2-0 2-0 Hindsight Finds Winning Formula For Dodgers
by Eric Stephen on Jul 22, 2010 10:00 PM PDT
in Dodgers Game Recaps
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The Dodgers seem to have found the winning formula, and they used it to produce their second straight 2-0 victory, this time over the Mets. The formula is quite simple: have your starter pitch give up no runs and pitch very deep into the game, and have one batter drive in both runs, one on a solo home run.
Hiroki Kuroda won the duel of 35-year old Japanese pitchers, outlasting Hisanori Takahashi for his eighth win of the season. Kuroda was brilliant in his eight scoreless innings, following the Chad Billingsley blueprint from Wednesday with 15 groundball outs of his own. Dodger starting pitchers have now thrown 17 straight scoreless innings, inducing 31 groundball outs.
Matt Kemp drove an 0-2 pitch to right field for a double in the first inning, driving in Jamey Carroll -- that's left fielder (against lefties) Jamey Carroll to you, bub -- for the Dodgers first run. Kemp added some insurance with a shot into the left field pavilion in the seventh inning.
Hong-Chih Kuo, who warmed up for the third straight game -- a rarity for him -- pitched the ninth inning for his third save of the season, on a night of rest for Jonathan Broxton. It appears any kid gloves that were used on Kuo are now a thing of the past.
Kuo at home this season has pitched 16 1/3 scoreless innings, allowing just four hits and three walks, with 14 strikeouts. Left-handed batters this season have no hits in 33 at-bats against Kuo, with 17 strikeouts (they also have three walks and a sacrifice fly). Rookie Ike Davis, whom Vin Scully said was "a lamb to slaughter" against Kuo, was the only lefty to face Kuo tonight. He struck out, naturally.
Vicente Padilla will face Johan Santana tomorrow night in the second game of the series. It was announced earlier today that Carlos Monasterios will start Saturday for the Dodgers.
WP - Hiroki Kuroda (8-8): 8 IP, 5 hits, 1 walk, 4 strikeouts
LP - Hisanori Takahashi (7-5): 7 IP, 3 hits, 2 runs, 2 walks, 5 strikeouts
Sv - Hong-Chih Kuo (3): 1 IP, 1 walk, 2 strikeouts
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Because he throws 100?
If the eyes are the windows to the soul, then these sunglasses are the curtains telling you to keep the fuck out!!!
by angelofdeath on Jul 22, 2010 10:04 PM PDT up reply actions
Haven't seen him pitch
But maybe his secondary pitches aren’t there yet…
If the eyes are the windows to the soul, then these sunglasses are the curtains telling you to keep the fuck out!!!
by angelofdeath on Jul 22, 2010 10:09 PM PDT up reply actions
I wonder if they will slide him into the rotation once CJ Wilson gets up there in innings. Hes not going to throw 220 if he only threw 75 or whatever last year.
by hee came hee seop'd he choi'd on Jul 22, 2010 10:15 PM PDT up reply actions
Well, its nice to want things. . .
http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=5402582
"Go fuck yourself" -Eric Stephen 6-29-2010
"Oh honey, I'm chalk full of juju" -Maddz 7-15-2010
anddd
According to one source, the Cardinals offered two young players off their major-league roster for Oswalt. Among the prospects the Astros are likely to press for: last year’s No. 1 pick, 19-year-old right-hander Shelby Miller.
the two young players are?
Just a guess
maybe one of Jay/Craig, and one of Boggs/Salas/McClellan?
by Eric Stephen on Jul 22, 2010 10:34 PM PDT up reply actions
Two down, one to go
The last time the Dodgers had three straight shutouts was July 25-27, 1991, one against the Phillies, two against the Expos
I expected to login and find
Uncle Google telling us the last time the Dodgers won 2 – 0 back to back.
While Koufax / Drysdale would be the logical choice it is probably something like Rau/Sutton
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
by Phil Gurnee on Jul 22, 2010 11:05 PM PDT up reply actions
Yahoo pulled it - Willhite and Koufax 1963 on the road
http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/w/willhni01.shtml
Only shutout of Willhite’s career. Sounds like it has never been done at home.
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
For those wondering
per Jimmy Bramlett of LAist:
Jonathan Broxton was ill and sent home early today.
too many grits for breakfast. it happens
by super eville on Jul 22, 2010 10:30 PM PDT up reply actions
They said today they wanted him in the pen
(where admittedly he’s been more effective) and are giving Monk the start. If Monk falters McDonald will back him up.
There's no need to fear, Underdog is here! / Broncos/Dodgers/Lakers fan in Niners/Raiders/Giants/Warriors country, and damned proud of it.
It is not impossible to think the Pirates could trade Maholm to the Dodgers. However, the Pirates are said to want a major return, specifically shortstop prospect Dee Gordon, who is playing at Class AA Jacksonville, and a young pitcher who is ready to join the major-league rotation.
So they want
a Maholm like player and one of our top prospects. .. . cool
by SeanMillerSavior on Jul 22, 2010 10:57 PM PDT up reply actions
This reminds me of the
Kemp for Jack Wilson rumors in 2008, except much less stupid, though still incredibly stupid.
"Stop exploding you cowards!!!"
Or
Gordon/Haeger
Gordon/Castillo
Gordon/Bastardo
or the real deal of
Gordon/Ely
They are all young pitchers eager to join the Pirate rotation.
The key question is do you give up Gordon for Maholm? I have no problem trading Gordon, and Maholm would give you somebody to plug into the rotation for this year and next year. It would greatly strengthen the current team by moving McDonald into the bullpen while giving you a fifth starter.
If they are insisting on McDonald then we need to insist on Joel Hanrahan.
I don’t think these rumors are anything like Kemp for Wilson. Kemp at the time was already a major league with the only question being how high is his ceiling. Gordon has a long long way to go to even prove he can be a major league SS on defense and on offense. Cost controlled pitchers like Maholm have value, and I’d expect that value to be at least a AA SS who some serious question marks. For a team like the Dodgers who have financial constraints and only two starters in 2011 I’d think he has even more value.
Can Ely be better then Maholm? I don’t know, can the Dodgers take that chance? Maholm is a safe bet, Ned usually plays it safe, a Gordon/Ely trade would not be the worse thing in the world for a team in the Dodger situation.
The title of that story itself explains everything, which explains why you should not waste your time reading their story.
by Julio Nievas on Jul 23, 2010 12:49 AM PDT up reply actions
Great game
Kuroda was brilliant, Kuo was Kuo.
Last time two Dodger pitchers whose first two letters started with Ku won and saved a game?
Last time a Japanese started and won, saved by a Taiwanese? I’m thinking first time
Only worry is the lack of offense against a pitcher the rest of the league had been hitting fairly hard.
Incredible catch by Blake, offset by the goof by Belliard
Kemp showing his skills
Martin showing his skills
Picked up a game
Nice night
Good Night
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
Back from the game
great stuff. I was kinda bummed Torre didnt let Kuroda go for the CG shutout, oh well. We got the win.
NL West Odds
Pumped today’s results into the simulator, playing out the rest of the schedule for the four NL West contenders. Here are the odds of winning the division.
Team / Current Odds / Previous Odds
1. Padres / 41.42% / 45.55% (Loss)
2. Dodgers / 24.69% / 21.65% (Win)
3. Giants / 23.63% / 20.33% (Win)
4. Rockies / 12.47% / 10.26% (Loss)
The unluckiest pitcher of the year pitches tomorrow
Bud Norris, of the Houston Astros.
ERA: 6.09
FIP: 3.90
xFIP: 4.01
pitching at home against a rookie who has had two lucky starts bouyed by a BABIP against of .161
Per AP via Yahoo
http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/recap?gid=300722119
On Kuroda….
He is the top Japan-born starting pitcher in major league history, with a 3.67 ERA in 71 games.
Kuroda and Takahashi planned to have dinner together after the game.
The Dodgers won consecutive 2-0 games for the first time since June 16-17, 1963, when they beat the Cubs at home and Giants on the road.
On Logan White’s recommendation.
by Little Blue Bicycle on Jul 23, 2010 7:40 AM PDT up reply actions
Sure
but the president still gets credit and blame when he follows the advice of his advisors. I don’t see why it should be any different for a GM.
Willhite and Koufax
http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/w/willhni01.shtml
Only shutout of Willhite’s career. Sounds like it has never been done at home.
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
I don't know why I'm still awake
Maybe it’s because I can’t stop laughing at the last email from Simmon’s “Summer Mailbag” part 1…
I didn't mention it in Met Preview
but the Met’s are one of the contending teams for the wildcard, so we get a double dip whenever we beat them. Right now Reds, Giants, Rockies, Dodgers, Phillies, Mets with maybe the Marlins. Tough competition.
Mets are going through an offensive stretch like the Dodgers normally do in Aug. Good time to be playing them, if we had played them in June it would have been a different story.
I guess not to many sellers after back to back 2 – 0 victory’s?
That MLB Network "This is Beyond Baseball " commercial show both Uptons playing little league, on the Dodgers. I love that commercial.
by Eric Stephen on Jul 23, 2010 8:07 AM PDT up reply actions
One potential destination for Upton is Los Angeles. The Rays have interest in Dodgers right-hander James McDonald and L.A. could use a bat with Manny Ramirez back on the disabled list, but a Dodgers source told FanHouse the teams have had “zero” talks regarding Upton. — Ed Price and Tom Krasovic
by Little Blue Bicycle on Jul 23, 2010 7:53 AM PDT reply actions
The Dodgers have had good luck with other people’s problems recently (Manny, Padilla), but I have to think he’d cost more than JMac. If not, then yeah, Ned needs to get on the phone.
by Little Blue Bicycle on Jul 23, 2010 8:01 AM PDT up reply actions
The case for getting Upton that cheap
Tampa has been very publicly criticizing him. If they trade for Werth he has no spot. This is the second year his bat has been MIA. Tampa is going to lose him in the off-season anyway, and likely won’t even offer him arbitration. McDonald could profile to be an 8th inning guy and ultimately a closer. Dodgers throwing in Manny means that if healthy they get a DH guy for down the stretch.
by Michael White on Jul 23, 2010 8:09 AM PDT up reply actions
Tampa has
Benoit who has been the best setup man in the AL that no one knows about. He’s doing in the majors what Jansen is doing in AA.
http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/b/benoijo01.shtml
Any trade has to start with Manny.
Manny / McDonald still seems light. They are losing a cost controlled outfielder. They are also losing Carl Crawford after this year. So even if Desmond Jenning replaces BJ this year they need an outfielder to replace Crawford.
So
Manny / McDonald / Paul might get it done but I doubt it.
Even if the Rays are not talking to the Dodgers about BJ, they should be talking to us about Manny. He’d be perfect for them.
I think I mixed up Crawford and Upton’s contracts. So nevermind the part above where I discuss Tampa losing him anyway. I wasn’t suggesting he was going to be non-tendered, I thought he was a free agent.
by Michael White on Jul 23, 2010 8:16 AM PDT up reply actions
FYI
I love the Tampa front office these days. Benoit was someone everyone should have had on their radar but they snapped him up. They moved Kazmir at the right time. They let their high profile pitchers percolate in the minors so when they do come up they are ready to start producing instead of wasting clock time.
To bad they will lose Pena and Crawford but they have been stockpiling 1st baseman in the minors. Money is their only problem but no one is doing more with less then the Rays. And even though they no longer draft in the top ten they are still having good drafts.
just curious
if Manny was to be traded, he can’t until he comes of the DL right? If that’s the case, and the Dodgers did trade for Upton, could it be for a PTBNL and have that be Manny when he comes off the DL?
by Tommy Blackjack on Jul 23, 2010 8:22 AM PDT up reply actions
The commissioner’s office would have to approve it, but it could be done
by Eric Stephen on Jul 23, 2010 8:23 AM PDT up reply actions
if they did move Upton
couldn’t they potentially have the money to resign Crawford? Possibly also they would let Pena walk.
by Tommy Blackjack on Jul 23, 2010 8:17 AM PDT up reply actions
Thanks Michael and John, that makes more sense to me.
by Little Blue Bicycle on Jul 23, 2010 8:28 AM PDT up reply actions
It is a given it would cost more then J Mac
unless JMac’s value all of the sudden zoomed through the roof after his recent start and demotion to the bullpen.
Check this
Usual stuff, but this caught my eye
But, the Dodgers shed salary after this season and believe they have the payroll flexibility to take on a good portion of Oswalt’s salary.
Yes? Yes?
by Tommy Blackjack on Jul 23, 2010 8:11 AM PDT reply actions
This is why its hard to take all the proclamations from the Gammons and Olney’s of the world seriously who report matter of factly that Ned has instructions to take on minimal salary. I would think budget stuff would be very confidential, probably discussed by Ned and Frank alone. Not sure where Olney gets his info from unless its Ned directly (which would make no sense since it doesn’t advance Ned’s interests to leak that info.)
by Michael White on Jul 23, 2010 8:18 AM PDT up reply actions
I think those sources are usually GMs or front office types from other teams, and they are mostly speculation.
by Eric Stephen on Jul 23, 2010 8:27 AM PDT up reply actions
there are some
obvious advantages to leaking that you don’t have much money, no? Especially if you really are very cost-conscious. Perhaps I am looking at it the wrong way.
The advantage being, announcing to others to come pillage my farm system because I’m poor?
by Michael White on Jul 23, 2010 8:28 AM PDT up reply actions
and that’s when he springs the trap.
by Tommy Blackjack on Jul 23, 2010 8:30 AM PDT up reply actions
I don’t know how it works in baseball, but in other businesses the pre-negotiation positioning is important. You probably don’t want to directly say to someone that you are cash-poor, but if they arrive at the table assuming you aren’t going to want to spend much, they will start their negotiation from that position which might possibly give you room to maneuver or steer things to your advantage.
Seems to me that posture would have the counter-party arriving to the table expecting stronger prospects than you are willing to part with. Considering the Dodgers already have a reputation of being cash-poor anyway, I strongly doubt that leaking more information suggesting they can’t take on salary would help them much.
by Michael White on Jul 23, 2010 8:45 AM PDT up reply actions
For Olney, it just seems to be a matter of faith. For Gammons, it’s punishment to a Bostonian for taking Manny.
by Little Blue Bicycle on Jul 23, 2010 8:27 AM PDT up reply actions
yeah
just ask the kids in the clubhouse.
by Tommy Blackjack on Jul 23, 2010 8:28 AM PDT up reply actions
It could happen
Adding Oswalt would put the 2011 payroll at about $101m, although my $7.5m guess for Martin is looking too high at this point.
That would mean DeWitt still at 2B, and Paul in LF, and it doesn’t count any new Padilla types in the back end of the rotation. Houston might have to add a few mil to make it work, but it’s definitely doable.
by Eric Stephen on Jul 23, 2010 8:30 AM PDT up reply actions
So the back end of the rotation would be
Bastardo and Castillo in 2011? I guess we’d cross that bridge when we get to it. I don’t like Oswalt, that contract scares me given his limited physical size. I’ll have to check it out but I just don’t remember to many short pitchers doing very well past their 33 birthday. I’m onto baseball ref.
Because I’m assuming that at the least McDonald and Ely would be headed to Houston along with a plethora of lower level prospects. Sands for 1st base, Gordon at SS, Withrow for the future.
Well, if that many people are part of the trade, Houston would pick up enough salary that his contract wouldn’t be an impediment to add more back end starters.
by Eric Stephen on Jul 23, 2010 8:38 AM PDT up reply actions
Well this shocked me
maybe I did the search wrong. But this is even more pessimistic then I was. I did a search on Starters who made more then 60 starts from age 33 on who were 72 inches or smaller from 1970. This is a very small list.
Player ERA+ GS Ht From To Age G CG SHO W-L% IP
Greg Maddux 118 341 72 1999 2008 33-42 341 20 7 .582 2159.0
Luis Tiant 110 243 72 1974 1982 33-41 245 86 21 .584 1670.1
Pedro Martinez 109 88 71 2005 2009 33-37 88 4 1 .607 531.1
Rick Reed 107 172 72 1998 2003 33-38 179 10 5 .577 1071.0
Woody Williams 101 221 72 2000 2007 33-40 225 8 1 .568 1394.2
Juan Marichal 100 104 72 1971 1975 33-37 109 33 6 .476 714.2
Mark Portugal 98 82 72 1996 1999 33-36 87 5 1 .472 486.1
Cory Lidle 97 61 71 2005 2006 33-34 62 1 0 .543 355.1
Armando Reynoso 94 66 72 1999 2002 33-36 73 2 0 .478 386.0
Kevin Tapani 94 129 72 1997 2001 33-37 130 6 3 .505 804.0
Steve Sparks 92 122 72 1999 2004 33-38 195 12 2 .407 900.1
Bill Swift 89 61 72 1995 1998 33-36 69 0 0 .568 334.0
Provided by Baseball-Reference.com: View Play Index Tool Used
Generated 7/23/2010.
But Oswalt is unique; he has already surpassed the biggest hurdle of players his size, and that is making and then succeeding in the major leagues.
In that same period of time (1970-2010), there are four pitchers 6 feet or shorter with an ERA+ of 130 or higher through age 32 (minimum 1000 IP):
Pedro: 169 ERA+
Maddux: 146
Santana: 143
Oswalt: 135
Pedro and Maddux are atop your list of 33 and older starts, and Johan is just 31. Just from a historical standpoint, I think Oswalt will be fine.
by Eric Stephen on Jul 23, 2010 8:45 AM PDT up reply actions
In other words, if you want to be concerned about his back, that’s fine. But his height really isn’t a factor.
by Eric Stephen on Jul 23, 2010 8:46 AM PDT up reply actions
Okay, that is more reassuring when you put it in that perspective
but you didn’t you use that same perspective when you said Manny would be okay as an old LF because he was an elite LF and so to judge him against mere normals was wrong?
Yes, that's true
and I said that before 2009. Manny has obviously been hurt this season, but you were playing chicken little before last season too (and yes I realized the 50 games off helped his health)
by Eric Stephen on Jul 23, 2010 8:51 AM PDT up reply actions
And chicken little
may have been right, Manny was not very useful after the pitch to the hand. So taking into account the lost games to suspension, and the loss of production due to age or injury Dodger fans didn’t really get much for the $40 Million spread out over their lifetimes.
You are claiming victory for Manny’s fragility because he got hit in the hand?
by Eric Stephen on Jul 23, 2010 8:56 AM PDT up reply actions
No
but we will never know if that was the reason for the 2nd half decline or simply the inability to adjust, or simply the rust of a 50 game suspension that he was never able to overcome.
Anyway, I’m not claiming victory for anything, just don’t believe that because someone was elite before age 33 that they are immune to dropping very fast production wise as they age. That list was only guys who were able to make 60 starts after the age of 30. Short guys simply don’t have a historical track record for being very good after the age of 33.
You could be right that Oswalt who has already beaten the odds by even being an elite major league pitcher will continue to be one. Given his salary he will have to be. I’m not interested in making that bet.
I am willing to state definitively that the hand injury was the major reason for Manny’s decline last season. I don’t think there is any question.
Manny shook off the rust of his suspension without problem, to the tune of .333/.429/.688, starting 14 of 15 games before getting plunked on the hand.
After the hand injury, he hit .255/.380/.448 in 62 games. He started 58 of 68 games.
by Eric Stephen on Jul 23, 2010 9:06 AM PDT up reply actions
This would be a bad time to point out it is $45 million (not $40m).
by Eric Stephen on Jul 23, 2010 8:57 AM PDT up reply actions
and of course I forgot to discount the lost income due to the suspension last season. D’oh.
by Eric Stephen on Jul 23, 2010 9:09 AM PDT up reply actions
You have a very valid argument
that Manny’s contract has been a bust. I don’t think that is in question. I might also argue even had Manny been healthy for two years they were never going to get their money’s worth. They overpaid because they wanted his prolific bat in the lineup and were smitten with the 2008 honeymoon.
Your best point was that old players (I recall you said the same for Kent as well) decline at some point, and when they do the fall is fast and furious. I just think for Manny, it is happening now rather than in 2009.
by Eric Stephen on Jul 23, 2010 9:02 AM PDT up reply actions
Is it crazy
To think they where willing to give him more money for marketing reasons? I don’t think they threw 45 million at him just for his bat.
I knew they shouldn’t have made 20 million dollars worth of Manny wigs.
by regfairfield on Jul 23, 2010 9:28 AM PDT up reply actions
that Mannywood sign
didn’t paint itself.
by Tommy Blackjack on Jul 23, 2010 9:29 AM PDT up reply actions
No, I agree
Also, one could argue they might not have done much better with the money had they not signed Manny, though I could see both sides of that.
by Eric Stephen on Jul 23, 2010 9:29 AM PDT up reply actions
Hard to remember now
But I don’t remember there being much better options to spend the money on. Only two bats I remember where Dunn and Abreu.
Yeah, because I advocated for Dunn.
by Little Blue Bicycle on Jul 23, 2010 9:32 AM PDT up reply actions
hindsight
though I guess Dunn would have brought much of the same. Power bat, bad D. Though without the suspension.
by Tommy Blackjack on Jul 23, 2010 9:33 AM PDT up reply actions
It wasn’t hindsight, you can check the DT archives there were plenty of us interested in Dunn in 2008.
by Michael White on Jul 23, 2010 9:35 AM PDT up reply actions
didn't mean anything by it
Maybe hindsight for me. Dunn is doing what he do still, while Manny rests his legs.
by Tommy Blackjack on Jul 23, 2010 9:37 AM PDT up reply actions
Remember the hysteria at the time?
Manny was possibly looking at 4 years $100MM. People on DT actually were okay with those terms. Then it turned out that no other suitors wanted to pay for the rights to hand over their first round pick to the Dodgers for a 38 year old outfielder. At the end, it was really the Dodgers and the Dodgers interested in Manny. That’s why they got the deal down to 2 years which was much easier to stomach.
by Michael White on Jul 23, 2010 9:34 AM PDT up reply actions
Oh I remember
and I was in the camp that wasn’t even sure if giving him 20+ mil for only 2 was a good idea. He just wasn’t worth that much, but I understood them giving him that contract.
I was cool with the ultimate contract, but probably because spring training had already started by this point so it was clear its either Manny or Juan.
by Michael White on Jul 23, 2010 9:41 AM PDT up reply actions
I may be misremembering but I thought you argued his production would decline as well. When Manny has been in the lineup in 2009-2010, he has been one of the best OF hitters in the game.
by Eric Stephen on Jul 23, 2010 8:52 AM PDT up reply actions
Sands for 1st base, Gordon at SS, Withrow for the future.
For the Dodgers or Astros?
by Tommy Blackjack on Jul 23, 2010 8:37 AM PDT reply actions
He said along, so I’m assuming the ’Stros.
by Julio Nievas on Jul 23, 2010 8:38 AM PDT up reply actions
I’d love to know what deal supposedly was in place before the regime change in Arizona.
by Little Blue Bicycle on Jul 23, 2010 8:47 AM PDT up reply actions
They want a high quality major league ready arm, starter I’m assuming. I don’t believe we have one of those..
by Julio Nievas on Jul 23, 2010 8:50 AM PDT up reply actions
Who does though? Those guys tend to already be in the majors.
by Michael White on Jul 23, 2010 8:51 AM PDT up reply actions
Of the teams in contention
the only teams who have those arms are:
Tampa – Davis or Hellickson
WhiteSox – Dan Hudson
Rangers – Holland
Giants – Bumgarner
I think Haren is down. Not sure how psyched Arizona is to trade him within the division considering our farm system isn’t excellent.
by Michael White on Jul 23, 2010 8:48 AM PDT up reply actions
Mat Latos returns tomorrow
for the Padres.
It’s possible he could face the Dodgers on Thursday in San Diego if they skip Correia or Richard due to an off day Monday.
As of now the probables for this series are:
Tuesday: Billingsley vs. Garland
Wednesday: Kuroda vs. Richard
Thursday: Padilla vs. Correia
things could get really interesting or really depressing after these next 7(?) games with SD
by hee came hee seop'd he choi'd on Jul 23, 2010 9:16 AM PDT up reply actions
Phil and I are going to duel.
I could have sworn he said 11 paces.
by Eric Stephen on Jul 23, 2010 9:09 AM PDT up reply actions
just distract him
with a mince meat pie
by Tommy Blackjack on Jul 23, 2010 9:17 AM PDT up reply actions
My mom liked that pie. That and rhubarb pie, which I didn’t like growing up but do now.
by Eric Stephen on Jul 23, 2010 9:18 AM PDT up reply actions
Be bop a re bop, rhubarb pie
The Ultimate Ned's Kind of Guy
by Humma Kavula on Jul 23, 2010 10:14 AM PDT up reply actions
Any chance that they don’t start Belliard tonight?
"A baseball game is nothing but a great slow contraption for getting you to pay attention to the cadence of a summer day."
if they call up Hoffmann
maybe. I’m gonna be there today though, yay!!
by Tommy Blackjack on Jul 23, 2010 9:21 AM PDT up reply actions
I doubt it
unless they bring up Hoffmann before the game to start in LF, pushing Carroll from LF to 2B. Johan Santana is pitching tonight.
by Eric Stephen on Jul 23, 2010 9:22 AM PDT up reply actions
You have to ask yourself a question.
Will Torre start Paul against Johan Santana? When he didn’t against Hisanori Takahashi.
I suppose Torre could start GA…..nah.
Kuroda's stats per Fangraphs
3.48 ERA 3.38 FIP 3.54 xFIP 2.4 WAR
He’s gotta be one of the best 3 starters in baseball, if not the best.
"Stop exploding you cowards!!!"
I'm sure you meant #3 starters.
and I agree
by Tommy Blackjack on Jul 23, 2010 9:26 AM PDT up reply actions
par the course for you my friend
forgivness granted.
by Tommy Blackjack on Jul 23, 2010 9:42 AM PDT up reply actions
You have a gift my friend
don’t hide that in a bushel basket.
Hoooot pockeeeetttt
"Stop exploding you cowards!!!"
in spanish
Calienteeeeeee Pockeeettttttt
by Tommy Blackjack on Jul 23, 2010 9:51 AM PDT up reply actions
don't be jealous sweetheart
I got love for two.
by Tommy Blackjack on Jul 23, 2010 9:54 AM PDT up reply actions
His x-FIP is the 14th best in baseball.
Are you being sarcastic about being a top 3 starter in baseball?
by Michael White on Jul 23, 2010 9:26 AM PDT up reply actions
I also had a feeling
there was something missing in that post, and I think tommy blackjack has it right.
Is it fair to call him a #3 starter when he’s better than the #2?
by regfairfield on Jul 23, 2010 9:27 AM PDT up reply actions
Hoping not to be wrong
On April 9, I said if Kuroda makes 30 starts the Dodgers will win the division. He’s up to 19 now
by Eric Stephen on Jul 23, 2010 9:30 AM PDT up reply actions
Twins and Tigers
on Haren’s no-trade list. He’d also have to approve a trade to the Reds or Rays.
by Tommy Blackjack on Jul 23, 2010 9:28 AM PDT reply actions
From Minorleagueball.com Q and A thread
Chris Withrow
Rated LA’s #2 prospect coming into the year by BA and BP, but not having a particularly good statistical year. What grade would you give him at this point, and what is his greatest strength and greatest weakness as a prospect?
Hey, an out is an out – unless you’re Mario, in which case it’s probably two outs. -UtesFan89
Hard work always beats talent if talent doesn’t work hard.
by wg1of5 on Jul 21, 2010 6:53 PM PDT reply actions
withrow
No secret, his command just hasn’t been up to snuff in Double-A. Greatest strengths…just as in pre-season, plus plus fastball, plus curve, youth. Weaknesses….command and control, still working on his changeup. I gave him a B+ in the book and would move that down a notch to a Grade B now
by John Sickels on Jul 23, 2010 8:48 AM PDT up reply actions
"Stop exploding you cowards!!!"
That is fair
He’s still trying to polish his change up. His numbers against righties aren’t all bad, but his stuff against lefties… Well that’s a different horror story.
by Julio Nievas on Jul 23, 2010 9:42 AM PDT up reply actions
Answers my question from Brandon’s SP rankings. Sickels also calls the curve a “plus” pitch.
by Michael White on Jul 23, 2010 9:42 AM PDT up reply actions
it is not, I take it?
I only saw him that one time in ST. His fastball was great, and he hit a guy with his curve.
by Tommy Blackjack on Jul 23, 2010 9:43 AM PDT up reply actions
I have no idea. I’m curious about it. At blogger night one of the guys was saying that the curve was erratic. It might have “plus potential” but as of now it is nowhere near good enough to be relied upon.
If the curve isn’t reliable and no change, he’s a reliever.
by Michael White on Jul 23, 2010 9:47 AM PDT up reply actions
he's only 21 though right?
still time…….
by Tommy Blackjack on Jul 23, 2010 9:48 AM PDT up reply actions
That was one bad pitch, a mis-grip that slipped out of his hand in spring training. Plus, he hit Jim Tracy’s son, so it’s all good.
When i saw him in Peoria in spring training, it was mostly fastball but he had the curve working.
by Eric Stephen on Jul 23, 2010 9:49 AM PDT up reply actions
well it's obvious why then
“did he mean to hit him with the curve? I don’t know. Should he have better command of it? I’d like to think so?”
by Tommy Blackjack on Jul 23, 2010 9:50 AM PDT up reply actions
I wonder
Why he garners so much acclaim on his fastball… Is it because he has so much movement on it? I haven’t seen him pitch since ST and I remember his sinking fastball being excellent, but plus plus excellent?
by Julio Nievas on Jul 23, 2010 9:44 AM PDT up reply actions
how the hell does sickels keep track of everyone?
by hee came hee seop'd he choi'd on Jul 23, 2010 9:54 AM PDT up reply actions
I’m trying to remember if I have ever had a Lowenbrau. Probably.
by Eric Stephen on Jul 23, 2010 10:04 AM PDT up reply actions
if you did and it was in the usa after about 1985
it was a repackaged Miller, not a true german Lowenbrau. Side story, back in th elate 70’s you could get Lowenbrau at McDonalds in Germany, not sure if you still can
by MammothDodger on Jul 23, 2010 10:18 AM PDT up reply actions
Oldest US Company
Operating since 1632. Very cool.
by Michael White on Jul 23, 2010 10:03 AM PDT up reply actions
11 generations
must be something to be part of something that old.
by meercatjohn on Jul 23, 2010 10:27 AM PDT up reply actions
It’s not on the list, but technically, the British East India Company is still around.
by Michael White on Jul 23, 2010 10:05 AM PDT up reply actions
Apparently, the oldest on that list Kongō Gumi was liquidated in 2006.
by Michael White on Jul 23, 2010 10:08 AM PDT up reply actions
that was pretty cool stuff
i jsut had like 10 tabs open with different old companies, i love wikipedia
William Doolittle at your service, a.k.a. will do.
Reg, the Manny Ramirez of TBLA commenters.
Maddz is Angel Berroa.
by Eric Stephen on Jul 23, 2010 10:58 AM PDT up reply actions
Someone is passing around a rumor about Greinke being available
Question is, what kind of pitcher can he be expected to be going forward? Is he really the ace he pitched like last year? I noticed his k/9 is the lowest it has been since 06, although his walks are down. Thoughts?
He's been picking it back up
For Zach
Gordon, Sands, Ely, Withrow, Martin, Eovaldi, Robinson, tell me when to stop:)
by meercatjohn on Jul 23, 2010 10:12 AM PDT up reply actions
I agree
He’s a “blank check” trade target
by Eric Stephen on Jul 23, 2010 10:14 AM PDT up reply actions
yeah, you kind of open the treasure chest for him.
by Tommy Blackjack on Jul 23, 2010 10:14 AM PDT up reply actions
I pictured Ned Colletti, Kim Ng, and Logan White all coming in with suits and dark glasses with a briefcase chained to Ned and coming into the Royal’s F.O. Ned opens the case to reveal all of the prospects they have in their farm system.
by Julio Nievas on Jul 23, 2010 10:41 AM PDT up reply actions
yeah
(ned quietly sits at the table)
“Dayton, you’re looking well.”
“Can the small talk Ned, let’s get down to brass tax.”
“Fair enough, Kim?”
(Ng unlocks briefcase and opens it)
“Pick your poison, Dayton. But in return(Ned slowly takes of glasses) I want Grienke.”
“I’m a man of my word Ned.”
“I hope so Dayton….I hope so…..”
by Tommy Blackjack on Jul 23, 2010 10:47 AM PDT up reply actions
I think he’s an easy bet for mid-3.00s ERA going forward, with a chance for much better.
by Eric Stephen on Jul 23, 2010 10:13 AM PDT up reply actions
Grienke also has limited trade protection
per Cots. I’d think a laid back market like LA would appeal to him.
by Tommy Blackjack on Jul 23, 2010 10:30 AM PDT up reply actions
I couldn't imagine a guy with his history
going to Boston or New York. LA though would be right up his alley.
I’ll bet he asked for that in the contract. I think he’s even said before he doesn’t want to pitch in New York.
by Tommy Blackjack on Jul 23, 2010 10:36 AM PDT up reply actions
He spent his year off here in Auburn with his brother, and kept the lowest of profiles. I’d think the less big city feel the better.
by Little Blue Bicycle on Jul 23, 2010 10:40 AM PDT up reply actions
still intriguing
I remember a Royals blog talking about it back in May I think. The rationalization was that the team was not going to win before Grienke’s deal was up, and if they traded him now, they could get some prospects that could be ML ready by the time some of their own prospects would be ready to debut. The guy also mentioned the Dodgers as a possible destination.
by Tommy Blackjack on Jul 23, 2010 10:23 AM PDT up reply actions
He's still one of the best pitchers in baseball this year
He’s got a 3.3 WAR and he’s doing very well right now. I don’t think he was ever truly a huge strikeout pitcher (8.10 K/9 in 2008, and then the flukish k rate of 9.5 k/9 last year), but he doesn’t walk many and I believe he limits homeruns.
Honestly, my preference would go:
Greinke
Haren
Oswalt
So I’m thinking:
Gordon, E. Martin, Webster, Russell, May, and Eovaldi for Greinke.
Opinions?
"Stop exploding you cowards!!!"
Also I’m willing to substitute Withrow for Martin or Webster, same with Miller if it would help.
"Stop exploding you cowards!!!"
KC might have the best minor league pitching
with emergence this year of multiple pitchers.
Maybe get a 3rd team involved. In fact if you are the Rays dont’ you just deal with KC directly and trade them Hellickson and Jennings for Grienke? Move Shields to the Angels for Trout and your ready this year and the future.
Must be fun to be the Rays with so many options.
by meercatjohn on Jul 23, 2010 10:19 AM PDT up reply actions
B-Ref WAR and Fangraphs WAR for pitchers are entirely different. Fangraphs uses either FIP or X-FIP. B-Ref uses what actually happened.
by regfairfield on Jul 23, 2010 10:49 AM PDT up reply actions
Unless they changed it this year, fangraphs uses FIP
by Michael White on Jul 23, 2010 10:52 AM PDT up reply actions
Wouldn’t you most likely have to give up Bills?
by Julio Nievas on Jul 23, 2010 10:42 AM PDT up reply actions
Right. The point would be to get much younger. Bills is already in his arb years.
by Michael White on Jul 23, 2010 10:46 AM PDT up reply actions
Poor KC
they finally have a player multiple teams covet and he sprains his thumb and loses all his trade potential for this year.
That was painful to watch
not Crawford-pickoff-to-the-nuts painful, but still tough.
by Eric Stephen on Jul 23, 2010 10:13 AM PDT up reply actions
In some sense, it’s almost good that it was just his thumb. I thought for sure he broke his wrist or something like that.
by Eric Stephen on Jul 23, 2010 10:15 AM PDT up reply actions
It was just his thumb?
That’s really great news then, all I had heard was that he had broken his wrist.
"Stop exploding you cowards!!!"
Yeah at least he didn't break his arm or wrist
as was the conjecture here when the injury first happened. Out 2-6 weeks is better than for the season or longer… But still wins the Bad Timing Award for the poor Royals.
hey, maybe we can get him for cheap now! ;-)
There's no need to fear, Underdog is here! / Broncos/Dodgers/Lakers fan in Niners/Raiders/Giants/Warriors country, and damned proud of it.
Rhubarb
combining my love for baseball and cats. May have one of the first movies I watched on TV.
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0043967/
if we're talking Rhubarb
some needs to post a Red Barber pic. It’s only fair. I can’t……
by Tommy Blackjack on Jul 23, 2010 10:18 AM PDT up reply actions
This was one of my favorite movies growing up. My office has about about a two foot camel as you walk in and I named him Rhubarb, and have all my employees “pat” him on the head for good luck. I have to tell the story of Rhubarb to everyone because it seems NO ONE has ever seen this movie. There is a line in the first Batman movie where the joker says “Don’t pat another man’s Rhubarb”; though it doesn’t seem anyone online knows where the phrase comes. In fact you can find many sites that quote that line with the explanation that Rhubarb means genitals! Maybe sometime in the near future this lost treasure will be available on DVD. Its also interesting to see a VERY young Lenard Nemoy as one of the baseball players. I think he may have one or two lines in the whole movie.
by meercatjohn on Jul 23, 2010 10:34 AM PDT up reply actions
Oh man I remember catching that one TV when I was a little kid
on like one of the local stations that showed old movies (before TCM and AMC) and loving it. Cats plus baseball, what’s not to like!
There's no need to fear, Underdog is here! / Broncos/Dodgers/Lakers fan in Niners/Raiders/Giants/Warriors country, and damned proud of it.
Elden had those sleepy eyes
He was maddening but in the end I liked him.
by meercatjohn on Jul 23, 2010 10:23 AM PDT up reply actions
I liked him and his small hands, too.
I was always sad that he and Eddie Jones were traded.
by Eric Stephen on Jul 23, 2010 10:25 AM PDT up reply actions
I liked his game but my memory is that he sucked in the 4th quarter and he thought he was the go to guy but he couldn’t finish a game. Great player as a role player but as the best player on a team, it was to much to ask.
Now, Nick, he could finish a game.
by meercatjohn on Jul 23, 2010 10:28 AM PDT up reply actions
Were the two throws Martin made last night
the two best throws he’s made in a game?
And would Orlando Hudson have kept his glove down on Reyes like Belliard did?
Is anyone asking yet for Kuo to be the closer? He looked like he was loving it pitching in the 9th. Vinny 95 , 96 , 97 WTF he was dealing, I thought his elbow was going to explode right before my eyes.
they said on the Dodgers site
he’s been lobbying hard to pitch more often.
by Tommy Blackjack on Jul 23, 2010 10:33 AM PDT up reply actions
I'm ok with him pitching a bit more
but not constantly. I would still like to see them play it a little careful with his arm.
same here
you gotta think back to back days is still out for now.
by Tommy Blackjack on Jul 23, 2010 10:37 AM PDT up reply actions
For the soccer fans
SG: Couldn’t agree more. I don’t see the MLS ever being bigger than Triple-A baseball in America, which is fine; Triple-A baseball sells out stadiums, works as a feeder system for the majors and remains lucrative. The hook for soccer is the national team, and by proxy, the success of the best American players. And as Art points out, our players can only get better by playing against the best competition. So if we want to expose fledgling fans to the best possible soccer AND tap into the American/underdog/our-guys dynamic, then the following scenario needs to happen: Donovan (the most famous American soccer player ever, and still in his prime) needs to play overseas for a Premier League team (let’s say Everton, since they already have Tim Howard as well); Everton needs to sign two other blue-chip Americans (let’s say Jozy Altidore and Michael Bradley) and turn themselves into America’s Overseas Premier League Team; then, ESPN needs to sign a deal to show every game live for this team, and also, create a “Hard Knocks”-type show about a season in the life of this team.
From Bill Simmons mailbag . I’ve never been able to “adopt” a European team, but if the bolded played out above, I would definitely be interested in following that team and watching the games. I don’t say it often, but that is a great idea from Bill Simmons.
That would be cool
I can’t disagree with him about MLS popularity. It just has too many hurdles with Baseball Football Basketball and probably Hockey being bigger then it here.
Geez, anybody but Everton. Of course, I’m a Liverpool fan.
by Little Blue Bicycle on Jul 23, 2010 10:41 AM PDT up reply actions
I believe
Fulham has quite a history with American players and the bonus is that they’re in London and not Liverpool like Everton is.
That idea may have some chance of actually kinda-sorta happening (although not really, because signing players just based on nationality isn’t really feasible when the main goal is to compete, but still). Another one that will never happen but would be amazing would be if the MLS actually functioned as a real AAA system for the major European clubs, so we could see the stars of tomorrow playing today.
He is wrong as usual. Why does Donovan need to leave? He is not going to get any better than he already is. I just prefer him staying focused and playing sharp here. EPL is a good fit for Bradley, but I would love to see Jozy go somewhere like Netherlands for a couple years and get serious playing time and learn to put the ball away.
@soyboquense
I disagree that he would not get better by playing against far stiffer competition. But will Donovan be fit enough in any case to make an impact in Brazil in four years time anyway?
He is at the ultimate peak of his prime. He is not getting any better than this. Take it to the bank. If anybody his age today is going to be fit for 2014 it is going to be him. I think he will learn to become more of a holding CM by then. He is very smart.
@soyboquense
This about it this way
You are one of the biggest soccer fans I know, and even you don’t like MLS. So the argument here is to get more Americans into soccer, by taking the American stars we already care about and watching them peform in the elite leagues abroad. This (albeit farfetched) scenario would see 4 American soccer players competing in arguably the best league in the world televised on ESPN in the States. Its that sort of thing which will increse American love for soccer which will go from watching once every 4 years, to watching premier league and watching US qualifying.
by Michael White on Jul 23, 2010 10:57 AM PDT up reply actions
IMO
I just do not see how watching them in EPL will make football in USA more popular. You watch your favorite player (eg. dempsey) and over time you will grow an allegiance to his team, and a hatred for other teams, and next thing you know you are a full on EPL fan. And you still did not watch any more MLS games then you already were not watching.
@soyboquense
Let's see if it'll post this time
Donovan is America’s star right now. The awesome thing to do would be to celebrate him here, in America, and see what he can accomplish. It’s not like he’s been leading the Galaxy to the title every year. He’s obviously a standout and a great player, but he hasn’t accomplished all he can here, and it’s not like international competition is going to turn him into prime form Gerrard
How would you define your approach to management, apart from being brilliant?
by Josie Becker on Jul 23, 2010 10:58 AM PDT up reply actions
I just saw it
heart leapt
How would you define your approach to management, apart from being brilliant?
by Josie Becker on Jul 23, 2010 11:00 AM PDT up reply actions
that's it exactly
a little salt & pepper cocker spaniel
How would you define your approach to management, apart from being brilliant?
by Josie Becker on Jul 23, 2010 11:04 AM PDT up reply actions
Can't wait for the
day when Jansen / Kuo / Broxton deliver the heat. I think the last time I was this excited about seeing a relief pitcher was when we brought up Broxton.
Laker / King / UCLA / USC / Clipper fans
http://www.staplescenter.com/doublecol.php?section=guestservices&page=teamla
Big sale this weekend
i’m sure you meant to say “there” but that’s still funny.
by Tommy Blackjack on Jul 23, 2010 10:47 AM PDT up reply actions
kc
I want to think their front office knows wtf theyre doing but then I read this
According to FOXSports.com’s Ken Rosenthal, the Royals like Jeff Francoeur, but his $5 million salary is “an obstacle.”
by hee came hee seop'd he choi'd on Jul 23, 2010 10:56 AM PDT reply actions
The Royals traded one of their only assets for two crappy relievers.
by regfairfield on Jul 23, 2010 11:01 AM PDT up reply actions
We’ll be able to steal Rick Ankiel right out from under their noses!
by regfairfield on Jul 23, 2010 11:08 AM PDT up reply actions
first betencourt then mike jacobs
now francour
the royals are idiots
by matthewmafa on Jul 23, 2010 11:19 AM PDT up reply actions
If anyone needed extra impetus to see a 66ers game
The Laker Girls will be in San Bernardino, at the game tonight.
Stay here for Dodger Talk
or Futurarma sparring
or Burger talk
or ……
But if you want to go to the TBLA game on Aug 7th, or talk about it, then click on the line above.
by meercatjohn on Jul 23, 2010 11:55 AM PDT up reply actions
Futurama was awesome last night!
Does anyone else have thoughts on this?
"Stop exploding you cowards!!!"
I was stoked because tweeted about how it was great to have a Hermes episode
and cc’d (@) phil lamarr who does his voice. And he retweeted me! Capped off a great night.
There's no need to fear, Underdog is here! / Broncos/Dodgers/Lakers fan in Niners/Raiders/Giants/Warriors country, and damned proud of it.
Burger Talk
any one here had Fatburger?
by Tommy Blackjack on Jul 23, 2010 12:06 PM PDT reply actions
you seem to do that a lot Eric
Reminds me of my eating habits when I worked at UPS.
by Tommy Blackjack on Jul 23, 2010 12:14 PM PDT up reply actions
Noooooooooo, now I'm hungry
Yes. Quite delicious.
by Julio Nievas on Jul 23, 2010 12:11 PM PDT up reply actions
I always enjoy these food discussions
I’m going to start a food blog… So I take note of all these places..
by Julio Nievas on Jul 23, 2010 12:13 PM PDT up reply actions
How many of these places serve good turkey burgers?
damn me and my non-red-meat-eating habit… I do miss hamburgers once in awhile.
Anyone ever eaten at BurgerMeister up here in SF? There are around 3 or so of them. Their hamburgers are grass fed beef and supposedly quite tasty, and their turkey burgers are yum as well. (Great fries, too.)
There's no need to fear, Underdog is here! / Broncos/Dodgers/Lakers fan in Niners/Raiders/Giants/Warriors country, and damned proud of it.
Ok, it's lunch time, and my coworker and I are deciding what we should get
I’m right off the 101 off Wendy Drive in Newbury Park.
Suggestions?
"Stop exploding you cowards!!!"
My Burrito:
White Rice
pinto beans
half carnitas
half barbacoa
guac
by Julio Nievas on Jul 23, 2010 12:34 PM PDT up reply actions
eat your coworker
human flesh is tangy yet lean.
by Tommy Blackjack on Jul 23, 2010 12:27 PM PDT up reply actions
Said he’s now Suchon’s sidekick and used to be somebody. Heh.
by Julio Nievas on Jul 23, 2010 12:31 PM PDT up reply actions
Dodgers are actively discussing Roy Oswalt
names have been exchanged reportedly. (no link, insider only.) Jayson Stark
by Tommy Blackjack on Jul 23, 2010 12:38 PM PDT reply actions
not a difference with what I meant. if it came across differently i apologize.
by Tommy Blackjack on Jul 23, 2010 12:43 PM PDT up reply actions
Surely we can beat the reported offer by the Cards of John Jay and Brendan Ryan.
My offer: Ethan Martin, Trayvon Robinson, Scott Elbert
I don't see any way a team will want Elbert right now in any kind of big name trade, alas.
There's no need to fear, Underdog is here! / Broncos/Dodgers/Lakers fan in Niners/Raiders/Giants/Warriors country, and damned proud of it.
lol, I’ll be so happy if we traded those three and get Oswalt.
by Julio Nievas on Jul 23, 2010 12:51 PM PDT up reply actions
For Jayson Stark? I'd definitely make that trade Dodgers!
There's no need to fear, Underdog is here! / Broncos/Dodgers/Lakers fan in Niners/Raiders/Giants/Warriors country, and damned proud of it.
Buddy
http://www.truebluela.com/2010/7/23/1584675/rubby-de-la-rosa-promoted-to-aa
Let’s use this as the new place to gather today.
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