You never want to concede a game to the opposition, but with tomorrow's matchup -- Tim Lincecum vs. Jeff Weaver -- heavily favoring the Giants, today's game seems quite important for the Dodgers to win. Then again, Chad Billingsley vs. Barry Zito was tilted heavily in the Dodgers' direction, and the Giants went on to win 3-1.
Ken Gurnick of MLB.com tells us that some regulars will rest in today's day game following a night game, with the leading candidates being Rafael Furcal, Casey Blake, and perhaps Russell Martin. However, with Monday's off day providing a natural day off, Martin's 11 hits in his last 20 at bats might be too important to sit. Entering last Saturday's game, Martin was hitting .198, and I jokingly told a friend he would be at .280 by the end of the homestand. Well, he's up to .267 now, so that doesn't look so far fetched.
Dylan Hernandez notes the absence of Manny Ramirez is already being felt by the club. I can't help but think constant questions about Manny's suspension could really grate on the players. Casey Blake noted, "Obviously, I'd rather not answer these questions, but it's there. It's real."
What's also real is that the Dodgers play today on big Fox, at 12:40. Eric Stults faces off against Jonathan Sanchez.
Get your guesses in for "Just A Bit Outside" here.