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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
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11) commenting under the obvious influence
12) claiming your opinion isn't allowed when it's just being disagreed with

The Losers' Dividend
2007-09-28 16:15
by Jon Weisman

I've decided to go with the apostrophe in the headline this year, although it's legit with or without.

From September 25, 2005:

The last two Dodger games I have attended, a loss and now today's victory, have been the two most pleasant I've been to all season. Both came after the team's sub-.500 status was assured, a condition that seems to have weeded out the high expecters (expectants? expectationers?) who would only be satisfied by a victory. The best that people hope for now is that a baseball game be played. That's all. Throw the first pitch and we've already won. The Dodgers of September 2005 offer no other guarantees, and so we find ourselves at the major league equivalent of Little League, where it's a celebration when someone doesn't fall on his head and it's considered poor form to rain criticism or curb hope. Call it the Losers Dividend. It's a very relaxing, freeing payoff (abetted by the ease of ingress and egress to Dodger Stadium that the smaller crowds provide), enough to make one up and move to Kansas City or Tampa Bay so this can be reinvested and experienced permanently.

There were a couple of people who violated the spirit of the day. They both seem like nice enough people on the outside and seem to not lack for friends, but still they thumbed their portfolios at the Losers Dividend. One was the chap sitting two seats away from me, who couldn't find any redeeming aspect in what lay before him and almost from the opening pitch was trying to hurry the game along so he could get home to barbecue. For those who have criticized Jim Tracy for benching Hee Seop Choi and for those who have criticized Choi's acquisition, you might find it interesting that this fan had no kind words for either. Choi does "nothing" as a player, and Tracy is the worst manager in baseball, according to this fan. Again, his delivery was easygoing and he struck me as the first guy who would help you change a tire if you were stuck on the side of the road, but for today's game, he packed a full kit of contempt. And you just wanted him to let go a little bit like the rest of us, and take the opportunity to let baseball be baseball.

The other spurner was Tracy. With two on and two out in the sixth inning today in a 2-2 tie, Choi stood in the on-deck circle with Willy Aybar at the plate. As Aybar inched closer to a walk, it occured to myself and others that Choi could have the game's make-or-break at-bat. It also occured to us that with a lefthander on the mound, Tracy might pinch-hit for Choi, even though it would be the perfect opportunity in this meaningless game, during a part of the season that Tracy himself has said he's putting people like Brian Myrow in situations to gain information for 2006, to give Choi a key at-bat against a southpaw. A perfect Little League moment.

Aybar walked to load the bases, and Choi took a couple steps toward home plate. Sitting (thanks - seriously, thanks - to some generous seats from an anonymous Dodger Thoughts reader) in the lower part of the Field Level, I could see and hear Tracy yell at Choi to come back. Either Choi had not gotten an earlier message, or Tracy did not counsel Choi that he wouldn't bat against a lefty with the bases loaded. It added insult to insult. Either way, as Tracy sent Jason Phillips up to pinch-hit, it caused me to have my one bad moment of the game and yell at Tracy like I was the protective father of the 10-year-old Choi. This was not what the game was supposed to be about.

My reaction sprung from the assumption that this was a time for the kids, a time to get a glimpse of the future in the present. Upon reflection, I realized that maybe Tracy was Little Leaguing it after all, that he was trying to get as many guys in the game as possible and this was his best spot for Phillips, who in fact hasn't played much lately. No one thinks Phillips has much more of a future in Los Angeles, but of course, perhaps Choi doesn't either. So I'm going to grudgingly, very grudgingly, let Tracy off the hook on this one. And it has nothing to do with Phillips getting a single that keyed the Dodgers' six-run inning. I think it was objectively the wrong move for the organization and personally disappointing, but Phillips is a human being too. I'm not going to stay mad. That would be my waste of the Dividend.

I'll be at the game Saturday night, catching up with a friend visiting from out of town, a friend I spent a big chunk of the '90s going to Dodger Stadium with. For those three hours, I won't care what place the team is in. Take me out to the ballgame ...

* * *

Tonight's game:

Gameday

Retro Gameday

Comments (447)
Show/Hide Comments 1-50
2007-09-28 16:25:17
1.   Jon Weisman
Cubs take a 1-0 lead in the first at Cincinnati.
2007-09-28 16:28:35
2.   Jon Weisman
Hermida 2-run HR off the Mets in the first.
2007-09-28 16:29:58
3.   Scanman33
Am I enjoying the Mets collapse a little too much?
2007-09-28 16:30:42
4.   Bob Timmermann
3
No, it's not possible.
2007-09-28 16:31:18
5.   ImprobableImpossible
Maybe you can retroactively take out your 2005 frustration on Saturday with a "Tracy Must Go!" chant.

("Dusty Must Go" -- two years proactively -- would also suffice.)

2007-09-28 16:31:50
6.   CajunDodger
3
Nah. How fun would the playoffs be with Colorado, Arizona, Chicago, and Philadelphia representing the NL? Definitely moreso (more so?) than with NY and/or SD getting in there.
2007-09-28 16:34:21
7.   Bob Timmermann
I think San Diego will win the next two in Milwaukee to take a stranglehold on a playoff spot.
2007-09-28 16:34:41
8.   natepurcell
LATed....

its not the amount of innings in a season, its the amount of pitches per start. Baker was notorious for letting his pitchers rack up pitches counts of 120+ in starts.

That is what everyone is worried about.

2007-09-28 16:35:54
9.   Bob Timmermann
Then again, I assume the Padres are going to go to the playoffs with Brady Clark starting in center.
2007-09-28 16:36:38
10.   Scanman33
6-I normally don't like to cheer for division rivals, but I like the way the D'backs and Rockies have been put together and they have some fun players to watch. If only Milwaukee would get their act together...

I'd have no problem rooting for the Phils, Rox, D'backs or Brewers in the postseason. I wouldn't even be against seeing the Cubs get the monkey off their back.

2007-09-28 16:38:00
11.   Bob Timmermann
10
Milwaukee's act has folded up its tent and gone home it appears.

The offense consists of waiting for Braun and Fielder to hit home runs and nothing else.

The Brewers bullpen is in really bad shape.

2007-09-28 16:38:42
12.   Bob Timmermann
Cubs lead 2-0.
2007-09-28 16:39:12
13.   Jon Weisman
8 - and the age of the pitchers at the time.
2007-09-28 16:40:44
14.   CajunDodger
8
That was my recollection as well.
2007-09-28 16:40:54
15.   MikeB
Jon - I think your initial reaction to Tracy's removing Choi was the correct one. Unless Tracy knew in advance that Phillips might never get another AB in the majors again, it was Tracy's job as a manager to use that kind of situation in the best interests of the ball club - to find out more about a young ballplayer's potential, not for the benefit of a known quantity like Phillips.
2007-09-28 16:41:18
16.   JT Dutch
"Why all the controls? We want to avoid biases. For example, while Baker is often accused of making Prior or Wood or Zambrano throw too many pitches, the fact is, they should be throwing more innings than the average pitcher, because they're better than the average pitcher. Perhaps it's not that Baker overuses his pitchers, but that he simply has been blessed with a good starting staff.

That's actually probably part of the answer. Nevertheless, even after we control for all these variables, Baker's pitchers still throw 3.68 more pitches per start than expected. That's maybe an extra start-and-a-fifth a year. It's about 5-10 extra innings.

So it seems that to claim that Baker ruins pitchers' careers is hyperbolic at the least. Even if we account for the fact that younger pitchers should probably be throwing less innings, Baker still isn't quite the monster people make him out to be. Nevertheless, if he is worth 5-6 extra pitches per outing for a young pitcher, that may indeed be significant. There's certainly no reason not to be on the cautious side, and Baker's lack of caution with high-pitch outings is certainly disconcerting.

But Dusty Baker is not a professional arm shredder; he only leaves his starters out there for about three-and-a-half more pitches than expected. Prior and Wood have had injury troubles, but so do many young pitchers. Perhaps it isn't Baker, but just bad luck. Perhaps the Cubs should have never pissed off that Billy Goat."

http://www.hardballtimes.com/main/article/dusty-baker-and-pitch-counts/

2007-09-28 16:42:25
17.   Scanman33
11-Yeah, but I actually picked them in the preseason, so I want to look like somewhat of a genius. I like watching Corey Hart and Weeks has turned it on lately too. You're right though...a shaky pen along with no Sheets isn't a recipe for success.
2007-09-28 16:50:15
18.   Kevin Lewis
Jon,

And you get to see Chad pitch. I can't imagine a better game.

2007-09-28 16:50:54
19.   Bob Timmermann
Old Friend Cody Ross misplays Oliver Perez's single and lets Carlos Delgado score to make it 2-1 Fish.
2007-09-28 16:52:55
20.   das411
706!!!

...is a fly out to center by Rollins. Still scoreless in Phila.

2007-09-28 16:53:52
21.   Scanman33
Does Victorino qualify as an old friend?
2007-09-28 16:54:46
22.   Bob Timmermann
Lenny Dykstra's record 773 PAs is next in line for Rollins.
2007-09-28 16:55:37
23.   Jim Hitchcock
Here's to Vinnys wife helping him make the right decision. For him, her, and us.

I feel confident she will.

2007-09-28 16:58:08
24.   Scanman33
Bases juiced, no outs in NY, Hermida up
2007-09-28 16:58:53
25.   overkill94
Dang, I needed that SB from Victorino. I got a lot of money riding on that league!
2007-09-28 16:59:40
26.   Scanman33
Tweener grounder to Wright and the runners freeze, he throws home and gets the out. Loduca throws it back to third, but Wright goes for the tag instead of touching the bag and the runner makes it in safely.
2007-09-28 16:59:51
27.   scooplew
Does anyone know the club records for batting average, RBIs and slugging for a single month, and what are the minimum ABs required for the batting? Loney is hitting .408 in September with 31 RBIs. He is slugging .745. In June, a month during which he had 50 ABs, he batted .440 with a slugging mark of .780. Has anyone batted over .400 during two separate months in the same year for the Dodgers? Perhaps Piazza is the answer to some of these questions or Cey in that monster April that he had about 30 years ago.
2007-09-28 17:04:23
28.   Bob Timmermann
Old Friend Cody Ross takes one for the team.
2007-09-28 17:04:44
29.   scooplew
26 That's bad baseball by Wright given that the force was still in effect at third base.
2007-09-28 17:06:08
30.   Scanman33
29-Hence, the Mets should go out and get a 3B who has "been there" and has "experience" with an advanced knowledge of "what it takes to win".
2007-09-28 17:06:40
31.   Bob Timmermann
Mike Jacobs takes one for the team too.

4-1 Fish.

2007-09-28 17:06:55
32.   Humma Kavula
2 HBP in a row by the Mets, forcing in 2 runs. 4-1 Florida!
2007-09-28 17:08:06
33.   Bob Timmermann
32
Go ahead. Be less obtuse than me!
2007-09-28 17:10:53
34.   Humma Kavula
33 That was one uuuuugly inning, if you're a Mets fan, or one bee-yoo-tee-ful inning, if you like unusual things, like record-book collapses.
2007-09-28 17:12:05
35.   Bob Timmermann
Chris Capuano is pitching for the Brewers tonight. The last time the Brewers won a game he pitched in was May 7.

And he hasn't been hurt.

2007-09-28 17:12:41
36.   Humma Kavula
Phillies-Nationals still scoreless after four.
2007-09-28 17:14:10
37.   underdog
This is gonna be a long, scary off-season isn't it? Glad I have y'all to keep me company and/or to keep me from freaking out too much. Hopefully the rumors will be much worse than the reality, which is fairly likely.
2007-09-28 17:14:33
38.   Humma Kavula
I believe if the Mets lose that a four-way tie is no longer possible.
2007-09-28 17:15:45
39.   Bob Timmermann
Beltran homer makes it 4-3 Fish.
2007-09-28 17:16:46
40.   Bob Timmermann
Cardinals 1, Pirates 0!
2007-09-28 17:18:29
41.   Jon Weisman
With the scores the way they are now, it is my opinion that the Phillies are now in first place by approximately 7/18ths of a game.
2007-09-28 17:18:31
42.   Humma Kavula
Comment 40 -- the perfect example of the Losers Dividend!
2007-09-28 17:19:57
43.   Dodgers49
From previous thread:

122. Sometimes I wonder if it is even fair for Colletti to negotiate for A-Rod. Knife to a gunfight...

I regard this as the primary obstacle to us signing A-Rod. I'm in the camp with those who believe Boras will have A-Rod opt out despite the Yankees' advantage. But even if that happens I don't see Ned as being up to the task of negotiating with Scott Boras as an equal. What I suspect would happen is that Boras would simply use Ned to jack up the bid for others. I'd love for us to get A-Rod. But I'd be downright shocked if it actually happened.

2007-09-28 17:20:35
44.   Humma Kavula
After watching Cole Hamels strike out five in a row, I ask: how in the name of all that is holy did Tom Seaver ever strike out 10 in a row? Good googly moogly.
2007-09-28 17:23:24
45.   Humma Kavula
Still no score in Philly.
2007-09-28 17:24:35
46.   Bob Timmermann
44
How did Jim DeShaies strike out nine in a row?
2007-09-28 17:25:01
47.   Bob Timmermann
Cubs lead 4-0.
2007-09-28 17:25:15
48.   Bob Timmermann
Brewers lead 1-0
2007-09-28 17:25:57
49.   overkill94
Early 1-0 lead for the Brew Crew over the Pads
2007-09-28 17:26:17
50.   Humma Kavula
Greg Dobbs hits a very long ball maybe five feet foul... but still scoreless.

Then singles to left.

Show/Hide Comments 51-100
2007-09-28 17:26:52
51.   overkill94
46 DeSame way anyone else would, good pitches
2007-09-28 17:27:06
52.   Bob Timmermann
The five relevant games in the NL all started within an hour of each other.

Very convenient.

2007-09-28 17:27:56
53.   Humma Kavula
Carlos Ruiz hit on the hand. First and second, nobody out, Cole Hamels coming up to the plate.
2007-09-28 17:29:03
54.   Bob Timmermann
2-0 Brewers in the 1st.
2007-09-28 17:29:44
55.   Dodgers49
As for tonight, here's the lineup against the Giants:

Pierre, CF
Valdez, 2B
Kemp, RF
Loney, 1B
LaRoche, 3B
Ethier, LF
Moeller, C
Hu, SS
Wells, P

2007-09-28 17:30:11
56.   Humma Kavula
Hamels sacrifices, and here comes Rollins...

Crowd chants M-V-P...

...and he singles, and two runs score. 2-0 Phils.

2007-09-28 17:31:39
57.   Bob Timmermann
Augie Ojeda sac fly gives the DBacks a 1-0 lead in the 2nd.
2007-09-28 17:32:34
58.   D4P
Why is Valdez in the #2 spot? Why not Ethier?

Not that it matters. I just feel like certain things are ruled out for no good reason.

2007-09-28 17:33:10
59.   Bob Timmermann
Valdez "knows how to handle the bat."
2007-09-28 17:34:23
60.   Humma Kavula
52 All but one!...

...Don't forget about the Battle in Seattle!

2007-09-28 17:35:04
61.   Humma Kavula
oh, that's not in the NL. Never mind.
2007-09-28 17:35:12
62.   Bob Timmermann
6-3 Fish as Cabrera drives in a pair.
2007-09-28 17:35:24
63.   Marty
Miggy drives in 2. 6-3 fish
2007-09-28 17:35:58
64.   Marty
Mine was shorter, yet still late.
2007-09-28 17:36:03
65.   D4P
Valdez "knows how to handle the bat."

Apparently, knowing is only half the battle.

.200/.224/.262/.485

2007-09-28 17:36:15
66.   Humma Kavula
How did the runs score for Florida?
2007-09-28 17:36:32
67.   Bill Crain
Coletti about to join Petros on KLAC. Why am I not convinced I'm going to learn anything?
2007-09-28 17:36:40
68.   Humma Kavula
Refresh is my friend. Thanks.
2007-09-28 17:36:57
69.   Marty
66 As always, they crossed the plate.
2007-09-28 17:37:16
70.   underdog
So if the Mets collapse causes them to miss the playoffs, will Willie Randolph be fired? Should he be? All this and more in the extremely long Mets offseason to follow (at least as long and painful as ours will be).
2007-09-28 17:37:18
71.   Humma Kavula
Utley double scores Rollins. 3-0.
2007-09-28 17:37:50
72.   Dodgers49
27. Does anyone know the club records for batting average, RBIs and slugging for a single month, and what are the minimum ABs required for the batting?

As for RBI, from Tony Jackson:

James Loney tonight became just the fifth player in L.A. Dodgers history to drive in 31 runs in a single month. He joins Frank Howard, who had 41 RBI in August 1962; Mike Marshall, who had 37 in September 1985; Tommy Davis, who had 33 in June 1962; and Kal Daniels, who had 31 in September 1990. Strangely, Pete Guerrero only had 26 when he hit 15 home runs in June 1985.

2007-09-28 17:38:53
73.   Marty
Didn't Cey have 30 in April once?
2007-09-28 17:39:09
74.   Humma Kavula
That was Jimmy Rollins' 137th run scored.

Just goes to show: you can lead the league in outs if you hit like that.

Ryan Howard walks... 1st and 2nd, 2 outs for Rowand.

2007-09-28 17:39:25
75.   Ricardo
62.Future Friend Miggy?
2007-09-28 17:39:32
76.   Bob Timmermann
Cey had 29 RBI in April 1977.
2007-09-28 17:40:10
77.   Bob Timmermann
Oliver's Army is not here to stay in New York as Jorge Sosa comes in to relieve and retires Old Friend Cody Ross to get out of the fourth.
2007-09-28 17:41:17
78.   Marty
Kim is pitching for Florida. If I'm a Marlins fan, I'm never comfortable with him on the mound.
2007-09-28 17:41:31
79.   scooplew
72 Thanks. DT now batting .333.
2007-09-28 17:41:57
80.   Humma Kavula
Rowand flies to left, so the Phillies have to live with just three in the fifth.
2007-09-28 17:44:20
81.   trainwreck
67
Please report to us if he says anything meaningful.

Valdez is #2 because he is quick.

2007-09-28 17:44:54
82.   scooplew
44 46 And how did Pete Richert strike out six in a row in his major league debut -- the first six men he faced! -- including four in one inning with the Dodgers on April 12, 1962? That was marvelous to listen to. In April of 1966 he struck out seven in a row.
2007-09-28 17:46:03
83.   Marty
El Duque comes in for the Mets
2007-09-28 17:48:52
84.   Bob Timmermann
Connor Jackson with a 2-run homer and the DBacks lead 3-0.
2007-09-28 17:49:43
85.   scooplew
82 Box score of Pete Richert's major league debut in the third game ever played at Dodger Stadium:

http://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/LAN/LAN196204120.shtml

2007-09-28 17:50:00
86.   Humma Kavula
If the Rockies lose tonight, is that it for them?
2007-09-28 17:50:26
87.   Gen3Blue
I remember looking at team pitching stats before the ASG, and we were right up there with 2nd and 3rd positions. I bet our second half pitching is much less stellar.
2007-09-28 17:52:14
88.   Humma Kavula
And somewhere, Misty May cheers.
2007-09-28 17:52:39
89.   Marty
7-3 Fish on a homer by their catcher
2007-09-28 17:52:48
90.   Bob Timmermann
86
The Rockies are just a game out of the wild card, so they would still be alive with a loss tonight.

The only team that can be eliminated tonight is Milwaukee.

2007-09-28 17:53:10
91.   Bob Timmermann
89
That would be Mr. Misty May.
2007-09-28 17:54:04
92.   Bob Timmermann
Greg Maddux picked off first by Chris Capuano to end the top of the third.
2-0 Brewers.
2007-09-28 17:55:08
93.   D4P
Mr. Misty

Dairy Queen, anyone?

2007-09-28 17:55:56
94.   Humma Kavula
91 Matt Treanor should form a rock band just so he can do a cover of "Broken Wings" and call his band Mr. Misty.
2007-09-28 17:56:03
95.   scooplew
92 Once Maddux is in the league a while, he will learn more about how to take a lead off first.
2007-09-28 17:57:05
96.   scooplew
55 Why would Wells get the start tonight?
2007-09-28 17:57:35
97.   Humma Kavula
95 Maybe Mark Sweeney can teach him how.
2007-09-28 17:57:47
98.   Bill Crain
81
Setting a record for repeating the usual platitudes:

"Grady's been put in a tough spot by 1 or 2 different people."

"I find it disappointing."

"As you look at the crux of the young players here, I think they're better than they were at the beginning of the season."

"Are we perfect? Far from it." Channeling Jim Tracy.

On whether we should be concerned about Schmidt: "We should be concerned about everybody."

"We're better off than a lot of clubs."

Barry as a hitter and Maddux as a pitcher are "as close to genius as I've seen."

Those were the high points.

2007-09-28 17:58:11
99.   Bob Timmermann
96
Somebody's got to start. Wells is healthy and ready to go.

It's not like the Dodgers will be crushed if he gets hurt.

2007-09-28 17:58:19
100.   tjshere
About the only thing Flanders said of semi-substance in his radio interview is that he absolutely would move one or 2 of the kids in the right deal. He went on to say trading 3 or 4 of them for one player was not something he would do. I rather assumed he was referencing the Braves Texeira deal.
Show/Hide Comments 101-150
2007-09-28 17:58:40
101.   scareduck
Holliday drives one in for the Rocks. 3-1 Arizona in the bottom of the third.
2007-09-28 17:59:05
102.   Bob Timmermann
Holliday with an RBI single and it's 3-1 AZ now.
2007-09-28 17:59:48
103.   tjshere
98 Better memory and typing skills than me. D`OH!
2007-09-28 18:00:16
104.   scareduck
98 - would you prefer the unvarnished truth? I doubt he survives the day if he tells it.
2007-09-28 18:00:16
105.   Marty
Castillo triples and Wright gets him home on a ground out. 7-4 Marlins
2007-09-28 18:01:04
106.   Humma Kavula
okay, that's it for me -- heading home.
2007-09-28 18:01:29
107.   scooplew
100 Anyone want to hazard a guess as to what Ned might think is the right deal? I shudder.
2007-09-28 18:01:44
108.   das411
D'Angelo Jiminez, your powers are no match for the collective will of the Baseball Gods!
2007-09-28 18:01:53
109.   Bob Timmermann
106
Same with me. Time to head home. I have found that driving and posting to DT and following five games simultaneously is hard to do behind the wheel.

Even with a Prius.

2007-09-28 18:03:38
110.   Bill Crain
104
Don't want the truth. Just hope he doesn't survive the day. (As GM, I mean. I don't wish the man dead unless there's no other alternative.)
2007-09-28 18:05:10
111.   scooplew
99 Why not one of the kids? (Or did Kent get a vote?)
2007-09-28 18:06:22
112.   scareduck
107 - Barry Bonds?
2007-09-28 18:10:29
113.   overkill94
77 Bob, I didn't know you were an Elvis Costello fan
2007-09-28 18:14:16
114.   scareduck
Padres tied it, 2-2.
2007-09-28 18:15:22
115.   Kingmans Performance
98 Bill, with KLAC in the bidding for Dodger radio rights starting next season, it's not surprising they weren't gonna corner Mr. Coletti on any major issues.
2007-09-28 18:15:57
116.   scareduck
3-2 Padres on a Brady Clark single.
2007-09-28 18:16:28
117.   Dodgers49
110. I'm not happy with Little as a manager but I am far more displeased with Ned Colletti as a GM. My only hope is that Frank McCourt was blowing smoke when he said Ned was his greatest hire. Unfortunately, I'm afraid McCourt actually meant it.
2007-09-28 18:20:12
118.   scooplew
35 Chris Capuano is pitching for the Brewers tonight. The last time the Brewers won a game he pitched in was May 7. And he hasn't been hurt. This is truly remarkable. In Caputano's first seven games, all starts, the Brewers were 7-0. In his subsequent 21 games, including 17 starts, the Brewers are 0-21. I wonder if some records have been set there.
2007-09-28 18:25:28
119.   scooplew
112 You're scary.
2007-09-28 18:26:25
120.   Johnny Nucleo
100 , 107 Don't forget he basically said the same thing before the trade deadline, and nothing happened.
2007-09-28 18:27:45
121.   Dodgers49
>> let's give some final bandwidth to those contenders that missed out, narrowly in some cases, on the postseason fray. Specifically, let's take a look at what they need to do to get better in 2008. <<

## Los Angeles Dodgers
Ideally, the Dodgers will make regulars out of James Loney, Matt Kemp and Andy LaRoche. If they make those moves, then that will go a long way toward curing their offensive ills. Also, Jeff Kent's vesting option for 2008 has kicked in, so he'll be back (barring a trade, of course). On the pitching front, Jason Schmidt should be healthy by spring training, and Brad Penny, Derek Lowe and Chad Billingsley will all return.

The bullpen is fine, so really the Dodgers just need to add a starter to the fold. Buying out Randy Wolf's option and signing him to a discount contract is a possibility, as is adding an arm on the free-agent market. ##

http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/story/7274456

2007-09-28 18:30:53
122.   Bill Crain
117
McCourt is an empty suit. There's nothing there to discuss, nothing at all.

Colletti is more devious. I can't believe he really doesn't know what VORP is. I suspect he's playing the role of old-school baseball guy for a reason. His little snitty-fit about the Drew opt-out was just odd. And the Pierre signing, well that's beyond explanation. And Nomar? All you can say for sure is that up to now he's getting away with it.

And he's never going to tell us what he's really thinking.

2007-09-28 18:32:03
123.   Sam DC
113 Don't you just assume that everyone is an Elvis Costello fan?

Are there people who aren't Elvis Costello fans?

Man, must Mets fan be hating on the Nationals right now.

2007-09-28 18:41:07
124.   overkill94
123 Until about 5 years ago I thought he was some sort of novelty Elvis impersonator who did comedy routines. Some of us were quite young when Costello was in his prime.
2007-09-28 18:49:16
125.   dkminnick
124 You poor man. Not since The Beatles has an artist put out that much amazing work in such a short time to begin a career. The first four albums - wow.
2007-09-28 18:49:51
126.   Bob Timmermann
"Oliver's Army" is one of my favorite songs although the lyrics are not able to repeated here.
2007-09-28 18:50:47
127.   Johnny Nucleo
122 It might be in his best interest for people to underestimate him.
2007-09-28 18:51:20
128.   xaphor
The best time I've had at the stadium this season, save for DT day, was The Loaiza game against the Pads. The first few innings were filled with boos and failed dreams, but the last couple of innings with the young guys threatening, Hu's first home run, and what remained of the crowd cheering when they left Tomko on. Good times!
2007-09-28 18:51:46
129.   das411
Um, and LoDuca has been an all-star twice why exactly?
2007-09-28 18:52:29
130.   Bob Timmermann
4-3 Padres in the 6th.
2007-09-28 18:56:57
131.   Bob Timmermann
Cubs win and their magic number is 1.
2007-09-28 18:58:25
132.   Linkmeister
I imagine that for some younger folk Elvis Costello is Mr. Diana Krall (if they know who she is at all), just as Treanor is Mr. Misty May.
2007-09-28 18:58:50
133.   xaphor
129 LoDuca has his admirers in every town. :)
2007-09-28 18:59:43
134.   Bluebleeder87
15

I like your rational on Jons opening to the thread but Jon also makes a good point in that Jason Phillips is human also. I never liked Choi's swing at all but as a fan of the Dodgers I did root for him to succeed, oh well.

2007-09-28 19:00:53
135.   Bob Timmermann
Hawpe doubles home Atkins to make it 4-2 AZ in the 7th with none out.
2007-09-28 19:02:20
136.   Bob Timmermann
Torrealba is credited with a sacrifice to move Hawpe to third. I hope he was bunting for a hit.

Or else Clint Hurdle has gone insane.

2007-09-28 19:02:58
137.   scareduck
123 - There are such people.

One presumes they like Whitesnake.

2007-09-28 19:03:21
138.   scareduck
136 - best to assume the latter.
2007-09-28 19:05:57
139.   D4P
One presumes they like Whitesnake

Whitesnake was all downhill after the "Is this Love" Tawny Katain video. Come to think of it, so was Tawny.

2007-09-28 19:06:14
140.   scareduck
Coors Field has more people in the stands than I've ever seen. Wow.
2007-09-28 19:06:15
141.   Scanman33
I posted this in the last thread, but I think it bears repeatng:

Email Frank McCourt if you're worried about Ned's potential "Appease the Veterans" approach:

FrankM@ladodgers.com

He does read it or at least his secretary does. I emailed him a couple years ago and he gave me a phone call a few days later.

2007-09-28 19:07:54
142.   scareduck
Brandon Webb walks Ian Stewart to put men on the corners with two out. 4-2 Snakes.
2007-09-28 19:08:00
143.   Bluebleeder87
I like the theatrics (or should I say whats unfolding) over in Colorado...
2007-09-28 19:08:51
144.   scareduck
139 - Whitesnake was all downhill

There was a point when they were uphill?

2007-09-28 19:10:19
145.   scareduck
Matsui hits a high hopper to short and gets nicked at first to end the seventh.
2007-09-28 19:11:11
146.   scareduck
Joe Thatcher loads the bases on a walk, a hit, and a hit batter, one out in the bottom of the sixth.
2007-09-28 19:11:12
147.   Bob Timmermann
Webb avoids further trouble in the 7th and retires Matsui with 2 on and 2 out.

Arizona 4, Colorado 2 after 7.

2007-09-28 19:13:17
148.   NorCal-Dodger
139 Shw was so distraguht, she took out her frustrations on Chuck Finely.
2007-09-28 19:13:31
149.   scareduck
Wild, wild horses
Couldn't drag me away.

From the TV, that is. Helen can finish taping the walls herself.

2007-09-28 19:13:49
150.   Bob Timmermann
Craig Counsell's magic is gone. 4-6-3 DP.
Show/Hide Comments 151-200
2007-09-28 19:14:17
151.   scareduck
Counsell GIDP's to end the frame. Padres 4, Brewers 3.
2007-09-28 19:16:21
152.   NorCal-Dodger
http://tinyurl.com/4w3c
2007-09-28 19:16:48
153.   Gen3Blue
As to Schmidt being healthy next year, labrum problems were considered irreversable until a year or two ago, at least for pitchers. How good Schmidt will be next year will be at best interesting. And I get the same feeling about Wolf.
I think it will be good to continue the trend, and use our rather high draft picks on pitching.
2007-09-28 19:18:58
154.   NorCal-Dodger
http://tinyurl.com/4w3ce

This may work better.

2007-09-28 19:19:09
155.   scareduck
Pinch hitter Jeff Cirillo pops out to short with Drew on third. Two out.
2007-09-28 19:21:08
156.   scareduck
154 - I was wondering what relevance Norwegian computer products had to DT.

Buchholz strikes out Chris Young to end the eighth. It's getting awfully late for the Rocks.

2007-09-28 19:22:01
157.   Bluebleeder87
Colorado's announcers/& fans enthusiasm is infectious I will say that...
2007-09-28 19:27:01
158.   scareduck
Brandon Lyon gets lucky on a one-out check-swing tapper to the box after Matt Hollida hits a one-out double.
2007-09-28 19:27:23
159.   scareduck
Announced 50,000+ attendance at Coors Field. Wowzers.
2007-09-28 19:28:24
160.   Bluebleeder87
your mind usually takes Colorado #'s with a grain of salt but with the humidor you gotta really consider Matt Hollidays #'s (MVP), wow, great season by the guy.
2007-09-28 19:28:29
161.   scareduck
Webb whiffs Garrett Atkins to end the eighth. 4-2 Snakes.
2007-09-28 19:29:45
162.   Bob Timmermann
Jay Payton had a two-out bases loaded triple against Rivera to tie it at 9-9 in the ninth.
2007-09-28 19:30:07
163.   Bob Timmermann
Free baseball in Baltimore!
2007-09-28 19:31:30
164.   Bob Timmermann
Last call in New York.

Reyes, Castillo, and Wright due up. I think Kevin Gregg will be pitching.

2007-09-28 19:33:57
165.   Bob Timmermann
The Red Sox win ensures that the Angels will open the playoffs on the road.
2007-09-28 19:34:47
166.   Bob Timmermann
6-3 Padres on a 2-run homer by Greene.
2007-09-28 19:35:15
167.   Bluebleeder87
165

Not Cool...

2007-09-28 19:35:22
168.   scareduck
Khalil Greene hits a one-out opposite field jack off ex-teammate Scott Linebrink. 6-3 Pads.
2007-09-28 19:35:37
169.   NorCal-Dodger
Guess tonight's game is like a spring training game, unfortunately, it'll be played in late Sept.
2007-09-28 19:38:50
170.   Bob Timmermann
Since the Red Sox won, the best the Angels could hope for would be all four playoff teams finishing 95-67.

If that happened, they would be seeded: New York, Cleveland, L.A., Boston.

2007-09-28 19:41:32
171.   NorCal-Dodger
Watching on TV, the Stadium sure looks empty....
2007-09-28 19:44:50
172.   Bob Timmermann
You might need that fleece blanket tonight.
2007-09-28 19:45:31
173.   Gen3Blue
Here comes that famous Dodger early inning pitching.

Thank god for who?

2007-09-28 19:45:49
174.   scareduck
Valverde walks Yorvit Torrealba with one out, Ryan Spilborghs at the plate.
2007-09-28 19:47:50
175.   Gen3Blue
I'm not sure just why, but I like David Wells, at least more than most of the pitchers that put us in this position.
2007-09-28 19:48:41
176.   Bluebleeder87
174

Valverde can't find the strike zone all of a sudden, 2nd walk of the inning.

2007-09-28 19:49:05
177.   scareduck
Spilborghs walks.
2007-09-28 19:50:12
178.   Gen3Blue
I hope Martin is all right.

Apparently Grits is free to play anyone anywhere in the line-up, with the glaring exception of Pierre.

2007-09-28 19:51:02
179.   scareduck
.100-hitting Joe Koshansky pinch hits for the pitcher.
2007-09-28 19:51:18
180.   scareduck
... and strikes out.
2007-09-28 19:51:39
181.   Bob Timmermann
You mean .091 hitting Joe Koshansky.
2007-09-28 19:54:33
182.   scareduck
Matsui whiffs to end the game. 4-2 Snakes.
2007-09-28 19:55:46
183.   trainwreck
lol

Andre Ethier came out to "Forgot About Dre."

2007-09-28 19:56:55
184.   Gen3Blue
You know, I was just thinking that Kemp and Loney remind me of Fred Lynn and Jim Rice coming up the same year with Boston. They may not have quite the power, but they are two guys who show every indication of improving at each level.
2007-09-28 19:59:31
185.   NorCal-Dodger
So now looks like Boston will win their Division...Guess it'll be BOS vs. LAAofA
and NYY vs. CLE ??
2007-09-28 20:05:48
186.   Gen3Blue
Wow, Valdez and Hu made that DP by about 25 feet.

But with our pitching I'm not sure the '27 Yankees could win.

2007-09-28 20:07:12
187.   Bluebleeder87
I'm trying to figure out what Correia's gameday photo reminds me of...
2007-09-28 20:10:48
188.   Bluebleeder87
the Dodger Tentative 2008 Season Home Schedule doesn't seem all that fair (only 3 games at home then off to the road) but at least the Home Opener will be at home...
2007-09-28 20:10:56
189.   Gen3Blue
187 JP with more chin?
2007-09-28 20:14:54
190.   Gen3Blue
I think poor Wells is going to have a cardiac
after that long chug.
2007-09-28 20:15:21
191.   tjshere
Aren't all home openers played at home? ;^)
2007-09-28 20:15:57
192.   NorCal-Dodger
Home Opener will be at home

Huh??

2007-09-28 20:15:59
193.   scareduck
185 - looks like it.

Cubs clinch with the Brewers loss.

2007-09-28 20:17:10
194.   natepurcell
I really want us to win but I really don't want us to finish in 16th place.
2007-09-28 20:18:33
195.   Bluebleeder87
Did the Vets get excused early or something? I don't see any of them in the dugout.
2007-09-28 20:19:28
196.   NorCal-Dodger
Wonder if Ned would consider keeping Wells for 1 more year? Kinda unfortunate he was struggling with the Pads, and won't be in the post season. Is Tomko, elgible?
2007-09-28 20:26:12
197.   overkill94
Anybody read this quote from Kent? It's on rotoworld, but they don't have a source:

"Jeff Kent, whose $9 million option kicked in earlier this month, is uncertain whether he wants to return to the Dodgers next year.
"I guarantee you that if I were to make a decision right now, I'd say no - because that's how frustrated I am about not being able to get to the playoffs," he said. "I'm also frustrated at myself because I didn't play good enough to get there. Now I have to go home and look at my wife and my four kids in the face and try to figure out what we all want to do." It seems like the Dodger veterans are truly annoyed with the direction of the team, though they've been largely outplayed by the youngsters whenever the under-27 guys have received the opportunity. If Kent wants out, the Dodgers could simply let Tony Abreu and Chin-Lung Hu battle for a starting job next spring."

2007-09-28 20:26:15
198.   Bob Timmermann
The NL playoff teams could all be settled tomorrow.
2007-09-28 20:28:41
199.   Gen3Blue
Nice arm on LaRoche.
2007-09-28 20:28:43
200.   Bluebleeder87
oh I guess the Vets are on the other corner of the dugout, really nice play by La Roche...
Show/Hide Comments 201-250
2007-09-28 20:29:15
201.   natepurcell
I hope he doesn't retire and Colletti appeases him with a trade....to the Mets...for anyone.
2007-09-28 20:29:54
202.   scareduck
197 - and if the Dodgers were a team that had some monetary constraints, they might just do that. Sometimes I think having a big budget is actually a handicap.
2007-09-28 20:30:40
203.   Vishal
is that matt kemp striking out in the johan santana mlb.tv commercial??
2007-09-28 20:31:53
204.   scareduck
197 - that's from an AP story, rehashed at the SD Union-Tribune:

http://tinyurl.com/ynny2f

2007-09-28 20:32:20
205.   NorCal-Dodger
197 - Wouldn't mind if Kent comes back, but, only if his attitude warms up to the idea that the youngsters are taking over and expect to start between 120-125 games next year. His defense is a liability, but could see him as a nice fit batting 5th behind Kemp and Loney.
2007-09-28 20:32:23
206.   Bluebleeder87
197

That's 9 million dollars more so we can get A-Rod.

2007-09-28 20:32:48
207.   scareduck
203 - or by Correia in this game.
2007-09-28 20:33:17
208.   scareduck
205 - or if the Dodgers adopt the DH.
2007-09-28 20:34:08
209.   overkill94
Lo-ney! Lo-ney! Lo-ney!
2007-09-28 20:34:16
210.   Bluebleeder87
It sure is a treat watching Loney & the rest of the kids perform, really nice.
2007-09-28 20:34:38
211.   natepurcell
Unconscious!!!
2007-09-28 20:35:03
212.   scareduck
Damn kids can't move a trash can properly. What good are they?
2007-09-28 20:35:50
213.   NorCal-Dodger
Loney!! He is definitely getting props from the Giants' announcers.
2007-09-28 20:36:48
214.   Vishal
212 i've been pretty busy the past several days... what's this trash can business?
2007-09-28 20:37:24
215.   overkill94
Losing Kent would surely make the pitching staff happy, but I'd hate to lose one of the only power threats in our line-up. It would be nice to use that extra $9 million on another starter, but there seems to be pretty much nothing worthwhile on the market.

Ethier for Dunn?

2007-09-28 20:37:52
216.   Bob Timmermann
214
The problem is ... no one knows.
2007-09-28 20:37:56
217.   jujibee
213. What channel are you watching the game on?
2007-09-28 20:38:35
218.   natepurcell
215

Arod.

duh. :)

2007-09-28 20:38:46
219.   scooplew
I am in my 53rd year of being a fan of the Dodgers, the first being 1955 (a nice year to start), when he moved from Brooklyn, where I was born and saw one game at Ebbets Field, to Los Angeles. If Ned trades Loney, I might enter a monastery, and I am Jewish.
2007-09-28 20:41:53
220.   scooplew
219 ..meant to say "we" moved...
2007-09-28 20:41:59
221.   NorCal-Dodger
217 It's on channel 2 KTVU in the Bay Area.
2007-09-28 20:45:43
222.   Eric Stephen
Take that Kal Daniels! You're next Tommy Davis!

Loney's HR gives him 32 RBI in September, passing Kal Daniels' Sept/Oct 1990 for the 4th most RBI in a single month in Dodger history. Tommy Davis had 33 RBI in June 1962 (giving him 153 for the year).

Loney is now hitting an amazing .410/.454/.770 with 9 HR in September.

His OPS AccuTracker™: .938 season, .930 career

2007-09-28 20:46:36
223.   Greg Brock
219 Aren't Kibbutzim still around?

No need to cross religions.

2007-09-28 20:49:24
224.   Vishal
vinny's story about seals stadium was charming :)
2007-09-28 20:49:25
225.   Gen3Blue
Lord I was out of the room for Loney's.
After hearing about his lack of power for several years, I had hoped he would be a pure line drive hitter like Olerud or Grace.
But he is continuing to hit more HRs/ab than those two ever hit.
2007-09-28 20:51:11
226.   scareduck
Down goes who? Er, Hu?
2007-09-28 20:56:09
227.   Bob Timmermann
I wonder why they didn't charge Wells with a balk on that play? Loney wasn't near first base and you can't throw over there if there's no fielder.
2007-09-28 20:56:44
228.   Bob Timmermann
Then again, the ball was in play, so the Giants would have had the option to take an extra base if they wanted to.
2007-09-28 20:57:08
229.   Greg Brock
I just caught that Jemele Hill quote on Grady Little. It would have been funnier if soccer journalist/genius David Hirshey hadn't already used the line.
2007-09-28 20:58:34
230.   Gen3Blue
Flashes of a future infield?!
2007-09-28 21:01:06
231.   Bob Timmermann
A Mets fan on BTF:

Ever allowing Mota within a million billion miles of wearing a Mets' uniform was a blunder of cosmic proportions. He was unneeded (and, I might note, pitching under absolutely NO pressure whatsoever when he was so effective during the late season last year when the Mets strolled through September) when they acquired him last August. He then spit the bit and gave up one of the biggest hits of the season in the NLCS, the triple in the 7th inning of Game 2 to Spiezio. And he has been nothing short of a debacle this year.

And there has been no louder, more consistent, and insistent, voice all along calling it right than yours truly. Though we'll never know for sure, it is quite possible that the acquisition of Guillermo Mota might have cost the Mets back-to-back world championships. There is no Mets' player I have ever loathed more, and I pray there is no player they ever have that tops him. Because that would be one Satanic player, let me tell you.

2007-09-28 21:04:03
232.   scooplew
223 I would probably have to move to Israel, but since I wouldn't be paying any attention to the Dodgers, that could work out.
2007-09-28 21:05:24
233.   immouch
pop quiz: name your top five satanic players of all time. (name-based puns are not part of the deal)
2007-09-28 21:09:27
234.   Eric Stephen
So, if the Phillies, Mets, Padres, and Rockies somehow each end up with identical 89-73 records, is this the correct playoff scenario?:

Monday
Mets v. Phillies, winner gets the East
Padres v. Rockies, loser goes home

Tuesday
NY/Phi loser v. SD/Col winner, for the wild card

2007-09-28 21:09:35
235.   Gen3Blue
231 That guy sounds obsessed. I wonder what Mota did to him ( or his chick).
2007-09-28 21:11:13
236.   Eric Stephen
233
1) Bobby Thomson
2) Brian Johnson
3) Jack Clark
4) Reggie Jackson
5) Chris Truby
2007-09-28 21:11:16
237.   dzzrtRatt
I've just heard bits of the game, but I had a question. Is David Wells older than the combined age of our starting infield tonight?

Okay, that's silly. But here's one for Marilyn Von Vos, the Parade magazine registered genius. In what year did the combined age of this infield equal Wells age at the time?

2007-09-28 21:11:43
238.   immouch
without thinking too hard, my five satanic players of recent vintage
odalis p.
billy ashley
mark hendrickson
jeff kent
juan pierre (just to tick off the host)
2007-09-28 21:14:35
239.   Bob Timmermann
234
Oddly enough, that scenario is not one that MLB has worked out. I believe that is how it would be played out.
2007-09-28 21:15:36
240.   Bluebleeder87
238

I like your list, minus Hendy, insert Tomko

2007-09-28 21:16:15
241.   Bob Timmermann
235
If Mota pitched for the Dodgers like he's been pitching for the Mets, we'd be equally upset. Mota has been like Robert Hernandez except he's been used more.
2007-09-28 21:16:36
242.   Bluebleeder87
even Loney's outs are hit hard...
2007-09-28 21:16:55
243.   Eric Stephen
David Wells most likely just ended his 7-start Dodger career. He has a 5.35 ERA with LA (after a 5.54 with SD), but 3 of the 7 have been quality starts, and he has given up 3 runs or less in 5 of the 7 starts.
2007-09-28 21:17:39
244.   Frip
I don't like how we're expected to excuse Kent lashing out at the youths because they don't seem to get that he may never reach the playoffs again.

I didn't know the kids had a hand in the ageing process or spacetime. That's life Jeff, bad timing. I'm sort of upset that I'll never get to meet my great great grandkids or didn't get to catch Lincoln's second inaugural. Tough beans.

2007-09-28 21:17:44
245.   Andrew Shimmin
237- 18 years ago.
2007-09-28 21:18:45
246.   Bob Timmermann
244
With malice toward at least one...
2007-09-28 21:20:11
247.   Eric Stephen
246 Bob, that was a lightning quick turnaround. Amazing.
2007-09-28 21:21:00
248.   Bob Timmermann
247
Hey, I'm a Lincoln Memorial junkie.
2007-09-28 21:22:55
249.   Gen3Blue
Wells or not, this was the kind of game that went OK most of the time in the first half.

In the second half, you have a right to feel nervous, because this kind of game often goes against us when our pitching collapses. I can't say this happens the majority of the time, but it feels like it.

2007-09-28 21:28:40
250.   Bluebleeder87
Proctor kind of reminds me of Arturo Gatti [ http://tinyurl.com/2ahayp ]
Show/Hide Comments 251-300
2007-09-28 21:29:35
251.   immouch
236
god, of course. put clark and jackson on my list. satan satan
2007-09-28 21:31:48
252.   Bluebleeder87
But I have to admit I don't think I'm gonna like Grady Little OVER USING Proctor in '08. He's already doing it now what to say he won't do it next year.
2007-09-28 21:34:27
253.   Frip
Proctor and Billingsley have the same femalian hips and urban buttocks.
2007-09-28 21:35:21
254.   Gen3Blue
241 Gahhhh! I see.
2007-09-28 21:36:03
255.   Bluebleeder87
Broxton reminds me of this guy [ http://tinyurl.com/yvl7bq ]
2007-09-28 21:39:29
256.   Bluebleeder87
some insurance runs would be nice & it would be cool if Pierre hit his first jack right about now.
2007-09-28 21:50:20
257.   Bluebleeder87
while Loney keeps on hitting everything hard, Kemp (to me at least) seems to have fallen off just a bit with little squib singles & swinging at some questionable strikes but it is late in the season in non-competitive situations
2007-09-28 21:53:50
258.   underdog
257 Shhhh, BB! Ned and Frank may be watching.

Kemp'll be fine. He does have a double tonight.

238 Mark Hendrickson? He's pretty mediocre but I can't see putting him on a Satanic list...

2007-09-28 21:59:01
259.   Bluebleeder87
woah, nice pitch by Broxton there, was it a change up (doubt it he doesn't have one from what I understand) or a slider? it had some weird movement to it in the end...
2007-09-28 21:59:03
260.   Frip
Kemp'll?

I mean, come on.

2007-09-28 22:17:13
261.   Robert Fiore
A short history of Dodger managerial judgment in 2007:

After finding out that David Wells could still be effective when given extended rest, they pitched him on short rest.

2007-09-28 22:17:31
262.   Frip
I feel like the only people watching this game are me and Vin. That's ok, I don't need people, especially YOU people.
2007-09-28 22:24:27
263.   Greg Brock
262 Tough to get fired about about a team out of the playoffs and napalming its own clubhouse. But I watched the game.
2007-09-28 22:26:56
264.   Bob Timmermann
263
I watched it. But there wasn't much to say.
2007-09-28 22:37:30
265.   Johnson
234 It doesn't seem exactly fair that despite all teams having the same records, the NL East teams would only need to go 1-1 to win the Wild Card while the NL West teams would have to go 2-0. Does MLB normally give a pass to one team if there is a three-way tie?
2007-09-28 22:38:48
266.   Johnny Nucleo
We're guaranteed a .500 record. It's a small victory.
2007-09-28 22:42:49
267.   Johnson
265 In answer to my own question, I suppose MLb would have to give a pass to one team in a 3-way tie - a 3-way round robin would take two days and not be guaranteed to produce a winner, or a loser.
2007-09-28 22:48:16
268.   Bill Crain
The Times is reporting that the union has filed a grievance against the Dodgers on behalf of Tony Abreu.

Since Boras is his agent, I guess this means Colletti will be too miffed to bring himself to make an offer for ARod.

2007-09-28 22:48:53
269.   Greg Brock
"In My Own Words: Jeff Kent" is on right now.

Feel free to make any comments/jokes.

2007-09-28 22:49:30
270.   Scanman33
266-Ned can make a ring commemorating it to go along with the NLCS bling he has been known to sport.
2007-09-28 22:51:07
271.   Greg Brock
268 Good. I hope he wins.
2007-09-28 22:56:01
272.   arnold
Victory is sweet. I have also been a fan for 53 years. Now for the question that has to be answered tomorrow afternoon.

Cal or Oregon?

Go Dodgers.

2007-09-28 23:01:05
273.   Bill Crain
Cal or Oregon: the battle for Number 2.
2007-09-28 23:02:14
274.   The Mootz
272 - Cal. They're the better team.
2007-09-28 23:10:48
275.   scooplew
272 Hello, fellow 53-year fan of the Dodgers. I am a Cal grad, and I am worried. The Bears' defense has not been great. Forsett is very good, but he doesn't have the moves of Lynch. Longshore is inconsistent. Call me a worrywart.
274 I hope you are right.
2007-09-28 23:23:55
276.   Greg Brock
I can't believe this Jeff Kent "In My Own Words" thing. Exact quotes (thank you Tivo):

I'm proud...I'm proud of what Frank McCourt has done...In standing up and trying to create an atmosphere here in LA for the future...He brought Ned in, and he's got these young kids playing well. They're coachable, they're good looking kids, good heads on their shoulders, they're going to play well for the future. But I don't have a future. I'm a here and now guy."

"The collection of talent we have here now is fascinating. It works well together."

Jeff Kent, two-faced jerk.

2007-09-28 23:35:08
277.   Greg Brock
I don't play this game for individual accomplishments...I play this game for satisfaction...Personal satisfaction"

I don't play this game for my numbers. I play this game to make me, Jeff Kent, the most important person off all time, feel good about myself. Because I'm a veteran. I'm old school. And I only care about how I feel about myself.

Well, Jeff, I only care about how the Dodgers make me, as a fan, feel about baseball. And I'd feel really good about baseball if you drove your motorcycle into a brick wall at 130 mph.

2007-09-28 23:38:16
278.   TellMeTheScoreRickMonday
277 If Kent did hit that brick wall, he'd tell the Dodgers he got injured washing his truck.
2007-09-29 04:41:41
279.   fanerman
A very late "Go Bears!" to everyone. I'm sure GoBears, Vishal, and several others agree with me here.
2007-09-29 06:14:04
280.   D4P
Last night's win eliminated Marty.

bill crain 81
d4p 82
trainwreck 83
clair malone-evans 83

2007-09-29 06:49:55
281.   Daniel Zappala
D4P keeps posting these updates because he knows he is going to win. I'm not giving you the crown until the season is over, D4P!

Oh, and go Ducks.

2007-09-29 06:58:33
282.   D4P
281
I want my crown!

Instead of the Oregon-Cal game, we're treated out here to Clemson-Georgia Tech. Oregon's primary advantage will be of the "home field" variety. I'll never forget that Duck-Bear game (in 1993?) when the Ducks were up 35-0 at the half and ended up losing 42-41.

2007-09-29 07:10:45
283.   Daniel Zappala
Yes, 1993. I was only midly aware of the Ducks back then, considering them some wacky team from the NW. I didn't know you could lose a football game after being up by that many points.
2007-09-29 07:16:07
284.   D4P
I didn't know you could lose a football game after being up by that many points

You can't, unless you're the Oilers or the Ducks.

2007-09-29 07:28:31
285.   Daniel Zappala
I definitely remember that Oilers game. I was a fan of the Oilers that year, loved watching the run and shoot offense. That was a truly amazing game to watch.

Hey, that game was also in 1993. Did the Ducks sell some contaminated Willamette River water to the Oilers?

Lingering distaste for the Oilers move from Houston still keeps me from rooting for the Titans. And they're probably at least partially responsible for the Rams' move. Yet, I really like Vince Young. I'm conflicted.

2007-09-29 07:31:43
286.   D4P
I'm conflicted

I've pretty much resolved all of my football-related conflicts by not watching it anymore. I stopped watching at some point during the second quarter of the Rams-Patriots Super Bowl, and have been much happier since.

2007-09-29 07:43:33
287.   Daniel Zappala
I actually don't watch pro football any more either, but I do follow the teams through box scores and recaps, maybe some occasional highlights. I'm not nearly the fan I used to be. This is mostly because I have a family and if I watched every sports game I was interested in, I'd no longer have a family.
2007-09-29 07:45:17
288.   Bob Timmermann
C'mon, it wasn't that bad. The Ducks didn't blow a 35-0 lead.

Here's the lead of the AP story about the game that was played on 10/2/1993

Dave Barr threw three second-half touchdown passes, including a 26-yarder to Iheanyi Uwaezuoke with 1:17 to play, as No. 17 California came back from a 30-0 deficit to beat Oregon, 42-41, on Saturday.

It was the second-biggest comeback in NCAA Division I history. Ohio State trailed Minnesota, 31-0, before winning, 41-37, on Oct. 28, 1989, and Maryland trailed Miami, 31-0, before scoring a 42-40 victory on Nov. 10, 1984.

It was the biggest comeback in Cal's history. The Golden Bears scored a 29-28 victory over Arizona on Nov. 4, 1989, overcoming a 21-0 deficit.

Uwaezuoke's catch ended a nine-play, 85-yard drive. Cal, still trailing by one point, went for the two-point conversion and Barr found Mike Caldwell in the corner of the end zone to complete a 35-11 surge by Cal.

2007-09-29 07:52:40
289.   Daniel Zappala
Oregon still had over a minute to come back and score to win the game? Losers!
2007-09-29 07:54:53
290.   D4P
Amazingly enough, the Ducks rebounded the next year and made it to the Rose Bowl for the first time in a million years.
2007-09-29 07:55:06
291.   Bob Timmermann
Minnesota blew a 31-point lead again in its bowl game against Texas Tech last season.
2007-09-29 08:01:35
292.   D4P
I watched every sports game I was interested in, I'd no longer have a family

Or a job.

2007-09-29 08:29:15
293.   Bumsrap
"Do you know what it's like
To be chased by the Ghost of Failure
While staring through Victory's door?
Of course you do, you're a Mets fan"
FRANK MESSINA, the self-proclaimed Mets Poet.
2007-09-29 08:32:06
294.   Bumsrap
In todays LA Times either in the article on Hillenbrand or the one on Abreu, Pierre said his contract says 162 games. Interesting. He also plays ahead of Young, Kemp, and Ethier so he can try to get 100 runs and 200 hits--real team spirit.
2007-09-29 08:45:37
295.   Bob Timmermann
Perhaps seeing everything in context would be a little less inflammatory:

With two games left in the season-ending series against San Francisco, center fielder Juan Pierre needs four runs to reach 100 for the fourth time in seven seasons and seven hits to reach 200 for the fourth time in five years. And All-Star catcher Russell Martin, who is hitting .295 and did not play Friday, has an outside chance to finish with a .300 batting average.

"I haven't given it much thought to be honest," said Pierre, who went two for four Friday but did not score. "It would be cool. I realize I'm close."

Martin also downplayed the stats.

"To me it doesn't really matter," he said. "Hitting .300 just sounds good. When it's all said and done, at the end of your career, those are the numbers that matter. I'd like to end up with a .300 career average. That's saying something."

Pierre, one of eight major leaguers to have played in all of his team's games this season, also figures to appear in 162 games for the fifth consecutive year.

"The contract says 162," said Pierre, who has the longest active games-played streak in baseball. "It's a pride thing also. I want to go out there every day no matter what. Not just because we're in the race.

"I feel like I owe it to myself and to the fans . . . to go out there and play hard every day."

2007-09-29 08:55:20
296.   tjshere
I wondered what Pierre meant about the contract saying 162 games. Does his own personal contract guarantee him that or was he referring to the CBA?
2007-09-29 09:19:02
297.   Bob Timmermann
I think it just means that Pierre feels that it's his duty under the contract to play every game that he is physically able to play.

The fact that the manager doesn't realize that it might be better to sit him down doesn't matter.

Pierre is, at least, trying his best and trying to do as much as he can. He doesn't have a lot to give unfortunately. And his highest OPS of the year is in September.

2007-09-29 09:46:54
298.   Icaros
"I have so much love to give, I just don't know where to put it."

--Quiz Kid Donnie Smith

2007-09-29 09:59:40
299.   Marty
Let me tell you something, this is not an easy job. I get a call on the basepaths, it's bad news. And it stinks. But this is my job and I love it. Because I want to do well - in this life and in this world, I want to do well. And I want to help people. And I might get twenty bad calls a day. But one time I can help someone and make a catch - correct a wrong or right a situation - then I'm a happy player. And as we move through this life we should try and do good. Do good... And if we can do that, and not hurt anyone else, well... then...

-- Juan Pierre

2007-09-29 10:15:01
300.   Bob Timmermann
Schadenfreude update:

Purdue 20, Notre Dame 0 - 2nd quarter

Show/Hide Comments 301-350
2007-09-29 10:37:07
301.   Marty
23 - 0 at half.

Bring back Gerry Faust!

2007-09-29 10:41:01
302.   Bob Timmermann
301
I will again repeat my friend's line about Weis.

His biggest win was losing to USC at the last second in 2005.

2007-09-29 10:43:27
303.   Bob Timmermann
The Mets are ahead 3-0 early.
2007-09-29 10:44:01
304.   ToyCannon
Went to the game last night and thanks to empty season ticket holders I got a front row seat perpendicular to La Roche.

He is one heck of a smooth 3rd baseman.

Minnesota is going to enjoy him.

2007-09-29 10:58:04
305.   Bluebleeder87
304

if your hunch is right I'll be o.k. with the move...

2007-09-29 10:58:22
306.   Vishal
279 hell yeah, go bears!

i'm trying to figure out where to watch the football game this afternoon. maybe i'll head over to the east bay somewhere... is there a good cal-friendly bar in the city?

2007-09-29 11:02:46
307.   Bob Timmermann
306
Which city? There are many cities.
2007-09-29 11:08:07
308.   Bob Timmermann
Mets lead the Marlins 7-0 in the third.

It will behoove the Phillies to win today.

2007-09-29 11:08:26
309.   dkminnick
307 - LOL
2007-09-29 11:09:25
310.   Vishal
the city, across from the east bay. :P

and no i'm not talking about milbrae, or san bruno. or even daly city.

2007-09-29 11:14:10
311.   Bob Timmermann
310
Oh, you mean Colma!
2007-09-29 11:16:18
312.   D4P
South San Francisco...?
2007-09-29 11:16:58
313.   Daniel Zappala
Bob is experiencing epicaricacy today. In case you needed a translation from the German.
2007-09-29 11:19:22
314.   Bill Crain
311
I think he't talking about Sendai.
2007-09-29 11:20:49
315.   Vishal
311 oh yeah, colma is definitely where the party's at.
2007-09-29 11:21:03
316.   Daniel Zappala
We need a win by the Mets today (looking good) and a win by the Rockies, then a loss by the Phillies and Padres. Tie for first in NL East, three-way tie for the wild card.
2007-09-29 11:22:19
317.   Daniel Zappala
If you're in Northern California, the best place to party is Gilroy. You can't have a decent party without copious amounts of garlic.
2007-09-29 11:22:52
318.   D4P
I just went to ESPN.com, and I see that the Gameday studio appears to be set up outside Autzen Stadium.
2007-09-29 11:23:13
319.   Bob Timmermann
315
I bet if you went to Colma today, you could find somebody who would give you free food. Somebody will be having a reception after a funeral. Just pass yourself as a mourner and enjoy the victuals!
2007-09-29 11:25:03
320.   Bob Timmermann
318
It's not an illusion. It's real!
2007-09-29 11:25:13
321.   overkill94
There are many many things I hate about San Francisco, but principle among them is the fact that they call their hometown "the city". Really? The 14th largest city in the US should be called "the city"?
2007-09-29 11:25:42
322.   Bob Timmermann
321
I am the choir to which you can preach.
2007-09-29 11:26:52
323.   Bill Crain
317
Today's word: "purblind"

This will come up later as well in the discussion of Dodger management.

2007-09-29 11:27:51
324.   D4P
In which city do ladies look pretty, and guy tell jokes so they can seem witty?
2007-09-29 11:34:30
325.   Icaros
I used to hate SF as much as Bob, but then I decided to move here when I realized there were much less trivial things to hate, like Ned Colletti.
2007-09-29 11:34:43
326.   overkill94
324 Bustamoveland?
2007-09-29 11:37:00
327.   Bluebleeder87
maybe it's one of those things were theres SO many little towns around SF that when they go to San Francisco it's HUGE in there eyes, thus "the city" even though in the overall big picture it's a relatively small city.
2007-09-29 11:39:02
328.   Bob Timmermann
San Jose has far more people in it than San Francisco.
2007-09-29 11:41:35
329.   Bluebleeder87
I've only passed threw San Jose but I could have sworn it was smaller than San Francisco, maybe it is smaller but it has more people, yes?
2007-09-29 11:41:38
330.   overkill94
328 172,906 more people according to a 7/1/2005 estimate; and only the 4th largest city in California.
2007-09-29 11:45:21
331.   Linkmeister
Tangentially, Honolulu is usually called "town" by residents of its suburbs or the Windward side contingent. If you live in Kailua or Kaneohe you say you're going "over the hill" if you're heading for Honolulu.

Bob, Brock: UH plays Idaho at Moscow at 11:00am hst.

2007-09-29 11:47:21
332.   LAT
316. If the Pods lose and the Rockies win won't the Rocks still be 1 game back in the wild card?
2007-09-29 11:50:47
333.   Bluebleeder87
Lasting Milledge (sp) has two home runs. he's a bit of a show off so I can see how he can rub people the wrong way, I'm also hearing Reyes isn't in good terms with management & fans (they did a text message survey) because he didn't run out a strike out or something/passed ball TWICE I believe.
2007-09-29 11:51:40
334.   Bob Timmermann
332
The Rockies need two wins and two losses by the Padres to force a tie for the wild card.

The NL East could have a team involved too. If the Mets win their next two and the Phillies win their next two and the Padres lose two and the Rockies win two, then it's a three-way tie for the wild card.

If the Phillies split, Mets win two, Rockies win two, and the Padres lose two, it's a real mess.

2007-09-29 11:55:39
335.   Bluebleeder87
fist are flying in NY...
2007-09-29 11:57:27
336.   Bluebleeder87
334

I'm confused Bob...

2007-09-29 11:57:46
337.   regfairfield
333 Obviously the Mets wouldn't be collapsing if Shawn Green and Chris Woodward were playing every day.
2007-09-29 12:01:21
338.   Icaros
Jeff Kent prefers Old Codgers to Young Dodgers

Why hasn't anyone used this headline yet?

2007-09-29 12:01:48
339.   Daniel Zappala
334 Sure, you have the details correct, but I started the topic so I get credit for that, at least.
2007-09-29 12:11:00
340.   Bob Timmermann
Notre Dame is down 26-19 now. Clausen has been replaced in favor of Sharpley.
2007-09-29 12:13:13
341.   D4P
That Charlie Weiss just can't make up his mind on quarterbacks.

Quarterpounders are different story.

2007-09-29 12:17:24
342.   Bob Timmermann
The game in New York is interesting.
2007-09-29 12:19:08
343.   Dodgers49
U.S. team dumps Solo

Goalkeeper banished after ripping teammate

http://tinyurl.com/3awg8s

2007-09-29 12:19:19
344.   LAT
ND has 19 points? 5 FGs and 2 Safeties? Surely no TDs (unless defensive)
2007-09-29 12:22:47
345.   Bob Timmermann
344
Notre Dame has missed two PATs.
2007-09-29 12:28:32
346.   regfairfield
343 Face, I really don't like you right now...
2007-09-29 12:30:15
347.   Bluebleeder87
342

yeah, Maine is pitching a pretty game.

2007-09-29 12:32:27
348.   alexx
Wow, that was an epic introduction to the Cal game on ABC.
2007-09-29 12:34:37
349.   Vishal
328 yeah, but that totally neglects the point that san jose blows and san francisco is awesome. i'm staying home to watch the game.
2007-09-29 12:34:55
350.   Bob Timmermann
Maine has 102 pitches through 7 and an 11-run lead.

Is Randolph going to bring him out for more?

Show/Hide Comments 351-400
2007-09-29 12:35:45
351.   Bob Timmermann
349
San Jose's cred with me has now increased tenfold! ;-)
2007-09-29 12:42:22
352.   Vishal
absolutely horrid first possession for cal.
2007-09-29 12:42:48
353.   Vishal
351 contrarian.
2007-09-29 12:43:28
354.   LAT
350. The problem is that if there was ever a bullpen that could not hold an interesting game its the Mets.
2007-09-29 12:43:33
355.   alexx
I feel like it usually takes Cal a while to warm up in the big games.
2007-09-29 12:44:36
356.   Bluebleeder87
Looks like Maine is going back out there.
2007-09-29 12:46:03
357.   D4P
I wonder if Uncle Miltie is at the game. We haven't heard much from him lately. I've been hoping for some updates.
2007-09-29 12:47:26
358.   trainwreck
349
San Jose becomes hyphy central on weekends. It is quite annoying.
2007-09-29 12:47:32
359.   D4P
Anyone know of a place online where the game can be listened to?
2007-09-29 12:48:57
360.   Bob Timmermann
359
I believe you would have to pay to listen online.
2007-09-29 12:49:16
361.   D4P
360
Capitalist swine.
2007-09-29 12:50:21
362.   MC Safety
358- I thought that was Richmond?
2007-09-29 12:51:53
363.   Bob Timmermann
No longer interesting in New York.

Paul Hoover singles.

2007-09-29 12:53:34
364.   Bluebleeder87
that's just hart breaking if your a New York Met fan (squib single/it looked like a bunt it was THAT horrible of a hit) great pitched game by Maine, WOW.
2007-09-29 12:56:36
365.   underdog
Is Khalil Green the best shortstop in all of baseball, as opined Jerry Coleman (longtime Padres announcer who intro'd their lineup on Fox just now)? I guess he's up there... but I wonder if Coleman's biased or anything.
2007-09-29 12:58:33
366.   Bluebleeder87
the announcers are saying Maine took a No-Hitter farther (at shae stadium) than anybody else in Met history, it would have been a special no-no for New Yorkians...
2007-09-29 13:00:41
367.   trainwreck
362
I am not going to Richmond to find out.
2007-09-29 13:01:48
368.   underdog
343 They'd be better off firing their coach.
2007-09-29 13:03:42
369.   MC Safety
367- LOL. Yeah, I hear it's rough over there.
2007-09-29 13:06:09
370.   Marty
Gah. I hate Tim Brandt.
2007-09-29 13:07:10
371.   Marty
Pinole or Martinez is the place to be up there.
2007-09-29 13:07:33
372.   Bluebleeder87
the Nationals take a quick 1-0 lead over Phillie.
2007-09-29 13:09:02
373.   D4P
Oregon can run the ball this year.
2007-09-29 13:10:49
374.   underdog
1-0 Padres after 2.
2007-09-29 13:12:22
375.   MC Safety
Go Phillies.
2007-09-29 13:15:05
376.   trainwreck
A couple weeks ago there were 11 un-related murders in Richmond so the city was under SWAT and police control, like a semi-martial law. They were just walking every street with guns out.
2007-09-29 13:17:36
377.   underdog
376 And some parents took to camping in the streets this past week as a protest against violence, right? That was pretty brave.
2007-09-29 13:17:44
378.   overkill94
365 Among all shortstops, he's 14th in OPS. If you weigh OBP more heavily he'd be screwed since his is only .293.
2007-09-29 13:22:23
379.   alexx
Oregon isn't allowed to run the same play every time.
2007-09-29 13:25:23
380.   Bob Timmermann
Even Prince Fielder can steal a base off of Tall Chris Young.
2007-09-29 13:25:27
381.   underdog
378 Are you saying Jerry Coleman may be out of touch? Harumph!
2007-09-29 13:28:22
382.   Bob Timmermann
Brewers tie it up 1-1 in the 2nd and have a runner on 3rd with 2 outs.
2007-09-29 13:29:29
383.   Bob Timmermann
381
Vasgersian and Grant think Greene is the top fielding shortstop in the NL.

They say it a lot.

But they're also incredibly stupid men too.

2007-09-29 13:36:43
384.   Scanman33
Thank goodness Fox came to their senses and switched from the Cub game to the Philly-Nats contest here in LA.
2007-09-29 13:38:46
385.   underdog
383 Greene is tied for 4th in NL SS fielding percentage, and 7th in Range Factor (RnF). But they likely don't know or care about such trifles.
2007-09-29 13:39:28
386.   Vishal
c'mon bears. tackle stewart!
2007-09-29 13:43:52
387.   underdog
From MLBTraderumors.com:
>>AL strikeout leader Scott Kazmir (or as the Mets refer to him: The One Who Got Away) has called upon management to bring in some veterans.

Despite the payroll increase, 20% of the Rays current payroll is only around $7MM before revenue sharing assistance. The Rays would like to re-sign Carlos Pena in arbitration and Boras wants a lot. Yet Kazmir is entering his first year of arbitration and won't reach free agency until 2010. The Rays have until then to build a winning club around Kazmir. And if they do, would he want to stay?

Right now, his comments speak for themselves, "It's tough being kind of the laughingstock of baseball right now. It really is."

I found this interesting because while I think Kazmir is right, it's contrary to most of the comments MLBTR readers made yesterday. Most call for the Rays to trade Carl Crawford, etc, to re-stock young talent; however, you can never underestimate the value of veteran presence. <<

2007-09-29 13:44:06
388.   Bob Timmermann
Charlie Manuel has seen enough of Adam Eaton.

Geoff Geary relieves in the third. It's still just 1-0 Washington.

2007-09-29 13:50:05
389.   Vishal
oh no, terrible penalty.
2007-09-29 13:55:44
390.   D4P
It has been a while since the Ducks relied more on the run than the pass, and were actually good at the run.
2007-09-29 14:03:28
391.   goofus
I wouldn't feel too bad with Greene at short, maybe better than I feel with Furcal. But do you know what (Who) would make me feel a lot better? Troy Tulowitski or Hanley Ramirez, not to mention Alex Rodriguez.....
2007-09-29 14:06:05
392.   Eric L
Tim McCarver needs to go back and take English 101 in college. His announcing and my ears may benefit.
2007-09-29 14:09:51
393.   Bill Crain
371
Obviously, Marty, you've never been to the Napa Valley.
2007-09-29 14:11:58
394.   Eric L
I wouldn't mind seeing the Brewers beat the Pads and force them into a 1 game playoff on Monday.
2007-09-29 14:29:20
395.   underdog
2-1 Brewers on a Weeks home run.
2007-09-29 14:34:22
396.   trainwreck
Fouts should not be allowed to call Oregon games.
2007-09-29 14:35:10
397.   Bluebleeder87
2-0 Nats, time is slowly but surely running out for Phillie.
2007-09-29 14:35:14
398.   Vishal
arrrrrrrgh.
2007-09-29 14:35:43
399.   Bumsrap
AROD could say he is leaving NY because he gets to play shortstop for the Dodgers and Furcal and Kent and LaRoche maybe to Boston for Youkilis (assuming he plays third and only third). Kent can DH and play first for Boston. (Furcal and Kent = $24 Million and are the key players in the trade to Boston)

Chipping away at payroll by not resigning Saenz, Saenez, Martinez, Gonzo and there is another $10 Million. That frees $34 Million to get AROD.

2007-09-29 14:36:00
400.   D4P
Can't say I expected Cal not to score there.
Show/Hide Comments 401-450
2007-09-29 14:39:17
401.   D4P
Things are looking good for Cal. They're moving the ball and Oregon isn't.
2007-09-29 14:39:50
402.   Vishal
400 the field goal was good.
2007-09-29 14:41:13
403.   D4P
402
What do you mean? It was good and the refs said it wasn't?
2007-09-29 14:42:44
404.   Vishal
403 yes, that's what i mean.
2007-09-29 14:45:06
405.   D4P
404
I assume it was kicked directly over one of the uprights. I don't understand why they don't just make the uprights really tall, so that the ball can't be kicked over them and they never have to rely on referee judgment to determine whether the ball went through or not.
2007-09-29 14:49:58
406.   alexx
Is there a rule that if it is kicked directly over the uprights it is good?
2007-09-29 14:50:16
407.   Vishal
405 yeah, it was over the left upright, but still seemed pretty clearly in.
2007-09-29 14:50:20
408.   alexx
The announcers seemed to think it was good.
2007-09-29 14:51:04
409.   Vishal
sigh.
2007-09-29 14:51:09
410.   D4P
The PAC-10 always seems to have poor officiating.
2007-09-29 14:51:22
411.   Bob Timmermann
ABC never had the right angle for the field goal. The officials stand right under the uprights and they watch the ball as it goes over.

If the ball is above the uprights, the officials have to judge if the entire ball would have been inside the upright. They don't assume that the ball would have bounced inside the goal posts.

2007-09-29 14:52:17
412.   MC Safety
405- Yeah, those high school sized uprights need to go.
2007-09-29 14:54:35
413.   D4P
The Duck who caught the 42-yd TD pass has 4 catches. For 42 yards.
2007-09-29 14:55:03
414.   Bob Timmermann
405
The uprights are really tall. They have to stick up 30 feet from the ground at a minimum.

In the olden days, they used to be relatively short, about 10 feet or so, and disputes over field goals were more common.

2007-09-29 14:56:08
415.   alexx
The problem is that the official that was right under the relevant upright looked at the other official as if he didn't know which way to rule. Then he decided it wasn't good.
2007-09-29 14:56:22
416.   trainwreck
That was the dumbest segment in history of mankind.
2007-09-29 14:56:37
417.   D4P
414
But why not make them really really tall, so that the ball can't possibly be kicked over them?
2007-09-29 14:57:35
418.   Vishal
411 the officials were clearly not sure about the call themselves. who's side are you on, anyway?
2007-09-29 14:58:13
419.   Vishal
416 yeah, the duck didn't seem particularly contrite, did he.
2007-09-29 15:00:01
420.   D4P
Looks like the offenses are getting "untracked" (sic)
2007-09-29 15:00:09
421.   Bob Timmermann
415
The one official looks at the other official to see if they agree on the call. They don't want to make conflicting calls because that brings up a whole world of problems.

It's an unusual situation and it doesn't come up that often.

2007-09-29 15:00:30
422.   Bob Timmermann
3-2 Padres in the 7th.
3-0 Nationals in the 7th.
2007-09-29 15:03:23
423.   Bob Timmermann
Four games in the NL are either done or in progress.

In one game, one team outhit the other 19-1
In another, it's 10-3 in hits
In the third, it's 10-1.
In the fourth, it's 11-2.

2007-09-29 15:04:05
424.   Bob Timmermann
4-0 Nats in the 7th.
2007-09-29 15:08:49
425.   D4P
Here's the dumb thing:

The rankings currently have Cal at around 6 and Oregon at around 11, meaning that Cal "should" beat Oregon. But if Cal does beat Oregon, Oregon's ranking will fall and they'll no longer be considered the 11th best team, even though they were supposed to lose.

2007-09-29 15:11:03
426.   trainwreck
Oregon is favored to win this game. The fact that it is their home game means way more than the 5 spots in the rankings.
2007-09-29 15:11:33
427.   Bob Timmermann
425
Yet, the oddsmakers made Oregon the favorite in the game.
2007-09-29 15:11:41
428.   trainwreck
They may not even drop with the way games are going today.

And if they do, it will not be much.

2007-09-29 15:12:21
429.   Bob Timmermann
Rowand homer makes it 4-1 Nats in the 7th. Rivera in to relieve.
2007-09-29 15:12:47
430.   MC Safety
What the heck caused that fight between the marlins and mets today? It's not on youtube yet, which is disappointing.
2007-09-29 15:12:56
431.   alexx
I just wonder how the official at the non-relevant goalpost would have any idea whether the kick was good or not. I demand a new system!
2007-09-29 15:13:11
432.   Bob Timmermann
428
Yes, #3 Oklahoma lost to unranked Colorado. #7 Texas is behind unranked K State in Ausin.
2007-09-29 15:17:09
433.   Bob Timmermann
430
The Marlins pitchers kept throwing at Luis Castillo.
2007-09-29 15:18:29
434.   Bob Timmermann
431
If you're standing right underneath the goal posts, it's a fairly easy call.

Unless the kicker kicks the ball really high.

Every other angle on the field is deceptive in some way.

2007-09-29 15:21:53
435.   MC Safety
433- Was it a lingering grudge from his Florida days? Sooner or later, you knew Luis Castillo was gonna be back in the NL.
2007-09-29 15:27:50
436.   Bluebleeder87
it's looks more & more like the Phills & Mets will be tide up for 1st place in the East.
2007-09-29 15:30:12
437.   Bluebleeder87
from ItD todays lineup:

Pierre, CF
Valdez, 2B
Kemp, RF
Loney, 1B
Martin, C
Young, LF
LaRoche, 3B
Hu, SS
Billingsley, P

________________________________

Martin batting 5th is a little surprising, I'm glad Grady is starting to like D.Young more & more.

2007-09-29 15:33:25
438.   Bumsrap
I hope he not only likes Young but he also appreciates what good defense looks like at second base.
2007-09-29 15:39:54
439.   Bob Timmermann
Padres just three outs away from a playoff berth.
Hoffman facing Fielder to lead off the ninth in a 3-2 game.
2007-09-29 15:41:03
440.   Linkmeister
WAC Update: UH leads Idaho 38-7 with a minute to go in the first half.
2007-09-29 15:43:45
441.   Vishal
i've got that unpleasant feeling in the bottom of my stomach.
2007-09-29 15:43:56
442.   Bob Timmermann
Ryan Howard homer off of Gigantor makes it 4-2 Nats in the 8th.
2007-09-29 15:44:07
443.   Vishal
wow, interception!
2007-09-29 15:46:09
444.   Eric Stephen
I'd rather hear Paul Konerko do play-by-play than Karros.
2007-09-29 15:46:36
445.   LAT
If Philly doesn't lose I will be very unhappy.

I can barely come to terms with SD winning.

2007-09-29 15:46:43
446.   Bluebleeder87
441

if you need to be "excused" for a bit go right a head Vishal, we'll still be here...

2007-09-29 15:47:37
447.   Jon Weisman
GTIO

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