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About Jon
Thank You For Not ...

1) using profanity or any euphemisms for profanity
2) personally attacking other commenters
3) baiting other commenters
4) arguing for the sake of arguing
5) discussing politics
6) using hyperbole when something less will suffice
7) using sarcasm in a way that can be misinterpreted negatively
8) making the same point over and over again
9) typing "no-hitter" or "perfect game" to describe either in progress
10) being annoyed by the existence of this list
11) commenting under the obvious influence
12) claiming your opinion isn't allowed when it's just being disagreed with

Congratulating Chad
2007-09-30 09:43
by Jon Weisman

Dodger Thoughts, July 19:

In an interview with NBCSports.com this morning, I was asked which Dodger was most likely to have a big stretch run. And I thought, there's Russell Martin, but you'd expect him to taper a bit under his workload by season's end. There's Rafael Furcal, but we don't know whether his ankle will allow it. There's Nomar Garciaparra, who is too due. There's Matt Kemp and James Loney and Andre Ethier, but they're already doing so well that it's almost impossible for them to kick it up a notch.

And my thoughts turned to the pitcher who struggled to get through five innings Wednesday: the one and only Chad Billingsley. He's young but improving. Overall, he's not overworked – in the season's first 95 games, he has thrown 65 2/3 innings and 1,145 pitches. And the closer we get to the end of the season, the more he is going to face NL West teams whose strengths are mostly on the mound and not with the bat.

Not to dismiss the importance of averaging five innings per start as opposed to fewer, but Billingsley is not reliable now. So stipulated. But something more than wishin' and hopin' tells me that he's going to start seeming reliable before the season's out. He's learning, and the difference between him and the likes of Brett Tomko and Mark Hendrickson is, at age 22 23/24ths, Billingsley is already ahead of the curve.

As it happens, Loney had a monster September and Billingsley got only four outs in his final start of the year Saturday. Still, Billingsley had a 3.12 ERA in the second half this season, capping a fine sophomore year and adding to the promise of a great career. As I like to point out, Billingsley is ahead of Don Sutton at this stage of the game.

* * *

From my vantage point at Saturday's meaningless game, thanks to great seats passed to me by Dodger Thoughts commenter LAT, Andy LaRoche looked agile at third, and Matt Kemp hustled. Call me crazy.

The crowd seemed like it was ready to fall in love with Chin-Lung Hu. He wins people over: first with his name, then with his game.

* * *

There is no tomorrow:

Gameday

Retro Gameday

* * *

NL Smackdown

Marlins at Mets

Nationals at Phillies

Padres at Brewers

Diamondbacks at Rockies

89-72 Padres
88-73 Mets
88-73 Phillies
88-73 Rockies

Comments (540)
Show/Hide Comments 1-50
2007-09-30 10:12:12
1.   Bob Timmermann
Troy Percival is the starting pitcher for the Cardinals today.

His only other starts in his pro career were rehab starts in the minors.

2007-09-30 10:13:27
2.   Gen3Blue
I remember your June 19 prediction and remember thinking it was a good choice.
It's too bad about Chads last game, but In most of the second half, when our pitching seemed to collapse he was our "stopper" and you could count on a good effort almost always.
It looks like I'll see this last game on DTV. After yesterday I was afraid Extra Innings had decided there wouldn't be any LA or SF fans who cared. I can't remember where I have directed myself at the end of each season, but I seem to have survived.
2007-09-30 10:14:21
3.   trainwreck
Tony LaRussa is a genius.
2007-09-30 10:15:01
4.   LAT
Let's go Mets!!

Anyone else going to today's finale?

2007-09-30 10:15:18
5.   Vishal
i think it'd be funny if they started chanting "hu's your daddy" every time he did something good. :)
2007-09-30 10:15:21
6.   Bob Timmermann
Prince Fielder not in the lineup today for the Brewers.
2007-09-30 10:15:55
7.   bhsportsguy
Its kids and the "Iron Man" today at Fan Apprciation Day.

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

Russell will probably get an at-bat or two and then sit, maybe even the same for Pierre.

I might expect Tomato sighting and maybe Lucille too.

2007-09-30 10:16:27
8.   Vishal
4 because of shawn green?
2007-09-30 10:17:12
9.   Bob Timmermann
If there's no homer by Juan Pierre, he will be the first Dodger to play as many games as he did without a homer.

Maury Wills had a season where he got into 158 games (1965) without a homer.

2007-09-30 10:17:14
10.   bhsportsguy
6 That means that the two Brewers who homered off Tomko in his only 2007 appearance against them are not in the linuep.
2007-09-30 10:17:52
11.   Bob Timmermann
7
The suspension is over!
2007-09-30 10:18:30
12.   Bob Timmermann
Marlins grab a 1-0 lead on a Cabrera single.
2007-09-30 10:21:03
13.   Bob Timmermann
Old Friend Cody Ross doubles in two and then comes around to score on a Ramon Castro throwing error.

4-0 Fish in the 1st.

2007-09-30 10:21:25
14.   Vishal
1. go rockies!
2. go brewers!
3. go... only one of new york and philadelphia!
2007-09-30 10:22:35
15.   bhsportsguy
13 So one elder southpaw is having a bad start.
2007-09-30 10:22:45
16.   Bob Timmermann
The Padres will win today for the same reason they have won most of their games this year.

Out of a sheer sense of spite for me.

2007-09-30 10:23:04
17.   Slikk
YES! WAY TO GO CODY!
2007-09-30 10:23:25
18.   Bob Timmermann
Glavine gives up another hit and the crowd in New York is ... displeased.
2007-09-30 10:23:33
19.   Vishal
16 why dost thou hatest los padres?
2007-09-30 10:23:37
20.   Bluebleeder87
1

your the best Bob thanks for the heads up, that's pretty crazy, starting!?

2007-09-30 10:24:02
21.   Bob Timmermann
The throwing error was on Glavine, not Castro.
2007-09-30 10:24:47
22.   Bob Timmermann
19
I don't like their philosophy. ;-)

Actually, I have a visceral and irrational dislike of the Giles brothers.

2007-09-30 10:25:27
23.   Vishal
luke hochevar is making his first start for kansas city today...
2007-09-30 10:26:24
24.   Vishal
22 i'm okay with marcus. brian bugs me too, though. his body and the way he squats in the box, mainly.
2007-09-30 10:26:59
25.   Bob Timmermann
Bases loaded, one out in New York for Willis.

He's batting over .500 this month.

2007-09-30 10:27:16
26.   Slikk
Come on Dontrelle, hit a Grand Slam.
2007-09-30 10:27:57
27.   Slikk
Doesn't everyone hate the Padres? They're the new rival ...
2007-09-30 10:28:38
28.   Bluebleeder87
7

I really hope he gets his 20th home run today though.

2007-09-30 10:28:42
29.   Bob Timmermann
Willis gets hit by the pitch. It's 5-0 Fish and Glavine is gone.
2007-09-30 10:29:12
30.   Slikk
Oh yeah, it's over. Love it.
2007-09-30 10:29:17
31.   Bob Timmermann
27
D4P is a secret Padres fan.
2007-09-30 10:30:04
32.   Vishal
27 meh. i don't want them to win the division, but i dislike them less than the giants for sure.

my divisional hierarchy in terms of dislike:

1. GIANTS

2. arizona

3. san diego

4. colorado

i used to hate the rockies a lot more, but now i kinda like 'em.

2007-09-30 10:31:01
33.   Bluebleeder87
24

I hear you Vishal, I kind of have the same thing with Hillenbrand as well, everything he does is pretty much minus points.

2007-09-30 10:32:41
34.   LAT
Glavin just took a step c;oser to retireent, forced or otherwise.

Ok forget about the Mets. Go Nats.

2007-09-30 10:33:09
35.   Vishal
he got one out. must be the shortest outing of glavine's career, right??
2007-09-30 10:33:40
36.   Vishal
34 so why do you like the mets, LAT?
2007-09-30 10:34:53
37.   Scanman33
The Mets meltdown should qualify as definitive proof that God exists.
2007-09-30 10:35:07
38.   Bob Timmermann
Glavine didn't get anybody out in a start against the Cubs.

In 1989.

http://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/CHN/CHN198905160.shtml

2007-09-30 10:35:08
39.   bhsportsguy
35 So, did you enjoy that game yesterday?
2007-09-30 10:35:19
40.   Bluebleeder87
on a weird note, Percy is batting 8th!
2007-09-30 10:36:13
41.   Bob Timmermann
Uggla rips a double to score two more. 7-0 Fish.
2007-09-30 10:36:30
42.   Scanman33
2-run double by Uggla, 6-0 Fish
2007-09-30 10:36:41
43.   bhsportsguy
NBC is doing this sports update talking about all of these possibilities of tiebreakers. Obviously they are not aware of what is going on Shea.
2007-09-30 10:36:47
44.   Scanman33
Check me, 7-0
2007-09-30 10:37:15
45.   Bob Timmermann
40
All the Cardinals pitchers bat 8th. La Russa has been doing that for the last two months of the season.

It's actually worked out well. Except that all the Cardinal players got hurt.

2007-09-30 10:37:38
46.   bhsportsguy
41 But "Met" fan is not going to leave early to get home to watch football right?
2007-09-30 10:37:59
47.   Slikk
7-0!

I go Giants/Pads/Yankees/Mets. AZ is working on me. I have a fondness for CO for some reason.

2007-09-30 10:38:06
48.   Bob Timmermann
42
Yeah, even Bengie Molina scores from second on a bases-loaded double. ;)
2007-09-30 10:40:16
49.   Vishal
39 which game?
2007-09-30 10:41:02
50.   bhsportsguy
49 The one where the guy fumbled the ball out of the end zone.
Show/Hide Comments 51-100
2007-09-30 10:42:19
51.   Bob Timmermann
And I can't switch over to the Phillies game because my cable system won't give me more than 10 slots for Extra Innings.
2007-09-30 10:43:18
52.   bhsportsguy
For LAT's sake, I hope Shawn Green at least gets an at bat today.
2007-09-30 10:43:32
53.   Bob Timmermann
I think it's good that Dmitri Young has made himself available to play the last two days for Washington.

I'm sure the Mets appreciate it.

2007-09-30 10:44:05
54.   Bob Timmermann
52
They better knock Willis out for Green to get a chance to bat.
2007-09-30 10:44:19
55.   bhsportsguy
Moyer gets out of the top of the 1st. No score with the Phillies coming to bat.
2007-09-30 10:46:53
56.   Bob Timmermann
The Marlins announcers said that the first inning was the 10th time this year the Marlins scored 5+ runs in an inning, which is the major league high.

And that just doesn't sound right.

2007-09-30 10:48:35
57.   ToyCannon
Larry, I'll be there today. Come by and say hi.
2007-09-30 10:49:39
58.   Bob Timmermann
56
And it isn't right. Maybe they meant the Marlins were the worst.

The Yankees have 31 5+ runs innings this season.

2007-09-30 10:51:13
59.   trainwreck
Maybe they meant in the first?
2007-09-30 10:51:54
60.   Jon Weisman
When did ESPN stop televising key final-day games like it used to?
2007-09-30 10:52:33
61.   Bob Timmermann
The Marlins just have 10 5+ run innings all year. I can't believe they've all been in the first.
2007-09-30 10:53:04
62.   Jon Weisman
Jorge Sosa is the tying run for the Mets.
2007-09-30 10:53:40
63.   Bob Timmermann
60
I don't think they did it last year. They probably don't want to do it because they don't have the rights to show any tiebreaker games. So there's no reason for them to show a game that would publicize a game on another network.
2007-09-30 10:54:14
64.   Vishal
50 haha you know it. i was kinda dying at the end there, so the outcome resulted in more relief than joy really... but it was good. :)
2007-09-30 10:54:47
65.   Bob Timmermann
Castro shows warning track power with the bases loaded.

Fish 7, Mets 1 after 1.

2007-09-30 10:55:25
66.   bhsportsguy
57 Sorry I missed the game, thanks again for the invite.

I mentioned this to ToyCannon and what does everyone think of moving someone like John Shoemaker or even Steve "Boomer" Yeager to the MLB staff next season.

Not that younger players need an "ally" but it would be similar to when Lasorda came up as a coach as Garvey, Cey, et. al., came up.

Yeager would be less of a threat as a possible managerial candidate and he has the Dodger legacy. And he played a 3B coach in the movies.

2007-09-30 10:56:52
67.   Bob Timmermann
#199 for Ryan Howard!
2007-09-30 10:58:07
68.   bhsportsguy
Rollins singles, steals two bases, and scores on a Utley sacrifice fly. 1-0, Phillies after 1.
2007-09-30 11:01:34
69.   MikeB
Another MLB team faced with difficult transitional integrational decisions.

"This is one of the most critical off-seasons in memory, with the club having to decide whom from its core group of players it can afford to sign for next year and beyond."

http://tinyurl.com/36zsqg

2007-09-30 11:07:10
70.   CeyHey10
Was too tired to fire up the computer again, but did anyone catch Steve Lyons' comments on the post-game last night (after LuGo's interview)? He contended that Lugo, Kent, and Nomar feel that while the youngsters look good on paper, and while the older guys have endured their share of criticism, if you take a look at the standings, when the Dodgers were playing the old guys, they were in first place. And since they've started playing the younger guys, well, they've been sinking like a rock. Anybody able to supply any empirical data on this? Perhaps records with Kent, Nomar, and LuGo all playing -- vs. records when they weren't?
2007-09-30 11:07:22
71.   bhsportsguy
Percy just pitched 1 inning, so no at bat for him today.
2007-09-30 11:07:44
72.   Bob Timmermann
Old friend Sandy Alomar pinch hitting in the second for the Mets.
2007-09-30 11:09:30
73.   Bob Timmermann
71
The Cardinals could use 9 pitchers today, each for one inning.
2007-09-30 11:12:16
74.   Bob Timmermann
Leadoff homer for Brian Giles in Milwaukee.
2007-09-30 11:12:21
75.   Jon Weisman
70 - Stupidity. It's true about the records, but that has more to do with the team's starting pitching in the two halves than anything.
2007-09-30 11:14:28
76.   bhsportsguy
70 Its a misleading argument because Kent and Nomar played when they were healthy and the only "kids" who played regularly was Loney and Kemp.

The team was in first place with them and without them.

The old guys played until the past week, the only one who lost time was Luis Gonzalez, though I'm sure both Ethier and Kemp thought they should have played more.

2007-09-30 11:15:15
77.   Bob Timmermann
Despite a 25-minute head start, the Mets game has fallen behind the Phillies game in pace.
2007-09-30 11:15:15
78.   Jon Weisman
AP poll:

1. LSU 1,593 (33)
2. USC 1,591 (32)

2007-09-30 11:16:37
79.   Bob Timmermann
And Cal is #3!
2007-09-30 11:17:14
80.   Bluebleeder87
the Indians broadcasters are having a sprinkle of difficulty saying Hochevar you kind of can't blame them.
2007-09-30 11:17:56
81.   Bob Timmermann
UCLA is #25 in the USA Today poll, but 30th in the AP poll.
2007-09-30 11:18:46
82.   CeyHey10
75 Ah, yes, the "meddling" third variable at work here. Agreed, and a nice retort to what may well become a rationale for the activities of the off-season.
2007-09-30 11:19:51
83.   Vishal
73 that would be all kinds of awesome. pleeeease tony, make it so!
2007-09-30 11:21:29
84.   Bob Timmermann
83
Kip Wells pitched a second inning, sorry.

Triple for Dontrelle Willis in New York.

2007-09-30 11:21:36
85.   Vishal
78 that's interesting, because the USA today poll has:

USA Today
1. USC (45)
2. LSU (14)

that's not even close.

2007-09-30 11:22:36
86.   Bob Timmermann
Bases loaded, two outs in the first in Milwaukee for the World Series Hero.
2007-09-30 11:23:23
87.   Bob Timmermann
3-0 Padres after Blum doubles.

And a dark cloud settles over Denver.

2007-09-30 11:24:46
88.   Bob Timmermann
South Florida is 6 in the AP poll and 9 in the USA Today poll.

South Florida. I don't even know their nickname!

2007-09-30 11:27:27
89.   Jon Weisman
Sometimes you want to go
Where no one knows your name
And they're ambivalent you came
2007-09-30 11:28:00
90.   Jon Weisman
Bases loaded for Utley, one out.
2007-09-30 11:30:38
91.   Bob Timmermann
The University of South Florida Bulls.
2007-09-30 11:31:07
92.   trainwreck
88
Da Bulls.
2007-09-30 11:32:39
93.   Jon Weisman
87 - Will Tomko evaporate it?
2007-09-30 11:33:13
94.   Jon Weisman
Willis has thrown 72 pitches to get 8 outs.
2007-09-30 11:34:38
95.   Bob Timmermann
94
Tony Jackson would be very displeased.

Old Friend Paul Lo Duca batting with the bases loaded and two outs.

2007-09-30 11:35:52
96.   Bob Timmermann
3-0 Phillies as Howard singles in two.
2007-09-30 11:37:36
97.   Jon Weisman
Four more balls, and Willis is removed.
2007-09-30 11:40:10
98.   Bob Timmermann
The Mets have now left 8 runners on base in three innings.
2007-09-30 11:41:12
99.   Jon Weisman
And the Mets have now left eight runners in three innings.
2007-09-30 11:41:14
100.   underdog
LaChoke-a.
Show/Hide Comments 101-150
2007-09-30 11:41:33
101.   underdog
And the Mets have now left... D'oh!
2007-09-30 11:41:35
102.   Vishal
95 old friend hits a friendly comebacker to end the inning :)
2007-09-30 11:41:45
103.   Jon Weisman
Blast!
2007-09-30 11:42:00
104.   bhsportsguy
If protecting the Dodgers first round pick concerns you, better pull for a Tomko meltdown, the Dodgers magic number for overall spot 16, is one.
2007-09-30 11:42:31
105.   Vishal
bob used the digit instead of typing out the word, so he was able to squeak in ahead of jon :)
2007-09-30 11:42:47
106.   Bob Timmermann
It's a D4P special in Milwaukee, I believe that Joe Dillon got an error on what would have been a DP. It went 6-4-E3.
2007-09-30 11:42:51
107.   bhsportsguy
102 Probably his last at-bat as a Met.
2007-09-30 11:43:39
108.   Bob Timmermann
The official scorer apparently didn't give Dillon an error.
2007-09-30 11:44:46
109.   bhsportsguy
According to Fox, the playoffs start on October 12th.

Anything that happens before then will just be a rumor.

2007-09-30 11:45:23
110.   D4P
One of these players has four years and over $36 million left on his contract. The other player is unemployed.

EQA:
Juan Pierre = .255
Jose Cruz Jr. = .258

OPS+
Juan Pierre = 76
Jose Cruz Jr. = 84

2007-09-30 11:45:57
111.   JoeyP
If the Padres win, the Dodgers draft pick is not protected, correct?
2007-09-30 11:46:20
112.   Bob Timmermann
RBI single for Kearns and it's 3-1 Phillies.
2007-09-30 11:47:53
113.   bhsportsguy
111 Yep. It would take a Brewers win plus a Dodgers loss.
2007-09-30 11:48:41
114.   D4P
106
I don't remember why that's one of my specials...
2007-09-30 11:49:30
115.   Bob Timmermann
114
We had a lengthy debate where I kept picking on you.

I suppose you've forgotten about it or succumbed to Stockholm Syndrome.

2007-09-30 11:49:36
116.   Vishal
113 if brewers management knows this, what's stopping them from putting out a AAA lineup?
2007-09-30 11:50:21
117.   D4P
We had a lengthy debate where I kept picking on you

Which one...?

2007-09-30 11:50:52
118.   Bob Timmermann
116
Prince Fielder isn't starting today and Brett Tomko is going through the lineup like a hot knife through butter.
2007-09-30 11:51:49
119.   Bluebleeder87
104

There playing in Milwaukee (only a 3 run lead) & Tomko is home run prone so I think chances are pretty good that Tomko will meltdown.

2007-09-30 11:52:09
120.   Bob Timmermann
The Marlins and Nats have both gone to the bullpen, so they are the first teams to play a full season without a complete game.

The Rangers will likely join them.

2007-09-30 11:52:20
121.   Vishal
118 he's arguably injured.. but like, they could rest hardy and braun, and start a young, inexperienced guy instead of suppan...
2007-09-30 11:53:25
122.   Bob Timmermann
121
Suppan is pitching poorly on his own. The Brewers look like they are just going through the motions. There is booing in Milwaukee.
2007-09-30 11:53:30
123.   D4P
they are the first teams to play a full season without a complete game

Think of all the "Hold" opportunities!

2007-09-30 11:54:26
124.   Bob Timmermann
They showed Fielder in the dugout and he's in a walking boot.

Jason Lane may just help the Padres into the playoffs after all.

2007-09-30 11:54:44
125.   bhsportsguy
116 Well, for one, Ned Yost probably doesn't care about draft picks.
2007-09-30 11:55:29
126.   Bob Timmermann
The BTF game chatter for the Mets game is already at 459 comments.

Most of them brief.

And angry.

2007-09-30 11:57:49
127.   Bob Timmermann
The Marlins lead the majors in holds with 113.

Washington is second with 102.

Brandon Lyon leads the majors with 35 and Heath Bell has 34.

2007-09-30 11:59:27
128.   Vishal
126 ah, mets fans. heheheh
2007-09-30 12:00:32
129.   D4P
127
Neato. My hunch was correct.

The weird thing, though, is that the league leaders in Holds have such poor records...

2007-09-30 12:01:44
130.   bhsportsguy
Ultimate irony, Brady Clark and Brett Tomko deserve full playoff shares from the Padres.
2007-09-30 12:02:06
131.   Bob Timmermann
129
Tampa Bay has the fewest however.

Holds are likely easier to pick up in the NL because teams will go through more pitchers.

The top AL team has 87.

2007-09-30 12:03:14
132.   Bob Timmermann
8-1 Fish after a De Aza RBI single.
2007-09-30 12:03:55
133.   Bob Timmermann
And the Mets are on to their fifth pitcher in the fifth inning.
2007-09-30 12:07:08
134.   underdog
A long off-season is awaiting the Mets and their fans, even longer, perhaps, than ours.
2007-09-30 12:08:22
135.   Bob Timmermann
134
I would think that Randolph and Peterson might be needing to post resumes on Monster.com soon.
2007-09-30 12:09:04
136.   das411
WOW Rollins throws one harder than anything from Moyer today to get Maxwell at first!

and the king of the elderly lefties is now eligible to win!!

2007-09-30 12:09:16
137.   Bob Timmermann
Carlos Delgado broke his hand when he got hit by a pitch, so even if the Mets rally, he's done for the year.
2007-09-30 12:11:33
138.   underdog
135 "Dynamic, competitive and experienced management professional, with long history of championship experience, seeks long term position with team preferably in a smaller market."
2007-09-30 12:13:37
139.   D4P
There are 2 games on TV here today:

Tigers vs. White Sox on WGN
Braves vs. Astros on TBS

2007-09-30 12:13:46
140.   trainwreck
I think Randolph will be safe.
2007-09-30 12:16:34
141.   Bob Timmermann
We keep waiting for the "Tomko Inning" but I don't sense it coming today.

I also think that Bud Black will have a very quick hook today.

2007-09-30 12:17:49
142.   bhsportsguy
Carlos Quentin gets to start instead of Eric Byrnes today, its his first start since August 1st.
2007-09-30 12:22:18
143.   Johnny Nucleo
140 I don't know. The fans and the NY media will be hungry for blood.
2007-09-30 12:23:52
144.   Bluebleeder87
Well if anything I hope the Dodgers finish above .500 & hopefully Russell Martin goes 20/20, I'm off to my game.
2007-09-30 12:24:44
145.   Bob Timmermann
Rank the old crafty lefties for this year.
Presented in alphabetical order: Tom Glavine, Jamie Moyer, David Wells
2007-09-30 12:25:33
146.   Bob Timmermann
Braun steals third and scores on an error by Bard.

It's now 3-1 Padres.

2007-09-30 12:26:15
147.   Bob Timmermann
Hart follows with a homer. It's 3-2 Padres.

San Diego, we feel your pain.

2007-09-30 12:28:46
148.   Vishal
147 YESSS! bombko, inc. is back in business :)
2007-09-30 12:30:32
149.   Bob Timmermann
Tomko avoids further damage.

3-2 Padres after 4.

2007-09-30 12:31:15
150.   Slikk
Come on Tomko, keep blowing it for one more inning here.
Show/Hide Comments 151-200
2007-09-30 12:32:02
151.   Bob Timmermann
Pitcher #6 in for the Mets now.
2007-09-30 12:35:38
152.   Bob Timmermann
Greene homers. Padres 4, Brewers 2.
2007-09-30 12:36:09
153.   Slikk
Starting to despise Greene.
2007-09-30 12:44:47
154.   Bob Timmermann
Sac fly for Iguchi makes it 4-1 Phils.
2007-09-30 12:45:31
155.   Bob Timmermann
Weeks singles in Miller. 4-3 Padres.

Meredith appears to be ready.

2007-09-30 12:47:12
156.   regfairfield
The Mets don't even have someone to scapegoat, so things should be really interesting. Their pitching was supposed to be horrible but Maine and Oliver stepped up. Lo Duca might get the brunt, but he's gone. Delgado was pretty bad, but there's no way he's going anywhere. Should be interesting to see if they go back to the old Mets overreaction.
2007-09-30 12:48:10
157.   Bob Timmermann
A pair of wild pitches moves Weeks to third.
2007-09-30 12:49:00
158.   Slikk
YES YES Tomko come on, blow it like you did so many times here ...
2007-09-30 12:49:51
159.   Slikk
Can't believe Tomko's still in the game. Let's hope he stays ...
2007-09-30 12:49:55
160.   Bob Timmermann
Tomko walks Hardy and he's gone with one out in the fifth.

Rollins triples in a run to make it 5-1 Phillies.

2007-09-30 12:50:03
161.   Slikk
Darn!
2007-09-30 12:53:28
162.   das411
20!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Rollins inaugurates the 30-20-40-30 club, 5-1 Phils!!

2007-09-30 12:53:33
163.   Bob Timmermann
Tied up in Milwaukee 4-4 on an RBI single from Braun. Braun moved up a base on a throw to third.
2007-09-30 12:53:40
164.   Slikk
YES!!!!!!!!!
2007-09-30 12:54:16
165.   Slikk
RYAN BRAUN MAKES IT 4-4! I LOVE YOU!
2007-09-30 12:56:07
166.   Bob Timmermann
5-4 Brewers now on a sac fly.
2007-09-30 12:56:45
167.   Slikk
I'm having a heart attack over here. Such is my hatred for the Padres.
2007-09-30 12:57:41
168.   Slikk
You have to be kidding me! Okay Colorado, get the bats swinging ... come on baby.
2007-09-30 12:58:00
169.   Humma Kavula
Milwaukee might already be dead, but: rage, rage against the dying of the light!
2007-09-30 13:00:07
170.   D4P
Hating the Padres seems to me like hating Shawn Green. What's the point?

Is hating San Diego an "LA" thing or something? I never knew about this hatred when I was growing up. The Padres were always little more than an afterthought.

2007-09-30 13:01:52
171.   das411
6 outs left in the Mets' season...and JC Romero gets Batista to fly to Bourn! 5-1 mid 7th in Phila!
2007-09-30 13:03:02
172.   Vishal
170 i don't hate the padres but i don't want them to win.
2007-09-30 13:03:33
173.   Vishal
169 dylan thomas, right?
2007-09-30 13:04:41
174.   Linkmeister
Man, the Mets' collapse may not be up there with some of the epic ones, but it's no slouch. The gnashing of teeth is going to be heard from Queens to Honolulu.
2007-09-30 13:04:56
175.   Johnny Nucleo
Our secret weapon of revenge: Brett Tomko
2007-09-30 13:05:11
176.   Pedro Astacio
170. D4P, you have never lived in San Diego or have any Padre fans as friends before, right?
2007-09-30 13:05:35
177.   scareduck
170 - exactly. The Padres-LA rivalry has always been one-sided.

I'm horribly conflicted about the Pads/Brewers game because (1) I generally like the Padres (not least because we have a couple close friends who are Padres fans), (2) yet, Brett Tomko sucked as a Dodger. There would be something wonderfully confirming of my opinion of his inabilities if he were the proximate cause of a Padres choke with their season on the line.

2007-09-30 13:05:55
178.   D4P
D4P, you have never lived in San Diego or have any Padre fans as friends before, right?

Correct.

2007-09-30 13:07:36
179.   Linkmeister
"Are you now or have you ever been a Padres fan?

"Have you no decency, sir?"

2007-09-30 13:07:53
180.   bhsportsguy
Remember, the Padres losing is only part of the equation, they need the Rockies or the Mets win to make it matter.
2007-09-30 13:08:14
181.   Bob Timmermann
170
Almost all the Padres advertising is based around beating the Dodgers. Or disliking the Dodgers.
I can also remind you of the events of 1996. If Dodger Thoughts existed then, it would have been awful.

With the exception of the 4+1 Game, I'm hard-pressed to think of an important game between the two teams that the Dodgers have won.

2007-09-30 13:08:41
182.   D4P
The Rockies's game is interesting in more ways than one.
2007-09-30 13:09:24
183.   Johnny Nucleo
Tomko's game score: 37.
2007-09-30 13:09:26
184.   Bob Timmermann
In 1999, when Kevin Brown made his first start for the Dodgers pitching in San Diego, the Swinging Friar mascot walked around the stands with an effigy of Brown and asked fans to hit it with a baseball bat.

It's a high class organization.

2007-09-30 13:10:01
185.   regfairfield
For the longest time, it seemed like the Padres would stink, yet we would always go something like 4-12 on the season against them and miss the playoffs by three games. That's good reason to dislike them.
2007-09-30 13:12:43
186.   Ken Noe
I've never lived in California or cared about Cali civic rivalries, but until the Giants rise from the grave, the Padres are the Dodgers' most obvious rival. They fill the place Atlanta and Cincinnati did in days of yore.
2007-09-30 13:13:08
187.   Gen3Blue
Looks like a tough road for the Mets alright.
2007-09-30 13:16:03
188.   D4P
When would the likely playoff game between the Padres and Rockies take place...?
2007-09-30 13:16:34
189.   Vishal
188 haha let's not start calling it likely yet
2007-09-30 13:16:50
190.   bigcpa
Ubaldo! 4ip, 0h, 0er, 9k, 2bb.

The Rockies might be favored to win the West in 2008 at this point.

2007-09-30 13:18:45
191.   Bob Timmermann
The Cardinals are up to 9 pitchers. They will likely tie the record of 10.
2007-09-30 13:18:53
192.   confucius
That was Juan Pierre's going away present to Dodger fans. A misplayed ball in center. Happy offseason everybody!
2007-09-30 13:19:30
193.   willhite
Pierre's play on Winn's shot was absolutely classic JP.

Gets a late start, turns the wrong way and then when it bounces off the wall he isn't tall enough to get it on the rebound.

2007-09-30 13:19:57
194.   Slikk
184 - I was at that game. It was NOT a good thing. I had my Mondesi jersey on too ...

San Diego fans despise LA. Trust me. So I despise back.

2007-09-30 13:20:08
195.   Bob Timmermann
188
Denver.
2007-09-30 13:20:22
196.   Gen3Blue
Seems like a standard scenario for most of our pitchers in the second half. Can't find the plate in the first inning. Couldn't this be a coaching issue?
2007-09-30 13:20:41
197.   D4P
195
But when? Tomorrow?
2007-09-30 13:20:47
198.   Ken Noe
In case you missed it, the Kamenetzky's in "Blue Notes" confirm that Colletti and Little will be back next year. The press met with them and McCourt before the game.
2007-09-30 13:20:52
199.   Slikk
Oh, leave Pierre alone. He's tired. This season isn't on his shoulders.
2007-09-30 13:20:59
200.   underdog
Holy cow, Trainwreck, does your QB really have 5 TDs (running and passing) on only 100 yards total? Crazy.
Show/Hide Comments 201-250
2007-09-30 13:22:32
201.   trainwreck
200
Yes!!!

We are .500!!

2007-09-30 13:22:51
202.   D4P
According to Gameday, each of the first two pitches to Pierre (called "balls") was in the strike zone.
2007-09-30 13:24:21
203.   D4P
Has anyone ever seen any research on something like "Homeplate Umpire ERA"...? It would be interesting to see if any umps have much higher-scoring games than others, controlling for the teams played, stadiums, etc.
2007-09-30 13:24:32
204.   Bob Timmermann
197
It would be tomorrow. Probably a night game.
2007-09-30 13:25:06
205.   Gen3Blue
193 Kenny L. did a lot of that last year, but he was not in his prime. I I didn't know baseball and watched the last two years, I would think that was how it was done.
2007-09-30 13:26:37
206.   Bob Timmermann
203
Yes, there is research like that. It's hard to get a reading on home parks though because of sample sizes.
2007-09-30 13:28:39
207.   D4P
206
Has anyone looked at the percentage of pitches called strikes and balls by various umps? That could be interesting too.
2007-09-30 13:29:14
208.   Bob Timmermann
207
Yes, they have.
2007-09-30 13:30:33
209.   regfairfield
207 Yep.

http://tinyurl.com/2lh9d3

2007-09-30 13:30:35
210.   D4P
208
Thanks. Maybe someday I'll ask you what they found.
2007-09-30 13:30:50
211.   Bob Timmermann
One out to go in New York. Three outs to go in Philadelphia.
2007-09-30 13:31:18
212.   Bob Timmermann
It's over in New York.
2007-09-30 13:31:35
213.   underdog
201 Cool. Maybe like the Dodgers they can strive to be over .500!

Bummed the Indy-Denver game isn't on TV here, because I guess when the Niners are on it means they can't show any games on the other channel, so powerful and mighty are they.

2007-09-30 13:34:20
214.   Bob Timmermann
9-4 Brewers after a Gross 3-RBI triple.

No longer interesting in Colorado.

2007-09-30 13:34:22
215.   MMSMikey
congrats to the phillies, what a way to finish.
2007-09-30 13:34:31
216.   bigcpa
Imagine the Phillies in the playoffs with a 1-2 of Myers-Hamels. Oh well.
2007-09-30 13:34:35
217.   regfairfield
So who thought that Kevin Kouzmanoff would finish as the 15th VORPiest third baseman in baseball after he OPSed .300 in April?
2007-09-30 13:34:38
218.   Slikk
YES!!!! 9-3 MILWAUKEE!
2007-09-30 13:35:14
219.   regfairfield
Also, who thinks that if Kevin Kouzmanoff was a Dodger he would have been traded for a sack of magic beans by now?
2007-09-30 13:36:57
220.   underdog
Ooh, statue of liberty play against the Colts. Love it. (Listening on the radio.)

Unhappy times in Mudsville, er, Metsville.

2007-09-30 13:37:51
221.   Gen3Blue
Ah, Tomko!
2007-09-30 13:38:58
222.   underdog
219 I don't know if that's quite fair - who's the equivalent for the Dodgers? Loney? Kemp? LaRoche?
2007-09-30 13:39:41
223.   Slikk
219 - none of our top prospects are gone ...
2007-09-30 13:40:14
224.   regfairfield
222 Betemit or LaRoche.
2007-09-30 13:40:26
225.   Slikk
Jimenez is pitching incredible - 6 IP, 10K, 1H
2007-09-30 13:40:29
226.   Vishal
219 raises hand
2007-09-30 13:42:55
227.   JoeyP
Betemit, Joel Guzman, Edwin Jackson etc.

Those 3 are comparables to Kouz.

2007-09-30 13:43:01
228.   underdog
I think Kouzmanoff was considered one of the best third base prospects in baseball last year, while Betemit was considered pretty good. Separate from the dumbness of trading Betemit, I still think if they had Kouzmanoff they would've kept him. But anyway...

The Indians traded him for Josh Barfield.

2007-09-30 13:45:18
229.   Slikk
If there's a playoff game tomorrow is that considered part of the season or post-season for stat purposes?
2007-09-30 13:46:28
230.   underdog
227 Right, three guys Ned traded away. How does that prove Kouzmanoff is comparable to them in actuality?

Kouzmanoff:
- 2006 - Eastern League All-Star 3B
- 2006 - Double-A All-Star DH
- 2006 - Baseball America 1st team Minor League All-Star DH
- 2006 - Cleveland Indians Minor League Player of the Year

Anyway, no way to prove what would happen, and I don't like Ned enough to argue much more in his behalf, but I still don't think it's quite fair. LaRoche does seem like a fair comparison, though. Either way, wouldn't mind having him on my team.

2007-09-30 13:47:13
231.   bigcpa
Rockies on the board 1-0.
2007-09-30 13:48:06
232.   JoeyP
Compare Guzman's propsect ranking with Kouz's from 2006. Very similar, with Guz having quite a bit more upside due to his age.
2007-09-30 13:48:15
233.   Bob Timmermann
Even worse news for the Padres, Bob Wickman is relieving!
2007-09-30 13:48:24
234.   regfairfield
230 I think Betemit works because Ned gave up a ton of value to get him, then gave up on him after just one bad month this year.
2007-09-30 13:49:03
235.   MC Safety
wow go rockies.
2007-09-30 13:50:01
236.   regfairfield
The Rockies just tried to suicide squeeze with two outs.

It didn't work.

2007-09-30 13:50:29
237.   Vishal
rox are on the board!!
2007-09-30 13:50:44
238.   Vishal
231 whoops
2007-09-30 13:51:29
239.   Bob Timmermann
And I had such a nice photo for the Mets making the playoffs.

Sadly, it will go unseen.

2007-09-30 13:52:15
240.   Vishal
239 you can show it anyway. mockingly.
2007-09-30 13:52:23
241.   MMSMikey
you know, i really dont feel bad the dodgers lost 7 in a row to the rockies now, thats what the padres get for beating up on the dodgers every year. I hope the rockies win today and tomorrow and peavy eats it.
2007-09-30 13:54:10
242.   Bob Timmermann
240
I found a photo of Condoleezza Rice with Mr. Met in the background and the headline was going to be "Mets negotiate historic playoff spot accord."
2007-09-30 13:55:46
243.   Linkmeister
242 You could still use it; just caption it "nobody imagined the Mets would fly into oblivion."
2007-09-30 13:56:42
244.   Gen3Blue
I'm afraid Zito's got the hook working today: Maybe the second time through will do better.
2007-09-30 13:57:12
245.   Vishal
241 oh no, they've got peavy going tomorrow against colorado in a playoff game?
2007-09-30 13:58:13
246.   Gen3Blue
Make that we'll.
2007-09-30 13:58:48
247.   das411
216 - What say you Hamels, Kendrick, Ancient Mariner?

239 - What type of fish does the picture show Bob?!?!?

2007-09-30 13:59:51
248.   Bob Timmermann
247
The Mets fish is up already.
2007-09-30 14:00:07
249.   Gen3Blue
If Peavey pitches tomorrow, doesn't that reduce his subsequent use in the play-offs.
2007-09-30 14:00:07
250.   underdog
Separate from feelings about the guy overall, is there any reason why Pierre should play any further into this game? I mean, c'mon, put Young or Kemp in center.
Show/Hide Comments 251-300
2007-09-30 14:00:44
251.   bigcpa
247 I've got an axe to grind because Myers was my #1 starter in roto. I've never heard a good reason why the guy got pulled out of the rotation. 68ip from that guy is a major waste.
2007-09-30 14:00:52
252.   Bob Timmermann
Jimenez out, Julio in.

2 on, 2 outs. Quentin at bat.

2007-09-30 14:00:53
253.   Vishal
249 yeah but if you lose tomorrow there ARE no playoffs, so tomorrow is more important.
2007-09-30 14:01:27
254.   Gen3Blue
JP should have left that rebound for Kemp, just for the arm.
2007-09-30 14:01:46
255.   Bob Timmermann
Actually there's just one out in Denver.
2007-09-30 14:02:07
256.   bigcpa
1-1 in Coors. 2 on, 1 out.
2007-09-30 14:02:19
257.   regfairfield
251 They're the Phillies isn't a good enough reason?
2007-09-30 14:02:37
258.   Bob Timmermann
And it's tied 1-1 in Denver now.
2007-09-30 14:02:40
259.   MMSMikey
yes, peavy slated to start tomorrow if needed.
2007-09-30 14:03:05
260.   Vishal
258 julio was perhaps not the best option.
2007-09-30 14:03:24
261.   Vishal
259 would that be on normal or short rest?
2007-09-30 14:03:42
262.   bigcpa
Julio is the Rockies' Roberto Hernandez.
2007-09-30 14:05:04
263.   Bob Timmermann
Peavy would be pitching on normal rest Monday.

But that may not be an issue.

2007-09-30 14:05:21
264.   Vishal
5 outs to go in milwaukee
2007-09-30 14:07:28
265.   trainwreck
Come on Dodgers. I got to beat D4P in the contest for predicting the teams record.
2007-09-30 14:07:32
266.   Gen3Blue
Even though Stults is surviving on amazing luck and defense, he and Houlton seem so much better options than Tomko and Hendrickson. How can anyone pay millions to that kind of pitcher and survive?

I guess we didn't.

2007-09-30 14:08:17
267.   MMSMikey
normal i belive, after they started him on 3 days rest a while back they saind they would'nt do it again because it didnt go well.
2007-09-30 14:09:21
268.   underdog
So if the Dodgers lose that seals their 15th pick in the draft? (Looking on bright side)

I can only watch portions of this Fan Depreciation Day game, and maybe they'll come back, but, at least there's that.

2007-09-30 14:10:48
269.   Vishal
ray king gets brian giles. 3 outs to go.
2007-09-30 14:11:32
270.   Bob Timmermann
Cirillo strikes out to end the DBacks threat.

If Cirillo had driven in a run there, we would have heard Mark Donohue's screams echoing throughout the lands.

Mr. Cirillo is not popular with Rockies fans.

2007-09-30 14:11:51
271.   Vishal
and fuentes gets both jackson and cirillo to end the threat in the 7th! still tied 1-1 in colorado.
2007-09-30 14:12:25
272.   CanuckDodger
For the sake of the draft pick, I'm rooting for the Dodgers to lose today, which is hard, because I don't really want the kids to look bad on the last day of the season, when a bad impression might linger in Colletti and Little's minds.
2007-09-30 14:13:05
273.   Gen3Blue
How the heck did two men get on base so quick!
2007-09-30 14:15:44
274.   Bob Timmermann
That fly ball single is not going to sit well with some people.
2007-09-30 14:16:21
275.   Bob Timmermann
Assist Juan Pierre!
2007-09-30 14:17:03
276.   blue22
The Rockies announcer mistakenly overheard as the telecast was going into break when Fuentes was coming in to pitch to Conor Jackson and Jeff Cirillo, dejectedly:

"and they're bringing in the wrong guy..."

2 strike outs later, Fuentes is out of the inning.

2007-09-30 14:17:08
277.   underdog
275 Seriously? And I missed it!

Maybe he'll get a walk today too.

2007-09-30 14:17:56
278.   Vishal
woo.
2007-09-30 14:18:34
279.   Gen3Blue
Oh that was the most beautiful keystone cops play this year. I can't really resent this game, because it is a microcausm of this year. It is what happens when you leave the fielders standing around watching walks.

Thank god, we may have got lucky on that play at the plate.

2007-09-30 14:18:38
280.   Vishal
275 wait a sec, doesn't valdez get that assist?
2007-09-30 14:20:15
281.   Vishal
corey hart triples in a run! more insurance for milwaukee :)
2007-09-30 14:21:03
282.   Bob Timmermann
280
8-4-2
2007-09-30 14:24:46
283.   CanuckDodger
By the way, I watched Edwin Jackson's game against the Blue Jays yesterday (7.0 IP, 3H's, 1 ER, 5 BB's, 6 K's). He looked outstanding. Jackson really has a better arm than any current Dodger pitcher. He was hitting 99 MPH with his fastball right to the end, and I never saw it fall below 94. Billingsley can't reach 99 MPH, and Broxton can only reach that by being a reliever who can go all out for one innning (as a starter Broxton's velocity would be more like Billingsley's). The Blue Jays announcers were talking about how they could not understand how the Dodgers could have given up on Jackson. They mentioned all the players involved in the trade (Jackson, Tiffany, Baez, Carter), then said that if they were Tampa Bay's management they would make that trade any day of the week.
2007-09-30 14:25:47
284.   Slikk
Whoa, it's Oscar Robles.
2007-09-30 14:26:33
285.   Vishal
old friend oscar robles grounds out. 2 outs to go!
2007-09-30 14:27:12
286.   Vishal
and brian fuentes seems to have lost the strike zone... :/
2007-09-30 14:27:50
287.   regfairfield
283 I'm pretty sure almost any team in baseball would have made that trade in a heartbeat.

To be fair, while he clearly has the talent, the performance isn't quite there yet. The second half was encouraging but he still got out ERA+d by Tomdrickson this year.

2007-09-30 14:29:20
288.   Vishal
the kouz homers. padres down by 6, two outs to go.

287 if "any team" would make that trade, then why were the dodgers willing to make it? we were that dumb?

2007-09-30 14:29:53
289.   Vishal
adrian gonzalez makes it back to back! brewers by 5, still 2 outs to go.
2007-09-30 14:30:42
290.   StolenMonkey86
288 - Danys Baez was a proven closer.

In a word, yes.

2007-09-30 14:31:17
291.   Gen3Blue
Looks like Houlton should have started. I would have picked him.
2007-09-30 14:31:19
292.   Vishal
spicoli, er, greene flies out. padres down to their last out.
2007-09-30 14:32:41
293.   Vishal
sledge keeps it alive with a single.
2007-09-30 14:32:42
294.   ucladodger
283

The key for Edwin is throwing his off-speed pitches for strikes. Everybody in baseball knows he has one of the best arms in the game, but unless he throws his off-speed he gets killed. A few starts ago against the Angels he was throwing almost all fastballs and gave up 14 hits. He has been mixing it up much better in the second half of the year, but he still reverts to his fastball too much. I'd really like to see him develop a curve or splitter to add to his repotoire. I think next year he will be much better because he has seen what leads to success, which mainly is throwing strikes witrh his secondary offerings. If he can do that, everything else will fall into place.

2007-09-30 14:33:29
295.   Vishal
barrett follows with a double. 2nd and 3rd, 2 out, pads down by 5 still.
2007-09-30 14:34:49
296.   Vishal
and finally old friend brady clark succumbs. brewers win!
2007-09-30 14:36:16
297.   Vishal
meanwhile the rox have first and third, no out, helton at the plate!
2007-09-30 14:36:56
298.   Bob Timmermann
1st and 3rd and no outs for the Rockies in the 8th. Helton at bat.
2007-09-30 14:37:22
299.   Bob Timmermann
298
Stupid rainbow ball slowing down my typing.
2007-09-30 14:37:29
300.   CanuckDodger
287 -- I agree, the performance still hasn't come close to the potential. Jackson was 23 this year, same age as LaRoche, and some guys just aren't MLB proficient at 23. Jackson's control and command just aren't that great yet.

I know you read USS Mariner, so you might have seen Dave Cameron's plea for the Mariners to trade for one of the Devil Rays' under-performing starters, and he specifically named Jackson. Cameron noted that the Devil Rays are the worst team in baseball at turning balls in play into outs, and when you see how many hits Jackson gave up, you have to think a better defense could have limited the damage much better. Also, how much easier would Jackson have found pitching in the NL West compared to the AL East, if he were still a Dodger?

Show/Hide Comments 301-350
2007-09-30 14:37:37
301.   Gen3Blue
I think the snakes have a world of trouble now.
2007-09-30 14:38:40
302.   Slikk
Mr. MVP just got a huge hit -- with that closer of theirs I think we're going to see a game tomorrow!
2007-09-30 14:39:07
303.   Vishal
"bill murphy" pitching for the snakes. is this the same billy murphy as from "the trade"?
2007-09-30 14:40:10
304.   Vishal
bases loaded for atkins.
2007-09-30 14:40:54
305.   dianagramr
the atkins diet works!
2007-09-30 14:41:01
306.   Bob Timmermann
Best news yet, I found where the Rockies-DBacks game is hiding on my cable system.

I never knew I had a channel 766!

2007-09-30 14:41:18
307.   Scanman33
303-Yep, sure is.
2007-09-30 14:41:22
308.   Vishal
atkins singles, bases loaded still, nobody out!
2007-09-30 14:41:28
309.   Bob Timmermann
303
Yes, that's Old Friend Bill Murphy.
2007-09-30 14:42:31
310.   Vishal
hawpe doubles!!
2007-09-30 14:42:43
311.   Vishal
4-1 colorado, still nobody out :D
2007-09-30 14:43:41
312.   trainwreck
I concede victory to D4P.
2007-09-30 14:43:45
313.   Vishal
intentional walk to baker, still nobody out and bases are loaded.
2007-09-30 14:45:45
314.   Slikk
Jimenez is pitching incredible - 6 IP, 10K, 1H
2007-09-30 14:46:12
315.   Slikk
Whoops -- meant to say HELTON DOES IT! Colorado is going to win this one -- imagine winning 12 of 13 games to have a chance to play one game against the best pitcher in MLB to have the opportunity to play in the playoffs?
2007-09-30 14:46:19
316.   Vishal
312 oh yeah, the dodgers are gonna lose.
2007-09-30 14:46:27
317.   Icaros
312

Just like a young person...giving up when the chips are down. Jeff Kent would be disappointed.

2007-09-30 14:49:19
318.   ucladodger
300

Its very true about Tampa's defense. I read a couple stats and articles by some D-Ray fans that put the Rays up there with some of the worst defensive teams of all-time. Edwin also had a really high BABIP this year, and that bad luck combined with crummy defense and a terrible bullpen added a bunch of strain on all of Tampa's starters. As far as being in the AL East, Edwin actually did pretty well against the Yankees, sox, and Blue Jays. We;'ll see what happens next year, but i'd expect a nice deal of improvement from him.

2007-09-30 14:49:36
319.   Gen3Blue
306--my god,Ive got it too. But its 645. Now why can they show me ARZ-Dbacks in NE, but couldn't give me the D's yesterday. Its a Bizzaro world indeed.
2007-09-30 14:50:32
320.   Vishal
apparently cory sullivan is human against non-dodger opponents
2007-09-30 14:54:24
321.   regfairfield
300 I agree on every count. It's not at the point where it's obvious to every single baseball fan in the world that the trade worked out terribly for us, but it's close.
2007-09-30 14:55:41
322.   Vishal
man, 2nd and 3rd and nobody out for the d-backs in the 9th.
2007-09-30 14:56:35
323.   Scanman33
Uh oh...old friend Matt Herges warming up for the Rox.
2007-09-30 14:57:26
324.   regfairfield
Why I love Cory Sullivan:

Career 900 at bats 30.54 line drive percentage.

Only two players had a line drive percentage over 25 this year.

2007-09-30 15:00:24
325.   Bob Timmermann
I believe this is the first time Juan Pierre has had two assists in one game.
2007-09-30 15:03:50
326.   Jon Weisman
The Rockies got within one strike before giving up Callaspo's RBI single to cut the lead to 4-3.
2007-09-30 15:04:07
327.   Linkmeister
Vinnie does a great job describing what's going on in Colorado, doesn't he?
2007-09-30 15:04:19
328.   Gen3Blue
I'm afraid getting a big masher for the D's may have to wait. Their second half pitching was bad enough so I hitter wouldn't have made much difference. They have to ovehaul their pitching staff somehow, and I wouldn't count on anything from Schmidt. At best he would be a pleasant surprise.
At least none of the D's hitters are even in their prime yet, except Pierre and Furcal. So the offense may improve.
2007-09-30 15:04:58
329.   Jon Weisman
Rockies win! Extra baseball tomorrow!
2007-09-30 15:05:13
330.   Gen3Blue
colorado is in, at least till tommorow.
2007-09-30 15:06:28
331.   Linkmeister
I hereby declare my (temporary) allegiance to the Rockies tomorrow.
2007-09-30 15:08:13
332.   Gen3Blue
My worst fear is that we might trade Young in a deal not involving a star player.

Like a diddle reliever.

2007-09-30 15:08:33
333.   ucladodger
wow, DY with a shot. We need to find a place for that dude to play. If I were ned I do whatever it takes to sign A-Rod and package Andy and one of Ethier/DY for an arm. This is assuming Pierre isnt going anywhere.
2007-09-30 15:10:27
334.   Felton
I am disappointed by McCourt's insistence on keeping Ned and Grady. The job of a GM and a manager is to identify and put the best players on the field. How could two people have done their jobs much more poorly? If DePodesta was GM, he would have been drawn and quartered at home plate before the game. I cringe at the thought of what "gamer" the Dodgers may sign in the offseason. Thanks to all for an entertaining 2007 - this really is the best site for good Dodger talk, especially when you are far away.
2007-09-30 15:10:46
335.   Vishal
i hope the rox have peavy's number!
2007-09-30 15:11:02
336.   Jon Weisman
RIP, Miss Moneypenny

http://www.variety.com/article/VR1117973058.html?categoryid=13&cs=1&nid=2562

2007-09-30 15:14:20
337.   Bob Timmermann
336
Why did that link ask me to log in?
2007-09-30 15:15:12
338.   regfairfield
332 I would like some more proof that he has a better upside than Craig Monroe before marking him untradeable.
2007-09-30 15:15:25
339.   underdog
Delwyn crushed that one. I just turned it back to the game just in time to see that. The kid can mash. He needs to be our 4th OF next year and in the rotation.
2007-09-30 15:15:47
340.   underdog
Argh, Travis Henry just got hurt with the Broncos driving, down by 15.
2007-09-30 15:15:58
341.   Jon Weisman
337 - I don't know.
2007-09-30 15:17:09
342.   MC Safety
Anyone know of any good mets blogs?
2007-09-30 15:17:42
343.   blue22
340 - Broncos' fan?

As bad as the Dodgers are playing, they're outscoring my Niners.

Niners and Dodgers are being outscored 29-2 today. It took about 5 hours of "real time" for one of the two teams to finally score today.

2007-09-30 15:20:30
344.   MC Safety
340- Good lord. Lots of Rb's going down.
2007-09-30 15:21:37
345.   trainwreck
340
We lost Lamont today.

Any update on Henry?

2007-09-30 15:23:38
346.   blue22
Field goal by the Niners puts them in the lead against the Dodgers, 3-2. Your move Dodgers.

And did Juan Pierre really double to "deep right"?

A near-homer and 2 assists. Pierre is just getting warmed up this year!

2007-09-30 15:24:08
347.   MC Safety
Cadillac Williams went down for one of my fantasy teams also.
2007-09-30 15:26:22
348.   preacherroe
Way back in another lifetime #66 or #67- the question of Shoemaker and Yeager with the big club. I had that thought last week. I chatted with Yeager when he was with the Suns and he seemed to have a really good rapport with the young guys then with J'ville now with the Dodgers. Shoemaker seems like a very effective manager.The team this year was nowhere near as prospect laden as the Loney Kemp Martin one, but they did well. The Dodgers need to get away from the good old boy network and think outside the box.
I was at Lowe's in Tucson this week and met a guy who was the godfather of Ted Sizemore's and Yeager's kids. He had some good Yeager stories.
2007-09-30 15:26:56
349.   underdog
345 No, because the Broncos announcers are horrible and clueless. I just know he's off for now, and they brought in Selvin Young who's pretty good, too. They scored a TD, now down 8. The Broncs announcers are such homers they sound funereal when the other team does something.
2007-09-30 15:28:56
350.   Gen3Blue
Vin is somehow on our side, whatever that is.

But with his long term perspective, I think his vision and opinion is worth an awful lot.

Show/Hide Comments 351-400
2007-09-30 15:31:18
351.   underdog
Now Joseph Addai is injured, too.

This is like Day from Hell for fantasy football owners.

2007-09-30 15:32:57
352.   Johnson
346 I wouldn't say Pierre doubled to deep right. He doubled on a ground ball down the line.
2007-09-30 15:32:59
353.   trainwreck
This one goes to 11.
2007-09-30 15:33:06
354.   Linkmeister
Single-game playoff recaps:

http://tinyurl.com/3aj8g9

Bucky Dent. Joe Niekro.

2007-09-30 15:34:06
355.   Jon Weisman
Those kids Loney and Kemp are diving all over the place today. As far as I'm concerned, they've earned the right to pants Jeff Kent at the end of the fun run.
2007-09-30 15:35:48
356.   Bob Timmermann
Penulimate game of the regular season is almost over.
2007-09-30 15:35:57
357.   ucladodger
I know Meloan hasnt pitched regularly at all, but i cant imagine Ned ang Grady have liked what theyve seen. Hopefully he'll earn a job out of ST next year.
2007-09-30 15:36:00
358.   Jimi Shelter
353.

Ok, Nigel.

2007-09-30 15:36:02
359.   trainwreck
The problem with getting rid of Kent is that I am not sold on Abreu as a starter. And there is definitely no one in the free agent pool to go after.
2007-09-30 15:36:13
360.   blue22
352 - Yahoo must be a Pierre fan then.

355 - Would a shaving cream pie in the face of Kent at the end of the game by Kemp or Loney be too immature? I think it would be a nice statement.

2007-09-30 15:36:17
361.   underdog
355 Now that I would pay good money to see.
2007-09-30 15:36:50
362.   underdog
God I hate the Colts.
2007-09-30 15:38:30
363.   trainwreck
362
Three way tie for first in the AFC West!

Yes, I am ignoring tie-breakers for now.

2007-09-30 15:40:42
364.   Bob Timmermann
The last NL team to win 13 of its last 14 games to finish the regular season was the 1965 Dodgers.

The 1960 Yankees finished up winning their last 15.

2007-09-30 15:41:13
365.   underdog
w00t! ;-)

Um, a long ways to go of course, but it's fun to see that.

2007-09-30 15:42:48
366.   trainwreck
Sigh, now I have to wait so long for baseball I truly care about.
2007-09-30 15:42:53
367.   underdog
Argh. And now KOA radio has blocked me from listening to the rest of the game. I guess it was too good to be true.
2007-09-30 15:43:42
368.   underdog
Travis Henry's back, btw, and has 133 yards rushing. They have more than 200 on the ground, but of course it probably won't matter.

So what channel is the playoff game on tomorrow again? Fox?

2007-09-30 15:44:59
369.   blue22
And who is pitching for the Rockies?
2007-09-30 15:45:31
370.   Bob Timmermann
At least Vin did not announce his retirement there.
2007-09-30 15:45:49
371.   Bob Timmermann
Fogg pitches for the Rox
2007-09-30 15:45:55
372.   Jon Weisman
Montage alert.
2007-09-30 15:46:44
373.   trainwreck
Raiders had 299 rushing yards.

The Dolphins may have a problem stopping the run.

2007-09-30 15:47:32
374.   Bob Timmermann
What's a Dodger season montage without a Shea Hillenbrand clip?
2007-09-30 15:49:07
375.   Woody
If the Rockies could win tomorrow, it would make the Dodgers horrible September a little less painful for me. I have nothing against Jake Peavy. In fact, he and my son were in the same class at St. Pauls School here in Mobile (class of '99). However, as long as he pitches for the Padres, he's the enemy.

Think those Rockies have an awesome offense. Hope they put some runs on the board early tomorrow.

2007-09-30 15:50:34
376.   underdog
The Dolphins are stopping the run like real Dolphins would.

Huh, didn't realize Javon Walker and John Lynch weren't playing in this one. That doesn't help...

2007-09-30 15:51:36
377.   Curtis Lowe
Am i less of a man because of the tears that stupid montage induced?
2007-09-30 15:56:44
378.   Chris H
The hours approaching, to give it your best
You've got to reach your prime.
That's when you need to put yourself to the test
And show us a passage of time
Were going to need a montage (montage)
Ooh it takes a montage (montage)

Sure a lot of things happing at once,
Remind everyone what's going on (what's going on)
And when every shot you show a little improvement
Just show it all or it will take to long
That's called a montage (montage)
Ooh we want montage (montage)

And anything that we want to know
From just a beginner to a pro,
You want a montage (montage)
Even rocky had a montage (montage)

(Montage...montage)

Anything that we want to know
From just a beginner to a pro,
You need a montage (montage)
Ooh it takes a montage (montage)

Always fade out in a montage,
If you fade out
It seem like more time has passed in a montage
Montage

2007-09-30 16:01:23
379.   natepurcell
soo.... who does everyone want with the 15th overall pick?
2007-09-30 16:01:25
380.   Robert Fiore
The way the Dodgers' season ended and the way the Mets' season ended is the difference between dying in your sleep and falling off a cliff.
2007-09-30 16:01:48
381.   trainwreck
You see what happens when you hire Norv as coach, AJ?

This is what happens, AJ!

This is what happens, AJ!

2007-09-30 16:10:25
382.   underdog
Hoping Norv goes 1-4 after next week.

380 Good analogy. Although the Dodgers were in freefall at the end, too, they didn't blow a huge lead late. One is sad, the other is truly painful.

2007-09-30 16:13:13
383.   underdog
379 Aaron Hicks?
2007-09-30 16:15:34
384.   MikeB
"It breaks your heart. It is designed to break your heart. The game begins in the spring, when everything else begins again, and it blossoms in the summer, filling the afternoons and evenings, and then as soon as the chill rains come, it stops and leaves you to face the fall alone." Bart Giamatti

I miss listening to Vin already.

2007-09-30 16:18:58
385.   underdog
If the Rockies and Phillies both make the playoffs, then two of the managers I've considered among the worst in baseball (and I know from reading other Toaster blogs I'm not alone) will have lead their teams to the playoffs despite themselves. Or to spite ourselves.
2007-09-30 16:19:33
386.   Louis in SF
For humor the Jeff Kent interview with Charlie Steiner is on now...As far as second base for next year, how bad is Delwyn Young. He can certainily hit
2007-09-30 16:21:40
387.   Bob Timmermann
385
And Manuel and Hurdle could square off in the playoffs.

Arizona playing Chicago will be a weird series.

2007-09-30 16:23:03
388.   trainwreck
385
I am not the biggest Lou Piniella fan either.
2007-09-30 16:25:16
389.   Bob Timmermann
So in the other NLDS,
I assume it will be:
Game 1 - Zambrano vs Webb
Game 2 - Lilly vs Davis
Game 3 - Hill vs Hernandez?
2007-09-30 16:30:43
390.   Sam DC
So, where are you going to park/anchor your new Hobie LAT?
2007-09-30 16:35:30
391.   LeeLacy
Delwyn Young vs. Andre Ethier:
Who has the higher upside?

I thought I'd pose that question to the many fine minds here on DT.

2007-09-30 16:35:38
392.   D4P
Is "feelings about manager" on the approved list of reasons you can/cannot root for a team...?
2007-09-30 16:35:44
393.   Bumsrap
One of the rules for success is strength up the middle. Kent and Pierre do not provide it. Martin and Furcal do. Two out of four is not enough strength. Bood by Kent, hopefully and good by Pierre if luck prevails.
2007-09-30 16:41:19
394.   Robert Fiore
The reason the Devil Rays were able to turn Jackson into major league starter was that they would have been willing to let him lose 20 games if that was what it took. Not every team will make that commitment.

The best thing that could be done to ensure a productive off-season would be to send someone around to McCourt's and Colletti's house every morning to steal the L.A. Times. I just got through reading this morning's baseball column by Bill Shaikin, which starts with the assumption that regardless of the scenario, a position has to be reserved for Juan Pierre.

2007-09-30 16:42:42
395.   Robert Fiore
P.S.: You wouldn't have to worry about the online edition because as we all know, unlike Paul DePodesta, Ned Colletti can't work a computer.
2007-09-30 16:46:09
396.   Ricardo
379. The 1st round is protected isn´t it? I was rooting for Toronto because of it. What about Pedro Alvarez?
2007-09-30 16:48:07
397.   CanuckDodger
379 -- Who do you want at #15? I know very little about next year's draft class. BA is cutting down a lot on that kind of information, as they seem to be trying to get people to subscribe to their expensive Prospects Plus service. We'll probably take the best available HS pitcher who isn't represented by Boras, as usual.
2007-09-30 16:49:29
398.   CanuckDodger
396 -- Alvarez will go off the board in the top two or three picks for sure.
2007-09-30 16:54:00
399.   evenatriple
As a faithful lurker, I would like to thank all the DT writers for the incredible insight you have given me over the course of the season. As I think is the case with so many others, you have greatly expanded my understanding of the game and of this team. Plus your enthusiastic support of the kids gives me hope for next season.

I was at the game today with my 4 year old boy, and when I wasn't chasing him, I got to see some incredible plays by Loney and Laroche, and a once in a lifetime opportunity to see JP get 2 assists. It was a lazy, relaxed afternoon, and the thumpin just didn't hurt that much given the circumstances. Highlight of the game for me though was when someone dumped a cup of ice on the two dressed-all-in-black Giant fans next to me (just missed them, which I guess is good and also missed me, which is even better) who had been yelling about how the Dodgers were fielding a Little League team and playing like it was T-Ball. Not undeserved, I might add, at points during the game. A final note -- driving home listening to the post game show, the much maligned Rick Monday praised Matt Kemp and twice stated that he was the clear choice for center field next season.

It's so nice to know that I don't have to wait till next year to get my Dodger fix -- I just have to click on Jon's incredible blog and catch up with the collective wisdom therein. Thanks everybody.

2007-09-30 17:05:01
400.   Sam DC
Hello!
Show/Hide Comments 401-450
2007-09-30 17:07:50
401.   natepurcell
Who do you want at #15?

Brian Matusz!! But, thats not going to happen.

2007-09-30 17:33:08
402.   LAT
No Hobie for LAT or anyone else.

In a year when the Dodgers fielded a fourth place team yet broke the single season attendence record, the organization must give away more meaningful prizes.

Nice day at the Park. The final score mattered little. What did matter was the decline in the prizes for Fan Appreciation Day. Yes they gave away a truck and a pair of Delta airline tickets and set of season tickets but the rest of the stuff was pretty marginal. They gave away a $100 gift certificate to the Torrance Dodger Store. That is good for a sweatshirt but you have to go to Torrance to get it. They gave away tickets to Laker and Clipper games which seemed strange to me and they gave away a$250 gift certificate to Macy's. True there were no fireplace logs but other than a signed Russel Martin jersey there wasn't even much Dodger stuff. Take the truck out of the mix and I'm guessing the Dodgers spent less than 15K on prizes and even then, some were sponsered by affiliates such as KCAL.

As someone said on Dodger Talk what they should do is make parking free for the day. That way everyone wins something. Not just the 50 people who get their ticket called.

Finally, as I was riding up the escalator I looked up in front of me and there was a guy in a blue DT shirt. Of course he told me his moniker and I forgot. But Jon your minions are out and about.

2007-09-30 17:39:37
403.   LAT
Vishal, going back a few hundred posts, I like the Mets in general from living in NY for awhile. I could never be a Yankee fan. Yes Green is a big part of why I am pulling for them this year but even without him I would still root for the Mets. Reyes, Delgado and Beltran are all fun to watch and David Wright is awsome. Its not becasue of Pedro, Paulie, Mota or Valintine. Nothing against those guys but they don't mean much to me.
2007-09-30 17:45:01
404.   LAT
Even though I know we will all be here through the playoffs and the off season, I just want to thank everyone for another entertaining season. Jon, this site is as much fun as the Dodgers themselves (maybe more so). Thank you for the daily wisdom, wit and insight.
2007-09-30 17:48:00
405.   goofus
TJ says McCourt has already said Colletti and Little will be back next year, but the fact he hasn't extended their contracts tells me they are on a short leash.
2007-09-30 17:59:59
406.   Sam DC
Mr. Met: http://tinyurl.com/383ptt
2007-09-30 18:00:34
407.   MikeB
Nick Cafardo, Boston Globe

Santana's name being thrown around.

There's been lots of talk about the Dodgers needing to do something dramatic this offseason, and Johan Santana's name has popped up in a potential blockbuster, with the Dodgers perhaps sending prized prospects such as lefty Clayton Kershaw or outfielder Matt Kemp to the Twins. The big question is, will the Twins deal Santana now or try to win with him one more time? One AL executive theorized, "There are a few teams who could match up with the Twins. Would the Yankees deal Melky Cabrera and an Ian Kennedy for Santana? How about Boston? Would they send a Clay Buchholz and a Jacoby Ellsbury for him? The Mets? There are few teams who could handle the paycheck you'd have to give Santana and also be able to part with key prospects."

2007-09-30 18:06:57
408.   natepurcell
melky cabrera/ian kenndy, clay buccholz/jacoby ellsbury, clayton kershaw/matt kemp...

uhhhhh....one combo is not like the other.

2007-09-30 18:07:04
409.   JoeyP
Baseball Prospectus 2007 Dodger prediction:
82-80

2007 Dodger Actual Record:
82-80

2007 Dodgers Expected W/L:
82-80

So this year turned out exactly as expected?

2007-09-30 18:10:53
410.   D4P
So this year turned out exactly as expected?

You could say that.

2007-09-30 18:11:48
411.   willhite
409 -

Pretty impressive, but what did they predict for the Rocks, D'backs, Padres, Cubs and Phils?

2007-09-30 18:12:36
412.   Vishal
403 that makes sense. i used to kinda like the mets a little. they were supposed to be the dodger replacements after all.

btw, i just read this hilarious article on greg anderson/barry bonds in this week's SF weekly... i don't know if anyone mentioned it here or not, so i'll drop the link:

http://tinyurl.com/39mhb3

*(it's worth going to just to see the URL)

2007-09-30 18:13:15
413.   trainwreck
Melky Cabrera is probably the most overrated young player in the game.
2007-09-30 18:15:32
414.   trainwreck
410
I went down like a PRIDE fighter.
2007-09-30 18:16:13
415.   KG16
407 - I doubt Santana goes before next year's trade deadline. It looks like he is set to test free agency, no matter who he plays for, so you're basically looking at a one year rental. Of the teams mentioned, I don't see anyone giving up two prospects for Santana at this point.

394 - At least he admits that Pierre is a veteran blocking potentially better players. What surprises me is that there's no thought to trading Pierre instead of Kemp or Ethier.

2007-09-30 18:18:35
416.   D4P
I went down like a PRIDE fighter

So sad. I guess all the PRIDE guys were on roids. I really just care about Fedor. I want him to sign with the UFC and dominate all competition. That would make me feel better.

2007-09-30 18:21:10
417.   trainwreck
416
Yeah, UFC needs Fedor.

I think if you put the UFC fighters in the PRIDE environment they might not do too well either.

2007-09-30 18:25:56
418.   D4P
I think if you put the UFC fighters in the PRIDE environment they might not do too well either

I agree 100%. I think the octagon/ring thing is making a much bigger difference than people are crediting. There's no way Forrest beats Shogun in PRIDE, no way CroCop loses to both Gonzaga and Kongo, etc. The weird thing is that the PRIDE guys don't even look like the same fighters. They're tentative and unsure of themselves.

2007-09-30 18:29:35
419.   Gold Star for Robot Boy
So this year turned out exactly as expected?

THEY ARE WHO WE THOUGHT THEY WERE!
Whoops, wrong sport.

2007-09-30 18:32:08
420.   trainwreck
418
I also think they come in cocky. Shogun was totally out of shape. CroCop basically said, I can't believe how easy this is going to be to get a title shot.
2007-09-30 18:33:40
421.   Bumsrap
Maybe Grady and Ned were trying to let Pierre get 200 hits and 100 runs so he would be more tradable.

And, it would be much easier from a PR perspective to trade Nomar, Kent, and Pierre if the Dodgers signed AROD. AROD is kind of a get-out-of-jail-free card, well after paying him $30,000,000 each year for the next 5-7 years.

2007-09-30 18:34:53
422.   D4P
420
I didn't see Shogun's fight or CroCop's latest flop. I think they were cocky too. I read that CroCop refuses to even train in an octagon, choosing a ring instead. Oh well.
2007-09-30 18:37:56
423.   trainwreck
CroCop trained in an octagon for his last fight, but it did not matter. Wrestling is a much bigger factor in the UFC than it is in PRIDE.

The fighters that have had success (Rampage, Anderson Silva) changed camps and made sure to adapt and try their hardest.

2007-09-30 18:38:30
424.   Bumsrap
The last nail in the Dodger season is DT posting on Pride, Shogun, Crocop, etc.
2007-09-30 18:39:51
425.   trainwreck
Rampage looks totally better then he did in PRIDE and right now could arguably be considered the best fighter in the world.
2007-09-30 18:42:44
426.   D4P
425
His fights against Wanderlei in PRIDE were brutal. But he doesn't have to worry any more about stomps and soccer kicks.

On a related note, I don't think Wanderlei will do well in the UFC. He already seemed past his prime anyway.

2007-09-30 18:43:02
427.   Icaros
Rampage is one of my myspace friends. So is Matt Kemp.
2007-09-30 18:43:54
428.   LAT
412 That is a hilarious article.
2007-09-30 18:46:00
429.   trainwreck
425
Wanderlei is training with Couture. So, maybe that will change things.
2007-09-30 18:46:09
430.   D4P
427
For the MySpace illiterate, what exactly does that mean...?
2007-09-30 18:46:53
431.   natepurcell
427

I wanna be one of your myspace friends.

2007-09-30 18:48:41
432.   Andrew Shimmin
428- I just hope he's buying the elk dinner, first.
2007-09-30 18:48:45
433.   Sam DC
Couture?

Is there one named ennui?

2007-09-30 18:49:12
434.   Icaros
430

You have to sign up to find out.

431

Okay. What's your profile name?

2007-09-30 18:57:49
435.   Sam DC
A tv commercial is trying to convince me to be worried about "Restless Leg Syndrome."

I am more worried about "Soft and Lazy Syndrome."

2007-09-30 18:59:49
436.   Robert Fiore
Overall the season seems to me 75% of a best case scenario and 25% of a worst case scenario, the worst case portion mostly being in pitching. I look at this season as comparable to 1973, when the nucleus of the team of the 70s was put together in the same lineup. Next year could be the breakout.

Once you've got every position filled with a good young ballplayer and you've still got talent coming up through the system, you can think about trading prospects in batches.

2007-09-30 19:10:42
437.   Vishal
434 i'm myspace friends with nate already, but i'll add you too. i also want to add matt kemp :)
2007-09-30 19:12:44
438.   Andrew Shimmin
I wasn't before, but now I'm very worried about lactation.
2007-09-30 19:18:38
439.   LAT
438 Stay away from steroids and elk sperm and you'll be fine.
2007-09-30 19:31:09
440.   Icaros
I'm still waiting on approval from Charmane Star. She's playing a little hard to get.
2007-09-30 19:31:26
441.   Bob Timmermann
435
One of the side effects of the restless leg syndrome drug is that it might turn you into a compulsive gambler.
2007-09-30 19:38:53
442.   Icaros
437

I found your profile (I think) and just sent you a friend request. Then you can link to my buddy M. Bison and request his friendship. I'll put in a good word for you.

2007-09-30 19:48:12
443.   trainwreck
I don't know if my Myspace account still exists, since I never go on it and it was fake anyways, but I am in pretty good with the cast of "Girlfriends."
2007-09-30 20:00:31
444.   Vishal
442 added you. should i just try to add matt, send him a message first, or what?
2007-09-30 20:04:59
445.   Icaros
444

I never sent him a message. Just a friend request. He added me next day.

2007-09-30 20:23:51
446.   Icaros
I sent a request to Nate's profile. I think it was his profile, but it was almost impossible to read because of some pretty intense Burt Reynolds wallpaper.
2007-09-30 20:33:53
447.   A Dodger expatriate in Pennsylvania
436 The Dodgers didn't just let the kids from the summer of '73 mature to get to the World Series in '74. They reached out for more power, trading Claude Osteen and Dave Culpeppe to get Jimmy Wynn.
2007-09-30 20:40:30
448.   das411
Couldn't let these slide, but 251 , 257 , wasn't that beautiful once-in-14-years curveball to end the game, enough reason to put Myers at the back of the bullpen?

And has there ever been a year in which a league turned over all 4 of its playoff teams from the previous year before?

2007-09-30 20:42:56
449.   Bob Timmermann
448
No, and you can thank the Yankees and Braves for that.

And the Cardinals to a lesser extent.

2007-09-30 20:47:41
450.   natepurcell
446

HA, yea that's me. At the time of the creation of my myspace profile (3-4 years ago), my girlfriend was really fond of burt reynolds.

He is still pretty rad though.

Show/Hide Comments 451-500
2007-09-30 20:51:39
451.   natepurcell
450

I should say ex-girlfriend, considering any relation that long term scares the *rule 1 violation* out of me.

2007-09-30 21:31:19
452.   Icaros
450

How can I get in your Dodgers fan group?

2007-09-30 21:39:55
453.   natepurcell
452

I think you have to go to it and find the link to request to join. I don't know where that is though. I assume somewhere on the group page.

2007-09-30 21:42:34
454.   KG16
So, I just read the obituary on the Dodger's site about the season and I saw this quote from Ned that made me shake my head in disbelief:

"Since I've been here, I've been singing the refrain about a middle-of-the-order bat... They're tough to come by. It's tough to develop your own or convince somebody to come here as a free agent or to trade a handful of your young players for one. It's our job to find and bring them in here at a reasonable cost, especially in terms of young players."

It's tough to convince a professional athlete to spend his summer in Southern California? Really? It's tough to convince a professional baseball player to play for one of the most hallowed franchises in the sport? Seriously?

Is it just me, or does this guy seem a little less than competent? I know, dumb question.

Also, Kent said he should have a decision about what he'll do next year by November.

2007-09-30 21:54:16
455.   Xeifrank
2007 Dodger Team Awards are now out. :)
http://tinyurl.com/2hxgq4
vr, Xei
(SFW)
2007-09-30 21:57:15
456.   LogikReader
I think I've already given up on the 2007 offseason for the Dodgers. I've spoken often with some of my own Dodger insiders (my friends) and none of them think Coletti will have the cajones he needs to go out and sign A-Rod this year.

Made worse, it sounds like Coletti is intimating a move to pick up yet another bargain bin placeholder. Not a good sign, so I might as well hang around DT for the laughs.

around the horn:

Meet the mets, meet the Mets... step right up and choke like the Mets..!

That was quite a collapse. WOW!!!!!!!!

How about the Phils in the playoffs? I'm so happy for them! It's like the story of the 40 year old Virgin, getting so close but missing the prize year after year, and then one day, going all the way. It is just a terrific story.

Plus, the Rockies and Padres have a playoff tonight in Denver to determine the WC. Does it get any better? It's going to be electric if the Rox make it in. What if the Rox played the Phils in the 1st round? I have to get my dvr ready... thats an offensive explosion in the making.

The National League field this year is stocked with the perennial losers:

Phillies: 10,000 losses and counting
Cubs: the lovable losers
Padres/Rockies: take your pick
D'backs: Defying the pythagorean record from opening day

Of the four, the Dbacks are the surest to be blown out in the DS.

for the AL:

I don't have my nose in the AL's jock like all of ESPN and most talk show hosts do. I'm sorry, but they don't have the same pop they used to. Any of these teams can beat any of the other teams.

so lets see

Yanks: hottest team entering the playoffs
Sox: not looking great the last two weeks
Angels: little power, fewer walks
Indians: also hot, like the Yanks

Of the four, I have to say, the no-name Angels are the surest to be blown out in the first round. Not a East Coast bias thing, I simply think from all the games I've watched, that it's easy to shut them down but just throwing the ball out of the zone a lot. Agressive bats, the Angels have. Past that, I'm guessing its the Yanks and everyone else, but the Indians have some potential to get through as well.

Should be a very fascinating playoffs all the way through.

2007-09-30 21:57:47
457.   trainwreck
455
I wonder who will win Biggest Jerk next year?
2007-09-30 21:58:58
458.   goofus
IF we sign A-Rod or trade for a good third baseman, AND IF Kent retires or requests a trade, does La Roche have any experience or possible future as a second baseman?
2007-09-30 22:02:30
459.   Linkmeister
Gosh, it's nice to read that McCourt plans to raise ticket prices again (in the game story). The very day a disappointing season ends, you announce that?

Josh and Camille must be tearing their hair out.

2007-09-30 22:02:59
460.   Bob Timmermann
For entertainment purposes only:
San Diego is -137 and Colorado is +127 for tomorrow's game.
2007-09-30 22:06:46
461.   underdog
If the Dodgers don't sign A-Rod, which, cojones or not, won't be easy, given the cost, his agent and the competition, if the Dodgers otherwise made no moves this offseason, would that be the preference here? Obviously it's better than making some stupid moves just to rearrange the deck chairs...

So the question again is who are the top FA's and which would actually help the Dodgers? I guess we have months to mull it over. As I've said before, I think the Dodgers have plenty of in-house options to fill holes on offense, and within the year could get help from Kershaw and McDonald. I'd rather them get one more solid pitcher.

But if they could trade Pierre and find another pitcher and/or one more power hitter in his place, that'd be cool, too.

2007-09-30 22:17:46
462.   trainwreck
461
The free agent market is terrible. I would try to re-sign Wolf and look for some possible trade options.

I think we are kind of stuck.

2007-09-30 22:19:23
463.   Xeifrank
460. For entertainment purposes only, DodgerSims is recommending you take the Rockies on that bet. vr, Xei
2007-09-30 22:19:26
464.   LAT
"We need to do better," he said. "I wouldn't be surprised if there are changes."

says Frank McCourt.

"Ominous"

says LAT

2007-09-30 22:22:02
465.   LAT
that he "expected [ticket] prices will go up,"

says Frank McCourt.

"DT Rule 1 violation."

says LAT

2007-09-30 22:22:25
466.   Linkmeister
464 "Quoth the raven. . ."
2007-09-30 22:23:35
467.   Icaros
453

I went to the page and it said I needed to be invited.

I'm a friend of Matt Kemp!

2007-09-30 22:24:46
468.   trainwreck
I should say we are kind of stuck, unless we make a dumb move.

Which is very possible.

2007-09-30 22:25:13
469.   KG16
461 - The way I look at it, there's two things the team needs to look at: third base and the back end of the rotation.

I like Kemp and Ethier way too much to see either one of them replaced by Andruw Jones or Torii Hunter and then traded for a pitcher. If the Dodgers find a taker for Pierre, I'd be willing to consider Jones or Hunter.

If Kent leaves the Dodgers have Abreu, Hu, and Young that could all possibly play second. Plus, worse case scenario, Nomar should be able to give it a go, he's played everywhere else in the in field. So, second base shouldn't be an issue.

As far as the starting rotation goes, Penny, Bills, and Lowe make a good front end. If (and I do mean IF) Schmidt comes back and Kuo can perform like we think he can, then the Dodgers would have a pretty good rotation. But I'd still like to find a guy who can fill the long relief/spot starter role. Otherwise, a starting pitcher or two would be nice - and Santana, as a one year rental, makes little sense in my mind.

The other thing that I would think about is taking a flier on Gagné, if the price was right, and creating a three headed monster at the back end of the bullpen with Gagné, Broxton, and Saito.

2007-09-30 22:55:42
470.   trainwreck
Maybe the Mets would be interested in a Juan Pierre for Lastings Milledge deal.

They sure love their speed.

2007-09-30 23:02:20
471.   LAT
470. No way. Milledge would never accept the trash can near his locker.
2007-09-30 23:02:35
472.   Improbable88
469 - While having Gagne back would be fun, not to mention potentially lethal given the combination of Broxton and Saito, Eric Gagne in a save situation had always been far superior to Eric Gagne in a non-save situation.

Gagne always seemed less sharp, say, in extra innings situations or obligatory work days, and it seems that he may feed even more on adrenaline these days given his woes in Boston (even Boras chimed it with as much as a possible scapegoat for Gagne's BoSox shortcomings).

It sounds funny to even say it, but I don't think Gagne merits displacing Saito, and I don't think Gagne is great unless he is closing.

I think if Gagne did end up in Blue, it would be as an act of desperation. However, if a Gagne signing, and Gagne alone, were to satisfy the Coletti-mandated PVL requirement, I think many of us would breath a sigh of relief.

2007-09-30 23:13:26
473.   trainwreck
471
Fine, Elijah Dukes it is.
2007-09-30 23:16:29
474.   KG16
472 - I was thinking more like the old Cincy Nasty Boys situation. All three of them could be used for saves, or if you have a high leverage situation earlier in the game - as many advocate here. Think about it... 4-3 game in the 6th, bases loaded, one out, would you prefer Biemel or one of Broxton, Saito, Gagne?

Really though, I don't think much needs to be done in the bullpen. Being among those who think Gagne shouldn't have left in the first place, it's one of those ideas that just seems like it makes sense. Though it probably doesn't.

470/471 - Besides, how could we give up all that PVL, I mean, Pierre has actually played in a World Series

2007-09-30 23:18:00
475.   Shmueli4
LAT - just wanted to say hello. I met you today going up the escalator in Dodger Stadium, I with the adorable 4 year old Dodger fan and fashionable Dodger Thoughts T-Shirt....
2007-09-30 23:29:45
476.   dzzrtRatt
472 I believe the impression that Gagne only does well in save situations for the Dodgers was an anecdotally-based misnomer that Jon was able to shoot down statistically.

Here: http://tinyurl.com/2nxf4l

And here: http://tinyurl.com/28labd

2007-09-30 23:36:46
477.   LAT
475. Hey Shmueli. Nice to have met you and your daughter. What a great age 4 is. Too bad this was the last game of the season. At least we have the Mets to thank for keeping the Dodgers from being the biggest disappointment of '07.
2007-09-30 23:39:44
478.   dzzrtRatt
McCourt:

"What's been the most disappointing to me is that so many people, when things are going good, they're fine," the manager said. "But then the very minute things turn a little sour, the real person comes out. That's what disappointed me the most."

In other words, the PVLs turned out to be a lot of V but not so much L. I have to assume he's referring to the people to whom he's paying 7-8 figures, and not the people he's paying in six figures.

2007-09-30 23:48:17
479.   LAT
469. Have you not been to any of your high school reunions. The moral of the story is you can never go back. Getting Gagne would never be the same for him or for us. Let's enjoy the memories and call it a relationshp.
2007-09-30 23:50:25
480.   LAT
I took that to mean Gonzo only because he is a natorious nice guy. Kent is always a redass--so he doen't change. Maybe its Nomar but he had injuries so I gotta go with LuGo here.
2007-10-01 00:02:37
481.   Improbable88
476 - I anticipated this response, and, to the contrary, think that all of Jon's collected data only supports what many have observed: Gagne has always been great, but is even better in a save opportunity [(a run and a half better per 9 from 2002-2005).] Include his most recent Ranger glories in save situations to his non-save situation failures in Bosoton and the case becomes more clear.

I would still like to have Gagne back, don't get me wrong, I just think it is worth pointing out.

I wonder what Saito's differential is?

2007-10-01 00:03:57
482.   Improbable88
481 - Excuse my terrible use of brackets. Ugh.
2007-10-01 00:06:11
483.   Improbable88
Oh yeah, and here's Boras' take on the "Save-Effect:"

Regarding Gagne: "Eric Gagne is a lifetime closer, that's all he knows. Also, Eric Gagne is one of the most competitive and conscientious players I've known. Now Eric Gagne is in a different role. You can go back and look at closers who are in a different role than a closer's role. Closers have difficulties in non-closer situations. This is not only true of Eric Gagne, but this is true of everyone involved. You can go down the list. I can name a lot of my clients who have had this problem.. . . But that did not stop Gagne from being in a winning environment. It did not stop him from maybe learning something new about himself and his career. And I admire him for that.

"The reality of it is that Eric Gagne wanted to do this because he had a chance to win and he wanted to be a part of something that was special. It's been very challenging for him, but on the other hand the fact his arm strength has returned and he is throwing in the mid-90's."

You figure if the glossy-stastical-notebook-compiler himself deems to bring it up it might have some weight. Then again, his client will on the free agent market in a month or so.

2007-10-01 00:09:30
484.   dzzrtRatt
"so many people" -- more than one. LuGo is one, but I bet you have to throw in most of the PVLs. Also, given McCourt's position in the hierarchy, I have to figure it's not just the players themselves, it's also their agents, who probably have his phone number.

Maybe I'm optimistic. Maybe I'm reading too much into some of the most recent commments. But I sense Colletti, without ever admitting fault, now realizes he put together an unsustainable team and won't go that route again.

The Giants' success with veterans wasn't just with any old players with a nice resume. It was guys like Benito Santiago, Livan Hernandez and Andres Gallaraga who had something to prove, whose sense of entitlement had been taken away from them by injury or illness. Or Ray Durham, who was actually in his prime when the Giants got him, or Omar Vizquel, who is an unusually good player. It only turned into an "almost over the hill gang" lately. But Colletti might have forgotten what really went into his former success.

2007-10-01 00:11:18
485.   dzzrtRatt
Gagne is going to the Giants. I can smell it.

Unless "Trev" retires. Then he might go to San Diego.

He will go where he can hurt us the most.

2007-10-01 00:17:36
486.   Improbable88
485 The Padres I, and the Dodger faithful, could probably stomach.

But the rain of boos that man would hear if he stepped within 500 feet of the ravine in Orange and Black would rival the angriest Bonds ever heard.

2007-10-01 00:18:57
487.   trainwreck
Giants are not going to be good at all. I see no reason why they would sign Gagne.
2007-10-01 00:56:44
488.   natepurcell
My early favorite for the 15th overall pick is Gerrit Cole. I just remembered he really stood out at me while watching the AFLAC game. He reminds me of billingsley in terms of stature, stuff and poise.
2007-10-01 05:17:51
489.   D4P
The Dodgers had 3 players finish with 20+ stolen bases. I bet that hasn't happened in a while.
2007-10-01 05:32:43
490.   D4P
Ladies and Gentlemen, I present to you Ned Colletti:

Dodger MLB rankings:

BA (i.e. how well a player hits): 8th
BA w/RISP (i.e. clutch hitting): 9th
OBP (i.e. that thing the stat geeks were concerned about when I signed Pierre): 12th
SLG (i.e. that thing I didn't build the team on, opting instead for speed and athleticism): 24th
SBs (i.e. aggressive baserunning and wreaking havoc): 5th
Ks (i.e. the thing you want to avoid so you can make productive outs): 28th fewest
BBs (i.e. that Oakland thing that we don't do here): 20th most

Add it all up:

R (i.e. that thing that comes from high batting averages, clutchitude, lots of stolen bases, and few strikeouts/many productive outs): 20th

2007-10-01 05:33:25
491.   xaphor
489 And Kemp could easily make it 4 next year. How can you trade a chance at that?

478 When I read McCourt's quote, the first thing that came to mind was the MSM. How long did it take for Plasche to go from embracing the so called youth movement to damning it and attempting to push one of its most talented and productive members out the door?

2007-10-01 05:39:34
492.   Sam DC
The times they are a changin'.

I find it cool that this feature piece on the Mets collapse, which ran on A1 of the Post, discusses the BP playoff odds calculator and uses some comments from a Mets site to add some color re fan reaction.

http://tinyurl.com/27qy2r

2007-10-01 05:49:18
493.   xaphor
492 It's too bad the Mets collapse did not coincide with the demolition of Shea. It would have made a fitting tribute. But, as they say, there is always next year. :)
2007-10-01 05:52:28
494.   eusmus
478 I think that's a Grady Little quote.
2007-10-01 06:39:47
495.   Sam DC
Das -- don't miss Boswell today on Jamie Moyer/the Phils. It's a great column.

http://tinyurl.com/yrryjm

2007-10-01 06:59:54
496.   Ken Noe
Colletti refused to say anything about specific players in that regard but made it clear that he expected Kent to be back next season.--from the Times
2007-10-01 07:08:19
497.   Bob Timmermann
492
So a team with a 99.8% probability of making the playoffs and a team that is outscored by 20 runs not only wins its division, but also has the best record in the league.

What a country!

2007-10-01 07:11:16
498.   D4P
What a country!

I almost used that line here just the other day!

What a coinkidink!

2007-10-01 07:23:14
499.   Andrew Shimmin
I wonder who makes Colletti's list of middle-of-the-order bats. I hope Loney does, anyway. And I hope Torii Hunter doesn't.
2007-10-01 07:29:36
500.   D4P
499
Where do you want Hunter to hit? At the top or the bottom?
Show/Hide Comments 501-550
2007-10-01 07:30:56
501.   Andrew Shimmin
Exactly.
2007-10-01 07:35:41
502.   D4P
While I'm generally on board with the idea, I'm not 100% sold on signing ARod to a huge long-term contract (those don't seem to work out very well, at least not for the team. The players always make out just fine).

But I don't think I'm at all on board with any other big acquisition. If we don't sign ARod, let's just make some minor additions and go from there. I guess we could use more starting pitching after Penny, Lowe, and Billingsley, but not if it means trading Kemps and Kershaws.

2007-10-01 07:43:44
503.   D4P
In other words,

1. No Hunter
2. No Andruw
3. No trading of Bisotaur
4. Anything else...?

2007-10-01 07:44:31
504.   eusmus
5. No Lowell
2007-10-01 07:48:44
505.   LogikReader
6. No Livan Hernandez
7. No Moises Alou (?)
2007-10-01 07:49:54
506.   silverwidow
We are tied with Toronto for the 15th pick (but since they finished with a worse record last year, THEY GET IT). Which means our pick is 16th (unprotected).

Am I correct?

2007-10-01 07:51:21
507.   Ken Noe
499 Colletti said "two or three" of the young players were close to becoming that middle-of-the-lineup hitter. He called the play of Loney "remarkable," adding that Kemp "is not too far behind," that Russell Martin "really developed this past year" and that Andre Ethier "is a solid player in this league."
2007-10-01 07:52:14
508.   Andrew Shimmin
506- Toronto finished one game ahead of the Dodgers. The fifteenth pick is White's, to do with as he sees fit.

Unrelated: Ethier + What = Contreras?

2007-10-01 07:54:41
509.   silverwidow
508 - Thanks. I had a brainfart there - didn't notice that Toronto was one game up.
2007-10-01 07:55:09
510.   LogikReader
8. No Reggie Sanders (pleeeeeeeeaaasse!)
2007-10-01 07:57:45
511.   Ken Noe
508 Might be reading to much into this, but Ethier does seem to be the odd man out, the fourth of his "two or three." He sure never mentions the top of the order, which I guess incredibly means more years of JP. I wonder if the late play of Young was designed to shop him or reassure the front office that they could move an Ethier?
2007-10-01 08:02:43
512.   Howard Fox
my prediction: one of three (Kemp or Ethier or Young) and LaRoche will be gone by next year...
2007-10-01 08:06:51
513.   Howard Fox
they seem to like Abreu, Hu, Loney, Martin...other than that, who knows...
2007-10-01 08:07:17
514.   JoeyP
A Moises Alou/Ethier platoon in LF is definitely foreseeable for 2008.

Nomar will start at 3b.
Pierre will be in CF.

--Penny/Lowe/Billingsley/Loaiza/Schmidt

Gonzo will be gone, but pretty much the same team that the Dodgers had this year will be back.

2007-10-01 08:08:50
515.   Andrew Shimmin
I relented to reading the Times article. I wonder how we'll know when Loney is ready to be a middle of the order hitter. Mr. Ned is more than a little 'stitious; maybe we could gin up a fake omen for him.
2007-10-01 08:10:34
516.   Disabled List
Despite the word that Collittle will be back, Jon Heyman is still pushing the Dusty Baker rumor. Today, he basically re-wrote Friday's column on the Dodgers:

While people close to the Dodgers say they believe manager Grady Little is still safe, a couple also say that Little will enter next season in a tenuous position, and that they could envision Dusty Baker as an eventual replacement. Baker recently came to Dodger Stadium to throw out a first pitch, along with ex-Dodger teammates Steve Garvey and Ron Cey, and word is getting around that Baker is considered a possible replacement for Little.

The Dodgers' clubhouse was nothing short of a disaster this year, with Jeff Kent, Luis Gonzalez and other veterans pitted against the kids, notably Matt Kemp and James Loney. The veterans believe that the kids didn't show them the proper respect, and there's probably some truth to that. But Kent was wrong to air the dirty laundry in the first place, and he's generally no treat to be around. As for Gonzalez, he blamed bad communication for the team's bad season, seeming to point a finger at the decisionmakers, Little included.

The truth lies somewhere in the middle. The kids probably do need to mature in some cases. But a couple of the veterans were also on the selfish side. That's a recipe for dissension.

2007-10-01 08:11:19
517.   JoeyP
Colletti said he has not been able to put his finger on why a roster, built with chemistry in mind, spoiled, but he acknowledged that the wave of young players moving out the veterans was a tough trick by sheer quantity. Most of the unhappy aging veterans will be gone next year, leaving Little and the club hoping they take with them the bitterness that soured the clubhouse as the season unraveled.

So the roster was built with "chemistry" in mind?

Some might say the Dodgers had already lost before the season began.

2007-10-01 08:16:07
518.   Andrew Shimmin
Grittle hasn't yet platooned anybody. Maybe he's just been waiting for Moises Alou to come along, but I suspect not. Colletti hasn't made any acquisitions that looked like he was expecting a platoon.

I'm running with the theory that Colletti's going to sign another CFer, and move Pierre to LF because he's always seemed to have a thing for CFs and shortstops. If he moves LaRoche, I think he has to get another 3B, no matter how much he loves Nomar. Nomar lost his position this year; I can't see Colletti going into next year without a backup plan for 3B. Unless he really thinks Abreu is a reasonable solution, which, may Ch-i have mercy on his soul if he does.

2007-10-01 08:18:35
519.   Ken Noe
517 Yeah, but remember how the season was supposed to play out in Ned's mind. A rebounding Nomar at first. Kent and Furcal up the middle, Betemit at third, and Gonzalez, Pierre, and Ethier/Kemp in the outfield. Loney at AAA (or trade bait). All in all, a PVL team, with one position for two rooks. What he never expected was the collapse of his vets, which added the unexpected (and one senses, undesired) "sheer quantity" of kids to the team.
2007-10-01 08:18:55
520.   D4P
When it comes to "chemistry", I don't think Veterans are really much different from Kids. Most want to play, and most pout when they don't get to. Most want to win, and most pout when they don't. Most are like Saito: they're happy when they succeed, and sad when they don't. They're human beings.

Let's hope Management learns something valuable from this season.

2007-10-01 08:21:12
521.   LogikReader
Andrew, if that other CF is Aaron Rowand, I might be on board.
2007-10-01 08:24:01
522.   LogikReader
I didn't get enough time to see Delwyn Young's outfield play over the last week.

Could he be considered a CF if need be?

2007-10-01 08:25:11
523.   MollyKnight
Who else will be rooting his/her face off for the Rockies today?
2007-10-01 08:25:55
524.   Andrew Shimmin
522- No. Fortunately, Kemp and Ethier could be.
2007-10-01 08:25:58
525.   JoeyP
519--But the only vet to really "collapse" was Nomar. He was horrible.

Luis Gonzales put up about the same numbers as anyone expected him too, probably even a bit better than expected.

Betemit really wasnt a vet. And he didnt at all "collapse". He had about the highest OPS on the team when they dealt him.

Furcal?--Certainly not as good as last season--but I dont think he "collapsed" either. He didnt turn into Izturis overnite, at least I hope he didnt.

The problem in building the offense was thinking that Gonzo, Nomar, Pierre were or could be useful players at their positions. Mis-evaluation of talent, of how runs are created, etc. Colletti just doesnt "get it". Doubt there's much hope in him suddenly knowing how runs are created for this off-season.

2007-10-01 08:28:42
526.   Ken Noe
518 What do we know? Colletti wants Kent back, which sends a message. He wants a big bat and more pitching. He thinks we have four potential big bats now but bizarrely doesn't see them as the answer short-term. That spells Ethier or Kemp + young pitching for a "proven" starter in the Wolf or Loiaza mold. Followed by a run at Hunter or Jones, safeguarding JP's position at the top of the order, where apparently no problems exist. Followed by loud cursing from my house.
2007-10-01 08:42:39
527.   Howard Fox
Coletti will make a run at several good players, of which none will come our way...he loves Pierre and sees no problem in CF...he will come away with a couple of pitchers who will ultimately be no help to us
2007-10-01 08:47:36
528.   Kevin Lewis
521

I second that motion.

2007-10-01 08:48:18
529.   GoBears
521 if that other CF is Aaron Rowand, I might be on board.

If and only if Pierre is traded. Otherwise, adding Rowand means that Kemp and Ethier have to share or compete for 1 spot, again. Because if Pierre is on the payroll, he will play 162. He's a pretty bad hitter as a CFer. Put him in LF, and he might be the worst LFer in the league.

2007-10-01 08:51:11
530.   Howard Fox
Coletti likes Pierre, I can't see him going anywhere or moving out of CF
2007-10-01 08:53:45
531.   Daniel Zappala
D4P: Congratulations. The crown is in the mail. It's slightly crumpled because I think it's lousy to win anything as a result of the Dodgers misfortune, but it is rightfully yours.
2007-10-01 08:54:13
532.   Andrew Shimmin
Poking around the Times a little more I now find that my Dead to Me list just got one space longer. Welcome aboard Geno Apicella of Burbank!
2007-10-01 08:54:51
533.   Howard Fox
by the way, today we root for the Rockies over the Padres...although the Rockies knocked us out of the running (but as much our doing as theirs), these are the Padres, and well, we hate the Padres...
2007-10-01 08:55:56
534.   Howard Fox
the bright side of all this is the Mets losing out...if it shuts up ESPN for even a milli-second, then it is all worth it
2007-10-01 08:58:40
535.   D4P
531
Thanks, quiet companion.

Speaking of the mail, I received my replacement keyboard this morning.

2007-10-01 08:59:30
536.   dzzrtRatt
I don't see Nomar starting at 3B or anywhere again. I think they'll try to trade him, not expecting much back. He was supposed to be the feel-good story of 2007. He performed so dismally, that won't be the expectation again.

Of all the young players, I think the ones most likely to be traded are Young and Ethier. Plaschke might have perversely saved Kemp's spot on the Dodgers. Loney and Billingsley, forget it. They're mainstays now. LaRoche is protected by the fact that they've got nobody else to play third base. Even if they bring in a PVL to play third next year, I don't see how they can let LaRoche go. It's too much of a gamble.

What is the deal with Andruw Jones? What's the theory for why he tanked this season?

2007-10-01 09:03:36
537.   Andrew Shimmin
If D.J. Houlton had spent the last two years pitching for the D'rays, Colletti could trade LaRoche for him.
2007-10-01 09:05:48
538.   Daniel Zappala
535 Let me know if that fixes your problem. Hopefully that's all it is.
2007-10-01 09:08:40
539.   Howard Fox
537 he still might...lol
2007-10-01 09:14:52
540.   Jon Weisman
New post up top.

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