Dodgers Hope Bullpen Makes Better First Impression

When looking over some stats from the first few games, one stat jumped out at me. Dodger relievers have allowed their first batter faced to reach seven of 11 times. All seven relievers have allowed at least one first batter to reach base:

Dodger relievers do have a 1.941 WHIP, 7.15 ERA, and eight walks against 11 strikeouts, so maybe it shouldn't be that much of a surprise. Still, a .636 OBP is eye-opening. Then again, we are only talking about four games, so small sample size warnings apply.

Lineups

It's a great idea for the Dodgers to have their best defensive outfielder playing in the largest outfield in the majors, as the Dodgers are in Coors Field to face the Rockies. But it doesn't make a whole lot of sense for Tony Gwynn Jr. (.304 OBP in 2010, .322 career) to bat second while Jamey Carroll (.356 career OBP, .379 OBP last year) bats eighth. Yes, Gwynn is fast and can do considerably more damage on the bases than Carroll, but you can't steal first base.

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The Dodgers announced Jon Garland would make a rehab start with Class A Rancho Cucamonga on April 10, in hopes that he will be ready to pitch for the big league club on April 15. That means the fifth starter will likely only be needed for one start, on April 10, which tilts the scales heavily in favor of John Ely, who is on the 40-man roster, over Tim Redding, who is not on the 40-man.

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Game Time: 5:40 p.m.

TV: KCAL

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