Not a typo
That is indeed Nomar's name in the lineup.
The sight of Mr. Mia Hamm's moniker on the card threw all press types for a loop, as word on the street was Friday as a target date. The front office consensus, however, is that Garciaparra won't be any healthier in 48 hours than he is right now, so there's no real harm in tossing him back into the fray. Throw in the bug going around Sin City and the team already wanted to get the third baseman out of there, lest he end up getting himself or the rest of the team ill. A literal case of trying to ensure that everything in Vegas stays in Vegas, if you will. In keeping with the theme of REVERSING initial expectations, space for NOMAR will be made by sending RAMON Troncoso back to AAA.
Ahhh, visual word jokes. Who doesn't love those?
One assumes fans will exercise patience with Nomar as he works his way back into form, but judging by the boo bird serenades, it's safe to say their hourglass marked for Andruw Jones is nearing the end of its sand supply. Fingers crossed, however, there is reason for shades of optimism. While it would be premature to say that Jones' proverbial "tunnel" has been located, much less the light at the end of said tunnel, Joe Torre liked what he saw from his struggling center fielder over the last pair of games (3-7 with a double, triple and a ribbie). In particular, Torre's noting an ease about Jones. "The way he's been settling in the batter's box over the last two days has certainly been really good for me to watch," Torre said. Jones talked about looking to stay more centered in his stance, which addressed a physical issue he sensed was a little bit off. "Sometimes, you think you're comfortable, but you're actually not." Knowing everything is kosher from a physical sense will hopefully let Jones move on to the other issues getting in the way right now. "Concentrating. Relaxing. Not trying to do too much and just let it happen."
Obviously, many an upside can be found in Jones finding an ASAP groove with the bat. In particular, it could be beneficial for him to be in the zone come this weekend, given that he'll be playing in Atlanta as anything but a Brave for the first time in a dozen seasons. It's the type of experience that could be cause for reactions running the gamut from emotional to happy to nerve-wracking. "I'd be very surprised if he went there thinking it was just a series," Torre said. For his part, Jones sounded like it's a trio of games he's not particularly looking forward to. Not even out of dread, but more just having to deal with so much hoopla. He also wasn't sure what kind of reception he'd get, but didn't appear too worried about any razzing he might receive. For starters, as he pointed out, save perhaps Greg Maddux, the Hotlanta citizens don't tend to toss much love toward the ex-patriots. Even Tom Glavine got booed coming back to Turner. Beyond that, the way he sees it, for the same reasons fans cheer the players they love, they only boo if they actually care about a player on some level. "It's part of saying they love you," Jones said, smiling. "They're aware of you. Sometimes they sit there and don't say nothing."
Following that logic, I guess there's a chance Jones is actually the most beloved Dodger on the roster, but in an "outside the box" kinda way.
Tonight's lineups:
Pirates
Nate McLouth - CF
Freddy Sanchez -2B
Jason Bay - LF
The other LaRoche - 1B
Xavier Nady - RF
Jose Bautista - 3B
Ronny Paulino - C
Brian Bixler - SS
Paul Maholm - P
Dodgers
Furcal - SS
Martin -C
Kemp - RF
Kent - 2B
Loney -1B
Jones - CF
Nomar (a
Pierre - LF
Penny - P
Joe Torre: Download joe_torre416pregame.mp3
Andruw Jones: Download andruw_jones_4.16 pregame.mp3
AK
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At least Nomar looks like Nomar... I was afraid he might look like Seth Rogen.
Posted by: benzo jones | April 16, 2008 at 07:14 PM
Another good game by the Blue....hopefully they can take their bats with them on the road and put them to good use
Posted by: K T USN (not quite retired) | April 16, 2008 at 10:57 PM
If Torre says I must beleive! I'm glad Andruw sees the boos as a constructive thing as opposed to a hate thing. Us Dodger fans really want him to do well, but when you're the new guy on the block you don't get any breaks. Unlike Nomar who has proven himself and whom we can live with struggling a bit on his road back, Jones just hasn't been around long enough for us to be patient with him.
This series in Atlanta will be a defining moment for him. If he struggles Torre will have some pressure on him to make a decision, maybe putting Pierre back in center field and, at the very least, moving Jones over to left. There has to be some fairness if he isn't performing to the others who are!
Now what do we do with DeWitt! Can we have a bigger infield please!
Posted by: Matthew | April 17, 2008 at 08:30 AM
Matthew,
What possible reason could there be for a defensive only change with Pierre and Jones?! The issue is with Jones not swinging the bat well, not his defense. The choice for Pierre is left field or left out.
Posted by: dalegribel | April 17, 2008 at 09:37 AM