The latest…
Props go to Joe Beimel, whose fivesome took home first place at yesterday’s Dodgers Dream Foundation Charity Golf Invitational with a score of -17 under. As for the media groups, we did okay but were hardly contenders. A fivesome of myself and Mark Rogoff from our office was joined by Yahoo’s Tim Brown, KABC’s Josh Suchon and LA Times.com blogger Brian Kamenetzky and finished 10 under par. Joe Jareck from our office led a group with FSN’s Michael Eaves and Lya Vallat, KFWB’s Bill Seward and our TV stage director (Vin’s right-hand mand) Boyd Robertson and they were five under par.
But more importantly, we raised six figures again for the foundation, which is what really matters.
Some good chatter yesterday regarding Blake DeWitt’s year-end projections and not surprisingly, there were three “off-day” stories on him, as his hometown Cardinals are here for three games. Tony Jackson’s Daily News piece, Diamond Leung’s article in the Press Enterprise, and Dylan Hernandez’s feature in the L.A. Times. They’re all good reading about a very humble and talented third baseman.
As for today, Raffy is not yet ready to come off the DL, so no moves will be made today. And nothing new yet on the Kershaw front, though speculation is certainly running rampant.
Here’s the lineup:
Pierre, LF
Ethier, RF
Martin, C
Kent, 2B
Loney, 1B
Kemp, CF
DeWitt, 3B
Hu, SS
Lowe, P
Inside the Dodgers 
It doesn’t bode well that Raffy still isn’t ready to play, but I can almost settle for that if Druw isn’t in the lineup taking the place of either of our two real OF’s.
Let’s get the Cards anyway and keep our streak going!
Kemp and Dewitt need to be batting higher. But I know, Kent cannot ever bat lower than 4th, no matter the slump.
From previous post:
Dnelson,
Thanks for the information, I am going to check it out.
I know what you mean about some coaches only care about winning. We are lucky, we are in a league that cares about the game and teaching the kids how to play, and with that comes the winning not the yelling and screaming.
Damn that’s not good news on Raffy.
hopefully furcal isnt playing because of the whether and not cause he isnt ready. if he still not ready then conte neds to be fired…well he needs to be fire regardless.
sorry for spelling
I’d rather him take a few more days than have him come back and lose him for another two weeks (at least).
at this point, it has to be fairly obvious that even a furcal with crutches and an oxygen tank is better than anything we’re fielding right now. get well soon. 😦
Really concerned about Furcal – They made it sound so positive on the homepage – 😦
However, I do like the lineup.
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enchanted – I was 2 years old. We have plenty of infomation – with Google you can get any information you want.
Your welcome, jnv
There are definitely teams that go there just to win, but when you come in with your name attached to Rawling, I guess it is expected. I believe the year we went, it was a team out of San Diego that won the whole thing – they were sponsored by the Anderson Bat Company. I was just glad to see a California team win. The best part is seeing the different teams from all over the country – the pin trading is amazing!
Are they trading league pins?
I guess the teams that go to win don’t have parents like I do!! I have 2 practices a week, and I get complaints about it! LOL
I hope Raf is being kept out for weather reasons, and he isn’t still hurt. I wonder if this is going to effect is bargining power after the season is over???
Everyone is confused. First up Raffy had a “minor” problem that was day-to-day. Then it was a more serious than that and he would sit for a couple of days. Then he went on the DL because the back was not good. He was improving every day and could have started on Wednesday but Joe wanted to give an extra day off. Everything was looking good and he would be in the lineup Friday. Now he’s still on the DL and we still don’t know the full extent of his injury. The Dodger FO has better spin doctors than any political party I’ve heard from lately. For once I just wish they tell us poor bloody fans the “truth”. That’s not much to ask for is it?
Great stories on Dewitt. Everything I’ve read and seen convinces me that, when he encounters adversity (as he invariably will), he has the personal makeup to make any adjustments he needs to make. I’m proud to have such an outstanding individual as a Dodger.
No rodmky, that is not to much to ask for. But you forget that Nerd and Co. don’t care about us fans (who pay the bills) all they care about is covering their sorry arsess!!!
jnv,
Each team creates their own pin with logo. We were the Diamond Dogs so we created a Logo and then you send the logo into a company (I think we used our local trophy shop), and they created a pin. Then throughout the tournament, the boys traded their pins for other team pins. The pins ranged from very basic to lights on them (obviously the fancier the pin, the more money the pin would cost). Some MLB team names were used, but it always had where they were from also(California Yankees, etc.) The year we went I believe the hot pin to get was one from Orange County (I believe the name of the team was Orange Crush, and everybody had to have it – it lit up). Anyhow, between the pin trading, baseball games, and the opening/closing ceremonies, I could go on for days about this trip.
what happened to maza? i thought he did real well in the few games he played. hu is over-matched right now.
Dnelson,
That sounds like a blast! I will look into it when I get home.
Thanks for all the information. I appreciate it.
jnv,
As far as parents,
They have to be dedicated into getting the kids there, and that would include practices. Are you part of just a city league, or is this a team that can travel outside of the league? If it is a team willing to travel, then enter tournaments outside of your league and even area. We had a local city team that created like an all-star city team and used those boys to travel all summer to tournaments. There are tournaments all over the place for teams of all ages. My brother has a 9 and under team that travels throughout SoCal. If it is a city league, then after city league, build your own team and travel with them. That way you can get parents that are willing to do the practices and tournaments.
I am going home now – it’s TGIF and it’s Dodger baseball in a couple of hours. I will catch up to you all later. Thanks for the music, stories and everything in between.
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Dbacks are winning 5-0 and it’s only the 1st inning.
YIKES!!
Hoping for a great win tonight against the Cardinals –
GO DODGER BLUE!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Dnelson,
It is a city little league not a traveling team. I was on a traveling team when I was in the Sr. Majors (13 years old I believe- 26 years ago). Now I feel old!!!!
Let’s hope that they got all of their scoring done early and they will shut it down. Give the Braves a chance to catch up.
1-2-3 Okay Braves that more like it. Now score some runs
Khola – just MO, but I don’t think they consider Maza a real prospect. He’s an almost 28 year old journeyman minor leager who happened to be hot down in Vegas when we needed a middle IF. Not saying if/when Ferk gets back Hu won’t be the one sent down, but since Hu is the top prospect at SS right now, he gets the reps regardless.
What is the matter with Loney starting and batting 5th?
Needless to say that it is disappointing not seeing a healthy Furcal in there especially against a good team like the Cards.
But if he’s not ready, he’s not ready and as experience shows it is a lot better not to rush it.
I think the most important thing tonight is that Lowe finds himself, keeps it low and gets them ground ball outs
It would be good to see ole reliable Kent break out tonight.
Just 2 1/2 back of the D’Bags.
LET’S GO GUYS !!!! LET”S GET’EM TONIGHT!!!!
The way the Snakes are slaughtering the Braves it really makes the Mets look bad and not good for Willie.
Barring nearly a miracle we’ll start off tonight at 3 back.
All My Kudo’s to you Eric. Outstanding. LOL!!
Probably needed to reinforce the bench to hold up ole Jelly Roll Jones. Reinforcement. What a joke. Hope Ferk is OK and gets back in there soon.
Get the surgery dimwit and take Nomore with you. Sweeny and Bennett should go also to hold your hand and bring you munchies!!!!
Josh–You have to give us more than that about Kershaw. is he coming up Sunday? I need to know whether I have to cancel my plans and buy tickets. It will be huge.
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And it’s totally unfair if he gets his major league debut away from Dodger Stadium. (I would be also upset if he started in an illegitimate, illegal interleague game, which is all we have at home for almost a month after June 8).
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Jungar–from the last thread re Indy 4–Given that we have Pierre playing LF, the thought of Gibson doesn’t seem so bad. Right??? I desperately want the new Indy movie to be good, despite deeply feeling that it won’t be.
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jegiboney–don’t engage joeyp. He’s either deranged, delusional, or (incorrectly) thinks he’s funny (and he’s not even a Senator from New York). Or he’s some sort of satirical fan of the Dodgers who points out how good we are relative to how bad we could be.
Yeah jegi, joey’s a baiter who likes to get you stirred up. You might even say he’s a master at it.
Yep, definately a masterbaiter. I believe he is battling his homosexuality. A lot of rage….
Kershaw! Kershaw! Kershaw!
When Kersh is brought up, it needs to be for good. Not just a 5th starter stint. Nice lineup tonight, except I like Kemp hitting 3rd better. GO DODGERS!!!!
Not to criticize joey, but no way Bradley bats lead-off in that line-up (unless its JoJo making it out). It should be:
Guzman (had potential for some pop at the top like Ferk)
Aybar (handles the bat pretty well)
Bradley (Power & Speed like Kemp)
Drew (its a stretch, but Brad’s a better 3 man)
Choi (Could just as easily be Navarro/Choi)
Navarro
Giles (kinda in that Kent catagory where he should be 7)
Perez (he’s just a #8 period)
Actually, who wouldn’t take Bradley or Drew over Andruw right now?
Anyway, go with that line-up, its a stronger argument that on paper at least, has the potential to score a few runs.
BTW, isn’t it the object of Kershaw being in the minors to build up arm strength and endurance? How is he going to do that being limited to 25 innings a month? Sounds like a Stan Conte idea.
tony jackson is reporting kershaw will pitch sunday here is what he said.
All indications are that he will be recalled from Jacksonville Sunday morning and start that day’s game against the Cardinals, his major-league debut. The Dodgers begin a 17-day stretch without an off-day tonight, so they’ll need a fifth starter at least the next three times through the rotation, the first time that has happened this season. That makes this a good time to call him up and get him started, because he can start on a regular basis without having his routine interrupted. Not sure what will happen after that. He will likely fly to Los Angeles tomorrow. That means Chad Billingsley and Hiroki Kuroda will each be pushed back a day, so the Kuroda-Fukudome matchup won’t happen until Tuesday
http://www.insidesocal.com/dodgers/
Thanks for the advice. I won’t answer him.
I find it hard to imagine 13 HRs
IMO, Kershaw would benefit immensely from a season of taking a regular turn every 5th day in AA or AAA instead of being handled like The Boy In The Bubble. I agree, you don’t build up arm strength by not pitching. If the D’s arent careful, they’ll screw him up by not trying to screw him up.
I guess the only good news is the Dodgers made Wainwright work a little in the bottom of the 4th.
You’re right about that seesky. It’s like training for a marathon by walking around the block twice a week.
DeWitt is a big-league 3rd baseman. Nice professional play.
Another typical LOWE game.
He pitches well but gets out pitched.
Dodgers have to try to let Wainwright work more.
If they can,
Yeah Pierre, it is a typical Lowe game. But it’s been a while since you could say that, isn’t it? He’s more like his own self and we still have a shot at this game.
This is Lowes 2nd game of at least 7 innings
Please, not Sweeney………..
I suppose Pierre will go yard now.
About time for SWEENEY
Wow, Sweeney’s 2nd RBI of the year. That guy is really productive.
A fine start by Lowe. Let’s hope that Penny can follow suit.
Normally I’d be upset with a pitcher coming in and walking a batter, but not this time.
Geez, a good start by Lowe, an RBI by Sweeney and a not-totally sucking performance from Proctor. How are we NOT winning this game?
Ethier, Martin and Kent – Let’s go Blue!
Proctor looked like he didn’t want anything to do with Pujuls. Either that or he was aiming for his head.
So, if Kershaw is brought up, whose roster spot does he take?
Brazoban doesn’t need to be here. He’s only appeared in two games and was impressive in neither.
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Nice game by Lowe. Nine ground outs and six fly outs. That’s a good sign his sinker is working.
Kent’s hitting the ball real well just not were they ain’t.
I wouldn’t mind seeing Proctor go, but it’ll probably be that guy with the redneck boiler, Brazoban.
Agreed, Pierre. That’s not a bad sign.
Another nice job by Wade. LET’S GO, BLUE!!!
Think we can pull one of those ninth inning jobs?
Boy, it’s really coming down out there.
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The TV just showed Andruw lurking in the dugout with a bat.
Got a rain timeout with with 3-2 count on Kemp, 1 out in bottom of the ninth.
That’s what you call a torrential downpour. Not surprised they stopped it.
The Ebbets field crew once held the record for the quickest time covering the infield.
We use to say, “They’re the best”
Ofcourse they had more practice in Brooklyn.
I agree that Brazoban is, probably, the one to go, if they bring Kershaw up. As much as I’d like to see Kershaw up here, I think, in the long run, we’d be better off by giving him a full season in AA. If we need a fifth starter, why not Jason Johnson at Vegas? He’s got big league experience and a 6-2 record and a 4.10 era down there. That’s pretty good in the hitter-friendly PCL.
My vote for a fifth starter would be Kuo. That guys throws some wicked pitches.
kershaw
well what do you think
jones
oh no, not andruw
and he struck out… wow now im surprised… can he go on the dl now?
most predictable strikeout in the history of baseball
Andruw Jones F’n sucks.
Well it was a memorable 9th inning.
Another Hard luck Lowe Game.
Well better luck tomorrow.
Rats®!!
Watching Andruw Jones is like Groundhog Day. It’s the same at bat every time. Get behind in the count, then strike out on a breaking ball away. Every single time. This is ridiculous already. I feel like by sending Fat@$$ up there we gave up. We would have had a better chance pinch hitting with a pitcher, the bat boy, or even Joe Torre for crying out loud. He’s lost whatever skill he used to have. Andruw Jones is the most expensive boat anchor in the league.
Ok so now..say it with me slowly..we do not re-sign Furcal. Way to risky. 2 straight years. backs are a big deal.
Dodgers need to move LaRoche up and start him in LF or start DY there.
Pierre is now hitting .203 with a .265obp as leadoff. Enough. He is scoring a less than a HALF a RUN a game as leadoff. Come on. I am done with him.
Kent HAS to get it together or we HAVE to SHOP for a MID order bat. I understand maybe (I said maybe) why Kemp isn’t cleaning up but sheesh..Kent is hitting 230 with a 278obp in clean up.
jones has to opt for sugery.
this is glaring our 1 hole and 4 hole is getting NO production.
martin loney dewitt hu laroache young kemp ethier
That was a defeatistâ„¢ move if I ever saw one. Why is Maza sitting on the bench? I would rather see him or Kuo take a swing than Druw.
Time to package Either, Sweeney. They suck. I keep telling uyou Either doesn’t have it. He got baby arms
Why? WHY? would you send up the Curacao Cow® when all you need is a single to tie the game? Maza’s a contact hitter and better choice. Sorry to those of you that think Torre is a HOF manager, but since he’s been in a Dodger uniform, he’s JoJo the Clown.
As for the Cow, get him off the team. Eat the contract (since that’s what you’re doing anyway) and shuttle him back to Atlanta.
I’m in agreement that Kent’s pretty well finished too. Bring up LaRoche, and let him have a go at second. Why he’s not taking reps there in Vegas is beyond me as well. Typical Dodgers [mis] management, treat Kershaw like he’s glass (which that too I fear will be a self-fulfilling prophecy), and have a potential hard hitting 2B stay put at third when you already have a 3B.
The way this team is run (or isn’t), they’ll be just good enough to hang around AZ for awhile, just good enough to hang around the wild card for awhile, but win neither because management refuses to play its best players, nor think beyond the end of its nose. Just once before I die I’d like to see this team run by baseball people for baseball rather than PR people for the express purpose of making a bazillion dollars. The paradox is that if you had baseball people running the show, the money gush forth naturally.
good game by hu.
“LA Injuries: Furcal slowed, Jones better”, and the news couldn’t be worse.
Losing Furcal for any more extended time will have a bad effect on our team’s chances, not only because of the loss of his bat, but because this will keep Pierre in the leadoff position – not something likely to lead the Dodgers into the playoffs. Since his back situation is a recurrence, it also dampens the prospects for extending him to a long term contract, or at least it should be a forewarning.
Listening to Jones’ apparent improvement is even more troubling to me. Even if Torre doesn’t automatically start him, putting Jones in a game deciding situation is absolutely ridiculous with his track record this season. That is exactly what will continue to happen if Jones remains on the active roster. You would think that management would push him on the DL, insist on the operation being performed now, and then put him on a weight control and rehab program that hopefully would return Jones to the active roster later in the season with some degree of effectiveness.
All indications are that both Ned and Torre will remain clueless in making any kind of sense out of the Jones fiasco.
Jones is worthless that’s true. He should be DL’ed and have the surgery. I agree Bear. However, the offense as a whole was anemic last night. We had plenty of opportunities and didn’t get the hits with runners in scoring position. 16 LOB and 8 team LOB. Why JoJo the clown keeps Kent in the cleanup spot is beyond me. I guess his future Hall of Famer ego is too fragile to move him down in the order or sit his tired a__ on the bench where it belongs. I will be thrilled next year when we no longer have to put up with his tired act. At least Lowe pitched very well. That is encouraging. Hope Penny gets his s___ together tonight.
Baseball is a young mans game. Kent and Sweeney are old, Druw is fat, and Pierre is just Pierre. The Dodgers could be a lot better if management made the right decisions and got rid of the dead wood and played the right people. I wonder if the Dodger management will ever get a clue?
Not likely anytime soon Fliegel. I don’t have much faith in our management from the owner on down. Especially Ned. He needs to go and take Kent, Jones, Sweeny, Bennett, Nomore, Bloaiza, and Pierre with him.
jhall1218@yahoo.com At least this is a start, and a move in the right direction.
Yep Fliegel, we are slowly moving in a good direction. Undoing Ned’s Folly’s has set us back a year or two. I’m not optimistic about getting over the top with Ned at the helm. As was pointed out in the National and Local media, he is in over his head. He doesn’t have the talent or skills that the job requires to excel.
I stayed up an extra hour last night listening to Jeff Kent explain what a humble young player he had been only to see JoJo send Druw up. Ugghh!!
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JoJo’s actual mistake came one at-bat earlier. With just DY, Maza, Ardoin, and Druw on the bench, he should have gone ahead and let Hu hit and then gone to DY. Hu is a better hitter than Maza, Ardoin, or Druw, and Hu’d already had two hits on the night. For those Hu (read “who”) would have preferred Maza based on his 5-for-11 major league performance up until now, Hu is 4-for-his-last-9.
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For those who have saved this monstrosity of a game on Tivo/DVR, compare DeWitt’s 9th inning strikeout with Druw’s in the same inning (albeit an hour later). DeWitt’s strikeout swing is a nice-looking swing that simply failed to connect. Druw’s is a flailing bailout which never had a chance to connect.
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I’m far from an expert on hitting — sadly I never made it out of the lowest level of Little League — but even I can see that Jones is consistently bailing out. Maybe he should try a different batting stance. For instance, if he opened up his stance, that would force him to step INTO the pitch instead of away from it as he is now doing. What do you ladies and gents think?
I agree ML. Especially about letting Hu hit for himself. Jones is just a pathetic waste. Hope he goes on the DL. We will be better off. Addition by subtraction. Also, we need Ferk back and leading off. Phew is not getting it done in the leadoff spot. I would bat Martin leadoff and Phew 9th, like LaRusa does it. Kemp should bat 3rd and if Marty isn’t leading off he should bat 5th or 6th. Actually, Kent should bat 6th or 7th and Martin bat cleanup. Of course for some dumb reason, Kent has to bat cleanup. Got to pamper the Hall of Fame baby. Need Penny to get it done tonight. GO DODGERS!!!