Dodgers’ Web doings: Oh, the pain of John Lindsey’s near debut
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Was that just tortuous, watching John Lindsey strolling up to the plate for his first at-bat after 16 years in the minors … only to be called back by Joe Torre?
After Lindsey was announced as a pinch-hitter Wednesday, the Padres made a pitching change and Torre then called on left-hander Andre Ethier. Who promptly hit into a double play.
Lindsey was goodhearted about his near debut, writes MLB.com’s Ken Gurnick, though many on the Web were harsh on Torre for teasing the 33-year-old outfielder in a lost season.
The Dodgers, however, feel they have an obligation to the teams still in the race to try to win every game against a contender. Lindsey figures to get his debut in the four-game series beginning tonight in Houston. The Dodgers have flown his family in.
MikeSciosciastragicillness.com thinks that regardless of the situation, Torre should have let Lindsey bat. MemoriesofKevinMalone.com’s Chad Moriyama thinks it was the only reason left to watch the game and doesn’t buy the obligation-to-other-teams bit.
Also on the Web:
-- Yahoosports.com’s Tim Browntakes a sympathetic look at Torre’s situation with the Dodgers and his looming announcement on whether he will return to manage the team next season.
-- The Daily News’ Tom Hoffarthnotes that Thursday is the 45th anniversary of Sandy Koufax’s perfect game, a 1-0 victory that set an MLB record for fewest hits in a game -- one by Lou Johnson.
-- SportsIllustrated.com’s Lee Jenkins offers an insightful look at the dysfunctional ownership of Frank and Jamie McCourt, which includes a glimpse of how Peter O’Malley views the painful proceedings: ‘It’s embarrassing.’
-- ESPN/LA.com’s Tony Jackson thinks that how the Dodgers finish their final 22 games will have effect on how they are remembered, and they should show some pride.
And ESPN.com’s Tim Kurkjian thinks the Dodgers are in a position to determine the outcome of the National League West winner.
-- Expanding the postseason to include two wild-card teams would add more credence to actually winning your division, argue both SportsIllustrated.com’s Tom Verducciand ESPN.com’s Jayson Stark.
-- Steve Dilbeck