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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

Twenty Years
2008-03-12 20:48
by Jon Weisman

Twenty years? Yeah, that sounds about right.

Or maybe even 21.

Twenty-one years is the drought the Brooklyn Dodgers endured between their last National League pennant under Wilbert Robinson in 1920 and their first under Leo Durocher in 1941.

Between 1921 and 1929, the Bums finished once in second place, once in fifth place and seven times in sixth place. Between '21 and '38, the team finished above fifth place four times.

Over a two-decade period, the team finished at least 10 games out of first place every year but three. The collective record: 1,494-1,565 (.488), or in an average year, 75-78.

Brooklyn did this in an eight-team league. Five teams won pennants in that time. You know who won the most? Seven times in the 20 years, the Dodgers had to watch their New York rivals, the Giants, hoist the flag.

The team that a generation of fans in Brooklyn fell in love with - or eventually fell in love with - was dreadful. And you can go back even further to emphasize the point. From 1890 to 1940, Brooklyn won the National League five times and finished second just three others.

Since the fall of 1988, competing with as many as 15 other teams in the NL, the Dodgers have not won a pennant, it's true. But, thanks to a more liberal playoff system, there has been plenty of joyous moments. Four playoff spots. Three other finishes within five games of first place in the NL West. Countless thrills.

I won't suggest that there isn't frustration over being left out of the World Series, nor that there hasn't been embarrassment or anger over some of the events that have taken place since 1988.

It hasn't been a lost 20 years, however. We've got plenty to cherish from the past two decades. And even if we haven't had the ultimate prize in a long time, well, if Brooklyn could make a go of it, so can we.

Comments (263)
Show/Hide Comments 1-50
2008-03-12 21:03:43
1.   Eric Enders
Once its drought ended, of course, Brooklyn won 8 pennants in 18 years, and lost two more on the final day of the season.

I'll take that.

2008-03-12 21:11:46
2.   Sam DC
David Letterman to Charlize Theron: "How do you get your legs so shiny."

It's a well-worth-watching Letterman night, as she beams with pride at having become a US citizen, and then describes the Hasty Pudding guys were trying to get her drunk.

Also one of those times that the guest is so beautiful that Dave gets a little flustered.

2008-03-12 21:13:12
3.   Daniel Zappala
And even if we haven't had the ultimate prize in a long time, well, if Brooklyn could make a go of it, so can we.

Yes we can!

2008-03-12 21:17:22
4.   Eric Enders
So is it good or bad for the Dodgers that the San Francisco Giants have been so much crappier than the New York version? (Three pennants and zero championships in 50 years... goodness.)
2008-03-12 21:19:25
5.   Improbable88
Good medicine, Jon. Good, good medicine!
2008-03-12 21:26:06
6.   El Lay Dave
In that Brooklyn run was a three-time MVP catcher. I hope that happens earlier in these next 21 years.
2008-03-12 21:32:50
7.   Xeifrank
Great article/interview with Chris Long, Senior Quantitative Analyst for the Padres, who works alongside Paul DePodesta and other sabermetricians in the Padre front office. This is part two of the interview, and in this part he asks Chris a question concerning DePodesta that I asked him to ask.

http://friarforecast.com/

Friar Forecast is a very good blog, even though it is from a rival team. The author is 100 times better than the blowhard at GaslampBall.

vr, Xei

2008-03-12 21:34:41
8.   KG16
This is one of the reasons I'm glad ESPN wasn't around back then. They'd have found a way to make Dodger fans as evil and annoying as Red Sox Nation.
2008-03-12 21:50:05
9.   dsfan
I'm a sucker for the underdog, I suppose. Have been rooting for Jamie Hoffman since the Dodgers plucked him out of Minnesota. He was pretty good hockey player, drafted by an NHL team. Doubt he even played much baseball in high school, but he's actually done very well when you take his background into account. Nice to see him hit a HR today. His career walk and strikeout numbers are respectable. He's a pretty good OF, runs pretty well. It'd be a great story if he could add 50 points to that career slugging percentage.
2008-03-12 22:00:05
10.   evenatriple
7 Do the Dodgers have the equivalent position in their organization? Do most teams? Or are the Padres unusual in this regard?
2008-03-12 22:05:10
11.   underdog
9 Well, thanks! ;-) I guess I should root for Hoffmann too, then. Yep, it would be nice to see him succeed, and yep, he's got a fairly long road ahead.
2008-03-12 22:05:44
12.   Xeifrank
10. I looked at the Dodgers front office staffing and they have no such similar position listed. My guess is the Dodgers don't.
vr, Xei
2008-03-12 22:08:27
13.   Eric Enders
The Jamie Hoffmann post got me thinking... here's a team of Dodger multi-sport all-stars.

C - Russell Martin (hockey -- I know he wasn't any good, but we do need a catcher)
1B - Steve Garvey (football)
2B - Delino DeShields (basketball)
3B - Jackie Robinson (football, basketball, track, ping pong, poker)
SS - Pee Wee Reese (marbles)
LF - Kirk Gibson (football)
CF - Kenny Lofton (basketball)
RF - Brian Jordan (football)
BENCH - Matt Kemp (basketball), Mickey Hatcher (football), Mike Devereaux (track and field), Dolph Camilli (boxing), Chuck Connors (basketball)

SP - Orel Hershiser (hockey, poker)
SP - Sandy Koufax (basketball)
SP - Scott Elbert (football)
RP - Mark Hendrickson (basketball)

2008-03-12 22:12:51
14.   Eric Stephen
7
Wonderful interview. Thanks, Xeifrank! I haven't seen Friar Forecast before, but it's now bookmarked.
2008-03-12 22:13:40
15.   Jon Weisman
Does Gagne qualify for hockey?
2008-03-12 22:16:41
16.   Jon Weisman
Or Brad Penny for hunting?

Actually, you definitely need Rick Rhoden (golf).

2008-03-12 22:16:59
17.   ibleedbloo
It was refreshing to see someone like Pee Wee Reese turn down all of that marble money and go with his true love, baseball.
2008-03-12 22:20:01
18.   Eric Stephen
13
Also for the bench, Chuck Connors (shooting)
2008-03-12 22:20:52
19.   Jon Weisman
Ken Levine at Spring Training:

http://kenlevine.blogspot.com/2008/03/sunshine-boys-of-summer.html

2008-03-12 22:21:46
20.   Jon Weisman
And his son Matt:

http://dirtywatah.com/

2008-03-12 22:24:51
21.   Eric Enders
I thought about Gagne. I really don't know whether he was any good at hockey or not. He may have just had the "mentality."

Hershiser was actually drafted by the NHL, wasn't he? Or am I making that up?

2008-03-12 22:34:41
22.   Greg Brock
Every March reminds me that, however much I'm frustrated with the Dodgers over the past twenty years, I just really love watching baseball.

The Dodgers championship futility hasn't ever stifled that.

2008-03-12 22:37:19
23.   dsfan
I've heard that hockey translates well into golf. Don't know if it helps Hoffman in baseball. He has below average power but has manage to draw walks in about 10 percent of his at-bats. I think you're right about Hershiser. Maybe I'm nuts, but I thought he may have played hockey at Bowling Green and knows Ken Morrow. Or did I hallucinate that?
2008-03-12 22:54:09
24.   Eric Stephen
The Rockets amazing 20 straight victories, coupled with the Hornets pasting of the Spurs tonight (by 25!), leaves us with the following Southwest Division standings:

Rockets 44-20, ---
Spurs 44-20, ---
Hornets 43-20, 0.5 GB
Mavs 42-23, 2.5 GB

Lakers play the Hornets, Rockets, and Mavs in their next 3 games. Then they end their road trip with a relative breather...in Utah, with the best home record in the league. Tough stretch.

2008-03-12 22:57:38
25.   Bob Timmermann
Hershiser was a college hockey player, but that was it. Tom Glavine was drafted by the Kings.
2008-03-12 23:02:39
26.   trainwreck
7
Man, I wish I could own a baseball franchise. I would love to hear the advancement in statistics he is talking about.
2008-03-12 23:04:19
27.   trainwreck
22
Now you can add your appreciation for Ben Howland.
2008-03-12 23:27:13
28.   Greg Brock
27 It's coming up on the best sports time ever. The Masters, March Madness, opening day.

Spring has sprung (almost). And only 8 days till Purim!

2008-03-12 23:31:39
29.   jasonungar07
Thank you for that 7 . That was great. Do the dodgers employ people like him?
2008-03-12 23:33:47
30.   trainwreck
29
Probably not.

28
Plus, new South Park.

2008-03-12 23:49:52
31.   Bob Timmermann
I hear that there are many traditions which are strikingly similar to the Masters.
2008-03-12 23:50:59
32.   trainwreck
Gold jacket...green jacket...who gives a...!
2008-03-12 23:55:09
33.   Eric Stephen
31
If UCLA wins it all, I predict Jim Nantz will utter, "All you need is Love" as the game ends.
2008-03-13 00:00:13
34.   Greg Brock
31 Jim Nantz will be arriving at your home shortly.

I hope he brings Billy Packer.

2008-03-13 00:00:17
35.   Bob Timmermann
33
"This time, you can't hold the Mayo!"
2008-03-13 00:03:17
36.   trainwreck
"Bill will never question himSELF again!"
2008-03-13 00:03:25
37.   Eric Stephen
35
I was thinking of something along those lines. I'm guessing he won't say, "He's the D.J. [Augustin], I'm the rapper" if Texas wins it all.
2008-03-13 00:06:01
38.   Eric Stephen
"Pearls of wisdom lead to a championship."
2008-03-13 00:07:45
39.   Eric Stephen
The most chilling Jim Nantz moment for me is in one of his commercials (for Sony or something -- I don't remember), when he surprises some guy in a store with "Hello, friend." That scares the bejeezus out of me every time.
2008-03-13 03:01:11
40.   gpellamjr
Another all-night quarter-ending grading fest and now all that stands between me and spring break is waiting until 6:30 when I will be able to post grades. Then I get to do nothing for a week!*

*For "nothing", read "work on my paper".

2008-03-13 04:47:55
41.   xaphor
13 SP - Kevin Brown (shadowboxer)
2008-03-13 06:00:48
42.   Sam DC
13 RP -- Rudy Seanez (UFC)
2008-03-13 06:28:49
43.   uke
I blame the Fox Corp for the recent drought...
2008-03-13 06:31:28
44.   uke
13 Juan Pierre (poll vaulter)
2008-03-13 07:14:08
45.   Ken Noe
40 Yeah, I'm spending my "break" finishing the chapter from Hades.
2008-03-13 07:16:45
46.   Bob Timmermann
45
Is Hades in Virginia or Maryland?
2008-03-13 07:17:11
47.   Daniel Zappala
45 Wheee! I'm writing a grant proposal and finishing up a paper.
2008-03-13 07:23:07
48.   Ken Noe
I want the Dodgers to win championships too, but ultimately there's more to cherish. My grandmother became a Dodger fan in '47 while living in the segregated south. I became a Dodger fan sitting on her lap in '65. Our last conversation was about their prospects in '92. My best man was the only other Dodger fan I knew growing up. My son went to Vero last week to cheer on Ethier and came home enthralled with DeWitt. I'll be seeing my first games at DS this June. At the risk entailed when quoting Tommy on DT, I bleed blue.
2008-03-13 07:23:50
49.   Ken Noe
46 Speaking as a Virginian, Maryland.
2008-03-13 07:24:51
50.   Bob Timmermann
48
Don't forget to see all of the areas noted Civil War sites, starting with the Drum Barracks and ending with ... the Drum Barracks.

And the Drum Barracks are pretty dull.

Show/Hide Comments 51-100
2008-03-13 07:37:15
51.   Ken Noe
50 As a history geek, I like old period installations. But I assume that between the games and hyperventilating from driving on the freeway, my time will be limited.
2008-03-13 07:41:11
52.   Bob Timmermann
Ken, I'm a history geek too. Remember, I go to cities where treaties were signed.

You can skip the Drum Barracks.

2008-03-13 07:48:00
53.   Ken Noe
52 I also need to pick up my annual supply of free pens, pencils, and post-its at the ALA Annual Meeting exhibit hall.
2008-03-13 08:21:40
54.   cargill06
this looks very manly, you'll have to scroll down a little to see it. (sfw)

http://tinyurl.com/2wb482

2008-03-13 08:23:22
55.   cargill06
54 actually this is easier

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G7D8aDp3RUs

2008-03-13 08:30:58
56.   MC Safety
13 Can we get away with Tommy Lasorda (competitive eater)? Or maybe Grady Little (motorcycle enthusiast)? You gotta have a manager.
2008-03-13 08:52:25
57.   Retire 55
That was the worst South Park episode in, what, 3 years? 5 years? Ever?
2008-03-13 09:00:48
58.   GoBears
56. Really? You gotta? I'm not convinced. Especially with all the PVL on that team.

57. Yeah. Oddly un-funny. But not as bad as the new Lewis Black show. I was thinking that might be canceled before the last commercial break.

Maybe Parker and Stone are working on a meta-level. Several years ago, they had an episode in which exactly enough time had passed for AIDS to be funny (or, you know, safe to joke about). Apparently now, we've reached the point where it's safe to be NOT funny when lampooning AIDS.

Either that, or this was a comment about the writers' strike.

2008-03-13 09:02:57
59.   ET90210
Great article on 2008 Dodgers outlook (lineup, rotation, pen, prospect watch, etc.) Has them winning the West too!! :)

http://mlbfleecefactor.com/2008/03/13/the-2008-los-angeles-dodgers-torres-team/

2008-03-13 09:38:49
60.   MC Safety
58 How does Jeff Kent (dirtbiker): player/manager/general manager sound.

He leads by example, he doesn't make excuses, he plays the game the right way, he's not afraid to get in someone's face, and the cherry on top is...he wants to win. Unlike some of these other guys who are just collectin a paycheck.

2008-03-13 09:47:06
61.   Jon Weisman
Though I realize they're going in short stints, is it common for pitchers to go on three days' rest at this point in Spring Training, like Kuroda and Kershaw are today?
2008-03-13 09:48:00
62.   Jon Weisman
Oh wait - was it Loaiza who pitched Sunday?
2008-03-13 09:52:11
63.   Bob Timmermann
Loaiza was the Sunday starter. He had a bit of a high wire act.
2008-03-13 09:53:01
64.   Jon Weisman
Some more Bill James notes on the Dodgers:

http://www.insidesocal.com/tomhoffarth/archives/2008/03/according_to_bi.html

2008-03-13 10:00:55
65.   cargill06
there's a nook logan sighting.
2008-03-13 10:06:35
66.   Eric Stephen
64
I like the term "vultured runs". I have always associated the term "vulture" with relief pitching --I'm looking at you, Matt Herges-- but never thought to apply it to offense.
2008-03-13 10:09:31
67.   Sushirabbit
Imagine (too much time on my hands)
-with apologies to Lennon
*
Imagine there's no Veteran
It's easy if you try
No Plaschke bellows
No weird blogs burning eyes
Imagine all the Outfield
Throwing to the plate

Imagine there's no ellipses
It isn't hard to do
No one sentence 'graphs to die for
And no run-ons too
Imagine all the whitespace
For writing a real piece

You may say that I'm a dreamer
But I'm not the only one
I hope someday you'll join us
And LA will be more fun

Imagine no moved trash-cans
I wonder if you can
No need for speed or workers
with their epic ethic yawn

Imagine all us fans
Caring all the season

You may say that I'm a dreamer
But I'm not the only one
I hope someday you'll join us
And LA will be more fun

2008-03-13 10:13:52
68.   Humma Kavula
Anyone think that Tejada trade is gonna work out for Houston?
2008-03-13 10:15:16
69.   Humma Kavula
Loney gave it a good ride, but Bourn makes a good play.
2008-03-13 10:18:12
70.   Humma Kavula
Dodgers load 'em on HBP, error, HBP... and up comes Repko, who has had a grand slam already this spring.
2008-03-13 10:19:01
71.   Humma Kavula
Repko flies to left.
2008-03-13 10:20:06
72.   fanerman
Nice cycle.
2008-03-13 10:24:54
73.   drewjensen
cycle?
2008-03-13 10:26:36
74.   Humma Kavula
Two groundball outs... followed by called strike three on Berkman!
2008-03-13 10:26:52
75.   Jon Weisman
"Abreu took swings and grounders today."

http://www.beloblog.com/Pe_Blogs/prosports/2008/03/dodgers_abreu_doing_fine.html

2008-03-13 10:27:07
76.   Humma Kavula
73 I had four posts in a row! We call that "posting for the cycle." Yay, me!
2008-03-13 10:29:30
77.   cargill06
74 :-) :-) :-)

tejeda already has 4 errors this spring

2008-03-13 10:31:50
78.   Max West
May I propose a trade? Plaschke and Simers to Kansas City for Posnanski. And we could sweeten the deal with an intern to be named later.
2008-03-13 10:33:14
79.   cargill06
how many innings and or pitches is hiroki-son supposed to pitch?
2008-03-13 10:33:21
80.   fanerman
75 For a second there I thought he was taking grounders to try to be manly and un-weak. Nice to see that the doctors says to play.
2008-03-13 10:35:44
81.   underdog
Anyone else find the new MLBTV player gets hung up a lot more than when using the old version? I had to switch back and find the older one's less buggy, alas.
2008-03-13 10:37:34
82.   Humma Kavula
Repko gives chase to a fly ball... it goes off his globe... and we call that a double for Tejada.

Kemp woulda caught it! Okay, maybe not. Repko can play the outfield.

2008-03-13 10:38:04
83.   ToyCannon
Considering what Houston gave up I expect the Tejada trade to work our very nicely for the Astro's. The biggest chip in the deal is already down for the year. They have no farm system so they have to go for it this year and in a down Central division they might have a chance. Any team sporting Berkman, Pence, Lee, Towles, and Tejada is going to score some runs. The rotation after Oswalt is in shambles but hey, it is the Central division.
2008-03-13 10:39:12
84.   underdog
That was a tough diving catch to make, right across the line and into the dirt there, has to hurt.

That last one he should've had though. But it looks like the winds are swirling like mad out there so hard to judge.

2008-03-13 10:40:47
85.   underdog
Uh oh, Hiro is struggling a bit here.
2008-03-13 10:42:08
86.   LogikReader
dumb question

Are MLB.TV spring training games free or do they require the subscription as the regular season games do?

2008-03-13 10:42:38
87.   cargill06
85 :-(
2008-03-13 10:43:12
88.   Humma Kavula
Astros play-by-play: "So far that Jason Schmidt signing has not worked out at all... you can almost say the same about Juan Pierre."
2008-03-13 10:45:12
89.   Humma Kavula
Not so good here.
2008-03-13 10:45:34
90.   Eric Enders
Kuroda and the outfield wall are becoming very familiar with one another.
2008-03-13 10:45:58
91.   cargill06
89 is his velo still up?
2008-03-13 10:46:08
92.   underdog
86 They require a subscription.

88 Yeah I chuckled a bit at that. Although something about Astros announcers dissing the Dodgers on that count - and the one playoff win in 20 years - that seemed a little pot-kettle black.

Man, 2 more runs of Hiro. Now 4-zip. Lots of hard hit balls. Not looking good today. But... it's only spring. (repeat three times.)

2008-03-13 10:48:45
93.   Eric Enders
The Houston announcer just called their best player "Pence Hunter."
2008-03-13 10:48:57
94.   silverwidow
If Andruw and Kuroda fail, Ned will seriously get fired.
2008-03-13 10:49:06
95.   underdog
Hard to tell about his velocity since the Astros broadcast doesn't show pitch speeds. He's shaking off a lot of Martin's signs.

And Bourn beats out a throw, close play that Young throws for an error and another run scores. Can't blame Hiro for that one as much.

2008-03-13 10:49:29
96.   Jon Weisman
Virtually every pitcher has a bad spring outing. I haven't researched that at all. But until someone does, I stand by it.
2008-03-13 10:49:54
97.   underdog
94 They're not gonna fail, but yes, he'll be in trouble if they do. Hope no one is rooting for that to happen just to see Ned fired. And I think both will be fine.
2008-03-13 10:49:59
98.   drewjensen
76 Ahh! Way to bring it.
2008-03-13 10:50:15
99.   Eric Enders
He's not being helped in this inning with bad defensive plays by Martin, Delywn, and Loney.
2008-03-13 10:52:19
100.   fanerman
97 What if they don't succeed as much as we would like?
Show/Hide Comments 101-150
2008-03-13 10:53:14
101.   Eric Enders
Now Kuroda nicely fields an inning-ending grounder and the SS (DeJesus?) drops the throw.
2008-03-13 10:53:18
102.   Humma Kavula
Kuroda's pitch count after 1 2/3: 50
2008-03-13 10:54:31
103.   Humma Kavula
Finally gets Lee to K, swinging. 5 runs.
2008-03-13 10:55:02
104.   Eric Enders
Well, at least we know Kuroda can get Carlos Lee out. He did it twice in that inning.
2008-03-13 10:55:07
105.   Eric Stephen
88
Nice! If I remember correctly, the 'Stros TV crew (I know this is radio, but still) is generally pretty good about integrating new stats. They display OPS quite a bit, and even take the time to explain it. Jim Deshaies is a good analyst.
2008-03-13 10:55:24
106.   underdog
100 Then that'll be disappointing.

Yeah, he can't be happy with his defense this inning. Still, he's been hit hard. Anyway, hopefully this is his bad outing.

2008-03-13 10:55:39
107.   silverwidow
Does that mean we get to see MINOTAUR soon?
2008-03-13 10:56:37
108.   underdog
It's all Lasorda's fault! Leaving Kuroda in there way too long. (j/k)
2008-03-13 10:58:20
109.   underdog
I'm definitely not going to start on this work project 'til the Minotaur's stint is over.
2008-03-13 10:59:14
110.   MC Safety
102 Wow, that's high. Nice to see hime get El Caballo swinging.
2008-03-13 11:00:37
111.   wireroom
92 What does the phrase "pot kettle black," mean? That is the name of one of my favorite songs.
2008-03-13 11:01:15
112.   MC Safety
whoa..hime>him
2008-03-13 11:02:12
113.   Eric Enders
111 Explanation here:
http://www.goenglish.com/ThePotCallingTheKettleBlack.asp

And yeah, it's a great song.

2008-03-13 11:04:14
114.   wireroom
113 Thanks, much appreciated. Now I know.
2008-03-13 11:05:22
115.   Humma Kavula
Loney! Nice hit.

Pence's throw was pretty good. Not good enough -- Ethier scored -- but pretty good.

2008-03-13 11:06:33
116.   Eric Enders
I have first pick in my draft this afternoon. Do I take Hanley or A-Rod?
2008-03-13 11:06:55
117.   Humma Kavula
Astros' play-by-play: "Professional hitter Mark Sweeney."
2008-03-13 11:07:33
118.   underdog
And Sweeney lines a solid single, too, driving in another run, now 5-2 Houston.

"Atta boy, Russ!" says Lasorda in the dugout, caught on the mike.

2008-03-13 11:08:31
119.   underdog
Good to see Chacon revert to form this inning. It's only fair.
2008-03-13 11:09:16
120.   cargill06
116 a-rod.
2008-03-13 11:09:28
121.   underdog
A double for Repko drives in another run! Chacon is falling behind each batter, going to full count and then laying in a fat fast ball each time.
2008-03-13 11:09:32
122.   Humma Kavula
Repko works the count full with Loney on third and Sweeney on first... and it goes over Cruz's head in left field! Double! Sweeney has to hold up, though.

5-3 Astros, one out, Dodgers on second and third.

2008-03-13 11:10:54
123.   Humma Kavula
De Witt ties it up!
2008-03-13 11:11:17
124.   Humma Kavula
Triple off the base of the wall!
2008-03-13 11:11:19
125.   underdog
And DeWitt crushes one! Almost took it out, but it goes off the wall for a double, 2 more runs come in, and the game is tied. DeWitt went on top of the ball nicely.
2008-03-13 11:11:48
126.   underdog
Er triple, I should say. And back to you Charlie, er, Humma.
2008-03-13 11:12:35
127.   MC Safety
117 Definitely not a "professional base runner"
2008-03-13 11:13:03
128.   underdog
Hah hah. I can't believe Lasorda pit the squeeze on with an inexperienced hitter like DeJesus at the plate. DeWitt's hung out to dry.
2008-03-13 11:13:31
129.   Humma Kavula
DeJesus either misses the squeeze sign or can't get swing at a pitch low and outside, but DeWitt is out coming down the line.

DeJesus eventually works the walk.

2008-03-13 11:14:15
130.   cargill06
maybe they could get another run and minotaur could get the W
2008-03-13 11:14:35
131.   Humma Kavula
Logan grounds to short, that's it.

Is it Minotaur time?!

2008-03-13 11:16:39
132.   Humma Kavula
Kuroda is still in.
2008-03-13 11:16:44
133.   Eric Enders
Kuroda back out there. Wow.
2008-03-13 11:16:53
134.   Andrew Shimmin
Timmermann special for Young.
2008-03-13 11:17:13
135.   Humma Kavula
Young bobbles it then throws it away. Tejada is on second. Nobody out.
2008-03-13 11:17:31
136.   cargill06
133 i bet they want him to throw 75-80 pitches no matter what.
2008-03-13 11:17:56
137.   Jon Weisman
The Eagle has landed.

http://insidethedodgers.mlblogs.com/my_weblog/2008/03/china_arrivalfi.html

2008-03-13 11:18:18
138.   Eric Enders
The official scorer is apparently a Timmermannite. He gave D. Young one error on a play that usually would have been two errors.
2008-03-13 11:18:22
139.   Humma Kavula
136 You mean 175-180.
2008-03-13 11:19:16
140.   Andrew Shimmin
138- Maybe it really is Bob. He was looking to unload his Pac 10 tournament tickets, the other day.
2008-03-13 11:19:34
141.   underdog
Good thing Torre's not around to see Young's fielding today, reverting to his fielding of a second years ago. "He has a good reputation defensively, Young does," says the Astros analyst.
2008-03-13 11:20:36
142.   underdog
I'm not surprised Kuroda is back in, though hope he's on a short leash. Hey, this pitch count is nothing to him vs. Japanese spring training!
2008-03-13 11:20:43
143.   Andrew Shimmin
Alright Tommy. Time for the hidden ball trick!
2008-03-13 11:22:09
144.   cargill06
141 i'm sure he's watching.
2008-03-13 11:22:15
145.   Eric Enders
Boy, the Dodger middle infielders are playing like Class A guys today. (Of course, one of them is a Class A guy.)
2008-03-13 11:22:34
146.   underdog
Fucal would've nailed that runner.
2008-03-13 11:24:24
147.   Humma Kavula
Pitch count now 71.
2008-03-13 11:24:38
148.   cargill06
146 please explain to those not watching, ie myself.
2008-03-13 11:25:05
149.   Humma Kavula
Young atones by snaring a Quintero liner. After three: 6-5 Astros. Kuroda's thrown 72 pitches.
2008-03-13 11:25:41
150.   Eric Enders
148 DP ball hit to Young. DeJesus's throw to first was nowhere near in time.

Inning ends on a liner to Delwyn.

Show/Hide Comments 151-200
2008-03-13 11:26:14
151.   Humma Kavula
148 Tejada on third. Grounder to short. DeJesus throws to Martin, who fields cleanly but Tejada has gone around and is in.
2008-03-13 11:27:34
152.   Marty
Breaking news on the bacon front:

http://www.lollyphile.com/maple-bacon.php

2008-03-13 11:28:44
153.   Andrew Shimmin
Furry would have gotten both of them, which is paradoxical.

I think he may not have gotten Tejada, actually. It would have been close, and Martin was playing up out of the way (which is good; I wouldn't want to watch him block the plate in an exhibition game).

2008-03-13 11:30:52
154.   Xeifrank
137. Glad they made it safely. Now time to get some great food, do some shopping and sightseeing, and oh yeah play a baseball game. Wonder how the air quality is. My guess is it's still pretty bad. Hope nobody gets sick from breathing that cruddy air. It took me about 2-3 days to come down with sinus/throat stuff on both of my trips there. It's still well worth the trip, you just have to be prepared.

vr, Xei

2008-03-13 11:32:04
155.   Bob Timmermann
140
I'm here in L.A. as I type this. I am not now, nor have I ever been in Kissimmee, Florida.
2008-03-13 11:33:45
156.   fanerman
152 Ah! I was just about to post that!
2008-03-13 11:34:37
157.   silverwidow
Tony Jackson wants Joe Crede! Yes, the guy who is hitting .080
2008-03-13 11:35:40
158.   MC Safety
152 For fans of bacon. Best chips I have ever tasted:

http://www.britishdelights.com/detail.asp?product_id=cw4

2008-03-13 11:36:01
159.   Humma Kavula
Proctor in.
2008-03-13 11:37:17
160.   Humma Kavula
Another Dodger misplay.
2008-03-13 11:39:53
161.   Humma Kavula
And another.
2008-03-13 11:40:32
162.   ibleedbloo
116 Arod! This year 1st overall pick is easy, its at pick number 2 where things start to get hazy. Also, I would stay away from pitching (expect for maybe Peavy -- Santana will be gone) until at least the 5th round, depending on how many are in you league of course.
2008-03-13 11:41:42
163.   cargill06
160 161 what's going on?
2008-03-13 11:41:47
164.   Eric Enders
I think I've pretty much decided on Hanley. Shortstops this year, as a group, stink, whereas you can always get a good third baseman.
2008-03-13 11:43:23
165.   Humma Kavula
Loney misfeed to a covering Proctor.

Then, on a strikeout, stolen base/E-2, runner on third. Would score on a Berkman SF.

2008-03-13 11:45:24
166.   gpellamjr
Am I mistaken? Wasn't the Minotaur supposed to follow Kuroda today? or is this like the time I imagined that Mike Piazza started off as a switch hitter in the minors?
2008-03-13 11:45:49
167.   Eric Stephen
164
What are the categories? You probably have to take Hanley due to the large gap in SB.
2008-03-13 11:47:18
168.   drewjensen
Proctor? Where's CK? I hate being at work when there's more important things afoot.
2008-03-13 11:47:43
169.   Eric Enders
164 R/HR/RBI/TB/SB/OBP
2008-03-13 11:50:28
170.   Humma Kavula
Nothing doing for the Dodgers that inning. Will we see the Minotaur now?
2008-03-13 11:50:39
171.   Humma Kavula
And what number is the Minotaur wearing now?
2008-03-13 11:51:07
172.   cargill06
humma appreciate the "live" play-by-play keep it up if you like.
2008-03-13 11:51:15
173.   Eric Stephen
Tejada, Blum, Loretta about to get Kershawed.
2008-03-13 11:52:06
174.   Humma Kavula
He's in!!
2008-03-13 11:52:09
175.   Eric Enders
The horned mythical figure has arrived on the hill.
2008-03-13 11:52:29
176.   Humma Kavula
Tejada golfs one for a double.
2008-03-13 11:52:41
177.   underdog
Okay, Tejada, you may have won that battle, but you will lose the war against... The Minotaur!
2008-03-13 11:53:58
178.   Eric Stephen
Kershaw induces a popout from World Series Hero Geoff Blum™.
2008-03-13 11:53:58
179.   underdog
I hate the camera coverage on this Astros' telecast. I can't see enough of Kershaw's stuff this way!
2008-03-13 11:54:00
180.   Humma Kavula
Blum gets two quick strikes... and pops up to Young.
2008-03-13 11:54:05
181.   cargill06
173 that should be websters new word for next year

kershawed- v. (kur-shaw-ed)- 1. walk back to dugout shaking head 2. jelly legged.

2008-03-13 11:55:10
182.   Bob Timmermann
178
The trademark is in the wrong place. It only protects "World Series" not "Geoff Blum."
2008-03-13 11:55:38
183.   Humma Kavula
Walks Loretta on four pitches.
2008-03-13 11:55:48
184.   Eric Stephen
182
I thought Blummer had his named legally changed to WSHGB.
2008-03-13 11:55:48
185.   Eric Enders
Four-pitch walk, one of which was a curveball right through the middle of the strike zone.
2008-03-13 11:56:48
186.   Eric Stephen
185
Astros' announcers compared that curve to Oswalt's.
2008-03-13 11:58:40
187.   Eric Stephen
No idea who the Dodgers' 2B is right now.
2008-03-13 11:58:44
188.   Humma Kavula
ANOTHER Dodger error at 2B.... not Young... Maza? Should have been a double play ball.
2008-03-13 11:59:04
189.   Eric Enders
Inning-ending DP ball booted by Maza. Since you can't assume the DP, Kershaw's spring training ERA will probably take an unfair hit.
2008-03-13 11:59:14
190.   cargill06
oh no it's awful quiet in here. probably bad news to clay.
2008-03-13 12:00:14
191.   Humma Kavula
Quintero with the bases loaded... BULLET to third. DeWitt snares it, tags Blum, double play, inning over.
2008-03-13 12:00:18
192.   Eric Stephen
189
Kershaw's spring training ERA will probably take an unfair hit.

DeWitt says no!

2008-03-13 12:01:02
193.   Eric Enders
Now a line drive that was CRUSHED, but DeWitt turns it into a DP.

Pretty unimpressive inning for Kershaw. Couldn't find the plate. Neither the fastball nor the curveball were generating swings and misses.

2008-03-13 12:01:08
194.   cargill06
how many pitches?
2008-03-13 12:01:36
195.   Jon Weisman
190 - Quiet? There's been more than a comment per minute. You have high standards :)
2008-03-13 12:02:00
196.   Humma Kavula
So... who the heck is Maza?

And that reminds me... I need to make plans for Passover.

2008-03-13 12:02:29
197.   underdog
That was actually good to see, good to give Kershaw a taste of working out of a jam in the bigs. He's cool as a cucumber it seems, and got a little lucky on the bullet that went for a DP, but also was unlucky on the error. But it's good to have that experience, I think.
2008-03-13 12:02:37
198.   Gen3Blue
Big sigh of relief.
Live Box is worse than useless, as usual.
2008-03-13 12:02:57
199.   Eric Stephen
196
Only guy I could find was Luis Maza, who was in Vegas last year at 27.
2008-03-13 12:03:18
200.   Humma Kavula
DeWitt follows up his good play with a base hit.
Show/Hide Comments 201-250
2008-03-13 12:03:18
201.   Dark Horse
193-DeWitt missed one of those yesterday, however. Obviously, we need Joe Crede...
2008-03-13 12:03:21
202.   Eric Enders
DeWitt gets a hit because it takes a bad hop off the second base bag.
2008-03-13 12:03:24
203.   underdog
196 Hah hah. Yeah, why is this second baseman different than all other second basemen?
2008-03-13 12:03:30
204.   cargill06
tell me something about dewitt.
seems like from his minor league #'s, good pop, avg avg, but below avg ability to draw walks. looks bad defensively just from numbers.
2008-03-13 12:04:28
205.   underdog
So I guess we won't be You Tube-ing that inning, alas. :-( But that's okay.
2008-03-13 12:05:45
206.   eusmus
Looks like Nook Logan went to the Juan Pierre school of bunting.
2008-03-13 12:05:56
207.   Eric Enders
204 DeWitt is actually considered to be the opposite of that... good hitter for average, but no pop, at least not enough for a third baseman.
2008-03-13 12:06:28
208.   Humma Kavula
206 I was just gonna type that!
2008-03-13 12:06:46
209.   Eric Enders
DeWitt is in the "we hope his doubles will become homers someday" category that James Loney was in during 2005 and '06.
2008-03-13 12:07:59
210.   cargill06
207 really? he's averaged 17 HR every 550 AB's.
2008-03-13 12:09:03
211.   cargill06
the average NL 3b avg, 19.4 HR every 550 ab's
2008-03-13 12:10:14
212.   Eric Enders
In a nice bit of irony (subject to approval by the irony police), Jim DeShaies just accused Jeff Kent of faking his current injury.
2008-03-13 12:11:42
213.   Eric Enders
210 The Cal League is a lot different from the National League, though. One of them is the best hitters' league on the planet and it ain't the NL.
2008-03-13 12:12:06
214.   gpellamjr
212 Clearly you don't understand veteranness. When Jeff Kent does it, he's a smart veteran getting some extra time off.
2008-03-13 12:12:52
215.   Humma Kavula
more Kershaw!
2008-03-13 12:13:32
216.   Humma Kavula
Bourn... full count fly ball to left. One out.
2008-03-13 12:13:45
217.   Eric Enders
Kershaw starts off 0-2 on Bourn, falls behind 3-2, then gets him on a fly to shallow left.
2008-03-13 12:13:51
218.   cargill06
213 i understand there is a difference between A and AA and the NL. but power is power minor league power usually translates to major league power.
2008-03-13 12:14:04
219.   Eric Enders
Weak squibber back to the mound for Pence. 2 out.
2008-03-13 12:14:15
220.   Humma Kavula
Pence... first pitch chopper in front of the plate. Kershaw fields cleanly, tosses easy to Loney. Two out.
2008-03-13 12:15:03
221.   cargill06
score is 1-1 between eric and humma.
2008-03-13 12:15:33
222.   Eric Enders
Reggie Abercrombie, the anti-Kershaw of Dodger prospects, hits a foul homer.
2008-03-13 12:15:37
223.   Humma Kavula
Which makes the all-time score Enders 28,343,394, Humma 1.
2008-03-13 12:15:52
224.   Humma Kavula
Finally a swing and a miss... 2-2 count to Abercrombie
2008-03-13 12:16:28
225.   Eric Enders
After a sick curveball for strike 2, Abercrombie walks on a full count.
2008-03-13 12:16:31
226.   Humma Kavula
Walks Abercrombie.
2008-03-13 12:17:26
227.   Humma Kavula
Kershaw picks him off, 1-3-6.
2008-03-13 12:17:44
228.   Eric Enders
Russell Martin says: "I am Russell Martin, and you are not. No stealing today."

Inning over.

2008-03-13 12:18:46
229.   Jon Weisman
212 - Approved.
2008-03-13 12:19:03
230.   Eric Enders
Um, did I see that one wrong? Apparently I did. The umpires declare a forfeit in Humma's favor.
2008-03-13 12:20:16
231.   cargill06
230 it was a 2-2 tie, and humma wins in PK's

last soccer reference you'll ever hear from me.

2008-03-13 12:20:22
232.   underdog
Yeah, while Eric is right that Cal League #s don't necessarily translate to power in the bigs, I also don't think it's fair to say DeWitt has "no pop." In fact I've read several scouting reports on him that say he projects to hit for power in the bigs, though perhaps not at the same clip as in low minors, sure. But I wouldn't dismiss his power potential. From what I've heard his patience and defense consistency are the things they need him to improve the most.
2008-03-13 12:23:49
233.   Eric Enders
For the record, I wasn't dismissing DeWitt's power potential. From what I've read, his power potential is basically as summarized in 209 .
2008-03-13 12:24:30
234.   Humma Kavula
It IS Luis Maza. He's now at the plate with 1 out and Dodgers on first and second.
2008-03-13 12:26:53
235.   Humma Kavula
Maza works the count full... and grounds into a 6-3 DP. No W for Kershaw, unless he pitches another inning.
2008-03-13 12:29:24
236.   Humma Kavula
Seanez in now.
2008-03-13 12:31:34
237.   underdog
From the Minotaur to the Dinosaur.
2008-03-13 12:34:03
238.   Xeifrank
Eric Enders,
Download my fantasy baseball draft software, enter in your league configuration and the software will use replacement level algorithms to determine who the best players are for your league at each position.
http://MLBMockDraftSoftware.blogspot.com/

vr, Xei

2008-03-13 12:34:21
239.   Humma Kavula
Three up three down for Seanez.
2008-03-13 12:36:37
240.   Eric Enders
Okay, DeWitt has power. Case closed.
2008-03-13 12:37:39
241.   Eric Enders
238 Thanks. Not enough time before today's draft, but I'll try that for my other league which drafts next week.
2008-03-13 12:37:58
242.   Humma Kavula
Jim DeShaies, after Houston gives up a homer and a comebacker deflected off his glove: "Yyyyyeah, that's annoying, there."
2008-03-13 12:41:03
243.   underdog
Maybe we'll have the Dinosaur and the Minotaur on the team together this summer!

240 :-)

2008-03-13 12:41:05
244.   fanerman
238 Wow that is so cool. I'm afraid to install it at work though...

But wow. I may do a fantasy team this year just to use that.

2008-03-13 12:42:22
245.   cargill06
the live box score is wrong by saying kershaw pitched a 3rd scoreless inning right?
2008-03-13 12:42:45
246.   underdog
Oh crap, I just remembered!

I'm supposed to be working.

Later all.

2008-03-13 12:46:22
247.   Humma Kavula
245 Yes, that is incorrect.

Kuroda 3, Proctor 1, Kershaw 2, Seanez 1, and we're in the top of the 8th now.

2008-03-13 12:47:03
248.   silverwidow
245 No, the box score is not wrong. Since Kershaw is a Minotaur, he can morph into different pitchers while on the mound (he chose Rudy Seanez this time).
2008-03-13 12:48:12
249.   cargill06
houston is pitching for houston?
2008-03-13 12:54:12
250.   Gen3Blue
Yeah, Cargill, live box is worse than usual. Today, we're lucky if we get an update every two innings.
Show/Hide Comments 251-300
2008-03-13 12:54:48
251.   Shotupthemiddle
248 I hope next inning he morphs into Christy Mathewson. And then he can morph into Gary Burghoff the inning after that just to make things interesting...
2008-03-13 12:58:28
252.   cargill06
so i'm assuming the dewitt was the 3rd guy behind nomar and laroche, he'll be starting the year in AAA?
2008-03-13 13:00:12
253.   El Lay Dave
FWIW, ItD (Rawitch) commenter alex41592 is also providing play-by-play. He wrote regarding the second inning "Don't be overly concerned about Kuroda, he only used his fastball for most of the inning and his defense let him down big time". And he also called the CS as "Abercrombie is picked off (1-3-6)".
2008-03-13 13:09:21
254.   Jon Weisman
Another 1970s Dodger has cancer: Rick Sutcliffe.

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=3291777

2008-03-13 13:10:07
255.   Andrew Shimmin
Bob's really off his game. It's Luis Maza-Real.
2008-03-13 13:10:29
256.   Jon Weisman
USC 34, ASU 32 - halftime.
2008-03-13 13:12:06
257.   Bob Timmermann
255
I was off eating lunch. Stop taking my name in vain!
2008-03-13 13:13:42
258.   Eric Enders
I like USC, but I really hope the Devils win this one.
2008-03-13 13:14:29
259.   Andrew Shimmin
I heard a rumor that Bob is Client 10.
2008-03-13 13:17:05
260.   Bluebleeder87
so how did Kershaw look today guys?
2008-03-13 13:17:43
261.   El Lay Dave
249 Indeed.
http://houston.astros.mlb.com/team/player.jsp?player_id=455927
Career minor leaguer with Toronto, but on the Astros 40-man.
2008-03-13 13:19:50
262.   natepurcell
Tony Jackson is essentially clamoring for a Joe Crede trade.

Blake Dewitt! YOU MY BOY!

2008-03-13 13:20:06
263.   Jon Weisman
Two new posts up top.

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