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About Jon
Thank You For Not ...

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

Don't We Look Loverly?
2007-07-22 11:52
by Jon Weisman

Pictures from Dodger Thoughts Day - Toy Cannon's batch

* * *

Today's game:

Gameday

Retro Gameday

Comments (527)
Show/Hide Comments 1-50
2007-07-22 12:19:57
1.   Dodgers49
Penny still money

>>> He's the rock on a staff beset by injuries and mediocrity, so everyone has shrugged and left him alone, even when he kicked an object in the dugout after being lifted with two on and one out in the seventh inning. <<<

http://tinyurl.com/23hzku

2007-07-22 12:27:55
2.   Lexinthedena
Does Ned trade LaRoche?....Betimit looks like he may become a 30-40 home run threat, and third base seems to be the only position he can truly play at his size.....so should Ned packade LaRoche, and maybe Delwyin Young, and see if he can land a good young arm....like Maholm in Pittsburgh for example...?
2007-07-22 12:35:12
3.   Vishal
[2] maholm is like, 4th starter material. why do we need to get rid of laroche and young for that?

plus i still don't think the dodger brass sees betemit as our 3rd baseman going forward.

2007-07-22 12:38:10
4.   Lexinthedena
3- Maholm is only like 24 years old...and has a lot of promise....if they don't think Betimit is the guy(and a lot of other clubs do) you think Ned is just waiting to see if the offers for Wilson get stronger?
2007-07-22 12:38:43
5.   D4P
plus i still don't think the dodger brass sees betemit as our 3rd baseman going forward

I don't either. I mean, if they don't think he's good enough to start over Mr. 650 OPS, then they're never gonna think he's good enough to start.

2007-07-22 12:42:33
6.   Lexinthedena
It would be sad to see Betimit put up numbers elswhere while Nomar grounds out on the first pitch 3 times a game....
2007-07-22 12:44:52
7.   D4P
I'm kinda surprised that Betemit-Nomar hasn't garnered the breadth and depth of disdain that Choi-Phillips did. The gap between Betemit and Nomar seems much greater than that between Choi and Phillips.
2007-07-22 12:47:20
8.   Ricardo
6. I agree with you. When Betemit will become a free agent?
2007-07-22 12:47:50
9.   Lexinthedena
7- It has been more of a chasm that a gap lately....Betimit is now just as hot as Loney was when he forced Nomar off of firstbase....
2007-07-22 12:48:49
10.   Bob Timmermann
7
Nomar has been very good in the past. Jason Phillips never was. So there is hope that Nomar can turn it around.

And why do we need to need have all that vituperation spread around again?

If DT turned into one long koffee klatch of complaints about Nomar, I'd go find myself doing something more productive. Like posting "Catcher Interference of the Day" on the Griddle.

2007-07-22 12:48:50
11.   Curtis Lowe
7 - I was pondering that same paralel earlier and came to the conclussion that Nomar is afterall Nomar and can't be this bad. While Phillips was Jason Phillips and being Jason Phillips means you're pretty bad with no real reason(hope) to believe you will do better.

What were Phillips numbers compared to Nomars numbers? Would Phillips of 05 be a better option than Nomar 07.

2007-07-22 12:51:58
12.   Curtis Lowe
parallel.
2007-07-22 12:55:28
13.   Lexinthedena
10- If Pierre who also has a nice track record can be the target of our venting then why can't Nomar be the object of our vituperation?...(looked it up)
2007-07-22 12:57:25
14.   Gagne55
Phillips 2005:
399 AB, 38 R, 55 RBI, 10 HR, .238/.287/.363 73 OPS+

Nomar 2007:
333 AB, 30 R, 45 RBI, 3 HR, .276/.322/.342 75 OPS+

2007-07-22 12:57:37
15.   regfairfield
2 Top 100 prospects rarely get traded at the deadline. Packing LaRoche with someone for a low ceiling guy like Maholm would be a terrible, terrible idea.
2007-07-22 12:58:00
16.   ryu
10 11 I agree. Nomar's abilities can't possibly fall off the cliff so suddenly, can they? If he gets playing time, there's reason to hope he reverts to form and helps us down the stretch.
2007-07-22 13:00:05
17.   xaphor
Pierre is a cat fight compared to the Pier 6 brawls Ch-i incited.
2007-07-22 13:00:22
18.   Hallux Valgus
my random Dodger Thoughts day, um, thoughts:
1: The thing I found most interesting from McCourt's talk? He's left handed.

2: I woke up this morning wondering what happened to all my fingernails. Then I clicked that photo link and saw half a dozen pictures of myself chewing on my hands and staring too intently.

3: I went from Dodger Stadium to Home Depot Center for David Beckham Day. It ended up asa very expensive day. The Galaxy are not very good. The only players who didn't look scared and confused were Joe Cannon and Kyle Martino.

2007-07-22 13:00:40
19.   natepurcell
If we trade Laroche to the Pirates I would want Ian Snell.
2007-07-22 13:01:27
20.   Ricardo
15. Ned traded Guzman last year and he was a Top 100 prospect but I don´t believe LaRoche will be traded.
2007-07-22 13:02:23
21.   Lexinthedena
19- That seems like it would work.....but if Ned is not high on Betimit, then I guess it's irrelevant....
2007-07-22 13:03:48
22.   Gagne55
Phillips though hit into 16 DPs compared to Nomar's 4, so that tilts thing more to Nomar's favor.
2007-07-22 13:05:12
23.   Disabled List
I was browsing baseball-reference.com today because I wanted to see just how similar Lou Brock and Juan Pierre really are. Answer: not too similar, and Brock might even be a tad overrated.

Anyway, while on Pierre's page, I noticed that his HOF Monitor score is 59.5, with 100 being a good bet for the Hall of Fame, according to Bill James. Which means that at age 29, Juan Pierre is already three-fifths of the way to Cooperstown.

Discuss.

2007-07-22 13:05:23
24.   regfairfield
20 Yes, and he was one of only 10 top 100 prospects to move in the last 14 years. If he traded LaRoche, only Ned and Sabean would have moved two top 100 prospects at the deadline over the same time period.
2007-07-22 13:05:47
25.   Gagne55
A. Russell Martin for MVP
B. Grady Little for Manager of the Year
C. Brad Penny for Cy Young

I'd vote C.

2007-07-22 13:08:44
26.   Gagne55
23 Brock was Pierre with 20 HR power. And played left field instead of center. Looking at his stats he looks like a pretty good player. The only real HOF case he has though is "3000 hits!" which of course is a lock for the hall.
2007-07-22 13:08:55
27.   Lexinthedena
23- Early in Pierre's career, he benifited from the Coors effect....but he did have some excellent seasons with the Marlins....I remember Pierre wreaking havoc for them when they won the WS....
2007-07-22 13:09:56
28.   xaphor
18. I wouldn't take the Galaxy's performance yesterday as meaning much of anything. No one should be expecting them to compete with one of the best teams in the world.

Of course it didn't help that Chelsea refused to shoot. They looked like a cat playing with an injured mouse. :)

2007-07-22 13:11:44
29.   Disabled List
26 Pierre has 1360 hits midway through his 8th ML season. If he plays into his 40s, he could very well end up with 3,000 hits.

Juan Pierre, Hall of Famer. If that doesn't just send a shiver down your spine...

2007-07-22 13:12:36
30.   silverwidow
The Guzman trade was a good one in hindsight because of the draft picks and the fact that he faded pretty fast.
2007-07-22 13:13:19
31.   regfairfield
30 Guzman is only 22, so it's not like he's finished.
2007-07-22 13:13:40
32.   Lexinthedena
26- Just checked Pierre's numbers....I was wrong about Coors Field....
2007-07-22 13:13:41
33.   Gen3Blue
What a lucky week. Fox gave me the Dodgers yesterday
Today, through extradonairy electrical and electronic measures, that allow me to get local cable basic channels with a quality that rapidly deteriorates as you get above ch nine., I am getting the Mets NY channel.
It is no. 4!
2007-07-22 13:15:06
34.   Lexinthedena
Speaking of the HOF....I wonder what kind of numbers Jose Reyes will finish with....
2007-07-22 13:15:20
35.   Bob Timmermann
29
Pierre won't play into his 40s as he doesn't have "old player" skills, namely the ability to take a walk.
2007-07-22 13:17:53
36.   Andrew Shimmin
Dear Pierre,

Thanks for trying to throw out Reyes at first. That was a hoot!

Sincerely,
Andrew Shimmin

2007-07-22 13:23:58
37.   silverwidow
31-He's young, but that OBP and K rate would concern me greatly if he was still here.
2007-07-22 13:25:24
38.   Fallout
How does Reyes take 3rd on a hard hit through the left side? Gonzalez has to charge that ball and not let it come to him.
2007-07-22 13:27:37
39.   Lexinthedena
Dominicano!
2007-07-22 13:28:29
40.   natepurcell
pierre has actually been hitting the ball hard (hard for him) lately.
2007-07-22 13:28:32
41.   regfairfield
37 Oh, most definately, but those were huge problems when he was on the Dodgers but we just kept hearing about his potential. Unless he's lost his physical tools, you have to give him time.
2007-07-22 13:28:48
42.   Gen3Blue
34 Yesterday they showed that for age he is not up with Ricky Henderson but he's on a good pace.
All-right Furc. El D pitches look kinda big in daylight.
2007-07-22 13:29:33
43.   Ricardo
I´m still waiting for Pierre´s first HR as a dodger.
2007-07-22 13:29:54
44.   Kingmans Performance
I'm watching the game on KCAL-HD...

is that Lindsay Lohan sitting behind homeplate? Or just another SoCal brunette babe with sunglasses? Can anyone tell?

2007-07-22 13:30:36
45.   xaphor
44. Does she have a beer in hand?
2007-07-22 13:31:50
46.   Lexinthedena
At least he had free healthcare....
2007-07-22 13:32:14
47.   Robert Daeley
44 That same girl was there yesterday I think. And I don't believe it's her.

45 Ha!

2007-07-22 13:32:14
48.   Fallout
Is she wearing a large ankle bracelet?
2007-07-22 13:33:58
49.   Robert Daeley
They showed Alyssa in the stands yesterday.
2007-07-22 13:40:40
50.   Curtis Lowe
Nice pitch.
Show/Hide Comments 51-100
2007-07-22 13:40:53
51.   silverwidow
Stults looks real good.
2007-07-22 13:40:56
52.   natepurcell
Good job Stults, keep it up!
2007-07-22 13:42:53
53.   Gen3Blue
Stults has had pretty good command in the first 2 innings, which we haven't seen a lot of lately.
2007-07-22 13:42:58
54.   Fallout
Yeah, he looks sharp. He's pinpointing his pitches.
2007-07-22 13:43:45
55.   Curtis Lowe
Righties showing Duque that the change up belongs in left field.
2007-07-22 13:44:14
56.   Hallux Valgus
Did anyone else catch the two guys behind home plate imitating Nomar's pre-batting ritual? I don't think I've ever seen that.
2007-07-22 13:44:43
57.   Marty
Does Milledge have as poor an arm as it looked right there? It seemed he could barely get the ball back to second.
2007-07-22 13:45:13
58.   Marty
56 I was too busy looking for Lindsey Lohan.
2007-07-22 13:46:28
59.   D4P
Loney's has some strange numbers in July thus far.

.308/.378/.338/.716

2007-07-22 13:46:40
60.   Andrew Shimmin
John Moores doesn't care about the fans.
2007-07-22 13:47:08
61.   Kingmans Performance
58 Marty that Lindsay look-a-like is in the second row behind the little girl with the blue Dodger hat...
2007-07-22 13:49:18
62.   D4P
Yankees up 21-3 on the DRays going into the 9th. DRays need to score at TD, recover the onside kick and score again, then recover another onside kick and score again.
2007-07-22 13:49:52
63.   Gen3Blue
Unfortunately El D looks good to. I can't remember seeing this many 90mph pitchesor maybe ant in a while.
2007-07-22 13:51:05
64.   Mark Joseph
5 6 10

Betemit's OPS after his 1 for 2 with a double and two walks performance is .863. Nomar's is .666.

I just don't see why we can't continue to complain about Nomar, or, more to the point, Ned & Grady. Betemit will end up getting traded for a bag of balls, and we'll have a hole at 3B again. Of course, that is a longstanding Dodger tradition...

I'm not looking forward to the trading deadline.

2007-07-22 13:52:47
65.   D4P
64
As far as I'm concerned, Grady's refusal to play Betemit and Kemp everyday is significantly worse than Tracy's refusal to play Choi and Perez. And it's not even close.
2007-07-22 13:53:39
66.   Who Is Karim Garcia
Greetings from Brittania bar!
2007-07-22 13:53:43
67.   Who Is Karim Garcia
Greetings from Brittania bar!
2007-07-22 13:54:11
68.   Andrew Shimmin
How many throwing errors would Nomar have at 3B if Nomar was playing 1B? Five?
2007-07-22 13:54:51
69.   silverwidow
Tremendous play by Loney.
2007-07-22 13:57:05
70.   xaphor
68. Considering he's not all that fast I would say significantly more.
2007-07-22 13:57:08
71.   silverwidow
Who needs Hendrickson? Stults is younger, cheaper and better.
2007-07-22 14:00:19
72.   Mark Joseph
A little late, I know, but...

Raffy's leadoff dinger raised the Dodgers' win expectancy from 59% to 70%.

2007-07-22 14:00:20
73.   Steve in Rochester
71 the Dodger bullpen needs Mark Hendrickson.
2007-07-22 14:01:52
74.   silverwidow
73-That's where he should stay.
2007-07-22 14:03:07
75.   underdog
72 Are you playing the part of Xei Frank today, Mark? ;-)

Just tuning in a little late here but am disappointed the MLBTV broadcast is the Mets', not the Dodgers'. Ah well. At least I get to wat ch this one, unlike yesterday's.

Stults seems to have the Mets' number (so far! knock on wood, etc.)

Nice pictures, by the way, everyone!

2007-07-22 14:04:19
76.   Vishal
el duque is having another impressive season. how does he do it?
2007-07-22 14:04:34
77.   underdog
Not to bring up this ol' bugaboo again, but I'm a little surprised Lieberthal didn't play at all this series, given Martin looks a little tired at the plate and all. But with Stults going today they may have wanted Martin, who knows him a bit better, to catch him.
2007-07-22 14:05:32
78.   Gen3Blue
Its great to see the defense working on these sqibbers (perhaps not because of Nomar), because thats Reye's(sp?) game,and giving infield hits infront of Beltran Wright and Del is just deadly, but thank god they don't have a bottom of line-up like ours.
Unfortunately, Kemp, Loney and even Ethier have recently been geared to seeing many hard throwing but one-dimensional pitchers. It can take a few years to adjust to guys who really pitch and don't just throw, Of which El D is one of the worst kind.
2007-07-22 14:07:17
79.   underdog
Btw, forgot to ask, but did any of you who chatted with McCourt and company yesterday slip in a plug for Jon Meloan? ;-)
2007-07-22 14:07:58
80.   GIDP
65
Disagree bigtime. Tracy had a team whose offense was struggling mightily and yet he refused to play Choi and Perez. Offense isn't a problem right now and Jah people have the best record in the league. If you are ever going to continue to play someone in the hope that he breaks out of a slump, now seems as good a time as any.
2007-07-22 14:10:52
81.   underdog
Wow, 10 in a row retired by Stults. Awesome.
2007-07-22 14:12:48
82.   Bob Timmermann
J.D. Durbin has become an unstoppable force of nature.
2007-07-22 14:18:18
83.   xaphor
Nomar is lacking the chops for the head first slide.
2007-07-22 14:20:47
84.   Kingmans Performance
OH yes...Loney!
2007-07-22 14:21:00
85.   silverwidow
Gotta love Lone dog.
2007-07-22 14:22:06
86.   D4P
Looks like a 2-game lead in the NL West standings.
2007-07-22 14:22:20
87.   Steve in Rochester
Can Stults's hitting prowess continue?
2007-07-22 14:22:39
88.   we are infinite
I'd love to see Stults get a hit here. He's actually been hitting pretty well, right? Small sample size of course.
2007-07-22 14:23:40
89.   Kingmans Performance
can I have some help with LA Dodger history, please?

What other Dodgers have worn the number 7 jersey?

Thanks.

2007-07-22 14:23:42
90.   Gen3Blue
I had a feeling Loney would figure it out and get an RBI. I admit my faith was weak after he went 0-2.
2007-07-22 14:26:03
91.   Bob Timmermann
89
JD Drew wore #7 and a whole bunch of others.
2007-07-22 14:27:52
92.   bigcpa
89 Steve Yeager and I think Billy Ashley as well.
2007-07-22 14:28:08
93.   Bob Timmermann
Other 7s
Tom Wilson
Mike Kinkade
Jeff Branson
Jose Vizcaino
Tripp Cromer
Paul Konerko
Greg Gagne
Billy Ashley
Alfredo Griffin
Tracy Woodson
Steve Yeager
2007-07-22 14:28:19
94.   tjshere
The #7 always make me think of Steve Yeager.
2007-07-22 14:29:14
95.   Kingmans Performance
91 Bob I was specifically thinking of the 70's...

Steve Yeager #7...?

2007-07-22 14:29:52
96.   tjshere
Oh, and nice photos, everyone. It was a lot of fun looking at them. Thanks to Mr. Cannon for the great camera work.
2007-07-22 14:29:57
97.   Kingmans Performance
93

Gracias Bob.

2007-07-22 14:29:58
98.   NorCalDodger
After all these years, Green is still helping us out. As it should be, isn't he still partly on the Dodger payroll?
2007-07-22 14:30:33
99.   trainwreck
It is great to put faces to names.

Well, fake names.

2007-07-22 14:31:08
100.   silverwidow
Stults has been terrific today. Command was a little off in the 5th, but otherwise very nice.
Show/Hide Comments 101-150
2007-07-22 14:34:22
101.   Bob Timmermann
But which Dodger wore #42 AFTER Jackie Robinson retired?

(Quick get out your free media guides!)

2007-07-22 14:34:42
102.   bigcpa
http://tinyurl.com/2jxevo

Anyone catch this rather bizarre game story by Dylan Hernandez in today's Times? Almost zero mention of the actual game other than Broxton getting the save. I think Hernandez left the game in the 3rd or something.

2007-07-22 14:35:43
103.   D4P
Padres are falling apart. Must be the Milton Bradley cancer.
2007-07-22 14:35:55
104.   imperabo
80 Does the value of an extra unit of offense really diminish when you already have a lot of offense?
2007-07-22 14:36:46
105.   xaphor
Stults is our new LMOGY (Left-handed Mets Only GuY).
2007-07-22 14:38:42
106.   D4P
Why steal when Pierre can bunt you over...?
2007-07-22 14:39:15
107.   Bob Timmermann
No Dodger has worn #20 since Darren Lewis did 10 years ago.

He broke it.

2007-07-22 14:39:57
108.   Andrew Shimmin
104- The marginal value does.
2007-07-22 14:40:42
109.   imperabo
108 Why? By how much?
2007-07-22 14:42:34
110.   D4P
104
Some people believe there's no problems when you're in first place, and that being in first place is prima facie evidence that Management isn't doing anything wrong.
2007-07-22 14:43:56
111.   Mark Joseph
105

Eric Stults:Mets::Larry Jaster:Dodgers?

2007-07-22 14:45:09
112.   NorCalDodger
Peavy just saved his ERA for the day.
2007-07-22 14:46:44
114.   Andrew Shimmin
109- For the same reason the tenth run of the game is most often worth less than the fourth. How much is an interesting question I'm not equipped to answer.

It doesn't make playing Nomar a better decision, especially since this team has a legitimate shot at the post season, so the wins are worth more. But D4P's theory about this being worse than Ch-i/Phillips seems ill considered to me.

So--Everybody's wrong. Only I am right!

2007-07-22 14:47:20
115.   Michael D
Either looked like he was lollygagging getting that triple.
2007-07-22 14:49:57
116.   Gagne55
Wow Eric Stultz tires fast.
2007-07-22 14:50:35
117.   imperabo
114 I'm not sure I understand that point. Having more offense going into the game makes it more likely you'll score at least 4. It seems to me you want to fill you biggest hole on a positional basis, not on a run scoring vs. run prevention basis. I could be wrong though.

But I agree that playing Phillips at first was worse just because it was.

2007-07-22 14:51:23
118.   underdog
115 "You lollygag the ball around the infield. You lollygag your way down to first. You lollygag in and out of the dugout. You know what that makes you? Larry!"

Oh well, nice job by Stults - that's about as good as we could have hoped for. Be nice if the Dodgers could've scored another run or two.

2007-07-22 14:52:07
119.   Mark Joseph
108

Bill James once showed that each of the first five runs you score in a game has about the same marginal value, namely 14%. That is, a team wins about 14% of the games when they score one run, 28% when they score two, etc. (I don't remember what the league scoring average was when I read this; it would change as that average changes). So, increasing offense should increase winning percentage linearly up to the point where the team is scoring an average of five runs a game, after which the law of diminishing returns sets in. The Dodgers are scoring an average of 4.67 runs per game this year, so replacing Nomar with Betemit should help a lot.

2007-07-22 14:52:12
120.   Steve in Rochester
115 I think he expected a hop off the wall and the ball got stuck under the padding.
2007-07-22 14:56:09
121.   Andrew Shimmin
117- Giving away runs is always stupid, I agree with that. But it's not always exactly the same amount of stupid. Depending on the construction of the team, it hurts some more than others. The Yankees have Doug Mientkiewicz at 1B. If the Angels tried pulling that, they wouldn't be in first place. But the Yankees can get away with it (to the extent that they can) because everybody else hits a ton. Doesn't make Mientkiewicz a good idea, as nothing could. But it means that it's not exactly as harmful as it would be for other teams.
2007-07-22 14:56:28
122.   underdog
Sigh. That wasn't a bad pitch at all, actually, but... sigh.
2007-07-22 14:56:59
123.   D4P
But D4P's theory about this being worse than Ch-i/Phillips seems ill considered to me

(Betemit + Kemp) - (Nomar + Pierre) >>> (Choi + Perez) - (Phillips et. al)

2007-07-22 14:57:49
124.   Bob Timmermann
Eric Stults! Stults! There's no Z in Stults!
2007-07-22 14:58:28
125.   D4P
David Wright has stolen 22 out of 24 bases. I wonder how many "Baseball experts" (e.g. Joe Morgan) would think Juan Pierre is a better baserunner. I'm guessing most of them.
2007-07-22 14:58:54
126.   underdog
Eric Stoltz pitched well in Pulp Fiction. Eric Stults pitched well today.
2007-07-22 15:00:46
127.   underdog
Derek Lowe's in the bullpen.
2007-07-22 15:01:41
128.   Bob Timmermann
BTW, Mets fans really hate Lo Duca now.

I believe that last AB was an example of it.

2007-07-22 15:01:41
129.   GIDP
110
Some people may very well believe that; I am not one of them. I woud rather see Betemit playing. But winning with a potent offense gives of the luxury, for now, of hoping to get Nomar going--he was a big part of our success last year. How long a leash he continues to get remains to be seen. Grady in the Daily News:

"If I could foresee that, then I'd be better off than I probably am," Little said when asked if Friday was a sign Garciaparra's power stroke has returned. "I think it's certainly more of a step in that direction than not having hit one (Friday). That's all I can say."

2007-07-22 15:04:08
130.   scooplew
Stults defying odds no longer.
2007-07-22 15:04:53
131.   Andrew Shimmin
123- Yeah, if you put your thumb on the scale by introducing Kemp/Pierre, then I agree.
2007-07-22 15:05:19
132.   Bob Timmermann
The Astros announced that Oswalt will his start against the Dodgers with a chest injurty.
2007-07-22 15:06:19
133.   xaphor
Nomar gives D4P the raspberry.
2007-07-22 15:06:33
134.   D4P
Hilarious!
2007-07-22 15:06:33
135.   imperabo
Mmmm, delicious crow.
2007-07-22 15:06:41
136.   silverwidow
Andy LaRoche just hit his 9th homer of July.
2007-07-22 15:06:42
137.   Bob Timmermann
129
He's a prophet! Stone him!
2007-07-22 15:06:50
138.   Andrew Shimmin
Nomar to D4P: What was all that stuff about Phillips?
2007-07-22 15:06:59
139.   underdog
funny, I was just thinking that Hernandez is hittable and tiring and wasn't all that worried, despite the last inning. Wouldn't have predicted that HR, however.
2007-07-22 15:07:30
140.   NorCalDodger
I think I'm going to go snowboarding in Hell this winter.
2007-07-22 15:07:55
141.   underdog
Ramon Arrapaicrag strikes again!
2007-07-22 15:08:24
142.   skybluestoday
Oooh-oooh, baby.

Is Nomar re-discovering his power stroke?

Maybe they can just leave him here for home games, and let him take care of the Hamm twins while they're on the road?

2007-07-22 15:08:27
143.   Mark Joseph
132

Which Dodgers have a chest injury? ;-)

2007-07-22 15:09:37
144.   GIDP
:)
2007-07-22 15:09:48
145.   Jon Weisman
Seanez lined up for his seventh win, knock on wood.
2007-07-22 15:10:50
146.   Andrew Shimmin
119- Thanks for posting this. I've decided that I was close enough not to feel too stupid.
2007-07-22 15:10:58
147.   Bob Timmermann
Seanez now with a chance to go 7-1 on the season.

The Dodgers could have two pitchers with a combined record of 19-2 if things hold up.

2007-07-22 15:12:16
148.   nick
seems to me like a home-road platoon for Nomar is almost justifiable....question is, can you actually do that and tell the media, or does it have to be done on the sly?
2007-07-22 15:12:18
149.   Bob Timmermann
Roy Oswalt will miss next start against the Dodgers because he, to wit, Roy Oswalt, is suffering from a chest injury.
2007-07-22 15:12:41
150.   underdog
Rudy "The Scavenger" Seanez, you mean?
Show/Hide Comments 151-200
2007-07-22 15:12:54
151.   imperabo
147 25-2 with Bilz.
2007-07-22 15:12:56
152.   Gagne55
145 Anybody else find it ironic that Seanez is only in line to win because he failed to strand the inherited runner?
2007-07-22 15:13:14
153.   NorCalDodger
148. I think you hide it as a platoon based on pitcher-hitter matchups.
2007-07-22 15:14:20
154.   D4P
152
Woah there. I hope you're not casting dispersion upon the "Win" statistic...
2007-07-22 15:14:36
155.   Jon Weisman
152 - No, because that's the way it so often goes for relief pitchers who get wins.
2007-07-22 15:14:36
156.   Mark Joseph
146

My pleasure. You know more than I do; I just remember certain specifics.

By the way, Betemit's OPS is almost 200 points higher than Nomar's--and 8 points higher than Russell Martin's!

2007-07-22 15:14:49
157.   D4P
Maybe Nomar should be "allowed" to stay home with the twins on road trips.
2007-07-22 15:14:59
158.   NorCal-Dodger
Phillies just scored another run, now 5-0, and young Mr. Durbin has effectively cut his ERA in half ptiching against the top 2 NL teams
2007-07-22 15:15:35
159.   Bob Timmermann
J.D. Durbin's ERA has dropped down to San Gabriel Valley levels.

He was over 15 when he faced the Dodgers and now he's at 6.26.

2007-07-22 15:16:07
160.   NorCalDodger
Make that two more runs.
2007-07-22 15:17:26
161.   NorCalDodger
So why is Derek Lowe pitching in the bullpen?
2007-07-22 15:17:42
162.   D4P
Mr. Durbin has effectively cut his ERA in half ptiching against the top 2 NL teams

Well, the top 2 NL teams didn't get where they are primarily because of their offensive abilities...

2007-07-22 15:18:00
163.   Bob Timmermann
This is like postseason bullpen deployment.
2007-07-22 15:18:38
164.   underdog
Because it's his day to throw on the side anyway, so why waste that when your bullpen is depleted? He can pitch for real instead. Plus he only pitched three innings the other night. I actually like this move.
2007-07-22 15:19:02
165.   skybluestoday
"Eric Stults...Met-Killer"

Doesn't quite have a ring, but I'll take it...

2007-07-22 15:20:19
166.   underdog
Jeff Kent just pumped so much on that ground ball he could have filled up an air mattress.
2007-07-22 15:20:41
167.   NorCalDodger
164. Alright, I agree. My question wasn't so much in disbelief as confusion. Thanks for clearing it up, makes sense.
2007-07-22 15:20:56
168.   imperabo
He still threw 81 pitches though. But I kinda like the idea also. Has a team ever had all or most of their starters make short relief appearances between starts?
2007-07-22 15:21:22
169.   D4P
It's starting to look like the Dodgers might run away with the NL West. Everyone else is either folding or already too far back to matter. If the Padres take the Wild Card, I guess we'd play the division winner with the worst record...?
2007-07-22 15:21:42
170.   Nagman
Hey, maybe Grady is revolutionizing the management of pitching staffs, eliminating the starter/reliever label. I think he's factoring that "gut feel" thing with arm weariness to determine who pitches next.
2007-07-22 15:22:04
171.   Bob Timmermann
Seanez's pitching would not be considered "brief and ineffective". It's been more clearly defined this year.

Rule 10.17(c) Comment: The official scorer generally should, but is not required to, consider the appearance of a relief pitcher to be ineffective and brief if such relief pitcher pitches less than one inning and allows two or more earned runs to score (even if such runs are charged to a previous pitcher).

Seanez only allowed one inherited runner to score.

2007-07-22 15:23:04
172.   Bob Timmermann
169
Kids, don't whistle in graveyards or count chickens before they're hatched or any of that stuff.
2007-07-22 15:23:08
173.   NorCalDodger
169. Yeah, division winner with the worst record.

Let's not get to carried away with winning the division right now, but they do have a great chance to string together a lot of wins, especially with that upcoming schedule.

2007-07-22 15:23:20
174.   Gen3Blue
That's Rudy "the Vulture" to you, my friend:O)
2007-07-22 15:23:40
175.   Andrew Shimmin
156- Well, I am a subscriber to the Federal Reserve's quarterly report (it's possible I'm only a subscriber to the Kansas City branch of the Fed's quarterly report, or maybe that's just where they print the full Fed quarterly report; I don't really know), but it's been a long time since I last took an Econ course.

By the way, if you want to be the coolest parent/teacher/guardian/etc. of all time, you can get free comic books from the Federal Reserve. Show kids you love them--give them the gift of fiscal responsibility!

http://www.newyorkfed.org/publications/frame1.cfm?nav=picnic

2007-07-22 15:24:02
176.   Gen3Blue
174 is for 150
2007-07-22 15:24:54
177.   underdog
Oh... poop. Is that really Roberto Hernandez in the bullpen? Either Broxton or Saito must not be available today. Sigh. This game ain't over yet, folks.
2007-07-22 15:25:07
178.   NorCal-Dodger
Can Lowe go 3 innings? He only threw 10 pitches last inning. Don't know how many ptiches he was planning in the pen.
2007-07-22 15:26:28
179.   Bob Timmermann
D4P needs to meet my good friend hubris. He was off at Carnoustie earlier today hanging out with Andres Romero.
2007-07-22 15:27:21
180.   underdog
161 I gotcha! :-) While we're at it, why not have Lowe come back out for one more inning rather than lose the game with Roberto "as old as a sequoia" Hernandez?
2007-07-22 15:27:31
181.   D4P
The future of the Dodger franchise is so bright right now that Ned Colletti has a chance to go down as one of the best GMs of all-time.
2007-07-22 15:28:31
182.   scooplew
163 It does seem like a postseason bullpen philosophy. Lowe may have pitched only three innings on Friday night, but he did throw 81 pitches. I don't like Grady's all hands on deck use of pitchers right now. The Brewers, by the way, are now carrying 13 pitchers, said one of the Giants broadcasters during their game today.
2007-07-22 15:28:35
183.   D4P
179
Hey, Mr. Briss. Nice to meet you. Mind if I call you Hue...?
2007-07-22 15:28:51
184.   imperabo
It's only hubris if you're wrong. If you're right it's visionary and bold. And indicitive of clubhouse chemistry.
2007-07-22 15:29:07
185.   scooplew
Is DP4 pulling our legs?
2007-07-22 15:29:44
186.   Uncle Miltie
What the heck is Grits doing?
2007-07-22 15:30:18
187.   natepurcell
please prove me wrong Roberto!
2007-07-22 15:30:22
188.   Bob Timmermann
175
The Story of Inflation looks really fun. It has balloons!
2007-07-22 15:30:23
189.   Gen3Blue
Derek looked to be having so much fun, and threw so few pitches, I think it is a mistake to not give him another inning. Not in a class with Grady's we are going to win so I will save the bullpen fiascos, but overcatious and ultimetly dangerous.
2007-07-22 15:30:26
190.   scooplew
171 Do you know when the last time the "brief and ineffective" rule was applied? I can't recall it in a Dodgers game for a long time.
2007-07-22 15:31:20
191.   natepurcell
and it starts!
2007-07-22 15:31:30
192.   silverwidow
Roberto Hernandez=DFA bait
2007-07-22 15:31:51
193.   Uncle Miltie
Is this deja vu? Didn't the Dodgers bring in a mediocre reliever last year who went on to blow a game against the Mets?
2007-07-22 15:31:58
194.   Bob Timmermann
This could be a battle of vultures.
2007-07-22 15:32:04
195.   overkill94
Roberto? Seriously? That would seem to indicate that Saito's out for today's game as well and that Broxton is being saved for the 9th.
2007-07-22 15:32:14
196.   imperabo
190 My wife cited that rule on me the other night.
2007-07-22 15:32:28
197.   Steve in Rochester
169 I'll just assume the sarcasm of this statement because of how ridiculous it would be if made seriously on July 22.

uggh, Roberto Hernandez.......

2007-07-22 15:32:56
198.   Bob Timmermann
190
I think it only comes up a handful of times each season.
2007-07-22 15:33:53
199.   silverwidow
Just bring up Meloan and be done with it.
2007-07-22 15:33:58
200.   D4P
Roberto Hernandez is Spanish for "(Rule 1 violation)".

Oh well. The Dodgers are playing so well that Grittle has the luxury of putting in Hernandez in high-leverage situations to give him a chance to get back on track. He's been good in the past, so maybe he can recapture his old form.

Show/Hide Comments 201-250
2007-07-22 15:34:51
201.   Marty
I guess if you have a pitcher on the roster, you can't just not use him. But, it makes you wonder why he's there in the first place.
2007-07-22 15:34:52
202.   D4P
196
Zing!

Who's hurt...?

2007-07-22 15:35:48
203.   underdog
Obviously either Broxton or Saito is not available or we wouldn't be in this predicament. Nice stab there by Hernandez, on that liner at least. Now, go take a seat to rest that hand.
2007-07-22 15:35:54
204.   Bob Timmermann
Doesn't it make perfect sense to use the Dodgers shakiest reliever against the heart of the Mets lineup?
2007-07-22 15:36:15
205.   scooplew
196 !
2007-07-22 15:37:18
206.   Gagne55
Kool Aid might actually get a hold. David Wright though.
2007-07-22 15:37:44
207.   NorCalDodger
Oh Jeez for a moment I thought Beltran hit a homer on GameDay...
2007-07-22 15:37:44
208.   underdog
{Sweat}

MeloanMeloanMeloanMeloanMeloanMeloanMeloan. Repeat until blue in the face.

2007-07-22 15:37:49
209.   Steve in Rochester
206 OH YEAH!!!!
2007-07-22 15:37:55
210.   D4P
Funny how the same Baseball Experts who consider HRs to be "rally-killers" considers sac flies to be "good pieces of hitting"
2007-07-22 15:37:57
211.   imperabo
I totally agree with bringing up Meloan. Normally I support keeping guys in the minors until they are close to as good as they can get so you don't use up service time. But with a relief pitcher you have to catch that lightning in a bottle. You're just wasting his arm otherwise.
2007-07-22 15:38:05
212.   Bob Timmermann
Hang up an H for Roberto!
2007-07-22 15:38:31
213.   Gagne55
204 And he got the job done, suprisingly.
2007-07-22 15:38:38
214.   underdog
Nice play by Nomar there on that shot. Hernandez, you scare me too much. Please retire. Thanks.
2007-07-22 15:39:15
215.   scooplew
Is Saito available? I guess we'll find out soon enough.
2007-07-22 15:39:20
216.   Bob Timmermann
Is Durbin going to throw a complete game shutout against the Padres?

That's even sadder than how the Dodgers fared against him.

2007-07-22 15:39:25
217.   underdog
..."Kool Aid"?
2007-07-22 15:39:43
218.   NorCal-Dodger
Probably we'd be better off if Roberto goes to 'H'
2007-07-22 15:40:19
219.   Gagne55
I think Hernandez is only here till Wolf comes back. Meloan would only be up for a week.
2007-07-22 15:40:51
220.   Gen3Blue
Uh-oh. Somethings wrong with Saito!
2007-07-22 15:40:56
221.   imperabo
Popup warning track.
2007-07-22 15:41:08
222.   D4P
Probably we'd be better off if Roberto goes to 'H'

In an H-basket

2007-07-22 15:41:51
223.   underdog
So obviously it's Saito who's not available - again (Broxton's warming up). I guess they're giving him one more day of rest before the road trip. An insurance run sure would help my nerves. That or a margarita.
2007-07-22 15:42:07
224.   Kingmans Performance
looks like 'Lindsay' came back...2nd row...
2007-07-22 15:42:08
225.   Gen3Blue
It changes my critism of Grady-he knows something I don't. Boy I wish we could get some offense late, though.
2007-07-22 15:43:18
226.   Gagne55
Broxton FTS!!
2007-07-22 15:43:26
227.   underdog
220 Something's been wrong with Saito for days.

Hopefully this is just more rest for his shoulder and nothing more serious. Then I'd be worried and then we'd really need to call up someone like Meloan.

2007-07-22 15:44:01
228.   Gen3Blue
Is Hielman that good? It felt like six outs on 9 pitches.
2007-07-22 15:45:35
229.   Gen3Blue
UD We both need something for our nerves, but I am afraid we are on to something.
2007-07-22 15:45:48
230.   D4P
The bottom of the Mets' lineup makes a giant sucking sound. What's up with Delgado?
2007-07-22 15:46:25
231.   Vishal
i'm not surprised to see a 9-0 game when it's jake peavy vs. jd durbin in san diego, but...
2007-07-22 15:46:28
232.   Kingmans Performance
224 G'bye Lindsay, drive home carefully.
2007-07-22 15:46:30
233.   bhsportsguy
One thing, Broxton is the guy in this role, so he better get used to it and just trust his stuff.
2007-07-22 15:47:00
234.   overkill94
San Diego's ridiculous bullpen has seemed a bit less spectacular lately. Has the shine finally worn off on them?
2007-07-22 15:47:39
235.   Gagne55
E-3
2007-07-22 15:48:00
236.   blue22
230 - It's actually pretty much the whole Mets lineup this year, sans Reyes and Wright.
2007-07-22 15:49:00
237.   D4P
236
It's true. Beltran hasn't been very good, though I've never been a Beltran believer so that doesn't really surprise me much. I guess Delgado is really the only surprise.
2007-07-22 15:49:02
238.   Steve in Rochester
235 that might be ruled a hit, it was clobbered.
2007-07-22 15:49:20
239.   Curtis Lowe
oh' brother.
2007-07-22 15:49:21
240.   underdog
In defense of Loney's... defense, there, that ball took a bad hop - and he still almost made an amazing play to get him at first. Still, that would've been a nice one to grab.

{sweat}

2007-07-22 15:49:30
241.   scooplew
Can someone please describe the infield single?
2007-07-22 15:50:08
242.   Gagne55
Broxton looking like a guy who is worn out.
2007-07-22 15:50:48
243.   scooplew
Broxton's seventh appearance in 10 games since the All-Star break.
2007-07-22 15:51:26
244.   Gagne55
241 Scalding one hopper right at Loney.
2007-07-22 15:51:27
245.   overkill94
Looked a bit ugly, but that was definitely a strike, stop whining H&S
2007-07-22 15:51:48
246.   underdog
Dodgers get a break on that strike call, was clearly a ball.
2007-07-22 15:52:25
247.   Vishal
[196] i hope for your sake she was talking about baseball :)
2007-07-22 15:52:34
248.   Steve in Rochester
245 H&S ?
2007-07-22 15:52:35
249.   Gagne55
Furcal saves the game!
2007-07-22 15:53:19
250.   underdog
I don't think I can take it. I'm gonna go put my laundry away or something.
Show/Hide Comments 251-300
2007-07-22 15:53:27
251.   Bob Timmermann
The internal conflict in LAT's household must be great now.
2007-07-22 15:53:31
252.   overkill94
248 Heart & Soul
2007-07-22 15:53:36
253.   Vishal
[248] heart & soul? lo duca?
2007-07-22 15:54:03
254.   D4P
I bet the Mets don't score here.
2007-07-22 15:54:34
255.   scareduck
That wasn't fun.
2007-07-22 15:54:36
256.   Gagne55
E-9
2007-07-22 15:54:43
257.   Curtis Lowe
oh' brother.
2007-07-22 15:54:50
258.   Kingmans Performance
WHY

WHY

WHY

2007-07-22 15:54:57
259.   overkill94
Ugh
2007-07-22 15:54:58
260.   xaphor
245, 246. Will you take the over or under?

Drat!

2007-07-22 15:55:08
261.   Vishal
wha happen'?
2007-07-22 15:55:44
262.   overkill94
Jonathon Meloan, come on down!
2007-07-22 15:55:56
263.   scareduck
Not to take away from the current misery, but recollecting a more pleasant game, from ... yesterday.

http://www.doubledogmusic.com/baseball/2007-07-21_Mets@Dodgers/

2007-07-22 15:56:03
264.   underdog
Arrrrgh, Bison!

"Matt Kemp, who has been dreadful all weekend on fly balls..." sayeth the Mets announcers. That was terrible. And Pierre's throw was awful to 2nd.

2007-07-22 15:56:04
265.   Bob Timmermann
No W for Rudy.
2007-07-22 15:56:09
266.   Frip
Go on and git'cha some cheap sunglasses!
2007-07-22 15:56:14
267.   scooplew
What did Kemp do, or not do?
2007-07-22 15:56:20
268.   blue22
Did that look as bad as it read on Gameday?
2007-07-22 15:57:06
269.   underdog
Kemp lost that ball in the sun - at first it looked like he was trying make a running throw but then he misjudged how shallow it was. Poor Bull.
2007-07-22 15:57:14
270.   imperabo
Kemp misjuged a pop fly, started back, and then couldn't catch up to it.
2007-07-22 15:57:37
271.   Steve in Rochester
268 just looked like he couldn't see the ball off the bat.
2007-07-22 15:57:40
272.   goofus
Whether it's true or not, Broxton now has a reputation for choking. He's dropped the ball too many times in the ninth. Is gagne still available?
2007-07-22 15:57:45
273.   blue22
Was he going to have a play at the plate, or was it going to be tied anyway?
2007-07-22 15:57:49
274.   we are infinite
Then Pierre picked up the ball and threw a high, slow ball to second to miss the out.
2007-07-22 15:58:13
275.   D4P
No W for Rudy

If only we had this Rudy...

http://tinyurl.com/2l86g5

2007-07-22 15:58:23
276.   bhsportsguy
No matter what you think of the bullpen, they cannot keep having to come in the 6th inning or earlier no matter if Meloan or the second coming of Gagne is in the bullpen, starters have to pitch longer and better.
2007-07-22 15:58:29
277.   Vishal
[272] and how many is too many exactly?
2007-07-22 15:58:32
278.   imperabo
I think our battery is exhausted.
2007-07-22 15:58:35
279.   jasonungar07
And here I thought we were running away with our division. rats....
2007-07-22 15:58:37
280.   NorCalDodger
gotta be kidding me
2007-07-22 15:59:00
281.   Steve in Rochester
242 now Broxton and Martin both look tired.
2007-07-22 15:59:06
282.   Curtis Lowe
This oughta teach D4P to get excited.
2007-07-22 15:59:07
283.   underdog
268 Probably worse. He got a glove on it, barely and dropped it. Matt, Matt, Matt. No dessert for you.

And Broxton makes his second wild pitch. This is a hilariously bad inning, except for the hilarious part.

2007-07-22 15:59:19
284.   Gagne55
And you can't really blame Broxton at all. Both baserunners reached on errors. Even if Delgado is credited with a hit.
2007-07-22 15:59:20
285.   silverwidow
Meloan just made his Triple-A debut: 0.2 IP, 1 K.
2007-07-22 15:59:21
286.   Frip
He can't even blow a bubble today.
2007-07-22 15:59:27
287.   bluegold
Kemp winneth some games, Kemp giveth some games away.

And then you have Broxton imploding again in the 9th.

The only bright side is, Dodgers in 1st no matter what.

2007-07-22 16:00:08
288.   D4P
Since that run was "earned", why doesn't Green get a sac fly...?
2007-07-22 16:00:15
289.   scareduck
275 - because the Dodgers need to tackle Carlos Beltran?
2007-07-22 16:00:25
290.   jasonungar07
He may have gotten him at the plate if he had caught it ,yes. I love Kemp but there is no real excuse for that play at all. It is a killer.
2007-07-22 16:01:25
291.   Kingmans Performance
who will Grady PH for the #9 spot in the bottom of the 9th?

Lieberthal?

2007-07-22 16:01:41
292.   overkill94
288 Official scorer judged that he wouldn't have scored on the fly ball
2007-07-22 16:01:44
293.   D4P
Don't give up yet, fellas. Dodgers will probably score in the bottom of the 9th anyway.
2007-07-22 16:01:50
294.   Gagne55
Nice work, Broxton to keep it a tie.
2007-07-22 16:01:54
295.   we are infinite
What makes me sad is if we don't score in the bottom of the 9th, Tomko was the guy warming up in the bullpen...
2007-07-22 16:01:58
296.   jasonungar07
broxton got 5 outs.
2007-07-22 16:02:00
297.   imperabo
I doubt the runner would have even gone if Kemp had caught it. He was close to the infield.
2007-07-22 16:02:07
298.   Frip
Broxton doesn't fit the chocker profile.
2007-07-22 16:02:09
299.   overkill94
292 To add to that, it will be an unearned run
2007-07-22 16:02:13
300.   D4P
Official scorer judged that he wouldn't have scored on the fly ball

But that makes me think the run shouldn't be "earned"...

Show/Hide Comments 301-350
2007-07-22 16:02:44
301.   GIDP
So we really did need that .333 run after all. I take it all back.
2007-07-22 16:02:47
302.   underdog
WHEW, is all I can say. Okay, the Dodgers have to win it here or forget it. Not with that depleted backend of the bullpen. It's now or never.
2007-07-22 16:02:47
303.   Bob Timmermann
288
The official scorer must have felt that Hernandez would not have been able to tag up and score from third on the fly ball.
2007-07-22 16:02:47
304.   Gagne55
291 the Killer Tomato
2007-07-22 16:02:59
305.   StolenMonkey86
Tomato on deck?
2007-07-22 16:03:00
306.   Curtis Lowe
Is that 3 blown saves since the All Star Break?
2007-07-22 16:03:06
307.   bhsportsguy
290 Its part of the process, I know folks distain this type of comment but kids will make mistakes and vets do to but for kids, they have to learn how important the little things like remembering to bring your sunglasses out to field with you.
2007-07-22 16:03:50
308.   Bob Timmermann
Sorry, the browser here doesn't refresh correctly, so I always appear to be 5 minutes late on everything.
2007-07-22 16:04:03
309.   scooplew
We score here, Broxton gets the win ("brief and ineffective" not being applicable), Little doesn't have to go to the bullpen again and torture us with Tomko, and everyone happily turns off his or her computer.
2007-07-22 16:04:21
310.   Dodgers49
Tacoma Bottom 6th

Jeff Clement singles on a soft fly ball to right fielder Delwyn Young.
Nick Green strikes out swinging.
Coaching visit to mound.
Pitcher Change: Jonathan Meloan replaces Spike Lundberg.
Rob Johnson flies out to left fielder Wilkin Ruan.
Ronnie Prettyman strikes out swinging.

2007-07-22 16:05:01
311.   D4P
so I always appear to be 5 minutes late on everything

You might want to advise 196...

2007-07-22 16:05:18
312.   Andrew Shimmin
276- What's the alternative?
2007-07-22 16:05:38
313.   blue22
303 - What about the subsequent wild pitch that moved Green to 3rd? Had Kemp caught the ball, and the runner held, that WP would've scored the runner, which would've been earned.
2007-07-22 16:06:50
314.   natepurcell
what a waste of a swing there from Olmedo.
2007-07-22 16:07:17
315.   underdog
I wish we could face Jose Feliciano instead. I'd like those odds better.
2007-07-22 16:07:31
316.   Kingmans Performance
overtime.

how 'bout 18 innings today Vinnie?

2007-07-22 16:07:39
317.   D4P
315
Or Pedro Feliz.
2007-07-22 16:07:59
318.   Frip
I'm not in the mood for extra innings. I wanna take a nice lazy Sunday nap. But nooooooooo.
2007-07-22 16:08:26
319.   NorCalDodger
That was the most pathetic inning I have ever seen.
2007-07-22 16:08:27
320.   imperabo
Nuts to this.
2007-07-22 16:08:29
321.   scareduck
308 - that's okay, I'm years behind on tech. I still think Palm Pilots are cool. I was told the other day only old fuddy-duddies use them, just like e-mail.
2007-07-22 16:08:33
322.   Bob Timmermann
Broxton has three blown saves this year. The loss in San Diego was not a blown save.
2007-07-22 16:08:49
323.   D4P
The stage is set for a Juan Pierre walk-off.
2007-07-22 16:09:04
324.   goofus
I'm not saying he choked, but that will be the perception a lot of people will have. Given a choice between Saito and Broxton, I'd take Broxton every time. Saito has been doing it on smoke and mirrors and he can't have much left. Broxton..., he's a...well...an OX. he'll be around a long time.
2007-07-22 16:10:08
325.   Bob Timmermann
321
I'm using IE!
2007-07-22 16:10:48
326.   mintxcore
324:

You mean a bull?

2007-07-22 16:10:49
327.   silverwidow
Jon Meloan:

1.2 IP, 0 ER, 0 hits, 2 Ks

2007-07-22 16:11:07
328.   Andrew Shimmin
321- I have an eight year old cell phone. It doesn't play mp3s or have a camera or anything.
2007-07-22 16:11:19
329.   blue22
324 - Given a choice between Saito and Broxton, I'd take Broxton every time.

Maybe for the long term, but not up to this point would I have chosen Broxton over Saito.

2007-07-22 16:11:31
330.   Steve in Rochester
324 I don't know what you have been watching for the last year and a half, Takashi Saito dominates hitters.

and I don't really care what people think about Jonathan Broxton, I care what HE thinks of himself. as long as he doesn't go B.Lidge and implode, I have tremendous faith in both him and Saito (if he's healthy).

2007-07-22 16:11:59
331.   underdog
"I am D.J., I am what I play/ Can't turn around no, can't turn around, no, oh, ooh I am D.J."
2007-07-22 16:12:03
332.   StolenMonkey86
323 - You mean an addition to this prestigious list?

Jose Lima
Brian Lawrence
John Patterson
Salmon Torres
Craig Dingman
John Thompson
Adam Eaton
Jamey Wright
Victor Santos
Dave Bush
Ian Snell
John Lieber

2007-07-22 16:12:35
333.   Chiron Brown
Broxton was fine. It should have been a 1-2-3 inning. Kemp has been the worst defensive outfielder on the team. Much worse than Pierre at tracking fly balls. Yet, Little still uses him as a late inning, defensive replacement.
2007-07-22 16:12:36
334.   Fallout
That is why Kemp is not an option in CF. I cannot see many Dodger games to judge them very well. But, the Met announcer said that he played poorly on defense the entire series.
2007-07-22 16:12:59
335.   Frip
Vin: "the pesky Jose Reyes"

Sometimes Vin really captures it.

2007-07-22 16:13:19
336.   scareduck
316 - I fell asleep during the marathon NLDS Game 5 game in 2005 between Houston and Atlanta, and fell asleep in the 15th when Clemens batted for himself, and woke up for Clemens' 18th-inning strikeout and Chris Burke's walkoff homer.
2007-07-22 16:13:41
337.   scooplew
182 Correction of myself: Lowe pitched Thursday night, not Friday night.
2007-07-22 16:13:52
338.   overkill94
313 You're right, that explains why the run is earned but Green still didn't get the sac fly
2007-07-22 16:14:07
339.   bhsportsguy
324 Smoke and mirrors don't get you this career record:

118.0 IP 72H 26ER 7HR 28BB 154K and 49 saves in 53 or 54 opportunities.

2007-07-22 16:14:21
340.   underdog
Pierre actually held someone to a single? How bizarre.
2007-07-22 16:15:06
341.   scareduck
331 - you gotta know when to Houlton/know when to fold 'em.
2007-07-22 16:16:30
342.   Ricardo
I want to hear "I Love LA", DJ!
2007-07-22 16:16:34
343.   D4P
Betemit for Veteran Middle Reliever.

Book it.

2007-07-22 16:16:37
344.   Frip
New nickname for Honneycut, "Big Rick"
2007-07-22 16:16:59
345.   NorCalDodger
Ground ball ground ball ground ball...
2007-07-22 16:17:35
346.   bhsportsguy
The Dodgers are very fortunate to be winning games this month because outside of Chad's game 3 weeks ago and Brad's game last Monday, the starting pitching has been pretty erratic to say the least.
2007-07-22 16:18:22
347.   Bob Timmermann
Russ Springer is supposedly available.
2007-07-22 16:18:52
348.   bhsportsguy
343 Bullpen would be fine if starters could stretch their games out a few outs more.
2007-07-22 16:19:12
349.   scooplew
Then: Hershiser, Hillegas and Holton
Now: Hendrickson, Hernandez and Houlton
2007-07-22 16:19:39
350.   D4P
Russ Springer is supposedly available

And the Cardinals could use a third baseman...

Show/Hide Comments 351-400
2007-07-22 16:19:44
351.   natepurcell
Book it.

what will you do if you are wrong?

2007-07-22 16:19:44
352.   Bob Timmermann
346
Well, one commenter did dub the team the Los Angeles Mediocrities.
2007-07-22 16:20:50
353.   NorCalDodger
Does anyone else really hate the smirky smiles on the faces of Jose Reyes and David Wright?
2007-07-22 16:20:54
354.   Mark Joseph
343

Yup :-( Dotel?

Looks like I'm the only one on D4P's side since the much appreciated, unexpected, and spookily timed Nomar homer.

2007-07-22 16:21:28
355.   Andrew Shimmin
351- How about he has to drink a gallon of milk in one hour, and post the video online?
2007-07-22 16:21:30
356.   Bob Timmermann
Do you walk Ambres and force the Mets to use their last pinch hitter?
2007-07-22 16:22:00
357.   scareduck
Pasta diving Nomar.
2007-07-22 16:22:07
358.   NorCalDodger
Sigh
2007-07-22 16:22:17
359.   natepurcell
chip ambres huh? awesome.
2007-07-22 16:22:19
360.   overkill94
Why was Nomar playing so far in with two outs?
2007-07-22 16:22:22
361.   underdog
I'm sorry, how can you let Chip Ambergris beat you? Feh.
2007-07-22 16:22:48
362.   Bob Timmermann
Or just give up a single to Ambres and force the Mets to use their last pinch hitter?
2007-07-22 16:23:18
363.   Vishal
[361] chip who?

exactly.

2007-07-22 16:23:41
364.   bhsportsguy
360 See Hanley Ramirez's bunt.
2007-07-22 16:24:00
365.   Ricardo
Pierre will hit a HR!
2007-07-22 16:24:05
366.   underdog
353 Well, I hate the Mets in general, so I'd say unequivocally, yes, I hate their smirky smiles.
2007-07-22 16:24:13
367.   Bob Timmermann
So Pierre will hit a game-tying homer now off of Billy Wagner?
2007-07-22 16:25:18
368.   silverwidow
All I need is for Pierre to get on base to set-up a Russ walk-off.
2007-07-22 16:25:21
369.   Andrew Shimmin
Pierre triples, Martin walks and steals second. Both score on consecutive balks.
2007-07-22 16:25:31
370.   overkill94
364 Chip Ambres is not Hanley Ramirez
2007-07-22 16:25:39
371.   Frip
353 - Regarding Reyes, I think that's what subconsciously inspired the adjective "pesky" from Vin.

I personally like the smirk. It sort of scares me in a good way. Like he's got something up his sleeve that he could kill you with at anytime...like mega talent.

2007-07-22 16:26:24
372.   silverwidow
Kemp didn't blow this game; Kool-Aid did.
2007-07-22 16:26:30
373.   Ricardo
367. Yes, Bob. He was just practicing with those fly balls for this moment.
2007-07-22 16:26:53
374.   underdog
It's benefited the Dodgers once or twice, but I have to say that this ump has been abysmal at calling balls and strikes today.
2007-07-22 16:27:22
375.   Steve in Rochester
372 OH YEAH!!!!!!
2007-07-22 16:27:37
376.   bhsportsguy
No matter what happens, thanks Billy.
2007-07-22 16:27:38
377.   natepurcell
everyone do the Grabowski!
2007-07-22 16:27:52
378.   NorCal-Dodger
Walk is good...especially for JP
2007-07-22 16:27:54
379.   Andrew Shimmin
I got it backwards. Pierre Walks, Martin triples, scores on a balk.
2007-07-22 16:27:59
380.   overkill94
372 It's hard to ever pin a game on one guy, I'd give them both equal billing for goat status if we end up losing
2007-07-22 16:28:27
381.   Chiron Brown
Juan, if you get thrown out trying to steal I'll never speak to you again.
2007-07-22 16:28:30
382.   StolenMonkey86
Grabowski Principle?
2007-07-22 16:28:42
383.   Mark Joseph
351

What will you do if he's right?

2007-07-22 16:29:16
384.   natepurcell
crap, it looked like he had that stolen.
2007-07-22 16:29:56
385.   Mark Joseph
369

Winner of the prize for "most unlikely scenario of the year" award. But we'll take the walk...

2007-07-22 16:30:10
386.   xaphor
Good ol' Green.
2007-07-22 16:30:15
387.   bhsportsguy
Thanks Shawn.
2007-07-22 16:30:23
388.   Andrew Shimmin
The Dodgers are 0-4 in games in which Pierre has a walk but no hits.
2007-07-22 16:30:34
389.   underdog
Thank you Shawn. Thanks much!
2007-07-22 16:30:38
390.   natepurcell
383

absolutely nothing. I'm not the one making endless claims in hopes one sticks on the wall and is right.

2007-07-22 16:31:16
391.   Bob Timmermann
Was that a steal on a pickoff attempt?
2007-07-22 16:31:23
392.   Chiron Brown
Shawn saved you, Juan. Big time!
2007-07-22 16:31:28
393.   scooplew
Pierre has now walked 17 times this season.
2007-07-22 16:31:29
394.   underdog
I guess it's only fair we get a break, after the Mets got several before this.
2007-07-22 16:32:30
395.   Mark Joseph
This is the time for Pierre not to run. Keep dancing around, distract the pitcher, and see if the hitters can take advantage.
2007-07-22 16:34:01
396.   Ricardo
Moyer was worried with Pierre and we remember what happened. Go Dodgers!
2007-07-22 16:34:54
397.   underdog
Well, that was the about the longest 1-2 count in the history of mankind, and all for naught. Russell's had a tough series, no other way to put it.
2007-07-22 16:36:06
398.   bhsportsguy
Interesting move, I mean Kemp is hard to double up, Kent still has to get a hit to score Pierre.
2007-07-22 16:36:09
399.   NorCalDodger
So they will risk Kemp for a double play ball?
2007-07-22 16:36:15
400.   we are infinite
Kemp with a shot at redemption!
Show/Hide Comments 401-450
2007-07-22 16:36:23
401.   NorCal-Dodger
Walking the go-ahead run?
2007-07-22 16:36:25
402.   Disabled List
Russell needs a rest.
2007-07-22 16:36:48
403.   Ricardo
400. Yes! Matt "Killer" Kemp!
2007-07-22 16:36:58
404.   regfairfield
396 So if we lose this game, does it mean having Juan Pierre on base does nothing?

It's a very thin correlation you're working with.

2007-07-22 16:37:07
405.   silverwidow
Whoops, Meloan gave up a solo shot. Oh well.
2007-07-22 16:37:10
406.   NorCal-Dodger
Make-them pay Kemp
2007-07-22 16:37:26
407.   underdog
The phrase "atone for one's sins" comes to mind here.
2007-07-22 16:37:29
408.   regfairfield
Thank you, Willie Randolph.
2007-07-22 16:38:40
409.   Andrew Shimmin
I think they walked Kent, expecting Kemp to get a hit, and expecting Donnelly to get Pierre and Kent thrown out at the plate. Randolph is a very clever manager. Crafty, even.
2007-07-22 16:39:54
410.   ROC
No mater the ending, at least we get some good drama t the end here.

Look for Kent to give Reyes some feedback on his "style" by knocking him into left field if there's a DP grounder...

2007-07-22 16:40:08
411.   NorCalDodger
Well see just how good Nomar is at home.
2007-07-22 16:40:26
412.   bluegold
Sigh!! Pierre steals 3rd, but Kemp fouls it off.
2007-07-22 16:40:33
413.   Bob Timmermann
So where's your Messiah now? Huh?
2007-07-22 16:40:43
414.   Disabled List
Can't catch up to Wagner's heat.
2007-07-22 16:41:12
415.   D4P
Nomar with a chance to hammer the final nail in Betemit's coffin
2007-07-22 16:41:57
416.   Mark Joseph
411

And with two out and RISP.

2007-07-22 16:42:13
417.   Vishal
gameday placed that pitch inside nomar's cranium.
2007-07-22 16:42:20
418.   we are infinite
Oh please oh please!
2007-07-22 16:42:25
419.   NorCalDodger
Holy, was it close to beaning him? looked like it on gameday
2007-07-22 16:42:50
420.   Bob Timmermann
On Retro Gameday, the wild pitch is targeted at Nomar's head.
2007-07-22 16:42:50
421.   scareduck
413 - funny way to spell "Nomar".
2007-07-22 16:43:13
422.   PDH5204
If only someone would have let Pierre steal third.
2007-07-22 16:43:27
423.   scareduck
At least we're getting a full count.
2007-07-22 16:44:13
424.   NorCalDodger
sigh
2007-07-22 16:44:19
425.   Disabled List
This was a really painful loss, for some reason.
2007-07-22 16:44:23
426.   Daniel Zappala
I hate it when a game ends on a called strike.
2007-07-22 16:44:24
427.   Vishal
booo.
2007-07-22 16:44:31
428.   underdog
I hate baseball sometimes.

Okay, see you all to sweat here tomorrow.

2007-07-22 16:44:42
429.   Frip
He could at least swing at the slow motion strike. Poor showing Nomar, and I like you.
2007-07-22 16:44:43
430.   Bob Timmermann
I don't think I'm going to hang out in Downtown Mudville tonight. I hear it's not a fun place tonight.
2007-07-22 16:44:50
431.   bluegold
Thank you, youngsters Kemp and Broxton.
2007-07-22 16:44:55
432.   scooplew
Was the pitch close? Seems like Nomar is taking a lot of two-strike pitches this year.
2007-07-22 16:45:25
433.   StolenMonkey86
called strike 3 to Nomar to end the game.

Betemit just might stick around.

2007-07-22 16:46:12
434.   scooplew
Dodgers' last 20 games: 7-10 at home, 3-0 (in San Francisco) on the road. For a total of 10-10.
2007-07-22 16:46:14
435.   underdog
425 Or a lot of reasons. Can't say the Dodgers really deserved to win that one, though they also did have quite a few chances to do so.

I feel kind of queasy.

2007-07-22 16:46:20
436.   Ricardo
At least San Diego lost.
2007-07-22 16:46:25
437.   Vishal
[426] i only hate it when there's a dodger at the plate.
2007-07-22 16:46:28
438.   still bevens
425 Maybe because we totally gave that game away?
2007-07-22 16:46:46
439.   we are infinite
This was painful... Lots of "what ifs" in this game. Like what if Lowe had pitched another inning?

Although I breathed a sigh of relief when I saw Houlton instead of Tomko out there in the 10th, now I can't help but wonder if Brett could've pitched a scoreless inning.

2007-07-22 16:47:35
440.   underdog
432 It was a borderline outside pitch, just caught the edge of the plate (or didn't), but too close to take. He should have swung defensively and ticked it off foul. Instead it is we who are ticked off. Of course, he also did give the team a lead with a 2r homer. I wouldn't pin this loss on him, exactly.
2007-07-22 16:47:57
441.   Retire 55
Another memorable performance by our braindead manager
2007-07-22 16:48:00
442.   natepurcell
Thank you, youngsters Kemp and Broxton.

i do agree they both had tough games but what do you propose we do? Sit them? option them? trade them? When they play, they give us the best chance to win ballgames. Today's game is just one of those games.

2007-07-22 16:49:19
443.   CanuckDodger
431 -- Your act is getting pretty damn tired.
2007-07-22 16:49:54
444.   Curtis Lowe
With that error then strikeout Kemp bought himself a ticket to the bench.
2007-07-22 16:50:01
445.   Frip
440 Russel needs a few days in Tahiti.
2007-07-22 16:51:36
446.   Curtis Lowe
444 - Not that it's right.

What is it with bad fielding when Broxton pitches the 9th?

2007-07-22 16:53:00
447.   Retire 55
Young players make mistakes. Kemp and Loney have both been terrific for the club.

Grady bringing in Hernandez, on the other hand, was both inexcusable and completely predictable.

2007-07-22 16:53:23
448.   D4P
With that error then strikeout Kemp bought himself a ticket to the bench

3-run jacks buy Kemp tickets to the bench.

2007-07-22 16:54:57
449.   Bob Timmermann
Sometimes, here victory has one father, but defeat has about 25-30 daddies.

Given enough time, someone will blame Ramon Martinez for the loss.

2007-07-22 16:55:26
450.   Gen3Blue
I still consider this a moral victory. With everything going against us we still could have got a split with the Mets. Putting Hernandez in to face the exact hitters who bombed him a few nights ago was the end(IMO).
Show/Hide Comments 451-500
2007-07-22 16:56:17
451.   scooplew
440 Thanks
Garciaparra, through today's game, 24 walks and 34 strikeouts in 338 at bats. All of last year: 42 walks and 30 strikeouts in 469 at bats.
2007-07-22 16:56:49
452.   JT Dutch
... An extremely tough series -- the type of series that leads me to believe that the Dodgers aren't quite as good as I think they are.
2007-07-22 16:59:00
453.   Dodgers49
Las Vegas
Player IP H R ER BB SO HR ERA
Lundberg (W, 6-4) 5.1 8 1 1 1 4 0 5.75
Meloan 2.1 1 1 1 1 2 1 3.86
Hoorelbeke 1.1 1 0 0 0 0 0 5.19

http://tinyurl.com/22jv8s

2007-07-22 16:59:54
454.   NorCalDodger
452. Well said.

Even with winning games, every aspect of the team has holes. Starters don't last as long as they should be, relievers aren't consistent as they should be, and the lineup isn't potent enough to get a run when they absolutely need it. They're unfortunate that its all happening now, and they fortunate enough that everyone else in the NL West is faltering.

2007-07-22 16:59:58
455.   scooplew
449 Or, as Tolstoy wrote at the start of "Anna Karenina":
"Happy families are all alike; every unhappy family is unhappy in its own way."
2007-07-22 17:00:57
456.   bhsportsguy
450 Who else was left? Saito is out, Broxton can't keep pitching 2 inning relief outings, Beimel can't pitch everyday, Houlton was probably the multi inning guy left in case the game goes extra innings for some reason. You pitched Lowe already, you really don't want to throw Hendrickson out there, so there you have it, Hernandez is left.

Now you can blame Ned for this roster but you can't blame Grady because he can't manage today's game as if its the last game of the season.

Someone on this staff has to step up and throw a good game, seven innings plus and it would be nice to have a nice size lead so we could have a nice easy close. Actually, it would be nice to get a couple of those games this week.

2007-07-22 17:01:29
457.   Disabled List
Remember when we all thought the Dodgers' pitching was the team's strength, and our offense was the problem?

Weird how things play out during the course of a season. I'm very glad that Ned didn't listen to me last offseason when I told him to trade Penny for Adam Dunn.

2007-07-22 17:01:36
458.   underdog
Hernandez shouldn't be on the team at all. But the bullpen's completely shot, due to injuries and, as others here have mentioned, the lack of quality pitching from the starters as of late. None of that is Grady's fault. I do agree that he should have had Lowe go one more inning though. Hernandez should be more of a desperation pitcher at this point. All the more reason to just DFA him and bring in someone stronger. Anyway, I agree with Bob in 449 completely.

Gotta go. See y'all later.

2007-07-22 17:01:41
459.   Curtis Lowe
452 - Yeh because Derek Lowe is known to get shelled for 9 runs every start.

The offense looked good this series, pitching killed the series mainly bullpen. Bullpen is tired = bullpen gets shelled although 2 losses can both be pinned on newly acquired Roberto.

2007-07-22 17:01:46
460.   Gen3Blue
Don't blamerookies for making a mistake or two, when one of two possibilities is musch more important. Either we are having an awful string of coincidental pitching injuries, or our bullpen is being miss managed. But our offense and youngsters are doing above and beyond.
I pray we make no drastic moves when I see the next several years.
2007-07-22 17:02:19
461.   bhsportsguy
452 I guess when the Mets got swept here last month, they were not as bad as they seem to be?
2007-07-22 17:03:24
462.   D4P
461
Then when we sweep the Astros next, we'll seem good again.
2007-07-22 17:03:50
463.   underdog
I agree with bh completely, too. Though I think Stults gave the Dodgers as much, or more, than we could have expected or asked for. Then he just lost steam. At this point, if they don't want to bring up Meloan yet, bring up Hull for Hernandez.

Okay, enough outta me, really. No, really.

2007-07-22 17:05:59
464.   Gen3Blue
D4P I love you, but that was not the time to say 86 w/o a "knock on wood" :o). At least SD got their just desserts.
2007-07-22 17:06:27
465.   Gen3Blue
Sorry to be so BB superstitious.
2007-07-22 17:08:11
466.   trainwreck
I went to sleep while we were winning and I fully expected to see a win when I got up.

Sigh.

2007-07-22 17:09:30
467.   Gen3Blue
456 I think Lowe should have pitched another inning, but I am also yapping way too much--and must say goodnight.
2007-07-22 17:11:35
468.   Gen3Blue
456 You are so right. If ever we could use a few nice easy games it is this week. And I hope that is my last word.
2007-07-22 17:12:46
469.   Fallout
I must say that a lot of the game ending comments are disappointing. Even good teams lose tough games. This is a good developing team that has been hit with a lot of sudden pitching injuries. As opposed to a team that just flat out needed pitching to be good. Right now they are short on pitching. But ironically it was a defensive error that cost them this game.
For the Mets, walking Kent to pitch to Kemp made a lot of sense. 408 Kemp still has a lot of holes in his swing. Kent is a proven hitter and much tougher to get out.
2007-07-22 17:13:11
470.   silverwidow
431-Where were the "thank you's" for all the games they helped win?
2007-07-22 17:17:04
471.   silverwidow
Oh, and if Billingsley struggles tomorrow, we may as well send him to Triple-A, right?
2007-07-22 17:18:23
472.   CanuckDodger
470 -- He's a troll. His behavior is logicallly consistent with his purpose.
2007-07-22 17:23:16
473.   overkill94
And now the official scorer has changed Broxton's run from earned to unearned. Is there something about not assuming a wild pitch would have scored a runner from third?
2007-07-22 17:25:27
474.   D4P
I must say that a lot of the game ending comments are disappointing

Looks like a "sky is not falling" NPUT from Jon is in order.

2007-07-22 17:29:15
475.   bluegold
472. Don't know about you, but Dodgers losing puts me in a bad mood. Unlike you, where everything is fine and dandy no matter what happens. My purpose is to vent frustration at the team and I do not direct anything personal at any posters, whereas your purpose is to play holier than thou, attaching labels to posters as you go along.
2007-07-22 17:37:50
476.   trainwreck
Flight of the Conchords is on tonight so we can turn those frowns upside down!

Atleast, if you have HBO.

2007-07-22 17:38:16
477.   LADfan in IL
Could Lowe have pitched 3 innings today?

Bullpen is shot. Derek only pitched 3 innings on Thursday. They could throw Bills tomorrow, Hendrickson on Tuesday, Tomko on Wednesday and Penny on Thursday. Was that even a possibility?

I just felt today's game was important enough to try that. I felt it was a genius move to bring Lowe in for the 7th. Why not let the bullpen get the much needed rest and use Lowe?

Am I completely crazy here?

2007-07-22 17:39:26
478.   Bill Crain
473
Run scoring from third on wild pitch isn't earned is it? Someone call 911-GRIDDLE.
2007-07-22 17:39:38
479.   underdog
475 You just contradicted yourself in your same post. You don't direct anything personal at any posters, except twice in that post. Huh.

But I'm sure we all share your frustration with losing today.

I have faith the team will turn it around a bit in Houston.

I'm also cranky because I have to work today, as punishment for camping. Bye again.

2007-07-22 17:40:08
480.   underdog
476 just cheered me up greatly.
2007-07-22 17:46:31
481.   Marty
I blame Ramon Martinez.
2007-07-22 17:46:49
482.   Louis in SF
Since the great MLB package did not offer this game today I could only suffer by watching on Game Trax and following on this site as I often do.

While just about everyone agrees on this site about the folly of bringing up Hernandez, who was DFAD by Cleveland! A team desparate for pitching.... (whether they can trade or not)
I think the move to make before the 31st is to bring up the best possible starter they have in the minors and use that person to fill the role that Billingsly had earlier in the year.

I would still like to see Melon come up now, but if he can only pitch one inning at a time, I am not sure he can be the difference maker we all want him to be. Hence why the starter or someone who can be a true swing man is what we need.

2007-07-22 17:50:28
483.   CanuckDodger
475 -- You NEVER "vent frustration at the team" in general. Pretty well all of your posts are specifically shots at the young players everybody here likes. I call you a troll because I don't believe you are stupid enough to believe that our young players have been anything but a huge plus for the Dodgers. No, you just want to stir up crap, and if everybody here hated the youngsters you'd be singing their praises, because THAT would be the way to bother people. That is what a troll does.
2007-07-22 17:51:08
484.   LADfan in IL
I guess the Lowe question really was a dumb one, huh?

I really did think it would have been a smart option, fixing more holes then it would have created.

Figured someone else would have had an opinion though.

2007-07-22 17:54:17
485.   bluegold
479. I don't want to get into the juvenile game and rationalize by saying, he did it first. On the other, this Canuck guy has done this to me before, and I shouldn't be expected to be passive about it.

If I am out of line, Jon is welcomed to step in.

Again, I do not get personal in my post and I don't label anybody. I just want the same courtesy extended to me.

2007-07-22 17:58:55
486.   bojangles
"We" didn't think pitching was a necessary
strength of this team (very fragile, Schmidt to Saito) and have been saying so since February. But "we" don't think the pitching has been a serious, collective problem, either. A solid, dependable defense would have seen this team five or six better in the win column; more judicious tactics from management (resting guys is good - and should be maximized when they are struggling; sitting guys when they are in good offensive grooves only makes sense on overwhelmingly talented teams, which this team yet ain't) might have been worth a couple/three more. More lively bench players getting the at-bats which a declining Olmedo and puzzling-presence Ramon have gotten on the basis of work in other seasons maybe another couple.
More pleasant (or less unpleasant) contemplations: if Shawn Green was born in Aruba or surrounds, would he have been on second with Matt's muff?
Why did Juan pierre cut in front of Andre late in game on a play requiring an arm - hasn't anyone told him yet?
For those unfans of "small" ball, and its components, didja note that the fear of a Hanley Ramirez-like bunt by Ambres had Nomar even with the bag, which turned an ordinary third out into a game-winning hit? Picking and choosing small-ball stratagems, and mis-aligning the Bad Guys' defense, sometimes wins ball games.
Where, when all is said and done, will Matt look comfortable when the D's are defending?
Just how (McCarver praised his fundamentals
the pitch after he let a ball through his legs) did Russell get that "great defensive young catcher" rep? Every time I see him, he's borderline at best (receiving and throwing), and so, liking the rest of his game so much, especially his wheels, I look for the front office to stay alert and look for a genuinely special "d" guy, and make a Biggio/Torre move with Russ.
Chris Wheeler, generally a knowledgeable baseball guy, and announcer for the Phils, had Juan (who's been vital in some wins the last month - shades of 2003) as "probably the best base-stealer in the contemporary game" and "one of the best at bunting." I have no comment. I have no comment. I will not comment...
For those who'd like to see the hot youngsters promoted in the lineup, I share the temptation, but think the brass, collectively, has done an impressive job letting them learn to crawl, then walk, then take off at this difficult level. James "400" Loney may have been James "240" Loney if asked to stand the pressure that comes at three and four, and even five and six, that diminishes at seven and eight in the order. What I don't understand, knowing for most players good offensive performances tend to be bunched - having to do with confidence and rhythm - is why youngsters like Wilson and Matt and James and Andre have been in the dugout after big performances, often removing any chance for those special three-run jobs. Does management have charts showing poor games tend to follow very good ones?
I see very nice signs from the kids they're taking to their hitting instructors.
Thought the series against the Braves/Marlins, then these last two, would be a decent gauge of progress, and the 6-8
result is no surprise, even though none of those Bad Guy Outfits were playing anything near their best brand comin' to town. This continues a generally mediocre-to-decent team, in a mediocre division, in a mediocre
league. They aren't likely to get a whole lot better, but neither are the other guys.
Remember The Cardinals!
2007-07-22 18:02:13
487.   Bill Crain
484
I think it's possible that 81 pitches in 3 innings could be tougher on a the arm than 7 innings of a shut-out. Specifically as to Lowe, whether he could have gone longer without jeopardizing his next start, who knows? Probably Lowe himself couldn't say for sure.
2007-07-22 18:06:22
488.   Gen3Blue
484 I can't keep shut up. I advocating keeping Lowe in at least twice directly and once indirectly. Startwith post 189.
2007-07-22 18:06:42
489.   LADfan in IL
487 That's fair. I wasn't second guessing there. Just asking, given the circumstances with the bullpen and all.

Thanks for responding! I had been told that Dodger thoughts was a good place to discuss and ask questions. I do realize most are probably gone now that the game is over though.

2007-07-22 18:07:12
490.   trainwreck
Is that girl really Greg Brock's girlfriend or is that a joke?
2007-07-22 18:07:13
491.   Gen3Blue
Sorry about the semi-illiterate typingin 488.
2007-07-22 18:08:15
492.   Gen3Blue
490 It's a joke, or he's a lucky man.
2007-07-22 18:09:29
493.   LADfan in IL
488 Sorry then. I had thought about it, and came over here to ask the question. I wasn't on Dodger Thoughts the whole time. Guess I should have looked closer before asking. I did look...a little though.
2007-07-22 18:11:36
494.   Marty
490 Joke, not that Brock isn't a lady-killer and couldn't land a prize like that.
2007-07-22 18:13:46
495.   Gen3Blue
493 No problem, I think you have the crux of the game. Once you make Lowe throw under game conditions, a few mor innings matters not.
2007-07-22 18:22:35
496.   overkill94
I was hoping Lowe would have gone two innings considering he only threw 10 innings in the one he did pitch. Normally that wouldn't be a problem with Broxton and Saito ready to shut it down, but since Grady knew that Saito was out it seems peculiar that he would go to Roberto Hernandez instead of letting Lowe go one more.
2007-07-22 18:28:02
497.   LADfan in IL
496 I agree. We all knew the bullpen was shot. Even going to Broxton in the 9th was pushing it given his performance yesterday. Lowe looked in control in his only inning. And, as you say only threw 9 or 10 pitches.

Let me ask the other question I am wondering of other Dodger fans. Would any of you actually have been upset were Lowe left in and the Mets won any way? Given the bullpen situation, I would have been more willing to take the chances with Lowe, then to have done it the way they did. Maybe the better choice of words is, I would have been more confident with Lowe.

2007-07-22 18:28:13
498.   LADfan in IL
496 I agree. We all knew the bullpen was shot. Even going to Broxton in the 9th was pushing it given his performance yesterday. Lowe looked in control in his only inning. And, as you say only threw 9 or 10 pitches.

Let me ask the other question I am wondering of other Dodger fans. Would any of you actually have been upset were Lowe left in and the Mets won any way? Given the bullpen situation, I would have been more willing to take the chances with Lowe, then to have done it the way they did. Maybe the better choice of words is, I would have been more confident with Lowe.

2007-07-22 18:28:22
499.   LADfan in IL
496 I agree. We all knew the bullpen was shot. Even going to Broxton in the 9th was pushing it given his performance yesterday. Lowe looked in control in his only inning. And, as you say only threw 9 or 10 pitches.

Let me ask the other question I am wondering of other Dodger fans. Would any of you actually have been upset were Lowe left in and the Mets won any way? Given the bullpen situation, I would have been more willing to take the chances with Lowe, then to have done it the way they did. Maybe the better choice of words is, I would have been more confident with Lowe.

2007-07-22 18:29:00
500.   LADfan in IL
I apologize for the 3 posts! Don't know what happened.
Show/Hide Comments 501-550
2007-07-22 18:34:33
501.   Louis in SF
486

to your point on Martin, I don't know if the stats justify it, but I do think Martin needs some more rest, and I do believe something McCarver actually mentioned that perhaps some of the recent past balls/wild pitches maybe attributed to being tired.

How much do you think the rule that once a player is called up, the club's ability to control him is decreased is influencing the current Dodger leadership in calling up or not calling up Meleon.

2007-07-22 18:36:26
502.   Sammy Maudlin
If Bonds doesn't hit 3 home runs in the upcoming 7 game Giant homestand. He will probably face Lowe on July 31, Penny on August 1 .
2007-07-22 18:50:46
503.   Bob Timmermann
More pleasant (or less unpleasant) contemplations: if Shawn Green was born in Aruba or surrounds, would he have been on second with Matt's muff?

What in the world does that mean?

2007-07-22 18:51:57
504.   Marty
503 Ask again later.
2007-07-22 18:53:17
505.   Bob Timmermann
Someone is going to blame Mike Lieberthal soon for today's outcome, right?
2007-07-22 18:54:15
506.   Marty
Hey, whaddya want from me? I already took on the Ramon Martinez end of things.
2007-07-22 18:55:07
507.   Marty
I'll blame Lieberthal when he plays. He's obviously too rested.
2007-07-22 18:56:34
508.   Bob Timmermann
506
You were doing the Lord's work there, Marty.

I just don't understand why everybody got so angry.

There's another game tomorrow. Such is the nature of baseball.

2007-07-22 19:06:15
509.   xaphor
I blame Timmermann for his lack of frustrations was clearly the deciding factor on Nomar taking that third strike. D4P let it all out and we got a 2 run jack. Come on Bob, pick it up. There is no I in team.
2007-07-22 19:06:30
510.   Gen3Blue
A confirmed DT and Griddle addict, Bob you know I am often here trying to keep my mouth shut. Amen to 508 and tommorrow.
2007-07-22 19:11:38
511.   underdog
Just blogged by Diamond Leung:
"

Takashi Saito is scheduled to undergo an MRI on his right shoulder on Monday in Los Angeles. Saito will try to rejoin the club tomorrow in Houston after the MRI, but the news does not appear to be good and he could be headed for the DL with the tightness that has bothered him of late.

Interesting to note that Jonathan Meloan is a Houston native. Just sayin'."

2007-07-22 19:12:49
512.   underdog
And re 511 I'd hate to see Meloan's debut come because of an injury to Saito, when it should ideally be because they are replacing another less effective reliever or filler like Hernandez, but it sure would be cool to see him. I also think Hull deserves a shot.
2007-07-22 19:22:33
513.   CanuckDodger
Saito should have been on the DL days ago. For crying out loud, we basically played the series against the Mets with a 24-man roster. That was never a story that was going to end well.
2007-07-22 19:24:52
514.   trainwreck
Aww crud. Injuries are like a disease with this team.
2007-07-22 19:30:44
515.   underdog
514 Seems that way right now, though I'm sure if you compare to most other teams in the league it's probably not any worse. Though it really does seem like the pitching staff specifically has been hard-hit the past month or two.

513 In hindsight, yeah, but I seriously doubt the Dodgers thought he would be out more than a day or two when his "stiffness" or "irritation" first came to light. But by day 3, yeah, I would've DL'd him at that point.

Basically I'd DL him, DFA Hernandez, and call up Hull and Meloan and be done with it.

Wait, what am I doing here, Flight of the Conchords is on!

2007-07-22 19:47:48
516.   twerp
1. Posted by twerp
512 They brought Hull up very briefly a while back, but he never appeared in a game. Can't say he did badly, can they?

Hull has a 3.18 ERA in Vegas' launching pad, a 1.39 WHIP, averages more than a K per inning, and has 9 saves and 4 holds. He appears to be the closest thing the 51s now have to a closer.

If the Dodgers think a 51s closer with decent numbers in that park shouldn't even get a shot at helping a frazzled Dodger bullpen, maybe they need to clear him out of Vegas like they have some others.

Hernandez is an example of the "bring in the grizzled veteran with tons of experience and
great career numbers" school of thought. I hope the move works out.

But so far Hernandez has been been fizz, not grizz...

2007-07-22 19:56:19
517.   Bob Timmermann
Now, here's something I can get angry about! The dryers in my apartment building have a broken coin box. So I have to go off to the laundromat with all my wet clothes.

Now this is something I truly can get angry about.

2007-07-22 20:03:08
518.   Marty
517 No comfort to you Bob, but I love my new front-loader washing machine. It's amazing.
2007-07-22 20:39:53
519.   CanuckDodger
518 -- Does it being a front-loader have anything to do with why it's amazing?
2007-07-22 21:12:32
520.   xaphor
519. It does if you have a lovely young neighbour whom you have offered to do the laundry for. Marty you sly devil.
2007-07-22 21:27:56
521.   Ken Arneson
514 I regret to inform you that injury complaints are a registered trademark of Fans of the Oakland Athletics Baseball Company. Any whining, complaining, or use of metaphors comparing injuries to contagious diseases without the expressed written consent of Fans of the Oakland Athletics Baseball Company is strictly prohibited.
2007-07-22 21:31:47
522.   trainwreck
521
If I am a fan of the A's as well, can I complain about the Dodgers problems?
2007-07-22 21:36:09
523.   Ken Arneson
522 If that's the case, we might need to put you in quarantine.
2007-07-22 21:41:10
524.   Dodgers49
One problem with the Hernandez situation is he hadn't pitched for a while when the Dodgers signed him and told him to get his arm in shape and they would call him up as soon as possible. Then he only pitched ONE inning in Las Vegas when they apparently felt they had to call him up. So he's basically getting his arm in shape in Los Angeles. Apparently, we were pretty desperate.
2007-07-22 21:47:34
525.   MJW101
I think at the end of this year we will look upon this past week as the turning point of the 2007 season.
2007-07-22 21:55:50
526.   Megaballs
Welcome to the Jungle...

a couple of months of Gagne...after a couple of minutes talking with Saito to have him say he's OK with Gagne closing...

Welcome to the Jungle...

Texas ain't using him and he's gone in the off season...

2007-07-22 22:52:23
527.   Jon Weisman
That was a pretty ugly exchange in the late 400s. I'd delete the comments if I had the energy. Major rule violations on both sides.

In general, I'd like to remind people that if you're angry, shout at your TV, but keep it civil in here. I know it's tough when your team has lost one in a row, but try. Thanks.

New post up top.

2007-07-22 23:07:34
528.   still bevens
Robothal is saying the Royals want Abreu or Hu for Dotel..

"The Dodgers are the front-runners for Royals closer Octavio Dotel — and the team's urgency could be increasing due to the uncertainty over closer Takashi Saito, who has missed the past four games with shoulder discomfort.

In return for Dotel, the Royals want a position player who is close to the majors. Dodgers Class AAA second baseman Tony Abreu likely is out of reach, but Class AAA shortstop Chin-Lung Hu could be a possibility."

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