Dodgers Need Milton To Last Longer
Los Angeles Dodgers at Colorado Rockies, May 26, 2009 5:40 PM PDT
Eric Milton's first start of 2009 -- his first start in over two years -- was a short one. Milton only lasted four innings, plagued by wildness and a decline in velocity as the game went on. He allowed only two runs, but walked four batters and threw 84 pitches, only 43 for strikes.
Milton knows he needs to last longer in the game in order to help the team, but is confident he will do so. After using spring training and a month and a half in Albuquerque building up his arm strength, Milton told Ken Gurnick of MLB.com, "The more I threw, the stronger my arm got." He'll need a stronger arm to stay in the rotation.
Aaron Cook gets the start for the Rockies, in already his third appearance against the Dodgers this year. In the previous two starts against the Dodgers, Cook has given up 15 hits, eight walks, and eight runs in only ten innings.
Orlando Hudson extended his Dodger season-high 15-game hitting streak on Monday with two hits.
Manny Ramirez worked out at Dodger Stadium on Monday, writes Dylan Hernandez of the LA Times, the first time Manny has done so since being suspended.
Get your guesses in for "Just A Bit Outside" here.
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"Pitching [in Coors Field] can't be any worse than pitching in Albuquerque," - Milton
Oh yes it can facing MLB hitting.
I’ll take “Overreacting to every single word spoken by, or about Eric Milton, by Silverwidow” for $600 Alex.
by Eric Stephen on May 26, 2009 3:47 PM PDT up reply actions
I love that quote
but it was better in spring training when he said something like “if they send me to Albuquerque, they might as well send me to the moon.” :)
by Eric Stephen on May 26, 2009 3:46 PM PDT up reply actions
Yes, you are right
I love both quotes. Nice dig at Milton again, too, keeping your perfect record alive. :)
by Eric Stephen on May 26, 2009 3:51 PM PDT up reply actions
Lineup: Furcal still out
Pierre, LF
Hudson, 2B
Ethier, RF
Blake, 3B
Loney, 1B
Kemp, CF
Castro, SS
Ausmus, C
Milton, P
Josh Rawitch says “still out with the back tweak.”
by Eric Stephen on May 26, 2009 4:02 PM PDT up reply actions
Long term replacement
I don’t think Hu is in the mix right now with his inability to hit AAA pitching. And DeWitt is not an everyday SS.
So I guess it’s Castro until something better pops up.
Underdogs
Dodgers are fairly big underdogs for the second day in a row. The over/under is 0.3 runs lower today than it was yesterday, it can’t possibly be that they think Milton is any better than Stults and Cook certainly hasn’t pitched any better than De la Rosa has so far this year.
vr, Xei
Well...
There are still teams like the Giants and A’s. But yeah, it’s been a tough season injury wise for the Mets. Perhaps there are some more ex-Dodgers they can lure out of retirement.
vr, Xei
The A's lineup should be better.
With Holliday/Cust/Giambi, they should be able to score some runs. The Giants, not so much.
by Brendan Scolari on May 26, 2009 5:21 PM PDT up reply actions
Juan doing his thing
On a ball way off the plate.
by Brendan Scolari on May 26, 2009 5:42 PM PDT reply actions
O-Dog walks
Hopefully the start of a big inning.
by Brendan Scolari on May 26, 2009 5:45 PM PDT reply actions
Haha true.
How have the hits been? I am only following on gameday.
by Brendan Scolari on May 26, 2009 5:47 PM PDT up reply actions
Did we only get 1?
Gameday is still stuck on Ethier’s at bat for me.
by Brendan Scolari on May 26, 2009 5:49 PM PDT up reply actions
Man...
It seems like we always get lots of runners on in the first, but never more than one run. :-(
by Brendan Scolari on May 26, 2009 5:50 PM PDT up reply actions
The Dodgers have scored in the 1st inning this year…
0 runs – 22 times
1 run – 14 times (incl tonight)
2 runs – 6 times
3 runs – 3 times
4 runs – 1 time
6 runs – 1 time
They lead the majors in 1st inning hits, walks, and runs
by Eric Stephen on May 26, 2009 7:06 PM PDT up reply actions
Small sample size but Cook got a lot of ground balls.
"Morale has dropped from ‘low’ to ‘I’d like to burn this place down’.
Cook ALWAYS gets a lot of grounders
Over 20 his last start
"I have no special talents. I am only passionately curious." - Albert Einstein
by Andrew T. Fisher on May 26, 2009 5:57 PM PDT up reply actions
NL All Star vote update
O-Dawg is 3rd, 360,000+ votes behind #1 Utley.
Martin is 4th, 190,000 votes behind Molina
Manny 4th, Ethier 11th, Kemp 14th. Manny is close to #3 Beltran
http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20090526&content_id=4960488&vkey=allstar2009&fext=.jsp
I agree
It’s a headscratcher
"I have no special talents. I am only passionately curious." - Albert Einstein
by Andrew T. Fisher on May 26, 2009 6:46 PM PDT up reply actions
One of the things I love about the Dodgers team this year is the depth, even when the back ups play I feel we still got a good chance at winning.
I think its more like the Dodgers are insanely lucky that guys like Weaver, Milton, etc. are working out.
At this rate, Shawn Estes will throw a perfect game when he’s first called up.
Funny...so do Rockies fans
"I have no special talents. I am only passionately curious." - Albert Einstein
by Andrew T. Fisher on May 26, 2009 7:41 PM PDT up reply actions
We hae Loney more
with good reason
"I have no special talents. I am only passionately curious." - Albert Einstein
by Andrew T. Fisher on May 26, 2009 7:50 PM PDT up reply actions
It wasn't by choice
He strained his groin
"I have no special talents. I am only passionately curious." - Albert Einstein
by Andrew T. Fisher on May 26, 2009 7:45 PM PDT up reply actions
I seem to have seen every Barmes’ hit against the Dodgers. Entering tonight, he’s only hitting .251/.280/.349 against them, which is low even for him.
by Eric Stephen on May 26, 2009 7:11 PM PDT up reply actions
Upon first calculation, that was what I had, but I had to double-check :)
by Eric Stephen on May 26, 2009 7:13 PM PDT up reply actions
I went to baseball-reference to see that career split against the Dodgers.
He hits .201 at Dodger stadium, so at Coors he should be able to bring the BA up to .250 overall.
Against the Dodgers at Coors
through his last AB (homer), Barmes is hitting .288/.308/.452
by Eric Stephen on May 26, 2009 7:20 PM PDT up reply actions
From the yahoo! box score
Ground balls-fly balls – E Milton 3-8; A Cook 14-1
In Coors, that’s living a little dangerously. But Don Sutton approves of Milton’s strategy of choosing to yield the HR only with the bases empty. :)
And we all approve of zero walks.
Five innings of 1 run ball, you have to take that and be happy no matter what else happens. The only hard hit ball was the line drive at Loney and the home run. He had impeccable control of his curve ball.
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
Right, can’t say I’m not worried that will happen.
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
Aren't we all?
No matter how well any start goes, Milton is still the 8th starter tried by LA this year, although I doubt he was 100% healthy for awhile out of ST.
Helton has K’s twice on great curveballs. I doubt it happens again.
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
Wade up in the bullpen. Is that something we want to hear?
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
Norms “where life happens” what kind of life is that?
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
Cardinals with another dominant start from their rotation.
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
It has been a hell of a run, that’s for sure.
by Eric Stephen on May 26, 2009 7:30 PM PDT up reply actions
I think it’s a LaRussa/Duncan combo…there’s something in the organizational strength. Just ask Leo Mazzone when he left Bobby Cox.
by Eric Stephen on May 26, 2009 7:32 PM PDT up reply actions
Point.
The way the manager demands to use the pitchers could undermine the pitching coach, I suppose.
Last 8 games for Cardinal starters
58 IP (7.25 per start)
34 hits
5 runs
8 walks
53 K (8.22 per 9)
0.78 ERA (Greinkean)
0.724 WHIP
The starters have only given up runs in three of the eight games (3 once, and one twice).
by Eric Stephen on May 26, 2009 8:13 PM PDT up reply actions
I realize that there's a short bench because of the 13-arm pitching staff
But it’s tough to let Milton hit with 2-out and RISP, then pull him immediately because the leadoff batter (a fellow lefty) singles.
But he comes back with the K on two questionable calls
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
Gameday says strike low & outside for strike 2, and barely inside for strike 3
by Eric Stephen on May 26, 2009 7:34 PM PDT up reply actions
I can understand Wade for the righties (Spilborghs, Murton, Atkins)
But will it be Hawpe for Murton?
Eric Gregg needs to come out of life retirement to ump there again.
by Eric Stephen on May 26, 2009 7:37 PM PDT up reply actions
Hence the “come out of life retirement” line
by Eric Stephen on May 26, 2009 7:38 PM PDT up reply actions
Typical Wade?
The tendency for many to flip on a dime on a guy is pretty amazing.
by Eric Stephen on May 26, 2009 7:40 PM PDT up reply actions
Has it really been a dime?
I agree with the sentiment Eric, but Wade has now struggled dating back to last September.
by Michael White on May 26, 2009 7:41 PM PDT up reply actions
I will say that
if he’s healthy, Wade will be fine. If he’s not healthy now, and pitching because they need him, that’s a problem.
by Eric Stephen on May 26, 2009 7:44 PM PDT up reply actions
If I complain, it won’t be a flip, I did say he was the king of the pixie dust last year.
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
That's fine
but people act like he’s Guillermo Mota or something.
by Eric Stephen on May 26, 2009 7:42 PM PDT up reply actions
With Mota
you just have to wait for the right time in the cycle. The first five weeks of the season apparently weren’t it.
Yeah, but aren't all relievers living on pixie dust, see Brad Lidge
But Phil did say that last year.
I think Wade as the 8th inning guy is just a bad idea. I think Joe fell in love with him in that spot during the Cubs series last year.
I think he has better confidence as a 7th inning guy since that was primary role last year. I think he depends on movement so much that if he doesn’t have it then his “stuff” is just not good enough to be #1 setup man
We may need two innings from Broxton tonight.
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
Good to know Josh Foff is warming up. Milton may lose his win but we will score again.
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
I like how yesterday’s Denver Post Rockies blog had a headline that read, “”http://blogs.denverpost.com/rockies/2009/05/24/all-indications-call-for-fogg-in-the-forecast/" target="new">All Indications Call For Fogg in the Forecast" since he was just called up.
by Eric Stephen on May 26, 2009 7:42 PM PDT up reply actions
Pierre keeps jacking up that slug%. Take note Russell
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
Aaron cooked is about "cooked"
i love you Vin Scully
by SeanMillerSavior on May 26, 2009 7:45 PM PDT reply actions
God this sucks ass.
You guys are good :(
"What's money? A man is a success if he gets up in the morning and goes to bed at night and in between does what he wants to do." -Bob Dylan
by Bryan Kilpatrick on May 26, 2009 7:45 PM PDT reply actions
Were alright
This is a big game today . . . LA throwing out our 8th starter and rocks putting up there Ace. . . baseball is a funny game
by SeanMillerSavior on May 26, 2009 7:48 PM PDT up reply actions
You can just see a big difference between these teams...
The Dodgers do a good job of putting good (if not, appropriate) swings on good pitches and doing what they need to do to win.
"What's money? A man is a success if he gets up in the morning and goes to bed at night and in between does what he wants to do." -Bob Dylan
by Bryan Kilpatrick on May 26, 2009 7:50 PM PDT up reply actions
Yeah for some games.. . but our situational hitting for the most part has been pretty bad
How about that Dexter Fowler tho. . im a big fan of his game
by SeanMillerSavior on May 26, 2009 7:51 PM PDT up reply actions
It's brutal, but he's hardly the only problem.
Still, I love this team.
"What's money? A man is a success if he gets up in the morning and goes to bed at night and in between does what he wants to do." -Bob Dylan
by Bryan Kilpatrick on May 26, 2009 7:51 PM PDT up reply actions
I miss the more predominant purple in the unis
Denver would be a great place to have “America the Beautiful” sung in the 7th inning. I can hear a roar for the “for purple mountains majesty, above the fruited plains” line.
I love Vinny asking who should be the player of the month and naming Pierre/Hudson/Blake then Pierre triples and Hudson gets another hit. Now Blake needs to cap off the trifecta with a bomb. Those three guys are just carrying this team right now.
Right now I’m calling them Flanders Finest
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
Phil, this Arizona circa 2007 again
You know that will get some inconsistency with younger players (and this has not been a great month for Loney, Ethier and Kemp) but for whatever reason, the vets are able to support them and we hope that James, Matt, Andre and Russell (who is hitting singles and walking this month), will come on later this year.
Oh, we also get some guy named Manny back.
Hurdle probably would have benched him at some point in favor of Kit Pellow
or somebody like that, so maybe not…
"What's money? A man is a success if he gets up in the morning and goes to bed at night and in between does what he wants to do." -Bob Dylan
by Bryan Kilpatrick on May 26, 2009 7:48 PM PDT up reply actions
Cook against the Dodgers 2009
16 innings
23 hits
13 runs (12 earned, plus O-Dog still on base)
11 walks
8 strikeouts
6.75 ERA
2.125 WHIP
Against everyone else: 4.05 ERA, 13/18 BB/K
On Ethier's backswing, he hit the catcher
boo
by Eric Stephen on May 26, 2009 7:51 PM PDT up reply actions
Ha!
He could have had the productive out K, and he messed up! :)
by Eric Stephen on May 26, 2009 7:52 PM PDT up reply actions
Ethier broke ESPN
It keeps on listing Fogg and Quintanilla coming into the game over and over because it can’t handle what Ethier did.
BTW Matt Wieters is getting called up on Friday.
The phrase of ‘Mauer with power’ seems a bit redundant at the moment.
Zack Greinke
CG, 1 run…8-1 with a 0.84 ERA through 10 starts.
I heard this on the radio today, he’s the first guy since Juan Marichal to have an ERA under 1.00 through his first 10 starts of a season.
He was cruising through 5
but a pair of errors by him really hurt him
by SeanMillerSavior on May 26, 2009 7:57 PM PDT up reply actions
Marichal’s start was in 1966. He had a 0.59 after 10 starts, and a 0.80 ERA after 11. He was 10-0, and the only no-decision was a game in which he allowed 1 run in 10 innings.
Of course, Fernando was famously 8-0 with a 0.50 ERA after 8 starts (all CGs), and had a 0.91 ERA after 9 starts, but after his 10th start he ballooned to 1.24.
by Eric Stephen on May 26, 2009 7:59 PM PDT up reply actions
Slight correction
Fernando “only” had 7 CG in his first 8 starts, but pitched 9 innings in a game the Dodgers won in the 10th in Montreal.
by Eric Stephen on May 26, 2009 8:03 PM PDT up reply actions
I didn't realize that...good catch
I missed a few middle innings
by Eric Stephen on May 26, 2009 8:04 PM PDT up reply actions
Looking good so far...
Any reason Milton was pulled so soon other than the fact he’s not started much?
by Brendan Scolari on May 26, 2009 8:02 PM PDT reply actions
I am guessing they don't want to push it beyond 80+ pitches
No confirmation about that but that’s a guess.
I think Torre was worried that Milton was running out of gas (82 pitches) and after allowing Helton to single to start the sixth, didn’t want to let him face the string of righthanders that followed.
Sounds right.
Not sure I wouldn’t have left him in until another base runner got on just to conserve the bullpen though.
by Brendan Scolari on May 26, 2009 8:06 PM PDT up reply actions
The zone has been pretty wide for both sides tonight
by Michael White on May 26, 2009 8:05 PM PDT up reply actions
Yeah
I was just referring to the Torrealba walk. At least according to gameday it was right at the edge of the plate, though I’m not sure if that was actually the case.
by Brendan Scolari on May 26, 2009 8:11 PM PDT up reply actions
Already 15 pitches for Tron
He’s falling behind everybody.
by Brendan Scolari on May 26, 2009 8:06 PM PDT reply actions
6 more outs to go.
Who pitches the 8th?
by Brendan Scolari on May 26, 2009 8:11 PM PDT reply actions
I know.
I would say Leach, because he didn’t pitch yesterday, but with no lefties due up, I’m not sure what is going to happen.
by Brendan Scolari on May 26, 2009 8:15 PM PDT up reply actions
It was?
Man he made that look effortless.
My bad.
by Michael White on May 26, 2009 8:16 PM PDT up reply actions
and how about the gold pants on the dude next to the bench?
by Eric Stephen on May 26, 2009 8:15 PM PDT up reply actions
I like it
As long as Tron feels okay.
by Brendan Scolari on May 26, 2009 8:17 PM PDT up reply actions
The offense helped out there
allowing Tron to bat in a sacrifice situation. Brilliant
by Eric Stephen on May 26, 2009 8:17 PM PDT up reply actions
Yep.
The whole bench has been incredible so far this year.
by Brendan Scolari on May 26, 2009 8:18 PM PDT up reply actions
I know
We haven’t missed Manny one bit. Well, watching him hit, but not as far as his value on the field. Incredible.
by Brendan Scolari on May 26, 2009 8:21 PM PDT up reply actions
It’s like the game story is being written for me! :)
by Eric Stephen on May 26, 2009 8:22 PM PDT up reply actions
D-Backs up 5-0 on the Pads
It looks like the Pads’ 12 game win streak will end.
by Brendan Scolari on May 26, 2009 8:21 PM PDT reply actions
And the Giants are up 4-0
With Lincecum on the mound.
by Brendan Scolari on May 26, 2009 8:22 PM PDT up reply actions
Orland tries to inbound it to Howard under the basket
Varajeo mugged him
by Michael White on May 26, 2009 8:23 PM PDT up reply actions
Ariza can't cover both Shard and Turkoglu
plus Howard will abuse Bynum/Gasol
by Michael White on May 26, 2009 8:24 PM PDT up reply actions
Odom can check Rashard in my opinion
but Howard is just a monster in the post. . Bynum will be in foul trouble every game, and ORL will kill us with 3’s, as the lakers have shown the inablility to guard that . .. pick and role with Hedo/Howard will also be a problem
by SeanMillerSavior on May 26, 2009 8:25 PM PDT up reply actions
It goes both ways though. They can’t guard two big men inside, and we have to account for their 4 (Lewis) camping out at the three point line.
by Eric Stephen on May 26, 2009 8:24 PM PDT up reply actions
Well, that’s the problem. Right now, both Odom and Bynum are invisible, and we would need presumably one of them to play well.
by Eric Stephen on May 26, 2009 8:26 PM PDT up reply actions
Better bet is Odom
He should be a matchup problem for Orlando. Problem is he’s Lamar Odom, and is seemingly incapable of taking over games.
Signed,
Bitter Clipper fan
by Michael White on May 26, 2009 8:28 PM PDT up reply actions
Yea i agree with that . . .
but all these announcers who buttlove CLE annoys me
by SeanMillerSavior on May 26, 2009 8:24 PM PDT up reply actions
They are a better team than Orlando
At least in my opinion. I’m not a huge basketball fan though.
by Brendan Scolari on May 26, 2009 8:29 PM PDT up reply actions
Also
the way to beat Orlando is to single-team Howard and let him go inside and guard everyone else. Howard gets a load of dunks on rebounds and put backs but he has no offensive moves. Chris Webber and his one righty jump hook laugh at Howard’s repertoire.
by Eric Stephen on May 26, 2009 8:28 PM PDT up reply actions
Exactly
Howard’s post game is, shall we say, still a work in process.
by Michael White on May 26, 2009 8:29 PM PDT up reply actions
And I don’t mean to say I don’t like him. He’s awesome and can get better offensively.
by Eric Stephen on May 26, 2009 8:30 PM PDT up reply actions
I’m rooting for the Cavs b/c they don’t have the players needed to expose the Lakers.
The Nuggets and Magic do. Both teams can play physical and kill the Lakers with 3 point shooting b/c were awful on getting out to 3 point shooters.
The Cavs have enough energy guys who also kill the Lakers, and the one guy on the planet equipped to expose any team wears #23 for them, so it’s better to keep them out.
I’d rather face Orlando, even if it means fewer Nike and/or Vitamin Water commercials.
by Eric Stephen on May 26, 2009 8:34 PM PDT up reply actions
The Lebron play was definitely worse, and the last play was probably a good no-call, but man it’s one of those calls that will just anger everyone.
by Eric Stephen on May 26, 2009 8:25 PM PDT up reply actions
El Lay Dave’s description is basically what Scully said.
by Eric Stephen on May 26, 2009 8:29 PM PDT up reply actions
Ok good.
Hoffmann is a better defender anyways.
by Brendan Scolari on May 26, 2009 8:30 PM PDT up reply actions
Varejao leaves with the line
9 points 1 board and 5 steals. . . interesting
by SeanMillerSavior on May 26, 2009 8:29 PM PDT reply actions
Excellent work by Tron.
He’s been money the whole year.
by Brendan Scolari on May 26, 2009 8:31 PM PDT up reply actions
That's only the fourth ground-ball out recorded by the Dodgers tonight.
Three by Milton in 5, none by Wade and that one by Tron. A little bit lucky to get all those fly ball outs in Coors.
And I thought I had the line of the night on DT
When I said after Lewis hit the three, “Did Heart of Rock and Roll just stop beating in Cleveland.”
by bhsportsguy on May 26, 2009 8:30 PM PDT reply actions 1 recs
I would have followed it with…
bump bump
bump bump
bump bump
by Eric Stephen on May 26, 2009 8:31 PM PDT up reply actions
It was a liner over the SS head
weird that “deep” was used in the game log.
by Eric Stephen on May 26, 2009 8:36 PM PDT up reply actions
But it looks like someone may not be going to Disney World?
Mr. Williams, guarantees are for closers.
Does Jim Tracy appreciate that comment? No, no he does not.
by Eric Stephen on May 26, 2009 8:36 PM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
To be fair
Phillips only started 18 games at 1B in 2005. It was that it wasn’t zero that was maddening.
Choi started 78 games at 1B, and Olmedo Saenz started 52. Jeff Kent started 10.
by Eric Stephen on May 26, 2009 8:41 PM PDT up reply actions
Let the record show that tonight Cory Wade pitched the SIXTH inning and Ramon Troncoso pitched a 1-2-3 eighth inning (albeit with a six-run lead).
Tron for the 3-inning save?
Or do we see Broxton, even with the good-sized lead, since he’s rested. Or maybe Leach against the bottom of the order?
Hey, are the LeBrons now without heart and soul like the Lakers are?
Are they weak, are they soft? Do they have no heart at all? etc?
The national media is killing the Lakers. Saying this series should be a sweep for the Nuggets.
Their is a reason why its 2-2, the teams are even. Games 1 and 2 were exact games that each team got a game. Lakers scored their best qtr in the 4th during game 3 in a close game. Nuggets were great last night. That doesn’t add up to a should’ve been swept series.
Lakers have to protect home court tomorrow, the Nuggets finally showed last night that home court matters. We have to make sure they know after game 5 that coming back here to LA will be a tough task to win game 7.
Um, Brent. Throw strikes please. Do not tempt Torre to get Broxton warming up.
Thank you for your consideration.
Odd strike zone. Gamecast has half of balls in the strikezone.
And not at the edges, like stright down the middle.
Ah, the problem with being a rookie pitcher
by Michael White on May 26, 2009 8:49 PM PDT up reply actions
Also
that was a sweet curve (ball 1) to Smith…it was clearly a strike.
by Eric Stephen on May 26, 2009 8:50 PM PDT up reply actions
Arizona about to blow another 6 run in the 8th
man im glad we dont have that bullpen
by SeanMillerSavior on May 26, 2009 8:53 PM PDT reply actions
A. Gonzalez did not start
He is now PHing with the bases-loaded and two out, hitting for the guy who started the inning with a solo HR! 6-4 Arizona.
But he flied out
The Pads scored on a solo HR, a bases-loaded HBP, a bases-loaded single, and a wild pitch.

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