Dodgers Return Home To Face Pirates
by Eric Stephen on Sep 14, 2009 2:30 PM PDT
in Game Previews
94 comments
The Dodgers return home tonight to face the Pirates, on free Dodger Dog night at Dodger Stadium. All fans at the game tonight will receive a voucher for a free Dodger Dog as they enter the stadium. Tonight is also USC Night at Dodger Stadium.
Somewhat shockingly, this the first time the Dodgers have seen the Pirates this season. The Pirates are spiraling downward, and have lost 33 of their last 45 games, having been outscored by 98 runs -- over two per game!! -- during that stretch. 2009 is the 17th consecutive losing season for Pittsburgh, a record for the four major professional sports. The Dodgers have only won one of their last seven home series, so the Pirates just might be what the doctor ordered.
The Pirates tonight will feature the only two McCutchens in MLB history, as Andrew McCutchen mans centerfield behind his non-related pitching teammate, Daniel McCutchen. James McCutchen "Doc" McJames, who played for the Dodgers in 1899 and 1901, doesn't count as McCutchen was only his middle name. Who the heck names their son James McJames, anyway? I hope James McDonald doesn't have a brother named Donald.
Andrew McCutchen has had a nice debut with the Pirates this season, helping soothe the fans still steaming over the loss of Nate McLouth. The 22-year old McCutchen is hitting .270/.347/.459 with 11 home runs in 88 games, with a .353 wOBA that ranks seventh among all MLB centerfielders. Andrew hit three home runs in one game earlier this season; Daniel has allowed three home runs in his first two major league starts. The 26-year old pitcher has walked just 1.9 batters per nine innings in four minor league seasons.
Jon Garland takes the hill for the Dodgers, his second home start with the club. Garland has pitched six innings or longer in 18 of his last 19 starts, with a 3.55 ERA during that span. As a Dodger, Garland is 1-0 with a 3.46 ERA.
In the month of September, James Loney leads the club in hits (16), runs (7), home runs (3), RBI (10), and walks (6).
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Top 2009 draft pitck Aaron Miller gets the start for the Great Lakes Loons tonight in the third and deciding game of the Midwest League semifinals against the Fort Wayne TinCaps. Game time is 4:05pm, and you can listen online by clicking here or here. You can also follow the box score here.
In other minor league news, the Dodgers have named Scott Elbert and Dee Gordon as the Branch Rickey Minor League Pitcher and Player of the Year, respectively. Elbert, who was 4-4 with a 3.84 ERA between Double A and Triple A this season, was the top-ranked Dodger prospect by both Phil Gurnee and Canuck Dodger in our midseason prospect report. Kensai rated the 24-year old Elbert as his third-best prospect. Gordon, who led the Midwest League with 73 steals and 12 triples, was ranked sixth, eighth, and 10th by Phil, Kensai, and Canuck, respectively. Gordon, 21, shared league MVP honors with teammate Kyle Russell.
**********
Check out Xeifrank's simulation of today's game here.
Don't forget to RSVP for True Blue LA Day at Dodger Stadium, on the next-to-last day of the regular season, October 3 against the Rockies.
Get your guesses in for our today's "One, Two, Three Strikes, You're Out," here.
Game Time: 7:10pm
TV: Prime Ticket
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Delwyn Young update
DY is in an 0-for-24 slump (with 6 walks). He is also…
2 for his last 41
4 for his last 54
DY is down to .268/.329/.381 with a .317 wOBA.
(yes, still better than Mark Loretta)
by Eric Stephen on Sep 14, 2009 2:55 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
2011 starting rotation
Bills
Kershaw
Aaron Miller
Chris Withrow
Kuroda.
by Tripon on Sep 14, 2009 2:58 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
You expect the Dodgers to re-sign Kuroda?
by Michael White on Sep 14, 2009 3:01 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Becomes the new Eric Stults!
Seriously, he’s in the bullpen or traded. Torre doesn’t seem to like him much.
by Tripon on Sep 14, 2009 3:18 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
but Torre will not be around in 2011
by delias man on Sep 14, 2009 3:20 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Torre says he wants a front office job with the Dodgers after he retires from managing.
I’d be surprised if Elbert makes it past the off season.
by Tripon on Sep 14, 2009 3:21 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I can not find any scouting report on this pitcher tonight.
What does he throw? Any velocity?
by delias man on Sep 14, 2009 3:01 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
I just found this on what he throws
by Eric Stephen on Sep 14, 2009 3:03 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Between this and the Dodger dogs
you’re making me consider going down to the cafeteria for a mid-afternoon snack.
by Michael White on Sep 14, 2009 3:04 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
those look good
"That is not how you play the game!!!" -Jack in the Box
by shaqfor3 on Sep 14, 2009 3:17 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
This is from last year
but might help:
http://www.baseball-intellect.com/Articles/jose-tabata-pirates-trade.html
Scroll down for the McCutchen stuff:
Basically, decent fastball and curve, good command of both. FB sits at 90-91, but can reach 93.
by Eric Stephen on Sep 14, 2009 3:06 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
thanks
Good thing you quit joking around about that because you were setting up a jinx for them to be Leblanc’d.
by delias man on Sep 14, 2009 3:08 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
The jinx wore off with Penny yesterday. :)
by Eric Stephen on Sep 14, 2009 3:10 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Its getting to the point where we're going to have to off you to change the Dodgers record on Sundays.
by Tripon on Sep 14, 2009 3:11 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
They had won 7 straight road Sundays before yesterday.
by Eric Stephen on Sep 14, 2009 3:14 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
NL leaders in defensive innings in OF:
1) Matt Kemp 1256.2
2) Andre Ethier 1225.2
In MLB, only Nick Markakis of the Orioles (1239.2) prevents them from having the top two in baseball
by Eric Stephen on Sep 14, 2009 3:09 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Outfield starts
outside of Manny suspension (94 games):
Ethier – 89 starts
Kemp – 88 starts
Manny – 85 starts
Pierre – 20 starts
The 3 starters have started 93% of games.
Over a 162-game pace:
Ethier – 153 starts
Kemp – 152 starts
Manny – 146 starts
Pierre – 35 starts
by Eric Stephen on Sep 14, 2009 3:27 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
“I hope James McDonald doesn’t have a brother named Donald.”
Or Ronald…
by Nofatmike on Sep 14, 2009 3:15 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
+ 0.5
2009-10 LA Kings Hockey: Where Smyt Happens!!
by DodgerBlueBalls on Sep 14, 2009 4:30 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Tickets for tonight's game
on StubHub are going for as little as 75 cents. Is this for real? I couldn’t believe it.
by silverwidow on Sep 14, 2009 3:16 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Why even bother selling them for $0.75?
by Michael White on Sep 14, 2009 3:17 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
the lowest on stubhub ive seen is 1.50
but 0.75 cents??? shit
i want to go!
"That is not how you play the game!!!" -Jack in the Box
by shaqfor3 on Sep 14, 2009 3:19 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
compare that to how much parking costs...haha
"That is not how you play the game!!!" -Jack in the Box
by shaqfor3 on Sep 14, 2009 3:20 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
6 bits for a ticket and a Dodger Dog? A deal too good to be true!
by Eric Stephen on Sep 14, 2009 3:17 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think people would rather sit at home and watch the Raiders lose on MNF football than to watch a mis-match between the Dodgers and Pirates.
by Nofatmike on Sep 14, 2009 3:23 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
WELCOME BACK - THE BEST...AROUND!!!!!
by silverwidow on Sep 14, 2009 3:29 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
I’m really hoping they play that as his AB music.
by Eric Stephen on Sep 14, 2009 3:32 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
http://mlb.mlb.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?sid=l119&t=t_ros&cid=490
…and I see BHSportsGuy has provided the list, but I’ll continue typing out the names.
Javy Guerra P
Eric Krebs P
Aaron Miller P
Travis Schlichting P
Lucas May C
Russell Mitchell 1B
Justin Sellers SS
Andrew Lambo OF
Trayvon Robinson OF
by Eric Stephen on Sep 14, 2009 3:59 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
aaron miller
i live about 5 mins walking from the Giants complex in Scottsdale so you guys need to let me know when an AZL game is there anddd if Miller’s pitching. then i can go, and report back!
by npurcell on Sep 14, 2009 6:47 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Furcal SS
Kemp CF
Ethier RF
Ramirez LF
Loney 1B
Blake 3B
Martin C
Hudson 2B
Garland P
by Eric Stephen on Sep 14, 2009 3:53 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
First time those eight have started together since September 1 (11 games in between)
by Eric Stephen on Sep 14, 2009 3:54 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Call me crazy but I think Hudson will hold it against L.A. for not paying his full incentives when he was capable of playing.
by silverwidow on Sep 14, 2009 3:57 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Should he hold against the Dodgers when he was rested
Prior to September?
by bhsportsguy on Sep 14, 2009 3:58 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
He’s going to get all those incentives. He’s only 49 PA away.
by Eric Stephen on Sep 14, 2009 3:59 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
In case anyone needed a reminder:
http://www.truebluela.com/2009/1/14/720656/dodger-payroll#hudson
Hudson is at 583 PA, and gets $10,000 for each PA up to 632
by Eric Stephen on Sep 14, 2009 4:04 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Hudson has averaged 4.45 PA per start on the season, but 4.00 PA per start since moving down in the order on July 31. So, basically, Hudson needs to start 12 (maybe 11) out of the final 18 to hit those incentives.
by Eric Stephen on Sep 14, 2009 4:08 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Oh, and since you said it, you’re crazy :)
by Eric Stephen on Sep 14, 2009 4:00 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Will we hold it against him
that he has been less then stellar since May
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
by Phil Gurnee on Sep 14, 2009 4:10 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
June 1 – present
Loney: .278/.362/.427
Blake: .265/.350/.416
Furcal: .262/.328/.376
Hudson: .254/.315/.376
Martin: .250/.340/.340
Pierre: .276/.333/.322
by Eric Stephen on Sep 14, 2009 4:32 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Thanks for backing up my point
Four keys guys with an OPS < .704 since June 1st and we wonder why we can’t score runs on a consistent basis. Also doens’t help that the highest OPS between your 1st/3rd is .809.
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
by Phil Gurnee on Sep 14, 2009 4:36 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Of course we don't wonder why
True Blue and friends tell us why.
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
by Phil Gurnee on Sep 14, 2009 4:38 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Slightly worrisome note regarding The Bison.
These are selective endpoints so take with a grain of salt, but from August 5 to present, Matt Kemp has a .289 OBP with 8 walks in 152 PA.
Kemp does have 8 home runs, but is hitting .254/.289/.476 during that span.
by Eric Stephen on Sep 14, 2009 4:40 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Pirates lineup
A. McCutchen. CF
LaRoche. 3B
Jones. 1B
Doumit. C
Milledge. LF
Moss. RF
Cedeno. SS
Vazquez. 2B
D. McCutchen. RHP
by Eric Stephen on Sep 14, 2009 4:09 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Damn
I always thought Andrew was related to my favorite Rams running back but it turns out Andrew is an O short. USC fans should remember Daylon McCutcheon as an excellent corner back.
Favorite Super Bowl play of all time for me was Lawrence McCutcheon’s halfback pass for a touchdown to give Ram fans hope that they could beat the mighty Steelers with trickery.
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
by Phil Gurnee on Sep 14, 2009 4:26 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Of all the teams and all the games I have watched over the years
I think if the Rams had won that game, it would top everything.
by bhsportsguy on Sep 14, 2009 4:29 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
+1
I was a big Dodger/Laker fan but back then the Rams were everything to me. If you think a Dodger loss puts these guys in a bad mood, the losses in the postseason to the Vikings and Cowboys put me in a foul mood for six months.
When they left LA I died a little, when they left California I stopped caring about NFL football. Probably healthier for me.
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
by Phil Gurnee on Sep 14, 2009 4:33 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yesterday was kind of relaxing not being very wrapped up in the NFL (outside of tweeting once about Mark Sanchez’s first NFL TD)
by Eric Stephen on Sep 14, 2009 4:35 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Which game will you be watching tonight
I am betting the Silver and Black
by bhsportsguy on Sep 14, 2009 4:36 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
How did they get a Monday Night Game?
Are they even supposed to win a game this year? Is this a concession game to Leno?
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
by Phil Gurnee on Sep 14, 2009 4:38 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I will not see any of the Raider game except maybe by accident.
by Eric Stephen on Sep 14, 2009 4:40 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I’m as close to NFL free agency as I’ve ever been.
by Eric Stephen on Sep 14, 2009 4:41 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
underdog always looking for converts
c’mon miracle catch is very cool.
by bhsportsguy on Sep 14, 2009 4:43 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I will never, ever, ever jump to another AFC West team. Too much bad blood. If LA were to get an expansion team, I would likely adopt them. If not, I will take pleasure rooting for NFL Trojans.
by Eric Stephen on Sep 14, 2009 4:46 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
agreed, minus taking pleasure in rooting for SC of course : )
William Doolittle at your service, a.k.a. will do.
by Ollie on Sep 14, 2009 4:54 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Loons down 1-0 after 2 innings in the deciding game of the Midwest League semifinals.
by Eric Stephen on Sep 14, 2009 4:42 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
I can't believe Elbert won Pitcher of the Year
It should have gone to Eovaldi. Having an age 19 season like that is more impressive than repeating Double-A for the umpteenth time and putting up good numbers like Elbert did. Mind you, I’m still a big Elbert fan.
by silverwidow on Sep 14, 2009 4:46 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
I would have given it to Withrow, but can understand that a 4.51 ERA probably wouldn’t get much support.
by Eric Stephen on Sep 14, 2009 4:50 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
When they trade Elbert this winter
making him the Pitcher of the Year will help:)
Eovaldi was nothing special. Sure he’s 19 but he’s pitching in one of the best pitching parks in baseball and they never let him go more then three innings. One thing is for sure we are a long way away from the days of Alexander winning pitcher of the year. I’d have gone with Withrow, don’t see how Eovaldi is even in the discussion.
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
by Phil Gurnee on Sep 14, 2009 5:16 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
For pitcher of the year
I still love the upside of Eovaldi as a prospect.
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
by Phil Gurnee on Sep 14, 2009 5:17 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Federer
in midst of 4th set tie-breaker, up 2 sets to 1. Down 2-4 in the tie breaker though.
vr, Xei
by Xeifrank on Sep 14, 2009 4:49 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Del Potro
Gave Federer a stunning face. Didn’t know he was going to be in the 5th set.
by PHAT JULIO on Sep 14, 2009 4:51 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I wonder how good
matt kemp would be at tennis
by LA Taco on Sep 14, 2009 4:54 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Shit
Loons stranded the runners. 1-0 tinCaps, bottom of the 4th
by PHAT JULIO on Sep 14, 2009 5:10 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
I hate watching Vlady get old
hope he has a killer October. Been one of my favorite players since the day he showed up in Montreal. I’ll never forget we signed the wrong Guerrero. That scout should be forced to toil in Florida in August the rest of his career.
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
by Phil Gurnee on Sep 14, 2009 5:20 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
not to mention the signing of Vlad as a FA that was squashed due to the sale to McCourt.
by Eric Stephen on Sep 14, 2009 5:23 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
he’s always been one of my favorites too. love watching him play.
by LA Taco on Sep 14, 2009 5:49 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
On the pregame show, Joe Torre said the plan is for Clayton Kershaw to hopefully throw a simulated game by the end of this homestand.
by Eric Stephen on Sep 14, 2009 5:36 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
They may do this
Go with 4 man rotation of Garland, Wolf, Kuroda and Padilla until September 26th and then you only need either Bills or Kershaw to make one start, those same 4 guys could close out the season.
by bhsportsguy on Sep 14, 2009 5:56 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I want someone to dignify my comment
please.
by bhsportsguy on Sep 14, 2009 5:59 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I don’t know if they would skip Billingsley more than once.
by Eric Stephen on Sep 14, 2009 6:03 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
But then he's pitching that week anyway
Unless you think he goes against the Giants on Sunday.
by bhsportsguy on Sep 14, 2009 6:04 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Loons now lead…Alfredo Silverio just hit a deep solo HR…2-1
by Eric Stephen on Sep 14, 2009 5:58 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Its top 7th, BTW
Aaron Miller has allowed 1 hit, 3 walks, and 1 run in 6 IP
by Eric Stephen on Sep 14, 2009 5:59 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
loons
game is tied going to the 8th
by hirambocachica on Sep 14, 2009 6:22 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Wow, nice catch!
Too bad hes on the wrong team
by fritts on Sep 14, 2009 9:06 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
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