Thursday, April 15, 2010

Game 9 Thread: April 15 vs. D'backs, 7p

Hiroki Kuroda (1-0, 0.00) vs. Dan Haren (1-1, 3.95).

Gameday

It's Jackie Robinson Night at Dodger Stadium.

  • MLB set to honor, remember Jackie (MLB.com)
  • basic info on Jackie Robinson, by his daughter Sharon Robinson (New York Times)
  • Newcombe recalls Robinson era (Tony Jackson, ESPNLosAngeles.com)
  • Via Inside the Dodgers: The Dixie Walker She Knew (New York Times)
  • Jackie Robinson, By The Numbers (True Blue LA)
  • From Women in Blue:
    "Every year it's a great feeling to wear his number 42," said Kemp. "I wear my pants up and do that feet-first sliding that he used to do back in the day - stealing all those bases and getting dirty...Wearing his number just shows how important it is what he did for baseball. To be on the Dodgers and knowing he wore the jersey that I wear is pretty special."
  • From a Dodgers press release:
    In celebration of Jackie Robinson Night, Tommy Davis, "Sweet" Lou Johnson, Tommy Lasorda, Hall of Famer Frank Robinson and former Los Angeles Laker and supporter of the Jackie Robinson Foundation Kareem Abdul-Jabbar will be introduced on the field, as will Jackie Robinson Team 42 Scholars.

    Special Advisor to the Chairman Don Newcombe, who was also a former teammate of Robinson, will throw out a ceremonial first pitch to Dodger center fielder Matt Kemp, and Newcombe and Abdul-Jabbar will address the crowd during pregame ceremonies. The National Anthem and God Bless America will be sung by R&B singer and songwriter Jeffrey Osbourne, who is best known for his hit song "On the Wings of Love."

    In addition, the entire Dodger team will wear number 42 in Jackie Robinson's honor. The Dodgers will also wear number 42 during Friday's game.

COMMENTS (from Sax): If last night exemplified how our pitching staff looks like a bunch of amateurs, then it's only fair to juxtapose Hiroki Kuroda as the team's porn star--he's the only guy we've got who will go deep, go hard, and go long. (Have fun translating that, Kenji Nimura!)

So Kuroda is the perfect guy to go up against Arizona ace Dan Haren, who has gone at least 6.2 IP in each of his two starts (you see, Dodger starters, it is possible), tallying 13 Ks on the year. Dodger manager Joe Torre will probably be limited to Jeff Weaver, the only non-starter to have not pitched last night (and even starter Charlie Haeger got in the game), so Kuroda going long would be a godsend, prior to our weekend series against the what-the-hell-are-they-doing-there division-leading Giants. And let's score more than seven runs again tonight, shall we?

316 comments:

1 – 200 of 316   Newer›   Newest»
Josh S. said...

O whacking day, o whacking day,
Our hallowed snake-skull cracking day.
We'll break their backs,
Gouge out their eyes,
Their evil hearts,
We'll pulverize.
O whacking day, o whacking day,
May God bestow His grace on thee.

Kyle Baker said...

#42-Furcal
#42-Kemp
#42-Ethier
#42-Ramirez
#42-Loney
#42-Blake
#42-Martin
#42-Carroll
#42-Kuroda

Josh S. said...

You've been waiting allllll day to do that, haven't you Dusty?

Kyle Baker said...

Yep - I already had it in my copy buffer.

Steve Sax said...

I hope we don't hit into 42 double plays tonight.

Josh S. said...

Or a 4-2 double play, for that matter!

Kyle Baker said...

I will drink 4+2 beers this evening whilst enjoying the game.

Kyle Baker said...

Robinson Cano (named for Jackie) just went Yard. Very appropriate.

Kyle Baker said...

Kareem's jersey

http://hitpix.com/59

MR.F said...

I really hate D-Bags.

NicJ said...

Going to the game tonight, hope it doesnt last till tomorrow.

NicJ said...

better change my avatar for Jackie day.

NicJ said...

Its A Jackie, that counts right?

MR.F said...

At least photoshop a "42" on her shirt.

Mr. LA Sports Czar said...

Put it somewhere respectable.

Mr. LA Sports Czar said...

Someone may have to check this, but I'm pretty certain the Dodgers are undefeated on Jackie Robinson Day since its inception in 2007.

DodgerBlue said...

Yesturday I interrupted my Modern Warfare 2 Playing time for watching Ortiz allow those runs at the end of the game.. Tonight as soon as kuroda leaves the game i will tune out. cause i have no faith whats so ever on the bullpen except for Johny B.

MR.F said...

Copy and paste from Memories of Kevin Malone:

"In 2009, the Dodgers started 35-17, and fans were elated. Yet, they sputtered down the stretch, going 31-28, which of course made fans panic. Result? NL West winners.

In 2008, the Dodgers started 27-28, but finished 17-8. Result? NL West winners.

In 2007, the Dodgers started 31-22, but ended 25-31. Result? 4th place in NL West.

So what's the point? There is no point, that's the point. Get the point?"

MR.F said...

lalalalalalalalallalalalalalalalalalalalalala

karen said...

It's Time For Dodger Baseball

Kyle Baker said...

I hope DARPA will be able to capture all the words Vin has said, put them in a databank, and run then thru some AI interface so that even after he's gone, the words are there enough to call each game for us. His voice during the pre-game ceremony was just beautiful; sooting sounds for a moving ceremony.

Paul said...

@Mr. F

That was completely pointless and I agree with all the points made.

Mr. LA Sports Czar said...

Habs beat Caps in OT.

Mr. LA Sports Czar said...

Hey, I know that guy.

Steve Sax said...

Kuroda escapes

MR.F said...

Lucky. His luck will probably run out in the 4th inning and R. Ortiz will come into the game and that'll be that.

Mr. LA Sports Czar said...

Two straight deep flies to center. Good sign.

Jason said...

Eff you Steiner. Your overly aggressive excitement about what is just a routine fly ball sets me up each time for disappointment.

MR.F said...

On pace to be no-hit. Fantastic.

MR.F said...

Sigh.

karen said...

Who won the centerfield gold glove again?

Josh S. said...

Why no Vin on the radio?

Fred's Brim said...

why do i watch these games when I know they will just make me mad? that's why i gave up golf

Unknown said...

crap, thank god he's out.

Unknown said...

grrr.

Fred's Brim said...

why is the infield up in the top of the second? so they can get an easy hit up the middle of course

MR.F said...

It starts.

NicJ said...

That dropped fly ball look terrible live. How did it look on tv?

Fred's Brim said...

hey lets play the infield in with 2 outs? why not? it's fun!

Fred's Brim said...

Nic, pretty bad from here too

Mr. LA Sports Czar said...

Well this isn't good.

MR.F said...

This is pathetic.

Fred's Brim said...

Jon Garland is up!

Fred's Brim said...

I hope JW Shaggy has a few innings in him tonight

Fred's Brim said...

Jon Garland would have had that

Mr. LA Sports Czar said...

I think we found the one former Dodger who doesn't burn us.

Kyle Baker said...

Who got comment #42?

Waiting in line at the Grilled Cheese Truck in Pasadena. Apparently I'm not missing much, unless frustration counts.

Josh S. said...

This is promising.

Mr. LA Sports Czar said...

Casey at the bat to bring hope to the Mudville 9.

Unknown said...

Well, this is slightly better.

Fred's Brim said...

@DB, plenty of frustration to be had. i'll absorb it for everybody tonight if it helps

James Loney keeps it going with a long single putting Manny to third, Beardless up.

Josh S. said...

Dusty, did you learn nothing from my food truck fiasco?

Fred's Brim said...

Lucky Loney sneaks down to second on a not-that-wild pitch

Fred's Brim said...

and Casey on the weak check swing K

Unknown said...

Mighty Casey has struck out.

Unknown said...

Carroll's finest hour...

Mr. LA Sports Czar said...

So far this inning has been anticlimactic.

Unknown said...

crap. Uh...let's do this, Kuroda.

Josh S. said...

Time for some wide-eyed wonder.

Fred's Brim said...

and Russ with a worse strikeout. Ackbar up with 2 outs intentionally walked, about to make us swear about how we can't execute like major league ballplayers

Unknown said...

At least he's making contact.

Fred's Brim said...

splitter anyone? you know it's coming Hiro

Unknown said...

How 'bout another one of those wild pitches, Haren?

Unknown said...

argmph

Fred's Brim said...

this is fun

Mr. LA Sports Czar said...

Boy we suck.

Mr. LA Sports Czar said...

I'm switching to hockey.

MR.F said...

0 runs! Yay! We suck!

Josh S. said...

Did I say promising? I really should know better.

Kyle Baker said...

@ Josh

Siddhartha-like, I had to see for myself what a useless clusterfuck this cheese truck endeavor is. Next time I will just straight up take your sage advice.

This better be the best god damned ever lovin hunk of melted cheese and sliced bread that I've ever eaten.

Kyle Baker said...

Thx for absorbing, FB. We were there for you last night after you headed for the bottle.

NicJ said...

*at game report*

#42 on the Dodgers sucks tonight.

Mr. LA Sports Czar said...

KINGS!!!

Kyle Baker said...

@ Nic J

that insight will probably be Re-packaged as LA Times' lead sports story tomorrow. Top right...

Fred's Brim said...

DB, they are a 4-pitch walk or GIDP away from sending me back to the bottle tonight

NicJ said...

Man, even the kings are outscoring the dodgers tonight.

NicJ said...

Looks like Dre re-tweaked his ankle.

NicJ said...

On the bright Side if the dodgers score ten runs tonights I get a free order of buffalo wings at claim jumpers.

So there's that.

Mr. LA Sports Czar said...

Did Kuroda pull a Wolf and become nails after the early going?

Also, fucking Canucks.

Kyle Baker said...

The downbside is that you have to go to Claim Jumper to claim your tasty prize.

Jason said...

Again, eff you Steiner and your excitement for balls that won't leave the park. But I'll take the double.

Fred's Brim said...

this is going to be a long, short night

Fred's Brim said...

Casey, can you go back in time and do that when you had guys on?

Mr. LA Sports Czar said...

Fuck the Canucks.

Josh S. said...

I miss the MSB coupons.

rbnlaw said...

@MLASF: What the fuck's a Cannuck?

Prediction: R. Ortiz, #42, will come in and make exactly 42 pitches. . .in one inning.

Call me Carnak.

Fred's Brim said...

I don't like it when Vin says "D-backs." It sounds funny coming from him

Paul said...

Kuroda cam you get a hit already?

Fred's Brim said...

nice work, Carol. At the very least we've cleared the pitcher

Fred's Brim said...

damn that was nearly two runs

Steve Sax said...

Who are these old guys on the orchard supply ads?

Paul said...

Shit well I guess you pitching a solid game behind a shitty defense and a crappy offense when RISP.

Paul said...

Is all I can ask Kuroda. Oh wait I hope it is a solid game.

Fred's Brim said...

shite
that's what we nearly had last inning

MR.F said...

Why couldn't our pitcher hit a double?

Steve Sax said...

3-0 az

Unknown said...

Chance of winning... 13% on fangraphs

MR.F said...

I'm not here.

This isn't happening.

Mr. LA Sports Czar said...

100?

Paul said...

I am not watching right now. Is it even worse than I can imagine?

Unknown said...

Dammit, Kemp.

Mr. LA Sports Czar said...

This just isn't going well.

Paul said...

This thread's pulse has flatlined. See what you did Dodgers!

Fred's Brim said...

way to stay with that one

Nostradamus said...

Anything interesting going on in here?

Oh.

Never mind.

Paul said...

Is Manny ignoring the media? I haven't been reading my local news. If it is still there.

Fred's Brim said...

Manny drawing walks - i like it!

Paul said...

Okay they need to score!!!

Paul said...

Oh and the sun is hot!!!

Fred's Brim said...

Loney with the single. Once again we have 1st and third, nobody out.

how will we bung this one?

Unknown said...

If they don't score with runners on first and third with no outs for a second time, I'm gonna be pissed off.

Unknown said...

And the Dodgers are on the scoreboard...

Fred's Brim said...

ack! what kind of rotten luck is that? this has got to change at some point

Fred's Brim said...

I guess that may have been a DP if it goes though cleanly. Bless our fine fortunes!

Fred's Brim said...

No Weave yet, please. Let Hiro go another inning

Fred's Brim said...

oof that was a worthless swing, Russ

Fred's Brim said...

2 down, Loney on third, Carrol up, GA on deck if they walk him

Unknown said...

fark, Carroll.

Mr. LA Sports Czar said...

This is frustratingly terrible.

Fred's Brim said...

Carrol doesnt give them the chance and flies out to right. Hiro or Weaver to start the 8th?

Fred's Brim said...

Raffy what is wrong with you?

Fred's Brim said...

nice inning, Hiro!

Unknown said...

At least we have one good pitcher who doesn't snap after giving up a few runs.

Paul said...

On the wings of luuuuv!!

Gotta love Jeffery " Ozzie" Osborne.

Fred's Brim said...

it's nice to know that Aaron Heilman is in the NL West

Fred's Brim said...

ooh yes here we go!

Fred's Brim said...

Matty ties it up!!
I love you Aaron Heilman!

Josh S. said...

BISONIC BOOOOOOM!!!!

Paul said...

Kemp!!!! You have your fans in a cycle of violence so to speak. Probably a bad analogy.

Fred's Brim said...

wow it looked like Dre got that one

Fred's Brim said...

Manny draws another walk to give FJL a chance

Josh S. said...

I don't think I can take another extra inning game.

Fred's Brim said...

Loney aiming for the left-fielder's nuts on that one

Fred's Brim said...

cmon, Jeff, keep it even here

Josh S. said...

Just found out I might be at Sunday's game.

Free Hat.

Fred's Brim said...

sweet jesus that was a bomb

4-3 bad guys

Josh S. said...

I've run out of palms to put over my face.

Unknown said...

last year we had a really good pen...what happened?

Fred's Brim said...

Don't Stop Relievin!

Josh S. said...

Brilliant, FB.

Fred's Brim said...

Thank you, that's high praise coming from you, Josh

Mr. LA Sports Czar said...

This whole game has been one big muffin basket of crap.

Except for Kemp's homer. That was a sweet swing.

Fred's Brim said...

swing swing swing!
take a pitch

Kyle Baker said...

I'm realizing how good we had it last year, back when we had a good pen.

Fred's Brim said...

Martin gets on with a dunker

Fred's Brim said...

GA up now

Unknown said...

I sense a double by GA here to drive in Martin.

Kyle Baker said...

@FB @ 8:27

I don't like it when Vin says "Twitter." It's just too much of a generation gap to hear coming from him.

Fred's Brim said...

dammitalltohell!
upton with a gteat catch to go with his homer

Unknown said...

damn.

Paul said...

Damn it!!! If he wouldn't have shown everyone he caught it he might have picked Martin.

Unknown said...

Dehittless.

Steve Sax said...

Justin Upton just killed us in both halves of the eighth. And I'm stuck with a Luke Wilson commercial.

Paul said...

Do the Dodgers play the Yankees this year?

You want to see the Yankees well it is gonna cost ya. Your going to have to watch the Dodgers another 6 times.

Kyle Baker said...

So far the only positives I can take from this game:

1) Vin, obviously
2) Bison mode
3) Unis work the way they should be
4) #42

Fred's Brim said...

gotta keep it a 1-run game

Kyle Baker said...

I've got an EK-style puzzle for you all:

F
U
C
K

Y
O
U

L
U
K
E

W
I
L
S
O
N

Unknown said...

George = our white flag of surrender

Fred's Brim said...

DB, I think Kuroda was decent tonight. Not great, too many hits, but no walks and no help from the defense

Mr. LA Sports Czar said...

It's taking all my concentration not to punch a hole in the wall over the Kings' loss.

Unknown said...

oh sherrill, oh sherrill...

Paul said...

This has been the longest April and it is only half way over.

Fred's Brim said...

i think Luke lives in the test market for the Double Down

Steve Sax said...

I know the Snakes are threatening again on Sherrill with one out in the ninth.

But I have to mention that I went out and bought a memory card reader from Best Buy so I can load my Opening Day pix up tomorrow!

Fred's Brim said...

i agree, Paul.

It a Twainian sense, it's been the longest April I can remember, but we're still in March

Unknown said...

WHAT IS WITH OUR DEFENSE THIS SEASON?

Bangs head on keyboard*

Kyle Baker said...

Thx, FB. My view was skewed of Kuroda b/c I saw the beginning when he was shaky.

I'm also skwed after eating about 3 pounds of tater tots with cheese.

Fred's Brim said...

what the eff

we are sooo sloppy, all the way around. it's inexcusable. are we an AL Central team all of a sudden?

Kyle Baker said...

@ Sax

Man, you never got that internal card reader working? Sucks.

Looking forward to seeing your pics along with some witty captions.

Kyle Baker said...

I would say I could understand that we're a little sloppy after the long game/late night last night.

However, so were the Dbags and it hasn't affected them.

Fred's Brim said...

@DB

"3 pounds of tater tots with cheese"

The Luke Wilson?

Kyle Baker said...

Maybe it's time to try something new and bend the brim.

Josh S. said...

NO MORE-TIZ!

Fred's Brim said...

what a goddamn mess we are, not unlike 3 pounds of tater tots with cheese

Mr. LA Sports Czar said...

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Steve Sax said...

Yay, the Giants will be guaranteed the lead even after the weekend series

Steve Sax said...

at least, we can't overtake them

Josh S. said...

So, any bets on which will be the first series we win this season?

Mr. LA Sports Czar said...

You can vaguely make out the facepalm.

Steve Sax said...

mr la sf, i don't see it, what is that image?

Josh S. said...

It's the Picard ASCII facepalm, no?

Kyle Baker said...

No, that's the Broxton. The Luke Wilson has bacon bits.

Mr. LA Sports Czar said...

Josh - Righto, though Blogger is not conducive to the magic of Patrick Stewart's dejected disposition.

Fred's Brim said...

hehe nice, MLASF

what's that best viewed in? it almsot works in notepad

MR.F said...

UGH.

Kyle Baker said...

Damn it, is this another puzzle that's going to drive me crazy?

Fred's Brim said...

Mary Hart has given up

Josh S. said...

-DL Sherrill
-DFA Ortizes
-Reactivate Kuo and Belly
-Bring up Elbert

That pen can't POSSIBLY be worse than what's there now.

Josh S. said...

The facepalm works in the post view.

Fred's Brim said...

ahh it works well in Word

Mr. LA Sports Czar said...

You know you suck when Ramon Ortiz cleans up your mess.

The DFA O'meter is now pointing towards Russ.

Josh S. said...

200

Paul said...

Ethier can still win it.

Fred's Brim said...

ahh there it is - doesn't work so well in the Comments view

Mr. LA Sports Czar said...

Top of the lineup. Let's get some magic.

Fred's Brim said...

please don't swing at ball 4, Raffy

Steve Sax said...

stop teasing me, dodgers

Mr. LA Sports Czar said...

Furcal takes second on wild pitch.

Unknown said...

Would it be too much to ask Kemp for another homerun to make up for his shoddy defense this season?

Unknown said...

wild pitch, hell yes

I don't have much else to cheer for right now.

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