Game 22 Thread: May 1 vs. D'backs, 7p

Carlos Frias (1-0, 0.00) vs. Rubby De La Rosa (2-1, 4.68)

Didn't we just grab De La Rosa off the waiver wire? Wait, that was another De La Rosa. But Rubby used to be a Dodger. So we dropped one DLR for another DLR, all told. In any event, Rubby will rub down a baseball and take on Carlos Frias, who will try to make his case for replacing Brandon McCarthy in the rotation, who has been moved to the 1,492-day DL.

This is only the third big league start for Frias. In his debut start last season, he threw six scoreless innings against the Nats. But his next start at Coors Field was a disaster as he couldn't make it out of the first inning against the Rockies. One might consider this the rubber match for seeing what Frias has as a starter. One might also say he has blown hot and frio, but that would be bad even for the SoSG pun-sphere.

Three-game series and our defense of the BWHT begins now!

(cries)

Pedro Martinez works with Rubby De La Rosa before the game on Sunday at McCoy Stadium. twitter.com/PawSox/status/…

— PawSox (@PawSox) April 29, 2013

It's Done

The #Dodgers trade with the #Red Sox is official.

— Dylan Hernandez (@dylanohernandez) August 25, 2012

Looks like the Dodgers' long-term "crush the spirit of our fan base for a few years, then watch the chaos that unfolds when we start spending money like it's going out of style" strategy has finally started to pay dividends.

We have only to look across the table to our trade partner to see a cautionary tale of the happen when one opens one's wallet without regard for the consequences. I have concern for the immense amount of risk in play, but that statement can be applied to every day of my baseball fan life up until this one, as well. As far as I'm concerned, every big name trade or free agent acquisition has a mini-Dreifort inside of him, struggling to get out.

On the other hand (and hear me out, here), FUCK THAT. We could all be hit by a bus tomorrow. Probably not the SAME bus, because how crazy would that be? Different buses, but I digress. I confess that I haven't the faintest idea what is going on, but the today's roster is better than yesterday's. If it all goes straight to hell tomorrow or next Tuesday or three years from now, I'll have plenty of time to be pissed off THEN.

Dodgers Finally Getting Something from Boston That Doesn't Suck

"D'ya miss us?"

• Red Sox, Dodgers Nearing Blockbuster (MLBTR)

If you're worried the Dodgers are becoming the Yankees West, let me remind you:

Six years of Fox ownership.
Eight years of McCourt ownership.

It's karmic payback time, Dodger fans.

Steve Dilbeck of the LA Times called it: The Dodgers are trading two of their best young arms and three iffy position players for a stud first baseman, an injured outfielder and a disgruntled starter, all on the wrong side of 30. Oh, and $260 million of contracts.

So...what are the positives?

1. Adrian Freakin' Gonzalez. Welcome back to the NL West, Adrian! The addition of Gonzalez gives Mattingly two lefty power bats and two righty power bats to mix and match in the lineup — for at least the next two years. And for those who'll miss James Loney's defense, Gonzalez has also won three Gold Gloves.

2. Were you hoping for Josh Hamilton instead? Gonzalez is 30. Hamilton, with his well-documented liabilities, is actually a year older. Vernon Wells, whose contract some are comparing to Gonzalez's, will be 34 at the start of next season.

3. The Red Sox still have to follow through. Boston is collecting a lot of praise for creating financial flexibility, but how many holes did they just create? What's their next move in an weak upcoming free-agent market headed by Hamilton? As SoSG Stubbs puts it, "I can't think of anyone less suited to cope with Boston than Hamilton."

4. Bye bye Blanton? Pending an announcement regarding Billingsley's tender elbow, how does Kershaw/Bills/Capuano/Beckett/Harang sound? I can't find any recent statistical evidence to support this, but I'm a believer in the pitchers-switching-from-AL-to-NL bump. Make it from the AL East to the NL West and it's not unreasonable to expect an improvement in Beckett's performance.

5. Whither Yasiel? Carl Crawford just had Tommy John surgery. Like, two days ago. No, really. So it's unlikely he'll be ready for the beginning of next season. Shane Victorino wants a multi-year deal, so he'll be gone. Does this put Yasiel Puig on schedule for a 2013 debut in Dodger Blue?

I'm not sure why taking on over a quarter-billion of salary still requires the Dodgers to surrender De La Rosa and Allen Webster to get the deal done. ("As one rival executive asked Friday night: Why didn’t the Dodgers just do Gonzalez for Webster and De La Rosa?" writes Ken Rosenthal.) Losing Rubby and Webster sucks, but as they say, you gotta give to get.

Maybe we just added a few albatrosses to the aviary. Here's hoping they're worth the risk.

photo by Juan Ocampo/Dodgers

Loney Scratched Here, AGon Scratched There; Dodger Fans Very Itchy

Twittersphere blowing up over dueling scratchngs of James Loney from tonight's Dodgers lineup, while Adrian Gonzalez is scratched from tonight's Red Sox lineup. Could it be? ESPN says so:

BOSTON -- The Dodgers and Red Sox are closing in on a deal that would send Adrian Gonzalez, Josh Beckett, Carl Crawford and Nick Punto to Los Angeles, though a few hurdles remain before it's official, multiple baseball sources said Friday.

Pitcher Rubby De La Rosa will be headed back to Boston as the centerpiece of the deal, sources say. De La Rosa made his first major league appearance of the season Wednesday, having had Tommy John surgery about 13 months ago. Also included are first baseman James Loney and prospects Ivan De Jesus (infielder) and Jerry Sands (outfielder), according to sources, plus another top prospect that is still unknown.

I think Juan Uribe would make an excellent prospect.

UPDATE 5.02p PT: they're saying the +1 is Allen Webster. So close.

Spring Training Sights

Tommy Lasorda greets warriors Javy Guerra and Matt Guerrier.

A gaggle of pitchers.

Lindblom, Hawksworth, Kershaw, De La Rosa, Guerra, Guerrier.

Aaron Harang.

Blasts from the past: Maury Wills, Jody Reed and Jose Vizcaino work out with Dee Gordon.

"And put your garbage in a garbage can, people. I can't stress that enough."

all photos by Jon SooHoo/Dodgers except 2: AP

Rubby Needs Tommy John; Dodgers Need Life Preserver

The news on Rubby De La Rosa just gets worse and worse; he needs Tommy John surgery, meaning we won't see the Rubster until 2013:

SAN DIEGO -- In a development that figures to have major implications for the Los Angeles Dodgers beyond this year, rookie right-hander Rubby De La Rosa has learned he will need Tommy John reconstructive surgery to repair a partially torn ulnar collateral ligament in his right elbow.

Such procedures typically carry a recovery period of a year or more before a pitcher is ready to perform again at the major league level.

De La Rosa reported tightness in the elbow to the team's medical staff following his start on Sunday against the Arizona Diamondbacks, a game in which he lasted just four innings, threw 100 pitches and never appeared comfortable on the mound. He underwent an MRI exam on Monday in Los Angeles that revealed the tear.

(cries)

Earlier: Frustrated And Alone, Dodgers Forced To Rubby One Out

Frustrated And Alone, Dodgers Forced To Rubby One Out

One of the few bright prospects in the Dodgers organization (and even in writing those words, I became deathly fearful that Ned Colletti would suddenly consider a trade), Rubby De La Rosa looks like his 2011 season is done, following the MRI finding of a sprained ulnar-collateral ligament in his elbow. And that's the best possible outcome:

SAN DIEGO -- Los Angeles Dodgers rookie right-hander Rubby De La Rosa faces the possibility of season-ending elbow surgery after an MRI exam on Monday revealed a sprained ulnar-collateral ligament. A team spokesman said De La Rosa and the medical staff presently are considering a handful of treatment options, one of which would be surgery.

Even if De La Rosa were to decide against surgery, he could be done for the year. The Dodgers have only 54 games remaining, and De La Rosa's innings were being closely monitored anyway because he is considered such an important part of the franchise's future. Between the minors and majors, he has pitched 100 2/3 so far this season.

De La Rosa had been placed on the 15-day disabled list earlier in the day, one day after a lackluster performance in which he never seemed to find a rhythm and was lifted after having thrown a staggering 100 pitches through four innings. [...]

Dodgers medical-services director Stan Conte said De La Rosa reported tightness in his elbow immediately after leaving the game, but that he initially had felt it while throwing a pitch in the third inning. De La Rosa saw team physician Dr. Neal ElAttrache, who recommended he undergo an MRI exam.

Conte said the decision to put De La Rosa on the DL so quickly came because he likely would have missed his next start anyway. Mattingly said Ely initially will pitch out of the bullpen and that with an off-day on Thursday and De La Rosa's rotation spot not due to come up again until Saturday night at Arizona, the Dodgers might simply skip that spot. That would mean they wouldn't need a fifth starter again until Aug. 9 against the Philadelphia Phillies. [...]

De La Rosa, the Dodgers' Minor League Pitcher of the Year last season, is viewed as a cornerstone of the franchise's future. He has had an up-and-down rookie season since being called up for the first time on May 24, going 4-5 with a 3.71 ERA in 10 starts and three relief appearances. Even with Arizona's Ryan Roberts and Gerardo Parra connecting for back-to-back homers at Dodger Stadium, De La Rosa has given up just six home runs in 60 2/3 innings.

Get well soon, Rubby. We need you back in 2012 (and beyond).

photo: Harry How / Getty Images North America. Props to SoSG regular Josh S. for coming up with the headline pun almost a full year ago!

Post-Game 107 Thread: Bad News, Good News

DIAMONDBACKS 6, DODGERS 3

The bad news: Arizona takes two of three from the Dodgers, beating Rubby De La Rosa (4.0 IP, 5 H, 3 ER, 4 BB, 6 Ks, 2 HR) on a day where the Dodgers finally gave up and traded six-year Dodger shortstop Rafael Furcal to the Cardinals, conceding the season. In fact, coach Don Mattingly was so disappointed with the Dodgers' lackluster performance today (not sure where Mattingly has been the last 106 games, but okay, it's a start), he pledged to have individual, "personal conversations" with his players. I hope he has cleared off room on his therapist's-office couch.

The good news, however, is that the Snakes' two weekend wins, coupled with the weekend sweep of San Francisco by the Reds, puts Arizona only two back of the Giants with two months to play. Including today's 9-0 whupping by Cincy, SF's new acquisition Carlos Beltran is batting 2-for-17 (.118) with 6 Ks. That is good news, indeed.

LATE ADD: Good news: Andre Ethier went 4-for-5 with a run scored. Bad news: the four hits were all singles; and, with two on and two out in the bottom of the ninth, Ethier flies out to end the game.

Game 107 Thread: July 31 vs. D'backs, 1p

Not pictured: giant can of peanut brittle.

Rubby De La Rosa (4-4, 3.49) vs. Joe Saunders (7-8, 3.63).

The Dodgers are 12-12 in July, so today is their big chance to secure their first winning month of the season. Will they meet this meaningless milestone, or will they fritter away a chance at a modicum of respectability? Last time the Dodgers faced Saunders (all of two weeks ago), they came away with a rare win. But Clayton Kershaw started that game. Today De La Rosa is charged with the responsibility of holding the Snakes under however many RBIs Matt Kemp decides to drive in.

AP photo

Post-Game 102 Thread: The "Route" Is On (And Then Almost Off Again)

8-5, get it?

DODGERS 8, ROCKIES 5

Like in yesterday's game, the opponent scored first, with one run in the top of an early inning (three consecutive two-out singles in the second inning). And like in yesterday's game, the Dodgers' pitching staff (Rubby De La Rosa, Matt Guerrier, and Kenley Jansen) proceeded to shut them down after that, allowing no hits from the third inning until the ninth inning.

Meanwhile, on the other side of the plate, our 1-2-3 batters (Rafael Furcal, Aaron Miles, and Andre Ethier) went a combined 6-for-13 with 6 RBI and 2 BB, and Juan Rivera (in the five-hole) added a RBI double of his own. The Dodgers scored three in the third (two off a Ethier HR), two in the sixth, and three in the eighth (batting around), which brought the immortal words of impeccable speller SoSG Dusty Baker, "the route is on!"

But unlike yesterday's game, things didn't end so smoothly. In the top of the ninth, Hong-Chih Kuo entered with a seven-run lead in his favor, but decided to bring along his backup band, the Yippers. Kuo couldn't find the plate (17 pitches, only five for strikes), allowing a single and two walks while recording one out. Kuo had to be rescued by Mike MacDougal, who promptly walked Ryan Spilborghs and allowed Dexter Fowler a RBI single. And then Jamey Carroll added a fielding error to allow a fourth run to score. MacDougal then walked in the fifth run of the night, and we had to call Javy Guerra into service with the bases loaded, in order to get the last two outs of the game on the ninth and tenth batters of the inning.

What was almost an epic implosion was narrowly, narrowly averted, but you know what they say: no lead is safe at Dodger Stadium. Not with this bullpen, at least. Dodgers win their third in a row and climb to 13 GB. We're making our move!

Post-Game 86 Thread: Late Fireworks Doom Rubby, Dodgers

METS 5, DODGERS 2

Rubby De La Rosa had the Mets no-hit through five innings, with the Dodgers nursing a 2-0 lead thanks to two James Loney RBI singles, each of which scored Matt Kemp (twice). But the sixth inning served up three run-scoring doubles for the Mets, and that was all she wrote (except for two more runs tacked on by the Mets off of Scott Elbert and Matt Guerrier in the eighth inning). Rafael Furcal and Andre Ethier each went 0-for-4 in the two- and three-holes to ensure the Dodgers' offense never had a chance.

As I write this now, I hear the explosions of fireworks outside, perhaps echoing from over Dodger Stadium. I'm pretty sure this isn't post-game BP for the home team.

Fireworks photo taken from the cool mlb.com blog of "crzblue". Thanks!

Post-Game 77 Thread: Angels Beat Themselves, Dodgers

ANGELS 8, DODGERS 3

This one was weird at the beginning, than just frustrating (as usual) after that. The Angels ran into six outs on the basepaths (according to Vin, Dioner Navarro is the first catcher with two pickoffs and two caught stealings since the pickoff stat started being kept), while two Dodgers were thrown out at the plate.

Matt Kemp got the evening started off right with a home run with Andre Ethier on base. But Rubby De La Rosa couldn't make it stand up, allowing three homers and two more RBIs to dig a hole the Dodgers couldn't climb out of. Oh, and Marcus Thames came out of the game with a calf strain. Good, usual times!

UPDATE: Forgot to mention Angels catcher Jeff Mathis firing the ball to first base...as Tony Gwynn stole second. How did we lose this game?

Game 67 Thread: June 12 @ Rockies, 12n

There are no more in the back, Ubaldo!

Rubby De La Rosa (2-0, 1.80) vs. Ubaldo Jimenez (1-6, 4.73).

This should be a pitching adventure. Rubby, fresh off his walkalicious start in Philly, has never pitched in the thin air of Denver. Ubaldo, whose sole victory this season came against...wait for it...the Dodgers, struggles in said thin air. He has a 7.67 ERA and a WHIP of 1.832 at Coors this year. The Dodgers and Rockies have combined for 45 runs over the first three games of this series. Expect more balls to fly as the Dodgers look to salvage the split.

Post-Game 62 Thread: Rubby Dee Kemp

Rubby hurls.

DODGERS 6, PHILLIES 2

Rubby De La Rosa started wilder than Snooki on an absinthe bender, walking five of the first eleven batters he faced. But the Phillies only squeezed out one run in the early going, and De La Rosa settled down. The sticklike Dee Gordon delivered, going 3 for 5 with a run and a stolen base. And — who else? — Matt Kemp provided the insurance with a two-run bomb in the eighth. Kemp is currently tied with Jay Bruce for the NL lead with 17 home runs, and he leads the NL with 50 RBI.

photo by Hunter Martin/Getty Images

Game 62 Thread: June 7 @ Phils, 4p

Rubby De La Rosa (1-0, 1.80) vs. Roy Oswalt (3-3, 2.70).

Welcome to the 2011 Dodgers v5.0, where De La Rosa is a starter and Dee Gordon is the everyday shortstop. I don't want to say the Dodgers are throwing in the towel here, but nobody envisioned this patchwork quilt of injured aging farts and callow neophytes. The Dodgers' chances at post-season play this year? Rancid.

Post-Game 56 Thread: An Offensive Juggernaut

DODGERS 8, ROCKIES 2

The Dodgers offense has suddenly morphed into a juggernaut, and if the Dodgers go on to make a run for the playoffs, you Cain Marko this date, the third game in a row in which the Dodgers scored seven or more runs, as the one which made fans begin to hope. The Dodgers are 7-1 when scoring seven or more runs and this includes the last three games, each of which resulted in a win.

Ted Lilly went seven tonight and gave up two ER (including a solo shot to Ty Wigginton) and had 8 Ks. Rubby De La Rosa breezed through the eighth, and gave up a two-out double in the ninth, but got Todd Helton to fly out to left and end the game.

On the offensive side, Matt Kemp had four RBI, including a two-run HR in the first, and Casey Blake added a three-run shot in the seventh, scoring Jay Gibbons and Jamey Carroll. Heck, even Aaron Miles, who cost the Dodgers a run in the third inning after catching an over-the-shoulder, short fly out to right (cutting off Andre Ethier, who could have easily made the play and had momentum homeward to hold the runner) and allowing Chris Nelson to tag and score from third, had a run-scoring double of his own. Every Dodger position starter reached at least first base, even 0-for-3 Dioner Navarro.

And so it is, these Dodgers are rolling and unstoppable. One might call it...uncanny.

UPDATE 6/1 9:35a: You know what else is uncanny? Check out the LATimes' Steve Dilbeck's headline. UNCANNY. (Except I had spelled "juggernaut" correctly (check his story's link.)

Post-Game 52 Thread: Dioner With A PH Walk-Off Single, Just Like We Had Planned

DODGERS 3, FISH 2

Dioner Navarro, batting .184 and pinch-hitting, hits a no-out walkoff basehit to center in the ninth (against a five-Marlin infield) to win the game. Rubby De La Rosa, who went two innings with 1 ER, earns his first victory. James Loney leads off all the scoring with a solo HR, his first in 49 days and second of the season. Don't say we didn't tell you this was going to happen; this game was just like we had predicted.

I've heard of managers "getting the most out of their weakest players," but this is pretty ridiculous. I'll take it.

Post-Game 50 Thread: A Night of Firsts

DODGERS 5, ASTROS 4

Jay Gibbons hit his first home run of the season.

Jerry Sands hit his first career grand slam in the third.

Rubby De La Rosa made his Dodger debut, pitching a scoreless eighth.

photos: AP