Dodgers Week 4 in Review: Horrible Start, Great Finish
by Eric Stephen on May 2, 2010 8:32 PM PDT
in Dodgers Weekly Reviews
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PrintThe Dodgers began the week continuing their road woes by getting swept in New York, but rebounded to take three of four at home against the Pirates. On the season, the Dodgers have won all three series at home, and lost all five series on the road. If there is such a thing as a promising 3-4 week, this was it, as the Dodgers bunched all three wins together at the end, closing out the week on a high note with their first three-game winning streak of the season.
Dodger Batter of the Week: Andre Ethier continued to feast at home, hitting all four of his home runs this week in the final three games against the Pirates. Ethier hit .385/.448/.962 and drove in ten runs for the week. Honorable mention goes to Xavier Paul, who had three extra-base hits in 15 plate appearances, and was second to Ethier with five runs scored.
Dodger Pitcher of the Week: Hiroki Kuroda not only had the most starts on the week, but he also had the best start, allowing one run over eight innings on Sunday. Kuroda had a pair of quality starts, and allowed a total of three runs in 14 innings during the week.
Week 4 Record: 3-4
28 runs scored (4.00 per game)
29 runs allowed (4.14 per game)
.484 pythagorean winning percentage
Season Record: 11-14
131 runs scored (5.24 per game)
133 runs allowed (5.32 per game)
.493 pythagorean winning percentage (12-13)
Home, Sweet Home: Andre Ethier closed out his week with home runs in three straight home games, including his second multi-homer game of the season. In his last 162 home games, Ethier is hitting .312/.391/.596 with 106 runs scored, 41 doubles, 39 home runs, and 121 runs batted in.
Home, Sweet Home, Part II: James Loney, who came into this season hitting .269/.333/.376 in his career at Dodger Stadium, had four extra-base hits in four home games this week. On the season, Loney is hitting .500/.525/.711 at home with six extra-base hits. Last season, Loney's sixth extra-base hit at home didn't come until June 16.
A Pair of Firsts: On Wednesday, John Ely made his major league debut, starting in place of the injured Vicente Padilla, and lost to the Mets. Ely became the 159th Los Angeles Dodger pitcher to start a game. The 160th was Carlos Monasterios, who allowed one run over four innings in his first career start on Saturday against the Pirates.
Transactions:
- Tuesday: After the game on Tuesday, Jon Link was optioned to Triple A, to make room for...
- Wednesday: John Ely had his contract purchased from Triple A Albuquerque in time to make his major league debut, a start against the Mets. Brad Ausmus was moved to the 60-day disabled list to make room for Ely on the 40-man roster.
Game Results:
- Tuesday: Mets 4, Dodgers 0 (Game 1); Mets 10, Dodgers 5 (Game 2)
- Wednesday: Mets 7, Dodgers 3
- Thursday: Pirates 2, Dodgers 0
- Friday: Dodgers 6, Pirates 2
- Saturday: Dodgers 5, Pirates 1
- Sunday: Dodgers 9, Pirates 3
Upcoming Week: The Dodgers aren't going anywhere this week, remaining home to complete a 10-game homestand. Monday is an off day -- their fourth straight Monday off, thanks to last week's rainout in New York -- followed by three-game sets with Milwaukee and Colorado.
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun |
| 3 Off |
4 vs Mil 7:10 |
5 vs Mil 7:10 |
6 vs Mil 7:10 |
7 vs Col 7:10 |
8 vs Col 7:10 |
9 vs Col 1:10 |
Previous Weeks in Review: Week 1 | Week 2 | Week 3
Week 4 Stats
| Player | PA | AB | R | H | 2B | 3B | HR | RBI | BB | SB/CS | BA/OBP/SLG | OPS |
| Ethier | 29 | 26 | 7 | 10 | 3 | 0 | 4 | 10 | 3 | 0/0 | .385/.448/.962 | 1.410 |
| Loney | 27 | 25 | 3 | 9 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 6 | 2 | 1/1 | .360/.407/.600 | 1.007 |
| DeWitt | 19 | 18 | 1 | 7 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 1 | 0/0 | .389/.421/.556 | .977 |
| Kemp | 30 | 28 | 3 | 6 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 1/1 | .214/.267/.286 | .552 |
| Furcal | 4 | 4 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0/0 | .250/.250/.250 | .500 |
| Martin | 26 | 24 | 2 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 0/0 | .125/.192/.250 | .442 |
| Blake | 22 | 19 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 0/0 | .053/.136/.053 | .189 |
| Johnson | 16 | 15 | 1 | 5 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 0/0 | .333/.375/.600 | .975 |
| Paul | 15 | 15 | 5 | 5 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1/0 | .333/.333/.600 | .933 |
| Carroll | 26 | 19 | 3 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 7 | 0/0 | .316/.500/.316 | .816 |
| Ellis | 4 | 4 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0/0 | .250/.250/.250 | .500 |
| Belliard | 15 | 11 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 3 | 0/0 | .000/.200/.000 | .200 |
| Anderson | 7 | 7 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0/0 | .000/.000/.000 | .000 |
| Pitchers | 17 | 12 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0/0 | .083/.214/.083 | .298 |
| Totals | 257 | 227 | 28 | 55 | 15 | 2 | 6 | 27 | 25 | 3/2 | .242/.315/.405 | .720 |
| Pitcher | G | W-L | Sv | IP | H | R | ER | BB | K | ERA | WHIP | FIP* |
| Kuroda | 2 | 1-1 | -- | 14.0 | 10 | 3 | 3 | 4 | 7 | 1.93 | 1.000 | 3.56 |
| Monasterios | 1 | 0-0 | -- | 4.0 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 2.25 | 1.250 | 8.45 |
| Kershaw | 1 | 0-1 | -- | 6.1 | 3 | 2 | 2 | 4 | 7 | 2.84 | 1.105 | 2.41 |
| Billingsley | 1 | 1-0 | -- | 6.0 | 6 | 2 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 3.00 | 1.500 | 2.87 |
| Ely | 1 | 0-1 | -- | 6.0 | 6 | 5 | 5 | 3 | 4 | 7.50 | 1.500 | 3.37 |
| Haeger | 1 | 0-1 | -- | 4.0 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 4 | 1 | 11.25 | 2.250 | 5.70 |
| Starters | 7 |
3-4 | -- | 40.1 | 33 | 18 | 18 | 20 | 25 | 4.02 | 1.314 | 3.94 |
| Broxton | 2 | 0-0 | -- | 1.2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 0.00 | 0.600 | (0.40) |
| Monasterios | 1 | 0-0 | -- | 2.0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0.00 | 0.500 | 1.20 |
| Ra.Ortiz | 2 | 1-0 | -- | 4.0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 0.00 | 0.500 | 0.70 |
| Kuo | 2 | 0-0 | -- | 2.0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0.00 | 0.000 | 2.20 |
| Troncoso | 4 | 0-0 | -- | 3.1 | 5 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 2.70 | 1.800 | 1.40 |
| Belisario | 3 | 0-0 | -- | 4.0 | 4 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 4.50 | 1.000 | 2.20 |
| Sherrill | 4 | 0-0 | -- | 2.1 | 5 | 3 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 7.71 | 3.000 | 4.91 |
| Link | 2 | 0-0 | -- | 0.1 | 4 | 5 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 54.00 | 18.000 | 15.20 |
| Relievers | 7 |
0-1 | 0 | 19.2 | 22 | 11 | 7 | 5 | 18 | 3.75 | 1.333 | 3.30 |
| Totals | 7 |
3-4 | 0 | 60.0 | 55 | 29 | 25 | 25 | 43 | 4.17 | 1.463 | 4.61 |
*FIP is estimated
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and if i’m not mistaken a negative tERA as well
I'm nobody's fool, least of all yours
by BoulderDodger on May 2, 2010 9:57 PM PDT up reply actions
If anyone doesnt know why we had a bad start to the week
Our fourth best OPS on the week was Kemp… at 552. The 3 higher were only higher because of an amazing 4 game series vs Pitt. Our starters had an FIP of 3.94m but the offense had a bad week. Manny coming back (I believe Saturday?) will help, and hopefully some homecooking will get us back over 500 next week… we should have a better record than 3-4 when our closer has a NEGATIVE FIP…
by lakersdodgersyankees4life on May 2, 2010 8:56 PM PDT reply actions
Fun Ethier facts
You can go back as far as 18 games at home that Ethier has a .400 average…he is hitting .403/.474/.881 over his last 18 games at Dodger Stadium, with 9 homers and 24 RBI.
Ethier has 11 HR in his last 21 home games
Ethier has 46 RBI in his last 46 home games (.353/.431/.740)
There's no doubt about it, Ethier is the player of the week
But three cheers for James Loney! Elvis Magic 8 Ball is definitely reading “It’s Now or Never” for Loney, and I am rooting hard for him to reach his potential* and stick with the team. I like rooting for him. He had a nice week. Go, James!
*Note: I am in the crowd, if such a crowd exists, that thinks Loney’s potential is Mark Grace, that is, on-base machine and lots of singles and doubles, AND THAT’S JUST FINE. He need not be Pujols (or Fielder or Votto or Youkilis) to stick.
The Ultimate Ned's Kind of Guy
+1
Loney had a good week.
Ethier is just insane right now. Who would have thought his power would peak like this?
Nobody. When he first came up, his ceiling looked to be something like .300/.360/.450
Now he looks like a .900 OPS lock throughout his prime.
You know way more than I do
If he’s a lock to put up a 900 OPS, wouldn’t this depend upon continued improvement and then holding that improvement? Ethier has been a mid-800 OPS guy since he came up, including last year, his age-27 year. He’s had a hot April, no doubt about it — he had a hot month last year, too… from July 19 to August 20 he OPSed about 1200. It seems to me that Ethier has been a streaky player, equally capable of going real real hot and real real cold. Do you expect something different this year? Are you seeing something different this April, and if so, what are you seeing so far that differentiates a step forward from just having his hot month early on?
Again, I don’t really know what I’m talking about, so this isn’t snark at all — please help me out.
The Ultimate Ned's Kind of Guy
Loney’s potential is Mark Grace, that is, on-base machine and lots of singles and doubles, AND THAT’S JUST FINE
When thinking of Loney’s career potential, I always thought James would be close to Lyle Overbay, but Mark Grace is a great comparison, as well. I agree with HK 100% that this is just fine.
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 3, 2010 10:16 AM PDT up reply actions
2013 Dodger Outfield
CF — Trayvon
LF — Mellow Yellow Lambo
RF — Great Scott! Van Slyke
Hate to say it, but yeah. It sure is fun to think about an all-homegrown staff, but it’s also sure unlikely to happen. Either guys won’t develop, or they’ll be traded, or they’ll be blocked by incompetant management……
The Ultimate Ned's Kind of Guy
BH has a point, doesn’t he? Are any of those guys the same kind of prospect as the four mentioned above?
The Ultimate Ned's Kind of Guy
by Humma Kavula on May 2, 2010 10:04 PM PDT up reply actions
answering own question
Athletic build with room to add even more muscle (6’5" 220lb ain’t bad though). Good outfielder. [At least] gap power to all fields. Bloodlines. Obviously needs consistency and must hit for power to succeed. Last year’s breakout and this year’s strong start are encouraging signs.
In my opinion...
Van Slyke will never be a starting outfielder at the MLB level
by Brandon Lennox on May 2, 2010 10:32 PM PDT up reply actions
And You Support That Opinion With -- What?
That doesn’t strike me as a justifiable position. Right now, Van Slyke is better than Andre Ethier was at the same age — but then, there was no shortage of people saying Ethier would never be a starting outfielder in MLB.
by CanuckDodger on May 2, 2010 10:40 PM PDT up reply actions
Ethier/Van Slyke
Ethier, age 23, Double A — .319/.385/.497 in 131 Games
Van Slyke, age 23, Double A — .319/.380/.500 in 22 Games
And of course Ethier played Double A in the hitter-friendly Texas League, while Van Slyke is in the pitcher-friendly Southern League. And Van Slyke has a true rightfielder’s arm, while Ethier’s arm is nothing to write home about and he really should be an LF.
by CanuckDodger on May 2, 2010 10:52 PM PDT up reply actions
I'm on the bandwagon
Good chance for Van Slyke to step it up with Lambo out.
http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2010/may/03/van-slyke-thrives-in-cleanup-spot/?sports
I’m assuming Kyle Russell will be moving up soon, so the AA outfield will be something to watch.
Predicting Van Slyke to be as good as Ethier now is a bit of a misnomer, since Ethier’s ML career wasn’t predicted by his minor league career. As noted up in the thread, Ethier’s minor league numbers didn’t look like a guy who would hit for power as much as he is doing.
Also, Van Slyke been playing in pro ball since he was 18. This is Van Slyke’s 6th pro year.
Ethier by comparison only spent 3 years in the minor, and was up for good by mid 2006.
Van Slyke isn’t moving though the minor leagues nearly as fast as Ethier did.
I don't have a lot of support...I just said it's my opinion
it’s more of a gut instinct than anything given that he was so bad for so long before last season. I’m not sold on his performance this year as it has only been 22 games. He’s also almost 24 years old. If he here 22 it would be a different story…but realistically he’ll be in AA all season, then in AAA for his 24/25 year old season.
Lastly, I never said that he wouldn’t play in the majors, just that he wouldn’t be good enough to be a starter.
by Brandon Lennox on May 2, 2010 11:25 PM PDT up reply actions
I'm also having a hard time
discounting his putridness from age 18 – 21, but he is the one guy at AA right now who is showing off a complete game. I’m not overly impressed with any of the Dodger outfield prospects as far as major league potential but he is doing what he needs to do so far.
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
Tripon, Age is Relevant, Not Pro Experience
For stat comparisons of 22-year-olds and older, it is irrelevant if one guy spent his earlier years in the minors or in college.
by CanuckDodger on May 2, 2010 11:33 PM PDT up reply actions
I Never "Predicted" Van Slyke Will Hit As Well As Ethier Is Now
There is a lot of ground between “Van Slyke Will Be As Good As Ethier” (NOT my position) and “Van Slyke Will Never Be an MLB Starting Outfielder” (Coolguy’s position). There are such things as AVERAGE MLB outfielders.
by CanuckDodger on May 2, 2010 11:29 PM PDT up reply actions
Don't get me wrong, I want Van Slyke to succeed
but at this point I still only see him as the 8th best outfield prospect in the Dodgers system
by Brandon Lennox on May 2, 2010 11:37 PM PDT up reply actions
sorry i forgot to finish my thought
basically I don’t think the Dodgers 8th best outfield prospect will be a starter in the MLB
by Brandon Lennox on May 2, 2010 11:40 PM PDT up reply actions
You, Like Everybody Else...
..are entilted to think what you want about Dodger prospects, but your notion that Van Slyke is only the the Dodgers eighth best Dodger outfield prospect is no more accurate than your idea that James Adkins is any kind of pitching prospect at all.
by CanuckDodger on May 3, 2010 12:13 AM PDT up reply actions
The season is still so young
So I haven’t done much adjusting at this point. Below are my top 8 outfield prospects heading into the season. I would definitely move Sands up a little based on his performance. While Lambo’s prospect status took a hit with his suspension, I still see him as our top outfield prospect.
1 Andrew Lambo
2 Jonathan Garcia
3 Kyle Russell
4 Trayvon Robinson
5 Blake Smith
6 Xavier Paul
7 Jerry Sands
8 Scott Van Slyke
In regards to James Adkins, I only had him ranked #41, which isn’t very high all things considered. I only suggested in my pre-season write-up that if he was able to re-invent himself, then he did have a shot to one day make it to the big leages. I never thought that he’d be a successful major league player.
by Brandon Lennox on May 3, 2010 9:31 AM PDT up reply actions
thanks a lot
Garcia #2, wow! After seeing him this spring, I’d probably have Trayvon higher. Interesting list.
Garcia has the whole age thing going for him
that no one else on the list has. He may end up topping out also but at least he has a real ceiling, which I don’t think anyone on that list has. I wouldn’t be surprised if no one on that list became a above average major league outfielder. I’ll be surprised if even two of them can garner a 500 at bat major league season.
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
agreed
I tend to follow the Baseball America school of prospecting, which is essentially highest ceiling followed by greatest likelihood of reaching that ceiling. For that reason, I’d have Sands ranked above Paul. That’s also why I’ve been trying to figure out Van Slyke’s game.
Don't fret it
Canuck thought Blake Smith was no kind of prospect at all and you didn’t. I’d say a #41 is not a major league prospect.
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
imho Paul
ranks higher. He’s actually proven he can hit ML pitching for one thing. He’s good defensively, too, with less holes in his swing than Russell. (And I still like Kyle.) I wouldn’t argue with most of that list as a whole. I mght do it like: Lambo, Robinson. Paul, Van Slyke, SONGCO, and somewhere in there Brian Cavazos-Galvez, plus the rest.
There's no need to fear, Underdog is here! / Broncos/Dodgers/Lakers fan in Niners/Raiders/Giants/Warriors country, and damned proud of it.
How has he proven he can hit ML pitching?
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
(BCG
is struggling so far at Great Lakes but I still like him…)
There's no need to fear, Underdog is here! / Broncos/Dodgers/Lakers fan in Niners/Raiders/Giants/Warriors country, and damned proud of it.
He's not leading the league in hitting
but he has shown some extra base ability recently plus a HR in a handful of at bats last season when he came up, looked good, and then had freak injury + infection. He doesn’t look lost at the plate to me. He was picked to bat lead off the other day, which shows the manager at least has a bit of faith in his bat. You don’t think any of that?
There's no need to fear, Underdog is here! / Broncos/Dodgers/Lakers fan in Niners/Raiders/Giants/Warriors country, and damned proud of it.
Paul
has been cherry picked to face certain RHP, he’s done well in limited at bats. Saying he’s proven he can hit major league pitching seems a stretch given the limited at bats he’s had so far. This league is all about adjustments, until Paul has been around the block a few times I dont’ think we can reasonably say he’s proven anything, other then he’s a terrible CF and an adequate LF with a good arm.
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
How about
“proven he can give capable at bats as a major leaguer” at least in the situations he’s been given. Does that work better? ;0)
as kinbote says it’s sometimes hard to compare and contrast when one player has had at least limited ML exposure and others are way down in the low minors with obvious talent and ceiling but a long way to go.
There's no need to fear, Underdog is here! / Broncos/Dodgers/Lakers fan in Niners/Raiders/Giants/Warriors country, and damned proud of it.
In fairness
It’s awfully hard to reconcile higher level [lower ceilinged?] prospects with lower level [higher ceilinged?] prospects. We all love Jerry Sands because he could be anything; Paul we have a clearer sense of his game.
Pinstripes may not be his future destination
but I’m starting to feel like a Royal fan where I’m fairly certain our super star is not going to playing for us after the club controlled years are gone.
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
I thought we were the Astros, not the Royals
Doomed to 83-wins-a-year purgatory, not 60-wins-a-year hell!
The Ultimate Ned's Kind of Guy
by Humma Kavula on May 3, 2010 10:13 AM PDT up reply actions
Guess Furcal is going to DL and he’ll be starting for us? I would rather Hu.
by CarolinaDodger on May 3, 2010 5:50 AM PDT up reply actions
Yeah if it was the Dodgers I was going to say, Carolina was taking that news
much better than I would have.
There's no need to fear, Underdog is here! / Broncos/Dodgers/Lakers fan in Niners/Raiders/Giants/Warriors country, and damned proud of it.
Thank you :) Not sure how I misread that.
by CarolinaDodger on May 3, 2010 1:55 PM PDT up reply actions
on minor league split stats they usually have it...
http://www.minorleaguesplits.com/dodgers-recap.html is the website. however, they usually don’t update until the morning. The only other potential place would be the individual websites of the dodger minor league teams, but even there they don’t always list the next day’s starters
by Brandon Lennox on May 3, 2010 12:01 AM PDT up reply actions
Suggestion
Not to harp on the negatives but on these weekly roundups, can we implement the Dodger Anti-Batter of the week? Inspiration thanks to Casey Blake who couldn’t clear the Mendoza line for OPS despite 22 PAs. Anytime you’re clearing 20 PAs but not the Mendoza line for OPS, you automatically win the award.
'I don't crack. I feel like people always try to break me, but I don't crack. So [when I was thinking about what tattoo to put on my body that best reflects that trait, I settled on a clearly visible crack on my face]."
-Abraham DeShawn Lincoln Stevenson
Garrett Anderson’s name is already engraved on the Mark Sweeney Cup.
by Little Blue Bicycle on May 3, 2010 8:10 AM PDT up reply actions
Offense in baseball –
an aspect of the game where everyone fails more than they succeed.
Succeed 180 times out of 600 and you are likely a hero.
Succeed 150 times out of 600, probably not so much.
by 68elcamino427 on May 3, 2010 8:28 AM PDT up reply actions
I wonder at what point GA gets DFA’d in favor of X-man? The only reason I can see them wanting keep GA over Paul, would be because they don’t want a young player to languish on the bench. Other than that, Paul actually has some abilities that we could use off the bench, good defense at all 3 OF spots, some speed and some LH pop.
A: The point at which Torre realizes production is more important than reputation. To me, XP over GA is a no-brainer. And if it even mattered, it’s not as if we’re stunting XP’s development as a prospect: bench player on title contender is a pretty sweet gig unto itself. If I had one critique of XP, it’s that he thinks he’s a power hitter. From what I see, he makes hard contact a lot. I haven’t checked the stats, but I’d imagine he’s prone to hit fly balls.
Torre said before Sunday’s game that Casey was just tired, and joked that he would never forgive James Loney for getting ejected in the second game of the doubleheader, because that was supposed to be a game off for Blake, but he had to go in to play 3B (Belliard moved to 1B).
Belliard
After watching that play he made yesterday, I’m no longer going to complain about Belliard’s defense. 3b/2b/1b should allow Belliard to make 2-3 starts a week.
You know I went back to watch the play after hearing so much about it
and while it was a great play it wasn’t that big a deal. He caught a popup with his back to the infield, made a great throw but if Loney doesn’t do one hell of a tap dance on the errant throw no one would be talking about it. JMO
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
Having not seen the play live, I went to the clip to watch it.
My thought was that it was a hell of a play but yeah, where was the praise for Loney’s streeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeetch to complete the play? That was amazing to me.
The Ultimate Ned's Kind of Guy
by Humma Kavula on May 3, 2010 10:05 AM PDT up reply actions
Did you also see his Ole defense in the 9th on one of the doubles off of Sherril? Totally clueless effort.
James Loney
slugs .600 and drives in six key runs and can’t even get a honorable mention. WTF
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
Dodger Hitters (starters) this week
Ethier, Loney, DeWitt= good
Everybody else = bad
That is an enormous drop off in OPS after those top 3….
You were right about DeWitt, he is starting to take better cuts which will lead to more XBH’s
by Michael White on May 3, 2010 9:03 AM PDT up reply actions
The Pirate show
was basically Andre and Loney doing damage. Blake and Martin 4/43 for the week so we needed that kind of monster series against the Pirates from Andre. I asked for two to step up and two did and that was all we needed with the great starting pitching.
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
Loney
wOBA .360
Kemp wOBA .362
Loney slug% is now at .448 which is right where some of us hoped it would be. He just needs to work on his normally solid OB skills and we will see the .825 – .850 OPS we wanted in 2010. Home Loney for the first time in his career is fun to watch, and his defense has been spectacular from a subjective point of view.
Headed into our next series Loney is sporting an wOBA about 40 points higher then Prince Fielder. Wonder if Prince is pressing knowing he’s playing for a 25 Million dollar deal. Speaking about the 25 Million dollar 1st baseman, Loney matches him in wOBA at .360. Is > then Helton, D Lee.
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
#7 Hits the homer
and continues to rake
by 68elcamino427 on May 3, 2010 9:12 AM PDT up reply actions
Weird, you and I both saw fit to compare Kemp and Loney.
Both have now had hot streaks and cold streaks (Kemp hot to start, cold now; Loney the opposite) so its not really cherry-picking. Also, I don’t put too much value into defensive ability at first base but I would think Loney would be top 5 in that regard in MLB.
by Michael White on May 3, 2010 9:13 AM PDT up reply actions
That is funny
I was just perusing fangraphs when I noticed they were next to each other.
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
I believe that 1B defense is way underrated. A guy w/Loney’s ability to scoop throws saves several baserunners per week. Yes, you can throw a catcher there but hit count and error count will go up due to poor footwork and poor play.
Note: like Phil, my defensive assessment of Loney is subjective.
And overall, he seems to be the 2nd biggest lightening rod on this blog (and no way he ever catches Bills).
Really?
I think Billz gets support from over 90% of the posters here. I think Loney sits at 50%. I think more us think Martin is sack of shit then Billz.
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
Sack of shit
was to strong but you get my point
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
Also because we have literally no other options. Trading for Wilson Ramos is about the best one I’ve heard, but good luck with that now.
Given that the Twins seem to have a
reliable backup, wouldn’t they be saving Mauer for the future by using him as DH two- three times a week and Ramos the other times?
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
He could have had Sunday, the day game after the night game, off
Which would have been nice combined with today’s off day. Didn’t I read somewhere that Torre really wanted Martin to catch Kuroda though? I wonder when Ellis’ next start is.
The commenter formerly known as El Lay Dave.
The plan was for Martin to catch Kuroda Sunday, and Torre was going to give Martin the choice of Friday or Saturday off. But after talking with the coaches (Mike Borzello and Rob Flippo, who work with the catchers), Torre decided Martin was OK to play through the weekend, and that Monday would serve as his off day.
Of course, after the game, Torre commented on how Martin didn’t have very good ABs and looked like he could use a rest. Sounds like he needed to grow a sac there and sit him one of the weekend games.
by Eric Stephen on May 3, 2010 10:27 AM PDT up reply actions
I don't understand this asking Martin
history has shown he would like to catch every game. Just sit his ass down.
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
Exactly
Isn’t this supposed to be part of the advantage of hiring a Joe Torre to manage. “Russell, I’m Joe Fucking Torre, you’re taking tomorrow off.”
The commenter formerly known as El Lay Dave.
The asking part is usually for Martin to pick a day, but Torre does tell him he is taking a day off.
by Eric Stephen on May 3, 2010 11:45 AM PDT up reply actions
Sounds like it never got to the asking part
Seems like the coaching staff decided he was okay to start (probably due to the off day due to rain on the previous off day).
How depressing is Martin?
Back in ’07 he looked like the face of the franchise.
Sigh. I was — check that, I am — certainly hoping for a bounceback year from him. But since he got a pinch hit in the LInecum game, he’s been awful — OPS of 501 in 14 games. Triple slash of .208/.236/.264.
Even this week he was awful — even with that home run he couldn’t crack .250 SLG. Depressing.
The Ultimate Ned's Kind of Guy
by Humma Kavula on May 3, 2010 10:26 AM PDT up reply actions
Also in that 14 game stretch: 14 strikeouts, 2 walks.
The Ultimate Ned's Kind of Guy
by Humma Kavula on May 3, 2010 10:28 AM PDT up reply actions
I'm hoping for a trade of Martin this season
while we can still get something of value for him. I’m sure there are teams and scouts who think he is not too far off the guy who won a silver slugger and a gold glove.
But in that plan, who is the Dodger catcher? As much as Martin’s stock has fallen, he is still one of the hardest players to replace.
by Eric Stephen on May 3, 2010 10:34 AM PDT up reply actions
It's too early to be talking about trading Martin
Lots of folks were ready to trade Loney last week. Look what one hot week has done.
Martin has five months to put everything back together and get to the place he was in 07. And even if he doesn’t, that might be OK too. He’s a catcher. Who’s gonna play in his place?
The Ultimate Ned's Kind of Guy
by Humma Kavula on May 3, 2010 10:36 AM PDT up reply actions
He could get hot over May and June and perhaps get back to form. If not, what’s the point of potentially watching him struggle until the end of the season and then having to DFA him or be able to get less in a trade.
If he turns it around over the next 8 – 10 weeks, then great. He’s back to form and we keep him. If he continues to struggle, trade him for max possible value and start Ellis the rest of the season.
I wouldn’t even think of trading Martin. Unless he is actively hurting the team, he is our best option until he’s a free agent.
I disagree
If he continues to sport a sub-.700 OPS, I really don’t think he is our best option for the next 2.5 years.
I like Martin
I also like Loney. I’ve followed these guys for a while, etc. I primarily view catcher as a defensive position, and I don’t have major issues with his play there. If we have to overpay the next two years to keep him, I don’t see it as being that bad. It’s an indictment of the arbitration system, but we have other problems.
start Ellis the rest of the season
is a big risk. There is no depth behind him – Ausmus is hurt, Lucas May is not ready, the next guy might be Mike Rivera. What is your mitigation plan if Ellis sucks as a hitter?
I think the whole idea of trading a guy because you want to sell high is misguided. Outside of Milton Bradley situations, a GM mostly approaches trades with a “who do I want to obtain and what will it cost me” perspective, I imagine, not “who do I want to trade away”.
The commenter formerly known as El Lay Dave.
Gotta agree.
I think the idea of trading Martin relates to the disappointment, actually. It’s not looking at Martin for what he likely is at this point — a bit below average catcher with below average defense, but not a gaping black hole. Instead, I think it’s looking at Martin for what he’s not — a 116 OPS+ powerhouse, the face of the franchise.
I miss calling him the Golden God, too, but there is simply no better option right now.
Things would be different if they hadn’t obtained Casey Blake for -— mmmmmmppppphhhhhhhhh.
(At this point, Humma was dragged away from the computer, bound and gagged. We now replace his posting with some light musical entertainment. Enjoy!)
doo doo doo doo doodle doodle doo
The Ultimate Ned's Kind of Guy
by Humma Kavula on May 3, 2010 11:28 AM PDT up reply actions
My good friend
Greg Brock said back in 2008, he didn’t like good hitting catchers, so I would blame him for Martin taking his advice.
Re: Saves several baserunners per week
One way to look at that would be, would we rather have a 1B who missed those throws but got on base for us that same number of times: several more times per week.
- Player A saves 3 baserunners/week and hits .280.
- Player B doesn’t save those baserunners, but he gets 3 more hits/week. That means he hits .409.
Which player would we rather have?
I think you have over-estimated scoops
You have to look at how many baserunners he saves over the average first baseman. It is most likely a few baserunners per year, instead of week. Not my original opinion on it, stole it from mgl.
vr, Xei
Loney got his own note, though. I wanted to mention Xavier Paul, but didn’t feel he was worthy of a separate note (although he got his first MLB steal and triple, so perhaps that could have been the hook. Oh well).
by Eric Stephen on May 3, 2010 10:29 AM PDT up reply actions
Interesting stats Season to Date
wOBA
James Loney: .360
Matt Kemp: .362
Blake DeWitt: .351
Ronnie Belliard: ..334
AJ Ellis (way too small of a sample): .320
Russel Martin: .312
I think I’ll be laying off Loney for a while.
hope #33 works his way into the penthouse too
by 68elcamino427 on May 3, 2010 9:14 AM PDT up reply actions
James also
is sporting the 2nd highest LD% in baseball at 36%. Right above Mauer, nice company to be in.
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
Purple Row's NL West report...
[link] includes bit on the Dodger farm system and Lambo’s suspension, uses that to make broad assumption that farm system as a whole is in trouble. Can’t argue about some of the worries posited there but they seem to ignore the plethora of talent still coming,
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 choose to view the Lambo suspension in a positive light. First, it has to be a wake-up call to Lambo. One more mess-up and he’ll be gone. Secondly, it lets us move up some prospects (Russell & Sands?) and helps alleviate the OF log-jam in AA.
If the first catch on the drug test was not a wake up call
why would the suspension become one? He just killed a season of development and you have to think management is beyond pissed that he fucked up not once but twice over a recreational drug. He wasn’t even trying to get better he was simply having a good time.
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
He also got kicked out of Cleveland High School (and all of LAUSD) thanks to enjoying pot.
by Michael White on May 3, 2010 9:45 AM PDT up reply actions
I am friend of a friend of Lambo, and I am told that is his life, he is not stopping, and that is that. That was my real insight last week when there was a question of Loney’s career vs. Lambo’s career.
I know people who grew up with him in baseball circles in the Valley.
He was always more talented than Moustakas, but issues precisely like this has always limited him.
by Michael White on May 3, 2010 9:50 AM PDT up reply actions
It’s just so disappointing because he’s been on such a roll this year and he’s finally proving himself in AA after a downish year last year. I am glad to hear it wasn’t steroids, which was my first reaction when I heard 50 game suspension. I just can’t understand why drugs would be so important to someone they would risk their future in a business where they could make MILLIONS to go out there and play a game that just about all of us would kill to do, figuratively speaking, of course, lol.
Idk, I hope he comes back and realizes that he should at least wait until the offseason or something.
It really is disappointing
if what delias says is true, sounds like he’s basically choosing pot over having a pro baseball career. Which is unbelievably stupid and something that will make him feel very sad when he’s a 45 year old stoner. Sorry to sound harsh or judgmental but it makes me sad.
There's no need to fear, Underdog is here! / Broncos/Dodgers/Lakers fan in Niners/Raiders/Giants/Warriors country, and damned proud of it.
(And some of my best friends are 45 year old stoners!)
Heh. But not ones who could have played pro baseball.
There's no need to fear, Underdog is here! / Broncos/Dodgers/Lakers fan in Niners/Raiders/Giants/Warriors country, and damned proud of it.
Not that I'm an expert but I've known
several people who have chosen pot over their family’s. I’ve also known several people if not for their pot would be able to function in todays world.
I also think testing for pot is as ridiculous as a government that criminalizes it.
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
by Phil Gurnee on May 3, 2010 10:15 AM PDT up reply actions 2 recs
I hate to imagine being lit and trying to hit, say, Stephen Strasburg, but it might help when trying to face Tim Lincecum (or Dock Ellis).
The commenter formerly known as El Lay Dave.
There would be an Oreo bucket in the dugout!
by KellyStephen on May 3, 2010 11:15 AM PDT up reply actions
Lambo vs Lincecum
would give new meaning to the term “trip to the plate.”
There's no need to fear, Underdog is here! / Broncos/Dodgers/Lakers fan in Niners/Raiders/Giants/Warriors country, and damned proud of it.
by underdog on May 3, 2010 11:06 AM PDT up reply actions 2 recs
I agree with that
and I’m not anti pot per se at all but I do think it has an affect on one’s mind in certain ways that at least for most people would hinder their performance on the field especially if abused. I’ve known many people who have done similar (Hey, I live in San Francisco, where you can smell pot down the streets more plentiful than regular cigarette smoke.) and come out of it just fine, but they were artists, musicians and even they had trouble keeping track of their day to day lives. I think pot should be legal frankly and the US would save tons of money focusing their efforts elsewhere. But that’s separate from what it does or doesn’t do for people’s minds and their lives.
And again everyone is different…
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 am reasonably certain that the "that" in "that is his life"
refers to “pot” in the comment to which he is replying.
The commenter formerly known as El Lay Dave.
I saw Lambo play for Great Lakes a couple of seasons ago and he was great when I saw him, so I had been pulling for him to have a big season this year. I have lost a good bit of interest in him because of this incident and I totally expect guys like Russell, Sands and Robinson to pass him on the minor league OF prospect list.
Lambo Fields
now has a different meaning. Bring a lid, get in free, combine it with the Beach Section and you can have quite a party.
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
by Phil Gurnee on May 3, 2010 10:19 AM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
Yeah, he should play well with the LF pavilion patrons. Instead of a bobblehead night, he could have Lambo Bong Night – first promotional at DS where the item is for fans 14 years and older.
The commenter formerly known as El Lay Dave.
14 years and older
I like that. My wife gets so irritated when she can’t get the freebies.
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
C’mon Ned, pass it!
In reality … maybe the Rangers will give Lambo a shot now.
Then again, maybe not.
by 68elcamino427 on May 3, 2010 11:50 AM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
Kemp should have no problem finding a very high-quality slump buster.
The commenter formerly known as El Lay Dave.
Matt Kemp has high-quality slump busters.
(Hear it like a “world’s most interesting man” commercial: “His slump busters are near supermodel quality….”)
The commenter formerly known as El Lay Dave.
by David Young on May 3, 2010 10:14 AM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
Raging Bull
has the best “effect of affection on athletic performance” scene in movie history, imo. (getting a little blue in here for a Monday morning!)
This is the raging Bison.
Something is up with my favorite player.
by 68elcamino427 on May 3, 2010 11:48 AM PDT up reply actions
Changing the subject
AL
Best team: Tampa Bay
Biggest surprise: Oakland
Biggest disappointment: Boston
Team to watch: Seattle (will they become sellers?)
NL
Best team: St. Louis
Biggest surprise: San Diego (sorry, Washington)
Biggest disappointment: Dodgers
Team to watch: Braves
I think the Braves are right there with us as biggest disappointment
Boston has to be feeling the heat. They are chasing the two best teams in baseball, while we are chasing the Padres. I’d rather be in our shoes right now.
Next time someone wants to spend an owners money on a Japanese stud, just remember how Boston just threw away a gazillion million on Dice K.
Ned on the other hand did just fine with no posting fee for Kuroda.
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
Boston Herald article
Where Theo did not throw any particular player under the bus (though I don’t know if he was specifically asked about anyone).
The columnist referred to Beltre as a free agent singles hitter.
Also saying that the new guys are not getting along with the veterans who won the 2007 Series.
The new guys aren't white?
Old Guys – Pedroia, Youkliss, Drew, Beckett, Papelbon, Varitek
New Guys – Beltre, Scutaro, Cameron, Martinez
I’d use Ortiz but he’d screw up my comparison:)
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
by Phil Gurnee on May 3, 2010 11:48 AM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
Beltre
they should just be happy he’s hitting at all. The rest of us had to wait until July for that to happen.
By the way one scenario for LF next year is Blake to LF, Beltre to 3rd. Everyone seems to be focusing on replacing a LF with a LF but we can also replace the LF with our 3rd baseman and replace our 3rd baseman.
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
Doubt the Beard’s hammy could take that much running around these days.
by 68elcamino427 on May 3, 2010 11:54 AM PDT up reply actions
Biggest disappointment: Dodgers
If it wasn’t for disappointment, I wouldn’t have any appointments.
The Ultimate Ned's Kind of Guy
I read that Bryce Harper wants a record-breaking signing bonus. Also, he likes taunting other players and even bowed on the field after a strong throw one time.
He can use that extra bonus money to buy extra padding for his helmet, rib cage, and ass region
by Eric Stephen on May 3, 2010 11:43 AM PDT up reply actions
Yeah
if you go to the Nat site they have a lot of stuff on him. Sounds like a grade A primadonna, I’m down with ultra confidence but you can leave the trash talking BBall persona behind. The difference in baseball is that a few will aimed fastballs by men instead of boys should cut that shit out real fast.
He’d be a hard guy to root for if all the reports are true. On the other hand the game could use a good villain, we have been missing one since Barry and Roger left us.
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
“Keep your eyes on the stars but keep your feet on the ground.”
Guys like Evan Longoria would be a perfect example of this.
Harper just sounds like a dick.
I love the Tampa team
and the players.
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
Unfortunately
That team will continue to have budget issues and they cannot afford the Pat Burrells too many times.
the Longoria contract helps a lot but doubtful they can get too many guys to give them that kind of deal.
We’ll see many more Kazmir-type trades from them. Desmond Jennings is expected to ready soon, so an outfield spot may have to be forced open.
Crawford will be a free agent
urr, I mean Yankee next year. So nothing will need to be forced. They will also have an opening at first base (C.Pena). Hellickson will likely be in the rotation next year.
No way they trade him imo
- they need him for their W.S. run
- even if they fall out of contention he is worth two high draft picks in compensation. If they fall out of contention and get an incredible offer then of course they will trade him, but I see this as a highly unlikely scenario.
fair enough
As long as we agree LeBron & Phil Jackson will be Clippers next year (just kidding—heard some talk radio chatter in car).
Zobrist just did
but then he’s currently playing to that contract.
It will be very interesting how they handle this winter with Pena/Crawford. Not many teams have a replacement like Jennings waiting to take Crawfords spot. However 1st is another matter.
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
Monday Morning sure feels better then Friday Morning
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
Vibe at Staples much more relaxed yesterday
Than Game 5 against the Thunder.
There’s a women who sits in front of our seats that had two dozen t-shirts, says she has a Laker shrine at home. She sits a few seats over to the left.
Really
it sure looked like nervous time to me when Utah surged a head. For a game one at home Laker fans should not be feeling overly confident. I would not be surprised if I get to use my game four tickets.
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
I liked them much more as the California Angels
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
Sample of Red Sox fans comments
You must admit that Theo did not cause Beltre, Scutaro and Cameron to make errors that cost games and they strike out wildly with men on base. Team has potential but they are making mental and playing errors. Theo passed up Damon, Abreu, Lowe, Matsui who are world champions. He preferred losers.
Ha Ha
The Tigers are looking pretty good right now with the trade of Granderson for Jackson and signing Damon to replace Granderson. Nice cost effective moves and more production. Jackson will come down to earth but for those who said he wasn’t a major leaguer just make sure you don’t scout for us.
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
I think Red Sox fan
Is also pissed that Penny is pitching well (though it could be the competition factor) since I don’t see any changes to Brad’s pitching to contact philosophy that he has used for the last few years.
Did you see his GB rate
and they say he’s using his Change Up now more then ever.
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
+1
Austin Jackson looks great so far. I can’t believe I criticized that deal for Detroit. Also—ahem—Edwin Jackson is looking really bad . . .
Mel Stottlemyre deserves some of that blame. He had one of the best sliders in baseball the last two years, and this year his slider usage is down almost 10% while his CB and CU (both of which suck) usage have doubled and tripled. I watched the game yesterday and I’ve never seem Edwin seem so hesitant on the mound. He looks like a distant shell of his 1st half 2009 self and even his 2nd half 2009 self.
As for Austin Jackson, he’s really an interesting case. He k’s wayyy too much for someone without much power, but when he has hit the ball, hes hit it hard (39% LD rate). Even still, his BABIP is well over .500, which is just silly. i’m really curious to see how that levels out and what his final year numbers will look like.
by UCLADodger32 on May 3, 2010 12:57 PM PDT up reply actions
I saw E-Jax yesterday too
His confidence was way down. He was also throwing 92-94 when in the past he was 96+.
He just didnt seem committed to any pitch he threw. His fastball command isnt fantastic, but it isnt that bad. He’s just a big, huge mess right now and he needs to just get back to fastball/slider. As a huge Edwin fan, i was really hoping he would be dealt to the Cardinals over the winter. I can only imagine what Dave Duncan would do with him. Maybe add a splitter or throw a 2 seamer, something that doesnt take away from the fastball/slider combo. Instead, he goes to Arizona where Stottlemyre tries to change him from the only real success he has ever had.
Xavier Paul
I would like opinions on XP. Particularly the Nate and Canuck perspectives.
He’s now just turned 25. Decent combo of patience,power and speed, LH with ability to play multiple positions.
His career minor league numbers .357/.436/ 793 lead me to think he’s not a player next year to, gulp, replace Manny and may project as a 4th outfielder. Probably more of a Reed Johnson replacement.
Is that about right?
I think even those of us who like him see him as a 4th
outfielder type more than a regular. I just think he’ll be a very good 4th outfielder. :-)
There's no need to fear, Underdog is here! / Broncos/Dodgers/Lakers fan in Niners/Raiders/Giants/Warriors country, and damned proud of it.
my opinion
Good 4th outfielder on a contending team/marginal 3rd outfielder.
He has a little pop, some speed, can take a walk and has a good throwing arm. He’s one of those players that does some nice things but nothing exceptionally well. Also, he’s proven himself at AAA, he belongs on this team now and getting ABs for Manny right now is perfect to see if he can be anything more than what I mentioned above.
What is a Pythag of 86 wins?
That and Wally Moon?
by 68elcamino427 on May 3, 2010 1:29 PM PDT up reply actions
Good point
That was just the first connection that came to mind. After all, when I think of great Dodger pitchers, I often link Koufax & Padilla.
The question
When was the last time the Dodgers had only 1 save in 25 games into the season. In 1964, it took 31 games (in an era where pitching staffs were constructed differently and complete games were a common occurrence.)
Broxton non saves
are killing roto players everywhere
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
Luckily when the Dodgers win 5 games this week, Broxton’s 4 saves will help ease some of the early pain.
Yes
that would be a good place to start.
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
Also a good place to finish!
Also this: it sure seems like the Dodgers have lost an awful lot of these Gimme games already — games they were overwhelming favorites to win. Perhaps they have this one coming!
Or maybe I just jinxed it. Shit!
The Ultimate Ned's Kind of Guy
Nah
They’ve already screwed up a season’s worth of games where they have blown
(and I mean blown) a huge lead
Isn’t that true Mr. Torre?
by 68elcamino427 on May 3, 2010 2:00 PM PDT up reply actions
Jiminez may have to pitch a complete game
Last year, he mostly pitched well against the Dodgers but he would leave and their bullpen would blow it.
If only the Dodgers had preemptively saved his arm for when it was ruined by the trade with the Marlins.
/Plaschke
by Eric Stephen on May 3, 2010 1:53 PM PDT up reply actions 2 recs
of course I have Broxton/Wagner on one team
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
The one fantasy team I have
Matt Capps was my saves guy last week on my head to head team, He had 3, I believe.
Nice combo's
but none of them can hold a light to Kershaw /AJ Ellis
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
If I ever had one of those newspaper columns . . .
where someone just lazily writes, “Just for fun, ______,” I’d say, “Just for fun, Cory Dunlap.”
Just for fun, Salma Hayek and Penelope Cruz.
Am I playing this right?
The Ultimate Ned's Kind of Guy
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