That was another tough loss last night and obviously right now, we need a turn for the better. Last year, after dropping 12 of 13 coming out of the break, the team managed to win 18 out of 19, which sure would be nice right now but no one’s expecting that to happen. I’ll settle for the next two, which should put the team back in first place.

Everyone seems a little banged up these days, but that’s why they call it the dog days of August. Incredibly, since 2002 the Dodgers have the best record of any NL team in August, so there’s reason to believe the tide will turn.

Here’s the lineup that will attempt to turn that tide:

Furcal, SS

Pierre, CF

Martin, C

Gonzo, LF

Nomar, 3B

Loney, 1B

Martinez, 2B

Ethier, RF

Lowe, P

The circus has left town and our lives are a little more back to normal…whatever that means. Hopefully it means three victories and a two-game lead in the division by the end of the weekend, but I’ll take two out of three if I have to.

Furcal, SS

Pierre, CF

Martin, C

Saenz, 1B

Nomar, 3B

Kemp, RF

Young, LF (first big league start and seeking first hit)

Martinez, 2B

Billingsley, P

I know that the induction ceremony was last weekend, but there’s some serious baseball talent here tonight. Just off the top of my head, those I’ve seen or know are here tonight are Frank Robinson, Ernie Banks, Tommy Lasorda, Vin Scully, Jaime Jarrin, Joe Morgan and on the field, Barry Bonds, Jeff Kent…it’s a pretty impressive group with all they have accomplished in the game.

Come to think of it, we’ve got Jeff Idelson, a Vice President from the Hall of Fame here just in case you know who goes deep, so I’ll have to check with him to see if we’re missing anyone on this list.

Here’s the lineup for tonight…

Furcal, SS

Pierre, CF

Martin, C

Gonzo, LF

Nomar, 3B

Loney, 1B

Kemp, RF

Martinez, 2B

Tomko, P

By now, hopefully you’ve all heard about ThinkCure, the new charity that has been created by the Dodgers, City of Hope and Childrens Hospital Los Angeles that we really think is going to become a major force in the charitable landscape in Los Angeles. This was publicly launched yesterday at Dodger Stadium, so be sure to see what it’s all about.

In addition to that, we obviously made a trade yesterday, which usually makes for a busy day just on its own. We are expecting Scott Proctor to arrive at the stadium today, so I’m assuming there will be another move made prior to game time and once I know what it is, I’ll try to let everyone know, along with the lineup.

But as if those two weren’t enough to keep everyone on their toes, we had between 400-500 media members here as part of the Bonds Home Run Watch, which stretched our capabilities to the limits. For the most part, everyone seemed to be able to cover the event and bring the "news" (or lack thereof) to all of you in a timely fashion, which was our main goal. It really did have a feeling of a postseason game yesterday and I’m guessing more of the same will take place today and tomorrow.

Unfortunately, the results of the game weren’t great but they’re back at it again this evening. For now, it’s back to work…

UPDATE: Tonight’s lineup:

Furcal, SS

Pierre, CF

Martin, C

Gonzo, LF

Nomar, 3B

Loney, 1B

Martinez, 2B

Ethier, RF

Hendrickson, P

Still no word on what move will be made for Proctor or if that guy on the other team is in the lineup.

Another Update: Bonds is in the lineup

Furcal, SS

Pierre, CF

Martin, C

Gonzo, LF

Nomar, 3B

Loney, 1B

Kemp, RF

Martinez, 2B

Penny, P

Former Dodger farmhand Scott Proctor is coming back to the team. Four years after he was dealt to the Yankees with Bubba Crosby for Robin Ventura, Scott was re-acquired today in exchange for Wilson Betemit.

As most of you probably know, Scott seems to have an ability to pitch almost every other day in the big leagues, which is pretty tough to find.

Yesterday was a very tough day all around, with the worst news coming from Las Vegas, where minor league hitting instructor Bill Robinson passed away while visiting our Triple-A team. I only met Bill a handful of times, but he was extremely friendly and every person I’ve spoken to that knew him well is really saddened by this stunning loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and the family of Brett Butler, who suffered a minor stroke over the weekend, too.

Under these circumstances, losing yesterday’s game seemed rather insignificant, and with Jeff Kent hurting himself in the final inning, it was a day that we’d all just as soon forget (while honoring Bill’s memory, of course).

Today, in the spirit of giving, Manny Mota is hosting his annual golf tournament that benefits the kids in the Dominican Republic and Derek Lowe is hosting his first (the Dodgers Dream Foundation’s third) annual bowling event in Hollywood to benefit the DDF and UCLA’s Mattel Children’s hospital. He’ll have about 10 teammates there and just about everyone involved in the Dodger organization will be doing something today to make a difference in someone’s life who is less fortunate they we are. Hopefully each of you can do the same…

So last year I posted a blog from the sleepover here at Dodger Stadium and I’m doing the same again this year, only I’m heading home. It’s 11 p.m. and everyone seems to be enjoying themselves downstairs, but they’ll still be able to enjoy themselves without me.

The fans are in good hands with Jane Biondi, Signe Hilton and the rest of the Dodger staff that is here. ESPN 710 is broadcasting live starting right now until 1 a.m. with Steve Mason and John Ireland. John also just did a live hit on KCAL, which obviously didn’t get to show the game tonight.

Tomorrow is just one game, with the makeup scheduled for sometime in September. If I can get a lineup in time, I’ll post it or you can always check game day.

Good night…

As you can imagine, much of today has been spent planning for next week’s onslaught of media that is following the home run chase. There was an interesting article on SI.com about those covering it, many of whom we’ll see next week en masse. Among the many things we have to take into consideration is where all these people will park, where they’ll sit, where all the photographers will shoot from, etc.

And we’re hoping to see some of you at the Sleepover tonight at Dodger Stadium. The game will be on DodgerVision, with this lineup:

Furcal, SS

Pierre, CF

Loney, 1B

Kent, 2B (five career homers off Fogg, tied for his most against any pitcher)

Gonzo, LF

Nomar, 3B

Ethier, RF

Lieberthal, C

Tomko, P