Thursday, April 09, 2009

Game 4 Thread: April 9 @ Padres, 12:30p

Clayton Kershaw (0-0, -.--) vs. Kevin Correia (0-0, -.--).

COMMENTS: Well, it seemed like a beautiful day for a ballgame—until the news of the DUI hit-and-run death of 22-year-old Angels pitcher Nick Adenhart floated across the wire. Condolences to Adenhart's family and to the Angels organization and fans—and to the other families who lost loved ones in the incident.

With a fresh dose of perspective thrown in our faces, let's try to appreciate what we have today. Kershaw goes for the series win and Blake DeWitt sees his first start of the season, spelling Rafael Furcal. Have you noticed the Dodgers have hit two home runs but have allowed none? A nice trend, PETCO Park notwithstanding.

UPDATE:

DUI update at Dodger Thoughts

UPDATE:

Tonight's Angels game has been postponed. (angelsbaseball.com)

UPDATE:

Via BLS, thanks to Will Leitch for transcribing Vin Scully's tribute to Adenhart:

If I may speak for every member of the Dodger organization, our heartfelt and deepest sympathies to the mother and family of Nick Adenhart, and to every member in the Angels organization, for the untimely accident and death of young Nick last night at the tender age of twenty-two. Nick, from Maryland, had pitched six scoreless innings and was in a car with three friends, and a driver apparently went through a red light and T-boned the car, killing three of the four, including Nick, and one other member is in critical condition. And if there is one thing I’ve learned in all my years — and I haven’t learned much — but the one thing I’ve learned: Don’t even waste your time trying to figure out life.

Ground ball through for Andre Ethier, and life continues for those who still have it. And with a leadoff single, Russell Martin will be coming up.

But I would say, it wouldn’t be a bad idea to take a moment and say a prayer in memory for Nick, especially for his parents. What a shock to lose a twenty-two-year-old.

Andre Ethier at first base, Russell Martin the batter, James Loney on deck, and the Dodgers try to strike in the second inning against Kevin Correia.

photo by duranla at phodroid via Diamond Leung

200 comments:

Wesley Vento said...

Huge bummer about Adenhart. I was looking forward to his career, as it had lots of promise. Dying at 22 is a tragedy no matter who you are. I'm feeling for his family, friends and teammates.

Eric Karros said...

Man, that is not news you ever want to hear. I did not know it was DUI.

Orel said...

I guess Adenhart was like the Angels' Kershaw. What a loss.

Orel said...

DUI details at Dodger Thoughts

Jimbo said...

"Orel said...
I guess Adenhart was like the Angels' Kershaw. What a loss."

That thought crossed my mind as I read the news story. Tragic. And to consider that the driver of the other vehicle lived. Probably with very minor injuries.

*sigh*

Dusto_Magnifico said...

In the grand scheme of things its a terrible loss, especially since a hit and run where the other driver will likely be convicted of murder!

I hate to put it this way... (just thinking baseball) but the Angels rotation just got really thin!

Happy Kershaw day!

Orel said...

Damn, Dusto. Although I do wonder what the Angels are going to do to address their rotation.

Orel said...

DeWitt, SS
Hudson, 2B
Manny, LF
Ethier, RF
Martin, C
Loney, 1B
Kemp, CF
Blake, 3B
Kershaw, P

Is this DeWitt's first time batting leadoff?

Orel said...

From the P-E blog:

Joe Torre's rationalization for plugging DeWitt into the leadoff spot on Rafael Furcal's day off: "I just don't want to disrupt everyone else, it's simple as that. You start moving people around ... not that this lineup's going to stay this way the whole year, but early on I just don't want to rearrange it. Furcal's going to be my leadoff guy. Blake has good at-bats. The only thing you miss is the basestealing ability. (There's) no reason not to hit him leadoff."

Fred's Brim said...

hearing this news brought be straight back to Mike Sharperson - so sad :(

Orel said...

Mike Sharperson (Wikipedia):

"In 1996 Sharperson played for the Triple-A Las Vegas Stars. He could have been in line for a promotion to the big-league club, the team said, when he died in a one-car crash in Las Vegas, Nevada. Local law enforcement who arrived at the scene of the accident claimed Sharperson had been ejected through his car's sunroof during the accident. He was 34 years old."

Fred's Brim said...

he was one of my favorites during those lean years in the early 90s. i remember him being our only All-Star one year because they had to take somebody from every team

Orel said...

ouch Hudson

Orel said...

fouled it off his shin but he looks okay

MattyA said...

Tough top of the first... What's the over/under on Kershaw's wins this year?

Orel said...

Good to see you, MattyA. 13?

MattyA said...

Sounds about right to me, but I'll take the under (hoping for the over, of course).

MattyA said...

All right, Clayton! I think I will start calling you Klayton.

Fred's Brim said...

27 pitches already - yeesh
throw strikes, Kersh!

Orel said...

Kershaw with 27 pitches in the first.

Fred's Brim said...

Edgar Gonzalez looks evil in this year's photo!

Orel said...

Clayton at, what, 46 pitches already?

Orel said...

FB, all he needs is a pitchfork.

Fred's Brim said...

can't let them clear the pitcher - that might be my biggest baseball pet peeve

Orel said...

Well at least he got the pitcher out.

Orel said...

Nice pitch by Correia to get Casey swinging.

Kershaw singles!

MattyA said...

C'mon DeWitt! Move him along.

Orel said...

They're pitching to Manny. Cool.

Orel said...

Nice save by Hundley prevents a run.

Orel said...

Vin's talking about how the third base umpire was advising Kershaw not to take his lead from third on the foul line. Now Clayton's safely in foul territory.

Orel said...

Manny's timing looks a little off.

Orel said...

But he still knows when not to swing. Rancho Ardiendo for Ethier!

Orel said...

Take this next pitch, Andre.

Orel said...

Thank you, Kevin Correia! 1-0 Dodgers!

Fred's Brim said...

cmon Russ - make them pay!

Fred's Brim said...

I hope there's a scout for the Braves in the crowd!

Fred's Brim said...

christ - what was the count on Russ' groudout?

Orel said...

Why, FB?

Orel said...

FB: 0-1 count. Hope he's not pressing.

MattyA said...

Did Vin just say "cold weather?" They're in San Diego, right? How cold can it be? 65?

Fred's Brim said...

he'll have a big hit soon but i would love for him to work to just get on somehow

Orel said...

Episode I: The Eckstein Menace

Orel said...

Yahoo! weather says 64 degrees in San Diego

Orel said...

DeWitt AND Loney flashing the leather!

Fred's Brim said...

i am gonna end up hating Eckstein before this season is over, aren't I?

Orel said...

DeWitt had to range to his right and backhand that ball. Loney with the nice scoop at first.

Orel said...

FB: Yes.

Fred's Brim said...

A good challenge for the kid, here

Orel said...

TV radar says that latest pitch was 94 mph.

Jimbo said...

"Fred's Brim said...
Edgar Gonzalez looks evil in this year's photo!"

Dude resembles Wario.

Fred's Brim said...

what happened there with Gonzo? Yahoo isnt telling me

Orel said...

Weird to see Kemp striking out looking so many times.

Orel said...

Aflac trivia question: Since 1919, who is the youngest pitcher to start a game in major league history?

Fred's Brim said...

Dr Geek: YES! good call
*evily twiddles moustache*

Fred's Brim said...

Joe Nuxhall, right? he had to get his parents to sign working papers

Orel said...

FB: Kershaw struck out Gonzalez looking on a borderline curveball on the outside corner.

Neeebs (The Original) said...

AFLAC: Dwight Gooden?

Orel said...

We have one vote for Nuxhall, one for Gooden. I myself have no idea.

Fred's Brim said...

fast inning! me likee

Orel said...

Kershaw, at 87 pitches, leads off the 5th.

Neeebs (The Original) said...

I just checked and Nuxhall was just shy of 16 in 1944. Gooden was 19 in his debut.

Fred's Brim said...

ok gonna bust home and catch the last few innings there - score me some runs, boys! i want it to be 4-0 when I check in again

Dusto_Magnifico said...

Take a pitch Huddy!

Orel said...

See ya, FB!

Orel said...

Ugh, Kershaw walks the leadoff man. And no one's warming up.

Orel said...

Kershaw: 11 of 18 first-pitch strikes

Dusto_Magnifico said...

Come on now K, finish this inning off.

cigarcow said...

Blake Dewitt leading off = 0 runs. Mhm.

Also, is Kershaw the most frustrating phenom in my Dodgers lifetime? I believe so. He's so awesome, but these pitch counts!

cigarcow said...

Dewitt playing SS = base hit on a play Furcal would've made.

Dusto_Magnifico said...

dang

cigarcow said...

Damn those curves are beautiful!

Dusto_Magnifico said...

Get a little rally going!

Orel said...

I can't tell if Cigarcow is watching the game or reading a Playboy.

Dusto_Magnifico said...

Both are about as equally gratifying... in totally different ways... for most...

Neeebs (The Original) said...

Damn that was a close shave.

Orel said...

I can't tell if Neeebs is watching the game or reading a Playboy. Boo-ya!

cigarcow said...

Hahaha!

Orel said...

Kemp knocks down E. Gonzalez and drives in two! 3-1 Dodgers!

Neeebs (The Original) said...

Orel:

I'll be your set up guy.

:-)

Orel said...

And Kemp doesn't overrun first!

Dusto_Magnifico said...

another friggin single... I'll take it. WAY TO GO KEMP!!!

Orel said...

assist: Neeebs

Orel said...

Dusto, Kemp smoked it. Would have been a double if it hadn't bounced off Gonzalez.

Neeebs (The Original) said...

I actually saw Hugh Hefner and his entourage at a Dodger Game a few years ago. What a joke.

Raintes said...

Salut.

Good game so far. Bummer to wake up and hear about Adenhart though. :(

Dusto_Magnifico said...

Belisario looks like a beast!

Dusto_Magnifico said...

Orel, I get all my games via gamecast... good t oknow someone is making good contact. Kemp would be the guy to hit one hard.

Orel said...

Clayton done at 105 pitches. This Belisario looks like he can bring it.

Orel said...

What's up, r41? Definitely a day of mixed emotions.

Orel said...

Belisario strikes out the side!

Neeebs (The Original) said...

Bellasario strikes out the side with 13 pitches.

Raintes said...

Lookin' good so far for LA. Would like to see a bit more power though.

Dusto_Magnifico said...

Dang... I like this guy Belly-sario!

Orel said...

Guess Belisario will be pitching the 7th.

Unknown said...

Seriously though. I hope Belisario never wakes up from this dream and realizes that The Baseball Cube doesn't even have a page on him. He just blew away Adrian Gonzalez on 3 straight heaters.

Orel said...

r41: Just wait until Manny gets started!

Orel said...

Belisario will not be a waiter at Outback.

Raintes said...

Orel, didn't Manny say he needed an extra week to get ready??

So, he'll be ready at Dodger Stadium on opening day I guess. :p

Orel said...

stolen by a mile

Unknown said...

O-Dawg showing some speed this year. What is the line on him getting 20 bags?

Unknown said...

Ok Andre. Make him pay for that.

Unknown said...

BTW, if I haven't mentioned it yet, the Adenhart thing is too sad for words. I am definitely thinking about his family, friends and the Angels today. Definitely cocked up my morning.

Fred's Brim said...

me and Andre - back!

Unknown said...

Ouch on Andre's HBP. As for Russell's AB so far, perhaps the ump should borrow Kemp's contacts.

Raintes said...

What happened on that Martin at-bat?? I was in the kitchen.

Raintes said...

Btw, Belisario looks a bit like Carlos Zambrano.

Delino DeShields, Sr said...

Delino In! Since when did ESPN's Gamecast read like the sportsbook at Circus Circus?

Fred's Brim said...

or if Carlos Zambrano made a baby with James Baldwin?

Dusto_Magnifico said...

That Luis Rodriguez can take a walk... dang! swing at somethng already

Delino DeShields, Sr said...

PHEW - only 14.7 percent chance of the Padres scoring a run in this inning. Are they wearing camoflauge again? Cause I can't see their offense anywhere.

Unknown said...

Ronald, go back to sleep.

Delino DeShields, Sr said...

Chance of scoring over a run - now 40 percent. Crap.

Unknown said...

Ok Ronnie. Just gas Eckstein and be done with in. Just make sure you don't throw another weak one like you did Gerut.

Fred's Brim said...

attboy Ronnie!

Dusto_Magnifico said...

Belly-sario gettin it done!

Orel said...

Alireza: 20 steals for Hudson is realistic. Probable, I would say.

r41: Martin grounded out to 2nd. Still pressing?

Hi Delino!

Unknown said...

YAY!! Eckstein hasn't yet confirmed his status as the new Jim Eisenreich.

BTW, is anyone else watching this on Gameday? Belisario's pFx is ridiculously nasty.

Orel said...

Um, I see Hudson has never had more than ten steals in a season. So maybe I need to take that figure back.

Alex Cora said...

Alright! We get out of that inning. Will be able to watch the last innings before I get to go to work (unless it goes into extras).

Raintes said...

Vin Scully called Edgar Gonzalez "Edgar Martinez."

I had to do a double take on that. I thought maybe the Pads had signed him prior to the inning highlights to boost up the offense.

Alex Cora said...

Yeah Matt! Like the contacts (lenses that is...)!

Orel said...

Vin talks about dirt going down pants a lot.

Unknown said...

What's the line on Casey Blake striking out more than Matt Kemp this year?

Alex Cora said...

Raffy pinch hitting? Interesting move by torre.

Dusto_Magnifico said...

No pinch hitter?

Unknown said...

Seriously Gameday. First they call "in play (no out)" on Blake's tapper to 3B, then they pretend Belisario is batting again.

Dusto_Magnifico said...

ali, im watching on gameday...

less than inspiring... did Torre not pinch hit for Belly-sario?

Dusto_Magnifico said...

I see now.

Raintes said...

Over/under 10 blown saves for Broxton this year:

I say under. But about 8-9 bs.

Unknown said...

Why the IBB for Raffy? I realize that they got DeWitt out in the end, but why pitch to a guy who crushes fastballs with a guy who's fastball is about as fast as mine?

Dusto_Magnifico said...

Oh MAN

Dusto_Magnifico said...

Why can't Dewitt stay in the game at third?

Orel said...

Alireza, they had three balls on Furcal and decided to put him on.

Dusto, good question. Veteran's prerogative?

Unknown said...

Because that would be the smart thing to do, as opposed to the "he makes $6 million and he makes $400k" thing to do.

Also, DeWitt was the last out, so they put the pitcher in his spot and Blake would still hit. Not that he has hit any better than the pitchers thus far.

Raintes said...

Dusto, because DeWitt isn't the one getting overpaid $5.6M a year to play 3B.

Raintes said...

Damn. Well at least it wasn't Edgar takin' Ohman deep.

Orel said...

First home run given up by the Dodgers. Solo job by A. Gonzalez, 3-2 Dodgers.

Unknown said...

Yeah. I think we saw that coming. Remember this for next time Will. Gonzalez can't handle the INSIDE pitch from a lefty. Throw him gas on the inner half and you are good. Throw him gas outside, and he will do that.

Dusto_Magnifico said...

hm.... shoulda gone with the slider?

Orel said...

Gold Glove Loney!

Steve Sax said...

3-2 dodgers, walking the tightrope against a triple-A team...

Unknown said...

He should have just jammed him Dusto. Gonzalez is a great hitter, but he has done little against lefties. That is because they jam him. Gonzalez has big problems with inside pitches.

Raintes said...

Wow, Ohman. Edgar rocked you too? Really?

Orel said...

Sorry, Clayton. No win for you.

Unknown said...

The Gonzalez family is haunting the Dodgers.

Unknown said...

And Clayton is robbed of a win.

Alex Cora said...

Uh, I think I jinx the whole thing with my comment before - going into extras???

Orel said...

Edgar rocked Wade. As did Hundley.

Dusto_Magnifico said...

damn welll there goes that

Unknown said...

r1 - That was Wade who got nailed by Edgar.

Fred's Brim said...

fudge fudge fudge

Unknown said...

Perhaps Torre was hoping for Wade to give it up just to justify keeping Blake in?

Orel said...

It's the Dodgers who look like a Triple-A team now.

Raintes said...

Wow...really?

Unknown said...

ARE YOU KIDDING ME?!?!?!

Dusto_Magnifico said...

shizzle... you gotta be kidding me!

Raintes said...

Yeah, my bad. I'm cooking and watching the game. Didn't even know Ohman was taken out. @_@

Alex Cora said...

This sucks - we cannot split with the pads...

Orel said...

Oh, we can, AC.

Unknown said...

Seriously. Manny - I am pleading with you. Make this all seem like a bad dream in the 9th. Splitting with the Pads is unacceptable

Orel said...

Hudson-Manny-Ethier coming up.

Fred's Brim said...

those 10 LOB are looking worse and worse

Unknown said...

Who else is up for a Hudson HBP combined with a Manny long ball and back to back doubles for Ethier and Martin?

Orel said...

Count me in.

Raintes said...

I'm up for it, but I don't think the players mentioned are. :p

Delino DeShields, Sr said...

Went to get some matzah, and the sky fell. Come on Blue.

Orel said...

Wow, a triple by Hudson!

Raintes said...

Oh snaps!!!

Fred's Brim said...

manny, you know what to do

Orel said...

Matzah rally!

Unknown said...

Well, I guess Hudson's bat speed has returned.

Now, the odds of a squeeze by Manny? :-P

Delino DeShields, Sr said...

even watching that on gamecast was exciting

Orel said...

TV radar says Bell at 98 mph.

Orel said...

Ugh, weak AB by Manny.

Unknown said...

TV Radar is high by 2 MPH according to Gamecast.

Really Manny? Are you just trying to make things interesting?

Orel said...

Ethier fooled for strike two.

Unknown said...

Honestly, I would settle for a slow dribbler to Adrian Gonzalez right about now.

Jimbo said...

Is Manny the new Andruw?

Orel said...

Good eye, Dining with 'Dre!

Orel said...

Don't even think that, Dr. Geek.

Raintes said...

NO DP!!!

Unknown said...

Nice AB by Andre. Now, do something with this game Russell.

Raintes said...

*crosses fingers*

Orel said...

Russell in an 0-2 hole.

Raintes said...

*&^% hell!

Delino DeShields, Sr said...

nards

Unknown said...

Many, many expletives.

Dusto_Magnifico said...

gotta be kidding me!

Fred's Brim said...

god i hate losses like that. i don't know how many of those I have seen over the years but they never get less bitter

Raintes said...

I think I jinxed it. Shouldn't have mentioned the "NO DP!".

I'll take the blame.

(Cuz Jones isn't around anymore.)

Steve Sax said...

All Martin had to do was sac fly. GIDP? Argh!

Orel said...

Okay, that was painful but at least it wasn't a series loss. Gotta regroup for the D'backs!

Steve Sax said...

So we go .500 off of the lowly Padres. This is not hopeful as we head to the desert and the snakes...

Steve Sax said...

Re: the last two comments

Orel=Mr. Positive

Sax=Mr. Negative

Steve Sax said...

Martin left 8 on base today, all by himself.

Steve Sax said...

Torre is getting pummeled on the KABC post-game show, for bringing Wade in after he pitched last night; for batting DeWitt in leadoff; and for having Martin in the five-hole.

Steve Sax said...

Electric billboard on the way home has a Adenhart tribute.

I really don't like the LED billboards, but the ability to put up new graphics quickly is cool. Nice job by the Angels.

Eric Karros said...

Dude totally missed the game but I guess it sucked. Back to 500.

Dusto_Magnifico said...

VERRRRRRY DISAPPOINTED!

Unknown said...

When is Torre going to learn and put Russ in the leadoff spot? At least when he gives Furcal his days off.

Anyway, I missed the chance to hear Vinny's words, but they exemplified class as always. Seriously, Vin Scully should be named Poet Laureate of Major League Baseball.