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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

Use Your Time Wisely
2006-07-08 11:27
by Jon Weisman

Jackie Robinson was the mystery guest on today's What's My Line? rerun. Here are the questions (paraphrased by me unless in quotes) he was asked by the blindfolded panel. The panel had a time limit of three minutes, so they had to be efficient.

Joanna Barnes: Are you a series regular on television?

Bert Convy: Are you appearing in town now? (Amended to:) Are you in show business?

Arlene Francis: Are you a member of the sports world?

Soupy Sales: Are you a player? (Amended to:) Were you a player?

JB: Is your sport "associated with a warm season of the year?"

BC: I'm assuming your sport is baseball. Are you a coach?

AF: Are you a manager?

SS: Are you a broadcaster?

JB: Are you tall and good-looking and would you like to go on a date? (Polite laughter.) (Amended to:) Are you in another enterprise for which you are equally famous?

BC: Is it fair to say your sport is baseball?

AF: You're not a player, coach or manager now. Are you a famous umpire?

SS: Were you a famous player?

Time for one more question.

BC: Are you Stan Musial?

Talk about circling and circling before coming in for a landing.

Time was up, and Robinson was introduced to the panel. Convy was extremely disappointed he didn't guess correctly. Host Wally Bruner pointed out that Convy was a former professional baseball player (as seen on Dodger Thoughts), but Convy begged Bruner not to "put me in a league with Jackie Robinson." Nevertheless, Bruner insisted Convy was the biggest sports nut in show business.

Sales then related a tale that he said he got "a big kick out of telling people" - when he was in the Navy in 1944, he went to the Coliseum and saw UCLA beat USC with a backfield of Robinson, Bob Waterfield and Kenny Washington. In a classic Bob Timmermann moment, Robinson turned to Bruner and quietly asked, "Should I contradict him?" Robinson told Sales he played with Washington in 1939 and 1940. Poor Soupy.

(In fact, 1944 was the year that Robinson received his honorable discharge from the Army, after he was acquitted in a court-martial for insubordination arising from an incident in which he refused to sit in the rear of a public bus.)

Bruner wrapped things up by saying what a big "debt of gratitude" everyone owed Robinson for what he did. Robinson listened to Bruner speak for about 20 seconds, and I wondered what was going through his head. Did he accept this praise at face value, completely in the moment, or were the very opposite feelings he encountered less than 25 years earlier still fresh in his head?

Robinson's final words were to say that "in all sincerity" the challenges Branch Rickey faced were greater than his own. I really find it hard to believe that he truly believed this, but it made everyone feel good. He was a classy game show guest.

Today's show was probably the longest I've gotten to hear Jackie Robinson speak in my life.

* * *

Today's Game

Comments (405)
Show/Hide Comments 1-50
2006-07-08 11:47:50
1.   Bob Timmermann
And USC didn't lose to a UCLA team with Jackie Robinson on it. They played a 0-0 tie in 1939 and USC won 28-12 in 1940. And in 1944, USC beat UCLA 40-13.

I know someone who went to the 1939 game and she said it was the most exciting game she had ever seen. Over 100,000 in the Coliseum for it. Rose Bowl was on the line. USC ended up getting the bid with an 8-0-2 record to UCLA's 6-0-4.

2006-07-08 11:53:47
2.   Marty
I see what won your contest Bob, but who won?

Tom Haller was my first guess, and I thought I saw SF by his name on retrosheet for both appearances. Oh well.

2006-07-08 11:55:52
3.   Linkmeister
1 "And that's why the Rose Bowl should only take Pac-10/Big 10 teams!"
2006-07-08 11:59:09
4.   Bob Timmermann
Haller and Kent.

Haller played in the 1968 game for the Dodgers. He went 0 for 2 as a replacement for Jerry Grote. Johnny Bench finished up in the 9th.

The NL won that game 1-0 with the only run coming on a DP.

2006-07-08 12:15:08
5.   Tommy Naccarato
What's this stuff I was hearing on the radio last night that today's game isn't being televised? IS this true? Does anyone know why and how come?
2006-07-08 12:16:47
6.   confucius
I'm expecting Cruz to have a solid game today. Last year he hit better towards the second half of the season. He is also hitting right handed today.
2006-07-08 12:17:25
7.   confucius
5 It's on big fox.
2006-07-08 12:20:03
8.   Tommy Naccarato
Thanks 7

Last night on the way home on the XM feed, Charlie Steiner said that todays game wasn't being televised. Quite obviously he meant not on FOX Prime Network.

2006-07-08 12:25:44
9.   confucius
8 Either that or he was just being, Charley Steiner Misinformation Agent.

He says a lot of things that aren't true because he does not know how to read notes and speak at the same time.

2006-07-08 12:29:21
10.   twerp
Has Gameday changed anything last couple days? Anyone have any ideas why it would quit working on my computer? Has worked just fine til now.

Now only the first black background screen will come up; page just never seems to finish loading. A time or two the per cent loaded bar starts, then hangs before finishing. Have tried Gameday on other games, same story. ???

2006-07-08 12:30:31
11.   Howard Fox
just looking at today's lineup...and as I said yesterday about Grady Little...

Ethier sits this one out! and for Cruz yet...

2006-07-08 12:37:21
12.   twerp
10 Have to be away a bit. Thanks for any Gameday suggestions anyone has; I'll try them ASAP.
2006-07-08 12:43:14
13.   Bob Timmermann
11
Southpaw flinger for the Giants today, so Cruz starts.
2006-07-08 12:53:12
14.   trainwreck
Jackie Robinson was such a classy man and a good human being. I wish I was alive to to watch him and listen. I do not think we appreciate him enough frankly.
2006-07-08 12:53:47
15.   DXMachina
9 - At some point last night, Steiner and Lyons were talking about how Lyons would be doing the color for the Fox broadcast today (which is why Robin Ventura is doing radio color this afternoon), so I'm pretty sure Steiner knew what was going on.
2006-07-08 12:56:10
16.   Bob Timmermann
"Today we must balance the tears of sorrow with the tears of joy. Mix the bitter with the sweet in death and life.

Jackie as a figure in history was a rock in the water, creating concentric circles and ripples of new possibility. He was medicine. He was immunized by God from catching the diseases that he fought. The Lord's arms of protection enabled him to go through dangers seen and unseen, and he had the capacity to wear glory with grace.

Jackie's body was a temple of God. An instrument of peace. We would watch him disappear into nothingness and stand back as spectators, and watch the suffering from afar.

The mercy of God intercepted this process Tuesday and permitted him to steal away home, where referees are out of place, and only the supreme judge of the universe speaks."

From Jesse Jackson's eulogy for Jackie Robinson in 1972

2006-07-08 13:00:43
17.   thinkblue0
Id love to get Dontrelle just because he would bat 8th with Izzy 9th.
2006-07-08 13:13:29
18.   trainwreck
Lowe is going to need to be on top of his game with this lineup supporting him.
2006-07-08 13:13:31
19.   Bob Timmermann
Cesar Izturis has an OPS over 200 points higher than Dontrelle Willis this season.
2006-07-08 13:15:42
20.   trainwreck
Derek Lowe has praised Martin so much, so Little sticks him with Toby Hall.
2006-07-08 13:16:32
21.   Bob Timmermann
Not counting today's walk, Winn has a career 1.177 OPS against the Dodgers.
2006-07-08 13:16:47
22.   thinkblue0
19-

It was a joke.

2006-07-08 13:19:52
23.   natepurcell
This is going to be a bad first innings.
2006-07-08 13:20:46
24.   thinkblue0
23-

yeah, and I'm not looking forward to seeing Martinez, Izzy, Hall, and Lowe hit either....

2006-07-08 13:21:13
25.   trainwreck
Lowe is not at the top of his game.
2006-07-08 13:22:12
26.   Bob Timmermann
But Durham has stopped the Giants momentum at least!
2006-07-08 13:22:43
27.   JoeyP
Lowe's effectiveness is a result of batters swinging at that sinker out of the K zone. If they stop swinging at it, Lowe gets behind then has to come with a fastball, which unfortunately today is getting crushed.

Durham was hitting like .190 last time the Dodgers played against him.

2006-07-08 13:22:50
28.   natepurcell
its day games, hes just not any good in them.
2006-07-08 13:23:24
29.   Bob Timmermann
Durham was hitting like .190 last time the Dodgers played against him.

Apparently, he's gotten better.

2006-07-08 13:23:32
30.   trainwreck
Don't worry Odalis will stop the bleeding.
2006-07-08 13:26:55
32.   JoeyP
Dodgers last played the Giants on May 12-14.
At that time, Durham was hitting .183/.234/.254... He bottomed out on May 13th.
2006-07-08 13:28:05
33.   natepurcell
31

Well its nice of you to share, but I assume that email was sent in private and should have been kept private.

2006-07-08 13:28:16
34.   herman
Lowe must have got into a fight with Miss Hughes. Karma is a bitch.
2006-07-08 13:29:01
35.   JoeyP
31. If you're gonna copy and paste posts, just give us the link.
2006-07-08 13:31:54
37.   Gen3Blue
Oh boy, just got home and fired up gameday( its a FOX Dodgerless Saturday in much of the country). Just as well --eh. We must have really buggered it up somehow!
2006-07-08 13:32:34
38.   Steve
If it's safe to hate Derek Lowe again, then the world is again turning on its axis as normal.
2006-07-08 13:33:47
40.   natepurcell
36

I didnt say I agreed with all his viewpoints. If you come here enough, you would see that oldbear and I do clash on viewpoints. I just don't feel that a private email should be posted on a public form without both parties' consent.

2006-07-08 13:34:01
41.   trainwreck
36
lol we aren't his parents, we have no control over him.
2006-07-08 13:35:07
43.   Bob Timmermann
Whatever is going on, it doesn't need to be posted here period.
2006-07-08 13:35:28
44.   herman
31- Who is this guy? People who think they know everything, don't know anything!!!!
2006-07-08 13:35:56
45.   JoeyP
No one really cares here zwilnik.
2006-07-08 13:36:01
46.   DXMachina
36 - Actually, you're the one who seems to be trolling here.
2006-07-08 13:38:42
49.   natepurcell
So how about them Dodgers eh!?!? Yeah!
2006-07-08 13:39:55
50.   DXMachina
49 - Yeah, they're looking just GREAT today. Oy!
Show/Hide Comments 51-100
2006-07-08 13:40:12
51.   trainwreck
When does Elbert make his AA debut?
2006-07-08 13:41:07
53.   natepurcell
If I knew this was going to happen, I wish my would would have scheduled me during the day instead of Saturday night. I could have had a nice night tonight.
2006-07-08 13:41:21
54.   herman
Let's kiss and makeup.
2006-07-08 13:41:32
55.   Gen3Blue
Just scanned the posts. Looks like another"I'm smart--really" Fredo.
2006-07-08 13:41:48
56.   natepurcell
51

Today! Second game of the double header.

I'm expecting at least 4 walks from him :)

2006-07-08 13:42:46
57.   JoeyP
I'm sorry zwilnik, but I read multiple dodger fan sites and sometimes I read things that are so thoughtless and inept, that I feel compelled to respond. If your site had better content with more informed posters, than maybe you wouldnt get many responses. However, its hard to just sit by and watch someone suggest trading JD Drew for Jeff Weaver would be a good thing for the Dodgers.
Stuff like that...I'm sorry I had to sign up to respond to that nonsense.
2006-07-08 13:42:51
58.   scareduck
38 - Steve, you can hate on whoever you want. It's a free country... at least for a while.

31 - Wuzza? Dude... relax.

2006-07-08 13:43:15
60.   trainwreck
56
Awesome! How many K's are you expecting?

Anyone else ordering UFC tonight?

2006-07-08 13:44:01
61.   natepurcell
However, its hard to just sit by and watch someone suggest trading JD Drew for Jeff Weaver would be a good thing for the Dodgers.

It would be a good thing, what are you talking about!??!!? :)

2006-07-08 13:45:16
63.   trainwreck
Maybe he meant Jered Weaver haha.
2006-07-08 13:46:25
64.   natepurcell
Id trade Drew for Jered Weaver.
2006-07-08 13:46:26
65.   JoeyP
Nah it was Jeff.
2006-07-08 13:46:39
66.   trainwreck
Those glasses are huge Ned, they make you look like a bug.
2006-07-08 13:47:25
67.   trainwreck
I would trade Drew for Jered in a heartbeat.
2006-07-08 13:47:34
69.   scareduck
62, etc. - Can you kids just go outside and fight? You're interrupting the grownups' bridge party.
2006-07-08 13:49:39
70.   natepurcell
Game on!
2006-07-08 13:50:04
71.   JoeyP
Yeah really, I dont even want to talk to this dude. If he really is the moderator at BBWC, then he can simply send me an email through my account there if he wants to talk with me further. If not, then get lost dude.
2006-07-08 13:50:28
72.   Bob Timmermann
This could be a seminal event in the founding of the Toby Hall Marching and Chowder Society.
2006-07-08 13:51:58
73.   TheRedMenace
71 - Is it true that you thought the Milton Bradley trade was terrible?
2006-07-08 13:52:29
75.   scareduck
72 - does a seminal event have anything to do with getting F'd?
2006-07-08 13:53:05
76.   JoeyP
73. Yes, and my opinion hasnt changed.
2006-07-08 13:53:25
77.   trainwreck
Zwilnik you may be banned if you do not quit it. Jon does not want swearing on the site.
2006-07-08 13:53:45
78.   natepurcell
Furcal is doing his annual second half heating up a bit early. Which is nice, I'm not going to complain.
2006-07-08 13:54:21
79.   herman
YES YES YES
2006-07-08 13:54:25
80.   confucius
Maybe if Omar the Magnificent was taller than 48 inches he could have gotten a glove on that.
2006-07-08 13:54:55
81.   natepurcell
76

LOL. You don't know when to conceed victory do you?

2006-07-08 13:55:29
83.   JoeyP
74. Stalking members of this site is a bannable offense according to the rules. I'm not going to respond to you further, and just warning you that you'll probably be banned for harrassing specific members of this site. Just a heads up.
2006-07-08 13:56:16
84.   JoeyP
Anyone think our good friend marvin has returned?
2006-07-08 13:56:37
85.   confucius
Even though Lowe has given up four runs you know he is capable of getting back on the horse and allowing the Dodgers to rally. If it were Odalis or Hendrickson I would have just shut the TV off already.
2006-07-08 13:56:53
86.   DXMachina
62 CAPISH

Are you trying to say "capice"? Because it hurts my ears when you do it.

2006-07-08 13:58:23
87.   Gen3Blue
Offense so far by Iz,Hall,and Furc. pleseant surprise.
2006-07-08 13:58:37
88.   Sam DC
Seriously zwilnik. Whatever beef you guys have, deal with it elsewhere. You've told oldbear/whoever you don't want him at BBWC, he is apparently not going to make the pledge you've asked. There's nothing else you are accomplishing.

If you are a site moderator somewhere else, it is really hard to imagine that you are accomplishing only the fouling up of this site.

And I see I missed the Dodgers score 3 runs typing this.

2006-07-08 13:58:55
89.   trainwreck
You are doing the same thing to JoeyP and this website that you were criticizing him for doing to yours. I hope you are aware of that.
2006-07-08 14:00:54
90.   Bob Timmermann
Note that the comment number at top and the comment numbers attached don't add up now.

So actions have been taken.

2006-07-08 14:01:19
91.   Sam DC
And Joey, having seen these play out before, please do take your own suggestion and not respond anymore.
2006-07-08 14:03:34
92.   JoeyP
Lowry's thrown 59 pitches in only 2ip.
2006-07-08 14:04:34
93.   D4P
Anyone think our good friend marvin has returned?

Ole' Marvin, starvin' for attention again.

"Yeah I want da cheesy poofs"

2006-07-08 14:04:36
94.   herman
Karma
2006-07-08 14:05:18
95.   Bob Timmermann
Both pitchers have come with their D- games today.
2006-07-08 14:09:17
96.   Tommy Naccarato
Lowe looks like he is laboring pretty good out there. I'm sure the field temperature is pretty hot too.
2006-07-08 14:09:27
97.   Bob Timmermann
It's Salute to Mediocre Catcher Day at Dodger Stadium.

The first 40,000 fans through the turnstiles all receive a Paul Bako or Duke Sims bobblehead.

2006-07-08 14:11:11
98.   trainwreck
None of my friends got the Animal House reference in that commercial.

It is cool they got the same band from the movie and a couple of the stars in it (of course, I am sure they weren't doing much).

2006-07-08 14:11:21
99.   DXMachina
95 - They really have.
2006-07-08 14:11:39
100.   confucius
97 I'll take Bako.
Show/Hide Comments 101-150
2006-07-08 14:12:50
101.   Bob Timmermann
Bako went on the DL today.

The Royals chances of catching Detroit are ruined.

2006-07-08 14:13:24
102.   JoeyP
Lowry's given up a bunch of homers this year. I'll be surprised if the Dodgers dont hit one today.
2006-07-08 14:13:27
103.   scareduck
96 - hi, Tommy! Long time, no see!
2006-07-08 14:14:14
104.   trainwreck
Wow!
2006-07-08 14:14:20
105.   Bob Timmermann
I'll take Toby Hall in home run pool! He's got that Duke Sims look.
2006-07-08 14:14:41
106.   JoeyP
Drew bunting.....
Shoot me.
2006-07-08 14:14:42
107.   D4P
Has Grittle been kidnapped?
2006-07-08 14:15:02
108.   Uncle Miltie
On no, Lofton's bad influence is rubbing off on DJ too.

I guess he's trying to prove to his teammates that he's gritty too.

2006-07-08 14:15:56
109.   JoeyP
I'm gonna blame Jim Edmonds.
Edmonds occasionally will put that crap.
2006-07-08 14:16:01
110.   scareduck
107 - Jim Tracy wants his old job back. Aka, the Ghost of Squandered Outs Past has returned.
2006-07-08 14:16:37
111.   D4P
I guess he's trying to prove to his teammates that he's gritty too.

It would help if he slid head first into 1B on those sac bunt attempts.

2006-07-08 14:16:40
112.   trainwreck
You can see the heat waves.
2006-07-08 14:20:42
113.   trainwreck
I can't think of beachballs without thinking of Vin's rant where he did an accent and everything. That was the greatest thing I have ever heard Vin say.
2006-07-08 14:21:48
114.   D4P
I'm surprised DJ's even playing today. By my count, that makes 9 games in a row.
2006-07-08 14:22:48
115.   JoeyP
Jose Valentin just hit a GS.
2006-07-08 14:24:21
116.   trainwreck
Lowry crushed that ball.
2006-07-08 14:24:43
117.   JoeyP
Grabowski Principle.
2006-07-08 14:24:56
118.   scareduck
Zwilnik, oldbear, whoever -- I blame your fighting for that home run.
2006-07-08 14:25:29
119.   DXMachina
Oh, for crying out loud!
2006-07-08 14:25:33
120.   trainwreck
Three days in a row for Gio?

Do not push your luck Grady.

2006-07-08 14:25:53
121.   Xeifrank
Congrats to the Bryan twins (who live here in town) on winning the Wimbledon doubles title this morning. My claim to fame is having faced them in a doubles tournament and losing to them 6-2,6-1 and holding serve against them three times. Of course they were only 13 years old at the time and I was in my late 20s. vr, Xei
2006-07-08 14:27:55
122.   D4P
121
My tennis-related claim to fame is that I lived one summer with a guy who grew up playing junior tennis against Pete Sampras, and whose family was best friends with Lindsay Davenport's family.

Other than that, I'm nobody.

2006-07-08 14:28:07
123.   Bob Timmermann
But after the leadoff walk, Lowe has been able to retire Randy Winn twice, which is a major accomplishment for a Dodger pitcher.
2006-07-08 14:28:41
124.   Bob Timmermann
122
I almost ran over Pete Sampras at LAX, but he was jaywalking.
2006-07-08 14:30:12
125.   Steve
Grittle is having a bad week.
2006-07-08 14:30:41
126.   D4P
124
Small world.
2006-07-08 14:31:15
127.   trainwreck
I guess Grady rather have Derek Lowe with his D- game then Odalis.
2006-07-08 14:32:18
128.   DXMachina
123 - That's true, but perhaps Lowe is devoting far too much of his considerable mental capacity towards getting Winn out.
2006-07-08 14:32:25
129.   TheRedMenace
124 - Just think, if you take the almost out of your post, we'd all be connected to one of the most important people in the history of tennis.
2006-07-08 14:32:36
130.   trainwreck
I was going to be sponsored by K-Swiss in tennis (not that hard really). But then I changed coaches and he was insane about tennis and it took all the fun away.
2006-07-08 14:34:36
131.   natepurcell
But then I changed coaches and he was insane about tennis and it took all the fun away.

Thats why I quit my Varsity team.

2006-07-08 14:34:57
132.   D4P
Am I the only one who keeps expecting the Well of Singles to run dry?
2006-07-08 14:35:10
133.   Bob Timmermann
My brother told me to stop playing tennis after I hit a forehand that looked like it was going to land about 400 feet away.
2006-07-08 14:36:11
134.   Bob Timmermann
132
Hey, they've got a double!
2006-07-08 14:39:21
135.   JoeyP
Grits must really not like OP.
What is gained from having Lowe pitch 1 more inning at most? He's at 90 pitches.
2006-07-08 14:41:10
136.   Gen3Blue
Oh, those bases on balls-the diff. tonight.
We have outhit them at this point.
2006-07-08 14:42:15
137.   natepurcell
What is gained from having Lowe pitch 1 more inning at most? He's at 90 pitches.

Maybe not being down by 6 runs instead of 3?

2006-07-08 14:43:10
138.   JoeyP
Lowe's given up 6 today.
Is OP going to be worse?
2006-07-08 14:43:22
139.   TheRedMenace
137 - That was just too easy.
2006-07-08 14:43:36
140.   trainwreck
Thankfully, Finley still sucks.
2006-07-08 14:43:51
141.   natepurcell
Lowe doesn't pay attention to anything when he's on the mound.
2006-07-08 14:45:26
142.   JoeyP
Well, I'm sure glad Lowe hit in that last inning, since OP's coming in now.
2006-07-08 14:46:25
143.   trainwreck
Good thing I still have Liriano going today.
2006-07-08 14:47:09
144.   trainwreck
Maybe Lowe did not take his adderall today.
2006-07-08 14:47:22
145.   Uncle Miltie
Lowe's concentration on the mound today has been poor. He's been terrible from the get go.

Perez has another chance to show us something.

2006-07-08 14:47:39
146.   D4P
Lowe doesn't pay attention to anything when he's on the mound

Except probably hot chicks in the crowd.

2006-07-08 14:48:22
147.   JoeyP
I doubt Lowe's vision is that good.
2006-07-08 14:49:36
148.   JoeyP
Lowe's had 3 really bad starts this year. Hopefully thats all he has in the 2nd half.
2006-07-08 14:53:14
149.   Linkmeister
Man, I might as well do laundry. Everything else has gone badly today. Michelle Wie lost, the Dodgers were down 4 runs before they even hit, they get close and give up 3 more runs...

Rats.

2006-07-08 14:55:37
150.   trainwreck
I can feel my arteries clogging just watching these Burger King Stackburger commercials.
Show/Hide Comments 151-200
2006-07-08 15:07:16
151.   Steve
I guess the Derek Lowe Calumny & Effigy Society has lain waste to today's board.
2006-07-08 15:09:37
152.   thinkblue0
we're simply not going to win this division if we keep trotting out subpar lineups on a daily basis.
2006-07-08 15:10:09
153.   Bob Timmermann
At least Izturis wore down Lowry there so the Giants can bring someone who is probably similar to him.
2006-07-08 15:13:23
154.   trainwreck
Hall has got the dribblers up the middle on lock.
2006-07-08 15:13:27
155.   Bob Timmermann
And a mediocre catcher shall lead them!
2006-07-08 15:13:55
156.   thinkblue0
154-

maybe he can teach Izturis how to find the holes on his dribblers.

2006-07-08 15:15:31
157.   thinkblue0
Furcal needs to work this count errr...here comes Alou.
2006-07-08 15:16:14
158.   Steve
I would say that Felipe Alou's brain is made of pudding, but someone ate it a long time ago, and there is not even pudding left.
2006-07-08 15:16:21
159.   TheRedMenace
152 - Is that sarcasm. The lineup, particularly the pieces subject to change, are doing fine, the problem is that the starting pitcher gave up 7 runs in less than 5 innings.
2006-07-08 15:16:41
160.   Uncle Miltie
Felipe is brilliant. He decides to turn around Furcal so he can bat from his better side.
2006-07-08 15:16:48
161.   bhsportsguy
I don't think any lead is safe for any team in the NL West. Sure, the Padres are pretty safe but their problem is scoring so they usually don't have big leads.
2006-07-08 15:17:07
162.   JoeyP
Furcal hits alot better against LHP, than he does RHP.
I'm not sure what Felipe is thinking here.
2006-07-08 15:17:26
163.   confucius
160 Followed by Cruz right handed.
2006-07-08 15:18:50
164.   bhsportsguy
159 I will say they cannot sustain a long absence by Kent but otherwise until something is done with Izzy, this will be the version of the lineup.

160 I thought that too.

2006-07-08 15:19:06
165.   thinkblue0
164-

Let's draw a walk here....

2006-07-08 15:19:32
166.   bhsportsguy
And you have Mr. Walk coming up.
2006-07-08 15:20:12
167.   thinkblue0
nice having patient hitters up there...they can't throw strikes...
2006-07-08 15:20:27
168.   Steve
You guys are thinking way too complicated. Why would you leave Noah Lowry in to throw ball one than take him out? If he's good enough to start the at-bat, he's obviously good enough to end it. Unless your head is full of pudding.
2006-07-08 15:20:30
169.   herman
Why is Cruz swing?????
2006-07-08 15:20:34
170.   scareduck
Well, that was interesting.
2006-07-08 15:20:35
171.   thinkblue0
see, I don't get why Cruz is swinging there...let the guy throw a strike.
2006-07-08 15:20:44
172.   JoeyP
9 balls in a row and then Cruz swings.
2006-07-08 15:20:49
173.   bhsportsguy
Would you rather see him strike out and bring Nomar up then hit the ball anywhere.
2006-07-08 15:21:00
174.   herman
Think cardboard cutout
2006-07-08 15:21:24
175.   herman
Why?????Why??????Why?????
2006-07-08 15:21:27
176.   thinkblue0
GAH! check swing foul.....they can't throw strikes and we're swinging....that to go along with the Drew sac is enough to make me comatose.
2006-07-08 15:21:45
177.   herman
ball 5
2006-07-08 15:22:23
178.   herman
ball 6
2006-07-08 15:22:27
179.   thinkblue0
how many times are we going to pop out? Couldn't we have had Olmedo pinch hit there? Unbelievable.
2006-07-08 15:22:50
180.   herman
Cruz might have lost the game for us!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
2006-07-08 15:23:02
181.   thinkblue0
absolutely terrible at bat for Cruz.
2006-07-08 15:23:13
182.   bhsportsguy
Nomar will swing at anything.
2006-07-08 15:23:17
183.   JoeyP
Maybe Nomar can bail Cruz out....
2006-07-08 15:23:40
184.   thinkblue0
180-

Cruz didn't lose it...Lowe's the one who gave up all the runs....but that was still an absolutely atrocious at bat.

2006-07-08 15:24:15
185.   bhsportsguy
It wouldn't be the worse thing for them to walk Nomar.
2006-07-08 15:24:29
186.   herman
Nomar
2006-07-08 15:25:11
187.   herman
Ok Cruz and Lowe lost the game for us.
2006-07-08 15:25:19
188.   trainwreck
Poopy.
2006-07-08 15:25:21
189.   joekings
ballgame
2006-07-08 15:25:35
190.   bhsportsguy
That was probably the ballgame.
2006-07-08 15:25:58
191.   Steve
Cruz's head is full of pudding too. Why isn't Ethier playing? Booo. Let's get back to what works, Grittle.
2006-07-08 15:25:58
192.   herman
DFA= Cruz
2006-07-08 15:26:03
193.   thinkblue0
unbelievable that we only score one run there...that's completely unacceptable.
2006-07-08 15:26:16
194.   JoeyP
That sucked.
2006-07-08 15:26:46
195.   herman
Lowe's Karma is catching up with him.
2006-07-08 15:27:00
196.   Uncle Miltie
Our hitters prevent Felipe from looking bad. We should have gotten a lot more than 1 measly run.
2006-07-08 15:27:20
197.   thinkblue0
191-

It's because managers now a days are so obsessed with the stupid lefty/righty matchups. If a guy is absolutely awful against one, then okay bench him...but Eithier has been on fire and there's no reason to bench him today.

But then again, there's also no reason Izturis manages to crack the lineup card every day either....

2006-07-08 15:27:37
198.   JoeyP
The cardboard cut outs would still be batting.
2006-07-08 15:27:48
199.   bhsportsguy
The weird thing is that Cruz does walk, its not as if he never draws any. That pitch on the check swing was so far off, it hit the bat.

I think if he gets to 3-1, he walks.

2006-07-08 15:28:34
200.   Bob Timmermann
Cruz has been double switched out so the DT board has had some of its bloodlust assuaged for now.
Show/Hide Comments 201-250
2006-07-08 15:28:50
201.   herman
The cut outs would have scored 5 runs!!!!!
2006-07-08 15:29:39
202.   trainwreck
Beimel has a great bb/k ratio haha (7 walks and 1 strikeout).
2006-07-08 15:31:03
203.   thinkblue0
200-

if I was a manager my head would've exploded. Why in God's name was Cruz up there swinging. I mean, we're talking about a veteran player here who's supposed to know what he's doing...instead he screwed the entire thing up when all he had to do was stand there and not swing.

Great, another HR. I really hate the Giants.

2006-07-08 15:31:07
204.   joekings
now that's karma.
2006-07-08 15:31:12
205.   bhsportsguy
However, the offense with its flaws, does throw runs out there, 8 runs is a lot to ask.

The pitching staff had that one run, early in the season but for almost two months, have constantly put pressure on the offense to score, the fact that they do, covers up how poorly they do.

2006-07-08 15:31:13
206.   herman
Lunderg is pitching a nohitter for the JaX Suns.
2006-07-08 15:31:31
207.   herman
Now the game is over.
2006-07-08 15:31:48
208.   thinkblue0
I'd be interested to see what bluetahoe has to say about that HR.
2006-07-08 15:31:51
209.   Uncle Miltie
Beimel makes Odalis Perez look good.

202- it's 7/10

2006-07-08 15:32:28
210.   JoeyP
I'm wondering when Nall and Alexander are going to get a shot in LA?
2006-07-08 15:34:14
211.   JoeyP
Well, if this one is lost, that makes tomorrow's game a big game. You dont want to lose 3/4 to the Giants at home, but the pitching matchup is Sele vs Schmidt.
2006-07-08 15:34:32
212.   King of the Hobos
206 Spike also has the only Suns hit.
2006-07-08 15:34:58
213.   Uncle Miltie
210- probably never, as long as Ned is in charge. I expect Aybar and Kuo to be traded for guys like Todd Jones, Jose Mesa, and Roberto Hernandez.
2006-07-08 15:36:42
214.   natepurcell
mattingly went 3-4 with a 2b today, BA up to .367 in 49ABs.
2006-07-08 15:37:35
215.   thinkblue0
213-

yeah, if we're not going to get someone good then we might as well just give a minor league guy a shot at the pen.

2006-07-08 15:38:05
216.   natepurcell
211

Nall and Alexander probably need to prove they can do well in Vegas first. Nall has had numerous chances and have failed. Alexander hasn't had a vegas run yet.

2006-07-08 15:38:16
217.   trainwreck
How is Bryan Morris doing?
2006-07-08 15:38:39
218.   dsfan
Preston Mattingly today: Two singles, a double to lift his batting average to .367. Meangingless, probably, but a nice sign for a guy who played a lot less baseball than most of the people he's facing.
2006-07-08 15:38:44
219.   herman
Why is Drew swing at the first pitch????????????????????
2006-07-08 15:39:41
220.   Bob Timmermann
Drew swung at the first pitch for the same reason Kemp did. They both thought it was a good pitch to hit.
2006-07-08 15:39:47
221.   herman
It's a disease!! First pitching swing!!!. Damn you Cruz!!!!!
2006-07-08 15:40:27
222.   natepurcell
I beat you to it dsfan :)

How nice would it be if Mattingly could stay at SS? I doubt it happens but hes 6'3 205lbs with a live, athletic body and scouts love his pure batting approach.

2006-07-08 15:40:28
223.   Bob Timmermann
There's also a disease of people complaining about first pitch swinging.
2006-07-08 15:41:01
224.   herman
216- Vegas is pitcher's HELL.
2006-07-08 15:41:09
225.   bhsportsguy
213 Does the fact that Nall got lit up in AAA in every opportunity he's had matter to anyone.

Also, there is the issue of the 40 man roster, to bring someone on the team who is not on the roster like Nall or Alexander would mean that someone would have to go.

Maybe you would release Perez, Osoria, Hamulack, Houlton, Jumbo Diaz, Cruz, Alomar.

The Dodgers are running out of guys to put on the 60-day DL, I figure Eric will go there when they bring up Ledee but that's the last guy left.

2006-07-08 15:41:11
226.   natepurcell
How is Bryan Morris doing?

hes doing okay, just needs to bring the walks down. hes only had 3 or so outings though.

2006-07-08 15:41:22
227.   Uncle Miltie
Kemp is fast. He's going to be a 30/30 guy in the near future. Maybe the most talented prospect we've had since Mondesi.
2006-07-08 15:41:26
228.   dsfan
How about some of the plays Izturis made since going to a position he'd never played, save instructional league? Very impressive. Without his glovework today, Lowe could have been out of there in the second about 6-7 runs on the board.
2006-07-08 15:41:26
229.   Steve
I have no opinion on whether Cruz should be swinging or not. After all, it is his job to hit the ball. But it should be Drew, Kemp, Ethier. Always. I do not understand what is so hard about this. Lofton and Cruz, whatever their abilities, and we can debate them all day long (and I know I'm goring everyone's oxes by putting both of them together), are not the future, and giving them at-bats is wasting time.
2006-07-08 15:41:41
230.   herman
*first pitch swing
2006-07-08 15:44:28
231.   Uncle Miltie
228- too bad he can't hit. He's adequate for a SS.
2006-07-08 15:44:41
232.   trainwreck
I am hoping Morris can be fast tracked and come up sometime next year.
2006-07-08 15:45:26
233.   Bob Timmermann
Time for me to start rubbing my Duke Sims bobblehead for luck.
2006-07-08 15:45:26
234.   dsfan
Not surprising that T. Brennaman shredded Cruz during and after that poor at-bat. Brennaman works for the Diamondbacks, and the more Cruz "played" for the Diamondbacks last year, the more they disliked him.

It still astounds me that the Dodgers signed him up for some $3.5 million this past offseason. He was a classic non-tender candidate -- $1 million.

2006-07-08 15:45:42
235.   JoeyP
The singles well isnt dried up yet.
2006-07-08 15:45:59
236.   D4P
If the 2006 Dodgers had a nickname, it would be "The Singletons," cause they hit a ton of singles.
2006-07-08 15:46:00
237.   natepurcell
I am hoping Morris can be fast tracked and come up sometime next year.

I dont think hes going to move that fast. Best case scenario would probably be start next year at Vero, half season promotion to Jax and 2008 we will hear whispers of a possible LA callup.

He is only 19 right now.

2006-07-08 15:47:08
238.   natepurcell
Maybe with us, Toby Hall will be what he was suppose to be.
2006-07-08 15:47:12
239.   bhsportsguy
229 Of all the outfielders, Cruz definitely starts the least, for a while it was Kemp, Lofton and Drew, now it appears to be Ethier, Lofton and Drew.

Nice AB by Hall, 3 hits and 3 RBI.

2006-07-08 15:47:18
240.   Uncle Miltie
Tuby is having a hell of a day at the plate
2006-07-08 15:47:46
241.   dsfan
226

Nate,

Bryan Morris is doomed. The Devil Rays had him, then set him free...and the Dodgers got him. Need I say more?
(humor intended)

2006-07-08 15:48:01
242.   herman
Who is Gary Paris? He pitched a great game for the GCL Dodgers in rookie ball.
2006-07-08 15:48:05
243.   Bob Timmermann
The Dodgers now have 590 singles on the season.
2006-07-08 15:48:23
244.   trainwreck
237
I did not realize he was that young. I thought he had been at his JC for for years.
2006-07-08 15:48:45
245.   trainwreck
*four
2006-07-08 15:48:54
246.   coachjpark
"Why hit a homerun if it's not going to tie the game or give them a lead?"

-Steve Lyons-

2006-07-08 15:49:10
247.   bhsportsguy
Remember it was Depo who re-upped Cruz. Not saying it was a bad decision at that time.

Maybe today is the day, they comeback against Benenitz.

2006-07-08 15:49:19
248.   D4P
243
Coming into the game, I believe they trailed only Baltimore, by a single single.
2006-07-08 15:49:32
249.   Linkmeister
3-9 RISP today. Frustrating.
2006-07-08 15:50:07
250.   trainwreck
247
Wasn't it Kim Ng and Roy Smith?
Show/Hide Comments 251-300
2006-07-08 15:50:09
251.   JoeyP
Is Steve Lyons the Dodgers secret batting coach on the side?
2006-07-08 15:51:22
252.   Bob Timmermann
The Orioles have 579 singles, so they will need a big night tonight to pass the Dodgers.

The Dodgers slugging percentage was 14 points higher than the Orioles starting the day.

2006-07-08 15:51:36
253.   natepurcell
241

Morris was a victim of new ownership change and commish's office bonus recommendations. It was documented that he was going to sign last summer for 1.4 million but the Drays had to hold it off because of the ownership change and it just went downhill from there. Then, as a Draft and Follow, he wanted 1+ mil to sign but the MLB reccomendation was like about 750k or something and the Drays did not want to go over that (same reason why Mets didn't sign Beato).

Of course, you probably already knew all of that :) (but to everyone else, there you go).

2006-07-08 15:52:25
254.   Uncle Miltie
246- besides a few Felipe Alou like comments, Lyons has been pretty good this year. He's probably the 2nd best announcer the Dodgers have.

I am praying that the Dodgers don't resign Charley Steiner when his contract is up. I would trade my soul to have Dan Shulman announce games for the Dodgers.

2006-07-08 15:52:53
255.   natepurcell
to add on, Ive followed the Morris situation a bit because he was the player I wanted White ot draft last year at #40 until Hochevar dropped.
2006-07-08 15:53:27
256.   Bob Timmermann
254

Steve and I are in the business of collecting souls.

2006-07-08 15:53:58
257.   trainwreck
We should hire Keith Jackson to do the play by play. He has come out of retirement before.
2006-07-08 15:54:28
258.   coachjpark
How bout Ross? Let's bring back Ross?
2006-07-08 15:54:29
259.   Bob Timmermann
Some of us remember Keith Jackson calling baseball games for ABC.

It wasn't his thing.

2006-07-08 15:54:49
260.   JoeyP
I havent heard Steve Lyons do local Dodger games, but I never liked him for whatever reason doing national games.

He reminds me of Tom Tolbert, but I actually like Tolbert so I dont know.

2006-07-08 15:56:26
261.   Uncle Miltie
258- I don't know if he would want to come back after the way the Dodgers treated him. Ross Porter was a solid announcer, but he's no Dan Shulman. Shulman is also a lot younger so he could stick around for a while.
2006-07-08 15:56:51
262.   trainwreck
260
He probably reminds you of Tolbert because they both often joke how much they sucked in the pros and were good in college.
2006-07-08 15:57:35
263.   bhsportsguy
250 You are correct, just wanted to make sure that this was one player that Ned doesn't have on his ledger sheet.

255 I thought I read somewhere that the other pitcher they were looking at was Beau Jones, LHP now in the Sally league for the Braves, he was picked right after Hochevar.

2006-07-08 15:57:49
264.   coachjpark
Who's Dan Shulman? What's his background?
2006-07-08 15:57:57
265.   Bob Timmermann
261
Dan Shulman leaves on the East Coast and I would be very surprised if he moved.
2006-07-08 15:58:16
266.   herman
think cardboard cutout!!!!
2006-07-08 15:58:37
267.   dsfan
250, 247

Bringing back Cruz was defensible. But it was huge overpay. Organizational disarray and poor negotiating essentially flushed some $2.5 million. People say that doesn't matter, because the Dodgers have gobs of money -- but bad contracts whittle away at the margins and shrink the baseline resource advantage the Dodgers have over the San Diegos and Colorados.

2006-07-08 15:58:51
268.   herman
David Ross!!!!!
2006-07-08 15:58:56
269.   Uncle Miltie
Why are we using the Professional Outmaker against a right handed pitcher?
2006-07-08 15:59:22
270.   Bob Timmermann
According to wikipeida, Shulman actually lives in Toronto.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dan_Shulman
2006-07-08 15:59:48
271.   bhsportsguy
I think Steiner (who I like) will be here for a while, it would not surprise me that when Vin does leave, he goes to TV fulltime and the Dodgers will get a young guy to do radio play by play.
2006-07-08 16:00:45
272.   natepurcell
Way to spit on the fastball Olmedo! Yeah!
2006-07-08 16:00:47
273.   herman
He just killed the rally!!!!
2006-07-08 16:00:50
274.   Uncle Miltie
That was not an out...
2006-07-08 16:01:00
275.   bhsportsguy
As Vin says time and time again, you cannot consistently throw fastballs to the Tomato.
2006-07-08 16:01:02
276.   trainwreck
Do pitchers ever read scouting reports on Saenz?
2006-07-08 16:01:48
277.   Bob Timmermann
The Giants are not getting good vibrations right now.
2006-07-08 16:01:54
278.   natepurcell
I thought I read somewhere that the other pitcher they were looking at was Beau Jones, LHP now in the Sally league for the Braves, he was picked right after Hochevar.

They were, but I wanted Morris :)

2006-07-08 16:03:36
279.   dsfan
Nate,

Does Morris throw enough strikes? Some are skeptical about his delivery.

2006-07-08 16:04:32
280.   bhsportsguy
278 But if he was going to play for his father anyways, I guess he would have been a draft and follow.

See, I am learning the lingo.

2006-07-08 16:06:21
281.   natepurcell
279

I think his professional sample size is too small to take anything serious from it (like, command and etc).

I asked Logan White about Morris' delivery in that draft chat and he wasn't concerned with it at all. The big thing is that he throws a little bit across his body, but that was how he was taught to throw by his dad (baseball coach). John Manual of BA loves Morris and he doesn't seem to think his delivery is concern.

2006-07-08 16:06:30
282.   Bob Timmermann
Oh look, Brad Lidge blew a save in Houston. Fancy that.
2006-07-08 16:06:37
283.   Uncle Miltie
264- Dan Shulman is the Travis Hafner of announcers. He's one of the best in the business, yet he is still overlooked by a lot of people. He works for ESPN doing some games during the weekdays on TV. He does Sunday Night Baseball on ESPN radio. He's one of the best announcers I've ever heard, in any sport. He also does college basketball. He's equally as great when announcing college basketball.
2006-07-08 16:07:21
284.   natepurcell
But if he was going to play for his father anyways, I guess he would have been a draft and follow.

Well thats the thing, he had a price tage to buy him out of his CC commit and that was apparently 1.3 or so million.

2006-07-08 16:07:27
285.   Steve
Benitez Hypothesis time!
2006-07-08 16:08:11
286.   Bob Timmermann
283

So what is your plan to get Canada to be part of Southern California? Almost all of Shulman's basketball work is in the Big East. And he doesn't have to travel too much for baseball now since he doesn't work all week.

2006-07-08 16:08:14
287.   bhsportsguy
And in Houston, Brad Lidge blows a save, with 2 out, he allows a Scott Spiezio HR and then a hit, a walk (to Eckstein), and a hit to allow the tying run.
2006-07-08 16:10:09
288.   Steve
Bob, remind me which one of us owns Steve Finley's soul
2006-07-08 16:10:21
289.   Uncle Miltie
Nice acting job by Finley. Was the fall really necessary?
2006-07-08 16:10:28
290.   JoeyP
Looks like its going to be the banjos vs Benitez in the 9th.
2006-07-08 16:10:35
291.   bhsportsguy
Good AB by Matt, could not have hit the ball harder.
2006-07-08 16:10:40
292.   natepurcell
At least Kemp hit the ball really hard.
2006-07-08 16:10:49
293.   Linkmeister
"You're 40 years old, Finley; you're not supposed to do that."

Me, a minute ago.

2006-07-08 16:11:30
294.   Bob Timmermann
288

I lent you Steve Finley's soul last week. I have Cody Ransom's.

2006-07-08 16:13:49
295.   dsfan
281

My question about Morris' ability to throw strikes had nothing to do with his brief professional career. Thanks for the scouting report.
Hope White's right. Not to go back over one of our previous discussions, but my belief is White is better at evaulating hitters than pitchers (not that he's shabby at the latter).

2006-07-08 16:14:29
296.   Linkmeister
Just don't immediately give back those runs, willya guys? You've done that all game; time to stop.
2006-07-08 16:15:23
297.   Uncle Miltie
286- we have Russell Martin. Tommy Lasorda is a member of the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame. Making him the highest paid announcer in sports might be enticing.

Maybe the city of Los Angeles would be willing to accept the Looney just so Shulman doesn't have to convert his money into American dollars.

2006-07-08 16:17:28
298.   Andrew Shimmin
293- I went with, "I want him DEAD! I want his family DEAD! I want his house burnt down to the GROUND!"
2006-07-08 16:17:48
299.   Bob Timmermann
This 2003 article makes me think that Shulman isn't likely to leave Canada:
http://tinyurl.com/ml7dq
2006-07-08 16:18:54
300.   natepurcell
My question about Morris' ability to throw strikes had nothing to do with his brief professional career

Then what does it have to do with?

Show/Hide Comments 301-350
2006-07-08 16:19:22
301.   Steve
Pedro Feliz's soul is on sale cheap. No offers rejected. Except for maybe Danys Baez's soul.
2006-07-08 16:19:30
302.   bhsportsguy
Albert Pujols homers off Roy Oswalt in the 10th to give the Cards the lead.
2006-07-08 16:20:18
303.   trainwreck
So much for that.
2006-07-08 16:20:30
304.   Linkmeister
Well, so much for me imploring them not to give up runs.

Update: one's bad enough. Three? Three?

2006-07-08 16:20:34
305.   Uncle Miltie
Thank you Broxton for putting the game completely out of reach.
2006-07-08 16:21:02
306.   Bob Timmermann
I think Sisyphus just got run over by the big rock.
2006-07-08 16:22:12
307.   JoeyP
Broxton should be punished.
I suggest making him start as punishment.
2006-07-08 16:22:41
308.   Bob Timmermann
Cameron and Soriano exchange solo homers in the first inning at RFK.
2006-07-08 16:23:09
309.   dsfan
300

Delivery.

2006-07-08 16:24:03
310.   bhsportsguy
Again, this has more to do with Lowe's start.

For the most part, Broxton has had very few hiccups but he has been hit a little bit more in the last 3 weeks.

2006-07-08 16:25:51
311.   Bob Timmermann
C'mon Orioles! Just try to surpass the Dodgers total of singles. Just try it!
2006-07-08 16:25:55
312.   natepurcell
Delivery.

Have you seen his delivery on tape yet?

2006-07-08 16:27:41
313.   scareduck
Remind me again, Bob/Steve, the point of owning Steve Finley's soul?
2006-07-08 16:28:18
314.   Dark Horse
We gotta do something with Broxton. I feel like we've been coddling him in some weird way. Starting him wouldn't be a bad idea.
2006-07-08 16:28:24
315.   Bob Timmermann
313

You can sell it on eBay!

2006-07-08 16:28:57
316.   trainwreck
Dan Shulman graduated from the same college my dad did.
2006-07-08 16:28:59
317.   Steve
Total cosmic power

[in an itty-bitty living space]

2006-07-08 16:30:04
318.   Bob Timmermann
We needed two more singles this inning. The Orioles have one tonight!
2006-07-08 16:32:34
319.   bhsportsguy
314 Again, until he gets a third pitch, he won't be starting, also his velocity was lower as a starter.
2006-07-08 16:32:48
320.   Bob Timmermann
Furcal reached safely five times today.
2006-07-08 16:34:11
321.   King of the Hobos
Midusa/Flanders/Ned's interest in Zito has probably dropped quite a bit.

http://tinyurl.com/pmwbv

2006-07-08 16:34:20
322.   Gen3Blue
I like Broxtons stuff. But I would never put him in a pressure situation or a ninth inning. Not yet at least. At this age he has only too obvious uses. A mop-up man or a starter. Who knows once he learns how to pitch like say Saito. Can you imagine what Saito could do with Broxton's stuff. But this game is probably on one head. Whoever decided on the intentional to Durham. Thats ridic.
2006-07-08 16:35:17
323.   bhsportsguy
And for you guys that say Martin hits too many ground balls.
2006-07-08 16:36:06
324.   CanuckDodger
295 -- I don't see how White's ABILITY to evaluate pitchers can be questioned. The pitchers he has drafted high have almost all become highly-regarded prospects, with Zach Hammes in 2002 being the only exception. What you seem to want is White to have a different methodology: rating control and polish over stuff and potential. Your philosophical disagreement with White does not impugn his ability. White is not making MISTAKES in assessing pitching talent. His priorities are merely different than yours.
2006-07-08 16:36:24
325.   Bob Timmermann
The only people who likely enjoyed that game were Giants fans and dermatologists who will get the chance to excise all the precancerous growths people developed sitting out in the sun for 3 1/2 hours.
2006-07-08 16:38:00
326.   Gen3Blue
Walk
Durham
to get to Felis?
2006-07-08 16:38:18
327.   Gen3Blue
A hunch.
2006-07-08 16:38:46
328.   Uncle Miltie
321- wasn't Arn Tellem his agent? Why would he hire Boras? I guess he doesn't care where he plays. Take Zito off the list. We aren't giving anyone a 7 year deal again, especially not a pitcher.
2006-07-08 16:42:40
329.   Linkmeister
325 And the vets who fix up all the dogs that were kicked.
2006-07-08 16:42:57
330.   Steve
324 -- Give me a break.
2006-07-08 16:47:34
331.   Bob Timmermann
As of this moment, the Rockies are in the wildcard spot. The Reds could be in it too if they win and Colorado loses. If both Cincinnati and Colorado loses, the Dodgers still are the wildcard team.

Ahh, National League baseball!

2006-07-08 16:49:57
332.   bhsportsguy
Record when you score 6 or more runs.

Padres 25-2
Giants 28-4
Rockies 21-4
Dodgers 32-8

Could mean nothing but that is why I do root for at least 6 runs everyday.

2006-07-08 16:52:31
333.   Steve
332 -- Wow. First, look how many times we've scored 6 or more runs. Second, we lose way too many of those games.
2006-07-08 16:58:18
334.   Bob Timmermann
Padres lead 4-1 now in the third after an Adrian Gonzalez homer and then a 2-run homer by Mark Bellhorn against Old Friend Pedro Astacio.
2006-07-08 16:58:53
335.   bhsportsguy
333 The Reds have the same record 32-8. The Mets are 39-3. Boson is 35-6.
2006-07-08 17:17:29
336.   twerp
Box score today...LOB,Dodgers 22...'nuf sed.
2006-07-08 17:24:51
337.   D4P
336
Actually, I don't think that's quite 'nuf. I would add that 14 of the Dodgers 16 hits were of the "single" variety.
2006-07-08 17:26:03
338.   Steve
337 -- Ironic when you consider our swinginest single was on the mound today.
2006-07-08 17:26:47
339.   CanuckDodger
330 -- "Give me a break." Well, isn't that an intelligent retort to my post. If you have a problem with what I said, perhaps you can elaborate instead of just treating me, treating us all, to the equivalent of a smirk and an extended middle finger. White's record drafting pitchers since he has been handling our drafts is probably the best in the game. In the first two rounds since 2002, we have netted Greg Miller, Jonathan Broxton, Zach Hammes, Chad Billingsley, Chuck Tiffany, Scott Elbert, Justin Orenduff, Blake Johnson, Josh Wall, Clayton Kershaw, and Bryan Morris. 11 pitchers total, 2 are in the majors, 1 is a bust, 8 are well-regarded as prospects. Looking at the 29 other teams, none has as impressive a record since 2002. So, there you go, Steve, give me a break.
2006-07-08 17:30:30
340.   Steve
339 -- I will elaborate by saying that I don't disagree with you, and neither does Dsfan, as far as I know, so mostly I have no idea what you are talking about. I will say that I would like to hear about dsfan's "methodology" from him, and not you.
2006-07-08 17:31:34
341.   JoeyP
When the singles well dries up, we're gonna need those cardboard cut outs.
2006-07-08 17:33:34
342.   D4P
338
Also ironic that the game involved a lot of "scoring."
2006-07-08 17:34:43
343.   Steve
So give me a break.
2006-07-08 17:36:46
344.   JoeyP
339. How can you consider Tiffany, Johnson, Miller and Wall well-regarded prospects?
Tiffany's done nothing to distinguish himself.
Johnson is in single A.
Wall's done nothing.
Miller is now a middle reliever.
Kershawn and Morris were just drafted. How can they even be evaluated? They've barely pitched yet.

So far, Broxton, Billz, Orenduff, and Elbert look like good picks.
The others are either too early to tell (Johnson, Kershaw, Morris, Wall)
or busts: Hammes, Miller.

2006-07-08 17:36:59
345.   D4P
Here. Have a piece of my Kit-Kat bar.
2006-07-08 17:40:44
346.   King of the Hobos
244 Miller, Johnson, and Wall are pretty well-regarded by scouts. They may not be established, but they are well-regarded. Same with the new draftees.
2006-07-08 17:40:54
347.   Bob Timmermann
So why are Kit-Kat bars so much more popular in Europe than they are in the U.S.? I love Kit-Kat bars. I'd sell my soul for a Kit-Kat bar right now.

Except Steve already has it.

2006-07-08 17:41:30
348.   King of the Hobos
346 That's actually 344.
2006-07-08 17:44:06
349.   Uncle Miltie
344- that's why TINSTAAPP. White has done a very solid job considering TINSTAAPP. Teams need to draft a lot of pitchers. They are risky because of injuries, but they can also be very valuable trade commodities. White continues to pump out prospects. Some of them may have been overrated, but that happens with all big market teams. I wish we had a GM who was better at taking advantage of the surplus of prospects we have rather than trading them for middle relievers, junkballers, and backup catchers.
2006-07-08 17:47:27
350.   CanuckDodger
340 -- Thank you for elaborating. If that was your reaction to my post, the phrase "Give me a break" didn't convey that. I was hoping dsfan WOULD reply with a clear explanation of what he wants to see White do when it comes to drafting pitchers. Dsfan has made a number of posts on this subject, and what I have inferred is that he is unsatisfied with the control and "pitchability" that he is seeing from White's pitchers. I agree with him that control and pitchability is not the strong suit of White's pitchers. I think that is by design -- White's priority is getting pitchers with a lot of "stuff" and he is content to let experience and coaching take care of the rest. What I am unclear about is if dsfan agrees with that, or he thinks White is MISJUDGING the ability of pitchers to demonstate a grasp of the art of pitching and good control. I am looking to engage dsfan in a discussion about this, if he is interested, because I for one, if nobody else, think it is an interesting subject.
Show/Hide Comments 351-400
2006-07-08 17:54:50
351.   trainwreck
350
I think it is interesting haha.
2006-07-08 17:56:21
352.   JoeyP
I should define well-regarded.
To me "well-regarded" means that a player can help my team in two or less years.

Very rarily would I consider a Single A or rookie league pitcher well-regarded, unless they just have unbelievable peripheral numbers (like Liriano had).

Are you going to be able to trade Blake Johnson/Josh Wall at his current level, for a difference making big leaguer? Probably not. Are these players going to be promoted to the majors any time soon? No. So to me it doesnt matter if BA and the scouts like a certain player so far away from the MLB, just them liking that player isnt going to help my team win games at the MLB level.

2006-07-08 17:56:59
353.   trainwreck
If only we could go back in time and trade LoDuca to the Giants for the same package they gave up for AJ.
2006-07-08 18:02:04
354.   Steve
The only requirement to be well-regarded is to be regarded well. I regard them well. Many others do as well. Whether we have any basis, well, they're prospects. And that they shall remain until they are otherwise.
2006-07-08 18:05:17
355.   Steve
You don't get to change the definition of well regarded. You have to choose a new word;
2006-07-08 18:08:36
356.   Uncle Miltie
To me "well-regarded" means that a player can help my team in two or less years.
Then I guess we should only elite draft college players because high school players, no matter how highly regarded they are, rarely make it to the majors in 2 years. We should ignore the international market since a lot of those guys are projects. Maybe we should go the Brian Sabean route and sign guys like Michael Tucker to prevent from being stuck with a prospect who will sit in the minors for 3 years before making the majors.
2006-07-08 18:33:53
357.   LA Native
344

Classifying Miller as a bust is wrong in my opinion. He was one of the top 10 pitching prospects in all of baseball before he got hurt. While he is still recovering and building arm strength, I think a lot of people still think he can be a major leaguer and potentially even a starter after his strength is built up.

2006-07-08 18:59:21
358.   herman
Elbert has 5 k's in 3 innings for the SUNS. His line is 3in 1hit 0runs 5k's
2006-07-08 19:02:55
359.   trainwreck
358
Sweet. All updates are appreciated.
2006-07-08 19:28:22
360.   herman
Elbert has 9 k's in 5 innings. He has given up 1 run.
2006-07-08 19:29:05
361.   bobbygrich
Elbert's final line:
5 IP 1 Hit(HR) 1 Run 3 Walks 9 Strikeouts.

He also got a hit to drive in a run, left after 5 with an 8-1 lead.

2006-07-08 19:32:00
362.   trainwreck
Wow, impressive AA debut for Elbert.
2006-07-08 19:33:53
363.   Daniel Zappala
Meanwhile, Jered Weaver has a 1 hitter with 4 K's through 5.
2006-07-08 19:35:51
364.   Daniel Zappala
5-zip Angels over the A's, with Vlad going 0-3 so far. If he ever gets out of his "slump" (still OPsing 859) the Angels will dispatch the rest of the AL West easily.
2006-07-08 19:44:06
365.   dzzrtRatt
Oh, sweet Jesus! How many contending teams are regularly starting three rookie position players, and are relying on a rookie reliever and a rookie starter? And getting results from most of them. And this wasn't even supposed to be the year the Logan White class started to arrive. The Dodgers still have a "well-regarded" stock of prospects, even though Billingsley, Kemp, Ethier, Broxton and Martin are no longer down on the farm.

To expert a better track record from our scouting director is utopian! Remember, the majority of the players he's drafted have been prep players. I'm no draft expert, but do the math. He started in 2002. A kid from the class of 2002 is 21 or 22 now.

It would be better, of course, if the draft was limited to the Dodgers only. But given that we have to stand in line like the rest of the schlubs, I think Logan White is practically beyond questioning at this point.

So give me a break!

2006-07-08 19:44:50
366.   Bob Timmermann
"Outside of the balls that left the park, it wasn't that bad," Dodgers manager Grady Little said. "But the balls that leave the park just kind of magnifies the situation. As the case may be, we should have had some taller outfielders in a couple of cases."
2006-07-08 19:50:00
367.   Steve
Bob, is that your brother writing for CBS Sportsline?
2006-07-08 19:52:29
368.   Bob Timmermann
Guilty as charged.
2006-07-08 19:58:40
369.   bobbygrich
Red Flag perhaps.....
Andy LaRoche sat out tonite's game with "shoulder tenderness." He was on the pregame radio show and apparently did not think it was serious. AAA is heading for an All-Star break too.
2006-07-08 21:09:36
370.   Daniel Zappala
I actually read the St Louis Post-Dispatch sports section regularly, but only to catch up on the Rams, so I have missed the "other" Timmermann's columns.
2006-07-08 21:19:30
371.   Bob Timmermann
You must be very selective in your Post-Dispatch reading then. Tom writes about a lot of things. He's covered the Blues, Saint Louis U, and also filled in on the Cardinals beat.

However, he's never covered a Rams game. When the Rams went to the Super Bowl for the first time in St. Louis, he was assigned to cover the AFC playoffs.

2006-07-08 21:23:22
372.   Andrew Shimmin
Sign that we may have reached the end of the internet: seriously debating the Colbert Dichotomy (Great or The Greatest Ever) as regards Logan White.
2006-07-08 21:24:54
373.   Steve
Andrew, as always, gets to the heart of the matter.
2006-07-08 21:38:43
374.   D4P
the heart of the matter

I think it's about...forgiveness...

2006-07-08 21:57:11
375.   confucius
374 Shame on you.
2006-07-08 22:09:20
376.   Steve
374 -- Bleeding heart hippies. Get a haircut!
2006-07-08 22:31:41
377.   Jon Weisman
It's Henley!
2006-07-08 22:34:15
378.   confucius
377 My point exactly.
2006-07-08 22:37:25
379.   confucius
I saw Don Henley at Staples center and he scolded people for taking pictures of him.

"Do I come to your work and take pictures of you?"

I suppose this is my fault for seeing Don Henley 20 years out of his prime.

2006-07-08 22:45:49
380.   Jon Weisman
My brother and I went to see Don Henley at Universal during the Boys of Summer era. The opening act was supposed to be Katrina and the Waves. We both feared that would mean hearing "Walking on Sunshine" and then nine encores of "Walking on Sunshine" - because, could they possibly have done another song?

But by the time the concert came, Katrina and the Waves were replaced by Mister Mister. So we heard those two songs they were once famous for, including the one with incomprehensible lyrics followed by "the road that I must travel." And then some other songs. And then Don. Don was always all right in my book, though I haven't played anything of his in years and years.

2006-07-08 22:53:35
381.   Scanman33
It's amazing what Jered Weaver is doing and all, but as a pitching coach, watching his extremely violent motion makes me think he'll be a shell of his former self by the time he's 27-28.
2006-07-08 22:55:18
382.   confucius
380 I think not playing anything of his in years and years is a good idea. Not just for him but in general, music is better in the moment it is fresh than 25 years down the line.

For me it was new and my dad took me to see it. He was an Eagles fan.

By the way, did you get to interview Ellen Pompeo for that article??

2006-07-08 22:56:41
383.   confucius
381 Check out Brendan Donnelly's violent motion.
2006-07-08 23:00:20
384.   Jon Weisman
382 - You don't know me very well. Pretty much nothing I listen to is new. I'm not hip to the scene, man.

You mean the article from about a year or so ago? Yes.

2006-07-08 23:01:07
385.   Scanman33
383-Weaver's is much worse. Donnelly puts nowhere near the torque on his body that Weaver does.
2006-07-08 23:03:51
386.   trainwreck
Ellen Pompeo's best role was a guest spot on Strangers With Candy, the episode was about the debate team.

If you have not watched Strangers With Candy go do it...now!

2006-07-08 23:08:09
387.   confucius
384Was it a phone interview?? I saw her on Letterman about a year ago and she was very charming and seemed genuine.

I just think she would really cool to meet.

"Pretty much nothing I listen to is new."

So if you're taking your wife on a date it's white zinfandel and The Carpenters? :)

2006-07-08 23:09:53
388.   confucius
386 I watch the Colbert Report. Does that count for something?

Amy Sedaris is crazy, by the way.

2006-07-08 23:11:13
389.   confucius
385 You're probably right. I don't know that much about pitching and mechanics.
2006-07-08 23:12:33
390.   Jon Weisman
387 - I interviewed her that same week, over the phone. She was charming. We ended up talking at some length about a Vanity Fair article she was reading in the middle of the interview.

I think the last two concerts my wife and I went to were Springsteen and Lyle Lovett. And not the most recent tours. Oh, and Kids in the Hall. And Disney Hall. We're into halls, I guess. We don't get out much.

2006-07-08 23:14:22
391.   Jon Weisman
(she wasn't reading the article during the interview, I should clarify.)
2006-07-08 23:19:11
392.   confucius
What was the article she was fascinated about? Angelina Jolie?
2006-07-08 23:20:45
393.   trainwreck
388
Yeah, I heard she never stops acting or putting on some sort of a character. Her brother David said he has never met the real Amy.
2006-07-08 23:21:05
394.   LAT
390. Hall & Oats?
2006-07-08 23:22:44
395.   Jon Weisman
392 - Can't remember, If you told me, I'd remember. It wasn't a celebrity article. I think it was an extraordinary bit of reporting or something.

393 - Quit judging Am - oh, never mind.

2006-07-08 23:23:58
396.   trainwreck
395
It was too easy for you to pass it up haha.
2006-07-08 23:24:54
397.   confucius
393 395 LOL
2006-07-08 23:29:06
398.   confucius
On the subject of puns, how many times can Dodgers.com put Penny and shine in the same headline. For god sakes give me something about a Penny saved is a Penny earned or something, anything!!

Personally, I'd like to see more Ethier/Ether burns the...

2006-07-08 23:51:43
399.   dzzrtRatt
How come the Braves stopped playing Pete Orr? Maybe Colletti could trade for him (he hit .300 last season), and then if Ethier and Orr both had a lot of hits in the same game...
2006-07-08 23:56:49
400.   Bob Timmermann
The Dodgers are in danger of exceeding their quota of Canadians as specified by NAFTA if they acquire Pete Orr. Gagne still counts against the total. You can't have three Canadians on the roster.

You end up with the Minutemen trying to build a fence to keep the Canadians out.

Show/Hide Comments 401-450
2006-07-09 00:05:12
401.   Steve
All these hippie kids listening to their rock and roll. What's wrong with Dean Martin? Now get off of my lawn.
2006-07-09 00:05:23
402.   natepurcell
Just got home from work, is it to late to get in the Logan White argument?
2006-07-09 00:09:07
403.   Steve
Why, when we were kids we used to scream ourselves hoarse rooting Kenny Landreaux into third for a triple. Now these kids, they just want their fancy lad centerfielders with the long hair and the big money from Omar Minaya. Well, I've seen Carlos Beltran, Carlos Beltran is a friend of mine, and Carlos Beltran is no Kenny Landreaux, goll-tarn-it.
2006-07-09 00:09:36
404.   Steve
Do you think he's the greatest or the super-greatest?
2006-07-09 00:12:50
405.   natepurcell
I think he is in between greatest and super greatest. The only blemish was Hochevar and its hard to totally blame him for it anyways. If 2 out of the Mattingly-Kershaw-Morris trio turn out to be awesome, then he is the super greatest.

and I LOLed at Olbears definition of "highly regarded"

2006-07-09 00:16:38
406.   Steve
Hochevar was a noble effort. As for the rest, it seems to me like a scouting director's job is to make prospects. He has done it. Q.E.D.
2006-07-09 00:18:19
407.   natepurcell
I just wish we would dabble more into the international market, although thats not on Logan White. I just want some sexy high price latin flavor in our system.
2006-07-09 00:22:04
408.   natepurcell
LOL! I just got an email from Kyle Orr.

Looks like he is a Dodger. Heading to intrux in the fall, just waiting on a work visa cause hes Canadian.

Soon the Ethier/Orr combo will take over chavez ravine.

2006-07-09 00:23:13
409.   Steve
Why did you get an email from Kyle Orr?
2006-07-09 00:24:28
410.   trainwreck
408
Haha that is sweet that he emailed you.
2006-07-09 00:24:39
411.   natepurcell
Because I sent him one a day or two ago.
2006-07-09 00:27:28
412.   Uncle Miltie
Ugh, I am so tired from playing basketball and skating for a couple hours. Anyways, I just saw this on the LA Times website.

Russell Martin had a rare game off, and Hall delivered three hits and three runs batted in, causing TV cameras and reporters to converge on him. He used the opportunity to make it clear he isn't happy with being a backup, although he did admit Martin "is the real deal."

"The situation I'm in is not what I planned on," he said. "It's not good. I didn't have a choice to be traded here. I don't have a future in L.A."

Hall's contract is up after the season and he'd hoped to be traded to a team that would play him every day and sign him to an extension.

"Maybe something will be done," he said of another trade. "Until then, I'll try to help the team win."

Great another miscalculation by Ned. Tuby needs to realize that he is a backup. I don't know if any team in the majors would want him as a starter besides the Devil Rays, but now they have Navarro. I actually like him as a backup, so hopefully he'll reconsider. I doubt there is much of a market for backup catchers.

2006-07-09 00:29:28
413.   natepurcell
Hall is a pretty good backup. He should know his role and shut up.
2006-07-09 00:31:07
414.   Steve
I do realize that this is beating a dead horse, but these guys all realize that they played for Tampa Bay right? I mean, theoretically it's a major league team (albeit, one that continues to employ Travis Lee), but only just so.
2006-07-09 00:34:51
415.   trainwreck
Nate, I take you saw Elbert's impressive line from his AA debut.

Why would anyone give Toby Hall an extension? Some players are really dellusional.

2006-07-09 00:38:40
416.   natepurcell
415

Yea I saw that, pretty impressive with the strikouts. the 3 walks in 5IP is still a tad high though. Hes only 20 so he has time to hammer that stuff out. So far so good.

2006-07-09 00:44:02
417.   Uncle Miltie
Furcal is heating up (also from the LA Times):

Furcal seems revived, drawing walks, scoring runs and performing the general duties of a leadoff hitter that escaped him early in the season when he was slowed by injuries, including lower-back trouble, a sore shoulder, a shin bruise and a jammed finger.

The first-year Dodger wasn't sidelined for any extended time because of the injuries and played through the pain. During that time, he was patient at the plate. It was when he was finally healthy, Little said, that Furcal started to press and try to make up for his restricted play.

Furcal has regained his patience, though, and is finally flashing the skills that brought him his $39-million contract. It started after being put back in the leadoff spot July 4. Furcal, who said he's being more patient at the plate, has raised his on-base percentage from .332 to .344 since the change in the lineup.

He had a great game today, 2-3 3 walks. His patience at the plate has been pretty surprising. This is the best walk rate he's had since his rookie year. I wish he was collecting a few more extra base hits. Furcal's batting average is on the rise. I think he'll finish out the year with an OBP in the .370 range.

I expect him to have a much better season in year 2 of his contract.

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