In honor of the game, I am going to stay home and grill hot dogs on my new three-burner Charbroil. W00t. ;) Go Blue!

Awesome -- Dodger prospects will be playing in Hawaii while I am there. I might have to go check out a game.

http://dodgers.scout.com/2/562210.html

"After an absence of eight years the Hawaii Winter Baseball League will be operating again and the Dodgers will be among the teams contributing players.
...
The Giants, Braves and Red Sox will also be assigning players to the league which will also include participants from Japan and Korea.

Blake DeWitt, who has just been named a Florida State League All-Star at second base, heads the list of five Dodger players, mostly from the Class A level, who have been chosen to play in the league which will begin in October... the Dodgers are expected to add one or two more other players to the Honu squad."

...
Others: Wesley Wright, Zach Hammes, Cory Dunlap Xavier Paul, all from Vero.

OOH! I have a George Foreman grill I've never used! Maybe I should christen it tonight!

What's a 3-burner Charbroil look like? Got a link?

2 Those games are played right down the hill and a mile east from me. Aloha Stadium seats 50K and baseball draws 500.

3 http://www.charbroil.com/consumerwebhome/PS463461406.aspx

2 Does it mention Tony Harper? He should be playing as well, although he's about as much of a prospect as Hammes.

The Boston Globe mentions that the Dodgers, Padres, and Cards are all in talks to pick up David Wells. Rotoworld decided to speculate the prospects we might give up, and mentioned Dewitt and Hu. They're just mentioning non-roster names, but we better not deal one of those guys for Wells, Norton, or anyone.

I bet this kid's mom gives him a harder time than Bob's mom gave him.

http://tinyurl.com/km6sv

Nationals have some players going to Hawai'i too.

3 Whoops, actually: http://www.charbroil.com/consumerwebhome/PS463452206.aspx

9 Good grief, man! You'd waste that on hot dogs? Break out the sirloins!

7
I was a meager 9 1/2 lbs at birth.

I wonder if Andy LaRoche just has injury issues, he's out again, he had one at bat last night, struck out and was replaced and tonight he's not playing.

10 Trust me, I've been obsessed with it since I got it. I'm not ashamed to admit I teared up with my first grilled meal on the new rig. If you had seen my old grill, you'd tear up too. ;)

Einar Diaz watch, he's playing tonight so his ticket to LA should be punched in a few days.

Just an interesting note...
Dodgers have a 4.22 ERA for starters and a 4.22 ERA for the bullpen.
Their starters ERA ranks 4th in MLB vs. bullpen ERA ranking 18th in MLB

Am I the first to note that Delmon Young was HBP in his first at bat?

16
Yes.

16
You knew before Delmon did...?

Sam is very sensitive to other people's pain.

Right now, he is sensing pain in his left shoulder. But is it Eric Milton's pain or Mark Hendrickson's?

If the pain in the shoulder is accompanied by pain in the (gluteus), there's a good chance it's Hendrickson's

9

i hope you get in the habit of cleaning it every time you use it.

12

i haven't seen enough of him to even form an opinion, i hope the Dodgers do what's best for the team & LaRouche.

I am just going to assume we have no real interest in Wells, because it makes me feel better.

Hi everyone. Man what a long day. It would be nice to end it on a positive note with the Dodgers going back up to 8 games over .500!

23

Ditto the thought

Padres 1-0 top of the 2nd

Dunn batting 2nd for the Reds is weird no?

Has anybody else heard that the 30 MLB teams have all been notified that the players and owners have agreed that there will be no more draft pick compensation for free agents? Shoots down the only good thing we could see coming out of the Julio Lugo trade.

where did you hear this canuck?

28 (In Brick Tamblan voice)

--cough lookoverhere cough https://griddle.baseballtoaster.com/--

28
Billy Beane is rolling in his grave.

30 Next time we see Nate he will look like Randall McMurphy after electroshock therapy.

Encarnacion strikes out on a pretty good curve by Hendy.

32 She was 15 goin' on 35 Doc, know what I mean?

Yeah, you know what I mean.

28 Brown never really mentions that there will be no compensation this year, so there's still some hope for this season.

if that happens im going to be really mad.

I don't read Brown's site very often, does anyone know how reliable his sources are?

I thought Bud Selig was all about helping the small revenue teams?

I thought the free agent thing was still just a rumor and wouldn't kick in this year.

Considering moves were made assuming you'd get draft picks, there's no way they'd change the rules in the middle of the season.

God bless Eric Milton.

Vin was right on Q.

Furcal is a beast right handed.

Fucal!

37
Maury was passing on his info from a Newsday story.

i remember Milton throwing 90-94 back in the day.

44 Well, this part of the story suggests he is reporting more than the newsday info, although it is vague: "Now comes word through sources that all the clubs have been notified that this indeed will be the case as both the Players Association and MLB have come to terms on the matter."

16 - Did I notice before Sam that The Delmonator popped a two-run HR in the 6th for his first major league hit?

44 I don't think so. He just mentioned the Newsday article, and says it was written a week ago. He then writes in a seperate paragraph: "Now comes word through sources that all the clubs have been notified that this indeed will be the case as both the Players Association and MLB have come to terms on the matter." Did I miss a second, more recent link?

Padres 2-0 top of the 3rd and still batting

6-1 Marlins over the Cardinals.

48

Regardless, Maury Brown isn't likely to be pulling stuff out of thin air.

47 You did. And 50 was out of date as I was typing it - 8-1 now.

49

well that's not good news.

Ryan Zimmerman a home run short of the cycle. But it's the bottom of the ninth and the Nationals are down a million to 5, so he's not very likely to get the chance.

Holy cow, this lefty just walked Drew, who didn't look like he could touch him!

Anybody else notice that Fox/Prime has started to add a "bat hitting ball" sound effect to their replays. It's really annoying.

55 Heh, you appear to be unfamiliar with Mr. Milton's work.

Ethier hit that ball right on the button, J.D. Drew had no were to go but 3rd.

Phillies bullpen Sam, unless you see the Model Dictator ( http://tinyurl.com/jfv46 ), anything is possible...

Meanwhile Future Dodger Greg Norton is 0-3 on the night with one RBI, a clutch grounder to first that scored Bossman Jr from third.

Is it just me, or does it seem like Either is getting a lot of pitches to hit? I know some people are worried about his low walk numbers, but if he keeps getting stuff to hit, shouldn't he be swinging?

What is it about the Mariners that they get to own the Angels? Very frustrating.

Surely the phrase Future Dodger Greg Norton must violate some rule or other.

watching the replay on Furcal's 4 bagger, he hit that ball half way up the bleachers.

61 I have no problem with that. OTOH, the Padres' recent ownership of the Dodgers, I have a problem with.

360 As long as his OBP stays north of .370, I don't have a problem with the low walk totals.

What happens when the average dips...That's the issue.

61 - I was under the impression that the M's couldn't beat anyone in the AL West

Holy smokes. I meant 60.

Fingers hate me.

Cubs took the lead over Pit in the top of the 11th, but the Pirates just re-tied on the Cubs fourth error of the nite in the bottom of the eleventh. Bucs still batting, runners on the corners one out.

David Ross scares me against pitchers like Hendy.

The article says that the change in free agent compensation won't take place until the next CBA.

62 Hey, Greg Norton to the Dodgers is a rumor that's offically sanctioned by MLB.com.

Cubs IBB Chris Duffy to load the bases and then walk in the losing run. Walk Off Walk I guess.

71 I'd rather have Kramden.

I wake up from my pre-game nap and everyone talking about grills is making me hungry already. It a long way to my inning 6 sandwich. If we trade another prospect in a make-busy trade that could supress my appetite for sure though.

Grill update: the hot dogs -- Ballpark franks, appropriately enough -- were tasty. Emphasis on were.

73 One of these day's---to the moon with you Alice!

I cannot understand this change to the CBA.

I guess the Players Assoication wants even less restriction on free-agent movement, and the big-market owners don't want to be docked for signing FAs. But I thought Bud Selig's heart was with the small-market teams who would be hurt be not being able to rapidly replenish their farm systems after losing their free agents.

This is a terrible move for baseball's competitive balance.

75 perfect timing.

6 feet 9 is short in basketball terms right?

I wonder if Bud likes this because of the trade deadline fizzles over the last two years. This change would certainly alter the dynamics of holding on to FAs-to-be for teams that did not expect to resign.

Although I guess it might dampen the market for some players -- e.g., would the Dodgers have picked up Lugo if they didn't have the poss. of draft pick compensation should they not re-sign.

79
no

Anyone who worries about a guy hitting .340's walk total should worry about his mental health.

We don't need anymore backups. We have enough playing time problems as it is now.

82 So long as its more than zero, and he continues to hit .340, I'm happy.

freel is like eric brynes but not retarded looking.

Nice catch Ryan. I'm proud of you.

--Farney

Padres 2-1 bottom of the 4th

67
Man Fingers Fingers in Digit Mess Up

just cause it was fun, one more for the imdb keyword game (I took out two entries that included key words of the title):

Character Name In Title
Torture
Cult Favorite
Independent Film
X Rayed Skeleton
Futuristic
Punk
Surreal
CIA
Conspiracy Theory
Extraterrestrial
Los Angeles California
Mad Scientist
UFO
Helicopter
Los Angeles Storm Drain
Chase
Police
Radioactive
Violence
Vulgarity
Gay Slur
Mirror
Talking Backwards
Telephone Booth
California
Air Freshener
Bizarre
Black Comedy
Flying Car
Punk Girl
Punk Rock Music
Punk Rocker
Robbery
Sushi
Televangelist

I'd rather have the Dodgers trade for Jim Norton.

81

average?

88 I was waiting...

89 Repo Man!

Yeah.

Little brother Jered has turned into older brother Jeff. 3 homers in 3 innings so far.

91
6' 9" is good height for a PF. I would guess 6' 7" is average.

91 - depends on the position. Guards can be anywhere from 6' (John Stockton) to 6' 10" (Magic Johnson). Centers generally are in the 7' area. Forwards anywhere between 6' 6" and 7'.

Those are the normal numbers, there there are outlyers like Spud Webb (under 6' as a guard) or Ben Wallace (approx 6' 5" and a center)who throw the numbers off.

95

Older Weaver looks like Nolte's mug shot.

92
Sorry, just got here. Was watching House Hunters with the wife.

Kent!

When the bases are empty and Gameday flashes the "In play, run-scoring play" sign, I usually assume a homerun was just hit

Vin really loves discussing Milton's gopher....

That concrete has a nice elastic response to baseballs.

92 You and your silly spousal priorities.

The hitters, they like the Eric Milton.

loney is 4-4 so far tonight. average up to .384

Perez and Griffey?

105 I don't care if it is the PCL, this young man could be one of the best! And he is known for his defense and his arm, yet.

105

mah! he toped out at .391 a while back.

107 - don't need much of an arm to play first.

Repko should have tried out for Spider Man.

71 Why would the Dodgers want Greg Norton?

71 Why would the Dodgers want Greg Norton?

wow, that's as harsh as I've ever heard Vin be on a player.

old foe hits a dinger.

If I can say one positive thing about Hendrickson, it's that he didn't give up many jacks before tonight.

Long ball fest!!!

How about the Devil Rays lineup tonight

Delmon Young (major league debut), Bossman Jr, Carl Crawford, Jorge Cantu.

Trading Baldelli for some pitching would be a step in the right direction.

113 - what did he say?

don't need much of an arm to play first.

a plus arm is always welcomed for a 1st baseman.

118 - called Ross' punt pop out foul a bad play. It was more the tone though. Added how Ross did that before and one of the coaches said, "if you're going to do that, do it against right handers, you're hitting .400 against lefties".

So when does BJ lose his spot in the rotation? I don't see how he is an upgrade from Tomko or Seo.

120 - bunt, not punt. wrong sport.

three cheers for reckless abandon in center field!

104
You and your silly spousal priorities

That's one thing people typically don't understand about us fascists: we love our wives

That's why you give Kenny Lofton the day off

121 Tomko is too good out of the pen (and not so good in the rotation) and Seo is no longer on the team. So who do you suggest to replace him? Sele?

that and he hits .218 vs lefties

Toby Hall's 2nd extra base hit as a Dodger

Future Dodger Greg Norton just flied out, ending his night 0-4 with a walk.

124 Of course. Women, like fascists, bring order and strength to the chaos and disorder of the average man's life.

You could say, in a way, all women are fascists.

{ducks and runs like hell}

129

please see rule 8 on Jons rules.

126- Ned was the one who traded Seo and Navarro for BJ and Tubster. At the time, Seo for BJ looked like a lateral move in the short term. The difference though was that Seo was 4 years younger than BJ and under the Dodgers control for 4 more years. Ned seems to be easily fooled by guys having career years (especially Devil Rays)

BJ, Lugo, Seo, Baez, etc

132 - Colletti had every intention of getting Lugo just for the draft picks. Of course if the new CBA ends those, then the whole acquisition was a wash.

king of the hobos, you're a cool cat, please don't get me wrong. :o)

I think this may signal the end of the Mark Hendrickson era.

119 it is always a delightful surprise.

132. Don't think you responded to the question of who would replace BJ in the rotation. Are you really pining for Seo? I certainly don't miss him. Although I think you have a point about shiny career year guys, I think Ned has done a borderline brilliant job in creating and maintaining a team that is 3 games in first place.

I think this may signal the end of the Mark Hendrickson era

If not the end, at least a significant increase...

Or herald the onset of the David Wells era...

bases loaded & no outs does not look good, i'll be happy if we escape 6-4 & we exploit the Reds bullpen.

134 - Is that really against the rules? I hated the espn message boards because they were so uncouth, but this place is beginning to seem like 1984, where everything is analyzed for hidden meanings that could be interpreted negatively.

BJ's gameday photo makes him look like a guy who lived in the woods for years feeding off of rabbits and small rodents.

138 I see what you did there, and I like it.

Hendrickson had a 6.28 ERA in DS coming into this game, and he found a way to raise that. Wow.

Sele's been well rested I'd rather have him start over Hendy next time.

139 - could we do Hendrickson for Wells, given Hendrickson isn't a 40 year old fat man?

141

it's a little more complex then that for me, i'm tired of dealing with the D-Rays!!

131, 141 -- I for one was really joking about the "Future Dodger Greg Norton" being against the rules, and I think Hobo's comment is definitely just a running joke/reference is not at all an issue.

Am not sure actually if BlueBleeder was also joking, but as I joshed about this earlier thought I should say something.

146

i swear that was a true LOL'ed!!

Wait, you guys have been talking about David Wells? I didn't even know he was still alive.

Can't ask for much more than that. Nice job, Sele.

Hendrickson, why don't you sit the next few starts out.

Hendrickson should never be the home starter in Chavez Ravine

131 - Now now, I've been the one trying to spread the Billingsley for Norton rumors! Mostly over at the Griddle too, my mentioning it once here and KoTH once is hardly "over and over again".

117 - Any chance at all the Bosox could go for Rocco and trade one of their SP prospects?

130 I can't even read without cracking up. Did anybody see "Truman", when 33 always introduces his wife and daughter as The Boss and The Boss's Boss? Terrific!

This is why I am not thrilled with the idea of Sele going into the rotation. He's been so valuable out of the pen. If we win tonight's game, he'll be a big reason.

Das, wife just returned from the game. In the interest of anti-stereotyping, I'll pass on that she came home buzzing about the nice Philly Fan guys sitting next to her. Said they were a lot of fun, kidding around with my kid, and talk some pictures they offered to email her.

Of course, they were beating the stuffing out of the home team, so they had every reason to be in a good mood.

David Wells is not a 40-year old fat man.

He's a 42-year old fat man.

153 Bess Truman hated that with a passion.

Hendrickson's game score: 31

132 Hend is no improvement over Seo, and every time we go near the D-rays, We make a fool of ourselves. Doesn't that embarrass someone enough to just stop.

took some pictures, obviously.

159 - The funny thing is that (so far) those trades haven't really worked out for anyone. However, you have to think that consistently sending prospects for soon to be FA will eventually cost you in the long run.

I think it's ridiculous to think we shouldn't trade with the D-Rays since they keep robbing us. A) It's not true. B) By the same logic, we shouldn't play the Cardinals or Padres should we all get to the playoffs.

Geoff Blum has put it out of reach in Arizona with a 3-run homer. 7-2 Padres.

156- true, I forgot how old he was exactly. All I knew was that he's at least twice my age, and that he's probably retiring next year.

Would Boston take Hendrickson for Wells?

Never mind the David Wells rumors, how about those A-Rod rumors?! ;D

Kent heating up is a very good thing.

165 - but there's no hope of a Hendrickson for A-Rod swap.

In the "In My Own Words" with Al Scates would be interesting in that from my dealings with him, Al Scates is one of the nicest guys in the world. For a coach who has been that successful, he is remarkably mellow.

165 - I think Southern California is the perfect fit for A-Rod. And since I don't see los Yanqis making a deal with the Angels (who have recently been Yankee killers) that leaves us and the Priests.

161 I agree
162 I agree with B

i like the BEERFEST advertisment right behind home plate.

Are cycles really tougher than no hitters? I can't believe that's true, although I could be wrong.

167 Would you believe Lugo for A-Rod? (Maxwell Smart voice)

168
I can think of one other remarkably mellow coach. Hopefully he'll be nearly as successful.

155 - Glad to hear it Sam! My brother has been known to drop in on Phils/Nats games from time to time, but from the crowd shots I saw during the Howard HR there were almost as many Phils fans as empty seats there. Did Mrs. DC happen to catch who won the race?

Tonight's episode of Phils/Nats Thoughts has been brought to you by WB Mason. Now let's go Dodgers!! Make this Wild Card race even tighter, there are only about 7 teams rooting for you guys tonight...

154

i feel more confident with Sele starting, he's well rested now.

They have to find a better name than X-Mo.

They just have to.

176. You keep saying he's well rested now but I don't know what you mean. He's pitching right now.

175 Race was won by 16.

Isn't a pitchout supposed to make it hard to steal?

Can't remember the last time I saw a non-pitcher bunt fowl for strike 3. And with first base open?

The number of cycles has passed up the number of no-hitters the last couple of years by my count.

179
LINCOLN!

180

You need to watch more Angels games.

I am not even sure I can blame Hall for failing to succeed on a pitch-out. For the last several years our pitchers have seemed to value concentrating on the batter and never holding on a base runner. Maybe this is somewhere the coaching staff could help.
( I must admit I often expect the several coaching positions for most teams are posts of reward and patronage for managers and nothing more).

182 Library voices please.

180- If that's what I've been missing, I'll pass.

184- I often expect the several coaching positions for most teams are posts of reward and patronage for managers and nothing more
Ding Ding Ding Ding!!! We have a winner!

172 Answering my own question, if I counted correctly, there have been 271 cycles and 256 no hitters according to retrosheet, so cycles are slightly more common. Thanks to 181 though.

I think we may be able to jump the Reds here. They are in shock from our pitching.
All right Toby--he has them scared.

What happens to Toby if/when Hendrickson gets booted from the rotation...?

Thank you for not bunting. I was about to get upset.

186 I deserved that.

bases loaded with Furcal batting.

189- Martin plays every day. Toby Hall is modern day Chad Kreuter.

Good job Wilber II.

it's all tide up! yes!

191 Wasn't being sarcastic. I don't know if most people are aware that what you said is correct. I belive with confidence that it is.

bases are still loaded, anybody know what's going on with S.D.?

bases are still loaded, anybody know what's going on with S.D.?

To quote Sin City
Lugo, "prove that you're worth a damn"

Well its up to Garc.

Well its up to Garc.

I was just about to send this post:

Now would be a good time for Lugo's first really BIG moment as a Dodger...

He is so worthless.

Not defending Lugo or the trade but boy has he been getting robbed a lot recently.

198- guess not...

3-2-3 DP. That's sort of a big moment of itself. I mean, how often do you see one of those?

Can't blame Lugo, ball bounced right into the glove, another couple inches and 2 or 3 runs.

if anything we're all tide up, old foe Aurilia didn't make that great of a play.IMO.

4 hits in the inning, 1 run. Bases were loaded with nobody out.

Impressive

at least Lugo kept his helmet on

I hate to guess here- but did Toby come from the Devil-rays

205- that's baseball. And to think that I was arguing that he should play over Kent when he was acquired....

207

battle of the bullpen's

207
We did the same thing to them in the top of the inn...
whoops. Vinny just said that.

Man you guys sure don't like Julio, that ball was drilled, one bad hop but right into a backhanded glove. If it spins to the left, its through.

Lugo reminds me more and more of Izturis. Just little more speed but less defense.

we shouldn't trade with the D-Rays since they keep robbing us. A) It's not true.

You're partially right.
Its perfectly fine to keep trading with the D-Rays.

However, there needs to be another GM trading on the Dodgers behalf, should that take place.

The deals that Colletti has pulled with the D-Rays have been terrible. High risk, low return, buy high, sell low... Colletti would be broke if he was a trader on Wall Street with his 'strategies'.

Delmon Young had a very interesting first game. He gets beaned (heard it looked intentional), stuck out, hit a HR, and finally singled.

216
struck out.

He also misplayed a ball.

It figured it would be one of those games; Hend and Milton throwing.

211 If that's the case then we should win this game.

Not defending Lugo or the trade but boy has he been getting robbed a lot recently.

Career seasons out of marginal players tend to encompass some type of regression within them.

Only Andre Ethier is immune!

Lugo's free agent value has been on a freefall since coming to LA. We'll be lucky to get 2 high draft choices by the time this season comes to a close.

216

HR's in tropicana field are miss leading as you all know.

215
Coletti is our GM just like Penny is our starting pitcher. If we are to win, they need to do their jobs with the belief that they can succeed. Ned refraining from trading with the D-Rays would be no different from Penny begging off a starting assignment because he had lost in his last outing.
And what is the horrendous loss we've suffered at the hands of the D-Rays? If Guamzn goes on to be something, then fine. But for now, he's a bust too.

A scoreless inning for Hammy. Grady shouldn't stretch his luck now.

come on Kent

Colletti had every intention of getting Lugo just for the draft picks. Of course if the new CBA ends those, then the whole acquisition was a wash.

How exactly is 2 months of Julio Lugo and Joel Guzman's career a wash?

A 'wash' generally means a tie right? This deal's probably a loser even with the draft picks, bc assuming that a draft pick will reach Guzman's prospect level (#1 of a loaded system), is quite risky. If there's no picks as you say, how exactly is this a 'wash'? Wouldnt it be just a flat out stinker?

Wow, Rheal Cormier lived with U2!

Still waiting for Lugo's or Hall's 1st HR for LA.

Rheal Cormier helped fuel one of the great basebrawls ever, at my first game at Fenway Park.

He will always have a special place in my heart.

And what is the horrendous loss we've suffered at the hands of the D-Rays?

The opportunity cost of selling Guzman for something more than Julio Lugo?

The opportunity cost of selling Navarro for something more than Mark Hendrickson?

The opportunity cost of selling Jackson/Tiffany for something more than Baez/Carter?

Its almost like you're looking at these trades in a vacuum, as if the Dodgers are just playing for this year and this year alone. Thats not the way to build a successful team.

I am pretty sure Arizona is not in Canada.

Wow, Rheal Cormier lived with U2!

what?? please explain?

Had interesting seats for the D-Backs game on Sunday. Directly in front of me was Ethier's Mom. Three seats to my left, Eric Gagne.

Are we really arguing the D-Rays deals again right now?

Ramon Martinez has become our new Alomar Jr.

223- I have no problem with Ned trading with the Devil Rays if it's for the right players. I'd take Bossman or Crawford in a minute. Ned on the other hand, seems to be in love with the Devil Rays junk. He's dumpster diving just like Dan Evans in the past, but he's actually giving up some legitimate prospects. I just read on the rotoworld that the Red Sox asking price for Wells is Hu or DeWitt and Ned is interested. Is another washed up pitcher or a pinch hitter really worth surrendering the future of a young player, especially one who has a chance to be an everyday player?

221 Fortunately, the Red Sox will need a SS, and will likely be very interested. The Blue Jays and Reds could also be interested, so I think we still have a good chance at compensation picks.

big-market owners don't want to be docked for signing FAs.

Steinbrenner doesnt think its fair that he can use 200 mils on team payroll, and still have bad pitching. Thus, this should help restore competitive and fair balance...that is-- the teams that spend the most money deserve to win the most games.

226 If you still think Guzman would have been #1 in our system, you're sorely mistaken. His stock has dropped so far this year, I'm not sure he'll end up in the top 30 overall prospects this year. Elbert and Laroche would have almost certainly been ahead of him while Kershaw and Loney would be questionably higher.

236

Ned's been good so far, so i'll pass judgement.

232
Vin said Rheal Cormier grew up on a street with no name.

Its almost like you're looking at these trades in a vacuum, as if the Dodgers are just playing for this year and this year alone.

Uh... no. I don't think you have any basis for saying something like that. And before you suppose you know more about building a successful team than Colletti, ask yourself if the Dodgers are in first place, remain filled with young talent, and are in a position to be a contender for the foreseeable future. Those trades are debatable, agreed. But they are not the atrocities that you portray them to be.

239
Kershaw would definitely be higher. John Sickels said he may be the number 1 pitching prospect.

221 Rotoworld's current projection has Lugo getting $40 million over 4 years from the Red Sox. Considering the 2nd best SS on the market will be Alex Gonzalez, it's a given that we'll get draft picks. Luckily, since most of the large market teams will be the ones paying the money for Lugo, we should get a 1st round and sandwich pick.

Ahh, Royce Clayton. You have the cure for the daily blues!

243 I saw that and was very surprised/pleased considering there's guys like Homer Bailey and Phillip Hughes are dominating at higher levels. He must see something truly special in Kershaw so far.

Lugo is having a frustrating night with the stick, but you gotta like his glove at third.

Like I have said before, there is no point arguing these deals because the players are really inconsequential, its the philosophy that some here disagree with, so trying to assess the value of what each side got or loss doesn't really matter.

Hammy in 2nd inning always seems to get in trouble. But Grady really tries to get that 2nd inning like with Gio and Elmer and now Hammy.

Padres win, await result of this game to see if they can don the checkered jersey.

Whew, two scoreless innings for Hammy. That was too close for comfort.

Okay Dodgers. One-Saito- and out.

241

well maybe he did. :o)

the Toby Hall hits a 2 bagger.

Yaaay, Hall is gone.

Please don't bunt Repko!

Why bunt? If Hall moves over to third, the Reds will just walk Saenz.
I'd pinch-run for Hall, then use all three outs trying to bring in the game-winner.

255 In a very limited action, he is hitting over .300, you can dislike the deal but never the Dodger.

any news on the Padres?

257 - Whoops. Missed Lofton's entrance.

The Padres won 8-3.

257 I do think that in a tie game in the bottom of the 8th unless its the middle of your lineup, you bunt. There are so many ways you can score from third without a hit.

257- Agreed.

255- Yeah. All his running around the bases was getting me dizzy! ;>

ask yourself if the Dodgers are in first place, remain filled with young talent, and are in a position to be a contender for the foreseeable future.

So without Lugo and Baez, the team wouldnt be in first place? That seems to be the only point you're trying to make, given that they have no effect on the other two things you mentioned.

258 .350 actually

Anybody watching the Angels game? I switched over between innings and it looked like Rafael Soriano got hit on a comebacker. Anyone see if it was anything serious?

262- That assumes the bunt will always be successful. So many good things can happen with that extra out.

Ugh.. Little invoking the SBP.
Say it aint so Grits!

come on Saenz!

Castro's play dose not suprise anybody right?

Dang it.

How many times has Saenz not come through in situations like that? He seems to pop-up or strike out every time. For a professional hitter, he sure doesn't do the little things like he should.

265 - very serious, they brought out the back board and he didn't move for a good five minutes. The stadium had that eerie silence that freaks me out.

The Angels game has just seen this sequence: hit - bring in reliever - hit - bring in reliever - hit - bring in reliever

Fookie gets pitched around so the Reds can face Lugo. Pretty funny (and I agree with the move)

come on Lugo

265 - oh, and he was hit in the head by a Vlad line drive

that' was a strike Lugo sorry.

264
That seems to be the only point you're trying to make
Please stop drawing obviously erroneous conclusions about what I'm saying and then stating them as if they represent my thoughts. That's two posts in a row that you have done so. Very hard to have a discussion under those conditions.

Not Lugo's night.

only 5 men left on base for Lugo tonight...

Dont blame Lugo for that. Or Saenz.

Its the SBP. Grits has been excellent for the most part this year, but he channelled Jimbo, Bob Melvin, and Clint Hurdle..and it cost him.

272 Yikes, I assumed it was pretty bad when Hudler wasn't ranting and raving hysterically

From the Seattle P-I:
Mariners reliever Rafael Soriano was hit on the right side of the head by a line drive off the bat of the Angels' Vladimir Guerrero in the eighth inning Tuesday night at Safeco Field.
The extent of his injuries weren't immediately known.
Dr. Edward Khalfayan, the Mariners' medical director, said Soriano never lost consciousness. He was transported to Harborview Medical Center for tests.
Soriano went down on the grass in front of the mound, clutching his hands to his head as the Mariners rushed to his aid.
The game came to a stop with Seattle leading 6-3 as paramedics came onto the field to get Soriano stabilized and onto a cart. He was driven off the field without ever having gotten to his feet.

http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/baseball/283103_soriano29ww.html

BTW, the Dodgers were near the bottom of sacrifices this month.

Oakland won again, 2-1 against the Manny and Ortizless Red Sox.

284 - Dodgers also are near the bottom in IBB handed out.
I like that combo - few sacrifices and few intentional walks.

Adam Dunn looks like a younger Will Ferrel on steroids.

278.

You said for me to ask myself the following:
if the Dodgers are in first place
--yes they are. I just dont see how thats a defense for the Baez, Lugo, Hendrickson trades. Do you believe if the Dodgers had subtracted those 3, and kept the prospects, would the results be different?

Then you said:
remain filled with young talent
--Yes, they are. But again would that have changed if the D-Ray trades hadnt been made? The discussion is about the D-rays trades, no? Would it be possible that the team would have even more 'young talent' if they kept the prospects? Afterall, Baez, Hendy, Lugo dont exactly qualify as young talent.

Then you said:
--in a position to be a contender for the foreseeable future.
---they should be. I'm just a little confused if Hendy, Baez, Lugo are helping that, while the prospects would have somehow hurt that goal? I dont quite follow your points.

let's get the game winner in the 9th blue crew

If the Angels lose tonight, they can look across the way and see why they are where they are, Oakland 15-1 against Seattle, the Angels, 9-9, that is a difference of 7 games, they could trail the A's by 7.5 if they don't rally in the 9th.

Adam Dunn looks like a younger Will Ferrel on steroids.

imo, he dosn't look inshape. but he dose have 38 HRuns.

Adam Dunn looks like a younger Will Ferrel on steroids

Do you butcher children?

291 - it's not like Ruth was the model athlete

Oh no, extra innings. Dodgers suck in extra innings. :'(

293

good point

MLB players simply can't read Saito's pitches.

Saito is toasted

overworked...

darn it, let's get a DP.

exhausted

Uh oh.

fatigued

out of gas

tired

burnt out

YES SAITO!!

never mind

YES!

Yet, still Crafty

Anyone else see that Matt Leinart knocked up a USC womens basketball player? He did this before he dated Paris.

Gesphincto!

Vin just can't get the pronunciation of Ozomatli correct. He keeps leaving out a syllable.

310 Brynn Cameron?

288
My points were that
A) Colletti as a GM had done a good job when looked at in total- not just the D-Ray moves (and therefore he has earned some trust).
B) No matter what, if he is the GM, he should believe in himself enough to deal with any team any time he believes he has a deal that can improve the organization. He should never be scared to do so because a past trade didn't work out.
C) The trade for Lugo is not my favorite and is certainly debatable (I have conceded this before). However, I do believe that there are two factors you are not conceding. One is that if Kent or Nomar had been hurt (and there was a high expectation that at least one would be) and Lugo filled in with strong numbers (and there was good reason to believe he would) that trade might have been responsible for us getting to at least the playoffs this year. That is hasn't worked out this way does not mean it wasn't a wise acquisition. Just like there was good reason to believe picking up Baez could be a brilliant move to back up Gagne. Didn't work out, still wise. In fact, without hindsight, this pickup would be better than brilliant. And yes, that move (Lugo) was for this year, and to you Guzman is the future. But Guzman very well might never see the Major Leagues again and if Lugo had been a key to get to the WS, it would have been a slam dunk move. So I don't think it was terrible either in philosophy (we've maintained our future and the present is important too) or in practice (Guzman is not yet a known entity). And then there are the draft picks...
So please recognize that all of the above are my points and that they dove tail together. It's not simply that I think the present is all that matters or that I think BJ or Hall make this team the contender that it is.

Nice way to swing at ball 4, Ethier.

I predict a walk-off

Martin this is a way better song to come out to!

That seemed like the quickest strikeout ever!

come on Repko!

I have been silent since Rheal Cormier came in. His name always reminds me of Hockey, which throws most New Englanders into deep depression. Then we go into extra innings, which is a death sentence that throws D's fans into deep depression. This night alone could force me onto prozac or something.

They (the Dodgers' lineup) are gonna let Whethers pitch three innings. :-/

315 Somebody was critical of 3.5, it must be a full moon.

321
come on, he was their original closer ;)

This game makes me want to punch a clown.

Actually, the moon is in its first quarter.

310. Which one? Was it a current player and did she just have her baby? Was she playing pregnant during the season?

Boy, it sounds like a bunch of boiled hot dogs hitting the floor in here tonight.

322 That 3-1 pitch was not a strike and was not hittable. Ethier got himself out.

326
Brynn Cameron, she is a current player and she is leaving the team this season. He got her pregnant before he dated Paris.

329. Well that's good. I'd hate to think he had been unfaithful to Paris.

All I know is that Maddux better have his good stuff tomorrow, they need him to strech out at least into the 7th.

Just like there was good reason to believe picking up Baez could be a brilliant move to back up Gagne.

It could never have been a brilliant move bc Baez was a bad pitcher. His periperals screamed out average middle reliever, and was no surprise when he busted.

and Lugo filled in with strong numbers (and there was good reason to believe he would)

There was also good reason to believe he wouldnt, since he's a mediocre player happening to have a career season. Guys regress all the time, especially 30yr olds having career years.

329 That's what I guessed. (see 313) She went to the same high school that I did. Newbury Park High School rules!!! w00t!!!

From Brynn Cameron's bio on the USC website:

She is undecided on her major but lists her career goal as wanting to one day make a difference.

Man Furcal has looked awesome on defense lately

333
lol something to be proud of.

331 If this game goes a couple more innings, we're gonna have to see one of those 1-day call-ups to strengthen the bullpen. Broxton and Dessens are the only ones left right? And didn't they both pitch multiple innings last night?

334 Does it specify difference in a good way, or difference in a bad way?

She may want to start a doomsday cult. You never know.

338

I did see her at the library in the section where we keep the books on doomsday cult startups.

Some of them are in the Business section because a good doomsday cult requires a lot of seed money.

Some of them are in the Business section because a good doomsday cult requires a lot of seed money.

You don't need to tell me.

Bob, have you been hanging around USC again?

332
Okay. My understanding is that you believe that Baez and Lugo couldn't be good, despite the fact that each had been for the full prior year. You are entitled to that belief. But that Ned thought otherwise isn't unreasonable. Especially given how well he's done in total.

Oh, never mind, 339 explains it.

Right here right now against what's his name.

I had to go to some new USC library today that they're building. They want me to check out a new switchgear installation. What they don't know is that my UCLA allegiance will cause me to do whatever's in my power to make sure that installation will never be fully functional, mwahahahahaha.

Come on Lugo, do something more than sound like Yugo.

345
Good job! Take that reading is fundamental!

345 I'm afraid the installation will be fully operational when your friends arive.

Yeah, it's a Star Wars quote. Leave me alone.

Baez and Lugo couldn't be good, despite the fact that each had been for the full prior year.

Our interpretation of 'good' must be different. I evaluate pitchers on mostly peripheral numbers and Baez really had not been good. Lugo, likewise his career's been very nominal up until this season.

I dont really think Ned's done 'that well' in total. Largely rearranging furniture but adding payroll IMO.

Another problem doomsday cults run into is zoning and permits. It's really hard to get all the proper government agencies to sign off on everything.

I know that the people in the Department of Faux-Messianic Cults are really hard to work with. And they're only open to the public a few hours a week.

I bet Lugo will try to steal.

Billingsley and Penny will be swapped in the rotation, so Penny will pitch on 4 days rest and Billingsley 6 days. Little won't reveal his plans afteyr this weekend, but Gurnick mentions that Maddux will likely swap with Hendrickson, and Kuo may be involved.

Also, Colletti on making a trade, "The guy off the bench is more likely than a bullpen arm," he said. "One's fifty-fifty, the other a real longshot."

The main problem with my doomsday cult was that so many of my followers were unwilling to pay the lifetime dues early, instead of monthly installations.

I needed the money up front, because...Well, you know.

350 I'm all for doomsday cults trying to install stuff in a new building as long as they hire my company. The turnaround in electrical equipment would allow for twice the profit in a short time; I could get a referral fee for something like that.

King, thanks for that HR info recently. It looks like Lugo's and Hall's charts haven't been updated in a long while.

We are officially on the precipice of the Armando Benitez Postulate.

The glue is loose!

Something tells me that won't be Dessens' new catch phrase.

We also had a problem reaching an agreement on the matching outfits.

Why are we incapable of pinching off extra inning games in the 10th? Why must they always be these epic 15 inning death struggles?

Dodgers are out of position players.
Reds still have their middle relievers aim'ed and ready for launch.

359- And why do we lose them even then?
Hopefully we can stop that trend tonight.

358
Gotta have the sneakers. Preferably Reebok Pumps.

357 It could have been Gio. I guess Elmer's stuff is more sticky.

Something tells me the bullpen is going to throw a party when rosters expand. They're getting an extra helping of innings abuse.

I guess my prediction of D.J. Houlton having the rest of the year off was misplaced.

If I were the trainer on a baseball team, I would institute a new philosophy: any nagging injuries are treated with large amounts of alcohol. Think about it - ouch, my ankle's kind of sore and it's affecting my running... Screw it! You won't be feeling your face after a few shots of tequila!

Then again, it would never work - teams never think outside the box.

362 I wanted platform sandals and fuchsia tunics.

It seemed super culty.

Hope the Dodgers can chip the magic number down to 28 with a late inning win tonight. I really feel sorry for the 4 people on the east coast who stayed up to watch this game. Of course none of those four people work for ESPN, they probably all fell asleep on the couch and accidentally sat on the remote and changed the channel to the Dodger game.
vr, Xei

366 I keep proposing that strategy to my boss. He's not buying it either.

367

Did you get a fire permit for your cult? How about a hazardous waste disposal permit? Did you contact the AQMD? Is your cult home zoned for doomsday cults? That would be DD-3.

I like when Vinny is describing a player and he says "you'd like him". Like we might all be getting together for a BBQ this weekend.

I'm calling Ethier with the game winning RBI.

Whew!

Now, in the words of Han Solo - "You're all clear kid, let's blow this thing and go home."

Boy, yeah, the Sept. 1 call-ups can't come soon enough. Maybe they'll still be playing this game then.

367
I didn't know this was a metrosexual cult.

370

We sublet our compound from a local YWCA.

I just assumed they took care of that stuff. Administration was never my strong suit.

372
I was about to call a Kent HR. But I'll be happy if either of us is right

Another one of my awesome ideas - which obviously has nothing to do with my last one - is the best way to get drunk while not tasting it. Vodka...and Tang. Think about it, you can make the drink as strong as you want and you can control how good it tastes by how much concentrated sugar you put in the drink. This would work with stuff like Kool-Aid and Crystal Light as well, but vodka-tang has a much cooler ring to it.

Is the game over yet?

374

We're very modern.

DJ with the hat trick. Nice.

372 If that's anything like the other night, looks like Kent will drive Drew in right here.

377 -- It's going to be very soon.

We should finish it here right now.

Okay, my guess is out. It's up to you Joey.
Will Ethier bunt?

3 shots to get 1

Jeffrey Franklin Kent keeps the rally going

Dear Grady,

Please dont bunt.

Signed,
Sanity and Reason

I'd give the chance of a bunt here at about 3.4%

If we do, i'm going to bed. If we don't finish it here, I'm going to bed, too. Either way, I win!

I mean, either way I sleep.

Let's go Andre!

Now 2 shots to get 1.

368 I really feel sorry for the 4 people on the east coast who stayed up to watch this game.

Hi.

If Ethier bunts (I think he'll hit into a DP) then it's up to Repko with bases loaded

384 Now you're getting my idea ;)

Russ Almighty Time.

Thats ok Ethier.
Dodgers should still win this one out based on principle.
Grits is doing things the right way.

Good job Grits!

390 Deserved LOL

I predicted a Martin walk-off a few innings ago, now it's finally gonna come true!

390
Would you happen to know the other 3?

In hindsight, a bunt looks better than a flyout, but that's hindsight, and I'm sitting on my hind...

I just hope we don't get a long fly ball here.

Never ask a guy to do something he hasn't done especially if all you get out of it is an IBB and the bases loaded and one out for Repko. Because of the double switch, they do have Ramon in the 9 hole as he would be last the batter in the inning no matter what happens.

Man, I cook and serve pork chops, hash browns, corn and applesauce, watch the News Hour, clean up, and this game's still goin' on?

I trust golden boy

398- bunting with a .330+ hitter? That makes no sense regardless of the outcome of the at bat.

GameChannel just says "pitch 1: in play" and now says the Reds changed the battery. What happened on the first pitch to Martin?

Grits did a great job with the bullpen tonight, not wasting anyone with worthless outings: 2 IP for Sele, Hamulack, and Satio, followed by 1 IP for Beimel (necessary PH) and at least 1 IP for Dessens.

401 Who said this..."Pork Chops and applesauce."

Grittle wasn't bunting there, because Grittle doesn't roll that way.

397 Well, one of them would be my roommate, who isn't even a Dodger fan. Can't help you on the other two.

Working wierd hours has its drawbacks, but it has some perks too. (If you call this a perk.)

1 more shot left. Hope this is the one.

Can Repko do it 2 games in a row?

Great line by Vin:

"Two things that will keep you up at night, extra innings and Paul Coffey"

Well, at least Martin fouled that ball off, because Drew was out from me to you on that SB attempt.

Argh, Russell. Are you asleep in bed already?

Ok, time for a Repko blooper.
His hit last nite won the game.

Make it two nites in a row Repko!

Come on Repko, stop making me regret that I admitted you could be a fifth outfielder.

411 Nevermind

uh, todd that is

Now I could really use a shot of you know what.

401 Humphrey Bogart...I think

Does anyone remember that back in 2003, the Dodgers lost a game to Arizona by the score of 1-0 with the only run of the game scoring on an RBI triple by Elmer Dessens.

Andy Ashby was the losing pitcher.

Ahh, 2003....

You guys think I can pickup 980 here in Northern California? I'll go to my car if I have to!

8ip 1r for the bullpen that is great work against a pretty good offensive team.

417
Robotussin?

418 Not the guy I was thinking of but close in a TV sitcom kind of way.

401 I'm due for a loco moco if you're cooking da kine

Peter Brady?

OK, I'm in NY and I'm wondering why there WASN'T a bunt there, I admit.

"Porks and applesauce" was a Bobby Brady line.

418 was in reference to 405, which was alluding to 401, my bad...and I still don't know if I'm right

Bob, Dessens might get that opportunity next inning.

368 I really feel sorry for the 4 people on the east coast who stayed up to watch this game.

397 Would you happen to know the other 3?

Hi.

I can faintly hear the game. I'm going out to my car!

No kidding, a bad situation may await us with the pitcher's spot due up 4th next inning. Does Penny get to hit?

420 Try these stations:

KFWB 980 Los Angeles
KWKW 1330 *Los Angeles
KDEF 1150 Albuquerque
KNZR 1560 Bakersfield
KMET 1490 Banning
KBOV 1230 Bishop
KROP 1300 Brawley/El Centro
KICO 1490 *Calexico/El Centro
XESDD 920 *Enseneda, Mexico
KCBL 1340 Fresno
KYVA 1230 +Gallup, NM
KAVL 610 Lancaster/Palmdale
KSFN 1140 Las Vegas
KPSI 920 Palm Springs
KWKU 1220 *Pomona/Ontario/Redlands
KPRO 1570 +Riverside
WSTA 1340 +St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands
KXTY 99.7 San Luis Obispo/Santa Maria
KHTS 1220 Santa Clarita
KUHL 1440 Santa Maria
XESS 620 *Rosarito, Baja California
KVEN 1450 Ventura/Oxnard
WTTB 1490 +Vero Beach, FL
KWRN 1550 *+Victorville
KEZL 1400 Visalia
*Spanish
+Selected Games

The way I remember it is "pork chops and applesauce, that sounds swell". I do remember it from a Brady Bunch episode, but I thought it was a direct reference to a Humphrey Bogart scene based on the voice he uses.

At least Lugo's glove is awake tonight.

427 Wrong Brady, try the one whose voice changed.

How in the world do you guys remember lines from Brady Bunch that well?

436 - Aha, so I had it in 425! Valuable piece of pop culture knowledge.

I'm betting that the Virgin Islands station doesn't reach Northern California.

433 The Virgin Islands has a Dodger radio affiliate?

As Baseball is a psychological game, it is now unlikely the D's can win an extra inning game without a major change--ie. Ownership,Management, coaching, or players.
Of course, it would be logical to change several players next year with our young guys. However, management will do anything it can to disprove that psychology has much to do with it, even to the extent of trading our young players.
It would be almost impossible, but very good for us if we could beat this jinx, by turning around our record in 1 run and extra inning games.

I think Peter Brady just married a girl half his age.

Christopher Knight, age 48, married a 23-year old woman.

FWIW, Dodgers from the Virgin Islands:

Henry Cruz
Al McBean
Jose Morales

441 Are you serious?

not only a 23 year old woman, but "america's top model", or something

Semi

Theres is even a VH-1 show about it.

Nice pick Kent.

441 Say what now?

441 They met on a reality show so we shall see how long it will last.

443 Bob, did you find that info in less than 35 sec or did you already know it.

437

We have empty, meaningless lives that revolve around pointless pop culture references.

Once you accept that as your lot in life, you start to remember "Brady Bunch" dialog, followed by quoting lines from "Monty Python and the Holy Grail" and then just completely succumbing to the dark side and posting on Dodger Thoughts.

Mostly I'm disgruntled.
But watch management if things don't bounce our way.

451

I was looking to see who said the line and came across that fact.

451
Bob, just loves the Surreal Life that much.

424 You'll have to talk to my brother-in-law. I don't like sticky rice enough to bury it under a hamburger and gravy.

453 - I think our record in one-run games has pretty much bounced back.

Dodgers: Please please please score here. I really want to go to bed.

452 I'm pretty sure I could go toe-to-toe with anyone about quoting comedies from the last 15 years or so along with the classics (Caddyshack, Holy Grail, Ferris Bueller, etc).

Brady Bunch quotes aren't my forte at all, but for whatever reason that one stuck - I think my mom used to say it when she actually made pork chops and applesauce.

Will Elmer get to bat this inning?

The record for fewest one-run wins in a full season is 9 by two teams.

One is the 1953 Giants, who went 9-24, and then won the World Series the next year.

The other was an AL team that went 9-18 in one run games. The 1948 Cleveland Indians. Who won the World Series.

Bob keeps the vitals on all the 70's child actors, ask him to name the two actors who played the same brother on the Partridge Family.

Penny on deck? Where's Jeff Weaver when you actually need him?

459 Oh, that's quite a challenge, my friend.

1:25 am in Texas. Yawn, ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ

Nope, it looks like Penny might PH.

Nagman called it.

Julio, I think all will be forgotten on this site if you hit a walk-off homer right here.

Good time for Lugo's 1st HR.

If Lowe pitches, does that mean Kuo on Friday?

463 The best hitting pitcher is up in the radio booth.

470 It's Lowe's throw day. I imagine he can go 1 to 2 innings and stay on rotation.

468 You just beat me by 1 sec but it didn't matter.

470 Doubtful unless he has to go more than 2 innings.

471 I was just going to say the same thing.

But you did it first. That's okay, I guess.

{shrugs and slumps away}

Now we have to wait 1 more inning for Penny to PH.

464 As long as you don't start quoting crap like A Night at the Roxbury, I think I'd have a good chance.

Hmmm.....Lowe is pitching? This is interesting.

Is the Bull unavailable at all costs?

That's it, I'm putting on my cleats and heading over to the Stadium. It looks like I may be needed to either pinch hit or pitch the way this one is going. Not sure which number I will have, since Penny wasn't willing to give up his number to me! :)
vr, Xei

472. If this is Lowe's throw day, wouldnt he have already thrown?

I thought Lowe couldn't catch return throws.

I wanted to call a bookend walk-off by Furcal. What Vin pointed out is pretty cool, the lead-off and the walk-off in the same game.

Valenzuela had a career OPS of 462.

As long as you don't start quoting crap like A Night at the Roxbury, I think I'd have a good chance.

I don't know if I've ever been more hurt by a DT comment.

Get that sinker down.........

Make that 467.

Well, Lowe can try to pick up a win here since he didn't get one last start.

484 Never understimate the psychological advantage of a duel.

480 Usually starting pitchers wait until the game has ended/9th inning to get their throws in.

481 Tonight's notes said that he was able to catch during his bullpen.

Edwin Encarnacion has had a brutal series.

Might as well let Lowe hit.

Lugo plays that position well. But can he do it with a keg next to him? I doubt it.

I admit I am perhaps more sensitive to the D's alwy losing extra inning games because it is 2:30 am here and that is often the case as we lose, so I get unreasonable. But I seem to have been through this a few times, and when this kind of thing doesn't go the D's way, the young players get traded. The last big bout wa when Lasorda got control. I don't think I am wrong here.

482 Cool stat, I seriously doubt Billy Hamilton's game-ending homer in 1893 was of the "walkoff" variety. I'm thinking it was more like "hit it, and run like hell."

Well, it's good to see Lowe pitch again.

Let's do it this inning.

We need to get some sleep for tomorrow.

I forgot about the shift for griffey and almost had a heart attack as that ball bounced where lugo should have been.

Lugo was not in the screen yet. WHew!!!

Ok, I'm back. I need to be here when Penny/Lowe/Drew hits a walkoff. I was able to pick up 980 in my car...barely.

494 Losing extra inning games correlates to trading away prospects?

I never thought of it that way. Interesting...

Tonight, Lugo's glove has been as good as his bat has been bad. Does that make any sense? Oh, it's getting late.

Wait..Lowe can't swing a bat.

494 I don't think I've ever heard of a team get worried about their extra inning W-L record.

498 uncle milte check out 433

I would let Lowe try to bunt his way on.

G'morning everybody. Here in central europe we like it when a Dodgers home game goes deep into extra innings. Especially on a no-work-for-me day. So can someone catch me up on what I've missed. :) Yes, kidding.

And did someone mention dumb tv sitcoms?

And to think I was going to watch one of the 3 movies I have rented after this game was over...

Ah, memories of walking Brandon Lyon....

How come when I click on a bracketed comment number I'm not taken to that comment anymore?

This is a good sign when the guy can't throw two strikes against the pitcher.

Man, I hate extra innings. They absolutely kill me out here on the east coast. And with the Dodgers' lousy record in extra innings, I get no utility out of this at all.

And yet, I'm still here....

503- I've tried those before, thanks though. 980 is the only one that comes in (and only at night).

Bill Bray is insane. He should have just lobbed the ball up there. Lowe can't swing a bat!

My brother just sent me a text from Dodger Stadium. They had just completed the 14th inning stretch -- "I did not know that..."

Time to make another vodka-tang, someone yell at me if something good happens.

So Derek really didn't swing.

The Blue Jays are 6-0 in extra inning games! J.P. Ricciardi is a genius! John Gibbons is a master manager!

505 - No, Peg.

Well, wait. It works in #502 but not in #503.

Lowe walks, Drew K's. Same result, just backwards.

Is Lowe a fast runner? How about pinch running with a faster runner (pitcher)? Which of our pitchers is fastest anyway.

Walks Lowe, strikes out Drew. Makes total sense.

So Bray walks a pitcher who has no intention of swinging and then strikes out a good hitter who is very patient?

What a country!

Drew with a wasted out.

We should have waited till Friday to play these extra inning games.

517 I don't think clicking the link works when the comment linked to is too far back (that is, hidden).

Typical Kent...

Ohhhh-kay. That inning was not good.

C'mon people! I've got a sidebar to update!

I will watch till midnight then I'm going to bed.

Can't wait for Tim Leary to come to bat.

Come on Dodgers, let Lowe vulture a W tonight.

It'd be unreasonable for Kent to get 5 hits in a game.

Peggy: No television, Al, we're talking.

Al: You're my wife. I will not talk to you while I have a TV.

528 - who scored the winning run that night? Shelby?

I could possibly see bunting LaRue since he is only hitting .174

Did Russ trip, or does he have some latent streak of Byrnesianism?

Thank you LaRue.

530- I didn't realize that it was only his 9th DP this year. He's usually pretty double play prone. I'll take Drew's strikeouts over another player's double plays.

534 - I think that was a dive.

This is turning into quite a dandy.

532 -- I had to look it up. On Wikipedia:

August 13, 1988- The Dodgers and Giants take the Dodger Stadium fans to the 11th inning with a tie. Guerrero starts the Dodgers side of the 11th inning with a fly ball to right that Giants outfielder Candy Maldonado loses in the lights. A passed ball allows Guerrero to go to second. However, Guerrero and Lasorda are then ejected from the game arguing that the Giants' pitcher had balked. Because of this, Stubbs had to pinch run for Guerrero leaving the Dodgers with no additional pinch hitters on their bench. When pitcher Alejandro Pena's batting spot comes around in the lineup they are forced to pinch hit for him with another pitcher, Tim Leary. Amazingly, Leary singled back up the middle and Stubbs scored giving the Dodgers the extra inning walk off win.

Ethier/Martin/Repko----Ethier with a walk off.

12 minutes till midnight.

Golden boy will likely get another chance to win it.

You know, the saddest truth is that we could have gotten here by not pitching Hendy in the first place. With the day off why didn't we skip him and go to Lowe or whoever.

Isn't it a school night?

Nice to see the parents and their young children still at the game.

Apparently, none of them ever met my father.

539 Wow, I totally remember Leary getting a walk-off hit. I'm gonna play the percentages and guess that the one you're talking about is the one I remember.

544- I have class at 11:00 :)

I was supposed to be studying for a midterm tonight (test on Thursday)

544 Apparently they all go to a UC or CSU where classes don't start for another month...which would make those children geniuses...which would make their silly behavior all the more confounding.

In the mid-90s I came up to Tim Leary at the Wing Ding Room, a now defunct dive bar, certainly by Pacific Palisades standards. He was a surly one. Joyless, alone, drunk and not having any of my '88 nostalgia. Damn you, Tim Leary!

Did anyone see the movie INVINCIBLE? What was all the confusion at the end about the punt situation when Papale picks up the fumbled punt return for a TD?

548 I'm a member of that group, although I'm hardly a child genius.

539 - Ahh, Franklin Stubbs. I remember listening to the game in my dad's car while sitting in the driveway of our house in Portland, OR.

548- I started last week

551 But you're not a 12-year-old child running around at Dodger Stadium that Vin Scully pointed out during the broadcast.

At least I don't think so.

I feel proud staying awake. there aren't many people left at the stadium!

551 - well I think you are a genuis in fantasy baseball

Repko won't do anything

Turn on one, Repko.

550

Was it a fumbled punt return or just a muff?

Hendrickson 4IP 4R 9H
Bullpen 11IP 1R 8H

I get a second wind, seeing I am outlasting most of the people in LA.

I don't think that was in the strike zone, Jason.

That woman, I assume, is with her husband.
The things we do for love...

When was the last time we had a hit? I don't remember.

This whole "wait until the Dodgers game is over to put tomorrow's lesson together" thing is looking really stupid.

Repko swings from the heels. If only he was using a Driver.

Jike Spingleton

I was there with my best friend and our then college sweethearts. They wanted to indulge us a game and had no intention of staying for extra innings. We moved from Field 36 T 1, 2 to behind homeplate because the crowd had thinned out. Thing is, that wasn't that easy then, nor is it now. Usher 'Vickie A' does not take to mid-game seat upgrades even if there are 2000 in the stadium. I used to consider Vickie A my mortal enemy. Now I see her and I kinda like her. I'm going soft.

Hey everybody! Just got back from the game. Fun place to be but the game's been a snoozer for many innings.

565
Simpsons day for the kids.

569 I wish

Can you say "Group Work?"

Is Matt Leinart a father yet?

I always thought that the 11:00 Sportscenter was just the 10:00 version being replayed. I guess not.

Solid D from Kent that inning.

I'm getting tired but maybe I'll see one more inning before turning in.

WOW. what a play by Kent. I'm seriously impressed with guys like Kent and Griffey who play so many innings. That's manly.

ramon is trying to kill us all(hyperbole? maybe)

I'm feeling really bummed that I started Ryan Freel tonite. He kills lefties and with Hendy going, it seemed like the right thing to do.

He sucks.

571 Not for six months.

Boy, Martinez is really trying to make this game interesting. Great play by Kent to save another error.

I bet Nate is thinking, oh I'll have one more, the game must be over by now.

Funny...when I turned the game on, Fox Sports said this was the Dodger REPLAY. heheheh Vinny wishes it was. Man Charlie and Rick were talking about going to Charlie's house to cook dinner...it was like they were Homer Simpson driving down the highway dreaming he was driving a bed...

Leinart will be a dad in November.

578- I think Bob was joking around, seeing as how long the game has gone on

572 Usually, that spot is reserved for the "C" and "D" broadcast teams, Dan Patrick has been asleep for hours.

How improbable.

Lucille. Thank you. My students thank you.

One pitch, thank you Ryan Franklin!

Ramon Martinez with a walk-off?

Ramon is trying to kill us. kill us wity Joy!!!!! HR

Ramon is trying to kill us. kill us wity Joy!!!!! HR

Ramon, you're killing 'em!

Ramon who? WHOW.

A player with no power hits a walk-off.
Sometimes, it's just your year.

A former roid'er is on now to pitch for the Reds.

Maybe Lucille will hit one.

The Padres take over the checkered jersey! Dodgers move to within .001 of the Cardinals.

We win!

Oh great. Now he's going to get a contract extension.

Goodnite all. Now I can sleep knowing we won.

I heart Ryan Franklin.

It was nice to see Lofton, Drew and Kent being the first guys at homeplate to greet Ramon after the ding dong!

Who?????

Unlikely, but i'll take it.

One swing renders moot 4/5 a season of navel gazing about Ramon Martinez. We will remember this one a long time.

I can't believe what I just saw! Not the homerun, but JD Drew actually screaming and smiling and... well, being human!

I knew this game would end. I just opened a beer. Despite how badly I'd like to go to sleep, I will have to finish the beer... but it sure tastes good.

And we saved a few prospects!

I just woke up, what happened?
vr, Xei

605

Matt and Brynn had a boy!

Dodgers are now 8 games over .500, matching their high-water mark for the season.

What a mob scene at home plate. Fun stuff.

Not the homerun, but JD Drew actually screaming and smiling and... well, being human!

Wow, thats completely unnecessary.

So ummm, Maddux for 7 and Broxton for 2 tomorrow?

608 - I wish the home plate mob scene could be used in non-baseball situations.
I landed the big account! MOB
I won the case! MOB
I didn't pay a lot for this muffler! MOB

610 - Repko has a good arm. Maybe he can be the set-up man tonight.

I always feel bad when they interview guys with english as a 2nd language. They always have to resort to cliches even when that's not the question asked and have a limited vocabulary. I'm sure Furcal's a smart guy, but having to answer questions that quickly can't be easy.

I just made out with a hottie. MOB
okay, maybe not.

607 Did we just pass the Cardinals for 2nd in the League as well?

609 - I'm just referring to the fact that I've never, ever seen JD show any kind of emotion. It was kinda nice to see.

If I stay up till 3:30 I can see Team USA destroy Germany.

613 You know, I agree with you, but I think there is a certain amount of pride for the guys that work hard at improving their english. They may not sound great, but I'm pretty sure a fair amount of them want to be interviewed in english.

Mr. Brock, do you have a lesson plan to prepare? :)

Usually I only hear cliches on the post game interview, even from native speakers. I think that's how they're trained. The team doesn't want them to be controversial.

Sweet Jesus, its almost 3:30 here but we won.
WE WON an extra inning Game!!!
God bless us all.

according to espn's standings the dodgers are .01 percentage points behind the Cards. D's have one more win, Cards have one fewer L.

Don't tell me it was Lucille II. He is still here? BOOOYAHHHH!. I just awoke from a blackout.

619 I'm multiprocrastinating

We saved a few prospects indeed!!!

Magic number is now down to 28.
vr, Xei

623 - it takes one to know one, and I know it oh soooo well.

609,616, I am truly amazed. And overjoyed!
Maybe even overwhelmed.

Simers' column about the Dodgers' hospital visit has Drew laughing and kidding around. I'm not sure I trust Simers not to fictionalize his work, though.

623,626 I doubt anyone can concieve of outprocrastinating me.

Any James Taylor fans who also kind of like the Dixie Chicks on here? I just dl'ed a concert they did together. "Carolina on my Mind" sounded great. But JT singing "Wide Open Spaces" just isn't doing it for me.

629 - uh huh. And I'll get around to studying for the Bar Exam any day now.

Al Bundy and the words James Taylor and Dixie Chicks are screwing with my mind.

What kind of music do you think a shoe salesmen should listen to?

Steppenwolf.

The Dodgers are .001 behind the Cardinals. It's actually less than if you go far enough out.

I don't see Nomar ever showing any emotion. Why do people make such a big deal about the way Drew (and in the past, Shawn Green) carries himself on the field. If you show fire, you're a hothead (unless you're white) and if you no show no emotion, it means you don't care. Do people only root for scrappy guys under 5'9?

612 - hey, why not?

636 - Nomar wore a poncho, and hits .316.

633 Sole music?

great game. maybe they will finally give ramon some respect!

Jim Bowden writes a weekly column for a free paper they hand out on the Metro (subway) here. Today, he breaks down the NL playoff races. My favorite line: "The trade for Greg Maddux has helped mold Brad Penny into one of the games top pitchers . . ."

Did he miss Brad Penny starting the All Star game three weeks before Maddux was picked up or what?

http://tinyurl.com/jogsk

571 was just pitch perfect.

I'm sorry I faded after 11. My loss. Though my boss says thanks.

This was a good news bad news morning. One the one hand I learn the Dodgers won but also read the Dodgers want Wells and in the same breath Kemp's name is mentioned.

You would think the LA papers should know to not put the names Wells and Kemp in the same paragraph.

Wells and Kendrickson--they belong in the same sentence however.

MLB.com mentions that the Padres are trying to work out a deal for David Wells.

They obviously want to take Wilson Betemit out of the lineup!

643 What newspaper is this? I want to mock them.

Boston Herald: "General manager Theo Epstein refused to discuss a report that he is prepared to deal the 43-year-old Wells to a playoff contender sometime over the next two days... The Sox are believed to have asked the Los Angeles Dodgers for 21-year-old outfielder Matt Kemp for Wells."

I'm scared. Not another "finesse" lefty!

Before I look dumb, Kemp would have to clear waivers to be traded, right?

I'm no defender of Ned Colletti, but before this gets out of hand, lets just all stop and note that the quote above says only that Theo asked for The Bison, not that he was offered. I for one would bet my car that the team does not trade Kemp for Wells.

(Admittedly, my car is a banged up Corrolla with only two hubcaps and no power anything.)

646 If that don't make you laugh, nothing will. Does Epstein have that good a sense of humor or is he showing just how gullible the working press is? I'm sure even Flanders knows by now that to trade Matt Kemp would activate a fan boycott that would put McCourt in Bankruptcy Court.

649. Good point. The Devil Rays GM asked for Billingsley for Lugo. Thankfully, Colletti didn't give him whatever he asked for.

I don't like Wells.
Wells does horrible because he gets angry. It affects his game in a bad way.

Now I'm nervous that Bob is going to mock my car.

Never get too personal on the internet!

If the Dodgers picked up Wells on waivers for practically nothing, I'd be okay with them trying him out. He's been pitching better than Hendrickson lately. But to give up anything of value, anyone (and let's not even think about Kemp) for a guy who is a FA and will probably retire after the season and is highly erratic for that matter would be rather... dumb. But I don't think we should get our undies in a bunch based on rumors in the papers. The Dodgers may have inquired, the Sox asked for too much, the Dodgers probably said, "Thank you, come again" and left. Who knows?

On a new topic, Simers wrote in his column today that "A COUPLE of weeks ago Brad Penny offered his No. 31 to Greg Maddux, but Maddux told him he was just fine with No. 36.

"No reason for the clubbies to have to change things," Maddux said.

Now, will Plaschke write another column about this, praising Penny for doing what Plaschke apparently felt it was so important for him to do? Or has he already moved on to some other petty issue?

Btw, the MLBTradeRumors.com guy makes a good point in his entry about the Wells-Kemp rumors: "Another reason Kemp and other top-flight prospects are probably staying put: anyone on the 40-man roster has to pass through waivers. Why would the 29 other teams allow a stud outfield prospect to pass by unclaimed? That would be one hell of a gentleman's agreement."

Plaschke is working on a column about how back in the O'Malley era the foul pole was painted a different shade of yellow. The Dodgers wanted a slightly different shade and the one paint company in Southern California that supplied the paint went out of business.

Anybody notice that Simers had a scoop? JD told him that he wasn't going to exercise his opt out clause after this season.

The Kemp rumor doesn't concern me at all, as even Colletti would never do that. The rumor that really concerns me however is the Dodgers are interested in John Mabry and his .214/.299/.341 line this season.

And many of us would have to avoid giving John Mabry the middle initial he gets at most baseball sites.

Bucky Dent shares it.

This Kemp-for-Wells deal wouldn't be disconcerting at all had Colletti not dealt Guzman for two months of Julio Lugo.

Sure, Guzman's star has dimmed, and we know Colletti and Logan White think highly of Kemp. Still, Colletti can't exactly hide behind his track record here. He has traded very talented, very young prospects for rent-a-vets, and very recently.

(That said, I find it hugely unlikely that Kemp is dealt at all, and especially not for David Wells.)