Dodgers Look To Rebound Against Angels
by Eric Stephen on May 23, 2009 6:34 PM PDT
in Game Threads
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PrintLos Angeles Angels at Los Angeles Dodgers, May 23, 2009 7:10 PM PDT
It's hard to find fault in a 3-1 homestand, but the Dodger offense hasn't exactly been stellar on the homestand. Last night the Dodgers were one for 14 with runners in scoring position, and are five for 44 in such situations during the homestand.
John Lackey, who owns the second-best ERA in interleague play history at 2.52, starts for the Angels. This will technically be Lackey's third start of the season, but his first start last Saturday in Texas was cut short after two pitches, as Lackey was ejected for hitting Ian Kinsler of the Rangers.
Randy Wolf starts for the Dodgers. According to the Dodger game notes, Wolf is second in the NL by holding lefties to an .093 average (4 for 43). He's second to teammate Jonathan Broxton, who has allowed lefties to hit .083 (3 for 36).
Joe Torre said that of his bullpen, only Wade would be unavailable tonight. Also, Eric Milton will probably be throwing a bullpen session later in the game, so don't be alarmed thinking he's warming up to enter tonight's game.
I will have more Torre pre-game quotes up in a bit.
UPDATE (6:45pm)
I learned many things during and after Joe Torre's pre-game session with the media, first and foremost hold your recorder closer to the subject if you want to hear their quotes clearly. Lesson learned! Here is a summary of Torre's media session:
- Casey Blake, the team leader in home runs, is hitting 8th because he's the best option to hit there. Torre feels that if someone like Matt Kemp hit eighth, they might feel obligated to swing at everything with the pitcher on deck. He likened it to the 2001 World Series, when Torre hit Alfonso Soriano 7th instead of 8th because he would "start his swing before the pitcher was done with his windup" hitting before the pitcher.
- Orlando Hudson was not bunting on his own with nobody out in the seventh inning, after Rafael Furcal's leadoff double. In such a close game (1-1 at the time), that late in the game, Torre felt it was important to get that run home by getting Furcal to third base with one out.
- Hudson, who has started every game so far, has not missed a game yet because he simply "doesn't want to hear about it." Torre thought Hudson would miss Wednesday's game, after hurting his shoulder Tuesday night, but Hudson sent his manager a text at noon on Wednesday saying he was fine.
I got to meet with Dylan Hernandez of the LA Times, Josh Suchon and Ken Levine of KABC's DodgerTalk, and Michael Becker and Jim Alexander of the Press-Enterprise. All were very helpful in showing me around, as were Joe Jareck and Josh Rawitch of the Dodgers. I'll post some more pictures in a little while.
On my way up from the clubhouse to the press box, I was running to catch the elevator. The man who held the elevator for me was none other than Tommy Lasorda. When I got to the press box, I stopped to get something to eat, and passed by a golden-voiced announcer. Just being in Vin Scully's presence is amazing. Then, as I was eating, none other than Fernando Valenzuela was standing less than five feet from me on his phone. I'm telling you, I could get used to this!
UPDATE (7:45pm)
Sitting next to me in the "Dodgers Blog Spot" is Jimmy Bramlett of LAist, who is live-blogging the event for his site. Here are some photos I snapped so far:
Here's my Moonlight Graham moment, in front of the Dodger dugout...
Here's a shot of the 1965 World Series celebration, on the way to the field...
And a shot of the retired jerseys of Don Drysdale, Pee Wee Reese, and Duke Snider...
Here's a look at the field just before batting practice...
And Casey Blake during batting practice...
Here's a closeup shot of the Dodger logo on the field...
And, finally, a shot of the field from the press box just before first pitch...
UPDATE (8:35PM)
Boy, that Torii Hunter home run was a bomb, into the Dodger bullpen! I got to see the end of the Laker win in Denver standing next to Mike Brito for a fleeting moment. Then I went in to the dining area to get a cookie. The overwhelming awesomeness when I opened the container where the cookies are kept produced an aroma so sweet, so inviting, that everyone of you would punch your own mother or grandmother in the face for never making cookies this good.
It's 4-1 Angels entering the bottom of the fifth inning, and there's still plenty of time for a comeback I can't cheer for!
UPDATE (8:52PM)
Right after the Hunter homer, the Dodger offense awakened with two runs of their own, after starting the bottom of the fifth inning with two quick outs. I thought I would have no problem obeying the "no cheering in the press box" rule since I am a normally quiet person, but my instincts have wanted me to cheer many, many times already tonight. It's crazy how often that happens. I haven't really cheered outwardly, other than the quick applause for the USC Hospital guy throwing out the first pitch (they were playing the fight song, after all), but it's been a physical challenge to keep myself from doing so. 4-3 Angels with one out in the top of the 6th...
UPDATE (9:32PM)
I just ate the best kind of Dodger Dog -- a free one -- after a wonderful rendition of God Bless America by Lorelei Sinco, a 16-year old with a beautiful voice. She nailed the national anthem as well. Great job. Here's a shot of the field in the 7th inning...
Get Your Guesses in for "Just A Bit Outside" here.
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Dear Offense: Please come back, we've missed you.
"Morale has dropped from ‘low’ to ‘I’d like to burn this place down’.
On that popup, I love how Wold simply started walking off the field as soon as the ball was in the air :)
Ciumstances forced Berroa into the lineup.
Quinlan? Soisca just has a crazy ass mancrush on crappy players that he can use to block better players.
Quinlan is decent against LHP
but that’s it…and I find it hard to believe it’s that hard to find someone who can hit .295/.337/.453 against LHP.
by Eric Stephen on May 23, 2009 7:33 PM PDT up reply actions
Mike DiGiovanna for the Times, although I didn’t meet him. He’s probably here though.
I believe Michael Becker and Jim Alexander for the P-E cover both Dodgers and Angels (at home).
Not sure who the Register guy is for the Angels, but I’ll try to find him.
by Eric Stephen on May 23, 2009 7:40 PM PDT up reply actions
he still isnt as frustrating like Mike Cameron was in SD
"Chemistry is a class you take in high school or college, where you figure out two plus two is 10, or something."
- Dennis Rodman
Kemp can't figure out Lackey.
He had no chance at all.
But that’s okay, we got Casey Blake.
Noooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo. They’re IBBing Casey Blake.
It’s OK, Wolf is a pinch-hitter too, remember? :)
by Eric Stephen on May 23, 2009 7:43 PM PDT up reply actions
Crap, I wasn’t paying attention…I thought it was “Highway to the Danger Zone,” but Kenny Loggins though.
by Eric Stephen on May 23, 2009 7:44 PM PDT up reply actions
I doubt Troncoso comes into this game unless he really needs to.
5 innings in 4 games? That’s a lot of relief appearances.
That thing was a bomb
not quite for Hunter though!
by Eric Stephen on May 23, 2009 8:03 PM PDT up reply actions
No problem!
And our “second cleanup” hitter delivers a double!
by Eric Stephen on May 23, 2009 8:17 PM PDT up reply actions
Per Dodger Thoughts
Jason Schmidt got hit in the head by a liner in Albuquerque tonight, but walked off under his own power.
I asked Josh Rawitch here if there was any update, and so far there is none, other than that he was OK enough to walk off under his own power…he sounded doubtful he would have more information before the game was over.
Update
Denver: 95
Lakers: 97
37 second left in the 4th.
"Morale has dropped from ‘low’ to ‘I’d like to burn this place down’.
LETS GO LAKERS
ARIZA player of the game
Kobe being kobe
by SeanMillerSavior on May 23, 2009 8:28 PM PDT reply actions
Yet another steal off an inbounds pass!
by Eric Stephen on May 23, 2009 8:29 PM PDT up reply actions
I'd re-sign Ariza
cheaper than Odom, frees up space for a bruiser
by Eric Stephen on May 23, 2009 8:30 PM PDT up reply actions
odom does a lot for the team. nobody in the league can guard him
he is a matchup nightmare. 6-10 guy who can handle like a guard. i would have him over ariza anyday.
but i agree with the idea of letting fisher and sasha go.
Dodgers - 2008 NL West Champions
Cardinals - 2008 NFC Champions
Resign them both
send Fisher and Sasha and Morrison into exile
by SeanMillerSavior on May 23, 2009 8:30 PM PDT up reply actions
I don’t know if I’d say 0-3, but he has been huge. This has been a great series. Tony the Tiger would approve.
by Eric Stephen on May 23, 2009 8:29 PM PDT up reply actions
I hope your right
but this offense has been horrible lately
by SeanMillerSavior on May 23, 2009 8:35 PM PDT up reply actions
Excited
Eric,
I’ll be in the “blog spot” for tomorrows game. Thanks for your help in getting in contact with Josh. Any tips to pass along? Were you able to ask the players/ coaches any questions, or were you just trying to stay out of the way?
Brandon
Reflections of Blue
by Reflections of Blue on May 23, 2009 8:40 PM PDT reply actions
For the most part I hung in the background
in the clubhouse, but before the game you have time to ask some questions to the players. Being in the dugout is fun during Torre’s meeting with the media. It’s actually very easy to ask a question, and the other media members will help you out if you have any questions.
by Eric Stephen on May 23, 2009 8:42 PM PDT up reply actions
Martin!
Was Ethier limping on his way to second?
You don't see that often
the runners at 1st and 2nd, conferencing before the pitch…my guess as to what was said:
“run on the hit, there’s 2 outs.”
No
but I just keep almost cheering before I stop myself
by Eric Stephen on May 23, 2009 8:49 PM PDT up reply actions
I felt the same thing
It felt like I was physically restraining myself.
to the brim!
Lots of people went to the back to watch the end of the Laker game too :)
by Eric Stephen on May 23, 2009 8:49 PM PDT up reply actions
He covered a lot of ground getting there
but I think a dive would have made it too easy for a potential triple
by Eric Stephen on May 23, 2009 8:56 PM PDT up reply actions
Kemp should look into setting up a charitable fund, he could call it “Kemp’s K’s”, 50 dollars to charity for every strikeout…
by RolexEmbezzled on May 23, 2009 8:56 PM PDT reply actions
The good
if not great news is that Wolf is through 6 innings and should be able to go 7, so the bullpen can get a rest somewhat…and oh yeah Chad tomorrow.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YIO2A7pKnpM
"Chemistry is a class you take in high school or college, where you figure out two plus two is 10, or something."
- Dennis Rodman
Jimmy Bramlett
of LAist is next to me, and he thinks the Angels have a postgame party to attend, and that’s why they keep swinging early in the count.
Eric .. .
are you in the press boxes along the 1st and 3rd baselines?
by SeanMillerSavior on May 23, 2009 9:12 PM PDT reply actions
It’s right behind home plate…in between the announcing booths
by Eric Stephen on May 23, 2009 9:13 PM PDT up reply actions
That was right after he nailed the 3 in J.R.'s face
Dont anger the beast
by SeanMillerSavior on May 23, 2009 9:20 PM PDT up reply actions
that last 'home' was bumpy
just like ‘john tesh with muscles’ last night… but she had nice hair, the young lady tonight.
child left behind
Safe!
I thought he was going to get tagged there.
That was scary then it needed to be
run faster next time Loney
Look at that, he hit the f*cking bull! Guy gets a free steak!
recommendation revised to include a track coach for Loney
Look at that, he hit the f*cking bull! Guy gets a free steak!
by Josie Becker on May 23, 2009 9:43 PM PDT up reply actions
Here's the chance to tie.
summons BEARD POWER
by Dr. Geek on May 23, 2009 9:42 PM PDT reply actions 1 recs
Ethier
Eric,
Could you pass along any quotes later tonight about Ethier’s possible injury?
by Reflections of Blue on May 23, 2009 9:45 PM PDT reply actions
I plan on
asking about it in the postgame
by Eric Stephen on May 23, 2009 9:47 PM PDT up reply actions
This is a big game
especially with the Padres, Rockies, D-backs, and Giants winning tonight
by SeanMillerSavior on May 23, 2009 9:45 PM PDT reply actions
gotta put some meat on that Cy Young application
Look at that, he hit the f*cking bull! Guy gets a free steak!
by Josie Becker on May 23, 2009 9:49 PM PDT up reply actions
Any thoughts on Ethier's wherabouts?
Could he be about to be traded? No mention of why he was taken out.
Foot related, I am guessing.
He seemed to be limping when reaching second and after reaching home.
Dear Broxton, it's okay to be fascist
and strike this guy out
Look at that, he hit the f*cking bull! Guy gets a free steak!
Thanks BroKs
Look at that, he hit the f*cking bull! Guy gets a free steak!
by Josie Becker on May 23, 2009 9:55 PM PDT up reply actions
If Ethier's injury is more than minor
does that cause the domino effect mentioned yesterday? AKA Lambo or Russell.
Or a AAAA player finally gets his wings.
That or Blake gets to play right field for a couple of weeks.
Ataway old dude closer
walk the leadoff winning run
Look at that, he hit the f*cking bull! Guy gets a free steak!
Bring in the winning run is what I meant.
Obviously.
I thought you were going for the horse
by Eric Stephen on May 23, 2009 10:02 PM PDT up reply actions
Wow I can't type
I meant “force,” not “horse” :)
by Eric Stephen on May 23, 2009 10:03 PM PDT up reply actions
Shields is still in surprising.
Winning run on base.
Related question, does it end if he rests a day?
Look at that, he hit the f*cking bull! Guy gets a free steak!
by Josie Becker on May 23, 2009 10:01 PM PDT up reply actions
No
Go here
Consecutive Hitting Streaks: A consecutive hitting streak shall not be terminated if the plate appearance results in a base on balls, hit batsman, defensive interference or a sacrifice bunt. A sacrifice fly shall terminate the streak
by Eric Stephen on May 23, 2009 10:01 PM PDT up reply actions
Do your fellow journalists look like they have to hold it in?
Or are they just calm cucumbers?
Look at that, he hit the f*cking bull! Guy gets a free steak!
by Josie Becker on May 23, 2009 10:05 PM PDT up reply actions
No, they are veteran scribes. Their tear glands have all dried up :)
by Eric Stephen on May 23, 2009 10:06 PM PDT up reply actions
O DOG!!!!!
VROM VROM PARTY STARTER
by SeanMillerSavior on May 23, 2009 10:04 PM PDT reply actions 1 recs
Five man infield?
Where did we see THAT before?
I could have sworn I saw Martin shoot flames out of his jersey sleeves
by Eric Stephen on May 23, 2009 10:08 PM PDT up reply actions
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0ZkllM8znx4
Look at that, he hit the f*cking bull! Guy gets a free steak!
by Josie Becker on May 23, 2009 10:08 PM PDT up reply actions
That song just works perfect with Dodger Stadium's accoustics
Look at that, he hit the f*cking bull! Guy gets a free steak!
by Josie Becker on May 23, 2009 10:15 PM PDT up reply actions
Izturis is out
Figgins is back to 3B
He has played 3B, then LF, then 3B
by Eric Stephen on May 23, 2009 10:16 PM PDT up reply actions
Loney giveth the joy
and he taketh away
Look at that, he hit the f*cking bull! Guy gets a free steak!
We’re starting to find creative ways to blow games…
by RolexEmbezzled on May 23, 2009 10:19 PM PDT reply actions
The only thing the FSWest Twitter Feed tells you
Is when a game is about to start. Which is guess is an alright service.
Look at that, he hit the f*cking bull! Guy gets a free steak!
out of spite of course
I’d be a terrible scorer
Look at that, he hit the f*cking bull! Guy gets a free steak!
by Josie Becker on May 23, 2009 10:27 PM PDT up reply actions
Isn't there a sportsnation rule,
that noone cares about your fantasy team?
:)
Look at that, he hit the f*cking bull! Guy gets a free steak!
by Josie Becker on May 23, 2009 10:31 PM PDT up reply actions
Haha!
I care about Dodgers on people’s fantasy teams :)
by Eric Stephen on May 23, 2009 10:32 PM PDT up reply actions
I've got one of those cheap-o ones that go by pitching staff
of course I got the Dodgers.
But no one cares :)
Look at that, he hit the f*cking bull! Guy gets a free steak!
by Josie Becker on May 23, 2009 10:33 PM PDT up reply actions
It won't matter
there is no top 11 tonight :)
by Eric Stephen on May 23, 2009 10:33 PM PDT up reply actions
It was weird
it wasn’t that far outside too
by Eric Stephen on May 23, 2009 10:36 PM PDT up reply actions
What are you thinking?
Double steal with Blake on the back end?
by satinhammer on May 23, 2009 10:38 PM PDT up reply actions
Only if there's a bunt somewhere in that logic
Look at that, he hit the f*cking bull! Guy gets a free steak!
by Josie Becker on May 23, 2009 10:38 PM PDT up reply actions
The only help you need
is a Dodger win!
by Eric Stephen on May 23, 2009 10:38 PM PDT up reply actions
How many times has this occured and got no run?
by SeanMillerSavior on May 23, 2009 10:41 PM PDT reply actions
Woohoo
take that A.L.!
"Chemistry is a class you take in high school or college, where you figure out two plus two is 10, or something."
- Dennis Rodman
how many of those walkoff walks have we had this year now?
i think i’ve seen 3 of em.
Dodgers - 2008 NL West Champions
Cardinals - 2008 NFC Champions
Yep, 3 - TV guys confirmed it.
I know I saw Martin walk off with a walk… don’t recall the other one.
by satinhammer on May 23, 2009 11:00 PM PDT up reply actions
The NL West Went 4-0 against the AL today
"Chemistry is a class you take in high school or college, where you figure out two plus two is 10, or something."
- Dennis Rodman
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