James Loney in Arizona: It's a Dry Heat
by Eric Stephen on May 12, 2010 10:24 AM PDT
in News
Email
PrintMuch has been made of James Loney's career struggles at Dodger Stadium -- .276/.339/.389 at home, not exactly inspiring numbers from a middle infielder, let along a first baseman. We half-jokingly look forward to the Dodgers wearing gray uniforms, if only for the emergence of "Road Loney," with much more productive numbers (.317/.370/.514) away from home.
Loney has also earned the moniker "Mr. Coors" for his awesome numbers in Colorado. It all started on September 28, 2006, when in the midst of a pennant race, as a rookie, Loney slammed two home runs and drove in nine runs in a wild 19-11 win at Coors Field. Loney has had five RBI in a game three times in his career, and they have all been in Denver. In 28 career games at Coors Field, Loney has 37 RBI, and has hit .358/.414/.604. The "Mr. Coors" nickname has been deserved.
But should we start calling Loney "Mr. Chase" now, too? Loney had four more hits last night, including two doubles, one night after hitting an opposite-field homer. In his career at Chase Field, Loney is hitting .421/.461/.682 in 27 games. He has driven in at least one run in each of his last five games in Arizona, and has a hit in all but one of his 25 career starts at Chase Field. Loney has three home runs and two doubles in his last five games in Arizona.
To put the rise of Loney's power in Phoenix in some perspective, he has seven home runs in 27 career games at Chase Field, compared to 14 home runs in 253 games at Dodger Stadium.
Will Loney continue to have a .427 batting average on balls in play in Arizona? Well, no. But Mr. Chase and his entourage are still fun to watch.
208 comments
|
0 recs |
Do you like this story?
Comments
So does Lincecum
and on the 93rd postseason of the National Hockey League, the Slovakian-hockeygod Zeus commanded from high atop Mount Figueroa..."RELEASE THE MEAT TRAIN!" And it was good.
by DodgerBlueBalls on May 12, 2010 12:23 PM PDT up reply actions
Manny Ramirez career numbers at Arizona
67 plate appearances, .479/.627/.813
It’s always eye-popping to see an OBP start with 6
by Eric Stephen on May 12, 2010 10:36 AM PDT up reply actions
Amazing
In 16 career games in Arizona, Manny has been on base…
5 times: once
4 times: twice
3 times: 7 times
2 times: 3 times
1 time: twice
0 times: once
He’s been on base twice or more in 13 of 16 games, and three times or more in 10 of 16 games. Awesome.
by Eric Stephen on May 12, 2010 10:44 AM PDT up reply actions
remember how awesome he was
his first year on the team when we were battling Arizona for the division? I think it was during that stretch that the Dodgers beat both Haren and Webb in AZ? Incredible.
I said at the time and I'll say it again
The two months of Manny in 2008 were the most enjoyable two months of baseball I’ve ever experienced.
The Ultimate Ned's Kind of Guy
by Humma Kavula on May 12, 2010 10:50 AM PDT up reply actions
Memories of Chris Farley…
“Remember, that first year? When we were battling Arizona and we beat Haren and Webb and you were hitting so well? Man…that was awesome!”
by KellyStephen on May 12, 2010 11:25 AM PDT up reply actions
They beat Haren and Webb two weekends in a row!
The first weekend was in Arizona, and after Friday’s loss the Dodgers had lost 8 games in a row. They won their next eight.
I believe it was against Haren when after one AB Manny told people in the dugout “if he throws me another inside fastball, they’re going to need a new baseball.” Then, he proceeded to deposit a pitch into the LF bullpen. Good times.
by Eric Stephen on May 12, 2010 11:28 AM PDT up reply actions
The Dodgers pitchers who faced off against Haren and Webb were…..
I think Billingsley and Lowe but I can’t recall.
by Michael White on May 12, 2010 11:30 AM PDT up reply actions
Right on both counts
Billingsley over Haren, Lowe over Webb the first time, in AZ. Lowe over Haren, Bills over Webb the second time, at DS.
The commenter formerly known as El Lay Dave.
by David Young on May 12, 2010 11:41 AM PDT up reply actions
4 1/2 games out when that first game started, 1/2 game ahead when that last game ended.
The commenter formerly known as El Lay Dave.
by David Young on May 12, 2010 11:42 AM PDT up reply actions
I was in AZ that weekend and had tix for Saturday night. But going into that series the Dodgers were playing so poorly i said “F U Jobu” and took my wife to dinner instead. Ended up watching the game at the YardHouse…start of a damn good month to close out the season.
by KellyStephen on May 12, 2010 11:56 AM PDT up reply actions
When he's able to play
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
by Phil Gurnee on May 12, 2010 11:05 AM PDT up reply actions
Besides the great starting pitching recently, Loney's been on a streak.
I don’t know, but these recent Dodgers are starting to look like last year’s early Dodgers. I’m glad Manny is back in and taking some heat off of Kemp, but Loney is sure stepping up.
The best news
is the recent stabilization of the bullpen [knock wood]. But, yes, I’m optimistic about this team for the first time since the beginning of the season.
Agreed.
With Ethier and Loney hitting, Manny back, the bullpen settling down, and the rotation — at least in very recent days — starting to give us something closer to what we were hoping for, the last several days have shown us the team I expected: a team that will be fun to root for all season long.
The Ultimate Ned's Kind of Guy
by Humma Kavula on May 12, 2010 10:52 AM PDT up reply actions
Kou and Bellisario being out, combined with some early problems with the starters and then Padilla going down, threw everything out of alignment.
Honestly to far this year the only thing I find inexplicable is Ned Colletti calling out Kemp. Although perhaps the only other thing would be Kemp’s regression on the basepaths.
There was a week or so, I think when Manny first went down, that the entire offense shut down. This coincided with continued struggles from the pitching staff. The team looked very bad that week, and it was unexpected, at least by me.
The Ultimate Ned's Kind of Guy
by Humma Kavula on May 12, 2010 10:58 AM PDT up reply actions
I think pretty soon you’ll see all Dodger outfielders hot at the same time. Andre and Manny are taking great at bats up there, and yesterday we saw signs from Kemp that he is heating up. Long, hard hit fly balls to center and right field, drawing a walk. If all three of those guys get going plus Loney and Russell staying hot, this could get really fun.
by UCLADodger32 on May 12, 2010 10:50 AM PDT up reply actions
By distance
not sure if it would have carried like that in DS at night.
The commenter formerly known as El Lay Dave.
by David Young on May 12, 2010 12:25 PM PDT up reply actions
I was toying with it but doesn’t look likely.
by KellyStephen on May 12, 2010 10:56 AM PDT up reply actions
That was my thought…take the train…but who knows.
by KellyStephen on May 12, 2010 11:25 AM PDT up reply actions
Doesn't the league generally hit better
at Coors and Chase Fields? Now if Loney was beating up the pitching at PetCo or even at DS then I’d be really impressed.
Well sure
just pointing it out the abnormal differences
by Eric Stephen on May 12, 2010 10:56 AM PDT up reply actions
Actually, that OBP seems a bit low relative to the BA. Make it, I dunno, .394.
by silverwidow on May 12, 2010 11:01 AM PDT up reply actions
Just out of curiosity, what do you see different this year? Ethier has always had super-hot streaks, just like he’s having now, with super-cold streaks mixed in.
I’m not saying you’re wrong… I’m asking, why is this not just a super-hot streak, but real improvement that he can keep up over the course of a season?
The Ultimate Ned's Kind of Guy
by Humma Kavula on May 12, 2010 11:05 AM PDT up reply actions
I think in his case, the contract extension was a huge plus. This guy would beat himself up all the time in the past, so maybe he’s a bit more relaxed up there knowing he has security in terms of money and PT. Not saying his attitude has completely changed, but he comes off as more focused and determined as opposed to neurotic.
by silverwidow on May 12, 2010 11:31 AM PDT up reply actions
I’m certainly interested to see what happens. Your prediction does allow for him to cool off, and he certainly will cool off. The questions are how cold and for how long. I’ll admit that I’m one who hasn’t been a believer, but what the hell do I know? Nothing. I would love to be proven wrong.
The Ultimate Ned's Kind of Guy
by Humma Kavula on May 12, 2010 11:36 AM PDT up reply actions
You do know
how to name a child.
The commenter formerly known as El Lay Dave.
by David Young on May 12, 2010 11:39 AM PDT up reply actions
We are struggling now to find a real name for Kavula's Folly.
And totally geeking out on baby names.
Which just goes to show: If something exists, someone is getting totally geeky about it.
If you want an insight into the world of — I shit you not — “name enthusiasts,” venture over to www.babynamewizard.com/blog.
Right now, the name enthusiasts are in hog heaven. Mid-May is like Christmas to them, because it is the time that the Social Security Administration releases the data on the top 1000 baby names for the previous year.
And before you mock them, just remember: we are people who fret over whether Nick Green or Chin-Lung Hu is the backup backup shortstop, the equivalent of the “30th” man in the roster.
The Ultimate Ned's Kind of Guy
by Humma Kavula on May 12, 2010 11:45 AM PDT up reply actions
225 comments on the most recent post
Those people need to get out of the basement and get a life!
The commenter formerly known as El Lay Dave.
by David Young on May 12, 2010 12:38 PM PDT up reply actions
Won’t be Jack. Kavula’s Folly will be joining the TBLA Ladies’ Auxiliary.
The Ultimate Ned's Kind of Guy
by Humma Kavula on May 12, 2010 12:45 PM PDT up reply actions
My wife is baby-name crazy
She always tells me the Social Security rankings. I believe Isabella is the latest #1 overall girls’ name.
Why would anyone want to use a name that everyone else is using.
I’m fairly certain Spawn of Kuvala stands alone.
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
I apologize. I couldve sworn you said that Folly was of the male persuasion. I have a girl and the first name I mentioned to my wife, she said “that’s good. Let’s do it.”
The sun even shines on a dogs ass every now and then!
by keithc13 on May 12, 2010 2:05 PM PDT via mobile up reply actions
That’s funny.
Nope, Folly will be a girl. Or, as the doc said, “There’s one leg. There’s the other leg. There’s nothing.”
The Ultimate Ned's Kind of Guy
by Humma Kavula on May 12, 2010 2:25 PM PDT up reply actions
Funny guy that OBGyn
Maybe he’s just not destined to work in Chatsworth. (They are off on these sonogram-based pronouncements a percentage of the time, with the surprise usually being a boy instead of a girl.)
The commenter formerly known as El Lay Dave.
We paid for the 3D ultrasound at about 28 weeks. Pretty weird stuff. My wife just cried mentioning how beautiful she was while all I could think was thankfully there is another 3 months. She doesn’t have ears yet!
by keithc13 on May 12, 2010 2:37 PM PDT via mobile up reply actions
Just seems weird to me though. If we have another, we will do it again, but it creeps me out.
by keithc13 on May 12, 2010 2:52 PM PDT via mobile up reply actions
Your daughter’s name is Naomi, correct? If yes, you name Folly “Wynonna”! That is gold. Your kids can be the Judds.
I sense a NO!
by keithc13 on May 12, 2010 2:41 PM PDT via mobile up reply actions
That is in fact gonna be a no.
The Ultimate Ned's Kind of Guy
by Humma Kavula on May 12, 2010 2:42 PM PDT up reply actions
We are contemplating more and I know that the name thing can’t go this smooth again. Probably would lean towards a biblical name, buy not sure.
by keithc13 on May 12, 2010 2:49 PM PDT via mobile up reply actions
You knew this was coming
In this case, more seasoning would seem to suggest more readiness for the majors. At the moment, despite his lack of experience, Ely appears to be a more advanced pitcher than either Billingsley or Kershaw, even if he might not be as talented as either of them.
Another part of that column
Almost four years into his own career, Dodgers right-hander Chad Billingsley still struggles to throw strikes at times. Almost two years into his own career, Dodgers lefty Clayton Kershaw does, too.
by bhsportsguy on May 12, 2010 11:58 AM PDT up reply actions
I'd hazard a guess
that soft tossing right handers who reach the major leagues do so because they have impeccable command.
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
by Phil Gurnee on May 12, 2010 11:59 AM PDT up reply actions
Ely is
two years younger than Billingsley and and two years older than Kershaw.
by bhsportsguy on May 12, 2010 12:02 PM PDT up reply actions
He's been impressive
I hold out no long term hope he will continue to succeed at this level. If he levels off to a number five starter I’d be very happy.
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
by Phil Gurnee on May 12, 2010 12:04 PM PDT up reply actions
I'd be happy with that
I be very happy if he becomes a Jon Garland-like 4th starter.
The commenter formerly known as El Lay Dave.
by David Young on May 12, 2010 12:30 PM PDT up reply actions
Tony does get to making that point eventually
In an odd way, this could be an example of Ely actually benefiting from the fact he doesn’t have the stuff that Billingsley and Kershaw possess. If you can’t regularly throw in the mid-90s, you have to learn to locate at an earlier stage of your professional career, as opposed to relying solely on your velocity and movement.
The commenter formerly known as El Lay Dave.
by David Young on May 12, 2010 12:29 PM PDT up reply actions
I liked how he didn’t get rattled, like after Chris Young stole second base on him because Ely forgot to look at him. He came right back and pounded the outside corner on the hitter. I was impressed. But the DBacks made Jeff Weaver look great too. George Sherrill? Not so much.
In the 7th inning
He got behind Chris Young 3-1 and threw a fastball on the outside black, right on Martin’s target. I liked this. It showed me that he’s going to rely on his command and has confidence (if I can read that much into it) in his command and isn’t going to resort to throwing get me strikes when he’s behind like that. Young eventually singled (weakly) anyway, but Ely didn’t give in.
The commenter formerly known as El Lay Dave.
by David Young on May 12, 2010 12:32 PM PDT up reply actions
Can you really argue with that?
Lacking a plus fastball he has had to learn how to pitch instead of just throw.
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
by Phil Gurnee on May 12, 2010 11:58 AM PDT up reply actions
More the latter, but this series is too insane to predict anything. I think Boston will close them out, but nothing would surprise me at this point.
by Eric Stephen on May 12, 2010 11:58 AM PDT up reply actions
Over
remember Detroit
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
by Phil Gurnee on May 12, 2010 12:08 PM PDT up reply actions
He is soooo outta there!
and on the 93rd postseason of the National Hockey League, the Slovakian-hockeygod Zeus commanded from high atop Mount Figueroa..."RELEASE THE MEAT TRAIN!" And it was good.
by DodgerBlueBalls on May 12, 2010 12:28 PM PDT up reply actions
Under
They lose tonight and he is a New Jersey Net next season. He has complained for 3 years about the Cavs not getting him complimentary parts and they signed like 5 dudes this year. Still not enough. He is gone.
Does anyone think we will pay a price for this Andre streak?
the hotter he is now, the colder he will be when he cools off?
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
That is the price you pay
Hopefully, Blake, Kemp, Furcal are hitting well then
by bhsportsguy on May 12, 2010 12:02 PM PDT up reply actions
No, but.
I don’t think he’ll be COLDER for the fact that he’s so hot right now.
I do think that however cold he gets, the reaction on blogs will be blown out of proportion.
The Ultimate Ned's Kind of Guy
by Humma Kavula on May 12, 2010 12:08 PM PDT up reply actions
It would seem that if you took away James's numbers from Chase and Coors
you would have one hell of a lousy hitting first baseman since 2008.
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
Since you asked
James Loney 2008-2010
Chase Field: .380/.430/.620
Coors Field: .384/.444/.603
Dodger Stadium: .275/.341/.376
Everywhere Else: .280/.334/.423
Non-AZ/Col: .277/.338/.398
by Eric Stephen on May 12, 2010 1:52 PM PDT up reply actions
ELY
The good thing about ELY is that he has great peripherals. His FIP must be pretty solid since he sports a 17/3 K/BB ratio with no gopher balls served up. So while he’s going to regress eventually he’s not on the Livan Hernandez plan where he’s just all hit lucky.
Nick Green played 2B base last night
as a defensive sub for Belliard in the ninth inning. Now, in a 13-3 game it hardly matters, but what good is having a Nick Green around if he’s not coming in to play SS in that situation, with Carroll moving to 2B? (Carroll is a vet who meets the Colletti standards, surely he can handle a mid-game position switch.)
The commenter formerly known as El Lay Dave.
I don't know
Does it really matter. Maybe because Carroll already played the whole game there and it’s easier just to sub a guy in the game and not switch players around.
I am often surprised by the amount of attention the roster spots occupied by Green (which will end after tonight’s game, it will be interesting if Green accepts his re-assignment once he clears waivers) and Garrett Anderson (who basically is filling a role that is going to a veteran unless you have a Delwyn Young/Antonio Perez situation where that young player is out of options).
by bhsportsguy on May 12, 2010 12:50 PM PDT up reply actions
It doesn’t matter last night in a ten-run game (I said as much), but it would in one-run game. I am assuming Green is a bona fide SS and therefore better defensively than Carroll who is a “sort-of” SS. If Green isn’t a better defensive SS than Carroll, then he’s only here for 2-for-1 type switches and things, which is kind of a waste. Not a big deal in the grand scheme of things.
The commenter formerly known as El Lay Dave.
by David Young on May 12, 2010 12:57 PM PDT up reply actions
I don't know what the point of having Green on the roster is in the first place but
in that case I’d base it on what I know about him in general, that he’s versatile. He can play well at 2nd or SS. Carroll is versatile, too, but can he play CF? ;-)
Of course I was one who wanted Hu called up instead of Green. But given that Hu is getting at bats and innings in and doing very well, and the spot Green took is an “in case of emergency only” position, I don’t mind it as much now.
There's no need to fear, Underdog is here! / Broncos/Dodgers/Lakers fan in Niners/Raiders/Giants/Warriors country, and damned proud of it.
I think the idea that Nick Green was an option
is what bothered most.
But I do think they (Dodger mgmt) wanted someone who would be comfortable coming off the bench and would be insurance.
And Wilson Valdez is starting at SS for the Phillies
today.
And now Dodger post-season nemesis, Carlos Ruiz went out of the game. (I just added him to my fantasy team)
I think we should be happy that Ruiz is now
hitting against everyone instead of just the Dodgers.
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
Look out for the Rangers down the stretch. They have supposedly the second coming of Johan Santana in the minors (Martin Perez, only 19 in AA).
They have some great young arms
with Feliz and Holland already up, Scheppers coming up, and Perez on the 2011/2012 horizon.
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
by Phil Gurnee on May 12, 2010 12:51 PM PDT up reply actions
You want to see a great young arm
you should check out the Royals Mike Montgomery
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
by Phil Gurnee on May 12, 2010 12:52 PM PDT up reply actions
Yep, he is well known over here. Another scary arm, albeit already in the show, is Mat Latos.
by silverwidow on May 12, 2010 12:55 PM PDT up reply actions
I'm not sure if anyone jumped off
I think they were knocked off.
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
The idea that
Ely could have the biggest impact from the farm system is something no one would have anticipated.
Reds throw two shutouts at the Pirates
Homer Bailey shakes hands with the catcher before Kershaw.
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
The 2010 Cincinnati Reds!
I am on record picking them to win the NL Central. This might be the high-water moment for that prediction.
Back to back shutouts for Cincy starters
On 90 pitches today, 102 pitches yesterday.
I actually drafted Bailey on my TBLA fantasy team, but dumped him long ago.
The commenter formerly known as El Lay Dave.
Indeed
Unfortunately, the Dodgers did not exactly feast on the Pirates, 4-3.
The commenter formerly known as El Lay Dave.
Jayson Heyward rules all
Every time i look at the Braves box score, Heyward just seems to improve on his season numbers. He went though that little slump, but has responded in a huge way. 20 walks on the year compared to 27 k’s, OPS over 1, showing power. It’s really amazing what he has done as a 20 year old, especially because he is the only guy on the Braves that can actually hit the ball right now.
I’ve said this before but he’s my favorite non-Dodger, right next to Longoria. Young players with freakish power is nothing new; it’s the patience that is mind boggling.
by silverwidow on May 12, 2010 12:59 PM PDT up reply actions
He just singled a couple minutes ago
to get his average to .330 and gave a big raspberry to silverwidow.
The commenter formerly known as El Lay Dave.
Hard to have favorites on competitor teams
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
He is a 34 year old career minor leaguer
He has played 31 games in the majors. He is only on the Phillie’s roster because Schneider got hurt, if Ruiz goes down, they might have to find a catcher.
Not having a SS has not seemed to hurt them any
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
They don't have another catcher on their 40 man roster.
If Ruiz is hurt, this could be very interesting because the Phillies and Rockies play again tonight.
And I don’t think they could get someone to Denver in time to be the back up.
Four words
Juan Castro, Emergency Catcher!
by Eric Stephen on May 12, 2010 1:33 PM PDT up reply actions
It would be awesome if Carlos Ruiz was overly protective of his own gear, and didn’t let anyone else use it. :)
by Eric Stephen on May 12, 2010 1:46 PM PDT up reply actions
J-LO....
326/361/474
His ISOd is a little low but we’ll see that normalize as the season progresses. I like where his ISOp is right now at 148; considering I said I would be perfect content if he can keep that 150 or above. His line drive rate is through the roof and in all, in what i consider his make or break year, he is meeting my expectations. Thanks James, I didn’t want to keep bad mouthing you anymore :)
I'd like to see .330/.390/.460
Age 26 seasons for a 1st baseman are a good thing.
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
I’m just happy if only for a brief time we are able to avoid trade requests :)
by Eric Stephen on May 12, 2010 1:30 PM PDT up reply actions
Or DFA's
but they will show up again. It is in their genes.
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
6th best organization in baseball
has
4. Lopez, DH
5. Tuiasosopo, 3B
in the middle of today’s lineup.
Who would have thought that 2010 would be just like the 2008 season for the Mariners, though with better pitching…NO ONE could have ever guessed that they would flop early on (though it’s still early) and not live up to all the hopes that had been put on them after trading for an ace lefty…
:)
I wasn’t buying it at the time, and I’m definitely not doing it now.
They’ve also had three mini-controversies with Byrnes leaving the stadium via bicycle (right before getting released), Bradley being Bradley, and Griffey’s Nap-gate. Good times . . .
Lol, I didn’t know about the Byrnes thing. And I heard (might have been your comment actually from the last thread, lol) more crap is going on with Griffey?
MIke Sweeney, O Captain Seattle,
Had enough of the local press prattle.
“If Griff wants a nap,
That’s his right. Cut the crap,
Or I’ll each and a’one of you battle.”
The Ultimate Ned's Kind of Guy
by Humma Kavula on May 12, 2010 2:06 PM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
Tyler Clippard is in postiiton
to go 7-0, as the Nats have scored 2 so far off of K-Rod in the top of the 9th.
He was crushed last night for the first time in a long time
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
Since Phil missed it last time ...
Live TV chat with myself and my Variety colleague Stuart Levine at 2:30 p.m.
http://bit.ly/br4kJ5
I'm underwater at work, next time
I have so many questions:)
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
I know OPS+ doesn't mean jack this early in the season
But it is nice to look at the Dodgers baseball-reference.com page and see every starter at 100 or better.
The commenter formerly known as El Lay Dave.
I can't confirm
but that may or may not be a fact in today’s game preview :)
by Eric Stephen on May 12, 2010 1:47 PM PDT up reply actions
Even DeWitt
I hadn’t realized he had gotten up that high. I think that’s very cool.
Also, Garret Anderson has moved from negative into positive territory!
Quoth Garret, “You guys think I’m done?”
Think again — I’m just startin’ the fun.
I’ll improve, bit by bit
After that hit
Don’cha know, now my OPS-plus is one."
The Ultimate Ned's Kind of Guy
by Humma Kavula on May 12, 2010 2:01 PM PDT up reply actions
Magic 8-Ball says
Ask again after next Thursday (after 5 with SD, 2 with Hou)
by Eric Stephen on May 12, 2010 2:08 PM PDT up reply actions
bad defense, especially earlier, plus
schedule (more road than home to start), injuries and Charlie Haeger. There you go, answer provided. :-)
There's no need to fear, Underdog is here! / Broncos/Dodgers/Lakers fan in Niners/Raiders/Giants/Warriors country, and damned proud of it.
I was going to look this up but Bob Timmermann beat me to this
From the Dodger Thoughts comments:
btimmer (5/12/2010 at 1:23 PM)
Looks like Julio Lugo was the last Dodger to pull off the feat [of coming in to PH and batting twice that inning, as Garret Anderson did last night]. Back on 9/2/2006.
http://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/LAN/LAN200609020.shtml
He singled and struck out.
The commenter formerly known as El Lay Dave.
With the Bums’ starting lineup in flux,
Who’s starting? Well, counting the bucks
Is a good place to start
After taking to heart
The conclusion that Nicky Green sucks.
The Ultimate Ned's Kind of Guy
by Humma Kavula on May 12, 2010 2:10 PM PDT up reply actions 2 recs
I just like limericks.
Watch out or I’ll serve you up a Double Dactyl.
The Ultimate Ned's Kind of Guy
by Humma Kavula on May 12, 2010 2:14 PM PDT up reply actions
He’s been drinking gin,
Since last night’s win,
But if he keeps up this pace,
He’ll most surely lose the race,
And we’ll have to notify his next of kin.
by KellyStephen on May 12, 2010 2:15 PM PDT up reply actions
Actually, the key was “sucks.” I knew where I wanted to end up…. not that many words rhyme with sucks. I worked backwards from there.
The Ultimate Ned's Kind of Guy
by Humma Kavula on May 12, 2010 2:16 PM PDT up reply actions
Since nobody asked
Road warrior James “BABIP” Loney
Adds muscle when figure gets bony
Now his numbers are rising
Which some find surprising
Including A. Lambo, “Whoa, stoney!”
by kinbote on May 12, 2010 2:31 PM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
Does not sound good
PHILLIES CATCHER CARLOS RUIZ LEFT THE GAME IN THE FOURTH INNING WITH A RIGHT KNEE INJURY
If you read it without caps, it’s much more soothing to Phillies fans.
by Eric Stephen on May 12, 2010 2:31 PM PDT up reply actions
Even worse...
…they cheat:
Major League Baseball issued a warning to the Phillies on Tuesday concerning accusations that bullpen coach Mick Billmeyer was stealing signs during Monday night’s game against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field.
“We have looked at the video and talked to the Phillies about the actions of their bullpen coach,’’ a Major League Baseball official told FOXSports.com.
“We found the evidence inconclusive on what was being done, but we have spoken to the Phillies about the situation, and the umpires have been told to be on full alert as to what is going on.’’
That from FoxSports (so treat w/grain of salt). http://tinyurl.com/25fqmxa
by KellyStephen on May 12, 2010 2:41 PM PDT up reply actions
When I played as a teenager, we always assumed that teams were trying to steal/decipher our signs whether they were the signs our coach gave us as far as putting on a hit and run or bunting etc… or the signs the catcher was giving to the pitcher – because we were always trying to do the same… with only occasional luck. In fact it got to the point that it messed up most hitters to know the pitch, because instead of concentrating on your at-bat you were listening for some kind of audible sign from your first base coach on what pitch was coming – and what if he was wrong.
I did a couple of things as a pitcher. #1 I wouldn’t use the typical 1-fastball, 2-curve signs. I would mix em up, 5 could be a fast ball, 3 a curve and you would throw in some decoys. #2, sometimes I’d call the pitch as the pitcher by the stance on the rubber and the catcher would only call for a location, so he’d no where to set up.
We’d also change our signs (stealing, bunting, hit n run etc…) after every game. I think the binoculars thing or using TV video is a little too much, but if you can steal signs with the naked eye, I don’t see anything wrong. I’m sure Dallas Braden would tell me where to go!
We always tried to steal signs when i played. One game in high school we were facing the top team in our league against a guy who now is having good success in AA. He threw in the low 90s with a hammer curve, so he was tough to face. Our first base coach had their signs and relayed it to the hitter. The first time up, he relayed me to sign for a fastball, and knowing it was coming, I turned on that thing and blasted over the fence about 390.
The next AB, our coach still thought he had their signs, so he told me a curveball was coming on a 2 strike pitch. I looked curve, he threw a fastball up and in, and it almost killed me (not literally, but it scared the hell out of me). I k’d on the next pitch. After that, i never wanted anybody to relay me signs at the plate.
by UCLADodger32 on May 12, 2010 2:59 PM PDT up reply actions
Who is the pitcher? Definitely not Withrow….
by Michael White on May 12, 2010 3:02 PM PDT up reply actions
naw. David Bromberg. He’s a prospect for the Twins. Got roughed up his last 2 times, but i think hes been an All-Star at every level hes been at and had a great start to this season.
by UCLADodger32 on May 12, 2010 3:04 PM PDT up reply actions
didnt we mix it up with Victorino a couple years ago for stealing signs? might have involved Penny..
by hee came hee seop'd he choi'd on May 12, 2010 3:06 PM PDT up reply actions
A knee injury, you say?
After watching him, calmly and cruelly,
Destroy the bums, welly and truly,
Xeifrank’s alerting
That Ruiz is hurting.
I’m glad that I hired Gillooly.
Look it up!
The Ultimate Ned's Kind of Guy
by Humma Kavula on May 12, 2010 2:37 PM PDT up reply actions
D-Backs lineup - old friend alert
C. Jackson LF
Drew SS
Upton RF
Reynolds 3B
LaRoche 1B
Young CF
Abreu 2B
Hester C
E. Jackson P
It is amazing the number of no-name catchers that are playing
While Ellis wonders if he’ll ever catch again with Haegar on the DL.
The blog writer uses his noodle,
With figures he will not be frugal.
His facts scoop the others
He has two big brothers
Whose kids nicknamed him “Uncle Google”.
The commenter formerly known as El Lay Dave.
by David Young on May 12, 2010 3:02 PM PDT reply actions 4 recs
If I was Phil, with his two logins, I would rec this twice.
by Eric Stephen on May 12, 2010 3:09 PM PDT up reply actions
For the Dodgers to make a big leap
With an owner that some have called “cheap”
They play games in the west
Where they know they are best
And Kuroda will complete the sweep
by Eric Stephen on May 12, 2010 3:13 PM PDT reply actions 1 recs
Nice. As "underdog" I feel like I should
chime in with some rhymin’
but I’m not feeling clever.
But, never say never!
There's no need to fear, Underdog is here! / Broncos/Dodgers/Lakers fan in Niners/Raiders/Giants/Warriors country, and damned proud of it.
Those of us of a certain age will remember Elton John in a 1975 concert at DS
appearing in a sequin-studded Dodger uniform. Apparently the Alberta (Calgary) Ballet has created a ballet inspired by the music of Elton John called “Love Lies Bleeding”. Some costuming harkens back to that appearance.
The commenter formerly known as El Lay Dave.
I still remember seeing EJ in that outfit in a Dodger yearbook years back. Hideous.
Thanks for stirring up that long lost memory. Time to head to the shrink now…
by KellyStephen on May 12, 2010 3:29 PM PDT up reply actions
Time to head to the shrink now…
or the shrinkage.
by Eric Stephen on May 12, 2010 3:31 PM PDT up reply actions
14 straight starts for Russell Martin
Martin C
Kemp CF
Ethier RF
Ramirez LF
Loney 1B
Blake 3B
DeWitt 2B
Carroll SS
Kuroda P
I was thinking might as well go with this one at this point
There's no need to fear, Underdog is here! / Broncos/Dodgers/Lakers fan in Niners/Raiders/Giants/Warriors country, and damned proud of it.
There once was a GM named Colletti,
With Lasorda he dined on spaghetti.
Though I tried a long time
To get this to rhyme
I can’t rhyme Colletti with moron.
The commenter formerly known as El Lay Dave.
by David Young on May 12, 2010 3:32 PM PDT reply actions 2 recs
Comments For This Post Are Closed
Secondary Sidebar
User Tools
Related FanPosts on True Blue LA
Related FanShots on True Blue LA
FanPosts
Community blog posts and discussion.
Recommended FanPosts
Recent FanPosts
In Association With
Big League Stew - MLB - Yahoo! Sports
- College player makes impossible over the fence catch to save tournament game (Video)
- Security!: Camden Yards guard collides with Royals’ Mike Moustakas
- The Juice: Nelson Cruz matches career high eight RBIs, Pujols stays hot in Seattle
- Benches clear at Fenway as Red Sox-Rays rivalry heats up
- Keeping good company: Albert Pujols becomes fourth-youngest player to hit 450 home runs
