Thursday, April 08, 2010

Game 3 Thread: April 8 @ Pirates, 9.35a

Chad Billingsley vs. Pat Maholm.

COMMENTS: Okay, no more stupid post-it notes from yours truly. This time, I'm taking the reins from SoSG Orel, and writing the GameThread myself (and changing our +2 hours convention a bit), in an effort to break the Dodgers' winless spiral from descending further into the abyss.

They're going to blame Blake DeWitt's 10th-inning error for the Pirates' victory yesterday, but it seems to me that going 2-for-15 with RISP and 12 LOB doesn't help much. Stranding Jamey Carroll on third with none out in the top of the ninth is inexcusable, but it's a group effort: James Loney, 0-for-2010, needs to be freed soon (though he made a sweet unassisted double play in the seventh); Rafael Furcal is batting .143 in the leadoff slot; and Manny Ramirez is the only regular with a batting average north of .300 after two games, it was his grounder to second that proved the final nail in our non-scoring ninth.

And then there's that Ortiz character--no, not the one you'd expect, who has three innings of no-run ball under his sizable belt to date--but Ramon Ortiz, who couldn't find the strike zone in the tenth to walk two more (following the DeWitt DeBacle) and fail to get past the first out in the bottom of the tenth.

At least we can avoid all the great expectations of making it through the season without losing a series. It's done, and we're only two games into the season! Let's just finish this game early and get the hell out of Pittsburgh--hopefully, with a win. (This would be a perfect time to begin showing Bill Plaschke what an ace you are, Your Royal Thighness.) Anyway, I'd rather be fishing in Florida this weekend.

illustration of pirates with plunder, from Howard Pyle's Book of Pirates, via wikipedia

158 comments:

Mr. LA Sports Czar said...

Furcal SS
Johnson LF
Kemp CF
Loney 1B
Belliard 3B
Anderson RF
Carroll 2B
Ausmus C
Billingsley P

Third game and half our lineup is on the bench? That can't be good.

NicJ said...

Bills must be thrilled he is getting the B lineup.

MeanieBreanie said...

It's a new day. Let's hope the third time is the charm.

Loney Fan said...

I talked to James. He said he didn't realize that the regular season had started but now that he knows, we can expect big things.

Fred's Brim said...

I hope we win today - i really want to change my name back. I am feeling very tight right now, almost puckered

Buzz Killington said...

All these weird names are giving me flashbacks to the days of garbage pail kids or according to wikipedia "La Padilla Basura".

Josh S. said...

Because logic is totally out the window, this lineup wins 16-3.

MR.F said...

I am SOO tired.

Steve Sax said...

The name changes are freaking me out. We had better win today so you all can revert (plus, the "most comments (last 500)" widget is working overtime)

Josh S. said...

"The name changes are freaking me out."

Whatever you say, Julie.

Orel said...

Gameday

Buzz Killington said...

Good luck gentleman. Stay sober and realistic.

Josh S. said...

A 9:30 game and a 10am iPhone OS4 event means I'm not frying any work done until 1 at the earliest.

Josh S. said...

Getting

Josh S. said...

Clearly, I'm hoping for a better auto-correct to be announced at the iPhone event.

MR.F said...

That could have made sense if you were a cook, Mr. Situational. At first I thought that was some cool kid slang.

MR.F said...

Anyway, I'll be right back. I gotta fry some work of my own.

Buzz Killington said...

Mmmmmmmm fried work.

Kyle Baker said...

Arrrrrrrrrrr.....

rbnlaw said...

Buck Nekkid reporting for early morning hangover game thread duty.

rbnlaw said...

A hit with a RISP?
Loney is free!

Josh S. said...

L
o
n
e
y
!

Betsy said...

just when i was loosing faith in Loney :)

Loney Fan said...

Loney just texted me and said "that's just the beginning"

Buzz Killington said...

Good start.

Furcal sucks.

rbnlaw said...

1-2-3? Hmmm.
Something's different.

Josh S. said...

Well played, MLB. You intentionally delay the audio on the At Bat app, forcing me to pony up an additional 20 bucks for the desktop version of Gameday Audio. And surprise! No delay on the desktop version!

Steve Sax said...

Ladies and gentlemen, James Loney is ON THE BOARD with a RBI single

Steve Sax said...

Also, how cool is it that one of the radio feeds for MLB At Bat 2010 (iPhone app) is the LA Dodgers' spanish station?! Nice move, MLB.com.

Josh S. said...

Ausome!

Steve Sax said...

Josh S, now I see what you're saying on the audio delay for the iPhone. Wow, that is REALLY late.

Josh S. said...

Gameday has Billingsley's pic for Maholm.

Steve Sax said...

Shit, Chad, you had a 3-2 count and you couldn't score Ausmus?

You're not an ace.

Just kidding!

Josh S. said...

Sorry, desktop At Bat, not Gameday. They are two different things.

Josh S. said...

@Sax: Yeah, and I can't figure it out. It can't be a buffering problem. The feed starts up right away, but is at least 2-3 minutes behind the action.

Betsy said...

Blackout restrictions suck - i had to open a seperate window to listen and open another window to see the at bat *SIGH* technology is supposed to make things more efficient

Buzz Killington said...

Another run!

Furcal is okay.

Kyle Baker said...

How did we get the 2nd run?

In an all-day mtg so hard to follow w/out getting fired or ostracized.

Orel said...

Furcal GR double
Johnson sac bunt
Bison sac fly

Josh S. said...

Multitasking!
Pandora in the background!

And now a double play!

Today is awesome!

Kyle Baker said...

Cheers, Orel.

Kyle Baker said...

Note how I utilize this space for updates over taking the time to open GameDay. Rather hear it here first.

MR.F said...

I already changed my name. I don't think I'll bother changing it again.

Josh S. said...

Jamey Hustle!

MR.F said...

A walk?! A real Ace would have gotten an RBI in that situation.

Buzz Killington said...

We need more runs!

Furcal sucks again.

DodgerBlue said...

you guys think dewitt lost his job?

Josh S. said...

A man with thighs that big should not be walking tightropes.

MR.F said...

What did DeWitt do that could have made him lose his job after 2 games?

Steve Sax said...

Come on, Chad--pull through

Steve Sax said...

CHAD BILLINGSLEY IS OUR ACE!

Way to pull it out, Chadley

Orel said...

Chad strikes out the side! While also walking two and giving up a single.

Josh S. said...

Breaking news: Dodger starter gets out of jam.

Steve Sax said...

(that's what she said)

DodgerBlue said...

What hasn't he done to lose his job?

Nostradamus said...

Bullet dodged.

Josh S. said...

Breaking news: Giants infielder eats all the jam.

Steve Sax said...

Come on, Kempy--go yard now

MR.F said...

Seriously. Did DeWitt make a boneheaded play on defense? A baserunning mistake? I haven't watched the games so I don't know if he has.

He seems to be doing alright on offense. More hits than Furcal and Loney combined entering today. Drawn 2 walks. What's the problem?

Steve Sax said...

Oh Kempy, a called strikeout with RISP? Boo.

Steve Sax said...

Come on Loney, GET FREED

MR.F said...

Not to mention that there have been all of TWO games played so far.

Delino DeShields, Sr said...

Where is my blake? Compton colons need runs

Alex Cora said...

BELLY!!!

Alex Cora said...

UP!!!!

Neeebs (The Original) said...

Belly Mode.

Steve Sax said...

Shit, Loney, are you done with output for the day? Ground out softly to Maholm. BOOOO

Josh S. said...

Belly Yard?

WOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!

Steve Sax said...

Reed Johnson, about to be stranded like Matthew Fox

Steve Sax said...

I stand corrected! BELLIARD RBI

Nostradamus said...

@Delino

"Compton colons need runs"

Unfortunate phrasing.

Steve Sax said...

The great part about the iPhone delay is that you can anticipate Carley Steiner's home run call.

Belliard's HR: CHARLEY HAD NO IDEA IT HAD DISTANCE. He sounded about as surprised as anyone that it went yard.

Alex Cora said...

So for all of those with the iphone app, did anyone buy the TOTAL package that gets all of the games on video? Am I mistaken, but last year didn't we get all the games for free?

Neeebs (The Original) said...

Let's see what this pitching staff and bullpen are made of.

DodgerBlue said...

I like dewitt myself.
Seriously I'm thinking the way you are. But 2 errors in 2 games. and now Belliard with a hr. Don't you think that Torre is going to rethink who's the 2nd base starter?

Steve Sax said...

@Mr. F, 10:59a: DeWitt miscue in the 10th yesterday (fielding error, compounded by a weak and off-line throw to first) caused the Dodgers to lose the game

Steve Sax said...

that was DeWitt's first error of the year--at a new position--but it still hurt

MR.F said...

No. Not after 2 games. He's a project and Torre knows that.

MR.F said...

Thanks Sax. Figured I was missing something.

Kyle Baker said...

Lot of pressure on young DeWitt. I'm behind him. Give him a good chance before judgment.

Steve Sax said...

Come on Chad, 1-2-3 inning...wait, leadoff single for Bobby Crosby. Hmm.

Josh S. said...

Maholm is a lefty. That could be the reason for DeWitt sitting too.

It won't kill him to take a day off and think about the errors.

DodgerBlue said...

Im hoping you're right. I really want to see DeWitt be the keep his position.

Alex Cora said...

Anyone going to the All star festivities at Angels stadium?

Unknown said...

sorry i'm late, what have i missed. looking for a stream right now to watch it at work....

Neeebs (The Original) said...

Maybe this should be our everyday lineup. What do you think?

Buzz Killington said...

Clutch two out hitting???? Happy happy joy joy!

Neeebs (The Original) said...

Belly with the glove.

Neeebs (The Original) said...

Echo.

Neeebs (The Original) said...

Mr. Buzz: Loving your new Avatar.

Steve Sax said...

Belliard with a sweet play to get the second out of the inning, nailing the lead runner at second.

Two out in the fifth, man on first

Buzz Killington said...

When is Dodger Stadium getting another all-star game? Do they have to put splash mountain out in the outfield as well?

DodgerBlue said...

My day just turned to shit....my favorite mexican soccer player got transfered to Man U....
FUCK.

Alex Cora said...

Sweet job bills - nice K.

rbnlaw said...

This game seems to be going well. If we keep it up, we'll be as good as the Angels.

Josh S. said...

It's official! Bring on the rain!

Buzz Killington said...

Thanks Mr. Nnn!

Wait I am feeling positive that is odd.

NicJ said...

Let's go rain, let's go!

Steve Sax said...

Five innings for Bills, 103 pitches, 4 BB, 7Ks, 0 R. Not a bad line for the Bills, even if not the most efficient

Steve Sax said...

Wow, they let Bills bat. Guess he's coming back for the sixth!

rbnlaw said...

This seems strangely good so far.

Steve Sax said...

Delwyn Young one-out double for the Bucs, of course. Leave it to PeeWee to come back and haunt us

rbnlaw said...

Shaggy's in again?

QuadSevens said...

Just turned on the game here. Happy to hear that we are leading. And loving all the name changes too!

Steve Sax said...

Dream Weaver already called. Man, that was a quick hook for the Bills.

Still, a good albeit short (5.1 IP) outing for Chad. I'll take it.

Alex Cora said...

2 ex dodgers beating us. ugh.

Neeebs (The Original) said...

Repko Mode.

Josh S. said...

Whoa Matty, let's not hurt ourselves and others trying to beat the freakin' Pirates.

Nostradamus said...

Get that man a scooby snack, stat.

Alex Cora said...

Hey hey fooky with a hit!!! I dont believe my eyes - a leadoff runner!

Nostradamus said...

Let's get greedy and tack on some runs here.

Josh S. said...

I'm still trying to figure out Buzz Killington's true identity.

rbnlaw said...

Where the hell was this Pirate team? We've been playing the 1977 version for the past 6 games.

Josh S. said...

Goddammit, Reed.

Alex Cora said...

Kemp blistered that ball.

rbnlaw said...

Situational hitting?
Lousy sliding.

MR.F said...

BISON!!!

Alex Cora said...

FJL!!!

DodgerBlue said...

YEY! Loney RBI! 6-1 :).

Neeebs (The Original) said...

Welcome back Mr. Loney.

rbnlaw said...

Where the hell has this Dodger team been?
We've been trotting out the 2005 team for the last 6 games.

Josh S. said...

Ah, this feels sooooooo much better. (Johnson's blunder aside.)

MR.F said...

LIBRE!

Alex Cora said...

Hmmm I like this bench mob.

Wicks said...

Reed Johnson was a great pick up, I know people were boohooing our FA's this year but this guy is a solid role player.

Buzz Killington said...

I am trying to figure out my identity I might have been Buzz all along. This truly an identity crisis.

Furcal is okay again.

Neeebs (The Original) said...

Belly Mode with the triple.

QuadSevens said...

Belly with a triple and RBI!

Alex Cora said...

Holy crap Belly crushed that one too!

rbnlaw said...

Belli, Belli, Belli.

Alex Cora said...

Belly almost pulled a Panda around second base.

Josh S. said...

I'm a B-Team Believer!

rbnlaw said...

I agree with Wicks. Overall, our bench might be the deciding factor in this season's race.

Alex Cora said...

WOOHOO!!! GA with a RBI. Keep this bench in!!!

MR.F said...

Wow. Good thing I didn't go through with the Seppuku threat yesterday.

rbnlaw said...

GA. Another solid pick-up. Maybe Colletti isn't totally useless.

DodgerBlue said...

YEAH!!!!
GO Anderson...6 straight hits..

MR.F said...

This H. Penn guy isn't doing so hot.

Buzz Killington said...

Belly is hungry for more hits!!!!

Of course this is typical feast or famine Dodgers.

Neeebs (The Original) said...

Me likey the QuadMode

Buzz Killington said...

Now I am feeling really positive.

My sobriety powers are fleeting.

Josh S. said...

Did DeWitt just use the Force to help keep his job?

Alex Cora said...

Hmm, Manny pinch hitting?

Neeebs (The Original) said...

Wouldn't it be ironic if Ryan Church was Jewish?

Alex Cora said...

or if he was the devil.

Neeebs (The Original) said...

He can't be the devil, because Frank McCourt currently holds that title.

MR.F said...

Another hit for Kemp.

rbnlaw said...

Belli playing Dr. Jekyll/Mr. Hyde.

rbnlaw said...

10 runs! Free wings at Hooters!

Oh wait. . .

rbnlaw said...

Mr. Hyde out at the plate. I think they want out of the Burgh.
Be sure to stop at the Varsity for the chili fries.

Josh S. said...

Now, I don't want Joe to go nuts and think this should be his everyday lineup. I'm just glad we have some decent interchangeable pieces.

Alex Cora said...

Yeah!!! Winning streak of one!!

karen said...

The Pirates finally live up to their potential.

Josh S. said...

A win!

rbnlaw said...

Off the schnide. Name change sticks until something bad happens.

Josh S. said...

There may be something to the Eric Collins curse.

-Lost the first two games he called in 2009 and won the third.

-Lost the first two games he called in 2010 and won the third.

Buzz Killington said...

This is why we should have Tom Collins call the games.

Nostradamus said...

No emotional roller-coaster here!