Baseball Toaster was unplugged on February 4, 2009.
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TV and more ...
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
Nomar Garciaparra is to begin a two-day minor league rehabilitation assignment Thursday and join the Dodgers on Saturday if all goes well, reports The Associated Press.
"I'm excited. I've had three days of batting practice and felt really good, so this is definitely the next step," Garciaparra said before making the trip to Fresno to join the Las Vegas team ...
Garciaparra also acknowledged that he still wasn't 100 percent physically, but that was only because of residual soreness.
"I think the last time I was 100 percent might have been when I was 5, but I'm feeling pretty good," Garciaparra said. "I did a lot of things to keep my legs in shape and maintain that, so going out there is not going to be much of a shock."
* * *
Against a lefty tonight, J.D. Drew, James Loney and Dioner Navarro sit. Jason Repko, Olmedo Saenz and Sandy Alomar, Jr. stand.
So does Kenny Lofton. I understand the impulse to rest Drew, but is Drew more fragile than Lofton? Guess the Dodgers are anxious to get Lofton his 100 games.
The more Navarro slumps, the more I'm convinced Ned will make a play for Javy Lopez. The Orioles have no need for him and he's in the last year of his contract. I don't think the kids will get the benefit of the doubt when they slump like Furcal and Nomar will. I'm preparing my grimace for when he makes a move for another veteran.
As for catching, it's a little early to give up on Navarro, but if the Dodgers do, I'd suspect they'd call up Russell Martin before making a trade for an established catcher. Could be wrong, but... it really sounds like Martin is pretty close to getting a try. Navarro's too young to give up on though, despite my being one of the many frustrated with his play over the past week... (his pitch calling, however, seems to have improved, and I trust more than Alomar's at this point.)
just my two cents
If the Dodgers lose their next two games, they will be on a 67-win pace.
Who says pennants aren't won or lost in April?
Mumbling to self... "12 and 2... 12 and 2...."
Should we take a poll? Who will be the first Dodger catcher to throw out a baserunner this season?
A) Navarro
B) Alomar Jr.
C) Alomar Sr.
D) Russell Martin
E) ___________
21 Agreed. And I think his offense will come around to "adequate" while his defense... well, as I said, I'm a little worried about it right now - based on passed balls and the basestealing issue, but agree that he should improve there. And the pitch calling is definitely better.
I swear Grady does the exact opposite of everything he says.
Ariza was crazy, because if he stayed longer he could have been a lottery pick, not to mention he would be such a better basketball player. Farmar has to work himself into the first round, so I agree that he should stay. Afflalo might not even be drafted if he left, which is why I expect him to comeback.
Furcal, SS
Cruz, LF
Drew, RF
Kent, 2B
Mueller, 3B
Old Maid, 1B
Sandy Jr., C
Repko, CF
A few thoughts:
1. Mueller batting in the 6-hole seems low. My guess is Grittle doesn't think Mueller has the power, but I'd rather see his high OBP there than Saenz.
2. Grittle has a rep as a player's manager, so after noting the Cubs were throwing a lefty he might've approached Drew and asked whether back-to-back days off sounded good.
3. I don't mind this cautious approach; perhaps the thinking is the Dodgers won't mind if Drew sits out a game a week as long as he's still healthy at the end of the season.
4. Clarification: I won't mind this cautious approach until Drew gets hurt. Then, I'll criticize JD for his fragile nature, DePo for signing him and Little for not running Drew into the ground despite knowing a season-ending injury was an inevitabilty. ;)
Here it is.
"What do you call Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes' baby when she's wearing her fancy bonnet?"
Anyway, cute!
http://www.prankplace.com/binoculars.htm?kbid=2585
Something more up to date:
http://www.prankplace.com/cellflask.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Surrey_With_the_Fringe_On_Top
I remember, when I was about 10, being at a Bar Mitzvah party with my grandmother, who upon seeing the entree said, without hesitation, "Spicy chicken curry with a shrimp on top." I thought she was about the funniest person in the world.
In addition, the kid comes right when Tom was going out to promote Mission Impossible 3, now he cancelled that...
http://tinyurl.com/nom3q
"... the Orioles had some discussions about former Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Cody Ross, but weren't impressed enough to consider signing him. Or so I'm told."
I would assume he means "weren't impressed enough to consider trading for him," but maybe he means "weren't impressed enough to make a waiver claim for him."
I should add that he is not good enough to warrant people trading for him if he has to be released.
The New Yorker concluded a piece with "MI:2" is NFG.
That movie is so bad, it makes Stormy Weather look like a good movie.
72 - I've said this before here, but the best line in a movie review I've ever read was the Times' review of The War with Kevin Costner.
"'The War' is what Forrest Gump would have looked like if Forrest Gump had directed."
Cannibal the Musical is real good if you listen to the drunken audio commentary by Trey Parker, Matt Stone, and gang.
77 - While hilarious, that review is misleading because I think it's trying to urge the reader to not see the movie. Would anyone here NOT pay to see a movie directed by Forrest Gump?
It could have been edited by a crack-addicted ferret with ADD that had just downed a half-dozen pixie sticks.
FYI The True Billy Hamilton has now been revealed.
Personally, that movie is #1 on my list to remake. I want to see Hugh Jackman as Sky Masterson. He's a movie star, he's sexy, he can sing and dance.
``Mad Dog Time'' should be cut into free ukulele picks for the poor.
Vin Diesel has been trying to remake Guys and Dolls for awhile.
The earth shudders at the thought.
I have a conundrum. Start Cruz batting in the 3 hole against a lefty he's never faced (I assume), or start Frank Thomas batting cleanup against Kenny Rogers who's doing well of late but someone that Thomas has hit well in the past.
I will count votes and make my lineup decision based on a majority vote (and before 6:45 PM). Thanks!
88. I think the funniest aspect of that movie is that it's actually considered by many to be a really good musical. Like I said, Im no expert, but I do enjoy South Park.
http://tinyurl.com/qfu2p
I hope Sam Cassell doesn't search for himself on yahoo because the suggestions that yahoo makes aren't very nice.
The initials stand for something I could never say at DodgerThoughts.
I always thought TJ simers looked like David Aldridge, the baseketball analyst guy.
I use to think Reggie Abercrombie had to be a preppy white guy. You can probably guess why.
I'll be at the Dodger game - I hope they have Laker game updates. The game may be the most important game of the year: the difference between getting swept and advancing to the 2nd round.
http://www.laweekly.com/la-people-2006/page-2-man/13161/
this turn around is remarkable.
Orgazmo is one of the greatest movies ever. Easily one of the most quotable movies ever.
Dad I don't think I am going to do hamster style anymore.
Nope, thats not Simers. Or at least, what my brain thinks Simers looks like.
When I learned Simers had an adult daughter, i just made Simers look like David Alridge but with grey hair and fatter in my mind.
LOL
LET'S GO BLUE!!!!!!!
Pure speculation. The article just said that Colletti is apparently a big fan. Remember when everyone thought Maddux was for sure going to sign with a west coast team? He ended up on the Cubs.
Too bad there's no hockey to watch tonight on Extra Innings.
I guess the real problem is that they hold 16 ounces of alcohol which will get you quite wasted in a 3-hour period. That's why I think the 8 oz. flask is the ideal baseball-watching accessory.
Another favorite alcohol-sneakin moment was a few years ago at a spring training game in Arizona. We took the bladder out of a box of wine and put it at the base of my back, halfway down my paints, held up by my belt. Needless to say, it was a day of fun in the sun relentlessly heckling the Padres' bullpen in right field.
All I can say is that the farmer and the cowman really should be friends.
Right now, Marty wants to wash Brad Penny out of his hair.
That explains the new headline. Do you think Mia Hamm comes along to Vegas for the rehab assignment?
Does Nomar Garciaparra have the spouse who likely makes the most money on her own?
Oh-oh. sound like Cub announcers.
Blame the Lakers. They are on FSN and the Angels got bumped to FSN Prime.
However I thought that you couldn't show a game on a OTA (over the air) station on a Wednesday?
The feed was doing that last night. It drove me to listening to the horrendous Cubs announcers.
Live on the wild side Steve. Have a Diet Coke!
Be a rebel.
Morneau pops out for the first out.
Penny doesn't like the baseballs.
Announcing is all in the legs :)
When I get off work.
When I brush my teeth.
After taking a test.
After sitting through 4 redlights and it's finally green.
Enjoy listening to him say things like "Juan Pierre is a fantastic ballplayer in all facets of the game."
Lew Ford is the Twins last hope.
the balls were not rubbed correctly according to Brad Penny
Juan Castro will be the last batter of the 9th inning.
If you saw a picture of me without a hat, you'd realize how funny that is.
Grits should make Alomar Tomko's personal catcher. We are going to lose most of those games anyways, so we might as well get him out of the way.
For me, that was almost a Jamba Juice spit take.
Not like Odalis is that much better haha.
We're a bit ahead of you there Sam.
Juan Castro is indeed an "old friend".
This is embarrassing.
I drink a Protein Berry Pizazz 2-3 times a week. Yum!
That was the drink I had.
Eerie....
Oops and g'night.
Great minds drink alike...
Every time the cubs steal a base, you drink!
At what point will the Dodgers be able to prevent anyone not playing catcher for the opponent from stealing second base whenever they want? Watching on TV, I can't tell if the catchers or the pitchers are to blame, or both.
Steve really shouldn't be consuming that much sugar...
Actually, the sarcastic cheer on that strike answers my question.
77 pitches thus far, which is what you'd expect from a non innings eater.
Could be a lot worse.
good because that's the story I'm telling everyone. well done.
what's the over/under on when he goes back on the DL? I'm setting the mark at 20 days....
They have had more important worries and an ideally uncaring bunch of starters. I hope they work on this in the minors but I have my doubts.
if we let one more runner steal, I was going to drink a gallon of bleach.
No. In fact, he's slugging a gaudy .246
Mueller robbed. Those seem to be our breaks lately...
Good times.
- do they test for that?
that is arguably the funniest thing I've ever read on this board.
Yes, see earlier comments on "problems with the Dodger feed" and the "unlistenability of Ron Santo."
Isn't the color man Ron Santo? If so, everyone in Chicago is well aware of Santo's ability or lack of them. Santo is an avowed homer and the Cubs like that. He's not slick. He's an acquired taste.
Well, Mr. .580 OPS was due up next...
Jon's original argument was that Alomar couldn't hit worth a lick and his defense was subpar. I couldn't find Alomar's CS rate (for whatever reason ESPN doesn't have catchers' fielding stats), but I think the majority of the steals have come off Navarro. Even then, it's pretty evident the pitchers are crappy at holding runners on.
And there's no way anyone can expect Alomar to keep this up. There's just too much evidence to the contrary....
i think lee was drawn across the bag as the throw went that way. putting his wrist out would be a reflexive and defensive move. you are correct, though, that he was never in a proper position had the flip from eyre been on target.
Most damning of all, he just made an error at 3B that cost the A's a run.
Perhaps we are witnessing a shift in the equilibrium of the baseball universe.
Suddenly luck is on LA's side all at once.
Good news, Alomar is out of the game.
I thought this was Saito Time.
311 - Ichiro! put up a 4 for 4 tonight, bringing his batting average to a whopping... .227??
Rrrrrafel Furcal!
I think that he should drop the embellishments and just announce the names.
What is wrong with Baez?
What a great closer we have.
Plus i like what he said about obp and slg and k's and bb's when he evaluates hitting and pitching.
I'm excited about grady, i think we have a good one.
Now only if we can get rid of ned.
Total opposite of last year.
I actually like the "bring in the closer to face the best hitters" concept. Well played, Grady.
Baez is clearly holding back because he's worried about pitching two innings.
It's all Icaros's fault for saying that there was a shift in the luck in the baseball world.
When did Freddie Bynum and Neifi Perez become one the Cubs' best hitters haha?
I said "perhaps"!
this is what happens when you bring your closer in in the 8th inning and wind up with a one run deficit.
And if the Dodgers score a few runs, Baez gets a save opportunity.
vr, Xei
Anyone want to give the status of the game, whhat's the score, how many out what inning?
At least we still have JD Drew left to pinch hit. Maybe the arsonist Kenny Lofton will light a fire, or perhaps Jeff Kent's leadership will will this team to victory.
Error by Baez allows Ramirez to reach
Single by Barrett scores Perez, wild throw by Repko moves runners up
Cedeno bloops single to score to two runs.
vr, Xei
It was the right move by grady, just the wrong results.
vr, Xei
vr, Xei
After that fly ball, he slammed his bat on the ground. He did that last night, too. It seems like he just needs to relax. He's swinging at good pitches, but just missing them. Hits will come.
It sure does not look like 41,000 showed up.
Uh oh, Steiner just said that the Dodgers may have lost Sandy Alomar to injury. Bring up Martin!
Repko's young,excited; I did that in softball too. What an arm,hope he didn't hurt it.
ARSONIST TIME!!
Walk-off three run HR for Carl Everett in Seattle. I wonder if he believes Danys Baez never existed...?
Oh-well, Goodnite Iraq.
I already watched it haha. Well I guess I can no longer use that British slang word without people knowing what I am talking about.
I KNEW for some reason that the Dodgers would lose this game even with a 4-2 lead. I deduced that Dusty would bring in Scott Williamson in the 7th inning and I actually vultured a fantasy win with him.... given the fact that he hadn't been used since April 14, and a rookie lefty on the mind it was a mathematical certainty that Williamson would come in and I had a hunch he'd get the save....
Still, I was rooting for that Cruz walk-off bomb... that would have been sweet
Goodnight, Mortar Attack.
Goodnight IED.
Goodnight Al-Zarquai.
Goodnight old Rummy whispering, "Hush".
Sometimes Gameday is just too funny:
>>
Bottom 9TH B:0 S:0 O:1
Chicago Cubs pitcher Scott Eyre left the game due to an injured knee.
Bottom 9TH B:0 S:0 O:1
Chicago Cubs first baseman Derrek Lee left the game due to an injured hand/wrist.
Bottom 9TH B:0 S:0 O:1
Los Angeles Dodgers catcher Sandy AlomarJr. left the game due to an injured leg.
<<
I almost expected to see this followed by a list of penalty minutes awarded. But of course Bob would have let us know all about those by now!
how about that Danys Baez eh guys? Era of .00. What a pick up!
Baez reminds me of Jeff Shaw...and that's not a good thing.
"Why was Baez pitching when we have a solid bullpen behind him? Saito, Lance Carter"
If Alomar gets DListed, won't Martin be called up? Possible platoon with Navarro?
I miss Ross being around. He seemed to have a knack for cutting off the nutjobs before they got going. It seemed rude at times, but it worked.
Goes along well with the rhetorical question posed earlier, "are typical Dodger fans that dense?"
I would say the average sports fan is like that.
Dodgers Stadium played Panama when Olmedo came to bat. Hilarious.
I think the errors on pitchers and earned/unearned runs rule exists for consistency.
Pitchers don't make a lot of errors to begin with.
Ross has a 2 homer game, then sits for 2 days.
Drew is the only one hitting and getting on base consistently, drives in the only 2 runs 2 nights ago, then sits the next game.
Questionable, at best, double switches and substitutions.
I hope I am wrong. But I doubt it.
That said, I'm beginning to agree with you about Little. My cousin the Red Sox fan told me when the Dodgers hired Little "Now he's your problem." Grady is not highly respected in Red Sox Nation.
It is way too early I think to draw any conclusions...heck, this time last year Dodger fans were blocking out October to watch the bums during the postseason.
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