Friday, May 07, 2010

Game 29 Thread: May 7 vs. Rockies, 7p

Hiroki Kuroda (3-1, 2.08) vs. Esmil Rogers, RHP (0-1, 5.63).

Gameday

COMMENTS: Dre's heroics capped off a dominant 3-game sweep of the Brewers (more on this later), meaning the Dodgers are riding a 6-game winning streak heading into their next series. Woo hoo!

Yes, I realize in-the-box conventional thinking says the Dodgers dropped 2 of 3 to Milwaukee. But if you take a moment to do the math, it's pretty clear it was a sweep. Let me walk you through it:

  • Last weekend, the Dodgers took three in a row against the mighty Pirates, outscoring them by 14 runs, 20-6 (let's ignore the first game of that series, as well as my use of the word "mighty").
  • One week before that, those same Pirates dropped three in a row to the Brewers, getting outscored by 35 runs, 36-1.
  • So clearly, in the Dodgers' just-concluded Brewers series, they should have been outscored by 35 - 14 = 21 runs. But in reality the Dodgers were only outscored by 9 runs.
  • Ergo, over the 3 games, the Dodgers effectively outscored the Brewers by 21 - 9 = 12 runs! In other words, the Dodgers outscored the Brewers by a not-even-close 4 runs per game - a 3-game sweep!!

The numbers don't lie, folks.

But as invincible as the Dodgers may seem, I'd suggest heeding PaRappa the Rapper's wise words at 0:36 as we head into this weekend's series:

146 comments:

Josh S. said...

Dodgers 70% favorites? More like Wildguessuscore.

Kyle Baker said...

Where do they get the data elements? Tommy Lasorda?

Josh S. said...

No, then we'd be 110% favorites.

MR.F said...

Hopefully Frank's in-court victory of $600k/month of spousal support will inspire his team to an on-field victory tonight.

MR.F said...

What you say? Giving your ex $600k/month in spousal support can't be spun as a victory no matter who you are? Drats...

Jason said...

Ooohhh, I can throw out some stats about Esmil Rogers to partially support the Accuscore 70% mark (which, admittedly, seems a tad high).

In his one start he faced the Giants and threw 92 pitches in 4 innings (21 batters faced). He only induced 2 swing and miss strikes. This against a team that swings and misses on 15% of all pitches. The Giants fouled off 37 pitches over those 4 innings (and looked at 18 called strikes).

In other words, swing away!

What worries me: Rogers is a high velocity guy (averages mid-90s with his fastball) and power pitcher. The Dodgers are hitting a whopping .202 (.656 OPS) against that type of pitcher. Reed Johnson, Belliard and Martin are especially vulnerable (and Garret Anderson has a -47 OPS+, yes negative). Lineup I'd write out:
LF Paul
CF Kemp
RF Ethier
3B Blake
1B Loney
SS Carroll (shudder)
C Ellis (yup)
2B DeWitt (slightly better than Belly)
P Kuroda

Kyle Baker said...

Paul
Kemp
Ethier
Loney
Blake
Martin
DeWitt
Carroll
Kuroda

Kyle Baker said...

[Via Dodger Thoughts]

Jason said...

I stand by my sit-Martin-this-game idea. At least until he goes 3 for 4 with 2 doubles.

Steve Sax said...

I think Martin needs a break, too

Steve Sax said...

EK, I was a big fan of PaRappa the Rapper but I don't think I ever realized what a predecessor it was for Rock Band, until now. Interesting.

Steve Sax said...

I even have a red knit hat with a frog on it, which I've worn in cold climes (as well as skiing)!

Nostradamus said...

So very close to adult beverage time.

Steve Sax said...

You're late, Mr C!

Kyle Baker said...

You're at least 3 hours late, MrC!

Nostradamus said...

Actually, I had a pint at lunch, but I like setting easily achievable goals for myself. It's cheaper than therapy.

Orel said...

New post up on main page, of particular interest to Star Wars geeks, i.e., Josh S.

Unknown said...

Yesterday, the Billy Goat Tavern. Today, waiting on a delayed flight at O'Hare. Looks like it's Yahoo for game info again.

Kyle Baker said...

Jamie Moyer CGS. Wow.

Kyle Baker said...

@Mr. C-

A pint at lunch or for lunch?

Josh S. said...

Who? Me? I'm strictly a Howard the Duck man.

karina said...

Just for luck, before i take care of an "accident" in my room:

1) Dear Carlos Gonzalez: don't break my heart, you're one of my favorite players, i'll always root for you, but try to be a "regular player" when you play the Dodgers, this team needs the wins.

2)Steve Sax: would you join me at wearing old Dodgers shirts?.It worked las night!

3)@Josh S i thought you were more of a Labyrinth or Willow kind of guy.

4)what kind of loser is a Star Wars geek?

Kyle Baker said...

For the record, I'm wearing the same Nats give-away tee that I had on for last night's victory.

Kyle Baker said...

Ely down, Weaver in.

What the fuck. DFA RaOrtiz. Or GA. Or send Green back down.

Kyle Baker said...

E walkoff retrospective now on pre-game.

Kyle Baker said...

It's a little strange hearing "...We will rock you..." as the background as Vin tries to start us off.

Kyle Baker said...

Great start.

And I'm not being sarcastic!

Kyle Baker said...

Only 11 pitches for Kuroda in the 1st.

Kyle Baker said...

Leadoff walk for X!

Kyle Baker said...

Am I in the wrong thread?

Kyle Baker said...

Kemp struggling...not playing into the narrative but he seems distracted.

Kyle Baker said...

E almost got all of that one. His swing is just freaking GROOVED.

Kyle Baker said...

Come on, JLo - get a bday present for yourself.

Kyle Baker said...

Didn't take advantage of the leadoff walk and subsequent steal.

We'll get 'em, though.

Kyle Baker said...

Dodger killah up.

Kyle Baker said...

Let's go Kuroda - dump this Cargo.

Kyle Baker said...

Speaking of Dodger killahs, at least Hawpe is out.

Kyle Baker said...

AP's Beth Harris reports:

"No #FrankMcCourt in owner's box at #Dodgers; @tommylasoda keeping lonely vigil."

Kyle Baker said...

^ I know the feeling!

Jason said...

DB - I'm here but on my phone. Loved Vin's description of the right field scoreboard being in a "spotloght" as deserved by FJL's stats.

Kyle Baker said...

One down but man on 3rd.

Kyle Baker said...

@Jason

His description was spot on. Now I wish I would have jogged over to the Yard. But my sofa is nice, too, with the patio door open.

Kyle Baker said...

Down 1-0 already. Nice Ethier catch but he couldn't nail therunner at the plate.

karen said...

Great catch by Andre

Kyle Baker said...

That bat had eyes...kept Chinface from making the play.

Kyle Baker said...

well shit. as good as kuroda looked in the first, he has looked the opposite in the second. bottom of lineup doing the Rox damage.

Jason said...

@DB - When I think of a bat with eyes, I automatically associate it with Carroll.

And way to atone with a double Casey.

Unknown said...

Ok, all we need is a productive out here.

Kyle Baker said...

That's exactly what I was thinking re Carroll after I said that.

Or, typed that. I don't read my posts aloud to myself.

Kyle Baker said...

Gnats lost tonight.

Unknown said...

sigh.

Kyle Baker said...

Ok, Batface, get Chinface in.

Kyle Baker said...

^ Yep

Jason said...

Wide Eyes!

Kyle Baker said...

1-1. That's a tie!

Unknown said...

Carroll's average is up to .283. From a glance, he doesn't look so terrible anymore

Steve Sax said...

1-1, let's go Hiro

Steve Sax said...

Giants lost, Padres won

Kyle Baker said...

Blue screen of death for X. Looked foolish. Shake it off, man!

Kyle Baker said...

Come on, Kemp. You gotta be able to hit Mr. Rogers.

Kyle Baker said...

So every Saturday that I go to the game (obviously when we are in town), I stand a big chance of having to see Haeger pitch? No cut on Haeger, but is a strange way to spend my summer, watching our 5th starter.

Unknown said...

Uh...that'll work, Kemp.

Kyle Baker said...

Kemp stole a base! A good throw would have gotten him. *bites nails*

Unknown said...

Ok good, he didn't get caught stealing that time.

Kyle Baker said...

Hells jeah.

Unknown said...

Yessssssss we have the lead!

Kyle Baker said...

We're not tied any more! We have a run total that is greater than our opponent's!

Unknown said...

Gameday thought that ball 4 was a strike down the middle. huh.

Unknown said...

@DB haha, that reminds me of Simple English Wikipedia.

Kyle Baker said...

@David

Sometimes the simplest explanation is best.

Most of the time, in fact!

Steve Dittmore said...

@Dusty - How's it going? PH grand slam in top of 9 makes it 11-4 #10 Hogs over #14 Ole Miss on ESPNU.

Oh, yeah, way to go Ethier.

Kyle Baker said...

@Professor

I'm listening to Diamond Hogs on the iHogs iPhone app, actually! They made all broadcasts available for free beginning earlier this week.

Kyle Baker said...

X misjudged that ball, but it was always going to be a tough catch.

Kyle Baker said...

Now we have the same amount of runs as our opponents have. What a concept!

Kyle Baker said...

Was that a 4-pitch walk? I looked away for a second.

karen said...

Come on Hiro, settle down

Kyle Baker said...

@Professor

Hogs win!

cc SSS

Steve Dittmore said...

@Dusty - woo pig

karen said...

This isn't looking good

karen said...

Casey just saved 2 runs

Orel said...

Carlos Gonzalez sac fly with the bases loaded. COL 3, LAD 2

karen said...

Not that I'm superstitious or anything like that but Matty hasn't hit since he went to the goatee look. I'm just sayin'...

Orel said...

Ethier RBI double scores XP! 3-3 tie

Kyle Baker said...

I want to see a Xavier Paul slo mo replay using X-Mo, and appreciate it's Escherian irony.

Kyle Baker said...

Chinface cold SMOKED that ball.

Steve Sax said...

Liking the moxie of this team tonight, clawing leads back

Orel said...

Blake RBI! Martin RBI! 5-3 Dodgers!

Orel said...

Nice to see J-Mart go the other way.

Kyle Baker said...

No IBB to JMart - we made them pay.

Kyle Baker said...

Chinface!!!! Who out there jeeps whining about his being defensive liability?

Orel said...

Rockies tie it on Keystone Kops defense by the Dodgers.

Kyle Baker said...

Kuroda? Kinda.

Kyle Baker said...

We still have the same amount of runs as our opponent. Fascinating.

Paul said...

Quick stop before round 4.

Nice to see my buddy Jeff back. Go Dogs. He looks tired already.

Is Sherril be demoted to the John Candaleria spot aka left handed specialist?

karen said...

This just sucks

Paul said...

Looks like another long night......I miss National League Baseball.

Mr. LA Sports Czar said...

Hey, we just took the lead! Where's the optimism? The hope? The lack of despondency?

Josh S. said...

Epale, y'all,
I'm back from the mall.
Nice to see that we're leading,
I just hope it's not fleeting.

Josh S. said...

I show up and everyone else leaves?

Josh S. said...

Fine. 100.

Mr. LA Sports Czar said...

I'm still here.

Mr. LA Sports Czar said...

So I guess the question is if Broxton makes another appearance.

karen said...

Me too

Good inning for Tron

Josh S. said...

MSTI with some quality venom on Twitter about the Ely move.

karina said...

Epale everyone! did i miss much?

Kyle Baker said...

Epale, Karina!

Back from the cantina I am.

Kyle Baker said...

Ah, Belisle. It's like you if you scrunch "Belinda Carlisle" together.

karen said...

Hold your breath. Here comes the 9th.

Kyle Baker said...

@Karen

Yeah, Tron looked grooved from my perch at El Cholo.

Kyle Baker said...

@MLASF

Yes, he will. Call me Nostradamus.

Unknown said...

Broxton with a chance to redeem himself.

Paul said...

Okay okay commenting in this thread is easier than getting a drink.

Bubba don't shoot the jukebox tonight please. I don't want to be stuck to my phone till midnight.

Kyle Baker said...

I can't wait to make fun of tomorrow's pitcher's name.

I might even start tonight.

Paul said...

Who pitches tomorrow?

Mr. LA Sports Czar said...

No Broxton tomorrow, that's for sure.

Mr. LA Sports Czar said...

Ugh, this cannot be good.

Kyle Baker said...

@Paul

Jhoulys Chacin

Mr. LA Sports Czar said...

The old strike-em-out-throw-em-out DP.

Paul said...

Nice Martin!

Suck it Tracy!!!

Paul said...

With a name like that he can't be from this solar system Dusty!

One more strike!!

Kyle Baker said...

Giambi's pornstache is gone, alas.

Kyle Baker said...

Got him! Sit down you fat fuck! (Giambi not Brox)

Mr. LA Sports Czar said...

We win! Take that, prognosticators!

karen said...

We Win!!!!!!

But Broxton scared me a little.

Kyle Baker said...

DreamWeaver with his 100th career victory. Bong hits all around!

Kyle Baker said...

Can't wait for Ethier to yank a HR off of Chacin so I can say "Cha-ching!" (That's almost the way it's pronounced)

Other lame attempts at humor to follow tomorrow.

Kyle Baker said...

AccuScore had this one nailed.

Kyle Baker said...

This is good for Brox. He needed it.

Paul said...

Nice Job Jeff you made this alum proud. Now where is my drink?!?!

Oh it is right here.

Paul said...

Dodgers 3-0 on fridays at home.

Feliz Viernes!

Josh S. said...

I chose to turn the game off and watch last night's Community (Flippin' BRILLIANT, btw) after Brox gave up the leadoff single. You can't blame me, can you?

Glad he held on.

Mr. LA Sports Czar said...

I can't, Josh. Last night's Community was the most epic thing I have ever seen on television. EVER. And I watch tons of TV.

Greg Zakwin said...

Josh- Community is phenomenal, last night's episode was epic.

Oh, and Garret Anderson gets to continue to be employed while Paul goes back down.

EPICALLY AWFUL DECISION.

Kyle Baker said...

The Communitygasm continues.

I want to watch this show (I never have) but I have issues with jumping on bandwagons no matter how much sense it makes.

I think I'll just sit on the sidelines and brood like a 6 year old.

Kyle Baker said...

Paul is being sent down?!?

Oh, you mean Xavier, not SoSG reader Paul.

Greg Zakwin said...

Dusty- Go to Hulu and watch last night's Community.

The bandwagon is deserving, the show is awesome in every sense of the word.

Nostradamus said...

I had a whiskey for every lead change.

There will be consequences tomorrow.

Paul said...

@Dusty

I was feeling good about my comments here, felt like I was in a groove a bit, starting to like my place on the team and then to my shock two of our skips Orel, Sax, told me I would be going down. (ba da dum)

So I am back to the Sons of Jamie Hoffman. I will do my best to contribute but I don't really get their serious banter and their commitment to sobreity. It seems so minor league to me.

I hope to join the team again some day but I learned a lot here. Sax taught me about the lessons of Chunk and pissing off Giant fans. Mr. C showed me how to embrace my inner drunk. Josh informed me of this new secret indie movie called Iron Man 2 and Dusty you taught me that an armpit has more meaning than I ever imagined.

I hope to be called up soon to rejoin the team. I hate GA.

Oh and watch Community it is worth the time and any bandwagon annoyance.

Nostradamus said...

@Paul

Skills for life, brother.

Josh S. said...

Ladies and gentlemen, I present a summation of everything that is wrong with this team.

From Dodgers.com:

"I don't fit here right now, that's it," Paul said after being consoled by teammates Casey Blake and Matt Kemp. "Right now, I just don't cut it here."

Paul said he was told by general manager Ned Colletti to work on his mental approach to the game "and being a big leaguer."

Kyle Baker said...

@Paul

I know you're feeling down now, but we just can't have you riding the pine and not getting in some quality ABs. You'll be back up soon enough. Plus, you still have some options left but Quad7s is out of options.

Remember, it's business not personal.

Kyle Baker said...

What. the. fuck. Colletti. My god X man gave us a lot. What is Colletti's newfound focus on mental health and on players' feelings? Who is he, Deanna Troi?

Paul said...

I understand the move a bit more if Manny was Manny of a days of yore. But I think we really left fielder B. Plus he has speed off the bench and needs to get MLB experience if he is going to be the everyday guy next year.

Oh and I think he can bunt as well.

Fred's Brim said...

when is Garret Anderson going to get injured? can this be helped along in some way?

Fred's Brim said...

watching the highlights from last night, everybody seemed pretty positive and even pumped up. There seemed to be more of a spirit than i've seen so far this season. In particular, Russ throwing out the dude in the 9th and the final K. Did anyone else notice this too, or was that just product of only watching Dodger highlights?

Kyle Baker said...

@FB

Russ was visibly pumped when he threw the runner out in the 9th. He made some shoulder shrug kind of gesture kind of like Gladiator asking whether the crowd was not pleased. I liked and noted his spunk. Maybe that will be a spark.