The Bison Is Home With The Range
by Eric Stephen on Jun 6, 2009 11:00 AM PDT
in Game Threads
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PrintPhiladelphia Phillies at Los Angeles Dodgers, Jun 6, 2009 1:10 PM PDT
For someone who was once thought of as a future corner outfielder at best, Matt Kemp sure seems to be making a home for himself in center field. He seems to make a couple of head-turning plays per game, and he's gotten so good that even on routine singles -- like Jayson Werth's in the ninth inning Friday night -- it's not outlandish to think Kemp will somehow make the catch.
Here are Kemp's rankings among fellow center fielders on defense:
| Ultimate Zone Rating (UZR) | +7.5 runs | 2nd in MLB |
| Plus/Minus | +7 plays | 5th |
| Fielding Runs Above Average (FRAA) | +10 | |
| Revised Zone Rating (RZR) | .945 | 10th |
If his defense isn't enough to wow you, Kemp is also working on a 10-game hitting streak, during which he is hitting .438 (14 for 32).
In other Dodger outfielder news, Andre Ethier is hitting .333/.333/.667 with four extra base hits in five games in June, including last night's game-winner.
Juan Pierre has 12 stolen bases in the 28 games since he took over for Manny Ramirez.
Hiroki Kuroda makes his second start since coming off the disabled list. In two career regular season starts against the Phillies, Kuroda has allowed four hits, and the Phillies are hitting .095/.152/.143 against him. Kuroda was also able to get the only Dodger win of last year's NLCS.
For the third straight game, the Dodgers face a pitcher with an ERA over 5.00, but like Cole Hamels on Thursday, Joe Blanton has pitched better than his record. Even though his ERA is 5.86 through 10 starts, his x-FIP is 4.08.
Nobody guessed Saturday's game in our Russell Martin HR contest, and maybe it was because they read David Golebiewski's analysis of Martin's declining power on Fangraphs, one that ends with the sobering thought:
Martin is just entering what are typically the peak years of a player’s career, but might we have seen his best already?
Get your guesses in for today's "She Is Gone" contest here.
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I'm nobody's fool, least of all yours
by BoulderDodger on Jun 6, 2009 1:15 PM PDT up reply actions
Ken Rosenthal does his research
But he delivers his reports like he’s a “Wargames” era text-to-speech generator.
by insomniacslounge on Jun 6, 2009 1:28 PM PDT reply actions
Wow. That was amazing
And thank you Victorino for sliding feet first rather than running through the bag.
by insomniacslounge on Jun 6, 2009 1:46 PM PDT up reply actions
It's depressing listening to the offensive half of innings right now
3 runs before the 6th inning all week and the earliest lead was in the 6th inning of the 1-0 win behind Billingsley. I’m quite happy to be 3-2 this week in the meantime, but 10 days of futility is about 9 too many.
Looks like this is a winner
Ethier
4th inning
365 feetby Xeifrank on Jun 6, 2009 9:29 AM PDT reply reply actions actions 0 recs
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
Really
I saw a 2nd and 6th but not another 4th. Could you paste it.
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
sure
Ethier
4th inning
382 feetby jaffa on Jun 6, 2009 2:11 AM PDT reply reply actions actions 0 recs
That has to be the winner
that ball was 1/2 way up the bleachers.
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
Yup
but that was right center, I figure it had to be well over 400 feet.
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
He's pitching like an
opening day starter. What an addition to the rotation.
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
Kuroda looking great
And great swing by Ethier on the HR.
Ruiz - hottest hitting catcher in baseball
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
Can’t watch the game today due to the blackout. Now it’s just like old times where I’m clueless to all the action.
Dodger Fever: Catch it every summer; head to the ER every October.
for 9.99
you could listen to Vinny on MLB radio for the whole year
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
Yea, I do. I actually get MLB radio, with my MLB.tv subscription, but he’s only on the first 3 innings.
Dodger Fever: Catch it every summer; head to the ER every October.
by Tango and Cash on Jun 6, 2009 2:26 PM PDT up reply actions
Great play from both ends
Hudson dives to his right and throws high but Loney stays on the bag
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
gameday says ball 1 was strike 3.
Dodger Fever: Catch it every summer; head to the ER every October.
So where do they show the distance on home runs?
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
I have no idea. I figured something like that would be the same price everywhere.
Dodger Fever: Catch it every summer; head to the ER every October.
by Tango and Cash on Jun 6, 2009 2:34 PM PDT up reply actions
Showing Piazza bomb
that cleared left field pavillion
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
You mean Werth.
Dodger Fever: Catch it every summer; head to the ER every October.
by Tango and Cash on Jun 6, 2009 2:40 PM PDT up reply actions
Karros
saying that when Lopes was a 1st base coach and he was playing first is that he’d tell the runner every time the pitcher was about to come to 1st base.
Interesting note because the Phillies have the best running % in baseball. I would think that would have some Werth.
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
Pierre wasn't really
running hard to the line for that foul ball
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
Must have thought it was in the stands but
that was close to being fair
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
It doesn’t matter if it’s a passed ball.
Dodger Fever: Catch it every summer; head to the ER every October.
by Tango and Cash on Jun 6, 2009 2:45 PM PDT up reply actions
It was, but a better catcher would have handled it
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
Wild pitch, passed ball. It doesn’t matter.
Dodger Fever: Catch it every summer; head to the ER every October.
by Tango and Cash on Jun 6, 2009 2:47 PM PDT up reply actions
You think Martin is going to look Werth back this time?
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
Per Dodger Notes
HE’S GOT FLAIR – Dodger outfielder Andre Ethier belted a walk-off, two-run double last night, adding to his resume of late-game heroics. Since the start of the 2008 season, Ethier has five walk-off hits, the most of any player in the Major Leagues over that time (Source:Elias). Ethier’s walk-off hits:
Date Game-winning hit
May 25, 2008 vs. STL RBI-single
Aug. 12, 2008 vs. PHI RBI-single
Aug. 17, 2008 vs. MIL 2-run homer
May 2, 2009 vs. SD RBI-single
June 5, 2009 vs. PHI 2-run double
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
Yes
I was shocked to find out how little research the media has to do, the Dodgers provide all these nuggets.
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
Gameday said ball 3 on Kemp was a strike.
Dodger Fever: Catch it every summer; head to the ER every October.
Just missed a 3 run homer.
Dodger Fever: Catch it every summer; head to the ER every October.
by Tango and Cash on Jun 6, 2009 3:01 PM PDT up reply actions
That ball just kept carrying
but Karros was right, don’t throw him a fastball
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
Per Dodger Notes
MORNING GLORY – On this day in 1959 at County Stadium in Milwaukee , 26-year-old Washington , D.C. native Maurice Morning Wills made his Major League debut at shortstop for the Los Angeles Dodgers. Wills would steal his first base on July 15 of that year and go on to swipe 586 bags in his illustrious 14-year career for the Dodgers, Pirates, and Expos. Wills is a four-time World Champion, four-time All-Star, two-time Gold Glove winner, and owner of the 1962 National League MVP. An on-field ceremony will honor Wills’ 50 years in baseball at the start of the third inning this afternoon.
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
Belsario in.
I’m guessing Troncoso will close this game out due to Broxton pitching twice the last two games.
Wade is warming up for the 8th, too.
Loved what Tampa did today against the Yankee’s today.
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
What are you talking about?
the ball hit Belly and bounced over to Hudson
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
Just telling Martin
to keep an eye on the guy on third
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
Pays off
if they play in no way Hudson gets that ball
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
Belly has done fine
but this is really where I miss Kuo
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
Martin was lucky, because that was a terrible throw to 2nd
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
Martin could have a slug% below .300 by the time this weekend is over.
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
Per Dodger Notes
Not to go unnoticed, set-up man Ramon Troncoso owns a 1.78 ERA and has allowed just two runs in his last 13 appearances (16.1 IP) dating back to May 8. Right-hander Ronald Belisario leads the club with 28 appearances and has given up just one earned run in his last 12 appearances, spanning 13.2 IP (0.66 ERA).
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
Martin 1 for 14 in June coming into this game
No home runs
Slug % of .306
Love how Joe picks our clean up hitters
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
Great Upton Commercial
Those parents must had some type kind genes.
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
Rincon and Romero both pitched for the Twins in 2005
both have suspended for Steroids
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
Kool Kemp per Dodger Notes
MATT THE BAT – Dodger center fielder Matt Kemp has a 10-game hitting streak during which he is batting .438 (14-for-32) with a .500 OBP and has also hit safely in 16 of 17 contests (.400, 24-for-60). Kemp had a 15-game hitting streak to start the season from April 6-21.
►Kemp is tied for second in the National League with 13 stolen bases and is tied for first in the Majors with seven outfield assists.
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
Castro does his Furcal rally killer imitation
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
if he hadn't gotten a hit he wouldn't have been on 2nd
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
of course, you knew we'd get single after that pickoff
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
I thought he drove it but simple fly ball
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
16.9%
When Castro got picked off 2nd base it dropped the Dodgers winning percentage from 47.7% down to 30.8%, a drop of 16.9%.
vr, Xei
Great Eye but Ethier
Will Martin hit into DP or walk. He completely blows against RHP this year.
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
Madson
has been by far the best Phillie relief pitcher. He’s got great stuff.
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
If Charlie Manuel were honest with himself
he’d make Madson the closer and bump Lidge elsewhere.
by Seanny Rotten on Jun 6, 2009 4:04 PM PDT up reply actions
Whoever's calling the game w/ Karros said it was caught. Dummy.
by Seanny Rotten on Jun 6, 2009 4:13 PM PDT up reply actions
I thought it was the way Werth was sitting on the ground
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
Empty bench
According to Steiner, the Phillies have emptied their bench of all position players. Doesn’t bode well if the game goes extra innings.
vr, Xei
Really thought Werth had stolen the home run
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
Phillies got no more players on the bench
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
Would be nice to end it now
since they have Utley, Werth, Howard coming up
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
Don't forget
EMPTY BENCH FOR THE PHILS.
Oh this looks so much better for us in extra innings. All we have to do is get through the 10th.
by Seanny Rotten on Jun 6, 2009 4:17 PM PDT up reply actions
Time to get more snacks ready
free baseball in LA
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
Broxton is 6-0
That’s an amazing record for a closer this early in the season. He’s on pace to go something like 17-0, haha! Let’s make it 7-0!
vr, Xei
Well
I think at least two of those were saves he blew.
by Seanny Rotten on Jun 6, 2009 4:18 PM PDT up reply actions
Right
and I think in both of those blown saves we ended up winning, in the process handing JB a W.
by Seanny Rotten on Jun 6, 2009 4:20 PM PDT up reply actions
Yeah, it’s lucky to a degree no matter how you slice it. But still amazing for a closer to be 6-0 this early in the season.
vr, Xei
Best winning numbers for Dodger relief pitchers in history
http://www.bb-ref.com/play-index/shareit/6pTz
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
Perry and Regan need to start worrying
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
Sweet photo
Should be the game recap photo
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
I have a larger one.
http://zip.4chan.org/sp/src/1244330069471.jpg
Linked because the resoulation is 1280X720
Swung and missed ball hits him in the leg
very strange pitch for Chase to swing at
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
Andre puts Russell in a great situation
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
Most
Managers will bunt here. Then IBB to Loney. But that loads the bases for Kemp, who strikes out alot, which is exactly what Phillies need. Kemp has speed to stay out of DPs though.
vr, Xei
A bunt would put a runner on 3rd with less then two out for Loney who has brought
that guy home 85% of the time.
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
should have pinch hit w/ a pitcher
j/k…..sorta
by insomniacslounge on Jun 6, 2009 4:36 PM PDT up reply actions
Not to many DP's this year
in fact not to many since the all-star break last year
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
Awful kind of Martin and Loney to give Kemp another shot at the hit streak
But I would have been ok w/ executing and winning the game earlier.
by insomniacslounge on Jun 6, 2009 4:42 PM PDT reply actions
Guess they won't be miking the ump in the future
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
Did I hear the Ump's comment correctly?
“I’m f*ckin’ sick of you.”
by insomniacslounge on Jun 6, 2009 4:46 PM PDT reply actions
After a few rewinds
I agree w/ you, Seanny Rotten. In response to Kemp asking “are you f*cking kidding me?”
by insomniacslounge on Jun 6, 2009 4:48 PM PDT up reply actions
hahaha
Stockton: “We apologize for that remark.”
I'm nobody's fool, least of all yours
by BoulderDodger on Jun 6, 2009 4:48 PM PDT up reply actions
Mark Winters is infamous for cussing
and taunting players. This should be solid evidence to get him out.
I wonder who hits for Durbin, if someone gets on this inning. I would assume someone like Hamels or Moyer.
vr, Xei
Such a scary middle of the lineup
Utley, Howard, Ibanez and yet for the most part we have shut them down.
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
Just telling him not to throw a meat pitch with the pitcher on deck
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
Not like we have any pinch hitters
available ourselves.
Ausmus is it right?
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
Didn't Chan Ho shut us
down the last time he started against us? Yes he did
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
Counterpoint to Karros' remark
If Martin gets the bunt down, they probably walk Loney to load the bases. So the ball that would have been a sac never happens.
by insomniacslounge on Jun 6, 2009 4:59 PM PDT reply actions
Yeah
Don’t get me wrong. Martin’s inability to bunt definitely hurt. Just saying the game probably wouldn’t have ended w/ Loney.
by insomniacslounge on Jun 6, 2009 5:00 PM PDT up reply actions
Is he talking about the fact
that most high school pitchers play SS when not pitching?
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
Schlicthing was drafted as a 3rd baseman. He could probably pinch hit
and pitch when we ge to the 13th inning.
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
4 hours in. And this game isn't nowhere close to being finished.
Its going to be a night game at this rate.
Which movie is going to be funnier
Hangover or the Will Ferrel movie?
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
Good
cause that is the one we are going to see. The trailers are about as funny as I’ve seen for a while.
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
Goes from terrible terrible May
to on fire in June
Sixth walk off and 3rd walk off home run of his career
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
I'm not Eric Stephen, and I don't have the right photo.
But hopefully, this will work for a sub for today.
The Phillies road record takes a hit in Los Angeles
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
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