On the Road Again: Dodgers visit Reds for Game 1 of 3 game set
There are certain teams where you look at them at the beginning of the season, and you realize that they could certainly compete for a playoff spot. It seems like I've been saying precisely that about the Cincinatti Reds for the better part of a decade. In college, I had a roommate who was a Cubs fan, and to start every season I would tell him that I thought the sleeper pick in the NL Central should be the Reds. The games would be played and the year would end without a good result for the Reds and I'd be right back at it making the same prediction the following year. Since I started calling the Reds my perrenial sleeper team, the Reds have showcased a solid hitting team for years, including Ken Griffey Jr, Adam Dunn, Austin Kearns, Josh Hamilton, Sean Casey, Joey Votto, Jay Bruce, et al. I always assumed that they would be able to hit their way to a title while getting just enough from their pitching staff. Next thing you know, most of those guys above are now gone without delivering an NL Central title and the promise for the Reds suddenly became their suite of power arms. My rationale for picking the Reds to (again) be the NL Central sleeper was the pitching staff. The Reds came into the year with young arms Homer Bailey, Johnny Cueto, and Edinson Volquez (hurt to start the year then popped for steroids anyway.) Additionally, the Reds were hoping to get something out of Mike Leake who they didn't bother sending to the minors and had invested in Aroldis Chapman to provide a spark midway through the year if necessary. Rounding out the pitching rotation was old favorite of mine Aaron Harang.
I guess this is a long-winded way of saying that after all these years of following the Reds to a certain degree, I clearly am getting no better in identifying their potential strenghts. The truth of it is, I could have picked basically anyone in the NL Central as my sleeper team these past 10 years and certainly been more correct then my Reds prediction (except the Pirates.) The Cardinals, Cubs, Brewers and Astros have all advanced to the playoffs during that time as the Reds haven't qualified for post-season play since 1995. At this point though, the Reds do sit in the pole position and it's been the hitting, not the pitching, which has gotten them there. The Reds lead the National League with a team wOBA of .351 which has made up for the team being in the bottom quarter of the NL with their pitchers posting a team x-FIP of 4.46. For a point of comparison, the Dodgers are in the middle of the NL with the pitchers posting a team x-FIP of 4.20 and in the bottom half of the NL with a team wOBA of .324.
Hiroki Kuroda draws the pitching assignment tonight for the Dodgers and will square off against Aaron Harang. At first glance Kuroda appears to be the clear favorite in the contest as he enters with an ERA of 3.30 compared to Harang's 5.17 ERA. x-FIP though is quite a bit closer as Kuroda's x-FIP of 3.84 is much more comparable to Harang's x-FIP of 4.00 on the year. Great American Ballpark remains a home run haven, and Harang enters the game with a HR/9 of 1.41 (13th in MLB.)
Notes
As alluded to in the title, the Dodgers are going to be racking up the frequent flyer miles again as 15 of the next 18 games are on the road (though 3 of them are in Anaheim.)
Extreme weather is in the forecast tonight including a chance for tornadic activity. The forecast indicates the storms should be scattered, so it seems likely that the teams will get the game in.
Andre Ethier remains the only Dodger currently in-line to be voted into an all-star spot. He is third in the NL behind Jason Heyward and Ryan Braun. I would guess that Ethier and Jonathan Broxton will be the only two Dodgers represented in Anaheim.
Jon Weisman at Dodger Thoughts asks what the corresponding roster move will be when the Dodgers activate Vicente Padilla. Weisman believed the most likely candidate was a DFA to Justin Miller since he has no options but also brought up an "injury" to George Sherrill. At this point, with Sherrill posting an x-FIP north of 6 and Joe Torre having no confidence in him in high leverage situations, a DL move seems most likely and an outright DFA might not be far away.
Game Time 4:10 pm
TV: KCAL
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Some lower level draft signings
From the notes:
Yesterday, the Dodgers signed 8th round pick Blake Dean (1B, LSU), 9th round pick Steven Domecus (OF, Va. Tech), 23rd round pick BJ Larosa (C, Bucknell University), 24th round pick Andrew Edge (C Jacksonville State, 25th round pick Chance Gilmore (CF, Coastal Carolina), 29th round pick John Patterson (RHP, Southwestern Oklahoma State University) and non-drafted free agent Angelo Ponte (C, Fordham University). The club has now officially signed 15 of its 50 draft picks
Do you have a complete listing of those that have signed?
by my count only 11 names have been reported
by Brandon Lennox on Jun 15, 2010 1:02 PM PDT up reply actions
I only have the 11 as well. I will ask around. I’m sure the other four are lower level
by Eric Stephen on Jun 15, 2010 1:10 PM PDT up reply actions
Has Ned
ever DFA’d a veteran who was pitching well? If he was afraid of losing Nick Green what must be going through his mind regarding the Canvass.
Well
we know nothing will be done until Saturday so a lot could happen by then.
by bhsportsguy on Jun 15, 2010 12:50 PM PDT up reply actions
Without bringing any peripherals into this, the superficial reason used could be that Miller has given up runs in his last three outings. Not that it’s especially fair or anything, but there are kernels of reasons out there.
by Eric Stephen on Jun 15, 2010 12:55 PM PDT up reply actions
Miller's peripherals aren't great
4.08 x-FIP is decent enough I suppose but nothing to blow you away. That’s the reason why DFA’ing Miller is sort of safe. If somebody gets hurt the day after and you’ve lost Miller, would Schlicthing give you just as much? Probably close enough.
by Michael White on Jun 15, 2010 1:03 PM PDT up reply actions
i wonder if Sherrill
is a guy whose past success might make another team willing to trade for him. Of course that would leave us with only one lefty in the pen.
by Tommy Blackjack on Jun 15, 2010 12:55 PM PDT up reply actions
I thought about at that
But his value is shot now and Torre (understandably) won’t give him enough oppurtunities to work his horrible stats down.
The time to trade Sherrill was in the offseason. Now the options are basically DFA now or non-tender later.
I actually probably should have written a whole post on this as I guess I have a lot to say on the matter.
by Michael White on Jun 15, 2010 1:00 PM PDT up reply actions
would be interested in hearing what you have to say.
by Tommy Blackjack on Jun 15, 2010 1:04 PM PDT up reply actions
My big trade idea of the offseason was Sherrill for the Brave’s Kawakami + cash. At the time, the Dodgers needed another starter, the Braves had 6 (before trading Vazquez) and needed a closer (before signing Wagner).
by CarolinaDodger on Jun 15, 2010 1:41 PM PDT up reply actions
Reds lineup
Cabrera SS
Phillips 2B
Votto 1B
Rolen 3B
Gomes LF
Bruce RF
Stubbs CF
Hernandez C
Harang P
Dang
Philips playing with the hamstrings. Without Xeifrank here I see six runs for them. Hopefully we win 8 – 6.
by meercatjohn on Jun 15, 2010 12:52 PM PDT up reply actions
Ahhh
to be back and reading about the Dodgers. Heaven. I took my phone, but rarely looked at it. It is good to be home. I am ready to go on a 6 or 7 game winning streak and be welcomed back like a champion!
I was thinking about you when I heard
bout the awful flash floods in your state. Eric said you were on vacation which coincided with your disappearance off the board.
It is crazy down here
I float the Caddo River every year with our church group. It was insane to be gone and hear about it on CNN. It is great to be back that’s for sure. I love my in laws, but……… 15 hours in a car with the Mom in law……
Nevermind
It's funny
we were talking about the LA Riots yesterday. I had nothing to add since I was on vacation with my family during the riots.
by Michael White on Jun 15, 2010 1:10 PM PDT up reply actions
I know
I live here and you guys know more about it than I do. The only edge I have, is I know the fastest way to get there from here!
I was in 7th grade during the riots
and was suppose to be going to a “Just Say No” rally as a school thing, that was being held at the Rose Bowl. Needless to say, we didn’t go.
Keith! Did you happen to watch the highlights of Strasburg’s first start? Unreal. You missed something special.
Who is Strasburg?
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 Jun 15, 2010 1:35 PM PDT up reply actions
I picked up Rolen in Fantasy about 2 weeks ago…he is awesome
by robotmadeofnails on Jun 15, 2010 1:57 PM PDT up reply actions
though we have 3 tough road series ahead
at least two of them will have Vin on the mike.
by Tommy Blackjack on Jun 15, 2010 1:05 PM PDT reply actions
oh right, saturday's on fox
wonder who it’ll be. Just as long as it’s not Buck and McCarver. I’ll have a hard time watching a game with him talking shit on Manny the entire time.
by Tommy Blackjack on Jun 15, 2010 1:13 PM PDT up reply actions
It will be
Manny’s return to Boston will be the national game and Buck and McCarver are their A team.
by Michael White on Jun 15, 2010 1:15 PM PDT up reply actions
thats just sad
Rudimentary creatures of flesh and blood, you touch my mind, fumbling in ignorance, incapable of understanding.
great
McCarver was already getting warmed up during the Sox/Phillies game. He talked for like 10 minutes about Manny’s Boston exit and how it was “reprehensible”.
by Tommy Blackjack on Jun 15, 2010 1:19 PM PDT up reply actions
Screw Tim McCarver and Joe Buck
In order of hatred. It’s those Fox days when I go dust off the radio and watch the game on mute.
If anyone is going
best parking spot I know is around 11th and Grand, easy walk, fairly priced ($10) and no issues getting out.
I went to e3 last year on the same day as a finals game and parking was upwards of $60
by hee came hee seop'd he choi'd on Jun 15, 2010 1:12 PM PDT up reply actions
Dodgers lineup
per Jon Weisman:
Furcal SS
Martin C
Ethier RF
Ramirez LF
Loney 1B
Kemp CF
Blake 3B
DeWitt 2B
Kuroda P
I've always wanted torre to use martin in the 2 spot more
Even when he sucks at most everything else his obp is pretty good.
Rudimentary creatures of flesh and blood, you touch my mind, fumbling in ignorance, incapable of understanding.
he's been hitting over .350 this month though right?
in noticed he’s started hitting to right again rather than pull everything.
by Tommy Blackjack on Jun 15, 2010 1:19 PM PDT up reply actions
.344/.447/.406 so far this month
with two XBH (both doubles). Perhaps telling of just how bad the offense has been overall, he has exactly 2 runs and 2 RBI to show for those numbers.
wonder how many times he’s been left on base
by Tommy Blackjack on Jun 15, 2010 1:37 PM PDT up reply actions
Texas abused everyone. Tech and Okie State are going to lose millions on this compared to the Pac 16. The Big 12 – 2 has really no chance of being viable long term, but at least UT, A&M, and OU are going to get paid.
Maybe I missed it earlier, but Mandel’s story alludes to Texas going back to the Pac-10 at the 11th hour to negotiate a deal where they and their buddies joing Pac-16 if Texas gets to keep revenues from its own TV network. Pac-10 told them to go pound sand.
Again, Pac-10 schools dodged a bullet.
by Michael White on Jun 15, 2010 1:52 PM PDT up reply actions
Darren Rovell was just on ESPN Radio, and said it will likely end up in lawsuits, but the Big XII will try for 80% of revenue for the next two years, which comes out to roughly $25.6 (80% of an estimated $32 million).
by Eric Stephen on Jun 15, 2010 2:35 PM PDT up reply actions
Rovell said Nebraska and Colorado would fight it, and that the Big XII has “lawyered up.” That money essentially allowed them to be so generous to the remaining 10.
by Eric Stephen on Jun 15, 2010 2:46 PM PDT up reply actions
Ian Snell DFAd by Mariners..
Didn’t Nate used to have a crush on him a couple years ago?
by hee came hee seop'd he choi'd on Jun 15, 2010 1:42 PM PDT reply actions
would you rather have him or Padilla?
by hee came hee seop'd he choi'd on Jun 15, 2010 1:48 PM PDT up reply actions
Maholm
was the guy on the Pirates I always wanted LAD to trade for.
by Michael White on Jun 15, 2010 1:53 PM PDT up reply actions
For one bright, shining season (2007)
He was actually pretty good (116 OPS+), but he hasn’t even sniffed the right side of 90 since then, excepting the 60 IP last year in Seattle. I’d be all in favor of the Dodgers picking him up once he hits the market and see if he can bounce back.
…in Albuquerque, or after Padilla gets injured again, of course.
He's done
no need to bother. Like Nate I once thought he had mad skills. Turns out he was simply madd.
Lakers lose tonight.
I hope the Dodgers show up to play better than the last Reds match up. Go Dodgers!!!
by Skunkburner on Jun 15, 2010 1:51 PM PDT via mobile reply actions
Dodgers were awesome enough to play at 9:35 on Thursday as to not conflict with Game 7.
by Eric Stephen on Jun 15, 2010 1:55 PM PDT up reply actions
Im in the bay area for a wedding + long weekend so I get to miss just about every game going on as of tomorrow =\
by hee came hee seop'd he choi'd on Jun 15, 2010 1:57 PM PDT up reply actions
Give Kershaw some more time to dominate, he can still make it :)
I would guess that Ethier and Jonathan Broxton will be the only two Dodgers represented in Anaheim.
"You're the only woman to ever love me." "I never loved you." "I meant physically!"
Too many dominant SP's in the NL
Kershaw’s ERA of 3.13 is good for 21st in the NL. He’s only got 6 wins. These are the things that matter for all star selection. Considering his ERA is actually better than his FIP and x-FIP, it’s even harder to make an argument for his inclusion based on his peripherals.
The other Dodger who probably deserves inclusion is Kuo, but relievers who aren’t closers don’t get selected for these things.
by Michael White on Jun 15, 2010 2:02 PM PDT up reply actions
they do by the managers, but usually as a vehicle to get a name in for underrepresented teams. Kuo might have a chance because hes left handed, but so is Arthur Rhodes..
by hee came hee seop'd he choi'd on Jun 15, 2010 2:09 PM PDT up reply actions
Do i ruin your hopes and dreams, Michael? I would kindly ask that you let me live in my fantasy world where the Dodgers get more than 2 All-Stars and the Phillies are inept as the Pirates and Astros. Thank you very much :P
"You're the only woman to ever love me." "I never loved you." "I meant physically!"
As Mike said, Kershaw is behind quite a few pitchers for an AS nod. I am interested to see how the new rule that pitchers who start on Sunday are ineligible to pitch in the ASG affects things. We might end up with a few more all-star replacements in that case.
by Eric Stephen on Jun 15, 2010 2:13 PM PDT up reply actions
It was more hopefulness though knowing it won't happen than anything else
But if he dominates for his next 4 or 5 starts before the break I could see him making the team, just not at this pace.
Remember one thing as well, he’s top 3 (or was after his last start) in strikeouts, that’s weighed pretty well along with wins and ERA.
"You're the only woman to ever love me." "I never loved you." "I meant physically!"
1975 World Series
I was going to make a reference to the Dodgers running the 1975 WS gauntlet this week, but I don’t like how that ends up. In the ’75 World Series…
The Reds won 2 of the first 3 games
The Red Sox won 2 of the next 3 games
I hope Victor Martinez doesn’t hit a walkoff home run to win the ESPN game on Sunday
especially if he waves it fair right?
by Tommy Blackjack on Jun 15, 2010 2:06 PM PDT up reply actions
Exactly
Well, the Reds lost Game 1 in 1975, so look for Kuroda to follow the Luis Tiant path and throw a shutout. :)
by Eric Stephen on Jun 15, 2010 2:07 PM PDT up reply actions
well didn’t he pitch pretty well the last time against the reds?
by Tommy Blackjack on Jun 15, 2010 2:16 PM PDT up reply actions
Nope
Gave up six runs (three earned) in 5 2/3
by Eric Stephen on Jun 15, 2010 2:17 PM PDT up reply actions
Got the win though
14-6 Dodger win, aka the offensive peak of the season.
by Eric Stephen on Jun 15, 2010 2:17 PM PDT up reply actions
guess I just remember he got the win
for shame on me. though to be fair, i tried to block out a lot of april.
by Tommy Blackjack on Jun 15, 2010 2:26 PM PDT up reply actions
When the Dodgers last left Cincy
They had scored 98 runs in 15 games (6.53 per game), and scored at least five runs in 12 of 15 games.
Of course, they allowed 95 runs, and were 7-8
The weird thing of course
They have since in 48 games, scored 194 runs (4 runs per game) and given up 195 runs for a minus 1 run differential.
And they have gone 29-19.
I just remembered
That game Kuroda pitched, wasn’t that the game Ethier made that disputed catch where the umps make the Dodgers come back on the field after they left it because Dusty Baker bitched?
by Tommy Blackjack on Jun 15, 2010 2:35 PM PDT up reply actions
Oh lovely
Seems to be the way this season has gone so far… guys get going and come up lame. Happened to Ethier, now Bills, who I assume was injured before or during his last start.
Possibly, but he didn't pitch as bad as the 7 runs indicated
Ethier’s ‘brilliant’ defense made sure of that.
"You're the only woman to ever love me." "I never loved you." "I meant physically!"
Oh I know he didn't
But even factoring in Ethier and Sherrill, he was clearly off his game.
Yeah, when he's on his game he wouldn't allow that many base runners
I just wish there woudl have at least been mediocre fielding by ethier to help him…ughhhh.
"You're the only woman to ever love me." "I never loved you." "I meant physically!"
AUUUUUGGGHHHHH!!!!
Charlie Brown style.
by Tommy Blackjack on Jun 15, 2010 2:38 PM PDT up reply actions
Sounds like Ely will have to go on regular rest Thursday now, with Friday & Saturday in Boston now between Padilla and Monk, depending on the order they choose.
by Eric Stephen on Jun 15, 2010 2:38 PM PDT up reply actions
does this mean Monk stays in the rotation? Or do the Dodgers start looking more agressivly at the trade market?
by Tommy Blackjack on Jun 15, 2010 2:39 PM PDT up reply actions
I hear Ian Snell is available :)
I guess Monk stays in rotation and then everybody’s favorite knuckleballer gets one more shot.
by Michael White on Jun 15, 2010 2:40 PM PDT up reply actions
I would bet on Schlichting
the only reason Link came up last time was because of how effective Schlicting was that he needed to be sent down.
by Michael White on Jun 15, 2010 2:41 PM PDT up reply actions
I figured
that is a good nickname though.
by Tommy Blackjack on Jun 15, 2010 2:46 PM PDT up reply actions
and now we have another book title in the series of True Blue LA Books
“Grabbing For Some Upside”
-by Delias Man
by Eric Stephen on Jun 15, 2010 2:51 PM PDT up reply actions
upside is
he won’t play through an injury and fuck his mechanics up?
by Tommy Blackjack on Jun 15, 2010 2:52 PM PDT up reply actions
You should see the smug look on Will Carroll’s face right now
by regfairfield on Jun 15, 2010 2:53 PM PDT up reply actions
How great was that finale on Sunday?!?!
by Eric Stephen on Jun 15, 2010 2:46 PM PDT up reply actions
I am in no mood to work today
I feel like blowing off work to watch games today.
Fark: I own the company. If I screw around, I only hurt myself.
People don't think it be like this, but it do.
Amazon
I ordered something Saturday afternoon and there was a delivery attempt yesterday. How is that even possible?
I’m not complaining, just in shock at the speed.
you must have qualified for next day shipping.
by Tommy Blackjack on Jun 15, 2010 2:57 PM PDT up reply actions
Lots of 2-day packages get there in one day, but they just won’t guarantee it.
by Eric Stephen on Jun 15, 2010 2:58 PM PDT up reply actions
Maybe Strasburg threw the package to you, and that’s how it got there so fast.
by Eric Stephen on Jun 15, 2010 2:59 PM PDT up reply actions 2 recs
Tony Jackson has a few more details:
1) The Bills DL decision came today after he threw a bullpen session (no word yet on the corresponding move but I doubt they are there)
2) Padilla met with Torre, but there is no indication yet that Padilla will rejoin the rotation this weekend.
Can you imagine what shambles the rotation would be in if Padilla doesn’t come back this weekend?
Elbert is on personal leave
James McDonald is on the DL. Josh Towers (yeah I know) is gone. Haegar is hurt.
Haeger is starting tonight for ABQ, or at least was scheduled to. And he already had one rehab start on this current DL trip.
by Eric Stephen on Jun 15, 2010 3:10 PM PDT up reply actions
Or, why you go to stupid lengths to keep Ramon Ortiz.
by regfairfield on Jun 15, 2010 3:06 PM PDT up reply actions
Jon is thinking similarly, playing the Seth Etherton card. This could get ugly.
by Eric Stephen on Jun 15, 2010 3:08 PM PDT up reply actions
Don't worry
I was with you, already moving Bills to the 60-day DL :)
(although if Padilla isn’t ready, he could easily be transferred to the 60-day, if such a thing were needed)
by Eric Stephen on Jun 15, 2010 3:13 PM PDT up reply actions
And the Phillies call up whom
And the Dodgers would ask for money as part as that deal.
With Happ injured, Moyer and Kendrick already in the rotation and no one in AAA ready, I doubt the Phillies have any depth to trade.
Mark Mulder, calling his agent: “Hey, did you file those papers yet?” :)
by Eric Stephen on Jun 15, 2010 3:20 PM PDT up reply actions
And the number of innings thrown as a starter for Leach professionally? Less than 10?
by Michael White on Jun 15, 2010 3:15 PM PDT up reply actions
Well, we do now he will throw inside, since he is currently serving a suspension for throwing at a batter last week :)
by Eric Stephen on Jun 15, 2010 3:17 PM PDT up reply actions
Bad News
I’d just go with Haeger for one start if Padilla is not ready. What would be better then throwing a knuckeballer in Fenway?
I actually think Jeff Weaver would be next in line
They call up a reliever and give Weaver five or six days’ rest before starting him.
This wouldn't be the worst thing ever
Rudimentary creatures of flesh and blood, you touch my mind, fumbling in ignorance, incapable of understanding.
Haeger isn't eligible to come off the DL
until after the red sox series, so he isn’t an option if Padillia isn’t ready
Just what you wanted to see - Monk at Fenway. - From JonWeisman at DT
dodgerthoughts
Joe Torre says Padilla is ready to go and will be activated. Ely Thursday, Monasterios Friday, Padilla Saturday, Kuroda Sunday
And this doesn't change the rotation for the Yankee Series
I wonder if they retroactively put Bills on the DL to last Saturday. He would miss just two starts anyway and be eligible to pitch in San Francisco on his regular turn on June 28th.
They always do the DL stints retroactively.
I also emailed the Dodgers asking for a corresponding move, and was told that there have been no roster moves announced today.
by Eric Stephen on Jun 15, 2010 3:27 PM PDT up reply actions
Heh
But I bet he will still be with the team
by Eric Stephen on Jun 15, 2010 3:34 PM PDT up reply actions
Ugh, I've been too busy to even really think about the Dodgers lately
but the Billz DL move is scary. Hopefully the new lineup spot will be clutch for Kemp.
(I’m also enjoying the #thinkclutch tag on twitter)
They say to never hit a man with a closed fist. But it is, on occasion, hilarious.
Too busy for the Dodgers?
Say it ain’t so, Maddz!
The Dodgers are what i turn to when I want to get my mind off stuff; That and video games where i can kill people.
"You're the only woman to ever love me." "I never loved you." "I meant physically!"
What the fruit?
From Beto Duran of ESPN 710:
FYI Lakers vs Celtics in same year as World Cup. ’62 & ’66. Both times Bos lead 3-2, Lakers won GM 6 Celtics won title
You know, I haven’t yet tried Jarritos. I had an opportunity to over the weekend, as there were surprisingly few drink options at the OC BBQ Festival. I opted for a Diet Pepsi instead.
I may need to try a Jarritos tonight.
by Eric Stephen on Jun 15, 2010 3:39 PM PDT up reply actions
Homemade Jarritos recipe:
8oz carbonated water
1lb sugar
Food coloring.
by regfairfield on Jun 15, 2010 3:40 PM PDT up reply actions
Haha.
“The commercials for Sprite say it’s made with lemons and limes, but I tried making it at home, and there’s more to it than that.”
by Eric Stephen on Jun 15, 2010 3:42 PM PDT up reply actions

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