Tuesday, August 09, 2011

Don Mattingly, James Loney Also Looking To Purchase Large Bridge

In "Mattingly shares Loney's optimism," both coach Don and 1B James think the Dodgers have a shot to win the NL West title. Ooooooo-kay.

LOS ANGELES -- To those outside the team, James Loney's optimistic suggestion that the Dodgers can still battle back and win the National League West may seem a bit far-fetched.

But manager Don Mattingly was predictably pleased that his players are still focused on the goal the team set in the beginning of the season, despite a 10-game deficit.

Mattingly made sure to clarify that no one was making predictions. He said in order to stay upbeat as a team, you have to keep those goals in mind.

"He's just saying, 'Why not?'" Mattingly said. "Basically that means you've got to believe in what we're doing, keep going out there and win games. There's no reason we can't win tonight, there's no reason we can't win tomorrow, there's no reason we can't win the next day."

Actually, there are plenty of reasons. Eugenio Velez. Juan Uribe. Tony Gwynn bunting when down by one with two out and two RISP. Eugenio Velez. Loney himself plateauing at .250. Hong Chih-Kuo circa 2011. Ted Lilly. Dioner Navarro. Eugenio Velez.

I admire the optimism, but come on, guys. I suppose it's all relative:

17 comments:

Josh S. said...

If MLB suddenly outlaws 2nd basemen, so James can no longer ground out to them, then yes, we have a chance.

Steve Sax said...

If the Giants, Rockies, and Diamondbacks all fall into the ocean (and maybe the Padres too), then we might have a chance as well.

Brian O'Connell said...

dodgereric created another masterpiece with his latest Dodgers song at http://bit.ly/nBABbZ

Pistol Pete Reiser said...

I still hold out some hope here. Not to win the West, just to get back to .500. We can do that.

I hope I can make it across the border. I hope to see my friend and shake his hand. I hope the Pacific is as blue as it has been in my dreams. I hope.

Josh S. said...

Joe Block-esque "What Might Have Been" stat of the day:

If the Dodgers had won every game Matt Kemp has homered in, they'd be 62-52 instead of 52-62.

rbnlaw said...

This team has no chance as long as Eugenio Valdez wears a Dodger uniform.

Mr. LA Sports Czar said...

Because the Dodgers were setting the league on fire before Velez was called up?

MeanieBreanie said...

I too would like to believe but given reality one must ask, "What are they smoking"?

Steve Sax said...

If Woody had gone to the police, this would never have happened.

Josh S. said...

The bullpen was setting the league on fire.

Or setting fire to the lead.

Or something.

spank said...

*passes crack pipe to Mattingly*

Steve Sax said...

@Spank: LOL

Eric Karros said...

Yeah, ok I guess I agree it's a good thing that optimism isn't lava.

Jason said...

Too bad optimism isn't a lava lamp. That would go really well with this crack that Spank is passing around.

rbnlaw said...

Valdez is the 0-19 albatross around the Dodgers' collective neck.

Surely there was someone who did not play for the Giants last year who could provide some defensive relief.


Anyone?


My friends and I had a good laugh at how the corners and left field, usually power spots, are instead providing solid defense. Then Loney singlehandedly sabotaged the game with his tin glove.

Then he made a fine backhand grab of a pop foul for an important out.

Then I'm sure he killed a rally.

Mr. LA Sports Czar said...

Well, when you bring a Colombian coffee mascot onto a baseball team, you can't expect much.

Steve Sax said...

I would at least expect richer, more full-bodied coffee.

Matter of fact, Eugenio does sort of look like my neighborhood Starbucks' barista.