Wednesday, August 27, 2008

Game 133 Thread: August 27 @ Nationals, 4p

Greg Maddux (6-10, 4.25) vs. Tim Redding (8-8, 4.54).

COMMENTS: Is there even a point in discussing these pitchers? Just yesterday we were talking about sweeping the Nationals. Today we're wondering if the Dodgers will be the ones getting swept. By the worst team in the Majors. Yesterday's game seemed so snake-bitten it made you wonder if things can possibly get any worse for the Dodgers. Can they? Check back this evening.

156 comments:

Neeebs (The Original) said...

The recent curse of the Dodgers will not go away until I put the Magic Shawn Green Batting Glove on my oversized hand. Damn the US Postal Service.

Orel said...

AZ 2, SD 0, top 6

Orel said...

AZ 4, SD 3, bot 7

Steve Sax said...

Postal service? I handed your prize package to a guy named "shifty" on a horse.

All I'm saying, neeebs, is that I wouldn't wait by my mailbox (though I assure you it is indeed en route).

Steve Sax said...

Kemp
Ethier
Kent
ManRam
Loney
Martin
Garciaparra
Blake
Professor

Steve Sax said...

Bottom of the 8th in SD, man on first with no out and SD down by a run

Steve Sax said...

sac bunt, man on second with one out (bottom 8, AZ 4, SD 3)

Steve Sax said...

Kouzmanoff strikes out on a foul tip. Two out, Headley up, man on second.

Steve Sax said...

IN PLAY, RUN(S)!!!

Steve Sax said...

All tied up with a Headley single to Dunn, on the first pitch (96 mph fastball).

4-4. Man on first, two out, Stanford Cardinal Jody Gerut up.

Steve Sax said...

Headley steals second, and Gerut knocks him home! 5-4 SD

Steve Sax said...

Qualls entered in the eighth, replacing Randy Johnson, and has two ER in 0.2 innings.

Orel said...

SD 5, AZ 4, bot 8!

Steve Sax said...

AZ will have Reynolds, Montero, and Young coming up in the ninth (5-6-7)

Erin said...

Are we supposed to start worrying about the Padres now?

Erin said...

Diamondbacks' commentators just said Burke, pitcher's spot, Stephen Drew due up next inning.

Steve Sax said...

Edgar Gonzalez Ks on a foul tip as well, ending the inning.

5-4 SD, let's see if it holds. We will need it in order to cover for our impending loss to the Nationals today.

Steve Sax said...

Erin, you're right, I looked up the wrong inning. 8-9-1 coming up.

Orel said...

Don't forget the Padres basically own the Dodgers. Next month could be even worse.

Steve Sax said...

Augie Doggie Ks
Tony Clark Ks
JD Drew's brother Ks

Dodgers gain a half game

Steve Sax said...

Wow, the Pads came back from being down 4-0 to score 5 runs in their final two frames and win. Nice.

Steve Sax said...

Okay, switch over Gameday in the next half hour...

Loney Fan said...

No one in this division deserves to go to the playoffs.

Steve Sax said...

LoneyFan, are you over the hump yet?

Orel said...

LF, is that your GF? Because she's too good for you.

Steve Sax said...

kemp leads off with a pop out to short. Yay.

Orel said...

"Jeff Kent grounds into improbable double play. Three out."

Steve Sax said...

Andre Andre

(Ethier doubled)

Orel said...

Kent pops out to Emilio Bona-fide-io.

Erin said...

I don't think I realized until right now how far behind Gameday is.

Erin said...

So, already 0-2 with RISP. Sweet.

Steve Sax said...

Ramirez ends the inning. NO RUNS, yet again

Orel said...

Dodgers LOB: 1

Steve Sax said...

Oh yeah, Kent popped to an infielder, as well

Steve Sax said...

Six pitches, three outs for Maddux. 0-0 after 1.

Orel said...

Maddux: 6 pitches in the first. Of course, we've been here before.

karina said...

Good starting pitching is not a problem. Clutch, ladies and gents, that's the question.

Orel said...

OMG LONEY BOMB

Erin said...

I was watching the Sox/Yankees game, and I thought, "I bet Loney just knocked one out." Sure enough, I flipped back to see him rounding third.

karina said...

King James BOMB!

QuadSevens said...

"The Dodgers take the lead for the first time in who knows how long." Dodgers radio at it's finest.

Steve Sax said...

Loney Homey!

Erin said...

Oh, but Nomar reminds us what this team is made of these days, and GIDP. Thanks, Nomar.

Steve Sax said...

Charley Steiner is probably crying, he's so excited

Steve Sax said...

Nomar GIDP! Twice in two games!

QuadSevens said...

Woohoo!!! Blake with the BOMB!

Steve Sax said...

Come to think of it, given Kemp's abhorrent play (offensively and defensively), I'm kinda surprised Pierre is not starting

Erin said...

Casey Blake hits one out on an 0-2 pitch! Would have been better if there had been runners on base, though. Thanks again, Nomar!

Orel said...

OMG BLAKE BOMB

Steve Sax said...

Let's hope Blake is back (Casey, that is). 2-0 LA

Steve Sax said...

Maddux hit the ball as far as Kemp and Kent, acc. to Gameday

Steve Sax said...

Cynical? I'm drunk.

Erin said...

Blake with the nice bare-handed grab, and probably should have gotten the call at first. Milledge is ruled safe, though.

Erin said...

And Maddux seems to forget that mystique alone does not hold runners on base, as Milledge easily steals second, as Steiner puts it, "from here to Chesapeake Bay."

Loney Fan said...

Orel, that is my wife and she is waaayy to good for me. I try to tell her at least twice a day that she is hideously ugly to keep her self esteem down.

I am over the hump and the small vacation taken afterwards. I am going to be sending the pics (FINALLY) after work tonight.

Erin said...

Dodgers 2, Nationals 1. Strange inning, with a checked swing hit, a steal, and two groundouts, the last of which scored a run.

Orel said...

What just happened there?

LF, wives just love that kind of talk.

Loney Fan said...

Well maybe she'll get lucky tonight and the Dodgers will win. Then I won't have to drink so heavily.

Orel said...

My, aren't we a drinky bunch.

Erin said...

Terrible throw, and Matt Kemp still tagged out on a steal attempt (after reaching on an error). Something big needs to happen for this team tonight. Bigger than a couple solo home runs. We need to snap out of this crap.

Ethier makes it worse by hitting a double over Milledge's head.

Loney Fan said...

5 straight? These are tough times. Booze never loses when I'm counting on it.

QuadSevens said...

AAnnddrree hhiittss aannootthheerr ddoouubbllee.

Erin said...

Steiner makes a home run call on a fly ball out off Kent's bat. Thanks, man.

Ethier advances to third, but there are two outs. Manny at the plate.

Orel said...

Dodgers LOB: 2

Erin said...

All the sudden, the font on this page is very small. Is that only happening for me?

Loney Fan said...

No change here

Erin said...

Before this series, I really don't think I could have named more than two members of the Nationals' team, if that. After this series, I doubt I'll remember any of them for long. But we're letting them hit against us like they're a first place team. Come on, Maddux! Get it together!

Erin said...

So strange. This is the only page on which the font size changed. Everything else is normal.

karina said...

I see a very small font, too. Around 7 points.

I was worried, we just had a blackout and i only thought if the Dodgers could win this game.

Orel said...

Gameday is screwy.

Steve Sax said...

erin, I'm glad the nationals' lineup is making a lastings impression on you.

Thank you, Annandale! Good night!

Steve Sax said...

My fonts are fine.

Steve Sax said...

Well, there goes our lead.

Erin said...

We SUCK.

Mr. "I Have Seventeen Gold Gloves" gets a grounder back to the mound, and then threw the ball over Nomar's head at second. Kent backed it up, but no out was recorded, and a run scores. Game tied.

Orel said...

But my fonts are good!

Steve Sax said...

No National is batting over .300...yet they're kicking the crap out of us.

Erin said...

Yes, I did shift tense more than once in that last comment.

No, I do not care to correct it.

karina said...

Erin, i guess the small font is a ladies thing!

Steve Sax said...

Erin, but Juan Pierre doesn't have any Gold Gloves, and isn't even playing... wait a minute here, you mean Maddux.

Steve Sax said...

(checking JP's b-r.com page): did you know we used Juan as a DH this year?

Man, that is funny shit.

Steve Sax said...

erin, do I need to have a conjugational visit with you?

Erin said...

Perhaps, Sax. Perhaps.

Orel said...

Thank you, Jesus Flores—and Karina.

Steve Sax said...

Jesus Flores pulls a Nomar.

That keeps the Nationals three ahead of us in the GIDP sweepstakes. Just when we had closed the gap to two!

karina said...

It seems i really jinxed Flores. I feel almost bad for it.

Erin said...

I was busy watching another game. When did the Nationals take the lead?

Loney is doing everything he can, as he leads off the fourth with a double.

karina said...

Sax, i remember Pierre starting as DH so Ethier could get a start.

Maybe Torre is considering a career in comedy.

Steve Sax said...

Yikes, I just realized they scored two runs there. We're losing! Again!

Orel said...

Gameday is frozen. GameCast is frozen. On to GameCenter.

Steve Sax said...

erin, you are about 10 minutes ahead of gameday at this point. I've gotta reload.

Steve Sax said...

I love it, leadoff double from Loney, and we're not going to be able to score him. Against the Nationals.

Steve Sax said...

And, Maddux strands Loney.

Martin and Garciaparra should be shot.

karina said...

Ok Professor, you need to hit this ball like it wouldn't be tomorrow.

karina said...

Steve, are you sure we need to shoot Russell Martin?

Imagine loooong nights of Ardoin catching and batting, unless Bennett can work his thing before season ends.

Orel said...

I can't believe we're losing to the Nationals. Oh wait, I can.

Orel said...

I've already lost track of the Dodgers' LOB.

Erin said...

I cannot believe this.

karina said...

Ethier homered!

karina said...

last comment was #100!

karina said...

Guys, you gotta BELIEVE! yes, i'm aware the Dodgers have 2 solo HR on this game...

Orel said...

Ethier keeps hope alive.

Orel said...

That's THREE solo HR's, Karina!

karina said...

Right, Orel. I wasn't aware to the second one to the blackout. My mistake.

karina said...

Edit: i wasn't aware of the second HR due to the blackout we had.

Steve Sax said...

karina, you're right on Martin. And probably on Nomar as well. I don't want to shoot either one.

I don't know what Russell's problem is, but as Orel alluded to earlier, I think he's overtired and needs to rest. Which means, not playing third base. I mean, rest. He's been a disaster of late.

Nomar has also been questionable but frankly we don't have any other options at short unless the recently-recalled DeWitt can fill in there, too. Or maybe Furcal will pull off an amazing tale of healing. Who knows.

karina said...

Flores (in the season) with RISP 32-82, 390 AVG.

That's why i needed to jinx him.

Loney Fan said...

This team has been playing some incredibly bizarre baseball these days

Orel said...

Marley & Me: An Amazing Tale of Heeling

karina said...

Martin should rest once a week. On a day game, after a night game, specially when the team had to travel the night before.

So much work can wear him out very soon, as we all know catcher is the most physically demanding position in the sport.

Orel said...

Karina, you should manage the Dodgers.

Loney Fan said...

Nomar coming through in the clutch! Thanks for nothing.

karina said...

Hahaha, Orel. But i don't think i used out-of-earth logic to make that proposition.

Besides, my older brother damaged his shoulder while catching A LOT when he was 16-18 years old. It's all right because he's an engineer...but it worries me my favorite player couldn't have a wonderful career due to huge workload based on short-term situations.

It's not a secret there aren't enough good third basemen and catchers.

karina said...

Pierre sighting at the plate.

karina said...

Pierre walked and was out at second due to fielder's choice. Kemp is at first. Ethier is up.

Erin said...

Anyone watch that Kent at-bat? I missed it, and according to Gameday, it was over the wall in left. Was it a good catch or something?

Steve Sax said...

Orel, remember yesterday when you refrained that the kids weren't getting it done?

Jeff Kent: 0 for-4, with 3 LOB.

BTW, team LOB = 6

Erin said...

I love it when we can bring in pitchers and allow them to do what they do best.

It's unfortunate that in Chan Ho Park's case, what he does best is give up home runs.

5-3, Nationals.

Orel said...

Chan Ho Park, comin' down to earth. 5-3 Nationals.

Orel said...

Don't make fun of Jeffy!

Erin said...

Wow. I just saw a replay of something I missed the first time around. When Milledge was on third and the batter hit a little dribbler, Maddux picked up the ball, faked a throw to first, then threw the ball to Blake, who was behind Milledge (I think it was Milledge), and got the guy in a rundown. That was pretty awesome, actually.

karina said...

Thanks, Erin! for the accurate description of the play.

Erin said...

No problem, Karina. Sorry if you guys were wondering about it earlier. I've been back and forth.

Meanwhile, runners at first and third and Martin strikes out, setting up the perfect opportunity for Nomar to GIDP. Again.

Steve Sax said...

Dodgers 0-for-8 with RISP

Erin said...

Nomar doesn't GIDP, but he does pop up. Two outs, runners still just standing there at first and third. Casey Blake is up. I say we try for a double steal. They'll never see it coming.

Loney Fan said...

Finally the opposition drops one. It may just be me, but it seems like opposing teams have been making spectacular catches in the outfield.

Erin said...

Blake bloops one to shallow left. Run scores. 5-4, Dodgers. Runners at first and second, pitcher's spot up, so Sweeney? Wouldn't it be nice to see DeWitt here?

No, it's Sweeney.

Steve Sax said...

Nomar pops out. 0-for-9.

Erin said...

Sweeney walks (sorry, I know you're all "watching" Gameday). Bases are loaded with two outs for Matt Kemp.

Pitching change.

Orel said...

RANCHO ARDIENDO

Erin said...

Kemp takes one pitch, then hits a lazy fly ball to left to end the threat. Excellent. Maybe a little more patience next time, Matt. We just needed a hit, and a walk would have been just as good.

Booger said...

yeah, he is a piece of crap. He needs to be moved out of that spot for right now.

Erin said...

Broxton is in. Expect him to be excellent. After all, he's not holding a lead or anything.

Erin said...

To be fair, I don't think I would have wanted to see Pierre coming up instead of Kemp in that last inning.

Steve Sax said...

Listening to Rick Monday is like playing the license plate game.

He never says, "Philadelphia," he says "the city of brotherly love." Washington DC is "the nation's capital."

Rick, why don't you pull a Missouri and SHOW ME another shtick.

Booger said...

Yeah, Broxton is sac-less. He reminds me of Pedro Serrano from Major League 2.

"Hey Joboo needs a refill!!"

Loney Fan said...

I wish we were in Virginia. Virginia is for lovers.

karina said...

Booger, who would you like to replace Kemp with?

Steve Sax said...

1-for-11 with RISP.

God, we suck.

karina said...

awwwwww, Loney fan.

karina said...

Flores struck out!

Loney Fan said...

Just the right amount of booze = sappy Loney Fan

Where was that shit when we are leading Broxton

Booger said...

it is pretty slim pickings as far as a new leadoff guy; but at this point something requires shaking up. Torre needs to get these guys out of their funk.

Erin said...

Watching the Sox/Yankees game right now is so much more fun, especially after Pedroia just hit a grand slam to make it 11-2.

karina said...

Brox struck out 3 batters! way to go!

karina said...

Congrats, Erin! i'm watching Mets-Phillies, i felt like watching Santana pitching.

Steve Sax said...

Btw, Monday called Kemp's fly ball as a home run, until he realized it wasn't.

Prick.

Erin said...

I wouldn't mind seeing Loney get a chance here.

Loney Fan said...

Manny's practice swing looks like he is thinking about hitting one out.

karina said...

Steve, i like Jody Gerut, just for tonight

Erin said...

Sax, Kemp's fly ball was quite obviously an out as soon as it left the bat. What a moron.

Erin said...

Okay, I'm getting my wish. Manny's on base, Loney's up.

Steve Sax said...

Jeff Kent, 0-for-5.

ManRam with a two-out single.

But Loney flies out.

Steve Sax said...

Erin, I blame Rick Monday for this loss.

karina said...

How many LOB again? 2 errors... it's impossible to win ballgames this way... night

Booger said...

I Fucken hate the dodgers.

talk to you guys during tomorrow's loss.

Orel said...

I enjoy watching Erin cuss.