Dodgers Week 10 In Review: Peaks & Valleys
by Eric Stephen on Jun 14, 2010 8:34 AM PDT
in Dodgers Weekly Reviews
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The Dodgers started the week on such a high note, sweeping the Cardinals, including games started by Chris Carpenter and Adam Wainwright. However, the Angels came to town and turned the tables on the Dodgers and swept them in their home. In their home! Where their wives sleep, and their children come and play with their toys. I never thought an 8-5 homestand could be so disappointing.
Both series last week followed the same pattern: a blowout victory in the first game, followed by a pair of close games.
Dodger Batter of the Week: Manny Ramirez had a nice return to the living this week, hitting .333/.400/.722 with five extra-base hits in his five starts. James Loney and Russell Martin also cracked the 1.100 OPS barrier, but Manny gets the nod for his game-winning double on Tuesday.
Dodger Pitcher of the Week: It was a nice comeback week for a couple of 35+ year-olds, as Hiroki Kuroda threw seven scoreless innings against the Cards on Tuesday. Honorable mention goes to the back end of the bullpen, as Jonathan Broxton, Hong-Chih Kuo, Ronald Belisario, and Ramon Troncoso combined for 12 scoreless innings.
Week 10 Record: 3-3
25 runs scored (4.17 per game)
27 runs allowed (4.50 per game)
.465 pythagorean winning percentage
Season Record: 36-27
292 runs scored (4.63 per game)
290 runs allowed (4.60 per game)
.503 pythagorean winning percentage (32-31)
| Dodgers Week By Week Standings | |||||||||
| Wk 1 | Wk 2 | Wk 3 | Wk 4 | Wk 5 | Wk 6 | Wk 7 | Wk 8 | Wk 9 | Wk 10 |
| 3 GB | 2 GB | 3 GB | 5 GB | 5 GB | 2 GB | 1 GB | 2 GB | ½ GB | 1 GB |
One Run Is Enough: The Dodgers' 1-0 win over the Cardinals on Tuesday was their third 1-0 win of the homestand, as they also beat Arizona 1-0 in back-to-back games last week. The only other time the Dodgers had three 1-0 wins on the same homestand was September 19, 20, and 24 in 2000.
Oh-Fers: Matt Kemp and Casey Blake both had tough weeks. Blake didn't get a hit all week, going 0-for-12, while Kemp ended his week in an 0-for-16 slump. Kemp's strikeout on Sunday lowered his OPS to .798, the first time he has been below .800 since April 9, the fourth game of the season. Of course, after that game on April 9, Kemp proceeded to hit seven home runs in his next 10 games.
Tough Homestand: Andre Ethier was activated from the disabled list just in time for the start of the 13-game homestand. Since the beginning of 2009, Ethier had hit .333/.400/.678 in 97 games at Dodger Stadium, with 29 doubles, 30 home runs, and 91 runs batted in. However, Ethier hit .220/.281/.340 on the homestand with no home runs and two RBI in 13 games, although he did hit six doubles. He does not have a home run in his last 16 home games, the second longest-streak of his career.
Transactions:
- Monday: Charlie Haeger was placed on the disabled list again, this time with a sprained right big toe. Jon Link was called up for one night as an extra arm in the bullpen, and ended up pitching two innings against the Cardinals
- Tuesday: George Sherrill returned from the disabled list, and Link was optioned to Triple A Albuquerque for a club-leading third time this season.
Game Results:
- Monday: Dodgers 12, Cardinals 4
- Tuesday: Dodgers 1, Cardinals 0
- Wednesday: Dodgers 4, Cardinals 3
- Friday: Angels 10, Dodgers 1
- Saturday: Angels 4, Dodgers 2
- Sunday: Angels 6, Dodgers 5
Upcoming Week: After a season-long 13-game homestand the last two weeks, the Dodgers head out on the road. They leave Monday for Cincinnati to start a three-game series with the Reds on Tuesday, then head to Boston to play the Red Sox.
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun |
| 14 Off |
15 Cin 7:10pm |
16 Cin 4:10pm |
17 Cin 9:35am |
18 Bos 4:10pm |
19 Bos 1:10pm |
20 Bos 5pm |
Previous Weeks in Review: Week 1 | Week 2 | Week 3 | Week 4 | Week 5 | Week 6 | Week 7 | Week 8 | Week 9
Week 10 Stats
| Player | PA | AB | R | H | 2B | 3B | HR | RBI | BB | SB/CS | BA/OBP/SLG | OPS |
| Loney | 25 | 21 | 5 | 8 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 4 | 4 | 1/0 | .381/.480/.667 | 1.147 |
| Manny | 20 | 18 | 5 | 6 | 4 | 0 | 1 | 3 | 2 | 0/0 | .333/.400/.722 | 1.122 |
| Martin | 19 | 15 | 1 | 7 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 4 | 0/1 | .467/.579/.533 | 1.112 |
| Furcal | 28 | 26 | 4 | 7 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 2 | 1/0 | .269/.321/.538 | .860 |
| DeWitt | 18 | 17 | 2 | 5 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 8 | 0 | 0/0 | .294/.278/.529 | .807 |
| Ethier | 25 | 22 | 2 | 6 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 0/0 | .273/.360/.409 | .769 |
| Kemp | 23 | 20 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 3 | 1/1 | .100/.217/.100 | .317 |
| Blake | 16 | 12 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 0/0 | .000/.200/.000 | .200 |
|
|
||||||||||||
| Anderson | 4 | 4 | 0 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0/0 | .750/.750/1.000 | 1.750 |
| Carroll | 7 | 5 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0/0 | .200/.429/.400 | .829 |
| Belliard | 9 | 8 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 1/0 | .250/.333/.250 | .583 |
| Ellis | 4 | 4 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0/0 | .250/.250/.250 | .500 |
| Johnson | 10 | 10 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0/0 | .200/.200/.200 | .400 |
|
|
||||||||||||
| Pitchers | 12 | 9 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0/0 | .111/.111/.111 | .222 |
| Totals | 220 | 191 | 25 | 51 | 16 | 1 | 4 | 24 | 24 | 4/2 | .267/.347/.424 | .771 |
| Pitcher | G | W-L | Sv | IP | H | R | ER | BB | K | ERA | WHIP | FIP* |
| Kuroda | 1 | 0-0 | -- | 7.0 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 6 | 0.00 | 0.714 | 1.91 |
| Kershaw | 1 | 1-0 | -- | 7.0 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 2 | 10 | 3.86 | 0.857 | 3.06 |
| Ely | 1 | 0-1 | -- | 5.0 | 6 | 4 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 7.20 | 1.800 | 6.80 |
| Monasterios | 2 | 1-1 | -- | 8.2 | 11 | 7 | 7 | 6 | 2 | 7.27 | 1.962 | 9.32 |
| Billingsley | 1 | 0-1 | -- | 5.2 | 9 | 7 | 7 | 3 | 3 | 11.12 | 2.118 | 4.26 |
| Starters | 6 |
2-3 | -- | 33.1 | 34 | 21 | 21 | 15 | 23 | 5.67 | 1.470 | 5.21 |
| Belisario | 3 | 0-0 | -- | 4.0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 4 | 0.00 | 0.750 | 1.20 |
| Broxton | 3 | 0-0 | 2 | 3.0 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0.00 | 1.333 | 1.87 |
| Troncoso | 2 | 0-0 | -- | 3.0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0.00 | 0.333 | 1.87 |
| Kuo | 2 | 1-0 | -- | 2.0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 0.00 | 1.000 | 2.70 |
| Link | 1 | 0-0 | -- | 2.0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0.00 | 0.500 | 2.20 |
| Weaver | 1 | 0-0 | -- | 2.1 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 3.86 | 1.286 | 1.49 |
| Miller | 3 | 0-0 | -- | 4.0 | 6 | 4 | 4 | 1 | 5 | 9.00 | 1.750 | 7.95 |
| Sherrill | 1 | 0-0 | -- | 0.1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 27.00 | 6.000 | 12.20 |
| Relievers | 6 |
1-0 | 2 | 20.2 | 19 | 6 | 6 | 4 | 18 | 2.61 | 1.113 | 3.15 |
| Totals | 6 |
3-3 | 2 | 54.0 | 53 | 27 | 27 | 19 | 41 | 4.50 | 1.333 | 4.42 |
*FIP is estimated
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I am already so annoyed at the crap I am getting from Angels fans. I am taking it out on people I deal with at work. :)
by robotmadeofnails on Jun 14, 2010 8:36 AM PDT reply actions
Even after yesterday's game
Monasterios has still been very lucky on the year. Even in the above chart, you can see that his ERA outpaced his FIP with a FIP of 9.32. On the season, Monasterios has an ERA of 2.98 and an x-FIP of 5.36. Probably a really good thing Padilla is coming back since the regression to the mean for Monk could be pretty painful.
Although nobody has an extreme a split as Monasterios, Ely, Kershaw and Kuroda all have ERA’s lower than their x-FIP. Billingsley has an ERA higher than his x-FIP.
Yeah
I was OK with Monasterios getting the starts he got, mostly because each successive win (lucky or not) bought more time, but I am really looking forward to Padilla coming back. I’m perfectly OK with Monk still occupying the long man role in the pen.
by Eric Stephen on Jun 14, 2010 9:01 AM PDT up reply actions
If Kemp or Blake had even been ordinary the week could have been saved. I was surprised to see how well the rest of the team did. Not only did Manny come back from the dead so did Martin.
Loney showing plate discipline and power.
I forgot to look up RISP numbers, but I think that made the difference, at least in the Angels’ series
by Eric Stephen on Jun 14, 2010 9:03 AM PDT up reply actions
RISP
just average…
Mon: 9-15
Tue: 2-11
Wed: 2-11
Fri: 0-5
Sat: 1-9
Sun: 3-11
Week: 17-62 (.274)
by Eric Stephen on Jun 14, 2010 9:06 AM PDT up reply actions
Looking at all those zero's in the bullpen is pretty remarkable
Even Link got in on the fun with 2.0 innings of 0 ER’s
Among MLB relievers with a minimum of 10 innings
FIP
1) Broxton 0.65
2) Gregerson (SD) 1.36
3) Thatcher (SD) 1.42
4) Kuo 1.50
It should be noted another Padre, Heath Bell, is 9th with a 1.89 FIP. Just another reason for their early success.
Broxton is the only MLB reliever with an x-FIP under 2.00 (he is 1.77). Kuo is 21st with a 2.94 x-FIP
There are nine relievers with an ERA under 1.00:
1) Rhodes (Cin) 0.32
2) Stauffer (SD) 0.49
3) Benoit (TB) 0.57
4) Valverde (Det) 0.66
5) Meek (Pit) 0.74
6) Stevens (ChC) 0.82
7) Webb (SD) 0.84
8) Broxton 0.84
9) Venters (Atl) 0.98
10) Kuo 1.00
by Eric Stephen on Jun 14, 2010 9:22 AM PDT up reply actions
Part seven million and 65 on why you never pay relievers.
by regfairfield on Jun 14, 2010 9:24 AM PDT up reply actions
Ask the Dbacks if they wish they had paid for a good bullpen.
"You're the only woman to ever love me." "I never loved you." "I meant physically!"
You can pay for a bullpen
but it does not mean you will get a good one. The Padres are the perfect example of finding exceptional setup men year after year.
by meercatjohn on Jun 14, 2010 10:17 AM PDT up reply actions
True, you can get overpriced overrated pitchers
But in this case with Kuo and Broxton, there is a great case (though way more for Broxton than Kuo, I love Kuo but his arm is a liability long term) for keeping them after free agency. It will cost a TON, but it really will be worth it for Broxton I’d guess. He’s been the best reliever in baseball over the last few years overall, and without him the bullpen won’t be as dominant as it is today. There are a certain few closers in baseball who are worth it, and Broxton is one of them.
"You're the only woman to ever love me." "I never loved you." "I meant physically!"
I won't be advocating signing Broxton at market value when he becomes a free agent
Assuming the team is still operating on a budget by then
by Michael White on Jun 14, 2010 11:38 AM PDT up reply actions
Maybe not at market value
but maybe, just maybe, he will take a team discount. Other teams are able to do it, we should too damnit!
"You're the only woman to ever love me." "I never loved you." "I meant physically!"
won’t Jansen be in the bigs by that point, possibly?
by Tommy Blackjack on Jun 14, 2010 12:11 PM PDT up reply actions
At this rate
I think Jansen will be in the mix for a bullpen role as soon as next year. He’s already on the 40 man roster, and will surely get called up when rosters expand.
by Michael White on Jun 14, 2010 12:13 PM PDT up reply actions
At Jansens age Broxton was already an effective major league reliever. It’s a little soon to anoint him next in line.
by regfairfield on Jun 14, 2010 12:13 PM PDT up reply actions
True,
But Broxton was always a pitcher, Jansen used to be a catcher remember. Also, I think it’s more likely he’ll be late inning setup man.
by Tommy Blackjack on Jun 14, 2010 12:18 PM PDT up reply actions
Right, but I think saying we won’t need Broxton in three years because we have Jansen is jumping the gun.
by regfairfield on Jun 14, 2010 12:23 PM PDT up reply actions
I don't believe that either
but we’re not running the club are we?
by Tommy Blackjack on Jun 14, 2010 12:26 PM PDT up reply actions
He may be by then
But will anyone really be able to replace Broxton? Who’s going to be this good?
"You're the only woman to ever love me." "I never loved you." "I meant physically!"
see also…
“But will anyone really be able to replace Gagne? Who’s going to be this good?”
and
“But will anyone really be able to replace Saito? Who’s going to be this good?”
by Eric Stephen on Jun 14, 2010 12:49 PM PDT up reply actions
I had that thought too. We’ve been fortunate with our closers.
by Tommy Blackjack on Jun 14, 2010 12:50 PM PDT up reply actions
Good point
but how long will this good luck last? We could run into a spell where we can’t find an effective closer.
"You're the only woman to ever love me." "I never loved you." "I meant physically!"
Effective works
just as well as dominating when it comes to closers. Given his girth do you think he has a long future a head of him?
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
by Phil Gurnee on Jun 14, 2010 12:59 PM PDT up reply actions
I worry about that for him.
I also wonder how long a career Prince Fielder will have if he doesn’t get his weight down.
by Tommy Blackjack on Jun 14, 2010 1:01 PM PDT up reply actions
He's someone that needs to pitch about 60-80 innings a year
And doesn’t pitch more than 3 days in a row. I honestly don’t think weight is a real issue with Broxton. I really don’t know anything about the physical issues with large weight pitchers, but I’d guess it’s not a huge deal.
"You're the only woman to ever love me." "I never loved you." "I meant physically!"
Do most closers really last anyways?
It seems like they drop like flies.
Rudimentary creatures of flesh and blood, you touch my mind, fumbling in ignorance, incapable of understanding.
Most of them are power pitchers
and they’re usually more suseptible to arm injuries. When they lose the velocity a lot of them aren’t as effective. Helps to have another out pitch like Hoffmann.
by Tommy Blackjack on Jun 14, 2010 1:57 PM PDT up reply actions
I don’t have a problem paying elite closers, but I don’t think it’s anything to worry about now.
by Eric Stephen on Jun 14, 2010 1:00 PM PDT up reply actions
who is the highest paid closer?
My guess is between K-rod and Marinano Rivera
by Tommy Blackjack on Jun 14, 2010 1:04 PM PDT up reply actions
Rivera gets $15m per, but factor in the Yankee “keep him in the family” surcharge. Also, he’s Rivera.
After that, it’s…
Lidge $12.5
K-Rod $12.33
Nathan $11.75
Cordero $11.5
by Eric Stephen on Jun 14, 2010 1:20 PM PDT up reply actions
I can’t stand K-Rod’s celebration after a save
by robotmadeofnails on Jun 14, 2010 1:38 PM PDT up reply actions
He almost got into a fight over it last year. Forget who it was with though.
by Tommy Blackjack on Jun 14, 2010 1:44 PM PDT up reply actions
Fangraphs has x-FIP dating back to 2002
The only reliever to have an x-FIP under 2.00 was Eric Gagne, with a ridiculous 1.14 x-FIP in 2003. I am not sure the number of innings they use as a minimum, but that’s pretty sweet.
Broxton’s rankings among MLB relievers in x-FIP during his career:
2006: 3.28 (16th)
2007: 2.79 (2nd; Saito was 1st)
2008: 2.93 (8th; Kuo was 3rd)
2009: 2.05 (1st)
2010: 1.77 (1st)
by Eric Stephen on Jun 14, 2010 9:38 AM PDT up reply actions
2007: 2.79 (2nd; Saito was 1st)
aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaw yeah
Rudimentary creatures of flesh and blood, you touch my mind, fumbling in ignorance, incapable of understanding.
I still remember when Saito came out in the 9th
Bad to the Bone playing, and there was a pic of him in Samurai garb, kantana and all.
by Tommy Blackjack on Jun 14, 2010 10:00 AM PDT up reply actions
*single tear*
Good times
Rudimentary creatures of flesh and blood, you touch my mind, fumbling in ignorance, incapable of understanding.
I remember before he had an entrance music
I suggested Godzilla by Blue Oyster Cult. Didn’t know Matsui was already called Godzilla. Copyright infringement.
by Tommy Blackjack on Jun 14, 2010 10:02 AM PDT up reply actions
I don’t have the spreadsheet with me at work, but the one that stood out was Russell Martin at .538. I believe Loney and Manny were in the high .300s
by Eric Stephen on Jun 14, 2010 9:24 AM PDT up reply actions
And Andre would break something
oh, wait.
by Tommy Blackjack on Jun 14, 2010 9:24 AM PDT up reply actions
$2,000,000 Lunch for Warren Buffett
http://finance.yahoo.com/news/Warren-Buffett-lunch-price-apf-3339052448.html?x=0&.v=3
I just figured out how Eric can make some money here. We will auction off his dinners. Each day of the week someone will win the right to have Eric over for dinner for a night of Dodger baseball.
I know this must sound horribly picky, and I apologize, but my genuine curiosity has now got the better of me. Eric, I think you’ve used this expression two or three times by now: “season-long 13-game homestand”. What does that mean? It’s not season-long, it’s just 13 games. Is it the longest homestand during the season? Or does it mean something else that I’m blanking on?
They have had longer for sure; I meant to do a post about it last week but I forgot about it.
by Eric Stephen on Jun 14, 2010 9:38 AM PDT up reply actions
The last time they had a longer homestand was a 14-gamer in 1994 (they were 8-6)
by Eric Stephen on Jun 14, 2010 9:45 AM PDT up reply actions
The Dodgers had a 22-game homestand in 1992 (with a bevy of makeup games from the LA riots in late April), and went 12-10.
They also had a 13-game homestand that season, too, but went 4-9. So far, from 1992-2010, I have found seven 13-game (or longer) homestands.
by Eric Stephen on Jun 14, 2010 10:01 AM PDT up reply actions
So was dragging a guy out of his semi-truck and nearly beating him to death. Crazy times in 1992 LA.
by Eric Stephen on Jun 14, 2010 11:03 AM PDT up reply actions
two things I remember from those riots
My school in La Mirada being closed, and my mom practically worrying herself to death about my Dad who worked in LA.
by Tommy Blackjack on Jun 14, 2010 11:08 AM PDT up reply actions
Same here
my Dad worked at a black owned bank in Compton, I was stuck trying to get home to NH for three hours while I heard reports of rioting close to my house. I’m not inclined to worry but my brain was racing for three hours that day, and only breathed easy when I got home, found out my Dad was okay.
Then I got to drive to Orange County to wach the Clippers play a playoff game because the Sports Arena was shut down due to the riots. We almost beat Utah, he was the best Clipper showing in the playoffs until Sam Cassell showed up.
by meercatjohn on Jun 14, 2010 11:22 AM PDT up reply actions
Instead of the News
getting the video and watching someone get pummeled without helping him, we would have thousands of citizens tweeting about the brains being spilled as they Seinfeldishly tweeted about it.
by meercatjohn on Jun 14, 2010 11:28 AM PDT up reply actions
I don't know
I think it would be more like the Iran elections from last year; without Twitter and Facebook, not nearly as many people would have known about the many atrocities that happened on the streets there.
by Eric Stephen on Jun 14, 2010 11:35 AM PDT up reply actions
I'd been more impressed if the people of Iran
had done something about the atrocities then merely report them.
by meercatjohn on Jun 14, 2010 11:36 AM PDT up reply actions
It’s kind of hard when the people don’t have the freedom to do so.
by Eric Stephen on Jun 14, 2010 11:42 AM PDT up reply actions
A lot of people did
Problem is they bussed in a bunch of people who supported the current regime.
Rudimentary creatures of flesh and blood, you touch my mind, fumbling in ignorance, incapable of understanding.
Since moving to LA
the Dodgers have had 47 homestands of 13 games or longer, and 28 of them game from 1958-1969.
Year Gms W L
1992 22 12 10
1962 20 12 8
1958 19 11 8
1958 19 8 11
1960 19 8 11
1963 18 11 7
1959 18 10 8
1959 17 12 5
1958 17 9 8
1966 16 11 5
1962 15 10 5
1959 15 9 6
1961 15 8 7
1969 15 7 8
1962 14 11 3
1985 14 10 4
1965 14 9 5
1966 14 9 5
1981 14 8 6
1994 14 8 6
1963 14 7 7
1976 14 7 7
1984 14 6 8
1962 13 11 2
2002 13 10 3
1961 13 9 4
1968 13 9 4
1978 13 9 4
1978 13 9 4
1988 13 9 4
2000 13 9 4
1965 13 8 5
1969 13 8 5
2010 13 8 5
1961 13 7 6
1968 13 7 6
1974 13 7 6
1984 13 7 6
1990 13 7 6
2005 13 7 6
1964 13 6 7
1965 13 6 7
1983 13 6 7
1987 13 6 7
1959 13 5 8
1960 13 4 9
1992 13 4 9
by Eric Stephen on Jun 14, 2010 10:33 AM PDT up reply actions
“Season-long” is a common baseball expression with a meaning the way Eric uses it, like “career-high” or for that matter “career-long.”
Since Eric clearly knows that the season is not 13 games long, I’m not sure what caused the confusion.
Mr. Weisman
I have your book, just wanted to let you know I enjoyed it.
by Tommy Blackjack on Jun 14, 2010 9:58 AM PDT up reply actions
I don't think anything will make someone feel older then they do
then to add Mr. to it when addressing them. I know it is polite and all so this is not a complaint, just an observation.
by meercatjohn on Jun 14, 2010 10:02 AM PDT up reply actions
Politeness was what I was going for,
But I certainly hope I didn’t make you feel old Jon. I also want to say though your book made me read my dad’s copy of Boys of Summer. I really enjoyed that too.
by Tommy Blackjack on Jun 14, 2010 10:05 AM PDT up reply actions
Mr. Phil, are you touchy about age? ;)
"You're the only woman to ever love me." "I never loved you." "I meant physically!"
Not yet
but when the boy scout offers to help me across the street I’ll let you know.
by meercatjohn on Jun 14, 2010 10:27 AM PDT up reply actions
Yes, it clearly didn’t mean the season was 13 games long, and the most likely meaning was the one I guessed at and was evidently correct. But I wasn’t sure, which is why I asked. It doesn’t read clearly to me. I’m interested to see that you think it’s a common expression used in this manner. I know what “season-long” means, when used like “Kemp’s season-long OPS in 2009 was xxxx. His OPS for September was yyyy.” And I also would have understood immediately “the season’s longest homestand at 13 games” or “the season-long maximum 13-game homestand”. I just wasn’t sure that “season-long” meant “season’s longest” rather than “(something?) for the. whole season”. I did apologize for being picky, just wanted to make sure I wasn’t missing anything. I’m sure this is just making it worse…
Nobody uses a phrase like “season-long OPS…” In that case it would be something like “OPS on the season” or “OPS for the year”
by Eric Stephen on Jun 14, 2010 10:26 AM PDT up reply actions
James Loney
at 111 OPS+ on the season. This weekend kind of helped him; as he was basically the only dodger to show up.
and next time he goes 0-3, the Konerko for Loney chants will return.
by Tommy Blackjack on Jun 14, 2010 9:47 AM PDT up reply actions
Not to launch into this discussion again
But I believe you are misrepresenting the postion of the anti-Loney camp around here (if such a camp exists.)
by Michael White on Jun 14, 2010 9:49 AM PDT up reply actions
Because if it isn't Konerko
it is Adam laRoche, if it isn’t LaRoche it is Carlos Pena, if it isn’t Carlos Pena is Cecil Fielder. Not a day goes by when someone is not trying to replace James Loney.
DUNN DUNN DUNN!!!!!(dramatic reverb)
By the way, anyone see him flatten Carlos Santana?
by Tommy Blackjack on Jun 14, 2010 9:59 AM PDT up reply actions
I took that as “oh my God, what have I just done?”
by regfairfield on Jun 14, 2010 10:01 AM PDT up reply actions
Having just watched the gif
That’s exactly my impression as well.
by Michael White on Jun 14, 2010 10:10 AM PDT up reply actions
Worse part was
that he took the hit and didn’t have the ball. Guess they didn’t teach that in AAA.
by meercatjohn on Jun 14, 2010 10:06 AM PDT up reply actions
welcome to the bigs
Rudimentary creatures of flesh and blood, you touch my mind, fumbling in ignorance, incapable of understanding.
Isn't there a scene like that
in Major League 2?
by Tommy Blackjack on Jun 14, 2010 10:32 AM PDT up reply actions
I would be all for signing Cecil Fielder to an Eddie Gaedel contract.
While I was looking for numbers on Loney came across something totally surprising: Russ has the second highest WAR amongst position players.
by regfairfield on Jun 14, 2010 10:00 AM PDT up reply actions
Wouldn't that be because
of the defensive value being added to him, which as a catcher seems ……… like a stretch
by meercatjohn on Jun 14, 2010 10:03 AM PDT up reply actions
Martin is getting one run from defense, probably owing to a 32% CS (league average is 27).
It mainly comes down to a .360 on base from a catcher is a really valuable thing to have.
by regfairfield on Jun 14, 2010 10:57 AM PDT up reply actions
The reasoning for that is sound. The best place to upgrade on offense is first base. Right now Loney is playing well enough to where there shouldn’t be any replace Loney talk, but we have no other place to get more or better offense.
"You're the only woman to ever love me." "I never loved you." "I meant physically!"
Really
I’d think 2nd, SS, 3rd, and C might be places we could upgrade our offense. Not that I’m advocating replacing anyone in June, but it would seem that we could use upgrades more then just 1st base if when is so inclined to upgrade the offense.
by meercatjohn on Jun 14, 2010 10:55 AM PDT up reply actions
Realistically, who could we get at those positions that would be a big offensive upgrade? Maybe there aren’t really any realistic options at 1B who would be a great upgrade on offense as well, but there are a few 1B studs out there that have been in trade talks and such.
At 2B there is Dan Uggla, and if his defense is at least average, I would love to get him, just not for a big price. The only other person I can think of is Kelly Johnson, and I don’t trust his numbers to hold up all season. Though he’d still be better than dewitt on offense most likely, but his defense I don’t think is as good.
At SS is there even anyone better than Furcal that would be available? I really don’t think so. Furcal is closing in on a high .700s OPS now, and I’m perfectly fine with his output.
At C, there’s no way we find anything better than Martin in a trade.
At 3B there may be some options, but Blake has another year plus I don’t really know what any options may be.
"You're the only woman to ever love me." "I never loved you." "I meant physically!"
I'll partake in this discussion
when the 2010 season is over or when we have been eliminated from the pennant race. Or maybe in a month when the the trading deadline gets closer.
by meercatjohn on Jun 14, 2010 11:56 AM PDT up reply actions
This is true. Loney was terrible in April, and after his play on April 29, his season OPS bottomed out at 660. Since then — from his 3-for-3 with-a-walk day on April 30 right through yesterday’s 3-for-4 — his OPS has been 853, which will suffice. (His great week raised that about 50 points. It had been about 800 for the period from April 30 to June 5.)
Regardless, I’ll predict that none of the starting eight will be replaced before November. And maybe none should, as the prospects that would be required to get anyone would not be worth the marginal improvement. This offseason, though, we’ll see…. perforrmance in the second half of the season will have something to say about that.
The Ultimate Ned's Kind of Guy
by Humma Kavula on Jun 14, 2010 11:01 AM PDT up reply actions
The only replacement we are going to see in 2011
is left field.
by meercatjohn on Jun 14, 2010 11:23 AM PDT up reply actions
I think that's likely, sure.
Even most likely. It’s certainly what I’d predict.
However, I also think that as Martin and Loney get more expensive, there will be extensive discussions about who might be available, at what price, and what those players would garner in trade. Maybe they’re discussions in name only… but there will be someone whose job it is to figure out (a) if Martin and/or Loney are cutting it, and if not, (b) what kind of moves might be in the Dodgers’ interest.
The Ultimate Ned's Kind of Guy
by Humma Kavula on Jun 14, 2010 11:27 AM PDT up reply actions
if they're still in the system,
might be they get replaced with May, Russell, or Sands.
by Tommy Blackjack on Jun 14, 2010 11:29 AM PDT up reply actions
No chance in hell
that any of those trio will even be on the major league roster in 2011. Maybe May, as a backup but that is a long shot.
by meercatjohn on Jun 14, 2010 11:31 AM PDT up reply actions
I would like to see if Russell could break the strikeout record by Mid June.
by regfairfield on Jun 14, 2010 11:33 AM PDT up reply actions
Not with Reynolds in the league
and you know the story, if they let you pile up 200 K’s you must be doing something to keep trotting you out there.
by meercatjohn on Jun 14, 2010 11:35 AM PDT up reply actions
I think those discussions
will only occur in blogs. Management loves Loney, and Martin is not going anywhere because there is no one to replace him via internally or externally.
by meercatjohn on Jun 14, 2010 11:29 AM PDT up reply actions
Contract year, he’s gotta get it going
by Tommy Blackjack on Jun 14, 2010 11:08 AM PDT up reply actions
Well, Pena is having a terrible year
But looking at his BA is not the best way to evaluate him.
In 2009, his BA was .227, but his OBP and SLG made up for it at .356 and .537 respectively leading to a wOBA .374, which will absolutely get it done.
But so far this season, he’s sucked.
by Michael White on Jun 14, 2010 11:13 AM PDT up reply actions
He must have
I didn’t notice, but i remember last week pionting out that his wOBA was in the high 200’s. He’s now at .322.
by Michael White on Jun 14, 2010 11:26 AM PDT up reply actions
six home runs in seven games
for a 1.468 OPS
by meercatjohn on Jun 14, 2010 11:33 AM PDT up reply actions
is his home run streak still going?
by Tommy Blackjack on Jun 14, 2010 11:26 AM PDT up reply actions
Agreed…i think that was an appropriate representation.
by KellyStephen on Jun 14, 2010 10:15 AM PDT up reply actions
Today will be filled with boredom and anxiety
no LA sports….
by Tommy Blackjack on Jun 14, 2010 9:46 AM PDT reply actions
I forgot to mention this in the game wrap
mostly cause I’m trying to block it from my mind, but that Ozzy Ozborn thing was the weirdest thing I’ve ever been a part of. They kept showing this video between innings of him playing some new (awful) song, with the lyrics at the bottom, one of which was scream, so folk kept screaming, thinking this was the moment to go for the record that the PA guy kept teasing.
So then finally at the end of the fourth, Ozzy comes out, and yells out to start the countdown, but there is no countdown. There’s a minute timer on the scoreboard, so we can see how long we have to go, and one of those “cheer louder” must be fake volume meter on the megatron.
So Ozzy just looks lost out there, and vaguely frustrated, but y’know sedated, and finally the PA guy gives us a countdown, and it’s just the weakest scream ever. It sounds like the scream you’d give during a song that says “now scream!” because you’re indoors and you don’t want to offend anyone. The crowd was louder for Loney’s home run. And come on, I’m supposed to believe we could be louder than LSU’s Death Valley after a touchdown? Or Autzen zoo on a normal day?
I felt beyond insulted at this gimmicky attempt by a washed up hasbeen to sell records
Look at that, he hit the f*cking bull! Guy gets a free steak!
Agreed
except that it’s “ultratron,” not megatron. :)
by Eric Stephen on Jun 14, 2010 9:54 AM PDT up reply actions
I was afraid ultratron was too clunky
Look at that, he hit the f*cking bull! Guy gets a free steak!
by Josie Becker on Jun 14, 2010 10:01 AM PDT up reply actions
at least
we’ll get the front of the rotation against the Angels in Anaheim right? Chance for some revenge.
by Tommy Blackjack on Jun 14, 2010 10:06 AM PDT up reply actions
If and only if
the Lakers should fail to win this series, does Kobe fall from the Michael Jordan/Magic Johnson all time greats pile onto the D-Wade/Lebron James this generation’s standouts pile?
Look at that, he hit the f*cking bull! Guy gets a free steak!
Kobe isn’t in that first pile yet anyway, so he has nothing to fall to.
by Eric Stephen on Jun 14, 2010 10:09 AM PDT up reply actions
But leading the Lakers to two out of three titles
That would put him in the first pile, right? I mean isn’t his legacy on the line right now?
Look at that, he hit the f*cking bull! Guy gets a free steak!
by Josie Becker on Jun 14, 2010 10:11 AM PDT up reply actions
Magic and Michael are in a special pile essentially titled “All-Time Starting Five,” so I am hesitant to put anyone in that pile right now.
by Eric Stephen on Jun 14, 2010 10:13 AM PDT up reply actions
From an accomplishment standpoint
I don’t see what Wade and Lebron have done to warrant being mentioned with Kobe.
by Michael White on Jun 14, 2010 10:11 AM PDT up reply actions
You're right
accomplishment wise he’s in a pile with Tim Duncan and well that’s it really for this generation
Look at that, he hit the f*cking bull! Guy gets a free steak!
by Josie Becker on Jun 14, 2010 10:16 AM PDT up reply actions
Anyone else crave a hotshot offensive rookie on the Dodgers? I’m jealous of these guys like Heyward, Stanton, Posey, Santana et al. It’s been ages since we had a hitting machine come straight from the minors.
I don't crave
a rookie. I crave a world series title. I do get jealous at times of all the attention but as long as we keep winning, that’s all that matters.
The Friday night game vs. the Angels was my first of this season for me and my family. And now I crave a refund after the embarassing loss and having to stomach Ozzy for whatever wasted stunt was going on.
by RawhideBlue on Jun 14, 2010 10:12 AM PDT up reply actions
I was about to express my bewildermint at that too.
That’s why the call it fishing not catching.
by Michael White on Jun 14, 2010 10:14 AM PDT up reply actions
Ah, first catch of the day
/empire strikes back
Look at that, he hit the f*cking bull! Guy gets a free steak!
by Josie Becker on Jun 14, 2010 10:17 AM PDT up reply actions
dammit,
I wanna quote Something Something Dark Side, but I can’t remember the joke at that part.
by Tommy Blackjack on Jun 14, 2010 10:34 AM PDT up reply actions
That was a good one eh? The Loney HR was worth the price of admission. As well as the Furcal triple.
by RawhideBlue on Jun 14, 2010 10:47 AM PDT up reply actions
Since they are both local and the same age
Was Lambo considered comparable to Stanton coming out of high school?
by Michael White on Jun 14, 2010 10:14 AM PDT up reply actions
I expect all of baseball is jealous
of these guys, the only difference is that their team did not trade their hotshot offensive rookie.
A few years ago wasn’t all of baseball jealous of Martin, Loney, Kemp, and Andre. I’m thinking Sept 2007 to be exact.
by meercatjohn on Jun 14, 2010 10:14 AM PDT up reply actions
Lindblom
I have been away for most of the last week so maybe I missed it, but has there been any update on Lindblom since he was being converted back to relief?
He has yet to pitch
they are working with him before they unveil the new Lindblom.
by meercatjohn on Jun 14, 2010 10:18 AM PDT up reply actions
He is in the “running on an indoor treadmill under supervision of multiple people” portion of the montage from Rocky IV.
by Eric Stephen on Jun 14, 2010 10:20 AM PDT up reply actions
hopefully they will skip all that injection business.
Rudimentary creatures of flesh and blood, you touch my mind, fumbling in ignorance, incapable of understanding.
Yes
in between glances at stopwatches and monitors.
by Eric Stephen on Jun 14, 2010 10:27 AM PDT up reply actions
I hope they are monitoring the biorhythm screen
do they still use those in pro sports, biorhythms?
Look at that, he hit the f*cking bull! Guy gets a free steak!
by Josie Becker on Jun 14, 2010 10:35 AM PDT up reply actions
I remember the NES game Bases Loaded II
Would give you the biorhythms of each player after a game. I was always like what am I supposed to do with this information? How does this sin wave labeled emotion affect this guy’s ability to hit a homerun? Then my brother would throw legos at me.
And everyone on the LA team was named after Hollywood people I was too young to know, like Carson and Garland.
Look at that, he hit the f*cking bull! Guy gets a free steak!
by Josie Becker on Jun 14, 2010 10:42 AM PDT up reply actions
I used to like “Paste” back in the day (don’t remember if that’s the same game or not).
by silverwidow on Jun 14, 2010 10:43 AM PDT up reply actions
like the binding adhesive?
Look at that, he hit the f*cking bull! Guy gets a free steak!
by Josie Becker on Jun 14, 2010 10:47 AM PDT up reply actions
Yeah, that was the player’s name. He hit 60 HR or something.
by silverwidow on Jun 14, 2010 10:48 AM PDT up reply actions
I just remember on Ken Griffey Jr. Baseball for SNES
on the Home Run Derby game, one of the three players you could select was named Can O’Corn.
by Tommy Blackjack on Jun 14, 2010 10:49 AM PDT up reply actions
Ah, yes, that was the first Bases Loaded
Look at that, he hit the f*cking bull! Guy gets a free steak!
by Josie Becker on Jun 14, 2010 10:50 AM PDT up reply actions
Gotta be a montage (montage)
even Rocky had a montage (montage)
by Tommy Blackjack on Jun 14, 2010 10:35 AM PDT up reply actions
Pfft! Everyone knows that the low-tech training regimen of pulling sleighs in the snow and doing hanging situps in a barn is far superior.
Yeah,
But you have to end it by climbing a mountain and screaming the name of your rival.
by Tommy Blackjack on Jun 14, 2010 11:12 AM PDT up reply actions
Does anyone know when Lambo is off suspension?
by Tommy Blackjack on Jun 14, 2010 10:37 AM PDT reply actions
Thanks
I read somewhere he might go to Great Lakes for a bit rather than straight back to Chattanooga. I really hope he’s got his priorties straight.
by Tommy Blackjack on Jun 14, 2010 10:41 AM PDT up reply actions
gotta figure it would just be for a tune-up.
by Tommy Blackjack on Jun 14, 2010 10:45 AM PDT up reply actions
Not sure if the suspension started on April 30 or May 1. I believe it was May 1, since that was when the suspension was announced, but the 51st game is either the first or second game of a doubleheader this Saturday, June 19.
by Eric Stephen on Jun 14, 2010 10:41 AM PDT up reply actions
I have the 50 games suspension ending on June 24
With off days and a cancellation factored in.
May – they played 29 games.
June – they have played 11 games so far, looking forward, their 21st game of the month is on Thursday June 24th, thus he would be eligible to play on June 25th.
by bhsportsguy on Jun 14, 2010 10:47 AM PDT up reply actions
I missed the four rainouts; I was looking at a different part of the list
by Eric Stephen on Jun 14, 2010 10:49 AM PDT up reply actions
What was he hitting
before the suspension.
by Tommy Blackjack on Jun 14, 2010 10:50 AM PDT up reply actions
I really hope someone smacked him upside the head
verbally or otherwise.
by Tommy Blackjack on Jun 14, 2010 10:53 AM PDT up reply actions
If the Padres keep this up
and are in contention for more or less the rest of the season, do you suppose it’ll make them less likely to trade Gonzalez?
they still have another year of him on contract.
by Tommy Blackjack on Jun 14, 2010 11:16 AM PDT up reply actions
He is unlikely to get traded at this point this year. I wonder if 1-2 home playoff games is financially worth the haul they could get for trading him with a year left on that deal.
though i can't imagine him getting traded this year
I still gotta think the Padres trade him before that contract is up. Just for the above mentioned “haul”.
by Tommy Blackjack on Jun 14, 2010 11:28 AM PDT up reply actions
Yankee / Dodger series
not selling as well as the Dodgers expected? Last week I got an offer to buy group tickets for the series in the field box level which seemed kind of shocking given they have to have a minimum of 30 tickets available multiple times for them to send that out to anyone who has purchased group tickets this year.
Now I just received a text message that individuals can register to purchase tickets at www.dodgers.com . I wonder how this will play with those you were coerced into buying mini plans so they could have Yankee tickets because the Dodgers were telling the world that they would not sell individual game tickets?
Tim Brown can suck it
http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/news;_ylt=AmewkEt7xEC.uKPVm1N5FyARvLYF?slug=ti-dodgers061110
"You're the only woman to ever love me." "I never loved you." "I meant physically!"
Is he trying to win a Pulitzer or something?
His “prose” is obnoxious.
Rudimentary creatures of flesh and blood, you touch my mind, fumbling in ignorance, incapable of understanding.
Loney
Here’s a fawning, and generally terrible article on Loney by Sarah Morris on Dodgers.com. Among my favorites:
Before I watched him play first, I didn’t understand the importance of having a left-handed first baseman. Now I do, because left-handed first basemen can begin picturesque double plays
Want to know how many double plays have been started by Dodger 1B this year? Three (which is right around league average)
It seems that when the Dodgers need a hit with runners in scoring position, Loney nearly always delivers. With 301 career RBIs, Loney only has 50 homers
I love Loney, but I can’t stand statements like this without context. Loney is hitting .297/.353/.432 with RISP, which is perfectly fine, but that OPS is the worst among the regulars (Martin is next highest at .829). Loney does have 22 hits with RISP, which does in fact lead the team, but he also has 85 PA with RISP, which is 13 more than anyone else on the team (Kemp).
Although home runs are exciting to watch, they usually don’t win games. Teams need good defense, good pitching, and timely hitting to win championships.
The second sentence is perfectly fine, but I will leave it up to you to deal with the first sentence.
I thought the Red Sox and Mariners proved to us pitching and defense were stathead myths.
by regfairfield on Jun 14, 2010 12:12 PM PDT up reply actions
Home runs are bad; they kill rallies and they don’t win you baseball games.
by Michael White on Jun 14, 2010 12:12 PM PDT up reply actions
Why is she writing for Dodgers.com?
Who is she? The disabled woman?
by Julio Nievas on Jun 14, 2010 12:15 PM PDT up reply actions
More on LH throwing 1B
Before I watched him play first, I didn’t understand the importance of having a left-handed first baseman. Now I do, because left-handed first basemen can begin picturesque double plays.
The teams that have started the most DPs with their 1B:
Twins (8) – Morneau throws RH
A’s (7) – Barton RH
White Sox (6) – Konerko RH
Padres (5) – Gonzo LH
Rockies (5) – Helton LH
So the top three teams in having 1B start double plays have primarily right-handers starting at 1B. Maybe they aren’t “picturesque.”
by Eric Stephen on Jun 14, 2010 12:19 PM PDT up reply actions
Heh
I always wondered why nobody ever says a right-handed hitter has a beautiful swing, and it’s always a LHB that has the pretty swings. But someone mentioned the reason is that the follow through of a LHB swing takes them toward first base to run, whereas the RHB has to shift. That makes as much sense as anything to me.
by Eric Stephen on Jun 14, 2010 12:25 PM PDT up reply actions
That's a good point
Some swings in particular that are just gorgeous are Griffey and Edmonds. I can’t think of 2 better swings. As for right handers, Braun and Kemp have two of the best that I can think of, Manny as well.
When I say swings I’m thinking more homerun swing than anything else.
"You're the only woman to ever love me." "I never loved you." "I meant physically!"
I think you’re just taking this way too personally because of when you tried to play left handed.
by KellyStephen on Jun 14, 2010 12:23 PM PDT up reply actions
I could totally handle 2B playing lefty, too. I could have been a trailblazer.
by Eric Stephen on Jun 14, 2010 12:25 PM PDT up reply actions
I hear that in Marlon Brado’s voice, is that weird?
by Tommy Blackjack on Jun 14, 2010 12:26 PM PDT up reply actions
it’s only weird if you hear the Island of Dr. Morneau voice.
by Eric Stephen on Jun 14, 2010 12:27 PM PDT up reply actions
Only left-handed thrower to start at second base since 1952 was Gonzalo Marquez, who started two games for Oakland in 1973.
by Eric Stephen on Jun 14, 2010 12:31 PM PDT up reply actions
Don Mattingly ended up at 2B when the Pine Tar Game was resumed in 1983, after the American League upheld the Royals’ protest. The Yankees were pissed that Brett’s HR was allowed, and resumed the ninth inning with Mattingly at 2B and Ron Guidry (!!!) in CF.
There were already two outs in the ninth, and George Frazier struck out Hal McRae to end the inning, depriving the two out-of-position Yankees of an opportunity of making a putout.
by Eric Stephen on Jun 14, 2010 12:38 PM PDT up reply actions
yeah
Basically a big FU by Billy Martin.
by Tommy Blackjack on Jun 14, 2010 12:39 PM PDT up reply actions
Articles like this don't help those of us who like Loney
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
by Phil Gurnee on Jun 14, 2010 12:46 PM PDT up reply actions
kinda the equivalent of the article where Joe Torre said GA would scare him coming off the opposing bench
by Tommy Blackjack on Jun 14, 2010 12:48 PM PDT up reply actions
Lol
Looks like we’re trying to piss Phil off again today :P
I don’t mind that good things are being said about Loney, but it seems as though the wrong points are being made.
"You're the only woman to ever love me." "I never loved you." "I meant physically!"
I once got blasted
by no more than a dozen Sarah (Athletic) Supporters for saying how terrible her writing is. Course, I did say that her writing was so bad it made me look forward to Ken Gurnick. She needs some V Energy.
I always felt that once you got past the “hey, it’s great she’s doing this,” that her writing should be judged on its merits. I haven’t read her for years … on the other hand, she probably has a bigger audience than I do, so it all works out.
I see her writing get blasted more than your’s. Though to be fair, the people who comment on her writing on on the official dodger website. Which I’ve stated before is a cesspool.
by Tommy Blackjack on Jun 14, 2010 2:53 PM PDT up reply actions
I think
this speaks more to the fact that she’s been doing it for years for you to have not read her stuff for that long. I thought feel good stories only lasted for so long. They should bring her back once a year for a ThinkCure moment and let her go on her way.
Yeah, basically. In fact, this is what I’ll be ordering at burger stops as well. No breakouts with this kind of food.
by silverwidow on Jun 14, 2010 12:38 PM PDT up reply actions
CWS Legends
Top 28 players of all time in the CWS…
http://www.ncaa.com/sports/m-basebl/champpage/inc/div1/m-basebl-div1-legendscards.html
That page is cool if just for the design, having the back of the cards appear on mouse over.
by Eric Stephen on Jun 14, 2010 12:43 PM PDT up reply actions
So many cool players/coaches on that list
Brooks Kieschnick threw 172 pitches in a win in 1993, the third most pitches thrown in a CWS game.
by Eric Stephen on Jun 14, 2010 12:45 PM PDT up reply actions
I expected to see the greatest Chicago White Sox
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
by Phil Gurnee on Jun 14, 2010 12:46 PM PDT up reply actions
The Nolan Ryan punching bag is in there.
by KellyStephen on Jun 14, 2010 12:48 PM PDT up reply actions
The Dick Howser Trophy is awarded by the college baseball writers, and Ventura won that in 1988, but only once.
Per Wikipedia, the only multiple winner was Brooks Kieschnick, who won in 1992 & 1993.
by Eric Stephen on Jun 14, 2010 3:15 PM PDT up reply actions
The pic of Dave Winfield pitching is a scary thought. He struck out 29 men in two games, allowing 7 hits. Decent, I guess :)
by Eric Stephen on Jun 14, 2010 12:47 PM PDT up reply actions
is it just me
or does Spike Owen look like he’s wearing lipstick?
by Tommy Blackjack on Jun 14, 2010 12:47 PM PDT up reply actions
Strasburg got NL Player of the Week by the way. Not a surprise.
I haven’t yet seen it on the MLB page, but the press release must have gone out, because Dylan Hernandez tweeted it.
by Eric Stephen on Jun 14, 2010 1:47 PM PDT up reply actions
One way or another
The Texans always make it interesting.
Rudimentary creatures of flesh and blood, you touch my mind, fumbling in ignorance, incapable of understanding.
Too bad they didn't sneak into the playoffs last year
They were my sleeper team. Pass heavy offense going into sunny San Diego and domed Indiana would have played….
by Michael White on Jun 14, 2010 2:46 PM PDT up reply actions
Got boned by the Colts
for the umpteenth time. Ice Kareem should help shore up the secondary, but if we can’t get a pass rush this year it aint happening.
Rudimentary creatures of flesh and blood, you touch my mind, fumbling in ignorance, incapable of understanding.
Has there been any news....
concerning signing Zach Lee?
by Tommy Told Me To Bleed Blue on Jun 14, 2010 1:54 PM PDT reply actions
Like Silverwidow says, check back in the week leading up to the August 16 deadline.
by Eric Stephen on Jun 14, 2010 1:55 PM PDT up reply actions
kinda of annoying...
The parents booked a cabo fishing trip in August for my family. The dates…14th-17th.
fuck me.
Because nothing can ruin a vacation like not knowing what is happening with Zach Lee
by meercatjohn on Jun 14, 2010 2:19 PM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
Let's go to the Nate Sympathy Tote Board
The current sympathy total is…..
zero.
by Eric Stephen on Jun 14, 2010 2:28 PM PDT up reply actions
international data charges for my blackberry will be through the roof!
I wouldn’t even be able to check TBLA until I get back!
How about now?
I’ll send Sally Struthers and a camera crew, post haste
by Eric Stephen on Jun 14, 2010 2:34 PM PDT up reply actions
“I’m not even allowed in Mexico.”
by silverwidow on Jun 14, 2010 2:50 PM PDT up reply actions 2 recs
That situations depresses me
by Tommy Told Me To Bleed Blue on Jun 14, 2010 1:55 PM PDT reply actions
Well, I wonder how much better the McCourt’s finances will be next year.
by Tommy Told Me To Bleed Blue on Jun 14, 2010 1:58 PM PDT up reply actions
he want’s to buy the Dodgers too? Last I heard he was in on the Clippers.
by Tommy Blackjack on Jun 14, 2010 2:23 PM PDT up reply actions
yeah, I never really got the outrage from that. I mean, chances are even if Lee signs he won’t be with the club for a few years anyway.
by Tommy Blackjack on Jun 14, 2010 1:58 PM PDT up reply actions
If we trade for Lee
We could end up with 4. Frank may nix the deal just because of that. Either that, or we just won’t offer Cliff Lee arbitration for fear that he’ll accept a 90 million dollar paycut.
Has anyone else signed since a few days ago when we got like 4 players to sign?
I want that 12th rounder 3b we got to sign from Tenn (probably 12th round) to sign soon. Also our 2nd and 6th rounders.
"You're the only woman to ever love me." "I never loved you." "I meant physically!"
Cash (2nd) will sign
6th..probably not…12th..early intentions were that he wanted too but we’ll see what the Dodgers offer him.
Wasn't 6th essentially a backup to Lee?
"You're the only woman to ever love me." "I never loved you." "I meant physically!"
Specifically
Bret Montgomery, a 6-foot-7 right-handed pitcher out of Cal. State – Dominguez Hills
His first name should have another t
by Eric Stephen on Jun 14, 2010 2:31 PM PDT up reply actions
Played against Bret
Only throws 86-88, but his splitter is good. He’s no 6-7 though. Definitely a guy who could throw low 90s with better conditioning. CSUDH doesn’t have any lifting equipment, just a baseball field next to the track. Played there for 2 years.
http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2010/06/astros-rangers-getting-close-to-oswalt-deal.html#disqus_thread
“Hey, 29 MLB teams we’re competing against, can I has $30MM kthx”
If you put the link in the subject title
it will not work other then by cut and paste.
http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2010/06/astros-rangers-getting-close-to-oswalt-deal.html#disqus_thread
That would be cool if he went to the Rangers
would be interesting who they give up. A plethora of young arms. Scheppers, Perez, Holland, Feliz. I’m always intrigued by what others give up in these kind of deals.
this will be some bullshit
if it happens considering their situation is way more up in the air than ours was when we wanted to sign Vlad.
by hee came hee seop'd he choi'd on Jun 14, 2010 2:48 PM PDT up reply actions
But we did sign Vlad – Bill Shaikin reported it last week.
by JonWeisman on Jun 14, 2010 2:52 PM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
Good point
I’d have loved to see how things would have turned out if Vlady had been our RF starting in 2004.
More importantly
the first guy deat will set the market. If the Astros get two good prospects from the Rangers (or whoever gets Oswalt) while taking on his whole salary (unlikely), Lee will be worth a good three prospect haul. Jake Westbrook and Kevin Millwood remain unchanged.
Nice little debut weekend for Carlos Santana
1. First Home Run
2. First Double
3. First major league baseball player to walk against the greatest pitcher in the history of history
4. Got run over by the biggest man in baseball while the first baseman was playing hacky sack with the ball
5. Threw out the first runner who tried to steal on him
Power, patience, and the hose of an arm were all on display this weekend. Of course his intelligence is now in question considering his decision to be planted by Dunn for no reason other then he forgot to get out of the baseline. This shall bear watching, maybe he’s dumb as an ox and that was the reason they didn’t feel he’d be able to stay at catcher.
Suppan should be fine as long as he doesn’t hit any grand slams
by Eric Stephen on Jun 14, 2010 2:43 PM PDT up reply actions
This whole college conference merry-go-round makes my head hurt
It appears the Big XII (now with X teams) might just stay intact after all:
In a bombshell development that could bring a halt to seismic changes in college realignment, sources tell Orangebloods.com Texas is at the table with the 10 remaining Big 12 schools working on a TV deal put forth by commissioner Dan Beebe that would hold the conference together.
If there’s consensus to the deal, and it appears there is, it could be announced as early as Monday, sources said
If the Big 12 is able to work out a deal with its 10 remaining teams, it’s likely Pac-10 commissioner Larry Scott would look to add Utah as the 12th member of his league and launch a conference network in 2012, sources said
I'd be happy with this all around
I thought Nebraska deserved better than the Big 12 and them moving to the Big Ten works for me.
Colorado and Utah make much more sense in the Pac 10 then a half dozen schools from Texas and Oklahoma.
Kansas doesn’t get screwed out of a power conference.
by Michael White on Jun 14, 2010 3:03 PM PDT up reply actions
It does seem like Colorado and Utah have been talked about for quite some time as potential Pac-10 members.
by Eric Stephen on Jun 14, 2010 3:08 PM PDT up reply actions
as in, before all this race to the superconferences came about
by Eric Stephen on Jun 14, 2010 3:08 PM PDT up reply actions
Sooo pac 10 has 12 teams, big ten has 12, and big 12 has ten?
facepalm
Rudimentary creatures of flesh and blood, you touch my mind, fumbling in ignorance, incapable of understanding.
Of course
This could result in what I didn’t want to have happen. Divisional play where Oregon State is put in the Pac-12 North along with Oregon, Washington, Washington State, Colorado and Utah.
Northwest schools would completely lose their precence in California, which would be a disaster from a recruiting standpoint.
by Michael White on Jun 14, 2010 3:14 PM PDT up reply actions
I had not thought of it that way but you are right. Would it be the little brother like big 12 north was?
Probably eventually
But who knows? Nebraska didn’t go crash and burn immediately. They played in a national title game in 2002 and nearly went to a BCS game last year. Kansas State actually got a bit better on a national scale in football after it became the Big 12 (as opposed to the Big 8 where Nebraksa and Oklahoma dominated every single year.)
I would think Oregon will have so much money that they can weather that sort of issue anyway. Oregon State and Washington would be harder hit. Washington is probably a good comp for Nebraska as both were traditional powerhouses that have been down the past decade. Washington State is flailing so badly that they have more pressing issues to deal with at the moment.
by Michael White on Jun 14, 2010 3:23 PM PDT up reply actions
So teams have to play in the states they recruit from?
Does the normal recruit who wants to leave his home state care if the team he’s going to doesn’t play in his state? Has anyone ever done pysch profiles of the high school kids who stay and those who leave when they are both heavily recruited.
They don’t have to, but that’s the logic these days. Recruits are more likely to go to schools they are familiar with. Right now, southern california kids are more likely to play for Oregon or Washington then they are for Colorado. The logic is if you grow up a USC or UCLA fan, you watch your team play against these schools every year for as long as you’ve watched college football.
If Pac 10 North is seen as a distinct from Pac 10 South, as the schools won’t be playing each other every year, after time the recruiting by northwest schools will likley suffer.
Stewart Mandel, who in my opinion is the premier college football writer in the country, expressed the same opinion as to why Notre Dame has not adapted well to being the lone college football independent.
Twenty years ago, the Irish were not alone among major independents, but by 1993, Florida State, Miami and Penn State had all joined conferences. Is it a coincidence that 1993 was also the last time Notre Dame came close to a national title? As I wrote Monday, today’s blue-chip football prospects grow up watching certain conferences. Kids in Georgia and Louisiana dream of playing in the SEC. Kids in Texas dream of playing in the Big 12. Besides the South Side of Chicago and certain Midwestern Catholic conclaves, not a lot of kids today grow up specifically watching Notre Dame. So not only does the school have to recruit nationally, it has to sell prospects on why playing for Notre Dame is better than playing in a certain conference.
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/stewart_mandel/12/02/bobby-bowden/index.html
by Michael White on Jun 14, 2010 3:39 PM PDT up reply actions
Aoccdrnig to rscheearch at an Elingsh uinervtisy, it deosn’t mttaer in waht oredr the ltteers in a wrod are, olny taht the frist and lsat ltteres are at the rghit pcleas. The rset can be a toatl mses and you can sitll raed it wouthit a porbelm. Tihs is bcuseae we do not raed ervey lteter by ilstef, but the wrod as a wlohe.
While possible
Reading that wasn’t a lot of fun.
by Michael White on Jun 14, 2010 3:14 PM PDT up reply actions
Pretty crazy. My mind feels messed with.
by Eric Stephen on Jun 14, 2010 3:16 PM PDT up reply actions
upcoming Fenway visit
I’ll be in Fenway to see the Dodgers this Friday. Should I wear my Kemp shirt or go incognito?
Wear a Vin Scully jersey; that way if you are booed you are legally allowed a license to kill.
by Eric Stephen on Jun 14, 2010 3:16 PM PDT up reply actions
Meant to tell you, after watching the Scully-Wooden event finally, I spotted you in the front row.
by Eric Stephen on Jun 14, 2010 3:17 PM PDT up reply actions
Soccer jersey? I haven’t Zaprudered the film yet.
by Eric Stephen on Jun 14, 2010 3:19 PM PDT up reply actions
Kasey Keller USA #18
I had to retire that jersey after a car load of 18th street gangsters suggested I do so for my own good.
I had the same talking to after wearing my Great Falls Dodgers jersey of this guy.
by Eric Stephen on Jun 14, 2010 3:23 PM PDT up reply actions
Ride the fence
wear a Beltre Dodger Jersey
by meercatjohn on Jun 14, 2010 3:18 PM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
ewwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww
Rudimentary creatures of flesh and blood, you touch my mind, fumbling in ignorance, incapable of understanding.
C. Lee for K. Jansen/E. Pimentel/R. De La Rosa/C. Frias
1. Would the Dodgers do it?
2. Would Seattle do it?
3. Would YOU do it?
Dodgers offer Seattle one player above A ball for the only player they can reasonably trade.
by regfairfield on Jun 14, 2010 3:50 PM PDT up reply actions
15 Padres pitchers have thrown at least 5 IP
and only two have an ERA higher than 3.72 (Gallagher 5.19, Correia 4.98).
OT, but no game tonight and it’s been discussed earlier:
AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — Pac-10 commissioner Larry Scott says Texas has turned down an invitation to leave the Big 12 and join his conference.
In an e-mail, Scott confirms that Texas has rejected the Pac-10’s offer.
The news first was reported by The Dallas Morning news.
Just saw that
This is a good result in my opinion, but I can’t say I’m not surprised with Texas’s change of heart.
What do they think they are getting by staying in the Big 12? The only real markets that the Big 12 would have are the two that Texas would bring with them wherever they go (Dallas and Houston.) Everything else in the conference is Oklahoma, Kansas, Iowa and Missouri. Not exactly premeir TV markets.
by Michael White on Jun 14, 2010 4:10 PM PDT up reply actions
Which is why it will implode in 5 years.
by Julio Nievas on Jun 14, 2010 4:12 PM PDT up reply actions
Whelp
I’d like to welcome 12th member of the Pac10 Utah. Please work on getting into the AAU, kthxbye
Look at that, he hit the f*cking bull! Guy gets a free steak!
by Josie Becker on Jun 14, 2010 4:10 PM PDT up reply actions
To bad
I was looking forward to watching them dismantle the Pac whatever in football and basketball.
Just realized the real loser in all this
is the WAC. The Mountain West were talking about fighting for an auto-bid, now they’re gonna be likely down any three out of Utah, BYU, Air Force, and TCU. But they basically tread water gaining Boise St. and who knows, maybe even they make a play for Fresno St. Suddenly the WAC barely has a reason to exist, the MWC is nowhere near an auto-bid and all that’s really happened is the Pac10 and Big10 get CCGames.
Only real question left is does the Big10 grab ND or do they go for a Big East team.
Look at that, he hit the f*cking bull! Guy gets a free steak!
by Josie Becker on Jun 14, 2010 4:20 PM PDT up reply actions
The Big 10 has always wanted Notre Dame, and all ND has to do is say yes
The rest of this (grabbing Nebraska) is just treading water until ND finally agrees to come on board.
by Michael White on Jun 14, 2010 4:25 PM PDT up reply actions
Kansas wipes off the sweat off their forehead.
by Julio Nievas on Jun 14, 2010 4:28 PM PDT up reply actions
good god
Where there any good free agent signings that year?
Rudimentary creatures of flesh and blood, you touch my mind, fumbling in ignorance, incapable of understanding.
Mark DeRosa signed for like 3/11 and was a nine win player over the life of the contract.
by regfairfield on Jun 14, 2010 5:20 PM PDT up reply actions
I guess I should rephrase that
Where there any big money free agent signings that didn’t suck?
Rudimentary creatures of flesh and blood, you touch my mind, fumbling in ignorance, incapable of understanding.
J.D. Drew has been a damn good player for the Red Sox outside of that first year.
by regfairfield on Jun 14, 2010 5:26 PM PDT up reply actions
Thats pretty much it though huh?
Not a good year for Colletti to have been out there with money to burn.
Rudimentary creatures of flesh and blood, you touch my mind, fumbling in ignorance, incapable of understanding.
I liked this line
And, seems to me, that’s absolutely the worst kind of money you can spend. It’s amazing how often teams will spend a lot of money for mere competence — and then not even get mere competence in return.
by Eric Stephen on Jun 14, 2010 5:33 PM PDT up reply actions
I never realized the Yankees paid $26 million just for the rights to negotiate with igawa.
by Eric Stephen on Jun 14, 2010 5:35 PM PDT up reply actions
Is that phrased correctly? Is that his “posting fee?” I seem to recall — though I could be making this up; I should check, but I won’t — that the posting fee is not paid if the (MLB) team and the player are not able to reach agreement on a contract. I remember this coming up during the Matsuzaka negotiations — Boston paid $50something in a posting fee, and another $50something in salary to Dice-K.
The Ultimate Ned's Kind of Guy
by Humma Kavula on Jun 14, 2010 8:48 PM PDT up reply actions
MLB has a cool show right now, on the history of perfect games, including a bunch of near misses. I hope they show the 2-hour program again.
Nick Green was the second batter in the 9th inning for the Braves against Randy Johnson in his perfect game in 2004
by Eric Stephen on Jun 14, 2010 5:31 PM PDT up reply actions
Interesting idea at MSTI
anyone seen it? check it out.
by Tommy Blackjack on Jun 14, 2010 6:26 PM PDT reply actions
Gordon is absolutely
a player to covet this summer or winter but as our future 3rd baseman not as our future LF. Not sure if he be any more of a bat then Xavier Paul.
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
Awesome idea
If the Royals don’t want him I will gladly take him as a Dodger. Hell, even if he has struggled in the majors so far, he’s still just 26 and mashes in the minors. I’d be willing to give Mcdonald/Elbert, De Jesus, and a lower prospect for him.
If we can’t get anything else this is what I would really like.
"You're the only woman to ever love me." "I never loved you." "I meant physically!"
sounds more like the next Blake Dewitt
3rd baseman learning new positions.
by Tommy Blackjack on Jun 14, 2010 7:03 PM PDT up reply actions
planning ahead
If everything plays out:
June 25 – Hughes vs. Kuroda
June 26 – Sabathia vs. Kershaw
June 27 – Burnett vs. Billingsley
by bhsportsguy on Jun 14, 2010 8:16 PM PDT via mobile reply actions
More than
Kershaw vs. Jimenez? That was awesome.
The Ultimate Ned's Kind of Guy
by Humma Kavula on Jun 14, 2010 9:04 PM PDT up reply actions
Do you judge the game of the year before or after the fact?
I had extremely high hopes for Kershaw-Jimenez, and the game was every inch of what I expected and then some.
I can have similarly high hopes for Kershaw-Sabathia. But what if CC allows six in the first and the outcome is never in doubt? Still game of the year? Not mine…
The Ultimate Ned's Kind of Guy
by Humma Kavula on Jun 14, 2010 9:10 PM PDT up reply actions
You have to look at the setting — two historic rivals meeting for only the second time since 1981. It’s a primetime FOX match-up featuring their ace against the kid who might be the next Sabathia. The quintessential teacher versus student motif. It’s hard to top that. I mean, Kershaw in high school even tilted his cap a little to the side, maybe even in honor of the man he’ll be facing that night. To see it all come together like this is probably just a simple twist of fate, but I choose to look at it in a deeper context. So yeah, match of the year for me.
Setting counts for a lot. I’ll be watching that game, you bet. I’m excited.
I hope you’re right. if it lives up to the promise — if it’s an even better game than Kershaw-Jimenez was — then win or lose we are in for a real treat.
The Ultimate Ned's Kind of Guy
by Humma Kavula on Jun 14, 2010 9:27 PM PDT up reply actions
Dodger fans in Chicago, San Francisco and Boston
Might not be too thrilled, Fox is also showing the Chicago Cubs v. Chicago White Sox and the Giants hosting Boston at the same time, so its likely that Northeast will be seeing Boston, the midwest or at least in Chicago, will be seeing the Cubs and White Sox and the Bay Area will the the Giants and Red Sox games.
by bhsportsguy on Jun 14, 2010 10:30 PM PDT up reply actions
Sounds like Fox
is feeding the MLB.tv gravy train.
Not to kill the buzz
But, with the Dodgers off day on the 21st. Kuroda would start on the 20th in Boston since he’s starting tomorrow in Cincy. Kershaw would start on the 22nd in Anaheim. Which means he can’t start on the 26th.
15th – Kuroda
16th – Kershaw
17th – Bills
18h – Padilla
19th – Ely
20th – Kuroda
21st – OFF
22nd – Kershaw
23rd – Bills
24th – Padilla
25th – Ely (Yankees)
26th – Kuroda (Yankees)
27th – Kershaw (Yankees)
Please correct me if I’m wrong.
Kershaw is not starting in Boston on 3 days’ rest. He pitches on Wednesday.
by silverwidow on Jun 14, 2010 10:44 PM PDT up reply actions
You know what
I kept forgetting about Monk’s start yesterday.
That did jumble stuff up.
by bhsportsguy on Jun 14, 2010 10:52 PM PDT up reply actions
Oh well. It was a fun thought while it lasted.
by silverwidow on Jun 14, 2010 10:59 PM PDT up reply actions
You need to flip flop Padilla & Ely. Ely is going on the 18th. I guess it lines up as Padilla/Kuroda/Kershaw for the Yankee series. Bummer on the Saturday part.
by silverwidow on Jun 14, 2010 10:48 PM PDT up reply actions
Typical. Brand X could do no wrong against us over the weekend...
..and then tonight they lose 6-2 to the Brewers which featured a fly ball popping out of Torii Hunter’s glove and over the fence for a HR.
Withrow was promoted with a 4 BB/9
.. Miller is at 4.5 now… And has a higher FIP than Withrow.. OK, I guess not
by Julio Nievas on Jun 14, 2010 10:05 PM PDT up reply actions
Giants are going to go to 11-5 since Posey was brought up..
I’m beginning to think they are the best team in the division.
It was easy to write them all before bc they had no hitting.
Now Sanchez, Uribe, Huff, Posey, Burrell are giving them plenty of offense. Whether it keeps up is another question, but with their high end starters they appear to be the team to beat.
If Bumgarner figures things out and they replace Wellemeyer, they could take off.
Two reactions and a commentary
1. Don’t read too much into a team beating up the Orioles.
2. Don’t read too much into L.A. losing three in a row at an inopportune moment.
So far, LA has delivered what I’ve asked: a competitive team, in the thick of things. I didn’t expect the Padres to win as many games as they have so far, and you’re right, if the Giants can hit, they’ll win more than LA will. But it’s been a fun season ever since the April losing stopped.
The Ultimate Ned's Kind of Guy
by Humma Kavula on Jun 14, 2010 9:30 PM PDT up reply actions
All quiet in the South Bay
The Ultimate Ned's Kind of Guy
by Humma Kavula on Jun 14, 2010 9:31 PM PDT up reply actions
Felt a little one (Whittier). A 5.9 down south by the border 5 minutes ago.
by Julio Nievas on Jun 14, 2010 9:32 PM PDT up reply actions
My boss, in Valencia, just posted on Facebook that he felt it. “Rolling tremor.”
The Ultimate Ned's Kind of Guy
by Humma Kavula on Jun 14, 2010 9:33 PM PDT up reply actions
just felt a small roll here as well.
by Tommy Blackjack on Jun 14, 2010 9:35 PM PDT up reply actions
Valencia update: “Not a violent jolt, a long, sustained, noticeable roll”
The Ultimate Ned's Kind of Guy
by Humma Kavula on Jun 14, 2010 9:37 PM PDT up reply actions
sounds like it was felt more in San Diego
by Tommy Blackjack on Jun 14, 2010 9:42 PM PDT up reply actions
Being facebook friends with your boss
Bold strategy, Cotton.
Shook
pretty nicely in Temecula, started slow and then some sharp shakes thank slow again, probably 30 seconds
and the game just ended
Padres Lost.
by Tommy Blackjack on Jun 14, 2010 9:56 PM PDT up reply actions
SportsCenter made a new commericial
by Julio Nievas on Jun 14, 2010 9:57 PM PDT reply actions 1 recs
Haha
Thats great.
“Are we gonna be in trouble for this?”
awesome
I’m sure Josie and Maddz will love it. Andre is very clean-shaven there isn’t he?
by Tommy Blackjack on Jun 14, 2010 10:00 PM PDT up reply actions
I thought maybe Ethier would’ve been “clutch” at something… I guess no one besides Dodger fans know about his walk-offs.
by Julio Nievas on Jun 14, 2010 10:06 PM PDT up reply actions
I think thats about all anyone *but* Dodger fans know
With the possible exception of As fans.
Kyle Russell actually has a game
Where he only Ks once! Goes 1-for-4 and steals his first AA base tonight.
Too early to say (only 23 ABs, but 12 Ks in that span), but he’s looked pretty terrible so far.
He just improved a gazillion %
from four K’s in one game to one.
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
by Phil Gurnee on Jun 14, 2010 10:08 PM PDT up reply actions
Definitely
Lets hope that 0-for-5, 4 K game was his bottoming out.
In other news
The National League is so far holding its own against the AL currently they are +2 games.
FAIL
This other site I log into where the ‘log in’ link is on the top right corner, like this site, I kept waiting till the drop down log in info appeared… It wasn’t an SB Nation site >_<
NPUT
http://www.truebluela.com/2010/6/14/1518615/cincinnati-reds-preview-big-red
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
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