Even in China, they know ties suck (but hey, it's still fun)
There was a little booing when it was over- nobody loves a tie score- but overall it seems everything went off swimmingly in baseball's first game in China. Enthusiastic fans, thundersticks... chicken burritos and cheerleaders. Just about everything you'd expect at a regular ol' game.
It was a big afternoon for Chan Ho Park, who was a hit off the field, and more importantly (at least in respect to making the team) on it. Five innings, one unearned run. Hong-Chi Kuo threw two scoreless innings of his own. After, Park said that he hoped the China visit would inspire a greater presence for MLB in Korea, as well.
If you want to see some film of the game, hit the Dodgers' website (www.ladodgers.com)
BK
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Can someone remind me again why Pierre is such a great idea to start over Ethier?
I hate to be a broken record but this spring is just illustrating what a bad idea it was to sign Pierre for 5 yrs.
Posted by: Lex | March 15, 2008 at 02:44 PM
Upon his return, Torre ought to be facing a volley of loaded questions about whether Ethier has earned a starting LF job over Juan-for-Four.
Do the reporters covering this team have any cojones whatsoever? We'll see.
Posted by: Blue Whale | March 15, 2008 at 03:55 PM
Lex,
You (and the rest of us) aren't the Lone Ranger(s). I was watching the game the other day vs. the Astros--the game that caused Larry Bowa to go off about the shoddy play. The Astro announcers, in giving their pre-game intro, talked about the last couple of years of Dodger off-season moves.
Along with the Jason Schmidt debacle, they also characterized the Pierre signing as a disaster. Not that they're the ultimate authorities, but it gives you an idea of the thinking elsewhere.
Posted by: Chunkdog32 | March 15, 2008 at 04:30 PM
Chances are that Pierre will start the season in LF. However, as time goes along, if Torre begins to get the idea that Ethier is the better choice, I have little doubt that he would bite the bullet and install Ethier as his everyday leftfielder. He ultimately chose Melky Cabrera over the higher paid Johnny Damon in NY, and I doubt that he would hesitate to do the same in LA if he felt Ethier was the better choice.
What I hope not to see is a Kemp/Ethier platoon in rightfield. Last year Gonzo took playing time away from both Ethier and Kemp. I believe that given a chance to play everyday, we might see a breakout year from Kemp. I also believe the same could occur for Ethier if he plays everyday.
Posted by: Brooklyn Dodger | March 15, 2008 at 06:43 PM
Why can't they give the Ho a chan-ce?
I like him more than esteban, and there is the "prodigal son" factor. Esteban is like getting someones used tires.
Posted by: benzo jones | March 15, 2008 at 07:22 PM
First things first. Sit Juan in the first game of the year and then see how the rest of the year plays out. The consecutive games played string should be elimininated and not be a factor going forward.
Posted by: Package | March 16, 2008 at 07:05 AM
Package -
But Juan "Iron Man" Pierre has such a ring to it.
Posted by: benzo jones | March 16, 2008 at 08:47 AM