The Dodgers continue to meet resistance at one game over .500. The Dodgers will start the day even once again, this time without Lofton and Kent in the lineup. Both players had minor ailments yesterday and Little is keeping them out of the lineup today. While the batting order doesn't look too impressive with them on the bench, I must say that I like the cautious approach towards injuries. The last thing we need is Kent seriously injuring himself because he was playing with stiffness in his back.
Today, the L.A. Times pondered what the Dodgers would do when Izturis comes back, particularly in light of Furcal's less-than-stellar defense so far. One possibility is that Mueller, Furcal, Izturis, Kent and Garciaparra will share four starting positions. Garciaparra can play third, and Furcal probably can, too. Kent can play first. Izturis and Garciaparra can play short, and Izturis and Furcal can probably play second. That would mean any starter could rest. In light of the aches and pains that the team has been through over the last two years, I don't see any great need to trade one of these guys.
Today, trailing the first place Diamondbacks by 2.5 games, we fight to get out of a last place tie with the Giants.
Go Blue.
The Pitching Matchup:
Brad Penny (RHP, Dodgers) vs. Jason Jennings (RHP, Rockies)
For your (20-20) Los Angeles Dodgers:
Furcal, SS
Cruz, CF
Garciaparra, 1B
Drew, RF
Aybar, 3B
Ethier, LF
Martinez, 2B
Martin, C
Penny, P
For the (22-18) Colorado Rockies:
Sullivan, CF
Atkins, 3B
Helton, 1B
Holliday, LF
Hawpe, RF
Smith, 2B
Ojeda, C
Carroll, SS
Jennings, P