Lineup at Maryvale

Switch furcal to leadoff and put Whinner on the bench and replace with the real LF'er and that is a pretty good line up.

Ethier goes 2 for 3 yesterday (almost 3-3 if it wasn't for Gathright) with a HR. Shame on You Ethier! Because Andre has more power, a better OBP, and a better arm in the outfield, he is better suited for the bench. How on earth can anyone use those tools on the bench!! Maybe Andre needs to sulk and moan, just like Slappy so he can start. PLEASE TRADE PIERRE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Do it for the fans Ned!! The fans want it, the fans need it!! NO MORE PIERRE, NO MORE PIERRE! SI SE PUEDE!

This organization will be the laughingstock of baseball if Ethier doesn't start.

Hopefully this is the last time Pierre is starting or in the leadoff spot. Not only is Pierre playing rob the team of Ethier, but maybe more importantly, it robs the team of a very nice leadoff man in Furcal who has been nothing short of brilliant this spring as he is finally healthy.

Back to the bayou Pierre!

Why should I, as a paying customer, support a team that doesn't put its best players on the field?

I will not buy a ticket, merchandise, food, or anything else the Dodgers sell until this happens. I know, in the grand scheme of things, losing one customer doesn't mean much, but the message that managment is sending is just plain disgusting.

Question for Ned:

Hi Ned,

Lost in all this talk about "Rookies vs. Veterans" is perhaps one of the most important moves the club will have to make in the next couple of years--replacing Vin Scully when he retires. I do not have the person in mind, I just really hope you will give a young guy a shot, just like it was given to a young Vin, to be the voice of the Dodgers for the next generation. Nothing against Charley, Steve or Rick, but you must agree they are not the answer. Hopefully there is a young guy out there somewhere earning his stripes, someone who will grow with the young players that are the next generation of Dodger stars. We really deserve that as fans. Please don't go to the talking heads in a box model so many teams--including the Dodgers on non-Vin days--have embraced. We need a BROADCASTER, someone who can paint the picture, someone who can talk to us, not to the ex-jock in the booth. Please, please, please please make the right decision on this. Nothing about the future of the team causes me more anxiety, and I know I'm not alone.

momoracci, make that 2 customers.

The idea that Ethier would be a better player off the bench is elementary. Of course Ethier is better suited coming off the bench than Pierre. The hole in that logic is that Ethier is better suited than Pierre to do anything, whether it's LF, pinch hitting, taking a ****, you name it.

Pierre is a pinch runner or pinch bunter at best.

Don't let us down Joe! You can do it!

Ned: Pick up 1/2 of Pierre's salary and trade him and pretend you're paying a nice young solid player in Andre Ethier 5 million.

Not a bad deal, huh?

james_guss's questions on broadcasters reminds me - Russ Langer, who does play-by-play for the Las Vegas AAA team, did a couple of the Dodger broadcasts this spring and sounded pretty good. He seems to have a higher ceiling than the veterans (Steiner, Monday, Lyons), each of whose track record would seem to indicate a continuation of the competent, non-distinguished skills they bring.

"Ethier and Kemp are talented, but you don't know what the 600-at-bat result is," Torre said. "You don't have a history of what it will be."

Would somebody please tell Mr. Torre that Andre Ethier has 946 CAREER PLATE APPEARANCES!! This "unproven" label on Ethier has got to go away! He is a bona-fide Major Leaguer and it's time to let Ethier soar...

Ethier has nothing left to prove; that's why he's not starting today!

It looks like even Gurnick is seeing the light. If this was posted before, I apologize:

"SURPRISE, Ariz. -- If Joe Torre decides not to start Andre Ethier in the outfield on Opening Day, wouldn't you want to eavesdrop as the Dodgers manager explains to Ethier why?

With Juan Pierre watching from the bench on Monday night -- and refusing to speak about it afterward -- Ethier fortified his credentials for a starting job with a team-high sixth home run this spring, along with a perfectly executed hit-and-run single and two walks. He was also robbed of extra bases by a spectacular Joey Gathright catch of a hard-hit liner. Ethier has 15 RBIs and, perhaps more impressive, 12 walks and only three strikeouts.

So this spring, he's got a .359 average, a .481 on-base percentage and a .672 slugging percentage. He's played all three outfield positions without an error. He's shown patience and power and versatility. He hangs in there against lefties (the home run was off left-hander Jorge De La Rosa).

"He's playing his tail off," said Torre. "He's playing really well."

Whether that means Ethier will get the nod over Pierre and/or Matt Kemp, Torre isn't yet saying. But Ethier said he's getting used to proving his value.

"This is how my career has been," said Ethier, who was acquired from Oakland for Milton Bradley two years ago. "Oakland didn't think I could help them out. I came here and did it. I know I can play every day and help. They must not believe it, that's just the way I see it.

"I see plenty of teams out there giving guys a chance. I understand Los Angeles is a whole different market. There are expectations. So, the last two years I've had to open eyes enough for them to believe I'm capable. I know I had to have a big spring -- they told me I had to have a big spring -- to play every day. Sometimes you need a kick in the butt or a chip on your shoulder to bring out the best in you."

As for Pierre, he made the bus trip and not only didn't start, but never appeared in the game. Pierre declined to comment, and Torre spent time talking with Pierre in the outfield during batting practice.

"He doesn't like not playing," said Torre. "I'm sensitive to that. In my situation, I'm trying to find out as much as I can. Not starting doesn't mean he's not going to play. I'll go talk to him. When I had the four outfielders together, I didn't expect them to be happy about the situation. I just hope they understand what I'm doing."

Torre said the appropriate situation didn't present itself for Pierre to be used off the bench early in the game, and he didn't want to get Pierre off the bench late in the game when temperatures cooled."

You have to like the way Ethier's handling it all so far.

i agree. ethier and his ability to get on base, hit for power, and throw guys out on the base paths is way better suited for the bench. why would anybody in their right mind want to see that on an everyday basis? ethier's homers and OF assists are repulsive, and should be relegated to a sub role. here's to giving juan pierre 700+ at-bats this year.

momo,

Count me in, that's 3!

That Baxter quote you all jumped on (justifiably) is a hoot. Just substitute a different but relevant name for Ethier and see just how dumb it sounds: simply ridiculous -

But ANDRUW JONES, nearly 31, has more power, a better arm and will drive in more runs [than Pierre], tools that would make him more valuable off the bench. And that fact, ironically, could wind up costing him the starting job.

There is no explanation for Pierre starting over Ethier at this point in time and certainly not on Opening Day. GM's and Managers constantly say that money isn't a factor when determining roster spots and lineup cards but by playing Pierre, Torre and Coletti's actions speak louder than their words. You made a mistake in signing Pierre. Just move on!!! Don't continue to play him in an attempt to justify your folly. Please!

Major League Baseball Players Association credits Pierre with the smallest hat size among active players (5 and a quarter).

5 and a Quarter??? 5 1/4"??? How is that even possible???

Thanks, guys. I don't know if this will make any impact (probably not) but at least we tried.

kssparkuhl - right on about Ethier's experience. Last season Ethier had 505 Plate Appearances (and I believe Torre is using "at-bats" euphemistically for PAs), which qualified him for the batting title. That's about 83.3% of the 600 PAs Torre mentions. Should give you a pretty darn good idea what a full-time Ethier provides, plus he is reaching peak age.

Whats ridiculous is that Ethier sulking will get him traded and Pierre sulking will get him more playing time.

At least Gurnick told his story from Ethier's perspective, which is how ALL the stories should be written, since he's the youngster playing great and the job hasn't been given to him as promised. THERE'S YOUR STORY! Nobody cares about a one tool player making 9 million dollars who has had a terrible spring and must now watch three other men do what he can't.

Also, I'll know the Dodgers are serious about winning when the consecutive games streak ends for Pierre. Until then it's all talk and no action. He needs to sit and watch his streak go up in flames and when that game is over say to the press and his teammates he understands it was for the better of the team, NOT what's best for him, because that's not what's most important.

Fogey's right. Langer is pretty good and will hopefully get a shot.

And "undistinguished" is perfect to broadly summarize the others.

You know... I have absolutely no problem with Ethier sitting this one out. He's obviously earned some time off before the season starts.

I will however have a major problem if I turn on my HD-Projector Monday afternoon (here in Idaho) and see that Juan Pierre is starting the season just because he's a veteran!

As for the broadcasters, would it kill Steiner or Monday to give the freaking score or ball and strike count? That's something that Vinny still does, he's right on top of things other than getting a player mixed up from time to time.

kkspark,

Right, we're just making sure that dead horse doesn't try and get up.

Down, Trigger!

James Guss' question for Ned is a fantastic one, and something that I've been pondering for a while now myself. Whoever takes hold of that microphone is going to have incredibly big shoes to fill...it's almost not even fair given the unmatchable comparisons they will be subjected to.

Still, the Dodgers need to look to the future. I for one do not have a significant problem with Charlie, and he is the official heir apparent, right?

Any other good candidates out there? Love what the Lakers have done with young Spero Dedes and would like to see the Dodgers find the next great voice, just like they did with Vin. This could make things a little rough in the first season of a transition, but it would pay off in the long run.

What do you guys think? I hate to even comment on this, but I've read that Vin's contract is up after this season and I believe he's turning 81. Could he be headed for an EVP position ala Tommy?

Chris

http://www.dodgerfan.net

Andre Ethier doesn't have to prove anything to us, them or anybody else. He IS our left fielder. He's the people's choice and the people's left fielder.

Hey Chris,

I agree that Spiro is very good. What about that depressing Joel Myers? Any hope for us Laker fans that Spiro could simulcast like Chicky Baby used to do?

""He needs to sit and watch his streak go up in flames and when that game is over say to the press and his teammates he understands it was for the better of the team, NOT what's best for him, because that's not what's most important.""

You know Alex... I just don't think Slappy has it in him to be THAT kind of a team-player. It would shock me to no end to hear him say anything to that effect...

I think the "crybaby" label is spot-on.

I bet Joe Torre thought that when he left the Yankees he was going into a team where he would be allow to make the decisions on the field not the owner or GM like in New York. But if Pierre starts over Either the decision is coming from McCourt and Colleti not Torre. Hey guys let Torre decide who starts that's why you pay him the big bucks. In the spring Eithier has a .359 batting average with 6 home runs while Pierre is hitting .188 with a .253 OBP. Besides you can't throw any one out from the dugout.

Just found a photo of Slappy after he was told he was sitting out yesterday's game:

http://www.sky-decks.com/misc/crybaby.jpg

It is pretty obvious what should and needs to be done to give our team the best chance of success. If they don't do it, it will just be a huge mockery of baseball and the fans.

The P.R department needs to remedy this situation fast. Or Pierre is going to be booed mercifully. What I suggest is having a press conference Friday morning in the Dugout Club with Torre, McCourt, Coletti, Lasorda, Pierre and Ethier among others. They need to announce their opening day lineup that day and have Ethier in the starting lineup in left field. Pierre needs to stand up there like a man and talk about his frustrations, but tell us he trusts Joe Torre and the Dodgers to make the right decision. He'll do whatever he can to help the team win whether it's in the lineup or not. That will end this 'controversy'. Guaranteed!

or booed *unmercifully* as it were...

I'm getting some "Dump Colletti Now!!!" signs made up to hopefully disperse through the Dodger Stadium crowds to have them pop up in the stands every time that Pierre comes to the plate.

Messagebear... you might add to the bottom of those signs:

"And Take Stan Conte with you!"

*unmercifully, of course, thanks

Dream on, Alex!

Slappy thinks he is an everyday player whose game "just isn't appreciated" by us non-hard-working fans. The dude is in outer space right next to Ned I'm afraid.

Also, check this out, a little scary...Looks like good old Maury was nothing more than a JP clone, although in his time and on those teams maybe .330 OBP wasn't so bad?

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?playerId=28116

Deadhoremen,

We need to all go to a game together sometime this season, and bring those banners with us. It will get the message to McCourt.

The best players should start, and that means that on opening day, the starting LF should be Andre Ethier.

BTW, and if Mr. Slappy Pop-up McDribble gets the starting job I will not attend any home games.(FYI, I'm a season tix holder)

sorry guys, i meant, "deadhorsemen"

thunder,

Dead Horseman t-shirts would be cool.

I know I'm dreaming but this is going to be a nightmare not just on the field, but off of it. They need to fix this fast and if Pierre starts opening day it's going to get really bad. I said months ago this is the biggest decision for this organization and of course with 6 days until Opening Day, it's just now getting significant press time. I myself will not boo Pierre (I go to half the home games), but there will be plenty who will share my inner feelings and express them outwardly and I fully support them if the Dodgers don't fix this now.

I think Pierre will on;y be happy if he starts somewhere else. This loyalty **** about Ned promising him stuff is just that - ****!

He has to go before this year starts looking like last year again.

If he starts - trouble. If he sits - trouble. It's a no win situation.

I can't wait to be at the stadium on Friday! I have season tickets and last year the only games I missed were when I had to take a business trip to Toronto. I got to see the Blue Jays and Red Sox for a game so that is a stadium I can marked off.

As you probably know there are no signs allowed at the stadium.

God willing Vin will be with us a little longer at least like he said in his speech at Vero. Here is part of what he said "..and like I say over there and God willing, I will be saying it a little longer at least, "is Time for Dodger Baseball!". Let me tell you, I got chills when I heard him at Dodgertown. - emma

Dear JP, you are no Cal Ripken Jr.

I can't wait till I go to the game on Saturday, I will be in the right field stands and I will be booing JD Drew the whole game, he is the game's most overrated player of all time. I hated when the dodgers signed him, they should have wasted that money on Beltre at least we would have a third baseman.

I saw that Drew backed out of the opener in Japan. Something about his back.

Yep. What a shocker! From mlb.com:

TOKYO -- Just a few minutes before the first pitch of the 2008 season, Red Sox right fielder J.D. Drew was scratched from the lineup due to tightness in his lower back.

Rookie Brandon Moss took Drew's sixth spot in the batting order and replaced him in right field.

Drew had been Boston's hottest hitter during its stay in Tokyo, belting two homers and driving in seven runs in the two exhibition games against Japanese professional teams.

It is unknown if Drew will be able to play the second game of this series on Wednesday. Following the two games against Oakland, the Red Sox will travel to Los Angeles and resume exhibition play with a three-game set against the Dodgers.

I for one would rather have Princess Drew on the team than JP - at least Drew can sit out a game without complaining. lol

Let Pierre play today and go 0 for 4 or 5 and just add another nail to his coffin. It's only spring training and I know Ethier will start the season in left. I think Torre is giving Pierre enough rope to hang himself out in left field. I hope there's a tall tree somewhere close by

Pierre leading off today. I guess there is crying in baseball.

true rglynn..

yeah, what a shock about Drew. I actually made a bet at Vero with a Red Sox fan. I said Drew will be on the D.L. he said Nomah. Unfortunately he will probably call me first. Another surprise is Scott Rolen on the D.L.

Ericmonson, don't forget to call 323-224-1507 if you are taking the shuttle.

Does it shock any of you guys that Torre would platoon his leadoff hitter? I don't think he will.

jungar,

Yeah, I really can't see Furcal getting mixed up in this and having to go from 1 to 2 and back again all the time.

Solution: If/When Pierre plays, he bats 8th! Or if Penny is pitching, Penny 8th, Pierre 9th.

Dodgers vs. Brewers Play by Play Coming Up! The last Arizona spring training game and the last spring play by play of the season!

Brad Penny vs. Carlos Villanueva

Pierre, Furcal, Kemp, Loney, Jones, Martin, Abreu, DeWitt, Penny

Weeks, Gwynn Jr., Fielder, Braun, Hall, Hart, Counsell, Rivera, Villanueva

Ok guys, it's game time. Let's win this one blue!! Here's to Juan Pierre going 0-5.

I agree with momoracci@yahoo.com who posted at 11:21 AM that he will not support a team who does not play the best players.

I will wait until opening day but if Ethier is not one of our starting OF'er along with Kemp and Jones then I will not support the team with my money in any way until the situation is rectified. This means I will not go to any Dodger games, buy any Dodger merchandise, watch them on TV or listen to them on the radio. I will not even visit this blog or the Dodger.com site because of the advertising dollars that could generate. I will keep up to date with the team from the newspaper only. I know that I am only one fan but if enough people do this then it could send a message to management that they owe the fans to put the best team on the field.

I agree with Momo also, I might even go as far as to watch the Gnats or D'backs :-)instead, and spend my money on something other than baseball. That would make my wife happy.

aaron,

You are right.

Also, McCourt is constantly trying to improve his image and if there is a fan uprising over this it can only reflect poorly on him.

Top 1: Dodgers Batting: Carlos Villanueva Pitching:
Juan Pierre rolls over to second

Rafael Furcal doubles to right

Matt Kemp grounds to short, Furcal to third

James Loney singles to right, Furcal scores, 1-0 Dodgers

Loney steals second

Andruw Jones on full count strikes out swinging

1 Run 2 Hits 1 LOB End of 1/2 inning 1-0 Dodgers

Furcal is a beast.

It's too bad each game starts off with an automatic out.

Hey, all you Brooklyners! Wasn't Dixie Walker "The People's Cherce" or something? I think Alex was on to something when he called Andre the people's left fielder earlier.

Andre Ethier - The People's Choice! (Let's leave Cherce to Brooklyn).

Slappy is making Joe's job easier.....

Juan 4-3 Pierre

When Ive been mad at the Dodgers "moves" before, I still go to some games but wear my Cards hat. Its kind of my own personal protest. If I don't go the Dodgers won't know and won't care what I think.

I hope Kershaw pitches and brightens up my day.

Bottom 1: Brewers Batting: Brad Penny Pitching:
Rickie Weeks grounds to DeWitt at third

Tony Gwynn Jr. walks

Prince Fielder pops to Furcal

Ryan Braun flies to Jones in center

0 Runs 0 Hits 0 LOB End of 1 1-0 Dodgers

Ethier as a starter, as a ticket taker, or peanut vendor is ALWAYS going to be better than JP period. So of course he's going to be better off the bench. What kind of argument is that?

It'd be like in nuclear physics, "my 3rd grader is going to start on the problem, and in about 2 1/2 hours we're going to let the genius take over."

STOP THE INSANITY!!!!

I like the way Penny has been pitching lately. I hope he has really put it all together and has a cy young year!!

Top 2: Dodgers Batting: Villanueva Pitching:
Russell Martin grounds to short

Tony Abreu strikes out swinging

Blake DeWitt flies to right

0 Runs 0 Hits 0 LOB End of 1 1/2 1-0 Dodgers

At least Dodgers not name Pierre that are struggling this spring have taken their share of walks.

Anybody here concerned about the Dodgers lack of power already?..or is Andruw Jones as bad as he was last year already?..I have only watched 2 games, but boy I'm not loving what I see so far...Andruw looks awful...and no left handers in the starting rotation is a big PROBLEM to me...I know we have Kershaw who is great, but I don't think they will start him at least the beginning of the year...You just can't be successful without at least one left hander...Hopefully Mike Myers won't be part of this team...he's done..

You know, if Pierre plays everyday, the Dodgers only have 23 outs to work with most of the time. It is HARD to win like that. REALLY HARD.

I'm not worried about the power. If Ethier plays 90 % of the season he will hit over 20 home runs. I think we can see 20 from Loney and 20 to 25 from Kemp and at least 30 from Jones Kent is good for 20 if he plays as he did last year. I think martin is good for 15. I see more power than last year.

Power:

Furcal

Ethier

Kemp

Loney

Jones

Kent

Martin

LaRoche

Everyone of these guys is good for somewhere in the 15-35 range I believe.

I wasn't counting Pierre's zero.

I believe the Dodgers lead the N.L in home runs this spring, or at least they did. If they play the right players, power is up and down the lineup. Each player could hit at least 15 home runs.

Bottom 2: Brewers Batting: Penny Pitching: Penny will only pitch 3 innings today while Kershaw will also pitch 3 innings today, which unfortunately means he won't pitch in the Coliseum game:
Bill Hall walks on four pitches

Hall to second on a wild pitch

Corey Hart flies to Kemp in right

Craig Counsell on a full count walks

Mike Rivera strikes out swinging

Carlos Villanueva singles to center (Penny threw him a breaking ball and it got whacked), Hall scores, Counsell to second, 1-1 Tie

Weeks strikes out swinging

1 Run 1 Hit 2 LOB End of 2 1-1 Tie

Kershaw could START the Sunday game at Dodger Stadium!!!

Kershaw at Dodger Stadium would be so exciting.

Penny is a little off today. Probably trying to keep these guys from doubling to shallow left field.

Agreed, that would be a great sight.

Top 3: Dodgers Batting: Villanueva Pitching:
Brad Penny singles to left when Braun loses the ball in the sun

Pierre lines to third, Penny doubled off at first

Furcal flies to center

0 Runs 1 Hit 0 LOB End of 2 1/2 1-1 Tie

Great, now Pierre is not only getting himself out, but Penny too! Drag him off the field before he causes any more outs!

Reggie Jackson was Mr. October. Pierre is Mr. Out.

ok, now it's just funny. it's just spring training, and i don't know how much pressure a 'veteran' feels, but it sure is comical to watch JP *fail* on every sequential at bat.

ferk

ethier

kemp

jones

loney

martin

abreu

hu

p

Bottom 3: Brewers Batting: Penny Pitching: On this getaway day, Hu is in for Furcal, most regulars will only get two/three at bats:
Gwynn lines to Abreu at second

Fielder strikes out swinging

Braun walks

Hall on a full count walks, Braun to second

Hart flies to Jones in center

0 Runs 0 Hits 2 LOB End of 3 1-1 Tie

He definitely is feeling the pressure. I figured Slappy would be able to slap a couple bloop singles per game at least, but he has been grounding to 1st and 2nd just about every at bat.

If you're an opposing infielder and up comes JP, you're thinking here comes a nice easy bouncy one for me!

Hey for anyone not in the Vegas area. The new owners of the AAA team are going to change the name of the team from 51's to something else. The public is going to vote on it. Also, if they do not build a new stadium the Dodgers will not renew their affiliation with Vegas. That would **** seeing as how I live in Vegas, and it's nice to get to see our prospects play.... especially on dollar beer night.

I bet Pierre gets another 5 at bats today, getaway day or not.

What a piece of **** he is.

Did Hu come in for Furcal??

Top 4: Dodgers Batting: Villanueva Pitching:
Kemp flies to right

Loney flies to left

Jones strikes out swinging

0 Runs 0 Hits 0 LOB End of 3 1/2 1-1 Tie

This whole situation with Pierre is making me angry. The Dodgers should be playing their regulars now so they can jell as a team. Furcal is our best lead-off hitter. Ethier is our best LF. They should both be playing in those positions now. I'm tried of all the nonsense about competition and Torre still making up his mind. The answer is obvious to everybody. By any logical standard Pierre doesn't belong in the starting line-up, and with his attitude, doesn't belong on the team. Yet, the fans have to put up with management's lack of action. The Dodgers have been crying for more power for years, then when Ethier shows he can provide the needed power management can't decide whether he should play. Give me a break! How dumb is that?

The worst decision McCourt has made was not sticking with the GM that he inherited. Dan Evans was turning the team around and understood the value to growing your own players. His two replacements have made horrendous personnel decisions. If Evans were still the GM, I bet the Dodgers post season record would have been much better. Now because Colletti refuses to correct his huge blunder by trading or dumping Pierre we are losing the edge that is needed to win in the NL West. Unless things changes, it looks like another long season.

KERSHAW TIME!

Pierre ST #s update

.183 .247 .225 .472 (OPS)

Ethier's OBP .481 is higher than JP's OPS .472....enough said!

Bottom 4: Brewers Batting: Clayton Kershaw Pitching: Kemp, Loney and Jones all replaced by Young, Martinez and Repko:
Counsell pops to Pierre

Rivera doubles down the right field line

Villanueva strikes out looking

Weeks strikes out swinging on "Public Enemy #1" (Steiner screamed)

0 Runs 1 Hit 1 LOB End of 4 1-1 Tie

Charris, stats like OBP and OPS are foreign to Colletti. You need to show stats like, "What time does the player come out in the morning to practice" or "How much more is the incumbent player paid than the up and comer" Shame on You Charris, you should know better!

Yeah, you'd think at this point in the spring we'd be playing our regulars all the time. When is Torre announcing his starting lineup?

You just can't be successful without at least one left hander...
Posted by: drpdedblnd@aol.com | March 25, 2008 01:33 PM

=================================

The 2004 Red Sox and the 2006 Cardinals both won the World Series with almost no contribution from LH starters. The Sox had ONE start from a LH (the unforgettable Abe Alvarez), and the Cards had 17 from Mark Mulder who was lit up brighter than a gaudy Christmas tree (7.14 ERA).

Steiner and Monday do seem to have a problem giving the score, count and baserunner status often enough - which is especially important on radio because are tuning in all the time, while on TV you can see the situation on the screen - but my biggest problem with Steiner is that his perception on fly balls is simply AWFUL. How often have you heard him get excited on a ball that ends up not even reaching the warning track, or surprised on a ball that carries out? Answer: too often.

In the World According to Ned, let's not forget Nedism #10 - Pierre's not to blame, the other players aren't making him look better.

old_fogey,

Re: Steiner

It's the ghost of Jerry Dogget!

Alex is right, before today the Dodgers had 33 HRs total, tied for 3rd in the majors, and 1st in the NL (4 more than the Astros).

scott - I miss hearing Vin referring to him as "Jerome".

Top 5: Dodgers Batting: Villanueva Pitching:
Martin doubles to right center

Abreu lines to Counsell who drops the ball and throws Abreu out

DeWitt foul pops to third

Delwyn Young strikes out swinging

0 Runs 1 Hit 1 LOB End of 4 1/2 1-1 Tie

I hear that since Arod is a better player than Betemit, Arod will come off of the bench and Betemit will start.:-)

Maybe when the Dodgers break for L.A. after the game they can leave little Slappy-go-lightly in AZ. Tell him there's a double header or something.

Does anyone find DY's strike outs perplexing? I know he is trying to show what he can do, but he hasn't shown that he belongs in the majors and he is going to block someone else like Repko that is playing a lot better than him.......

Bottom 5: Brewers Batting: Kershaw Pitching: (Martin lobbied to stay in the game to catch Kershaw)
Gabe Kapler grounds to DeWitt at third

Fielder strikes out swinging

Braun grounds to Hu at short

0 Runs 0 Hits 0 LOB End of 5 1-1 Tie

Ned, I don't always agree with your decisions but I have to say you and the Dodgers are class acts for answering the fans questions. My question is , It seems to us fans that whenever a trade rumor pops up involving the Dodgers, it seems like other teams want so much more from the Dodgers for their player than they ask for and sometimes get from other teams. Is this a true statement, and if it is why do you think it's like that?

I remember Jerry calling a game where Willie Crawford "slid into third with a stand-up double!"

God rest him.......

oh wow pierre gotta hit OMG!

that's the only way he ever gets basehits off those little dribblers when can you actually hit a ball out of the infield JUAN!!

I liked Betemit. He was such a streaky power hitter. He had the power but couldn't connect enough to make a difference

Pierre's hit should have been and error.

We need Repko to make the roster. If he could stay healthy, he could help us win the west.

Must have been the irreplaceable speed jhall.

Top 6: Dodgers Batting: Villanueva Pitching:
Pierre drag bunts to the right side toward Munson and Weeks it goes between them and Pierre goes to second on a bunt double (double you tee eff)

Hu sacrifice bunts to the catcher, Pierre to third

Repko singles to left, Pierre scores, 2-1 Dodgers

Ramon Martinez 6-4-3 Double Play

1 Run 2 Hits 0 LOB End of 5 1/2 2-1 Dodgers

When Pierre doing something right is a big deal you know he doesn't deserve to start.

Oh no Pierre got a hit. That's it, mark him down as the starting left fielder.

You know with that hit he thinks he's earned the job now.

I don't know about you guys but I think this thing between Either and Pierre should already end I mean its such a clear disision. Just play Ethier. I think the problem that there having with Pierre is his salary and I think they don't want to pay him that much to sit down. I really dissagree with that shouldn't we just do what's best for the time and stop worrying about the bucks. Pierre will not help us get a ring. But I know if he starts every dodger fan will be angry about it. I kinda feel sorry for the guy if he gets to start he'll get booed out of L.A.