Who says a record over .500 is an impossible mountain to scale?
Well, the Dodgers, their front office and their fans, for much of the 2008 season. But after last night's 4-0 win over the Giants, the Blue have inched themselves a game above the "Even Steven" mark (although still a game behind the Diamondbacks). Chad Billingsley, smoking of late on the hill, racked himself another win, but added the first shutout to his young career. The feat didn't come without a bit of a scare, however. Already on second, Jose Castillo attempted to get the Giants on the board by passing and collecting his metaphorical 200 bucks. Thankfully, Andre Ethier's arm and Russell Martin's ability to hang onto a ball prevented Bill's night from gaining any tarnish.
A+ perfect through four innings, Bills rounded out his dominating night with no walks and an octet of strikeouts. He also got some solid run support, with the Dodgers jumping all over counterpart Jonathon Sanchez, knocking him out of the game after four innings with the same number of runs charged his way. The third inning was particularly generous towards the box score, highlighted by the second ribbie of Russell Martin's night and the second score for Matt Kemp, who boosted his hitting streak to a sexy seventeen.
Trade deadline, she inches closer. Names like Gregory Maddux (whose guru-like presence helped the Dodger after being acquired two mid-seasons ago), plus the middle infielding Mark's (Lorretta and Grudzielanek) will remain on Dodger fans' radar over the next few hours. Whatever may happen, big or small, Joe Torre said he's expecting something, which means a lot of tense phone time for Ned Colletti.
Dodger Thoughts takes a look at Blue pitchers on the current roster (and even below) that could theoretically leave the Ravine in a swap. Or just replace someone swapped out.
Big series ahoy!!! Four straight games featuring the NL West's top dawgs (or puppies, truth be told). And the pitching matchup is potentially sweet. Derek Lowe, on a three game winning streak, vs. Brandon Webb, who typically owns the Blue.
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Love the pitching matchups tonight and tomorrow, but I'm worried I will be too bummed out over us selling our next two seasons in an abortive attempt to win this one to enjoy the games. I'm pulling for a telecom breakdown at the Ravine today...
Posted by: VA Blueblood | July 31, 2008 at 10:26 AM
Dodgerupdates reporting that the Dodgers were willing to trade Kemp for Manny.
That smacks of a desperation move by Ned to keep his job.
That one could be an even worse trade than Martinez for DeShields.
Manny is a 36yr old Prima Donna with declining output. Of course, That must be what Ned likes about him. Don't we have enough over the hill, broken down vets that provide a lot of "quality" outs?
Ned, please don't mortgage "Our" future for your job!
Posted by: Lex | July 31, 2008 at 11:10 AM
well you didn't trade Kemp and still got Manny....
Posted by: Tom K | July 31, 2008 at 01:48 PM