Dodgers Week 17 In Review: Road Weary
by Eric Stephen on Aug 3, 2009 6:00 AM PDT
in Weeks/Months In Review
98 comments
Previous Weekly Recaps: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16
The Dodgers stumbled out of the gate on their seven-game road trip, getting drubbed the first two games in St. Louis by the new-look Cardinals. Clayton Kershaw's gem on Wednesday made it seem like a Dodger win was in order, but a stumbling offense -- lots of hits and baserunners, but very few runs -- couldn't come through as the Dodgers dropped their third straight game in 15 innings.
However, as they have all season, the Dodgers rebounded, winning the finale in St. Louis, then pasting the Braves on Friday and Sunday to salvage the week. The Dodgers were almost one dropped catch at home -- on Saturday in Atlanta -- away from actually having a winning trip. After starting the trip with four hits in 25 at-bats with runners in scoring position, the Dodgers hit .318 (14 for 44) in such situations to finish the trip.
It is worth noting that the worst ten-game stretch for the Dodgers all season is 4-6, something they have done only three times all year. Avoiding long losing spells will go a long way toward winning a division.
Dodger Batter of the Week: Even though he missed Sunday's game with a wrist injury, Casey Blake was the top batter for the Dodgers this week. Entering the week in an eight-for-45 slump, The Beard was a hit machine this week, tallying 11 hits in six games while hitting .440/.464/.600. Andre Ethier made a strong bid for his second straight award, hitting a pair of big home runs in Atlanta while hitting .300/.400/.567 for the week.
Dodger Pitcher of the Week: For the fifth time in seven weeks, this award goes to Clayton Kershaw. Kershaw was brilliant in his lone start this week, pitching scoreless frames for a career-high eight innings against the Cardinals. Even though Kershaw exited with a 1-0 lead, the Dodgers were unable to get him a win, and ended up losing in 15 innings in what was, despite the outcome, one of the best games of the year. Honorable mention goes to a pair of oft-injured pitchers: Hong-Chih Kuo, who after three months off, intentionally walked two batters but retired the other 11 he faced, and Jason Schmidt, who allowed just one hit (and five walks) in six scoreless innings Friday in Atlanta.
Week 17 Record: 3-4
25 runs scored (3.57 per game)
27 runs allowed (3.86 per game)
.462 pythagorean winning percentage
Overall Seasonal Record: 65-40 (.619)
516 runs scored (4.91 per game)
408 runs allowed (3.89 per game)
.615 pythagorean winning percentage
Vice Versa: In a blowout loss on Tuesday in St. Louis, Mark Loretta was asked to get the final out of the game on the mound, and did retire Ryan Ludwick on a flyball after plunking Matt Holliday in the foot with a 78 MPH pitch. As Loretta, who also pitched a scoreless inning for the Brewers in 2001, told Ken Gurnick of MLB.com, "It's been eight years. I was well rested."
On Sunday night, after Chad Billingsley was removed for precautionary reasons with a cramp in his right leg, pitcher Jason Schmidt was asked to pinch-hit in the sixth inning. Schmidt lined a single, and ended up scoring later in the inning. It was the first time Schmidt had a hit, as well as the first time he had a run, since the Dodgers' home opener in 2007, when he homered.
No Steaks For Me, I'm On A Diet: Manny Ramirez, in the midst of his first real slump as a Dodger, doesn't have a run batted in since hitting his Bobbleslam, a span of nine games. Manny has gone 43 plate appearances without an RBI, the fourth longest streak of his career:
| Dates | Team | PA |
| 5/31/97-6/16/97 | Indians | 53 |
| 5/29/95-6/13/95 | Indians | 47 |
| 4/20/08-5/2/08 | Red Sox | 44 |
| 7/24/09-present | Dodgers | 43 |
A Striking Debut: George Sherrill, acquired from the Orioles on Thursday, became just the third Los Angeles Dodger reliever to have three strikeouts in his first inning with the team, by striking out three Braves in the seventh inning on Friday. Pete Richert actually struck out the first six hitters of his big league career (one reached base on a passed ball) on April 12, 1962 against the Reds in just the third game at Dodger Stadium. The last Dodger to accomplish this feat was Bob O'Brien, who struck out three Padres in his first inning on April 11, 1971.
Personal Best: Andre Ethier set a new career high by hitting his 21st home run of the season on Friday in Atlanta, a three-run shot that propelled the Dodgers to victory. Ethier, whose previous career high was 20, set last year, homered again on Saturday for number 22. The season is not quite two-thirds completed yet, as there are still 57 games remaining on the schedule.
But, At Least We Had More Hits: On Tuesday, the Dodgers were shutout 10-0 by the Cardinals, despite outhitting them nine to eight. This was the first time the Dodgers have outhit an opponent and lost by 10 or more runs since April 24, 1958 against the Cubs.
Transactions: There were quite a few transactions during trade deadline week:
- Monday: Xavier Paul was transferred from the 15-day disabled list to the 60-day DL, opening up a 40-man roster spot, along with...
- Monday: Blake DeWitt was optioned to AAA Albuquerque for the fifth time this year, opening up a 25-man roster spot for...
- Monday: Hong-Chih Kuo was activated from the 60-day disabled list, seeing his first major league action since April 29
- Thursday: Brent Leach was optioned to AAA Albuquerque, after allowing six straight batters and 11 of his last 16 to reach base, in order to make room for...
- Thursday: Scott Elbert was recalled from AAA Albuquerque, the third time he has been called up to the Dodgers this season, trying to catch Blake DeWitt in frequent flyer miles.
- Thursday: Will Ohman was transferred from the 15-day disabled list to the 60-day DL, opening up a 40-man roster spot for...
- Thursday: George Sherrill was acquired via trade from the Orioles, for 3B Josh Bell and SP Steve Johnson, minor leaguers ranked 10th and 13th, respectively, by Phil Gurnee in the True Blue LA midseason prospect rankings.
- Friday: To open up a spot on the 25-man roster for Sherrill, Claudio Vargas was traded to the Brewers for 29-year old nonroster minor league catcher Vinny Rottino, who reported to AA Chattanooga
- Sunday: Cory Wade was activated from the 15-day disabled list after pitching three games with AAA Albuquerque on a rehabilitation assignment, but he will stay with the Isotopes since he was also simultaneously optioned to AAA
There are currently 39 active players on the 40-man roster, but that open spot will presumably be taken by Doug Mientkiewicz, who is close to being activated from the 60-day disabled list.
Upcoming Week: The Dodgers return home this week, halfway done with their latest 20-games-in-20-days stretch. The Brewers come to town for three games, and the Braves begin a four-game series at Dodger Stadium on Thursday.
Week 17 Stats
| Player | AB | R | H | 2B | 3B | HR | RBI | BB | SB/CS | BA/OBP/SLG | OPS |
| Blake | 25 | 4 | 11 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 0/1 | .440/.464/.600 | 1.064 |
| Ethier | 30 | 5 | 9 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 5 | 5 | 1/0 | .300/.400/.567 | .967 |
| Kemp | 30 | 2 | 10 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 9 | 2 | 1/0 | .333/.364/.467 | .830 |
| Loney | 33 | 1 | 12 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 1 | 0/0 | .364/.382/.424 | .807 |
| Martin | 25 | 2 | 8 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0/0 | .320/.346/.400 | .746 |
| Furcal | 33 | 3 | 11 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 2 | 1/0 | .333/.361/.364 | .725 |
| Hudson | 27 | 2 | 7 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 4 | 0/0 | .259/.375/.333 | .708 |
| Manny | 29 | 2 | 5 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 0/0 | .172/.294/.241 | .535 |
| Castro | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0/0 | 1.000/1.000/1.000 | 2.000 |
| Ausmus | 5 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0/0 | .400/.400/.400 | .800 |
| Pierre | 6 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0/0 | .333/.333/.333 | .667 |
| Loretta | 9 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0/0 | .222/.222/.333 | .556 |
| Pitchers | 17 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0/0 | .118/.118/.118 | .235 |
| Totals | 270 | 25 | 82 | 15 | 1 | 3 | 25 | 21 | 3/1 | .304/.355/.400 | .755 |
| Pitcher | G | W-L | Sv | IP | H | R | ER | BB | K | ERA | WHIP |
| Kershaw | 1 | 0-0 | -- | 8.0 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 7 | 0.00 | 0.750 |
| Schmidt | 1 | 1-0 | -- | 6.0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 3 | 0.00 | 1.000 |
| Kuroda | 1 | 0-0 | -- | 6.0 | 4 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 5 | 3.00 | 0.667 |
| Wolf | 2 | 0-2 | -- | 12.0 | 16 | 6 | 5 | 4 | 11 | 3.75 | 1.750 |
| Billingsley | 2 | 1-1 | -- | 10.2 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 7 | 14 | 5.06 | 1.406 |
| Kuo | 4 | 0-0 | -- | 3.2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 4 | 0.00 | 0.545 |
| Sherrill | 2 | 0-0 | -- | 1.1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 3 | 0.00 | 0.750 |
| Loretta | 1 | 0-0 | -- | 0.1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0.00 | 0.000 |
| McDonald | 3 | 1-0 | -- | 3.2 | 2 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 2.45 | 0.818 |
| Mota | 5 | 0-0 | -- | 3.1 | 5 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 2.70 | 1.500 |
| Elbert | 1 | 0-0 | -- | 2.2 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 3.38 | 0.750 |
| Weaver | 1 | 0-1 | -- | 2.2 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 3.38 | 1.125 |
| Troncoso | 3 | 0-0 | -- | 2.1 | 6 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 3.86 | 3.000 |
| Broxton | 2 | 0-0 | 1 | 2.0 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 4.50 | 1.500 |
| Vargas | 1 | 0-0 | -- | 2.0 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 4 | 4.50 | 1.500 |
| Leach | 2 | 0-0 | -- | 0.0 | 3 | 4 | 4 | 2 | 0 | ∞ | ∞ |
| Totals | 7 |
3-4 | 1 | 66.2 | 54 | 27 | 24 | 29 | 59 | 3.24 | 1.245 |
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I hope Vinny Rotino doesn’t get his hopes up:
He didn’t know much about the Dodgers, but said, “They obviously want me, because they traded away a guy who pitched in the big leagues for them.”
by Eric Stephen on Aug 3, 2009 8:16 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Why Home Runs Matter
The two games that the Dodgers won going away saw the scoring start with a home run. Kudos to Andre Ethier for getting the Dodgers out of the homerless drought and Matt Kemp crushed a complete meatball by Jurjjens to open up the scoring. Home Runs demoralize pitchers, and both of these bombs came while the game was still a “pitching duel.”
by mwhite06 on Aug 3, 2009 8:22 AM PDT reply actions 1 recs
Yep, and they were both three-run jacks. To paraphrase Earl Weaver, “get me some of those c**ksuckers that can hit the ball out of the f**king ballpark.” :)
by Eric Stephen on Aug 3, 2009 8:26 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Tonight will be one of those rare times when the visiting team will be more rested. The Dodgers flew home late last night, and were expected to get into LA around 3am this morning.
The Brewers, meanwhile, were in San Diego for the weekend, and just had a short trip up I-5 after their day game Sunday.
by Eric Stephen on Aug 3, 2009 9:40 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Was Clayton sent home a head of time?
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
by Phil Gurnee on Aug 3, 2009 9:47 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Best road trip of the year for Andre?
I also want some credit for the Beard breakout. Last Monday before he saw an at bat I pointed how how lousy he’d been lately.
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
by Phil Gurnee on Aug 3, 2009 9:48 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Ethier on the road
Trip 1 (SD, AZ): .208/.387/.250
Trip 2 (Hou, Col, SF): .294/.415/.471
Trip 3 (Fla, Phi): .200/.261/.250
Trip 4 (Col, ChC): .250/.318/.350
Trip 5 (Tex only): .091/.231/.091
Trip 6 (Ana, CWS): .150/.346/.250
Trip 7 (SD, NY, Mil): .205/.255/.432
Trip 8 (StL, Atl): .300/.400/.567
by Eric Stephen on Aug 3, 2009 10:02 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'd say Yes and call that one hell of an improvement.
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
by Phil Gurnee on Aug 3, 2009 10:07 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
In a weird twist, Ethier’s two good road trips were the only two the Dodgers had a losing record!
by Eric Stephen on Aug 3, 2009 10:10 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Your weekly reviews should be a must read for any Dodger fan.
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
by Phil Gurnee on Aug 3, 2009 9:50 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
no soup for non-readers
f**k, man, there's a beverage here!
by seesdifferent on Aug 3, 2009 10:13 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Corey Hart
of the Brewers had an emergency appendectomy in San Diego last night and is on the DL. Wow, that really sucks. Glad he is ok.
vr, Xei
by Xeifrank on Aug 3, 2009 10:05 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Good for him that he didn’t use Adrian Beltre’s doctor!
by Eric Stephen on Aug 3, 2009 10:10 AM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
I'm only posting this because Carlos Santana was being mentioned in the last thread
about moving off of catcher.
From BA Hot Sheet – Number two this week:
No. 2 CARLOS SANTANA, C
INDIANS
Carlos SantanaTeam: Double-A Akron (Eastern)
Age: 23
Why He’s Here: .480/.480/1.040 (12-for-25), 4 HR, 2 2B, 12 RBIs, 7 R, 0 BB, 3 SO
The Scoop: As the trade deadline hits this afternoon, Santana has continued to remind everyone this week (and all season, frankly) that he was the biggest heist of the 2008 trading deadline, when the Indians picked him up from the Dodgers in exchange for Casey Blake and cash. He’s one of the best offensive catchers in the minors, with a well-rounded skill set of patience, power, athleticism and the defensive tools to remain at catcher and eventually take over for Victor Martinez. Santana already has 63 walks in 96 games but didn’t walk once this week. He did get plenty of work to practice his home run trot, as he blasted a homer in four consecutive games, including one as a pinch-hitter.
This was printed hours before Martinez was traded. As I said before, I’ll be surprised if Santana is moved off of catcher after all the time he’s invested in it.
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
by Phil Gurnee on Aug 3, 2009 10:10 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Dee Gordon makes Number Ten on the Hot Sheet
No. 10 DEE GORDON, SS
DODGERS
Dee GordonTeam: low Class A Great Lakes (Midwest)
Age: 20
Why He’s Here: .438 (14-for-32), 10 runs, 2 2B, 1 3B, 1 HR, 1 RBI, 2 B, 2 K, 4 SB, 2 CS
The Scoop: Gordon is an example of the advantage good scouting can give a team. He was declared ineligible at Seminole (Fla.) CC before the 2008 season, which meant that no one got to see him in game action that year. But the Dodgers liked what they saw in a pre-draft workout and selected him in the fourth round anyway. He’s paying the Dodgers back for their belief by quickly turning into one of the better shortstop prospects in the minors. He leads the minors in stolen bases (58) and leads the Midwest League in hits (129), runs scored (80) and triples (10).
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
by Phil Gurnee on Aug 3, 2009 10:16 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
I'm curious to see how the end of season ranking go at BA
for each league. Wouldn’t be surprised to see Gordon grab the number one spot. His competition would have been Josh Vitters.
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
by Phil Gurnee on Aug 3, 2009 10:17 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
SO CAL BIAS
Los Angeles and “Los Angeles” have the No 1 and No 2 best records in baseball, and both are 1st in their respective League. Bizarre. Not sure when the last time that geographic-political oddity occurred to a megalopolis. If it were 1947 and the season ended yesterday we would have a LA METRO world series. Could be a sign of things to come and put some pizazz into the Freeway “Rivalry”.
by Dodger Dude on Aug 3, 2009 10:23 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
The Angels have come on like gang busters while missing
two of their best hitters. Kendry Morales has been simply amazing. I can’t recall a time when the the two Los Angeles teams had the best records in baseball on August 1st. I think someone answered this question in another thread several weeks ago. It would be quite a California treat if we get to beat the Giants in the NLCS and then face the Angels in the World Series.
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
by Phil Gurnee on Aug 3, 2009 10:31 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Which would be better?
I haven’t quite settled in my own mind whom I would prefer the Dodgers to face in the World Series: the Yankees – the auld and classic rivalry, what the WS should always be; the Red Sox – the “new Yankees” with many players exchanged (Drew, Penny, Manny) between the teams; or the Angels – west coast rules with a local derby to match anything New York can do and Chicago has never done. Well, forget Red Sox. Yankees or Angels. I think Yankees would be more exciting.
by berkowit28 on Aug 3, 2009 10:54 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
All of the three you mentioned would make a classic series but just being in the Series is all I care about at this point.
by meercatjohn on Aug 3, 2009 11:03 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Not a Bad "Bad Week"
Man, Dewitt is going to be able to take an awesome vacation this winter with all of the frequent flier miles he is getting. He’ll be able to go all the way to Australia for a second summer.
Liked the weekly review, but I think someone has to do an analysis on bad luck. The key to this loosing spell was that the Dodgers didn’t stop hitting, just the law of averages clicked in and the hitting wasn’t bunched (probably because Kemp wasn’t hitting 8th).
Although Manny has had a slump, its probably due to a slight injury, and you forgot to mention that his glove has suddenly become a vacuum cleaner. I’ve also noticed pitchers getting a bit reckless with Manny, so I have a feeling this will turn around quickly big time.
by Dodger Dude on Aug 3, 2009 10:32 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Since becoming the charter member of the 50-walk club on July 22, Russell Martin has gone 40 plate appearances without a free pass. He has been hit by a pitch twice, however.
by Eric Stephen on Aug 3, 2009 10:39 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Edison Volquez has Tommy John surgery.
Never ever ever ever hire Dusty Baker as your manager.
by Tripon on Aug 3, 2009 11:01 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
I don't think you can hang that one on Dusty can you?
Two marquee players in 2008 involved in the same deal are now injury riddled in 2009.
by meercatjohn on Aug 3, 2009 11:04 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah, you're right.
Looking at Volquez’s game logs he doesn’t seem to throw a crazy amount of pitches in any given game.
by Tripon on Aug 3, 2009 11:11 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Other non-Dodger news: Brian Matusz getting called up to Orioles.
by Eric Stephen on Aug 3, 2009 11:05 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
The Orioles very quickly
have built the best prospect pitching in baseball. Tillman(number 5) got the call last week, Matusz(number 7) this week and they still have Jake Arrieta (number 18) still percolating. All three were in the latest top 20 produced by John Sickels. Along with Markakis, Adam Jones, Roberts, and Weiter they are building a nice nucleus.
by meercatjohn on Aug 3, 2009 11:15 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I know he’s 24 and in AAA, and in Colorado Springs, but Eric Young, Jr. has now stolen 53 bases in just 63 attempts. He’s having a nice little season — scored four runs last night without a hit — but I mostly wanted to post this link because OH MY GOD he looks just like his father.
by Eric Stephen on Aug 3, 2009 11:17 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
I know teams wanted to trade for him.
He’s in a numbers jam because Barnes is entrenched at 2nd base.
by Tripon on Aug 3, 2009 11:18 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Clint Barmes should never, ever block anybody.
by Eric Stephen on Aug 3, 2009 11:20 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
And yet, it is happening at the moment.
I think Barmes is a free agent, which I guess is why the Rockies didn’t trade Young.
They’re going to need him eventually, and they’ll call Young up before he can opt out via minor league FA.
by Tripon on Aug 3, 2009 11:25 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
He could be a roto stud but not sure how much value he will
as a 2nd baseman. He does seem to take a walk. He did not make John Sickels top 100 list that came out last week. I wonder if his defense is as suspect as his fathers was.
The other Young, Delywn with five straight starts at 2nd base since Sanchez was traded. I’m going to be very very very pissed off if D Young turns into a usable second baseman after the Dodgers gave up on him as one.
by meercatjohn on Aug 3, 2009 11:25 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Young would be our best bench player right now.
Not exactly sure why we kept Castro, and Vargas on the roster over Young.
Who did we trade for Young?
by Tripon on Aug 3, 2009 11:27 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
A 24 year old at High-A?
Doesn’t seem much of a prospect.
by Tripon on Aug 3, 2009 11:41 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
He’s not…such is the price of trading someone without a spot and out of options who can’t field a position.
by Eric Stephen on Aug 3, 2009 11:42 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Keep riding that horse Eric
But I agree, with Pierre around, there was no spot for him.
by bhsportsguy on Aug 3, 2009 12:13 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
2nd player in Pee Wee deal
We also got one other guy, pitcher Harvey Garcia. From today’s Isotopes game notes:
The Isotopes today welcomed back a familiar face with the arrival of relief pitcher Harvey Garcia, who is the player to be named in a trade between the Pirates and Dodgers for outfielder Delwyn Young on April 15. The last time ‘Topes fans saw Garcia was 2007 when he went 4-1 with a 6.19 ERA for Albuquerque before making his Major League debut as a September call-up. Last year, Garcia sat out the entire season after undergoing rotator cuff surgery and, although healthy, was released by the Marlins in Spring Training of this year. On June 23, he was signed to a Minor League contract by the Pirates and appeared in two games for the GCL Pirates and 10 for Single-A Lynchburg, going a combined 1-0 with a save and a 3.60 ERA (6 ER / 15.1 IP)
by Eric Stephen on Aug 3, 2009 1:37 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
He was part of the Beckett/Hanley deal in November 2005
by Eric Stephen on Aug 3, 2009 1:39 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I nominate Kershaw for NL Pitcher of the Month
IP 38.0
H: 21
K: 34
BB: 18
ERA: 0.71
WHIP: 1.03
BAA: .167
by silverwidow on Aug 3, 2009 11:40 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
I’ll be shocked if he doesn’t win.
by Eric Stephen on Aug 3, 2009 11:42 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
they will probably give it to lincucum
or some east coast team
by matthewmafa on Aug 3, 2009 11:42 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
chris withrow
i think hes starting today!!! Double header for chattanoga lookout.. james adkins is starting one game and the other game TBA. How do you guys think he will do??
by matthewmafa on Aug 3, 2009 11:46 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
6 innings, 8Ks, 1 ER
To set up the new revolution.
by Tripon on Aug 3, 2009 11:47 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Withrow started on July 30…today would be 3 days rest.
He has thrown only 3 IP each of his last two starts, but I doubt they would send him out there on short rest.
by Eric Stephen on Aug 3, 2009 11:57 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Is it a little awkward that Korean night comes on a night when
Hiroki Kuroda is pitching…I know they obviously cant look that far ahead, and I know we havent had any big time Korean players since Hee Sop Choi, but it just seems a little ironic, especially after the WBC and all
William Doolittle at your service, a.k.a. will do.
by Ollie on Aug 3, 2009 12:03 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
and Chan Ho..
William Doolittle at your service, a.k.a. will do.
by Ollie on Aug 3, 2009 12:04 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
there aren't that many Korean players in the majors to begin with
most of them play in the K-league or J-league, especially one of their best, Lee Seung Yeop (who refuses to play in the US btw)
the only influential Korean player right now in MLB is Choo from the Indians.
by Kenchanayoh on Aug 3, 2009 12:07 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
true, after posting i looked that up (generally should do it the other way around)
and realized that the dodgers have had 2 of like 10 notable korean players play for them
my only point was that after the recent flair up of Japanese-Korean rivalry in Baseball…its kinda funny that Hiro is pitching on Korea night
William Doolittle at your service, a.k.a. will do.
by Ollie on Aug 3, 2009 12:13 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
also its Hee-Seop*
William Doolittle at your service, a.k.a. will do.
by Ollie on Aug 3, 2009 12:05 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'm pretty sure Hiroki Kuroda didn't write the textbooks that claim
that Japan didn’t do anything wrong in their colonization in Korea.
by Tripon on Aug 3, 2009 12:20 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
At least he isn't like Ichiro
and said the rest of Asia was 30 years behind Japan in baseball
by Kenchanayoh on Aug 3, 2009 12:28 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
They could have easily went 5-2
and we wouldn’t have been having this conversion.
Seriously if Russell Martin made one of the plays he messed up on, the Dodgers probably would have swept the Braves. And if Broxton and Troncoso could have held it in game 3 against the Cards, the Dodgers would have been 5-2. In baseball, there is a thin line between good roadtrip and mediocre.
by Kenchanayoh on Aug 3, 2009 12:05 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Agreed…sometimes you get the breaks, other times you don’t. We had the week earlier in the year when the Dodgers probably should have lost 5 out of 7 to the D-Backs and Phillies, but we won three different games with amazingly improbable comebacks. In the end, it all evens out. :)
by Eric Stephen on Aug 3, 2009 12:07 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Seriously Eric only one thing matters now
and that is winning the whole f*cking thing!
If you can get the breaks in the playoffs, that is what is important.
by Kenchanayoh on Aug 3, 2009 12:09 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Said in the best Jake Taylor voice.
Awesome!
by Eric Stephen on Aug 3, 2009 12:12 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
So whose picture gets the rip away wardrobe in the locker room
I vote for anyone who said this team can’t win it all because they don’t have an ace.
by bhsportsguy on Aug 3, 2009 12:14 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I was going to go for Jamie McCourt, but maybe you are on to something…Amy K Nelson? :)
by Eric Stephen on Aug 3, 2009 12:15 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Odd thought of the day.
Considering that Edison Volquez got some rookie of the year votes despite being in his 2nd year, we should start a Clayton Kershaw ROY campaign. :)
by Tripon on Aug 3, 2009 12:48 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
he already pitched 50 innings
so hes not a rookie
by matthewmafa on Aug 3, 2009 12:59 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
That didn't stop people for voting for Volquez.
by Tripon on Aug 3, 2009 1:01 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I like that thinking! We could build up a campaign for Clay K :)
I think the couple of people who voted for Volquez should have had their votes suspended for a year or something.
by Eric Stephen on Aug 3, 2009 1:11 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Next years rotation
Billingsley, Kershaw and Kuroda are the only three who are currently in the rotation who are under team control for next year, right? How do you think we fill out the other two spots for the 2010 season? One leage average FA (like R.Wolf) and one pitcher from within the system? Who would be your top three or four from within the system, as the ones to get a chance in the starting rotation next April??
vr, Xei
by Xeifrank on Aug 3, 2009 1:18 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
I would guess a lot will depend on how they do in the playoffs. An early exit with poor pitching might grease the wheels for a big trade for a starter (Halladay type).
Otherwise, I would imagine a veteran starter as #4 (maybe Wolf on a two-year deal?) and have McDonald and Elbert battle it out for #5.
by Eric Stephen on Aug 3, 2009 1:29 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think they might be more likely to hand the reigns of #5 starter to the young guns because the bullpen should still be stacked again next year:
Broxton
Sherrill
Troncoso
Belisario
Kuo (if healthy, and tendered a contract; arb-eligible)
Wade
Lindblom might also be in the mix for 5th starter or a bullpen role, depending on the direction they decide to go.
by Eric Stephen on Aug 3, 2009 1:33 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
If they don't call Lindblom this year, I can't see them calling him up until June 2010
I’d offer Wolf arbitration and see if he bites.
I think there’s a team that will offer Wolf 3 years/$25 million, and its either the M’s or the Astros.
by Tripon on Aug 3, 2009 1:42 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
2010
Billingsley
Kershaw
Lackey
Kuroda
Elbert/McDonald/Lindblom/Haegar/Troncoso
With a loaded pen headed into next year I think they will give Troncoso a shot in the rotation.
by meercatjohn on Aug 3, 2009 1:41 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Troncoso is going to need to learn a 3rd pitch.
Don’t think a fastball/slider combo can work as a starter.
by Tripon on Aug 3, 2009 1:42 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
From Keith Law, something that has went under the radar:
Rockies shortstop Troy Tulowitzki, last 50 games: .320/.413/.663, 206 PA, 15 HR
by Eric Stephen on Aug 3, 2009 2:08 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Martin said that Chad gave up on the cutter yesterday.
by Tripon on Aug 3, 2009 2:14 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Permanently?
Or since his curveball was looking good he abandoned the cutter for that particular game?
by mwhite06 on Aug 3, 2009 2:20 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Billingsley said he was pleased with his fastball command. Martin said Billingsley all but abandoned the cutter against the Braves, “going back to the basics with the fastball, because it sets up everything else.”
“I think I’ve had better overall stuff, but today I was getting punchouts,” said Billingsley. “I’ve got to go out and do it again.”
by Tripon on Aug 3, 2009 2:22 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Sounds pretty smart to me
Sometimes pitches are just working. Acknowledging that the cutter isn’t as effective as the other pitches is great frankly. Bills has a great cutter, when he’s using it right. Against righthanders, that late tailing action (which looks like a fastball to a hitter) is pretty nasty. It’s easy to forget how good his stuff is sometimes.
by mwhite06 on Aug 3, 2009 2:28 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
The problem Chad has is that he throw the cutter too much.
To the point where people thought he lost velocity off of his fastball.
by Tripon on Aug 3, 2009 2:31 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I agree
It was more effective to throw it more sparingly. Hitters were starting to sit back for the cutter. As you know with big league hitters, the good ones can adjust from at-bat to at-bat. If you rely too much on one, it makes you a sitting duck. Bills has a good assortment of pitches he can throw pretty well: the slider, the 4-seamer, cutter, change
also he has a pretty wicked curve, which I saw a fair amount of against Braves.
by Kenchanayoh on Aug 3, 2009 3:07 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I’m covering the Sunday game this homestand, which Kuroda is scheduled to pitch. I like Kuroda, but I’m getting a little tired of seeing Kuroda & Wolf (whom I also like). I need to make a trek up to LA for Saturday as well, to see Mr. Kershaw.
by Eric Stephen on Aug 3, 2009 2:28 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Eric come with sit with me
I have been to 6 Kershaw starts this season. The first 2-3 were by coincidence, but I saw something really special in him so I actually eyeball what day he starts and try to get last minute tickets.
by Kenchanayoh on Aug 3, 2009 2:52 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Kershaw's slider
I want to know who taught it to him. Ausmus? I believe it coincides with this awesome run.
by silverwidow on Aug 3, 2009 2:32 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
The $1 million paid to Ausmus this season is looking more and more prudent every day :)
by Eric Stephen on Aug 3, 2009 2:36 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
who taught ausmus how to hit
he was never known to be a very solid hitter, just a very good defensive catcher who can work the rotation very well.
must be mattingley?
by Kenchanayoh on Aug 3, 2009 2:50 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
DougiebaseballNope. I’m not ready yet. I felt a pop. It’s better than it was 2 weeks ago but no there needless to say I’m crushed thanks for all ursupport4 minutes ago from Twittelator
by Tripon on Aug 3, 2009 3:20 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
who knew we'd be missing eye chart so much
by meercatjohn on Aug 3, 2009 3:25 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
hmm that could mean anything
I have very bad right knee that pops from time to time
by Kenchanayoh on Aug 3, 2009 3:30 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I’m clinging to the idea that Doug was just making popcorn, and he opened the bag too soon. A kernel popped, hitting him in the face, but more importantly ruined the entire batch of popcorn. Hence, Mientkiewicz was crushed.
by Eric Stephen on Aug 3, 2009 3:33 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
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