Dodgers Bats Go Quiet...Again
by Eric Stephen on Apr 29, 2010 10:14 PM PDT
in Dodgers Game Recaps
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The 13-inning win in Washington DC on Saturday was such a high point of the early season, as the bullpen seemed to be righting itself, and the Dodgers gutted out a tough win on the road. Unfortunately for them, they have played five games, and 45 innings since that win on Saturday, and the Dodgers haven't had a lead once. Their fifth straight loss came tonight at the hands of the Pirates, who won the opener of the four-game series 2-0.
For Matt Kemp, suddenly in the middle of controversy thanks to comments about his sub-par defense and baserunning by Ned Colletti over the last few days, had just about the worst first inning possible given the circumstances. In the first inning, Kemp misplayed a two-out RBI single into a two-run triple, although the official scorer really should have charged Kemp with an error. Then, in the bottom of the first, Kemp got twisted at the plate on a check swing, and didn't realize he the ball rolled off his bat toward the pitcher, and he was late running to first. It was the type of play that didn't really matter, but one that people with an agenda might harp on. At any rate, it was not Kemp's finest hour.
Clayton Kershaw pitched well, especially after giving up two runs (one of which should have been unearned) in the first inning. Kershaw pitched into the seventh inning, and allowed only two runs, but he was lifted after his 117th pitch, a walk to the relief pitcher Jack Taschner (in his sixth career plate appearance). Kershaw has walked four pitchers this season, two more than anyone else in baseball.
Brian Burres endured 10 three-ball counts to pitch 5 1/3 scoreless innings, and was followed by 2 2/3 scoreless innings by Taschner, tied for the longest scoreless outing of his career. Burres got the win despite throwing more balls (47) than strikes (46), becoming the first starter in baseball this year to get the win with more balls than strikes.
The Dodger offense has scored 13 runs in their last seven games, including three shutouts. Since the beginning of the series with the Nationals, the Dodgers have six singles in 49 at-bats with runners in scoring position, and are hitting .122/.241/.122 in those situations. Taschner and new closer Evan Meek retired the final 11 Dodger batters of the game.
The one highlight tonight was the Prime Ticket trivia question: which pitcher gave up the first home run ever hit out of Dodger Stadium? The answer was Alan Foster, which allowed Vin Scully to explain why Jerry Doggett announced that home run instead of him: "Where was I?" Scully asked, "in the men's room."
WP - Brian Burres (1-1): 5 1/3 IP, 4 hits, 4 walks, 3 strikeouts, 47 balls, 46 strikes
LP - Clayton Kershaw (1-1): 6 1/3 IP, 3 hits, 2 runs, 4 walks, 7 strikeouts
Sv - Evan Meek (1): 1 IP, 1 strikeout (1st career save)
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I cannot, I will not, I must not believe this is a 100-loss team.
Pressure is on Phil, Eric, Dave — no, I take that back, it’s really on all of us — for a fuckin’ funny thread tomorrow. We gotta laugh. Tomorrow: laughageddon.
The Ultimate Ned's Kind of Guy
and with that, I go to bed. G'night everybody.
The Ultimate Ned's Kind of Guy
by Humma Kavula on Apr 29, 2010 10:24 PM PDT up reply actions
The Fucking Ironic Thing Is
that we are getting killed by lack of depth when our general manager is so big on depth.
Not sure how Mccort apologist can spin this.
When can cuban buy the dodgers?
hopefully right after McCourt loses them
by SeanMillerSavior on Apr 29, 2010 10:37 PM PDT reply actions
I really wish he would buy this team
"Just by the aura of D.J. Mbenga being there, the shot missed."
well since the team is slumping
gooooo bison!
"Just by the aura of D.J. Mbenga being there, the shot missed."
You mean we have 40 players on the roster?
We don’t have decent players after 1-9 in the order. The pitchers we have been bringing up arn’t even as good as our options of last resort last year of Stults and Weaver.
poor Kershaw
he cant get run support for crap whenever he pitches.
"Just by the aura of D.J. Mbenga being there, the shot missed."
The last nine times Kershaw has pitched six or more innings and given up two or fewer runs, he does not have a win (the Dodgers are 4-5 in those games)
yeah thats how I feel about this
we should start a “donate runs to kershaw” fund or something…
"Just by the aura of D.J. Mbenga being there, the shot missed."
It's amazing how we keep losing like this.
Hm I really wonder what is going on…. and god I really hope we get some W on our way~ Seems like bullpen is almost replenished~ Now I think it might have been better to sign Garland than Padilla, but oh well…. Can’t wait for Monasterios starting debut tomorrow though.
You'll have to wait
That debut is Saturday, not tomorrow.
The commenter formerly known as El Lay Dave.
by David Young on Apr 29, 2010 10:57 PM PDT up reply actions
Dodgers have a very Detroit Tigers 2008 type vibe..
The Tigers came into that season (having acquired Miguel Cabrera) as heavy favorites.
They finished in last place- 74-88.
People were left wondering how exactly the Tigers tumbled so much in 1 season with roughly the same team as prior seasons.
ESPN Zone or not,
That game was lame. Carroll was horrible. Too many runners in scoring position. Thank goodness for that shot of Patron. We can still win the series. Let’s cross everything, even our pubes. I drove a ton of miles, heard a ton of child whine, and paid a shit ton of gas $ to see them lose on Saturday. They mutherfucking better win at least on Saturday or I will be fuckin’ atomic.
by Skunkburner on Apr 29, 2010 11:02 PM PDT via mobile reply actions
Saturday has the potential to be either the most fun game ever or the worst game ever.
by Eric Stephen on Apr 29, 2010 11:03 PM PDT up reply actions
or both.
The commenter formerly known as El Lay Dave.
by David Young on Apr 29, 2010 11:24 PM PDT up reply actions
Tony Jax reports
Ely will start again on Tuesday thus giving Kershaw and Bills an extra day of rest. Also means Ely is in line to pitch on Mother’s Day.
by bhsportsguy on Apr 29, 2010 11:24 PM PDT up reply actions
Oh lets blame the GM
Not Kemp and Ethier who have disappeared since Manny has left. Not Martin for failing to block a pitch that may have kept Kuroda in the game on Tuesday. Not the various others who have made mental and physical errors.
Sure, has Ned made mistakes and misjudgments, yes. But the complaints would ring less hollow if the blame was shared with the guys playing and not just someone you wished were fired (and he won’t be regardless of what happens).
The players take a beating in the game chat when the plays occur
But those problems are short-term effects. Martin fails to block a pitch affects (for the most part) that situation and that game. What the GM does affects the team long-term.
The commenter formerly known as El Lay Dave.
by David Young on Apr 29, 2010 11:33 PM PDT up reply actions
Is your sole purpose here to defend Ned Colletti or do you must enjoy taking contrarian positions?
Whats the point of blaming players that make physical mistakes? Its not like they arent trying.
People blame the GM bc its his mental mistakes (player selection) that puts the players in position to fail.
Garrett Anderson is washed up broken down baseball player that should not have a roster spot on a contending MLB team. Now, should I blame GA for being a bad player (how can he help that at this stage of his career), or should I blame the guy that put him on the roster to begin with?
This team’s payroll is also down. Is it fair to blame the McCourts? I certainly think so bc if they spent more money on the team, it would be better, no?
Blaming the players just doesnt resonate. Its senseless to blame the best players, because without them you’d be even worse off. Its senseless to blame bad players for playing badly,bc its not like they can help it.
Is it fair to blame the McCourts?
Payroll?
Are you talk’in about payroll?
I thought we were talk’in about the games.
Payroll?
Yes, a bigger payroll creates more options for the talent coordinator, no?
More pitching, pitching , pitching , pitching.
It’s always about the pitching.
As fans, we are stuck with what we have to root for.
This team is going through a very difficult start to the season.
Very difficult
Among the worst starts in the MLB this year.
But it is a beautiful morning.
by 68elcamino427 on Apr 30, 2010 7:13 AM PDT up reply actions
that is total bullshit. They are they guys playing the game not the GM
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
What is bullshit is that people are blaming the owners
not the GM. My whole point was the GM’s #1 priority is depth, which, all things considered, isn’t the most expensive thing in this game, and he still can’t even get that because of his budget.
Just to be fair
The defense has sucked too, although the pitching is coming around and the offense has been fine.
We have been killed though by players who should not be on the field.
Ethier, Kemp, Martin...
Ethier – .333/.415/.569
Kemp – .290/.346/.570
Martin -.288/.388/.403
What more do you expect out of them?
And yes – I cant speak for others here but I do bash the players, especially when warranted.
Two targets being Loney & GA.
Loney – .287/.309/.351 (From a 1st basemen)
GA – .122/.159/.220 (he’s 5 for 41)
Since the Washington Series
Kemp .200/.200/.233 – 0 runs scored, 0 RBI
Ethier .217/.333/.261 – 1 run scored, 0 RBI
Blake .300/.364/.650 – 2 HR, 4 RBI
Loney .222/.250/.259 – 2 runs scored, 0 RBI
Martin – .182/.250/.318 – 1 HR, 2 RBI
Belliard – .133/.316/.133 – 1 run, 1 RBI
Carroll – .214/.421/.214 – 3 runs scored. 0 RBI
Anderson – .000/.000/.000 – Zero for 15 since hitting pinch hit 2 run HR in Cincy
Johnson – .286/.333/.500 – 1 run, 1 RBI
Furcal – .176/.222/.353 – 1 run, 0 RBI
DeWitt – .250/.307/.417 – 0 runs, 0 RBI
by bhsportsguy on Apr 30, 2010 12:42 AM PDT up reply actions
Nice reply
we are talking about how crappy they have been since Manny went out and the number show that everyone sucks including the guys who are expected to carry the team.
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
we all know that
and ned colletti is still a fucking moron, so what’s the point?
by Chad Moriyama on Apr 30, 2010 9:27 AM PDT up reply actions
They don't take shit in the game chats
what the fuck are you talking about
by Chad Moriyama on Apr 30, 2010 9:26 AM PDT up reply actions
Sure seems like it to me when I''m in there
Bad Bison ABs, Martin not blocking pitches – it’s all complained about.
The commenter formerly known as El Lay Dave.
It was meant to be...
“They don’t take shit in the game chats? What the fuck are you talking about.”
Inferring that they get blasted here, on espn, on my site, on MSTI, SOSG, everywhere.
by Chad Moriyama on Apr 30, 2010 9:34 AM PDT up reply actions
I’m very glad i left after the 4th inning to go bowling. Just following the game on the phone i was getting agitated. Brian freaking Burres? I though getting blanked by Scott Olsen was bad, but this guy is Scott Olsen without the talent (if possible). The lineup that we trotted out there was AAA worthy, but jeez, score a damn run. Its almost getting to the point where it isnt worth watching, just because the baseball is so bad. I didnt think we would be world beaters this year, butt his garbage is just unacceptable.
Gin Scully is going to need a liver transplant at the end of the season if we keep playing like this.
trade matt kemp while hes got value..
takin my pants off for the catholic church
Exactly.
Johnson actually hits LHP. GA can’t hit off a tee at this point.
Poor Anderson, he didn’t look to good last night.
by 68elcamino427 on Apr 30, 2010 7:14 AM PDT up reply actions
Just wnat to say
that if not for the wind, LaRoche would have hit a three run and we may not talking about what a good start Kershaw had. He got very lucky on that ball. He knew he screwed up when Andy tagged it.
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
This morning the Balrimore Orioles with 18 losses is the only team in the MLB looking up at the Dodgers.
Most of the other last place teams in their divisions have 14 losses like the Dodgers do today.
Ouch!
We're Not Gonna Take This!!! After last nights game,
when I watched bits and pieces(what I could stand) of the game, I was hoping for the renewed, home stand loving crew to bust out and show the lowly Pirates who the Dodgers really were and turn the ship around. Instead it was a sad display of lost opportunities and lackluster play. I mean HOLY CRAP!! After reading through the late night comments and this mornings comments, I can see we need a release. You’ve all probably seen this video a million times but please let it speak to your soul again this fine morning, at least watch the introduction again. As you’re listening, just insert the word “bat” for “guitar”. Imagine Ned doing the yelling!
Now for me, I need to vent, "AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!!!!!!. Thank you.
Enjoy this psychological release from the stress of watching the Dodgers play baseball this year.
GA is a LH pinch hitter at best
Part of me says cut him but at this point he is stricly PH material.
Reed Johnson is a much better defender, runner and hitter.
XPaul could provide a spark.
So Torre bats LH GA second, sits RH Reed J, and uses Troncoso yet again.
Is there something wrong with Belasario?
I watched but wasn’t around these parts.
Can anyone explain? thanks in advance.
Belisario pitched two innings on Wednesday in NY; he wasn't going to pitch last night.
The commenter formerly known as El Lay Dave.
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