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About Jon
Thank You For Not ...

1) using profanity or any euphemisms for profanity
2) personally attacking other commenters
3) baiting other commenters
4) arguing for the sake of arguing
5) discussing politics
6) using hyperbole when something less will suffice
7) using sarcasm in a way that can be misinterpreted negatively
8) making the same point over and over again
9) typing "no-hitter" or "perfect game" to describe either in progress
10) being annoyed by the existence of this list
11) commenting under the obvious influence
12) claiming your opinion isn't allowed when it's just being disagreed with

Uncomfortable
2006-04-10 07:46
by Jon Weisman

Oh. Hi Jim.
Hi.
Was wondering when I was going to see you again. Didn't know it would be so soon.
Yeah. Isn't it ironic that this would happen?
Well, no, it isn't exactly ironic. That's not really what "ironic" means.
I think I know what ironic means.
I know you think you do. ... Anyway, it doesn't matter.
No. Of course not.
At least this isn't awkward.
Not at all.
So ... this is who you're with, now.
Yep. I like him. He's very real.
You're saying I'm not?
Easy, big fella. I'm just saying ... you know, that maybe this was for the best. Things between us, they were getting kind of ...
Insane?
Yeah.
Yeah.
I mean, you were really kind of out there.
Me? I was thinking it was you.
I'm the same person I've always been.
I guess that's true. For me, it's just nice to be with someone who listens to me.
Oh, you had to go there.
Look, it's what I feel.
You know, part of getting yourself listened to is listening to everything the other person is saying to you.
That makes no sense.
I knew you wouldn't understand.
Look, I don't like where this is going. Let's be dignified about this.
Agreed. Let's.
Good luck trying to put Humpty Dumpty together again.
Good luck with therapy.

Today's Game

Comments (480)
Show/Hide Comments 1-50
2006-04-10 08:11:45
1.   gcrl
ot, and apologies if this was addressed yesterday, but i just read the la times piece on my boyhood man-crush steve garvey. bad times.
2006-04-10 08:15:07
2.   underdog
Nicely done Jon. Though I think Jim T's dialogue should be a little less coherent and a little more Rumsfeldian. We'll see how it sounds when we do a read-through. ;-)
2006-04-10 08:17:36
3.   Sam DC
multimedia too! (color counts as multimedia, right?)
2006-04-10 08:32:39
4.   Marty
It's amazing how often an interesting coincidence is confused with irony.
2006-04-10 08:46:10
5.   SiGeg
It's ironic how often an interesting coincidence is confused with irony.
2006-04-10 08:53:53
6.   Woody
Sounds kind of like that dialogue in the "Seinfield" episode called "The Subway" where Elaine is going to the "best man" at the Lesbian wedding and goes through the "what's ironic" schtick.
2006-04-10 08:55:12
7.   Brent is a Dodger Fan
It's ironic when a person mis-uses the term "ironic" in a fatal way, while the audience knows exactly how that mis-use will be fatal.
2006-04-10 09:23:10
8.   Bob Timmermann
We never got the "All Clear" siren for "The Sopranos" did we?
2006-04-10 09:44:39
9.   Bob Timmermann
Today's game link:
http://tinyurl.com/lzxot
2006-04-10 10:04:09
10.   Bob Timmermann
Ken has fixed the link above.
2006-04-10 10:05:18
11.   Jacob L
7 Kind of like a Jim Tracy lineup.
2006-04-10 10:09:10
12.   Jon Weisman
All clear, and thanks.
2006-04-10 10:10:12
13.   Sam DC
So, about that lineup . . . I realize as Jon said in the post below that some folks needed a break from three games in the space of about one day. But it's a little counterintuitive that folks like Kent and Drew played the double yesterday and are just off today. Is that becuase (i) Philly is considered harder to beat than Pittsburgh so you more starters, or (ii) it's less demanding to play a double then sit a day than to play two days in a row?
2006-04-10 10:13:07
14.   Bob Timmermann
I see that Sandy Alomar is no longer a personal catcher for Odalis Perez.

At least for today.

2006-04-10 10:16:19
15.   Bob Timmermann
That was a prodigious amount of vomit that Tony Soprano issued Sunday.
2006-04-10 10:20:52
16.   screwballin
13, 14 I'm assuming Grittle is thinking that any lineups for day games after doubleheaders should not include fragile guys or old guys.

But a lineup without Kent or Drew will be downright depressing.

2006-04-10 10:21:19
17.   Jon Weisman
14 - Hmm. Wonder if he's sore.

15 - Hmm. Wonder if he's sore.

2006-04-10 10:23:03
18.   underdog
13 I thought Kent was playing today, while Drew and Mueller are off, no? I'm almost positive Kent is playing, as he rested the second game of the DH yesterday.

(And I'm glad Navarro is catching...)

2006-04-10 10:23:17
19.   Jon Weisman
Kent is in the lineup.
2006-04-10 10:24:03
20.   underdog
18 PS (But I'm scared of Martinez playing 3B - we won't officially appreciate Mueller until today)
2006-04-10 10:26:57
21.   Bob Timmermann
Why are the White Sox 2-4?

Paul Konerko leads off with a double in the second and what does Jermaine Dye do next? He grounds out to third.

So sad. An unproductive out.

The White Sox are doomed.

2006-04-10 10:28:38
22.   Marty
I thought Tony and Christopher arguing at the wedding over whether the father of the bride get's favors or gives favors vis-a-vis Gofdfather I was hilarious.
2006-04-10 10:29:58
23.   Curtis Lowe
PLease no Sopranos talk,

I still dont know what happens after Junior shoots him.

2006-04-10 10:30:52
24.   Curtis Lowe
OR at least a little spolier wrning like

SOPRANOS!!!!SPOILER

2006-04-10 10:33:27
25.   Jon Weisman
I think if you're four episodes behind, the burden starts to be on you. But we'll do our best.
2006-04-10 10:33:49
26.   Curtis Lowe
Reds Shopping Kearns for starting Pitching
2006-04-10 10:34:55
27.   Curtis Lowe
25- I thought the same thing after I posted, speak on I will just have to have more control over what I read.
2006-04-10 10:35:13
28.   regfairfield
So they're trying to go from scoring the most runs in baseball to the least?

How terrible will that lineup be if they trade Kearns and Griffey gets hurt?

2006-04-10 10:35:38
29.   underdog
Re: The Sopranos - I was a little worried to see Ted McGinley* join the cast.

* a "jumping the shark" joke. Never mind me.

2006-04-10 10:35:54
30.   D4P
What's with the dimensions of PNC Park? That 410 foot jut-out in left-center seems kinda silly.
2006-04-10 10:35:56
31.   Curtis Lowe
The Dodgers Blue Man group is a way better mascot than the Philly phanatic thing or the Pitsburgh giant greeen bird.
2006-04-10 10:36:24
32.   underdog
26 We'll give them Aaron Sele.

Then they can have two Aarons starting.

2006-04-10 10:36:26
33.   Shmueli4
Hello all. I am watching the game on MLB Extra innings and we are getting the Pirate feed. They played an interview with Trace and he said "irony" at least twice (if not 3 times) in about 3 sentences!! Jon, you are a bona fide prophet!!!
2006-04-10 10:36:58
34.   screwballin
Will Carroll on Gagne:

The more I hear about Eric Gagne, the more confused I become. The Dodgers' spin on the surgery is perhaps predictably the most positive one: that the peripheral sensory nerve that was cut in the half-hour operation will necessitate a four- to six-week recovery before he returns as a still-dominant closer. Allowing that the nerve loss won't affect his pitching motion--and I'll agree that it wouldn't seem to--I'm still not getting all the facts to add up here. Gagne had a neuroma (a benign tumor) on the nerve, and it was removed during the half-hour surgery. How did this just now start hurting? My best source says that Gagne only experienced the pain once he started throwing at 100%, something that only happened about two weeks ago. If we call this surgery a minor complication of last June's elbow surgery, Gagne's essentially at the same point as many people coming back from Tommy John surgery, without the nominal certainty those survivors have. He'll need all of those four to six weeks to return, if only to build up arm strength; certainly not to recover from the surgery, which was minimally invasive. Was his reduced velocity in spring training the result of the pain from the neuroma? That's less clear, much like Gagne's future.

2006-04-10 10:37:58
35.   Jon Weisman
33 - Can't take credit for that - all the papers here this morning had the same quote of Tracy calling today's game ironic.
2006-04-10 10:41:00
36.   sanchez101
Who is this Jason Repko character?
2006-04-10 10:41:05
37.   Shmueli4
that was fair!
2006-04-10 10:41:30
38.   Curtis Lowe
You cannot stop the repoko.
2006-04-10 10:42:12
39.   King of the Hobos
Our 2 spot has been so productive, it's going to really hurt if Lofton comes back and can't hit like he did lasy year
2006-04-10 10:42:19
40.   Jon Weisman
This will probably sound ungracious, but I believe Tracy just put Repko in a position to succeed.
2006-04-10 10:42:19
41.   underdog
Wow, who needs Lofton at all?
2006-04-10 10:42:57
42.   underdog
38 Repoko...mon? He is a little bit like a cartoon character.
2006-04-10 10:43:01
43.   Curtis Lowe
40-lol
2006-04-10 10:43:38
44.   Jon Weisman
Jose has come back to earth.
2006-04-10 10:43:45
45.   Sam DC
"After all the guff I took last year, Jason Repko comes to my park and hits an 0-2 homer. Is that ironic? I think it is."

*

18, 19 oops on kent.

2006-04-10 10:45:21
46.   Zak
Another early lead!!! I'm tired of this. Can't we just come from behind for once. It feels like we've scored in the first inning in every game this year. I'm sick of it... sick.
2006-04-10 10:45:29
47.   capdodger
38 You can only hope to contain him.
2006-04-10 10:45:47
48.   King of the Hobos
39 I'm amazed how many errors I continue miss when I preview, even when they are obvious like that. One of these days I'll stop with the stupid errors...I hope
2006-04-10 10:46:04
49.   underdog
Saenz is merely 4 out of 5 vs. Duke.
2006-04-10 10:46:13
50.   adamclyde
sorry to go back, but was late to gameday... what happened with the furcal at bat? four straight balls?

that came back quickly to haunt mr duke...

Show/Hide Comments 51-100
2006-04-10 10:46:25
51.   Shmueli4
BTW I am sure this has been noted, but the #2 hole has been this productive and is likely to be this good bc of the threat of Raffi! They will all see lots of fastballs when he is on base.
2006-04-10 10:46:52
52.   sanchez101
is this tracyball?
2006-04-10 10:47:00
53.   King of the Hobos
Repko and Ross providing the offense, can't say I expected that
2006-04-10 10:47:31
54.   capdodger
38 Ditto for Ross.
2006-04-10 10:47:45
55.   underdog
48 You cannot stop the errors, you can only hope to contain them.

--=-=

Wow, triple by Cody Ross - break up the Rossmeister!

2006-04-10 10:48:13
56.   fawnkyj
Repko, & Ross getting big hits?!?! Is this coach Eddie Murray doing?
2006-04-10 10:48:54
57.   Jon Weisman
46 - Was that Odalis talking?
2006-04-10 10:50:14
58.   underdog
Rick Monday-isms always amuse me: "[at the end of the inning] But a nice play by the Dodgers and they're up 3-0 after half an inning."

...A nice play?

2006-04-10 10:50:25
59.   Bob Timmermann
56

Let's go to Eddie Murray for an in-game interview:
"Eddie, what's the deal?"
" "
"Eddie? Eddie? Eddie? .... We seem to be having some technical difficulty."

2006-04-10 10:51:09
60.   capdodger
To anybody watching the game: How did Ross's hit become a triple? Bad play in the outfield? Funny bounce in a strange corner? He's just that fast? Please do tell..
2006-04-10 10:52:38
61.   Underbruin
46 - This team clearly lacks the heart of previous teams. Good ballplayers get themselves into deep holes so that they can dig themselves out to PROVE they have the mettle to win in the postseason. Which is obviously Jim Tracy's plan for Pitt here today.
2006-04-10 10:52:44
62.   Curtis Lowe
60- It looked like it caramed off the wall over the right fielders head and the right fielder showed a great lack of "Hustle".
2006-04-10 10:52:54
63.   madmac
C'mon, where are all those Repko bashers. Instead of asking what does Loney have to do to keep Nomar on the bench. I ask what does Repko have to do for all of you to say something nice about Repko. Choi is no Repko.
2006-04-10 10:53:51
64.   Sam DC
OT: Feel like Nate raised this issue once, but I could be crossing circuits. Anyhow, Mike Wilbon's NBA comments in this washingtonpost.com chat are interesting and discussionworthy (other than the fact that, contra Stanley Kapalan, he didn't read the question closely enough and gave a completely non-responsive answer).

"Speaking of Pippen: Can you think of an appropriate Hall of Famer in another sport who is comparable to Pippen? Not that Scottie wasn't a great sidekick on some great teams, but no way does he go the Hall without Jordan.

Michael Wilbon: James Worthy? Is the dynamic between Stockton and Malone different? Is that more 50-50? Last I checked, Jordan played with the Bulls before Pippen and with the Wizards after Pippen and had no real team success either time. And Pippen, remember, did reach the Western Conference finals, and Game 7 at that, with Portland when he did not have Jordan. We know Jordan, clearly, was the greater player. But I don't think that relationship was 80-20 or even 70-30...65-35??? 60-40? I don't know how to quantify it."

2006-04-10 10:54:02
65.   Underbruin
63 - I'd hope not. Choi's much too tall.
2006-04-10 10:54:04
66.   trainwreck
Our scrubs know Tracy's gameplan too well.
2006-04-10 10:54:12
67.   NPB
I've seen the Dodgers live twice this year (here and in Philly), and have watched most of the other games on TV. Am I the only one here who finds himself shockingly impressed by this team's offense?
2006-04-10 10:54:19
68.   Zak
Like Jon alluded to, how is Odalis supposed to pitch effectively with a three run lead?? The Dodgers are putting him in a position to fail.
2006-04-10 10:55:14
69.   Gold Star for Robot Boy
I like this trend of fast starts from the offense.
2006-04-10 10:56:56
70.   Eric L
60 As Curtis said, it hit off the wall in right field (it's very high) and bounced into short to mid right field.

63 No complaints about Repko here. I like what he's done so far and if he keeps it up, as a Repko basher, I'll stand corrected.

Let's not bring Choi into this, please. It's a silly exercise.

2006-04-10 10:57:43
71.   underdog
67 I'm not shocked by it (even without Nomar and Lofton) but am impressed. I expect them to have a good BA this year, with a fairly low # of HRs. (As has already been discussed here.)

=-=-
63 I don't think there are any Repko bashers in this particular msg thread at the moment...

=-=-=-

Damn, another stolen base off Odalis. Sigh.

2006-04-10 10:58:38
72.   capdodger
68 - Don't worry. OP will find a way to give it all back.
2006-04-10 10:59:55
73.   adamclyde
67 I've been impressed too. but in a sort of 2005-start-of-the-season sort of way. I just don't think it can last. (what can I say... I'm a skeptic)

However, I'll take it while we can get it. I just hope the inevitable decrease in runs produced can be countered with some more effective pitching from some of our starters (let's hope penny's night last night can carry over to our friend odalis). And, as Jon pointed out here in a recent post, an increase in extra bases/home runs would be very nice.

but... I'll definitely take the runs we are getting while they keep coming...

2006-04-10 11:00:08
74.   Underbruin
70 - "Let's not bring Choi into this, please."

Have I wandered to the wrong site somehow? Is this, or is this not, Dodger Thoughts, where we give you all-Choi all-the-time?

:)

2006-04-10 11:00:11
75.   D4P
71
Damn, another stolen base off Odalis. Sigh.

Yeah, but in this case, it was Tracyball. Nothing you can do about that.

2006-04-10 11:00:28
76.   Curtis Lowe
Anyone else notice the Daffy duck Vs. Donald duck music in the backround?(from who framed Roger Rabbit)
2006-04-10 11:01:06
77.   Jon Weisman
63 - I'm not a Repko basher like some others, but for seven games, Repko has been doing much better than I expected. He's been doing it mostly against righties, too. I hope it keeps up, though I don't expect it to. But if it does keep up, I'm giving half the credit to Manny Mota.
2006-04-10 11:01:35
78.   screwballin
63 I've seen plenty of praise for Repko here since the season started. But you probably won't see many people ready to declare him the next Brian Giles based on a few ABs.
2006-04-10 11:02:21
79.   Jon Weisman
I believe that's Pittsburgh's first steal of the year, if I read Baseball Musings correctly today.
2006-04-10 11:02:33
80.   Bob Timmermann
I'm more than content to ride the Repko Express until it runs out of fuel, gets derailed, or is hijacked by Butch and Sundance.
2006-04-10 11:02:41
81.   Zak
All-Choi all-the-time? Isn't that the name of the 24-hour Indian tea cafe at Dodger stadium?
2006-04-10 11:03:20
82.   madmac
Agreed, no Choi debate wanted. Like the venom directed toward Repko, I've never understood the fascination with Choi. No need to discuss.
2006-04-10 11:03:56
83.   Daniel Zappala
So if by some miracle Repko plays this well all season, does Steve have to perform some grossly-public penance? Or are we a forgiving lot?
2006-04-10 11:06:08
84.   Sam DC
Grabowski, calling Mr. Grabowski, you're principle is ready . . .
2006-04-10 11:06:32
85.   trainwreck
If Repko plays this well all season he would be a MVP candidate.

I do not think we can blame anyone for not expecting that.

2006-04-10 11:06:51
86.   Sam DC
grrr . . . and I tried to get that back as I submitted. One less ' and e, please. grrrr.
2006-04-10 11:07:45
87.   Marty
Like the decisions conversation earlier, just because Repko does well doesn't mean bashing him was wrong :-)
2006-04-10 11:08:32
88.   Bob Timmermann
"All Choi, all the time" is the slogan for WHSC-AM.

Which is a real radio station in South Carolina BTW.

2006-04-10 11:08:39
89.   Underbruin
85 - I predicted it. Really, I did. You don't believe me? Well, I predicted that too.
2006-04-10 11:08:40
90.   madmac
At least he gets referenced by his actual name now.
2006-04-10 11:08:51
91.   King of the Hobos
The Suns just won on an RBI walk by Raglani. They had 2 hits in the game, by Zapp and Ellis, but Laroche and Raglani had 2 walks apiece.

The Suns pen has been dominant as I predicted, allowing 3 runs in 23.2 IP, striking out 25. TJ Nall has given up 2 of the runs (although has 8 of the K's)

2006-04-10 11:09:24
92.   underdog
75 Heh. And was walking the pitcher (OP) part of Tracy's master plan, too?

Btw, I don't expect the Repko Express to continue at this pace either, but it's obvious that Mota did indeed help him in the off season and that when Lofton comes back (for all our doubts about him) that a Lofton-Repko platoon should be more than adequate.

Meanwhile, there's Chris Duffy.

2006-04-10 11:10:19
93.   Underbruin
88 - Guffaw.
2006-04-10 11:10:32
94.   screwballin
I stand corrected: Repko is the next Brian Giles.
2006-04-10 11:10:41
95.   sanchez101
what is going on with repko?
2006-04-10 11:10:47
96.   Curtis Lowe
No Jinxing!
2006-04-10 11:10:50
97.   Shmueli4
cycle anyone??
2006-04-10 11:10:55
98.   trainwreck
Cycle in 4 innings... come on Scrappy Doo.
2006-04-10 11:11:23
99.   Shmueli4
96 - sorry
2006-04-10 11:11:32
100.   fawnkyj
Who is that guy Repko?
Show/Hide Comments 101-150
2006-04-10 11:11:51
101.   regfairfield
I think a lot of people have been commenting that Repko actually looks a lot better at the plate this year.

His defense is still an adventure, however.

2006-04-10 11:11:56
102.   underdog
[[cough]] 4 RBI's for Repko Pujols.
2006-04-10 11:12:11
103.   Sam DC
90 Assuming it was meant in a good natured way, as I do, that's pretty astute and funny.

And Repoke has the tough half of the cycle out of the way!

2006-04-10 11:12:13
104.   ROC
Repko just completed the hardest part of the cycle by the 2nd inning. If he completes it, we'll hear about this for a while, similar to that ~17 pitch AB by Cora...
2006-04-10 11:12:26
105.   Spageticus
Man, I'm smelling some cycle
2006-04-10 11:12:28
106.   Underbruin
Repko has apparently decided to supply this Dodger lineup with all of his massive amounts of plus-level power.

Somebody check that boy's locker for the syringes.

2006-04-10 11:12:31
107.   Bob Timmermann
I believe we are now at Condition Yellow on the Dodger Hitting for the Cycle Warning Chart.
2006-04-10 11:12:56
108.   Zak
At least Repko is showing that Jim Tracy knew something we didn't all along.
2006-04-10 11:13:06
109.   FirstMohican
Where's the Jason "In play, out(s) recorded" Repko that we all know and love?
2006-04-10 11:13:29
110.   Curtis Lowe
Repkemon cannot be stopped!
2006-04-10 11:13:41
111.   Gold Star for Robot Boy
Repko is taking the lock off his 'cycle.
2006-04-10 11:13:48
112.   Marty
The Pirates have always been my "backup" team to root for since my father was from there, actually Monongahela. I cannot root for them anymore with Tracy there. I would really enjoy a sweep by the Dodgers.
2006-04-10 11:14:04
113.   Penarol1916
91. Is Alexander part of the bullpen in Jacksonville? He took a couple of classes from my dad at the University of Missouri, he always liked that kid.
2006-04-10 11:14:30
114.   Underbruin
On another note, what power problems? We're not even through 2 yet and the Dodgers have a double, two (!) triples, and a home run.

Yikes.

2006-04-10 11:14:35
115.   Curtis Lowe
110- Repokemon
2006-04-10 11:15:58
116.   regfairfield
108 Let's not go that far. It's still early, and Repko was absolutely terrible last year.

The way he looks at the plate right now suggests an improvement, but I'll still be surprised if he gets his average over .260. Remember how long it took before we discovered that yes, Mike Edwards does stink?

2006-04-10 11:16:13
117.   Sam DC
103 Oy vey, needless to say, that misspelling was not on purpose, even though it sort of fit with the comment.

Since it's too late anyways, can we clear up whether the no-jinxing rule applies to cycles?

2006-04-10 11:16:23
118.   slackfarmer
Lesson learned from all of an inning and a half: the Pirates really stink.
2006-04-10 11:16:43
119.   madmac
I know, as long as Repko keeps this up I'll call him the anti-Choi. Ok, I won't mention the C-word anymore, please don't ban me.
2006-04-10 11:17:03
120.   Underbruin
I think Grady Little and Jim Tracy just might be the worst two managers in baseball at handling their respective pitching staffs. This could be an interesting series. =P
2006-04-10 11:17:49
121.   Bob Timmermann
The last time we were at Condition Red on The Cycle Alert was this game:
http://www.retrosheet.org/boxesetc/B09080ARI2003.htm

Izturis just missed a double:
DODGERS 7TH: HENDERSON BATTED FOR BROWN; Henderson struck out;
Izturis singled to center [Izturis out at second (center to
shortstop)]; Lo Duca grounded out (pitcher to first); 0 R, 1 H,
0 E, 0 LOB. Dodgers 3, Diamondbacks 3.

2006-04-10 11:18:05
122.   D4P
Where's the Jason "In play, out(s) recorded" Repko that we all know and love?

He's been kidnapped and (at least temporarily) replaced by Jason "In play, run-scoring play" Repko.

2006-04-10 11:18:08
123.   subclub
58 that was part of a larger theatrical metaphor.
2006-04-10 11:18:34
124.   ROC
114 And I think it safe to say we'd have three triples if Odalis wasn't in front of Furcal on his shot to center.
2006-04-10 11:18:36
125.   King of the Hobos
Neifi still has a higher OPS than Repko. Neifi has a 1.285 OPS, Repko 1.231
2006-04-10 11:19:11
126.   Underbruin
Ahh, yes, let's HBP the career-.240 hitter Burnitz with nobody on base. -sigh-
2006-04-10 11:19:20
127.   Bob Timmermann
Ok, I won't mention the C-word anymore, please don't ban me.

Sir, I'm afraid I have some bad news. Your test results are back.

You have Choi.

2006-04-10 11:19:42
128.   slackfarmer
121 I remember that game. Izzy did hit for the cycle, but the ump made a bad call at second. Robbed I say.
2006-04-10 11:20:20
129.   Underbruin
124 - Heheh, good point. The team currently has more triples than singles in the game even so. Me likey.
2006-04-10 11:21:44
130.   King of the Hobos
113 Yes he is. Currently 1-1 after pitching 2 innings, but hasn't given up a run and has 2 K's.
2006-04-10 11:22:28
131.   Underbruin
I have to say, at least to this point in time (SMALL SAMPLE SIZE WARNING) Furcal looks pretty bad on defense. BRING BACK IZZY! =P
2006-04-10 11:24:32
132.   slackfarmer
Note that Tracy's leadoff hitter is managing a batting average of .125. What is it with Tracy and giving away outs? He has two newbie CFs, both of which are underperforming. He'll switch back and forth between them so neither builds much confidence, but he won't move them out of the leadoff spot (down to say, 8th).
2006-04-10 11:24:36
133.   Bob Timmermann
Hey, has Izturis ever turned an unassisted triple play?

No.

Ergo, Furcal is the better fielder.

I think there may be a logical fallacy in there somewhere.

2006-04-10 11:25:32
134.   Steve
Repko is not only doing this, he's doing it against Jim Tracy. sanchez, mea culpa.
2006-04-10 11:27:02
135.   Zak
132 That does not sound like Jim Tracy at all.
2006-04-10 11:28:38
136.   Underbruin
133 - If A = B, and Izturis = C, Furcal is a better fielder.

Q.E.D.

2006-04-10 11:30:41
137.   underdog
131 A small furcal sample?
2006-04-10 11:30:45
138.   Underbruin
134 - Can't you just see the postgame interview now? "Did I say I believed that, when put into a position to succeed, that young man could possibly not be a bad player? I think I might have, yes. Did I allow him to be put into a position to succeed last year? I believe that was in actuality the case. And is this year's Dodger team reaping the benefits? When they play a shitty team like my Pirates, I think the answer is, quite possibly, yes."
2006-04-10 11:31:14
139.   Curtis Lowe
When would be a good time to swap out Navarro for Martin?
2006-04-10 11:31:15
140.   Underbruin
138 - Umm... I meant to replace that s***ty with something else, but forgot to preview. -_-
2006-04-10 11:32:47
141.   Marty
139 In a couple hours?
2006-04-10 11:33:08
142.   underdog
116 It took me about two games to realize Edwards stunk - it took Tracy a lot longer. Repko has a much better upside than Edwards, not just as a former first round draft choice but as one with talent that needed some assistance (cue: Manny Mota). Whereas Edwards was a journeyman career minor leaguer who never looked like much at the plate or in the field. Just imho, anyway.
2006-04-10 11:33:35
143.   Zak
138 "I would also like to add that Repko would be a superstar by now if I didn't have to introduce myself to three quarters of my players on opening day last year. It is very disappointing"
2006-04-10 11:35:21
144.   underdog
Given how patient you guys are with young Dodger catchers, I'd rather Martin not called up anytime soon - he may not survive the immediate expectations. Stolen bases have been stolen off Dodgers pitchers this year for the most part. Navarro's home run yesterday ultimately didn't lead to a win, but shouldn't be erased either...
2006-04-10 11:35:52
145.   natepurcell
When would be a good time to swap out Navarro for Martin?

maybe when martin starts hitting in vegas.

2006-04-10 11:35:57
146.   King of the Hobos
Matt Kemp has a new player journal today at MiLB.com. He seems to have some idea of what he needs to improve upon: "The thing I probably need to work on the most is pitch recognition and being patient at the plate."
2006-04-10 11:37:03
147.   Marty
143 As I suspected, Tracy slept through Spring Training last year.
2006-04-10 11:37:56
148.   Underbruin
147 - Well played, good sir.
2006-04-10 11:38:13
149.   Marty
Letting the pitcher get a hit off you. Not a good sign.
2006-04-10 11:39:22
150.   Daniel Zappala
Apparently this is "let's be nice to the opposing pitcher" day.
Show/Hide Comments 151-200
2006-04-10 11:39:50
151.   trainwreck
138
Haha I would love to see Tracy unravel like that into a barrage of swears.
2006-04-10 11:39:51
152.   Underbruin
And ESPN's gamecast enlightens me that, shockingly, Wilson's average actually goes up as he gets further ahead in the count.

More details to come.

2006-04-10 11:40:17
153.   Zak
147 There were reports that an older gentleman in a Dodger uniform with the number 16 on the back of his uniform and on a tattoo on his forearm spent the entire 2005 spring training at the Florida Marlins camp.
2006-04-10 11:41:15
154.   King of the Hobos
Bases loaded for Bay. Perez seems to have a lot of trouple with this inning
2006-04-10 11:42:00
155.   Underbruin
Oh, good. Bases loaded for Bay. Who here believes the safest play is to walk in a run? 'Cuz I rather do...
2006-04-10 11:42:29
156.   Zak
Goodbye 5-0 lead. Hello Odalis blowup.
2006-04-10 11:42:38
157.   Underbruin
... Nevermind.
2006-04-10 11:42:41
158.   Curtis Lowe
phew lucky little peanut.
2006-04-10 11:43:07
159.   Steve
Bay is going to find himself next to Craig Wilson if he keeps pulling that nonsense, and McLouth and Duffy will both be in the lineup.
2006-04-10 11:43:10
160.   underdog
Whew and woo-hoo! A DP for OP.
2006-04-10 11:43:46
161.   Zak
reverse jinx.. a-ha.
2006-04-10 11:44:14
162.   trainwreck
An episode of "In My Own Words" with Vladimir Radmonovic, I cannot wait. That is going to be a ratings bonanza.
2006-04-10 11:45:30
163.   Underbruin
Hmm... Question for Bob and other various historians - has a pitcher ever hit for the cycle? Just curious...
2006-04-10 11:46:54
164.   Curtis Lowe
163- Bob Gibson?
2006-04-10 11:47:00
165.   Marty
163 I don't know about a cycle, but a pitcher (Jim Maloney?) hit two grand slams in a game.
2006-04-10 11:47:44
166.   trainwreck
Awww what a bum.
2006-04-10 11:48:35
167.   Underbruin
Repko's terrible! Yank him!
2006-04-10 11:48:36
168.   underdog
163 He's surely not the only one, but Babe Ruth is one...

Btw, pitcher Joel Hanrahan did it for the 51s in the minors...

2006-04-10 11:48:46
169.   Jon Weisman
Tony Cloninger.
2006-04-10 11:48:49
170.   Bob Timmermann
No pitcher has hit for the cycle I believe. Tony Cloninger is the pitcher with two grand slams in the game.

We are still at Condition Yellow.

2006-04-10 11:49:25
171.   Marty
Did Babe Ruth do it a a pitcher?
2006-04-10 11:49:33
172.   Bob Timmermann
Babe Ruth never hit two grand slams in one game. Nor did he ever hit four home runs in one game.
2006-04-10 11:50:30
173.   Jon Weisman
Have I mentioned recently how much I hate the nickname "Peanut," for Odalis, considering it was presented here by an annoying commenter who ended up spewing ignorant and racist filth?
2006-04-10 11:50:44
174.   Marty
And Shawn Green did, ergo Green > Ruth.
2006-04-10 11:50:49
175.   Underbruin
Well, I know the Babe hit for the cycle 3 times... Just not -when.- I don't really think of him as a pitcher (though it technically does fit as an answer to the question)
2006-04-10 11:50:57
176.   Bob Timmermann
The last player to hit two grand slams in one game is Bill Mueller, who did so in 2003.

And he hit one from each side of the plate too.

2006-04-10 11:52:11
177.   Bob Timmermann
Sitting with a list of people who have hit for the cycle, I can tell you that Babe Ruth never hit for the cycle.

Babe Herman hit for the cycle three times, which is the major league record.

2006-04-10 11:52:55
178.   trainwreck
Remember Fernando Tatis two grand slams ugggghhhh.
2006-04-10 11:53:43
179.   Underbruin
Sheesh... The last time a player hit for the cycle in a LAD uniform was 1970 - Good ol' Wes Parker.
2006-04-10 11:54:56
180.   Underbruin
177 - Well, it's tied for the major league record. John Reilly and Bob Meusel also accomplished the feat thrice.
2006-04-10 11:55:10
181.   Bob Timmermann
Players who have hit for the cycle since the last time a Dodger did it (back in 1970) include:
Freddie Patek
Neifi Perez
Chris Speier (twice!)
Jack Brohamer
Greg Colbrunn
Jeff DaVanon
Tim Foli
Oddibe McDowell
Chad Moeller
Robby Thompson
Daryle Ward
2006-04-10 11:56:32
182.   underdog
Oops, you're right - I was thinking of Babe Herman, not Babe Ruth - the former never a pitcher, obviously. Oh well, never mind. At least I knew the pointless trivia about J Hanrahan though.

Modern era pitchers who may have done it (or not) could include Mike Hampton?

2006-04-10 11:56:53
183.   Bob Timmermann
Fitting that a guy who hit for the cycle three times would go on to star in a movie called "Hard Eight" as well.
2006-04-10 11:57:29
184.   underdog
Who calls Odalis peanut? That's awful...
2006-04-10 11:57:56
185.   D4P
I think that hitting:

1. 4 HRs
2. 3 HRs and any other basehit
3. 2 HRs and a single/double, single/triple, double/double, double/triple, triple/triple

should all count as the "cycle" because the hitter/runner could have chosen to stop at the necessarily bases in order to make it a "cycle." Why, for example, should a "single/double/triple/homerun" be given more acclaim than a "double/double/triple/homerun"?

2006-04-10 11:59:12
186.   Underbruin
185 - Because baseball is weird.
2006-04-10 11:59:27
187.   King of the Hobos
How many times did Steiner just say "Olmedo Saenz" on the home run call?
2006-04-10 12:00:09
188.   Gold Star for Robot Boy
173 - I think I know of whom you speak, but I missed the "peanut" garbage and I'm glad that's the case.
2006-04-10 12:00:17
189.   Curtis Lowe
Olmedo Olme-D0?
2006-04-10 12:00:20
190.   underdog
All Saenz are pointing to Olmedo continuing his reign of terror vs Pirates. Power!

C

2006-04-10 12:00:50
191.   Underbruin
Meanwhile, amidst the 'cycle' discussion I began that probably jinxed Repko to hit nothing but GIDP for the remainder of the game, Olmaedo is awesome and the Dodgers continue to show they can hit for power.
2006-04-10 12:00:51
192.   Humma Kavula
Why is Zach Duke still in this game? Seriously, I'd like to know.
2006-04-10 12:01:49
193.   underdog
Steve Lyons once hit for the psycho.
2006-04-10 12:01:55
194.   Underbruin
187 - I believe that's an imaginary number somewhere just bigger than "eleventy-bajillion"
2006-04-10 12:02:04
195.   Penarol1916
185. Because it's not a matter of what is more impressive, it's just the fact that hitting for the cycle is a cool thing.
2006-04-10 12:02:27
196.   underdog
192 Because Jim Tracy doesn't have the luxury of even Gio Carrara and Duaner Sanchez in his bullpen?
2006-04-10 12:03:27
197.   Underbruin
192 - You can't take a guy like Zach Duke out early. You have to put him in a position to succeed. Besides, who would the Bucs replace him with, exactly?
2006-04-10 12:04:11
198.   adamclyde
nice to see the dodgers improving their HR stats by 100% in this game alone...
2006-04-10 12:04:32
199.   underdog
Ah, bummer - Duke's being pinch hit for. Put out of his misery...
2006-04-10 12:04:40
200.   Daniel Zappala
That was a shot by Saenz. Just inside the left field foul pole. He didn't even look like he swung that hard.
Show/Hide Comments 201-250
2006-04-10 12:09:10
201.   Underbruin
Looks like somebody decided to remind Perez that it's an even-numbered year.
2006-04-10 12:10:16
202.   underdog
Do we all agree that having Navarro catch Perez so far seems to be the better arrangement after all? (Not to blame Alomar for all of Perez's struggles last time... But it's like night and day with OP's results.)
2006-04-10 12:11:25
203.   Curtis Lowe
202- Huzzah!
2006-04-10 12:11:25
204.   regfairfield
202 That was against one of the best lineups in the NL. This is the Pirates.
2006-04-10 12:13:17
205.   D4P
Because it's not a matter of what is more impressive, it's just the fact that hitting for the cycle is a cool thing.

But given that a hitter already has a 2B, 3B, and HR, why would it be "cooler" if he then hits a single than if he hits a 2B, 3B, or HR?

2006-04-10 12:13:48
206.   Bob Timmermann
The big problem with a pitcher hitting for the cycle today is the fact that they hit ninth. Unless the team goes nuts hitting, a pitcher is lucky to come up four times.

When players hit for the cycle, it's not often they go 4 for 4.

2006-04-10 12:13:52
207.   underdog
204 Absolutely true. Not even fair to compare. But Perez looks like he's throwing much better - which could just be the result of the adjustment he claimed to have made this weekend, and less to do with the games the catchers have called. Just sayin' - given he's usually pretty solid at home and bad on the road... just sayin'.
2006-04-10 12:14:19
208.   capdodger
I never understood the "peanut" nick for OP. It just didn't make sense to me.
2006-04-10 12:14:51
209.   Bob Timmermann
Why hit for the cycle?
Why go to the Moon?
Why does Rice play Texas?

We don't do these things because they are easy. We do them because they are hard.

2006-04-10 12:14:56
210.   bluetahoe
I absolutely LOVE this team. Our starters are STRONG. Our bullpen is STRONG. Our offense is STRONG. Our defense is STRONG. This is so much fun. I love our new guys. Tomko got his 1st win of 15, hopefully. Loney looks great. Mueller is a hit machine. Baez is lights out. RMartinez has been solid. Repko's not new, but he looks to be better than Milton Bradley. Looking forward to Seo tomorrow. Ned Colletti has pushed all the right buttons so far. GREAT hire by the McCourts.
2006-04-10 12:16:26
211.   Curtis Lowe
210- I too love this team but that is a little Too Extreeeeme for me.
2006-04-10 12:17:16
212.   jdjd77
This game is getting a little tedious. I can only hope Lyons breaks out his patented "wacky makeshift dodger jacket" again.
2006-04-10 12:17:42
213.   underdog
210 I'll have what he's having!
2006-04-10 12:17:44
214.   Bob Timmermann
The White Sox had three home runs going into today's game at Detroit.

They have hit three today.

2006-04-10 12:17:55
215.   bluetahoe
No way Curtis. I really expect us to win the pennant. Anything less will be a disapointment.
2006-04-10 12:18:09
216.   Curtis Lowe
208- I dunno, I thought that was his nickname.
Out of respect for this board I will refrain from the use of "peanut" unless of course there are cracker jacks involved.
2006-04-10 12:19:40
217.   Sam DC
185, 209 My drive home from Philadelphia yesterday included a long discussion, with no one having anything intelligent to say, about why the final score of game one was 6-3, not 4-3. Jon, Bob, anyone? (I actually think the answer to this is in the archives of this site somewhere, but Ken would have to give me a long lesson before I could effectively search it out.)
2006-04-10 12:20:01
218.   King of the Hobos
And Repko's defense continues to be an adventure
2006-04-10 12:20:12
219.   Curtis Lowe
215- I expect that as well but Tomko for 15 wins is a bit of an overstatement.
2006-04-10 12:20:13
220.   Telemachos
210 Our bullpen is strong? We've blown two games so far because of problems in the pen. (Certain relievers look good, others don't). Our defense is strong? It's been OK... but nothing absolutely stellar (and arguably cost us the first game yesterday).

I'm all for enthusiasm, but not blind enthusiasm.

2006-04-10 12:20:24
221.   Peanuts in My Shoes
Who is doing the broadcast with Monday on KFWB? First time I've caught a game on the A.M.
2006-04-10 12:22:10
222.   fawnkyj
221
Jerry Reuss
2006-04-10 12:22:47
223.   Bob Timmermann
217
Because they changed the rule about the score of game-ending home runs back in the 1920s.

In the old days, Abreu would have been given credit for a double (or a single if the runner was on third).

For a brief period, the Lords of Baseball retroactively changed a bunch of these plays to home runs. Then a couple years later, they went back and reversed themselves. The main reason for this was to not give Babe Ruth credit for an additional home run.

However, during a long period of Babe Ruth's career, balls that bounced over the fence were home runs, not doubles.

It is believed that Ruth had no bounce home runs.

2006-04-10 12:24:04
224.   capdodger
217 It was 6-3. If a multi-run home run plates the winning run, all runners including the batter-runner are allowed to score.
2006-04-10 12:24:12
225.   Curtis Lowe
Odalis errrrr a exit a stage left.
2006-04-10 12:24:42
226.   bluetahoe
Telemachos. Even without Gagne, Ned has been able to put together a SOLID bullpen.

Baez is a stud. He saved like 50 games for Tampa Bay last year. Kuo is lights out. Carter is solid. We just need one of Brazoban or Osorio to step up.

2006-04-10 12:25:02
227.   capdodger
223,224 - Why did I even bother?
2006-04-10 12:25:10
228.   underdog
Uh oh, time to get the bullpen involved, speaking of which. Oh well, it was a good run.

-=-=-=

Btw, I like Jerry Reuss so far. Rick Monday and "play by play" continues to strike me as oxymoronic.

2006-04-10 12:25:58
229.   natepurcell
i honestly dont see how anyone can think this is a strong team. this team has obvious flaws. Those who dont see it have to be blind by colletti love.
2006-04-10 12:26:12
230.   regfairfield
210 True or false: Chris Shelton is the best player in baseball.
2006-04-10 12:26:45
231.   capdodger
226 - You're calling Carter solid based on what? Five innings? Come back in a month, we'll know more then.
2006-04-10 12:26:48
232.   Jon Weisman
I'm going to speak up now, without knowing what will happen, and say that I like the quick hook on Odalis at this point.
2006-04-10 12:27:01
233.   screwballin
210 Couldn't you have said many of the same things about the '05 team after the first week?
2006-04-10 12:27:45
234.   underdog
232 Ditto. You could smell the implosion coming... My fingers are now officially crossed.
2006-04-10 12:27:57
235.   scareduck
Unless 210 is ironic sarcasm brought on by the sudden appearance of Dodger supremacy over a chronically weak team, I have a question: what meds are you on and do you know a Dr. Feelgood who can prescribe me a few?

Jon -- good piece but you forgot the part where Tracy asks himself questions about the relationship in the third person.

2006-04-10 12:28:38
236.   scareduck
232 - ditto. At least Grittle is willing to learn from his Pedro, er, mistakes.
2006-04-10 12:28:46
237.   Jon Weisman
235 - Wouldn't that have been too on the nose? I think it would have been.
2006-04-10 12:29:15
238.   Curtis Lowe
Frankie Oh for the hold.
2006-04-10 12:29:26
239.   bluetahoe
And Osorio stepped up. I LOVE THIS TEAM!!!!!
2006-04-10 12:29:28
240.   underdog
And... nicely done, "Frankie"!
2006-04-10 12:29:40
241.   adamclyde
232 With full hindsight, I'm going to agree...
2006-04-10 12:29:47
242.   scareduck
228 - I was enjoying Reuss up to the point where he declared that veteran leadership was necessary on a bad team like the Pirates because they're so young. Rubbish; they need good players.
2006-04-10 12:30:03
243.   natepurcell
Osori*a*
2006-04-10 12:30:20
244.   Daniel Zappala
232 It's still early. Doesn't it take a little while for a pitcher to build up stamina? If I remember correctly, Perez was at 74 pitches at the beginning of the inning. I'd say good job and work towards more pitches next time.
2006-04-10 12:30:49
245.   Jon Weisman
I've seen a lot of people write Osoria's name as "Osorio." I even saw it throughout a Press-Enterprise article that was published. Why is this?
2006-04-10 12:31:36
246.   underdog
235 A prozac cocktail of some sort. Well, it's the refreshing other extreme from the downers some people seem to be on - but a little too extreme, indeed.
2006-04-10 12:31:55
247.   bluetahoe
Sheesh guys. Why all the negativity? This team will win 95-100 games in this weak division. Low win total is 90. That's a guarantee.
2006-04-10 12:32:14
248.   King of the Hobos
Looks like we jinxed the cycle attempt. It'll take a lot of hits to get Repko up there two more times
2006-04-10 12:32:26
249.   Gen3Blue
Did this really happen or did I hear it wrong.
A home fan interfered on a home players hit down the right field line so they awarded the player second. Is there something wrong with this rule?
2006-04-10 12:32:38
250.   Curtis Lowe
Overall a strong showing by Odalis. Seems he lacks endurance but I didn't really expect an 8 inning showing by him. Lets hope he can turn it on again against the giants this weekend.
Show/Hide Comments 251-300
2006-04-10 12:33:07
251.   Jon Weisman
Dodgers.com: "Little said he has already abandoned his idea of starting Alomar only when Odalis Perez pitches and will allocate playing time depending on scheduling and matchups, but he doesn't want to overuse the 37-year-old Alomar."
2006-04-10 12:33:08
252.   scareduck
237 -- Are you saying my sense of humor is atrophied to the point I can only belabor the obvious and kick long-deceased horses?
2006-04-10 12:33:25
253.   Curtis Lowe
247- It's good to have confidence in your team but seriously do not jinx this!
2006-04-10 12:34:22
254.   natepurcell
247

its not negativity. Its trying to be realistic.

2006-04-10 12:34:23
255.   Bob Timmermann
Condition Blue for the cycle now.
2006-04-10 12:35:06
256.   Underbruin
245 - Symmetry at the front and back of the name?
2006-04-10 12:35:17
257.   King of the Hobos
249 It was an easy double. The fan could have caused it to be even more bases. Seemed like the right call to me
2006-04-10 12:35:20
258.   blue22
232 - What'd you think of the quick hook given Lowe yesterday? He had gone through 6 innings and 83 pitches, and his spot in the order had just turned over. He hadn't struck anyone out, but didn't look like he was laboring, in fact he had been getting a lot of groundballs.

The decision to bring in Brazo was a mistake. He cannot be brought into close games right now. Kuo should've started the inning at the very least.

2006-04-10 12:35:49
259.   screwballin
242 I've given up hoping for a broadcaster who doesn't spew the old school party line on occasion. Even Vin does sometimes.

Reuss has made Monday quite a bit more tolerable, from what I've heard so far. And that's no mean feat.

2006-04-10 12:36:13
260.   trainwreck
Can we please quit all this jinxing non-sense haha.
2006-04-10 12:36:14
261.   scareduck
251 -- a step in the right direction. After all, he might turn to dust if they give him more than, oh, 15 starts.
2006-04-10 12:36:15
262.   adamclyde
not kent's day at the plate...
2006-04-10 12:37:28
263.   Jon Weisman
252 - Yes, but in a good way.

Seriously, I think too much is made of the way Tracy talks. Of all the things that grew to bother me with him, that barely registers.

2006-04-10 12:37:39
264.   bluetahoe
I forgot about Alomar too. He's been brilliant so far. If our new guys keep playing this well I'm going to have to start referring to Ned Colletti as Midas.
2006-04-10 12:38:20
265.   Jon Weisman
Can we get a little James Loney as defensive replacement/injury prevention for Saenz?
2006-04-10 12:38:28
266.   Curtis Lowe
260- Every relationship I've had, Where either myself or the lady said we will be together forever has ended pretty much the next week.
Call me crazy but stats don't lie.
2006-04-10 12:38:47
267.   Underbruin
247 - 90 wins, a guarentee? Anybody else here feel like selling this fellow a bridge over somewhere in Brooklyn?

Look, I like the offense the team has shown so far (especially today's power surge, which hopefully won't totally disappear over the coming games). Keep in mind we've played against two of the worst pitching staffs in baseball, though, and that even teams that start 12-2 can finish with a resounding -thud- so a 3-3 (4-3, one hopes) start is nothing to overly crow about.

Let the players get into a groove, and let's get the season rolling a bit before outrageous predictions (didn't we learn our lesson last year?). I'm not saying the team can't win 90 games. I'm saying I won't promise that as a fact 7 games in.

2006-04-10 12:39:41
268.   trainwreck
What have we learned from sample sizes Curtis? haha

If superstitions worked everyone in baseball would be a good player.

2006-04-10 12:40:11
269.   Jon Weisman
Whether or not the kinds of comments Bluetahoe is making are intentional or unintentional hyperbole, it's possible people are taking them too seriously.
2006-04-10 12:40:19
270.   Curtis Lowe
258- I thought the same thing but it was the 7th and Lowe gave up a lead off double. Perhaps he's still getting a feel of his bullpen?
2006-04-10 12:40:52
271.   Underbruin
265 - You want a little Loney?

... There's a rhyming joke in there somewhere but I'm neither courageous nor clever enough to make it.

2006-04-10 12:41:01
272.   scareduck
263 - :-)

265 - given Loney's injury history, shouldn't we be looking at that as using Saenz as injury protection for Loney?

2006-04-10 12:41:33
273.   Bob Timmermann
Wasn't Lowe being pulled early because he is going to start on 3 days rest the next time out?
2006-04-10 12:41:39
274.   Penarol1916
264. You make me sad.
2006-04-10 12:41:50
275.   scareduck
266 - sure, but is that a small sample size?
2006-04-10 12:42:02
276.   Sam DC
258, 270 I filed that one under "better to take him out too early rather than too late."
2006-04-10 12:42:03
277.   overkill94
Bad luck for Frankie this inning, neither of those hits were hard. He needs to keep doing the same thing and get a DP.

Or bring in Hamulack, either way.

2006-04-10 12:42:10
278.   Underbruin
269 - Nonsense! The internet is nothing if not serious! BaseballToaster is a matter of life and death! EXCLAMATION POINTS!
2006-04-10 12:42:15
279.   trainwreck
Your wish is Grady's command Jon.
2006-04-10 12:42:18
280.   Gen3Blue
King--- I was hearing the Pirates announcers say the batter might not have gone for second, but after seeing it I like your take.
2006-04-10 12:42:35
281.   Jon Weisman
258 - I wasn't watching it live, so I can't say. But I hope I'm allowed to have different reactions to different pitchers.
2006-04-10 12:43:16
282.   trainwreck
Charlie Steiner called Grady a brilliant tactician along with Jim Tracy...
2006-04-10 12:43:33
283.   Jon Weisman
Yeah, good time for a double switch.
2006-04-10 12:43:34
284.   King of the Hobos
Hamulack in means Craig Wilson should bat. I'd prefer McLouth vs Osoria over Wilson vs Hamulack
2006-04-10 12:43:44
285.   bluetahoe
LOL.... underbruin. We went to town on HUDSON, SMOLTZ, and RAMIREZ. We've faced solid pitching. Our offense is STRONG. It will continue all season. We'll be top 5 as a team in most offensive categories.
2006-04-10 12:44:45
286.   Underbruin
285 - okay im drinking the kool-aid now guys. RAMON MARTINEZ FOR MVP!

(I'm done, but I couldn't resist - channeling Steve, I guess)

2006-04-10 12:45:17
287.   Curtis Lowe
275- The sample size is about 8 - 12 but the timing was probably the thing I should mention. Junior high and High school probably shouldn't be included and if those are taken out the sample size would be 0 as I am still together with my girlfriend from senior year 8 yrs ago.

Anyhow, How bout dem Dodgers?

2006-04-10 12:46:23
288.   Jon Weisman
You fall off a Hamulack, you get right back on.
2006-04-10 12:54:29
289.   Underbruin
287 - Wait, dem who?

Oh, you mean there's a baseball game on today? Who knew?

2006-04-10 13:00:54
290.   scareduck
288 - what is a Hamulack, anyway? A cross between a hammock and a Cadillac?
2006-04-10 13:01:03
291.   D4P
A new employee at a sandwhich shop was struggling to create his first club sandwich. He had included the bacon, turkey, cheese, and veggies, but couldn't shake the feeling that he was forgetting something. He finally decided to consult his supervisor.

Newbie: "I've included the bacon, turkey, cheese, and veggies, but I think I'm forgetting something."
Supervisor: "Let's see here...bacon, turkey, cheese, and veggies...Ahh yes, I see the problem."

"It's ham you lack."

2006-04-10 13:01:23
292.   Curtis Lowe
Hamulack has not been impressive.
2006-04-10 13:02:23
293.   Steve
Hamulack is the New Carrara.

Between Manuel, Tracy, and Little, it's been a long weekend.

2006-04-10 13:03:18
294.   Sam DC
My wife and I got a very nice weddig present of a hammock made from old shipping ropes with a very sturdy steel frame, well-oiled fittings, room for two and a dog. Kind of a Hamulack.
2006-04-10 13:05:10
295.   sanchez101
Cody Ross is the Depodesta version of the scrappy CF, whereas Jason Repko is Jim Tracy's verstion of the scrappy CF. I think that can tell you a lot about the actual (as opposed to the LA Times version) differences between Tracy and Depodesta.
2006-04-10 13:05:15
296.   Steve
Tracy brings in the infield losing by four.
2006-04-10 13:05:17
297.   Linkmeister
Isn't Hamulack the next town over from Hamtramck?
2006-04-10 13:05:34
298.   scareduck
Gameday is about a batter ahead of Gameday Audio, again.
2006-04-10 13:06:40
299.   Bob Timmermann
Cycle Alert is at Condition Green
2006-04-10 13:07:03
300.   Underbruin
I'm hoping I wasn't the only one who couldn't access the site for a good bit, there...
Show/Hide Comments 301-350
2006-04-10 13:07:22
301.   Sam DC
Nationals are tied 3-3 in the 8th. Leadoff man Marlon Byrd just singled to start the inning. Jose Vidro, hot all year and 3-3 w/2 RBI on the day, up to bat. And Nationals fans the world over rejoice that Frank Robinson is serving his suspension for the Mets brawl and not around to call for the sac bunt.
2006-04-10 13:07:59
302.   Bob Timmermann
I think there was some sort of nationwide DOS thing going on. It wasn't just here that was dead.
2006-04-10 13:08:16
303.   bluetahoe
Hamulack hasn't been anything like Carrara. Carrara was dominant in his years as a Dodger. A sub 3.00 ERA with a winning percentage of around .750. Hamulack's going to need to improve big time and be super productive for several seasons before you can compare him to Carrara. Carrara was a great Dodger. Hopefully the same will be said about Hamulack 5 years from now.
2006-04-10 13:08:40
304.   Curtis Lowe
300- You are not alone.
2006-04-10 13:08:50
305.   scareduck
295 - explain?

299 - explain?

Matt Capps his inning by eliciting a GIDP off the bat of Loney. Barring an awful outing by the rest of the Dodgers bullpen, this game is won.

2006-04-10 13:09:33
306.   Curtis Lowe
Will someone tell the Pirate fans to not reach into the playing area!
2006-04-10 13:09:35
307.   Steve
Please do what you will, but do not talk to me.
2006-04-10 13:09:39
308.   Underbruin
302 - I got into a couple of other sites just fine while I couldn't get here...

Strange.

2006-04-10 13:10:04
309.   sanchez101
... And Dioner Navarro saves a Repko blunder.
2006-04-10 13:10:55
310.   Sam DC
And in Houston, Vidro strikes out and Byrd steals second, so Robinson can go back to enjoying his day off.
2006-04-10 13:12:11
311.   Underbruin
Duffy's average against the Dodgers has dropped over .150 thanks to today's game.

So much for Tracy's matchup-stats - think he'll sit tomorrow?

2006-04-10 13:12:57
312.   sanchez101
Steiner keeps harking to this "manage the first six innings and the last three outs" saying. Is it because two of the Dodgers three L's were lost in the 8th inning, where the manager isnt "managing" for some reason? Shouldnt you manage the whole nine innings, is this some sort of late inning coffee break?
2006-04-10 13:13:25
313.   Steve
I like Jerry Reuss as much as the next guy, but Duffy is not a good anything hitter, much less a good fastball hitter.
2006-04-10 13:14:22
314.   scareduck
302 -- if so, the Internet looks awfully healthy to me:

http://www.internetpulse.net/

2006-04-10 13:14:26
315.   Underbruin
312 - It's a little-known fact that the 7th-inning strech is actually the mid-point of every manager's multi-inning naptime.
2006-04-10 13:16:11
316.   King of the Hobos
Is the all star game logo above the right breast on the Pirates uniform some sort of advertising gimmick? What purpose does it possibly serve?
2006-04-10 13:16:18
317.   scareduck
"The Pirates have done an extremely good job of coming off the bench." -- R. Monday

As opposed to allowing their butts to be stapled to the pine.

2006-04-10 13:17:18
318.   Marty
Everybody needs their Gio. I can't believe the Pirates cut the original Gio this spring training.
2006-04-10 13:17:27
319.   Underbruin
Okay, 11 batters in the inning to get Repko the cycle. Let's go, LADs.
2006-04-10 13:17:43
320.   Bob Timmermann
Once the All-Star Game ends, the next city in line can start promoting it and selling merchandise.

The Pirates need all they help they can get.

2006-04-10 13:17:55
321.   Marty
317 That's classic Monday.
2006-04-10 13:18:49
322.   sanchez101
315. Its like Steiner is the spokesman for some underground manager union (its like the skulls or the illuminati only membership is restricted to dumbass managers) and Steiner only speaks their propaganda.
2006-04-10 13:19:35
323.   bluetahoe
Our bullpen does seem a little shaky in the first week of the season. If someone other than Baez or Kuo doesn't step up I advocate that Midas trades for a known quantity for the pen.
2006-04-10 13:19:45
324.   Underbruin
322 - How ELSE did you think he was going to get that broadcasting job?
2006-04-10 13:20:22
325.   Bob Timmermann
Every time a Dodger game ends and no player has hit for the cycle, Wes Parker opens up a bottle of champagne and downs it.

Man, you should see what his liver looks like by now.

2006-04-10 13:20:24
326.   Curtis Lowe
322- Who leaves Pitchers in way too long, WE DO WE DO. Who benches players who can hit the ball, WE DO WE DO!
2006-04-10 13:21:06
327.   scareduck
326 - that should be "WE WILL", in keeping with the Bucs' 2006 ad campaign.
2006-04-10 13:21:10
328.   Underbruin
Where's Grabowski when we need him to face J. Grabow?
2006-04-10 13:21:10
329.   Steve
322 -- It's kind of like the DaVinci Code, but the keystone is John Kruk's book.
2006-04-10 13:21:16
330.   Marty
I think heady days in Detroit are over. Two losses in a row.
2006-04-10 13:21:34
331.   Sam DC
If anyone else happens to have been gamedaying the Nationals game, how can pitch 2 to ensberg have been plotted up at his chest, but described as blocked in the dirt.

And we're losing Frank, back to back to walks to open the eighth by Majewski.

2006-04-10 13:21:49
332.   Curtis Lowe
323-Midas = Colletti Because everything he touches turns to gold?
2006-04-10 13:23:14
333.   Marty
Interesting choice of names, since The Midas story is a tragedy.
2006-04-10 13:23:15
334.   adamclyde
now would be a good time for kent to get a hit...
2006-04-10 13:24:18
335.   sanchez101
dear god, John Kruk has a book?!
2006-04-10 13:24:36
336.   Underbruin
333 - Didn't he end up with donkey ears?
2006-04-10 13:24:41
337.   Curtis Lowe
334- Is a walk okay?
2006-04-10 13:25:45
338.   Marty
Or, everything Ned touches turns to mufflers.
2006-04-10 13:25:53
339.   scareduck
330 - interesting, it took about the same amount of time in 2004 for the Tigers to start to revert to their old, bad ways.
2006-04-10 13:27:45
340.   Steve
I Ain't An Athelete, Lady. It's ranked #568,000+ at Amazon.
2006-04-10 13:27:48
341.   Curtis Lowe
338- hahahaha.
2006-04-10 13:28:00
342.   Underbruin
Yhency.

Anybody feel like reviving the ol' Ghame Over hopes?

On another note, the Dodgers have been outhit 13-11, but are winning by 5. Considering their power struggles before today, that would have seemed almost unfathomable before gametime.

2006-04-10 13:28:01
343.   overkill94
Wow, Steve Lyons just called the Pirates' line-up "fairly potent"
2006-04-10 13:29:22
344.   Linkmeister
329 A timely remark. I just finished reading The DaVinci Code (I wouldn't buy it till it came out in paperback).

Review here:
http://tinyurl.com/l6hb5

2006-04-10 13:29:28
345.   Underbruin
You know, Bay has not looked all that good today, highlighted by that 1-out, bases loaded GIDP to end the inning...
2006-04-10 13:29:41
346.   Steve
It might be against Brazoban.
2006-04-10 13:29:47
347.   underdog
Now would be a good time for Brazo to work out the kinks, with no pressure.

And... not a good start.

343 Thus the nickname "psycho"?

2006-04-10 13:30:15
348.   Underbruin
345 - ... Wait for the AB to finish before speaking.

-_-

2006-04-10 13:31:05
349.   adamclyde
342 yeah, big diff with this game is that we are the ones getting the extra bases. 2 triples and 2 HRs. nice. I hope this is a little closer to what we'll see this year over the power we saw the past 6 games.
2006-04-10 13:31:45
350.   underdog
Wow, I just saw that Coco Crisp fractured his hand. Might not be out that long, though.
Show/Hide Comments 351-400
2006-04-10 13:32:04
351.   Sam DC
Nationals survive walking two to open the eighth (key play: catching a runner from third heading home on a fast ground ball to second base). Tied going into the ninth. Nationals 0-12 from their 3-4-5 hitters today.
2006-04-10 13:32:48
352.   Underbruin
349 - I'd take some level of compromise between the two. I especially don't think we'll see Repko with 7 bases in his first two at-bats all that often (while Kent goes 0-fer with a walk), but one never knows. -shrug-
2006-04-10 13:33:24
353.   trainwreck
350
Yeah, possibly only ten days. Not even on DL yet.

He's on both my fantasy teams, so I need him to be healthy.

2006-04-10 13:33:45
354.   overkill94
I must make a confession to everyone: Jason Repko is on my fantasy team.

So is the killer tomato, today has been a good day.

2006-04-10 13:34:33
355.   Sam DC
351 Ooh, exciting aggressive play. Zimmerman singles to get aboard. But unfortunately Clayton swings and misses through the hit'n'run and Zimmerman's caught at second. Two outs.
2006-04-10 13:34:45
356.   trainwreck
354
How many people are in your league?
2006-04-10 13:34:50
357.   underdog
Woo hoo. Ghame is over.
2006-04-10 13:35:02
358.   Bob Timmermann
It's now Lunch O'Clock.
2006-04-10 13:35:20
359.   Steve
I must make a confession to everyone

Not the first confession made today.

2006-04-10 13:35:30
360.   Underbruin
8-3, exactly what the team should do to a bottom-dweller like Pittsburgh. Still, always nice to coast to an easy win, even if Odalis and then Hamulack offered a bit of stress along the way.
2006-04-10 13:36:40
361.   underdog
So when Lofton and Garciaparra come off the DL sometime soon... who goes? Loney I presume. And then will Ross be DFA? Will they go with one less pitcher? Stay tuned...
2006-04-10 13:37:12
362.   Sam DC
355 And I'm not even going to trouble you with the oddity of Royce Clayton hitting in that situation.
2006-04-10 13:37:14
363.   adamclyde
352 agreed...

nice win. I'll take it. even nicer that it was over Tracy. Would love for JD Drew tomorrow to knock a few out of the park in trace's honor...

2006-04-10 13:37:25
364.   dagwich
Can I dust off (literally, I'm afraid) my GHAME OVER shirt? Technically it wasn't a save but I need to get more mileage out of that shirt.

358 -- More like beer o'clock here on the east coast.

2006-04-10 13:38:06
365.   Sam DC
Bill Hall first homer in new Busch Stadium.
2006-04-10 13:38:51
366.   Steve
So when Lofton and Garciaparra come off the DL sometime soon

Do they hafta?

2006-04-10 13:40:39
367.   Gen3Blue
We'll take it. But giving 14 hits to the poor Pirates does not build confidence in the bullpen, even if it was the B-game crew.
Hopefully Kuo-Baez stay better.
2006-04-10 13:41:27
368.   Sam DC
Well-stated review of DVC linkmeister. Were you around for the DT thread where folks panned that book pretty thoroughly (a commonly-held, but not universal of course, view).
2006-04-10 13:43:38
369.   Gen3Blue
364-- definitely approaching Beer-O'clock.
2006-04-10 13:44:44
370.   Steve
I'm writing something on the recent DVC trial, so I just picked up the book this weekend to see if I could make heads or tails on it. It's not terrible, but I don't understand why that book and not hundreds or thousands of other pulp fictions.
2006-04-10 13:45:51
371.   Sam DC
Free baseball in Houston.
2006-04-10 13:46:54
372.   Marty
Rich Lederer notices "old friend" Juan Enarnacion isn't doing so well yet:

Speaking of the Redbirds, Juan Encarnacion is 4-for-23 with no XBH or RBI, and he has left 20 runners on base during the Cardinals first six games. I've seen him on TV twice with the bases loaded, and he grounded out to second on a feeble swing with a 2-0 count and struck out on a breaking pitch that was out of the strike zone

2006-04-10 13:47:21
373.   Underbruin
370 - Because it stars Tom Hanks.

Oh, wait...

2006-04-10 13:48:31
374.   Sam DC
370 I think the general reaction of DTers the last time around, was pretty similar. OK, fine, but Robert Ludlum did that years ago and way better.
2006-04-10 13:48:56
375.   Marty
I haven't tried to get through Davinci code yet. I have friends who hated it. One actually threw it against the wall in disgust. About the writing, not the religious issues.
2006-04-10 13:49:45
376.   King of the Hobos
Daryle Ward just hit a pinch homer in the top of the 10th.
2006-04-10 13:50:16
377.   Sam DC
Whoa. Old friend Darlye Ward with the 10th inning homer off Brad Lidge.
2006-04-10 13:50:18
378.   King of the Hobos
376 ...against Brad Lidge
2006-04-10 13:51:46
379.   Sam DC
Well, I took longer and spelled it wrong, since all my comments today have egregious typos, but I did build in a little extra info . . .

or should that be "ifno"?

2006-04-10 13:53:23
380.   Sam DC
Cordero will face Berkman, Ensberg, Wilson in the bottom of the tenth . . .
2006-04-10 13:53:47
381.   underdog
366 Yep, sorry. I wish we could get an exemption and ask for roster expansion now instead of waiting for Sept. 1.
2006-04-10 13:54:28
382.   Linkmeister
368 I'm sure I was here for the previous discussion, but since I hadn't read it I didn't feel qualified to comment. (Or maybe I skipped it knowing I wanted to read it at some point.)

I'd agree that Ludlum (who started as a screenwriter) could have done it better.

2006-04-10 13:55:16
383.   Linkmeister
370 Where is this writing of which you speak going to appear?
2006-04-10 13:56:26
384.   Uncle Miltie
210 Repko's not new, but he looks to be better than Milton Bradley
Hahaha, nice one.

It's laughable how bad the Dodgers' announcers are (except Vin Scully). I can't wait for spring break, so I can listen to these clowns.

If Repko can hit at a decent clip the rest of the year (at least .270), I'd much rather have him in the lineup than Lofton, especially if Repko is going to hit 7th or 8th.

2006-04-10 13:57:16
385.   King of the Hobos
Ensberg goes deep. At least Cordero gave up a home to a good hitter, as opposed to Daryle Ward
2006-04-10 13:57:23
386.   Sam DC
Oops -- Ensberg homers back.
2006-04-10 13:57:34
387.   Sam DC
And I have to go to a meeting!!!!!
2006-04-10 13:58:05
388.   Jon Weisman
375 - I think that was my brother's reaction.
2006-04-10 13:59:02
389.   Steve
383 -- TBD. We're pitching the idea.

384 -- I agree.

2006-04-10 14:00:12
390.   natepurcell
Ive read every Dan Brown book i think. Not because I am a huge Dan Brown fan, but because i fly a bit and i can finish most of his books on 1 or 2 flights.
2006-04-10 14:01:13
391.   Uncle Miltie
389- are you volunteering to take out Lofton's legs in the parking lot after a game?
2006-04-10 14:01:26
392.   Linkmeister
388 If you read my review, you'll see that I agree with your brother.
2006-04-10 14:02:23
393.   Steve
From what I could tell in spring training (not that that means anything), his legs are already out.
2006-04-10 14:04:03
394.   trainwreck
I have yet to read any of the DVC series, but I bought Angels and Demons.

I am reading Freakanomics right now, very interesting book.

2006-04-10 14:05:12
395.   natepurcell
A continuing theme I find in all of Dan Brown's books is that the ending of each always suck.
2006-04-10 14:05:13
396.   Sam DC
Meeting pushed back! (hmmm . . . what's that other guy doing right now?)

Jose Guillen, 3 pitch strikeout. 0-5. Nationals 3-5 hitters shooting for 0-15.

2006-04-10 14:07:05
397.   Sam DC
Um, no, Gameday revisits the issue and changes it to a six-pitch strikeout for Guillen. Maybe it's a hidden message . . .
2006-04-10 14:07:18
398.   Mr Customer
Does the new facade of Busch share an uncanny similarity with Ebbets Field, or is it just me?
2006-04-10 14:07:56
399.   Marty
A continuing theme I find in all of Dan Brown's books is that the ending of each always suck.

That's what I always thought about Stephen King too. Until I stopped reading him 20 years ago.

2006-04-10 14:08:04
400.   Sam DC
And lowly Brandon Watson, brought in earlier as a defensive replacement for Soriano, gets a single from the number 4 slot.
Show/Hide Comments 401-450
2006-04-10 14:11:06
401.   Sam DC
Royce Clayton batting in the 11th w/2 outs and runners at 2nd and 3rd? Doesn't anyone else realize he is not a good hitter?
2006-04-10 14:11:31
402.   Underbruin
394 - Very good indeed. Certainly the most entertaining economics-style book I've read (with apologies to Messers Krugman and Friedman)
2006-04-10 14:12:21
403.   Sam DC
(and Clayton grounds out to short)
2006-04-10 14:18:07
404.   Sam DC
Chris Burke, extra innings hero, up for the Astros w/2 out in the 11th.
2006-04-10 14:18:35
405.   Penarol1916
402. You liked it? You weren't bothered at all by the fact that the authors basically tried to claim all statistical analysis as the realm of economics, rather than allowing that other fields can also use that tool and it isn't necessarily economics?
2006-04-10 14:19:50
406.   Sam DC
. . . flies to center. On to the 12th in Houston.
2006-04-10 14:20:10
407.   dzzrtRatt
399 I realized many years ago that the endings of most books suck, even many of the classics. It's true about many plays and movies, too. A compelling first act sometimes is so compelling that the author finds him or herself incapable of writing a fitting conclusion.

Naturally, there are glorious exceptions.

According to AP, Tracy is only the fifth ex-Dodger manager the Dodgers have played against since 1900. Stengel, Durocher, Dressen and a guy named Ned Hanlon are the others.

What does that say about Dodger managers? That no one else wants them when we're through with them?

2006-04-10 14:20:13
408.   Vaudeville Villain
Nothing to say about the game, (we should be beating down a sorry franchise like the pirates), but on the subject of Dan Brown.

His "prose" is the most boring, tepid crap I've read since I read "See Spot Run" back in preschool.

2006-04-10 14:32:28
409.   Bob Timmermann
"A guy named Ned Hanlon"....

You mean the guy in the Hall of Fame?

2006-04-10 14:33:46
410.   Jon Weisman
407 - It mostly says that we had two managers for 50-odd years.
2006-04-10 14:34:18
411.   Steve
I guess I don't recognize bad prose when I see it either.
2006-04-10 14:37:17
412.   Sam DC
Houston wins on a sac fly by Eric Bruntlett off Mike Stanton in the bottom of the twelfth. Gigantor left idly in the pen.
2006-04-10 14:39:52
413.   dzzrtRatt
409 Yeah, that guy. I'm Superbas-challenged. My knowledge of pre-1903 baseball (I should really say pre-1920) is pathetic.
2006-04-10 14:54:12
414.   Bob Timmermann
Someone didn't read all of their Random Dodger Game Callbacks last year did they?

Tsk, tsk.

Hanlon managed to the Dodgers to their worst season ever: 48-104 in 1905.

2006-04-10 15:03:54
415.   Linkmeister
Nice memory of the twenty-fifth anniversary of Fernando's first start over at Futility Infielder:

http://tinyurl.com/oes8z

Yesterday was also Jay's fifth anniversary blogging.

2006-04-10 15:42:44
416.   tjshere
I'm right in the middle of DVC as we speak, so I thank all of you for having not given away any plot details in your reviews.

As for authors who write books with ending that suck, I'll cast my vote for Dean Koontz.

2006-04-10 15:47:19
417.   King of the Hobos
ESPN is reporting that Derrek Lee has signed an extension, which means the 2006 1B class includes Sean Casey, Shea Hillenbrand, Craig Wilson, Aubrey Huff, and all the guys that signed 1 year contracts this offseason. I believe Yeung-Seop Lee's contract with Yomiuri was 1 year, so he could get some interest if he plays as good as he did for the WBC. Still, not many good 1B candidates, so hopefully Loney or Guzman can take over fulltime
2006-04-10 15:55:15
418.   Marty
Speaking of which Bob, will there be Random Dodger Game Callbacks (TM) this year?
2006-04-10 15:57:53
419.   Marty
Authors who write books whose beginnings, middles and endings IMO suck: John Grisham.
2006-04-10 16:28:04
420.   Jon Weisman
The NL West is the second-best division in baseball right now:

23-17 NL Central
16-14 NL West
16-15 AL Central
15-15 AL East
13-14 AL West
11-19 NL East

Outside the division records:
10-4 NL Central
8-6 NL West
4-3 AL Central
6-6 AL East
6-7 AL West
6-14 NL East

2006-04-10 16:35:41
421.   Steve
I love Jim Tracy.

"One-and-7 obviously isn't the way you want to start," Tracy said. "But the (Dodgers) team I managed last year started 12-2 and we won 71 games. So it's not a large enough sample size of games. It doesn't mean this is the kind of team we're going to be for the next six months."

2006-04-10 16:40:14
422.   Jon Weisman
I'm perfectly willing to jump on the "Pirates will win more than 20.25 games this year" bandwagon.
2006-04-10 16:43:48
423.   Marty
Tracy also said this:

If we had been playing well and been in a position to be 1-7, that would be cause for concern.

I can't for the life of me figure out what that means.

2006-04-10 16:44:47
424.   Jon Weisman
Actually, this quote by Little is pretty good:

Little confirmed that, beyond substitute closer Danys Baez, he hasn't figured out who's who or what's what with his relievers.

"If someone gets batters out, he's a long man," said Little. "And if he doesn't, he's a short man."

2006-04-10 16:47:24
425.   Icaros
I love Jim Tracy.

I saw him first!

2006-04-10 16:49:24
426.   Icaros
A statement like 423 is grounds for immediate dismissal in my book.

Good grief.

2006-04-10 16:50:28
427.   underdog
424 Hah. I'll definitely take Little's homespun cracks over Tracy's enigmatic Rumsfeldisms.

Meanwhile, Giants fans up here in SF are already feeling pretty cocky about their team (he says, using the relatively small sample size of two co-workers) - can Houston slow down their "juggernaut"? Can the Dodgers win the series at home? Stay tuned.

2006-04-10 16:52:34
428.   Jon Weisman
423 - It's not that that Tracy quote doesn't make sense. It's the question of why "not playing well" wouldn't be cause for concern as well.
2006-04-10 16:54:17
429.   Telemachos
424 My brain hurts just trying to grok the meaning of that.

Hopefully, he's talking about how long a pitcher might be the "closer"? (ie, long term versus short term)?

Unfortunately, I think it's some weird statement about how a pitcher might end up as a LOOGY or a ROOGY. Except, if you can't get batters out, why are you on the staff?

I feel brain cells dying.....

2006-04-10 16:54:47
430.   Mr Customer
427 I agree, I'd rather my managers be smarter than they think they are.
2006-04-10 16:55:43
431.   Steve
As far as Tim Hamulack's Biggest Fan, I think he was just saying that he would leave in pitchers that are getting people out, and take out pitchers that are not, though talk is cheap, and Bobby Abreu homeruns are not.
2006-04-10 16:56:03
432.   Icaros
I don't get how playing well could put a team "in a position to be 1-7," and why that would be worse (or in any way different) than playing poorly to get to 1-7.
2006-04-10 16:58:09
433.   Steve
You would think he had never seen Jeromy Burnitz before.
2006-04-10 16:59:12
434.   Mr Customer
429 if you can't get batters out, why are you on the staff?

You'd think so, wouldn't you?

2006-04-10 16:59:42
435.   Kayaker7
432 Aha! Through our collective intellectual effort, I think we've cracked the code. If they were playing poorly and got to 1-7, then it means they have the ability to play better. If they played well, and got to 1-7, then that means they have no room to get any better, and they are already playing to the best of their abilities.
2006-04-10 17:01:19
436.   Steve
What would Jim Tracy like them to start doing?
2006-04-10 17:04:00
437.   Mr Customer
435 "You are what your record says you are."

Jim Tracy, Bill Parcells.

Bill Parcells, Jim Tracy.

Discuss amongst yourselves.

2006-04-10 17:05:44
438.   Andrew Shimmin
Sunland is on the right track:

http://www.dailynews.com/ci_3692441

When they task aerial drones to blowing up anybody doing the speed limit in the left lane, I'm going to move there.

2006-04-10 17:05:54
439.   Bob Timmermann
418
Random Dodger Game Callbacks are being moved to The Griddle and will not necessarily be Dodger games.

Trying to broaden my audience.

They will start on April 15.

2006-04-10 17:06:08
440.   Icaros
435

Yeah, I figure that's what he means, but how could a team play well and lose 6 of 7? That's some Ziggy-level bad luck.

2006-04-10 17:07:31
441.   Jon Weisman
"how could a team play well and lose 6 of 7?"

It could certainly happen against a great opponent. But who is it the Pirates have opened the season against?

2006-04-10 17:07:57
442.   Steve
I figure that's what he means, but how could a team play well and lose 6 of 7?

I need a ruling from the judges. Does this qualify as irony?

2006-04-10 17:09:13
443.   Marty
But how can you be in a position to be 1-7. Or rather, isn't everyone in a position to be 1-7 at the start of the season? Or 7-1 for that matter. Or maybe you have to be 1-6 to be in a position to be 1-7, because after all, 2-6 is no position to be in if you want to be 1-7. So you can be 1-6 and playing well in the game but be in a position to be 1-7. Or something.

I have a headache. And the cure is not Jim Tracy.

2006-04-10 17:35:46
444.   Andrew Shimmin
Newest adherent to "who's-to-say"bermetrics:

http://tinyurl.com/omdej

2006-04-10 17:38:15
445.   Jon Weisman
Actor Michael Keaton Criticizes Pirates

http://tinyurl.com/j6skj

Now that's somewhat ironic behavior from a first-pitch thrower. I'm guessing Keaton is not invited back for Pittsburgh Hollywood Stars Night.

More at-bats for Jon Lovitz, Tony Danza and Jonathan Silverman!

2006-04-10 17:52:05
446.   Icaros
444

I used to be one of those "Who's to say what's normal?" types. Then I realized that normal is just the majority, so it can be quantified.

What people should ask is, "Who's to say what's right?"

2006-04-10 18:00:39
447.   Fallout
424 Jon Weisman
"If someone gets batters out, he's a long man," said Little. "And if he doesn't, he's a short man."

I think he miss spoke. He ment, "And if he doesn't, he's a short timer."

2006-04-10 18:02:23
448.   Fallout
435 Kayaker7

Thank you for some sanity.

2006-04-10 18:08:16
449.   underdog
Do you want to hear the world's most boring announcers? Check out the clips from today's game on Dodgers.com of Saenz's homer and of Repko's homer. Must be the Pirates announcers, I'm guessing. They sound beyond funereal.

Makes me actually appreciate Rick Monday (yipes)

2006-04-10 18:10:57
450.   Eric Enders
Beyond Funereal would be a great name for a band.
Show/Hide Comments 451-500
2006-04-10 18:11:02
451.   Jon Weisman
I used to love Bob Uecker, but his call of Shawn Green's fourth HR in Milwaukee is one of the most phlegmatic I've ever heard. Just because it's an opposing player is no reason to dismiss a historical moment. Can you imagine Vin or Ross doing that?
2006-04-10 18:14:06
452.   trainwreck
449
The Mariners announcers could even get Derek Lowe to fall asleep.
2006-04-10 18:18:51
453.   Fallout
Over the weekend I watched a couple of innings of the Tiger-Rangers game. I thought that the Ranger announcers were pretty good.

Verlander, the rookie pitcher for Detroit was very impressive. He was throwing 91 to 98 mph with a great change and a very good curve ball.

2006-04-10 18:23:01
454.   Uncle Miltie
How did Kent not get an error on the ball hit by Burnitz. I also don't like the way Repko caught the ball on his "diving catch". If he misses that ball, it's at least a triple. You can't let the ball get past you.
2006-04-10 18:23:31
455.   underdog
450 Dibs on that. Now I just need to learn how to play an instrument and find some bandmates and.... zzzzzzzz....

452 I'll check 'em out next time I have insomnia. Sounds safer than taking ambien.

2006-04-10 19:18:23
456.   Bob Timmermann
There's a link to some classic Vin Scully on the Griddle now.
2006-04-10 19:47:08
457.   Eric Enders
449
Of which Mariners announcers do you speak? From what I've heard of Dave Niehaus, he's postitively spastastic -- not to say good, necessarily, just far from boring.

The video mentioned in 456 is hilarious, although I always liked RBI2 better than the original.

2006-04-10 19:53:20
458.   Vishal
[450] how about Funereal Disease? that sounds like a good metal band name.
2006-04-10 19:59:15
459.   Jon Weisman
458 - Well, we're moving closer to Dire Straits' Industrial Disease, which is a good place to be.
2006-04-10 20:09:14
460.   Woody
Oh, the futility of it all - two questions:
1. How could Jim Tracy's name even be mentioned in the same breath as the other four Dodger mgrs. with whom the Dodgers later competed?

2. If you've been out of the house or at work all day and a game is played during that time, will you try not to find out the score, or will you find out the score and only watch it if the team wins? I'm of the later school (hate to be tortured unnecessarily) and only watch if the team has won. Does this make me a bad person? My wife thinks I'm strange.

2006-04-10 20:29:50
461.   Eric Enders
I try not to find out the score. However, if I do find out the score accidentally, then I'll usually only watch if the good guys win, or if it was a close game.
2006-04-10 20:52:27
462.   King of the Hobos
Vegas has made it through its entire rotation of starters, all in Vegas. In 23 IP, they allowed 7 runs (5 earned) and only 2 homers, in Vegas. They also struck out 18, mostly on the strength of Stults' 7 K's. That's all pretty amazing, even with the small sample size. It's even better when you add in the 6th starter's relief stats (Hull has 7 K's in 4 IP, no runs allowed)

Of course, Harold Eckert is attempting to lose the current game after replacing Stults

2006-04-10 20:57:52
463.   King of the Hobos
Eckert has successfully given up more earned runs in one inning than the Vegas starting 5 has altogether, as well as more homers. Looks like Vegas could be in danger of losing a game, down 7-4 in the 6th
2006-04-10 21:07:29
464.   Bob Timmermann
Two other Dodgers managers in the 19th century went on to manage against the Dodgers later.

One was Bill McGunnigle, who led the Dodgers to consecutive pennants in different leagues and then got let go in favor of John Ward.

The next year McGunnigle took over in midseason in ... Pittsburgh.

Ward lasted two years with Brooklyn and then moved on to manage the Giants.

So of the former Dodger managers who went on to manage against the Dodgers, four of them (Ward, Hanlon, Stengel, and Durocher) are in Cooperstown.

2006-04-10 21:13:53
465.   Bob Timmermann
And the other managers were the two with the highest winning percentages as Dodgers managers : McGunnigle and Dressen, both of whom won two pennants.

And then there's Jim Tracy, who did at least win a divisional title.

2006-04-10 22:04:30
466.   bhsportsguy
I'm loving listening to the 51's games, nice comeback tonight
2006-04-10 22:08:35
467.   King of the Hobos
The 51's just pulled off a nice comeback victory to stay undefeated. Down 7-6, they loaded the bases in the bottom of the 9th, and Wilson Valdez came up with 2 outs. A single through the left side of the infield scored 2 runs for the win. It's shaping up to be a very good year for Vegas. Billingsley is on the mound tomorrow
2006-04-10 22:16:55
468.   natepurcell
vegas wins in a thriller 7-6!

aybar 0-5 k
ethier- 1-3 3b, bb
guzman- 2-5 k
young- 1-5 2k
martin- 2-4 2b, k

2006-04-10 22:17:22
469.   ROC
421 I'm glad Henson also picked up on that money Tracy quote:
"And perhaps unwittingly, he used a statistical term — sample size — that was a favorite of Paul DePodesta, the general manager with whom he often clashed."
I find it hilarious when Jim selectively uses objective reasoning only when it supports his subjective self.
2006-04-10 22:21:17
470.   natepurcell
oops i forgot about the pitching lines

stults- 5IP 4h 1er 0bb 7k
broxton- 1ip 0h 0er 0bb 2k

2006-04-10 22:56:51
471.   Curtis Lowe
Thanks Nate and King for the Vegas updates.

Is Broxton at 2ip 1h 0er 0bb 5k ?

2006-04-10 23:18:07
472.   natepurcell
yep thats his current line.

the hit was a ground single up the middle.

2006-04-11 08:40:39
473.   dewey24
I read (pappasproductions.com) that The Red Sox were talking to the Dodgers about sending Manny and Foulke to LA for Yhency Brazoban, Chuck Tiffany and Joel Guzman. Heard anything ???
2006-04-11 08:45:20
474.   Penarol1916
Wouldn't we first have to get Chuck Tiffany back from the D-Rays?
2006-04-11 08:49:27
475.   underdog
If it's on pappasproductions.com, it must be true!

What 474 said. How old is that rumor anyway?

2006-04-11 08:50:21
476.   dewey24
I read (pappasproductions.com) that The Red Sox were talking to the Dodgers about sending Manny and Foulke to LA for Yhency Brazoban, Chuck Tiffany and Joel Guzman. Heard anything ???
2006-04-11 08:59:03
477.   al bundy
Are my eyes deceiving me, or did I see the words "love" and "Bob Uecker" used in extremely close proximity? Jon must've had a drink or two before writing that. :)
2006-04-11 09:02:33
478.   underdog
I haven't had a drink and I'm still seeing double...
2006-04-11 09:02:36
479.   al bundy
I heard the Red Sox were so happy about getting Choi off waivers that they wanted to send us Manny in return for Werth. Just because of all the gratitude. Nice, eh?
2006-04-11 09:23:18
480.   Blu2
For the Aybar Marching & Chowder Society:

http://www.reviewjournal.com/lvrj_home/2006/Apr-10-Mon-2006/sports/6789443.html

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