Tuesday, June 02, 2009

Game 54 Thread: June 2 vs. D'backs, 7p

MANNYWATCH: 26 GAMES

Randy Wolf (3-1, 2.84) vs. Dan Haren (4-4, 2.54).

COMMENTS: The merry month of May is over, and the Dodgers started their June gloom (as Vinny was fond of reminding us last night) with yesterday's loss. Despite that, the Dodgers are still 4-2 against the Diamondbacks this year.

Wolf has had some hard-luck outings this year but has proven an effective complement to Chad Billingsley. Haren may have the fifth-lowest ERA in the NL, but he's 3-4 with a 4.46 ERA lifetime against the Dodgers. He pitched especially well against the Braves in his last start, however, so don't be surprised if tonight's game is another low-scoring affair.

Brad Ausmus starts behind the plate tonight for the Dodgers. From Ken Gurnick at Dodgers.com:

Brad Ausmus will start behind the plate for the Dodgers on Tuesday night and no, Joe Torre said, it has nothing to do with the five wild pitches that Russell Martin didn't stop Monday night.

Torre said the decision was made over the weekend to give Martin Tuesday night off. Matchups probably have something to do with it, as Martin has a .188 lifetime average against Dan Haren, Arizona's starter.

Tonight's occupant of the press box "Blog Spot" at Dodger Stadium is Ernest from Blue Heaven. Have a blast, Ernest!

347 comments:

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Neeebs (The Original) said...

Kinda looks like the Pagent of the Masters picture.

Trolley Dodger said...

I'll be doing the press box thing myself on Thursday. Can't wait!

rbnlaw said...

Harem instead of "Haren?"
Lean times indeed. But who am I to say?

Steve Sax said...

Let's try to score earlier than the ninth inning this time.

Steve Sax said...

What's that, rbmlaw?

Josh S. said...

Here's your lineup, now with more facial hair:

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

rbnlaw said...

Nice one Sax (where the hell do I put the "M". . .makes me think of that world-wide hit Pop Muzik)

Steve Sax said...

To Torre's point, does anyone know what Ausmus' average versus Haren is?

Steve Sax said...

Ausmus is batting .250, 1-for-4, in 5 PAs against Haren (1 BB).

not all that much better than Martin, I might add.

Steve Sax said...

Hey, fewer than 30 minutes to game time. Where is everybody?

Steve Sax said...

Martin is 3-for-16 in 19 PAs vs. Haren, including a double and 3 BBs.

Steve Sax said...

Wow, what's got into Jon Weisman over at Dodger Thoughts? I haven't seen anyone this capsule crazy since the Tylenol cyanide scare.

NicJ said...

Eric Milton, O Dog, Weaver, Ausmus, Kemp, Torre, all pick the Lakers. They are all free from boo's for the homestand.

NicJ said...

Kemp also said "WE" when referring to the lakers. I love that.

Mr. LA Sports Czar said...

Nic, did anyone pick Orlando?

NicJ said...

No, he plays second base, not basketball.

NicJ said...

ausmus actually seemed a little doubtful, he better go 4-4 tonight.

Mr. LA Sports Czar said...

Well done, Nic.

NicJ said...

im sure someone likes the magic, alot of ballplayers live in florida.

NicJ said...

probably manny.

Mr. LA Sports Czar said...

Manny can't make any picks. That's part of his suspension, per Joe Morgan.

NicJ said...

Damn, Torre was a Celtics fan as a kid, i can look past that because of the Bill Russell years.

NicJ said...

manny can show up to games in clippers gear for all i care, as long as he brings some HR's with him.

Steve Sax said...

Claudia Schiffer
The people in the swimming pool gawking at Ric Ocasek
Bob Iger

NicJ said...

MLSF, what's your take on jameer nelson possibly coming back?

im thinking that if they are counting on him to win the series, or even play a major part of it, they've already lost.

Steve Sax said...

Josh Hamilton to the DL. Bummer.

Steve Sax said...

re: 6:58p post -- people that like the Magic

Mr. LA Sports Czar said...

SVG already said anyone's crazy if they believe Nelson can be a real contributing factor. I think it's all fluff to mess with the Lakers, and if he does play it would be off the bench and for no more than five minutes.

NicJ said...

thats what im thinking, i think this will be one series where we are actually not overmatched on the PG position. From what i remember i dont think Skip torches us like most points.

I really hope they use shannon brown more.

NicJ said...

hey sax, Hamilton to the DL is a Bummer, but maybe he will miss the All-star game and this year we need the NL to win it.

PenosCabell said...

Does anyone really think Nelson would be a factor? The Laker point guards couldn't handle any of the opposing point guards defensively, and I think it's some stupid way to throw the Lakers off. It won't happen.

PenosCabell said...

Hamilton was never really the same after the HR derby.

NicJ said...

wow, great start.

Mr. LA Sports Czar said...

Wolf's in a bit of a jam.

NicJ said...

i was just thinking to myself earlier that i was surprised how great wolf has been lately.

NicJ said...

and look who's up.

come on all we need is a triple play.

NicJ said...

eff, the way things have been going that could be the winning run right there.

NicJ said...

man, peavey is getting shelled end of the first 4ER.

Mr. LA Sports Czar said...

Nice heads-up play by Wolf to get Roberts at third.

NicJ said...

SF lost to the nats today too.

NicJ said...

alright, 1 run that aint bad considering how it started. lets get it back boys.

karina said...

They will!

Mr. LA Sports Czar said...

Wolf always struggles in the first, then he cruises.

NicJ said...

Haren representing my home town!

Mr. LA Sports Czar said...

Vinny's gonna have some trouble tonight. There are two "Prides of Pepperdine" in the game today.

karina said...

You know what? when i followed basketball, in spite my heart belonged to the Lakers, i started somewhat liking the Magic, it was a fascination with Shaquille O'Neal.

NicJ said...

did people really cheer like that was going out? come on look who was hitting.

Orel said...

Epale! Now it's our turn to give up runs in the first inning? Although Wolf got away cheaply enough.

Mr. LA Sports Czar said...

Crap, Haren looks sharp tonight.

NicJ said...

alright, well. Its gonna be a looooooong night lady and gents.

karina said...

That was too easy for Haren, for my taste.

NicJ said...

peavey gets pulled after only one inning.

karina said...

That's bad karma, because of his decision to turn down the White Sox.

NicJ said...

that WAS'NT a swing?

NicJ said...

i dont really think so, why would peavy want to go play for another team that wont make the playoffs in worse weather. And, when it warms up over there that stadium is a launching pad. Might as well stay in the pitchers park until the pads agree to let him go to the team he wants.

Orel said...

Looks like we'll be dipping into the bullpen early tonight.

NicJ said...

is schlichting a long reliever?

NicJ said...

damn haren.

NicJ said...

we have a sheep in wolf's clothing tonight.

NicJ said...

you gotta be kidding me.

Mr. LA Sports Czar said...

Wolf has nothing tonight.

Orel said...

Walks and singles. Like death by paper cuts.

Orel said...

Would be amazing if Wolf escaped this jam.

NicJ said...

i guess this is our karma for the rockies game a week back.

karina said...

Just two strikes or one out, Wolf.

Orel said...

guess not

NicJ said...

mother fucker.

Mr. LA Sports Czar said...

Then that was an atom bomb.

NicJ said...

anyone ready to call this game done?

Mr. LA Sports Czar said...

WHY DREW, WHY!?!?

Orel said...

Now Wolf will throw 100 pitches no matter what.

NicJ said...

at least the bases arent loaded anymore.

NicJ said...

could of used that K one batter ago.

NicJ said...

im done, see you guys in later innings.

Orel said...

Whaddaya know, PHI 4, SD 0, bot 2.

Giants lost to the Nats.

karina said...

It ain't over 'till it's over and i'm sticking to the game.

Orel said...

Wolf with 49 pitches through two.

Orel said...

Go Karina!

Orel said...

This is going to be tough. Haren is real comfortable.

Orel said...

ANDRE! 5-1 D'backs.

karina said...

Maybe they'll get better when they see him for the second time tonight.

Mr. LA Sports Czar said...

That has to be a load off his mind, hitting a homer off Haren.

karina said...

A sweet HR from the very first pitch. They will come from behind.

Mr. LA Sports Czar said...

About damn time Wolf got a 1-2-3 inning.

karina said...

Great improvement, i'd say. If he can give 2 or 3 innings like that, there's a big chance they can overcome the difference.

Dusto_Magnifico said...

WTF is Pierre doing!?!?!?

karina said...

I'm waiting for something extraordinary to happen, just because i saw an amazing work of art today, out of nowhere.

karina said...

Haren has two hits in two at bats. Damage on the mound and the batter's box.

Orel said...

Beard starts the 5-3 DP!

Orel said...

Andre's waking up! Ground-rule double!

NicJ said...

it looks like andre is back at least.

karina said...

Ethier is on fire!

Dusto_Magnifico said...

11 pitches in 2 innings for wolfie!

NicJ said...

kemp is back to swinging at junk again.

NicJ said...

doesnt even move the runner.

Unknown said...

'Dre absolutely owns Haren. Think of Haren as a Slump-Buster.

Kemp owns him too, but hasn't shown it yet tonight.

Unknown said...

Nic - Haren is a tough pitcher with tons of movement. It isn't like Kemp has crap numbers this year.

Unknown said...

Of all the guys I could have up in this situation, Brad Ausmus wouldn't be my first choice.

NicJ said...

are you watching the game? that ball was in the dirt before it crossed the plate.

Unknown said...

100

Orel said...

Orlando's amazing catch is on the main page.

Unknown said...

Nic - One bad swing at a pitch from a guy who is nasty isn't exactly regression to the old Kemp.

NicJ said...

he did it in two at bats already in this game.

NicJ said...

o dog looks like he is being eaten by the seats in that picture.

Unknown said...

Nic - He's hitting .307 with a .856 OPS and has been the best defensive CF in baseball. He has upped his BB rate, lowered his OSwing%, while keeping his Ks steady and is actually on pace to K less this year. Give him a break.

NicJ said...

well, the defense and pitching have picked up, but were gonna need some runs. come on blue!

Dusto_Magnifico said...

18 pitches the last 3 innings for wolf! we aren't winning but its nice to see him dominate! I can only hope he does this Sunday!

NicJ said...

you are right, i am wrong.

PenosCabell said...

The offense is definitely in a coma right now. Can't wait until the 9th again for a rally.

NicJ said...

is wolf set to pitch on sunday?

Unknown said...

This is pretty much Wolf's MO. 1 or 2 bad innings, usually related to hanging something, then cruise. The offense beyond Ethier does need to figure Haren out soon.

Dusto_Magnifico said...

I can't see why Wolf was pulled?

Unknown said...

Oh now this is interesting.

Wolf is a good hitting pitcher who is now cruising and has only made 75 pitches. Why PH now?

Unknown said...

I agree Dusto

Dusto_Magnifico said...

Not to let Hoffman ground out anyway! Let Loretta give it a shot. But why pull Wolf for Hoffman? I still hate Joe Torre!

NicJ said...

i think they were hoping to generate some offense with a leadoff runner. Haren thought better.

Dusto_Magnifico said...

Joe Torre: waste of a good manager!

NicJ said...

make sure you get to the stadium early, Dust. the star wars intro's for the home and visiting team is probably one of my favorite things about going to dodger stadium.

karina said...

Is there a Star Wars intro? wow!

NicJ said...

yeah, its not a big production or anything. They play star wars music for the intro lineups. I always thought it was clever.

Orel said...

They use the Throne Room music for player intros.

NicJ said...

are you kidding me.

NicJ said...

dan haren has more hits than the dodgers.

Unknown said...

Dan Haren really can hit.

Unknown said...

Dusto - Building on that, Wolf is probably the Dodgers' best hitting pitcher with Stults hurt, and is facing a RHP. It makes even less sense.

NicJ said...

you know the games not going well when Vin's talking about shaving.

Unknown said...

It is amazing how much movement pitches get at Dodger Stadium. I wonder if anyone has done a study on that since the advent of Gameday.

NicJ said...

why do i always get the opposing ace when i go to games. Thursday Cole Hamels, Rats!

Mr. LA Sports Czar said...

Since there's nothing better to talk about, did anyone see Conan last night?

NicJ said...

i did, i actually liked it alot.

Unknown said...

Nic - At least Cole has hardly been an ace this year.

NicJ said...

he makes clippers jokes now instead of knicks jokes.

Dusto_Magnifico said...

Yeah, going back to Torre pinch hitting for Wolf, Why? I can't figure it out. Its not like Wolf was struggling. At best Hoffman is a pinch runner/defensive replacement. But certainly not a pinch hitter. He's not who I want up there to get on base anyway. Wolf was only at 75 pitches and could have very easily gone the distance based on the way the Snakes offense has been swinging so freely. Its time, despite winning, to examine with greater detail the faults of a cruddy manager.

Unknown said...

It is amazing how much the Weaver Brothers pitch alike, just with Jered being significantly better.

Mr. LA Sports Czar said...

That's because the Clippers are a joke.

NicJ said...

true, too bad the dodgers are hardly hitting right now.

Delino DeShields, Sr said...

Catchers can't cover their heart?

NicJ said...

thats probably been the best GBA all year.

Unknown said...

The other thing to look at is the fact that Haren is a beast on RHB. Wolf may well have been the better hitter in that situation.

Delino DeShields, Sr said...

I think this song should only be played in the 70s at a Flyers game.

NicJ said...

i think the clippers should trade the number one draft pick to the lakers in exchange for a year of free rent.

Mr. LA Sports Czar said...

If I know Donald Sterling, he'd do it to save the money.

NicJ said...

im actually hoping that wolf follows his norm and gets a ND tonight.

NicJ said...

maybe we could finally get a point guard.

Delino DeShields, Sr said...

NANCY BEA RULES!
Bill... eh. She could do better

NicJ said...

looks like haren is getting a little pissed.

Mr. LA Sports Czar said...

I like Conan's sketches more than his monologues. Especially Triumph.

NicJ said...

Him.....

He must be funny.

Unknown said...

Wow. 4 pitch BB for Haren.

NicJ said...

i finally watched jimmy fallon the other night. I never though i would see a worse monologue than carson daly, but fallon took the cake.

karina said...

Lead off walk.

NicJ said...

yeah, haren is pissed. he is doing the peavy talk to himself thing

Mr. LA Sports Czar said...

I have not been impressed with Fallon from what I've seen.

NicJ said...

why do they make him do a mono? He looks totally akward up there.

karina said...

I'm worried about King James

NicJ said...

Dont worry Karina, Loney seems to be somewhat of a road hitter.

NicJ said...

well, so much for haren getting shakey. maybe andre can get another HR

PenosCabell said...

Get a hit when it counts Ethier!

Unknown said...

Come on Ethier. Keep owning Haren.

PenosCabell said...

wow.

NicJ said...

damn, even with the first baseman bobbling the ball he was out.

PenosCabell said...

Tron dominating the CarMax poll.

NicJ said...

yeah, i just checked it. Loney always has a higher avg on the road. In some cases its like 80 points higher. thats a little weird.

oh well, its nice to have someone thats always hitting on the road.

NicJ said...

im gonna find out where dan haren lives and egg his house tonight. West Covina aint that big of a city.

NicJ said...

where was weaver on that one? loney could have injured himself.

Delino DeShields, Sr said...

A slide into first for the tag out. That's a touch unusual

karina said...

Throw an egg for me...just kidding

NicJ said...

haha, I'll throw a huevo just for you Karina.

NicJ said...

kemp with another error?!

when it rains it pours.

karina said...

Gracias, caballero!

NicJ said...

gotta keep your head in the game.

Steve Sax said...

Save the eggs for the huevos rancheros, NicJ:

Haren's parents, tired of the traffic down south, are planning to move soon from their West Covina home. That was a factor in Haren's decision too. --Oakland Tribune, 2006

Orel said...

"im gonna find out where dan haren lives and egg his house tonight. West Covina aint that big of a city."

So when he's traveling with the team, does he get to stay at home when playing against L.A.?

karina said...

Some booing next time will do.

Orel said...

Haren's out! Comeback time!

Orel said...

And it begins. Kemp singles.

NicJ said...

To Oakland? Oakland was the one place ive ever been that i was scared to walk around.

I was on tour a couple of years ago and i was walking around downtown oakland somewhere. When i came out of the food place it was dusk and the streets were totally empty. Haha, i ran back to the tour bus like three blocks.

Steve Sax said...

“You can only ask your body to do so much,” said Sharapova,...

Not me, Maria. I'm not asking that much of your body.

Kemp with a single to leadoff the eighth, Dodgers down 5-1.

NicJ said...

i was just waiting for a tumbleweed to roll down the street.

Orel said...

"Dodgers can't say they didn't hit in the clutch. There's been no clutch." —Vin

Steve Sax said...

PHI 10, SD 5 bottom 7
SF lost
COL lost

NicJ said...

it seems like the bloop shots from the bench that were falling last month just arent falling lately.

Unknown said...

Now why the hell didn't they pinch Russ for Ausmus there?

NicJ said...

vin always has a beautiful way of rubbing it in.

Steve Sax said...

"I was on tour a couple of years ago..."

Nic, do explain. Are you a bicyclist? Rock star? Bus driver for a rock star?

Delino DeShields, Sr said...

BEAST MODE.

growl

Unknown said...

Back to the Wolf thing again. If they hadn't PH for Wolf, they would have had someone with actual bat speed in Hoffman up to hit Pena.

NicJ said...

wow, bison took a risk there. hope it pays off.

Unknown said...

Beast Mode.

NicJ said...

Cyclist, in was in the Tour De Oakland.

jk, band.

Unknown said...

Nic - Hard on Matty tonight.

Steve Sax said...

kemp at third, jp on first. Raffy up, two out.

Raffy HR right here.

Delino DeShields, Sr said...

Nic's an understudy for the Blue Man Group!

Steve Sax said...

Nic, what band? Tobias and the Funky Funkes?

NicJ said...

i originally thought it was some sort of support group.

Unknown said...

Sax - I'd take a well placed swinging bunt at this point.

Steve Sax said...

Come on nic, you gotta spill it

Unknown said...

Gameday is getting ready to commit Hara Kiri.

Steve Sax said...

says the blogger who publishes under the name "steve sax"

Steve Sax said...

200

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