They've got company
On the bright side, the Dodgers had plenty of chances in their 5-4 loss to the Giants Thursday night at Chavez Ravine. Oh wait, that just makes it all the more frustrating. Our bad. It was the fourth in a row for the Blue, who now find themselves in a tie for first in the West with the scalding hot Giants. And it came on Nomar Bobblehead Night, no less. Just adds to the sting. The air was thick with missed opportunties early, as L.A. put a whopping 10 of their first 15 batters on base, but scored only three times. Juan Pierre didn't help matters, missing a squeeze sign in the second and compounding the error with some less-than-clutch (though none too simple) defense in the eighth. But don't just blame J.P. There are plenty of candidates for your collective ire. The box score shows that starter Brad Penny was good, not great, but considering he probably should have had a 29 run cushion, it's hard to skewer him too much.
The box also shows a double and run scored for Wilson Betemit (along with a crucial strikeout), which is 
an improvement... since almost by definition if Betemit gets a hit these days it's an improvement. What's interesting is that he did it out of the seventh spot in the order, in theory allowing him to see better pitches. Moving down to eighth was Andre Ethier, who said he didn't have a problem hitting in front of the pitcher, then promptly proved his point.
Jason Schmidt isn't exactly healing up like a champ, though down on the farm, Matt Kemp looks like he's feeling much, much better. And chances are Rafael Furcal will, too. Good thing, since he's in the upper echelon of leadoff guys.
Mark Hendrickson will kick off a weekend set at PETCO tonight for the Dodgers, against Clay Hensley for San Diego. Smart money is on Jose Cruz Jr. and Luis Gonzalez.
Classic satire from The Onion.
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Just an ugly series in general. The Dodgers will inevitably go through stages like this during the season, but they really couldn't have picked a worse time for an early season slump.
I'm not too worried about the Giants in the long run, since their age will begin to show in July, but last night was a perfect opportunity to create a little breathing room before heading off to the litterbox this weekend.
Jose Cruz Jr. perfectly fits the bill of a mediocre ex-Dodger who turns into a five tool player when playing his former team. I have a feeling that Hendrickson won't be the only pitcher he owns this series.
Posted by: Makoto Ueno | April 27, 2007 at 10:42 AM
Funny how Schmidt now talks about soreness as though it was always an issue and a given. Whatever happened to veteran honesty?
Pierre's defense is absolutely awful. Makes me long for Kenny Lofton (never thought I'd write that). That ball, with the game on the line, needs to be caught.
Also interesting that Ethier can double and homer in the 8th spot, but all we hear from Can't Get-A-Hit is how he doesn't get pitches to hit. Last night the Lakers were evidence of quit whining and play. Betemit needs to take a hint.
Posted by: Chunkdog32 | April 27, 2007 at 10:54 AM
By the way, that article from The Onion is indeed classic. I particularly enjoyed the shout-out to the true Home Run Derby (not that all star crap). I still remember Mark Scott, sitting with his "scorebook", talking to huge stars like Aaron, Mays, Mantle, Killebrew, Frank Robinson. We would never see such today.
Also, for a long time LA resident, I always loved watching the homers going over the walls at Wrigley Field (42nd and Avalon) and occasionally smashing windows in the houses.
Posted by: Chunkdog32 | April 27, 2007 at 11:02 AM
that series was hard to watch..... losing sucks but losing to the giants is worst.... losing because we beat up ourselves was the hardest. We need a healthy Schmidt back i hope he doesnt come back till he is 100% healthy Kuo should be up soon. Pierre should be in right field he just isnt a good centerfielder i think either is a better player and will turn into an all star in center. I have been calling for betemits head all year long and im sick of him. Nomar is a great athlete and can play third, im a huge Loney fan that kid can hit!!!!!!!! put the best team on the field no matter whos feelings get hurt. Its going to be a tough month we play some good teams need all the bullets we can get. On the good side the one-two punch of broxton and sammy might be the best in the business i cant wait to see the big ox close out games one day he is my favorite player
Posted by: bigtaxdizzle | April 27, 2007 at 11:52 AM
Hey Dodger dogs;
You guys tickle me. "The Giants will show their age in July". With our young pitching staff, deep bench, and Boche's talent for knowing how to use his roster, were gonna be there all year fellas. You have a few guys who are not exactly spring chickens yourself. Kent 38, Gonzo 39, Saenz, Tomko, Liberthal...need I go on. You need Kent and Gonzo to knock in around 100 ribbies each, you better worry about them.
If you recall this winter, I told you why the Gigantes did not sign Schmidt. His shoulder became an issue many times the last 2 years. Factor the dollar per win at the end of the year and Zito is going to be a steal compared to what your paying Jason.
You guys played well up here when you swept us while we were struggling, so we just returned the favor. It's gonna be like this all year between the dogs, Pads, and Gigantes. Nobody is gonna run away with this division. I look for all three teams to be in the 90 win area. It's gonna come down to guts, guile, and heart. Let's see who has the most come September. Your beloved Giants Fan
Posted by: Giants Fan | April 27, 2007 at 12:41 PM
BigTaxDizzle
You are right on target with Betemit and Nomar playing 3rd for him. No team can stand that kind of hitting, no matter where in the order he hits. Betemit has had his chance. I also agree that Pierre is having problems throwing and catching the ball. Perhaps he can play another outfield spot.
On another note, it looks like resting the heart of the Dodger order 8 games ago has resulted in a 3-5 record after starting 10-4 before the much needed rest of the heart of the order by Grady. HaHa You know, maybe momentum does have its merits. Hey AK/BK, check and see if Grady thinks this is acceptable. I would favor a little less rest and maintaining momentum, what about you folks?
Posted by: Package | April 27, 2007 at 03:02 PM
Giants Fan,
The big difference between the two teams is the fact that the Dodgers actually have a deep bench and major league ready talent in the minors. In some respects, the Dodgers may actually get better as a result of injury. What happens to your team when Bonds, Roberts, Feliz, Vizquel, Aurilia, etc. go down?
Package,
I see you're still dwelling on that rest day. Considering that the Dodgers actually bounced back to beat the Rockies, and took the first two games of the Pittsburgh series (two of the three victories were blowouts), it's hard to see how your momentum theory really plays a part in the current stumble. The Dodgers are in trouble right now because the pitching hasn't been a strong, and the hitters aren't working the count. Unfortunately, for the next couple of games we have to rely on Hendrickson and Tomko to be the stoppers, which is never a good sign, so the misery may continue. But, stranger things have happened.
Posted by: Makoto Ueno | April 27, 2007 at 04:38 PM
Mak
I'd say 10-4 is momentum!!
Posted by: Package | April 27, 2007 at 06:00 PM