The Missing Link?
The Dodgers’ bullpen has struggled so far this year after being the best in baseball last year, and today a move was made to recall Jon Link from the minors. He’s one of the two players the Dodgers got in exchange for Juan Pierre this winter and so far in Triple-A this season, he has two saves in five games, allowing three runs in 4.1 innings.
Over his minor league career, Link has struck out 300 batters and walked 104 over 297.1 innings and in 2008, he led all minor leaguers in baseball with 35 saves at Double-A, so clearly he’s got a pretty impressive background. He’s never been in the big leagues, but he did take part in the team’s Winter Development program back in January, so hopefully that will help him adjust quickly to the Majors.
Of course, that means someone has to go down and unfortunately, that someone is Russ Ortiz. He’s one of the nicest guys in the game and a local product (Montclair Prep), so I’m glad he got the chance to pitch for his hometown team, even if only for a few weeks. He’d have to clear waivers and then accept a minor league assignment to Albuquerque, so we’ll see what happens.
Elsewhere in the minors, Hong-Chih Kuo will pitch today for the Inland Empire 66ers out in San Bernardino, while this is the crew that will take on the Giants. A win gives the Dodgers a 4-2 homestand, a loss breaks them even at 3-3.
Furcal, SS
Martin, C
Ethier, RF
Kemp, CF
Blake, 3B
Belliard, 1B
Johnson, LF
Carroll, 2B
Kershaw, P
Inside the Dodgers 
LET’S GO DODGERS, LET’S GO!!!!! LET’S SQUASH THE GNATS AND GET THE SERIES!!!
I’m freaking shock but Anderson should’ve been in LF but than again Torre don’t care about career success and Manny get better please.
Dang it Loney is off shoot.
Why not put Ethier batting 2nd but I forgot Martin owned Zito?
I must admit, the facebook fans are finally catching on too………………here’s three of many good ones this morning when this thread was posted over there.
Frank give your wife the bullpen as part of her settlement !!
SURPRISE !!! wow everyone saw this coming. No big changes with the pitching staff and we thought we would have better results ? This is going to be a LONG season !!!
Please somebody take the ball and throw like you belong in the big leagues…….They let go of too much pitching talent and got ……Russ Ortiz?????……WTF
Then there is this one……………
I miss Juan Pierre and where are the pitchers, I think they’re missing also. What’s with all the errors?
She must not realize JP’s batting average is .194 (as of right now), and they are about ready to get swept by the Indians.
GO DODGERS!!!
Can we get 2 wins today after the Kings tied the series up 1-1? Go Lakers Go Dodgers.
I wish there had been some mention about the security concerns in this post, especially after all the conversation about it last night. Especially when people who have been coming to this blog for years have shared their bad experiences. Especially when I’m sure all the good people that work for the Dodgers organization are doing their best to provide a family-safe environment at Chavez Ravine that will keep fans coming homestand-after-homestand, year-after-year… and those potential fans are drenched in beer for standing up to thugs Dodger Stadium security slaps on the wrists until somebody gets physically hurt. I guess the verbal degradation of fans’ wives and children doesn’t register on their scale.
And, as Collie said, flashing the number for stadium security 10 seconds during the game and burying the number in the $5 programs (which I always buy š ) is not enough to address the issue, constant visibility is likely needed where the number is concerned.
As a Dodger fan who loves this blog, I’m a little disappointed in that.
GO DODGERS!!!!!
Diplomatic, your comments about Russ Ortiz. The Straits of Ortiz have been a danger zone for the Dodgers all season so far. There’s nothing left in that tank. Hoping Link can fool ’em for awhile til Belisaro and Kuo are ready.
I posted this in the other thread.
St. Louis 7 4 .636 —
Pittsburgh 6 5 .545 1.0
Chi Cubs 5 6 .455 2.0
Cincinnati 5 7 .417 2.5
Milwaukee 4 7 .364 3.0
Houston 2 9 .182 5.0
Maybe the Pirates are turning the corner yeah it still early but they won the last 2 games by walk off fashion while trailing in the 9th but they pitching is way worst than are.
6.66 ERA,1.60 Whip, .294 baa
ranked 30th 27th 28th
By sellthetm on April 18, 2010 12:40 PM
Good I just change Loney to Gonzales and I hate having a players in my fantasy lineup that they won’t play.
Torre very strange man. Kemp off to career start in #2 spot….so why not move him? No one else can bat 4th????????????????
I think this is an apt song for the ownership and front office, right down to the tinny piano. The Pipkins – Gimme Dat Ding:
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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YEEy615Jzg4
SELL THE TEAM
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That?s right. That?s right. I?m sad and blue,
Cuz? we can?t pitch nor field it too.
We?ve lost. We?ve lost. Just wants the green.
That?s why I say, Franky sell that team…
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Sell the team. Sell the team. Sell the, sell the sell the team.
Sell the team now. Sell the team. Sell the, sell the team.
Sell the team now. Sell the team. Sell the, sell the team.
Sell the, sell the, sell the, team now.
(Oh sing it one more time for Jamie.)
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Sell the team. Sell the team. Sell the, sell the sell the team.
Sell the team now. Sell the team. Sell the, sell the team.
Sell the team now. Sell the team. Sell the, sell the team.
Sell the, sell the, sell the, team now.
(What she doin? up so late at night?)
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Ah Hudson?s at the Metrodome and JP?s out there pinging,
But we?ve an owner we don?t know which way?s swinging (whether or not to add a bicycle event to the L.A. marathon – what did you think I meant?)
How can you tell exactly what JoJo?s thinking?
With Neddy at the helm, my our ship is sinking.
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Sell the team.
(Sell the team.)
Sell the team.
(Sell the team.)
Sell the team.
(Sell the team.)
Sell the team. Sell it, sell it, sell it, sell it
(ah gotcha)
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Sell the team. Sell the team. Sell the, sell the sell the team.
Sell the team now. Sell the team. Sell the, sell the team.
Sell the team now. Sell the team. Sell the, sell the team.
Sell the, sell the, sell the, team now.
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[instrumental]
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Sell the team. Sell the team. Sell the, sell the sell the team.
Sell the team now. Sell the team. Sell the, sell the team.
Sell the team now. Sell the team. Sell the , sell the team.
Sell the, sell the, sell the, team now.
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Ah Hudson?s at the Metrodome and JP?s out there pinging,
But we?ve an owner we don?t know which way?s swinging.
How can you tell exactly what JoJo?s thinking?
With Neddy at the helm, my our ship is sinking.
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Sell the team. Sell the team. Sell the, sell the sell the team.
Sell the team now. Sell the team. Sell the, sell the team.
Sell the team now. Sell the team. Sell the , sell the team.
Sell the, sell the, sell the, team now.
.
Sell the team. Sell the team. Sell the, sell the sell the team.
Sell the team now. Sell the team. Sell the, sell the team.
Sell the team now. Sell the team. Sell the , sell the team.
Sell the, sell the, sell the, team now.
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That?s right!
©NedCo Broken records 2010. NedCo?, maker of such fine favorites as Slappy Mc Pop-up®, the Curacao Cow®, Oh Schidt My Arm®, and coming soon, Jeez Louise its Ortiz®
“Jeez Louise its Ortiz”…..LMAO, Enchanted!!!!!
Well, well, enchanted is back with song no-less – just fabulous!!!!
northstateblues – I am guessing that instead of reading about our security issues, the front office rather read that some Dodger fans are wearing Dodger blue underwear instead. JMO of course.
Kahli – you know better than to think Joe thinks logically.
Alright Andre!!!! Come on Matt!!
Who says Andre can’t hit lefties? NOT ME!!!!!!!
Way to go Kersh!!!!
Andre has had 7 ABs against lefties this year so far and is batting .571 with 2 RBI’s. It’s an early sample size, but it is much better than last year already.
Good job, Kersh!!!!
I surely hope last year was a fluke for Ethier batting vs left
Yeah Kershaw see what happen when you have a nice k to bb ratio.
Kahli be lucky he doesn’t have Martin batting 4th.
Just got in from work. I see we’re getting shutout again. At least we’re still in this one and Kershaw turned in a gem. We got two innings to get two runs. Come on guys!!
Fu-Q Y’all
That’s what Johnny says BTW, not a commentary on my ITD brothers and sisters.
Fabulous! Celebrate! Clayton, Manny and many more.Thank You
Good Job Kersh!!! You pitched a wonderful game!!! Hang in there Weaver so we may have a chance.
Hiya Everybody
I see Barry Zito is control of us today and it looks like Kershaw has given us another starter gem, with one bad pitch Juan Uribe.
I hope I can add a little luck.
George is making me nervous
Dang I just got back from watching the Lakers game and we’re losing.
DL Sherrill sorry butt.
We got a chance now. Come on Manny!!!!
Nice relief work in the top of the 8th, just like old times but we haven’t scored in 17 innings( just like old times).
MANNY!!!!! Maybe that’ll take the wind out of the gnats’ sails.
Is Broxton ready.
Well he’s getting ready.
I left school when Kersh was pullled, hoping that by me not watching just might help. However, getting in the car, I was not so pleasantly reminded that I was listening to the gnats announcers. I heard the bases get loaded and then Troncoso get the Dodgers out of the inning, and then I had to turn off the car in order to finish my school chores, which required me to go into Staples. It seems like everytime I go into Staples, fun stuff happens. I was making a few copies when I heard my phone go nuts. I knew by the sound it was a good Dodger sign. I found out what had happened, and then by the time I got back into the car, Kruk, Kuip and Fleming were all boo hooing. I do have to say, they did say Kersh pitched a hell of a game, and for that I give them a tad of credit.
Great pitching by Kersh and Broxton today. Thanks to Troncoso for getting out of the bases loaded jam, and thanks to Manny for the HR and giving Brox the chance to do his thing.
WAY TO GO DODGERS!!! Thanks for silencing the “home” crowd today :)))
Way to go Brox!!!!! Thank-you, Manny!
Broxton with his 1st saves.
I hate when Torre bring in 3 pitches in one inning but he did good with the PH in the 8th innings and that was some gut PH for Carroll.
oops pitchers
Well, I had just posted enchanted’s song on DodgerLyrics when Anderson walked, so I typed, “Get ’em MANNY” here on ITD. But I didn’t post it. The last few times I did that, it ended badly. I deleted it just as he hit his HR.
So then I typed, “Big Jon says: Fu-Q’all!!!!!!!!!!!!!”
And then I deleted it. Wait, I says.
OK, now it’s safe.
What does Jonny say?
Big Jon says: Fu-Q’all!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Jot down today’s date the next time the Dodgers lose a heart breaker they should have won…because today was a good, old-fashioned, lightning-in-a-bottle stolen victory! Maybe this is the game that will free Manny from his sullen funk.
Oh, and then I felt what I thought was a little tear for Zito…..
……..but I was wrong. Just a little allergy……..
Slightly embarassed to admit that, like a kid, I grabbed the Manny wig I used for Halloween when I noticed Manny was up. I was mainly joking with my girlfriend, but then he hit the homer and I was shocked, then jolted the rest of the house with my cheer, and was glad to see us take 2 of 3 from the Mighty Midgets of the Bay.
Hopefully this doesn’t mean I have to wear the wig for every Manny at-bat for the rest of the year, it’s itchy.
I forgot to say Kershaw was awesome today too. Went deep into the game and, if Billz and Kurooda can do the same, with our good hitting, we will be pretty good! Feeling much better now!
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Been trying for one hour to get this one post on here. These damn submission errors are for the birds!!!!!!
Ohhhhhh jhall!! Where are you? I was just wondering if you were going to any of the Cincinnati games?
Must be fun to be nellyjune today!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Good evening everyone…………
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Wow this place looks so alive, lots of great chatter from everyone. I have been training for some work with the Census this past week so, I have been rather busy. It is good to see the Boy’s hitting the ball so well.
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I agree that in order for the fans to enjoy thier expierence at the game, regardless of whom they are cheering for. We as the host team and the host fans, should see to it that everyone has an enjoyable and SAFE expierence. The Dodgers have a big responsibility in providing us with these assurances, and it is one they must NEVER fail. We also bare some responsibilty in this, as good patrons, who believe in the Dodger Way. It would be nice to see the crowd act in a responsible manner, whether they have been drinking or not. However, once again the Dodgers shoulder the brunt of the burden and MUST see to it that all the fans have a safe and enjoyable expierence. No Excuses!!!!
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North that’s good MOJO with the dreads today…..maybe not so much with the girlfriend??? Tread Lightly!
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Enchanted, I absolutly was busting up from your new release…I must admit I was sing and humming right along.
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It is great to see everyone, EXCELSIOR TRUE BELIEVERS!!!!!
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GO DODGERS!!!!!!!
BRING THE RING TO THE RAVINE!!!!!!!!!!!!
knouffbrock – I think I will have more fun tomorrow when I see all of my colleagues who happen to be gnat fans. As for my family, my son wasn’t even here, and my hubby is pretty nonchalant about it really. I am sure if my son was around at the conclusion of today’s game, the response from him would have been “but who’s in first place?” I had my most fun on Friday when Andre hit his Grand Slam. My son wasn’t here (because he thought it would be more fun to text me everytime the gnats scored, which never happened), but I actually stood up cheered like I do (which is never quiet), and I actually said “I’m Sorry” because I knew I was having invisible daggers thrown at me from my hubby when that happened. Thanks for asking :))
I think all of the Nor-Cal fans are going to be walking pretty tall in Dodger blue tomorrow. Now, it’s time to get back to business and climb back up to the top of the standings where we should be.
Great post Dodger4life!!!
Good Morning ITD!
GREAT GAME! And if we beat the series agains the #1 NLWest team then we should be able to beat the rest…no excuses!
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DODGER4Life – You are right! If people want to enjoy a game … R-E-S-P-E-C-T…. respect the visitors fan and they should respect the home teams’ fans and also keep in mind it is NOT the fans fault if their team is loosing…
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NELLY hopefully this win is a BIG BOOST up to the TOP…we do have the #1 offense, so that should help too!
HAAAHAAA!
I was listening to the Dodgers radio station in SoCal and they wanted fans to e-mail, text?? in names that will for ETHIER & KEMP…one person suggested THE BLUES BROTHERS (which I kinda liked) but another person suggested that since Ethier plays by the Right Pavillion, which is the All-You-Can-Eat Pavillion; they suggested to call it THE ALL-YOU-CAN-EAThier-PAVILLION… cheesy & funny!
I just don’t get it. Yahoo already have Lackey in a Boston uniform but they still have Belliard wearing a freaking Nats hat, Anderson wearing an Angels hat, Carroll wearing an Indians and Johnson in a Cubs hat and Padilla in a Rangers hat.
Also Sherrill is still in an Orioles hat.
hahahahaha
I’m okay he’s with the Dodgers (Padilla). Just not being touted as our #1! He’s a good #3-5 but far from a #1. I also like that he can be the enforcer if need be.
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If this staff had a true ace they would be great.
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Shad – I think you should look into getting a job at yahoo as their photo quality control expert!
Nice win yesterday and awesome taking 2 out of 3 from the Midgets.
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It was nice to see a clean game without any errors.
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The Dodgers are next to last in fielding and middle of the pack with pitching. The pitching should improve with 1 Ortiz gone and Kuo & Belly coming back. I think George will turn it around so that should also help. Now if the D can improve we should be able to win some of these close games we’ve lost. We are only 2 games out and seeming to be gaining so
e momentum. Keep it up Boys!!
i
Take the Challenge Frank… Make a difference in your House – The Ravine – Dodgertown.
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Being embarrrsed on the field is one thing but being embarresed in the stands is another.
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Take the challenge & really do something about it!
I wish Padilla was still wearing a Rangers hat…
Please excuse my typos… I’ve got a new toy and I’m getting used to it…
I can’t wait until the Ramon Oritz leave. Hurry up Belasario and Kuo
I can’t wait until the other Ramon Oritz leave. Hurry up Belasario and Kuo
Let’s me try that again since I can’t seem to get that right the 1st 2 times. I can’t wait until the other Oritz leave so hurry up Belasario and Kuo.
lol I try and I would had love to work for yahoo.
I wish we had a different owner…..
I wish security would throw the thugs out of Dodger Stadium….