330
That would the win total for this evening. Not the Dodgers' running '06 tally, of course. Tonight's 7-2 series sweeping victory over the Reds, fine a triumph as it was, only takes them to 71 (and 21 for August, tying the best monthly close out since waving goodbye to Brooklyn). 330 does, however, represent the wins racked during the Hall of Fame career of one Greg Maddux, now 10th on the all-time "W" list. And while a 7 IP/2 ER outing is nothing out of the ordinary for the man with more control than a world class puppeteer, upon factoring in everything else Maddux brought to the table, his performance was fitting of a milestone event. Two RBIs (one off a perfectly executed squeeze bunt to score Wilson Betemit). Sparkling defense, including a sprinting cover of first base after Nomar made a heck of a run-saving play himself. To say the least, Maddux provided the kitchen sink while taking his place in history. As Russell Martin put it, "He's got the whole package."
But in typical fashion, Maddux was as low key and unflappable after the game as during, seemingly more happy about achieving his pre-game goal of an under-worked pen than lapping former top 10 guy Steve Carlton (although he did admit it was "kind of cool."). "You just don't want to get knocked out early," said the righty about preserving reliever arms. "Not that you ever do. (But) you're aware of what's going on the last couple days."
A less flashy task than "330," but important nonetheless. And rather than jumping on the "Hail Greg!" bandwagon, he reserved most of his praise for his pal, Mr. Mia Hamm. "Nomar made a good play. (His throw) was right on the nose. It was too hot to catch, but at least he got a glove on it and knocked it down and made a good throw."
And not that he didn't appreciate the standing O after his sacrifice bunt ribbie, but Maddux may just not be one for an in-game smelling of the roses. "Really, you're just thinking about getting back in the dugout and getting (the sixth inning Cincinnati) run back. It's an honor that the fans appreciate what you're doing on the field, but at the same, you can't get too caught up in it."
Of course, Maddux wasn't the only cat doing record book kinda stuff. The trio of Betemit, Olmedo Saenz and Rafael Furcal went yard during the eighth inning, only the third time that's gone down in Blue bat history. For the Killer Tomato, it was a pinch hit jack and the 10th on his resume. When I asked Saenz how he felt hitting career double figures, his response was pretty honest. "I didn't know that."
After taking the number in, he smiled and acknowledged the pride. When I asked Saenz if he considers pinch hitting an art form of sorts, Maddux's modesty oozed from another big league vet. "I don't know, because I don't talk about myself," said Saenz, waving off the opportunity to label himself a craftsman. "All I can tell you is it's one of toughest jobs in the game. It takes a lot of preparation and experience."
Between him and Maddux, the game was quite a celebration of both.
More to come later.
—AK
Subscribe to this Blog | What is RSS?
In the playoffs, the Dodgers should go with a rotation of this order Penny, Lowe, and then Maddux.
I don't think Penny is the Dodgers best pitcher, but the Dodgers have to have Lowe and Maddux pitch game 2 and game 3 beacuse, just in case, we lose game 1, Penny won't be able to stop the streak. He isn't that type of pitcher. The Dodgers should order Lowe and Maddux according to if they have home field. Maddux has to pitch at night at Dodger stadium to succeed.
Posted by: Tom | August 31, 2006 at 12:49 AM
I've noticed some fans wondering why the Dodgers are looking for a left-handed pinch hitter when they had one in Ricky Ledee. These people are clueless.
Don't they realize that it is important to read this blog and get the best info about who should stay and who should go? Odalis, gone. Baez, gone. Cruz, Jr., so long. Ledee, see ya. All four were blog targets and the team has improved remarkably since their departures.
We know Ned Colletti secretly reads Dodgerblog and follows its advice. He'd be lost without input from LoLo, wmm, Grumpy and stargazin.
In the Times today, it is mentioned that the Dodgers are, indeed, unwilling to give up prospects such as Matt Kemp, Andy LaRoche or James Loney for David Wells. Good. On the other hand, the Red Sox are only looking for some .213 slugger from the Padres for Wells. Why such a disparity?
Posted by: Dodgerdog | August 31, 2006 at 07:59 AM
What a game yesterday! I was at the stadium and the crowd was electric last night, especially in that inning where they hit three homers, two of them back-to-back. It's good to see power returning to some of these guys, and hopefully this is just a warm up of whats to come. The whole game seemed to go in the Dodgers favor. I could sense the energy that they were playing with, and I got the feeling that our boys in blue feed off the home crowd. I can't wait till the post season! GO DODGERS!!!!
Posted by: Chris H | August 31, 2006 at 08:17 AM
Dodgerdog,
Most people who say that are clueless because they get wraped around the righty-lefty cliches. If the pitcher has a .150 BAA, and the hitter is batting .230, call it a hunch but I don't think the chances of the guy getting a hit are good.
Tomato Saenz, now there's a guy you can implement the righty/lefty thing. Betemit is another one. Ricky Ledee? Not so much.
Posted by: LoLo | August 31, 2006 at 08:37 AM
Tom -
I agree that Penny should start in a series b/c he'll be trying too hard if we were down 0-1 or 0-2. The guy just doesn't handle adversity all that well. When I thought about the playoff rotation, I actually had Maddux slated second because he'll be calm and collected when trying to right the ship if we fall to 0-1. Then Lowe can come in and be lights out whether it's 1-1 or 2-0.
I guess it doesn't really matter really between Lowe and MadDog, but for some reason does itfeels more comfortable with a rotation of Penny-Maddux-Lowe?
Posted by: wasabi | August 31, 2006 at 09:21 AM
Interesting that as teams look for offense in Seotember, they have scooped up Ledee or Cruz (how was he ever starting?).
One thing about last-minute acquisitions...if you can get one win via them, without mortgaging the future, it could be worth it. In a close race, that one victory could be the difference between playing baseball into October versus playing golf in October.
The team with the best record in the regular season doesn't always win it all (huh, AK/BK?). Wild Card teams have done quite well recently-they get hot to make it, then keep it going. Top teams sometimes lose their edge in mid September, then can't regain it.
Peaking at the right time can very rewarding. Although they may not win it all, a WS appearance is mighty nice. Gives you a "puncher's chance".
Posted by: Dodgerdog | August 31, 2006 at 09:24 AM
It may be fun to speculate about a rotation in the post season, but let's not get ahead of ourselves.
There are still 29 games to be played, including a nasty, 10-game road trip to Milwaukee, Chicago and NY. Still have 4, at home, with the Padres and we know it hasn't mattered where we play them.
Have to finish the season in SF and we know how much they'd love to ruin our year (just ask Felipe Alou).
The way we've played lately is very encouraging and the Dodgers avoided a big downward spiral after SD with a nice streak (winning 5 out of 6).
But, we also know, that in a year of streakiness, another may be around the corner, and in the wrong direction.
Seemingly, that is less likely, as the pitching/defense have solidified. But, I won't be relieved until we've clinched. Until then, no post-season scenarios for me.
Posted by: Dodgerdog | August 31, 2006 at 09:33 AM
Ditto. I was about to say someting about not jinxing ouselves. It's fun to look ahead sometimes, but let's take care of business at hand first. We are nowhere near securing a playoff birth. If we are playing good and inspired baseball as the regular season comes to an end, the playoffs will take care of themselves.
Let's not forget what a roller coaster season this has been. One day at a time, people.
Posted by: LoLo | August 31, 2006 at 10:00 AM
You're too kind, Dodgerdog. If Colletti is taking my advice, though, we're in big trouble.
Posted by: wmm | August 31, 2006 at 04:00 PM