Category: Dailies

The Internet World

I’ll have a lineup for you shortly, plus information that was requested about the equipment that travels with us on the road, but for now, be sure to take a look at Jon Weisman’s article on CNNSI.com about the Dodger farm system and how it’s helped us get to one game over .500.

In fact, in case you need ammo for your East Coast friends who continue to say the NL West is the NL Worst, consider the following from Jon’s article: NL West teams are a combined 103-91 and have a 56-44 record against the rest of the NL, compared with 39-51 for the East and 57-57 for the Central.

For those that don’t know Jon (which I’m guessing are none of you, given that he’s the one that took Dodger blogging to its current level), be sure to check out Dodger Thoughts.

Also, for those who haven’t heard, the LA Times has started a new blog about the Dodgers, which is handled by Brian and Andy Kamenetzky, of ESPN the Magazine fame. Those two also did a Laker blog all season and are very witty writers. Though they won’t travel with the team, they are at almost every home game and should be a good source for interesting tidbits throughout the year.

And finally, a brief thought on last night’s game. Obviously the big storyline came from Takashi Saito throwing two innings and earning the save in place of Danys Baez. While Grady told me last night that Danys will close the game tonight if needed, it certainly goes to show that there is a place for hunches in baseball. Far too often, we only notice a manager’s gut instinct when it turns out the wrong way, but Grady’s decision last night played a huge part in us winning and getting over the .500 hump for the first time in more than a month.

And, as evidence that he doesn’t only go on hunches, he’ll be starting Oscar Robles today at third base because he’s 6-for-12 off Byung-Hyung Kim.

There’s a place for numbers and hunches in baseball, and I personally think that the ones who can combine the two theories the best will be the ones that prevail.

Oye Como Va

It was just a minor league transaction, but music lovers might have taken note when the Dodgers promoted infielder Carlos Santana from Extended Spring Training to Single-A Vero Beach. The Dominican-born switch-hitter batted .295 in 32 games for the Gulf Coast Dodgers last season. He is not to be confused with this Carlos Santana. (Hey, you said you wanted more minor league stuff, right?)

Mother's Day

Since we’re all at the ballpark and away from our mother’s on this day, the least we can do is wish them all a Happy Mother’s Day on the blog. Of course, my mother doesn’t read this so she’ll never know, but that’s okay. Hopefully some of our players’ moms are reading this and know that their sons are thinking of them.

Pink_batsIn fact, I’m currently wearing a pink wristband today, as are most of the Dodger players. Pink bats were used by Kenny Lofton and Nomar Garciaparra on the first time through the lineup and all of this is done to help raise awareness for the dangers of breast cancer and important of early detection. Fans wanting to make a pledge to the Susan B. Komen Foundation can do so here and know that it is helping a good cause. In fact, both of my grandmothers had breast cancer, so knowing that they were able to beat it makes today extra special.

On the field, Danys Baez took yesterday’s loss like a pro, as he knows that you can’t be perfect. I think Dodger fans were truly spoiled for many years, getting to watch Eric Gagne save 84 games in a row. In the meantime, Grady said that if we have a save situation again today, Danys will be out there.

Eric Gagne did throw a bullpen session here at AT & T Park and is getting closer to returning. He could throw batting practice on Tuesday and is working his way back to a minor league rehab assignment. The hope is to have him back in early June.

Meanwhile, I’m still working off my pasta hangover from dinner last night. Tommy Lasorda took Charley Steiner and I to Fior d Italia, the oldest Italian restaurant in the country. When we got back, we were so stuffed we had to walk around the block a couple times and as you can imagine, doing that with Tommy in SF is quite an experience. Everyone stops him for a picture or just to say hello.

Back to the ballgame…

Mueller to have surgery

As I continue to try and make this the place to go to get news first, I’m bummed to inform you that Bill Mueller will undergo arthroscopic surgery on Monday in Phoenix. If all goes as expected, the prognosis is 4-6 weeks for recovery time.

Also, Brad Penny is having a precautionary MRI on his back right now, but everyone is hoping it’s nothing serious.

Otherwise, it’s a nice day by the Bay and the vibe in the clubhouse is positive, which is to be expected, given that we’ve won six out of seven.

Meanwhile, if you’re looking to buy some cool memorabilia and support a good cause at the same time, check out the Jackie Robinson Foundation’s online auction.

Today's game

Went searching for coffee and found today’s lineup. Still searching for coffee…

Furcal, SS

Cruz, CF

Nomar, 1B

Drew, RF

Kent, 2B

Alomar, C

Aybar, 3B

Ethier, LF

Sele, P