Sunday, May 24, 2009

Game 45 Thread: May 24 vs. Angels, 1p

MANNYWATCH: 35 GAMES

Chad Billingsley (6-1, 2.51) vs. Matt Palmer (5-0, 4.26).

COMMENTS: Strength vs. strength in today's rubber match. Billingsley was the first NL pitcher to reach six victories, while Palmer has won all five of his starts for the Angels.

Around the horn:

  • Jason Schmidt was bonked on the noggin yesterday during a rehab start in Albuquerque, but got up quickly and left the field on his own. He did not require hospitalization.
  • In addition to Rafael Furcal and Russell Martin, Andre Ethier will not start today's game. He split his right big toenail when John Lackey plunked his foot last night.

    "I was already missing half the nail," said Ethier. "It's been a problem all year. Since Spring Training, half the nail's been dead and now the whole thing is pretty much dead. It was throbbing." Enjoy your lunch!

  • Guillermo Mota: improving.
  • Russell Martin: unworried.
  • Joe Torre: steady.
  • The kids: growing.

Today's press box "Blog Spot" occupant is Brandon from Reflections of Blue. Looking forward to your report, Brandon!

photo by Flickr user Malingering

377 comments:

1 – 200 of 377   Newer›   Newest»
Orel said...

Pierre, LF
Martin, C
Hudson, 2B
Blake, 3B
Loney, 1B
Kemp, CF
Hoffmann, RF
Castro, SS
Billingsley, P

Does Torre have Grady-itis? Martin not only starting, but batting second. And Blake gets bumped up to the cleanup spot. Looks like Torre is hoping for some power near the top.

Chappy said...

Takin' the series today!

Torre just wants to keep a hot bat in the line-up and win! Eithier is hurt and Furcal should sit, so keeping our boy Russ in the line-up makes sense to me, even if it is inter-league play.

Mr. LA Sports Czar said...

Makes sense since Torre doesn't want to keep Martin out just when he's getting hot. Besides, Torre could give Martin tomorrow or Wednesday off since they're both day-games.

Chappy said...

MLASF ain't lyin'!

Chappy said...

I like Blake in the clean-up spot as well. Hopefully that's where he'll stay.

Brandon said...

Such a contrasting photo...the lady in blue, the lady in red, and then the lady in green.

I'll take the blue one, though not because of team loyalty.

Orel said...

There's a lady in green?

PenosCabell said...

MLASF - Agreed. Martin is heating up. He belongs in the top third of the order. I like the idea of Blake as cleap-up.

Orel said...

from Reflections of Blue:

"Russell Martin will start today's game, though not because of Ethier's absence. Torre said Ausmus will likely start one of the three games in Colorado as a result."

PenosCabell said...

That beast in green looks like she wants to eat the other two for dessert.

Chappy said...

If they're putting up their dukes, my money's on Greenie...

Chappy said...

Go get em Bills!

Chappy said...

Nice! Gotta keep the pitch count down though.

PenosCabell said...

K #1

Mr. LA Sports Czar said...

Kemp's got that one. Two away.

PenosCabell said...

Agreed Chappy. It's all about the pitch count today. Bills needs to go deep into the game. The bullpen could use rest.

Mr. LA Sports Czar said...

Good first inning for Bills.

Chappy said...

And we could all use a break from stessing out about the bullpen too.

Mr. LA Sports Czar said...

I know this is a little off-topic, but has anyone noticed that Brad Lidge stinks this year?

Chappy said...

Russ goes yard today. I can feel it.

PenosCabell said...

Lets see what this Palmer guy's got.

Mr. LA Sports Czar said...

Rex Hudler was orgasming over Palmer in the pre-game talk.

Chappy said...

Lidge sure got worked over by A-Rod yesterday.

Chappy said...

Come on Juan, don't swing away on a 3-1 count.

PenosCabell said...

Yeah the Yanks lit Lidge up.

Lidge put in a lot of work last season.

Chappy said...

Hudler is creepy, like a used car salesman...

Mr. LA Sports Czar said...

I don't get why Hudler loves Palmer so much. He's got an ERA of 4.18 and is only 5-0 because he gets insane run support.

PenosCabell said...

Hudler is like an Angels fan on crystal meth.

Chappy said...

I'm just glad we don't have to hear him call Lyons "savage" any more for a while after today.

Dusto_Magnifico said...

Hudson strikes out a lot.

Wicks said...

Was that Jim Palmer out there?

Mr. LA Sports Czar said...

YEAH! They got Rivera at second!

PenosCabell said...

got him

Chappy said...

That was fortunate.

Geez Kemp, get your glove on the ball.

PenosCabell said...

Outfield assist

Mr. LA Sports Czar said...

Kemp should have hustled more to get that ball, but the outcome is indisputable.

Chappy said...

The Angels don't have much spring in their step today. Dodgers need to pounce!

Chappy said...

Bills, much like my sex, is on fire.

PenosCabell said...

Nice, Chappy.

Wicks said...

Oh yes your typical 8-4 putout

Chappy said...

:-) heard the song one too many times I guess.

Orel said...

"Rex Hudler was orgasming over Palmer in the pre-game talk."

It doesn't take much for the Wonder Dog.

Orel said...

Do you think Kemp missed the ball on purpose?

Chappy said...

I wish Kemp were that good a fielder...

Wicks said...

Napoli looks like a fat(er) Brad Penny

Chappy said...

don't get me wrong; he's improved a ton. but sometimes that youngin' creeps out again.

PenosCabell said...

Honestly, I don't think Kemp is that great of an outfielder. It's his speed and canon-like arm that make him appear to be great.

Mr. LA Sports Czar said...

A fly could land right on Hudler's nose, and he would say "Look at the way that fly landed! Great control, perfect timing, that was one helluva landing! I have to give that fly credit for not knowing whether he would make it but still going for it."

Chappy said...

Nice Casey!

Chappy said...

LMFAO!

MLASF perfect comment on Hudler...

PenosCabell said...

1-0 Dodgers

Chappy said...

That's thinking with your dip-stick Jimmy!

Gapper for the RBI!

PenosCabell said...

Loney coming through

Mr. LA Sports Czar said...

Nice hit by Loney.

PenosCabell said...

Kepp it going Kemp.

PenosCabell said...

*keep

PenosCabell said...

Loney is too slow to score on that.

Mr. LA Sports Czar said...

Good hit for Kemp.

Chappy said...

Good hold at 3rd. Loney is not the fleetest of foot.

Nice poke by Kemp!

PenosCabell said...

I'll never understand Loney.

6'2 220 lbs.

No power.

No speed.

Mr. LA Sports Czar said...

That was a great hit for Kemp, especially down 0-2. Plus, he can create havoc with second-base open.

Chappy said...

Hoffman, lookin scairt.

Mr. LA Sports Czar said...

WOW! HOFFMAN WITH A 3-RUN JACK!

PenosCabell said...

First major league HR.

Welcome to the big leagues, Jamie.

Chappy said...

So much for that!

Way to go Toe-head! Get that series win for the boys in blue!

PenosCabell said...

Something we haven't seen from Ethier in a while, a homerun.

Josh S. said...

Not Hoff bad!

Chappy said...

Don Mattingly, I love you.

PenosCabell said...

It's nice to see a Dodger go deep.

karina said...

Donnie baseball working!

4-0 and Bills on the mound, brilliant!

Chappy said...

Casey may have beard power.

But Hoffman's got JAW POWER!

Chappy said...

Hi Karina!

PenosCabell said...

A 4 run lead for Chad Billingsley?

Nice.

Josh S. said...

Hoffman's wearing #30, previously blessed by The Beard.

Chappy said...

Where were they lined up on that one? Wow.

PenosCabell said...

The curtain call for the fans was nice.

Chappy said...

Six degrees of beard power. I love it!

PenosCabell said...

2nd base stolen Pierre.

Chappy said...

Anaheim looking weak today.

Chappy said...

Man I thought Russ had that.

Today's the day though.

Chappy said...

Vin: "Andre Eithier wanted to play today."

Chappy: "glad he didn't."

Mr. LA Sports Czar said...

In a recent entry of "Where Are They Now?" Brett Tomko is pitching in extra-innings for the Yankees.

Chappy said...

Pierre shoulda had that.

But Bills needs to keep em off the middle of the plate.

karina said...

Hi Chappy!

Is Gameday or Bills looks good today?

Mr. LA Sports Czar said...

Crap.

Chappy said...

I have a t-shirt with Brett Tomko artwork on it of the young dodgers.

Looks like a bunch of deranged cabbage patch kids.

PenosCabell said...

Brett Tomko.

When you have absolutely given up.

Mr. LA Sports Czar said...

Good job by Bills to deny Palmer the bunt.

Chappy said...

Prime Ticket on the tube for me. And yes Bills still looks good despite that long hit for the RBI.

karina said...

I jinxed Bills.

Chappy said...

Kinda like LA with Weaver.

You never know when that washed up pitcher is gonna give you a good year.

Mr. LA Sports Czar said...

As long as the Dodgers can provide the run support, Bills will get the win. And in the MLB, the win-loss record is the only thing that matters (sigh).

Chappy said...

Karina, I doubt you made him throw heat right up the middle.

Mr. LA Sports Czar said...

Crap again.

Chappy said...

That throw home was pathetic.

PenosCabell said...

Billingsley pitching with a comfortable 4 run lead is looks like a different pitcher.

Chappy said...

DP for Bills. like now.

Mr. LA Sports Czar said...

Getting a DP will be difficult. He's got to get past Abreu, then it's Hunter.

karina said...

I hope he doesn't throw Bob Abreu heat in the middle, he might get his first HR of the season.

Chappy said...

nice job by Loney!

PenosCabell said...

You called it Chappy!

Mr. LA Sports Czar said...

Whew, double play.

Chappy said...

dumb luck wins out MLASF.

Hope it keeps going this way.

Mr. LA Sports Czar said...

Abreu hasn't been the same guy with the Angels.

Chappy said...

The force is strong with the Dodgers today.

I'm telling you Martin goes out this game. Torre assured it by keeping him in.

karina said...

One of the reasons i got to call him "King James" is i like his defense, a lot.

Mr. LA Sports Czar said...

Blake needs one hit to get above the .300 mark.

Chappy said...

One of my favorites too Karina, he plays well in all aspects really.

Only weak on speed.

Chappy said...

Beard denied.

Chappy said...

They're starting to get a little impatient at the plate.

Need to slow down and let this Palmer screw up.

Mr. LA Sports Czar said...

As Hudler loves to say, Palmer's all about location. The Dodgers just need him to get tired and start missing.

Chappy said...

missed 100, we're at 112

Mr. LA Sports Czar said...

Yanks go down to the Phillies, and who else but Tomko gets the loss.

Chappy said...

If they want him to get tired they're gonna have to stop swinging at the first pitch.

PenosCabell said...

Like I said, when you have given up, you call on Tomko.

Mr. LA Sports Czar said...

The Yankees are picking up all of the Dodger rejects: Angel Berroa, Jason Johnson, and now Tomko.

Chappy said...

Good! Seems like the NL is getting the best of the interleague for this go round.

Anyone know which league has won the most series?

Chappy said...

Angel Berroa, HR to right in new Yankee stadium?

karina said...

It proves that there's a great chance new Yankee Stadium is actually Coors Field East.

karina said...

I think AL dominates NL in interleague play.

Chappy said...

I was just speculating, but you're right if Berroa can get one out there, holy crow.

Chappy said...

Usually Karina, but the games seem closer this year.

Mr. LA Sports Czar said...

I hear there's some kind of jet-stream in New Yankee created by the speed of the Steinbrenner's when they open their wallets.

PenosCabell said...

DAMN YOU HUNTER!!!

DAMN YOU!!!

Chappy said...

Torii Hunter is from the devil.

Mr. LA Sports Czar said...

I am so sick of Hunter

PenosCabell said...

Is it wrong to wish pain on someone?

Mr. LA Sports Czar said...

It's tough for me to want Hunter to be alright when he keeps killing me with his catches.

Chappy said...

hope he's ok though.

PenosCabell said...

My neck. My back.

I'm suing ya'll for $150,00!

karina said...

Injury delay? was Torii Hunter robbing off the Bison?

Chappy said...

and a forty

PenosCabell said...

Chappy - You understood my Friday reference.

Chappy said...

yes sir, never forget E-zel.

PenosCabell said...

LMAO

Chappy said...

Need to keep scoring, not fall asleep after scoring four. Lots o' game left.

Mr. LA Sports Czar said...

Hudler loves a man who can get dirty.

Josh S. said...

So Hunter is so good he can make a catch, die, and then rise from the dead? Now we have to deal with Zombii Hunter? No fair.

karina said...

Friday?

PenosCabell said...

Classic Dodgers. They score 4 runs, then get complacent.

Chappy said...

I'm beginning to dislike Aybar as well.

What a pest he is.

PenosCabell said...

Zombii Hunter. Nice.

Chappy said...

Karina, if you have not seen the movie Friday, please do.

One of the funniest movies ever if you get west coast culture.

PenosCabell said...

Friday. The classic Ice Cube, Chris Tucker movie.

PenosCabell said...

Chappy. I totally agree.

Chappy said...

Las Vegas is just LA Jr. my man.

All we need is the ocean.

PenosCabell said...

Youre in Vegas?

PenosCabell said...

DP

Chappy said...

born and raised. but I've rooted for LA teams my whole life.

Chappy said...

nice!

Steve Sax said...

Seven Dodgers retired in a row? Is this Matt Palmer or Jim Palmer?

Nice DP O-Dog.

Chappy said...

Bils is starting to get the 5th inning glisten. hope he can maintain.

Josh S. said...

Oh boy. Wave time. Not like there's an exciting game or anything.

Chappy said...

nice K Bills!

Chappy said...

at least stick the bat out there Bills.

Chappy said...

Juan's gotta get on for Russell.

Chappy said...

Correction: Hoffman has forehead AND jaw power!

Chappy said...

And he chews a mean piece o' gum!

Mr. LA Sports Czar said...

JP gets on. Time for Martin to get something going.

Josh S. said...

I'm curious about Bleacher Beach, but $45 seems like a lot for seats that bad, no matter how much food is included. June 7th might be a good time to try it out since it's a 5pm start due to the game being on Sunday Night Baseball. It won't be as hot.

Chappy said...

Here's Martin's chance.

2-0 count with a runner on...

Mr. LA Sports Czar said...

JP steals second. 0-3 count to Martin.

Chappy said...

Give him the green light Joe!

Go Russell!

Mr. LA Sports Czar said...

I mean 3-0, but I think everyone got the jist of what I was going at.

Chappy said...

Diaz has got to quit granting time out so late.

Chappy said...

D'oh!

Mr. LA Sports Czar said...

At least Palmer apologized. Beckett just looked at Abreu.

PenosCabell said...

I don't think we'll ever see the power we saw from Martin in 2007 when he had 19 homeruns.

Chappy said...

Beckett is a prick.

Mr. LA Sports Czar said...

That screwed up Gameday.

Chappy said...

I'd say you're right PC.

We need the fat Martin who doesn't bang models or get in touch with his feelings back.

PenosCabell said...

Being a pro athlete in LA has its perks.

Mr. LA Sports Czar said...

Chappy - Can you really blame Martin for that though?

Chappy said...

Hoffman is starting to falter.

Get him Casey!

PenosCabell said...

J Martin?

Lose the J. Get the power back.

Chappy said...

I guess not MLASF, but I'd say it has definitely affected his play not being so focused on baseball.

But if I were him I'm sure I'd allow the distraction too.

Mr. LA Sports Czar said...

Gameday is really screwed up.

Chappy said...

Soscia is too smart to leave him in against Blake.
hopefully he nails the first pitch FB.

Chappy said...

come to the beard

PenosCabell said...

Tap the bobblehead for good luck

Chappy said...

man. that was close.

Chappy said...

Hunter almost misplayed that one.

Mr. LA Sports Czar said...

DAMN YOU TORII HUNTER!

PenosCabell said...

DAMN YOU HUNTER.

Josh S. said...

Zombii Hunter is making our lives far too miserable for someone who isn't an ex-Dodger.

Chappy said...

Vin was lookin pretty pimp in the steel blue duds.

PenosCabell said...

uh oh.

Chappy said...

Steady Bills, steady.

You got a lot more to give than that.

Mr. LA Sports Czar said...

Crap

Chappy said...

D'oh. Time to get someone up in the bullpen.

Mr. LA Sports Czar said...

Now the Zombie is up.

Chappy said...

No outs. not good.

Chappy said...

He must be a Zombii like JS says. He's probably dead from the wall hit and running on Zombii-pilot.

Josh S. said...

No Bills, no!

Almost an exact mirror of last night's game. 3 run homer followed by the other team creeping back into it.

Chappy said...

Not giving him much to hit at least.

Chappy said...

bad to worse. crap.

Josh S. said...

This is getting Mota-ugly.

Chappy said...

200

Mr. LA Sports Czar said...

Dammit. Martin should have had that. And Hundler commends the runners for moving up.

Orel said...

200!

«Oldest ‹Older   1 – 200 of 377   Newer› Newest»