Jon, you are so balanced and thoughtful in your posts that most times all I can say is that I agree with you. If a change is to be made, then get Loney or Abreu in the lineup.

Also, Kent needs to be called up soon and should be getting regular starts in left, right, and center.

2 - It's just too easy ... :)

The path is to get Nomar Garciaparra to start taking ground balls and practicing throws at third base.

Please, oh please...From your lips to God's ears.

Nomar's .300/.347/.400 line with 1 HR in 110 ABs is better than Betemit's, but it still isn't very attractive for a third baseman.

5 - The Dodgers are not going to get an above-average third baseman this year without a major trade. And I'm not talking about trading Tomko.

It would not be the worst thing to happen to Valdez or Betemit if they were sent to AAA nor all that bad if they were both picked up on waivers.

Las Vegas is trying to platoon about 6 maybe 7 outfielders and bringing up Kemp and Loney would make sense there as well.

But if change is in the air, Kemp should get some starts in CF.

5 We're not talking about the ideal here. We're talking about stable production and the opportunity for James Loney.

Nomar's production isn't ideal for third base, but it is optimal for our roster. And getting Loney in the lineup is an imperative (in my opinion). It's the best we can do with what we have.

I wouldn't expect a fan of mixed-martial arts to understand.

5But replacing Betemit with Loney is a big upgrade at this point. Getting Kemp is a no-brainer because he brings the only threat of power to the lineup besides Kent.

I didn't read the last thread much (sorry) but I don't think I can be a card-carrying minion to anyone who likes boxing or ultimate fighting or any other kind of combat sport.

10
Minions don't get to choose. That's what makes them minions.

10- Not even bicycle jousting?

12
Or American football?

Not even pillow fights or nerf gun wars. And if I'm a card-carrying minion, all I have to do is rip up my card.

10 Boxing is a great sport. The tragedies that have occurred don't make it any less great than Ray Chapman's death diminishes baseball.

It's not about the brutality. It's about the stamina and technique and fitness and strategy. Boxing is sport in it's truest sense. It's just been destroyed by charlatans and con men.

It's about the stamina and technique and fitness and strategy.

So how about a triathalon or marathon chess? Something that doesn't involve punching someone else to demonstrate your superiority.

Bicycle jousting is the truest sporting expression of the essence of bicycles and broomsticks.

It's not about the brutality. It's about the stamina and technique and fitness and strategy

This applies even more so to MMA, given that there are a lot more techniques to master and more strategies to employ and defend.

So Jon, did you know Joe vs the Volcano was on HBO Family when you posted in the last thread?

Former Senate Majority Leader George Mitchell said he expects interviews with active players to begin promptly as part of his investigation into steroids in baseball

Mitchell: Thanks for meeting with me, Player X. So, did you ever use steroids?

Player X: No speako Englisho.

Mitchell: I've heard you speak English before.

Player X: Um, I'm not here to talk about the past.

Mitchell: Actually, that's exactly why you're here. Again, did you ever use steroids?

Player X: No.

Mitchell: OK, thanks for your honesty. You can go now.

Lather, rinse, repeat.

16 Here's what I like about boxing. You take two people of equal weight. You put them against each other, with strict rules. One man imposes his will on another. One man takes his physical prowess and strategy, and systematically breaks another man down. The referee is only there to prevent egregious violations, but, for the most part, its' one man against another.

I understand why people don't like boxing. I just don't like the supposition that it's a brutal, stupid sport. It's not. In many ways, it's the simplest, most honest representation of sport. I get that it's not for everybody, but it's not barbarism, either.

19 - No - I just saw it! Kismet!

You take two people of equal weight. You put them against each other, with strict rules. One man imposes his will on another. One man takes his physical prowess and strategy, and systematically breaks another man down. The referee is only there to prevent egregious violations, but, for the most part, its' one man against another

Again, this applies to MMA.

21. It causes brain clouds.

21
My mother had a "Bob Dylan for Babies" album that she had playing near my crib most of the time. I think I was deeply affected by the baby version of "Who Killed Davey Moore?"

My mom was very forward thinking in her child-rearing.

23 Yes, but I have arbitrarily decided that MMA is dumb. Much like the Dodger fan who rails against sabermetrics, I have decided, with little due diligence, that MMA is dumb. This is not going to change.

I will watch Joe vs. the Volcano for the Ossie Davis scene, with the wardrobe and the haircut, which is my favorite part. Set to the wonderful tones of Mas Que Nada.

"You're coming into focus, Kid."

Some late night baseball humor from those who haven't seen it, courtesy of The Onion:

Manny Ramirez Asks Red Sox If He Can Work From Home

http://tinyurl.com/2yuysu

And I am wondering - If Kent acquires a certain number of plate appearances this year, then it is mandatory to offer him the extension for next year (?)

25 Yes, but Dylan also wrote a song about Reuben Carter, a boxer. A song which speaks of social injustice and racial prejudice and social activism.

Stuck in a prison cell
But one time he could have been
The champion of the world.

The Eric Burdon version of 16 Tons during the opening credits is my favorite part. Followed by the luggage shopping. That a man is judged by his luggage was the basic point of Catcher in the Rye, too.

27- Yes. 550 PA.

But by the time "Hurricane" came out, I was already into "Sesame Street."

I have a feeling that Daniel and I agree on most things except:
1) drinking coffee
2) choices in Pac-10 teams to root for

Much like the Dodger fan who rails against sabermetrics, I have decided, with little due diligence, that MMA is dumb

Great analogy. If you're looking for a new favorite baseball announcer, you might consider this guy:

http://tinyurl.com/2z5g2h

You old people all agree on everything. Except for Marty. Marty is the lone +40 around here that gets it right.

Marty would tell me that I could appreciate Freaks and Geeks. Marty would support me on that.

Once you turn 40, you become part of the establishment.

You get a card that informs you of your status of being part of the "they" in "that's what they say."

It's a great feeling.

35 I find myself saying "when I was your age" to students.

It's terrible. I feel terrible. I feel shame.

All that's left is for Walter Cronkite to report that the Betemit war is lost.

To be precise, Cronkite said, in 1968, that the Vietnam War was "unwinnable." February 27, 1968, not long before the New Hampshire primary.

I guess we find out soon if Nomar is a team player... or atleast if Grady has common sense within him. I mean how hard can it be for a professional baseball player, who once played a pretty decent shortstop to play third base? You have to field ground balls, charge bunts, dive once in a while, and god-forbid throw a ball to first base. I can't even believe... oh I will stop now.
vr, Xei

38 You're way off. Nomar is willing to play third...That's what made him such a valuable commodity. That's why signing him for two years was so smart. He is a team guy.

I mean, that's what we were told...Right?

39. I will believe it when either I see it or Mia gives it the A-Ok.
vr, Xei

Jon, I can't say that I share any "enthusiasm" on your part [if there is any], as find this frightening:

""He's pretty much hit rock bottom right now," said Little. "There's nowhere to go but up."

Asked if that meant he was sticking with Betemit, Little said: "Not necessarily. We'll see.""

And what does that mean? Hopefully, Grady understands that there doesn't have to be anywhere gone [as it were], since Betemit could simply hold steady course at .125 [wallow in it, as it were]. Of course, given that Juan Pierre gets a lot of hits, I'm taking no bets on whether Grady and Ned get it. Tell Grady for me that in terms of evolutionary biology, we could say that one option is that Betemit has found his evolution by natural selection niche as a .125 hitter and so it shall remain, with no movement, instead, inertial rest at .125.

But here's to hoping that Betemit makes me eat crow...

I would just like some clarity on the situation. I don't think it's a stretch, for beat writers or columnists, to ask a couple very simple questions.

"Are you contemplating moving Nomar to third base, or have there been any discussions about it?"

Yes/No

"Has Nomar said he is willing to move to third base, as he expressed before he was signed to a two-year deal?"

Yes/No

Answer those questions, put them in an article, and let the fans know what the situation is. I don't think this is a difficult course of action.

Honestly, I was a bit surprised Atlanta had traded Betemit and thought he'd be the kind of player they'd want to keep around, particularly as Chipper gets more and more brittle. Maybe they just didn't project him as doing a whole lot, and that's why they acquired Renteria (while giving up Marte as well). Maybe Atlanta's new ownership is willing to expand the payroll, and the extention to Smoltz is just a signal of that.

I liked Betemit when he came on, and I still think he'd be a useful player. His swing is certainly shorter, and I don't know how much of that is just him having difficulty adjusting. But still, I'm not buying that you should judge the performance of a guy as is with a .171 BABIP. His PrOPS is at .719 right now. I don't know if he's gonna go all Marlon Anderson on us sometime later, but I can say that if his batting average on balls in play goes up to .240 that he'd put up a respectable OBP.

Of course, as luck changes, it could be that the next rookie that comes up does well, and that management will act intelligently as a result. But I'm bracing myself for a month of Wilson Valdez at the hot corner.

Didnt Nomar go on record as saying he would play anywhere they wanted? Also, I'm not sure a SS moving to third isnt all that easy a transition. Ceasar grumbled about it and defensivly he wasmuch better than Nomar. Having said all that, Mr. Nomar please step two bases to your right.

42 November 20, 2006

"I wanted to be back; it was my first choice and what I focused on," Garciaparra said. "I'm glad I didn't have to draw my attention anywhere else. I really enjoy putting on that uniform. They asked me my feelings about a position change. Look, I changed positions last year. My attitude is the same: whatever they feel gives us the best opportunity to win. I'm sure I'll play some first base. Maybe there'll be times I play another position. I'm open to it, ready and willing. If they need me to catch, I'll catch."

"Nomar played a huge role in the Dodgers' success last season and an offensive threat like him is not easy to find," said Dodgers general manager Ned Colletti. "His versatility, mental toughness, clutch performances and leadership capabilities make him a perfect fit for this team."

42 "Am I contemplating moving Nomar to first? We contemplate all day in this life. Who to play at first or third, and when to make a pitching change. Should I have salad or bread sitcks? If I had to answer the question, 'Do we contemplate?' I'd have to say, yes."

43 I agree with Monkey here. I was definitely in favor of the trade at the time (of course, if we'd gotten a packet of seeds and a magazine subscription for Baez, I would've been in favor of it), but it seemed like a trade with good upside and little risk. And he came on like gangbusters the first month. Then, as we know, has struggled ever since, for whatever reason. My thoughts are: Bench him, don't waive him (I really don't want them to risk losing him, and would rather have Betemit on the bench then...); Valdez, send him down, if he clears waivers, if not, ah well; see if Nomar can move to third, as others have written about above; if yes, call up Loney; if no, promote Abreu (who seems more major league ready than La Roche), or... La Roche; or trade for someone else. As others have surmised here, the odds of trading for someone better than any of these other options is slim.

That's all I got. But I do want to keep Betemit around; I think he can be valuable as a fielder right now, and get spot starts while he works on whatever it is he needs to get his confidence back.

Let's ask Mia!

Too bad Matt Kemp can't play third. Problem solved!

Speaking of Chin Lung Hu, his line in AA so far.

.336/.355/.486

I wouldn't call .841 OPS no hit. he's leading the league in doubles too

John called Hu no hit last July. Hu performed significantly worse last season.

If the people on this board (or at least Jon, representing the people) were in charge of personnel moves for the Dodgers, I would feel very confident about this season. But we're not in charge, of course, we're merely fans. And I fear that tonight's game was the first step down a very nasty road. The season can be salvaged. Hell, we're still in first place. So why does management insist in leaving some of our best hitters in the minors, while letting some of our worst play every day?

Ugh.

Go Suns!

Despite having an 8% LD rate (half of what he managed last year), Hu's BABIP is .357 (seventy points lower than he managed last year). He's probably been very lucky, so far, this season.

Seventy points higher, otherwise it wouldn't make any sense. Sorry.

why isn't betemit on the list of 2007 dodgers in the sidebar?

He's on the Payroll Worksheet, just not in the quadruple linked list. The sidebar's not being exhaustive is a commentary on the imperfectability of mankind.

Kenny Lofton has more home runs (2), than Nomar (1) and Betemit (0) have combined.

We're a month into the season.
There's a problem.
Time for an intervention of some sort, no?

52 true, but he's also improved his K/BB ratio by a ton over the last couple of years, so a real improvement seems to be happening, just maybe not to it's current tune. not to meantion he had only 27 extra base hits all of last year and he's already over half of that so far.

since you brought up the topic, of Aybar. Tell me did any of you with contacts inside know about Aybar's impending crash.

OR was he that attached to the Dodger Organization?

Or is the West Coast that much more comfortable than Atlanta weather?

OR.?????

What do I care if some team picks Betemit off waivers? The guy will underperform for someone else.

Yep, Valdez is expendable. No one has mentioned Martinez or Anderson. I would move them, too, if it meant creating spots for Kemp, Loney, Abreu, and even LaRoche or Bigbie(!). We need some hitters, pronto.

I am also tired of The New and Improved Tomko. He is the same Tomko we've always known. I would waive goodbye to him and Seanez and bring up Kuo and Brazoban. Let Bills and Kuo compete for the fifth slot in the rotation. Wasn't that the plan in the preseason?

32 One of those could easily have been solved if I had thought of applying to UCLA for grad school. The other could never be solved because I never liked the smell of coffee, even as a kid. Thankfully, the universe will not implode.

If the Dodgers really do adhere to the philosophy that a young player has to earn a job with the team, then having a bench with Kemp, Loney, Abreu, and LaRoche makes sense. Use them on a semi-regular basis and see how well they do, giving them more of the regular job if they live up to their promise. But they need the playing time and can't be stuck permanently on the bench like Anderson. I think Kemp and Loney are the ones who are obviously ready now, though Loney is not hitting as well this year. I'm not convinced LaRoche is ready yet.

Ironically, those are some comments for the west coasters to read while drinking their morning coffee.

I miss Sam in DC on mornings like this and wish he could at least login on a Saturday morning.

I realize that Nomar has been hitting well with runners on base. But protecting the health of a player with 1 homerun, 1 stolen base, 19 rbi and 10 runs scored at the cost of overall team productivity is foolish.

Nomar is not carrying this team, pitching is and the Dodgers have plenty of it. Moving Nomar to third is only the first thing I would change. The outfield should be Bigbie, Kemp, and Ethier. Gonzo and Pierre should provide veteran suppport from the bench.

To make room, Anderson, Betemit, Saenz, and Valdez, are optioned to AAA, traded, or released. Clark becomes the right handed pinch hitter, Gonzo and Pierre the left handed pinch hitters. Martinez is the utility player.

I haven't seen a player struggle like Betemit since Daryle Ward. He looks absolutely lost at the plate. But all this talk of releasing players is wishful thinking. The only guy who might get DFA'd right now is Valdez. I can't believe the Dodgers would cut Betemit this quickly. They still have to take the step of benching him before they can release him.

The most realistic remedy to the Dodgers' offensive problem right now is Nomar to third, Loney to first. Then when Kemp comes back, he'll be platooned with Ethier. Ideally, he'd start in place of Gonzo, but that's not gonna happen. And we all know, deep in our hearts, that Pierre is not going anywhere.

Have to wonder if the decision to move Nomar would be easier also if Loney was playing well in AAA, which he isn't.
Not sure if he is pouting about not making the club- but last year is looking a little like a fluke at this point, as much as I hate to think that.
We are still talking about a first baseman with 1 HR in April, and now his avg isnt that great either.

Some very good posts to read through about the Nomar to third move. My nightmare is, that the Dodgers do in fact move Nomar to third but then Move Kent to first base and platoon Marlon Anderson and Ramon Martinez at second base. vr, Xei

Loney has been playing a lot of right field and that should be factored into his slow start along with riding busses in the miners.

Bring Loney up and tell him he has the rest of May to own first base and I think he will produce.

If the Dodgers want to send a message to Gonzo and Pierre they can tell them that May belongs to Kemp in CF and Bigbie in left.

66 - Thinking offensively and not defensively, in my mind there isn't much difference in having Martinez/Valdez in the batting order than it is having Betemit.

Betemit's struggle is the kind of thing that makes baseball such a great sport to follow. It is in him somewhere to succeed but will he ever find it?

56.

The Rangers are in last place and the Dodgers are in first place. If I was a Rangers fan the last thing I'd be thinking about is the fact that Lofton has more homers than than B-Meet and Nomar combined.

67 - Gonzalez has been the third-best hitter in the starting lineup behind Kent and Martin. I don't think he's going to be the target of any message.

Not to mention that Lofton plays in one of the better home run parks in the majors.

Yes! I get the game on TBS

Heard Hu mentioned recently. I've been pleased checking box scores recently to find him often with a double and/or a multi-hit game. We may have two Major L. short-stops high in the org. By the way is the Southern considered a hitters league. Even with his small frame Hu seems to have some pop, more than JP.

It's not about the brutality. It's about the stamina and technique and fitness and strategy. Boxing is sport in it's truest sense.

I just became a Greg Brock fan.

By the way is the Southern considered a hitters league.

no, it is a pitchers league.

74 Don't go around telling people that.

I wonder if this new Grady plan to shake things up a little bit happens today, against Tim Hudson, who's throwing the heck out of the baseball anyways. We're not rolling a seven spot on Tim Hudson, no matter who is in the lineup.

Bad Altitude has given up on their center fielder. I offered him ours.

76 Yah, I don't think they should expect much from whatever line-up they put out there today, but it will be nice to at least have Kent back in there. Wish I could see the game today - or maybe I don't - but will be gone later this afternoon. Good luck, Blue.

If the D's do decide at some point to try Nomar at third (still doubtful), I don't think it would happen on this road trip...

77 I don't think they'd want Pierre back again (although Taveras does make me actually appreciate Pierre).

67

Riding busses?

From Baseball HQ:
"Brad Penny surviving on smoke and mirrors ... Brad Penny (RHP, LA) posted his first Dominant PQS score against the Diamondbacks earlier this week lowering his ERA to 1.64 placing him third amongst National League ERA leaders. While the Dodgers are pleased with Penny's performance on the surface, we don't have to dig very deep to see some red flags.

Year IP ERA xERA H% S% CTL DOM CMD
===== ====== ===== ===== ===== ===== ===== ===== =====
2003 196.3 4.13 3.62 30% 70% 2.6 6.3 2.5
2004 143.0 3.15 3.57 29% 77% 2.8 7.0 2.5
2005 175.3 3.91 3.59 31% 72% 2.1 6.3 3.0
1H 06 94.0 3.06 3.72 30% 76% 2.5 6.7 2.7
2H 06 95.0 5.59 3.67 36% 65% 2.7 7.4 2.8
2007 38.3 1.64 4.02 26% 86% 4.0 3.5 0.9
Pitchers with ERA's under 2.00 don't come with WHIP's of 1.30 and they certainly don't strike out less batters than they walk and that is exactly what Penny is doing. Just like Lady Luck worked against Penny in the 2H of 2006, she is smiling on Brad Penny in 2007 as illustrated by his low H% and high strand rate which are certain to regress to the mean over the course of the season. Not scared yet? Then check out Penny's high CTL and incredibly low DOM and you get the picture. Whether you are a Brad Penny owner or somebody looking to acquire Penny based on his ERA, realize that one of two things will happen: a) Penny's luck will run out and his ERA will balloon to over 4.00 as his xERA would suggest b) Penny is hiding an injury and is ready for a trip to the DL. Either way you lose, so think twice when dealing with Brad Penny moving forward. "

I used to be a huge boxing fan but when I realized how ravaged the brain becomes for those who become target practice for the extremely skilled it seemed to me I could get my jollies following other sports. It used to be my favorite of the summer games, now I never watch it. I understand the draw it has but I also think we'd be better off as a society without it. However if the brain damaged would consent to donate their organs while still alive I may reconsider my opinion as that would surely benefit society much more then what they would have to offer after they have been used up for the benefit of the Romans.

82 - When in Rome....

I so wanted to say BOOM BOOM Betemit many times this year. Which one of Kouz, Marte, or Betemit will hit 1st or will they all end up in AAA? Still shocking how many hitters are struggling as we enter the 1st week of May.
I'd give him today off then put him in for the rest of the trip and if he hasn't gotten on track against the Marlin pitching then we have to release Valdez and bring up La Roche or move Nomar over and make Betemit the utility guy. While I have confidence in him they have given him plenty of rope and we just don't have an offense that can handle the black hole he's been at 3b.

Nice to see former NHL prospect Jamie Hoffman continue his strong start in the Cal League -- CF with an OPS near .930. Anyone out there seen him this year? Would love to hear some feedback. Interesting athlete who was inexperienced at baseb all but appears to have figured out a few things early this year.

84 -

May Checklist

Release Valdez

Release Saenez

Entertain offers for Tomko/Hendrickson

Call up Laroche

Call up Kuo

Drop Tomko to Bullpen

Add Kuo into Rotation

As for Laroche, I think the challenge of dealing with a labrum injury is more than generally perceived. Yes, he came back to play well last year, but there is an adjustment to labrum surgery, especially when it's the hitter's front shoulder. He also banged his throwing shoulder. I'd like to see him get several more weeks in Triple-A. I don't think he was close to being "right" in spring training.

75 Thanks Nate. so much better for who?.er I mean Hu.

75 Thanks Nate. so much better for who?.er I mean Hu.

and on and on.

Could Furcal adjust to playing third base?

Could Hu survive promotion to the bigs? I realize he's not much of a hitter. Is he better than .125?

I have a feeling that Colletti and Little are only playing dumb on the Nomar situation. It was so obvious he needed to move to third base, there must be some compelling reason why it isn't happening.

I agree, I think promoting LaRoche now would be a mistake for the reason dsfan says. He's 2008's answer, maybe.

85 I brought up Hoffmann in the Dusty Baker thread, near the end, but got no nibbles. Haven't ever seen him.

92
And I appreciate Daniel's respect for proper spelling of people's surnames.

If I ever have a son, I will name him Zappala.

And I appreciate Daniel's respect for proper spelling of people's surnames

"And"...?

93 He will spend his life saying "that's two p's and one l". Better to name him Daniel. Or Vernon.

95
I already have a nephew named Daniel.

#744 for Bonds.

96 Since when does that cancel anything out? You could always go for Ryann or Stann. Might give some people a hint.

98
I will tell my brother that his son is retroactively named for Professor Zappala.

The Giants are wearing "Gigantes" uniforms today.

I'm not planning on having any more kids, but we could name our next hamster "Bob".

100 - Oh I thought it read "hate me"

101
That's the nicest thing I've ever heard...

I'm not planning on having any more kids

((Two Times) Eight) (Plus One) is Enough

Is Fox showing the Giants game in LA? We're getting he Mariners and Yankees. Weaver pitching.

In LA, we are getting the Angels and White Sox. They just had a cut-in to the Giants-Phillies game.

Why is Jeter bunting with no outs and runners on first and second? Bad bunt but Weaver pulled the fielder off third.

Jeter knows that every run against Jeff Weaver is precious.

Bob, how do you score this? Fly ball to Ichiro in CF, runner tags from third and scores. Runner at second breaks to third, SS takes the cutoff and races the runner to third. He's safe but overslides and is tagged out by the SS.

So an 8-5 double play. Yikes.

It's a DP and SF. It's not Abreu's fault that Melky Cabrera is a dope.

Weaver's ERA has dropped down to 15.07!

Oddity of the day: I mowed the lawn while it was snowing.

I was going to set up a "Phenom Open Thread" tomorrow for the Hamels-Lincecum matchup which will be the ESPN game.

113
The beginnings of your posts are confusing me.

If I had already been typing threads, then you wouldn't find my unusual choice of tenses and moods to confuse your mind.

66 Xeifrank
My nightmare is, that the Dodgers do in fact move Nomar to third but then Move Kent to first base and platoon Marlon Anderson and Ramon Martinez at second base.

My nightmare is Normar to 3rd, Kent to 1st, Betemit to 2nd. :)

What would Tomko, Hendrickson and Betemit bring in a trade?

My nightmare involves showing up for the final exam for a class that I hadn't studied for only to find out that Wilson Valdez was sitting naked in front of me.

I wish I could replay my nightmares on TiVo. I've had quite a life while sleeping:)

the yankee-mariner game is kind of interesting. and perhaps even more interesting is that weaver has only given up one run to the yanks in 4 1/3 innings.

And Weaver has given up just six hits, but two of them have been to the Yankees worst hitter in Mientkiewicz.

I had a dream once in college where Jim Wright and I conspired to pull a practical joke on Tip O'Neil while getting off a cruise ship in the Caribbean.

Shane Victorino has stolen 7 bases this week and in general is having a monster week. Good odds he will be the NL player of the week, something that will probably never happen for our current CF. 25,000 and a roster spot, but no, Jason Grabowski had to be on the team. Good grief.
Sorry Jon if I sound like Joey repeating myself but this will grate me for as long as JP is in CF and Shane is starting and playing for the minimum salary. I won't mention it again for one month.

Werth, Cody Ross, Victorino were all CF'ers that should have been kept in the system.

I blame Jason Repko's presence and bonus baby status for killing the chances of the above 3 players.

[100] what would that make us? los esquivaros?

124
The Spanish-language media calls the Dodgers "Los Dodgers."

[125] that's not nearly as fun. unless you pronounce it "doyyers", as i've heard some spanish-speakers say. only some, mind you.

hrmm. wang's at 77 pitches through six.

Weaver's ERA is down to 13.22!

[128] i have a hunch it's about to head back the other way in a minute or two...

126 - I was going to mention that but then got sidetracked.

Nothing quite like a 'doier dag'

I was hoping that Pierre would be a great fly catcher...something like an Andrew Jones (w/o the arm) or at least a John Shelby, but he is more like Kenny Landreaux.

After I heard BP Radio's interview with Logan White last week, the one question I wished they had asked him was:

"What do you think your youngsters have to do to make the big league roster, when the major league club has signed people like Garciapara, Pierre and Gonzales, who effectively make it very expensive to bring up Loney/Laroche, and Kemp?"

While we can say all we want about Loney struggling so far in AAA this year, it struck me that Loney will need time to adapt to the Big Leagues too. Would we be having any sort of Betemit conversation if the Dodgers were playing Loney at 1B and Loney was struggling like Betemit?

Kenny Landreaux's name cannot be mentioned unless you say "sweet swing" at some time.

I never saw it, but everybody else always said that.

132 - Yes.

Bob, I have a feeling you would like this cap:

http://tinyurl.com/296zfa

Interesting game:

http://tinyurl.com/yugsd4

with video:

http://tinyurl.com/ypdwt8

Everyone on the plane was OK.

i just saw the lineup for today's game...my predictin of yesterday being shut out, today one run and tomorrow two runs is still on course....wow grittle really did a lot to "shake up the lineup" didn't he? martinez for betemit? wow just amazing

i just saw the lineup for today's game...my prediction of yesterday being shut out, today one run and tomorrow two runs is still on course....wow grittle really did a lot to "shake up the lineup" didn't he? martinez for betemit? wow just amazing

Weaver still lowered his ERA to 15.35!

Game's on TBS if you have satellite or cable

139 goofus

Thanks.

Street Sense wins the Kentucky Derby after being 19th about 1/2 mile in to the race.

Now it's safe to take a shower.

from keith laws espn blog...

Roxbury Latin (Boston) lefty Jack McGeary's signability is the big question now, with one rampant rumor saying he's looking for $2 million to buy him away from his scholarship to Stanford. Some clubs who don't pick until the late first round or the sandwich, including the Mets (who don't pick until No. 44), are still sending the heat in to see him on the thought that he might fall

Weaver took a shower a long time ago.

No Beltre in the Seattle lineup today. I sense a LaRoche for Beltre deal in the works.

And Mr. Bonds leaves the game with a homer and three walks on the day. Is it 2004 again?

145 That would involve Bavasi not being a total yutz. He's dealt five really good young players for nothing over the past year, so I can't see him actually acquiring you talent.

146 Lending even more creedence to my Beltre for LaRoche rumor.

One of the headlines on Dodgers.com is "Schmidt plays catch". How could would it be to have an article written about your playing catch?

123 -- I am completely shocked at what JoeyP just said about Victorino, given the identity of the GM who not only exposed him to the Rule 5 draft, but refused to take Victorino back when Victorino failed to make the Phillies' 25-man roster out of spring training and the Phillies were obligated to offer Victorino back to his original club. Victorino was just coming off a year in which he hit .328/.375/.584 at Jacksonville, and at age 23 that was not too old for Double A. But Victorino didn't walk a lot, and that is what DePodesta cared about.

147 Beltre for Tomko?

It's time for Dodger baseball. (In 30 minutes.) So pull up a chair ... up top.

Ken's Dodger Thought of the day: the nickname for this team in Swedish is "Spårvagnsundvikarna", or just "Undvikarna" for short.

149- Victorino has been rule V'ed before. To the Padres--He should have been kept, but does not the Farm Director make those calls?

Blame Logan White. He probably insisted that the toolsy, bonus baby Jason Repko was better than Victorino.

It wasnt a huge loss when Victorino left, bc Werth in CF was a better prospect. Blame Ned for getting rid of two CF propsects (Ross/Werth) with greater upside than Victorino.