I imagine I speak for most everyone here when I say the pleasure has been all ours.

Congratulations Jon.

I think Jon would have vented a lot on July 21, 2002. The Dodgers lost to the Giants at home that day, 6-4. Tom Goodwin hit a 2-run homer in the ninth off of Gio Carrara to give the Giants a win. The winning pitcher was RUSS ORTIZ

Random Dodger game callback

July 21, 1989

Four months into the 1989 season, the 1988 season was increasingly looking like a mirage for the Los Angeles Dodgers. The Dodgers traveled to Pittsburgh to open up a six-game series. Los Angeles split a doubleheader with Pittsburgh, losing the first game 4-1, but winning the second 7-3. With the split, the defending World Series champions were 44-52 and 14 games out of first and in fifth place with the Giants occupying first.

The Dodgers suffered numerous injuries, most notably to outfielders Kirk Gibson and Mike Marshall. On July 18, General Manager Fred Claire tried to get some help by trading pitcher Tim Leary and shortstop Mariano Duncan to Cincinnati to get outfielder Kal Daniels and infielder Lenny Harris. Daniels would play an important role in Game 1.

Because their first trip to Pittsburgh was rained out, the Dodgers had to play six games in four days on their next visit. Game 1 matched Tim Belcher against John Smiley. The Pirates got on the board first when Barry Bonds led off the bottom of the first with his 13th home run of the season.

Smiley and Belcher matched zeroes after that until the 7th. In the bottom of the inning, Bobby Bonilla led off with a double. Glenn Wilson walked and Benny DiStefano followed with an infield single to load the bases. Belcher then bore down and got Mike LaValliere to pop up and then struck out Rey Quinones. That brought up Smiley, a poor hitting pitcher. Since Smiley was working on a shutout and it was a doubleheader, Pittsburgh manager Jim Leyland let Smiley hit.

Smiley lifted what looked to be a routine fly ball to Daniels in left. But Daniels couldn't track the ball and he turned completely around, stopped quickly, had a shoe fall off and then saw the ball bounce past him allowing all three runners to score. Smiley was credited with a double.

The Dodgers scored a run in the 8th when Quinones and Bonds both made errors to allow an unearned run. Smiley went the distance for the win.

In Game 2, Fernando Valenzuela faced Neal Heaton and the game went much better for Los Angeles. The Dodgers took the lead in the second on a home run by Marshall and added another in the third on an RBI single by Eddie Murray. The Dodgers scored again in the 4th when Quinones made another error to allow a run to score. It was Quinones 19th error in just 69 games with Pittsburgh and he was released following the game.

Pittsburgh third baseman Jeff King made two errors on one play in the sixth to give the Dodgers another run. The Dodgers scored twice more in the ninth on RBI singles from Harris and Jose Gonzalez.

Valenzuela went 7 innings and gave up 2 runs and just 4 hits, but he walked 6 while striking out only 2. Jay Howell gave up 1 run in 2 innings of relief to pick up the save.

The Dodgers would win the next two games of the series, but lose the final two. The last one had a bench-clearing brawl after Dodger reliever Tim Crews hit Pirate Gary Redus in the head with a pitch.

The 1989 Dodgers looked they should have been better than the team that had won the World Series the year before. Murray plugged the hole at first base. He batted just .247, but he did hit 20 home runs. Jeff Hamilton had a full year at third and showed that his potential would remain unfulfilled. He batted .245 with 12 home runs for the seasons. (And he lost a game as a pitcher in Houston when the Dodgers were forced to use him at the end of a 22-inning game.)

Daniels played just 11 games before getting hurt. Eleven different players patrolled left field for the Dodgers in 1989. 1988 MVP Kirk Gibson played in just 71 games and batted .213. John Shelby batted .183 in 108 games.

Orel Hershiser had a 2.31 ERA, but the feeble offense gave him a 15-15 record. Belcher led the league in shutouts with 8 and went 15-12 with a 2.82 ERA. Howell saved 28 games.

But the end result in 1989 was most displeasing. The Dodgers finished at 77-83 and 14 games behind the Giants in fourth place. Claire and the Dodgers front office were going to have to start over in their plan to retool the team.

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

First off, congratulations to Jon. I'm fairly new here but I've already come to admire your work. Hopefully, I'll be here to congratulate you on many more anniversaries.

An excellent RDGC today. I remember both the game where Daniels lost his shoe and Hamilton's pitching debut. Neither were particularly good moments but it's still fun to recall them. Thanks, Bob.

The more things change ...

Excepts from Jon's first column.

- Beyond Shawn Green, the team has very little power for baseball in the 21st century. Still true.

- Cesar Izturis is the worst offensive shortstop in baseball. Luckily, Christian Guzman is still playing.

- This is a team that struggles to score. Yep.

- During the team's best months of May and June, the team was getting on base a little bit more, but not a lot more. Really, they were just combining their hits better. Like the 12-2 start.

- Despite the injuries to Kevin Brown and Darren Dreifort ... Goes without saying.

- And the only major league player that would interest anyone is Beltre, who is still only 23, but with his long slump, worth less now than he was three months ago. This is the funniest line! Once again, Beltre is worth less now than he was three months ago.

- But the fact of the matter is, I just don't believe there are any moves that can be made. We've got no way to get anyone worth a damn. This may be the sad reality of '05 as well.

- Right now, the Dodgers are just playing poorly - making errors and bad pitches to match their poor hitting. Uh, yeah.

- But in my mind, it is not a team that you can tinker with to get over the top. It is a pretender, and while it still has the possibility to go far, it does not have the likelihood. Has been much addressed already.

- But when it comes to any transactions, their focus should still be on 2003 and beyond. Three years later, and this still hasn't changed.

Here's to more great observations, Jon ... and hoping that you won't have to write these same thoughts about the Dodgers in another three years!!

If I remember correctly, the Dodgers had Fernando at first and Murray at third during the last inning of the game that Hamilton lost.

Thanks Jon. And also thanks for the link to your first posts on this site. This is by far the best team site I have seen on the internet.

Stan from Tacoma

The 22-inning game was June 3, 1989
The lineup at the end of the game was:
Randolph 2B
Davis RF
Valenzuela 1B
Murray 3B
Hamilton P
Shelby CF
Gwynn LF
Griffin SS
Scioscia C

The Dodgers and Astros then played 13 innings the next day. The Astros had to use Mike Scott to relieve in the game.

And on August 23, 1989, the Dodgers beat the Expos in Montreal in 22 innings, 1-0 on a Rick Dempsey home run.
The Dodgers got 1 run on 20 hits. The Expos had 17 hits. The Expos pitcher set a major league record for most innings pitched in a game without a walk.

0 for 5 yesterday = no Choi against Lieber today

I've only been here a month or two, but DT has become a place I have to check daily. Congrats on 3 years, Jon, and thank you for providing such a wonderful place for so many thoughtful (and funny!) Dodger fans.

Thank you Jon for helping to bring my Dodger obsession to a level I never thought possible.

Dodgers vs Lieber
Dessens 0 for 1
Kent 6 for 33, 1 HR
Penny 1 for 4

That's it. No other players on the 25-man roster have batted against Lieber

Phillies vs Perez
Abreu 2 for 23
Bell 6 for 19, 1 HR
Burrell 4 for 16, 1 HR
Chavez 3 for 9
Lieberthal 6 for 16
Lofton 1 for 3
Michaels 1 for 1
Padilla 0 for 2
Pratt 3 for 6
Rollins 6 for 21

Choi will play...

A conversation that's long overdue:

Depo: "Jim? Paul here. Hey, listen, nice win last night, but ya know, I've been thinking. With some of our injured players coming back soon we probably have enough juice to stay ahead of the &%#$ Giants, but basically this season is toast. It's time to begin planning my roster for 2006 and I'm going to need your help."

JT: "Am I always here for you, Paul? Of course I am."

Depo: "That's great, Jim. Now the first thing I want to decide is whether or not we're going to need a new first baseman, so it's time to see once and for all what Choi can do playing on a regular basis. If he flops, I'll go out and get us a big bat who can play first and be Dunn with it."

JT: "Do I agree with you, Paul? Yes, I do. Have I been playing Choi regularly when I think he has an opportunity to succeed? I would say yes, I have."

Depo: "And just what opportunities are those, Jim?"

JT: "Do left-handed pitchers figure into the equation? They certainly do. Can right-handed pitchers be a factor as well? They can, unless their arm angle is between 6 and 14 degrees. Are there any other mitigating circumstances? Yes, the moon has to be less than 5/8ths full and my corns can't be bothering me. Then do I play Choi regularly? I do."

Depo: "Listen, Jim, I know you're the field manager and all, but I didn't trade away the heart and soul of the Dodgers just to put some extra Asian-American butts in the stands. I was also hoping to get a first baseman out of the deal. Let's find out whether or not I accomplished that, OK? Choi plays every day."

JT: "Can I do that? Yes, I can. Will I do that? Not unless he's in a position to succeed. What happens if I put Choi in a position where I don't think he will succeed? I deprive other players like Oldmaid O'Saenz and Mike Edwards of positions to succeed."

Depo: "Think 2006, Jim! O'Saenz and Edwards don't figure to have much impact next season, but it's possible Hee Seop might. He plays, today and every day!"

JT: "Is the corn on my left pinky toe throbbing like Alyssa Milano's heart for a starting pitcher? It is. Does this mean Choi can't succeed? It does."

Depo: "Look, Jim, it's an order, not a request."

JT: "Are you aware of how much I would love to manage in Cincinnati next year? I suspect you are not."

Depo: "Good-bye, Jim."

Abreu is not in the lineup today. That's a good thing.

I didn't trade away the heart and soul of the Dodgers just to put some extra Asian-American butts in the stands.

Considering the two, or was it three, special ceremonies they hosted for the Kor-Am communnity after Choi was acquired, it certainly did seem like that was a big part of the reason. I'm sure Sitrick & Co. can offer a more educated opinion.

While Choi being asian definitely has its marketing advantages, no way DePo makes a move like that unless he thinks Choi will actually be a serviceable 1st baseman.

That was awesome: With men on 1st and 2nd and nobody out against our old friend Ishii, Mark Loretta just bunted into a double play for the Padres.

Im guessing he bunted to avoid the double play.

I don't know how Kaz Ishii can pitch the way he does in NEARLY EVERY START.

How did we keep from going mad when he started?

Or did we........

#s 6 & 8:

As I remember it, Fernando mis-timed his jump at a soft liner only slightly over his head. The ball went off his glove into right field and wound up leading to our demise.

Tracy with another SCRAPPY lineup..

Robles
Izturis
Kent
Saenz
Werth
Edwards
Rose
Repko
Pitcher..

Any explanation why good hitters like Antonio Perez, Choi, and Ledee are on the bench, while guys that have been totally sucking (Izturis, Repko, Edwards, Saenz) are in there??

Depo: "How's Philadelphia?"

JT: "Other than the new stadium playing like a smaller version of Colorado, and it being hotter than a sauna in Hades here, not so bad. We won a game you know."

Depo: "Yeah, nice game last night. I told Billy Beane that Cory Lidle was a one-season wonder. Hey, I noticed that Kent's back to playing second base full time now?"

JT: "Yes, our other option there just can't catch the ball. I hate to say this, Paul, but we have about five DH's on this team right now."

Depo: "Tell me about it. I can't get any takers for them, either. Hey, you're thinking of putting Valentin the outfield? His agent phoned me."

JT: "Yes. Werth hits righties like I did, so we've got to get someone out there to platoon. Plus, your find, Robles, is doing a good job of steadying the lineup in the leadoff spot. Thank goodness I can stop penciling in Izturis there."

Depo: "Good point. Listen, I need you to play Choi more.

JT: "He can't hit National League pitching."

Depo: "Granted. But I didn't trade away the heart and soul of the Dodgers just to put some extra Asian-American butts in the stands. There must be some soft-tossers you can start him against."

JT: "There are some left-handed ones, I suppose. Of course Saenz, another one of the DH's we have, hits lefties pretty well."

Depo: "Find some way to play him, alright. I know he had a 4-for-80 (whatever) earlier this year, but that means he's due to move closer to his norm in the second half."

JT: "Well, as Eric Karros used to say to me all the time, 'It's still early.'"

Depo: "That's the spirit. Oh, and could you maybe stop using Brazoban in the 9th inning? I'd like to win a couple more games on this road trip."

I really wonder about DePo and JT. I imagine they get on each other's nerves at times, but there's no indication of that anywhere...

I would like to see a study that tries to determine when you can start using past batter-vs-pitcher stats to predict how a guy will do against a certain pitcher in the future.

I mean, I know that by using some binomial assumptions, you can prove that these stats don't mean anything when a guy is 2-for-26 against a certain pitcher.

But I would like to see a study that takes, say, a guy's first 20 AB's against a pitcher, and then actually follows that matchup for the next 20 AB's, to see what the results really are. And so on for every batter-pitcher matchup. No binomial assumptions.

That is a study I would be interested in reading.

Ishii with 4 inning, 3hits, 3bb's and 0 ER.

The Mets lead 1-0.

2. What was the temperature?

14. Classic post. I saved it.

22. Because we scored too many runs yesterday. Tracy wants more efficient use of our runs. Why win 10-2 and get all tired running the bases and swinging the bats when you can win 1-0 and stay well rested.

vr, Xei

At least Repko is hitting eighth...oh, that's Rose hitting ahead of him? Never mind.

Oscar Robles, I know we haven't known each other long...

See what happens when you bunt the runner to third?

Not much that wouldn't have happened if you had an actual hitter batting second.

No no #29, you don't understand, the point of Izturis's sacrifice was that his batting average doesn't plummet further.

I tried to make a pre-emptive bunt comment, Steve, but you're too quick.

Xiefrank,
Was your question about #2 facetious?

I remember that the game was a Sunday night game that wasn't televised. It was August. It was L.A.
What do you think the weather was like?

I thought it was particularly telling that in our nine-run inning yesterday, the second batter was Derek Lowe, who grounded a single through the right side rather than giving up the out. The baseball gods reward such behavior.

I would pitch around Werth too.

I should say, it was ... JULY.

22--It goes without saying that Jimbo is insane. Perhaps he was confused by the fact that the wily Leiber throws right but bats left. How else can you justify sitting Choi and Ledee against a guy whose splits are:

vs. Righties (OBP/SLG): 290/443
vs. Lefties: 351/518

Like I said, insane.

Would someone please check Liebers wild pitch numbers, as we always do in these situations?

The moment has passed....

But Lieber has thrown one wild pitch this season.

Ryan Madson leads the Phillies with five.

This is a nice start to the game but I think that it is up to Perez today. If he can go 5 strong (I am not expecting more than that out of him) we should be ok.

At least we have the versatility provided by having Mike Rose's switch-"hitting" bat in the lineup...

Does Rose ever bat righthanded? I've never seen him do that? Isn't he about as much a switch-hitter as Jose Valentin?

I hate strikeouts that turn into baserunners.

Mike Rose hurts my head.

39 - Of course, we all know how much Odalis likes going out to pitch the sixth inning.

(I agree, we're off to a decent start, for once)

Jon, congrats on 3 years. I can only imagine how huge the site will be in another three years.

I have to tell you, I was out of town and away from newspapers or TV for a few days and soon as I got home my first outlet to find out what really had been taking place was DT. Eventually, I got around to the LA Times and ESPN but I was really interested in reading what you and the rest of the gang had to say. Thanks again.

Today's over/under challenge picks:

7/21 Odalis Perez vs Phillies

Colorado Blue: No Pick
CT Bum: 5 2/3

Howard: 6 1/3
Xeifrank: 6

Joekings: 6
Louis In SF: 6 1/3

Standings...
Xeifrank 3-1-2
Howard 3-3-0
CT Bum 2-2-2
Louis in SF 1-1-0
Joekings 1-1-0
Colorado Blue 2-4-0

45--Funny, I always thought you were the LA Times.

42, 43
It was a tribute to the late Mickey Owen.

Wonder how many runs we would've scored had Izturis or someone who can hit been allowed to swing the bat. Playing for one run in the first inning seems a bit Tracy-ish.
vr, Xei

Yes, the truth is out. LAT is really John Carroll. He'll have more time to post now.

Rose, Repko, Perez... I'm going to say the over/under on base runners in the 2nd inning for the Dodgers is zero.
vr, Xei

51. Miracles do happen, so do double plays. I wonder if we see another sac bunt? One per inning would be nice.
vr, Xei

51 is a perfect example of the Kreuter phenomenon, for those of you who were paying attention yesterday.

The Mets are up 3-0 on the Padres now after a 2-run homer by Ramon Castro.

And the Mets have 1st and 3rd with one out.

#53,
I wasn't paying attention. Kreuter phenomenon?

My writing style is so bad I actually could be the LA Times. But lacking any original thought, its just my initials.

That's 3 Olney's in 1 2/3 innings.

My writing style is so bad I actually could be the LA Times. But lacking any original thought, its just my initials.

It feels good to be playing with house money so early in the game.

41--According to ESPN, Rose does indeed actually "hit" from both sides of the plate. You probably only remember his ABs from the left side, since that's where all his pop comes from: before today he's slugging .235 as a LHP (in 17 ABs) and .167 (in 12 Abs).

Apparently my posting style ain't too good either.

#61,
On the contrary, the delayed double post is quite difficult to perform.

60--That, of course is .167 as a RHP

2 sacrifices in 2 innings, we are on pace for 9. I wonder what the record number of sacrifice bunts is for a 9 inning game. Bob?
vr, Xei

62. Must be cause I don't know how I did it.

The Dodgers are on pace for the major league record for most sacrifices in a 9-inning game.

Much to my surprise the record is EIGHT

And it was last done in an AL game in 1977.

The Texas Rangers had eight sacrifices against the White Sox at Comiskey Park. The Rangers won the game 11-6!

However, the record lumps sacrifice hits and sacrifice flies together because they used to be counted that way. So in 1977, the Rangers had 3 sac flies and 5 sac bunts.

On June 27, 1939, the Dodgers played a game Steve would have loved. They played for 23 innings with no sacrifices, the longest game in NL history with no sacrifices. The game ended as a 2-2 tie.

Are 20-inning games more common than I think? Or does it just seem like the Dodgers are involved in every single one in history?

Come on Odalis! Ramp up that trade value, baby!

The Kreuter Phenomenon occurs when I plainly state that a player lacks any ability, and said player immediately either homers or makes some other significant contribution. Happened yesterday with Werth. I'm allowing Mike Rose's leadoff single as a "significant contribution" as sort of a sliding scale thing. That single allowed him to reach the Mendoza Line.

67 - those weren't 20 inning games. They just seemed like 20 inning games.

66. You are a treasure trove of fun facts. Who needs an encyclopedia or dictionary when we have Bob around. :)
vr, Xei

50. Carroll is an Oriole fan

Come on, Kent, bunt him over...

We're gonna need Kent to bunt here if there's any shot at the record.

Odalis Perez is actually on pace to do something that also may never have happened before. Pitch a 9 inning perfect game, in which he retires 28 batters. Bob? Though, I'm sure technically it wouldn't be considered a perfect game.
vr, Xei

Kent won't bunt, but maybe if he walks Old Maid or Werth will bunt.
vr, Xei

66 & 71. Yes the stuff Bob T. comes up with is amazing but what really blows me away is how fast he finds this obscure stuff. I guess when you work in a library you better know how to research, but I am still very impressed.

great posts today. still laughing about #14. Could this be a day when two flaky lefties (OP & Kaz) help the Dodger cause?

What amazes me about 1989 is how clearly I remember the Fernando at 1st base 22 inning game, and yet I completely forgot about August's 22-inning affair against the 'spos.

#75, that wouldn't be a perfect game. Baserunners that reach on errors and whatnot ruin a perfect game.

And I guess, technically, he's on pace to 31 batters (k+wp every other inning).

77. Maybe he has it all memorized. Now that would be scary. vr, Xei

Izturis is slower than me. That throw was on an arc and he was still beat by five feet.

79. Yeah, i figured it wouldn't be a perfecto but it would be amazing to retire 31 out of 31 batters. I think Odalis can do it. Bob?
vr, Xei

Man we stink at the H&R. Why do they keep trying it?

Did Izturis' mama tell if at first you don't succeed. . .casue he must lead MLB in caught stealing.

For those of you suffering through Mo & Al on MLB Internet radio, may I suggest the Phillies instead. I tuned in hoping to hear Harry Kalas, but apparantly he is on TV or cutting NFL films. Anyhow, the announcer, Scott Graham, is pretty good. Not a homer at all. He knows the Dodgers situation pretty well. The color guy is pretty decent too. Haven't caught his name yet (it's not Larry Andersen).

It's not a perfect game. Somebody reached first base.

There were three games in the late 1920s with 8 sacrifices by one team, but I believe at that time they awarded sacrifices if you hit a fly ball that moved a runner up one base, not just a scoring fly ball.

The number of sacrifice bunts in a game may be hard to figure out exactly.

The Dodgers are one of the several teams that had three sacrifice hits in one inning. It was on May 23, 1972.

DODGERS 6TH: Robinson homered; Mota doubled to center; Parker reached on an error on a sacrifice bunt by Rader [Mota scored,
Parker to third]; CARRITHERS REPLACED CUMBERLAND (PITCHING);
Carrithers threw a wild pitch [Parker scored (unearned)]; Garvey walked; Garvey stole second; Cannizzaro reached on an error on a
sacrifice bunt by Goodson [Garvey scored (unearned), Cannizzaro
to first]; Sutton out on a sacrifice bunt (pitcher to second)
[Cannizzaro to second]; Carrithers threw a wild pitch
[Cannizzaro to third]; Russell struck out; Valentine reached on
an error by Speier [Cannizzaro scored (unearned), Valentine to
first]; Carrithers threw a wild pitch [Valentine to second];
Davis grounded out (first to pitcher); 5 R, 2 H, 3 E, 1 LOB.
Giants 2, Dodgers 8.

wow! Buntermaker is at his best today, those corns must really be acting up. Two sac bunts and a poor base stealer thrown out stealing. That's 3 outs (1 per inning) that Buntermaker has given away. I guess he figures he can't have Kent or Old Maid sac bunt, so he needs to find another way to throw away an out this inning. The guy is creative and the best at what he does.
vr, Xei

Padres got the first two on against Ishii in the sixth. 3-4-5 hitters coming up. Ishii got 'em all.

I blame tracy for all the hit and run plays. Most of izzy's CS have came early in the season when tracy had the great idea of having him hit and run with choi. Is the hit and run play the most retarded play in baseball? No amount of faliure will keep managers from attempting it.

86. wow, what a wild inning. Great stuff, thanks.
vr, Xei

86. That's what I'm talkin' about!

They keep saying that Tracy will try "anything" to score runs, but I don't understand how it is easier to score runs with no one on and two out than with one on and one out.

That makes the Robles/Izturis tandem 7 for 19.

Pressure is really building on Odalis to keep his "Almost Perfect Game" going. vr, Xei

Brady Clark leads the majors in CS with 10. He's 8 out of 18.

Izturis is 7 for 14.

Brad Wilkerson is 4 for 12.

Robles has the distinction of the most CS without an SB, 5.

89 -- I remember early in the season a hit-and-run with Valentin! It was ridiculous.

ishii is playing classic scary ishii ball against the padres ... he has 5 walks in 6 innings, and gave up 4 hits, yet is still managing to pitch a shutout ...

baffling.

past inning he walked a guy, allowed a single and then proceeded to strike out, fly out, and strike out the middle of the padre order.

can't say that I really miss the guy...but... he's exciting

The Nats are 24 of 49 in stolen base attempts. The fact that team is in first place is one of flukiest flukes in the history of flukedom.

Watching Ishii walk the fine line between blowout and shutout. Another reason to watch Dodger games the past couple years.

86,
The Dodgers got 5 runs on 2 hits and the 2 hits were the first two batters of the inning and one was a leadoff homer. So after Mota doubled, the Dodgers got four runs without a hit and never hit the ball out of the infield.

I think the Nats are headed for a downward spiral. Livan Hernandez says he wants to have season-ending knee surgery and he dislikes the whole organization.

Bowden and Robinson didn't even know he was hurt.

So yes, there are teams that have worse medical staffs than the Dodgers.

For my fellow mlb audio listeners, Harry Kalas will be on the radio in the top of the 4th.

Old friend Jose Offerman is batting against old friend Paul Quantrill with the bases loaded in New York. Offerman is batting for old friend Kaz Ishii.

10 out of 10 for OP. He's on pace to retire 30 out of all 30 batters he faces. Top of the 4th, wonder what method Buntermaker will decide for giving up an out this inning. Meanwhile, Depodesta grows another grey hair.
vr, Xei

Who coined the term "Buntermaker?"

102. Is this Jose guy of any relations to the Offerman that use to play for the Dodgers a long time ago?
vr, Xei

104. U can blame me for that one. vr, Xei

You can't stop Mike Rose, you can only hope to contain him.

Same old Jose. His career peaked after his first major league at bat...

105,
Jose Offerman cannot be killed. Or removed from a major league roster.

However, Paul Quantrill got him to pop up to left.

Endy Chavez. What kind of a name is Endy?

Viva Miguel Rosas!

Can Repko get a sacrifice by bunting now?

Just kidding.

100 - with this kind of stuff come out of Livan's mouth, it's no wonder they didn't know he was hurt:

"It's not the doctors. It's me. I'm the doctor. I don't need it, but I'm going to" have an operation, he said.

107. Rose is on pace to hit for the cycle. The pattern is obvious. Single, double...
as long as he isn't asked to sac bunt, it's a sure thing. Lot of records are going to fall in todays game, I can feel it. vr, Xei

Paul Quantrill, RIP

Livan has lost his mind.

Ok Odalis, let's keep the perfecto going.
vr, Xei

Endy Chavez has a brother in the minors according to his bio.

That guy's first name is Ender.

Let's hope that the pads don't notice that Quantrill is dead for another few weeks.

Anyone notice how the Phillies didn't think twice about pitching to Repko when the obvious move would have been to put him on first and pitch to Perez?

If I were the Phils I would have done the same. How much better a hitter is Repko than Perez anyway? Walking him gives them more at-bats for their real hitters to do more damage.

120. But if Perez was hitting 8th and Repko 9th, you would've seen a walk. vr, Xei

more on #121 (which was a reply to #120)
And getting Repko out makes us lead-off with OP in the next inning. That almost automatically means we'll have 1 out and nobody on. Meaning we only have 2 outs to score.

118. Hopefully, there is no sister named Endina.

It's getting ugly in New York. The Mets are up 12-0.

Earlier, for some reason on MyYahoo an old Dodgerthougts column was up front. It was about the 1990 team. The topic was about the various and sundry pitchers (Tim Crews, Mike Harkey, etc.) that tried and failed to replace Orel after he blew out his shoulder. Then Jon reminded me of Jim Neidlinger. The guy went 5-3 with a 3.28 ERA in 12 starts toward the end of the year. And yet, he never appeared in the bigs again. What's up with that?

We could be 6.5 out. You know if were within 5 games by July 31st, there is an argument to be made for being buyers at the deadline.

We'd have this division sewn up if not for the injuries.

The Padres really suck.

If the 12-0 score holds up, all five teams in the NL West will have been outscored on the season.

His brother is going to be a big star, I predict. Everybody loves Ender's game.

#127,
To compare, the A's are 6.5 back of the (Anaheim) Angels (of Anaheim). Of course the A's are playing MUCH better than we are. But also, the Angels are also much better than the padres.

126,
I think we discussed that later. I believe that Neidlinger had a bad spring training in 1991, got sent back down to AAA and injuries and ineffectiveness ended his career.

The Nats, while much improved, are pretenders. They will head south this half, lucky to finish second in the NL East. Runs scored compared to given up is so out of whack that it has to catch up with them. Only a matter of time until they play Braves and get swept.

Well, Odalis has all the support he needs today. I think we can mark this one up as a W.

130. But atleast the A's have a shot at the wild-card. vr, Xei

129--Nicely done!

Here's why Antonio Perez is getting benched. Read it and cringe:

"Speaking of changing positions, Thursday marked the fifth consecutive game in which Antonio Perez was not in the lineup, an interesting phenomenon considering that his .324 batting average is exceeded only by the .355 of Oscar Robles, who has supplanted Perez as the third-base replacement for the injured Jose Valentin.

Tracy made it clear that Perez is not playing because he doesn't have a true defensive position. Tracy still believes Perez is most comfortable at second base, but Tracy isn't comfortable enough with Perez there to make room for him by moving Jeff Kent to first base.

"You get beat in the middle of the infield if you don't make the plays, that's what I have to say about that," said Tracy. "You can't allow other teams to get extra at-bats. Perez needs work defensively wherever you put him."

By contrast, Robles can play three infield positions adequately and Tracy has been so impressed with his offensive approach that Robles supplanted Cesar Izturis in the leadoff spot, even against left-handed pitching.

Tracy also said that while Perez continues outfield drills, "he's not ready" to play there, either. Valentin, still on a rehab assignment at Triple-A Las Vegas, will brush up on his outfield play and might leap past Perez for playing time when he returns merely because he has outfield experience.

#133,
I'm not calling this a win until the last out has been recorded and we have more runs than they do.

6.5 back is a number I can live with on July 21st, especially considering the mildness of the West.

I still believe that we can bring in reinforcements without sacrificing prospects by agreeing to take on contracts.

From what I have seen, in the past few years, teams have two options: give up top prospects or take on money. The Dodgers can afford to do the latter, and considering this year's mind boggling attendance, it can be argued that they owe it to the fans to put the best team possible.

137. I meant that to be more sarcastic than it turned out :)

#138,
I see "take on money" and I think "Mike Lowell." Of course if that also means Burnett...

#139,
Yeah I figured. But my sarcasm meter just wasn't reading anything. Maybe it's broken.

With Gagne likely out for the World Baseball Classic (or whatever it's called) will Paul Quantrill be the closer for the Canadian squad?

140. Fanerman, since its not my money, I would be happy to take on Lowell's contract, especially if Burnett is part of the deal. Lowell might shake out of it with a change of environment.

How long is Lowell signed for anyway?

I don't think Perez has the stamina to go all nine innings.

Yeah, it'll be interesting to see how this unfolds. Not watching the game, but OP making 22 pitches in that inning suggests he's running low on steam. How much more can he go, and how quick will Tracy be to pull him? Stay tuned...

Paul Quantrill has now given up six earned runs in his last 12 innings.

138. I have 100% complete trust in Depodesta/Fearing Blue in his wheelings and dealings.
vr, Xei

146,

Ooh, a discussion of how long Tracy should leave in the starter?

That reminds me of May.
Good times then. Good times.

145 - Yeah, barring a miracle he needs to speed up if he is going to keep his... good game going.

it's not a jinx since I already mentioned the perfecto, but it looks pretty obvious that Odalis is going to throw a 28 out no hitter. Wonder when the last time that was ever done? Bob? vr, Xei

I dont think we should ever bat Saenz ahead of Choi when a right hander is on the mound.

Olmedo I believe is worn out... For a guy thats only 33 and hasnt had many surgeries, he really is out of shape.

I pray that we don't lose this game because Buntermaker leaves OP in too long trying to chase it.

Wish we could get more than 1 run. Feels like we have had control of this game but have little to show for it. I don't want to look back at this game and say "how did that happen." You know, like Tuesday.

This is going to be the game that turns around the season for us. I can sense that our team chemistry has a positive flow and the team is playing with alot of heart. When we are watching the parade later this fall, remember this is the game that started it all.
vr, Xei

Didnt OP have a perfect game in Chicago in 2002? I think he got into the 8th if I'm not mistaken.

Another absurd call

#157,
What happened?

157 - agreed. Not only was it a swinging strike 3, but he didn't foul it AND Rose caught it without a bounce. Umps messed that one up twice...

That was like meant to be. See, this is why I never exult in umpire madness, because it NEVER, EVER evens out.

what a surprise, a bad call against the dodgers.

He didn't tip it, you couldn't tell even on the super-slow replay whether it bounced. Just more umpire hubris.

if there is any justice, Lieber will bunt into a double play here.

Chavez appeared to have struck out on a foul tip, but the umpires changed their mind and ruled that the ball hit the ground and sent Chavez back to the plate.

The weird thing is that from the replay it looks like Chavez didn't tip the ball. He just swung and missed.

Wow an SB on the Dodgers. That almost never happens. We must have the worst disparity in history between stolen on and caught stolen.

Is it me, or have umpires all of a sudden decided to overrule themselves this week?

LAT,
The Nationals and Brewers are even worse on stolen bases.

Michaels. Boo-hoo. Hit the ball, jackass.

Umpire hubris is the stupidest thing ever. You'd think a grown man can just admit he was wrong a couple times. Their inferiority-complex-lack-of-respectitus would be non-existent if they did that. I'm sure players, managers, and fans would all appreciate an ump that tried to get the right call, even if it'd make him look bad.

home plate ump is the same guy that threw Penny out last week.

The Mets have used four pitchers today, who have been born in Japan, Korea, USA, and Vietnam.

Even better that both pitches were strikes.

Someone remind me how Jimmy Rollins is worth 8 mils again?

So with Michaels getting thrown out, that means that the Phillies will probably put Abreu in the game. Doesn't that work in the Phillies' favor?

167. Bob, that's hard to believe.

In a way i am kind of glad the no no is gone, it'll make Tracys decision easier on weather to pull Perez or not.

#173,
That's the market rate for defensively flashy shortstops that can't hit.

169 -- this was a different kind of umpire hubris -- this was the base umpire 90 feet away at live speed claiming he could see the ball bounce when a zoomed in super-slo-mo camera couldn't

Am I the only one to get "the stream you have requested is currently unavailable" on Gameday Audio?

#176,
That's the one good thing. If they managed to score after all that, then I would have gone crazy.

Only 85 pitches for Odalis. He shouldn't be gassed yet.

176. I hope we whether that storm :)

Randy Winn just hit into a Double Olney. Can we trade for him?

#178,
That seems even worse then.

Frankly, the botched Chavez call is a gift. It didn't lead to a run. If he gets out JT has to keep OP in, even as he tires and gives up an HR. Now OP can throw a one hitter through 6 and JT can go to our outstanding bullpen without recrimination.

Never mind, I forgot we are talking about the Dodger bullpen.

#179,

i'm getting it too. wtf?

what happened with michaels?

#179 scareduck
Nope, Gameday audio seems to have died in the middle of the Michaels AB. Grr.

We've got our best hitter leading off this inning.

I'm impressed with Perez that last half-inning. I expected him to get tossed after the base hit.

Can we get 9 more outs without giving up any runs?

Who's gonna be the one to do that?

#186
Michaels struck out, so we escaped the 6th.

So what exactly happened? The home plate ump signaled strike out and the 1st base ump said "foul tip"?

Which umpire was the "Penny Incident" umpire? The home plate one or the 1st base one?

#191,

yes i heard that but what about the ejection? was he arguing with the HP ump about the called strikes?

Michaels gave Rob Drake (The Penny Umpire) some grief over strike 1 (which was a strike) then took a fastball right at the knees for strike 3. He threw his bat and Drake threw him out. It was nice to see that if he's going to be bush, he's at least consistent about it.

Scrappy Repko with a scrappy strike out. At least his batting 8th...

However, Izzy is batting 2nd so that cancels out.

Coming into today, the Dodgers were 21 for 35 in steal attempts.

The Giants, Pirates, and Nationals were all worse in the NL. Oakland and KC were worse in the AL.

Actually the Brewers aren't that bad. It's just a Brady Clark who is bad.

The Dodgers had thrown out 22% of runners trying to steal coming into the game. The Rockies, Padres, and Mets were worse.

The Dodgers have allowed the most stolen bases in the NL, but three AL teams have allowed more: Cleveland, New York and Oakland.

#193
Duhhhhh...sorry, man. I'm more clueless than you are on that one. Didn't know there was an ejection, just got the K info from the live boxscore. Perez?

the scrapiness pays off!

Saenz has lost all trade value unfortunately. However, Izturiz may be picking some up at the right time : )

Saenz being in there tells us how much Tracy cares for stats (other than an 0-11 history). Everyone else knows Saenz is a monster against lefties, Tracy falls in love with Saenz instead of Saenz' splits.

Our rotation should be fine next year.

Must be tough on Buntermaker that he can't bunt as his lineup littered with professional non hitters is having trouble getting on base now. His early bunting spree has been hosed down.

I can't wait for Buntermaker to put our regular lineup in. vr, Xei

Was that Repko catch really as good as Monday is carring on about? He calls it "gut wrenching"

#197,

nope, michaels got ejected after throwing a post strikeout tantrum (see #194).

192 - home plate umpire is the one that threw out Penny last week. Home plate ump signaled foul tip strike 3 and 3rd base said it hit the dirt.

Gameday Audio stream's back now.

Why are the Phillies arguing about easy calls?

195. Good thing that lineup construction doesn't matter, but the players that you PUT in the lineup does. :)
vr, Xei

haven't read through the entire thread; is there a reason Ledee isn't in there instead of Repko or Edwards? The Phillies pitcher is right handed correct?

alex, you really think Izturis will get traded? I want it to happen, but I dont think DePo has the cajones to do it.

If DePo hasnt ax'ed Tracy yet, I cant seem him havinv the fortitude to trade Izzy.

Firing Tracy would seem an easier move to make (regarding fan relations), than trading Izturis.

mlb audio is back

#204
And we only missed a whole inning!

207. It has to do with corns.
vr, Xei

I assume that Tracy doesn't think that Ledee's hamstring would hold up for that many consecutive starts.

196. Bob, only Oakland and the Dodgers have the honor of being in both catagories. A dubious honor.

more scrapiness!

Doesn't it feel nice when the OTHER team runs into the third out at third base?

Not sure what makes me more nervous. Odalis pitching deep into a close game, or the thought of the bullpen coming in to a close game in the late innings. Thoughts?
vr, Xei

Gio warming up. I'd rather see Schmoll getting ready.

Wow! what an arm by repko.

Repko must lead the league in Scrappiness Over Replacement Player per Dollar

215. Describe the 3rd out for those of us not watching. Thanks! vr, Xei

let's let repko pitch the 8th!

216.. I'm comfortable with Schmoll, and whats the chances Brazoban blows 3 games in a row??

Braz is due for some "regressing to the mean" quality innings.

Before we get all wacky about Repko, let's just take a deep breath and realize that a blind, handicapped baboon could have thrown that idiot out at third. What a moron.

219: Repko fielded the single, and Bell ran to third and got tagged out.

We simply can't afford to have Gio in with a one run lead. Anyone but him.

#14- That post is hillarious. I can't stop laughing. Great post.

If that had gone out, I would have been picking baby names.

213,
Hmm, detect any similarities between the two teams....

Schmoll getting loose in the pen.

Choi is now 1-18 as a pinch hitter...

Jimbo sure knows how to put guys in positions to succeed...

Pleae bring in Schmoll. No more Gio.

#229,
I was gonna say that, but then I was too lazy to look up stats. Thanks for the number.

Lieber threw 5 pitches that inning.

Choi lines out on 1st pitch.
Robles grounds out on 2nd pitch.
Izzy strikes out on 3 pitches.

oldbear, maybe it's wishful thinking, but I do think Depo is a bold guy. Between pulling out of that three-way trade despite knowing the heat he'd take, last summer's trade, and letting Beltre go, he's shown resiliancy. Dodger fans will show up regardless, and that has to embolden a guy like Depo, especially when his moves consistently pay off.

Can Robles play SS at all? I wouldn't mind seeing Izturis back next season as a .280 hitting SS in the 7 or 8 hole, but I think we can get a prospect and a solid reliever for him though I do wonder about who the SS would be after him.

I wasn't condoning trading him as much as acknowledging that if he keeps hitting these next few days, he at least gains some value from where it was a week ago.

I honestly think that (perhaps subconsciously, perhaps not), Tracy puts Choi in a position to make DePodesta look bad.

Schmoll. Nice.

Just for the record, Robles came about two feet from his second home run in two days.

Yay! Schmoll! I shall live or die on the Grassy Schmoll

Saenz couldn't pick up that cheerio

We're being outscrapped...

231--I think that makes 6! :)

Could Tracy actually be capable of learning? Or is this just the "even a blind disabled baboon gets one right once in a a while" phenomenon? Either way, I'm glad OP is out of there. He did his job. Now let Steve-o et. al do theirs.

Saenz might want to actually pick the ball up before applying the tag next time.

man, what is with these bunt-crazy phillies?

If Schmoll fields that bunt does he throw it to 1B over hand or side arm?

Awful call. Unfortunately there is at least one terrible call every game.

#241,
What is the sound of one hand clapping?

What's the deal with the stairs in the bullpen. That just seems like a serious problem waiting to happen.

Abreu is 2 for 6 against Alvarez with a home run.

I'm following the game via Gameday. What happened on the bunt play exactly? Was Chavez out?

Saenz couldn't pick the bunt up.

Damn -- I was hoping they would bunt. Chavez must be going.

If you were Endy Chavez you would be bunting a lot too.

I'd have kept Schmoll into face Abreu. He's more likely to get the DP ground ball, than Alvarez.

I really dont like Alvarez in this situation.

Saenz and Choi simply cannot field bunts. It's scary.

233. Jeff do you really think JT lies awake at night figuring ways to make Depo look bad, even if it means JT loses the game and diminished his own reputation?

251 - Choi made a nice play on the bunt yesterday and tagged out the runner.

How can JT diminish his reputation? That's impossible.

I'm so glad Tracy brought Alvarez in. So fricking glad.

next year, Gagne pitches the 8th and 9th in any 1-run games. (/kneejerkreaction)

Should have left Schmoll in...

I would have been content to see Schmoll go the 8th and 9th. Alvarez to Duaner to Braz doesn't give me warm fuzzies.

Didn't Endy get chased out of DC for refusing to take more pitches, and bunt more often?

If the bullpen blows OP's 2 hitter, it will take all the restraint he has to keep his mouth shut. Can he do it? I think not.

252, LAT, nope I doubt that he does lies awake plotting evil. But, I think when Choi makes out, he feels a sense of "told you so."

I assume Alvarez will pitch to Lofton even with the bases loaded.

Alvarez is this year's Nomo.

is JT trying to give me an ulcer? why pull schmoll for alvarez?!

Whew.

Of course the bases won't be loaded now!

Why did Tracy bring Alvarez in again?

!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

That'll do it. I guess.

I guess JT knew Alvarez would get him to crush a grounder to Izzy for the double play :)

Phew.

Alvarez, Sanchez, Erickson, and Brazoban. I don't think any of these will be capable of preserving a one run lead.

Scott Graham, the Phils announcer, just jinxed Rollins. Right before the DP grounder, he said, "I don't think Rollins has to worry about hitting into a double play." Ross Porter used to have that same black magic.

Of course, there is still Ghame On in the ninth.

The "heart" of the order coming up. Oh yeah, Saenz and Werth are coming up too.

Looks like the game is going to come down to the Yhencemeister.
Those of you with weak hearts should probably just check the score tomorrow morning.

What I am wondering is if Yhency is going to close. I am guessing Duaner will get a shot since he didn't come in last inning in his usual set up role.

Well, with Brazoban pitching the 9th, either way it will be Ghame Over.

lol, where can I get my Ghame On shirt? And does it show him with a side profile watching a HR?

You guys are worrying over nothing...

What are the chances Yhency blows 3 games in a row?

He's due to regress to the mean.

Not surprisingly, the Dodgers last 1-0 win was in 2003.

July 27, 2003 in Arizona. Nomo defeating Schilling with a save by Gagne.

Larry Barnes drove in the only run with a double that scored Jeromy Burnitz.

Makes me wince to type that.

how many insurance runs do we need to score this inning to feel comfortable?

Tracy said Brazoban is still the closer. But then again, he's thinking of ways of putting Perez in left field down the road.

Now with new head-tilting action!

260. I just can't agree. I think JT would always rather win. I undertand how people feel and I often question his moves but I just can't get behind the idea JT is malicious.

The last time the Dodgers won a 1-0 game in which Eric Gagne did not pitch was May 12, 2001.

LAT, you're probably right. I just can't understand why he give Choi such a short leash compared to others.

While waiting with bated breath for the excitement of the 9th, a coda on our base stealing woes:

I confess to having done a double take upon seeing Lofton inserted in the Phillies's lineup. On further inspection, this suprising news: Not only is the 38 year old Lofton out-OPSing our entire outfield (and everyone on the active roster but Kent, Robles and Saenz) but he's stolen 11 bases and only been caught twice!

The last time the Dodgers won a 1-0 game where the only run scored in the first inning was on September 20, 1998 at San Francisco.

Trenidad Hubbard homered in the first inning. Carlos Perez pitched a 4-hit shutout.

The Dodgers got 2 hits that day off of Shawn Estes and Julian Tavarez.

Since blown saves are probably independent events, I'd say the odds of him blowing it are the same as they were the last two times.

Unless of course his confidence is shot, in which case the likelihood probably goes up.

#286, are you implying how fun it will be to see Lofton coast into second base?

ok. here comes Yhency. Everyone please buckle up and keep your hands in the cart at all times.

Ah Bob. Reminding me of Carlos Perez, brings me back to the good old days when Perez was the original water cooler destroyer.

Jeff, agreed. I don't know why either but I don't think its to make anyone look bad.

1998 was the year I was behind Trenidad Hubbard at the BofA in West LA. We were both depositing payroll checks. Without looking, I am confident that his had a couple more zeroes than mine.

Nice start Yhency!

i wish i was more comfortable

That loss in 1998 was a tough one for the Giants. They missed out on the wild card after losing a playoff to the Cubs.

Brian Johnson had a triple in the game. I wonder how he did that?

Miguel Rosa is calling a great game today.

293. What are the odds any MLB player deposits his own check anymore? Can you see Barry standing in line with a single paycheck that exceeds the total FDIC insurance limit. I guess, if Jason Phillips really does have to work at Burger King he will have to deposit his own checks.

Very few posts all of the sudden. We must be hoding our collective breath.

Maybe Hubbard didn't know his bank's routing number.

Hey LAT, Phillips living paycheck to paycheck is no laughing matter.

GHAME OVER!

Phew!

ok to exhale.

Huge confidence boost!

Ghame Over!!!

Ghame Over.

Gotta love that strikezone.

OK, exhale everybody.

And there was much rejoicing (silently, in offices across the land...)

Today we like Rob Drake!

6.5 back. When was the last time we won 2 in a row?

#308,
Haha exactly.

Yeah trying to eek out a living on $300K while your med insurance is paid for and you get tons of free stuff, per diems and appearence fees is very serious business.

Don't know exactly but Steiner just said "first time in a month"

June 29 and July 1 were the last consecutive wins. The Dodgers beat the Padres and then Arizona.

And we were one inning away from a sweep.

#310 Late June against the Padres.

i was ready for the worst... but it didn't happen...

imaginary endings:

* ghame over blows out his arm, erickson blows a save.
* ghame over gives up consecutive HRs
* my internet goes out and I don't know what happens...

Hey - a few quick seconds to say hi - just saw the score. Sorry I haven't been around more this week.

310 - Think we're only six out. The Padres are really sweating now...

310-- We could very easily be on a 5 game winning streak.

First series win since the one against the Pads at the end of June. First road series win since one at the end of May in Arizona.

Hi Jon.

We have no business being 6.5 games out. This division sucks. I can hardly wait until we stomp all over our rivals...in 2007.

Odalis, Lowe, and Penny threw 3 very good games in Philly, which is no small feat.

Just when the Dodgers look like they are dead, the body twitches a little...

Wow. My it's been a long time. Who knows. Maybe with Bradley due back soon and Valentin. Maybe we have a shot...

A series win! I am constantly waiting for the miracle turnaround that will salvage the season and I hope this is it. If not, maybe it will be the next win or the one after that...

Kind of a historic win tonight.

Regarind my BofA buddy, T-Hubb was "only" making about $300K in 1998, so his monthly check was (300k/6 months)... uh still pretty darn good. It was shocking to see him in line, but I'm sure no one else recognized him.

It reminded me of the time in 1985 at Sears Buena Park when Rams DB Leroy Irvin came to my register. He wrote a check for $400, which, at 18 years old, was far about my approval limit. I called for managerial approval, but since it was busy, it took 15 minutes for a call back. The amazing thing was how polite Leroy was. He had zero attitude. I profusely apologized, but he said not to worry. He understood that it wasn't my fault.

Amazing what a win (or two) can do to one's spirits.

324 - That's just what McCourt wants you to think to keep you hooked, you sucker.

-- T.J. Simers

Had to run out to lunch and missed the end. 1-0, wow.

BTW, has anyone noticed that our own Mr. Weisman was quoted 2-3 times in today's (mostly useless) Modesti column in the Daily News?

This is probably the best 4 game stretch of starting pitching we've had all year.

Weaver, Penny, Lowe, and OP all put it together.

And I walk outside into the brutal heat and in my mailbox is an envelope with a $2 bill in it. The University of California wants me to participate in a health survey.

Star #1 Odalis Perez
Star #2 Jeff Kent
Star #3 Mike Rose/Oscar Robles

I hope Xeifrank is right and this is when we start turning things around.

When are Bradley and Valentin coming back again?

The Padres don't seem to want to win this division. With Bradley and Valentin likely to be activated after this upcoming mets series, Things are looking up. I don't care what you guys say, I'm officially back in the denial stage. But I'm also ready for a big dissapointment, because right when we start beleiving this team seems to always find a way to dissapoint. I hope that isn't the case this time... Again.

Weaver vs. Zambrano Friday
Houlton vs. Martinez Saturday
Penny vs. Benson Sunday

I'm not overly optimistic about Saturday's game.

I never got to the acceptance stage. I'm prepared for disappointment, but give me today and a 2-game win streak to bask in. It's been a long week.

Minor League Update
Statistical summary format is AVG/OBP/SLG for hitters and ERA/IP/K/BB for pitchers.

Las Vegas 51s (AAA):
The 51s lost 5 - 4 to Colorado Springs.

Milton Bradley and Jose Valentin both sat for the day game after the previous night's double-header. Neither Bradley or Valentin has played a full 9 inning game so far. Catcher Dioner Navarro went 1 for 2 with 2 walks, a run scored, and an RBI (.276/.377/.410). Center fielder Todd Donovan went 2 for 4 with an RBI and a strikeout (.378/.442/.444). Third baseman Norihiro Nakamura went 1 for 5 with a double (.268/.339/.496). First baseman Brian Myrow went 2 for 4 with a run scored (.284/.399/.524). Right fielder Cody Ross went 2 for 4 with a run scored, an RBI, and a strikeout (.268/.360/.496). Willy Aybar did not play after playing both games of last night's double-header.

Starter Thomas Nall went 5 innings, allowing 4 runs (all earned) on 7 hits and no walks with 6 strikeouts (6.82/67.1/58/33). Beau Dannemiller and Alfredo Gonzalez each contributed a scoreless inning of relief. Dannemiller allowed just 1 hit with no walks or strikeouts (5.84/12.1/12/8). Gonzalez allowed 2 hits with no walks or strikeouts (4.29/42.0/25/7). Pat Mahomes took the loss allowing the winning run to score in the bottom of the 8th on 2 hits and a walk (5.26/101.0/71/52).

Jacksonville Suns (AA):
The Suns beat Birmingham 9 - 3.

Seven of the Suns runs came by way of the long ball, one each by Delwyn Young, Andy LaRoche, and Tydus Meadows. Young did not start the game, but was brought in to play right field in the top of the 2nd. Center fielder Jon Weber was removed "at the mmanager's discretion", and Justin Ruggiano moved from right to center. A little over a week ago, Weber was removed from a game after getting into a fight with a teammate, but it's unclear whether this was a similar incident. Delwyn Young (.291/.342/.480) and third baseman Andy Laroche (.286/358/.531) each went 1 for 4 with a 3-run homerun and a strikeout. Hopefully, the homerun will get LaRoche going as he's been in a bit of a power slump recently. Designated hitter went 2 for 4 with a solo homerun (.287/.428/.524). Second baseman Sergio Garcia went 2 for 3 with a hit-by-pitch, 2 runs scored, and an RBI (.295/.360/.429). For the season, Garcia has only had 112 at-bats, but he's taken advantage of his opportunities the last two games with the designated hitter in effect. First baseman James Loney went 2 for 4 with a double, a run scored, and an RBI (.279/.358/.397). Shorstop Joel Guzman went 2 for 4 with a run scored (.285/.348/.488). Fortunately, Guzman did not strikeout or commit any errors in the game. Outfielder Justin Ruggiano went 0 for 3 with a walk and a strikeout (.237/.326/.316).

Starting pitcher Chad Billingsley struggled with his command through 4 innings. Billingsley allowed 3 runs (all earned) on 4 hits and 4 walks with 5 strikeouts (4.39/94.1/110/36). Left-handers Carlos Alvarez and Hong-chih Kuo were both impressive in relief. Alvarez pitched 3 scoreless innings, allowing 2 hits with no walks and no strikeouts (3.18/11.1/12/1). Kuo pitched 2 perfect innings, striking out 3 (2.16/8.1/16/3). Kuo's fastball has been sitting in the mid-90's his past two appearances instead of the typical high-90's, but he's still been getting swings and misses by mixing on his secondary pitches.

Vero Beach Dodgers (High-A):
The Dodgers beat St. Lucie 4 - 3.

The Dodgers batters knocked rehabbing Mets pitcher Steve Trachsel out in middle of the 3rd inning. The first 5 batters in the Dodgers lineup had at least 2 hits apiece. Second baseman Tony Abreu went 3 for 5 with a stolen base and 2 runs scored (.331/.358/.454). Shorstop Chin-lung Hu went 2 for 5 with a caught stealing and a run scored (.296/.335/.418). Right fielder Matt Kemp went 2 for 4 with an RBI (.296/.333/.596). Third baseman Cole Bruce went 2 for 4 with a walk, a triple, a run scored, and a strikeout (.288/.347/.500). Bruce, a 23 year old infielder, was signed by the Dodgers last year as an undrafted free agent out of the University of Houston. Bruce received limited at-bats last year with Ogden (69) and so far has received limited at-bats with Vero Beach (66). First baseman Cory Dunlap went 2 for 4 with a walk, a double, and 2 RBIs (.280/.375/.372).

Starting pitcher Greg Miller made his first appearance with Vero Beach after finishing his rehab appearance with the GCL Dodgers. Miller had serious issues with his command, allowing 1 hit and 4 walks with 2 strikeouts over 1.2 innings (0.00/1.2/2/4). Brian Pilkington pitched 5.2 strong innings in relief to earn the win. Pilkington allowed 2 runs (1 earned) on 3 hits and a walk with 6 strikeouts (3.69/63.1/41/10). Closer Mark Alexander has been dominant this season, but struggled a bit in this appearance. Alexander allowed an inherited runner to score in the 8th and another run to score on a solo homerun in the 9th, but maintained the lead for the save. In his 1.2 innings pitched, Alexander allowed 3 hits and a walk while striking out 2 (1.74/46.2/68/18).

Columbus Catfish (Low-A):
The Catfish game was postponed due to rain.

Ogden Raptors (Rookie):
In typical Pioneer League fashion, the Raptors lost 10 - 14 to Helena.

The Raptors cranked out 5 homeruns in the game, 1 each by Justin Crist, Juan Apodaca, and Rick Talao and 2 by Russell Mitchell. Catcher Juan Apodaca went 1 for 5 with a solo homerun and 3 strikeouts (.311/.340/.633). Third baseman Russell Mitchell went 2 for 5 with two 2-run homeruns (.328/.362/.681). Mitchell regained the Pioneer League lead with 10 homeruns. Mitchell is 2nd and Apodaca is 6th in the Pioneer League in slugging. Numbers 1, 3, 4, and 5 in the league are all occupied by Helena batters, a farm team in the Milwaukee system. Mitchell and Apodaca each committed fielding errors in the game, their 9th and 4th of the season respectively. First baseman David Sutherland went 2 for 5 with a double, 2 runs scored and a strikeout (.420/.511/.491). Center fielder Adam Godwin went 2 for 3 with a sacrifice and a run scored (.333/.386/.412).

I feel sorry for the Ogden pitchers last night. Not only did they have to face a team with an overall .333/.405/.532 (.937 OPS) batting line, they had to face them in the hitter-friendly Ogden ballpark. Of the 5 Ogden pitchers, only Kristopher Krise got out unscathed, pitching a perfect 9th inning with 3 strikeouts (9.53/22.2/17/9). The remaining pitching lines start at mediocre and get exponentionally worse. Twenty one year old right-hander Jose Obispo made his first appearance with the Raptors, pitching 2 innings of relief. Obispo allowed 1 run (earned) on 2 hits and 3 walks with 3 strikeouts (4.50/2.0/3/3). Obispo was signed by the Dodgers in 2001 as an amateur free agent and is spending his third year in Rookie-ball. Matthew Gomez de Segura pitched 1.1 innings, allowing 1 run (earned) on 2 hits and a wallk with no strikeouts (7.82/12.1/8/13). Alvin Hayes pitched 2 innings, allowing 4 runs (all earned) on 2 hits (1 homerun) and 4 walks with 2 strikeouts (8.78/13.1/19/13). Starter David Pfeiffer had the worst pitching line for the Raptors, giving up 8 runs (all earned) in 2.2 innings. Pfeiffer allowed 5 hits (1 homerun) and 4 walks with 3 strikeouts (9.13/22.2/18/10).

GCL Dodgers (Rookie):
The Dodgers lost to the GCL Marlins 8 - 3 in the 14th inning.

Shorstop Ivan DeJesus went 1 for 6 with 3 strikeouts (.324/.360/.380). Third baseman Eduardo Perez went 1 for 5 with a strikeout (.323/.397/.446). Designated hitter Josh Bell went 0 for 3 with 3 walks, a run scored, and a strikeout (.307/.373/.413). Catcher Carlos Medero-Stultz went 1 for 6 with a run scored and a strikeout (.311/.360/.467). Second baseman Adolfo Gonzalez had the best night for the Dodgers, going 3 for 4 with a double and a run scored (.297.328/.406). Carlos Santana came on as a pinch-hitter and moved to second base, going 0 for 2 with a walk (.317/.400/.488).

Starting pitcher Ramon Paredes allowed 3 runs (all earned) on 6 hits (2 homeruns) and 1 walk with 4 strikeouts over 5.1 innings (3.09/23.1/22/5). Paredes, a 20 year old left-hander, has made 3 appearances as a starter and 2 appearances as a reliever this season. Howar Zuleta made his second appearance in relief, tossing 2.1 scoreless frames. Zuleta allowed 1 hit and 2 walks with no strikeouts (0.00/4.1/1/3). Miguel Ramirez pitched 3.1 scoreless innings, allowing just 2 hits with 2 strikeouts (1.32/11.2/11/2). Wilfredo Diaz took the loss with 2+ innings of relief, allowing 2 runs (both earned) on 1 hit and 2 walks with 2 strikeouts (3.38/15.1/13/6). Eduardo Quintana came on in the 14th inning with men on 1st and 2nd and no out. Quintana allowed both inherited runners to score (charged to Diaz) as well as 3 additional runs, on 3 hits and 2 walks with 1 strikeout (4.11/15.1/15/12).

Modesti is going to replace Tim Brown when Brown makes the leap to officially working for the Angels.

I'm trying to figure out what's flashy about Paul Byrd.

334 - Stay in the ACCEPTANCE stage and then be pleasantly SURPRISED if they do manage to get back in it. It's a "win-lose-win" scenario...

Missed the 8th and 9th inning, something called lunch got in the way. Big win, and suddenly the landscape is changing. The Padres are getting closer as we are now only 6.5 games out with Valentin and Bradley coming back shortly. Perhaps now the Dodgers will become buyers once again. The Adam Dunn DT scouting excursion becomes all the more important. It would be funny to see one of the trades where a player just walks from one clubhouse to the other. I think if the Dodgers get Dunn (depending on who gets shipped out) we would have Werth, Ledee, Valentin, Perez, Choi, Saenz and Dunn sharing time at two outfield positions and first base. With Buntermaker in charge, who knows how the cards would fall. Isn't it fun to be out of "acceptance" and back into "denial" again? vr, Xei

LF - Perez/(Repko)
CF - Bradley
RF - Ledee
3B - Valentin/(Perez)/(Robles)
SS - Robles/(Izzy)
2B - Kent
1B - Choi
C - Philips

Somebody may actually mistake that for a major league team (though Choi and no Izzy will NOT happen).

339,
That was my mom's theory of life. I consider it one of the cornerstones of my personality.

The others being:
1) attending Alex Johnson Bat Day as my first major league game
2) having Dick Allen as my first favorite Dodger
3) having Don Sutton as my second favorite Dodger (referring to order they happened)
4) copying an answer off of a classmate's midterm on a calculus midterm in college and changing my original answer (which was correct) to an answer that was wrong.

333. When was the last time I was wrong! Pls don't answer that. :)

335. Didn't Houlton hold his own against Clemens not too long ago? This team is on a mission, either drink the kool-aid or get out of our way! :)

vr, Xei

342. Bob, you are always right. You should've known better. :) vr, Xei

Xei,
That event sealed the deal on my belief that I'm always right. I've been pretty insufferable since 1984.

I hadn't seen this posted yet. Rotoworld has a midseason top-150 prospects online. Not exactly the world's most reputable source for prospect evaluation, but still, something to feel good about.

The breakdown by team is as follows:

12 - Dodgers
9 - Diamondbacks
8 - Angels
7 - Cubs, Indians, Rangers, Twins
6 - Brewers, Red Sox
5 - Astros, Athletics, Blue Jays, Devil Rays, Mets, Orioles, Rockies, White Sox
4 - Braves, Giants, Reds
3 - Cardinals, Mariners, Marlins, Nationals, Padres, Phillies, Pirates, Royals, Tigers
2 - Yankees

Dodgers on the list:
5 - Guzman
17 - LaRoche
19 - Billingsly
50 - Jackson
51 - Martin
53 - Tiffany
57 - Miller
79 - Loney
89 - Broxton
99- - Orenduff
132 - Navarro
141 - Aybar

Oh JtD... Here's a question (if this were normal forums I'd have a poll). What position will JtD play when (not if) he makes the majors?

how the hell do the diamondbacks have 9 in the top 150?!?!?

Is revenue sharing actually working? The MLB, particularly the National League, has reached a level of parity wherein every team is mediocre, with one exception in the NL. This is starting to resemble the NFL - you know, tackle football.

The good part is, if your team gets reaally hot and reels off, say, 2 wins a row, there is cause for excitement. The bad news is, is winning this division anything to be proud of? Would you hang a banner for it, or would you just, casually, once in a while mention, in an off-handed way, oh, and we won the divsion in aught5? In a right-thinking world the West's playoff spot would be revoked this year, but then that brings up the problem of finding a worthier entrant.

#349,
We all dream of 2007 when we romp on our division the way the Cards have been romping on theirs the last couple years.

The Adam Dunn DT scouting excursion becomes all the more important.

Can someone tell me if this is still happening, and when? Suffering Bruin hasn't returned my e-mail, and I was out of town during the voting.

The top 4 teams in the NL west are all .500 or better against NL west teams. We must all be beating up on Colorado.

351 - It's on, Icaros. Nine guys going. I've kinda regretted I didn't get in on it. Considering going anyhow.

Suns pitching coach says Broxton needs to go to the majors now.
http://tinyurl.com/bqs9z

"There's absolutely nothing else for him to do here ... he needs to be in the big leagues," said Howell, who spent seven years in the majors with the Dodgers and Philadelphia Phillies. "You've got a kid here throwing 100-mph fastballs, and he's got great command of his slider that he's throwing 90 to 92. He needs to get out of here."

351. It's happening, but I wasn't a participant. All the info was posted on the board a week or so ago, not sure which thread it would be under. Perhaps someone who remembers the info will chime in on it.
vr, Xei

354. That sounds encouraging. What are his stats this year, at what level is he pitching at, and how old is he? thanks!
vr, Xei

The date set was 7/27.

Hate to burst the bubble but we have the Cards coming to town. On the other hand so do the Padres.

332. Jeff are you Canadian. "Le Premire d' star, the first star Guy LaFlour."

I completely butchered that but if your Canadian you should be able to decipher my bastardization.

351. Welcome back Icaros. How was Montreal. I forgot to tell you about Schwartz's smoked meats. Hopefully you went cause its good.

356 - He just turned 21 and he's the closer for AA Jacksonville. He was a starter earlier in the year. When they moved him to the pen he gained a few mph on his fastball, ala Gagne. He was actually clocked at 101mph (fastest recorded pitch at the stadium).

His record is 4-3 with 3.44 ERA. 89 innings with 28 BBs and 95 Ks. maybe nate and FB can fill in more on his background.

360. Thanks. So he would be bullpen help, not a starter? We could anything that helps the kool-aid go down.
vr, Xei

I get back from lunch to see Odalis Perez was pitching really well and that we actually won. And that the Padres got destroyed.

Our division LEADER is 50-46. Unbelievable.

If we catch them, great. If not, I'm buying tickets to the Billingsley-Cain matchup on Sept. 5, 6, or 7th.

Was there any particular reason they moved Broxton to the bullpen?

363 - from what I understand, Dodger management said they were going to give most of their starters a rotation through the pen. Broxton obviously caught their eye when his velocity dramatically increased in the pen.

From what I've heard listening to the games online, he has 4 good pitches, but pretty much just works the high 90s fastball and low 90s slider out of the pen.

Reading through today's comments. And #14 Was great but I have to give credit where credit is due, and #37 was my favorite. Both made me laugh out loud.

Having experience coming from the pen is good, but a mid-high 90's fastball and a high 80's slider as a starter is fine by me, and probably more useful to us.

Icaros, I'm one of the 9 going but I haven't heard from Suffering Bruin either. Last time he posted, there was something going on with his kid. I hope, for him, that still isn't the case.

359 - Thanks, LAT. I had a good time out there. I didn't make it to Schwartz's, but I did have dinner at Moishe's, the amazing steakhouse that Langhorne recommended. I went to one of your favorite "clubs" as well, but it wasn't as fun because I was by myself.

broxton was doing great as a starter. his era was around 3.3 and he was averaging a K an inning with like a 3bb/9IP walk rate. I still want broxton to start, but i cant deny how valuable he would be in the bullpen. he has brad lidge/ joe nathan type stuff coming out of the pen.

as a starter, he had 4 quality pitcher, a plus sinking fastball that sat in the 91-94 range, a plus slider in the mid 80s, a get me curveball and a developing change up that the suns pitching coach was calling "gagne like". The best part was that his stuff was so heavy that he barely allowed any homeruns. his homerun rate is .40/9IP

Marty,

SB never e-mailed to tell me when the actual day was. I hope he still bought me a ticket like I asked, and I hope things are okay for him at home.

Jim,

Thanks for giving me the date. Why aren't you going?

I missed the cut off time, Icaros...I was (embarrased) taking a nap...

371 - LOL

Don't know if this has been mentioned yet, but Penny just received a 5 game suspension: http://tinyurl.com/d2mmy

373 -- That's ridiculous. Tossing him was questionable, but this is vindictive.

I hope I'm one of the lucky 9.

This was kind of my idea in the first place.

If SB didn't buy me a ticket, Jim and I will get our own and crash the party.

Yes, it's Wednesday, the 27th. I think he specifically mentioned you Icaros. I don't have the email here at work, but he included his phone number. Maybe I should call him.

Can Penny say he is going to fight his suspension, but "change his mind" and serve it when the Dodgers have an off day coming up? He can probably serve his suspension without missing a start since it is only five games.

What I want to know is if Marty is `SurfDude' or not...

Jim, you'd know the answer, if you ever see me.

Will you be pulling up to the stadium in a Woody, with a surfboard strapped to the top :) ?

I am the opposite of SurfDude

The problem is not with the suspension, since it can just be served over a period where there is an offday, and therefore not a missed start, but with Penny's salary, which is docked. Does MLB get that? If it does, then that is a pretty good racket they have going.

If that's true, pretty soon you'll have umpires picking fights with ARod, Beltre, Beltran, et al. Maybe they get a 5% cut?

Too bad no umps were involved with The Gambler's 20-game sitout. They could have retired on that commission.

Didn't Kenny Rogers receive a suspension with pay? If he did, then Penny should get paid too.

283- It's like $100K, right? For tossing his helmet? Drake better put extra padding in his face mask the next time he calls a Penny game.

382, rather. Dyslexia is a das, das thing.

So, we learn that bokonon is actually Jeremy Bonderman.

Marty,

Are you bringing us a picnic basket on Wednesday?

I'll pass up Dodger dogs for a taste of the food you always describe.

This is where Grabowski could have been useful. Say you're going to give Phillips a day off, and put Grabowski behind the plate. He accidentally gets crossed up, and Penny gives the ump a concussion. Tracy can make a big show out of screaming at Grabs, and pulling him. Win/Win.

Bob Timmerman,you're doing a real service here.As my memory begins to fade a little bit as the years take their toll,you're filling in some of the blank spots.The other day you reminded me that Tom Neidenfuhr actually saved games.Now you're telling me that Carlos Perez pitched a 1-0 shutout.Thanks.

I miss Carlos Perez's dugout blow ups.
I felt real sorry for that poor, defenseless
water cooler.

It looks like Robles is going to be our regular 3rd baseman as long as he keeps his average above .300. Where does that leave Perez? Should we trade him while his value is pretty high? I don't think Perez will ever be a starter for us because of his defense and Tracy's insistence on defense.

i think willy aybar will be just as good as perez and play way better defense.

392. I would think once Valentin comes back Perez should either learn to play LF adequately or expect to be trade bait (part of a package).
If 2B is the only position that Tracy will play him at, that means he would only get significant playing time when Kent started at 1B and we've already been through that discussion (defense related) a few too many times. I'd say trade bait or cut bait.
vr, Xei

377, 382:
The suspension is for 5 games, not 5 days. They give him a 5 game suspension, so that he will miss a start.

395. Does that mean Erickson gets a start? :)

i would call up jackson or thompson for a spot start.

#393: Longterm I agree, though I'm not sure who will be better next year. At 22 years old, Perez was struggling against AA pitching, whereas Aybar is doing quite well in AAA. I was really impressed by Aybar at the game the other day.

#398: I think it's safe to say that Derek Thompson is higher on the depth chart than Edwin Jackson. I'd hate to see the Dodgers bring Jackson up with all the struggles he's had between AAA and the majors the last couple years. Let him build his confidence in AA at least through the end of the year.

I'd rather call up Thompson as well. I find the whole suspension idea to be absurd though.

Does anyone remember Pedro Guerrero being this bad defensively as Perez? If Perez had lot more power then he might deserve to start more even if he is a defensive liability.

Rob Drake giveth, Rob Drake taketh away. The jerk.

When other pitchers have 5 game suspensions, do teams ever call up guy to pitch another day, in effect giving the entire rotation an extra day off, rather than the suspended pitcher missing a start?

For example,
Penny pitches
Penny begins suspension while Lowe, Weaver, Perez, Houlton, and Thompson pitch.
Penny pitches again.

If Penny "misses" a start, he can pitch right when he gets back and the result is the same though the rotation order changes.

This seems to make more sense rather than Thompson replacing Penny for one start while the order stays the same. Unless pitchers really want 4-days rest everytime and don't want the extra day.

Nate, I'm watching Jaks right now on the internet and today's game has both video and audio simultaneously. Much easier to follow. Is there any gameday type of site where the boxscore is updated for Jaks games.

404. I like your idea. It might make too much sense for Tracy or too complicated for Tracy to implement.

The point of #404 was to ask what teams do when a pitcher gets suspended for 5 games.

Is there any gameday type of site where the boxscore is updated for Jaks games.

nah i wish

how do you boldface text?

388. Yikes, food for 9. I'd need someone to carry it for me. I'll be happy to buy a round of beers.

409 Put asterisks at beginning and end of text you want bold.

Thanks

#407, 404

The better point for 404 is... instead of giving Penny 4 extra days off, why not give the entire staff an extra day off? Unless they don't like it, from what I've heard, at least some pitchers benefit from getting the extra day off (I seem to recall Pedro being an example).

was that a double by loney? the video frozed for a bit then he was at 2b.

loneys ba: .284
laroches ba: .283

this is a fun game to watch, every sun is hitting!

but imagine the gain in jackson's trade value if he comes up and does well. And it seems a team often struggles the first time they face a young pitcher.

Nate, try this website.

http://www.minorleaguebaseball.com/app/milb/stats/stats.jsp?t=l_sco&lid=111

It runs little behind on updating but you can still follow it.

oh i know about that. i thought he was talking about a gameday type thing.

How do you do get video for the Suns game? I can only get audio.

http://www.southernguide.tv/

thanks

Can you always get Suns games on that site? That would be exciting!

yea all the home games.

The Dodgers probably wouldn't even call anyone up to replace Penny. They would try to get him to drop the appeal and serve it in August. The Dodgers are off on August 8 and 15 and they could just have one starter move up one day with the off day and have Penny move back a day.

holy crap martin just got steamrolled at the plate.

Jon,

I left you a nice present to celebrate year 3. Just look in tomorrow's box score in whatever paper you're reading on vacation.

Vaya Con Dios,

Odie Perez

James Loney has to be hitting about.320 since the middle of June.With his defensive skills even if the power doesn't come like we'd like he is definitely a keeper.Mark Grace had a nice career as a gap hitter.Loney just looks like a player,effortless on the field,nice swing.
Do we want Choi hitting .240 with 25 homers a year and unable to make routine plays in the field or Loney hitting .290 with 15 jacks a year getting to everything both down the line and to his right?

loneys BA 285

i think he might get that over 300 before the season is over.

from tomorrow's LA Times:

"Manager Jim Tracy said that hot-hitting Antonio Perez was not playing because he was not proficient at any position. Perez is uncomfortable at third base and too inexperienced to play outfield. Moving Jeff Kent to first base and playing Perez at second isn't an option, either, because Perez has been shaky there as well.

"'If you don't make plays in the middle of the field in the major leagues, you get beat,' Tracy said. 'He needs work defensively wherever you put him.'"

Is Perez the new Choi?

The same story addresses the 'trade Jeff Weaver' contingent. Baltimore is a suitor. But DePo recognizes that trading Weaver equals giving up on the season, and he's not in "acceptance" yet. The way SD is playing, he might never get there.

If Weaver is traded, then Perez will play.

mets and national scouts were in philly scouting odalis' gem today... could be interesting.

from the weaver trade article:

Conceivably the Dodgers could trade Weaver — saving about $4 million — then pursue him as a free agent during the off-season

wouldnt that be something. trade him, get the goods, then sign him in the offseason. ha

Odalis Perez pitching in Washington would be a sight. The Braves tied Washington for first today when the Nats lost. And I have a feeling that it's not going to get any better in DC. The Nats need hitters. Lots of 'em.

While I don't expect them to keep up quite the pace they have over the last trip through the rotation (4ER in 27 IP 1.33 ERA) this is the staff that many predicted would be one of the best in the NL. Lowe and Perez won't go seven without an ER every time out, but it is possible that they could have ERA~3.5 for the rest of the year. I was teetering on the brink of acceptance but I am firmly back in denial after this series. If only Colby could figure out what is ailing Yhency (his regression today not with standing).

The Dbacks got some bullpen help. They acquired Tim Worrell from the Phillies for Matt Kata.

This likely won't help them much. Worrell has missed much of the season with personal problems.

This Perez to the Nationals thing. Who do the Nationals have that we want? It looks to me like Nobody x 2.

#436: The Nationals are an interesting organization, so who knows. Maybe the would do Perez for Wilkerson straight up. Wilkerson is having a down year, but he's still arbitration eligible for 2 more years and is a strong defensive outfielder. Plus with 4 stolen bases and 8 caught stealing, he should fit right into Tracy's game plan. The Nationals farm system has improved, but there's still not much of anything we would want.

from the nationals, i would take wilkerson.

from the mets, i would take a package of lastings milledge and Petit.

milledge is a high cieling OF prospect and his toolset is very similar to bradley.

As between Weaver, Lowe and OP, I would prefer to keep them in that order. Even though OP has dominate days like today his best is behind him. His volocity is down, he is more injury prone and his mouth can be a problem. Lowe may not pitch as well as OP day in and day out but he is a big game crafty pitcher and when his stuff is on he can be very effective. Weaver, although the biggest head case, has the most talent and the most upside. In addition, he is a workhorse pitcher. If he ever gets mentally tougher he could be money all day. Its his talent and lack of mental strength that is so frustrating. Finally, I think Colburn is great with guys like Weaver. Lowe doesn't need a pitching coach and OP wouldn't listen to one anyway.

But as Steve aptly pointed out, what does it mean if the Nats don't have anything we want.

Some of you might enjoy this:

http://tinyurl.com/9tupv

Some of you might enjoy this:

http://tinyurl.com/9tupv

Breaking News... Lowe Traded to Texas:

http://tinyurl.com/cw4pj

#442

First, my heart skipped a beat-- could depo be so brash?

Then, I laughed out loud. Hilarious.