Jim Allen, maybe we'll have to watch a city game together. Maybe we can even get more of the group together and make an outing of it.
Full Version: Dodgers 2004
Cuz everybody else is doing it. And at least Jim Allen will always have something "colorful" to say here.
Jim Allen, maybe we'll have to watch a city game together. Maybe we can even get more of the group together and make an outing of it.
Jim Allen, maybe we'll have to watch a city game together. Maybe we can even get more of the group together and make an outing of it.
Stinger, are they selling single game tickets for the Dodgers yet? I'd love to get my father tickets for the Yanks vs. Dodgers games in June.
Individual game tickets go on sale starting a week from Saturday, on March 6th. I'm too lazy to post a link to the schedule and games, but just go to www.dodgers.com and it's easy to find.
Stinger, yeah, I'm up for a mini-Outsports convention at a Dodgers game (I live about 10 minutes from the Stadium). I'm terrible at organizing things, but if you have any ideas about dates/games (I'd prefer a Saturday night game), let me know and we can start a thread about it.
I like how colorful is in quotes. It'll be more like mockery most of the time, I suspect. Seriously, I think it's going to be a really long season at Chavez Ravine. No hitting, a bad manager, good-but-not-great pitching, management pissing off the one really good player they have etc. It could be grim for Dodgers fans, not that I'll mind!
[ February 26, 2004, 03:46 PM: Message edited by: Jim Allen ]
I like how colorful is in quotes. It'll be more like mockery most of the time, I suspect. Seriously, I think it's going to be a really long season at Chavez Ravine. No hitting, a bad manager, good-but-not-great pitching, management pissing off the one really good player they have etc. It could be grim for Dodgers fans, not that I'll mind!
[ February 26, 2004, 03:46 PM: Message edited by: Jim Allen ]
If you want a Dodger/Angel game, they play on Saturday, June 26th at 1 o'clock. And you get a Dodger rally towel. I'm sure you would/could find some useful purpose for it.
I think we're done with Saturday football by then. Maybe we can get Brent or Jim B. to organize it. I'm not much of a party planner either.
I think we're done with Saturday football by then. Maybe we can get Brent or Jim B. to organize it. I'm not much of a party planner either.
QUOTE
Jim Allen:
I like how colorful is in quotes. It'll be more like mockery most of the time, I suspect. Seriously, I think it's going to be a really long season at Chavez Ravine. No hitting, a bad manager, good-but-not-great pitching, management pissing off the one really good player they have etc. It could be grim for Dodgers fans, not that I'll mind!
Grim? I don't think so. I think the Dodgers will be just as good as last year at least. But that might not be saying much. I'm still hoping they can somehow dramatically come up with a great hitter before April. I like how colorful is in quotes. It'll be more like mockery most of the time, I suspect. Seriously, I think it's going to be a really long season at Chavez Ravine. No hitting, a bad manager, good-but-not-great pitching, management pissing off the one really good player they have etc. It could be grim for Dodgers fans, not that I'll mind!
I don't think they lost much in Kevin Brown. He is injured way too much, and he wasn't even reliable in the second half last year. I'm MUCH more disappointed that Paul Quantrill is gone.
I haven't been to Dodger Stadium in years. I'm originally from the Mojave desert, and my parents and family are still there, but I always make my way home during baseball's offseason.
I don't live a real long way from Vero Beach now. I've been talking to a buddy about catching a Houston / Dodger game up there in March. It's still in the planning stages though. I've got tickets to the Final Four in San Antonio, still have to deal with that first.
If you guys decide on a date to meet in LA let me know. Who knows, depending on when it is I might be able to make it.
More Dodger front office moves: Graziano out, another freakin' Red Sox guy in. (sorry, registration only site)
[ March 05, 2004, 12:39 PM: Message edited by: Jim Allen ]
QUOTE
Graziano joined the Dodgers in 1986 as the director of financial projects, hired by Peter O'Malley. He became a vice president in 1987, and took over day-to-day operation of the business side of the franchise when he was named executive vice president in 1997.
Fired after the 1999 season by News Corp., Graziano was quickly rehired when Bob Daly took over operation of the franchise before the start of the 2000 season. The McCourts are deep into the process of hiring Mike Dee, the Red Sox's executive vice president of business affairs, to succeed Graziano as head of day-to-day operations, baseball executives said, although Graziano technically remains in the position despite tendering his letter of resignation two weeks ago.
One of the few top women executives also quit:Fired after the 1999 season by News Corp., Graziano was quickly rehired when Bob Daly took over operation of the franchise before the start of the 2000 season. The McCourts are deep into the process of hiring Mike Dee, the Red Sox's executive vice president of business affairs, to succeed Graziano as head of day-to-day operations, baseball executives said, although Graziano technically remains in the position despite tendering his letter of resignation two weeks ago.
QUOTE
Dodger executive Kris Rone resigned from the club Thursday because of philosophical differences with new owners Frank and Jamie McCourt.
\"Changes like this are not unusual during an ownership transition,\" said Rone, who for five years directed the club's sales and marketing efforts as executive vice president of business operations.
Bill W's golden child Paul DePodesta decided to keep the scouting department intact for now.\"Changes like this are not unusual during an ownership transition,\" said Rone, who for five years directed the club's sales and marketing efforts as executive vice president of business operations.
[ March 05, 2004, 12:39 PM: Message edited by: Jim Allen ]
Hey, is that cutie Dave (?) Roberts still on the team?
He's still there; they need him to stay healthy and play better than he did last year.
QUOTE
Jim Allen:
He's still there; they need him to stay healthy and play better than he did last year.
I just read that Paul LoDuca gained 20 pounds over the winter. I thought he looked thinner last year; can't wait to see how the weight affects his form, as well as his play.
He's still there; they need him to stay healthy and play better than he did last year.
Is that "gained 20 lbs over the winter" or "juiced all winter to get ready for the season"?
QUOTE
Jim Allen:
Is that \"gained 20 lbs over the winter\" or \"juiced all winter to get ready for the season\"?
According to ESPN he just re-evaluated his diet and conditioning. Paul's my favorite player on my favorite team, I'd like to see him get back to the All-Star game again. If he spends too much time playing in the outfield this year I don't see how that can happen though.
Is that \"gained 20 lbs over the winter\" or \"juiced all winter to get ready for the season\"?
Shawn Green is being moved back to right field. I'm glad to see this happen. Green and Lo Duca are my favorite players. It would have been nice for the Dodgers to find a big hitter, but hopefully Green bounces back from his surgery.
It looks like Parking lot attendant and his wife are talking big and carrying a big broom around (LA Times registration site):
QUOTE
New Dodger co-owner Jamie McCourt lashed out at the former regime Monday while responding to questions about the recent spate of front-office resignations, saying more should have been accomplished and the culture of the club must change.
Speaking on behalf of her husband, Frank, Jamie McCourt said they were not concerned about the high-level defections that have occurred in their first month in charge. The McCourts have not addressed the club's approximately 250 full-time staff members about the resignations of Bob Graziano, team president; Kris Rone, executive vice president of business; and Derrick Hall, senior vice president of communications, and they won't dwell on them when meeting with employees sometime before opening day at Dodger Stadium.
The McCourts said change is simply part of the transition process and they expect more from everyone. \"We expect an enormous amount of accountability,\" said Jamie, the vice chairman. \"We're going to try to change the culture of the Dodgers, because this should be a team that's in the playoffs every year. To not be in the playoffs is crazy. They should have been drawing 4 million fans, not 3 million fans. They should be making money, not losing $50 million [a year].
They're either going to completely turn this team around or get run out of town by an angry mob. I don't see much middle ground.Speaking on behalf of her husband, Frank, Jamie McCourt said they were not concerned about the high-level defections that have occurred in their first month in charge. The McCourts have not addressed the club's approximately 250 full-time staff members about the resignations of Bob Graziano, team president; Kris Rone, executive vice president of business; and Derrick Hall, senior vice president of communications, and they won't dwell on them when meeting with employees sometime before opening day at Dodger Stadium.
The McCourts said change is simply part of the transition process and they expect more from everyone. \"We expect an enormous amount of accountability,\" said Jamie, the vice chairman. \"We're going to try to change the culture of the Dodgers, because this should be a team that's in the playoffs every year. To not be in the playoffs is crazy. They should have been drawing 4 million fans, not 3 million fans. They should be making money, not losing $50 million [a year].
QUOTE
\"I can't speak for Frank. No one asked me if I thought we should get a hitter or not,\" she said. \"You probably have to talk to Frank. This is bad because you guys remember everything and you write everything down.\"
Has this woman never dealt with the press before?
The McCourts are proving to be highly amusing, at least. Whether they have any idea about the Dodgers--beyond turning the stadium into a business park/condo complex in (I predict) three years--is open to debate. Interesting that they are already backtracking on the "need for a hitter." Equally interesting is watching the exodus of long-standing members of the Dodger organization, most recently communications director Derrick Hall. His exit led to Shawn Green's public criticism of the ongoing leavetakings.
~Adam
~Adam
I feel like they're laying the groundwork so that in a few years they can some how justify a new stadium. I love Dodger stadium now. Would the new stadium go downtown by the Staples center? I hope this doesn't happen, or I'll be :mad:
The plan is this: build a stadium by Staples, level Dodger Stadium then build housing/retail, make a killing. It's a horrible plan on so many levels: Dodger Stadium is still perfectly acceptable and has revenue-producing luxury suites; it's "home"; to build a baseball stadium downtown would be folly: to get 18,000 people in to Staples 40 times a year for a Lakers game is just doable, but 40,000+ 81 times a year, mostly during the week? Awful.
The McCourt's swear this won't happen but I don't believe them for a second. I can't believe they'd spend all that money and jumped through the hoops they did to get the team just to sit around for the 2-5 years it's going to take to rebuild the team in to an "every year" playoff team without a payoff somewhere. They're Red Sox fans, they have no real ties here, they're essentially carpetbaggers.
[ March 18, 2004, 06:10 PM: Message edited by: Jim Allen ]
The McCourt's swear this won't happen but I don't believe them for a second. I can't believe they'd spend all that money and jumped through the hoops they did to get the team just to sit around for the 2-5 years it's going to take to rebuild the team in to an "every year" playoff team without a payoff somewhere. They're Red Sox fans, they have no real ties here, they're essentially carpetbaggers.
[ March 18, 2004, 06:10 PM: Message edited by: Jim Allen ]
Is there any possibility of building a new stadium in Chavez Ravine?
They have the perfect stadium now. It would be stupid to build another. You don't suppose they'd dare ask for tax dollars to build such a new stadium, would they?
Anybody that tried that here would be laughed out of town. It's the biggest stumbling block to getting an NFL team here.
Timber, the simple answer is: possibly. There was talk of the Peter O'Malley building a football stadium there to get an NFL team; I believe it would have been in one of the northern parking lots. Joe's right though, there's no need to build a new stadium. Dodger Stadium is still in good shape; apart from the horrible bathrooms on the red level and a general lack of adequate concessions stand, it has luxury boxes and exclusive club seating behind the plate etc. etc. Some stadiums need to be replaced--see: The Vet--but this isn't the case; the only reason to get rid of it would be greed, pure and simple. The last thing the area around the stadium needs--I live 10 minutes from the Stadium--is another freakin' shopping mall and million dollar homes.
The McCourt's continue to bumble and stumble:
[ March 19, 2004, 08:44 AM: Message edited by: Jim Allen ]
Timber, the simple answer is: possibly. There was talk of the Peter O'Malley building a football stadium there to get an NFL team; I believe it would have been in one of the northern parking lots. Joe's right though, there's no need to build a new stadium. Dodger Stadium is still in good shape; apart from the horrible bathrooms on the red level and a general lack of adequate concessions stand, it has luxury boxes and exclusive club seating behind the plate etc. etc. Some stadiums need to be replaced--see: The Vet--but this isn't the case; the only reason to get rid of it would be greed, pure and simple. The last thing the area around the stadium needs--I live 10 minutes from the Stadium--is another freakin' shopping mall and million dollar homes.
The McCourt's continue to bumble and stumble:
QUOTE
Derrick Hall, former senior vice president of communications, returned to Dodgertown on Wednesday and met with co-owner Frank McCourt after resigning Saturday. Hall and McCourt declined comment, but a high-ranking official in the commissioner's office said McCourt was trying to persuade Hall to remain with the club. Players hope that McCourt succeeds.
\"There's no question,\" right fielder Shawn Green said. \"Everyone in the clubhouse would like to see him stay. He's the best in the business at what he does and everyone trusts him. He always has the organization's best interest in mind.\"
All transitions are tough, but it seems the McCourt's have made this one tougher than some.\"There's no question,\" right fielder Shawn Green said. \"Everyone in the clubhouse would like to see him stay. He's the best in the business at what he does and everyone trusts him. He always has the organization's best interest in mind.\"
[ March 19, 2004, 08:44 AM: Message edited by: Jim Allen ]
Dodger's acquired Milton Bradley from the Indians in an attempt to add more offensive power. Shawn Green will move to 1B. The Dodger's plan to start Bradley today (opening day). Hopefully Bradley's able to make a quick transition.
GO BLUE!!
GO BLUE!!
One plus about Milton Bradley that seems to have forgotten in much of the coverage of his problems (with police, coaches) in Cleveland is that he gets along with his teammates. And--when healthy--he's been a consistent hitter, something the Dodgers need.
I hope local media avoid the "Milton Bradley has game" style puns, but I doubt it.
~Adam
I hope local media avoid the "Milton Bradley has game" style puns, but I doubt it.
~Adam
Wow, the Times had an orgasm about this acquisition today. Can Green play first base or is he going to hurt the infield defense?
Nice of the Dodgers pitching staff to provide the Angels with 3 games of batting practice over the weekend.
Nice of the Dodgers pitching staff to provide the Angels with 3 games of batting practice over the weekend.
Somehow, I doubt Green will spend all that much time at first; he may be tried there for a bit, but somehow, I think he'll wind up back where he belongs ere too long.
~Adam
~Adam
I'm not convinced Milton Bradley is the answer. Sounds like we could have another Mondesi situation developing here. Great talent, bad attitude. At the least it provides a little more depth if and when someone goes on the DL.
One of the articles I was reading yesterday mentioned that there is no 1-man answer, but Bradley is a good addition. He performed well yesterday in his first game as a Dodger. It will be interesting to see how Green adjusts to playing first base. And to see how long it lasts. I think that may have a bigger effect than Bradley's attitude.
What's up with Beltre getting ticked off for being dropped to 7th in the batting order? Have you noticed that Beltre seems to do best when he has competition? The name slips me, but the Dodgers acquired a third baseman from Milwaukee a couple years ago. The very day he made his Dodger debut Beltre "suddenly" got hot. The same thing happened last year when Ventura came to town. Beltre needs to grow up and show that he can play consistently year round, whether or not competition is breathing down his neck.
It figures the second I start ragging on Beltre he comes up with a huge 2 run home run. Given the Dodgers lack of offense last season, I had just about given up on them last night when they fell behind 4-0. 2004 is a new year. So far the starting pitching is not near as good, but the hitting is much better.
I find it kind of funny that Jim Tracy has now APOLOGIZED for not having spoken to Beltre before shifting him to seventh in the lineup. Aren't these people grownups????
Anyway, whatever the reason (and I'm sure it's partly the competition and his feeling "disrespected") Beltre has been the Dodgers' sparkplug in the first two games.
Liked the story in the Times yesterday in which Bradley's mother talked about the time she was working as a store checker and a robber told her "to empty the till, bitch." She replied that she wasn't a "bitch and that if he wanted the cash, he'd have to take it himself." He did & she called the cops who were able to get his fringerprints off the till! She's one sharp cookie.
~Adam
Anyway, whatever the reason (and I'm sure it's partly the competition and his feeling "disrespected") Beltre has been the Dodgers' sparkplug in the first two games.
Liked the story in the Times yesterday in which Bradley's mother talked about the time she was working as a store checker and a robber told her "to empty the till, bitch." She replied that she wasn't a "bitch and that if he wanted the cash, he'd have to take it himself." He did & she called the cops who were able to get his fringerprints off the till! She's one sharp cookie.
~Adam
I went to the Dodgers/Rockies game tonight and it was a great game. The weather was decent, nice and warm during warm ups then when the sun set it got a bit chilly and it was very moist and clammy.
A great game which the Dodger's won 5-1. Both Dave Roberts and Paul Lo Duca put in great performances. Dave Roberts stole 4 bases...along with my heart!! My he looked mighty good tonight!
A great game which the Dodger's won 5-1. Both Dave Roberts and Paul Lo Duca put in great performances. Dave Roberts stole 4 bases...along with my heart!! My he looked mighty good tonight!
QUOTE
stinger85
Dave Roberts stole 4 bases...along with my heart!! My he looked mighty good tonight!
Stinger, I never really noticed Roberts much before but after seeing him play twice this week he is definitely worth paying closer attention to. wink Dave Roberts stole 4 bases...along with my heart!! My he looked mighty good tonight!
I caught part of the game on satellite late last night and Vin Scully sounds as great as ever -- after broadcasting for the Dodgers for over 50 years he knows just when to blend in historical facts with personal anecdotes and background on the players and is still one of the best in the business.
[ April 10, 2004, 08:27 AM: Message edited by: gamecock ]
I just hope Dave Roberts can stay healthy. That was his problem last year. He has always been a big base stealing threat. Izturis wasn't able to move him to third at any point last night, but he has been hitting much better since last summer.
I'm shocked at how well the Dodgers are hitting as a team. If they can hit like this all year there is nothing to stop them from getting deep into the playoffs.
I'm still wondering how effective their starting pitching will be throughout the season. Ishii has a history of getting outs, but wasting a lot of pitches to get it done. Nomo did not look like himself on Opening Day. If he gets hit hard on Saturday I'm going to seriously start worrying about him. Wilson Alvarez should be a starter. If anyone goes down I would expect him to step into the rotation.
I'm shocked at how well the Dodgers are hitting as a team. If they can hit like this all year there is nothing to stop them from getting deep into the playoffs.
I'm still wondering how effective their starting pitching will be throughout the season. Ishii has a history of getting outs, but wasting a lot of pitches to get it done. Nomo did not look like himself on Opening Day. If he gets hit hard on Saturday I'm going to seriously start worrying about him. Wilson Alvarez should be a starter. If anyone goes down I would expect him to step into the rotation.
The Dodgers have quietly become the best team in baseball to this point. The starting pitching is not as good as last year, and even Gagne has looked shakier than usual, but the Dodger hitting is getting the job done. Most notable: Adrian Beltre. The former posterboy for the underachieving Dodgers is getting the job done in APRIL this year. Hitting is infectious. Just yesterday Beltre hit a three run shot. It was enough to inspire Encarnacion and (hunky) David Ross to follow him with homers of their own.
It's a long season. But the Dodgers have already done something unthinkable last year. They are a combined 7-2 against the Giants and Padres, and they swept a series at Pac Bell.
Let's see how the pitching holds up in Colorado this week...
It's a long season. But the Dodgers have already done something unthinkable last year. They are a combined 7-2 against the Giants and Padres, and they swept a series at Pac Bell.
Let's see how the pitching holds up in Colorado this week...
I was going to note how the Dodger's currently hold the best record in baseball, but Timber beat me to it. The Dodger's usually have a good 1st half of the season, but seem to slip in August and September. Hopefully they can get some rest to Green, Lo Duca, and Roberts to keep 'em healthy. Either way, I'm enjoying the season so far. As plenty of billboards say here in L.A., GO BLUE!!!
QUOTE
stinger85:
The Dodger's usually have a good 1st half of the season, but seem to slip in August and September. Hopefully they can get some rest to Green, Lo Duca, and Roberts to keep 'em healthy.
I read that Jim Tracy was determinded to keep Paul Lo Duca fresh this year. In the past it has been hard to keep him out of the lineup because he was the Dodgers best hitter. His production typically falls off a lot in August and September, just when the Dodgers need offense the most. The Dodger's usually have a good 1st half of the season, but seem to slip in August and September. Hopefully they can get some rest to Green, Lo Duca, and Roberts to keep 'em healthy.
But this year most of the team is hitting well. And David Ross is a very capable substitute for Lo Duca behind the plate.
What makes the Dodgers scary this year is Adrian Beltre. He has NEVER hit well until the end of the season. This year he is off to a great start. Shawn Green seems to be hitting much better this year as well.
Injuries are bound to occur at some point, but the Dodgers seem to have their bases covered. Robin Ventura is waiting in the wings to play full time. Paul Shuey should be back to pitching by mid May. And Wilson Alvarez and Edwin Jackson are very good starters if they become needed.
[ April 19, 2004, 05:30 PM: Message edited by: timber07 ]
I've seen enough of Jeff Weaver. This guy stinks. I had a feeling the Yankees were glad to be rid of him. Jim Tracy needs to put Wilson Alvarez into the starting rotation. Jeff Weaver is only good for long relief.
Hi, Timber - you're right on both counts: he is a lousy pitcher, and the Yankees were glad to see him go. He's got great stuff, but was never able to put it together consistently or effectively in New York. As bad as the Yankee pitching has looked outside of Vazquez and Brown this year, I'm still glad Weaver is gone.
I agree about Weaver, he hasn't impressed me much. Ishi pitched a shut out yesterday to keep the Dodger's at least tied for the best record in the league and atop NL West. They host the Mets this week followed by the Expos.
Ishii is tough to figure out. He pitches behind in the count; seems to always walk batters, and somehow he still gets the job done. After his disasterous start in Colorado I was shocked to see him come back with a complete game this weekend.
My Dodgers will be visiting my second favorite team, the Florida Marlins, next week. This is my only chance to see the Dodgers in person this year! One lousy three game series in Florida and it comes during the week. :mad: I've got my tickets for the Thursday game. I'm just hoping Weaver isn't pitching that night.
My Dodgers will be visiting my second favorite team, the Florida Marlins, next week. This is my only chance to see the Dodgers in person this year! One lousy three game series in Florida and it comes during the week. :mad: I've got my tickets for the Thursday game. I'm just hoping Weaver isn't pitching that night.
Well the Dodgers took the first game from the Marlins and now again have the best record in MLB. The odd thing is I don't think any one player is to thank. Beltre has been hot with HRs and RBIs, but it seems like most nights they get good output from a couple of different people and their pitching staff does what it needs to win. They are playing very well as a unit.
I don't think any of the Dodgers' games have been televised here yet, but from what I've heard, they have certainly been a pleasant surprise so far this year. I noticed that none of the writers at The Sporting News and Sports Illustrated picked the Dodgers to finish any higher than third in the NL West, but Outsports' Charlie in the Trees picked them to be first. Nice to see Los Angeles getting some offensive production this year, especially from Green and Beltre (18 runs each). Another Dodger (Dave Roberts) leads the majors in stolen bases.
Speaking of Adrian Beltre, I finally got around to reading SI's baseball preview edition (for some reason, unlike other sports magazines, SI isn't sold in many places here and is always late getting to the newsstands). Many of you probably already saw the anecdote about Beltre, but for those who may have missed it, he has never worn a protective cup:
"Don't like them", Beltre says. "I'm not comfortable with them. When you move, it moves around. I never wear one". Beltre also claims to never to have been hit where the cup would have come in handy, except for the times when he was a teenager in the Dominican summer league and a coach would tap the knob of a fungo bat between each player's legs to see if he was wearing one. Those found to be unprotected received, in addition to the unpleasant sensation, a small fine. Beltre paid his share.
"Crazy," says Dodgers infielder Robin Ventura. "Shortstop maybe I could see. But third base? I guess he's not too worried about being a father."
Speaking of Adrian Beltre, I finally got around to reading SI's baseball preview edition (for some reason, unlike other sports magazines, SI isn't sold in many places here and is always late getting to the newsstands). Many of you probably already saw the anecdote about Beltre, but for those who may have missed it, he has never worn a protective cup:
"Don't like them", Beltre says. "I'm not comfortable with them. When you move, it moves around. I never wear one". Beltre also claims to never to have been hit where the cup would have come in handy, except for the times when he was a teenager in the Dominican summer league and a coach would tap the knob of a fungo bat between each player's legs to see if he was wearing one. Those found to be unprotected received, in addition to the unpleasant sensation, a small fine. Beltre paid his share.
"Crazy," says Dodgers infielder Robin Ventura. "Shortstop maybe I could see. But third base? I guess he's not too worried about being a father."
QUOTE
Beltre also claims to never to have been hit where the cup would have come in handy, except for the times when he was a teenager in the Dominican summer league and a coach would tap the knob of a fungo bat between each player's legs to see if he was wearing one.
OT: This reminds me of the time my dad was umping one of my little league games and he tapped with a bat the crotch of our catcher, who was a girl. I thought that was a little weird. Do softball players wear cups?(OT even more: My dad showed no favoritism. To appear unbiased he once called me out sliding into third but told me after the game I was safe.)
QUOTE
stinger85:
Well the Dodgers took the first game from the Marlins and now again have the best record in MLB. The odd thing is I don't think any one player is to thank. Beltre has been hot with HRs and RBIs, but it seems like most nights they get good output from a couple of different people and their pitching staff does what it needs to win. They are playing very well as a unit.
Last night Beltre had me jumping out of my chair with that 2 out, ninth inning hit to tie the game. I thought it was really important that they pull that game out. Jeff Weaver is pitching tonight. Weaver stinks and will probably lose big time, he's already behind 2-0 after the second inning. Well the Dodgers took the first game from the Marlins and now again have the best record in MLB. The odd thing is I don't think any one player is to thank. Beltre has been hot with HRs and RBIs, but it seems like most nights they get good output from a couple of different people and their pitching staff does what it needs to win. They are playing very well as a unit.
Thursday night is my one chance to see the Dodgers live this year. Last year I was able to get right behind home plate. The Marlins are selling a few more tickets this year though, so first base side row 17 was the best I could do. It's a good matchup too; Ishii against D-Train Willis.
I grew up in Southern California and I've been a lifelong Dodger fan. I've always tried to catch Dodger games wherever I may be living. I don't always bring good luck though. A few years ago I caught them playing the Rangers in Texas. The Dodgers were leading 11-1 going to the bottom of the eighth, and they lost 12-11.
My Yahoo fantasy team is loaded with Dodgers and Marlins. I'm not doing too bad either, 4th place right now. It's kind of odd I'm playing Stinger this week too. So far, so good, I'm up 7-3 right now. Maybe I can take first place away from Stinger next weekend.
Great game tonight. I had visions of a disaster about to occur when the Marlins loaded the bases in the ninth. It was all good though. Just gave me the chance to see Gagne pitch to a batter. Shawn Green looked great hitting two DEEP home runs. Paul Lo Duca played, but in left field. I had to settle for eyeing Dave Ross all night. wink
It was feast or famine for Milton Bradley, either strike out, or hit a home run. And Dontrelle Willis has to be the most intimidating pitcher in the majors at the plate. Ishii worked around him to load the bases for Juan Pierre. And of course Pierre responded by hitting a deep fly ball over Paul Lo Duca's head for two RBI.
Maybe I'll get to see the Dodgers in Florida again this year, there is always the playoffs right?
It was feast or famine for Milton Bradley, either strike out, or hit a home run. And Dontrelle Willis has to be the most intimidating pitcher in the majors at the plate. Ishii worked around him to load the bases for Juan Pierre. And of course Pierre responded by hitting a deep fly ball over Paul Lo Duca's head for two RBI.
Maybe I'll get to see the Dodgers in Florida again this year, there is always the playoffs right?
It was nice to see Green connect with the ball. Hopefully this ends his little slump at the plate. I am going to their game next Sunday when they host the Reds.
I'm going to have to check their schedule, I don't think they've lost a series yet.
I'm going to have to check their schedule, I don't think they've lost a series yet.
QUOTE
stinger85:
I'm going to have to check their schedule, I don't think they've lost a series yet.
They lost 2 of 3 at Colorado, and I believe they lost 2 of 3 at home to the Mets. It's about time they let Wilson Alvarez start. He pitched an incredible game at Pittsburgh tonight. The Dodger starters have been less than spectacular as a group. They need an ace to lead the way, Alvarez might just do the job for them. I'm going to have to check their schedule, I don't think they've lost a series yet.
Side note: Now that the Dodgers have left town, I'm pulling for the Marlins to help out the Dodgers and sweep the Padres. They beat them tonight, two more games this weekend.
The Dodger's again hold the best record in baseball, and the best road record at 11-4. I keep waiting for them to dive, but I think they usually wait until after the all-star break to do that. Anywho, I'm going to this Sunday's game against the Reds.
One of the nicest things about going to my dozen-or-so Dodger games per season has been the fact the organization has no mascot. That, it seems, is changing. Lon Rosen, Dodger executive VP for marketing, is considering adding a mascot to "insert a little more energy" at Dodger Stadium. "I think two-thirds of the Major League Baseball teams have mascots. The Angels have a mascot, the Yankees don't have a mascot, the Phillies have a famous mascot, but I don't know if it'll work. We're going to take a look at it and talk to people about it." Here's my favorite part of this story: As part of the research, VP of communications Gary Mireanu said he had the mascot of at least one team photographed. Wow!! We photographed a mascot!
Whatever they choose, the mascot better be (Dodger) blue.
~Adam
Whatever they choose, the mascot better be (Dodger) blue.
~Adam
Adam -- Please tell me there will not a mascot until next year. Please!! I really don't want to have to be waiting for pictures with "Roger the Dodger" later this month..... eek!
I'm sure it won't happen this season (and Roger the Dodger is a very good idea...) I always though Tommy Lasorda was sort of like the Dodger mascot; a homophobic, hate-filled mascot but a mascot, nonetheless.
~Adam
~Adam
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