This is getting ridiculous
Over their past three games, the Dodgers have gone 4 for 39 w/RISP. And the thing is, two of those four hits DIDNT EVEN SCORE THE RUN. It has become almost comical -- and yes, Joe Torre admitted after the game that he is getting to the point where he has to laugh to avoid crying. Every time the Dodgers get a hit with a man on second but the ball is hit so hard the runner has to stop at third, you KNOW they're not going to get him home. The entire visiting writers' row in the press box burst into laughter -- not AT the Dodgers, mind you, but at the sheer absurdity of it all -- when, with the bases loaded and nobody out in the sixth, Nomar Garciaparra lined out to third and Nats 3B Ryan Zimmerman managed to double Manny Ramirez off third. Nats manager Manny Acta then walked Casey Blake to load the bases, even though the runners had been on first and second, to bring Derek Lowe to the plate. The question was asked of Joe after the game whether he considered pinch hitting in that spot, and his answer was that he still needed a pitcher in the game who could shut down the other team. At any rate, Lowe struck out, and the Dodgers had wasted another chance. ... The Nats, by the way, came into yesterday ranked last in the N.L. in hitting, next to last in fielding and 12th in the league in pitching. Oh, and they also had the worst record in the majors. And for one night, at least, the Dodgers couldn't hang with them.
It's still here---THE VERO BEACH CURSE LIVES!!! As long as the McCourts own the Dodgers they will never win another pennant. You are watching The VB Curse at work, and it is ever so painful.
With the exception of Martin, Kemp, Loney, Ethier and Ramirez (if they're able to resign him), it's definitely time to offensively clean house. Not sure if this team as constructed deserves a playoff slot.
Possibilities this off season: Dan Uggla (Marlins will try to move him before spring training) and Edgar Renteria. If Atlanta doesn't' extend Chipper Jones, might be worth a short term contract.
It is not good right now, no doubt.
But be realistic. We're two games UNDER .500. The only reason we're in a pennant race, is because the weak division we're in. The experience the young players are getting will pay huge dividends down the road.
I'd rather not make it now, knowing that Kemp, Loney, Ethier, Martin, Bills, etc., are getting the benefit of playing. Putting the "proven veterans", won't change the outcome. Next year when we lose some of the high priced waste, things will only get better.
NEXT YEAR'S LINEUP
Furcal SS
Ethier RF
Kemp CF/LF
Manny/Jones LF/CF
Loney 1B
Martin C
DeWitt/FA 2B
DeWitt/FA 3B
Sign Furcal. If you can dump A. Jones, sign Manny. If you can't, Manny's got to go. Dump Pierre. If Manny is not an option, spend FA dollars on 2B or 3B. For the right price, Orlando Hudson is a stud 2B. But, he wants 15 million. With the injury, his price has dropped. That gives DeWitt a shot a 3B.
We need another front line starter and possibly a closer. Any suggestions?
Sometimes I don't get why people are so shocked by this. I mean, I had some hope too, but the Dodgers are only underperforming their run differential by 2-3 games. And even though it might, hypothetically, be enough to put the Dodgers around Arizona's win total, the reality is that the Dodgers are only playoff "contenders" because of how comically bad the west is this year. I mean Arizona just got trounced by the Padres for godsakes.
As far as next year goes, have fun with the free agent crop.
http://mlbcontracts.blogspot.com/2004/06/free-agent-position-players.html
And any trade to bring in a marquee name would involve Uncle Ned raping the farm system completely or trading one of those young guys that were already mentioned. God knows he wants to trade Kemp so bad for whatever reason.
Aww shakey 'az'...the ethier Dodgers lose yet AGAIN - 'e's now: 5-11
Meanwhile, the Pierre Dodgers are 14-4!
(PS) ethier will be playing for the Nippon Ham Fighters in 2009...good luck to the journey 'e'.
Juan Pi-erre!
P-I-E-R-R-E!!
: )
That was 5th Outfielder ladies and gentlemen...He'll be in the lounge all week...Enjoy the chicken ala king!!!
8/27/08
Aww shakey 'az'...the ethier Dodgers lose yet A-G-A-I-N - 'e's now: 5-12
Meanwhile, the Pierre Dodgers are 14-4!
Do you believe now? Better start believing.
(PS) ethier will be playing for the Nippon Ham Fighters in 2009...good luck to the journey 'e'.
Juan Pi-erre!