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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

Alive!
2007-08-29 16:28
by Jon Weisman

Scott Proctor might need to rest for days, after throwing 45 pitches over three shutout innings (barely surviving the 12th).

On the other hand, look at what overwork has done for Russell Martin: a .942 OPS in August, including a double in the bottom of the 12th to send Jeff Kent (4 for 5) to third base and set up Shea Hillenbrand for the game-winning sacrifice fly (after Hillenbrand earlier hit a game-tying homer as the Dodgers rallied from five down). And Takashi Saito threw a shutout inning for the fourth day in a row. Thankfully, Thursday is an off day for Los Angeles.

Laurels also go to Matt Kemp, who has been unfairly lambasted in the press for making a few mistakes on the bases, as if this were an ongoing problem of his all season or as if veterans weren't also making bonehead plays. Kemp reminded everyone he's the best slugger on the team with his home run. And James Loney drove in four runs himself.

For pondering: Is the sacrifice fly becoming the symbol of this Dodger season?

Update: Following the lead of 6-4-2, here's how FanGraphs.com depicts the highs and lows of the Dodger game today.

Comments (150)
Show/Hide Comments 1-50
2007-08-29 16:32:33
1.   Xeifrank
Just think, Martin would be OPSing (for the month of August) atleast 1.100 if he weren't overworked! :)
vr, Xei
2007-08-29 16:33:26
2.   Bluebleeder87
I'm just glad rosters expand in a few days, & I can't wait to see Jonathan Meloan pitch in Dodger blue.
2007-08-29 16:33:31
3.   bhsportsguy
I'll repeat since people want to know.

Where the Dodgers could be when the clock strikes 7 at Petco on Friday.

If the Padres win the remaining 2 games.

SD 74-59
AZ 74-61 1
LA 70-63 4

If the D-Backs win the remaining 2 games

AZ 76-59
SD 72-61 3
LA 70-63 5

If they split the last 2 games

AZ 75-60
SD 73-60 1
LA 70-63 4

2007-08-29 16:34:43
4.   Xeifrank
Three one run wins against the struggling Nats. Not really all that impressive, but as long as you get the win. I think we need to play a little better to beat the Padres. They aren't going to give games away with sloppy defense and bad relief pitching like the Nats. Atleast we are in position to do some damage and our season is far from over (for now). vr, Xei
2007-08-29 16:35:32
5.   Lexinthedena
I'll ask again...

Does Loaiza bump Wells?.....

2007-08-29 16:35:37
6.   Humma Kavula
4 Hey, at least our pitchers, um, "know how to win."
2007-08-29 16:36:04
7.   Xeifrank
3. I will be rooting for the Padres to win the last two games. Either that or both games getting rained out, so they have to make them up later in the year.
vr, Xei
2007-08-29 16:38:07
8.   King of the Hobos
5 No, Wells on Friday, then Loaiza on Tuesday.
2007-08-29 16:38:28
9.   bhsportsguy
4 I really think wins are wins, you don't get extra points for how you do it. In each game, they had to come back, no more than this one, this was a hard series in term of the scheduling.

3 In terms of the Wild Card race, Philadelphia is the only other team that is in the picture for the moment, the Dodgers could either be behind them by one game, tied or ahead by a game depending on what happens between the Phillies and the Mets.

2007-08-29 16:38:31
10.   Zak
5 No. I heard he'll bump Stults and is scheduled to start in Chicago on Tuesday.
2007-08-29 16:39:27
11.   Bluebleeder87
5

No he bumped Stults from what I understand.

2007-08-29 16:39:27
12.   El Lay Dave
3 Wild card implications of those scenarios, respectively:

3 GB the Dbacks
2 GB the Pads
3 GB the Pads

(The best the Phils can be is 72-62, if they beat the Mets today and tomorrow and the Marlins quickly on Friday.)

2007-08-29 16:40:50
13.   El Lay Dave
3 Wild card implications of those scenarios, respectively:

3 GB the Dbacks
2 GB the Pads
3 GB the Pads

(The best the Phils can be is 72-62, if they beat the Mets today and tomorrow and the Marlins quickly on Friday.)

2007-08-29 16:41:17
14.   El Lay Dave
Okay, I refreshed twice and 12 wasn't there.
2007-08-29 16:42:10
15.   ImprobableImpossible
Gmac, have you tried the gulab jamuns? They're off the hook.
2007-08-29 16:42:10
16.   GMac In The 909
3 , 9 So we're rooting for the Mets and Padres the next two days, no?
2007-08-29 16:42:34
17.   bhsportsguy
13 No question work to do but they do play the teams ahead of them can't worry about Philadelphia.
2007-08-29 16:43:14
18.   Xeifrank
14. What's worse, double posting... or adding a third post explaining the double post. It happens to the best of us, I think even Bob double posted back in the Carter administration. :)
vr, Xei
2007-08-29 16:43:49
19.   fanerman
My boss just came back to work from the Giants game, a little annoyed that the Giants lost. Teehee.
2007-08-29 16:44:06
20.   underdog
I wouldn't mind seeing the DBacks take one of the two, myself. Just so the Dodgers can also gain on them slightly.
2007-08-29 16:44:07
21.   bhsportsguy
16 Personally, I think its time to go see a movie, read a good book, watch some DVDs, tomorrow is the last day off for 10 days so go enjoy the summer.
2007-08-29 16:44:09
22.   fanerman
19 I hope that post doesn't cost me my job.
2007-08-29 16:47:02
23.   Dane Bramage
19
Just wondering, is it appropriate for grown adults to use "Tee Hee"?

I'm just sayin' ;-)

2007-08-29 16:47:17
24.   Disabled List
Make-or-break series this weekend. A Dodger sweep makes this a whole new pennant race. For the Dodgers to have a realistic shot at the playoffs, they need to win 2 out of 3. If they lose 2 out of 3, we're gonna need a lot of help.

If the Dodgers get swept, see ya in '08.

2007-08-29 16:49:14
25.   Zak
23 I think it's ok if making fun of the Giants or their fans.
2007-08-29 16:49:16
26.   GMac In The 909
15 I went with the a Jacques Cousteau instead.
2007-08-29 16:49:39
27.   Eric Enders
Yeah, nice game from Kemp, who fielded and ran the bases to perfection today -- not that anybody will notice. He also managed to murder the ball in four of his at-bats, although he only had one hit to show for it.

And although I still have doubts about his long-term or even medium-term viability, kudos to Hillenbrand for a great couple of games.

I thought the windmill should have sent Kent on Martin's double, but it doesn't matter now.

If I ever meet Scott Proctor, I will buy him a beer. Well done, sir.

2007-08-29 16:50:31
28.   fanerman
23 It's sort of in the same way Homer Simpson giggles "heeheehee" like a school girl.
2007-08-29 16:51:44
29.   Eric Enders
Stults never got to pitch, so he'll end up in the box score as strictly a pinch hitter. Pretty funny.
2007-08-29 16:52:28
30.   bhsportsguy
27 I threw kudos at the kids 2 hours ago.
2007-08-29 16:53:22
31.   Zak
29 That is funny, unless your name is Lieberthal.
2007-08-29 16:53:41
32.   GMac In The 909
28 I always find myself laughing like Nelson whenever the Giants lose.
2007-08-29 16:54:18
33.   Dane Bramage
25
I'll buy that!
2007-08-29 16:54:20
34.   Bob Timmermann
According to Yahoo, Russell Martin is still at bat.

I'm waiting....

2007-08-29 16:54:46
35.   ImprobableImpossible
32 ray?
2007-08-29 16:55:24
36.   PDH5204
As I said yesterday or the day before, we want the DBacks to win these last two games, as such would mean that we gain 1.5 games on both the DBacks and the Pads. A split would also mean that we will be 2 games back of the Pads going into SD. If we take 2 of 3, then we're 1 back of the Pads, with 1 series left with them. It would otherwise be nice if the Mets would win a game at Philly this series.
2007-08-29 16:56:13
37.   Bob Timmermann
Yahoo now has the AP recap of the game.

But not the boxscore.

2007-08-29 16:56:41
38.   Zak
Totally off-topic, but does anyone know what station, if any, is showing the Galaxy game tonight?
2007-08-29 16:56:48
39.   bhsportsguy
To answer Jon's question the Dodgers were tied with Arizona for the most NL sacrifice flies with 51, now the Dodgers are in first witn 52.
2007-08-29 16:57:58
40.   kngoworld
39

Take that 'Zona.

2007-08-29 16:58:31
41.   Jon Weisman
39 - My question was more spiritual than that :)
2007-08-29 16:59:09
42.   King of the Hobos
38 According to their website, TeleFutura and MLSLIVE.tv
2007-08-29 17:01:40
43.   Zak
42 Thanks. I've never heard of either. Is TeleFutura a Spanish channel available on basic cable? I guess MLSLIVE.tv is a web only broadcast.
2007-08-29 17:01:57
44.   Bob Timmermann
The LA Dodgers team record for sac flies is 64 by the 1974.

That's higher than any Brooklyn total as well.

2007-08-29 17:05:42
45.   Zak
Is this weekend the one year anniversary of the 4+1 game? Or is that a week down the line?
2007-08-29 17:07:10
46.   King of the Hobos
43 Yes. I have Time Warner and have TeleFutara, although I'm not sure if other cable providers have it or not.
2007-08-29 17:07:27
47.   Jon Weisman
I don't mean this personally, but is hypocrite too harsh a term for Tony Jackson?

"This thing is a long, long way from being over."

Or should I just stick with calling him Mr. Short-Term Memory?

http://www.insidesocal.com/dodgers/archives/2007/08/dodgers_10_nats_1.html

2007-08-29 17:09:22
48.   Bob Timmermann
47
Perhaps Tony was referring to his long-standing feud with the Dodger Stadium elevators.
2007-08-29 17:10:06
49.   bhsportsguy
45 The Dodgers will be playing a day/night doubleheader at Colorado on the anniversary of 4+1.
2007-08-29 17:10:19
50.   alnyden
Personally I am rooting for Arizona. I have given up on winning the division. Let's just get into the playoffs. If Arizona wins the next two, and we are only 2 back of the Padres going into the weekend... we have a shot at this.
Show/Hide Comments 51-100
2007-08-29 17:10:28
51.   King of the Hobos
45 September 18th. Looks like we'll celebrate it with a Colorado double header.
2007-08-29 17:14:23
52.   Linkmeister
Since the Dodgers came back to tie while I was out of the house and then won while I was again out of the house, should I take credit for today's glorious victory?
2007-08-29 17:15:31
53.   Zak
"Oh we lost two in a row, it's over"

"Oh we won two in a row, it's not over till it's over"

"Of if they lose tonight, it's definitely not over"

Harmless, knee-jerk overreactions!! Probably a little harsh to call him hypocritical.

2007-08-29 17:15:57
54.   El Lay Dave
Dbacks winning two is what gets the Dodgers closest to the playoffs. As long as the NL West division leader has a better record than the wild card leader, that's all that matters. Until the Dodgers are the NL West leaders. (Of course, once AZ leaves San Diego, root for them to lose also.)
2007-08-29 17:16:32
55.   Zak
49 , 51 Thanks.
2007-08-29 17:17:19
56.   bhsportsguy
49 Its easy to remember since I have my ticket stub pinned to my bulletin board.
2007-08-29 17:17:45
57.   Jon Weisman
Just root for Dodger wins. We truly don't know who to root against yet.
2007-08-29 17:19:13
58.   fanerman
57 No point in tempting fate. Having our wishes granted could come back to haunt us.
2007-08-29 17:21:19
59.   LAT
47. He's just flip floppin' every day like the rest of us. Somehow, I don't mind when he does it on his blog as opposed to the paper. (I recognize that doesn't make a lot of sense but when he's blogging he's just one of us.)
2007-08-29 17:25:47
60.   El Lay Dave
Is the sacrifice fly becoming the symbol of this Dodger season?

At least for this homestand.

2007-08-29 17:27:27
61.   Lexinthedena
57- That's all we can do.....when they win a few all of a sudden the division doesn't even seem impossible....
2007-08-29 17:29:57
62.   Bob Timmermann
Can the Dodgers make a run at the NL record for sacrifice flies? It's 75 by the Rockies in 2000. The A's had 77 in 1984.
2007-08-29 17:31:26
63.   Zak
Some cyncical symbols for this season:

A baby faced man with a giant blue helmet on his head.

A man with a SF Giants hat, but the SF has been crossed out and replaced by LA.

A rotund, thick-moustached man going through the trash, picking up spare parts.

Bill Mueller.

An old man pushing down two kids with bats in their hands.

2007-08-29 17:40:19
64.   Jon Weisman
59 - "He's just flip floppin' every day like the rest of us."

Don't you think most of us use more than one game before forming our reactions?

2007-08-29 17:44:48
65.   bhsportsguy
Last night, when Sweeney doubled in the 7th, I said something like next week, that could be Tony Abreu pinch running for him due to the roster expansion. Toy Cannon immediately replied on how unfair he thinks that is raising the argument of why should one month be treated differently than the other 5?

So what do you all think, is roster expansion a bad thing from a competitive standpoint?

2007-08-29 17:45:27
66.   Zak
64 Is he basing his opinion on just one game, or considering the 4 game win streak? Also, when at his pessimistic best, is he basing his views on one game or a 3-4 game losing streak? Just wondering because I don't read him religiously everyday.
2007-08-29 17:47:48
67.   Zak
65 IMO, the difference is negligible. At the ML level, with teams that are fighting for pennant races, the 26th to 40th ranked players may contribute, but are rarely the reason why one team might win the pennant. Remember, the Dodgers would not be the only team who makes an Abreu for Sweeney type switch that you are talking about. It impacts everyone pretty evenly. IMO.
2007-08-29 17:51:32
68.   Zak
From an odds and probabilities standpoint, the answer of who we should root for tonight is the Diamondbacks. With the Dodgers win and a Dbacks win tonight, our odds go up 4.3% today compared to this morning. With the Dodgers win and a Padres win tonight, our odds go up 3.7% tonight.

http://www.sportsclubstats.com/MLB/National/West/Dodgers.html

2007-08-29 17:52:49
69.   Zak
There is also a useful chart on that page that tells you, among other things, that the Dodgers will have the best record in the NL at the end of the season if they go 29-0 from here on out.
2007-08-29 17:53:40
70.   Gagne55
Through five innings in the Bronx, the Rocket is keeping rule 9 relevant.
2007-08-29 18:00:53
71.   Gagne55
70 Nevermind.
2007-08-29 18:15:08
72.   Dodgers49
36. A split would also mean that we will be 2 games back of the Pads going into SD.

Not so. Here is where we stand at this moment:

Team W L PCT GB
Arizona 74 59 .556 -
San Diego 72 59 .550 1.0
LA Dodgers 70 63 .526 4.0

If the two teams split while we don't play that's a wash. We'd still be three games back of San Diego on Friday.

2007-08-29 18:27:34
73.   Greg Brock
Nomar is the symbol of the Dodgers. Name value only, past his prime, nearly took an act of Congress to get him replaced by the younger, more talented player. He now blocks another prospect at another position.

See: Brett Tomko, Luis Gonzales, Roberto Hernandez, Mark Hendrickson.

2007-08-29 18:49:30
74.   Eric Stephen
Here is the what the payroll looks like for 2008:

C - Martin - $1m*
1B - Loney - $400k*
2B - Kent - $9m
3B - LaRoche - $390k*
SS - Furcal - $13m
LF - Ethier - $425k*
CF - Pierre - $8m
RF - Kemp - $400k*
Bench - Lieberthal - $1.4m (option picked up)
Bench - Nomar - $8.5m
Bench - Lucille II - $1m (option picked up)
Bench - D.Young - $390k*
Bench - Abreu - $395k*
Bench - Sweeney - $1m*
SP - Penny - $9.5m
SP - Lowe - $10m
SP - Billingsley - $400k
SP - Schmidt - $13m
SP - Loaiza - $7m
CL - Saito - $2m*
RP - Broxton - $425k*
RP - Proctor - $1m*
RP - Meloan - $390k*
RP - Beimel - $1.25m*
RP - Tsao - $700k*
other - Wolf option buyout - $500k
other - Tomko option buyout - $1m

Total payroll - $83.465m

Some notes
1) minimum salary in 2008 in $390k
2) Martin is under team control but I expect 2008 to be year 1 of a 4+ year contract buying out his arbitration years (signing bonus included)
3) Sweeney is a FA
4) Saito is technically under team control, but is a special case since he has leverage to return to Japan
5) Proctor and Beimel are arbitration-eligible and figure to be back
6) Tsao is arbitration eligible, as are Brazoban and Hendrickson (and Repko). I expect all to be non-tendered if a contract cannot be agreed upon before the December arb deadline (and in Hendy's case, he's gone no matter what)

There is definitely room for a big splash, if they are interested in making a play for A-Rod. Playing devil's advocate, the Dodgers could sign A-Rod, have him play 3rd in 2008, then slide him back to SS in 2009 as LaRoche takes over 3B (after his 1B/3B/OF utility year in 2007).

2007-08-29 18:53:56
75.   trainwreck
I would assume Ned would sign some other pitcher too, because he would not count on Schmidt.
2007-08-29 18:57:24
76.   Joshua Worley
I understand why Tony Jackson has his reactions. Sort of. Though I can be pretty mercurial and I don't think I've swung as far as he has. But anyway, even if he has these wildly varying reactions to the Dodgers' chances, why does he need to write them down? It seems that a little discipline would be in order. Or perspective.
2007-08-29 18:58:07
77.   Eric Stephen
I made a mistake in 74 . Total payroll should be $92.465m.
2007-08-29 19:00:02
78.   Joshua Worley
70

What, he's annoyed at the existence of the list? For five full innings?

Oh, wrong rule.

2007-08-29 19:00:12
79.   Bob Timmermann
Not a GIDP for Shawn Green on the final play in Philadelphia.
2007-08-29 19:05:28
80.   das411
Thank you Marlon!!!

Bob what is the ruling there? The Phils get the second out with Iguchi tagging second, but Marlon obstructed the third out at first?

2007-08-29 19:09:26
81.   trainwreck
I also hope Ned is not counting too much on Loaiza for next year. Loaiza was basically good for one month last year and he has barely pitched this year. He has lost velocity on his fastball and apparently has some kind of spine condition.
2007-08-29 19:11:47
82.   Bob Timmermann
80
Anderson interfered with Iguchi and pretty much tackled him. Since Anderson was already out, you have to call Green out. And Chavez's run didn't count. Even if there had been none out, Chavez would have had to have gone back to third.
2007-08-29 19:16:31
83.   Bob Timmermann
It's rule 6.05 (m)
The batter is out when -
(m)A preceding runner shall, in the umpire's judgment, intentionally interfere with a fielder who is attempting to catch a thrown ball or to throw a ball in an attempt to complete any play:
Rule 6.05(m) Comment: The objective of this rule is to penalize the offensive team for deliberate, unwarranted, unsportsmanlike action by the runner in leaving the baseline for the obvious purpose of crashing the pivot man on a double play, rather than trying to reach the base. Obviously this is an umpire's judgment play.
2007-08-29 19:18:14
84.   underdog
76 I totally agree. I called Tony Jax out on his "the season is over/ the end is nigh" postings then and I'd remind it of it now if I cared that much. It's true, it's a blog, not his newspaper articles, but he's still a journalist writing in an official capacity and has a duty to be somewhat responsible and rational. I mean, I do understand where that frustration came from, and he's a fan, too, but I just thought it was kind of crazy that said they were dead with so much of the season left. It was like he'd never been through a baseball season before - including last year's Dodgers.
2007-08-29 19:21:03
85.   Sam DC
So, what's the over under on Micah Owings batting line v. Greg Maddux looking like. I'll take 2 hits, 1 RBI.

Micah Owings ain't afraid of no man.

(Billy: There's something out there. And it ain't no man.)

2007-08-29 19:22:09
86.   Bluebleeder87
You gotta respectfully wonder if Paul McCarthy really knows whats going on when he's watching a baseball game, I never knew he was a baseball fan, maybe I'm wrong for thinking what I'm thinking.
2007-08-29 19:22:39
87.   Sam DC
Of course, he's got to stay in the game long enough to bat . . .
2007-08-29 19:23:59
88.   Kevin Lewis
83

I am very happy they called the batter-runner out for that interference. In my opinion that was the definition of interference, and those type of plays seem to be getting worse and worse.

2007-08-29 19:27:43
89.   LogikReader
"Call 1-800-901-1102, Corkys!"

I can't believe how provincial San Diego commercials are.

2007-08-29 19:32:27
90.   twerp
75 "I would assume Ned would sign some other pitcher too, because he would not count on Schmidt."

Kuo is a wildcard, too.

There's been talk that Wolf--if healthy--is one of the best starters available in the offseason. He'd be relatively expensive given the health risk, but with Ned's MO of having backups for backups for backups combined with the way pitchers dropped like flies this year, I wouldn't be surprised if Ned signs him if it appears he's OK medically.

Ned might also sign Wolf to try to build a surplus of starters as trade chips, like the strategy supposedly was this year. Funny how that worked out...

I don't think he could sign and trade Wolf before something like June '08 at the earliest, but signing Wolf might afford SP depth to deal others...maybe Stultz, Houlton.

2007-08-29 19:35:03
91.   Bluebleeder87
I'm kind of P.O'ed I don't have the Padres vs. D-Backs feed, & like Jon mentioned earlier I'm conflicted/confused on who to root for at this point.
2007-08-29 19:37:46
92.   Curtis Lowe
91 - Root for better broadcast allocation.
2007-08-29 19:41:52
93.   LogikReader
Bleeders, you don't get the game on Extra Innings? Funny... I have the Cox4 San Diego broadcast here on EI. I do, however, subscribe to Cox Cable
2007-08-29 19:42:44
94.   Bob Timmermann
Owings up with 2 on and none out!
2007-08-29 19:44:35
95.   Sam DC
b-b-b-bunting?
2007-08-29 19:44:59
96.   LogikReader
How about Micah Owings striking out the side after the bases were loaded? That was impressive...
2007-08-29 19:45:11
97.   Bob Timmermann
Whiffing.
2007-08-29 19:45:24
98.   Sam DC
:(
2007-08-29 19:46:41
99.   LogikReader
annnnnnnnnnnd we have a run. 1-0 Dbacks
2007-08-29 19:50:44
100.   El Lay Dave
74 That is not a Colletti/Little bullpen. Those are all one/two innings guys, Proctor's three today notwithstanding, with nary a 6th starter / long man in sight. 90 has good points. Even the option on Wolf costs the Dodgers "only" $8.5 million (above the $0.5 million buyout) with only a one year commitment; especially if he pitches some out of the bullpen in late Sept., will Wolf get less on the FA market?
Show/Hide Comments 101-150
2007-08-29 20:02:13
101.   Sam DC
Sammy Sosa has 75 RBIs this year. Wonder if Colletti has considered him for next year's bench?
2007-08-29 20:03:24
102.   paranoidandroid
I see Wolf getting a contract like Gagne did, with less of a base salary and more incentives that build it up to an 8 million deal. I also think they'll add in a vesting option like they did with Maddux and Kent's current contracts. Reach an amount of innings pitched/games started and the option vests.

Depending on the demand, he might give us a hometown discount too. If he sees himself healthy and having a shot to make the rotation. He still hasn't thrown and might need surgery again. He could be out until mid-season next year, nobody can tell at this point.

One thing is clear to me though, we'll buy out that option before we give him 9 mil guaranteed after a season like this and his previous injuries.

2007-08-29 20:03:52
103.   Eric Stephen
100 I agree; I just couldn't think of who else to put in the final spot in the bullpen.

So essentially this offseason is about finding a swing man in the pen and a pinch hitter / 5th OF.

2007-08-29 20:34:50
104.   Bluebleeder87
Gameday says it's all tide up over in San Diego, 1-1 top of the 6th inning.
2007-08-29 20:39:57
105.   Sam DC
WHy does Kobe Bryant wear #10 in international play. And is LeBron James wearing #6?

Are numbers assigned by roster spot or something?

2007-08-29 20:45:41
106.   Disabled List
I believe jersey numbers are required to be lower than 15 in international play. I think I read that somewhere, although I could be wrong.
2007-08-29 20:47:53
107.   Bob Timmermann
I think in international play, all the players have to be 1-12.

I believe volleyball is the same way on the international level and international hockey limits numbers too.

2007-08-29 20:49:01
108.   trainwreck
DL has to be right because Chandler is wearing #14.
2007-08-29 20:52:38
109.   Bob Timmermann
Matt Vasgersian said that the Padres are the "official team of the U.S. Military".

Really? The DOD sponsors a team? Is there a PX at PETCO?

2007-08-29 20:53:41
110.   Bob Timmermann
Ahh, found the rule for FIBA.

The players have to wear 4 through 15.

2007-08-29 20:54:40
111.   Bob Timmermann
And you can also keep 21, 22, and 23 for emergencies in international play.
2007-08-29 20:56:28
112.   Fallout
How things have changed. So many see hope now. After the loss on 8-8 many had jumped off the bandwagon. One predicted a 18-31 record the rest of the way and another called the team a house of cards. Others were blaming Ned for not valuing OBP and so it went. But, to be fair not all were ready to give up. Take comment #340 on Aug 8, Fallout said, "Geez, give it a few weeks and see what happens." :)
2007-08-29 20:56:46
113.   El Lay Dave
102 Wolf got his last contract - $8 million guaranteed with vesting option - after missing over one year (mid-June '05 to July 30, '06) after having is '04 end early too, making 12 starts and putting up worse numbers that he did in this year, making 18 starts. Last we heard, he was pain-free, rehabbing and thinking about a throwing schedule. From Gurnick on 8/16:

"We're looking at hopefully starting a throwing program soon, but we're running into a calendar problem," said trainer Stan Conte. "He's pain-free, but there are a certain amount of throws he'd have to do to get back to pitch up here, and you can't put a timetable on it. While we'd like to get him back into a competitive situation, we can't rush it. Structurally, we're confident the shoulder is clean. But with the inflammatory response, it's taken longer than we thought it would take."

If Wolf can at the very least work up to throwing well off a mound: If Colletti thought Wolf was worth this contract last off-season (and the market was thought to be higher; lots of hometown discount talk), why not $8.5 million ($9 million minus the $0.5 million buyout) with no option or anything for next year via a simple option exercise? I'm not saying it will happen, or it's certainly a great idea, but I don't think the buyout is clearly obvious either.

2007-08-29 21:04:25
114.   Sam DC
Gracias. Merci. Grazi. Danke.
2007-08-29 21:05:15
115.   Sam DC
Owings 1-3.
2007-08-29 21:06:38
116.   LogikReader
With enough luck, some DT'ers may get their wish: extra innings between the Pads and Dbacks (with another game tomorrow)
2007-08-29 21:08:08
117.   LogikReader
Just to make sure, Fanerman, I'm going to go to the 8-8 thread to see what I said at the time...
2007-08-29 21:08:26
118.   LogikReader
oops, Fallout, not Fanerman
2007-08-29 21:10:54
119.   Bob Timmermann
The favorite comment of mine on 8/8 was:

So how will the Dodgers score their next run?
A) home run
B) RBI single
C) RBI double
D) RBI triple
E) sac fly
F) squeeze play
G) error
H) bases loaded walk
I) bases loaded HBP
J) bases loaded CI (separate from G)
K) double play
L) balk
M) UN decree
N) League of Nations mandate
O) Private law passed by Congress
P) Emergency order from Supreme Court justice
Q) Scoreboard operator error

2007-08-29 21:12:25
120.   Fallout
118 LogikReader
At least you didn't call me old bear.
2007-08-29 21:16:51
121.   Sam DC
119: No 7.05(j) with the catcher's mask and a runner on second?
2007-08-29 21:17:33
122.   LogikReader
so much for that; 2-1 Pads, Bottom 8th

as for 8-8, I didn't post anything that day... I may have been on temporary hiatus then.

2007-08-29 21:19:40
123.   Bob Timmermann
121
But under today's rules, you can't score from second on that play. You would only get one base.
2007-08-29 21:20:25
124.   Fallout
119 Bob Timmermann
R) Executive Order
2007-08-29 21:20:42
125.   LogikReader
3-1 Pads... hmm, we may have a new Division leader tonight!
2007-08-29 21:22:38
126.   Gagne55
119 Steal home isn't an option?
2007-08-29 21:23:19
127.   Nagman
Heath Bell in for the save for the Padres.
2007-08-29 21:23:20
128.   LogikReader
I am going to be just amazed, I say AMAZED if the Padres pull off the sweep.
2007-08-29 21:23:27
129.   Bob Timmermann
126
I just wanted realistic options then!
2007-08-29 21:23:29
130.   Gagne55
125 Yes, D'backs. Succom to the all mighty pythagoras.
2007-08-29 21:23:29
131.   DadofMondy
Free Rental Man!!! or, who stayed at the game until the end today?
2007-08-29 21:28:27
132.   Benaiah
I am thrilled that the Padres pulled off the sweep. While it would have been nice to be in the thick of the wild card immediately, now both playoff spots are in play. 3.5 is a lot of ground, but at least with 6 games left against both teams the Dodgers have a fighting chance.
2007-08-29 21:31:44
133.   Nagman
I think it was just a night off for Hoffman.
2007-08-29 21:35:19
134.   El Lay Dave
132 Chickens, counting, hatched. They still play a game tomorrow!
2007-08-29 21:48:44
135.   Bob Timmermann
Hoffman had pitched in 6 of the last 8 games so he was given the night off.
2007-08-29 21:52:18
136.   Dodgers49
Well, it appears I got my wish as one of the few people here who still believes the Dodgers will win the West. :-) After sweeping the Nats while San Diego won the first three from the D-Backs it no longer matters who wins tomorrow night's game.

When tomorrow night's game concludes, no matter who wins, the Dodgers will:

1). Trail somebody in the West by 4 games (either SD or AZ), and
2). Trail somebody in the Wild Card by 3 games (either SD ro AZ).

2007-08-29 21:52:43
137.   Benaiah
134 - Though at this point there is no rooting interest in either team since they are (basically) tied. Either way, tomorrow we will be 4 games behind the division leader and 3 games behind in the wild card.
2007-08-29 21:54:08
138.   Benaiah
136 - Ugh. Pure misery.
2007-08-29 22:18:01
139.   underdog
Interesting post from Rob Neyer on ESPN.com (I can't read the whole thing as I'm an "outsider") - but this part was both priceless, and quite relevant after watching today's game:

>>Robert Fick just hit a home run!

Why the exclamation point? Because Fick hadn't hit a home run all season.

And because, and I say this with all due respect, Fick just might be the worst player in the major leagues. Entering this afternoon's game, Fick had played in 157 games with the Nationals -- 60 last season, 97 this season -- often as a pinch-hitter. In those 157 games, encompassing roughly 300 plate appearances, Fick has batted .232 with a .300 on-base percentage and a .294 slugging percentage. Mind you, we're talking about a guy with essentially zero defensive value. <<

2007-08-29 22:20:24
140.   Bob Timmermann
139
There are only two more lines after that.

I could tell you what they were, but then I'd have to kill you.

2007-08-29 22:22:41
141.   Greg Brock
I'd imagine having an everyday player go homerless over an entire season would be quite aggravating.

:-/

2007-08-29 22:25:46
142.   underdog
His play at 1st on Loney's double was pretty poor, but wasn't easy either. Only a gold glover with cat-like reflexes might have had a shot. But Fick has more... sloth-like reflexes.

140 Good to know, thanks. This response will self-destruct in 30 seconds.

2007-08-29 22:26:09
143.   natepurcell
so i laughed when i saw this diary over at athletics nation...

Let's say that if they're going to acquire Loaiza, the Dodgers say they need him now, not just next season. But they couldn't acquire him before the July 31st deadline because his health was still too uncertain. And let's say the A's and Dodgers agreed on a package deal (for Loiaza and another A's player/prospect) that would land the A's a player we'd really like them to acquire--such as Andy LaRoche--but who is too good to clear waivers.

An off-season trade doesn't serve the Dodgers' needs as well because they need Loaiza now. And a deal for a prospect not on the 40-man roster doesn't serve the A's as well because they want more than that for an affordably priced, middle-of-the-rotation starter . So Loiaza is sent to the Dodgers now, and in the off-season another A's player/prospect is sent to the Dodgers for LaRoche (or whomever).

All needs are served. Doesn't this make sense, more than Beane giving away a valuable trade chip without getting a player in return--when clearly he could deal Loiaza, and his salary, to any number of 29 teams in the off-season and get some talent in return?

2007-08-29 22:28:21
144.   underdog
141 Yeah but even Slappy gets on base quite a bit more, and doesn't play first, where there's an expectation of a bit more... slugging. But yes, Dodger fans can relate to having players with a lack of power.
2007-08-29 22:30:33
145.   underdog
Actually, I shouldn't say quite a bit more for Pierre. .321 OBP is only marginally better than Fick. Sad.

Wow, the Royals beat the Tigers again. Greinke and company shut out Detroit.

2007-08-29 22:36:46
146.   underdog
I can't believe - or maybe I can - that Dusty Baker just defended Marlon Anderson's slide tackle on Iguchi in the game tonight. "Just trying to break up the double play, nothing wrong with that." He went out of the basepath and put his arms/hands into Iguchi's body like he was a strong safety, you've got to be kidding me Dusty.

Okay, I need to turn the computer off, turn the TV off, and meditate. Tomorrow's a day off, hooray!

2007-08-29 22:44:43
147.   King of the Hobos
Abreu since he returned from injury: 34 ABs, .382/.417/.618, 0 K, 8 2Bs.

Laroche went 1-4, Young 2-3, and Hu 1-4, all singles.

Down in Jacksonville, Miller struggled, but Cory Wade, who's going to the AFL after a very impressive season, really shined in relief:
Miller 4.1 IP, 6 H, 3 R (2 ER), 3 BB, 7 K, 1 HR
Wade 3.2 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 0 BB, 4 K, 1 HR

2007-08-29 23:18:19
148.   das411
83 - Thank you Bob!
2007-08-29 23:19:42
149.   natepurcell
147

Abreu is a doubles machine. If only he would walk more, he would be an extremely valuable middle infielder.

2007-08-29 23:24:28
150.   Jon Weisman
New post up top.

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