Buzzie Bavasi
It is a huge loss for the entire Dodger organization and our hearts go out to his family. Buzzie was behind four of our six World Championships and though I only spoke with him a few times, he was always very gracious. His son, Bill, who is now the Mariners’ GM, was our farm director for a couple of years and one of the finest people I’ve met in the game.
Here is what a few Dodgers had to say about the former GM, who lived to be 93.
One of the amazing things I’ve found about the game of baseball is how cyclical it is, and I had received the following post from Scott Akasaki not long before getting the word about Buzzie. Just as one longtime baseball career was coming to a close, another is just beginning and Scott wrote about it for Inside the Dodgers:
“One of the best things about being the Traveling Secretary is that you are amongst the first to greet a player when he gets called up to the Major Leagues. It is difficult to duplicate the feeling of playing a little part in one man’s life-long journey to an ultimate objective — the fruition of a goal more than a decade in the making. This past week reminded me of why this job is one of the best gigs in the business.
Late Thursday night, our Assistant General Manager Kim Ng contacted me and said that we were calling up pitcher Cory Wade from AA Jacksonville. At the time, Cory was on crowded bus from Montgomery to Huntsville, having just finished a night game against the Montgomery Biscuits. After spending some phone time with our 24-hour travel service, I exchanged text messages with our Jacksonville trainer Carlos Olivas, who gave the travel itinerary to Cory.
Getting from Huntsville to Los Angeles is not exactly direct. We had to fly Cory from Huntsville to Cincinnati and then from Cincinnati to Los Angeles. Since we’re dealing with connecting flights and a the loss of time thanks to the time change, Cory did not arrive to Dodger Stadium till about 4:30 p.m. PST despite learning about his promotion around 2:30 a.m. CST.
Cory had no idea that his promotion to the Major Leagues was so close. In fact, even before departing on his AA road trip, he did not pack a sport coat and slacks, which is standard travel attire when promoted to the Major Leagues. Cory showed up in jeans, a t-shirt, and with some bleary eyes. I explained to him some team rules and when he walked into the home clubhouse, he was immediately stopped by the Dodgers’ local media.
Cory told the media about getting the word of his promotion, the unexpected nature of his call up, and how much everything had moved so fast for him. Cory talked about how he woke up his father and his fiancée upon hearing the news. Earlier this spring, Cory and his fiancée welcomed a new baby. Coupled with his call to Majors, the 2008 calendar year is certainly one that Cory and his family will never forget.”
Inside the Dodgers 
Condolences and prayers to the Bavasi family.
Buzzie you had a full life and were a big part of the Dodger history…I echo JHAll sentiments…
Now the boys are rolling…a few observations
1. Matt Kemp would have been a hell of linbacker/rb…very explosive…and the ball flies off his bat…a routine flyball goes to the wall….
2. Gary Bennett has a mental block when he throws the ball back to the pitcher….he lollipops it and he takes 1-2 steps out in front of the plate…
3. Dewitt is the best fielding 3B since Beltre…he makes all the routine plays and throws…his power is only a matter of time….he will be a Bill Mueller type hitter….285-.300 12-15 hrs….
4. Ethier needs to start turning on a few pitches, but I love his swing…would love to see a little more power.
5. I love the BP…power arms are the key…you need to be able to get swing and misses when people are on base…
6. My prediction we are 2 weeks away from the unveiling of the next greatest lefthander in Dodger history…Mr Kershaw…
Lets keep it going…..Go Dodgers!!!
Scott , nice story about Cory Wade….Glad to see my boy Carlos Olivas getting a little ink….he is a great guy and trainer…..it has to be awesome to be able to give news to a young man that he is going to the big leagues!!!
The Denver Post reports that the Rockies have agreed in principle on a minor-league deal with infielder Juan Castro! Yay! Good for them and much better for us.
Hurray!!!
Thanks Alex. Ned had me worried.
Should be an interesting weekend. D-Backs have beaten up on what is turning out to be (so far, anyway) a weak Western Division. Now they get the Mets, a legitimate contender. The Dodgers always have a hard time in Denver, and in spite of Rockies record, they’re a tough team. If the Dodgers actually PICK UP ground by Sunday night, I think we can all be very pleased.
Thanks Alex, that is good news.
Good point Kahli. D-Backs will cool off some, but with their pitching and fundamentally sound play, they are the team to beat. I think they will win at least 92 games and perhaps as many as 96. Especially with the great start they got. If we make a run at them it will take 90+ wins. I think if we make a run at them and still finish a close second, we will take the wildcard with 88-90 wins. We’ve got our work cut out for us. It is going to depend mostly on how our starting pitching performs. As they go, so will our team. I believe that is the biggest variable. We’ve got the guys to get it done if they stay healthy and perform up to their past levels.
Right now; Ferk, Marty, Ethier, Kemp, Loney and Kent are solid. DeWitt is holding his own and contributing. Especially on defense. Jones is not going to suc’k this hard the whole season and his defense is still way above average. Still need to trade Phew and give DY those reps. Then bring up Repko when he recovers. IF IT AIN’T BROKE, DON’T FIX IT NED!!!!!!
Resign Ferk and we are also set up nicely for next year.
Old_fogey and Enchanted’s comments on the last thread convinced me on the Juan Castro issue. I would not have been upset, but now agree that his signing with another team is best.
.
Though a Castro/Chavez DP combo would be hilarious. Anyone remember Rudy Law and Jorge Orta–“Law and Orta”?
Always a huge Repko fan, I’m still bummed that his stats are so crummy. BUT…….he’s second on the team in ABs which means he’s at least healthy down there in AAA. He’d still be my first recall if Pierre is dealt…which I really don’t see happening. Torre likes Pierre’s “game,” and it’s not like Pierre has a huge swing that might get stale on the bench. Speed has no slumps, eh JP? Agree, jhall, resign Furcal; Hu at second next year. Abreu scares me.
Castro signing would not have been a disaster, but it really wasn’t/isn’t necessary.
Rudy Law made me think of Lee Lacy. Anyone remember when he caught a fly (the insect kind???!?!?) with his bare hand while being interviewed on the pre-game show?
I’m not counting on Abreu. Resign Ferk and put Hu or DY at 2nd next year. Next year I would like to see a roster of:
Ferk
Martin
Kemp
Eithier
Loney
Martin
DeWitt/LaRoche
Hu/DY
as the primary starters,
Penny
Billz
Kuroda
Kuo
Kershaw/Schmidt
as the starters,
Saito
Brox
Biemel
Brazoban
in the bullpen,
then grab a backup catcher, another couple of good arms for the bullpen, and a good pinch hitter.
Forgot to put Biemel in there.
Oh wait, he’s in there. LOL
The question i have already begun asking myself is how much is Andruw’s defense worth on its own? Considering that is basically all he is contributing at this point, how much is a gold glove CF worth? I’m just thinking two years ahead now, when his contract is up, and he really wants to stay, but his offense is clearly not the same as it once was. What is he worth? 5 mil a year? more? Maybe this will be a moot point by the end of the year, if/when his O improves, but taking into account last year and the start of this year I am not too optimistic that happens…
Yeah, but you can’t clone Martin, though I’d like to. By the way, which suckers took Jones and Pierre off our hands?
Oops, meant to put Jones in there instead of Marty. Wish we could clone Marty. As for Phew, probably no one but that is Ned’s problem. Just my Christmas wish list early.
I’m being real good so maybe Santa will bail Ned out and find Phew a new team. Right now he is in “The Land of Misfit Toys”. No one wants a Charlie in the Box, and no one wants a $36M Phew in the field.
That is classic jhall!!! lol!!! I can’t stop laughing – it’s Friday, and it’s one of those days. Thanks for the comedy relief!! The sad thing is that this issue is more of a tragedy. lol!
On a positive note. Don’t get me wrong. I am not saying Phew is awful. He just isn’t one of our 3 best outfielders and isn’t a good fit on this team. He will be even less of a fit in 2 more years. If he is gone and Jones underperforms and is not resigned, we can go after a real stud outfielder after next season or there may be someone ready in our farm system. Trade him now. For his good as well as ours. He actually would be starting in centerfield and leading off for alot of other teams. Problem is that dam’n contract more than him and his performance. I don’t blame him for being disgruntled but things change. The lions share of the fault is Ned’s.
Glad you enjoyed it Nelson. It is tragic in the sense that he is not wanted here and should be given the opportunity to go where he can fit in and be liked.
I’m going to pay closer attention to “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” from now on to see if I can spot JP waddling around next to that flying lion.
ewk,
All I know is that a weak hitting, no defense CF is NOT worth 9 mil a year…
I agree with kalhiforni. I always liked Repko and it is a shame that now he is finally healthy and having a bad start. I would love to see him come back to the big club and have a great year in what ever way he can.
LOL Scott. You are so right, a weak hitting, poor defense CF was never worth $9M. Not last year, not this year and not next year. Ned is the true boob. It’s not Phew’s fault. He is what he is and Ned overpaid drastically for him and his skill package. That is the crux of the problem. If Phew was being paid what he is worth ($2-3M) and not taking AB’s from better players (which is possible on some other teams), there would be no qualms with him.
Now that Joe and Ned feel comfortable with Kemp in center field (when Andruw sits), the whole Pierre thing becomes even more ludicrous as far as last season’s signing. Had Ned the insight to realize Kemp could start AND play center (I know, I know, that’s supposed be his job–evaluating talent) he could have saved this franchise a ton of money, played Gonzo every day after Nancy Drew opted out (mabe Gonzo would have had a great, non-whining year…who knows?) and saved Pierre his own personal nightmare this year. Whatever. It’s all water under the bridge. But much like Bush and Iraq (sorry politicos), Ned will leave his mess to the next GM in 2009.
It’s a dam’n shame Werth and Repko got hurt so badly when they did and took so long to recover. We would not be having the Phew/Jones discussions right now.
jhall, you’re right. Werth looked like an untouchable there for a while…
Hope you are right Kahli. Ned and insight into player evaluation and acquisition should never be mentioned together. I’m sure it is not at the GM meetings unless the other GM’s want a good laugh.
Think with Jones unless he significantly regains his stroke, that after next season not only will he probably be even less proficient with the bat, but he’ll have lost a step in the OF as well, so whether he wants to stay or not might be moot. I can’t find a list of potential FAs for 2010, but suffice to say there’s always a handful of decent OFers to be had.
JP in a spot starting roll has IMO been more beneficial with the bat than harmful with the glove to this point. That’s not saying I want to see him back in CF/LF on a regular basis. I’m hoping that Ned can make a deal here in a couple months, but that doesn’t seem likely given what he has done in the 4th OF role so far unless he demands a trade.
Give him this year in A and 2009 in AA and maybe Lambo will be close to being ready, though still probably a year away in 2010. That’ll put us in a position where we need a Lofton-type someone for a year or so to hold down the fort.
We should be looking at a Ethier, Kemp, Werth outfield with Repko in reserve right now but the timing and Ned’s terrible judgement were against us..
I think Ned better trade Pierre now because JP’s supporters always point to his 200 hits, 50 SB, etc., etc., and with him being a part timer now, his end of year stats are going to look $hitty at best and who will want that for 3 more years at 9 million plus? He’s somewhat a contributor now, so I say SELL!!
Hopefully Jones will wake up and lose 20 pounds. I don’t know about his hitting, but if he loses some weight, I don’t think his defense will decline next year. It probably would improve. I agree though, that resigning Jones is not likely and probably not a good idea. He will be starting his official/usual decline years as he will be 32-33 after next year. Although right now it looks like he is getting a head start. You should never sign a player to a long term deal at that age.
Yep Scott, strike while the iron is hot. Even now we will have to eat at least half that salary. Unless Frank is ready to do that, we are screwed.
jhall,
Geez, you’d think $15 for parking and skyrocketing ticket prices would be enough, huh?
I do hope that Pierre gets fed up with a part time role and asks to be traded. Maybe then Ned will seriously try. If we get nothing for him, at least it may open some playing time for DY, who I think is wasting away in the process. I know that we could always trade DY, but it seems to me that we should first see what he’s got before we move him to somebody else.
I am hoping Joe Torre sticks with Wade over Nomar.
I was at the Arizona game last Thursday when Nomar made two weak plays that cost the Dodgers two runs and the game.
First, Nomar took forever to make the throw that caused Kent to step back off the bag that led to Kent’s later ejection. That runner scored.
A few innings earlier, Nomar was in slow motion starting a double play that Conor Jackson beat out by a step at first. Conor scored.
The Dodgers lost the game by two runs., the runs Nomar gave up by his inept defense.
Nomar has already said that he is not entirely comfortable at third base while Wade has the best of defensive numbers among all third baseman in the league. Moreover, Nomar is not exactly an offense of powerhouse. He started the first 62 games for the Dodgers last year batting third and had a total of 12 extra-base hits. Now he is a wounded duck and should produce less both offensively and defensively when he comes off the DL.
This is Nomar’s last year. Why give an inferior player playing time at the expense of the future?
rintinjim,
Why don’t you ask Ned “I like to play inferior players and pay them too” Colletti?
Yep Scott, $15 to park is more than enough.
Totally agree with you Bear and RinTin. Good posts.
Nomore is a last resort. Unfortunately, when comes off the DL, he will get the first shot because of the fat contract and what he did 5-8 years ago. Dam’n stupid!!!
Denver weather forecast;
Today: Windy with rain and snow showers. High 47F. Winds N at 25 to 35 mph. Chance of precip 30%. Winds could occasionally gust over 50 mph.
Tonight: Partly cloudy. Windy this evening. Sprinkles or flurries possible early. Low 29F. Winds N at 20 to 30 mph, becoming WSW and diminishing to 5 to 10 mph.
Better bundle up!!!
Tonight’s lineup:
Furcal, SS
Pierre, LF
Kemp, RF
Kent, 2B
Martin, 3B
Loney, 1B
Jones, CF
Bennett, C
Penny, RHP
Un-F’ing-believable!!!!!
Is there something wrong with Ethier???? He hits lefties as good or better than anyone, especially JP in that HUGE Colorado outfield. STUPID!!!!
Is the crappy catching right-handed Bennett really an advantage over the lefty great fielding Dewhitt???
Dang-it!!!
lefty righty matchups are for losers
I have to say though that I prefer Nomore as a PH rather than the Sultan of Sit. BUT…
These are the exact kinds of situations that Ned’s put us in by giving fat contracts to OTH veterans. You’re almost forced to bring him back on the team even though he has all the mobility and hands of a Moai. Then you have Sweeney. Absolutely useless, but Ned kept the vet and optioned DeWitt. No way DeWitt should’ve been optioned when no one else was qualified to play third. Sweeney should’ve been DFA’d when they called Wade up. No way Ned parts with JP either unless the issue is forced by JPs agent.
All these fat contracts doing more harm than good… I guarantee too that if we’re anywhere near the top by the trade deadline that we’ll be adding more dead weight and useless carcases and optioning out some of the guys that got us there because that’s Ned’s way of getting us “over the top”, even though it hasn’t worked the last two years.
Joe rode the short yellow bus to the stadium tonight. I can see playing Phew for Jones, but sitting Ethier and his .400+ OBP and power is just incredibly ignorant. Just when think you’ve seen it all.
In 22 plate appearances against Francis, Pierre has an OPS of .931 (9 hits, a double, and a walk). Torre said yesterday that Jones will play all weekend.
Just picked up this little tidbit. Softens the blow somewhat.
Ned’s way of getting us Over the Top is like throwing a cinderblock to a drowning person.
Guess the only guy Torre doesn’t believe in getting any at bats to is DY.
Pierre will cost us at least 1 run tonight in LF I predict.
jhall, that softens the blow like switching from a ax to a hammer.
What exactly is Torre trying to prove with Marty at third? DeWitt’s steady with the glove, and LaRoche will be back up in a week or two. It’s not like you need him there because no one else can play. Hell, why not put DY behind the plate? In fact, let’s put Kent on first so we can see how everyone performs out of position…
LOL Scott.. It didn’t make me feel any better either. I guess we’ll see if Martin can play 3rd. He didn’t get any chances when he played the one inning there the other night. Hope it works out.
vs. Francis a lefty:
Pierre: 9 for 21 with 5 SB’s
Ethier: 4 for 17
Plus, Pierre’s speed should do well with that huge outfield. I’m interested to see how Martin does at the hot corner. It is not a case of Bennett vs. DeWitt, rather it is a case of keeping Martin in the lineup while giving him a ‘day’ off from behind the plate.
I for one don’t believe when Torre says that he now knows this ballclub. The lineup sure doesn’t reflect it. This screwing around just doesn’t make sense to me when every game will count at the end of the season. Only thing I can hope is that it will be Ned’s head on the block.
lol enchanted.
I was at Friday night’s game when Bennett came in and Martin went to 3B. First pitch to Bennett went through his legs to the backstop and the tying run came in and that was the beginning to a 13 inning game. Thanks Gary! Keep lobbing it back to the pitcher too. Why are you saving your arm with those lobs when you only play once every 15 days?
Our best outfielder who happens to be hitting .309 with 14 rbi is on the bench because Slappy has a couple of doubles against Francis – classic.
I just think you’re asking for trouble injury-wise by putting Marty out of position at third for an entire game.
maybe they are sitting Martin and Either because it is cold and Torre does not want them hurt.
alex,
don’t forget about Pierre playing in that “big” outfield, taking poor routes to balls and three hopping throws to the cut off man.
Uh, Martin is playing 3rd.
Or look at it like this: If this were a game Martin would normally sit out and Bennett were behind the plate would you rather have Martin or DeWitt in the lineup vs. Francis? Hopefully, Furcal and Pierre can take care of business so Kemp, Kent and Martin can knock them in.
Defensively, we are commiting suicide with this lineup. Bennett, Kent, and Phew are all defensive liabilities and we don’t know about Marty at 3rd. We do know he will probably not be nearly as good as DeWitt over there at this point. Not saying he couldn’t be, but he just hasn’t played there in years.
The Joe works in mysterious ways…
I do agree this is our worst defensive lineup of the year and Willy Tavares could have a BIG game.
I think taking Martin’s bat out of the lineup would’ve been the biggest mistake, so finding any way to keep it in there works for me. You can argue Pierre vs. Ethier for tonight if you choose, I happen to think this lineup is fine for THIS night.
I didn’t know you could get paid millions a year being a f’ing moronnnn…. I should have become a major league manager.
Yep, they can run wild with Bennett behind the dish and Phew in left.
I don’t think playing 3B in cold weather is going to be much better than catching. The side effects could be a crappy game called and played by Bennett and maybe Martin making a couple of errors and getting hurt at 3B. I hope not though.
Pierre’s on base is 18-20 points higher than Loney, Kent, Kemp and 70 (roughly here) higher than Jones.
Props to Pierre. I have alway said I don’t dislike the guy, just the player. when he plays and if he plays well, then cool.
The dodgers have 7 guys out of 9 I belive with OBP tonight lower than .340. with 2 guys in the 200s.So we will see if we are just hot or not.
Well, should be an interesting night anyway.
I am utterly speechless at tonights line-up. This is so unbelievable. I can’t believe I am reading this line-up. This line-up can’t bring too much confidence to Penny either.
Well I see my favorite Bastardo is struggling in A ball. Too bad. I’m really hoping he makes it for obvious reasons…
Hoping they call up Rex Rundgren at some point as well. Far too many opportunities exist there not to be given the chance to use them. 🙂
Wonder how much Phew’s semi-whining interview influenced his getting the start?
I guess having the same line up 2 nights in a row was to much for Joe Little to handle. We scored to many runs and our defense must have been to good!! What were we thinking wanting him to keep a line up that not only produced a lot of O but gave us some good D as well.
Left field is a power position, not a pinch runner position. That said I hope everybody has a good game and we win another, although I don’t have much faith in this defense.
Maybe Joe is showcasing Phew while he is a hot pile of shi’t instead of a cold tur’d!!
jhall you know the interview influence it a lot, because between Ned and Joe there isn’t a set of balls!
jungar,
Sorry to argue, but JP’s OBP is deceiving because he’s walked several times to get to the pitcher from the 8th spot and been hit a couple times. He’s a had a couple multiple walk games which is totally out of character for him. Hey, good for us, but you HAVE to play Ethier right now. This early in the season, averages and OBP are going up and down rapidly with few ab’s – just look how fast Martin raised his numbers in a week!
I’m glad he’s helped lately, but I have no confidence that he will continue to help us overall.
gotta go, good luck D’s!
See’ya Scott.
is that the official line-up for tonight?? i haven’t seen it posted anywhere.. just curious..
Seems to me that the timing for trying Marty at 3rd is bad. Why not try it when Phew is sitting and Kent is taking a day off. That way you only compromise 2 positions defensively instead of 4 like tonight. Seems retarded to me. Hopefully Marty turns out to not be a liability at 3rd tonight as we know Phew, Kent, and Bennett are.
It’s official.
alright thanks.. hopefully it doesn’t turn out as bad as we are all imagining =/
I think we’ve all got our fingers crossed Sara. Welcome!!
It’s official Torre lost his mind! 🙂
Don’t get me wrong I want the D’s to win just as much as anyone, I just can’t stand it when we have a potent line up that scores runs and in bunches and then Torre changes it, he got away with it yesterday luckily but I don’t think he is going to be that lucky today.
i’ve been reading you guys for years.. i just don’t post.. maybe i will start
Welcome Sara!!
Yea Sara, join in.
You should Sara, I lurked here for about a year and it is kind of a stress reliever!! 🙂 And everyone here is great! Except that Jhall character!! haha just kidding Jhall.
Sounds like maybe Trigger’s mom called again…
And do post sara – the more the merrier!!!
LOL
Updated gametime forcast:
Rain / Snow Showers / Wind
38°F
Ethier’s probably all bundled up thinking if I don’t get to play, it might as well be tonight.
Yep, Phew probably getting a media moping/mom called start.
thanks guys. i probably will chime in from time to time.. go blue! =)
The Dodgers have had some great GMs in the past
Branch Rickey, Fresco Thompson, Al Campanis, to name some and Buzzie Bavasi certainly is one of them.
It would be great to add Ned Colletti to that list someday.
Hello. Is dis Ned? Why isn’ta my little Juanpy aplaying? You put hima in dere and tella the bigaboys not to playa too rough wit him. My little Juanpy! isn’t he-a harda little worker? anda fast too…
Whats with Torre’s statement that Jones is playing all weekend? I just don’t understand his distribution of time with the outfield. I think we are going to see some really weird line ups once LaRoche comes back and Nomar is “healthy” (at least for an senior citizen).
PierreEMW, I think that is wishful thinking, but I will wish with you~
Enchanted you kill me!! 🙂
… And you be sure to-a play dat nice-a Nomar too whena he comsa backa!! He’sa so nice to leta dat ball go-a by him and to my little Juanpy ina da outfield.
Alex has the right take on Martin starting at 3B tonight. Remember, this will happen only once every couple of weeks. But it’s good timing–a day off yesterday, and with a chance of snow tonight, we’ll be lucky to get all 5 innings in, so it’s just giving him a lot of rest. Add to the fact that we’re facing a left-handed pitcher, it’s more serendipity than anything.
.
He’ll be catching tomorrow–if we weren’t going to go back to Colorado twice more this year, I would predict he might have to play twice, but if there is rain we would probably make it up in July.
.
Also, given the snow possibility, expect defense to all be troublesome. And, since it is Colorado we’re talking about, offense is at a premium.
.
I hate to do this, but I disagree with Jungar–first, it’s 6 of 9 with OBP under .340. But even with Pierre OBP being better than Loney (who is struggling), Kemp, and Kent, that does not mean that he should be playing over Ethier. Of course, he should not be playing over Kemp, either, whose OPS is .130 points higher (Kent and Loney have OPS of .120 and .50 points higher, respectively). And, I think Scott is right to point out that Pierre will get pitched around to get to the pitcher. Remember, Pierre’s lifetime OBP is not that much higher than his average because he generally does NOT walk that much. By way of comparison, Blake DeWitt has a .358 OBP–higher than Pierre’s, and a lower batting average. DeWitt is more patient as a hitter (and ultimately, probably more dangerous too), but has similarly gotten some more walks hitting 8th.
.
The reality is that we know what we have with Pierre, and the odds are good that we are better off with Kemp and Ethier. I don’t think that just one month should alter that perspective, but if anything what we have seen is confirmation of the fact that Kemp and Ethier are just better players.
.
I hope Pierre does well (as I always hope he does), but I would much rather see him doing well with off the bench and a spot start here and there (like, say Sweeney). Generally, it does not make sense to start him on consecutive days–particularly after a day off.
.
One exception is this–if we gave Jones 3 days off to try to get his head right. Undoubtedly, Pierre is playing better than Andruw right now, and if this continues, something has to be considered. But I would NEVER rest a struggling hitter at Coors Field. Andruw could hit 6 home runs this weekend and turn it around.
.
Coors Field is crazy.
LOL!!!
Is there actually going to be a game tonight? How can they play if it was snowing earlier today? They must have a magic grounds crew.
Juanpy! Juanpy!!! Youa forgotta your glove!!
Aw shucks ma, it’s no good to me anyway…
Ya gotta hope Phew reads this blog Enchanted.
I mean is there a worse back up catcher than Bennett? He can’t even get that right. And yeah totally agree Ethier should be in there and so should DeWitt and Martin should be rested or he should catch, but i guess Martin is so hot they want his bat in there and thats hard to fault….
I’d respect any lineup Joe puts out there tonight.
To say the very least, he doing a fantastic job.
I wouldn’t be suprised if pulls a miracle and actually gets Andruw started.
Meanwhile, Ned on the other side of the playground:
Hi Scotty, I’ll trade you my lunch money for the whole week for for that really cool dead frog you got in your pocket… OK, two weeks lunch money…
And look what I just found lying around – a couple of worn down erasers… Hey look, a stranger… let’s go talk to him.
Think that explains it all.
Yes, I know I’m going to hell.
thats great stuff E your amazing at making fun of jaunpy… ethier should play!!!!!!!
I really, really really have this feeling this is going to be AJ’s weekend to bust out. A couple of home runs and some rbi’s will get him going. I have a strong feeling. We’ll see if I’m correct
I’ve ridden JP so much I’ve got saddle sores!!!
Trouble is, I’m starting to get a soft spot for the little guy just like I had for Lurch.
Positive things from Torre and Co.
.
1. Kemp and Ethier play more than JP.
2. Kemp is clearly #2 on the CF depth chart (Ned and Grady didn’t think Kemp could handle it).
3. Willing to play Hu and DeWitt instead on insisting on some washed-up mediocre-at-best veteran for each job. (If only Grady had the guts to try Martin at 3B and catch Lieberthal instead of asking for crummy Shea Hillenbrand.)
4. Generally well-handled pitching staff, with the exception of the weird rainy game.
5. Generally well-managed games. Yeah, he bunts a little more than I’d like, but in any given month last year, I had a lot more complaints about Little’s in-game decisions than I do with Torre this year.
6. Has explained to his players what he is doing with them and why (at least that’s what I gather from the player quotes I see).
LOL, Hey E, rumor has it he once traded a girl in his class out of a used Ken Doll. Little girl couldn’t believe he gave up 5 weeks of lunch money for it since one of the arms was missing.
Meanwhile jhall’s watching the whole transaction go down and is heard muttering as he walks away, “UNACCEPTIBLE, UNACCEPTIBLE.” LOL
I must have chewed on a bunch of pencils when I was a kid…
LOL!! Unacceptable part is he was a freshman in high school and couldn’t get rid of that doll for 4 years. He left with it..
He graduated Phi Beta Crappa.
He sure as hell’ did!!!! I guess we know we are probably going to need a huge dose of humor for tonights Titanic Struggle.
Kershaw tonight in Jacksonville in front of the brass: 6.2 IP, 6 Hs, 1 R, 0 ER 1 BB, 5 Ks.
Youa’go Juanpy. Makuh’yo mama proud!!!!
Makuh’yo Papa Ned and Uncle Joe looka’likea’da’genius!!
Too late.
If Taveras has any brains, he should be bunting toward third and testing the new guy.
Penny looks miserable in the freezing temperature and at least to start he’s not throwing hard at all. Only about 80% of what he’s capable of doing.
Clint Hurdle is the sort of wrong-thinking manager that might bunt here.
Well, they ran on Bennett already. The capper would be for Holliday to hit a shallow SF to Pierre.
Taveras ran on Penny, not Bennett. Martin wouldn’t have had any better of a shot.
KENT with the old man speed!
If Torre’s trying to jump-start Jones, I don’t think he’s gonna see too many good pitches hitting infront of Bennett and Penny.
Plus Kent and Ferk weren’t trying to hold him close. They were way off the bag.
I believe this is where jhall says?
Martin and Loney not getting the man home from 3rd with less than two out…. now they have to rely on Jones to get a hit.
Expletive
Totally Unacceptable!!!
There’s a surprise.
Martin and Loney with BRUTAL at bats
Why not have Russell lay a bunt up the line and let Kent knock the stuffing out of the catcher? I’d rather have an out that way than have Kent standing on third at the end of the inning.
Even JP isn’t that worthless as a hitter.
perumike – because your odds are better that one of Martin or Loney will get at least the “productive out”. Plus Kent is way too darn slow.
That was freaking pathetic.
I agree, he is slow, but I think you can surprise the Rockies by running Kent, along with the bunt, and I’m sure Kent knows how to beat the heck out of a catcher. He’s no sissy, that’s for sure.
Well. AJ didn’t change anything and did his usual. This guy is becoming a real drag to this team. Tough to win with only 8 players every game.
alex and jhall, I wasn’t going to let the reality of the SB get in the way of my cheap dig at JP’s noodle arm. 😉
Come on Penny, What’s the matter with ya ??
I don’t think you want to risk the health of your 40-year old cleanup hitter on purpose.
Three walks in four outs in this cold weather is not a good thing. Throw strikes Brad!
Think we better hope it snows soon.
I sure don’t like the way this game is going. This is early, but we need to get the bats fired up…
maybe russel can do it all
There’s Martin’s first play at third base and it was a doozy!
Does Taveras bunt toward Martin here?
Good play Martin, lets get it started
Marty looking sweet on that one.
rlglynn – think you’re right about AJ. Throw in JP and Bennett and you’re down to 6 1/2 hitters.
That was the first fielding chance by Martin.
Penny better staighten himself out
we should have tryed to get piazza to come and retire as a dodger
tried
if his catching was really bad he could just take sweeney’s spot
Thanks, BTW, for the Cory Wade story from Scott Akasaki. That is a nice little read.
Mets take a 2-0 lead in the first on Babe Ruth err Micah Owings and are still batting
3-0 Mets Top 1
Down 2 but early; I’d run Furcal here.
Dang. Two more LOB.
Rats!!!
Where in the Hell is our power hitters??????????????????
Would have been nice to get a 3 run shot from Kemp.
They are 1 running us to death….
Looks likes a fence these Rockies are building.
To brighten your evening 4-0 Mets Top 2
WE’ve out hit them 3 hits to 2 and they lead 3 zip.. What’s wrong with that picture.
The Mets who are in Arizona tonight say they are not afraid of the Snakes.
Martin can play anywhere. I wonder if he can pitch!!!!!!!
Martin CAN DO IT ALL. I’ve learned to never doubt our all-star as he is special to say the least.
They didn’t score and Martin’s fielding 1.000 with 2 chances.
They need to send AJ to Las Vegas for a couple of weeks to get his head straight and without any pressure…
000000000000000000000000 for 5 with runners in scoring position. This sounds familiar……….
Since Torre intends to play Jones the whole weekend, does anybody want to predict how many times he’ll strike out this weekend. I’m going with 7 K’s.
Looks like Martin will be playing every game from here on out, he has AMAZING instincts!
Man ol Man, what an athlete. Martin can play third. Can we find another catcher. We have our problem at third base solved..
A good inning to start.
Let’s go Juanpy get on base.
Jones is going to get a big hit here
Bases loaded, 1 out, Jones up, they bring in the righty. I would pinch hit Ethier.
Jones better do something or go to an eye specialist.
This is going too far.
He has an opportunity to earn his keep here.
Otherwise he doesn’t deserve to play.
Bullshi*. Joes swung at a ball, low.
This is beyond unacceptable.
Ideal place to bat DY……………!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Huh
What in the hell is wrong in batting DY here?????????????????????
YES! YES! YES! DEWITT! He’s officially a Dodger now! WOW! Kudos to Sweeney for the huge walk to keep the inning alive and Joe Torre for making good moves that have come through.
I think Dewitt should give AJ some batting tips. Sure wouldn’t hurt
Blake DeWiiiiiiiiiiitt!!!!! Sweeny and D-man bailed out the lard ***’!!!
One of the greatest at bats you’ll ever see was the one this inning by MARK SWEENEY.
Nice clutch hit by De Witt.
Let’s pour it on. We can never have too many runs here.
FURCAL! HOLY CRAP! THREE RUN HOMER!
RAFFY!!!!!!! RAFFY!!!!!!!!!!! RAFFY!!!!!!!!!!
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah,
That’s what we have been needing. A bust-out..;
With Ferk, We Perk Baby!!! Way to go!!
Wow nice coaching by Torre we need this kind of management every games to win it ^^
Great inning by the guys, now the bullpen is on and i hope they can continue the streak (19 scoreless inning by the pen)
Our SS FERKY now leads the team with 4 Homers.
What’s this?? Our leadoff man leading the team in HR’S
I can almost guarantee you Little would have let Bennett or what would have been Lieberthal bat for himself in the sixth inning. Torre went with back to back lefty pinch hitters and both come through. This is NOT 2007. Our team is in good hands.
Furcal should be fined for killing a rally.
Good inning by Wade ^^
I agree Alex. Now we just need Ned gone.
Cory Wade held them scoreless fantastic in the 6th.
That’s exactly what yiu have to do.
After a big inning PUT UP A BIG ZERO.
Orlando Hudson just left the game with an injury
Kershaw update: 6.2 IP, 6 hits, 1 run, O ER, 1 BB, 5 K (2008: 1.11 ERA)>>> another nice outing for our top prospect
THANKS FOR THE KERSHAW REPORT. IS MCDONALD THROWING TONIGHT AS WELL?
McDonald played yesterday and it was no good news on him he lose the perfect game in the 5th when he gave up 5 ER on 4 hits and 2 BB so he pitched 5 IP, 4 hits, 5 runs, 5 ER, 2 BB, 4 K (2008: 5.27 ERA)>>> the stuff is here but he struggles in recent weeks
And LaRoche is not doing well he hits only .154, 1 HR, 3 RBI in AAA
Dewitt needs a double play to redeem himself.
come on, Don’t blow this game
Oh no 2 DeWitt’s error costs 2 runs, the Rox are coming back in the game….
Dodgers are literally giving the game away
DeWitt will just have to shake it off and not think about it.
He can do it he’s a professional.
COM ON BEIMEL
I didn’t this coming!! Sad!!
I don’t think I can watch this implosion it’s like San Diego all over again
This does not look good…
In the infamous words of the Titanic, “You’ve got to be f’ing kidding me”!!!
Dewitt had a sure out at home. What’s he thinking!!!!!!!!!!
The captain of the Titanic!!
Let’s hold on guys. Turn the bats back on!
Beimel got the double play and we still have the lead. We need insurance big time right now!
What the Hell Happened???????????
We blew a great lead…..
We need some runs. I hope we didn’t lay all our eggs in one inning
St. Louis just won.. Walk-off Hr in the 11th
Don’t die now folks we’re still ahead.
Maybe Jones will take off his sleeping mask off and see the ball.
This is a dreadful slump and I’m serious about his eyes.
Opposite field for Jones, we need insurance!
Well, I guess that inning woke the Jelly Roll up. Let’s tack on some more runs.
My Ferky has a first name…………
One run of insurance and a great chance at more!
We got a break there..
DeWitt hanging tuff!!
Come on Kemp… We need a long one.
The Bison does it again!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Wow. Kemp leading in RBI’S now.
The guys are picking up the kid. Way to go!!
Kemp re-breaks it open
I think Kemp has seen his last 3-game rest period for a long time.
OFFENSE___OFFENSE____OFFENSE
FEELING BETTER NOW.
I’ve been writing Kemp in for the All-Star Game. Wow!!!
Yeah jhall, so have I.
Congrats on your Cavs tonight. The LA Times is claiming that Kobe Bryant will get the MVP:
http://www.latimes.com/sports/la-sp-kobe3-2008may03,0,6268282.story
I’ve voted Kemp in for the Allstar game 25 times and 25 times in wife’s name. He’ll deserve it by then if he keeps it up…
Come on Park. Don’t you blow this lead.
Just get an out.
Or two 🙂
Snakes go down 7-2 and we’ll get a chance at four games back.
3 more outs to go.
KEMP Leads team with 21 RBI.
This is it.
Got to shut door.
Rap it up
LET’S go PARK.
Thanks Eric. Celtics going 7. Maybe we do have a shot at them.
So since Kemp has been playing everyday:
last 11 straight games
-Dodgers are 9-2
-Kemp has raised his average from .291 to .316 and his on base from .294 to .340(ish)
-19hits, 17rbi, 9 runs, 5sb, 6doubles, 1hr in those 11 games
Dodgers have rolled a seven and good news we miss Johan Santana, but the D’Backs get him Sunday. That’s a shame.
GO DODGERS!
Holy Cow, what a roller coaster ride this game was. Unbelievable!! Way to hang tough. This teams got heart.
Let’s go for 8 in a row. Would like to go back home maybe 3 games behind. That would be sweet. We’re gaining on the top spot in runs scored and average in Nat League.
Now that’s a nice break Alex!!
Yeah BABY! Seven straight!
jhall, are the Cavs gonna knock out the Celts? They don’t look so unbeatable anymore, do they?
The big number right now is 4
My hometown team beat the Snakes.
Were just 4 games back.
The last time we won 7 in a row we ran smack into the first round.
I think we have a better shot than I did before the playoffs started after seeing the Celts in there series.
Woo-Hoo, 7 game win streak!!!!!!!
Look out Snacks!!
This is acceptable!
Snakes, LOL, I must be hungry.
Totally Eric.
Hendrickson beat the Puds, LOL. He’s freaking 5 and 1. Who’d have thunk it?
Absolutely Impressive Seventh Win in a Row 11 to 6 Victory By Our Beloved Los Angeles Dodgers Over The Colorado Rockies. Super Hero Rafael Furcal With His 3 Run Rocket Shot and Great Defensive Play is a True Dodger and he makes his uniform sparkle! Way to go Rafael! The Amazing Super Hero Matt Kemp with his Bases Clearing Double is always to be revered, as he wears his Dodger uniform with Tremendous Pride! What an amazing Ball Player You Are! Super Heroes Russel Martin and Juan Pierre were absolutely magnificent! And of course, Jeff Kent with his two hits and always tremendous heart and leading by example and that’s what makes him Superman, The Man Of Steel! The pitching staff again was Super with Brad Penny,Cory Wade,Joe Beimel and Chan Ho Park! All the rest of our Los Angeles Dodgers were great! Our Los Angeles Dodgers are not only focused for First Place, But, More Importantly, Bringing Home The World Series Championship Back To Los Angeles! Joe Torre has helped in making baseball fun mixed with helping everybody reach their full potential, with the rest of the Dodger coaches following suit, making it enjoyable for the Fans! Super Heroes Frank McCourt and Ned Colletti deserve much applause for their dedication and Integrity for helping make Our Beloved Los Angles Dodgers what We are now, and what We are going to be, The World Series Champions! As Buzzy Bavasi has passed on to the Great Dodger in the sky, we will never, never,never, forget the wonderful memories of those great teams with the likes of The Legendary Sandy Koufax, Maury Wills,Willie Davis, Don Drysdale and Company. This Team has picked up the Torch and is Destined To Be One of The Greatest Baseball Teams of All Time!
OK, last nights games on snooze-control, so I go watch TV for awhile, fall asleep, and come back to another gutsy win. Nice going Boys!!
This team’s starting to show some moxey – DeWitt’s miscues could’ve let the air out of the tires, but they came right back top of the next inning to stuff it right back down the Rox throats. And what’s with Joe “The Vulture” Biemel? He’s been pitching out of his mind so far.
Guess I’m going to have to tone it down on Joe’s line-ups for awile. Whatever he’s doing has been working lately. Is it me or is JP learning some patience at the plate? Seems like he’s seeing more pitches than usual. As a part-time starter, he seems to be acceptable.
What’s very encouraging is that the D’s are scoring runs, and Loney’s not hitting much, and AJs not hitting at all. This offense could be downright scary if all cylinders were clicking at the same time. As it is, let’s hope when a couple of the others cool off that James and Druw can pick it up.
I didnt get to watch or follow last night, but reading all the comments today sure were entertaining. Especially all the ones that made it seem that suicide was imminent because of the unusual lineup– guess Torre might know a little something after all… Great point by Alex regarding pinch hitting two lefty’s and taking out the Catch– never would have happened last year. Great win though, and again, seems like an all around job. Sounds like DeWitt got shaky at third there, but its bound to happen i suppose.. Lets get another W today and just humiliate the so-called National League Champs..
Absolutely amazing the first five hitters combined to hit 11 out of the 13 hits. Good job to everyone all around. None of this crapp about Jones can’t hit or Either being on the bench. They all are contributing together, it was only a matter until they jelled together. They are talented from top to bottom. Lets go and make it 8 in a row. Good luck Loiza!
Boy, the naysayers were out early last night….in reading I thought we had lost the game….gotta love the positive vibe of 7 wins in a row…..
Martin at 3b is not a bad idea and it is not foreign to him, he came up as a 3b, and if you have seen him during bp he hangs out at SS…..
Pierre is one of our best 3 OFs as of now….not defensively, but he giving the team a spark…and I love how people spin his OBP…because he is batting 8th he gets walked….I thought pitchers were not scared of him and threw him strikes…he is playing well and getting timely hits, 2.5 times more RBI than Jones…
Torre has a pretty good feel of the team now, the only thing I do not agree with is Delwyn Young….give him 2-3 straight starts….he is hitting well with only 1 AB every other game….Wade looked real good….Chan Ho is a feel good story, I just get really nervous when he enters, but I hope he continues to get outs….
The Bison rules!!! He is all he has been made out to be….keep it up….Ned and the boys were smart not to trade him….
Poor Dewitt I wrote yesterday how great a fielder and he boots 2..I mushed him….Dammit!! Way to bounce back kid and keep your head up
Great win with everyone pitching in to some degree. After his first 4 AB’s I was happy Andruw got the double in his last AB to go out on a positive note and play a part in the second rally.
Let’s get 8!!!!!
I was at a high school baseball game last night, so I am just now reading the comments from last night. I have to admit, I was glad the line-up worked. It was great to see most everyone get a chance to contribute throughout the game (Ethier, DeWitt), and it turned out to be a whole team effort, which in the long run, is what we all want.
Let’s make it 8 – GO DODGER BLUE!!!
I was at a high school baseball game last night, and I was watching the game via my phone. I just got to read all the posts since then, and I have to admit I was glad the lineup worked. It was great to see most everyone being able to contribute throughout the game, meaning Ethier and DeWitt coming into the game in the later innings (I’m still not sure why DY is being overlooked). It was a total team effort, and that’s the type of play that is going to take the Dodgers to the top.
Let’s get #8 – GO DODGER BLUE!!!
Sorry for the double post. I submitted the first one, and it didn’t post so I retyped it (differently), and then they both posted at the same time. Yikes!!
come on, andruw. do something for us today. 😦
While i was watching last nights game, they announce a note that dodgers are 2nd in the National Leauge in Batting Average. Good Job.
Let’s all cheer on Andruw Jones as he needs to catch fire like the rest.
I’m a little stunned but it’s going to be the exact same lineup tonight (1-8) as yesterday vs. Jorge De La Rosa:
Furcal, Pierre, Kemp, Kent, Martin, Loney, Jones, Bennett, Loaiza