Out of the middle of nowhere, the Dodgers are going to find a way to sweep the Phillies. Matt Kemp, Andre Ethier, the Beard, and James Loney will each drive up their RBI totals as the hamsters: Scott Podsednik and Ryan Theriot with Jamey Carroll running the bases. I know this sounds ridiculous, but the Dodgers have to give it a shot. Sure they got burned in Colorado, but Colorado is on fire.
A worthy goal is giving it a shot so that the Giants are caught like they never saw it coming and maybe just maybe the WC will be possible. This team sans Manny has everything it needs to compete. They just need a little magic!
Go Dodgers!
Monday, August 30, 2010
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
Base running, Wild Pitches, and Squeeze Plays
Yes, the Dodgers were almost winners tonight as a result of a number of blunders tonight. From the missed squeeze in the 4th from AJ Ellis to the 3 WPs by Octavio Dotel, and the verbal Stop by Boa sending /not sending Reed Johnson to tie the game. I've seen everything this year. I can sit here and blame Matt Kemp for not being a smart hitter or Boa sending the runner, but I blame the entire team to the team manager.
Meanwhile in San Bernadino, Manny got 3 hits and a strikeout. A 3-4 night means a call up for Jay Gibbons or a trade to a pennant race eligible team. I think that if the Giants came calling, Ned would just let him go. The Dodgers are on the hook for the deferred part of the contract.
Lastly, in my opinion, just when it looks like things are getting better. Everything gets dressed up as a win of an 8 inning game, but in MLB you play ten.
Again, everyone is to blame from the front office to the hot dog vendor. We stink!
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Dodgers Slumping, but the Pen is Mightier than the Sword
Dodger fans, we can gripe until the cows come home that the bullpen combination that Torre has worked out is simply just as bad as using Jonathon Broxton...or can we look at the Dodgers failing to produce at the plate as the reasons for giving both Philly and the Braves improbable wins?
The Bullpen has been a sore spot for the Dodgers all season long. As a fan, I have no more confidence in the bullpen even with a 5-run lead! I mean, this is getting more than ridiculous. I know that we are still in the latter part of August, but with about 35 games to go and having to make up a 7 game lead on the WC, anything is possible. The Bullpen has been inconsistent and the hitting has been like hitting a piñata while blind folded.
However, and this is about as big news as when the Dodgers signed Clayton Kershaw, the Dodgers made a step in the right direction last night, with the improbable signing of Zach Lee. Now I am not saying that Zach Lee is ready right now, he's still raw, but at 18 he features a good fastball (95 mph), curve, and changeup. It's an awesome thing to see him in a Dodger uniform and he has a chance of making the big club in a few years. However, if he tears it up next year, Ned will be tempted to give him a shot at Spring training and perhaps AFL. I see big things with the rotation of the future and if the Dodgers can continue developing pitchers into future stars, then I see big things for the Dodgers!
The Bullpen has been a sore spot for the Dodgers all season long. As a fan, I have no more confidence in the bullpen even with a 5-run lead! I mean, this is getting more than ridiculous. I know that we are still in the latter part of August, but with about 35 games to go and having to make up a 7 game lead on the WC, anything is possible. The Bullpen has been inconsistent and the hitting has been like hitting a piñata while blind folded.
However, and this is about as big news as when the Dodgers signed Clayton Kershaw, the Dodgers made a step in the right direction last night, with the improbable signing of Zach Lee. Now I am not saying that Zach Lee is ready right now, he's still raw, but at 18 he features a good fastball (95 mph), curve, and changeup. It's an awesome thing to see him in a Dodger uniform and he has a chance of making the big club in a few years. However, if he tears it up next year, Ned will be tempted to give him a shot at Spring training and perhaps AFL. I see big things with the rotation of the future and if the Dodgers can continue developing pitchers into future stars, then I see big things for the Dodgers!
Thursday, August 12, 2010
Deja Vu and Murphy's Law in Philly
Last year during the NLCS game 4, I witnessed the squandering of a three run lead and after a masterful 6 innings of work by Randy Wolf. Dodgers hopes of notting the series were ended when Jimmy Rollins drove home the tying and winning runs.
Tonight was no different as I could feel it in my racing pulse. Big Jon Broxton entered the game to loud chants of Beat LA and he could not throw a fastball in the strike zone. He hit Placido Polanco who was not a threat and put him on. He walked Jason Werth and then he got Ben Francisco to ground out, no, no, Casey Blake nonchalantly, fielded (Bill Bucknered) the ball into left field with Carlos Ruiz on deck. Carlos Ruiz is the Dodger killer and looks like an assassin at the plate. With a favorable count he drove the ball to left center over a watching Matt Kemp.
At this point, the game was not over, but even a quicker relay wouldn't have gotten out Ben Frickin Francisco. Yikes! Ballgame! TV Off! Saw this same thing last year. One of the key differences was that Manny was in the shower last year.
Long August has now gotten worse. Bring on football!
Sunday, August 8, 2010
Dodgers Rise to the Occasion
In what proved to be a game of grit and guts, the Dodgers lower part of the order was responsible for winning this series offensively. After a shaky inning by Ted Lilly, the Dodgers overcame a misplay by Ryan Theriot to jump out to a 4-0 lead. The Dodgers managed to keep the Nats silent for much of the game with the exception of a couple solo shots. Dodgers won 8-3 with masterful pitching by Ted Lilly and a bullpen that continues to gain strength.
Where does this put the Dodgers? 5 games back in the WC and still 7 back for the division. With 30 to play in the NL west, the Dodgers have a chance.
Now is a good time for the Dodgers to gather around and enjoy some good Italian food in Philadelphia and hit the crap out of the ball. The Dodgers head to Philly fired up and in it to win it! Giants are starting their nosedive into the mediocre counterparts they have proven to be. Sure they have pitching, but their timely hitting has suddenly disappeared.
Dodgers Go for the Series
Now that I have access to all the MLB games, I am noticing that a lot of other teams have explosive young players. The Blue Jays, who have stocked their minor leagues with exciting young talent and drafted well are a fun team to watch. JP Arencibia was explosive. Brandon Morrow-from Seattle was pitching well today.
I am impressed by the pitching and defense by the Atlanta Braves. They went for it right after the All Star break by trading Yunel Escobar for Alex Gonzalez. Great move offensively and defensively. Both teams have benefitted.
Tampa Bay is always exciting.
Even Houston as of late is playing better after playing the trade game and hiring Jeff Bagwell to coach hitters.
The Dodgers regime now seems old and tired. It seems like coaches are just sitting there and just collecting a check. I am seeing better pitching, but more lazy defense, a lot of impatience at the plate and poorly called games from behind the plate.
Today's move to DFA was a step in a direction, but I am not sure if Jay Gibbons can hit better or worse. The Dodgers have won 3 games this week. The Dodgers are 6 out of the WC and now have a tough task today v. The fighting Nats and a monumental task v. The Phillies and Braves. Ask the Giants about the Braves.
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
Padilla El Jefe
For all of the English speakers: Vicente Padilla pitched an incredible game. 8 strikeouts and gave up 2 hits. Padilla almost kept the no hitter if it were not for a James Loney boot into right field. The Dodgers improved on the RISP with some 2 out scoring and excellent base running! Now we are on a winning streak and the effort and attitude is starting to turn for the better. The clubhouse is more lively and the fight is seen in the eyes of the players.
Big contributions from:
Theriot: took away 2 base hits. Huge double in the bottom of the 8th.
Ronnie Belliard: Big RBI double! Huge! Need to see more of that!
Scott Posednik. Stealing and driving in two runs with a huge bloop fly ball. It looked like I chip shot in golf before it landed between struggling Chris Denorfia (in the field) and Will Venable. For all the crap I gave Pod earlier, he is definitely coming through.
On a sad note, we learned that Russ Martin is out 15 days and placed on the DL, but that might be a permanent move for the year. A torn labrum brings him back by Spring training, but maybe not with the Dodgers??? In my opinion...he stays if he is cheap, but look out for up and coming catchers in the minors.
One last note on this victory...it's not 10PM on the west coast and the game is over. Vicente should do that every time. Glad that Torre came to his senses and let him finish the job!
GO DODGERS!!! GO BLUE!!!
Big contributions from:
Theriot: took away 2 base hits. Huge double in the bottom of the 8th.
Ronnie Belliard: Big RBI double! Huge! Need to see more of that!
Scott Posednik. Stealing and driving in two runs with a huge bloop fly ball. It looked like I chip shot in golf before it landed between struggling Chris Denorfia (in the field) and Will Venable. For all the crap I gave Pod earlier, he is definitely coming through.
On a sad note, we learned that Russ Martin is out 15 days and placed on the DL, but that might be a permanent move for the year. A torn labrum brings him back by Spring training, but maybe not with the Dodgers??? In my opinion...he stays if he is cheap, but look out for up and coming catchers in the minors.
One last note on this victory...it's not 10PM on the west coast and the game is over. Vicente should do that every time. Glad that Torre came to his senses and let him finish the job!
GO DODGERS!!! GO BLUE!!!
Padilla El Jefe
Lo que pasó esta noche en Dodger Stadium fue algo increíble. Vicente Padilla casi pichio un no hitter si no fuera por el intento de un estirado James Loney que no alcanzó suficiente para agarrar la pelota a su izquierdo. Pero el intento y el esfuerzo todavía esta vivo para los Dodgers!
Vicente vino al estadio con el derecho de evitar mal lugar de la zona de strike. Pues, lo hizo, un shutout de los Padres del primer lugar!
Casi, casi, un no hitter!!!
Viva Azul!!!
Vicente vino al estadio con el derecho de evitar mal lugar de la zona de strike. Pues, lo hizo, un shutout de los Padres del primer lugar!
Casi, casi, un no hitter!!!
Viva Azul!!!
Is AJ Ellis really what the Dodgers need or is Xavier Paul that bad?
Apparently, Joe Torre feels that Xavier Paul is destined for greatness in AAA Albuquerque. I am not exactly thrilled about this recent decision. I know that XP or X-Man as I like to call him has not exactly given the kid everyday playing time prior to Pod or Podsednik, but I think sending him to Albuquerque for AJ Ellis is not exactly a step up offensively. I know that Catcher Brad Ausmus can catch a few games here and there, but bringing in AJ Ellis and taking out an OF option stinks. Here are my reasons:
1. Pod is not really hitting and has seen his average dip from .309-.303 BA./ .167 BA as a Dodger
2. Garrett Anderson is not playing to form offensively: batting .184 with 2 HR, and an OPS of .484
3. Xavier Paul: .231 BA, .595 OPS
My take is that XP, can get the job done which maybe makes you wonder why did we acquire Pod???
One reason could be it is possible for Torre knew more about Furcal's health a week ago. Or maybe, Torre needed a speedster he had with Juan Pierre. I have heard the argument countless times on other blogs that Juan Pierre should not have been traded, but was because of his high salary. I think, it's because the writing is on the wall and that last Saturday that Manny's days are numbered and Ned is looking for the right deal to unload him. If that happens, I think it's Tampa. Torre has a thing against the Yankees. I can talk about this at length later at my Bye Bye Joe Entry in November.
So, Torre can keep calling on the shuttle bus for XP between LA and Albuquerque, but in reality, XP has a lot of potential and just needs playing time. He is not the fielder everyone thought he would be, but he has a lot of upside. Remember when Kemp wasn't perfect?
If the Dodgers don't get on a roll in the next couple of weeks, it would be nice to see him back up seeing what the kid can do!
Go Dodgers!
1. Pod is not really hitting and has seen his average dip from .309-.303 BA./ .167 BA as a Dodger
2. Garrett Anderson is not playing to form offensively: batting .184 with 2 HR, and an OPS of .484
3. Xavier Paul: .231 BA, .595 OPS
My take is that XP, can get the job done which maybe makes you wonder why did we acquire Pod???
One reason could be it is possible for Torre knew more about Furcal's health a week ago. Or maybe, Torre needed a speedster he had with Juan Pierre. I have heard the argument countless times on other blogs that Juan Pierre should not have been traded, but was because of his high salary. I think, it's because the writing is on the wall and that last Saturday that Manny's days are numbered and Ned is looking for the right deal to unload him. If that happens, I think it's Tampa. Torre has a thing against the Yankees. I can talk about this at length later at my Bye Bye Joe Entry in November.
So, Torre can keep calling on the shuttle bus for XP between LA and Albuquerque, but in reality, XP has a lot of potential and just needs playing time. He is not the fielder everyone thought he would be, but he has a lot of upside. Remember when Kemp wasn't perfect?
If the Dodgers don't get on a roll in the next couple of weeks, it would be nice to see him back up seeing what the kid can do!
Go Dodgers!
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
Hello Dodgers! It's Now or Never!
The Los Angeles Dodgers face Matt Latos and the San Diego Padres tonight at Dodger Stadium. Right now, the stench of 6 straight losses is felt by the fans and the media. The players? This team has a resiliant attitude and they believe in their ability to get the job done. I am confident that the Dodgers can win tonight. However, and more alarming is the teams best option at SS, Raffy Furcal is out of the lineup and the reasoning is a bit unclear. Last night, everyone saw why we have Matt Kemp and his 5 for 5 night and why we pull all our hair out as fans when he makes base running blunders. It's not just him, but James Loney somewhat misjudged the throwing arm of Chris Denorfia in Center Field and advanced on the throw with 2 outs and Matt Kemp not exactly racing home. Sure that was a loss of a run, but let's say if Loney doesn't advance and Kemp scores, the Dodgers are ahead on the Padres and it certainly makes a difference for the psyche of the Padres being down a run or two and roughing up Clay Richard is a much better situation for the Dodgers.
Again, if the Dodgers can get a win tonight and win the next two, they have a good chance to gain a few games back and quite possibly back on the Giants.
I am looking at the glass half full here so seeing the Giants crumble in Colorado and Atlanta might put me back in "I told you so" mode. In reality, I am tired about hearing how the Giants are going to the playoffs when last time I checked, they have not clinched anything.
Vin Scully brought up an excellent anecdote from the past Brooklyn Dodgers ball club. The Dodgers of 1951, one of the best Dodger teams ever, in a 154 game season, won over 100 games. Now, Larry McPhail of the Dodgers brass came down to the club house and told the team: "You guys are going to lose." The Dodgers blew a 10.5 game lead in Mid August to not get to the playoffs. Does that bode well for us as fans? Not exactly, but some hope can be gained from Vin being Vin.
However, it's still a long way to go before the season ends and so as fans we have to weather the storm and pray/hope the Dodgers can win a long string of games against good hitting and pitching teams.
Ted Lilly on the mound tonight serves as somewhat as a stopper of this horrible losing skid. He eats innings, but also pitches effectively. I am hopeful that he gets the Dodgers to a good start of what could be a great winning streak and for that to happen, everyone needs to hit and run the bases well!
Go Dodgers!
Again, if the Dodgers can get a win tonight and win the next two, they have a good chance to gain a few games back and quite possibly back on the Giants.
I am looking at the glass half full here so seeing the Giants crumble in Colorado and Atlanta might put me back in "I told you so" mode. In reality, I am tired about hearing how the Giants are going to the playoffs when last time I checked, they have not clinched anything.
Vin Scully brought up an excellent anecdote from the past Brooklyn Dodgers ball club. The Dodgers of 1951, one of the best Dodger teams ever, in a 154 game season, won over 100 games. Now, Larry McPhail of the Dodgers brass came down to the club house and told the team: "You guys are going to lose." The Dodgers blew a 10.5 game lead in Mid August to not get to the playoffs. Does that bode well for us as fans? Not exactly, but some hope can be gained from Vin being Vin.
However, it's still a long way to go before the season ends and so as fans we have to weather the storm and pray/hope the Dodgers can win a long string of games against good hitting and pitching teams.
Ted Lilly on the mound tonight serves as somewhat as a stopper of this horrible losing skid. He eats innings, but also pitches effectively. I am hopeful that he gets the Dodgers to a good start of what could be a great winning streak and for that to happen, everyone needs to hit and run the bases well!
Go Dodgers!
Sunday, August 1, 2010
America has Spoken
Fellow Bloggers and Dodger fans,
On ESPN, 41% of America believes the Dodgers will make a playoff run. The Rockies were 35% most likely to make a run. I know that we are now in August, but last time I checked the calendar has hit "dog days" and not October. For you Dodger fans who are feeling skeptical and downright bullish on the Dodgers let's consider a few possibilities.
1. The Dodgers have a difficult home stand against First Place San Diego and Last place Washington. In addition, they play the Rockies somewhere.
2. The Giants have their toughest road and home series left:
2 with the Rockies in Denver, 4 with Atlanta, 4 with the Cubs at home, and then 3 with San Diego. Even worse? Followed by 3 with the Phillies on the road and 3 with St. Louis on the road....If they win each series, they will be fine. I predict, they can't and it will come down to having to face the toughest hitters and pitchers they have faced all season. It spells disaster and I can picture Bochy walking back and forth from the dugout to the mound so much so that he'll need a motorized vehicle to get to and fro.
3. San Diego has an incredible record at home and on the road, but they cannot hit. Sure, since the All Star break, they have been on fire, but they just lost a series to the Marlins. San Diego has the Dodgers for 4, Arizona for 3, 4 in Chicago, 3 in Milwaukee. The Dodgers series is the most interesting.
4. Dodgers play well at home and it's time to have a positive home stand and beat Philly and Atlanta on the Road.
Where am I going with this? I really don't think we should count our Boys in Blue out.
I am upset about managerial moves before and during games. Some have and prove questionable? Why not put Theriot batting Eight? Martin bats better earlier in the lineup and pitching to Renteria in the 7th? I know you don't load the bases with two outs, but if Matt Cain is 0-24 against the Dodgers at the plate- you pitch to him and load the bases by walking Renteria. Matt Cain has a chance to ground out, flyout, or strike out! Yeesh!
So, the Dodgers have played a little too loose for my liking and gone is the care- free we can spot a couple of runs because when it's over we'll win by 6. The only thing necessary is to hear "I love LA" at least 5 times this week as the Dodgers play and win.
Schedule information: Based on ESPN.GO.COM/MLB
On ESPN, 41% of America believes the Dodgers will make a playoff run. The Rockies were 35% most likely to make a run. I know that we are now in August, but last time I checked the calendar has hit "dog days" and not October. For you Dodger fans who are feeling skeptical and downright bullish on the Dodgers let's consider a few possibilities.
1. The Dodgers have a difficult home stand against First Place San Diego and Last place Washington. In addition, they play the Rockies somewhere.
2. The Giants have their toughest road and home series left:
2 with the Rockies in Denver, 4 with Atlanta, 4 with the Cubs at home, and then 3 with San Diego. Even worse? Followed by 3 with the Phillies on the road and 3 with St. Louis on the road....If they win each series, they will be fine. I predict, they can't and it will come down to having to face the toughest hitters and pitchers they have faced all season. It spells disaster and I can picture Bochy walking back and forth from the dugout to the mound so much so that he'll need a motorized vehicle to get to and fro.
3. San Diego has an incredible record at home and on the road, but they cannot hit. Sure, since the All Star break, they have been on fire, but they just lost a series to the Marlins. San Diego has the Dodgers for 4, Arizona for 3, 4 in Chicago, 3 in Milwaukee. The Dodgers series is the most interesting.
4. Dodgers play well at home and it's time to have a positive home stand and beat Philly and Atlanta on the Road.
Where am I going with this? I really don't think we should count our Boys in Blue out.
I am upset about managerial moves before and during games. Some have and prove questionable? Why not put Theriot batting Eight? Martin bats better earlier in the lineup and pitching to Renteria in the 7th? I know you don't load the bases with two outs, but if Matt Cain is 0-24 against the Dodgers at the plate- you pitch to him and load the bases by walking Renteria. Matt Cain has a chance to ground out, flyout, or strike out! Yeesh!
So, the Dodgers have played a little too loose for my liking and gone is the care- free we can spot a couple of runs because when it's over we'll win by 6. The only thing necessary is to hear "I love LA" at least 5 times this week as the Dodgers play and win.
Schedule information: Based on ESPN.GO.COM/MLB
Dodgers swept into Obscurity
Apparently the Dodgers have a selective memory that Matt Cain never beat them. Matt Kemp almost tied the game, but the ball landed in bike riding Aaron Rowand's glove. While I could fill this blog with expletives, I will spare my energy and look forward to winning 3 from San Diego.
Panic has not set in, but it's 8 games out and 7 out of the Wild Card. It hurts, yeah, but the team will rally and try to right the ship. This SS Dodger cruise ship is close to hitting an Ice Berg in the Bearing Strait.
I believe Ethier will be back for the next game and congratulations to him and his wife on their 2nd child!
Go Dodgers! Please watch out for icebergs!
Panic has not set in, but it's 8 games out and 7 out of the Wild Card. It hurts, yeah, but the team will rally and try to right the ship. This SS Dodger cruise ship is close to hitting an Ice Berg in the Bearing Strait.
I believe Ethier will be back for the next game and congratulations to him and his wife on their 2nd child!
Go Dodgers! Please watch out for icebergs!
Today is a New Day
Hello Dodger fans,
Today is a bright new day and Kid K, Clayton Kershaw takes the hill with a purpose to put a halt to this losing streak. It is also a new month, and I predict the Dodgers will be back to their winning ways. On a bright note, they face Matt Cain who can't beat the Dodgers! Additionally, Billingsley seems to finally be a formidable force I. The rotation. Dodgers need to get back to basics, not panic, work the count and the hitting will follow. Torre is the right guy for good things to happen.
Realistically, the Dodgers could miss the playoffs. I guarantee that they will certainly give it their all and give it their best shot. Colletti finally got his man in Lilly and a couple of pieces that gives Torre some options. Let's cheer for the Blue today loud and proud and show those Giants fans what a real team looks like in August and September when the games mean more! Remind those ugly orange and black beer guzzling fans that it's been a long time since they've won, 1954! Current trophy case? Nothing in San Franciso!
Go Blue!!!
Today is a bright new day and Kid K, Clayton Kershaw takes the hill with a purpose to put a halt to this losing streak. It is also a new month, and I predict the Dodgers will be back to their winning ways. On a bright note, they face Matt Cain who can't beat the Dodgers! Additionally, Billingsley seems to finally be a formidable force I. The rotation. Dodgers need to get back to basics, not panic, work the count and the hitting will follow. Torre is the right guy for good things to happen.
Realistically, the Dodgers could miss the playoffs. I guarantee that they will certainly give it their all and give it their best shot. Colletti finally got his man in Lilly and a couple of pieces that gives Torre some options. Let's cheer for the Blue today loud and proud and show those Giants fans what a real team looks like in August and September when the games mean more! Remind those ugly orange and black beer guzzling fans that it's been a long time since they've won, 1954! Current trophy case? Nothing in San Franciso!
Go Blue!!!
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