Do beat writers travel with the team on the road, especially on long road trips (for instance, Tony Jackson mentioned in his blog that he drove to both Anaheim and San Diego when the Dodgers were there)?

Unfortunately it still appears to be between Kemp and Ethier, instead of Kemp and Pierre. I have noticed lately that stuff that gets floated on DT has been occuring to the team lately. Pierre down in the order, getting Loney up, Kuo and Bills, sitting Martin more. Last night they talked about getting Pierre to hit the ball on the ground. Interesting.

Heh. I dig the motorcycle analogy - works for me. I think eventually, or very soon, Grady and his Bison Bike will be comfortable together and he'll take him out for a ride daily. So who would win, a collision between Kemp and a Harley?

What a fantastic post, Jon. One of your best.

3 "What if the hurricane was named 'Ditka'?"

The writers usually don't fly on the team charters anymore to avoid conflicts of interest. However, that used to be the standard way of doing business.

And as we all know, Tony Jackson loves Delta.

3- I always bet on the ground when there's a motorcycle involved. The ground almost never loses.

Well written post Jon.

"It was USDA choice fastball, chest high and down the middle, and Martin watched it go by. I nearly ran to grab a bat to swing at it myself.

I haven't heard that last bit before, funny.

"Donnely...has been sending fewer baserunners to their doom."

"...but maybe it was just a fastball with no mojo"

And the Kemp / motorcycle analogy was note perfect.

Don't mean to rub it in, just a really enjoyable post.

thanks for jinxing Donnelly Jon (jk) nice read.

I just saw the replay of Kemp's shot to center, he might be the third Dodger to go on the list of who hits lasers all over the park.

The first, Pedro Guerrero, second, Mike Piazza and now Matt Kemp.

I don't want to be near Jon if "Kemp" isn't written in today's lineup.

The following is not a paid ad.

I was re-reading "The Best of Dodger Thoughts" (bring your copies on the 21st of July to get it personally signed, though I don't know how much Jon's charges per autograph) and I was reminded that although I love the dessert (the comments), its always the main course (the writings of JW) that bring me back to DT.

One more thing, during Jim Tracy's interview on Roggin and Simers, T.J. asked a pretty specific question, who does Jim Tracy like in the NL West. Tracy went on and on to the point where I switched the the station 3 times and each time I went back, he was still answering that question.

If there is one thing I like about Grady, its his economy of words.

Not to be redundant but great writing. Really liked the motorcycle analogy. Missed the game last night so the breakdown was needed.

10 - "I don't want to be near Jon if "Kemp" isn't written in today's lineup."

I haven't once gotten angry, have I?

12 - That should have had a :) at the end of it.

It was really interesting that Little let Kemp swing on that 3-0 pitch as Jon mentioned. While I was watching I was hoping he'd get the oppurtunity to swing there, but didn't necessarily expect it since Matt hasn't been starting lately.

10
Plus he's funny. Tracy was never funny. Now if Grady could just work on his lineup he fault back up to favored status.

10
Richie (Dick) Allen was a laser man. Used to park them deadcenter but in general hit a lot of line drives.
No Sheffield?
No Garvey?
No Cey?
No Tommie Davis?
No Bill Sudakis?

10 Hah. Tracy is the Don Rumsfeld of baseball managers.

4,8 I totally agree. These are the kinds of posts that got me coming here and that continue to thrill me. Just great all around.

One question I do have, though: Wasn't the pitch that Jeff Kent almost hit out a momentous one? I mean, that set up the intentional walk situation in the first place. Even though he hit the homer earlier in the game, I wasn't exactly expecting Kent to get a hit in that spot, despite my eternal optimism.

I think we should designate a day when all DT comments are written Jim Tracy-style.

(From 11) Is there a list of Dodgers who hit lasers all over the park? Yes, Guerrero, Piazza, and now Kemp.

Do I want to be near Jon if "Kemp" isn't written in today's lineup? No.

Is there one thing I like about Grady? Yes, his economy of words.

Do I think we should designate a day when all DT comments are written Jim Tracy-style?

Yes I do.

Colletti says it's someone else's policy. Frank McCourt?

>>. "It isn't our policy to discuss insurance," Colletti said. "That's not my policy. It's someone else's policy." <<<

http://www.presstelegram.com/sports/ci_6200085

17 - That's a fair question. You can make that case - I was thrilled by Kent's double (not to mention his homer) - but all I can say is that the intrigue didn't really start for me until the intentional walk.

21 Fair enough. It's just that for me, Kent's double was a surprise, where Martin's at bat, it's like I knew he was going to do something in that spot. As soon as the catcher stood up to receive ball one to Gonzo, I was so excited at the idea of Martin coming up with the bases loaded that I was screaming at the Blue Jays through the TV "You fools!"

Regarding the IBB to bring up Martin, the fly in his ointment is that he has 9 GDPs. In fact, I remember thinking 'please don't hit into a DP here.' So there was additional logic to the Jays' decision, beyond the platoon advantage.

Furcal, SS

Pierre, CF

Martin, C

Kent, 2B

Gonzo, DH

Loney, 1B

Kemp, RF

Ethier, RF

Abreu, 3B

ItD:

Furcal, SS
Pierre, CF
Martin, C
Kent, 2B
Gonzo, DH
Loney, 1B
Kemp, RF
Ethier, LF
Abreu, 3B
Lowe, P

VERY NICE.

Forgot to add :)

Well that is about as good as I can expect for now.

24,25 Called it! (although I had Kemp and Loney flip-flopped)

Yay! They listened! ;-)

Now, not to push it or anything, but can there be a day this series where Russell sits or DH's instead of catching? Thanks, Dodgers. I'll take my answer off the air.

24 With both Ethier AND Kemp in right field left handed hitters better be looking to go the other way :)

I would like to see Betemit in for Abreu though.

31 me too.

Rumor going around of Dunn to SD for Hensley and others.

We have a similar problem here with The Player. So, how long does Grady walk that "fine line?"

Tejada's streak may be coming to an end

>>> Trembley said he had to "walk a fine line between doing what's right for the team and what's right for Tejada, out of respect. Today, I took him out of the game for the team, but I allowed him to have that at-bat out of respect for him." <<<

http://www.dailybreeze.com/sports/articles/8125717.html

If you wanted to create the best Dodger lineup right now, wouldn't this be what you would come up with for today's game:

Furcal, SS
Martin, C
Gonzo, LF
Kent, DH
Betemit, 3B
Kemp, CF
Ethier, RF
Loney, 1B
Abreu, 2B

That gets just about all of our best hitters in there and also makes for probably the best defensive team that we could field. I would love to see this lineup at least once before we leave TB.

IT'S ON NOW BABY!!!!

35
I would probably move Kemp to the cleanup spot, but that is the combo of players I would like.

This lineup makes me happy.

37 Yeah, I am not so sure that it is the right order, but that doesn't make a huge difference. I am quite sure that it is the right players though.

[25} We should win today, we're sending up 10 batters. ITD's error, others copied it.

As disgusted as I was yesterday, I am ecstatic with this lineup today. Certainly would start Betemit but I am just so excited to watch today's game. It's about time.

Boom Boom goes the sonic boom.

I'm afraid its not Schmidts policy either--its someone elses policy I love the line up whether or not it works. Hope it works, of course.

DodgerSims has the Dodgers pre-game win expectancy at 54.10%. Should win. :)
Go Dodgers! :)
vr, Xei :)

35

i like your lineup but i don't like Betemit batting 5th.

Do I have to spray these comments with Anti-Jinx™ protective spray? Don't make me get that out, now.

42

i'm sure he'll be back in there as soon as he heats up, i like Betemits patience so yeah i wish he was in there also.

from the last thread: i got to catch flight of the conchords some months back opening for dave attell at the hollywood improv. non stop laughter. those guys are great. also kevin lewis what HS did you go to? i was a freshman at wilson when burroughs was a senior. played against him in senior majors as well, they wouldnt let him pitch because he was so dominate. and your right, it wasnt fun playing any corner infield position when burroughs was hitting. for how high that monstrous fence is protecting 7th street, it could not contain burroughs and kevin miller. that wilson team that year was great but couldnt win at good ol dodger stadium.

I [HEART] today's lineup. I'll be very disappointed if the Dodgers fail to beat their average runs/game tonight. For some reason, it feels like I've got a lot invested in this particular lineup. I can't be the only one here feeling this way.

I [HEART] 35's lineup even more, but I don't think Grady will bench Nomar twice in this series.

10 wrote I was re-reading "The Best of Dodger Thoughts" (bring your copies on the 21st of July to get it personally signed, though I don't know how much Jon's charges per autograph) and I was reminded that although I love the dessert (the comments), its always the main course (the writings of JW) that bring me back to DT.

And I damn near fell off the sofa. I was doing the exact same thing today and I had the same reaction.

So, Jon... when are we going to see volume II? :)

Looks like the DRays went the Milton Bradley route with Elijah Dukes. vr, Xei

From DRaysBay blog:
It appears the Rays finally have given up on Elijah Dukes. The troubled outfielder is off the roster, though it is not yet clear if he has been designated for assignment or placed on the restricted list.
Dustan Mohr has been brought up from Durham to take Dukes' place.

Dukes' locker in the clubhouse has been cleaned out. We have been told the clubhouse will close at 4:00 for a team meeting.

49 For some reason, it feels like I've got a lot invested in this particular lineup. I can't be the only one here feeling this way.

I agree with you completly. If this lineup fails to produce, I feel like all the blame should be placed on my shoulders. I just very much want these boys to succeed.

Wonder where Dukes will end up. I figure someone will try to get him, maybe the Marlins.

Watching the white sox & Cubbie game, Zambrano looks filthy in 2 innings he has 4 K's

They might just send Dukes to the minors. I would assume he's got plenty of options left, and he's shown that he's not ready for the major leagues (either on or off the field).

I guess you don't usually call team meetings when a player gets sent down, though.

I thought the AAA Durham organization would not welcome Dukes back (and thats the nice way of saying it.

I find myself oddly wrapped up in the Dukes saga. My newborn son is named Elijah as well and I think somehow Dukes reflects on my son which is, of course, absurd. I'm sure the feeling will wear off; the bugger isn't a month old yet (my son not Dukes). At the same time I look at a guy like Dukes and just know in my heart that he's FFL, but wish it was otherwise.

I think one reason we all want this lineup to succeed so badly is that if it fails, there's a very real possibility we will never see it again. On this team, veterans who have o-fers get patted on the butt, have excuses made for them, and get sent right back out there the next day. Youngsters who have o-fers are lucky if they only get benched for a few days.

56 The Rays have the power to send him to AA or even rookie league or extended spring training if they so choose.

I was really nervous when Martin came up. It's not that I thought he would fail ... he's my favorite player, and I probably think he's better than he really is, but anyone can get a little fooled on a pitch and swing a little bit on top of it and hit a hard grounder at a fielder. And let's face it, Martin does ground into his share of double plays. Yes, I was worried about it, and I wasn't certain that the Jays had made the wrong move, though I hoped Martin would tell them, "you screwed up".

I had the same reaction on that strike he took. Man, I wanted so badly for him to swing at that. But then I thought ... maybe that was the DP pitch. That pitch he did hit was outside, and he stayed with it. That's where the clutchiness of Martin came through, because if he tried to pull that it's maybe the double play ball.

I think the pitch of Kent's double was important, but not momentous. It set up everything after.

My wife and I discussed if Kemp would get the green light. I thought he would, and when he did I loved the agressive swing he put on it, even though he missed it.

58 - And yet the odds are that it won't perform exactly as we hope. I'd love to see them stick with this line-up through the all-star break and then make decisions, but it ain't gonna happen.

61 I also love that Kemp got the green light. It gives me a little faith (but only a little) that Grady actually believes in him.

Speaking of which, I think it's kind of weird that Kent gets the green light every single time and almost always does something negative, like hit a popup. I guess that's how you know when your skills are fading. Be nice if mgmt noticed, though.

The tie fighter is closing fast on Atlantis. They may want to consider evasive maneuvers.

http://tinyurl.com/2dr35o

9 batters faced 7 K's for Zambrano,

Who is a candidate to build a team around Bradlee and Duke types and actually succeed?
Anyone? It wouldn't cost much(money at least).

I hope that neither Bradley nor Dukes end up in SF or SD...

oops?? i am sincerely sorry.

Uh, yikes. That's the first time I've had a comment deleted. I'm pretty sure I didn't even remotely violate any rules.

[scratches head, wanders off]

72-i suppose we fell under the rule 3 tyfn.

73 It's a corollary of #3.

I've always felt that with a runner on 3rd and especially with a runner on 3rd and 2nd with 1 out in a late 1 run game you'd want to walk the batter and hope for a DP because any hard hit ball will score the runner on 3rd. Exceptions being if the batter was really bad.

I'm thrilled as any when they walk Gonzo to get to Martin, but even if I was the Jay's I would feel forced to in that situation. Both Martin and Gonzo are threats so rather than having to deal with both of them better to just settle on one and hope for the DP.

75 It's rarely worth it. Even guys like Lowe and Webb get the double play less than a fourth of the time, so exposing yourself to potentially even more damage just isn't worth it.

76- Even if you don't get the DP, loading em up puts a force at any base....

74 Ken- can you teach Josh Rawitch how to delete posts?

Even so with the Dodgers relievers giving them any lead small or large will very likely result in a loss. I see it as a do or die moment.

With a runner on 3rd and 2nd the game can easily become 5-4 and then it's practically over. Chancing a 6-4 or 8-4 hurts more, but the odds of coming back don't seem that much worse. I'm just saying this based on observance as I have no stats, if my logic is wrong well I'm not a manager for a good reason ;)

76 Even so, a team is expected so score more runs with the bases loaded (1.65 runs) than with runners on second and third (1.45 runs).

74- thanks wont happen again. this blog is similar to the honda pilot commercial. " beloved by humans, envied by trolls. " i hope someone has seen that commercial and found that even remotely funny. if not i apologize in advance....

79 If you are trying to avoid any runs at all, it's better to load the bases (68% chance of scoring versus 67% chance). However, this very minor margin of error means that this would only be worthwhile if it's the bottom of the ninth. The extra runs that you can potentially give up hurt you far more.

I'm glad we won't be able to read, via cartoon bubbles, the thoughts of the veterans on the bench today. T'would expose us to the worser angels of our nature.

In the "Well, He's Better Than Tomo Ohka" Dept., the Cardinals trade for LHP Mike Maroth:
http://tinyurl.com/ypjn9t

Detroit will get the always reliable Player 2B Namedlater.

82. I think the deciding factor would depend on the situation, like is the pitcher a ground ball pitcher, is the batter slow. Normally, catchers fit that mold well, but Russell Martin is no ordinary catcher. I don't think the BJays did a good job of scouting him. The people in Canada have probably never even heard of him! :)
vr, Xei

I hope Barret has the same effect on Peavy that he had on Zambrano. The man has been a beast today.

The one time I fill in for a co-worker during a game and Grady pencils in the lineup Ive been waiting to see all year. Great post Jon.

86- i dont know if carlos zambrano is having a good game, or if the white sox really stink that bad.

well 2 managers have gotten burned by walking Gonzalez & pitching to Martin, i understand the logic though.

ed rapuano's strike zone has been an absolute joke the whole game. hes been calling the ankle strikes all day.

88

i'm watching the game, believe me Zambrano is on today.

Betemit since May 1 .250/.370/.603
Abreu   since May 1 .274/.287/.405

Just curious can you break it down when they both start.

88- as am i, i wouldnt go that far. im of the the white sox are that bad camp. how about the strike zone though? care to comment on that? i fee big z was the beneficiary of ed rapuano today...

^^ oops 91.

So who's watching the NHL draft tonight?

UCLA got another LB, Donovan Carter. UCLA's defense is going to be deep and deadly in the next few years.

This is completely off topic, but I was hoping someone here could help me with a question.

I am a librarian in Spokane, WA. A patron came to me with a question and about a short film they had seen. Of couse they didn't have a title, year or any other information about it. All he knows is that it was in the 1950's or 1960's.

The film shows and contrasts two youth baseball games. One is an organized little league game with shouting and parents and coaches acting like jerks and the other is a peaceful sandlot game.

That is all the information I have and I am striking out trying to search this with any of the resources I am familiar with.

Witht the knowledgable baseball fans on this site, I am hoping someone remembers this.

Thanks for the help

Jason

96
"The Chicago Blackhawks are on the clock"

What if we had to face David Price this weekend?

98 Is it a documentary or fiction?

96 You're joking but still I hope the kings come away with a decent goaltending prospect. They need it bad.

102
They are projected to take this very skilled offensive center from Russia.

Juan Pierre now is the leading active leader in consecutive games played.

Tejada officially on DL.

If you are a pitcher and your last name is Masse do you put spin on a baseball or English?

101

He didn't know. Sorry.

Buffalo, I dunno, but maybe he can find it on the Prelinger archives.
http://www.archive.org/details/prelinger

If it's a short film from the 50s or 60s, and is educational, it could very well be there somewhere... If he knows anything else about it he could also try looking up on the imdb.com

Otherwise.... good luck!

I think it's called "Two Ball Games" but I'm having trouble finding more information, I'll keep looking.

It's a documentary.

103 Espn.com has them taking James van Riemsdyk out of New Jersey in the first round, but we'll see. They have ten picks in seven rounds so they should be in good shape.

Eureka, I think.

http://www.lib.unc.edu/house/mrc/films/full.php?film_id=8370

48)

I was at Palos Verdes Peninsula. I got to play Long Beach in soccer and baseball. We pretty much stunk it up in baseball, but soccer was a different story.

93 Here are the numbers as starters:

Betemit - 33 starts, .163/.292/.316 in 120 PA
(since May 1) - 16 starts, .192/.276/.442 in 58 PA

Abreu - 20 starts, .266/.284/.392 in 81 PA

113
Thanks, not as wide a disparity when they both start. Betemit needs to develop more consistency when starting before I'm ready to lop off Grady's little's for starting Abreu.

111
Awesome. I think that is it. Thank for all the help guys. I knew this was the place to ask. I will let him know.

This will be the game chat thread.

116

So it shall be written. So it shall be done.

115
Stop horning in on my niche as top librarian on this blog! I have a reputation to uphold! ;-)

if we play well we can very well be in 1st place by monday, the Pads play the BoSox & the D-Backs play the streaky Orioles.

Oh God, it's the D-Rays telecast on MLBTV. {mute}

120 Even if it were the Dodgers one you'd have to deal with everyone's [least] favorite announcer this side of Tim McCarver ... Steve "Psycho" Lyons. I've been muting east coast away game Dodgers telecasts all year long.

Thanks for this great post Jon. I've really come up short in following the Dodgers or reading your blog lately, and I'm so happy to have checked in this eve to catch this. What I love about baseball more than anything is that, in the course of such a long season and such long games, tiny moments, single pitches even, can carry so much weight. And this post for me was an awesome celebration of that.

is this the first game for martin at #3 in the batting order?

121 True. Choose your poison. We get spoiled with Vin, of course. But I guess I'm just used to Steiner and Lyons so I don't them as much. I try to give other teams' announcers a chance when I can, though.

a lot of the players on the D-Rays roster came through Charleston for single A ball.

I watched Carl Crawford learn how to hit a breaking ball. He should thank Dwight Smith, who was hitting instructor back then.

don't mind them, that is...

Well at least Raffy decided to finally swing the bat.

a lot of the Dodgers with the 5 o'clock shadow look today.

I'd just like to note for the record that I read Jon's post and then wrote my comment before reading any of their other comments.

If I'd known so much love had been heaped on this post I'd have . . .

Well, I guess, just written the same thing anyhow.

But still . . .

Martin was batting #3 on June 10th and 11th

Are DRays games always plagued by this jerk yelling non stop?

This is Martin's sixth start in the three slot, this year.

nice at bat by Russell, it's nice to see Russell go the other way with pitches i remember him pulling a lot of balls during the last home stand. In this at bat he went with the pitch, nice all around at bat.

129 - hmmm. the toronto series in LA? I remember him hitting cleanup. I don't recall him hitting #3.

124 I have XM and I have listened to a lot of other teams announcers this season...very few are any good (Uecker being the only one that comes to mind) and I tend to not like the two-man format. Steiner has grown on me quite a bit, but Lyons drives me insane to the point of preferring Monday/Reuss. You're so right...we are totally spoiled by Vin...

This is Russell Martin's sixth start in the 3 slot.

131. - thanks. I don't think I have missed three games all season. it just must not have registered.

(there was a VERY "southern" sentence in that comment)

133- http://www.baseball-reference.com/pi/gl.cgi?n1=martiru01&t=b&year=2007

131 Looks like I went three minutes without a refresh.

martin is even umpiring. ;)

D'oh, well.

At least they made the pitcher work that inning.

133 - muchos gracias.

136

If you were going to stay at a hotel in Charleston for $200 a night or less, where would it be?

138- If you were Bob, you would have beaten me by six minutes. I'm relatively certain he's written some kind of magical Perl script that inserts his comments ahead of mine, no matter when they're submitted. Librarians are sneaky.

___________ has won seven of eight and is a major league-best 20-7 since May 22???

Colorado

142 In Charleston

Hello, folks. You have a very informative, interesting website. I am delighted by all of the discourse. Helps pass the time while the team is away.

Keep up the good work!

Nancy

145 That is impressive.

146

I was waiting for that. We'll see how smart you are next month.

Will Derek Lowe become the new "Master of the House?"

147 Nancy, is that really you? We love your organ-playing! A hearty welcome.

147 Wow! Welcome, Nancy.

149 My brain is on a work-out regimen.

Are you coming down for the game, or have you moved back to SoCal?

147
This site just got so much cooler.

Oakland A's pitcher Joe Kennedy could just go from Queens to the Bronx after Sunday's start.

The A's have the rare road trip, thanks to interleague play, where for some reason, while the Angels are hosting Pittsburgh this weekend, they get to play at Shea against the Mets.

After this weekend, the A's hop a flight to the home of Rock N' Roll or at least its Museum and play a nice 4 game set at Jacobs Park. Then they fly right back to New York for another weekend in New York against the Yankees before heading back to Oakland.

Is that like being the Master of His Domain?

148 I spent my formitive years in Denver. My friends won't shut up about it. It's sad really. They root like, "let's just enjoy it while we can, because we all know we'll be lousy again soon enough."

Nancy Bea!!

147 We need to hear CHARGE right about now.

Luis Gonzalez loves making us on DT say nice things about him.

LuGo!

147

[scratching head, puzzled look thinking to self is this really Nancy Bea Hefley]

Gonzo!!

147 - Is it true that your real name is Magill, you once called yourself Lil, but everyone knows you as Nancy?

when is gonzo going to realize he is 39 and shouldnt be productive?

Gonzo! Hurrah!

{{fire self out of cannon}} {{kiss chickens}}

142. depends on what you are looking for, but most every one comes away satisfied with Charleston Place. the room rates vary with the season, but I think they get to $200.

for baseball fanatics, the marriott on lockwood has a very nice bar, and is within staggering distance of the ballpark.

the lodge alley inn is also very nice.

but generally speaking, it is hard to find a bad place to stay as long as your are downtown.

163 This is a showdown!

118
I don't think you have anything to worry about.

Loney!

loney's drive : I don't think I have seen a harder hit ball that didn't leave the ballpark.

Rrrrripped! by Loney. Wow.

153

I'm coming down for the game. Staying in Long Beach for the weekend.

Charge

loney has definitely changed his stance and swing mechanics from last year. he is more closed at the plate and he loads differently now with the front foot now.

Nice....once again, the bottom of the order gets it done...

168
So the Knight Bus isn't coming to Spokane?

167 - and so far, the Dodgers are winning.

If this is the real Nancy Bea, hope to hear you tonight in Anaheim.

Kemp!

Loney has no power. As the centerfielder looks in panic over his head. Loney has no base running----he scores.

I guess Loney's knee's feeling okay.

And I guess that D-Ray would like his throw back, thanks.

Hi Nancy,

Good to have you here. I have a 2 1/2 year old son who is enjoying his first few games at Dodger Stadium this season. I can tell you without a doubt, his favorite part of the game is when you are a part of the Stadium sounds. So, that makes you his favorite Dodger. Thanks for everything,

Zak

Nancy Bea Hefly, we're working on a way to hijack the obnoxious PA in the stadium so only your playing is heard once again.

Be patient.

(I suddenly feel like I have to watch my manners).

Well, In play, Runs sounded better than fly-out, throwing error.

177 She plays at Angel Stadium too?

This inning warms the cockles of my heart.

{"nothing like hot cockles" - yeah, I know, I've used that line before. So sue me!}

I stupidly missed the first inning, but at the moment I am in heaven.

Ethier has turned it on lately.

182 Ixnay on the ornstarpa onversationca

IIRC, Loney has a hit in every game in which he has appeared (six) including two games in which he pinch hit.

Hefley...sorry for the misspell.

(And I used to teach English!)

187 Kemp on his heels?

I still love the NL, but this no pitcher hitting thing is kind of nice... :)

these announcers need to realize that Kemp and Abreu were not part of the Jacksonville 5.

184 - she used to. I'm not sure if she still does.

192 Didn't Abreu take Young's spot on that team at the end of the year? Although, obviously he wasn't at the level of the others at the time.

J-5:

Guzman, Loney, LaRoche, Billingsley, Broxton?

Paul and Hu are rockin down in Jacksonville

so far in the first game of the DHer,

Paul 2-2 hr bb
Hu 1-1 hr 2bb

192 At best, it could be the Florida Four now.

195

yea. abreu and jackson joined in on the fun to towards the end of the year.

Hus K/bb ratio is 26/22 in 270ABs

198

And Kuo used to set up Broxton, right?

195 You forgot some guy who was the catcher, Broxton was not part of that group, I mean he was there but not part of that named group.

At least I don't think he was by the time the name was given.

195 It was Martin and not Broxton who was considered part of the 5 at the time, if I am not mistaken.

198 You too Nate. Broxton came up to the Dodgers in the middle of the year and went back down just before the 2005 playoffs.

it might be the camera angle but Lowe's 2 seamer is getting ridiculous movement on it. That pitch to freeze pena for strike 3 had to move like 8 inches.

The cagey vet pitcher is schooling the D-Rays so far.

Oh yeah. Guess I'm already taking Martin for granted.

man oh man, that so fun watching that team that summer on that web stream.

196 So has Paul now moved up to top 10-12 prospect level?

Norton, I'm gonna count to five. And when I get to five you better be out that door.

208

for me, hes somewhere in that back end. Still alot of Ks but I like the walks, strong arm and ability to play CF.

I just know that Broxton was closer when we used to watch the Suns Thoughts games.

Who remembers the catcher, anyway?

Kemp plenty fast for that one.

Hah! Nice dive by the Bison, kicking up black prairie dust as he falls.

I love that sport turf stuff, it's so bizarre - they use ground up rubber from old tires to form the fake spongy dirt underneath. (I play soccer on it, too.)

176
Unfortunately, no.

Juan, Juan....

He's back, maybe he just likes yelling when Jeff Kent is up.

Very few things come to Spokane.

Very little comes to Spokane.

It is so weird that for nearly the entire season, I have felt much more comfort and confidence in the bottom of our lineup than the top. I am excited everytime we come around to the five or six hitter and then lose interest as the top of the order comes up. I have never had that feeling with a Dodger team before.

Sorry for the double post.

192 -- The legend of the Jacksonville 5 has become so mighty that henceforth every Dodger prospect who "makes it" will be considered to have been part of it.

And as for who was part of the 5, it started out as Billingsley, Guzman, Martin, Broxton, and Loney. But once LaRoche got to Jacksonville, LaRoche started displacing Loney when the Jacksonville 5 group was written and talked about in the media. So there are six people who have claims on the title of Jacksonville 5'er.

And by the way, does anybody remember the Plaschke column in which he said that probably only one out the Jacksonville 5 would even make it to the majors?

Are players whose notable skills include bunting supposed to "Bunt pop out to pitcher" this much...?

221 - We should find a link to that column.

Loney makes me smile.

sweeeeeet defensive play by loney.

That shore was purty!

The kids are alright.

That was sweet, Loney.

That article still makes me mad when I think about it, Canuck. I want to watch that hack eat his words, literally.

Loney can't hit!!

Loney is on hitting the ball with authority.

Get used to that bench, Nomar.

That boy just plain rocks. Do you think they'll maybe play him once in awhile...?

227 Steiner steals from Brock.

Kemps average grounder is so hard it has a 50/50 chance.

I know this is the D-Rays and all, and not their best pitcher, so maybe I should temper my enthusiasm, but still, this is sweet.

Andrew Grant's Fisking of that Plaschke article, including this quote from the piece: "But the truth is, the Dodgers will be fortunate if two of those five players make a big-league impact."

http://dodgermath.com/?p=154

The funny thing about Kemp so far this season is that he has gotten quite a lot of the type of hits Juan Pierre is famous for, except he hits homers and doubles in between.

Every time Loney runs hard, his helmet falls off.

238 Raul Mondesi approves.

The Plaschke column in question was 9/14/2005.

"The club is trumpeting the Jacksonville Five such that press notes from the Suns' Southern League championship series were given to writers on Tuesday. But the truth is, the Dodgers will be fortunate if two of those five players make a big-league impact."

Darn, how did that ball stay up in the dome air for so long? Oh well.

Every time Loney runs hard, his helmet falls off.

And every time he gets a hit, an angel's wings turn blue.

That Loney doesn't look like a vet. He can advance on medium flies and make it look easy. That is one of the advantages of having a young and athletic team. Worth X amount of average. (And X is not neglegable).

But the truth is, the Dodgers will be fortunate if two of those five players make a big-league impact."

4 out of 5 works.

so Plaschke is a Johnny come lately?

236 I guess I've been doing this for a while. I have zero recollection of writing that.

someone should send that to Plaschke and tell him to make a retraction article.

239. mondesi couldn't even keep his cap on ;)

244

And the one that didn't work out netted us two months of Julio Lugo!

249

and hopefully years of the next John Smoltz and our 7th inning lights out LOOGY!

For those listening on mlb.tv, does the D-Rays announcer say that Ty "gets Wiggy with it"?

250

So Withrow is going to be a starter, then close for a few years, then finish as a starter?

251

if only his color commentary idol is red hudler.

246- Maybe you were staying in Billingsley's Tampa hotel room that night, and the ghosts wrote it for you.

It is something how the one who didn't make it was the most highly touted of them all.

Unless that's a misrememberment.

for those watching extra innings, is that chick in the purple top hawt, or WHAT?

;)

Dodgers are in the enviable position where you can say, hey the top of the order is coming up... BORING!

Derek Lowe es bueno.

how much you wanna bet that Juan grounds into a FC?

I know it won't happen because of his six losses, three of which have come in complete games, but Lowe really should be a NL all star. But, it probably won't happen. I think Penny should make it though.

Sam in SC???

the hamsters are churning the wheels!

Well whaddaya know, a perfect hit and run with Pierre at the plate! Huzzah.

259- I million, billion dollars.

That's bad play by Young. Even though it was close, it allowed Pierre to go to second.

They are not walking Martin to get to Lugo.

236 et al. - those with ProQuest access might try this link:

http://tinyurl.com/3bzfbg

261 - yeah, I know. I am pleasantly surprised.

260

A guy i really want in the all-star game is Saito, I'm sure he'll make it right?

264 - we are both in the poor house now.

Golden. God.

WOWSERS!, what's Martins project RBI total for the year?

Russell got his mojo back. It was in Canada baby!

Love watching Pierre do anything good....like seeing a rainbow....

Easy win tonight. Lowe's gotten about 4 games' worth of run support already.

I was getting ready to berate our 1-4 hitters for going 0 for seven. Never mind!

268 - Russ Almighty and Penny figure to be locks. Lowe and Saito are fringey.

269- I was betting against you. We can't both bet on the same side.

271 - he came into the game with 45 . . .

(I think)

273

More like seeing a rainbow, then finding a leprechaun, then finding his gold.

276

all 4 deserve to make it.

277 - bet against the odds. good job. the house has their cameras on you right now.

278
You are indeed correct. Martin presently has 47 RBI.

281- Well, I did wait for him to get his hit before chiming in. I'm not an idiot.

280 - Lowe probably loses a spot to one of the Pittsburgh pitchers, Snell or Gorzelanny as their lone rep. They all have pretty equal stats.

276 I think Saito makes it this year. Lowe not so much, although he really deserves it.

Is Peavy a lock to start the ASG already?

282 - I am sure he will wear down in the summer heat, but he is on track for 100+

and he has been hitting in spots in the order that aren't notorious for RBIs.

Are there 25 roster spots on the all-star team? Seems they have more considering there always seem to be pitchers left over even though most guys only go an inning or two and there's at least two guys at each fielding position.

283 I tried doing that at roulette once, but they wouldn't let me.

Oh no, Steve Lyons used the stupid phrase that I mockingly brought up

285

Penny's adjusted ERA+ is 205, Peavy's 202

According to Wikipedia, 32 players on the ASG roster.

I have no remorse for Ozzie Guillen. The guy treats Darin Erstad like he's the Second Coming.

289

How do you know Lyons wasn't mocking it too. You're not the only mocker.

the runner broke for second before lowe was even set.

good heavens.

Well, La Russa knows Adjusted ERA+ like I know how to work the Mars Rover. If Peavy's ERA is under 2.00 at the ASG, he will start... obviously, you can't really go wrong with either.

Speaking of Lyons, I walked right past him at Dodger Stadium the other day. He was very tall and very angular. Looked very focused.

very smart play to get the out at first.

Nice execution by both Ethier & Etanislao

C'mon Lowe, don't let all this all-star talk on the blog get to your head! ;-)

Wow, there was some bad baserunning.

Ethier to Abreu to Loney. How good does that sound?

Hey the Mets finally got to a lefty starter. Somebody named Lenny DiNardo?

(And a nice play by Ethier and Abreu, too, yah)

There we go, out of the inning just like that.

296
I'm tall and angular, but I'm usually not in very clear focus. I don't think my all parts of my body exist in the visible part of the spectrum.

Estanislao, what a great name, a prime asset. And I heard some site refer to him as Wilson or something similar today.

301 - tom glavine?

291 So assuming there are 10 pitchers on the roster, I'm thinking...

Peavy
Penny
Snell
Smoltz
C. Young
Sheets
Saito
F. Cordero
Fuentes
Hoffman

with Fuentes and Sheets being the most interchangeable parts. Also in consideration would be C. Cordero (though I'm assuming Dmitri Young gets the nod as the Nationals rep), Lowe, Valverde, Webb, and Maine.

286

i think he'll wear down also, but out of the 3 (Ethier, Loeny & Martin) that went to the Arizona health & fitness complex Russell really looked like he worked harder then the other 3, i might by wrong though.

305 - Nope the A's starter. Lefties have been kryptonite to the Mets lineup over the last year and a half.

304 You might be getting him confused with Winston Abreu that plays for the Nationals

just another hit by Kemp

301 - they're hitting lefties well this year, opposite of last year.

Last year each league had 13 pitchers on the All-Star roster.

They will never run out of pitchers again!

I think Deep Impact is a very good movie.

There. I said it.

6 hits by Loney, Kemp and Ethier.

This Kemp kid, he can hit.

Maybe we should play him once in awhile.

loney, kemp, ethier.

I love these kids.

308 Actually, they're hitting the crap out of lefties this year (.793 OPS against lefties vs. .736 against righties).

303 - that would be funny if it were true. The CIA might want to talk to you.

Now that Steve's no longer around, I can safely say that 303 reminds me of Deconstructing Harry, a movie I enjoyed very much.

306 - Oswalt? Slightly down year, but I'm not sure Houston has a more deserving player...

312 I get to add three more huh? I'll take Webb, Lowe, and Valverde then

318
I can neither confirm nor deny if the CIA has contacted me.

But I think I've already said too much.

307 - yeah, but catchers often fade in the second half. although I don't know what martin's splits looked like last year . . .

320
Hunter Pence should make the All-Star team for Houston if it isn't Oswalt.

319 "Daddy, you're all blurry!"

319. movie sidetrack alert

320 Eh, Carlos Lee's having a decent year, I guess it'll come down to which position has more deserving candidates.

RE Lyons stingray comment, I don't understood how things like death or serious injury are now refered to as merely "unfortunate". Maybe they think low-key = sophistication.

324 I don't see LaRussa picking a rookie with all of 194 major league at-bats over Lee even if his stats are much better.

327 - You're right. He's quietly tied for the league lead in RBIs.

wow.

like I said, I watched that kid learn how to hit.

No Psycho, he was playing the carom, I don't think you can assume that a ball's going to hit the top of the padding and drop on the warning track.

Yikes. How was that not a home run? Lucky break. I guess we'll be seeing the 'pen tonight after all, alas.

if it weren't for dwight smith, I swear carl crawford would have never seen AA.

all he had was speed, but he was swinging at butterflies.

Sam probably has a long lost twin brother in South Carolina or something.

335

A twin brother with the same first name?

336
Sam DC's real last name is Foreman.

336

It happens.

Um, what happened to the ol' "tie goes to runner" rule? Or was that just schoolyard ball?

337 It took me a second...

335 - parents never name their kids the same name. it is too confusing at dinner time.

I lurked for a very long time before I registered and began posting. perhaps I should have been more observant.

hey, look on the bright side. there isn't a commenter named "Sam" in north carolina . . . yet.

337. mine is "Monk".

no, I am not kidding.

342
Sam DC's surname has two of the letters from "Monk" in common!

341

I swear, an old high school girlfriend of mine dad & brother had the same name, i kid you not. Nicolas.

Pierre play was a tie.

heck
heck
heck

I watched HIM learn how to hit, too.

we need to score more runs. 4-3 Dodgers.

343. it's a conspiracy. the vowels will take over the world some day.

I'm off to the Yankees/Giants game. Not sure who to root for...I'm thinking I'll just sit quietly with my garlic fries.

Here comes the first trial run of the post-Billingsley 7th inning relief corps

Rudy instead of trying Broxton for 1 1/3? (Hint to Grady: there's a DH in this game, no 2-for-1 needed.)

I would like to see more of Biemel....Rudy still scares me...

i think i've yet to give props to Seanez, Rudy for his great work as a Dodger so far this year. Props senor Rudy, serious props.

340 Took me longer. I didn't get 337 until I read 341 !

351 - interleague play must mix up grady

Rudy doesn't fail. Because he can't.

(I know the reference has been used by others before, but it's such a good one; I hope I'll be forgiven the lift.)

354 - I am REALLY sorry, guys. this is a great place to hang out while the dodgers are playing.

I am willing to change my sign-on, if it will help.

Young acted like the ball was radioactive

342. The Sam from ASBL-D. I haven't kept up there since I found Dodger Thoughts.

Kent with a triple! Go man go!

that war awesome. You go, Wheels!

Additional bonus, Wigginton is 0-3 with 2 Ks, so maybe Ned won't be tempted to consider him the 3rd base answer.

Additional bonus, Wigginton is 0-3 with 2 Ks, so maybe Ned won't be tempted to consider him the 3rd base answer.

kent never hits a triple unless someone goes on the DL.

;)

Something's wrong with my MLBTV - it just showed Jeff Kent hitting a triple.

{{rub eyes}}

wow ive never seen anyone get a 3b by not running at all like that

357 Don't sweat it.

I'll never forget the time Greg Brook showed up and confused everybody.

see, Ned was right- speed kills

That was 80 years worth of triples....a record?

357

it's probably best if you do that cause we'll probably think Sam DC is bipolar. :o)

359. I am that same Sam. good to see you, pal!

I have slacked off my usenet posting since I found DT as well.

Dude hit the ground like a raw steak.

Not the best OF play by the D-Rays the last two ABs.

357 I'm not complaining! When you wrote "parents never name their kids the same name. it is too confusing at dinner time", I finally got Bob's "Foreman" joke.

Your handle isn't really confusing.

Sorry about that earlier double post; indeed my click finger twitched as I clicked and I doubled it.

357- It really is okay. People who haven't caught this act the first three times it played out are always going to double take the first time. If you stick it out, it should stop happening by the All Star break.

Of next year. At the very latest.

Bradley to KC!

http://tinyurl.com/yw3dz7

Good job, James.

Your bench seat is over there in the corner.

Loney just looks like a hitter....

Um, did Kent and Gonzo just hit back to back triples?

I wish I was at the TV, not Gameday.

Great shot of the old men in the dugout...

337 Me and all my brothers.

357 Oh no -- they'll catch up.

Go blue!

369. I don't do Sam DC justice.

we have very different posting styles. maybe, over time, you guys will be able to tell which Sam is which just by our posts.

Does anyone watch these games with a laptop on their lap? I do and my legs get awfully hot. Any suggestions?

380. thanks for the vote of confidence, brother.

;)

On DTV, I think it must Be Tampa Bay announcers. " This Dodger lineup from top to bottom has been aggressive, but its been smart aggressive" like pro hitters from top to bottom.

382. "laptop" is a misnomer. they should be called "portables".

but when I take the "laptop" off the coffee table, I use a pillow.

382 An overbed hospital table works real well. easy to find on ebay

382 By a laptop cooling pad.

And don't plan on any kids for about a year.

Tony gets into the swing.

Now every dodger has a hit today.

382 Stop going to those websites.

390 ... in the other tabs.

You can by a lapton cooling pad. Or you can buy one.

{smacks head}

I give up. Proper spelling is for loosers.

Yes, on purpose.

387- Have you ever used one? I've never heard anything good about passive notebook coolers. I set it on an end table next to the chair I sit in.

Pillows are good for the legs, bad for the laptop. They choke off the exhaust system.

Thiemel is it.

Biemel it is, perhaps not the best announcing.

The young guys -- Martin, Loney, Kemp, Ethier, and Abreu -- have nine hits between them tonight. I hope that will ensure that this isn't the last time we see this combination of five starting the same game in the near future.

394
I like the one I have. It's small and powers up from a USB port. It doesn't make any noise.

I'm glad I didn't jinx it. I nearly responded to 347 's call for more runs by pointing out that most of the best part of the lineup was due up.

Thanks, didn't know cooling pads existed.

apparently at the moment, Edwin Jackson will make his scheduled start.

Wow, that lefty looked to have no clue on Biemel!

Bob's favorite player of all time is ofer four.

401 - speaking of which, is chuck tiffany out of baseball this year?

Not so silky there, Loney.

LonEy.

Good, another lefty.

this was a good line from the D-rays' color guy:

that is what sneaky fast is all about

404

Chuck Tiffany showed a lot of promise as a Dodger prospect but back problems derailed his potential, last i heard he was struggling in the D-Rays farm system.

I hope we don't show up to the World Series in these crummy looking retro away jerseys.

375
All this hoopla over this:
"His missed 51 games in all with the injuries and has had five stints on the disabled list in two seasons with Oakland. He was hitting .292 with two homers and seven RBIs in 65 at-bats this season."

Say Hi to Odalis, Milton.

404 , 409 He had rotator cuff surgery last July. I think he's still D-Rays property. Must still be recovering?

dont GIDP gonzo, i want to see loney hit.

Kent keeps ruining Martin's SB attempts. My fantasy team hates you, Jeff.

Who thinks Nomar is the DH tomorrow? . . . I also hope Lieberthal gets a start one of the next two days . . tomorrow seems as good as any . . .

397 And now 10 for 20.

412 - he has no stats for this year

jeez, loney.

you looked awful on that pitch.

This pitcher looks like Danys Baez.

415 - it makes more sense than marlon anderson.

412

i did hear he had back problems or surgery on his back, maybe it was when he was with the Dodgers, i heard he had a nasty curve hopefully he'll come back healthy.

415 Who would sit? Pierre? Kemp, Ethier, and Gonzo have been quite hot lately.

Tropicana Field has all the charm of a Costco.

422. unfortunately, it won't be pierre.

422
Loney plays first . . Nomar DH(lets face it he's going to play) which would leave Kemp or Ethier . . I would hope Ethier

423 - or coors field

423 - As someone who is a Costco member and has also been there, let me tell you that Costco is much nicer.

323 Russell Martin's splits last season (remember he didn't start the season in L.A.)

half G GS BA OBP SLG OPS
1st 54 53 .289 .357 .449 .806
2nd 67 62 .276 .354 .425 .779

by there I mean Tropicana Field. My apologies for the undefined pronoun.

Saito doesn't get enough credit. he is a lights out pitcher.

361 Update: Wigginton 0 for 4 with 3 Ks.

428 - ah. thanks. and they are quite interesting.

the d-Rays announcers are acting like it's a one run game.

the D-rays guy just had an orgasm.

oh shoot the tying run is coming to the plate in Jonny Gomes, WITH POP!

wow, Norton must be slow

Tropicana does seem like a basement, with weird carpet.

does saito ever hit 94? I thought he topped out at 90 or 92.

i don't like this outing by Saito, he's making to many pitches.

437

Vinnie (if i remember correctly) called it a parking lot with a rug over it.

drama. damn.

The city that launched Hooters should not have a mausoleum for a baseball stadium.

We win!

438

last year he was right around there, but this year he's 92-94 & at times 95MPH.

gimme the Sammy SMILE!!

Oh that Sammy he is so good. He just wanted to give us a bit of excitement.

439

well, at least he probably wont be needed tomorrow . . kazmir , while he hasnt been great all year, is good ......and he takes on wolf

Sammy Saito saves Stanhouse style today, except they were singles instead of walks.

444. thanks. I thought the speed gun at dodger stadium was cheating him.

what did the rest of the NL west do?

Wonder if Kevin Kennedy is going to mention Garciappara's situation. Or if they'll all avoid it.

Lyons asking Loney how it feels to play on the big club with guys he came up with . . . "guys like Kemp, Martin and Ethier" . . . . Ethier?

Hu homers in the second game of the DHer

451

they played together in the AFL fall of 2005!

447 Wow, pessimism just seconds after after a win, where the kids went 10-21 and the team had sixteen hits! And Kent/LuGo went for back-to-back TRIPLES!

Kazmir is a LHP, so Kemp should play.

Ummm, Nomar is not a HOFer sparky

Saito is obviously a pitchers pitcher who knows how to fill his role. He throws 94 in the closer role because he won't have to throw long. Any credit goes to the first batter, who made him throw 10 or more pitches by fouling some off. This is about the only way to approach him as a closer.

449

are you kidding me?? the Dodger Stadium gun is the real deal, ever seen the gun up in SF?? 3,4 mph faster than actual.

Dumb "energy" commentary by Kennedy.

Three hits in a single game by a Dodger first baseman. That hasn't happened too often this year.

454. I am sill laffin' about kent's triple.

Dodger pitching tonight 9 Ks / 1 BB.

453

and they were part of the Jacksonville 5. . . . im pretty sure:) . . Ill check with Plaske

452 A 5"11" 190 pound Hu is pretty scary. If he still maintains most of his defense, he is an above average ML shortstop.

459 - hits aren't the problem. extra base hits are the problem.

regardless, I think loney aquitted himself quite well..

I need a better explanation for energy transference/creation between the young kids and the veterans.

If Luis Gonzales is doing this by sucking the life out of Matt Kemp, heads will roll. HEADS. WILL. ROLL.

462

i wouldn't trust him as the jax 5 spokesman.

great job mr. Loney 3-5. . . . . now hit the pine, ill see you in a week or so . .

457 -- The Dodger Stadium radar gun has a reputation for being slow. Just because the Giants' gun is bad in the other direction doesn't make the Dodger Stadium gun right.

451,453 I read somewhere the reports from D's prospects in the Arizona Fall League led the D's to get Ethier, along with a campaign to have a perfect image after Milton!!

The SF gun is a freaking joke, just like the gun in Houston, i'll go with the Dodger Stadium gun any day.

Unless there is a guy in a Panama hat carrying the radar gun, I do not trust it.

471

you have to admit though Bob, the gun in Dodger Stadium is a whole lot more accurate than the guns mentioned above. period.

471 Fernando must have thought it was part of the backstop.

I also am pretty sure Ethier won some "sportsmanship award" in his later minor years

Thierry Henry is leaving Arsenal to join Barcelona.

[crickets]

Fine. Whatever. Soccer doesn't like you, either.

470 -- The radar guns I trust are those of scouts, because they HAVE to keep those things calibrated properly for their jobs. Unfortunately, if you are just a fan watching a game on TV, you don't get to see the readings on the scouts' guns.

Ah Mike Brito.

471

ha, I miss that guy

http://www.latimes.com/sports/baseball/mlb/la-sp-radarside19jun19,1,1732948.story?coll=la-headlines-sports-majorbaseb

471 that big Panama with a Dodger blue hat band. (Actually, I think his band was black.)

radar guns i question according to ball parks.

San Francisco
Houston
Colorado
Cincy
Tampa Bay

my apologies if i missed a few.

471. now that was just funny.

Radar guns are a social construct.

Awesome throwback uniforms in the Padres-Red Sox game right now.

o.k. i'm gonna concentrate on the SD game, late.

481

I miss my "everything is a social construct" phase. I was much happier then.

483

Because of the uniforms?

What do you suppose the odds are that Grady rests JP against the left-hander tomorrow?

Dice-K walked the first three Padres but only gave up 1 run.

I pulling for the Yankees over the Giants in the Timmermann Moral Dilemma Series.

488
I am so edgy now that I don't use verbs.

Those Padres uniforms were also similar to my high school's baseball uniforms. They kept changing them to resemble the Padres unis of the time.

We never had the lower case name on the front.

488 As am I. But I'm not happy about it.

This is only the third time (or so) I've watched BBTN this year. It's...painful.

It is not fun to root for the Yankees or the Red Sox.

492
If FDR and Churchill could play nice with Stalin for a few years, then there's no problem with the Yankees and Red Sox this weekend.

You must keep your eye on the prime target.

Ethics are for the weak!

The good prince knows what to do!

Having to root for the Yanks AND the Red Sox is like having to take very foul-tasting medicine and endure an invasive exam simultaneously. You know it's what you must do, but you surely don't like it.

This thread will teach me to never speak ill of Mitch Jones:

http://tinyurl.com/2uf8qp

His followers are everywhere. Good thing I used a pseudonym.

Stalin on Pierre: A single out is a tragedy, a million outs is a statistic.

I'm not going to root for the Yankees, Giants, Red Sox, or Padres. I'm just going to sit back and see what happens.

The Orioles have opened up a 7-0 lead on the DBacks.

The Rockies' mojo is in jeopardy up in the great white north. Bases loaded and one out, holding onto an 8-6 lead in the bottom of the 10th.

Pray. For. Mojo.

Rockies just blew that one---lots of bloops, bleeders.

I need the Rockies to start freefalling so that they trade Fuentes so that Corpas becomes the new closer. These are the kind of things you stress about when you're in a 12-team NL-only league.

I can't decide whether Jerry Remy's accent is annoying or awesome

503 Remy rocks. NESN broadcasts are the cat's pajamas.

486. I wouldn't count on it.

>>> With the Baltimore Orioles putting Miguel Tejada on the disabled list, Dodgers center fielder Juan Pierre has the longest streak of consecutive games played in the majors. Pierre's start Friday marked his 345th game in a row.... <<<

http://tinyurl.com/2b3hpg

Anthony Reyes is now 0-9 and the Dodgers have the chance to give Edwin Jackson the same record.

The last pitcher to start a season 0-9 was Edgar Gonzalez for Arizona in 2004. All those losses were in relief and that was his entire season.

Mike Maroth was the last starter to go 0-9 to start the season back in 2003 with the Tigers.

If you think our fans are brutal, some rookie in Seattle was getting booed in the 2nd inning for walking guys. I'm sure he feels bad enough now that his ERA is up to 8.19

506 They have a long way to go to catch Anthony Young's consecutive losses streak though

Eric Byrnes makes the game in Arizona uninteresting.

508
To start a season, the record is 0-14. Matt Keough in 1979 as well as a Red Sox pitcher in 1906.

Youuuuuuuuuuk

Teeeeeeeek

Is there any better drinking music than Dropkick Murphys?

513
I hear that Seals & Croft are good for that purpose.

maybe if I was drinking Cosmopolitans

506. And Maroth was just traded to the Cardinals so he can now give Reyes some tips.

477 Memo to Rabbit, for next time:
http://tinyurl.com/

;-)

Hah, was Bradley really banished to KC? Oh man, I feel sorry for them more then him. Maybe he'll do some damage though - for a week, until he sprains his nostril or shatters his armpit.

I think it would've been a nice touch had the Padres brought in Gary Coleman for tonight's throwback gala in a reprise of his role as "The Kid From Left Field."

From Rotoworld:
"The Royals called off the Milton Bradley deal with the A's after learning that the outfielder suffered an oblique strain in his final game with the club on Tuesday.
The A's reportedly did not know of the injury when they designated Bradley for assignment on Thursday. "The A's were not at fault," Royals GM Dayton Moore said. Perhaps Bradley didn't want to play for the Royals so he made up the injury? If he becomes a free agent, he'll be able to choose his team, something he might find preferable. The Royals agreed to give up Leo Nunez and pay the remainder of Bradley's $4 million salary before the trade fell through." Source: Royals.mlb.com

Perhaps Bradley didn't want to play for the Royals so he made up the injury? If he becomes a free agent, he'll be able to choose his team, something he might find preferable.

You stay classy, Milton Bradley.

Kyle Smit, a 5th rounder from last years draft has resurfaced and threw a pretty good game for the GCL team today.

Here is another message from Logik "the off topic" Reader:

Let me just say what I think about Yankee broadcasters and the "YES" network. I don't think there is a more smug broadcasting operation around, except maybe the Mets :)

The play by play itself is pretty good, but the attitude of the whole broadcast team is just so... conceited. The main guy, the color commentators, the graphics, even the little bumper music you hear when coming out of the commercial. It's as close as you can get without just going out and saying "We're Globo-Gym, we're better than you, and you know it!" but despite all this, its good television, especially when the Yankees are losing.

Meanwhile the Red Sox broadcasters are awesome! I'm on the "Remy's accent is rad" side. I didn't realize it was so thick until he read some promo copy. :) :) :)

Why does K-rod fall off the mound so much?

If Boston's pen can hold on... first place here we come!!!

All the kids play
We move into first base

Therefore, kids= World Championship

QED. It's logic, people.

first base = first place?

This is one of the happiest nights of my life.

But I get excited over very different things from normal people.

My spelling hand has been most weak this day.

speaking of five pitches... two in a row, and three more strikes and down go the Padres

527 Care to elaborate? Rash of catcher's interference or the disappearance of pitted fruits?

Look at "Hot from the Toaster"

C'mon Cruz, make an out and be done with it.

Padres are 1-6 in their last 7 home games.
Dodgers gain a game on every NL West team.

Bonds hit 15th tonight.

531 You've got a brain teaser to work with now!

You know Bob, if that's what makes you excited, just start making stuff up and you can be the top three on the list any time you want.

Angels win, bottom of the 11th! It always makes my night when both the Dodgers and Angels win. There's a lot to like about these two clubs.

Why wasn't I told that Sammy Sosa had hit #600? That's infuriating.

537 Just so you don't freak out on us, Sammy Sosa has hit #601.

535
I have too much integrity for that.

And I've been slapped down by the Mitch Jones Marching and Chowder Society too.

539 We getting a soccer thread Sunday?

That's been disbanded. Memberships have been forwarded to the Travis Denker Marching and Chowder Society. There was no support for a Choo Freeman Club.

Shouldn't the disbanded MJ Marching and Chowder Society form the John Lindsey Marching and Chowder Society? He's the new Mitch Jones, really.

---

540 Ooooh. The CONCAF final? I gotta remember to Tivo that. Man, the ending to yesterday's game was unfortunate. Would've been nice if the US had one more convincingly but we'll take it. It'll be tough with two key players out...

Daniel,
Did you read 495?

I meant CONCACAF, of course. I haven't had enough concacaffeine today and it's time for bed.

There's a cool little Q&A with Matt Kemp on the LA Times Blue Notes blog, btw. Didn't see mention of it here but maybe it was earlier. Anyway, fun to read.

542 I meant "won," not "one." Sheesh. I am definitely going to bed now. Night all you princes of Maine, etc.

The Griddle has hit for the "Hot From the Toaster" cycle.

So Bob's the last guy to do that for the Toaster.

543 No, I didn't see that! Too tired to read back tonight. Sounds like the President of the society went a little wacko. I may sip the kool-aid, but I don't guzzle.

Confederation
Of
North American
Central
American
Caribbean
Association
Football

Wednesday, we almost had four consecutive Milton Bradley links on three different blogs.

Argh, I missed hockey thoughts in this thread?? How about those LA Kings taking some guy that was NOT Cherapanov!

537, also be aware that a certain #25 hit #749 tonight...

And who is the consensus pick for reaching 20 losses first, Kip Wells, Edwin Jackson, Anthony Reyes, or 2003 Mike Maroth? ;)

Did anyone see the Ryan Zimmerman ball in the shirt trick? Pretty funny play but hard to believe its scored a hit.

551 Yeah, the ball went off his glove and into his shirt. I don't see how that's any different than off the glove and into left field.

Except it involves a shirt.

Tony Jackson also calling for the kids.
http://www.dailynews.com/dodgers/ci_6209609

I'm glad the newspaper crowd is on board with the kids. Good for them.

If only there was some way for people to read about these young kids outside the newspapers. I don't know...some sort of electronic medium from which new ideas and discussions could flower. You know, a community of friends and baseball enthusiasts, using statistical analysis and diligent research, and sharing that data with other people.

That kind of thing would be awesome. It's a real shame that kind of thing isn't around. I'd buy into it.

554
Bill Plashcke L.A. Times 6/22/2007

"With the Dodgers games blaring in the background of my life in the last couple of weeks, I have stopped to watch James Loney hit. I have dropped everything to watch Matt Kemp swing. I'm almost always sitting down when Russell Martin is coming up."

Tony Jackson L.A. Daily News 6/23/2007

And even if Little also doesn't want to admit that it is becoming increasingly difficult to keep at least some combination of Loney, Kemp and Ethier on the bench on a daily basis.

"Not really," Little said. "We know we're going to have plenty of playing time for everyone, and we're at a point in the season where it's going to help us to keep guys pretty fresh. (Kemp and Loney) are both going to see some time, just maybe not on an everyday basis. But we're going to see them out there quite a lot."

Last night, I mentioned upthread that I felt like we all had a lot invested in the lineup Grady put out there. We finally got to see Loney, Kemp, Abreu, Ethier and Martin in the same game. I said that if the Dodgers didn't beat they're season runs-per-game average, I'd be very disappointed.

The result? The Dodgers were averaging 4.3 RPG going into last night's game, where they scored 6. Not a slaughter, but a nice improvement. But how about the hits? Sixteen base hits last night, including 10 by the aforementioned kids. Yeah ok, so it was against Tampa Bay. I still feel vindicated. On top of all that, we moved into first place too. It's a great day to be a Dodger fan.

I wonder who Grady will start against Kazmir today. I'm guessing Nomar plays and Loney, despite his 3-5 last night, rides the pine.

I'm putting in a right handed batter against a left handed pitcher. It's called "playing the percentages".

554 Never happen!

Update 2: For the first time ever, I believe, the Dodgers have Kemp, Martin, Ethier, and James Loney in the same starting lineup. Oh, and Tony Abreu as well

I remain a big fan of Abreu and no fan of Betemit or LaRoche. While that can change I bet it won't. I was equally glad to see Abreu play along with Kemp, Martin, Ethier, and Loney.

How alone am I in wanting Abreu to be playing regularly now?

559 I imagine there are others here who prefer Abreu to Betemit, but not me. I don't think either is very good right now, though. I just think that Betemit would be more productive.

According to B-R.com, Scott Kazmir's ERA is the present median for all pitchers who qualify for the ERA title.

559

because of Betemits power, respectable defense & willingness to take a walk i'm on his side but i don't mind seeing Etanislao in there also, it erks me seeing him swing at most everything but he's young & will learn.

554. Yes, but someone would have to build it. I have heard rumor of such a man. A man with a vision. Everyday he speaks the truth and asks his followers to do the same. People come each day, sometimes two or three times a day to listen to his gospel. And in return all he asks is that his listeners treat each other civilly, refrain from profanity and not attack one another.

Wait, not that guy. The guy I'm talkin 'bout works for Variety and is in the market for a new TV.

I'm going to the Padres vs Dodgers game a week from sunday. My first game at Dodger Stadium in three or four years. It's a special occasion. My best friends brother is a local (Ventura County) historian and has written a baseball book, documenting all the local ball players who have made the pros, came close to doing so, or made an impact upon baseball in the local area. My friend's brother will be throwing out the first pitch. In order to get this honor, they had to buy a couple thousand tickets. Amazingly, only a few hundred are left. Before the game a few former pros will be in the stands signing his book. If you are interested in going, email me and I can get you in touch with the guy who has the tickets. I will be signing the 4+1 edition of Sports Illustrated. :) My seats are Loge, down the right field line just past first base, section 40. Perhaps we could turn it into a small DT happening and beat the Pads!
vr, Xei
xeifrank@yahoo.com
http://eteamz.active.com/cpba/

wow, that books sounds perfect for my taste can you let us know when it's do out?

562 I also cringe when Abreu swings at pitches way out of the strike zone, partly because I want him to stay in the lineup and partly because it hurts the team. Little could help him with some take signs.

It is hard for me to get behind a player that I don't think will ever be a decent MLB player and I think Betemit and LaRoche fall into that category.

How did Matt Kemp get the nickname "The Bison"?

567

i have no clue, i started hearing it around here but i honestly don't know.

It is hard for me to get behind a player that I don't think will ever be a decent MLB player and I think Betemit and LaRoche fall into that category.

La Roche is still very young Betemit is only what, 25? preach patience is the way i work but i ain't Grady or Ned.

566-Why would one punt on LaRoche so early? I can understand--though I don't quite share--being unsure about Betamit, but LaRoche's promise seems harder to contest.

567 I believe Don Sutton said he looked like a powerful ox or buffalo (pretty sure it was buffalo) and Bison came from that.

There is a Street Fighter "M.Bison" element in there for some people as well.

I would put the DH rule in the NL in a heartbeat.

What are the odds I get to see this lineup while we still have the DH at our disposal?

Furcal-SS
Martin-C
Loney-1B
Kent-DH
Gonzalez-LF
Kemp-CF
Ethier-LF
Betemit-3B
Abreu-2B

567 I believe Mr. Timmermann gets the credit:

https://dodgerthoughts.baseballtoaster.com/archives/388942.html#comments

569, 570, I am not giving up on them. I hope they do well and I agree patience is best for both of them. I just can't get excited about them nor interested in them yet because, sorry about this stat fans, I intuitively don't think they will make it.

575

So your Spidey Sense acts up whenever you see Betemit or LaRoche come to the plate?

572

i see your logic but i'm a traditionalist when it comes to that.

573

Of course I meant Ethier in RF.

Leadoff home run for Soriano in Chicago.

Soriano has hit first inning home runs in 2 consecutive days counting today.

to me Bob Brenly has that don't pick on him he's been doing good broadcast style.

573
Wouldn't it be great to have those players in the lineup at the same time. I would tweak the order to best protect Kemp and use his speed at the top of the order:

Furcal-SS
Kemp-CF
Loney-1B
Martin-C
Gonzalez-LF
Kent-DH
Ethier-LF
Betemit-3B
Abreu-2B

Furcal-SS
Kemp-CF
Loney-1B
Martin-C
Gonzalez-LF
Kent-DH
Ethier-RF
Garciaparra-3B
Abreu-2B

572
Channeling D4P's hatred for all things big and small, important and unimportant, let it be known I hate the DH.

Am I off base here or does the "oblique" strain of Milton's cost Beane the rest of Milton's contract since now he can't trade him in 10 days and he can't bring him back?

I haven't heard many people advocate for moving the DH into the National League.

It's never going away, right? The MLBPA wouldn't stand for it?

585

the way you describe it it sounds like a check mate for Milton Bradley.

586
Remember that the NL was the first league to propose using a DH. That was back in the 1920s.

The AL didn't like it, particularly Connie Mack. Actually the AL didn't like it because the NL thought of it and that's the way things worked back then.

Channeling D4P's hatred for all things big and small, important and unimportant

And everything in between.

560. The reason I don't mind seeing Abreu in the lineup is that I see him as our future 2nd baseman and the more experience he gets against major league pitching and learns some plate discipline the better.

From some wire service report:
The Chicago White Sox made a pair of roster moves Saturday, placing outfielder Darin Erstad on the 15-day disabled list and activating outfielder Scott Podsednik from the DL.

Erstad ironically was activated from the DL on Friday before ... [he] suffered the injury while making a diving catch to rob Cubs rookie Mike Fontenot in the top of the first inning.

Geez, I know the guy is injury prone, but the TOP of the FIRST in his first game back?!

From the LA Times Blog

Talking With: Matt Kemp

>>> Save any odd developments or vicious slumps- nobody expects him to keep hitting .425- Kemp will likely remain in L.A. and continue impressing SI's Jon Weisman. <<<

http://tinyurl.com/2fczz9

590 How about Abreu learning some plate discipline in Vegas and the already plate-disciplined La Roche, our future 3B we hope, getting more experience against major league pitching? (I realize that doesn't likely happen because Abreu is the only legitimate middle IF glove behind the starters - can you imagine Betemit at SS and Anderson at 2B?)

574 Actually, the Bison nickname comes from D4P, acting without consent on Bob's behalf, riffing off the Braves' announcer calling him a buffalo:

dodgerthoughts.baseballtoaster.com/archives/387331.html#116

593. I like LaRoche also. However, I'm concerned that his shoulder injury has robbed him of his power and until he again puts it on display in Vegas I'd prefer not to see him back at LA (his ability to walk is nice but doesn't really excite me :-) ). By the way, he was out of the 51's lineup for at least the second straight night last night while 28 year old Marshall McDougall has been called up from Jacksonville to play 3rd base.

I'd like to act without consent on Bob's behalf, but I'd have to check with Bob first.

Consent is for the weak.

D4P, I've secured a position for you at a small college in Vladistovok. You start next week.

LOL
LIS
LAA
GBB

Consent is for the weak.

Can you see why he's such a hit with the ladies?

So what's up with the Texeira rumors? Is it really likely that Ned will make the trade? What would it take? Would it even be worth it?

I love to watch Loney hit. He hits lasers.

I've been trying to fing this info for the last 45 minutes to no avail. I was thinking how this team is the only team I can recall being more ecxited when the bottom of the lineup comes up than the top part. I just wanted to see a comparison of 1st inning runs scored vs 2nd inning. I doubt that more than a handfull of teams have ever scored more in the 2nd than the 1st ever. I would really like to know the Dodgers numbers this year. Any help?

601- do you have a link?

per ItD . . .

Furcal, SS
Pierre, CF
Martin, C
Kent, 2B
Saenz, DH
Loney, 1B
Kemp, RF
Ethier, LF
Abreu, 3B
Wolf, P

Awesome.

602- Baseball Reference keeps those splits on the the team pages.

http://www.baseball-reference.com/pi/bsplit.cgi?team=LAD&year=2007

Bradley deal off

>>> While Bradley fit in the clubhouse better than any team he had been on before, his moodiness appeared to increase this season, probably because of frustrations over his injuries and disagreements with the team over how best to rehab them. His irritability was wearing thin, several players said. <<<

http://tinyurl.com/32785h

wow are we witnessing history? loney gets the nod against kazmir!!! delighted is an understatement.

604. With a lefty going today I really expected to see Nomar but I'm very excited about this lineup. Thank you, Grady.

Just eat Nomar's contract already. Let him ride off into the pasture as an AL DH.

606 Thank you thank you. I even looked on baseball-reference and couldn't find it. We have scored 34 runs in the 1st and 32 runs in the second. There actually are some other teams with nearly even 1st vs 2nd innings. Not surprising with our top 3 hitters, we have only hit 1 HR in the 1st inning all year. We have hit 9 in the 2nd inning.

AFLAC trivia question-Who hit our 1st inning homer?

They're sticking pretty close to it for now. Gonzo has the day off. From ItD:

Furcal, SS

Pierre, CF

Martin, C

Kent, 2B

Saenz, DH

Loney, 1B

Kemp, RF

Ethier, LF

Abreu, 3B

Wolf, P

Who hit our 1st inning homer?

Fur-kle...?

Uh oh, Tony Jackson posted a different lineup, which INCLUDES Nomar. Hmm....

Tony and Josh will have to battle.

Someone get the cage.

The Hack faces The Flack! Live on PPV!

I'd be surprised to see Nomar sit for 2 days in a row, especially with Kazmir being a lefty.

But Saenz, Kemp being in the lineup together makes is a good lineup (or as good as can be hoped for)

615 - Yes sir.

614

he does make a decent point . . id probably see loney sit against a tough lefty than play tomorrow and let Nomar go 0-4 over loney . . if that is the case

I'm guessing Tony's right.

615 - an epic battle for the title of "Inside the Dodgers" that only one can win!

620
i think he's right as well, unless loney is starting the whole series why would you play him against a lefty than probably sit him tomorrow . . . not to mention if he gets the start against Jackson it will beef up the #'s and make him look even better

The octagon will decide who is right.

The octagon is a magic 8-ball, of sorts

The finest player of his generation appears to have hurt himself pretty badly with a foul ball off his ankle. But Melky is the very definition of grit; he steps back into the box.

623 624
How about a nice game of chess?

Tony's lineup is the one I was actually expecting. And since I get excited about any lineup containing Matt Kemp I guess I'll have no complaints should he be correct.

Game thread is open.