Dodgers Host The Phillies In Phinale
by Eric Stephen on Jun 7, 2009 2:35 PM PDT
in Game Threads
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PrintPhiladelphia Phillies at Los Angeles Dodgers, Jun 7, 2009 5:00 PM PDT
The last time the Dodgers had a lead of more than one run was also the last time they were on ESPN, last Sunday against the Cubs. Yet the Dodgers have somehow, some way, improbably won four of six games this week, including the last two in walk-off fashion.
Andre Ethier, the hero of the last two comeback wins, has been on fire this first week of June. He has six extra-base hits in six games, and is hitting .391/.417/.913 for the month. Ethier was able to avoid injury during the two celebrations/pile-ups that ended the last two games "by covering up well," he said. Speaking of injuries, he said he feels more comfortable on his toe -- he split the nail on his big toe two weeks ago -- now than he did a week ago.
Eric Milton has been placed on the 15-day DL with a strained back, which apparently happened during Friday's game against Philadelphia. Blake DeWitt was recalled from Albuquerque to take his place on the 25-man roster.
Here's today's lineup:
Pierre LF
Hudson 2B
Ethier RF
Blake 3B
Loney 1B
Kemp CF
Furcal SS
Ausmus C
Wolf P
Russell Martin is getting a day of rest, and Rafael Furcal has been moved down to 7th, at least temporarily. Joe Torre said moving Furcal down in the order was more to keep Ethier's bat higher in the lineup, and that he did talk with Furcal about it before doing so. Torre said he was pleased with Furcal's home run swing Saturday, in that he used his hands more and "wasn't swinging out of his shoes."
More Joe Torre notes to follow...
UPDATE (2:39pm): Here are some notes from Joe Torre's pregame chat:
- In wanting to keep Andre Ethier's hot bat higher in the order (he's hitting 3rd tonight), this would normally be a game to move Juan Pierre down in the order, but not with the way he has been hitting.
- In the 10th inning Saturday, with runners on first and second base, nobody out and Russell Martin at the plate, Torre called for the sacrifice bunt, but called it off after Martin missed the bunt for strike one. Torre didn't want to take two strikes away from Martin in that situation.
- All these close games can only help the team if it gets to the postseason, since the club will have had more experience in pressure situations throughout the season. "The playoffs are all about pressure," Torre said.
- Today is the final game of a stretch of 17 games in 17 straight days, and Torre said the club would welcome the off days, especially Monday's rare off day at home, during a homestand.
- The club won't need a fifth starter until June 20 against the Angels, and by then Eric Stults is expected to be ready to pitch. He gets the splint off his left thumb tomorrow
- Torre likens Phillies' starter Antonio Bastardo to Clayton Kershaw last year, in that Bastardo will try to throw his fastball and the Dodgers will force him to locate that pitch for a strike
- Earlier this season, Torre said he didn't have to talk to Casey Blake about batting 8th because he was a veteran who knew how to hit there. Torre thinks the same of Matt Kemp, who batted eighth four times recently. "Matt Kemp doesn't care where he hits," Torre said, adding that if he sensed it would be a problem he would talk with the player first. With Kemp, it wasn't a problem at all.
- When asked if there was any satisfaction in beating teams from outside the NL West, Torre said there was, and not just from the final scores. For instance, even though the Dodgers were swept in Wrigley Field last regular season, Torre felt it was a positive because the club played in three close, hard-fought games. It gave the club the confidence they could play with anyone.
I'm in the press box, sitting a few booths over from the ESPN booth, and Dan Shulman's booming voice is recording the promos for tonight's radio broadcast. Much like in the old days of me recording my outgoing answering machine message, it sure does take a lot of attempts before you get it just right.
UPDATE (3:55pm):
Tonight is just the 10th career start for Rafael Furcal in the 7th spot in the batting order. He started in the 8th spot right times during his rookie year, and once in 2006, his first season with the Dodgers.
In case there was any confusion (and there was, at least with me), Dodger rookie reliever Travis Schlichting's last name is pronounced with a hard "k" sound, like "Schlick-ting."
Cory Wade's win in relief on Saturday means that all 17 Dodgers that have thrown a pitch in 2009 have recorded a win. Schlichting has yet to appear in a game.
UPDATE (4:20pm):
Per the amazing daily Dodger game notes, I found this interesting:
| Dodger Relievers | |||
| Pitcher | 1st Batters Faced | Retired | OBP |
| Belisario | 29 | 22 | .241 |
| Broxton | 26 | 23 | .115 |
| Leach | 15 | 11 | .267 |
| Mota | 22 | 14 | .364 |
| Troncoso | 24 | 17 | .292 |
| Wade | 20 | 14 | .300 |
| Weaver | 6 | 4 | .333 |
| Others | 20 | 13 | .350 |
| Totals | 162 | 118 | .272 |
UPDATE (4:58pm): I have never before heard of teenager Ashley Argota, nor have I seen her Nickelodeon show, but she just belted out a great national anthem. She has a wonderful voice.
Here's a shot of the new "Bleacher Beach," located in the Reserved level near the left field foul pole:
Here is the field before first pitch:
It's apparently "Macy's Day" at Dodger Stadium. Who knew? Overheard here at the stadium was Agnes Skinner, who told Phillies' manager Charlie Manuel, "You're Gimbals!"
UPDATE (7:55pm):
The people in the press box just got a Webkinz, which was tonight's stadium giveaway. Before now, I had no idea what one looked like. Here it is:
**********
The only person to guess today's game in the latest Russell Martin HR contest was mattpeters, who picked a 413-foot shot in the 8th inning.
Get your guesses in for "She Is Gone" here.
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Martin might pinch hit in the 8th
You never know…
I'd like to thank Manny for helping me on my final yesterday
A pretty large chunk of it was about hCG. That was good for a laugh.
Juan Pierre is finally eligible to lead the league in Batting Average
I'm nobody's fool, least of all yours
and i think he lost his lead now
I'm nobody's fool, least of all yours
by BoulderDodger on Jun 7, 2009 5:18 PM PDT up reply actions
He's not eligible yet
you need 3.1 PA per team game, and he’s at 174 PA in 58 Dodger games.
To be eligible after tonight, the Dodgers’ 59th game, Pierre will need 183 PA, or 9 tonight. It won’t be for a few games.
ah thanks, for an econ major
…i suck at math.
I'm nobody's fool, least of all yours
by BoulderDodger on Jun 7, 2009 5:21 PM PDT up reply actions
You guys can’t ruin the game for me tonight. Although Steve Phillips probably will.
Dodger Fever: Catch it every summer; head to the ER every October.
if Joe Morgan doesn't ruin it for you first
I'm nobody's fool, least of all yours
by BoulderDodger on Jun 7, 2009 5:26 PM PDT up reply actions
I hate Morgan’s stubborn refusal to accept stat analysis, but the insights he provides about the game, e.g. strategy, are good. Phillips brings absolutely nothing to the table. I have no idea why he has a job as an analyst.
Dodger Fever: Catch it every summer; head to the ER every October.
by Tango and Cash on Jun 7, 2009 5:28 PM PDT up reply actions
I think Kemp lost that. It looked like he was going to get it then he put his arm up.
Dodger Fever: Catch it every summer; head to the ER every October.
Ah, the game is on. No wonder nobody is here.
Dodger Fever: Catch it every summer; head to the ER every October.
by Tango and Cash on Jun 7, 2009 5:36 PM PDT up reply actions
No Stairs tonight
I’m sitting next to Phillies’ beat writer Andy Martino, who writes for the Philadelphia Inquirer.
He reported Matt Stairs is out tonight, attending his daughter’s high school graduation. How many players would you see that happening for?
What did he say?
I’m like two booths down from him…I can take him out if he needs a bathroom break or something, if you want.
He was talking about how it is the First Basemans job to hit home runs.
And 3rd baseman and LF and RF.
On its face, there’s nothing wrong with that…it’s a fairly common and prevailing thought in baseball.
I need more evidence to prosecute.
but not much evidence, of course…I forgot who said it (maybe F. Lee Bailey), but the old saying is something like, “you can prosecute a ham sandwich.” :)
Actually
It was reference to “They’re just a good team right now, but I expect them to get better because I expect ethier, Loney and Kemp to hit more home runs”
Sounded like a Winning (direct correlation) Home Runs
i agree
maybe it’s cause not too much has happened yet
I'm nobody's fool, least of all yours
by BoulderDodger on Jun 7, 2009 5:48 PM PDT up reply actions
Well, its also I think because somebody isn't there to mock them half the time.
Jon Miller is a good announcer. but he seemed tired of both Morgan and Phillips already.
Also, I forgot to report that Matt Kemp was also wearing a “Beast Mode” t-shirt before the game (I believe it’s on under his jersey).
Orlando Hudson is rooting against the Lakers in the Finals, although he thought it was funny that someone put a purple & gold “Orlando Sucks” t-shirt next to his locker. :)
amazing
we need a Beast Mode section in the outer reserve
I'm nobody's fool, least of all yours
by BoulderDodger on Jun 7, 2009 5:58 PM PDT up reply actions
Made Bastardo work that inning…10 balls in 21 pitches…only 1 of 5 first-pitch strikes. A good sign going forward
rashard lewis had 20 of the magic's 35
Dodgers - 2008 NL West Champions
Cardinals - 2008 NFC Champions
I've been watching the Lakers game
Is the offense still in hibernation or is Bastardo throwing well?
It was ethier just now
and pierre in the 3rd inning
I'm nobody's fool, least of all yours
by BoulderDodger on Jun 7, 2009 6:14 PM PDT up reply actions
Bastardo's had good stuff
but the Dodger are patiently making him throw some pitches…it’s starting to pay off now.
loney swung at two forehead high fastballs.
Dodgers - 2008 NL West Champions
Cardinals - 2008 NFC Champions
Yea, they just showed him working out.
Dodger Fever: Catch it every summer; head to the ER every October.
by Tango and Cash on Jun 7, 2009 6:21 PM PDT up reply actions
Steve Phillips is an idiot. He doesn’t think Manny should start over Pierre because it will ruin team chemistry. That wasn’t explicit but definitely implied. Now Morgan is agreeing with it.
Dodger Fever: Catch it every summer; head to the ER every October.
He didn’t say anything about Kemp. The implication was definitely Manny because they kept on talking about him.
Dodger Fever: Catch it every summer; head to the ER every October.
by Tango and Cash on Jun 7, 2009 6:23 PM PDT up reply actions
Come on now
It was just a suggestion that team chemistry may take a hit when it happens. No where did he imply Manny (or Kemp or Ethier) should actually sit. I don’t like these dudes more than the next time, but you’re just looking to nit.
My fav. D'back player right now.
ZAVADA! We need to figure out to trade for this guy. Think the D’backs will take Cory Wade for him?
Bastardo has started off 8 of his last 9 hitters with ball one, including all four batters this inning.
Bastardo needs to throw strikes or he'll be gone soon
74 pitches through 4 (46 strikes)…has started only 5 of 17 batters with a first-pitch strike.
Dave Concepcion references?
Dodger Fever: Catch it every summer; head to the ER every October.
by Tango and Cash on Jun 7, 2009 6:34 PM PDT up reply actions
2nd time pitching this year for josh wilson
Dodgers - 2008 NL West Champions
Cardinals - 2008 NFC Champions
i guess being able to lay down a sac bunt is attributed to your farm system
Dodgers - 2008 NL West Champions
Cardinals - 2008 NFC Champions
I wouldn't call it down the middle
It looked like it was on the outside corner of the plate to me.
Bastardo walking a tight rope
first pitch strike to 6 of 21 batters, yet only one run on 5 hits plus only one walk through 5. 94 pitches though…might be done.
Chan Ho was warming up.
I'm late but
This sixth inning looks awesome, what with Wolf getting a Quality Start, Blake getting a leadoff double, and Bastardo having to get yanked before getting his. Hopefully we take away his win right now.
Look at that, he hit the f*cking bull! Guy gets a free steak!
Announcers got it right on TV
They said no RBI for Kemp
Why do Umps call that play on ther other side of the diamond?
They seem to get it wrong half the time.
I was just about to post that Wolf is fine
88 pitches through 6, still throwing strikes, even with the leadoff single…then Ruiz HRd :(
I thought he was fine too
But with the off day, Wolf earned his paycheck for today, why not get some fresh arms out there?
Look at that, he hit the f*cking bull! Guy gets a free steak!
If you’re in the press box, I hope you said that.
Dodger Fever: Catch it every summer; head to the ER every October.
by Tango and Cash on Jun 7, 2009 7:23 PM PDT up reply actions
When did they start letting the bloggers in?
Dodger Fever: Catch it every summer; head to the ER every October.
by Tango and Cash on Jun 7, 2009 7:25 PM PDT up reply actions
You and Phil switch up?
Dodger Fever: Catch it every summer; head to the ER every October.
by Tango and Cash on Jun 7, 2009 7:27 PM PDT up reply actions
he knew that i had just picked him up in our NL only roto league
Dodgers - 2008 NL West Champions
Cardinals - 2008 NFC Champions
because Wolf has only thrown 88 pitches through 6
and was still throwing strikes…he made a bad pitch to Superman, that’s all.
Well at least he was able to raise his era
a pitcher has to have goals sarcasm
Look at that, he hit the f*cking bull! Guy gets a free steak!
Oh yeah.
My rooting interests:
For Dodgers
For Colts
For Pacers
Against Patriots
Against Lakers
Against Chargers
interesting collaboration of teams
I'm nobody's fool, least of all yours
by BoulderDodger on Jun 7, 2009 7:29 PM PDT up reply actions
Wolf's not an ace...
As well as he’s pitched this year, have to expect a few outings like this.
hmm
that’s two of these bad outings in a row now.
Dodgers - 2008 NL West Champions
Cardinals - 2008 NFC Champions
Well, I'll be happy
If he finishes the year at or under a 4.00 ERA (or FIP or whatever).
Philips just suggested
Wolf could move to the pen in the playoffs if they add a starter. Doubt they’d add anyone better than Wolf, but even so if Kershaw keeps improving Wolf could be an (unneeded?) fourth starter if the Dodgers make the playoffs. Nice thought.
If Kershaw stays relatively inconsistent during the regular season, I’d rather see him in the ’pen in the playoffs where he can let loose.
Dodger Fever: Catch it every summer; head to the ER every October.
by Tango and Cash on Jun 7, 2009 7:36 PM PDT up reply actions
Yay! The Ting-Tings have made the ballpark playlist!
Look at that, he hit the f*cking bull! Guy gets a free steak!
beat me to it
those same exact words too
Dodgers - 2008 NL West Champions
Cardinals - 2008 NFC Champions
poor kid, I will console him with hugs, section 104 after the game :)
Look at that, he hit the f*cking bull! Guy gets a free steak!
At a way to recover attractive young reliever
Look at that, he hit the f*cking bull! Guy gets a free steak!
Use your press powers to get my his digits!
Look at that, he hit the f*cking bull! Guy gets a free steak!
i was just about to type that
gotta love former zags
I'm nobody's fool, least of all yours
by BoulderDodger on Jun 7, 2009 7:57 PM PDT up reply actions
apparently I also need you get me the cute stuffed horsey :)
Look at that, he hit the f*cking bull! Guy gets a free steak!
I can honestly say, I'll give up Dodger wins for Laker wins right now
I believe Mr. Stephen would agree.
to be honest I confused Madson with Lidge
but sure, why not, team ego repair
Look at that, he hit the f*cking bull! Guy gets a free steak!
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