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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

The Dodgers' Date with Destiny
2006-08-16 11:00
by Jon Weisman

Why does the best Dodger 18-game run in 107 years and best National League run in 20 years feel so unreal?

It's the dissonance with the overall season winning percentage, for one thing. A .533 team playing .944 ball after an .071 stretch is hard to wrap the brain around. It's easier to digest this stuff earlier in the season or when your team was playing better beforehand. When you're a freshman, you can dream of getting a date with the head cheerleader. When you're a senior with not much to show for it, what are you supposed to do when the head cheerleader suddenly knows your name?

My feelings toward the Dodgers' run also reflect that I probably spend a little too much time thinking about when the Dodger run will end and what will happen when it ends.

Don't get me wrong: I'm happy. It has been one lovely walk among the clouds. But I guess I've taken the "not getting too high during the highs" philosophy to heart.

The suddenly smokin' starting rotation of Brad Penny, Derek Lowe, Greg Maddux, Chad Billingsley and (cough) Mark Hendrickson could easily have a succession of bad outings. None of them is so consistently dominant that a five-game losing streak couldn't return as fast as a trail of ants in your kitchen.

"If everyone is doing real good, you don't want to be the guy that sticks out," Derek Lowe told Bill Plunkett of the Register Tuesday night. "If everyone is saying, 'They're pitching great but ...' You don't want to be the 'but ...' guy."

Assuming no pun intended, the question for the Dodgers will be how quickly they can find a "but" guy when others start doing poorly. That will depend on players digging even deeper within themselves, focusing more, executing with more precision, than they have already.

The best part of the Dodgers' current situation might be that they can truly taste the postseason, but at the same time, they have no reason not to be humble. Last place was so recent, second place is still so near, and recent victories have come so late in the game, often by thin margins. There's no reason for the Dodgers to think they can coast – yet winning has given them this glorious second wind.

The Dodgers will slump again before the season's over. Bank on it. We know how bad they can be. But the comfort will be in knowing how how good they can be, too. We know how dramatically they can turn things around if they just keep trying.

What did I do when the head cheerleader suddenly learned my name? My answer was: Get a crash course in learning to drive a stick shift so that I could take her to a Dodger game in my brother's Scirocco. There was some grinding of gears, and we were both soon looking for something new, but I'm still happy it happened.

* * *

Today's 12:10 p.m. Game

Comments (311)
Show/Hide Comments 1-50
2006-08-16 11:15:31
1.   towerofpower
You dated the head cheerleader?

Awesome.

2006-08-16 11:17:39
2.   Bob Timmermann
I got to be a judge to choose the cheerleaders once.

It was not nearly as much fun as it sounded.

2006-08-16 11:18:12
3.   Marty
Isn't taking a cheerleader to a ballgame sort of a busman's holiday for her?
2006-08-16 11:18:49
4.   Jon Weisman
1 - If dated can be defined as "having had a date with," then yes.
2006-08-16 11:19:11
5.   njr
Is "grinding of gears" dt appropriate?

Another stellar piece, Jon. I too have been focusing too much on what will happen when this streak ends and not enough on how great the team has been. I was at the game last night and when I noted Billz growing pitch count in the third my friends made me promise to make only positive comments for the rest of the game. It worked! And also made the game a lot of tun. These same friends refer to me as a "Red Sox Dodgers fan" because I can be such a worrier. That said, there's been plenty of reason to worry in the last decade or so.

I'm rambling now but my point was just to say great article and it's nice to see people around here being a little more positive. Things could change quickly on our coming road trip (there I go again...) but I feel pretty darn good on this Wednesday morning. And this team has been an absolute joy to watch for the past 18 games.

Go Blue!

2006-08-16 11:20:08
6.   DXMachina
For me, having that horrendous losing streak immediately prior to the current skein really is helping to keep things in perspective. That, and knowing that Hendrickson still pitches every fifth day has kept my outlook relatively mellow.
2006-08-16 11:20:36
7.   Jacob L
I'm sure I've told the stroy before, so I'll leave out the personal details, but this is still my all time favorite mid-week day game

http://www.retrosheet.org/boxesetc/B05310LAN1989.htm

Why, oh why, can I never ditch work anymore? Stupid career progression.

2006-08-16 11:20:45
8.   Bob Timmermann
Is "grinding of gears" dt appropriate?

Sadly, I think Jon was not being metaphorical there.

2006-08-16 11:21:16
9.   Marty
I'm trying to treat this winning streak the same way as the USC football run of late. Enjoy it while you can because you will probably never get another chance to see a run like that.
2006-08-16 11:22:19
10.   D4P
You don't want to be the 'but ...' guy.

There's gotta be a Carolyn Hughes joke in there somewhere...

2006-08-16 11:22:33
11.   Greg Brock
9 I hope you're right.
2006-08-16 11:23:02
12.   Marty
Was the cheerleaders name Destiny by any chance?
2006-08-16 11:24:23
13.   Jon Weisman
8 - You are correct.

12 - That would have been too perfect.

2006-08-16 11:27:51
14.   Ben P
Since I have been among those who agreed that Lofton is not an ideal starting CF or no. 2 hitter, I figure I owe the guy his due.

From Inside the Dodgers:

Since the start of the 2005 season, only two players in baseball have a better average than Kenny Lofton among big leaguers with 600 or more plate appearances. Albert Pujols (.331) and Miguel Cabrera (.328) are just above Lofton (.326). During that span, Lofton has stolen 43 bases and has been caught just six times for an 88 percent success rate. He also has a .381 on-base percentage since the start of last year.

2006-08-16 11:28:11
15.   Bob Timmermann
13
Was your high school co-ed when you were there?
2006-08-16 11:28:44
16.   Jacob L
12 I think I saw that movie.
2006-08-16 11:32:49
17.   the OZ
12 If that were true, maybe one day Jon's child might meet Destiny's child.

Regarding Lofton's surge at the plate: does it seem like he gets every hit lately by slapping a soft liner between the 3B and SS? It's like he's looking to take a pitch that way everytime he swings. It's obviously working, if true.

2006-08-16 11:32:59
18.   Jon Weisman
15 - No, she went to Westlake.
2006-08-16 11:41:38
19.   Xeifrank
A few more things to add to my list of "Things I've Never Done and Probably Never Will".

1. Date the head cheerleader.
2. Go on a date to a baseball game.
3. Stand foot in Bob's kitchen.

vr, Xei

2006-08-16 11:46:09
20.   bhsportsguy
19 Number 2 is not difficult, the hard part is finding time to talk while taking score, looking at the scoreboard and eating nachos.
2006-08-16 11:47:38
21.   Bob Timmermann
I've gone on dates to baseball games. And I've kept score too.

The question to ask is: How many second dates did you go on?

2006-08-16 11:47:50
22.   Xeifrank
interesting that Soriano was put on waivers yesterday. I doubt a trade could really be worked out. vr, Xei
2006-08-16 11:48:26
23.   Jacob L
20 Yeah, that's usually where the ballgame date breaks down. You look at the last 2 nachos, and ask if she wants one.
2006-08-16 11:49:35
24.   Icaros
Something strange happened with the cheerleaders at my high school.

By the time senior year rolled around, pretty much the entire squad (at least all of the attractive ones) quit because they hated their coach.

Because of this, all of the dorky and kinda ugly girls who always wanted to be cheerleaders but never could be suddenly were.

Nice for them.

2006-08-16 11:52:17
25.   Marty
A cheerleader walkout. Whoda thunk it?
2006-08-16 11:54:50
26.   Xeifrank
I would tend to think that taking a date to a baseball game, especially a first date would be pretty tough to pull off. Right now on some poetry reading blog, some girl is probably posting about how she took a guy on a date to a poetry reading or a quilting exhibit. Now that I think of it, I did take my wife (when she was my gfriend) to an Angels game. We had to do alot of walking around the stadium to keep her from getting too bored. Of course we missed the only two homeruns of the game while we were gone, but the relationship worked out for the better in the long run because of it.
vr, Xei
2006-08-16 11:56:32
27.   Gold Star for Robot Boy
As for this streak, what surprises me - aside from its unreal length - is how little it resembles the team's earlier hot stretch of this season.
Now, I would do the research myself but I'm at work, so my connection to the Internet tubes is awful. (Pipes break all the time, plumbers are called, wet vacs are needed...)
Going off memory, the early-season streak involved average pitching offset by an offense simply bludgeoning foes into submission. The current run is far more driven by pitching, with an offense that does just enough to get the job done. If I could, I'd research how few times the Dodgers held a lead going into the late innings.
2006-08-16 11:56:38
28.   bhsportsguy
21 I did get a second date but personally right now given the anxeity of a pennant race, adding the normal angst of dating, I don't think the two would mix.
2006-08-16 11:58:21
29.   Jon Weisman
27 - "Going off memory, the early-season streak involved average pitching offset by an offense simply bludgeoning foes into submission. The current run is far more driven by pitching, with an offense that does just enough to get the job done."

That's basically how I remember it.

2006-08-16 11:58:44
30.   Linkmeister
26 And does she now attend baseball games?

There's a great chapter about fans (specifically Tiger fans) in Angell's "Five Seasons." One of the guys' wives would read books under the cover of the scorecard/program when she went along with him, so he admitted she just wasn't as devoted as he was and excused her from attending future games.

2006-08-16 11:59:37
31.   bhsportsguy
27 I agree, the offense has been shut down quite a bit during this homestand, the Rockies pitched well, Schmidt had a great game and in the last two games, it took some late hits to grind out some wins.

During the run in May, the Dodgers were blowing out the Angels and Rockies, scoring 6-7 runs a game, the pitching was good but it wasn't the focal point of why the team was winning.

2006-08-16 11:59:48
32.   Gold Star for Robot Boy
Never taken a date to a baseball game, although I once met a sorta GF at a game (American Legion). I was there as a sportswriter, working at a small paper in Northern California. She was there to watch her brother play. I was reading The Best and the Brightest between innings, and she (a U Chicago grad student) was impressed by that. A nice summer followed.
2006-08-16 11:59:50
33.   StolenMonkey86
recent old friend alert: Cody Ross starting in right field
2006-08-16 12:04:04
34.   Xeifrank
30. Nope. She gets an excuse though, being from a country that doesn't play much baseball. vr, Xei
2006-08-16 12:07:32
35.   Icaros
Extra Innings not working for the third consecutive day.

Words cannot describe the rage which has set up camp in my soul.

2006-08-16 12:07:43
36.   StolenMonkey86
wow, everyone in the marlins lineup except the pitcher bats right-handed
2006-08-16 12:17:39
37.   Icaros
I hope Hendrickson starts getting the same managerial death threats for his recent lousy control that Billingsley's been getting
2006-08-16 12:18:31
38.   Ben P
Small sample size, but Hendrickson is actually doing better this year against righties (.257 BAA, 1.35 WHIP) than lefties (.300 BAA, 1.76 WHIP).
2006-08-16 12:19:25
39.   scareduck
24 - brilliant.

I have to admit, I dated one near-model-quality woman in my life, and it didn't quite work out; she had a short attention span.

And then I dated a cheerleader, but that, too, was shortlived.

I consider myself fortunate to have a wife who knows what the infield fly rule is, and why we have it.

2006-08-16 12:20:08
40.   Brent is a Dodger Fan
Just as long as they keep winning through and including Sunday at the PhoneCompany Park so the San Francisco crowd is docile and humiliated, leaving me to enjoy a Dodger game in peace...
2006-08-16 12:21:14
41.   Icaros
I'd tell Hendrickson to just trust his stuff and throw strikes, but he has no stuff worth trusting.
2006-08-16 12:22:37
42.   Icaros
What's wrong with this goof?
2006-08-16 12:22:51
43.   StolenMonkey86
uh oh
2006-08-16 12:23:05
44.   scareduck
32 - I once ran into an ex-girlfriend who shocked me a few months after our breakup by displaying her engagement ring; she claimed to have met her fiancee at an Angels game after we broke up, but I wondered afterwards whether the timing was as she suggested, because she disappeared after our split. Disappeared, as in, no forwarding address. We'd been together for about three years, and it was a hard one to get over.
2006-08-16 12:23:10
45.   Humma Kavula
gah.
2006-08-16 12:23:40
46.   njr
You don't want to be the 'but ...' guy.

I just woke up on the "sexual innuendo" side of the bed this morning.

I'll stop now, I promise.

2006-08-16 12:23:51
47.   StolenMonkey86
well, I think we know who to dump when Dessens gets back
2006-08-16 12:24:35
48.   Humma Kavula
45.
2006-08-16 12:24:53
49.   Sospiro0
18.

I've dated Westlake girls. Be glad it was only one date and not two.

Unless you're referring to Harvard/Westlake?

2006-08-16 12:25:09
50.   Brad Bogner
The good thing about Ned is that he has no problems dumping guys he previously traded for.

Honestly, Sele needs to be starting over Hendrickson. One hit, 3 runs?

Show/Hide Comments 51-100
2006-08-16 12:25:11
51.   Brad Bogner
The good thing about Ned is that he has no problems dumping guys he previously traded for.

Honestly, Sele needs to be starting over Hendrickson. One hit, 3 runs?

2006-08-16 12:25:11
52.   Marty
Hendricksen is a stopper. Just not the kind we need.
2006-08-16 12:26:22
53.   Humma Kavula
That was the most disappointing inning I've seen in days.
2006-08-16 12:26:26
54.   JoeyP
This might be one of those Pythagoreum regression games.

In the A's current streak, they lost one game 14-0.

Today might be that game for the Dodgers.

2006-08-16 12:26:54
55.   Telemachos
Ouch. I didn't realize the game started at 12:15. Opened up Gameday and we're down by four! yeesh.
2006-08-16 12:27:12
56.   DXMachina
So, long relief? Do you bring in Sele after he pitched last night, or Tomko?
2006-08-16 12:27:34
57.   scooplew
The same Cody Ross who left the Dodgers with a .500 batting average.
2006-08-16 12:27:46
58.   Jon Weisman
49 - It was the pre-merger Westlake.
2006-08-16 12:27:48
59.   StolenMonkey86
Dave Stewart was right
2006-08-16 12:28:35
60.   Terry A
It's hardly ever a good day when Mark Eaton's photo appears on Gameday.
2006-08-16 12:28:36
61.   Icaros
30 pitch inning for the Hen. Maddux would be through 6 by now.
2006-08-16 12:29:03
62.   JoeyP
I cant remember Furcal being out of the lineup. Seems like he's never had an off day.
2006-08-16 12:29:33
63.   Jon Weisman
The wind is blowing out ... of the strike zone.
2006-08-16 12:30:49
64.   Humma Kavula
Is anyone watching on TV? Is the umpire just squeezing the zone, or what?
2006-08-16 12:31:03
65.   StolenMonkey86
Sele threw 7 pitches last night. He also is king of the hill at Dodger Stadium. I'd give him 2 innings or 40 pitches today, whichever comes first. You'll need to go to Gio for a bit, though, unless Sele is really efficient.
2006-08-16 12:32:18
66.   Humma Kavula
Gah!
2006-08-16 12:32:19
67.   StolenMonkey86
it's hard to advance the runner on a popup to 2nd
2006-08-16 12:32:37
68.   Telemachos
I will admit it would be immensely satisfying to come back and win this game. I'd settle for getting at least one run back here.
2006-08-16 12:32:42
69.   thinkblue0
I'm all about the win streak and being positive...but one thing I still can't understand is why Hendrickson continues to have a job.
2006-08-16 12:34:02
70.   the OZ
I looked up this Josh Johnson kid. He walks a ton of guys, and strikes out roughly 8 guys a game and walks about half that many. He's been better in the big leagues than at any level in the minors., where he put up a 3.46 ERA at A+ Jupiter (the city, not the planet) in the FSL.

He was taken in Round 4 of the 2002 Draft. The Dodgers took Delwyn Young several picks later, with Mike Nixon in Rd 3 and Zach Hammes in Rd 2. Loney was teh Dodgers' first-round pick and Greg Miller a sandwich pick.

2006-08-16 12:34:58
71.   Humma Kavula
Vin: "Not exactly your thrilling outset."
2006-08-16 12:35:09
72.   Marty
JAWFJD
2006-08-16 12:35:25
73.   RELX
If Billingsley was supposedly on shaky ground before his start last night, does this mean that Hendrickson is now on the same shifting sand?
2006-08-16 12:35:47
74.   Telemachos
69 In fairness to him, Hendrickson had pitched reasonably well over his last couple of starts... at least in terms of runs scoring and innings pitched.
2006-08-16 12:36:04
75.   Marty
According to Gameday Lofton stole 23 third bases just now.
2006-08-16 12:36:13
76.   scooplew
When did we last have a bigger deficit?
2006-08-16 12:36:58
77.   Humma Kavula
All right!
2006-08-16 12:37:35
78.   StolenMonkey86
Lofton is really intent on catching Dummy.
2006-08-16 12:37:59
79.   Telemachos
Nice! I feel better already. :)
2006-08-16 12:38:51
80.   Jon Weisman
78 - I didn't know Lofton wanted to be a catcher - and stop calling me "Dummy!"
2006-08-16 12:39:24
81.   Bob Timmermann
The Dodgers trailed 6-2 en route to a 10-3 loss on July 26.
2006-08-16 12:40:41
82.   StolenMonkey86
80 - *lol*

(hey, it's a cheerleader)

I'm referring of course to Dummy Hoy, who has 594 career steals

2006-08-16 12:41:20
83.   scooplew
Five of the six runs in the first inning were scored by batters who walked. Frankie Frisch was right.
2006-08-16 12:41:38
84.   bhsportsguy
69 Basically, he gives teams they face a different look and he generally goes 5-6 innings, to be fair, the Dodgers have not scored a lot of runs but watching Hendrickson is not a fun way to spend an afternoon.

Johnson is the type of pitcher that the Dodgers have good luck with, from what I can tell a classic fastball, off speed guy, this team has real problems with guys who change speeds unless they are facing someone like Schmidt who is on.

If Hendrickson can keep it together, which is a big if, we will get our shots to win this game.

2006-08-16 12:41:44
85.   StolenMonkey86
so in this game, a total of 6 runs on 3 hits. And no errors, except for leaving Hendrickson in the rotation.
2006-08-16 12:42:41
86.   StolenMonkey86
phew, he struck out the pitcher.
2006-08-16 12:43:00
87.   bhsportsguy
85 C'mon guys, keep the positive karma flowing.
2006-08-16 12:43:17
88.   scooplew
81 -- Thanks
2006-08-16 12:43:49
89.   bhsportsguy
Thanks Hanley for bunting, saving some pitches.
2006-08-16 12:44:06
90.   scooplew
I think we'll win this one, 11-9.
2006-08-16 12:44:36
91.   StolenMonkey86
yay

1-2-3 on 7 pitches

2006-08-16 12:44:37
92.   Bob Timmermann
Pirates and Brewers are in extra innings, but they're just in the 11th now.

Pikers.

2006-08-16 12:44:39
93.   Gen3Blue
I just got in and put on the game a minute ago. I was not surprised to see 4-0 after the run we have had. All I can ssay is Ohhh, those bases on balls. All three score with 2 outs!
And yet we reply with 2 runs.
2006-08-16 12:46:13
94.   Marty
Hedley Ramirez doesn't seem too good.
2006-08-16 12:46:56
95.   Icaros
Hendrickson needs to grab at least 10 boards today to make up for the runs he's allowed.
2006-08-16 12:47:04
96.   Bob Timmermann
That's HENLEY!
2006-08-16 12:47:17
97.   thinkblue0
In fairness to him, Hendrickson had pitched reasonably well over his last couple of starts... at least in terms of runs scoring and innings pitched.

That's the problem. We're at a point where we have to make excuses for the reason he's pitched well.

The fact of the matter is that he hasn't, three starts ago he walked 7 men and gave up six hits in six innings. That's awful. In his last start he gave up ten hits and 4 walks in seven innings. Again, that's not good.

He walks too many batters, he gives up too many hits, (his BAA is .306) and he doesn't strike anyone out. Usually the only way to win with this guy on the mound is through pure luck...I'd rather have someone else out there...heck, even Sele.

2006-08-16 12:47:31
98.   the OZ
According to Gameday, Betemit's groundball single went right through the "U" in Uggla.
2006-08-16 12:48:04
99.   StolenMonkey86
95 - if he blocked a shot or two, that would also help put him over the top
2006-08-16 12:48:04
100.   the OZ
According to Gameday, Betemit's groundball single went right through the "U" in Uggla.

"Uggla" is also an anagram for "Gulag".

Show/Hide Comments 101-150
2006-08-16 12:48:19
101.   bhsportsguy
Vin just cannot believe the Braves traded Betemit to the Dodgers. Now I knew the name but not watching a lot of Braves games did not know much about him but I have to think I knew at least almost as much as Vin did but he just will not let that trade go.

To me it is really funny.

2006-08-16 12:48:44
102.   Marty
Toby Hall needs to upgrade his Gameday picture. Seriously.
2006-08-16 12:49:31
103.   Humma Kavula
Gah!
2006-08-16 12:50:17
104.   Marty
I think it speaks to Vin's opinion of Baez.
2006-08-16 12:50:42
105.   bhsportsguy
97 Old school philosophy dictates that you have to toss a LH pitcher out there now and then. Frankly in terms of 5th starters and that is what he is, he is not the worse the Dodgers have thrown out there in the last few years.
2006-08-16 12:50:58
106.   Icaros
Are you kidding me?
2006-08-16 12:51:34
107.   StolenMonkey86
My Dad's a Braves fan, watches a lot of games on TBS. I think he was really surprised that the Braves traded off Betemit, especially with the injury problems Chipper Jones has been having
2006-08-16 12:52:32
108.   bhsportsguy
104 No, I don't think so, at least only in the respect that he thinks Betemit has the talent to be a really good everyday third baseman, so yes a trade for a good hitter in Aybar and a free agent set up man in Baez, than maybe the Dodgers did not pay that much to get him.
2006-08-16 12:52:38
109.   Bob Timmermann
If this were 1877, Toby Hall would be leading off the third inning for the Dodgers.
2006-08-16 12:53:41
110.   thinkblue0
Old school philosophy dictates that you have to toss a LH pitcher out there now and then.

who cares what old school philosophy says? The ultimate goal is to give your team the best chance at winning and Hendrickson doesn't do that. I'm starting to wonder if a AAA guy would perform better. Heck, give Sele his job back.

I guess I just don't get why people defend Hendrickson. The guy has almost no redeeming qualities as a player and it's unreal that he still gets tossed out there every five days.

2006-08-16 12:53:49
111.   Jon Weisman
107 - Though not a Braves fan, my dad watches a lot of TBS games too, and he too was bullish on Betemit/shocked the Dodgers got him. Must have been quite a cult following he had.
2006-08-16 12:54:11
112.   StolenMonkey86
105 - the Red Sox ignored that one in 2004, as only one of their games was started by a lefty. Abe Alvarez
2006-08-16 12:54:45
113.   scareduck
109 - huh?
2006-08-16 12:56:06
114.   Humma Kavula
Old friend, indeed.
2006-08-16 12:56:08
115.   Bob Timmermann
113
Prior to the 1878 season, the batter leading off an inning was the guy who came after the last player to make an out. Since Betemit was picked off to end the inning, the player after him would have led off the next inning, i.e., Hall.
2006-08-16 12:56:11
116.   Jon Weisman
I think the Astros are now on a 19-inning scoreless streak.
2006-08-16 12:56:12
117.   DodgerBakers
113-because Hall bats after Betemit, who got out.
2006-08-16 12:56:19
118.   thinkblue0
this is really pathetic. Either DFA Hendrickson or make him the last reliever in the pen.

Now sele is warming up...and he's the one who should have been starting in the first place.

2006-08-16 12:57:17
119.   Marty
DFA is too good for Hendricksen. I say KEELHAUL him!
2006-08-16 12:57:30
120.   DXMachina
105 "Abe Alvarez"

Who's been in Pawtucket ever since.

2006-08-16 12:57:34
121.   Jon Weisman
118 - Your dissatisfaction has been duly noted.
2006-08-16 12:57:34
122.   capdodger
39 Amen to the last sentence.
2006-08-16 12:57:40
123.   Gen3Blue
Gee, Hendrickson is terrible today. With are extra starters I think we have pull him if we want a chance.
2006-08-16 12:58:47
124.   Marty
Though I agree with Bhsportsguy. Hendrickson will have to start throwing righty in order to get him out of the rotation.
2006-08-16 12:59:12
125.   Icaros
I remember when Abe Alavarez was the talk of the school I worked at.

Actually, back then, he was #1 and Jered Weaver was #2.

2006-08-16 12:59:13
126.   StolenMonkey86
Cody Ross has 4 RBI and it's only the 3rd inning
2006-08-16 12:59:48
127.   ddger
Is Hendrickson our Erickson of last year now?
2006-08-16 13:00:17
128.   StolenMonkey86
they both have the ick going
2006-08-16 13:00:48
129.   Marty
Now a throwing error? This is getting comical.
2006-08-16 13:00:49
130.   Jon Weisman
127 - No comparison between the two. Going into today, Hendrickson lasted five innings in every start this year.
2006-08-16 13:01:17
131.   thinkblue0
121-

It's just frustrating because I try to rationalize these things, and I really can't come up with any reasonable thought process where one would still start him.

Time for Sele to come in and hopefully get someone to GIDP.

2006-08-16 13:01:23
132.   Brad Bogner
Why has Billingsley been on a short leash this whole time while Hendrickson gets to reign free? Truly baffles me.
2006-08-16 13:01:24
133.   Bob Timmermann
I think Hendrickson is not as annoying as Erickson and he doesn't seem to blame others for his failings.
2006-08-16 13:01:39
134.   KG16
So then, four man rotation?
2006-08-16 13:01:47
135.   Icaros
'Attaboy Hen! You'll get 'em next time!
2006-08-16 13:02:19
136.   Jon Weisman
Prior to coming to Los Angeles, Hendrickson had walked more than three batters in a game just once this year. He has now walked 16 in his past 21 1/3 innings.
2006-08-16 13:02:44
137.   King of the Hobos
Is this a bad time to mention that Seo had a 7 inning, 2 run game yesterday?
2006-08-16 13:03:14
138.   StolenMonkey86
I still say Sele and Hendrickson should alternate, so Hendrickson starts on the road and Sele at home.
2006-08-16 13:03:24
139.   Xeifrank
Looks like we got Hendrickson #1 for today's game. Hopefully, Sele #3 can help rescue us.
vr, Xei
2006-08-16 13:03:27
140.   Icaros
Rob's wife can explain what just happened and why.
2006-08-16 13:03:28
141.   Marty
At least Hendrickson got to bat once. That was always important in little league.
2006-08-16 13:03:30
142.   ddger
It seems that Maddux's influence hasn't helped Hendrickson much so far.
2006-08-16 13:04:03
143.   ddger
Great job by Sele to keep us in this game.
2006-08-16 13:05:03
144.   StolenMonkey86
Hendrickson's game score: 25
2006-08-16 13:05:29
145.   Marty
Great job by Sele to keep us in this game.

Things you never thought you would hear when the season started.

2006-08-16 13:05:59
146.   DXMachina
125 Abe's not having the best year. 118 IP, 5.64 ERA, 22 HR.
2006-08-16 13:06:17
147.   Gen3Blue
I don't understand the trade for Hendrickson. We had no need for a mediocre starter. We have several in our system. It must have been done to get rid of extra headcount.
2006-08-16 13:06:28
148.   Icaros
142

I don't think Hendrickson can hear anything Maddux says because he's too busy slapping away the annoying airplanes flying around his head.

2006-08-16 13:07:39
149.   Icaros
146

Does he still wear his hat crooked?

2006-08-16 13:08:18
150.   regfairfield
It's probably small sample size, but while Hendrickson couldn't strike anyone out in Tampa, his K/BB was still around 2-1. Over the last four starts, he hasn't been able to find the strike zone, and I think his K/BB is down to 1-1 for the Dodgers.
Show/Hide Comments 151-200
2006-08-16 13:08:24
151.   Xeifrank
147. It was to make up for the good trade we made with the Cubs. Colleti's 2nd law of wheeling and dealing... for every good trade there is an equally bad trade to be made.
vr, Xei
2006-08-16 13:08:41
152.   Brad Bogner
I got an idea. Let's swing at every single first pitch from a struggling starter.
2006-08-16 13:09:24
153.   Icaros
What was that, a five pitch inning?

I literally blinked and missed it.

2006-08-16 13:10:00
154.   King of the Hobos
149 I would think he still does, considering he does it due to his blind eye (or at least that's his story).
2006-08-16 13:10:41
155.   Gen3Blue
Well, that was effecient. How many pitches that inning for Johnson?
2006-08-16 13:10:44
156.   Bob Timmermann
109 pitches through 8 innings for Shawn O'Malley of the Cubs in Houston.

The Cubs lead 1-0.

Does Baker send him out for the Cubs first complete game of the season?

2006-08-16 13:10:46
157.   DXMachina
149 Yes. I gather he does it because he's blind in one eye. I have no idea how that helps, but that's what my Sox fan friend told me.

Lugo's got that nine iron shot zoned in.

2006-08-16 13:10:49
158.   Marty
149 I dunno, but Hedley does according to Gameday.
2006-08-16 13:11:00
159.   Berkeley Doug
OK, I'm going to lunch. Here is hoping I come back with the Dodgers leading. :)
2006-08-16 13:12:28
160.   Icaros
154

I forgot about the eye thing.

It seems like crooked hat has become a style, though. Did Dontrelle start the fad?

2006-08-16 13:13:46
161.   DXMachina
I remember Steiner saying something in one of Hendrickson's starts about how Honeycutt was tinkering with his mechanics to try to get some more velocity out of him. I wonder if that's where some of the wildness is coming from.
2006-08-16 13:13:55
162.   KG16
160 - a lot of the Fish were doing it for a while, Pierre and Willis among them
2006-08-16 13:14:33
163.   bhsportsguy
I think Jon hit it when he said until today, Hendrickson had pitched no fewer than 5 innings. Seo and Perez were guys that you never knew how long there were going to go, Tomko was on DL and you already were throwing Sele and Billingsley out there.

The only option in AAA was Houlton and even that move would mean you had to get rid of Seo because you would not be able to option him. And Houlton was not exactly blowing it by them in AAA.

So while they hoped that Hendrickson would win some games, I think it was really to make sure that the Dodgers burned up the bullpen every 5th day. That may be a lousy reason to get a guy but I think that was it.

2006-08-16 13:15:12
164.   Marty
Something tells me Miggy went yard.
2006-08-16 13:15:46
165.   Icaros
Ah, screw it.
2006-08-16 13:16:19
166.   Brad Bogner
Alright. Back to work I go. What an awful game. And before going into the whole "Oh, come on. they won 17/18 and were bound to lose sometime" rant, it's disappointing to realize how winnable this game would've been with a mediocre starter at least.
2006-08-16 13:16:53
167.   King of the Hobos
So much for Sele saving the day, looks like we'll need some offense.

Also, O'Malley is not pitching the 9th, the Cubs remain CG-less. I'm amazed Dusty is allowing a rookie to throw less than 120 pitches before being removed.

2006-08-16 13:17:52
168.   Xeifrank
looks like I will be shaving for the 2nd time in the last three weeks. vr, Xei
2006-08-16 13:17:58
169.   StolenMonkey86
he doesn't want his major league debut to be that good
2006-08-16 13:18:03
170.   capdodger
166
At least this game is in the middle of the day and no one's watching.
2006-08-16 13:18:07
171.   Bob Timmermann
Pettitte went 9 innings in Houston however.
2006-08-16 13:18:40
172.   capdodger
Eh... Present company excluded, of course.
2006-08-16 13:19:16
173.   Marty
171 Are there really 4 "t"s in his name? That's a lot of "t"s
2006-08-16 13:19:35
174.   StolenMonkey86
the Astros' offense is really good at doing nothing
2006-08-16 13:20:05
175.   Gen3Blue
Miggy did indeed. I think it is not our day.
Cody up with men on.
We just don't want to start a trend.
2006-08-16 13:21:13
176.   StolenMonkey86
popup to Nomar

yay

2006-08-16 13:22:21
177.   StolenMonkey86
that's the good kind of warning track power
2006-08-16 13:22:58
178.   Bob Timmermann
Pettite.
2006-08-16 13:23:52
179.   the OZ
177 Would "Warning Track" be a better nickname for Loney or Cararra?
2006-08-16 13:25:15
180.   KG16
and here comes the crazy inning...
2006-08-16 13:25:29
181.   thinkblue0
c'mon eithier! Take a couple pitches!

Betemit with a really nice single.

2006-08-16 13:25:33
182.   StolenMonkey86
Carrara
2006-08-16 13:25:35
183.   Bluebleeder87
wow, i think i'm a good luck charm! :o) 7-4 with only 1 out & toby hall to bat with Betemit & 1st.
2006-08-16 13:25:50
184.   Sushirabbit
'Scuse me, pardon me, got stuck in internet traffic... did I miss anything?!

Am I in time for the comeback?

2006-08-16 13:26:22
185.   Bob Timmermann
Britt Reames is pitching the 13th for the Pirates now.

I remember when Peter Gammons used to rave about him....

2006-08-16 13:26:23
186.   scooplew
Ryan O'Malley gets the win for the Cubs in his major league debut. Pettitte (four t's) gets the loss
2006-08-16 13:26:51
187.   Bob Timmermann
184

Somebody flush the tubes!

2006-08-16 13:27:29
188.   KG16
that looked somewhat painful
2006-08-16 13:27:31
189.   Bluebleeder87
wow that hurt me!I hope everybody involved is o.k.
2006-08-16 13:27:41
190.   StolenMonkey86
who's hurt?
2006-08-16 13:28:08
191.   scooplew
Who's injured?
2006-08-16 13:28:12
192.   Bob Timmermann
Who was hurt?
2006-08-16 13:28:40
193.   KG16
Cody Ross is leaving (being carried off), slid into Uggla, Uggla staying in
2006-08-16 13:29:05
194.   Bluebleeder87
'Scuse me, pardon me, got stuck in internet traffic... did I miss anything?!

7-4 with only one out, men at 2nd & 1st with only one out!!

2006-08-16 13:29:15
195.   Gen3Blue
Miggy did indeed. I think it is not our day.
Cody up with men on.
We just don't want to start a trend

Ohh, that collision was ugly. Feel bad for Cody.

2006-08-16 13:29:16
196.   thinkblue0
I sure hope Ross didn't blow out a knee.

I like to see him succeed, just not against us...but I sure as hell don't want to see him hurt again.

2006-08-16 13:29:35
197.   D4P
I see that Hall singled on a pop up to the 2nd baseman, which got me to thinking: when was the last time a player singled on a pop up to the catcher or the pitcher (not including bunts)?
2006-08-16 13:30:10
198.   Humma Kavula
Let's go, Raffy! C'mon!
2006-08-16 13:30:21
199.   StolenMonkey86
lousy end to Ross' day.
2006-08-16 13:30:25
200.   King of the Hobos
Ross and Uggla were both chasing Hall's pop up, both went into a slide and their knees smashed into each other. The ball landed next to them. Ross hopped to the trainer, and had to be helped off the field.
Show/Hide Comments 201-250
2006-08-16 13:31:27
201.   Bob Timmermann
197
Check BTF. They had a thread recently on players who doubled to the catcher.
2006-08-16 13:31:43
202.   the OZ
Gameday says that Hall "singles on a fly ball the second baseman Dan Uggla". I was ready to make a joke about the bright sun and Dan needing sUnGGLAsses, but it seems there was more to the play than that based on the comments here. Too bad.
2006-08-16 13:31:44
203.   Bluebleeder87
190,'91 & 92

Old friend Ross & Uggla got hurt with a texas leaguer by Toby Hall. Ross looked really hurt. (I hope he's o.k.)

2006-08-16 13:35:11
204.   ddger
Is it easier to hit HR in TB than Dodger Stadium?

Hall and Lugo haven't hit one yet for us.

2006-08-16 13:35:15
205.   Bluebleeder87
we've cut the defficit by 3, Carrara in to pitch.
2006-08-16 13:35:57
206.   JoeyP
This is probably Carrara's best spot. Down 3 runs in a semi mop up role.
2006-08-16 13:36:25
207.   thinkblue0
Lugo boots a grounder.

Does anyone know how many pop outs or really shallow flies we've had today? Seems like an abnormal amount.

2006-08-16 13:37:10
208.   Bluebleeder87
that error by Lugo could have been avoided if he would have ran into the ball, instead of letting the ball come to him.
2006-08-16 13:37:40
209.   regfairfield
204 No. Dodger Stadium is slightly favorable for home runs, Tampa Bay is pretty stingy.
2006-08-16 13:37:44
210.   JoeyP
I've wondered why the Marlins have wasted time with Reggie Abercrombie. 250Abs of .630 OPS in the OF is really a waste.
2006-08-16 13:37:45
211.   StolenMonkey86
from the Devil Rays' official site:

Ebbets Field was an influence for Tropicana Field in two ways - one by coincidence, the other by design. Tropicana Field's asymmetrical outfield dimensions closely follow those of the Brooklyn Dodgers' old home; a fact that became evident only after those measurements had been determined. Conversely, Tropicana Field's grand, eight-story-high rotunda entrance is designed from the very blueprints used for the rotunda at Ebbets Field, built in 1913.

2006-08-16 13:38:08
212.   ddger
It looks like Carrara will have to give us 3 innings so that we can save our bullpen.
2006-08-16 13:38:47
213.   Bluebleeder87
the word texas leaguer isn't hip anymore is it?
2006-08-16 13:39:24
214.   StolenMonkey86
It's only 315 feet to left in Tampa (11.5 ft wall), and Hall and Lugo are both right-handed
2006-08-16 13:39:29
215.   regfairfield
210 Why wouldn't you give him a chance? The Marlins have no expectation of winning, so why not try out every failed prospect you can?
2006-08-16 13:40:35
216.   StolenMonkey86
so that's 2 errors by the devil rays
2006-08-16 13:40:37
217.   Greg Brock
From what I can gather, things have not got swimmingly thus far.
2006-08-16 13:40:44
218.   thinkblue0
somebody get in Grady's ear and have him tell the guys to STOP SWINGING.
2006-08-16 13:41:18
219.   Bluebleeder87
Lugo goes down with a lazy center field pop up, he had a 2-0 count,wait for a strike atleast lugo!
2006-08-16 13:41:32
220.   JoeyP
Dodgers must be the only team in the league that can hit Josh Johnson so far. He's been awful today. Only 1k and a 1-10 GB/FB ratio.
2006-08-16 13:41:59
221.   thinkblue0
Nomar takes a walk...finally someone who knows how to approach Johnson.
2006-08-16 13:42:32
222.   ddger
It will be a struggle for any Dodger to hit 20 HR's this year. I think it's been quite a while since anyone hit 3 run HR. We could use one today.
2006-08-16 13:42:37
223.   Bluebleeder87
219

Lugo was a little selfish there.imo.

2006-08-16 13:43:25
224.   s choir
Pedro Martinez just went on the DL.
2006-08-16 13:43:35
225.   JoeyP
215. Abercrombie never met prospect or even failed prospect status. He's never been good at any level.

The team really isnt building anything for the future by playing him. Its not like he's going to suddenly learn how to hit, when he never has at the minor league level.

2006-08-16 13:45:40
226.   Midwest Blue
A 2-run HR would put us right back in it, Mr. Chuckles.
2006-08-16 13:46:25
227.   Midwest Blue
...or not.
2006-08-16 13:48:29
228.   thinkblue0
this game has been overly frustrating. Walking a bunch of guys then having a three run triple. Our guys popping out and not taking walks against this pitcher, Betemit getting picked off second...just one of those games where nothing seems to go our way.
2006-08-16 13:49:31
229.   Bluebleeder87
A 2-run HR would put us right back in it, Mr. Chuckles.

a three run dinger no?

2006-08-16 13:50:35
230.   Linkmeister
228 Well, after watching that flubbed throw from Furcal to Kent last night which turned into an out when the runner slid past the base, we might have been due to have one go against us.
2006-08-16 13:52:49
231.   thinkblue0
That's the Gas Can we all know and love!
2006-08-16 13:52:55
232.   Gen3Blue
I think Gio's best for just one inning.

Never mind.

2006-08-16 13:53:07
233.   capdodger
224 And all across New England, Red Sox fans snicker quietly...
2006-08-16 13:53:25
234.   Bob Timmermann
Presumably, Miguel Cabrera has solved Dodger pitching now.
2006-08-16 13:53:31
235.   JoeyP
Carrara ends it.

Miggy Cabrera- future Dodger does sound good.

2006-08-16 13:53:33
236.   scareduck
Great. Now we all have to go give Hooters free wings.
2006-08-16 13:53:50
237.   Midwest Blue
229 That too. But we only had one man on and you can only root for so many miracles.
2006-08-16 13:54:05
238.   ddger
Grady should just let Carrara finish this game and not use any more pitchers.
2006-08-16 13:55:09
239.   Greg Brock
Well, this is one inning Carrara can't pump his fists in the air. That's one positive I can take out of this.
2006-08-16 13:56:13
240.   Telemachos
At least maybe we'll get all our pitching issues out of the way in one game -- paving the way for another 6 game winning streak. :)
2006-08-16 13:57:04
241.   Gen3Blue
This kind of thing was bound to happen when you have gotten things your way.

228 I do think you are right that our "game plan" has not looked smart, and this goes beyond the breaks.

2006-08-16 13:57:28
242.   Midwest Blue
237 (Yes, referencing myself) I believe the miracle well has run dry (sob).

239 That was bad karma when he did that. Came back to bite him in the...

2006-08-16 13:57:52
243.   Gen3Blue
238 we don't have time.
2006-08-16 13:58:05
244.   Greg Brock
That ball was crushed. Keep him in there.
2006-08-16 13:58:14
245.   Bluebleeder87
o.k. this isn't funny anymore!
2006-08-16 13:59:17
246.   ddger
Is Grady going thru whole bullpen today.
2006-08-16 13:59:48
247.   Uncle Miltie
BJ better get sent to the bullpen after this game. I think it's pretty obvious that Geode should be sent to the minors rather than Loney when Dessens is ready to be activated.
2006-08-16 14:00:10
248.   King of the Hobos
6 of Hall's 8 homers were to left field at Tropicana. His homers at the Rogers Centre and Camden Yards were also over the left field wall.

Lugo hit 5 of his 7 Tropicana hoemrs to left, one to left-center, and one to center. His 5 road homers were to left/left-center (Kauffman, Comerica, 2 at Citizen's Bank, and Dolphins).

It seems both benefitted from the short distance to left at Tropicana, and neither has any opposite field power.

2006-08-16 14:00:23
249.   Sushirabbit
And we were worring about one but-man?
2006-08-16 14:00:30
250.   JoeyP
Tomorrow is an offday, but why not just keep Carrara in even still?

Carrara's spot is in blow out mop up work. Thats just what this situation is.

Show/Hide Comments 251-300
2006-08-16 14:01:35
251.   Telemachos
At least ridiculous games like this are easier to take than a nail-biting grinder with a lot of "if onlys....". Regression to the mean, and all that -- it'll be easier to shake this off and really focus on the Padres tomorrow.
2006-08-16 14:02:14
252.   ddger
248 Thanks for that great info.

I hope there's more HRs left in Lugo's and Hall's bats before end of this season.

2006-08-16 14:02:29
253.   dkminnick
Part of the problem today lies with the HP umpire. He is calling a very small strike zone - especially inside and outside - which is forcing the pitchers to fall behind, then come with a pitch down the middle.

Many of the balls called by today's ump were strikes for Billz last night. Time for the Dodgers to make this work in their favor when hitting.

2006-08-16 14:04:43
254.   Uncle Miltie
Carrara's spot is in blow out mop up work. Thats just what this situation is.
That's what BJ's job should be. How many mopup men do we need?
2006-08-16 14:04:45
255.   JoeyP
Dodgers dont play anyone tomorrow.
Their next series is 3 this weekend at SF.
2006-08-16 14:05:21
256.   ddger
Does anyone know what our record is when Hendrickson starts?
2006-08-16 14:05:35
257.   Bluebleeder87
251

the Padres? I think it's the Giants.

2006-08-16 14:05:54
258.   thinkblue0
246-

I think we'll see Beimel get another inning of work.

2006-08-16 14:05:57
259.   Bob Timmermann
250

If the Dodgers had relievers to use, why not use them? It was the sixth inning, the game was close to out of reach, but not entirely out of reach. Clearly Carrara did not have anything today.

So what's the point in keeping him out there unless you just want to embarrass him?

2006-08-16 14:06:51
260.   Bluebleeder87
I was just thinking of something while walking back home from work, Jon is an editor, I feel like a must give him headaches with my really bad spelling (sorry Jon, I should have stayed in school)
2006-08-16 14:07:13
261.   JoeyP
Grits should empty the bench.
Repko in for Drew.
Lucille in for Kent.
Loney in for Nomar.

No need to risk injury in a game like this.

2006-08-16 14:09:14
262.   Greg Brock
Well, at least Vin got in a "Aww, bless his heart" on the Vin Scully Baby Cam®.

That makes me happy.

2006-08-16 14:10:42
263.   JoeyP
If the Dodgers had relievers to use, why not use them?

BC by using the mop up pitcher (Carrara), it limits potential injuries and overwork to the other more reliable relievers.

2006-08-16 14:10:49
264.   Uncle Miltie
A roster move should be made after the game. BJ goes to the bullpen, the Janitor is sent to the minors, and Kuo is called up and is immediately inserted into the rotation. I expect the Dodgers to lose every get BJ starts. He's an innings eater, but he's probably no better than Jae Seo. Hopefully Ned learns his lesson about judging pitchers by their ERA only.
2006-08-16 14:11:23
265.   Bluebleeder87
261

agreed.

2006-08-16 14:11:24
266.   King of the Hobos
Anyone else want to see Loney's first pro inning pitched? Or maybe Repko, he has a nice arm.
2006-08-16 14:11:28
267.   Bob Timmermann
The next road trip will feature the Dodgers last stops of the year in San Diego and Arizona.

Which is good since those haven't been welcoming places this year.

2006-08-16 14:13:17
268.   Bob Timmermann
263

So you would have left Carrara out for something like 80 pitches and watch him give up 10 runs just because you didn't want anyone else to pitch?

That works in Strat-O-Matic but sadly real human beings don't like that.

2006-08-16 14:15:06
269.   JoeyP
Loney's a young player that can use all the at bats he can get. Not sure why Grits is leaving Drew and Nomar in.

At least Kent is out.

2006-08-16 14:15:17
270.   gibsonhobbs88
257 - Yeah. It's the Giants followed by the Friars then the Snakes - 9 games. As far as today's starter, it is obvious to everyone this is turning out to be one stinker of a trade, Seo/Navarro for Hendrickson/Hall. Hendrickson with his Amish farmer looks doesn't intimidate any batter even with his size and his stuff is mediocre to just underhand slo-pitch softball hittable.
Ned's other acquisitions have been workout out reasonably well but this one stinks like rotten eggs!! The only Devil Ray worth trading for is Kazmir, otherwise the old dump heap with the rest of them!! Phew!!
2006-08-16 14:16:55
271.   Bluebleeder87
no matter what happens, the dodgers will take the series
2006-08-16 14:17:34
272.   JoeyP
That works in Strat-O-Matic but sadly real human beings don't like that.

So?

Lots of people hate aspects of their jobs.
For Gio Carrara, its either be a mop up guy and make 500K a year, or go back to the minors. Or retire.

I think the feelings of the mop up pitcher should be the last thing on the minds of a competive baseball team/manager/general manager.

2006-08-16 14:19:08
273.   Midwest Blue
270 Yeah, that Carl Crawford sucks, too.
2006-08-16 14:20:14
274.   Bob Timmermann
272

So, Carrara throws 80 pitches and then he's not available for 3-4 days and you have even fewer relievers left to use. Or he hurts himself. But what the heck, he's just road kill isn't he?

Can't you also say that Little thought that by taking out Carrara he was trying to keep the scoring down and give his team an even slight chance of winning?

2006-08-16 14:20:34
275.   Jon Weisman
272 - It's not about his feelings. It's about the practical reality of having Carrara throw five innings on two days' rest when his longest outing this season has been nothing near that and when he's already gotten hammered in his first inning of work.

I realize you'd be happy to blow out Carrara's arm, but that's just not a realistic course of action.

In any event, the points have been made, Carrara is out of the game, let's move on.

2006-08-16 14:21:53
276.   gibsonhobbs88
253-I've had complaints with home plate umpires and since I didn't see much of this game, couple innings at lunch, I couldn't disagree it could have been a factor but the key is that Hendrickson was giving up a lot of hits as well and leaving the ball over the plate saying "hit me hard". His stuff just doesn't cut it and we are not in the position to just give away 1 game in every five like a charity. Now today could just be one of those days where the team was due for a stinker but it could also be a wary tell tale sign with which to start an important road trip. Let's hope we can just spit this game out of our mouth and focus on the Giants.
2006-08-16 14:25:08
277.   gibsonhobbs88
273 - Oops! I should have said Devil Ray hurler worth trading for is Kazmir. I didn't mean to diss Crawford or Cantu or Baldelli who are position players that have some skills. Mea Culpa on the omission of the word hurler in my rant on 270.
2006-08-16 14:31:40
278.   Xeifrank
At what point does the mercy rule come into play? vr, Xei
2006-08-16 14:38:52
279.   Jacob L
I've just stumbled back to my desk in the midst of a meeting-filled afternoon. I take it all the accumulated good feeling is gone now?
2006-08-16 14:39:18
280.   s choir
I'd say the off-day has perfect timing.
2006-08-16 14:40:11
281.   Uncle Miltie
haha that was a foul ball........

These umpires are pretty pathetic

2006-08-16 14:40:26
282.   regfairfield
Hopefully, this means we're just getting all of our regressing to the mean done in one game.
2006-08-16 14:40:54
283.   Gen3Blue
One would hope you get rid of all kinds of breaks and mistakes in one game. After the last few years I have a deep dread that this many items keep going for games and games.
2006-08-16 14:41:02
284.   dkminnick
276 - You're right, that's why I was saying it's only part of the problem. A good pitcher has to learn to deal with the umps, as well as the hitters.

I have very little confidence in Hendrickson and agree with the others here who think his rotation spot should be in as much jeopardy (at least) as Billz' was. Personally, I think the spot should go to Sele. I know he's not popular 'round here, but I like his smarts.

2006-08-16 14:41:24
285.   Marty
279 Yes, the DT community is regressing to the mean.
2006-08-16 14:41:31
286.   Benaiah
I look at today as no big deal. All of the pitchers who were horrible today, we already knew were horrible. It isn't like Billingsley got lit up, then we tried to stop the bleeding and Broxton and Saito gave up two bombs each. Instead Hendrickson demonstrated why we should take a flyer on someone from the farm and then Gio and Sele volunteered to keep him company on the bus out of town. Beimel got hit, but he is a short reliever suddenly being used as a mop up man, so I don't think that is damning evidence of a fork in his back. Hopefully this loss will get it out of our system for another trip through the good part of the rotation.
2006-08-16 14:45:21
287.   Gold Star for Robot Boy
I'm glad I'm not alone in having a bad day at work.
2006-08-16 14:47:08
288.   Bluebleeder87
Ramon Martinez is the new Sandy Alomar Jr.
2006-08-16 14:48:30
289.   Gold Star for Robot Boy
Geo picked a good game to have a bad game. Can you imagine this outing on Monday night?
2006-08-16 14:48:51
290.   Benaiah
I smell a rally! The tying run is on deck on deck on deck on deck on deck on deck on deck on deck on deck on deck.... oops Either spoiled it.
2006-08-16 14:49:45
291.   JoeyP
289. He gave up a HR on monday also.
2006-08-16 14:49:56
292.   Bob Timmermann
But only 14 of the runs today are earned.
2006-08-16 14:51:14
293.   Marty
So, Tiger and Phil playing together for the first two rounds. Should be fun.
2006-08-16 14:51:32
294.   s choir
So far this season, the Dodgers have not been above 8 games over .500 (a mark reached twice in May, as well as coming into today's game), nor have they been below 8 games under .500 (their low point, reached just before the 11-game streak).
2006-08-16 14:51:39
295.   D4P
Ethier: 1 for last 14
2006-08-16 14:51:48
296.   ddger
With off day tomorrow, should Grady skip Hendrickson next time around?
2006-08-16 14:53:44
297.   DodgerBakers
295-Yeah, I'd noticed he wasn't doing as well. Hope he gets it back soon.
2006-08-16 14:53:57
298.   bhsportsguy
I believe we are destined to go through the anxeity of Hendrickson for the rest of the year, its possible that they could decide to go with Sele but given his second half history I would not guarantee that.

Unfortunately, there really are no options in Vegas, on the 40 man roster, the only ones who are starting are Houlton and Kuo and neither of them are guaranteed to do much better.

Projected starts for Hendrickson in the next few weeks,
August 22nd - Tuesday night in San Diego
August 28th Monday night in LA against the Reds
September 3rd Sunday afternoon in LA against the Rockies

I would think he will start in San Diego, than perhaps given Sele's success at Dodger Stadium, maybe Sele would sub in for those games.

2006-08-16 14:54:45
299.   bhsportsguy
296 He can't, the off day really doesn't do much in terms of skipping starts since they play 6 straight days.
2006-08-16 14:54:52
300.   Bob Timmermann
296
I wouldn't be surprised if he did. It's that time of year.

Maybe Hendrickson will be 2006's Ishii. The guy everybody wanted out of the rotation, but he always found his way back in.

Show/Hide Comments 301-350
2006-08-16 14:56:36
301.   bhsportsguy
297 You mean since he's not hitting .350, he's done.
2006-08-16 14:57:01
302.   Terry A
"Beimel got hit, but he is a short reliever suddenly being used as a mop up man, so I don't think that is damning evidence of a fork in his back."

Ah, the dreaded Angel Pena ambush.

2006-08-16 14:57:37
303.   Jonny6
Wow, this one is ugly!!!

Since I'm three plus hours from LA, I don't make it to many games, and after the incredible run we've had lately, I kept feeling like I was missing out on the excitement. I'm planning on going to a couple of games in September, but since work has been pretty slow lately I nearly headed down this morning for the midweek day game. What a disappointing trip that would have been. Glad I chose to come to work instead of going to the game, which is not a statement I remember using ever before.

2006-08-16 14:58:00
304.   s choir
Hendrickson should be allowed to pitch his next start. It'll be against the Padres, at Petco. Jose Canseco and my three little sisters could combine for a four-hitter in that game.
2006-08-16 14:59:19
305.   the OZ
295 It seems like he's swinging at a lot more pitches outside the strike zone than he was earlier in the year. Has anyone else noticed the same thing?

If it's a mental hiccup like being too aggressive, it should subside once he realizes he's attacking a lot of balls in the dirt.

2006-08-16 15:00:05
306.   fanerman
I just checked the score. Wow. It's okay though.
2006-08-16 15:01:44
307.   Xeifrank
when is the last time a Dodger starter got tagged with a loss? vr, Xei
2006-08-16 15:02:27
308.   s choir
307 Lowe, last Wednesday.
2006-08-16 15:04:01
309.   Jon Weisman
The postgame show is open up top.
2006-08-16 15:14:13
310.   Gen3Blue
I'm afraid that Ramon Martinez is a victim of our present circumstances. He was having a remarkable year for himself when he was getting considerable playing time. But in the present environment packed with utility infielders, he has played very little, and it is showing in his recent stats.
I kinda wish we were either way ahead or way behind, because as nice as it is watch Grid find at bats for all Ned's trades, we actually have several players who might profit nicely from ML at bats these last two months. Think Loney, Ethier ,Laroche, and Kemp, who actually could be long term assets
2006-08-16 15:15:09
311.   StolenMonkey86
264 - A roster move should be made after the game. BJ goes to the bullpen, the Janitor is sent to the minors, and Kuo is called up and is immediately inserted into the rotation.

I would give Kuo more time in the minors first. Honestly, I think Hendrickson does not benefit from the Dodger Stadium mound, and that Sele should start the home games and Hendrickson should start away. Hendy could be a spot lefty at home, and Sele could do short or long relief on the road. In the off-season, non-tender Hendrickson and give Kuo a shot at the 5th starter spot.

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