Unbelievably, the Dodgers still sit just 3.5 games back of the division lead. So everyone in the division still has a shot. This phenomenon doesn't seem all that rare. I remember the NL East last year, and for a couple years in a row it seems a little tough to find sellers at the trading deadline. I'm sure that, to some degree, the fact that there are almost always more buyers than sellers indicates most teams' propensity for overestimating their chances. I know I do.
So the "big weekend," the chance for redemption vs. the Cards...is fizzling. It may be the smart thing for the Dodgers to see themselves as sellers at this point. But fans would never stand for it. We always have hope, so we'd see it as a betrayal onf all the faith we've invested in the club. So maybe just stand pat. I don't like the idea of buying in this market.
Oops, almost penciled in Weaver as the Dodgers' starter. In all fairness, shouldn't we be starting Odalis against him? You know, big money matchup....
Go Blue.
The Pitching Match-up:
Jeff Weaver (RHP, Cardinals) vs. Aaron Sele(RHP. Dodgers)
For the (54-41) St. Louis Cardinals:
Eckstein, SS
Duncan, LF
Pujols, 1B
Rolen, 3B
Edmonds, CF
Encarnacion, RF
Spezio, 2BMolina, C
Weaver, P
For your (47-50) Los Angeles Dodgers:
Furcal, SS
Lofton, CF
Garciaparra, 1B
Ethier, LF
Martin, C
Aybar, 2B
Izturis, 3B
Cruz, RF
Sele, P