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Around SBN: Celtics, Heat Score On Purpose In Super Sunday Wins

Dodgers Hope Third Time Is A Charm

Much like 1988 and 1995, the Dodgers look tonight to clinch the National League West in San Diego.  Petco Park figures to be packed with Dodger fans, much like it was over July 4th weekend, aka The Return of Manny Ramirez.

Chad Billingsley takes the ball tonight, looking not only to secure a spot in the postseason rotation, but also to get a good game under his belt, from start to finish.  Billingsley made his major league debut in San Diego, on June 15, 2006, and is 2-1 with a 2.82  ERA in seven career starts down south.

Cesar Ramos will be making his first big league start tonight for the Padres, per Bill Center of the San Diego Union-Tribune.  Ramos, picked in the supplemental round in the 2005 draft, has allowed one run in 5.1 innings of relief this season.  The 25-year old lefty was 6-7 with a 3.56 ERA (and a 4.67 FIP) in three minor league levels this year, mostly with Triple A Portland.

Andre Ethier is in a slump right now.  Over his last seven plus games, Ethier is one for his last 24 with five walks.

The Dodgers have 45 road wins this season, with two road games left this season.  That is tied for the 11th-most road wins since moving to Los Angeles.  If the Dodgers can somehow win both games at Petco Park, they will be tied for the sixth-most road wins during that period.

The Dodgers are 17-5 in Tuesday games on KCAL this season, including five wins by eight or more runs.

Vicente Padilla is expected to be available out of the bullpen during this series.  Whether it is today or tomorrow, I don't know.

Adrian Gonzalez is having a tremendous season for the Padres.  He is the fourth Padre to hit 40 home runs in a season, and is tied with Prince Fielder for second place in Wins Above Replacement for first baseman, with 6.1 WAR, behind Albert Pujols.  Gonzalez is sixth among MLB first baseman in plus/minus rating, at +10, and he leads all first baseman with a 5.1 Ultimate Zone Rating.  All in all, Gonzalez is a great player and a complete one at that.

Gonzalez has really been hampered by Petco Park, and leads the majors with 28 home runs on the road.  Still, he's no slouch at home, hitting .240/.399/.451 with 12 home runs. Why, that's almost as good as Road James Loney, hitting .317/.396/.488 away from Dodger Stadium, with 12 home runs.  That's misleading of course, as only a scant few of Loney's games are at the stifling offensive environment of Petco.  If only it were that simple.

**********

The Rockies host the Brewers at 5:40pm, a game that starts roughly 85 minutes before the Dodger game.  Jason Marquis will face Milwaukee's Chris Narveson.

5:40pm - Brewers at Rockies Gameday

**********

Be sure to check out Xeifrank's simulation of tonight'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 RockiesThere are three tickets left.

Get your guesses in for our today's "One, Two, Three Strikes, You're Out," here.

Game Time:  7:05pm

TV:  KCAL

Baseball Reference Preview

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I'm guessing he realizes it tomorrow after the Dodgers have clinched tonight

House money lineup tomorrow, with Pierre, Repko, Hu and Dewitt all getting starts!

by Michael White on Sep 29, 2009 3:19 PM PDT up reply actions  

followed by the Thursday off day.

by Eric Stephen on Sep 29, 2009 3:25 PM PDT up reply actions  

You think Joe is going to ignore home field advantage?

by PHAT JULIO on Sep 29, 2009 3:26 PM PDT up reply actions  

Ignore? No.

But he will be getting his guys some rest, and he will set his rotation.

by Michael White on Sep 29, 2009 3:35 PM PDT up reply actions  

Fourth!

inning is when we will put this game away.
vr, Xei

by Xeifrank on Sep 29, 2009 3:23 PM PDT reply actions  

Actually I think

Until Home Field is settled one way or the other, he’ll play the regulars. Especially since they had a few days off Pittsburgh and they have Thursday off.

by bhsportsguy on Sep 29, 2009 3:24 PM PDT reply actions  

Plus it’s difficult to jumble the rotation around not knowing who we would be playing in the first round. I wonder if Torre is set on a game one starter yet, or if it depends upon who we play and where we play?
vr, Xei

by Xeifrank on Sep 29, 2009 3:29 PM PDT up reply actions  

I think he has an idea, and those top 3 starters will start in order Friday, Saturday, and Sunday vs the Rockies. Wouldn’t be surprised if the rotation stays at Wolf – Kershaw – Kuroda (the current order) for the top 3.

by Eric Stephen on Sep 29, 2009 3:31 PM PDT up reply actions   1 recs

hmmmm they clinched in san diego in 1988...

i wonder what happened later that year???

"That is not how you play the game!!!" -Jack in the Box

by shaqfor3 on Sep 29, 2009 3:25 PM PDT reply actions  

Cesar Ramos??

Another no-name can’t shut them down right? Not possible, right?

by mleadman on Sep 29, 2009 3:36 PM PDT reply actions  

In theory the Dodgers are less likely to win tonights game than they were to win in any of the games in Washington or Pittsburgh.
vr, Xei

by Xeifrank on Sep 29, 2009 3:38 PM PDT up reply actions  

Corey Brock of MLB.com says this Kouzmanoff is back in the lineup for the Padres, but I haven’t seen a complete lineup yet.

http://twitter.com/FollowThePadres/status/4481900846

by Eric Stephen on Sep 29, 2009 3:39 PM PDT reply actions  

any word on Manny yet?
vr, Xei

by Xeifrank on Sep 29, 2009 3:42 PM PDT up reply actions  

He's in

Furcal SS
Hudson 2B
Ethier RF
Ramirez LF
Kemp CF
Loney 1B
Martin C
Castro 3B
Billingsley P

by Eric Stephen on Sep 29, 2009 3:43 PM PDT reply actions  

castro over belliard? surprising.

by bearface on Sep 29, 2009 3:54 PM PDT up reply actions  

Must still be nursing the slight hamstring pull.

by David Young on Sep 29, 2009 3:55 PM PDT up reply actions  

Castro 3B - LHP pitcher for SD

Torre must have been sickened by Loretta at 3B yesterday.

by David Young on Sep 29, 2009 3:55 PM PDT up reply actions  

i would have thought this was an obvious call

but i have no idea about castro’s experience at 3b

by stillnotah8er on Sep 29, 2009 4:11 PM PDT up reply actions  

Any word on Blake?

The Dodgers are a little banged up. That’s my biggest worry at the moment.

Biggest Dodger worry actually. I’ve got lots of other worries, but you don’t want to know about those.

Yeah, well, you know, that's just, like, your opinion, man

by mleadman on Sep 29, 2009 3:50 PM PDT reply actions  

Padres lineup

Gwynn CF
Eckstein 2B
Gonzo 1B
Headley LF
Venable RF
Kouz 3B
Hundley C
Cabrera SS
Ramos P

http://twitter.com/Marty1090/statuses/4481929764

by Eric Stephen on Sep 29, 2009 3:51 PM PDT reply actions  

no one between 5'9" and 6'1"

good luck imitating those results with nine random american adult males

by stillnotah8er on Sep 29, 2009 4:16 PM PDT up reply actions  

Vicente Padilla is expected to be available out of the bullpen during this series.

Unfortunately, the ideal time to pitch Vicente Padilla out of the bullpen was yesterday.

by David Young on Sep 29, 2009 3:57 PM PDT reply actions  

Higher infield grass

For years, Denver has cut their infield grass very short. I could never figure out why. You’d think they’d want to make it longer than average, to make it less likely grounders will get through for singles and doubles.

by kenarneson on Sep 29, 2009 2:20 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

When Ken visits I feel like Vin Scully just came by to say hi. You’d have to have been part of the toaster to understand why.

by meercatjohn on Sep 29, 2009 4:11 PM PDT reply actions  

Yeah, that was a pleasant surprise. I really wish that SB Nation would host Bob’s ‘Griddle’ blog.
vr, Xei

by Xeifrank on Sep 29, 2009 4:15 PM PDT up reply actions  

Maybe after he finishes reading and writing about all of those books.
vr, Xei

by Xeifrank on Sep 29, 2009 4:16 PM PDT up reply actions  

Bob is going to be the guy that gets all the face time

when Ken Burns does a documentary on all our presidents.

by meercatjohn on Sep 29, 2009 4:18 PM PDT up reply actions  

I hope he is more Buck O’Neill and less Doris Kearns Goodwin.

by Eric Stephen on Sep 29, 2009 4:20 PM PDT up reply actions  

Shelton Johnson is doing a good Buck O'Neill job

on the National Park Series but I expect I’m the only one watching it.

by meercatjohn on Sep 29, 2009 4:24 PM PDT up reply actions  

My comment down below was supposed to be up here.

For some reason I didn’t reply to the right post.

Neither a lofty degree of intelligence nor imagination nor both together go to the making of genius. Love, love, love, that is the soul of genius. -Mozart

by Ian Capilouto on Sep 29, 2009 4:26 PM PDT up reply actions  

I liked the randomness of your comment.

Out of context it is very funny.

by Eric Stephen on Sep 29, 2009 4:27 PM PDT up reply actions  

Ah yes I do. I am a bit of a potty mouth.

I just got excited when someone brought up the National Park series. I love that stuff.

Neither a lofty degree of intelligence nor imagination nor both together go to the making of genius. Love, love, love, that is the soul of genius. -Mozart

by Ian Capilouto on Sep 29, 2009 4:29 PM PDT up reply actions  

Are you from Minnesota?

That is where I’ve heard “potty mouth” from before.

by meercatjohn on Sep 29, 2009 4:34 PM PDT up reply actions  

No, Los Angeles with family from Milwaukee, Detroit and NYC

I am excited because I am sailing to Catalina this weekend with full access to the whole island. We got a mini van. Lot’s of snorkeling and even a surf or two over in Shark Bay. I will be doing my own version of the National Parks.

Neither a lofty degree of intelligence nor imagination nor both together go to the making of genius. Love, love, love, that is the soul of genius. -Mozart

by Ian Capilouto on Sep 29, 2009 4:38 PM PDT up reply actions  

Major Jealous

One of biggest reasons we still live here is so that we can learn to sail someday and visit all the islands.

by meercatjohn on Sep 29, 2009 4:47 PM PDT up reply actions  

It is a great day

when you sail. It is easy to learn too. It just takes a few people to make it so you can relax sometimes.

Neither a lofty degree of intelligence nor imagination nor both together go to the making of genius. Love, love, love, that is the soul of genius. -Mozart

by Ian Capilouto on Sep 29, 2009 4:53 PM PDT up reply actions  

Ya, I thought he was reactly strongly to the idea that the Dodger game was scheduled longer in order to give more time for the celebration.

by Michael White on Sep 29, 2009 4:28 PM PDT up reply actions  

Non-sequitor

is the funniest humor to me along with someone being funny without trying.

Neither a lofty degree of intelligence nor imagination nor both together go to the making of genius. Love, love, love, that is the soul of genius. -Mozart

by Ian Capilouto on Sep 29, 2009 4:43 PM PDT up reply actions  

35 Man Roster

and Juan Castro finds a why to get a start at 3rd base in a very meaningful game. Come on

Other then Juan this looks like our postseason lineup. If it becomes our postseason roster, God help us.

by meercatjohn on Sep 29, 2009 4:12 PM PDT reply actions  

Who would you start ahead of him?

Belliard – Hurt?
Blake – Hurt?
Dewitt – Left handed hitter

vr, Xei

by Xeifrank on Sep 29, 2009 4:16 PM PDT up reply actions  

DeWitt for sure

unlike Andre he didn’t have bad LH/RH splits last year from what I remember. It is not like this guy is going to last more then 5 innings.

by meercatjohn on Sep 29, 2009 4:17 PM PDT up reply actions  

never say never

Zach didn’t have a home start with less than 7 hits given up for two months before yesterday

by stillnotah8er on Sep 29, 2009 4:18 PM PDT up reply actions  

Besides it is KCAL Tuesday

the power of the nine will be on display.

by meercatjohn on Sep 29, 2009 4:20 PM PDT up reply actions  

Yeah, the only thing I can think is Joe wants Castro to be “fresh” for October since he’ll be on the roster.

Since playing in all three games in Coors for Raffy, Castro (who was hitting .385/.444/.513 leaving Colorado) is hitting .235/.246/.265.

He will still get his career high in OBP this year though. He has never had an OBP higher than .290 (outside of one 5 PA season) but he’s at .325 right now. If he doesn’t reach base in his next 10 non-sacrifice PA, he will be at .298 (which is still a career high).

by Eric Stephen on Sep 29, 2009 4:18 PM PDT up reply actions  

Playoff bench

this is the bulk of our likely playoff bench. Since I picked the end of the Coors series (Hurdle’s last stand, over Memorial Day week) for Castro, I did it for the rest of the bench:

Castro – .235/.246/.265
Pierre – .263/.318/.318
Loretta – .197/.250/.235
Ausmus – .266/.319/.359

Thank God for the arrival of Belliard. The rest of the bench has been bad for 4 months.

by Eric Stephen on Sep 29, 2009 4:24 PM PDT up reply actions  

KCAL Tuesday

can they hold us under 10 runs? I think not.

by meercatjohn on Sep 29, 2009 4:13 PM PDT reply actions  

What are the home/road splits on Tuesdays?

I know they were 10-1 on Tuesdays at home this year.

by David Young on Sep 29, 2009 4:27 PM PDT up reply actions  

I had an Excel file at home with just the KCAL Tuesdays (there were a few non-KCAL games), but I don’t remember.

by Eric Stephen on Sep 29, 2009 4:28 PM PDT up reply actions  

7-5 on the road on Tuesdays this season.

by Eric Stephen on Sep 29, 2009 4:30 PM PDT up reply actions  

Celebration

Speaking of KCAL, are they planning to show the celebration after the game? Those games usually end right away on that channel? Or are they going to switch over to Prime Ticket for the celebration?

by Brandon Lennox on Sep 29, 2009 4:25 PM PDT reply actions  

Someone on Dodger Thoughts posted earlier that in their TV on screen guide, the game was scheduled from 7 to 10:45, and it is normally scheduled until 10pm, so it sounds like they will show the celebration, Choi willing. :)

by Eric Stephen on Sep 29, 2009 4:26 PM PDT up reply actions  

First Inning arguement

Thanks for the info on the celebration…also, if case anyone is interested, I was involved in a little arguement in the comments on the All Midwest Team page…the guy snubbed Dee Gordan from the team, and then put him down in the comments, so I had to fight back. anyone else want to join in and help?

by Brandon Lennox on Sep 29, 2009 4:28 PM PDT reply actions  

You mean the first inning page?

Thought your handle looked familiar. They are consistent, they just went by the stats, which is why our whole Raptor outfield made the team but not one of the them made the BA top 20. On the other hand Gordon will probably be number two on the BA list.

by meercatjohn on Sep 29, 2009 4:32 PM PDT up reply actions  

yeah on first inning.com

yeah I know they pretty much go on stats, it just still bothered me.

by Brandon Lennox on Sep 29, 2009 4:36 PM PDT up reply actions  

By the way True Blue posters

this Post
http://www.truebluela.com/2009/9/29/1059794/matt-kemp-is-smarter-than-you-think

Should be rec’d up the wazooooooooooooooo

What Eric does as a hobby is beyond amazing and we are lucky to have him to counter point the drivel that exists out there.

by meercatjohn on Sep 29, 2009 4:38 PM PDT reply actions  

What does recommending a post do on SB Nation? Does it send it up to the mothership page for more attention? Does it get it a picture opportunity with the President?
vr, Xei

by Xeifrank on Sep 29, 2009 5:15 PM PDT up reply actions  

Agreed

Those were some high quality posts to read while getting ready to watch the division clincher. Nicely done Eric and Dave.

It’s kind of scary how lazy many sports journalists are that this is their full-time job and they continue to spout the same overplayed, non-factual generalizations (momentum is key, Kemp doesn’t learn / run the bases, etc.) when it suits their purpose. But when the facts don’t fit their stories (Dodgers quality bullpen), they just ignore them or make up nonsense about how the bullpen is in shambles.

by Sam PHL on Sep 29, 2009 5:16 PM PDT up reply actions  

Rockies lineup

in case anyone is paying attention at 5:40pm in Denver:

Fowler CF
Spilborghs LF
Helton 1B
Tulo SS
Atkins 3B
Torrealba C
Hawpe RF
Barmes 2B
Marquis P

by Eric Stephen on Sep 29, 2009 4:38 PM PDT reply actions  

Brewers lineup

Lopez 2B
Hart RF
Braun LF
Fielder 1B
McGehee 3B
Cameron CF
Hardy SS
Kendall C
Narveson P

For the record, I am rooting for the Dodgers to clinch the division via a win in San Diego. But I don’t want the Rockies to win, so I’m rooting for a Brewers win in about 16 innings or so (so it ends after the game in SD).

by Eric Stephen on Sep 29, 2009 4:40 PM PDT up reply actions  

Even though the pitching failed for the Brewers

that is still one nice lineup now that Hart is back.

by meercatjohn on Sep 29, 2009 4:50 PM PDT up reply actions  

I'm confused and not paying attention.

If AL central tied. Game 163 or head to head?

by delias man on Sep 29, 2009 4:44 PM PDT via mobile reply actions  

When the battle is for a playoff spot, a playoff game will be played.

When the battle is for seeding, among two teams already in the playoffs, tiebreakers are used.

by Eric Stephen on Sep 29, 2009 4:45 PM PDT up reply actions  

The best part about it is that if there is a game 163, it will be at the Metrodome on Monday, because the Twins won the season series against the Tigers.

On Monday night, the Packers and Vikings are schedule to play on MNF. In Minnesota. At the Metrodome.

by Eric Stephen on Sep 29, 2009 4:48 PM PDT up reply actions  

Last offseason, the GMs voted (actually, maybe they flipped a coin) to eliminate coin tosses as determinants for home sites.

by Eric Stephen on Sep 29, 2009 4:49 PM PDT up reply actions  

I never read about that

Just thought I heard something about no coin flip. ThNks

by delias man on Sep 29, 2009 4:56 PM PDT via mobile up reply actions  

so the game 163, if needed, will be pushed to Tuesday.

by Eric Stephen on Sep 29, 2009 4:48 PM PDT up reply actions  

Wow, talk about screwing up the works

almost makes we want to root for the Twins just because of the misery they will cause Bud.

by meercatjohn on Sep 29, 2009 4:49 PM PDT up reply actions  

hurricane ike last september

I think the astros were technically the home team. I guess the issue with this one is hurricane adrian.

by stillnotah8er on Sep 29, 2009 4:53 PM PDT up reply actions  

The Yankees with the best record get to choose which ALDS they want. One starts Wednesday, the other starts Thursday.

They get the winner of Tigers/Twins, so they would probably choose the Wednesday option.

by Eric Stephen on Sep 29, 2009 4:54 PM PDT up reply actions  

Wouldn’t this choice be pitching driven? If you think your pitchers are better/deeper, you pick the schedule with less off days so the underdog team can’t get away with a three-man rotation and the better relivers?

by David Young on Sep 29, 2009 5:13 PM PDT up reply actions  

The rest of the series is the same, outside of game 1. I guess the Yankees could pick Wednesday to be able to go against a marginally more tired bullpen in game 1.

by Eric Stephen on Sep 29, 2009 5:15 PM PDT up reply actions  

The Wed. series has three potential off days, the Thursday series only two. If the Yanks get the Tigers and take Wed., they for sure get Verlander for games 1 and 4, with full rest.

by David Young on Sep 29, 2009 5:21 PM PDT up reply actions  

Verlander would have to pitch Sunday for the Tigers if the division is still on the line (he’s pitching right now). He would be on 3 days rest for a Wednesday start.

by Eric Stephen on Sep 29, 2009 5:24 PM PDT up reply actions  

Adam Dunn has 5 games left, plus a 6th tonight, to hit his exactly two homers to end up at exactly 40 for the 5th straight season.

by Eric Stephen on Sep 29, 2009 4:45 PM PDT reply actions  

You are really hoping for that streak to continue I take it?

Are you banking on it?

Neither a lofty degree of intelligence nor imagination nor both together go to the making of genius. Love, love, love, that is the soul of genius. -Mozart

by Ian Capilouto on Sep 29, 2009 4:47 PM PDT up reply actions  

Yeah I am on board. I hope he does it.

Neither a lofty degree of intelligence nor imagination nor both together go to the making of genius. Love, love, love, that is the soul of genius. -Mozart

by Ian Capilouto on Sep 29, 2009 4:51 PM PDT up reply actions  

Yes, I enjoy the statistical oddity of it.

As it stands now, there are only 3 people ever with exact HR totals in 4 straight years (I believe the HR number goes even as low as 2 HR, when I looked it up last year):

Dunn – 40 HR (2005-08)
Ken Boyer – 24 HR (1961-64)
Fred Lynn – 23 HR (1985-88)

by Eric Stephen on Sep 29, 2009 4:51 PM PDT up reply actions  

All above average players

I would have thought it would be easier to hit nine home runs three years in a row then to hit 23 or 24 or 40, just because so many guys can hit nine home runs but fewer can hit 23,24 and only a select select few can hit 40.

by meercatjohn on Sep 29, 2009 4:57 PM PDT up reply actions  

There have been only a total of 50 seasons of exactly 40 HR. Amazing that Dunn has four of them, let alone all in a row.

There are 9 others with two seasons at some point in their careers with exactly 40 HR:
http://bbref.com/pi/shareit/HSaJt

When I looked at all the HR numbers last year, I too expected there to be a lot of random people with like four straight 6-HR years or something, but all I got were those three guys. Amazing.

by Eric Stephen on Sep 29, 2009 5:09 PM PDT up reply actions  

According to every box score I can find, Kuroda was charged with 7 runs yesterday, 3 earned. The inning with the two HRs were definitely earned, so the only other inning to consider was the five-run second, which must have been 5 runs, 4 unearned. Here is the summary from baseball-reference.com box score page:

L. Milledge Reached on E5 (throw) (Ground Ball)
B. Moss Flyball: LF (LF Line)
D. Young Double to CF (Line Drive to Deep CF-RF); Milledge Scores/unER
L. Cruz Single to LF (Line Drive to Short LF-CF); Young to 3B
Z. Duke Groundout: 2B-1B (2B-1B); Young Scores; Cruz to 2B
A. McCutchen Walk
A. LaRoche Double to CF (Fly Ball to Deep CF); Cruz Scores/unER; McCutchen Scores/unER
G. Jones Single to RF (Ground Ball thru 2B-1B); LaRoche Scores/unER
R. Doumit Jones Steals 2B
R. Doumit Strikeout Swinging

Because I see Young’s run not marked “unER”, is the scorer’s reasoning that without the error, Cruz’s single would have been with two-out, Young wouldn’t have been held at third and instead would have scored? Duke’s ground ball should have been the third out.

by David Young on Sep 29, 2009 5:01 PM PDT reply actions  

I believe the reasoning is that in the scorer’s estimation, Cruz’s single would have scored Young from 2nd.

I was confused too when I saw the ER change, but didn’t go back to investigate.

by Eric Stephen on Sep 29, 2009 5:04 PM PDT up reply actions  

I guess if Young froze on the liner with one out, it would make sense.

by David Young on Sep 29, 2009 5:16 PM PDT up reply actions  

I hope the Bison Dolt

continues to be the Dodgers MVP tonight.

The commenter formerly known as "Dashiell".

by underdog on Sep 29, 2009 5:05 PM PDT reply actions  

I eagerly anticipate a lot of “is there a dumber player than…” comments tonight. :)

by Eric Stephen on Sep 29, 2009 5:06 PM PDT up reply actions  

How about "is there a dumber blogger than..."

comments….? ;-) (re: Oldersubterfuge or whatever his name is. I know he doesn’t read this blog or DT so I don’t worry about offending him.)

The commenter formerly known as "Dashiell".

by underdog on Sep 29, 2009 5:09 PM PDT up reply actions  

I like it

I anticipate a bunch of “is there a dumber XXXXX than…” now. :)

by Eric Stephen on Sep 29, 2009 5:10 PM PDT up reply actions  

Pedro was my favorite dolt of all time

of course at the time I didn’t know he was really a dolt. His Sax quote is one of the greatest to come out a players mouth in my lifetime.

by meercatjohn on Sep 29, 2009 5:08 PM PDT reply actions  

Did you see the link I put today to the Pedro / Bill Russell sandwich story?

by Eric Stephen on Sep 29, 2009 5:09 PM PDT up reply actions  

Pedro/Bill Russell sandwich sounds like a nightmare for a hooker

by KellyStephen on Sep 29, 2009 5:12 PM PDT up reply actions  

Yes

just bizarre. No wonder he was traded after Gibby arrived.

by meercatjohn on Sep 29, 2009 5:15 PM PDT up reply actions  

I asked a general question on DT

Just wondering if it is just the “East Coast” media bias but why is Clay Bucholz considered so untoachable. His numbers don’t appear that great and he appears to be at best a pitch to contact guy.

Am I wrong in this lay opinion?

by bhsportsguy on Sep 29, 2009 5:14 PM PDT reply actions  

Because he plays for the Red Sox

would be my first answer…

The commenter formerly known as "Dashiell".

by underdog on Sep 29, 2009 5:15 PM PDT up reply actions  

Two years ago he was considered the best pitching prospect in baseball

he sucked last year, but if you look at his game scores this year you see major improvement. Yes he blew chunks tonight but in the long run I expect the RedSox will be happy they held onto him.

by meercatjohn on Sep 29, 2009 5:16 PM PDT up reply actions  

Even this year in the minors he was 3:1 in the minors. And that was his worst yet.

The hope I think is that that will translate soon enough.

by Eric Stephen on Sep 29, 2009 5:19 PM PDT up reply actions  

and I just wanted to add: “…in the minors” :)

by Eric Stephen on Sep 29, 2009 5:26 PM PDT up reply actions  

Look at Halladay age 22/23

in the major leagues. I’m going to trust the scouts one more on him.

by meercatjohn on Sep 29, 2009 5:19 PM PDT up reply actions  

http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/h/hallaro01.shtml

It ain’t easy pitching in the AL East and it is getting harder not easier.

by meercatjohn on Sep 29, 2009 5:20 PM PDT up reply actions  

Check out how similair

Halladay’s age 22 year old season was to Billingsley age 21 year old season.

by meercatjohn on Sep 29, 2009 5:29 PM PDT up reply actions  

His minor league track record is pretty outstanding. Just perusing the raw numbers, 89 starts with an ERA of 2.42, never above 2.61 in a season, kind of stand out.

by Eric Stephen on Sep 29, 2009 5:18 PM PDT up reply actions  

Seasonal FIPs for Clay:

age 20: 2.85 in low A
age 21: 3.18 in low A / A
age 22: 2.50 in AA / AAA
age 23: 2.92 in AA / AAA
age 24: 3.37 in AAA

http://www.minorleaguesplits.com/cgi-bin/pl.cgi?pl=453329

by Eric Stephen on Sep 29, 2009 5:22 PM PDT up reply actions  

You have convinced me

I wasn’t judging it on just tonight, I was just surprised by MLB numbers.

by bhsportsguy on Sep 29, 2009 5:26 PM PDT up reply actions  

Plus a MLB career 4.21 FIP

In 182 IP while being shuttled back and forth between the minors. His career K/9 is at 7.5 too. I think he hasn’t really had the opportunity to settle into the majors yet.

I think it’s similar to Phil Hughes, who lost some luster last year, but has been very good once given a regular role.

by Sam PHL on Sep 29, 2009 5:36 PM PDT up reply actions  

As I recall

Pedro’s Coke defense was that he was basically too dumb to have been involved in a drug deal.

Yeah, well, you know, that's just, like, your opinion, man

by mleadman on Sep 29, 2009 5:15 PM PDT reply actions  

The Loons top prospect poll is a joke

How can Eovaldi have only 4 votes (including mine)? He probably has the best fastball in the organization at 19 years old. The strikeouts will come next year. Just, wow.

by silverwidow on Sep 29, 2009 5:21 PM PDT reply actions  

Injury risk? Sometime pitchers don’t stop at one UCL surgery. Just ask Kuo.

by David Young on Sep 29, 2009 5:22 PM PDT up reply actions  

This just in: Silverwidow hates democracy.

Film at 11. :)

by Eric Stephen on Sep 29, 2009 5:25 PM PDT up reply actions  

Oh come now

we have no idea which way Eovaldi is going to go but we do know that Aaron Miller is going to be pitching in AA next year. You want us to make Eovaldi the number one prospect based on the fact you “think” he’s going to start striking out hitters next year. How about we just wait for him to prove it. He was never allowed to go more then 3/4 innings per game, I’d say he’s got a lot to prove before he justifies that ranking. If you want to bestow it upon on fine that is why he’s on the poll but to call the poll a joke because you don’t agree with it seems pretentious and arrogant.

by meercatjohn on Sep 29, 2009 5:25 PM PDT up reply actions  

to call the poll a joke because you don’t agree with it seems pretentious and arrogant.

or just hyperbolic.

by David Young on Sep 29, 2009 6:04 PM PDT up reply actions  

I have a right to be angry at seeing only 4 votes. THIS was the joke I was referring to, not the fact that Gordon was winning or whatever.

My apologies if the post sounded arrogant; I just feel VERY strongly about a kid who throws 96 consistently with a rapidly improving curve (not to mention that Logan was quoted as saying he’d throw 100 out of the pen easily). This is a prospect that deserves more than 4 votes. I could care less that he wasn’t a high draft pick and doesn’t have the name recognition of the other guys. He’s just as good as any of them.

by silverwidow on Sep 29, 2009 7:44 PM PDT up reply actions  

dodgers plz clinch tonite!!

final dodger game i’ll see on tv for a while…
tbs has all the NL playoff games…ugggggh
hopefully i’ll see em on fox in the world series…
but first please i want to see them clinch the west….

"That is not how you play the game!!!" -Jack in the Box

by shaqfor3 on Sep 29, 2009 5:31 PM PDT reply actions  

i probably will watch the playoff games on my computer
tbs usally has streams of games..still doesnt beat watchin on a tv
oh and im a high schooler so i probably couldnt watch a game in bars
or either id seem seem like outta place in a bar…i dont know its complicated reasoning….

"That is not how you play the game!!!" -Jack in the Box

by shaqfor3 on Sep 29, 2009 5:43 PM PDT up reply actions  

Oh, I see

I’m sure some restaurants would be showing it so you wouldn’t have to be 21 to get in.

by Sam PHL on Sep 29, 2009 5:45 PM PDT up reply actions  

cincy up 7-1

crystal ball sees a stl loss and philly win

by stillnotah8er on Sep 29, 2009 5:53 PM PDT reply actions  

even lidge would need an effort

to blow a 5-run lead… though only fools underestimate the power of hunter’s kneesocks

by stillnotah8er on Sep 29, 2009 6:00 PM PDT up reply actions  

with lidge closing your crystal ball might be stormy

with madsen closing it might unfortunately be sunny

"That is not how you play the game!!!" -Jack in the Box

by shaqfor3 on Sep 29, 2009 6:00 PM PDT up reply actions  

I don't know why everyone is so down on lidge

so he’s had a bad 50 or 60 innings in a row – that’s a small sample size that means nothing! right?

by stillnotah8er on Sep 29, 2009 6:02 PM PDT up reply actions  

Quite the endorsement

I thought it was so good that it deserved a fanpost here.

by David Young on Sep 29, 2009 6:16 PM PDT up reply actions  

Rockies or Braves

Who do you guys think will be a better match for the Dodgers in the Division series???

The Braves look scary right now…I think I would like Philly, but only if we can get HFA

I think once they clinch the NL West, they can relax, and maybe that will produce the “nothing to play for” mentality that the PIrates seemed to thrive on last weekend.

"Say 'Dodgers' and people know you're talking about baseball. Say 'Braves' and they ask, 'What reservation?' Say 'Reds' and they think of communism. Say 'Padres' and they look around for a priest."
-Tommy L.

by Pablojr818 on Sep 29, 2009 6:11 PM PDT reply actions  

Can't play the Rockies

in the Division Series sine they are in our division. It would have to be in the NLCS.

by LA Taco on Sep 29, 2009 6:15 PM PDT up reply actions  

HeHe

Yeah, I meant to type the Phillies in the title.

"Say 'Dodgers' and people know you're talking about baseball. Say 'Braves' and they ask, 'What reservation?' Say 'Reds' and they think of communism. Say 'Padres' and they look around for a priest."
-Tommy L.

by Pablojr818 on Sep 29, 2009 6:21 PM PDT up reply actions  

Oh I see

you said Philly in the comment.

I would chose Atlanta.

by LA Taco on Sep 29, 2009 6:16 PM PDT up reply actions  

Braves tied it, 4-4 bottom 6th.

by KSeal on Sep 29, 2009 6:18 PM PDT reply actions  

5-4 Marlins top of 8th.

by RawhideBlue on Sep 29, 2009 6:55 PM PDT up reply actions  

Tsunami warning for 9PM on Cali coast. Not suppose to be that big, but stay away from the waters.
vr, Xei

by Xeifrank on Sep 29, 2009 6:24 PM PDT reply actions  

probably the range of the area affected by a tsunami is like 500 or 1000 miles

so i dont see why they have to declare that
ur rite samoa is waaaay out there….but i guess theyre being cautious….

"That is not how you play the game!!!" -Jack in the Box

by shaqfor3 on Sep 29, 2009 6:37 PM PDT up reply actions  

I wonder if you were on a pier if you would even notice it.

Yeah, well, you know, that's just, like, your opinion, man

by mleadman on Sep 29, 2009 6:52 PM PDT up reply actions  

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2012 Dodgers Payroll

Italics denote estimates
Pos No Player 2012 Salary
C 17 Ellis $500,000 team control
1B 7 Loney $6,375,000
2B 14 Ellis $2,500,000
3B 5 Uribe $8,000,000
SS 9 Gordon $485,000 team control
LF 21 Rivera $4,000,000
CF 27 Kemp $10,000,000
RF 16 Ethier $10,950,000

IF/OF 6 Hairston $2,250,000
OF 10 Gwynn $850,000
2B/3B 3 Kennedy $800,000
C 18 Treanor $850,000
IF 12 Sellers $485,000 team control

SP 22 Kershaw $8,500,000 arb
SP 58 Billingsley $9,000,000
SP 29 Lilly $12,000,000
SP 37 Capuano $3,000,000
SP 44
Harang $3,000,000

CL 54 Guerra $485,000 team control
RHP 74
Jansen $500,000 team control
RHP 55 Guerrier $4,750,000
RHP Coffey $1,000,000
RHP 66 MacDougal $650,000
LHP 57 Elbert $485,000 team control
RHP 36
Hawksworth $500,000 team control

TJ 41 De La Rosa $485,000 team control



Manny $8,087,432 deferred


Andruw $3,375,000 deferred


Pierre $3,050,000 deferred
Furcal $3,000,000 deferred
Kuroda $2,000,000 deferred
Garland $1,500,000 option buyout
Blake $1,250,000 option buyout

Totals
$114,662,432

For more detailed information, click here.

Players on 40-man roster used as roster
fillers until moves are made.

Current 40-man roster count: 40
(not including Belisario)

2012 Non-Roster Invitees

No Player Age*
63 Jose Ascanio rhp
27
61 Alberto Castillo lhp
36
60 Matt Chico lhp
29
35 John Grabow lhp
33
59 Angel Guzman rhp
30
47 Wil Ledezma lhp
31
72 Shane Lindsay rhp
27
62 Fernando Nieve rhp 29
73 Scott Rice lhp 30
70 Will Savage rhp
27
71 Ryan Tucker rhp
25

30 Josh Bard c 34
82 Griff Erickson c 24
81 Matt Wallachc 26
67 Jeff Baisley 3b/1b 29
62 Luis Cruz ss/2b 28
33 Josh Fields 3b 29
64 Lance Zawadzki if 27
56 Cory Sullivan of 32

*Age on June 30, 2012

NRI count: 19

For more info, click here.


Manager

Eric___ned___reporters_2011_trade_deadline_small Eric Stephen

Editors

100_1427_small Phil Gurnee

Dgy_small David Young

Hanauma_bay_small Chad Moriyama

2501_small Michael White

Raptors_small Brandon Lennox