Let Me Count The Ways You Make Me Smile
by Phil Gurnee on Sep 15, 2010 10:03 AM PDT
in TCWCITTBW
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PrintI wasn't sure how to work this 1 - 0 angle. Talk about Don Sutton and his 1 - 0 games. Talk about how Clayton is now firmly established as one of the best young pitchers in the game. Talk about how Clayton can finally say he "shook hands with the catcher". Talk about what a joy it is has been to watch this man child grow from a boy to a man, and meet or exceed every heady expectation we ever had. Talk about how in a meaningless season in the dark days of Sept he gave us a game to remember. So I'll try to work them all in a meandering piece of happiness.
Complete game shutouts are an anachronism from a era that some of us experienced first hand. When Sandy Koufax talked about "shaking hands with the catcher" this past spring we nodded our heads. I grew up reading about how important it was for the starting pitcher to finish what he started, and how much pride they took in doing so. The fiery competitive spirit of Koufax, Drysdale, Marichal, and Gibson would sooner fight then get taken out of a game they had a chance to pull a win from.
Once that era was over only Fernando had the same drive to complete games, and that drive came with a price because Fernando was anything but economical with his pitches. I'm not here to debate pitch counts but Fernando might have stared Tommy down one to many times for his own good.
Was it all competitive spirit? Maybe, but a lot had to do with the paycheck because back then you got paid for how many games you won, not your peripherals, and when players barely made more then the Mad Men of the world, those wins were precious.
Did you notice I didn't mention Don Sutton in the above group. I don't think many would, but Don Sutton was the king of the shutout, and especially the king of the 1 - 0 shutout, so he must have had some kind of fire in his belly. Seven times in Don's career he would hurl a 1 - 0 victory and on June 16th, 1970 I was lucky enough that he did it on the very first Dodger game I ever saw at the ravine. By the end of his HOF career Don Sutton had 56 shutouts, yet he's rarely mentioned as a man with the same competitive spirit as those who preceded him in Dodger lore.
| Date | Tm | Opp | Rslt | H | BB | SO | GSc |
| 7/30/1967 | LAD | PHI | W 1-0 | 8 | 2 | 7 | 76 |
| 6/16/1970 | LAD | PIT | W 1-0 | 4 | 2 | 9 | 86 |
| 6/3/1972 | LAD | STL | W 1-0 | 7 | 0 | 6 | 79 |
| 4/21/1973 | LAD | SFG | W 1-0 | 9 | 0 | 7 | 76 |
| 7/16/1973 | LAD | PIT | W 1-0 | 6 | 0 | 9 | 84 |
| 5/14/1974 | LAD | HOU | W 1-0 | 4 | 3 | 9 | 85 |
| 9/10/1974 | LAD | ATL | W 1-0 | 4 | 1 | 7 | 85 |
I'm not going to say this game from Clayton has established himself as one of the pitching stars of the future. We already knew that, but for some reason we want everyone else to recognize it. Throwing these kind of games gets the notice of the media we like to mock. For whatever reason, no matter how much we don't care about the old media, we still want them to recognize our jewel. This game will get him that recognition.
I noticed that Clayton hugged the catcher and didn't shake his hands. Hugging is the new "shake hands". Everyone is hugging everyone. When we get down on this season we watch a game like this, and if you stay until the end you see something that always brings back hope. Not the just the game, that was special in of itself, but really got me, was how happy everyone was on the team for Clayton, how real smiles were found up and down the congratulation line. Some hugged him, some did glove bumps, but all looked genuinely happy to be part of the game.
At the end of day sometimes all I want is proof that our players still care. Games like this recharge me. Clayton mocking A.J. Ellis going into 3rd base the other day recharged me. I want my players to like each other. It may not make sense and history is full of teams who were great who didn't like each other. So what? I want my team to be pulling for each other through thick and thin.
The core starts with a center, and Clayton Kershaw is now the creamy milky vanilla goodness of the Dodger core. So far in his young career he has only exceed expectations at every turn. If you were planning a trip to Dodger Stadium is there really any other pitcher you'd rather see? The Minotaur is for real, and he's ours. All ours. Enjoy him.
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Don't want this buried on the last thread
Josie doing her usual good work.
http://losangeles.sbnation.com/2010/9/15/1688579/old-meets-new-dodgers-manny-ramirez-andre-ether-matt-kemp
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
Great article.
Question: Where did Minotaur come from? is it the mythical creature part?
"Remember, what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas. Except for herpes. That shit'll come back with you."
It was born back in the comments of Dodger Thoughts on Baseball Toaster, when it was decided that until Kershaw stepped foot on a major league field he wasn’t real, and thus needed a mythical nickname.
by Eric Stephen on Sep 15, 2010 10:12 AM PDT up reply actions
It was a way to manage our expectations so we couldn’t be crushed.
by Eric Stephen on Sep 15, 2010 10:13 AM PDT up reply actions
Roger. Makes sense. So does that make Zach Lee Cerberus? Maybe he’s Lelantos, God of air and the hunter’s skill of stalking prey.
Maybe that makes Larry Bowa Menoitios, God of violent anger, rash action, and human mortality. Killed by Zeus.
"Remember, what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas. Except for herpes. That shit'll come back with you."
I don’t have any expectations, yet, for Lee. I need to see him in a professional setting first. That said, I thought his signing was needed and important.
by Eric Stephen on Sep 15, 2010 10:21 AM PDT up reply actions
I usually say there is no such thing as a moral victory, but Zach Lee signing was good for the collective soul.
"Remember, what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas. Except for herpes. That shit'll come back with you."
Agreed
It was symbolic to me more than anything.
by Eric Stephen on Sep 15, 2010 10:24 AM PDT up reply actions
I'll take credit with Nate.
When Kershaw was destroying the MWL I commented on DT that I did not believe in him because the raw memory of Greg Miller was to soon, so Nate said he’s the Minotaur and it took off from there.
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
by Phil Gurnee on Sep 15, 2010 10:14 AM PDT up reply actions
It also stems from the idea
that There Is No Such Thing As A Pitching Prospect
by bhsportsguy on Sep 15, 2010 10:17 AM PDT up reply actions
Hope this is not a jinx comment
but earlier we had Morris/Miller/Elbert/Thompson/Megrew all had surgeries.
Don’t think any significant prospect has had surgery in three years.
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
by Phil Gurnee on Sep 15, 2010 10:22 AM PDT up reply actions
I enjoyed this, Phil
Throwing these kind of games gets the notice of the media we like to mock. For whatever reason, no matter how much we don’t care about the old media, we still want them to recognize out jewel. This game will get him that recognition.
This is a great point.
RIP Edwin Newman
Truly a one of a kind.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20100915/ap_en_tv/us_obit_newman
“I remember when the bulletin came on the AP wire that Spiro Agnew had resigned as vice president. I ran to the announcer’s booth. There was an American League playoff game on. Whoever was in charge of operations control wanted me to wait until the end of the inning. I said, `The next time the pitcher delivers the pitch and you see the ball in the catcher’s mitt, switch to me and I’ll be off before the pitcher throws another ball.’”
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
A classic
A bit off topic and more local, but did anyone watch “Stan Chambers, Newsman” on KTLA last month? I enjoyed it.
by Eric Stephen on Sep 15, 2010 10:15 AM PDT up reply actions
I would have guessed "Dead" in the "Dead or Alive" game
I distinctly remember Edwin Newman doing network new breaks between shows for NBC in the last 1960s and 1970s. Maybe that was during the daytime in the summer.
The commenter formerly known as El Lay Dave.
by David Young on Sep 15, 2010 11:47 AM PDT up reply actions
Nice post Phil
We should really appreciate what a gem we have in young Kershaw, and hope he’s with us for a long time
There's no need to fear, Underdog is here! / Broncos/Dodgers/Lakers fan in Niners/Raiders/Giants/Warriors country, and damned proud of it.
So NOW a friend of mine wants to go to the game either tonight or tomorrow
he’s a neutral fan (a Red Sox fan) who likes going to games there. If I had to choose, I’d go tonight, tho I’ve already seen Bills pitch quite a few times. Last night would’ve been better but as I said, with my luck something different would’ve happened.
Which means I probably shouldn’t go at all. So never mind.
There's no need to fear, Underdog is here! / Broncos/Dodgers/Lakers fan in Niners/Raiders/Giants/Warriors country, and damned proud of it.
Either way, Bills or Lills, you’ll see a win.
Yeah, that’s happening.
by Eric Stephen on Sep 15, 2010 10:16 AM PDT up reply actions
Lilly would be cool, actually
he’s usually pretty solid and haven’t seen him pitch in person before. Who’s going for SF tomorrow?
There's no need to fear, Underdog is here! / Broncos/Dodgers/Lakers fan in Niners/Raiders/Giants/Warriors country, and damned proud of it.
If only you had a review to review
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
by Phil Gurnee on Sep 15, 2010 10:17 AM PDT up reply actions
Pardon?
There's no need to fear, Underdog is here! / Broncos/Dodgers/Lakers fan in Niners/Raiders/Giants/Warriors country, and damned proud of it.
Oh hee hee my brain thinks "film review"
Yes, yes, a TBLA series preview would be nice to read ;-)
or I can just click on a link on the Dodgers.com site
There's no need to fear, Underdog is here! / Broncos/Dodgers/Lakers fan in Niners/Raiders/Giants/Warriors country, and damned proud of it.
Dodgers.com is where rational thought goes to die.
"Remember, what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas. Except for herpes. That shit'll come back with you."
not the lame forums, just the probable pitchers page...
There's no need to fear, Underdog is here! / Broncos/Dodgers/Lakers fan in Niners/Raiders/Giants/Warriors country, and damned proud of it.
What’s weird is that whatever service the MLB.com sites use to update their pitching probables isn’t direct from the team. It is disappointing how often it is incorrect.
by Eric Stephen on Sep 15, 2010 10:23 AM PDT up reply actions
I believe
DodgerSF is going in the Bob Uecker seats
by bhsportsguy on Sep 15, 2010 10:18 AM PDT up reply actions
Hope she leaves her gun at home
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
by Phil Gurnee on Sep 15, 2010 10:19 AM PDT up reply actions
I thought being in SF
the proper quote would be -
Well tell me punk , do you feel lucky?
by bhsportsguy on Sep 15, 2010 10:28 AM PDT up reply actions
Hopefully the Dodgers won’t have to say after Thursday night, “Tell me, did I score six runs in the series, or five?”
by Eric Stephen on Sep 15, 2010 10:29 AM PDT up reply actions
DodgerSF=
Dirty Harriet?
;-)
There's no need to fear, Underdog is here! / Broncos/Dodgers/Lakers fan in Niners/Raiders/Giants/Warriors country, and damned proud of it.
You forgot the citation
Well tell me punk , do you feel lucky? – Vicente Padilla
fixed.
"Remember, what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas. Except for herpes. That shit'll come back with you."
Well if its Padilla
you take the chance he’ll miss and shoot himself in the leg.
Have you ever tried just turning off the TV, sitting down with your children, and hitting them?
Jebus, better bring a tank top and a parka, this time of year
by Josie Becker on Sep 15, 2010 11:36 AM PDT up reply actions
ya, i know…
it’s The Giants gonna suck.
FTFY.
The commenter formerly known as El Lay Dave.
by David Young on Sep 15, 2010 12:00 PM PDT up reply actions
Looks like Sanchez
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
by Phil Gurnee on Sep 15, 2010 10:18 AM PDT up reply actions
Yeah Lilly vs Sanchez
should be a good matchup. On paper all 3 games in this series should be real low scoring.
I’ve seen Bills vs Cain a number of times already so tomorrow’s is more intriguing to me. Sanchez could go any way, from unhittable to totally wild. Or both.
There's no need to fear, Underdog is here! / Broncos/Dodgers/Lakers fan in Niners/Raiders/Giants/Warriors country, and damned proud of it.
How aweome would it be to win
1 – 0
2 – 0
3 – 0
or
1 – 0
2 – 1
3 – 2
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
by Phil Gurnee on Sep 15, 2010 10:24 AM PDT up reply actions
I watched the 30 for 30 on Chris Evert and Martina Navratilova, and thought it was pretty good. I was hoping they would show the SNL skit with Evert and Nora Dunn as Martina, and sure enough they did! Classic.
Yeah, it was a great piece. Coming from someone who a) was not all that interested in women’s tennis and b) who it was a little before my time, it was great to see the trials of a professional athlete and how her adversary helped her get through troubling times.
"Remember, what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas. Except for herpes. That shit'll come back with you."
Chrissie was the first double X player I was interested in enough to watch
always rooted for her against Martina, probably because she be pretty and Martina not. Shallow is my lot.
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
by Phil Gurnee on Sep 15, 2010 10:35 AM PDT up reply actions
Chrissie
was Showtime, Martina was the Celtics.
by bhsportsguy on Sep 15, 2010 10:38 AM PDT up reply actions
My interest in tennis is pretty much limited to grand slams only, and really only grand slam final weekends at that. I was a little too young for McEnroe’s prime, so when I started watching women’s tennis was more exciting because of Martina and the emergence of Steffi Graf.
When I watch the US Open, I hope for rain delays only so they will show the Connors-Haarhuis match from 1992. To this day, I enjoy celebrating points in ping pong with the same flair as Jimmy Connors in that match. :)
by Eric Stephen on Sep 15, 2010 10:38 AM PDT up reply actions
That Borg
v . McEnroe 1980 Wimbledon Singles FInal was one of the greatest sporting moments I ever saw.
by bhsportsguy on Sep 15, 2010 10:41 AM PDT up reply actions
Eric's comment above reminded me of that
I’m not a tennis buff but that shit was mesmerizing.
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
by Phil Gurnee on Sep 15, 2010 10:45 AM PDT up reply actions
Fortune almost had it
I was living in England at the time and went to Wimbledon, I believe on the Tursday prior to that match…..Truly amazing. Since we are and where discussing Kershaw, I went to his 1st victory against the Cards. Still have the ticket.
was it 2008 with the Wimbledon men's final between Nadal and Federer?
one of the best damn things I’ve ever seen, with darkness falling Nadal breaks Roger’s streak. And they were both so gracious afterwards – that made me a Nadal fan.
That which is in constant motion contains all possible forms.
Even 21-4 gives me four chances to style.
by Eric Stephen on Sep 15, 2010 12:43 PM PDT up reply actions
You could just style after a lost point
in other words, Juan Uribe it.
The commenter formerly known as El Lay Dave.
by David Young on Sep 15, 2010 12:45 PM PDT up reply actions
What this 30 for 30 reminded me most of
Is the clip of Jim Everett beating Jim Rome’s ass!!
i was going to ask if they found a way to work that into the episode.
by Michael White on Sep 15, 2010 1:38 PM PDT up reply actions
Haha
They did not.
It was Rome’s greatest mistake of that whole confrontation, equating Jim Everett’s happy feet to one of the toughest, most strong-willed athletes ever.
by Eric Stephen on Sep 15, 2010 1:41 PM PDT up reply actions
Seriously
I just love the fact that Everett told Rome what he was going to do and backed it up. Rome thought he was safe being on tv and did not see that coming.
I love that Rome said it again, after Everett told him he was going to beat his ass.
by Michael White on Sep 15, 2010 1:53 PM PDT up reply actions
I convinced by history teacher (maybe it was government; same teacher, different year) to show the tape of that (I had it on VHS) and we used it as a spring board to study the First Amendment.
I just loved that we got to watch it during class. :)
by Eric Stephen on Sep 15, 2010 1:54 PM PDT up reply actions
Right
but it seemed to me that Rome said it again while thinking to himself “I’m on tv, there is no way this guy is going to flip this table over and pound me…”
Little did he know…
But I mean, it was in a face to face interview. I could see calling Rome a telephone tough guy if this was a radio interview, but he had stones to keep after it sitting a foot away from that guy.
by Michael White on Sep 15, 2010 1:56 PM PDT up reply actions
Yea I totally agree with you
Especially since Rome weighs about 135 lbs and Jim Everett is like 6’5" 240lbs.
When I saw it I was just shocked that Everett actually went after him. Its not surprising to see a media guy mouth off, even a foot away.
Great article
seeing Kershaw smile like that after Barajas throws him his keepsake ball reminds me of how much I love Dodger baseball. I really just want to see the team smile and have some fun out there. too many sad faces!
I’m really liking Rod Barajas. Not because of his production (I still feel like he’s due to completely fall flat), but because it’s great to see someone playing for the Dodgers who actually WANTS to play for us. As Eric Karros said on the pregame show yesterday, “These players are fans first”. Each one of them had a favorite team growing up, so to see someone like Barajas thoroughly enjoying himself is extremely refreshing.
"Remember, what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas. Except for herpes. That shit'll come back with you."
by G.Scott on Sep 15, 2010 10:32 AM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
Me too
At this point, I would be shocked if both Barajas and Gibbons weren’t back with the Dodgers in 2011.
by Eric Stephen on Sep 15, 2010 10:45 AM PDT up reply actions
Are you upset when Martin is non-tendered and leaves, and Barajas is made the starter with AJ Ellis the backup?
"Remember, what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas. Except for herpes. That shit'll come back with you."
That would piss me off
I like Barajas, just not as a starter :)
by Eric Stephen on Sep 15, 2010 10:47 AM PDT up reply actions
We'd be the Mets:(
I remember doing the Met preview early in the year and making fun of Barajas as their starting catcher.
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
by Phil Gurnee on Sep 15, 2010 10:48 AM PDT up reply actions
Indeed
you did. It’s not that harsh though.
C – Rod Barajas is the everyday catcher. It has been years since the Mets have had a good catcher and 2010 is no exception. Barajas is 34 years old and is playing like he’s 38. He can hit a home run once in a while. He’s a good backup catcher, but for the Mets he’s their starter.
The commenter formerly known as El Lay Dave.
by David Young on Sep 15, 2010 11:53 AM PDT up reply actions
I’m not sure I would be. I still don’t think it would be wise to give Martin more than $2M next year. If he takes that, great if not oh well. I think it would be Barajas and they would try to find a lefy hitter. Maybe try to acquire Doumit or Navarro.
Now all I’m thinking about is trading for Iannetta or Napoli.
by Michael White on Sep 15, 2010 10:50 AM PDT up reply actions
Not happening
we’d end up trading for Olivo or Mathis:(
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
by Phil Gurnee on Sep 15, 2010 10:51 AM PDT up reply actions
Yah, I've said all along
I’d love to have Barajas back, as a backup catcher, not starter. And think he and Martin would be a totally adequate combo. I do like his enthusiasm for playing for LA. And unlike a lot of other 2nd string backstops, at least he has a little pop in his bat.
There's no need to fear, Underdog is here! / Broncos/Dodgers/Lakers fan in Niners/Raiders/Giants/Warriors country, and damned proud of it.
We forget how much Martin's enthusiasm
when the started his career with us, was one of the binds that pulled us to him. His reactions in the 4+ 1 game are part of my memories.
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
by Phil Gurnee on Sep 15, 2010 10:46 AM PDT up reply actions
Yeah
if you’d told me in 2007 that Russell Martin would be the first of the great new young homegrown Dodgers to be jettisoned from the team, I would have told you to get off the crack.
Fuck You Ruiz
by Humma Kavula on Sep 15, 2010 10:49 AM PDT up reply actions
Well written, Phil.
Some of my favorites:
For whatever reason, no matter how much we don’t care about the old media, we still want them to recognize out jewel. This game will get him that recognition.
The core starts with a center, and Clayton Kershaw is now the creamy milky vanilla goodness of the Dodger core.
That is twice
I got the line quoted, and it makes the spelling error stand out. I guess I should fix it.
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
by Phil Gurnee on Sep 15, 2010 10:55 AM PDT up reply actions
I am so bummed and completely pissed that I missed this game.
Sounds like an absolute blast and sounds like it takes the Game of the Year title over my previous #1, Kershaw Hands Jimenez His First Loss.
Fuck You Ruiz
that game seems SO long ago now, but as much as I LOVED watching the SO last night, bitch slapping Ubaldo Jimenez’s perfect record is still my favorite.
This game, however, has many more psychological and morale implications and effects.
"Remember, what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas. Except for herpes. That shit'll come back with you."
I was in attendance for Kershaw-Jimenez
and, like I say, didn’t watch the game last night. So in my mind, Kershaw-Jimenez is still #1!
But that is just me. In such a disappointing season — have I ever been more wrong about a ballclub? — last night’s performance is a shot in the arm.
Fuck You Ruiz
by Humma Kavula on Sep 15, 2010 10:43 AM PDT up reply actions
Leave it to Kershaw to provide the two things I’ll remember about this season.
Distant third is the pinch hit go ahead home run manny hit against the Giants(DBacks?).
"Remember, what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas. Except for herpes. That shit'll come back with you."
it was the giants
i remember them crying in mccovey about us not having respect for the game for winning like that.
tough choice
i was thinking if the playoffs start and only 1 of sf/phi will make it, who do i want to make it. i rooted AGAINST the dodgers in houston just b/c id rather us burn to the ground than see those trolls in the playoffs. and then we slap them in the face last night. i LOVE it
The Dodgers/Houston games
had no bearing on the playoffs, nor the Giants.
The commenter formerly known as El Lay Dave.
have I ever been more wrong about a ballclub?
Maybe it’s prepaying for being wrong about 2011, too :)
by Eric Stephen on Sep 15, 2010 10:46 AM PDT up reply actions
Good golly I hope so
Crow is my favorite dish and I would gladly eat some.
Fuck You Ruiz
by Humma Kavula on Sep 15, 2010 10:50 AM PDT up reply actions
I saw Kershaw - Jiminez too
and I was also there when Kershaw dominated the Giants in April 2009.
And whatever grief you get from Dodger management, I think we all have to agree that they have done a great job managing his workload (even if you disagree with his pitch count limits), Kershaw is all set to have a great career now.
by bhsportsguy on Sep 15, 2010 10:46 AM PDT up reply actions
I forgot
Kershaw-Jimenez happened the day after Haeger blew up and couldn’t get a single out.
That was a nice thing.
Fuck You Ruiz
by Humma Kavula on Sep 15, 2010 11:09 AM PDT up reply actions
Not only that
but the Kershaw-Zito duel on a Sunday at Dodger Stadium — the Manny Ramirez PH homer — came one day after the Dodgers were housed 9-0 by Lincecum and the Jints.
by Eric Stephen on Sep 15, 2010 11:12 AM PDT up reply actions
Yeah
I was at the game that Lincecum dominated.
I went with a very friendly and polite Giants fan. I was not surprised by the game, so it was hard to be disappointed by Lincecum dominance. The Giant fan was very happy.
Fuck You Ruiz
by Humma Kavula on Sep 15, 2010 11:15 AM PDT up reply actions
I think you're right.
That Jimenez duel was epic, but with all the factors involved in this one (Dodger fan morale down, playing the Giants) this one takes the cake for me.
I was fairly certain
that the following would happen after the single.
1. Huff would inexplicably hit a game wining two run home run off of Clayton
2. Kuo would inexplicably give up a game winning two run home to Huff
Vinny was in top form, the Giant fans were in top form. I thought we were destined for just another notch on our misery belt.
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
by Phil Gurnee on Sep 15, 2010 10:42 AM PDT up reply actions
The crowd in SF was really into the game, and quite loud at several points, which added to the excitement.
by Eric Stephen on Sep 15, 2010 10:39 AM PDT up reply actions
Definitely made it better. I even got some trash talking in with some of my Sonoma buddies who said they were going to the game.
Friend #1: Going to see the Giants whoop the Dodgers tonight!
Me: I want to apologize in advance for you having to watch Kershaw dominate.
Friend #2: I want to apologize in advance for the Dodgers watching the playoffs from the golf course.
Friend #1: Suck a fat one Gary the Dodgers suck. The Giants are playoff bound and where are the Dodgers going!?
Me: Same place the Giants are going. Enjoy the game!
though I wasn’t NEARLY as prophetic as Mr. Eric Stephen.
"Remember, what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas. Except for herpes. That shit'll come back with you."
They're just trying to come up with stuff to say to make up for
watching the Dodgers make the NLCS two straight years and generally being shitty for much longer. And of course the odds still aren’t great for their team making the playoffs this year, either.
There's no need to fear, Underdog is here! / Broncos/Dodgers/Lakers fan in Niners/Raiders/Giants/Warriors country, and damned proud of it.
The game last night
represented why we still watch even though the season is over.
by Michael White on Sep 15, 2010 10:42 AM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
I think the side story
that the Dodgers won despite getting only one hit added to it.
by bhsportsguy on Sep 15, 2010 10:42 AM PDT up reply actions
I was definitely rooting for them in the seventh and eighth innings to not get anymore hits.
by Eric Stephen on Sep 15, 2010 10:43 AM PDT up reply actions
Totally
at that point I didn’t want any more hits. Winning 1 – 0 with one hit that had nothing to do with how the run was scored made it a great story.
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
by Phil Gurnee on Sep 15, 2010 10:44 AM PDT up reply actions
Weaver's "no-hitter"
and I certainly rooted for that to continue in the 8th
by bhsportsguy on Sep 15, 2010 10:48 AM PDT up reply actions
I was still in San Diego then, and since that game was on KCAL and KCOP, I was limited to audio only. Still, it was very exciting, and I also was rooting for the Dodgers to not get anymore hits.
by Eric Stephen on Sep 15, 2010 10:51 AM PDT up reply actions
Yesterday’s game was shades of the infamous no hit win in 2008 against the Angels.
I actually was disappointed to learn that the single wasn’t involved in getting the run home. Was Kemp’s single at least a true single?
Yes
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
by Phil Gurnee on Sep 15, 2010 10:49 AM PDT up reply actions
Hanging curve lined into the outfield. As true as they come.
by Michael White on Sep 15, 2010 10:52 AM PDT up reply actions
Shades of Koufax’s perfect game. Lou Johnson got the only Dodger hit, but it wasn’t part of how the Dodgers scored their only run.
by Eric Stephen on Sep 15, 2010 10:52 AM PDT up reply actions
Vin mentioned
the other LA games where the Dodgers had only one hit and won the game.
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
by Phil Gurnee on Sep 15, 2010 10:53 AM PDT up reply actions
1965 Cubs must have been pissed; happened to them twice.
by Eric Stephen on Sep 15, 2010 10:57 AM PDT up reply actions
It pulls you back
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
by Phil Gurnee on Sep 15, 2010 10:43 AM PDT up reply actions
I would have watched
but last night was a perfect storm of work responsibilities, new baby responsibilities, toddler responsibilities, and grandparent responsibilities. Awful.
Fuck You Ruiz
by Humma Kavula on Sep 15, 2010 10:47 AM PDT up reply actions
Must be weird
to be a new parent and a grandparent. I’d call Tony Randall for advice, or maybe Michael Douglas.
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
by Phil Gurnee on Sep 15, 2010 10:49 AM PDT up reply actions
Read again
my responsibilities were to the work, the new baby, the toddler, and the grandparents.
Fuck You Ruiz
by Humma Kavula on Sep 15, 2010 10:51 AM PDT up reply actions
No, stamps foot and walks away
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
by Phil Gurnee on Sep 15, 2010 10:52 AM PDT up reply actions
Although last night’s 1-hit win was the 6th such Dodgers game since 1920, it was their first on the road
I think that is one of the reasons this was such a compelling game
beating the Giants in the middle of the pennant race on the road in a 1 – 0 game in which we garner only one hit. Hard to beat the intangibles of that game.
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
by Phil Gurnee on Sep 15, 2010 11:08 AM PDT up reply actions
Crap, I just realized
does this put Kershaw in the “gritty” category. You know, except he has talent too.
"Remember, what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas. Except for herpes. That shit'll come back with you."
Gritty and Talented are what makes him the center of the core.
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
by Phil Gurnee on Sep 15, 2010 11:13 AM PDT up reply actions
Revisiting the 2006 Draft
After Lincecum, Longoria and Kershaw, I think you have to maybe move trademates Ian Kennedy and Max Scherzer up from their positions. Drew Stubbs is the everyday CF for the Reds but I am still not a big fan. Morrow probably goes there too.
Hochevar, Miller, Reynolds and Lincoln again show what can happen with college pitchers.
by bhsportsguy on Sep 15, 2010 11:35 AM PDT up reply actions
His injury doesn’t really affect anything. They will exercise the option, and he will decline.
I can see them working out a deal though.
by Eric Stephen on Sep 15, 2010 11:15 AM PDT up reply actions
He got $1.85m guaranteed off one decent year (98 OPS+). Now he has back-to-back decent years, with another 98 OPS+.
His agent can easily point to his injury and how it affected his late-season decline, and even with the decline, he put up the same season.
I think Pods will want a two-year deal, but should be able to fall back into a deal at or above 1-year, $2 million. That’s why he will decline.
by Eric Stephen on Sep 15, 2010 11:25 AM PDT up reply actions
I'll be shocked if he gets a two year deal
but yes a one year deal for the same is probably right. If that is the case, why would he decline?
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
by Phil Gurnee on Sep 15, 2010 11:27 AM PDT up reply actions
Because he MIGHT get a two-year deal
and if he doesn’t, worst case scenario, he gets the same deal as the option he declines. It’s all upside for him.
Fuck You Ruiz
by Humma Kavula on Sep 15, 2010 11:28 AM PDT up reply actions
It ain't all upside
the league was littered with fourth/fifth outfielders who were lucky to get major league invites. He may take the bird in hand, players like Pod don’t have alot of teams in need of his services.
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
by Phil Gurnee on Sep 15, 2010 11:32 AM PDT up reply actions
Well
The theory that he’d decline DOES assume that his worst-case scenario is the same deal as the one he’d decline ($2m/1). You’re right that that could be a faulty assumption…. but if it’s right, or if it’s got a good chance of being right, he should decline.
Fuck You Ruiz
by Humma Kavula on Sep 15, 2010 11:34 AM PDT up reply actions
The one-year $2 million is his fall back. He should be able to get that (well, really $1.9m — the difference in the option and the buyout) from someone, so it’s worth it to test the market to see if he can get more.
by Eric Stephen on Sep 15, 2010 11:28 AM PDT up reply actions
Maybe
but guys like him have been squeezed the last several years. Then again he is white and is not Ray Durham or Jermaine Dye.
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
by Phil Gurnee on Sep 15, 2010 11:30 AM PDT up reply actions
Jermaine Dye was the victim of there being more old, defensively-challenged declining hitters than there were spots, and he was the one who turned down the Cubs contract. $3mil playing in Wrigley is better than sitting at home.
Ray Durham could probably have played for us this year.
"Remember, what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas. Except for herpes. That shit'll come back with you."
Ray Durham could probably have played for us this year.
A VHS copy of BULL DURHAM could probably have played for us this year.
Fuck You Ruiz
by Humma Kavula on Sep 15, 2010 11:35 AM PDT up reply actions
Funny enough
I only own Bull Durham on VHS and no longer have a way to watch it.
"Remember, what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas. Except for herpes. That shit'll come back with you."
But Pods was a guy like him last offseason, and he got $1.85m guaranteed. He was coming off of one decent-to-good season after several poor ones.
This year, he had the same season as 2009, and those shitty years become more and more removed.
by Eric Stephen on Sep 15, 2010 11:37 AM PDT up reply actions
Avoid it altogether and don’t pick up the option. Bring Gibbons back as a reserve and try to find a RH bat to start in the OF.
I’m not arguing at all that I want Podsednik. Just pointing out what is likely to happen IMO.
by Eric Stephen on Sep 15, 2010 11:46 AM PDT up reply actions
Is his option that cheap that Pods would definitely decline it?
by Michael White on Sep 15, 2010 11:18 AM PDT up reply actions
I think, if you wanted him as a fifth outfield option and pinch runner off the bench, you could do better and for potentially less money.
"Remember, what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas. Except for herpes. That shit'll come back with you."
Willy Taveras comes to mind.
"Remember, what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas. Except for herpes. That shit'll come back with you."
Ha
then maybe Corey Patterson who can run, hit with power, play centerfield. Just can’t hit much but maybe enough to be your extra outfielder.
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
by Phil Gurnee on Sep 15, 2010 11:25 AM PDT up reply actions
How much different
is the young Aussie then the old Pod? They are both left handed, weak arms, can play LF or CF, excellent speed, little power. The Aussie just about the exact age that Pod broke in with the Brewers. Seems to me if you want those skills you save some money and use the Aussie as your fifth outfielder. Or use Paul as your fourth outfielder.
Cody Ross as our LF against LHP?
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
by Phil Gurnee on Sep 15, 2010 11:22 AM PDT up reply actions
Who does he platoon with? Granted, SSS warning, but in 121PAs Xavier Paul only had a .685 OPS.
"Remember, what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas. Except for herpes. That shit'll come back with you."
Andre:)
I’m hoping for a full time RF
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
by Phil Gurnee on Sep 15, 2010 11:28 AM PDT up reply actions
B-Ref updated thier park factors today to include 2010 games.
Dodger Stadium is now at:
Park Factors Over 100 favors batters, under 100 favors pitchers.
multi-year: Batting – 95, Pitching – 94 · one-year: Batting – 96, Pitching – 95
it probably doesn't work that way but
having the Dodgers make up half of ABs in Dodger Stadium definitely makes it seem more like a pitcher’s park :)
Phil is on a roll this week
Nice job – again.
Were you rooting for the one-hitter too
I see Tony Jackson says that Torre and Honeycutt never considered pulling Kershaw, I have to think if Huff gets on, they would have.
by bhsportsguy on Sep 15, 2010 12:00 PM PDT up reply actions
Thanks Jon
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
by Phil Gurnee on Sep 15, 2010 12:10 PM PDT up reply actions
Excellent article Phil
I especially love the last three paragraphs.
The commenter formerly known as El Lay Dave.
Don Sutton was the king of the shutout, and especially the king of the 1 – 0 shutout, so he must have had some kind of fire in his belly
Steve Garvey got a taste of Sutton’s belly fire.
The commenter formerly known as El Lay Dave.
Belly fire chicken is my favorite new dish at Panda Express.
by Eric Stephen on Sep 15, 2010 12:04 PM PDT up reply actions
Alright Phil
I’m serious this time. I read the article and it is indeed great. I am hoping that CK gets the national respect he deserves.
He is the unquestioned “ACE” of the staff. I hope he is here 5 years from now. To let him go would be a huge mistake.
Apparently the Ethier would like Boston rumors
stem from this tweet by Sean McAdam, formerly of the Boston Herald, now working for Comcast Sports Net and CSNNE.com.
Ethier has told some would love to come to Boston. @Dan_Dann_Danny Ethier 2 Sox would put another big bat in lineup,unite friends (Pedroia)There not a whole lot of substance there.
The commenter formerly known as El Lay Dave.
I was wondering where that came from
A Boston sportswriter speculating on players who would love to come to Boston. Big shocker.
Fine, what do we get out of the deal?
I mean, that’s kind of a big part of the equation.
by Michael White on Sep 15, 2010 12:20 PM PDT up reply actions
Yeah I saw Molly Knight appropriately respond to that
by tweeting “doesn’t pass the sniff test” or something. Sounds like made up garbage.
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 passes the sniff test. I’m sure Ethier would love to go to Boston. The tweet didn’t claim anything else for us to scream BS on.
by Michael White on Sep 15, 2010 12:44 PM PDT up reply actions
It would not surprise me if a lot of players on the team at this point were thinking of greener pastures.
"We were never friends"
Greener in what way?
Not every player wants to play in NY and certainly Manny (assuming he talked to the players) as well as back when Nomar and Lowe were on the team could have expounded on the culture of Red Sox Nation.
I think there are two things players want, to be paid and playing time, where this takes place is not as important.
by bhsportsguy on Sep 15, 2010 12:50 PM PDT up reply actions
I think for a pending free agent like Ethier, a well capitalized club like Boston would be a great place to go during the arb years hoping he can land a long-term deal.
by Michael White on Sep 15, 2010 12:53 PM PDT up reply actions
Are you sure?
I’m sure he’d love to play with his good buddy Pedroia, but does a 20-something, raised in and living in Arizona, who loves Mexican food, want to play in Boston for six months a year? Train in Florida, not Arizona?
The commenter formerly known as El Lay Dave.
by David Young on Sep 15, 2010 12:48 PM PDT up reply actions
Do you think the Sox
have a better chance of beating out the Yankee’s. Rays over the next three years compared to the Dodgers beating out the Rockies/Giants?
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
Since the Rays have said they are cutting payroll, and are losing 2 of their 3 best hitters, even with that rotation taken into consideration, I don’t think they’re a 90 win team again while Ethier is under team control.
My bigger question is, as a soon-to-be 29 year old, how much do we care if we lose him? I wouldn’t sign him to more than a 2-3 year deal after he’s FA eligible anyway. If he wants to go, hell even if he doesn’t want to go, put the Bob Hope record on, sing Thanks for the Memory, and don’t let the door hit you where the good lord split you.
Oh, and please bring back a nice player or two.
"Remember, what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas. Except for herpes. That shit'll come back with you."
Losing Crawford is the biggest blow, but given their awesome pitching staff and having reinforcements at the ready I think Tampa’s window is at least another year or two at least.
by Eric Stephen on Sep 15, 2010 1:23 PM PDT up reply actions
Again
this year they have been fortunate not to suffer a major pitching injury and their bullpen has been very good, for a small market team, that is key, let’s say they lose even their 5th guy for a short period, it moves everyone up and that affects them more than let’s say the Red Sox or Yankees
Ray pitching is beasty
Already there:
Garcia
Shields
Price
Neiman
Davis
Ready for action now
Hellickson
Ready for action next year
Jacob McGee – came back from TJ surgery with his stuff intact. He will now go back into the
rotation after spending this year building back up his arm strength.
Maybe better the rest is Moore.
They lose Crawford but quickly gain Desmond Jennings, so the fall off will be slight. They lose Carlos Pena but again this is 2010 Carlos Pena not 2008 Carlos Pena. Wouldn’t take much to match or gain production.
I would not be counting on the 2011 Rays to not be highly competitive. Zobrist, Upton, Longoria could all do much better going forward in 2011 then they did in 2010.
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
Seriously
What did #5 ever do to Keith?
by Eric Stephen on Sep 15, 2010 1:57 PM PDT up reply actions
Isn't that the problem?
What she didn’t do to you?
Even though the old one was PHENOMENAL
I’m ok with the new one. Variety is the spice of life as they say.
I like variety
but she doesn’t work for me. Just personal taste.
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
Oops…i like this one…I thought Phil was commenting that he didn’t like it; my bad Phil.
by KellyStephen on Sep 15, 2010 2:44 PM PDT up reply actions
They lose Crawford but quickly gain Desmond Jennings, so the fall off will be slight.
I know he’s a great prospect, but you’re talking about going from a top flight outfielder offensively and defensively to a prospect. It’ll almost definitely be more than a slight dropoff.
"Remember, what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas. Except for herpes. That shit'll come back with you."
Crawford
and Jenning are very similar. Most of their game is in their speed and defense. Jenning can match him in both. I will say if Crawford maintains the level he reached this year you are right but for the most part he’s been a .300/.350/.450 player. I think Jennings can be a .280/.350/.425 guy while playing like a CF wherever they put him.
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
Tru dat
injuries have been a big problem for him. I’m probably way over stating his case. Just trying to make the point that they at least have options for everyone who is leaving.
Still would love to see Manny end up their as their DH.
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
I agree
Pena may actually be harder for them to replace. Even though he’s having a down year, he is still a good hitter, and someone that helps the whole lineup by instilling the fear of the long ball in the opposing pitchers.
Maybe
but the original point is that I think the Red Sox will have just as hard a time as making up the current gap between them and their competitors as the Dodgers will so saying a team would have a better chance for a championship as a Red Sox might be misleading. I would expect anyone on the East Coast to believe that but I’m not sure it is true. The Sox have many holes.
Beltre – FA been huge for them
Pedroia and Youk – big injuries in 2010
Papelbon – very Broxton like
Not an outfielder standing
Terrible old defensive catcher who should be DH/1st baseman
Old DH
Most expensive pitcher has been one of the worst pitchers all year even after coming back from injury.
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
I am just saying
history tells us that teams don’t repeat being lucky with pitching injuries for consecutive seasons.
You have good point
but unlike most teams the Rays have some depth unless they trade it this winter. I’d be pretty happy with them trading for Loney.
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
And also
you wonder the affect of having their young pitchers throw innings at that age.
See Scott Kazmir (though he has had injuries in the past).
The Rays are doing it the A's way
getting the best out of them before they are to expensive, then dealing them off before their free agent years or collecting multiple type A draft picks.
Garza/Shields = Zito/Mulder/Hudson
Remember both Neiman and Davis were shut down for two weeks each at the end of August so they didn’t have zero arm problems.
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
This sounds good
I’d be pretty happy with them trading for Loney.
Yeah what I meant by my comments above is it
sounds like Pedroia was asked wouldn’t you like to play with your buddy Ethier, or vice versa I guess, and then it becomes a story. My point is, sure maybe everyone wants to play somewhere else, but how is this an actual story? Did Ethier say this on the record anywhere? Or even off?
There's no need to fear, Underdog is here! / Broncos/Dodgers/Lakers fan in Niners/Raiders/Giants/Warriors country, and damned proud of it.
If Kershaw was right handed
Would we still think the world of him? You’ve got to admit the lefty part makes him extra special.
Why
they have Posey and Whiteside who are probably better catchers, Sandoval was never a particularly good catcher.
by bhsportsguy on Sep 15, 2010 12:30 PM PDT up reply actions
Because Whiteside can’t hit a lick, and having Sandoval catch a couple of times per week was so cool.
You say that Sandoval was never a particularly good catcher, but he was good enough to be Zito’s personal catcher at the end of 2008, and there was a full year or so that Posey was still in the minors, and Sandoval was on the team playing 3B and not catching.
I hear he holds grudges
He always seems to have a vendetta about something or other.
by Eric Stephen on Sep 15, 2010 1:01 PM PDT up reply actions
Kershaw has also made great strides with his control this season, cutting his walks by 25 percent from 4.8 to 3.6 per nine innings. If he can maintain the missed bats and make more progress in walk rate next season—say, to somewhere in the 2.5-3.0 range
He’s pretty much made that progress this season. From May to now, Kershaw’s BB/9 is 3.04.
The commenter formerly known as El Lay Dave.
by David Young on Sep 15, 2010 12:36 PM PDT up reply actions
I think it's even better from may 7th till now :)
"If we hit that bull's eye, the rest of the dominoes will fall like a house of cards. Checkmate"
Over on SB Nation Arizona, Dennis Tarwood wrote a piece on Arizona sports teams and their rivals, interviewing various bloggers of other teams. My contribution:
For many Los Angeles fans, their only hatred of Arizona stems from political reasons, or simply having to listen to Daron Sutton and Mark Grace.
I always thought they could drum up a rivalry with the Rockies. He did not mention them.
"We were never friends"
Probably still stinging from the 2007 NLCS
by Eric Stephen on Sep 15, 2010 12:44 PM PDT up reply actions
I liked
the Elvis Costello reference.
The commenter formerly known as El Lay Dave.
by David Young on Sep 15, 2010 12:58 PM PDT up reply actions
I went to a SD game last month with ARI in town
And there were protesters on both sides and I just loled when I walked through them to get into the park.
"If we hit that bull's eye, the rest of the dominoes will fall like a house of cards. Checkmate"
Travis Schlichting
small article in the Press-Enterprise, linked by Jon at DT:
Pitcher Travis Schlichting has joined the team to continue recovery from the shoulder inflammation that placed him on the disabled list, so trainer Stan Conte can monitor his work the remainder of the year.
…
“I’ve been dealing with it all year, and finally got to a point where I just couldn’t put up with or fight through it any more,” Schlichting said.
The commenter formerly known as El Lay Dave.
The weird part about The German was that, when he was put on the DL, he was actually shocked by the news. Not saying necessarily that it was another Haegeritis DL trip, but probably Schlichting had a nagging injury that he didn’t think was DL worthy, but in fact it was worse than even the Dodgers thought.
I thought for sure he’d be back on his first day eligible (I think it was the 6th). I guess not.
by Eric Stephen on Sep 15, 2010 12:47 PM PDT up reply actions
RE: Clayton Kershaw getting more national media attention now
I’m a little pissed. I was listening to ESPN Radio at lunch today (is it ESPN LA Radio?) and they had a news break:
“The Giants were shutout last night by the Dodgers, 1-0. Barry Zito picked up his 9th straight loss despite throwing 1-hit ball. Chad Billingsley goes tonight against Matt Cain. Andre Ethier has told friends he would welcome a trade to the Boston Red Sox this winter to play with former Arizona State teammate Dustin Pedroia.”
"Remember, what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas. Except for herpes. That shit'll come back with you."
I’m guessing no mention of Clay K at all.
by Eric Stephen on Sep 15, 2010 1:10 PM PDT up reply actions
yeah. I was upset that they mentioned the losing pitcher throwing 6 innings and didn’t mention the winning pitcher who threw a shutout. Presumably because either the loser was a) a bigger name or b) players for a team with a better record.
"Remember, what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas. Except for herpes. That shit'll come back with you."
It looks as if Kershaw will only get high-profile notice (ace, etc.) from a single game when he wins a shutout in a high-profile game. Since the Dodgers aren’t in contention, that’s out. If this game had placed us within reach of a playoff spot, or were the final game of the season clinching the Giants’ expulsion from the playoffs, then yes. Otherwise, it will be a slow, steady drip until he finally gets noticed. If it can happen for Granick on the Royals, it can, eventually, happen for Kershaw on the Dodgers.
It looks as if Kershaw will only get high-profile notice (ace, etc.) from a single game when he wins a shutout in a high-profile game.
See, and I think there is SO much news and SO much access to all that news, that it’s nearly impossible to get any sort of national accolade based on one year. There is always a next story, a bigger story, that everyone is chasing. Instead of reporting and enjoying a story, it’s now chase story-report story-chase new story.
He could have thrown a perfect game in Game 7 of the World Series against the AL All Star team with CC Sabathia starting against him and a week later they would have been wondering what the AL All Star team will do to get better for next year.
"Remember, what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas. Except for herpes. That shit'll come back with you."
It's funny
I was listening to the Power 106 morning show this morning when they did their sports break. They literally power through the sports update, a sentence on each team. This was the update (give or take)
The Dodgers defeated their hated rivals San Francisco last night. General Manager Ned Colleti promised wholesle changes with the team next season.
by Michael White on Sep 15, 2010 1:11 PM PDT up reply actions
In his last 12 games + 3 innings
Toy Tulowitzki has 10 home runs, and is hitting .367/.415/1.082 with 16 runs scored and 22 RBI.
He has an RBI single and a 3-run homer today; Rockies up 5-1 over San Diego.
And yet after this game, Troy will play in a place and against a team
he has had no success against at all. Probably why the Rockies have had issues with the Dodgers over the last few years.
In 130 PA at Dodger Stadium
.223/.277/.355
Against LA overall (270 PA)
240/.310/.350
And he won’t sniff the MVP despite being a shortstop and putting up sick numbers.
by Michael White on Sep 15, 2010 1:12 PM PDT up reply actions
Tough competition this year
but if he propels the Rockies to the Division title, he might give Votto a run for his money.
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
The CarGo narrative has already been written.
Wouldn’t be surprised to see both CarGo and Tulo in the top 4 of the MVP voting though.
by Eric Stephen on Sep 15, 2010 1:18 PM PDT up reply actions
Could be a tough vote this year
Off the top of my head it would be hard to complain if any of Tulo, Votto, CarGo, or Albert won.
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
Reds fans might complain if Votto doesn’t win since he’s the only one of those four that will be playing in the postseason :)
by Eric Stephen on Sep 15, 2010 1:21 PM PDT up reply actions
I thought ARod fixed the perception that you can only be most valuable if your team is good.
"Remember, what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas. Except for herpes. That shit'll come back with you."
I agree
I just wanted to get a chance to say fuck the Rockies.
by Eric Stephen on Sep 15, 2010 1:25 PM PDT up reply actions
Touche.
What if the Phillies lose Werth to FA, then we trade Ethier for Shane Victorino and Carlos Ruiz.
Would you cheer, laugh or cry?
"Remember, what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas. Except for herpes. That shit'll come back with you."
I’d consider the Warden Norton route.
(even though that would probably be a pretty damn good deal)
by Eric Stephen on Sep 15, 2010 1:30 PM PDT up reply actions
Would we then sign Werth and Cliff Lee?
by robotmadeofnails on Sep 15, 2010 1:48 PM PDT up reply actions
No?
Are you saying the deal couldn’t work because it would cost more? I don’t have the numbers, but it would seem like it would save us some bucks.
The idea hinged on the Phillies not resigning Werth or getting Crawford. Ethier could conceivably be the third best offseason outfield target after those two.
"Remember, what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas. Except for herpes. That shit'll come back with you."
I was just messing around with the scenario of us having 4 former Phillies
by robotmadeofnails on Sep 15, 2010 2:26 PM PDT up reply actions
I would cry because Victirino sucks
Have you ever tried just turning off the TV, sitting down with your children, and hitting them?
True
But he still has enough to qualify for the batting title.
Top 5 in NL based on WAR
1) Zimmerman 7.0
2) Votto 6.7
3) Pujols 6.2
4) Holliday 5.9
5t) Tulowitzki 5.4
5t) Torres 5.4
by Michael White on Sep 15, 2010 1:30 PM PDT up reply actions
A core hitter acting like one in a big moment.
Tulo and CarGo make Andre/Kemp look like Drew/Reynolds
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
awww
this post made me sad. haha
by hee came hee seop'd he choi'd on Sep 15, 2010 1:15 PM PDT up reply actions
Let's remember this
Tulo was hurt in 2008 and put up pedestrian numbers for that year and in the first half of 2009, for whatever reason, he has put up much better numbers since Jim Tracy became manager.
Think Tracy asked him to play more like Cesar Izturis?
by Michael White on Sep 15, 2010 1:18 PM PDT up reply actions
I am hitting better during spring training in road to the show. SSS
by robotmadeofnails on Sep 15, 2010 1:47 PM PDT up reply actions
Seems like he’s flown by Hanley this year as the best SS in baseball. Just ridiculous numbers for a shortstop.
by UCLADodger32 on Sep 15, 2010 1:48 PM PDT up reply actions
matt kemps stat line is almost exatly the same as drew stubbs...
same bb to Ks too.. nearly identicals homers and doubles too… same kinda players this year
I wonder if Carlos Gonzalez
will suffer the Larry Walker comps
Walker played pre-humidor days but let’s remind you again about his insane Coors stats (lifetime) .381/.462/.710 in 2501 career PA at Coors.
Well putting aside the humidor affect for the moment
I think you are probably right. Certainly not over 6-7 year period
Giants fans
will be ready to make a move closer tonight, Bills will have to put them in their place.
The scout who recommended Andre Ethier to Ned Colletti in 2005, Al Lamacchia, has passed away today, at age 89.
Thanks for the tip, Al.
89? That’s a Salty Al Lamacchia.
"Remember, what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas. Except for herpes. That shit'll come back with you."
Appropriate to link to the FJM peice on that?
by Michael White on Sep 15, 2010 1:55 PM PDT up reply actions
Sure
although that was more Plaschke’s misread than anything else.
by Eric Stephen on Sep 15, 2010 1:56 PM PDT up reply actions
Dodger Press Release
STATEMENT FROM THE LOS ANGELES DODGERS ON THE PASSING OF AL LAMACCHIA (1921-2010)
Dodger General Manager Ned Colletti made the following statement today regarding the passing of Dodger Professional Scout and former Major League pitcher Al LaMacchia.
LaMacchia pitched in 16 games in the Major Leagues with the St. Louis Browns (1943, 1945-46) and the Washington Senators (1946) after 16 seasons as a pitcher in the minor leagues, including a 15-2 mark for San Antonio in the Texas League in 1942.
LaMacchia served in the United States Army in World War II.
Following his playing career, LaMacchia embarked on a six-decade career as a scout, working for the Phillies for four years before joining the Milwaukee and Atlanta Braves from 1961-1976.
He joined the Blue Jays at their inception in 1977 and served as a Vice President during the team’s World Championship seasons of 1992 and 1993. Following 20 seasons with Toronto , LaMacchia scouted for the Devil Rays from 1996-2002 before joining the Dodgers.
Among the numerous players he scouted and/or signed were former MVPs Dale Murphy and George Bell, current Blue Jays Manager Cito Gaston and All-Stars Dave Stieb and David Wells as well as Willie Upshaw, Jim Gott, Rick Mahler, Ted Savage and Bruce Benedict.
He is also responsible for recommending Double-A outfielder Andre Ethier to Colletti prior to the Dodgers acquiring him from Oakland in 2005.
LaMacchia was named Midwest Scout of the Year in 2001 by the Scout of the Year Foundation and was also honored in 2008 with the Special Recognition in Scouting Award by the Professional Baseball Scouts Foundation. He has also been honored as the Scout of the Year by the Texas Scouts Association.
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
• Most baseball people don’t believe Joe Torre will stay with the Dodgers, who have become a soap opera under the McCourts, as nicely depicted in Lee Jenkins’ recent article in SI. Insiders suggest Don Mattingly won’t get the call, either. Tim Wallach remains a favorite for the job. Although, if Tommy Lasorda has his say, Bobby Valentine would be the choice. Does Lasorda have the power? "Depends on the day of the week,’’ one source said.
Read more: http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2010/writers/jon_heyman/09/14/wednesday.scoop/index.html?eref=writers#ixzz0zdTehige
Personally, I want no one who played or managed before 1995. The Old Timey baseball player mentality doesn’t fly.
"Remember, what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas. Except for herpes. That shit'll come back with you."
Metaphorically, yes. Specifically, no.
I feel like someone who is closer to his playing days will have more influence and be able to relate better.
"Remember, what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas. Except for herpes. That shit'll come back with you."
How about Jeff Kent as manager
Gary Sheffield(batting coach), Jermaine Dye (bench coach/pinch hitter), Ray Durham(1st base/base running coach), and Arthur Rhodes as player/Pitching coach to round out the coaching staff?
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
and Barry Bonds could be the hitting coach
and get to work day in and day out with his bud.
That which is in constant motion contains all possible forms.
whoops
see Sheff has that job already, maybe he could be the new Manny Mota??
That which is in constant motion contains all possible forms.
Ha
always read from that you utes. Then some old time dude comes and has great success.
Just curious any correlation between age and success? Wasn’t the Arizona dude the youngest around?
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
I figure, for every 1997 Jack McKeon there is a 2010 AJ Hinch.
"Remember, what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas. Except for herpes. That shit'll come back with you."
Scioscia and Bobby Cox are excellent managers who have been in the bigs before 95 (Scioscia as a player of course), but I get the point. I think mindset and personality have more to do with it than when you played.
That which is in constant motion contains all possible forms.
definitely. There are young douche bags for every well-educated, knowledgable older manager who is able to relate to kids despite the age difference. It’s the attitude of “back when I played…..” that doesn’t fly.
"Remember, what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas. Except for herpes. That shit'll come back with you."
That source is stupid. Lasorda has less than zero pull
by Eric Stephen on Sep 15, 2010 2:45 PM PDT up reply actions
OT: Beltre
I heard somewhere that Boras will try to float 50/4 for him. I don’t know about you, but I like that deal.
"Remember, what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas. Except for herpes. That shit'll come back with you."
I tend to agree. I don’t think the annual salary is too far fetched, but at that price, I doubt many teams are willing to commit 4 years. 3 maybe, but I doubt 4.
Largest deals?
Cliff Lee
Carl Crawford
Adrian Beltre
Jayson Werth
???
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
Only reason I wouldn’t sign Crawford is he reminds me of Andre Dawson (right?), Griffey and Vlad Guerrero. Guys who played on turf for the majority of their early careers then broke down severely later on.
I wouldn’t trust him to play out the 6 year deal he’s about to get.
I’d bet Werth gets a bigger deal than Beltre. He’s just Werth more.
"Remember, what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas. Except for herpes. That shit'll come back with you."
Yeah they only had one year of actual AstroTurf
the rest has been FieldTurf
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/FieldTurf
Have you ever tried just turning off the TV, sitting down with your children, and hitting them?
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