Green light
As mentioned earlier today, Matt Kemp was named NL player of the week, in part because of the six steals he accrued during the previous seven days. While the youngster has always been admired for his feet's fleet, he only racked 10 steals in 98 games last season (and was caught on five other attempts). Right now, his pace for that same number of games would easily double that 2007 clip. Even if he doesn't hit that mark, the kid's obviously running with more freedom this season. "Kemp is certainly not afraid to run. He's got a lot of confidence, this young man." Of course, that confidence was often coupled with a fair amount of path gaffes last season. On one hand, a player barely of drinking age is bound to brick some decisions. On the other, a few of them offenses were repeated, which prompted some folks to question Kemp's ability to be coached. I asked Torre if he thinks the kid is learning from these experiences. "I think he's learning as he's getting more experience. Again, he's gonna make mistakes. But that's part of it. Things are gonna happen. But I think he's got a better feel for it."
If Torre has his way, the Blue as a whole will be off to the races on a regular basis. "I certainly wanted to encourage guys who are not afraid to run," said Torre of his goal the season." During spring training, the skip gave the entire team his blessing when it came to spontaneous theft, just to see how guys handle it. "I always do that in spring training, because it doesn't cost you anything." Torre was impressed by what he saw with a lot of players, but admired the work of one young player in particular. "(James) Loney is the one guy that jumps out at me, just from watching him take aggressive leads. He obviously isn't blessed with the speed with other guys, but that doesn't mean he can't be a good base runner. You don't have to be a fast base runner to be a good base runner."
Beyond just Loney's instincts, his ambition also stood out. "He knocked on the door one day (during )just to ask me if it would be okay if he tried to steal some bases. I said, "Go right ahead." It was great. I enjoy that." But even with that approved ambition, Loney isn't among those with the unquestioned freedom to follow their bliss. So who's got that green light? Raffy Furcal and Juan Pierre, obviously. Kemp. Russell Martin. And... Andruw Jones. I'm guessing the center fielder is trusted mostly because of his discretion, as opposed to the blazing speed brought on by his current build.
Jonathon Broxton is indeed available tonight, so good news on that front.
Before the game, there was a moment of silence observed for Buzzie Bavasi, along with a very touching speech from Don Newcombe, who thought of Bavasi as a father.
Joe Torre, Part I: Download joe_torre_050508_mets_pregame.mp3
Joe Torre, Part II: Download joe_torre_050508_mets_pregame_2.mp3
Joe Torre, Part III: Download joe_torre_050508_mets_pregame_3.mp3
Joe Torre, Part IV: Download joe_torre_050508_mets_pregame_4.wav
Tonight's lineup
Mets
Jose Reyes - SS
Ryan Church - RF
David Wright - 3B
Carlos Beltran - CF
Moises Alou - LF
Carlos Delgado - 1B
Brian Schneider - C
Luis Castillo - 2B
Oliver Perez - P
Dodgers
Furcal - SS
Pierre - LF
Kemp - RF
Kent - 2B
Martin - C
Loney - 1B
Jones - CF
DeWitt - 3B
Bills - P
AK
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The only way Jones would steal a base was if he could eat it.... with a nice Chianti and Faaaaava Beans.
Posted by: benzo jones | May 05, 2008 at 07:39 PM
That's it... see ya Nomar, see ya LaRoche, and see ya Abreu.
Blake DeWitt home run powerhouse/3rd baseman/Fan favorite.
Let the kid play! or in Hollywood terms, "The kid stays in the picture...."
Posted by: benzojones | May 05, 2008 at 08:37 PM
day off helped Jones. He hit the ball first 3 times up.
David
Posted by: david | May 05, 2008 at 09:08 PM
I see that Joe where Joe said that Nomar will be the regular third baseman after a rehab assignment. Whywhywhy can't Dodger managers stand prosperity?
Posted by: massdodger | May 05, 2008 at 09:32 PM
Kemp keeps impressing. Watching the game tonite I was sorry not to see Ethier in...He's a smart player, much better than my man Loney who is becoming kinda stupid, trying to hit home runs every time up...maybe I was wrong about him...
We'll see how long Joe sticks with Jones, kinda sad really.
Posted by: DODGER 55 | May 05, 2008 at 10:04 PM
The comments of Joe Torre regarding Andruw Jones were disturbing. At some point, don't you have to accept the fact that he's done? A .227 average last year, the alarming weight gain, his inability to get around on even mediocre fastballs: what is it about the term "washed up" that Torre doesn't understand? We're winning now and that covers a multitude of sins. But, if the Dodgers hit June with Jones below the Mendoza line, then aren't they OBLIGATED to put their best team on the field?
Posted by: twerp1 | May 05, 2008 at 11:11 PM
That is the big question. What is the criteria to putting the best team on the field?
There is no doubt Either should start over Jones right now.
Why does making more money than anyone else give you the right to play over someone better?
It was a minor miracle AJ went 3 ABs without striking out tonight.
You can't get a hit if you can't hit the ball, haha.
When the hits quit coming as they do throughout a season, Dodgers mgmt better get their heads on straight.
And that includes riding DeWitt for as long as possible. The kid can play, at least right now.
Posted by: Andy B | May 05, 2008 at 11:34 PM
I agree about Ethier. Shouldn't who plays be determined by merit?
Posted by: JIm | May 06, 2008 at 04:18 AM
AJ keeps embarrassing himself out there and management. I think Pierre got a fire under his rear because of AJ and finally is taking his game to another level. Pierre Ethier and Kemp make a nice outfield right now. Leaving Jones in just gives us gaping hole in our lineup that teams can exploit. I dont understand why Nomar will be displacing Dewitt, the kid can hit take walks and field and not to mention he will not be injured like Nomar will in about 2 weeks after coming back. Pretty soon Dewitt will have more power than Nomar too, this one should be a no brainer for management.
Posted by: poppinfresh | May 06, 2008 at 08:36 AM