How big we talking?
On paper, this weekend's series against the San Diego Padres has all the makings of blockbuster Friday-Sunday. The two teams tied for the top spot in the National League's hottest and most competitive division. A So Cal rivalry between two cities separated by miles of 405 traffic. And if the hype over Jose Cruz Jr's chance to get some payback against the team that cut him last season wasn't enough, you've got Andre Ethier squaring off against the franchise now employing the dude L.A. swapped for him.
Of course, the game isn't being played on paper and it is being played in June. Lotta baseball left on the ol' schedule. Might it be a mite early for "must win" talk? Even if the Dodgers got their butts broomed, they still have two series remaining against the Papas. Throw in the fact that the Dodgers are still seeking out a proper balance between young 'uns and vets (not to mention a third baseman who can bat his weight) and this may not be the "same team" squaring off against the Pads down the stretch, metaphorically speaking.
So how much should Ravine loyalists sweat the outcome?
Not Defcon 1, for sure. But a decent chunk, in my mind. I don't mean that in a "whoever wins this series takes the division" kinda way. I'm not gonna be one of those jerk-off media dudes who makes grand proclamations that are clearly overstated. But I do think there's something to be said for getting as far inside a team's head. Any chances the Dodgers get to grab a psychological advantage with the upcoming September series (which could play a large role in deciding the division) should be seized. Especially when you consider last season's final finish and the way S.D. had L.A.'s number last season (and during the most recent series). It would be nice to start laying the groundwork on some "we own you" sentiment. Not quite "make or break" time. But certainly "make something of it" time.
So am I under or overstating things? Thoughts?
AK
Subscribe to this Blog | What is RSS?
Keep Kemp in lineup
Keep Loney in lineup
And dont give up on Eithier just yet
Posted by: Aryan | June 29, 2007 at 04:03 PM
I'm all for giving Kemp a start, but Ethier is batting something like 4-12 with 2 HR off of Young. I might be kooky, but those numbers scream 'play me'.
Of course, Kemp is 1-2 off of Young, so obviously his .500 BA is much greater than Ethier's measly .333.
Pierre, meanwhile, is a mighty 1-13.
Posted by: Makoto Ueno | June 29, 2007 at 04:39 PM
If the Dodgers can steal game 1, then all that needs to happen is for Mariano Duncan to work his magic against Peavy again, the the Padres' dugout with new acquisitions Barrett and Bradley will take care of the rest.
I would love to see Bradley lead off an inning with a double, and be stranded there next to Kent for the next three outs.
Posted by: Makoto Ueno | June 29, 2007 at 04:44 PM
BK
I agree with you. It would be nice to get into the Pads heads. Kent and Nomar need to get in the game. I think they will. I hope they don't get into the Dodgers heads with that "You Fear Us" mentality. The Dodgers clearly have trouble with them. With the number of runners left on base, I can see the Dodgers pressing. Getting swept is not an option.
Aryan
I'm with you, keep Kemp and Loney, also Either in the line-up. What's your take on Pierre. I think maybe Pierre should take a little rest and put Kemp in the 2hole. What do ya think? Gonzo has been playing well and definitely knows each stadium well, he just doesn't have an arm. He definitely has more firepower than Pierre.
Posted by: Package | June 29, 2007 at 04:53 PM
Package,
I'm glad you agree with me, but I wrote this piece! Not BK, dammit! Me! haha
Just kidding. Thanks. Actually, I knew it would be easy for us to see eye to eye, since I didn't use the words "Wilson" or "Betemit" once during the post. haha
AK
Posted by: Andrew Kamenetzky | June 29, 2007 at 04:56 PM
Bench Pierre, Kent and Nomar and we got a chance. Go with the kids.
David
Posted by: David | June 29, 2007 at 06:11 PM
AK
SORRY!! SORRY!!! SORRY!! And thanks for not mentioning you know who.
We always agree mostly unless its something that Grady does. HA HA
Package
Posted by: Package | June 29, 2007 at 07:00 PM
Package,
I like Pierre, i dont think hes a bad player, but since this Dodger team needs a way to boost the offense, I think its better to have an outfield of Gonzo, Kemp, & Eithier........I dont get Grady LIttle.....He has this history of benching players that are doing good (He did it to Repko, Eithier, & Kemp last year) and this year he took a while to put Loney in the lineup, he still hasnt put Kemp consistently in the lineup, & he doesnt play Eithier consistently anymore
Now Eithier hasnt done as well as last year......but....he hasnt done THAT BAD......and i think if hes given consistent playing time he might do better......now i could be wrong....but u wont know until u keep him in consistently.......yes i know he was playing for a while consistently......and he did ok......but i still think they should stick with him a little longer, while keeping Kemp & Gonzo in the outfield, which means putting PIerre on the bench
Gonzo is surprising me....For a while I was complaining about him along with Pierre
BOTTOM LINE: KEEP LONEY, KEMP, & EITHIER IN THE LINEUP
Posted by: Aryan | June 30, 2007 at 01:50 AM