The Joshes cannot thank you enough!

Well, I was very much looking forward to posting after last night’s game to talk about the great win and the incredible reaction that the two online auction packages received in the final hour or so of bidding.

We all know how last night’s game turned out, so there’s no use in trying to sugar coat it. That one hurt. We need to get on a roll now before it’s too late.

But what I can say is that I’m extremely grateful that so many of you got involved in the ThinkCure auction online. Inside the Dodgers reigned victorious over KABC in the battle of the Joshes, but the real winners were City of Hope and Childrens Hospital, which will get more than $2,500 directly for cancer research based on two people who won the chance to follow myself and Josh Suchon around for the day.

What started as Josh joking around on the air really helped drive up the prices and I know that several people who post here were among those bidding on the packages. Plus, we got nice help from the guys over at Sons of Steve Garvey.

Hopefully we’ll do this again next year and of course, you can always donate out of the goodness of your heart at thinkcure.org. But again, thanks to everyone who was involved, one way or another. I’ll try to get a list together of how much everything went for…

Here’s tonight’s lineup in Philly:

Kemp, CF

Ethier, RF

Kent, 2B

Manny, LF

Loney, 1B

Martin, C

Blake, 3B

Berroa, SS

Billingsley, P

 

Thanks to everyone

294 comments

  1. puppyhead01@hotmail.com

    Cancelling BP will help the team out of their slump? Hmm. I guess I’ll have to wait and see the results. Interesting decision by Joe.

  2. vl4ecc

    I’m with you obi, but I don’t think Artie will let him go. There’s nothing more I’d like to see than Scossia to return to the Dodgers.

  3. seeskybout2rain@comcast.net

    Good afternoon to all the ITD faithful. Just got back today from 5 days of R&R, witnessing my nephew’s marriage, and experiencing some wonderful Mexican-American hospitality in EL Paso. Didn’t get much D’s stuff other than the scores but I did see some of last night’s implosion. IMO, we’ll get only one big ticket free agent; either Manny or Sabathia. I still would rather go after Manny or another comparable big bat and get a good but less pricey starter. Either way, a lot of payroll has to be dumped to make it happen. I’m also thinking that it might be good to move Russell to 3rd since his offensive numbers have dropped way off at the end of the last two years as well as his % of throwing out baserunners this year. Time to start a winning streak. GO BLUE!!!

  4. dodgereric

    As I posted on the last thread, Mike Scioscia is contracted through ’09 and the Angels have an option for ’10. Whether he would want to come back to an organization that bears little resemblance to HIS Dodgers, only he would know. Maybe in another year or two, things will be different enough around here to entice him to do so.

    There will be dancing in the streets.

  5. trublu4ever

    I’m with you obi. I think Scioscia would be fantastic. vl4ecc, I know Artie won’t let him go right now. But, who knows, maybe Mike would opt out of his contract. I know, it’s just a dream. But, what the heck!

  6. seeskybout2rain@comcast.net

    Scioscia leaves the Angels only at his behest and not for the money, which he’ll get anywhere he goes. If he comes back to the D’s, it will be for the challenge of restoring the D’s. LA would be ecstatic.

  7. trublu4ever

    Eric ~ was it you or enchanted who mentioned that Steve Yeager was also being talked about as potential manager? Not a bad idea either. By the way, what kind of contract does Joe have?

  8. vl4ecc

    I’m still hoping for an Angels-Dodgers WS. Although I realize the way the Dodgers have been playing as of late, it’s looking more like an Angels-Cubs series.

    There’s still time left, but the clock is ticking.
    Such a frustating game last night with all the chances they had to put it away. They just couldn’t execute. It’s heartbreaking to see them on such a roll, and emotional high last week, and just see it flush away this week.
    Hopefully they’ll get back on track tonight with Bills on the hill.

  9. trublu4ever

    Welcome back seeskybout ~ It’s proably wishful thinking about Mike becomming our manager. Maybe if the Angels go into the playoffs and go out in the first round, they could fire him and we’d get him!

  10. messagebear@msn.com

    Why would Scoscia want to work for the likes of Ned and Frank for any kind of money? Scoscia prefers to be in baseball rather than a freak comedy.

  11. amyw27

    yes. seesky- welcome back. I hope you are rested, and I hope the Dodgers have the confidence to pull off a Win.

  12. tradejuanpypaperbag

    Josh ~ It’s wonderful to hear the auction went so well, and thanks for updating what the items went for when you get a chance. I just want to know I wasn’t the only one who was crazy – lol!! Seriously, thanks for giving us the opportunity to help a very worthy cause and in the process, I got a signed jersey to feed my Ethieraholic addiction – two worthy causes in my opinion 🙂

  13. thinkingblue

    HELLO ITD: Well last night was a bit painful but not like the other two nights….OUCH!

    V14ECC: I also would love to see the Angels vs Dodgers WS, both from L.A. (wink – wink…it sorf of bugs me to say that Angels are from L.A., but after learning their history I sort of got over it)

    Well hopefully having Blake go after Martin helps. I know Martin has been not performing as good as he is, but he has been getting on base and he is pretty fast when it comes to run, so we need someone to bring him home.

    Glad to hear that Torre does not plan to be changing the line-up….it’s about time and hopefully it is not a rumor.

  14. tradejuanpypaperbag

    Welcome back seesky!!! How did you like El Paso?
    .
    Great lineup tonight, and I’m wondering like Amy if something isn’t up with Nomar – hmmmmm!!

  15. trublu4ever

    fliegel ~ funny thing, I mentioned Manny this morning. I was trying to come up with a reason for our sudden lack of power and Manny’s hair seemed like the best reason!

  16. vl4ecc

    Maybe clueless Joe thinks since Berroa got a hit last night it’s time to sit Nomar. Since that big HR he hit over a week ago, Nomar hasn’t done much with the bat. Not that Berroa is a better choice. Even a blind squirrell can find a nut once in a while. They’ve just never filled the void at SS since Furcal went down.

  17. amyw27

    dnelly- I called it last night. Nomar was spiked in the leg. I’m just saying, he is a man made of eggshells!
    .
    fllegel- everyone’s noticed. I will refuse to believe that manny’s power is in his hair– but you know baseball., it’s all about the superstitions.
    .
    someone told me today that now Manny is hitting like a Dodger–oouch!

  18. vl4ecc

    It was inevitable for Manny to cool off. He was on a helluva hot streak there for a while, but you can’t bat over .600 forever. It may seem his cape has fallen off, but he’s still a force to be reckoned with. Kent sure has loved it, even though he refuses to admit batting in front of Manny has helped him at all.

  19. acardona16

    hello all ITD bloggers!! hows everyone doing? i’m very tired.. (just got home from work) and have A LOT of stuff to take care of at home! but before i take care of my “chores” i thought i would stop by and chat for a little… what a disappointing game last night! although my boy (Andre) got two runs in and a 5 ball walk!! (CRAZY!) i am REALLY missing Saito!!!

  20. thinkingblue

    All Players have their ups and down…Look at Martin…I am sure Manny will be back strong again. He just came too hyped and of course, the man is human, got tired and needs a break. Same as Martin, he was great for awhile. But during the all-star game those last innings were all on him. All those balls were just being thrown home for OUTS, he was great, but hey he is also human and needs a break.

    OK once again I am at work so I’ll be needing play by play!

  21. vl4ecc

    Maybe with Wade coming off the DL, it will give the bullpen a much needed shot in the arm, although it may need something more drastic – like a kick in the behind. Are you listening Honeycutt?

  22. acardona16

    BTW GREAT line-up!! i’m LOVIN Matty and Andre in those first two spots!!! Nomar must have gotten hurt last night from those spikes huh?

  23. tradejuanpypaperbag

    Hey fellow Ethieraholics, dodgersrule and acardona! – Yours truly got Andre’s signed jersey from the auction 🙂

  24. mccheap

    Regarding Scioscia i stronly feel that he would take this job..be we have to show interest..he is a dodger at heart, always will be. He would restore the dodger way, the way Tommy showed him and hershiser and those great dodgers that played under tommy…we really need that..that’s what weve been missing since tommy left..a true dodger leading us..anyway here’s for a win tonigth.

  25. dodgereric

    To Martha and the Vandellas’ “Dancin’ In The Streets”

    Callin’ out around LA
    Are you ready for a brand new boss?
    Summer’s here and the time is right
    For gettin’ rid of Ned’s peat moss.

    They’re dancin’ on Broadway
    (In the street)
    Down on Figueroa
    (Dancin’ in the street)
    In our fair city

    All we need is Scioscia, Mike Scioscia!
    We’ll be winning everywhere!
    We’ll be runnin’ and hittin’
    Sunflower seed spittin’
    And winning in the west!

    Ooh, it doesn’t matter what you say,
    You know the best guys will play!
    So come on, Frank McCourt
    Be a sport, you will get the fan’s support

    We’ll be dancin’
    We’re dancin’ in the street
    This is an invitation, from ITD Nation
    A chance for bloggers to meet

    We’ll be laughin’, singin’
    No more hand-wringin’
    Just dancin-a in the street
    Out in Chavez Ravine
    Elysian Park and the 10, now
    Can’t forget Academy Way

    All we need is Scioscia, Mike Scioscia
    We’ll be winning everywhere
    Anaheim will be stewin’
    A rivalry brewin’
    Dancin-a in the street

    Ooh, we’ll have a guy on the bench
    Who doesn’t give off a big stench
    So come on, Ms McCourt
    Don’t fall short, tell Frank it’s this or child support

    And we’ll be dancin’
    We’re dancin’ in the street
    Except for Uranus and his moons
    They’re dancin’ in the street

    Let’s form a big strong line
    Get in time
    We’re dancin’ in the street
    Across the ocean, blue
    Me and you

  26. vl4ecc

    Oh this just blows bigtime!!! They just yanked the Dodger game here, and put on the Astros-Mets game. Looks like I’m stuck with gameday tonight. What a heartbreak!

  27. thinkingblue

    If we do get Scioscia than Angels fan are really really going to hate us, but yes he is an L.A. man…I’ve seen him in L.A. sporting events, supporting the L.A. team…

  28. amyw27

    Eric- And we’ll be dancin’
    We’re dancin’ in the street
    Except for Uranus and his moons
    They’re dancin’ in the street
    .
    AWESOME 🙂
    .
    let’s go LA! Let’s go Billz!!!!!!

  29. amyw27

    acardona- i haven’t planned out my games yet for the next homes tand. I’d like to go Saturday. not quite sure how it’s all gonna work.

  30. dodgereric

    Thanks ladies! The sheriff has indeed been out, but I wrote that off the clock darlin’! I gave myself the idee with my own post as I submitted it up there.

  31. acardona16

    amy- yeah i have to plan the games i’m going to ahead of time cause of work and so the people i’m going with know.. but hey if you go let me know! maybe we’ll get to meet! that is if everything works out with my tickets next time! lol

  32. acardona16

    dodgersrule- if everything works out (i’m really hoping it does) i’ll be going to the game on the 6th

  33. dodgereric

    Our starting 8 (more or less) the last 7 days (6 games)

    Kemp .192
    Ethier .143
    Kent .364
    Ramirez .250
    Loney .421
    Garciaparra .167
    Blake .200
    Martin .136

  34. tradejuanpypaperbag

    Ward Dear ~ I thought of that song with your post too -I thought someone would write a song, but then it was you ~ it was great!!! I have to go pick up my daughter, head home, and do all those home things. See you later!! ~ June Darlin’
    .
    GO DODGER BLUE ~ WE LOVE YOU!!!! COME ON BOYS, YOU CAN DO IT!!

  35. lbirken@aol.com

    Hard to score runs or expect anything good to happen with 4 strikeouts in two innings.

    I think it is wishful thinking to expect Mike Scoscia to become the Dodger manager anytime soon if at all. I understand things could change but unless something really nasty happens over there, why would he want to make a change? For old time’s sake? I don’t think so. I remember when many of us were wishfully thinking about Dusty Baker managing the Dodgers because we could not stand him in a Giants uniform. Dusty’s managerial luster has certainly faded.

    Steve Yeager is an interesting choice but for some reason he has not been able to muster much of a coaching career. I had the chance to speak to him a number of years ago and he indicated he would like to coach in the big leagues but commented at that time the difficulty he had in getting the opportunity.

  36. lbirken@aol.com

    What is happening to our team? I know, it is east coast bias; that is they don’t like playing in the eastern time zone.

  37. amyw27

    hello NSB- my pop superstar 🙂
    .
    ib- who the heck knows. It’s like we’ve suddenly forgotten how to play baseball.

  38. dodgereric

    Tru, in answer to your post way up there somewhere, it wasn’t me who mentioned Yeager. And I think Joe has two more years on his contract here. I’m sure if I’m wrong someone will correct me.

    lbirken, we’re all just dreaming about Mike. We know it. Let us live the lie for a while, it feels good…………sort of like planning what to do when you hit the Lotto………

    Gotta go run my fantasy football draft. Catch ya’ll later.

    C’mon you BUMS! Don’t let those Phillie Phans break out the brooms!!!!!

  39. oldbrooklynfan

    The Dodgers have trouble competing on the east coast, but I’ll be in Washington D.C tomorrow night to catch that game against the Nats.

  40. northstateblues

    I just keep thinking about what they said on Friday (the movie, not the day): “Payback’s a mutha—-a!”.

    Nothing’s over yet, though. especially with Victorino playing hot potato with Kent’s fly ball. LET’S GET IT DONE!!!

  41. northstateblues

    Hi Amy! This game’s shaping up to be either really exciting or really bad. I’m hoping for the first!

  42. amyw27

    oh my. We are better than this. I wish I could be watching this on t.v. That is why i hate east coast games. I’m still at work when they start.
    .
    seriously. can we start playing baseball??
    .
    bye eric. have fun playing football. That is one sport that I don’t understand nor does it interest me.
    .
    Go Blue!

  43. lbirken@aol.com

    Even Manny has the double play curse. Allright, enough of this negative thinking. Let’s snap out of it.

    Eric, I know everyone is dreaming. If things were going well we would not have to dream but I suppose that is what dreaming is for.

  44. thinkingblue

    AMY: I know how you feel, not being able to watch and just reading what people say…oh it drives me nuts.

    OK now who curse the Dodgers? This is too weird!

  45. trublu4ever

    amy & dodgersrule ~ I’m watching the game and it’s painful to see right now. I keep doing different things to change our luck. Hope it works!

  46. trublu4ever

    I’m trying everything I can think of. I’ll do the Dodgers win dance next. We have to win this game or we will be doing “Blazing Saddles” tonight!!!!!

  47. sl7180@hotmail.com

    9-year-old boy told he’s too good to pitch
    By JOHN CHRISTOFFERSEN, Associated Press Writer
    3 hours, 51 minutes ago

    Buzz Up PrintNEW HAVEN, Conn. (AP)—Nine-year-old Jericho Scott is a good baseball player— too good, it turns out.

    The right-hander has a fastball that tops out at about 40 mph. He throws so hard that the Youth Baseball League of New Haven told his coach that the boy could not pitch any more. When Jericho took the mound anyway last week, the opposing team forfeited the game, packed its gear and left, his coach said.

    Officials for the three-year-old league, which has eight teams and about 100 players, said they will disband Jericho’s team, redistributing its players among other squads, and offered to refund $50 sign-up fees to anyone who asks for it. They say Jericho’s coach, Wilfred Vidro, has resigned.

    But Vidro says he didn’t quit and the team refuses to disband. Players and parents held a protest at the league’s field on Saturday urging the league to let Jericho pitch.

    ADVERTISEMENT

    “He’s never hurt any one,” Vidro said. “He’s on target all the time. How can you punish a kid for being too good?”

    The controversy bothers Jericho, who says he misses pitching.

    “I feel sad,” he said. “I feel like it’s all my fault nobody could play.”

    Jericho’s coach and parents say the boy is being unfairly targeted because he turned down an invitation to join the defending league champion, which is sponsored by an employer of one of the league’s administrators.

    Jericho instead joined a team sponsored by Will Power Fitness. The team was 8-0 and on its way to the playoffs when Jericho was banned from pitching.

    “I think it’s discouraging when you’re telling a 9-year-old you’re too good at something,” said his mother, Nicole Scott. “The whole objective in life is to find something you’re good at and stick with it. I’d rather he spend all his time on the baseball field than idolizing someone standing on the street corner.”

    League attorney Peter Noble says the only factor in banning Jericho from the mound is his pitches are just too fast.

    “He is a very skilled player, a very hard thrower,” Noble said. “There are a lot of beginners. This is not a high-powered league. This is a developmental league whose main purpose is to promote the sport.”

    Noble acknowledged that Jericho had not beaned any batters in the co-ed league of 8- to 10-year-olds, but say parents expressed safety concerns.

    “Facing that kind of speed” is frighteneing for beginning players, Noble said.

    League officials say they first told Vidro that the boy could not pitch after a game on Aug. 13. Jericho played second base the next game on Aug. 16. But when he took the mound Wednesday, the other team walked off and a forfeit was called.

    League officials say Jericho’s mother became irate, threatening them and vowing to get the league shut down.

    “I have never seen behavior of a parent like the behavior Jericho’s mother exhibited Wednesday night,” Noble said.

    Scott denies threatening any one, but said she did call the police.

    League officials suggested that Jericho play other positions, or pitch against older players or in a different league.

    Local attorney John Williams was planning to meet with Jericho’s parents Monday to discuss legal options.

    “You don’t have to be learned in the law to know in your heart that it’s wrong,” he said. “Now you have to be punished because you excel at something?”

    What the heck?

  48. oldbrooklynfan

    Saturday Angel Berroa hit a deep drive into the left field seats during BP.
    I was waiting for Pierre to hit one.
    Did he ever hit a BP HR in L.A?

  49. mccheap

    im wearing my lucky underwear maybe that should help..we should start somekind of ritual maybe that will get us going..any suggestions?

  50. obi_wen

    TRANSCRIPT FROM AN TAPED CONVERSATION AT THE DISNEYLAND RESORT HOTEL -8/23/08 —11:37am– MIKE SCOSIA & FRANK MCCOURT.

    Frank McCourt: Uh…well, um *cough, cough* um…. heck.. man… this is really awkward……

    Mike Scosia: Relax, Frankie, we’re all friends here.

    Frank: Uh, yeah, but you know I’m just… kinda nervous, that’s all.

    Mike: Well, with a wife like yours who wouldn’t be…[LAUGHS] No, seriously Frankie, don’t be nervous. Anyways, Tommy here told me of your wanting to meet. And I’m not surprised, not surprised at all, in fact, I was expecting your visit. So why did you go to the Yankee’s cast off? Why didn’t you come to me first?

    Frank: What do you want of me? Tell me anything, but do what I beg you to do.

    Mike: What is that?

    Frank: [WHISPERS SOMETHING–UNINTELLIGIBLE]

    Mike: That I cannot do.

    Frank: I’ll give you anything you ask. I won’t resign Manny, I won’t go after CC Sabathia! I swear.

    Mike: We’ve known each other for many years but this is the first time you’ve ever come to me for counsel or for help. I can’t remember the last time you invited me to Dodger Stadium to look at my 1988 World Series ring. You don’t even think to have a “Mike Scosia Day” and celebrate my legacy by giving me a freakin’ Bobblehead. Your wife, Jamie, used my name to get a really great discount on a HD Plasma TV from Howards. But, let’s be frank here, no pun intended. [LAUGHS] You never wanted my managerial skills or my friendship and you were afraid to be in my debt.
    Frank: I didn’t want to get into trouble with the people at Fox.
    Mike: I understand. You found paradise here in Los Angeles. You brought in people you knew from Boston. You had a pretty good team, it was a soft division, you made a good living from raising ticket prices, you had Grady Little, [LAUGHS] you started your charity. There was plenty of coin from all the parking lots and the Dodger fans were still believing. You thought that you didn’t need a manager like me. But, now you come to me and you say “Mike Scosia, give me justice.” But you don’t ask with respect. You don’t offer friendship. You don’t even think to call me Mr. Mike “Winner- of- a- World Series- Both- as- a- Player- and- as a- Manager” Scosia. Instead, you come into my hotel room on the day of my daughter’s birthday, on the day that she is celebrate with Mickey Mouse and ride on Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride and you ask me to do murder for 65% of the profits from the receipts on General Admission parking at Dodger Stadium?
    Frank: Okay, I’ll make it 70% of Reserved Parking. I only ask you for justice.
    Mike: That is not justice. Benching Juan Pierre is justice.
    Frank: Let Ned and Joe suffer then. As I suffer. How much shall I pay you?
    Mike: Frankie, Frankie. What have I ever done to make you to treat me so disrespectfully. If you had come to me before in friendship then this Ned Colletti that ruined your team would be suffering this very day. And if by chance an honest parking lot attendant like yourself should make enemies in San Francisco and San Diego then they would become my enemies. And then, they would fear you.
    Frank: Be my friend, please…Mr. Mike “Winner- of- a- World Series- Both- As- a- Player- and- as a- Manager” Scosia
    [Wet slurppy sounds ]
    Mike: Good. Someday after 2010, and that day may never come if the Aztecs, Nostradamus or Stanley Kurbrick are correct, I’ll call upon you to do a service for me. But, until that day, accept this justice as a gift on my daughter’s birthday and my team’s having almost certainly clinched the pennant.
    Frank: Grazie, Mike Scosia.
    Mike: Bene.

    Mike:
    Tommy, let’s give the job of firing Ned and Joe to someone good. I want reliable people, people who aren’t going to get carried away, like they did in New York with Willie Randolph. After all we’re not murderers in spite of what this parking lot attendant thinks.

    Now, if there isn’t anyone else I need to see, I’d like to go ride on the Mattahorn with my kids.

    Tommy Lasorda: Yeah, Vin Scully is here and wants to talk to you about the matter of Jeff Kent.

    Mike Scosia: Hmmm… Well, let’s give that job to Milton Bradley.

    END OF TRANSCRIPT

  51. mccheap

    instead of a rally monkey we should all wear grow a mustache..for those who can’t wear a fake one..we’ll call it the “rally stache”..just like uncle Neddie

  52. trublu4ever

    If any of you are watching the game, doesn’t it bother you they way they are knocking our players. Aren’t they supposed to tell you what’s going on during the game? I don’t want to hear that Russell looks sluggish or how many men we have left on base! I can F*** see that! Sorry, I’m a little upset.

  53. thinkingblue

    OK fine time for my Dodger’s cheer dance, hopefully it works!

    Give me a ‘D’
    ‘D’
    Give me an ‘O’
    ‘O’
    Give me a ‘D’
    ‘D’
    Give me a ‘G’
    ‘G’
    Give me an ‘E’
    ‘E’
    Give me an ‘R’
    ‘R’
    Give me an ‘S’
    ‘S’
    What did we spell:
    Damn
    Old
    Dodgers
    Get
    Eh freakin
    Run
    SSSSshhhh I mean crap!

  54. kpookiemon

    With school coming up (and this game very boring) perhaps it’s time for kiddie report cards:
    Kemp — A (great progress, a star in the making)
    Ethier — A- (also great progress)
    Billingsley — A- (potential ace)
    Loney — B (leads a bad team in RBIs, but no huge improvement from last season)
    Wade — B (a pleasant surprise)
    Martin — C+ (sorry folks, but his season has been a disappointment, both on offense and defense)
    Kershaw — C (to be expected for such a young player)
    Broxton — C- (very inconsistent)
    Hu, DeWitt, Repko — dropped out of school
    Oh yeah, Principal Joe Torre — Very rigid personality, bad judge of talent. School board EXTREMELY disappoiinted…parents near mutiny.

  55. mccheap

    im at lost for words..a lot of crucial decisions well have to be made this offseason, who will make umm?..hope it’s not this current management

  56. vl4ecc

    Something drastic needs to happen here to ignite this team. A big HR. A Sparkling defensive play. Something. ANYTHING!!! They just seem deflated.

  57. thinkingblue

    Maybe Dodgers need to eat some taco Bell….Dining with Dre let’s take it to Taco Bell LOL

    OK YARRUM that was sick but funny

  58. oldbrooklynfan

    IMO the Dodgers are playing the best they can against a better team. At least on the road.
    I really don’t understand why they should get frustrated or mad at themselves.
    I don’t think it would help at all.

  59. obi_wen

    This series with the Phillies is as James Brown once said, “The Big Payback”. We swept them, now they’re out for revenge to sweep us. Nevertheless, we will get past this bump in the road and I think we will still win the West. I agree that the announcers are biased, but to be fair, if you just look at Joe Torre’s game face, you’d think we didn’t want to win.

  60. scurtis1999

    Scioscia couldn’t win with this team. We don’t have a K Rod and we don’t have 5 good starters like the Angels do. Plus Im pretty sure there lineup is a tad better.

  61. thinkingblue

    OH yeah Phillies came with that anger of wanting to kick our butts really really bad. Dodgers had the confidence that we will kick their butts again…and probably did prepare how they suppose too….

  62. vl4ecc

    Damn Rollins!! I like the shot of Kershaw talking to Maddux there. I hope the youngster is getting some schooling from the old vet.

  63. oldbrooklynfan

    What’s this “Lack of Passion” that Steve Phillips is talking about.
    Our guys are playing this game to the best of their ability.
    Some day Things will just turn around and get better.
    HAVE FAITH

  64. kpookiemon

    As the old saying goes, momentum lasts as long as tomorrow’s starting pitcher. Maddux and Kershaw didn’t help the cause much this weekend. And Phillies starting pitching has been as great as our hitting has been bad.

  65. tradejuanpypaperbag

    Obi ~ That was just fantastic!!!!
    .
    Northstateblues ~ whole name day? – great video !!
    .
    Kahli ~ I agree with your report card. I might give Russell a B- for no other reason than it looks better on paper than a C+. No, I think the shuffling he’s gone through in the lineup might be the reason for his recent inconsistency.

  66. tradejuanpypaperbag

    PierreEW – you need to go take over the broadcasting job. We need people who are going to be positive for our team, not tell us our team is not trying – for heavens sake!!!

  67. obi_wen

    {So come on, Ms McCourt
    Don’t fall short, tell Frank it’s this or child support}

    LOL! great line Dodgereric! 🙂

  68. thinkingblue

    Hey I still have hope….if the Phillies came and kicked our butt after we kicked theirs, the we can still go out and kick somebody else’s butt and win….hopefully!

  69. northstateblues

    two more innings… and will somebody please knock that #$@$#@$ Philly Phanatic off the dugout?!!!!!!!!!

  70. kpookiemon

    dnelly, so you’d round that 79.5 up, huh? Me too. But for me, Russell has a 78. His percentage of throwing out base stealers causes me to have little compassion. In spite of his great offensive potential and his bulldog attitude, catcher is first and foremost a defensive position. Who knows, maybe his future is at 3B with DeWitt at 2B (who I still really like). Not sure who the Dodgers have at catcher in the minors but I do know Cleveland has one that used to be a Dodger.

  71. tradejuanpypaperbag

    Kahli ~ always round up – lol!! I don’t have to do much of that at my grade level. However, I see your point in the defensive issue, and it’s well taken – 78% it is 🙂

  72. trublu4ever

    Do you believe Steve Phillips says Juan should maybe play because of his speed. Then, he does his normal thing.

  73. vl4ecc

    Ibirken I miss the old days with Tommy getting vocal from the dugout with all the profanities. LOL! I remember when Offerman’s fielding blunders would really set him off. The parents of young kids would try to cover the rugrats ‘virgin’ ears.

  74. kpookiemon

    It’s a good thing we brought in Torre for his leadership, Bowa for his fiery attitude and Mattingly for his skill as a hitting instructor… You can tell it has ALL rubbed off on the Dodgers.

  75. vl4ecc

    Yes I would. Managers have changed. Seems the only ones you really hear any more from the dugout are Bobby Cox, and Lou Pinella.

    Here we go. Last chance!

  76. mccheap

    i don’t know about you guys but this is getting real old..im tired of coming up short..one nigth it’s our pitching, the other night it’s our bats..face it were just not that good..what can i say

  77. northstateblues

    CRIPES! Well, you know what this means…

    ( http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_UHEcgAeIo4 for visual and auditory assitance… )

    :: crack ::
    :: crack ::

    He rode a blazing saddle :: crack ::
    He wore a shining star :: crack ::
    His job to offer battle :: crack ::
    To bad men near and far :: crack ::

    He conquered fear and he conquered hate
    He turned our night into day
    He made his blazing saddle a torch to light the way

    :: crack ::
    :: crack ::

    When outlaws ruled the west
    And fear filled the land
    A cry went out for a man with guts to take the west in hand
    They needed a man who was brave and true with justice for all as his aim

    Then out of the sun rode a man with a gun
    And Bart was his name
    Yes Bart was his name

    He rode a blazing saddle
    He wore a shining star
    His job to offer battle to bad men near and far

    He conquered fear and he conquered hate
    He turned our night into day
    He made his blazing saddle a torch to light the way
    :: crack ::
    :: crack ::

  78. xuniquexjyx@hotmail.com

    Whoa.. Charley Steiner just said that in the last two games, the Dodgers have stranded 27 runners…

  79. oldbrooklynfan

    Hershieser says, “The Dodgers need some anger to score”
    Well they should do better against the Nationals.
    Or maybe the Nats will be glad to see the the Dodgers.
    If we only knew the answer.
    They just have to keep playing.

  80. boblee14@yahoo.com

    Can’t we just make contact with the ball? I’m really sick of watching this pathetic team. We can’t seem to hit any half way decent pitcher.
    .
    Game over. I’m going to cancel MLB.TV. Time to start following the Cowboys. If the Dodgers are lucky enough to get into the play-offs (which I could care less at this point) I may or may not watch any games.
    .
    Been nice talking to everyone this season on this blog. I’ve been a Dodger fan forever. I’ve never rooted for another team and I’m 68 years old (fan for almost 60 years) but I’ve never been more disappointed in a Dodger team that was to have more potential than any team in years. We have no power (other than Manny) and cannot hit in clutch situations.
    .
    I may talk to everyone at a later date.
    .
    Good luck Dodgers……………..

  81. seeskybout2rain@comcast.net

    Dnelly and Amy–absolutely loved El Paso. Would like to go back anytime. The trip was my first to Texas and across the border as well. My nephew’s new family was very hospitable and we had a great time.

  82. mccheap

    i wonder what we can do to get the message across to management that this is unacceptable..20 freakin years of this cr*p..should we all just stop showing up and see if maybe then things will change..lol..i wil forever bleed dodger blue but i migth need a blood transfusion pretty soon now if this continues

  83. seeskybout2rain@comcast.net

    This last week, especially, screams out the need for an impact bat in this lineup. If we don’t sign Manny or someone the equivalent, all the Sabathia’s and K-Rods aren’t going to matter. Our situational hitting just sucks!!!

  84. sl7180@hotmail.com

    I xcan’t believe Manny have gone a whole week without a homerun and rbi. I felt bad for him he should had went to another team.

  85. sl7180@hotmail.com

    Yeah like the Angels going to let Scioscia go but still Scioscia won’t be able to save this team

  86. tradejuanpypaperbag

    seesky – I am glad you had fun in El Paso. We only stayed there one night on our way to Dallas. We didn’t explore much because it was more of a stop over before going onto Carlsbad, NM. I believe Enchanted knows alot about El Paso – he is pretty close to there being in Las Cruces.

  87. tradejuanpypaperbag

    grizzly ~ Love the post!! Are you new to ITD or are you the latest victim of the Invasion of the Name Snatchers? We have had many bloggers get their names changed unexpectedley without any warning or reason. If you are new, then welcome!!!!

  88. mccheap

    ive been reading this blog for about two years now, just decided to be an active participant now..thougth i bring in a little of my passion into this blog..not that it’s lacking

  89. tradejuanpypaperbag

    Grizzly ~ You were talking like a regular so I just wanted to make sure you weren’t a former somebody. I hope that makes sense. It’s been really confusing with all the name changes around here. Well, once again ~ Welcome!!!!

  90. trublu4ever

    Grizzly ~ I think you will enjoy this. Some of us get a little carried away and we all have different opinions but, that’s what makes this so much fun!

  91. mccheap

    no man im just another suffering dodger fan im 25yrs old born and raised a dodger fan..bred to bleed dodger blue…cheer for them to my dieng day..boy are they making hard on us rigth now..glad to be part of this nation(Dodger nation)

  92. seeskybout2rain@comcast.net

    I second that welcome, grizzly… nelly, it’s like most places: you find out on your first visit what you want to see on your second.

  93. tradejuanpypaperbag

    trublue ~ a little carried? LOL!!! Let’s see – song writing, Leave It to Beaver cast, script writing, thought bubbles, ETHIERaholics, girl talk, the Late, Late ITD show, movie night, articles, stats and more stats, Good Dodger conversation and non-Dodger conversation. Yea – we just get a little carried away.

  94. trublu4ever

    Yeas boblee, you can’t leave us now! How else will you get out all of your frustrations! If you can’t yell at us and blow off steam, you will end up with an ulcer.

  95. messagebear@msn.com

    The one obvious thing is that all of us ITD bloggers really bleed Dodger blue, whether it be for ten, twenty, or getting close to 60 years in my own case. The equally obvious thing is that this is not the case with any of our management or owner. No wonder we’re miles apart in our thinking from current management. It’s like they don’t have a clue about the Dodger ways and tradition that we all have cherished from the days we got attached to Dodger blue.

  96. trublu4ever

    messagebear ~ I totally agree with you. I must be close to your age and I even remember when there was no advertising on the walls of our beautiful stadium. It seemed like the ownership cared about the fans instead of making big bucks!

  97. seeskybout2rain@comcast.net

    Exactly, bear. You can’t know where you’re going if you don’t know where you’ve been.

  98. bluecrewgirl

    Another disappointing loss, but call me crazy, I still think we’re gonna be there when all is said and done. I really thought we were going to make it a game when we had the bases loaded with Kent and Manny coming up. I really think if it hadn’t been for the wind that Manny would have had at least had a double. Even Mother Nature isn’t helping us out these days, lol.

  99. trublu4ever

    bluecrewgirl ~ I think we will be okay too. We may be in the minority but at season’s end, you and I can say, “See we told you!”

  100. seeskybout2rain@comcast.net

    We need to make the Nat series a springboard to get back in this thing. I sure miss saying “Fu-Q” at the end of games.

  101. bluecrewgirl

    I know, trueblue. It’s funny how in a week or so we’ve gone from everyone being on such a high about the team with great series at home with the Phillies and Brewers to complete frustration. I look at it this way, if we can turn it on the way we did in those series, it can just as easily cycle back to winning energy against the Nationals. We were coming of 2 disappointing losses against the Giants then and we normally hit well against the Nationals.

  102. trublu4ever

    We have had enough hits to win these games, just not putting them in the right spots. We will turn it around and begin winning again. I think Manny is pushing too hard right now. He has to relax, grow his hair out, and he will be fine!

    Me too, seeskybout!

  103. amyw27

    bluecrew/trublue- I am with you. Baseball is a funny game. It’s really not over until it’s over.
    .
    However- my heart is breaking. These are terrible losses. What is going on? and why can we no longer play the game of baseball??
    .
    Arg.

  104. tradejuanpypaperbag

    seesky – no Fu Q y’alls ethier (either) – lol!!!
    .
    I am remaining optimistic, too. Also, the dbacks aren’t exactly burning up the trail right now ethier (either). They are not taking advantage of us losing like they could be, so who knows what will happen in the end. Many teams have come from 4,5 and 6 games back, and so can we.

  105. trublu4ever

    amy ~ I’m at a loss. I don’t know what’s going on right now. But, I strongly believe we will turn things around. All the players should relax, pretend they are children, playing a childs game and have some fun out there.

  106. amyw27

    I will remind myself of Colorado- bouncing back in September and making to to the WS. If they can do it, we sure can.
    .
    Tru- I think what hurts about our highs and lows is that the end up canceling out. All those wins against the brewer;s and phills last week seem to mean nothing now. We are back under .500 and a ******** 3.5 outta first. We know we have the talent to beat these teams and we deserve to be in 1st. We can’t let the weak west split from under our fingers!

  107. trublu4ever

    You are right, Amy. I just hope Joe rides this out for a while and doesn’t go into a panic mode. He could really screw this up and make it worse.

  108. tradejuanpypaperbag

    Amy ~ I know – isn’t that crazy. It will astericks w*h*o*p*p*e*r ~ too. I guess the ITD system doesn’t like Burger King – It must be a McDonald’s loving system – LOL!!!!

  109. bluecrewgirl

    Lol, jungar. Maybe so, but it’s less stressful for me to try and stay positive. I’ve definitely had many meltdowns over this team this season so I’m just trying to chill a bit about it.

  110. amyw27

    Dnel- lol. But McDonalds hurts my tummy 😦 boo!!
    .
    Tru- I hope so too. As our friend Nancy Bea says with her “rollin organ” — “The sun will come out- TOMORROW- it’s only a day away”
    .
    No lets beat those Nats into the ground and walk away winners!!!!
    .

  111. kpookiemon

    Hey, let’s look at the glass half full. If the Dodgers play .500 ball the rest of the way, they’re guaranteed to finish with a better record than the Padres, Mariners and Nationals–the three worst teams in baseball. Raises for Ned and Joe!!!

  112. tradejuanpypaperbag

    Kahli – and ahead of the Giants. The Giants fans were all excited on the radio this morning that they had a sweep at home. I think somebody needed to call in and remind them that they were playing the Padres. If anything, at least the Dodgers lost to a team that is going places 🙂

  113. northstateblues

    Okay, I’m done sulking, heh. Had to take down the optimistic tag on my myspace tonight, though, heh. Although we ARE playing the Nats for 3, maybe that’ll change.

  114. kpookiemon

    dnelly, according to my crack mathematics, if the Gnats finish 23-9 we would NOT pass them by playing .500 ball. And there’s certainly every reason to believe the Gnats can finish out 23-9?!?!?!

  115. tradejuanpypaperbag

    nsblues – shortened name version now? lol! I am glad you are done sulking. I have had to endure the Giants actually winning games while we have been losing. However, they are playing the Rox right now so they are finding out the Rox are not exactly the Padres – lol!!!

  116. kpookiemon

    And it gets better: if the Dodgers finish out at a .500 clip, they can tie the Scioscia-led “other L.A. team” if the Angels can simply record a very do-able 2-31 record the rest of the way. So there is hope!

  117. tradejuanpypaperbag

    Kahli – That can’t happen, it just can’t!! That would just suck soooo bad. They are losing to the Rox 4-2 in the 8th right now.

  118. tradejuanpypaperbag

    I know – who to root for is a very big problem right now. The Dodgers just don’t make it easy, do they?

  119. northstateblues

    from where I’m looking, dnel, the Rockies are definitely not playing the Giants like the Padres, heh.

    “This Kruk and Kuip moment sponsored by Kleenex”

  120. tradejuanpypaperbag

    LOL!!! As much as I hate the Giants, on my way to take the kids to school, Kruk and Kuip call into the KNBR morning show, and sometimes their stories about what happens on the flights back and forth are pretty funny. It kind of makes you wonder what types of things happen on the Dodger flights back and forth.

  121. kpookiemon

    Memories,
    Like the champions of past time
    Misty Dodger-colored memories
    Of the way we were
    Scattered pictures,
    Of the heroes left behind
    Wills and Garvey, Cey and Gibson
    Are the way we were.
    Can it be that it was Alston winning then?
    Or Tommy jumping in delight?
    If we had the chance to win it all again
    Tell me, would Joe? Could Joe?
    Memories, may be beautiful and yet
    What’s too painful to remember
    Is how we used to kick some a**.
    So its the pennants
    We will remember
    Whenever we remember…
    The way we were…

  122. tradejuanpypaperbag

    PierreEW ~ well good evening once again. You are with the Late Late night ITD show. However, it’s really not that late. Those 4 o’clock games really throw my whole night off. Some nights that Dodgers would still be playing at this time.

  123. northstateblues

    well, I’ve got early class in the morning, so no LateNight ITD’ing for me. Have a good night!

    “And now for my next impression: Jessie Owens!”

  124. bigkace@yahoo.com

    It’s been a while since I’ve chimed in, although I have been paying attention for the most part :-). I wish that I could be the optimist that some of you are. I admire that quality. I feel betrayed by this team. I’ve given my heart to this team, year after year. I’ve spent who knows how many dollars in admission, parking and concessions in my 35 years. I resent the fact that I have given my heart to a team who has no heart of their own. It’s like they aren’t even trying anymore. The fundamental baseball skills suck. It’s not like we’re 10 games out with 20 to go. We had first place. We had it; and gave it right back. This is not a team of champions. The difference between the Colorado Rockies of last year, and us, is love for the game. This team just doesn’t seem to care. They don’t back each other up on the field, it’s like they’re just watching the game going on around them. We fired an old school, mediocre manager for leading the Dodgers to a .500 record last year, only to replace him with another old school mediocre manger who is leading us into yet anther .500 record. We should be running away with this G.D. division! Champions don’t leave double digit runners on base game after game, they find a way to score. They manufacture, they do something, anything! Champions can score when the bases are loaded and nobody’s out. We can’t. We’ve proved that. Champions figure out how to win games in the 9th, we give them away. This series was the most painful four games I can remember enduring in a long time; certainly worst of the season. Our only saving grace is that Arizona sucks 3 games better than we do. If we would have just split the series, we’d be headed into Washington back by a single game. No intestinal fortitude whatsoever. I’m going to continue to root and cheer and shout and complain, because that’s what I do. Based on what I’ve seen, especially in this critical series, this team just doesn’t want it bad enough. The Dodgers have been p!$$!ng on my campfire since I was 16; because that’s what they do. There I feel better. Take it easy guys.

  125. dodgereric

    Reprinted because I feel like it today………..

    American Pie (a Dodger fan’s lament)

    A long, long time ago…
    I can still remember
    How the Dodgers used to make me smile.
    And I knew if I had my chance
    That I could make those people dance
    And, maybe, they’d be happy for a while.

    But March 19th made me shiver
    With every paper I’d deliver.
    Bad news on the doorstep;
    I couldn’t take one more step.

    I can’t remember if I prayed
    When I read about this lousy trade,
    But something touched me deep inside
    The day the Dodgers died.

    So bye-bye, Dodger Dogs on the grill.
    Pete O’Malley sold my Dodgers,
    What a harsh, bitter pill.
    Now Rupert Murdock spreads his horrible will
    Singin’, “this’ll be my team from now on.
    This’ll be my team from now on.”

    I pledged this team with my love,
    I had Wally Moon’s name in my glove,
    Tommy Davis on my bat.
    I saw Sandy Koufax pitch
    I heard Harvey Kuenn when he swung and missed,
    And Vin and Jerry called it all so well.

    Well, I drove to games all by myself
    When no one else could go with, oh well.
    The bleachers were so cheap
    I could sit there when my pockets weren’t deep.

    I was a lonely teenage broncin’ buck
    With just the Dodgers to forget my luck
    See, they were good at cov’rin’ the muck
    Until the Dodgers died.

    I started singin’,
    “bye-bye, Dodgers won’t be the same.”
    This new owner won’t care,
    It’s a damned crying shame.
    Them new know-nothings will bring us nothing but pain.
    And singin’, “Maybe they won’t want to maintain.
    Ownership they just won’t maintain.”

    So for ten years, wait, no, for six more
    We saw NewsCorp drag us ‘cross the floor,
    And had to endure that Chase Carey.
    Then that ******* traded number 31,
    For the cancer Sheffield and some other bums
    I thought, how much more could I endure?

    Oh, and while Murdock was playin’ ’round,
    Our record still went down and down.
    The Stadium still was filled;
    It’s a miracle he wasn’t killed.
    And while Scully stayed and healed our hearts,
    They still hit home runs in the park,
    And we kept searching in the dark
    The day the Dodgers died.

    We were singing,
    “bye-bye, playoff wins up on high.”
    The World Series is a mem’ry,
    Way on up in the sky.
    And Tommy’s tryin’ to keep his powder dry
    And singin’, “Will they win before I die?
    ” Will they win before I die?”

    Helter skelter in a summer swelter.
    Iron Man was still fighting against The Melter.
    We are still going nowhere fast.
    Players still played on the grass.
    In front of fans coming on en mass,
    With an ever-and-ever-changing cast.

    Now we all began to have some hope
    We might just get rid of this dope.
    He put us up for sale,
    Please, our hopes are up. Don’t fail
    But, on the other side of our country
    One man said, “Yes, I vote for me
    I want to, but I have no money.”
    Again, the Dodgers died.

    We started singing,
    “bye-bye, World Champs and parades.”
    We are never gonna make it
    It’s a bad masquerade.
    Them boys down south, they signed our Mike Scioscia
    We’re singin’, “What on earth can happen next?
    ” What on earth can happen next?”

    The Commish told Frank that he could have the team
    Even if his money was just a dream.
    At least he won’t give him no grief.
    He swore he’d have lots of money left to spend
    For the big time guys on which depend
    Oct-o-ber vic-tor-ies.

    Oh, and as I watched him on the stage
    My hands were clenched in fists of rage.
    Am I the only one
    Who can see right through this bum?
    And as the losses climbed high into the night
    And we lost games night after night,
    I saw satan laughing with delight
    Because the stands were filled.

    He was singing,
    “my, my, what a wonderful sight.”
    We don’t have to win.
    They come anyway every night.
    Pay lots of money for teams that lose but they fight
    And singin’, “I wonder just how long I can last?
    “I better get a car, I’m not fast.”

    I met a girl who sang the blues
    And I asked her for some happy news,
    But she just smiled and turned away.
    I went down to the sacred store
    Where I bought my jersey years before,
    But the man there said Podesta wouldn’t stay.

    And in the streets: the children screamed,
    The lovers cried, and the poets dreamed.
    For sure Paul De was fired,
    Colletti, though, was hired.
    And the three men I admire most:
    Bill Buckner, Sandy, and our radio host,
    They caught the last train for the coast
    Again, the Dodgers died.

    And they were singing,
    “bye-bye, Dodger Stadium nights.”
    We are leaving, if you’re staying
    please just turn out the lights.
    ‘Cause it will not get no better now that Torre is here.
    Singin’, “There’s no one as good as Pierre.
    “There’s no one as good as Pierre.”

    He was singing,
    “my, my, look at all of this youth.”
    I will play them if I have to,
    and that is the truth,
    Them good old boys will play, I’ll tell you no lie
    Singin’, “right up ’till the day that I die.”

    By dodgereric on June 18, 2008 12:54 AM

  126. dodgereric

    Long. Hectic. Twelve teams in two divisions. Twenty one rounds each.

    The least you guys coulda done was win one for me………..

  127. tradejuanpypaperbag

    We tried… we cheered and everything!! They just can’t seem to pull it out. I feel bad for them and frustrated at the same time. The dbacks are making it easy for the Dodgers to stay close, so for that I guess we can be thankful. However, in the meantime, the Rox continue to win, which isn’t necessarily a good thing, if we are not.

  128. dodgereric

    Yeah, I’m trying something different for us. We’ve always played all our guys (2QBs, 4RBs, 4WRs, 1TE, 2PKs and 2DEFs). But this year I’ve added bench players, one for each position. We could have just gone the other way and kept it 15 rounds, but they’re only 6 team divisions, so there seem to be enough players. If it doesn’t work out, we’ll change it again. Gotta try it once. 🙂

  129. tradejuanpypaperbag

    Sounds good to me 🙂 I did the ESPN one with my son, and it was 16 rounds. I’m actually not sure about the other one I am doing, but that draft is not until Monday.

  130. dodgereric

    Having your draft after the last preseason game is smart, we probably drafted a few that are going down next weekend. 😦 But this was the only day we could get them all together before the season starts a week from Thursday.

    I’m going to be in another one, too. This one is with my brother-in-law through his work. At least I’m not running it! Thank heaven!

  131. tradejuanpypaperbag

    Yes, I thought so too. The ESPN one was kind of a practice run since I have never done a live draft before. Easier than I expected, but I know my positions pretty well, and I know pretty much all the good players at each position.

  132. dodgereric

    This is so confusing. I’m sitting here, talking to you on a baseball blog about football while writing my NASCAR fantasy newsletter!

  133. tradejuanpypaperbag

    Football – a week from Thursday – the summer just flew by this year – Wow!!! It doesn’t help that Labor Day is on the 1st. It’s very early for Labor Day.

  134. tradejuanpypaperbag

    LOL!!! Speaking of NASCAR – lol!! Are you going to Fontana this weekend since it’s down your way – sort of?

  135. dodgereric

    Nah, I’m not into heat exhaustion. I go to the spring races, but not this one. This is the last one they’ll have here on Labor Day weekend. They’re moving it to October, trying to avoid the heat. I hate to break it to them, but it isn’t much cooler in October around here.

  136. dodgereric

    Oh, yeah! They finish it under the lights, but it doesn’t help a lot in Fontana. I haven’t personally taken in one of these, but I have several friends who have and not one of them has gone back. One of the reasons they’re moving the race is because they’re having trouble selling tickets and they don’t like all those empty seats showing on TV.

  137. tradejuanpypaperbag

    I guess at Bristol, all they kept talking about were the number of people in attendance for such a small track. They actual set a Guiness Book of World Record for the most people participating in the “Wave” – they pre race announcers were having fun with the fact that it was happening at a NASCAR event.

  138. dodgereric

    Well, that’s the plan anyway. As I said, it’s not much better in October. I grew up about 20 miles due west of there. There’s a little more to it, from what I gather.

    They used to race on Labor Day weekend at Darlington (I think), a traditional track in the good ol’ South (South Carolina). They took Darlington’s second race away and gave it to the upstarts in California. A lot of people that grew up with NASCAR were upset and still are. So the officials are still trying to make it work.

    They’ve spent a lot of time and money trying to create more fans than just the traditional stereotype redneck southern boy. They’re trying to attract black and Hispanic fans. Randy Moss has just started a team in the truck series. They’ve run a couple of races in Mexico City. Sounds familiar to baseball fans, doesn’t it?

  139. tradejuanpypaperbag

    Really? I know alot of NASCAR fans, and they would probably all fit into the southern boy stereotype, but there’s nothing better than southern hospitality. Yes, it does seem like baseball fans. I must admit, my interest increased alot when Joe Gibbs got involved seeing how I followed him coaching for so many years.

  140. tradejuanpypaperbag

    However, as a kid, my favorite thing to do was watch the Indy 500. I looked forward to that every year. That was one of my dreams as a kid was to go to the Indianapolis 500.

  141. dodgereric

    I never visited the South until last summer, and I have to agree with you. Southern hospitality is not dead! I was impressed.

    Gibbs is losing a pretty decent driver in Tony Stewart next year, but this Joey Logano kid looks pretty impressive so far.

  142. tradejuanpypaperbag

    You are funny!! LOL!! It’s not like I am going to bed – too much thinking going on in my head. I just thought you might be tired and I was letting you know it was late. Okay, I am going to read the story now by TJ.

  143. knouffbrock@frontiernet.net

    When it is stormy out and the wind blows, our TV becomes unwatchable. We’ll have to switch to cable soon. But you know what? It saved me from having to sit through another crappy, heartless performance. The rest of the league has figured out you do not have to pitch to Manny, so it is back to business as usual.

  144. tradejuanpypaperbag

    Ward Dear ~ hilarious article! It sounds like something that would be written by somebody on here, you or Obi maybe – too funny!!! Good Night Dear!!

  145. trublu4ever

    good morning ITD land ~ it was a difficult loss yesterday. However, thanks to the Dbacks lack of a killer instinct, we are not that bad off. We could have been buried by now and we are still hanging close. Starting with this series, let’s hope we start putting our hit together so we can score some runs. I know the Rockies are closing in behind us, but we can’t worry about them either. We just have to take care of business.

  146. tradejuanpypaperbag

    Good Morning ITD writers and readers!!!!!
    I don’t have much to say other than thank goodness we are out of Philly.
    .
    Trublue~ Did you hear Ed Robertson, one of the lead singers for the Bare NakedLadies was in a plane crash? All passengers survived, but that must have been scary. I love that band! Mariya and I were watching one of their concerts on TV Saturday, and they are just hilarious when on stage, Ed and Steve (the two lead singers) especially. They are just normal guys with kids and then even made a children’s album this year that has some good fun songs on it. Anyhow, I was glad to see he was okay. It wouldn’t have been Bare Naked Ladies without Eddie. He’s the one that sings all the really fast songs.

  147. tradejuanpypaperbag

    Good Morning Ward Dear!
    I hope you got some well deserved rest since you were up so late on a Monday night – 🙂

  148. trublu4ever

    Good Morning dnelly ~ I did read about the plane crash and thought of you

    Eric ~ Everyone was a little mild last night, except for boblee who apparently has had it with the Dodgers. Hope you do well on your drafted teams. You too, Deb

  149. tradejuanpypaperbag

    Good Article Eric ~ I am glad to see it was everyone he picked on, not just the young players. However, how many of those 5 runs were scored by the young core? 3 were from Ethier himself, but I am not sure about he other 2. Jeff really did do pretty bad last night, striking out like he did when he normally does hit fly balls pretty regularly. Well, all the Dodgers can do is move on and hopefully get some of their momentum back in Washington. They have to be fortunate Dbacks aren’t finding ways to win ethier (either), and I am sure their coaches aren’t too happy with them ethier (either).

  150. trublu4ever

    eric ~ just watched the video and it was awesome! It is like what ESPN does for the Make A Wish Foundation. Some of those stories are pretty rivoting also. I like NASCAR too. Just didn’t realize how many of our bloggers are fans.

  151. dodgereric

    I think Scott is a fan. I’m not sure about any others.

    Most of those guys are like Edwards. Real people. Note that the clip isn’t on NASCAR.com, it’s on MSNBC.

    So, what in the world is going on? This is embarrasing. We finally got the lineup we wanted (except Raffy) and the offense falls apart. I’m surprised Uranus hasn’t risen.

  152. tradejuanpypaperbag

    Ward Dear ~ That is a wonderful story. Thank for starting out my day with that story – fabulous!!! I think that story just made a few more fans of Carl Edwards, don’t you think? I sure am now… 🙂

  153. brandondaughrity@hotmail.com

    Hey everyone, just a quick appearance this morning. Things seem to be very daunting. But I love that Bowa is finally pissed off. The Simers article put things into perspective greatly, and actually made me feel like we do still have a pretty decent shot at taking this thing. Now on the other hand… We could have been back to within 1 game right now… Oh well, lets kill some Nats!! Ok, taking off again, just stopping by, see ya.

  154. trublu4ever

    eric ~ I just hope Joe doesn’t go changing the players. He could, perhaps move them up or down in the lineup but, shouldn’t replace them right now. He has to give them confidence. And, that won’t be accomplished by taking them out. I’ll bet there are quite a few NASCAR fans here. We will have to take a poll. Now, as for football, I like to watch certain teams. I actually prefer college football to the pros. To me it is much more fun to watch. Not as many penalties, so the players can actually play the game.

  155. messagebear@msn.com

    Well, at least the D’backs are hardly any better, so who knows how it will all play out in the end. When I mention the D’backs, just consider how disappointed their fans must be with the numbers that their young players have been putting up this season, and they even gave up on Quintan too early. If it wasn’t for Webb single-handedly, we would be in first on any comparable basis.

    In the meantime, I’m relishing the idea that Manny and Blake may not be able to save Ned’s sorry a** after all. I think this decrepit, worth for nothing ex-Giant scumbag, piece of crap would be GM, needs to go with a big fanfare. For what he has brought us in his years of mismanagement he should be tarred and feathered and driven out on the rail back to San Francisco, if they want to have him, and even that is doubtful. At least the fans could get a charge out of an early announcement that Ned will be GONE for next year.

  156. dodgereric

    Mornin’ June Darlin’! You’re welcome for the video. It helps us to regulate our frustration level when you are reminded of what’s really important.

    Tru, let’s hope you’re right. But it didn’t take any justification at all for Torre to screw around with the lineup all season, so I’ll be shocked if he stays the course with this one. Regarding penalties, if you don’t like the NFL penalties, I’m guessing you must HATE the NBA!

  157. trublu4ever

    eric ~ You are so right about the NBA! I love the Lakers but, I like to watch college hoops more. Like UCLA and always look forward to March Madness. My husband likes the Rams ever since they were in L.A. I don’t have a favorite team but I suppose the Chargers would be my choice — they are in California and I hate the 49ers & Raiders (do love the Raiders colors, though, lol)

  158. dodgereric

    I was a Rams fan until that *&$^#-*&%^$ *#% ^#&$* ran them into mediocrity and took them to Saint Looey. While I was growing up, I liked the Raiders from afar, sort of. When they moved down here I started following them too. I went to a few games, even though I felt I was visiting San Quentin. But when Al Davis did what he did to Marcus Allen, I divorced myself from them. I’m pretty close to being a Charger fan now.

  159. seeskybout2rain@comcast.net

    Just finished watching Lasorda Unleashed on YouTube. I was laughing so hard I almost forgot about this last week’s games. It is not to be missed!!!

  160. dodgereric

    I watched them last night, seesky! I’ve heard for all these years about his tirades, particularly the Kingman episode, but I never actually heard one that was completely uncensored. You’re right, they are not to me missed.

    At least if you’re 18 minimum!

  161. dodgereric

    And I forgot to say hi to bigkace last night! I miss hearing from you! You are always on the money with your posts! Come back when you can stay longer!

  162. ew314

    Dodger Nation,

    I’d like to present to you a speech by my good friend Bluatlanta. Bluatlanta, although living in Louisana, BLEEDS Dodger Blue. His heart was born pumping it from day one on this great Earth. He wants to live in Los Angeles for one and only one reason: THE DODGERS!

    Here is the locker speech for today’s game. Please if you can, someone, get this to the players and management. Thank you.

    Eddie

    “Well boys…we’re 130 games into the season and we’re no better off than the first day. We started out at .500 and we’re still basically .500. Why do you think that is? Why is it that the Diamondbacks are in first place and we’re not? Is it because they’re better than us? NO! It’s not! I think you need to look at the guy sitting next to you and ask yourself this simple question. Do I want to let this guy down? Well? DO YOU?

    Does all the hard work we’ve put in amount to this? A second place .500 season??? Does the guy sitting next to you deserve to be second place? What can YOU do to make sure that he finishes first? You see, guys, this isn’t about YOU. This is about something so much larger, so much more important. It’s about this organization…the same organization that deemed you worthy of wearing that uniform this year. The same organization that signs your paychecks and that proudly allows you to represent them on the field every day. The same organization that will draw 4 million people to your home games this year. You are but a piece of history…a minor addition to the tradition that IS Dodger baseball. I challenge you today to add to that formidable tradition in a way that will make proud the fans, your coaches, yourselves, and the man sitting next to you.

    This is too important to squander. How shameful would that be? Would you be able to look the man sitting next to you in his eyes if you let him down? Think about it.

    Today begins a 31 game season. Accept the challenge that has been lain before you. You will NEVER regret it. And neither will the guy sitting next to you. Now let’s get ’em boys!!!

    THIS is DODGER baseball!!!”

    Reposted with permission from Bluatlanta.

  163. sparkleplenty_1

    ew, thank you for posting, and thank Bluatlanta for his inspirational message. That is EXACTLY on the money.

  164. thinkingblue

    Hello all ITD,
    Well it is another day and other game with another team. Let’s hope for the best and hope that the Dodger’s have woken up from the nightmare they’ve been having. Wish the team the best and hope that they can WIN.

    As fans we should stick by them regardless and not turn like the Philli’s fans. So LET’S GO DODGERS.

    BLUEATLANTA….THANKS

  165. seeskybout2rain@comcast.net

    I echo that thank you to BlueAtlanta. You only find the strength of your allegiance when the times are toughest. IMO, the ultimate insult to a fan of any sport is “frontrunner”. GO BLUE!!!!

  166. tradejuanpypaperbag

    Good Afternoon ITD writers and readers!!!!
    .
    Great conversation this morning as usual.
    .
    Messagebear ~ love you post today 🙂 You know the dbacks fans are probably pretty much in the same boat we are as Dodger fans other than they just happen to still be in first. However, I am sure their fans aren’t happy we are still in their rear view mirror. I agree with you about Manny and Casey as well. It was just a matter of time before the honeymoon was over. I think it just ended a little earlier than people expected.
    .
    Blueatlanta – great post!!!!

  167. seeskybout2rain@comcast.net

    If anybody thought that Manny and Casey, by themselves, were going to put this team on their proverbial backs and carry us to the playoffs, they were mistaken. I’ve been as critical of the Nedster as anybody and, don’t get me wrong, I’d still like to see him gone, but I will give him credit for getting these guys here. They need help from the rest of this team. There’s more than enough talent on this club to win this division but I don’t see very much passion or emotion for the game in these guys. For example, why doesn’t Kemp pull a Bo Jackson and break a bat after he strikes out? Why doesn’t Ethier or Martin get into it with an ump and get tossed? In other words, act like you give a damn. You can argue that people show their competitiveness in other ways but, for my money, I’d rather see some outward expressuon of it.

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