I wouldn't wanna fight Brad Penny, anyway
Since, you know, he's a hell of a lot bigger than me. Like, way the hell bigger. But I even have less desire to go nose to nose with the fire-throwing righty now that I'm aware of his Ultimate Fighting knowledge. Or more specifically, Pride Fighting Championships, a Japanese rival circuit that Penny was watching on the clubhouse TV. Dude knew all the competitors, what you're allowed to do and what's against the rules (choking is cool, but hits to the back of the head are a no-no. Which makes sense, since you wouldn't want anyone getting hurt.) and was even familiar with the commentators' background. And if Penny's anything of a quick study, I'll go out on a limb and declare him a black belt in "brawl." Brady Clark is a "Pride" novice, but Penny gladly took him under his wing to explain the finer points. Clark seemed entertained enough, although not to the point where he's debating a career change. I asked Clark what his asking price would be to step into the ring. A cool ten mil, and it would require a financial crisis.
Wilson Valdez proved my theory that any liquid that's pink (Pepto, some girly blended cocktail, Strawberry Quik milk) tastes like crap. He was drinking some hot pink powder-based energy drink concoction that theoretically was cherry flavored, but tasted beyond horrible. Every time he took a swig, his face shriveled up like the guy in those old Keystone beer ads. The stuff does work, though, so if you see Wilson bouncing off the dugout walls while dry heaving, there's your reason.
Tonight's Lineup
Giants
Dave Roberts - CF
Omar Vizquel - SS
Ryan Klesko - 1B
Barry - LF
Ray Durham - 2B
Bengie Molina - C
Pedro Feliz - 3B
Randy Winn - RF
Russ Ortiz - P
Dodgers
Furcal - SS
Pierre - LF
Nomar - 1B
Kent - 2B
Gonzo - LF
Martin - C
Betemit - 3B
Ethier - RF
Penny - P
FYI - Grady Little switched up Betemit and Ethier in the order mostly as a "try anything to make something happen" approach to spark the slumping third baseman. We'll see how it goes.
AK
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So it's the 3rd inning and Wilson Betemit just struck out with the bases loaded after beginning the at bat 3-0. Exactly why I chose him to represent the National League at 3rd base in the All-Star Game.
I think we should begin a Sanjaya-like campaign to get Betemit elected to the All-Star game! Vote now! Vote often!
Posted by: Stinger | April 26, 2007 at 08:18 PM
i think moving betemit to the 7th spot cost us a run in the 3rd inning.
also, pride is no longer a rival to ufc. ufc brought them out. i love watching mix martial arts. as a kid, i wondered, if seagal can beat up van damme, or norris over jeff speakman, etc. now you get to see them compete and these guys are tough. however, i'm not so big on all the rules they imprimented. when it first began, no rules except eye gowling, fishhooking and i think biting. but they was elbowing from the ground, kicking the jewels, kicking them while they were down, it was awesome. wwe has nothing on ufc.
ok now back to your regular schedule dodger programing.
Posted by: sok | April 26, 2007 at 08:36 PM
For a while it seemed like the Dodgers could do no wrong. Funny how fast things can change. I had a vision of the Giants being the doormat of the West. Though it's a long season, it looks like they are going to be competitive.
At first I though it was a good move giving Betemit a chance at the 8th spot, since Either can hit anywhere. But if he can't even make contact with the ball he deserves 8th place. In the Diamondback series even their announcers noticed the problems with his swing. Has Honeycutt??
I hope we are not in for one of those "special" losing streaks...
Posted by: Andy B | April 27, 2007 at 12:29 AM
That was a series of missed opportunities and extra generousity. We need to put that series behind us and play the hotest players in the upcoming series against the Pods.
The following would be my lineup against the pods:
Furcal SS
Valdez 3B
Garciaparra 1B
Kent 2B
Martin C
gonzales LF
Clark C
Eithier RF
Pitchers spot
This is a lineup of speed and contact hitters.
AK, Pass this along when you talk to Grady
KT
Posted by: KT USN | April 27, 2007 at 07:53 AM
AK
I tried for a response from BK in the 'Question of the day-Wilson Betemit from BK, so I will try you. BK thinks Wilson should have another 30 days for evalulation before replacing him. Do you think after 22 games, 57ABs, and 13 SOs in Spring Training and 44ABs and 12 SOs so far this year that Wilson Betemit has not had ample time for evaluation? Now you can go along with Grady and agree or you can really take a hard look at the situation and give a good answer. Loney is rotting on the vine in the minors ,while Betemit is given plenty of chances. What say you?
By the way, Vin Scully said on last nights broadcast that Little may evaluate Betemit from now until forever.
Posted by: Package | April 27, 2007 at 08:26 AM
KT
I think that this would be an excellent change! Pierre has definitely made a number of mistakes in the outfield and offensively, and we all know that his arm is on the weak side. Putting Valdez in Betemit's place, or anybody else is an improvement.
Posted by: Package | April 27, 2007 at 10:37 AM
Package,
I'm actually in agreement with BK. Aside from the fact that April is a little too early for burying a guy, recent losing streak aside, the team's been doing fine with Betemit in the lineup. Plus, the replacement options are slim at best. LaRoche isn't ready (nor did he kick ass in spring), Martinez, the Tomato and Valdez aren't really everyday players, and Nomar moving to third (which would open up a theoretical spot for Loney) is an injury begging to happen. If that many people think his body can't handle it, I've gotta think they know what they're talking about.
Obviously, there are limits as to how long the team can afford to wait out Betemit's slump. But I'd weather the storm a little longer before making a permanent-ish change. I just don't see the need right now.
AK
Posted by: Andrew Kamenetzky | April 27, 2007 at 10:41 AM