Post-Game 32 Thread: Haren Red, Fish Fried

DODGERS 11, MARLINS 1

Former Dodger Dan Haren was red all right, after giving up 11 hits and 6 ER to the Dodgers across 4.1 innings. But the Marlins' Brad Hand followed Haren and added five more earned runs, stoking an 11-run, 21-hit parade by Los Angeles, who cruised to victory over the middle innings.

Andre Ethier went 5-for-5 with 3 RBI. Howie Kendrick went 4-for-5 with an RBI. Scott Van Slyke and Alex Guerrero each had three hits. This allowed Mike Bolsinger to cruise to his first win (1-0) despite lasting only 5.2 innings. We have secured this series, no matter what happens tomorrow.

Former Dodger Dee Gordon went 0-for-4.

Game 32 Thread: May 12 vs. Marlins, 7p

Mike Bolsinger (0-0, 1.59) vs. Dan Haren (4-1. 2.68).

Revenge! ABC may have canceled it, but Haren is hoping to keep it alive tonight against the team that paid him to "go away." Let's not underestimate the value to flipping a fat old middle finger to your former bosses.

Although he leads the Marlins starters in traditional categories, Haren's 4.62 FIP suggests a correction may be in order (aaah, I linked to Bleacher Report. Is that still uncool?). And don't forget Dee Gordon also has a chip on his shoulder, despite all the nice things he's saying to the media.

HOT STOVE IS HOT

Trade is done: Dee Gordon to #Marlins. Other names not confirmed.

— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) December 10, 2014

I'm told #Rollins to #Dodgers is done. Don't know who goes to Philadelphia.

— J.P. Hoornstra (@jphoornstra) December 10, 2014

Well then! After losing out on Jon Lester, the new Dodgers front office is certainly showing it's not going to leave the Winter Meetings without making a splash. No idea who's going to PHI for Jimmy Rollins (who is most certainly here to bridge the gap to Corey Seager), or what the return for Dee is. Also, Dan Haren may be going with Dee? This is nuts.

More as we know it.

NLDS Game 3 Thread: Oct. 6 @ Cardinals, 6p

So much this.

Hyun-Jin Ryu (14-7, 3.38) vs. John Lackey (14-10, 3.82).

The series shifts to Busch Stadium, home of those Best Fans in Baseball. The Dodgers turn to Ryu, coming off of three weeks of rest for an irritated shoulder. Mattingly has said that Dan Haren is waiting in the wings should Ryu falter early, which would almost certainly trigger Kershaw on three days' rest for Game 4. So in other words: I just want to tell you good luck, Hyun-Jin. We're all counting on you.

Offensively, well, just look at the picture above. The Dodgers have piled on 24 hits in two games so far, A.J. is 5 for 8, and only Uribe has yet to contribute at the plate. And as we noted earlier, this Dodger team is a bunch of road warriors, for whatever reason. I know regular-season success hasn't been much of a postseason predictor (hello, Angels), so it's time for the Dodgers to change the narrative. I don't know exactly what that means, but it feels like it needed to be said. GO BLUE!

Post-Game 161 Thread: Grand Larson-y

DODGERS 6, ROCKIES 5 (12)

In the extra-inning game no one wanted to see, the Dodgers ended up beating the Rockies when Scott Van Slyke stoked a one-out single in the bottom of the twelfth inning, and then advanced to second when Tim Federowicz was HBP, and then stole third (hence the headline), and the scored on a Franklin Morales wild pitch that carried to the backstop. Hoping for the wild pitch to win the game: just the way Donnie likes to draw it up.

Carlos Frias tossed scoreless frames in the tenth, eleventh, and twelfth innings for his first major league win. There probably was some other action in this game, including an Adrian Gonzalez HR, but I was busy so I didn't see anything except that fateful bottom of the twelfth. Dan Haren went five innings and allowed two runs and five hits, which is probably good enough for the postseason roster in Mattingly's book.

Dee Gordon had right hip irritation and left the game early, and the ever brittle Hanley Ramirez had a wicked foul ball that hit him on the knee (during his AB), but aside from that I don't think anyone got injured, thankfully.

Game 161 Thread: Sept. 27 vs. Rockies, 6p

Dan Haren (13-11, 4.03) vs. Eddie Butler (1-1, 5.56)

Today features the Dodgers' second to last game, which is completely meaningless. This would have been the best time to trot out a starting-pitching-by-committee strategy, but we had to employ that against the Cubs last Sunday when something was still on the line. Haren isn't likely to figure more than several innings in order to save him from himself  for playoff duty.

It seems like just yesterday we were bitching about the opening games being in Australia and the fact the we weren't able to watch the games on TV. And really, what's changed? (Tepid thanks to TWC for throwing us a belated 6-game viewing bone.)

Let's get through this one hopefully with a win, if not let's keep it close and respectable, and avoid injuries. I'll be out there today so hit me up if you want to buy me my second to the last beers of the season. Tomorrow, at least a couple of us Sons will also be there so hit us up if you want to buy us the last beers of the season.*

*The regular season I mean. We still expect free beer throughout the playoffs.

Game 157 Thread: Sept. 22 vs. Giants, 7p

Dan Haren (13-11, 4.14) vs. Jake Peavy (7-13, 3.82).

It's the final countdown! One last homestand to the 2014 season!

And this is the last series we'll have this year with the Giants. And the season series is currently tied 8-8.

If we play our cards right, we'll get a chance to celebrate clinching the division at home, in front of the Giants. All we would need to do is win two of the next three games (which would also award us the season series victory, if my math is right).

Helping our cause will be the absence of center fielder Angel Pagan, out with an inflamed nerve in the lower back, and someone who absolutely kills us when he's in the lineup. Left fielder Michael Morse is also probably out for this series with injury, but all I got were dots and dashes from him.

I also should add that I'm watching today's game from enemy territory (wearing Dodgers shirt and cap). The last Dodgers/Giants game I watched was among friends and family (other Sons).  This time, it won't be so friendly. Let's see what happens.

Good luck, Danny boy!

Post-Game 151 Thread: Rockies Cruise To Victory Over Dodgers

Reference to Cruise #2

ROCKIES 10, DODGERS 4

Roberto Hernandez Dan Haren was ineffective at Coors Field, but it didn't matter which mattered as the Dodgers Rockies rolled to a huge victory at Coors Field.

Unlike last night, it didn't hinge upon a blowout inning for the Dodgers; rather, the Dodgers had their chances again in the sixth inning, but couldn't get it done. Down 5-0, the Dodgers had Matt Kemp and Scott Van Slyke lead off with singles, both of whom advanced on a wild pitch and scored on a Justin Turner double to make it 5-2. But when Juan Uribe came up and doubled after that, Turner was called out at home in a home plate collision that looked ugly (and required an umpire review). A.J. Ellis walked and with two out, Dee Gordon singled to load the bases. But Yasiel Puig got rung up on a cheapie 3-2 low ball that was called a strike, and that was all she wrote for our attempt at a rally.

Matt Kemp did not yell at Puig (who had a two-run HR in the ninth).

Haren gave up five runs in five innings; Scott Elbert gave up another run without recording an out; Brandon League also gave up a run; and Jamey Wright continued his freefall by giving up three ER without recording an out. Yeesh. I mean, it's Coors Field, but really.

Giants won, so the lead goes back to three games in the west, now with 11 to play.

Game 151 Thread: Sept. 16 @ Rockies, 5:30p

Yep, we're really struggling for opposing pitcher jokes.
Dan Haren (13-10, 3.99) vs. Tyler Matzekptlk (5-10, 4.23)

The Dodgers look to win four-straight for only the third time this year. (Remember when they couldn't do it at all?) To do so, they'll have to get Mr. Matzekptlk to say his own name backwards. And preferably early, so they can attack the soft underbelly of the Rox bullpen like they did last night.

Speaking of DC villains, Dan Haren's been a lot like Two-Face this year. The coin's been landing on "good Haren" the last few starts. Where will it land tonight?

The Dodgers' Magic Number for the West is Dee Gordon (9). The Magic Number for the Postseason is Juan Uribe (5). It's getting real, kids! GO BLUE!

Post-Game 146 Thread: Who's Your Crawdaddy

This photo does not scream, "sweet stroke, Carl!". But hey, if it works, it works.

DODGERS 4, PADRES 0

Carl Crawford had a field day in the rubber match of this series, going 4-for-4 with three doubles and 2 RBI, leading the Dodgers to a 4-0 victory. Crawford went 9-for-12 in the series and has lifted his average from .230 to .289 by batting .434 the past month. Those hits and RBI make up for a lot of noodle-armed throws from left field, which makes Crawford a premium over Juan Pierre.

Also contributing RBI were Hanley Ramirez (who was sadly picked off first right thereafter) and Juan Uribe. Yasiel Puig batted leadoff tonight in Don Mattingly's attempt to jumpstart the slumping player; Puig went 0-for-4 with 5 LOB.

Dan Haren also continued his late-season rejuvenation: 7.0 IP, 4 H, 0 ER, with 1 BB and 5 Ks. J.P. Howell and Kenley Jansen had a scoreless inning each.

With the Dodgers' victory, the magic number shrinks to 15 to win the NL West, as we retain a 2.5 game lead. Off-day tomorrow means we get to watch the Giants (who will likely sweep the Snakes tomorrow, and drop the lead to two games, with 16 to play), before heading into Phone Park for a key weekend series. Remember, Sunday is SoSG Fest 2014! Check the sidebar for details.

photo swiped from mlb.com

Post-Game 141 Thread: Starting A New Streak

DODGERS 2, DIAMONDBACKS 1

Nothing like a one-run victory to get the confidence flowing again; no matter that it was over the Diamondbacks. Matt Kemp's solo HR in the third was enough to make Dan Haren's six innings of one-run ball hold up, and Haren earned his 12th win of the season as the Dodgers took another one from Arizona. Could this start a streak? (I know now that the answer is yes, a four-game streak no less.). But hey, we'll take it.

And with this, I think we're caught up on the remnant PGTs that were overdue. Whew!

Game 141 Thread: September 5 vs. D'backs, 7p

Dan Haren (11-10) vs. Vidal Nuno (2-9).

Literally posting a game thread, from the game! Sorry for the formatting but blogger app can only do so much. Walked past Ned Coletti and Jim Hill in the stadium.

Post-Game 130 Thread: Sad Niese

My sad niece.

DODGERS 6, METS 2

Last night, it was sad Ross. Tonight at the Ravine, it was sad Niese, as John Niese pitched a decent enough game (just like Tyson Ross did Thursday): 6.2 IP, 8 H, 2 ER...but 5 R crossed the plate, when the LOLMets had four errors, dooming his effort.

The wheels came off the bus for the Mets in the seventh. Down 2-1, Niese had two Ks before allowing a Dee Gordon triple (his 11th, leading the majors) and then walked Yasiel Puig. When Adrian Gonzalez hit to short, it looked like out #3...except Mets SS Wilmer Flores threw the ball away, allowing Gordon to score and Puig and Gonzalez to get into scoring position. Matt Kemp then came in to face Carlos Torres, and promptly doubled in both runners, both which hit Niese's ledger. Flores actually had two errors in tonight's game, and David Wright and Lucas Duda both added one each just to join the party [Sax's note: looks like they took away Wright's error in a late scoring change. Must be the vitamin water.].

A.J. Ellis added a RBI double in the eighth, which hopefully will break Ellis out of his slumpiness. Dan Haren had an RBI single of his own earlier in the game, after blowing a suicide squeeze that left Justin Turner hanging out to dry (in the same AB, his basehit to center scored Erisbel Arruebarrena. Haren, still thoroughly confounding in his fickleness, had a nice night tonight: 7.0 IP with 3 H, 1 ER, and 6 Ks. We'll take it.

Baseball Player Pitcher Rankings: Kershaw Cleans Up

Keeping with the series, Keith Law ranked pitching tools, and Clayton Kershaw cleaned up the awards (though Kenley Jansen, Zack Greinke, and even Dan Haren get mentions, too) (link insider only):

Best fastball

• 1. Aroldis Chapman, Cincinnati Reds: It's certainly the hardest fastball I've ever seen -- I got him at 104 mph on my gun at Petco Park in September 2010 -- and it comes out of his hand shockingly easily given its superhuman velocity. I can't imagine how any left-handed hitter ever sees the ball, or, if he does, how he manages to stay in the box without leaping out of the way. It's possible we'll see another pitcher throw this hard at some point, but I'm not holding my breath.
• 2. Yordano Ventura, Royals
• 3. Craig Kimbrel, Braves
• 4. Jake McGee, Rays
• 5. Clayton Kershaw, Dodgers

Best cutter

• 1. Kenley Jansen, Los Angeles Dodgers: Mariano Rivera's retirement leaves this category open for the first time in more than a decade, but Jansen may have it similarly locked up for as long as he stays healthy. Coming in so hard that PITCHf/x often misclassifies it as a fastball, Jansen's cutter has more movement than any true fastball would, so he can get away with throwing it more than 90 percent of the time. As if his mastery of the cutter wasn't remarkable enough, Jansen is a former catcher who didn't even start pitching full time until 2009. The Dodgers stuck him on a mound, only to find him throwing 97 mph right out of the chute.
• 2. Corey Kluber, Indians
• 3. Adam Wainwright, Cardinals
• 4. Jake Arrieta, Cubs
• 5. Wade Davis, Royals

Best curveball

• 1. Sonny Gray, Oakland Athletics: Gray defies the conventional wisdom about starting pitchers in so many ways, and his curveball is one of the primary ones. He's only about 5-foot-9, allegedly too short for a right-handed starter, but he has worked for years to keep the ball down in the strike zone despite the difficulty a diminutive pitcher can have in getting downhill plane on the pitch. He also throws a true curveball, and even though you'll hear the claim that a little guy can't get the proper depth on a curve, his is the hammer of Thor, coming at near-slider velocity but with downward break rather than slider tilt.
• 2. Corey Kluber, Indians: In case you're wondering how Kluber has become a top-five starter in the AL this year, it might have something to do with him being No. 2 in this tool (curveball) and the previous one (cutter).
• 3. Adam Wainwright, Cardinals
• 4. Craig Kimbrel, Braves
• 5. Clayton Kershaw, Dodgers

Best slider

• 1. Clayton Kershaw, Los Angeles Dodgers: What's shocking about Kershaw's slider is that it's a new pitch for him, at least relative to his other offerings. He had no problem picking it up and throwing it well from the very first attempt, according to catcher A.J. Ellis, which is more evidence that we're watching one of the all-time greats at work every time Kershaw takes the mound. Not only does the pitch have great tilt, giving him the side-to-side movement he didn't have with his fastball and curve, but when he misses with it, it's usually down, where hitters can't do much damage against it.
• 2. Yu Darvish, Rangers
• 3. Dellin Betances, Yankees
• 4. Andrew Miller, Orioles
• 5. Jose Fernandez, Marlins

Best splitter

• 1. Masahiro Tanaka, New York Yankees: I hope Tanaka's injury doesn't lead teams further away from the splitter, which is barely taught now in the United States and seldom used. I have just one non-Japanese pitcher in my top five, Dan Haren, and even his has become less effective over time. Thrown properly by a pitcher with a large enough hand, it's a devastating weapon, as Tanaka showed us before his elbow cried "Uncle!" earlier this summer. Tanaka's splitter has good tumble, but he can also throw it for a strike -- like Haren does -- which makes it a much more effective pitch than if it were just a chase pitch. Here's hoping Tanaka comes back sooner rather than later and that he doesn't leave the pitch on the shelf when he returns.
• 2. Hisashi Iwakuma, Mariners
• 3. Koji Uehara, Red Sox
• 4. Dan Haren, Dodgers
• 5. Hiroki Kuroda, Yankees

Best command

1. Clayton Kershaw, Los Angeles Dodgers: I'm running out of superlatives here. Kershaw has the majors' best slider, is among its best fastballs, among its best curveballs and commands all three pitches extremely well. He doesn't walk many guys, he doesn't miss spots, and this year he's working down in the zone more effectively than ever, with a career-best ground ball rate. No starting pitcher has ever won the Cy Young Award in a full season with less than 200 innings pitched, in part because it's hard to deliver enough value without reaching that threshold, but Kershaw looks like he's going to be the first to ever do it.
• 2. Sean Doolittle, Athletics
• 3. Felix Hernandez, Mariners
• 4. Zack Greinke, Dodgers
• 5. Koji Uehara, Red Sox

Post-Game 121 Thread: Major Surprise

The H is for horse. I mean Haren!

DODGERS 4, BARVES 2

Who are you, Dan Haren? After pulling away for the title of "worst starting regular pitcher" for most of the season, Haren has suddenly thrown two consecutive QualityStart™s, and against good teams: the Angels and today the Barves. Mike Minor was saddled with the loss.

Down the stretch, Haren had help from a stable of relievers, including Wilson, Howell, League and Kenley. Offensively, Puig and Kemp contributed RBIs, but the Dodgers rode the bat and legs of Darwin Barney, who had a second-inning RBI and also created an insurance run in the eighth in a sequence that included an error and a wild pitch.

Dodgers for the win! Giants remain mired in second place. Good show!

Post-Game 115 Thread: Black Hole --> Sun

DODGERS 2, ANGELS 1

Wow, that was a pleasant surprise. One outing after being referenced in this blog as one half of the Dodgers' black hole, Dan Haren went out and pitched 7.1 innings of three-hit ball to lead the Dodgers to victory. Despite accounting for the earned run that scored on a Chris Iannetta sac fly later that inning (Brandon League at the mound), Haren was pretty solid, with 4 Ks and 0 BBs. Way to go, Dan!

Kenley Jansen allowed a leadoff single in the ninth to Kole Calhoun, who advanced to second with a SB; however, Mike Trout and Josh Hamilton struck out, bookending a Albert Pujols fly out to center, to seal the game. Trout, Pujols, and Hamilton combined to go 0-for-12.

The Dodgers' sole offense came from the Matt Kemp's two-run HR in the second inning, and Andre Ethier's RBI (Sax: edited; that's what I get for not watching this game). Kemp has now hit six HR in his last nine games. Carl Crawford and Andre Ethier, both in the middle of offensive troubles, each went 2-for-4. And the Dodgers eke out the win in Anaheim.

One more game with the Angels tomorrow!

Depressing Starting Pitching News

First off, Paul Maholm, potential starter given the struggles in the back of our rotation, is out for the year with an ACL tear suffered Friday:

LOS ANGELES -- Dodgers left-handed reliever Paul Maholm suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee Friday night and is lost for the rest of the season.

Lefty reliever Paco Rodriguez was recalled to replace Maholm in the bullpen. Rodriguez had a 4.40 ERA at Triple-A Albuquerque, where he threw a perfect inning Friday night. This is the third recall this year for Rodriguez, who also was on the Opening Day roster.

Maholm underwent an MRI that revealed the tear. The Dodgers said treatment plans are still to be determined, but the injury almost certainly will require reconstructive surgery. Maholm tore the ACL in his left knee in high school.

If you go to the link, you can see the play where Maholm got hurt, but it's not something you'll want to see. I feel bad for Maholm, as you never want to see a guy in blue go down like that. Get well soon, Paul.

In other depressing news, Dan Haren, who has lost the groove that Stella had found, has no choice but to take his next start Wednesday, against the Angels:

LOS ANGELES -- Right-hander Dan Haren had another rough outing Friday in an 8-2 loss to the Cubs, but as of now the Dodgers are still planning to start him Wednesday against the Angels.

"As I sit here today, Danny goes," manager Don Mattingly said Saturday. "I guess anything could change. You don't know what could happen between now and then. There's no plans, no talk of changing."

Haren allowed seven runs (six earned) on eight hits in 4 1/3 innings Friday, earning his fifth straight loss. Haren has a 10.03 ERA in that five-game losing streak, allowing 36 hits and six home runs in 23 1/3 innings. Opponents have hit .340 with a 1.016 OPS in that stretch.

After going 5-3 with a 3.28 ERA in his first 11 starts, Haren has going 3-6 with a 6.52 ERA in has last 11.

After Red Patterson, the next option for the Dodgers is Zach Lee, who is 6-10 with a 5.22 ERA in Triple-A ball this year. Gosh I'm hoping Beckett can figure it out, quick.

Post-Game 110 Thread: Six Days Of Burgers Leads To Hendricks Hangover

CUBS 8, DODGERS 2

You know what happens after nothing but burgers for six straight days (not including a day off in there)? Your entire body revolts, with shit flying out of your colon that you swear has to include a couple of organs.

Such was the evening at Chavez Ravine, when the Dodgers did their best to give the woeful 46-62 Cubs a hospitable series opener. First, we served up Dan Haren on a plate, whose BP session this time lasted only 4.1 IP (8 H, 7 R, 6 ER, 2BB and 3Ks). Haren's third inning meltdown was also helped by a throwing error by Matt Kemp, in a frame that saw a 1-1 tie turn into a 4-1 deficit.

Haren inexplicably came back out in the fifth to load the bases with one out, and Chris Perez kept up the hospitality by allowing three more runs to score, making it 7-1 and for all intents and purposes completing the game. Cubs starter Kyle Hendricks did his Dartmouth Green proud (not to mention his family and friends) by surviving a shaky first inning and settling down with a seven-inning, 4 H, 2 R, 1 ER session.

On top of that shit burger, the Dodgers were felled in the field as well: Adrian Gonzalez bruised his right knee sliding unsuccessfully in the vicinity of the plate (and getting tagged out); Yasiel Puig left the game early with mild left hamstring soreness (not to mention something that was bothering him in the right side of his mouth, for much of the game); and Paul Maholm injured his right knee covering first base. A.J. Ellis also took a foul tip off his right knee for the second straight game. Haren, for what it's worth, was not injured in the game, not that Dodgers.com writer Ken Gurnick didn't speak for all Dodger fans wondering, why not?

Look, we swept the division rival Giants in their house, and then the always tough Braves at home. None of those games involved Dan Haren, and when we tried to trot him out there today, even the Cubs feasted on him. So it goes. Let's hope this passes through the system, and isn't E Coli. In the meantime, we should probably get some nutrition!

Hat tip to SoSG Gnomes for the picture idea

Game 110 Thread: Aug. 1 vs. Cubs, 7pm

Dan Haren (8-8, 4.49) vs. Kyle (Sadly, not Christina) Hendricks (1-1, 2.33)

While the SoSG burger meme continues to be exceptionally good luck for the Dodgers, trying to find Dodger-burger connections is proving to be increasingly difficult. Thankfully, a little restaurant in Tampa*, Florida called Danny's All-American Diner & Dairy Bar has come to our rescue! Their weekly special this very week just happens to be...

A Danny Burger with grilled veggies and a sun-dried tomato, roasted garlic and goat cheese spread!

A Danny Burger straight from Chavez Ravine! It's like FATE. Because, above all else, Dodger Stadium is known for its grilled veggies, sun-dried tomatoes, and goat cheese spread.

Though, I'm pretty sure Danny Haren isn't exactly "A L.A. favorite" at the moment, but just work with me here. Not all of these references are going to be 100% Grade A.

*See? We did get help from Tampa this week, after all!

Post-Game 103 Thread: Haren, Eaten Up

PIRATES 6, DODGERS 1

After becoming deluded into thinking otherwise, thanks to Josh Beckett's no-hitter, coupled with an impressive 4-0 start to the season by Dan Haren...I thought we might have a full rotation. But Beckett proved yesterday over his ephemeral 3.2 IP that he is not reliable, and Dan Haren came out today and evidenced why his promising season start was just a mirage.

The back of the Dodgers' order is a train wreck. And even worse, with each crash, we have to suffer through Paul Maholm!

Haren gave up five runs in the first two innings, and though he stretched out to a somewhat-less-implausible 5.0 IP (in which he apparently retired the last 10 batters faced), Haren fell to 0-4 with a 9.47 ERA for July. The good news is, Haren presumably has one more start this month to get him to a double-digit ERA, as July's not over yet!

Haren is so bad (how bad is he?), even Don Mattingly might be coming to his senses, saying: "He's gotten us in a bit of a hole in the last couple of games but now is not the right time to talk about his future." No shit!

Meanwhile, the offense only consisted of a double from both Miguel Rojas (who was promptly doubled off of 2B) and Dee Gordon; two hits from Juan Uribe; and a hit from PH Justin Turner, who came around to score the Dodgers' solitary run.

So we continue our 2-4 road trip with a day off, before our last roadtrip stop in San Francisco, with a chance to be 5.5 games behind by the time we leave (we are currently two games back but SF plays one more with Philly Thursday). Whoop de frickin' doo!