1-0 in games where Juan Pierre gets...
... wait for it...
batty.
Hey, if that pun is the worst you're stuck dealing with as a prize for a 10-0 win over the Washington Nationals, I imagine that'll work every time and then some. What began as an everyday, average, ho-hum pre-game routine for the speedy (and often under-performing) new Dodger turned into a explosion at the dish. Four hits in five at bats, three of which were doubles and the other a triple (His first of the season. It's a "Dear Diary" day!!!). Hell, had that slacker Brad Penny not been gumming up the works on the base paths, Pierre might have made it a pair of three-baggers (and at least another ribbie). But Penny redeemed his Yugo-like running prowess with yet another productive outing on the mound. How checked did Penny leave the Nats? While minding second base, Jeff Kent didn't chat up a Washington player until the seventh inning. That ain't bad. Between Penny's chucking and the collective Blue bats, it would have basically been impossible for Yhency Brazoban and Brett Tomko to take over and screw up the box score. As it was, they actually carried out the goose egg parade.
Today's rumble highlights a Derek Lowe/Mike Bacsik showdown. Lowe's never lost a start against our nation's capital. Bacsik has never had a decision against the Dodgers. Need something give?
The starter spot once owned by Brett Tomko remains a "?" for this Sautrday. The safe-ish bet appears to be Hong-Chih Kuo, except his last start in Vegas was more snake eyes than lucky 7. Remember D.J. Houlton? If not, you might get a reminder. One thing's a safe bet. Little won't go way outside the box and start closer Takashi Saito, who's shoulder is hurting. What's worse, he may not be able to afford the necessary medical care (Or at least not as easily as some of baseball's most overpaid bums.).
Rick Rhoden: Nasty on the links.
Subscribe to this Blog | What is RSS?
Somewhat off topic, but in listening to the game on the radio yesterday I was shocked to hear that Russell Martin is FOURTH in All Star voting for the NL catcher spot -- despite leading in practically every category! Please, let's do our part and put in our 25 votes apiece for this guy so LoDuca doesn't get to strut around laughing about how great he is. JMHO
Posted by: LossLeader | May 30, 2007 at 10:43 AM
Good riddance to Drew and Lugo.
They made the first team on this dubious honor list:
http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/news;_ylt=Ag0_q6EJy.Sk9.xjz08R1sw5nYcB?slug=jp-contracts052907&prov=yhoo&type=lgns
Posted by: wausroamer | May 30, 2007 at 01:12 PM
It makes me nervous to hear that Saito's shoulder is hurting, but it's kind of reassuring to know that he's not above asking for a night of rest. The last thing we need is for the closer to go Jason Schmidt on us by claiming he's OK while throwing slow-pitch softball to opposing hitters.
I'm not so sure about Kuo slipping into the 5th starter role at this moment. The Daily News article claims that he was good until 60-65 pitches in his last AAA start. While that may be OK for a guy like Maddux who consistently finishes 6 innings on 70 pitches, Kuo couldn't even make it out of the 5th without making 80 offerings and getting into a lot of trouble. Combined with his history of not being very efficient on the mound, and things don't look too swell.
The last thing the Dodgers need is a starter who forces Grady Little to make those 'difficult' pitching changes and pinch hit decisions in the middle innings. I'm intrigued by the Houlton situation, but if the timing isn't right, then there's not much left to say. If Kuo does get the call for the weekend, maybe it will be a one game callup for an 'emergency start', and Houlton will immediately take his place and slip into the rotation when his rest cycle fits.
Posted by: Makoto Ueno | May 30, 2007 at 01:35 PM
Hey, when Schmidt makes his minor league start(s), do you think ESPN will cover it pitch-by-pitch like they did with Clemens? Gee, why not?
Posted by: Dodgerdog | May 30, 2007 at 03:56 PM
BK
I know you didn't like my idea of Bomko and Betemit for Tex but I would be willing to sweeten the deal with a youngster. My question to you is, if the Dodgers did get Tex, where would that put Nomar??? Isn't he under contract for next year also? Back to my trade idea, I knew you wouldn't go for the Betemit part of the trade but I was amused to hear you actually say it.
Posted by: Package | May 30, 2007 at 03:59 PM
Wausroamer,
Don't leave out Jeff Weaver and Danys Baez. They also made it!
Posted by: Dodgerdog | May 30, 2007 at 04:16 PM
Package-
I'd cross that bridge when I got there. Probably third, maybe left. And by the way, if your proposal would get it done, I'd nominate you for GM of the year (haha).
And I'd like to thank all the Dodgers for not demanding any trades today. I don't think I could handle it.
BK
Posted by: Brian Kamenetzky | May 30, 2007 at 04:31 PM
Package,
I don't think BK's judgement about your trade idea has anything to do with whether or not he likes Wilson Betemit.
If you were in charge of the Texas Rangers, would you trade one of the best young sluggers in the game for a guy batting .186 and a journeyman pitcher with an ERA of 5.87 and a W-L record of 1-5?
Posted by: Makoto Ueno | May 30, 2007 at 04:35 PM
Mak
My point is why are the Dodgers paying him? (Betemit) I also said I would sweeten the deal with a youngster. I don't know if BK likes Betemit or not. All I know is Betemit gets a lot of backing by the Bros.
Hey BK
How come when I mention Nomar going to 3rd its a bad idea, but when you feel it might be possible to obtain Tex, its OK to play Nomar at 3rd? What about the hammies?
BK
I could do that job, and I would throw Betemit into just about any trade!!
Posted by: Package | May 30, 2007 at 05:35 PM
WE SHOOD GO AFTER JOSE MESA. I VOTE BARRY ''BOZO' BONDS INTO THE ;;;;;HALL OF
SHAME;;;;;; I BLEED DODGER BLUE
Posted by: KEITH MC BETH TO BE A DODGER OR NOT TO BE | June 04, 2007 at 03:38 AM
WE HAVE A GREAT TEAM. REMEMBER THE 1926 DODGERS, I WATCHED THEM WIN IT ALL.
AND THEY BATTED A MIGHTY 241. WE BEDAZZLED THE _____ YANKEES {EXPLETIVE DELETED}
WITH SPEED.
I BLEED, SPEAK, LIVE OR DIE, DODGER BLUE. HENCE L A KEITH
Posted by: KEITH MC BETH TO BE A DODGER OR NOT TO BE | June 04, 2007 at 03:44 AM