Thursday, June 04, 2009

Game 56 Thread: June 4 vs. Phillies, 7p

MANNYWATCH: 24 GAMES
DODGERS' RECORD WITHOUT MANNY: 16-10

Derek Fisher and Tommy Lasorda before Fisher threw out the first pitch at a 2007 Dodgers game.

Clayton Kershaw (3-3, 4.34) vs. Cole Hamels (3-2, 5.21).

Playing the Phillies is always a daunting proposition — unless you listen to Tracy Ringolsby:

Tinseltown has not been kind to the Phillies. They have won back-to-back NL East titles but are 1-6 at Dodger Stadium during that time, and were swept in four games a year ago. They are 13-23 at Dodger Stadium in the last decade, losing eight of 11 series.

Well that's just great. We'll just sit back and relax and let the Phillies lose.

Seriously, this four-game series is the Dodgers' first foray back into the NL East since going 9-2 against the division in May. Kershaw's trending up; Hamels, down. Let's hope it translates into more dominance.

Laker fan? First read this excellent human-interest story about the Nuggets and briefly feel bad that they didn't make the Finals. Then recover and get ready to do some serious channel flipping/picture-in-picture watching. This thread will host both Dodgers and Lakers game comments, so don't get confused when Casey Blake takes it strong to the hoop!

Tonight's occupant of the press box "Blog Spot" at Dodger Stadium is Robert from Trolley Dodger. Have a blast, TD!

AP photo

179 comments:

Josh S. said...

Lineup for tonight:

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

So, Ethier shows signs of coming out of a slump and gets dropped to 7th. OK then.

Unknown said...

Pierre- PG
Furcal- SG
Loney- C
Kemp- SF
Broxton- PF

Unknown said...

Jeez, Kemp 8th? I just don't get it. Sigh.

Dusto_Magnifico said...

Where was Torre when the lights when out?

Neeebs (The Original) said...

Andrew: I'd take O-dog as the SG over Furcal. With Furcal's back, he won't be able to jump that well.

NicJ said...

Beard-shak-a-laka!!

man, i need to find a way to play NBA jam again.

i hope dodger stadium is giving some kind of updates during the game on dodgervision. they did it last year for the olympics.

rbnlaw said...

I'd probably go Brox at the 5 and have Loney go at the 4. Kemp, with that speed, definitely a 3.
Pierre and O-Dog at the 1-2 interchanging like Kobe and Farmar.

BTW, I like the whole Bruin connection in the finals. Ariza, Farmar, and, by relation, Walton. I'd include Adam Morrison (because the Bruins made him cry in the sweet 16), but he appears to be off the roster.

MR.F said...

Next time you guys get a press pass, can you ask Joe why Kemp always bats so low in the order?

Dusto_Magnifico said...

in the dark!

Neeebs (The Original) said...

Remember what the 8 spot did for Casey Blake?????

There's nothing shameful with Kemp batting 8th.

However, I'd personally flip Kemp/Martin.

Unknown said...

So in honor of the Lakers Game 1, I am going out in Boston with my purple and gold Robataille jersey and Dodger hat.

Neeebs (The Original) said...

Robatille-Highest scoring left wing in NHL history.

Nice!

Unknown said...

Also, Kemp in the eight hole is a travesty. Do you know why Blake hit in the eight hole? Because he was our weakest hitter. Do you know why he no longer hits in the eight hole? Because he is no longer the weakest hitter in our line up. Now ask the same questions about Kemp. Does that logic fly? I don't think so, and it robs one of our best hitters of plate appearances.

Steve Sax said...

Loney is going to get steamrolled by Dwight Howard

Dusto_Magnifico said...

maybe loney needs to get steamrolled by Howard... hes looking pretty hefty. although, heftyness may help him get the ball outta the park.

Steve Sax said...

Tonight's lineup:

Bryant
Gasol
Ariza
Bynum
Fisher

Steve Sax said...

12-10 LAL, bryant and bynum each with 4

Steve Sax said...

14-14, 5.30 left in the 1st

Steve Sax said...

20-20 tie in the first

Eric Karros said...

Nic j: He's heating up. He's on fire!

Orel said...

"Next time you guys get a press pass, can you ask Joe why Kemp always bats so low in the order?"

Sure, I'll keep it in mind. Won't be anytime soon, though.

Orel said...

Good things happen when Kobe returns. Hmmm.

Orel said...

Kobe steal!

Orel said...

Officials letting them play.

Orel said...

Kobe's...on fire!

Orel said...

Lakers 10-point lead at the half.

Dusto_Magnifico said...

Kershaw getting pinched a bit by the ump.

It seems like this happens every game. Is it me, gameday, or the umps?

Fred's Brim said...

another DP, then a Hudson K

Juanny had a nice hit to center before the DP though

Dusto_Magnifico said...

I'm not liking this Furcal crappyness

Mr. LA Sports Czar said...

Dusto - As opposed to the Furcal crappyness that we should like?

Dusto_Magnifico said...

yeah... according to gameday those didnt miss by much

Fred's Brim said...

Loney ripped one down the line that Howard picked up nicely(!) but Loney was way ahead of Hamels to the bag

karina said...

Epale everyone! King James singled, he's the one on fire!

Fred's Brim said...

and Russ hits into another DP to end the inning

Fred's Brim said...

karina, are we the only ones not watching the Laker game?

Dusto_Magnifico said...

2 innings: 2 double plays. we gotta get to Hamels quick. these double plays are killing me.

Fred's Brim said...

that curve was a little high, but i'll take it

karina said...

Yes, Fred's Brim, though my heart is with the Lakers, i can't watch another basketball game.

karina said...

Fred's Brim, are you watching the game on the TV?

Fred's Brim said...

Great inning, CK

Fred's Brim said...

i've got the game on MLB.tv, so almost :)

Mr. LA Sports Czar said...

After 3 innings, nothing but goose-eggs for the Phils.

karina said...

My Gameday gives the idea Minotaur is doing fine

Fred's Brim said...

damn! Kershaw cut down trying to extend a long single into a double. so close!

Fred's Brim said...

yep he's doing well so far. Phils are going through the order for the second time so we'll see how they adjust

Orel said...

Kobe is playing out of his mind. Lakers by 23.

Mr. LA Sports Czar said...

Orlando just looks overmatched out there. They cannot figure out how to handle Kobe.

Fred's Brim said...

0 out double into the corner for Uts

Mr. LA Sports Czar said...

Everytime Utley gets a hit, he kills me a little more. To think he should have been ours.

Fred's Brim said...

werth getting good wood, but all foul

Fred's Brim said...

roller to short, werth out at first, Uts moves to third, 1 out for Howard

Fred's Brim said...

Howard long fly to Kemp, Uts scores on the sf

Orel said...

That could have been worse. 1-0 Phillies.

Fred's Brim said...

great hook to get Ibanez - 1-0 Filz

karina said...

There are two outs, so the Dodgers are still in the game.

Fred's Brim said...

drag bunt by Juanny but Uts scooped it with his glove to Howard for the out

Orel said...

Hamels is shutting us down. Need to get him out of the game!

Orel said...

Wow. Have we even hit one out of the infield?

Fred's Brim said...

Hudson no match for Hamels so far

Fred's Brim said...

Orel, kershaw and juanny had real hits. Not much else though

Orel said...

Lakers by 28!

Fred's Brim said...

that bum Feliz just ripped a double in the right field gap. I can't stand that guy. he and juan encarnacion can both go somewhere unpleasant

Orel said...

Sure hope Kershaw isn't a hard-luck loser tonight. He seems to be pitching well.

Fred's Brim said...

Bruntlet with a grounder to Loney, Feliz to third, Ruiz up awaiting the intentional walk

Orel said...

Don't walk the pitcher, Clayton!

Fred's Brim said...

throw strikes Clayton. I know he's very handsome, but he's just a picther

Fred's Brim said...

OK Clayton, go after Rollins

Orel said...

Kershaw wiggles out. Looking up his pitch count.

Orel said...

Kershaw with 87 pitches through five.

Orel said...

Did you know the Dodgers have more hits than the Phillies?

Fred's Brim said...

ugh another breeze for Hamels

karina said...

Guess they are waiting for the final third of the game

Orel said...

Hamels was roughed up by the Nationals yet we're having problems with him. Figures.

Orel said...

Nice catch by JP.

Fred's Brim said...

I think you are right, karina. he hasnt thrown many pitches either, so i think we'll have to knock him out before they pull him

Orel said...

Kershaw at 100 pitches.

Fred's Brim said...

Clayton's got a playoff beard.

Howard walks

Orel said...

Kershaw seems gassed.

Orel said...

Maybe not. Howard swings and misses on a 92 mph fastball.

Steve Sax said...

Wow, where is everybody?

Oh, watching the Lakers romp over the Magic. What a beating.

1-0 here in the sixth with one out and two on for the Phils. Kershaw still dealing!

Orel said...

I mean Ibanez, who knocks in a run. 2-0 Phillies. Time to pull Kershaw.

Steve Sax said...

Ibanez gets a double, scoring Werth. Howard to third. 2-0 Phils, still one out.

Mr. LA Sports Czar said...

Lakers win!

Fred's Brim said...

jeez - why cant we hit like that anymore?

Orel said...

Lakers win by 25. Wow.

Steve Sax said...

Not sure why Howard tried to advance, but he's nailed in between third and home.

Orel said...

Phillies almost with two men on one base. That's the Dodgers' trick!

Delino DeShields, Sr said...

howard is built like solomon grundy

Delino DeShields, Sr said...

and hits like him too

Steve Sax said...

Belly gets the Dodgers out of it, 2-0 going to the bottom of the sixth!

Let's go, Dodger bats.

Orel said...

Belly escapes. Nice job.

MR.F said...

There's still time for a comeback. We need good AB's.

Steve Sax said...

Ethier Kemp Kershaw this inning.

Ethier looks foolish for his first strike.

Steve Sax said...

Ethier with a leadoff double!

Let's start rolling, Dodgers--channel the Lakers' mojo!

Steve Sax said...

If the Dodgers won by 25 tonight it would be really sweet.

Fred's Brim said...

cmon, Matt, you can hit this guy

Steve Sax said...

don't get thrown out kemp, calm down

Steve Sax said...

1-1 count to Kemp, Andre on second--Kemp ropes it but flies to Ibanez.

Steve Sax said...

Loretta to bat

Steve Sax said...

100

Steve Sax said...

We're hitting Hamels. Come on!

Steve Sax said...

Loretta flies out, JP up.

Dammit, we're going to strand Ethier at second.

Steve Sax said...

I am not sure why Andre didn't tag up on second and just advance on the fly ball by Kemp

Steve Sax said...

End 6, Dodgers waste Ethier.

Mr. LA Sports Czar said...

Crap. Beast Mode does nothing. NOTHING!

Mr. LA Sports Czar said...

Don't worry, they're not focused on Hamels, it's Lidge they want to rip open.

Steve Sax said...

Wade in for the seventh.

Steve Sax said...

Mr LA SF, you can't just blame JP there--Loretta and Kemp were worthless after Ethier, as well.

NicJ said...

I'm no even kidding, the lakers final score just now got the biggest cheer of the night. The offense is puttng the crowd to sleep.

rbnlaw said...

Geez Sax,
On your own tonight?

Steve Sax said...

Nice, Hamels bunts straight up, caught by Martin. 1 out, man on first, J Roll up.

rbnlaw said...

Nice sac bunt by Hamels.

Steve Sax said...

rbnlaw, yeah it's a quiet night here at the SoSG bar. That's okay, I understand...

...more beer for me.

Fred's Brim said...

this is getting old - apart from Sunday's game v the Cubs, we haven't hit a lick in a week

Steve Sax said...

Russell Martin, a catcher just stole on you

karina said...

Shame on you, son

Steve Sax said...

Jayson Werth is killing us...again

NicJ said...

I've never left a game early. But I'm starting to think about it.

Steve Sax said...

Fred, what we need is a big, feared bat in our lineup.

Steve Sax said...

NicJ, you can't leave until your fourth dodger dog

Fred's Brim said...

that would be nice, Saxy. It will also be nice to hit against Jamie Moyer tomorrow. I hope Eric Milton can continue his good pitching

Mr. LA Sports Czar said...

Nice work by Leach.

rbnlaw said...

Top 3 a combined 0-6. Time to break out.

Mr. LA Sports Czar said...

Actually JP got a hit. That's 1-for-6.

Steve Sax said...

okay, on to the bottom of the seventh.

And Furcal Ks before I can finish typing this comment

Dusto_Magnifico said...

it would be nice to see a bit more plate discipline.

rbnlaw said...

Sax,
I suggest nickel beer night, that or beers cost as much as the Dodgers score runs.

Orel said...

How many pitches is Hamels at?

karina said...

Bottom of the 7th and Hamels only has thrown 70 pitches, at this peace he'll have a complete game.

rbnlaw said...

PT had JP 0-3. My error.

Mr. LA Sports Czar said...

ONLY 71 PITCHES FOR HAMELS!! WTF!?

Orel said...

Vin called Blake "Burke."

Dusto_Magnifico said...

Pierre has seen 5 pitches ALL GAME!

Mr. LA Sports Czar said...

Jeez this game is depressing. If it weren't for the Lakers my head would be buried in a vat of ice cream right now.

Orel said...

Are the Lakers guarding your ice cream?

Mr. LA Sports Czar said...

Adam Morrison confiscated it. That's all he's good for now, stealing fans' ice cream.

Fred's Brim said...

coming home after a stretch of poor hitting on the road usually results in poor hitting at home too. I don't have any stats to prove this, but i have seen this a few times and it's frustrating as hell. we're gonna have to battle these next few games until we can get back out on the road

But at least we only have one man LOB

Dusto_Magnifico said...

well we had a chance... Mota coming in to give 6 or 8 runs. Have I mentioned my disdain for Mota?

Steve Sax said...

Boy I'd sure love to come back here.

not gonna happen tonight! sorry nicj, we're looking awful at the plate.

Mr. LA Sports Czar said...

I think hatred for Mota is a given now for everyone.

Mr. LA Sports Czar said...

I know a guy at the game. He was really bumed he would miss the Lakers. The Dodgers certainly are not helping him.

Fred's Brim said...

Mota is slinging it! have they gotten him to move his release point further out?

Orel said...

"When the Dodgers hit — or should we just say, when the Dodgers bat — in the eighth inning, it will be Loney, Martin and Ethier." —Vin

Orel said...

Ausmus gave Mota a pitching tip.

Fred's Brim said...

I'll admit it, i don't hate Mota. I don't want to have to depend on him, mind you, but I don't hate him

Fred's Brim said...

nice, Orel.

But how the hell has nobody gone into the archives to look at his old, successful motion until now?

Dusto_Magnifico said...

of course loney K's after taking Hamels to an 0-3 count

Dusto_Magnifico said...

3-0 oops

might as well have been 0-3

Dusto_Magnifico said...

6 straight fast balls and Loney cant pick up one of them?!?!

getting really frustrated!

Orel said...

We're getting owned, plain and simple.

Fred's Brim said...

hang in there Dre, you'll start getting those calls.

Fred's Brim said...

we've been getting owned for a week, except for Tony Pena

karina said...

It's official, i hate the Phillies 'till the Dodgers torture them cruely.

Dusto_Magnifico said...

and so it begins!

Mr. LA Sports Czar said...

So is anyone going to the Macy's in Northridge to meet Ethier and Kemp?

Fred's Brim said...

good job, G-mo!

Dusto_Magnifico said...

i guess Mota didnt embarass himself this time

Orel said...

"So is anyone going to the Macy's in Northridge to meet Ethier and Kemp?"

Be aware you have to buy $75 worth of stuff to qualify for an autograph.

Dusto_Magnifico said...

when is this meet and greet with Ethier and Kemp?

Mr. LA Sports Czar said...

I have my ways of getting around rules.

Fred's Brim said...

i'm going to the Macy's in midtown to buy underwear

Mr. LA Sports Czar said...

Tomorrow, Macy's in Northridge, noon to 1.

Delino DeShields, Sr said...

I'm going to tomorrow's game with a contingency of Delaware folk and Delaware supporters. We will be the ones confused by sales tax.

Mr. LA Sports Czar said...

Though it seems it might be just Ethier, I'm looking at the player appearences page on Dodgers.com and Kemp is gone.

Fred's Brim said...

Dodger Blue Hens?

Orel said...

Kemp flare to start the ninth! "A modest thing and thine own. Kemp will take it." —Vin

Mr. LA Sports Czar said...

Kemp singles. The inklings of a rally are starting.

Dusto_Magnifico said...

anyone else scared of Hoffman?

Orel said...

Vin says Hoffmann the 16th Dodger to go out on three pitches or less.

Orel said...

Hitting them where they are.

Mr. LA Sports Czar said...

Juan becomes the 17th.

Fred's Brim said...

shorten your swing Raffy

Mr. LA Sports Czar said...

And that's that.

Dusto_Magnifico said...

was it a dominating performance by Hamels? or did the Dodger lineup just not show up?

at least sunday, my first game, I can hope for a better performance.

what a crock that Kershaw gets the loss while only giving up 2 runs!

Fred's Brim said...

OK after a loss like that it's time to buzz my heard again. gnite everybody - hope we get to enjoy some runs tomorrow

Dusto_Magnifico said...

ridiculous batting performance tonight. Lets just get up there and swing as much as we can.

Orel said...

"was it a dominating performance by Hamels? or did the Dodger lineup just not show up?"

Great performance by Hamels + impatient batting by the Dodgers.

Delino DeShields, Sr said...

Hamels life is a little too perfect.
And tonight, so was his pitching

MR.F said...

Hamels was throwing strikes and just dealing. I don't think we should make a big deal out of this. It's not like we got shut out by... and I can't think of a crappy starter. But it's not like we got owned by some crappy starter.