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About Jon
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1) using profanity or any euphemisms for profanity
2) personally attacking other commenters
3) baiting other commenters
4) arguing for the sake of arguing
5) discussing politics
6) using hyperbole when something less will suffice
7) using sarcasm in a way that can be misinterpreted negatively
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9) typing "no-hitter" or "perfect game" to describe either in progress
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11) commenting under the obvious influence
12) claiming your opinion isn't allowed when it's just being disagreed with

July 1 Game Chat
2007-07-01 09:26
by Jon Weisman

Today's game:

Gameday

Retro Gameday

Comments (398)
Show/Hide Comments 1-50
2007-07-01 10:19:33
1.   Bob Timmermann
Happy Canada Day!
2007-07-01 10:22:45
2.   Greg Brock
Mark Buehrle and the White Sox are a no-trade clause away from getting an extension done. We need this to happen.
2007-07-01 10:25:34
3.   Bob Timmermann
"That White Sox Pitcher" is from the city with the Best Fans in Baseball™. Perhaps he should go there.
2007-07-01 10:35:27
4.   Who Is Karim Garcia
Any clues as to what the Mariners will announce?

Also, last call for free tix if you are in the Washington/Fairax area.

2007-07-01 10:36:42
5.   Bob Timmermann
My guess is that the Mariners will announce an extension for Ichiro. Ken Griffey is in the lineup today for the Reds, so he's not headed back to Seattle.
2007-07-01 10:40:19
6.   Who Is Karim Garcia
In related news, I will be at Brittania in Santa Monica tomorrow night to announce that Tomko still sucks.
2007-07-01 10:40:25
7.   Bob Timmermann
The Seattle Times is reporting that Mike Hargrove is stepping down as manager.
2007-07-01 10:41:56
8.   D4P
7
After X number of years sitting down as manager.
2007-07-01 10:42:10
9.   blue22
7 - Wha?
2007-07-01 10:42:50
10.   Who Is Karim Garcia
I've seen him handle that pitching staff. Stepping down as mis-manager is more like it.
2007-07-01 10:46:14
11.   Who Is Karim Garcia
Any chance that during the announcement "The Human Rain Delay" will step away from the podium, adjust his batting gloves, adjust his helmet and take his sweet time settling back in at the podium?
2007-07-01 10:50:46
12.   ToyCannon
I'm not a Hargrove fan but that is strange timing with his team as hot as any in baseball right now. With the Yankee's fading fast they are right in the WC hunt.
2007-07-01 10:52:24
13.   twerp
3 You may have seen this before but might appreciate it anyhow==

"For starting pitchers we have two Dominicans, one Italian, one Mexican and one Japanese. In the bullpen we have a Venezuelan, a Mexican, a guy from the United States and a guy from St. Louis." - Los Angeles Dodger / Hall of Fame Manager Tommy Lasorda (AP Wire, 08/18/1999)

2007-07-01 10:57:38
14.   Bob Timmermann
13
Who was the guy from St. Louis in 1999? Matt Herges was from Illinois. I think he may have been the closest to St. Louis.
2007-07-01 10:57:45
15.   Greg Brock
The Banterers are most displeased.
2007-07-01 11:00:15
16.   Bob Timmermann
15
Spotting one of the best pitchers in the majors and 8-run lead is not a good way to succeed.
2007-07-01 11:01:09
17.   Sam DC
Sorry Karim -- I missed your offer but I am in the Washington/Fairfax area, though closer in to the Capitol.

What's that you say?

2007-07-01 11:02:14
18.   D4P
How long til the Yankees have a fire...sale...?
2007-07-01 11:04:43
19.   Bob Timmermann
18
The Yankees don't have fire sales. They just have fires.
2007-07-01 11:14:46
20.   Who Is Karim Garcia
haha, good try, Sammy boy. Next time. Meet you half way.... say, Kansas.

Well, it's just a perpetual fire, so it really doesn't count.

Same reason you can't be hungover if you just stay drunk.

2007-07-01 11:22:04
21.   heato
Furcal, SS
Pierre, CF
Martin, C
Gonzo, LF
Nomar, 3B
Loney, 1B
Kemp, RF
Abreu, 3B
Billingsley, P
2007-07-01 11:24:32
22.   Bob Timmermann
Presumably Abreu is playing 2B or there will be a lot of singles to right.
2007-07-01 11:26:25
23.   D4P
So, 3 of our first 5 hitters are OPSing under .700, while 0 of our last 4 hitters are doing so.

I like it.

2007-07-01 11:29:42
24.   D4P
We've arrived at my favorite point in the year, when the team has played 81 games and you can project individual season-ending stats by simply doubling their output to this point. With that in mind,

Pierre: .277, 90 runs, 186 hits, 60 stolen bases. A successful season by traditional standards.

2007-07-01 11:31:37
25.   D4P
BTW: Are there any documented cases of teams restricting a player's PAs when said player had a clause in his contract (like Kent's) that gives the player an option for the next season if he reaches a specified number of PAs?

In my view, it seems inevitable that Management would be strategic in allocating such PAs, depending upon whether or not they want the player to return the following year under his option clause.

2007-07-01 11:33:26
26.   Marty
News out of Altadena.

Marty just purchased the contract of a new front-load clothes washer. He has DFA'd his old one. Marty was quoted as saying, "It just felt like it was the right time. The old washer had given us years of exciting cleansing action, but the kid needs to get some cycles in."

2007-07-01 11:34:06
27.   heato
Didn't the Orioles restrict the number of games Palmeiro played at first base a few years ago because they didn't want his option to vest.
2007-07-01 11:34:52
28.   Andrew Shimmin
Like that last guy. How sweet would it be if I could have hung up on him?

So sweet.

2007-07-01 11:35:14
29.   D4P
Marty just purchased the contract of a new front-load clothes washer

Was the contract also front-loaded...?

2007-07-01 11:36:09
30.   Marty
League minimum.
2007-07-01 11:37:16
31.   Icaros
Marty,

You said you were bringing me a personally-prepared gourmet lunch on the 21st, right?

2007-07-01 11:37:27
32.   Marty
It turns out you also have to buy "high efficiency, low suds" detergent. Otherwise you may end up like Jack Lemmon in Mr. Roberts.
2007-07-01 11:38:04
33.   Lexinthedena
Martin at catcher today?.....
2007-07-01 11:38:58
34.   Marty
31 But then, I'd have to bring enough for everyone. And I don't want to have to deal with the vegetarians.
2007-07-01 11:41:57
35.   Icaros
34

The vegetarians will be in a different section.

2007-07-01 11:44:55
36.   Dodgers49
For any of you who may have missed it, a long article and interview with Vin:

Vin Scully, Voice of the Dodgers, speaks to you

>>> As an announcer, he set these rules for himself:

Be a journalist, not a cheerleader. Scully's credibility pivots on the clear distinction he draws between broadcaster and team. Even at critical moments (the ninth inning of Sandy Koufax's 1965 perfect game is a good example), his reportorial rigor trumps his rooting interest. <<<

http://www.dailybreeze.com/sports/articles/8269367.html

2007-07-01 11:45:53
37.   Bob Timmermann
If a player felt that his team was limiting his playing time for contractual reasons instead of performance reasons, he could file a grievance.

I wouldn't think Kent would do such a thing

2007-07-01 11:46:31
38.   Who Is Karim Garcia
22

But the left side will be locked down.

2007-07-01 11:47:35
39.   xaphor
a guy from the United States and a guy from St. Louis

True to their name, the Best fans in Baseball seceded from the Union when it became clear baseball was no longer the national pastime.

2007-07-01 11:49:47
40.   Bob Timmermann
36
Ahh, beat you on that one! That's been on the Griddle for a while.
2007-07-01 12:00:39
41.   Dodgers49
40. Ahh, but not everyone here checks the Griddle (I know you'll find that hard to believe :-) ).
2007-07-01 12:04:15
42.   Sam DC
On the MASN broadcast, Don Sutton just asked if a listener in the know would email in and explain the origin and meaning of the phrase "shiver me timbers."

Bob Carpenter suggested it might have something to do with frightened pirates.

Email address is at the box at the lower right: http://tinyurl.com/2t2qzt

2007-07-01 12:12:29
43.   Bob Timmermann
42
Books Don Sutton and Bob Carpenter did not read:
Treasure Island
The Cliffs Notes to Treasure Island
2007-07-01 12:15:36
44.   D4P
Your attention please:

Batting leadoff for the San Diego Padres, #9, Leftfielder, Jose Cruz Jr.

2007-07-01 12:16:04
45.   lab rat
I'm doing my once-a-year DH today: 1p Dodgers v. Dads, followed by 6p Inland Empire v. High Desert.

The probable tonight in SB is Jesus Castillo. I don't know much. Anyone on DT have any scouting?

2007-07-01 12:23:13
46.   Bob Timmermann
44
It really bothered me yesterday that the first four batters in the Padres order wore 24, 22, 23, and 25.

Bud Black should have put them in numerical order.

2007-07-01 12:24:07
47.   D4P
46
Either that, or they should change their numbers to fit the desired batting order.
2007-07-01 12:25:03
48.   Bob Timmermann
Sources seem to say that "shiver me timbers" refers to a big wave or heavy object hitting a ship and causing the bigger parts of the boat, the timbers, to vibrate or "shiver."
2007-07-01 12:25:58
49.   Bob Timmermann
The Padres need more initials with the two Hoffmans, two Giles, and two Camerons on the team.
2007-07-01 12:26:31
50.   Bob Timmermann
Yellow alert for the cycle for Jack Cust in New York.
Show/Hide Comments 51-100
2007-07-01 12:38:16
51.   Ricardo
I don´t know why but I´m feeling that Pierre will hit his first HR as a dodger, today. Do you think he will hit a HR this season?
2007-07-01 12:40:31
52.   natepurcell
laroche doubled in his first PA today to go with 2-3 3b, bb last night.
2007-07-01 12:40:46
53.   D4P
Do you think he will hit a HR this season?

It seems inevitable.

2007-07-01 12:41:13
54.   Bob Timmermann
51
Eleventh inning last night, I turn to my friend, "If Juan Pierre hits a game-ending home run here, I will stop at a liquor store on the way home, buy a beer and drink it in front of you."
She was eager to see that.

Pierre grounded out to third in short order.

2007-07-01 12:45:49
55.   bojangles
26. thanks for the funny:-)

36. some of the world seems to go crazy for
New York-Irish raconteurs (Al McGuire suffered the same uncritical adulation).
As for members of that group, some of us wish they would just shut up for a few restorative minutes here and there.

20. Knowing the massive societal and heart-breaking individual damage done by poisoned drunks everywhere, personally just can't get enough of those oh-so-belly-shakin' references to binge drinking.

2007-07-01 12:46:32
56.   Ricardo
54. Bob, Nomar homered yesterday that was too much for one day! :P
2007-07-01 12:48:52
57.   Andrew Shimmin
Is it Festivus already?
2007-07-01 12:50:50
58.   JoeyP
Is this 7 starts in a row for Russell Martin? Nary a day off this week....

If you're going to pull out all stops to win the game---I'd rather move Lowe up in the rotation and have him pitch on 3 days rest.

Martin needs a rest.

2007-07-01 12:54:15
59.   Andrew Shimmin
Martin's last full day off was 6/18 (he had 6/17 off, too). He was pulled in the 6th inning during the 6/20 game. Anyway, this will be his thirteenth game in thirteen days.
2007-07-01 12:57:25
60.   Andrew Shimmin
Over the last two weeks, Martin's line is .333/.393/.588. Over the last week, it's .344/.382/.625.
2007-07-01 13:00:19
61.   Andrew Shimmin
I'd like to thank FSNPT for allowing me to relive the last out of last night's game as the lead in to this one. Way to go fellows. That's some really strong programming, there. Really puts me in the mood to stick around for this one, and, you know, buy all the products your sponsors advertise.
2007-07-01 13:03:33
62.   natepurcell
wow, exciting ending to the angels game.
2007-07-01 13:05:01
63.   LAT
How can Vlad not be the AL MVP. Dodger OF needs to watch the catch and throw to end the Angel game. He is money.
2007-07-01 13:05:34
64.   JoeyP
To put into full perspective just how much Martin has caught this year, consider this:

Martin's caught 645 innings this year. That projects 1,290 innings.

In the last 5 years, the catcher closest to that figure was Jason Kendall. He caught:
2006- 1,254
2005--1,286
2004--1,259
2003- 1,278

All other catchers (save Victor Martinez's 2005 season when he caught 1,233) have been below 1,200 innings.

Everyone knows what has happened to Jason Kendall's decline in the last several years. Whether it can be attributed to just his age, or his playing time the last several years--is up for debate. But, I just hope Russ Martin can avoid that decline.

2007-07-01 13:06:03
65.   regfairfield
63 You need to be educated about one Chone Figgins.
2007-07-01 13:07:20
66.   regfairfield
64 His Joe Theisman impersonation seems to directly correlatte with his decliine.
2007-07-01 13:09:46
67.   D4P
correlatte

A coffee that gives you the runs...?

2007-07-01 13:10:57
68.   jtrichey
Hey, the Padres are throwing out their crap Sunday special lineup. They should probably only beat us by 1 run today
2007-07-01 13:11:23
69.   natepurcell
our GCL team is 9-0 so far.

the GCL averages are

250/336/359

some GCL dodger averages:

lambo 269/412/538

baez 357/372/595

2007-07-01 13:18:44
70.   Linkmeister
Thanks for the Scully link.
2007-07-01 13:19:49
71.   fanerman
I actually am a bit concerned with Martin's playing every single day.
2007-07-01 13:23:52
72.   JoeyP
Baseball's crazy.
Germano never walks people.
Pierre never walks.
Germano walks Pierre.
2007-07-01 13:24:20
73.   scooplew
Although Bard is not in the lineup today for the Padres, it should be noted that M(a)cBeth, while pitching for Cincinnati today, did not face Duncan of St. Louis.
2007-07-01 13:24:43
74.   D4P
Walking Juan Pierre is unpardonable.
2007-07-01 13:27:27
75.   Andrew Shimmin
73- In other news, Watch Burnham is still dead.
2007-07-01 13:30:21
76.   JoeyP
Branyan attempting to bunt is unpardonable.
2007-07-01 13:30:53
77.   ddger
Bills seems to be having trouble putting hitters away with 2 strikes. Too many fouls raising his pitch count.
2007-07-01 13:35:49
78.   Greg Brock
Vin Scully is in the zone right now.
2007-07-01 13:35:57
79.   FirstMohican
I'd love to have Rex Hudler paired with Vin for just one game. Just one.
2007-07-01 13:36:58
80.   Andrew Shimmin
79- Maybe the All Star game.
2007-07-01 13:39:51
81.   Bob Timmermann
It's not often you get to hear some quality anecdotes about Chuck Connors meeting Noel Coward.
2007-07-01 13:40:47
82.   scooplew
75 To Watch Burnham wood . . . be good to as the manager of Indianapolis in the National League in 1887.
2007-07-01 13:40:55
83.   Daniel Zappala
We need to start a petition to get Vin Scully broadcasting the playoffs and World Series. We'll have plenty of time for lesser announcers later.
2007-07-01 13:40:56
84.   xaphor
It seems such a shame when the English claim the earth, they give rise to such hilarity and mirth.

Vinny is the man.

2007-07-01 13:41:06
85.   FirstMohican
You dont see plays like that in centerfield very often at Dodger Stadium.
2007-07-01 13:41:14
86.   ToyCannon
I'd been very happy to have Cameron manning CF for us in 2008.
2007-07-01 13:45:01
87.   fanerman
James Loney's batting average has fallen to .431. He needs to break out of that slump.
2007-07-01 13:48:41
88.   Lexinthedena
Chad looking strong...
2007-07-01 13:48:42
89.   Andrew Shimmin
Vin must be misremembering. I have it on good authority that Bradley never produced while in a Dodger uniform.
2007-07-01 13:52:09
90.   Curtis Lowe
Did Kemp just hit a breaking ball?
2007-07-01 13:52:28
91.   Marty
How soon does Tony Jackson use "maximum effort" with Billingsley today?
2007-07-01 13:53:57
92.   Connector
78 79 80 84
For a great article/interview with Vinny
http://tinyurl.com/2vxw54
2007-07-01 13:54:05
93.   scooplew
Kemp and Loney are both above .400 again. Enjoy.
2007-07-01 13:54:57
94.   xaphor
89. Consider our current "production" from CF.
2007-07-01 13:55:07
95.   ddger
Great 3rd inning by Bills. Will Grady allow Bills to go 100 pitches today?
2007-07-01 13:55:12
96.   MMSMikey
c'mon tony good god
2007-07-01 13:56:17
97.   Andrew Shimmin
94- No thanks. I just ate.
2007-07-01 13:58:22
98.   JoeyP
Little blooper for Furcal.
2007-07-01 13:59:40
99.   D4P
5 straight balls thrown to Pierre. That's gotta be a first.
2007-07-01 14:01:06
100.   D4P
9 straight pitches not swung at by Pierre. That's gotta be a first.
Show/Hide Comments 101-150
2007-07-01 14:01:46
101.   Bob Timmermann
Vin gives a shout-out to Xeifrank's group.

Except Vin likely wouldn't call it a shout-out.

2007-07-01 14:02:11
102.   imperabo
Furcal's speed seems fine.
2007-07-01 14:02:21
103.   D4P
Small Ball, baby!
2007-07-01 14:02:35
104.   JoeyP
Luck is good to the Dodgers today.
2007-07-01 14:02:45
105.   Lexinthedena
Glad the Pads got Barret....bad defensive catchers hurt you down the stretch....
2007-07-01 14:03:14
106.   bryanf
101 And my group...being from Ventura County and all...
2007-07-01 14:03:38
107.   Lexinthedena
101-Vin would call it "Salutations"...that's my guess.....
2007-07-01 14:03:47
108.   FirstMohican
Anyone else gasp when Donnelly sent Pierre?
2007-07-01 14:03:48
109.   imperabo
Pierre's speed seems overrated.
2007-07-01 14:04:24
110.   overkill94
Let me guess, Russ is gonna run
2007-07-01 14:05:06
111.   Bob Timmermann
Lincecum with 9 Ks through 4 innings against the DBacks.
2007-07-01 14:05:48
112.   JoeyP
3 2-out RBI singles.
That is the Dodger offense.

Only crazy thing is Nomar wasnt involved.

2007-07-01 14:07:11
113.   D4P
Singles, bunts, stolen bases...Colletti Ball in action.
2007-07-01 14:07:17
114.   Connector
Chad's made 50 pitches through 3 innings...how far is Grady going to let him go today?
2007-07-01 14:07:57
115.   Lexinthedena
I love Vin more than I could ever love any of you....
2007-07-01 14:09:47
116.   bryanf
Is that infield grass mowing design the same as usual? I don't know if I have ever noticed that V pattern exactly like that...could I be that out of it?
2007-07-01 14:10:09
117.   JoeyP
Billingsley's control has been excellent so far today. 0bbs, and not many 3-ball counts either.
2007-07-01 14:11:05
118.   natepurcell
117

last time you said that, it was about kuo and then kuo proceeded to get lit up.

2007-07-01 14:11:06
119.   Who Is Karim Garcia
AFLAC QUESTION: Tommy and Burliegh Grimes?
2007-07-01 14:11:07
120.   bryanf
Lasorda would have been one, right?
2007-07-01 14:11:59
121.   Lexinthedena
I'm off to a meeting...Hope you all enjoy the game, and Chad's dominance:)

Peace in your middle crease,

LEX

2007-07-01 14:12:21
122.   Gen3Blue
I love the way Bills gets ahead of batters, many 0-2, but then he doesn't put them away, often going 3-2. He has plenty of time to either develop a K pitch(he has good stuff) or learn to throw a weak grounder or pop.
2007-07-01 14:13:12
123.   natepurcell
josh bell 2-2 hr bb so far today.

Laroche has had 3XBH in 7ABs since hes been back.

2007-07-01 14:13:50
124.   Gen3Blue
Maybe 90-100 today for Bills? he's almost stretched out for a youth.
2007-07-01 14:13:56
125.   Who Is Karim Garcia
Apparently I'm a historian and/or 100 years old, according to Vin.
2007-07-01 14:13:59
126.   Marty
Scott Erickson used to through weak grounders.
2007-07-01 14:14:49
127.   Gen3Blue
Nomar. One pitch, one away, rather like his last at bat. What the.....matter.
2007-07-01 14:14:50
128.   JoeyP
122--Billingley's today is putting the hitters away. 5ks/0bbs, 61 pitches in 4ip isnt too bad.
2007-07-01 14:14:58
129.   bryanf
125 Nice. :)
2007-07-01 14:15:34
130.   Gen3Blue
Well, that's two pitches this inning!
2007-07-01 14:16:39
131.   natepurcell
BISON hits a pop up homerun lol.
2007-07-01 14:16:41
132.   overkill94
Condor! I mean Bison! ;)
2007-07-01 14:16:49
133.   Greg Brock
Matt Kemp oppo bomb.

Bench him.

2007-07-01 14:16:51
134.   Gen3Blue
126 Yeah Kemp!!
2007-07-01 14:17:01
135.   Marty
Yay Bison.
2007-07-01 14:17:28
136.   Icaros
That looked like an infield pop-up off Kemp's bat.
2007-07-01 14:17:29
137.   imperabo
That was the most anti-climactic homerun call I've ever heard by a home announcer.
2007-07-01 14:17:32
138.   Gen3Blue
Cheek bounced off the wall well before the ball landed.
2007-07-01 14:18:13
139.   JoeyP
Maybe the Braves will be tired for the game tomorrow. They have to fly from Miami to LA, and they are still playing in Miami.

Matt Kemp!

Boy that guy should play more--ya think?

2007-07-01 14:18:15
140.   alex 7
that's Matt "incomplete" Kemp. ok by me.
2007-07-01 14:18:28
141.   natepurcell
137

well, it was hit a mile in the air and somehow it just carried.

2007-07-01 14:18:38
142.   FirstMohican
Kemp should sit tomorrow. Can't let him think he has to hit a HR everyday.
2007-07-01 14:19:34
143.   Gen3Blue
126 As I was saying Yeah. But with Bills, I was thinking of two players combining for the weak grounder.(Pitcher AND hitter).
2007-07-01 14:20:16
144.   fanerman
Matt Kemp hit .383/.420/.468 in June, and he's having a pretty good start to his July I'd say. Dude needs to play more. But, it's at least nice to see him producing in the opportunities he has.
2007-07-01 14:20:25
145.   TheDictator
Why do people on this site call Kemp Bison?
2007-07-01 14:20:56
146.   fanerman
Bills brought his arm and his bat today.
2007-07-01 14:21:26
147.   bryanf
139 Interesting game too...Armando Benitez is an incredible choke artist. I've been waiting for an hour for the All-Star announcements...
2007-07-01 14:21:29
148.   imperabo
141 I'm mostly refering to the "did he catch it. . . no" part of the call. The "no" part sounded almost disappointed. But yeah, it was a strange play to call.
2007-07-01 14:21:52
149.   fanerman
145, it's a nickname somebody coined (I forget who, sorry).

By the way, someone should design a Matt Kemp "Bison" t-shirt. We need to somehow make that name stick. It's the perfect nick.

2007-07-01 14:21:56
150.   JoeyP
145--Don Sutton on a Braves telecast used it first, and it kinda stuck.

I'm wondering where Bull Broxton originated though?

Show/Hide Comments 151-200
2007-07-01 14:22:18
151.   Bob Timmermann
145
Somebody, I think it was Steiner, said Kemp ran like a buffalo.
Being the annoying pedant that I am, I pointed out that there are no buffalo in the United States, but rather bison and we should use the correct name.

Apparently, I am influential enough that people listened to me.

2007-07-01 14:23:08
152.   fanerman
149 I didn't mean to rhyme at the end.
2007-07-01 14:23:15
153.   natepurcell
150

way down in the minors. that was his nickname for as long as i can remember.

2007-07-01 14:23:19
154.   Connector
146 Chad's hitting .667 according to Gameday.
2007-07-01 14:23:27
155.   silverwidow
Kemp is a Bison because of his strength and surprising speed.
2007-07-01 14:23:44
156.   Icaros
Also, Kemp's scarce playing time is reflective of the species of his nickname.
2007-07-01 14:24:20
157.   TheDictator
149

I'd buy that for a dollar!

151
Thanks! Go Bison!

2007-07-01 14:25:54
158.   JoeyP
What was Billingsley's top game score last year? Was it the game vs the Marlins?

If he keeps it up today, it might eclipse it.

2007-07-01 14:26:00
159.   Bob Timmermann
The Braves-Marlins game better end sometime. They must be running out of snacks in the studio for Tony Gwynn.
2007-07-01 14:26:23
160.   imperabo
Kemp is a bison because every part of the animal can be used for something useful. The original 5 tool beast.
2007-07-01 14:26:40
161.   fanerman
Whenever I think of Matt Kemp, I think of the Matt Kemp Facts. But mainly I remember the one that said that all Southern California carpool lanes have been renamed to "Matt Kemp Lanes," and only he can drive on them.
2007-07-01 14:26:43
162.   blutomania
I like the way they've handled Bills this year. I think the Bullpen stint really helped him develop.
2007-07-01 14:27:14
163.   scooplew
Leading Dodger hitters at this point in the season: Billingsley at .667, Loney at .423, Kemp at .413.
2007-07-01 14:27:23
164.   bryanf
Hendrickson is back in the rotation? Is Kuo in the bullpen now? I missed something...
2007-07-01 14:27:24
165.   Icaros
160

Right, and Dodgers management is the wasteful white man.

2007-07-01 14:28:48
166.   D4P
I can't wait to see Kemp hit when he's Ready For The Major Leagues™. I bet he gets a lot more Productive Outs and Good Piece of Hittings.
2007-07-01 14:28:59
167.   Andrew Shimmin
158- 79, 8/15/2006 at home against the Marlins.
2007-07-01 14:29:10
168.   silverwidow
164-Kuo is in AAA and Houlton is in the pen.
2007-07-01 14:29:12
169.   imperabo
165 He could be roaming the field from coast to coast, but the evil Ned has limited his range to right field.
2007-07-01 14:29:16
170.   JoeyP
164--Kuo was sent to Vegas. Houlton recalled.
Hendrickson gets to make 1 start, then Mark Buerhle starts after the All Star Break.

Ok, I made up the last part.

2007-07-01 14:30:23
171.   bryanf
170 Thanks. I guess I got behind on the news...
2007-07-01 14:30:27
172.   FirstMohican
170 - What did we give up for Buerhle?
2007-07-01 14:32:25
173.   TheDictator
When are they announcing the all-star team?
2007-07-01 14:33:08
174.   the IQ of Pedro Guerrero
161 comment 7 on this http://tinyurl.com/2275qw
2007-07-01 14:33:13
175.   JoeyP
When the Braves/Marlins game gets over I guess.
2007-07-01 14:33:41
176.   imperabo
Man, I never want to hear Vin say "Russell Martin on his way to San Francisco" again. I don't care about the context.
2007-07-01 14:36:27
177.   Bob Timmermann
Free baseball in Florida!
2007-07-01 14:37:06
178.   fanerman
174 Yeah I looked it up haha. They crack me up.

51. All Southern California carpool lanes are now "Matt Kemp Lanes," in which only he is allowed to drive.

2007-07-01 14:37:38
179.   scooplew
Prior to today's game, the Padres had thrown out only 13 of 98 attempted base stealers, at 13.3 percent, the worst in the league. The 85 stolen bases they had allowed topped the league by plenty. The Mets were next at 53. The Dodgers had thrown out 25 of 70, 35.7 percent. Martin had thrown out 23 of 64, Lieberthal 2 of 6.
2007-07-01 14:39:12
180.   King of the Hobos
When did the Dodgers sign Rick Bauer? I don't mind him as AAA fodder, but I have a bad feeling that Ned may feel inclined to use a "proven" guy (even if he has been horrible this year).
2007-07-01 14:39:14
181.   FirstMohican
Safe to say Bills is on his game...
2007-07-01 14:39:28
182.   Bob Timmermann
179
So it wasn't Mike Piazza's fault was it?
2007-07-01 14:39:48
183.   D4P
Prior to today's game, the Padres had thrown out only 13 of 98 attempted base stealers, at 13.3 percent, the worst in the league

And yet, their pitching staff has given up the fewest runs in the MLB, by far. You do the math...

2007-07-01 14:41:25
184.   JoeyP
Billingsley's best game of his career?
6ip 0R 8ks 0bbs
2007-07-01 14:42:26
185.   Bob Timmermann
183
The Padre pitchers are very good at making sure no one steals first.
2007-07-01 14:43:36
186.   tethier
Do you try to get 7 innings out of Billingsley? I'm only watching on GameDay but it sure doesn't look like he's running out of gas.
2007-07-01 14:44:44
187.   Marty
Wow, what a bad strike call
2007-07-01 14:44:58
188.   fanerman
186, he's only thrown 81 pitches.
2007-07-01 14:46:00
189.   natepurcell
all part of the learning process for Kemp.
2007-07-01 14:46:52
190.   JoeyP
With Kemp being a power hitter, the strikeouts are going to always be there. So thats why the Dodger management shouldnt worry about it.
2007-07-01 14:48:12
191.   imperabo
Strikeouts do not exist in this dojo!
2007-07-01 14:49:02
192.   Gagne55
188 Definately good for another one. Another two if he's as efficient as he was in the 6th, but prolly just one. In addition to him dealing, the bullpen is toast right now.
2007-07-01 14:49:42
193.   Icaros
Strikeout on three curveballs?

That's a benchin'.

2007-07-01 14:50:15
194.   Marty
Man, that looked casual by Loney.
2007-07-01 14:50:36
195.   JoeyP
Nice play by Abreu.
2007-07-01 14:50:42
196.   dkminnick
That's a single if Kent is in there.
2007-07-01 14:50:56
197.   Bob Timmermann
Two on and none out for the Fish in the 10th. I need that game to end so I can see the witty byplay between Tony Gwynn and Cal Ripken. They are going to become the Kenny Smith and Charles Barkley of MLB!
2007-07-01 14:50:59
198.   Icaros
Luke Walton still loves the Lakers.
2007-07-01 14:51:01
199.   Hallux Valgus
neither part of our opening day right side makes that play.
2007-07-01 14:51:26
200.   Gen3Blue
Wow plays by Kemp, Abreu and Loney that look so bea-0000-tiful, in support of their cohort Bills.
Show/Hide Comments 201-250
2007-07-01 14:51:34
201.   JoeyP
But do they still love him?
2007-07-01 14:52:10
202.   FirstMohican
Cameron's fly ball tells me Bills should come out. But then Branyan's K tells me maybe I want to see him one more inning.
2007-07-01 14:52:15
203.   bryanf
FLA-ATL game is finally over...
2007-07-01 14:52:20
204.   Icaros
201

Just gave him $30 million.

2007-07-01 14:52:32
205.   JoeyP
Ok, now to find out the All Stars!
2007-07-01 14:52:37
206.   Gen3Blue
Don't trade any of those 4. Play them for free, basically
2007-07-01 14:52:45
207.   Andrew Shimmin
197- Ask and ye shall receive.
2007-07-01 14:52:54
208.   silverwidow
Bills hasn't been this good since last August vs FLA.
2007-07-01 14:54:15
209.   Gen3Blue
Do you try to get 8 out of Bills?
2007-07-01 14:54:49
210.   Gen3Blue
No--you get Betemit.
2007-07-01 14:54:54
211.   Marty
So Bills nickname should be "Stopper"
2007-07-01 14:55:04
212.   scooplew
182 I guess not. By the way, Piazza, on the DL for quite a while with the A's now, has not caught for Oakland. Kendall has thrown out only 13 of 66 in the stolen base category before today. With the Yankees falling behind 8-0 in the second, they probably did not attempt too many steals today.
2007-07-01 14:55:13
213.   JoeyP
Billingsley's best game of his career IMO.
2007-07-01 14:55:40
214.   Gagne55
Oh come on!! Bills has enough gas left to pitch the 8th!
2007-07-01 14:56:22
215.   Hallux Valgus
good idea, Raffy. It's easier on your ankle if you just have to trot.
2007-07-01 14:56:33
216.   Greg Brock
I like home runs.
2007-07-01 14:56:35
217.   Marty
July 1, Furry warms up.
2007-07-01 14:56:36
218.   JoeyP
Furcal!
2007-07-01 14:56:44
219.   natepurcell
furcal just did a happy gilmore move.
2007-07-01 14:56:55
220.   Gen3Blue
Good-bye. I think Furcal is starting to feel better based on both base-running and power.
2007-07-01 14:56:59
221.   Andrew Shimmin
Alright Pierre. Your turn.
2007-07-01 14:57:23
222.   Hallux Valgus
216 I imagine that said in the Dax Sheppard voice from Idiocracy. "I like money."
2007-07-01 14:58:02
223.   Gagne55
Little is the new "Captain Hook"
2007-07-01 14:59:58
224.   Icaros
It's a little-known fact that, due to visa restrictions, the real Rafael Furcal is only able to play in America from July through the end of the year.

Spring to June is a celebrity look-alike who played some college ball.

2007-07-01 15:00:47
225.   D4P
6 years, $30 million for Walton seems like a good deal for the Lakers.
2007-07-01 15:01:03
226.   FirstMohican
How did Kapono get more money than Walton??? Wow. Silly Toronto.
2007-07-01 15:01:29
227.   FirstMohican
225 - Yeah, really. He must've had better offers than that.
2007-07-01 15:02:48
228.   Icaros
225

Yeah, he's likeable at least, and is pretty much the only guy on the team who actually understands the offense.

2007-07-01 15:03:43
229.   alex 7
with the bottom of SD's lineup due up, I'd rather see someone else go in there and take down the 8th inning.
2007-07-01 15:04:08
230.   Hallux Valgus
228 I think Vujacic understands it. He understands his role is to stay out of it.
2007-07-01 15:06:41
231.   JoeyP
Re-signing Walton doesnt help the Lakers on defense.
2007-07-01 15:08:24
232.   JoeyP
Broxton goes 2-0 and Martin immediately goes out to the mound.
2007-07-01 15:09:55
233.   JoeyP
Now Honeycutt is going out there...
Is Brox hurt?
2007-07-01 15:12:13
234.   FirstMohican
If Walton did in fact take a pay cut to stay with the Lakes, I wonder how he'll feel if he's traded this offseason ha.
2007-07-01 15:15:18
235.   Icaros
Story says the Lakers called Luke at 12:01 a.m. and he didn't even seek other offers.
2007-07-01 15:17:04
236.   JoeyP
All Star Gil Meche.
2007-07-01 15:19:03
237.   Andrew Shimmin
Not an All Star: Joe Mauer.
2007-07-01 15:19:42
238.   Bob Timmermann
Gil Meche is a deserving All-Star. He's got an ERA of 3.28. He's a lot better than Mark Redman was last year.
2007-07-01 15:20:38
239.   D4P
All-Star Voting, as of June 25:

First Base
3. Nomar Garciaparra, Dodgers, 1,011,372
4. Derrek Lee, Cubs, 644,553

Third Base
4. Scott Rolen, Cardinals, 625,073
5. Aramis Ramirez, Cubs, 593,356

Shortstop
5. David Eckstein, Cardinals, 571,467
??? Hanley Ramirez

2007-07-01 15:20:41
240.   Andrew Shimmin
Way to keep voting for Pudge, everybody. Don't stop, believing. Hold on to that feeling!
2007-07-01 15:20:54
241.   natepurcell
meche has pitched well this year.
2007-07-01 15:21:39
242.   Bob Timmermann
Lincecum went 7 innings, gave up 3 hits, no runs, and struck out 12 today. And no walks either.
2007-07-01 15:23:48
243.   Icaros
You know the 0-2 slider isn't going to be a strike...
2007-07-01 15:23:58
244.   Bob Timmermann
240
If the fans didn't vote for Rodriguez, then Posada would have been chosen. Then people would complain that the Yankees had three All-Star starters despite being mediocre.

Of course, Posada, Jeter, and A-Rod all deserve to start.

There are no Yankee pitchers on the All-Star rosters.

2007-07-01 15:24:20
245.   D4P
Loney's career OPS is an even 1.000
2007-07-01 15:24:44
246.   JoeyP
Polanco being voted in ahead of Brian Roberts is ridiculous.
2007-07-01 15:26:19
247.   JoeyP
All Star Russ Martin!
2007-07-01 15:26:31
248.   Andrew Shimmin
Russ gets the All Star start.
2007-07-01 15:26:33
249.   Greg Brock
Your starting NL catcher is Russell Martin.
2007-07-01 15:27:13
250.   alex 7
Abreu averaged 4 pitches seen per at bat. that's an improvement right? Seems like I've noticed him taking a few more pitches lately, even in 2-0 counts.
Show/Hide Comments 251-300
2007-07-01 15:29:18
251.   Andrew Shimmin
249- For your next trick you should post a link to that Vin Scully interview.
2007-07-01 15:31:26
252.   Greg Brock
251 Boo

Cal Ripken Jr. is an apologist for Barry Bonds and steroids users.

2007-07-01 15:31:59
253.   JoeyP
Welcome back to an old friend.
2007-07-01 15:32:29
254.   natepurcell
houlton seemed to have shortened his arm action.
2007-07-01 15:33:15
255.   natepurcell
that was strikeout.
2007-07-01 15:34:27
256.   Daniel Zappala
240 Actually, Carlos Guillen deserves to start ahead of Jeter, if you're looking at just this year.
2007-07-01 15:37:15
257.   Nagman
[big sigh of relief]
2007-07-01 15:38:53
258.   JoeyP
I wonder if Saito/Lowe will make the NL pitching staff?
2007-07-01 15:39:55
259.   Gen3Blue
D. J. Houlton as closer. O.K. I'd rather have him start. Its been predicted for several years that his ERA at Dodger stadium would be no worse than at Las Vegas.
Does Saito really need this much rest, I'm afraid he might get rusty. D.J. would have a good chance of winning with the D's behind him as the 51's are really abysmal w/o Loney, Kemp and Abrue (and when Laroche is injured). Working with Houlton, Bills and Kuo we really have some depth and potential.
2007-07-01 15:43:06
260.   DXMachina
258 Steiner said Saito made it, as did Penny. I guess Lowe didn't.
2007-07-01 15:43:34
261.   skybluestoday
Congrats to Billz. A beautifully-pitched game when his team really needed it. He should be proud of himself.

Thanks, Chad.

2007-07-01 15:45:11
262.   Gagne55
258 Lowe probably won't due to his 7-6 record.
2007-07-01 15:46:28
263.   Izzy
It's hard to make it through a 51's game right now without eating alot more than usual. That's not a good thing.
2007-07-01 15:46:39
264.   JoeyP
Lowe didnt make it.
2007-07-01 15:47:41
265.   Gen3Blue
Though we shouldn't expect everything at once, I think Bills is coming, without doubt.
2007-07-01 15:47:50
266.   Gagne55
Lowe has a 3.78 era in his 7 losses. That is amazing.
2007-07-01 15:48:55
267.   Gagne55
265 If you're talking about the all-star game... maybe next year.
2007-07-01 15:49:45
268.   Andrew Shimmin
Ripken never faced Penny.
2007-07-01 15:49:46
269.   Bob Timmermann
The Dodger All-Stars are Martin, Penny, and Saito.
2007-07-01 15:50:10
270.   JoeyP
Chris Young being left off the team is quite suprising.
2007-07-01 15:51:30
271.   Andrew Shimmin
Matt Cain is 2-9 with a 3.38 ERA.
2007-07-01 15:52:13
272.   King of the Hobos
No Chris Young?
2007-07-01 15:52:17
273.   DXMachina
I was gonna say that I can't complain much about Lowe not going when Young didn't get picked, either. Maybe they decided not to take more than two pitchers per team.
2007-07-01 15:57:34
274.   twerp
Sometimes I think Grady leans too much on "defined roles" and formulas for late innings. Sometimes the team might be better served staying with an obvious hot hand.

This was about as good a chance as could be asked for a complete game, Bills cruising on only 88 pitches. If Bills had gone nine, it would have saved the pen, built his confidence, and maybe gotten him a three-hit shoutout. But, no.

IIRC, Bills was cruising in relief in another game not long ago, only to have Grady pull him. The Dodgers wound up losing.

Sometimes it's better to stay with a hot hand. Momentum can be a big factor in winning in any sport.

At least it was a good spot for Houlton's first outing.

2007-07-01 16:02:34
275.   Dodgers49
Bradley goes on the 15-day DL

>>> Bradley is eligible to come off the DL on Friday, when the Padres face the Braves at PETCO Park, though there's a chance, Towers said, that the team might let him rest his injury during the All-Star break and have him ready for a three-game series at Arizona starting on July 13. <<<

http://tinyurl.com/2sgxws

2007-07-01 16:04:31
276.   DXMachina
88 Yes he was cruising, but was already 88 pithces is a lot more than he thrown in any outing this year, so I don't mind Grady pulling. The only thing different I might have brought would've been bring Houlton in for the eighth. He's been starting, so if he pitched well he could've gone two.
2007-07-01 16:04:49
277.   alex 7
and if that hot hand is cooled by a walk, a bloop, and a 3-run HR, we wonder what the rested guys in the pen are for. I don't think an inning each for Broxton and Houlton is really taxing the pen.

no need to risk tiring or injuring Bills due to his not having thrown 80+ pitches often in the last few months.

2007-07-01 16:08:38
278.   DXMachina
276 D'oh! That was one badly constructed post. I blame John Kruk.
2007-07-01 16:40:16
279.   natepurcell
according to game scores, this was billingsley's best game in his major league career.

today: 7IP 3H 0ER 0bb 9k gamescore= 80

his previous high was the start at home last year vs the marlins...

7IP 3H 0ER 1bb 9k gamescore= 79

2007-07-01 16:50:26
280.   Andrew Shimmin
The real question is: who's going to represent the Dodgers in the home run derby?

Oh. Wait. . .

2007-07-01 16:51:52
281.   D4P
The real question is: who's going to represent the Dodgers in the home run derby?

Depends. Are they allowing inside-the-parkers this year...?

2007-07-01 17:00:16
282.   Andrew Shimmin
IBL action coming up on KCET: Modi'in vs. Petach Tikva.
2007-07-01 17:01:12
283.   Dodgers49
272. Chris Young is a Final Vote Candidate so he still might make it.

>>> Now in its sixth year, the Monster.com 2007 All-Star Final Vote gives baseball fans around the world the opportunity to select the final player on each All-Star team.

Balloting began immediately following Sunday's Major League All-Star Selection Show presented by Chevrolet, and continues until 3 p.m. PT on Thursday, July 5. The winners will be announced on MLB.com shortly thereafter. <<<

http://tinyurl.com/2rt6hp

2007-07-01 17:02:50
284.   Andrew Shimmin
Israel's national anthem is kind of a bummer.
2007-07-01 17:04:28
285.   Andrew Shimmin
284- The PA guy must have thought so, too. He followed it up with a little Hootie and the Blowfish.
2007-07-01 17:08:36
286.   twerp
277 Yeah, there's always risk. But if you let Billz start the 8th, he has to be on a very short leash. Anything different such as a walk or two runners on for any reason should get him out of there.

If he'd thrown 88 pitches with no problem, he might have breezed to 100 or so. That might have been enough. But if that breeze changed direction even slightly, out with the hook.

There's been talk lately about the pen being taxed due to things like Kguo's short start and last night's extra innings. But, yeah, one inning for two relievers doesn't add much.

Anyhow, much better to be one game back than 3.

2007-07-01 17:08:40
287.   Andrew Shimmin
Even though Hebrew is read right to left, the ball/strike count is rendered the same way. The home team's score is to the left of the visitor's score on the chyron, though.
2007-07-01 17:15:44
288.   Greg Brock
284 Yes, it is. But you should see the Palestinian anthem. Little bit of anger there, methinks.
2007-07-01 17:18:07
289.   Andrew Shimmin
If Duquette is going to be the color commentator the whole game, I'm not sure I'll be able to watch more than another inning.
2007-07-01 17:21:10
290.   xaphor
I like the sharing of the batting helmet.
2007-07-01 17:21:48
291.   D4P
I like the sharing of the batting helmet

Is it one size fits all...?

2007-07-01 17:23:43
292.   xaphor
A player's head must fit the helmet to play. I'm for LA adopting the same standard. :)
2007-07-01 17:25:32
293.   Greg Brock
The bats look like they were purchased at Toys R Us.
2007-07-01 17:27:38
294.   Greg Brock
Okay, maybe just that one blue bat. That thing was ridiculous.
2007-07-01 17:30:50
295.   D4P
I'm for LA adopting the same standard

If it doesn't fit,
Juan Pierre must sit.

maybe just that one blue bat. That thing was ridiculous

As long as they don't got blue balls, they should be OK.

2007-07-01 17:41:48
296.   Andrew Shimmin
Bob's post on this IBL game, from back when it was played (spoiler warning):

https://griddle.baseballtoaster.com/archives/707187.html

2007-07-01 17:43:28
297.   Andrew Shimmin
The camera man needs to have it explained to him that the sideline reporter isn't just there to ask questions. Ever heard of a two shot?
2007-07-01 17:47:46
298.   Greg Brock
297 We are of similar minds on this.

I was actually thinking up several inappropriate jokes, mostly involving double entendre and the Golan Heights

2007-07-01 17:51:03
299.   Greg Brock
Modi'in is hacking away. They don't do that Bet Shemesh thing.
2007-07-01 17:52:13
300.   PDH5204
246 How so? Coming into today, both have 102 hits, with Polanco having a half dozen less ABs, and so Polanco's hitting .333 and Roberts .326. And, true, one plays for the clearly superior team, but Polanco still has scored more runs and has more RBIs. And while Roberts has his SBs, Polanco still has yet to make an error this year. So I wouldn't call it ridiculous, but I would make Polanco the starter, with Roberts next in line.
Show/Hide Comments 301-350
2007-07-01 18:17:10
301.   Gen3Blue
I've pretty much scanned all the posts and think this is a fairly fresh topic, at least tonight. I think we are in a critical situation, at least in Colletti's mind. If we continue to have trouble scoring runs, I think he may consider trading prospects for a "big bopper". Watching four players tonight, specifically, Loney, Kemp, and Abrue giving superior defensive support to Billingsley, I wonder if Flanders knows what he has. These guys between them will gradually improve the offense over time at essentially no cost. They should not be part of a trade. Of course the other bad part of the "deal" is that I don't trust him to get a hitter good enough to really make a difference, and to make it for possibly the decade we could be talking about now.
Of course, I want to beat the Padres now just like everyone else, but they have really good pitching, slightly deeper than ours, and why is that?
I am sitting here praying for no more "big deals" and no more "vets".
2007-07-01 18:20:20
302.   trainwreck
302
From all new accounts, Ned wants pitching not hitting.
2007-07-01 18:28:37
303.   Gen3Blue
302 meaning(301)perhaps.

I've heard that and that may be a good sign. But not for one of the four mentioned. And it looks to me like we have pitching in the system (Houlton, Meloan,etc.)

2007-07-01 18:53:24
304.   Dodger Jack
Maybe we can package LaRoche, Kuo, and Ethier for Willis, or Buerle, or Miggie. Under no circumstances should we part with Bills, Kemp, or Loney. We ought not trade Kershaw either.
2007-07-01 18:57:34
305.   Dodger Jack
I might put Abreu in the trade mix but only if we get a dominant player in return. Kent won't last forever.
2007-07-01 19:08:59
306.   Hallux Valgus
303 If calling up Houlton means Hendrickson is in the rotation, I think we need pitching.

I think it's fantastic that we won today with Bills, Loney, Abreu, and Kemp contributing big things offensively and defensively. I hope management agrees. Frankly, I barely notice Pierre because I still have the kids to which to look forward. I don't even mind the Dodgers not going far in the playoffs if it means I get to watch these guys next year.

2007-07-01 19:11:21
307.   Dodgers49
LaRoche has banner day in return to 51s' lineup

>>> The 23-year-old LaRoche, who also singled and finished 2-for-3 in Las Vegas' 8-2 loss, underwent surgery on his left shoulder in the offseason and aggravated it diving for balls in early June.

An MRI of LaRoche's shoulder came back negative, but he still was placed on the DL on June 18.

"I just tweaked it a little. It wasn't anything serious. It was like a deep bruise in there," LaRoche said. "It's been healthy the last four or five days, but they wanted to make sure 100 percent that it's OK." <<<

http://www.lvrj.com/sports/8270147.html

2007-07-01 19:16:13
308.   berkowit28
I expect they put all the young 'uns in today as part of a review to see which they might trade for a pitcher. Since their decisions the past couple of weeks have in fact mirrored the views here - only a couple of months late - I'd be optimistic that they might make the right choices. I.e. keep Loney, Kemp, Billingsley. It's acceptable if they trade one, or maybe two, of Betemot, Abreu, even Ethier, in order to get a pitcher that can make a difference and fill the gap left by Schmidt.

It was great to see Billingsley come into his own today. That won't have gone unnoticed, and is part of the plan they had for him all along. I don't think there are any worries there. Nor for Loney, at the moment. They did give Kemp another good chance today, and he made a lot of it. I suppose he's the one they might be tempted to trade, but I really don't think they will: his ceiling is still way high, and unknown.

2007-07-01 19:18:14
309.   regfairfield
I love how LaRoche is now expendable to a lot of people. This guy was, at worst, our number two prospect three months ago.
2007-07-01 19:25:20
310.   Hallux Valgus
309 I sort of agree. I'm not keen to give up any of the youngsters, but if I had to choose 2 from among Billingsley, Kuo, Kemp, LaRoche, and Loney to acquire a big bat, I'd move LaRoche and Kuo in a heartbeat, if only for the inury issues.

If you want to argue that none should be traded, I won't complain a bit, but people love the trade talk, and to me, that means LaRoche and Kuo (note: I've never been enamored of Kuo).

2007-07-01 19:30:33
311.   Greg Brock
309 I must admit, you're right. The kid has been pegged as a future quality third baseman. But he's become the highest rated kid we're willing to let go of. It's the power zap thing.
2007-07-01 19:32:54
312.   Hallux Valgus
311 I don't know if you've noticed, but the U-20 World Cup is going on, and the US plays on Tuesday (ESPNU). Freddy Adu, Chris Seitz, Michael Bradley, and Josmer Altidore.
2007-07-01 19:36:09
313.   JoeyP
--300

Roberts OBP- .413
Polanco OBP- .381

Roberts SLG- .457
Polanco SLG-.425

Roberts OPS- .870
Polanco OPS- .806

Roberts SB- 25/29
Polanco SB- 3/5

2007-07-01 19:38:10
314.   dsfan
Anyone know much about James McDonald, Dodgers A pitcher with phenomenal strikeout ratios?
2007-07-01 19:39:59
315.   Daniel Zappala
312 That's Real Salt Laker Freddy Adu. He made a big splash when he was traded, but he soccer really doesn't make a dent in the small sports scene we have.
2007-07-01 19:40:06
316.   Greg Brock
312 I did notice, but thanks for the heads up anyway. I'll bet underdog will be stoked.

Adu, I know about. Seitz is from SLO town, so I'm a little familiar with him.

2007-07-01 19:41:44
317.   Bob Timmermann
314
I don't, but he's been discussed fairly extensively here by the prospectniks.
2007-07-01 19:46:31
318.   Hallux Valgus
315 I don't understand Adu, he dominates the U-20's, and played well in his one call up to the USMNT. I don't know why he pljays so poorly for MLS.

316 I didn't notice until after I missed the South Korea match.

I want to see Altidore,, who has the frame to add weight and be Twellman or McBride in the air, but is already fast and has a laser strike.

2007-07-01 19:52:59
319.   Hallux Valgus
315 316

oh yeah, and Seitz is also an RSLer, and he graduated from Thousand Oaks, so um, there's that.

2007-07-01 19:53:52
320.   Greg Brock
Adu wants to cross the pond. Far be it from me to ever challenge a kid's heart, but he seems uninterested in MLS.

Maybe, for the first time in the history of the USMNT, we can have a bona fide finisher. Donovan is a great US player, but she just doesn't get it done on the world scene. Johnson is maddening.

2007-07-01 19:55:46
321.   Greg Brock
All I want is a Cristiano Ronaldo. Is that too much to ask?*

*It's too much to ask

2007-07-01 19:58:57
322.   Hallux Valgus
320 Landycakes is satisfied making his million a year and succeeding in MLS. His saying that he didn't want to play in the Copa told me a lot about that (and leaving Germany).

He's happy being Landycakes, and doesn't want to be a great player on the world stage. He should never be our captain again. Leave that to the players who want greatness.

321 I'll settle for an Arjen Robben.

2007-07-01 20:03:43
323.   Greg Brock
Have you seen this yet?

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/football/article1963015.ece

Michael Essien at #5. That guy is a monster.

2007-07-01 20:06:30
324.   Icaros
"For me, it's all about getting on base," Pierre said. "But the main goal is scoring runs."
2007-07-01 20:09:35
325.   Andrew Shimmin
I'd seen some LaRoche dangling that I didn't much like, but chalked it up to isolated incidents. Is that really the zeitgeist? If you get rid of a prospect the first time he has a disappointing year, the only talent you'll ever graduate is Pujols level. And you'll have plenty of number one draft picks to try getting one. How many times would Loney have been traded for garbage if we used that standard?
2007-07-01 20:10:11
326.   Hallux Valgus
Steven Garrard- too high. He's lucky he plays with so much talent.
Thierry Henry- too low (although he'll be lucky to make the list next year with Barca)
Essien= monster, yes
C. Ronaldo should've been #1
2007-07-01 20:16:26
327.   Greg Brock
Mother Brock was an exchange student in Brazil, and we have many friends down there, so I have an extreme pro-Brasil bias. Kaka is my favorite player in the world.

Cristiano Ronaldo is an absolute assassin, but I think Kaka is the better all around player.

I'm the last holdout on earth that thinks Wayne Rooney is overrated. Which probably means I am wrong. But he still looks like a Hobbit.

2007-07-01 20:22:50
328.   trainwreck
LaRoche is not expendable to me.

There is pretty much no trades out there that I would like that are actually plausible.

2007-07-01 20:23:36
329.   Hallux Valgus
I'll admit that I barely saw Kaka this year.

I think Rooney is great player, but he can be taken out of his game with a well placed insult or middling foul.

2007-07-01 20:45:51
330.   Gen3Blue
I don't mean to spark a prospect talk and then dessert( or desert). I have several deep feelings beyond the obvious prospects.
1)Both Abrue or Hu could easily become superior ML shortstops.
2)LaRoche was indeed recently one of our most significant prospects. But he has the wierd and shifting "Labrum" over him. The way this injury is being conquered now we should get full value for him or give him full time to recover. (He may decide on surgery).
3) Don't underestimate Houlton. He is an experienced pitcher reaching his prime.
2007-07-01 20:51:47
331.   LA Native
Not sure I understand the LaRoche trade talk. If his shoulder is a real problem, we won't get full value for him. We still need a long-term third baseman as much as any position, especially one with a little power (something we are short of dramatically, especially when Kent is gone). He needs some time in AAA, just like Kemp did, but I still think he is a quality prospect. He is not a Joel Guzman, at least not yet.
2007-07-01 20:56:49
332.   Gen3Blue
331 I agree 330 continued. Before we consider trading any frontline prospect, consider D. Young.
4) He could be an outfielder who looks to hit .280/10-15/80. I am not necc. advocating trading him. He also is very versatile(infield experience.)
2007-07-01 21:04:44
333.   Hallux Valgus
331 If his shoulder is a real problem, we won't get full value out of him either.
2007-07-01 21:09:14
334.   alex 7
are delwyn young's numbers this season really all that exciting? enough to project him as a future .300 hitter?

he's already 25 years old and has struck out 100+ times this season in 500 at bats and has only walked 40 times. The 42 doubles are nice, but overall his hitting numbers just don't seem overly impressive.

2007-07-01 21:12:24
335.   alex 7
Young's OPSing <.800 at age 24/25.
2007-07-01 21:12:42
336.   Gen3Blue
331,333 Because modern medicine seems to be on the cusp of dealing w/Labrum problems, it may be worth waiting some time for LaRoche. Thats my point. Also the labrum is apparently much more of a problem for a pitcher than any other athlete.
2007-07-01 21:14:51
337.   underdog
312 Thanks for the tip about that! I just checked to see if I get ESPNU and it appears I do so I'm definitely gonna Tivo that one. Should be fun to watch - probably more fun than watching the next US Copa game.
2007-07-01 21:16:55
338.   xaphor
326. Thierry Henry- too low (although he'll be lucky to make the list next year with Barca)

Eto was #4 and Henry is every bit as good. A healthy year and he belongs in the top 5 of any list.

Steven Garrard- too high. He's lucky he plays with so much talent.

I would say the exact opposite, especially when you compare Liverpool to United, Arsenal, and Chelsea. I would, however use that argument for his international midfield teammate at #16 (Lampard). Next year looks promising for them with the young Spanish striker at #35 (Torres) likely set to sign.

2007-07-01 21:18:34
339.   alex 7
umm, whoops :) just realized I was only seeing his 2006 numbers. he's kinda tearing it up in 2007.
2007-07-01 21:20:24
340.   underdog
Btw, I just got back after being gone for the day and then watched the game in condensed fashion via MLBTV. Even in Reader's Digest mode, that was sweet. Don't have much to add that hasn't already been said here, but just seeing Billingsley come around and pitch like we know him capable of was a real treat, as was seeing Kemp and Furcal go deep (and someone else almost did - can't remember who - when Cameron robbed him). But Bills was the highlight for me, and it was good to see Houlton provide us with a brief respite from some of the other mop-up guys at least.

Btw, I know the word is for now that Hendy will be the 5th starter over Houlton, but I wouldn't be surprised to see them change that quickly if needed. (Which it will be.)

But for now, thank dog, they took this one, as they really needed it.

Speaking of (under)dog, I saw the coming attraction for the Underdog movie today - not once but twice when the theater screwed up - when going to see Ratatouille (which I greatly enjoyed, btw, especially the last 25 minutes or so). The Udog movie looks odd, bears hardly any resemblance to the cartoon, except for character names and some lines, but could be cute for kids. But I'd already lost interest after seeing the coming attraction a second time.

Now I'm gonna watch Flight of the Conchords. Backatcha later.

2007-07-01 21:20:31
341.   alex 7
what are the thoughts on Young hitting for average and doubles power but having struck out 71 (!!) times in 290 at bats. also has a walk percentage below 10%.
2007-07-01 21:21:21
342.   JoeyP
He is not a Joel Guzman, at least not yet.

Guzman is a full year younger than LaRoche, and has actually started to play much better for Durham. He has 12HRs this year, and is hitting .263/.292/.445----if he doesnt learn to walk he's going to have huge problems.

But, given how the Dodgers deemed Guzman a value-less asset (and when you give him up and get back Lugo--thats value-less), I can understand why they would be down on LaRoche and deem him expendable.

2007-07-01 21:41:16
343.   Andrew Shimmin
Lugo, Withrow, and the LOOGy whose name I'll learn someday, for Guzman.
2007-07-01 21:48:20
344.   Greg Brock
Henry's year was weird. He will probably light it up with Barcelona next year.

I would also argue that Garrard is overrated. But I think every English footballer not named Michael Owen has been overrated in the last ten years.

Fabregas will be in the top ten by next year.

2007-07-01 21:50:22
345.   underdog
"But I think every English footballer not named Michael Owen has been overrated in the last ten years." Totally agree with that. The Hobbit is a good player but I've never seen him live up to the expectations his rep has given him, at least in my eyes. Garrard's quite solid, though maybe not the all-world some would have him as.
2007-07-01 21:51:33
346.   Greg Brock
SOCCER NERD THREADJACK!
2007-07-01 21:55:23
347.   underdog
"Oh I'm sorry, I thought this was Soccer Thoughts."

"No, this is abuse. You want next door."

2007-07-01 21:56:25
348.   Greg Brock
As hard as I've tried, I cannot hate Manchester United, and the reason is this:

Eric Cantona played for Man U. Eric Cantona was the first international player I really fell in (completely heterosexual, and I mean that) love with. When I see the Man U jerseys, I still see Eric Cantona leaping into the stands like a madman.

Cantona. Zidane. Kaka. These are my favorite players of all time. Two of them are French. This is difficult to reconcile.

2007-07-01 21:56:28
349.   natepurcell
314

i saw him pitch last sunday. i posted a detailed scouting report too.

2007-07-01 22:00:46
350.   natepurcell
prospects who control the strikezone as well as laroche aren't expendable.
Show/Hide Comments 351-400
2007-07-01 22:09:27
351.   Uncle Miltie
Nice to see Saito make the all star team. He's one of my favorite Dodgers and doesn't get the recognition he deserves, outside of LA. He also seems like a good guy which makes it easy to root for him.
2007-07-01 22:10:31
352.   xaphor
348. As hard as I've tried, I cannot hate Manchester United

You just need to meet some of their fans. :)

2007-07-01 22:16:45
353.   Greg Brock
352 See, I need to take inventory of DT posters and their corresponding EPL teams. underdog likes the underdog, so I'm pegging him as a Newcastle/Man City fan. Hallux Valgus knows his stuff, but isn't snotty about it, so I peg him as a Liverpool/Hotspur fan.

You hate Man U, so you are a Chelski/Arsenal fan.

2007-07-01 22:22:46
354.   Bob Timmermann
The Dodger-Padre rivalry has been joined by Alyssa Milano.

http://alyssa.mlblogs.com/alyssa/2007/07/the_the_other_s.html

2007-07-01 22:27:08
355.   Xeifrank
I was at the game today. Arrived at Chinatown around 11am, smooth sailing in on the 101 freeway. Guo's House O Noodles is closed for remodelling, so my father and I had to settle for Pho 79 noodle soup on Broadway. Entered and exited through the centerfield gate. The exit was great, I've never had such a quick getaway from the parking lot in over 30+ years of attending games. Kudos to the parking re-design. It was a hot one, like 7 inches from the mid-day sun. Our seats were in the reserved (blue seats) section, 4th section from the end of the right field line. We were able to finagle our way in to the loge (orange seats) and found some seats in the shade behind home plate that nobody showed up to use. It was nice not having to sit in the sun at all. My neighbors brother threw out the first pitch. It was pretty funny, he did a fake to third, pickoff to first base move on his first attempt and got the crowd to laugh a little bit. Then fired high and inside to Lieberthal (Westlake HS graduate). As far as the game went, some of my impressions were...
Billingsley was a little shaky the first two innings, then nearly perfect the rest of the game. When he gets ahead early in the count he has great success. Had a few hard hit balls hit right at fielders and Matt Kemp made a nice catch at the wall against Cameron.
Kemp was great in his first two at bats, but once they started throwing him the off speed stuff he looked pretty awful. I wouldn't let him see very many fastballs if I were pitching to him, just a steady diet of offspeed stuff out of the strike zone. He's going to need to change his approach at the plate or he will have lots of trouble.
Loney looked good at the plate and made a good scoop of a throw in the dirt. He has a great looking swing, hit a ball hard right at the shortstop and seems to have great patience at the plate.
Abreu has a great glove and great range, a definite defensive improvement over an aging Kent. Didn't really impress at the plate, but far from the worst.
Pierre did his thing, Walked, singled, stole a base. Seemed like everybody stole a base in that one "small ball" inning.
Furcal's HR left the yard quickly, Kemp's was pretty high and thought it might be caught.
Nomar didn't look too great either, but got the biggest ovation, other than Martin.
Germano has an interesting repetoire. He throws a ton of offspeed stuff. The lefties seemed to hit it well, but the righties looked foolish vs the offspeed stuff.
Went to get a Dodger dog after the 7th inning stretch and they were all gone (sold out for the game). That was kind of disappointing, but I saved 10 bucks. My neighbors sat in the front row behind home plate, next to the Dodger dugout. They got to go into the clubhouse after the game and gets alot of baseballs signed and pictures taken with players and ex-players. Steve Garvey signed, Nomar signed etc... He's got some nice pictures, hope to post them online when he emails them to me.

Worst part of the game: Dodger Dogs being sold out.

Best part: Seeing all the young players play and some of them do very well.

vr, Xei

2007-07-01 22:28:45
356.   Who Is Karim Garcia
I'm a Man U fan in the premiership, Chivas for the Mexican League....

... and I'd rather eat paint than watch any MLS.

2007-07-01 22:33:51
357.   Bob Timmermann
355
Vin mentioned the whole Ventura County outing in fairly good detail.
2007-07-01 22:34:18
358.   xaphor
353. Worst, Man City. Born to a City and United fan now separated (Big Suprise). My grandfather is the only Mancunian I have ever meet who supports both teams and he gets a free pass for being the greatest guy you could ever know.

The Dodger Bums historic past and long bouts with mediocrity are right up my alley. :)

2007-07-01 22:36:23
359.   Xeifrank
357. Oh, that was nice of him. It was the first game I've been to in 4 or 5 years. I'm going to go back and re-read through some of the game comments.
vr, Xei
2007-07-01 22:41:52
360.   Greg Brock
So, xaphor is a Man City fan. He gets a +1 for fan allegiance, and - 1,000,000 for being a Man City fan. Good lord, that's like being a Devil Rays supporter.

Except that the D-Rays will win the World Series before Man City wins the Premiership.

2007-07-01 22:44:19
361.   xaphor
360. We are going to take all that money stolen from the good people of Thailand and make you eat those words.
2007-07-01 22:47:32
362.   Greg Brock
361 I didn't even know there were Man City fans in the United States. It's almost like being from Japan and being a Clippers fan.

I appreciate the support. But wow..I'll take "hitching your wagon to the wrong horse" for $500, Alex.

2007-07-01 22:59:09
363.   xaphor
361. I was born there and moved here.

Hitching my wagon to the Dodgers was all fireworks in the beginning (80's) but has petered out and became pretty stale as of late. But staying a Dodger fan is a cakewalk to the tears and tribulations of the City faithful.

2007-07-01 23:02:43
364.   Greg Brock
363 You can always take solace in the fact that Man City has the best uniforms in the EPL. But seriously, being a City supporter has to be so painful. If I was living in Manchester, and was faced with wankers that support United, I would probably go postal. It's like Lakers vs. Clippers...Multiplied by a thousand.
2007-07-01 23:06:04
365.   PDH5204
313 I see that you didn't read that one article I posted a while back concerning the giant sucking sounds emanating from metrics. And so you forgot to consider the role on the team. Roberts bats leadoff while Polanco bats second. Simply recall that 2-hole hitters are sometimes asked to give themselves up. So Polanco, unlike Roberts, is asked to give himself up on occasion. You also left out the fact that while Roberts has 45 or so walks, he's K'd 40 or so times. Polanco only has 17 walks, but he's K'd only 14-15 times. You can't move the runner over with a K, but you might be able to do so by putting the ball in play and that's what Polanco does. And, of course, the O's don't have Sheff and Maggs, so Roberts can be walked while Polanco simply cannot. So the OBP difference is rather misleading and, again, the failure to consider their respective roles can be so as well. And speaking of "win shares", do you know whether any of Roberts' errors have cost the O's a win? I'd ask the same about Polanco, but as I said, he has yet to make an error this year, so there is no question to ask in this regard. Lastly, I'm not saying that Roberts is no good and/or that he is not worthy of All Star consideration, since he is good and should be on the AL All Star team. But the "ridiculous", to use your word, is to claim that Polanco over Roberts is "ridiculous".
2007-07-01 23:20:28
366.   underdog
I like the Man Cit unis too but wouldn't consider myself a real fan of the team. I come late to the EPL in general. (Heck, I was a loyal San Jose Earthquakes fan until they bailed for Houston, the jerks. Not to mention a NY Cosmos fan when first playing soccer as a real young lad.) But I have definitely followed, off and on, Newcastle, yah, you guessed it Greg, though I'm also partial to Reading on occasion. I like watching both teams, but as a fan of the underdog Newcastle has a place with me. (I also like following Bobby Convey's career so far abroad, so Reading is of interest for that reason, too.)

A former teammate of mine use to teasingly call me "Bandwagon" because one time I showed up wearing a jersey for the Greek national team - because my 'rents had gotten it for me when traveling there, and another time came wearing a Italian national jersey. I don't even root for Italia, just happened to have the jersey, and then of course they won the World Cup. Is that my fault? I got him to stop making fun of me for wearing a Broncos jersey and a Quakes jersey, though, when convincing him that was less bandwagonesque. Those are really my teams! Did I mention I have quite a few jerseys?

No Newcastle one yet though.

2007-07-01 23:26:31
367.   Greg Brock
underdog is a Newcastle fan. I could have called that in my sleep.

I'm surprised I guessed right. Of course, on another level, I'm not very surprised.

2007-07-01 23:33:04
368.   Andrew Shimmin
365- Polanco has two bunts this year, one SH. They have identical WARPs. Neither has been very close to as good as Orlando Cabrera, who's going to watch the game on t.v., if at all.

I read the article you posted. I only remember it because I opened it in a new tab that I didn't get around to reading till a day or two after I'd clicked, by which time I'd completely forgotten where it came from. It took me a very long time to figure out how I'd gotten there. I don't think the article said what you think it did. It wasn't a rebuttal of the value of baseball metrics, it was a sound statistical argument against saying that because a player has a .333 BA, that means he has a one in three chance of getting a hit during any specific AB. Which is true; most batters are less likely to get a hit in any particular AB off of Jake Peavy than they are on average. But I'm not sure what that has to do with the All Star game, unless you're arguing that Roberts has seen worse pitchers, so his numbers are inflated. That could be, but there's some leg work to do, before concluding it's so.

2007-07-02 05:12:00
369.   D4P
ESPN's front page says:

Despite a lackluster season and a cloud of suspicion hanging over him, Barry Bonds found a home in the 78th All-Star Game

He's hitting .304/.516/.603 with 16 HRs in 194 ABs. That's plenty of luster for me.

2007-07-02 05:55:02
370.   D4P
Hmmm. Perhaps the climate in London doesn't lend itself to tennis after all.
2007-07-02 06:49:38
371.   godvls
Come on you Spurs!
2007-07-02 06:54:30
372.   Gen3Blue
Nice report on the game by Xeifrank, who was there.For some of us distant fans it gives a bit of a taste of "inside the stadium", though of course no Dodger Dog.
(355)
2007-07-02 07:09:44
373.   Penarol1916
367. What is this to be a futbol fan in the US you have to have an EPL team? The only EPL team I ever liked was the Hotspurs in the mid-90's because they had Gus Poyet, other than that, the entire league is a bunch of garbarge, give me La Liga any day.

As for the U-20 World Cup, I watched an amazing game last night between Uruguay and Spain, ended in at 2-2 with an injury time goal for Spain. Edison Cavani is going to be the best Uruguayan player since Enzo Francescoli.

2007-07-02 07:14:52
374.   al bundy
Trade Matt Kemp for Mark Buehrle? Is that a joke? Were that to happen, I think I'd have to resign my permanent spot in the dodgers booster section. Somebody please stop Ned.
2007-07-02 07:27:20
375.   al bundy
OK it seems the LA Times is reporting the Dodgers are cool to the idea of trading Kemp. Sigh of relief.
2007-07-02 07:45:33
376.   Gen3Blue
It can be hoped that the nice performances by Bills and Houlton may take a bit of the edge off Ned's pitching panic. Its interesting that right now I hope the pitchers do well less from a desire to win this year, and more from a hope to keep this future team together.
2007-07-02 08:09:28
377.   GobiasIndustries
355
I too was at the game yesterday and I was not as fortunate as you to not sit in the sun. However my buddy came through with some pretty sweet seats. I was on the field level, down the first base line, row 46 aisle A on the wall. Outside of burning alive and looking like a lobster today, it was awesome. I yelled out to Matt Kemp that he should be starting EVERYDAY and he smiled and gave a head nod in our general direction. Hiram Bocachica was harassed all day long, although he became visibly upset and was trading barbs in Espanol with some guys sitting two rows behind me that just wouldn't shut up. I think it was about the 7th inning and Hiram was playing catch with Mike Cameron and turned like he was going to throw the ball into the left field pavilion before the inning started. He faked it, and then pretended like he was going to throw the ball into to the crowd about where I was sitting. He faked that too and ultimately threw the ball into the Padres bullpen. After the chorus of boos subsided, I yelled out "That's why your not a Dodger anymore!" He turned and gave us a little bit of a grin. Then the guys behind me started yelling stuff at him in Spanish and wouldn't let up. One particular phrase that I won't attempt to try and pronounce seemed to really get under Bocachica's skin. This went on for about two innings until the drunken hecklers left. It was comedy. Other notes: I have been to four games that Matt Kemp has started, 2 last year (including his first HR as a big leaguer) and 2 this year. He has homered in every game. Billz looked goooooooooooood yesterday. Just the boost from the pitching staff that we needed. I also told my buddy that if we saw Tomko in the parking lot after the game, punches would be thrown and that he better be prepared to bail me out of jail if it came to that :)
2007-07-02 08:25:55
378.   The Rabbits Rarely Loose
"For me, it's all about getting on base,"

Does Juan Pierre understand what OBP is? a walk lets you on base too, you know Juan .....

2007-07-02 08:50:15
379.   Greg Brock
373 "A bunch of garbage"

Really? The English Premier League is garbage?

2007-07-02 08:56:11
380.   Hallux Valgus
373 Gasp! That's "Spurs" or "Tottenham Hotspur." not "The Hotspurs."

I sort of adopted Arsenal after reading Fever Pitch, but I'm not really that invested. I tend just to root for Americans, so I follow Fulham intently right now. Actually, Clint Dempsey could be playing for a pub team, and they'd be my favorites.

2007-07-02 09:16:10
381.   underdog
367 I think we're defining "fan" rather loosely, but yah, I like 'em. But I'm more of an acquaintance. They could dump me at any time.

Like Hallux, I also like just following the few Americans in the league, to see how they're doing.

I just like watching great soccer, er, football, wherever it's played.

2007-07-02 09:22:32
382.   Penarol1916
379. No, as in their fans are a bunch of garbage and La Liga is much more entertaining. Plus I find it incredibly odd that American fans of the sport only pay attention to one league, and a league that only started playing an exciting brand of the sport in the last 10 years. Part of my problem with EPL is just my contrarion nature, especially with all of the kids in the British schools I went to when I lived in Uruguay. The other part is the fact that all of my American friends who followed the sports always insisted that the EPL was the best league in the world, even during those years when it was obviously not the case.

380. Meh, if they were in a league I cared about, I would be bothered by my mistake, but since it is EPL, your just lucky I didn't refer to them as "that one club in London that's always mediocre, no, not that one, the other one."

2007-07-02 09:29:46
383.   underdog
Another rumor going around has it that the Dodgers are interested in the White Sox' Jose Contreras, not Buehrle. I assume he'd cost less in players than would Buehrle. If we're going after pitchers, and want one that would cost less, I like the idea someone else had here that the Dodgers should inquire about Joe Blanton. Meanwhile, I find myself rooting not only for Bills and Houlton to do well, but for Hendy for that matter - and not just 'cause the D's are my team. To prevent a dumb trade.
2007-07-02 09:32:01
384.   Greg Brock
382 The EPL is not the best league. I acknowledge that.

But ten years ago the English First Division (or whatever it was) stunk, and now it's about to pass Serie A. Give it a few more years, and it will pass Serie A and La Liga.

There is also the not-so-insignificant fact EPL has made a concerted effort to make inroads in the American market. Serie A and La Liga can't be bothered with it.

2007-07-02 09:38:41
385.   LogikReader
383

Just to review, here's the notable mid-season trades from Last year:

-- Izturis, some other guy, and a bag of baseballs for Greg Maddux: good trade, he definitely helped down the stretch.
-- Baez for Betemit. No matter how much we use/don't use "meat," this is one was a laugher. Excellent move. Was this trade done off waivers or before the regular deadline?

2007-07-02 09:51:13
386.   Penarol1916
384. I'd say that you can make a very good argument that the EPL is the best league in the world right now. To me, it is even with La Liga in terms of quality both are half a step above Serie A and it has been that way for at least the last 5 years. I sincerely doubt that any of those 3 leagues will ever be head and shoulders above the other two for any extended period of time. Like I said, my distaste for the EPL stems from contrarianism as much as my distaste for British sports fans in general.
2007-07-02 09:53:17
387.   underdog
Yah, I liked, and I think everyone else here pretty much liked, the trade for Maddux. It seemed a no-brainer. I just don't know who else we can trade away for the equivalent of Maddux who is along the lines of an Izturis. (A player we like and will warmly bid farewell to, while knowing he has no place on the club at that point - and who is tradeable!) Well, I guess some would feel that way about Nomar, not sure I do completely and not sure he's that tradeable. The current team is basically aging veterans and young up-and-comers, with few tradeable parts in between. imho. But that was a good trade, indeed.
2007-07-02 09:54:33
388.   underdog
(Er, I'm assuming Tomko isn't that tradeable. Maybe he is...)
2007-07-02 09:56:04
389.   twerp
Preferably Tomko won't pitch again in a Dodger uniform. But if he must, it just cannot be in a meaningful situation (aka as wasting a roster spot).

After what he has done--especially lately---the team obviously can't have any confidence in him. No doubt he has very little in himself either--the usual mental box he puts himself in, "stuff" notwithstanding.

Tomko's game-deciding debacle vs. the Padres Saturday immediately followed his inability to hold a large lead time before. I don't delight in blasting Tomko, but if he pitches when it matters there will be more meltdowns, no matter if he has some success. A contending team has to minimize chances of that.

He will look great at times. But he has proven that too often he will blow it.

No one is perfect. But, as one example, if just one of his two relief meltdowns in Chicago last year didn't happen, maybe the Dodgers win at least one and win the division over the Padres by a game. Then, who knows what might have happened in the playoffs (see Cardinals, St. Louis, tho surely no one outside St. Louis thinks they were the best team in baseball last year).

He could bring back something--maybe not much--in a trade. Too many teams are hurting for any kind of pitching (but maybe not the "wrong" kind Tomko has delivered lately). Let him have a "fresh start" elsewhere.

Meloan or Hull or whoever would be a far better use of his roster spot. They actually might help the team and have a future, even.

2007-07-02 09:58:57
390.   underdog
I understand being biased for your team, Giants fans being anti-Dodger (and even, God forbid, booing Russell Martin), but are they really this delusional?
(From San Jose Mercury News)
"When the announcement was finally made, the fans remaining in the ballpark booed the selection of the Dodgers' Russell Martin at catcher, having hoped for Bengie Molina."
2007-07-02 10:03:07
391.   Bob Timmermann
390
I think they were booing a Dodger more than rooting for Molina.

I have a feeling that Peavy will get the start over Penny mainly because Penny started last year.

2007-07-02 10:10:40
392.   Samuel
390

I was listening to KNBR on my drive home from work last week and a fan called in suggesting a Noah Lowry for Carl Crawford trade. So yes, I think they are delusional.

2007-07-02 10:22:41
393.   Bumsrap
From the NY Post:
They (Yankees) need to convince their most alluring product to accept a trade and then turn Rodriguez into the kind of haul that transformed the Cowboys from also-rans to champions after dumping Walker on the Vikings.

Hopfully the dodgers won't be those Vikings.

If the White Sox can ask for Kemp for Buehrle (a free agent to be and Broxton/Bills for Dye, can't the Dodgers in the same spirit offer Kent for Tiexiera? Better yet, Kent and Nomar for Tiexiera.

In a more serious vein, Betemit would appear to be this year's Izturis trade for an veteran pitcher hopefully not named Pettitte.

2007-07-02 10:24:20
394.   D4P
Betemit would appear to be this year's Izturis trade for an veteran pitcher hopefully not named Pettitte

I wouldn't be at all surprised to see Betemit go.

2007-07-02 10:26:46
395.   Jon Weisman
Hi everyone. New post up top.
2007-07-02 10:27:08
396.   Bumsrap
Tomko's biggest problem, other than his fast ball is too straight, is that he is in a motivational rut. A trade would be good for him, especially one that let him start or close.
2007-07-02 10:28:17
397.   underdog
True, I guess Betemit could be the closest to an Izturis piece for a trade this year. That wouldn't surprise me at all. The question is, what can we get for him - would he land us (maybe with another prospect not a top one) a decent pitcher? The WSox don't need a young third baseman, I thought.
2007-07-02 10:33:14
398.   GobiasIndustries
390
When Bonds was announced as the starting LF at the game yesterday, he was booed heavily. Granted it is Barry Bonds and it was Dodgers Stadium, so it's a given that he would be booed. As for the rest of the players being announced, nobody was really booed at all. I myself booed Carlos Beltran and Jose Reyes, as I think Matt Holliday and JJ Hardy should've been the starters. But apparently I was the only one that felt that way, cuz everyone else in the stadium (in my vicinity) anyway, could've cared less.

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