Remembering Raffy
As has been the case all season with the injury-riddled Dodgers, Joe Torre's pregame inevitably turns at some point into a checklist of health updates. Naturally, the name "Rafael Furcal" popped up, with any concrete news still at a minimum. Torre did think the shortstop was doing some "baseball stuff" at the moment and is still keeping hope alive for a September return, but Furcal's back has been tricky to predict since flaring up, meaning there's only so much anyone can know for close to certain. BK and I have both blabbed on several occasions since 2006 about how much Furcal's presence can shape these particular Dodgers, so it was unfortunately unsurprising to me to see non-stop struggles in his absence. But this being Torre's first season, I was curious if, even taking into account how he became a big Raffy fan in about twelve seconds, the Blue Skip figured right off the bat that Furcal would be so missed.
"I think we realized it when we didn't have him. I knew he was a good player, but I didn't realize how much being a 'player plus" that he was. And then when it kept going on and on and on, we've been fortunate to stay in the race."
It's also interesting that for all the "Manny's presence energizing the clubhouse" talk (all legit, by the way), people forget how much Furcal has played that role over the years. A funny, talented guy with a natural charisma who plays hard and reminds everyone that enjoying the game is allowed. When I made this comparison, Torre didn't hesitate to agree. "Yes. Exactly. And the big part of it is his looseness. I know we try to be all business and keep everybody focused, but you have to have some fun. Raffy was a great cheerleader on the bench, whether he was hitting or not. The smallest guy with the biggest voice."
Thankfully, a larger dude with an even louder voice has hit town.
Other notes
Those who found James Loney's 8-spot place in the lineup kinda goofy might have the same reaction to seeing Russell Martin there this evening. "I can tell Russell I've got a good hitting pitcher behind him to make sure he gets pitches," joked Torre of Brad Penny (who actually is pretty capable of swinging a bat). "I'm not sure I can sell that one. It's not a penalty, for sure. It's just a matter of trying to put the guys up there who are hitting consistently." Plus, he's hoping to see Martin regain some dish patience, the lack of which Torre is positive has led to recent pressing. "It's just a matter of turning the volume down."
Should Martin get back into the groove, however, I wouldn't bank on him regaining the third spot once owned upon Manny's arrival. Jeff Kent took over after Martin struggled, and the results were 180 degrees different in a good way. "It was basically experience against inexperience, even though Russell has been around a couple years. I think Russell, knowing that they were going to have to pitch to him, really didn't give the pitcher a chance because he got a little overanxious. Whereas Jeff, you put him up there, he has a pretty idea of what he wants to hit, and he's gonna sit on it until he gets it. "
Takashi Saito's status is still pretty up in the air. Scott Proctor is pain-free, but also remains without a firm return ETA.
The pen should be fully loaded, save Hong-Chih Kuo. Torre wasn't entirely positive about Cory Wade's availability, but saw him throwing earlier today and assuming he's good, he could get some work.
The realistic odds of Jason Schmidt doing anything this season continue to dwindle. Not impossible, but all two of you holding your breath, I would honestly recommend exhaling and getting some pink back in your face. As Torre put it, "I just want to get him healthy."
FYI. The waiver wired Brian Falkenborg got claimed by San Diego, which was no surprise to Torre. He was hoping the righty would make it through, but figured he'd done enough good work with L.A. to catch another squad's eye.
LINEUPS
Phillies
Jimmy Rollins - SS
Jayson Werth - CF
Chase Utley - 2B
Ryan Howard - 1B
Pat Burrell - LF
Greg Dobbs - 3B
Geoff Jenkins - RF
Carlos Ruiz - C
Joe Blanton - P
Dodgers
Kemp - CF
Ethier - RF
Kent - 2B
Manny - RF
Loney - 1B
Blake - 3B
Nomar - SS
Martin - C
Penny - P
AUDIO
- Joe Torre, Part I: Download joe_torre_1.mp3
- Joe Torre, Part II: Download joe_torre_2.mp3
- Joe Torre, Part III: Download joe_torre_3.mp3
- Joe Torre, Part IV: Download joe_torre_4.mp3
AK
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AK/BK, others Some questions and thoughts.
When was the last time we won 4 in a row against first place teams? going for 5 tonite.
What is Blakes potential on free agent market. Maybe we could sign him to take SWny's role plus play a little more at third, first etc.
Is this our happiest day of the year. AJ gone.
Is Penny really ready?
David
Posted by: david | August 13, 2008 at 07:21 PM
I feared this would happen to Penny versus the Phillies lineup instead of the Giants. Who gave the report he hit 98 mph in the minors. He is barely hitting 92 right now.
Posted by: Tom | August 13, 2008 at 07:45 PM
Man.. that's really Falkenborged up!
I can't watch they game (MLB Blackout rules are prejudice), but listening to Vinny call Penny it is clear things aren't right. You can hear the pain in Vin's voice. I half expect him to go into Hindenburgh mode and cry "Oh the Humanity!"
Posted by: benzojones | August 13, 2008 at 08:07 PM
Blake killing us today
Posted by: david | August 13, 2008 at 08:14 PM
and nomar also
Posted by: david | August 13, 2008 at 08:15 PM
DBacks lose 6-5. Dunn grounds out to end the game with bases loaded
David
Posted by: david | August 13, 2008 at 08:48 PM
Hope Raffy is work'in on growing the dreds.
Posted by: gary | August 13, 2008 at 10:50 PM