The underdog's dividend
Forget about the common DNA of the starting hurlers. Tonight, the Dodgers have a pitching matchup that is decidedly to their disadvantage: a veteran non-roster invitee scraping into a spot start vs. a rising star with the No. 2 ERA in the American League. The team with the best record in baseball is an unmistakable underdog.
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Juan Pierre, LF |
It happens. No team can avoid being at a disadvantage 162 games a year. There is a finite amount of talent and an infinite amount of circumstances; when both work against you, there isn't much you can do but try your best and hope for the same. It is not a reflection on your team's overall ability.
You don't give up, but you also don't assign extra significance to the game. On the contrary, you can all but treat it as a writeoff. Even if you don't like losing to the Angels. Even if you don't like losing to the American League. Even if you don't like losing, period.
Give yourself a break. Spend a night like a parent of the Bad News Bears. Assume the worst, and enjoy anything good that happens tonight like whipped cream on a mud pie. This is the underdog's dividend, and it's all the sweeter when your team can afford to cash it in.
Photo from Friday's pregame press conference: Chris Carlson/AP
Pierre leading off and Kemp batting 9th, really Torre?
Posted by: chex | June 20, 2009 at 05:46 PM
I have tried my best to keep people happy. I bought onion bagels at the market.
Posted by: Phenomenal Smith | June 20, 2009 at 05:47 PM
Hopefully, you didn't buy any Nestle cookie dough.
Posted by: Marty Leadman | June 20, 2009 at 05:49 PM
Very wise advice, Jon.
Posted by: Craig88USC | June 20, 2009 at 05:50 PM
Mark Sweeney on the FSN pre-game show! Woo hoo!
Posted by: Phenomenal Smith | June 20, 2009 at 05:51 PM
Cookies and bagels.... ; )
I'll be right back...................
Posted by: Craig88USC | June 20, 2009 at 05:52 PM
Does anybody know why Steve Lyons isn't on the pre game show?
Posted by: Blue Gal | June 20, 2009 at 05:53 PM
Looks like it's now official:
Dodgers.com
Manny to begin Minors stint on Tuesday
>> Torre said he did not know Ramirez's plans beyond reporting for Tuesday's game.
"The only thing I know for sure is that he agreed to be there," he said. <<
## Ramirez has been working out at Dodger Stadium for nearly a month. But the club is wary of Ramirez's hamstring muscles, which turned 37 during the suspension and gave him trouble when he signed late, tried to rush his Spring Training regimen and had to be shelved for more than a week of exhibition games. ##
http://tinyurl.com/lrfqhg
Posted by: Dodgers49 | June 20, 2009 at 05:59 PM
Lyons might have wanted a day off. He had a sore throat earlier in the week and sounded awful.
Posted by: Phenomenal Smith | June 20, 2009 at 05:59 PM
Pierre most likely will fall below an .800 OPS tonight for the season. He carries a .278 OBP in June. Worst on the club aside from Loretta who is 2 for 25 in June. Both will bat in front of Matt Kemp (.377 OBP in June with a solid .850 OPS).
Pierre's month of May continues to carry him. He still has a 113 OPS+. His career OPS+ is 85. So, overall his numbers still look solid which is one of the reasons nobody really writes how bad he's been lately. Plus, it's not a huge surprise to see Pierre struggle after his amazing start but it's a rather quick and sudden dropoff.
Torre's not going to drop him from the leadoff spot so we just have to hope for the best. But, it's not a huge surprise to see an offensive letdown when the guy getting the most PA's isn't getting on base.
Alright enough stats and it's time for baseball.
Posted by: Alex41592 | June 20, 2009 at 06:07 PM
Quick correction: Russell Martin has a lower OBP. Ok gametime.
Posted by: Alex41592 | June 20, 2009 at 06:08 PM
classic JP there
Posted by: oshea2002 | June 20, 2009 at 06:09 PM
Delay in S.F due to a ceremony for Randy Johnson's 300th victory.
Posted by: Alex41592 | June 20, 2009 at 06:10 PM
Ryan Howard pinch hitting after a 104 degree temperature earlier.
Posted by: Alex41592 | June 20, 2009 at 06:12 PM
The streak lives!
Posted by: Phenomenal Smith | June 20, 2009 at 06:13 PM
Danys Baez has cured the sick batter many times.
Posted by: Phenomenal Smith | June 20, 2009 at 06:14 PM
And he hits a 3 run bomb to center field. Tremendous.
Posted by: Alex41592 | June 20, 2009 at 06:14 PM
Figgins is our kryptonite
Posted by: oshea2002 | June 20, 2009 at 06:15 PM
...kind of classic little weaver too in the 1st against everybody...
Posted by: Craig88USC | June 20, 2009 at 06:15 PM
Questions, questions:
(a) Phenomenal, is there a good biography of Larry McPhail?
(b) Has JP abandoned working counts?
Posted by: Ken Noe | June 20, 2009 at 06:16 PM
Pierre should hide Figgins' keys in the morning.
Posted by: Craig88USC | June 20, 2009 at 06:17 PM
By the way, Jon, I appreciate your comments tonight.
Posted by: Ken Noe | June 20, 2009 at 06:18 PM
...that didn't take long.
Posted by: Craig88USC | June 20, 2009 at 06:19 PM
J GUN!
Posted by: Craig88USC | June 20, 2009 at 06:21 PM
Nice Jeff K
2 outs.
Posted by: Craig88USC | June 20, 2009 at 06:22 PM
I don't know about a full length bio of Larry MacPhail. It would be an interesting story. There is a good essay about him in Jules Tygiel's "Past Time" and he figures prominently in Lee Lowenfish's bio of Branch Rickey.
I also found these:
http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/13700604
http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/42708081
Posted by: Phenomenal Smith | June 20, 2009 at 06:22 PM
So is Mike Scioscia playing the part of Coach Turner?
Posted by: Phenomenal Smith | June 20, 2009 at 06:24 PM
Could have been a lot worse.
Let's answer that run in the 2nd....
Posted by: Craig88USC | June 20, 2009 at 06:25 PM
Rather embarassing for gimpy Vlad to steal.
Posted by: Blue Gal | June 20, 2009 at 06:25 PM
Red Sox beat Atlanta 3-0 on a CG shutout for Beckett. Lowe was the loser.
Time of game: 2:11!
Posted by: Phenomenal Smith | June 20, 2009 at 06:28 PM
Work him James...
Posted by: Craig88USC | June 20, 2009 at 06:28 PM
Belted but out.
Posted by: Craig88USC | June 20, 2009 at 06:29 PM
Line shot but 2outs now.
Posted by: Craig88USC | June 20, 2009 at 06:31 PM
Why do I have the feeling the Weaver v. Weaver battle will be McDonald v. Weaver before very long? Alas.
Posted by: underdog | June 20, 2009 at 06:34 PM
I'm pleased to see Loney pulling the ball a bit more, even though he didn't crush that ball.
Posted by: WBB | June 20, 2009 at 06:34 PM
I think I'm going to go look for some food that I've had stored away since 2005 to get me back in the mood for this game.
Posted by: Phenomenal Smith | June 20, 2009 at 06:35 PM
I'm watching the Isotope game which started the same time on my other screen.
The Dodgers are still dong better only down 2...
Posted by: Craig88USC | June 20, 2009 at 06:35 PM
But I'm not pleased to see Morales crush that ball.
Posted by: WBB | June 20, 2009 at 06:36 PM
Wow - what a catch from Kemp.
Weaver is going to get hammered here, we'll need 5+ to win this
Posted by: oshea2002 | June 20, 2009 at 06:38 PM
Unbelievable BISON
Posted by: Craig88USC | June 20, 2009 at 06:38 PM
Wow - what a catch from Kemp.
Weaver is going to get hammered here, we'll need 5+ to win this
Posted by: oshea2002 | June 20, 2009 at 06:38 PM
The Flyin' Bison!!!
WOW!
Posted by: google boy | June 20, 2009 at 06:38 PM
Wow. Another Web Gem for the Dodgers.
I was just worried Bison was going to hurt himself.
But that was pretty amazing.
Posted by: underdog | June 20, 2009 at 06:39 PM
Kemp with the dividend!
Posted by: Jon Weisman | June 20, 2009 at 06:39 PM
First let's get 1.
Posted by: Craig88USC | June 20, 2009 at 06:40 PM
Let the Bison roam!
Posted by: Ken Noe | June 20, 2009 at 06:40 PM
Way to go, Kemp! Now go hit a three run homer!
Posted by: jimishelter | June 20, 2009 at 06:42 PM
SEE YOU
Posted by: Craig88USC | June 20, 2009 at 06:42 PM
The Golden God!!!
Awesome.
Posted by: google boy | June 20, 2009 at 06:42 PM
There she goes!
It's gone!
The first!
Woo hoo!
Posted by: underdog | June 20, 2009 at 06:42 PM
Martin hits his first!!!!
Posted by: jimishelter | June 20, 2009 at 06:42 PM
Wow! Go JMart!
Posted by: Blue Gal | June 20, 2009 at 06:42 PM
Hooray!
Posted by: Andrew Shimmin | June 20, 2009 at 06:43 PM
But I'm more than pleased to see Russell Martin crush that pitch!
Posted by: WBB | June 20, 2009 at 06:43 PM
Just caught up. Amazing catch by Kemp.
Posted by: Alex41592 | June 20, 2009 at 06:43 PM
OH MY GOSH! MARTIN POWER!
Posted by: Alex41592 | June 20, 2009 at 06:43 PM
Russ is on the board in 2009
Posted by: oshea2002 | June 20, 2009 at 06:43 PM
YAY RUSS!
Posted by: Derek | June 20, 2009 at 06:43 PM
Back to back ??
Posted by: Craig88USC | June 20, 2009 at 06:44 PM
the ignoring the guy who just hit the significant HR bit never gets old
never
Posted by: Hollywood Joe | June 20, 2009 at 06:44 PM
Is that the swing that breaks the camels slump? i hope!
Posted by: Derek | June 20, 2009 at 06:44 PM
I was pretty sure RJMart was still physically capable of hitting one out, but it's nice to have evidence.
Posted by: underdog | June 20, 2009 at 06:44 PM
The new leader in the majors for "Most ABs without hitting a homer" is Emannuel Burris, who is at 202.
But he's in the minors.
I'm guessing it won't take many guesses to figure out who's next.
Posted by: Phenomenal Smith | June 20, 2009 at 06:44 PM
Bison decides to roam to first. Patience.
Posted by: Alex41592 | June 20, 2009 at 06:45 PM
Is it just me, or is that crowd in the BIg A wearing a lot of blue?
Posted by: Ken Noe | June 20, 2009 at 06:45 PM
Uh, a bison is loose?
Posted by: jimishelter | June 20, 2009 at 06:45 PM
dont tell me.....its gotta be either randy johnson or jaun pierre
Posted by: Derek | June 20, 2009 at 06:46 PM
dont tell me.....its gotta be either randy johnson or jaun pierre
Posted by: Derek | June 20, 2009 at 06:46 PM
yea...i meant juan....
Posted by: Derek | June 20, 2009 at 06:46 PM
Juanny pickin' up.
Posted by: Craig88USC | June 20, 2009 at 06:46 PM
PS: Is the answer someone sometimes known by the nickname "Slappy"? (And who just got a base hit.)
Posted by: underdog | June 20, 2009 at 06:46 PM
Kemp running 1st to 3rd is one of my favorite things to watch in sports.
Now Pierre needs to run.
Posted by: Alex41592 | June 20, 2009 at 06:47 PM
Juan Pierre and Luis Castillo and Jason Kendall could be duking it out all year for the King of No Homers.
Posted by: Phenomenal Smith | June 20, 2009 at 06:47 PM
what a throw by the catcher...
Posted by: D Wreck | June 20, 2009 at 06:48 PM
Get to 2nd Pierre...
Posted by: Craig88USC | June 20, 2009 at 06:48 PM
im not sure even pierre will run on mathis after that throw to 3rd...wow.
Posted by: D Wreck | June 20, 2009 at 06:49 PM
Ryan Madson blows a save in Philly. He gave up a solo home to Zaun and then a 2-run homer to Roberts. 6-5 Orioles in the 9th.
Posted by: Phenomenal Smith | June 20, 2009 at 06:51 PM
I'm waitiing for Vin to talk about the Weavers getting blacklisted.
That may take a while.
Posted by: Phenomenal Smith | June 20, 2009 at 06:51 PM
Won't be much fun for Mom and Pop Weaver if both sons fare poorly here tonight.
But I'm okay with Jered faring poorly.
Posted by: underdog | June 20, 2009 at 06:53 PM
I was thinking the same thing, Phenomenal. But I expect Pete Seeger was a big Jackie Robinson fan.
Posted by: WBB | June 20, 2009 at 06:53 PM
I could not believe lower view tickets for this one were $42? I decided to stay home.
Posted by: Delias man | June 20, 2009 at 06:53 PM
Omar Vizquel gets a great ovation in S.F. retuning with the Rangers.
Posted by: Alex41592 | June 20, 2009 at 06:54 PM
JP even though he was a bench player for two months and can't have all that many ABs?
Posted by: berkowit28 | June 20, 2009 at 06:54 PM
Wasn't that a time?
--
And we're tied!
Posted by: underdog | June 20, 2009 at 06:54 PM
I wouldn't mind seeing Jered lose tonight, and I wouldn't mind seeing him as a future Dodger.
Posted by: WBB | June 20, 2009 at 06:54 PM
There you go Hudson. Nicely done.
Posted by: Alex41592 | June 20, 2009 at 06:54 PM
Pierre has 201 ABs now.
Posted by: Phenomenal Smith | June 20, 2009 at 06:55 PM
Matty, Juanny, Raffy
little weaverin' now...
2-2 Weaver
Posted by: Craig88USC | June 20, 2009 at 06:55 PM
Also, I forgot to mention this earlier, but I approve of this post's subject header.
Posted by: underdog | June 20, 2009 at 06:55 PM
I posted something, and I can't see it anywhere.
Anyway. I just woke up and started watching, and for once, my presence seems to be positve, as we tied right away. This is such a tough series.
Posted by: Gen3Blue | June 20, 2009 at 06:56 PM
In honor of tonight's game, I think this quotation is apt:
You go right back and put that right back until you finish your dinner... I'm warning you, you take one bite out of that and you are in big trouble. Don't... Hey! Don't you dare... Don't you DARE do that. You hear me? Hold it right there! You put that ice cream in your mouth and you are in very, very, VERY big trouble. Don't you dare go anywhere beyond that... Put it down right now. I am not going to say it again. I am NOT going to say it AGAIN.
Posted by: Phenomenal Smith | June 20, 2009 at 06:56 PM
Vin keeps saying the Weavers are hoping for a tie and their boys get pinch hit for. Doesn't he realize that AL rules are in force and pitchers don't hit? I can't believe he's said this twice and his producer hasn't caught it.
Posted by: Blue Gal | June 20, 2009 at 06:58 PM
Ricci Ricardo?
Posted by: Gen3Blue | June 20, 2009 at 06:58 PM
I think Vin may be calling the game as it should be, not as it is.
Posted by: WBB | June 20, 2009 at 07:00 PM
That is, by baseball rules as opposed to AL rules, if I didn't make myself clear.
Posted by: WBB | June 20, 2009 at 07:01 PM
Blue Gal.
Vin is slowly going insane. has been for the last few years. nobody ever corrects him anymore...assuming they ever did.
Posted by: D Wreck | June 20, 2009 at 07:01 PM
Nice, Jeff.
Posted by: Craig88USC | June 20, 2009 at 07:01 PM
Are you watching that in honor of Father's Day, Smithy?
I remember actually seeing Kramer vs. Kramer as a little kid, with my Dad not long after he'd been divorced. That was not the happiest viewing experience of my young life.
Posted by: underdog | June 20, 2009 at 07:02 PM
I can only hope to be as lucid at Vin's age as he is now, should I be so fortunate to live so long.
Posted by: WBB | June 20, 2009 at 07:02 PM
Man, I wish I could go insane like Vinny. That would be the best.
Posted by: Alex41592 | June 20, 2009 at 07:02 PM