Friday, May 22, 2009

Game 43 Thread: May 22 vs. Angels, 7p

MANNYWATCH: 37 GAMES

Clayton Kershaw (2-3, 4.60) vs. Jered Weaver (3-2, 2.59).

COMMENTS:

"I love it. It makes me really proud to share the field with him. It's an opportunity for me to go out there and pitch more than once every five days. I feel like I'm pitching when he's out there too. I just want him to continue to do well, which he has. It's just a great feeling each time he gets to take the field."
—Wednesday's starter Jeff Weaver, on tonight's Angels starter, his brother Jered

Despite his Shaggy surfer dude appearance, Jeff Weaver is an articulate guy, and his support for his brother is admirable. But while Jeff might be busy balancing loyalties, Dodger fans will have no trouble rooting against Jered, he of the 1.54 career ERA against the Dodgers. Jered also pitched six innings in the Angels' crazy no-hit loss to the Dodgers in June of last year.

The Dodgers' own phenom Kershaw flirted with a no-no of his own in his last start and looks to even his record with a win today. And while the Dodgers are top dog right now, they still have the majors' worst interleague record (20-43) since 2005. So something's gotta give.

In roster news, the Dodgers plan to put Xavier Paul on the disabled list while promoting Jamie Hoffmann.

Tonight's press box "Blog Spot" occupant is Chris from dodgerfan.net. Looking forward to your report, Chris!

170 comments:

Josh S. said...

Am I the only one disappointed that we're not getting a Weaver vs. Weaver showdown? Maybe in June in Los Angeles of Anaheim.

NicJ said...

A weaver vs weaver would probably benefit the angels more than us.

Orel said...

Weaver talked about that. Said it almost happened previously but the Angels substituted another pitcher at the last minute. Said it would be tough on his parents.

Orel said...

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

Unknown said...

I am hoping Weaver goes 7 IP with 0 ER, 1 BB, 8 Ks while hitting his pitch count, while Kershaw goes CG SHO with 2 hits, both to Chone Figgins, 12 Ks and takes the win. Then Russell Martin hits his first homer of the year off an Angel reliever and gives Kershaw the win.

Why? Because Weaver, Kershaw, Figgins and Russell are all on my fantasy team.

;-)

Josh S. said...

I would just like to say that I did not intentionally make a post about Jeff Weaver at 4:20. Just a coincidence. ;)

Unknown said...

Hey Orel, won't be the same watching the game on TV tonight eh?

rbnlaw said...

Are they putting the blogger spot in the press box on a rotation for the season, or is it over after everyone's had their turn.

Sorry if this was answered elsewhere.

Mr. LA Sports Czar said...

Does anyone know what the 6 teams are that Buster Olney picked to land Peavy?

Mr. LA Sports Czar said...

No thread for me tonight, or at least not until later in the evening.

Nostradamus said...

Well, it's off to the game. I'll talk to you gents later.

Unknown said...

Haha, anyone who gets the Red Sox feed may have noticed Dennis Eckersley commit the wonderful announcing faux paus of saying "Sh!t" on live television in describing Kevin Youkilis' reaction to being hit by Johan Santana.

Steve Sax said...

There are an awful lot of emoticons so far in this GameThread.

Steve Sax said...

There are an awful lot of emoticons so far in this GameThread.

rbnlaw said...

Ha, Sax. Good one.
Off to watch the game at Lampost Pizza, Fountain Valley.

I'll be in my Juanpierrewood shirt.

Unknown said...

rbnlaw, so Im not the only one who bought the pierrewood t shirt...good to know.

Unknown said...

I didn't know there were still any Lamppost Pizza's left.

Orel said...

"Hey Orel, won't be the same watching the game on TV tonight eh?"

No. But less tiring too!

"Are they putting the blogger spot in the press box on a rotation for the season, or is it over after everyone's had their turn."

It's open indefinitely, as far as I know.

Unknown said...

"No. But less tiring too!"

We understand. Between interviews and charity sing-a-longs, it can really wear a person down!

karina said...

Kershaw starts the game K to Figgins.

Alex Cora said...

At the game. Angels got the rain of boos. One pizza down. There are helicopters out beyond the left field landing and taking off. Don't know why.

Steve Sax said...

We had a Lamppost Pizza growing up, too.

karina said...

Kershaw got out of the jam, but 36 pitches was way too much.

karina said...

Beast on single mode

karina said...

Urgh. Beast caught stealing

Chris said...

Greetings from the press box, SOSG readers! Thought I'd check in and see what's going on over here.

Orel said...

"So both starting pitchers—and the emphasis is on starting, because the way they're pitching, neither man will be close to finishing." —Vin

Orel said...

Epale, Karina!

Enjoying yourself, Chris?

Chris said...

I can totally relate to your POV when we talked yesterday Orel...it can be a bit overwhelming, but one of the best sports experiences of my life!

Orel said...

Now THAT is a pickoff!

Orel said...

Any good pre-game scoop, Chris?

PenosCabell said...

Another lead-off double for the Angels.

PenosCabell said...

1-0 Angels.

Jimbo said...

Dammit. 1-0 Angels.

PenosCabell said...

uh-oh.

Orel said...

Well, the bullpen's getting stretched out today. Who will we see next?

PenosCabell said...

As long as we don't see Mota or Belisario.

PenosCabell said...

1-1

Orel said...

Loney RBI! 1-1 tie.

Orel said...

Kemp smoked it! Two on, one out for the Beard.

PenosCabell said...

Basehit Matt Kemp. Runners at 1st and 2nd.

PenosCabell said...

I'm gonna tap the bobblehead for good luck.

Orel said...

Figgins robs Blake of at least one RBI.

PenosCabell said...

2 more LOB.

Orel said...

Kershaw: 84 pitches
Weaver: 74 pitches

Orel said...

Kershaw walks Figgins. Not looking good here.

Orel said...

Kershaw with the sweet lay-out on the bad bunt!

PenosCabell said...

Two pop-up bunts. Scioscia can't be happy.

PenosCabell said...

Tron warming up.

Orel said...

A DP would be great here.

Orel said...

Ah, he would have been out.

PenosCabell said...

Clayton is done.

Orel said...

I thought that was gone for sure.

Orel said...

Bravo, Clayton.

Orel said...

Russell and Chone sharing a moment there.

Orel said...

Kershaw at 97 pitches. Wouldn't be surprised to see him in the sixth.

Orel said...

Geez, Beast Mode is still on fire.

PenosCabell said...

Pierre looked confused.

Orel said...

Furcal paints the first base foul line! Second and third, no out.

PenosCabell said...

It's time for Ethier to do something.

Orel said...

Colorado played Detroit today. That rivalry goes waaay back.

Orel said...

At least he can't hit into a DP here.

PenosCabell said...

Col/Det..huge rivalry, like Toronto and Atlanta.

PenosCabell said...

He needs to get going or Torre needs to get him out of the 4 hole.

PenosCabell said...

Ethier walks. Bases loaded.

PenosCabell said...

Russell Martin up. Bases loaded.

Orel said...

C'mon, Russ!

Orel said...

Ethier showing discipline. The first step to recovery.

PenosCabell said...

Wow. What a horrible AB for Russell.

Orel said...

ugh

Orel said...

bases and count juiced

Orel said...

shit

PenosCabell said...

Shit is right.

Orel said...

"Only" 8 LOB so far.

Orel said...

Tron = 6th & 7th
Belisario = 8th
Broxton = 9th

Chris said...

Orel, to answer your question, new pre-game scoop on Xavier Paul on the site, plus an interview with Communications VP Josh Rawitch on social media and the Dodgers.

Don't want to be disrespectful and post the link here though! :)

Orel said...

Then I'll do it for you:


Pre-Game Thoughts with Joe Torre, Stan Conte and Mike Scioscia
(dodgerfan.net)


Dodgers Credential Bloggers for Press Box; Embrace Social Media
(dodgerfan.net)

Orel said...

Chris, that is truly scary stuff about XP's condition. Good reporting.

Orel said...

Christ, Torii Hunter is killing us.

Orel said...

Kemp tags. Nice.

Mr. LA Sports Czar said...

Time for Beast Mode to step up.

Mr. LA Sports Czar said...

GAHH!

PenosCabell said...

This is depressing.

Chris said...

Thanks Orel! X-Paul's condition is scary. That stuff can spread, so the Dodgers are working hard (and were before this happened) to keep a super clean clubhouse.

PenosCabell said...

How did XP get that infection? It sounds nasty.

PenosCabell said...

Leach has been impressive. Let's see if he can keep up the good work.

Mr. LA Sports Czar said...

DAMMIT!

PenosCabell said...

Oh lord.

PenosCabell said...

I don't think he's bunting this time!

Orel said...

Now we see how Leach responds.

Orel said...

Nice block by Russell.

Mr. LA Sports Czar said...

Whew, that's a big out.

PenosCabell said...

Just go ahead and throw your bat on the ground.

Orel said...

Scioscia trying not to laugh.

PenosCabell said...

Three horrible ABs for Aybar tonight.

Mr. LA Sports Czar said...

If the Dodgers lose tonight, I will fail to comprehend how the Dodger bullpen lost out to the Angel bullpen.

Mr. LA Sports Czar said...

WOW! Furcal nearly blew that play.

Mr. LA Sports Czar said...

"He not only double clutched, he triple clutched!"

Mr. LA Sports Czar said...

The clutch hitting in this game is terrible.

PenosCabell said...

That guy singingGod Bless America looked like Derek Lowe.

Orel said...

This game feels winnable.

PenosCabell said...

The Angels are handing this game to the Dodgers on a silver platter.

PenosCabell said...

Russell Martin striking out with the bases loaded and one out was huge.

Orel said...

Hey, Furcal with two doubles tonight!

Mr. LA Sports Czar said...

I won't cheer until he scores.

PenosCabell said...

Rafael Furcal leads off the inning with a double.

PenosCabell said...

Ethier, another chance here.

Orel said...

"The Angels are handing this game to the Dodgers on a silver platter."

And vice versa.

Mr. LA Sports Czar said...

So it will be Russell Martin with two out.

PenosCabell said...

You're right Orel.

PenosCabell said...

MLASF, it feels like Ethier is an automatic out.

Orel said...

Maybe Ethier can work a walk.

Mr. LA Sports Czar said...

I'm really becoming Ethier's biggest enemy right now. I really do want him to succeed, but I think the absence of Manny has gotten into his head.

Orel said...

See?

Mr. LA Sports Czar said...

Thank you Ethier.

PenosCabell said...

Martin, another chance to give the Dodgers a lead.

Mr. LA Sports Czar said...

Back-to-back game-winning RBI's for Martin?

PenosCabell said...

Russell is really swinging for the fences.

Orel said...

LAA 1, LAD 1
SF 1, SEA 1

Mr. LA Sports Czar said...

Ethier's on the move.

Mr. LA Sports Czar said...

Another blown opportunity. O-Dog should have just swung.

PenosCabell said...

wow

Orel said...

Two more LOB.

PenosCabell said...

This is frustrating.

Mr. LA Sports Czar said...

This is one of the ugliest games I have seen.

Orel said...

Have I mentioned I like this Corona commercial?

Mr. LA Sports Czar said...

Now we play the Wade-ing game.

Orel said...

Wade Wade...Don't Tell Me!

Orel said...

Mariners have the bases juiced in the bottom of the ninth. Junior is up.

Mr. LA Sports Czar said...

ARGH!

Orel said...

Going into extras in Seattle.

Mr. LA Sports Czar said...

Whew, they get the play at third.

Orel said...

The rare force play at third on the bunt. You see that play screwed up so many times. God job, Wade. DP possibility is still intact.

Orel said...

It's Maicer Izturis, Wade.

Orel said...

That had to have been semi-intentional.

Mr. LA Sports Czar said...

How the hell does Wade throw four straight balls to Izturis?

Mr. LA Sports Czar said...

It looked unintentionally intentional, but why would Torre want to pitch to Chone instead of Izturis?

Mr. LA Sports Czar said...

DAMMIT!

Orel said...

Fuck. That walk killed us.

Mr. LA Sports Czar said...

I have no clue what the hell Wade is doing up there.

Orel said...

4-3 DP!

Mr. LA Sports Czar said...

At least O-Dog got the DP. Now is the appropriate time for "Don't Stop Believing"

Mr. LA Sports Czar said...

Jeez, this is getting awful.

Orel said...

Awfuler, you mean.

Chris said...

Come on, Dodger bench! You've been there all year...

Chris said...

Guess not.

Mr. LA Sports Czar said...

Crap.

Orel said...

Wow. No chance that inning.

I think we'll see Mota next.

Mr. LA Sports Czar said...

I have no clue what Torre can do about this game. You can't just teach clutch hitting. It's not like they're not hitting the ball. It's just weird when you have games like this where you can't think of ways to improve play. You just hope that the lack of clutch-hitting doesn't occur again.

Orel said...

I hate it when I'm right.

Mr. LA Sports Czar said...

Fuentes will come in. I hated Fuentes with the Rox, and I have a feeling I'm still gonna hate him after tonight.

Steve Sax said...

Wow, this is a pretty pathetic showing for the Dodgers tonight.

Delino and I were hanging out this evening and the score was tied. As soon as he left, the Angels scored two. I blame Delino.

Orel said...

Mota quick like cat.

Mr. LA Sports Czar said...

"If Mota doesn't get his glove up, that hits him right in the face."

Not neccesarily a bad thing.

Orel said...

Mota can be nasty when he's on.

Mr. LA Sports Czar said...

Why couldn't Mota do that when it actually mattered?

Orel said...

Napoli is so slow Blake could have walked the ball to first.

Orel said...

Mental game.

Snarktwain said...

A rare 1-2-3 for G-Mo. I like our chances against Fuentes.

Orel said...

The Angels have so many black patches on their uniforms. Sad.

Orel said...

I hope so, TTF.

Orel said...

Damn, Rivera was perfectly positioned.

Mr. LA Sports Czar said...

This Angel defense is killing the Dodgers.

Mr. LA Sports Czar said...

This is where having a power bat helps.

Orel said...

Last chance.

Steve Sax said...

Raffy has looked great from the plate tonight...until this at bat.

Mr. LA Sports Czar said...

Crappy game finally ends.

Steve Sax said...

the dodgers failed to capitalize tonight. And so goes the 4-game winning streak, with a rare home loss. Alas.

See you tomorrow!

Steve Sax said...

Wow, I just saw highlights of lebron's shot. Wow.

rbnlaw said...

Well hell. I leave for an hour and this happens.
I hate when the team plays the Angels.