McDonald Deserves a Break Today
by Eric Stephen on Mar 26, 2009 6:00 AM PDT
in Game Threads
113 comments
Dodgers (13-14) @ Rockies (10-15), 1:05pm
The Dodgers' 5th starter battle has devolved into a something resembling the cast of characters from Mos Eisley, a most "wretched hive of scum and villainy." Take this with a grain of salt, but here's a rundown of the spring performances of the candidates for the final rotation slot:
| Pitcher | IP | H | R | ER | HR | BB | K | ERA | FIP |
| Estes | 10.2 | 19 | 12 | 10 | 2 | 2 | 5 | 8.44 | 5.83 |
| McDonald | 12.1 | 13 | 8 | 8 | 2 | 6 | 8 | 5.84 | 5.71 |
| Milton | 14.2 | 24 | 15 | 8 | 3 | 5 | 8 | 4.91 | 6.00 |
| Stults | 8.1 | 15 | 13 | 12 | 2 | 7 | 3 | 12.96 | 8.48 |
| Vargas | 15.1 | 25 | 14 | 14 | 6 | 5 | 15 | 8.22 | 7.50 |
Ugh. I didn't include Jason Scmidt since (a) he only recently started pitching in "A" games, and (b) he is already out of contention for the job, at least to start the season. Look at these candidates:
- Shawn Estes has been banished to the bullpen, if not his release/retirement
- Eric Stults needed "a strong outing to stay alive in the fifth-starter competition," and didn't deliver today
- Claudio Vargas and his major league contract might be moved to the bullpen
- Eric Milton has not pitched in the big leagues since 2007, and in his last 370.2 IP, he has a 5.83 ERA (a 77 ERA+) and has given up 1.77 HR/9
That leaves James McDonald, the Dodgers' #2 rated prospect by Baseball America, yet even McDonald had been shaky this spring. That is, until his last outing, when he pitched three hitless innings against Cleveland on Saturday.
Things were so bad for the Dodgers that they promoted 21-year old Josh Lindblom -- the #4 prospect -- to big league camp last week. Lindblom has made the most of his opportunity, allowing only two runs in seven innings, walking one and striking out six. As great as it would be for Lindblom to claim a spot in the rotation, his time will probably come a few months down the road. Ken Gurnick tells us:
The likely scenario for Lindblom is to copy Clayton Kershaw's progression of last year -- last week's spring promotion from Minor League camp, impressive exhibition outings, an April assignment at Double-A and graduation to the big leagues sooner rather than later to take over for an injured or underperforming veteran.
Which means it's time for James McDonald to stake his claim for a rotation spot. He can go a long way toward that goal by performing well in his start today in Tucson against the Rockies.
Adam McCalvy of MLB.com reported that aside from Matt Kemp returning from contact lens issues, Manny and most of the regulars won't make the trip with the Dodgers today.
Lyle Spencer of MLB.com reports that Jorge De La Rosa will start for the Rockies, and will be followed by a plethora of pitchers: Huston Street, Ryan Speier, Josh Fogg, and Juan Morillo.
Be sure to get your votes in for the Sweet 16 round of the 2009 Dodger prediction bracket. Voting for this round runs through Friday afternoon.
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Milton is impressive
in that he has given up 24 hits in only 15 innings and yet has an ERA under 5.00. That is hard to do when you also give up three home runs.
by meercatjohn on Mar 26, 2009 8:36 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
dodger pitching
seems likes like decades ago when once the dodgers had the perennial “problem” of too many starting pitchers in camp …
at yet they still somehow ended the season with a two or three on the DL come September!
ala, Nomo, Ishii and Penny et al ….
we can only wonder what 2009 has in store for such a thin and underwhelming group as this batch of hopefuls.
by shooterm1 on Mar 26, 2009 8:39 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
If McDonald pitches well again today...
… do you think he gets announced as the Dodgers #5 starter shortly thereafter?
by Michael White on Mar 26, 2009 9:11 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Too bad I have a mandatory team meeting.
Otherwise I would have requested the day off to see the Dodgers play at Corbett Field.
No worries, though, as I have Tueday off and will be at Tucson Electric Park as they play the Diamondbacks.
by Dr. Geek on Mar 26, 2009 9:28 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Making Eric Do the Hard Work so I don't have to
When is the first day the Dodgers ‘need’ a fifth starter?
by Jacob Burch on Mar 26, 2009 10:02 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
first week
since they added a 4th game in the series against the padres, they will need a 5th starter right off the bat
by Big Blue on Mar 26, 2009 10:12 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
April 10
Before the Dodgers filled in their April 7 off day, the first date they would have needed a 5th starter would have been April 25. Oh well.
by Eric Stephen on Mar 26, 2009 12:12 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
There’s too many articles. I can’t even keep up anymore. What happened to the ol’ articles every couple days. Let’s bring that back.
Dodger Fever: Catch it every summer; head to the ER every October.
by Tango and Cash on Mar 26, 2009 10:07 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
It can't be understated
how well Kershaw is pitching in the spring. Just solidifies my belief that he’s in store for a monster, breakout season. Slotted forth in the rotation, he’ll bring #1-2 production.
by silverwidow on Mar 26, 2009 10:46 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Billy Packer
Watching Outside the Lines right now, and they are discussing the 1979 NCAA “Magic vs. Bird” final and its impact on basketball.
Billy Packer, a curmudgeon who has not been missed this tournament, keeps downplaying the significance of the game, saying that their pro careers led to revisionist history. When asked how he could downplay the game when it was watched by a quarter of America, Packer responded as only he can, “I don’t believe in ratings.”
by Eric Stephen on Mar 26, 2009 12:26 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
re:
It was the first time I paid any attention to March Madness if UCLA was not involved. He’s the one doing revisionist history, it was all anyone was talking about in College. Then NC State went on the crazy Valvano run and March Madness has been my favorite event ever since.
by meercatjohn on Mar 26, 2009 12:32 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Lineups
I was out this morning but here is the lineup (per Ken Gurnick, who has been on fire getting this out early):
Paul RF
Ausmus C
Loney 1B
Kemp CF
DeWitt 3B
Repko LF
Hu SS
Castro 2B
McDonald P
by Eric Stephen on Mar 26, 2009 12:56 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
re:
Ausmus the lone non home grown with Castro playing the prodigal son.
by meercatjohn on Mar 26, 2009 12:59 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Monday & Steiner
on the MLB.com broadcast.
by Eric Stephen on Mar 26, 2009 1:08 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Will my Billingsley jersey be worn in vain?
With Billingsley held out from testing the groin today, his status for Sunday is in doubt. So I probably won’t see him pitch. Boo.
Oh well, just be healthy for the season. That’s way better than me watching him in person.
by Eric Stephen on Mar 26, 2009 1:15 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
I don't care where the Angels claim they are from
but I’m not a fan of seeing the Angels/Indians on MLB Network and the linescore shows Los Angeles and Cleveland.
by Eric Stephen on Mar 26, 2009 1:21 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Any updates on McDizzle?
I only have access to the “live” boxscore, which is anything but.
by silverwidow on Mar 26, 2009 1:22 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Just started
struck out Fowler
walked Seth Smith (5 pitches)
walked Helton (4 pitches)
Jeff Baker up
by Eric Stephen on Mar 26, 2009 1:27 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Baker down
2-2 fastball cut down Baker. Strike 2 was a called curveball.
by Eric Stephen on Mar 26, 2009 1:29 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Steiner mentioned
he thought J-Mac was overthrowing to Smith & Helton
ahead 0-2 on Ian Stewart
by Eric Stephen on Mar 26, 2009 1:30 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
HBP
ball barely grazed Stewart’s jersey.
Tulo up with bases juiced, 2 outs.
by Eric Stephen on Mar 26, 2009 1:30 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Sweet!
Called strike 3 on another curve…inning over.
by Eric Stephen on Mar 26, 2009 1:32 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
re:
Doing it the hard way – 3 k’s , 3 LOB
by meercatjohn on Mar 26, 2009 1:33 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
He's no Devaris
but McDonald is certainly thin enough to handle tightrope walking.
by Eric Stephen on Mar 26, 2009 1:34 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
re:
Looking at his frame it is hard to picture him as an outfielder. I wonder if McDonald can run because he couldn’t have had much power.
by meercatjohn on Mar 26, 2009 1:45 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Boom Boom Betemit having a great spring
Betemit leads the White Sox with six home runs this spring. His .341 batting average is second among Sox with 40+ at-bats, and his .408 OBP ranks fourth. Unfortunately for him, Josh Fields has also been dominant this spring and ran away with the third base job early. Betemit should be an uber-utility guy this season, with most of his time spent at the corner infield spots.
by meercatjohn on Mar 26, 2009 1:36 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Leadoff single
Iannetta led off the 2nd with a single. Sounded like a liner.
Podsednik up
by Eric Stephen on Mar 26, 2009 1:42 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Derek Lowe
24 K/2 BB this spring. Leads everyone in Ks.
by silverwidow on Mar 26, 2009 1:42 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Nice
I have no real ill will toward Derek
by Eric Stephen on Mar 26, 2009 1:43 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Thankfully
Kershaw is tied for 2nd with Matt Cain and Jordan Zimmermann.
by silverwidow on Mar 26, 2009 1:44 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
PopSednik
Pop out to LF, followed by a sacrifice by De La Rosa. Man on 2nd, 2 outs.
by Eric Stephen on Mar 26, 2009 1:44 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
A tad wild
McDizzle started 3-0 to Fowler.
Rebounded with a strike, followed by 4 foul balls. the last one was pretty deep to LF but out of play. Long PA.
by Eric Stephen on Mar 26, 2009 1:47 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Inning over
Fowler deeply flew out to LF. McD settling down a bit.
by Eric Stephen on Mar 26, 2009 1:48 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Not sure about the pitch count
but it has to be around 40-45 through two.
The two walks were a total of 9 pitches, and the 2nd Fowler AB was 9 pitches. The sacrifice was on pitch 1. Factor in the 3 K and McDonald is probably at 40 or so.
by Eric Stephen on Mar 26, 2009 1:50 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Good enough
to declare McDonald the WINNER of the 5th starter “competition.” Everyone else was simply horrible.
by silverwidow on Mar 26, 2009 1:52 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Agreed
Especially since the only stats that probably matter for Torre/Ned WRT to the 5th starter spot is ERA, and that’s flawless today.
by Michael White on Mar 26, 2009 1:53 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Just for fun
McDonald is also leading in FIP. :)
Up to the minute:
McDonald 5.57
Estes 5.83
Milton 6.00
Vargas 7.50
Stults 8.48
by Eric Stephen on Mar 26, 2009 1:54 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
McDonald helping himself
Got a base hit. Let’s hope he doesn’t get fatigued running the bases.
by Eric Stephen on Mar 26, 2009 1:53 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
This is a pretty far fetched
But will the Dodgers skip Kershaw’s start on April 15 (Jackie Robinson Night) to let McD start?
by silverwidow on Mar 26, 2009 1:55 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Well
J-Mac would be on schedule, so Kershaw would only have to be skipped a day. Might be good for keeping his innings down. :)
by Eric Stephen on Mar 26, 2009 1:58 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Hunter's face must be OK
Torii just went waaay deep for the Angels (on MLB-N).
by Eric Stephen on Mar 26, 2009 1:55 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
I'll try to keep a pitch count from now on
Seth Smith, leading off the 3rd: 4 pitch AB, 1-3 ground out.
by Eric Stephen on Mar 26, 2009 1:59 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Helton base hit
on an 0-2 count. I believe it was between SS and 3rd base.
by Eric Stephen on Mar 26, 2009 2:00 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Damn
1st pitch pop foul to RF but crazy wind took it out of X-Man’s reach. 0-1 to Jeff Baker instead of 2 outs.
by Eric Stephen on Mar 26, 2009 2:00 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
4-6-3 DP
4 pitch AB.
11 pitch inning. Yes, J-Mac!!!
by Eric Stephen on Mar 26, 2009 2:01 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Nailing it down
the wind sounds nasty.
by meercatjohn on Mar 26, 2009 2:03 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
The wind IS nasty!
The palm trees swaying outside the office appear about ready to snap in two. I can only imagine what it is doing to the balls over at Corbett.
It hasn’t been this windy in Tucson the last few weeks.
by Dr. Geek on Mar 26, 2009 2:05 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Every baserunner
James McDonald is directly responsible for all 6 baserunners this game. :)
by Eric Stephen on Mar 26, 2009 2:04 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Until now
James Loney fly ball wind-aided single to CF…I mean left center.
by Eric Stephen on Mar 26, 2009 2:05 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Hts galore!
Kemp follows with a single.
by Eric Stephen on Mar 26, 2009 2:06 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
DeWitt RBI double
Loney scores, Kemp to 3rd.
by Eric Stephen on Mar 26, 2009 2:07 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Repko
is doing everything he can do to make sure he doesn’t make the team.
by meercatjohn on Mar 26, 2009 2:09 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
At least he hasn't hurt anyone
…yet.
I will probably blow out my ACL just being near Repko this weekend.
by Eric Stephen on Mar 26, 2009 2:11 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Repko groundout to 3B
right after Monday was extolling the virtues of grounding out to the right side, and exchanging 2 outs for 2 runs.
Hu up 2nd & 3rd, 1 out.
by Eric Stephen on Mar 26, 2009 2:10 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
2nd chance Hu does not come through
but Castoff Castro does
by meercatjohn on Mar 26, 2009 2:15 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
first, Iannetta dropped a foul-tip 3rd strike
But a few pitches later Hu grounded to Helton, who threw home to get Kemp
by Eric Stephen on Mar 26, 2009 2:17 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Castro again. Ugh
RBI base hit to score DeWitt…following Hu’s force out to 1B (Kemp cut down at home by Helton).
by Eric Stephen on Mar 26, 2009 2:15 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
J Mac out
Solid performance though.
Eye Chart PH
by Eric Stephen on Mar 26, 2009 2:16 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
13 rbi's this spring, that is how you impress the boss.
by meercatjohn on Mar 26, 2009 2:21 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Gotta hand it to X-man
Great spring
by Eric Stephen on Mar 26, 2009 2:22 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
too bad no room
he should destroy AAA
by Big Blue on Mar 26, 2009 2:24 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
If the Dodgers only carry 4 OF
Paul should see some time in LA this year. If Manny or anyone needs to be DL’d (knock on wood) they pretty much half to call Paul up.
by Eric Stephen on Mar 26, 2009 2:26 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I hope
we have a similar controversy regarding Mientkiewicz and the 2009 championship final out baseball.
by Eric Stephen on Mar 26, 2009 2:27 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
re:
If EyeChart is catching that final out it will have been a strange season.
by meercatjohn on Mar 26, 2009 2:28 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Elbert in
leadoff walk to Stewart.
C’mon, Scott! There’s a spot waiting for you in the pen. Claim it!
by Eric Stephen on Mar 26, 2009 2:27 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Brings the heat
high heat to K Tulo!
by Eric Stephen on Mar 26, 2009 2:29 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Elbert doing a 1st inning Jmac imitation
with a walk then a K. Will he walk the complete tightrope?
by meercatjohn on Mar 26, 2009 2:30 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Both LA teams
are up 5-0 in the 4th.
Of course, there is really only one “LA” team.
by Eric Stephen on Mar 26, 2009 2:32 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
beat me too it
I was just about to post that….
by Big Blue on Mar 26, 2009 2:36 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
The one positive
from the same story, Vargas has all but officially been eliminated from the 5th starter competition.
by Eric Stephen on Mar 26, 2009 2:37 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Eyechart
with the diving catch. Is there anything he can’t do in the field?
by meercatjohn on Mar 26, 2009 2:34 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Liking his D
easy groundout by De La Rosa followed that so Elbert got out of it.
by Eric Stephen on Mar 26, 2009 2:35 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Wasn't as exciting as JMac's 1st inning
but I’ll take it.
by meercatjohn on Mar 26, 2009 2:35 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
One giant caveat
it is still spring training. For instance, Sidney Ponson threw 5 scoreless innings for the Royals today.
by Eric Stephen on Mar 26, 2009 2:39 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
I'm having a hard time
thinking they will let Elbert waste his time on the major league roster as the 2nd lefty but do we have any other options? As Stults pitches is way out of contention for the rotation does he have a chance to pitch out of the bullpen?
by meercatjohn on Mar 26, 2009 2:39 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Hopefully
They view Elbert as a starter and send him down. Then keep Stults as a mopup man.
by Eric Stephen on Mar 26, 2009 2:41 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
No on Stults
Torre said yesterday he’s not a bullpen candidate
by silverwidow on Mar 26, 2009 2:42 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Perhaps no LH?
They might just keep all righties in the pen besides Kuo of course.
by Eric Stephen on Mar 26, 2009 2:43 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
re:
So does that mean that Estes might a real candidate?
http://www.beyondtheboxscore.com/2009/3/25/809604/shawn-estes-and-the-dodger
Milton?
I really wish we had signed D Reyes or Beimel. Maybe someone will get release we can use.
by meercatjohn on Mar 26, 2009 2:47 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Milton in
1st pitch bunt out to Loney
by Eric Stephen on Mar 26, 2009 2:45 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Forgot to add
Like the Clay K pic add.
by Eric Stephen on Mar 26, 2009 2:46 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Shocker
Milton allowed a long fly double. 5-1
by Eric Stephen on Mar 26, 2009 2:51 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Awesome!
I think that should seal the deal. BA DA BA BA BA!
by silverwidow on Mar 26, 2009 2:52 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Way to stay on theme!
Very nice!
by Eric Stephen on Mar 26, 2009 2:53 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Milton
Two all-beef pitches, three hits, and two runs, a few more batters and Milton is done.
by Eric Stephen on Mar 26, 2009 2:54 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
3 runs
great play by DeWitt, snagging the would be double and getting an out. Rockies are tattooing the ball off Milton.
by Eric Stephen on Mar 26, 2009 2:55 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Next year
when Milton and Vargas are looking to make a team in spring training I suggest they sign with a team who trains in Florida. Do agents ever think of these things?
by meercatjohn on Mar 26, 2009 2:55 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
I just hope
Kemp doesn’t get hurt chasing those balls in the wind.
by meercatjohn on Mar 26, 2009 2:57 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
at least...
Repko is out so he won’t injure Kemp.
by Eric Stephen on Mar 26, 2009 2:58 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Nap time
I’m going to sleep now that J-Mac and Elbert are done. I’m leaving at 2am tomorrow (11 hours from now) to drive to AZ.
by Eric Stephen on Mar 26, 2009 2:59 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Milton getting TORCHED again means...
Kuroda
Wolf
Billingsley
Kershaw
McDonald
is our starting 5. It’s like a dream come true.
by silverwidow on Mar 26, 2009 3:56 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
re:
I hope what you wished for works out. This might be the youngest rotation the Dodgers have had in recent memory.
by meercatjohn on Mar 26, 2009 4:13 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
So just doing some rough math
Age of starting rotation:
2008 – 167
2007 – 161
2006 – 159
2005 – 152
2009
Kuroda – 34, Billingsley – 24, Kershaw – 21, Wolf – 32, McDonald – 24 = 135
by meercatjohn on Mar 26, 2009 4:29 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
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