Now and later
Not just a candy chew enjoyed by millions of children and adults alike worldwide. It's also a philosophy currently employed the Dodgers powers that be, signifying how they're both trying to win games right this very second (a perfectly logical plan, since they're in a tight wild card race) and also trying to create a foundation for wins down the road. "We're trying to win the game tonight and at the same time, we're thinking about the future," admitted Little. While the Dodger skip conceded that he's often balancing on a tight rope when it comes to trying to meet both goals, he also assured me that the recipe for balance includes many a similar ingredient no matter which side you're thinking about. "It's real close and that makes it somewhat easier." Little's also never felt forced to shortchange the future by tailoring the lineup to appease a "present" player, or vice versa. Bottom line, whomever Little has picked to bat in spots one through eight, "that's a good lineup. That's the best lineup that gives us a chance to win the game that night."
And with that in mind, you'll note that one of the "now" fellas (Luis Gonzalez) is starting tonight, which means the bumping a "later" guy (Matt Kemp). Kemp's been a little shaky along the base paths of late (the most recent example being last night's pick off at second on a line out to short stop), which prompted one writer to wonder if such errors will cost the youngster playing time down the stretch. Not according to Little. "When you play young men like this, you can expect to see some things sometimes that you've never seen before. Then they'll turn around and do something you've never seen before." Mistakes are par the course for a 22-year old. "They learn from it and they'll be better for it." Plus, as Little pointed out, kid's pretty entertaining to watch run. "He's exciting on the bases. At times, you'll see a throw coming to the plate, he outruns the ball. He's got a world of talent. Sometimes, we've just got to harness it." Thus, last night's issues were discussed, analyzed, then subsequently buried.
Tonight's lineups
Nats
Nook Logan - CF
Felipe Lopez - SS
Ryan Zimmerman - 3B
Dmtri Young - 1B
Austin Kearns - RF
Ryan Church - LF
Ronnie Belliard - 2B
Brian Schneider - C
Jason Bergmann - P
Dodgers
Furcal - SS
Pierre - CF
Ethier - RF
Kent - 2B
Gonzo - LF
Martin - C
Loney - 1B
Hillenbrand - 3B
Bills- P
-AK
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I thought the Dodgers play the game to win and not to please certain accomplished veterans like Gonzalez. Just because he goes to the media to say he probably won't be back next year if he doesn't play regularly doesn't mean you have to put him in the lineup ahead of martin and loney and have him replace Kemp. Yes he has made two base running errors, the Dodgers are 2-0 in those games, so his mistakes haven't hurt the Dodgers. The last thing i remember Gonzalez doing was grounding into a game ending double play against the Mets.
If he goes 2-4 tonight with with a home run couple of RBIs, Im all for it and Ill praise Little for his timely move. But if he goes 0-4 and the dodgers lose, then this is just another dumb Grady Little move.
Posted by: Tom | August 28, 2007 at 07:30 PM
Keeping a tab on Little's strategic replacement of Kemp in favor of Gonzo.
2nd innning- Kent on second with no outs. Gonzo flies out. He fails to even advance the runner.
0-1 1runner left in scoring position
Posted by: Tom | August 28, 2007 at 07:45 PM
I think the Dodgers offense sometimes appears more stagnant this year compared to last year not because of Garciaparra's struggles but because of Furcal. He has a solid batting average and OBP,but his stolen bases are way down because of his ankle injury. Last year we had Lofton and Furcal stealing 30+ bases. This year, we only have Pierre. So when Furcal singles, and then Pierre singles. Its men on first and second instead of Furcal scoring.
Posted by: Tom | August 28, 2007 at 07:54 PM
Gonzo finishes the night at 1-for-4 no RBIs no runs, leaves 4 men on base. But makes no baserunning snafus.
In bottom of 8th - BIllz can notch a win. Blue need an insurance run.
Posted by: Crash24 | August 28, 2007 at 09:34 PM
Nice try on the delayed double steal, but Martin's got to wait for the throw before he goes. Can't blame this one on Kemp.
Posted by: Crash24 | August 28, 2007 at 09:42 PM
The Blue got a couple gifts from Lopez tonight, and they needed the gifts. Anyway to get three straight victories.
After tomorrow's highly important series-ender with the Nats, the following 24 games include 12 games against the Friars and the Snakes. Those 12 games will likely determine whether we go to the playoffs or we go home.
Posted by: Crash24 | August 28, 2007 at 10:00 PM
Gonzo not being one to sit on the bench is the reason why Arizona didn't keep him. His numbers are just falling as he gets older. He's had a horrible month of August and yet he still wants to start every game. Whatever happened to doing whatever it takes to make the team win. He's probably seeing his value decrease, for when he tries to get into another team, that's what's bothering him..In my point of view anyway....
Posted by: Hugo J | August 28, 2007 at 11:36 PM