Eight Miles High, Dodgers Deliver Another Series Victory
by Phil Gurnee on Apr 24, 2011 2:34 PM PDT
in Dodgers Game Recaps
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PrintAaron Miles gets a lot of well deserved flack for even being on this team, forget the fact he's leading off instead of Jamey Carroll. On Easter Sunday Miles was the catalyst to the Dodgers 7 - 3 victory as they took the series against the Cubs two games to one, and came very close to a sweep. Miles got the Dodgers started with a triple down the right field line, as the Dodgers first five hitters all reached base. Before Carlos Zambrano could figure out which teammate to yell at, he was down 5 - 0.
Miles tripled, Casey Blake walked, then Andre Ethier extended his historic April streak to 21 games with a shot off the glove of Carlos Pena scoring Miles. Matt Kemp singled scoring Blake, Jerry Sands doubled down the right field line scoring Kemp, James Loney grounded out moving Kemp to 3rd, Rod Barajas added a sacrifice fly and before Hiroki Kuroda even threw a pitch he was up 5 - 0.
The Cubs scored two in the bottom of the first on a gift DP error by Jamey Carroll, so Kuroda decided to go on a strike out binge, fanning five of the first six outs. By the time Kuroda was pulled with two on and two out in the 7th he had pitched a quality game with no walks and seven Ks.
McDonald Mike MacDougal came in to retire Starlin Castro via a ground ball to Carroll to expire the inherited Kuroda baserunners and preserve the Dodger 7 - 3 lead. Blake Hawksworth pitched a scoreless eighth, and Jonathan Broxton finished things up in the 9th. Broxton had last pitched on Thursday afternoon, so even though it was not a save situation, he needed some work. Broxton walked the first hitter, then pop up to Loney, line drive to Loney, one hop shot to Miles for the final out. He was working around 91 MPH so those still concerned about the drop in velocity can continue to be worried.
Miles would eventually collect three hits, but get erased twice on Casey Blake double plays. Kemp had two more hits as he continues to dominate NL pitching.
Headed into the game today Kemp was all over the leaderboard:
Kemp, MLB Ranks
Batting Average .402 (1st)
Hits 33 (2nd)
On-Base Percentage .484 (4th)
Slugging Percentage .659 (8th)
Steals 8 (T-4th)
RBI 17 (T-5th)
Multi-Hit Games 10 (T-1st)
The other highlight of the game was the arm of Jerry Sands nailing another runner at 2nd base. Sands made three throws from LF to second base in this series and they were all bullets with Billy the Kid accuracy. Sands continues to have quality at bats, showing a good eye, seems a tad slow on good fastballs in the zone, but does not chase bad pitches. Best arm the Dodgers have had in LF since?
The MLB Dodgers are now 4 - 1 as they head to Florida for the last stop of the road trip. The Marlins helped the Dodgers pick up a game on the Rockies during the weekend, now we need to pick up another one.
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I LOVE THAT PIC
If Miles were Superman, thats what he would do. Sure he can fly, but only 3 ft off the ground
"Champions last year," he said. "Not this year." - Rubby De La Rosa after shaming the Giants in ST
Phil is wishing
it was McDonald in the game instead of MacDougal but the man does deserve the credit for getting Castro out.
Florida temperature this week?
Probably nice for the Dodgers that their last games ever (well, last regular season games ever, anyway) in an uncovered field in south Florida are going to be in April, and not July or August. Especially for the day game on Wednesday.
in the first inning maybe
before first pitch
"Champions last year," he said. "Not this year." - Rubby De La Rosa after shaming the Giants in ST
Sands had a good all-around game today
could be the start of something good for him.
I'm no hitting coach, but...
It seems like Sands needs to get the bat off of his shoulders and his right elbow up. He’s got the swing, and he’s got the eye, he just seems to be behind on fastballs in the zone (as mentioned in the post). Even his hits are all being pushed to right field. Perhaps someone smarter than me could do a post about his mechanics, because I feel like some minor adjustments could make a huge difference for him.
If it aint broke......
blah blah blah. He made it this far with that swing. Why break it before we know if its not gonna work
"Champions last year," he said. "Not this year." - Rubby De La Rosa after shaming the Giants in ST
true that.
there’s something to say about messing too much with someone’s mechanics (see Dontrelle Willis), I’m just saying that he’s still young and he doesn’t have everything figured out. After all, I did qualify my statement by saying minor adjustments
Yeah but even minor tweak could jack it up. I have to wonder if Loney’s troubles began with little changes here and there that led to him getting totally lost.
"Champions last year," he said. "Not this year." - Rubby De La Rosa after shaming the Giants in ST
Gues Im just skittish
when it comes to tinkering too much.
"Champions last year," he said. "Not this year." - Rubby De La Rosa after shaming the Giants in ST
I know
and that’s why i said MINOR. But look, it’s not like Sands is god or anything. He’s 4 for 26 in the majors. And before anyone jumps down my throat, I’m not saying that he’s not a great baseball player. I’m as excited as anyone about Sands. Like it says in the post “Sands is a tad slow on fastballs in the zone” and all I’m saying is that this is a very fixable problem.
I'm sure
Donald and the coaches see the same things we see and much more…if he struggles with MLB pitching, adjustments will have to be made
Overqualified in an underqualified world since 2008.
Sands will be fine. I like his approach at the plate and the way he makes pitchers work. I do think he should try and pull the ball a little bit more. I am know that he can pull the ball because a lot of pitchers have pitched him inside. I’m very surprised with his play in the outfield becuase I thought he was better at 1B.
by dodgers4life on Apr 24, 2011 3:04 PM PDT up reply actions
Is Dodger Talk on?
Im trying to stream it but getting nothing. Anyone catching it on radio?
"Champions last year," he said. "Not this year." - Rubby De La Rosa after shaming the Giants in ST
Todd Hollandsworth
is the studio analyst for Comcast Chicago
Overqualified in an underqualified world since 2008.
Being a Dodger ROY is the launching pad into a studio:)
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
Btw, I honestly don't like Sands at 1B
would be a waste of a good throwing arm.
I would like him there cause we could get rid of Loney and play Trayvon Robinson or even Tony Gwyn
just anything but Loney
Well when the team is hitting well like now
I can live with loney at 1b for the defense he brings. He has had some sweet picks over there. Thats not to say that Sands couldn’t be a solid defender there.
"Champions last year," he said. "Not this year." - Rubby De La Rosa after shaming the Giants in ST
Keep Sands in LF and put Fielder or Pujols at 1B.
by dodgers4life on Apr 24, 2011 3:07 PM PDT up reply actions
THAT would be my No. 1 option!
:::keeping fingers crossed:::
;-)
if they are out of it why not??
they have basically wave good bye to fielder with the braun extension, we probably have to give something more.
Eh, I'd rather hold onto Andre for the time being
plus the female fans can’t get enough of him.
;-p
I doubt it. They would want a 1B,closer and prospects for Fielder most likely. Would Loney,Jansen,Garcia,Robinson, and Withrow be fair for Fielder?
by dodgers4life on Apr 24, 2011 3:18 PM PDT up reply actions
Fielder would come with an extension right
i know we are dreaming, but let’s do it properly.
with the league looking over Ned's shoulder...
probably ain’t happening
by preacher roe on Apr 24, 2011 4:03 PM PDT up reply actions
Well, if it gets Trayvon up
then I’m cool with it. Would add more range in LF. How’s his arm, btw?
What if we got Ethier at 1B and Trayvon in RF?
by Taylor Maricle on Apr 24, 2011 2:56 PM PDT up reply actions
Hmm...
Well, it worked for Shawn Green when the Dodgers tried that. However, I’d rather have Kemp in RF and Robinson in CF. It’s an option, but I think Ethier’s more comfortable as an OF.
Wooooo
Jason Hayward 3 run bomb with 2 outs.
"Champions last year," he said. "Not this year." - Rubby De La Rosa after shaming the Giants in ST
I dont really care about the outcome so much
but cheering for Braves for my friend who is a Braves fan
"Champions last year," he said. "Not this year." - Rubby De La Rosa after shaming the Giants in ST
If you think the Rangers are going to cake walk just remember they have Brett Tomko on their staff. Just gave up a three run bomb in the 9th, now 8 – 7, Rhodes in for the save with Feliz on the DL
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
Oh Tomko
How I dont miss u
"Champions last year," he said. "Not this year." - Rubby De La Rosa after shaming the Giants in ST
Aw
At least he tries
"Champions last year," he said. "Not this year." - Rubby De La Rosa after shaming the Giants in ST
Bah!
Never underestimate the Braves ability to choke
"Champions last year," he said. "Not this year." - Rubby De La Rosa after shaming the Giants in ST
Bleaaaaah 6-5 giants. My poor poor friend. He must be not so happy
"Champions last year," he said. "Not this year." - Rubby De La Rosa after shaming the Giants in ST
Yeah
Its not like they didnt have pitchers warmed up ready and waiting
"Champions last year," he said. "Not this year." - Rubby De La Rosa after shaming the Giants in ST
Oh well.
I dont really like the Braves much either so I am meh. Dodgers won and thats all i care about
"Champions last year," he said. "Not this year." - Rubby De La Rosa after shaming the Giants in ST
You’ll care at the end of the year if the Giants take the wild card rather than the Dodgers, by 1 game. If Giants lose, Dodgers will be alone in 2nd place in NL West – not too meaningful at the moment, but still.
Braves just tied the game up on a homer 6-6.
Yeah
But its an April game. So Im not stressing about it. I know all wins means something, but at least for now I am just focusing on the Dodgers.
"Champions last year," he said. "Not this year." - Rubby De La Rosa after shaming the Giants in ST
YOWZA!
I didnt realize the Rockies lost. Now I really want the Braves to win.
"Champions last year," he said. "Not this year." - Rubby De La Rosa after shaming the Giants in ST
Hahaha
tied game. Solo shot for Uggla. 6-6 now. Right back where they were before the Heyward bomb. Friggin nodoubter
"Champions last year," he said. "Not this year." - Rubby De La Rosa after shaming the Giants in ST
I give credit to Sandoval
He looks a lot better defensively at 3rd
"Champions last year," he said. "Not this year." - Rubby De La Rosa after shaming the Giants in ST
Dropped 35 pounds over the offseason
that’s why.
Yeah
I saw him at ST. Almost couldnt recognize him. Still fat tho
"Champions last year," he said. "Not this year." - Rubby De La Rosa after shaming the Giants in ST
Thats not fat
Its awesomeness! (trying to be upbeat about Brox)
"Champions last year," he said. "Not this year." - Rubby De La Rosa after shaming the Giants in ST
Don't blame ya
though I’m a bit curious as to why his velocity has slipped of late. I’m taking he’s not as healthy as he makes himself out to be???
I dunno
Everyone claims that he is healthy. He can dial it up to 97 when he wants as he did a few days ago. Maybe he has lost control of his pitches when he throws that hard? I have nothing to back that up with. Just speculating
"Champions last year," he said. "Not this year." - Rubby De La Rosa after shaming the Giants in ST
I see
Well hopefully that’s all that is up with him. Gotta go now. Let’s see the Dodgers try and win another series on the road in the post-McCourt era!!!
;-D
haha
Hope so. Have a good one
"Champions last year," he said. "Not this year." - Rubby De La Rosa after shaming the Giants in ST
Most of what I've seen
Looks like 94 is his “dial up” speed at which he has no control
I know it isn’t a popular opinion but he is headed straight to ryan “god I hope this line drive goes right at somebody” franklin status
On another note, I reaaaaly enjoyed watching that jackhole brian wilson falling off his tightrope in the tenth today
by lchristmas on Apr 24, 2011 7:15 PM PDT via mobile up reply actions
WOOO
I am in an unbelievably good mood right now. Dodgers win. Day cleared up really nicely. Baseball on the tube. Good times :D
"Champions last year," he said. "Not this year." - Rubby De La Rosa after shaming the Giants in ST
Who said anything about bringing him up soon?
"If we hit that bull's eye, the rest of the dominoes will fall like a house of cards. Checkmate"
Still exciting tho
"Champions last year," he said. "Not this year." - Rubby De La Rosa after shaming the Giants in ST
1st and 3rd no outs top of 10th for Dan Uggla
"Champions last year," he said. "Not this year." - Rubby De La Rosa after shaming the Giants in ST
Brian Wilson struggles
Bases juiced no out. Freddie Freeman’s time to shine
"Champions last year," he said. "Not this year." - Rubby De La Rosa after shaming the Giants in ST
or strike out
"Champions last year," he said. "Not this year." - Rubby De La Rosa after shaming the Giants in ST
Hinske up. 2 and 2, lots of fouls. No one out.
Double play – Huff (!) and Posey. 2 out, 2 on, no score. Out at home.
Wow, shitty offense from the Braves
"If we hit that bull's eye, the rest of the dominoes will fall like a house of cards. Checkmate"
AAAAAhh ahahahaha
Base hit 2rbis for McClouth
"Champions last year," he said. "Not this year." - Rubby De La Rosa after shaming the Giants in ST
8-6 Braves
"Champions last year," he said. "Not this year." - Rubby De La Rosa after shaming the Giants in ST
bases loaded, full count, base hit, Jones and Uggla score, Braves 8-6.
Beautiful silence from the SF crowd…
YES
They sure clammed up. Satisfying
"Champions last year," he said. "Not this year." - Rubby De La Rosa after shaming the Giants in ST
Wow
Watching games in HD is pretty sweet. U can see the seams of the ball spinning when they slow it down
"Champions last year," he said. "Not this year." - Rubby De La Rosa after shaming the Giants in ST
McCann slow dribbler just past Sanchez
1st 3rd 2 out 9-6 Braves
"Champions last year," he said. "Not this year." - Rubby De La Rosa after shaming the Giants in ST
So Bud has only been kept in business by copious amounts of advertising linking it to sports or parties right? No one really thinks its a tasty beverage right? Anyone?
"Champions last year," he said. "Not this year." - Rubby De La Rosa after shaming the Giants in ST
u mean major brand?
Lotta smaller market beers are pretty darn good
"Champions last year," he said. "Not this year." - Rubby De La Rosa after shaming the Giants in ST
so price? not a beer drinker but I’m going to assume the mass produced beer is cheaper
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
I guess so.
Its cheap and tastes so.
"Champions last year," he said. "Not this year." - Rubby De La Rosa after shaming the Giants in ST
taste isnt a big part of their marketing strategy.
They sell their goods as a cheap, cold, alcoholic drink.
by Riffraffselbow on Apr 24, 2011 5:48 PM PDT via mobile up reply actions
There is no accounting for taste
there is accounting for snobbery though :-p
These hands will always be rough
Inning over
Now the Giants have to try to come back again. Like us yesterday, they overcame being down 5-2 to Braves to lead 6-5, only to collapse again to Braves 9-6. Now Braves have to hold firm in bottom of 10th.
Aaron Rowand looks like he is taking a dump
in the batters box every time.
"Champions last year," he said. "Not this year." - Rubby De La Rosa after shaming the Giants in ST
That's basically what he did for a long portion of that contract with the Giants
There's no need to fear, Underdog is here! / Broncos/Dodgers/Lakers fan in Niners/Raiders/Giants/Warriors country, and damned proud of it.
Ooooh almost a great put out by Gonzalez
So close
"Champions last year," he said. "Not this year." - Rubby De La Rosa after shaming the Giants in ST
That'll be that
Dodgers only NL West team to win! woohoo!
"Champions last year," he said. "Not this year." - Rubby De La Rosa after shaming the Giants in ST
In MLB Networks
top 20 games, how is it that ’88 WS game 1 isnt in the top 5? I mean that win had so much magic in it. The narrative was so good with Gibby being gimpy and coming through. It had Vin calling it. WTF? (yeah Im biased as we all probably are)
"Champions last year," he said. "Not this year." - Rubby De La Rosa after shaming the Giants in ST
All 3 California teams playing at HOME got swept in each of their four games series
That HAS to be a first.
Giants Braves was a 3 game series actually
but Giants have lost 4 in a row, which is nice.
There's no need to fear, Underdog is here! / Broncos/Dodgers/Lakers fan in Niners/Raiders/Giants/Warriors country, and damned proud of it.
Did Zambrano punch anything int he dugout?
I forgot to pay attention
"Champions last year," he said. "Not this year." - Rubby De La Rosa after shaming the Giants in ST
$8 Bud at Busch Stadium. Fucking crime
"Champions last year," he said. "Not this year." - Rubby De La Rosa after shaming the Giants in ST
good 60 Minutes piece on Eli Broad
during an interview downtown some guy drove by and asked him to buy the Dodgers, ha! I assume the interview was a few weeks or even months ago, just good timing it aired now.
Overqualified in an underqualified world since 2008.
NOWAY!
that is awesome!
"Champions last year," he said. "Not this year." - Rubby De La Rosa after shaming the Giants in ST
he basically said he ain't doing it
no surprise, he’s busy with every other LA cultural institution
Overqualified in an underqualified world since 2008.
WHoever it is
Just be crazy fucking rich. Im tired of being poor and even more tired of my team being poor
"Champions last year," he said. "Not this year." - Rubby De La Rosa after shaming the Giants in ST
the next owner will have to be, I’m sure, since Selig is taking over the Dodgers on the basis of McCourt being flat broke
#teamng
Anyone got a spare billion dollars lying around?
Baseball is a game, and games are supposed to be fun.
in my other pants
"Champions last year," he said. "Not this year." - Rubby De La Rosa after shaming the Giants in ST
The pair I lent to Mark Cuban
"Champions last year," he said. "Not this year." - Rubby De La Rosa after shaming the Giants in ST
Hasn't help the LA Kings
whose owners are a lot richer than probably anyone who will be interested in buying the Dodgers.
NHL has a cap though
and the Kings are a rising force in the NHL…but the owner being rich doesn’t mean the team will be big spenders, Carl Pohlad was a billionaire but a cheapskate once salaries escalated in the 1990s.
Overqualified in an underqualified world since 2008.
In between doing some ticket price research
I braised some chicken thighs in garlic, bacon and tomatoes and then added some eggplant and let it cook in the oven for a half hour.
Waaaaaat?
aw man that sounds freakin tasty. Im hungry : (
"Champions last year," he said. "Not this year." - Rubby De La Rosa after shaming the Giants in ST
I thought this article was interesting
Since it gives good ammunition for Frank but also talks about why Selig did what he did.
By all accounts, according to sources, McCourt has complied with Major League Baseball rules and has informed the office of the commissioner every step of the way on deals and loans he has made on behalf of the Dodgers. He did negotiate a massive $3 billion, $20-year deal with Fox that would solve his financial problems, and as one person familiar with the Dodgers’ situation indicated last week, "[he made] moves as far back as ’04 and ’05 with the realization that the TV deal was going to get done, which would send the Dodgers heading in the right direction for many years to come. He knew he could pay for the things he wanted to pay for once this deal was in place.’’
McCourt was very careful in structuring the Fox deal to make sure it was no different than NESN’s with the Red Sox, Texas’s new TV deal, or San Diego’s new TV deal, so that it was void of anything precedent-setting that could be deemed unapprovable. But now the very deal that McCourt knew would be his salvation is one he’s not allowed to execute. He needed a $30 million advance from Fox to pay for the first month’s payroll. He needed about $200 million to start paying off debt in a transaction with Fox that Rob Manfred of the commissioner’s office oversaw. McCourt’s side claims the money was never earmarked for the cost of his divorce, but the commissioner’s office feared it would be.
red-cards is heating up
0-0, but pujols up with The Riot on first, one out in the bot of the 3rd.
by Riffraffselbow on Apr 24, 2011 6:06 PM PDT via mobile reply actions
No
He actually took second on a Pujols K, but Volquez got Rasmus out to end the inning.
by Riffraffselbow on Apr 24, 2011 7:03 PM PDT up reply actions
Belated but Hah Hah to all the fools who doubted Miles in the leadoff spot!
Oh wait, that’s me. And just about everyone.
Good on him for having a great day. He even played better defensively (honestly that’s more my worry with him but he looked capable today). So, hey, we’ll take it.
Question: I am sure this was asked earlier but missed the game thread, but I’d forgotten that IDJ Sr was a Cubs coach. Wouldn’t it have been nice for his son to get in there at some point? (Or did he get an at bat on Friday? I forget…)
Also, Kuroda was awesome after settling down. He tired and I’m glad they pulled him but he was otherwise very solid.
Woo hoo!
There's no need to fear, Underdog is here! / Broncos/Dodgers/Lakers fan in Niners/Raiders/Giants/Warriors country, and damned proud of it.
Hah, I enjoyed seeing the Braves Giants highlights just now
Especially seeing Uggla hit one off of Romo. Because I really don’t like Romo.
And Brian Wilson’s beard has gone far past jumping the shark. It’s in Cast Away territory 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.
Some of his pitches have been FedEx'd to the wrong place this season.
There's no need to fear, Underdog is here! / Broncos/Dodgers/Lakers fan in Niners/Raiders/Giants/Warriors country, and damned proud of it.
Even most of my giant fan friends
Are tiring of his schtick
An 10 era doesn’t help
by lchristmas on Apr 24, 2011 7:20 PM PDT via mobile up reply actions
From Rob Neyer on twitter
Bobby Valentine on St. Louis reliever Eduardo Sanchez: “He has balls that move all over the place, Orel. Real confident, cocky pitcher.”
There's no need to fear, Underdog is here! / Broncos/Dodgers/Lakers fan in Niners/Raiders/Giants/Warriors country, and damned proud of it.
Yes, the real question is will the play both Sands and Thames. I say yes.
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
Nolasco is righthanded
The Dodgers are on track to face at least 4 straight righthanders, San Diego could start Richard sometime this weekend, but it is at least 5 righties for sure.
The Cubs are scheduled to have one lefty (John Russell) and then Coleman and Dempster repeat the matchups against Bills and Lilly at Dodger Stadium.
Could he be any worse than Sands or Loney?
@andrewngrant
by regfairfield on Apr 24, 2011 8:34 PM PDT up reply actions
I think Sands just needs to get some hits right now, so I’d put him in a position to succeed and sit him against lefties.
@andrewngrant
by regfairfield on Apr 24, 2011 8:44 PM PDT up reply actions
I…uh…misread your comment.
@andrewngrant
by regfairfield on Apr 24, 2011 8:53 PM PDT up reply actions
Scott Van Slyke with a double/home run today, now leads the Southern League in batting average, 4th in OB, 2nd in slug, The slug is at .830, with 7 doubles, 2 triples, 3 home runs. The guy who leads the league in Slug has nine home runs but Van Slyke is only 15 points behind him.
This is a huge break out for Van Slyke and he’s not really old for the league.
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
and he’s not really old for the league
I agree – quite an interesting development
by Hollywood Joe on Apr 24, 2011 8:34 PM PDT up reply actions
I think 24 is old for AA, but it’s definitely encouraging after he completely shat the bed last year. I think if he keeps this up for a couple months they should be aggressive with him.
@andrewngrant
by regfairfield on Apr 24, 2011 8:36 PM PDT up reply actions
Has he turned into a legit-ish prospect again?
Or at all? Obviously it’s early, but still.
"If we hit that bull's eye, the rest of the dominoes will fall like a house of cards. Checkmate"
has anyone checked josh johnsons numbers
34 IP 13 H 9 BB 33 K
hong chi kuo like numbers coming from a SP
WTFF
He's a beast
We thankfully miss him this time around, but face at least 2 other very good pitchers.
Btw, the Marlins SBN blog seems like a ghost town. Is it always that way?
There's no need to fear, Underdog is here! / Broncos/Dodgers/Lakers fan in Niners/Raiders/Giants/Warriors country, and damned proud of it.
Sands is best arm in left field since?.....
Dusty Baker?
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