Disabled List (Not Really)
So this is what it's like. Caring about my team heading south, but unable to do anything about it, unable to fulfill my role. Deactivated.
Well, I'm sneaking into the game, just for a moment. After all, I'm not injured. But I have spent a good deal of time horizontal - in bed an extra hour (as my mother-in-law takes the early-morning shift with my son), laying by other people's pools, resting on the couch (after the kids are asleep in their various rooms) watching television, talking or reading - not watching baseball or going on the computer. Sounds pretty grand, doesn't it. Of course, the work I put off piles up during these moments, so I can already think about where the catchup time gets directed.
But I wonder what's going on with the team nightly, and last night I caught the later innings through text updates on my cell phone. And what a bitter way to go down. I imagine what the discussion is like on here, but don't check in at all.
The larger question is less about whether the Dodgers can make it back to .500 or division title contention (practically the same thing, with the Padres falling to .532) and more about whether the Dodgers can avoid a 90-loss season. And that larger question would almost be enough to make one stop caring about the myriad of smaller questions plaguing the team, from A to Z, or at least Y(hency).
But not me. I wonder about all the small questions. And when I get activated again for full-time duty, I'll be back to wondering about them all with you.
1. Message to Yhency: Quit throwing the heater right out over the plate to lefties.
Goodness, first Vizquel and now Howard.
I can't take this any longer.
ARRGGGHHHHHHH.
Posted by: Steve Saxs Sweaty Jockstrap | July 20, 2005 at 06:46 AM
2. Thought that my 10-hour time differential would get me the first post today, but Jockstrap beat me to it.
Just wondering why people think the Valentin/Perez outfield experiment is going to come at the expense of Werth. I'm pretty sure that their playing time is going to come at the expense of Scrapko and Ledee.
Posted by: Kilgore Trout | July 20, 2005 at 06:48 AM
3. First, nice to see Jon's in the ACCEPTANCE stage... welcome!
2 - And what is the point of all the mass experiments and lineup changes? If the answer is to try and figure a fit for the players on the 40 man, then just pick a freakin' lineup with small tweaks here-and-there and weed out the haves and have-nots! Tracy is setting everybody up to be a have-not IMHO.
These "experiments" are going to come at the expense of everyone involved: Valentine/Perez are suddenly candidates for LF??? What's up with that???!!!
Posted by: Colorado Blue | July 20, 2005 at 07:04 AM
4. I think Tracy should "experiment" with Yhency back in the outfield. Werth can be the closer until his swing comes back.
Posted by: Colorado Blue | July 20, 2005 at 07:12 AM
5. 3 - I think Tracy is still not in the ACCEPTANCE stage, and therefore is trying desperate measures to try to get some useful bats in the lineup, and get some of the triple AAA guys back to the bench.
Posted by: Kilgore Trout | July 20, 2005 at 07:19 AM
6. Since Grabowski was outrighted, cleared waivers and decided to accept a minor league job on his own, does that mean he's off the 40-man roster? And if so, who did we add to it?
Posted by: Marty | July 20, 2005 at 07:26 AM
7. This is the Dodgers current 40-man roster:
http://losangeles.dodgers.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/team/roster_40man.jsp?c_id=la
Don't count Dreifort, Bako, and Valentin.
So someone has to be new.
Posted by: Bob Timmermann | July 20, 2005 at 07:34 AM
8. So someone has to be new.
I think they added Wilson Alvarez back onto the 40-man?
Posted by: JJoeScott | July 20, 2005 at 08:13 AM
9. Check out the date of birth given for Dejesus at http://www.minorleaguebaseball.com/app/milb/stats/stats.jsp?t=t_ros&did=milb&cid=465
Looks like another Dodger prospect lying about their age.
Posted by: Kilgore Trout | July 20, 2005 at 08:25 AM
10. Back when it was only our offense that let us down, at least we didn't have any surprises. If we weren't winning by the 9th inning, we were disappointed, but at least we didn't have any late inning let downs. Now that our bullpen is in horrible shape, games like last night are just that much more bitter.
Posted by: fanerman | July 20, 2005 at 08:31 AM
11. re: 10
which is another way of saying, welcome back to the pack. Outside of the Yankees and Angels, most teams experience blown saves frequently. We've been living on an enchanted isle since Gagne picked up the closer's mitt in 2002. Hopefully we can find our way back there.
Remind me, did this group want to trade Gagne before he got hurt?
Posted by: dzzrtRatt | July 20, 2005 at 08:39 AM
12. I think Tracy should try Duaner at 3B.
Posted by: Colorado Blue | July 20, 2005 at 08:39 AM
13. #11,
I didn't. I don't remember who did. Like some other people, I figured that Braz and Duaner would regress based on their peripherals. I didn't think they'd be this lousy though.
Posted by: fanerman | July 20, 2005 at 08:44 AM
14. Duaner at 3B and Braz in the outfield. Well, Duaner can use his super power of throwing his glove at the ball to increase his lateral range...
Posted by: fanerman | July 20, 2005 at 08:47 AM
15. 14 - That's exactly what Tracy was quoted as saying.
I do not believe we should trade Gagne. We need to experiment with him behind the plate next year as a possible replacement for Phillips.
Posted by: Colorado Blue | July 20, 2005 at 08:57 AM
16. 15 - Opps... actually that should be "platoon mate with" instead of "replacement for".
Posted by: Colorado Blue | July 20, 2005 at 08:59 AM
17. Random Dodger game callback
July 20, 1905
In the worst year in franchise history (and where is the special 100th anniversary celebration?), Brooklyn managed to still anger its fans despite beating the Cincinnati Reds, 2-1 at Washington Park. Brooklyn improved to 24-57, but was still cemented into last place, 33 games behind the first place Giants.
Originally, July 20 was supposed to be a doubleheader, but Brooklyn owner Charlie Ebbets moved the doubleheader to the 22nd at the last minute. With only one game on tap, a large portion of the crowd left in protest, having arrived two hours early expecting a double bill. The announced attendance was 1,500.
Brooklyn scored both its runs in the fourth when they bunched together four hits off of Cincinnati starter Orval Overall. Brooklyn starter Elmer Stricklett gave up just one unearned run for the game. Shortstop Phil Lewis sailed a throw into the stands to let Admiral Schlei score the Reds lone run. Lewis made five errors on the day.
1905 was the nadir for the Dodgers franchise. The team finished 48-104 and was 56 ½ games behind first place New York. Brooklyn managed to score just 506 runs and gave up 807 runs.
The only Brooklyn batter who showed up among any of the league leaders in offense was outfielder Harry Lumley, who hit 7 home runs, good for third best in the NL. But the team consisted mostly of a bunch of players who were not good in 1905 or good at any other time.
The exception to this was center fielder Jimmy Sheckard, who batted .292. After the season was over Sheckard was dealt to the Cubs for four players and cash. And after playing on a .316 team, Sheckard would get to play for a 1906 Cubs squad that went 116-36 (.736), the best winning percentage in the 20th Century.
For manager Ned Hanlon, who would be inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1996, his Brooklyn managerial career ended badly. Hanlon managed the Dodgers to two pennants after leading the Baltimore Orioles to three of them in the 1890s. But Hanlon lost a power struggle for control of the franchise (one of the new owners was Charles Ebbets). Hanlon would move on to manage the Reds in 1906 and 1907, but finished in sixth place both seasons.
Brooklyn had some rough months in 1905. The team went 3-20 in June and 4-22 in September. The record could have been even worse if the team hadn't run off wins in 7 of the last 8 games in the month of October. Rookie pitcher Harry McIntire went 8-25 and led the NL in hits allowed (320) and earned runs (127).
The team could not get any worse because it would be hard to believe that there would be worse players around. But respectability was a long way off.
But I think this team needs a little bit more in the way of remembrance. In addition to the players already mentioned, the proud members of the 1905 Brooklyn Superbas were: Catchers Lew Ritter and Bill Bergen. Infielders Doc Gessler, Charlie Malay, John Hummel, Ed McGamwell, Charlie Babb, Ad Yale and Emil Batch. Outfielders John Dobbs, Bob Hall, and Red Owens. And pitchers Doc Scanlan, Mal Eason, Fred Mitchell, Oscar Jones, and Doc Reisling. Mitchell would be the last man from the team to pass away, dying in 1970.
The only members of the 1905 Dodgers who would ever play in a World Series were Sheckard, Gessler, and McIntire, all of whom made it for the Cubs.
And remember that things could be worse. While the 2005 Dodgers are 41-52, through 93 games, the 2005 Brooklyn Superbas were 28-65.
Thanks to the New York Times, BaseballReference.com and Retrosheet
Posted by: Bob Timmermann | July 20, 2005 at 09:00 AM
18. Deaddodgers.com will be hosting an online chat with Bill Bergen later today.
I'll post a transcript.
Posted by: Bob Timmermann | July 20, 2005 at 09:02 AM
19. Wilson Alvarez should have never left the 40-man roster since he wasn't on the 60-day DL. He won't be taking an 'open' spot.
Posted by: the OZ | July 20, 2005 at 09:17 AM
20. I know its early and it wouldnt have mattered anyway considering how bad the team is playing, but a few of us were pushing to pick up Paul Quantrill when he became available. So far, he is given up 1 run in 10 innings for the Pads.
Posted by: stubbs | July 20, 2005 at 09:19 AM
21. Erickson has given up 1 run in his last 11 2/3 innings.
Posted by: Steve | July 20, 2005 at 09:25 AM
22. Oh dear... It IS going to happen. Our new closer, Scott Erickson.
Posted by: fanerman | July 20, 2005 at 09:26 AM
23. re 21
It would serve us all right if Erickson became a money closer for the rest of the year.
At this point, maybe Tracy ought to try it. Erickson might suck, but at least he's got arm angles.
Posted by: dzzrtRatt | July 20, 2005 at 09:28 AM
24. Bob, as always, I enjoyed the Dodger callback. Let's hope 2005 is this century's nadir for the Dodgers.
Posted by: JeffinTokyo | July 20, 2005 at 09:31 AM
25. Oh no. Don't hang the Erickson should be closer tag on me. I'm just pointing out that you can have crappy pitchers who have decent results if you pick out a few innings. Even the Devil himself has ten good innings in him.
It's tough, but we just gotta let the young guys pitch where we're out of the race. If we have to go outside the organization for arms in 2006, that will be expensive and wasteful. Jon wrote a piece a few weeks about "adjustments" and that is what we have to see if Brazoban can do here. He needs to be given more opportunities to pitch, not fewer, and he needs a very long leash. We've seen him pitch well, this is his first long spell of ineptitude, and it comes at a time when it is not really costing us anything at all.
So it's not very like me to preach patience, but with Braz and Sanchez particularly, this is the time to dig in and see if they can work their way out of it.
Posted by: Steve | July 20, 2005 at 09:34 AM
26. And Schmoll too. That guy has wicked stuff if it is working.
Posted by: Steve | July 20, 2005 at 09:35 AM
27. #25,
Yeah I know what you mean. As I read that comment, I had to check for the name a couple times because I was asking myself, "is that really Steve talking?"
Posted by: fanerman | July 20, 2005 at 09:37 AM
28. The postgame comments indicated that the Dodgers are going to stick with Brazoban as the closer for the time being. Seems to make sense?
If the team were actually in the race, it would make more sense to go and rearrange the deck chairs in the bullpen, but why bother? Time to see if Brazoban is the next Eric Gagne or the next Dave Patterson?
Posted by: Bob Timmermann | July 20, 2005 at 09:37 AM
29. The other issue of course, is that we want to use Braz as trade bait. My motives are not always pure. :)
Posted by: Steve | July 20, 2005 at 09:40 AM
30. 29 - I could be wrong, I usually am, but I don't think his recent performances are increasing his trade value.
Posted by: Howard Fox | July 20, 2005 at 09:42 AM
31. I am unclear as to why we stick with Werth so long and APerez sits. Nothing like cooling off a hot hitter.
Kind of reminds me of Choi sitting for a few days after his 7 homer in 4 day streak.
Posted by: Howard Fox | July 20, 2005 at 09:44 AM
32. When Gagne comes back next year, I hope it is as a starter. Our best pitcher should pitch more than 60 innings per season. Furthermore, the Dodgers should position themselves to win the World Series, not just make the playoffs. That's why I want Gagne to be in a position to pitch 25-35% of the innings during the post season, which he would do if he starter 2-3 games per series.
As for how he will do as a starter, I believe that the way he recently pitched with the wounded wing provides a good indicator. Before being DL'ed, even though he was only reaching the low 90's, he was still very effective. He proved to me that he can pace himself and still be effective as a starter.
As for replacing him as at closer, I hear there is a guy at AA throwing 98.
Posted by: JeffinTokyo | July 20, 2005 at 09:46 AM
33. So where does A Perez play?
Despite what people here say, Cesar Izturis is starting at shortstop. Robles is hitting well and he fields better at third base than Perez. Kent has to start at second.
If Perez hasn't learned the outfield yet, it could be a repeat of the Al Oliver Experiment.
Posted by: Bob Timmermann | July 20, 2005 at 09:46 AM
34. 32 - Brazoban is throwing 97
Posted by: Howard Fox | July 20, 2005 at 09:47 AM
35. re: APerez, how much could it hurt the team to have his weak glove in left, just to get his bat in there...we are on a pace for over 90 losses as it is...
Posted by: Howard Fox | July 20, 2005 at 09:48 AM
36. 34 Howard, good point. Actually, I haven't given up on Braz. Once he masters a second or third pitch, he will be alright. With that in mind, what about making him a starter the rest of the year? He would get lots more innings, and they would be low pressure. He could learn to be a pitcher, which would make him an even better closer, if he returned to the role.
Posted by: JeffinTokyo | July 20, 2005 at 09:51 AM
37. Personally, I think Brazoban is the sacrificial lamb this year.
We are toast for 2005, he and Sanchez and Gio and Alvarez get beat up this year. In 2006 they are replaced as bullpen regulars by Schmoll, Wunsch, Gagne and a couple others from the minors.
Posted by: Howard Fox | July 20, 2005 at 09:55 AM
38. I was poking around the BP website and when i came across their current adjusted stadings, their third order wins showed the dodgers only 5 games back of the padres and ahead of the D-backs. Im going to use this as evidence that they have any comeback waiting for them. But it reminded me of something depodesta has said a couple times, that the team is usually close to winning, but then something terrible happens at in the latter innings. They really havent been blown out as much as you would expect given their record over the last two months. Again, i dont take this as a sign that they can come back, but as a reason to watch. Its fairly amusing to see how the dodgers will screw themeselves. See the dodgers as less of a baseball team as high drama, or perhaps a black comedy, im not sure which, it much more funny, more relaxing, and more interesting. I just assume their going to loose at this stage. I cant really even get mad at the players anymore.
Posted by: sanchez101 | July 20, 2005 at 09:56 AM
39. Today on Dodger Thoughts, a lively discussion as to why we should have offered Angel Pena a long-term contract...
Posted by: Mark | July 20, 2005 at 10:01 AM
40. The Dodgers offered Angel Pena a long-term contract, but he ate it instead of signing it.
Posted by: Bob Timmermann | July 20, 2005 at 10:01 AM
41. Obituary watch -- no more power from Scotty, I'm afraid.
*
I'll be at the Philly game tomorrow. Field level in the left field corner. Abundant Dodger blue. And everytime an outfielder makes a play, I'll just yell "Allright Ja(y)son." No problem.
Posted by: Sam DC | July 20, 2005 at 10:04 AM
42. Angel Pena did have a long term contract, unforunately for him it was a minor league one.
That being said, didn't he have a big season in the Dominican this past winter. After the improbable success of Robles, I'm open to just about anything
Posted by: JeffinTokyo | July 20, 2005 at 10:04 AM
43. on a more serious long range not (aka dont blame Depodesta/we still have a future) dayn perry has a nice article about the dodgers on BP. Probably one of the last dodger-related articles we'll see this season. His conlcusion is that depodesta isnt really to blame for the dodgers mediocrity (im being nice), the team was headed that way even if they had kept loduca/green/beltre/finley ect. Its depressing, but kind of supports my nonsensicle thesis that the dodgers were destined for mediocrity. The 2005 Dodgers: The Baseball Team Destiny Crapped Upon.
Posted by: sanchez101 | July 20, 2005 at 10:06 AM
44. When Broxton was moved to the bullpen, I remember him saying that he was going to focus on two pitches rather than the four he threw as a starter. I imagine he had a fastball, curveball, slider, and changeup repertoire. I realize that most closers usually only throw two pitches, but hasn't Gagne shown how valuable four strong pitches can be to a closer. If Broxton has a chance to be a closer with three or four good pitches, why would he give it up?
Posted by: heato | July 20, 2005 at 10:08 AM
45. Schmoll is my favorite Dodger reliever. I hope last night's game wasn't a case of him forgetting those better mechanics he supposedly honed in AAA.
Schmoll's whole deal in the low minors, before he was called up due to injuries on the big club, was that he threw a ton of strikes. When he's struggled, it's because his command was totally out of whack, and he got wild (last night is one example). This started happing before he was optioned to LV in late spring.
He's been playing pro ball very a very short period of time, and might not fully trust his stuff against MLB hitter yet. I really hope he gets through the nexus, because he could be a great setup guy for our championship runs in 2007-2009.
A submariner throwing 91? Awesome.
Posted by: the OZ | July 20, 2005 at 10:10 AM
46. If someone can tell me how to do a shortURL I will send a link on an article reporting that "old friend" Rupport Murdoch just spent $580 million on a 2-year old Internet company (Intermix Media).
What amazes me is the fact that a company that practically no one has ever heard of is apparently worth more than the Dodgers, Dodger Stadium, and Dodgertown combined. In a sense, it puts things in perspective.
Posted by: JeffinTokyo | July 20, 2005 at 10:11 AM
47. Revenue (and especially profit) for baseball teams without their own cable networks is a pittance compared to what can be made in the right kind of Internet/Media business, which has long-term licensing applications and very few marginal costs (you buy the IP once, then sell it a million times. The Dodgers have to buy each and every hot dog and malt that they sell).
I'll take a peek at Intermedia and see why it's worth so much to Mr. Murdoch.
Posted by: the OZ | July 20, 2005 at 10:19 AM
48. According to the defensive spectrum LF and 1B are the two easiest positions to play. I don't see any reason why you couldn't try Valentin and Perez in LF, especially when we are realistically playing for 2nd thru 4th place. If you need to move someone to LF to get their bat in the lineup then more power to the Dodgers. I don't think Werth is getting the boot, more likely Repko is (LF-Valentin/Perez, CF/RF-Bradley,Werth). Then when Drew comes back you re-evaluate the situation again. I'm still not sure about Izturis yet, but at the very least he should be dropped to 8th in the lineup and Phillips 7th. Keep Kent at 2B, platoon Choi/Saenz at 1B and if Robles cools off move Valentin back to 3B. The Dodgers are like a bowl of alphabet soup. Letters all over the place, spelling nothing but with a couple of swipes of the spoon f-a-i-l-u-r-e is easily spelled.
vr, Xei
Posted by: Xeifrank | July 20, 2005 at 10:19 AM
49. That was my point, Howard. He needs to pitch his way out of this to regain his value.
I am just ideologically opposed to picking up other teams' waste when we have our own waste.
But since we're talking about Angel Pena, I always hated him too.
Posted by: Steve | July 20, 2005 at 10:22 AM
50. OZ, I see you point. Intermedia's biggest brand name is myspace.com, which it supposed to be pretty popular. At the same time, I would think that Fox could create its own version and use its marketing prowess to raise the profile. The Dodgers, on the other hand, are not an interchageable commodity.
Posted by: JeffinTokyo | July 20, 2005 at 10:24 AM
51. The fact that anyone needs to change positions to make room for Oscar Robles is the perfect microcosm of everything that's gone wrong this season.
Posted by: the OZ | July 20, 2005 at 10:25 AM
52. It seems odd to move a guy (Valentin) coming off knee surgery to a new position that requires more running. Furthermore, he is not a long term part, so any at bats he gets this year take away from young guys. Pinch hitter and spot starter would seem to be the best fit for him at this time.
Posted by: JeffinTokyo | July 20, 2005 at 10:29 AM
53. cbills is pitching right now. if anyone wanted to watch.
http://www.southernguide.tv/
go to jaxsuns.com for the radio link
Posted by: natepurcell | July 20, 2005 at 10:31 AM
54. Fox is a multi-billion-bajillion dollar company. Why compete with someone when you can buy them? $500M is chump change to NewsCorp - to start from scratch would probably be penny-wise and pound-foolish.
Intermix owns online marketing channels. Online marketing companies has proven to be exceptionally profitable. It's like money from a faucet. It also creates a synergy with Fox's own proprietary Internet media outlets - in this case, 2+2=5. I doubt Fox spins them off at a profit, because of the potential for long-term profit in the acquisition itself.
You are dead on about the Dodgers not being an interchangable commidity. This is what I find funny about the "McCourt is cheap and only looking to make maximum profit" arguments - baseball is an amazingly unprofitable use of a few hundred million dollars. The opportunity cost is huge. If McCourt were serious about continuing to make tons of money, he'd never have bought the Dodgers in the first place.
Posted by: the OZ | July 20, 2005 at 10:34 AM
55. 52. Valid points. I'm sure they won't attempt to put Valentin in the outfield unless they think his knee can handle it. As far as giving the young guys more at bats, I don't really see any of the young guys on the roster (besides Choi) as long term options either. I think management still feels they are in this race (and they should). They are only 8.5 games out of first place with two teams to catch. With Valentin, Bradley and then Drew all coming back, I think you have to play to win, not play to give youngsters at bats. Are they likely to win the division... of course not, but stranger things have happened. I can't think of any, but I'm sure someone can come up with something. :)
vr, Xei
Posted by: Xeifrank | July 20, 2005 at 10:36 AM
56. 54. 2=2=5? Now I know why I wasn't cut out to be a business major! :)
vr, Xei
Posted by: Xeifrank | July 20, 2005 at 10:38 AM
57. 53. Thanks Nate... and in 56 it was meant to read 2+2=5?
vr, Xei
Posted by: Xeifrank | July 20, 2005 at 10:39 AM
58. Jeff -- to get a short link, or a "tiny url," you just got to www.tinyurl.com and it's pretty obvious what you do.
Posted by: Sam DC | July 20, 2005 at 10:41 AM
59. Wow -- in Boston, the first six Red Sox of the game reached -- 5-0 in the bottom of the first, Tampa Bay starter Hendrickson chased after getting only one out.
Posted by: Sam DC | July 20, 2005 at 10:42 AM
60. Valentin has played 24 games in the outfield in his career, but not since 2001. That year he moved around between shortstop, third base and center field.
Posted by: Bob Timmermann | July 20, 2005 at 10:43 AM
61. Take it back -- Pinella pulled Hendrickson before he got any outs at all. Now 6-0 and the inning is over.
Posted by: Sam DC | July 20, 2005 at 10:43 AM
62. So Valentin's 112 Rate2 may just be a small sample size thing?
Posted by: fanerman | July 20, 2005 at 10:45 AM
63. #33 and Bob T..... Kent at first or even better Kent traded for pitching that will help next year. Same for Weaver. I hope DePo can turn those two into players who will contribute in 2006 and beyond. I would like to see Perez at second for the rest of this year.
Stan from Tacoma
Posted by: popup | July 20, 2005 at 10:47 AM
64. Back to Braz: seems to me that while he throws awfully hard, his fastball has little or no movement. If you can time your swing, or catch up to it, you'll hit it a mile. Obviously, another pitch would help, but even adjusting his fastball so it would have some movement would do wonders (even if it meant throwing a couple of mph slower).
Posted by: Telemachos | July 20, 2005 at 10:49 AM
65. It's location more than anything else with El Brazero, based on my observations. He's throwing the ball outside of the zone, or over the middle. If he were hitting his spots, the lack of a good 2nd pitch wouldn't be as significant.
Posted by: the OZ | July 20, 2005 at 10:55 AM
66. rough inning for billingsley. had 2 outs and had 0-2 on the next two batters but couldnt finish them off. i think bills doesnt trust his defense so he is trying to strike every guy out thus, being too fine with his pitches.
3IP 2H 2ER 2bb 4K
Posted by: natepurcell | July 20, 2005 at 10:58 AM
67. Why wouldn't he trust JtD, future gold glover?
Posted by: fanerman | July 20, 2005 at 11:03 AM
68. guzy loves his bananas, thats why
Posted by: natepurcell | July 20, 2005 at 11:04 AM
69. LAROCHHHEEE!!
finally, 3 run bomb to right field.
first hit in like 15ABs.
Posted by: natepurcell | July 20, 2005 at 11:09 AM
70. Woohoo. BTW, is he of any relation to the Braves LaRoche?
Posted by: fanerman | July 20, 2005 at 11:10 AM
71. yea, they are brothers.
Posted by: natepurcell | July 20, 2005 at 11:14 AM
72. The LaRoches are brothers.
Posted by: Bob Timmermann | July 20, 2005 at 11:14 AM
73. 70. Little brother
Posted by: Marty | July 20, 2005 at 11:14 AM
74. I'm slow today
Posted by: Marty | July 20, 2005 at 11:14 AM
75. I posted this in a thread awhile back, but Jayson Stark reported that the older Adam LaRoche would put a batting helmet on young Andy and shoot BBs at him when they were kids. This according to their mother.
Posted by: the OZ | July 20, 2005 at 11:16 AM
76. #71-74,
Thanks.
#75,
I think that builds up scrappiness.
Posted by: fanerman | July 20, 2005 at 11:17 AM
77. The thought of Schmoll as closer crossed my mind last night. Anybody think he is capable? A bit sketchy last night but he seems to have good stuff and velocity as someone mentioned above.
I've lost all confidence in Braz.
Posted by: Nagman | July 20, 2005 at 11:22 AM
78. billingsley is laboring. the heat is really getting to him.
Posted by: natepurcell | July 20, 2005 at 11:23 AM
79. i think hes done.
91 pitches
4IP 4H 3ER 4BB 4K
hot muggy day really got to billingsley. hopefully, scouts from other teams were not impressed and dont want him in a trade anymore.
Posted by: natepurcell | July 20, 2005 at 11:30 AM
80. Old friend Juan Castro is 2-2 with 2 2X 2today for Minn against Balt.
Posted by: Sam DC | July 20, 2005 at 11:34 AM
81. Nate,
How hot was it out there?
Posted by: fanerman | July 20, 2005 at 11:38 AM
82. young just crushed a 3run homerun to right center.
Posted by: natepurcell | July 20, 2005 at 11:39 AM
83. *Nate,
How hot was it out there?*
the heat index is 101
Posted by: natepurcell | July 20, 2005 at 11:40 AM
84. The Suns really like to hit 3-run homeruns. Delwyn Young just hit a 3-run homerun, to give the Suns a even bigger lead.
Posted by: b1ued0dger | July 20, 2005 at 11:41 AM
85. The Suns really like to hit 3-run homeruns. Delwyn Young just hit a 3-run homerun, to give the Suns a even bigger lead.
Posted by: b1ued0dger | July 20, 2005 at 11:41 AM
86. loney with a line drive in the left center gap for a double.
gap power is great to see from loney.
Posted by: natepurcell | July 20, 2005 at 11:45 AM
87. Great indeed.
Posted by: fanerman | July 20, 2005 at 11:49 AM
88. Olerud!
Posted by: the OZ | July 20, 2005 at 11:49 AM
89. oleruds career averages:
.299/.404/.468
lets pray that is the case.
Posted by: natepurcell | July 20, 2005 at 11:54 AM
90. I wonder which game will get more DT posts, the Jax Suns or the LA Dodgers?
vr, Xei
Posted by: Xeifrank | July 20, 2005 at 11:54 AM
91. #89,
That would be sweet.
Posted by: fanerman | July 20, 2005 at 11:55 AM
92. What about Olerud?
Posted by: Marty | July 20, 2005 at 12:07 PM
93. James Loney = John Olerud
We hope.
Posted by: fanerman | July 20, 2005 at 12:10 PM
94. Nate, I'm watching Jax on internet and listening to radio on internet also but the radio broadcase seems to be delayed. Are you having same problem.
Can I get audio with the video without listening to radio broadcase?
Posted by: ddger | July 20, 2005 at 12:25 PM
95. its delayed for me too.
sometimes the video features the audio, its pretty random.
i think kuo is coming in next. that should be fun.
Posted by: natepurcell | July 20, 2005 at 12:30 PM
96. #94 - I know this isn't directed at me but I am having the same problem.
Posted by: b1ued0dger | July 20, 2005 at 12:32 PM
97. woohoo kuo is in!
Posted by: natepurcell | July 20, 2005 at 12:32 PM
98. throwin in the low to mid 90s. doesnt want to let it fly yet. its okay though, 1-2-3 inning with a K.
Posted by: natepurcell | July 20, 2005 at 12:41 PM
99. Big game at SBC underway. Braves fail to score in the first against Noah Lowry of the Giants (aka Best Pitcher on the Giants since the Dodgers couldn't hit him). Dodgers and Giants are in a flat-footed tie for third.
The tension is palpable.
John Smoltz flinging for the Braves.
Posted by: Bob Timmermann | July 20, 2005 at 12:41 PM
100. wow, kuo looks darn good.
Posted by: natepurcell | July 20, 2005 at 12:48 PM