Sunday, April 18, 2010

Game 12 Thread: April 18 vs. Giants, 1p

The first 50,000 fans at today's game will receive THIS IS MY TOWN caps courtesy of Farmer John. No word if Justin Bieber's image is stitched on the other side.

Clayton Kershaw (1-0, 4.50) vs. Barry Zito (2-0, 2.25).

Gameday

COMMENTS: Your Monday. How's it looking? The answer: You can't tell yet, because a Dodgers-Giants series hangs in the balance today. On Friday the power of the Dodgers' bats outlasted the incompetence of their bullpen, and wings were had by all. But yesterday, Tim Lincecum threw his glove and bat around, and it was the first time the Dodgers have been shut out this year. In fact, it was only the second game in which the Dodgers have scored fewer than five runs.

Today we get two lefties: Kid K against Barefoot Barry. As with Chad Billingsley, the Dodgers would love for Kershaw to go deeper into games, especially since Kershaw has as many walks as strikeouts (11) so far. Joe Torre doesn't seem to have as tight a leash on Kershaw this year, having allowed him to throw 109 and 110 pitches in his first two games.

Meanwhile, Matt Kemp's streak of home games with a homer is over at four. Time to start another one.

Oh, and this will also act as your Game Thread for today's Lakers playoff game, which starts at 12n PT. No pressure, boys:

218 comments:

1 – 200 of 218   Newer›   Newest»
Dodgerbobble said...

The Laker's turn on that "switch" today. I say Lakers in 5.

Kyle Baker said...

Furcal SS
Martin C
Ethier RF
Kemp CF
Blake 3B
Belliard 1B
Johnson LF
Carroll 2B
Kershaw P

Josh S. said...

FREE HAT!

Mr. LA Sports Czar said...

Fisher PG
Bryant SG
Artest SF
Gasol PF
Bynum C

Josh S. said...

My prediction: Only one of the two L.A. teams will win today.

(Sorry, MLASF. Just a gut feeling.)

Mr. LA Sports Czar said...

Yeah, I'm pretty certain the LA Angels won't stop Toronto.

Kyle Baker said...

Josh said LA not greater LA area! ;-)

Mr. LA Sports Czar said...

But Arte Moreno thinks they're the same thing!

rbnlaw said...

@MLASF:
Ha! You said "Arte Moreno" and "think" in the same sentence. Good one.

Kyle Baker said...

Thanks for this kick in the fucking teeth, Dodgers! Just arrived in my email in-box:

http://yfrog.com/izbenzvj

NicJ said...

The brewers just had a ten run 1st inning off of Marquis. How the hell did that guy shut us down last year?

Kyle Baker said...

Eric Stephen just reported that Manny is available to pinch hit, so hopefully that means his calf is okay/not long term issue.

Mr. LA Sports Czar said...

WE ARE FREE OF RUSS ORTIZ!!!

Kyle Baker said...

Also per ES:

"Jon Link recalled from ABQ to replace Ortiz. Link will wear #50 today"

Kyle Baker said...

Free at last! Free at last!

karen said...

YAAAAY!!

Nostradamus said...

I can see no downside to this news.

Kyle Baker said...

Man, it's good to see Bynum back.

karen said...

@Dusty
You summed up my feelings exactly

Mr. LA Sports Czar said...

They're really working the paint.

Kyle Baker said...

MLASF- What's background on your avatar?

Mr. LA Sports Czar said...

I got it off Deadspin. It's Jay Bruce flipping someone off.

rbnlaw said...

I miss Russ.

Kyle Baker said...

i need to snag a photo of milton bradley flipping someone off. shouldn't be too hard to find!

Josh S. said...

Link! It's dangerous to go alone. Take this!

Kyle Baker said...

Dodgers team spread budget can be shaved now that Russ is gone.

Nostradamus said...

The nice thing about shedding an Ortiz is that the day is a net win, regardless of the game's outcome.

Kyle Baker said...

Farmar's hammy seems fine.

Kyle Baker said...

To quote Tommy Lasords, I hate the Giants!

Kyle Baker said...

^Lasorda

Nostradamus said...

Russell Crowe needs to find a new character to play.

Mr. LA Sports Czar said...

Here, Dusty:

http://bit.ly/d9TZvc

Kyle Baker said...

And Popeyes needs to STOP making ads that racially stereotype. It's just plain uncomfortable.

Kyle Baker said...

Done. Thx MLASF.

Mr. LA Sports Czar said...

Thunder, meet switch. Switch, Thunder. Thunder, switch.

Mr. LA Sports Czar said...

Did an ad for Clippers season tickets really just show up during a Laker playoff game?

Unknown said...

THAT was a ball. yikes.

Unknown said...

2 strikeouts to start the game. Hopefully the trend will continue.

Kyle Baker said...

It did not.

Kyle Baker said...

Some people have already pointed it out via Twitter today, but it bears repeating:

"60 years ago today Vin Scully made his first radio broadcast for the Dodgers."

Thanks for all the memories, Vin. You still da man!

Kyle Baker said...

Good hit, Furcal! Couple more body shots like that to Zito and we'll have him out of the game.

karen said...

All right Andre

Unknown said...

Now would be a good time for an extra base hit, Kemp.

Paul said...

Happy Anniversary Vinny!!

I was born a Dodger fan but Vin was instrumental in making it a part of my everyday life during the season.

1987 was the first year I started listening to Vin everyday. The nearest station was not in my hometown because I was in Giant country and back then you could only have one baseball team affilliate. So my dad purchased me a digital radio (not cheap back then) but then that signal went down during the night so I found the Las Vegas affiliate as that signal became stronger at night.

It was all worth it to be able to hear the best announcer in baseball. Vin was so good I never took him for granted because when he wasn't calling a game I could cleary tell the difference even at a young age. Now I really cherish hearing Vinny. He brings class, tradition, excellence to our team! He is walking, talking and breathing Dodger history!

Unknown said...

snap.

Paul said...

Since MLB extra innings shuts down the Dodger feed because it is on my local bay area sports channel I have the game on but on mute and listening to Vinny on the radio. I don't care about the 5 second delay.

karen said...

@ Paul
What you said.

Congratulations Vinny!

Mr. LA Sports Czar said...

Wait, there's a baseball game going on? Why didn't I know about it?

Kyle Baker said...

Kid K with the pickoff!

Paul said...

Nice pick Clayton!

Now get to Zito!!! Don't let him settle down.

Paul said...

God I hope this good Zito is just a phase.

Kyle Baker said...

Maybe Zito will start the season good then suck later on, the opposite of what he usually does.

Paul said...

Hey a pitcher that can bunt!!

Josh S. said...

It seem like they're getting the bat on the ball. That's good,

Kyle Baker said...

When Kershaw drops that curveball in for a strike, it is truly a thing of beauty.

Josh S. said...

Nomar and Bloblo should have a tic-off.

Kyle Baker said...

Swung on and missed!

KKKK

Paul said...

Nice!!!

Kyle Baker said...

Braves walk off against Rox. Rox got hosed on a couple of calls, but...

...I'll take it!

Paul said...

The Giants channel has a poll question who is the best announcer of all time. Vinny is on the list at least.

Kyle Baker said...

Lakers led early by a lot, but now lead only by 8 at end of 3rd.

karen said...

Nice bunt Raffy

Kyle Baker said...

JHey with the walkoff single, BTW.

Kyle Baker said...

Wait, now KKKKKK

Halfway to Haegerville!

Steve Sax said...

Way to hold composure after a leadoff double, Minotaur!

0-0

Mr. LA Sports Czar said...

From what I've gathered from At Bat, I'd say Kershaw's doing a great job pitching out of trouble.

Kyle Baker said...

"Fly ball...it's playable" -Vin

Note to Steiner: Use this phrase.

Kyle Baker said...

@MLASF-

Hasn't really been all that much trouble, but when there has been a runner, the kid has been a rock.

Steve Sax said...

Haegerville was more like a halfway house yesterday.

As was our lineup.

Steve Sax said...

Many blue hats in the crowd today...

Josh S. said...

A pitcher's duel sure is nice after the last few slopfests.

Paul said...

No more successful ABs for Giants pitchers!

Paul said...

Nice! Clayton needs a quick inning.

Josh S. said...

Those hats look pretty good for a freebie. I'll get a better look when my nephews get home from the game.

Josh S. said...

I'm getting tired of Schierholtz.

I miss Fred Lewis.

Paul said...

6th inning....stay on target Clayton.

Josh S. said...

Oh, thanks Vin! Today is significant in Jackie history, making my avatar still relevant.

Josh S. said...

KKKKKKKK

Steve Sax said...

I have a bad feeling about this tightrope. We are not letting Zito pitch a lot of pitches.

Kyle Baker said...

I want to get this for for Kid K.

Kyle Baker said...

Yankees are playing Dodgers this season? Who knew?

Steve Sax said...

On the other hand, an eight-pitch inning from Kershaw makes for a great sixth inning. Still scoreless through 5.5

Kyle Baker said...

8 pitch 6th inning for K. Wow.

Paul said...

Morris Day is still touring. Funny.

Kyle Baker said...

Echo...echo...echo...

Josh S. said...

Dusty: Yep. They're coming to town to get us for all the Jeter jokes.

Steve Sax said...

Josh S, you're not taking free hats from your nephews! That's cold.

Paul said...

Nice AB Clayton.

Josh S. said...

This AB has three more pitches than Clayton's last inning.

Paul said...

Jeter is too classy to be vengeful

Steve Sax said...

Kershaw is showing the offense how to have a quality at bat

Unknown said...

Wow, 12 pitches...way to wear em down, Kersh.

Mr. LA Sports Czar said...

Jeter wants revenge?

(scurries into cave)

Josh S. said...

I'm not TAKING the hat, just looking at it.

(Then taking it.)

Paul said...

But if he was...he would be the best at it.

karen said...

Lakers win 87-79

Paul said...

Nice Furcal way to look like a leadoff hitter.

Mr. LA Sports Czar said...

100

Kyle Baker said...

Who is this Jeter guy you all keep referencing?

Paul said...

Dodgers are having quite a scoreless streak now.

Paul said...

Dusty,

You might know him as sweet baby Jesus.

Steve Sax said...

Furcal and Martin should have taken notes from Kershaw's at bat

Kyle Baker said...

Kershaw may have had one the better ABs all day for Dodgers.

Josh S. said...

Update: My nephews just called from the game. Their dad scored me a hat. I don't have to break their little hearts anymore.

Kyle Baker said...

Molina says, "What just happened?"

KKKKKKKKK

Josh S. said...

It's hard to strikeout Molina and Sandoval when their bellies extend to the other side of the plate.

Kyle Baker said...

Kershaw overthrowing it a bit now. Hang on, Kid, hang on!

Steve Sax said...

Did McCourt sell ad space on the top of the tents (near the bullpens)? Wow, I can't believe I missed that. Talk about desperation for money.

Shit, 1-0 giants

Kyle Baker said...

I posted that right before he gave up the HR. I guess he didn't have time to read it

Paul said...

How come something bad happens everytime the freak Nightmare on Elm Street adverstisement is up!!!!

Josh S. said...

Dammit. Uribe loves playing us. It always boosts his SLG%.

Kyle Baker said...

"They have a lot of fatties on their team. You can't tell 'em apart."

--Mrs. Dusty

Mr. LA Sports Czar said...

This should be the last inning for Clayton. Good outing, he certainly does not deserve a loss.

Josh S. said...

Sax: Yeah, and the tents look bigger too.

Paul said...

No advertising in the urinals yet!

Kyle Baker said...

K-Swiss ad on the tent to right field.

Kyle Baker said...

Speaking of old shoes I haven't bought since I was 8, I meant to give you props on your Zips reference the other day, Josh. Nice one!

Steve Sax said...

Come on Clay, one more out

Josh S. said...

The ad next to the normal billboard behind home plate (Azul tequila) is new, isn't it?

Steve Sax said...

Everybody stretch!

Especially you, Ethier Kemp and Blake

Josh S. said...

She's singing the 140 BPM version of GBA.

Steve Sax said...

Speediest GBA ever!

Steve Sax said...

Whoops, until that lame ending

Kyle Baker said...

Yes, the Azul tequila ad is new.

Also new is the Azul tequila stand on the reserve level, of which I partook during yesterday's clusterfuck. Nice little bue margarita.

Kyle Baker said...

Fastest GBA ever. Love it!

#jingoism

Kyle Baker said...

My god, we're all on the same page on GBA. Hilarious. I swear I hadn't refreshed before posting my comment.

Josh S. said...

Dusty: How much? 20 bucks?

Kyle Baker said...

^blue margarita

Kyle Baker said...

It was only 10 US I believe, Josh.

Josh S. said...

I couldn't tell if Nancy Bea was trying to keep up with er.

Kyle Baker said...

Nancy Bea has to go on DL (sparined index finger) after having to keep up with the GBA singer.

Josh S. said...

Get to the 'pen!

(Not ours! Not ours!)

Josh S. said...

Nice, Dre.

Mr. LA Sports Czar said...

Now can we cash him in?

Unknown said...

Yeah, Ethier! Go go go! Score a run! Don't let Kershaw get a L!

Kyle Baker said...

Help the Kid out, fellas. He deserves it!

Josh S. said...

Try and spot my nephews on TV. They're wearing blue hats.

Kyle Baker said...

Come on, Chinface!

Paul said...

I am starting to get a bad feeling about this.

Kyle Baker said...

Well god dammit. Come on guys, you know the curve ball is coming, just friggin smack it!

Mr. LA Sports Czar said...

That was craptacular.

Kyle Baker said...

Sonofabitch

Paul said...

Don't leave me red eyed and blue Dodgers.

Unknown said...

shit, if we lose today, I'm gonna hear it at school tomorrow. (I live in Giants territory.)

Kyle Baker said...

Wow...Kershaw back out there.

Kyle Baker said...

He has to eat up another inning since we don't have Russ Ortiz to throw out there any more.

Kyle Baker said...

Get this skinny lil beyotch out.

Kyle Baker said...

Fire up the bong, Weaver coming in!

Steve Sax said...

Poor Clayton...

Paul said...

Not sure why Torre even let him start that inning.

Unknown said...

@Paul...because our bullpen frickin sucks.

Josh S. said...

Dodgers 1 through 8, hang your heads in shame for not getting Clay a win after that.

Josh S. said...

Bullpain time.

Mr. LA Sports Czar said...

Let's at least try to get Kershaw off the hook for the loss.

Kyle Baker said...

I'm not afraid of Huff.

Paul said...

Remember when Sherill was fun to watch?

Kyle Baker said...

Per Dodgers website:

"LOS ANGELES -- Dodgers reliever Hong-Chih Kuo had what is expected to be his final Minor League rehab appearance Sunday, a perfect six-pitch inning for Class A Inland Empire.

Facing Modesto, Kuo pitched the seventh inning. He had one three-pitch strikeout, a flyout to center field and a lineout to right field.

If Kuo comes out of the appearance with no physical setbacks, he's expected to be on the Dodgers' flight to Cincinnati on Monday and activated for Tuesday's opener against the Reds."

Unknown said...

agh, sherrill.

Kyle Baker said...

Sherrill looked good yesterday. Let's see if he can pick up where he left off.

Josh S. said...

LOOK AT THE HITTER, GEORGE.

His delivery drives me nuts.

Unknown said...

3-0. crapcrapcrap

Mr. LA Sports Czar said...

Is Sherrill just going to alternate between good and shitty each outing?

Paul said...

Well that was a good comeback.

Unknown said...

Thank GOD.

Josh S. said...

WTF JOE?!

You can't pull this situational BS when your 'pen is stretched so thin.

Kyle Baker said...

Good thing Torre has such a deep, dependable pen to blow through so he can set up handedness matchups for each batter.

Kyle Baker said...

Let the shitfest begin.

Mr. LA Sports Czar said...

This cannot end well.

Unknown said...

just one more strike...

Mr. LA Sports Czar said...

This certainly is the time for DSB.

Kyle Baker said...

*whew*

We still in this.

Unknown said...

I can breathe again.

Steve Sax said...

Sweeeeeet. Now let's take the lead, bring in Brox, and call it a day

Mr. LA Sports Czar said...

One more ball...

Steve Sax said...

GA, howzabout a HR

Steve Sax said...

My God, do we even know it's Zito out there, andnot Timmah?

Mr. LA Sports Czar said...

GA WALK!!! MANNY UP!

Kyle Baker said...

Or a walk.

Paul said...

First pitch swinging Manny.

Kyle Baker said...

Come on, Manny! We won't play at home for 11 days...give us something to remember.

Kyle Baker said...

that pitch has been ball low the whole rest of the game.

Mr. LA Sports Czar said...

MANNY YOU MAGNIFICENT BASTARD!!!

Paul said...

Manny!!!!!

Kyle Baker said...

Eat shit Zito, you shit-eating shit eater!!!!

karen said...

Manny being Manny

Kyle Baker said...

I want to think that former Dodger fan pitcher just grooved one to Manny out of allegiance to the Blue.

Kyle Baker said...

Can we curtain call Romo after he exits?

Kyle Baker said...

Manny: Thank you for hearing my prayer at 3:32.

-Dusty

Wicks said...

Throw strikes Big Jon throw strikes!

Kyle Baker said...

Where'd everyone go?

Mr. LA Sports Czar said...

Now we don't have to see Brian Wilson's mug.

Steve Sax said...

Holy cow. I was out in the back with my kids!

Wow!!!!!

Wicks said...

Manny's HR sent them to the hills?

Steve Sax said...

Watching the dvr now....

Kyle Baker said...

One away.

Steve Sax said...

Geez, and manny didn't even swing on the first three pitches

Mr. LA Sports Czar said...

200

karen said...

That's one

Mr. LA Sports Czar said...

DAMMIT

Kyle Baker said...

Several in the crowd are noting rather astutely that the Giants do, in fact, suck.

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