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About Jon
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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
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Forgiveness Over Bitterness
2008-04-08 15:15
by Jon Weisman

A prolonged ovation in Fenway Park today greeted the bete noir of the 1986 World Series, Bill Buckner, who was invited to throw out the first pitch at Boston's home opener. Here's how the former Dodger was graciously introduced:

"How happy we are amidst this celebration and joy that this Red Sox alumnus has come back to join us. He amassed Hall of Fame-caliber credentials in his 21-year major-league career, and the Red Sox would never have won the 1986 American League pennant without him. Won't you please welcome back to Boston and let him know he is welcome always, No. 6, Bill Buckner."

Buckner's not really a Hall of Famer, despite his 2,715 career hits, but considering the grief he has gotten over the years, this was certainly a "welcome" gesture. (Thanks to Josh Wilker for the link.)

* * *

Funny note from Jeff Parenti of the Press-Enterprise:

... Monday night's California League game between Boston affiliate Lancaster and Dodgers affiliate Inland Empire was suspended at midnight with the score tied 3-3 in the top of the 16th inning. ...

Adding to the fun, the Dodgers and Red Sox made a trade last night with L.A. sending triple-A pitcher Eric Hull to Boston for single-A shortstop Christian Lara of Lancaster.

As a result of the deal and the suspended game, Lara will have started the suspended game on Lancaster's bench but will finish the game in a 66ers uniform.

* * *

Parenti's colleague Diamond Leung notes that Russell Martin is getting a rest today:

Rafael Furcal, SS
Matt Kemp, RF
Andre Ethier, LF
Jeff Kent, 2B
James Loney, 1B
Andruw Jones, CF
Gary Bennett, C
Blake DeWitt, 3B
Chad Billingsley, P

Dodgers at Diamondbacks, 6:40 p.m.

Rest in peace Estella Aaron, mother of Hank.

Comments (780)
Show/Hide Comments 1-50
2008-04-08 15:20:30
1.   D4P
Bennett's career numbers are staggeringly bad. His SLG% is 46 points lower than Pierre's. I didn't even know that was possible.

That being said, Martin could presumably use the day off.

Is there any good reason (other than veteranocity) to bad Bennett ahead of DeWitt...?

2008-04-08 15:21:29
2.   NoHoDodger
Matt Kemp in the 2 hole. That's putting him right back in the thick of things. Actually, I like the idea of him batting second. Hopefully he can focus on moving Furcal over and playing a bit of hit and run to jump start his motor.
2008-04-08 15:21:33
3.   underdog
That Lara anecdote's pretty funny. Must be surreal for him. Speaking of which, was going to post this in the previous thread since it was related to your topic, but as it still is...

Someone posted this on the MLBTraderumors post about the Hull-Lara swap and I thought it was pretty astute (maybe it was someone from here?):

"In his call up last year, Hull actually showed some pretty good stuff, and he has a rather unorthodox delivery that could get batters in a tizzy. Control seemed to be his biggest issue. Still, he could easily interchange with some of the guys at the back of Boston's 'pen.

The Dodger end of the deal looks like a smart move. The Dodgers essentially have 1 1/2 back up infielders at the major league level because of injuries, with Hu and Young. Young plays second better than most think, but can't really play anything on the left side. Having someone else in the system allows a bit more flexibility."

2008-04-08 15:21:49
4.   Eric Enders
"As a result of the deal and the suspended game, Lara will have started the suspended game on Lancaster's bench but will finish the game in a 66ers uniform."

That is awesome. I imagine it will be a nightmare for the guys who input the stats, though.

I seem to recall that the pitcher who lost the famous Pawtucket-Rochester game in the 33rd inning was a guy who had been in a completely different organization when the game started.

2008-04-08 15:22:52
5.   underdog
1 Presumably? I think he seriously needed a day off.

Bennett ahead of DeWitt probably is partially a function of experience, yah. Don't think it's a big deal either way.

2008-04-08 15:22:57
6.   bryanf
1 Maybe he'll see better pitches?

I know next to nothing about Bennett, but it's still hard to believe there weren't better backup catchers out there.

2008-04-08 15:23:29
7.   silverwidow
They don't want to break Martin/Kuroda, but they also shouldn't break Martin/Bills.
2008-04-08 15:24:14
8.   regfairfield
3 It only helps if that person isn't completely hopeless offensively.
2008-04-08 15:24:17
9.   ROC
Is it possible if Lara pitched he could've gotten the save as well as the loss?

(Rickroll update in last thread)

2008-04-08 15:25:24
10.   KG16
6 - well, there was that guy, Mike somethingorother...
2008-04-08 15:25:57
11.   Eric Enders
8 I'm assuming they just mean it helps in that our minor league teams will actually have enough guys to field an infield, not helps in the sense that Lara might make the majors this year.
2008-04-08 15:30:20
12.   fiddlestick
2 If they want Kemp to get more comfortable at the plate, playing hit and run against Doug Davis who thows a ton of balls wouldn't seem to be an appropriate remedy to get him on track.
2008-04-08 15:33:11
13.   Eric Enders
I must be a really mean person. In the last thread I was dumping on Bill Buckner, an object for pity if ever there was one, and tonight I find myself ardently hoping that a pitcher about to undergo cancer surgery gets thrashed in his final start.
2008-04-08 15:34:05
14.   cargill06
dodgers 8, d' backs 1
furcal 2-4 rbi, bb,3 runs
kemp 2-5, 2b, rbi, run
ethier 3-4, bb, 3 rbi, 2 2b's, 2 runs
kent 1-2, bb, 2b, rbi
loney 2-4, 2b, 2 rbi
bennant 0-3 bb, run
dewitt 1-4, run

billingsley 7 ip, 6 hits, 1 er, 2 bb, 8 k's
kuo 2 ip, 2 hits, 1 bb, 3 k's (his bull-pen session for his start on tue. april 15th)

2008-04-08 15:35:31
15.   LogikReader
I'm still waiting for cargill's Box Score Simulator to predict tonight's game.

My prediction? Davis will have a terrific start giving up only 2 earned runs. However, that doesn't indicate who will win. =)

2008-04-08 15:35:51
16.   LogikReader
14 15

Wow!! It's as if he read my mind!

2008-04-08 15:36:00
17.   underdog
"Here, if you have a milkshake, and I have a milkshake, and I have a straw. There it is, that's a straw, you see? You watching?. And my straw reaches acroooooooss the room, and starts to drink your milkshake... I... drink... your... milkshake!"

Guess what's out on DVD today?

13 I know what you mean. It's hard to not feel bad rooting against Davis today, but I'm sure he doesn't want any pity when it comes to games. Everyone can support him spiritually when it comes to his recovery, off the field.

2008-04-08 15:36:33
18.   KG16
So, who is the first Dodger to activate the Cycle Alert System this year?

And what are the odds that it happens while Bob is looking for survivors of Oceanic Flight 815?

2008-04-08 15:37:25
19.   Marty
17 Buying it this evening. I had a screener of it, but it would only play on my computer.
2008-04-08 15:37:33
20.   cargill06
14 a jones 0-3 bb, 2 k's
2008-04-08 15:38:15
21.   fanerman
18 Bob's not looking for survivors. He's looking for the plane.
2008-04-08 15:38:28
22.   Eric Stephen
13
It's OK to root for someone to get battered (figuratively) if that person did not give up an earned run to the Dodgers until his 5th career start against them.
2008-04-08 15:42:12
23.   Kevin Lewis
20

I hope you are wrong there.

By the way, I imagine they do not anymore, but does anyone know if MLBtv has a trial period, or is it pay up or shut up?

2008-04-08 15:42:46
24.   fracule
"At home plate surrounded by an ovation that came down
around him as if it was a waterfall of appreciation, he was met by his teammates who attempted to lift him onto their shoulders, but he slipped off into the arms of his father, Herbert Sr. and his mother Estella. 'I never knew', Aaron would say later, 'that my mother could hug so tight.' "

New York Times, April, 1974

2008-04-08 15:44:25
25.   Hallux Valgus
17 Lions For Lambs?
2008-04-08 15:46:33
26.   okdodge
Another day, another line-up. I actually like this line-up though, here's to hoping for the best.
2008-04-08 15:47:52
27.   underdog
25 That movie would've done better if it'd thrown in a crazy milkshake line. Or, you know, had been a lot less dull. (Although I still think it's worth seeing.)
2008-04-08 15:47:55
28.   okdodge
When I said I liked this line-up, hopefully everyone picked up on the silent, "except for Bennett" that I muttered under my breath
2008-04-08 15:51:22
29.   Hallux Valgus
27 I would have seen it, but I couldn't for the life of me figure out what it was about. Their marketing was atrocious.
2008-04-08 15:52:32
30.   Xeifrank
Does the site that you get the Dodgers lineup off of, also have the DBacks lineup listed? vr, Xei
2008-04-08 15:53:18
31.   Humma Kavula
28 The "except for Bennett" goes without saying.

What I think you might mean is:

I like this lineup. Well, except for Bennett. Not that I think Martin should start today -- in fact, I'm grateful that Torre is resting him. I think Martin needs the rest. So, even though Bennett kinda stinks and I really wish we had a different guy at backup catcher... I like this lineup.

But that's kinda wordy. So you can go with the four-word version that you used earlier, if you'd like.

2008-04-08 15:54:26
32.   regfairfield
30 Tony Jackson has it.
2008-04-08 15:57:03
33.   Jon Weisman
29 - It really wasn't worth seeing.
2008-04-08 15:57:49
34.   Jon Weisman
Lions for Lambs was the equivalent of Gary Bennett.
2008-04-08 16:01:28
35.   bhsportsguy
34 How's the zone defense going? Have you started treasuring the few hours when all three kids are asleep?
2008-04-08 16:01:42
36.   Daniel Zappala
14 Why do you think Kuo would start on the 15th? It looks to me like Penny would be taking his turn then:

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/teams/schedule?team=lad&season=2008

2008-04-08 16:02:23
37.   Xeifrank
32. Thanks. I am having to rerun my simulation of tonight's game since Martin is setting. This way I have the correct lineups for both teams. Vegas (LV Hilton) says the Dodgers have a 52.38% chance of winning. vr, Xei
2008-04-08 16:03:27
38.   Xeifrank
15. I have 3000 different box scores for tonight's game. Which one do you want to see? :)
vr, Xei
2008-04-08 16:04:03
39.   underdog
34 Hah hah. But actually, the script could've used more performance enhancing.
2008-04-08 16:05:39
40.   ibleedbloo
I was going to see the 66ers tomorrow, but I can't turn down free baseball plus a $2 game. Anyone else going?
2008-04-08 16:08:35
41.   Humma Kavula
38 I want to see the box score of the one that the Dodgers win 8-2.
2008-04-08 16:11:27
42.   Eric Stephen
30
For sake of inclusion, here is the D-Backs lineup:

Young. CF
Byrnes. LF
Hudson. 2B
Jackson. 1B
Reynolds. 3B
Drew. SS
Upton. RF
Snyder. C
Davis. P

They see our 5 homegrown players in our lineup and raise us one (of course Martin would make 6 for us).

2008-04-08 16:12:57
43.   Jon Weisman
35 - They go by too quickly to be treasured. Easier just to treasure their sweet faces (when they're not screaming or crying).
2008-04-08 16:13:29
44.   KG16
42 - does Ethier really count as "homegrown"? I thought he was pretty much ML ready when we got him
2008-04-08 16:23:47
45.   StolenMonkey86
I think we should have started Gary Bennett last night - would have fit in with Pierre and Loaiza.
2008-04-08 16:23:57
46.   madmac
44 he was nothing before we got ahold of him
2008-04-08 16:24:04
47.   Eric Enders
It's debatable, but Ethier played for us in the minors and has played his entire MLB career for us. If Pedro Guerrero qualifies as homegrown, so does he.
2008-04-08 16:25:02
48.   StolenMonkey86
47 - For that matter, is John Smoltz a homegrown Brave?
2008-04-08 16:29:50
49.   Eric Stephen
48
I think Smoltz qualifies as homegrown.
2008-04-08 16:30:08
50.   Jon Weisman
47 - Ooh, I like that analogy!
Show/Hide Comments 51-100
2008-04-08 16:30:15
51.   Humma Kavula
47 Is Dave Winfield a homegrown Padre?
2008-04-08 16:31:23
52.   Eric Stephen
And if Christian Lara ever makes it to the big club, he'll be homegrown too! :)
2008-04-08 16:32:42
53.   Eric Enders
Does Scott Proctor qualify as homegrown?
2008-04-08 16:32:45
54.   fanerman
For those wondering, Ethier played 25 games and had 86 at-bats for the Dodgers in Vegas.
2008-04-08 16:32:49
55.   Eric Stephen
51
Yep.
2008-04-08 16:34:42
56.   KG16
So, basically, a guy has to play minor league game(s) for a team and then make his debut with said franchise to be considered homegrown?
2008-04-08 16:35:34
57.   Eric Enders
I don't think there's one accepted definition. It's all in the eye of the beholder.
2008-04-08 16:36:59
58.   Humma Kavula
55 OK, how about this: Athena was born fully grown (and fully armed) from Zeus's forehead after he swallowed her pregnant mother. Is she a homegrown goddess?
2008-04-08 16:37:16
59.   CodyS
Gary Bennett is one of the worst hitters on any major league roster. This has been true for each of his 10! years in the majors. Either his defense is absolutely astounding, or he has naughty pictures of Bud Selig.
2008-04-08 16:38:04
60.   Xeifrank
41. Ok, I got it. In the 65th game the Dodgers won by the score of 8-2.

Box Score:
Player/AB/H/R/1B/2B/3B/HR/RBI/BB/OPS
Furcal/4/1/1/1/0/0/0/0/1/.650
Kemp/3/1/1/1/0/0/0/0/2/.833
Ethier/5/0/0/0/0/0/0/1/0/.000
Kent/5/2/1/1/1/0/0/0/0/1.000
Loney/4/2/1/2/0/0/0/2/1/1.100
Jones/4/2/1/1/0/1/0/2/1/1.600
Bennett/4/1/1/0/1/0/0/2/1/.900
DeWitt/5/1/1/1/0/0/0/1/0/.400
9Hole/5/3/1/1/2/0/0/0/0/1.600

Pitcher/IP/H/HR/K/BB/NP/WHIP
Billingsley/7/6/0/6/4/116/1.428
Proctor/1/2/0/0/0/16/2.00
Saito/1/1/0/0/0/13/1.00

LAD 0-6-0-2-0-0-0-0-0...8-13-0
ARZ 0-0-0-0-0-1-0-1-0...2-9-0

WP: Billingsley
LP: Davis

Notes:
No home runs in this game. Davis was knocked out in the 2nd inning.
vr, Xei

2008-04-08 16:38:06
61.   Kevin Lewis
Pretty bad accident on the 210 E at Rosemead a couple of hours ago. If you need to take the 210 East home, find another route
2008-04-08 16:38:06
62.   Eric Enders
"was born fully grown (and fully armed)"

Juan Pierre finds your ideas intriguing and would like to subscribe to your newsletter.

2008-04-08 16:38:29
63.   Eric Stephen
56
I think homegrown ideally is drafted or signed and stays with a single organization, but I tend to also consider homegrown players like Ethier and Smoltz who have spent all of their MLB time with one club.
2008-04-08 16:39:41
64.   Humma Kavula
59 10! years

10 factorial years? Gary Bennett has been a major league baseball player for 3,628,800 years?

2008-04-08 16:40:09
65.   fanerman
60 6 runs in the 2nd. Book it!
2008-04-08 16:41:05
66.   Humma Kavula
60 No home runs... but two triples -- one by Jones, and one by... Gary Bennett!
2008-04-08 16:41:46
67.   bhsportsguy
BTW - Their Chris Young was developed in the White Sox system, similar to Ethier

Catcher - AZ yes, LA no
1B - Both Yes
2B - Both No
3B - Both Yes
SS - AZ yes, LA no
LF - AZ no, LA (Minors no, MLB Debut, yes)
CF - AZ (Minors no, MLB Debut, yes, LA no
RF - Both Yes
SP - AZ no, LA yes

2008-04-08 16:42:08
68.   Jon Weisman
59 - Does "10!" mean that Gary Bennett has been in the majors 3,628,800 years?!
2008-04-08 16:42:19
69.   Jon Weisman
64 - Nuts!
2008-04-08 16:42:43
70.   Eric Stephen
Speaking of Winfield, I feel bad that he and Tony Gwynn are lumped in the the other crappy Padres' retired numbers (besides Jackie Robinson of course):

Steve Garvey: I know he hit the huge HR in the '84 NLCS, but he had a 100 OPS+ in 2439 PA.
Randy Jones: First Cy Young, but thoroughly ordinary otherwise. A 104 ERA+ in 8 seasons with SD.

2008-04-08 16:43:06
71.   underdog
See, now y'all are making me seriously root hard for Gary Bennett tonight. Which was not a position I was prepared to be in, but there ya have it. Go Gary!
2008-04-08 16:43:45
72.   Xeifrank
66. Bennett had a double and AJones had a triple. vr, Xei
2008-04-08 16:44:00
73.   Eric Stephen
64 ,68
Danica McKellar approves of this thread.
2008-04-08 16:45:09
74.   bhsportsguy
{67] If Martin was playing, both the teams would have "homegrown" talent at C, 1B, 3B and RF, they would each have one outfielder who made their MLB debuts with their club (Young and Ethier) and the Arizona would have a homegrown SS while the Dodgers would start a homegrown pitcher.
2008-04-08 16:45:10
75.   KG16
64 - now that is what I call some PVL
2008-04-08 16:47:32
76.   Daniel Zappala
I consider myself homegrown and organic.
2008-04-08 16:47:32
77.   Humma Kavula
Hang on. I just looked at Gary Bennett's career counting stats, and they really stink for a player who's been around for nearly four million years.
2008-04-08 16:48:00
78.   Gen3Blue
I can say that I hope to be quieter and less judgemental tonight. I see two channels assigned to the D-backs/Dodger
game by DTV which means I will probably get Vin which will be helpful. If only Bills doesn't give up much in the first two innings I should be fine.
2008-04-08 16:48:03
79.   Jon Weisman
77 - Durablity counts for nothing, huh?
2008-04-08 16:48:13
80.   bhsportsguy
Bad news for Yankee fans.

Jorge Posada could be heading to the DL, his manager says he can't throw right now.

2008-04-08 16:48:54
81.   Eric Enders
70 The Padres actually unretired Garvey's number after his PR problems of the late '80s. Have they gone ahead and retired it again?
2008-04-08 16:49:12
82.   bhsportsguy
76 So where are you taking the kids for dinner on Tuesday, Phillipes, dim sum, Dodger Dogs?
2008-04-08 16:49:45
83.   Eric Stephen
Staying positive, Gary Bennett has a running 3-game multi-hit streak (7 for his last 11 with a 2B & HR in 2007) and has a hit in his last four starts, and six of his last seven starts.

In his last nine starts, Bennett has hit .419/.424/.581. Mission control, we are ready for launch!

2008-04-08 16:50:18
84.   Eric Enders
80 This is where I would usually make a Gary-Bennett-to-the-DL-also joke, but now underdog is making me feel bad.
2008-04-08 16:50:54
85.   bhsportsguy
81 From their website on Petco FAQs

RETIRED NUMBERS
The San Diego Padres have retired five numbers: Steve Garvey's No. 6, Tony Gwynn's No. 19, Dave Winfield's No. 31, Randy Jones' No. 35 and Jackie Robinson's No. 42, which was retired in 1997 by Major League Baseball in perpetuity. In addition to the retired numbers appearing above the Batter's Eye, the initials of RAK, honoring longtime owner Ray Kroc, and the "star" recognizing longtime broadcaster Jerry Coleman, celebrating his trademark "Hang A Star!", are displayed in front of the Press Box on the Toyota Terrace Club.

2008-04-08 16:51:23
86.   Daniel Zappala
82 We'll do dim sum some other day, and I'm open for suggestions. Is Phillipes kid-friendly? Possibly El Cholo.
2008-04-08 16:51:26
87.   Humma Kavula
One list Pierre didn't make: worst #2 hitters since 1957.

http://tinyurl.com/56u63e

2008-04-08 16:51:38
88.   Eric Stephen
81
At Petco just beyond the CF wall, the retired numbers displayed are 6, 19, 31, 35, and 42. I'm not sure if they had a re-retirement ceremony or not.
2008-04-08 16:52:47
89.   Humma Kavula
83 It's the steroids.

Oh, now I feel bad.

2008-04-08 16:52:58
90.   Daniel Zappala
Since Mitch Jones and Travis Denker have gone away, maybe I should root for Gary Bennett now. He seems appropriately down on his luck.
2008-04-08 16:53:03
91.   Eric Stephen
80
Forget Yankee fans! That is horrible news for my fantasy team!
2008-04-08 16:54:09
92.   bhsportsguy
86 Phillipes is fine for kids but there is always a big line before Dodger games. If you are planning to get to the game as early as possible, go there first, pick up the food and eat it there.

Not a big fan of El Cholo but I would not recommend the Western Blvd. location before the game.

2008-04-08 16:54:43
93.   Humma Kavula
90 Where's Mitch Jones now? I heard that he didn't hit a lick in Japan last year... is he still in Japan?

Have you met Mitch Jones
Someone said as we shook hands
He was just Mitch Jones to me...

2008-04-08 16:55:36
94.   bhsportsguy
91 No confirmation on the DL but Girardi said that Jorge will not play tomorrow.
2008-04-08 16:55:42
95.   Jon Weisman
90 - I thought you were a Lindsey man.
2008-04-08 16:58:23
96.   Eric Stephen
I saw this quote from Grizzlies' majority owner Michael Heisley via ESPN's TrueHoop blog:

"You know Major League Baseball had fallen behind basketball in popularity after the strike when Selig put it in. I have a friend in baseball who said not one team lost money last year in Major League Baseball because of revenue sharing."

I don't doubt that nobody lost money, but it's nice to see that in print, rather than hear the usual "woe is me" line from MLB owners.

2008-04-08 16:58:54
97.   underdog
That's okay Eric, you can mock him, I'm just telling ya that I'm rooting for him harder for each, er, mock.

But 90 makes me think of that Bugs Bunny cartoon with the penguin, where Humphrey Bogart keeps appearing. "Pardon me, can you spare a dime for a man who's down on his luck?"

Or maybe we can trade the Yanks Gary Bennett and call up Lucas May.

2008-04-08 16:59:51
98.   Jon Weisman
A propos of nothing, I just noticed that Todd Hollandsworth is out of baseball. And has been for over a year.
2008-04-08 17:00:02
99.   ToyCannon
The last time I saw Doug Davis pitch it was a memorable game. It was Justin Upton's 19 year old debut. I think it was the best game Chad pitched all year but he lost 1-0 when I think Snyder dinged him with a home run. The Dodgers looked completely lost against Davis.
2008-04-08 17:00:04
100.   Humma Kavula
97 and call up Lucas May

Yes! The Silver God!

Show/Hide Comments 101-150
2008-04-08 17:00:33
101.   bhsportsguy
97 What movie was that from?

And no, Bugs Bunny was not in it. Neither was the penquin.

2008-04-08 17:01:07
102.   Humma Kavula
101 Badges? Badges?! We don't need no stinking badges!
2008-04-08 17:02:31
103.   Daniel Zappala
92 Does Dodger Stadium allow me to bring in food? Drinks?

95 There's enough room for more than one hopeless case in my heart.

2008-04-08 17:04:31
104.   Eric Stephen
99
I was busy that night watching the magic of Scott Hairston at Petco. With the Padres down 3-0 in the 8th, he hit a 3-run jack, and added a solo shot to win it in the 10th.
2008-04-08 17:05:42
105.   bhsportsguy
103 Yes on food, drinks, only water in sealed containers.

101 http://tinyurl.com/6aevbo

2008-04-08 17:06:41
106.   Eric Stephen
103
From Dodgers.com:

"Food is permitted from outside the stadium provided it is not in bottles, cans, coolers or thermoses. Unbroken, factory sealed plastic bottles of water and other non-alcoholic beverages of 1 liter or less are permitted."

2008-04-08 17:07:41
107.   Humma Kavula
Juan Pierre's current OPS+: -65.
2008-04-08 17:07:59
108.   bhsportsguy
106 I forgot that I brought a Diet Coke with me on Opening Day.

Basically, despite Bluebleeders earlier escapades, they try to dissuade people brining in alcohol.

2008-04-08 17:13:40
109.   bhsportsguy
According IMDB.com, Paul Thomas Anderson's favorite film is The Treasure of Sierra Madre and he watched it every night while writing There Will Be Blood.

I have not seen There Will Be Blood, does Daniel Day Lewis ever dance a jig around a oil well?

2008-04-08 17:13:50
110.   Bob Hendley
0 - I know that Jon is trying to keep this from us, but I went to the Diamond Leung piece and it actually says that both Martin and Pierre are getting a rest today. ;)
2008-04-08 17:16:56
111.   Jon Weisman
It occurs to me that a person or persons could help me out in updating "The 2007 Dodgers" into "The 2008 Dodgers" on the sidebar.

It's pretty easy - it's just busy work that I've put off for more than a year. I could provide the instructions, or you could just figure it out with the View Source function on your computer.

Any takers? No guilt if no one volunteers.

2008-04-08 17:18:45
112.   bhsportsguy
111 Hey Jon, email me the instructions and I will give a shot tonight.

Shouldn't you be watching a basketball game?

2008-04-08 17:20:18
113.   Marty
Fred C. Dobbs never says nuthin he don't mean.
2008-04-08 17:22:08
114.   Bob Hendley
Probably should update those rules as well, as some people are worried about jinxing the cycle.
2008-04-08 17:23:24
115.   underdog
Btw, that 8 Ball Bunny cartoon is a bonus inclusion on the recent Treasure of the Sierra Madre DVD and on March of the Penguins. Neat!

Go Stanford, Go Dodgers. Ciao.

2008-04-08 17:23:54
116.   Eric Enders
How can you have a Rule 9 for the cycle, though, since there is always a potential cycle in progress for literally every batter of every game? You'd have to ban the word "cycle" altogether.
2008-04-08 17:24:03
117.   underdog
People seem to be ignoring rule 6 a lot lately so maybe we shouldn't add yet more rules.
2008-04-08 17:24:44
118.   ToyCannon
103
Mr Lindsey has a 26 game carry over hitting streak from last year.

Yes, but you can't bring in a backpack and all drinks can't have been opened and must be in plastic. I use a see through plastic bag.

What game are you going to?

For anyone with kids I have 4 tickets available for the Saturday Night Russel Martin TShirt night. Must be 14 and younger.
http://www.truebluela.com/2008/3/11/1270/07303

2008-04-08 17:25:27
119.   Eric Stephen
I just noticed the "Game By Game Heroes" section at the bottom of the sidebar. Very cool, Jon.
2008-04-08 17:25:51
120.   KG16
114 - the Griddle's Cycle Detection Warning System is well recognized as being jinx free. Just ask the good folks at Thief River Falls, Minnesota
2008-04-08 17:26:49
121.   Bob Hendley
116 - I guess we'll just have to stick with Bob's color-based alerts.
2008-04-08 17:29:53
122.   Bob Hendley
117 - That's an understatement.
2008-04-08 17:30:12
123.   fanerman
116 Bob has cleverly designed Cycle Alerts in such a way that you never have to say the word "cycle" at all. From the "Yellow Alert in ballpark x" to "Stand Down!", Cycle Alerts are "cycle"-free!
2008-04-08 17:31:00
124.   fanerman
Beaten by KG16. I've hit a new low. Just kidding.
2008-04-08 17:31:23
125.   Jon Weisman
112 - Hasn't started yet. And, I'm at work.
2008-04-08 17:32:06
126.   KG16
124 - hey now, while I don't always get there first, I usually get there with style.
2008-04-08 17:44:28
127.   Jon Weisman
It's time for Stanford Women's Basketball.
2008-04-08 17:51:07
128.   D4P
Amazon 1: Here stadium where our women basketball teams play.
Amazon: We no can dunk, but good fundamentals.
Amazon 2: That more fun to watch.

Zapp, Fry and Bender burst out laughing.

2008-04-08 18:00:03
129.   bhsportsguy
Andrew Lambo is 3 for 3 today with a walk, he a has a double (his 4th of the year) and a triple.

Its early but the Midwest League is not a great league for hitters, if he does well in the first half, he could get moved to San Berdoo for the summer.

Justin Miller pitched well again today. Pedro Baez, who probably has never spent this much time in a cold climate, had the day off.

2008-04-08 18:00:53
130.   Bob Hendley
Now, back to men's baseball.
2008-04-08 18:06:47
131.   Bob Hendley
How about them O's! Apart from who they are playing (does it matter when you are the worst team?), they can't be all that different, except for a litle bit of potential in the outfield, from the team that went 0-21 to start the season once. Shows you how much stock to put into one week. Trembley for manager of the year! In that 1988 season, Cal Sr. got canned after going 0-6 and was replaced by Frank Robinson who accounted for the rest.
2008-04-08 18:12:29
132.   bhsportsguy
According to Tony Jackson's blog, Nomar could be ready to go by next week if he suffers no other setbacks and has a good rehab in Sacramento with the Vegas club over the weekend.

If he comes back and is going to start, do you, one, send Park back down to AAA (he could refuse and be cut loose) or two, send the Solution down to Jacksonville or Vegas (probably Jacksonville but who knows).

There is no option regarding releasing Pierre, Loiaza or Nomar.

2008-04-08 18:15:43
133.   KG16
129 - what a mixed up world baseball is, where someone is "rewarded" by being sent to San Bernardino for the summer.
2008-04-08 18:16:25
134.   Ken Noe
I'm actually interested to see if Bennett really exists tonight. I won't be surprised to see Kevin Spacey catching.
2008-04-08 18:16:32
135.   KG16
132 - let's be realistic, does anyone here expect Nomar to avoid any setbacks?
2008-04-08 18:20:37
136.   bhsportsguy
135 This is a guess but it is possible that Nomar does not want to wait for full recovery (no pain) because he sees Dewitt (who has slumped a bit but I doubt he has ever seen Peavy, Chris Young and Dan Haren before except for Playstation or Wii or X-Box) and LaRoche getting ready to stake out their claim on his position.
2008-04-08 18:21:29
137.   regfairfield
132 Send Dewitt down to Jacksonville, he needs at bats.
2008-04-08 18:22:15
138.   Brent Knapp
As if it was any big surprise, Love and Collison appear to be leaving.

http://tinyurl.com/652cat

2008-04-08 18:32:52
139.   KG16
137 - I think DeWitt is getting enough at bats where he's at.
2008-04-08 18:33:43
140.   natepurcell
Mark Grace loves Billingsley...He would take Chad over any other young pitcher in the NL west!

His word is God's word!

2008-04-08 18:34:03
141.   regfairfield
139 Once Nomar displaces him he won't be.
2008-04-08 18:34:26
142.   bhsportsguy
138 The bigger loss (at least one not expected at the beginning of the year) is Westbrook leaving.

I always thought that Howland coached this team to win the title this year. Even with a great recruiting class, my hunch is that you will see lots of playing time spread out between 8-9 guys and if they can get away with lots of 3 guard lineups.

2008-04-08 18:35:06
143.   bhsportsguy
141 To be clear, you have no problem with that move right.
2008-04-08 18:35:29
144.   natepurcell
So Lambo's the only one hitting so far down in Great Lakes.
2008-04-08 18:35:58
145.   regfairfield
143 None whatsoever. Blake Dewitt is not ready yet.
2008-04-08 18:36:42
146.   bhsportsguy
144 Well, Mattingly is hitting above .240.
2008-04-08 18:38:23
147.   KG16
141 - yeah, but that'll only last a couple of weeks until Nomar pulls a hammy. Probably better to have DeWitt a four hour drive away in Vegas... you know, just in case.

Actually, in all honesty, where would he likely see better pitching, Jacksonville or Vegas?

2008-04-08 18:39:16
148.   ceyheyjay
127
Jon, why are you setting yourself up for disappointment. You know the Lady Vols are coming home with #8.

Enjoy the baseball game tonight big man, cause the women's basketball game's going to be a tough one for ya.

2008-04-08 18:42:05
149.   Gen3Blue
May be something to do with when I became acquainted with this site, but after Jon and Bob, if ToyCannon and Underdog are on at the same time, things seem right. As well as many others in this great community.
I guess I feel bad about getting a bit emmotional last night, after being down 4-? in the first inning again.
2008-04-08 18:42:49
150.   KAYVMON
Booo, AZ announcers again tonight. It should be noted that when he was reading the Dodgers' lineup card, he said Furcal, Kemp, good move, Ethier, etc.
Show/Hide Comments 151-200
2008-04-08 18:42:54
151.   bhsportsguy
147 Jacksonville.
2008-04-08 18:43:35
152.   natepurcell
The umps are against KemP!
2008-04-08 18:44:19
153.   bhsportsguy
152 Is that your heart or your head saying that?
2008-04-08 18:44:42
154.   natepurcell
ridiculous. Those are not strikes.
2008-04-08 18:45:04
155.   Sam in SC
surprising strike three on kemp.
2008-04-08 18:45:38
156.   natepurcell
153

Those were not strikes.

2008-04-08 18:46:14
157.   Eric Stephen
Time Warner is doing their best to prevent me from seeing this game. According to them, I don't have the Extra Innings package I ordered two weeks ago.

So now I must wait to watch a game involving my favorite Dodger. TW is on notice.

2008-04-08 18:46:55
158.   ucladodger
154

Matt's always had an "enlarged" strike zone. I dont know why, but every umpire seems to expand the zone when he is up. Not only was the third strike outside, the first pitch was, too.

2008-04-08 18:47:16
159.   bhsportsguy
155 Where have you been?
2008-04-08 18:47:54
160.   KAYVMON
157 I got Time Warner too and they said the same thing. Then I looked at the Hockey channels, and I found baseball so that might work for you.
2008-04-08 18:48:47
161.   Sam in SC
159 I am fairly sure you are speaking of Sam DC . . . .
2008-04-08 18:50:09
162.   bhsportsguy
159 No, I remember you, just have not see you around lately.
2008-04-08 18:50:11
163.   natepurcell
that wasn't a strike either to Young.
2008-04-08 18:50:41
164.   Sam in SC
bills just put one in the exact same place that kemp took strike three; the umpire DID call it a strike, to his credit, but the az announcer guys had a minor stoke over the call.
2008-04-08 18:50:46
165.   ucladodger
Ya, i dont think the umpire likes young black outfielders.
2008-04-08 18:50:57
166.   bhsportsguy
163 So I guess the ump has to get home early.
2008-04-08 18:51:24
167.   bhsportsguy
165 Did not want to go there but almost did.
2008-04-08 18:52:04
168.   Sam in SC
162 sorry. it's often Sam DC that people inquire about.

I was here last night. I must have made a strong impression ;)

2008-04-08 18:52:16
169.   natepurcell
165

Milton Bradley, is that you?

2008-04-08 18:52:21
170.   bhsportsguy
At least Vin did not say the pride of UCLA.
2008-04-08 18:52:38
171.   Gen3Blue
I've got the D-backs announcers and Vin. Guess who I'm listening to.
2008-04-08 18:52:39
172.   bhsportsguy
168 I was out.
2008-04-08 18:52:59
173.   Indiana Jon
A lot of people around here seem to be down on Mattingly. Granted, he didn't perform well last year, but he is still young. Having seen him a couple times in person, I think he has a chance to be pretty good. He's extremely athletic and has plenty of potential. Seems like he needs to work on patience more than anything, but he'll improve.
2008-04-08 18:53:08
174.   natepurcell
nice pitch, better hit.
2008-04-08 18:53:15
175.   Bluebleeder87
I agree with Kemp having a bigger strike zone...
2008-04-08 18:53:29
176.   Eric Stephen
I am now able to watch. You can blame the Dodgers' lack of scoring on San Diego's Time Warner office.
2008-04-08 18:55:14
177.   Bluebleeder87
164 that's all we ask for...
2008-04-08 18:56:33
178.   bhsportsguy
173 I agree, its early but you worry when a top prospect can't hit in lower classifications.
2008-04-08 18:56:57
179.   Bluebleeder87
can somebody PLEASE post the score every now & then, PLEASE!?
2008-04-08 18:57:25
180.   natepurcell
Mark Reynolds owns Chad.
2008-04-08 18:57:35
181.   Sam in SC
I am sensing a pattern here.
2008-04-08 18:57:41
182.   Indiana Jon
At least I have Mark Reynolds on my fantasy team.
2008-04-08 18:57:58
183.   bhsportsguy
179 Sure its 3-0 Arizona.
2008-04-08 18:58:02
184.   Eric Stephen
OK, Time Warner owes me something.

Eric not watching: 5 consecutive outs
Eric watching: 2B, HBP, HR

2008-04-08 18:58:38
185.   Sam in SC
3-0 dbacks, after that HR by reynolds.
2008-04-08 18:59:11
186.   Gen3Blue
Ow.
2008-04-08 18:59:43
187.   Kevin Lewis
Man, did Reynolds hit a couple out yesterday?
2008-04-08 18:59:44
188.   natepurcell
throw strikes!
2008-04-08 18:59:52
189.   bhsportsguy
Chad is throwing a lot of pitches this inning.
2008-04-08 19:00:24
190.   Gen3Blue
What a read by Kemp!
2008-04-08 19:00:43
191.   oshea2002
anybody's extra innings directv signal go out?
2008-04-08 19:00:56
192.   bhsportsguy
And you wonder if Mark Reynolds would be playing if Chad Tracy did not get hurt.
2008-04-08 19:01:25
193.   ucladodger
I've got to think that not starting a game in 2 weeks has had at least a little effect on Chad.
2008-04-08 19:01:38
194.   Icaros
Tony Jackson is licking his chops right now. So is Will Carroll.
2008-04-08 19:03:20
195.   oshea2002
how about some props for Derek Lowe for managing to be the only Dodgers pitcher the last four games to not give up 3+ runs in the first inning?
2008-04-08 19:03:34
196.   Icaros
Ugh. I have to hear both the D-backs and Trailblazers announcers tonight.
2008-04-08 19:04:38
197.   Sam in SC
kent let the ump hear about that strike three call. grace says that one "looked like it actually got some of the plate" . . . as opposed to . . . . ?
2008-04-08 19:05:01
198.   bhsportsguy
So apparently the Dodgers did not take batting practice against a curve ball throwing, getting ready for surgery, lefthander.
2008-04-08 19:06:35
199.   Icaros
At least Loney cares about making me happy.
2008-04-08 19:07:25
200.   Gen3Blue
191 My DTV signal has been fine. My perception of these early innings seems to be bad, but it could just be a quirk this early.

Damn, I should have played that stupid hitting streak on MLB and just stuck with Loney.

Show/Hide Comments 201-250
2008-04-08 19:07:53
201.   Sam in SC
eek. caught loney leaning. he was a leaning loney.
2008-04-08 19:08:16
202.   Indiana Jon
So will Loney soon be chastised in the media for his poor base running like Kemp? That was nearly another pickoff.
2008-04-08 19:08:22
203.   natepurcell
Druw is ALWAYS smiling.

so weird.

2008-04-08 19:09:23
204.   D4P
203
He knows he's got a good scam going.
2008-04-08 19:11:31
205.   Bluebleeder87
Reynolds has a long swing I bet the pitch he hit out was right down broadway, pitch him up & in!!
2008-04-08 19:11:38
206.   D4P
Gary didn't strike out.
2008-04-08 19:12:44
207.   Gen3Blue
202 Loney's chastisment would tend to point out that he's the only Dodger on base. Where are the vets like Kent and Jones?
Actually thats unfair--Kent has been pretty good.
2008-04-08 19:12:53
208.   oshea2002
204 - that's what I was saying last night. you'd be smiling too for $36 million.
2008-04-08 19:13:48
209.   LAT
Is Druw trying to make Pierre look like a good deal?
2008-04-08 19:14:31
210.   bhsportsguy
207 And it really is unfair to Jones too.
2008-04-08 19:15:22
211.   Eric Stephen
Jackie Robinson's #42 will be "unretired" again for next Tuesday, April 15. Any player in MLB can wear #42 a week from today if they so choose.

http://tinyurl.com/6759v6

2008-04-08 19:16:01
212.   Sam in SC
203 the unnatural smile and the tats that look like something out of an acid trip . . . it all makes for an odd picture.
2008-04-08 19:17:41
213.   overkill94
Strikes, Chad, strikes!
2008-04-08 19:18:46
214.   bhsportsguy
I guess folks are nervous since no one is typing.
2008-04-08 19:19:22
215.   natepurcell
his release point is all messed up. He's going overhead, 3 quarters...he is not consistent tonight.
2008-04-08 19:19:28
216.   regfairfield
If you write it Jone$ you can really get your point across.
2008-04-08 19:19:36
217.   NorCal-Dodger
We got the bad Chad for now.
2008-04-08 19:20:27
218.   nofatmike
217 He never really has been the model for consistency.
2008-04-08 19:21:33
219.   Eric Stephen
218
Nor has his usage been the model of consistency.
2008-04-08 19:21:42
220.   LAT
That pitch hit Davis' bat- not the other way around.
2008-04-08 19:21:48
221.   natepurcell
I blame Gary Bennett.

not really.

2008-04-08 19:22:24
222.   bhsportsguy
219 But really that can't be a reason why he is not throwing strikes.
2008-04-08 19:23:37
223.   natepurcell
Chad's throwing his change up a lot this inning.
2008-04-08 19:23:46
224.   Ricardo
209. So that´s a Colletti move because Pierre isn´t looking so bad right now. And Mr. 2 for 36 is also making the Braves GM look like a genius.
2008-04-08 19:24:33
225.   bhsportsguy
224 Great, let judge all baseball moves on the first week of the season.
2008-04-08 19:26:16
226.   Ricardo
2225. By the way, I think Jones will rebound but I´m a bit worried.
2008-04-08 19:26:38
227.   natepurcell
This isn't spring training Bennett, stop calling for pitches he can't throw.
2008-04-08 19:26:53
228.   Eric Stephen
What a scoop! OK, this is weird. Dodger Thoughts is loading fine for me, but the 3 other websites I'm trying to get to on Firefox won't load.
2008-04-08 19:27:17
229.   Michael D
This is not good. Not good at all.
2008-04-08 19:27:21
230.   LAT
So who is our long long relief guy. Bills will be done by the 4th.
2008-04-08 19:27:38
231.   overkill94
I don't think I can handle many more of these Billingsley innings...and neither can his arm
2008-04-08 19:28:16
232.   bluefoundglory
do you think that chad is spooked since the homerun?
2008-04-08 19:28:49
233.   jasonungar07
Heck I gather Ned is already out there looking for another CFer.
2008-04-08 19:29:17
234.   bhsportsguy
227 Chad can shake him off, can't he.

(Actually I know Nate knows this, he's just protective of Billingsley)

2008-04-08 19:29:20
235.   fiddlestick
As I feared, he's worried about what AZ did to Loaiza's fastball early in the count. Completely self-defeating pitch selection.
2008-04-08 19:29:32
236.   Sam in SC
we get to listen to vin on the AZ broadcast. ahhhhhh.
2008-04-08 19:29:40
237.   bhsportsguy
230 Tonight it will be Kuo.
2008-04-08 19:30:07
238.   fiddlestick
And the Arizona broadcast switches to Vin's feed. Beautiful.
2008-04-08 19:30:28
239.   Michael D
Nice piece of hitting by The Solution.
2008-04-08 19:30:57
240.   Sam in SC
chad's pitch count - 53 pitches, 23 for strikes
2008-04-08 19:30:58
241.   fiddlestick
Will Tony Jackson wait for the game to end to rip Billingsley or will he blog by the 4th inning?
2008-04-08 19:31:21
242.   Suffering Bruin
Chad has had better nights.
2008-04-08 19:32:16
243.   LAT
That is not going to help Chad's psyche.
2008-04-08 19:32:17
244.   bhsportsguy
241 Again, if he is reporting the game, what can he say.
2008-04-08 19:32:21
245.   Sam in SC
239 last I heard someone referred to as "The Solution" it was trent hubbard . . . .
2008-04-08 19:32:53
246.   oshea2002
241 - it's well deserved either way.
2008-04-08 19:33:39
247.   LAT
DeWitt looked safe to me.
2008-04-08 19:34:01
248.   fiddlestick
Crede will be in blue by tomorrow morning.
2008-04-08 19:34:38
249.   Sam in SC
247 I thought he may have gotten his foot in, too.
2008-04-08 19:35:06
250.   natepurcell
Why we do we suck against Doug Davis!!!
Show/Hide Comments 251-300
2008-04-08 19:35:09
251.   bhsportsguy
Folks, the gods of baseball will not allow Doug Davis to go into surgery on a bad note.
2008-04-08 19:35:14
252.   LAT
Wow the Dodgers look out of sorts--top to bottom.
2008-04-08 19:35:20
253.   Wayne Wei-siang Hsieh
sigh Not our night. It's still just three runs, though, and we have a good pen.

WWSH

2008-04-08 19:35:21
254.   fiddlestick
245 He could report the facts and not color it with his selective memory.
2008-04-08 19:35:38
255.   Suffering Bruin
He looked out to me on the on the TiVo.
2008-04-08 19:36:27
256.   Michael D
245

I don't know how to get fancy and put the TM thing on the end of it.

2008-04-08 19:36:48
257.   Eric Stephen
Short Chris Young's contract details:

$1m signing bonus
2008 (2nd year) - $406k (this was already signed; the rest is an extension)
2009 (3rd year) - $1.75m
2010 (1st arb yr) - $3.25m
2011 (2nd arb yr) - $5m
2012 (3rd arb yr) - $7m
2013 (1st FA yr) - $8.5m
2014 (2nd FA yr) - $11m option ($1.5m buyout)

Totals: 5 years / $28m

2008-04-08 19:37:15
258.   oshea2002
This is just ugly all the way around.
2008-04-08 19:37:22
259.   Suffering Bruin
This is not easy to watch. I can't imagine what it's like for Torre or for that matter, other managers who five times more competitive as me, at least.
2008-04-08 19:37:24
260.   bhsportsguy
248 Doubt it, he's played in every game and is doing this.

.393/.419/.679

2008-04-08 19:37:36
261.   LAT
Just when you think it can't get any worse . . .
2008-04-08 19:37:37
262.   natepurcell
the little things..

not throwing strikes, not getting bunts down, giving away outs, making errors in the field.

I should stop watching.

2008-04-08 19:38:06
263.   Neal Pollack
Maybe the Dodgers should have had spring training instead of going on a three-location world tour. The D'Backs are making us look liks clowns. Our fundamentals are weak: Getting picked off, caught stealing, not being able to sacrifice, not knowing which base to throw to, and all those strikeouts. We are not pleased.
2008-04-08 19:38:35
264.   Eric Stephen
This doesn't seem like the Dodgers' night.
2008-04-08 19:38:39
265.   Michael D
Great now we're getting the death by a thousand papercuts.
2008-04-08 19:38:41
266.   Icaros
254

Exactly. The idea that Jackson merely reports is laughable. His favorite pastime is gloating whenever Billingsley has control problems.

2008-04-08 19:39:14
267.   thinkblue0
it would be nice if anyone on our team could hit a baseball right now.
2008-04-08 19:39:18
268.   LAT
Just when you think it can't get any worse . . . (Part II)
2008-04-08 19:39:32
269.   bhsportsguy
263 This team lost twice to the Reds, okay one was against Cueto.
2008-04-08 19:40:24
270.   jujibee
This lob back to the pitcher is just driving me nuts.
2008-04-08 19:40:28
271.   bhsportsguy
Adversity is what makes a ballplayer, at least that is what I have been told.
2008-04-08 19:41:07
272.   LAT
DeWitt had no business fielding that ball. It was Furcal's play. And Furcal may have turned two.
2008-04-08 19:41:14
273.   oshea2002
Pretty sure with the NO loss that the Lakers control their own destiny now for homecourt in the West.
2008-04-08 19:42:08
274.   Wayne Wei-siang Hsieh
Groan
2008-04-08 19:42:14
275.   Sam in SC
ungood. very, very ungood.
2008-04-08 19:42:21
276.   bhsportsguy
272 If that is true, that's a rookie mistake.
2008-04-08 19:42:29
277.   Vaudeville Villain
Defense didn't help, but Chad has nothing. Get him out of there, Torre.
2008-04-08 19:42:47
278.   oshea2002
266/254 - yeah, he is biased, but it doesn't take away from the fact that this complete lack of control is happening.
2008-04-08 19:42:47
279.   Wayne Wei-siang Hsieh
Chad, just throw a fastball for a strike and hope they hit it right at someone.

WWSH

2008-04-08 19:43:06
280.   Sam in SC
andruw jones can still get back on a ball. and he can get it back into the infield without rolling it in.
2008-04-08 19:44:30
281.   Wayne Wei-siang Hsieh
Come on Chad, just get out of this inning without giving up another run, so Kuo can take over. Then at least we can make a game of it, if our offense decides to wake up.

WWSH

2008-04-08 19:44:36
282.   Suffering Bruin
You've got to be kidding me, Bills.
2008-04-08 19:44:44
283.   Icaros
278

Am I debating whether it's happening? I'm pointing out how happy it will make Jackson to point it out. Make sense now?

2008-04-08 19:44:49
284.   Sam in SC
I wonder if that HBP was frustration . . .
2008-04-08 19:44:54
285.   Eric Stephen
273
I think you are right. New Orleans is now at 54-23. If the Lakers win out, the best NO could do is tie the Lakers at 58-24.

Head to head tiebreaker will be 2-2, so we'd have to go to the conference records. Tonight was the Hornets' 15th conference loss, and the Lakers have 14 so they win that tiebreaker.

2008-04-08 19:45:11
286.   KG16
272 - I'm not so sure about that, Furcal would have had to throw against his body, likely would have only got one - though one would be better than none.

Meanwhile, at real speed, this is just getting ugly. Can we get Arizona moved to either the AL West or the NL Central?

2008-04-08 19:45:12
287.   LAT
Calling all Kuos. Calling all Kuos.
2008-04-08 19:45:37
288.   Vaudeville Villain
Bills is awful out there. I hope this doesn't color Torre's perception of him.
2008-04-08 19:45:47
289.   fiddlestick
You gotta wonder how this would have looked if Torre hadn't been playing Willard Scott last week.
2008-04-08 19:45:52
290.   Indiana Jon
Not that its the problem tonight, but I bet Martin catches him next time.
2008-04-08 19:46:03
291.   bhsportsguy
Yes Arizona will never lose game.
2008-04-08 19:46:36
292.   Eric Stephen
272
That was probably Furcal's ball, but I doubt he could have turned two.
2008-04-08 19:46:56
293.   Vaudeville Villain
Haha, Vin, "So much for logic."
2008-04-08 19:47:04
294.   oshea2002
283 - Fair enough. I guess I'm just upset enough about this performance that I don't care if Jackson spins it with his negativity.
2008-04-08 19:47:49
295.   fiddlestick
As a human, I feel great for Doug Davis.
2008-04-08 19:48:31
296.   natepurcell
Someone on our team should get non-dangerous cancer so the baseball gods can be on our side too.
2008-04-08 19:48:38
297.   Suffering Bruin
295 I agree.

And this still sucks.

2008-04-08 19:49:13
298.   Icaros
294

I shouldn't care. Usually I don't. I just hate that stupid shirt he's wearing in that stupid picture on his stupid blog.

2008-04-08 19:50:21
299.   Indiana Jon
If you're going to be down five runs, the earlier the better.
2008-04-08 19:50:37
300.   oshea2002
I'd love to see Kuo have some good innings here. As utterly pathetic as the team has played, win tomorrow and you get out of here 1-2 and not that much harm done.
Show/Hide Comments 301-350
2008-04-08 19:51:05
301.   regfairfield
Davis' career line: .070/.086/.088.

I think the baseball Gods have decided it's his night.

2008-04-08 19:51:08
302.   fanerman
298 Yeah it's an awful shirt.
2008-04-08 19:51:38
303.   ucladodger
Again, not starting in two had had some effect on Chad. 3 innings in 2 weeks is poor managing by Joe, and no amount of side work can replace game innings. His release point was all messed up and he looked terrible out there. I don't put all of it on Torre, but a large heap has to be directed at mismaning Chad terribly.
2008-04-08 19:51:48
304.   bhsportsguy
A first pitch strike, a novelty tonight.
2008-04-08 19:52:36
305.   ucladodger
303

that should say two weeks

2008-04-08 19:53:30
306.   fanerman
If we can wear him down and make him throw a lot of pitches, we can get him out of the game and attempt a comeback against their bullpen.
2008-04-08 19:53:32
307.   Eric Stephen
I have Chad with an unofficial game score of 25 tonight, which is the 2nd worst of his young career.

He had a 24 game score in his last start last season against the Giants when he gave up 4 runs in 1.1 IP.

2008-04-08 19:53:39
308.   Indiana Jon
I hope Kuo stays in a while. I'm not sure I've seen him bat since the flip.
2008-04-08 19:54:27
309.   bhsportsguy
305 I don't buy it, this happens a lot in April. And Chad's history is not one where he pitches with great control thus far in his career. He just had a bad night and that is on him not because of some weird scheduling.
2008-04-08 19:54:34
310.   LAT
That Firestone commercial began with the line: "Leaders do not follow?" That's a penetrating observation.
2008-04-08 19:54:38
311.   PDH5204
303 This isn't the first time he's had this problem. Think of last start last year.
2008-04-08 19:54:57
312.   natepurcell
Welcome back Matt!
2008-04-08 19:54:57
313.   overkill94
That's why they call him the Bison
2008-04-08 19:54:59
314.   KG16
This is one of the reasons I'm glad the Lakers are solid again. If it works out right, they'll be finishing up around June 10th, at which point I can start really paying attention to the Dodgers. And hopefully, the Dodgers will have figured it all out by then... or they'll be out of it.
2008-04-08 19:55:31
315.   Sam in SC
kemp gets a nice clean base hit; but I suppose he needed to go 5-4 with 7 HRs to stay in the lineup.
2008-04-08 19:56:26
316.   KG16
313 - I thought it was because he's tougher than a robot made of nails?
2008-04-08 19:57:54
317.   bhsportsguy
Take a look at Kemp's splits, if he hits the ball fairly in the first two pitches he sees, in his career, he hits over .500.

Now its true that generally, if you hit the first pitch, a lot of guys hit for a high average but not that high and we are talking over 100 career at bats for that stat for Matt.

2008-04-08 19:58:03
318.   Indiana Jon
I can only think of two players who ever hit 20 HR and stole 50 bases.
2008-04-08 19:59:11
319.   overkill94
I feel a bomb coming right here...
2008-04-08 19:59:16
320.   micktissue
295 I remember Dave Dravecky pitching a gem in his next-to-last last start (http://tinyurl.com/54y39a). In his last start he broke his arm while pitching and eventually lost his pitching arm to cancer.

Putting rather crudely I'd say fighting an illness like cancer is apparently a great motivator and, for tonight, I say fair play to Doug Davis.

2008-04-08 19:59:56
321.   overkill94
Dang, got it in on the hands a little
2008-04-08 20:00:04
322.   Eric Stephen
318
Eric Davis and Barry Bonds at least, plus did Eric Byrnes reach that last year?
2008-04-08 20:00:04
323.   Vaudeville Villain
C'mon Loney, hit it out.
2008-04-08 20:00:44
324.   Indiana Jon
318 Add one guy that I hate to that.
2008-04-08 20:00:58
325.   overkill94
318 Eric Davis, Rickey Henderson, Carl Crawford, Hanley Ramirez, and...Jimmy Rollins? Barry Bonds?
2008-04-08 20:01:03
326.   dianagramr
318

Morgan and Eric Davis?

2008-04-08 20:01:46
327.   Eric Stephen
318
Here's the complete list of 20/50 seasons:

http://www.bb-ref.com/pi/shareit/Hxgn

2008-04-08 20:02:02
328.   Indiana Jon
322 Yep, Byrnes is the one I missed. Eric Davis is the other, a few times I think.
2008-04-08 20:02:14
329.   jujibee
The ump has been a little inconsistant tonight. Some of Chad's pitches looked a lot closer than what Davis's do....not that it would've helped tonight.
2008-04-08 20:03:22
330.   micktissue
327 I guess the biggest surpise there I see is Ryne Sandberg.
2008-04-08 20:03:33
331.   fordprefect
Been MIA for awhile. Did a nicname for Loney coalsce from the 'sphere yet?
2008-04-08 20:03:34
332.   Eric Stephen
328
Was that the question on the Dodger broadcast? I have the AZ feed.
2008-04-08 20:04:02
333.   fordprefect
Sorry, nickname.
and coalesce.
2008-04-08 20:04:31
334.   Eric Stephen
331
Not really. "Line Drive" had some traction, but maybe after tonight his nickname should be scoop.
2008-04-08 20:05:38
335.   Indiana Jon
Wow, Cedeno did it three times by the time he was Matt Kemp's age, impressive.

Yes, the question was which 4 have done it multiple times. Davis, Henderson, Morgan, Cedeno.

2008-04-08 20:05:56
336.   Icaros
314

Lakers aren't faring any better so far tonight. Of course, they never play well in Portland.

2008-04-08 20:06:24
337.   dianagramr
Gagne blew 2nd save as a Brewer just now .... Corey Patterson took him deep, tying the game.
2008-04-08 20:06:34
338.   overkill94
327 I guess Vin got a little confused when he tried to change the question to only one season of 20/50. Davis and Henderson were easy, but Morgan and Cedeno? Who knew.
2008-04-08 20:06:46
339.   fordprefect
Byrnes' appearances as a "commentator" last year creeped me out.
2008-04-08 20:08:25
340.   Icaros
339

How about when he almost drowned that dog at the All-Star Game?

2008-04-08 20:09:46
341.   Sam in SC
339 that double was your fault
2008-04-08 20:10:39
342.   Eric Stephen
335
I love that Eric Davis and Rickey Henderson (twice) are the charter members of the 20-80 club.

I miss 1980s baseball sometimes.

2008-04-08 20:12:16
343.   bhsportsguy
According to Charley Steiner, Torre told Martin that he was going to get one of the next two games off and gave him the choice of which game to take off, he chose tonight.

Again according to Steiner, the only other player that Torre has ever made that offer to in his recent managerial career is Derek Jeter.

2008-04-08 20:12:56
344.   PDH5204
The ole hit him with the pitch to save the wild pitch and a run gambit.
2008-04-08 20:13:17
345.   Icaros
At least tonight's game will bring some warmth to A. Shimmin's cold heart. I usually have sympathy for villains.
2008-04-08 20:13:25
346.   Suffering Bruin
342 Amen to that.
2008-04-08 20:13:35
347.   fordprefect
341
oops.
2008-04-08 20:14:38
348.   fordprefect
341
and yes, thank you, it's good to be back ;)
2008-04-08 20:15:16
349.   oshea2002
I am still struggling with how far Reynolds hit that ball to right field last night with that little have swing he did.
2008-04-08 20:17:17
350.   El Lay Dave
348 Don't you have a very appropriate book cover to hold up right about now?
Show/Hide Comments 351-400
2008-04-08 20:17:50
351.   Indiana Jon
349 Vin says he has "light tower power".
2008-04-08 20:18:31
352.   oshea2002
espn reporting Love and Collison to the NBA. Westbrook likely gone too per the report.
2008-04-08 20:18:32
353.   dianagramr
349 you're not suggesting a little Brady Anderson influence ... are you?
2008-04-08 20:18:33
354.   micktissue
He's Kuoing them down ...
2008-04-08 20:19:08
355.   JoeyP
The Dodgers at least play the Giants 15 more times this year.

And Kuo should start.

I'm out of positivity for tonight.

2008-04-08 20:19:26
356.   oshea2002
351 - I believe it after last night and the shot tonight.
2008-04-08 20:19:28
357.   KG16
ok, well, while I don't want to write off either the Lakers or Dodgers, I'm off to work on my novel. Hopefully when I check back in a couple of hours, the Kemp will have made like Fernando Tatis
2008-04-08 20:19:42
358.   LogikReader
That was a GREAT escape for Kuo! I gotta say, I don't feel even close to being as angry as I was yesterday. I even feel like there's a slight chance the Dodgers come back. Does starting Kemp over Pierre make that much difference?
2008-04-08 20:20:11
359.   El Lay Dave
353 Maybe just Billy Hatcher or Wilton Guerrero.
2008-04-08 20:20:35
360.   oshea2002
353 - not at all. He doesn't have a track record of multiple 8 HR seasons.
2008-04-08 20:21:22
361.   The Trolley Dodger
Hmm, Rotoworld reporting Giants putting Dave Roberts on the 15-day DL. Wonder if they'd want another leadoff hitter? One they were recently interested in.
2008-04-08 20:21:22
362.   Ricardo
Druw a walk, please.
2008-04-08 20:21:34
363.   micktissue
This time, AJ, this time ...
2008-04-08 20:22:05
364.   nofatmike
362 The Druw abides...
2008-04-08 20:23:39
365.   El Lay Dave
360 Nor hideous sideburns.
2008-04-08 20:24:32
366.   El Lay Dave
343 When will the Golden God be named a captain of the Dodgers?
2008-04-08 20:25:03
367.   nofatmike
Would it be possible to sign Piazza AND keep Bennett?
2008-04-08 20:25:27
368.   trainwreck
352
It was inevitable. Good thing, college basketball will be down as a whole, because the 08 class is not very good.
2008-04-08 20:25:42
369.   Ricardo
Is that a strike?
2008-04-08 20:26:39
370.   Icaros
367

What possible reason could there be for keeping Bennett in that situation? He's not even very good defensively.

2008-04-08 20:26:47
371.   Indiana Jon
352 Thats good news for Davidson.
2008-04-08 20:27:24
372.   El Lay Dave
I want to see a bat flip!
2008-04-08 20:27:46
373.   regfairfield
370 Because Piazza would never play otherwise.
2008-04-08 20:28:02
374.   underdog
Man. What a poopy start to the sports week. Memphis choking is still #1 on my week's suckitude list, but there are some close seconds. Not happy about Stanford, either (not surprised but not happy). Do the Lakers play tonight? If they did, Kobe will probably break his nose and have a ruptured spleen or something.
2008-04-08 20:28:27
375.   JoeyP
Kuo's awesome.
2008-04-08 20:28:31
376.   Indiana Jon
Does Kuo ever get an expression of any type on his face?
2008-04-08 20:28:37
377.   Icaros
373

Huh?

2008-04-08 20:28:37
378.   Icaros
373

Huh?

2008-04-08 20:28:59
379.   Icaros
See how confused I was?
2008-04-08 20:29:22
380.   JoeyP
374--Lakers down 58-47 at half in Portland.
2008-04-08 20:30:25
381.   underdog
370 'cause Russell's getting the day off. If you pinch hit there, you not only have to play him but he could play for a long while if this game miraculously went into extra innings.

This whole game makes me want to flip my bat - out the window.

My g/f's looking at me with that "Why do you like sports again if it causes you misery and angst?" look.

2008-04-08 20:30:42
382.   oshea2002
I could use a nice 2nd half from the Lakers.
2008-04-08 20:30:45
383.   nofatmike
373 Yeah, but I'm thinking Piazza could fulfill an "Olmedo Saenz" role on the team without depriving the Dodgers of a catcher when he pinch hits, while also subbing Martin on the 20-30 games he rests.
2008-04-08 20:30:46
384.   fanerman
If this pitching thing doesn't work out, maybe Kuo should follow the path of Ankiel.
2008-04-08 20:30:56
385.   El Lay Dave
Bennett said something about his lobs back to the pitcher saving his arm. Does he really think he's going to play enough, here or elsewhere, that he actually has to save anything?

Really, the lobs look like a guy on the verge of Sax/Knoublach disease. (Was it Dale Murphy that also couldn't throw back to the pitcher and got a position switch?)

2008-04-08 20:31:26
386.   Eric Stephen
377
He meant that Piazza would never get to pinch hit without another catcher on the roster since seemingly no manager is willing to use his backup catcher as a pinch hitter.
2008-04-08 20:32:44
387.   Louis in SF
I hope Kuo has a good one or two more innings, but between his pitches, youth and upside, shouldn't Kuo be our 5th starter until...., rather than Estaban or Chan Ho? Also wondering if multiple relief appearances are harder on the arm then coming in about once a week and trying to throw 100 pitches
2008-04-08 20:32:44
388.   Eric Stephen
385
And Mackey Sasser. I believe Darryl Strawberry stole 2nd base off a Sasser lob back to the pitcher.
2008-04-08 20:33:03
389.   Icaros
Oh, I see why you would keep Bennett now. Forget it.

I mean, I see why you would keep another catcher, anyway.

2008-04-08 20:33:08
390.   fordprefect
350
Sorry,was out for a few, well, you know.
So no book cover, just this towel here...
2008-04-08 20:33:20
391.   underdog
380 Ah, of course.

Any ruptured spleens?

2008-04-08 20:34:35
392.   underdog
389 But yes, why is he on the roster is another subject.
2008-04-08 20:35:36
393.   underdog
Fire Mike Easler!

(Just kidding.)

2008-04-08 20:36:01
394.   nofatmike
383 Besides, the guy should be allowed to retire in grace.
2008-04-08 20:36:02
395.   Icaros
391

No. And, more realistically, no sprained ankles or knees from stepping on a teammate's foot, either.

2008-04-08 20:39:23
396.   Icaros
So Bennett (or any bum off the street) could potentially not play a single inning, unless a game goes too long or Russ gets hurt after Piazza has pinch hit. Neat.
2008-04-08 20:40:13
397.   El Lay Dave
387 I'd hazard a guess that Torre et al. do not have confidence that K/Guo has enough command (we called this "control" in the old days) to avoid high pitch counts and go enough innings in enough starts to warrant making him the #5 starter. This is only his 2nd appearance of the season, so perhaps they are expecting to use him for multiple innings in one game with plenty of rest in between?
2008-04-08 20:42:42
398.   underdog
I know this was mentioned earlier, but... whoa nelly, the Tigers are 0-7. Yikes.
2008-04-08 20:42:51
399.   El Lay Dave
Doug Davis in 320 career PAs before tonight: .070, .086, .088, -55 OPS+.

Tonight: 2-2. Smiling baseball gods, I suppose.

2008-04-08 20:43:31
400.   El Lay Dave
396 Presumably Bennett would get the spot starts, not Piazza, in that scenario.
Show/Hide Comments 401-450
2008-04-08 20:43:33
401.   CodyS
386 This consensus of managers really bugs me. They are using a roster spot for nothing, and protecting themselves against the maybe once a year event that they have to have the emergency catcher catch a few innings (which would cause a teeny tiny increase in the chance of losing that one game, anyway).
Piazza, not Bennett, and any old guy as emergency catcher would be a better team that would win more games. Piazza could pinch hit and if Russ ever got hurt mid-game, AFTER Piazza had already pinch-hit, DY/Nomar could catch. The chance of that happening is remote, and the damage it would cause is miniscule, but that is why Bennett is on the roster and why if Piazza WERE on the roster, he would never pinch-hit. Meanwhile, the benefit would be all those PH appearances by Piazza, and having his bat instead of Bennett's in 25 games. (another minus would be however extra runs we'd give up as a result of having Piazza behind the plate instead of Bennett. But how bad could that effect possibly be?)
It is a 100% wrong-headed team-building decision that almost every single team makes.
It doesn't have to be about Piazza per se, but just the idea of any halfway competent catcher/hitter instead of an incompetent hitter as backup catcher.
2008-04-08 20:43:36
402.   JoeyP
Kuo rocks.
2008-04-08 20:45:26
403.   Icaros
400

Then, by that logic, Piazza would never catch.

2008-04-08 20:45:30
404.   rockmrete
That return throw from Bennet to our pitchers is going to drive me crazy, it reminds me of the guy in the movie Major League. But seriously, it has to affect our pitchers rythm. Almost all cathers fire the ball back so the pitcher can start whatever routine that particular pitcher has.
2008-04-08 20:45:57
405.   Gagne55
A third string catcher is basically never used, less then a game per season anyway, and is not worth a roster spot even if the backup is a fairly frequent pinch hitter. Is the potential downside to throwing non-catcher behind the plate for an inning really worth using a roster spot?
2008-04-08 20:46:16
406.   El Lay Dave
403 He didn't catch last season.
2008-04-08 20:46:39
407.   Indiana Jon
Matt Kemp can hit a little bit when he gets in the game Joe.
2008-04-08 20:47:06
408.   Sam in SC
407 yep, there's an idea.
2008-04-08 20:47:23
409.   Gagne55
The exception of course being when your three catchers are Brent Mayne, Cody Ross, and Tom Wilson and you'll want to pinch hit for the starter and the backup.
2008-04-08 20:47:36
410.   El Lay Dave
K/Guo up to fifty pitches. I doubt he goes more than one more inning.
2008-04-08 20:47:55
411.   Icaros
401

Agree 100%. I should have said that in the first place.

2008-04-08 20:47:58
412.   El Lay Dave
That why the call him The Bison!
2008-04-08 20:48:07
413.   oshea2002
402 - totally agree. I'm a big Kuo guy too, when he's right and is throwing strikes, he is really solid.
2008-04-08 20:48:24
414.   underdog
Atta boy Bison!

I've been waiting for a reason to say "atta boy" tonight.

2008-04-08 20:48:27
415.   JoeyP
Kemp sending a message to Pierre/Torre/Colletti etc..
2008-04-08 20:49:00
416.   oshea2002
407 - it's so obvious it hurts.
2008-04-08 20:49:36
417.   nofatmike
405 Well, Piazza would be technically the third-string catcher since he'd be primarily used to pinch-hit.
2008-04-08 20:49:42
418.   underdog
409 Hah hah, totally. (Except you mean David Ross.)
2008-04-08 20:49:59
419.   oshea2002
Nice, Dodgers back in game, Lakers on a 10-0 run.
2008-04-08 20:50:28
420.   Neal Pollack
We rule! Our fundamentals are great! We can do no wrong!
2008-04-08 20:50:31
421.   Indiana Jon
The old man can still hit a bit too.
2008-04-08 20:50:34
422.   KAYVMON
Kent really punishes mistake pitches
2008-04-08 20:50:37
423.   nofatmike
PVL!!!
2008-04-08 20:50:45
424.   JoeyP
Nice hit PVL!!

Davis is done.

2008-04-08 20:50:49
425.   underdog
Atta boy, Jeff!
2008-04-08 20:50:56
426.   Neal Pollack
I am a Suns fan. It's going to be very hard to be civil here during the playoffs.
2008-04-08 20:51:06
427.   Sam in SC
why did ethier pull up coming around second? the 3rd base coach was furiously waving him in, but ethier was watching the play.
2008-04-08 20:51:21
428.   Icaros
Pierre can't do what Kemp or Ethier just did.
2008-04-08 20:51:36
429.   El Lay Dave
Nice hitting by the old goat.
2008-04-08 20:51:46
430.   MC Safety
I picked a fine time to tune in. Judging from the comments Bills looked pretty bad.
2008-04-08 20:52:20
431.   oshea2002
That strike 2 call almost bounced.
2008-04-08 20:52:22
432.   underdog
At least we've gotten into the bullpen early, and touched their bullpen last night despite the lopsided score. Er, maybe that'll pay off tomorrow at least.
2008-04-08 20:52:51
433.   Daniel Zappala
The Lakers are going to need some defense and a big 4th quarter to pull this one out.
2008-04-08 20:53:03
434.   El Lay Dave
427 Shouldn't runners on first by judging balls in CF on their own?
2008-04-08 20:53:10
435.   underdog
Wait, Davis is still in there. Never mind. Must be cutting him some slack tonight for sentimentality's sake.
2008-04-08 20:53:10
436.   berkowit28
337 ? Loney nickname. Best yet, from Joe Beimel: "Popeye". I vote we go with that.
2008-04-08 20:53:15
437.   Sam in SC
that stike one call on loney was totally bogus. there must have been a lot of lead paint where this umpire grew up.
2008-04-08 20:53:23
438.   Gagne55
418 D'oh! Yes I meant David.
2008-04-08 20:53:34
439.   El Lay Dave
433 There is historical precendent for that happening against Portland.
2008-04-08 20:53:56
440.   Eric Stephen
419
When was the Lakers 10-0 run? Yahoo has Portland widening their lead to 85-71 in the 3rd quarter.
2008-04-08 20:55:05
441.   Sam in SC
434 I was taught that you pick up the coach as you round second and the play is behind you.
2008-04-08 20:55:05
442.   oshea2002
They were down 77-61, then cut it to 77-71
2008-04-08 20:55:21
443.   LogikReader
15

They call me Nostradamus

Davis will have a terrific start giving up only 2 earned runs. However, that doesn't indicate who will win. =)

2008-04-08 20:55:52
444.   underdog
Sigh.

Can we call up Jason Repko to spell Jones for awhile? And to collide with Pierre at some point in the outfield.

2008-04-08 20:56:25
445.   El Lay Dave
436 How about a simple "Tex"? Tex Loney sounds like a star in westerns and this is Hollywood after all. I see a bit of quiet cowboy confidence in him.
2008-04-08 20:56:28
446.   oshea2002
It's tough on the offense when 6-9 are essentially 4 pitcher's spots. When Martin is playing at least we can push that down a spot.
2008-04-08 20:56:32
447.   LogikReader
You know what, the Lakers young players just didn't show up tonight. You have to question their heart and intensity during these gimmie games, but I still think we'll all be on the same page for the playoffs, don't you think?
2008-04-08 20:57:16
448.   natepurcell
If I was an opposing pitcher, all Andruw Jones would get from me would be fastballs. He has not shown he can catch up to one...even a 84mph hardball from Davis.
2008-04-08 20:57:43
449.   Icaros
444

I think we should set Repko loose in the LA Times office. Be nice to have Bill and T.J. out for the seaon.

2008-04-08 20:58:35
450.   Sam in SC
436 "loney" already sounds like a nickname, almost.
Show/Hide Comments 451-500
2008-04-08 20:58:56
451.   El Lay Dave
441 Was Kent's ball still in the air at that point? Most runners hate taking their eye off a ball that is still up there.
2008-04-08 20:59:23
452.   underdog
447 What's the latest on Bynum? Assuming he's back for the playoffs, that's the key right there. Odom, Gasol and Bynum in the front court makes them tougher.
2008-04-08 21:00:07
453.   Lefty Supremacist
Well, at least Jeff Kent knows how to get the job done.
2008-04-08 21:00:40
454.   underdog
452 wins my understatement of the night award.

449 Hah hah, nice.

2008-04-08 21:00:44
455.   El Lay Dave
At this moment, Kemp's season OPS is up .197 since the start of the game. Fun with early season stats.
2008-04-08 21:00:45
456.   Indiana Jon
436 I would like it better if that costume hadn't been so horrible.
2008-04-08 21:00:51
457.   Louis in SF
397

I do understand both the control and command issues but in looking at all 3 5th starters who are flawed to some degree, if 100 pitches from Kuo get you into the 5th, but because of his stuff fewer runs score isn't that better than Estaban who seems recently to have one early inning where he allows 3 runs or more. Chan Ho at this point I think is indeed long relief. Kuo is also a lefty....Great to see Kemp hitting tonight, now if we could only get Andru going

2008-04-08 21:00:56
458.   Ricardo
I hope Andy LaRoche gets back as soon as possible.
2008-04-08 21:01:03
459.   Eric Stephen
450
One of the disturbing trends in modern nicknaming is simply adding an "ee" sound to the end of the name (Gracie, Jonesie, etc). Maybe Loney's nickname is "Loneyey"
2008-04-08 21:01:47
460.   nofatmike
458 Be careful what you wish for.
2008-04-08 21:01:54
461.   jasonungar07
why limit yourself Nate, he can't hit a curveball either.
2008-04-08 21:02:34
462.   natepurcell
I kinda like Tex.

Although that seems to already be taken.

2008-04-08 21:02:51
463.   Sam in SC
451 hard to tell, but that did appear to be what he was concerned about.
2008-04-08 21:03:55
464.   natepurcell
461

curveball puts more strain on the arm! Why hurt yourself trying to get out a windmill?

2008-04-08 21:03:58
465.   Icaros
456

Yeah, he looked a bit more Village People than Popeye.

2008-04-08 21:04:53
466.   tjdub
How about "Lonestar" spoken in full Mel Brooks mode?
2008-04-08 21:05:22
467.   jujibee
What's so wrong with Orbison?
2008-04-08 21:05:28
468.   natepurcell
Man, Mark Reynolds really came out from nowhere when you look at his college career.
2008-04-08 21:06:11
469.   Sam in SC
459 maybe loneyie (heh) is pre-nicknamed
2008-04-08 21:07:13
470.   nofatmike
Dang, Kuo is on fire.
2008-04-08 21:07:51
471.   oshea2002
Kuo's outing has been encouraging. I hope he gets strong consideration for the 5 spot.
2008-04-08 21:08:21
472.   Icaros
468

Is he another Jeff Kent?

2008-04-08 21:09:08
473.   Xeifrank
This Hong Chee Ko guy is pretty good. I've never heard of him, but Vinny is sure talking him up. vr, Xei
2008-04-08 21:09:15
474.   Eric Stephen
Good news for the Dodgers is that even if they don't score over the next 2 innings they get to face Brandon Lyon, who has been trying to kill my fantasy team this last week.
2008-04-08 21:09:43
475.   LAT
I bet Elton Brand is glad he bothered coming back.
2008-04-08 21:10:36
476.   El Lay Dave
We wanted Ethier over Pierre, assuming Kemp was a lock; we got Pierre's starts at Kemp's expense instead.

We assume Billingsley is a lock and want Kuo over Loaiza; might we get Chad back in the pen instead?

[/end sarcasm]

2008-04-08 21:11:54
477.   Eric Stephen
476
Even my most pessimistic side didn't come up with that one! :)
2008-04-08 21:12:28
478.   LAT
473. . . . and The Great Kuo Name Controversy of 2007 rages on. :-)
2008-04-08 21:12:55
479.   Xeifrank
476. I don't think Guo starts until later in the season. They really need to watch his innings. vr, Xei
2008-04-08 21:14:03
480.   Sam in SC
the next time LA plays Az, and we are forced to watch the Az broadcast, I say we play the Mark Grace drinking game; "gas" is a drinking word.
2008-04-08 21:15:38
481.   El Lay Dave
479 He threw 65 pitches tonight. 56 in his three-inning start in the weird rain game. No other appearances, so they seem to be watching them carefully. :)
2008-04-08 21:15:46
482.   Eric Stephen
Hey, the tying run comes to the plate!
2008-04-08 21:16:00
483.   Icaros
Get comfy, Juan.
2008-04-08 21:16:07
484.   Indiana Jon
Yep, looks like this Kemp guy can hit Joe. You might want to give him some playing time.
2008-04-08 21:16:13
485.   Sam in SC
kemp is 3-4 tonight. no comment considered necessary.
2008-04-08 21:16:29
486.   Eric Stephen
480
If you're home during the day tomorrow, you'll get the AZ broadcast again.
2008-04-08 21:17:39
487.   oshea2002
485 - clearly it was because of the mental rest he got from 3 days off. To the extent Torre is telling himself that, I still expect more of JP.
2008-04-08 21:18:03
488.   Sam in SC
486 hmmm, go to work, or be face down drunk by the second inning of a day game . . . that is a tough decision.

I must ponder my options.

2008-04-08 21:18:57
489.   natepurcell
so close.
2008-04-08 21:19:03
490.   Suffering Bruin
That's a painful tease right there.
2008-04-08 21:19:04
491.   Eric Stephen
I expect a Get Smart commercial after that out.
2008-04-08 21:19:04
492.   jasonungar07
If Kemp gets another hit tonight he will have as many for the season as JP and AJ combined.
2008-04-08 21:19:04
493.   Sam in SC
my heart.

my heart.

my heart.

2008-04-08 21:19:16
494.   KG16
ah hour ago, that was a home run.
2008-04-08 21:19:37
495.   Suffering Bruin
483 :)

Very nice.

2008-04-08 21:19:47
496.   KG16
494 - an not ah
2008-04-08 21:19:54
497.   Icaros
Just off the end of the bat.
2008-04-08 21:20:09
498.   Xeifrank
what happened?
vr, Xei
2008-04-08 21:20:56
499.   natepurcell
498

Upton caught it at the wall.

2008-04-08 21:21:18
500.   El Lay Dave
498 Ethier flied to deep right w/ two on.
Show/Hide Comments 501-550
2008-04-08 21:21:22
501.   Neal Pollack
Game of inches.
2008-04-08 21:22:11
502.   underdog
Confarnit!

I almost yelped in excitement there. Drat.

2008-04-08 21:22:20
503.   natepurcell
Tron Tron back in to do his thang.
2008-04-08 21:22:57
504.   El Lay Dave
Kemp's OPS now up .266 on the night.
2008-04-08 21:23:22
505.   El Lay Dave
EDRT?
2008-04-08 21:25:33
506.   Icaros
495

Kemp hit a HR for us. He's also a myspace friend.

I take his struggle personally.

2008-04-08 21:26:29
507.   Xeifrank
504. More importantly his average is up to .286 as it's more likely that Torre and staff judge by average not OPS. :)
vr, Xei
2008-04-08 21:27:20
508.   Xeifrank
With all these HBP, we are bound to get a reprisal one against us tonight or tomorrow.
vr, Xei
2008-04-08 21:28:19
509.   nofatmike
505 "EDRT?"

ERP

2008-04-08 21:28:51
510.   KG16
507 - what's the appropriate degree of measure we should give BA/OBP/SLG/OPS?

I know a lot of people around here are down on BA, but if Furcal or Loney were to go into September batting .403, we'd all think that was a good thing, no? Even if their OBP was only, say .455?

2008-04-08 21:29:21
511.   natepurcell
509

everyday ramon troncoso.

2008-04-08 21:29:28
512.   jujibee
It's so nice to see opposing runners taking caution this year. I remeber when it was Pierre, gonzo, and Either out there and runners ran rampid unless Ethier got the ball. What a difference.
2008-04-08 21:30:20
513.   Bluebleeder87
what a roller coaster ride on that Ethier fly ball, man!
2008-04-08 21:31:00
514.   oshea2002
I love how Vinny calls him the O-Dog.
2008-04-08 21:31:07
515.   Neal Pollack
The odds are not in our favor here.
2008-04-08 21:31:23
516.   KG16
Part of me wanted the book that Hudson reads before every game to be Catcher in the Rye
2008-04-08 21:31:38
517.   Bluebleeder87
how about "SinkerTronco"
2008-04-08 21:31:40
518.   nofatmike
511 Oh, I thought you were refering to the "Hardball Made Easy" videos.
2008-04-08 21:32:21
519.   Vaudeville Villain
510

Only .455? That's a great OBP.

2008-04-08 21:32:24
520.   Gagne55
Sigh. For some reason the Lakers always go in the tank when they play at the Rose Garden, which is strange since the host isn't exactly a good team.
2008-04-08 21:32:39
521.   Icaros
510

I won't even talk to a player who doesn't have an OBP at least 70 points higher than his BA.

2008-04-08 21:33:21
522.   El Lay Dave
uh-oh, suddenly he can't throw strikes?
2008-04-08 21:33:21
523.   Xeifrank
510. Well, that's a hard question to answer because BA is a subset of OBP and OBP+SLG=OPS. Given a choice of only those mentioned I believe the proper split is somewhere around (1.6*OBP)+SLG. Something along those lines.
vr, Xei
2008-04-08 21:33:43
524.   Gagne55
514 I think Herald Reynolds actually invented that nickname.
2008-04-08 21:34:58
525.   oshea2002
520 - they played terribly against them at home one time this year as well in a game Portland was missing Roy.
2008-04-08 21:35:00
526.   Vaudeville Villain
Walked in a run. Man, if only our non-Kuo pitchers would throw strikes today.
2008-04-08 21:35:36
527.   Xeifrank
The bad thing about getting down by four runs, is that we might not get to face Lyons.
vr, Xei
2008-04-08 21:35:50
528.   El Lay Dave
Then immediately 0-2 to Jackson. Huh.
2008-04-08 21:35:59
529.   natepurcell
wow, a bouncer triple over the head of Dewitt.

This game sucks.

2008-04-08 21:36:08
530.   oshea2002
524 - I think you're right.
2008-04-08 21:36:10
531.   Sam in SC
sigh
2008-04-08 21:36:12
532.   Gagne55
521 You do realize that given two players who have equal walk rates the one with a lower batting average will have a greater difference between OBP and BA, right? (though a lower OBP overall)
2008-04-08 21:36:20
533.   Neal Pollack
Good night, Gracie.
2008-04-08 21:37:18
534.   Vaudeville Villain
532

Pretty sure he was joking around.

2008-04-08 21:37:24
535.   oshea2002
bedtime.
2008-04-08 21:37:46
536.   KG16
523 - I think I wasn't clear (or I don't understand your answer). Take my hypothetical, insanely high BA, but OBP only 50 points higher? Good or bad?

I'm trying to figure it out from a player evaluation stand point. I think I tend to put a lot more weight than most around here on BA, but I tend to believe in putting the ball in play. Slugging percentage is also a nice measure, but it depends on where a guy is hitting in the line up, as well.

2008-04-08 21:37:48
537.   Icaros
Well, at least this horrible night for sports is about to come to a merciful end.

Morphine, take me away...

2008-04-08 21:37:53
538.   Xeifrank
Do you think Bob can eat his words yet?
vr, Xei

I doubt that [G]uo will ever pitch an effective game for the Dodgers again.
-Bob Timmermann
July 9, 2007

2008-04-08 21:38:46
539.   El Lay Dave
Oof.
2008-04-08 21:39:38
540.   sporky
Please don't get swept.
2008-04-08 21:39:52
541.   underdog
Ouch. Welp, good thing there won't be much time to mope around about this one, for us or the team.

Think they may need to call up another pitcher soon?

2008-04-08 21:40:20
542.   Vaudeville Villain
536

It doesn't matter. However you get your high OBP, it doesn't matter, as long as you have it.

However, it is generally accepted that having an OBP dependent on high average will require more BABIP luck, and thus, a more inconsistent OBP than a guy who just walks a lot.

Does that help at all?

2008-04-08 21:41:07
543.   Xeifrank
536. .400 average is great, only because it means the players OBP is also over .400. Having your OBP only slightly higher than your batting average is not so good, but in your case it doesn't really matter. Chances are that it is not sustainable due to a high BABIP. vr, Xei
2008-04-08 21:41:27
544.   Jacob Burch
I blame Jon for going out of his way to point out the team and bullpen ERA.

At least the Bison and Kuo looked good? It feels far too early in this season for me to be looking for the silver linings. Bah.

2008-04-08 21:41:53
545.   Bluebleeder87
It's a long season & I can't wait to play the D-Backs again.
2008-04-08 21:41:58
546.   Icaros
His mudder was a Medders.
2008-04-08 21:43:07
547.   Gagne55
534 Yeah, but then again I see people around here bust out stats like isolated patience (OBP-BA) as an indicator of ability to draw walks, ignoring that it punishes players for getting hits and something like BB/PA works much better.
2008-04-08 21:43:22
548.   Xeifrank
Padres are trying to rally in the 9th against the Giants bullpen. That's a book with a lot of chapters in it.
vr, Xei
2008-04-08 21:44:18
549.   LAT
Jones will get a meaningless hit here, maybe even a HR.
2008-04-08 21:45:49
550.   El Lay Dave
538 Depends if you count a three-inning start or a 3 2/3 IP relief appearance as an "effective game" or not.
Show/Hide Comments 551-600
2008-04-08 21:46:00
551.   Xeifrank
Well, that was quick. The Padres just tied it up in the 9th and are threatening to score more.
vr, Xei
2008-04-08 21:46:35
552.   Xeifrank
550. hmmm, do we have a lawyer in the house?
vr, Xei
2008-04-08 21:47:17
553.   ucladodger
545

Why? They're quite good. I have a feeling that they just might run away with this division.

2008-04-08 21:47:40
554.   LAT
He couldn't even get it out of the outfield. I want Pierre!!!
2008-04-08 21:47:54
555.   El Lay Dave
549 A no-out HR here makes it a four-run game with two full innings left. That's still a longshot of course, but not utterly hopeless.
2008-04-08 21:48:07
556.   Gagne55
551 Thats because the Giants are not a good team.
2008-04-08 21:48:49
557.   Icaros
547

I wasn't trying to punish anyone. I'm just fond of the number 70.

2008-04-08 21:48:56
558.   KG16
543 - ok, so what is a good BABIP? And really, how much of it is truly luck and how much of it is skill? Meaning, if a guy is able to make contact and "hit it where they ain't", isn't that someone you want in your line up?
2008-04-08 21:49:00
559.   El Lay Dave
How about a meaningless "productive out" instead. Sheesh.
2008-04-08 21:49:45
560.   Vaudeville Villain
545

I have no desire to see this team again this season. Tough AB for Martin.

2008-04-08 21:49:47
561.   Icaros
554

Pierre couldn't lay down a sacrifice that good.

2008-04-08 21:49:50
562.   underdog
553 Nobody's going to run away with this division. And you can quote me on that.
2008-04-08 21:50:16
563.   natepurcell
What are the results for this team this year with runner on 3rd and less than 2 outs?
2008-04-08 21:50:49
564.   El Lay Dave
If DeWitt does something here and they hit for Troncoso, who pitches next? Broxton?
2008-04-08 21:51:06
565.   regfairfield
I'm not usually one to complain about this sort of thing, but did we really have to not give Russ a full day off down seven?
2008-04-08 21:51:17
566.   natepurcell
So is Martin going to catch now on his "off day?"
2008-04-08 21:51:27
567.   KG16
559 - what was the "productive out"? I only ask because I'm not watching the game anymore and the misunderstanding that all parties seem to have of that particular phrase has been annoying me the last couple of years.
2008-04-08 21:51:41
568.   Lexinthedena
AZ had the benefit of back to back horrible starts from Dodger pitching. They may be the better team at this point in the season, but they will not run away with anything.

Great to see Kemp looking straightened out...now it's up to Andruw.

2008-04-08 21:51:43
569.   Xeifrank
558. Let me recommend a book for you, "The Book, Playing The Percentages In Baseball" by Tom Tango.
vr, Xei
2008-04-08 21:51:45
570.   Suffering Bruin
564 I think we're about to find out.
2008-04-08 21:52:47
571.   Xeifrank
even with the double, our win expectancy is 1%.
vr, Xei
2008-04-08 21:52:49
572.   El Lay Dave
The Solution!
2008-04-08 21:53:35
573.   Vaudeville Villain
558

Without looking at any stats, it seems intuitive to me that BABIP is mostly luck. No hitter controls where the defense plays him, or how many good or bad defenses he will play during the season.

2008-04-08 21:54:37
574.   El Lay Dave
567 Andruw tapped out in front of the plate and both runners moved up. I was being sarcastic, obviously down seven runs, the team needs baserunners.
2008-04-08 21:54:52
575.   Xeifrank
573. it's luck for the most part, but you can raise it by hitting more line drives and being extremely fast and beating out a lot of infield grounders like Kemp and Ichiro.
vr, Xei
2008-04-08 21:56:03
576.   Icaros
Guy didn't even run.
2008-04-08 21:56:29
577.   natepurcell
Jones should be dropped down to 8th until he hits a line drive.
2008-04-08 21:57:32
578.   KG16
573 - see, that's a problem for me, because, taken to it's logical conclusion, that means the game is entirely a matter of luck and not skill.

A hitter controls which pitches he swings at, he controls the way that he swings, and to some extent, where the ball will go when he hits it (stepping into a pitch to go the other way, stepping out to pull, etc).

While he can't control where the defense plays him, or which pitches he will see, he does retains some control over the situation. Perhaps I am naive in this regard, but if BABIP is mostly luck, then so is the entire game and no amount of statistical analysis matters in that case... just pull the lever and hope it comes up sevens.

2008-04-08 21:57:44
579.   El Lay Dave
558 Line drive percentage is important. When even the greatest hitters get a hit only 1/3 of the time, there would seem to be only so much batters can control. Hitting is just really hard.
2008-04-08 21:58:10
580.   Vaudeville Villain
Yeesh, Sweeney didn't exactly hustle that out, did he?
2008-04-08 21:58:18
581.   eusmus
... why is Broxton in this game?
2008-04-08 21:59:57
582.   Lexinthedena
581- Who else is supposed to pitch?
2008-04-08 22:00:19
583.   natepurcell
As Broxton enters, Grace starts to drool.
2008-04-08 22:00:55
584.   El Lay Dave
552 No, just a persnickety engineer.
2008-04-08 22:01:00
585.   Icaros
Grace just cut a wrestling promo for Broxton.
2008-04-08 22:01:49
586.   El Lay Dave
581 Beimel and Proctor both pitched in the last two games. I doubt Park is ready to go back-to-back games. No one else is left but Saito.
2008-04-08 22:03:06
587.   Xeifrank
578. Hitting home runs is not luck.
vr, Xei
2008-04-08 22:04:27
588.   Vaudeville Villain
578

Yeah, but luck is involved in just about every sport. I guess the question should be, why does the great presence of luck in this sport, in most sports, bother you?

2008-04-08 22:05:17
589.   natepurcell
Grace is going to divorce his wife and run away with Broxton.
2008-04-08 22:05:20
590.   El Lay Dave
587 Except when Canseco is in RF.
2008-04-08 22:06:12
591.   Xeifrank
590. haha.
vr, Xei
2008-04-08 22:08:00
592.   Lexinthedena
589 That Broxton is a perfect "Slump Buster"...
2008-04-08 22:08:33
593.   El Lay Dave
Drat. At this point I don't even care about the run, I just don't want to see Broxton face more batters / throw more pitches in this meaningless situation.
2008-04-08 22:10:21
594.   underdog
Has the Countdown to the Minotaur © begun yet?

I have fifty riding on May 20 as his ETA.

But in the nearer future, the Dodgers need another very effective performance from Kuroda tomorrow, or they really may need to bring in another reliever.

2008-04-08 22:10:58
595.   KG16
588 - the presence of luck in any sport does not bother me... I quit the practice of law the second half of last year to play poker full time, I am well acquainted with the luck factor. But, it is my believe that training and skill can overcome random dumb luck. Like the old saying goes, luck is when preparation meets opportunity.

587 - my point is that if getting any kind of hit is a matter of luck, than a vast amount of the game is luck. I believe that getting hits, be they singles, doubles, triples, or homeruns is a skill. My point is only that to disqualify the vast majority of hits that a player will accumulate over the course of his career as luck is to overlook the skill necessary to be a ball player.

2008-04-08 22:12:58
596.   underdog
Kemp's looked so much better tonight. That's something positive we can take from this stinker.
2008-04-08 22:13:14
597.   El Lay Dave
How deep was Bison's ball. Nice leadoff by Furcal.
2008-04-08 22:13:53
598.   ucladodger
597

About 400 feet or so.

2008-04-08 22:15:22
599.   bhsportsguy
Apparently Arizona still has bullpen issues in blowouts.
2008-04-08 22:17:27
600.   Xeifrank
595. Read the book.
vr, Xei
Show/Hide Comments 601-650
2008-04-08 22:18:18
601.   El Lay Dave
595 Making good contact at a high rate is definitely skill. But even hitters renowned for their high degree of skill with the bat, e.g. Gwynn, Carew, were still making outs in over 60% of their PAs and even their BAs fluctuated enough that luck had to be a significant factor.
2008-04-08 22:19:51
602.   El Lay Dave
598 A good ride. Thanks.
2008-04-08 22:24:42
603.   dzzrtRatt
Well, I guess this loss is going to be pinned on Chad's bad game, but looking at the starting lineup, it was pretty much automatic outs from 6-9. Not so with the D-backs or most other teams the Dodgers will play.

I have to assume Nomar or LaRoche will come back and hit, that Jones will eventually hit, and that Bennett won't play very often. If not, this is a third-place team, at best.

I'm not dissing DeWitt by the way. But he's following the pattern of most players who come up in that circumstance. He surprises a few pitchers for a few days, then the scouts figure him out and pitchers filet him. He can't get back to AA soon enough.

2008-04-08 22:27:24
604.   JoeyP
Martin should have never played this game...on his day off, down 7 runs, having to catch an inning...????/
2008-04-08 22:28:01
605.   JoeyP
Dewitt went 2-4 tonight.
He wasnt the problem.
2008-04-08 22:28:33
606.   KG16
601 - granted, it's the nature of the game that a hitter will make an out more often than he will reach base safely. And I am not suggesting that dumb luck can be eliminated completely (again, my experience playing poker full time tells me this), I am simply suggesting that skill, training, and preparation can reduce and even marginalize the luck factor in specific circumstances.
2008-04-08 22:29:00
607.   ucladodger
603

I dont think Nomar/LaRoche and jones hitting are a sure thing. Both of the 3Bman will be coming back from hand/wrist injuries and we have no idea how long it will take for them to regain their stroke, timing, etc. Add to that Nomar couldnt hit last year and Andy hasn't really seen major league pitching (although he should be a stud) and we could have a problem there for a while. As for Andruw, he just looks like doodoo at the plate. Cant catch up to 85 mph fastballs, pulling off everything. He stinks right now and hopefully it wont be a replication of last year.

2008-04-08 22:29:44
608.   KG16
605 - agreed, especially considering he had 2 RBIs on an extra basehit.
2008-04-08 22:32:35
609.   KG16
606 - also, I would posit that the pitcher's skill, as well as the defenses skill has some bearing on the hitter's "luck". Not to mention the preparation angle of positioning the defense properly, etc.
2008-04-08 22:32:59
610.   El Lay Dave
603 ...but looking at the starting lineup, it was pretty much automatic outs from 6-9.

Last season the solution to that problem was batting Loney, Ethier and Kemp down there a lot and to put the automatic outs at 1-3.

Sorry, this is not supposed to be a snarky blog.

2008-04-08 22:34:10
611.   Xeifrank
606. it's already factored in. Studies have shown that a high BABIP in almost every player is not a repeatable skill. They all tend to fluctuare around the same level. Line drive rate and speed are two factors that can help buck the trend. Read the book.
vr, Xei
2008-04-08 22:34:45
612.   El Lay Dave
609 The old adage is that good pitching beats good hitting. Some old adages have at least a grain of truth to them.
2008-04-08 22:37:25
613.   Xeifrank
609. Yes of course, but given a large enough sample size it evens out for the most part.
vr, Xei
2008-04-08 22:38:56
614.   Xeifrank
609. The good pitching has more to do with being stingy with home runs, walks and striking out a lot of batters. All things that are not a part of BABIP. There are a few exceptions for extrememe ground ball pitchers and knuckle ballers.
vr, Xei
2008-04-08 22:39:48
615.   KG16
613 - then each plate appearance is a simple contest of skill against skill... some would call that luck, I would call it sport.
2008-04-08 22:40:39
616.   KG16
jeez, I would really like to continue this conversation, but I have a chapter to finish.
2008-04-08 22:41:36
617.   StolenMonkey86
614 - If I recall, infield flies were also something a pitcher could control to some degree.
2008-04-08 22:45:02
618.   CanuckDodger
603 -- Of course you are dissing DeWitt, and quite unfairly. You lumped him in with "automatic outs" when he has been anything but, including tonight. A little over a week into the MLB season, DeWitt has been a far, far, far, better MLB thirdbaseman than Miguel Cabrera. No, I'm not optimistic that will continue for long, but the fact is, as the saying goes, what it is. Nobody should be saying anything negative about DeWitt. He has been one of this year's most pleasant surprises.
2008-04-08 22:51:01
619.   LogikReader
I don't know fellas.

Maybe Karma is just working for the Diamondbacks so far. After all, this is Doug Davis' last start before surgery. When you think about it, after Haren and Webb, its anyone's game.

I saw too many good things for me to be down on this game tonight. Some nights you're just going to get your butt kicked. It happens. We put the best team we should put on the field, despite a needed day off for Russ. Kemp had a GREAT day at the plate. Ethier nearly tied the game with a home run... it only missed by two feet. It's how young teams work. Sometimes they'll be on, sometimes they won't be, but through it all, they did it their way.

2008-04-08 22:52:17
620.   bhsportsguy
Matt Kemp got base hits on the first pitch, 3rd pitch and 2nd pitch he saw tonight.

It appears to me that the book on Kemp is to try and get him on breaking stuff away and then get him defensive after two strikes.

If he continues to hit the breaking stuff, he will start to get fastballs.

2008-04-08 22:54:41
621.   LogikReader
619

Do not forget: The 2005 Dodgers were 15-8 in April.

2008-04-08 22:55:21
622.   bhsportsguy
Loiaza did pitch for Torre once before, for 2 months in 2004, he made 6 starts before joining the bullpen. So I don't think Joe will have any hesitation in switching Kuo for Loiaza especially since he himself said that he would like to break up his all right handed staff.
2008-04-08 22:56:27
623.   El Lay Dave
621 OTOH, the 1977 Dodgers were 17-3 in April.
2008-04-08 23:01:27
624.   StolenMonkey86
604 - Agreed. Did Torre forget he burned D. Young already? That strikes me as a foolish move.
2008-04-08 23:02:24
625.   El Lay Dave
622 He might want to see K/Guo average less than 18 pitches per inning first.
2008-04-08 23:03:12
626.   StolenMonkey86
604- Although we're tempted to think, Martin should have started so he could call a better game for Billingsley.
2008-04-08 23:03:49
627.   El Lay Dave
624 I'd just as soon Martin not have come in either, but is catching one inning THAT taxing?
2008-04-08 23:03:56
628.   StolenMonkey86
625 - That's enough for 5 innings, which is longer than Loaiza lasted.
2008-04-08 23:11:09
629.   El Lay Dave
628 Sorry, wasn't too clear. Personally, I'd start Kuo; I'm just speculating on what Torre/coaches are thinking.

If the Dodgers had scored their three runs off Haren earlier, I wonder if they would have hit for Loaiza there.

2008-04-08 23:16:49
630.   dzzrtRatt
618 well, okay. I think my impression of tonight's performance was influenced by the front part of the game. I'm happy about DeWitt, really. I'm just frustrated that we're not seeing more offense. Hopefully, tomorrow will erase that.

And if DeWitt wants to use my lame comment to fire himself up, that would be fine with me.

2008-04-08 23:22:30
631.   Michael D
Just to make you all feel better, so far the Giants have scored more runs than The Greatest Offense In History. I'm still not worried.
2008-04-09 00:11:15
632.   ToyCannon
I saw some good things tonight. Tomorrow we rock. Good to see DeWitt get his first rbi's with a nice opposite field gapper.
2008-04-09 00:15:52
633.   sporky
618 Good point. I upset my neighbor's yappy-type dogs with my yelling, but you're right.

I'm recording tomorrow's game, and hopefully it'll be worth watching!

2008-04-09 00:51:29
634.   MarLoKemp
I love Bill Buckner, my all-time favorite player.
2008-04-09 04:45:37
635.   gpellamjr
I thought bringing Martin in when he did was the right move for Torre. What was the score at the time? 9-2 with two runners on? I can't remember. Anyway, I prefer that to giving up on the game.
2008-04-09 04:51:36
636.   D4P
Tony Jackson: Andruw Jones, the club's major offensive acquisition of the winter who has been having outstanding batting-practice sessions but was hitting just .115 in the actual games, remained in the lineup, batting fifth

I guess Tommy's not throwing him many curveballs in the dirt.

2008-04-09 05:01:19
637.   Ken Noe
Morning postscript: Kemp getting his stroke back better keep him in the lineup. Clearly he's done the "work" with Easler they asked of him. I'm going to utter foul words if JP gets the start.
2008-04-09 05:15:45
638.   D4P
637
The Dodgers are facing a righty today, so Pierre should get the start. Kemp will just lose confidence if he's thrust into such a tough situation. I don't see why Kemp would all of a sudden be ready to face righties after one 3-hit game.
2008-04-09 06:32:12
639.   Ken Noe
638 Who gets that start is going to tell us a lot about the season, isn't it?
2008-04-09 07:05:06
640.   Doctor
638

Guessing you're joking, but it IS worth noting that Kemp got a hit of a righty last night.... by the way where the heck did this notion of him not hitting RHPs ever come from? Bummer game yesterday, but today will be better.

Then theres this:

"We screwed around with him his last start," said Torre. "We banged him and brought him in relief. He's not using it as a reason. But he didn't get into any kind of rhythm, he didn't look comfortable. At the time we made the decision, it made sense. I'm not saying we would have done anything different. But starting pitchers get into a routine and it certainly got in the way of his routine. It was just the circumstances more so than the decision. We made the decision, so we have to take our share of the blame, too."

I don't get this- if it was a mistake, why wouldn't you do it differently? Maybe its context.

2008-04-09 07:08:31
641.   CodyS
603 DeWitt has a .400 OBP, which is pretty much as far from an automatic out as you can get. Also, we had Kuo batting 9 for half the game, and he can hit better than Bennett.
2008-04-09 07:10:08
642.   D4P
where the heck did this notion of him not hitting RHPs ever come from?

Torre's gut. Us computer users look at the numbers produced by the computer, that show that Kemp has done fine against RH in his career (.299/.328/.497/.825). But we ignore the humanity of the game.

2008-04-09 07:10:51
643.   CodyS
640 Torre said he didn't want Kemp to hit against "tough righties" when he was "struggling." Now, Kemp is no longer struggling, and Micah Owings is not that tough. So there is no reason Kemp won't start.
2008-04-09 07:17:08
644.   D4P
Now, Kemp is no longer struggling

That's the kinda short-sighted thinking I want Torre to avoid. What if, for example, Pierre had played and gotten a few hits? Would we conclude that he was no longer struggling and therefore should be in the lineup?

Kemp should have been starting since the beginning. Given that Torre chose a platoon instead, it wouldn't now make sense to start Kemp just because he got some hits.

I'd rather Torre follow a bad rationale than no rationale at all. He shouldn't be getting paid millions of dollars to follow his "gut" or to essentially flip coins*.

*Unless they're Paul Scott coins, with Kemp's head on each side.

2008-04-09 07:27:38
645.   D4P
BTW, which is worse for a player's confidence:

1. Being allowed to play against "tough" pitchers, thereby being given an implicit message from your manager that he has faith in your abilities

2. NOT being allowed to play against "tough" pitchers, thereby being given an implicit message from your manager that he does not have faith in your abilities

2008-04-09 07:40:25
646.   D4P
I, for one, can't imagine a greater confidence killer than being told you're worse than Juan Pierre.
2008-04-09 07:42:49
647.   Doctor
This is worse

"I told him he is going to play (tonight)," Torre said. "I'm not saying he agrees with (sitting), because he said he feels pretty good at the plate right now and I just don't see it.""

2008-04-09 07:56:34
648.   JoeyP
Andruw Rudolf Jones OPS splits:

March/April 07: .936
May 07: .629
June 07: .487
July 07: .935
Aug 07: .769
Sept/Oct 07: .581
March/April 08: .325

2008-04-09 08:08:33
649.   regfairfield
641 There's more to player evaluation than eight games worth of at bats.
2008-04-09 08:11:28
650.   cargill06
hiroki stop the bleeding!!!

if we had to lose at least it was to davis, hate to see us lose but good for double d's

Show/Hide Comments 651-700
2008-04-09 08:19:04
651.   Xeifrank
Juan Pierre is struggling against left handed and right handed pitchers, he should only start against...???
vr, Xei
2008-04-09 08:24:53
652.   CanuckDodger
649 -- But it is what DeWitt has done in precisely those eight games that is the thing being "evaluated." Really, you've got a bee in your bonnet about DeWitt, in part, I think, because he is doing better in the majors than your system of evaluating players would suggest he should be capable of, and in part because I think you are worried that the brighter DeWitt shines the dimmer LaRoche's prospects are for a career as a Dodger. I certainly don't favor DeWitt over LaRoche; I want ALL of our prospects to succeed, and will be happy to see the better man win out in the long run.
2008-04-09 08:28:40
653.   regfairfield
652 Can I call Russell Martin an automatic out then?
2008-04-09 08:35:07
654.   cargill06
652 ya there are just some guys that "get it" later than others, i'm not suggesting dewitt has figured it out, but there is a possibility with some confidence, and hitting adjustments that he can be a far better hitter than he ever was in the minors. look at jeff kent struggle to hit above .200 at cal now he is one of the greatest offensive 2b off all time. regfairfield puts a lot of stock in minor league #'s but it's not the end all be all like he is making out to be. who knows give dewitt 600 major leauge ab's he may surprise some people.
2008-04-09 08:36:05
655.   cargill06
654 i don't want him to have 600 ab's however, i want laroche back in the lineup ASAP
2008-04-09 08:38:17
656.   CanuckDodger
653 -- You can say he HAS BEEN an automatic out this season, absolutely. Jon once said of Tony Jackson that he "lives in the moment." I note in you the opposite extreme tendency. I encourage taking a step back and looking at the bigger picture, but that should never preclude recognizing a short-term fact or trend and appreciating its significance, even if the significance is limited. A balance of the two perspectives is necessary.
2008-04-09 08:45:18
657.   oshea2002
656 - that is a very good point, which is why I'm far more worried about Jones then Martin.
2008-04-09 08:45:45
658.   CanuckDodger
656 -- To illustrate my point, look at DePodesta's failure to properly evaluate Shane Victorino, which we have talked about, and which you admitted to being wrong about after we initially discussed it. As a whole Victorino's minor league career was statistically unimpressive, and his good numbers in Double A the season before looked like an outlier. In that case, the short-term, but recent, trend was much more indicative of Victorino's future value than the long-term minor league record.
2008-04-09 08:48:22
659.   regfairfield
658 And I agree with you there. What I'm not going to agree with is using 31 plate appearances as a valid sample. If DeWitt somehow gets 200 PA and is still solid, I'll change my opinion.
2008-04-09 08:52:00
660.   JoeyP
How do you definite "short-term, recent trend"?

Is it Victorino's case---being 1 season?

Or Blake DeWitt--being 8 games?

2008-04-09 08:52:12
661.   regfairfield
Matt Garza is probably out for a long time because he decided to man up and not tell anyone that his arm was hurting after his starts.
2008-04-09 08:52:27
662.   ToyCannon
That was well said.

I do think Andrew is to close to the situation since he'd have to change the purpose of True Blue if DeWitt replaces LaRoche as the 3rd baseman of the moment.

Last year Bhsportsguy pointed out that every year at least one kid will shine that none of the performance analyst or scouts saw coming. Maybe this year we will will get lucky and it is DeWitt. The odds are against it happening as he gets more at bats, but come on, lets enjoy it while it is happening. As Andrew has pointed out numerous times, batting 8th does NOT give a bump to walks, so DeWitt's new found patience is something to celebrate not to discard so casually to the small sample size.

His defense at 3rd base while not stellar has certainly not been a problem.

2008-04-09 08:56:55
663.   JoeyP
658--Didnt the team already have Jayson Werth and Cody Ross both then too? Both of those guys were better than Shane Victorino then, and are better than he is now.

You can only go by the data available at the time of a move. Letting Victorino go wasnt a bad move considering Victorino's past performances in the minor leagues, and the other players that were already in the Dodgers organization and ahead of him on the depth chart.

2008-04-09 08:58:24
664.   CodyS
Short-term thinking is perfectly decent in baseball. Not on results, but on approach. If a hitter's approach gets out of whack, he will not produce at his normal level, and needs to work that out, possibly outside game situations. A .333 hitter doesn't get one hit out of every three at-bats. And this is not entirely due to randomness. Player's true likelihood of getting a hit (or whatever) varies day-to-day. It is difficult to parse out with statistics only, but if you see the hitter looking pathetic at the plate, you have a good idea.
2008-04-09 08:58:59
665.   regfairfield
663 Letting Victorino go is arguably a defensible move (but it really did come down to keeping Repko instead of him). Not taking him back for $25,000 was what made it terrible.
2008-04-09 09:00:23
666.   gibsonhobbs88
Al I know is today can somebody (Kuroda, Please) get Mark Reynolds out or at least keep him in the ball park. He's killing us!! Also, let's try to avoid being down 3-4 runs after one inning. Talk about digging a deep hole for your offense. We really need a well pitched game with limited innings from the pen today.
2008-04-09 09:00:39
667.   JoeyP
Retaining Repko at the expense of anyone is probably always a bad move.
2008-04-09 09:02:16
668.   gibsonhobbs88
666-Wow that's not a good omen getting post no. 666 attached to my comments, we're doomed! ;-)
2008-04-09 09:02:37
669.   cargill06
gibons, not a good idea to ask for favors in that post.
2008-04-09 09:05:03
670.   CanuckDodger
660 -- It's relative, naturally. And that applies to "long term" and "short term." And note that I am not saying let's take these past eight games by DeWitt and use them as the basis for a projection for how his next 20 years as a ball player will go. Who is doing that? Nobody. All this started with me saying that as a matter of fact, in the last eight games, DeWitt has NOT been an automatic out. That is proving to be a far more controversial statement than it should be, my friends.
2008-04-09 09:08:59
671.   Lexinthedena
Arizona is off to a really good start. Chad could not get his breaking ball over last night, which is why Reynolds ended up with a fastball down the middle. Kuo had good command and pitched effectively....Tron was tired and overthrew, losing his sink...Outside of Andruw Jones and Gary Bennet the Dodgers had a lot of good at bats. If Kemp plays, this lineup will end up above average.
2008-04-09 09:09:21
672.   regfairfield
670 Everyone would agree that Dewitt has not been an automatic out. The more important thing is will he be an automatic out in the future.
2008-04-09 09:10:30
673.   Lexinthedena
670 DeWitt has been one of the top four offensive performers so far.
2008-04-09 09:10:33
674.   underdog
I think you'll all be pleased to know that I'm cleaning out the two cat litter boxes in this household. Why? Because it's been since Sunday that they were last cleaned, and I think that's partially to blame for the Dodgers bad mojo over the last two games. So here we go - holding my nose this morning is better than having to hold it this afternoon while the game is on, hopefully.
2008-04-09 09:15:54
675.   cargill06
672 what are the lotto #'s for this weekend while you're at it
2008-04-09 09:18:00
676.   Paul Scott
Speaking of Tony Jackson, did everyone see his article today? Apparently 5 runs is "bats still quiet." Also, Kemp goes 3-5 with a triple. What picture does Jackson use for his article? Kemp with a bat on his shoulder with the caption "Matt Kemp strikes out in the first inning." Someone still loves Pierre.
2008-04-09 09:19:18
677.   Bumsrap
If Nomar rushes back with his wrist still hurting, he will again at best be a singles hitter. DeWitt has shown an ability to hit doubles and power some hits through the gap. DeWitt is doing well enough that Nomar should not return until he is totally recovered.

If Jones and Martin start to hit and hit with some power, DeWitt's contact hitting, patience, and occasional pop means there is no reason to rush LaRoche back into the lineup until he is ready and has sufficient AAA games under his belt to get his timing and strength fully back.

2008-04-09 09:21:38
678.   CanuckDodger
663 -- Victorinio was not let go, for $50,000, to make room for Cody Ross or Jayson Werth, he was let go to make room for 28-year-old AAAA player Brian Myrow on the 40-man roster. And when Victorino was offered back for $25,000, we wouldn't have even had to put Victorino on the 40-man roster. So, DePo effectively evaluated Victorino as being worth less than $25,000 cash. Given what Victorino has done since then, there is no way to defend that as a correct evaluation of Victorino's worth, in the marketplace of baseball talent.
2008-04-09 09:23:10
679.   jasonungar07
lol on Nomar. like this record hasn't been playing since 2003. The sooner he is healthy again only means the sooner he can return to the DL again.
2008-04-09 09:24:24
680.   Bumsrap
DeWitt and Thurston are two opposite examples where stats alone mislead and good ole observation and intuition prove they should be an equal part of the evaluation.
2008-04-09 09:24:35
681.   El Lay Dave
If Tony Jackson were the Tigers beat writer, he'd be looking for that rope and the rickety three-legged stool that were mentioned here the other night. Sheesh. The Dodgers are .500 after eight games against some pretty tough pitchers.

http://www.dailynews.com/dodgers/ci_8858280

2008-04-09 09:29:47
682.   El Lay Dave
676 I was under the impression that the writers aren't choosing the photos for the paper.
2008-04-09 09:30:32
683.   old dodger fan
I am SO disappointed that I can no longer count on Cargill's advance box score. I had planned to quit my job and move to Vegas. Oh well, back to work.
2008-04-09 09:35:30
684.   underdog
683 So I shouldn't try to read the Dodgers' fortune in the litter box? I think that's how Nostradamus did it, basically.
2008-04-09 09:35:58
685.   bhsportsguy
680 That has always been a misconception and why the stats vs. scouts argument is misguided.

Certainly scouts use statistics as a measurement for evaluating talent, certainly there are those who say certain stats, e.g. batting average, RBI, wins are not as an important as others but no question stats have a place in the scouting world.

And I think all statistical analysis proponents want is recognition that their methods have as much validity as how someone looks on the field.

2008-04-09 09:36:01
686.   GMac In The 909
682 You are correct, sir. As a former paperboy, I can confirm that the editorial desk makes the call on photos, headlines, etc. The writer only turns in raw copy.
2008-04-09 09:37:53
687.   Paul Scott
682 I wouldn't know. The article has his, and only his, name on it. The picture itself comes from the AP. There is no indication that the caption is written by anyone else.

The article as a whole is completely misleading, both as to Kemp and as to the Dodger's offense. If it's not his doing, then he should definitely complain to someone about an editorial staff that is distorting his writing.

2008-04-09 09:38:55
688.   dkminnick
680 - Maybe I missed it, but I am surprised there has been so little discussion here of Bill James's assertion on 60 Minutes that player evaluation should be 95% scouting and 5% sabremetrics. At least that's what I thought I heard him say.

I thought that would blow the Toaster server into a million little pieces.

2008-04-09 09:38:59
689.   El Lay Dave
686 Besides, look at TJ's shirt in his blog photo. Who could think anyone would trust his judgment on items of a visual nature?
2008-04-09 09:41:04
690.   El Lay Dave
688 He said that about college and high school players (and maybe early in the minors), I believe, not all players at all levels.
2008-04-09 09:41:14
691.   cargill06
683 good move.
2008-04-09 09:47:09
692.   old dodger fan
Tough weekend for our hitters. Peavy on Friday, Chris Young on Saturday and Maddux on Sunday.
2008-04-09 09:49:30
693.   D4P
692
A trio of Tough Righties™, eh? We know what that means...
2008-04-09 09:51:16
694.   Lexinthedena
693 Don't want to screw up Matt's confidence after that three-hit game.
2008-04-09 09:53:20
695.   D4P
694
But also don't want our pinch-bunter to get stiff on the bench.

It's a conundrum.

2008-04-09 09:53:43
696.   underdog
689 I have a new browser plug-in that blocks Tony Jackson's pop-up shirt. I highly recommend it.
2008-04-09 09:54:45
697.   cargill06
maybe i'm just being optamistic, but i think kemp-ethier will be starting for the next week, i give an outside chance of pierre maybe starting a game in CF in the next week.
2008-04-09 09:54:48
698.   dkminnick
690 - Yes, thats what I heard, too. But still, it has been strangely quiet considering the general disdain for scouts around here. I repeat: general, not absolute.
2008-04-09 09:54:49
699.   underdog
695 My neighbors have a bunch-pinter puppy, it's quite cute and smart.

Oh, pinch-bunter... never mind. He's not as cute or smart.

2008-04-09 09:55:03
700.   JoeyP
688--Maybe he's just trying to protect his, and the Boston Red Sox competitive advantage by suggesting that...

If you tell every club to go use sabermetrics becauses its great and full of useful data, then those other clubs will and the clubs that were using it before will begin to lose the edge they have.

Bill James probably hopes the rest of the baseball world wont use sabermetrics. That would mean the Red Sox advantage over other teams would be that much more.

Show/Hide Comments 701-750
2008-04-09 09:56:37
701.   regfairfield
680 Okay, I'm pretty much violating rule six at this point, so this is the last time I'm going to bring up sample size for a while, but please consider that A.J. Pierzynski, Luke Scott, Furcal, Nate McLouth, Fukudome, and Jeff Keppinger are all amongst the top ten hitters in baseball right now.
2008-04-09 09:58:25
702.   underdog
697 How dare you be optimistic!

(j/k)

Speaking of optimism, actually, I was surprised to hear Andy LaRoche was already hitting off a tee. While it will still be some time before he's throwing with that hand, that seems like a pretty fast recovery track so far. Who knows, maybe he'll beat Nomar back to the field.

2008-04-09 10:00:32
703.   GMac In The 909
697 The more I watch Druw bat, the more I want Slappy to fill-in in center. Sickening I know, but at least Pierre can make contact; I'm not sure if Druw can.
2008-04-09 10:00:39
704.   regfairfield
Oh, and Jason Kendall is 11th.
2008-04-09 10:02:23
705.   JoeyP
I dont think Joe Thurston is a good example to use in terms of a player with good stats not performing at the MLB level. If anything, his stats at the minor league level showed a player that didnt hit for much power, nor had much patience. He was middle infielder whose entire game was driven by his batting average. It was probably more apparent to the stats crowd (at least those looking at the right ones), that he'd struggle in the majors.

A better example for minor league stats not supporting MLB performance would be Antonio Perez.

2008-04-09 10:03:20
706.   cargill06
703 his last AB, he got 2 belt high puss balls over the inner half, pitches that he should be crushing, and swung and missed on both.
2008-04-09 10:07:02
707.   Bluebleeder87
666 he has awesome power but to be honest I see some holes in that swing of his.
2008-04-09 10:07:06
708.   Neal Pollack
As much as I loathe Pierre, I advocate sitting Jones today, playing Kemp in center, and sticking Pierre in left.

We have faced some REALLY tough pitchers to start the season. I'm not that worried about the offense. I am worried about our baserunning mistakes and inability to get down the bunt. Also, we need to learn to throw to the right base.

As for Nomar over DeWitt, I admire what DeWitt has done, but in the long run, we're better off with Nomar (later platooning with LaRoche) than with The Solution™.

2008-04-09 10:08:18
709.   Bumsrap
685 And I think all statistical analysis proponents want is recognition that their methods have as much validity as how someone looks on the field.

Not sure how literal I should read the above post. I think statistical analysis can both add and substract from a players projected potential just as does observation and intuition. I know Logan also wants to know about a players family, their values, and character to go along with what he sees and what the stats say.

Projecting Loney as a hitter instead of a pitcher seems to lean more toward intuition than stats in that one case. There is no reason to ever limit evaluations by leaning too far toward stats or observation. They should be used intelligently together.

2008-04-09 10:11:27
710.   Jon Weisman
I swear, it's like some of you have never seen a slump before.
2008-04-09 10:11:27
711.   Bluebleeder87
Him & Chris Young will hit a bunch of dingers & K alot.
2008-04-09 10:11:28
712.   ToyCannon
So the two teams who have the best weather are playing day games today, while the rest of the league plays nights games. Love that scheduling.
2008-04-09 10:14:27
713.   GMac In The 909
710 Oh, Murray. You wouldn't swear at us. =)
2008-04-09 10:14:30
714.   Bumsrap
705 - Agreed about Thurston--it was his swing that surprised me. I had heard so much hype about him that I was expecting a good hitter. And then I saw just one swing and knew he didn't have a chance to make it in the majors--small sample size and all.
2008-04-09 10:14:47
715.   old dodger fan
710 This is going to be an ugly place when we go thru a 5 or 6 game losing streak.
2008-04-09 10:14:51
716.   underdog
710 Or the beginning of a baseball season.
2008-04-09 10:15:38
717.   still bevens
712 This is when I get furious that my work's firewall now blocks out gameday audio in my office. I didn't mind it much during spring training, but I mind it now.
2008-04-09 10:18:16
718.   Bumsrap
710 - Define slump. Are Nomar and Jones in a slump? I don't think Kemp is in a slump (had a good spring and finished strong last year) while Martin is in a mild one.
2008-04-09 10:18:25
719.   JoeyP
Druw to the bench...

Furcal. SS
Kemp. CF
Ethier. RF
Kent. 2B
Loney. 1B
Martin. C
DeWitt. 3B
Pierre. LF
Kuroda. P

2008-04-09 10:18:39
720.   old dodger fan
From BR:

Randy Johnson struck out seven in six innings for Triple-A Tucson on Tuesday night in what probably was his final minor league rehabilitation start.

The 44-year-old left-hander, coming off his second back surgery in less than a year, allowed three runs and three hits against Salt Lake City. He walked one and had two wild pitches.

2008-04-09 10:19:10
721.   underdog
715 I was thinking about that awful losing streak a couple of years ago (same year they also had a long winning streak). The vortex of that losing streak was against the Cardinals, a team we couldn't beat for the life of us. Anyway, I was trying to remember how it was around here then... probably just as morose and panicky, but with more reason. And even then, cooler heads prevailed, with "it's a long season, a lot of games left" etc. And lo and behold look how it ended. And that was during the summer, later in the season.

{perspective check}

2008-04-09 10:20:09
722.   underdog
719 Ah. 703 and 708 get your wishes fulfilled!
2008-04-09 10:21:08
723.   Bumsrap
I was hoping Young would be in LF and everything else the same.
2008-04-09 10:21:29
724.   underdog
I'm not fearing the return of Randy Johnson at all.
2008-04-09 10:23:28
725.   Lexinthedena
722 Let's just hope that Justin Upton doesn't hit another ball like last night, because no one but Druw could have made that play.
2008-04-09 10:23:59
726.   regfairfield
He's effective while he lasts.
2008-04-09 10:24:58
727.   Lexinthedena
724 Neither is Jeff "Ned Colletti's mustache" Reboulet.
2008-04-09 10:25:33
728.   regfairfield
I'm pretty sure Juan Pierre is a better center fielder than Kemp is.
2008-04-09 10:26:36
729.   Doctor
I realize we live in an instant gratification society, but im completely against daily lineup tinkering and declaring slumps or busts on April 9th.
2008-04-09 10:26:38
730.   GMac In The 909
722 It was more of a backhanded prediction.

My wish is for world peace ... or for me to win the lotto.

2008-04-09 10:27:37
731.   JoeyP
I guess the theory is that Pierre's arm hurts the Dodgers the least in LF.

I like Kemp in CF. He may be the CF'er in two years after Druw leaves.

2008-04-09 10:27:44
732.   cargill06
728 i think ethier is better than kemp in CF also.
2008-04-09 10:29:26
733.   D4P
Is Andruw still on the roster...?
2008-04-09 10:29:26
734.   Lexinthedena
Maybe Kemp showed vast improvement during spring training.
2008-04-09 10:30:32
735.   Xeifrank
Is Bob on vacation again? We are not getting our three or four Griddle posts per day. What happens if some famous poet dies, or there's a catchers interference?? What are we gonna do?
vr, Xei
2008-04-09 10:31:03
736.   Disabled List
The only "slump" I'm concerned with at the moment is Jones'. And that's because I have reasonable, well-evidenced fears that it may be more than just a slump.
2008-04-09 10:32:58
737.   cargill06
736 completely agree with almost every word in that comment, i'd have used "time" instead of "moment", just a personal preference.
2008-04-09 10:33:11
738.   GMac In The 909
735 Maybe he is busy preparing for National Library Week™.
2008-04-09 10:33:36
739.   underdog
735 Yes, he's currently suffering in Hawaii.
2008-04-09 10:33:41
740.   Xeifrank
728. Fielding wise probably, throwing wise probably not. I wouldn't argue against starting Pierre in CF given today's three choices. vr, Xei
2008-04-09 10:35:33
741.   underdog
I believe we have a new moniker for Blake DeWitt other than The Solution.

ladies and gents, now starting at third base, I bring you "Freshy Fresh."

http://news.mywebpal.com/partners/865/public/news892500.html

2008-04-09 10:38:59
742.   LogikReader
Oh yea, I forgot! Bob said a while back that he was going on Vacation in Kauai in April. Welp, it's April!
2008-04-09 10:39:59
743.   Eric Enders
So our second base-third base combo would be DJ Jazzy Jeff and Freshy Fresh?

We can argue it back and forth, but nobody here really knows whether Kemp is a better center fielder than Pierre or Ethier because he's played only 17 innings there over the last couple of seasons. Sample size applies to defense too.

2008-04-09 10:40:19
744.   Lexinthedena
741 "Freshy Fresh" DeWitt is about as awesome of a nickname as I can think of. It may not be DT Scientific(don't know how to do the trademark thing)but it's good...oh it's good.
2008-04-09 10:40:59
745.   LogikReader
Freshy Fresh™!!

We have a winner.

2008-04-09 10:41:18
746.   Disabled List
741 Horrible. That's one of those nicknames tht's funny in the clubhouse, not so much outside of it.
2008-04-09 10:41:50
747.   MollyKnight
Andruw Jones on the bench today:

Furcal. SS
Kemp. CF
Ethier. RF
Kent. 2B
Loney. 1B
Martin. C
DeWitt. 3B
Pierre. LF
Kuroda. P

2008-04-09 10:42:33
748.   LogikReader
746

DL may have a point. Let's see if "Freshy Fresh" passes through waivers before we trade it for "The Solution"

2008-04-09 10:42:49
749.   underdog
746 But isn't in that "so bad it's good" category? At least that's how I was looking at it. So cheesy and "high school" that it would make DeWitt blush if anyone used it on him now. Which is what makes it gold. Gold, baby!
2008-04-09 10:43:54
750.   underdog
Let's put it this way - if we emailed that article to Joe Beimel, I guarantee he'd use it next time he introduced the line-ups on a Fox telecast.
Show/Hide Comments 751-800
2008-04-09 10:44:27
751.   underdog
Molly doesn't believe in reading previous comments before posting. ;-)
2008-04-09 10:45:45
752.   Disabled List
749 Yeah, I'll concede there's a wrap-around effect going on here. Maybe I could get behind "Freshy", or just "Fresh". Drop the redundancy thing.
2008-04-09 10:46:26
753.   MollyKnight
I do! Ugh. I just didn't go back far enough. There are 751 comments in this thread.
2008-04-09 10:46:41
754.   Eric Enders
The redundancy part is the only thing that makes it interesting.
2008-04-09 10:49:03
755.   ToyCannon
Looking forward to watching Micah Owings hit and hopefully get hit.
2008-04-09 10:49:38
756.   GMac In The 909
I'm with DL on this one. Besides, they call DeWitt The Solution™ because he is tougher than a robot made of nails.
2008-04-09 10:50:42
757.   Lexinthedena
756 I think under different circumstances and such that Freshy Fresh and I would be close friends.
2008-04-09 10:53:15
758.   Xeifrank
Vegas dropped the Dodgers odds a little bit after the lineup was announced. I wonder why. vr, Xei
2008-04-09 10:53:32
759.   kinbote
So much for D. Young getting any at-bats this year . . .
2008-04-09 10:54:01
760.   sporky
For better or worse, the redundancy of Freshy Fresh reminds me of Marky Mark.
2008-04-09 10:55:23
761.   Lexinthedena
760 So could Nomar, Abreu, and Laroche be the "Funky Bunch"?
2008-04-09 10:55:24
762.   Xeifrank
Do we have to have a nickname for every player? If so, why force a nickname. I am opposed to lame nicknames and will support any candidate who also does.
vr, Xei
2008-04-09 10:55:56
763.   ToyCannon
Since I didn't read 754 posts it is possible this was posted.
From Jim Callis
"In terms of producing talent, California, Florida and Texas dwarf the other 47 states. In the last six drafts, 29 first-round picks have come from the Lone Star State, including Scott Kazmir, James Loney and rising stars such as Bruce and Clayton Kershaw.

Texas hasn't been shut out of the first round since 1977, or out of the top 30 picks since the inaugural draft in 1965. Yet there's a very real chance that will happen this June."

Texas has been good to the Dodgers, so now they have that and San Antonio, Austin, and the Hill Country. It almost makes up for the rest of the state.

2008-04-09 10:56:06
764.   GMac In The 909
757 Classic. I was on a call for work when I read that, and I almost laughed the guy's ear off.
2008-04-09 10:56:33
765.   sporky
761 Dear god, I hope not.
2008-04-09 10:56:58
766.   Disabled List
761 So could Nomar, Abreu, and Laroche be the "Funky Bunch"?

Ok, now that's funny.

2008-04-09 10:57:19
767.   jasonungar07
poor juan not even a back up cf anymore
2008-04-09 10:59:25
768.   Lexinthedena
If Juan Pierre looked like Billy Ashley, would anyone feel sorry for him?
2008-04-09 11:01:18
769.   Eric Enders
Molly neglected to mention that she will be talking Dodgers on the Kamenetzky Brothers' radio show an hour before game time (11:40 for most of you).

http://sportsblogs.latimes.com/sports_baseball_dodgers/

2008-04-09 11:06:24
770.   Eric Enders
If a guy who hit like Juan Pierre looked like Billy Ashley, he never would have made it out of rookie ball.
2008-04-09 11:07:57
771.   Longhorn Bill
763 God bless Texas
2008-04-09 11:16:12
772.   kinbote
I would personally appreciate honest and impartial evaluation of each of Pierre's outs today. Were they hard? Were they good? Were they . . . productive? We know he's going to make outs, but what kind of outs will they be? The suspense is killing me.
2008-04-09 11:17:48
773.   regfairfield
770 I'd enjoy seeing someone that looked like Billy Ashley with Pierre's speed.
2008-04-09 11:17:51
774.   TellMeTheScoreRickMonday
762 I'd like to suggest that Hong-Chih Kuo's nickname be "vr, Xei".

"Hong-Chih vr Xei Kuo." Yeah, that has a nice ring to it.

2008-04-09 11:20:27
775.   MC Safety
767 No comprende.
2008-04-09 11:20:50
776.   Jon Weisman
Sorry - been swamped. Game thread is open.
2008-04-09 11:21:11
777.   TellMeTheScoreRickMonday
762 I'd like to propose that Hong-Chih Kuo's nickname be "vr, Xei".

"Hong-Chih vr Xei Kuo," that has a nice ring to it.

2008-04-09 11:22:18
778.   TellMeTheScoreRickMonday
sorry for the double-post.
2008-04-09 11:23:20
779.   MC Safety
774 Hong-Xei Kuo has a nice ring to it.

Bob's words shouldn't taste too bad when paired with a nice pina colada.

2008-04-09 11:28:35
780.   Xeifrank
haha, you guys are funny.
vr, Xei

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