For the second straight night, the Dodgers built an early lead in Arizona, only to have it slip away.
And for the fifth straight start, Chad Billingsley proved why the Dodgers desperately need to trade him.
The Diamondbacks got four runs in the fifth and sixth to overcome a 2-0 deficit, and went on to defeat the Dodgers, 5-3. Old friend James McDonald overpowered the Giants, so the Dodgers still have a 1/2 game lead in the NL West.
If there's one thing the Dodgers have been great at this season, it's scoring in the first inning. Surprise, surprise... they did it again. Luis Cruz has been a mainstay in the lineup, and he doubled with one out. Jerrry Hairston, Jr. hit in the #3 spot again, and he cranked a two-run shot to left to make it 2-0.
In six games hitting in the #3 spot this year, Hairston's average is .333 with two homers and four RBIs. That's ususally Matt Kemp's spot, so it will be interesting to see if Hairston stays there for some games and Kemp hits cleanup instead. Or at least until Andre Ethier returns as well.
That's about it as highlights go. It's not like the Dodgers didn't have a chance to win. In fact, it was quite the opposite considering Billingsley was scoreless through four. His only blemishes were a pair of doubles surrendered: Paul Goldschmidt in the second, Aaron Hill in the fourth. Both were stranded.
Then came the fifth, and with it came the big old wall that Billingsley ALWAYS hits in the middle innings. Seriously, was there ever any doubt? Uh, no.
Miguel Montero started things with a double. A single by Geoff Blum put runners on the corners. Gerardo Parra then stepped up and stroked a two-run double down the left field line to tie the game.
Things weren't over yet, as after a grounder got Parra to third, Stephen Drew lifted a sac-fly RBI to put the DBacks up 3-2.
The Dodgers went down in order to start the sixth, and Billingsley wasn't done giving up runs yet. Justin Upton, who's been the victim of the home boo birds lately, doubled leading off. Two fly balls got him in, with Goldschmidt collecting the RBI, and it was 4-2.
A.J. Ellis tried to jumpstart a Dodgers' rally in the seventh, as he found just enough room in left for a leadoff homer. It was his seventh of the season, and put the Dodgers down by one.
Josh Lindblom relieved Billingsley and got through the seventh unscathed. He then got the first couple of outs in the eighth before Jason Kubel hit a solo shot into right, and it was now 5-3.
J.J. Putz came in for the save opportunity, but Adam Kennedy greeted him with a walk. Ellis then grounded one to short in which Hill made a terrific catch and turn to complete the double play. Bobby Abreu's pinch-hit single went nowhere as Juan Rivera struck out to end the game. It was Putz's 16th save.
Billingsley continued his regression even more with his fifth straight loss. During this span, he has a 6.21 ERA. It's not like he's giving many free passes, as his strikeout to walk ratio is 29:5. But, when hitters make contact, it's usually bad news, as he's giving up 41 hits in 29 innings. And needless to say, that's just not going to get it done.
I know the offense hasn't exactly scored a bunch of runs for him (14 runs in 5 games), but they have given him leads that he continues to bumble away. And that's been the story all along - good for the start of the game, awful once the middle innings hit. And it will continue to be that way until the Dodgers decide they've had enough.
Speaking of the offense, it's probably the last time we'll see James Loney in the cleanup spot. I know he's hit better lately, but Don Mattingly made an awful decision to put him there considering he was 0-for-4 with three K's, dropping his average to .247. The returns of Kemp and Ethier can't come fast enough!
For the Dodgers, the goal is simple on Sunday: win and finish the first half in first place. They've got a great pitcher on the mound for that to happen in Chris Capuano. He'll be looking for his 10th win of the season already, one shy of the 11 he had all of last season with the Mets.
Sunday, July 8, 2012
Friday, July 6, 2012
The funk is over for the Dodgers and Eovaldi
With four wins in the past five games, the Dodgers have mercifully broken out of their bad two-week stretch to end June.
And with his first win of the year, Nathan Eovaldi is looking to build a winning streak of his own.
Scott Van Slyke and Elian Herrera homered, Eovaldi went six strong, and the bullpen was untouchable. Tally it all up, and it was another win for the Dodgers over the Diamondbacks, 4-1. The Giants blew a lead against the Nationals, so the lead the NL West is up 1 1/2 games.
Much like the Fourth of July against the Reds, the Dodgers got on the board in the opening inning. It all started with the returning Mark Ellis, who doubled in his first at-bat since May 18. Three straight hits came after that, as Jerry Hairston, Jr. singled for runners on the corners. Juan Rivera's RBI double made it 1-0. Luis Cruz has been a big lift in his brief time, and his RBI single put the Dodgers up 2-0.
The DBacks cut the lead in half in the second, though it could have (and probably should have) been a whole lot worse. The bases became loaded right away on a walk to Jason Kubel, a double by Paul Goldschmidt, and a walk to Miguel Montero. Aaron Hill has had a good year, but he grounded into the 1-2-3 double play, pretty much the perfect thing to happen for the Dodgers.
Stephen Drew got something out of the inning at least, as an RBI single to right made it 2-1. Wade Miley grounded out to end the inning.
It was all about the longball and pitching from there. Yes, the Dodgers actually hit multiple home runs in a game. Van Slyke has been struggling at the plate to say the least, as he came into this game hitting .170 in 46 at-bats. But, he put one out into deep left to make it 3-1 in the fourth.
Eovaldi got through the fifth and sixth thanks to a couple of inning ending double plays. He must have done something right with runners on considering the DBacks grounded into three of those.
The seventh was interesting, as Tony Gywnn walked leading off. Eovaldi was lifted for Juan Uribe to pinch-hit. As Vin Scully was going on and on about how Don Mattingly has been working with Uribe on his hitting... Uribe grounded into the easy double play. Wow does he suck. I mean he's really, REALLY bad. And that's just all there is to it.
Herrera, however, stepped up next and hit his first career homer, just sneaking over the wall in left, making it 4-1. He hasn't hit a lick lately, but with Dee Gordon out six weeks and options limited, Mattingly stuck him in the leadoff spot and he got on a couple times.
The bullpen made sure the DBacks looked even weaker from there. Scott Elbert pitched the seventh and got a strikeout. Ronald Belisario did the same in the eighth. Finally, Kenley Jansen shut the door in the ninth by striking out the side. Three innings, no hits, five strikeouts. That's some great stuff. And that's an understatement.
It's good to see Eovaldi rewarded for a good start. Through five starts, he was 0-3 with a 2.35 ERA. He got hit around his previous two starts to raise those numbers to 0-5 and 4.61. After going six innings for five hits, one run, no walks, and three strikeouts, he finally gets that elusive first win with a 4.21 ERA.
The DBacks only have one All-Star representative this year, and that's Miley. So it was good to see the Dodgers get to him at first to make the home fans even more disgruntled. What are they mad about the most? The fact that Justin Upton is hitting only .266 with 7 homers and 34 RBIs. Not terrible numbers, but certainly not ones you'd build a franchise around. He's still very talented, so maybe we should enjoy his slump while it lasts.
With three games left before the All-Star break, the Dodgers have a great opportunity to not only stay in first place, but increase upon it as well. The Giants have to go to Pittsburgh starting tonight, and those games are suddenly tough, thanks to a resurgent Pirates squad. Clayton Kershaw will get the ball tonight against Josh Collmenter.
And with his first win of the year, Nathan Eovaldi is looking to build a winning streak of his own.
Scott Van Slyke and Elian Herrera homered, Eovaldi went six strong, and the bullpen was untouchable. Tally it all up, and it was another win for the Dodgers over the Diamondbacks, 4-1. The Giants blew a lead against the Nationals, so the lead the NL West is up 1 1/2 games.
Much like the Fourth of July against the Reds, the Dodgers got on the board in the opening inning. It all started with the returning Mark Ellis, who doubled in his first at-bat since May 18. Three straight hits came after that, as Jerry Hairston, Jr. singled for runners on the corners. Juan Rivera's RBI double made it 1-0. Luis Cruz has been a big lift in his brief time, and his RBI single put the Dodgers up 2-0.
The DBacks cut the lead in half in the second, though it could have (and probably should have) been a whole lot worse. The bases became loaded right away on a walk to Jason Kubel, a double by Paul Goldschmidt, and a walk to Miguel Montero. Aaron Hill has had a good year, but he grounded into the 1-2-3 double play, pretty much the perfect thing to happen for the Dodgers.
Stephen Drew got something out of the inning at least, as an RBI single to right made it 2-1. Wade Miley grounded out to end the inning.
It was all about the longball and pitching from there. Yes, the Dodgers actually hit multiple home runs in a game. Van Slyke has been struggling at the plate to say the least, as he came into this game hitting .170 in 46 at-bats. But, he put one out into deep left to make it 3-1 in the fourth.
Eovaldi got through the fifth and sixth thanks to a couple of inning ending double plays. He must have done something right with runners on considering the DBacks grounded into three of those.
The seventh was interesting, as Tony Gywnn walked leading off. Eovaldi was lifted for Juan Uribe to pinch-hit. As Vin Scully was going on and on about how Don Mattingly has been working with Uribe on his hitting... Uribe grounded into the easy double play. Wow does he suck. I mean he's really, REALLY bad. And that's just all there is to it.
Herrera, however, stepped up next and hit his first career homer, just sneaking over the wall in left, making it 4-1. He hasn't hit a lick lately, but with Dee Gordon out six weeks and options limited, Mattingly stuck him in the leadoff spot and he got on a couple times.
The bullpen made sure the DBacks looked even weaker from there. Scott Elbert pitched the seventh and got a strikeout. Ronald Belisario did the same in the eighth. Finally, Kenley Jansen shut the door in the ninth by striking out the side. Three innings, no hits, five strikeouts. That's some great stuff. And that's an understatement.
It's good to see Eovaldi rewarded for a good start. Through five starts, he was 0-3 with a 2.35 ERA. He got hit around his previous two starts to raise those numbers to 0-5 and 4.61. After going six innings for five hits, one run, no walks, and three strikeouts, he finally gets that elusive first win with a 4.21 ERA.
The DBacks only have one All-Star representative this year, and that's Miley. So it was good to see the Dodgers get to him at first to make the home fans even more disgruntled. What are they mad about the most? The fact that Justin Upton is hitting only .266 with 7 homers and 34 RBIs. Not terrible numbers, but certainly not ones you'd build a franchise around. He's still very talented, so maybe we should enjoy his slump while it lasts.
With three games left before the All-Star break, the Dodgers have a great opportunity to not only stay in first place, but increase upon it as well. The Giants have to go to Pittsburgh starting tonight, and those games are suddenly tough, thanks to a resurgent Pirates squad. Clayton Kershaw will get the ball tonight against Josh Collmenter.
Thursday, July 5, 2012
Dodgers back in 1st, Nash to the Lakers... it was a good 4th
As if the Fourth of July holiday wasn't good enough, right before first pitch of the Dodgers' game, news broke that Steve Nash is going to be traded to the Lakers. To quote Daniel Bryan, "Yes! Yes! Yes!"
Then the game started, and thanks to a quick 3-0 lead, the Dodgers cruised to a victory over the Reds, 4-1. After searching for anything positive whatsoever for the better part of two weeks, the Dodgers took two of three in this series. Plus, they own first place once again since the Giants lost to the Nationals.
The "fireworks" got started in the first. Dee Gordon ripped one into right that nearly left the park, but was plenty good for a leadoff double. With the infield in anticipating a bunt, Luis Cruz bounced one into right for an RBI single, and it was 1-0.
Abreu kept things going with a single to put runners on the corners. James Loney's RBI single into right made it 2-0, and the Reds were reeling. Adam Kennedy then hit a grounder to first to get the forceout at second, but the return throw by Zack Cozart was wide, allowing Abreu to score to make it 3-0.
That's all Harang would need, as he was dealing. The only blemish he had was in the fifth. With one out, Devin Mesoraco crushed a solo shot into right to make it 3-1.
One more run was tacked on in the eighth. It started with Gordon again, as he walked and stole second. Cruz then took a walk, and Gordon swiped third in the process. Unfortunately, he also dislocated his right thumb on the play and had to come out. The returning Mark Ellis pinch-ran for him and was caught in a rundown at home for the first out. After Loney was intentionally walked to load the bases, Kennedy's sac-fly RBI to center made it 4-1.
No surprise here, but Ronald Belisario and Kenley Jansen teamed up to close out the final two innings. Belisario was just plain nasty as he struck out the side. Jansen got a couple K's himself for this 14th save. They were as close to untouchable as you could possibly be.
While the start of the game was big, there's no question that the power pitching was the true story of the night. It all started with Harang, who shut down his former team for seven innings, three hits, one run, one walk, and five strikeouts. The win gets him to 6-5 with a 3.51 ERA. For a guy who was signed to anchor the end of the rotation, he's been huge for the Dodgers.
The offense only had six hits, but they did a bunch of little things that led them to a win, much like the previous night against Johnny Cueto. The two stolen bases by Gordon in the eighth led to a run. Kennedy's sac-fly brought that run in. In the first, Gordon getting on base to start was big, as was the three straight singles that came right after.
Andre Ethier has joined Matt Kemp on the DL, but both men appear to be back soon after the All-Star break, if not right after. So, the Dodgers once again have to find ways to win with quirky lineups. That might be even tougher now with Gordon's thumb injury. It's hard to guess how long he'll be out, but it's also hard to see him avoiding the DL for this. At least it's not broken. We'll soon find out some sort of length.
The final series before the break is a four-game tilt in Arizona. The Dodgers have struggled recently, but the Diamondbacks haven't gotten going at all this season. Remember how all the "experts" said the Diamondbacks would run away with the NL West? Well, that hasn't quite happened, as they're currently six games back and three games under .500. Nathan Eovaldi will once again look for win #1 against the DBacks' All-Star, Wade Miley.
Then the game started, and thanks to a quick 3-0 lead, the Dodgers cruised to a victory over the Reds, 4-1. After searching for anything positive whatsoever for the better part of two weeks, the Dodgers took two of three in this series. Plus, they own first place once again since the Giants lost to the Nationals.
The "fireworks" got started in the first. Dee Gordon ripped one into right that nearly left the park, but was plenty good for a leadoff double. With the infield in anticipating a bunt, Luis Cruz bounced one into right for an RBI single, and it was 1-0.
Abreu kept things going with a single to put runners on the corners. James Loney's RBI single into right made it 2-0, and the Reds were reeling. Adam Kennedy then hit a grounder to first to get the forceout at second, but the return throw by Zack Cozart was wide, allowing Abreu to score to make it 3-0.
That's all Harang would need, as he was dealing. The only blemish he had was in the fifth. With one out, Devin Mesoraco crushed a solo shot into right to make it 3-1.
One more run was tacked on in the eighth. It started with Gordon again, as he walked and stole second. Cruz then took a walk, and Gordon swiped third in the process. Unfortunately, he also dislocated his right thumb on the play and had to come out. The returning Mark Ellis pinch-ran for him and was caught in a rundown at home for the first out. After Loney was intentionally walked to load the bases, Kennedy's sac-fly RBI to center made it 4-1.
No surprise here, but Ronald Belisario and Kenley Jansen teamed up to close out the final two innings. Belisario was just plain nasty as he struck out the side. Jansen got a couple K's himself for this 14th save. They were as close to untouchable as you could possibly be.
While the start of the game was big, there's no question that the power pitching was the true story of the night. It all started with Harang, who shut down his former team for seven innings, three hits, one run, one walk, and five strikeouts. The win gets him to 6-5 with a 3.51 ERA. For a guy who was signed to anchor the end of the rotation, he's been huge for the Dodgers.
The offense only had six hits, but they did a bunch of little things that led them to a win, much like the previous night against Johnny Cueto. The two stolen bases by Gordon in the eighth led to a run. Kennedy's sac-fly brought that run in. In the first, Gordon getting on base to start was big, as was the three straight singles that came right after.
Andre Ethier has joined Matt Kemp on the DL, but both men appear to be back soon after the All-Star break, if not right after. So, the Dodgers once again have to find ways to win with quirky lineups. That might be even tougher now with Gordon's thumb injury. It's hard to guess how long he'll be out, but it's also hard to see him avoiding the DL for this. At least it's not broken. We'll soon find out some sort of length.
The final series before the break is a four-game tilt in Arizona. The Dodgers have struggled recently, but the Diamondbacks haven't gotten going at all this season. Remember how all the "experts" said the Diamondbacks would run away with the NL West? Well, that hasn't quite happened, as they're currently six games back and three games under .500. Nathan Eovaldi will once again look for win #1 against the DBacks' All-Star, Wade Miley.
Wednesday, July 4, 2012
Injury updates on Ethier, Ellis, and Coffey
Andre Ethier tried all he could to avoid the DL, but as has been the case with countless other Dodgers this year, that just wasn't going to happen.
Ethier is now a member of the 15-day DL, retroactive to June 28. He strained his oblique on a swing the day before, and hasn't appeared in a game since. It wasn't considered major, and the hope was that he'd be back somewhat soon. Well, with Matt Kemp's injury debacle when he tried to rush back too soon, the Dodgers weren't going to watch the same thing happen here.
Not surprisingly, Ethier isn't too happy about the news, as he feels he can play right now. But, in a good sign of maturity, acknowledges that he understands the approach. With the All-Star break soon here, he should be good to go right after.
Coming off the DL for the first time since May 18 is Mark Ellis, whom the Dodgers desperately missed. It's not like has overpowering numbers (.273, 4 doubles, 2 homers, 9 RBIs), but it was his professional approach to the game that made him so valuable. Now he can resume hitting in the #2 hole, which has not been a productive spot recently. Throw in his good defense, and it's great to see him back.
As for Coffey, the news is not good at all. He'll have to undergo season-ending Tommy John surgery. It's the second one of his career, as he had the same procedure in 1999 while he was a minor leaguer with the Reds. He was starting to turn things around, as he went 10 scoreless appearances in June. But after giving up a triple to Todd Frazier of the Reds on Monday, he knew something was wrong. And boy was it ever.
Ethier is now a member of the 15-day DL, retroactive to June 28. He strained his oblique on a swing the day before, and hasn't appeared in a game since. It wasn't considered major, and the hope was that he'd be back somewhat soon. Well, with Matt Kemp's injury debacle when he tried to rush back too soon, the Dodgers weren't going to watch the same thing happen here.
Not surprisingly, Ethier isn't too happy about the news, as he feels he can play right now. But, in a good sign of maturity, acknowledges that he understands the approach. With the All-Star break soon here, he should be good to go right after.
Coming off the DL for the first time since May 18 is Mark Ellis, whom the Dodgers desperately missed. It's not like has overpowering numbers (.273, 4 doubles, 2 homers, 9 RBIs), but it was his professional approach to the game that made him so valuable. Now he can resume hitting in the #2 hole, which has not been a productive spot recently. Throw in his good defense, and it's great to see him back.
As for Coffey, the news is not good at all. He'll have to undergo season-ending Tommy John surgery. It's the second one of his career, as he had the same procedure in 1999 while he was a minor leaguer with the Reds. He was starting to turn things around, as he went 10 scoreless appearances in June. But after giving up a triple to Todd Frazier of the Reds on Monday, he knew something was wrong. And boy was it ever.
Finally some excitement returns to Dodger Stadium
It's been awhile, but with the way the Dodgers have flopped the last couple of weeks, they'll take any sort of thrills they can get.
Luis Cruz not only doubled home the go-ahead run, but stole home right after to lead the Dodgers over the Reds, 3-1. The optimistic side of me will point out that they've won two of the last three, and are now a half game back of the Giants in the NL West, thanks to another horrendous start by Tim Lincecum.
There's still plenty of talk about All-Star snubs, and two of the leading candidates took the mound in Chris Capuano and Johnny Cueto. Caps has taken his lack of invite in stride, not making an issue of it. Cueto, however, got in a nice lick to Tony LaRussa by claiming that maybe LaRussa's mad that he took took out one his girlfriends.
Somehow I don't see Capuano saying something similar.
But back to the game, and both pitchers threw up blanks through four. The Reds had a couple chances to score, but stranded two in the first and left the bases juiced in the fourth.
It was Cueto who started the Reds' rally in the fifth as his single led off the inning. Capuano got Zack Cozart (who returned a day after getting beaned in the head by Chad Billingsley) and Daniel Stubbs to fly out. But, the tough combination of Joey Votto and Brandon Phillips got a run in. Votto singled to keep the inning alive, and Phillips smacked an RBI double to the wall to make it 1-0.
I'm sure plenty of people (myself included) most likely thought this game was already over. When your favorite team is sporting a lineup that features nobody hitting over .280, nobody with more than six home runs, and is facing a guy with nine wins and an ERA in the 2.30's, it's hard to convince yourself something positive was about to happen.
We can all be grateful that something big did happen. In the sixth, the slumping (and that's an understatement) Elian Herrera pinch-hit for Capuano and singled leading off. Dee Gordon got him over to second on a sacrifice, but A.J. Ellis struck out. Cueto did the Dodgers a favor with a balk, sending Herrera to third. On a full count, Bobby Abreu singled up the middle to tie the game at 1-1.
Dodger Stadium came alive in the seventh, when the boys in blue took the lead for good. James Loney of all people started things with a one-out single. Cruz hasn't been in the majors for long, but he laced an RBI double to left center, as a hustling Loney was just able to beat the tag at home.
With Tony Gwynn up, Don Mattingly wasted no time in calling for the suicide squeeze attempt. Cueto knew something was up as he started his delivery, as he tried to get the ball up for the easy tag. Unfortunately for him, it was way too high and sailed all the way to the backstop, easily allowing Cruz to score and go up 3-1. Technically it was scored as a stolen base, so that's pretty cool for Cruz.
Ronald Belisario got the hold in the eighth, as his filthy stuff caused the Reds to weakly groundout three straight times. Kenley Jansen got his 13th save of the season as Cozart popped up in foul territory to Ellis to end the game.
While it wasn't exactly an outpouring of offense, it was still great to see the Dodgers get to Cueto in the seventh. Coming into this game, they've lost 12 of the last 14, and the offense has largely been to blame. It wasn't much, but getting just enough runs to come across was all the pitching needed on this night.
And speaking of pitching, Capuano had yet another great start. He went six innings for six hits, one run, three walks, and six strikeouts. The Reds were able to put runners on against him, but could only get the one big hit, which was Phillips's double in the fifth. It was a no-decision for Caps, so his record remains at 9-3 to go along with a 2.62 ERA and 1.12 WHIP.
The work of Josh Lindblom, Scott Elbert, Belisario, and Jansen was outstanding. Lindblom started the seventh and got two outs, and Elbert ended up getting the win by getting Votto to fly to left for the final out. Belisario and Jansen are as nasty a combination at the end of a game as you're going to see. Total it all up, and the 'pen pitched three scoreless innings, giving up only a hit and a walk.
If the Dodgers and their patchwork lineup can somehow get a win on the Fourth of July, then that would be an unlikely series victory over a top team in the NL Central. It'll be up to Aaron Harang, as he looks for his sixth win against Mike Leake.
Luis Cruz not only doubled home the go-ahead run, but stole home right after to lead the Dodgers over the Reds, 3-1. The optimistic side of me will point out that they've won two of the last three, and are now a half game back of the Giants in the NL West, thanks to another horrendous start by Tim Lincecum.
There's still plenty of talk about All-Star snubs, and two of the leading candidates took the mound in Chris Capuano and Johnny Cueto. Caps has taken his lack of invite in stride, not making an issue of it. Cueto, however, got in a nice lick to Tony LaRussa by claiming that maybe LaRussa's mad that he took took out one his girlfriends.
Somehow I don't see Capuano saying something similar.
But back to the game, and both pitchers threw up blanks through four. The Reds had a couple chances to score, but stranded two in the first and left the bases juiced in the fourth.
It was Cueto who started the Reds' rally in the fifth as his single led off the inning. Capuano got Zack Cozart (who returned a day after getting beaned in the head by Chad Billingsley) and Daniel Stubbs to fly out. But, the tough combination of Joey Votto and Brandon Phillips got a run in. Votto singled to keep the inning alive, and Phillips smacked an RBI double to the wall to make it 1-0.
I'm sure plenty of people (myself included) most likely thought this game was already over. When your favorite team is sporting a lineup that features nobody hitting over .280, nobody with more than six home runs, and is facing a guy with nine wins and an ERA in the 2.30's, it's hard to convince yourself something positive was about to happen.
We can all be grateful that something big did happen. In the sixth, the slumping (and that's an understatement) Elian Herrera pinch-hit for Capuano and singled leading off. Dee Gordon got him over to second on a sacrifice, but A.J. Ellis struck out. Cueto did the Dodgers a favor with a balk, sending Herrera to third. On a full count, Bobby Abreu singled up the middle to tie the game at 1-1.
Dodger Stadium came alive in the seventh, when the boys in blue took the lead for good. James Loney of all people started things with a one-out single. Cruz hasn't been in the majors for long, but he laced an RBI double to left center, as a hustling Loney was just able to beat the tag at home.
With Tony Gwynn up, Don Mattingly wasted no time in calling for the suicide squeeze attempt. Cueto knew something was up as he started his delivery, as he tried to get the ball up for the easy tag. Unfortunately for him, it was way too high and sailed all the way to the backstop, easily allowing Cruz to score and go up 3-1. Technically it was scored as a stolen base, so that's pretty cool for Cruz.
Ronald Belisario got the hold in the eighth, as his filthy stuff caused the Reds to weakly groundout three straight times. Kenley Jansen got his 13th save of the season as Cozart popped up in foul territory to Ellis to end the game.
While it wasn't exactly an outpouring of offense, it was still great to see the Dodgers get to Cueto in the seventh. Coming into this game, they've lost 12 of the last 14, and the offense has largely been to blame. It wasn't much, but getting just enough runs to come across was all the pitching needed on this night.
And speaking of pitching, Capuano had yet another great start. He went six innings for six hits, one run, three walks, and six strikeouts. The Reds were able to put runners on against him, but could only get the one big hit, which was Phillips's double in the fifth. It was a no-decision for Caps, so his record remains at 9-3 to go along with a 2.62 ERA and 1.12 WHIP.
The work of Josh Lindblom, Scott Elbert, Belisario, and Jansen was outstanding. Lindblom started the seventh and got two outs, and Elbert ended up getting the win by getting Votto to fly to left for the final out. Belisario and Jansen are as nasty a combination at the end of a game as you're going to see. Total it all up, and the 'pen pitched three scoreless innings, giving up only a hit and a walk.
If the Dodgers and their patchwork lineup can somehow get a win on the Fourth of July, then that would be an unlikely series victory over a top team in the NL Central. It'll be up to Aaron Harang, as he looks for his sixth win against Mike Leake.
Tuesday, July 3, 2012
Vintage Billingsley as Reds roll past Dodgers
Chad Billingsley was so Chad Billingsley-like on Monday, it was scary.
For five innings, it was smooth sailing, as Billingsley was spotted a 2-0 lead. Then the sixth inning came, and like countless other times in the past, he hit a wall. The result was a 3-2 deficit, which the Reds eventually ran with to get the win, 8-2.
The game started off promising enough. With two outs in the first, Jerry Hairston, Jr. hit a solo home run to left, his third of the season. The fact that he's hitting in the #3 spot pretty much sums up just how short-handed and desperate Don Mattingly is. No disrespect to Hairston, who's played very well this season, but it's not like he's a typical hitter for that spot.
Another run was added in the second. It started on a single by James Loney. Yes, those words just appeared on your computer screen. Juan Uribe followed with a walk. At this point, I'd like you to try not to fall out of your seat. Both Loney and Uribe reached base consecutively. To quote Dan Dierdorf, "Lord, you can take me now, I've seen it all!"
Anyway, Scott Van Slyke singled to center for what should have been a bases loaded situation for Luis Cruz. But ah, don't fret, it wasn't meant to be. Uribe thought Loney was going to keep running home, when in fact, Loney stayed put at third. Uribe was easily thrown out at second for the first out. Typical.
Cruz was called up to start at short for Dee Gordon, who left Sunday night's game with leg cramps. His sac-fly RBI scored Loney, and it was 2-0.
Billingsley was cruising at this point, as the Reds had four hits through four innings, but nothing to show for it. The first sign of unraveling came in the fifth. With two outs, Zack Cozart stepped up and was beaned in the head. Thankfully he was able to get up, but was still taken out of the game for precautionary reasons. And thankfully again, he's OK. As for Billingsley, he got the next out to keep the lead.
We all should've known that it was only a matter of time before the wheels fell off the bus. And sure enough, they did.
Brandon Phillips led off the sixth with a double, and All-Star Jay Bruce singled for runners in scoring position. Todd Frazier's RBI single made it 2-1. After a groundout, Miguel Cairo also grounded one to third in which Uribe threw home to get Bruce for two down.
Maybe that was the momentum Billingsley needed... but then again, if you thought that, then you don't know Mr. Chad Billingsley! Some guy named Devin Mesoraco stroked a two-run double, and the Reds were now up 3-2.
The game may as well have ended at this point, as the Dodgers flat out stunk after that. It was still only a 3-2 game entering the eighth, but Todd Coffey made sure the fans went home early... which they normally do anyway, but without the drama of wondering whether the Dodgers would win or not.
Bruce was beaned leading off and went to second on a wild pitch. Frazier's RBI triple made it 4-2. Chad Heisey and Cairo both struck out, so there was some hope. And then that hope got flushed down the toilet when Mesoraco singled into left, putting the Reds up 5-2. Jamey Wright had to come in to get Homer Bailey to ground out to end the inning.
Just for fun, the Reds made this game a blowout in the ninth. With Wright still in, Wilson Valdez walked to start. Daniel Stubbs laid down a bunt, and Wright threw it clean into centerfield on a horrible play. Runs were soon scored on Frazier's single, Heisey's fielder's choice, and Cairo's single.
I guess this was a tale of two games, as the Dodgers controlled the first part, but the Reds dominated the second. I know Billingsley wasn't exactly given many runs to work with, but he once again showed why he'll never be a reliable starting pitcher. He lasted six innings for eight hits, three runs, no walks, and eight strikeouts. Not bad numbers, but still not good enough for the win. Even without Joey Votto and Scott Rolen in the lineup, he just isn't capable of stepping up.
Even worse was the work of the bullpen. Josh Lindblom was solid, getting through the seventh to keep it a one-run game. But Coffey and Wright clearly showed why they're the bottom of the pecking order in the 'pen. In two innings of work, they gave up five runs. For Wright, his three runs were unearned, but it was because of his throwing error. So basically, they were earned.
The offense is still on life support, as they weren't even able to hit Bailey. Much like Billingsley, Bailey is one of those guys who always seems like he should be doing better. On Monday night, he gave up two runs in eight innings, striking out seven. Leave it to the Dodgers to put it all together for him.
At this point, the Dodgers are desperately trying to get through this week until the All-Star break hits. Then they can at least count on the return of Matt Kemp, and most likely Mark Ellis and Andre Ethier as well. That means they won't have to rely on guys like Loney and Uribe to score runs. That would be like Christmas morning!
Chris Capuano will look for his 10th win on Tuesday. To do it, he'll probably have to give up -5 runs. And even then it might be close. The Reds counter with Johnny Cueto. Good luck scoring against him.
For five innings, it was smooth sailing, as Billingsley was spotted a 2-0 lead. Then the sixth inning came, and like countless other times in the past, he hit a wall. The result was a 3-2 deficit, which the Reds eventually ran with to get the win, 8-2.
The game started off promising enough. With two outs in the first, Jerry Hairston, Jr. hit a solo home run to left, his third of the season. The fact that he's hitting in the #3 spot pretty much sums up just how short-handed and desperate Don Mattingly is. No disrespect to Hairston, who's played very well this season, but it's not like he's a typical hitter for that spot.
Another run was added in the second. It started on a single by James Loney. Yes, those words just appeared on your computer screen. Juan Uribe followed with a walk. At this point, I'd like you to try not to fall out of your seat. Both Loney and Uribe reached base consecutively. To quote Dan Dierdorf, "Lord, you can take me now, I've seen it all!"
Anyway, Scott Van Slyke singled to center for what should have been a bases loaded situation for Luis Cruz. But ah, don't fret, it wasn't meant to be. Uribe thought Loney was going to keep running home, when in fact, Loney stayed put at third. Uribe was easily thrown out at second for the first out. Typical.
Cruz was called up to start at short for Dee Gordon, who left Sunday night's game with leg cramps. His sac-fly RBI scored Loney, and it was 2-0.
Billingsley was cruising at this point, as the Reds had four hits through four innings, but nothing to show for it. The first sign of unraveling came in the fifth. With two outs, Zack Cozart stepped up and was beaned in the head. Thankfully he was able to get up, but was still taken out of the game for precautionary reasons. And thankfully again, he's OK. As for Billingsley, he got the next out to keep the lead.
We all should've known that it was only a matter of time before the wheels fell off the bus. And sure enough, they did.
Brandon Phillips led off the sixth with a double, and All-Star Jay Bruce singled for runners in scoring position. Todd Frazier's RBI single made it 2-1. After a groundout, Miguel Cairo also grounded one to third in which Uribe threw home to get Bruce for two down.
Maybe that was the momentum Billingsley needed... but then again, if you thought that, then you don't know Mr. Chad Billingsley! Some guy named Devin Mesoraco stroked a two-run double, and the Reds were now up 3-2.
The game may as well have ended at this point, as the Dodgers flat out stunk after that. It was still only a 3-2 game entering the eighth, but Todd Coffey made sure the fans went home early... which they normally do anyway, but without the drama of wondering whether the Dodgers would win or not.
Bruce was beaned leading off and went to second on a wild pitch. Frazier's RBI triple made it 4-2. Chad Heisey and Cairo both struck out, so there was some hope. And then that hope got flushed down the toilet when Mesoraco singled into left, putting the Reds up 5-2. Jamey Wright had to come in to get Homer Bailey to ground out to end the inning.
Just for fun, the Reds made this game a blowout in the ninth. With Wright still in, Wilson Valdez walked to start. Daniel Stubbs laid down a bunt, and Wright threw it clean into centerfield on a horrible play. Runs were soon scored on Frazier's single, Heisey's fielder's choice, and Cairo's single.
I guess this was a tale of two games, as the Dodgers controlled the first part, but the Reds dominated the second. I know Billingsley wasn't exactly given many runs to work with, but he once again showed why he'll never be a reliable starting pitcher. He lasted six innings for eight hits, three runs, no walks, and eight strikeouts. Not bad numbers, but still not good enough for the win. Even without Joey Votto and Scott Rolen in the lineup, he just isn't capable of stepping up.
Even worse was the work of the bullpen. Josh Lindblom was solid, getting through the seventh to keep it a one-run game. But Coffey and Wright clearly showed why they're the bottom of the pecking order in the 'pen. In two innings of work, they gave up five runs. For Wright, his three runs were unearned, but it was because of his throwing error. So basically, they were earned.
The offense is still on life support, as they weren't even able to hit Bailey. Much like Billingsley, Bailey is one of those guys who always seems like he should be doing better. On Monday night, he gave up two runs in eight innings, striking out seven. Leave it to the Dodgers to put it all together for him.
At this point, the Dodgers are desperately trying to get through this week until the All-Star break hits. Then they can at least count on the return of Matt Kemp, and most likely Mark Ellis and Andre Ethier as well. That means they won't have to rely on guys like Loney and Uribe to score runs. That would be like Christmas morning!
Chris Capuano will look for his 10th win on Tuesday. To do it, he'll probably have to give up -5 runs. And even then it might be close. The Reds counter with Johnny Cueto. Good luck scoring against him.
Monday, July 2, 2012
Capuano, Ethier, Ellis: All-Star snubs?
Every year we see the same thing: fans vote in starters, managers pick the rest, and outrage ensues.
And just like in the past, this year is no different.
It took about .2 seconds for the world to immediately assume that Tony LaRussa snubbed a couple of Reds' players, Johnny Cueto and Brandon Phillips. Let's not forget the Reds-Cardinals dustup from a 2010 game. Did LaRussa get one last dig in against his old nemesis? Who knows.
But while we're on the subject of snubs, or even potential snubs, let's take a look at three guys in blue who could've gotten in, but were denied.
Chris Capuano - Probably the biggest case can be made for Caps. Right now he's 9-3 with a 2.89 ERA, 1.10 WHIP, and 89 K's in 110 1/3 innings. Even Clayton Kershaw remarked that while he's honored to be chosen by LaRussa, he feels badly that it wasn't Capuano instead.
Through April, he was 3-0 with a 2.73 ERA. After May, he was 7-1 and 2.14. His best start came on June 17, as he gave up one run in eight innings against the White Sox, striking out 12. And even with all of that, he's not even on the Final Vote ballot. It's a shame.
Andre Ethier - With a recent injury to his oblique, who knows if Ethier would even be available to play. Nonetheless, he was leading the National League in RBIs for much of the season before the Dodgers quit putting people on base. He still is third at 55.
The trouble with him is that his numbers are good, but not quite eye-opening. He's hitting .291 with 10 homers, 23 doubles, and a triple. Again, very good numbers, but not huge enough to pop out to you. Still, he's been in the All-Star Game the last couple of years, so if healthy, I can see him getting in as an injury replacement.
A.J. Ellis - I wrote a column on May 27 stating Ellis should be an All-Star. I still believe he's good enough to be there. His numbers are good, especially for a catcher: .287 AVG, .413 OBP (5th in the majors), 6 homers, 8 doubles, 27 RBIs. On defense, he's thrown out 21 base stealers, good for fourth in the majors.
The problem? The NL has too many good catchers. Look at the three guys who are going to the All-Star Game: Buster Posey (starter), Yadier Molina, and Carlos Ruiz. There's no doubt that these three guys are at the top of their game. And like it or not, even I have to admit that it's hard to get Ellis in there, even with his big year. Unfortunately, that's just the way it is.
I'd like to remind everyone that in addition to the all the talk about snubs, there's also the inevitable injury replacements once players start pulling out. That's how Ethier got in last year, and it was a good thing for the Cardinals since he helped get the NL home field advantage with an RBI single. So while it's OK to be disappointed for now, remember that the Dodgers may soon have more than two representatives by the time July 10 rolls around.
And just like in the past, this year is no different.
It took about .2 seconds for the world to immediately assume that Tony LaRussa snubbed a couple of Reds' players, Johnny Cueto and Brandon Phillips. Let's not forget the Reds-Cardinals dustup from a 2010 game. Did LaRussa get one last dig in against his old nemesis? Who knows.
But while we're on the subject of snubs, or even potential snubs, let's take a look at three guys in blue who could've gotten in, but were denied.
Chris Capuano - Probably the biggest case can be made for Caps. Right now he's 9-3 with a 2.89 ERA, 1.10 WHIP, and 89 K's in 110 1/3 innings. Even Clayton Kershaw remarked that while he's honored to be chosen by LaRussa, he feels badly that it wasn't Capuano instead.
Through April, he was 3-0 with a 2.73 ERA. After May, he was 7-1 and 2.14. His best start came on June 17, as he gave up one run in eight innings against the White Sox, striking out 12. And even with all of that, he's not even on the Final Vote ballot. It's a shame.
Andre Ethier - With a recent injury to his oblique, who knows if Ethier would even be available to play. Nonetheless, he was leading the National League in RBIs for much of the season before the Dodgers quit putting people on base. He still is third at 55.
The trouble with him is that his numbers are good, but not quite eye-opening. He's hitting .291 with 10 homers, 23 doubles, and a triple. Again, very good numbers, but not huge enough to pop out to you. Still, he's been in the All-Star Game the last couple of years, so if healthy, I can see him getting in as an injury replacement.
A.J. Ellis - I wrote a column on May 27 stating Ellis should be an All-Star. I still believe he's good enough to be there. His numbers are good, especially for a catcher: .287 AVG, .413 OBP (5th in the majors), 6 homers, 8 doubles, 27 RBIs. On defense, he's thrown out 21 base stealers, good for fourth in the majors.
The problem? The NL has too many good catchers. Look at the three guys who are going to the All-Star Game: Buster Posey (starter), Yadier Molina, and Carlos Ruiz. There's no doubt that these three guys are at the top of their game. And like it or not, even I have to admit that it's hard to get Ellis in there, even with his big year. Unfortunately, that's just the way it is.
I'd like to remind everyone that in addition to the all the talk about snubs, there's also the inevitable injury replacements once players start pulling out. That's how Ethier got in last year, and it was a good thing for the Cardinals since he helped get the NL home field advantage with an RBI single. So while it's OK to be disappointed for now, remember that the Dodgers may soon have more than two representatives by the time July 10 rolls around.
Kemp and Kershaw are back-to-back All-Stars
For the second straight year, Matt Kemp and Clayton Kershaw will be representing the Dodgers in the Midsummer Classic.
The fans have spoken, and they made Kemp the third starting outfielder for the National League. He was the leading vote-getter as little as a week ago, but you can thank the massive ballott-stuffing efforts from the Giants' fans for getting Melky Cabrera into another starting spot, to go along with the Cardinals' Carlos Beltran.
The flip side, however, is that Kemp won't play because of his hamstring issues. There's plenty of choices for replacements, such as Ryan Braun and Andrew McCutchen. My guess is Tony LaRussa will go with Braun.
Kershaw was chosen by LaRussa. Despite only a 6-4 record, he still has fantastic numbers outside of that: 2.65 ERA, 1.05 WHIP, and 112 K's in 115 1/3 innings. Plus the fact that he's the reigning Cy Young Award winner helps.
While it's known that not every player will get a chance to appear in the game, it's hard to imagine that Kershaw wouldn't get an inning. Last year he did, and it was bang-bang-bang, inning over. With the way he overpowers hitters, he'll get used.
The fans have spoken, and they made Kemp the third starting outfielder for the National League. He was the leading vote-getter as little as a week ago, but you can thank the massive ballott-stuffing efforts from the Giants' fans for getting Melky Cabrera into another starting spot, to go along with the Cardinals' Carlos Beltran.
The flip side, however, is that Kemp won't play because of his hamstring issues. There's plenty of choices for replacements, such as Ryan Braun and Andrew McCutchen. My guess is Tony LaRussa will go with Braun.
Kershaw was chosen by LaRussa. Despite only a 6-4 record, he still has fantastic numbers outside of that: 2.65 ERA, 1.05 WHIP, and 112 K's in 115 1/3 innings. Plus the fact that he's the reigning Cy Young Award winner helps.
While it's known that not every player will get a chance to appear in the game, it's hard to imagine that Kershaw wouldn't get an inning. Last year he did, and it was bang-bang-bang, inning over. With the way he overpowers hitters, he'll get used.
Dodgers are undefeated in July
Hey, it's been awhile since a positive headline, right?
The Dodgers showed some fight in battling back from a 3-1 deficit to defeat the Mets on ESPN's Sunday Night Baseball, 8-3. The combination of a great start by Clayton Kershaw and three errors by the Mets were exactly what the Dodgers needed. The Giants also won, so they remain a game up in the NL West.
After suffering through ANOTHER shutout loss on Sunday (second straight, and fifth in the last six), the Dodgers were once again on the downside looking up in the first. Andres Torres was beaned leading off, but was soon picked off of first by Kershaw. Ruben Tejada walked and David Wright singled to put two on. Scott Hairston then hit an RBI single to left, but was caught trying to stretch to second. Lucas Duda flied out for the final out.
At least the Dodgers tied it up to avoid that shutout feeling once again. A.J. Ellis mercifully got the start in the #2 hole, and not the horribly slumping Elian Herrera, and doubled with one out. Bobby Abreu struck out, but Juan Rivera picked him up with an RBI double to tie the game at one.
As if the hitting wasn't brutal enough, then Dee Gordon's defensive woes became even worse in the third. With Dillion Gee on from a walk and Tejada from a single, Wright grounded into a sure fire double play that would've ended the inning. Well, Adam Kennedy flipped to Gordon for the first out, but for whatever reason, he rushed the throw to first, and away it went for a run to score.
But wait, there's more. Hairston bounced an easy one to Gordon immediately after, and sure enough, it was low and not able to be scooped by James Loney. Loney tried to sell that he still got the out after catching the bounce, and failed to pay attention to Wright coming home. The throw was late, and it was now 3-1. Had Loney even bothered to look right away, Wright would've been a dead duck.
I doubt there were many people in attendance or at home who thought the Dodgers stood a chance to win after that horrendous defensive display. But, much to their credit, they battled back... with some help from the Mets. OK, plenty of help from the Mets. But they'll take it!
The game became tied in the fifth. Juan Uribe walked leading off, and Tony Gwynn reached on Ronny Cedeno's dropped ball at second. Kershaw laid down a great sacrifice to get both runners to scoring position. Gordon needed a break, and he got one when Justin Turner couldn't handle his grounder to first, scoring Uribe to make it 3-2. Ellis's sac-fly RBI made it 3-3, and it was a new game.
The sixth brought something the Dodgers haven't done in 66 long innings: a lead. Rivera took a leadoff walk and went to third on Kennedy's ground rule double to right. Loney had been in a horrible stretch at the plate (even by his own low standards), but he brought home Rivera with an RBI groundout, and it was 4-3.
The seventh inning was long, but a good one for the Dodgers. Gee was chased from the game with one out when Gordon singled, stole second, and Ellis walked. Justin Hampson came in to pitch to Abreu, but Gordon stole third and Abreu walked.
The Mets practically handed the Dodgers this one soon after. Miguel Batista was in to pitch to Rivera, and got a perfect grounder back to the mound. Batista somewhat rushed the throw home, but Mike Nickeas still inexplicably biffed it to allow two runs to score on the error. That misplay turned a one-run game into a 6-3 advantage for the Dodgers.
Kennedy followed that play up with a sac-fly RBI to make it 7-3. Even Loney got in on the act, breaking a hitless streak of 28 at-bats with an RBI double, and the Dodgers had the emphatic 8-3 lead.
It's been quite awhile since we've seen this, but Ronald Belisario and Kenley Jansen finished the game, each tossing a scoreless frame.
It's hard to even fathom going 66 straight innings without holding one damn lead, so I'm sure everyone even remotely close to the Dodgers is glad that's over with. Wow, that's quite a stretch of horrible baseball. I know they're banged up and facing some good teams, but still... wow. Just plain wow.
Kershaw picked up steam as the game progressed, and his final line looks good: seven innings, five hits, three runs (one earned), three walks, and nine strikeouts. On the day he was named to his second straight All-Star Game, he improved to 6-4 with a 2.65 ERA and 1.05 WHIP.
Gordon showed you the best of him and the worst of him all in one game. His two errors in the third were just awful, as he looked like he had no clue how to even throw to first. Thankfully he kept grinding away, and ended up with a couple hits and three stolen bases. Despite his struggles at the plate, his 28 steals are tops in the majors. And that's why he still gets plenty of playing time.
Who knows what kind of game this would've ended up being had the Mets not completely botched that double play in the seventh, but the Dodgers really don't care. They needed a win by any means necessary and they got it. The Mets can take solace in the fact that they took three of four, so I doubt they'll feel too badly about this.
The final homestand before the All-Star break starts Monday, as the Reds enter for three. It's a matchup of two guys who seem like they should have better stats, but never do - Chad Billingsley and Homer Bailey. Something's gotta give.
The Dodgers showed some fight in battling back from a 3-1 deficit to defeat the Mets on ESPN's Sunday Night Baseball, 8-3. The combination of a great start by Clayton Kershaw and three errors by the Mets were exactly what the Dodgers needed. The Giants also won, so they remain a game up in the NL West.
After suffering through ANOTHER shutout loss on Sunday (second straight, and fifth in the last six), the Dodgers were once again on the downside looking up in the first. Andres Torres was beaned leading off, but was soon picked off of first by Kershaw. Ruben Tejada walked and David Wright singled to put two on. Scott Hairston then hit an RBI single to left, but was caught trying to stretch to second. Lucas Duda flied out for the final out.
At least the Dodgers tied it up to avoid that shutout feeling once again. A.J. Ellis mercifully got the start in the #2 hole, and not the horribly slumping Elian Herrera, and doubled with one out. Bobby Abreu struck out, but Juan Rivera picked him up with an RBI double to tie the game at one.
As if the hitting wasn't brutal enough, then Dee Gordon's defensive woes became even worse in the third. With Dillion Gee on from a walk and Tejada from a single, Wright grounded into a sure fire double play that would've ended the inning. Well, Adam Kennedy flipped to Gordon for the first out, but for whatever reason, he rushed the throw to first, and away it went for a run to score.
But wait, there's more. Hairston bounced an easy one to Gordon immediately after, and sure enough, it was low and not able to be scooped by James Loney. Loney tried to sell that he still got the out after catching the bounce, and failed to pay attention to Wright coming home. The throw was late, and it was now 3-1. Had Loney even bothered to look right away, Wright would've been a dead duck.
I doubt there were many people in attendance or at home who thought the Dodgers stood a chance to win after that horrendous defensive display. But, much to their credit, they battled back... with some help from the Mets. OK, plenty of help from the Mets. But they'll take it!
The game became tied in the fifth. Juan Uribe walked leading off, and Tony Gwynn reached on Ronny Cedeno's dropped ball at second. Kershaw laid down a great sacrifice to get both runners to scoring position. Gordon needed a break, and he got one when Justin Turner couldn't handle his grounder to first, scoring Uribe to make it 3-2. Ellis's sac-fly RBI made it 3-3, and it was a new game.
The sixth brought something the Dodgers haven't done in 66 long innings: a lead. Rivera took a leadoff walk and went to third on Kennedy's ground rule double to right. Loney had been in a horrible stretch at the plate (even by his own low standards), but he brought home Rivera with an RBI groundout, and it was 4-3.
The seventh inning was long, but a good one for the Dodgers. Gee was chased from the game with one out when Gordon singled, stole second, and Ellis walked. Justin Hampson came in to pitch to Abreu, but Gordon stole third and Abreu walked.
The Mets practically handed the Dodgers this one soon after. Miguel Batista was in to pitch to Rivera, and got a perfect grounder back to the mound. Batista somewhat rushed the throw home, but Mike Nickeas still inexplicably biffed it to allow two runs to score on the error. That misplay turned a one-run game into a 6-3 advantage for the Dodgers.
Kennedy followed that play up with a sac-fly RBI to make it 7-3. Even Loney got in on the act, breaking a hitless streak of 28 at-bats with an RBI double, and the Dodgers had the emphatic 8-3 lead.
It's been quite awhile since we've seen this, but Ronald Belisario and Kenley Jansen finished the game, each tossing a scoreless frame.
It's hard to even fathom going 66 straight innings without holding one damn lead, so I'm sure everyone even remotely close to the Dodgers is glad that's over with. Wow, that's quite a stretch of horrible baseball. I know they're banged up and facing some good teams, but still... wow. Just plain wow.
Kershaw picked up steam as the game progressed, and his final line looks good: seven innings, five hits, three runs (one earned), three walks, and nine strikeouts. On the day he was named to his second straight All-Star Game, he improved to 6-4 with a 2.65 ERA and 1.05 WHIP.
Gordon showed you the best of him and the worst of him all in one game. His two errors in the third were just awful, as he looked like he had no clue how to even throw to first. Thankfully he kept grinding away, and ended up with a couple hits and three stolen bases. Despite his struggles at the plate, his 28 steals are tops in the majors. And that's why he still gets plenty of playing time.
Who knows what kind of game this would've ended up being had the Mets not completely botched that double play in the seventh, but the Dodgers really don't care. They needed a win by any means necessary and they got it. The Mets can take solace in the fact that they took three of four, so I doubt they'll feel too badly about this.
The final homestand before the All-Star break starts Monday, as the Reds enter for three. It's a matchup of two guys who seem like they should have better stats, but never do - Chad Billingsley and Homer Bailey. Something's gotta give.
Thursday, June 28, 2012
June swoon has pelted the Dodgers
Matt Guerrier. Juan Rivera. Mark Ellis. Ted Lilly. Matt Kemp. Javy Guerra. And now, Andre Ethier.
What do they all have in common? The Dodgers were once able to replace them with someone new at one time or another without skipping a beat. It worked up until June 17, when they beat the White Sox to improve to 42-25, good for a five-game lead over the Giants in the NL West.
A week-and-a-half later? Try 43-33, and a deadlock with the Giants thanks to getting swept in San Francisco. Oh ya, they didn't score one run in three games. No runs. Three games. Yikes.
Folks, the June swoon has it, and boy has it hit hard.
So how exactly have the Dodgers managed to drop seven of eight? The biggest thing, quite simply, is the offense. Kemp is irreplaceable, but the Dodgers still found ways to win without him for much of the season. It looks like his absence has finally caught up to them.
Let's take a look at the culprits, and how they've performed since that win on June 17:
Juan Uribe: 1-for-20 (.050 AVG), 1 2B, 1 RBI, 8 K's. Ned Colletti brought this guy along last season for his championship experience. I guess that "championship experience" is showing everyone what not to do. He has been a colossal disappointment to say the least. I know he's had trouble staying healthy, but when he is in there, he's awful. Just plain awful.
James Loney: 0-for-15 (you know the average), 1 BB, 2 K's. Mr. Groundout to 2nd said earlier this year that he believes he's an everyday player. Well, if he is, then the Dodgers would be 0-76. Seriously, I'm insulted that somebody as bad at the plate as him would even have the nerve to say he should play more. That's just ridiculous.
Elian Herrera: 2-for-31 (.065), 1 R, 1 2B, 9 K's. Not to mention all of the double plays he's grounded into. Look, I like Herrera, as he's as versatile as they come. But it's obvious he's either worn out, or pitchers have caught up to him. He's as lost as can be at the plate, and it's not getting any better.
Tony Gwynn: 6-for-26 (.231), 1 R, 1 2B, 2 BB, 3 K's, 1 SB. For a guy who should get on base to use his speed, he has an OBP of .298. That's really bad. He's another guy who gives his all on defense, but gives you nothing at the plate. And that's why he's a career reserve, plain and simple.
Bobby Abreu: 2-for-26 (.077), 1 R, 1 HR, 4 RBIs, 2 BB, 8 K's. Abreu has been a big pickup for the most part, but he's someone else who looks worn down. There's no way anyone thought he'd be playing this much, but the injuries have made it happen. And it figures, the one game where he crushed a three-run homer, Chad Billingsley choked away the lead for a loss.
Dee Gordon: 6-for-36 (.167), 2 R, 1 3B, 1 RBI, 2 BB, 8 K's, 3 SB. Gordon did have three straight games with two hits apiece, but is still not getting on base nearly enough for a leadoff hitter, as evidenced by his .277 OBP. Plus, his defense is still a work in progress.
If you add up the numbers of these six regulars, they're hitting a combined 17-for-154 for a .110 average. Holy crap, that's really, really bad. I mean REALLY bad. Of course, there's also starting pitchers like Billingsley and Nathan Eovaldi getting pounded recently, but it's hard to blame the pitching when the offense barely backs them up.
As good as the Dodgers have been (until recently) without Kemp, the bottom line all along was that they needed him if they wanted to make some noise in the playoffs. Now they need him just to keep from getting shutout every night. We can only hope he won't rush back to save the day, but it looks like the earliest he'll come back is after the All-Star break. And no matter what happens, his health comes first, so it's a good decision.
Starting with Thursday night's home game against the Mets, the Dodgers have 11 games left before the break. And now that Ethier looks like he will miss some time, whether that be long or short, the guys who are in the lineup have to find a way to gain back some respectability. It won't be easy, as they play the Mets and Reds at home before taking on the Diamondbacks on the road.
There's a tired, old sports cliche of "take one game at a time" that players say way too much. Well guess what? I'm about to say it now, as that's exactly what the focus needs to be. Maybe the Dodgers will look back at this stretch as their low point, and they start to play ball again. Or, it could get even worse, and the losses will be too much to overcome.
Either way, the guys mentioned above have to get better if the Dodgers want to start winning again. If not, then the trade deadline could get a whole lot more interesting.
What do they all have in common? The Dodgers were once able to replace them with someone new at one time or another without skipping a beat. It worked up until June 17, when they beat the White Sox to improve to 42-25, good for a five-game lead over the Giants in the NL West.
A week-and-a-half later? Try 43-33, and a deadlock with the Giants thanks to getting swept in San Francisco. Oh ya, they didn't score one run in three games. No runs. Three games. Yikes.
Folks, the June swoon has it, and boy has it hit hard.
So how exactly have the Dodgers managed to drop seven of eight? The biggest thing, quite simply, is the offense. Kemp is irreplaceable, but the Dodgers still found ways to win without him for much of the season. It looks like his absence has finally caught up to them.
Let's take a look at the culprits, and how they've performed since that win on June 17:
Juan Uribe: 1-for-20 (.050 AVG), 1 2B, 1 RBI, 8 K's. Ned Colletti brought this guy along last season for his championship experience. I guess that "championship experience" is showing everyone what not to do. He has been a colossal disappointment to say the least. I know he's had trouble staying healthy, but when he is in there, he's awful. Just plain awful.
James Loney: 0-for-15 (you know the average), 1 BB, 2 K's. Mr. Groundout to 2nd said earlier this year that he believes he's an everyday player. Well, if he is, then the Dodgers would be 0-76. Seriously, I'm insulted that somebody as bad at the plate as him would even have the nerve to say he should play more. That's just ridiculous.
Elian Herrera: 2-for-31 (.065), 1 R, 1 2B, 9 K's. Not to mention all of the double plays he's grounded into. Look, I like Herrera, as he's as versatile as they come. But it's obvious he's either worn out, or pitchers have caught up to him. He's as lost as can be at the plate, and it's not getting any better.
Tony Gwynn: 6-for-26 (.231), 1 R, 1 2B, 2 BB, 3 K's, 1 SB. For a guy who should get on base to use his speed, he has an OBP of .298. That's really bad. He's another guy who gives his all on defense, but gives you nothing at the plate. And that's why he's a career reserve, plain and simple.
Bobby Abreu: 2-for-26 (.077), 1 R, 1 HR, 4 RBIs, 2 BB, 8 K's. Abreu has been a big pickup for the most part, but he's someone else who looks worn down. There's no way anyone thought he'd be playing this much, but the injuries have made it happen. And it figures, the one game where he crushed a three-run homer, Chad Billingsley choked away the lead for a loss.
Dee Gordon: 6-for-36 (.167), 2 R, 1 3B, 1 RBI, 2 BB, 8 K's, 3 SB. Gordon did have three straight games with two hits apiece, but is still not getting on base nearly enough for a leadoff hitter, as evidenced by his .277 OBP. Plus, his defense is still a work in progress.
If you add up the numbers of these six regulars, they're hitting a combined 17-for-154 for a .110 average. Holy crap, that's really, really bad. I mean REALLY bad. Of course, there's also starting pitchers like Billingsley and Nathan Eovaldi getting pounded recently, but it's hard to blame the pitching when the offense barely backs them up.
As good as the Dodgers have been (until recently) without Kemp, the bottom line all along was that they needed him if they wanted to make some noise in the playoffs. Now they need him just to keep from getting shutout every night. We can only hope he won't rush back to save the day, but it looks like the earliest he'll come back is after the All-Star break. And no matter what happens, his health comes first, so it's a good decision.
Starting with Thursday night's home game against the Mets, the Dodgers have 11 games left before the break. And now that Ethier looks like he will miss some time, whether that be long or short, the guys who are in the lineup have to find a way to gain back some respectability. It won't be easy, as they play the Mets and Reds at home before taking on the Diamondbacks on the road.
There's a tired, old sports cliche of "take one game at a time" that players say way too much. Well guess what? I'm about to say it now, as that's exactly what the focus needs to be. Maybe the Dodgers will look back at this stretch as their low point, and they start to play ball again. Or, it could get even worse, and the losses will be too much to overcome.
Either way, the guys mentioned above have to get better if the Dodgers want to start winning again. If not, then the trade deadline could get a whole lot more interesting.
Tuesday, June 26, 2012
Eovaldi rocked, Dodgers bombed
Suddenly, it's the San Francisco Giants who look like the best team in the National League. And it's the Dodgers who need to find a way to break their slump.
The Giants pounded on Nathan Eovaldi for a four-run first, and they never looked back in creaming the Dodgers, 8-0. The Dodgers are still in first place in the NL West, but it's only by two games now.
The Dodgers have done a lot of good things this season, but one area that they've struggled in is grounding into double plays. In fact, they lead all of baseball in that. Sure enough, after Dee Gordon led off with a walk (which is a pretty shocking experience), Elian Herrera grounded into the DP, and the Dodgers went down quietly.
Right away, the Giants set the tone for the rest of the night, and perhaps for this three-game series when it's all said and done. It started on an infield single by Ryan Theriot, in which Gordon made a good stop, but couldn't make the throw. Melky Cabrera singled for two on. Angel Pagan bounced one off the first base bag for an RBI double and 1-0 lead.
Things wouldn't get any better from there. Pablo Sandoval is back from the DL and starting to pick up steam again. His two-run double to right made it 3-0. Hector Sanchez found room in center for an RBI single, and the Dodgers were in an early 4-0 hole.
Juan Rivera and A.J. Ellis both worked walks in the second, but nothing came of it. Eovaldi was obviously frustrated at this point, as he walked Barry Zito leading off. Things went from bad to worse. Gregor Blanco singled to put two on before Theriot grounded into a fielder's choice. Three straight RBIs came next on singles by Cabrera and Pagan, and a sac-fly from Sandoval. Add it all up, and the Giants were ahead 7-0.
For all intents and purposes, the game was over from there. The Dodgers managed only five hits all game, and the only one for extra-bases was Tony Gwynn's double in the ninth, where he was stranded on James Loney's groundout to second to end the game. Gee, Loney with a groundout to second, I'm shocked!
The Giants scored the game's final run in the sixth when Sanchez doubled home Sandoval to make it 8-0.
Eovaldi has been really good this season, but hasn't gotten much run support. Well, he was awful in this one, and still didn't get any support regardless. He somehow made it through five innings for 10 hits, eight runs, one walk, and one strikeout. Give the Giants credit - they were aggressive against him, and also got a couple bounces to go their way.
I'm not worried about Eovaldi, because his stuff is too good, and he seems like he's tough enough to let this one go. But, the offense is a cause for concern, as they can't seem to get anything going lately. It seems as if one thing may go right, but the other thing goes wrong. For example, Gordon reached base three times and stole a base. Herrera, hitting second, pulled an o'fer and grounded into a double play.
Then there's Juan Uribe and Loney. Uribe made his return from the DL on June 11 and has five hits all month. That's right, five freakin' hits. That's good for a blistering .143 this month. Absolutely pathetic. Loney isn't much better, as he's hitting .232 this month, and continues to underachieve. Actually, he probably isn't good enough to be labeled an "underachiever." He just plain stinks. Defensively, both men are good, and that shouldn't be overlooked. But the Dodgers seriously need upgrades at the corner infield positions. Enough is enough!
Right now, all of the momentum is clearly on the Giants' side, much like the Dodgers had it for most of this season. The Dodgers aren't facing Matt Cain this series, so if they drop two of three or get swept, that will look even worse. Thankfully they have Clayton Kershaw going tonight. He'll go against the solid, and even underrated, Ryan Vogelsong. Let's see if the pitching matchup lives up to its billing, or if the runs will be flowing.
The Giants pounded on Nathan Eovaldi for a four-run first, and they never looked back in creaming the Dodgers, 8-0. The Dodgers are still in first place in the NL West, but it's only by two games now.
The Dodgers have done a lot of good things this season, but one area that they've struggled in is grounding into double plays. In fact, they lead all of baseball in that. Sure enough, after Dee Gordon led off with a walk (which is a pretty shocking experience), Elian Herrera grounded into the DP, and the Dodgers went down quietly.
Right away, the Giants set the tone for the rest of the night, and perhaps for this three-game series when it's all said and done. It started on an infield single by Ryan Theriot, in which Gordon made a good stop, but couldn't make the throw. Melky Cabrera singled for two on. Angel Pagan bounced one off the first base bag for an RBI double and 1-0 lead.
Things wouldn't get any better from there. Pablo Sandoval is back from the DL and starting to pick up steam again. His two-run double to right made it 3-0. Hector Sanchez found room in center for an RBI single, and the Dodgers were in an early 4-0 hole.
Juan Rivera and A.J. Ellis both worked walks in the second, but nothing came of it. Eovaldi was obviously frustrated at this point, as he walked Barry Zito leading off. Things went from bad to worse. Gregor Blanco singled to put two on before Theriot grounded into a fielder's choice. Three straight RBIs came next on singles by Cabrera and Pagan, and a sac-fly from Sandoval. Add it all up, and the Giants were ahead 7-0.
For all intents and purposes, the game was over from there. The Dodgers managed only five hits all game, and the only one for extra-bases was Tony Gwynn's double in the ninth, where he was stranded on James Loney's groundout to second to end the game. Gee, Loney with a groundout to second, I'm shocked!
The Giants scored the game's final run in the sixth when Sanchez doubled home Sandoval to make it 8-0.
Eovaldi has been really good this season, but hasn't gotten much run support. Well, he was awful in this one, and still didn't get any support regardless. He somehow made it through five innings for 10 hits, eight runs, one walk, and one strikeout. Give the Giants credit - they were aggressive against him, and also got a couple bounces to go their way.
I'm not worried about Eovaldi, because his stuff is too good, and he seems like he's tough enough to let this one go. But, the offense is a cause for concern, as they can't seem to get anything going lately. It seems as if one thing may go right, but the other thing goes wrong. For example, Gordon reached base three times and stole a base. Herrera, hitting second, pulled an o'fer and grounded into a double play.
Then there's Juan Uribe and Loney. Uribe made his return from the DL on June 11 and has five hits all month. That's right, five freakin' hits. That's good for a blistering .143 this month. Absolutely pathetic. Loney isn't much better, as he's hitting .232 this month, and continues to underachieve. Actually, he probably isn't good enough to be labeled an "underachiever." He just plain stinks. Defensively, both men are good, and that shouldn't be overlooked. But the Dodgers seriously need upgrades at the corner infield positions. Enough is enough!
Right now, all of the momentum is clearly on the Giants' side, much like the Dodgers had it for most of this season. The Dodgers aren't facing Matt Cain this series, so if they drop two of three or get swept, that will look even worse. Thankfully they have Clayton Kershaw going tonight. He'll go against the solid, and even underrated, Ryan Vogelsong. Let's see if the pitching matchup lives up to its billing, or if the runs will be flowing.
Monday, June 25, 2012
Angels attack Lindblom to claim the Freeway Series
For the second straight outing, Josh Lindblom watched his numbers skyrocket. It also cost his team another game.
The Angels broke a three-all tie with two runs off Lindblom in the seventh, and the Dodgers couldn't respond in dropping another one, 5-3. The Angels took two of three this weekend, and combined with losing two more against them a couple weeks ago, the Dodgers once again could not top their crosstown rivals.
About the only good news is that the Giants lost to the A's on a walk-off homer, so the lead remains at three in the NL West.
The Dodgers scored in the first inning in each game of this series. In this one, it started with a bloop double by Andre Ethier with one out. Old Angel Bobby Abreu again burned his old mates with an RBI single and 1-0 lead.
After Tony Gwynn made a great catch off Mark Trumbo's deep drive to right center to end the first, the Dodgers got another run in the second. Adam Kennedy singled leading off, and Gwynn followed with one as well. Matt Treanor laid down a great bunt to advance both men to scoring position. Dee Gordon grounded out, but was plenty good for an RBI to make it 2-0.
Erick Aybar started the comeback by taking a walk with one out in the bottom of the second. Peter Bourjos, who only had one homer coming into this game, hit one out to left to tie the game at two.
The Dodgers shot themselves in the foot with double play balls to end the third and fifth, the first by James "Double Play" Loney and the next by Abreu. The Angels took advantage of that, as Mike Trout singled leading off the fifth. After he stole second with one out, Albert Pujols grounded one through the middle for the RBI, making it 3-2.
Juan Rivera's double to start the sixth showed the Dodgers weren't going to roll over. Loney lined one back to Garrett Richards on the mound, who couldn't quite glove it in time, allowing Rivera to get to third. Kennedy's sac-fly RBI to center made it a whole new game at 3-3.
Harang made it through six, so Don Mattingly turned to Lindblom to try and redeem himself from last Thursday's meltdown against the A's. Simply put, it didn't happen.
What made this outing even more frustrating was that he got the first two hitters with ease. Then he walked Pujols and beaned Kendrys Morales. Sure enough, those mistakes were costly, as Trumbo's RBI single made it 4-3, and Howie Kendrick hit one as well to give the Angels a 5-3 lead.
Not much happened for the Dodgers from there. Ivan De Jesus was caught stealing to end the eighth, and Jerry Hairston, Jr.'s single to start the ninth went nowhere as Gordon struck out to end the game.
After winning two of three from the White Sox last weekend, the Dodgers have scuffled ever since, losing five of six. Make no mistake about it, even though they're 13 games over .500, they're definitely slumping now. In these last six, they're scored 13 runs, so the offense isn't driving in runners like they have all season long.
Then there's the Lindblom issue, who had an ERA of 2.12 two appearances ago, and now it's 3.81. Five runs in 2/3 of an inning will do that to you. Perhaps it's just one of those things. Or, just maybe, he's starting to show some signs of fatigue. I think we all have to remember that he was never meant to even be with the big club this year, but has managed to survive thanks to a variety of injuries, and because he started off the year red hot. It looks like Ronald Belisario will now serve as the setup man, and rightfully so.
The upcoming schedule doesn't get any easier. First up is three games in San Francisco, followed by four at home against the resurgent Mets. The first half of the season will then conclude with three at home against the NL Central leading Reds, and four on the road in Arizona, which is never easy. What does this all mean? There's no gimmes, and the Dodgers could easily see their lead in the West slip away if they don't start hitting again.
You don't get to be 13 games over .500 by not responding to some adversity over the course of the season, so let's give the Dodgers the benefit of the doubt that they can do this again. It's not like they're getting blown out, it's more like all the clutch plays are being made by the other team. Maybe now it's time to swing that momentum back their way.
Monday night starts a big three-game set with the Giants. I don't think the Dodgers will be shedding any tears because Matt Cain won't be getting a start. The Dodgers took two of three from them in early May, but the Giants are a much better team now. This should be fun. Nathan Eovaldi goes against Barry Zito on Monday night.
The Angels broke a three-all tie with two runs off Lindblom in the seventh, and the Dodgers couldn't respond in dropping another one, 5-3. The Angels took two of three this weekend, and combined with losing two more against them a couple weeks ago, the Dodgers once again could not top their crosstown rivals.
About the only good news is that the Giants lost to the A's on a walk-off homer, so the lead remains at three in the NL West.
The Dodgers scored in the first inning in each game of this series. In this one, it started with a bloop double by Andre Ethier with one out. Old Angel Bobby Abreu again burned his old mates with an RBI single and 1-0 lead.
After Tony Gwynn made a great catch off Mark Trumbo's deep drive to right center to end the first, the Dodgers got another run in the second. Adam Kennedy singled leading off, and Gwynn followed with one as well. Matt Treanor laid down a great bunt to advance both men to scoring position. Dee Gordon grounded out, but was plenty good for an RBI to make it 2-0.
Erick Aybar started the comeback by taking a walk with one out in the bottom of the second. Peter Bourjos, who only had one homer coming into this game, hit one out to left to tie the game at two.
The Dodgers shot themselves in the foot with double play balls to end the third and fifth, the first by James "Double Play" Loney and the next by Abreu. The Angels took advantage of that, as Mike Trout singled leading off the fifth. After he stole second with one out, Albert Pujols grounded one through the middle for the RBI, making it 3-2.
Juan Rivera's double to start the sixth showed the Dodgers weren't going to roll over. Loney lined one back to Garrett Richards on the mound, who couldn't quite glove it in time, allowing Rivera to get to third. Kennedy's sac-fly RBI to center made it a whole new game at 3-3.
Harang made it through six, so Don Mattingly turned to Lindblom to try and redeem himself from last Thursday's meltdown against the A's. Simply put, it didn't happen.
What made this outing even more frustrating was that he got the first two hitters with ease. Then he walked Pujols and beaned Kendrys Morales. Sure enough, those mistakes were costly, as Trumbo's RBI single made it 4-3, and Howie Kendrick hit one as well to give the Angels a 5-3 lead.
Not much happened for the Dodgers from there. Ivan De Jesus was caught stealing to end the eighth, and Jerry Hairston, Jr.'s single to start the ninth went nowhere as Gordon struck out to end the game.
After winning two of three from the White Sox last weekend, the Dodgers have scuffled ever since, losing five of six. Make no mistake about it, even though they're 13 games over .500, they're definitely slumping now. In these last six, they're scored 13 runs, so the offense isn't driving in runners like they have all season long.
Then there's the Lindblom issue, who had an ERA of 2.12 two appearances ago, and now it's 3.81. Five runs in 2/3 of an inning will do that to you. Perhaps it's just one of those things. Or, just maybe, he's starting to show some signs of fatigue. I think we all have to remember that he was never meant to even be with the big club this year, but has managed to survive thanks to a variety of injuries, and because he started off the year red hot. It looks like Ronald Belisario will now serve as the setup man, and rightfully so.
The upcoming schedule doesn't get any easier. First up is three games in San Francisco, followed by four at home against the resurgent Mets. The first half of the season will then conclude with three at home against the NL Central leading Reds, and four on the road in Arizona, which is never easy. What does this all mean? There's no gimmes, and the Dodgers could easily see their lead in the West slip away if they don't start hitting again.
You don't get to be 13 games over .500 by not responding to some adversity over the course of the season, so let's give the Dodgers the benefit of the doubt that they can do this again. It's not like they're getting blown out, it's more like all the clutch plays are being made by the other team. Maybe now it's time to swing that momentum back their way.
Monday night starts a big three-game set with the Giants. I don't think the Dodgers will be shedding any tears because Matt Cain won't be getting a start. The Dodgers took two of three from them in early May, but the Giants are a much better team now. This should be fun. Nathan Eovaldi goes against Barry Zito on Monday night.
Sunday, June 24, 2012
The mastery of Capuano continues
The Dodgers are learning very quickly that when in doubt, turn to Chris Capuano.
Once again, Capuano put forth a fantastic effort, limiting the Angels to one run over seven innings, as the Dodgers ended a four-game slide with a win, 3-1. The Giants survived a late charge by the A's to win again, so the lead for the Dodgers in the NL West remains at three games.
A combination of the speed of Dee Gordon and some shoddy fielding by the Angels got the boys in blue going in the first. Gordon led off the game with a single. He then stole second on a pitchout, which is a good measure of just how fast he is. Jerry Hairston, Jr. grounded one to Albert Pujols at first, who tried to nail Gordon at third, only to have the ball bounce away and allow the hustling Gordon to score to make it 1-0.
Hairston soon went to third on a wild pitch. With two outs, Juan Rivera was able to reach on Maicer Izturis's error, and the Dodgers had the early 2-0 lead.
Unlike the bumbling Chad Billingsley a day ago, Capuano made sure not to blow the early advantage. He still let hitters reach, but came away from it unharmed for the most part thanks to some strikeouts and a couple double play balls.
In the fifth, the Angels did break through for a run. Howie Kendrick hit a leadoff double. Izturis then bounced one near the mound, which was gloved on a dive by Capuano for the out at first. Kendrick easily got to third on the play, and soon scored on Erick Aybar's RBI infield single, making it 2-1.
To start the sixth, the Dodgers got that run right back. The outfield was playing shallow with Gordon up, and he made them pay by smacking a triple to the wall. Hairston ripped one off the third base bag for the RBI, and it was now 3-1.
Capuano exited after seven innings, turning the ball over to Ronald Belisario in the eighth, and not Josh Lindblom. Lindblom, as you may recall, was crushed on Thursday in Oakland, surrendering the walk-off three-run shot to Yoenis Cespedes. So, Belisario got his chance for a hold, and he immediately watched Mike Trout single and steal second. The heart of the Angels' order, however, did nothing with it, as Torii Hunter, Pujols, and Mark Trumbo failed to score a run.
Kenley Jansen came on to record his 12th save in 15 chances, setting the Angels down in order.
After losing in a variety of different ways during the week, the Dodgers were waiting to finally get something positive going their way. Capuano turned out to be just what they needed. Over seven strong innings, he gave up seven hits, one run, no walks, and four strikeouts. He had to pitch with runners on in every inning but the second, but showed how to bare down and make big pitches when needed. Plus, he didn't walk anybody, which is always a big plus.
Even though the Mets have looked great this season, they still have to be kicking themselves to some degree for letting Capuano walk. Right now he's 9-2 with a 2.60 ERA, 1.12 WHIP, and 84 K's in 93 1/3 innings. Also, opposing hitters have a .221 average against him. That's pretty filthy. He just continues to get better and better.
Someone else who left a big impact on this game was Gordon. This was one of those reminders of just how good he could be... if he could ever get on base more. He went 2-for-4 with two runs, a triple, and a stolen base. He actually should've been 3-for-4, but was called out on what looked like a bunt single. Nonetheless, his speed and aggressiveness on the bases gave the Dodgers the early jump they needed, and they never looked back. That's how good he could be.
Like last weekend, a winning effort on Sunday would equal an Interleague series win. Aaron Harang will get the call, and he's coming off a horrendous start against the A's that resulted in eight walks in just over three innings. Um, yuck. Fortunately, he says he discovered a mechanical flaw, so he seems ready to go. Let's hope so.
Once again, Capuano put forth a fantastic effort, limiting the Angels to one run over seven innings, as the Dodgers ended a four-game slide with a win, 3-1. The Giants survived a late charge by the A's to win again, so the lead for the Dodgers in the NL West remains at three games.
A combination of the speed of Dee Gordon and some shoddy fielding by the Angels got the boys in blue going in the first. Gordon led off the game with a single. He then stole second on a pitchout, which is a good measure of just how fast he is. Jerry Hairston, Jr. grounded one to Albert Pujols at first, who tried to nail Gordon at third, only to have the ball bounce away and allow the hustling Gordon to score to make it 1-0.
Hairston soon went to third on a wild pitch. With two outs, Juan Rivera was able to reach on Maicer Izturis's error, and the Dodgers had the early 2-0 lead.
Unlike the bumbling Chad Billingsley a day ago, Capuano made sure not to blow the early advantage. He still let hitters reach, but came away from it unharmed for the most part thanks to some strikeouts and a couple double play balls.
In the fifth, the Angels did break through for a run. Howie Kendrick hit a leadoff double. Izturis then bounced one near the mound, which was gloved on a dive by Capuano for the out at first. Kendrick easily got to third on the play, and soon scored on Erick Aybar's RBI infield single, making it 2-1.
To start the sixth, the Dodgers got that run right back. The outfield was playing shallow with Gordon up, and he made them pay by smacking a triple to the wall. Hairston ripped one off the third base bag for the RBI, and it was now 3-1.
Capuano exited after seven innings, turning the ball over to Ronald Belisario in the eighth, and not Josh Lindblom. Lindblom, as you may recall, was crushed on Thursday in Oakland, surrendering the walk-off three-run shot to Yoenis Cespedes. So, Belisario got his chance for a hold, and he immediately watched Mike Trout single and steal second. The heart of the Angels' order, however, did nothing with it, as Torii Hunter, Pujols, and Mark Trumbo failed to score a run.
Kenley Jansen came on to record his 12th save in 15 chances, setting the Angels down in order.
After losing in a variety of different ways during the week, the Dodgers were waiting to finally get something positive going their way. Capuano turned out to be just what they needed. Over seven strong innings, he gave up seven hits, one run, no walks, and four strikeouts. He had to pitch with runners on in every inning but the second, but showed how to bare down and make big pitches when needed. Plus, he didn't walk anybody, which is always a big plus.
Even though the Mets have looked great this season, they still have to be kicking themselves to some degree for letting Capuano walk. Right now he's 9-2 with a 2.60 ERA, 1.12 WHIP, and 84 K's in 93 1/3 innings. Also, opposing hitters have a .221 average against him. That's pretty filthy. He just continues to get better and better.
Someone else who left a big impact on this game was Gordon. This was one of those reminders of just how good he could be... if he could ever get on base more. He went 2-for-4 with two runs, a triple, and a stolen base. He actually should've been 3-for-4, but was called out on what looked like a bunt single. Nonetheless, his speed and aggressiveness on the bases gave the Dodgers the early jump they needed, and they never looked back. That's how good he could be.
Like last weekend, a winning effort on Sunday would equal an Interleague series win. Aaron Harang will get the call, and he's coming off a horrendous start against the A's that resulted in eight walks in just over three innings. Um, yuck. Fortunately, he says he discovered a mechanical flaw, so he seems ready to go. Let's hope so.
Saturday, June 23, 2012
It's time for the Dodgers to move Billingsley
Friday night was the last straw.
The scenario looked like this: the Dodgers had been on a three-game losing streak after being swept in Oakland. They jumped out to a quick 5-0 lead in Anaheim against a team they've always struggled with in Interleague play. Things were looking up again.
Then Chad Billingsley decided to do what he does best - flush it all down the toilet.
Once again, Billingsley showed the Dodgers and the rest of the world why he'll never live up to anything close to his potential. Then again, that's what potential is - you may have the talent, but you have yet to do anything with it. And that's where we are now.
I've said for the last couple of years that Billingsley isn't anything more than a #3 starter at best. Well, I was wrong... he's worse. He belongs in the bottom part of a rotation, if in there at all. The numbers back it up. He's lasted past seven innings only one, and that was in his first start of the year. Five times he hasn't even gone past five innings.
His numbers now show a 4-6 record with a 4.15 ERA and 1.40 WHIP. That's barely better than his numbers last year (11-11, 4.21, 1.45). In other words, there's really no reason to believe he'll ever make big improvements.
So, my solution is simple: it's time to trade Billingsley.
I don't care if people out there think he can be effective still, he's simply WAY too inconsistent to be trusted. One game he shows signs of life, the next two he stinks. Friday night was symbolic and scary all at the same time. You could almost laugh at yourself when the Dodgers spotted him a five-run lead, because you've seen him collapse before. Sure enough, he collapsed again.
Now is the time to see what they can get for him. I know the Dodgers have been linked to a couple of Cubs' pitchers, Ryan Dempster and Matt Garza. I'm not sure Theo Epstein has any interest in Billingsley, but he'd be worth dangling along with others in order to get a real pitcher to LA.
With Magic and the boys in town, I know Ned Colletti will have a busy, but fun, month of July looking at trades. He no longer has to be so restricted by the money situation, so he can make things happen. Moving Billingsley and getting another starter has to be one of them.
Before last season, Billingsley inked a three-year, $35 million extension that lasts into 2014, and has a $14 million option for 2015. The timing isn't very good, especially since the Dodgers showed faith in him, and instead he seems to only be getting worse. Depending on the team he'd be moved to, I can see the Dodgers eating some of that deal.
But so what? If that's what it takes, then go for it. I know it's easy for me to say, but if there really is a new regime in town ready to do what it takes to win, then this is a good first step to take. Trade Mr. Inconsistency and bring in someone fresh. It's time to make that move.
It's time we move on from Billingsley.
Friday, June 22, 2012
Weary Dodgers swept in Oakland
Clayton Kershaw did all he could, giving up one run in eight innings. But with the offense AWOL once again, it still wasn't enough.
Yoenis Cespedes hit a three-run, walk-off homer just down the left field line in the ninth to give the A's a win over the Dodgers, 4-1. After taking two of three from the White Sox over the weekend, the Dodgers have now dropped three straight.
The A's got on the board in the second. Jonny Gomes doubled leading off and went to third on a wild pitch. Brandon Inge followed that up with a sac-fly RBI, and the A's found themselves with the early 1-0 advantage.
In the fourth, the Dodgers found a way to muster a little offense. Elian Herrera hit a one-out double, but was left there when Andre Ethier grounded out for two down. Juan Rivera found just enough room by lining an RBI single over the first base bag to tie the game at one.
From there, both Kershaw and Travis Blackley gave the hitters fits, as the score remained tight through eight. Rivera's double in the seventh was the only baserunner the Dodgers had in that time.
A's closer Ryan Cook came on to pitch the ninth, and Matt Treanor led off with a walk. Dee Gordon laid down what looked to be a good bunt, but Treanor was still thrown out at second for one down. Gordon was then caught stealing, and Herrera struck out to turn what looked like a threat into a thud.
Kershaw lasted 111 pitches, so he was yanked for Josh Lindblom, who came into this game with a 2.12 ERA and probably the most consistent reliever the Dodgers have. But, on this day, it got ugly and fast.
Coco Crisp walked leading off, then took second on a wild pitch. Jemile Weeks bunted, and Lindblom turned to throw to third, yet Juan Uribe wasn't there since he was charging on the play. Cespedes ended it with his three-run jack. And with that, Lindblom now has a 2.91 ERA. So goes the life of a reliever.
It's a good thing the Dodgers had those couple of comeback wins against the White Sox, because if those were losses, they'd be in the midst of a bad stretch. Even when I watched them on Tuesday night, I couldn't shake the feeling that they were a tired ball club. Scoring two runs in three games kind of backs my thoughts up.
This is also a good spot for us all to remember that Matt Kemp hasn't played a lick since May 30 with a bad hamstring. You can even back that up to May 13 since he last played full-time, as he only got in a little over a game when he tried to come back. Don Mattingly has done an excellent job of piecing together lineups in the meantime. But the bottom line remains the same - for the Dodgers to go anywhere, they need a healthy Kemp.
At least Kershaw put together a great start, going eight innings for three hits, one run, two walks, and seven strikeouts. Even with a few bumps along the way (for him, anyway), he still has a 2.73 ERA and 1.01 WHIP. Pretty amazing when you can look at those numbers and know that he's capable of doing even better. And look out, because starts like this will only catapult him to bigger things over the summer, just like last season.
Another Freeway Series is up next, as the Dodgers will now play three in Anaheim. Thankfully they avoid Jared Weaver, but then again, the Angels avoid Kershaw, so I suppose it's a wash. Chad Billingsley goes up against Dan Haren on Friday.
Yoenis Cespedes hit a three-run, walk-off homer just down the left field line in the ninth to give the A's a win over the Dodgers, 4-1. After taking two of three from the White Sox over the weekend, the Dodgers have now dropped three straight.
The A's got on the board in the second. Jonny Gomes doubled leading off and went to third on a wild pitch. Brandon Inge followed that up with a sac-fly RBI, and the A's found themselves with the early 1-0 advantage.
In the fourth, the Dodgers found a way to muster a little offense. Elian Herrera hit a one-out double, but was left there when Andre Ethier grounded out for two down. Juan Rivera found just enough room by lining an RBI single over the first base bag to tie the game at one.
From there, both Kershaw and Travis Blackley gave the hitters fits, as the score remained tight through eight. Rivera's double in the seventh was the only baserunner the Dodgers had in that time.
A's closer Ryan Cook came on to pitch the ninth, and Matt Treanor led off with a walk. Dee Gordon laid down what looked to be a good bunt, but Treanor was still thrown out at second for one down. Gordon was then caught stealing, and Herrera struck out to turn what looked like a threat into a thud.
Kershaw lasted 111 pitches, so he was yanked for Josh Lindblom, who came into this game with a 2.12 ERA and probably the most consistent reliever the Dodgers have. But, on this day, it got ugly and fast.
Coco Crisp walked leading off, then took second on a wild pitch. Jemile Weeks bunted, and Lindblom turned to throw to third, yet Juan Uribe wasn't there since he was charging on the play. Cespedes ended it with his three-run jack. And with that, Lindblom now has a 2.91 ERA. So goes the life of a reliever.
It's a good thing the Dodgers had those couple of comeback wins against the White Sox, because if those were losses, they'd be in the midst of a bad stretch. Even when I watched them on Tuesday night, I couldn't shake the feeling that they were a tired ball club. Scoring two runs in three games kind of backs my thoughts up.
This is also a good spot for us all to remember that Matt Kemp hasn't played a lick since May 30 with a bad hamstring. You can even back that up to May 13 since he last played full-time, as he only got in a little over a game when he tried to come back. Don Mattingly has done an excellent job of piecing together lineups in the meantime. But the bottom line remains the same - for the Dodgers to go anywhere, they need a healthy Kemp.
At least Kershaw put together a great start, going eight innings for three hits, one run, two walks, and seven strikeouts. Even with a few bumps along the way (for him, anyway), he still has a 2.73 ERA and 1.01 WHIP. Pretty amazing when you can look at those numbers and know that he's capable of doing even better. And look out, because starts like this will only catapult him to bigger things over the summer, just like last season.
Another Freeway Series is up next, as the Dodgers will now play three in Anaheim. Thankfully they avoid Jared Weaver, but then again, the Angels avoid Kershaw, so I suppose it's a wash. Chad Billingsley goes up against Dan Haren on Friday.
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