Game 31: Dodgers vs Milwaukee Brewers 5:4

Thanks to the torrid and timely hitting of Nomar Garciaparra, our record in one run games suddenly does not look as bad as it used to even a couple of days ago :). The sweetest thing was to see how Nomah deliberately squared his body a little bit to the right to go to the opposite field with Kenny Lofton at 2nd. I do agree though that Danny Baez owes Garciaparra a big steak tonight.

Let's see what's, ekhem, brewing:

(1) Now, Kenny Lofton might have started poorly, but boy, does he still have wheels. And a much more promising batting average to go along with it. I still can't understand not playing Repko more regularly, but at least Lofton is giving Grady a reason to get playing time.

(2) I was positively surprised by a very steady defensive play of Olmedo Saenz at 3b. While I might be inclined to look forward to seeing Manny Aybar at this corner next year, so far Olmedo is a very reasonable stopgap-"transition season" utility corner infielder.

(3) One instance of Grady Little's sense of humor:

"Instead of sending pitching coach Rick Honeycutt to the mound
to remove Penny, Little took the walk on his own. "Honey's tired
of going out there, and I'm tired of seeing what happens
when he goes out there.".

(4) Aaron Sele is excited about finally arriving in LA to pitch for the big club:

"This is what it's all about, playing at the big league
level, whether you've been here before or not.
This is where all the fun happens."

I just hope there's as much excitement about what he's achieved when he exits the game later today ;).

(5) Sele takes the ball against a somewhat struggling RHP Ben Sheets (1-3, 6.64 ERA). A sweep of the Brewers might be just what the doctor ordered for the Dodgers :).