Manny of the hour
Manny Ramirez was imported to L.A. with the hopes of him being able to strap a team on his back every now and then. Belting two homers (both solo) and scoring another run on a 4-5 day at the plate would to help inspire a 6-2 win over the Diamondbacks qualify as that specific hope fulfilled. Matt Kemp followed suit with a long ball of his own and Chad Billingsley offered up seven innings of two-run bal. But as is often the case, the attention remained focused on Manny. For a clubhouse running a bit on the edgy side during a hard stretch, the performance helped provide exactly what the team needed. Not just a winning box score (although that certainly was important), but the ability to actually crack a smile and breath. After the contest ended, Manny was making hair jokes in the clubhouse and cranking his music, helping recreate the fun ambiance that accompanied his arrival and has since been missing upon the Dodgers taking the road.
Previously downed eight consecutive games and trying to remain alive in an NL West
race, the Dodgers were beginning to resemble a man just trying to
prevent drowning after getting tossed overboard in the Pacific. Obviously, it'll take more than just good vibes and grins to turn things around, but Manny being Manny (which can be a double edged sword, for certain) provide a metaphorical (maybe even literal) flotation device.
If the Dodgers do manage to build momentum off yesterday's triumph and eventually enter the postseason, they'll likely be doing it with Blake DeWitt playing second and Jeff Kent watching from the sidelines with a knee full of bad cartilage. It's the kind of the injury that will not only- in all likelihood- cut a season short, but perhaps signal the end of what's been a certain Hall of Fame career and a legacy that's heavier on production than charm.
More tests and exams are on the horizon, but hopes should remain grounded for the time being.
Yahoo!'s Steve Henson takes a look at Tampa's now-thriving and always spiritual Dioner Navarro, the Dodgers' one-time heir to Mike Piazza before injury and opportunity cast Russell Martin into the role.
Lowe-Webb III. 'Nuff said.
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Can we keep Kent out of the clubhouse?
Posted by: benzojones | August 31, 2008 at 12:17 PM
This is what happens when you get Jeff Kent out of the clubhouse(getting Nomars' pop ups out of the lineup helped too)...the Blue win! All thats been talked about is that the clubhouse is tight and guys can't be themselves because they feel they were expected to act a certain way. I think that pretty much points the finger at Kent being a complete buzzkill in the clubhouse. Once he left though the guys came out played loose and got it done.
I know Manny was the "Manny of the Hour" but the man of the year has been Chad Billingsley. How many time has he stepped up and pitched well when we needed him too. He's without a doubt our ace and he needs to be the first young Dodger to get a contract extension. Don't screw this up McCheap! Stop letting Ned sign crappy "Veteran Leaders" (I really hate that saying) and start signing the players that have really helped this team even be close to contention this year. Without these Kids we're the Giants....oh crap maybe that's what Ned wants! No wonder he has signed so many crappy old guys.
Posted by: Adrian | August 31, 2008 at 12:27 PM
yeah, i agree, JEFF KENT IS A BUZZ KILL!!... If we can beat this guy Webb tonight, I have a feeling that things are going to be ok!!!
Posted by: Frankie | August 31, 2008 at 12:59 PM
D'backs announcer Darrin Sutton mentioned if Manny stays hot, throw at him and put him in the dirt.
What a class act...
It's unbelievable he has a mic in front of him.
Posted by: Andy B | August 31, 2008 at 01:06 PM
Look, fans. I'm pleased the Dodgers won last night, but one win hardly means all is well. And, do you really think that missing Kent will suddenly turn this team around?
Momentum is the next day's starting pitcher and I'd say AZ has the edge there. Never can tell, but let's not get carried away.
Posted by: Chunkdog | August 31, 2008 at 01:47 PM
AK,
Can you answer my question from last thread? Or anyone else who might know the answer.
Live Blog FROM THE KAMENETZKY Bros. living room... HDTV Flat Screen 62'??!!! What do you say AK? ... this game is a MUST, so we need to do everything we can to get a win... how about trying a LIVE BLOG? .. let's bent the rules a little.
Chuck,
Strongly agree... we win 1 game in the last 9 and then all is good?? NOT... As I've said prior, the only way to stomach this Dodger team is not to have high expectations... they will surely let you down. Just realize what you're working w/.... a group put together by Ned Colletti... even if they somehow make the playoffs... it still leaves a bad taste.. this team just doesn't have the good feeling of a team.. whether it's Kent or Pierre or Colletti.... if things don't work out, I think a complete "CLEANING of HOUSE" is necessary... I would rather have another GM come in and start "FRESH" and attempt to get the Dodgers back to where they belong.
Posted by: Rob | August 31, 2008 at 02:33 PM
I just can't help but thinking everytime over the last two years that I read stuff like "it's the old guys versus the new guys in the clubhouse" that in actuality it was more like "Jeff Kent versus the new guys in the clubhouse".
That being said, I'd rather have his bat in the lineup but I'd also rather have a second baseman with some range. I've seen quite a few hit balls past Kent that I feel most other guys in the league would have gloved.
Kent "me versus them" crap + bad defense > good bat in front of Manny Ramirez = it's been real, Jeff, see you in 5 years in Cooperstown.
Posted by: Stinger | August 31, 2008 at 02:35 PM
Flash! Andy LaRoche ruined C.C. Sabathia's no-hit bid with an infield single. The hit was LaRoche's 2nd................ in his last 32 at bats.
Posted by: Chunkdog | August 31, 2008 at 02:46 PM
Chunkdog, the Red Sox did everything in their power to get Manny out of their clubhouse because they felt they couldn't be a good ball club with him on their team. One guy can ruin everything when it comes to chemistry and the mood of a ball club. This team has played tight all season and I doubt thats the kids fault or even the corpses of Joe Torre's fault (im not even sure he's breathing sometimes).
Jeff Kent hasn't been the best clubhouse guy his whole career. The Mustachioed Wizard can be intimidating to the young guys and having his sour puss act in the locker room isn't helping. Teams play their best when they are loose and Jeff Kent probably doesn't even have loose stool he's so up tight. We won't miss his bat as much as people think. Before Manny was here Kent was on pace to one of the worst cleanup hitters in the history of baseball if not the worst!
Posted by: Adrian | August 31, 2008 at 03:17 PM
AK/BK,
Great videos! It's about time you two got some "face time". It sure beats having to listen to Plaschke run his soup-cooler.
I'll look forward to more of your analyses over video.
LoLo
Posted by: LoLo | August 31, 2008 at 03:54 PM
LoLo...Are you Lost??? I never see you post here...Good to see you come out of the closet my man
Posted by: K T | August 31, 2008 at 04:24 PM
How did Eckstien clear waivers to be traded to the Reptiles...Now they have someone to replace Hudson
Posted by: K T | August 31, 2008 at 04:35 PM
Rob,
Sorry. The live blogs are a true "live" thing, in our minds. Faking it could mess up the mojo of the legit ones. Don't wanna see that happen this coming weekend when the Snakes visit.
AK
Posted by: Andrew Kamenetzky | August 31, 2008 at 05:13 PM
Besides, Andre Ethier and Casey Blake ALWAYS hit home runs in the first inning whenever BK and/or I don't do live blogs during the third game of a roadie series against Arizona. Why mess with that? haha
AK
Posted by: Andrew Kamenetzky | August 31, 2008 at 05:22 PM
Lolo,
Thanks for the nice words. And good to see you around. Don't be a stranger.
AK
Posted by: Andrew Kamenetzky | August 31, 2008 at 05:22 PM
Great Start by the Boys in Blue....Who would have thought we would score 4 runs in all of the game against Webb...Go Blue
Posted by: K T | August 31, 2008 at 05:23 PM
Very Good AK...Very Good
Posted by: K T | August 31, 2008 at 05:47 PM
Since Kent reads the blog... I have one word for him:
Nananananana.
Posted by: Benzo Jones | August 31, 2008 at 05:54 PM
Broxton think 7 big number.
Broxton think no way I lose now
Broxton like swimming pool.... wear mankini, like Borat.
Posted by: Benzo Jones | August 31, 2008 at 08:04 PM
It is 8:05 p.m. PDT and broxton is entering the game. I predict: 1) he will put the first batter on (i'm already up $200) and 2) he will leave the game with no better than a 9-7 lead.
Posted by: Rufus Leaking | August 31, 2008 at 08:05 PM
Phew. OK, I don't mind giving up $100. I forgot broxton doesn't get into trouble when he has a huge lead. Go Dodgers.
Posted by: Rufus Leaking | August 31, 2008 at 08:16 PM
Well, kent is getting knee surgery, some of ur wishes have come true!! kind of a messed up way to go out of the game, but less of a headache for the dodgers!
Posted by: Justin | August 31, 2008 at 09:50 PM
Broxton like pitching in 8-1 games. Can give up six homers and still win.
Kent's injury makes you wonder if he somehow offended the baseball gods by dissing Vin Scully, and that this is the curse that has been dealt him for doing so.
Posted by: SaMo | August 31, 2008 at 10:01 PM
Lowe = BIG money pitcher!
Posted by: ApaulO | August 31, 2008 at 10:47 PM
Bad headline. Losing Kent is not a "big loss." In fact, it just might be good.
Posted by: hashpipe | August 31, 2008 at 11:48 PM