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About Jon
Thank You For Not ...

1) using profanity or any euphemisms for profanity
2) personally attacking other commenters
3) baiting other commenters
4) arguing for the sake of arguing
5) discussing politics
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Flag Day Fever
2007-06-14 20:27
by Jon Weisman

It's happening.

And you might say, "What took so long?" but with four months of baseball left, it's probably happening more quickly than we expected.

The kids are getting their chances. Nine players on the 25-man roster are 25 years old or younger. All nine are playing significant roles for this Dodger team.

While the Dodgers aren't completely turning over the keys to guys that would have some trouble legally renting a car, the vets look like they'll get more rest (or "rest") than ever.

Here's a rundown of the team, position-by-position:

Catcher: It's Russell Martin's world; we just live in it. That being said, this past stretch of games was the first in which I felt Martin didn't get enough rest. He has started 11 days in a row, playing 95 innings in that time. With the Dodgers losing frequently last week and no one producing, Dodger manager Grady Little probably felt he needed every inch of Martin until the cavalry arrived. Well, as we'll see below, the cavalry has arrived. The Dodgers have two off days in the next five - after that, it's straight baseball from June 19 to July 8. Martin should get at least one day off a week.

First base: Despite James Loney's 3-for-9, one-homer season debut, we still shouldn't get too excited about production from this position, relative to the rest of the league. Not yet, anyway. Nevertheless, just to have an option beyond the slumping Nomar Garciaparra (who is struggling defensively as well, according to today's Hardball Times) is a relief. A recent article quoted Little as saying Loney would get a couple of starts per week. That's a fairly huge committment given Garciaparra's reputation. If Loney produces, he'll get more of a presence (and maybe the added rest will help Garciaparra). If he doesn't, the Dodgers aren't worse off than they were before. A huge slump from Loney would probably send him back to Las Vegas once Marlon Anderson is ready to be activated from the disabled list, but if Loney could even just OPS 800 or so, that's gonna help.

Second base: More rest for the weary (and cranky). With Wilson Betemit re-emerging at third base, especially as a power threat, the Dodgers can afford to play Tony Abreu at second a bit more often and rest Jeff Kent as they just did. Kent isn't ready to ride off into the sunset - this Times interview with T.J. Simers indicates Kent will probably play next year if the Dodgers don't win the World Series - but Kent's OPS+ has been sliding toward 100 of late. He's still productive, but it's nice that he doesn't have to be the cleanup hitter every day.

Shortstop: Rafael Furcal's power-outage, probably a result of his bum ankle, may plague the Dodgers for a while - though he's still an asset at shorstop. Though no one has voiced explicit plans for it, perhaps all the added bench strength should be manipulated to give Furcal more time off. Let Abreu play some shortstop too.

Third base: I get several things wrong, but I think I might have gotten Wilson Betemit right. No, he's never going to be Miguel Cabrera, but there was too much ability in him to give up on. He continues to produce mainly against right-handed pitching (which is fine - that's mostly what the Dodgers face), and though I'd be willing to let him develop against lefties as well, there's a slam-dunk platoon here to be had with Abreu, minor leaguer Andy LaRoche or, hello, Olmedo Saenz. A start against lefties every two weeks isn't going to crush the Tomato. But for all the revolving-door talk at this position, it has actually been producing.

Outfield: Four outfielders, all demanding playing time, but some deserving that playing time more than others. Luis Gonzalez has been a success story this season, though the Hardball Times reminds us in that article linked above about his poor defense. Meanwhile, since being recalled from the minors, Matt Kemp has displayed simply astonishing ability. The Bison's power and speed are such that I think I feel the earth rumbling every time he's up. On some tailing pitches, he lays off; on others, he swings and still manages to put more force on the ball, even when he doesn't hit it square, than Juan Pierre does at his finest. Kemp will have his strikeouts, and he might not play every day, but I think he's established himself as a starter here at least until free agency. His mere presence is the game-changer that Pierre's was touted to be.

Though I've been adamant that Pierre should be benched, the fact that Kemp is now in the lineup has taken some of the edge off. There's still no doubt in my mind that Andre Ethier deserves to play more than Pierre. Even though Ethier's season has been something of a disappointment - .311 on-base percentage, 88 OPS+, .251 EQA - Ethier is still an superior all-around player to Pierre (.310, 71, .244). And as we've said before, I'll take my chances on Kemp's defense in center if he only has to live up to Pierre's. (Kemp's arm alone should make up for any Pierre-like miscues.)

I pushed for a Kemp callup, and I'll push for Ethier over Pierre. Pierre's ironic stature in this game should keep him in the lineup for a while, but at the same time, I don't think Little could look at this team and think that only Gonzalez and Kemp are deserving of rest. One of these days, Pierre won't start. And then another. And then one day, there won't be a sensible opportunity for him to enter as a pinch-runner or defensive replacement, and the consecutive-game streak will end, and then if nothing else, the spell will be broken. Pierre will join Ethier in limbo, perhaps as not a true fourth outfielder, but a 3.5. (Or, okay, a 3.25) It is possible, and that's perhaps the most astonishing news of 2007.

Pitching: The current starting five is Brad Penny, Derek Lowe, Randy Wolf, Jason Schmidt and Hong-Chih Kuo. Of those five, only Lowe escapes questions about whether he'll pitch the second half of the season much like he pitched the first. So while Chad Billingsley has had to bide his time in the bullpen (and how has he bided! 130 ERA+, 40 baserunners, one homer allowed against 39 strikeouts in 33 innings), if the worst thing that happens is that the starting five pitches so well that they don't need him in the rotation, we should thank our lucky stars. Little's eagerness to get Kuo in the rotation and his quick trigger (yes, it's true) on yanking Brett Tomko and Mark Hendrickson strongly hint that if Billingsley is needed, he will get the call. Little has never said that Billingsley would be in the bullpen all season.

Coming off the worst week of the season, the Dodgers are halfway through what could be their best week. In fact, this could be the week that trivia buffs turn to years from now - the week that James Loney and Matt Kemp first homered on consecutive days, playing with Russell Martin, playing with Hong-Chih Kuo, playing with Tony Abreu, Wilson Betemit, Chad Billingsley, Jonathan Broxton and Andre Ethier. Some of us have been demanding it with a great sense of entitlement or desperation or even arrogance, but as I sit in the middle of it, it still feels a bit like a gift.

Now, let's just try not to get swept by the Angels.

Comments (239)
Show/Hide Comments 1-50
2007-06-14 20:33:33
1.   Jon Weisman
Diamond Leung:

http://www.beloblog.com/Pe_Blogs/baseball/dodgers/2007/06/no_cover_letter_needed.html

"I met (Bill) Robinson this spring, and he spoke of wanting to get the organization to go back to hitting the Dodger way, which to him meant with aggressiveness bordering on a sense of arrogance. If nothing else, he tells it like it is."

2007-06-14 20:34:37
2.   Bob Timmermann
What's past is prologue.
2007-06-14 20:36:58
3.   Disabled List
It's like deja vu all over again.
2007-06-14 20:39:11
4.   Eric Stephen
My head is spinning. I was making a comment in the previous thread and when I hit "submit" I got a message saying I did not have permission to comment. My heart sank. What did I do to get banned? Was it something I said?

Yet another senseless victim of NPUT. :)

Oh well, let's focus on beating the Angels this weekend.

2007-06-14 20:39:49
5.   Greg Brock
We may be done with the past, but the past ain't done with us...

Also, scientists discover source of deja vu. Yeah, I read livescience.com. I'm as shocked as you are.

http://www.livescience.com/health/070607_deja_vu.html

2007-06-14 20:53:43
6.   trainwreck
Sigh, I really thought I was having deja vu when I was having deja vu.
2007-06-14 20:54:42
7.   Jon Weisman
Was it already mentioned that today is Greg Brock's 50th birthday?
2007-06-14 20:57:09
8.   trainwreck
Cavalier fans showing their class by booing entire trophy presentation.
2007-06-14 20:59:17
9.   JoeyP
Robert Horry's played a ton of basketball games.
2007-06-14 21:00:05
10.   Wayne Wei-siang Hsieh
Re: 8

Didn't even know today was Game 4. Shows you how much I care about the NBA playoffs.

WWSH

2007-06-14 21:00:18
11.   Eric Stephen
Wow, I had no idea Brock was 25 when he debuted with LA. He's older than I thought he was.

Hershiser turns 50 next year.

2007-06-14 21:00:19
12.   Greg Brock
8 That's great. His spirit lives on. Partially because he's not dead, partially because I will never forget him.

Happy 50th birthday, real guy named Greg Brock.

2007-06-14 21:00:20
13.   PlayTwo
It seems that Grady believes youth will be served. That should make for some exciting baseball. Thanks for effort on this post.
2007-06-14 21:01:20
14.   Greg Brock
I honored Brock by linking to the wrong guy.

Atta boy, me. Keep up the good work :-/

2007-06-14 21:02:20
15.   Jon Weisman
12 - That sounds like an ad campaign: "Real Greg Brocks of Genius"
2007-06-14 21:03:11
16.   Eric Stephen
8 The NBA has to expect booing when on the opposing team's floor. They should only do the on-court ceremonies at home. Leave the road celebrations to the locker room.

Some of my best memories of the Lakers were the players, et al walking/running into the locker room post-championship.

I believe all trophy presentations should be champagne-soaked! And get off my lawn!

2007-06-14 21:04:22
17.   Bluebleeder87
from last thread D4P's #75 post, that was pretty cool thanks for sharing it. Where did you find it by the way?
2007-06-14 21:11:37
18.   Eric Stephen
I'm not really into opera, but that link was outstanding! I got goosebumps watching that dude.
2007-06-14 21:14:11
19.   dsfan
Counting the playoffs, Betemit's OPS as a Dodger is .803 in more than 300 plate appearances. Not bad for a 25-year-old obtained for Aybar and Baez.
2007-06-14 21:23:43
20.   Doctor
Great post.
2007-06-14 21:27:28
21.   Bluebleeder87
18

yeah it was pretty cool drama when you think about it. i had to share it with my lady like some other poster did & she gave it a thumbs up also.

2007-06-14 21:45:59
22.   JoeyP
19--Ironic since:

Willy Aybar's career:
.292/.387/416---.803 OPS
329 Abs.

2007-06-14 21:47:15
23.   JoeyP
Aybar gets the edge being younger.
Betemit gets the edge not being an alcoholic.
2007-06-14 21:52:28
24.   StolenMonkey86
Betemit gets the edge for us getting rid of Danys Baez when we got him.
2007-06-14 21:54:31
25.   Dodgers49
The name Greg Brock always brings back for me the same memory ... a Los Angeles Times sports page headline. It was Steve Garvey's first game back at Dodger Stadium in a San Diego uniform and Brock hit two home runs. When I opened the Times the next morning it read: Garvey comes to town; Brock goes to town. I can still see that headline. :-)
2007-06-14 21:58:45
26.   natepurcell
22

Betemits power gives him a pretty big edge over Aybar in regards to how each player would fit on this team. You if anyone should be a huge fan of Betemit's ISOs.

2007-06-14 22:00:41
27.   Suffering Bruin
GB hits 50 today? Man, the time do fly.

SB hits 44 this Saturday. I'm thinking of getting a Kemp jersey.

2007-06-14 22:04:03
28.   paranoidandroid
Our current roster reminds me of the two Florida Marlins teams to win the Series. Young pitching and hitting combined with veteran leadership. Emerging stars energizing the field with veterans to keep things on an even keel.

This is a fine mix of talent with the interchangable players that Grady liked to move around after the all star break last year. He would plug Juan Lugo in all over the place and shift Loney in for Nomar late in games too.

I think as long as we don't get gripes from guys like Pierre and Kent and Ethier about playing time, we can make this all work out nicely.

My desire is to see a third catcher arrive before the September call ups for Russ to get some innings off. Grady simply shouldn't ride him so much, he is looking a bit fatigued. A couple passed balls and he isn't driving the ball as consistently. That being said, if I'm the manager, I am very tempted to write his name in everyday. With today an off day and Monday too, I suspect he might catch all three with the Angels but I hope he sits on Saturday. He keeps starting a day game after a night game and that I believe won't serve the team well late in the season.

9 out of 25 under 25 is interesting. Overall, I like the mix entrirely. We might not need a big bat come end of July, perhaps a little tweaking to shore up some soft spots that become apparent in August, role guys like Anderson coming in for a stretch run or something like that.

2007-06-14 22:04:16
29.   paranoidandroid
Our current roster reminds me of the two Florida Marlins teams to win the Series. Young pitching and hitting combined with veteran leadership. Emerging stars energizing the field with veterans to keep things on an even keel.

This is a fine mix of talent with the interchangable players that Grady liked to move around after the all star break last year. He would plug Juan Lugo in all over the place and shift Loney in for Nomar late in games too.

I think as long as we don't get gripes from guys like Pierre and Kent and Ethier about playing time, we can make this all work out nicely.

My desire is to see a third catcher arrive before the September call ups for Russ to get some innings off. Grady simply shouldn't ride him so much, he is looking a bit fatigued. A couple passed balls and he isn't driving the ball as consistently. That being said, if I'm the manager, I am very tempted to write his name in everyday. With today an off day and Monday too, I suspect he might catch all three with the Angels but I hope he sits on Saturday. He keeps starting a day game after a night game and that I believe won't serve the team well late in the season.

9 out of 25 under 25 is interesting. Overall, I like the mix entrirely. We might not need a big bat come end of July, perhaps a little tweaking to shore up some soft spots that become apparent in August, role guys like Anderson coming in for a stretch run or something like that.

2007-06-14 22:05:39
30.   paranoidandroid
Don't know how that posted twice. Is there a way to delete it? Sorry gents.
2007-06-14 22:05:53
31.   twerp
Bit of a followup on when the Indians and Murray parted ways--

Struggling to score, the Cleveland Indians fired hitting coach Eddie Murray, a Hall of Famer in his fourth year in the position.

"We don't make hasty decisions. It was a process, and ultimately we decided to do it after the game today," manager Eric Wedge said. "There wasn't one particular thing."---Chicago Sun-Times, June 5, 2005

The Indians had scored just 75 runs in their last 16 games before firing Murray. Under new hitting guru Derek Shelton. Cleveland won 12 of its next 13 and went 68-40 the rest of the way.

Maybe it was just a major coincidence, but how's that for a turnaround?

2007-06-14 22:11:33
32.   JoeyP
I wouldnt call the Dodgers pitching near as 'young' as the Marlins. I think the Dodgers have veteran pitching for the most part---Lowe, Wolf, Penny, Schmidt have all been around for awhile.

The Marlins pitching though did have some young power starting arms--Beckett, Penny, Pavano, Willis, and Burnett. Strange how only 1 guy is left from that group.

2007-06-14 22:24:57
33.   ToyCannon
Just an FYI but baseball HQ has now put Kershaw as the top pitching prospect in the minors after Baily and Gallardo were called up. That is heady stuff, not even a year after the HS pitcher signed his contract. This boy is full of yeast.
2007-06-14 22:26:42
34.   NPB
This is now a team I can seriously get behind. A new day has dawned at the Stadium. Now if they'd only improve the concessions.
2007-06-14 22:27:02
35.   Andrew Shimmin
The comments under the YouTube pirate copy of Pavarotti singing Nessun Dorma are now a debate about whether he's as good as D4P's new hero (interestingly called Paul Potts--hmm. . .).

I can't decide what to make of the new pop Opera craze. It's a little distasteful that the recipe for success is to cut out the the two hours that aren't the tune people know. Could be worse though; it could be Wagner.

2007-06-14 22:30:34
36.   natepurcell
33

argh, too much helium, too far away from the majors, too much can happen in between!

i dont like how this is setting up :(

2007-06-14 22:32:07
37.   underdog
Enjoyed reading your post, android. Though I'm not sure about adding a third catcher before Sept 1 - they don't even play Lieberthal, the #2 guy, now. ;-) I'm sure he'll get some PT this summer, and we'll see a third guy brought up in September. Who IS their next in line catcher, is the question... Ken Huckaby, or Martinez, I guess.
2007-06-14 22:32:24
38.   dsfan
I know Kershaw's fastball is superior, but Arizona's Anderson is tearing up the Midwest League to a similar extent as Kershaw. He's about the same age as Kershaw and is considerably more accurate. It's a bit rich to be calling Kershaw the best prospect in all of the minors. They should see if he can make it through a full season healthy and without contracting Blass Disease.
2007-06-14 22:39:41
39.   paranoidandroid
32
Our pitching sure is more experienced other than Bills, Brox, and Kuo. My point wasn't a direct analogy to those teams (first one had Kevin Brown) but to the mix of having the new stars of tomorrow emerging (Kemp, Abreu, Martin, Bills, Brox, Kuo) and the vet guys who know how to handle the pressure (LuGo, Kent, Nomar, Lowe, Penny).

Seems you need to not be too young nor too old to get it done. It is hard being too old and I just like that we have found a way to be in contention and improve from within.

Maybe Ned and Grady were counting on it this way and kept Loney and Kemp in the wings to spring upon us. I'm just very happy with this team.

I hope to see Betemit and Kemp get starts again tomorrow. Perhaps Loney too, but less likely I think.

The young guys motivated Pierre to get on base more. LuGo is having a nice stretch. And we have a legit replacement to rest Kent once a week. Abreu has more power, better glove, more speed than Ramon M.

2007-06-14 22:42:04
40.   ToyCannon
Currently Anderson doesn't merit top 15 status. Stuff is stuff lots of pitchers fool Low A hitters. We'll check the results when they hit AA in 2008 then see what Anderson has, he's not impressing to many right now but maybe he's being overlooked because he doesn't have the pedigree.

It would seem a rapid ascent until you take into account how many of the top pitchers have been promoted this year and the remaining ones have health issues(Neiman, Miller, Elbert).

2007-06-14 22:42:49
41.   dsfan
Anyone know the projection for Elbert's recovery? What a shame. So many of these guys have flamed out....EJax, Miller, Hanrahan...injuries to Elbert and Orenduff, though it's still early, never good with a young arm.
2007-06-14 22:46:22
42.   neuroboy002
The NBA logo for 2007 shouldn't be a white silhouette of Jerry West dribbling, it should be a white silhouette of Steve Nash falling to the side on one knee in reminder of "Big Shot Bob's" classy act.

If anyone has extra summer time to kill and some photoshop moxie, I would like that logo.

Not too thrilled about this year's "champion." Like others here, I didn't know today was game 4 either.

2007-06-14 22:47:01
43.   dsfan
The way Anderson is wiping out that league at age 19, people may need to take a closer look.
2007-06-14 22:48:08
44.   paranoidandroid
37
I have no idea who a third guy would be. O think we'd go outside the organization if we were serious about really having one on the roster. Would be nice if a big pinch hitter like Saenz could also catch. Someone like that around would be a plus. Like Mike Piazza in an August deal once the A's are out of it or something like that. Just an idea/fantasy.

I think as we consider playoff rosters (too soon I know), we might see a Tom Wilson type of guy show up like we did in 2004. He made the roster too that year, likely because we knew we'd have to pinch hit for Ross and that other left handed hitting guy too (blanking on him, retired after the season).

If we go to 11 pitchers, we can carry a third catcher and Lieberthal can pinch hit although I don't think that is what they'll do. I suspect Lieberthal doesn't get into more games as a replacement because if he gets hurt, we don't have anybody to come in. Maybe Kemp can catch a bit. I don't know who our emergency catcher is now that Ramon M is on the DL.

I would like to see a third catcher and I sure wish there were 26 roster spots to make that more realistic. I just hope we don't wear down Russ or get him injured in a blow-out game, he is our heart and soul.

Just thinking aloud.

2007-06-14 22:49:54
45.   trainwreck
The bad thing for the NBA is that the Cavs may be in the finals for a couple years to come. Eastern Conference is so bad.
2007-06-14 22:50:43
46.   Eric Enders
35 "Could be worse though; it could be Wagner."

James Loney's eyes just got very wide.

Incidentally, tomorrow is a day of great celebration in Dodgerland. It is the first day the team is officially allowed to trade Juan Pierre. Unlikely, yes. But weirder things happen in baseball all the time. You may say I'm a dreamer, but I'm not the only one.

2007-06-14 22:54:22
47.   Greg Brock
I wonder if Andrew's objection to Wagner is on artistic or moral grounds.

I'm assuming both.

2007-06-14 23:00:15
48.   bhsportsguy
44 I'll be there tomorrow, if you want to meet up, email me at bhsportsguy@aol.com
2007-06-14 23:01:39
49.   bhsportsguy
And today's easy hint for which Simspon's episode is on right now:

I choo choo choose you.

2007-06-14 23:04:04
50.   Greg Brock
49 And there's a picture of a train.

Look, Lisa. You can see the actual moment when his heart breaks.

Show/Hide Comments 51-100
2007-06-14 23:13:16
51.   CanuckDodger
43 -- People ARE taking a closer look, at Anderson's stuff, at what is behind the numbers, and what is behind the numbers isn't very impressive. Prospect ranking is about potential, ceiling, not searching for a future reliable #4 starter in the majors.
2007-06-14 23:16:28
52.   bhsportsguy
50 But I keep my pants on in this version.

Why would Krusty be singing a Doors song in 1973?

2007-06-14 23:27:29
53.   Greg Brock
LA Woman was like '71 or '72, so it's not too out of the realm.
2007-06-14 23:32:24
54.   regfairfield
Trying to figure out what kind of show Krusty The Clown is is one of life's great mysteries.

As far as I can tell, it started as a serious interview show starring a clown and morphed into a three hour 10 minute kids show.

2007-06-14 23:32:56
55.   Greg Brock
Okay, Krusty was singing "Break on Through" which came out in 1967. Googling tells me that LA Woman came out in 1973.

So singing the Doors is okay, but not that song. But I don't blame 'em. LA Woman is a terribly overrated album.

2007-06-14 23:34:35
56.   Greg Brock
Bah, LA Woman came out April, 1971. Good lord, figure it out, Brock. It's a keyboard, not a nuclear reactor.
2007-06-14 23:34:38
57.   CanuckDodger
Greg Brock's favorite prospect, Blake DeWitt, is batting .362/.455/.660 in June. And I like his scouting report better than I do Brett Anderson's.
2007-06-14 23:39:40
58.   Greg Brock
57 Good. Sell high. Third baseman who can't hit enough bombs to play third. Middle infielder who doesn't field well enough play middle infield. Even if he hits, he's Todd Walker at second. Okay, that's way harsh and not fair. But he's not good with the glove.

Didn't like the pick at the time, don't like it now.

2007-06-14 23:43:06
59.   natepurcell
Didn't like the pick at the time, don't like it now.

i liked the pick at the time. getting the consensus top pure prep bat is always good.

he just hasnt developed. oh well.

2007-06-14 23:47:59
60.   Greg Brock
59 But he was all line drives, even in high school. People projected power, or wanted to see power, or whatever. And that's fine. But he wasn't/isn't very big (if I recall, like 5'10 or something) and he failed my prep standard...Not from Texas, Florida, or California. I don't know much about Mizzou baseball, but it isn't the big three. And competition matters.

Canuck will now tell me how wrong I am. Which I may very well be.

2007-06-14 23:52:28
61.   BruceR
31 So does anyone know what Derek Shelton is doing these days ?
2007-06-14 23:56:10
62.   CanuckDodger
60 -- High school players from outside of Texas, California, and Florida have been known to turn out nicely. Broxton, Billingsley, and Kemp are three of the, oh, I don't know, tens of thousands.
2007-06-14 23:59:04
63.   Greg Brock
62 Yeah, I was just adding my personal smell test. I like the kids from the baseball hotbeds. But you are absolutely right.

Commerce, Oklahoma came up with a pretty good ballplayer.

2007-06-15 00:00:04
64.   Greg Brock
62 And I give your snark a 9.6 out of ten. Well played...Well played indeed.
2007-06-15 00:04:06
65.   Andrew Shimmin
47- I've made my peace with most great artists' being, um, bar stewards. It's probably one of the reasons I'm soft on the character question with baseball players. I don't like Wagner because I'm one of those simpletons who likes it when music has a tune. I'm cool with all sorts of monkeying about, but after a while, absent a tune, my mind starts to wonder.

I like it when poems rhyme, too. And when t.v. shows have an end. I'm beyond redemption, for any number of reasons.

2007-06-15 00:06:10
66.   Andrew Shimmin
Wander, that should be. Irritating. I guess it wonders, too, but I meant no affront to the idiom.
2007-06-15 00:11:57
67.   Andrew Shimmin
After several minutes of worried Googling, I now believe I get Eric Enders' joke about Loney. Billy Wagner, not Richard. I was terrified there might be a Ryan Church situation.
2007-06-15 00:13:12
68.   Greg Brock
65 Gotcha. It just bothers me when people disregard Wagner because of his, um, opinions. You would have to disregard Nietzsche, all of the Romantics, and all entire 19th century Europeans.

But, as an honorary member of the tribe, I get it. Wagner is persona non grata with my Jewish peeps, so I abide. The Brock abides.

2007-06-15 00:16:18
69.   bhsportsguy
54 Of course there was "Sideshow Bob's Cavalcade of Whimsy", the Sideshow Bob version where he left off with the chapter, "Death of a Titan."

And who could forget Gabbo.

I can do the Hully Gully; I can imitate Vin Scully!

2007-06-15 00:27:37
70.   Greg Brock
Joe Morgan and Mike Piazza dropped a cameo on "Married with Children" during the MLB strike.

I'll take "Totally Surreal Nonsense" for $500, Alex.

2007-06-15 00:30:17
71.   trainwreck
70
I remember that episode. Piazza is the cameraman.
2007-06-15 00:32:30
72.   CanuckDodger
No speaking ill of Wagner's music. I find it infinitely easier to separate artists from their art than athletes from their play. You don't have to "root for" an artist, especially if he is, you know, dead.

I have long thought that a baseball closer who had some class would enter games to "Ride Of the Valkyries." As intimidation music, it puts crap like "Welcome to the Jungle" to shame. See "Apocalypse Now."

2007-06-15 00:34:36
73.   trainwreck
I would come out to the theme of Cape Fear.
2007-06-15 00:41:24
74.   Greg Brock
If you come out of the pen with "Ride of the Valkyries" you better strike out the side. That's no joke music. Come out to that music, and get your mammaries lit up...Not good. And embarrassing. Gagne could have done that.

My closer music would be War Pigs. Or Black Dog.

2007-06-15 00:41:39
75.   CanuckDodger
If a closer has to go modern, then David Bowie's "Cat People (Putting Out Fire"" or a particular part of Leonard Cohen's "The Future" that I have in mind would be excellent. Also, Oingo Boingo's "No One Lives Forever" would be fine.
2007-06-15 00:45:07
76.   CanuckDodger
74 -- Yes, obviously you have to be a really GREAT closer to support Ride Of the Valkyries as your theme, and Gagne would have been perfect for it.

75 -- And the should be "Cat People (Putting Out Fire)."

2007-06-15 00:46:30
77.   CanuckDodger
76 -- And that should be "And that should..." Geez, we should be able to edit these posts.
2007-06-15 00:57:31
78.   Greg Brock
75 I'm waiting for a closer to come out to some absolute counterintuitive nonsense. Yakety Sax, Air Supply, or Free to be You and Me. Just something completely wrong.

The closer who comes out to Joan Baez gets infinite points. Maybe a Peter Paul and Mary tune. Just make a mockery of the whole thing.

That's my dream. That's my nightmare

/Colonel Kurtz

2007-06-15 01:00:25
79.   Andrew Shimmin
The funniest episode of Curb Your Enthusiasm was the Wagner one. My policy is that I don't intentionally profit despicable people. Even if I wanted to (which, happily, I don't) buy a Michael Jackson album, I wouldn't. Until he died. It's convenient, given that most of the books and music I like were written by people whose metabolic processes are now 'istory. But it's my policy.

--(Refreshing before I post, because I've finally learned my lesson)--

What Canuck said. Except most of the reported (at least, most of the ones I've seen) baseball players' crimes against conscience are relatively small potatoes. Some of them do truly scummy things, and perhaps it puts too much faith in the criminal justice system to expect it to nullify the choice of whether to root for the player or not, but when penny ante, or even dollar ante stuff gets mixed into the grinder, the sausage starts to lose its appeal.

If James Loney puts up a post on his myspace blog about how Jews are destroying opera, I'll get off his bandwagon. If he cheats on his wife, I'll be able to rationalize and compartmentalize. Unless he starts dating my sister, in which case I'll rail against him the way D4P does Walmart.

2007-06-15 01:00:47
80.   trainwreck
Makes me think to the Simpsons when Homer comes out to "Why Can't We Be Friends."
2007-06-15 01:04:08
81.   CanuckDodger
78 -- I have thought of going that route too, with something really soft that kind of deflates the whole intimidation element. For a Dodger closer, I have thought it would be cool to go with "Love Is Blue." It's beautiful and almost feminine, and the title obviously can relate to loving the Dodgers.
2007-06-15 01:09:04
82.   Greg Brock
81 I absolutely adore "Love is Blue" and get grief for it. All my fellow musicians (we're all just guitar playing amateur goobers) hate it.

I whole heartily endorse "Love is Blue" because it's a great little diddy.

2007-06-15 02:17:04
83.   Eric Enders
Whenever I become a major league closer, my entrance music will be the last two and a half minutes of Arcade Fire's "No Cars Go."
2007-06-15 04:19:17
84.   D4P
rom last thread D4P's #75 post, that was pretty cool thanks for sharing it. Where did you find it by the way?

My wife found it on the page of news stories that shows up when you log out of a yahoo email account.

2007-06-15 05:51:17
85.   T Money
Speaking of player music, has anyone else noticed that Juan Pierre is now coming out to a Jay-Z song that features the lyric, "I used to run base like Juan Pierre?"

More to the point, do you think the McCourt family realizes that, in the context of the song, "run base" doesn't mean what they think it means?

2007-06-15 06:55:43
86.   weatherman
82 - How about some Chuck Mangione?

"Are you ready to Soft Rock?!"

2007-06-15 07:04:16
87.   D4P
Chris Berman shouldn't announce golf. Period.
2007-06-15 07:10:34
88.   gpellamjr
I no longer have any respect for Greg Brock. LA Woman is an awesome album. I listened to it through twice yesterday. Of course, one might not take me as the best judge of these things, The Final Cut being my favorite Pink Floyd album, and John Wesley Harding missing out on being my favorite Dylan album because the repeated misuse of "whom" makes me extremely uncomfortable.

What were we talking about?

2007-06-15 07:24:23
89.   Penarol1916
87. Golf shouldn't be a spectator sport. Period.
2007-06-15 07:31:11
90.   D4P
89
You prefer to play it...?
2007-06-15 07:33:56
91.   Rob M
83 My entrance music is going to be "Rudy Can't Fail" from The Clash.
2007-06-15 07:35:39
92.   Rob M
By the way, coming late to this point but re: Betemit v. Aybar - doesn't Betemit's superior defense and defensive versatility (on top of the power) make him a clear upgrade?
2007-06-15 07:36:24
93.   Penarol1916
90. Only while in an altered state, that is the only way I can stand the tedium of playing.
2007-06-15 07:39:09
94.   Penarol1916
92. While I won't dispute Betemit's superior defense, I do believe that Aybar was at least as versatile as most prospect hounds felt he was a future utility man.
2007-06-15 07:42:31
95.   Rob M
94 Betemit could play SS - I'm not sure Aybar could.
2007-06-15 07:46:28
96.   paranoidandroid
68, 72
As a member of the same tribe, I admit I like Wagner's music to the chagrine of some relatives and friends. I can also separate the work from the artist's lifestyle but I also understand someone not agreeing with me. I still like Woody Allen movies but was disappointed he married his step-daughter. Not the same as hanging with Hitler, but separate the artist from his work is the point. I think Kobe is not to be so easily forgiven for his adultry and way of handling the situation, but I can respect his abilities and marvel at some of his accomplishments. I don't need to like the person to respect the work they've done. I was able to cheer for Meltdown Badley too. I just didn't like him as a human being.
2007-06-15 07:52:47
97.   Disabled List
I'm one of those people - and I'm sure there are many - for whom classical music has been appropriated by commercial pop culture and ruined. I can't hear the "1812 Overture" without thinking of the Lone Ranger, "Adagio for Strings" without thinking of Platoon, or "Rhapsody in Blue" without thinking of United Airlines.

"Flight of the Valkyries"? For me, that was permanently associated with Looney Tunes cartoons way before I ever saw Apocalypse Now.

2007-06-15 07:58:28
98.   Marty
My entrance music would be the Clash too, but I'd use "Death or Glory"
2007-06-15 08:00:55
99.   paranoidandroid
Has anyone used Queen's "We Will Rock You"? I would think that would get a crowd going.
2007-06-15 08:01:24
100.   weatherman
88 - Blood on the Tracks is my favorite Dylan album. I do have one problem with it: he sings the line, "sinks like a ship." I have never understood why this expression exists. Ships are not supposed to sink. Damaged ships sometimes sink. Stones sink. Non-witches sink. Someone tell me why this expression exists.
Show/Hide Comments 101-150
2007-06-15 08:10:31
101.   paranoidandroid
100
My favorite Dylan album is more obscure, I really like "Infidels". While I also like LA Woman (and all the work of the Doors), my favorite is Strange Days. I also liked Final Cut a lot, it was my favorite Floyd for some time, just because Dark Side isn't fresh any longer. Like the Doors, favorites switch by mood when I listened to them often. I am more into new music. I hate the phrase "indie" but that genre is what I prefer. This week in the car I'm listening to the first two Snow Patrol releases and Elvis Costello's Delivery Man.

I think for closer music you need something classic. I don't mind Bad to the Bone for Sammy, but it isn't a Gagne enterance. Still nice. And he's held up his end of it for almost two years now.

2007-06-15 08:17:34
102.   ToyCannon
I would want something from "The Jesus and Mary Chain" just to hear Vinny tell the audience what the entrance music was.
2007-06-15 08:23:24
103.   MC Safety
to chime in on the music topic...i laughed at loud at the thought of a closer coming out to leanord cohen, that would be an entirely unique experiance. im really enjoying all the musical fodder going back and forth, i knew you guys were up to par when it came to simpsons refs and trivia, but i didnt realize how awesome this blog was until the LA Woman debate, that actually spun off a simpsons ref. btw fave dylan song : lay lady lay, although im not a huge dylan fan. since this is an LA blog with some older folks, are there any Love fans here? as in the late 60's band out of LA that played quite a bit with the doors....
2007-06-15 08:25:08
104.   MC Safety
btw if i were a closer i would come out to sugar hiccup by the cocteau twins..
2007-06-15 08:37:17
105.   Penarol1916
97. That's the William Tell Overture, not 1812 Overture, or am I completely off base with always having associated the Lone Ranger with a Swiss guy shooting arrows off of his son's head?

If I were a closer, I would enter to "Afternoon Delight" or "Summer Breeze" just out of pure contempt for the concept of closer music and music in general.

2007-06-15 08:49:54
106.   Branch Rickey
When I become closer my music will likely be "Lose Yourself" by Eminiem. I don't even listen to much music like that or like the guy but when I hear that song start, it just sounds like someone should be jogging in from left field. For true coolness I would go with "In The Flesh", the opening song to the album The Wall. Imagine those first chords as the gates open.
2007-06-15 08:49:55
107.   Branch Rickey
When I become closer my music will likely be "Lose Yourself" by Eminiem. I don't even listen to much music like that or like the guy but when I hear that song start, it just sounds like someone should be jogging in from left field. For true coolness I would go with "In The Flesh", the opening song to the album The Wall. Imagine those first chords as the gates open.
2007-06-15 08:52:08
108.   Marty
103 Didn't Arthur Lee just recently die?
2007-06-15 08:53:02
109.   Branch Rickey
Wow. When people say "I don't know how that double post happened!" I always think "yeah right, it's because you clicked twice". But now it's happened to me and all I feel is shame and confusion.
2007-06-15 08:53:52
110.   jasonungar07
100. weatherman
88 - Blood on the Tracks is my favorite Dylan album. I do have one problem with it: he sings the line, "sinks like a ship." I have never understood why this expression exists. Ships are not supposed to sink. Damaged ships sometimes sink. Stones sink. Non-witches sink. Someone tell me why this expression exists.

--

I think thats the point. You gotta put the whole lyric. "Look at the sun, sinking like a ship."

Rocks sink fast. Non witches sink fast...and to your point, ships aren't supposed to sink is exactly what he is saying.

His marriage sank, slowly and abrubtly.

Just as the sun sets over the horizon, slowly and the all of a sudden its gone.

"They say the darkest hour is right before the dawn"

"Every day's been darkness since you been gone."

--

I am a big dylan fan. My top 5 albums:

1. Blood on the Tracks
2. Blonde on Blonde
3. Highway 61
4. John Wesley Harding
5. Desire

2007-06-15 08:56:21
111.   jasonungar07
I think my closer song would be Unchained by Van Halen
2007-06-15 08:56:30
112.   Disabled List
105 - You're probably right, I often get my overtures confused.

I always thought Metallica's "For Whom the Bell Tolls" would make a great entrance song for a closer.

2007-06-15 08:57:26
113.   still bevens
91 You will have to fight Rudy Seanez for it, which might end poorly. Rudy came out to that song during the St. Louis game that Tomko completely botched in 3 innings. I haven't heard him come out to it since but I don't go to every game, but it was awesome at the time.

My theme song would be "Last Caress" by the Misfits but I don't think I would be allowed to get away with that. I was also a fan of Repko's metal riffage he used to come out to because it was so unique.

2007-06-15 09:01:57
114.   Branch Rickey
Worst closer music: "As Long As We Have Each Other" the theme song from Growing Pains.
2007-06-15 09:03:21
115.   Eric Stephen
As a closer, I'd come in to "Dare To Be Stupid" by Weird Al Yankovic.

At the risk if this post being deleted, I always thought Byung-Hyun Kim should have entered games to "Yellow Submarine".

2007-06-15 09:03:30
116.   jasonungar07
Nice Branch. I'll play along.

Mmmbop by the Hansens.

2007-06-15 09:07:21
117.   Penarol1916
114. You think it's worse than the theme song from "Who's the Boss?" in terms of closer music?
2007-06-15 09:08:40
118.   Eric Stephen
It's probably bad form, but opposing relievers should enter the game to "Give It Away" by Red Hot Chili Peppers.

The stadium sound person would probably get fired like the guy in Anaheim who played "The Addams Family" theme when Wade Boggs batted, a reference to his affair with Margo Adams.

2007-06-15 09:13:29
119.   Greg Brock
118 They play derogatory music all the time when the visiting team messes up. Yakety Sax and the like. It's not the classiest thing to do either.

I say "Go for it!" with the visiting closers.

2007-06-15 09:17:12
120.   SG6
111 - C'mon Dave, gimme a break.
2007-06-15 09:19:13
121.   Eric Stephen
I think the Price is Right losing sound should be more prominently featured at the ballpark as well.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1ytCEuuW2_A

PS: It's been a great run, Bob Barker.

2007-06-15 09:21:32
122.   Jacob L
I'm sure everybody remembers when some sly stadium d.j. played "Here I Go Again" when Chuck Finley was warming up. I believe said d.j. got fired for that piece of witticism.

Anyway, I think I'd enter the game to Neil's "Like a Hurricane." Maybe just the extended guitar solo. Why should 80s metal get all the closer themes, when there are whole other worlds of burnout rock?

2007-06-15 09:24:22
123.   SG6
Seriously though, can anything top the opening of chords of Welcome to the Jungle, watching a matted Eric Gagne lope out of the bullpen?

The bar was set too high.

2007-06-15 09:27:00
124.   Hallux Valgus
since stadium music is prominently featured today, I would like to voice my intense distaste for a certain 2 second Harry Belafonte clip. It has to be the stupidest sound clip ever featured outside of a Morning Zoo-like radio show format.
2007-06-15 09:30:25
125.   Eric Stephen
Speaking of out of place ballpark sounds, what is the deal with "Sweet Caroline"? Is it true that in Boston, it is played during the 7th inning stretch in place of "Take Me Out To The Ballgame"?

Also, I thought I heard it on the Dodger broadcast for Wednesday's game. It was going into the bottom of the 7th. Did McCourt Bostonize the 7th inning stretch at Dodger Stadium and replace "Take Me Out To The Ballgame"? Can anyone at the game confirm or rebuke this?

2007-06-15 09:31:36
126.   Bob Timmermann
The Red Sox play "Sweet Caroline" heading to the bottom of the eighth.
2007-06-15 09:33:10
127.   Branch Rickey
117. Compare and cotrast:

http://tinyurl.com/8j8pu
http://tinyurl.com/zgl6a

Both pretty bad but I like how "As Long As We've Got Each Other" implies that the closer can't stand on his own.

2007-06-15 09:33:11
128.   Eric Stephen
Thanks, Bob.

(I should have a macro for typing that)

2007-06-15 09:35:30
129.   underdog
I think Beimel's entrance music should be "Cut Your Hair" by Pavement.
2007-06-15 09:37:03
130.   jasonungar07
one break, comming up.
2007-06-15 09:37:25
131.   still bevens
One of the best things about Astros games is that they play 'Deep in the Heart of Texas' during the seventh inning stretch.
2007-06-15 09:39:32
132.   ToyCannon
125
Yes, they played it Wednesday night and it irked me to no end. We are the Dodgers, can't we have our own legacy. Now we throw visiting home runs back onto the field like Wigley. Now we play "Sweet Caroline" like Fenway. You'd think in the world of LA we wouldn't be copycatting other ballparks, they would be copycatting us.

At least we had Gagne. Were we 1st with that?

2007-06-15 09:41:32
133.   Bluebleeder87
As a closer, I'd come in to "Dare To Be Stupid" by Weird Al Yankovic.

but seriously guys imagine coming in to this: http://tinyurl.com/24gwfd man, i'd me pumped. But as always it's a matter of taste.

2007-06-15 09:42:17
134.   Jacob L
At least we had Gagne. Were we 1st with that?

No, not really. Gagne is just part of the closer/metal entrance theatrics trend begun by Trevor Hoffman. I suppose the graphics were pretty original

2007-06-15 09:47:56
135.   Doctor
Lets see Kemp in CF, hitting 2nd today. More fastballs, good spot to run in etc... Maybe im getting greedy.
2007-06-15 09:48:25
136.   ToyCannon
Monday night Reyes almost hit a lead off home run right down the foul line. The idiot who caught the ball thought it was a home run and tossed it back onto the field. Gonzo was walking back to his position and the ball just sailed over his head. He jumped around, incredulous that someone would throw the ball with his back turned. I would say more about how I felt about the incident but I'd be breaking many rules.
2007-06-15 09:49:38
137.   the OZ
I might choose something more contemporary and over-the-top for my closer music, like Muse's Knights of Cydonia (one of the most weird/amusing music videos of all time).

http://youtube.com/watch?v=jV1bRfLHA3A

2007-06-15 09:50:45
138.   Bluebleeder87
132

I hear you TC. IMO It's so bad i hope Josh reads this.

2007-06-15 09:53:33
139.   Penarol1916
127. Didn't think about it that way, but the opening line of "Show me that smile again." could work for Saito.
2007-06-15 09:55:49
140.   Jon Weisman
Are you telling me they didn't play Take Me Out to the Ballgame on Wednesday?
2007-06-15 09:57:28
141.   Greg Brock
Dodger Stadium does some neat things. The kids running out in the first inning. Nancy Bea rocks the house (diminished role is a bummer). Having a world-famous hot dog is awesome.

I just need more dizzy-stick relays. The world would be a better place if every company had daily dizzy-stick relays. I cannot emphasize this enough.

2007-06-15 09:57:49
142.   Johnny Nucleo
They could introduce closers the way that professional wrestlers enter the ring. Dim the lights, then theme music, smoke machine, and spotlight on the closer as he jogs from the bullpen. Maybe wearing a cape or something, that he gives to the batboy. I think it would be awesome.
2007-06-15 10:00:00
143.   Johnny Nucleo
At Blue Jays games during the 7th inning stretch they play "OK Blue Jays" which is a very polite, very Canadian fight song.
2007-06-15 10:00:48
144.   Disabled List
118 It's probably bad form, but opposing relievers should enter the game to "Give It Away" by Red Hot Chili Peppers.

Other bad songs for closers, in descending order of a really bad inning:

"Give it Up" by ZZ Top
"Come Back" by Pearl Jam
"Slow and Low" by the Beastie Boys
"Hey Man, Nice Shot" by Filter
"Smoke It" by the Dandy Warhols
"Even the Losers (Get Lucky Sometimes)" by Tom Petty
"Livin' on the Edge" by Aerosmith
"Play With Fire" by Rolling Stones
"Let's Get Rocked" by Def Leppard
"Pepper" by Butthole Surfers
"Knock Me Down" by RHCP
"Free Fallin'" by Tom Petty
"It's Coming Down" by Cake
"Falling to Pieces" by Faith No More
"Gone" by U2
And of course, "Loser" by Beck

2007-06-15 10:01:01
145.   Terry A
What? No calls for "In the Hall of the Mountain King"? Alrighty then, I'll claim it.
2007-06-15 10:01:04
146.   ToyCannon
140
No they played it, but remember when they started playing "Brown Eyed Girl" they replaced it with Sweet Caroline. Not sure of the inning but I think it was 6th or 8th.
2007-06-15 10:01:36
147.   Eric Stephen
I was at Camden Yards a few times in the mid 1990s and they played John Denver's "Thank God I'm a Country Boy" during the 7th inning in place of TMOTTB.
2007-06-15 10:01:43
148.   MC Safety
108- last i heard he was doing really bad. i know a bunch of artists were getting together for a bunch of his hospital bills and such.....what a great band. your the man marty, thanks for the response.
2007-06-15 10:02:24
149.   still bevens
142 Brad Lidge comes out to Triple H's theme song, which is kind of similar. As much as I don't like to admit it, I like Trevor Hoffman's entrance at Petco.
2007-06-15 10:03:14
150.   Jacob L
I, personally, am ready for setup guy music and theatrics. Or better yet, mop-up guy music. How do you best set the stage for Seanez or Hendrickson? How about Willie Nelson - "The Night Life (Ain't no good life, but its my life)?"
Show/Hide Comments 151-200
2007-06-15 10:03:43
151.   Eric Stephen
144 Don't forget:

"I'm a Loser" by The Beatles
"Loser" by Beck
"Tangled Up in Blue" by Bob Dylan (strictly for Dodger opponents

2007-06-15 10:04:45
152.   Vishal
if i were a closer i would probably ask to come out to different music every game.
2007-06-15 10:05:03
153.   Eric Stephen
Oh, and Matt Kemp's AB music should be "Centerfield" by John Fogerty.
2007-06-15 10:05:56
154.   Hallux Valgus
141 I don't know who did it first, but the Rockies have been doing the kids coming out before the first inning thing for quite some time. It always made me laugh because I couldn't imagine anyone wanting Pablo Ozuna's autograph.

Also, they play John Denver during the 7th inning stretch.

2007-06-15 10:08:00
155.   Bob Timmermann
151
Actually, that one Beatles song could easily be switched to "I'm a LOOGY"
2007-06-15 10:08:38
156.   mankatododger
They play "Sweet Caroline" at the local college hockey games and the drunk students (and others) sing along at full volume. It is very odd.
2007-06-15 10:10:27
157.   jasonungar07
for the Hendu's and Tomko's of the world, the mop up guys. How about the ol Mac Davis song.

"take this job and shove it"

2007-06-15 10:11:15
158.   Eric Stephen
I was at a Dodgers game at Coors Field in 2000, a 16-11 slugfest that seemed to last 9 hours. Anyway, before the 9th inning "I Love LA" was played over the speakers and I was waiting for something derogatory but it never happened.

It was very weird having a pro-Dodgers song on the road. It was also weird that Alex Cora had two homers and a double (which I believe was off the wall).

http://tinyurl.com/27522x

2007-06-15 10:13:32
159.   Eric Stephen
I was at a Padres-Giants game in the late 1990s at Qualcomm Stadium (possibly was still called Jack Murphy at the time), and during an inning break "Piano Man" came on. For some reason, the break was super long, so a lot of the song was played. I was sitting in the OF, and quite a large group of people (including me) were singing along at the top of their lungs.

It was strangely moving, much like the British opera singer.

2007-06-15 10:13:49
160.   MC Safety
114,117- the charles in charge theme would have to rank pretty high also.

129- that is brilliant, ive had the opportunity to meet stephan malkmus on a few occasions. so brilliant, yet so bizarre. pavement is one of the best bands of the 90's imho.

2007-06-15 10:15:48
161.   Disabled List
"Sweet Caroline" gets a lot of play at Mets games, for some reason. Right after TMOTTB, they also play this Italian wedding song, whose name I don't know but everyone would recognize.

In Milwaukee, they play "Roll Out the Barrel" right after TMOTTB.

2007-06-15 10:16:13
162.   Bob Timmermann
If you go to a Japanese game, you will hear all sorts of weird music.

Before a Hiroshima Carp game, the PA system blared the theme to the TV series "The Prisoner."

Made me wonder who was wearing #6 in that game.

2007-06-15 10:19:18
163.   ImprobableImpossible
Yeah, the whole idea of an 8th-inning-stretch song has been annoying. Why has current Dodger management insisted on "borrowing" Red Sox traditions? (No names on uniform, anyone?)

The Dodgers have played Brown-Eyed Girl all year, trying to get it to catch on. It obviously hasn't, so I was surprised on Wednesday when they just played Sweet Caroline.

Maybe tonight they'll change Dodger Dogs to Fenway Franks.

2007-06-15 10:20:12
164.   Bob Timmermann
So far only four players on the happy side of par at Oakmont in this round.

Yes, I'm going to keep using that line indefinitely.

2007-06-15 10:20:40
165.   Penarol1916
147. I went to a ton of Orioles games in the mid-1990's and I remember them playing "Thank God I'm a Country Boy" in addition to "Take Me out to the Ballgame" not instead of it. What really annoys me is how everyone yells "O!" in the middle of the Star Bangled Banner performance and is silent for the rest of the song.
2007-06-15 10:23:30
166.   Penarol1916
160. If the closer's name was Charles, it would be brilliant. Oh Charlie Hough, can't you make a comeback as a closer?
2007-06-15 10:26:03
167.   MC Safety
166- i just thought of that after i posted, imagine trying to hit a knuckler after hearing the charles n charge theme. LOL.
2007-06-15 10:28:55
168.   blue22
Eric Neel (you know, the only guy that writes about LA baseball on ESPN.com) has a cool write-up of the freeway series. Anonymous props to Jon, among others, in the middle of this quote:

"SPENDY CENTERS

Angels: Gary Matthews Jr. versus Dodgers: Juan Pierre
Advantage Angels. Both clubs went batty in the center-field bidding wars over the winter, leaving themselves vulnerable to often nasty blogosphere critiques and harangues. The Dodger bloggers were right, it seems. Pierre's offensive numbers are career-low across the board (he's recently been moved to the eight-hole in the lineup), and he's not helping himself or his club in the field; teams are routinely running on his arm, and he's unable to get to balls he once did. Matthews, who looked ripe for a dramatic falloff from his career year, isn't on pace to equal 2006, but is significantly outperforming his pre-2006 standard, and is racking up spectacular catches in the field and anchoring the Angels' excellent up-the-middle defense. "

http://tinyurl.com/25g44j

2007-06-15 10:32:18
169.   ToyCannon
I guess an obnoxious Angel fan might point out that even when both LA teams sign an overpriced CF, they sign the better one.
2007-06-15 10:32:41
170.   bhsportsguy
I would use "Desparado" as my song if I was a closer, hoping that some of my opponents would go into a daze like stupor.
2007-06-15 10:32:51
171.   mikethinksblue
A friend of mine went to DC a couple weeks ago and saw the Dodgers play the Nat's. They too played "Sweet Caroline" after TMOTTB. I thought it was pretty lame to copy what's become a Fenway tradition, sad to hear the Dodgers are going down the same road.
2007-06-15 10:33:41
172.   bhsportsguy
169 I would then say two words my friend, Shea Hillebrand.
2007-06-15 10:36:31
173.   Greg Brock
If Dodger Stadium wants to be more unique, they could always sell Absinthe instead of $12 dollar beer.

http://tinyurl.com/ysg92q

2007-06-15 10:37:37
174.   MC Safety
juan pierre makes gm jr look like the second coming of willy ways. i always loved how ned played off not signing gm jr, aside from the career numbers which he didnt mention, it was something ot the effect of oh, yeah im real familiar with him, ive known his daddy for years. thats all he could say regarding not signing him? nothing tops the juan pierre gets on base an awful lot comment he made though. ned likes the taste of fine italian leather from time to time.
2007-06-15 10:38:42
175.   jasonungar07
Yeah Pavement was awesome. How about major Leauges from terror twilight.
2007-06-15 10:38:50
176.   ToyCannon
Gotta love a drink called Lucid.
2007-06-15 10:38:55
177.   LogikReader
171

Mike, if it makes you feel any better, the Sweet Caroline sing-a-long at the Ravine will come to pass. I don't like any of these copycat traditions they've tried in Dodger Stadium:

The Big Ben Bong thing that they always do at Yankee Stadium
The "Day-O" chant, which I hated anyway
The "everybody clap your hands" deal

but all of these things only popped up for a few games and then disappeared, so it's all good.

I want to see if this Santana sucks on the road thing comes to fruition tonight. --and which Derek Lowe will show up?

2007-06-15 10:38:55
178.   MC Safety
willy mays* oops.
2007-06-15 10:38:56
179.   fanerman
150 - Regarding mop-up guy music, wasn't there a Simpsons song "The Garbage Man Can," parodying "The Candy Man Can"?
2007-06-15 10:40:16
180.   ToyCannon
172
The obnoxious Angel fan would reply "Nomar?"
2007-06-15 10:40:23
181.   Some Guy in San Diego
If I'm closing.... coming in to start the ninth...

"Three is the Magic Number" from schoolhouse rock.

2007-06-15 10:41:12
182.   blue22
179 - The Steve Martin episode. That was a good one.
2007-06-15 10:41:20
183.   ToyCannon
Is is really a road game for the players when it is played at Dodger stadium or Angel stadium? Home cooking is home cooking.
2007-06-15 10:41:30
184.   Eric Stephen
173 "Why is the floor as low as I can go?"
-Mitch Hedberg
2007-06-15 10:41:46
185.   LogikReader
180

Nomar did not cost 9 million a year, but you can get a Cold Cut Combo... though.

2007-06-15 10:42:39
186.   ToyCannon
If Carlos Santana ever makes to the bigs and doesn't come to bat using a Santana song I'll be very disapointed.
2007-06-15 10:42:44
187.   Greg Brock
176 I got a kick out of that too.
2007-06-15 10:42:52
188.   Humma Kavula
181 Not bad... but how about De La Soul's riff on it?
2007-06-15 10:44:03
189.   underdog
Major Leagues would be an appropriate one in a way, although so mellow it wouldn't really make good entrance music. There are a few songs on Crooked Rain that would, though. Man, I miss that band.

These are some really creative suggestions. It would be fun if the Dodgers would allow for more creativity and suggestions from fans like us for music to play - they'd look much hipper than they do. I still can't get over the Sweet Caroline thing. Glad I wasn't there or I would've tossed my malted.

2007-06-15 10:44:33
190.   Nagman
164 Paul Casey somehow managed to shoot a 66 today. I doubt anybody will come close to matching that.
2007-06-15 10:44:57
191.   MC Safety
175- great song, that album was there most refined, yet most under appreciated also. i love the story behind the pavement song range life off crooked rain. he takes a few jabs at mainstream rock in those days with a few lines about the smashing pumpkins and stone temple pilots. billy corgan actually said he would boycott the 94 lollapalooza if pavement were allowed to play. just a little pavement fyi.
2007-06-15 10:47:21
192.   weatherman
110 - Thanks. Yeah, I see what you're saying but I still can't get behind it.

Closer song:

Never Gonna Give You Up - Rick Astley

2007-06-15 10:48:42
193.   bhsportsguy
190 I would bet that he is more likely to shoot 88 vs. 55 to match his trend of shooting 77-66 so far.
2007-06-15 10:49:22
194.   Humma Kavula
If I were the closer, I would come in to "Linus and Lucy" by the Vince Guaraldi Trio.
2007-06-15 10:50:07
195.   LogikReader
My turn:

Closing Time by Semisonic
Elevator Man by Oingo Boingo ("Who's going down, who's going down...")
Has anyone used "Enter Sandman" by Metallica yet...? seems like an obvious choice

2007-06-15 10:51:36
196.   MC Safety
for the pavement fans how about a closer coming out to spit on a stranger. they would have to be a huge smokeless tobacco user though, think bob wickman.
2007-06-15 10:51:59
197.   weatherman
195 - Doesn't Rivera use that?
2007-06-15 10:52:00
198.   Bob Timmermann
Noted philosopher and baseball fan Huey Lewis hates the idea of players picking music to accompany them. He said he doesn't get to pick which baseball players get to come to his concerts.
2007-06-15 10:52:26
199.   Eric Stephen
I just noticed that Curtis Granderson has 13 triples so far this season for Detroit. That's awesome.

There have only been five 20-triple seasons since 1950, none more than 21. The triple watch is in full effect!

http://www.bb-ref.com/pi/shareit/G8xV

2007-06-15 10:53:34
200.   joekings
197 - Yes he does.
Show/Hide Comments 201-250
2007-06-15 10:53:35
201.   Eric Stephen
198 I think "If This is It" would be a great song to come in to.
2007-06-15 10:54:13
202.   weatherman
195 - Billy Wagner uses it also
2007-06-15 10:54:16
203.   Eric Stephen
Rivera and Loney victim Billy Wagner both use "Enter Sandman"
2007-06-15 10:54:18
204.   jasonungar07
well after all the heart of rock n roll is in.....Cleveland.
2007-06-15 10:54:59
205.   weatherman
201 - doooOOO WOP!
2007-06-15 10:56:52
206.   Humma Kavula
Okay, I am reconsidering.

If I were the closer, I would instead come in to Ennio Morricone's score to "The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly."

Waaaaaaaaaaa! Wa! Wa! Wa!

2007-06-15 10:58:15
207.   Eric Stephen
206 Definite showdown music. The epic Bonds/Gagne matchup could have used that song.
2007-06-15 10:59:35
208.   blue22
206 - Ok, I think that's my favorite...especially in LA when you appear from behind the door, you can come out right at the whistle riff.
2007-06-15 11:01:35
209.   weatherman
206 - nice

How about the fourth movement of Beethoven's sixth symphony, "Gewitter. Sturm."

2007-06-15 11:03:04
210.   weatherman
?
2007-06-15 11:03:40
211.   ToyCannon
We have a winner. Love that score.
2007-06-15 11:03:46
212.   underdog
James Loney's music should be obvious.

"Loney Again Or..."

Er, Lonely Again, or...

2007-06-15 11:04:18
213.   ToyCannon
206
2007-06-15 11:04:20
214.   LogikReader
It's perfect!! Let's use it... for somebody..
2007-06-15 11:06:00
215.   Humma Kavula
212

There is a band in Sweden called Loney, Dear.

http://www.3hive.com/2007/01/loney_dear.php

2007-06-15 11:06:20
216.   blue22
Gotta be for Broxton (eventually).
2007-06-15 11:10:37
217.   paranoidandroid
Risking being in bad taste but only meaning it in jest:

For Jose Mesa (and perhaps Elijiah Dukes), the song "She's sixteen, she's beautiful..."

I will discipline myself now.

2007-06-15 11:11:48
218.   joekings
All this talk of closers made me wonder, whatever happened to the bullpen cart? When did they stop being used, and why? I used to love those things!
2007-06-15 11:12:59
219.   Telemachos
It's not closer music, but I do get a kick out of hearing Cash's "Big John" whenever Broxton Ks an opposing batter. Very apropos and clever.
2007-06-15 11:14:02
220.   paranoidandroid
218

Good riddance to those! Stupid little golf carts shaped like baseballs? Did Tug McGraw use those? I like seeing the guy jog in from the pen, creates atmosphere. Probably why they did away with those silly things.

2007-06-15 11:14:15
221.   Humma Kavula
I would be honored and proud if The Bull came in to the music I suggested.

I would imagine, though, that he will choose something more conventional, and that's fine.

2007-06-15 11:14:19
222.   Bob Timmermann
219
"Big John" is by Jimmy Dean.

We've covered this before. Please keep your notes up to date.

2007-06-15 11:15:31
223.   Telemachos
222 Sigh. I'm just a young'un who's used to the Cash cover.
2007-06-15 11:15:53
224.   silverwidow
Saito's theme should be Kenny Loggins' "Danger Zone". Period.
2007-06-15 11:16:45
225.   Jose Habib
Last year the Dodgers used to play "Take Me Out" by Franz Ferdinand during opposing managers' visits to the mound. Always cracked me up - do they still play it?
2007-06-15 11:19:14
226.   Humma Kavula
217 "I Saw Her Standing There" works, too.

And, in the case of Dukes, I think it's somewhat more accurate.

2007-06-15 11:19:41
227.   Bluebleeder87
I just noticed that Curtis Granderson has 13 triples so far this season for Detroit.

don't you know he's *Grand*erson? ugh, the Detroit announcers used that joke to the ground during spring training.

so you guys aren't down with Bad Religion's The Empire Strikes first as Saitos intro?

2007-06-15 11:22:49
228.   paranoidandroid
217
Remember Mesa's trial? She was like 13. I guess Dukes lady was 17, so more accurate is right.
2007-06-15 11:24:17
229.   Greg Brock
Morganna stole all the bullpen carts. I think she stole all the pullover jerseys and elastic pants around the waist as well.
2007-06-15 11:25:35
230.   Bluebleeder87
i'd be all for an 80's theme closer music by the way.
2007-06-15 11:25:39
231.   paranoidandroid
227
Bad to the Bone is in and I don't think they'll change it now. I was out there on Tuesday and it works. They have this visual of Saito's name in Japanese too. It spins. It is kind of cool. I like it fine.

The Big Ox will need something more like Bad Religion. I like Branch Rickey's "In the Flesh" idea. Just the beginning of it works.

2007-06-15 11:26:27
232.   Bob Timmermann
231
I object to any connection of a Dodger player with the state of Delaware.
2007-06-15 11:34:55
233.   Jon Weisman
New post up top.
2007-06-15 11:38:10
234.   paranoidandroid
Anyone else going to the stadium tonight?
2007-06-15 11:40:23
235.   Bumsrap
Barry Bonds music: I Did It My Way
2007-06-15 12:04:39
236.   Some Guy in San Diego
188
I love the De La Soul version.
I also enjoy the Blind Melon Version.
In the spirit of being subversive, I would use the original version from "Schoolhouse".. just counters the whole
"bigger and louder" thing.
Not that I don't like bigger and louder.
2007-06-15 12:17:29
237.   Andrew Shimmin
158- I Love L.A. is derogatory. It's not as nasty as his ode to Miami, but L.A. isn't anywhere near as horrible as Florida, so it's a proportionate response.

http://www.lyricsdepot.com/randy-newman/i-love-l-a.html

2007-06-15 12:30:18
238.   underdog
232 Delaware's a state?

Reminds me of yet another Simpsons episode:

Homer: The Simpsons are going to Delaware!
Lisa: I want to see Wilmington!
Bart: I want to visit a screen door factory!

2007-06-15 12:32:59
239.   Some Guy in San Diego
237
I don't think it's derogatory, just slightly cynical.
It's a fine song to use for LA teams.

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