tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12650962878236013412024-03-13T14:50:30.024-07:00Duck Dodgers Bats Cleanup - a blog about baseballA blog about Duck Dodgers' hidden love for Dodgers baseball.Kenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13252758987246377351noreply@blogger.comBlogger60125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1265096287823601341.post-84517930131084643652010-07-07T16:52:00.000-07:002010-07-07T16:54:31.554-07:00Matt Kemp Bobblehead Preview<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_AYxVIP6CnKo/TDUTWhCUa4I/AAAAAAAABe4/UQ2LJShGsAU/s1600/kempbobbleBUG.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 278px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_AYxVIP6CnKo/TDUTWhCUa4I/AAAAAAAABe4/UQ2LJShGsAU/s400/kempbobbleBUG.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5491316598194334594" border="0" /></a>From the official Dodgers TwitterKenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13252758987246377351noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1265096287823601341.post-18967997470660157222010-06-04T11:34:00.000-07:002010-06-04T11:43:49.062-07:00Bud Selig is an Ass<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_AYxVIP6CnKo/TAlIcSlqA3I/AAAAAAAABP4/4uiRzPYaoSg/s1600/gal.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 360px; height: 246px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_AYxVIP6CnKo/TAlIcSlqA3I/AAAAAAAABP4/4uiRzPYaoSg/s400/gal.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5478990072536236914" border="0" /></a>Dear Bud Selig,<br /><br />You are an asshole. No doubt about it. Your job is to fix mistakes done by people in the league and reprimand those who make those mistakes. You could have gave Mr. Galarraga a perfect game, at least an asterisked perfect game. Instead, you are not going to overturn the call. You are the worst thing to happen to baseball since FOX bought the Dodgers. I was okay with your All Star game home team advantage stupid campaign. Yet, you really blow a new one this year. Please retire after this season and not in 2012. Why? Because you are an ass.<br /><br />Sincerely,<br />You are an ass Bud SeligKenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13252758987246377351noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1265096287823601341.post-43188210687469804532010-05-19T01:19:00.000-07:002010-05-19T01:23:29.606-07:00Ethier Silver Slugger Bobblehead!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://s3.amazonaws.com/twitpic/photos/full/102510374.jpg?AWSAccessKeyId=0ZRYP5X5F6FSMBCCSE82&Expires=1274258241&Signature=bfECHQFLaocA8fy%2FaAlBRvoWeAk%3D"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 533px;" src="http://s3.amazonaws.com/twitpic/photos/full/102510374.jpg?AWSAccessKeyId=0ZRYP5X5F6FSMBCCSE82&Expires=1274258241&Signature=bfECHQFLaocA8fy%2FaAlBRvoWeAk%3D" alt="" border="0" /></a>I got this from the <a href="http://twitter.com/DodgertownUSA">Dodgertown Twitter</a>. They were having a special in-game giveaway for tweeters. The first 10 were given this special Ethier bobblehead with the silver bat variant. I didn't get it, but congratulations to the winners!Kenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13252758987246377351noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1265096287823601341.post-31692756463984156402010-05-08T16:58:00.000-07:002010-05-08T17:11:38.403-07:00Ethier has the Triple Crown<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://d.yimg.com/a/p/sp/getty/c2/fullj.647bb935705a0ec2538f9a44bb55289e/647bb935705a0ec2538f9a44bb55289e-getty-97580643hh008_san_francisco.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 528px;" src="http://d.yimg.com/a/p/sp/getty/c2/fullj.647bb935705a0ec2538f9a44bb55289e/647bb935705a0ec2538f9a44bb55289e-getty-97580643hh008_san_francisco.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>Did you happen to notice that Andre Ethier is leading the league in batting average, home runs, and RBIs as of the end of last night? That is right. Who knows how much worse the Dodgers offense would look without Mr. Ethier, who missed several games to start the season, but has looked absolutely fantastic. I hope it lasts, but the cynicism in me knows that he will cool off eventually. Hopefully the pitching and offense will heat up before that happens.<br /><br />Manny is back in the lineup tonight and no one will be more glad than Matt Kemp, who has been struggling severely since Number 99 went on the 15-day DL.<br /><br />Maybe Charlie will get his first victory of the season. With the knuckleball and horrid bullpen, everything will be a crapshoot tonight.Kenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13252758987246377351noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1265096287823601341.post-18003976005958020912010-05-05T02:56:00.000-07:002010-05-05T02:58:22.662-07:00Dre is Coming!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_AYxVIP6CnKo/S-FAxJxAoXI/AAAAAAAABE0/9HP8t3byr1Y/s1600/dre.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_AYxVIP6CnKo/S-FAxJxAoXI/AAAAAAAABE0/9HP8t3byr1Y/s400/dre.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5467722635783741810" border="0" /></a>Sure it doesn't really look like Andre Ethier, but I am psyched with getting a new bobblehead to add to my collection. Now I finally have a full outfield! What has been everyone's favorite bobblehead giveaway in the past 5 years?Kenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13252758987246377351noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1265096287823601341.post-20877942465209730992010-05-02T03:49:00.001-07:002010-05-02T03:49:51.119-07:00I'm Going to the Ethier Bobblehead Night! Are You?Kenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13252758987246377351noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1265096287823601341.post-86257880588390645692010-05-02T03:43:00.001-07:002010-05-02T03:48:36.869-07:00Monasterios, Savior?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/318930/Monasterios.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 404px;" src="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/318930/Monasterios.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>The Dodgers hope is in Carlos Monasterios, the most solid middle reliever of the young season. With Padilla on the shelf, they are going to need him to at least be a spot starter or fill the open fourth and fifth spot in the rotation.<br /><br />Hopefully, the rest of the year would be better than what happened in the past week and a half.Kenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13252758987246377351noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1265096287823601341.post-4764413667807678422010-04-04T22:52:00.000-07:002010-04-04T22:54:50.621-07:00Manny the Chipmunk<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_AYxVIP6CnKo/S7l6vyhwUaI/AAAAAAAAA-8/EtTSP6OETS8/s1600/340x245.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 340px; height: 245px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_AYxVIP6CnKo/S7l6vyhwUaI/AAAAAAAAA-8/EtTSP6OETS8/s400/340x245.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456527384971858338" border="0" /></a>Pretty boring game at the stadium yesterday. It was half-full anyways. The most interesting thing was Simon the Chipmunk wearing the Manny dreads. Other than that, exhibition games are boring as heck.Kenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13252758987246377351noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1265096287823601341.post-31140312148156818282010-03-26T02:07:00.000-07:002010-03-26T02:09:38.148-07:00No More Gagne Time<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.chrisoleary.com/Projects/Baseball/Pitching/Images/Examples/Example_Grip_CircleChange_EricGagne_003.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 351px; height: 301px;" src="http://www.chrisoleary.com/Projects/Baseball/Pitching/Images/Examples/Example_Grip_CircleChange_EricGagne_003.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>Eric Gagne has been released by the Dodgers. There will be no reliving "Game Over."Kenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13252758987246377351noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1265096287823601341.post-36028536327030865812010-03-26T01:54:00.000-07:002010-03-26T02:00:02.917-07:00Clayton Kershaw Slate for Home Opening Day Start<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://fullcountpitch.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/05/kershaw_koufax.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 395px; height: 221px;" src="http://fullcountpitch.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/05/kershaw_koufax.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>Self-explanatory. Vicente Padilla will start the season opening, and Kershaw will likely open up the year at Dodger Stadium. Get you tickets!Kenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13252758987246377351noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1265096287823601341.post-72516880169480346342010-03-26T00:09:00.000-07:002010-04-04T22:55:46.023-07:00Sad Tale of Scott Schoenweis in the Major Leagues (from the LA Daily News)<h1 id="articleTitle" class="articleTitle">POSTCARD FROM BREWERS SPRING TRAINING: Cut hurts more for reliever Schoeneweis</h1><!--subtitle--><!--byline--><div id="articleByline" class="articleByline"><!--Email Not Available--></div><!--date--><span style="font-size:78%;"><br /></span><div id="articleBody" class="articleBody"><div class="articleViewerGroup" id="articleViewerGroup" style="border: 0px none;"><script language="JavaScript"> var requestedWidth = 0; </script></div><script language="JavaScript"> if(requestedWidth > 0){ document.getElementById('articleViewerGroup').style.width = requestedWidth + "px"; document.getElementById('articleViewerGroup').style.margin = "0px 0px 10px 10px"; } </script><p><span style="font-size:78%;">MARYVALE, Ariz. — Spring training is a contrast of extremes.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:78%;">It's a place where dreams come true, or continue.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:78%;">But it's also a place where dreams end.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:78%;">Every day at this point in spring training, young prospects get called into managers offices all over Arizona to be told they won't make the team.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:78%;">Some get sent to minor league camp while others get released outright.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:78%;">It happens to veterans at the end of their line, too, their bats no longer able to get around on a fast ball or their legs no longer strong enough to allow them to adequately field their position.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:78%;">Sometimes their pitching arm just isn't capable of getting outs anymore.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:78%;">Whether it's telling a young kid he isn't good enough or a proud veteran he's no longer capable of playing at this level, it's never easy.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:78%;">But some cuts just hurt a little more than others.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:78%;">Scott Schoeneweis is a case in point.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:78%;">The veteran left-handed reliever was released Tuesday by the Milwaukee Brewers, who told him they didn't have enough room in their bullpen to carry him.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:78%;">He was given the news shortly after reporting to work. In a matter of minutes, he was saying good-bye to teammates he was just starting to forge friendships with.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:78%;">What makes Schoeneweis' release so painful has nothing to do with baseball - the bottom line is the Brewers wanted to go in another direction and that is their right - but it has to do with what he continues to deal with off the field. </span></p><p><span style="font-size:78%;">Last season, Schoeneweis' wife, Gabrielle, died suddenly in their Arizona home while he was away on a road trip with the Diamondbacks.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:78%;">She left behind her husband and four young children.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:78%;">Schoeneweis came back to pitch with the Diamondbacks last year but struggled the rest of the season, the pain and emotion from his wife's death too much to overcome, the challenge of balancing baseball with taking care of his kids too difficult.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:78%;">Over the winter, he had trouble finding work before finally signing a minor-league deal with the Brewers.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:78%;">He wonders now if his wife's death had anything to do with his difficulty finding work. This, after all, is a 12-year veteran who's been healthy and effective for most of his career.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:78%;">But there he was this winter, with no serious offers.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:78%;">"Why do I not have a big league contract this year?" he wondered, rhetorically.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:78%;">He thinks he knows, painful as it might be, and he doesn't think it has anything to do with baseball.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:78%;">"It's just ironic that I can't get a job because my wife died," Schoeneweis said. "It doesn't make much sense to me."</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:78%;">Schoeneweis was asked if his wife's death was being held against him in some form.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:78%;">"I had a horrible year last year," he answered. "But I have a pretty good excuse.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:78%;">"This will be my 12th year in the big leagues, and I wasn't injured last year. I wasn't out of the game because my skills diminished. I just had to prove to myself that I wanted to play, that it was OK with my family. I am OK with all of those things.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:78%;">"I appreciate the platform to come in and realize those things and to realize that I am a better version of myself than I have been for the last three or four years."</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:78%;">Schoeneweis had a 7.71 ERA in seven appearances, although the numbers were deceptive because he wasn't being used in his primary role - left-handed specialist - during the spring.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:78%;">More importantly, he was beginning to feel good about baseball again after losing his wife last year.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:78%;">"The positive I take out of this is I realize I can have fun again," Schoeneweis said. "I haven't had fun for a long time. I know 100 percent that I am a big league pitcher, bottom line.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:78%;">"It would be a shame if this was it for me, because I feel like I did when I was 28."</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:78%;">Schoeneweis said his wife's death remains difficult to deal with, but he's moved past the mourning part.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:78%;">"No matter how upset I am, no matter how angry I am, no matter how sad I am, no matter how much I miss her, I have four kids I have to take care of and nothing is going to bring her back," he said. "So I have to appreciate what I have every day, every moment. And that's what I did, and I really enjoyed baseball again and I appreciate that. I'll take that with me to wherever I end up."</span></p></div>Kenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13252758987246377351noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1265096287823601341.post-74809707469625677312010-02-18T23:25:00.000-08:002010-02-18T23:33:37.787-08:00GAME OVER Again<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_AYxVIP6CnKo/S349tURZNyI/AAAAAAAAA3Q/Pctq8dz7ulY/s1600-h/gagne.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 304px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_AYxVIP6CnKo/S349tURZNyI/AAAAAAAAA3Q/Pctq8dz7ulY/s400/gagne.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5439853248655210274" /></a>He is back. But if the Dodgers are hoping for any repeat of "Game Over" Eric Gagne, they will be sorely mistaken. A mid-5 ERA is hardly what the Dodgers are looking for. But since pitching for the Canadian league, Gagne has assumed the role of a crafty veteran who might be beneficial to the rest of the young Dodgers bullpen. If course, that is if he actually makes the club.<div><br /></div><div>By the way, I am glad to be back!</div>Kenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13252758987246377351noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1265096287823601341.post-40343412318937269622010-01-04T22:41:00.000-08:002010-01-04T22:43:16.702-08:00I Just Threw Up in Mouth a Lil<div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://cdn.buzznet.com/media-cdn/jj1/headlines/2010/01/rihanna-matt-kemp-kissing-couple.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 300px;" src="http://cdn.buzznet.com/media-cdn/jj1/headlines/2010/01/rihanna-matt-kemp-kissing-couple.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a>Kenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13252758987246377351noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1265096287823601341.post-78950916850343845312009-11-19T23:48:00.000-08:002009-11-20T00:07:13.522-08:00I can dream can't I?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_AYxVIP6CnKo/SwZJ24ZHx6I/AAAAAAAAAng/SNTWpCnNa7w/s1600/halladay.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_AYxVIP6CnKo/SwZJ24ZHx6I/AAAAAAAAAng/SNTWpCnNa7w/s400/halladay.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5406089609904375714" border="0" /></a>Sorry, I am too lazy to Photoshop Halladay in Dodgers uniform. There is a lot of speculation will the Dodgers do it? Will they trade Billingsley for Roy Halladay? Probably not. First of all, it is not financial smart. Secondly, Billingsley is young and still yet to live up to potential. Thirdly, this divorce will put all signings in Limbo for the time being. Lets say the Dodgers are more likely to get Matt Holliday than Roy.<br /><br />If the Dodgers do get Halladay without parting with any of the pitching phenoms or young outfielders, it will be like winning a lottery or probably by selling their souls to the devil. If they could only take Manny off our hands.<br /><br />Dodgers are probably not getting Lackey either. He is likely to be paid nicely as there isn't another FA pitcher who has a better track record. Is Pedro still available? I would rather have him than John Smoltz, unless Smoltz somehow rediscovers his splitter which is highly unlikely. What about Tom Glavine? We should give the 90s Atlanta Braves rotation a shot, ey?<br /><br />But the Dodgers don't need Halladay as much as they need an ace to take the burden off Billingsley and Kershaw, least for a season or two. Heck, they would be better off with another hammering bat like an Adrian Gonzalez or Adam Dunn, if the trade is right. Speaking of trades, they could even eye King Felix, but I doubt that he is likely to be traded by a likely rebuilding Seattle Mariners squad.Kenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13252758987246377351noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1265096287823601341.post-57370167268565659862009-11-17T00:48:00.000-08:002009-11-17T00:58:38.121-08:00Kemp and Ethier Collecting Hardware<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_AYxVIP6CnKo/SwJkAfqkMEI/AAAAAAAAAnU/rWeQv2bzRds/s1600/kempethier2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 225px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_AYxVIP6CnKo/SwJkAfqkMEI/AAAAAAAAAnU/rWeQv2bzRds/s400/kempethier2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5404992462460825666" border="0" /></a>While both outfielders didn't make the NL All-Star team, Kemp and Ethier are getting their fair share of offseason hardware. Both of them have won the Silver Slugger awards for their position. Kemp also has a Gold Glove this year and Dre has the Clutch Performer of the Year award. All that and no All-Star nods? That's why the All Star game is so flawed in baseball. I don't like midseason AS games. The only reason why it works in the NBA is that the players are consistent throughout the whole season. Baseball players are play well in stretches. Therefore, an All-Star might struggle tremendously through the second half because of injury or whatnot. I'm talking about you Raul Ibanez.Kenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13252758987246377351noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1265096287823601341.post-15160327960626346962009-10-26T11:57:00.000-07:002009-10-26T11:59:03.899-07:00Steve Phillips Fired... Again<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_AYxVIP6CnKo/SuXxO5OLhWI/AAAAAAAAAiI/_4FQfVRvaMg/s1600-h/nypost_jan13.gif"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 251px; height: 332px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_AYxVIP6CnKo/SuXxO5OLhWI/AAAAAAAAAiI/_4FQfVRvaMg/s400/nypost_jan13.gif" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5396984966654166370" border="0" /></a>Kenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13252758987246377351noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1265096287823601341.post-27026175122236610042009-10-18T02:04:00.000-07:002009-10-18T02:21:08.713-07:00NLCS Game 2<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_AYxVIP6CnKo/StrbPQ4NttI/AAAAAAAAAf4/Ih_fmKKLTnA/s1600-h/DSCF0607.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_AYxVIP6CnKo/StrbPQ4NttI/AAAAAAAAAf4/Ih_fmKKLTnA/s400/DSCF0607.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5393864559004858066" border="0" /></a>Here is my first ever NLCS game at Dodger Stadium was an eventful one. It was a hot autumn afternoon filled with over 50,000 fans who were waiting for something to cheer about. It wasn't until the bottom of the 8th inning that the fans finally stood up with towels in hand waiting for one miracle base-hit. What we got was one half inning that was filled with pitching changes, walks to the mound, and matchups. You all know what happened. So lets take a look shall we?<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_AYxVIP6CnKo/StrbPHq-vxI/AAAAAAAAAfw/OLZnxLOQbwY/s1600-h/DSCF0608.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_AYxVIP6CnKo/StrbPHq-vxI/AAAAAAAAAfw/OLZnxLOQbwY/s400/DSCF0608.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5393864556533432082" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_AYxVIP6CnKo/StrbO6O_WFI/AAAAAAAAAfo/Auy-wxXMgDU/s1600-h/DSCF0610.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_AYxVIP6CnKo/StrbO6O_WFI/AAAAAAAAAfo/Auy-wxXMgDU/s400/DSCF0610.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5393864552926369874" border="0" /></a><br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwEghhzgBPLkkjxaRJymB5UAehIOZpnjBHo3Z565ZVtx42HBttgX3UFShoAuBxReUoemvmN7KJkXmYezNdK1g' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe>Kenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13252758987246377351noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1265096287823601341.post-70287478987211644812009-10-11T12:59:00.000-07:002009-10-11T13:25:02.459-07:00Who is the Team of Destiny?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_AYxVIP6CnKo/StI559riHPI/AAAAAAAAAd4/9mydzqLbeTo/s1600-h/freeway.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 250px; height: 260px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_AYxVIP6CnKo/StI559riHPI/AAAAAAAAAd4/9mydzqLbeTo/s400/freeway.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5391435371888385266" border="0" /></a>Both the Dodgers and the Angels survive improbable odds in their Division Series matchups by sweeping their opponents. The Dodgers have lost 5 out of 7 against the Cardinals and have played poorly at Busch Stadium. The Angels have not won a postseason series against the Red Sox.<br /><br />But with them slaying their demons, who is the team of destiny? A couple of seasons ago, both the Angels and the Dodgers were picked by Sports Illustrated as the two World Series finalists, but that wasn't close to happening.<br /><br />The Angels had notable injuries and lost Teixeira to the Yankees. They also lost Nick Adenhart in a tragic automobile accident and dedicated this season to him. They have really done well due to the great play of their lesser known players such as Kendry Morales and Juan Rivera. They have also survived a lot of injuries to their pitching staff and even a struggling bullpen. In the first 2 games against the Red Sox in the ALDS, they have held them to 1 run total.<br /><br />The Dodgers started their season with high expectations and backed it up by winning their first 13 home games, a MLB record. They have a knack for keeping it close and winning in dramatic fashion, with their 12 walk-off victories. Though they struggled after the all star break and before the playoffs, they quickly found their stride in the final series against the Rockies and neutralized the Cardinals. How fitting was it that the Dodgers were able to walkoff in Game 2 of the NLDS? They haven't won back-to-back NL West Division titles since 77 and 78, both years they went to the World Series and were defeated by the Yankess. They haven't finished the season this many games above .500 since 1988.<br /><br />There are a lot of similarities with this Dodgers team with those of successful ones in the past. This one might even be more well-rounded than even the WS Champs of 1988.<br /><br />Postseason baseball always has a lot of stories and superstitions. Now, who is the team of destiny this year?Kenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13252758987246377351noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1265096287823601341.post-56707703984420649792009-10-11T01:20:00.000-07:002009-10-11T01:36:55.961-07:00Manny Playing Possum?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_AYxVIP6CnKo/StGWA9fSdwI/AAAAAAAAAdw/LaZciO500mA/s1600-h/capt.a99e7cf84ea947bfa18f83bfbcec5d76.nlds_dodgers_cardinals_baseball_mojr128.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 312px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_AYxVIP6CnKo/StGWA9fSdwI/AAAAAAAAAdw/LaZciO500mA/s400/capt.a99e7cf84ea947bfa18f83bfbcec5d76.nlds_dodgers_cardinals_baseball_mojr128.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5391255172189157122" border="0" /></a>Before the series against the Cardinals even started, TBS broadcaster Bob Brenly speculated that Manny was playing possum in order to lull opposing pitchers into thinking that he is unable to turn on a good fastball.<br /><br />In the past, Manny has been known to setup pitchers early in the game by taking certain pitches that he is capable of hitting hoping that he will get the same pitch in a later at-bat when there is an RBI opportunity. He had an absolutely atrocious month of September, leading people to speculate that whatever he was on before has worn off.<br /><br />However, the problem seem to be too big for even a possum. The problem appeared to be Manny pressing a little too hard. Most of his swings during his struggles were long, power swings. Also, his timing was off, making him late on even a low-90s fastball. In addition, pitchers were challenging him with a lot of inside fastballs and breaking balls because he couldn't turn on them like he did in the past.<br /><br />Even if you don't believe the possum excuse, you have to admit that Manny is beginning to get his timing back at the plate. In his last couple of games, it is noticeable that he was capable of getting his bat on pitches. Though he went 1 for 8 in the first 2 games against the Cards, Manny was able to drive the ball, which was a problem during the Dodgers' most recent losing streak. Also, no Dodger could get it going again Wainwright in Game 2, including Manny. In Game 3, he was able to jump on a lot of first pitch fastballs that he promptly hit in the power alleys for 2 doubles. He also got another single, going 3 for 5 (.308). Still no homers for him, but at this moment, anything you can get from Manny is a bonus and much needed against either the Rockies or Phillies.Kenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13252758987246377351noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1265096287823601341.post-54032412888900094072009-10-08T18:18:00.000-07:002009-10-08T18:19:09.776-07:00Dodgers Win It!Tinkerbell!Kenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13252758987246377351noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1265096287823601341.post-56946890818820926292009-10-08T02:02:00.000-07:002009-10-08T02:18:30.614-07:00Season stats, wins, odds, all doesn't matter now<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_AYxVIP6CnKo/Ss2rXt4uE7I/AAAAAAAAAdg/vTlL_mqbQc4/s1600-h/Si2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 225px; height: 299px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_AYxVIP6CnKo/Ss2rXt4uE7I/AAAAAAAAAdg/vTlL_mqbQc4/s400/Si2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5390152752975188914" border="0" /></a>Who would have predicted this outcome to Game 1? Well, all of Los Angeles and anyone who wasn't an ESPN analyst. The Dodgers might be underdogs, but Ken Levine stated a good point on postgame Dodger Talk, that it was more important to tune out the analysts and Vegas odds because they are making those choices based on stats and probability.<br /><br />Please understand that Steve Phillips has a severe case of foot-in-mouth, but that means that Dodgers are going to have to continue to play well and eventually give him and all analysts a "foot-in-ass" present.<br /><br />Did anyone see the game on TBS? It was absolutely terrible, filled with horrendous cuts to weird cameras during flyballs and the consistent losing of sound, actually the last one was not to bad because it prevented the broadcasting from talking.<br /><br />Hey Mr Verducci, you are eeriely similar to Rosenthal's dugout reporting.<br /><br />All that being said, the Dodgers really need to win tomorrow and put the pressure on the Birds. We need some of that Clayton Kershaw magic and maybe some more Mannywood ending.Kenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13252758987246377351noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1265096287823601341.post-9521836749427165222009-10-08T01:55:00.001-07:002009-10-08T02:00:17.086-07:00Better Late Than Never<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_AYxVIP6CnKo/Ss2pP7eV50I/AAAAAAAAAdI/n90IUc_UGKY/s1600-h/DSCF0593.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_AYxVIP6CnKo/Ss2pP7eV50I/AAAAAAAAAdI/n90IUc_UGKY/s400/DSCF0593.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5390150420160440130" border="0" /></a>Yes, I know I was late on my post about the Dodgers clinching the NL West, but this is not a news site, it is my blog. Here are some of the highlighting photographs at my final regular season home game of the year.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_AYxVIP6CnKo/Ss2pQ9L4C3I/AAAAAAAAAdY/BZ7ZrsU69fI/s1600-h/champsign.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 206px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_AYxVIP6CnKo/Ss2pQ9L4C3I/AAAAAAAAAdY/BZ7ZrsU69fI/s400/champsign.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5390150437799725938" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_AYxVIP6CnKo/Ss2pQeyL3nI/AAAAAAAAAdQ/-Dd13nEIGGI/s1600-h/kcounter.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_AYxVIP6CnKo/Ss2pQeyL3nI/AAAAAAAAAdQ/-Dd13nEIGGI/s400/kcounter.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5390150429638909554" border="0" /></a>Your eyes are not deceiving you, I finally found out that the K-counter fits 16 strikeouts. Yes, the Dodgers ended up fanning more than 16 batters, but they ran out of room.Kenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13252758987246377351noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1265096287823601341.post-58503013708921129882009-09-23T16:49:00.000-07:002009-09-23T16:51:36.918-07:00Shameless Plug: I'm in Giant Robot Issue 61<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_AYxVIP6CnKo/SrmcNRy3boI/AAAAAAAAAaw/dTvGNgqZeGQ/s1600-h/playersclub.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 284px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_AYxVIP6CnKo/SrmcNRy3boI/AAAAAAAAAaw/dTvGNgqZeGQ/s400/playersclub.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5384506581427121794" border="0" /></a><a href="http://www.giantrobot.com/">Giant Robot</a> issue 61 is finally out at newsstands, and guess who is that playing Nintendo Wii. Yes, it is yours truly! That is like a photo taken at the last minute as a filler. I think it turned out well, don't you? Anyways, there is a lot of stuff featured this issue, including my first official published work: a 100 word review on the American release of Harajuku Dance Rock by An Cafe. Interestingly, the Oshare Kei group has since disbanded. Here is the little snippet:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_AYxVIP6CnKo/SrmcNuyBHVI/AAAAAAAAAa4/00uQ9OUXT7g/s1600-h/snippets.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 131px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_AYxVIP6CnKo/SrmcNuyBHVI/AAAAAAAAAa4/00uQ9OUXT7g/s400/snippets.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5384506589208190290" border="0" /></a><br />The rest of the post is at my multipurpose blog: <a href="http://kenchanayoh.blogspot.com">an Infinite Playlist</a>Kenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13252758987246377351noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1265096287823601341.post-64259717214439475342009-09-22T22:49:00.000-07:002009-09-22T22:54:04.802-07:00Happy Birthday Skipper!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_AYxVIP6CnKo/Srm3NrMVscI/AAAAAAAAAbo/K8Gh74nItRU/s1600-h/lasordasidebar.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 194px; height: 345px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_AYxVIP6CnKo/Srm3NrMVscI/AAAAAAAAAbo/K8Gh74nItRU/s400/lasordasidebar.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5384536275058799042" border="0" /></a>Happy birthday to Tommy Lasorda, who had an incredibly busy day by doing a live chat as well as attending the ceremony of his painted likeness being inducted into the Smithsonian.<br /><br />Quite a nice full birthday indeed!Kenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13252758987246377351noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1265096287823601341.post-22033092823768273122009-09-16T23:41:00.000-07:002009-09-18T18:15:58.167-07:00A Special Day<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_AYxVIP6CnKo/SrHeh9YwsWI/AAAAAAAAAZ4/UgAmcPijeaU/s1600-h/DSCF0523.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 163px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_AYxVIP6CnKo/SrHeh9YwsWI/AAAAAAAAAZ4/UgAmcPijeaU/s400/DSCF0523.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5382327704679919970" border="0" /></a>Today's midweek noon time special was quite a special one for me. After attending the late night marathon the previous night, this day game was viewed through cloudy eyes for the first few innings from our seats in Mannywood. However, in the 3rd inning, a nice couple who couldn't stand the heat gave us their seats for the game. We gladly accepted and looked at them. They were awesome seats!<br /><br />I guess we lucked out today. A women passed out on my way back from the restroom and it took forever to find a security guard. It is interesting that when you are doing something rowdy, they are always there to stop you, but when you need guest services, no where to be found. Anyways, I hope the woman is okay.<br /><br />Anyways, today was a nice game. It was nice to see the Dodgers manage to sweep the Pirates and reinforce their home-team advantage lead over the Cardinals, who have finally hit a wall.<br /><br />Manny would not play today, but it was just a good sign that the Dodgers still beat the Pirates with mostly their bench. I would really like to thank the couple who gave us their tickets.<br /><br />I feel really burnt out, but I had an awesome day. And I forgot that I even got a bobblehead!<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_AYxVIP6CnKo/SrHaqxjGfEI/AAAAAAAAAZg/nP4Opjx3ZgI/s1600-h/8826_767507461767_3604965_44264196_7255287_n.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_AYxVIP6CnKo/SrHaqxjGfEI/AAAAAAAAAZg/nP4Opjx3ZgI/s400/8826_767507461767_3604965_44264196_7255287_n.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5382323458074377282" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_AYxVIP6CnKo/SrHaqWOeysI/AAAAAAAAAZY/1qu5n6WCnGU/s1600-h/8826_767507451787_3604965_44264194_6370962_n.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_AYxVIP6CnKo/SrHaqWOeysI/AAAAAAAAAZY/1qu5n6WCnGU/s400/8826_767507451787_3604965_44264194_6370962_n.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5382323450740132546" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_AYxVIP6CnKo/SrHaewI46II/AAAAAAAAAZI/cm2LLztvHmQ/s1600-h/8826_767507406877_3604965_44264186_8158_n.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_AYxVIP6CnKo/SrHaewI46II/AAAAAAAAAZI/cm2LLztvHmQ/s400/8826_767507406877_3604965_44264186_8158_n.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5382323251537569922" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_AYxVIP6CnKo/SrHafY9mRnI/AAAAAAAAAZQ/To-ODfq1i3I/s1600-h/8826_767507411867_3604965_44264187_6125340_n.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_AYxVIP6CnKo/SrHafY9mRnI/AAAAAAAAAZQ/To-ODfq1i3I/s400/8826_767507411867_3604965_44264187_6125340_n.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5382323262496065138" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_AYxVIP6CnKo/SrHaeUQFv9I/AAAAAAAAAZA/4FwY4RHnqDw/s1600-h/8826_767507381927_3604965_44264181_2540151_n.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_AYxVIP6CnKo/SrHaeUQFv9I/AAAAAAAAAZA/4FwY4RHnqDw/s400/8826_767507381927_3604965_44264181_2540151_n.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5382323244051578834" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_AYxVIP6CnKo/SrHadg5UC0I/AAAAAAAAAY4/wX4_ozRu0d0/s1600-h/8826_767507371947_3604965_44264179_6358642_n.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_AYxVIP6CnKo/SrHadg5UC0I/AAAAAAAAAY4/wX4_ozRu0d0/s400/8826_767507371947_3604965_44264179_6358642_n.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5382323230265838402" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_AYxVIP6CnKo/SrHac43aFfI/AAAAAAAAAYw/ZAOUtNW4N9A/s1600-h/8826_767507366957_3604965_44264178_5353742_n.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_AYxVIP6CnKo/SrHac43aFfI/AAAAAAAAAYw/ZAOUtNW4N9A/s400/8826_767507366957_3604965_44264178_5353742_n.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5382323219520427506" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_AYxVIP6CnKo/SrHarYF_wpI/AAAAAAAAAZo/7TItqFIeD1k/s1600-h/8826_767507476737_3604965_44264199_3414369_n.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_AYxVIP6CnKo/SrHarYF_wpI/AAAAAAAAAZo/7TItqFIeD1k/s400/8826_767507476737_3604965_44264199_3414369_n.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5382323468421284498" border="0" /></a>Kenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13252758987246377351noreply@blogger.com4