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About Jon
Thank You For Not ...

1) using profanity or any euphemisms for profanity
2) personally attacking other commenters
3) baiting other commenters
4) arguing for the sake of arguing
5) discussing politics
6) using hyperbole when something less will suffice
7) using sarcasm in a way that can be misinterpreted negatively
8) making the same point over and over again
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10) being annoyed by the existence of this list
11) commenting under the obvious influence
12) claiming your opinion isn't allowed when it's just being disagreed with

Amateur in Game Only
2008-04-18 16:10
by Jon Weisman

I am turning pro, and I am hiring an agent. No going back now.

Dodgers at Braves, 4:35 p.m.

Comments (281)
Show/Hide Comments 1-50
2008-04-18 16:28:17
1.   Michael D
I'm liking the lineup. This is one we should win.
2008-04-18 16:31:04
2.   ibleedbloo
I always knew you were in it for the money and not the love of the game
2008-04-18 16:33:40
3.   bhsportsguy
I think Andrew Miller needs to pitch somewhere else for a while. And when I say somewhere else, I mean somewhere where he takes buses on road trips.
2008-04-18 16:33:59
4.   D4P
I am turning pro, and I am hiring an agent

Would you like gloss with that...?

2008-04-18 16:36:44
5.   Eric Stephen
OK, I'll put the dork hat on and be the one to ask: Jon, did you really hire a (literary) agent? Or are you just cleverly referring to the NCAA exodus of many basketballers?
2008-04-18 16:37:15
6.   oshea2002
anyone else watching on Extra Innings with no sound?
2008-04-18 16:38:23
7.   Eric Stephen
Such a dichotomy. I like listening to Jerry Reuss, but with Reuss comes a larger dollop of Rick Monday.
2008-04-18 16:38:56
8.   fiddlestick
6 MLB.tv has no picture nor sound.
2008-04-18 16:38:59
9.   Lexinthedena
Jon, your dynasty will be forever tarnished....

Hey, anyone know anything about this Bennet guy?

2008-04-18 16:39:04
10.   Eric Stephen
6
Polar opposite. MLB Audio with no sight.
2008-04-18 16:39:58
11.   Marty
I missed out on the last thread, so I'll weigh in here.

I was 8 when I first "got" sports. That was in 1964. I have a vague memory of the 1963 world series only because my parents went to one of the games (The 1-0 Drysdale win as it happens). My first sports memories in 1964 are the Dodger game I went to (Koufax beats the Cardinals) and the USC-Notre Dame football game (USC comes back in the 2nd half to win over undefeated Irish).

2008-04-18 16:40:20
12.   Eric Stephen
9
Matt Kemp offered this prediction for what Bennett should expect tonight: "PAIN."
2008-04-18 16:40:38
13.   bhsportsguy
I'm guessing Jon is just playing with all the UCLA players announcing they are going pro but not hiring agent press conferences that have been going on for the last day or so.

Andrew Miller's first 4 startes, including today.

13.2 26 hits, 19 ER, 9 BB and 15 K, averaging around 23 pitches an inning. At this point, he would need to pitch 21 consectutive innings of scoreless ball to bring his ERA under 5.

2008-04-18 16:42:23
14.   MollyKnight
Since a lot of us are blacked out tonight, feel free to use all caps and exclamation points when something good happens. And feel free to mention what that something is.
2008-04-18 16:42:29
15.   Ricardo
6. MLB.TV without sound, too.
2008-04-18 16:42:31
16.   Eric Stephen
13
As a Miller fantasy owner, I'm eagerly awaiting those 21 scoreless innings.
2008-04-18 16:44:13
17.   bhsportsguy
Apparently the Bison's speed forced an error.

1st and 2nd with one out as Ethier lines out the other way to left.

2008-04-18 16:44:21
18.   Jon Weisman
5 13 - Funnily/coincdentally enough, you're both right.
2008-04-18 16:45:04
19.   bhsportsguy
16 Right now, just be happy for 1.
2008-04-18 16:45:31
20.   scareduck
0 - I will assume that is referring facetiously to UCLA's exodus as suggested in 13 , and not to your own circumstance.
2008-04-18 16:45:59
21.   Lexinthedena
17 Pierre would have forced two errors...
2008-04-18 16:46:57
22.   Eric Stephen
18
Well, congratulations. I hope you get shown the money, as the kids say.
2008-04-18 16:47:33
23.   Eric Stephen
Loney up with the bases loaded, 1 out.
2008-04-18 16:47:48
24.   scareduck
Incidentally, not that anyone particularly cares (maybe Daniel Zappala?), but I got word late Thursday of a possible MLB Gameday Audio (and maybe MLB.tv) solution for Linux. Reviewing the code, it also might work for the Mac without having to install Silverlight. Something to look at this weekend.
2008-04-18 16:47:49
25.   underdog
I have no sound with my MLBTV also, but don't feel like I'm missing much.

C'mon Lonestar!

2008-04-18 16:48:16
26.   bhsportsguy
Kent was hit with a glancing blow (Rick's words).

No nickname Loney is up with sacked filled and one out. 2-2 count.

2008-04-18 16:48:49
27.   scareduck
18 - okay, fess up. What do you have up your sleeve?
2008-04-18 16:48:53
28.   bhsportsguy
The mighty James strikes out.
2008-04-18 16:49:24
29.   bhsportsguy
Golden God is up.
2008-04-18 16:49:30
30.   KG16
So, how many runs do the Dodgers score without getting a hit?
2008-04-18 16:49:38
31.   underdog
Bobby Cox looks more and more like Statler from the Muppet Show with every passing year.
2008-04-18 16:49:41
32.   MollyKnight
Oof. OK. It's hammer time, Russ.
2008-04-18 16:50:19
33.   underdog
Darnit, Russ got under that one!

Feh.

2008-04-18 16:50:27
34.   MollyKnight
Was that even close to being a HR?
2008-04-18 16:50:29
35.   bhsportsguy
The Dodgers leave 3 as per a normal Derek Lowe start. No score after top of the first.
2008-04-18 16:50:52
36.   Jim Hitchcock
I don't know if I've ever seen Cox smile.
2008-04-18 16:51:06
37.   DodgerOkie88
Ahhhh!! No sound! Sucks, other games are receiving sound. =/
2008-04-18 16:51:11
38.   Lexinthedena
Tomko's mechanics look a lot better this year...
2008-04-18 16:51:15
39.   underdog
34 Near the warning track, near the foul line but fair. So sort of close, but clearly not going out.
2008-04-18 16:51:39
40.   Eric Stephen
I'm not sure if this is audible on KABC, but on MLB Audio the volume is such that you can hear either the ball hit the bat or catcher's mitt well before Rick Monday makes the call, further exposing his fraudulent announcing style.
2008-04-18 16:51:50
41.   KG16
36 - I did once, very briefly after Atlanta won their sole World Series
2008-04-18 16:52:17
42.   Lexinthedena
34 He just got under it. 10-15 feet short..
2008-04-18 16:52:22
43.   scareduck
Well, that was disappointing.

I couldn't believe how much Eric Karros was slagging on Kemp in the pregame show, running video of baserunning blunders, cases where he hit the ball to short with a man on 1st/2nd, etc. In all my years of following baseball, I've never seen anything so ... incredible. I mean, really, they don't notice that Pierre can't get the ball to the infield -- no, they pick on Kemp?

When you're a kid, even the team hazes you.

2008-04-18 16:53:17
44.   MollyKnight
Woah. Jose Reyes just went face first into Chase Utley's knee. The Philly fans cheered when he went down, and booed when he got up.

It flies in the face of all logic.

2008-04-18 16:53:25
45.   Gen3Blue
DTV EI has no sound which really isn't so bad. Though suffering in silence isn't great when Loney and Martin can do nothing with the bases juiced. Now the commercials have sound, and that is over the top--for the game still does not. Its not hard for a half way intelligent tech to get sound sliced around anything--if they know the problem exists!
2008-04-18 16:53:38
46.   ucladodger
I've never heard of this Bennet dude, but he a good fastball. Really heavy in the low 90's that just seems to jump and the plate. Of course, even at 30, he has no idea where the ball is going, but at least it looks good. Didnt throw anything offspeed of note.
2008-04-18 16:53:51
47.   Ricardo
Now there´s sound but no broadcasting. And I´m ok with that.
2008-04-18 16:53:52
48.   the2pin
In other news, the Rays brilliantly signed uber-prospect Evan Longoria to a highly-lucrative 9 year deal, guaranteeing only 17 million.

The Dodgers should follow the blue print of the Indians and Rays and lock up Kemp, Loney and Ethier sooner rather than later.

2008-04-18 16:54:15
49.   DodgerOkie88
sound!!!
2008-04-18 16:55:00
50.   Eric Enders
MLB.tv now has sound, but the audio is about 7 seconds ahead of the video. So I can tell by the cheers what's going to happen before I see it.
Show/Hide Comments 51-100
2008-04-18 16:55:00
51.   Gen3Blue
Lowe doesn't usually leave three. He often gives up three and then gets pretty effective.
2008-04-18 16:55:38
52.   scareduck
44 - I used to just hate on Yankees fans because of how boorish they were at Angels games. I'm beginning to think of everybody in the whole northeast that way now. I mean, I can't think of a game I've been to where an injured visiting player didn't get applause after getting back up.
2008-04-18 16:55:39
53.   Eric Enders
50 I should have said, no announcers, just random game sounds.
2008-04-18 16:55:45
54.   DodgerOkie88
oh man, the sound is off by like 4-5 seconds.....$120.....Shoulda listen to Bob...
2008-04-18 16:55:51
55.   bhsportsguy
40 Shhhh. See the Dodgers really don't send Rick and Jerry on the road, they are sitting in a studio on La Cienega. So they use special radio effects to make it sound like they are there.
2008-04-18 16:56:43
56.   Ricardo
50. Yes, that´s problem. You already what´s going to happen.
2008-04-18 16:56:58
57.   Bob Timmermann
But I thought MLB.tv was a great product and immune from flaws.
2008-04-18 16:57:14
58.   bhsportsguy
43 His no walks though is really beginning to worry me.
2008-04-18 16:57:14
59.   Eric Enders
55 So you're telling me that farting noise wasn't real?
2008-04-18 16:57:17
60.   Lexinthedena
48 Agreed. The Dodgers need to stop treating them like they still have so much to prove.
2008-04-18 16:57:22
61.   Jim Hitchcock
55 The Ronald Reagan school of broadcasting?
2008-04-18 16:58:23
62.   underdog
That's about as effective a first inning as you could ask for.
2008-04-18 16:59:14
63.   bhsportsguy
Molly, Lowe retired the side 1-2-3, striking out Chipper who can go back and get some buffalo wings before heading back out to the field.

Andruw, Nomar and Lowe in the top of the 2nd.

2008-04-18 16:59:16
64.   Gen3Blue
At least I can tell when the inning halves end because the sound comes on for the commercials.
2008-04-18 16:59:33
65.   Eric Enders
Against my better judgment, I am now installing the Silverfish plug-in.
2008-04-18 17:00:01
66.   Eric Enders
A nice ovation for Andruw.
2008-04-18 17:00:34
67.   scareduck
That was an embarrassing AB, Andruw.
2008-04-18 17:00:39
68.   Ricardo
Now the sound is ok here. What about you?
2008-04-18 17:00:47
69.   fanerman
66 Yeah, nice to hear the Braves fans be appreciative.
2008-04-18 17:01:12
70.   Eric Enders
And he strikes out looking on a curve. Three pitches.
2008-04-18 17:01:37
71.   Jim Hitchcock
65 Why would anybody name a computer product after a bug?
2008-04-18 17:01:49
72.   underdog
That really didn't look like a strike, but he needs to be more defensive in plate coverage right now.
2008-04-18 17:02:04
73.   Lexinthedena
Now that's the Nomar I remember.
2008-04-18 17:02:28
74.   Eric Enders
68 Yeah, good now.
2008-04-18 17:02:31
75.   underdog
65 Isn't it Silverlight? I think you can get silverfish in your garage, though.
2008-04-18 17:03:06
76.   Eric Enders
Weak groundout for Nomar.
2008-04-18 17:03:36
77.   Eric Enders
I reserve the right to cynically poke fun at Microsoft product names.
2008-04-18 17:03:53
78.   bhsportsguy
Derek Lowe is taking aim at pitchers so far this season.

Keeps the inning alive with a single off the pitcher, for Furcal.

2008-04-18 17:03:59
79.   fanerman
Derek Lowe, on-base machine.
2008-04-18 17:04:11
80.   Eric Enders
Lowe reaches on an E1.
2008-04-18 17:04:13
81.   underdog
An oopsie by the Braves pitcher there. It's good to run to first quickly to try to get the guy out on a dribbler hit, just don't forget the ball itself on your way over there.
2008-04-18 17:04:15
82.   scareduck
65 - if you're running a non-Windows platform, you might want to see my 24 .
2008-04-18 17:05:11
83.   Gen3Blue
Yes the sound is on my DTV, and as I thought I have the Braves announcers. It's always a mixed blessing.
2008-04-18 17:05:13
84.   underdog
77 - Yah, I've got some rule 1 violating alternative Microsoft names that I pull out once in awhile.
2008-04-18 17:05:14
85.   Eric Enders
Please be OK, Bennett. We need you in there.
2008-04-18 17:05:24
86.   ROC
Peachtree TV rebooted their Linksys, DirecTV has sound now. Lowe trying to get us to the soft underbelly sooner than later.
2008-04-18 17:05:35
87.   oshea2002
Finally, sound.
2008-04-18 17:05:39
88.   Jim Hitchcock
77 Hey, that was pretty good :)

Way to go, Derek.

2008-04-18 17:08:43
89.   Eric Enders
86 "the soft underbelly"

Another month of this from Andruw, and I think we may have a new nickname there.

2008-04-18 17:09:19
90.   bhsportsguy
No score after 1.5 innings

I just saw where Bennett just pitched two days ago (28 pitches), now he has at 39 pitches for tonight so I think he only has 2 more innings if the Dodgers can work the count.

2008-04-18 17:11:31
91.   Eric Enders
E-Kent; Teix reaches.
2008-04-18 17:11:55
92.   bhsportsguy
Second and Third no out for the Braves.
2008-04-18 17:12:37
93.   Ricardo
I listened that Kent could win the Gold Glove at 1st last year, too.
2008-04-18 17:13:45
94.   Michael D
The old farts are killing us on defense.
2008-04-18 17:14:00
95.   oshea2002
Not the best defensive inning of the year.
2008-04-18 17:14:01
96.   Lexinthedena
I miss DeWitt....
2008-04-18 17:14:37
97.   oshea2002
94 - at least Kent will make up for it w/ his bat. Nomar will just hurt us all around.
2008-04-18 17:14:56
98.   Ricardo
Nice range.
2008-04-18 17:15:09
99.   Eric Enders
Nomar flubs one for a "hit." 1-0 ATL
2008-04-18 17:15:19
100.   ROC
I'm going to guess DeWitt gets the start on Lowe's next outing.
Show/Hide Comments 101-150
2008-04-18 17:15:55
101.   bhsportsguy
Sounds like we are right where we would have been regardless of Nomar's play.
2008-04-18 17:17:16
102.   ucladodger
Why pitch to the 8 hitter with a man on third? Make the pitcher beat you.
2008-04-18 17:17:18
103.   scareduck
Is that E1 or an infield single? I vote infield single.
2008-04-18 17:17:20
104.   StolenMonkey86
101 - well, D-Lowe's pitch count would be lower.
2008-04-18 17:17:28
105.   oshea2002
how unlucky can we get?
2008-04-18 17:17:32
106.   Eric Enders
Gregor Blanco batting.
Does that mean the Tomahawk Chop is, at this moment, a Gregorian chant?
2008-04-18 17:17:48
107.   bhsportsguy
Lowe can only blame himself, 2-0 Braves.
2008-04-18 17:17:53
108.   underdog
Grrrrrrrrr. That was a cheap way to get a run. Grrrrrrrrr.
2008-04-18 17:18:59
109.   Eric Enders
That was definitely a hit. It was behind him; if he'd grabbed it, it would have been a spectacular play.
2008-04-18 17:19:01
110.   bhsportsguy
104 How so, there is no double play unless there is some belief that Nomar should have charged the ball and went home.

Know the bad play for Kent extended the inning.

2008-04-18 17:19:16
111.   Eric Stephen
I walk away from my computer for 5 minutes, and this is what I come back to? Insert exasperation here.
2008-04-18 17:19:24
112.   Michael D
Walking the pitcher, thats just shameful.
2008-04-18 17:20:10
113.   ucladodger
Lowe can be severely frustrating.
2008-04-18 17:20:44
114.   Ricardo
112. Poor Lowe, he got 4 outs this inning.
2008-04-18 17:20:48
115.   scareduck
105 - this game reminds me of this one against the Angels:

http://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/ANA/ANA200705200.shtml

He wasn't bad, but every ground ball the Angels hit had eyes.

2008-04-18 17:21:25
116.   underdog
Whew. For a second there I thought they'd get another dribbler hit.

Tell ya what, if the Dodgers can't score at least 2 off this Bennett guy, they don't deserve to win this one anyway.

2008-04-18 17:22:34
117.   Ricardo
116. From our catcher! :P
2008-04-18 17:24:47
118.   bhsportsguy
Matt Kemp grounds out to SS.
2008-04-18 17:25:48
119.   bhsportsguy
Ethier grounds out too.
2008-04-18 17:27:03
120.   Eric Enders
Braves announcers are wondering why Pierre doesn't play.
2008-04-18 17:28:35
121.   underdog
He's gonna get that call all day. Guys need to fight it off I guess.

Any reason they showed Juan Pierre in the dugout 5 different times there?

2008-04-18 17:28:53
122.   underdog
Ah, never mind.

Makes me glad I still don't have sound on mine.

2008-04-18 17:29:34
123.   bhsportsguy
Side retired in order. 2-0 Braves, probably has 2 more innings unless Dodgers get a big rally in the 4th.

120 From afar, Pierre, veteran guy, .300 hitter, probably never gives them attitude when interviewed, has that speed quality that seems attractive.

2008-04-18 17:29:49
124.   Eric Stephen
43
Rob, my first experience with the pregame show was last weekend, and Karros was all over the Pierre bandwagon then too. I like the idea of a pregame show, but I think they can do better than Karros and Gary Miller (and no I don't mean Kennedy & Lyons).
2008-04-18 17:29:55
125.   Ricardo
They were talking about the OF situation.
2008-04-18 17:30:04
126.   Eric Enders
Everything these guys say is pretty much the exact opposite of the truth. Pierre and Furcal were a great 1-2 punch last year. ...It's hard to hit home runs at Dodger Stadium. ...
2008-04-18 17:30:46
127.   Eric Stephen
Is Steve Lyons the color man with Steiner on the TV side? Or is Psycho off dealing with a lawsuit somewhere?
2008-04-18 17:31:55
128.   Eric Enders
Looks like Lowe just doesn't have it tonight. Everything is up in the zone.
2008-04-18 17:32:13
129.   bhsportsguy
126 You are fighting against 40 years of baseball tradition of little speed guys who steal a base now and then being the leadoff guy. Combine that with the magical .300 average and that is the conventional wisdom for baseball broadcasters.
2008-04-18 17:32:57
130.   bhsportsguy
128 Was that typed before the double play and the ground out.

After 3, 2-0 Braves.

2008-04-18 17:33:17
131.   Eric Enders
129 Oh, I know. That doesn't mean I have to take it and like it.
2008-04-18 17:33:18
132.   das411
Alert! We have a "Dave Wright needs a home run" cycle alert in Philadelphia!
2008-04-18 17:33:21
133.   Eric Stephen
1-2-3 for Lowe in the 3rd. 2-0 Braves.
2008-04-18 17:33:49
134.   Eric Stephen
132
Yellow?
2008-04-18 17:34:38
135.   bhsportsguy
133 See Miller has 4 innings into those 21 he needs.

Just trying to help you out.

2008-04-18 17:35:36
136.   bhsportsguy
134 No, that is for a triple, for a home run, its determined by secret ballot.
2008-04-18 17:37:02
137.   Eric Stephen
136
Upon further review, I might give Wright an Orange Alert.

But I haven't received a reply telegram from Theif River Falls, MN yet.

2008-04-18 17:37:29
138.   bhsportsguy
Wright has at least one more at bat, so maybe we will get a ruling by then.
2008-04-18 17:38:33
139.   ucladodger
We cannot connect on that fastball. Just has a little jump to it.
2008-04-18 17:39:03
140.   Bluebleeder87
[Says to Bennett] don't get cocky kid...
2008-04-18 17:40:19
141.   bhsportsguy
Golden God gets caught stealing, 2 down.
2008-04-18 17:40:34
142.   bablue
As a former Braves fan I'll say Chip Caray (the Braves play-by-play guy) is awful. Not only does he solely spout out old schools ideas and dislike any new stats but he is just downright annoying to listen to.
2008-04-18 17:40:54
143.   Eric Enders
It's an orange alert if Bob determines that the batter who needs a HR has power. If not, yellow.
2008-04-18 17:41:19
144.   ucladodger
Andruw = stinky. He hasn't a clue up there right now. not a clue.
2008-04-18 17:41:43
145.   fiddlestick
Somebody missed a sign there.
2008-04-18 17:42:07
146.   Eric Enders
Martin slowed down tremendously while looking back at Jones at the plate. You don't need to look, Russ. He's going to swing and miss.
2008-04-18 17:43:43
147.   bhsportsguy
146 But why would you hit and run in that spot?

Bennett has probably one more inning then the Atlanta bullpen.

2008-04-18 17:45:12
148.   Bob Timmermann
David Wright:
http://tinyurl.com/5nqffc
2008-04-18 17:45:23
149.   ucladodger
147

Torre has used the hit and run a lot this year. The problem is you can't hit and run with a guy who cant hit.

2008-04-18 17:46:24
150.   bablue
Rockies score 6 in the first with the backups in but the Astros have scored 4 and its still in the first. Morales has already thrown 30 pitches, and remember their pen is really tired beause of last night.
Show/Hide Comments 151-200
2008-04-18 17:47:40
151.   Eric Enders
I think Derek's done. Rats.
2008-04-18 17:48:14
152.   underdog
Stop hitting balls at our pitcher!

Darn, I was just about to say that Lowe had really settled down since that rough inning.

2008-04-18 17:48:36
153.   underdog
Nope, he's sticking in there.
2008-04-18 17:49:00
154.   Eric Enders
I guess he's staying in there. He was limping around after getting hit in the back of the heel, or maybe the ankle, by yet another comebacker.
2008-04-18 17:49:17
155.   underdog
And maybe he shouldn't.
2008-04-18 17:49:20
156.   bhsportsguy
150 They don't score anymore but Morales has throwned 44 pitches in the first.
2008-04-18 17:51:09
157.   underdog
If he walks the pitcher again I'm gonna scream.
2008-04-18 17:51:44
158.   Bob Timmermann
Wait the Mets are playing in Philadelphia.

In that case David Wright is this:
http://tinyurl.com/5cl33k

2008-04-18 17:52:45
159.   Jon Weisman
Trivia question: Who was the winning pitcher in the Steve Finley grand slam game?
2008-04-18 17:53:02
160.   Eric Enders
Who knew that cycle aspirants and W.C. Fields had so much in common?
2008-04-18 17:53:12
161.   Bob Timmermann
159
Yhency Brazoban
2008-04-18 17:55:04
162.   underdog
Now I'm really glad I don't have sound for this. What's with the chef interviews?
2008-04-18 17:57:52
163.   Eric Enders
162 You would have loved the audio. They were plugging their 755 restaurant that "features many of the foods which Hank Aaron loved."

Past tense.

2008-04-18 18:00:05
164.   underdog
{Wretch}

Raffy continues to rake.

2008-04-18 18:00:44
165.   underdog
The first part of 164 of course referred to 163, not Raffy's hit.

C'mon Bison!

2008-04-18 18:02:46
166.   D4P
Dodgers.com has three (three!) different articles up on the front page about Andruw returning to play in Atlanta tonight. The phtoo in this one is pretty funny:

http://tinyurl.com/6xyxh8

2008-04-18 18:02:48
167.   Eric Enders
Bennett has obviously never been to Yellowstone. Don't come that close to a Bison; it'll only tick him off.
2008-04-18 18:03:16
168.   Andrew Shimmin
Hooray!
2008-04-18 18:03:30
169.   ucladodger
Wow. That was the last thing i expected to see. Awesome job, Matt!
2008-04-18 18:03:43
170.   nofatmike
Kemp's first walk of the year!
2008-04-18 18:03:54
171.   underdog
Statler's coming in to pull Bennett.
2008-04-18 18:05:25
172.   Michael D
Woo hoo into the pen already. Lets wear em down and get some runs.
2008-04-18 18:06:55
173.   Eric Enders
Speaking of the bullpen, in case you were wondering, the Braves' closer is Manny Acosta. He's 27 and has zero career saves.
2008-04-18 18:08:35
174.   nofatmike
173 Whatever happened to Mike Gonzalez?
2008-04-18 18:09:14
175.   bablue
We really need to win at least two games this series because we are getting off very easy in regards to the Braves. We don't have to face Hudson or Smoltz and their top three bullpen arms (Soriano, Gonzalez, and Moylan) are all out. I for one would be really disapointed if we don't get at least two W's here.
2008-04-18 18:09:24
176.   underdog
Feh.
2008-04-18 18:09:30
177.   D4P
174
Or Danys "In play, run-scoring play" Baez...?
2008-04-18 18:10:27
178.   oshea2002
175 - anything less then 2 out of 3 is a major disappointment.
2008-04-18 18:10:49
179.   Eric Enders
Baez signed with Baltimore where they have a DL spot reserved for him in perpetuity. The Braves' three closers are all on the DL: Gonzalez, Soriano, and Moylan.
2008-04-18 18:11:07
180.   bablue
174,

He had Tommy John. He should be back mid-year. Their closer, Rafeal Soriano, and their good set up man Pete Moylan are also hurt.

2008-04-18 18:11:39
181.   underdog
175 - I agree. Alas, games are won on the field and not on paper so who knows? Not the greatest start so far, but still a few innings left and 2 more games.
2008-04-18 18:15:28
182.   Eric Enders
Russell throws it into CF on a busted hit and run play.
2008-04-18 18:16:33
183.   oshea2002
Lowe's put himself in a terrible spot here.
2008-04-18 18:17:05
184.   Daniel Zappala
Sigh.
2008-04-18 18:17:14
185.   Michael D
Well so much for thinking we should have won tonight.
2008-04-18 18:17:53
186.   oshea2002
How about another series with Pittsburgh?
2008-04-18 18:17:55
187.   natepurcell
Lowe picked a nice game to regress to the mean.
2008-04-18 18:18:22
188.   underdog
I have just violated the first rule, several times out loud here in the office. And am now deciding to go home.

Btw, I know this has been said many times before, but the Tomahawk Chop is literally the dumbest sight in all of sports. An utter embarrassment. Makes me even more riled up to lose to this stupid team.

2008-04-18 18:18:55
189.   bablue
Wow. Chipper swings a 34 oz. bat!! Thats really big, especially considering how quick his swing is.
2008-04-18 18:19:15
190.   underdog
That said, never give up. I'm not giving up on this game, but I am thinking it'd be better for everyone if I don't watch the rest of it.
2008-04-18 18:19:52
191.   D4P
Rough night for Loweaiza.
2008-04-18 18:20:06
192.   Michael D
Well this is a major pant load.
2008-04-18 18:20:15
193.   natepurcell
Lambo is 2-3 today with 2 more doubles.

In 51 ABs, he has 9 XBHs already.

2008-04-18 18:20:41
194.   oshea2002
187 - at least he picked a game where the bats aren't doing anything anyway.
2008-04-18 18:20:51
195.   bablue
Umm... Andruw. Your supposed to call Raffy of on that one.
2008-04-18 18:20:51
196.   Eric Enders
Another hit in the air. Jones pulls a Repko on Furcal.

Lowe's still not keeping the ball down enough. Waist-high sinkers are generally not good pitches.

2008-04-18 18:20:56
197.   Daniel Zappala
No worries, Furcal is OK after a collision with Jones.
2008-04-18 18:21:14
198.   natepurcell
Ugh.
2008-04-18 18:22:15
199.   Marty
I remember when a 34 oz. bat was considered small or at least normal. Richie Allen used a 40 oz. bat.
2008-04-18 18:22:16
200.   imperabo
Good thing Andrew has a built in airbag.
Show/Hide Comments 201-250
2008-04-18 18:22:28
201.   Gen3Blue
Talk about a bad start.
2008-04-18 18:22:52
202.   oshea2002
This is getting ugly.
2008-04-18 18:24:19
203.   Eric Enders
Martin's having a really bad game. Didn't even bother trying to get in front of that passed ball.
2008-04-18 18:25:02
204.   Eric Enders
If walking the pitcher wasn't a Grabowski Principle, then surely walking the pitcher AND Francoeur is.
2008-04-18 18:26:18
205.   Marty
Wow, Kuo is in.
2008-04-18 18:26:29
206.   ucladodger
We sort of resemble a high school team tonight.
2008-04-18 18:26:34
207.   natepurcell
kuo?
2008-04-18 18:26:46
208.   Eric Enders
So much for the Kuo-is-in-the-rotation theory.
2008-04-18 18:27:00
209.   Jon Weisman
205 - They said earlier that this was Kuo's throw day, because he has a week between starts.

The Braves just put Glavine on the DL and said Chuck James will start tomorrow, according to Monday.

2008-04-18 18:27:12
210.   natepurcell
When is Kuo scheduled to pitch next?
2008-04-18 18:28:20
211.   Eric Enders
Chip Caray chimes in on the Kuo pronunciation discussion with "Kuhh-WHOA"
2008-04-18 18:28:21
212.   ucladodger
210

tuesday. Kuo deinitely isnt the guy id want throwing in a game on what is supposed to be his side day.

2008-04-18 18:29:00
213.   Louis in SF
Is it my immagination or after the 4th inning when Lowe had two balls hit off him is when he lost his control. While I agree that his sinker is up a bit, absolutely know help from his team, mediocre defense tonight and two opportunities good scoring opportunities against a young pitcher.
2008-04-18 18:29:37
214.   gpellamjr
Always enlightening to hear Chip Caray talking politics. Who needs the PWW?
2008-04-18 18:29:38
215.   ucladodger
Man, he throws gas.
2008-04-18 18:29:56
216.   natepurcell
212

I actually don't mind this at all. In fact, this was one of the things I was harping about a lot last year.

I think its a good move. He was going to throw anyways, and he's better than most of our middle relievers so why not just let him throw where it counts?

2008-04-18 18:33:24
217.   MollyKnight
K is for strikeout
2008-04-18 18:35:55
218.   ucladodger
216

I just worry about his arm. With a guy like Lowe, i like it. He never has arm trouble, has an easy delivery, and doesnt rely on velocity. For Kuo, his history just screams caution, and i dont think you want to put any extra stress on the arm.

2008-04-18 18:37:31
219.   Eric Enders
Lowe has always said he pitches better on three days' rest than four because having a tired arm helps him keep the ball down. I wonder if having five days' rest bothered him tonight.
2008-04-18 18:38:32
220.   JoeyP
216--Throwing on the side and in the game are different though. Different exertion levels.

Pretty dumb move by the Dodgers to have Kuo throw in a 5-0 game. I'd want as less stress as possible on Kuo's arm.

Kemp's walk is the only good thing out of tonight's game.

2008-04-18 18:39:32
221.   Eric Enders
Six total pitches for Kuo.
2008-04-18 18:41:50
222.   Eric Enders
In his career, Lowe has a 3.00 ERA starting on three days' rest, 3.89 with four, 4.00 with five, and 5.15 with six or more days. Sample size caveats apply.
2008-04-18 18:42:55
223.   Gen3Blue
I've got to admit to taking a kind of absorbing phone call that blotted out most of the 2-5 innings. Yet I am kind of baffled over whether the Dodgers poor showing is more due to Lowe's poor effort or the anemic offense against less than stellar pitchers. Anyone see this clearly?
Of course less than stellar pitchers can have steller outings.
2008-04-18 18:46:16
224.   das411
Top 9th, Wright walks. Can we stand down from whatever color alert we were on?
2008-04-18 18:46:41
225.   Eric Enders
In what will likely be his final at-bat, David Wright takes two called strikes from Lidge and then takes three balls, and then morphs into Carlos Beltran.

Or at least that's what happened if you were watching on Gameday.

2008-04-18 18:49:35
226.   oshea2002
How is Jones not crushing theses balls?
2008-04-18 18:51:11
227.   Bob Timmermann
224
No.
2008-04-18 18:55:38
228.   Eric Stephen
Nice baserunning by JP, or at least it seemed that way listening to the game.
2008-04-18 18:56:25
229.   Jon Weisman
228 - Alert play, not rocket science though.
2008-04-18 18:57:08
230.   Eric Enders
He also was alert enough to point out the balk on Carlyle and get the ump to call it.
2008-04-18 18:59:03
231.   Bob Timmermann
Now you can stand down in Philadelphia regarding David Wright.
2008-04-18 19:01:03
232.   Eric Stephen
I would like to campaign to stop defensive indifference calls. I say if a guy steals a base, give him a steal regardless of whether the opposing team covered the bag or held him on or whatnot.
2008-04-18 19:02:22
233.   the2pin
Pierre can add value, so long as he's coming off the bench.
2008-04-18 19:03:08
234.   Eric Stephen
Carlos Guillen just fouled a ball off his shin and/or knee, and it looked quite painful.
2008-04-18 19:04:48
235.   ucladodger
That man is unreal. Amazing what happens when you swing through fastballs down the middle.
2008-04-18 19:05:05
236.   Eric Stephen
Chipper may get #400 this weekend!
2008-04-18 19:06:11
237.   ucladodger
235

should say don't swing through

2008-04-18 19:06:13
238.   Ricardo
Ok, it would be nicer if the Dodgers played 162 games against the Pirates.
2008-04-18 19:06:28
239.   oshea2002
Arizona all over Maddux for 6 in the first inning. They may build quite the lead for themselves.
2008-04-18 19:06:42
240.   JoeyP
Arizona's up 6-0 on Tall Chris Young in the 1st.
2008-04-18 19:07:11
241.   nofatmike
To pour salt into wounds, Arizona just scored six runs in the first inning against San Diego.
2008-04-18 19:07:37
242.   oshea2002
240 - It's Maddux
2008-04-18 19:07:39
243.   Marty
Chipper may hit 400 this weekend alone.
2008-04-18 19:07:45
244.   Eric Enders
232 I couldn't agree more. As a matter of policy, I always refused to call DI when I was scoring games. The official scorer should not be asked to read the mind of the defense.
2008-04-18 19:08:21
245.   Eric Enders
When did Tall Chris Young become Really Bad Chris Young?
2008-04-18 19:08:55
246.   Eric Enders
242 , 245 Uh, never mind.
2008-04-18 19:09:24
247.   oshea2002
Chris Young is not pitching for SD, I'm watching the game and it's Maddux.
2008-04-18 19:09:42
248.   Gen3Blue
Ahhh-that may be why so many people don't like the innocuas Chipper Jones. It's these announcers.
2008-04-18 19:10:33
249.   oshea2002
Had to figure SD may have been in for a let down today after yesterday's game.
2008-04-18 19:11:03
250.   Eric Enders
You had to figure that about the Rockies too, and they scored six in the first.
Show/Hide Comments 251-300
2008-04-18 19:11:55
251.   Gen3Blue
248 I won't even try to apologize for that spelling!
2008-04-18 19:13:36
252.   oshea2002
250 - good point.
2008-04-18 19:14:32
253.   Jon Weisman
So, Ryan Klesko announced his retirement today, which I would have thought happened months ago.
2008-04-18 19:14:48
254.   oshea2002
This guy isn't even in the batter's box and Park can't throw strikes.
2008-04-18 19:17:44
255.   Andrew Shimmin
That could have been worse.
2008-04-18 19:18:29
256.   oshea2002
Not saying Chipper is going to win the MVP, but I wonder what the record is for years in between MVP awards? He won in '99 I believe.
2008-04-18 19:20:31
257.   Eric Stephen
The last player to have two multiple HR games in a row is Chipper's teammate Mark Teixeira last August 19-20. It happened three other times last year as well.

Jeff DaVanon once had three straight 2-HR games in 2003 for the Angels.

2008-04-18 19:21:59
258.   Bob Timmermann
256
8 years is the biggest gap. Cal Ripken was MVP in 1983 and 1991.

Robin Yount was MVP in 1982 and 1989.

2008-04-18 19:22:14
259.   bablue
Knuckleballer throwing for the M's, in case anyone with EI wants some entretainment. Lord knows we aren't getting any from our game. He's mad Garrett Anderson look pretty stupid the last few pitches.
2008-04-18 19:22:45
260.   Eric Stephen
256
Willie Mays went 11 years in between awards in 1954 & 1965. Bonds and Ripken have an 8 year gap.
2008-04-18 19:23:00
261.   Eric Enders
It's Willie Mays, who I believe won in '54 and '65.
2008-04-18 19:23:02
262.   Ricardo
That must be the last chance to Loney keep his streak.
2008-04-18 19:23:12
263.   bablue
Oh and he just threw and 88 MPH fastball. Thats pretty hard for a knuckleballer.
2008-04-18 19:23:18
264.   Bob Timmermann
Charlie Steiner has managed to get the names of BOTH pitchers in the Padres-DBacks game wrong.

It is not Webb vs. Young.

It is Haren vs. Maddux.

2008-04-18 19:23:57
265.   Bob Timmermann
Or it could be Willie Mays....
2008-04-18 19:24:01
266.   Gen3Blue
I didn't have any idea that the Braves had this fantastic pitching. I thought we would have it pretty easy actually. But whether this is unusual or not, the efforts have been incredible.
2008-04-18 19:30:05
267.   Ricardo
We got the wrong Jones from Atlanta!
2008-04-18 19:32:18
268.   Bob Timmermann
267
Instead the Dodgers could have started stockpiling third basemen like they were going to be the only food to eat after the inevitable nuclear disaster.
2008-04-18 19:35:29
269.   Andrew Shimmin
Acosta is listed at 6'4". That looks low.
2008-04-18 19:35:35
270.   Ricardo
I was just kidding, Bob. But I wished that Andruw had Chipper numbers
2008-04-18 19:36:06
271.   Andrew Shimmin
Jones gets applauded for hitting a standup double against the home team.
2008-04-18 19:36:50
272.   Bob Timmermann
Wow! Friendly applause by fans for a guy who played very well for the team for many years.

Note to Dodger fans who booed Shawn Green on the DBacks and Mets.

2008-04-18 19:37:56
273.   Bob Timmermann
270
I was just kidding about eating third basemen after a nuclear disaster too.

Gary Bennett might be a better idea.

2008-04-18 19:38:02
274.   Andrew Shimmin
272- To be fair, we booed Green when he was with the Dodgers, too.
2008-04-18 19:43:06
275.   underdog
The friendly applause still doesn't redeem Braves fans for the Tomahawk Chop in my estimation, however. But it is certainly classier than how fans at Dodger Stadium would probably be - actually if it was reversed, and Jones and played all those years in LA, I bet there would be both cheers and boos for him. But at least no Tomahawk Chops. Okay, hope they play better in the national TV games.
2008-04-18 19:45:57
276.   Eric Stephen
I'm cheering myself up by watching Game 7 of the 1988 NLCS.
2008-04-18 19:47:23
277.   oshea2002
I tivo'd game 5 of the 2004 Western Conf. semi's b/t Lakers and Spurs today, I think I'll watch that now.
2008-04-18 19:57:45
278.   Eric Stephen
276 ,277
Both games were announced by Al Michaels.
2008-04-18 20:33:37
279.   nofatmike
276 Is that on ESPN Classic?
2008-04-18 20:36:13
280.   underdog
This in from Tony Jackson tonight:

>>Dodgers third baseman Andy LaRoche appears on track to return in early to mid-May.
LaRoche will leave Sunday for Vero Beach, Fla., and a two-day stint in extended spring training. He said the tentative plan is for him to test his surgically repaired right thumb by getting about 18 at-bats in two loosely structured games there, then begin a minor-league rehabilitation assignment at Double-A Jacksonville, probably on Wednesday. He is slated to begin playing third base on his second day there.
Rehab assignments for position players are limited to 20 days, suggesting LaRoche will return no later than sometime on a six-game trip to Milwaukee and Anaheim beginning May 13.<<

2008-04-18 20:45:50
281.   Jon Weisman
NPUT

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