Baseball Toaster was unplugged on February 4, 2009.
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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
Acknowledging that they don't have enough legitimate parking spaces to handle a sold-out crowd of typical Southern California drivers, the Dodgers are offering incentives to those who carpool and arrive early – really early – for the home opener Monday: a free ticket to a future game if you are in one of the first 600 cars parking in Lot 15 between 9:30 and 10:15 a.m., plus early access to batting practice.
The thing is, the whole idea of pushing for people to carpool to Dodger Stadium seems beside the point. We're not talking about drivers going to work, which is often a solitary affair because people from the same neighborhood don't necessarily go to the same place at the same time – and crisscrossing neighborhoods to pick up Dagwood takes longer than you might have to spare. It's much more common for people to go to Dodger Stadium in groups. It's a social event, after all: one time, one place, friends and family, bonding over baseball.
Most automobiles headed for the ballpark, I would hazard to say, already hold at least one passenger. (And in the case of Driver's Training vehicles, more than one driver.)
On the other hand, there is something to be said for getting more cars to arrive early at the game – though the one thing the home opener has going for it is that many people choose to make a day of it at the festivities-filled game, starting with an early arrival. Though I don't know how fair it is to those with logistical constraints, the responsible move for the Dodgers, both pragmatically and as a public relations gambit (assuming the organization wants to preserve its no-tailgating policy), might be for them to discount the parking fee for those who arrive 45 minutes or more before gametime. (In the future, maybe the development of fan-friendly fun beyond center field will change the dynamic.)
In addition, there might be something to be said for inviting fans to stay later at the ballpark, instead of shooing them out. I'll never forget the day I brought a book to a summertime day game, planning to while away the postgame hours – in a park, after all – only to be kicked out of my seat within a half-hour of the final pitch.
Here's the bottom line, though.
In the end, we can carp all day long about how neither the Dodgers nor our city, county, state or nation of residence have facilitated public transportation down to Chavez Ravine and up the hill to Dodger Stadium. But it may simply be up to us to pick up the ball where they've dropped it, to rise above their failings, to heed the better drivers of our nature by somehow carpooling beyond our current level and leaving earlier for the game than one would have ever thought feasible.
It's up to you. To paraphrase a Dodger Stadium peanut vendor's favorite quote, "Get busy living, or get busy whining."
* * *
Tonight's game:
[Grady] cut his pregame media session after providing curt answers to three questions, one of which was about whether he planned to try to get Saito into a game soon. "Whenever there is a decision to be made on a pitcher, I'll call upstairs and see what you guys think I should do first."
... Grady also chose not to start Brady Clark tonight, despite the fact Clark is 10 for 30 with two homers against Jeff Suppan. Asked why, Little said, "Because I'm the manager." Which is EXACTLY the reason he's going to be criticized from time to time.
I'll leave Pasadena at ten-til-noon. Leaving an hour-twenty for a twenty-minute trip should suffice.
Pierre, CF
Martin, C
Nomar, 1B
Kent, 2B
Gonzalez, LF
Betemit, 3B
Ethier, LF
Martinez, SS
Schmidt, P
Seriously, though, the Dodgers attitude about public transit is that its somehow MTA's responsibility to get their customers to them. Surely, MTA has to be involved, but the Dodgers have to see alternative transportation (alternative to driving and parking) as an amenity for their fans, and not as a community service. Think Hollywood Bowl, people.
Will he get hurt?
Would he have ever let you go?
Or will he stuff the bill in his shirt?
Parking costs $7 or $8 if you have four or more people in your car.
Parking costs $12 if you have two or three people in your car.
Parking costs $20 if you are alone.
Watch how quickly I rearrange my schedule to carpool.
I respectfully disagree. Juan Pierre supposedly is extremely knowledgeable about the history of baseball and the contributions of Negro Leaguers. Several other players have asked for permission to wear 42 that day (such as Ken Griffey.)
I think this is one case where it is the thought that truly counts.
He stuffed the bill in his shirt and then he picked up some guy who started complaining about how his father never had time for as a kid.
And now you know the rest of the story.
Boom problem solved.
1)I hear those things are awfully loud...
2) Is there a chance the track could bend?
3) What about us brain-dead slobs?
4) Were you sent here by the devil?
I imagine there are excellent answers.
>>> Odalis Perez makes his first start Wednesday for the Royals as he tries to put a miserable 2006 behind him. The left-hander finished 6-8 with a 6.20 ERA in 32 games for the Los Angeles Dodgers and Kansas City. <<<
"I should not have stopped for that haircut."
Vin got it right, though ;)
27 Paul, cool! Must be fascinating to be in that brand new building. I'm across the street on Stevenson, and we also have an office in that brick bldg on 7th and Market, really old school for the latter, while the former is a renovated building that is cool on the inside. That street is so depressing - my g/f calls it "Poopenson."
I do note that the likely sell-outs are opening day and weekend games usually. It will only be the occasional Friday that suffers from severe non-carpoolitis.
For anybody watching, how deep was that Ethier flyout?
(As a side note, it turns out that "Dodge" is the wrong word to search for on this particular blog.)
http://tinyurl.com/2n9qbd
They might not care very much. I once had a taxi driver in SF who was clearly on heroin. He nodded off at every stoplight and I would have to wake him up.
Much like taxi drivers in New York City, one might suspect, seem to be on cocaine? No, that's just being a cabbie in NYC.
the hit he allowed hit 90.
hes reached 90 a few times.
i think hes trying to establish his fb first time through the order. his out pitch is his change up though so i think he will use it a ton as the game moves on.
I've wondered about that too
he threw one to bill hall in that 12 pitch ab. other then that, i havent seen one yet.
Run Juan run.
I'm not sure if you really can successfully handle the data, because you'd have to try and guess the number of times the pitchout actually made the difference on the runner's being safe versus being out, and THEN compare that to the benefit of a free ball.
only people that have a problem with kent are d4p and uncle miltie.
Anyone else having MLB TV problems?
Exactly my thought
"He didn't demand it. He suggested it as an option," said Joe Urbon, Loney's agent. "He was the best hitter in the Minor Leagues last year and they re-signed Nomar Garciaparra for two years. If James only gets to the Major Leagues when Nomar gets hurt, he could be sitting around until 2009. No one wants to be a Dodger more than James. But he's disappointed and frustrated. As he said, he can't help the [Dodgers] in Las Vegas."
2nd time though.
Thanks for that tid bit.
Oh well, I hope we find room for him soon.
But I always thought of Shmidt as a hard thrower.
Dumb.
Draw your own conclusions.
129 - I see. I find it hard to believe there wouldn't be at least a fair amount of increased production; again, as has been noted, from the free ball (and from Derek Jeter suddenly turning into SUPERMAN as soon as a runner gets into scoring position).
145 - chuckle Actually, wait a minute...
Does she run out and buy a mattress...?
Personally I think half of the Dodgers will be in traction by then, but that is another story.
Having a good changeup or breaking ball along with a fastball is everything.
It seems like something somebody would do, but I don't recall having seen it.
That 7 gidp for Estrada is second only to his total against the Nationals/Expos
Oops.
Boy, would it kill you guys to work the pitch count a little more?
Yes, sadly.
objection, hearsay!
http://tinyurl.com/2d8mu9
It's a seven year deal.
Chad Billingsley would have had some really short outings last year under manager Vishal.
So, does Schmidt answer the bell in the sixth?
Let's see who gets up in the pen.
The Dodgers hitters having a 3 pitch inning.
Or Prince Fielder swinging at the 2nd pitch against a pitcher that had just walked 3 in a row.
I think equally are bad.
I should say, though, isn't this why we have CBillz in the pen? Or Hendrickson? If he comes back out for the 6th it will be following Grady's penchant for leaving pitchers in too long (Hi, Pedro!).
http://tinyurl.com/2nnjf2
http://www.wnba.com/sparks/news/2007_wnba_draft.html
OT: I'm sitting in the press box at Kauffman Stadium right now and J.D. Drew is standing on second base. He's been on base 46 times in the last two games. Sigh.
And I like Drew.
Why didn't anybody TELL me these things?!"
(a) The pitcher, while touching his plate, makes any motion naturally associated with his pitch and fails to make such delivery;
Rule 8.05(a) Comment: If a lefthanded or righthanded pitcher swings his free foot past the back edge of the pitcher's rubber, he is required to pitch to the batter except to throw to second base on a pick-off-play.
Yeah, but I bet he never did a Tiger Woods fist pump when he got on.
This should be fun.
Best question I've heard on here all night.
Roberto Clemente wasn't throwing out Rickie Weeks at third on that play.
Besides, we were denied the HAVOC™ of Pierre on the basepaths. Tragedy.
Couldn't see that. Thanks again, Bud Selig, for making me watch this game on a stupid computer screen instead of, you know, a TV.
According to the Griddle, your problems are solved. At least the problems related to baseball on TV.
Ball one..
Yeah, very good news. Get to watch Dodgers.
C'mon Wilson! Make me less nervous about this game.
Miguel Batista still stinks.
(Yeah, I'm gonna do my best to turn that into a cliche.)
Wow, 3 walks for Wilson.
Tomato Tomato
Saenz with the professional at bat!!
Most parents don't even know the story.
first Dodger victory of the year.
here we come SF...
314 - Cry HAVOC™ and let slip the dogs of war!
... Yes I'm aware that was terrible, and I'm sorry.
But now MLB has struck on one of my pet peeves. If you're going to retire a number, then retire the darn thing. Follow the rules that you've set down. Don't go unretiring it every time you have an unfulfilled marketing desire.
But now MLB has struck on one of my pet peeves. If you're going to retire a number, then retire the darn thing. Follow the rules that you've set down. Don't go unretiring it every time you have an unfulfilled marketing desire.
Good job.
Kemp's being taken out?
pitchers little can trust in close and late situations
saito
broxton
billingsley
beimel
pitchers who will probably lose the game
hendrickson
saenez
It's always exciting to see a late-inning grand slam to tie the game, after all.
June 2, 1986: Drafted by the Cleveland Indians in the 4th round of the 1986 amateur draft. Player signed June 7, 1986.
December 10, 1991: Traded by the Cleveland Indians to the Los Angeles Dodgers for Dennis Cook and Mike Christopher.
November 17, 1992: Traded by the Los Angeles Dodgers to the Colorado Rockies for Jody Reed.
July 16, 1993: Granted Free Agency.
July 22, 1993: Signed as a Free Agent with the San Diego Padres.
November 18, 1993: Released by the San Diego Padres.
January 14, 1994: Signed as a Free Agent with the Los Angeles Dodgers.
October 15, 1996: Granted Free Agency.
January 14, 1997: Signed as a Free Agent with the New York Mets.
May 30, 1997: Sent to the Kansas City Royals by the New York Mets as part of a conditional deal.
October 17, 1997: Granted Free Agency.
December 15, 1997: Signed as a Free Agent with the Atlanta Braves.
November 2, 1999: Granted Free Agency.
December 12, 1999: Signed as a Free Agent with the Atlanta Braves.
October 30, 2000: Granted Free Agency.
February 25, 2001: Signed as a Free Agent with the San Diego Padres.
August 31, 2001: Traded by the San Diego Padres to the Atlanta Braves for a player to be named later. The Atlanta Braves sent Winston Abreu (September 6, 2001) to the San Diego Padres to complete the trade.
November 5, 2001: Granted Free Agency.
February 1, 2002: Signed as a Free Agent with the Texas Rangers.
October 28, 2002: Granted Free Agency.
December 15, 2002: Signed as a Free Agent with the Texas Rangers.
May 3, 2003: Released by the Texas Rangers.
May 6, 2003: Signed as a Free Agent with the Boston Red Sox.
July 29, 2003: Released by the Boston Red Sox.
August 2, 2003: Signed as a Free Agent with the Chicago Cubs.
October 15, 2003: Released by the Chicago Cubs.
February 12, 2004: Signed as a Free Agent with the Kansas City Royals.
July 31, 2004: Traded by the Kansas City Royals to the Florida Marlins for Abraham Nunez.
October 28, 2004: Granted Free Agency.
November 24, 2004: Signed as a Free Agent with the San Diego Padres.
October 27, 2005: Granted Free Agency.
December 20, 2005: Signed as a Free Agent with the Boston Red Sox.
August 28, 2006: Released by the Boston Red Sox.
August 31, 2006: Signed as a Free Agent with the San Diego Padres
Sometime in winter 2007: Signed as Free Agent with Los Angeles Dodgers
As someone with an irrational hatred of Russ Ortiz, I find your hatred intriguing.
He did go to Notre Dame.
383 - Counsell is this decade's Jim Eisenreich.
My fault
I know Seanez can throw. But he's obviously not valued.
Also, just a clarification regarding the 'Save' -
So, Saito could have been credited with a blown save if the Brewers had tied/taken the lead there(save situation, with tying run at plate), but if he's taken out for the 9th receives the hold, and only gets the S if he pitches the 9th as well, correct?
Or does it look like that because I don't have a hi-def TV?
I will remind her of this when the toe socks I just ordered get delievered by UPS.
He batted .197
Craig Counsell got into 50 games for the Dodgers and had 108 ABs and batted .259.
It's not so much that there was no reason to let him go as the Angels got nothing of value for him. Turnbow's second half 2007 was something of a validation of his release.
http://tinyurl.com/2vxncg
I must have blocked that out.
Now shut 'em down.
Saito's gotten hit hard on every ball so far save 1.
Take him out.
R.
G.
H.
To borrow a shtick from Bill Simmons, "Ladies and Gentlemen, your 2007 Los Angeles Dodgers!"
This is harsh.
*For entertainment purposes only
That was nerve-wracking.
The only guy he fooled was Hall.
In other news, my monthly rent has finally cracked four figures. Or it will on June 1.
The Brewers announcers had Juan Pierre as the player of the game.
WHEW.
i PREFER nerve-wracking, but racking isn't necessarily wrong.
He gets the save. Right.
its not that i dont enjoy the win, its the ulcer thats going to develop in my body during the process of winning the game.
rickie weeks, jj hardy, fielder, hall, ryan braun, corey hart...thats nice.
Ulcers are caused by bacteria and are unrelated to stress. I'll send you some H. pylori to help you get an ulcer if you want one.
Besides, you don't want to risk making the final out of the game at third.
I would take it!
Truly, we've got some things to work out but am very encouraged by both Wolf and Schmidt. I think when Furcal is back in there we'll look pretty good. Just need to get past out outfield defense and we'll be okay.
At least 3/4 of pitchers would go to pieces in that bad a situation. Could you see Tomko or Hendrickson in that spot?
M. Giles
B. Giles
455 is further evidence that Bob does not, in fact, live in San Francisco (like some of us do). I have a bargain apartment for 1,000.
Okay, gotta finish watching the end of The Good Shepherd and sleep. Night all.
For unrelated reasons, however, I'll be moving back to LA in a couple of months, hopefully in time for the next Dodger Thoughts night.
"Little said SS Rafael Furcal (sprained left ankle) looked good in the batting cage, but still needed to run before they had a timetable of when he might return."
Furcal
Ethier
Garciaparra
Kent
Pierre
Martin
Gonzo/Kemp
Betemit
I think I would rather see Martin batting sixth or seventh. I love his ability to keep the inning going in that spot. We had a lot of problems with that tonight from Betemit, Ethier andRamon.
In all seriousness though, 6 is thought of as a power spot (that is probably ludicrous, but whatever) and no way Pierre ever hits there. If we are going to make up fantasies about where he hits why not just have him hit 10th?
Sorry, that sounds nasty. It is late. Good night.
betemit got on base 3 out of the 4 times today.
I didn't even get to see the final three outs, and only saw Seanez and Saito getting roughed up.
Did anyone else have a similar experience?
502 - We built a 2,300 sq. ft. house last year, and our payment is in the $700 range. The downside is the garage only has room for one mule, and the chickens have dang near ruined the downstairs bath.
500 I think they hype up how much Giants fans hate Kent but he does get booed a lot when he comes back to SF. I don't quite get it, but a lot of baseball fans in general boo former star players. It's sort of like Giants fans are so loyal to Bonds that they therefore must hate Kent, because there's no love lost between the two of them.
Of course, it helped that I bought in 2001 before the market went insane.
Looks like it might be a more realistic 7 K's for Harden.
The Giant day, on the other hand, was awsome. Everything you expect from an opening day. Yes, I enjoyed it becasue they lost badly, but the pregame show was really special. In additon, to a beautiful day that was tailor made for baseball, and the F-18 fly over which is always a rush, even when you know its coming, the Giants had a tribute to this year's All-Star game by recognizing 27 of thier former All Stars. While I could care less about Jeffrey Leonard or Kevin Mitchell, seeing Willie McCovey, Willie Mays and Gaylord Perry was actually a lump in the throat moment. I enjoyed seeing Rob Nenn and Vida Blue as well but I can't cal it emotional. Poor Willie McCovey looks just awful but he was a stud for being there. Gaylord Perry is, well let's just say he looks like he hasn't missed too many buffets since retiring. Mays came out hand in hand with his God-son which was a smart PR move cause who is going to boo Bonds when he is attached to Willie Mays. Other than the result, I would be happy if Monday came off half as well. BTW, a lot of SF fans were complaining about price hikes in tickets and beer ($8).
I was saying "boo"
513 No, weren't you saying "Boo-onds, boo-nds"?
Not a bad day.
I wish I'd been able to see the fireworks; then it would have been cooler. Just hearing them was annoying, and made my cat freak out. Telling him the Giants had lost did little to reassure him.
Was trying to decide whether to continue trial on MLB; they featured a pic of a certain happy sleazeball celebrating his first HR of the season. I cancelled my subsciption.
That and Drug Merchant Bud's salary were too much to support.
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