It's hard to believe that the Dodgers haven't swept a 6 game homestand since 1994, but according to Vin, it's true. That means a lot of Dodger fans have never seen it. So it is understandable if it made me a little giddy. Case in point, I told a co-worker the other day "Nomar's going to win a batting title this year." That's a little embarrassing, but, hey, it's just baseball.
Nomar's probably not going to win a batting title, but he's got a pretty decent shot at a Gold Glove this year. They usually go to guys who hit a ton (I don't think Juan Castro got too much consideration) anyway, and announcers can't shut up about how good Nomar looks at first base. They raved about Loney, too. The errorless streak (Nomar hadn't committed one in, like, 270-some odd chances), which theyofficial scorers tried their darndest to keep alive, finally ended with a dropped throw. Regardless, I don't think the praise will stop. After all, he does, in fact, look good. However, Dodger Math has an interesting analysis of the Dodgers' defence so far this year, and it holds some surprises, especially with regard to Nomar. I won't spoil it for you, except to say that Ramon Martinez is mighty handy. Do yourself a fovor and check it out.
The road trip begins with the Nationals, who, like the Dodgers, are looking for their longest win streak of the season. They just swept the Astros, and their starters have been able to log some innings, so don't expect them to roll over. Of course, the Rockies were pretty hot, too, and they Dodgers hardly even noticed they were in they stadium. Brett "Mojo" Tomko takes the mound tonight, followd by Lowe and Seo. I can't wait.
Go Blue.
The Pitching Matchup:
Brett Tomko (RHP, Dodgers) vs. Livan Hernandez (RHP, Nationals)
For your (27-20) Los Angeles Dodgers:
Furcal, SS
Lofton, CF
Garciaparra, 1B
Drew, RF
Kent, 2B
Aybar, 3B
Cruz, LF
Alomar, C
Tomko, P
For the (19-29) Washington Nationals:
Soriano, LF
Clayton, SS
Vidro, 2B
Johnson, 1B
Zimmerman, 3B
Anderson, RF
Jackson, CF
Schneider, C
Hernandez, P