One Day at a Time

That phrase doesn't just describe an inexplicably popular, totally mediocre '70s sitcom or the mindset of those fighting various addictions. As I scoped out various thoughts from around the Dodgers clubhouse, the sentiment was more or less a common theme regarding the Blue.

Take Cesar Izturis' adjustment to his new position of third base. For now, he's going 24 hours by 24 hours on his quest to get into the groove. "So far, so good," he replied, when asked about the adjustment so far. He admitted that the new position doesn't feel entirely comfortable to him yet, but all in all, he'd label things "good." He also a little surprised, given his tendency to play reasonably far back, that nobody's tested him with a bunt in his direction. Especially during the Seattle series, because they have some rummy named Ichiro leading off. According to the scouting report, he's got some decent speed and ability with a bat. I asked Izzy if, all adjustment and trial and error aside, he's actually enjoying his time at third. Well, depends on how you define "like." Dude wouldn't go so far as to say he's having a blast back there (the man's still a shortstop, given his druthers), but he is digging the pure challenge placed in front of him. "Especially playing third in the big leagues...especially for the L.A. Dodgers."

Asked about a variety of subjects, Grady Little answered with a lot of variations of "day by day." Take Brett Tomko's progress. "I haven't heard anything new today, but they're working on him back there. So we don't have any new news today." Same question, this time in regards to Eric Gagne? More or less the same answer. "No update on that either on our end. I wish I could help you, but I can't."

Asked if it's safe to assume that the lack of specific info could be interpreted as "Game Over" being a ways off from actually entering a game, Little responded with a simple "sounds like it to me." If nothing else, it could be time for Takashi Saito to find some intimidating rock and roll for his save entrances. Suggestions, anyone? Asked about DH's for the upcoming interleague series against Minny and that other team in the L.A. area, Little will be making his decisions on a game to game, matchup by matchup basis. That said, a betting man could probably feel good about placing a Vegas wager on "Olmedo Saenz DH'ing against a Twins lefty" without worrying too much about losing his shirt (although we at Blue Notes don't condone such activities, so you didn't hear it from us).

Finally, the 24-hour time period was given the biggest shoutout by Joe Beimel, who packed the "24" season one DVD, still in the plastic, into his bag for the upcoming road trip. The reliever's never seen an episode of the real time show in his life, but he plans on killing time on the road by watching a day in the life of Jack Bauer. Ramon Martinez warned him of the show's rather addictive quality. "You're gonna be hooked for the rest of your life, bro!"

Today's lineups:
Pittsburgh
Nate McLouth cf
Freddy Sanchez ss
Sean Casey 1b
Jason Bay lf
Jeromy Burnitz rf
Joe Randa 3b
Jose Castillo 2b
Ronny Paulino c
Kip Wells p

Dodgers
Furcal ss
Lofton cf
Nomar 1b
Drew rf
Ethier lf
Martinez 2b
Izturis 3b
Martin c
Penny p