)
2005-06-10 22:13:13
332.   regfairfield
Makes up for all the times he's allowed three hits and got the loss.
2005-06-10 22:13:17
333.   Christina
I just watched my brother's alma mater, Cal State Fullerton, win their game on the most bizarre balk call ever, on ball 4 of an intentional walk that would have juiced the bases for the next batter.

When I turned off ESPN the announcers were still trying to figure out what the hell even prompted the balk - their final theory was that it was because the pitcher seemed to have rubbed his mouth (only they think he was really just rubbing his nose) after the ball 4 had been called, while still on the mound.

Baseball!

2005-06-10 22:13:44
334.   Jim Hitchcock
Vinny is the tenth blogger.
2005-06-10 22:14:00
335.   Jon Weisman
320 - Yes, but that's obviously not a test of Tracy's strategy either.
2005-06-10 22:14:33
336.   Xeifrank
Productive out by Phillips. :)
vr, Xei
2005-06-10 22:15:30
337.   alex 7
BA/OB%/SLG/Salary

Piazza
254/320/422/$16 million

Phillips
273/322/418/$339,000

2005-06-10 22:16:15
338.   Steve Saxs Sweaty Jockstrap
326-You Know it baby!!!!!!!
2005-06-10 22:17:11
339.   bokonon42
Two consecutive game threads where somebody picks on SSSJ's enthusiastic punctuating.
2005-06-10 22:18:09
340.   Jon Weisman
This ump has had no inside corner, all game.
2005-06-10 22:18:13
341.   Bob Timmermann
Extra frames in Arizona as Ambiorix Burgos shots down the DBacks 1-2-3.
2005-06-10 22:18:55
342.   Xeifrank
Mr Single is up with a chance to put us ahead. Please punch one to left Cesar.
vr, Xei
2005-06-10 22:19:07
343.   Steve
Bring in Mulholland!
2005-06-10 22:19:16
344.   Xeifrank
Nathan should really be in the ball game right now.
vr, Xei
2005-06-10 22:19:26
345.   Bob Timmermann
I can buy lots of !!!!!
And also lots of ??????
And I'm a big fan of the ellipsis ...

But the ,,,,,,,, makes no sense to me.

2005-06-10 22:19:55
346.   Brian Y
#180- Sorry for such a late response Jon.

OK, on Wednesday he took some decent swings but he did not tattoo the ball in my estimation. Again, it's purely subjective.

He inside outs the ball a lot on 2 strike counts and inside pitches where is where he gets pitched a lot with 2 strikes. I don't know how you are missing this and seeing the same at-bats I do? I don't know if Wallach taught him to inside out the ball so he makes more frequent contact because of his long stride but he does do it often. And considering he works the counts often enough I would say 3/4 of the time is a good guess.

Yes, he hit a HR tonight and by no means am I saying Choi isn't a good player, I am saying he could be better. I think his HR's rather than just clearing the walls could be hit in the pavilion seats.

I just don't see how people think Choi could be an a great player at this point. He needs a lot more improvement before I would even consider batting him against LH pitching yet many of you want him to play more often. Anyway, that was my whole point on the subject.

2005-06-10 22:20:18
347.   Jon Weisman
I don't think I've ever seen an inning end on a 1 unassisted at home in my life.
2005-06-10 22:20:28
348.   Xeifrank
Stupid baserunning #17, Grabowski would've stayed at 3rd.
vr, Xei
2005-06-10 22:20:29
349.   Xeifrank
Stupid baserunning #17, Grabowski would've stayed at 3rd.
vr, Xei
2005-06-10 22:20:46
350.   Aaron Gleeman
Wow.
Show/Hide Comments 351-400
2005-06-10 22:21:23
351.   Steve Saxs Sweaty Jockstrap
345-Don't worry about it
2005-06-10 22:21:27
352.   Icaros
Repko is stupid.
2005-06-10 22:21:37
353.   Steve Saxs Sweaty Jockstrap
345-Don't worry about it
2005-06-10 22:21:50
354.   Jim Hitchcock
Terry Mulholland would make a good advertisement for antioxidants.
2005-06-10 22:22:44
355.   regfairfield
Anyone care to explain for those of us on Gamecast?
2005-06-10 22:22:50
356.   untitled instrumental demo
Do they still flash GAME OVER on the LF scoreboard...or did they stop after the streak ended?
2005-06-10 22:22:50
357.   Xeifrank
347. Jon, there's alot of things that I've never seen happen before happen in a Dodger game this year.
vr, Xei
2005-06-10 22:23:00
358.   Bob Timmermann
I just have great respect for the comma.
2005-06-10 22:23:04
359.   Fearing Blue
#347: Yeah. That was a little too much scrappiness by Repko. He should have stayed at 3B.
2005-06-10 22:23:08
360.   Steve
What happened? Don't tell me. Repko is now going to make me pine for Grabowski.
2005-06-10 22:23:56
361.   Jim Hitchcock
Q. Have we had a walk off HR this year? Don't recall any.
2005-06-10 22:24:22
362.   Bob Timmermann
I think with 2 outs Repko was going to break on anything on the ground.
2005-06-10 22:24:30
363.   Xeifrank
Check swing, swinging bunt perfectly placed down the third base line, runner hesitated coming home, pitcher got the ball and just barely tagged the runner out coming home. Hesitation killed him. Prolly should've stayed at 3rd.
vr, Xei
2005-06-10 22:25:01
364.   Steve Saxs Sweaty Jockstrap
If Repko woulda broke sooner, he would have made it.
2005-06-10 22:25:36
365.   Jon Weisman
Who says Choi is a great player? No one says this. This is what is so crazy - how if you're supportive of Choi, people start to think you're blind to his faults.

We, like you, think he is a good player who could be better. Even his supporters think he should improve. We just think he can improve. And if it weren't for the surprise of Saenz, he would have earned the right to play against all pitching to do so.

I still think your 3/4 estimation is off. But in any event, with two strikes, many good hitters shorten up and just try to put the ball in play. It's a good thing.

2005-06-10 22:26:06
366.   Icaros
I already called Repko as my nemesis weeks ago. Back off.
2005-06-10 22:26:11
367.   Xeifrank
1-2-3. w/o Grabowski in the game I don't see how we can win.
vr, Xei
2005-06-10 22:26:38
368.   Bob Timmermann
Troy Glaus is leading off against Mike MacDougal.

I sense this game ending soon.

2005-06-10 22:26:48
369.   Vishal
gagne hit 94 on what looked like... a 2-seamer? that's a good sign, yes?
2005-06-10 22:26:56
370.   Steve
The Dodgers will not be safe as long as the Plaschkers and the Repkowski monsters roam the Earth.
2005-06-10 22:26:56
371.   Fearing Blue
#362: That's what I was thinking too, but he hesitated and only then decided to go. If he didn't hesitate, he likely would have made it. Once he hesitated, it was pretty clear he was going to run himself into the play.
2005-06-10 22:27:06
372.   Jon Weisman
Gagne only used 10 pitches in the ninth. He's good for another after the day off.
2005-06-10 22:27:43
373.   Vishal
mulholland in the game! maybe THIS one will end soon :)
2005-06-10 22:27:48
374.   Christina
Just finished reading the rundown of tonight's game to date - I see Sanchez had a good outing. Doubtless because I was watching the Cal State Fullerton game instead following this one, thereby not jinxing him...
2005-06-10 22:27:50
375.   Aaron Gleeman
I think I'm going to throw up.
2005-06-10 22:27:55
376.   bokonon42
The last but one pitch hit 94. Is that the first time he's done 94, this year? Still a couple more MPH to go, but maybe he's getting back up to speed.
2005-06-10 22:28:11
377.   untitled instrumental demo
Y'all probably missed it so I'll ask again...

Do they still flash GAME OVER on the LF scoreboard...or did they stop after the streak ended?

2005-06-10 22:28:15
378.   Fearing Blue
#368: Yeah, the Royals got as many innings as they could from the guy whose name I'd have to look up to spell correctly.
2005-06-10 22:28:16
379.   Bob Timmermann
I am quite prescient. Glaus homered to win the game 12-11.
2005-06-10 22:28:16
380.   regfairfield
Well done, going to Mullholland instead of Nathan.
2005-06-10 22:28:17
381.   Steve
Memo to Hee Seop Choi:

Dude, you must make them pay for doing anything as stupid as bringing Terry Mulholland into the game.

Sincerely,

Steve

2005-06-10 22:28:24
382.   Icaros
Called it, Bob.
2005-06-10 22:28:24
383.   Xeifrank
For some reason Mulholland is in. Game Over!?
vr, Xei
2005-06-10 22:28:50
384.   Marty
Evening folks. If Mulholland gets the side out, I'll kill my TV.
2005-06-10 22:29:01
385.   Steve Saxs Sweaty Jockstrap
358-Fair enough Bob, I respect that.
2005-06-10 22:29:07
386.   untitled instrumental demo
over!!!!!!!!!!
2005-06-10 22:29:12
387.   Bob Timmermann
Fire Ron Gardenhire!
2005-06-10 22:29:12
388.   Xeifrank
Game over Choi wins it off the foul ball pole, Mulholland in???
vr, Xei
2005-06-10 22:29:13
389.   Vishal
too bad choi doesn't hit the ball very hard
2005-06-10 22:29:13
390.   Marty
My TV thanks Choi!
2005-06-10 22:29:23
391.   Icaros
When will Hee Seop start hitting the ball hard?
2005-06-10 22:29:24
392.   Fearing Blue
#377: I'm pretty sure they do, but only in save situations.
2005-06-10 22:29:24
393.   Albert in Hong Kong
WOW! OFF THE FOUL POLE, was it?
2005-06-10 22:29:27
394.   Brian Y
OK, take back everything I ever said about Choi, I'm an idiot!!! DODGERS WIN!!!
2005-06-10 22:29:33
395.   Steve
THANK YOU!
2005-06-10 22:29:33
397.   Nick Iyengar
HEE

SEOP

CHOI!

2005-06-10 22:29:44
398.   Mark Linsey
WE'RE EATING MEAT TONIGHT! GAME OVER!
2005-06-10 22:29:44
399.   Jon Weisman
That's a dramatic walkoff home run off the foul pole!
That's a dramatic walkoff home run off the foul pole!
That's a dramatic walkoff home run off the foul pole!
2005-06-10 22:29:53
400.   Steve Saxs Sweaty Jockstrap
Yeah
My Big Big Korean Stud! Yes
Show/Hide Comments 401-450
2005-06-10 22:30:00
401.   alex 7
what a funny funny game. the irony. good call hitchcock. I bet you Choi was fuming.
2005-06-10 22:30:05
402.   regfairfield
Hee Seop earns another start!
2005-06-10 22:30:28
403.   Langhorne
No, you should have bunted Hee-Seop!
2005-06-10 22:30:28
404.   Xeifrank
Choi got beat up pretty bad at home plate. Hope he's ok. :)
vr, Xei
2005-06-10 22:30:45
405.   champion of choi
SWEET REDEMPTION!!!
2005-06-10 22:30:47
406.   Jim Hitchcock
Oh, do you beleive that! That's what I'm talking about!
2005-06-10 22:30:50
407.   Steve
Good God that was dumb.
2005-06-10 22:31:20
408.   Nagman
Everybody has their Erickson.
2005-06-10 22:31:27
409.   Vic
WHO CAN'T HIT LEFT-HANDED PITCHING?!?!??!
2005-06-10 22:31:34
410.   Steve Saxs Sweaty Jockstrap
It's party time, BABY. SOJU shots all night fellas.
2005-06-10 22:31:35
411.   Jon Weisman
Off a (should-be-retired) lefty!

Bob - nice but sad call by you re: Arizona.

2005-06-10 22:31:40
412.   Bob Timmermann
The ball actually hit the screen on the pole, not the pole itself. So it was fair by about 2-3 feet instead of 2-3 inches.
2005-06-10 22:31:41
413.   Christina
Happy happy Choi Choi!
2005-06-10 22:31:51
414.   Xeifrank
Twins manager gives game to Dodgers.
Battery low. Good night.
vr, Xei
2005-06-10 22:32:55
415.   Icaros
It's cool, Brian. I think you made HSC's ears burn, inspiring him to victory.
2005-06-10 22:33:08
416.   Albert in Hong Kong
Thanks Brian. Choi can hit it.
2005-06-10 22:33:16
417.   walbers
such delicious irony! my favorite dodger by far....
rgds, will
2005-06-10 22:33:23
418.   Fearing Blue
#381: I'm sure Choi is grateful for your memo.

#393: Off the wing of the foul pole about 25 feet up from the wall.

Jumping off my couch and convulsively gyrating woke and scared my wife who thought I was having some sort of medical trauma.

2005-06-10 22:33:26
419.   Steve
343. Steve
Bring in Mulholland!

I was kidding, Gardenhire! You moron!

2005-06-10 22:34:13
420.   Steve Saxs Sweaty Jockstrap
It's Kimchi and Soju for us all baby, lets party. Yeah Hee Seop, your my HERO!!!!!!
2005-06-10 22:34:34
421.   Midwest Blue
How poetic!! And after Vin said all those nice things about Mulholland and his AARP card. Nice retirement present I think.
2005-06-10 22:35:00
422.   Vishal
tsk, tsk. KC shoulda brought in sisco in AZ.
2005-06-10 22:35:10
423.   alex 7
Mulholland is one of the few players I feel BAD for when I watch him. He should retire, but then again, which of us would if someone in MLB was willing to still give us a chance. He's like the opposite of the old hollywood hero story.
2005-06-10 22:35:17
424.   regfairfield
Honestly, what was Gardenhire thinking? Why do you go to your mop-up man with the game on the line? I was thinking Mulholland would have been the only lefty left, but, Romero is still in the pen.

Why are things like this so difficuly for managers to understand.

2005-06-10 22:35:21
425.   Bob Timmermann
Choi had all the RBIs for the Dodgers tonight. 2 runs scored on errors and 1 on a wild pitch.
2005-06-10 22:35:25
426.   Nagman
And nice job by the pen tonight...
2005-06-10 22:35:46
427.   Christina
Too bad Suffering Bruin can't be here to celebrate with us.
2005-06-10 22:35:53
428.   Albert in Hong Kong
Meanwhile, UCLA rep hits a walk-off homer for Arizona.
2005-06-10 22:35:55
429.   Fearing Blue
#411: If Tracy hadn't already burned Edwards, Repko, and Saenz, I'm pretty certain he pinch hits for Choi against old-man Mulholland. The stars have certainly aligned.
2005-06-10 22:37:01
430.   Midwest Blue
Bob, despite that JT will sit him tomorrow.
2005-06-10 22:37:52
431.   Midwest Blue
FB, he still had Robles.
2005-06-10 22:37:57
432.   Steve
I'm furiously trying to put my eyes back in my head. Let Twins fans cover for their idiot manager for a night.
2005-06-10 22:39:38
433.   Jim Hitchcock
Man. That was fun*.
2005-06-10 22:40:37
434.   Steve
429 -- That's funny, because knowing that, Gardenhire probably wouldn't have been baited into bringing in Mulholland knowing that Saenz was going to be in the game.
2005-06-10 22:41:18
435.   Fearing Blue
I'm happy, especially because of how we won. But, if we would have lost, I would have been very sad. The Twins deserved an L with the way they played. Three errors, three wild pitches, 9 hits allowed, 5 walks, and a HBP. They're going to have to play a lot better to catch the Small Sox.
2005-06-10 22:41:25
436.   Steve Saxs Sweaty Jockstrap
The most dramatic win of the year! Better start looking over your shoulder San Diego, this is our turning point of the season, now we are going to click on all cylinders.Go Dodgers!!!!!!
2005-06-10 22:42:14
437.   Jon Weisman
Steve - in answer to your question from 14 hours ago, Houlton is starting Sunday, and Thompson is gonna be the long man/second lefty. Supposedly, Dessens is close to returning next week.
2005-06-10 22:42:31
438.   eagle2x
Hopefully Tracy learned something from his success tonight: in a tie ballgame, use your best relievers. Thankfully, Gardenhire still needs to learn this also.

#429: Agreed. Tracy doesn't let Choi hit there if he has another right-handed bat to go to. Lucky us.

2005-06-10 22:43:00
439.   Bob Timmermann
I would be pretty surprised if Choi didn't start tomorrow. I think Saenz would be pretty surprised if he was in the starting lineup after Choi's performance tonight.
2005-06-10 22:45:18
440.   Fearing Blue
#431: The book says that lefties can't hit lefties unless they are Stars (e.g. Drew), so in that instance Robles is no better than Choi. Rose was also available as a switch-hitter, but Tracy doesn't hate Choi that much.
2005-06-10 22:45:18
441.   Bob Timmermann
Mike MacDougal and Terry Mulholland both lost tonight on game-ending home runs on the only pitch they threw.
2005-06-10 22:46:43
442.   Albert in Hong Kong
"Fire Gardenhire" makes for a really good chant.

Still, Drew and Kent follow, so it still does not justify bringing in Mulholland.

2005-06-10 22:46:47
443.   Jon Weisman
438 - Tracy has never had much of a problem using his best guys in a tie game. It's in a losing game, however close, that he seems so resistant.
2005-06-10 22:47:22
444.   Vic
...just as it should be, Bob.
2005-06-10 22:47:41
445.   Jon Weisman
And of course, Tracy doesn't do the smokejumping thing, protecting a tough lead in the sixth or seventh with Brazoban or Gagne. (Not that i'm trying to start that debate again tonight - just enjoying the win.)
2005-06-10 22:48:21
446.   Steve
437 -- yeah, and we all know what that means.

But Erickson...was...warming...up...tonight. That makes me angry.

2005-06-10 22:49:15
447.   Langhorne
Oh, somewhere in this favored land the sun is shining bright.
Nancy Bea is playing somewhere and somewhere hearts are light.
And somewhere men are laughing, and little children shout.
but there is no joy in Twinsville--might Choi has hit it out.
2005-06-10 22:49:30
448.   Albert in Hong Kong
Anybody have updates when MB will be back?
2005-06-10 22:50:00
449.   Bob Timmermann
On Fox, they said that Bradley won't even pick up a bat for another week.
2005-06-10 22:50:18
450.   brendan glynn
vinny said dodgers have exact same record this year as they did last year. 32-28. it's been a trying 32-28 this year.
Show/Hide Comments 451-500
2005-06-10 22:50:22
451.   Christina
Sportscenter just showed the Choi walkoff homer. Awww to the big homeplate celebration!
2005-06-10 22:52:04
452.   Midwest Blue
Can't wait for MB to get back.
2005-06-10 22:53:40
453.   Steve
441 -- of course, the Royals probably ran out of pitchers, where the Twins had four more before they should have gotten to the 16th Inning Guy.
2005-06-10 22:53:42
454.   Vic
Hey, the Dodogers won dramatically five minutes ago...good thing the SCSR is right on the case with an intensive wrap-up of today's Phil Jackson Prima Donna News Watch.
2005-06-10 22:53:47
455.   Fearing Blue
Choi's batting lines by lineup position:

#2: 93 AB; .323/.388/.581 (.969)
#3: 07 AB; .000/.000/.000 (.000)
#5: 03 AB; .333/.500/.333 (.833)
#7: 22 AB; .136/.231/.136 (.337)
#8: 08 AB; .125/.300/.125 (.425)
#9: 11 AB; .000/.154/.000 (.154)

He's been a monster so far batting second.

2005-06-10 22:57:03
456.   Fearing Blue
Only 2.5 games back of the Padres for the division and 1 game back of the Phillies for the wild card. Goodnight all.
2005-06-10 22:58:27
457.   bokonon42
Hee Seop was on KFWB's post game show, interviewed by A. Martinez. In response to a question about what he thought of the fans chanting his name, Hee said, "I hit two homeruns [unintelligible] so I'm happy."
2005-06-10 23:01:53
458.   Langhorne
My problem with Tracy's bullpen managment tonight is that if it had gone into extra innings we would have been in trouble. With Duaner looking strong I would have let him go an extra inning. That gives you extra room with Yhency and Gagne. Luckily, Choi ended it. But it still bothers me that Tracy doesn't seem to look ahead.
2005-06-10 23:02:08
459.   Bob Timmermann
The Phillies are in the wild card spot?

As for the Royals tonight, they used seven pitchers, but one guy left after he got injured warming up. I think the Royals would have been left using starters if the game had gone much further.

I'm still wondering how bad the Yankees must be playing to have been swept by that bunch.

I'm looking forward to Saturday's game and I can hear Icaros complain about Jim Tracy in person.

2005-06-10 23:13:53
460.   Jon Weisman
458 - Tracy's usual problem is that he looks too far ahead, and worries too much about conserving relievers.
2005-06-10 23:16:42
461.   Xeifrank
458. Feels wierd saying this, but JT did a nice job with the bullpen tonight. No complaints, but everything he did was a no brainer.
vr, Xei
2005-06-10 23:16:46
462.   adg
Jon:
This was from a few days ago, but "Let's not and say we did," is that from Weird Science? Or maybe The Manhattan Project.

It's driving me crazy, that's for sure.

2005-06-10 23:18:55
463.   Christina
458 - sometimes when you're looking ahead, you trip over the step in front of you.

I've been convinced by the posters here that Sanchez is a decent pitcher whose decent outings I just always happen to miss. But one thing that everyone does seem in agreement on is that when he implodes, he implodes quickly (see his last performance). And as Jon pointed out a couple of Dodger Thoughts ago, Sanchez has had a lot of work. Finally, if he'd pitched that second inning, that means I would've logged onto Sportscenter while he was pitching and inadvertently jinxed him. ;-)

I'm comfortable with Tracy going for the win in 9 innings rather than playing for extra innings, since he knew the heart of the order would be coming up. Why risk falling behind and causing our hitters to press?

2005-06-10 23:44:33
464.   Icaros
I'm looking forward to Saturday's game and I can hear Icaros complain about Jim Tracy in person

I'm going to pretend to be the guy who has never seen baseball before, so everyone around us can listen to Bob explain every facet of the game the entire night.

"So, you mean, the lineup doesn't have to go first base bats first, second base bats second, third bats third, and so on?"

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