These '08 Dodgers can't be stopped!!!
Okay, it's just spring training and it's only one opening spring training contest. But for the time being the Dodgers are absolutely infallible, courtesy of a 5-4 win over the Braves. So infallible, in fact, that they're able to overcome similar base running issues that oft did in the team last season. The victory itself came in comeback fashion, powered by John Lindsay's ninth inning ribbie single. That's the good news. The bad news was the sight of Matt Kemp sliding into third base, only to find James Loney standing on the bag. Ouch-ke! Particularly in the case of this young outfielder, who was often prone to hoofing gaffes in 2007. And you don't want to spark the ire of a third base coach who isn't one of them namby-pamby, helmet wearing types. All is good between the instructor and instructee, but clearly, kinks are in need of ironing out. That mission, generally speaking, will fall upon Joe Torre's flexible shoulders. And shockingly enough, a dude with rings galore, instant cred and a well-tested ability to bond with players is confident to do things as he pleases. Nice to have a sense of assurance, because it won't be a cakewalk.
Legends will be saluted as Dodgertown bids us farewell. First up, Maury Wills.

A successful start for the Dodgers Japanese import.
Kuroda pitched two scoreless innings and gave up one hit.
And an abomination already for Loaiza, he's given up two runs and homer without getting an out so far.
Says something about the future of everything.
Posted by: wausroamer | February 29, 2008 at 10:54 AM
I guess Loaiza is the stopper........... of win streaks that is.
Posted by: Lex | February 29, 2008 at 11:03 AM
Today's game is forgettable, but could someone tell Gary Thorne that yesterday's 5-4 winner was the Dodgers? Twice he has given the Braves the victory.
Posted by: Chunkdog32 | February 29, 2008 at 12:32 PM
How freaking hard is it to watch the third base coach?
Posted by: Paul Simonds | February 29, 2008 at 04:01 PM
That fifth pitching spot is still a sore point with the Dodger's rotation; Loaiza is blaming his poor performance on Honeycutt and Schmidt had a minor setback. If they don't plug up this hole they are in trouble.
Posted by: steve | February 29, 2008 at 05:12 PM
Chunkdog32 -
I'm with you on that one. I yelled at the TV both times Thorne gave the win to the Braves. He muffed a few words, several times throughout the game too - made me wonder if he was tipping a few back in the booth with Kurk & Phillips.
Posted by: Brian | March 01, 2008 at 06:18 PM
make that Kruk
Posted by: Brian | March 01, 2008 at 06:19 PM