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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

August 11 Game Chat
2007-08-11 11:10
by Jon Weisman

Today's 12:55 p.m. game:

Gameday

Retro Gameday

Comments (236)
Show/Hide Comments 1-50
2007-08-11 11:41:02
1.   Bob Timmermann
From Tony Jackson, today's lineup:
SS Furcal
C Martin
1B Loney
LF Gonzo
3B Nomar
RF Ethier
CF Pierre
2B Martinez
RH Lowe
2007-08-11 11:47:12
2.   Icaros
Pierre-Martinez-Lowe should be a productive section of the order.
2007-08-11 11:47:18
3.   still bevens
The Russ Martin death march through the midwest continues. Too bad to see Kent out, but with Lowe on the mound the extra defense helps.
2007-08-11 11:50:38
4.   Bob Timmermann
Martinez has one of the few RBI hits with a runner in scoring position for the Dodgers over the past week. I think it's just Martinez's single Thursday and Loney's homer last night.
2007-08-11 12:01:04
5.   overkill94
Well GB, now that you've seen me in person, am I still Lukas Haas?
2007-08-11 12:02:30
6.   overkill94
4 Actually, Martin was on first when Loney hit his homer, so that doesn't count
2007-08-11 12:05:42
7.   Bob Timmermann
6
In that case, we should all hail Ramon Martinez as a god!
2007-08-11 12:08:05
8.   Icaros
And who is Who is Karim Garcia?
2007-08-11 12:13:57
9.   Neal Pollack
And why is Gonzalez batting cleanup? He hasn't been worthy of cleaning the clubhouse toilets since the All-Star Break. Grady just isn't paying attention. Sure, we won last night, but only because Penny was on the mound. This lineup is a black hole.
2007-08-11 12:17:51
10.   Rob M
9 The problem is finding a suitable replacement for that slot. I mean, Ethier? Nomar? Kemp hasn't really been hitting either, but he's not in the lineup anyways.
2007-08-11 12:18:36
11.   Rob M
Actually, I'd like to see Betemit in the cleanup spot.
2007-08-11 12:20:55
12.   overkill94
Dodger footnote Bill Murphy is featured prominently in this show on Mojo HD "The Show" chronicling the Diamondbacks' AAA team. According to their clubhouse manager, Murphy's the most valuable player on the team since he makes everyone laugh. Where were you on that one, Google Boy?
2007-08-11 12:23:44
13.   Neal Pollack
You're doin' a heckuva job, Grady!
2007-08-11 12:29:54
14.   MMSMikey
if martin catches tomorrow, little should be fired.
2007-08-11 12:33:22
15.   Neal Pollack
Even if Martin doesn't catch tomorrow, Little should be fired.
2007-08-11 12:33:38
16.   Neal Pollack
I nominate Jon for GM.
2007-08-11 12:33:54
17.   MMSMikey
touche.
2007-08-11 12:37:46
18.   overkill94
Since when did Jeannie Zealasko hire Joe Buck's outrageousness coach?
2007-08-11 12:37:46
19.   Bluebleeder87
The Russ Martin death march through the midwest continues. Too bad to see Kent out, but with Lowe on the mound the extra defense helps.

I hear you, (14 ) you know what these starts MIGHT hurt him later on, I see your point.

2007-08-11 12:38:06
20.   Andrew Shimmin
Oh Jeanne Zelasko. Why do you exist?
2007-08-11 12:39:22
21.   Who Is Karim Garcia
8

you rang?

2007-08-11 12:45:03
22.   MMSMikey
this would have been a good day to give russell a day off, liberthal is 8 for 18 lifetime off looper.
2007-08-11 12:48:13
23.   Bluebleeder87
wasn't Looper a closer.
2007-08-11 12:49:27
24.   MMSMikey
yeah, not a very good one either.
2007-08-11 12:52:40
25.   MC Safety
I cant fathom any reasoning for batting Gonzo in the cleanup spot. I would have loved to see Kemp in there, but some would say that is a little premature. I dont see any reason Ethier shouldnt bat in that spot.
2007-08-11 12:53:54
26.   Andrew Shimmin
Those are some shiny shirts Brennaman and Girardi are wearing. They look like baseball announcers from the future!
2007-08-11 12:54:07
27.   Bluebleeder87
I guess because it reminds me of my little league playing days but I really enjoy watching the little league competition on ESPN.
2007-08-11 12:54:28
28.   Bob Timmermann
Thom Brennaman!

Nooooooooooo!!!

And my cable system doesn't offer SAP on Fox. I'm trapped! Trapped!

2007-08-11 12:55:17
29.   MMSMikey
hell on earth, st. louis.
2007-08-11 12:56:51
30.   Who Is Karim Garcia
btw, anyone have the links to the pictures from DT night?
2007-08-11 12:59:19
31.   MC Safety
thom brennamen: rick ankiel the former outstanding pitcher! hahahah wow.
2007-08-11 13:00:02
32.   Andrew Shimmin
30- Here's the TC set

http://www.flickr.com/photos/91066300@N00/sets/72157600947040609/

2007-08-11 13:00:31
33.   Gagne55
Martin has 45 more PA than any other catcher. Thats about ten games.
2007-08-11 13:01:04
34.   Andrew Shimmin
30- And the scareduck set. I don't remember if there were others.

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

2007-08-11 13:01:05
35.   Gen3Blue
28 Almost makes me glad to be on Gameday.
2007-08-11 13:01:41
36.   Bob Timmermann
Girardi seems to be the calming ying to Brennaman's tempestuous yang.
2007-08-11 13:03:21
37.   MC Safety
good eye james!
2007-08-11 13:03:34
38.   MMSMikey
maybe gonzo will run into one and put us on the board early.
2007-08-11 13:04:21
39.   MMSMikey
can of corn.
2007-08-11 13:04:24
40.   Neal Pollack
Way to work the count, Luis.
2007-08-11 13:05:19
41.   Neal Pollack
He's a proven veteran with a lot of heart.
2007-08-11 13:07:24
42.   Bob Timmermann
Tomko did a better job of announcing the lineups than Kennedy! I think that's a sign of something.

Maybe nothing important, but it's a sign.

2007-08-11 13:08:17
43.   MMSMikey
you gotta be kidding me.
2007-08-11 13:08:34
44.   Neal Pollack
Well, at least I'll be able to get outside this afternoon.
2007-08-11 13:09:08
45.   Neal Pollack
There's no way we can score three runs against Looper. He's almost as good as Ubaldo Jimenez.
2007-08-11 13:09:10
46.   FirstMohican
Maybe I'll hit the beach
2007-08-11 13:09:18
47.   Neal Pollack
There's no way we can score three runs against Looper. He's almost as good as Ubaldo Jimenez.
2007-08-11 13:09:52
48.   Bluebleeder87
St.louis has become a parity of it's self with all of those curtain calls, ugh!
2007-08-11 13:11:26
49.   Bob Timmermann
The Cardinal fans don't ask for curtain calls all that much. They just like Ankiel's backstory.
2007-08-11 13:12:46
50.   Neal Pollack
I wish Juan Pierre was a backstory.
Show/Hide Comments 51-100
2007-08-11 13:13:02
51.   Neal Pollack
I mean WERE a backstory.
2007-08-11 13:13:15
52.   gpellamjr
49 What back story is that, Bob?
2007-08-11 13:13:26
53.   Bluebleeder87
49

I guess I was more P.O'ed at the dinger more then anything, yeah Ankiel's story is hart worming but I hope Lowe strikes him out from here on out.

2007-08-11 13:14:46
55.   Bob Timmermann
52
I guess that's why my spell checker on the browser kept flashing in red.

My German heritage demands that I smush all words together!

2007-08-11 13:15:01
56.   King of the Hobos
52 Really good pitcher becomes really bad pitcher, who then becomes a hitter who can do nothing else other than strike out or hit home runs?
2007-08-11 13:15:22
57.   Neal Pollack
At least they're watching the game instead of hitting around beachballs and doing the wave.
2007-08-11 13:15:31
58.   MC Safety
Im just having a hard time understanding how Brennamen can call Rick Ankiel a former outstanding pitcher. Was that Ankiel with the 5 wild pitches in one inning or was that Simontacchi?
2007-08-11 13:15:44
59.   Gen3Blue
Well, Derek found the ground ball a bit late. We have been amazingly consistant lately in getting down in the first two innings.
2007-08-11 13:16:15
60.   Who Is Karim Garcia
53

Yikes, I thought only dogs had to worry about heart worms.

Or did you mean Cory Hart has worms?

2007-08-11 13:17:17
61.   Neal Pollack
One. Two.
2007-08-11 13:17:33
62.   Bob Timmermann
Cardinal fans do the wave during games.

They don't hit around beach balls however.

2007-08-11 13:17:55
63.   Neal Pollack
Three.
2007-08-11 13:17:55
64.   King of the Hobos
58 194 Ks in 175 IP with a 3.50 ERA as a 21 year old rookie is pretty darn good, even with the poor control.
2007-08-11 13:18:37
65.   Neal Pollack
We might as well pay to watch Nomar practice his golf swing.
2007-08-11 13:18:43
66.   Who Is Karim Garcia
I don't understand why you guys are getting all bent out of shape over Ankiel being called 'formerly outstanding.'

The guy was the #1 pitching prospect in all of baseball at one point and pitched very well for a stretch.

Perhaps he would be more accurate to say he was a former outstanding pitching prospect, but it's not that outrageous of a claim.

He didn't call the guy Bob Gibson.

2007-08-11 13:20:53
68.   Bob Timmermann
Ankiel was second in the 2000 Rookie of the Year voting behind Furcal.
2007-08-11 13:21:00
69.   MC Safety
64- ahh. but would you equate that to outstanding? i havent looked up his major league numbers, but maybe im offbase.
2007-08-11 13:21:34
70.   Bluebleeder87
the truth about Ankiel is that he was extremely wild couldn't find the plate if his life dependent on it (Steve Sax syndrome?) & now he's a feast of famine type hitter.
2007-08-11 13:22:05
71.   gpellamjr
69, 64 I would call that outstanding, yes.
2007-08-11 13:22:34
72.   MMSMikey
didnt cardnial fans give la russa a curtian call for his DUI?
2007-08-11 13:22:40
73.   gpellamjr
Steiner finally gets it: "Don't mess with Ch-i."
2007-08-11 13:24:33
74.   Bluebleeder87
32

that pictures of SufferingBruin & Scareducks wife is pretty cool.

2007-08-11 13:27:25
75.   Bob Timmermann
The 2000 ROY voting for the NL looks weird in retrospect.
1. Furcal - 144
2. Ankiel - 87
3. Payton - 37
4. Burrell - 10
5. Meluskey - 7
6. (tie) - Berkman, Pierre, Smith - 1

That was Chuck Smith of Florida.

2007-08-11 13:28:04
76.   Neal Pollack
This is before anyone comes to bat. One. Two.
2007-08-11 13:30:16
77.   Neal Pollack
I'll just take a wild guess. Three.
2007-08-11 13:31:55
78.   Bluebleeder87
75

Berkman is probably the better of all of them now no? Furcal is the better position/all around player when healthy I think.

2007-08-11 13:34:10
79.   Eric Enders
Yeah, there's really no way anybody can question the fact that Ankiel was formerly an outstanding pitcher. He was. Not for long, but he was.

However, I do enjoy this game where we judge a player's entire career based on his single worst game.

"How could Ankiel have been an outstanding pitcher? He had five wild pitches in one game!"

"How could Albert Pujols be a great hitter? He struck out four times in one game!"

"How could Alex Rodriguez be a great player? He once made two errors on the same play!"

2007-08-11 13:34:44
80.   Jon Weisman
Neal - you've got to dial it back. Thank you for not #8. Thanks.
2007-08-11 13:35:55
81.   trainwreck
79
Well the other day on ESPN they were saying Ankiel was the next Koufax, before his problems. So I guess it evens out.
2007-08-11 13:36:45
82.   MMSMikey
"hitters that have a lot of power for the cardnials", aaron miles?
2007-08-11 13:39:46
83.   gpellamjr
Hey, Jon, when I repeatedly call Bob on his egregious spelling and grammatical errors, does that count as making the same point (Bob's inadequacy as a human being), or various points on the same theme?
2007-08-11 13:40:35
84.   MC Safety
79- I think that might be reaching a bit with the following two quotes. However I will acknowledge that Rick Ankiel was at one point an outstanding pitcher, but Thom Brennamen's dramatics are just mute worthy.
2007-08-11 13:41:09
85.   MMSMikey
we cant get rick ankiel out, perfect. and we Brennaman raving about la russa.
2007-08-11 13:41:11
86.   Bob Timmermann
83
I believe that is just "a case of me being hoisted by my own petard" and is excepted under Rule #8's little known "Shakespeare clause."
2007-08-11 13:41:48
87.   MMSMikey
bury yourself right now raffy.
2007-08-11 13:43:03
88.   Bob Timmermann
Thank you Albert!
2007-08-11 13:43:16
89.   Eric Enders
"Thom Brennamen's dramatics are just mute worthy."

On that we can all agree.

By the way, exactly how long are we going to leave an obviously injured pitcher out there to get clobbered?

2007-08-11 13:45:09
90.   Neal Pollack
Sorry, Jon. I'll be quiet. I'll go rant anonymously on a less intelligent blog. This season is driving me mad...
2007-08-11 13:45:43
91.   Bluebleeder87
5 runs seems like mount everest at this point, I really hope we have an offensive explosion today.
2007-08-11 13:48:25
92.   Bluebleeder87
Loopers 5.13 ERA gives me SOME comfort.
2007-08-11 13:49:10
93.   Gen3Blue
It sounds like Furcals inning. Was it as bad as it sounds on gameday.
2007-08-11 13:56:43
94.   Bluebleeder87
93

I think he had 2 errors in that one inning 1 of the errors set up a pair of runs so yeah...

2007-08-11 13:57:37
95.   MMSMikey
gonzo.

3 extra base hits since june 25th

zero walks since july 25th.

2007-08-11 14:03:08
96.   gpellamjr
I don't understand why Steiner/Monday/Lyons are having such a hard time understanding this. Doesn't LaRussa bat the pitcher 8th so as to create a situation where he can have Pujols bat 3rd but still have the RBI opportunities of a cleanup hitter?
2007-08-11 14:06:57
97.   Bob Timmermann
96
Even Thom Brennaman can figure out why the pitcher is batting 8th. And he's as dumb as a post.

And I'm talking one of those posts you find out in the sticks. Not a post at a fine university such as the one where gpellamjr terrorizes students.

2007-08-11 14:06:58
98.   Bluebleeder87
ugh, Pierre!!
2007-08-11 14:07:15
99.   MMSMikey
there ya go juan, thats what we wanted right there.
2007-08-11 14:08:12
100.   MMSMikey
seriously, grady should have some stones and pull pierre for kemp right now. thats just un acceptable.
Show/Hide Comments 101-150
2007-08-11 14:09:28
101.   Bluebleeder87
doesn't Pierre have a "high IQ" he's just pain full to watch at times.
2007-08-11 14:09:30
102.   King of the Hobos
Back of the league in base on balls? We're 4th in the NL, and 11th overall.
2007-08-11 14:09:41
103.   Bob Timmermann
But if Kemp had hit a short fly in the same situation would he have to be removed for Pierre?
2007-08-11 14:09:57
104.   Eric Enders
Brennaman may be dumb as a post, but even he's smart enough to know that there is no excuse whatsoever for letting Lowe bat in this situation.
2007-08-11 14:10:12
105.   Neal Pollack
Mmmmmph......grrrrrr.......must.....dial....it....back.....
2007-08-11 14:10:18
106.   King of the Hobos
102 6th in the NL, still not exactly as bad as whichever announcer made it sound.
2007-08-11 14:11:16
107.   MMSMikey
nope. kemp is young and cheap. pierre makes 9 million a year.
2007-08-11 14:12:03
108.   gpellamjr
97 Here in Columbus, FOX is showing the Pittsburgh/SF game, so I don't get to hear Thom's brilliant insights.
2007-08-11 14:13:20
109.   Marty
Grady just ran up the white flag.
2007-08-11 14:13:40
110.   MMSMikey
all pierre has to do right there is a hit a groundball to 2nd which he does most of the time anyway and he cant even do it.
2007-08-11 14:14:06
111.   Bluebleeder87
It's like getting punched in the stomach seeing Pierre or any Dodger for that matter do stuff like that was it on the 1st pitch he did it? sigh.
2007-08-11 14:14:07
112.   Bob Timmermann
107
That doesn't really answer the question. So if a less well-paid player doesn't play well, it's OK?

I'm not a big fan of Juan Pierre, but EVERY player on the Dodgers has been hitting poorly recently.

You can't have the 1-9 slots empty and bat everyone 10th.

2007-08-11 14:14:53
113.   Bob Timmermann
The Padres have one hit through six innings against Bobby Livingston in Cincinnati.
2007-08-11 14:16:48
114.   Linkmeister
Lord almighty. I walk back into the house, turn on the tube, see 2 on, none out, and think we've got a chance to get back into it.

Silly me. Popup, strikeout, weak ground ball from a pitcher who should have been pinch-hit for.

2007-08-11 14:17:46
115.   MMSMikey
yes, its ok if a less payed player doesnt play as well. its like ramon martinez filling in for jeff kent, not expecting much with the bat, and when pierre is upthere making a dumptruck of money and not getting the job done, thats not ok.
2007-08-11 14:19:06
116.   overkill94
My roommate was puzzled when I got mad that Nomar didn't score on Ethier's double, noting the fact that there were no outs. I then presented exhibits A, B, and C to prove my point.
2007-08-11 14:21:09
117.   Bob Timmermann
I'll start running cost/benefit analyses of each plate appearance.
2007-08-11 14:22:40
118.   Bluebleeder87
I don't wanna dis Pierre anymore but did you guys see how he played that ball Edmonds hit? laughable.
2007-08-11 14:24:29
119.   MMSMikey
so you are saying its not ok for a player making 380,000 to struggle as bad as a player making 20x that.
2007-08-11 14:27:05
120.   Andrew Shimmin
119- What does "ok" mean, in this context? Players struggle. Then what? It's better not to give lots of money to bad players; is that your point? I don't think anybody disagrees with that.
2007-08-11 14:28:22
121.   MMSMikey
my point is, who do you tolerate struggling more, kemp or pierre?
2007-08-11 14:28:37
122.   Andrew Shimmin
Martin's at bat presents the question: is it possible for a golden god to blaspheme himself?
2007-08-11 14:29:46
123.   MMSMikey
timmerman asked me if i would have pulled kemp like i think grady should have pulled pierre after that popup. absolutely not.
2007-08-11 14:29:56
124.   Andrew Shimmin
121- If you're going to watch the Dodgers this year, tolerating Pierre is the price of admission. You could be like me, and start rooting for the D'backs, instead. Room for one more on this bandwagon to glory!
2007-08-11 14:31:46
125.   Marty
Jon needs to ban Russell Martin for all that swearing.
2007-08-11 14:33:36
126.   gpellamjr
124 I like what you're saying, but what will we do if the Diamondbacks start playing in accordance with their Pythagorean record?
2007-08-11 14:36:26
127.   scareduck
112 - You can't have the 1-9 slots empty and bat everyone 10th.

You can't? What the heck are you, some kind of atavist? Baseball is nothing if not about flexibility! I say we try it!

2007-08-11 14:36:34
128.   oswald
i'm a big fan of making lists, and a few days ago i made one that, given the dour mood in here, i thought i'd share with you boys:

reasons to be happy about the dodgers even though they stink right now:

1. the kids are all right (kemp, loney, ethier, martin, chad, broxton, etc.)
2. i didn't think we were going to win it all this year anyway
3. johan santana is a free agent the year that lowe, kent, and nomar come off the books
4. juan pierre ... this too shall pass (even if "it" won't pass until 2011)
5. jason schmidt will be back by spring training.
6. wolf's contract will not vest, which gives us more flexibility
7. jd drew still stinks more than gonzo
8. on opening day, we'll have the stadium with the third most amount of history (i don't know why this makes me happy
9. vin scully
10. we're still only two games out of the wild card (whatever, a girl's got to have hope).

2007-08-11 14:37:35
129.   oswald
8. should be "opening day 2009"
2007-08-11 14:38:51
130.   scareduck
128 - juan pierre ... this too shall pass

Back in the dark ages, this was the advice physicians gave for kidney stones. The pain involved in watching Pierre hit is about the same.

2007-08-11 14:39:47
131.   Bluebleeder87
124

I'll pass on that bandwagon bluebleeder simply can't do that.

2007-08-11 14:41:07
132.   Andrew Shimmin
126- We burn the observatory to the ground so it can never happen again.
2007-08-11 14:41:09
133.   gpellamjr
131 It's just a small step from bluebleeder to purplebleeder. Or is it red now?
2007-08-11 14:44:13
134.   Bluebleeder87
133

what was that quote Oral Hershiser made once? "I was born & bread a Dodger"

2007-08-11 14:44:17
135.   gpellamjr
Kemp to bat!

Grady is slowly getting it.

2007-08-11 14:45:11
136.   MMSMikey
;)
2007-08-11 14:45:34
137.   Bluebleeder87
uh, check it out Grady pulled out Pierre for Kemp! WHAT!!
2007-08-11 14:45:37
138.   gpellamjr
I'm starting to imagine the Grady really does get it and has from the beginning, but just gave Pierre and Gonzo a chance to hang themselves so as not to anger Colletti.
2007-08-11 14:45:48
139.   Bob Timmermann
Reds have the bases loaded with two outs in a 1-1 tie. Keppinger vs. Hampson.
2007-08-11 14:46:15
140.   Bob Timmermann
Keppinger singles in two to make it 3-1 Reds.
2007-08-11 14:46:23
141.   Sammy Maudlin
Happy 88th birthday to old friend Luis Olmo!He played for Brooklyn from 1943 to 45, and again in 1949 . He was the first Puerto Rican to play in the World Series that season.
2007-08-11 14:48:49
142.   Connector
Hi everybody
138 I agree. I can't imagine how hard a job that is, being a manager
2007-08-11 14:48:50
143.   Bob Timmermann
141
Olmo jumped to the Mexican League and lost a good chunk of his career to that.
2007-08-11 14:49:10
144.   Gen3Blue
128 For some reason I too am feeling OK and I enjoyed your list. It may be that I can't actually watch, but I'm hoping we are back to "you win some; you lose some".
I knew Gonzo, Drew, and Nomar would not give us many years, but am satisfied to transition to youth until we can lose some of the ridiculous contracts and buy an offensive star. I really think we should develop as much of our own pitching as we can, in view of the fraction of a billion we have thrown away on vets. I would consider Santana though. And our youth movement might turn into quite a team by itself, one never knows, and thats half the fun.
2007-08-11 14:50:07
145.   Bob Timmermann
Jim Tracy needs to pull Tony Armas Jr. while he's still in a position to succeed.
2007-08-11 14:50:38
146.   Bob Timmermann
Not that Shawn Chacon usually puts any team in a position to succeed.
2007-08-11 14:52:15
147.   ucladodger
Man, i dont think Kemp saw 1 strike in that AB. He gets deep into counts on a regular basis, but its almost as if he's afraid to walk. Maybe its a reaction to all of those called 3rd strikes 3 inches off of the plate. i'm guessing with more consistent playing time, he'll improve in that area.
2007-08-11 14:52:33
148.   Bluebleeder87
It's a lot more tolerable seeing Kemp go threw growing pains then watching Pierre pop up.
2007-08-11 14:53:00
149.   Bob Timmermann
Reds lead 5-1 after Gonzalez doubles in two.
2007-08-11 14:53:41
150.   gpellamjr
Pff. Mark Sweeney is no Marlon Anderson.
Show/Hide Comments 151-200
2007-08-11 14:54:34
151.   Bob Timmermann
Mark Sweeney could become the next Dave Clark.
2007-08-11 14:54:46
152.   Bluebleeder87
darn it Sweeney gave it a ride but it was just a deep fly out. 147 they seem to stretch the strike zone with him plus this umps been calling that pitch all day.

ps Kemp dose seem pull happy though, Did you notice his hips pulling away from that outside pitch UclaDodger?

2007-08-11 14:56:51
153.   MMSMikey
.148

thank you.

2007-08-11 14:57:36
154.   Linkmeister
The Dodgers' RISP numbers are undoubtedly horrid, but surely the law of averages will come into play at some point. Won't it?
2007-08-11 14:58:29
155.   Bluebleeder87
Ankiel us doing what Kemp did last year, ugh R. Hernandez.
2007-08-11 14:58:45
156.   MMSMikey
a curtian call maybe?
2007-08-11 14:58:50
157.   scareduck
The Dodgers are getting Ankiel-hauled.
2007-08-11 14:59:26
158.   Bluebleeder87
if anything at least the Pads are losing thanks for the updates Bob.
2007-08-11 14:59:34
159.   scareduck
147 - yeah, that was a pretty ugly AB.
2007-08-11 15:00:09
160.   ucladodger
152

I just think he's pressing. Kemp has a swing that is effective when given repetition. Its not like loney, who could wake up and get a hit while half asleep. Kemps swing is much more mechanically complicated, and when he doesnt get any PT for a couple days, his rhythm is gone. It was pretty obvious on that at bat. Not only did he want to hit the ball 500 feet, his swing looked like crap. When in rhythm, his timing is down and its beautiful to watch him sit (when he got really hot and played every day). Ever since being benched after missing the fly ball and playing once every 3 days, he's been in a tremendous slump. He just hasnt had the reps to keep his swing sharp, and it gets worse when trying to do too much.

2007-08-11 15:00:44
161.   Bob Timmermann
Have no fear!

Chad Moeller is coming to help out!
http://tinyurl.com/2tozq3

2007-08-11 15:02:05
162.   ucladodger
160

that would be its beautiful to watch him hit, not sit. Just so used to seeing him on the bench 4 out of 7 games.

2007-08-11 15:02:56
163.   MMSMikey
Dear Grady,

Thank you for pulling juan pierre and putting in kemp.

Signed,

Mikey

2007-08-11 15:02:57
164.   Bob Timmermann
I can picture Peter Falk yelling to Kemp on that catch "Serpentine! Serpentine!"
2007-08-11 15:02:59
165.   Bluebleeder87
DUDE! Kemp just stole a home run from Edmonds! take once of you own pills!
2007-08-11 15:03:13
166.   Andrew Shimmin
Matt Kemp is good at baseball.
2007-08-11 15:03:28
167.   ucladodger
What a great catch. Seemed like he lost the ball for a minute, but that was some crazy athleticism.
2007-08-11 15:03:38
168.   Blaine
Grady, he can play centerfield.
2007-08-11 15:04:05
169.   Andrew Shimmin
164- Yet another movie way funnier than Revenge of the Nerds.
2007-08-11 15:04:37
170.   Gen3Blue
I take it that Reds lead is vs. the Pads. Good. Whatever Arizona's doing, I hope the hit the pythagorean realit soon. I was unhappy to read an article somewhere showing teams way over their head at this date often did OK for the year.
2007-08-11 15:04:48
171.   ucladodger
For as "bad" as Matt has looked defensively on some plays, he has made some amazing catches that nobody else on this roster could have made.
2007-08-11 15:05:53
172.   Gen3Blue
Oh, Shelly the dental savior of Brooklyn
2007-08-11 15:07:35
173.   Bob Timmermann
"Serpentine! Serpentine!"
2007-08-11 15:07:58
174.   nick
o my god, is this an actual live ballgame or fake footage from some Rick Ankiel after-school special of 2019?
2007-08-11 15:08:04
175.   ucladodger
Nice banana, Ankiel. Thats a routine play.
2007-08-11 15:08:13
176.   overkill94
161 Rotoworld opines that the cash considerations we're giving to the Reds is $1
2007-08-11 15:08:46
177.   MMSMikey
this is unbelieveable.
2007-08-11 15:09:04
178.   Connector
What's that black gadget on Loney's right fist? Anyone know?
2007-08-11 15:10:07
179.   Bluebleeder87
178

I think it's so he won't get hit there.

2007-08-11 15:10:09
180.   Bob Timmermann
178
It's similar to the magical device that Barry Bonds uses to hit more home runs.

Actually, I think it's just a protective guard.

2007-08-11 15:11:39
181.   Linkmeister
161
{rhetorical question}
As little as Lieberthal plays, why on earth do we need Moeller?
{/end rq}
2007-08-11 15:11:43
182.   Connector
[179,180] Thx
2007-08-11 15:12:36
183.   Bluebleeder87
maybe we just need a back stop down in Vegas but I really don't know.
2007-08-11 15:13:10
184.   Bob Timmermann
The Padres with just two hits through 8 in Cincinnati.

The Padres tied a team record by giving out four intentional walks in a 9-inning game. Well, it will be a 9-inning game if the Padres don't score 7 in the 9th.

2007-08-11 15:14:02
185.   Bob Timmermann
Livingston has thrown just 86 pitches through 8 for the Reds.
2007-08-11 15:16:49
186.   Bob Timmermann
The Cardinals have dominated the NL Central since 1997?

The Astros have won the division four times and been the wild card twice.

The Cardinals have won the division five times with one wild card.

2007-08-11 15:38:01
187.   Louis in SF
Please if someone can tell my why after Delwyn Young had 4 hits in Cincinnati and perhaps for good reason they wanted to rest Kent today,why didn't they give Young a shot at 2B? Since Young has had significant time in the minors playing second, why couldn't they have tried him. Ramon is not a power hitter...Instead of Hernandez giving up runs we would do better to see how Melon would do, some of the choices in the past month have been terrible.
2007-08-11 16:03:54
188.   Bluebleeder87
187

I've heard D. Young is a horrid 2nd baseman but you'd think with that 4 hit game he had they'd find a spot for him, with the offensive woes we have & all.

2007-08-11 16:20:15
189.   fanerman
168 It doesn't really matter if Kemp can play CF, right? Juan Pierre is an Everyday Player™. So he's gonna play every day. It's the rules.
2007-08-11 16:27:48
190.   Bluebleeder87
Hamilton, Ohio has no hispanics in there little league team for me to root for. Bob are there any in the midwest?
2007-08-11 16:32:09
191.   preacherroe
Said it before,I've seen Young play second in an infield with Loney, Joel Guzman still at short and Laroche. He wasn't a wizard with the glove,but wasn't terrible. I would think whatever offense he provided would counteract his lack of range.
2007-08-11 16:45:12
192.   das411
Just heard during the Phils/Braves game:

Harry Kalas - "So how's your golf game these days?"
Mike Schmidt - "Fine, fine, I'm beatin the hell out of my wife these days."
Kalas - "....in golf I hope!!!"

2007-08-11 16:53:23
193.   Bob Timmermann
190
There are a lot of cities in the Midwest with sizeable Latino populations.

Mostly the large cities. Hamilton, Ohio is outside of Cincinnati, which is a city that is mostly white or black.

2007-08-11 17:16:43
194.   mountainmover
I have seen Delwyn Young play 2B a half dozen times. No, let me restate that "I have seen Delwyn Young at 2B a half dozen times." I have seen 2B and he's not one. Not even close. I have read that he's an "emergency 2B." That would mean that Tomko, Penny, Hendrickson and Saito would all play 2B before him.
2007-08-11 17:17:46
195.   mountainmover
193.

I live in Indianapolis and we are nearing 100,000 in Hispanic population (out of 1.4 mil).

2007-08-11 18:07:11
196.   Indiana Jon
190 193
I was just in Hamilton a couple times in the last week on my way too and from Great American Ballpark, Kings Island and the Cincinnati Zoo. I can report that while dining at a Skyline Chili, my waitress was Hispanic. So to answer your question, yes there are "any." I saw one.
2007-08-11 18:40:51
197.   King of the Hobos
The World's Greatest LOOGY (or whatever variation we are calling him) gave up 3 hits and a run in 3 IP, while striking out 4 and not walking anyone today. His strikeout numbers and ground ball tendencies give me some hope that he can rise above his LOOGY status.
2007-08-11 18:43:59
198.   trainwreck
UCLA re-instated Eric Scott. The 2008 recruits are safe, for now.
2007-08-11 18:50:35
199.   Andrew Shimmin
The 2000 census found 60,690 people in Hamilton Ohio, 2.58% of whom classified themselves as either (or both) Hispanic or Latino. So that's about 1500.
2007-08-11 19:13:43
200.   D4P
Greetings from Stern Hall, UC-Berkeley.

It has been a very long day that started at 5:00 am eastern time. I was hoping it would end sooner rather than later by me going to bed early, but it turns out there's a "G Love & Special Sauce" (never heard of 'em) concert at the (outdoor) Greek Theater tonight, which is less than a block away from my room. It's really loud.

I'm tired, and I'm tired of schlepping up Heart Ave. Nice view from up here, thought. I ate dinner at a Chinese place on Euclid Ave. For some reason, I can't get my in-room internet access to work, so I'm having to use the public computers.

Show/Hide Comments 201-250
2007-08-11 19:17:13
201.   Sam DC
I knew two of those guys before they were famous, early 90s in Boston. I think I've told before how the drummer and I were chasing the same fabulous british girl.

He won.

She and I were real good friends.

I'm sure many of you know that circle of hell.

2007-08-11 19:17:38
202.   D4P
Hearst Ave., that is.
2007-08-11 19:19:52
203.   Sam DC
Nats have now lost 6 games to AZ this season.

Webb was brutal tonight. CG shutout, just unhittable.

Rookie John Lannan (who started in A ball like four months ago) goes from taking on and beating Barry Bonds to pitching toe-to-toe with defending Cy Young winner Webb. He pitched 7 innings of 1 run ball.

2007-08-11 19:26:25
204.   fanerman
D4P, what are you doing in Berkeley?
2007-08-11 19:27:59
205.   das411
Sam, it sounds like Mr. Lannan may be there to stay. Did you happen to catch this story about him?

http://tinyurl.com/3apcb9

2007-08-11 19:39:52
206.   Sam DC
Thanks Das. That's a great story with some well put thoughts about how we relate to pro athletes and why fans often find it so easy to just shred them for no good reason.

He's here to stay overall. I'd say there's a chance he goes back down this year, just because there's sort of a pitching logjam and folks like Shawn Hill come back from injuries and the people who were brought up to replace them (Lannan, Bacsik, Hanrahan, Redding) have all pitched well. It becomes sort of a numbers/options game. I think, for example, you'd send Lannan back rather than Hanrahan because you basically know right now you'll be giving 22 yr old Lannan a shot next year. You don't yet know that about older, somewhat more checkered prospect Hanrahan.

2007-08-11 19:57:22
207.   ucladodger
My boy Edwin Jackson just finished up a complete game 4 hit shutout. Congrats to Edwin. If he continues to mitch as he had for the last month, he's got a great future ahead of him.
2007-08-11 19:58:33
208.   D4P
204
I'm here for a workshop on how to write articles for academic journals.

I only have sporadic internet access, which is always annoying.

2007-08-11 19:59:30
209.   D4P
207
He didn't mitch very well in the early part of the season, but hopefully he can turn it around.
2007-08-11 20:10:16
210.   gpellamjr
209 What stats do you look at to decide who's mitching well and who's not? To me his meripherals look pretty good.
2007-08-11 20:10:51
211.   Eric Enders
Is "to mitch" a new verb meaning "to levitate"?
2007-08-11 20:13:35
212.   underdog
Welcome to the Bay, D4P.

Hm, at the worst I'm sure there are some 'net cafes in the area...?

---
I'm glad I missed everything today. The game sounded blah - as most Dodgers' appearances on Fox Saturday seem to be for whatever reason - and a few of you here seemed ready to start carrying "The end is nigh" signs around so I guess it didn't go well. I did just see Kemp's nice grab in CF at least. Take that, Juan!

Honestly, I think Grady's showing he's lost patience with a lot of the vets and will mix it up in whatever way it takes, based on whatever cards he's been dealt. Maybe, in some cases, a little late, but better late than never.

I thought DYoung was still sore from his twin muscle pulls from Thursday, no? I definitely would prefer his bat in there over Martinez's, but his injury probably limits his range a little bit for his already shaky defense at 2nd. Maybe he's ready though - be nice to see him in there tomorrow. Back home tomorrow night to watch the game delayed then. Hope they can take the rubber match.

Cheers.

2007-08-11 20:16:56
213.   ucladodger
207

He was crap for the first few months, but coming into today his ERa for the last 4 weeks was under 4. Hes got a ton of talent, and he was throwing 97-98 in the later innings tonight. Pretty impressive.

2007-08-11 20:41:06
214.   Daniel Zappala
How is it that Maicer Izturis has 3 home runs in the past 5 games?
2007-08-11 21:00:39
215.   underdog
In Vegas, Hu hit a home run tonight. In other news from that game, Eric Cyr is still a terrible pitcher. Hillenbrand has one hit.
2007-08-11 21:03:46
216.   underdog
Also, Diamond Leung reports: "Catcher Russell Martin will likely get the day off tomorrow."

Also: I saw a swarm of bats on a walk just now, and found the family of raccoons that had camped on my car last night.

And that's the news from Lake Woebegone.

2007-08-11 21:03:51
217.   Bumsrap
In addition to giving Pierre a fifth year, did Ned promise him he would play everyday?
2007-08-11 21:33:54
218.   trainwreck
Welcome to the East Bay, D4P.
2007-08-11 21:40:59
219.   Greg Brock
218 You must be excited about the big Raiders/Cardinals game.
2007-08-11 21:44:57
220.   trainwreck
Unless you have satellite, people in the Bay Area do not get the game until 10. So I am eagerly waiting to see it.

I actually went to practice on Thursday.

2007-08-11 22:20:20
221.   D4P
212,218
Thanks. My stay hasn't been very pleasant thus far. I'm sick of hearing the concert non-stop, and I want to go to sleep. Plus I wish my (gosh darn) internet connection would work in my room. There are 4 public computers which are very popular, and the other users don't abide by the 10-minute maximum when others are waiting.

Once I get some sleep, I think I'll start having a good time. But there's no chance of sleeping until the concert ends, and I don't know if that's ever gonna happen at this rate.

2007-08-11 22:28:31
222.   King of the Hobos
The Rockies are starting Tim Harikkala tomorrow. I forgot he existed...
2007-08-11 22:50:31
223.   underdog
221 D, I assume you're staying somewhere near the Greek Theater, then? If so, you'll be glad to hear that after tonight's show that's the last scheduled concert there for another two weeks. (As far as I know.) So it should get better.
2007-08-11 22:54:24
224.   Greg Brock
The HBO boxing main event tonight is described as "A battle to find out quien es mas macho."

You gotta be kidding me.

2007-08-11 22:54:45
225.   Xeifrank
221. Buy some earplugs. I couldn't have made it through my college days without em.
vr, Xei
2007-08-11 22:57:11
226.   Greg Brock
I found out who was more "macho"

Because one dude got knocked out in two minutes.

2007-08-11 23:13:07
227.   trainwreck
I am actually seeing positive signs with the Raiders.

Optimism, oh how I have missed you.

2007-08-11 23:16:18
228.   trainwreck
I like one G Love and Special Sauce song, "Rodeo Clowns". Jack Johnson covered it and because I went to UCSB, I know hate Jack Johnson.
2007-08-11 23:18:01
229.   trainwreck
*now
2007-08-11 23:58:34
230.   natepurcell
for mac users, how does mlb.tv run on them?
2007-08-12 01:16:31
231.   berkowit28
230 Fine. Better on Firefox than Safari.
2007-08-12 07:08:29
232.   Bluebleeder87
Well Anthony Reyes isn't pitching all that well these days with that 1-11 5.66 ERA We need to have one of those break out games were we win by double digit #'s
2007-08-12 07:18:40
233.   Bluebleeder87
226

I saw that fight too it was over in a flash.

2007-08-12 07:23:47
234.   D4P
I assume you're staying somewhere near the Greek Theater, then?

It's right next door. At around 11, I closed my window, cranked some Mozart on the laptop, and wrapped the pillow around my head. I woke up at 11:30, hearing only Mozart, so I guess the concert ended some time between 11 and 11:30.

I'm gonna walk around this morning and take photos. I saw some of the campus yesterday, but most of it remains unexplored.

2007-08-12 07:44:55
235.   Bluebleeder87
wish me luck guys I'm off to my playoff game, must win to advance type game today, I'll be pitching!
2007-08-12 08:07:47
236.   Bumsrap
I visited the Berkeley campus in the summer of 1967. It was a beautiful campus with friendly dogs running around everywhere. The city of Berkeley was just the opposite. The whole town seemed like it was on drugs. College aged people staggering around the sidewalks, boarded up shops, just a wierd place.

Segue Dodgers, I suppose there is a chance that McDonald could join the rotation this year or at least make a few spot starts. If I go further out on the limb, Sunday could be the day Kemp starts in center field and Pierre gets out of the sun.

2007-08-12 08:27:14
237.   Eric Stephen
At least there is a good hitter batting 7th:

Furcal SS
Pierre CF
Loney 1B
Kent 2B
Gonzo LF
Lieberthal C
Ethier RF
Martinez 3B
Hendrickson P

2007-08-12 08:40:53
238.   Jon Weisman
Game thread is open.

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