Desert Excursion
Heading into Arizona this weekend and here’s the lineup, followed by some good historical info on J-Mac.
Furcal, SS
Hudson, 2B
Manny, LF
Ethier, RF (Birthday boy, for all you Ethierholics)
Loney, 1B
Kemp, CF
Blake, 3B
Ausmus, C
McDonald, P
James McDonald will join some select company in Dodger history tonight when he makes his first Major League start in Arizona while beginning the season in the Los Angeles rotation. The last two Dodger pitchers coming off a full season in the Los Angeles minor leagues to make such a leap are Fernando Valenzuela (1981) and Don Sutton (1966).
Sutton spent only one year in the Dodger minor league system in 1965, posting a combined 23-7 record in 31 starts at Single-A Santa Barbara and Double-A Albuquerque. At age 21, Sutton went 12-12 with a 2.99 ERA in 37 games (35 starts) in 1966 to help the Dodgers win the National League pennant. Sutton also gave Los Angeles a rotation with three future Hall of Famers, along with Sandy Koufax and Don Drysdale.
The Dodgers purchased Valenzuela’s contract from Puebla of the Mexican League on July 6, 1979. He went 13-9 with a 3.10 ERA in 27 games (25 starts) at Double-A San Antonio in 1980. After a September 1980 promotion, Valenzuela went 2-0 with a 0.00 ERA in 10 relief appearances.
Both Sutton and Valenzuela faced lofty expectations. Sutton was joining the starting rotation of a defending World Series champion with no previous Major League experience. Valenzuela was asked to make his first Major League start on Opening Day at Dodger Stadium after injuries sidelined veterans Jerry Reuss and Burt Hooton. The 20-year-old Valenzuela calmly responded with a complete-game shutout against the Astros.
In his first eight starts, Valenzuela went 8-0 with a 0.50 ERA, five shutouts and eight complete games to trigger “Fernandomania” throughout the United States and his native Mexico. He remains the only player to win both the Rookie of the Year and Cy Young Awards in the same season and still the only Major Leaguer since 1981 to win his first eight career starts.
Inside the Dodgers 
I just want to say goodluck [Mac], we’re all counting on you…
I would like to see some run support for James tonight, say a few hits with runners in scoring position. Is that asking for too much? We aren’t looking like the team I thought we would be. We should be averaging 6 to 8 runs a game with our lineup.
Lets go Dodgers. Make them bats ring tonight.
Hi everyone, decent start to the season so far, however we definitely should be at least 3-1 after yesterday’s debacle. I still like our chances this year, I think we will do well. I hope everyone is doing well!! Happy Birthday Dre!!
Josh – Thanks for the Ethieraholic reference – too cool!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY ANDRE!!!
GO DODGERS!!!
Enchanted – is this considered after work hours? LOL! I am on Spring Break and technically not at work 🙂
Josh – Thanks for the Ethieraholic reference – too cool!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY ANDRE!!!
GO DODGERS!!!
Enchanted – is this considered after work hours? LOL! I am on Spring Break and technically not at work 🙂
Happy spring break Nelly. BTW, I got my “real” name back, sort of. It was getting confusing – Diggie1 and Diggie2.
Well I was done working Nells…
I know its asking a lot, but I think if JoJo would take a look at what the batting order was that was scoring runs last September and duplicate it, they might be able to do that again. Hudson #2 ain’t getting it done, and with Blake at #8 with no protection, he’s doing his best Andruw imitation. Not to mention Marty doesn’t belong in the 5 hole. Even given a great starting 8, JoJo still is clueless how to use it.
And another JoJo irritant – Manny said he needed more ABs to get ready, yet Uncle Joe did everything he could to either not play him or take him out after an AB or two that last week of ST.
And DeWitt leading off – what was THAT all about?
Now I’m vexed.
I agree with you Enchanted about moving Hudson, Ruseell and Matt in the lineup. We are much smarter than Mr. Torre and, we don’t even get paid for logical thinking.
I agree with you Enchanted about moving Hudson, Martin and Matt in the lineup. We are much smarter than Mr. Torre and, we don’t even get paid for logical thinking.
Sorry about Ruseel! lol
i’m SO excited for james mcdonald tonight! make us all proud j-mac!
ARRIVA LOS DODGERS!
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OK boys tonight is a must win…just like all other nights! It sucks that MARTIN will not play tonight. C’est la vie! And yes, J-MAC make us proud!
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LET’S GO DODGERS! ENJOY THE GAME AND WIN!
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Also I want to wish everyone here at ITD’s and all my boys in blue a safe and HAPPY EASTER!
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Stay dry everyone…
ROSE
Hi everybody
Wow it took about 5 minutes minutes for my sign on command to take. I hope it don’t take that long to get this comment in.
Then I’ll probably see it posted 3 times.
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Has anyone else been thinking of that not so old song, “Jimmy Mack” by Martha & the Vandellas?
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Man that shot that O. Dawg hit in the top of the ninth sure looked like a home run to me but alas it wasn’t. Too bad.
Our guys are got to really start scoring tonight, I hope Jon Garland can help us out by leaving some up in the strike zone.
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Happy Birthday Andre.
Well— good luck to us tonight.
Hi everybody
Wow it took about 5 minutes minutes for my sign on command to take. I hope it don’t take that long to get this comment in.
Then I’ll probably see it posted 3 times.
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Has anyone else been thinking of that not so old song, “Jimmy Mack” by Martha & the Vandellas?
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Man that shot that O. Dawg hit in the top of the ninth sure looked like a home run to me but alas it wasn’t. Too bad.
Our guys are got to really start scoring tonight, I hope Jon Garland can help us out by leaving some up in the strike zone.
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Happy Birthday Andre.
Well— good luck to us tonight.
Hi everybody
Wow it took about 5 minutes minutes for my sign on command to take. I hope it don’t take that long to get this comment in.
Then I’ll probably see it posted 3 times.
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Has anyone else been thinking of that not so old song, “Jimmy Mack” by Martha & the Vandellas?
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Man that shot that O. Dawg hit in the top of the ninth sure looked like a home run to me but alas it wasn’t. Too bad.
Our guys are got to really start scoring tonight, I hope Jon Garland can help us out by leaving some up in the strike zone.
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Happy Birthday Andre.
Well— good luck to us tonight.
Good evening everyone, Don Sutton and Fernando. I sure enjoyed both of those gentleman. J – Mac I look foward to you as well, GO GET EM!!!!
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LETS GO DODGERS, LETS GO
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Rythym on the road tonight , Feeling good!!!
Good Evening ITD readers and writers!!!!
This just in – Kuroda is on the 15 day DL with a strained oblique – Eric Stults is being recalled – the drama begins!!!!
Rock Me Dodgers, Rock Me All Night Long!!!!
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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F4OXrmxDp44
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I feel the rythym, and it feels good !!!!
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GO DODGERS!!!!!!
Nelly: Ouch! When you said “This just in”, I was hoping to hear that Generalissimo Francisco Franco was still dead. Get well soon, Kuroda-san.
Let’s go J-Mac! and Birthday boy Dre, and everone in Blue!
GO DODGERS! DRIVE OUT THE SNAKES!!!
Here’s where all of Ned’s hard work really pays off…
LET’S GO DODGERS, LET’S GO!!!!!!!
nsblues – That was an ouch, but they/we will survive…..better now than later.
WE SHALL SURVIVE!!!
OH NO! no bueno Kuroda to the DL.
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Good Luck J.MAck!!
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Happy Birthday Ethier!
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Emma
Well, here’s to the hope that the stutter gremlins will be held at bay this evening. As dcollins so aptly put it, this is supposed to be fun and it takes the fun out of it when it’s so difficult to communicate on here….good luck tonight, “Jimmy Mack”!!! (thanks for the reference, joepierre) With Kuroda, hopefully, temporarily on the shelf, we need a real solid performance from you. Some early significant run support wouldn’t hurt either. A perfect night for Dre, the “birthday boy” to party hearty all over his hometown team. Happy b-day, Dre!!!!……..no tv game tonight or in this series for me. (audio only) MLBTV blocks out Utah residents from D-s & D-backs games.
Good Evening enchanted and tru!!!
GO DODGERS!!!!
UGGHH!!!
Happy Birthday Andre!
http://baseballintheattic.mlblogs.com/
Good evening seesky!!! You would think you would be more Rockies territory – hmmmm!
That was a great inning by J.Mac!!!
Wow, I guess we have discovered a new speed demon the way Peavy and Garland are trying to pick off Manny! 🙂
Nice quick inning for Mac.
alright Brad!!!!!!
Actually, nelly, I’m blocked out of both Rockies and D-backs games. The Rockies I can understand because Fox Sports Net carries Rockies games locally. Blocking the Arizona market makes no sense. And Gameday Audio has stuck me with the D-backs announcers!!!! What luck!!!!!
Hey Mr. Piano Man – how are you?
GO DODGERS!!!!!!
Hey, everyone. Man, it took forever to log me in tonight. Happy Birthday, Andre, fellow Aries ): A Dodger victory would be a nice birthday gift.
Ausmus has as many RBI as Martin.
Actually, nelly, I’m blocked out of both Rockies and D-backs games. The Rockies I can understand because Fox Sports Net carries Rockies games locally. Blocking the Arizona market makes no sense. And Gameday Audio has stuck me with the D-backs announcers!!!! What luck!!!!!
Ausmus has as many RBI as Martin.
J. Mac is bringing it so far tonight – awesome!!! Let’s get some runs boys!!!
That is kind of ridiculous seesky 🙂
Good Evening bluecrewgirl!!!
C’mon birthday boy! Bring the run home!
uugghhh!!!
Well said, Nelly, lol. He has to get a hit on his b-day, that’s only fair.
It is truly difficult posting here tonight. One earlier post is wandering around cyberspace aimlessly looking for it’s ITD home and I’m surprised the last one landed safely. It looks like posting tonight will be a real adventure tonight….well, at least, we have a lead and Jimmy Mack has been outstanding so far.
uh oh!!!
bluecrewgirl – I have had two posts land at the same time the other night. Can they just go back to the old way……..just go back and when you figure out how to fix it, wait until the season is over and figure it out during the off season.
I know what you mean, seesky. I’ve had numerous double posts where I didn’t hit submit more than once, but it posted twice and it took about 10 minutes to log on tonight.
enchanted – I think this is why dodgereric wanted pitching….. for times like these 🙂
A double play would be nice right now.
This game is out of reach already
This is excatly what we have not been able to do last year and this. This game is over before it’s begun
Our offense has the talent to score a lot of runs. They haven’t done it yet, but the season’s young and I know they will soon. Let’s hope they do it tonight.
Well, that was just@#$%& lovely!!!!!!
For two inning he was fabulous.
Come on Tronscoso – stop the bleeding 🙂
seesky – keep the flask handy 🙂
GO DODGERS!!!!
Ausmus made a good throw to second on Cojaks steal.
bluecrewgirl – you are right…….This was what happened to the Rockies/dbacks opening day so we can do it too.
GO DODGERS!!!!
Oh, those bases on balls!!!!!!!
Well isn’t this just jim dandy!
Glub, Glub,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,AAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHH!!!!!!
I’m okay with giving up hits but I HATE walks,,,
Thanks seesky – we are glad the flask is being of use to you 🙂
Oh please, guys, stop the bleeding!!!
If this keeps up, we’re going to all need it soon.
Good Evening dcollins and sparkeplenty (glad you got your name back)!!!!!
Good evening to you too.
Seesky, please pass the flask my way . . . .
stopped watching the game so my gf’s bro can watch the Terminator show.
As for me, I’m on beer 2, and will gladly accept any flask that comes my way.
We have the offense to come back in this game… but do we have the pitching to stop the bleeding?
seesky – make sure you have enough for those of us on ITD right now and the rest of them who are just watching right now, who I am sure will make an appearance before the night is over 🙂
I think you’ll have to pass your flask around, Seesky!
stopped watching the game so my gf’s bro can watch the Terminator show.
As for me, I’m on beer 2, and will gladly accept any flask that comes my way.
We have the offense to come back in this game… but do we have the pitching to stop the bleeding?
With pleasure, sparkle……..anybody else need a blast???????? If so, pass it on, sparkle.
Well run 1 is better than 5
We’re getting better.
Hoping for Garland to make some mistakes.
I think you’ll have to pass your flask around, Seesky!
I’ll take a swig… DOOK DOOK DOOK….
http://www.star-gazer.ca/images/nomdrinkycrow.jpg
There, now can Tronconso pitch yet?
Big slurp . . . .Flash is making the rounds even as we speak.
I recalled a came back in 1990 where the Dodgers had a huge lead against the Phillies and blew it. I remember being so pissed about that game. Anyway, here’s a post I found regarding it to give us hope for this game:
Here is one for sure!!! August 21,1990 Dodger Stadium Phillies at Dodgers. The Dodgers had an 11-3 lead going to the top of the 9th inning, amazingly the Phillies scored 9 runs (key blast a 3 run homer John Kruk (now an ESPN Baseball Analyst) to take a 12-11 lead. They held the Dodgers scoreless and won 12-11. Now THAT IS ONE MIRACULOUS COMEBACK!!!!!!!!!! You can confirm this by going to Baseball Almanac’s Website, by Clicking on History, then click on team by team, Click on Phillies or Dodgers, scroll to the section with boxscores for 1990. Then click on the date August 21, 1990, and you will see the boxscore. BILLY Z
LOL!!!! that’s good northstateblues!!!
stopped watching the game so my gf’s bro can watch the Terminator show.
As for me, I’m on beer 2, and will gladly accept any flask that comes my way.
We have the offense to come back in this game… but do we have the pitching to stop the bleeding?
nsb– I don’t know if there’s enough JD in Lynchburg, Tennessee for that!!!
It has taken me over 15 minutes to sigh in to the blog. Can MLB get their act together.
It’s after 10:00 in St. Louis. Guess I’ll head for bed. let me know about july when we get some pitching and get our act together. We look like a AA tem or worse. We can’t hit!!!!!!!!!!!!
Wow, my first post jumped my second post… this is some flask, seesky! LOL
My post should obviously say a “game” back in 1990.
nsb– I don’t know if there’s enough JD in Lynchburg, Tennessee for that!!!
After tonight I really think that Joe needs to shake things up a little. Not because they are losing due to the pitching but because he needs to alter the lineup as most of us here have requested.
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Raffy
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Dre
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Manny
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Loney
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Kemp
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Blake
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Russ
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O-Dog
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Pitcher
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As discussed Dre did great in front of Manny. Having someone who is capable of swiping a bag in front of Manny isn’t the best idea as then they might walk Manny.
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If they come into Hudson he might get a hit but Dre has the power to hit it out. They both will hit around the same BA and I think Dre can work walks very well. He was comfortable last year in front of Manny so why not do it again.
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I also wouldn’t mind having the above lineup but with Hudson batting between Kemp & Blake. This would give them the speed on front of Blake.
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I’m a little worried that if Dre doesn’t get hits tonight we will see Pierre tomorrow in his place.
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My next point is wouldn’t Garland of looked nice pitching for the Blue? He was on my shopping list. I believe a few of us wanted him including Ramsfan.
For what it’s worth, the Pads are up on the Jints 3-1. The Jints and their “amazing” pitching.
northstate – it’s been happening all the time to me, including two different posts of mine posting at the same time.
Maybe our posts are doing some Lost-style timeline traveling… watch out for the smoke monster.
LETS GO DODGERS, LETS GO!!!!
LETS GO DODGERS, LETS GO!!!!
LETS GO DODGERS, LETS GO!!!!
dcollins – many talked about getting Garland in the off-season.
There you go zippo
A scoreless inning.
Hear Scully? “Dodgers came from ahead to lose last night”
Classic.
I just want to say goodluck [Mac], we’re all counting on you…
dcollins – he needs to bat 2nd.
enchanted – is that a double post posting 4 hours later, or are you being enchanted? …..I am guessing you are being enchanted 🙂
..excuse me enchanted – 5 hours later. My first grade math escapes me as soon as vacation hits.
Sometime when they’re up against it and the breaks are beating the boys, tell ’em to go out there and give it all they got and win just one for the zipper. I don’t know where I’ll be then Doc, but I won’t be smelling too good that’s for sure.
Shades of Airplane!
I remember that 1990 Dodgers-Phillies game all too painfully well. I believe Tommy had one of his classic post game news conferences after that one….all wandering ITD posts, please call home.
I take it that this is the same Garland that could have been had for one year at a reasonable cost, except that Ned could only concentrate on one thing at a time, and the preoccupation was with Manny. Of course, pitching was not our main objective anyway.
This game is Ungar – Ovuer, Ovuer – Dunn.
Good evening Sparkle. Hello there Nelly! Hows it going Sky? What is shaking NSB? Hello there Joe… what do you hear & what do you say? BCG how do you be? Bob what happening????
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This is joyous tonight!
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At least Wifey is home and we are about to eat dinner!
I remember that 1990 Dodgers-Phillies game all too painfully well. I believe Tommy had one of his classic post game news conferences after that one….all wandering ITD posts, please call home.
LETS GO DODGERS, LETS GO!!!!
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LETS GO DODGERS, LETS GO!!!!
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LETS GO DODGERS, LETS GO!!!!
LOL!!! – messagebear – that is the same Garland. Our ITD manager wanted him, among others he was looking at. However, you are right, pitching wasn’t an objective this off season eventhough we lost two crucial SP in the rotation. Plus, now you have Kuroda on the DL.
Joe thinks he’s Ethyl Merman – he certainly manages like him, I mean her.
Troncoso’s doing a great job.
Good for the bullpen.
The longer he stays out there the better.
Now if Garland can weaken…
Sorry, got Ethel Merman confused with a gas pump. Easy mistake I think.
What shaking dcollins, I am ready for some runs!!!
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GO DODGERS!!!!
All right Casey!!! We’re getting back into it.
6-3 ALRIGHT CASEY BLAKE!!!!!!
C A S E Y is now the HR & RBI team leader.
Casey!! We’re a little closer now. We can win this game. Dcollins, your dinner will no doubt be healthier than what I’ve had tonight, wine and angel food cake, lol.
Loney and Blake…….:-)
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That’s what I’m talking about!!!!!
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LETS GO DODGERS, LETS GO!!!!
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LETS GO DODGERS, LETS GO!!!!
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LETS GO DODGERS, LETS GO!!!!
That was nice!
enchanted is drinking his Cuervo I think.
HE’s W E A K E N I N G.
Let’s hope it’s not too late.
Hellloooo D4!
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BCG– Well we did have wine. But also a grilled salmon salad. It was healthy other than the bacon that was in it.
Mas Tequila Enchanted 🙂
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GO DODGERS!!!!!
OK, FIRE NED!
RETIRE JOE!
SELL THE TEAM, JERKS!!!
Just thought I’d get all those sentiments going early.
So, who is in charge this year of keeping Joe propped up so it looks like he is actually interested in the game? He’s yawning – LOL!!!!!
If Mota can keep it going, who knows????
Hellloooo D4!
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BCG– Well we did have wine. But also a grilled salmon salad. It was healthy other than the bacon that was in it.
I made enchilada’s for the first time tonight. I cant find the Tequila???
LETS GO DODGERS, LETS GO!!!!
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LETS GO DODGERS, LETS GO!!!!
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LETS GO DODGERS, LETS GO!!!!
A good inning by Mota – let’s get some more runs now please 🙂 GO DODGERS!!!!!!!
Now the TOP of the order.
Good job dodger4life!!!!!!
Hmm. Funny a 2ble post even though I only hit submit once.
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This place is bonkers!!!
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The season is early & I think once Joe figures out how to do this lineup (They way we already know it should be) they will gel and be more of an offensive power.
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The pitching on the other hand… YIKES!!!
At least you cook, dodger4life, which is more than I can say for myself.
DOOK DOOK DOOK DOOK DOOK DOOK…
CHARGE!!!!!!!!!!
We’re still in it. No Cuervo here, but I’ve got Corona and Budweiser
I wonder if JP could pitch. No fast balls, of course, but 60′ ought to be just his range for some junk balls. Just in case we run out of regular BP pitchers during this series.
You guys are great but time to give Wifey some attention.
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Go Blue!!!!!
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Let’s get back in this one!!!
Alright Raffy!!! let’s go Dodgers!!!!
GOOD START RAFFY!!!
Manny!!!!
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LET’S GO DODGERS!!!
Way to move him, O-DAWG!
LETS GO DODGERS, LETS GO!!!!
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LETS GO DODGERS, LETS GO!!!!
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LETS GO DODGERS, LETS GO!!!!
COME ON ANDRE!!!!!!!!
M A N N Y’S 4th RBI tied, with BLAKE for team lead.
I’m on the edge of my seat!!!
WTG MANNY!
WTG MANNY!
“You know what this offense needs? – Juan Pierre”
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Joe Torre on the railing dream sequence. 9:18 PM
Bite your tongue, enchanted. Don’t want to give Joe any crazy ideas.
WTG MANNY!
Decent inning. Now, if the bully can hold ’em, maybe the bats will come alive . . . we can only hope.
I need another pull on the flask . . . .
“All of Joe’s ideas are crazy.”
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Enchanted thought bubble 9:23 PM
Etching closer.
Leadoff walk scores. Surprise, surprise, surprise!
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Enough with the walks!!!!!!
oh enchanted’s rocking that boat tonight. He just wants to release one of his songs he has in the works I am sure. You may get your wish tomorrow enchanted. I think dcollins is right, I bet JP is in the game tomorrow for Andre or Matt ( I am guessing Andre).
I know we aren’t exactly hitting the ball, but the pitching certainly isn’t helping right now.
Too bad they couldn’t have left Trancoso in. He was pitching pretty well.
5 walks tonight & I think all have scored.
Another round for ITD!!!!!! Make it a double!!!!!
you right bluecrewgirl – Troncoso did do well.
red pen – “you are right bluecrewgirl” – LOL!!! sorry 🙂
I don’t think Andre should have to sit for JP or anyone else. He got on base 5 times yesterday and was hitting .333 coming into the game. He deserves to be able to have an off game just like everyone else. He shouldn’t have to look over his shoulder after each game. Joe needs to put his money where his mouth is by backing up his words in ST that the job is Andre’s.
LETS GO DODGERS, LETS GO!!!!
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LETS GO DODGERS, LETS GO!!!!
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LETS GO DODGERS, LETS GO!!!!
LETS GO DODGERS, LETS GO!!!!
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LETS GO DODGERS, LETS GO!!!!
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LETS GO DODGERS, LETS GO!!!!
Ned’s getting the pitching he paid for.
Oh man…
Just another day waisting away in NoMorePitchingville,
Chase the flask down with some Corona and salt
The owners claim that empty pockets are to blame
But we see a green necklace ’round the vault…
We’re with you on that, BCG. Don’t want to see anything resembling last year when Joe messed around with Andre.
I totally agree with you bluecrewgirl. If they want Andre to get rid of this emotional attitude he has towards his batting, placing him on the bench so JP can stay fresh and ready to go is ridiculous. This is most likely why he is like this already…….the feeling of having to be perfect in order to keep his job.
Ned’s getting the pitching he paid for.
Yes he is enchanted 🙂
LOL NSB!!! Love it!
I agree Nelly. I think it’s built up frustration and stress over continually having to prove himself over and over going back to college. I think Joe continuing to have his back this season would go a long way towards making him feel more secure. Let’s hope he does the right thing. He always comes to the plate, pun intended, at the end of the day as far as his production is concerned. It’s a long season and it’s no time for the Dodgers to panic. My dad and I were just talking on the phone and his Red Sox aren’t off to a great start either, but you know both they and the Dodgers will be in the thick of things at the end of the season.
I agree bluecrewgirl. The pitching is a little distressing,but in the end, I think we will be just fine. Joe needs to look at the lineup at some point if things stay the way they are, but like you said, it’s early and a lot of baseball to be played yet.
Thanks sparkle. Flasks can be somewhat inspiring, heheh
BlueCrewGirl is right. This is only the 5th game of the year. 17 chances to pay the D-Bags back.
Up hill after the 3rd tonight.
My day started this morning at 5 when my smoke alarm went off for no reason at all, and I’m really tuckered. Good night all.
Good night sparkleplenty. May you have a peaceful night’s sleep tonight without an smoke alarm to wake you up.
Goodnight sparkleplenty. Hope your day and the Dodgers is better tomorrow. Northstate, I think I need something harder than wine to drown my sorrows, lol.
I hear that! Chablis is dandy, but liquor is quicker
Good Night All
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Another tough loss……Eric Stults tomorrow.
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God Bless Us All and God Bless the U.S.A.
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Another day…..another game tomorrow 🙂
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GO DODGERS!!!!!!
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BRING THE RING TO L.A.!!!!
I hope Stultz does well. I’ve always liked him. If he could just step it up a notch, he could be a great pitcher. I love his gamer type attitude.
We have to hope he does well. He is Kuroda for the next 15 days 🙂
Well, like Ned says, the team that opens the season isn’t necessarily the team that will finish the season. I sure as hell hope so!
LOL!!!!
He didn’t have a very good ST, but his mom had just passed away, so it must have been tough for him.
I am hoping for the best with Eric. I liked him last season alot, and was hoping he would have a good enough ST to make the rotation. So, here is his shot to hopefully do that. I had read he took his mom’s passing pretty hard.
Early studs…Loney, Billingsley, Kemp, Broxton, Belisario………………..early duds…Wolf, Martin. Come on Russell, this team can’t go anywhere without you. I used to play slo-pitch with a guy, our shortstop, guy was a leader…at crunch time he’d always challenge his teammates, “Step up or get out of the way.” So true.
Good morning ITD, Dodgerfaithful,
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Okay today is a new day, It’s Shake and Bake time. J -Mac shake it off, and get prepared for the next start. We believe in you and your ability. Now lets fire up the bats and the attitude, time to score some runs and quick. I want to see the pitching crew have an early lead to protect. I want to see the opposing pitchers, looking shaken and puzzled from the 1st inning on. I want to keep the pressure on the other team. We need Raffy on base early, O – Dog moving him over, Manny and Andre producing runs, possibly clearing the bases. James can start the thing all over, leaving Russell our captain on the field, he knows what to do. Kemp can see the ball better, watch as he extends the pain, Blake is baking, he has gone yard twice so far. We will be cheering you Boy’s on from afar, now lets get a Groove Thing going!!! We have some road games to win this month. Shake and Bake Time!!!
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Eric Stults is on the Hill tonight as Kuroda is on the 15 day list. It is the show, time to show us the stuff. Bring it Stults!!!
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Rock and Roll Baseball Today!!!! Lets Go Dodgers!!!!!
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GO DODGERS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Everythings gonna be alright…..He ‘s coming back, like he said he would.
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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AezyNohMiRI&feature=related
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Al Green….Peace, Love, and Happiness 🙂
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GO DODGERS!!!!!!!!
Per Joe Torre
“But we knew going in that, ability-wise, we were very comfortable, but they’d go through growing pains,” Torre said. “Both the kids [Stults and McDonald] will survive nicely. And we haven’t given our pitchers run support to work with. We scored four runs tonight, but after we were down by five. We just have to keep plugging. We’re going to hit, we’re going to score runs. But we’re putting a lot of pressure on our staff.”
I’m just curious when we are going to get a lot of hits and score a lot of runs. This team is not hitting…….That’s a lot of periods
Hey MLB, do you ever monitor this blog. Took me almost 7 minutes just to log in and I know the traffic is not that heavy this morning. What gives? Time to get your act together.
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We’ve scored 15 runs in 5 games. Thats not going to cut it with our pitching in this league. We’re playing just like we did last year. We win against the less than average pitcher, but get beat by the average or above. Fire Joe, Fire the guy who hired Joe. Fire the guy who hired the guy who hired Joe.
Torre has always been the wrong manager for this team, although he’s, of course, just what Frank wanted. Joe has never worried about or been capable of instilling the winning spirit during Spring Training, and he’s apparently unconcerned about wins and losses during the first half of the season. He also obviously doesn’t have the balls to influence management to give him the kind of ballclub that the Dodgers deserve – like saying that we need to get pitching in the offseason, but settling for and expecting something out of a bunch of Ned’s selected has-beens. When starting pitchers consistently only provide five good innings, it will be a long season expecting consistently good performance out of the bullpen. The guys will get tired being called on day after day for four innings rather than two or three.
What I’m concerned about outside of the pitching is the fact that we’re showing very little power at the plate. It’s always hard to string together a bunch of singles and score a lot of runs, but that’s mostly what we’re having to do. Any fingers pointing at Mattingly? He may be a great guy and know a lot of stuff, but I don’t see anything in him to qualify him as a manager in the post-Torre era, which can’t come soon enough for my taste in managers.
messagebear, you said it all. I know you have to play all players during spring training but this is the same way we started last year. It took Torre half a season to get the lineup halfway right and he changed that now with the signing of O-dog. Dre needs to bat second and move Loney further down in the order. Bat Matt fifth and Blake sixth and we’ll start seeing more than 3 to 5 runs per game.
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With the talent on this team, I could do as good as job as Torre.
The pitching staff needs to keep the ball down and moving, keep it in the park, Throw Strikes!!!
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Torre is doing fine!!
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We are on the road, early in the year, Arm strength is getting stronger everyday. We are hitting the ball, just need to put some thunder in it, with men on base.
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I’m Chanting Brox!!!! Brox!!!!!Brox!!!!……..Get him a game he will save it!!!
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Rythym in the Blues!!!!
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GO DODGERS!!!!!!!!
So we should have upgraded our pitching a lot more in the offseason…how?
AJ Burnett, Pettite, and Lowe wanted to pitch on the east coast (I wouldn’t have given $82M to Burnett anyways due to his health concerns).
CC wanted to pitch here. He is a great guy by all accounts and a very good pitcher, but 7 years at $161M. REALLY???????? A pitcher who was abused by Milwaukee last year and has had difficulties in the post-season…REALLY???????
All of us scream about the 3 year $47M mistake on Schmidt…how would we deal with a $161M mistake?
I don’t believe in 4 year contracts for pitchers, let alone SEVEN YEAR CONTRACTS. The Yankees can afford those major mistakes because of the huge revenue they get from the YES Network and their new stadium…the Dodgers are not anywhere near the same position yet. If we had signed him and he either produces like Zito or breaks down, the team would have been put in a horrible state for many years. The Giants can’t afford another big contract because of their Zito mistake.
We could have traded for Peavy. Kershaw and Lambo would have gotten it donw, along with taking his contract. I wouldn’t have done that deal either.
Now, I do think the Dodgers should have signed Wolf AND Garland. Not great pitchers, but it would have been a lot more stable with the innings they could eat up, and I would have prefered to have Kershaw as the #5 starter so he could be skipped a few starts to reduce his innings to 180 or so.
I also wouldn’t have minded signing Juan Cruz for the BP, but we would have had to give up another high draft pick and Cruz has a career era of 3.99…he has great stuff, but has seldom lived up to it.
this lineup really needs to change right now it is way out of balance since the start of the season i knew that Ethier was really going to stuggle as the cleanup man come on we know he produces better in front of manny and manny should really be hitting 4th he has had no one to drive in then KEMP is hitting 7th in the lineup he should be the man hitting behind manny not MARTIN who’s been pressing way to much he should be hitting 7th this should be the lineup its all balanced out
1.FURCAL
2.HUDSON
3.ETHIER
4.RAMIREZ
5.KEMP
6.LONEY
7.MARTIN
8.BLAKE
9.PITCHERS SPOT
this lineup really needs to change right now it is way out of balance since the start of the season i knew that Ethier was really going to stuggle as the cleanup man come on we know he produces better in front of manny and manny should really be hitting 4th he has had no one to drive in then KEMP is hitting 7th in the lineup he should be the man hitting behind manny not MARTIN who’s been pressing way to much he should be hitting 7th this should be the lineup its all balanced out
1.FURCAL
2.HUDSON
3.ETHIER
4.RAMIREZ
5.KEMP
6.LONEY
7.MARTIN
8.BLAKE
9.PITCHERS SPOT
this lineup really needs to change right now it is way out of balance since the start of the season i knew that Ethier was really going to stuggle as the cleanup man come on we know he produces better in front of manny and manny should really be hitting 4th he has had no one to drive in then KEMP is hitting 7th in the lineup he should be the man hitting behind manny not MARTIN who’s been pressing way to much he should be hitting 7th this should be the lineup its all balanced out
1.FURCAL
2.HUDSON
3.ETHIER
4.RAMIREZ
5.KEMP
6.LONEY
7.MARTIN
8.BLAKE
9.PITCHERS SPOT
this lineup really needs to change right now it is way out of balance since the start of the season i knew that Ethier was really going to stuggle as the cleanup man come on we know he produces better in front of manny and manny should really be hitting 4th he has had no one to drive in then KEMP is hitting 7th in the lineup he should be the man hitting behind manny not MARTIN who’s been pressing way to much he should be hitting 7th this should be the lineup its all balanced out
1.FURCAL
2.HUDSON
3.ETHIER
4.RAMIREZ
5.KEMP
6.LONEY
7.MARTIN
8.BLAKE
9.PITCHERS SPOT
this lineup really needs to change right now it is way out of balance since the start of the season i knew that Ethier was really going to stuggle as the cleanup man come on we know he produces better in front of manny and manny should really be hitting 4th he has had no one to drive in then KEMP is hitting 7th in the lineup he should be the man hitting behind manny not MARTIN who’s been pressing way to much he should be hitting 7th this should be the lineup its all balanced out
1.FURCAL
2.HUDSON
3.ETHIER
4.RAMIREZ
5.KEMP
6.LONEY
7.MARTIN
8.BLAKE
9.PITCHERS SPOT
this lineup really needs to change right now it is way out of balance since the start of the season i knew that Ethier was really going to stuggle as the cleanup man come on we know he produces better in front of manny and manny should really be hitting 4th he has had no one to drive in then KEMP is hitting 7th in the lineup he should be the man hitting behind manny not MARTIN who’s been pressing way to much he should be hitting 7th this should be the lineup its all balanced out
1.FURCAL
2.HUDSON
3.ETHIER
4.RAMIREZ
5.KEMP
6.LONEY
7.MARTIN
8.BLAKE
9.PITCHERS SPOT
this lineup really needs to change right now it is way out of balance since the start of the season i knew that Ethier was really going to stuggle as the cleanup man come on we know he produces better in front of manny and manny should really be hitting 4th he has had no one to drive in then KEMP is hitting 7th in the lineup he should be the man hitting behind manny not MARTIN who’s been pressing way to much he should be hitting 7th this should be the lineup its all balanced out
1.FURCAL
2.HUDSON
3.ETHIER
4.RAMIREZ
5.KEMP
6.LONEY
7.MARTIN
8.BLAKE
9.PITCHERS SPOT
this lineup really needs to change right now it is way out of balance since the start of the season i knew that Ethier was really going to stuggle as the cleanup man come on we know he produces better in front of manny and manny should really be hitting 4th he has had no one to drive in then KEMP is hitting 7th in the lineup he should be the man hitting behind manny not MARTIN who’s been pressing way to much he should be hitting 7th this should be the lineup its all balanced out
1.FURCAL
2.HUDSON
3.ETHIER
4.RAMIREZ
5.KEMP
6.LONEY
7.MARTIN
8.BLAKE
9.PITCHERS SPOT
Hey, I’m sorry for the tone of my post…just frustrated like everyone else. My views don’t mesh well on forums. You have all been very nice to me despite that, and I thank you. I do hope to meet some of you when my wife and I attend some games in June. Take care.
Go Dodgers!!!
It’s all good digthe d’s. We need some venting, from time to time. We Believe!!!
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GO DODGERS!!!!!!!
There are other ways to build pitching for the major league club than having to resort to the excessive price of a CC, Burnett, etc. That might be going after some of the AA or AAA prospects of other teams, if our own prospects seem exhausted. When it comes to pitching prospects, I would say that our own options do seem exhausted – just look at what our rotation is made up of at ABQ. Are we really looking to any of these PVL’s coming to help us at the major league level? And what a waste at the AAA level to put guys like Vargas, Milton, etc. in the starter position. Maybe we can bring up Lindblom later on, but I see no depth in pitching talent in our minor league teams.
I don’t know what kind of management thinking can let our developing talent get depleted to this level. You see other teams bringing up fresh faces each year, and we’ve done well with a Kershaw and Mac being here and now, but where’s the next batch?
There are other ways to build pitching for the major league club than having to resort to the excessive price of a CC, Burnett, etc. That might be going after some of the AA or AAA prospects of other teams, if our own prospects seem exhausted. When it comes to pitching prospects, I would say that our own options do seem exhausted – just look at what our rotation is made up of at ABQ. Are we really looking to any of these PVL’s coming to help us at the major league level? And what a waste at the AAA level to put guys like Vargas, Milton, etc. in the starter position. Maybe we can bring up Lindblom later on, but I see no depth in pitching talent in our minor league teams.
I don’t know what kind of management thinking can let our developing talent get depleted to this level. You see other teams bringing up fresh faces each year, and we’ve done well with a Kershaw and Mac being here and now, but where’s the next batch?
The pitching Ned is now reaping is from what he had sewn during the offseason. They could’ve had CC, and should have, probably at the cost of not resigning Manny, but Frank obviously didn’t want to go there. The Yankees were smart enough to put in a club opt-out after three years as their insurance to a 7-year debacle. Obviously that would’ve taken a bit of imagination from the Dodgers “brain trust” but well, you have to have one before you can trust it.
Dig mentioned Garland, Wolf and Cruz, all three of which could’ve been had for a song in today’s market. The D’s had already given up their first draft pick from signing Hudson, so what’s the big deal about giving up a #2? It isn’t like football or basketball where a high draft pick means more. Look no further than Mike Piazza, a zillionth round draft pick, and Luke Prokopec – wasn’t he a #1? IMO unless you’re #1 pick is among the first 8 or 10, it’s a big crap shoot. And though messers. Garland and Wolf and Cruz wouldn’t have been the second coming of Koufax, Drysdale and Sherry, they’re a helluva lot better than Vargas, Estes and Milton. But Ned did at least get Wolf and so we’ll all cross out fingers he can last the year.
And honestly, I still have no idea why we signed Hudson when we did. That could’ve been Cruz at least. Signing Hudson would’ve made sense BEFORE signing Blake to a three year deal. What’s the point of signing Hudson then to a one year other than to block DeWitt for no apparent reason? I like his defense at 2B, but he’s just another piece that JoJo has no idea how to use.
Which brings me to JoJo The Clown. It was evident is ST that Hudson is no #2 batter. He’s just like Juan Pierre (but with 1000% more talent) last year – out of place. Joe’s enthralled with two speedsters at the top of the order, yet if you look at when they took off last year, it was Dre in the two hole. If Hudson can’t hit in front of Manny, can he hit? I think his wrist won’t allow him a normal swing. He should be hitting 8th. Blake is being totally wasted at #8. Power don’t mean much when there’s no one protecting you in the line-up. Look at his K rate – its absolutely Andruwesque. Marty ain’t cuttin’ it batting 5 either. It should be Ferk/Dre/Manny/Loney/Kemp/Blake/Marty/Hudson. However, it’ll take ol’ Slow Joe until the end of July to figure that out.
And I agree with Bear that Joe instills all the fire of a glacier during ST AND during the season.
This team will start to score more, and probably be in the race in September, but in the western division it shouldn’t have to be the struggle that it will be, all because of the three stooges.
(BTW sorry if this double posts. Be nice if someone would fix the damn thing.)
The pitching Ned is now reaping is from what he had sewn during the offseason. They could’ve had CC, and should have, probably at the cost of not resigning Manny, but Frank obviously didn’t want to go there. The Yankees were smart enough to put in a club opt-out after three years as their insurance to a 7-year debacle. Obviously that would’ve taken a bit of imagination from the Dodgers “brain trust” but well, you have to have one before you can trust it.
Dig mentioned Garland, Wolf and Cruz, all three of which could’ve been had for a song in today’s market. The D’s had already given up their first draft pick from signing Hudson, so what’s the big deal about giving up a #2? It isn’t like football or basketball where a high draft pick means more. Look no further than Mike Piazza, a zillionth round draft pick, and Luke Prokopec – wasn’t he a #1? IMO unless you’re #1 pick is among the first 8 or 10, it’s a big crap shoot. And though messers. Garland and Wolf and Cruz wouldn’t have been the second coming of Koufax, Drysdale and Sherry, they’re a helluva lot better than Vargas, Estes and Milton. But Ned did at least get Wolf and so we’ll all cross out fingers he can last the year.
And honestly, I still have no idea why we signed Hudson when we did. That could’ve been Cruz at least. Signing Hudson would’ve made sense BEFORE signing Blake to a three year deal. What’s the point of signing Hudson then to a one year other than to block DeWitt for no apparent reason? I like his defense at 2B, but he’s just another piece that JoJo has no idea how to use.
Which brings me to JoJo The Clown. It was evident is ST that Hudson is no #2 batter. He’s just like Juan Pierre (but with 1000% more talent) last year – out of place. Joe’s enthralled with two speedsters at the top of the order, yet if you look at when they took off last year, it was Dre in the two hole. If Hudson can’t hit in front of Manny, can he hit? I think his wrist won’t allow him a normal swing. He should be hitting 8th. Blake is being totally wasted at #8. Power don’t mean much when there’s no one protecting you in the line-up. Look at his K rate – its absolutely Andruwesque. Marty ain’t cuttin’ it batting 5 either. It should be Ferk/Dre/Manny/Loney/Kemp/Blake/Marty/Hudson. However, it’ll take ol’ Slow Joe until the end of July to figure that out.
And I agree with Bear that Joe instills all the fire of a glacier during ST AND during the season.
This team will start to score more, and probably be in the race in September, but in the western division it shouldn’t have to be the struggle that it will be, all because of the three stooges.
Enchanted ~ very well said, double post or not! If we have all figured out the lineup,why is Joe so stubborn in seeing it too? Enthralled with so called speedsters, as you msay Joe is, is highly over-rated, especially if they don’t get on base. For goodness sake, Loney even stole a base last night. It’s not speed that seals bases but the read of a pitcher’s delivery.
Enchanted ~ very well said, double post or not! If we have all figured out the lineup,why is Joe so stubborn in seeing it too? Enthralled with so called speedsters, as you msay Joe is, is highly over-rated, especially if they don’t get on base. For goodness sake, Loney even stole a base last night. It’s not speed that seals bases but the read of a pitcher’s delivery.
Enchanted ~ I just had a great post, commenting on your assessment of our lineup and Joe’s handling of the team and it’s lost somewhere in cyberspace! I did hit the “n” key a few times, so if it shows up, excuse my typos. I’M REALLY GETTING MAD AS HELL AT THIS MLB BLOG AND THEIR LACK OF CONCERN FOR GETTING IT FIXED!
Has anyone else contacted the webmaster about our blogging problems? I’ve emailed ’em twice.
mlb clearly stands for major league bumbling. This blog site is so ridiculous in its inefficacy it reminds me of Bud Selig. I don’t know if that assh*** has anything to do with it or not, but it’s time for the major league clubs to take some action about how this blog is run, or more accurately “not run”. How much would it take for the Dodgers and a few other teams to set up their own blog with a decent server and a one person IT staff to get it operating smoothly. How about doing it for the fans? I would think there’s enough potential here for some advertisers to pay the bill to do it right. mlb.com – go choke, you incompetent ********!
It’s weird to watch Penny in a Red Sox uniform wearing #36.
It’s weird to watch Penny in a Red Sox uniform wearing #36.