Dodgers Head East To Begin Feast

by Eric Stephen on Sep 22, 2009 1:00 PM PDT in Game Previews Comment 89 comments

Matt Kemp returns to where it all began tonight.

The Dodgers start their nine-game road trip with a series against a team that seems likely to get the number one pick in the draft for the second year in a row (2010: The Bryce Harper Sweepstakes). The Nationals own baseball's worst record at 51-98, and the only team close to them -- the Pirates -- just happen to be next on the schedule for the Dodgers.

However, the Dodgers own a 4-8 all-time record in Washington DC, and were swept here just last season. The Nationals' sweep last August extended the Dodger losing streak to seven games, a streak that would reach eight in Arizona before the Dodgers turned it around and won the division.

Washington DC also happens to be the site of the debut of one Matt Kemp. On May 28, 2006, The Bison struck out in his first three at-bats, but got his first major league hit with an eighth-inning single off Jon Rauch. However, in three games since in our nation's capital, Kemp is hitless in 14 at-bats.

In need of a hit? Enter Livan Hernandez, who has allowed 197 hits in 167.1 innings this season. Hernandez has allowed 10.6 hits per nine innings this season, the seventh time in his career Hernandez has allowed double digit hits per nine innings. Hernandez has already faced the Dodgers twice this season, when he was a Met. He pitched one good game, and one bad game, but the Dodgers won both anyway.

Hiroki Kuroda will pitch for the Dodgers, in his 50th major league start. Kuroda has won his last two starts, allowing a total of three runs in 14 innings. He has not issued a walk in his last 16 innings, and he has allowed no walks in eight of 18 starts this season.

Since the All-Star break, Andre Ethier ranks seventh in baseball with a 1.014 OPS. Since then, Ethier is hitting .328/.405/.609, with 39 runs scored, 13 home runs, and 45 runs batted in over 62 games. Ethier's 24 doubles since the All-Star break are the third-most in baseball, one behind both Brian Roberts and Daniel Murphy.

The Dodgers have homered in a season-high 10 straight games, with 17 home runs during that span.

**********

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: 4:05pm

TV: KCAL

Baseball Reference Preview

0 recs | Comment 89 comments | Share

Story-email Email Printer Print

Comments

belliard or hudson starting today?

anyone know yet?

by matthewmafa on Sep 22, 2009 1:09 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

I’d bet money that Hudson starts after 3 full days of rest.

by Eric Stephen on Sep 22, 2009 1:17 PM PDT via mobile up reply actions 0 recs

…and I would have lost money. :)

by Eric Stephen on Sep 22, 2009 1:35 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Hard to sit

the hottest infielder on the team.

by meercatjohn on Sep 22, 2009 3:20 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

This Entire Road Trip Means a Lot

I’m looking for the following.

1. to clinch a playoff spot
2. to clinch the division
3. to claim homefield advantage
4. to build the confidence of guys who have been a bit down lately
5. to get some at bats for bench guys and some innings for the bullpen guys
6. to get well rested
7. and to figure out our pitching situation

looking forward to the next few weeks. i can’t believe its almost October!

by bearface on Sep 22, 2009 1:12 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

1. Yes
2. Hell Yes
3. Double-Hell yes
4. Bills & Kershaw
5. Thome is due for one
6. Sure
7. Definitely

Kemp needs to be in the 30/30 club. Manny needs 1 HR for 20, Casey needs 3.

by PHAT JULIO on Sep 22, 2009 1:20 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yes. Bils and Kershaw, and for me O-Dog too. Dude started off the season hitting the cycle, made the all-star team, and now has all but lost his starting spot to a dude who was hitting .246 prior to being on the Dodgers. All that and the talk that he probably won’t be back. I want him to go into October feeling like he’s the best 2B in the majors.

by bearface on Sep 22, 2009 2:17 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Add the fact that he’s not getting his $$ off of those incentives.

by PHAT JULIO on Sep 22, 2009 2:20 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Unless he basically sits out the last two weeks, Hudson will end up getting all or nearly all of those incentives. There are only 37 PAs left.

by Eric Stephen on Sep 22, 2009 2:22 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

do you really think Frank, or is it Jamie,

is telling Joe who to play? Or that Joe would care about the money saved? I understand cost cutting but out of a Hundred Million Dollar Payroll, not playing O-Dog even for the last 15 games saves about 500 hundred grand (not a small sum to the average man) or to put it another way 1/2 or 1%. This is a bout the hot hand and getting Orlando some rest. If Belli keeps it up he will see some playing time in the playoffs, at both 2nd and 3rd, and maybe even DH when we make the WS, but Orlando will start most of the time at 2nd

by MammothDodger on Sep 22, 2009 2:44 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

or=of

by MammothDodger on Sep 22, 2009 2:45 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

should have said last or=of as in

1/2 of 1%

by MammothDodger on Sep 22, 2009 2:45 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Agreed

There are 37 PA left for Hudson to get a $10k bonus on, for a total of $370k. If he gets no more plate appearances the rest of the year (nearly impossible), the Dodgers “save” $370k.

But they are paying Belliard $363k, so there’s no way this is financially motivated at all.

by Eric Stephen on Sep 22, 2009 2:47 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I was counting the giants series

and frankly i had forgot that Orlando played on Fri night, which would make it 14 games not 15,

by MammothDodger on Sep 22, 2009 2:53 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

to not play him for money savings sends the worst message to the team and especially for a team with a top five salary total in the bigs

by matrickz on Sep 22, 2009 3:27 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

another reason that it is

NOT ABOUT THE $

by MammothDodger on Sep 22, 2009 3:35 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

A wise philospher once said that "it's all about the benjamin's baby"

I don’t actually believe that though…

by Michael White on Sep 22, 2009 3:40 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I think everyone should be ready for...

ROAD LONEY!

by PHAT JULIO on Sep 22, 2009 1:20 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Road Loney! Road Loney! Road Loney!

I chanted that while Loney was up during the Saturday game vs Gnants. I think he heard. It worked!

by RawhideBlue on Sep 22, 2009 1:35 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Kemp's 2010 projection

Dude is going to BLOW UP. I’m thinking straight 40-40, no joke.

by silverwidow on Sep 22, 2009 1:26 PM PDT reply actions 1 recs

Will Dodgers Stadium begin selling

Bison masks in the Team Stores?

by RawhideBlue on Sep 22, 2009 1:38 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Right now I would go

.285/.355/.540 32 homeruns 28 stolen bases

I think he’ll walk more, and his average will be sacrificed in going for more power. What I really want to see is 30 homeruns and 40 doubles with how Kemp’s doubles went this season.

by Ivdown on Sep 22, 2009 5:55 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Hudson Off again

Furcal, SS
Ethier, RF
Manny, LF
Kemp, CF
Loney, 1B
Blake, 3B
Belliard, 2B
Martin, C
Kuroda, P

by RawhideBlue on Sep 22, 2009 1:32 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Saving Money....

by Michael White on Sep 22, 2009 1:44 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I this how the playoff lineup is going to look from now on?

Hudson replacing Belly, of course?

by PHAT JULIO on Sep 22, 2009 1:46 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I think so. Maybe switching Loney/Blake if a LHP starts

by Eric Stephen on Sep 22, 2009 1:50 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

that’s a damn fine lineup.

by LA Taco on Sep 22, 2009 2:39 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I still miss Orlando’s defense

by KellyStephen on Sep 22, 2009 3:30 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I actually meant the projected playoff lineup, which would include (a nicely rested) O-Dog in the 7 spot

by LA Taco on Sep 22, 2009 3:42 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Nats lineup, from Dave Shenin of the Washington Post:

Harris CF
Guzman SS
Zimmerman 3B
Dunn 1B
Willingham LF
Dukes RF
Bard C
Desmond 2B
Hernandez P

by Eric Stephen on Sep 22, 2009 1:42 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

I hope

Zimmerman doesn’t come up with brilliant plays.

by PHAT JULIO on Sep 22, 2009 1:47 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Star Wars Night to be held at Dodger Stadium Oct 3rd?

Increase attendance, we must.

What current Dodger players should play the parts of…
Vader, Luke, Yoda, Obi-Wan, Princess Leia, R2-D2, C-3PO.

I’m going with Eithier for Skywalker, Thome for Obi-Wan, Torre for Yoda, Kemp for Vader(because I think he could pick me up by my neck), Hudson for C-3PO(too much talking) and Furcal for R2-D2. Your thoughts?

by RawhideBlue on Sep 22, 2009 1:54 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

I'd say Hudson for Chewbacca, seeing how I don't understand what the hell either are saying.

by Dr. Geek on Sep 22, 2009 2:29 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Sue Falsone is the default Leia since she’s the lone female in the dugout.

Manny is either Chewbacca or Lando Calrissian.

by Eric Stephen on Sep 22, 2009 2:32 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Perhaps Chewy is a hybrid of both Manny and O-Dog—- in the future…

by RawhideBlue on Sep 22, 2009 2:40 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

“the future, Rawhide?…”

by Eric Stephen on Sep 22, 2009 2:44 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

You know, when we have to battle against the Death Star. Many species will be evolved to super human status. Mann-Dogs. Or O-Rams…

by RawhideBlue on Sep 22, 2009 2:48 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

In the year 3000?

by Eric Stephen on Sep 22, 2009 2:51 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Now you’re up to speed. Back to our regularly scheduled broadcast…

by RawhideBlue on Sep 22, 2009 2:53 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Anybody going to SD for a little road trip

if they can clinch there?

by delias man on Sep 22, 2009 1:54 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

It is very tempting.

by Eric Stephen on Sep 22, 2009 2:05 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

its going to be a game day decision for us.

by delias man on Sep 22, 2009 2:08 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Torre on 2B

only a brief address in the pregame show today:

We’re going to do whatever we can to win. We’re going to ride the hot horse, and right now Ronnie’s swinging the bat really well.

by Eric Stephen on Sep 22, 2009 2:14 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

So

Lets say we clinch the playoffs and Belliard is still hitting great, is Hudson still going to be benched? You think he’s getting a bit aggravated?

by PHAT JULIO on Sep 22, 2009 2:21 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

No. I think if our lead was 3 games over a playoff spot instead of 9 Hudson would be in there.

by Eric Stephen on Sep 22, 2009 2:22 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

How did you already hear Charlies interview?

by delias man on Sep 22, 2009 2:31 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

multimedia.dodgers.com

by Eric Stephen on Sep 22, 2009 2:32 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

i never even knew that existed

by delias man on Sep 22, 2009 2:33 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

That's because Eric Stephen is a witch.

by Tripon on Sep 22, 2009 2:34 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

“ride the hot horse”

by LA Taco on Sep 22, 2009 2:39 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Giddyup.

by RawhideBlue on Sep 22, 2009 2:42 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Tommy Lasorda Chat- Check out this funny answer to my question...

I asked this on the Lasorda Live Chat.
RawhideBlue:
5:20 pm Happy Birthday! What was the best Birthday present you’ve ever received?

dodgersguest:
5:21 pm Well, I asked Santa Claus one time to give us a championship and he did. That was 1988. I said Santa, I don’t ask for too much but we need – our fans need – a championship. And he gave it to us! So, I still believe in Santa Claus.

I love this man.

by RawhideBlue on Sep 22, 2009 2:37 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Tommy being Tommy

by PHAT JULIO on Sep 22, 2009 2:43 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

That is a great answer. Very Ralph Kiner esque, too, who once said “well, its Mother’s Day, so happy birthday to all you mothers out there.” :)

by Eric Stephen on Sep 22, 2009 2:45 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Live from the Anacostia

I’m waiting to meet friends outside the box office. Overcast sky, umbrella in hand to ward off the rain.

by StolenMonkey86 on Sep 22, 2009 2:45 PM PDT via mobile reply actions 0 recs

Very cool.

by Eric Stephen on Sep 22, 2009 2:47 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

The Angels are one of 9 MLB franchises to have 89 wins or more six straight years.

http://www.halosheaven.com/2009/9/21/1047789/89-wins-for-6-straight-years#storyjump

by Eric Stephen on Sep 22, 2009 2:57 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

I tip my hat to that organization. Wow

by PHAT JULIO on Sep 22, 2009 3:07 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Draft fans will love those juicy Type A picks for Hudson

He ain’t coming back.

by silverwidow on Sep 22, 2009 3:22 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Belliard/DeWitt

would save some chowder next summer, and then let DeJesus take over the job by July. That way no one is blocking DeJesus but you have a good veteran and someone who might win the job anyway in DeWitt. It would be a solid platoon given Belliard’s splits. The defense would take a little hit until DeJesus is ready but I’m not someone who has been enamored with Hudson’s defense anyway.

by meercatjohn on Sep 22, 2009 3:28 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Torre said the Nationals swept us last time

but I assume that was last year since we beat them once and lost once in LA this year. Our win this year as the 13th straight win at Dodgers Stadium. Did they sweep us in ’08?

by RawhideBlue on Sep 22, 2009 3:24 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Yes

They destroyed Kershaw in DC during one of those games.

by silverwidow on Sep 22, 2009 3:25 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Will Belliard the Beast be out to play tonight or Belliard the National?

“ride the hot horse”

by RawhideBlue on Sep 22, 2009 3:27 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I'm just glad we don't have to face STRASBURG

and his 103 MPH gas.

by silverwidow on Sep 22, 2009 3:28 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I’d love to see that lineup light up Strasburg

by KellyStephen on Sep 22, 2009 3:33 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Belliard the National

was a damn good in 2008 and the 2nd half of 2009. The only time he sucked is when he got very sporadic playing team early on this year when for some reason Manny Acta felt Anderson Hernandez was some kind of baseball player.

by meercatjohn on Sep 22, 2009 3:30 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

so does grienke get the Cy or CC or Doc?

I think wins are over-rated and let me explain. ERA, strikeou to walk and opponenet batting averages are strictly based on what a pitcher does. Wins losses factor in what your teamates accomplish. You lose a 2-1 or 3-2 game … you pitched a great game. You pitch great into the 7th with a lead and the BP blows you lead. No decisions. All that. The fact that he doesn’t have close to 20 wins should not be his fault.

by matrickz on Sep 22, 2009 3:33 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Grienke for me, he's the new Maddux

just like they said he’d be.

by meercatjohn on Sep 22, 2009 3:34 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

But Maddux never could throw 96 mph

I vote for King Felix.

by silverwidow on Sep 22, 2009 3:35 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I remember seeing Grienke

in spring training when he was a teen ager. He was so smooth, nice to see some of KC kids starting to come around so they end the year on a good note. Billy Butler is banging, Gordan is finally healthy, and DeJesus has very quietly turned in to a very good outfielder.

by meercatjohn on Sep 22, 2009 3:38 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Remember the talk last year about trading Greinke?

Unfortunately it was only from uninformed national media types and the Royals quickly and emphatically declared they had no interest in trading him. The idea of the Dodgers getting Greinke last offseason in a trade had me salivating.

by Michael White on Sep 22, 2009 3:39 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I sure pushed for that on DT

by meercatjohn on Sep 22, 2009 3:41 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Agree with you about wins

I have Doc slightly edging Greinke. My ballot would be filled out thusly.

1) Halladay
2) Greinke
3) Verlander

I left off Lester because he’s thrown quite a bit less innings then the other top flight pitchers in the AL.

I’m also a big fan of Felix Hernandez and he’d be in my top 5 for sure.

by Michael White on Sep 22, 2009 3:38 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Felix is simply the best pitcher I've ever seen

My timeframe is 20 years.

by silverwidow on Sep 22, 2009 3:39 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Then that timeframe

should include 88 Orel:)

by meercatjohn on Sep 22, 2009 3:40 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

2009 – 1988 = 21 :)

by Eric Stephen on Sep 22, 2009 3:49 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

VORP

says Grienke, but how about E Jackson 7th and Scott Feldman 9th. WOW
http://www.baseballprospectus.com/statistics/sortable/index.php?cid=466831

by meercatjohn on Sep 22, 2009 3:40 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

NL

has Lincecum by just a hair over Wainwright.

What were the odds entering the year that both Barry Zito and Belisario would have a higher VORP then Billingsley?

by meercatjohn on Sep 22, 2009 3:46 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

http://www.baseballprospectus.com/statistics/sortable/index.php?cid=466616

by meercatjohn on Sep 22, 2009 3:46 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

0.000001%

by matthewmafa on Sep 22, 2009 3:46 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Lincecum hehe

Lincecum by just a hair

was that an intentional joke har har

by matrickz on Sep 22, 2009 4:00 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Grienke
Doc
Felix
CC

All of them are great this year

by LA Taco on Sep 22, 2009 3:44 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

shit I just realized it is almost game time

I hate KCAL games, I also dislike 4 PM starts (workin’). Oh well guess it is Game Day, TBLA and MLB tv cutins, once I get home from work, long commute across town, should take about 4 mins unless traffic is bad, then it may take 6.

Time for the boys to work on securing Home Field throughout the Playoffs!! Go Blue

by MammothDodger on Sep 22, 2009 3:51 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs