First Things First. Best Wishes to Ramon Martinez
For those who've been wondering why they haven't seen Ramon Martinez on the field much lately (or even glimpses of him in the dugout), he's been dealing with some complications after the recent birth of his child. Grady Little wouldn't share any specifics, other than Ramon and his wife are holding up okay (all things considered), but the baby is still in the hospital. They talked with Ramon this afternoon and hopefully will have a better idea by Monday as to when he'll rejoin the team. Obviously, Ramon's situation puts a lot in perspective, making tonight's game seem somewhat trivial in the big picture.
In the small picture, however, tonight's game is pretty important. And for that matter, so are the ones on the horizon against Colorado and San Fran, which is why Grady Little's taking as much sweet time as he possibly can before nailing down a rotation during the final weekend. Tomorrow's starter will be Hong-Chih Kuo, with Greg Maddux, Derek Lowe and Brad Penny scheduled to hurl in Colorado. No need to double check that list. You won't see Chad Billingsley's name. "Chad will work first out of the bullpen a little bit instead of starting in that series against Colorado," explained Little of the relief work that probably won't begin until Tuesday. But just because Bills won't be kicking off the action against the Rockies doesn't mean he won't get that opportunity facing the Giants. "Not necessarily," said Little. "We'll see what we look like after those games against Colorado." And obviously, a lot would have to do with how and when Bills was used in that series (and of course, his effectiveness). If the kid only goes Tuesday, no worries. But any appearances on Hump Day and beyond, Little "might be a little hesitant."
There's no hesitation, however, in Little's plans to throw Takashi Saito into the fire multiple times before the regular season ends. When a Japanese reporter informed Little that Saito told him he'd be willing to hurl the next 8 games straight, Little immediately quipped, "We're not trying to rest him up now for his trip back to Japan." Little said Sammy would be available for action tonight. Another guy Little won't be afraid to put on the hill is lefty Joe Beimel, who's quietly put together a nice season that's been well capped of late. "I'd have to answer that question "yes," admitted Little when asked if Beimel surpassed his expectations in April. When it comes to expectations, the ones for Brad Penny are as weighty as anybody on the team. And to be honest, his second half performances haven't always lived up to the hype, but late September games like tonight are the stuff that often prove what a guy's made of. But not the only stuff, in Little's mind. "I've never judged people on one day in my life and I won't start now," said Little. "I look at this guy's entire season. It's been a good one." All in all, true. But if Penny can pull out the stops tonight, the "good" season can perhaps evolve into "great."
Finally, congrats to James Loney and Rafael Furcal. The former was named the Dodgers' 2006 Branch Rickey Minor League Player of the Year and the latter won the Roy Campanella Award for "Most Inspirational Dodger," as chosen by his teammates. Kudos, boys.
Tonight's Lineups
Snakes
Eric Byrnes - CF
Orlando Hudson - 2B
Gonzo - LF
Johnny Estrada - C
Chad Tracy - 3B
Conor Jackson - 1B
J.D.'s kid brother - SS
Carlos Quentin - RF
Walt Whitman - P
Dodgers
Furcal - SS
Lofton - CF
Nomar - 1B
Kent -2B
Stephen's big brother - RF
Wilson Betemit - 3B
Marlon Anderson - LF
Russell Martin - C
Penny - P
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ANYBODY OUT THERE. HELLOOOOOOOOOOOOO
YOU GUYS ASKED FOR THE LIVE BLOG.
Posted by: stargazin | September 23, 2006 at 07:09 PM
AK - THE TROJANS BE STRUGGLING.
Posted by: stargazin | September 23, 2006 at 07:10 PM
LITTLE'S GOTTA HEAR IT FROM A JAPANESE REPORTER???
Posted by: stargazin | September 23, 2006 at 07:11 PM
It took Little 2 months to finally recognize Biemel was good. I advise him to read this blog in the future.
Posted by: Tom | September 23, 2006 at 07:14 PM
Here we go again. Before everyone has even started watching the game, Penny will give up 3-4 runs.
Posted by: Tom | September 23, 2006 at 07:15 PM
Pirates leading 1-0 !
Posted by: Tom | September 23, 2006 at 07:18 PM
Penny better not come back the next inning and give back the runs.
Posted by: Tom | September 23, 2006 at 07:32 PM
J.D. Drew!!! What is wrong with him??
Posted by: Tom | September 23, 2006 at 07:34 PM
WOOT! Jayyyyy Deeeee Dreewwwwwwwwwww! This is so what we need right now!
Posted by: Jen- | September 23, 2006 at 07:34 PM
I'll nominate Lugo as the new princess?
Posted by: mti | September 23, 2006 at 07:35 PM
Live blog winning streak looks pretty good right now.
Posted by: Tom | September 23, 2006 at 07:37 PM
MTI,
I would nominate Lugo, Tomko, and Sele.
Posted by: Tom | September 23, 2006 at 07:40 PM
How did I know that Penny would give it all back? At least he got 4 strikeouts
Posted by: Tom | September 23, 2006 at 07:53 PM
Penny can't even bunt a guy over! He just sucks!
Posted by: Tom | September 23, 2006 at 07:55 PM
Brad Penny is a lazy ass! No enthusiasm! WTH is his problem...I don't care if he is a pitcher..he should know better. It doesn't look too good for the Dodgers when we have to rely on Penny to take us to the postseason.
Posted by: Tom | September 23, 2006 at 07:57 PM
Penny will go no more than 5 innings tonight. So if there is a player to blame for the bullpen's overuse, it should be Penny and Little.
Posted by: Tom | September 23, 2006 at 08:00 PM
How many runs is he going to give up..........Penny sucks!!!!!!!!
Posted by: Tom | September 23, 2006 at 08:00 PM
Penny looks TIRED...sorta like he is burnt out...it happens and it sure sux it is NOW that is having a problem...dang it anyway!!
Posted by: grumpy3b | September 23, 2006 at 08:05 PM
Penny sucks!!
Posted by: Tom | September 23, 2006 at 08:06 PM
and remember the power of THE LIVE BLOG will win out...
Posted by: grumpy3b | September 23, 2006 at 08:06 PM
BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO His fat/ out of shape aS* off the field
Posted by: Tom | September 23, 2006 at 08:07 PM
I have realized why Penny has struggled since the all-star break. It is becuase of his all-star start. He struck out Ichiro, Jeter, and ORtiz with 98 mph fastballs and now he thinks he can throw that to everyone.
Posted by: Tom | September 23, 2006 at 08:08 PM
Penny sucks...Penny sucks...Penny sucks....Penny sucks.....Penny sucks....Penny sucks....Penny sucks....Penny sucks..... The J.D. Drew chant can be translated to Pen-ny-Sucks.
Posted by: Tom | September 23, 2006 at 08:09 PM
Too bad that chant doesn't work for Fire Little!
Posted by: Tom | September 23, 2006 at 08:10 PM
btw, that is awful about Martinez and their new baby!! Work should be the last thing he should worry about right now...glad to hear he is with his family.
Posted by: grumpy3b | September 23, 2006 at 08:10 PM
Hendrickson has been reborn as a semi-solid reliever. This is a big improvement.
BK
Posted by: Brian Kamenetzky | September 23, 2006 at 09:02 PM