Friday, July 25, 2008

Game 102 Thread: July 25 vs. Nationals, 7.40p

Chad Billingsley (9-9, 3.32) vs. John Lannan (6-9, 3.29).

COMMENTS: Tired of hearing about how the Dodgers could be in first place, if only the the Diamondbacks (who took a series from the first-place Cubs) would win less and the Dodgers (who lost a series to the third-place Rockies) could just, well, win more? Yeah, so are we. So consider this: The Diamondbacks have traded for both Tony Clark and Jon Rauch lately. The Dodgers are purportedly showcasing Andy LaRoche for a trade. Oh, and Juan Pierre is returning, perhaps as early as tonight and probably displacing Matt Kemp and his .925 leadoff OPS at the top of the order.

As admirably as Blake DeWitt has played, his production (.257/.324/.364) doesn't overwhelm so much that LaRoche shouldn't be given a longer look at third. But Joe Torre likes DeWitt, and we can only hope trading LaRoche doesn't become a debacle of Konerko-ian proportions. Meanwhile, Pierre's return should bump Andruw Jones to the bench. After all, Kemp and Andre Ethier are tied for the team lead in home runs. If we're that desperate for speed, power shouldn't be sacrificed.

The trading deadline is six days away, and many things can happen. And a lot of knee-jerk keeping-up-with-the-D'backs things can happen as well. But the Dodgers shouldn't trade valuable players for what at best would be another first-round playoff exit.

P.S.: Tonight marks the first career start against the Dodgers for the Nats' Lannan. Enjoy the game!

194 comments:

Erin said...

Hey guys. I'll be at the game tonight, in Loge 101. Anyone else going? Come on! It's Brad Penny bobblehead night!

Orel said...

Have fun, Erin! Enjoy your disable-listed bobblehead.

Speaking of which, how is it we haven't had a Juan Pierre bobblehead yet?

Orel said...

From Diamond: "To make room for Pierre on the 25-man roster, outfielder Delwyn Young, a former State Championship MVP at Riverside Community College, was placed on the DL with an oblique strain.

"Young injured the oblique on Wednesday in a pinch-hitting performance at Colorado."

Sure he did.

Pierre, LF
Kemp, RF
Martin, C
Kent, 2B
Nomar, SS
Loney, 1B
Jones, CF
LaRoche, 3B
Billingsley, P

Why Jones instead of Ethier? Andre must be steamed. Good to see LaRoche starting again, though.

Dusto_Magnifico said...

Maybe management felt the need to show that Pierre is healthy enough for a possible trade... yeah... right!

Erin said...

So it seems as though Pierre and I will both be triumphant returns to Dodger Stadium tonight. Ugh. Couldn't he have held off for one more day?

Orel said...

Damn him stealing your thunder like that!

Erin said...

Oh my dear god. I just threw up in my mouth a little. Juan Pierre got a louder cheer in the introductions than did Russell Martin.

Of course, Nomar got the biggest cheer of all. Nice to see some things never change.

karina said...

Erin, maybe people wants to be nice, since he's returning from the DL.

In the other hand, the fact you are over Dodger Stadium gives me hope they won't suck tonight.

karina said...

Hmmm, Jesus Flores is the starting catcher tonight. I've gotta say he's clutch with RISP, saw somewhere he's in the top 5 in the league.
If he doesn't hit anything, it'll be all right. If he does very well, i'll be almost happy.

Erin said...

I guess I can't hate Pierre in the lineup too much. I just wish he and Jones weren't in instead of Ethier.

The Dodgers are 8-2 at games I've seen at Dodger Stadium (8-5 overall, thanks to those Chicago games), so maybe there's hope tonight.

Erin said...

In other news, I'm very near Jason Bateman (who has season seats), and I swear he's sitting with Keith Olberman.

Orel said...

At least Chad is on tonight.

Karina, is Flores on your fantasy team?

Orel said...

Michael Bluth!

Karina, your avatar puppy looks so calm.

karina said...

Nope. Russell Martin is the catcher on my fantasy and i wouldn't have someone else on that position.
I once met Jesus Flores and he was so nice to me, i even forgot who i was, where i was and what i was doing there.

Orel said...

Wow! Kemp turned a near-collision with Jones into a backhanded work of art.

karina said...

I heart heart Matt Kemp.

Coper is a very spoiled puppy. You have no idea.

Orel said...

Jesus Flores, he's got charisma.

karina said...

He does and he also has a great voice and smells good

*blushing a lot*

Orel said...

I love how Martin was walking to the dugout before the ump even called strike three. Finally, some pitching!

Erin said...

You guys, if I can confirm this is Olberman, I am going to freak out. I worship the man.

Orel said...

What does "Coper" mean?

karina said...

It's Bills, the Dodgers ace.

By the way, if there is some truth the Dodgers want to trade Lowe, i'll be pissed.

Orel said...

Okay, so we got Jesus Flores, who smells good and is a favorite of Karina. Then we may have Keith Olbermann, object of worship for Erin. Dodger Stadium is where it's at!

karina said...

His name is Copernico Enrique, "Coper" is for short.

My brother chose that name and no one remembered that name is Back to the Future related until a few weeks later.

Orel said...

But we aren't going to re-sign Lowe. Why not get something of value for him and replace him with Kershaw or Penny?

Orel said...

NO...mar.

Erin said...

Yeah, love the guy, but somehow always seem to forget the second "n" in his name.

I will talk to him, but I can't believe this is the first time all season I've neglected to bring a camera to the game. I don't have a blog anymore, so I figured there was up point. Now I'm kicking myself.

karina said...

I know that, Orel. But Lowe is a good pitcher with a World Series championship on his resume. Starting pitching market is thin, why not take a risk and keep him in case of playoffs?

Orel said...

Back to the Future-related? I don't get it.

karina said...

See?, Flores is adorable!

Orel said...

Erin, doesn't the iPhone have a camera?

Karina, I know Lowe is considered a big-game pitcher, but I don't have that kind of faith in him.

karina said...

Well, i do think he could be a guidance for Bills, Kershaw, Broxton, Wade and Troncoso if the team heads for the playoffs.

karina said...

Copernico is one of the names of Dr. Emmet Brown's dog.

Erin said...

The iPhone does have a camera. It will be funny when I ask Bateman to take a picture of me and Olberman on my dang iPhone.

Orel said...

D'backs 6, Giants 0, 3rd inning. Thanks, SF.

Orel said...

I just learned some movie trivia.

Erin, you need a fourth, picture-taking party.

Erin said...

Yeah. Guess I'll have to ask a stranger, as I am at the game alone this evening.

karina said...

Dodgers marketing department could learn something of the Nashua Pride marketing department.

Scroll a little bit and you know what i mean:

http://tinyurl.com/5kaojs

Orel said...

Nomar can't make a play that Furcal would have. The run scores, Nats 1-0.

Orel said...

Erin, you are hardcore! Although I've been to a few games solo myself.

Chad gets out of it with another K.

karina said...

Jones is embarrasing any way you look at him. When i remember Ethier is on the bench, i feel like i'm dying a little bit.

karina said...

I always go by myself to baseball games. Sure, my fellow season tickets holders go, but there's not always that case.

Orel said...

Karina, are you suggesting an anatomically proportionate Andruw Jones bobblehead?

karina said...

Not bobblehead, a bobblebelly.

However, "for somewhat reason", i feel people could use it as a missil.

Erin said...

Okay. It's definitely Olbermann. Someone else just came up to shake his hand and I actually saw his face instead of his profile. Now I'll just be planning my move and hoping that, when I make it, I'm not too overcome to say anything coherent.

karina said...

Erin, i know you can do it.

Orel said...

Erin, gotta think of something clever to say!

Eric Karros said...

Hello erin, orel, karina

Eric Karros said...

I've been to at least one baseball game alone that I can remember, but probably more

Orel said...

Howzabouta nice 5-4-3 DP? Let's go, Dodger bats!

karina said...

Hello, Eric!

Erin said...

Hello Eric.

I'll tell Keith he can dub me the "worst person in the world" for bothering him during the game. That makes sense if you've ever watched his show.

Eric Karros said...

are other people bothering him?

Eric Karros said...

Nice avatar Karina!

Erin said...

This is my 17th MLB game this season. I have been to eleven of them alone.

Orel said...

Shoot, Martin hits into a DP of our own.

karina said...

Erin, that's how a true hardcore baseball fan talks.

Erin said...

Scratch that. Eighteen games, including preseason. Eleven alone.

From my seat in loge, I could tell Martin was safe on that DP ball.

Eric Karros said...

Odd trivia about me: I saw the movie "Single White Female" by myself

karina said...

Thank you very much, Zimmermann.

Eric Karros said...

I haven't even brought up GameDay yet...let me do that...

karina said...

I think no one can top your experience as being the lone guest at a hotel.

Orel said...

I read a New Yorker article about him, so I get the reference.

Eric Karros said...

Ah, you remember that story, Karina?

Orel said...

I saw Iron Man and Hulk by myself.

karina said...

Eric, glad you like my avatar (by the way you made me go to imdb)

Did you ever have a crush on Bridget Fonda?

karina said...

I pay close attention to you, what can i say?

Eric Karros said...

I also saw the movie "Fallen" by myself...and "Seed of Chucky". I'm not sure which of the 3 is most embarrasing to admit to. Actually, yes I do.

Erin said...

Okay. I just spoke to Olbermann. Told him I loved and worshipped him, all while shaking his hand. He laughed at me, but I don't care. I am now shaking. No joke.

Eric Karros said...

Well I definitely think Bridget Fonda is cute, but actually I don't think I'm her #1 SoSG fan

Eric Karros said...

wow Erin, well done.

Eric Karros said...

Next time you see Johan Santana you can tell him you hang with Olbermann!

karina said...

Congratulations, Erin. You did much better than me when i met Jesus Flores.

SOSG: Dodgers and Bridget Fonda fans?

Orel said...

Bad break off Chad's glove there. He deserves some run support.

Orel said...

Erin, did you get a picture?

Orel said...

I guess now would be a good time to mention the "Point of No Return" bus stop poster hanging in my garage.

Eric Karros said...

I was setting you up, Orel

Orel said...

You get an assist, EK.

Erin said...

No picture. I just see him stand up from his seat, so I went and stopped him at the top of his section (one section over from mine). iPhone wouldn't have picked us up anyway. Too dark.

Orel said...

Hmmm, Chad just Ranchoed the bases Ardiendo.

Erin said...

I meant "saw," not "see" obviously.

karina said...

I adore your expression "ranchoed the bases ardiendo".

Will this game a nueve arepas one?

Orel said...

It's not like Chad is having control issues. He's making good pitches.

Erin said...

Interestingly enough, O'Reilly was at Fenway today. But I do not worship him. At all.

karina said...

My older brother watched "Point of No Return" too many times.

Orel said...

Translation, por favor.

Eric Karros said...

shutout - right?

Orel said...

O'Reilly does not seem like your kind of guy, Erin.

Sax and I saw Point of No Return in the theater. It was not very good, Bridget notwithstanding.

karina said...

A shutout game is known as "Nueve Arepas"

Arepas is a typical meal in Venezuela and Colombia.

http://tinyurl.com/ysrd36

Alex Cora said...

Hey guys (and gals)! This is the inning that we break through!

karina said...

Correct, Eric.

Eric Karros said...

Bridget Fonda movies I remember seeing: It Could Happen To You, Jackie Brown

Orel said...

Dodgers are turning John Lannan into Cy Young, unsurprisingly.

Eric Karros said...

Whassup AC?

Eric Karros said...

Or is it spelled 'wassup'?

Orel said...

And then Jones hits ones inches away from a homer!

karina said...

I can't believe my eyes...Jones almost homered.

Eric Karros said...

Somehow, I missed 'Monkeybone'

Orel said...

Hey AC!

Alex Cora said...

Where did that homerun power go, Andruw?

Erin said...

And with that double, look forward to never seeing Ethier in a game again.

Man. Everyone here thought that ball was gone.

karina said...

Pass me a bottle, Mr. Jones
Believe in me
Help me believe in anything
I want to be someone who believes

Orel said...

I'll have one arepa, please.

Eric Karros said...

I guess BF was in A Simple Plan also, but didn't remember. Loved the movie though.

Orel said...

Karina busts out the Counting Crows reference!

Alex Cora said...

Oppps, well maybe NEXT inning...

karina said...

No, Erin. With that double, Ethier knows he'll be benched the whole weekend. If it had been a homer, Ethier'd know he''ll be a pinch runner for the entire season.

Orel said...

Yes, she was in Simple Plan. Doc Hollywood, too.

karina said...

Orel, we do love our 90's tunes, right?

Eric Karros said...

I think I may have seen Doc Hollywood, but not sure. Maybe I just dreamed I saw it.

karina said...

I can't believe you guys haven't brought up Godfather III.

Eric Karros said...

I like Adam Duritz

Orel said...

It had a memorable topless scene, EK.

Eric Karros said...

Well, I already mentioned 'Seed of Chucky,' so I figured mentioning 'Godfather III' would be redundant

Orel said...

Yes we do, Karina. Although my gym is currently cranking 80's tunes. Which makes me exercise just a little faster.

Eric Karros said...

What did, Orel? Doc Hollywood, Godfather III, or Seed of Chucky?

Or are you talking about the game?

Orel said...

I saw GFIII before I saw GFI or GFII. Not a good introduction to the series.

karina said...

I loved "It could happen to you".

Eric Karros said...

I saw 'Seed of Chucky' before 'Bride of Chucky' but after 'Child's Play'. It still worked.

Eric Karros said...

'It Could Happen To You' was a nice movie

Orel said...

Doc Hollywood (NSFW!!!)

Eric Karros said...

Ok, now I know. I didn't see Doc Hollywood.

Orel said...

It Could Happen to You had a much better original title: Cop Gives Waitress $2 Million Tip!

Eric Karros said...

Ok guys, midnight has struck, I'm going to bed before I turn into a pumpkin.

Orel said...

Flores kept that in the park just for you, Karina.

Alex Cora said...

I can't believe we can't get to this Nationals pitcher, let alone the whole team. They are HORRIBLE!

Orel said...

Night, EK!

karina said...

Don't get me started on the 80's tunes....

I feel like i won't ever forgive Sofia Coppola for her performance on the Godfather III. Not even her great work on "The Virgin Suicides" ,"Lost in Translation" and the lovely soundtrack of "Marie Antoinette" (any New Order and The Cure song on a film will hook me).

karina said...

Que descanses, Eric.

karina said...

Flores know i adore him, so he kept it in the park. He knows he can't break my heart.

karina said...

Because he knows the Dodgers will.

Orel said...

That's what I meant in the GT, AC. Dodgers are hopeless against pitchers they haven't seen before.

Let's just say Sofia needed some help finding her true calling, Karina.

Orel said...

Nice broken heart line, Karina!

JPSQ singles!

Orel said...

Kemp follows up with a single of his own! No out!

karina said...

For the love of God, don't trade Matt Kemp.

My son at the plate, RISP, no outs.

Alex Cora said...

I walk away and we have 2 on, no outs! I have to leave the room again...

karina said...

Rancho Ardiendo!

Orel said...

How can Russell get plunked—on the elbow!—and not even flinch? He's a real man!

karina said...

He's awesome. In fact: Harry Potter didn't defeat Voldermort, Russell Martin did.

Orel said...

Let him keep throwing balls, Kent!

Orel said...

Luke Skywalker didn't blow up the Death Star, Russell Martin did.

karina said...

Alex Cora, Jesus Flores is not horrible. He's clutch, specially in late innings to win the game, ask any Nationals fan.

Orel said...

Says the ever-so-objective Karina....

karina said...

Russell Martin is allowed to talk about Fight Club.

Orel said...

Russell Martin is allowed to refuse Vito Corleone's offer.

karina said...

I'll look up some Jesus Flores stats. He's underrated because he plays for the Nationals.

Orel said...

Nomar breaks it open! 2-1 Dodgers!

Alex Cora said...

WOOHOO!!!!! NO-MA!

karina said...

Did you leave the room, Alex?

karina said...

King James is at the plate!

Orel said...

Mia Hamm = misnomer

Orel said...

The Giants scored! Once! 6-1 D'backs!

Orel said...

James gets another in! 3-1 Dodgers.

karina said...

At night, Darth Vader looks in his closet for Russell Martin.

karina said...

Fox Sports announcers: A magnifying glass is needed to read Andruw Jones's stats, because they're microscopic.

Orel said...

Russell Martin is...Batman!

Orel said...

I wonder if Erin is having beers with Olbermann....

karina said...

Russell Martin just walks into Mordor.

Orel said...

Kemp with a running catch of Russell Martin-esque proportions!

karina said...

Matt Kemp with the awesome play.

Erin said...

This just in-- Olbermann and Bateman are limber enough, thank you. They have no need to stand up for the seventh inning stretch.

karina said...

My last one:

Russell Martin is Fred Krueger's nightmare.

Orel said...

You win, Karina!

Orel said...

Maybe you should offer to drive them home, Erin.

Orel said...

Chadley in a spot o' trouble. 3-2 Dodgers.

karina said...

I didn;'t know we were competing, Orel.

I leave the room and Bills gets on trouble.

Orel said...

That's it for Chad. 106 pitches, he leaves with two men on, two out. Nice job, Bills!

Alex Cora said...

Damn, I leave to take a shower and they have 2 on and only up by one! AHHH!

Orel said...

It's the competitive American male in me, Karina.

Orel said...

Never shower again, AC!

Alex Cora said...

Ok Karina, Here come FLORES!

Orel said...

Broxton in for the four-out save. Nice test for him here.

karina said...

Whatever happens at this Flores at-bat, my heart will be broken.

Orel said...

Broxton K's Flores swinging! Flores must really like you, Karina.

karina said...

Thank you very much, Mr. Broxton.

Alex Cora said...

Yeah Orel, I take a shower only when Jones gets on base for one game....I am pretty dirty...

Orel said...

You must save a ton on the water bill, AC.

Alex Cora said...

Yeah and Jones saves a lot on his energy bill because he has NO SPARK!

Alex Cora said...

Wow, we shouldn't have let this Hahnerhan guy go from the dodger system!

Alex Cora said...

3 more outs Broxton! Here we go!

Alex Cora said...

LoDuca looks really short out there. And much smaller - maybe because he can't get his "pills" anymore..

Alex Cora said...

Hey I am talking to myself

Orel said...

Vin ever-so-obliquely alluding to Lo Duca's alleged steroid use.

Orel said...

Two down, one to go!

Alex Cora said...

yeah, 25 HR, then 13 then 9...Hmmmm....

Orel said...

And that does it! Fast game, too!

Orel said...

Finally, we beat a team we're supposed to beat.

Alex Cora said...

Yeah! But again, AZ wins...ugh. Amazing that Either wasn't in the game and we still win. Jones needs to sit, it is as easy as that. Plus, I need more showers...Go Blue!

karina said...

Never liked Paul LoDuca. Never. Urgh. It bothers me he takes away Flores playing time.

It's a win, let's go blue! (and Erin was in attendance)

Orel said...

Webb vs. Lincecum in SF tomorrow. Derek Lowe faces...Odalis Perez!

Orel said...

Coper is 1-0. Nice job, pup!

Orel said...

From FOXSports:

"Unless the Dodgers can find such a player [like Teixeira or Sherrill], their best bet is to build for next year. A small move might get them over the top in the NL West, but what good is building a team just strong enough to win a weak division and have a first-round exit in the playoffs?"

Amen.

karina said...

Let me have the illusion of playoffs, who knows if they can win 2 games there.

karina said...

Coper is the best, i tell you!