Friday, July 03, 2009

Game 80 Thread: July 3 @ Padres, 7p

CLAUDIOWATCH: 0 GAMES
DODGERS' RECORD WITHOUT CLAUDIO: 50-29

Hiroki Kuroda (2-4, 3.77) vs. Chad Gaudin (4-6, 4.97).

COMMENTS: He's baaaaaaaaack! That's right — Claudio Vargas, who has been on the 60-day disabled list with right elbow tendinitis as of April 6, is likely to be activated today! This is a real treat for Dodger fans, who have been looking forward to seeing what the pitcher can do in Dodger Blue after compiling a lifetime record of 46-40 for the Expos (!), Nationals, Diamondbacks, Brewers and Mets. Even Padres fans want to experience that old Claudio magic, as PETCO Park is sold out for tonight's game. There is certain to be a heavy media presence shadowing Vargas' every move. Enjoy the circus, everybody!

photo by Tony Gutierrez/AP

177 comments:

Mr. LA Sports Czar said...

This offense was really stagnant without Claudio. I bet he'll provide some much needed pop.

Orel said...

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

Steve Sax said...

Hey Orel,

I think you accidentally had caps lock down when you typed the third guy in the lineup.

Mr. LA Sports Czar said...

Let the commencement beginulate.

rbnlaw said...

Who's the dude batting in the 3-hole?

and where's Claudio?

Orel said...

Cromulent!

Josh S. said...

Just saw a news clip. Red caps tonight.

rbnlaw said...

ugh. Red caps? Not even the 4th yet.

MSLAF,
Nice new avi. Didn't know Artest was into shameless self-promotion.

Josh S. said...

Heh. Circus Vargas.

"See Circus Vargas!
See Circus Vargas!"

rbnlaw said...

I did hear that all teams will sport a ribbon honoring Lou Gehrig and fighting ALS tomorrow. Also all stadiums will read the "Luckiest man on the face of the Earth" speech during the 7th inning stretch. If I hear it, I'll bawl like a baby, just like I did when I saw "Pride of the Yankees" for the first time.

Mr. LA Sports Czar said...

They will honor the Iron Horse tomorrow. Unfortunately, I'm going to a family BBQ, and it's not the "let's plop our asses down and watch some baseball" family.

And tonight I'm going out to my favorite sports bar to be with me bretheren.

rbnlaw said...

MLASF,
We're together in spirit. I'm heading out to my favorite sports bar (in Fullerton) to play trivia and watch the return of some guy with dreads batting 3rd.

$2 Bud schooners before 7!!

Damon said...

why can't he move kemp up in the order!

Orel said...

"I want to say I'm sorry to the fans."

karina said...

Did Manny really say that?

It looks like they'll broadcast tomorrow's game (they are tonight !!!!!!!!), if i can get to watch the Iron Horse's speech, the Yankee DNA i inherited from my dad will make me cry.

Though, there's no crying in baseball.

Orel said...

Conflicting, isn't it?

NicJ said...

I'm in san Diego. There are tons of dodger fans here. I feel safe wearing dodger gear.

Steve Sax said...

Nicj are you at the game?

karina said...

"Showtime tonight! i'm baaaaaaaaaaaaack!

Orel said...

Jimmy! It's on!

Orel said...

It's time for Dodger baseball!

QuadSevens said...

I'm at the Dodgers game in SD tonight as well. A great promotion they have here is popcorn, peanuts, cookie, hot dog, and a draft beer for only $10!!! I'll be taking full advantage of this deal tonight!

Orel said...

That's a good deal. Frank McCourt, are you paying attention?

Kyle Baker said...

It's on! I haven't accomplished a single thing today while I've padded around the house awaiting game time.

karina said...

Manny, full dressed as a Dodger, with his battered helmet, holding a bat...my heart pounds.

karina said...

Manny is up!

Erin said...

Prime Ticket's shot of the crowd revealed a woman with a Padres hat on clapping for Manny.

Erin said...

Gaudin was maybe trying to punish Manny in his own way there on that first pitch.

karina said...

Gift from the Pads! Dodgers 1-Padres 0

Manny's back and runs in the first inning too.

Steve Sax said...

Dodgers score on a bad Ethier grounder! 1-0, Dodgers!!!

Steve Sax said...

Is it just me, or does this team feel offensively exciting again???

karina said...

Steve, i don't know about anybody else, but i agree with you.

karina said...

King James RBI single!

karina said...

This is what i call instantaneous

Steve Sax said...

FREE
JAMES
LONEY!!!

2-0 Good guys

karina said...

Can't believe this! son Martin with an eyeing RBI single!

karina said...

BISON!

karina said...

Dodgers 5-Pads 0

Bison RBI double!

Steve Sax said...

Matt Kemp with a double!!!

Two more runs score!!!

FIVE - ZERO DODGERS!!!

Welcome back, Manny!

NicJ said...

It like our offense is on steroids......

Bad choice of words.

Steve Sax said...

Karina, it's just you and me, babe

WOW

I am running around my house cheering and clapping! I'm so happy!

NicJ said...

At the game. This feels like I'm at the ravine. Tons of dodger blue.

karina said...

Steve, i'm doing the same, Coper is looking at me very confused.

Orel said...

Final score: 45-0. Book it.

Erin said...

Yeah, but Sax, how does your girlfriend feel about that?

Kyle Baker said...

I almost feel sorry for Gaudin having to draw this matchup tonight. Almost.

Fred's Brim said...

amazing inning by Vargas

Delino DeShields, Sr said...

Watched X-Men during the top of the first. Did I miss anything?

Fred's Brim said...

hehe the cheering was so loud w Dodger cheers for those outs

Orel said...

A plot.

Fred's Brim said...

no walks in last 4 starts for Kokimon - he should talk to Clayton and Bills

Nostradamus said...

Geez,

I leave you guys alone for half an inning and look how much exiting stuff has already happened!

Fred's Brim said...

Orel - zing!

Fred's Brim said...

3 up, 3 down, and we get to see Claudio hit again in the 2nd!

Erin said...

I really think that AFLAC duck has outstayed its welcome. Like, since the second commercial, but now it's just really getting embarrassing.

karina said...

I don't like those red caps. I know there's a meaning but that bright shade of red is not flattering with these uniforms.

Orel said...

"I really think that AFLAC duck has outstayed its welcome. Like, since the second commercial, but now it's just really getting embarrassing."

Think he has a nephew?

Orel said...

Nice save by Loney.

Orel said...

"I don't like those red caps. I know there's a meaning but that bright shade of red is not flattering with these uniforms."

Vin just agreed with you!

karina said...

Good job, future Gold Glover!

Orel said...

Martin would have had that at home.

Orel said...

Manny putout!

karina said...

"Vin just agreed with you!"

Why do i feel strangely accomplished?

karina said...

When i came home yesterday, i was watching that game with the bees, i was afraid something like that could happen tonight.

Erin said...

I don't like the red caps either. They make the whole uniform look weird. The Red Sox wore red jerseys today, so that sort of made it a little easier to deal with. But what I really don't get is why teams are wearing them today. Everyone is playing tomorrow, which is the actual
holiday, so why not then?

Orel said...

Gaudin is like Bret Saberhagen, except with innings.

Orel said...

Two on, no out. 64 pitches for Gaudin.

Kyle Baker said...

Why couldn't we have BLUE caps with jingoistic red/white/blue or whatever logo? Lame...

karina said...

King James, at least you moved the runners to scoring position. Go son!

Orel said...

6-0 Dodgers!

karina said...

At least, he moved the runner to score.

Orel said...

IBB Kemp. Make 'em pay, Kuroda!

Nostradamus said...

This could be going worse.

karina said...

The problem is the the chosen shade of red. Erin, i was watching the Red Sox game before this game started and it didn't look good. Dusty is right, why not hire a graphic designer, design a nice logo to put on the caps? it could be a nicer commemorative cap, highly commercial for the fans.

Josh S. said...

I'm watching too, but the wife has the computer, so my thread participation will be limited.

Loving how the game is going, though.

Orel said...

SF 9, HOU 0, 2nd inning

Erin said...

Yeah, I don't like the red at all, but I could somewhat tolerate it with the Red Sox. But any fan who buys this hat (for any team) is insane. It's hideous.

Orel said...

Lots of room in center for the Bison to roam.

Orel said...

They're leaving Gaudin in. All right!

Orel said...

Nice pick by Loney! This is not a repeat.

karina said...

Erin, i bet this conversation we have about the caps is being repeated in every kind of fan exchange around the world. Leave the caps in their original colors, add something like a nice logo and it's done.Who designs these things?

Orel said...

Manny: 3 plate appearances in 4 innings.

Orel said...

Aflac: Which father/son combination has the most hits in major league history?

karina said...

Can you imagine the hideous camouflage Pads uniform with the red caps?

As my friend would say, neither Anna, Karl or Carine would approve.

karina said...

Ken Griffey Sr and Ken Griffey Jr?

Orel said...

What exactly was O-Dog looking for there?

Josh S. said...

Ripkens?

Erin said...

I assume it's either the Griffeys or the Bonds.

karina said...

The Bonds?

Josh S. said...

Nevermind. Ripken Sr. didn't play, did he?

Mr. LA Sports Czar said...

O-Dog doesn't good.

Mr. LA Sports Czar said...

LOOK good, I mean.

Erin said...

Speaking of embarrassing AFLAC commercials.

I always thought that one would be funnier if all the animals tried to say it in their respective animal voices. Like the dog tries to bark it, the horse neighs, the pigs snort, etc.

Sorry. I don't know why these things bother me so much.

Orel said...

Aflac: The Griffeys. Karina is right!

Orel said...

"Sorry. I don't know why these things bother me so much."

You're on a mission!

Orel said...

SF 13, HOU 0, 3rd inning

Orel said...

Beard spin move!

Josh S. said...

Giants playing right into the Astros' trap.

Kyle Baker said...

O-dog has clearly been out of sorts lately. Is he tired? Needs new flea collar?

Mr. LA Sports Czar said...

Damn you, Scott Hairston.

Orel said...

HaiRston

Erin said...

Hey, just so you know, I know Delino will be in the press box for Manny's first home game, but I'll be there for the second game (July 17).

"I'm not sure who started that game for Houston. He would just as soon keep his name unknown, I guess."--Vin Scully

karina said...

Did you guys think Hairston would hit a homer tonight?

karina said...

"Aflac: The Griffeys. Karina is right!"

I'm on a roll tonight!

Orel said...

"Hey, just so you know, I know Delino will be in the press box for Manny's first home game, but I'll be there for the second game (July 17)."

Awesome. It's going to be a madhouse!

Orel said...

Another single for Russell.

karina said...

Baby steps, son.

Mr. LA Sports Czar said...

Go-Dan reaching 100

Josh S. said...

Martin and Furcal are both 2 for 3.

Dogs and cats! Living together!

Mr. LA Sports Czar said...

This Padre lineup keeps changing. I can't follow it a lick.

Erin said...

Wow. First walk for Kuroda in the last 113 batters.

Erin said...

Now this is a commercial I like: the All-Star commercial that uses the St. Louis Arch as a magnet.

Delino DeShields, Sr said...

My questions for Manny for his first game back....

"What's your full name?"
"Do you play baseball professionally? If so, for what team?"

Delino DeShields, Sr said...

O-Dog is officially on MLB's "Not List"

karina said...

Alfonzo is venezuelan, he is in the big leagues with his second team (he had a stint with the Giants). The other Pads catcher is injured.

Luis Rodriguez is on a very serious slump.

Orel said...

Shutton: Uh, Dave Shutton, Springfield Daily Shopper. Who are you? Where are you going?

Kent: Oh, do your research, Shutton! Uh, Kent Brockman, Channel Six News. How does it feel to be accused of the attempted murder of your boss and mentor?

Smithers: Kent, I...I feel about as low as Madonna when she found out she missed Tailhook.

Kent: Oh. I'm going to say "Ouch" for Madonna!

Orel said...

Furcal is 3 for 4!

Kyle Baker said...

We'll take 'em any way we can get 'em, Furcal.

Erin said...

Delino, those Manny questions just got a big laugh in my house. Nice.

Mr. LA Sports Czar said...

Raffy steals second. Takes away the DP and assures we will see Manny in the inning.

karina said...

I don't know who should be more embarrassed, Furcal or Perdomo.

Furcal steals second

Erin said...

Barring a strike him out, throw him out when Furcal tries to steal third.

ubragg said...

Wow, I have to say I really underestimated Vargas' effect in the clubhouse. We are going to have to do something about the lack of production from the 3-hole though.

Mr. LA Sports Czar said...

O-Dog has lost his touch.

Erin said...

Nevermind.

Fans seem already bored with the booing.

Mr. LA Sports Czar said...

When it rains it pours for Hiro.

Delino DeShields, Sr said...

Is Manny getting benched? :-)

Kyle Baker said...

Mr. Cellophane reference from Vinny...impressive!

Orel said...

Manny out, Juan in.

Orel said...

Kuroda's first jam.

Fred's Brim said...

I think Tony Gwynn is the voice of Meatwad on Aqua Teen Hunger Force

Nostradamus said...

Wow, the proverbial g**d*** plane has crashed into the mountain down in houston. 13-0, SF coming up in the sixth.

Kyle Baker said...

My prediction: Vargas will come into the game as relief for himself. He is the most interesting pitcher in the world.

Orel said...

6-3 Dodgers

Mr. LA Sports Czar said...

Kuroda's outta here

Orel said...

Bye-bye, Hiro. Hope he still gets the win.

Nostradamus said...

DB,

"My prediction: Vargas will come into the game as relief for himself. He is the most interesting pitcher in the world."

He'll be pulled, designated for assignment, throw the second half of a double header for the 66ers. THEN he will be called up come into the game in relief of himself.

If you're going to go, go all out.

Nostradamus said...

I see Perennial Gadfly David Eckstein has scored while I was away.

Erin said...

Not good when our starter can't get through the sixth. Nice job by Kuroda, but he should still be in the game.

Fred's Brim said...

cmon G-mo - no meatballs for this bum

Mr. LA Sports Czar said...

Nice play by Loney.

Orel said...

Mota with the mop! Loney saves another run!

Orel said...

FIRST TEAM TO 50 WINS
2008 Rays: lost in WS
2007 Angels: lost in ALDS
2006 Tigers: lost in WS
2005 White Sox: won WS
2004 Yankees: lost in ALCS
2003 Mariners: missed playoffs

Nostradamus said...

I guess you kinda killed the room with that, Orel.

Josh S. said...

You and your stats, nerd. Go get your uniform dirty!

Josh S. said...

Nice work, Guiller Mode!

Josh S. said...

It's Cla! Ya! We ususall pla well against that gu.

Orel said...

Mota has really shaped up.

Orel said...

Nice, Josh.

Josh S. said...

I should watch what I sa. It wasn't our da.

Hoora?

Josh S. said...

Man, Gwynn Jr. really does look like a deflated Gwynn Sr.

Mr. LA Sports Czar said...

This game has become very quiet.

Orel said...

Martin & Loney playing Twister!

Fred's Brim said...

cmon Brent - stay tough vs AG

Mr. LA Sports Czar said...

HOORAY FOR PIERRE!

Orel said...

YOU DON'T MESS WITH BEAST MODE

Fred's Brim said...

crikey that was close

Josh S. said...

Torre is a GENIUS for benching Manny.

Mr. LA Sports Czar said...

Last of the Mujica's

Orel said...

Raffy with the ol' out-and-in!

Orel said...

"A little mistake here and a little mistake there, and you lose forty-five games." —Vin

Mr. LA Sports Czar said...

What has become of O-Dog?

Fred's Brim said...

Orlando is strug-l-ing! i hope he can get feeling good again because when he's going good, we are so much better

Orel said...

Hudson looked out.

Orel said...

O-Dog is trending down just as Raffy and J-Mart are looking up.

Josh S. said...

O-Dog needs some positive mojo. I think it's just a slump, though.

Fred's Brim said...

haha Juan has his red hat under his helmet. i wonder if he could have worn his regular blue hat

Fred's Brim said...

yeah I agree on O - he doesnt seem to be seeing the ball very well, swinging at the bad ones and letting the meatballs pass. that'll turn around at some point.

anybody seen that wrap he wears on his left hand? it looks like a full-on cast. i saw it before a game earlier and thought "crap he's injured again." But he plays with that all the time. I dont know how he can swing a bat with it

Fred's Brim said...

101!

Mr. LA Sports Czar said...

One down, two to go.

Fred's Brim said...

103? that cant be right

Mr. LA Sports Czar said...

FB you're 70 spots off.

Mr. LA Sports Czar said...

Two down.

Josh S. said...

GAS!

Mr. LA Sports Czar said...

That's the ballgame.

Nostradamus said...

Per gameday...

102 Strike
102 Swinging Strike
102 Ball
101 Swinging Strike

He's not even giving them a chance!

Orel said...

Must be the thin San Diego air.

PGT is up!