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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
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12) claiming your opinion isn't allowed when it's just being disagreed with

Delwyn Young - History Is Calling
2007-09-27 16:13
by Jon Weisman

All-time Los Angeles Dodger Single-Season leaders in OPS+
Minimum Plate Appearances: 1 Roy Gleason (1963), 769

Minimum Plate Appearances: 2-4 John Hale (1974), 540

Minimum Plate Appearances: 3-8 Pedro Guerrero (1978), 317

Minimum Plate Appearances: 9 Darren Fletcher (1989), 308

Minimum Plate Appearances: 10-14 Cody Ross (2006), 301

Minimum Plate Appearances: 15-17 Tim Bogar (2001), 233

Minimum Plate Appearances: 18-24 Delwyn Young (2007), 213 through Wednesday

Minimum Plate Appearances: 25-73 Marlon Anderson (2006), 207

Minimum Plate Appearances: 74-156 Rick Monday (1981), 196

Minimum Plate Appearances: 157-633 Mike Piazza (1997), 186

Minimum Plate Appearances: 634-657 Adrian Beltre (2004), 163

Minimum Plate Appearances: 658-701 Shawn Green (2001), 155

Minimum Plate Appearances: 702-711 Tommy Davis (1962), 148

Minimum Plate Appearances: 712-714 Shawn Green (2000), 118

Minimum Plate Appearances: 715-730 Brett Butler (1991), 114

Minimum Plate Appearances: 731-736 Rafael Furcal (2006), 107

Minimum Plate Appearances: 737 and up Maury Wills (1962), 99

* * *

Tonight's game:

Gameday

Retro Gameday

Comments (372)
Show/Hide Comments 1-50
2007-09-27 16:34:21
1.   Humma Kavula
If Juan Pierre can just get 48 plate appearances in the next four games, he, too, can join this list.
2007-09-27 16:35:40
2.   Bob Timmermann
NL pennant race update:
Arizona 8, Pittsburgh 0 F
Florida 6, Chicago 4 F
Philadelphia 4, Atlanta 0 B2
St. Louis 1, New York 0 T2
2007-09-27 16:36:12
3.   silverwidow
DYoung's bat speed is impressive. That is a big reason for his early success, IMO.
2007-09-27 16:39:20
4.   Bob Timmermann
Jimmy Rollins just had his 702nd AB of the season, setting an NL record. The MLB record is 705 by Willie Wilson.

As long as Rollins starts all of the remaining games this year at short, he will be, according to Jayson Stark, the first NL shortstop to start everyone of his team's games since Bill Russell did so in 1973.

Maury Wills started 164 of the Dodgers 165 games in 1962.

2007-09-27 16:42:30
5.   bigcpa
4 Juan Samuel had the NL record?
2007-09-27 16:43:56
6.   Bob Timmermann
5
Yes, indeed. And it was great to hear Harry Kalas say his name.
2007-09-27 16:46:15
7.   bigcpa
It's funny to think back before I cared about OBP. I was happy the Dodgers signed Samuel in 1990. Now I see he had OBP's of .303 and .298 the prior 2 years. I guess Fred Claire wasn't an OBP guy either.
2007-09-27 17:00:20
8.   ToyCannon
7
True, but from 1993-1995 he was good. We just didn't get that production. Seemed like a guy who figured it out and was good after 30 but then his skills declined quickly so he was done by 35.
2007-09-27 17:06:40
9.   Eric Enders
1 Make that 26 more. It's still possible, as long as we play about 22 innings tonight.
2007-09-27 17:08:15
10.   bigcpa
8 His closest comp was Juan Uribe at age 25-26, then Ryne Sandberg at age 27. Wacky.
2007-09-27 17:08:22
11.   Humma Kavula
9 With 26 more, he'll reach 738, but his OPS is below Maury's. He needs 48 plate appearances to pass Maury's 759 in 1962. Then Pierre has 760+ all to himself.
2007-09-27 17:13:27
12.   Eric Enders
Whoops, I was misreading the list. I thought Wills had the most PA's at 637.
2007-09-27 17:13:36
13.   Eric Enders
737
2007-09-27 17:13:55
14.   El Lay Dave
8 Are you sure? He still was bad in '03 and while he hit better for a couple seasons after that, it was as a part-time player (probably saw more lefties) and rarely as a 2B. Never really did learn to walk.
2007-09-27 17:15:10
15.   Bob Timmermann
Juan Samuel had about 1000 more strikeouts than walks.
2007-09-27 17:16:56
16.   underdog
Whereas Juan Pierre has almost no strikeouts and almost no walks.
2007-09-27 17:17:11
17.   underdog
(Almost being relative)
2007-09-27 17:21:17
18.   Hallux Valgus
Freddy Adu scored his first Benfica goal yesterday, converting a PK in extra time to tie the game. I'm surprised he was afforded such an opportunity.
2007-09-27 17:23:40
19.   Jim Hitchcock
It would really be a pleasure to beat a good team before the season ends...
2007-09-27 17:25:47
20.   Bob Timmermann
Watching the Mets play the Cardinals is very scary.

If you're a Mets fan.

2007-09-27 17:28:05
21.   MC Safety
Yeah I'm starting to get this feeling about the Mets. I think a massive choke is in the works.
2007-09-27 17:29:26
22.   Bob Timmermann
In the works?

You mean the Mets haven't been choking prior to tonight? They were swept at home. By Washington.
(No offense, Sam)

They lost two of three in Florida.

2007-09-27 17:31:45
23.   Bob Timmermann
The Phillies have struck out 11 times in 5 innings today against Atlanta.

They're ahead 6-0, so I doubt they're too broken up about it.

2007-09-27 17:32:55
24.   bigcpa
Accd to BP the Mets could be the 2nd biggest collapse in history. They had a 99.8% playoff chance on Sept 12th up 7 gms. StL was up 7 last year on Sept 20th and nearly did the deed.
2007-09-27 17:35:43
25.   Bob Timmermann
2 run homer by Chipper Jones and a solo homer by Texeira make it 6-3 Phillies in the 6th.
2007-09-27 17:35:44
26.   ToyCannon
14
Your right, platoon player, I just breezed over the numbers and didn't notice the at bats.
2007-09-27 17:37:29
27.   ToyCannon
The positive spin on the Met collapse is that it will be the biggest choke in NY since we blew it in 1951.

I still think the Phillies come up a buck short at the end but hey I thought the Brewers were a lock.

2007-09-27 17:39:58
28.   Gen3Blue
Where on earth did you get that list, Jon?
BB reference? Any way its worth watching when you hit 20 abs.( although its still much too small a sample size) But I know this Young can hit. My fear is that our FO won't get value if they trade anyone. A small market club would love to give up a prime player beginning to earn for a few Youngs. I would rather use him ourselves, because with our sly GM I am afraid we wouldn't get much for him.
2007-09-27 17:42:38
29.   Bob Timmermann
Padres put the first two on with no outs in the third in Milwaukee.

I predict that if the Padres win tonight, they will make the playoffs.

2007-09-27 17:43:27
30.   Gen3Blue
28 continued. I mean where does a GM with a few players about to leave because he can't pay them get a guy who is going to push .300 with power? A genuine rant.
2007-09-27 17:45:55
31.   Gen3Blue
The Line-up. I like it. But is something wrong with Abreu? Haven't seen him in a bit.
2007-09-27 17:46:17
32.   natepurcell
we need toronto and milwaukee to win.
2007-09-27 17:47:59
33.   Bob Timmermann
It's 3-0 Padres in the 3rd with no outs.
2007-09-27 17:53:02
34.   Bob Timmermann
4-0 Padres after Kouzmanoff drives in a run with a ground out.
2007-09-27 17:54:42
35.   Bob Timmermann
Toronto is cooperating though, leading Baltimore 5-4.
2007-09-27 17:57:58
36.   El Lay Dave
31 Abreu is injured. From mlb.com

Dodgers infielder Tony Abreu, who suffered an injury to his groin in Sunday's victory against the D-backs, will probably not play again this season as he awaits the results from an MRI taken on Tuesday.

2007-09-27 17:59:03
37.   D4P
I'll never believe Abreu is actually hurt again.
2007-09-27 17:59:08
38.   Bob Timmermann
4-1 Padres after a Weeks homer.
2007-09-27 18:00:28
39.   El Lay Dave
silverwidow posted today's lineup in the last thread this way, but here it is again for easy reference:

Pierre, CF
Young, LF
Kemp, RF
Loney, 1B
Martin, C
The Rock, 3B
Valdez, 2B
Hu, SS
Loaiza, P

2007-09-27 18:01:04
40.   Humma Kavula
32 What difference does it make if we lose the draft pick when we sign A-Rod or if we lose the prospect when we trade him for a proven veteran?
2007-09-27 18:05:27
41.   Bob Timmermann
From Dodgers.com
http://tinyurl.com/ysk292
Abreu, who is slated to compete for the starting job at second base next season, was concerned about the injury and is not sure he will be able to play in the Dominican Winter League this fall.

"I haven't been able to do anything. I'm just waiting for the MRI results and to see what the doctors say," Abreu said. "I have plans to play in the winter, but I don't know what's going to happen with this injury. I might need surgery."

2007-09-27 18:12:41
42.   Bob Timmermann
Padres with the bases loaded and no out again in the 4th. Cassel up.
2007-09-27 18:12:50
43.   Humma Kavula
41 Who ya gonna believe -- Ned Colletti or some doctor who never played the game?
2007-09-27 18:14:00
44.   D4P
I don't care what Nate says. I'm rooting for Depo's team.
2007-09-27 18:15:50
45.   Bob Timmermann
5-1 Padres after 3 1/2. The Brewers have made four errors.
2007-09-27 18:17:00
46.   Daniel Zappala
I predict that if the Padres win tonight, they will make the playoffs.

I'm guessing Bob has figured out that there is no scenario under which they miss the playoffs if they win tonight.

2007-09-27 18:18:15
47.   Bob Timmermann
46
No, I just think the Brewers will be likely to fold up shop after a loss tonight.
2007-09-27 18:19:38
48.   Bob Timmermann
Joel Pineiro has a shutout through 8 in New York for the Cardinals. The Mets will have the top of the order up in the 8th.

Eckstein and Cairo have had some excellent plays in the field.

2007-09-27 18:19:50
49.   sporky
Go Brewers... :(
2007-09-27 18:21:53
50.   Bob Timmermann
Taguchi is hitting for Pineiro, so I guess Isringhausen will be in to close it out.
Show/Hide Comments 51-100
2007-09-27 18:23:39
51.   Sam DC
Padres are really starting to bug me.

So if the Phils and Mets are tied after tonight, Phils go against the Nationals and Mets get Florida, with both teams at home.

Florida's looked pretty bad lately, although I guess they pulled out a big one today.

For the first game, the Nationals run Tim Redding out there against Cole Hamels -- they have the same ERA, give or take .01.

2007-09-27 18:29:28
52.   Bob Timmermann
And Houston has taken a 4-2 lead in Cincinnati in the 9th!
2007-09-27 18:31:56
53.   Bob Timmermann
All over.

Redbirds 3
Mets 0

2007-09-27 18:32:14
54.   Gen3Blue
I'm sitting here, just sittin' here, watching Deal or no Deal trying to kill time till the west coast game, because I like the lineup. I wouldn't mind seeing any of the old Vets in there, but I also like this one.
2007-09-27 18:33:51
55.   Bob Timmermann
Francouer homers off of Myers first pitch to make it 6-4 Phillies.
2007-09-27 18:33:59
56.   sporky
54 - Ditto, but CSI for me.
2007-09-27 18:34:20
57.   tjshere
Tony Jackson says Penny, Abreu, and Furcal are all shut down for the season. Kent will only play in an emergency. There was also this -

"Asked Grady about possible coaching changes, and he didn't really bite. ``We'll see,'' is all he said, which to me is a strong indicator that something is going to happen. My guess is Bill Mueller goes back upstairs, so they'll need a hitting coach, but there could be some other changes, as well. ..."

2007-09-27 18:35:04
58.   sporky
Two on, 1 out, Brewers!
2007-09-27 18:37:45
59.   Bob Timmermann
Tying run at the plate for Atlanta with one out. Yunel Escobar facing Myers.
2007-09-27 18:38:17
60.   Bluebleeder87
3

it sure seems quicker now, I remember when he initially came up it looked a bit long but I guess he fixed a couple of things in his swing & it now looks very nice. It also says a lot about him as a "thinking mans hitter" he sprays the ball TO ALL FIELDS so that alone impresses me a bunch.

2007-09-27 18:40:21
61.   Bob Timmermann
Escobar lines out sharply to Nunez. Two outs and Kelly Johnson up.
2007-09-27 18:40:53
62.   sporky
RBI single for J.J. Hardy, 5-2 (Sorry, Bob, I'm encroaching into your territory)
2007-09-27 18:41:04
63.   StolenMonkey86
remind me what's going on with the Brewers and the Blue Jays?
2007-09-27 18:42:00
64.   Bob Timmermann
All tied in the NL East with 3 games left.

Phillies 6, Braves 4.

2007-09-27 18:42:15
65.   Bluebleeder87
57

to me it SCREAMS OUT off season coaching staff moves, I'm pretty happy by that tid bit T.JHere thanks for the info.

2007-09-27 18:43:19
66.   sporky
Ryan Braun HBP, bases loaded, 2 outs for the Brewers
2007-09-27 18:43:51
67.   Johnny Nucleo
57 Could the bell toll for Rich "The Windmill" Donnelly?
2007-09-27 18:45:32
68.   El Lay Dave
I think I want to root for the Phillies just to see what Brett Myers does in a playoff atmosphere. Plus having the Mets choke doesn't give me heartburn.
2007-09-27 18:45:51
69.   tjshere
67 That was the first thing that crossed my mind, too.
2007-09-27 18:47:55
70.   El Lay Dave
68 The second name that crossed my mind was Rick Honeycutt, but I'm not sure why. The pitching was pretty good in general. The parts that pitched badly were predictable and I don't believe that being unable to fix Brett Tomko should be considered coaching failure.
2007-09-27 18:48:02
71.   Sam DC
After Redding/Hamels, it's Chico/Eaton and Bergmann/Moyer.

In Queens, it's Kim/Perez, Seddon/Maine, and Willis/Glavine.

2 ptiches and out for Cla Meredith.

2007-09-27 18:51:42
72.   Gen3Blue
56 Upstairs they are watching CSI, but I was too late to get into it. Hang in there, it's almost time.
2007-09-27 18:53:29
73.   Eric Stephen
63 Coming into today, the Dodgers had the 15th worst record in baseball (80-78), meaning they would have the 15th pick in the 1st round.

Milwaukee and Toronto entered today at 81-77, one game in front of the Dodgers. If those two stay in front of the Dodgers record-wise, the Dodgers are assured of a top 15 pick in the draft.

That is important because if they sign a Type A free agent (say, A-Rod for example), they would have to give up their 1st round pick to the team that lost the FA (in this example, Yankees), unless they have a top 15 pick. In that case, they would only have to give up a 2nd round pick instead.

2007-09-27 18:54:50
74.   Bob Timmermann
Toronto has lost tonight and is 81-78.
2007-09-27 18:59:22
75.   Bluebleeder87
I think the cards are kind of stacked against the Rox today I mean the teams won 9(?) in arrow, wow, but I think Loaiza kind of evens things out, we shall see...
2007-09-27 19:03:15
76.   StolenMonkey86
73 - Oh. Yeah, that's huge. Gotta get A-Rod and let Logan White do his job.
2007-09-27 19:04:27
77.   Gen3Blue
I've got Vin, I've got some farm developed D's. I would love to win or do well, but I've got most of what I want already.
2007-09-27 19:06:36
78.   Gen3Blue
And if Colorado wiped out the Mets and Arizona, would I cry much. I doubt it.
2007-09-27 19:08:46
79.   Gen3Blue
ESS 73 Thats the kind of sleazy thinking we need, and is great.
2007-09-27 19:09:27
80.   Terry A
Assuming A-Rod does indeed opt out, is there a clause in his contract prohibiting the Yankees from offering arbitration? Or does that even matter any more under new CBA rules?
2007-09-27 19:12:27
81.   Andrew Shimmin
80- MLB4U says his contract allows the team to offer arbitration if he opts out early, but not if he stays till 2010. Offering arbitration is still required for FA compensation picks.

http://mlb4u.com/profile.php?id=991

2007-09-27 19:13:12
82.   Eric Stephen
80 Not sure of that, but if the Yanks don't offer A-Rod arbitration, no draft pick compensation would be gained (unless the Dodgers, or whatever team signs him, pulls a Houston who signed Woody Williams before the deadline to offer arbitration last year even though the Padres were not going to offer him arbitration and the Astros could have waited a week to sign him without giving up a draft pick).
2007-09-27 19:15:04
83.   Bluebleeder87
pretty shocking 1st inning from Loaiza...
2007-09-27 19:15:34
84.   Gen3Blue
Whoa, I stepped outside for a minute and Loaiza got 2 outs somehow. Wonderful.
2007-09-27 19:15:41
85.   Ghost of Carlos Perez
Can anyone point me to a list of the free agents this offseason? It would be nice to have a list to work from while preparing my recommendations for Dodgers management.
2007-09-27 19:17:15
86.   unassisted
Bravo Ross Newhan, Bravo!!!
http://www.latimes.com/sports/la-sp-newhan28sep28,1,991093.story?coll=la-headlines-sports
2007-09-27 19:17:22
87.   Eric Stephen
85 Here is the list of free agents you can send to Dodger management:

1) A-Rod

2007-09-27 19:20:05
88.   Andrew Shimmin
FA Pitchers: http://tinyurl.com/3ey9r8
FA Hitters: http://tinyurl.com/2r4qy2
2007-09-27 19:20:19
89.   Eric Stephen
86 Outstanding article by Newhan. This passage was nice:

"Rafael Furcal, who stole 35 bases last year and was expected to trigger the offense in combination with Juan Pierre, injured his ankle in March and had only 12 steals entering September -- he and Pierre producing on-base percentages that would be impressive only if combined"

2007-09-27 19:21:35
90.   sporky
I come back from dinner, and no one scored on Loaiza in the first!!! Hallelujah.
2007-09-27 19:21:39
91.   Bluebleeder87
don't turn your head Kemp!
2007-09-27 19:21:59
92.   Bob Timmermann
But does Ross Newhan know that Matt Kemp and James Loney aren't nice to T.J. Simers and Bil Plaschke?
2007-09-27 19:22:55
93.   sporky
Is it just me, or is this Baby Baby CD thing kind of creepy?
2007-09-27 19:24:19
94.   Eric Stephen
89 I should add that a .664 OBP would be awesome.

Barry Bonds had a .609 OBP in 617 PA in 2004.

2007-09-27 19:24:26
95.   Ghost of Carlos Perez
I'm not sold on A-rod if he costs more than 25 mil/season.

If the Dodgers had fewer weaknesses, I think it would be a great thing, but committing that much to one player on an otherwise flawed team is a mistake.

Of course, I have no faith that Dodger management can find a better use for the 25-30 million, so I guess I would object to the deal based on principles, not reality.

2007-09-27 19:24:48
96.   Bob Timmermann
9-2 Padres now. And I will go to the grocery store to go fill it up with food.
2007-09-27 19:25:22
97.   StolenMonkey86
88 - looking at the first basemen available, Kent might get us something in a trade.
2007-09-27 19:25:58
98.   natepurcell
I love Ross Newhan.
2007-09-27 19:26:28
99.   Bob Timmermann
It = my refrigerator
2007-09-27 19:28:16
100.   NorCal-Dodger
99 You had us guessing...don't forget the strawberry ice cream and liter of Dewar's.
Show/Hide Comments 101-150
2007-09-27 19:28:24
101.   MollyKnight
I went to Curry in a Hurry then the dog park. What did I miss?
2007-09-27 19:28:30
102.   Sam DC
I'm glad "it" isn't putting any lotion on its skin.
2007-09-27 19:29:48
103.   natepurcell
101

An awesome Ross Newhan article.

2007-09-27 19:29:49
104.   Bluebleeder87
It's pretty amazing a guy like D.Young can't be at least half way descent at 2nd base, man, he'd be extremely valuable if he was...
2007-09-27 19:30:15
105.   Gen3Blue
Why do we seem to run into young prodigy pitchers like this so often. It's probably because there are so few veteran starters, and 2/3 of them are injured.

Countdown of risky things to do.

5 Surf in the Farolon(sp?)Islands off San Fransisco.
4 Give a contract to a veteran pitcher
3 Eat a random collection of mushrooms picked by an amateur.
.................

Actually Frisco avoided paying much for pitching in a remarkable fashion until the Barry signing---long may it live.

2007-09-27 19:30:43
106.   MollyKnight
103. I'm there. And I'm loving it. How old is Newhan?
2007-09-27 19:30:50
107.   NorCal-Dodger
101 You and Ross Newhan, have been voted in to replace Plaschke and Simers.
2007-09-27 19:31:00
108.   Bluebleeder87
101

you also missed an incredible 1st inning from Loaiza

2007-09-27 19:31:17
109.   Ghost of Carlos Perez
I could see Ned picking up Kris Benson. Benson is the kind of "depth" Ned loves.
2007-09-27 19:31:37
110.   sporky
108 - And 2nd inning.
2007-09-27 19:32:14
111.   MollyKnight
He's definitely older than any of the usual beat writers and columnists, right?
2007-09-27 19:32:25
112.   natepurcell
106

Old enough to have a kid (david newhan) playing in the majors.

2007-09-27 19:33:09
113.   NorCal-Dodger
109 Only if the ex Mrs. Benson is part of the package.
2007-09-27 19:33:21
114.   MollyKnight
Wow. Esteban! Earning his millions!
2007-09-27 19:34:01
115.   MollyKnight
113-I had dealings with Anna Benson when I worked at FHM Magazine.
2007-09-27 19:34:19
116.   Eric Stephen
James Loney OPS AccuTracker©:

.919 season, .915 career

2007-09-27 19:34:58
117.   natepurcell
Anna Benson isn't that attractive.
2007-09-27 19:35:33
118.   Bluebleeder87
113

Now your talking N.Cal-D...

2007-09-27 19:36:26
119.   natepurcell
Morales is what Elbert was suppose to be..../sigh
2007-09-27 19:36:58
120.   Bluebleeder87
115

can you disclose some details MollyKnight like is she all air brushed & so forth...

2007-09-27 19:37:26
121.   Gen3Blue
Come on. Picket, Wilson.
2007-09-27 19:37:49
122.   Bluebleeder87
119

Or what Greg Miller was supposed to be, there's still hope for Elbert though right.

2007-09-27 19:38:18
123.   Eric Stephen
My prediction for Russell Martin in the DT 2007 prediction thread: .290/.374/.440

Actual line: .296/.379/.470

Please ignore the rest of my prediction, which included:
1) 94-68 record
2) Furcal scoring 125 runs
3) a "no-gaping holes" starting rotation

2007-09-27 19:38:49
124.   natepurcell
122

yea you're right. Miller is a better comparison due to both of their high groundball ratios.

2007-09-27 19:39:51
125.   NorCal-Dodger
Appears to me that the Rox, have kept to a core of yong home-grown talent. Such team unity has a way to manifest to a 10 game win streak down the stretch, wonder if Ned feels the same way?
2007-09-27 19:40:46
126.   Eric Stephen
Will that Ross Newhan article appear in the print edition of the Times, or is that online only?
2007-09-27 19:41:54
127.   sporky
I think I love Mr. Newhan
2007-09-27 19:41:58
128.   natepurcell
Rockies are pretty loaded considering their core of position players are basically in their prime years with Helton anchoring the older end and Tulowitzki holding down the younger end.

morales, jimenez and francis is a good core to build around with Greg Reynolds on the way. I also think Jason Hirsh can be good as well.

Yea, I like that team.

2007-09-27 19:42:48
129.   Eric Stephen
Nice 7th inning for the Brewers, but they can't keep losing a run each inning if they hope to come back (Padres scored 4, Brewers scored 3).

9-5 Padres, end 7th.

2007-09-27 19:43:00
130.   Im So Blue
111 Newhan started as an LA Angels beat reporter in 1961.
2007-09-27 19:44:57
131.   LogikReader
Funny you should mention Kris Benson, whoever mentioned him, don't have time to look back.

I went to my excel sheet of 2007 free agents and noted these things...

Kris Benson 2007: DID NOT PLAY, torn rotator cuff

HR: 33 in 2006

2007-09-27 19:46:48
132.   Bluebleeder87
Gawd, I love Wilson Valdez glove & over all quickness I hope Grady keeps him around for '08
2007-09-27 19:47:35
133.   MollyKnight
And here's the best moment in the history of the Colbert Report:

http://tinyurl.com/2s6zhq

2007-09-27 19:48:50
134.   MollyKnight
120- Absolutely airbrushed. But also pretty nice. At least to me.
2007-09-27 19:50:26
135.   sporky
Esteban = en fuego.
2007-09-27 19:52:07
136.   Ghost of Carlos Perez
131
That's even better: a bounceback candidate. I think Ned will be all over him.
2007-09-27 19:53:09
137.   natepurcell
Morales is nasty. Hopefully he can stay clear of arm troubles considering his delivery is kind of herky jerky.
2007-09-27 19:53:22
138.   Daniel Zappala
Ross Newhan makes me realize that there actually are sports journalists who can say what I wanted to say, only better.
2007-09-27 19:56:00
139.   Eric Stephen
OBPierre™:

3rd inning groundout lowers JP's OBP to .32997.

2007-09-27 19:57:56
140.   Gen3Blue
I don't believe it happened in 97' but I guess I must be wrong.
2007-09-27 19:57:57
141.   Bluebleeder87
137

Recovery time from start to start can tell you a little bit about that but your right he does have a bit of a herky jerky delivery.

2007-09-27 19:58:04
142.   LogikReader
So let's review the timeline of the last two days:

Plachke makes a push to Trade Kemp.

Josh Rawitch defends magmt from the standpoint that they won't suddenly trade Kemp
USS Mariner defends Kemp
True Blue LA defends Kemp
Molly Knight defends Kemp
Dave Stewart defends Kemp
San Gabriel Valley reporter (scanman) defends Kemp
Baseball-Prospectus Defends Kemp
Baseball-Reference Defends Kemp
Grady Little defends Kemp
Ross Newhan defends Kemp

I have a feeling nobody has stepped up to defend Plaschke.

2007-09-27 19:58:18
143.   LogikReader
magmt = mgmt
2007-09-27 19:58:56
144.   Bluebleeder87
I'm expecting an explosion of runs from the Rox but it hasn't happened yet...
2007-09-27 19:59:34
145.   Eric L
Sort of relevant to previous discussions..

I think it would be an interesting study by the saber types to figure out the threshold when an injured player (like Furcal) becomes a liability to the team.

I'm sure VORP and WARP type of stats can tell the story somewhat decently, but it seems like an in depth study would be a good idea. It could be the next revolutionary type of thinking in baseball.

2007-09-27 20:00:25
146.   NorCal-Dodger
In defense of Plaschke, I can only say his articles, are of an offensive nature due to his lack of intellect.
2007-09-27 20:03:06
147.   MollyKnight
146-Also, he succeeded in enraging (and engaging?) us, which is pretty much the point of columnists, no?
2007-09-27 20:04:09
148.   underdog
144 Oh well. So much for that. :-(

And Vin kind of lectures Loiaza too. "You just can't do that in the big leagues, can't keep going 2-0, 3-1, and expect to not eventually get hit."

2007-09-27 20:05:09
149.   underdog
For those of you scoring at home, Flight of the Conchords FC finished our Thursday season 0-7-2 with yet another one goal loss. Sad but hopeful, and people still like our name.
2007-09-27 20:05:16
150.   scareduck
146 - no. What makes his articles insulting is the assumption that the reader is an idiot.
Show/Hide Comments 151-200
2007-09-27 20:06:16
151.   Andrew Shimmin
It's important that Grittle not bring in Hendrickson till nine p.m.
2007-09-27 20:06:16
152.   scareduck
"Esteban Lo-ohza gives up two..."

I prefer Esteban Lousy myself.

2007-09-27 20:06:30
153.   underdog
Our mediocre pitcher, after this experience is sadder but Loiaza.
2007-09-27 20:08:22
154.   Gen3Blue
144 I think it has happened now.
2007-09-27 20:08:38
155.   NorCal-Dodger
147 True, he did succeed in creating a dialogue amongst all Dodger Fans. Whether that was his intent or not, I'm pretty sure the rebuttals have filled up his Inbox.
2007-09-27 20:09:39
156.   Bob Timmermann
For those scoring at home, Ross Newhan is 70.
2007-09-27 20:09:49
157.   Bluebleeder87
150

Thank you ScareDuck...

2007-09-27 20:10:08
158.   JoeyP
I wonder what Frank McCourt thinks of his "best hire ever" giving a 8mils to a washed up pitcher for 2008.
2007-09-27 20:11:05
159.   Bluebleeder87
156

Bob I'm pretty impressed with your quickness in shopping.

2007-09-27 20:11:07
160.   scareduck
147 - pretty neat trick considering how deadly dull the Dodgers were a few days ago. Slumping their way to only their second fourth-place finish in the team's history since 1994. Wow.
2007-09-27 20:12:19
161.   underdog
You know, I'm really not sure I can take watching Loiaza pitch for our team next season except maybe in emergencies. He's just hard to watch.
2007-09-27 20:12:57
162.   Marty
Newhan is in his 70s I believe. I think his articles are online only, but I may be mistaken.
2007-09-27 20:13:09
163.   trainwreck
Can we just save ourselves some trouble and get rid of Loaiza in the off-season?
2007-09-27 20:13:24
164.   Sam DC
"There's no doubt in my mind I would have made those saves." -- Hope Solo

Wow.

2007-09-27 20:13:26
165.   scareduck
So the guy who might have made this start in Loiaza's absence makes it anyway.

Brilliant job, Ned.

2007-09-27 20:14:40
166.   Bluebleeder87
158

well I did here Loaiza is nursing some injuries but even then, why? I'd much rather sign Wolf for '08.

2007-09-27 20:15:04
167.   sporky
Wolf in '08...
2007-09-27 20:15:13
168.   underdog
164 Did she really say that? Wow indeed. Well I guarantee she and Scurry won't be teammates again, though she probably knew that anyway. And she's probably right. That move was stupid. So was bringing in two defensive players when the team was down 2-0.
2007-09-27 20:16:07
169.   trainwreck
164
Hope Solo can never be wrong. Even when it totally defies all logic.
2007-09-27 20:16:44
170.   underdog
Well, the fun part of the order's coming up next at least.
2007-09-27 20:17:12
171.   underdog
169 Because she's a babe? I'm inclined to agree.
2007-09-27 20:18:03
172.   Bluebleeder87
I still think we have a descent starting 5:

Penny
Lowe
Bills (break out year, yes I said it 1st!)
Loaiza
Schmidt (depending on how his body responds/coming off season ending surgery)

2007-09-27 20:18:03
173.   Gen3Blue
Although I'm on the east coast and know very little about Plaschke, I can try and help defend him ( only from my far off impression).
What if you were an edgy guy, who knew almost nothing about sports, less about baseball, and even less about young players.
You had been supporting yourself somehow writing a sports column for some rather distant and uncomprhending newspaper. Suddenly, to get some buzz you said some things real fans seemed to fall upon, bringing you great discredit. You better attack somewhere. And you hope a bit of it sticks.
2007-09-27 20:18:26
174.   scareduck
169 - Hope Solo being the love child of Han Solo and George Lucas?
2007-09-27 20:18:37
175.   Gen3Blue
Although I'm on the east coast and know very little about Plaschke, I can try and help defend him ( only from my far off impression).
What if you were an edgy guy, who knew almost nothing about sports, less about baseball, and even less about young players.
You had been supporting yourself somehow writing a sports column for some rather distant and uncomprhending newspaper. Suddenly, to get some buzz you said some things real fans seemed to fall upon, bringing you great discredit. You better attack somewhere. And you hope a bit of it sticks.
2007-09-27 20:18:47
176.   Bob Timmermann
162
Marty, in an Editor & Publisher profile of Newhan in April, the article stated that he just turned 70.
2007-09-27 20:19:00
177.   Gen3Blue
sorry for the Double.
2007-09-27 20:19:47
178.   Sam DC
She did say exactly that, and she unloaded at length on the coach for living in the past and making a decision based on Scurry's performance in the Olympics three years ago.
2007-09-27 20:19:54
179.   Bob Timmermann
159
1. My market is not far away
2. I'm decisive
3. I still forgot to buy cat food
2007-09-27 20:21:16
180.   Eric Stephen
172 If it's a breakout year, it will be one of national attention only. It's hard to expect better than a 3.09 ERA, 147 ERA+, 8.65 K/9 from Bills in 2008.
2007-09-27 20:21:33
181.   Bluebleeder87
Matt Kemp seems to be getting a lot of those Dwib singles.
2007-09-27 20:22:19
182.   Indiana Jon
164 I'm not familiar with Hope and not a big soccer fan. Great name though, any relation to Han?
2007-09-27 20:23:10
183.   natepurcell
180

If he plateaus at that for the next 10 years, I wouldn't mind either :)

2007-09-27 20:23:12
184.   Ghost of Carlos Perez
I would love to see the Dodgers use the 30 million earmarked for A-rod to sign Dunn to play LF, Bobby Abreu to play right field. DFA Pierre, and shift Kemp to CF.

I think that lineup scores a lot more runs than with A-rod, and we diversify our risk in case of slump/injury.

2007-09-27 20:24:17
185.   natepurcell
I guess Morales is only mortal to James Loney.
2007-09-27 20:25:04
186.   scareduck
BTW, interesting item for those hunting for gift ideas for Ned-haters this year:

http://www.thinkgeek.com/homeoffice/gear/86dd/

A blue version is not yet available.

2007-09-27 20:25:09
187.   Eric Stephen
OPS AccuTracker®:

Kemp: .874 season, .825 career
Loney: .929 season, .922 career

2007-09-27 20:25:19
188.   Bluebleeder87
Look at us scoring 2 runs...
2007-09-27 20:25:38
189.   Im So Blue
162 Newhan wrote a column about the Angels (Winning, Inc.) that was published in Tuesday's paper. It was the featured article on the front page,accompanied by two large color photos of Stoneman & Scioscia.

Hopefully, his Dodger column will get the same treatment, with prominent photos of the under-25 set.

2007-09-27 20:25:49
190.   Sam DC
This would be such a good time for Russell to turn 19.
2007-09-27 20:26:39
191.   Bob Timmermann
If the U.S. women are sniping at their coach like any other international team, then the sport has arrived!

When I covered high school sports, I enjoyed covering girls sports from time to time because girls tended to be far more honest when you spoke to them.

High school boys already know the officially sanctioned cliches.

2007-09-27 20:27:46
192.   trainwreck
I am so tired of this "The Final Season" commercial on MLBTV.
2007-09-27 20:28:27
193.   LogikReader
Speaking of washed up veterans... did any of you see those NBC promos for "Las Vegas"?
2007-09-27 20:28:49
194.   Bluebleeder87
180

maybe I should have said I'm expecting him to win a few more games, cut me some slack Eric I'm just a random fan I'm no Hall of Fame research stud... :o)

2007-09-27 20:28:52
195.   Sam DC
186 I recently got the greatest knife block.

Instead of individual knife slots, the whole thing is strands of rubber that you slide the knives into, putting as many as you want wherever you want. Much more flexible and useful, and it holds scissors too.

I haven't described it well. I'll look for a picture.

2007-09-27 20:29:48
196.   underdog
191 Who would win a bluntness contest now between the US Women's soccer team and the Dodgers?

But anyway, I agree. The thing is, what Hope said was true, but she probably could have eaten a few more of her words...

2007-09-27 20:29:51
197.   scareduck
I didn't much like the Nomar van ad at the start of the season. It's aggressively annoying now that he's just a bench player, and an underwhelming one at that.
2007-09-27 20:32:43
198.   Gen3Blue
To me it looks pretty simple. Is their starter unbeatable---yes; is ours--no.

Did Martin hit a homer?? I'll consider this later.

Do we have a chance--yes, if our relievers are almost perfect. For most of the first half this was true!

Martin makes it closer, but my logic still has some weight.

I think it is very much dependent on our relief pitching, as well, of course on an offense.

2007-09-27 20:34:05
199.   Bluebleeder87
we still have a pretty good chance of getting a W tonight.
2007-09-27 20:34:40
200.   Bob Timmermann
196
But soccer players are never diplomatic! That's one of the fun things. You never hear soccer players saying "We've got to take it one match at a time. Just play within ourselves. Get back to fundamentals."
Show/Hide Comments 201-250
2007-09-27 20:34:46
201.   Eric Stephen
195 Sam, is it similar to this?

http://tinyurl.com/2xpbn4

2007-09-27 20:35:15
202.   underdog
Stults is a more effective fly ball pitcher than Loiaza is what it comes down to.
2007-09-27 20:36:14
203.   scareduck
Re the Marines ad, as Helen says, orchestra not included.
2007-09-27 20:36:18
204.   underdog
200 Definitely true. I have heard very few cliches uttered from the mouths of world soccer players. It's often something colorful. Sometimes it's even gibberish. But it's often something good.
2007-09-27 20:36:57
205.   MollyKnight
Furry tomato on deck!
2007-09-27 20:38:07
206.   eusmus
I'm calling a Saenz strikeout on three pitches.
2007-09-27 20:39:29
207.   Sam DC
201 It is! Though mine is ash colored wood and the rubber (which is like heavy duty Koosh material) is black. Works great, and I say that as someone who was very skeptical at first and does not go in much for newfangled hooziwhats.
2007-09-27 20:40:28
208.   eusmus
206 groundout on four pitches*
2007-09-27 20:40:44
209.   scareduck
He was that good at Long Beach, too.
2007-09-27 20:40:54
210.   sporky
205 - Oy, what an image.
2007-09-27 20:43:18
211.   Sam DC
Victory!

Here it is -- http://tinyurl.com/323ozf

This guy likes his so much he wrote a blog post about it.

2007-09-27 20:43:33
212.   trainwreck
Troy is really good friends with one of my friends.

He made it a point to say that Billingsley's one of the hardest guys he has faced, because his pitches move so much.

2007-09-27 20:44:05
213.   CanuckDodger
142 -- In what article at Baseball Prospectus was Kemp defended? I would like to read that.
2007-09-27 20:44:06
214.   Bluebleeder87
200 ,204

You guys wanna hear no cliche's I'd point you to boxers those guys INVENT ways of cursing... but I've read Bob is no fan of the sport.

2007-09-27 20:46:51
215.   Bluebleeder87
Bases juiced, no outs, I don't like this scenerio
2007-09-27 20:48:06
216.   Bob Timmermann
214
I rank boxing up there with bullfighting and bear baiting.

Your mileage may vary.

2007-09-27 20:49:02
217.   trainwreck
Bear baiting is a "sport"?
2007-09-27 20:49:08
218.   scareduck
"I'm sure they're getting the feeling they can do no wrong."

And then some.

2007-09-27 20:50:12
219.   Icaros
215

I don't even like it when the Dodgers are at bat.

2007-09-27 20:52:45
220.   scareduck
I saw her today at the reception
A glass of wine in her hand
I knew she was gonna meet her connection
At her feet was a footloose man

You can't always get what you want
You can't always get what you want
You can't always get what you want
But if you try sometimes
You get what you need

2007-09-27 20:52:52
221.   overkill94
Get your fat butt out of the way Lane, that ball wasn't hit that hard
2007-09-27 20:53:16
222.   Bob Timmermann
The ball is supposed to be dead when it hits the umpire like that.
2007-09-27 20:54:01
223.   Jimi Shelter
220.

:-)

2007-09-27 20:54:16
224.   Eric Stephen
207 Sam, how many knives does that hold? That looks pretty cool.
2007-09-27 20:54:25
225.   Bob Timmermann
Justice prevails.
2007-09-27 20:54:28
226.   overkill94
Hitting the ump makes it a dead ball?
2007-09-27 20:55:16
227.   overkill94
I guess that's where baseball differs from basketball and football (and soccer I assume)
2007-09-27 20:55:32
228.   trainwreck
I think Grady wanted to do some cardio.
2007-09-27 20:56:36
229.   Robert Fiore
I'm really coming to think that the Loaiza acquisition ought to be the capstone of Coletti's Dodger career. The tombstone, too.
2007-09-27 20:56:50
230.   underdog
Yeah you can't have any runner advance an extra base when it hits an ump's butt, or any part of him. I think that's how it's written in the rule book.

Well, Seanez pitched through this season much more effectively than I ever imagined. I never had much confidence in him but he was usually pretty solid and so I have to admit I was wrong about him. And also that I won't miss him at all.

2007-09-27 20:57:14
231.   Icaros
224

You guys are starting to remind me of my former co-worker who always looked at guns on the internet during his break.

2007-09-27 20:57:26
232.   scareduck
229 - but Ned's got mad people skills!
2007-09-27 20:57:29
233.   LAT
Can anyone else hear the guy in the background talking about a tatoo or something
2007-09-27 20:57:32
234.   Sam DC
224: I have 7 knives (but 3 are paring/small), 3 scissors (two are kids size), a meat thermometer and big carving fork thing in mine.

I worrried the contact with the rubber tendrils would dull the knives, but I haven't noticed anything like that.

2007-09-27 20:57:34
235.   Bob Timmermann
Rule 6.08(d)
The batter becomes a runner and is entitled to first base without liability to be put out (provided he advances to and touches first base) when --

(d) A fair ball touches an umpire or a runner on fair territory before touching a fielder.
If a fair ball touches an umpire after having passed a fielder other than the pitcher, or having touched a fielder, including the pitcher, the ball is in play.

2007-09-27 20:58:04
236.   overkill94
230 Weren't there runners on 1st and third though? You would think they'd both be allowed to advance one base.
2007-09-27 20:58:41
237.   underdog
Nice recovery by Wilson "Buster Keaton" Valdez there.
2007-09-27 20:59:05
238.   Sam DC
I'm having trouble finding a good picture of my scythe rack or my icepick locker unfortunately.
2007-09-27 20:59:10
239.   Bluebleeder87
216

to each his own, I'm a huge boxing fan, Baseball & Boxing that's pretty much all I truly like in sports, I'm pretty surprised you like football that sport can be pretty vicious as well (on & off the field) I still don't know what Bear baiting is???

2007-09-27 20:59:18
240.   Icaros
233

Yes.

2007-09-27 21:00:05
241.   scareduck
223 - BTW love the nick, Jimi.
2007-09-27 21:00:36
242.   Bob Timmermann
236
The rule just gives the batter one base, not the runners.

It's effectively a walk.

2007-09-27 21:00:39
243.   Bob Timmermann
236
The rule just gives the batter one base, not the runners.

It's effectively a walk.

2007-09-27 21:01:36
244.   scareduck
239 - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bear-baiting

Bear-baiting was popular in England until the nineteenth century. From the sixteenth century, many herds of bears were maintained for baiting. In its best-known form, arenas for this purpose were called bear-gardens, consisting of a circular high fenced area, the "pit", and raised seating for spectators. A post would be set in the ground towards the edge of the pit and the bear chained to it, either by the leg or neck. A number of well-trained hunting dogs would then be set on it, being replaced as they tired or were wounded or killed. For a long time, the main bear-garden in London was the Paris Garden at Southwark.

2007-09-27 21:02:54
245.   Bluebleeder87
228

Hahaha, lol. uh man..

2007-09-27 21:03:58
246.   Bob Timmermann
I really wanted to make my point.

Bear baiting was a spectacle that dates back a long time.

It's pretty much what it sounds like. A bear was used as bait. You would chain a bear up in the middle of a ring and then send out a bunch of dogs to attack it. Either the bear would attack the dogs or the dogs would kill the bear.

I'm sure a great time was had by all.

It was popular during the Elizabethan Era.

2007-09-27 21:04:35
247.   Icaros
244

There's an M. Vick joke in there somewhere, but even I won't touch it.

2007-09-27 21:05:30
248.   Sam DC
This space mission launched today from Cape Canaveral. http://dawn.jpl.nasa.gov/

Apparently, it runs in part on a new engine called an Ion Thruster.

Dr. Emiliano Lizardo could not be reached for comment, and there is no truth to the rumor that a watermelon was included in the launch.

2007-09-27 21:05:33
249.   Bluebleeder87
244

woah, that's really bad, I guess there's a good reason it hasn't been a "sport" for 2 centuries .

2007-09-27 21:07:39
250.   Jimi Shelter
241.
Heh. Thanks. I hang out on a few music sites, where it actually makes more sense.
Good eye, Delwyn!
Show/Hide Comments 251-300
2007-09-27 21:08:18
251.   underdog
247 Well you can definitely imagine an Elizabethan era version of Vick at least, although no one would have criticized him and there was no real media to bother with even if they did. I would definitely root for the bear in those matches.
2007-09-27 21:09:18
252.   underdog
And we're all Tivo-ing The Office I assume...?
2007-09-27 21:09:19
253.   Xeifrank
41% win expectancy with Kemp batting.
vr, Xei
2007-09-27 21:10:26
254.   underdog
Rule 1 Violation, Kemp.
2007-09-27 21:10:40
255.   Bob Timmermann
251
Supposedly Queen Elizabeth I was a big fan of bear baiting.

Queen Elizabeth II is merely just fascinated with stags.

2007-09-27 21:14:22
256.   Bob Timmermann
Bud Black has said that Jake Peavy will pitch on Sunday only if the Padres are still tied. Tomko will start Sunday if the Padres are ahead by one game or more.

Peavy would be saved for a tiebreaker or Game 1 of the NLDS.

2007-09-27 21:14:39
257.   Eric Stephen
Returning from Kitchen Knife Thoughts™, here is the OPS AccuTracker®:

Kemp: .871 season, .823 career
Loney: .926 season, .920 career

2007-09-27 21:14:57
258.   Bluebleeder87
Nice time to hit your 19th jack Martin.
2007-09-27 21:16:36
259.   underdog
Oh for pete's sake, Hurdle. We have other things to do, lives, you know...
2007-09-27 21:17:17
260.   trainwreck
252
I am watching both at the same time.

I am powerful like that.

2007-09-27 21:19:14
261.   sporky
Ugh.. Tulowitzki is a vacuum.
2007-09-27 21:19:43
262.   underdog
Damn. That was looking like a particularly stupid move, bringing in Julio vs. Martin, but Tulowitzki the vacuum cleaner saved him.
2007-09-27 21:20:14
263.   scareduck
Tulo just keeps getting better, I swear.
2007-09-27 21:20:33
264.   underdog
Hah! Darnit, just a few seconds too slow.

252 Well, you can especially do that when Clint Hurdle is managing, getting his whole bullpen in one inning.

2007-09-27 21:23:39
265.   Bluebleeder87
Tulowitzki has proven to be a nusense
2007-09-27 21:25:57
266.   underdog
Wow, a rare Meloan sighting!
2007-09-27 21:26:01
267.   sporky
Since we septupled the Rockies' playoff chances, they should be very amenable to trading Tulowitzki for Loaiza.
2007-09-27 21:28:02
268.   Kingmans Performance
where's the relief Dr. Proctor???
2007-09-27 21:28:21
269.   underdog
The team that can hit home runs is beating the team that scores on groundball outs. Not a surprise, I guess. Back to The Office with me.
2007-09-27 21:28:43
270.   scareduck
Oh, my.

Can we sue the doctor for malpractice?

2007-09-27 21:31:15
271.   scareduck
267 - Somewhere, Mike Weathers is beaming.
2007-09-27 21:33:41
272.   Bluebleeder87
Wilson Valdez just rocks with the leather.
2007-09-27 21:33:59
273.   sporky
Wilson's defense is impressive (thus far)!
2007-09-27 21:34:26
274.   sporky
273 - x2
2007-09-27 21:34:56
275.   Bluebleeder87
Wilson Valdez for should be our new Cora for the '08 campaign.
2007-09-27 21:36:22
276.   Bluebleeder87
Grady seems like the type of manager that can run a bullpen to the ground if you give 'em enough time, seriously man, I don't like the way he handles the pen...
2007-09-27 21:40:02
277.   Bob Timmermann
Anybody going to tell Vin that Colorado is home to play Arizona?
2007-09-27 21:43:50
278.   KG16
277 - we've been over this before, if Vin says something is so, it is so - everyone else is wrong.

By the way, have I missed anything? Judging by Gameday, I haven't. The kids doing alright, at least?

2007-09-27 21:44:53
279.   KG16
276 - you don't like his reliance on three relievers everyday, no matter what?
2007-09-27 21:44:57
280.   preacherroe
#229 Actually signing Loiaza was the craftiest move that Colletti has made. Signing A-Rod would have possibly given the Dodgers an all time record holder if he could catch Bonds in the next say 5 years, but it would cost the Dodgers $150 million in salary.
Loiaza has given up 9 home runs in 23 innings this year. If he can hit 200 innings next year he's capable of yielding 90 long balls .No one will ever touch that. Good move Ned.
2007-09-27 21:47:33
281.   sporky
Meloan? Am I seeing things?
2007-09-27 21:49:48
282.   Bluebleeder87
Meloan pitching is refreshing, if anything...
2007-09-27 21:51:32
283.   underdog
Diamond Leung approves of Delwyn Young's choice of entrance music. ("Down Like a Cholo.")
2007-09-27 21:52:42
284.   underdog
Y''know, maybe Meloan isn't quite ready for major league hitting after all.
2007-09-27 21:54:16
285.   KG16
284 - the jury is out. got to be tough when you only get to pitch every other full moon.
2007-09-27 21:55:08
286.   underdog
Fair 'nuf, and I think the Dodgers are as high on him for the future as we are (or hope they are anyway), but rust or no he still has some things to learn...
2007-09-27 21:55:14
287.   trainwreck
283
Down is the rapper's name. The song is "Lean Like a Cholo."
2007-09-27 21:56:21
288.   underdog
That was a sweet pitch to Helton.
2007-09-27 21:56:38
289.   Bluebleeder87
I still think Jonathan Meloan looks a little bit like Rex Hudler [ http://tinyurl.com/28l2lb ]
2007-09-27 21:58:27
290.   Gen3Blue
Still looks to me like the pitching is fouled up.
2007-09-27 22:00:43
291.   sporky
If Broxton is Big Jon, can Meloan be Little Jon?

No? Ok.

2007-09-27 22:01:15
292.   underdog
287 Ah yes. Duh.
2007-09-27 22:02:32
293.   scareduck
These Rocks are a fun team to watch.
2007-09-27 22:02:48
294.   underdog
Ouch.

Game's being turned off officially now.

What a rip-roaring offensive display during this hot streak by the Rockies, and what a pathetic display by the Dodgers over the same period. This is gonna be a long off season. Hope they can at least wake up vs. the Giants.

Night!

2007-09-27 22:03:11
295.   Bluebleeder87
It's GOTTA be tough for Jonathan Meloan, you got a KID who hasn't faced LIVE BATTING for gawd knows how long & you got Grady saying throw strikes kid. AGAINST THE HOTTEST TEAM IN BASEBALL! what joke, I'm sorry man, I'm peeved.
2007-09-27 22:03:44
296.   KG16
someone tell me that the line drive was misplayed by Pierre... please
2007-09-27 22:04:16
297.   Kingmans Performance
WHAT WERE GUYS SCREAMING ABOUT This clown Meloan all season???

He's the greatest Dodger's pitching prospect since WHO???

HUH???

2007-09-27 22:04:35
298.   Gen3Blue
Please hold up? Never mind.
2007-09-27 22:05:21
299.   scareduck
294 - you can go your own way.
You can call it another lonely day.
2007-09-27 22:05:27
300.   KG16
297 - one inning does not a career make.
Show/Hide Comments 301-350
2007-09-27 22:06:07
301.   JoeyP
295--Its a little late to be 'peeved'. Season has been over for quite a while now.

The Rox can mash---Tulo, Helton, Hawpe, Atkins, Holliday. They will probably be better than the Dodgers next year unless major changes are made on the Dodgers-end.

A-Rod or bust.

2007-09-27 22:07:18
302.   Bluebleeder87
I hope Meloan has a good spring training, if anything I know Logan White holds him in high esteem, so that's pretty cool...
2007-09-27 22:08:48
303.   Paul Scott
301 Exactly. Why be upset at anything that happens at this point? Save the frustration for the off-season; that's where all the real damage is done.
2007-09-27 22:09:02
304.   Kingmans Performance
301 Joey, are the McCourt's prepared to give A-Rod a small percentage of team ownership like the Cubs will offer him?
2007-09-27 22:09:14
305.   sporky
From Tony Jackson's blog:

Grady said before the game that the Dodgers need to ``stay the course'' with their young players and their plan and not stray from it. He asked, part rhetorically and part earnestly, what the Dodgers had been doing since they last won the World Series in 1988, a clear reference to the fact the team's longstanding method of signing high-priced free agents simply hasn't worked out, and that the current plan of drafting and developing is the right one. Some will applaud what Grady said, while others will dismiss it. But the Rockies are a perfect example of what can happen when you have a lot of young talent, you're patient, and you allow it to develop. They endured years of growing pains, including a good portion of this year, but it's all paying off now.

2007-09-27 22:11:40
306.   Bluebleeder87
301

I don't know maybe subconsciously I'm letting out steam or something, but I swear Grady makes me scratch my head sometimes, but all managers do that I guess, never mind...

2007-09-27 22:12:41
307.   Gen3Blue
I remember a prolonged period when the D's always had good pitching and presumably good pitching coaches. I think it culminated with a guy named Wallace, who left for some other team, but I can't remember.
2007-09-27 22:14:08
308.   Paul Scott
For what it's worth, though I never really like to see the Dodger's lose, with the Rockies winning tonight, they alone control their playoffs - sweep the Diamondbacks (finishing the season with a 14 game winning streak) and they make it (possibly winning the division to boot). Frankly, it would make a nice story.
2007-09-27 22:14:34
309.   KG16
306 - no, strategically Grady Little is one of the worst managers I've ever seen. He leaves pitchers in too long, he uses the wrong pinch hitters, he calls for the sacrifice at the wrong times (yes, there are times when it's appropriate, and not just when the pitcher is hitting), and let's not even get into the line up issues...
2007-09-27 22:15:41
310.   Paul Scott
304 That was rumor (like most) was false. It is against the rules of baseball for a player to also be a manager (according to Boras - I did not attempt to independently verify that).
2007-09-27 22:16:02
311.   Bluebleeder87
You gotta think a fool season of Loney would have givin you 100 RBI no? man, he's in fuego!!
2007-09-27 22:16:13
312.   KG16
305 - sounds like a shot across the bow of the good ship Kent. Speaking of, did we ever figure out if the Dodgers can buy him out? If not, what are the odds someone will take him as a one year rental?
2007-09-27 22:17:09
313.   KG16
310 - it's against the rules for a player to be an owner. Players can be managers, see Rose, Pete, among others.
2007-09-27 22:20:13
314.   KG16
311 - by my calculations, Loney's numbers this year over a full season (162 games) would project to 111 RBI
2007-09-27 22:20:17
315.   Kingmans Performance
310 Paul, the Cub ownership offerd to A-Rod isn't immediate and you and the Dodger PR Dept and the McCourt's know this.

A-Rod will become part owner after he retires.

So, are the Dodger's prepared to offer a similar contract package as the Cubs are proposing?

2007-09-27 22:20:19
316.   scareduck
305 - what extreme irony coming from one of the principle blockers of the Dodgers' young talent.
2007-09-27 22:20:39
317.   Johnny Nucleo
305 It is highly unlikely that Grady is saying this in a vacuum. There is a strong likelihood that this is the view of the Dodger front office as well.
2007-09-27 22:20:55
318.   Robert Fiore
Looking at the bright side, at least we haven't earned the undying enmity of Colorado Rockies fans by spoiling their opportunity for a playoff spot.
2007-09-27 22:21:01
319.   scareduck
315 - offers of ownership, partial or after a contract expires, are illegal by the CBA.
2007-09-27 22:21:18
320.   overkill94
Jon will be pretty pleased by the Sports Guy's new article up on ESPN.com

http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/page2/story?page=simmons/070926

2007-09-27 22:24:40
321.   sporky
More of the same from Ken Gurnick:

"We know the course we're on and we're going to stay the course," Little said, referring to developing from within rather than rebuilding through free agency. "What have they been doing here since 1988? It hasn't worked. This course, we'll try to make it work."

"I foresee Ned trying to do anything he can to make us better and complement the course we're on," he said. "The mixture of players I like most is a group of players, regardless of age, who know how to play the right way and go about their business the right way on and off the field and who come to the park every day playing hard and expecting to win a game."

Toes crossed...

2007-09-27 22:25:04
322.   KG16
anyone catch the fan poll on the Dodgers site? Asks who the team MVP was, choices:

Bills, Loney, Martin, Penny, Saito

Interesting, no?

2007-09-27 22:26:44
323.   KG16
321 - "...go about their business the right way on and off the field..." maybe it's because I want to, but does anyone else read that as a veiled shot at Kent?
2007-09-27 22:27:06
324.   sporky
323 - I didn't see it as very veiled at all...
2007-09-27 22:28:29
325.   Gen3Blue
Nite.
2007-09-27 22:33:17
326.   Johnny Nucleo
323 Why just at Kent? It could just as easily be applied to anyone who opened their yap this past week.
2007-09-27 22:35:38
327.   KG16
326 - because Kent is the one that started it. And Loney and Kemp were defending themselves.
2007-09-27 22:36:34
328.   sporky
326 - I guess it very well could be. Coupled with the "Yay youth!" message, it sounded more like he was criticizing Kent, and Gonzo to a lesser degree.
2007-09-27 22:37:15
329.   Johnny Nucleo
328 That's your view, not Grady's. They had a sit-down with him after those comments.
2007-09-27 22:46:03
330.   sporky
329 - I'm guessing by 'him' you mean one of the kids? If Grady and Ned had a sit-down with Kemp/Loney, there wouldn't be a need to take shots at them through the press. Grady has been a mother-hen and rushed to Kemp's defense today. A Kent pot-shot seems more likely.
2007-09-27 23:30:08
331.   Dodgers49
This is going to be a fun weekend. Too bad the Dodgers decided not to join the party. A week ago it appeared the D-Backs and Mets were locks to win their division. Now both could get shut out of the post season entirely. Heads may roll. :-)
2007-09-27 23:30:50
332.   Greg Brock
Just when you think life can't kick you in the short pants any harder, you endure a three hour musical with the blue-hair set.

I get it, God. I suck. Just send the lightning and be done with it.

But I noticed we lost. So that's nice.

2007-09-27 23:42:43
333.   dkminnick
Went to the Stadium tonight. I gotta say LaRoche looks completely lost at the plate. I doubt he's making fans in the front office right now.
2007-09-27 23:48:24
334.   Greg Brock
333 Don't know if you caught it, but from yesterday: I went to the Who concert the year after Entwistle died, not the one right after. But that concert was still ridiculously awesome.
2007-09-27 23:58:32
335.   underdog
332 Dare I ask, what show?

Could be worse, you could endure a three hour tragedy with the blue-tinged baseball team.

My g/f and I are trying to get tickets to see Sweeney Todd up here, which I've heard is quite a good version, even if there's no Angela Lansbury to be found.

2007-09-27 23:59:09
336.   dkminnick
334 I did see that. Who was Gary Miller - was that the name you referred to?
2007-09-28 00:01:57
337.   dkminnick
334 I presume Zak Starkey was still drumming? He's loads of fun to watch. BTW, I hear Daltrey lives on Chandler in Sherman Oaks
2007-09-28 00:09:24
338.   Greg Brock
335 Kiss me Kate. The Sweeney Todd with Lansbury is awesome.

336 Gary Miller, ESPN Sportsmouth was in attendance, rocking the white guy supreme look. And Zak Starkey was, indeed, drumming.

2007-09-28 00:09:41
339.   Improbable88
Went to the game alone tonight and was able to muster three blankets with my four season seats.

But the real reason for the post: Sitting three rows ahead of me was a big dude in a Cowboys SuperBowl Championship Letterman jacket and a Cowboys jersey. This guy, honest to God and with the utmost sincerity, was giving Juan Pierre the M!V!P! chant!!

He did it first when he was announced for his first at-bat and I figured he was just fooling around. But he was very amped at Juan's general play, and after the two great catches and the two stolen bases, back into it he went, "M!V!P! M!V!P!"

I don't think any comment is necessary except to say this guy is probably not alone in his estimation of Pierre's worth (ouch!).
I just knew I needed to share this with you all.

2007-09-28 00:19:30
340.   Greg Brock
335 Back in the day, Showtime used to show Broadway performances all the time. Pirates of Penzance, Sweeney Todd, 42nd Street, etc.

It was a heady time for heterosexual males with musical tendencies.

2007-09-28 00:31:38
341.   dzzrtRatt
340

I was raised to love musical comedies by my heterosexual parents. The fact that enjoying musical comedies has become a shorthand for being gay was a totally alien concept to me.

I went to summer camp when I was 11 and my counselor tried to test our knowledge of musicals by singing the beginning of a line of a song, and asking us to complete it.

My score: 100 percent.

My cabinmates' score: 0 percent.

In retrospect, I believe our counselor might have been gay.

Now my son is actually writing a musical. He is a fan of Stephen Sondheim like I was a fan of the Kinks, except I never really thought I was going to be a boozy rock star, but he thinks he is going to make a living writing music for the stage.

He also thinks he's going to marry Jenna Fischer.

2007-09-28 00:34:37
342.   trainwreck
You guys should see "Happiness of the Katakuris."
2007-09-28 00:36:19
343.   KG16
339 - to a lot of old school baseball types, Pierre isn't all that bad. I'll admit to old school tendencies, but I can't stand his defense and lack of power (I'm honestly surprised when he gets good wood on a ball). Decent batting average, stolen bases, runs scored, all the sort of numbers an old school type would look at...
2007-09-28 00:46:05
344.   das411
FINALLY have my voice back after shouting at both soon-to-be-atbat-king Jimmy Rollins and all of those "far balls"...Sam DC, as much as I want the Nats to succeed in future seasons, just think of how much better the rivalry will be between the Mets and Nats if your boys just kind of, um, take the next three games a little less seriously than the previous three...

184 - The phrase "love to see" does not belong anywhere near "Dunn to play LF, Bobby Abreu to play right field," unless you are a fan of lots and lots of opponent doubles and triples! ;)

2007-09-28 00:49:46
345.   Greg Brock
341 Agree 100%. I didn't even know that liking musicals connoted "tendencies" until my teenage years. I remember hearing "Showtunes = fruity" and thinking "Hey, I like Showtunes!" And women are the cat's pajamas!

Fortunately, most people have moved beyond that nonsense. Except for all of my friends, who are the same Neanderthals I've hung out with since Little League and American Legion ball. They love to rib me for liking musicals.

But they also fail to pull wool on the same level, because the womenfolk love a man who loves a musical. Your son is already ahead of the game.

2007-09-28 00:51:22
346.   das411
also, are there any '95 Angels fans who can tell us just what a trainwreck (no, not you) like the Mets are going through right now, feels like?

And do the Devil...er, Just The Rays really need another #1 overall pick to go along with that, um, AL strikeout leader they already have?

2007-09-28 01:05:52
347.   El Lay Dave
OK, I'm about to say something complimentary about Juan Pierre. I think he gets it. He was quoted in the AP game recap story commenting on the Rockies:

It's a good makeup over there. They've had a lot of young guys they stood by and they let them grow. And now they're reaping the benefits.

2007-09-28 01:18:25
348.   El Lay Dave
James Loney has 31 RBI this month, including tonight. That can happen when you put up this line, before tonight:

.404/.451/.734/1.185

2007-09-28 01:19:11
349.   El Lay Dave
Ross Newhan rocks. That is all.
2007-09-28 01:20:38
350.   El Lay Dave
248 If I ask what that watermelon is for, will you tell me later?
Show/Hide Comments 351-400
2007-09-28 01:28:02
351.   Greg Brock
349 Ross Newhan was, and is, the best newspaper baseball writer in America. There's a reason why he's in Cooperstown, and Bill Plaschke is arguing with Woody Paige and Jay Mariotti on ESPN.

Please, Dodgers, ignore the jock-sniffer with the lisp, and listen to the voice of reason. We love you, Ross.

http://tinyurl.com/25c2sg

2007-09-28 01:28:03
352.   El Lay Dave
From Kevin Baxter in the Times:

"Ever since Ned and I came to this ballclub, we do everything together," Little said. "When decisions are made that work out OK, we celebrate together. When decisions are made that don't work out too good, we cry together. We don't sleep at night together."

Little, red-faced, quickly added:

"I said the wrong words."

Well, they're still preaching the "everyone's aligned" message. (Except certain veterans, I guess.)

2007-09-28 01:31:08
353.   Greg Brock
352 You boys sure found a way to make the time pass up at Dodger Stadium. Little, you guys wasn't gettin' paid to leave the dogs babysittin' the sheep while you stem the rose.
2007-09-28 01:39:09
354.   El Lay Dave
Dilbeck weighs in:

http://www.dailynews.com/sports/ci_7021681

He's partly right and partly wrong, but there are some interesting quotes in there.

"We need more power," said Garvey, now in the team's community relations department. "And you still need a balance of veteran ballplayers. You still need a Garciaparra and another guy who can hit the ball out of the ballpark who's got experienced and professional maturity."

Does that mean Garvey thinks Nomar is still "a guy who can hit the ball out of the ballpark"? Nomar has, at least, kept his opinions on the vet/kid brouhaha in house and moved from first to third w/out public complaint.

2007-09-28 01:40:52
355.   Greg Brock
Although this is a difficult market in which to operate a development camp, the long wait for a nucleus of the current caliber to emerge from what had become a fallow farm system at times justified the 2007 route and demands caution if the club is now thinking it should break up that nucleus.

Trade 23-year-old Kemp and his 10 home runs, 10 stolen bases and .331 average in 94 games? Trade 23-year-old Loney and his 14 homers and 63 RBIs in only a half-season?

I say, bring on Tony Abreu, Delwyn Young, Clayton Kershaw, Chin-Lung Hu, that much more talent and attitude.

I say, forget this semi-youth movement and officially make it full-fledged.

It's nice when the Philosopher King commits to a youth movement. It's nice when the humble commenters commit to a youth movement. It's unbelievably freaking awesome when a Hall of Fame baseball writer commits to a youth movement. Ross Newhan should carry a fair bit of credibility with McCourt and the front office turds. This is huge.

2007-09-28 01:43:42
356.   Greg Brock
354 "Professional maturity" != impregnating every woman you meet. Garvey should focus on his child support payments and tweezing his unibrow.

Not a big Garvey fan.

2007-09-28 01:45:40
357.   El Lay Dave
354 Add Dilbeck:

Garvey said that initial `70s group of young players had few veterans to actually lead the way, and thinks this year's Dodger team compares better to the Padres team he, Graig Nettles and Rich Gossage joined as free agents and led to the World Series in 1984.

Garvey put up Nomaresque numbers for the Pads in '84:

'84 Garvey: .284 .307 .373 OPS+ 91
'07 Nomar: .283 .328 .371 OPS+ 79

2007-09-28 01:47:32
358.   El Lay Dave
356 One wonders what Garvey's definition of "community relations" is.

I suppose that as long as Garvey is on the payroll, Don Sutton won't be joining the broadcast team.

2007-09-28 01:53:56
359.   Greg Brock
357 Why would anybody listen to Steve Garvey? Is this 1984? Are neon shorts making a comeback? Does forearm hair make you an expert? Are Ocean Pacific corduroy shorts on the way back? Are paternity suits the new VORP?

If Steve Garvey and Tom Lasorda have any input on anything, I'm officially rooting for Al Qaeda. We deserve it. Hit us hard.

2007-09-28 04:30:40
360.   D4P
Last night's loss eliminated four posters (joeyp, humma kavula, schoffle, regfairfield), leaving the following five:

marty 80
bill crain 81
d4p 82
trainwreck 83
clair malone-evans 83

2007-09-28 04:31:51
361.   D4P
Are Ocean Pacific corduroy shorts on the way back?

It's only a matter of time.

2007-09-28 04:39:26
362.   D4P
Steve Garvey was great on "Cheap Seats".

I used to wear OP short shorts with one of two pairs of Vans: a solid red, or a Hawaiian style with colorful palm trees and stuff. I even bought the high-top "skate" vans when they came out (circa 1987?), even though I didn't skate.

That was during my sexy phase, when girls really liked me for some reason. I grew out of it fast.

2007-09-28 04:50:24
363.   D4P
(Grittle) said he counted 18 Dodgers losses that he thought should have been victories

What does that mean?

2007-09-28 06:26:58
364.   Ken Noe
Man, how nice to wake up this morning and read Newhan's and Grady's comments. Maybe Ned finally noticed that the Baby Snakes are playing better than his PV Giants.
2007-09-28 06:27:39
365.   Sam DC
Hey Greg, look what they're saying about our skipper: "He leafs through books for new ways of thinking . . . ."

Read it and weep boys and girls.

http://tinyurl.com/2aw5lr

(And 350 -- thank you!)

2007-09-28 06:40:08
366.   Terry A
Couldn't help noticing that the Times' game story headline -- and even the story itself -- tried its best to pin last night's loss on the kids. Next to nothing was said about the $8M Man who was on the mound.

Thank goodness for Ross Newhan.

2007-09-28 07:00:47
367.   dzzrtRatt
365 Acta was one of those wackadoos that DePodesta wanted to put in charge of the Dodgers. Good thing McCourt stepped in and put an end to that tide of anarchy. Things couldn't be going more swimmingly.
2007-09-28 07:14:56
368.   D4P
Things couldn't be going more swimmingly

With the fishesingly

2007-09-28 07:15:59
369.   dzzrtRatt
"A team can have too much young talent."

I suppose I know Dilbeck means something else than what these words plainly say.

But it still bypasses the real problem in favor of a mythical one. A team can have a good deal of talent, young or old, and still fail if there are missing elements. It's not "youth" per se that failed us. We didn't have "too much" of anything except mediocrity. We were deficient in certain areas. If players could have been found to address those deficiencies, it wouldn't matter what their age was. And, in this case, players were available to address some of those deficiencies, but they were required to wait their turn owing only to some mysterious code that valued intangibles over tangibles, or sought to achieve return on investment even after that investment was proven wasteful.

2007-09-28 07:25:34
370.   D4P
Ode to A-Rod:

Don't go to Boston for the springtime
Their payoll's on the high end they don't got lots of room
If you don't produce they kick you on the sidewalk
By a café where you'd probably be workin' soon
Don't go to Boston
I say "No", would you come home to me

And I said, hey A-Rod why don't you settle down
Boston ain't your kind of town
Their winter's cold and there ain't nobody like me
I'm the poster known on The Tubes as D4P

Don't go to Denver with the snowfall
On TV or in the newspaper you won't be found
Nobody cares bout the Rockies on the east coast
When they go to bed at night your game's just goin' down,
Don't go to Denver
I say "No", would you come home to me

And I said, hey A-Rod why don't you settle down
Denver ain't your kind of town
Their winter's cold and there ain't nobody like me
I'm the poster known on The Tubes as D4P

Now the rumor mill goes 'round and 'round
And I doubt that it's ever gonna stop
But of all the players we've lost or found
And all that we ain't got
We still need a batter
Not a broken ladder

Please come to LA to live forever
A dynasty alone is just too hard to build
You'll live in a house that looks out over the ocean
And there's some stars from Hollywood
Livin' up on the hill
Please come to LA
Don't say no, won't you come home to me

And I said, hey A-Rod why don't you settle down
LA's your kind of town
You'll get your money for nothin' and all your chicks for free
I'm the poster known on The Tubes as D4P
I'm the poster known on The Tubes as D4Peeeeee—eee-eeee

2007-09-28 07:28:56
371.   dzzrtRatt
Newhan's column seems like a desperate rear-guard action designed to disrupt the train of events of which Plaschke's column earlier in the week was an intended part. Newhan would know better than anyone why Plaschke wrote that column and what it was designed to accomplish. Evidently, he believed intervention was needed to prevent it.
2007-09-28 07:33:10
372.   Jon Weisman
New post up top.

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