Dodgers Win A Welcome Relief
by Eric Stephen on Jun 26, 2010 8:19 PM PDT
in Dodgers Game Recaps
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PrintThe Dodgers pulled out the big guns today, putting 21 men on base, including a season high 10 walks, and getting three innings from their two best relievers, to deliver a 9-4 win over the Yankees to even their interleague series.
After the first three batters today, things didn't look so good for the Dodgers. Hiroki Kuroda walked Derek Jeter and Curtis Granderson to begin the game, the first time Kuroda has ever walked two batters in the first inning in his career. Mark Teixeira, the only Yankee with experience against Kuroda, followed with a home run into the right field bleachers to make it 3-0 Yankees before everyone even had a chance to settle into their seats.
However, after that Kuroda settled down. He pitched into the sixth inning, allowing just one more run, and struck out five in his 5 1/3 innings of work. In Kuroda's last four starts, he has 28 strikeouts in 24 1/3 innings, a big total for someone with a career strikeout rate of 6.34 per nine innings.
Kuroda was relieved by Hong-Chih Kuo with one out in the sixth inning, the earliest appearance by Kuo since last August 27, 36 games ago. Kuo not only finished the sixth inning, but pitched the seventh as well, retiring all five batters he faced on 16 pitches. It appears the kid gloves have come off with Kuo, as he has pitched in multiple innings in five of nine outings this month and in seven of his last 16 games overall.
With two outs and two runners on base in the eighth inning, leading by five runs, Joe Torre decided to go to Jonathan Broxton, the second time in three games he has been used in a non-save situation. The win expectancy of today's game when Broxton entered the game was 98.8%, per Fangraphs. I get that Derek Jeter was up, and Torre wanted this win against his former team. I'm not here to argue that point again; but this points out quite obviously that the Dodger bullpen is only three deep right now (including Ronald Belisario), in the eyes of Torre.
For those of you focusing your eyes on the trade market, and what pitcher or pitchers the Dodgers may acquire, you might want to look in the reliever bin rather than the top-shelf starter merchandise, because that's where they will be shopping. Just remember, when last year's deadline acquisition, George Sherrill, has the shortest of possible leashes less than one year later, it's probably not worth it to pay through the nose again for such a deal.
Notes
- James Loney had four runs batted in today, including driving in a runner from third base with less than two outs in each of his first three plate appearances. On the season, Loney has driven in 15 of 23 runners from third in those situations, a 65.2% success rate compared to the MLB rate of 51%.
- Broxton walked Alex Rodriguez in the ninth inning, the first walk of the season Broxton has issued at home. At Dodger Stadium this season, Broxton has one walk and 31 strikeouts in 20 innings
- Rafael Furcal had three hits and scored three runs, and stole his team-leading 11th base of the season
Clayton Kershaw faces Andy Pettitte tomorrow night as the Dodgers try to win the series and break even for the week.
WP - Hiroki Kuroda (7-5): 5 1/3 IP, 7 hits, 4 runs, 3 walks, 5 strikeouts
LP - A.J. Burnett (6-7): 3 IP, 6 hits, 6 runs, 6 walks, 5 strikeouts
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I'll say this for the Fox crew in the booth
If Leg Kick was our starter, everybody would hate the Dodgers! As much as they love the Yankees, McCarver has a freakin thing for Kuo.
That thing is a Viagra driven boner.
red dead redemption
99.2% completion.
not sure why I am bragging about this.
by hee came hee seop'd he choi'd on Jun 26, 2010 8:26 PM PDT reply actions
Fuck yeah!
I’m at 86% right now, but I’m taking a stop to go on killing rampages :)
"You're the only woman to ever love me." "I never loved you." "I meant physically!"
Belisario
I don’t see any sign that Torre trusts only two relievers. He used Belisario a lot last night, while Kuo and Broxton were spared, so I suspect he’s being rested for tomorrow, with Broxton also being used if needed to save. Doesn’t that make more sense than using Belisario again tonight and not being able to use him again tomorrow for a third night? Torre needs to have two of them ready, not just one, since there’s no one else good for more than an OOGY. Are Kuo and Btoxton the two best by a long way? Of course.
My point is that with a 9-4 lead, and two runners on base, with 4 outs to go, just about anyone can pitch and hold that lead, even against the Yankees lineup.
by Eric Stephen on Jun 26, 2010 8:47 PM PDT up reply actions
Sure. But it’s a lot less than 98.8% sure that one, or two, of the other non-Belisario pitchers won’t let 3 runs score. Then it would be 9-7 and he’d have to bring in Broxton anyway.
and I’m perfectly willing to let them try
by Eric Stephen on Jun 26, 2010 9:28 PM PDT up reply actions
if you don’t use them in easy situations, you end up eventually with a tie game, a tired Kuo and a tired Broxton, and you end up having to use one of the lesser pitchers in a much more precarious position than they were faced with today.
by Eric Stephen on Jun 26, 2010 9:30 PM PDT up reply actions
Torre looking to dominate Jeter with Kuo tonight
Just back from the game
Got my “Spank The Yankees” t-shirts on the way out.
Dodgers Kick Ass!
by 68elcamino427 on Jun 26, 2010 9:35 PM PDT up reply actions
They probably is a front
saying we are going to compete so you have to blow us away with an offer for Lee. If not we will win and try to win or take the pics
Baez
2 for 5 tonight with a jack and three RBIs
I guess things went alright while I was gone
Way to go blue. Take the series tomorrow (I will be there, so have fun in the thread w/o me)
Look at that, he hit the f*cking bull! Guy gets a free steak!
I have 2 extra tickets inner reserve for Sunday if anyone interested email me. Joshua1302s (@) yahoo
That chop bunt by Furcal was a thing of beauty.
Also, I’m so sick of hearing how the 38-year old wonderboy Pettite is an amazing pitcher and doing so well, blah blah blah. They keep asking how is he able to keep going at this pace. Would the HGH that he took help in that area?
No it would not
it is pretty conclusive that HGH does nothing beneficial for major league ballplayers other then as a placebo.
by meercatjohn on Jun 26, 2010 11:23 PM PDT up reply actions
I’d love to see the research that shows it does nothing?
HGH improves your ability to rebuild muscle that has been damaged. Every kind of workout – including pitching – damages muscle, so HGH between starts would improve a pitcher’s ability to be ready again 5 days later.
People don't think it be like this, but it do.
PLus, as an added bonus!
Your muscles are learners. Once they gain the ability to rebuild muscle quickly, they will always be able to rebuild muscle quicker than someone who never took an enhancer.
It’s the same way a former athlete can gain strength/lose weight faster after long periods of inactivity as compared to someone the same age who is trying to get in shape for the first time.
Loved Joe using Kuo in the sixth
Joey Joe must have been happy.
Not as happy about using Broxton when it became 9 – 4.
Noticed Kemp was a step short again on the basepaths but what a nice catch he made.
Loney sure has a lot of runs batted in for a singles guy.
Home Sweet Home
I’m finally back home frome my trip to China. It was a great trip, too bad the two long flights are so draining. I was actually able to see some of the game against Kazmir and the Angels on the International ESPN station at our hotel in Beijing before leaving. It was surreal hearing Vin Scully call a game while in Beijing. Got back late last night and was glad to see the Dodgers beat the Yankees in my first full day back in the states. I will try to put up a simulation for tomorrow’s game.
vr, Xei
Really?
From AP apparently
Loney’s two-run double on the first pitch from Burnett in the third tied the game at 4. After Burnett loaded the bases for the second time with no outs, Russell Martin hit a double play grounder, giving the Dodgers a 5-4 lead.
They added two runs in the fourth, cashing in when reliever Boone Logan(notes) loaded the bases. Loney had an RBI single, with Matt Kemp(notes) getting thrown out at the plate on the same play, before Casey Blake’s RBI single made it 7-4.
Plus FUCK Tim Brown.
Umm this was supposed to be a quote
They added two runs in the fourth, cashing in when reliever Boone Logan(notes) loaded the bases. Loney had an RBI single, with Matt Kemp(notes) getting thrown out at the plate on the same play, before Casey Blake’s RBI single made it 7-4.
sorry
but whats the question? Or did you just not see the game?
by lakersdodgersyankees4life on Jun 27, 2010 2:28 AM PDT up reply actions
I don't mean to sound like a Dick at all.
But, did you see the game? Yes I did see the game. Lonely never doubled, Blake never singled, he basically got them reversed? I guess. I don’t know if this in common for AP reporters. I don’t normally look at their “recaps” but you would think that at a nationally covered game an AP reporter would know what happened.
One last thing I’m 99% sure I’m right. But I did have a little to drink tonight. So if I’m wrong I 1000% apologize. And again no matter what FUCK Tim Brown.
Silverwidow
I guess you heard, they mentioned it about 35 times on the telecastyesterday. Strasburg is pitching next Saturday on the National game on Fox.
I wanted to get everyones thoughts on the topic of him getting on the All Star team? I will weigh in when I get a chance. Gotta go look at a house.
I hope Strasburg is named to the team
From a cumulative performance standpoint, I don’t think he makes it. He will have six starts at the time the teams are named (next Sunday), which is about 10 or so less than everyone else.
But I think he is a special case:
a) he is clearly already a “star,” at the other end of the “Ripken and Gwynn all-stars in 2001” spectrum
b) his performance, when he has played, has been outstanding when he has played, like “best in baseball” outstanding (1.78 ERA, 1.52 FIP, 1.35 x-FIP)
c) the game is more than an exhibition, in that it determines home field advantage in the World Series, but I have a hard time believing the pitcher Strasburg will replace on the roster would do more to accomplish the goal of winning than Strasburg would
I can certainly see the argument for him not making the team; because again, we are talking about a guy with six starts (by next Sunday), but I would love to see him pitching in the game.
by Eric Stephen on Jun 27, 2010 8:32 AM PDT up reply actions
I would like to see him on the team to replace a reliever.
Plus, they are going to name a couple of guys that won’t pitch bc they threw a couple days before.
What if the pitcher that was sacrificed was Kershaw?
I think he is not going to make it, but he is one of the best pitchers in baseball and deserves to be there, IMO.
Kershaw has a decent shot, but might need to win tonight and Friday to push his record to 9-4 to go along with a low-3.00s ERA.
by Eric Stephen on Jun 27, 2010 8:50 AM PDT up reply actions
Looking at NL starters ranked by WAR
1) Halladay 3.8; 9-6, 2.29 ERA, perfecto (starting Wednesday)
2) Johnson 3.6; 8-3, 1.83 ERA (starting Friday)
3) Ubaldo 3.3; 13-1, 1.60 ERA (starting Monday and Saturday)
4) Lincecum 3.1; 8-2, 2.86 ERA (starting today and Friday)
5) Gallardo 2.8, 7-3, 2.36 ERA (starting Tuesday and Sunday, so he’s out)
6) Wainwright 2.6; 10-5, 2.47 ERA (starting Tuesday and Sunday so he’s out)
7) Oswalt 2.3 (starting today and Fri or Sat), could be hurt by 5-9 record (3.08 ERA)
8) Kershaw 2.0; 7-4, 3.24 ERA (starting today and Fri or Sat)
Others to factor in:
Jaime Garcia 1.9 WAR, 7-3, 1.79 ERA, will likely make it (starting today and Friday)
Chris Carpenter 1.8 WAR, 9-1, 2.63 ERA, will likely make it (starting Monday and Saturday)
Mike Pelfrey 1.7 WAR, 10-2, 2.71 ERA, will likely make it (starting Wednesday)
Tim Hudson 0.8 WAR, 7-3, 2.54 ERA, starting Monday and if they skip Kawakami, Saturday (otherwise Sunday, meaning he would be out)
To me, Halladay, Ubaldo, Johnson and Lincecum are locks, with Carpenter, Pelfrey, and Garcia very, very likely to make it as well. I think Wainwright and perhaps Gallardo will be named all-stars, but ruled ineligible due to them starting Sunday (a new rule). So we are already at 7 starters in the NL right there, with no Hudson (best pitcher on 2nd best team record in NL), no Kershaw, and no Strasburg.
That’s a tough staff to crack.
by Eric Stephen on Jun 27, 2010 9:16 AM PDT up reply actions
You don’t think that the people who choose the pitchers (who are they anyway?) are going to use WAR, do you? Have they heard of it? Surely they’ll use wins, ERA, “instinct”, and just possibly “every team has to have one player and there’s no position player we can call”, though the last one is unlikely. Could be that WAR turns out to be an objective quantification of these people’s “instinct”, but I wouldn’t count on it. It’s good to have the figures to see what the results “should” be and, as you say, Kershaw doesn’t appear too high there. Kershaw’s 3.24 ERA, compared to all the sub-3 ERAs there, and not too unbalanced win-loss figures (you’re right, the next two games might change that) don’t look too promising.
I don’t think they will choose WAR; that’s why I included the traditional numbers.
by Eric Stephen on Jun 27, 2010 9:56 AM PDT up reply actions
I would guess that Strasburg will be on the fan voting ballot for the “last spot.” This way they assure him of making the team without leaving it up to Charlie Manuel.
by UCLADodger32 on Jun 27, 2010 11:18 AM PDT up reply actions
It would be an American tragedy if he's left off the All Star team!
/McCarver, ON
There's no need to fear, Underdog is here! / Broncos/Dodgers/Lakers fan in Niners/Raiders/Giants/Warriors country, and damned proud of it.
Of course I’d like to see him in the All-Star Game. Heck, I took the day off just to make sure I wouldn’t miss any of it! :)
What time do you usually get home from work? Even if Strasburg makes the team, he likely wouldn’t even get in the game until past 7pm or so (assuming a ~5:30-ish start)
by Eric Stephen on Jun 27, 2010 9:18 AM PDT up reply actions
My fear with the all-star game
and correct me if I’m wrong, but being able to say I’m a ____ time all star, doesn’t that increase a players bargaining position come contract time? Obviously the guy is talented, and most likely he wins Rookie of the Year, so let him start there. Come next season if he’s pitching in the upper echelons of the NL then by all means, make him an all-star, and consider him for the Cy Young. But let’s not just start giving him every possible honor because he’s the phenom du jour. Lincecum got this kind of hype his first call-up, if I remember correctly.
Look at that, he hit the f*cking bull! Guy gets a free steak!
by Josie Becker on Jun 27, 2010 9:41 AM PDT up reply actions
No GM cares about something voted on by the fans or something a manager scrawled on a napkin at the bar.
by regfairfield on Jun 27, 2010 9:47 AM PDT up reply actions
I think she's referring to the
“special circumstances” argument in arbitration cases. Ryan Howard was able to argue (successfully) that he was worth more money because of the MVP year.
That being said, I don’t think arguing all-star appearances would have the same effect.
by Michael White on Jun 27, 2010 9:49 AM PDT up reply actions
The same “special circumstances” clause that gave Lincecum the greatest hammer ever, that he pissed away IMO :)
But I agree, AS appearances pale in comparison.
by Eric Stephen on Jun 27, 2010 9:57 AM PDT up reply actions
Great points here Josie
My point is that the game “counts” for home field and if I am managing the NL, will I get killed by the other teams in baseball if I select him over Mike Pelfrey, Chris Carpenter, or Clayton Kershaw.
As long as the game counts, I would take him over everyone not named Halladay, Jimenez, Lincecum, or Johnson.
I guess I’m in the minority here. I really don’t think I guy with less than half the starts of the others should be getting this much consideration. Strasburg is amazing, and will probably remain that way, but let’s give his performance some time to normalize before we start putting him in the top echelon of pitchers.
He's probably still
pissed from the bullshit way the game ended yesterday.
by Michael White on Jun 27, 2010 12:04 PM PDT up reply actions
I finally saw a replay this morning
Holy cow what a bad call. Makes James Loney’s disputed strike(s) look like they were right down broadway. ;)
by Eric Stephen on Jun 27, 2010 12:47 PM PDT via mobile up reply actions
Jackson to get extra rest after no hitter, will pitch against Dodger Fri or Sat
Rudimentary creatures of flesh and blood, you touch my mind, fumbling in ignorance, incapable of understanding.
#1 Prospect?
Give it a month in AA I guess.
by Michael White on Jun 27, 2010 12:59 PM PDT up reply actions
Meant to mention earlier
I think it is awesome that Jamie Moyer has given up more home runs than anyone else in history.
506 HR’s. HOF’er for sure. Is 500HR still a benchmark?
Haha
I love Moyer, and I agree that you have to be pretty good to be allowed to give up that many home runs.
Freaking age 47. I celebrate the mans entire catalogue.
by Eric Stephen on Jun 27, 2010 12:45 PM PDT via mobile up reply actions
If Moyer gets to 300 wins will he be voted into the Hall of Fame?
He’ll probably have to pitch at least till he’s 50 to do it.
I can’t until next year, when Moyer hits a HR to break Julio Franco’s record for oldest man to hit a jack.
by Eric Stephen on Jun 27, 2010 12:55 PM PDT via mobile up reply actions
No Hall for Jamie
If they vote him in they’d have to vote in Tommy John and the old timers are still bitter that the surgery wasn’t around for them.
In a non-related Jamie note, is it wrong that I wrote in Jamie McCourt for catcher? It seemed like the only position she could qualify for.
God's team...
by hee came hee seop'd he choi'd on Jun 27, 2010 12:53 PM PDT via mobile up reply actions
Padres thru 75 games:
242 runs allowed
3.23 runs per game
2003 Dodgers
556 runs allowed
3.43 runs per game
Andy PEDitte on the mound tonight
Who’s have a pretty decent year. Wind’s blowing out the right, on a pretty sunny day. I have no idea what all this information means.
I hope it means Manny hits a bomb off this lefty.
Look at that, he hit the f*cking bull! Guy gets a free steak!
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