Dodgers 6, Angels 2: Time to Stretch?

by Eric Stephen on Apr 2, 2009 10:11 PM PDT in Game Recaps Comment 18 comments

More photos » Mark J. Terrill - AP

The Bison congratulates The Beard after his 2nd inning home run.

The Dodgers opened the 2009 home season in fine style, beating the Angels 6-2. Randy Wolf was impressive, giving up only an unearned run in three innings. While Wolf was impressive, is pitching three innings enough to get him ready for the regular season? This goes for the entire staff, none of whom seems ready to pitch six innings just yet. Here's how long each starter has pitched in his last spring start:

Pitcher	Last outing
Kuroda	3.0 IP
Wolf	3.0 IP
Billingsley	65-pitch simulated game
Kershaw	4.0 IP
McDonald	4.1 IP

It sounds to me the bullpen will be used quite often for the first few weeks of the season, as the starters find a way to stretch their outings. Should we be worried, or am I overreacting here?

A few highlights of tonight's game:

Casey Blake muscled a two-run home run to dead center in the 2nd inning, giving the club a lead they would never relinquish
Manny Ramirez scored from first base on a triple by Andre Ethier, "and lives to tell about it," writes ~~Tony Jackson~~ Ramona Shelburne of the Daily News.
Ramon Troncoso, battling with Tanyon Sturtze for essentially the final bullpen spot, pitched a scoreless inning.
Guillermo Mota also threw a scoreless inning, lowering his spring ERA to 2.25. In twelve innings, Mota has four walks and 16 strikeouts.
The Brewers come to town tomorrow for a two-game set. Chad Billingsley will oppose Yovani Gallardo for Friday's 7:10pm start.

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Ohman looked good, too

As did Belisario (although there’s no way he’ll make the team).

by silverwidow on Apr 2, 2009 10:29 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

It could be they're just trying to get in extra rest before the season starts.

Stretch them out, but make sure they get to fully recuperate for their first start of the season.

by Brendan Scolari on Apr 2, 2009 11:03 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Yeah

I guess I would be more worried if they were getting shelled. Kershaw wasn’t sharp last outing but has otherwise been sharp.

by Eric Stephen on Apr 2, 2009 11:12 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Torre STILL won't name McDonald

Very strange. He claims there was a meeting today and will ‘probably be another tomorrow.’

Who else could it be? Schmidt? No. Stults? No. Vargas? No. Milton? Hell no.

Unless they’re secretly negotiating with Pedro’s agent, I have no idea what’s going on.

by silverwidow on Apr 2, 2009 11:25 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

The lack of an announcement

does seem odd. There is basically no backup plan if McDonald isn’t the guy. Pedro’s salary demands seemed too rich for the Dodgers’ blood, and is he more ready than J-Mac to start next Friday?

by Eric Stephen on Apr 2, 2009 11:31 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Is he scheduled for another start before season?

Billz – Tomorrow/Friday
Kershaw – Saturday
McD – Sunday hopefully with Josh Lindblom :-D

I’m guessing on the last two

by Big Blue on Apr 2, 2009 11:36 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yep

J-Mac is starting Sunday in SF.

by Eric Stephen on Apr 2, 2009 11:39 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I might go to that one.

by Brendan Scolari on Apr 2, 2009 11:42 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Stop stealing my ideas

I might go too.

by Big Blue on Apr 2, 2009 11:43 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

If only

we had mobile commenting!!! :)

I can comment on the full site from my iPhone, but it’s a real pain in the keister.

by Eric Stephen on Apr 2, 2009 11:44 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I think SB Nation....

should just make an app instead of a mobile website….
smoother updates, easier postings, etc

by Big Blue on Apr 2, 2009 11:51 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Lazy

by Brendan Scolari on Apr 3, 2009 12:59 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Hey

I said it first! ;-)

by Brendan Scolari on Apr 3, 2009 12:59 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yep

Kershaw on Saturday (I’m going)
McD in SF on Sunday

Both confirmed.

by silverwidow on Apr 2, 2009 11:39 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Have a good time

on Saturday! Kershaw vs. Manny Parra.

by Eric Stephen on Apr 2, 2009 11:41 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Thanks!

I wanted to see Gallardo opposite Clay K, but the other Manny will do.

by silverwidow on Apr 3, 2009 12:13 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

haha

I just read the article on dodgers.com. I can’t imagine the decision would come down to his start Sunday. I guess maybe there is an excuse if he gets shelled on Sunday(I can’t imagine that either, especially the Giants lineup), but I (we) all think he’s the best candidate.

by Big Blue on Apr 2, 2009 11:42 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs