Heading into the final series of the regular season, the Dodgers find themselves with a two game advantage on the Philadelphia Phillies for the NL wild card and a game out of first in the west. Everything looks good right? Not so fast. The blue left Colorado yesterday triumphant after dropping 19 on the Rocks headed for the Northern California Coast and the dreaded McCovey Cove. Sure, the Dodgers have faired a lot better at Pac Bell/Monster/SBC/AT&T/CIA/NSA Park, however all that goes out the proverbial window as the Dodgers and the Giants meet again in what will make or break the blue's season.
Am I geeked, oh hell no. I'm going to be locked away somewhere well out of view of a television of far from earshot of a radio. No, the anticipation and anxiety won't allow me to bring myself to enduring what plans to be a series that tests your blatter's ability to keep liquids tucked away. This weekend is shaping up to be one of the most difficult periods I have had to endure in a while and I don't know if I can keep sane this weekend at all. OK, enough dramatics, on to the point of all this. What I fear most is not what happens on the field, what worries me is history.
Remember back in 1982 when that little sawed off bastard Joe Morgan and his chicken wing flap hit one at Candlestick to knock the Dodgers out of contention for the playoffs? How about that infamous Bobby Thompson shot back at the Polo Grounds that 'won the pennant!!!' for the freakin' Giants. In short, stranger things have happened and with this Dodger squad, a four game lead with three to play wouldn't be safe, (SARCASM).
Nothing would please the Giants and all of their small minded Barry Bonds fans more then to knock the Dodgers out of the playoffs with the effects of that 2004 collapse on the next to last day of the season at Dodger Stadium still lingering with the organization. Steve Finley is now wearing the other uniform, however the slam he hit in that game forever put him in the anolls of Dodger lore, and that will be a main motivator for the Giants and their faithful. Of course, you knew it would have to come to this, when the schedule was released late last year, a smart fan would forget about the opener and go straight to the last series of the year. 'Oh shit, it's against the Giants in San Francisco," was probably what was collectively said when everyone clicked on dodgers.com to check out the scene. A more optimistic fan would say that they wouldn't want it any other way and that it would be sweet to secure a playoff spot in the house that Kevin Elster christened in the 2000 season. A more pessimistic person, or one living in the reality based community, would argue that this weekend is tailor made for an ambush and a total reversal of fortunes for the blue.
For the sakes of millions of Dodger fans and their sanity, I hope that tonight the team goes out there and waxes the Giants while the Marlins take care of the Phils. That is the perfect scenario that everyone hopes and prays for. The nightmare the I keep getting however sees us dropping all three, much like in 1996 when all we had to do was win one against the juiced up Ken Caminiti and and dropped all three to finish with the wild card. Still the playoff yes, but a 3 game blasting by Atlanta was not as rewarding as an easier stroll in the park against the Cardinals. After that, a long plane ride home another off season of asking why. For all of our sakes, Hong Chi-Kou better have it tonight.
Friday, September 29, 2006
Wednesday, September 27, 2006
Dodgers: Securing a Playoff Spot as Hard as Chinese Arithmetic
I'm becoming an Astro fan. Well, let me explain. Ordinarily I would have nothing to do with the 'City of Syrup,' home to the Geto Boys and Dj Screw, and who can forget the corporate looting of Enron. After all, the Astros' home was once known as 'Enron Park.' In any case, the good old boys from down south are making their typical late season run at the Cardinals and currently find themselves only 1 1/2 games back in the central. Why the sudden loyalty to a team that I have no previous affiliation with? Well, for all the breaks that the Cardinals have been giving the Friars this week in their two losses to the San Diego club, those dirty rat bastards and all their fans deserve to wallow in their misery by missing the post season with arguably the greatest offensive weapon in Albert Pujols.
Houston also boasts a few dudes that are actually pretty cool, unlike the red birds who are filled with guys who wouldn't bother to piss on you if you were on fire, especially that Crespi High gas can Jeff Suppan, more on him later, the ‘Stros have a few dudes that are actually pretty cool. Sure we all know about Craig Biggio, that little hanging elbow of his is as good as a hit sometimes when he leans out over the plate and gets drilled. I kind of like a guy who is willing to do whatever it takes to help the team and get on base. Also, the USC connection makes them pretty cool. Sure Morgan Ensberg is kind of a dick, but Jason Lane, 1998 College World Series Champion, is one of the best people you will ever meet. You know a ball player is pretty cool when you see him in a public place, much as I did at the Papadakis Taverna during the off season, and he is willing to shake your hand and spend a few minutes chatting with you instead of giving you the usual blow off. I'm sure that the fact that Petros and Brian 'The Hoelice Chief of Manhattan Beach' Viera were there as well loosened up the Lane.
Andy Pettitte is also pretty cool, not to mention 'Rocket' Clemens, and Lance Berkman, I saw him hit one during the Mountain West tournament that still hasn't landed at Tony Gwynn stadium. In short, the Astros are a pretty likeable bunch, and they are coming to shoot down some birds. They are on the prowl for the red birds who have decided to take a late season swan dive like Greg Louganis and in the process, blowing all chances for the Dodgers to win the NL west. Sure the boys did it to themselves, they didn't sweep the late season series with the Fathers and for that they are paying the consequences, however they were banking on the Cardinals to actually show up this week and not just do their best Oakland Raider impression and step aside for the offense. I mean really, when a team the caliber of the Friars comes to town and does you in your own stadium like you were the team scheduled for the homecoming game, then you don't deserve to be in the world title conversation. Call me crazy, but a team that lets Chris Young handle you like a Cy Young, oh wait, the Dodgers lost to him as well.
If the Dodgers fail to secure a spot in the playoffs, it will be by a handful of games at this stage of the program, a handful of games that can be traced to four games that the team had in hand but could not finish. On April 30, as I stated in an earlier post in this very blog, 'Lance-A-Crap!' the Dodgers blew a 5 run lead at the 'Pet' to the Friars and lost in extra innings 6-5 after Lance F'n Carter and Denys Baez decided to implode on that Sunday afternoon. Two days later, the disinterested Odalis Perez blew a 6 run lead at Arizona and the Dodgers would go on to lose 10-8. Earlier this month against the Chicago Cubs, yes the Cubs, the team blew game one and game three of the series when they had a multi-run lead going into the eight and ninth innings. Those four games, with all things being equal, are the four that will haunt the Dodgers should they fail to qualify for the playoffs. I know that in a 162 game season it is difficult to say that one win or one loss lost it for you, but if the Dodger relievers convert on those four games, they they would find themselves with the 87 wins that Grady has stressed since day one, would get them into the postseason. It would have also given them a 2 game lead in the west with 5 to go.
So again, the importance if finishing games and a solid bullpen in the end is what is currently dogging the Dodgers. With no real hammer in the pen, and the loss of Eric Gagne, Ned Colletti's failure to acquire a solid 5th starter and a decent reliever has given this team a hard, Sisyphus like uphill battle to make the show.
As for Jeff Suppan, he is still the same dead arm that got roped by every batter in the 1993 Franklin Panther line up that Saturday Afternoon when the mighty Panthers smoked Crespi 16-2.
Hard Hitting Ventura/Simi Valley Softball Analysis Forthcoming.
Houston also boasts a few dudes that are actually pretty cool, unlike the red birds who are filled with guys who wouldn't bother to piss on you if you were on fire, especially that Crespi High gas can Jeff Suppan, more on him later, the ‘Stros have a few dudes that are actually pretty cool. Sure we all know about Craig Biggio, that little hanging elbow of his is as good as a hit sometimes when he leans out over the plate and gets drilled. I kind of like a guy who is willing to do whatever it takes to help the team and get on base. Also, the USC connection makes them pretty cool. Sure Morgan Ensberg is kind of a dick, but Jason Lane, 1998 College World Series Champion, is one of the best people you will ever meet. You know a ball player is pretty cool when you see him in a public place, much as I did at the Papadakis Taverna during the off season, and he is willing to shake your hand and spend a few minutes chatting with you instead of giving you the usual blow off. I'm sure that the fact that Petros and Brian 'The Hoelice Chief of Manhattan Beach' Viera were there as well loosened up the Lane.
Andy Pettitte is also pretty cool, not to mention 'Rocket' Clemens, and Lance Berkman, I saw him hit one during the Mountain West tournament that still hasn't landed at Tony Gwynn stadium. In short, the Astros are a pretty likeable bunch, and they are coming to shoot down some birds. They are on the prowl for the red birds who have decided to take a late season swan dive like Greg Louganis and in the process, blowing all chances for the Dodgers to win the NL west. Sure the boys did it to themselves, they didn't sweep the late season series with the Fathers and for that they are paying the consequences, however they were banking on the Cardinals to actually show up this week and not just do their best Oakland Raider impression and step aside for the offense. I mean really, when a team the caliber of the Friars comes to town and does you in your own stadium like you were the team scheduled for the homecoming game, then you don't deserve to be in the world title conversation. Call me crazy, but a team that lets Chris Young handle you like a Cy Young, oh wait, the Dodgers lost to him as well.
If the Dodgers fail to secure a spot in the playoffs, it will be by a handful of games at this stage of the program, a handful of games that can be traced to four games that the team had in hand but could not finish. On April 30, as I stated in an earlier post in this very blog, 'Lance-A-Crap!' the Dodgers blew a 5 run lead at the 'Pet' to the Friars and lost in extra innings 6-5 after Lance F'n Carter and Denys Baez decided to implode on that Sunday afternoon. Two days later, the disinterested Odalis Perez blew a 6 run lead at Arizona and the Dodgers would go on to lose 10-8. Earlier this month against the Chicago Cubs, yes the Cubs, the team blew game one and game three of the series when they had a multi-run lead going into the eight and ninth innings. Those four games, with all things being equal, are the four that will haunt the Dodgers should they fail to qualify for the playoffs. I know that in a 162 game season it is difficult to say that one win or one loss lost it for you, but if the Dodger relievers convert on those four games, they they would find themselves with the 87 wins that Grady has stressed since day one, would get them into the postseason. It would have also given them a 2 game lead in the west with 5 to go.
So again, the importance if finishing games and a solid bullpen in the end is what is currently dogging the Dodgers. With no real hammer in the pen, and the loss of Eric Gagne, Ned Colletti's failure to acquire a solid 5th starter and a decent reliever has given this team a hard, Sisyphus like uphill battle to make the show.
As for Jeff Suppan, he is still the same dead arm that got roped by every batter in the 1993 Franklin Panther line up that Saturday Afternoon when the mighty Panthers smoked Crespi 16-2.
Hard Hitting Ventura/Simi Valley Softball Analysis Forthcoming.
Monday, September 25, 2006
You Don't Have to Go Home, But You Have to Get the Hell Out of Here
The season is on life support, barely breathing like Duncan Sheik, however still with a heartbeat. Nomar Garciaparra wrapped up the year at the stadium by sending home the patrons with a victory courtesy his walk off grand slam in the ninth. The win kept the team within striking distance of the Friars and the Phillies, and also managed to save the McCourt's a little face this season barring the blue missing the playoffs. It would have really been something to lose the last game of the season at your park. That's always a great way to show that fan appreciation.
This would have been even greater news had the Friars lost, however they were busy putting the finishing touches on a series sweep of the Pirates, the team that had just taken 2 of 3 from the blue. That leads me to the thesis of this post, how can we expect the Dodgers to win a spot in the playoffs if they can't even take down sub five hundred clubs? The Fathers did what they had to do, so did the Phillies, beat teams that were inferior in talent and beat them handedly. The Dodgers struggled every step of the way against the Brewers, Cubs, Pirates and Diamondbacks, all teams with sub 500 records and all teams that will be watching the post season and listening to that blow hard Joe Buck on the call. It may very well be the same place the Dodgers will be watching from.
One key component to all this madness is the fact that the studly Jeff Kent has list "it." No longer is his porno stash cutting the mustard, last night being no exception to that rule. Kent went 0-4 against weak Arizona pitching last night, and looks overmatched in many of his at bats. In key situations he has struck out with runners in scoring position or lifted lazy pop flies to the infield. The team as a whole is pressing, but Kent is starting to look like the easiest out in the lineup. Even the light hitting Julio Lugo shows more pop these days. What is ailing Kent? Well, he is old, that's for sure. However his entire season seemed to derail after getting hit in the head earlier this season by Giant headhunter Ryan Hennessey. Since that doming, Kent has seen a considerable drop off in his average and home run production and has been in and out of the line up. Less we forget, a beaning by Soloman Torres was essentially what killed Sammy Sosa's career, although was wasn't necessarily such a bad thing.
J.D. Drew seems to be one of the only ones in the line up doing much of anything, his big hits have at least made the Dodgers scary to opposing pitchers. However when you lead off an inning and watch the next three batters strike out, pop out, and strike out, then I'm sure it is a little disheartening. For the money that the boy blunder Paul DePodesta paid him, J.D. is finally looking he is worth the investment.
Entering the final six, to team has an off day and will be rooting for Houston and St. Louis to win their games. It is a sad state of affairs however, when you went from controlling your own destiny to scoreboard watching and rooting for other teams. Sliding in the back door is never better then breaking down the front.
This would have been even greater news had the Friars lost, however they were busy putting the finishing touches on a series sweep of the Pirates, the team that had just taken 2 of 3 from the blue. That leads me to the thesis of this post, how can we expect the Dodgers to win a spot in the playoffs if they can't even take down sub five hundred clubs? The Fathers did what they had to do, so did the Phillies, beat teams that were inferior in talent and beat them handedly. The Dodgers struggled every step of the way against the Brewers, Cubs, Pirates and Diamondbacks, all teams with sub 500 records and all teams that will be watching the post season and listening to that blow hard Joe Buck on the call. It may very well be the same place the Dodgers will be watching from.
One key component to all this madness is the fact that the studly Jeff Kent has list "it." No longer is his porno stash cutting the mustard, last night being no exception to that rule. Kent went 0-4 against weak Arizona pitching last night, and looks overmatched in many of his at bats. In key situations he has struck out with runners in scoring position or lifted lazy pop flies to the infield. The team as a whole is pressing, but Kent is starting to look like the easiest out in the lineup. Even the light hitting Julio Lugo shows more pop these days. What is ailing Kent? Well, he is old, that's for sure. However his entire season seemed to derail after getting hit in the head earlier this season by Giant headhunter Ryan Hennessey. Since that doming, Kent has seen a considerable drop off in his average and home run production and has been in and out of the line up. Less we forget, a beaning by Soloman Torres was essentially what killed Sammy Sosa's career, although was wasn't necessarily such a bad thing.
J.D. Drew seems to be one of the only ones in the line up doing much of anything, his big hits have at least made the Dodgers scary to opposing pitchers. However when you lead off an inning and watch the next three batters strike out, pop out, and strike out, then I'm sure it is a little disheartening. For the money that the boy blunder Paul DePodesta paid him, J.D. is finally looking he is worth the investment.
Entering the final six, to team has an off day and will be rooting for Houston and St. Louis to win their games. It is a sad state of affairs however, when you went from controlling your own destiny to scoreboard watching and rooting for other teams. Sliding in the back door is never better then breaking down the front.
Saturday, September 23, 2006
That Ship has Left the Barn
Heading into the final seven games of the season, it's all but over for the boys in blue. They give it a pretty good ride, but in the end they failed to close out the rest of the pretenders in the league and let weak Padre and Phillies teams pass them in the standings. Tonight's loss epitomized the season perfectly. An early lead, followed by an inferior team's ability to catch the Dodgers and then blow them out of the water late. It's getting to the point where it has become so precitable, that you stop watching because it's like that scary movie where it doesn't matter how many times you see it happen, the stupid half naked girl always goes into the room by herself and get a machete through the skull.
Brad Penny showed tonight why he was the perfect choice to start the All-Star game for the national league. Seeing as how the AL always seems to win home field advantage in the World Series, it is no wonder they let a guy like Penny start off the festivities. Tonight against a club that couldn't get an all-star named to the Valley Adult Baseball League, Penny managed to squander a three run lead by making idiotic pitches to batter he should have blown away. It's like the time UCLA basketball lost to Detroit Mercy in the NCAA Tournament, they got sucked into playing a really slow game and ultimately got beat by an inferior team. The same happened tonight, Penny thought he could be crafty and throw breaking junk that ended up leaving the yard and in the process make a College World Series goat look like Ty Cobb.
The last time I had seen Carlos Quinton, he was crying like a little girl after the Rice Owles handed him and his much hyped Stanford team their asses in the final game of the College World Series. Besides crying, he also took the opportunity to show his team building skills by blaming the loss on his coaches and the starting pitcher who "couldn't seem to throw a big pitch to save his life." He became the latest young player that the Dodgers have made a star of. With a 3-1 lead in the second, Penny hung "the intimidator" to Quinton and it ended up in the alcohol free zone ah-la Jack Parkman. I don't think Quinton did his little shimmie though, the one that makes "all the girls go crazy." What a waste.
The Dodgers then decided to cap the night off with a series of innings that would have pitching coaches around the league proud of Miguel Batista. With a total of 24 pitches in three innings, the Dodger bats decided to go into "operation shutdown" early and call it a night. Apparently it's tough to get a table these days at Cuidad. In any case, the crowd that was there to see if the Dodgers could keep pace with the rest of the teams in contention got to see a tired and battered team beat another tired and battered team 9-3. With as many veterans that Arizona had on the field, it's amazing that they look more spry then the young Dodgers.
The loss pushed the Dodgers to 1 1/2 back in the West and 1/2 back in the wild card chase. With the schedule favoring the Phillies you kind of get the feeling that the Phanatic will probably be doing his stupid dance in the post season. The Friars do have to go on the road and face the Cardinals, a tall order but still troubling for Dodger fans as the Fathers have taken 2 of 3 in the their previous match up and the Cards don't have all that much to play for. Plus, with things being the way they are, the same baseball Gods that have Ozzie Smith hitting rare home runs in the ninth inning in huge playoff games against the Dodgers and have John Tudor, the Dodger Killer, join the Dodgers from the Cards only to blow his arm out, will probably find a way to screw the blue. I guess I'm starting to sound a lot like a Raider fan and the "tuck rule" conspiracy theory.
In any case, the Dodgers now find themselves in a major jam. Grady had said all along that the club would have to hit 87 wins to make the post season. With 7 to go, they would have to go 6-1 and although this team has shown in the past that they are capable of doing it, the chances of that actually happening are slim to none, and yes, slim just got that machete in the back of the head.
Brad Penny showed tonight why he was the perfect choice to start the All-Star game for the national league. Seeing as how the AL always seems to win home field advantage in the World Series, it is no wonder they let a guy like Penny start off the festivities. Tonight against a club that couldn't get an all-star named to the Valley Adult Baseball League, Penny managed to squander a three run lead by making idiotic pitches to batter he should have blown away. It's like the time UCLA basketball lost to Detroit Mercy in the NCAA Tournament, they got sucked into playing a really slow game and ultimately got beat by an inferior team. The same happened tonight, Penny thought he could be crafty and throw breaking junk that ended up leaving the yard and in the process make a College World Series goat look like Ty Cobb.
The last time I had seen Carlos Quinton, he was crying like a little girl after the Rice Owles handed him and his much hyped Stanford team their asses in the final game of the College World Series. Besides crying, he also took the opportunity to show his team building skills by blaming the loss on his coaches and the starting pitcher who "couldn't seem to throw a big pitch to save his life." He became the latest young player that the Dodgers have made a star of. With a 3-1 lead in the second, Penny hung "the intimidator" to Quinton and it ended up in the alcohol free zone ah-la Jack Parkman. I don't think Quinton did his little shimmie though, the one that makes "all the girls go crazy." What a waste.
The Dodgers then decided to cap the night off with a series of innings that would have pitching coaches around the league proud of Miguel Batista. With a total of 24 pitches in three innings, the Dodger bats decided to go into "operation shutdown" early and call it a night. Apparently it's tough to get a table these days at Cuidad. In any case, the crowd that was there to see if the Dodgers could keep pace with the rest of the teams in contention got to see a tired and battered team beat another tired and battered team 9-3. With as many veterans that Arizona had on the field, it's amazing that they look more spry then the young Dodgers.
The loss pushed the Dodgers to 1 1/2 back in the West and 1/2 back in the wild card chase. With the schedule favoring the Phillies you kind of get the feeling that the Phanatic will probably be doing his stupid dance in the post season. The Friars do have to go on the road and face the Cardinals, a tall order but still troubling for Dodger fans as the Fathers have taken 2 of 3 in the their previous match up and the Cards don't have all that much to play for. Plus, with things being the way they are, the same baseball Gods that have Ozzie Smith hitting rare home runs in the ninth inning in huge playoff games against the Dodgers and have John Tudor, the Dodger Killer, join the Dodgers from the Cards only to blow his arm out, will probably find a way to screw the blue. I guess I'm starting to sound a lot like a Raider fan and the "tuck rule" conspiracy theory.
In any case, the Dodgers now find themselves in a major jam. Grady had said all along that the club would have to hit 87 wins to make the post season. With 7 to go, they would have to go 6-1 and although this team has shown in the past that they are capable of doing it, the chances of that actually happening are slim to none, and yes, slim just got that machete in the back of the head.
Thursday, September 21, 2006
Fallen and They Can't Get Up
Not to beat a dead horse, but the Dodgers again provided more emperical evidence to the theory behind their momemtum gathering decent in the league standings. In a tight 3-2 ball game last night, Grady brought in dead arm specialist Aaron Sele who yeilded 3 runs to the Pirates, and in the process made Xavier Nady, Jack Wilson, Jason Bay, and some guy named Paulino look like Andy Van Slyke, Chico Lind, Bobby Bonnila, and Barry Bonds. Again, the offense tried to come back and would have won the game had they only been helped by a little bit of decent pitching. Hey Grady, if you are looking for another arm, I'm always available. I can hang a curve like the best of them. Unfortunately, the point to this game is to not hang those curves, and the "slider" that Sele attempted to throw last night to Nady looked like something Napolean Dynamite's Uncle Rico would have thrown.
Now the Dodgers find themselves in at dead tie with the Phillies, who's wide nosed first baseman Ryan Howard is the latest home run hitter du jour and the darling of the ESPN Baseball Tonight crew. At least we don't have to watch all of Barry's at bats on that show as their talking mouth stuffed shirt host and ex decent ball player anchor cream their shorts over the young slugger. With the schedule favoring the Phillies, it is starting to look rather grim for the blue.
They do have the possibility of winning the west, of course, just like I may someday run and finish a marathon, however that would take something that the Dodgers desperately lack, heart. Jeff Kent is the latest to illustrate his drivng desire to win. With the bases loaded and 2 outs in the bottom of the ninth, Kent took the count to 3-2. Yes, the moment that every kid dreams of, sans the world series, two outs, bottom of the ninth, winning run on base, chance to be a hero, put your team back into first place, etc. Here is the pitch and he totally swings at ball four and strikes out against Soloman Torres. Game over, drive safely, thanks for coming.
I'm not putting it all on Kent, he should have not had to be in that position. Had the bullpen, again, done their job perhaps Kent would only have to worry about not letting squibers bounce through the infield and score runners from second, much like he let happen in the 7th inning when Wilson singled home Chris Duffy. Regardless, it is what it is, and now it's a giant crap sandwhich which all of the fans are going to have to eat.
If the Dodgers can't find their way out of this recent funk that has seen them lose 2 of 3 in series with the Brewers, Cubs, and now Pirates, barring a Buc sweep tonight, then they will most likely miss the playoffs. It wouldn't be anything new as fans have grown accustomed to it, however going from the top of the standings to missing out would be devastating to this organization and would most definately warrent a complete overhaul. It is down right unacceptable to be in the lead for most of the race only to be passed in the final lap. See, I can deal with a youth moment and even a "rebuilding year" if the organization was to present it to me that way. If they said, "hey, we are going to play all the rookies and get them the experience they need so that we could win in 2 or 3 years," then I could deal with that and deal with the last place finish. But they are hitting us with a combination of old farts and rookies who hit a nice stride in July and August but have hit a wall and can no longer hang on in September. That to me is a big waste of time, and something that shows no commitment to the city and the fans by the loveable "haaaard ons" the McCourts.
Now the Dodgers find themselves in at dead tie with the Phillies, who's wide nosed first baseman Ryan Howard is the latest home run hitter du jour and the darling of the ESPN Baseball Tonight crew. At least we don't have to watch all of Barry's at bats on that show as their talking mouth stuffed shirt host and ex decent ball player anchor cream their shorts over the young slugger. With the schedule favoring the Phillies, it is starting to look rather grim for the blue.
They do have the possibility of winning the west, of course, just like I may someday run and finish a marathon, however that would take something that the Dodgers desperately lack, heart. Jeff Kent is the latest to illustrate his drivng desire to win. With the bases loaded and 2 outs in the bottom of the ninth, Kent took the count to 3-2. Yes, the moment that every kid dreams of, sans the world series, two outs, bottom of the ninth, winning run on base, chance to be a hero, put your team back into first place, etc. Here is the pitch and he totally swings at ball four and strikes out against Soloman Torres. Game over, drive safely, thanks for coming.
I'm not putting it all on Kent, he should have not had to be in that position. Had the bullpen, again, done their job perhaps Kent would only have to worry about not letting squibers bounce through the infield and score runners from second, much like he let happen in the 7th inning when Wilson singled home Chris Duffy. Regardless, it is what it is, and now it's a giant crap sandwhich which all of the fans are going to have to eat.
If the Dodgers can't find their way out of this recent funk that has seen them lose 2 of 3 in series with the Brewers, Cubs, and now Pirates, barring a Buc sweep tonight, then they will most likely miss the playoffs. It wouldn't be anything new as fans have grown accustomed to it, however going from the top of the standings to missing out would be devastating to this organization and would most definately warrent a complete overhaul. It is down right unacceptable to be in the lead for most of the race only to be passed in the final lap. See, I can deal with a youth moment and even a "rebuilding year" if the organization was to present it to me that way. If they said, "hey, we are going to play all the rookies and get them the experience they need so that we could win in 2 or 3 years," then I could deal with that and deal with the last place finish. But they are hitting us with a combination of old farts and rookies who hit a nice stride in July and August but have hit a wall and can no longer hang on in September. That to me is a big waste of time, and something that shows no commitment to the city and the fans by the loveable "haaaard ons" the McCourts.
Wednesday, September 20, 2006
Dodger Notes: The Cure for a Healthy Mind
A day after reaccessing the Dodgers loss to the lowely Pirates last night, I still have a few observations as I grow increasingly more frustrated with the stupidity most of the local writers and bloggers exhibit. Despite what is said and written, Monday night's performance means absolutely nothing now that the Dodger blew a golden opportunity to build on that momentum. So all you hack bloggers on Dodger.com, Latimes.com, and ladailynews.com can all officially SHUT UP! I wonder if all those blogs are run by A. Martinez, the biggest Dodger apologist on KFWB. I only wonder what Stu Nahan would have to say about all this.
One major issue that seems to be overlooked again and again is that the Dodgers cannot hold late leads or ties. Grady illuded to it in last night's presser, "we have to find a way to stop the bleeding late," however several people still seem to gloss over the fact that for two games in a row, rookie reliever Johnathan Broxton was brought in late inning hold situations and failed on both occasion giving up the winning run in the 3rd game of the Friar series and giving up 4 in the capper. It's one thing to be loyal, however its a whole different thing entirely to repeat an act over and over again and expect the same results. That's insanity, and Grady must really be close to buying that farm, because his decision to run Broxton out there and attempt to get the outs was the wrong move. Sure Broxton has done it before, but that was before his arm got tired from pitching in so many games and he has definetly lost some velocity and movement on his fastball. But all this is repeating the obvious.
Moving on, one thing that caught my eye was the squable Fathers pitcher and Alabama Slamma' Jake Peavy and Mariano Duncan, the pride of the Domincan, seem to have started during their last game on Monday night. Reportedly, Peavy was walking off the field after striking out a Dodger batter yelling at no one in particular. Duncan then, alledgedly, walked past Peavy and told him to get some class and not to show anyone up. "We're going to get your cocky ass you stupid fuck," was the gist of what was said by Duncan, that according to the wordsmith Peavy. Duncan for his part admitted he said it, which is a real gangsta thing to do, and added that what had set him off was the cultured Peavy's response to Rafael Furcal dropping a bunt on him, "Swing the bat, you little shit." Duncan apparently also took exception to the fact that Peavy was screaming down Mike Piazza as well.
Now, Peaves doesn't really strike me as the sharpest tool in the shed, and his vocabulary seems to back that point up. He is uneducated and from the South, a deadly combination. However I will agree that perhaps Duncan should have avoided the altercation, lest he wants to be seen as that unnamed Daniel Murphy High coach that likes to yell and call the opposing team's underaged players "bitch ass punks." If Peavy did say what he did to Furcal, then maybe Furcal should have dropped a bunt up the first base line forcing Peavy to field it in a position where Furcal could have run it right up his back Will Clark style. However calling a guy out in the middle of a game, near his own dugout, in a game you have to win is pretty unacceptable and down right bitch made if you ask me, and Mariano should have used a little more common sense on that one. Hey, Duncan could have always had Brad Penny plant one in Peavy's ear as well if it was that out of line. As for Mike Piazza, he lost all his self respect when he signed with the Friars, so I'm not going to defend that guy. I believe he is still to this day telling anyone that will listen that his absolutely, positively, one hundred percent without a doubt, not gay.
One major issue that seems to be overlooked again and again is that the Dodgers cannot hold late leads or ties. Grady illuded to it in last night's presser, "we have to find a way to stop the bleeding late," however several people still seem to gloss over the fact that for two games in a row, rookie reliever Johnathan Broxton was brought in late inning hold situations and failed on both occasion giving up the winning run in the 3rd game of the Friar series and giving up 4 in the capper. It's one thing to be loyal, however its a whole different thing entirely to repeat an act over and over again and expect the same results. That's insanity, and Grady must really be close to buying that farm, because his decision to run Broxton out there and attempt to get the outs was the wrong move. Sure Broxton has done it before, but that was before his arm got tired from pitching in so many games and he has definetly lost some velocity and movement on his fastball. But all this is repeating the obvious.
Moving on, one thing that caught my eye was the squable Fathers pitcher and Alabama Slamma' Jake Peavy and Mariano Duncan, the pride of the Domincan, seem to have started during their last game on Monday night. Reportedly, Peavy was walking off the field after striking out a Dodger batter yelling at no one in particular. Duncan then, alledgedly, walked past Peavy and told him to get some class and not to show anyone up. "We're going to get your cocky ass you stupid fuck," was the gist of what was said by Duncan, that according to the wordsmith Peavy. Duncan for his part admitted he said it, which is a real gangsta thing to do, and added that what had set him off was the cultured Peavy's response to Rafael Furcal dropping a bunt on him, "Swing the bat, you little shit." Duncan apparently also took exception to the fact that Peavy was screaming down Mike Piazza as well.
Now, Peaves doesn't really strike me as the sharpest tool in the shed, and his vocabulary seems to back that point up. He is uneducated and from the South, a deadly combination. However I will agree that perhaps Duncan should have avoided the altercation, lest he wants to be seen as that unnamed Daniel Murphy High coach that likes to yell and call the opposing team's underaged players "bitch ass punks." If Peavy did say what he did to Furcal, then maybe Furcal should have dropped a bunt up the first base line forcing Peavy to field it in a position where Furcal could have run it right up his back Will Clark style. However calling a guy out in the middle of a game, near his own dugout, in a game you have to win is pretty unacceptable and down right bitch made if you ask me, and Mariano should have used a little more common sense on that one. Hey, Duncan could have always had Brad Penny plant one in Peavy's ear as well if it was that out of line. As for Mike Piazza, he lost all his self respect when he signed with the Friars, so I'm not going to defend that guy. I believe he is still to this day telling anyone that will listen that his absolutely, positively, one hundred percent without a doubt, not gay.
Tuesday, September 19, 2006
Jim Tracy to Dodgers: 'F-You you Bastards!'
The short lived euphoria of Monday night gave way to the stark realization on Tuesday that the Dodgers just aren't that good. After a miracle comeback to snatch victory and first place from the Friars, the Dodgers decided to follow up that magical performance by laying an egg to the Pittsburg Pirates. In the end, ole Trace ended up with the big "F' You" to those "Haaaard Ons" the McCourts and the fans.
Again the problem with the Dodgers seems pretty elementary. They can't pitch, and when you can't do that you aren't going to win too many ball games, especially against teams that you should handle with great ease. For those that thought that Monday night's loss would have devestated the Fathers, all you have to know is that while I write this post, they are well on their way to kicking the Diamondback's teeth in. So much for the straw that broke the camel's back. No, instead the surprising come from behind win only managed to sink the Dodgers and their fans deeper into the myopic abyss where dillusions of granduer and visions of pennants danced in their heads. Much like Kobe's 81, the history made at the Ravine served as more off a burden then a blessing.
Nomar Garciaparra, last night's hero, apparently decided to take the night off against Ian Snell, a crafty young pitcher that came into this game with an overwhelming 13-10 record and an ERA of around 4.60. Those numbers are down right Dave Stewart like if you ask me. All Mr. Hamm did was go 0-fer. The Dodgers countered with Hong-Chih Kuo, a crafty rookie lefty that did his best, but in a tight pennant race was unable to control the feared bat of Xavier Nady. With trouble looming in the sixth inning, Grady decided to bring in the "player to be named" in the Odalis Perez deal, Elmer Dessens, and give up the possibility of winning the game by issuing a grand slam to, ah you'll excuse me if the Pirate superstar's name escapes me at the moment. Brett Tomko was then brought in to clean up the mess, and well it wasn't pretty. Let's just say that there was a good chance Marlon Anderson's homer in the 8th would have tied the game, not just brought them to within FOUR runs.
So Dodgers wasted a valuable opportunity, and in the process kept their hopes alive for making their October vacations plans. See, this team's uncanny ability to lose the games they are supposed to win, and that good CHAMPIONSHIP quality teams win, is a clear indication of why this team lacks the pieces to seriously compete. They can't hit all that well, they are decent in the fielding department, and their pitching would have trouble getting outs at a father/son game. They are not built for anything except the occasional come from behind win that fans seem to take with the same enthusiasm as a playoff series win. They are a mediocre team that is being beaten by teams with far less talent and far less fan expectations. Monday night's anomoly aside, the Dodgers are 3-8 in extra inning games, with no wins on the road, and have a 17 loses when tied or trailing in the 7,8, and 9th innings. Translation, the bullpen sucks and the batters can't hit in the clutch. Least I remember, all those teams with magical season like the Angels, White Sox, Red Sox, and Marlins all made a habit of winning in the pinch and getting that key base hit with runners in scoring position.
Another key to a championship team is their pitching, which gets compressed and magnified in the post season. With runs at a premium, the "keep it to 8 runs" strategy that Grady has been trying to have his pitchers adhere to isn't going to cut it in the post season. Right now, I wouldn't trust Brett Tomko or Aaron Sele to gas up the whip let alone get crucial outs in tight spots. Further, the giant with the serious backne problem, Mark Hendrickson, should probably look to see if he could still line up opposite Richard Jefferson for the Nets rather then maintain a spot in the Dodger's bullpen. I guess the fact that he is 6'5" tall doesn't make him "just like Randy Johnson" does it Ned Colleti? Hey Ned, way to go!
What truly is lost in that great Monday night rally was that the hero of the day could have very easily been the goat. With runners on second and third in the 8th inning, Nomar struckout on a 2-2 pitch from Scott Linebrink. Fortunately, the bats got hot and Mr. Hamm had a chance to redeem himself. Those who are a little less optimisitic like to look at more telling numbers, like the 0-for that he posted tonight.
In the end, the Dodgers are playing with fire, down right towering infernos if they think they can follow up great performances with stinkers like tonight. They fail to realize the importance of a pennant chase and seem to think that taking the night off is OK because, hey "we made history last night and went back into first place!" Unfortunately for them and for us, it doesn't really matter what you do in the 150th game of the season.
As for the old skipper Jim, his tenure was probably just like 'a candle in the wind,' Please see Petros Papadakis Show for that reference, but atleast for one night he was able to stick it to the McCourts and put his stamp on the Dodger's season. If the team goes on to miss the playoffs, they will look to this night as the one that killed their season.
Again the problem with the Dodgers seems pretty elementary. They can't pitch, and when you can't do that you aren't going to win too many ball games, especially against teams that you should handle with great ease. For those that thought that Monday night's loss would have devestated the Fathers, all you have to know is that while I write this post, they are well on their way to kicking the Diamondback's teeth in. So much for the straw that broke the camel's back. No, instead the surprising come from behind win only managed to sink the Dodgers and their fans deeper into the myopic abyss where dillusions of granduer and visions of pennants danced in their heads. Much like Kobe's 81, the history made at the Ravine served as more off a burden then a blessing.
Nomar Garciaparra, last night's hero, apparently decided to take the night off against Ian Snell, a crafty young pitcher that came into this game with an overwhelming 13-10 record and an ERA of around 4.60. Those numbers are down right Dave Stewart like if you ask me. All Mr. Hamm did was go 0-fer. The Dodgers countered with Hong-Chih Kuo, a crafty rookie lefty that did his best, but in a tight pennant race was unable to control the feared bat of Xavier Nady. With trouble looming in the sixth inning, Grady decided to bring in the "player to be named" in the Odalis Perez deal, Elmer Dessens, and give up the possibility of winning the game by issuing a grand slam to, ah you'll excuse me if the Pirate superstar's name escapes me at the moment. Brett Tomko was then brought in to clean up the mess, and well it wasn't pretty. Let's just say that there was a good chance Marlon Anderson's homer in the 8th would have tied the game, not just brought them to within FOUR runs.
So Dodgers wasted a valuable opportunity, and in the process kept their hopes alive for making their October vacations plans. See, this team's uncanny ability to lose the games they are supposed to win, and that good CHAMPIONSHIP quality teams win, is a clear indication of why this team lacks the pieces to seriously compete. They can't hit all that well, they are decent in the fielding department, and their pitching would have trouble getting outs at a father/son game. They are not built for anything except the occasional come from behind win that fans seem to take with the same enthusiasm as a playoff series win. They are a mediocre team that is being beaten by teams with far less talent and far less fan expectations. Monday night's anomoly aside, the Dodgers are 3-8 in extra inning games, with no wins on the road, and have a 17 loses when tied or trailing in the 7,8, and 9th innings. Translation, the bullpen sucks and the batters can't hit in the clutch. Least I remember, all those teams with magical season like the Angels, White Sox, Red Sox, and Marlins all made a habit of winning in the pinch and getting that key base hit with runners in scoring position.
Another key to a championship team is their pitching, which gets compressed and magnified in the post season. With runs at a premium, the "keep it to 8 runs" strategy that Grady has been trying to have his pitchers adhere to isn't going to cut it in the post season. Right now, I wouldn't trust Brett Tomko or Aaron Sele to gas up the whip let alone get crucial outs in tight spots. Further, the giant with the serious backne problem, Mark Hendrickson, should probably look to see if he could still line up opposite Richard Jefferson for the Nets rather then maintain a spot in the Dodger's bullpen. I guess the fact that he is 6'5" tall doesn't make him "just like Randy Johnson" does it Ned Colleti? Hey Ned, way to go!
What truly is lost in that great Monday night rally was that the hero of the day could have very easily been the goat. With runners on second and third in the 8th inning, Nomar struckout on a 2-2 pitch from Scott Linebrink. Fortunately, the bats got hot and Mr. Hamm had a chance to redeem himself. Those who are a little less optimisitic like to look at more telling numbers, like the 0-for that he posted tonight.
In the end, the Dodgers are playing with fire, down right towering infernos if they think they can follow up great performances with stinkers like tonight. They fail to realize the importance of a pennant chase and seem to think that taking the night off is OK because, hey "we made history last night and went back into first place!" Unfortunately for them and for us, it doesn't really matter what you do in the 150th game of the season.
As for the old skipper Jim, his tenure was probably just like 'a candle in the wind,' Please see Petros Papadakis Show for that reference, but atleast for one night he was able to stick it to the McCourts and put his stamp on the Dodger's season. If the team goes on to miss the playoffs, they will look to this night as the one that killed their season.
Sunday, September 17, 2006
How the West Was Lost
The Dodger's have managed to do it. In the span of a month and a half, they have managed to blow a once commanding 7 1/2 game division lead and find themselves trailing the Friars by half a game. As Trevor Hoffman managed to get Kenny Lofton to fly to center, the Dodger's and their season, managed to flush another great effort, and season for that matter, down the toilet.
Am I being too negative? Perhaps. Afterall, there is still two plus weeks to go in the season and the Dodgers do face the Fathers again tommorow night. However the Dodgers look like a team that has hit their peak and is now holding on for dear life to cross the finish line. As my dad always told me, there is a difference between running through the finish line and taking a stomach dive past it. Right now the Dodgers are getting ready for that head first slide.
I am being this negative and pessimestic because I have come to know the pain associated with cheering on this team. We are not the Red Sox or the Cubs, however as Dodger fans we have come to endure failure after failure for the past several years. The Dodgers have made it a habit to make mediocre to marginal big league pitching look like Cy Young Award caliber performances. It is truly depressing to see a guy like Chris Young tossing a one hitter in a game knowing that he was almost out of the league a couple of years ago. And don't let me get started on how the Dodgers make Woody Williams look like Vida Blue. It is an absolute joke that these type of guys could shut down a talent latent team.
Epitomizing the Dodgers attitude toward this season and their fans is the old stand by J.D. Drew. His infectious brand of non-chalent baseball is truly a sight to be seen. As he lazily waves at another pitch or manages to put first base power on a pop up, he is the embodiedment of the Dodgers. They have become a bunch of guys who simply don't really look like they care anymore and are unwilling to perform in the clutch. I mean, let's be honest, this is the Padres we are talking about, not the Mets, Cardinals, or Astros for that matter. It's not like the Padres have murderers' row up there every inning of have a solid core of five starting pitchers that can dominate a game. They have a fat old guy, a tall slow guy, a short white guy with acne, and two dudes named Clay. I mean, how imposing could that be? Yet the Dodgers have managed to find a way to let these guys completely dominate them on the diamond and take from them what should have been a pretty easy division championship.
The question then becomes what to make of this season. Well if current circumstances are any indication, then we are in for more disinterested, uninspired play that will produce more disillusionment for the average fan. Hold on digression coming.
I just can't get past it. I mean, how do you let a bunch of marginal major leaguers who play in a kitty litter box come up to your house and slap you around. I mean, honestly, Russell Branyan is beating you? You are letting Dave Roberts and Josh Barfield give it to you like a dirty John on top of a sweaty hooker? Honestly folks, San Diego baseball barely qualifies as a AAA city and team yet alone the Division champions. Adrian Gonzalez and Geoff Blum? Please! They have a half game lead in the division and they are lucky to get 15,000 people to pay to see them play, let alone come out and actually watch them. I guess those fans are just smarter judging as how 54,000 Dodger fans pack the stadium to watch their team lose.
At the end of the day, the Dodgers have only themselves to blame for not being more aggressive at the trade deadline and securing their place in the post season. They did aquire some key components, all of which will be gone at the end of season, however they failed to secure the number 5 starter position and failed to get some much needed middle relief. A sign of really poor management was seen when Ned Colletti was trying to aquire David Wells on the final day of the waiver trade deadline. The Red Sox were desperate to unload the fat man and they ended up cutting a deal with the Padres for a bag of baseballs and a body. The Dodgers were reported to have been in "serious talks" with the Red Sox, however they still came up a day late and a dollar short. All of this because the Dodgers did not want to part with one of those "hot minor league prospects" that they tout like a farmers daughter. In his best Paul DePodesta move, Colletti managed to lose the west on August 30 as he left it for Chad Billingsley, Eric Stults, Aaron Sele, and Brett Tomko to figure it out and try to make games manageable by only giving up 8 runs per game. Hey Ned, way to go!
So will we win the west, probably not. I don't really see this team coming back and doing it because they are showing those sleep walking tendancies that made the late 90's so watchable for Dodger baseball fans. They don't have a guy that has hit more then 17 home runs this season and are truly in trouble when they are relying on Rafael Furcal to be their RBI man. In any case it probably is all for the best because I really didn't feel like wasting another October feeling anxious and scared to watch my television for fear of jinxing my team only to be teased by a great game three before the Cardinals slap you around a little more and have Albert Pujols hit a 3 run home run to put away your the season. No, rooting on the Yankees sounds a lot more fun.
Am I being too negative? Perhaps. Afterall, there is still two plus weeks to go in the season and the Dodgers do face the Fathers again tommorow night. However the Dodgers look like a team that has hit their peak and is now holding on for dear life to cross the finish line. As my dad always told me, there is a difference between running through the finish line and taking a stomach dive past it. Right now the Dodgers are getting ready for that head first slide.
I am being this negative and pessimestic because I have come to know the pain associated with cheering on this team. We are not the Red Sox or the Cubs, however as Dodger fans we have come to endure failure after failure for the past several years. The Dodgers have made it a habit to make mediocre to marginal big league pitching look like Cy Young Award caliber performances. It is truly depressing to see a guy like Chris Young tossing a one hitter in a game knowing that he was almost out of the league a couple of years ago. And don't let me get started on how the Dodgers make Woody Williams look like Vida Blue. It is an absolute joke that these type of guys could shut down a talent latent team.
Epitomizing the Dodgers attitude toward this season and their fans is the old stand by J.D. Drew. His infectious brand of non-chalent baseball is truly a sight to be seen. As he lazily waves at another pitch or manages to put first base power on a pop up, he is the embodiedment of the Dodgers. They have become a bunch of guys who simply don't really look like they care anymore and are unwilling to perform in the clutch. I mean, let's be honest, this is the Padres we are talking about, not the Mets, Cardinals, or Astros for that matter. It's not like the Padres have murderers' row up there every inning of have a solid core of five starting pitchers that can dominate a game. They have a fat old guy, a tall slow guy, a short white guy with acne, and two dudes named Clay. I mean, how imposing could that be? Yet the Dodgers have managed to find a way to let these guys completely dominate them on the diamond and take from them what should have been a pretty easy division championship.
The question then becomes what to make of this season. Well if current circumstances are any indication, then we are in for more disinterested, uninspired play that will produce more disillusionment for the average fan. Hold on digression coming.
I just can't get past it. I mean, how do you let a bunch of marginal major leaguers who play in a kitty litter box come up to your house and slap you around. I mean, honestly, Russell Branyan is beating you? You are letting Dave Roberts and Josh Barfield give it to you like a dirty John on top of a sweaty hooker? Honestly folks, San Diego baseball barely qualifies as a AAA city and team yet alone the Division champions. Adrian Gonzalez and Geoff Blum? Please! They have a half game lead in the division and they are lucky to get 15,000 people to pay to see them play, let alone come out and actually watch them. I guess those fans are just smarter judging as how 54,000 Dodger fans pack the stadium to watch their team lose.
At the end of the day, the Dodgers have only themselves to blame for not being more aggressive at the trade deadline and securing their place in the post season. They did aquire some key components, all of which will be gone at the end of season, however they failed to secure the number 5 starter position and failed to get some much needed middle relief. A sign of really poor management was seen when Ned Colletti was trying to aquire David Wells on the final day of the waiver trade deadline. The Red Sox were desperate to unload the fat man and they ended up cutting a deal with the Padres for a bag of baseballs and a body. The Dodgers were reported to have been in "serious talks" with the Red Sox, however they still came up a day late and a dollar short. All of this because the Dodgers did not want to part with one of those "hot minor league prospects" that they tout like a farmers daughter. In his best Paul DePodesta move, Colletti managed to lose the west on August 30 as he left it for Chad Billingsley, Eric Stults, Aaron Sele, and Brett Tomko to figure it out and try to make games manageable by only giving up 8 runs per game. Hey Ned, way to go!
So will we win the west, probably not. I don't really see this team coming back and doing it because they are showing those sleep walking tendancies that made the late 90's so watchable for Dodger baseball fans. They don't have a guy that has hit more then 17 home runs this season and are truly in trouble when they are relying on Rafael Furcal to be their RBI man. In any case it probably is all for the best because I really didn't feel like wasting another October feeling anxious and scared to watch my television for fear of jinxing my team only to be teased by a great game three before the Cardinals slap you around a little more and have Albert Pujols hit a 3 run home run to put away your the season. No, rooting on the Yankees sounds a lot more fun.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)