Game 44: Dodgers vs Anaheim Angels 7:0
Let's start with a disclaimer: yes, I'm very happy that our youthful bottom of the border produced quite nicely thank you very much during the Freeway Series sweep. Even though I'm not as patient as Andrew(?), I would highly advocate it to myself to calm somewhat down regarding the "definitive arrival" of Andre Ethier, Willy Aybar and Russell Martin. Yes, they are overachieving so far, hitting for average and power, getting most (if not all - Martin) defensive plays according to the book.
But, on the other hand, while I would like them to continue playing at this level, I bear in mind that even after 40-odd games the sample is still insufficient to pass judgment of their future at the big club. Therefore, I would not go as far as, for instance, releasing/trading Jose Cruz jr for instance just yet (as Zvika proposed). True - Ethier has had a marvellous spell, but will it continue to resemble the numbers anywhere close to ones he already posted? I doubt it. I'm saying this mostly to enjoy the moment and give Ethier and other young guns a break. Let's not place too much a burden of expectations on too inexperienced shoulders.
Ok, now I vented. Onto the game at hand:
(1) I was so relieved (sic!) when Derek Lowe actually got the win yesterday. His current record does not reflect the fact he has been keeping us in all but two games he started this year.
(2) Great scouting report on the Angel pitcher Ervin Santana! Practically the only time you do not want to face that guy is the night game in Anaheim. Anywhere else any time of day/night he's Double-A pitcher.
(3) Nomar has practically guaranteed he'd get the Player of the Month award even though it's only 22 May. I can't see anybody at distant second, given what this guy is doing on (and off) the field. Yesterday: 2-for-4 (two doubles), one run scored and 3 RBI. Wow again.
(4) Aren't you surprised how scarcely Odalis Perez is being used out of the bullpen? If I'm not mistaken he pitched only once after his demotion. Any news why? If there are mechanical problems what better way to solve them than invoking the Carter clause and using him in blow-outs? Is it his psyche? Don't know - I'm lost.
(5) Tonight, the Dodgers start the three-game series against the Colorado Rockies with a matchup of two former highschool pals: Jae Seo vs Byung-Hyun Kim. I'm pleading the Dodgers to refuse to make outs with bases loaded in the first three innings against Kim. The rest should be easy enough :). The NL West lead is at stake (at least for a couple of days, that is).
But, on the other hand, while I would like them to continue playing at this level, I bear in mind that even after 40-odd games the sample is still insufficient to pass judgment of their future at the big club. Therefore, I would not go as far as, for instance, releasing/trading Jose Cruz jr for instance just yet (as Zvika proposed). True - Ethier has had a marvellous spell, but will it continue to resemble the numbers anywhere close to ones he already posted? I doubt it. I'm saying this mostly to enjoy the moment and give Ethier and other young guns a break. Let's not place too much a burden of expectations on too inexperienced shoulders.
Ok, now I vented. Onto the game at hand:
(1) I was so relieved (sic!) when Derek Lowe actually got the win yesterday. His current record does not reflect the fact he has been keeping us in all but two games he started this year.
(2) Great scouting report on the Angel pitcher Ervin Santana! Practically the only time you do not want to face that guy is the night game in Anaheim. Anywhere else any time of day/night he's Double-A pitcher.
(3) Nomar has practically guaranteed he'd get the Player of the Month award even though it's only 22 May. I can't see anybody at distant second, given what this guy is doing on (and off) the field. Yesterday: 2-for-4 (two doubles), one run scored and 3 RBI. Wow again.
(4) Aren't you surprised how scarcely Odalis Perez is being used out of the bullpen? If I'm not mistaken he pitched only once after his demotion. Any news why? If there are mechanical problems what better way to solve them than invoking the Carter clause and using him in blow-outs? Is it his psyche? Don't know - I'm lost.
(5) Tonight, the Dodgers start the three-game series against the Colorado Rockies with a matchup of two former highschool pals: Jae Seo vs Byung-Hyun Kim. I'm pleading the Dodgers to refuse to make outs with bases loaded in the first three innings against Kim. The rest should be easy enough :). The NL West lead is at stake (at least for a couple of days, that is).
posted by Harry | 8:09 AM
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