Monday, June 01, 2009

Game 53 Thread: June 1 vs. D'backs, 7p

MANNYWATCH: 27 GAMES
HIROKIWATCH: NOW

Hiroki Kuroda (1-0, 1.59) vs. Billy Buckner (1-1, 7.16).

COMMENTS: Coming off a 5-2 roadtrip, the big news is the return of Kuroda, who won Opening Day and was slotted as our #1 pitcher before an oblique muscle strain sidelined him for the last two months. Kuroda's last start in A ball was not kind, but according to Josh Suchon, he was literally practicing pitches (i.e., only throwing a fastball for a full inning), so it probably isn't a good barometer of how he'll do today. Unless, of course, the gameplan is again to only throw the same pitch for a full inning. The Snakes might catch on by the fourth inning or so.

25-year old Buckner has only started two games this season, but he did face the Dodgers on April 11 in Arizona, where he was shelled for 5 ER, 2 BB, and 1 wild pitch over a short 0.2 IP. I'm expecting Buckner to be all over the place, in which case we won't expect to see the Hiro take a fall on this manic Monday.

451 comments:

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Wesley Vento said...

I need a Hiro!

QuadSevens said...

I was already going to the game tonight, and now there's a bonus of seeing Kuroda pitch! Sweeeeeeeeeeeeet!!!

Josh S. said...

Speaking of Mannywatch, I'm giving serious thought to taking a trip down to Petco on July 3rd. My only worry is that I'll buy the tickets and then one of the games against the White Sox will get rained out. (Or there will be a "Manny Being Manny" moment and he won't be in the lineup on the 3rd.)

So, does anyone have recommendations as to where to sit at Petco?

QuadSevens said...

I've been to Petco Once and sat in one of the upper decks behind homeplate. It was a pretty good view, but field level would have been nice. I know the prices are cheaper than Dodger Stadium, and you can walk around any of the levels once you're inside. I'd take the time to explore the park if you have time before the game. Plus, there is a pretty nice bar at the top of the Western Metal Supply Building that has a patio open to anyone up until the 4th inning. The view from up there is pretty cool and worth checking out.

Neeebs (The Original) said...

Josh: I'd sit in the left field bleachers, in the power alley so you can catch Manny's HR ball(s).

Steve Sax said...

Josh,

I hear you, I'm also thinking about the game on 7/3, but I'd buy my tickets on the fly. I've been to Petco before and had great seats just a shade up the first base line for a day game. It's the holiday weekend, so it might be sold out, but on the other hand it's the Pads, who have only sold out Opening Day and have been drawing crowds of sub-20K all year...

rbnlaw said...

Why is the bar open to all until the 4th inning? Special tickets needed after that?

Steve Sax said...

Josh and Quad, I suppose we're moving from MannyWatch to WatchManny.

Steve Sax said...

rbnlaw, not for Mr. Western Metal Supply.

Steve Sax said...

Oh wait, acc. to the website, WMSC went bankrupt in the 1970s.

QuadSevens said...

After the fourth inning the bar needed reservations I believe. You could wait in line to get a seat out there if you didn't have reservations though. There is a nice bar area inside that is filled with Padre memorabilia too though.

QuadSevens said...

Correction: The patio needed reservations. The bar inside was open for the entire game that I was there last year.

Steve Sax said...

I think I want to hang out with Quad at a game. If nothing else, I'll be sure to have a brew in hand.

rbnlaw said...

Well, if the price is right, I might be making the trip to Petco for the game. If I'm lucky, the kids won't be in tow, but somehow I know they will be.
Doesn't mean I can't find the bar with the kid's menu.

QuadSevens said...

I'd gladly buy you a beer if we meet up at a game sometime Sax.

Neeebs (The Original) said...

Is that an open invitation Q7, or only an invitation to Sax?

Steve Sax said...

We're actually scheming a SoSG day, though I'm not sure if it's going to be July 3. Stay tuned.

I am not going to any games this week but MAY be going to game later on this homestand, btw.

Steve Sax said...

Pierre LF
Loretta 3B
Hudson 2B
Loney 1B
Martin C
Ethier RF
Kemp CF
Castro SS
Kuroda P

Blake and Furcal out, Ethier back. Not the most potent lineup to greet Hiro back, but who knows.

Steve Sax said...

From Josh Rawitch's Inside the Dodgers, Torre's pregame comments said that Kershaw will be on point in case Kuroda stumbles in this outing: "Throughout the season, we are going to keep an eye on Kershaw's innings. Tonight is one of those situations, so he'll get pushed back. If [Kershaw] gets into the game tonight, he'll pitch Friday and if he doesn't get in the game he'll pitch Thursday."

Neeebs (The Original) said...

SoSG Day....Nice. Make it a Saturday to avoid traffic and an early meet and greet.

QuadSevens said...

I'd be up to meet for a beer Neeebs. An sosg day sounds like a fun idea too Sax.

Steve Sax said...

Well if it's the three of us, I could have it in my backyard. And I could grill some dogs, too.

Seriously, we'll figure out a date--good idea on the Saturday, neeebs. Let me talk with our event planning department.

Orel said...

"We're actually scheming a SoSG day, though I'm not sure if it's going to be July 3. Stay tuned."

TBLA is doing a meetup at Petco that day.

Steve Sax said...

I may attend that game irrespective of the TBLA thing, but since it will have to be on the fly, we'll see.

No, I was thinking about a home-game SoSG day, instead. We'll have to see when the stars align here. I'll email SoSG Event Planning again.

Neeebs (The Original) said...

If the event goes down, does that mean that you will need to wake up Lasorda and Pedro and make them attend the event too?

Neeebs (The Original) said...

BTW, I just noticed that AC is the only SOSG with a at game loss this year. No more games for Alex

Nostradamus said...

Neeebs,

AC can't be blamed for that. I brough my own bad mojo to that game, which was more than sufficient to wipe out any good luck that SOSG attendance might generate

Neeebs (The Original) said...

I won't argue because the Customer is always right.

rbnlaw said...

SoSG Day at Dodger Stadium. I suggest Wednesday, July 1. Businessman's Special as they used to call them. Meet up at the Shortstop on Sunset (right below the stadium) for $2 PBR's before the game.

If not, I'm down for the whole Saturday thing. I'm thinking of going on Wednesday (let me check the probable starters) oooh. Bills and Jon Garland. This looks promising.

Steve Sax said...

Neeebs, I can't even begin to tell you how funny your 6:17p comment is. Classic.

Steve Sax said...

Okay guys, I'm moving to a different light. See you shortly.

Steve Sax said...

Let's go, Hi-Ro!

QuadSevens said...

Bad news guys. No Marzen to be found on the Reserve level today. Settled for a water instead, Bud Light.

Steve Sax said...

Vin just introduced Shawn Johnson (who threw the first pitch) and didn't even mention Dancing with the stars. Ha!

Steve Sax said...

First pitch, ball. Second pitch, ball. Then a strike.

Steve Sax said...

Lopez goes down 6-3.

Steve Sax said...

Parra, 4-3 2 down.

Steve Sax said...

Upton k!

Unknown said...

Hey Orel, anyone in the blogger seat tonight?

Fred's Brim said...

that was a pleasant start for Hiro (or Kokimon as the missus likes to call him)

Mr. LA Sports Czar said...

Kuroda looks good so far. Either that or Arizona looks really bad. I'd believe both.

Steve Sax said...

Bottom 1. Pierre grounds out to start.

Mr. LA Sports Czar said...

Loretta flies out to Upton. Two away.

Fred's Brim said...

haha Chipper was Buckner's favorite player: The Onion had a funny article about him

Steve Sax said...

Loretta and hudson also retired. 0-0.

Fred's Brim said...

Ethier gimpy after that double, his toe, i hope and not something else

Fred's Brim said...

wow pickoff!

karina said...

Does he look hurt?

Fred's Brim said...

jeez when they say daylight play, Juan was in Alaska on June 21st

Steve Sax said...

Drew with a leadoff double, then picked off. "Drew a little sadder and wiser in the dugout."--Vin

Fred's Brim said...

karina, he ran to the ball ok but after he and Matt met at the wall, he stepped gingerly

Fred's Brim said...

Kuroda walked Reynolds so he can pick him off. I think he saw Little Big League before the game

Steve Sax said...

Vin with a "Carousel" reference!

Fred's Brim said...

cmon, Hiro, find the zone

Mr. LA Sports Czar said...

Kuroda's getting a little shaky.

karina said...

A double and back to back walks. Not looking good. You can Hero!

Fred's Brim said...

that was a swing, you bum!

Steve Sax said...

Kuroda walks two. One out, men at first and second

AZ 29th in the league batting with RISP.

Fred's Brim said...

big strikeout of Young! one more to go!

Mr. LA Sports Czar said...

Kuroda K's Young.

karina said...

Kuroda, this dude hits .107, c-mom!

Mr. LA Sports Czar said...

Kuroda's not getting any help from the umps.

Fred's Brim said...

haha Vin said "buttocks"

Fred's Brim said...

jeez that was a meatball

Mr. LA Sports Czar said...

That was not very Hero

Fred's Brim said...

get ahead of the hitters and you dont have to throw those pitches, Hiro

karina said...

Good thing they picked off Drew.

Fred's Brim said...

James seems to get in a lot of 0-2 counts.

Unknown said...

Swing at those pitches Russ.

NicJ said...

Loney was on sports science last night trying to hit off the best wiffle ball pitcher in the country. Wiffed on all of them.

Unknown said...

17" pFx. Buckner is pretty nasty.

Fred's Brim said...

Ethier makes it if his toe isnt messed up

NicJ said...

Ethiers foot is botherin him. He ran to first like garret Anderson.

Fred's Brim said...

Nic, did Loney stuff his bat with newspaper like all good whiffleball players?

Fred's Brim said...

or Richard Dean Anderson

NicJ said...

Haha. FB your gonna get suspended for 50 games for performance enhancing newspapers

PS. nothng like hearing vin talk about child abuse.

Fred's Brim said...

haha Nic - i only used the Pennysaver, never magazines!

ps throw strikes to these bums, Hiro

Fred's Brim said...

this ump is racist

Unknown said...

That had to be a nice play, given Upton's wheels.

karina said...

Open letter to Mr. Gerardo Parra:

We're proud you became a big leaguer, we never doubted about it. When i say "we". i mean the four people who seat on the first base infield level, first lane, seats 1-4, the ones who incline towards your defensive genius, your clutch abilities and speed, the bunch you always see like you wouldn't believe they worship you.
The only girl in the group is a Dodger fan and you might notice it, if you have been able to see her wearing lots of different Dodgers gear throughout the years, please don't break her heart, ok?
Do your job but don't be over the top this series and i promise i won't make fun of the awful vallenato songs you pick for your at-bats.

Thanks for your attention.

p.s: you're one of the reasons i bought season tickets in May for a season that starts on October. A la Cargaaaaaaaaaaaa!

Fred's Brim said...

it was right at Castro, 10 feet from second and Hudson was already on the base

NicJ said...

bison heating up

Unknown said...

Pure, grass fed Bison.

Orel said...

"Hey Orel, anyone in the blogger seat tonight?"

Not that I know of. I'll check around.

Epale, y'all!

Unknown said...

The hell was Castro swinging at?

NicJ said...

im hopeing we do a little better the second time through the lineup

Unknown said...

C'mon Hiro. Go Hong-Chih Kuo on one of these pitches.

Orel said...

Ernest from Blue Heaven will be in the press box tomorrow. I'll be there Wednesday.

Unknown said...

Kemp needs to haul it to 3B on that pitch.

Oh well. Time to shift into BEAST MODE.

Fred's Brim said...

will that be twice now Orel? you're gonna get your name on the press box wall at this rate!

NicJ said...

wow, that kinda looked out.

Unknown said...

That's the Juan Pierre we all know, and don't love all that much. Nice leg IF hit though.

karina said...

Time for some Loretta clutch!

Epale! :)

Orel said...

Miguel from LADodgerTalk.com is in the press box tonight.

Orel said...

"will that be twice now Orel? you're gonna get your name on the press box wall at this rate!"

Ha!

karina said...

The problem with that Pierre we came to loathe is that was all he could do. No problem now, because he turned into Beast Mode.

karina said...

Pierre steals second, go Loretta!

NicJ said...

rats!

karina said...

Orel, do you think you'll be able to speak with Vin about Dodger baseball?

Orel said...

100!

Unknown said...

Yuck. Loretta = ok < Beard Mode.

karina said...

You almost burned me, Orel.

Orel said...

Aflac: What is the only year the LA Dodgers had the best record in baseball over a full season?

Orel said...

"Orel, do you think you'll be able to speak with Vin about Dodger baseball?"

I don't know. It's such an intimidating prospect. But DodgerTalk co-host Ken Levine has encouraged us to introduce ourselves, so we'll see.

NicJ said...

Orel, just bring him a farmer john hotdog as an ice breaker.

Unknown said...

Nice to see Hiro's velocity up.

karina said...

Drew is owning Kuroda.

Orel said...

"Orel, just bring him a farmer john hotdog as an ice breaker."

Shank and butt sections!

karina said...

Orel, go for it! i bet he'd delighted to talk with a hard core Dodger fan, maybe he tells you one of his wonderful stories.

NicJ said...

Hiroki is about ready to come out.

karina said...

The answer of the question might be 1988. Not very sure.

PenosCabell said...

He's hanging in there.

PenosCabell said...

Once again the offense is in a coma.

NicJ said...

he has a pitch limit of 80 that he is about to hit soon, technically he has already passed it with all the pickoff attempts.

Mr. LA Sports Czar said...

It's not 1988. That's when the A's had the best record.

NicJ said...

haha, arent you supposed to swing at that?

Orel said...

"Orel, go for it! i bet he'd delighted to talk with a hard core Dodger fan, maybe he tells you one of his wonderful stories."

That's just it. I think of Vin as a baseball fan, not necessarily a Dodger fan. But he seems like a genuine kind person in either case.

karina said...

I'm researching, i should know something like this, it might be 1974...

PenosCabell said...

Missed by inches!

NicJ said...

i think vin being a baseball fan first is what makes him such a great commentator, when guys are super homers its kind of a turn off. (ex. the cubs tv guys)

NicJ said...

damn that was almost out.

Unknown said...

The O-Dog barks. Cliche I know.

Unknown said...

strike 1 was a bad call there.

karina said...

We need to get O-dogg into the All Star game, Dodgers have been very underrated.

PenosCabell said...

1974. Who knew?

NicJ said...

1974 good job karina!

Orel said...

trivia: 1974 (102-60)

karina said...

Is it 1974?

Unknown said...

How about a shock bunt from Russ?

NicJ said...

o dog doesnt have a chance unless Utley gets suspended for 50 games.

karina said...

1974: The Dodgers, battle the Cincinnati Reds again for the top spot, this time emerging victorious, by four games with a 102-60 record. The Dodgers are led by newly acquired veteran OF Jimmy Wynn and 1B Steve Garvey, who in his first full Major League season, led the club offensively winning the NL MVP. Meanwhile, pitcher Mike Marshall set a modern major league record with 106 appearances (which earned him the Cy Young Award) in relief of a staff that was the league's best bullpen. The Dodgers would get past the Pittsburgh Pirates in 4 games of the NLCS to earn their 5th World Series appearance since moving to Los Angeles. In the World Series the Dodgers were the only thing standing in the way of a 3rd Straight World Championship for the Oakland Athletics. After losing Game 1 the Dodgers won Game 2 on a Joe Ferguson's 2-run sixth Inning HR. However, once the series got to Oakland the Dodgers were swept in the final free games losing the series in five games to dominant A's team.

Unknown said...

Wow. How high was that third pitch?

NicJ said...

it would help if the dodgers had more national exposure

NicJ said...

man, reynolds owns martin.

Unknown said...

The ump is giving Buckner a wide berth.

Unknown said...

Be ready 'dre, a strike is coming.

NicJ said...

Andrewatch: Please?

karina said...

Nic j, it's true they don't have more national/international coverage, but i suspect we could be one of the biggest fan bases in the sport.

karina said...

Kuroda, remember this is the worst hitter of a slumping lineup, don't help him to get on base.

NicJ said...

Karina yeah thats probably true, its hard to see how good the team is in 15 second highlights on ESPN though.

How many ESPN games have we had this year? 2? I think the Yankees and red sox have that many this week.

NicJ said...

hopefully kuroda can get this last man out, only a few pitches left.

PenosCabell said...

Leach warming up?

Unknown said...

Hiro's finding his groove and the Dodgers are sniffing.

NicJ said...

ive heard that schlichting has actually done well this year in AA

NicJ said...

yeah hiro's hit his pitch limit.

NicJ said...

not a bad outing for a guy who has been out for quite a while.

karina said...

Espn broadcasted tonight Yankees-Indians, tomorrow they'll have Yankees-Rangers, i know they are both in their divisions, what's the point to broadcast two games on a row of a single team?

I get lucky with Dodgers highlights, because Sportscenter in Spanish is produced in Mexico, Dodgers and Padres have lots of fans over there (at least that's how it looks like to me).

NicJ said...

so thats where all the Padres fans are, there sure arent many in San Diego.

Orel said...

86 pitches for Kuroda. Maybe we can get him the win here.

NicJ said...

lets get hiroki some runs, he at least deserves a ND for being such a trooper.

Fred's Brim said...

did Buckner spit into his glove before that crazy curve (ball 2 i think)?

NicJ said...

haha, milton with the pinch hit.

Orel said...

Milton PHing for Kuroda. This made sense with 13 pitchers, but now? Maybe because of two outs.

Fred's Brim said...

pinch hitting with pitchers is pretty sad

Orel said...

Scratch that. We're back to 13 pitchers.

Unknown said...

You are shitting me with Milton pinch hitting. At least it could have been Wolf.

NicJ said...

the drawbacks of needing a 13 man pitching staff

Orel said...

"did Buckner spit into his glove before that crazy curve (ball 2 i think)?"

Really? I missed it.

NicJ said...

yeah i didnt see that, maybe though

Orel said...

Duke Snider was an avocado farmer!

NicJ said...

there you go Orel, bring Vin an avaocado.

NicJ said...

WOW, what a curve by wade.

Fred's Brim said...

Orel, it sure looked like it, then he threw a wicked breaking ball

Orel said...

phew

NicJ said...

sorry upton, thats not a homer at the Ravine.

Orel said...

"there you go Orel, bring Vin an avaocado."

Very nice.

Mr. LA Sports Czar said...

Wade looks good today. Maybe having Hiro keeps him calm.

Unknown said...

Cory looking like Cory

NicJ said...

why cant wade pitch like this with a lead?

NicJ said...

i dont like this blue's strike zone.

karina said...

I'm glad Gerardo Parra has sucked big time today.It's liberating.

NicJ said...

alright, lets get it started.

Unknown said...

BEAST MODE.

NicJ said...

karina, im assuming the orange and black your wearing is for a local team in your area?

Unknown said...

Karina - Gerardo isn't quite Rico Suave, eh?

NicJ said...

DAMN LORETTA!

Fred's Brim said...

dadgummit

Unknown said...

Loretta is stinking it up tonight.

NicJ said...

alright, two walks.

NicJ said...

ok russ, dont hit it to Reynolds.

Unknown said...

Earl Weaver Mode perhaps?

Mr. LA Sports Czar said...

Loretta has out-stayed his welcome in the lineup. We need Beard Mode back.

NicJ said...

the guy with the sweet stache is up in the dbacks pen.

Unknown said...

Wow. Buckner has been clutch tonight.

NicJ said...

WOW, russ hit the showers you are done.

Mr. LA Sports Czar said...

Russ goes down on strikes. This looks more and more like the second shutout in three games.

Fred's Brim said...

did anybody see the pornstache on that guy in the pen? i think I am a little turned on right now

i am not turned on by our bats right now

Orel said...

"did anybody see the pornstache on that guy in the pen? i think I am a little turned on right now"

settle down there

karina said...

Nic j, orange and black are the team colors of Aguilas del Zulia, my winter baseball team. In our defense, Aguilas orange is way much brighter.

NicJ said...

he has gotta wax that thing, it looks like a hispanic rollie fingers over there.

karina said...

Guest fashion police needs to see that pornstache.

karina said...

Dodgers: this can't be a shutout.

Mr. LA Sports Czar said...

There can only be one porn-stache in LA this week, and that's Stan Van Gundy.

Steve Sax said...

Dodgers get the leadoff man on on 3 of 6 innings, yet haven't scored yet.

Unknown said...

10 Pitches - 9 Strikes, 1 Ball.

That is the Corty Wade we know and love.

Mr. LA Sports Czar said...

My hit-list: Cody Ross, Chris Andersen, Mark Reynolds. That douche does nothing but steal base-hits from Dodgers.

Orel said...

Pitching is getting done tonight.

Orel said...

"it done"

karina said...

Nic j, Gerardo Parra isn't rico and suave, but i have great memories of him, like that time he hit a walk off double from Francisco Rodriguez. That stadium went nuts, i lost my voice and got soaked from all the beer people threw. Did i care? not a little bit, i was just happy. By the way, he played on Class A that season.

NicJ said...

two strikeouts, only one out.

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