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About Jon
Thank You For Not ...

1) using profanity or any euphemisms for profanity
2) personally attacking other commenters
3) baiting other commenters
4) arguing for the sake of arguing
5) discussing politics
6) using hyperbole when something less will suffice
7) using sarcasm in a way that can be misinterpreted negatively
8) making the same point over and over again
10) being annoyed by the existence of this list
11) commenting under the obvious influence

Padre and Dodger Offenses: Brief Comparison
2005-06-20 16:27
by Jon Weisman

Tonight's Game

Robert Fick.34447Olmedo Saenz.315138
Brian Giles.317289J.D. Drew.312276
Mark Sweeney.31690Jeff Kent.311281
Ryan Klesko.304257Antonio Perez.311114
Dave Roberts.282204Mike Edwards.30277
Xavier Nady.280141Hee Seop Choi.286195
Phil Nevin.262270Jason Repko.262117
Ramon Hernandez .261247Cesar Izturis.255283
Damian Jackson.256105Jason Phillips.252206
Sean Burroughs.255213Jayson Werth.24395
Khalil Greene.251184Jason Grabowski.22670
Geoff Blum.246182Mike Rose.20315
Miguel Ojeda.13468Oscar Robles.14340

(Statistics courtesy of Baseball Prospectus, which describes EQA, or equivalent average, as: "A measure of total offensive value per out, with corrections for league offensive level, home park, and team pitching. EQA considers batting as well as baserunning, but not the value of a position player's defense. The EQA adjusted for all-time also has a correction for league difficulty. The scale is deliberately set to approximate that of batting average. League average EQA is equal to .260.")

Comments (265)
Show/Hide Comments 1-50
2005-06-20 16:49:41
1.   Bob Timmermann
Yes, I know today is June 20. But yesterday I didn't. I thought yesterday was June 20, instead of June 19.

Which when you think about it, really does detract from me criticizing Ozzie Guillen....

We will resume regular programming tomorrow.

Random Dodger game callback

June 19, 1894

In the biggest offensive season in baseball's history, Brooklyn and Washington played a game typical of the season as Brooklyn prevailed over Washington at Boundary Park in Washington, 11-9, before 1,975 spectators.

1894 would see Brooklyn set franchise records for runs scored (1021) and runs allowed (1015) that will likely never be approached. The 1953 squad scored 955 runs in 19 more games.

Brooklyn jumped out to a 9-0 lead in the top of the 1st against Washington pitcher Al Maul. As the New York Times described it, Brooklyn benefited from "four bases on balls, several hits, and rank errors." The box score listed Washington with just 3 errors on the game. But also just 1 earned run surrendered during the game too.

Washington got back into the game with a run in the second and then eight in the third against Brooklyn starter Hank Gastright. Gastright walked five, gave up "several hits" and left fielder George Treadway made an error.

Brickyard Kennedy relieved in the fourth and shut out Washington the rest of the way and Brooklyn was able to tack on a couple of runs for the win. Brooklyn had four triples and two doubles among its 12 hits on the day.

The win improved Brooklyn's record to 27-16 and were in fourth place, four games behind first place Baltimore. In the end, Brooklyn finished 70-61 and in fifth place, 20 ½ games behind Baltimore in the 12-team National League.

Brooklyn's lofty run total was only the fifth best in the league. Third place Boston scored a staggering 1220 runs, over 9 per game, the best in major league history. The fourth place Philadelphia Phillies had an outfield that batted over .400 collectively. Left fielder Ed Delahanty batted .407 as did right fielder Sam Thompson. Center fielder Billy Hamilton could only manage a .404 average. Boston's Hugh Duffy led the league at .440.

Of Brooklyn's 8 everyday players, all but one batted over .300. Third baseman Billy Shindle managed to hit only .296. Center fielder Mike Griffin led the team at .358.

Why was offense so high in 1894? Historians don't have a definitive reason. The pitching distance was moved back to its present distance of 60'6" the previous year and offense went up, but not as much as it did in 1894. Perhaps there was a hangover effect as the pitchers adapted to the new distance. New York's Amos Rusie had the lowest ERA at 2.78, but the next lowest was 3.70. The lowest ERA for Brooklyn was Ed Stein's 4.63. A guy named Andy Sommerville pitched 1/3 of an inning in game on August 8 and gave up 6 runs and never came back and left baseball with an ERA of 162.00.

First baseman Dave Foutz served as player-manager in 1894, but at age 38, he was only able to write his name in the lineup 72 times and shared the position with Candy LaChance. With a name like that, one must assume that Mr. LaChance won his share of fights in the schoolyard. LaChance played in the majors for 12 years and was the starting first baseman for Boston in the first AL-NL World Series in 1903. His real first name was George.

Offense would drop a bit in 1895. The losing pitcher on June 19, Al Maul, finshed 1894 with a 5.98 ERA, but in 1895 he would lead the NL with a 2.45 ERA.

Thanks to the New York Times, and Retrosheet

2005-06-20 17:05:19
2.   Bob Timmermann
The winners of the Dodger Thoughts contest for "We Want Them to Be Dodgers": Aaron Harang and Adam Dunn are both playing tonight against St. Louis.

Cardinals lead in Cincy, 1-0.

2005-06-20 17:33:31
3.   Bob Timmermann
Harang has issues with Reggie Sanders. Namely Sanders has a double and a homer and 3 RBI against Harang and the Cardinals lead 3-0.

Apropos of nothing, the first time I ever used all seven letters in my rack in Scrabble was to spell the word "harangue"

2005-06-20 17:34:22
4.   Linkmeister
Huh. Learn something every day. I'd always thought 1930 was generally accepted as the year with the most offense. Terry hit .401, Wilson hit 56 HR and had 191 RBI, etc., etc.

I stand corrected.

2005-06-20 17:36:35
5.   Bob Timmermann
If it's any consolation, I thought 1930 was also. But most people just count years from 1901 on.

Upon further reflection, I believe I spelled the word "harangued" and used other letters on the board. I got a lot of points. I won. I was very happy.

2005-06-20 17:40:04
6.   Linkmeister
Maybe that's it. "Modern era" seems to be defined as 1901 forward. Which is silly with baseball, since we'd then have to consign most of the careers that Wee Willie Keeler, Cap Anson, Mike Kelly, and a zillion pitchers I can't think of had to Neverland (not the ranch). We don't do that.
2005-06-20 18:28:45
7.   brendan glynn

I'm glad I wasn't playing you at the time. I could have sworn it was spelled with two r's.

2005-06-20 18:30:41
8.   brendan glynn
For no real reason I have a good feeling about tonight's game.
2005-06-20 18:34:05
9.   GoBears
Geez, if not for Cesar's recent slide toward oblivion (or, as Mike Tyson would say, "Bolivian,"), all 4 of our Ja(y)sons would be in a nice little row. Maybe Repko can suck enough to drop to his proper neighborhood - Ja(y)sonville.

Sheesh, Robles is not just bad. He's robo-bad.

2005-06-20 18:54:34
10.   Nick Iyengar
Can someone please explain the Aaron Harang fascination? Dunn is easy enough to explain.

If I remember correctly, Harang made his MLB by striking out 10 batters for the A's. Still, if the A's, constantly looking for young and cheap talent, were willing to cast him off, what does that say?

I don't know much about him, I'll admit, but I don't understand why anyone thinks he'd be better than, say, Jeff Weaver or even Elmer J. Thompson.

2005-06-20 19:00:49
11.   Im So Blue
Tonight's lineup, with Choi at 1B & Saenz at 3B:
Izzy, SS
Repko, RF
Drew, CF
Kent, 2B
Saenz, 3B
Choi, 1B
Werth, LF
Phillips, C
Penny, P

Roberts, CF
Fick, C
Klesko, LF
Giles, RF
Nevin, 1B
Burroughs, 3B
Greene, SS
Jackson, 2B
Peavy, P

2005-06-20 19:01:31
12.   Langhorne
I have a good feeling about tonight's game if for no other reason than I get to hear Vin. The last week has seemed like a month not only because of the game results but because Stiener and Lyons/Downing sound like an old married couple and ESPN covers the actual game as well as a washcloth would cover David Wells.
2005-06-20 19:10:33
13.   Bob Timmermann
Apparently Lima Time only appeared against the Dodgers. The White Sox scored 7 runs and got 10 hits (including 2 homers) off of him in 4 innings.
2005-06-20 19:10:54
14.   LAT
Would have like to see Peavy throw more than 13 pitches that frame
2005-06-20 19:14:02
15.   Bob Timmermann
I feel like I should be hearing Al Michaels saying "Do you believe in miracles?" after that first inning.
2005-06-20 19:14:21
16.   Berkeley Doug
Whatever happened to the over/under for the games?

I'll take the over. Penny pitches a gem, Ghame Over redeems himself, and the Dogers win 2-0.

2005-06-20 19:16:16
17.   Bob Timmermann
I think Xeifrank has taken some time off. Didn't he post the over/under?

I see that Vladimir Guerrero is both healthy and red hot.

This will not be a good thing for this weekend.

2005-06-20 19:16:29
18.   Berkeley Doug
#15 - O ye of little faith. :)
2005-06-20 19:19:42
19.   LAT
Now that we are back in the NL, I realize how glad I am that interleauge is over, even if only for a few days. Interleauge and Barry Bonds are a few of the things Jeff Kent and I agree on.
2005-06-20 19:26:56
20.   Bob Timmermann
Vin with the reverse jinx on Phil Nevin there.
2005-06-20 19:28:02
21.   fanerman91
What did Vin do?
2005-06-20 19:28:17
22.   Nick Iyengar
Seems pretty slow on the message board tonight.
2005-06-20 19:28:52
23.   Bob Timmermann
Vin spoke about how Nevin has owned Penny in his career. I believe coming into the game, Nevin had 6 homers against Penny.
2005-06-20 19:29:09
24.   fanerman91
I'll be here for at least another half-hour. Stuck watching the online updates. I'm also contemplating whether I should go to the gym at 8... after the food's had some time to digest.
2005-06-20 19:29:29
25.   fanerman91
Nice to see Vin do his part.
2005-06-20 19:29:50
26.   Bob Timmermann
Six-game losing streaks don't spur a lot of activity.

And a really depressing six-game losing streak.

2005-06-20 19:31:32
27.   LAT
Watching Penny try and bare hand a ball on one bounce makes me very nervous. Especially given his injury history in Petco
2005-06-20 19:31:40
28.   Steve
Hard to decide who won tonight's "marquee" matchup -- Brandon McCarthy or Jose Lima. But Lima's last start appears to have said more about the Dodgers than it did about Lima.
2005-06-20 19:33:21
29.   Bob Timmermann
I think the White Sox will prevail because the Royals current pitcher, Leo Nunez looks like he's 15.
2005-06-20 19:35:57
30.   Nick Iyengar
Yuck, a terrible at-bat. Werth took a crush-able pitch on 2-0, and swung at that awful pitch to strike out? I don't get it.
2005-06-20 19:36:30
31.   brendan glynn

That's a great reason. I'm going to go with that as well.

#16,# 17

Pretty easy to recreate. It was always 6 1/3 for some reason.

2005-06-20 19:37:40
32.   fanerman91
Oh no... looks like Jake Peavy's gonna throw a perfect game no-hitter against the Dodgers.

tries hopelessly to jinx Peavy

2005-06-20 19:44:54
33.   Bob Timmermann
No Padres pitcher has ever thrown a no-hitter.

The Mets, Padres, Rockies, and Diamondbacks have no no-hitters among NL teams.

That's 43 1/2 seasons without a no-hitter for the Mets, who have had their fare share of good pitchers.

The Devil Rays are the only AL team without a no-hitter.

2005-06-20 19:46:40
34.   Nick Iyengar
Nice play by Hee-Seop on Roberts' grounder. I like his defense over at 1B, even though he's looked awkward at times. Overall, I'd say he's better than Green was.
2005-06-20 19:47:32
35.   Jim Hitchcock
Uh oh. Player of the week. Cue Bob.
2005-06-20 19:48:13
36.   Bob Timmermann
Hee-Seop tried Ronald Reagan's joke with Kent last night.

"Honey, I forgot to duck!"

2005-06-20 19:48:48
37.   Bob Timmermann

My anger has passed about that. I have moved on to other vendettas.

2005-06-20 19:49:36
38.   Icaros
Didn't Randy Johnson throw a no-hitter last year for the D-Backs? Against the Braves?

I could have sworn...

2005-06-20 19:50:56
39.   Nick Iyengar
38: You're right
2005-06-20 19:51:06
40.   Bob Timmermann
Oh yeah, it was a perfect game too.

Cross them off your list.

2005-06-20 19:52:08
41.   LAT
Rules question: During the commercial break I flipped to the AZ-SF game. The first inning took took 34 minutes, 55 pitches between Lowery and Vasquez with the Giants leading 1-0. But before it ended the announcers made references to Vasquez "testing the time limit" between pitches. What is the time limit and is really ever enforced? (I'm guessing Bob knows this one off the top of his head.)
2005-06-20 19:52:44
42.   Bob Timmermann
The Braves last year lost a perfect game and also got struck out 18 times in another game.

And they still won the division.

2005-06-20 19:53:17
43.   Icaros
Okay, everyone, I corrected Bob. I think that means the Dodgers have to pull off the impossible victory tonight.
2005-06-20 19:54:03
44.   Bob Timmermann
I had to look it up. The time limit is 20 seconds if there are no runners on.

I've never seen it enforced. The penalty is a ball.

2005-06-20 19:54:40
45.   fanerman91
No-no/perfecto is still going.
2005-06-20 19:55:00
46.   Bob Timmermann
Am I really a monstrous know-it-all who alienates all who come in touch with him?

Or do I just have self-esteem issues?

2005-06-20 19:56:32
47.   untitled instrumental demo
Now that they've seen the ump's zone, will they start swinging the bleeping bats?
2005-06-20 19:56:33
48.   Icaros
No alienation or monstrosity, you're just a walking almanac.
2005-06-20 19:56:35
49.   LAT
Thanks Bob. As for #46 I hope you are kidding. You may be the smartest guy I never met.
2005-06-20 19:57:41
50.   Bob Timmermann
I didn't know the AFLAC trivia answer.
Show/Hide Comments 51-100
2005-06-20 19:58:21
51.   Bob Timmermann
Emboldened by LAT's comments, I will be extra pedantic now!
2005-06-20 19:59:28
52.   Icaros
I didn't know the AFLAC trivia answer.

Please, Bob, we know you're lying. That's pathetic.

2005-06-20 19:59:49
53.   Jim Hitchcock
Naw, Bob, you're more the go to guy rather than the know it all guy. And you have an evolved sense of humor and self deprecation. You can marry my sister.
2005-06-20 19:59:57
54.   untitled instrumental demo
Has Fick matured? I don't remember hearing anything negative the last couple of seasons..
2005-06-20 20:00:45
55.   untitled instrumental demo
Where was that ball 3 pitch to Giles?
2005-06-20 20:01:04
56.   Bob Timmermann
Fick has matured chronologically at least. I think not having a job may make him less of a jerk. I doubt Eric Karros sends him a Christmas card.
2005-06-20 20:01:09
57.   Icaros
will they start swinging the bleeping bats

If you'd written about bleeping balls, I'd think you mistakenly turned to the blind baseball playoffs on ESPN 7.

2005-06-20 20:02:41
58.   Icaros
You can marry my sister.

I thought you guys were cousins. Keep the hillbilly hookup off DT, please.

2005-06-20 20:02:47
59.   untitled instrumental demo
I'd forgotten about that playoff incident b/w him and Karros
2005-06-20 20:03:12
60.   alex 7
you would think an "ace" could throw his 90+ mph fastball inside on a guy once in a while. 6 pitches over the oustide part of the plate, ooooh, very tricky.
2005-06-20 20:03:14
61.   Icaros
Boy do we need LoDuca right now.
2005-06-20 20:03:27
62.   LAT
#34 Nick, you were saying. . .
2005-06-20 20:03:37
63.   untitled instrumental demo

Why? wassup there?

2005-06-20 20:05:36
64.   LAT
Penny throwing a lot of pitches
2005-06-20 20:06:15
65.   Icaros
In blind baseball they play with a ball that makes a beeping (or bleeping) sound.

I think the bases make noise as well.

2005-06-20 20:06:42
66.   Jim Hitchcock
Keep the hillbilly hookup off DT, please.

But she comes with a trailer!

2005-06-20 20:07:38
67.   untitled instrumental demo
Haha...I didn't realize you said ESPN 7.
2005-06-20 20:08:42
68.   Icaros
My brand of humor is multi-layered.
2005-06-20 20:09:13
69.   alex 7
I haven't watched too many games this year, but there are many groundballs on gameday that don't turn into double plays. Just where the hitters hit them or are we a little shaky with the DPs?
2005-06-20 20:09:26
70.   Bob Timmermann
It's been my lifelong dream to have my mother's maiden name be the same as my wife's.

It would make things so difficult to figure out.

My Dad did a lot of genealogy research and we finally came up with a pair of cousins who married each other. My genealogy software program flashed a warning about it before I typed in the marriage info.

This is taking a while to type because my sixth finger keeps getting in the way.

2005-06-20 20:10:18
71.   Bob Timmermann

The Dodgers turn DPs just fine. The Padres had the runners going on that play.

2005-06-20 20:10:34
72.   untitled instrumental demo
6 fingers? I'm gonna call you Antonio from now on, Bob
2005-06-20 20:11:32
73.   Bob Timmermann
It's also really hard to get underwear that hides your vestigial tail.
2005-06-20 20:11:49
74.   fanerman91
Only 1 run. Could be worse.
2005-06-20 20:13:05
75.   Marty
I know we joke about Weaver being Jeff Spicoli, but Khalil Greene really looks like him.
2005-06-20 20:14:23
76.   LAT
Lucky to get out of that with only one run but we paid the price in pitch count. With Duaner and Gio having gone yesterday Tracy is going to have to manage the pen. (I know that makes some of you very uncomfortable). Choi is starting to look like a liability at first, but I doubt Old Maid would have made that play either.
2005-06-20 20:14:48
77.   Icaros

Steiner was just making the exact same observation on radio, or is that what prompted you?

2005-06-20 20:16:00
78.   Bob Timmermann
Behold the prophecy:

And a fat Panamaniam will break the spell.

(Book of Saenz, 4:3)

2005-06-20 20:16:27
79.   untitled instrumental demo
I love how Saenz makes adjustments. This time he swung at the exact same pitch he was called out on last time. He fouled it off and then got a better pitch.
2005-06-20 20:16:58
80.   Nick Iyengar
76: Just curious, do we think Shawn Green would have made the play? I was never all that impressed with him at 1B. I always thought his first step was slow. I think Choi reacts quicker but just moves...clunkier. Yeah.
2005-06-20 20:18:24
81.   Icaros
Green was slower with all that money weighing him down.
2005-06-20 20:18:35
82.   Nick Iyengar
I think Grabbo should be playing ahead of Werth...especially against RHP.
2005-06-20 20:21:21
83.   Nagman
Baby steps... we got a base hit. Next inning lets try for two hitters making contact.
2005-06-20 20:22:25
84.   rageon
Contact? We don't need no stinking contact. Actually touching the bat to the baseball is apparantly overrated.
2005-06-20 20:22:48
85.   LAT
80: Green was never a great option at first and I think we would say as much. It wasn't his choice to play there. But Choi is not much better. It would be nice to have a JT Snow for defensive purposes.
2005-06-20 20:23:45
86.   LAT
85: "we" should = "he"
2005-06-20 20:24:19
87.   Marty
Icaros, wow, no I wasn't listening to the radio. I hate it when Steiner steals my material.
2005-06-20 20:24:22
88.   untitled instrumental demo
Snow? Yeah, he can pick it but could any of us really stand his prolonged absences and 3 month dry spells every season?
2005-06-20 20:24:34
89.   Jon Weisman
Didn't see the fourth. Were the hits solid off Penny?
2005-06-20 20:25:59
90.   fanerman91
Yay! No no-no! My how my standards are so low today...
2005-06-20 20:26:29
91.   Jim Hitchcock
Damn Roberts is going all Tom Goodwin on us.
2005-06-20 20:27:16
92.   Jon Weisman
At least Roberts gave us some good moments in a Dodger uniform first. So I think he's excused.
2005-06-20 20:27:41
93.   Nagman
Fick- ordinary ground ball up the middle. Giles hit it hard and deep to the gap in left center.
2005-06-20 20:27:59
94.   Jim Hitchcock
Is true.
2005-06-20 20:28:38
95.   untitled instrumental demo
If Roberts could've stayed healthy, he'd probably still be on the team.
2005-06-20 20:30:20
96.   Bob Timmermann
J.T. Snow is also 37.

As a 39-year old, I don't object to this in and of itself, but as for a baseball player, I don't see it as being something in Snow's favor.

2005-06-20 20:31:42
97.   untitled instrumental demo
I didn't bother mentioning his age. I thought the fact that he's fragile and not a good hitter was enough...
2005-06-20 20:31:47
98.   LAT
Snow hit .327 last year and has a BA twenty points above Choi this year. That being said the diffrence is not worth it when you include salary comparison.
2005-06-20 20:32:26
99.   Sam DC
Since we're correcting Bob, I'd like to my offer my opinion that #3 was indeed apropos of something. It was apropos of the similarity between the name of our supposed new pitcher and the word harangue and its role in Bob's life.

And since Bob knows all, I'd like to toss out a question. At RFK, they change the bases in the fourth or fifth inning (probably halfway through, though I'm not certain). Hadn't noticed that before -- is it commonly done?

And apropos of nothing, is there any player whose Gameday shot looks less like his tv visage than Jason Phillips?

2005-06-20 20:33:27
100.   joekings
Anybody else would have had a triple at least.
Show/Hide Comments 101-150
2005-06-20 20:33:29
101.   alex 7
no pinch hitter??
2005-06-20 20:33:56
102.   alex 7
2005-06-20 20:34:16
103.   alex 7
that tracy I tell ya, sheer genius.
2005-06-20 20:35:18
104.   untitled instrumental demo
Snow did hit .327 last less than 350 AB's and he'd never hit above .289 before in a 11-year career. Not to mention he's had no power this millenium...
2005-06-20 20:35:22
105.   alex 7
though I'd still consider pinch running for him
2005-06-20 20:35:27
106.   LAT
For Dave Roberts that's an IPHR. For Jason Phillips is a close single
2005-06-20 20:35:34
107.   Bob Timmermann
The Dodgers change the bases every three innings when they drag the infield.
2005-06-20 20:35:48
108.   Nagman
Unlike other slumps on this team (Drew, Choi), we cannot say Izturis has has bad luck or hit the ball hard right at people (til the first ab tonight) or had good ab's.

Amazingly the SD announcers said he still leads the league in multi-hit games.

2005-06-20 20:36:08
109.   Bob Timmermann
Brad Penny is no Loren Murchison out there.
2005-06-20 20:40:39
110.   LAT
That really was a major league pitcher against a minor league batter. Did I say minor league. I meant little leaguer. Of the AAAs, I like Repko the most, but that just shows why we can't win with this team. We need major leaguers and there is nothing we can do about it.
2005-06-20 20:41:17
111.   Steve
As the number 2 hitter, that was a situational strikeout there by Repko.
2005-06-20 20:41:44
112.   untitled instrumental demo
Not that anyone else has looked much better against the best pitcher in the league.
2005-06-20 20:42:40
113.   Jon Weisman
Deconstructing Bob T.:

Loren C. Murchison (December 17, 1898 - June 11, 1979) was an American athlete, double gold medal winner in 4x100 m relay at the Olympic Games.

Loren Murchison was an AAU Champion in 100 yd in 1920 and 1923 and in 220 yd in 1918 and 1923. He also won the British AAA championships in both 100 yd and 220 yd in 1925.

At the 1920 Summer Olympics, Murchison finished fourth in 200 m and sixth in 100 m. He also ran the third leg in the gold medal winning United States 4x100 m relay team, which set a new world record of 42.2 in the Olympic final.

At the 1924 Summer Olympics, Furchison was again sixth in 100 m and won his second Olympic gold medal as an opening leg in the world record (41.0) setting American 4x100 m relay team.

Loren Murchison died in Lakewood, New Jersey, aged 81.

2005-06-20 20:43:25
114.   LAT
Hard to believe, but to start the inning, Penny and Peavy had nearly idenitcal pitch counts. 91-90. Seems like Peavy has thrown a lot fewer.
2005-06-20 20:43:44
115.   Steve
DT needs a commentary track!
2005-06-20 20:44:24
116.   untitled instrumental demo
I thought that's what we all are?
2005-06-20 20:44:40
117.   alex 7
same outside pitches, same result vs Giles
2005-06-20 20:45:35
118.   LAT
Old Maid was sleeping-never even saw him coming
2005-06-20 20:46:34
119.   Steve
Like those VH1 bubbles -- or a Dennis Miller rant.

Memo to Dodger Scouts:

Please re-write the book on Brian Giles.

Memo to Jason Phillips:

If it didn't work the first two times, there is absolutely nothing that says you have to try it again.

Memo to Chicago White Sox:

Congratulations on "smartballing" your way to that 11-8 victory tonight.

2005-06-20 20:49:06
120.   Bob Timmermann
The White Sox were 4 for 4 in steals tonight.

They also had 17 hits and 3 home runs.

2005-06-20 20:50:58
121.   untitled instrumental demo
"Congratulations on "smartballing" your way to that 11-8 victory tonight."

That really is a lame theory, isn't it? Maybe the reason they're scoring less is because they don't have Ordonez or Lee, and Thomas missed the first third of the season. Oh, and they're getting pitching like the south side's never seen before...or at least, in a damn long time.

2005-06-20 20:52:13
122.   Jon Weisman
Bottom of the order coming for San Diego. Let Penny start the seventh, have someone ready, take it batter by batter.
2005-06-20 20:52:13
123.   untitled instrumental demo
Drew on first...I believe this qualifies as a rally
2005-06-20 20:53:15
124.   Sam DC
4 steals and 17 hits -- they must need to change the bases alot!
2005-06-20 20:53:26
125.   Nagman
SD announcers said they spoke to "Dodger people" before the game who said a 2-0 count is a rally these days.
2005-06-20 20:54:25
126.   Icaros
Would rather have Kent strikeout there.
2005-06-20 20:54:52
127.   LAT
Peavy (lipreading) "That's what I'm talking about."
2005-06-20 20:55:37
128.   untitled instrumental demo
2-0 counts are no good if the batter always takes the next pitch...some of the Dodgers take 2-0 automatically. That makes me crazy...
2005-06-20 20:55:41
129.   Icaros
Dunn wouldn't have GIDP. He'd have K'd, or hit one out.
2005-06-20 20:58:02
130.   LAT
If he struck out, would Bob say "Dunn is done."
2005-06-20 20:59:03
131.   Icaros
We could just say "Dunn," and everyone would know what that meant.
2005-06-20 20:59:49
132.   joekings
I wish our pitching and offense would get on track at the same time.
2005-06-20 21:00:16
133.   LAT
Jon, I guess Tracey wasn't listening. Considering where we were in the line-up the Dodgers best chance has come and gone.
2005-06-20 21:00:21
134.   Jon Weisman
"runaway gyroscope" - good description by Vin of that grounder to Choi.
2005-06-20 21:00:34
135.   Icaros
Jon would have all kinds of headline possibilities with AD on this team.
2005-06-20 21:02:05
136.   Icaros
Look at Gio go through the bottom of the order like a hot knife through butter.
2005-06-20 21:04:26
137.   Nagman
I'm begging for Grabowski to hit for Werth...
2005-06-20 21:04:42
138.   Jon Weisman
That was a nice inning for Carrara.

Nevin say never!

2005-06-20 21:04:52
139.   untitled instrumental demo
Who says Choi isn't fiery? ;)
2005-06-20 21:05:22
140.   LAT
Choi should have knocked Pevey down like he was Scott Roland.
2005-06-20 21:07:38
141.   LAT
#137 Looks like Grabs is on deck.
2005-06-20 21:09:47
142.   Bob Timmermann
The last time the Dodgers lost a game 1-0 was on July 26, 2003 in Arizona.

The only run in the game came on an RBI triple by Elmer Dessens off of Andy Ashby.

The Dodgers last won an 1-0 game on July 24, 2003 against the Rockies at home. It was an 11-inning game.

And on July 25th, the Dodgers lost 2-1 at Arizona in 15 innings.

2005-06-20 21:12:08
143.   joekings
Everytime I think it can't get worse, it does.
2005-06-20 21:12:11
144.   Bob Timmermann
I really think the Dodgers will fare better against Hoffman in the 9th than they have against Peavy.
2005-06-20 21:12:11
145.   brendan glynn
I'll take our chances with Hoffman if we can keep it 1-0
2005-06-20 21:12:13
146.   untitled instrumental demo
Looks like I picked the wrong week to stop shooting heroin...
2005-06-20 21:12:23
147.   Dodgerkid
Well at least this will lead to an injury for Peavy.
2005-06-20 21:12:41
148.   LAT
Dodgers suck. Leadoff man at 2b and we can't even advance him never mind bring him home.
And Grabs swings at ball 4.
When do we break out the NO Saints paper bags
2005-06-20 21:12:46
149.   Nagman
13 K's. MLB high this year (according to Padre announcers). 15 is the SD franchise record.
2005-06-20 21:13:53
150.   Jon Weisman
142 -
Show/Hide Comments 151-200
2005-06-20 21:15:02
151.   Jon Weisman
When's the last time you rooted for Trevor Hoffman to come into a game?
2005-06-20 21:15:15
152.   Landonkk
Why would you not have Werth lay one down there? I don't get Jim Tracy.. it is like he does exactly opposite of what the situation calls for.
2005-06-20 21:17:04
153.   LAT
#152 Steve, where are you?
2005-06-20 21:18:44
154.   untitled instrumental demo
Surprised Scrappy didn't do a Dustan Mohr there, the way our luck's gone with injuries.
2005-06-20 21:19:41
155.   Sam DC
impressive, or something:

2005-06-20 21:12:11 144. Bob Timmermann

2005-06-20 21:12:11 145. brendan glynn

2005-06-20 21:21:23
156.   Jon Weisman
152 - I'm truly glad Tracy didn't bunt. We've gone over, ad infinitum, how bunting the runner from second to third minimizes your chances.
2005-06-20 21:26:10
157.   LAT
Can anyone see which Duaner that is walking to the mound?
2005-06-20 21:26:19
158.   Bob Timmermann
The Dodger franchise high for Ks is higher than 15. It's 18, but how many times have Dodger pitchers struck out 18 batters in a game?
2005-06-20 21:27:16
159.   untitled instrumental demo
I'd guess Ramon and Koufax but I'm sure there's been some combo platters in there, too.
2005-06-20 21:28:20
160.   Nagman
Please at least try to hold Giles.
2005-06-20 21:28:28
161.   Bob Timmermann
Actually, it's just 3 times. Koufax did it twice. Ramon did it once.

There might be games where the Dodgers hit 18 in extra innings

I saw Nomo K 17 Marlins.

2005-06-20 21:29:02
162.   LAT
Oh it was the good Duaner
2005-06-20 21:29:18
163.   Bob Timmermann
If the Dodgers lose 1-0, I will believe in the curse of Elmer Dessens.
2005-06-20 21:29:24
164.   alex 7
2005-06-20 21:30:10
165.   Steve

And the Padres can give tonight's stolen bases to the charity of their choice. Or deed them to Sean Burroughs for his arbitration hearing.

2005-06-20 21:31:25
166.   untitled instrumental demo
Is that Trevor's worst ERA ever?
2005-06-20 21:32:16
167.   Steve
What will it take to drop Izturis in the batting order? Nuclear war?
2005-06-20 21:32:34
168.   Nick Iyengar
Do the commercials with Drew and Kent saying "Dodger Stadium: there's no better place to play" seem really insincere to anyone else?

It'd be different if it was a homegrown player.

2005-06-20 21:33:53
169.   Icaros
Anyone who thinks that Izturis is irreplaceable just doesn't get it.
2005-06-20 21:34:39
170.   Steve
Icaros, the Anti-Plaschke
2005-06-20 21:35:14
171.   untitled instrumental demo
And to think...I practically got booed out of here for suggesting that Cesar not start the asg just a week ago.
2005-06-20 21:35:19
172.   Nagman
Suddenly we have Alfredo Griffin batting leadoff.
2005-06-20 21:35:40
173.   Icaros
I'm glad Edwards pinch hit for The Man Who Doesn't Belong in the Major Leagues; at least the jury is still out on him.
2005-06-20 21:36:23
174.   rageon
I'm not even sure why I want to know. But is Izturis up to in his "slump" now? 5 for 70? Anyone got a good estimate? It's got to be getting pretty absurd.
2005-06-20 21:36:49
175.   alex 7
did that strikeout pitch really hit the plate (gameday)? : )
2005-06-20 21:37:00
176.   Nagman
It's about 4 for 48 or so...
2005-06-20 21:37:00
177.   Steve
Actually, all I remember is last month there was discussion about Izturis not leading off, and even I, King of Izturis-Haters, thought you all were crazy when he was hitting .340.

Mea culpa.

But in my defense, I still haven't cast any votes for him.

2005-06-20 21:37:14
178.   Bob Timmermann
Hoffman's highest single season ERA was his rookie year of 1993, 3.90.
2005-06-20 21:37:24
179.   Icaros
Drew barely belongs himself, lately.
2005-06-20 21:37:38
180.   Steve
It's 2 for 46 if I remember the graphic right.
2005-06-20 21:38:17
181.   Nagman
Please don't take a pitch right down the middle...
2005-06-20 21:38:37
182.   Steve
And the Umpires give us one!
2005-06-20 21:38:49
183.   Icaros
At least Kent can't GIDP here.
2005-06-20 21:38:55
184.   untitled instrumental demo
woohoo!!! another rally!
2005-06-20 21:39:11
185.   rageon
On the plus side, the worse the Dodgers play, the more studying I can get done. If we can make it 10 or 15 in a row, I might actually pass the bar afterall.
2005-06-20 21:39:13
186.   alex 7
couldn't really ask for a better situation here...
2005-06-20 21:39:28
187.   Steve
181 -- He did. They called it Ball 4 anyway.
2005-06-20 21:39:50
188.   Icaros
At least Saenz can't GIDP here.
2005-06-20 21:40:38
189.   Steve
Or bunt. We think.
2005-06-20 21:40:41
190.   untitled instrumental demo
Icaros, really diggin' for a silver lining, aren't you? ;)
2005-06-20 21:41:27
191.   Steve
He got a pitch....and he missed it.
2005-06-20 21:42:01
192.   alex 7
anti-climatic ending.
2005-06-20 21:42:02
193.   Icaros
Thought it could work twice, but it didn't.

I'm channeling all of my anger toward Repko.

2005-06-20 21:42:08
194.   joekings
Someone make it stop!
2005-06-20 21:43:32
195.   Bob Timmermann
I have a feeling that Padres won't pitch as well for the rest of the series.

If they do, they will have successfully created an unholy mutation of Sandy Koufax and Cy Young.

2005-06-20 21:43:55
196.   Nagman
Looking at the line score, they didn't give Choi an error? It was hit right at him and not THAT hard.
2005-06-20 21:44:03
197.   alex 7
I guess we can take the positives for the rest of the series. Our pitching was obviously outstanding and we got some guys on against Hoffman. It seems very possible to win three in a row off these guys.
2005-06-20 21:44:59
198.   untitled instrumental demo
Repko probably hurt himself on the bullpen mound. I'm calling it a high ankle sprain until I hear more...;)
2005-06-20 21:45:21
199.   Wayne Wei-siang Hsieh
On the bright side, the pitching has been pretty good as of late. It's still not too late in the season to turn things around, and we've still got that great farm system to trade from. The Padres do not have that advantage. Milton's ligament is supposed to be healing, and hopefully he'll be back before the break. If we can staunch the bleeding and get back within striking distance by the break, we'll be in decent enough shape. Just remember how the team that Jeff Kent was on last season seemed dead at this time in the season last year, and came back to almost win the pennant. It's way too early to lose hope.


2005-06-20 21:46:14
200.   Nagman
The silver lining is -- If I can add right, we don't see Jake next week.
Show/Hide Comments 201-250
2005-06-20 21:48:42
201.   Icaros
I hope we don't see Repko next week also.

Steve, can I request a Fire Jason Repko temporary heading over at FJT?

2005-06-20 21:48:58
202.   LAT
#195 Bob I'm afraid with the way the Dodgers hit, the Padres pitchers don't have to pitch as well as tonight.

On a diffrent note which you would appreciate: Scott Munter, a pitcher, just called up by the Giants had his first AB. He bunted and the announcers were cracking themselves up calling him "Munter the Bunter." What else do you expect from Giant announcers.

2005-06-20 21:50:30
203.   Steve
Izturis, using the wholly arbitrary month of June as a guideline:

4 for 49, no extra base hits, two runs scored, 3 walks

OPS on the season: .714 (not counting tonight's 0-4)
NEIFI!(TM) OPS on the season: .720 (not counting tonight's 2-5)

Lesson: Do not let Plaschke write about you. He's cursed Izturis, and gave Chuck Tiffany cancerous moles.

2005-06-20 21:51:00
204.   Landonkk
I'm not a huge fan of the sacrifice either, but with one out a man on third is a huge advantage over a man on second, especially in a one run game and the fact that Werth has looked completely lost at the plate for about a week and a half (if not his entire time back). Lay it down, move Choi to third and the infield is forced to play in. Now a hard hit grounder has a better chance of getting through, a decent fly ball scores a run and you put pressure on the entire defense. Please argue the opposite because I fail to see how a sac bunt is not adventageous in that situation.
2005-06-20 21:55:24
205.   Steve
1) Because it's a waste of an out with a runner in scoring position.

2) Because in a bunting contest between Mark Teixeira and Jayson Werth, Teixeira would win in a landslide

3) Because one run doesn't do you any good anyway if you can't score two, and you can't score two without getting something resembling a base hit, in most situations.

4) Because your lame bullpen can't hold a tie score anyway, so why play for the tie?

2005-06-20 21:56:48
206.   Steve
Icaros, I modified your request slightly to take in the whole mob of AAA corner outfielders that routinely cause eyegouging with kitchen implements with their continual ineptness.
2005-06-20 22:00:02
207.   Jon Weisman
204 - What Steve said in 205. Your premise that "with one out a man on third is a huge advantage over a man on second" with none out is flawed, and there's no reason to think that Jayson Werth, whatever his batting problems, has a better shot at getting a bunt down than getting on base on his own.
2005-06-20 22:00:56
208.   Icaros
Thanks, even though I still feel Repko is bad enough to go solo.

I said I didn't like him as far back as this spring, when he was trying to fool all of us.

2005-06-20 22:05:29
209.   Landonkk
205, 207: In that game, in that situation, I respectfully disagree with your (and JT's) opinion.

Maybe I'm just bitter. I think I'm about to file those divorce papers with Tracy, Jon.

2005-06-20 22:07:11
210.   LAT
Icaros, I agree about Repko at the plate but you have to admit he's fun to watch in the field. Has an arm like Raul in the day. (even if I do sound like that jackass Lyons)
2005-06-20 22:08:19
211.   Steve
209 -- Hey, whatever convinces you!


The Proprietor of

2005-06-20 22:14:59
212.   Jon Weisman
209 - fair enough, we can disagree. Let me just try one more thing for you. With a runner on second and none out:

First batter bunts: reduced chances of scoring on that at-bat.

Second batter bats with a runner on third, one out (if bunt is successful) - increased chances of scoring on this at-bat - on ground ball through infield, sac fly or wild pitch.

If second batter fails, though, your chances of scoring with the third batter are virtually the same as if there had been no bunt to begin with.

So essentially, the bunt - even if successful, which is a big if - sacrifices one batter to pin all your hopes on another. Is that really worth it? Why not use both batters to try to get a hit.

I think you'd have a better case in a 0-0 game, where one run might be enough. though I'm still not sure I'd go along. In a game down 1-0, when their bullpen is probably better than ours today, I just don't think you can bunt there.

2005-06-20 22:25:53
213.   Bob Timmermann

What would Ozzie Guillen do?

2005-06-20 22:27:23
214.   Dodgerkid
In theory though, a player like a pitcher who is a double play threat should probably sacrifice as they would do more damage hitting.
2005-06-20 22:28:15
215.   Landonkk
A large portion of my reasoning is based on the fact that we had two hits against a pitcher that had struck out 10 (11?) batters at that point. The two hits that we did have were not hit hard at all. He had our number. If given a chance to produce a run w/ a couple of productive outs, I say do so. Playing for the win is preferable, but with Peavey shutting us down trying to extend the game beyond nine innings might be our only chance. That being said, I will argue against my point and admit that SD's bullpen is glaringly better than ours.

Another reason I was in favor of the bunt was because I have witnessed every one of Werth's AB's this road trip. He is lost. I know that this is subjective and I am not trying to validate my opinion by saying so, but in my mind Werth had no chance unless he squared.

2005-06-20 22:29:46
216.   Icaros
What call would have made Werth more likely to get HBP? That was our only hope.
2005-06-20 22:36:28
217.   the OZ
I didn't watch tonight's game, but JT seems to be bunt-the-runner-tp-third-happy this season.

Tracy gets a lot of mainstream credit for having a good record in one-runs games. Does he have to share the blame for one-run losses, too? Because it seems like those are all DePodesta's fault, by reading the papers.


That's a rotten lineup (too many AAA guys, as has been thoroughly discusses), questionable in-game management and lineups (guaranteed out in the 2 spot plus illogical bunting), and bad luck.

Rearrange those scores, and the Dodgers have one win, two losses, and three extra innings contests that could theoretically go either way.

Also, I can't watch anymore. I haven't watched a game in two weeks because the anger affects my everyday life. At least I can openly acknowledge my problem and seek help.

2005-06-20 22:36:38
218.   Jon Weisman
I see what you're saying, Landon. But if the premise is that Peavy wasn't being hit hard at all, I don't see how putting the runner at third is going to help. Sacrifice flies and grounders through the infield need to be hit hard, too, and a wild pitch from Peavy seems unlikely. I

Believe me, I can see how badly Werth is struggling, though.

2005-06-20 22:37:34
219.   the OZ
I forgot the 6-0 game. But you get the idea.
2005-06-20 23:16:31
220.   fanerman91
Another day, another loss. ho-hum.
2005-06-21 00:56:38
221.   GoBears
Was it just me, or did the home plate ump have an Eric Gregg-style strike zone. It's hard to hit when he's giving the pitcher 6-9 inches outside, inside, AND low. Several Dodger strikeouts tonight were on 0-2 or 1-2 pitches, swinging at balls outside the zone, which had been called strikes earlier in the AB. It's no wonder it was a 1-0 game with that ump. Unreachable pitches should not be strikes.
2005-06-21 02:39:17
222.   Todd
Dang...what a game. I was there, got back 'bout an hour ago. Penny did a great job but apparently the Dodgers have decided that it's too much work to try and get a decent hit. Geesh, they're listless out there-they need a kick in the pants. Someone needs to light a fire under them. Jim Tracy can't do it. Right now they're just embarassing. There was nothing to cheer for as a Dodger fan at PETCO although Repko again made a couple good defensive plays and Brad Penny was quite effective. What is there to say? The Dodgers need something to change to turn them around.
2005-06-21 07:27:50
223.   Steve Saxs Sweaty Jockstrap
2005-06-21 07:42:40
224.   Steve
Werth is the New Grabowski. But that's nothing a bunt will help. Either fix him, fix someone else, trade for someone else, or this team perishes. I don't see how a bunt that he can't do anyway would help.
2005-06-21 09:08:52
225.   fanerman91
Except our pitching isn't as good.
2005-06-21 09:09:16
226.   fanerman91
By pitching, I mean bullpen mostly.
2005-06-21 09:47:19
227.   Sam NYC
Dodgers are 67-63 since "The Trade"

Bad hitting, bad pitching, bad bullpen, bad defense -- it's a helluva job DePo's done.

I don't get to see the Dodgers much this year. Are they any fun to watch anymore?

2005-06-21 09:58:51
228.   Steve
Dodgers could have just as easily been 63-67 without the trade.
2005-06-21 10:01:54
229.   Icaros

Don't waste your time arguing with eight-year-olds.

2005-06-21 10:05:29
230.   Steve
Not that I'm marching in DePo's parade any more. What the hell is Scott Erickson doing on the roster? But we have a scrappy .270 hitting catcher to replace the one we got rid of who plays for 1/20 of the cost, we have any number of cheap, replaceable bullpen guys who have 5 ERAs, and Juan Encarnacion? Please.

How are the Marlins by the way? Five back? Sounds familiar.

2005-06-21 10:08:47
231.   Steve
Strike that. I meant 6 ERAs. To go with that WHIP of 1.9

It appears that DePo traded Danny Graves for Brad Penny. Good deal.

2005-06-21 10:12:33
232.   heato
Dave Miley has been fired, so the Reds might keep their team together for a little bit longer to give the interim guy a chance to win.
2005-06-21 10:14:07
233.   Mark
230 - Five back in a division where the last place team has the same record as the Dodgers.
2005-06-21 10:15:59
234.   Steve
Oh, the Dodgers are lame, don't worry about my bona fides on that issue. In any event, whatever success the Marlins have will have more to do with that team 3.3 ERA, something Mota has not been helpful compiling.

The Dominoes are falling! We might have to wait until the end of the year, but it's time to go home to Ohio!

2005-06-21 10:32:37
235.   Sam NYC

Oooh, that really hurt. Are you collaborating with Xei on your insults? By the way, way to go out on a limb and have doubts about Repko! You are true baseball genius (and obviously older than eight years old)


Down, boy! Save your ire for Tracy.

2005-06-21 10:36:52
236.   Steve
No need, he'll be wearing Red ere the sun shines.
2005-06-21 10:47:29
237.   Icaros
Sam NYC,

Please don't push me off the monkey bars.

2005-06-21 10:52:20
238.   Jon Weisman
Icaros - what are you doing?
2005-06-21 11:00:39
239.   Icaros
Just having some fun with the vultures, Jon.

I'll stop.

2005-06-21 11:04:16
240.   Dodgerkid
This team is driving me mad. This is the first Dodger team in a decade I actually had high expectations for. I'm disavowing sabermetrics and embracing small ball.
2005-06-21 11:07:25
241.   Steve
240 -- We'll win more 11-8 games that way.
2005-06-21 11:07:31
242.   Icaros

Didn't we argue all offseason about how lousy you thought this team was going to be?

2005-06-21 11:08:17
243.   Sam NYC

Don't say such things here -- you may get hurt. Or at least charged with apostasy.

2005-06-21 11:09:11
244.   the OZ
240 -

If bunting and "moving runner over" would somehow allow us to score more runs than we would have otherwise, I'd agree. I think the struggles to score have a lot more to do with facing a few outstanding SPs, plus the three or four replacement-level players in the lineup than a lack of bunts and stolen bases.

Oh, and the diluted bullpen has been a small problem as of late, despite a solid showing yesterday.

2005-06-21 11:10:55
245.   Marty
I could be wrong, but I don't think it's the same DodgerKid. Not the one that has the blog. Plus, I remember Tommy Naccaratto (sp?) being the most vocal about how lousy the team was going to be.
2005-06-21 11:12:38
246.   Steve
JD Drew remains the elephant in the corner no one likes to talk about.
2005-06-21 11:15:00
247.   Icaros
This isn't the Dodgerkid with the blog? I definitely had debates with him and DodgerLawyer last winter.

If there are two DKs, someone needs to copyright the name and end the confusion.

2005-06-21 11:15:58
248.   Icaros

I thought that was Wilson Alvarez.

2005-06-21 11:16:03
249.   Jon Weisman
Everyone - dial back the sarcastic remarks, especially ones directed at another commenter. Everyone. I'm sure this sounds infantile on my part, but I'm serious. Things are not too heated yet, but I don't like where this is all headed. It's not fun. No one's a vulture, no one's an eight-year-old, no one's going to get hurt. Enough with the snide personal remarks.


2005-06-21 11:16:27
250.   Steve
The Cora is better than Kent debates. Those were amusing.
Show/Hide Comments 251-300
2005-06-21 11:16:59
251.   Jon Weisman
246 - Rob/Scareduck talks about Drew all the time. Moreover, I think it's just that we've had bigger elephants to fry.
2005-06-21 11:18:15
252.   Icaros
Kent was only a good hitter because he played in the Juice Box.
2005-06-21 11:18:54
253.   Marty
I think Drew is way down on the list of priorities. If they moved him to the #2 spot, I think he would be fine. I'm more concerned about our leadoff spot, our professional batter, and Werth. Plus all the injuries.
2005-06-21 11:19:19
254.   Steve
Mostly, I'm referring to that mysterious hand injury that went public, then mysteriously went away when he went on his last hot streak. More medical mysteries.
2005-06-21 11:23:02
255.   Steve
Funny how Cleveland's season turn-around coincided with chaining Cora to the bench.
2005-06-21 11:23:48
256.   Icaros
Drew needs to spend a few weeks at Heart and Soul camp.
2005-06-21 11:24:51
257.   Icaros
When you're the smartest player in baseball, no chain is too strong.
2005-06-21 11:26:51
258.   Steve
If Houston had signed Alex Cora, he would have hit thirty homeruns.
2005-06-21 11:36:54
259.   Icaros

Not only that, but Houston could have had 4 outfielders, since AC could cover second and short by himself.

2005-06-21 11:50:37
260.   Dodgerkid
It's the same me. I predicted on my blog that the Dodgers would win the division, but that it would be close with the Padres being the biggest threat. Most people on this blog felt that the Dodgers would dominate, and I thought so too after April.
2005-06-21 11:53:02
261.   JMK
If we could make it so today, which one of Depo's moves shall we undo?

Trade Penny and Choi for Mota, LoDuca and Encarnacion?

Trade Beltre for Kent?

Trade Drew for Finley?

Trade Phillips for Ishii?

Get Lima and Cora back?

Trade Navarro for Green?

Give Lowe and his contract away?

Good god. Things are bad now, but things could be much, much worse. There are not many transactions Depo's made that haven't made the Dodgers better and cheaper.

Erickson's presence does baffle me, though.

2005-06-21 11:54:13
262.   Colorado Blue
Sorry if this was posted earlier somewhere, but I think DePo has at least announced his priorities (at the moment). From the Dodgers website:

"He (DePo) said a six-game losing streak will not trigger any dramatic moves with the manager or coaching staff. He also indicated that his desire to acquire a starting pitcher before the July 31 trade deadline might be adjusted due to needs created by the club's injury siege."

I read the following between the lines:
1) DePo has not yet thrown in the towel on this season.
2) He feels the biggest weaknesses are on offense and/or in the bullpen.

I agree with both points... of course, I came up with explicit interpretation from the quote.

I was watching the game last night with my daughter. Other than the fact that I knew we weren't going to score, I had a wonderful time attempting to answer all my daughter's questions in a way a 7 year-old could understand.

She didn't understand why I said bedtime for both of us at the end of the 7th inning; "... but daddy, what if the Dodgers get a point?" Such innocence!

2005-06-21 11:55:40
263.   Colorado Blue
261 - Yeah, what JMK said...
2005-06-21 12:09:18
264.   Dodgerkid
If we can get a decent starter, and Bradley comes back and misses few if any more games, then we can contend. We should trade Izturis, and move Perez in his spot. Edwards can stay at third. Release Robles and Grabowski.
2005-06-21 14:29:11
265.   Midwest Blue
Are none of the kids in our minors capable of being brought into the strating rotation this year?
