Extra! Extra! (5.2)

(Let's say we employed a million crack researchers, each armed with one of those multi-monitored ubercomputers John Travolta gave Hugh Jackman in "Swordfish." They still wouldn't be able to crack down every article written about the Dodgers. Which means the two of us on our outdated laptops don't stand a chance. But we'll always do our best to bring readers as many stories, perspective and opinions as possible. Knowledge is key. Extra! Extra! is where you can come to get a little)

Ever feel like you should be keeping two spare runs in your pocket, just in case they come in handy later on? The Dodgers can relate to that nagging notion, especially during Monday night's 3-2 loss to the D-Backs. The Dodgers are 2-9 when facing a single run spread, a record that's likely tied to the  team's .216 BA with runners on during those same games. It's also tied to Brad Penny's loss, which came basically at the hands of one bad inning. And in what's often been the case thus far, Dodger bats seem to peak out after getting on a roll early. As the box score clearly shows, wasn't much Dodger wood on a ball for most of the game. Two innings worth of scoring (courtesy of RBI's from Sandy Alomar and J.D. Drew) essentially tapped the well dry. What's also tapped? Ricky Ledee's pelvic area, which suffered, as Sam Malone famously rapped on Cheers, a groooiiiin injury. He'll be spending 15 days recovering and will be replaced by Andre Ethier, a lefty doing damage in triple A. Ethier will likely room during roadies with buddy Jonathon Broxton, a reliever called in to replace the demoted and largely ineffective Lance Carter. Grady Little hasn't lost faith in Carter, per say, but definitely thinks he needs time in a Las Vegas "Jiffy Lube" of sorts. Coming a day after Hong-Chih Kuo's trip to Sin City, it's obvious the Dodgers feel the obvious need to shore up middle relief.