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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

Vital Saenz or Warning Saenz
2007-08-03 17:20
by Jon Weisman

Olmedo Saenz has been slumping, going 1 for 20 with a walk and two sacrifice flies since June 23, and has looked terrible at the plate in doing so, which makes him an odd choice to play first base and bat cleanup tonight. But I'm hoping that Saenz does still have some fight left in him.

After all, 23 plate appearances really shouldn't be enough to condemn a man to the gallows, should it? After all, the Dodgers' regular cleanup man and hottest hitter in July, the older Jeff Kent, had a stretch crossing from May into June in which he went 1 for 27 with no walks or sacrifice flies.

Prior to June 23, Saenz's OPS was .811 this season. It just seems too sudden for a well-rested Saenz to be through. It could be true, but I'm hoping not.

I might confine Saenz to facing lefties (like tonight's Arizona starter, Doug Davis) until he shows signs of life, however.

* * *

At True Blue L.A., ToyCannon had a wonderful post about Roberto Hernandez.

* * *

Tonight's game:

Gameday

Retro Gameday

Comments (279)
Show/Hide Comments 1-50
2007-08-03 17:31:21
1.   Bob Timmermann
From the last thread, streets mentioned in "I Love L.A."

Century Boulevard (We love it)
Victory Boulevard (We love it)
Santa Monica Boulevard (We love it)
Sixth Street (We love it, we love it)

ToyCannon's piece was great.

2007-08-03 17:32:47
2.   Marty
Imperial Highway is in the song too.
2007-08-03 17:34:30
3.   NorCal-Dodger
Thanks Bob, now I know not to question you anymore. And no wonder I used to get lost in the Valley all the time!
2007-08-03 17:37:46
4.   Bob Timmermann
How can anyone get lost in the San Fernando Valley? It's one giant grid. Ventura Boulevard is the southernmost major east-west thoroughfare and Rinaldi is the northernmost east-west thoroughfare.

The 405 is the de facto dividing line between east and west.

2007-08-03 17:40:54
5.   Wilbert Robinson
Kim's last three games have been really good. I watched his last start against the Rockies and his stuff looked great. I don't see why the Dodger's wouldn't put a claim on him and let him slip to the D-backs. Also Joe Mays has disappeared off the face of the Earth. I guess he made a mistake opting out. If he had stuck it out in Vegas he'd be back in the majors right now.
2007-08-03 17:45:30
6.   Branch Rickey
I know the last thread was full of praise but just read the SI article and have to add my own. Great job Jon.
Art is so hard to define but when someone can evoke emotion with their work, I'm pretty sure that's art. Scully has done it nightly and at the same time somehow taught baseball and life lessons through his descriptions of baseball games. He has meant more to my life than some of my family members. All longtime Dodger fans know his greatness but when someone from out of town says "Scully's a good announcer" I'm left without any adequate way to explain how much they're really missing. Maybe in the future I'll just point them towards Jon's column.
2007-08-03 17:47:44
7.   Linkmeister
For reference, ARod was 0-for-25 or something till he got a couple of hits yesterday.
2007-08-03 17:49:08
8.   Lexinthedena
Did anyone catch the love Vin was given by the "Around The Horn" clowns today on ESPN?
2007-08-03 17:50:43
9.   Bluebleeder87
Here are Olmedo Saenz #'s against Zona:

At Bats - 7
Hits - 2
dingers - 0
OBP - .375
SLG - .286
Batting Average .286

_______________________________________________

Not bad, I really feel he's gonna have a good game. I'm really interested in seeing D. Young though.

2007-08-03 17:53:37
10.   trainwreck
8
Yes, I did. It is not often I like what Jay Mariotti says, but I did today.
2007-08-03 17:57:57
11.   silverwidow
LaRoche pulled after one AB tonight. No idea why.
2007-08-03 18:01:58
12.   NorCal-Dodger
4 Yes, you are right again, amazed how I got home to Granada Hills when I lived down there. :-)) J.K. But I have and guess still do have Victory Blvd and Ventura Blvd mixed up?
2007-08-03 18:03:01
13.   underdog
Huh. Game log says "Defensive Substitution: Chin-Lung Hu replaces third baseman Andy LaRoche, batting 5th, playing shortstop" in the 4th inning. He struck out in his first at bat. Hope he didn't pull something (knowing the Dodgers' luck right now it's possible). Either that or he's getting called up!
2007-08-03 18:05:44
14.   underdog
Btw, Miguel Pinango's been pretty solid for the 51s. Any chance he'll get a call up? 7-5, 3.90 ERA in Vegas is pretty good. 5 shutout innings so far tonight.
2007-08-03 18:06:23
15.   ToyCannon
I live on Victory Blvd. Man, that would be so cool to live on Vin Scully Blvd. It would make it hard to sell my house and retire to Mexico.

Off to watch the phenom. I hear that D Young guy is going to be something special.

2007-08-03 18:06:40
16.   NorCal-Dodger
Just hit me..Tom Petty uses 'Ventura Blvd'in his lyrics for 'Free Fallin'. Ok, now I feel better.
2007-08-03 18:09:26
17.   Andrew Shimmin
Dear X-Games,

Please go away.

vr, Andrew.

2007-08-03 18:13:02
18.   silverwidow
I just noticed this from yesterday's Vegas game:

Las Vegas Top 9th

Andy LaRoche called out on strikes.
Injury Delay.
Marshall McDougall called out on strikes.
Choo Freeman singles on a line drive to third baseman Richard Lewis.
With Ben Davis batting, wild pitch by Roberto Giron, Choo Freeman to 2nd.
Ben Davis walks.
Luis Maza flies out to center fielder Mitch Maier.

2007-08-03 18:17:36
19.   Linkmeister
17 Shorter Andrew Shimmin:

Get Lost!

2007-08-03 18:24:21
20.   Andrew Shimmin
It's like pretending that falling down stairs is a sport. Or, here's a game, who can slam his hand in a car door the hardest.
2007-08-03 18:24:34
21.   Bluebleeder87
18

oh man, & then today he left the game early things haven't been going well for him the last 2 years hopefully it's nothing serious. 17 & 19 party poopers

2007-08-03 18:25:08
22.   Linkmeister
What, you're expecting an argument? At least the Winter X-Games have snow!
2007-08-03 18:29:14
23.   underdog
Pinango is only one hit away from an "interesting" game, now pitching in the 7th.

Can we call this guy up??

Too bad the 51s offense is as futile as the Dodgers right now.

2007-08-03 18:36:46
24.   Andrew Shimmin
The D'backs have an advantage in waiver claims, since they had such a crummy record last year. So, the Dodgers probably couldn't have gotten BH Kim away from them. Except that if he was going to get released anyway, they probably could have gotten him for Choo Freeman, or whatever, three days ago. So, there's that.
2007-08-03 18:37:23
25.   Marty
The X games is just a remake of The Roadrunner cartoons. But everyone is a coyote.
2007-08-03 18:38:42
26.   Marty
If the Dodgers ever acquire Kim, I'll be able to check "new least favorite Dodger" off my todo list.
2007-08-03 18:39:24
27.   Lexinthedena
Plug alert....

The radio show I do is about to air....7pm on 90.7fm KPFK...it's called Soul Rebel Radio...(kpfk.org "liten live" if you are not in L.A)

I hope some of you can check it out...

2007-08-03 18:43:53
28.   JoeyP
Saenz Abs vs Left Handers/OPS

2007
30 abs/.759 OPS

2006
58 abs/1.199 OPS

2005
115 abs/.886 OPS

2004
65 abs/1.057 OPS

Saenz hasnt gotten the consistent Abs this year IMO to keep him sharp. He also shouldnt be used vs right handers at all.

I dont think he's done yet, but maybe on the Dodgers he is if Loney can hit lefties.

2007-08-03 18:48:13
29.   Marty
Yikes. Hal Fishman has colon cancer and it doesn't sound like they found it early. That's really sad.
2007-08-03 18:56:22
30.   Dodgers49
24. The D'backs have an advantage in waiver claims, since they had such a crummy record last year.

It appears last year's standing are only used during the first month of the season.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Major_League_Baseball_transactions#Waivers

2007-08-03 18:56:52
31.   Andrew Shimmin
The ABC local news said it had metastasized to his liver.
2007-08-03 18:57:44
32.   Dodgers49
30. standings
2007-08-03 18:58:04
33.   Bluebleeder87
I'll listen to it up until 7:40, do you have voice machines & such? I'll be shocked if you do the girls voice though. j/k
2007-08-03 18:58:31
34.   Andrew Shimmin
30- Huh. Is that new? I would have sworn it was based on the previous season's record for the whole season.
2007-08-03 18:58:31
35.   Fallout
When the Dodgers DFA'd Marlon Anderson I was wondering then if Saenz was on the bubble. One thing for sure, he needs some at bats if he is going to get on track.
2007-08-03 19:02:41
36.   Bluebleeder87
wikipedia has updated info on him also [-http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hal_Fishman-] hope things get better.

ps the reason I posted the link is because I didn't realize he was the longest tenured anchor in history.

2007-08-03 19:06:44
37.   Dodgers49
34. It wouldn't surprise me if it's new because I thought it was for the whole season also. Maybe Bob knows. :-)
2007-08-03 19:14:10
38.   Bluebleeder87
Chad Billingsley interview on KCAL 9 at the moment
2007-08-03 19:21:33
39.   PDH5204
20 Baseball isn't exactly a sport requiring all that much athleticism and here simply witness our cleanup hitter tonight, as I don't imagine that he'd fair all that well in any XGames event [his skill set appears to be a rotund middle for power and plus to superior eyesight].

22 Be sure to tell them that it isn't "sport" the next time you're at Pipeline or Sunset. And pity that baseball has no phrase even close to matching the venerable...Eddie would go....

2007-08-03 19:26:41
40.   Jon Weisman
My Hal Fishman and Stan Chambers interview from April:

http://www.variety.com/article/VR1117963918.html

2007-08-03 19:27:34
41.   Jon Weisman
I'm pro X-games, even though I don't really watch and even though I don't like some of them snowboarders gettin' in my way.
2007-08-03 19:29:46
42.   Disabled List
I used to exercise my brain by trying to recall all the major streets in Los Angeles in order. All the north-south streets in the Valley, starting in NH: Cahuenga, Vineland, Lankershim, Tujunga, Colfax, Laurel Cyn, Whitsett, Coldwater Cyn, Fulton, Woodman, Hazeltine, Van Nuys, Kester, Sepulveda, Haskell, Woodley, Hayvenhurst, Balboa, Louise, White Oak/Zelzah, Lindley, Reseda, Wilbur, Tampa, Corbin, Winnetka, Desoto, Mason, Canoga, Topanga Cyn, Fallbrook, Valley Circle.

That was from memory, from someone who lived in the Valley for a long time but moved out 3 years ago. Did I miss any?

2007-08-03 19:35:10
43.   Gen3Blue
Is this getting close to what you call a real night game in LA. It seems like I have been waiting a long time on the E. coast. But the Satellite music channel DTV has behind their schedule page is a consolation, as I was drifting from "Bridge of Sighs"(Robin Trower)into "Shes so Heavy" when I realized it was game time.
2007-08-03 19:42:16
44.   Andrew Shimmin
I just stubbed my toe. To the max!
2007-08-03 19:43:48
45.   Lexinthedena
44- That always makes me want to destroy whatever piece of furniture it was that victimized me....
2007-08-03 19:45:11
46.   trainwreck
Yeah, there are few things more annoying than stubbing a toe.
2007-08-03 19:46:15
47.   D4P
44
Your snakes have a runner at first with one out.
2007-08-03 19:46:25
48.   Gen3Blue
Sandwich time. I'm not sure I can tell when ham is bad . It lasts quite a while, doesn't it? Well, you will know if you don't hear from me later.
2007-08-03 19:46:39
49.   dagwich
43 Gen3Blue, I ask just out of curiousity -- where on the East Coast do you live? I'm in North Carolina. And it is getting late.
2007-08-03 19:47:13
50.   underdog
30 Well, either way I was wrong, so never mind. Was a good idea at the time.

Chad is the champion of taking walks around the mound. He should have a little garden out there to stroll through while he does that. Hey, whatever works to keep one's composure.

Show/Hide Comments 51-100
2007-08-03 19:48:36
51.   underdog
Vin loves that Byrnes family karate story.
2007-08-03 19:49:59
52.   Lexinthedena
50- I remember Chad last year speeding up his style because of conversations he had with Maddux....
2007-08-03 19:51:39
53.   xaphor
42. Flip Mason and DeSoto.
2007-08-03 19:51:51
54.   underdog
Was Saenz going back to the dugout before Furcal went to throw to him? That was odd, but nice, it worked.
2007-08-03 19:52:39
55.   arbfuldodger
18 Watched the game last night online, LaRoche struck out looking in the 9th and I dont remember an injury delay after his at-bat
2007-08-03 19:53:10
56.   El Lay Dave
42 Mason and DeSoto are reveresed. You should probably include Shoup between Topanga and Fallbrook.

Bonus points for spelling "Hayvenhurst" correctly.

2007-08-03 19:55:29
57.   Bluebleeder87
this is strikly out of curiosity as well, do any of you remember your 1st bicycle? mine was a mongoose I use too do wheelies from one corner of the street to another which was cool, it took me a lot of practice but I got pretty good at it.
2007-08-03 19:55:43
58.   El Lay Dave
If Delwyn Young does more than draw the collar, I'm printing a copy of tonight's boxscore for my office wall.
2007-08-03 19:56:22
59.   El Lay Dave
And the only left-handed bat gets the first hit.
2007-08-03 19:57:39
60.   Bluebleeder87
oh wow, Pierre beat the throw from the 1st baseman.
2007-08-03 19:58:13
61.   D4P
Has anyone ever seen research on the relationship between stole base percentage and the number of pickoff attempts...?
2007-08-03 19:58:19
62.   underdog
Whew. Pierre was picked off - but the rabbit scared them into a bad throw.
2007-08-03 19:58:19
63.   Marty
Boy, I thought Beimel had a balk move, this guy...
2007-08-03 19:58:28
64.   Sam in SC
he looked out to me.
2007-08-03 19:59:00
65.   xaphor
Good thing Pierre had a light lunch, some love handles and forget about it.
2007-08-03 19:59:01
66.   Indiana Jon
57 I do. It was a god awful brown thing with bent handlebars and a yellow plastic seat.
2007-08-03 19:59:37
67.   Bob Timmermann
61
I would think such a study would be hard to perform and would have too many variables.
2007-08-03 20:00:13
68.   Lexinthedena
66- Mine was white, and was stolen the day after it was given to me....don't think I ever got a chance to ride it.....never saw it again...
2007-08-03 20:00:41
69.   Marty
He looked out on the first replay, but the second angle clearly showed Hudson missing the tag.
2007-08-03 20:01:37
70.   Marty
Mine was a blue Stingray with a metallic blue seat.
2007-08-03 20:02:03
71.   Eric Enders
So MLB.tv is smarter than I thought. I live in Texas but am currently in New Mexico trying to watch the game. But I'm blacked out because NM is in DBacks territory. I didn't realize they were using IP addresses for the blackouts now.

So, since I'm in New Mexico, I should be able to watch the Astros, since I'm not physically in their territory, right? Wrong. I'm blocked out of the Astros too. So basically, they black out the games for both where you live, and also where you happen to be at the moment.

They should have blacked me out of the Blue Jays, too, just in case I ever get a hankering to go to Canada.

Pierre shows his basestealing expertise!

2007-08-03 20:02:26
72.   D4P
67
Clearly, the typical assumption is that there is a negative relationship between pickoff attempts and stolen base attempts.

I'm not convinced pickoff attempts are worthwhile.

2007-08-03 20:03:51
73.   henly
.... just to repeat the often repeated phrase: it's such a pleasure to hear Vin call a game
2007-08-03 20:03:59
74.   D4P
72cont.
That should say "pickoff attempts and stolen base percentage."
2007-08-03 20:04:20
75.   Eric Enders
61, 64 Bill James did a study like that in one of the old Abstracts during the 1980s. He found that stolen bases decline in direct correlation with the number of pickoff throws. So making all those throws to first really does serve a purpose.
2007-08-03 20:04:58
77.   Gen3Blue
49 Great screen name! I'm in Mass. but I'm close to Albany, NY. I watch almost all the games, and this time of year, most of them are west coast. I've been looking for a way to arrange my schedule since I decided drinking was not a good option.
2007-08-03 20:05:17
78.   Marty
If you didn't have pickoff attempts, eventually the runners would take a lead halfway down to second.
2007-08-03 20:06:23
79.   Eric Enders
77 Williamstown? North Adams?
2007-08-03 20:06:31
80.   natepurcell
justin upton scares the hell out of me.
2007-08-03 20:07:26
81.   D4P
75
Thanks, Double-E.
2007-08-03 20:09:04
82.   Gen3Blue
77 Actually Lenox, just south of Pittsfield.
2007-08-03 20:10:50
84.   El Lay Dave
81
I lay my head on the railroad track
And wait for the Double-E
The railroad don't run no more
Poor, poor pitiful me
2007-08-03 20:12:18
85.   Eric Enders
84 I was just listening to that disc like 15 minutes ago.
2007-08-03 20:12:32
86.   Bluebleeder87
i'm sorry to ask this but was it an inside curve that Chad threw to Upton? I was looking up something in wikipedia & didn't quiet see the pitch.
2007-08-03 20:13:03
87.   underdog
You know, I generally don't mind the Giants announcers when it's Krukow and Kuiper, but they really can be total homers. Second straight night I've heard Krukow complain about a call from home plate homer in a big way.
2007-08-03 20:13:06
88.   El Lay Dave
85 His, not hers?
2007-08-03 20:14:22
89.   Eric Enders
88 Of course. What do you think I am?
2007-08-03 20:14:50
90.   dagwich
82 Lenox-- my brother got married there a few years ago. I remember it for the 5 cent cup of coffee I got at a lunch counter. A very nice part of the world.
2007-08-03 20:15:08
91.   Bob Timmermann
Is Delwyn Young the first Littlerock Lobo to make it to the big leagues?

The gymnasium there has painted on it "Welcome to the Rock!"

Littlerock High, 10833 E Ave R. It's right near 110th St.

2007-08-03 20:15:27
93.   Andrew Shimmin
Who's her?
2007-08-03 20:16:36
95.   Eric Enders
87 The word "Kuiper" just looks wrong in the same sentence with the plural word "homers."
2007-08-03 20:17:10
96.   Bob Timmermann
93
Linda Ronstadt.
2007-08-03 20:17:22
97.   Andrew Shimmin
Ah. Linda Ronstadt. How many of his songs did she cover?
2007-08-03 20:18:18
98.   dagwich
[88, 89] I was browsing through Mr.Bad Example's biography just this afternoon.
2007-08-03 20:18:33
100.   underdog
92 Hey, shouldn't I be the one rhyming?
Oh well, you certainly have good timing.

---

91 I thought Delwyn was from CA? I know he went to SB CC (I saw him play there) had family in the Antelope Valley. Did he go to HS in Arkansas? Anyway, not a bad at bat, even if he eventually grounded out.

Show/Hide Comments 101-150
2007-08-03 20:19:43
102.   Bluebleeder87
looks like the good Chad so far today, very nice curve to strike out Chris Young.
2007-08-03 20:20:03
103.   Eric Enders
99 I would think that if anyone is exempt from Rule 1, it would be Kirk Gibson. Otherwise he'd find it relatively hard to, you know, communicate.
2007-08-03 20:20:12
104.   Vishal
wow, chad snapped off a dandy right there to strike out young.
2007-08-03 20:20:51
105.   Bob Timmermann
100
Young's official bio from the Dodgers states he went to Littlerock High.

Prep football in Littlerock is a unique experience. Part of it is trying to find the place.

I advise eating before you get to the stadium. There aren't many places to stop to eat nearby.

2007-08-03 20:21:59
106.   Bob Timmermann
100
Now I see the mixup.

Delwyn Young is from Littlerock, CA
He is not from the capital of Arkansas which is Little Rock.

2007-08-03 20:22:26
107.   MC Safety
76- wow james is not playing around down south huh? looks like he has smashed through the " double a wall " so far....
2007-08-03 20:22:47
108.   JoeyP
I hope Jeff Kent comes back soon.
The dropoff at 2nd base from Kent to Lucille is quite large.
2007-08-03 20:24:11
109.   Gen3Blue
I love it in Lenox, but being a bad D's fan the schedule is tough. Long ago I worked a third shift, and if I had a drink after supper, I could sleep until 10:00 pm. Now I just lay there stupified; don't know if its age or lack of honest work. So I've been trying long walks, among other things.
2007-08-03 20:24:41
110.   underdog
106 Huh, I've never even heard of Littlerock, CA. Odd. Is that where South(ern California) first experienced the Civil Rights movement?

108 That's an understatement.

2007-08-03 20:25:23
112.   Bob Timmermann
109
Lenox, MA
yet
Lennox, CA
2007-08-03 20:26:53
113.   Vishal
raffy looks a little winded.
2007-08-03 20:28:17
114.   Bob Timmermann
110
Littlerock, CA isn't an incorporated city. It was just the place you had to go through to get to Highway 138 to head out to Las Vegas.

Suburban sprawl has actually provided a lot of people out there. But they still haven't named the streets for the most part. There are letters for the Avenues and numbers for the streets.

2007-08-03 20:28:26
115.   underdog
This should be a fun evening. My g/f has a stomach bug. My cat seems to have a cold and is sneezing all over everything. I have to clean the apartment and can only hope the Dodgers give me something positive to come away with here.
2007-08-03 20:31:47
117.   Gen3Blue
112 By the time the Duke reached California he was probably stuttering a bit from the Indian attacks.
I sure hope our Tomato isn't paste.
2007-08-03 20:32:08
118.   xaphor
112. I guess Californians were over that little American/English spat.
2007-08-03 20:32:49
119.   Gen3Blue
EEE-eye,EEE-eye OOOOOhhhh!
2007-08-03 20:33:48
120.   underdog
Bonds alert. Get into position.
2007-08-03 20:35:03
121.   Daniel Zappala
Can someone please explain:

Jackson grounded out to center

2007-08-03 20:35:08
122.   dagwich
109 OK, I hafta know -- how do you define a "bad D's fan"?
2007-08-03 20:35:57
123.   underdog
Grab some pine, Meat, as Krukow would say, if he said that to Giants players. Bonds whiffs.
2007-08-03 20:36:37
125.   underdog
Oh no, wait he didn't. That's odd. He swung and missed. But apparently he tipped it? Weird.
2007-08-03 20:36:52
126.   Daniel Zappala
Never mind. It was just the CBS Sportsline gamecenter being weird. I knew Pierre didn't have it in him, unless he had some amazing cortisone shot.
2007-08-03 20:37:04
127.   Hallux Valgus
123 Weird. It's 2-2 on ESPN2 still.
2007-08-03 20:37:34
128.   Gen3Blue
One on the east coast who keeps strange hours not to miss a game?
2007-08-03 20:37:39
129.   Lexinthedena
122- A friemd of mine was at the game last night...she told me a story of her and her friends having to pull two Dodger fans of off a Giant fan as they were stomping him mercilessly in the post game parking lot....Dodger fans are really beginning to garner a rep....
2007-08-03 20:38:10
130.   JoeyP
That was not a gold glove throw by the O-Dog.
2007-08-03 20:38:21
131.   underdog
122 I was wondering the same thing.

Okay, Bonds flies out.

Um, do we have a rule 11 violation above?

2007-08-03 20:39:08
132.   El Lay Dave
97 I think four, but the original lyrics in "Poor Poor Pitiful Me" are much better.

"Hasten Down the Wind"
"Mohammed's Radio"
"Carmelita"

2007-08-03 20:39:16
133.   Gen3Blue
One who spends all his time at DT because of guys like Jon and B. Timmerman and numerous others?
2007-08-03 20:41:11
134.   scareduck
Thank you for that link to the ToyCannon post about Hernandez. It was a fine piece, a little Joycean.
2007-08-03 20:41:34
135.   Hallux Valgus
jeez, Kemp can't catch a corner.
2007-08-03 20:41:46
136.   Bluebleeder87
that pitch that stroke out Kemp looked a touch outside but still to close to take.
2007-08-03 20:42:03
137.   D4P
Kemp down, Hull up...?
2007-08-03 20:42:32
138.   Bluebleeder87
I'm wondering how the pitch looked on gameday it sure looked like it was outside with the naked eye.
2007-08-03 20:42:58
139.   Vishal
[121] he flied out to center. hit it to the warning track, actually.
2007-08-03 20:43:07
140.   dagwich
128 Oh, I see. You mean like when you need a 12 step program to quit the addiction. That kind of bad.
2007-08-03 20:43:38
141.   ucladodger
Umpires hate Matt Kemp. There is no other explanation.
2007-08-03 20:45:57
142.   underdog
138 It was outside, Gameday had it right. He might have helped his cause by poking it foul defensively but it sure looked like a ball. This ump has an odd strike zone but I guess as long as it works both ways.
2007-08-03 20:46:21
144.   Gen3Blue
We certainly miss Kent an awful lot. I don't thik I appreciated how much. I guess I knew when we lost Drew we were going to need a lot out of Nomar and Kent. But I must admit Gonzo has helped with that slack. I still can't figure why Grits seems to rest more than one of our main bats at a time. I mean with Kent out, he's resting Gonzo and Loney. I know Loney's not doing much and maybe Young is the hot bat, but he also did it last year and early this year.
2007-08-03 20:46:42
145.   Hallux Valgus
138 Watching it in slo mo, it curved in toward the plate but the catcher caught it at the beginning of the left handed batters box and the catcher pulled it to the edge of the plate.
2007-08-03 20:47:48
146.   Bluebleeder87
(143)

I wouldn't know but he seems to be at a minimum pace.

2007-08-03 20:49:01
148.   Hallux Valgus
143 63
2007-08-03 20:50:19
149.   underdog
145 And there was a pitch that Billingsley threw to Snyder that I swear was in the exact same place and was called a ball. But now I sound like Krukow so fuhgedaboutit.
2007-08-03 20:50:28
150.   Hallux Valgus
Delwyn LOVES that high pitch. Too bad he can't hit it.
Show/Hide Comments 151-200
2007-08-03 20:51:26
151.   JoeyP
This game is flying by.
2007-08-03 20:51:38
153.   underdog
Delwyn seems to have trouble with that high fast ball.
2007-08-03 20:52:22
154.   Hallux Valgus
153 He's the anti- Kirby Puckett.
2007-08-03 20:53:30
156.   Bluebleeder87
150

Let's not forget it's his 1st major league start i'm sure he's pressing.

2007-08-03 20:53:59
157.   underdog
5 innings in an hour and 10 minutes. Yowsa.
2007-08-03 20:54:37
158.   Hallux Valgus
156 I'm certainly not passing any kind of judgement, but that's the same pitch he struck out on last night, and strikes 2 and 3 tonight.
2007-08-03 20:55:36
159.   Hallux Valgus
Maddux exits down 1-0 in the 7th.
2007-08-03 20:55:48
160.   underdog
Obviously whatever scouting reports teams have so far on him has added a note about that, at any rate. Time for some adjustments and maybe a little instruction at Mueller's Crossing.
2007-08-03 20:56:58
161.   Gen3Blue
I'm not sure why we can't score a run, but we must have offended something.
2007-08-03 20:57:09
162.   Bluebleeder87
It's hard to believe Vinnies been rockin the mic since the eisenhower days.
2007-08-03 20:58:44
163.   bhsportsguy
162 Actually since Harry "The Buck Stops Here" Truman.
2007-08-03 20:58:51
164.   Hallux Valgus
Vin just called Chad "very thick through the middle."
Thick Through The Middle might be the name for my fantasy football team.
2007-08-03 20:59:00
165.   Bluebleeder87
ah yes, that's beautiful to watch. Outside corner for a called strike three to Chris Young.
2007-08-03 21:03:11
166.   natepurcell
lets get some runs for Chad. He's pitching his "thick through the middle" off.
2007-08-03 21:03:15
167.   Bluebleeder87
man, Bills is dealing today.
2007-08-03 21:03:20
168.   Vishal
hahaha vinny just quoted eric byrnes, and naturally the quote started off with "DUDE..."

hearing vinny say that was priceless.

2007-08-03 21:03:39
169.   JoeyP
Billingsley throwing great tonight.
2007-08-03 21:03:46
170.   underdog
Chad is dealing beautifully tonight. Too bad we can't score. Just one run guys, that's all I ask, just one. Someone hit a dinger, or Pierre bunt his way on and steal three bases, whatever it takes.
2007-08-03 21:03:52
171.   Gen3Blue
Nice start for Chad. I see him becoming an A1 starter soon.
2007-08-03 21:04:23
172.   Marty
Mueller's Crossing.

Nice

2007-08-03 21:04:35
173.   Hallux Valgus
168 I like "I was like John McEnroe, but I was always throwing my racket."

I'm trying to figure out why the "but" belongs in there.

2007-08-03 21:05:05
174.   Vishal
[171] a1? like the steak sauce?
2007-08-03 21:06:05
175.   Hallux Valgus
Davis throws like a guy who'll pitch until he's 45.

Bills with 81 pitches through 6.

2007-08-03 21:06:32
176.   natepurcell
how can we not hit Doug Davis!??!
2007-08-03 21:08:58
177.   natepurcell
Pierre seems to be drawing a decent amount of walks lately.
2007-08-03 21:08:59
178.   Hallux Valgus
176 I blame it on Olmedo. He's like a black hole for hitting, which is all the more fitting considering his relative density.
2007-08-03 21:09:01
179.   Gen3Blue
Beat those Pads, Beat those Pads. I say this feeling pretty sure that arthritic boogeyman can't do enough to cause us direct harm.
2007-08-03 21:10:31
180.   underdog
Vin brought up a funny scenario, though I have a feeling it'll happen before that - what if Bonds faces Matt Morris at home, to break the record? An angry Matt Morris could become even angrier.
2007-08-03 21:10:48
181.   Vishal
wow, davis is sneaky with that pickoff move.
2007-08-03 21:11:33
182.   Bluebleeder87
(178)

Saenz will make you pay for that Hallux Valgus. oh man that didn't look good from Russell.

2007-08-03 21:11:38
183.   Vishal
[178] speaking of "thick through the middle"
2007-08-03 21:11:48
184.   natepurcell
Hey Russ, if you stop hitting those dinky grounders you won't have to injure yourself running/diving/skipping to first.
2007-08-03 21:11:58
185.   JoeyP
Hudson with another poor throw on the DP turn.

He's had a bad night on defense.

2007-08-03 21:12:11
186.   Bluebleeder87
Martin is old school.
2007-08-03 21:12:19
187.   Vishal
oh no, that looks like russ pulled a hammy.
2007-08-03 21:12:36
188.   underdog
Martin with a Pierre special there. And now I think Vin's right, I think his leg is sore. Great.
2007-08-03 21:12:40
189.   Bluebleeder87
WHAT!!??
2007-08-03 21:12:44
190.   Hallux Valgus
that was pretty hilarious.
2007-08-03 21:13:07
191.   Andrew Shimmin
Not so silky there, Jackson.
2007-08-03 21:13:25
192.   scareduck
If one of his legs fell off, Martin would tell you it's only a scratch. There's a fine line between being a tough guy and being dumb. I'm not sure Martin isn't crossing it.
2007-08-03 21:13:28
193.   Vishal
oh, okay. maybe not. i've tweaked a foot/toe on the bag before.
2007-08-03 21:13:29
194.   JoeyP
An even worse defensive play by Conor Jackson.
2007-08-03 21:13:40
195.   underdog
Hah, hah. That was hilarious. Davis must be beside himself. Nice dance move there, Russell.
2007-08-03 21:13:44
196.   Hallux Valgus
Has Martin never seen Joe Beimel?

Please pull Russ. It's not worth it.

2007-08-03 21:14:23
197.   underdog
On the other hand.

"And now for my next number..."

2007-08-03 21:14:23
198.   scareduck
Waste.
2007-08-03 21:14:24
199.   JoeyP
Well, that was just horrible on Martin's part. Real bad baseball that inning on both sides.
2007-08-03 21:14:27
200.   Vishal
all right. that wasn't funny. and martin looks really beat up. :(
Show/Hide Comments 201-250
2007-08-03 21:14:34
201.   MC Safety
176- nothing makes sense nowadays.
2007-08-03 21:15:10
202.   Hallux Valgus
182 dang, I thought it was a pretty good joke- all sciencey and stuff.

183 Olmedo is "thick through the everywhere"

2007-08-03 21:15:45
203.   arbfuldodger
Wow bad news for the Clippers Brand ruptured his Achillies in camp today, Pro B-ball in L.A. maybe a race to see who ends up w/ the most ping pong balls in next seasons Draft Lottery.

http://tinyurl.com/39d4qf

2007-08-03 21:15:55
204.   Bluebleeder87
196

that's what i'm thinking after watching him limp off the field, come on Grady we need Russell for the long haul.

2007-08-03 21:16:04
205.   underdog
Yeah really. They need to sit Russ. Our line-up's already weak, what's it matter at this point? Maybe Lieberthal will do something.
2007-08-03 21:16:38
206.   Gen3Blue
174 "It's That Important". I think that is the proper marketing slogun for A1!
2007-08-03 21:20:36
207.   Gen3Blue
176 nothing specific--we can't hit anyone lately, at least not when it counts. I think we have probably out-hit our opponents in the last several games, but basically we have had NO offense. That is why it would be so good to have Kent back; he must have been hurt pretty bad to leave us like this.
2007-08-03 21:21:05
208.   Hallux Valgus
Okay, after last night, I now have a BobbleRuss for work, and a BobbleRuss for home. I love Russ. But he's hurt, and playing position where he'll make it worse. Any other player on the Dodgers not named Pierre would be siting right now. Lieberthal is good, so let him play some.

I just asked, and BobbleRuss agrees with me.

2007-08-03 21:21:26
209.   bhsportsguy
I cannot think of the last shortstop, okay, Shawon Dunston, who had such a strong arm like Raffy.
2007-08-03 21:22:32
210.   Bluebleeder87
room service out by Upton there.
2007-08-03 21:22:47
211.   bhsportsguy
Very nice job by Chad.
2007-08-03 21:23:38
212.   natepurcell
anyone know what happened with Bradley?

Game Notes MILTON BRADLEY LEFT THE GAME IN THE FIFTH INNING WITH AN APPARENT LEG INJURY.

2007-08-03 21:24:03
213.   Hallux Valgus
209 Doesn't Reyes have a rocket?

Bills at 94 pitches through 7.

2007-08-03 21:24:42
214.   Gen3Blue
209 No, Furcs got an arm like the best of the third basemen. And I hear LaRoche does too.
2007-08-03 21:24:46
215.   Vishal
[208] bobbleruss agrees with everything though.
2007-08-03 21:25:35
216.   Hallux Valgus
212 sprained right hamstring is what Yahoo reports, although I thought you could only sprain a joint.
2007-08-03 21:26:13
217.   Hallux Valgus
215 That's why he's my new best friend.
2007-08-03 21:26:43
218.   Bluebleeder87
we can't score runs if our hitters aren't producing.
2007-08-03 21:27:49
219.   Eric Enders
Okay, so who made that diving catch? Byrnes?

Charlie Steiner just told me it was Eric Davis.

2007-08-03 21:27:56
220.   Andrew Shimmin
Eric Byrnes is like a beautiful, majestic eagle. With an inner-ear infection.
2007-08-03 21:28:50
221.   Vishal
[219] yeah, byrnes.

6-pitch inning for davis. nice work, boys. way to make him work.

2007-08-03 21:28:57
222.   Gen3Blue
This is bad. Also I've got mosquitos in my house from taking walks at the stressful parts.
2007-08-03 21:29:09
223.   Daniel Zappala
Second night in a row that Vlad has hit two homers.
2007-08-03 21:29:25
224.   Hallux Valgus
wow, I was happy with Bills and his 94 pitches. Davis now has 82.No wonder the game is cooking along.
2007-08-03 21:29:26
225.   Bluebleeder87
(215)

not really, you can make him say no if you bobble him east & west

2007-08-03 21:30:01
226.   bhsportsguy
219 I guess that beats Chick Hearn, who often referred to Travis Knight, a journeyman white center, as Travis Grant, a black guard who played for the Lakers about 25 years before.
2007-08-03 21:30:25
227.   underdog
I would love Byrnes if he was on my team. But he isn't. So I hate him. That's how it works.

The Dodgers are doing a Matt Cain on Billingsley, and even Matt Cain got three runs tonight. Not cool guys, not cool.

2007-08-03 21:31:17
228.   Gen3Blue
You know your offense is in a swoon when a guy like Davis is lights out on 6 pitches.
That could be all it takes, from Young.
2007-08-03 21:31:22
229.   Hallux Valgus
One of the Padres new pick ups, Scott Hairston, just hit a three run homer to tie the game. Hairston replaced Bradley.

I hate the Padres.

2007-08-03 21:31:40
230.   underdog
{rule 1 violation}

Well, it's over. Night everyone! :/

2007-08-03 21:33:05
231.   Hallux Valgus
It might have hit midnight for Bills.
2007-08-03 21:33:12
232.   underdog
Is Kent available to pinch hit tonight? Man, this is sad.
2007-08-03 21:34:42
233.   Hallux Valgus
232 He was on deck last night, had Loney got a hit, so I would assume he is available tonight.

Wow, that looked like a balk.

2007-08-03 21:35:12
234.   Bluebleeder87
Bills is pitching great even with the 1-0 score the Dodgers hitters really need to get the ball rolling or else we'll be 2 back very easily.
2007-08-03 21:35:20
235.   underdog
Tonight is National Pickoff Night, apparently.
2007-08-03 21:35:46
236.   Vishal
"young, a little bit older after being picked off" :)
2007-08-03 21:37:05
237.   underdog
Loney, Gonzo and Ethier on the bench - plus Kent. One of the best benches the Dodgers have had in awhile. Unfortunately, the starters are a weak lot.
2007-08-03 21:37:41
238.   Hallux Valgus
235 crap, I forgot to send the g/f flowers. There'll be hell to pay.

Nice call, Grady. Heck of a game for Chad.

2007-08-03 21:37:57
239.   Vishal
[227] but then vinnie chulk came in and gave up a game-tying homer, so cain got cained again. i almost feel bad for the guy.
2007-08-03 21:38:07
240.   bhsportsguy
You guys are so depressing.
2007-08-03 21:38:27
241.   Bluebleeder87
my money is still on Saenz to go yard, i'm rooting for him to take us to the promised land today.
2007-08-03 21:39:34
242.   underdog
Oh man, really? I stopped watching that game awhile back. Darn those Giants, one of the few times I root for them and look what they do. They up-Chulk.

I still have faith - if the Dodgers can get out of this inning, still two more chances with some good guys on the bench to bring in.

2007-08-03 21:41:29
243.   Bluebleeder87
Davis now has 82.No wonder the game is cooking along.

That's just unacceptable the Dodger hitters need to be more patient.

2007-08-03 21:43:04
244.   Bob Timmermann
Cain standing in the field,
Getting no decision
Lot of misery in San Diego
Three runs scoring fast.
2007-08-03 21:44:24
245.   Hallux Valgus
242 Totally. Broxton coming in is like the guy on the horse at the head of the charge leading the cavalry with a bugle.

man, that's a lot of prepositional phrases.

2007-08-03 21:44:57
246.   Gen3Blue
244 Was that a Haiku? My poetry is weak.
2007-08-03 21:45:15
247.   Bob Timmermann
Whenever the Dodger Thoughts crowd seems depressed, I read the poetry of Sylvia Plath to cheer myself up.
2007-08-03 21:47:15
248.   Vishal
i'd like to see broxton dressed up as fat elvis. i think that would be amusing.
2007-08-03 21:47:39
249.   Hallux Valgus
nicely done, Ox. That's what we like to call "thick through the middle."
2007-08-03 21:48:21
250.   underdog
Welcome to Bell Jar Thoughts.
Show/Hide Comments 251-300
2007-08-03 21:49:30
251.   underdog
That was a high strike, but whatever, Delwyn's getting schooled tonight.
2007-08-03 21:49:54
252.   Hallux Valgus
248 cracked me up. I was LOL, bordering on ROFLMAO.

250 Have you found a keeper yet?

2007-08-03 21:49:55
253.   Gen3Blue
The D's O is weaker. It will get better, butI mean over years.
2007-08-03 21:50:43
254.   Daniel Zappala
It could be worse. The Dodgers could be leading 4-3 in the 8th with 2 outs, then give up 5 straight runs to go down 8-4. See the Angels game for reference.
2007-08-03 21:51:24
255.   underdog
Look, Davis is pitching a good game. He's had great control all night. But still, between this game and 2 of the 3 Giants games, the offense sure looks futile this week.
2007-08-03 21:51:31
256.   bhsportsguy
One reason the kids are not hitting, good curve balls, face it they can hit any fastball but off-speed and curve balls are what separates the kids from the majors.
2007-08-03 21:52:15
257.   underdog
252 Yes, thankfully! I had a message in to Casey Keller but someone one of my 'mates knows came through as a sub.
2007-08-03 21:52:37
258.   Bluebleeder87
Noah Lowry (sp) & Davis are cut from the same tree.
2007-08-03 21:52:42
259.   underdog
(-someone) above.
2007-08-03 21:53:41
260.   underdog
No wait, I had that right. Never mind. I got distracted after my cat sneezed all over the monitor.

Argh, a sad little inning. Again.

2007-08-03 21:55:24
261.   Hallux Valgus
257 well, Keller is still looking for a gig! You must be psyched with the return of the Earthquakes. Can I interest you in Landon Donovan? We need to open up a DP slot for Luis Figo. Also, I hate Landycakes.

Here we go, Joe! What's the scenario!

2007-08-03 21:57:21
262.   Bluebleeder87
I stopped partying & drinking for a while now but hearing that G&R song "Sweet Child 'O mine" reminds me of my old partying days. flashbacks.
2007-08-03 21:58:02
263.   ucladodger
258

And both are guys who wouldnt get a second look if they went to a big league tryout. Amazing that with their stuff and terrible K/BB ratios that they dont get absolutely rocked every game.

2007-08-03 22:00:19
264.   Andrew Shimmin
I guess Nomar's young at heart.
2007-08-03 22:04:54
265.   Bluebleeder87
well if anything the table setters coming up & Martin batting 3rd in this inning keeps my glued to the tube.
2007-08-03 22:06:52
266.   bhsportsguy
Everyone gave up?
2007-08-03 22:07:40
267.   Bob Timmermann
The Dodgers have four 1-0 wins over Arizona.

http://www.baseball-reference.com/pi/shareit/rmWX

The DBacks have only one 1-0 win over the Dodgers.
http://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/ARI/ARI200307260.shtml
July 26, 2003

Elmer Dessens drove in the only run of the game with a triple.

2007-08-03 22:09:33
268.   Bluebleeder87
266

never retreat never surrender BHSportsguy.

2007-08-03 22:09:48
269.   underdog
261 Yes. Yes! No. And, uh huh.

Maybe next week, Casey.

2007-08-03 22:10:59
270.   Bob Timmermann
269
You want my cat to be your goalkeeper?

He's afraid to come off his line.

2007-08-03 22:12:47
271.   underdog
That never even touched the plate - but on the other hand, close enough where you gotta bat defensively. Sigh, where have I said that before tonight?
2007-08-03 22:13:58
272.   Bluebleeder87
ouch that hurt like getting punched in the stomach, we'll come back fighting tomorrow.
2007-08-03 22:15:45
273.   Hallux Valgus
well hopefully our real offense is sufficiently refreshed for the rest of the weekend.

Nice game by Chad.

2007-08-03 22:15:58
274.   underdog
If the Dodgers' offense this week was a shot in a movie, it'd be silent except for the sound of wind blowing a tumbleweed down the dusty land.

Night all.

2007-08-03 22:16:13
275.   SG6
When was the last time the Dodgers were 2 games out?
2007-08-03 22:16:28
276.   Bluebleeder87
Dodger Live agree the Dodger hitters gotta step it up, this is such an important series &.... never mind I don't wanna get to riled up. We'll get 'em tomorrow.
2007-08-03 22:17:02
277.   underdog
270 No, as in Keller. If I wanted a cat to play defense, I'd pick mine - the wet sneezes would scare off anyone.
2007-08-03 22:18:42
278.   regfairfield
You have to hit the ball if you want to put runs on the board.
2007-08-03 22:20:27
279.   King of the Hobos
I think the Padres are really enjoying their new additions.
2007-08-03 22:20:59
280.   natepurcell
Kevin Towers is a very pro-active GM.
2007-08-03 22:23:30
281.   bhsportsguy
But we kept all our guys, who cares if we win anything this year.

Now that's sarcasm

2007-08-03 22:25:05
282.   natepurcell
281

it just seems like teams just give the padres players. I know thats not true but it just what it seems like.

2007-08-03 22:27:51
283.   Bob Timmermann
282
Morgan Ensberg was pretty much available to anybody. If you think Scott Hairston is going to be the man to lead the Padres to the Promised Land, then I'm having manna for breakfast tomorrow.
2007-08-03 22:28:20
284.   scooplew
I just got back from watching the Bronco World Series in Monterey and saw the latest damage report from Dodger Stadium. Can anyone say when was the last time we had someone hitting under .200 start in the cleanup position this late in the season?
2007-08-03 22:31:14
285.   bhsportsguy
282 As I said yesterday, the Padres have 2 players from their farm system on their active roster and even they are not what you would call young players in Greene and Peavy.

D-Backs dropped Hairston and brought up Upton, good exchange?

2007-08-03 22:36:44
286.   Bob Timmermann
284
On September 29, 2002, Chin-Feng Chen batted cleanup for the Dodgers. He was batting .000.

And when the game was over, he was batting .000.

2007-08-03 22:39:21
287.   Bob Timmermann
On August 4, 1999 Todd Hundley was batting .219 and hit cleanup.
2007-08-03 22:43:51
288.   Bob Timmermann
On October 6, 1991, Eric Karros batted cleanup with a batting average of .100.
2007-08-03 22:58:07
289.   Gen3Blue
I woke up to disapointment. Tomato is sauce.
But this could be a bottom from which the D's could rise and I would like to see LaRoche soon, although I will see him in September, as the song goes, either Gershwin or whoever .
2007-08-03 23:06:12
290.   Jonny6
Going for the glass half-full angle, all of the overblown stories regarding Mueller as the Dalai Lama of hitting instruction should die down for awhile.

Seriously though, this team looked sapped tonight. Billz looked great on the mound and Furcal had some amazing plays in the field but everyone looked awful at the plate. I knew it was bad when I was putting all of my faith in Pierre to "get out there and wreak some havoc" for us. Oh well, tomorrow's another game, another chance (but if Lieberthal doesn't start for Martin someone should really hit Grady upside the head).

2007-08-03 23:09:25
291.   Jonny6
And speaking of Grady, didn't he used to love the double-switch like Olmedo loves double-cheeseburgers? If you don't double-switch in the 8th with Broxton, then when would you? There were two outs in the inning already, and the pitcher's spot was due up 3rd. So you have Broxton warm up and bring him in for all of 5 or 6 pitches? That made no sense to me.
2007-08-03 23:35:55
292.   Jon Weisman
Chad pitched great. Offense will rally. New post up top. Birthday party tomorrow.

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