The Dodgers couldn't get anything done on Friday night with runners in scoring position. On Saturday, they made sure that would quickly change.
Manny Ramirez broke out of a power slump by hitting a two-run homer in the first, and the Dodgers powered their way to a victory over the Reds, 11-4. The Giants edged the Rockies, so the lead in the NL West is up to five over the Rocks and six over the Giants.
The Dodgers jumped up to a 4-0 lead after a couple of innings. In the second, Mark Loretta and Orlando Hudson singled to lead off. Brad Ausmus hit an infield single that was good enough to score Loretta. After a sacrifice by Charlie Haeger, Rafael Furcal's sac-fly RBI made it 4-0.
It's a good thing the Dodgers found a way to get runners in, because Haeger struggled in his third start of this season. He got through the first couple of innings unscathed, but ran into trouble in the third.
Craig Tatum lead off with a solo homer to go down 4-1. Paul Janish added a two-run shot, and Brandon Phillips an RBI single to get the game back even at four. Just like that, the Dodgers needed to go back to work.
Good thing for them, that's exactly what they did. It didn't happen right away, but Raffy did what he could by hitting a solo homer in the fifth, making it 5-4.
In the seventh, the Dodgers struck big. Andre Ethier pinch-hit and doubled to right to start. Raffy had another great at-bat by reaching on a bunt single, then going to second on an error. Juan Pierre singled them both home, and it was 7-4.
They weren't done yet, as Manny walked to put two on. Matt Kemp connected on a long three-run homer to center to make it 10-4. Even Hudson got in on the act, as his solo homer closed the scoring at 11-4.
Even though it was just the Reds, it was good to see the offense more than get the job done. Especially considering how frustrating Friday's loss was, as their bats went silent time and again, combined with Chad Billingsley's rough start. Saturday was a chance to get going again, and that's exactly what happened.
Haeger certainly didn't help his cause for staying in the rotation, as his knuckleball just wasn't there. He went 2 and 1/3 innings, four hits, four runs, two walks, and three strikeouts. With Hiroki Kuroda on his way back, it remains to be seen if Haeger gets another chance to start.
The bullpen was fantastic, as they really gave the Dodgers a chance to win. Jeff Weaver got the win, and went 3 and 1/3 innings of shutout ball, striking out four. Ramon Troncoso got the last out of the sixth, Ronald Belisario pitched the next two, and Guillermo Mota finished it off.
With the Rockies unable to solve the Giants, a win by the Dodgers today could mean a six game lead at the end of the day. It'll be a good one, as Clayton Kershaw takes on the resurgent Bronson Arroyo.
Sunday, August 30, 2009
Saturday, August 29, 2009
Manny K's with bases loaded to end game
Manny Ramirez had a chance to relive some of his magic from a few weeks ago against the Reds. Perhaps you've heard about his grand slam he hit on his bobblehead night? The situation again called for a big hit with the bases loaded, two down, and down by two in the ninth.
This time, Manny went down with a whimper.
Francisco Cordero used his slider to catch Manny looking, and the Dodgers fell to the Reds, 4-2. The ninth inning was the only exciting one for the Dodgers, as they looked like they had no life in their legs for the first eight.
Homer Bailey was a highly touted prospect coming into the league two years ago, but hasn't come close to living up to the hype. You wouldn't know that after watching tonight, as he pitched eight innings of scoreless ball, striking out seven. And with that, he lowered his ERA to 6.07.
So ya, I'd say the Dodgers' offense blew a great chance tonight.
At least the Rockies lost, as they had the pleasure of facing Tim Lincecum. Ubaldo Jimenez was good, but Lincecum was just too much, as the Giants won, 2-0. The lead in the NL West for the Dodgers remains at four games.
Chad Billingsley was the other starter, and he never found a rhythm. I'm not one to place blame on umpires... but it seemed to me like home plate ump Chuck Meriwhether didn't give him a whole lot of love. Billingsley scuffled, and Meriwhether made sure it stayed that way. And that's the best way I can put it.
Bills ended with five innings, seven hits, four runs, four walks, and one strikeout. It could have been worse had he not stranded the bases loaded in the fifth. He started the sixth, but immediately after giving up a solo homer to Jonny Gomes, Joe Torre had seen enough.
Gomes was also responsible for putting the Reds up 1-0 in the second on a soft RBI single to left. A single by Daniel Stubbs and double by Joey Votto scored two more runs in the third.
Down 4-0 entering the ninth, the Reds went with Nick Masset to get the last three outs. But, James Loney greeted him with a long homer to right, making it 4-1. After Russell Martin popped out (shocking), Dusty Baker gave the ball to Cordero.
The Dodgers at least made Cordero work. After Orlando Hudson grounded out (shocking again), Mark Loretta and Rafael Furcal singled. Matt Kemp then drew a walk, and the bases were juiced. Andre Ethier found a way to strike out on a ball that hit his foot. The ball then went far enough away for Ethier to get to first and Loretta to score, and it was 4-2.
Manny has definitely experienced a power outage lately (cue the steroid jokes), as he hasn't hit a home run since August 11 in San Francisco. All he needed in this spot was a single to most likely score two, but it just wasn't meant to be.
Taking two of three in Colorado was a big boost, but it's not like they totally broke out of their slump. They hit three homers on Wednesday, but that was pretty much it. Combine that with Billingsley having an off night (and getting no help from the guy behind the plate), and it was a pretty listless performance all-around.
Charlie Haeger will get his third start of the season, as he's been a pleasant surprise thus far. He's facing some guy named Matt Maloney, who probably wouldn't be anywhere close to a starting rotation had he not played with the Reds. Let's see if the offense can get cracking again. Saturday is the perfect opportunity to do so.
This time, Manny went down with a whimper.
Francisco Cordero used his slider to catch Manny looking, and the Dodgers fell to the Reds, 4-2. The ninth inning was the only exciting one for the Dodgers, as they looked like they had no life in their legs for the first eight.
Homer Bailey was a highly touted prospect coming into the league two years ago, but hasn't come close to living up to the hype. You wouldn't know that after watching tonight, as he pitched eight innings of scoreless ball, striking out seven. And with that, he lowered his ERA to 6.07.
So ya, I'd say the Dodgers' offense blew a great chance tonight.
At least the Rockies lost, as they had the pleasure of facing Tim Lincecum. Ubaldo Jimenez was good, but Lincecum was just too much, as the Giants won, 2-0. The lead in the NL West for the Dodgers remains at four games.
Chad Billingsley was the other starter, and he never found a rhythm. I'm not one to place blame on umpires... but it seemed to me like home plate ump Chuck Meriwhether didn't give him a whole lot of love. Billingsley scuffled, and Meriwhether made sure it stayed that way. And that's the best way I can put it.
Bills ended with five innings, seven hits, four runs, four walks, and one strikeout. It could have been worse had he not stranded the bases loaded in the fifth. He started the sixth, but immediately after giving up a solo homer to Jonny Gomes, Joe Torre had seen enough.
Gomes was also responsible for putting the Reds up 1-0 in the second on a soft RBI single to left. A single by Daniel Stubbs and double by Joey Votto scored two more runs in the third.
Down 4-0 entering the ninth, the Reds went with Nick Masset to get the last three outs. But, James Loney greeted him with a long homer to right, making it 4-1. After Russell Martin popped out (shocking), Dusty Baker gave the ball to Cordero.
The Dodgers at least made Cordero work. After Orlando Hudson grounded out (shocking again), Mark Loretta and Rafael Furcal singled. Matt Kemp then drew a walk, and the bases were juiced. Andre Ethier found a way to strike out on a ball that hit his foot. The ball then went far enough away for Ethier to get to first and Loretta to score, and it was 4-2.
Manny has definitely experienced a power outage lately (cue the steroid jokes), as he hasn't hit a home run since August 11 in San Francisco. All he needed in this spot was a single to most likely score two, but it just wasn't meant to be.
Taking two of three in Colorado was a big boost, but it's not like they totally broke out of their slump. They hit three homers on Wednesday, but that was pretty much it. Combine that with Billingsley having an off night (and getting no help from the guy behind the plate), and it was a pretty listless performance all-around.
Charlie Haeger will get his third start of the season, as he's been a pleasant surprise thus far. He's facing some guy named Matt Maloney, who probably wouldn't be anywhere close to a starting rotation had he not played with the Reds. Let's see if the offense can get cracking again. Saturday is the perfect opportunity to do so.
Friday, August 28, 2009
Dodgers win two of three in Colorado
Facing another hot opponent in the NL West, the Dodgers once again responded with a statement win.
Rafael Furcal's RBI single in the sixth put the Dodgers ahead for good, as they went on to defeat the Rockies, 3-2. The lead in the West is extended to four games over the Rockies and seven over the Giants.
Much like a couple weeks ago in San Francisco, the Dodgers hit the road for a three-game series against another team looking to take over the top. Just like then, the Dodgers got the wins they needed, showcasing why they've been in first for practically the entire season.
For the third straight game, the Dodgers jumped on the board in their first at-bats. Raffy went from an 0-2 count against Jorge De La Rosa to working a walk. Matt Kemp stepped up and blasted one out to left for the 2-0 lead. Kemp continues his monster season with a 3-for-5 night with a double as well.
In the third, the Rockies used some two-out hits to even the game against Vicente Padilla, making his first start with the Dodgers. Carlos Gonzalez singled with two outs, and Seth Smith tripled him in down the right field line. After a walk to Todd Helton, Troy Tulowitzki singled just between Raffy and Manny Ramirez in left to knot it at two.
Furcal has been in a slump lately, but he came through in a big way in the sixth. It started with a single by Orlando Hudson, who then went to second on Brad Ausmus' sacrifice bunt. Mark Loretta pinch-hit and lined out, but Raffy singled back up the middle for the 3-2 lead.
On Tuesday night, Joe Torre would rely on his bullpen to try to keep the game tied at two late, and yesterday afternoon, he looked to the 'pen to keep the lead. This time, they delivered.
Hong-Chih Kuo pitched the sixth and struck out the side in between Tulowitzki (I won't miss him) hitting a single. Ramon Troncoso started the seventh and gave up a single to start, then retired two. George Sherrill struck out Smith with a runner on second to end the threat.
Sherrill then started the eighth and got the first two before Brad Hawpe singled to left. Jonathan Broxton came on and got Garrett Atkins to fly out to right.
Broxton actually had something rare happen to him in the ninth... he got an at-bat. With two on and two out, he shockingly struck out. He's now 0-for-5 in his career, but somehow has drawn two walks. I smell career-changer.
Yorvit Torrealba singled with one down in the bottom of the ninth. On a chopper to Raffy by Ryan Spilborghs, Torrealba barely avoided the tag to put two on. From there, Broxton struck out the next two to end the game and get his 28th save.
Padilla was brought in to battle for the last spot in the rotation, and he made his case to stay there. He went five innings, six hits, two runs, one walk, and four strikeouts. Like Charlie Haeger, it's nice to see pitchers actually doing something positive to get that spot, rather than everyone stinking up the joint. We'll see Padilla get another start next week.
After dropping a tough one on Tuesday, give the Dodgers a bunch of credit for fighting back and taking the next two. Admittedly, the Rockies had their bottom three in the rotation run out there, which was much easier than facing Jason Marquis and Ubaldo Jimenez. But I don't feel bad about it, do you?
As the Rockies and Giants battle it out for three in San Francisco, the Dodgers travel to play the lowly Reds. But, the Reds have actually won four straight, including a three-game sweep in Milwaukee, so that's not bad. Chad Billingsley gets the call in the first game.
Rafael Furcal's RBI single in the sixth put the Dodgers ahead for good, as they went on to defeat the Rockies, 3-2. The lead in the West is extended to four games over the Rockies and seven over the Giants.
Much like a couple weeks ago in San Francisco, the Dodgers hit the road for a three-game series against another team looking to take over the top. Just like then, the Dodgers got the wins they needed, showcasing why they've been in first for practically the entire season.
For the third straight game, the Dodgers jumped on the board in their first at-bats. Raffy went from an 0-2 count against Jorge De La Rosa to working a walk. Matt Kemp stepped up and blasted one out to left for the 2-0 lead. Kemp continues his monster season with a 3-for-5 night with a double as well.
In the third, the Rockies used some two-out hits to even the game against Vicente Padilla, making his first start with the Dodgers. Carlos Gonzalez singled with two outs, and Seth Smith tripled him in down the right field line. After a walk to Todd Helton, Troy Tulowitzki singled just between Raffy and Manny Ramirez in left to knot it at two.
Furcal has been in a slump lately, but he came through in a big way in the sixth. It started with a single by Orlando Hudson, who then went to second on Brad Ausmus' sacrifice bunt. Mark Loretta pinch-hit and lined out, but Raffy singled back up the middle for the 3-2 lead.
On Tuesday night, Joe Torre would rely on his bullpen to try to keep the game tied at two late, and yesterday afternoon, he looked to the 'pen to keep the lead. This time, they delivered.
Hong-Chih Kuo pitched the sixth and struck out the side in between Tulowitzki (I won't miss him) hitting a single. Ramon Troncoso started the seventh and gave up a single to start, then retired two. George Sherrill struck out Smith with a runner on second to end the threat.
Sherrill then started the eighth and got the first two before Brad Hawpe singled to left. Jonathan Broxton came on and got Garrett Atkins to fly out to right.
Broxton actually had something rare happen to him in the ninth... he got an at-bat. With two on and two out, he shockingly struck out. He's now 0-for-5 in his career, but somehow has drawn two walks. I smell career-changer.
Yorvit Torrealba singled with one down in the bottom of the ninth. On a chopper to Raffy by Ryan Spilborghs, Torrealba barely avoided the tag to put two on. From there, Broxton struck out the next two to end the game and get his 28th save.
Padilla was brought in to battle for the last spot in the rotation, and he made his case to stay there. He went five innings, six hits, two runs, one walk, and four strikeouts. Like Charlie Haeger, it's nice to see pitchers actually doing something positive to get that spot, rather than everyone stinking up the joint. We'll see Padilla get another start next week.
After dropping a tough one on Tuesday, give the Dodgers a bunch of credit for fighting back and taking the next two. Admittedly, the Rockies had their bottom three in the rotation run out there, which was much easier than facing Jason Marquis and Ubaldo Jimenez. But I don't feel bad about it, do you?
As the Rockies and Giants battle it out for three in San Francisco, the Dodgers travel to play the lowly Reds. But, the Reds have actually won four straight, including a three-game sweep in Milwaukee, so that's not bad. Chad Billingsley gets the call in the first game.
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Big sticks busted out in Coors
The Dodgers temporarily halted the red-hot Colorado Rockies by hitting three home runs en route to a 6-1 win. The power display was enough to put the Dodgers back up by three games in the NL West.
Like last night, the Dodgers struck in the first. Only this time, they actually held onto the lead. With one down, Matt Kemp drew a walk. Andre Ethier then launched a long two-run bomb to grab the quick 2-0 lead.
In the bottom of the third, the Rockies would get their only run of the night on a solo homer by Ryan Spilborghs. That's as good as it would get for them on this night, as they had no answers for Randy Wolf.
A big fourth inning would put the game away for good. Once again, Ethier was the man as he hit a leadoff homer for the 3-1 lead. Manny Ramirez was hit by a pitch and Casey Blake walked to set it up for James Loney. Loney's not known for his power, but he got all of a shot just inside the foul pole in right for a three-run tater and a 6-1 lead.
Like I said before, Wolf was just awesome, as he didn't need much support on this night. He pitched 7 and 1/3 innings, giving up five hits, one run, two walks, and five strikeouts. That's his fourth straight win as he's absolutely been on fire.
There's one thing that he didn't do right, though... he didn't get an extra-base hit. Ah well, I can be picky.
George Sherrill came on to get the last two outs of the eighth. He got Spilborghs to line to center and Todd Helton to ground into a fielder's choice. Jonathan Broxton got a double play ball in the ninth on his way to a scoreless inning.
It's pretty rare that I can say the Dodgers scored all of their runs via the long ball, but that was a welcome sight tonight. After all, they are 13th in the National League in home runs, so we all know they're the manufacturing type of team. In Coors Field, however, the homer can be your best friend as it was tonight.
So now the Dodgers will send the newly acquired Vicente Padilla to the hill Thursday afternoon against Jorge De La Rosa. Neither man will be confused with Cy Young, but I've got to think the Dodgers again have an advantage here. Another win would mean two of three after dropping a tough opener.
A win would also give the Dodgers a four game pad before their schedule greatly lightens up. That's certainly not a huge lead, but better than it was going into this series. And with reports that Hiroki Kuroda is on his way back eventually, they would have to start feeling much better about their chances in reclaiming their division dominance.
A loss would mean only a two game lead, and it's anyone's ballgame.
Like last night, the Dodgers struck in the first. Only this time, they actually held onto the lead. With one down, Matt Kemp drew a walk. Andre Ethier then launched a long two-run bomb to grab the quick 2-0 lead.
In the bottom of the third, the Rockies would get their only run of the night on a solo homer by Ryan Spilborghs. That's as good as it would get for them on this night, as they had no answers for Randy Wolf.
A big fourth inning would put the game away for good. Once again, Ethier was the man as he hit a leadoff homer for the 3-1 lead. Manny Ramirez was hit by a pitch and Casey Blake walked to set it up for James Loney. Loney's not known for his power, but he got all of a shot just inside the foul pole in right for a three-run tater and a 6-1 lead.
Like I said before, Wolf was just awesome, as he didn't need much support on this night. He pitched 7 and 1/3 innings, giving up five hits, one run, two walks, and five strikeouts. That's his fourth straight win as he's absolutely been on fire.
There's one thing that he didn't do right, though... he didn't get an extra-base hit. Ah well, I can be picky.
George Sherrill came on to get the last two outs of the eighth. He got Spilborghs to line to center and Todd Helton to ground into a fielder's choice. Jonathan Broxton got a double play ball in the ninth on his way to a scoreless inning.
It's pretty rare that I can say the Dodgers scored all of their runs via the long ball, but that was a welcome sight tonight. After all, they are 13th in the National League in home runs, so we all know they're the manufacturing type of team. In Coors Field, however, the homer can be your best friend as it was tonight.
So now the Dodgers will send the newly acquired Vicente Padilla to the hill Thursday afternoon against Jorge De La Rosa. Neither man will be confused with Cy Young, but I've got to think the Dodgers again have an advantage here. Another win would mean two of three after dropping a tough opener.
A win would also give the Dodgers a four game pad before their schedule greatly lightens up. That's certainly not a huge lead, but better than it was going into this series. And with reports that Hiroki Kuroda is on his way back eventually, they would have to start feeling much better about their chances in reclaiming their division dominance.
A loss would mean only a two game lead, and it's anyone's ballgame.
Rockies stay hot by downing Dodgers
Once upon a time, the Dodgers were making a mockery of the NL West.
Today, with only a two game lead, it's hard to believe just how quickly things have turned.
As mediocre as the Dodgers have played since the All-Star break, the Rockies have absolutely been on fire. And that streak continued as the Rockies got a walk-off RBI single from Troy Tulowitzki in the 10th as they won, 5-4.
The game started off well for the Dodgers, who struck in the first. Matt Kemp singled to center and then stole second. Andre Ethier plated him with an RBI single, and it was 1-0.
A few innings later in the fourth, Casey Blake lead off with a solo homer, making it 2-0. With Clayton Kershaw cruising on the mound, it sure looked like the Dodgers were in a great position to make a statement in Coors.
Instead, the Rockies came right back, as they've made a habit of doing to everyone. Troy Helton hit a double with one down. After Tulowitzki popped up, Brad Hawpe cranked a two-run homer, and the game was back to even.
The bullpen of L.A. is usually a strong point, but not last night. Ronald Belisario came on with one out in the seventh and got Garrett Atkins to ground out. Clint Barmes followed that with a solo homer, and the Rockies took the 3-2 lead.
Enter Hong-Chih Kuo in the eighth, and he got the first two batters right away. But, Ryan Spilborghs singled and Helton walked. Tulowitzki hit a long double to left that scored one, but Helton was gunned out at home. The damage was done, though, as the Rockies went up 4-2.
The Dodgers did not quit on this one in the ninth, thanks in large part to Huston Street getting the night off. Juan Pierre pinch-hit and delivered with a single. Rafael Furcal doubled, and Kemp hit a sac-fly RBI to go down by one.
Old friend Joe Beimel came on and got Ethier swinging for two down. Matt Daley came on to face Manny Ramirez. Manny had two strikes on him, but then got a big RBI single to tie it at four. James Loney reached on an error and Blake was given the intentional walk to go after Russell Martin.
Martin had a chance to be a hero, but flew out. That was a sign of things to come, as the Rockies showed how tough they are in extra innings.
James McDonald was called upon to pitch the 10th, and pretty much did nothing right. To make a long story short, Tulowitzki was again a hero by singling to center to score Ian Stewart to end the night.
If the Dodgers want to at all make a statement, they have to get the next couple of games. The Dodgers have a clear advantage with starting pitchers, as they send Randy Wolf and Vicente Padilla to the mound. The Rockies counter with Josh Fogg and Jorge De La Rosa. So yes, that's a check for the Dodgers.
But, the Rockies seem like they can run anybody out to the mound and still win. Kind of like how the Dodgers were in the beginning of the year. It's funny how that works out. Now the Dodgers have to be the ones to get their bats going and start to play winning ball again.
Wolf is exactly the guy the Dodgers want on the mound, as he's been a stud for them. If the Dodgers still can't win, the NL West lead will be down to one, as unlikely as that seemed just a couple months ago. But, we will see.
Today, with only a two game lead, it's hard to believe just how quickly things have turned.
As mediocre as the Dodgers have played since the All-Star break, the Rockies have absolutely been on fire. And that streak continued as the Rockies got a walk-off RBI single from Troy Tulowitzki in the 10th as they won, 5-4.
The game started off well for the Dodgers, who struck in the first. Matt Kemp singled to center and then stole second. Andre Ethier plated him with an RBI single, and it was 1-0.
A few innings later in the fourth, Casey Blake lead off with a solo homer, making it 2-0. With Clayton Kershaw cruising on the mound, it sure looked like the Dodgers were in a great position to make a statement in Coors.
Instead, the Rockies came right back, as they've made a habit of doing to everyone. Troy Helton hit a double with one down. After Tulowitzki popped up, Brad Hawpe cranked a two-run homer, and the game was back to even.
The bullpen of L.A. is usually a strong point, but not last night. Ronald Belisario came on with one out in the seventh and got Garrett Atkins to ground out. Clint Barmes followed that with a solo homer, and the Rockies took the 3-2 lead.
Enter Hong-Chih Kuo in the eighth, and he got the first two batters right away. But, Ryan Spilborghs singled and Helton walked. Tulowitzki hit a long double to left that scored one, but Helton was gunned out at home. The damage was done, though, as the Rockies went up 4-2.
The Dodgers did not quit on this one in the ninth, thanks in large part to Huston Street getting the night off. Juan Pierre pinch-hit and delivered with a single. Rafael Furcal doubled, and Kemp hit a sac-fly RBI to go down by one.
Old friend Joe Beimel came on and got Ethier swinging for two down. Matt Daley came on to face Manny Ramirez. Manny had two strikes on him, but then got a big RBI single to tie it at four. James Loney reached on an error and Blake was given the intentional walk to go after Russell Martin.
Martin had a chance to be a hero, but flew out. That was a sign of things to come, as the Rockies showed how tough they are in extra innings.
James McDonald was called upon to pitch the 10th, and pretty much did nothing right. To make a long story short, Tulowitzki was again a hero by singling to center to score Ian Stewart to end the night.
If the Dodgers want to at all make a statement, they have to get the next couple of games. The Dodgers have a clear advantage with starting pitchers, as they send Randy Wolf and Vicente Padilla to the mound. The Rockies counter with Josh Fogg and Jorge De La Rosa. So yes, that's a check for the Dodgers.
But, the Rockies seem like they can run anybody out to the mound and still win. Kind of like how the Dodgers were in the beginning of the year. It's funny how that works out. Now the Dodgers have to be the ones to get their bats going and start to play winning ball again.
Wolf is exactly the guy the Dodgers want on the mound, as he's been a stud for them. If the Dodgers still can't win, the NL West lead will be down to one, as unlikely as that seemed just a couple months ago. But, we will see.
Monday, August 24, 2009
Cubs avoid sweep behind Dempster
The Dodgers could never find a groove offensively as they fell in the last of a four-game series to the Cubs, 3-1. Despite the loss, the Dodgers took three of four. But, the Rockies beat the Giants again, so the lead in the NL West is 3 and 1/2 games.
Jake Fox had a big day for the Cubs, and it started with a solo home run off of Chad Billingsley in the second to go up 1-0. The Dodgers fought back thanks to a throwing error from Aramis Ramirez to let Matt Kemp reach in the bottom half. Tony Abreu hit an RBI single to center to knot it at one.
That would be it for scoring until the sixth, when the Cubs put the game away for good. It started when Ramirez tripled to lead it off. Kosuke Fukudome then doubled him home to go up 2-1. Fox again drove in a run with an RBI single, and it was 3-1.
Billingsley had been cruising before that, but it all came apart in the sixth. Overall, he pitched six innings for nine hits, three runs, one walk, and five strikeouts. Not his sharpest performance, but not terrible by any means. He just got no offensive support.
The Dodgers had a chance in the eighth, but didn't get much help from the boys in blue. Russell Martin and Abreu walked to start. Mark Loretta then hit a grounder to short that Ryan Theriot flipped to Mike Fontenot, who appeared to come off the bag. It didn't matter, as he was ruled to still be on the bag for the forceout.
Joe Torre wanted some help on that play, but didn't get it. And wouldn't you know, Orlando Hudson promptly grounded into the inning-ending double play. Carlos Marmol mowed through the top of the Dodgers order to get the save.
To take three of four from any team is always a good sign, so the Dodgers can't be too disappointed with this loss. I wouldn't say their offensive problems are really solved, though. They put up seven on Thursday, but combined for only five the next three games.
On Sunday, the top of the order of Rafael Furcal, Andre Ethier, Manny Ramirez, Casey Blake, Matt Kemp, and Martin went 1-for-20. Ouch! It's hard to believe they still had a chance to win even with that.
Up next for the Dodgers is a big series with the Rockies in Coors Field. The last time the Dodgers had a big series in the division was a couple weeks ago against the Giants, and the Dodgers took two of three. Hopefully history repeats itself. Hopefully, too, the offense starts to get more consistency. Coors Field can certainly help.
After taking an off day on Monday, Clayton Kershaw will get the call on Tuesday. He's opposed by Jason Hammel, who is the perfect pitcher to match up with when trying to break out of a slump. Let's hope that actually happens.
Jake Fox had a big day for the Cubs, and it started with a solo home run off of Chad Billingsley in the second to go up 1-0. The Dodgers fought back thanks to a throwing error from Aramis Ramirez to let Matt Kemp reach in the bottom half. Tony Abreu hit an RBI single to center to knot it at one.
That would be it for scoring until the sixth, when the Cubs put the game away for good. It started when Ramirez tripled to lead it off. Kosuke Fukudome then doubled him home to go up 2-1. Fox again drove in a run with an RBI single, and it was 3-1.
Billingsley had been cruising before that, but it all came apart in the sixth. Overall, he pitched six innings for nine hits, three runs, one walk, and five strikeouts. Not his sharpest performance, but not terrible by any means. He just got no offensive support.
The Dodgers had a chance in the eighth, but didn't get much help from the boys in blue. Russell Martin and Abreu walked to start. Mark Loretta then hit a grounder to short that Ryan Theriot flipped to Mike Fontenot, who appeared to come off the bag. It didn't matter, as he was ruled to still be on the bag for the forceout.
Joe Torre wanted some help on that play, but didn't get it. And wouldn't you know, Orlando Hudson promptly grounded into the inning-ending double play. Carlos Marmol mowed through the top of the Dodgers order to get the save.
To take three of four from any team is always a good sign, so the Dodgers can't be too disappointed with this loss. I wouldn't say their offensive problems are really solved, though. They put up seven on Thursday, but combined for only five the next three games.
On Sunday, the top of the order of Rafael Furcal, Andre Ethier, Manny Ramirez, Casey Blake, Matt Kemp, and Martin went 1-for-20. Ouch! It's hard to believe they still had a chance to win even with that.
Up next for the Dodgers is a big series with the Rockies in Coors Field. The last time the Dodgers had a big series in the division was a couple weeks ago against the Giants, and the Dodgers took two of three. Hopefully history repeats itself. Hopefully, too, the offense starts to get more consistency. Coors Field can certainly help.
After taking an off day on Monday, Clayton Kershaw will get the call on Tuesday. He's opposed by Jason Hammel, who is the perfect pitcher to match up with when trying to break out of a slump. Let's hope that actually happens.
Sunday, August 23, 2009
Padilla has good outing in minors
Vicente Padilla made a start in Triple-A Albuquerque on Saturday night, and did a good job. In five innings, he gave up three hits, two runs, three walks, and five strikeouts to get the win.
His only bad spot of the night came in the fifth when Adam Stern of the Nashville Sounds (affiliate of the Brewers) hit a two-run homer. Other than that, Padilla was spotted a 6-0 lead and made sure the Isotopes would cruise.
It's only a minor league outing, but to pitch well at the Triple-A level is an encouraging sign, especially since he hasn't pitched since August 7, his last outing with the Rangers. Padilla will get a his chance to show he can still be an effective major league starter by starting Thursday night in Colorado.
His only bad spot of the night came in the fifth when Adam Stern of the Nashville Sounds (affiliate of the Brewers) hit a two-run homer. Other than that, Padilla was spotted a 6-0 lead and made sure the Isotopes would cruise.
It's only a minor league outing, but to pitch well at the Triple-A level is an encouraging sign, especially since he hasn't pitched since August 7, his last outing with the Rangers. Padilla will get a his chance to show he can still be an effective major league starter by starting Thursday night in Colorado.
Haeger makes a statement in beating the Cubs
Charlie Haeger gave Joe Torre another good reason to keep him in the rotation by tossing seven scoreless innings, as the Dodgers blanked the Cubs, 2-0. Two solo homers by Matt Kemp and Casey Blake were all the Dodgers needed on the afternoon.
The Rockies came back from a 6-1 deficit to beat the Giants 14-11 in an old school Coors Field game. The Dodgers are now up 4 and 1/2 over the Rocks and 6 and 1/2 over the Giants in the NL West.
Kemp blasted his 18th of season with one out in the second. It cleared the Dodgers' bullpen and was estimated to 449 feet. Whoa!
The only other run of the game came with two outs in the fourth, when Blake hit his 15th of the season. Ted Lilly only gave up those two runs in six innings, but as usual with the Cubs, got no offensive support.
As for Haeger, he had the Cubs fooled all day. In seven innings, he gave up three hits, no runs, four walks, and seven strikeouts. He's gone seven innings in both starts this season and given up three runs, good for a 1.93 ERA.
The way I see it, if it ain't broke, don't fix it. As long as he's pitching this well, he deserves to start. Once Hiroki Kuroda comes back, there's only one rotation spot open, and Vicente Padilla will be given a chance as well. I'm sure Torre will go with the hot hand, because the Dodgers still have their eye on home field throughout the National League playoffs.
For the first time since being traded, George Sherill got the chance to close, and Jonathan Broxton pitched the eighth. This seemed to have more to do with the Cubs having the heart of their order up in the eighth, so Torre wanted his big righty in.
Haeger gave up a walk to Sam Fuld to start the inning. With switch-hitter Milton Bradley and righties Derek Lee and Aramis Ramirez due up, Torre wanted to match Broxton with them. It didn't seem like Broxton was thrilled about not getting to close when interviewed after the game, but this seemed to be more of a matchup issue than anything else.
Kemp lost a fly ball in right to give Lee a double and two runners in scoring position. Ramirez then lined out to first and Kosuke Fukudome struck out to end it. Sherrill wasn't exactly lights-out, giving up a single and a walk, but still got his 21st save, and first as a Dodger.
It wasn't a smooth ride, but Torre made the right call. I wouldn't think this situation will happen often, so Broxton shouldn't worry about losing his job. By now, I think he's used to getting the ball at the end of the game, so being called upon in a different situation was surprising to him. But it's all good.
The Dodgers will look for the sweep today by sending Chad Billingsley to the hill. Bills has gotten over his rough patch from a little earlier in the year, as he's had three straight good starts. Hopefully he's over his leg injuries as well, but we'll see.
The Rockies came back from a 6-1 deficit to beat the Giants 14-11 in an old school Coors Field game. The Dodgers are now up 4 and 1/2 over the Rocks and 6 and 1/2 over the Giants in the NL West.
Kemp blasted his 18th of season with one out in the second. It cleared the Dodgers' bullpen and was estimated to 449 feet. Whoa!
The only other run of the game came with two outs in the fourth, when Blake hit his 15th of the season. Ted Lilly only gave up those two runs in six innings, but as usual with the Cubs, got no offensive support.
As for Haeger, he had the Cubs fooled all day. In seven innings, he gave up three hits, no runs, four walks, and seven strikeouts. He's gone seven innings in both starts this season and given up three runs, good for a 1.93 ERA.
The way I see it, if it ain't broke, don't fix it. As long as he's pitching this well, he deserves to start. Once Hiroki Kuroda comes back, there's only one rotation spot open, and Vicente Padilla will be given a chance as well. I'm sure Torre will go with the hot hand, because the Dodgers still have their eye on home field throughout the National League playoffs.
For the first time since being traded, George Sherill got the chance to close, and Jonathan Broxton pitched the eighth. This seemed to have more to do with the Cubs having the heart of their order up in the eighth, so Torre wanted his big righty in.
Haeger gave up a walk to Sam Fuld to start the inning. With switch-hitter Milton Bradley and righties Derek Lee and Aramis Ramirez due up, Torre wanted to match Broxton with them. It didn't seem like Broxton was thrilled about not getting to close when interviewed after the game, but this seemed to be more of a matchup issue than anything else.
Kemp lost a fly ball in right to give Lee a double and two runners in scoring position. Ramirez then lined out to first and Kosuke Fukudome struck out to end it. Sherrill wasn't exactly lights-out, giving up a single and a walk, but still got his 21st save, and first as a Dodger.
It wasn't a smooth ride, but Torre made the right call. I wouldn't think this situation will happen often, so Broxton shouldn't worry about losing his job. By now, I think he's used to getting the ball at the end of the game, so being called upon in a different situation was surprising to him. But it's all good.
The Dodgers will look for the sweep today by sending Chad Billingsley to the hill. Bills has gotten over his rough patch from a little earlier in the year, as he's had three straight good starts. Hopefully he's over his leg injuries as well, but we'll see.
Saturday, August 22, 2009
Wolf does it all again
Maybe Randy Wolf should start hitting cleanup when he's on the mound.
For the second straight start, Wolf not only was masterful on the mound, but got the job done with his bat as well. Seven innings of one run ball combined with a big two-run double carried the Dodgers to a close win over the Cubs, 2-1.
The Rockies and Giants are locked in a three-game series, and the Giants easily got the first win, 6-2. Currently, the Dodgers lead the NL West over the Rockies by 4 and 1/2 and the Giants by 5 and 1/2.
Wolf continues to be one of the best free agent signings in all of baseball. Considering he only inked a one-year deal for $5 million, he's probably the best bargain signing this year. A 3.34 ERA and 1.11 WHIP proves that. Had he not received 13 no-decisions this year, he would easily be talked about as one of the best pitchers in the NL this season.
Performances like the last two he's had will get people talking, though. With the rest of the rotation either nursing injuries or ineffectiveness, Wolf has been a rock all year long. Who would have thought he'd turn out to be their ace?
After coaxing three straight grounders to start the game, Wolf got his stick going in the second. James Loney singled with one down. An out later, Orlando Hudson bounced a hard one to third that Aramis Ramirez could not handle. Wolf then laced one to the wall in center, scoring both for the 2-1 lead.
The Cubs fought right back by getting an RBI single from Ryan Theriot in the third. At 2-1, both staffs shut the door the rest of the game.
Once Wolf exited after the seventh, the Dodgers went to their new formula of George Sherrill and Jonathan Broxton to shut the door. Sherrill walked a slumping Alfonso Soriano to start the eighth. Soriano stole second on a ball that bounced by Russell Martin anyway. But, Sam Fuld and Jake Fox both grounded out to Rafael Furcal, and that was it.
Broxton has had his fair share of shaky outings lately, but not Friday night. Theriot grounded out, and both Milton Bradley and Derek Lee struck out to end the game. Now that's the dominant Brox we all have gotten to know.
In his last three games, Wolf has gone 3-0 with a 1.99 ERA. In his last two games at the plate, he's gone 4-for-5 with two runs, five RBIs, one double, and one home run. I'd say he's on a pretty good hot streak.
In addition to Wolf's big night, it was good to see the Dodgers locked in a close game the whole way and still come out on top. In fact, this could have been a 3-1 game had Manny Ramirez not been robbed of a solo homer by Fuld in the eighth. Either way, all three pitchers stepped up and lead the way.
The Dodgers will look to increase their lead in the West even more by sending Charlie Haeger to the mound. He had a great debut against a tough Cardinals team, but was victimized by the long ball and a lack of run support. He'll look to keep the Cubs' offense from busting out of their slump.
For the second straight start, Wolf not only was masterful on the mound, but got the job done with his bat as well. Seven innings of one run ball combined with a big two-run double carried the Dodgers to a close win over the Cubs, 2-1.
The Rockies and Giants are locked in a three-game series, and the Giants easily got the first win, 6-2. Currently, the Dodgers lead the NL West over the Rockies by 4 and 1/2 and the Giants by 5 and 1/2.
Wolf continues to be one of the best free agent signings in all of baseball. Considering he only inked a one-year deal for $5 million, he's probably the best bargain signing this year. A 3.34 ERA and 1.11 WHIP proves that. Had he not received 13 no-decisions this year, he would easily be talked about as one of the best pitchers in the NL this season.
Performances like the last two he's had will get people talking, though. With the rest of the rotation either nursing injuries or ineffectiveness, Wolf has been a rock all year long. Who would have thought he'd turn out to be their ace?
After coaxing three straight grounders to start the game, Wolf got his stick going in the second. James Loney singled with one down. An out later, Orlando Hudson bounced a hard one to third that Aramis Ramirez could not handle. Wolf then laced one to the wall in center, scoring both for the 2-1 lead.
The Cubs fought right back by getting an RBI single from Ryan Theriot in the third. At 2-1, both staffs shut the door the rest of the game.
Once Wolf exited after the seventh, the Dodgers went to their new formula of George Sherrill and Jonathan Broxton to shut the door. Sherrill walked a slumping Alfonso Soriano to start the eighth. Soriano stole second on a ball that bounced by Russell Martin anyway. But, Sam Fuld and Jake Fox both grounded out to Rafael Furcal, and that was it.
Broxton has had his fair share of shaky outings lately, but not Friday night. Theriot grounded out, and both Milton Bradley and Derek Lee struck out to end the game. Now that's the dominant Brox we all have gotten to know.
In his last three games, Wolf has gone 3-0 with a 1.99 ERA. In his last two games at the plate, he's gone 4-for-5 with two runs, five RBIs, one double, and one home run. I'd say he's on a pretty good hot streak.
In addition to Wolf's big night, it was good to see the Dodgers locked in a close game the whole way and still come out on top. In fact, this could have been a 3-1 game had Manny Ramirez not been robbed of a solo homer by Fuld in the eighth. Either way, all three pitchers stepped up and lead the way.
The Dodgers will look to increase their lead in the West even more by sending Charlie Haeger to the mound. He had a great debut against a tough Cardinals team, but was victimized by the long ball and a lack of run support. He'll look to keep the Cubs' offense from busting out of their slump.
Friday, August 21, 2009
Big Russ goes boom
It's been a long time since I've said that Russell Martin has been the major difference in a game.
Thursday night finally belonged to him.
Tied at two in the sixth, Martin hit his second career grand slam to break open the game against the Cubs, as the Dodgers cruised, 7-2. The Rockies also won (beating the Nationals should count as half a win), so the lead in the NL West is still 3 and 1/2.
After mercifully kicking the Cardinals out of town, the Dodgers were looking for ways to get back on the winning side. With Jeff Weaver getting another spot start, the offense knew they had to lead the way.
Weaver, however, posted a really good outing. In 5 and 1/2 innings, he gave up five hits, two runs, two walks, and four strikeouts. He kept the Dodgers not only in the game, but with a great chance at winning. That's all you can ask for in a spot like he was in.
The Dodgers got to work right away, as Rafael Furcal singled to lead off. A bad pickoff throw from Tom Gorzelanny allowed him to go to second, and Matt Kemp's single put runners on the corners. Andre Ethier hit an RBI groundout to make it 1-0.
A homer by Kosuke Fukudome tied the game at one in the second. Raffy got the Dodgers back on top in the bottom of the frame with an RBI single to score Martin, who had walked. But then the Cubs fought right back on an Aramis Ramirez RBI single, and it was tied up at two.
So here the Dodgers were again locked in a tight one later in the game. Against the Cardinals, they failed over and over to get anything done. Against the rest of the league, they've had great success. Martin made sure it stayed that way.
Manny Ramirez lead off with a single up the middle, and Casey Blake did the same. Orlando Hudson laid down a sacrifice bunt. With one down, the Cubs chose to walk James Loney to load the bases and try for a forceout at any base. Martin had other ideas, as his long fly ball was just enough to get over the left field wall.
Blake added an RBI single to score Manny in the seventh to round out the scoring. Ronald Belisario got the win by getting the last two outs in the sixth. Ramon Troncoso pitched a scoreless inning, and Guillermo Mota the last two to finish it off.
It's only one game, but perhaps this is the jumpstart the Dodgers needed. It could especially be good for Martin, who amazingly only has four homers this season. If the Dodgers can start getting more balance out of their lineup, then they can get on a run again. But if they lose tonight and stop hitting again, then it's back to a slump.
Randy Wolf, who's been the Dodgers most consistent starter all year, will get the ball again tonight. He's opposed by Randy Wells, and these two locked up earlier in the year with Wolf getting the slight edge, 2-1.
Thursday night finally belonged to him.
Tied at two in the sixth, Martin hit his second career grand slam to break open the game against the Cubs, as the Dodgers cruised, 7-2. The Rockies also won (beating the Nationals should count as half a win), so the lead in the NL West is still 3 and 1/2.
After mercifully kicking the Cardinals out of town, the Dodgers were looking for ways to get back on the winning side. With Jeff Weaver getting another spot start, the offense knew they had to lead the way.
Weaver, however, posted a really good outing. In 5 and 1/2 innings, he gave up five hits, two runs, two walks, and four strikeouts. He kept the Dodgers not only in the game, but with a great chance at winning. That's all you can ask for in a spot like he was in.
The Dodgers got to work right away, as Rafael Furcal singled to lead off. A bad pickoff throw from Tom Gorzelanny allowed him to go to second, and Matt Kemp's single put runners on the corners. Andre Ethier hit an RBI groundout to make it 1-0.
A homer by Kosuke Fukudome tied the game at one in the second. Raffy got the Dodgers back on top in the bottom of the frame with an RBI single to score Martin, who had walked. But then the Cubs fought right back on an Aramis Ramirez RBI single, and it was tied up at two.
So here the Dodgers were again locked in a tight one later in the game. Against the Cardinals, they failed over and over to get anything done. Against the rest of the league, they've had great success. Martin made sure it stayed that way.
Manny Ramirez lead off with a single up the middle, and Casey Blake did the same. Orlando Hudson laid down a sacrifice bunt. With one down, the Cubs chose to walk James Loney to load the bases and try for a forceout at any base. Martin had other ideas, as his long fly ball was just enough to get over the left field wall.
Blake added an RBI single to score Manny in the seventh to round out the scoring. Ronald Belisario got the win by getting the last two outs in the sixth. Ramon Troncoso pitched a scoreless inning, and Guillermo Mota the last two to finish it off.
It's only one game, but perhaps this is the jumpstart the Dodgers needed. It could especially be good for Martin, who amazingly only has four homers this season. If the Dodgers can start getting more balance out of their lineup, then they can get on a run again. But if they lose tonight and stop hitting again, then it's back to a slump.
Randy Wolf, who's been the Dodgers most consistent starter all year, will get the ball again tonight. He's opposed by Randy Wells, and these two locked up earlier in the year with Wolf getting the slight edge, 2-1.
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Cardinals teach the Dodgers a winning lesson
I'm glad the schedule does not have anymore games against the Cardinals this year.
After hitting a couple solo homers to tie the game in the seventh, the Dodgers watched helplessly as the Cardinals once again made the big play late to win, 3-2. On the season, the Dodgers went 2-5 against a team they could very well see in the playoffs.
The game was a matchup of two stud pitchers in Clayton Kershaw and Adam Wainwright. Unfortunately for L.A., Kershaw had one of those erratic nights in which the strike zone couldn't be found with a telescope. He lasted only 3 and 2/3 innings, giving up five hits and four walks. Yet somehow, he only surrendered two runs.
Wainwright, on the other hand, was simply brilliant. He had a no-hitter going into the sixth, when Orlando Hudson mercifully singled up the middle with one down. The rest of the lineup was just pathetic.
With such a large difference in the effectiveness of the starters, it was a shocker that the Cardinals were only up 2-0 entering the seventh. The Cards left 12 on base for the night, so there's your reason why.
The bats finally came to life in the seventh. With one out, Andre Ethier connected for a homer to center to go down 2-1. After Manny Ramirez flied out, Casey Blake crushed one to deep left, and Dodger Stadium was rocking with the score tied at two.
Here is where the real difference between the two teams came into play. The Cardinals proved they knew how to get the job done late, and the Dodgers did not.
Albert Pujols was down 0-2 in the count against Jonathan Broxton to lead off the ninth, and then slowly worked a walk. That was a killer, as Pujols stole second and took third on a horrible throw by Russell Martin. Matt Holliday lifted a sac-fly RBI, and it was 3-2.
Ethier tried to start a rally in the bottom of the frame by getting plunked on the first pitch. It didn't matter as Manny, Blake, and James Loney couldn't score him, and that was it.
The Dodgers have had their fair share of late-inning heroics this season, no doubt. But the Cardinals have taught them a lesson this season in how to be a great team. It's safe to say that the Cards are the cream of the crop in the NL right now, and the Dodgers have some work to do to regain lost momentum from early in the season.
To make matters worse, both the Rockies and Giants won again in one-run games. Now the lead in the NL West is down to 3 and 1/2 and five. Maybe the Dodgers should start keeping an eye on that Wild Card slot just in case.
Two struggling teams will lock up for four in L.A. as the Cubs come to town. They've been off and on all year, and have recently suffered a five-game slide. So both teams will look to get something positive going. Jeff Weaver gets another spot start.
After hitting a couple solo homers to tie the game in the seventh, the Dodgers watched helplessly as the Cardinals once again made the big play late to win, 3-2. On the season, the Dodgers went 2-5 against a team they could very well see in the playoffs.
The game was a matchup of two stud pitchers in Clayton Kershaw and Adam Wainwright. Unfortunately for L.A., Kershaw had one of those erratic nights in which the strike zone couldn't be found with a telescope. He lasted only 3 and 2/3 innings, giving up five hits and four walks. Yet somehow, he only surrendered two runs.
Wainwright, on the other hand, was simply brilliant. He had a no-hitter going into the sixth, when Orlando Hudson mercifully singled up the middle with one down. The rest of the lineup was just pathetic.
With such a large difference in the effectiveness of the starters, it was a shocker that the Cardinals were only up 2-0 entering the seventh. The Cards left 12 on base for the night, so there's your reason why.
The bats finally came to life in the seventh. With one out, Andre Ethier connected for a homer to center to go down 2-1. After Manny Ramirez flied out, Casey Blake crushed one to deep left, and Dodger Stadium was rocking with the score tied at two.
Here is where the real difference between the two teams came into play. The Cardinals proved they knew how to get the job done late, and the Dodgers did not.
Albert Pujols was down 0-2 in the count against Jonathan Broxton to lead off the ninth, and then slowly worked a walk. That was a killer, as Pujols stole second and took third on a horrible throw by Russell Martin. Matt Holliday lifted a sac-fly RBI, and it was 3-2.
Ethier tried to start a rally in the bottom of the frame by getting plunked on the first pitch. It didn't matter as Manny, Blake, and James Loney couldn't score him, and that was it.
The Dodgers have had their fair share of late-inning heroics this season, no doubt. But the Cardinals have taught them a lesson this season in how to be a great team. It's safe to say that the Cards are the cream of the crop in the NL right now, and the Dodgers have some work to do to regain lost momentum from early in the season.
To make matters worse, both the Rockies and Giants won again in one-run games. Now the lead in the NL West is down to 3 and 1/2 and five. Maybe the Dodgers should start keeping an eye on that Wild Card slot just in case.
Two struggling teams will lock up for four in L.A. as the Cubs come to town. They've been off and on all year, and have recently suffered a five-game slide. So both teams will look to get something positive going. Jeff Weaver gets another spot start.
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Padilla signed, will be in rotation next week
Vicente Padilla has inked a minor league contract for the rest of this season. He'll make one rehab start before taking the place of Hiroki Kuroda next Thursday.
I talked about his numbers in my previous post, so check it out. As speculated, the Dodgers will only have to pay about $100,000 of his $12 million contract, so it's a minor risk worth taking.
I talked about his numbers in my previous post, so check it out. As speculated, the Dodgers will only have to pay about $100,000 of his $12 million contract, so it's a minor risk worth taking.
Padilla could be coming in
With Hiroki Kuroda likely heading to the DL, the Dodgers have a renewed interest in Vicente Padilla, who was recently released by the Rangers.
Padilla had previously shown interest in the Dodgers, but the feeling wasn't mutual. But, that was before Kuroda started experiencing post-concussion symptoms after being hit in the head by a liner in Arizona on Saturday.
Once considered a promising young pitcher, Padilla hasn't had a good season since posting a 14-12 record with a 3.62 ERA with the Phillies in 2003. Sure, he won double-digit games in '06 and '08, but that's a product of the big Rangers' offense by his side.
Needless to say, I'm not very high on him. He's 8-6 this year, but with a whopping 4.92 ERA. That can be lowered in the National League, but who knows by how much.
The good news is that if he is signed and flops, the Dodgers only owe $100,000 of his $12 million salary, so I'm sure that's part of the motivation for possibly signing him.
Padilla had previously shown interest in the Dodgers, but the feeling wasn't mutual. But, that was before Kuroda started experiencing post-concussion symptoms after being hit in the head by a liner in Arizona on Saturday.
Once considered a promising young pitcher, Padilla hasn't had a good season since posting a 14-12 record with a 3.62 ERA with the Phillies in 2003. Sure, he won double-digit games in '06 and '08, but that's a product of the big Rangers' offense by his side.
Needless to say, I'm not very high on him. He's 8-6 this year, but with a whopping 4.92 ERA. That can be lowered in the National League, but who knows by how much.
The good news is that if he is signed and flops, the Dodgers only owe $100,000 of his $12 million salary, so I'm sure that's part of the motivation for possibly signing him.
Dodgers get rare win over Cardinals
Anytime the Dodgers get a win over the Cardinals, you have to stand and take notice. Tuesday was one of those nights.
Led by Chad Billingsley's six strong innings, the Dodgers chipped away to beat the Cards, 7-3. Both the Rockies and Giants also won, so lead in the NL West is 4 and 1/2 and 5 and 1/2, respectively. Those teams just won't go away.
After getting a really good start from Charlie Haeger the night before but unable to do anything against Chris Carpenter, Billingsley really needed a big outing, and he delivered. He hadn't pitched since August 7 because of a strained left hamstring, so it was a bit of an unknown how he'd do.
Thankfully for Dodger fans, he came through. In six innings, he gave up three hits, two runs, no walks, and one strikeout. His last pitch of the night was coaxing Albert Pujols into an inning-ending double play. Not a bad way to make an exit.
The Dodgers were the first team to strike, and it came in the third. Russell Martin doubled and Orlando Hudson singled for two on and one down. Bills "helped himself" (that's what is always said by announcers when a pitcher gets a hit) by hitting an RBI single. Rafael Fucal followed with one of his own, and it was 2-0.
The fifth is when the Dodgers struck for more. Andre Ethier tripled to lead off the inning, and he scored on Manny Ramirez's single to center. Casey Blake then singled, leading to James Loney's RBI single. O-Dog got a... you guessed it, an RBI single to round out the scoring at 5-0.
Billingsley was probably a Pujols hit away from being yanked in the sixth, because he already gave up two runs on a Skip Schumaker groundout and Brendan Ryan single. But, Pujols hit a hard grounder to Blake that led to a slick DP.
James McDonald pitched to two batters in the seventh, giving up a single to Ryan Ludwick. George Sherrill came on and gave up an RBI single to Khalil Greene to make it interesting at 5-3. But that's as close as it would get.
A pair of RBI doubles rounded out the scoring for the Dodgers. Martin scored Loney with one in the seventh, and Ethier scored Juan Pierre with the other in the eighth. Jonathan Broxton got a four-out save, his 26th.
The Dodgers have a chance today to build on their momentum by taking two of three from the Cards. A loss would mean the Dodgers have gone 2-5 against a team very likely heading for the playoffs. Plus, a win would show the Dodgers may be ready to get back to more winning ways.
Both teams will have a hard time putting runs together, as it's Clayton Kershaw against Adam Wainwright. Kershaw got roughed up in Arizona last start, and Wainwright hasn't had a bad start in seemingly forever. Let's hope the nasty Kershaw shows up tonight, not the wild one.
Led by Chad Billingsley's six strong innings, the Dodgers chipped away to beat the Cards, 7-3. Both the Rockies and Giants also won, so lead in the NL West is 4 and 1/2 and 5 and 1/2, respectively. Those teams just won't go away.
After getting a really good start from Charlie Haeger the night before but unable to do anything against Chris Carpenter, Billingsley really needed a big outing, and he delivered. He hadn't pitched since August 7 because of a strained left hamstring, so it was a bit of an unknown how he'd do.
Thankfully for Dodger fans, he came through. In six innings, he gave up three hits, two runs, no walks, and one strikeout. His last pitch of the night was coaxing Albert Pujols into an inning-ending double play. Not a bad way to make an exit.
The Dodgers were the first team to strike, and it came in the third. Russell Martin doubled and Orlando Hudson singled for two on and one down. Bills "helped himself" (that's what is always said by announcers when a pitcher gets a hit) by hitting an RBI single. Rafael Fucal followed with one of his own, and it was 2-0.
The fifth is when the Dodgers struck for more. Andre Ethier tripled to lead off the inning, and he scored on Manny Ramirez's single to center. Casey Blake then singled, leading to James Loney's RBI single. O-Dog got a... you guessed it, an RBI single to round out the scoring at 5-0.
Billingsley was probably a Pujols hit away from being yanked in the sixth, because he already gave up two runs on a Skip Schumaker groundout and Brendan Ryan single. But, Pujols hit a hard grounder to Blake that led to a slick DP.
James McDonald pitched to two batters in the seventh, giving up a single to Ryan Ludwick. George Sherrill came on and gave up an RBI single to Khalil Greene to make it interesting at 5-3. But that's as close as it would get.
A pair of RBI doubles rounded out the scoring for the Dodgers. Martin scored Loney with one in the seventh, and Ethier scored Juan Pierre with the other in the eighth. Jonathan Broxton got a four-out save, his 26th.
The Dodgers have a chance today to build on their momentum by taking two of three from the Cards. A loss would mean the Dodgers have gone 2-5 against a team very likely heading for the playoffs. Plus, a win would show the Dodgers may be ready to get back to more winning ways.
Both teams will have a hard time putting runs together, as it's Clayton Kershaw against Adam Wainwright. Kershaw got roughed up in Arizona last start, and Wainwright hasn't had a bad start in seemingly forever. Let's hope the nasty Kershaw shows up tonight, not the wild one.
Sunday, August 16, 2009
Randy Wolf is a beast!
With the Dodgers in a funk, they needed someone to step up the plate and lead the charge offensively.
They found that man - and it's the same one that was starting on the mound, too.
Randy Wolf had an amazing day. On the mound, he pitched 7 and 2/3 innings, giving up five hits, three runs (all in the eighth), no walks, and 10 strikeouts. Even better with the stick, he went 3-for-4 with a two-run home run, an RBI double, and two runs scored. Wow!
This game was never in doubt, as the Dodgers struck in the first inning. With Rafael Furcal getting the day off, Joe Torre penciled in Matt Kemp as his leadoff hitter. It was a bit surprising, but it worked, as Kemp doubled. Orlando Hudson singled to shallow center next. Andre Ethier then crushed a three-run homer to right, and it was 3-0 just like that.
The long ball again came into play in the fourth, when the Dodgers emphatically put this game away. Russell Martin singled with one out. After a foul out by Juan Castro, Wolf hit a two-run shot to go up 5-0. Kemp singled, and O-Dog hit another two-run shot, putting the Dodgers up 7-0.
The last two runs were scored in the eighth. A pair of RBI doubles by Wolf and Ethier got the job done. For people that believe hitting is contagious, here's your proof. The Dodgers could do no wrong with the sticks today.
The win temporarily gives the Dodgers something to be happy about, as they had to be reeling a bit from blowing last night's game. They welcome the top two teams in the NL Central to L.A. this week, the Cardinals and Cubs. So it's another tough week of games ahead.
Monday's game should be fun to watch, as Charlie Haeger gets the start. For those of you that don't know about him, he's a knuckleballer. He'll need to be on because Chris Carpernter starts for the Cards.
They found that man - and it's the same one that was starting on the mound, too.
Randy Wolf had an amazing day. On the mound, he pitched 7 and 2/3 innings, giving up five hits, three runs (all in the eighth), no walks, and 10 strikeouts. Even better with the stick, he went 3-for-4 with a two-run home run, an RBI double, and two runs scored. Wow!
This game was never in doubt, as the Dodgers struck in the first inning. With Rafael Furcal getting the day off, Joe Torre penciled in Matt Kemp as his leadoff hitter. It was a bit surprising, but it worked, as Kemp doubled. Orlando Hudson singled to shallow center next. Andre Ethier then crushed a three-run homer to right, and it was 3-0 just like that.
The long ball again came into play in the fourth, when the Dodgers emphatically put this game away. Russell Martin singled with one out. After a foul out by Juan Castro, Wolf hit a two-run shot to go up 5-0. Kemp singled, and O-Dog hit another two-run shot, putting the Dodgers up 7-0.
The last two runs were scored in the eighth. A pair of RBI doubles by Wolf and Ethier got the job done. For people that believe hitting is contagious, here's your proof. The Dodgers could do no wrong with the sticks today.
The win temporarily gives the Dodgers something to be happy about, as they had to be reeling a bit from blowing last night's game. They welcome the top two teams in the NL Central to L.A. this week, the Cardinals and Cubs. So it's another tough week of games ahead.
Monday's game should be fun to watch, as Charlie Haeger gets the start. For those of you that don't know about him, he's a knuckleballer. He'll need to be on because Chris Carpernter starts for the Cards.
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