Too deep a hole
The Rockies have some dudes who can rake. Any fantasy owner could tell you that. But just in case you didn't get the memo, Colorado spent the first two innings of their 6-2 win over the Dodgers Saturday driving home the point at the expense of Brett Tomko. The righthander, pitching on seven days rest, said he had trouble finding a rhythm early. That sounds about right. Five runs in the first two frames, including a pair of long balls (legit ones, too- no Rocky Mountain Specials) from Matt Holliday and Troy Tulowitzki. This from a guy who had been very effective in his last two starts, but as his "box of chocolates" career demonstrates that for Tomko inconsistency has been the rule, not the exception. As the box shows, the Dodgers had trouble mounting rallies against Rockies lefty Jeff Francis, scratching out a pair of runs but generally going down quietly (a fizzled seventh inning rally being the best example).
With Rudy Seanez struggling (he gave up another homer in his inning on Saturday), Octavio Dotel is starting to look mighty fine. And as much as he'd reportedly like to stay in K.C., the Royals are likely to move him and the Dodgers are interested. And given the holes popping up the rotation these days- surely you've noticed- acquiring another starter is certainly an option. Even more now that injuries to Brad Penny and Derek Lowe might be a little more serious than initially thought. Should they miss any substantial time, the first place tie the Dodgers now find themselves in with the D-Backs could be hard to maintain.
So that leaves Chad Billingsley as the only starter who is in the rotation by some form of design... and even he was in the bullpen at the start of the year. Bills will throw the series finale this afternoon, against Ubaldo Jimenez for the Rockies.
The Dodgers aren't in the Mark Teixiera business anymore, but if he ends up in Atlanta it could have an effect on how the NL playoff race goes down.
Enjoy today's induction of Tony Gwynn and Cal Ripken. They only go downhill (controversy wise, at least) from here. Speaking of history, Barry Bonds might want to hit two today... or perhaps wait until he leaves L.A.
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Andy,
You're right. Matt Kemp does strike out often in some key situations. But, maybe that is because his playing/starting time is so erratic. In one day, out the next--how can he develop the consistency? I think that big, strong guys like him need to play regularly to get their already fragile timing in gear.
Posted by: Chunkdog32 | July 29, 2007 at 10:48 AM
tim thinks we should pitch tomko every fifth day
Posted by: dave m | July 29, 2007 at 11:14 AM
Chunkdog
I wouldn't have a problem with that if it would help him get better. He's no worse right now than how Martin is hitting for example. I do wish he was a better contact hitter.
I was just was trying to make a point why Little probably doesn't keep him in everyday. And letting off steam,lol....
We sure could use another good outting out of Bills today.
Go Blue.
Posted by: Andy B | July 29, 2007 at 11:53 AM
If none of the pitchers can get thru their stint without giving up runs, then what good is it going to do to trade for one more starter?
David
Posted by: David | July 29, 2007 at 03:13 PM
Package, Aryan,
I've figured out why Grady leaves in Pierre and Pierre NEVER needs a rest like the rest of the guys on the team. You see, Grady is actually TRYING to wear Juan out and is hoping to get Juan injured so that he would have an excuse to sit him for awhile.... unfortunately Grady doesn't realize that letting someone play everyday (w/ the exception of a catcher) doesn't necessarily means they will wear down and get a minor nagging injury. Just because old guys like Kent and Nomar got injured last year doesn't automatically mean that young guys will get injured too.... Injury is a funny thing, something no one can predict w/ certainty... so let nature take it's course and stop worrying about something that we can't control... work on and worry about the things you can control... like sending the runner, pitching around a batter, intentionally walking someone, taking a pitch, bunting/sacrificing, and MAKING A LINE-UP that gives you the best chance to win, that day.
Posted by: Rob | July 29, 2007 at 05:58 PM
One other thing about line-ups, injuries, and giving players rest. If you're gonna rest someone a day after a game suspended game, you mind as rest him one more day and w/ an off day on Monday, the guy could really get healthy. Sometimes, sitting a day, playing the next, sitting the one after, and playing again can be more taxing.... just another thought, hope Grady can use it in his constant self - mind session regarding resting players.... on second thought, I probably confused him even more?!
Posted by: Rob | July 29, 2007 at 06:02 PM
Don't you think that MLB is thrilled that Barroid did not tie or break Henry Aaron's mark while at home? Now, he is faced with 6 games in 2 cities that will boo him mercilessly.
Bud Selig must be resigned to the fact that it is going to happen. At least the upcoming crowds won't be celebrating should it happen in the upcoming week. Probably, at this point, the best that MLB can expect.
Posted by: Chunkdog32 | July 29, 2007 at 07:45 PM
Rob,
Ill assume ur being sarcastic lol.......Anyway......If u guys listen to the post game show on Dodger talk ive called the show a couple of times recently and talked about how Grady Little doesnt play KEMP & EITHIER CONSISTENTLY..........Folks.......Lets face the truth.........Grady LIttle just doesnt think KEMP deserves to play everyday........He actually thinks PIERRE IS BETTER OUT THERE EVERYDAY and doesnt mind platooning KEMP & EITHIER
Chuckdog,
Your right........Maybe if they play KEMP consistently......He might do better!............BUt then again.........PIERRE OUT THERE EVERYDAY IS BETTER THEN KEMP & EITHIER EVERYDAY RIGHT? (SARCASTIC)
Posted by: Aryan | July 29, 2007 at 10:51 PM