Correia. Kuroda. Correia. Kuroda. Let's call the whole thing off
Dodger fans (and especially Hiroki Kuroda) wish it were that easy, but last night's 7-6 loss to the Giants will unfortunately remain in the MLB 2008 season's official books. And likely inside Kuroda's head, as what began as a reasonably effective game exploded into an unmitigated nightmare in the blink of an eye. Or more specifically, the cramp of the brain, as a lapse in judgment on the pitcher's part ended up costing him dearly. With one out, Aaron Rowand on third and John Bowkers on first, Kuroda gloved a shot from Rich Aurilia, and after checking Rowand, opted to attempt a double play move for Bowker- who'd already broken- at second instead of getting the easy out at first. The decision led to bags juiced, a potential headache that appeared alleviated when Kuroda fanned Omar Vizquel and SF pitcher Kevin Correia took the dish with two out.
Not so fast, easy breathers.
Correia pushed one up the middle, scoring two Giant runners and putting his starting opponent on tilt. The floodgates burst open, another three runs scored and Kuroda eventually got the hook, the latest in a series of starts since the All-Star break that haven't gone well.
Of course, on a rather nutty night where fans jump into the visitor's
dugout, errors are put up like they're going out of style, and Casey Blake (with Joe Torre in tow) gets run from the dugout by the first base umpire, why not expect chaos to shape the box score?
Nomar Garciaparra's MRI from Sunday's knee injury revealed a sprained MCL. It's just Grade 1, meaning the damage could have been considerably worse. For now, Angel Berroa will work as a fill in, but the timetable for a return is up in the air. Should it look like more than a few days, the Dodgers may have to make a move.
With the trade deadline looming, there could be many a player changing squads. Just don't expect
Andruw Jones to be one of them. Jeff Kent isn't a likely candidate, either. At least not until next season.
Mrs. Robinson, you're trying to seduce me. Aren't you? (Seriously, click on this one.)
Fingers crossed, Brad Penny will have a rehab start tomorrow.
It's been two years since Jason Johnson started a big league game. Tonight breaks the fast (if you've been particularly hungry for such a mound appearance). He'll do battle against Matt Cain, whose ERA is better than his record.
Perhaps a few more wins, and the Dodgers can move up in some Power Rankings.
ESPNTheMag.com takes a look at what James Loney eats, complete with photos. Unfortunately, Loney doesn't mention the 9,000 protein shakes he sucks down every day.

Nomar better be very, very careful shaving from now on....
And while he's at it, pad all the sharp corners in his house.
Posted by: Andy B | July 29, 2008 at 10:36 AM
Nomar is now the "glass cannon." He was back to his old form putting up good numbers, but i think he will have to hang em up after this year. Seeing him break down every 2 weeks is sad, and a shameful way for an allstar to end his career.
Flanders has yet to make a panic move, i dont know if this is a good thing or a bad thing.
Posted by: poppinfresh | July 29, 2008 at 11:58 AM
Garciaparra's middle name is Crystal. Five games up, 35 games off. Those five games are usually pretty darn solid, though. Wish every Dodger would be as serious about the game as he is.
Posted by: Rufus Leaking | July 29, 2008 at 01:35 PM
LOL @ the Flanders reference by poppinfresh...
If Colletti is Flanders, that makes Andruw Jones Barney Gumble
Posted by: asdf | July 29, 2008 at 02:28 PM
asdf: hahahah i can see it now AJ belching each time he strikes out.
Posted by: poppinfresh | July 29, 2008 at 04:05 PM