Tuesday, June 30, 2009

Orioles Mount 10-Run Comeback to Down Red Sox, 11-10

Dodger fans may be disconsolate tonight, but at least we weren't up by 10 runs only to lose the game in the last two frames:

BALTIMORE -- Nick Markakis hit a two-run double off Boston closer Jonathan Papelbon to complete the biggest comeback in Baltimore Orioles history, an 11-10 win Tuesday night before a mixture of delirious hometown fans and stunned Red Sox backers.

Baltimore trailed 10-1 before scoring five runs in the seventh inning and five more in the eighth. The rally was even more shocking because it came against a Boston team that had defeated the Orioles eight straight times, including five this season.

Up by nine runs in the seventh, the Red Sox probably figured the only lamentable aspect of the night was that John Smoltz wouldn't get his long-awaited 211th victory because of a lengthy rain delay.

Boston had no idea how bad it would get.

Previously, the biggest comeback in Orioles history was Sept. 2, 1956, when Baltimore rallied from an eight-run deficit at Boston.

Hey, suddenly I don't feel so bad! Dodgers stay 1.5 games ahead with the best record in baseball.

Post-Game 78 Thread: Overdue Bills

ROCKIES 3, DODGERS 0

What happens when Bills pile up (piles up strikeouts, that is; 11 to be precise)? If you get too far behind, you become insolvent. And that's exactly how the Dodgers played this evening, swinging at the first pitch so often that we were through eight frames by 9 p.m. And that is NOT the way to keep your house in order. Just ask the state of California.

Credit James Loney and Juan Castro for getting the Dodgers' only two hits of the evening, and kick everyone else in the nuts for posting a string of 0-fers that should make people ashamed to wear the Dodgers uniform.

Jason Marquis looked like his name should indeed be in lights, as he used 86 pitches to dispatch the Dodgers. And thanks to Mr. LA Sports Fan for this idea:

"Would you believe, no Dodger touched second base tonight? And this shoe smells as musty as the Dodgers' lineup?"

As Rob McMillin would say, meh. Since we clearly wanted to get out of the stadium quickly this evening, let's hope we at least don't party all night tonight, so we can play tomorrow's day game with a fighting chance at our first series win since Manny's minor league mania began. I'm going to get drunk. Good night, everybody!

Heh Heh

I've eased up on pointing out typos, because there's more text out there than ever and hey, everybody makes mistakes. But I couldn't pass up this dandy. From "Stults pain-free after rehab start" at Dodgers.com:

"When I originally thought about it, I was like, 'How important is a thumb?'" [Eric] Stults said. "But when you really think about it being a pitcher, it's pretty important as far as being able to feel the pitchers."

(Emphasis mine.) Obviously, Jay Buhner agrees.

Game 78 Thread: June 30 vs. Rockies, 7p

MANNYWATCH: 2 GAMES
DODGERS' RECORD WITHOUT MANNY: 28-20

Chad Billingsley (9-3, 3.10) vs. Jason Marquis (9-5, 4.22).

COMMENTS: Welcome to the battle of the nines! Four pitchers lead the National League in wins with nine, and three of those suckers are trying to ink their tenth win tonight: Billingsley and Marquis at Dodger Stadium, and the Mets' Johan Santana in Milwaukee.

Marquis got rocked by the Angels in his last start, and Billingsley has lost the lead in the sixth inning of his part two starts. So everybody has something to prove — especially the Dodger bats, who got bailed out by their own starting pitcher last night, then left three men in scoring position in extra innings before finally winning it in the 13th.

The bullpen arms aren't fresh, with every reliever having pitched an inning last night. Let's hope Billingsley goes deep, because the Dodgers can't count on walking off every night.

photo from Pink Tentacle

Will Manny's Penance Bring the Dodgers Pennants?

Manny Ramirez is done with rehab. (His final line: 3-for-10, 1 HR, 2R). When asked if he wanted to comment after last night's game, Manny replied, "No thank you. Go to YouTube." So I went to YouTube, but didn't have enough time to look around — there's like a hundred videos at that site. It made me wonder, is "Go to YouTube" the new "Go to hell"?

Anyway, it looks like Dodger fans aren't going to get a dedicated apology from Manny, and judging by the warm receptions he received in Albuquerque, Lake Elsinore and San Bernardino, it isn't necessary. Mercurial sluggers and laid-back fans are made for each other. As Jon Weisman at Dodger Thoughts puts it, "[A] lot of us were upset over Manny, but a lot of us got over it over the past seven weeks."

Manny returns to major-league action on July 3, but fans at Dodger Stadium won't get to cheer him until July 16*. Manny's warm welcome should continue as long as he does two things: (1) acknowledge the fans (we're hearing so many instances of Manny not signing autographs, but the photo above shows he's making some effort) and (2) produce at the plate. That's it. Win and you're in. The rest will be history.

*SoSG Delino will be covering Manny's homecoming from the press box. Look for it!

photo by Jon SooHoo/Dodgers

Mets Play...in Hell!

Citi Field, Yankees vs. Mets, last Friday, second inning.

photo by Shannon Stapleton/Reuters

May the Force Out Be With You

Randy Wolf seems to be a Star Wars fan (or at least he dresses like one), so it's only natural he would invoke the Force when explaining last night's two-out gaffe. From Dodgers.com:

It was vintage Randy Wolf.

The left-hander tossed a 68-mph curveball on a 1-2 count past the bat of a guessing Chris Iannetta for strike three and the third inning was seemingly over.

Catcher Russell Martin just rolled the ball toward the mound and the batterymates trotted back toward the Dodgers' dugout.

But there was just one problem -- it was just the second out of the inning.

"For some reason, we just both thought there was three outs," Wolf said with a laugh after the game in which the Dodgers won, 4-2, over the Rockies in 13 innings. "I have no idea why. I think I like Jedi-mind-tricked him into thinking there was three outs."

(Emphasis mine.) The Force can have a strong influence on the weak-minded, but I'd like to think Martin was just eager to go into Toshi Station to pick up some power converters.

If You're At Work Today,...

...I must have seen you on the morning commute.

There were seriously no other cars on the road. Is there an apocalypse about which I have not yet heard?

Mr. Walkoff

Andre Ethier's previous walkoff heroics this season:

June 6:
Post-Game 58 Thread: We Are All Ethierholics
More Game-Winning Goodness

June 5:
Post-Game 57 Thread: Doubling with 'Dre
More Walkoff Goodness

May 2:
Post-Game 25 Thread: Walkoff Wonderland

photos 1 & 5: Mark Avery/AP; photo 3: Juan Ocampo/Dodgers

Monday, June 29, 2009

Post-Game 77 Thread: The Game No One Wanted...Save ANDRE

DODGERS 4, ROCKIES 2 (13)

We're going to let Jim Tracy take this Post-Game Thread. Jim?

Coming back tonight to Dodger Stadium, as a manager of a major league baseball team, was a pretty special feeling for me tonight. Was it the kind of game that I expected to see play out this evening? To answer that question, you've got to ask yourself, "Am I the kind of person that expects Ryan Spilborghs to break a scoreless tie in the fifth with a two-run home run?" Some might say, no.

But I would only answer that question by wondering aloud if I thought Randy Wolf would answer in the bottom of the fifth, by getting Ubaldo Jimenez to balk, and then following up with a game-tying single. I think I would be surprised to see Wolf tie the game with that single. But I also think I would have left Jimenez in the game for more pitching anyway, because I always like leaving in pitchers too long, except this time it would work out as Jimenez pitched a solid seven frames.

And finally, after four and a half hours, was I shocked to see Andre Ethier hit his walkoff home run in the 13th to win the game and keep the Dodgers seven games ahead of the Giants? And was I surprised that Michael Eaves started his post-game interview sarcastically ribbing Ethier for the Dodgers not winning the game earlier? And did I show any shreds of emotion after this gut-wrenching loss, which keeps the Dodgers from losing three games in a row yet again? I'd have to answer those questions all by saying no.

Are purple and black good colors for my complexion? Do the pinstripes help me look svelte?

Manny Continues to Practice...Avoiding the Media

Manny's night with the 66ers, from the Press-Enterprise blog:

Immediately after the end of the fifth inning, Ramirez darted for the 66ers clubhouse and left out of the visitors side of the stadium.

Ramirez finished the game 1 for 3, including a single and two strikeouts. There is still no official word whether Ramirez will complete his stint with the 66ers tomorrow morning. The first pitch is [scheduled] for 11 a.m.

Game 77 Thread: June 29 vs. Rockies, 7p

MANNYWATCH: 3 GAMES
DODGERS' RECORD WITHOUT MANNY: 27-20

Randy Wolf (3-3, 3.64) vs. Ubaldo Jimenez (6-7, 3.83).

COMMENTS:

Greetings, Dodger fans.

Remember me? I was top dog in the Dodger dugout four years ago, but Paul DePo basically gave me the heave-ho. I know he's history, but that whole situation still chaps my buns. Managing the Pirates was no cakewalk either, but now I'm back in the NL West, baby! And we're hotter than Satan's BBQ. We've won 20 of our last 23. You've lost four of your last five. Mo's on our side! Oh, and we miss Manny by one day. Jim Tracy's revenge on the Dodgers was a long time coming, but it'll be sweet. Enjoy eating our oysters!

Sincerely,
Jim Tracy

photo by Ron Chenoy/US Presswire

'Around the Mound' Around Town

Orlando Hudson is spending time with inner-city kids in ten cities across the country as part of his "Around the Mound" tour, meeting about 150 kids per stop. That's 1,500 kids over the course of a season (KpS). Good job, O-Dog. And sometimes he brings along special guests, this time at Van Ness Park:

O-Dog, the Kid, Beast Mode.


"Everyone will get a chance to participate! Except you, in the Giants uniform!"


Things that make Juan Pierre smile: getting beaned in the back, cute kids.

Earlier Dodger good deeds at SoSG:
Sights from the Holiday Weekend
WBC Semifinals Game Thread: USA vs. Japan, 5p

photos by Jon SooHoo/Dodgers

Milton Bradley Takes the High Road

It's anger management day at SoSG! We noted Milton Bradley's latest tantrum this weekend, wondering why Cubs manager Lou Piniella felt the need to single out this incident in a season that has featured so many. Upon further inspection, it turns out Bradley is able to calm down right quick. From the Chicago Sun-Times:

According to sources, Piniella then shouted at Bradley, "You're not a player! You're a piece of sh--!"

Bradley then said, "I have too much respect for you to respond to that," a source said.

Which I find fairly amazing. One second Bradley's destroying a water cooler and the next he's levelheaded enough not to pop off to the manager who just called him a piece of shit? Where were those compartmentalization skills during the infamous Dodger Stadium water bottle incident? Or does this count as maturation? I'm confused.

Good Thing Uncontrollable Bouts of Rage Aren't a Common Side-Effect of Steroids

In a news article custom-made for perpetuating stereotypes, steroid suspendee JC Romero of the Phillies went after a Tampa Bay Rays fan in St. Petersburg:

TORONTO (AP)—The Philadelphia Phillies confirmed Saturday that one of their players was involved in a confrontation with a fan following Thursday’s game at the Tampa Bay Rays.

The Phillies did not identify the player in their statement. The Rays also confirmed the incident but did not release details.

The St. Petersburg Times reported on its Web site Saturday that Phillies reliever J.C. Romero grabbed and shoved Robert Eaton, 25, of New Port Richey, Fla., after the fan made two comments about steroids.

Romero was suspended for the first 50 games of the season after testing positive for androstenedione, a substance that Mark McGwire used in the 1990s that was later banned by baseball. Romero, who earned two wins in Philadelphia’s World Series victory over Tampa Bay last year, has sued the manufacturer of an over-the-counter supplement that he said led to his positive test.

Eaton told the newspaper he called out to Romero after a couple of Phillies brushed off his requests for autographs, asking the left-hander to get him some steroids. After Romero told him to shut up and that he didn’t know what he was talking about, Eaton said he replied that Romero was the one who’d been suspended recently.

“He reared back and kinda grazed my chin and grabbed me by the neck and threw me back,” Eaton told the newspaper. “I was in shock.”

Looks like Roger Clemens' bat-throwing behavior might have a complement! As for the Dodgers, they may want to think about giving Manny Ramirez some earplugs for upcoming road games...

Signup Here...

...for something. As usual, we're not telling you exactly - or even vaguely - what it is. But if you want in, let us know. There are but 3 requirements: 1) you have and know how to use email; 2) you can read/write in english reasonably well; and 3) you have a high tolerance for ridiculousness. If you're a creative type, that's a bonus, but not a requirement.

So let us know in the comments if you want to participate, and if we don't already have your email address, please also send us a quick email (be sure to include your username). We'll soon reveal what this is all about!

No Way This Photo Gets Andre Ethier in Trouble

It's Andre Ethier photo day at SoSG!

Is that a smile of joy or fear, Andre? Actually, Ethier's friends here are the Inland Empire 66ers Dance Team (who knew?). Look out, Marlins Mermaids!


"Sometimes I feel like there's so much pressure on me, what with my on-field performance, my stunning model girlfriend and my charitable causes. Hey Russell, sign this ball for me?"


"I think you're the greatest, but my dad says you don't work hard enough on bullpen management. And he says that lots of times, you're hell on right-handed relievers. And that you don't really try, except during the playoffs."

photos by Jill Weisleder/Dodgers

Dodger Blogger Night 2009: The Night That Manny Ramirez Trumped Dodger History

It is hard to believe now, but almost 50 games ago, the biggest Dodger story I was considering was recapping on the night of May 6, 2009, was Dodger Blogger Night 2009, the second-annual evening that the Dodgers generously held to reach out to a small group of blogs. The brainchild of VP of Public Relations Josh Rawitch, the evening involved a suite with all the trimmings, a parade of Dodgers organization representatives, and of course a wonderful night out at the Stadium. What made this night even more special (that is, before the mind-blowing Manny Ramirez suspension news broke), was that the Dodgers were vying for the major-league record for the longest undefeated streak at home to open a season.

The Dodgers did end up winning that 13th consecutive home game, setting a modern-day record for wins to start a season, pounding the Nationals 10-3. And, like last year, I was too excited by meeting the Dodgers' brass and collaborating with fellow bloggers that I didn't get time to really enjoy all the goings-on on the field. We'd hear a roar from the crowd, and everyone would stop what they were doing and look down. But most of the bloggers were more interested in chatting with each other rather than keeping close tabs on the game, historical significance notwithstanding.

There is something about being in the suites which is itself a little removed from the game, almost as if you're in a cocoon instead of close to the action. The Dodgers suites are infinitely better than the Staples Center's multi-purpose suites, however, not only because they open to the outdoors, they're bigger, and the food is better. On top of all that, the hallway corridor isn't filled with pictures of three teams and concert events; it's all Dodgers stuff, like this shot of Jackie Robinson:

Getting invited to this event was obviously a special event. First we had to work our way past suite-level security:

...and then we noticed lots and lots of signed baseballs in a pretty display case:

The pre-game highlights, as SoSG Orel already pointed out, revolved around visits from GM Ned Colletti and EVP of Creative and Communications Charles Steinberg, among others.

With regards to Colletti, my notes are obviously so old from this event, that much of what he said isn't really a secret anymore, but I'll Monday-morning quarterback this nonetheless:

  • There was a much-discussed rumor about an unnamed pitcher whose name would technically be defined as "to muld", that Colletti said we wouldn't be getting (we haven't);
  • We shouldn't hold our breath to see Jason Schmidt (who is still working his way back);
  • We would love to get a couple of other specific pitchers, but we'll see (we haven't);
  • Andruw Jones was a huge disappointment (he still is);
  • We need Hiroki Kuroda back in our lineup (Kuroda's return has helped strengthen our starting rotation, without a doubt);
  • Colletti encouraged Joe Torre to use Ramon Troncoso (which has been good);
  • Colletti also talked to Torre to use Brent Leach (which also has been good);
  • There were some minor concerns about Russell Martin, which Colletti attributed to Martin "pressing this year." That said, he praised how Martin was more diligent in working with the coaching staff and spending time in the video room. And, he credited bringing in Brad Ausmus as a steadying force for Martin (which Ausmus has appeared to provide, as well as a better backup catcher option than recent years past);
  • Colletti was happy with both Mark Loretta and Brad Ausmus (months later, I would agree);
  • Juan Pierre was reasonable with how Manny Ramirez's signing moved him to the bench, though he did not have this attitude with the signing of Andruw Jones (and rightfully so; again, as Ramirez's suspension comes to an end, we will see how Pierre deals with another benching, after making outstanding contributions over the last 45 games that have been beyond expectations);
  • Hong-Chih Kuo has been through a lot; he's working very hard (he still is);
  • As to Matt Kemp's apparent change in approach to this year, leading to better offensive and defensive performances, Colletti credited Kemp's openness to instruction, as well as the help of batting coach Don Mattingly. He also called Kemp, among all of his fellow Dodger young-gun stars, the one "blessed with the most raw talent." (Kemp has continued to be great to watch, as his progress continues).

So overall, Colletti's words panned out well over the next seven weeks, which makes him either pretty prescient or pretty lucky, or both. Either way, clairvoyant or fortunate, the Dodgers continue to look strong coming out of a 50-game suspension that most people thought would crater the team's chances. Not so.

I don't remember much about Steinberg except (a) He is awful proud of "Don't Stop Believing" being played in the eighth inning (he called it "our 'Sweet Caroline' "), and (b) he likes the daily singing of "God Bless America," partially because it allows us to sign better singing talent to the games as they want to get televised (which they don't for the national anthem). As I didn't agree with either opinion (and still don't; after all, our GBA talent does not seem to be all that great on most nights), I didn't think about this much. GBA seems to put a buzzkill on Nancy Bea Hefley, and I don't understand why we would play an inspiring, comeback-inducing song when we had a lead after eight innings. Most of my blogger peers that night seemed to agree. But hey, it's Steinberg's call, I suppose.

And later on in the game, Ken Levine and Josh Suchon of KABC's DodgerTalk came by. Both are really tall, as you can see of this shot that they took with SoSG Orel (Suchon is on the left):

Yep, this Dodger Blogger Night 2009 was a wonderful evening, a historic win coupled with free food, insight into the organization, and warm surroundings. Free Mini-Sirloin Burgers were the capper to what would be a wonderful evening, which only became spoiled later on that evening as the Ramirez steroid news broke (I never got a chance to say goodbye to Rawitch that evening and thank him, but I assume he was occupied on other matters...). For a moment at least, the Dodgers were on Cloud 99, and things were great.

But believe it or not, the Mini-Sirloin Burgers were not the highlight of the evening:

No, we were quite fortunate to also get a special guest appearance from Dodger outfielder Andre Ethier. How Ethier was able to make it up to our suite during the game, out of uniform and dressed in casual clothes, was simply mind-boggling. It was also bizarre that he insisted in carrying around this menu from Nino's Mexican Restaurant (which I don't think delivers to the Stadium). But hey, he's a Dodgers star, I don't dare ask.

Contrary to all the press coverage of Ethier's reluctance to take pictures with fans, Ethier could not have been kinder or more giving of his time and image. Perhaps it was because he was a fellow blogger?

Andre first took a photo with Jon Weisman of Dodger Thoughts:

Ethier wanted to go outside, in front of the stadium, to pose with SoSG's own Alex Cora (nice background!):

Ethier then posed with True Blue LA's Eric Stephen:

And here's Andre with the Trolley Dodger:

Finally, here's Andre Ethier with the Loch Ness Monster (how Andre found a body of water in Chavez Ravine is beyond me):

Small Forwards, Big Legends

Catching up with Dodger Stadium goings-on yesterday:

Matt Kemp and ceremonial first-pitch thrower Trevor Ariza. We told you they were BFF!


Fernando Valenzuela hosts the latest incarnation of Carne Asada Sunday.

photos by Jon SooHoo/Dodgers

Sunday, June 28, 2009

Manny 'Update'

More Manny non-news from Dodgers.com:

Against the Rancho Cucamonga Quakes at the Sixers' home park, Arrowhead Credit Union Stadium, Ramirez struck out twice and walked once to go 0-for-2 in three at-bats.

Sixers manager Carlos Subero said before the game that Ramirez will serve as DH on Monday, and also said that Ramirez is scheduled to play on Tuesday despite the fact that first pitch is set for 11 a.m. PT.

Subero said that the decision whether to play Ramirez on Tuesday will depend on how he wakes up that morning.

(Emphasis mine.) It's good to be king!

Miracle on Grass Put on Ice

Oh well. It was exciting while the possibility lasted.

After being, for all practical intents and purposes, eliminated in Group play, Team USA made the most of a new lease on life by dropping current FIFA #1 and defending EuroCup Champions Spain in the Confederations Cup semifinals. That was a minor miracle. But then, in the final, they found themselves leading perennial soccer superpower Brazil 2-0 at the half. They stood 45 minutes away from a major miracle.

But then Brazil showed why they're, well, Brazil. They poured in four - yes, four - goals in the second half to beat the US 3-2 and win the game and the championship. So, while Team USA should be happy with their overall results, they also showed they have some work to do before they can join the world's elite teams.

So congratulations Brazil for winning your 2nd consecutive Confederation Cup. And congratulations Team USA for breaking Spain's 35-game unbeaten streak. And congratulations me for breaking Orel's 16-consecutive post streak.

Post-Game 76 Thread: Felix Olson?

MARINERS 4, DODGERS 2

Thanks to SoSG reader Nic J for noting this is the first time the Dodgers have lost two straight series since August of last year.

original photo by Gus Ruelas/AP

Field of Dreams

Joe Pierre on the mound at Dodger Stadium.

Joe Pierre: Brooklyn resident. Joe Pierre: Dodger fan since before the team left Brooklyn. Joe Pierre: Not related to Juan.

71-year-old Joe Pierre, known as "oldbrooklynfan" at Josh Rawitch's Inside the Dodgers blog, is also afraid of flying. But he overcame that fear — taking his first flight in 46 years — when Rawitch arranged for him to take a Dodger Stadium tour with fellow ItD commenters. The Dodgers paid for Pierre's flight and accommodations.

"Sometimes I just wondered what I was doing rooting for a team 3,000 miles away, but this made it worth it," an emotional Pierre said during the tour. Kudos to Frank McCourt and Rawitch for making it possible.

Brooklyn Dodgers fan's dream comes true (Dodgers.com) (Watch the video. Try not to tear up!)

UPDATE:

McCourt meets Pierre.

top photo by Juan Ocampo/Dodgers; bottom photo by Jill Weisleder/Dodgers

Game 76 Thread: June 28 vs. Mariners, 1p

MANNYWATCH: 4 GAMES
DODGERS' RECORD WITHOUT MANNY: 27-19

"I will fight you to the death for this baseball!" "Wait — we're eagles. Why are we fighting over a baseball?"

Hiroki Kuroda (2-3, 3.44) vs. Garrett Olson (2-2, 4.95).

COMMENTS: Dodgers' record in interleague play: 9-8

date opponent series record
5/22-24 Angels 1-2
6/12-14 Rangers 2-1
6/16-18 A's 2-1
6/19-21 Angels 2-1
6/23-25 White Sox 1-2
6/26-28 Mariners 1-1

So the Dodgers are assured of at least a .500 interleague record, but a win today would give them a much more agreeable winning interleague record. Add to that a hopeful National League win in the All-Star Game (hello, Albert Pujols!) and we'll have a second half to savor.

The Padres touched Olson for six earned runs over 5 1/3 innings in his last start. Kuroda nearly threw a complete game in his last start. Conditions are ripe. Let's hope the bats reappear.

(Dodger Thoughts guru Jon Weisman will be signing copies of his book, 100 Things Dodgers Fans Should Know & Do Before They Die, at Dodger Stadium today. Details here.)

Pau Gasol at Dodger Stadium, Part 2

Pau Gasol acknowledges the Dodger Stadium crowd.


Joe Torre looks Gasol straight in the chin.

Earlier at SoSG: Pau Gasol at Dodger Stadium

photos by Jon SooHoo/Dodgers

Saturday, June 27, 2009

Belisarrested

Ronald Belisario arrested on suspicion of DUI (Dodger Thoughts)

Post-Game 75 Thread: Outfelixed

MARINERS 5, DODGERS 1

Felix Hernandez dominated tonight, striking out nine Dodgers over eight innings. The Dodgers got a few glimpses at the game, but only ended up with an unearned run after a rare Ichiro error.

photo by Mark Avery/AP

Guess Who Else Is Warming Up?

Manny Ramirez hit a home run in his first at-bat for the Inland Empire 66ers tonight.

UPDATE: Manny homers in first at-bat in Class A (Dodgers.com)

bottom: AP photo

Game 75 Thread: June 27 vs. Mariners, 7p

MANNYWATCH: 5 GAMES
DODGERS' RECORD WITHOUT MANNY: 27-18

Eric Milton (2-0, 2.89) vs. Felix Hernandez (7-3, 2.74).

COMMENTS: Milton has pitched capably in four starts for the Dodgers, but tonight's "A" storyline is about King Felix. Hernandez has lost once to the Dodgers, but that was in 2006. Back then he was 20 years old and green; now, writers marvel at his maturity. Just what we need. Then again, the Dodger bats are primed after four home runs last night. If Andre Ethier, Russell Martin and Rafael Furcal can find their strokes around the time Manny returns, look out.

Pitchers' Count

The Dodgers hit four home runs last night? Great, let's talk about pitching.

Mt. Milton Erupts Again

From "Bradley starts drama before Soto's 3-run shot puts Cubs back on track" (AP/ESPN.com):

[Milton] Bradley attacked the cooler in the dugout after he flied out in the top of the sixth, leading to an angry exchange in the tunnel with [Lou] Piniella, who told him to get dressed and go home. Ryan Freel replaced him in right field in the bottom half.

"This has been a common occurrence and I've looked the other way a lot and I'm tired," said Piniella, who was planning to start Bradley on Saturday. "I'm not into discipline, I'm really not. I'm going to put his name in the lineup tomorrow and that's it."

And from MLB.com:

Cubs general manager Jim Hendry said he would talk to the outfielder, who signed a three-year, $30 million contract with the team this offseason.

"It's something I promise won't be happening again," Hendry said of Bradley's tantrum.

Yeah, good luck with that. Bradley's behavior is hardly excusable, but on a club with so many...what's the euphemism...volatile personalities — Carlos Zambrano, Ryan Dempster, Piniella himself — why does this particular incident merit special attention? Attacking coolers is practically a Cubs tradition; if Piniella is weary of it two weeks before the All-Star break, it's going to be a looooong season.

UPDATE: Piniella apologizes to Bradley after confrontation (AP/ESPN.com)

Earlier at SoSG: Oh, Milton

Russell Martin's Yoga Training Comes in Handy

Russell Martin goes into the advanced inversion pose Adho Mukha Batasana (downward-facing lumber) to avoid getting hit by a Roy Corcoran pitch in the sixth inning of last night's game.

More Dodger yoga content:
Namaste, Russell (SoSG)
Yoga with Andre Ethier (Vin Scully Is My Homeboy)

Blake Interviews Ethier

Kudos to Jeanne Zelasko for thinking on her feet when she had both Casey Blake and Andre Ethier in front of her on live (or at least one-take) television. Instead of talking to one player while ignoring the other, she included both:

Zelasko: Here's Andre Ethier. Come on, come on. Don't be afraid, he's a nice guy. [to Blake] Do you want to do the interviewing or should I move on?

Blake: Well...yeah, I'll do it. Andre, you have basically no homers on the road, all at home. Can you explain that?

Ethier: I guess it's just a comfortable feeling here playing at home and [a matter of] going out there and concentrating enough on the road to put a good swing on the ball. I better pick it up and if I do, I can have a lot more better numbers than I do right now.

Zelasko: Do you have a follow-up?

Blake: I think he saw me catching up to him in homers so he had to do something about it.

Zelasko: Do you have a response to that? Is the challenge on?

Ethier: It's good camaraderie amongst the teammates to have a race amongst each other. I did see him catching up and overtaking me, I think, for a little bit so I had to put the pressure back on him and go ahead.

Zelasko: Career night, but maybe you need to learn a thing or two about a curtain call. Because they were calling you back out here, so take another curtain call right now. Gentlemen, thank you so very much. This is where you thank him.

Blake: What's that?

Zelasko: This is where you thank him.

Blake: Oh yeah. Thanks, E.

Zelasko: We're done with our interview. Congratulations.

Ethier: Thank you.

Friday, June 26, 2009

Post-Game 74 Thread: Andre Andre Andre

DODGERS 8, MARINERS 2

Second inning:

Sixth inning:

Eighth inning:
  • 3-HR games by Dodgers at Dodger Stadium:
    Shawn Green, August 15, 2001
    Hee-Seop Choi, June 12, 2005
    Andre Ethier, June 26, 2009
  • Clayton Kershaw: 6.0 IP, 2 ER, 8K, 96 pitches
  • Casey Blake: 2-for-4, HR
  • Orlando Hudson: sweet basket catch in the sixth inning:

first photo by Hector Mata/AP