The trouble with Russell
Joe Torre promises the day will come when Russell Martin will get some days off (tomorrow, for example, since the Blue aren't playing). Right now, though, he's playing well, and is in the lineup this afternoon. "For certain I need to get into some kind of regular routine. I want to do that. But the fact that he's swinging the bat really well right now, and with the off day tomorrow, I decided to go ahead and play him," Torre said before the game. "I don't know what (the exact number of games we want him playing) is, but we're going to make a concerted effort to make sure he gets his rest."
Not that Martin wants it. While Torre was talking to the media, the Dodger backstop walked through the dugout. "Hey Russell," Torre said, "these guys want me to give you a day off."
"No," Martin replied.
"How about tomorrow?"
"Sure. I'll take tomorrow off."
Torre emphasized that obviously it's not up to Martin, because otherwise he'd be playing every day. They talked at length in Spring Training about making sure he's as fresh as possible in August in September. That plan hasn't changed. It might get creative, though. "There may be a game, after watching it the other night, there may be a game you give Russell the day off, and that day off might be at third base," Torre said.
"When I was catching, they gave me my day off at first, and I considered it a day off. It's not just the physical part of it, it's the mental, if you do your job right. You get worn out mentally."
With that in mind, Martin will busy himself during BP, taking grounders and the like. That's something he's always liked to do, so in that sense not much changes, though if that's truly the plan, the Blue will likely formalize the process a little more.
For guys like James Loney, short of needing days off to nurse a slump or an injury, he can go every day. "He could probably play 162. He gets into a slump or you think he needs a rest, you do it," Torre said. "I usually call Cal Ripken to see what he thinks about giving somebody a day off. He hangs up on me."
Other Notes:
- Delwyn Young might be a backup infielder in name, but in practice, the Dodgers would like to avoid putting him there too often. He's struggled with arm issues, and putting him there too often, with the changing throwing angles from the outfield to second base, risks hurting him again.
- Torre is looking for innings and consistency from his fifth starter. After today, whoever occupies the slot will only be needed twice until May 24, I believe, so it's not the most pressing of issues. If Esteban Loaiza pitches well today, he'll likely keep the gig for Saturday's start in Colorado. Putting Kuo in the rotation, Torre said, was as much about getting a lefty into the rotation as anything else. Obviously, he didn't like the results, because Loaiza is back in today.
- Tony Abreu will travel with the team this week, get treatment, and do what he can to try to work himself back into good health. Once that happens, he'll be sent out for rehab. Nomar won't make the trip, staying back to try and speed the healing in his left calf. I asked him how he was feeling. "I've been better," he replied.
- Torre said he's likely to start Mark Sweeney at some point during the trip, in an effort to give him some extra at bats and try to help him round back into form in his primary role as a pinch hitter.
AUDIO:
Torre 1: Download joe_torre_4.27.mp3
Torre 2: Download joe_torre_2_4.27.mp3
LINEUPS
Rockies-
Taveras- CF
Helton- 1B
Holliday- LF
Atkins- 3B
Hawpe- RF
Tulowitzki- SS
Baker- 2B
Torrealba- C
Francis- P
Dodgers-
Furcal- SS
Ethier- LF
Kemp- RF
Martin- C
Loney- 1B
Jones- CF
DeWitt- 3B
Hu- 2B
Loaiza- P
BK
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As much as we need Russell in the lineup everyday (please no more gary bennett sightings!), i'd hate to see the guy have a shortened career or have to move into the infield mid career because his legs cant take it anymore. He's leadership translates best from the catcher spot and he calls games with the best of em. The guys a warrior, and he's not going to ask for days off. They need to keep him fresh, not just for the sake of 1 season, but for the sake of his career.
Posted by: Mike G | April 27, 2008 at 04:51 PM
BK,
Sure hope you're wrong about Loaiza starting on Saturday in Colorado. Today he managed five OK innings, but I seriously doubt he could do it again against the same Colorado team, especially at the launching pad that is Coors Field. I saw lots of fly balls today. Give the Rockies another shot at him in Coors, and expect to see fireworks. Maybe there's a sucker GM out there who needs an extra pitcher, and would be willing to take him off the Dodgers' hands were he to be put on waivers (much like he was acquired by the Dodgers last year). One can only hope. Maybe Meloan could be brought up for the start. At least he has experience pitching in the hitter friendly PCL. I would even consider Kuo or Park before going with Loaiza.
Posted by: Brooklyn Dodger | April 27, 2008 at 05:21 PM