The Nats subconsciously think Blue
An explanation much more face-saving than "we're just not all that good," an explanation that would justify the bad defense and close-out prowess displayed throughout the series, the latest gaffes coming in yesterday's 12-inning 10-9 loss. The Nationals had more than their chances to win. Hell, they had a five-run lead going at one point. But a combination of Dodger scrap and Washington accepting scraps helped the Dodgers continually crawl back from behind and eventually win off Shea Hillenbrand's sacrifice fly. It was a great day for Hillenbrand, who smacked a homer to help overcome the Dodgers' biggest deficit. Matt Kemp also hit a long ball and James Loney decorated the box score with four ribbies. The outcome was enough to turn Jeff Kent into one of those smiling-on-the-inside, granite-face-on-the-outside kinda clowns. But you don't gotta be all bubbly to set an example, as Kent's shown in spades during the last three games.
Esteban Loaiza, come on down!!! You're the next contestant on "help the Dodger push into the playoffs!" Seeing a potential opportunity, Ned Colletti snagged the righty off waivers, agreeing to pony up for a salary previously in Oakland's hands. The oft-injured pitcher will take the place of Eric Stults in rotation, so set your calenders for "next Tuesday in Chicago."
Subscribe to this Blog | What is RSS?
Is there any word on what the roster move to accomodate Loaiza will be? Or can the Dodgers simply not activate him until the 1st?
Posted by: Makoto Ueno | August 30, 2007 at 09:07 AM
Mak,
To make room for Loaiza, the Dodgers placed Repko on the 60-day D/L, I believe.
Posted by: DodgerBlueBalls | August 30, 2007 at 09:48 AM
DodgerBlueBalls-
You are correct, sir.
BK
Posted by: Brian Kamenetzky | August 30, 2007 at 09:55 AM
I was thinking along the lines of the 25-man roster.
Posted by: Makoto Ueno | August 30, 2007 at 10:01 AM
Makoto-
Doesn't matter, really, in terms of the 25 man roster. Loaiza will likely be activated after Sept. 1, or if they really want him activated Friday they'll probably send out Stults for an hour or so and bring him back, since there's no 10 day rule (I don't think) once the minor league seasons end. They could bring him right back as part of the roster expansion.
That, at least as far as I could tell, is how they're planning on doing it.
BK
Posted by: Brian Kamenetzky | August 30, 2007 at 10:07 AM
Does Tomato(e) count for two men on the 25-man roster?
Posted by: Ben Jones | August 30, 2007 at 10:27 AM
My guess, w/o any information to support it, is that Hernandez would be replaced, since one of the starters (probably Bills) could be moved into the bullpen for the playoffs.
Should the Dodgers make the playoffs, I am guessing that Grady would lean towards starting vets over Billingsley.
Posted by: Brooklyn Dodger | August 30, 2007 at 10:31 AM
Makoto,
I believe that they are planning to "send" Stultz down for a day and then recall him. However, as one of two relievers that did not throw yesterday that might not be such a good plan for the one day that they might need him on Friday.
Here are a few of my "deskchair" GM thoughts for this year:
1. Thanks JD Drew for opting out!!!!!!!!!
-I had said that this would be a negative in the near term (I was wrong) but Gonzo has actually put up better numbers at a lower price and has been a great one year pick up. The only negative that I can think of is that we now have 4 more years of JP since JD leaving seemed to send Ned into panic mode.
2. Pierre: One more year of Kenny Lofton would have been a better plan. We could have then made a run at one of the free agents this year or sorted through some of the younger options such as D. Young or Repko if he ever comes back healthy or taken one more year of Gonzo for 08.
3. Schmidt: Seems to me that Ned should have known that he was damaged goods. Hope they bought some insurance. We'll see if he makes it back. Totally hindsight here but 2 yrs of Maddux seems pretty good right now.
4. Gonzo: Already covered but I think that he has been a great addition. Fading a little down the stretch but Kemp/Ethier are picking up the slack just fine.
5. Wolf: Worth the risk for one year. Seems like a good guy. Hope he makes it back. Tough choice on whether or not to bring him back next year. I guess some of that will depend on the rehab and if there are any words on Schmidt's status.
6. Tomko: About time.
7. Hernandez: I have no idea why they did not bring up Meloan instead of signing Hernandez.
8. Proctor for Betemit: I support it still. We needed pitching more than the occassional thunder from Can't-get-a-hit. Hopefully Proctor can return to form if not overused in the future. (gutsy 3 innings yesterday.)
9. Hildebrand/Sweeney: good moves at the time although I would rather have Marlon Anderson around.
10. Loaiza: similar to signing Wolf last year. All it costs is Frank's money and no prospects. I like it.
11. Lieberthal has been solid as a back up. Probably should have gotten a few more starts to give Martin a little more rest. I would bring him back if the price is right.
12. Wells-I had my doubts but I already like it even if for the one game. I don't get many Dodger games on TV here but I did see that one. Very impressive to see the Big Guy running down the line on a bunt. Worth Frank's money just to see that one play.
Thoughts on next year:
1. Release Saenz,Martinez, and maybe Timberr (some value as a reliever occassionally) I assume that the late pick ups will all opt out as Free agents.
2. If A-Rod opts out, I say they should use a lot of Frank's money to sign him. The glaring hole in the Dodger offense is a power hitting 3B. Kemp/Ethier will continue to improve their HR production. I would expect that they along with Martin will all hit 20+ when playing full seasons. Loney will provide double digit HR's. With many of the slots taken by the youngsters, there should be money available to make a run at A-Rod. (And as the K bros are fond of saying, It is not our money.)
3. Find someone to trade Pierre to. Not a likely option.
4. Coax Sammy back for one more year.
5. If Kent wants another year, I would certainly take it. However, Hu or Abreu needs to be up to provide regular relief for not only Kent but also Furcal. (Furcal seems to be fading here when we need him most.)
I'll stop for now. I know you guys will sleep better knowing thoughts of an occassional poster. (That is a joke for the humor impaired.)
With enough Duct tape and bailing wire, this team might make the playoffs but I am not sure we can do very much when we get there. I am concerned that Penny is fading once again.
Posted by: Lex | August 30, 2007 at 10:39 AM
I was at the game yesterday, and it was One of the best games I have ever been to in my life. Why is it that ESPN and Sportcenter gave it little attention, the highlights gave the game no justice
Posted by: Tony Ruiz | August 30, 2007 at 11:19 AM
Thanks for the answers. I guess the off day today makes any roster decisions a non issue.
Posted by: Makoto Ueno | August 30, 2007 at 11:32 AM
Didn't you know, Tony?
The only baseball being played this week was the Red Sox/Yankees series.
At least that's what ESPN would have us believe.
Posted by: Makoto Ueno | August 30, 2007 at 11:34 AM
AK and BK
Hey you guys since you work for the times how does Simers keep his job the he talks to people, infact how come teams let him into their club houses.
I just read his latest on dodgers can't beleive his comments i mean nobody should talk to anyone or anything like that, buts thats right i forget he lived santee for a while i wonder if he still has his hood.
Posted by: PK-IN-THE-MESA | August 30, 2007 at 11:36 AM
Tony,
The only highlights (I should say ANALYZED HIGHLIGHTS) you will only see on that ESPN channel are the Yankees and the Mets, even the CUBBIES have been getting plenty of highlights lately. You know, all that EAST COAST crap............for indepth game highlghts turn to DODGERS LIVE and SPORTS CENTRAL on Channel 9.
I am anxious to see what happens this weekend with those PADS........hey maybe if we sweep the PADS or take 2 of 3, maybe, MAYBE we'll get some more highlights, and we might get them anyways simply because the PHILS are in the WILD CARD hunt.
GO BLUE !!!!
Posted by: JC Blue | August 30, 2007 at 11:42 AM
If the Dodgers want Loaiza to be eligible for postseason, they have to add him to the the roster before Sept. 1. So Stults will probably get sent down Aug. 31, then called back up the next day. He probably won't even leave his house during all this.
I wouldn't use him as a starter in the playoffs, however. Billz has earned the third starter spot in the playoffs. If the Dogers somehow squeak into postseason, game three will be at Dodger Stadium. And if past seasons are any indication of this year's performance, we'll be down 0-2. Billz will be fine in that spot, with Wells and Loaiza backing him up in the pen.
Posted by: SaMo | August 30, 2007 at 02:55 PM
Package
From the last thread: I really don't have a problem with Ned. If the FO wanted to make a coaching change, I wouldn't have a problem with it. My biggest frustration with Little/Honeycutt is (and some might argue this) I thought we already had better coaches in Tracy/Colborn. In my mind we fire Tracy and get a coach not as good. I thought Tracy was much better with strategy and match-ups. And he seemed to do okay with the players too. There is probably someone out there better than Little but we already had someone better.
Lex
Some excellent points.
Sammy MUST come back! I love this guy and he is become one of the best closers in the game.
We might think about moving Furcal before Pierre. I like him but Furcal is constantly hurt and would Pierre be more effective if he was back to leading off? Especially with a particular "amazing" shortstop in the wings...
I think Kent needs to be an everyday player to be effective but does he have enough in the tank to do that for another year? Still if Kent comes back I won't complain.
Posted by: Andy B | August 30, 2007 at 03:26 PM
Idiots. The Padres have Jake Peavy pitching on Saturday and David Wells is going to revert back to being "oops, I just gave up 11 hits in a row" guy so how in the world do you expect the Dodgers to win the series??? Gotta give it up to the Padres- they have a dynamic team.
Posted by: Surferguy | August 30, 2007 at 09:34 PM