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Thursday, June 29, 2006

Toby Hall

Toby Hall's first baseball game was at Dodger Stadium. He grew up in the Southern California town of Whittier, listening to the great Vin Scully announce Dodgers games on the radio.

But Hall has been a lifelong Devil Ray. He came up through the organization's farm system, playing the second most games as a Devil Ray.

Before Tuesday's game against the Marlins, Hall walked around the Devil Rays clubhouse with a slightly bewildered look after he found out he had been traded to the Dodgers.

"Well, they're getting younger again," Hall said of the Devil Rays. "Obviously they have a plan. In spring training next year, I don't know if their plan is to go to the playoffs. I don't know. You have those goals as a player. As you can see, experience wins most of these games, and you look at all the teams out there winning. They have a lot of experience. Hopefully, I can take mine and win a championship out there. I'm really excited to go out there and try to win a championship. When you put your cleats on, you have a chance to win every night."

I like the attitude. He wants to win, and it seems he likes the Dodgers chances to be competitive.

posted by Blue Man | 11:50 AM | 0 comments

Game 78 Dodgers @ Minnesota 3:6

It's a good thing the Dodgers don't play in the American League Central. When Minnesota cleans house with the Dodgers, its bad enough. But to realize that they are the third place team in that division, eleven games out of first place, it is downright scary. The top three teams are all 9-1 in their last ten games.

Luckily for us, we head to Anaheim instead of Chicago or Detroit. We came to Minnosota in first place by ourselves, and we leave tied for second.

The Dodgers decided to give Odalis Perez another chance to earn his spot back in the roatation, but he failed miserably. He gave up six runs on eleven hits in four and a third innings

"After the first inning, I threw the ball good," said Perez, who hadn't started since June 7 and hadn't pitched at all since June 18. "To come back after 10 days and throw strikes is pretty ... good."

I am glad at least one person thinks so. I am sure Joel Hanrahan down in Las Vegas and Justin Orenduff in Jacksonville probably don't. Hell Scott Elbert in Vero Beach probably disagrees too. It is time for some movement.

"I made one mistake, and I paid for that mistake," Perez said.

And the Dodgers made one mistake and paid for it too.

Olmedo Saenz was about the only bright spot for the Dodgers. He had a two-out, three-run double in the eighth en route to their third loss in a row and their fifteenth consecutive interleage road losses.

Some thoughts:

1) I am growing more and more irritated with Odalis Perez and the level of his play. If we don't find a sucker, er, I mean a trading partner by the end of the weekend, we need to release him outright. We have pitchers waiting in the wings.

2) I was glad to see Nomar Garciaparra take a rest day. While the rest of the Dodgers were getting demoralized, at least he was able to relax and get fresh. With an off day Thursday, he should be ready to go against the Anaheim Angels.

3) Odalis Perez seems to be getting ready to demand a trade or put back in the rotation. I say the Dodgers trade him to the Phillies for a Philly Cheese Steak.

posted by Blue Man | 11:03 AM | 0 comments

Wednesday, June 28, 2006

R.I.P. Thomas Gregory Arthur

John Ryan, of the San Jose Mercury News put it best: "A little bit of heartache with the heartburn today: Thomas Gregory Arthur, creator of the Dodger Dog, has died."

``Besides peanuts and Cracker Jack, it's probably the most famous delicacy in baseball,'' Dodgers team historian Mark Langill said Tuesday.

Arthur died June 8 in St. Louis at 84, but his creation lives on. The World War II veteran came up with the idea when Dodger Stadium opened in 1962. It started as a homage to the dogs he fell in love with at Nathan's. But . . .

``He called it the foot-long dog, but it was actually only 10 inches. It was before truth in advertising, but he decided to call them Dodger Dogs,'' his son Steve said.
``It's one of the best dogs in the country. It's not the meat. The secret is the spices.''

Next time you are at Dodger Stadium, be sure to have a Dodger Dog in his memory.

posted by Blue Man | 11:53 AM | 0 comments

Tommy Lasorda Inducted into Canadien Hall of Fame

Tommy Lasorda used to be so miserable after a road loss that he would trudge back on foot to the hotel from the stadium.

But the former Los Angeles Dodgers manager was all smiles after being inducted into the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame this past Saturday.

Lasorda, who spent parts of nine seasons as a successful left-handed pitcher with the Montreal Royals in the Brooklyn Dodgers organization, went into the hall along with Intercounty Baseball League star Ron Stead, Alberta-based administrator Ron Hayter and New Brunswick native Larry McLean, a 6-foot-5 catcher who played more than 800 games in the major leagues.

"I had to be here -- as a manager, you succeed because of the contributions of your players -- but I am being honored for what I did on the mound," Lasorda said. "As I was packing at home, my wife asked me where I was going now and when I told her, she said, `You love baseball more than you love me.' I told her, `Yeah, but I love you more than football and basketball."'

Known best for managing two World Series winners in Los Angeles and still a loyal 57-year employee of the club, the 78-year-old Lasorda showed no sign of the long-term stress that eats away at baseball skippers while recalling the trials of leading a team without a devastating closer like Eric Gagne, whose 84 straight saves record he likens to Joe DiMaggio's 56-game hitting streak.

"If you won 102 games a year -- and that's a lot of wins -- you were still the most miserable person on Earth for the 60 days you lost," Lasorda said. "One time in Atlanta, we rallied in the top of the ninth to take a lead, then blew it with three pitchers making a total of $8 million. I started walking back to the hotel and a guy driving an ambulance stopped and said, `Tommy, you shouldn't be walking alone in this neighborhood.' I told him to get lost but he would just drive up a block ahead and wait for me.

"Finally, I just got in and he dropped me off in front of the hotel. There in the lobby was one of the pitchers who had blown the game. He saw me get out of the ambulance and started crying and hugging me because he thought his performance that day had sent me to the hospital."
Lasorda was given his Hall of Fame jacket by former Montreal manager Jim Fanning, who remarked how lean his old nemesis looked after years of being pitchman for weight-loss product SlimFast.

"I could lose more weight but I don't want to," Lasorda said. "It would make my nose look too big."

posted by Blue Man | 11:47 AM | 0 comments

Old Habits Die Hard

This just in. Former Dodger Steve Howe had methamphetamine in his system when he died after his pickup truck drifted off a desert highway, a coroner's autopsy showed.

Howe, a former NL Rookie of the Year whose career was marred by drug and alcohol abuse, was killed April 28 in the single-vehicle crash in Coachella, about 150 miles east of Los Angeles.

Toxicological results determined there was methamphetamine in his bloodstream, the coroner's office said Tuesday. The amount of the illegal drug wasn't disclosed.

The 48-year-old Howe was on his way home to Valencia when his pickup veered into the median and began to roll, witnesses told investigators. Howe, who was not wearing a seat belt, was ejected from the truck and the pickup landed on top of him.

Howe was the 1980 NL Rookie of the Year with Dodgers, closed out the Dodgers' 1981 World Series championship and was an All-Star the next year.

But for all of his success on the field, the hard-throwing lefty was plagued by his addictions. He was suspended seven times and became a symbol of the rampant cocaine problem that tormented baseball in the 1980s.

During the 1992 season, he became the first baseball player to be banned for life because of drugs; an arbitrator reinstated him after the season.

Howe was 47-41 with 91 saves and a 3.03 ERA with the Dodgers, Twins, Rangers and Yankees. His final season in the majors was 1996.

posted by Blue Man | 11:44 AM | 0 comments

Game 77: Dodgers @ Minnesota 2:9

Let's just say, I am glad that Francisco Liriano doesn't play for the Giants organization anymore. Unfortunately, the Dodgers still had to face him, and it wasn;t very pretty.

Derek Lowe took to the hill for the game and soon found himself in trouble. The Twins loaded the bases with one out in the second inning. Then Lowe hit a batter, making it 1-0. A two-run single and a bases-clearing triple made it 5-0. Joe Mauer, who leads the majors in batting average at .389, added a run scoring single.

Lowe dropped to 6-4 on the season, losing for the first time since May 16. He was 5-0 with two no-decisions in his previous seven starts.
The Twins loaded the bases with one out in the second and Lowe hit Jason Bartlett to make it 1-0. Luis Castillo then hit a two-run single and Nick Punto followed with a triple to drive in two more runs. Mauer added a run-scoring single.
Mauer has six RBIs in the first two games of the series. He is 13-for-17 with seven RBIs in five career games against Los Angeles.
"I'm not trying to do too much. I'm just trying to take what they give and it worked out tonight," he said.
Mauer has at least four hits in a game four times this season, and is the first Minnesota player since Kirby Puckett on July 25-26, 1988, to have at least four hits in back-to-back games. He went 5-for-5 against the Dodgers to raise his batting average to .389, tops in baseball, after going 4-for-5 Monday.
AP - Jun 27, 11:07 pm EDTMore Photos"He's dedicated, he comes out and does his work and he's got a great swing and you're seeing that," said Gardenhire, who won his 400th game as the Twins' skipper.
Lowe allowed a season-high nine earned runs and 12 hits in 5 1-3 innings in his shortest outing since opening day. His ERA increased from 2.90 to 3.49. Lowe, who was coming off a complete game win against Seattle on Thursday, dropped to 0-2 with an 8.04 ERA and three saves in 11 career appearances in the Metrodome.
"I really don't know if I could pitch that bad if I told them what was coming," he said. "For me it was demoralizing because in the last few games I've turned things around after a bad first start."
Liriano kept the Dodgers' hitters off balance by mixing 96 mph fastballs with changeups and a nasty slider.
"I had everything working tonight," he said. "I missed a couple pitches, made a couple mistakes and got hurt."
One of those was a home run to Jeff Kent, who sees a bright future for the left-hander.
"You just can't give a guy like that six runs," Kent said. "He's a young guy, but he's got the makings of being a great starter in this league."
Liriano's first pitch was hit by Rafael Furcal for a single, but Liriano struck out two of the next three batters. He also struck out two of the three batters he faced in the second inning.
"He's got some of the best stuff I've ever seen," Mauer said. "With him going out there we feel pretty good about our chances of winning."
Nomar Garciaparra extended his hitting streak to 11 games with a fourth-inning home run for Los Angeles, which entered the night a half-game ahead of San Diego in the NL West.
Notes
The Dodgers placed RHP Brett Tomko on the 15-day disabled list retroactive to June 24 with a left oblique strain. ... Minnesota's Justin Morneau has hit safely in 17 of 18 games, batting .403 in that stretch. ... Castillo knocked his own helmet off when a foul ball went off the plate and hit the underside of his brim. He hit a two-run single on the next pitch. ... Los Angeles has lost 14 straight games in American League ballparks. ... Garciaparra has reached base in 47 of his last 48 games.
Updated on Wednesday, Jun 28, 2006 12:1

posted by Blue Man | 11:17 AM | 0 comments

Tuesday, June 27, 2006

Game 76: Dodgers @ Minnesota 2:8

It was their first trip back to Minnesota since the 1965 World Series, when the Dodgers won the seven game series.

The outcome was different this time around with Joe Mauer, Nomar Garciaparra's counterpart in the American League batting race, leading the Minnesota Twins to an 8-2 victory over Los Angeles.

Starting pitcher for the Dodgers, Chad Billingsley got the loss, giving up six runs, all earned, in five and two-thirds innings. He gave up seven walks and hit a batter in his effort. He only struck out two while throwing just 55 strikes out of the 103 pitches he tossed.

Nomar Garciaparra raised his National League leading batting average to .364 with a two-for-four effort that included an RBI.

Rafael Furcal singled and stole second in the third, scoring on Garciaparra's single, cutting Minnestoa's lead to 4-2. No Dodger made it past first base after that.

Andre Ethier knocked the other Dodger run in, while going one-for-three.

Random Notes:

1) The Dodgers didn't look good out there. They hit a lot of balls hard, but right at the Twins. I guess that is part of the game, but it is frustrating just the same. This game was an important one, as the Dodgers now face the twins top two pitchers.

2) Wednesday, Odalis Perez has perhaps his final chance to show he can turn it around. He gets the emergency spot start because of Tomko's injury. Perez needs to step it up now.

3) Which brings me to this thought: Why isn;t Tomko on the DL? If he is too injured to pitche, then it would make more sense to let him get healed andnot take up a roster spot. There are a few in the minors that could get called up to replace him. I have been itching to see Scott Elbert in Dodger blue.

4) It was nice to see the Twins include 1965 Dodgers Lou Johnson and Willie Davis in their ceremonial first pitch celebrations.

posted by Blue Man | 11:43 AM | 1 comments

One Down, two to go!

Could this be the beginning of trade season? I sure hope so. Albeit minor, Jae Seo and Dioner Navarro, with a player to be named later, have been sent to Tampa Bay for left-hander Mark Hendrickson and catcher Toby Hall.

Although I haven't been able to confirm this report, it seems solid.

Now... If we can just get rid of Brett Tomko and Odalis Perez, we will be set.

posted by Blue Man | 11:36 AM | 0 comments

Sunday, June 25, 2006

Game 75: Dodgers vs. Pittsburgh 7:4

The Dodgers did what was expected of them. They completed the three game sweep of the Pittsburgh Pirates.

Nomar Garciaparra hit his 200th career home run, Rafael Furcal and Ramon Martinez each had two RBIs, and the Dodgers took over sole possession of first place in the NL West with a 7-4 victory Sunday that extended Jim Tracy's Pittsburgh Pirates' losing streak to 11 games.

Brad Penny got the win and is now 8-2 on the season. He pitched five-plus innings allowing four runs and six hits. He was pulled in the sixth inning after Joe Randa's leadoff homer made it a one run game.

But Garciaparra's ninth home run of the season to lead off the seventh was the nail in the coffin. Russell Martin made it 7-4 with his second run-scoring groundout.

Andre Ethier went three-for-four and Jose Cruz had a pinch hit.

On the pitching front, Joe Beimel threw a perfect sixth and Jonathan Broxton only gave up one hit in his two-inning effort.

Takashi Saito pitched a perfect ninth for his fifth save.

Random thoughts:

1.) Why did Jeff Kent not play? According to Vin Scully it was just a rest day, but it seems early into the season to need a day off a week.

2.) Rafael Furcal hit his 1,000th career hit. Many props to him.

3.) The Dodgers' starting infield consisted of four natural shortstops -- Rafael Furcal, Ramon Martinez (2B), Garciaparra (1B) and Cesar Izturis (3B). Has this ever happened before?

4) The final thirteen games before the All-Star Break should be relatively easy. We should taket fthree from both Minnesota and Anaheim, at least two from Arizona and at least split the four game set against the Giants. If we do go ten-for-thirteen to close out the half, we should have a healthy lead in the standings.

posted by Blue Man | 6:56 PM | 0 comments

Game 74: Dodgers vs. Pittsburgh 7:0

Gosh, it sure is nice when Pittsburgh comes to town. Aaron Sele continued to show why the Pittsburgh Pirates seem more like a Triple-A affiliate than a bonafide major league club with his dominance of their lineup. Sele allowed only one runner to go past first base, in a stellar performance that continues to defy many. He went six strong innings en route to his first victory in five chances. In his two previous starts, Sele was unable to get past the fourth inning.

"The difference was location and really just getting the ball down," Sele said. "I was able to keep the ball around the kneecaps and get some ground balls when I needed to. I need to command all of my pitches. I'm not a velocity guy, I'm a location guy. So I've got to keep the ball down. And when I do, it gives me a chance."

Jonathan Broxton relieved Sele in the seventh, striking out the side on just fourteen pitches. Joe Beimel, against his old team, threw a scoreless eighth and Takashi Saito finished the game with a perfect ninth, lowering his ERS to 1.77.

Saito looked sharp while striking out a batter and inducing two ground ball outs. Saito has taken over for once again injured Eric Gagne and has not allowed a run in his last thirteen and two-thirds innings.

After being outdone by the veterans the night before, the rookies decided they wanted to take the spotlight back. Andre Ethier had a career-high four RBIs, while going two-for-four. Russ
Martin and Matt Kemp both went two-for-four as well, with Martin knocking in a run.

"It's a pretty special group of young kids that we've got -- good quality people with good quality talent and really willing to learn," Sele said. "And there's enough veterans around to teach them the right way to do things."

Jeff Kent went two-for-four, increasing his average to .274 on the year. Kent homered for the second straight game. Nomar Garciaparra also went two-for-four, increasing his National League leading average to .361 on the year.

Some random observations:

1.) It was nice to see Cesar Izturis back at his old stomping grounds-- shortstop at Chavez Ravine. It was also great to see him turn those two double plays. Could Grady Little finally be thingink of putting Izturis back where he belongs? If so, what do we do with Rafael Furcal? How well would he play third base? What about first base, moving Garciaparra to third? The only one I would be adamantly against, is moving Garciaparra.

2.) A good friend of mine has been at the last couple of games and noticed Eric Gagne merchandise seems a bit low. Any ideas as to why? Could this be a sign that he is on his way out? If one recalls, before the blockbuster trade that sent beloved Paul Lo Duca away and the trade that sent Shawn Green away, their pictures were taken off of www.dodgers.com. Although not to that point, it seems this is headed in that direction.

3.) Is it just me, or wasn't it great to see a President not named Bush throw at the first pitch of a baseball game? It was even more fitting that it was Leonel Fernandez, preisdent of the Dominican Republic.

posted by Blue Man | 12:13 PM | 0 comments

Saturday, June 24, 2006

Game 73: Dodgers vs. Pittsburgh 10:4

Welcome back to Chavez Ravine Jim Tracy.

I will give props where props are due. My props for this game go to none other than Brett Tomko. Not because of the way he pitched. Not even because he got the victory. Afterall, I even predicted a strong showing for him in this game. It was totally his MO. Besides, what better team to tease us with than one of MLB's Triple-A affiliates, the Pittsburgh Pirates?

No, I give Tokmo props for going out there and grueling to get through the fifth inning. Not only do I respect a player who does just that, but I also love the idea that maybe, just maybe it was my prayers being answered. Maybe this will give him that free trip I have been hoping he would get. A trip to the disabled list.

Tomko was due. This was his best shot at his first victory in over a month, and it was important for him, as well as the team to get this win. I have no idea which was the motivating factor for Tomko, himself or the team, but to be quite honest, I don't care. Tomko snapped his five-start losing streak, despite a strained left oblique muscle (a muscle acting in a direction oblique to the mesial plane of the body, or to the associated muscles).

"I was hunting that `W' because it's been a tough stretch for me," Tomko said. "I figured some stuff out working in between starts, looked at a lot of video, and I kind of felt like I was back on track. But in the fourth, on the second-to-last pitch to the last batter, something kind of grabbed me. And on the last pitch it grabbed me a little bit more. But I hadn't won in like six weeks, so I wanted to go out there and try to get through it and get the win."

Tomko, surprisingly, retired thirteen consecutive batters after hitting Sean Casey with a pitch in the first. All in all, Triple-A Pittsburgh could only muster two hits against Tomko in his short stint on the mound Friday night.

For most of this season, the veterans have taken a back seat to the kids. Friday night, the veterans stepped it up. Jeff Kent hit a three-run homer, Jose Cruz had a two-run double and J.D. Drew had two RBIs. Cesar Izturis went two-for-three with an RBI.

The Dodgers sent the Pirates to their ninth consecutive loss.

Jae Seo seemed to fare well against the Triple-A Pirates of Pittsburgh as well. He allowed four runs and five hits over the final four innings to notch his first career save. It was his best appearance since he pitched in the World Baseball Classic.


Some thoughts:

1) Now with an apparent injury to Brett Tomko, this should pave the way for a roster change. Who should replace him?

2) With the trade deadline fast approaching, what should the Dodgers do?
a. Stand pat
b. Trade for SP help
c. Trade for relief pitching help
d. Sell

3) Some good news: My sources tell me that Eric Gagne could begin an exercise program in a couple days. If all goes well, he could be back on the mound in a few weeks.

posted by Blue Man | 7:48 PM | 0 comments

Game 72: Dodgers vs Seattle Mariners 4:2 (game report by Kristin!)

Enjoy the first game report by Kristin. Way to go!
**************

What a great win for the Dodgers last night keeping my record at a now stellar 6-0! Brett Tomko was supposed to start and was surprised to see Derek Lowe's name on the board as the one going. Smart move by Grady I have to say, having Tomko go against the hapless Pittsburgh Pirates tonight instead.

I believe this was Lowe's best game as a Dodger so far. I can see how Grady Little got fired by Boston though when he goes to get Lowe in the 9th and Derek said to leave him in. I have to believe the same thing happened with Pedro Martinez in the playoffs and it cost Little his job BUT it's all good for the Dodgers then!

I went to the game wearing my Beltre Mariners Jersey in support of Adrian and clapped and screamed loudly for him whenever he did something good. His first two games were obviously better but considering he got one hit, I can't complain. If anyone cares to check me out on the Dodgers site, I am under Gallery 1 with my brother and his wife. I like those fan galleries, they are pretty neat. You go to dodgers.com then to fan forum and then to pictures and put in June 22nd and then Gallery 1.

I like to get to the game early to see all the stuff that goes on during the pre game. I got to see Adrian take batting practice and got to see Carl Everett sit down and sign autographs for a lot of fans and even have his picture taken. For a guy who is supposed to be surly and strange, I thought it was pretty nice of him to do that, especially when it wasn't even his home ballpark. I saw Ned Colletti on the field before the game talking for like 15 minutes to a Mariners player (no, not Beltre). I finally figured out it was Jamie Moyer. They must have some history somewhere I would think.

I didn't get razzed too much for my jersey. I actually had a couple people come up to me and tell me, nice jersey and I thanked them. Near the end of the game of course you have the drunks and one said the Mariners sucked and I explained I was wearing it for Adrian, to celebrate him. Anyway, I am a Mariners fan too but the Dodgers definitely needed this win more. I am going to San Diego this weekend in which I am sure all Dodger fans will be rooting for Adrian Beltre and the Mariners then. I still don't understand the booing for him and funny, a guy who called in on the radio last night didn't either. Strange. Anyway, the three games are done and Adrian is gone again and I can root for the team again as well.

posted by Harry | 3:16 AM | 0 comments

Thursday, June 22, 2006

Games 70-71: Dodgers vs Seattle Mariners 4:9, 5:8

As I shared on the blog a little while ago, it's a couple of hours before game three of the series with the road-poor Mariners and I already feel beltred beyond comprehension. So forgive me if this edition of game reports makes less sense than it ought to.

Here's my glimpse on the state of the Dodger Nation after the first two marinated affairs:

(1) Quite a lot has been said about Dodgers swinging at first pitches and not working the count. While it might be temporarily admissible (though can't be tolerated in a long run) for the young guns, it looks defensive and giveupish with the vets. Is there a particular reason for not working the count, beyond impatience? Are they giving up in later innings if the Dodgers are behind?

(2) Adrian Beltre is scoring runs like crazy on the Dodgers even with a bad knee, I understand. He's 5-for-7 with 6 runs scored and 4 RBI, including a dinger. Some of the Seattle baserunning was caused by poor positioning and ball-bobbling by Matt Kemp. I've seen him do that on more than one occasion. Why? Was he being over-anxious to get the ball back to the infield?

(3) What is it with Brad Penny having markedly worse stats at ends of months this season? Same pattern for three months now. Is it a coincidence?

(4) I was rooting for Chad Billingsley to get his first ML win last night at Dodger Stadium. Too bad we (the Broxtons and Baezes of the world) suddenly became very careless about pitch location and selection. Everett had a HR painted all over his face when he pinch hit in the seventh. All downhill slope from that time on.

(5) We are quite lucky to get Derek Lowe for series finale tonight with Brett Tomko being pushed for a day to a much better suited for him series against the Pirates. Will Nomar bring the poncho to stop yet another five game losing streak?

(6) I'm off to two weeks of vacations on Saturday, but our Blue Man Matt will keep these reports coming in here, as well as keep the blog functional. Thanks, mate!

posted by Harry | 10:05 AM | 0 comments

I feel Beltred...

I hope to be able to put together two game reports for the first two games of the Mariners series. I promise I'd do it as soon as I get a little bit less beltred.

Can you say that Adrian Belt(r)ed a homer run? Just playing with words out of sheer despair. And all that just before I'm going to go for a well-deserved two week vacation. Jeeez...

posted by Harry | 9:39 AM | 0 comments

Wednesday, June 21, 2006

Game 69: Dodgers @ Oakland 2:5

After Saturday nights marathon of a game, I didn't make it back to the stadium until just in time for the first pitch.

Maybe part of it was worry-- worry about the fact that with Aaron Sele and his recent struggles, the Dodgers stood a decent chance of getting swept. Worry that when I returned to work, I would have to deal with my co-workers who are A's fans. It was bad enough that my wife is originally from Oakland and a big Athletics fan.

To this point, she hasn't been to in my face, but I know a sweep will be a whole different game.

Well, it appears Joe Blanton is too much for the Dodgers to handle. He pitched eight innings, giving up just two runs.

Nomar Garciaparra went two-for-three with a solo home run in the sixth, increasing his batting average fore the season to .355.

Ramon Martinez drove in the Dodgers other run, with a single in the fifth.

Aaron Sele lost his second consecutive start, and is winless in his last four. Odalis Perez came in in relief after four innings, giving up no runs on five hits.

Sandy Alomar, Jr. got the nod to start behind the plate a day after the seventeen inning marathon Russ Martin caught.

Maybe it was a cheap way for Fran McCourt to honor Alomar's 40th birthday.

Matt Kemp stole his fourth base of his short season in the second inning.

Some thoughts:

1) Why wasn't Kent in the lineup? It seems to me that he is one of the main threats we have, and to keep him out of the lineup in such an important game is ridiculous.

2) Andre Ethier showed his value on defense by throwing out Nick Swisher at home. Is there anything this kid can't do?

3) It seems that Sele may have finally come down to Earth. With a strong showing by Odalis Perez, is it time to make another rotation change?

4) Speaking of Sele, it was nice to see a Dodgers pitcher defend our batters. Sele plunked A's hitter Mike Rouse in the fourth after Blanton hit Garciaparra in the top half of the inning.

posted by Blue Man | 9:24 AM | 0 comments

Tuesday, June 20, 2006

Game 68: Dodgers @ Oakland 4:5, 17 innings

Today, started out much better than yesterday. I arrived at the ballpark in Oakland with plenty of time to roam around the parking lot and find contingencies of Dodger fans having tail gate parties. It was pretty mellow, to my surprise. I am used to tail gating in San Francisco where the two sides can get into each others faces pretty easy. It was weird to be in enemy territory and not feel like it.

Athletic fans, for the most part, are pretty decent fans. No swearing at the kids just because they are wearing Dodger gear. A pretty respectful bunch.

Game time was an early six o'clock, so we did our face paint (my hair was already done, as I use permanent dye). I was able to talk some fellow Dodger fans into painting their faces blue as well.

This, my friends, was a thriller. Well, for sixteen innings or so.

Derek Lowe threw a great game. He probably should have been pulled a batter earlier, but hindsight is such a beautiful thing. Overall, I think Grady Little managed his pitching staff remarkably well.

The Dodgers should have won this game.

After a Kenny Lofton RBI in the seventh and a Matt Kemp RBI in the eighth, the Dodgers held a commanding 3-1 lead. Under normal Dodger circumstances, it would be a guarenteed victory. But with our bullpen not up to par, and Eric Gagne back on the disabled list, nothing is for certain.

The Athletics took back the lead in the bottom of the eighth at 4-3.

Then, Danys Baez was called in.

A lump in my throat appeared. "Anybody but Baez," I was thinking.

Mr. Baez, I owe you an apology. He pitched two and a third scoreless innings.

The Dodgers tied the game in the top of the ninth, thanks in large part to Rafael Furcal. Furcal drew a walk, and then succeeded at stealing second base. Kenny Lofton then knocked him in, tying the game at four runs a piece.

The Dodgers offense seemed to be unable to execute though. They had a lead off single in the eleventh, a leadoff double in the 14th. After the leadoff double in the 14th, Nomar Garciaparra walked after Kenny Lofton lined out. Two on, one out. Furcal and Garciaparra stole a base, bring two runners into scoring position for Olmedo Saenz. Saenz popped up to second, bringing up Jeff Kent, who was subsequently walked, loading the bases for the rookie sensation, Matt Kemp.

I was excited, thinking this was it. The crowd that remained raised to their feet once again. Dodger fans in the stadium seemed to have awakened. Unfortunately, even rookie sensations have off days. Matt Kemp grounded into a fielders choice.

Andre Ethier singled to open up the fifteenth, but was stranded. The sixteenth began with Furcal singling, and being sacraficed to second. Then Nomar Garciaparra was intentionally walked.

Up came Saenz. Saenz has history with the A's and late inning heroics for them in interleague play. Was it his destiny to hit another potential game winning home run, or RBI at the very least, in Oakland?

Unfortunately, not. He hit into the inning ending double play.

When the bottom of the seventeenth began, and I saw Jae Seo coming into the game, I got a bad feeling. We were playing against the odds. Baez already did better than most had fiogured he would, but now we have to dance with the devil a second time.

With bases loaded, Seo walked Bobby Crosby, handing the game to the Oakland Athletics.

After a five hour and two minute marathon, I had a very long drive home. And with the Dodgers loss, it was going to seem even longer.

Some random thoughts:

1) Many props to Russ Martin. How many catchers would stay in the entire game, especially a rookie? This guy has a very bright future in Los Angeles.

2) The only question I have, in regards to Grady Little's decision is his decision to pinch hit for JD Drew. Why not wait till a weaker hitter, or a rookie who needs rest is up?

posted by Blue Man | 11:52 AM | 0 comments

On the homecoming of Adrian Beltre

I feel sorry for the trials and tribulations that Adrian Beltre is going through in the rain-soaked Seattle as a top-buck supposedly slugging third baseman. I really do. Tell you the truth I always like the guy, even though when asked for the specific reasons I'd probably start stuttering illegible mambo-jumbo.

Having said that I don't regret NOT having Beltre on this year's team. With Bill Mueller holding the fort at third (as soon as he's back to healthy) and upcoming Willy Aybar and Joel Guzman already in the big picture, I think it was the right time for Adrian to go. I believe he'll come around the sudden dropp-off in production that mires his Seattle days this season. There are already signs of that:

Seattle manager Mike Hargrove switched Beltre on May 30 from the
middle of the lineup to the second spot, which has paid dividends.
With Ichiro Suzuki seemingly always on base ahead of him,
Beltre has hit safely in 16 of 18 games since the shift, including
a home run in Sunday's 5-1 win against the San Francisco Giants.

Hargrove says he has no immediate plans to
return Beltre to the heart of the lineup.

"The whole idea behind the move was to get him in a
different mind-set, putting the ball in play, keeping the ball
in the middle of the field and shortening his stroke," Hargrove says,
"which is more conducive to hitting second than it would be
hitting in an RBI position."

Having said that, I wouldn't mind if slumped for three more games (at Chavez) yet ;)

posted by Harry | 1:55 AM | 0 comments

Monday, June 19, 2006

Game 67: Dodgers @ Oakland Athletics 3:7

Here's Blue Man Matt's account of the first Oakland game of the three played over last weekend. Two more to follow. Great job, Matt! :) Just too bad you were tomkoed, like most of us following games do every fifth (or so) night lately... ;)
**********************

Take me out to the ballgame is supposed to be a song loved and sang
by millions of baseball fans around the world. But before the first
pitch had been thrown in Friday's game against the American League
leading Athletics, not many Dodger fans felt the joy of that song.

Myself included.

As I headed out on the BART train leaving San Francisco, with
my hair dyed blue, I didn't feel nostalgia, like most would expect.
Instead, I felt hopelessness. Not at the Dodgers, per se, but at the
crushing fact that Brett Tomko was taking the mound. I even
stayed in the office longer than I normally would on game day.
It was the first time in my life I hadn't wanted to rush out of
the office right away and head to the game.

That is what gets me most. I had been looking forward to this
series all year. My beloved Dodgers were returning to Oakland.
My anticipation disappeared a few days before when I realized who
was scheduled to pitch. Not only were the Dodgers pitching their flop
of a starter, but we were facing the A's potential Cy Young candidate.
Talk about overmatched and unfair.

I finally reached Oakland Coliseum, or Network Associates or McAfee
Field--whatever it's called this year, about a half hour before the first
pitch. It's a nice ball park, considering its location. The tarping of the
Upper Deck was done tactfully. I maneuvered my way around the
ballpark, and was disappointed when I came to my seats. I had
bought tickets for this series off the internet which I have had a lot
of luck with using.

Unfortunately, the person who sold me these tickets, erroneously
told me that they were on the Dodgers side. So, instead of sitting ten
rows behind the Dodger dugout, I found myself ten rows behind
the Athletic dugout. Being so close to game time, I realized I didn't
have much of a chance to even try sneaking onto the other side,
so I sat down.

The game time temperature was just below 70 degrees. A lot hotter
than I expected for a game in the Bay Area. I was surprised to see
how many Dodger fans were in Oakland. I am used to going to games
in San Francisco, San Diego and Phoenix where there are large
contingencies of Dodger fans, but Oakland didn't seem like the type
of place to me. I guess A's fans aren't as loyal as Raider fans, which
explains why so many Dodger fans were able to get tickets--
Dodger fans from all over came to the game.

Walking around, mingling with other fans, I talked to some fans from
Los Angeles, Sacramento, New Mexico, and even a couple from Japan
who mistakenly thought Hideo Nomo still played for the Dodgers.
Unfortunately, the Dodgers themselves didn't seem to come out for
this game. They definitely didn't bring their patience. Seven Dodgers
struck out at least once. Matt Kemp did it three times and Rafael
Furcal and Russ Martin each had a pair. This, coupled with the
zero walks, explains the lack of offense.

Tomko teased us a little bit, looking alright for the first three innings
when he only gave up one run. But then reality sank in. Tomko
succeeded in losing his fifth straight start, helping Dodger fans forget
his remarkable start. Tomko failed to strike a batter out for the
second time in his last three starts.

About the only bright spot in Friday's loss was Jeff Kent. Kent
doubled twice, moving into a three-way tie with Lou Brock and Billy
Herman for 54th place on the all time list. It truly is sad when
moving into a tie for 54th place is the bright spot.

The anticipation of seeing Milton Bradley, who was acquired from
the Dodgers in an off season trade that also sent Antonio Perez to
Oakland for minor leaguer Andre Ethier, failed to materialize when
Bradley wasn't in the starting lineup.

Some random observations from Oakland:

1) For those of you who were able to watch the game on TV,
how apparent was it that at least a quarter of the fans seemed to be
cheering for the Dodgers? I am still surprised by how much blue was
being worn, and at the amount of applause the Dodgers received
in an opposing ballpark not in Florida.

2) Now that Tomko has succeeded in bombing his last five starts,
I think the time is long past due to send him down. I would much
rather him hurt the 51s than I would the Dodgers. Maybe he can
regain his form in the minors? Any debate?

3) If released or sent down, that poses the question, who should
replace him?

posted by Harry | 9:28 PM | 1 comments

What Dave is up to these days

For those of you who have not heard from Dave Stewart recently - you'll read this little piece with pleasure. I'd work for free to be his personal assistant... ;)

posted by Harry | 9:26 PM | 0 comments

Sunday, June 18, 2006

Cesar's completely beyond me

It's completely beyond me why Cesar Izturis, a Gold Glove shortstop I know, won't even consider moving to third base for at least a month or so, until (hopefully) Bill Mueller is back after his knee surgery. Since Little will play (and rightfully!) Rafael Furcal at SS and Jeff Kent at 2B, Izturis will only be used as defensive replacement and/or ocassional sub when the other two need a game off.

That comes on the heels of not only Miller's injury but also Willy Aybar's youthful proneness to errors on difficult groundballs hit to third. In the meantime Little opened the door for Cesar at 3B, claiming that he'd rather keep two other players that could play 3B - Olmedo Saenz and Ramon Martinez, as key bench players...

Why would a player as young as Izturis rather ride the pine than learn a position similar to SS is a mystery to me. Can you offer any explanation?

posted by Harry | 12:22 PM | 2 comments

Saturday, June 17, 2006

Either back where he thought he belonged

For Andre Either this interleague series of now his Dodgers and formerly his Oakland Athletics is much more than another cross-area matchup. It's like coming back to where he once thought he was destined to be, an outfielder donning the yellow-and-green of the A's. The sobering moment comes when he realizes life had other plans for him:

"There are a lot of mixed emotions," Ethier said.
"Wanting to get here so bad and play in the Coliseum
and put on the A's uniform, and just make
the major leagues, and have that
taken away from you...

"It's the colors and the name on the uniform. I was emotionally
invested in what it would be like to be an Oakland A."


I'm glad this three-game set will only be a back-to-the-future affair for Andre. He belongs with the Dodgers:

"If anything, it worked out better for me, because I'm in the
major leagues," Ethier said. "There are bigger things going on than
worrying about who to prove right or wrong."

We all have dreams, Andre - I simply believe that Dodger Blue will be a better place to pursue them for you. You can always finish your career as a DH in Oakland, right? But not before several successfull seasons at Chavez Ravine :).

posted by Harry | 3:09 PM | 0 comments

Game 66: Dodgers @ San Diego Padres 7:3

A very anticipated MLB debut of Chad Billingsley and quite deservedly so. Billingsley fought through the jitters in the opening frame (got some baserunners and threw most pitches in any inning in the first), but had the composure to recover and keep the Padres off the board until the fifth. He helped his cause with a two run single with the bases loaded and two out against a very good SD starter Chris Young.

Very very soothing and hope-raising start by Chad. Even though I was calling for 6IP at 3 ER, just to see how the kid would respond ;), I was really encouraged by his riding fastball (at 97 mph at times) and huge overhand curveball. For me, he's a keeper in LA. Not LV.

Here's some more stuff after the game:

(1) This game was changed and won on a Ramon Martinez single in the seventh on a hit-and-run play with Russell Martin running from first to third (and probably nobody out at this stage). From that time on, we cruised.

(2) I think the decision to replace Willy Aybar right after his two fielding errors was great. Martinez came on and kept the fort, calming the infield down. With Raffy Furcal making two defensive errors in the Sele game, I think Grady did the right thing, taking the remorse part away from Aybar.

(3) I don't know what it is, and he certainly, is not a streaking power hitter, but every time Josh Barfield of the Padres comes up to bat I find myself expecting bad things for the Dodgers. It might be subconscious, but for me the guy is the epitome of the Dodgers struggles against San Diego this year.

(4) After the Zito game in Oakland, we get much more favourable pitching matchups with Derek Lowe and Aaron Sele going against their "mediocre" starters, Saarlos and Blanton. Incidentally, we can sneak out from Oakland winning two of three.

(5) Since "Blue Man" Matt is in Oakland in person over the weekend and will follow the games closely, he'll bring all three A's games reports to you in the coming days. There's also some "inside goodies" coming up, so watch the blog closely :).

posted by Harry | 2:07 PM | 0 comments

Thursday, June 15, 2006

Russell Nathan Coltrane Jeanson Martin :)

Another tidbit on our young and promising catcher:

"Nathan is a family name on his father's side. Jeanson is his
mother's maiden name.  Coltrane, that was his dad's idea,
a tribute to legendary jazz saxophonist John Coltrane.

His parents separated when Martin was young. He spent his youth
in various places in Canada and also spent time with his mother
in Paris. When he began high school, he moved in with his father,
Russell Martin Jr., in Montreal, where his dad supported them
as a street musician, playing for donations from commuters in
the Montreal subway.

Last week, his dad, who still lives in Montreal, saw him play as
a professional for the first time in person in a three-game series
in Los Angeles against the Mets. When Martin drilled
a Martinez pitch to the wall in center field for a double
Tuesday night, his dad jumped up and down in the stands
like a little kid.

"That was special," Martin says. "When I was a teenager, my dad
and I would go to Olympic Stadium in Montreal and
watch Pedro pitch."

Martin's father isn't sure if that was his favorite moment last week
or when Little approached him before a game. "He came over to me
and said, 'Mr. Martin, you've got a fine son.' Wow. As a father,
I've never felt this good about anything in my life."

posted by Harry | 1:51 PM | 0 comments