Sarah's Dodger Place blog

Juan Pierre is hurt

2008-06-29T15:51:00.000-07:00

Juan Pierre is hurt. He will not make the trip to Houston. Although he doesn't hit for power, he is vital for the Dodgers' offense. He hurt his leg. Because his legs are what makes him valuable, I think he will miss a long while. Tomorrow Rafael Furcal, Nomar Garciaparra, and Andruw Jones start a rehabilitation assignment. This week the you Dodgers believe Brad Penny and Hiroki Kuroda will return to the rotation.

Stults Is Awesome

2008-06-25T22:08:00.000-07:00

Eric Stults pitched a complete game. Since he has been up, he has been great, not only pitching. He can hit. When Brad Penny and Hirodi Kuroda come back, the Dodgers shouldn't send Stults back.

Today the Dodgers put Scott Proctor on the disabled list.

Another Shutout

2008-06-13T20:22:00.000-07:00

For the second straight game, the Dodgers were shutout. No team can win when they can't score!

Today the Dodgers and their fans learned Rafael Furcal has a bulging disc. Although the Dodgers think he might be back in July, I won't hold my breath. He might have played his last game this year and for the Dodgers. Jason Schmidt has met a setback. His shoulder is sore, so the Dodgers have stopped him from rehabilitating at the minor league level for the time being. Nomar Garciaparra might be back on June 25th.

The Dodgers aren't getting help from their injured players unless Garciaparra comes back on fire. I feel Ned Colletti must make a trade to get more offense, or the Dodgers will have a forgettable season. This team simply can't score. Tonight Derek Lowe was awesome and got the loss. This isn't fair or right. This year Lowe is pitching for another contract with the Dodgers. The Dodgers need him, but they won't re-sign him if he has a losing record.

Chin-Lung Hu Down and Andy LaRoche Up

2008-06-09T17:22:00.000-07:00

Today the Dodgers made the move that I have been expecting for weeks. They sent Chin-Lung Hu down to Triple-A and promoted Andy LaRoche. Although Hu was the Dodger minor leaguer of the year in 2007, he has proved that he sn't ready for the major leagues offensively. Many times this year he has looked lost at the plate.

Andy LaRoche might not be a offensive powerhouse, but he will do better than Hu hopefully. He can play first and third. I think Joe Torre wants to rest James Loney sometimes. LaRoche will give him this opportunity.

Again No Offense

2008-06-08T22:29:00.001-07:00

While Brad Penny used too many pitches in six innings, he gave the Dodgers a quality start, but he didn't win. When the Dodgers could score only one run, they wouldn't win many games. Although Jason Marquis is a good pitcher, he isn't outstanding. The Dodgers should have scored more.

Two Games in a Row

2008-06-07T20:14:00.000-07:00

Against a very good Chicago Cubs team, the Dodgers have won two straight games. Today they had great pitching, great defense, and timely hitting. Both Russell Martin and Matt Kemp homered.

I think the Dodgers are beginning to put things together. I know sometimes during the rest of the season, they will look like a struggling team, but I know the Dodgers are the best team in the National League Western Division. The Dodgers have played well at Dodger Stadium while struggling on the road.

The next road trip I think the Dodgers should be able to win some games.

Explanation

2008-06-06T20:07:00.000-07:00

I know I haven't posted anything lately. People must think I am a fair weather Dodger fan, but this isn't true. I am out of town. I will be moving this year, and we are looking for a place to live. I will be living nearer to where the Dodgers play. I'm sick of living in Central Time Zone where most of Dodger games start at nine o'clock for me. I will live in the Mountain Time Zone, and it will be easier for me.

As everyone knows, the Dodgers have struggled. They can't score. I am frustrated! I want Rafael Furcal back so badly. I feel he will make the difference. I feel the Dodgers need a true power hitter.

I know the Jonathan Broxton and Takashi Saito have struggled, but I feel they need more work. When the Dodgers don't win, they don't pitch.

Good Win for the Dodgers

2008-05-15T13:17:00.000-07:00

The game was scoreless going into the seventh inning, and then the Dodgers exploded for six runs. Andruw Jones, Jeff Kent, and Gary Bennett homered. For the first time in a long while, the Dodgers received a great starting pitching performance plus good offense. Chad Billingsley went into the eighth inning.

Blake DeWitt, who has been doing great, couldn't play because he has a strained back. Russell Martin had to play third base. At least, Dodger fans found out that Bennett can hit. I think the Dodgers will call up Andy LaRoche tomorrow. Joe Torre dislikes using both of his catchers in the game at the same time. Torre has said that the Dodgers need a utility infielder. I agree with him. I miss the versatility of Ramon Martinez.

The Losing Streak

2008-05-13T20:14:00.001-07:00

The Dodgers had a three-run lead and Brad Penny on the mound. However, Penny couldn't hold onto the lead.

Although the offense didn't produce enough runs to win, they did take advantage of most scoring opportunities. I think they will struggle until Rafael Furcal returns to the lineup. Jeff Kent had a hit! The Dodgers sat Andruw Jones. I think they must until he proves that he can hit again. Although I knew he struck out a lot, I didn't expect him to have more than thirty strikeouts before the middle of May.

A Bullpen Problem

2008-05-11T16:47:00.000-07:00

The Dodgers should have won the game. Hirodi Kuroda gave the Dodgers exactly what they needed. He was awesome! He pitched for six and two-thirds innings, and mostly he didn't allow a hit. He deserved the win.

The offense showed signs of coming out of their funk. James Loney homered. I think it helped the Dodgers' morale not to look up and see a huge deficit after the first few innings. Playing Andre Ethier over Andruw Jones helped also. I hope Rafael Furcal returns Tuesday.

Lately, the Dodger bullpen has been a pillar of strength. Today it was awful. Although the bullpen has been overworked, both Joe Beimel and Jonathan Broxton hadn't seen much action lately, and I think it affected them adversely. If the Dodgers begin winning regularly, these pitchers will not see many of days like today.

Another Losses

2008-05-10T22:03:00.000-07:00

After two brilliant starts, Chad Billingsley had one of those days. Luckily, he settled down after allowing five runs in the first two innings. Chan Ho Park and Joe Beimel pitched well in relief. The offense was still nonexistent.

During batting practice, Rafael Furcal's back stiffened, so he couldn't play again.

Another Blow Out

2008-05-09T22:59:00.000-07:00

The Dodgers are having problems with their starting rotation. For their last three games, the Dodgers haven't a starter longer than five innings. This is putting incredible stress on the bullpen. Although the offense hasn't produced, it isn't causing the losses. It would nice to see the Dodgers score more runs, but they couldn't have won the games. They must have better starting pitching to stay competitive.

DeWitt Helps the Dodgers win

2008-05-06T23:01:00.000-07:00

Hirodi Kuroda didn't have his good stuff working, but Hong-Chih Kuo and Jonathan Broxton pitched well. Takashi Saito struggled but could preserve the come-back victory.

Blake DeWitt again was the hero of the game. He drove in four runs, including an inside the park home run. Though Joe Torre has told the media that Nomar Garciaparra will be the regular third baseman when he is healthy, I can't see how Garciaparra can displace DeWitt.

Rafael Furcal couldn't start the game because he had a stiff back. Hopefully, he can return to the lineup soon.

The Dodgers Out Power the Mets

2008-05-05T21:51:00.000-07:00

Everything went well for the Dodgers. Rafael Furcal, Blake DeWitt, and Matt Kemp homered. Chad Billingsley pitched well for the second consecutive game.

I am glad that DeWitt hit his first Major league home run. Although Dodger fans like DeWitt because we like rooting for the underdog, the media was starting to criticize the lack of power. I feel DeWitt will be the Dodger third baseman for a long time.

The Dodgers are only three games behind the Arizona Diamondbacks who are leading the division.

It's Over

2008-05-04T21:38:00.000-07:00

The Dodgers couldn't continue their winning ways against Aaron Cook. Derek Lowe pitched badly. Since he was removed from a game because he had a tight elbow, he hasn't pitched well. I am worried that he is hurt and not telling the Dodgers. This is not the first time that a pitcher has not told them that he is hurt.

The Dodgers Continued beating the Colorado Rockies

2008-05-03T20:43:00.000-07:00

Although Esteban Loaiza didn't have his good stuff, the Dodgers won their eighth game in a row. James Loney drove in six runs. He had a three-run homer. Hong-Chih Kuo pitched well in relief. For the second game in a row, Russell Martin started at third base.

Jonathan Broxton returned to action after four games off because he had a muscle pull. He pitched well.

Though Takashi Saito had trouble in the ninth inning, he earned and preserved the win.

The Dodgers Continue Their Winning Ways

2008-05-02T23:12:00.000-07:00

The Dodgers came from a three-run deficit to beat the Colorado Rockies 11 to 6. Both Rafael Furcal and Matt Kemp drove in four runs.

Who leads the Dodgers in home runs? Rafael Furcal does.

The pitching had its problems tonight. I think the pitchers couldn't get loose in the cold weather.

Russell Martin made his first major league start at third. He did well at fielding. When Blake DeWitt came in, he had difficulty and made two errors.

Six in a Row

2008-05-01T19:29:00.000-07:00

The Dodgers finished their work in Florida for the year unless the Floridian teams make it to the playoffs. They had their second straight sweep of the year. Today's game featured timely hitting and great pitching. Although many Dodger fans have been worried about Takashi Saito, they shouldn't be worried about him anymore.

The Dodgers are heading to Denver. since the city is having a unusual May snow storm, I wouldn't be surprised if the Dodgers get rained out tomorrow. I hope the Dodgers continue their winning ways.

Another Offensive Explosion

2008-04-30T19:51:00.001-07:00

Tonight the Dodgers scored thirteen runs. Rafael Furcal had five hits for the first time during his career. Russell Martin homered. Chad Billingsley pitched well and picked up his first victory of the year. Martin finished the game at third base but still had no chance to field a ball.

Never Said Die

2008-04-29T19:26:00.000-07:00

The Dodgers had a five-run lead, but Derek Lowe couldn't hold onto the lead. However, the Dodgers scored in the ninth thanks to Jeff Kent's single.

Takashi Saito, who has complained about a lack of work, pitched a perfect ninth inning.

It is good to see a win on the road. The Dodgers have played well at Dodger Stadium, but they have stunk on the road. If they can win regularly on the road, they will be okay.

First Sweep of the year

2008-04-28T01:03:00.001-07:00

Sunday the Dodgers completed their first sweep of the year. Although the Colorado Rockies are a much better team than what the Dodgers saw, it was good to see the Dodgers able to sweep them.

Today Esteban Loaiza pitched well. I am glad that he is coming around. After last season, I wondered if the Dodgers made a mistake when they got him. However, he is pitching much better.

Blake DeWitt hit his first triple. I hope he will be the Dodger third baseman for a long time.

When James Loney got the game-winning hit, Matt Kemp went crazy celebrating the good job done by his friend. The young players do pull for each other. They are a team. Although people question if they can lead the Dodgers to the playoffs, I think they can if they have an opportunity to do so.

A Blown Out Victory

2008-04-26T22:04:00.000-07:00

After a ten-run first inning, the Dodgers had control of the game. Matt Kemp hit his first career grand slam. Both Russell Martin and James Loney celebrated the home run more than Kemp did.

Tonight an umpire, Kerwin Danley, was hit in the neck. An ambulance took him off the field. The reports are good on the umpire. However, the incident dampened the excitement and enjoyment of the game for everyone because we were worried about him. Although umpires don't get much recognition from baseball fans and the media, we know baseball can't be played without them. Oh yes, sometimes they make mistakes, but most of them do a fantastic job.

Extra Inning Win

2008-04-26T01:08:00.000-07:00

Although the Dodgers wished that Takashi Saito didn't blow a save, they still won the game. It took thirteen innings. They lost two players to injury. Andruw Jones probably can play tomorrow. With his long history of injuries, I expect Nomar Garciaparra to go on the disabled list. I hope to see Blake DeWitt in Los Angeles on Saturday unless the Dodgers want to use Russell Martin at third base again.

Chan Ho Park was fantastic for three innings. While other writers don't want to see him in the starting rotation, I do. Since he has been with the Dodgers, he has been a great reliever. Oh yes, Park has allowed runs, but which reliever hasn't.

A Split

2008-04-24T22:30:00.000-07:00

Although Chad Billingsley gave up enough runs to be charged with the loss, he pitched well and set a career high with ten strikeouts.

The Dodgers had good offense though they only scored four runs. They had timely hitting for the most part. Nomar Garciaparra spearheaded the offensive attack.

I wish Jeff Kent could have kept his mouth shut, so he and Joe Torre weren't ejected. The play was too close to call even on the television replays. Although it cost the Dodgers a run, arguing forever isn't professional. I have never seen an umpire reverse his call an inning later.

Today the Dodgers sent down Blake DeWitt because they felt they needed another pitcher after Derek Lowe experienced elbow tightness. I liked DeWitt, but he didn't get much opportunity to play after Garciaparra came back. Cody Wade pitched well in his major league debut.

Today Frank and Jamie McCourt announced their plans to make Dodger Stadium last for next fifty years. I love when they are putting two hundred trees in. Let's hope they don't sell the name of the stadium.

The Dodgers Beat the Arizona Diamondbacks

2008-04-23T22:44:00.000-07:00

When the Dodgers took the field tonight, they trailed the Arizona Diamondbacks by seven games. They pitched well and scored enough. They had timely hits.

Derek Lowe had to leave the game after the fifth inning. His elbow was tight. Although the Dodgers' medical staff doesn't think it is serious, it can be a problem for the Dodgers.

A Blow Out

2008-04-22T21:53:00.000-07:00

The Dodgers didn't do anything right tonight. Hong-Chih Kuo didn't go past the fourth inning.

After yesterday, every Dodger thought their offensive woes were over. Tonight they couldn't hit a lick again. Their offense must improve soon. Wednesday the Dodgers play against the Arizona Diamondbacks who have the best record in the National League. First time the Dodgers faced the Diamondbacks, the Diamondbacks swept them. The Dodgers need to get better quickly.

Awesome Offense

2008-04-21T19:14:00.000-07:00

The Dodgers exploded offensively tonight to break their losing streak. Russell Martin had three hits. Nomar Garciaparra drove in three runs, including his first home run of the year. James Loney also drove in three runs.

Although Brad Penny won the game, he didn't have good control. With a big lead, he left the game after the sixth inning. Chan Ho Park pitched the last three innings to earn his first save of the year. The Dodger pitchers need to go longer in the game to give the tired bullpen a rest.

Welcome to the Cellar

2008-04-20T23:59:00.001-07:00

Not many people would have thought the Dodgers would be in last place in the National League Western Division on April 20th when spring training ended. But they are after the Atlanta Braves swept them this weekend.

I think they are going to play better soon, or it will be a long season in Los Angeles. I remember when the Dodgers played the San Francisco Giants to open the season. One of the broadcasters made fun of the Giants because everyone had picked the Giants to be one of the worst teams in baseball. I thought to myself, "oops, you might regret it soon." Now the Dodgers are worse than the Giants.

The Dodgers should be playing better than they have been. The offense has been terrible. Although many Dodger fans want to point to a certain player for the offensive woes, it is a team problem. They must be more aggressive on the bases.

The starting pitching hasn't been going long enough into games. The bullpen will be tired before June if the starters don't last longer.

Another Loss

2008-04-19T18:29:00.000-07:00

The Dodgers suffered another loss to the Atlanta Braves. They couldn't score, and Chad Billingsley couldn't go past the fifth inning. only two things good in the game were Andruw Jones' first home run as a Dodger and the relief pitching.

Although I have been patient with the Dodgers since I think they are a good team, my patience is running out. The offense must perform better than it has. They haven't been able to beat good teams. If they don't improve soon, they will be competing with the San Francisco Giants for last place in the National League Western Division. I will not be happy.

Should I be surprised by this? No, but I am. Ned Colletti didn't change much from last season, except the management. Although I often disagreed with Grady Little's management decisions, he didn't cause the collapse after the All-Star break. I know Russell Martin and Andruw Jones are better hitters than they have shown so far this season. However, I feel the Dodger lineup has lost aggressiveness. I wish Joe Torre would play Blake DeWitt most of the time. Nomar Garciaparra isn't a good fielding third basman, and his offense hasn't been better than DeWitt's.

The starting pitchers must last longer than they have been, or the bullpen will be tired before the All-Star break.

The Offense Needs Help

2008-04-18T19:54:00.000-07:00

Tonight the Dodgers began a five-game road trip to Atlanta and Cincinnati. The Dodgers looked flat. James Loney didn't extend his hitting streak. They made errors. Andruw Jones and Rafael Furcal collided. Although no one appears hurt now, I am worried about Furcal.

Derek Lowe didn't pitch well. Hong-Chih Kuo was the best Dodger pitcher tonight.
Although I haven't been worried about the Dodger offense, now I am starting to. Joe Torre has preached be patience at the plate since he has come to Los Angeles, and I feel it has affected some Dodgers adversely. Russell Martin was already patient and he is taking too many pitches. Andruw Jones didn't have a good knowledge of the strike zone ever, and now he has lost his aggressiveness.

However, Torre's theory has helped some Dodger batters, such as Furcal, Andre Ethier, and James Loney. I feel the trip to China hurt Torre and the Dodgers. In his first season as the Dodger manager, Torre needed most time with his new team that he could get, but the trip took away a week from him getting to know his players.

I would like to see the Dodgers play .500 baseball in April and then improve upon that. I miss seeing Blake DeWitt at third base. Nomar Garciaparra has more experience than DeWitt, but he doesn't have the defense as DeWitt. DeWitt has hit better than Garciaparra did last year. I want to see Garciaparra as an utility player.

Another Win

2008-04-16T22:26:00.000-07:00

By the second inning, the Dodgers appeared to be going to win the game. They had an offensive explosion. Even when Matt Kemp fell down on the bases, he was safe.

Tonight Nomar Garciaparra returned to the lineup and had a hit. Although most Dodger fans thought they would send down Blake DeWitt, they didn't. They sent down Ramon Troncoso. Joe Torre feels the Dodgers don't need to carry twelve pitchers. If Garciaparra got hurt, no one could play third base if DeWitt was gone. They can't recall him for ten days after he goes to the minors.

Good Pitching

2008-04-15T21:57:00.000-07:00

The Dodgers' offense exploded. Hopefully, this will continue for a while. Rafael Furc, Matt Kemp, and Andre Ethier carried the team tonight. Both Jeff Kent
and Russell Martin homered.

Hong-Chih Kuo started the game. Because he was wild in the first inning and used too many pitches, he couldn't go past the fourth inning. For the first time in his Dodger career, Esteban Loaiza pitched well and finished the game. If he can continue pitching this well, he will be an asset to the Dodgers this season.

A Blown Save

2008-04-14T22:17:00.000-07:00

Going into the ninth inning, the Dodgers were leading, and then Takashi Saito blew a save. This season every well-known closer has struggled. It
happens.

Tonight's game Andruw Jones had a triple, and Russell Martin had two hits. Hopefully, these players are coming out of their offensive slumps. The Dodgers haven't had good offense so far this season and they need better to win.

At least the pitching is getting better. Hirodi Kuroda pitched well for six innings. Scott Proctor, Joe Beimel, and Jonathan Broxton pitched well for the first time this season.

Maddux Factor

2008-04-13T15:55:00.000-07:00

On A very hot Sunday afternoon in Los Angeles, the Dodgers lost to the San Diego Padres. Greg Maddux mastered his former team.

Maddux is still the greatest pitcher that I have ever seen. He doesn't overpower the batters, but they don't know how to hit him. He uses his brain to fool the batters.

Chad Billingsley had a better outing than he did last Tuesday. I wish he could have lasted longer than he was allowed to pitch. Joe Torre put Esteban Loaiza in the bullpen. Hong-Chih Kuo replaced him in the starting rotation. It is always good to have a left-handed pitcher in the starting rotation. If Kuo doesn't do well, I hope the Dodgers will try Chan Ho Park in their rotation because he has been doing great in the bullpen.

The Dodgers Broke Out

2008-04-12T22:07:00.000-07:00

Tonight the Dodgers broke out of their offensive slump. When Rafael Furcal opened the game with a homer, I knew it would be a good game for them. Derek Lowe was fantastic! Andruw Jones still can't hit.

If the pitching can follow Lowe's example, the Dodgers will be okay. However, lately they have been awful.

Pitching problems

2008-04-12T19:43:00.000-07:00

While most Dodger fans and the media are complaining about the lack of offense, I am worried about the pitching. This last week the Dodger pitching staff hasn't been good, and this is causing the losses.

I am asking if Grady Little overused the bullpen. It seems to me every reliever that he liked to use is having a bad season, except for Takashi Saito who hasn't pitched much yet.

Although it is easy to boo Andruw Jones who is having the worst slump that I have ever seen, the pitchers need to be better if the Dodgers will have a chance to win.

Another loss

2008-04-08T22:33:00.000-07:00

Right now the Dodgers look like a bad team. They can't hit or pitch well. They will play better or Ned Colletti will make changes.

Russell Martin got most of the game off tonight. Although he hasn't been hitting well, his three hits have produced three runs. Matt Kemp returned to the lineup tonight and had a hit.

Although I don't like the Arizona Diamondbacks, I couldn't root against Doug Davis. On Thursday he will undergo surgery for thyroid cancer. He is not the most talented pitcher, but he needs all of our support to fight this thing and get back on the baseball diamond as soon as he can. Cancer is bigger than baseball.

Pitching Was Bad

2008-04-07T21:42:00.000-07:00

Tonight the Dodgers faced the Arizona Diamondbacks and lost. Although I expect the Dodgers to win every game, I didn't have a good feeling about this game. I don't trust Esteban Loazia. Although Chan Ho Park didn't well either, he is in a new role. Though I knew Loazia would make the team because he is making about seven million dollars this year, I feel he is another Brett Tomko or Mark Hendrickson.

Today Russell Martin got another hit that drove in a run. I think he is coming out of his slump. Jeff Kent homered.

Two of Three From the San Diego Padres Is Wonderful

2008-04-06T16:01:00.001-07:00

Although I would like to see more offense from the Dodgers, I am happy with the Dodgers taking two of three games from the Padres. They received great pitching in every game. Their defense is much better than last year. I think they will be able to compete for the National League Western Division title.

Russell Martin might have only two hits this season, but both played a vital role in the two victories. Without his ninth inning walk, I don't think the Dodgers win Sunday's game. Chin-Lung Hu's hit was important, and I think by the end of the season Hu every day second baseman. I like what I see from the kid.

Although I don't write often in this blog, I do watch or listen to every Dodger game. I have opinions about the team, but I feel it is too early to voice them. I want to wait and see how they do before I write too much. It is easy to judge the Dodgers now, and people will look like a fool later in the season. I like to wait until May, and I am more accurate.

First loss

2008-04-02T23:40:00.000-07:00

The Dodgers suffered their first loss of the season. They couldn't take advantage of opportunities to score. The rain played a part in the game.

Juan Pierre couldn't lay down a bunt. This season he hasn't done anything right. With his limited physical abilities, Pierre must do the little things well. If he doesn't improve, I don't see him playing much.

Blake DeWitt continues to play well. I want him to make us forget who is Andy LaRoche. I like what I have heard about DeWitt.

Healthy Rafael Furcal

2008-04-02T18:38:00.000-07:00

For the first time since 2000, the Dodgers opened the season with two wins. Although the San Francisco Giants might be the worst team in the National League, it is great to win. Without the contributions of Rafael Furcal I don't think they would have won these games.

Last season Furcal was never healthy, so he couldn't do what the Dodgers knew he could. I think he was why they didn't go to the playoffs. He has such enthusiasm and purpose in his step, which rubs off on other players. This was what the Dodgers missed.

Tuesday he was responsible for every run that the Dodgers had. I won't be surprised if he gets MVP of the National League.

Good Start

2008-03-31T17:50:00.001-07:00

With all of the excitement of opening day, the Dodgers came away with a win. I don't remember the last time the Dodgers won on the first day. This is what the Dodgers needed to begin their quest for the playoffs.

Brad Penny was great for six and two-thirds innings. He is a key to the Dodgers' success.

Both Rafael Furcal and Blake DeWitt had a great day. Jeff Kent had a two-run homer and a single proving that he didn't need spring training to be able to hit.

Although today's game was exciting, the Dodgers have a long way to go. The National League Western Division is the toughest division in baseball. They must have a good beginning to have a chance to go to the playoffs. Although I thought they were lucky to be able to play the San Francisco Giants to open the season because the Giants probably will be most awful team in baseball, they must continue winning. With every win, the Dodgers will build confidence in their collective ability.

Opening day is finally here

2008-03-30T20:14:00.000-07:00

I know I haven't been writing here often. This spring training hasn't been that memorable to me. Although the Dodgers went to China, I didn't see it as a big deal. I am glad the regular season will begin tomorrow.

Today Joe Torre named Andre Ethier as his opening day left fielder. I am shocked! He has had a brilliant spring. Ethier should have been the regular left fielder last season, but Ned Colletti doesn't trust the young players unless they were a part of the Jacksonville five, even then he likes to have a veteran to start the season. Although people think of Ethier as a young player, he has been with the Dodgers since 2006, and he has been a good player.

I was scared that Joe Torre who has said that he likes experienced players would choose Juan Pierre as the starting left fielder. Although I like Pierre because he seems friendly and is a hard worker, he doesn't have the best baseball skills. I know speed is important to a baseball team, but a player must have something else to play Major League Baseball. Pierre doesn't have much else than his speed. He doesn't strike out much, but he doesn't have enough power to get hits. Although he has had 200 hits a season, those hits are little. His throwing arm is not good but he can't help what he is. This spring he has been awful, and this has cost him his regular job.

I have disliked when Dodger fans have complained about Pierre because he has done everything that the Dodgers should have expected from him. I think we should ignore him. I agree Colletti wasn't smart when he signed him to a long-term contract. However, we can't blame Pierre for accepting it.

I was sorry to read that Chan Ho Park didn't make the team. He pitched better than Esteban Loazia, but the Dodgers did not owe him six million this year. I hope he accepts the minor league assignment. I feel the Dodgers will need him soon.

I don't want to see Colletti making a trade for a third baseman. I want to see what Blake DeWitt can do. I know he hasn't played above the Double-A level, but it doesn't mean much to me. Steve Sax hadn't either and he was good. Russell Martin had one month at triple-A. Adrian Beltre skipped triple-A and did okay.

Vero Beach

2008-02-24T21:20:00.000-08:00

Today ESPN website had an interesting video about Vero Beach. Vero Beach was the first spring training site to be intergrated. Though it was four years after the Dodgers started training there before their African-American could stay on the complex, it was good for the South. In 1965 when four black players brought to the attention of then director of Dodgertown, Peter O'Malley, that Holman Stadium was segregated, O'Malley immediately took steps to correct the situation.

Today the Dodgers had an intrasquad game. Joe Torre was impressed with Matt Kemp's power. He likes a kid named Lindsey, who has spent thirteen years in the major leagues. Lindsey wants to take Olmedo Saenz's position on the Dodgers.

Russell Martin is glad that he doesn't face Takashi Saito regularly.

Kemp and Jones

2008-02-22T21:43:00.000-08:00

Matt Kemp and Andruw Jones are becoming friends. This is good. Jones understands the young player and remembers when he was a young player. Jones is showing Kemp how to have fun the right way in baseball.

Last year the Dodgers didn't have many players who remembered when they were young. Although I am 37, I remember what I was like when I was my early 20s. I was cocky. Baseball should be fun.

Though Jeff Kent loves and respects the game of baseball, he doesn't view it as fun. He sees it as a job to be taken seriously. This is okay for him, but people like Kemp can't live something without having fun. I can understand this. I am glad that Jones can balance the seriousness and enjoyment and relate to the young players. To me, this is something that the Dodgers need.

Furcal Is Healthy

2008-02-19T16:26:00.000-08:00

Tomorrow is the first full-squad workout. Baseball is under way.
Rafael Furcal is healthy going into spring training. This is important for the Dodgers. He was such spark plug for the Dodgers in 2006. Many Dodger fans blame the enthusiasm of Jason Repko for injuring Furcal and dashing the Dodgers' hopes for the playoffs. Furcal wasn't the same player in 2007. His ankle injury affected his play for the entire season.
If Furcal has the spark as he did in 2006, the Dodgers should go far in 2008.

Pierre Moves to Left Field

2008-02-18T17:45:00.000-08:00

Today Juan Pierre officially reported to Vero Beach. This spring will be difficult for Pierre because he is changing position and compete for a regular job. However, the cheerful Pierre says he won't view it any different than any other spring. He says that he always thinks he is competing for a job in spring training.
Pierre understands when the Dodgers signed Andruw Jones, a ten-time Gold Glove winner, Pierre has to move.

Kemp Isn't the Key to the season

2008-02-17T20:27:00.000-08:00

In Sunday's Los Angeles Times, Bill Plaschke wrote an interesting article Matt Kemp. Mostly I agreed with Plaschke, but Kemp won't make or break the Dodgers' season. Although in 2007 the veterans blamed the younger players for the debacle, it was a total team failure.

To me, if the Dodgers are going to the playoffs, they must have a regular third baseman, a healthy pitching staff, and not allow Juan Pierre to be a valuable player. For the second half, the Dodgers didn't have a healthy starting rotation. This caused undo pressure on the bullpen and the offense.

Andy LaRoche or Nomar Garciaparra must make third base his own. He must provide power and decent defense.

Although everybody likes Pierre personally, he will play a traditional power position. His arm is a liability anywhere on the field. When Pierre plays, another outfielder can't play. Now there is talk that the Dodgers will platoon Kemp and Andre Ethier in right field. With Kemp playing half time, he can't make or break the Dodgers' season.

Schmidt Good

2008-02-16T18:49:00.000-08:00

Today Jason Schmidt threw an impressive bullpen session. According to Russell Martin, Schmidt threw all of his four pitches. Schmidt says he is pain free, and this year he looks like it.

Everything sounds good from Florida.

Spring Training Has Begun

2008-02-15T22:15:00.000-08:00

Friday the Dodgers began their last spring training in Vero Beach. From the reports, everything went well. Many pitchers threw and felt good. Hiroki Kuroda was impressed with the relaxed atmosphere. In Japan, spring training is run as if it is a military camp,and they have 3 weeks before they play games.

Today Jason Schmidt threw but no reports are forthcoming.

Joe Torre believes the players are intimidated by him. This is different from Grady Little. No person was intimidated by Little.

The Dodgers are set

2008-01-09T20:39:00.000-08:00

This is the first week of January, and I don't see the Dodgers doing much more this off-season. Although I think they have weaknesses, I think they will be competitive in 2008. I wish they would get a 3rd baseman, but they won't.

Miguel Cabrera and Dontrelle Willis Go to the Tigers

2007-12-04T20:04:00.000-08:00

The LA Times reports the Florida Marlins have traded Miguel Cabrera and Dontrelle Willis to the Tigers. It looks as the Dodgers will leave the Winter Meetings empty handed. For the third consecutive year, Ned Colletti has failed to obtain a power hitter.

Although the Dodgers believe they have 4 players (Russell Martin, James Loney, Matt Kemp, and Andy LaRoche) who have the potential to hit 20+ homeruns in 2008, none has done in the major leagues. The Dodgers need to have an experienced power hitter to get the Dodgers' lineup respect. Somewhere Colletti can find a power hitter who is affordable.

Colletti needs to get starters. Though he signed a 21-year-old Japanese pitcher, this pitcher probably won't help the Dodgers in 2008. If the Dodgers can't get a power hitter, they must have a superb pitching staff to have a hope of going to the playoffs.

The Dodgers need to Do Something

2007-12-04T02:03:00.000-08:00

Tonight LA Times reports Ned Colletti thinks Aaron Rowand or Andruw Jones want too much. Though the prices are inflated, sometimes people must pay the going price to get what they need. The Dodgers need a power hitter. I don't care if the Dodgers believe Russell Martin, James Loney, and Matt Kemp can hit 20 or more homeruns. They haven't. The Dodgers need a a proven power hitter.

The Dodgers are banking on the return of Jeff Kent. I am not unless they do something to improve the team. Kent doesn't want to play for a loser. I don't blame him.

The LA Times reports Colletti is interested in Mike Cameron. Although I liked Cameron, I lost my respect for him when he will be suspended for the first 25 games of the 2008 season for using uppers. I don't want him on the same team with the kids. Cameron hit only 20 homeruns in 2007. I would like to see more power than 20 homeruns.

Colletti has made an offer to a Japanese starter. He is great. Many teams want him. I am sure the price is real low. HaHaHa!

विंटर मीटिंग्स

2007-12-02T19:26:00.000-08:00

Tomorrow the Winter Meetings begin. Let's hope Ned Colletti does something. The Dodgers need a power hitter and starters.

Wolf Goes to the Padres

2007-12-02T00:52:00.000-08:00

As usual, I went to ESPN before bed, and I saw a report that said Randy Wolf has agreed to terms with the San Diego Padres. Depending on Wolf passes a physical, Wolf will pitch for the Padres for a base salary of $4 million with incentives, Is this too much for the Dodgers? Come on.

Although I like the young players, the Dodgers can’t compete at the level where I want with only young players. The Dodgers aren’t a small market team, so they should get the players that they need to win. The Dodgers need starting pitching. No good quality starters are available, except the guy from Japan that Colletti is trying to get. It seems every team wants that guy, so the price will be outlandish. The Dodgers needed cheap Wolf.
Sarah Morris