Duck Dodgers Bats Cleanup - a blog about baseball

Matt Kemp Bobblehead Preview

2010-07-07T16:52:00.000-07:00

From the official Dodgers Twitter

Bud Selig is an Ass

2010-06-04T11:34:00.000-07:00

Dear Bud Selig,

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.

Sincerely,
You are an ass Bud Selig

Ethier Silver Slugger Bobblehead!

2010-05-19T01:19:00.000-07:00

I got this from the Dodgertown Twitter. 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!

Ethier has the Triple Crown

2010-05-08T16:58:00.000-07:00

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.

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.

Maybe Charlie will get his first victory of the season. With the knuckleball and horrid bullpen, everything will be a crapshoot tonight.

Dre is Coming!

2010-05-05T02:56:00.000-07:00

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?

I'm Going to the Ethier Bobblehead Night! Are You?

2010-05-02T03:49:00.001-07:00

Monasterios, Savior?

2010-05-02T03:43:00.001-07:00

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.

Hopefully, the rest of the year would be better than what happened in the past week and a half.

Manny the Chipmunk

2010-04-04T22:52:00.000-07:00

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.

No More Gagne Time

2010-03-26T02:07:00.000-07:00

Eric Gagne has been released by the Dodgers. There will be no reliving "Game Over."

Clayton Kershaw Slate for Home Opening Day Start

2010-03-26T01:54:00.000-07:00

Self-explanatory. Vicente Padilla will start the season opening, and Kershaw will likely open up the year at Dodger Stadium. Get you tickets!

Sad Tale of Scott Schoenweis in the Major Leagues (from the LA Daily News)

2010-03-26T00:09:00.000-07:00

POSTCARD FROM BREWERS SPRING TRAINING: Cut hurts more for reliever Schoeneweis

MARYVALE, Ariz. — Spring training is a contrast of extremes.

It's a place where dreams come true, or continue.

But it's also a place where dreams end.

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.

Some get sent to minor league camp while others get released outright.

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.

Sometimes their pitching arm just isn't capable of getting outs anymore.

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.

But some cuts just hurt a little more than others.

Scott Schoeneweis is a case in point.

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.

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.

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.

Last season, Schoeneweis' wife, Gabrielle, died suddenly in their Arizona home while he was away on a road trip with the Diamondbacks.

She left behind her husband and four young children.

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.

Over the winter, he had trouble finding work before finally signing a minor-league deal with the Brewers.

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.

But there he was this winter, with no serious offers.

"Why do I not have a big league contract this year?" he wondered, rhetorically.

He thinks he knows, painful as it might be, and he doesn't think it has anything to do with baseball.

"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."

Schoeneweis was asked if his wife's death was being held against him in some form.

"I had a horrible year last year," he answered. "But I have a pretty good excuse.

"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.

"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."

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.

More importantly, he was beginning to feel good about baseball again after losing his wife last year.

"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.

"It would be a shame if this was it for me, because I feel like I did when I was 28."

Schoeneweis said his wife's death remains difficult to deal with, but he's moved past the mourning part.

"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."

GAME OVER Again

2010-02-18T23:25:00.000-08:00

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.

By the way, I am glad to be back!

I Just Threw Up in Mouth a Lil

2010-01-04T22:41:00.000-08:00

I can dream can't I?

2009-11-19T23:48:00.000-08:00

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.

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.

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?

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.

Kemp and Ethier Collecting Hardware

2009-11-17T00:48:00.000-08:00

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.

Steve Phillips Fired... Again

2009-10-26T11:57:00.000-07:00

NLCS Game 2

2009-10-18T02:04:00.000-07:00

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?

Who is the Team of Destiny?

2009-10-11T12:59:00.000-07:00

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Postseason baseball always has a lot of stories and superstitions. Now, who is the team of destiny this year?

Manny Playing Possum?

2009-10-11T01:20:00.000-07:00

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.

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.

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.

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.

Dodgers Win It!

2009-10-08T18:18:00.000-07:00

Tinkerbell!

Season stats, wins, odds, all doesn't matter now

2009-10-08T02:02:00.000-07:00

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.

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.

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.

Hey Mr Verducci, you are eeriely similar to Rosenthal's dugout reporting.

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.

Better Late Than Never

2009-10-08T01:55:00.001-07:00

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.

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.

Shameless Plug: I'm in Giant Robot Issue 61

2009-09-23T16:49:00.000-07:00

Giant Robot 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:

The rest of the post is at my multipurpose blog: an Infinite Playlist

Happy Birthday Skipper!

2009-09-22T22:49:00.000-07:00

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.

Quite a nice full birthday indeed!

A Special Day

2009-09-16T23:41:00.000-07:00

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!

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.

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.

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.

I feel really burnt out, but I had an awesome day. And I forgot that I even got a bobblehead!

Dodger Bear is Sleeping Well Tonight

2009-09-16T01:59:00.000-07:00

My Dodger Bear has been hanging around in my room ever since I won him from a claw machine at a Toys R Us on my dad's birthday. My dad is not a baseball fan so I kept Dodger Bear for myself.

Here he is sleeping with his new Dodgertown blanket from the game. What a long game! Unfortunately, I was so hungry, my friend and I decided to leave in the top of 13th to get food. When we got to his house, Ethier homered and we missed it! But we aren't sad, because the Dodgers won!

Dodger Bear wishes you good night Dodgers Nation.

Red Hot One Hundred

2009-09-05T23:02:00.000-07:00

Red Hot One Hundred is not only Viewtiful Joe's special move, but could be used to describe Randy Wolf's amazing month where he has won 5 straight decisions and finally earning his 100th career win. He was amazing through 7 innings and has been the best starting pitcher on the Dodgers pitching staff both both sides of the ball. The hope now is that Wolf will be the Kuroda of this year and finish strong and dominate in the playoffs as well. Because the way Billingsley has been pitching and bad luck that Kershaw has been getting in the run-support department, I would promote Wolf to be the 1st or 2nd pitcher if the playoffs started today.

You have to ride the horse that is hot, especially during the playoffs. What Billingsley did in the beginning of the season doesn't matter if he doesn't rediscover it soon. If the playoffs started today, I would go with Wolf, Billingsley, Kershaw, and Garland (and Kuroda to round off the 5 in case the Dodgers make it to the NLCS). Right now, our top 2 of Billingsley and Kershaw is not better than the Cards (Wainwright, Carpenter), Phillies (Lee, Hamels), and Giants (Lincecum and Cain). Sure they have greater potential than the other combos, but that is because they haven't even come close to reaching their full potential. That is not good if you want to win now.

Of course, the problem with the team now that they are in a slump is the offense hasn't been producing run despite getting a lot of base hits. They still suffer from mad situational hitting and making unproductive outs with runners on base. Sacrifices are something this team cannot take for granted. I feel the Angels are much better at playing small ball despite being a power hitting team. Unfortunately, the Dodgers don't have someone like Chone Figgins, one of my favorite offensive players. Not only is he a pretty good contact hitter, Figs is also an excellent bunter with nice speed. Of course, the Dodgers don't have the luxury of squandering opportunities in the playoffs, especially if they face off against pitchers like Wainwright, Carpenter, Lee, Hamels, and probably Lincecum and Cain. Get hot soon, or go home.

Hello Mr Garland

2009-09-05T03:29:00.000-07:00

Divert Attention and Worries

2009-09-03T04:06:00.000-07:00

Going to the fourth game against the Diamondbacks, sitting in Mannywood once again. Look me up if anyone is in the area, I'm in 53FD Row B.

At a lost for words

2009-09-03T04:05:00.000-07:00

More at my blog

Dodgers get Thome and Garland

2009-08-31T21:47:00.000-07:00

During the Dodgers' broadcast, it was stated by Vin Scully that the team has acquired Jim Thome and Jon Garland for players to be named later.

Humble Pie

2009-08-30T18:02:00.000-07:00

Some followers of Duck Dodgers Bats Cleanup might have noticed what I posted about Tulowitzki's comment about the NL West race:

"We look at it as all the pressure's on them. They're supposed to win the division. They were up by 15 1/2 . We're just messing around, I guess." -Troy Tulowitzki

I proceeded to predict a favorable scenario for the Dodgers, which would make Troy eat his words:

Oh Troy. If the Rockies lose tomorrow, they could see their run cut short. Since the Jim Tracy has taken over, the Rockies have not hit a wall yet. That wall could come really soon. After tomorrow's game, they face the best of the Giants pitching staff, Lincecum, Cain, and a resurgent Zito at San Francisco, where the Giants have been swallowing up every team that they played against. Meanwhile, the Dodgers face the Reds on the road, and hopefully could get their licks against Homer Bailey and Bronson Arroyo. If somehow, the Dodgers take tomorrow's matinee and 2 out of 3 from the Reds, and the Rockies lose 3 out of the 3 from the Giants, the lead would be 6 games going into the final month of the season. If that should happen, the Rockies would have the Giants and Marlins chasing them down in the wildcard race.

How bout now, Troy? Still no pressure? The Rockies have finally hit a proverbial wall. After beating the Dodgers in a late inning rally and closing within 2 games of them, the Rox have proceeded to lose the last 2 against the Dodgers at Coors and managed to get swept by the Giants. They are now tied with the Giants in the wildcard and 6 games behind the Dodgers.

It appears my prediction has come true (I actually thought the Giants-Rockies series was 4 games, so I guess that part was wrong). Despite Tulo almost getting a cycle today, the Rockies fell once again to the Giants. This might be the only time Dodgers fans can cheer for the Giants. For doing us this tremendous favor, I hope we will swept the Giants up north and here at Dodger Stadium.

Humble pie, indeed.

Save Some for Sunday

2009-08-30T02:03:00.000-07:00

Manny hit one out, like 15 hours too late. Juan Pierre did his best to fill in for Ethier, knocking in 2 runs with 3 hits. Kemp hit his 20th homer, and Jeff Weaver pitched another strong outting in relief.

Now, can the Dodgers save some for tomorrow's game? Usually when they score a bunch of runs, they have trouble scoring any the next game.

Remember Tulowitzki's comment about how the pressure was on the Dodgers? Well, now the Rockies have lost four in a row and are five games back and their wildcard lead is now cut to 1 game. Hey Troy, I guess the pressure is on you now!

Addiction

2009-08-28T03:14:00.000-07:00

I have been to 17 home games this season (not including the World Baseball Classic) and looking to a pleasant September.

Oops I've Fallen

2009-08-27T23:41:00.000-07:00

The Rockies are now 4 games back. Despite a critical defensive mistake by Rafael Furcal, Broxton sealed the deal as the Dodgers gained another game on the second place Rox. Hopefully, their bats will aid them at another spacious ballpark, the Great American in Cincinnati. Best case scenario, the Blue Crew could be 7 games by weeks end.

Despite not having the best offensive showing at Coors Field, the pitching, once again, held the opposition in check. Newly acquired Vicente Padilla pitched well. The spot-starters have all pitched well for the team this season. When Kuroda does make it back soon, the Dodgers will have quite a dilemma in their rotation, especially if Haeger and Padilla continues to pitch well. Once again, you can't complain with having too many effective players on the team.

Nothing more for tonight.

Dodger Blue to the Grave

2009-08-27T01:51:00.000-07:00

Though probably not available at the pavilion store, you can leave the human world in this swanky vessel. For around $4,400 for the casket and $800 for an urn, Dodgers fans can hope to they will see another Dodgers World Series before they end up in these. Perfectly matches the Valenzuela jersey you're going to be buried in.

From KTLA

Finally!!!

2009-08-26T20:48:00.000-07:00

Photo by Jack Dempsey, AP

After bashing James Loney last night, he finally made me eat my words, at least for one night. The Garbage Man hit a 3-run home run in the fourth inning, his first since July 10th, or last time the swallows came back to San Juan Capistrano. Ethier had his 6th multi-homer game of the season, hitting his 26th and 27th, and could go .300/30/100 this season. Wolf pitched another masterpiece and earned his third victory in a row, this time without having to provide his own run support. After Kershaw had a wonderful month and a half, Wolf has been the proxy ace in the pitching staff in August, especially with the injury to Kuroda and disappearance of early-season Billingsley.

The Dodgers push the Rockies back to 3 games and have a chance to push them all the way back to 4 games by winning the rubber-game tomorrow.

"We look at it as all the pressure's on them. They're supposed to win the division. They were up by 15 1/2 . We're just messing around, I guess." -Troy Tulowitzki

Oh Troy. If the Rockies lose tomorrow, they could see their run cut short. Since the Jim Tracy has taken over, the Rockies have not hit a wall yet. That wall could come really soon. After tomorrow's game, they face the best of the Giants pitching staff, Lincecum, Cain, and a resurgent Zito at San Francisco, where the Giants have been swallowing up every team that they played against. Meanwhile, the Dodgers face the Reds on the road, and hopefully could get their licks against Homer Bailey and Bronson Arroyo. If somehow, the Dodgers take tomorrow's matinee and 2 out of 3 from the Reds, and the Rockies lose 3 out of the 3 from the Giants, the lead would be 6 games going into the final month of the season. If that should happen, the Rockies would have the Giants and Marlins chasing them down in the wildcard race.

The Garbage Man

2009-08-25T22:03:00.000-07:00

(Photo by Tony Gutierrez, AP)

Most people who have been reading my posts or opinions on SOSG and TrueBlueLA know about how critical I have been on James Loney's offensive contribution, especially when the Dodgers did not make a push to get Victor Martinez or any other power-hitting first baseman. My main argument for getting some like Martinez is that the Dodgers lineup didn't need any more contact hitters. Instead, they would benefit more from someone who had pretty good power numbers, either with hitting homers or from slugging. Loney was a one-bag type of hitters, but had a pretty decent year, until the trade deadline.

Since the trade deadline, Loney has not had the best numbers: 15 for 71 (.211), 9 BB, 0 HR, 8 RBIs through today's game. Bad month but not terrible, right? If you take away the first three games of the month when he had 3 multi-hit games in a row, his numbers are as bad as it gets: 8 for 57 (.140), 0 HR, 3 RBIs in the past 17 games.

Tonight, he went 0 for 5, the only Dodgers position player without a base-hit. Also, he made a critical error in the bottom of the 10th that pretty much dashed all hopes of a victory.

I know I have been too critical on Loney, but why can't I be? I mean he is no Andruw Jones, right? The way he has been playing recently, he is Jones sans the expensive price tag. He did hit that grand slam last season in the playoffs and probably is hitting the worst slump of his young career. However, sometimes I still wonder how good would this team be if we had Martinez, Adrian Gonzalez, or even Adam Dunn batting behind Manny.

Sorry Loney, losing some games make the fans a little critical of you. I have been calling you Garbage Man from my seat in Field Box 53 every time you fail to drive in a run or get a base-hit. Please prove me wrong soon.

No Runs, No Problem

2009-08-23T02:17:00.000-07:00

Despite scoring a total of four runs in the past 2 games, the Dodgers are within a Sunday victory of sweeping the slumping Chicago Cubs. The Cubs have scored 1 run in the past 2 games and 4 runs total in the past 3 games versus Dodgers pitching. Spanning the past 24 innings, the Cubs have scored once on a bloop single by Ryan Theriot.

Saturday's matinee game featured another excellent start by knuckleballer, Charlie Haeger, who went 7 shutout innings, frustrating an anemic Cubs offense, that have really struggled on the road this season. Broxton survived a jam with runners on second and third after Kemp lost a flyball in sun that came off of Derek Lee's bat by striking out 2 and forcing a lineout. Sherrill got his first save of the year after laboring through the ninth.

The Dodgers got solo blasts from Kemp and Blake, and that was all they needed. Kemp's homer seemed like it was launched out of a cannon, as it landed over the home bullpen, onto the field level entrance area.

The Dodgers have not been playing their best since the All star break. With this victory, they finally break even record-wise, but still have the task of facing the second-place Rockies this coming week. Hopefully, their bats will wake up at the hitter-friendly confines of Coors Field. Tap the Rockies, indeed.

A Night With Friends

2009-08-21T20:38:00.000-07:00

Nothing is better than watching baseball at the ballpark with some old friends, having a beer and doing some reminiscing about college. Tracy is from Chicago and Isaac lived there for the past two years. Naturally, Miss Sula is a Cubs fan and wore her personalized jersey. Eveytime she got up, she was promptly booed by all the people around us in Loge, which was oddly enjoyable.

We began our night by eating some very nice Chicago deep dish pizza at Masa in Echo Park for half-price, in commemoration of the Cubs being in town. The game was close until Russell Martin hit a grand slam in the sixth inning. I had no idea why the Cubs intentionally walked James Loney, who has been struggling for the past several weeks. Probably to induce a double-play, but they got burned severely. Tracy was not pleased, and Isaac instantly turned into a Dodgers fan.

We ended the night having a round of drinks at Mountain Bar in Chinatown. Issac is off to graduate school at Seoul National University next week, so I wish him all the best. It was another wonderful day that started at Royal/T for lunch and ended at the stadium and the dive bar. Everything was great except the horrible traffic everywhere I went.

Broxton Blows it on Kemp Bobblehead Night

2009-08-21T10:06:00.000-07:00

Clayton Kershaw had another rocky game. Dodgers managed to tie up the game on 2 homers by Either and Blake, but Jonathan Broxton blew the lead after Martin's attempt to throw out Albert Pujols stealing second bounced into center field.

Off to Kemp Bobblehead Night

2009-08-19T02:09:00.001-07:00

Truthfully, I am more psyched about this bobblehead than even the Manny one. Hopefully, there will be some Kemp heroics that would result in a Dodgers win in the rubber game against the Cardinals. I might try to hit up Crooks on Saturday to see Kemp and Loney's t-shirt collab. Hope there isn't too insane of a line.

Here is the collab shirts from Crooks' Twitter:

Karmic Balance

2009-08-16T21:37:00.000-07:00

After a horrible night of watching Dodgers pitcher Hiroki Kuroda get hit in the side of the head by a comeback line drive and having them eventually blowing their lead and losing the game, Sunday proved to be the the karmic equalizer to the Saturday blues.

Hiroki Kuroda was released from the hospital without any major injuries and was clear to fly back with the team for their next homestand. Randy Wolf, who have been plagued by bad luck this season, responded by singlehandedly winning the game for a slumping Dodgers team. He pitched into the 8th inning, giving up 3 runs. Even more impressive, Wolf did most of his damage with his bat by amassing three hits, including a homer and 3 RBIs, and came within a triple of hitting for a cycle.

For more on my Sunday, please visit my blog: an Infinite Saga.

Kuroda hit in the head

2009-08-15T19:15:00.000-07:00

Hiroki Kuroda was hit in the side of the head on a comeback liner off the bat of Diamondbacks' pinch hitter Rusty Ryal in the bottom of the sixth inning. He was carried off on a stretch and was carted off the field, and taken off to nearby St Joseph hospital.

World Baseball Classic

2009-08-07T16:53:00.000-07:00

I was glad the second World Baseball Classic semifinals and finals were held at Dodger Stadium. For those who are love baseball and an awesome World Cup-like atmosphere, I recommend everyone make it out for the next WBC in 2013. This time around, I made it to the Korea vs. e Venezuela semifinals, and the Korea vs. Japan finals. The finals was absolute pandemonium. It was more like World Cup Soccer match than an exhibition baseball game. Both sides were playing for national pride, and the sellout crowd didn't stop cheering until the game was over.

I really hoped the United States baseball team would take the WBC more seriously. It seemed they refused to send their best out there because a lot of Major League teams didn't want to subject their star players to injury. I felt countries like Cuba, Japan, Korea, and even Puerto Rico took this tournament more seriously than the Americans. I was disappointed with American pros in baseball. I felt like the US Mens basketball team had something to prove and went into the Beijing Olympics on a mission to restore their supremacy in the basketball world.

Despite having the US being crushed and eliminated in the semis by Japan, the Final was an epic game. Japan won on a late rally and base hit by Ichiro. Therefore, Japan have won the first two WBC championships. I still think that the first WBC was stolen by the Japanese baseball team, as they got into the elimination rounds on a technicality. I still think that Korea has nothing to be ashamed of. Japan only lost twice in the tournament, both times to Korea. They still hold a 4 to 3 advantage over the Japanese.

June 26 was a Magical Night

2009-08-07T16:19:00.000-07:00

I was looking at some of the old pictures taken at Dodger Stadium came across some on June 26th. Not only was it my first time sitting next to the Dodgers bullpen, but a lot of interesting things happened that night.

So Pau Gasol was going to throw out the first pitch that night. He went down all the way to home base high-fiving everyone, including me. That was the longest Dodgers jersey I have ever seen. Maybe Mark Hendrickson had one as long.

Clayton Kershaw pitched a very good game, and Andre Ethier hit 3 home runs. However, I didn't see Griffey play that night. Also, no Manny this game, as he was still serving his PED suspension. It was still a very great night at the ballpark.

Ethier Delivers Another Knockout Blow

2009-08-06T23:17:00.000-07:00

Andre Ethier hit a walkoff 3-run homer against Braves closer Rafael Soriano in the bottom of the 9th after two two singles by Juan Pierre and Rafael Furcal to start off the inning. It was his 5th walkoff hit and the 3rd walkoff homer of the season.

There is something really special with this guy, as well as this Dodgers team. The demeanor has also changed at Dodger Stadium. A lot of fans refuse to leave the ballpark early, in hopes of a late-inning Dodgers rally. With these results, why would you?

Tonight's View From Infield Reserve

2009-08-06T01:16:00.000-07:00

Here is a little panoramic shot of the August 5th game from Infield Reserve, taken by my Dodgers bff, Kenny. The Infield Reserve is cursed, because the Dodgers have yet to win a game when we sit there. I have a rundown of all the games we went to this season, where we sat, and the results.

May 6 vs. Nationals, Lower Reserve 60RS, Row N, Result: W
May 7 vs. Nationals, Loge 162LG, Row L, Result: L
May 9 vs. Giants, Field Box MVP 7FD, Row W, Result: W
May 20 vs. Mets, Baseline Field, 45BL, Row 7, Result: W
June 10 vs. Padres, Infield Reserve 2RS, Row K, Result: L
June 17 vs. Athletics, Infield Reserve 8RS, Row F, Result: L
June 26 vs. Mariners, Field Box 53FD, Row D, Result: W
June 28 vs. Mariners, AYCE Pavilion 308PR, Row E, Result: L
July 1 vs. Rockies, Loge 162LG, Row N, Result: W
July 16 vs. Astros, Field Box 53FD, Row K, Result: L
July 19 vs. Astros, Field Box 50FD, Row AA, Result: W
July 20 vs. Reds, Top Deck, Row A, Result:W
July 22 vs. Reds, Lower Reserve 39RS, Row P, Result: W
July 24 vs. Marlins, Lower Reserve 28RS, Row P, Result: L
August 5 vs Brewers, Infield Reserve 2RS, Row L, Result: L

Record of Attended Home Games: 8-7
Infield Reserve Games: 0-4

Prince Fielder is Down With the Koreans

2009-08-04T23:59:00.000-07:00

Fittingly, on Korean Heritage night at Dodger Stadium, I noticed an interesting tattoo on Prince Fielder's neck. While many people might get Chinese or Japanese kanji characters as tattoos, Prince had his name written in Korean hangul, or alphabet. The characters display the word "wangja", which appropriately means "prince" in Korean. At least no one tricked him and told him to put a bad word in Korean.

From KoreaBeat

No Mercy

2009-08-04T22:41:00.000-07:00

One night after having a 9th inning rally come 1 run short against the Brewers, the Dodgers made sure that this game would not require any late-inning heroics. The Blue Crew crushed the Brew Crew 17 to 4, scoring 9 earned runs off starter, Yovani Gallardo, and 8 more off their bullpen. If there was any doubt that Manny's hand was bothering him, all doubts were negated tonight, as he had a solo homer and a 2-run double down the line. It was his first run-batted-in since his pinch hit home run on his bobblehead night over 2 weeks ago.

Everyone in the lineup had their licks against the Brewers pitching staff, even Guillermo Mota. But most importantly, the Duck Dodgers favorite, Matt Kemp, had 4 hits, including a 2-run homer off R.J. Swindle to deep center to add insult to injury. The Bison had led the club with 5 RBIs.

Hiroki Kuroda had to get himself out of several jams and was finally hit up for 3 runs in the top of the 5th inning to trim the deficit to 1. However, the Dodgers put up 13 unanswered runs starting with Manny's solo shot. After struggling for runs for many games after the All-Star break, the Dodgers offense have scored 20 runs in the past 9 innings, including their 3 run rally last night.

The game got so out of hand, I was just collection Vin Scully zingers for most of the rout. Here are some of my favorites for the night:

"Strike out on that and you have been Swindled" (referring to Swindle's 52mph breaking ball)

"...and the beer has gone flat here."

"Since we have a no game right now..." (before discussing Trevor Hoffman's history against bases loaded jams)

Wild Thing, You Make My Heart Sing, You Walk Everything

2009-08-04T03:04:00.000-07:00

If Clayton Kershaw didn't have a nickname before, he has one now, and it is "Wild Thing". For those who have watched the baseball comedy Major League, Charlie Sheen plays a rookie pitcher named Rick Vaughn who has amazing velocity but absolutely no control. In his first game, he walks the bases loaded with 12 straight balls. Thus, a fan sitting in the outfield pavilion sings the oldie, Wild Thing, to describe his performance.

Kershaw did him one better on Monday night, when he walked four straight batters, including walking in 2 runs. This was by far his worst performance in a month. This game showed that he was still human and still has a lot of improve upon, especially his control.

Should we be worried about him? Absolutely not. His previous game, he pitched 8 shutout innings and was nearly unhittable. Even Rick Vaughn had his issues with control before helping the Indians win the pennant. Most importantly, even Sandy Koufax did.

"Just a bit outside, he tried the corner and missed... Boy, how can these guys lay off pitches that close?"

-Harry Doyle, Major League

Welcome to My New Dodgers-Only Blog!

2009-08-04T01:28:00.000-07:00

Hello Dodger Nation, this is Ken with my own Dodgers blog. I will still put my Dodgers thoughts on my main blog, but this page will be specifically for the Boys in Blue. Please support me!

Now why did I choose this name. In my many years as a Dodgers fan, I always wondered why we didn't have a mascot like the Philly Fanatic or the Running Sausages in Milwaukee. I kept thinking what the mascot might be and concluded that it would be funny to make Duck Dodgers the honorary icon. For those of you who don't know about Duck Dodgers, it is the space incarnation of Daffy Duck, who is a horrible space hero. He has the reputation of the lovable loser. Also, his name has Dodgers in it. So now you know!

2009-08-03T10:26:00.000-07:00

A couple days after losing the MLB Final Vote and being snubbed by Charlie Manuel, Matt Kemp is showing the nation where amazing happens. Though he isn't an elite player just yet, Kemp has been playing on an impressive and all-star caliber level for the past week.

Just to illustrate how much of a tear Kemp is actually on, here is what Kemp has been doing on the roadtrip: He has a 7-game hitting streak, batting .556 (15-27) with 1HR and 9 RBIs. Also, Kemp has 5 multi-hit games during the roadtrip. In the past 3 games, he has gotten 9 hits in 12 official at-bats (.750).

Tonight, Kemp went 3 for 5 with a grand slam in the top of 10th, which proved to be the difference in the game. In the bottom of the 10th, he ended the game with a Willie Mays-esque basket catch running towards the center field warning track, preventing an extra base hit.

Now, my question is will Raul Ibanez play in the All-Star game? Also, if he doesn't play, will Manuel pick Kemp to fill in? Gut feeling he will not pick Kemp even if Ibanez sits out.

Now What? Indians Trade Martinez Before His Bobblehead Night

2009-07-31T15:08:00.000-07:00

On the trading deadline, the Cleveland Indians traded their catcher, Victor Martinez, to the Boston Red Sox for several young arms. The transaction wasn't out of the ordinary until you realize that tomorrow game against the Detroit Tiger is Victor Martinez Bobblehead Night at Progressive Field. It is true that only in Cleveland would something like this happen to baseball fans. I have never seen this happen in my life.

Now my only question is what are they going to do with that 40,000 or so bobbleheads? Are they going to pass them out as part, so kids could put Victor next to his catcher's mitt giveaway and the Cliff Lee bobblehead they got from earlier this season? Or are they just going to scrap it and have some employees flip them for great money on eBay, making them an awesome rare collectible?

My idea is this: Since the Red Sox and Indians have similar colors on their uniforms, why not package those bobbleheads along with Victor as offer them as part of the trade. The Red Sox employees can slap a team logo on the helmet of the doll and distribute them in a Fenway giveaway night to welcome him to town. The final line will show this: Justin Masterson, Bryan Price and Nick Hagadone for Victor Martinez and 43,000 bobbleheads.

Blake-Slapped

2009-07-25T23:44:00.000-07:00

Casey Blake wants to join the party, too. There have been a lot of heroics by the Dodgers this season. They are 20-9 in one-run games, and have won 10 games in their final at-bat. What is even more impressive is that Blake has been struggling at the plate this homestand and was held hitless for the game until his bloop single in shallow right field that scored the winning run.

As the Dodgers batted in the bottom of the ninth, the usual suspects were trying to create another comeback. Everyone on the top of the lineup batting before Blake has recently done something clutch for the team. It was fitting that it was Blake was able to deliver the hit, especially when many who were watching the game probably thought that Manny or Andre Ethier was going to get the game-winning hit. At least for tonight, they took a backseat to this underappreciated third baseman named Casey.

...The Impossible Has Happened: Manny Ramirez Edition

2009-07-22T22:58:00.000-07:00

"This is more Hollywood than Hollywood! No wait, you're right, it's Mannywood."
-Vin Scully

Were you there tonight? If you were at the stadium for Manny Ramirez bobblehead night, you were in for an amazing treat and great moment in Dodgers baseball history. In front of a soldout crowd, the ultimate Hollywood (or should I just say Mannywood) story was written before our eyes.

After getting hit in the hand in last night's game, Ramirez was unable to start due to a bruised hand. That is right. Manny was unable to start or maybe even play on his own bobblehead night. However, in all of our minds, we knew that he was going to pinch hit in a key situation. Now, this is where the story becomes really improbable.

Joe Torre chose to bat the pitcher 8th tonight, which he does quite often. The Reds managed to tie the game at 2 in the top of the sixth inning, but Bronson Arroyo loaded the bases by walking Russell Martin with the pitcher's spot coming up. Pretty much everyone in the stadium knew that Manny was going to come off the bench and at least hit a sacrifice fly to score the go-ahead run. He looked uncomfortable all night sitting on the bench, and also went into the tunnel on one occasion, to probably hit in the batting cage. Reds manager, Dusty Baker, had a double-switch and brought in Nick Masset in relief of Arroyo. With nowhere to put Manny, everyone knew Masset would have to pitch to him. The atmosphere was intense, almost like a playoff game. The sellout crowd was the loudest it has ever been all season, and that includes the amazing World Baseball Classic Final. To a standing ovation, Manny hit Masset's first offering straight to the Mannywood section. Right after that, the crowd just erupted and everyone went crazy, high-fiving and hugging everyone next to them.

My friend and I have often called the impossible moments in sports, "Bullshit Moments". I classify this one, a 9 points out of 10 on the "BS" meter. How could it be that Manny would be unable to start the game due to an injury, come up to pinch hit for the pitcher with the bases loaded, and hit a first-pitch grand slam on his own bobblehead giveaway night? Also, he provided what proved to be the difference in the game. Masset has given up only 2 home runs all year. I believe that Dennis Eckersley gave up 5 homers all year in 1988 before he gave up the one to Kirk Gibson in the world series. Of course, Manny was no where as injured as Gibson was, and this wasn't in the playoffs. Either way, this was still a special game. And this team is definitely special. I haven't seen so many "Bullshits" in one season since the "Rally Monkey" Angels who won the World Series in the early 2000s.

One more thing to note. I am sure the Dodgers fans just shut up Bill Plaschke for his constant Manny-bashing since the end of his 50-game suspension. Did you see the fans cheer for Manny and the Dodgers? Did you see how happy Manny was when he hit the slam and the fans went crazy? Bill, I hope you enjoyed this one! I will certainly enjoy my Manny bobblehead!

Kemp 4, Astros 3

2009-07-19T18:35:00.000-07:00

Rarely can you say that one guy singlehandedly won the game in the sport of baseball, but Matt Kemp showed that his career-high 4 runs were enough to take the final game of the series against the Houston Astros. Ever since being put into the Final Vote ballot, Kemp has been impressing fans on both sides of the ball. Today, he went 3-3, stole a base, scored 3 runs, and hit the game winning home run on the bottom of the 8th, allowing the Dodgers to fuel another comeback and win another one-run game. His homer was a massive blast to left-center, measuring about 450 feet.

The bottom of the lineup did all of the damage for the Comeback Kids. Andre Ethier, Brad Ausmus, and Kemp accounted for all of the team's hits. Ausmus had 2 timely doubles and 2 RBI filling in very well defensively and offensively for Russell Martin. Hiroki Kuroda looked very shaky in 5 innings of work, as his pitches weren't fulling anyone in the Astros lineup. He was fortunate not to give up more than the 3 runs he gave up in the 3rd inning.

It was another hot day at the ballpark, as I kept drinking a lot of fluids to keep from getting heatstroke. But I was glad to finally witness a late-inning comeback in person. This is my 3rd blog posting about Matt Kemp, so I might as well be joining the Kemp and also the Clayton Kershaw fan club.

Speaking of Clayton, he had another magnificent pitching performance last night, picking up his 5th straight win with his 7 shutout innings. By far, these two youngsters have carried the load for this team for the past month. Kershaw has given up 4 earned runs in the past 7 outtings (42-2/3 innings). In that same stretch, Chad Billingsley has not won a game in 6 tries, including losing 2 of them, and allowing 25 earned runs in the last 33-1/3 innings. Very interesting numbers to consider for fans and observers.

Anyways, I will be at the game tomorrow to watch the return of Jason Schmidt, our highest paid player in the pitching rotation.

You Are Now Entering Mannywood

2009-07-17T00:35:00.000-07:00

Tonight was Manny Ramirez first home game since his 50 game suspension. Unfortunately, there wasn't too much to talk about, at least on the Dodgers side. The Blue Crew was shutout by the Houston Astros pitching staff despite having 8 base hits.

Manny received a standing ovation each time he went up to bat. Most of the fans in the pavilions and Mannywood remained standing and showed their support for the slugger when he took the field for defense. He looked very appreciative and acknowledged the crowd whenever they were chanting. The Los Angeles sportsfan treats their star athletes with a lot of respect and admiration. This was certainly the case tonight. It seemed more like a player coming back from an injury than from a huge suspension. The fans didn't forget Juan Pierre, who also received a standing ovation from the crowd when he came up to pinch hit.

I got to sit in Mannywood with my friend. While it definitely not my first time sitting next to the Dodgers bullpen, it was certainly special to be there on Manny's return. In addition to being poster-giveaway night, the whole Mannywood section was given free Mannywood tshirts to signal the return of Manny and the Mannywood seats. A very nice gesture, as the organization showed a lot of appreciation for the fans.

Manny Meets Mantle, Kemp Does Mays Impression

2009-07-11T22:46:00.000-07:00

Yesterday's game against the Brewers, Manny Ramirez tied Mickey Mantle on the all-time home run list, but that was not the only historical homage that would happen. If you read my previous post, I praised Matt Kemp's amazing week. After hitting a grand slam in the top of the 10th last night, he did his best impression of Willie Mays in the bottom of the 10th to end the game and prevent a disastrous night from Jonathan Broxton.

Here is the picture of the catch taken from Orel's blog on Sons of Steve Garvey. Remember, he had his back to the flyball. Enjoy.

Matt Kemp, Where Amazing Happens

2009-07-10T22:26:00.000-07:00