Chatting with Dodgers Fans

During last night's exciting game against the Milwaukee Brewers, I had an opportunity to chat with some diehard baseball fans on MLB GameDay about the Los Angeles Dodgers. We discussed everything from Eric Gagne's steroid accusations to the upcoming "Freeway Series," this weekend. Here is our chat transcript:

Me: Hello. The Dodgers currently have a mediocre 19-19 record in the 2008 Regular Season thus far. Do you think Los Angeles will finish the season with a winning record?

Brian: Of course. The Dodgers are a great team that has not put it together yet. They have to put the pieces of their puzzle together.

Ducker: Absolutely. I believe that the Dodgers will solidify down the stretch. That's always been Joe Torre's style. In the last couple of months, we want to be in contention and not battling injuries or infighting.

Me: To the best of my knowledge, Los Angeles hasn't experienced any infighting yet. But according to ESPN.Com, the Dodgers have had thirteen injury reports in 2008 thus far. 

Ducker: If the Dodgers want to contend, they'll need to be healthy.

Me: Indeed. The Dodgers have an upcoming series against the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim over the weekend. Do you think that this "Freeway Series," will be as intense as the "Subway Series" in New York?

Brian: Nope. But, It should be a great series. It's almost like two different worlds colliding. When discussing baseball, Orange County may as well be on a different planet than LA County. 

Me: You're right about that. Brad Penny received his fourth loss of the 2008 Regular Season last night. He surrendering five runs in six innings on the mound. Is this the same Brad Penny that was on the Dodgers last season?

Ducker: I don't think so. Somebody must have replaced the Dodgers' Starting-Rotation because Penny, Lowe, and Billingsley haven't been anything to talk about so far this year. It's been quite disappointing.

Brian: Disappointing? The Dodgers have the 13th-lowest team Earned-Run Average in Major League Baseball. There are a handful of other teams with worse starting-rotations. Look at Detroit and San Francisco for example.

Me: San Francisco actually has Tim Lincecum in their starting-rotation. He has had a phenomenal season thus far, posting a 1.61 Earned-Run Average with a 5-1 record. But, what are you thoughts about Eric Gagne?

Ducker: Gagne is a dirty, greasy cheater. 

Brian: Who's not in the Steroid/HGH Era? Even Clemens sounds like a cheater nowadays, both on his wife and on the game of baseball. Regarding Gagne, say what you want about Ned Yost - but he has guts throwing him out there despite his astronomical Earned-Run Average and unbelievable amount of Blown Saves.

Me: I can't argue with you there. Eric Gagne has blown eight saves in 2008, but the Brewers still rely on him to close their games. What are you thoughts about Nomar Garciaparra?

Ducker: Nomar Garciaparra is fine, but nobody expected Blake Dewitt to be this good. He's even better than Andy LaRoche! When Nomar is healthy, he's a great player to have around. 

JP-Max: DeWitt has been such a surprise. He's one of the best batters I've seen to come through the Dodgers' organization in years. Now, I would have trouble choosing between DeWitt and LaRoche to start at third-base. We can forget about Nomar Garciaparra!

The Los Angeles Dodgers went on to defeat the Milwaukee Brewers, 6-4. Los Angeles scored three runs in the top of the ninth-inning to seize the victory. Dodgers' reliever, Jonathan Broxton, was credited with the win.

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Blog Note: I have received several reports that users are unable to comment on my blog. I am sorry for this eminent technical issue. However, I can be reached around-the-clock at DodgersBlog@aim.com Hopefully, this error will be fixed in the future. 




Brewers Ferment Dodgers, 5-3

The Milwaukee Brewers defeated the Los Angeles Dodgers last night, 5-3. Bill Hall of the Brewers smashed his ninth home-run of the 2008 Regular Season in the fourth inning. Los Angeles could not outperform their opponents.

Brad Penny was credited with the loss, surrendering five runs on nine hits in six innings of work. The hurler also struck out six batters and walked a pitcher. This is his fourth loss of 2008, which is the equivalent to all of the losses that he recorded in the entire 2007 Regular Season.

The eminent All-Star exclaimed, ""My stuff was better, but I made the crucial mistake of walking the pitcher and that killed me. It's just a mistake. Sometimes you're too confident in your stuff and you think you're unhittable." He obviously wasn't throwing his best stuff on the mound.

The Dodgers totaled nine hits in the game, featuring three singles from Russell Martin. The catcher has a .302 batting-average during the 2008 Regular Season. It is pleasing to see that he is finally making contact, as opposed to his slump to open up the season back in April.

Matt Kemp connected for two hits and knocked in a run. The outfielder has been having a splendid season, quite evident in his spectacular batting statistics. With three homeruns, 19 RBIs and a .321 batting average, Kemp has a shot at making the 2008 Major League Baseball All-Star Game at Yankee Stadium.

Los Angeles has an opportunity for revenge tonight at 8.05 PM EST. Derek Lowe has been designated as the starting-pitcher for the Dodgers. The starting line-up has been provided below, courtesy of the Dodgers' Front Office:

  • Pierre, LF
  • Jones, CF
  • Kemp, RF
  • Kent, 2B
  • Martin, C
  • Loney, 1B
  • DeWitt, 3B
  • Hu, SS
  • Lowe, SP

Lets get some payback!

Furcal on the Disabled-List

Rafael Furcal, suffering from a strained lower back, has been placed on the 15-day disabled list. The shortstop has missed his last four games due to this ailment. Hopefully, this injury will not lead to serious complications in the future.

Furcal has been a splendid asset of the Dodgers' organization in the 2008 Regular Season thus far. The potential National League Most Valuable Player achieved a .366 batting-average through 134 at-bats. It is unfortunate that Los Angeles will not be able to have him in their line-up for two weeks.

The All-Star shortstop puzzled the opposition with his stellar base-running abilities. He stole eight bases in 2008, which is the sixth most in the National League. On-pace to steal about 39 bases in the 2008 Regular Season, the Dodgers will take a major hit to their speed and base-running abilities in his absence.

Josh Rawchitt of the Dodgers reported that Rafael Furcal will receive a cortisone shot and begin his rehabilitation process in Los Angeles with physical therapist, Sue Falsone. His recent MRI exam indicated nothing of great significance. Hopefully, the shortstop will be back in the Dodgers' line-up as soon as possible.

The Los Angeles Dodgers have declared Chin-Lung Hu as their starting shortstop while Furcal is on the Disabled-List. The Taiwanese infielder has been struggling recently, hitting for a .100 batting-average in his last ten at-bats. Hopefully, he will rise to the occasion like Blake DeWitt and become a phenomenal batter.

The twenty-four year old infielder has never been known for superb hitting. However, he has established himself as a spectacular fielder capable of playing both first and second. The last thing that the Dodgers need is to have their starting second baseman, Jeff Kent, make a trip to the Disabled-List.

The Dodgers have purchased the contract of Luis Maza from Triple-A Las Vegas. The Venezuelan rookie posted an unbelievable .402 batting-average in the Minor Leagues in 2008. He should serve as an excellent back-up to Chin Lung-Hu at shortstop.

Tony Abreu, a back-up third-baseman for the Dodgers, has been transferred from the 15-day Disabled List to the 60-Day Disabled List. The twenty-three year old slugger has been on the Disabled List since the start of the 2008 Regular Season. Hopefully, he will return from his groin injury by the end of the month.

The Dodgers will start a three-game series against the Milwaukee Brewers tonight at Miller Park. The first pitch is scheduled to be thrown at 8:05 PM EST. I have provided the Dodgers' starting line-up for tonight's game below, courtesy of the Dodgers' Front Office:

  • Pierre, LF
  • Ethier, RF
  • Kemp, CF
  • Kent, 2B
  • Loney, 1B
  • Martin, C
  • DeWitt, 3B
  • Hu, SS
  • Penny, SP


Chatting with a Braves Fan

During today's exciting Braves-Pirates game, I had the opportunity to chat with an Atlanta Braves' fan on MLB GameDay. We were discussing Andruw Jones, who was the outfielder of the "Tomahawks," before he joined the Los Angeles Dodgers this season. Here is our chat transcript:

Me: Hello. You must be glad that the Atlanta Braves are beating the Pittsburgh Pirates, 8-1, in their double-header. The Braves had a nice winning-streak recently.

Braves Fanatic: It was great, but too short. I was surprised that we were doing so well considering there about twelve men on the Disabled-List.

Me: The Dodgers have their share of injured players, too. Rafael Furcal has a stiff back and has been out of action for a few games.

Braves Fanatic: We should not have traded him. He was fast and a great batter. I really miss Andruw Jones, though.

Me: You can have him! He has a pitiful .170 batting average and has been subject to a plethora of "boos," at Dodgers Stadium. Thus far, he hasn't been worth his contract.

Braves Fanatic: But then again, who is? He was unbelievable when everything was clicking in Atlanta. He was also as good in the field as he was at the bat once upon a time.

Me: Hopefully, Andruw Jones will be able to restore his reputation as a player who is as stellar "in the field as he is at the bat." Thank you for participating in this Live Chat and I hope that you have a great day!

The Dodgers have an "off day," as they are travel to Milwaukee for their three-game series against the Brewers. Brad Penny has been slated as the starting-pitcher for tomorrow's thrilling match-up. The first pitch is scheduled to be thrown at 8:05 PM EST at Miller Park.


Schmidt Pitches a Perfect Inning

Jason Schmidt made a phenomenal performance today with the Inland Empire 66ers, the Dodgers' A-Baseball affiliates. The three-time All-Star had shoulder surgery this past June and has been taking small steps on his return to the Dodgers' Starting-Rotation. He is predicted to make his miraculous return in early June.

The thirty-five year old hurler topped 88 miles-per-hour, pitching a perfect inning in his first rehabilitation performance. He threw a total of twelve pitches, including ten of his eminent fastballs. Hopefully, he will continue to make stunning performances in his rehabilitation sessions as he prepares to make his debut in the 2008 Regular Season.

Jason Schmidt has a tendency to throw a lot of fastballs and sliders. The thirteen-year veteran has a heater that can smoke the mid-90's and a change-up that usually gets batters looking. As long as he continues to master his pitching repertoire, he will remain to be one of the elite starters in Major League Baseball.

The Inland Empire 66ers must have been glad to have him on their roster today. The Clubhouse Manager commented that Schmidt, "looked like he felt good and just needed to spot his pitches a little better." Hopefully, their clubhouse manager will continue to provide superb coverage and exclusive insight on the pitcher's stay with their clubhouse.

Jason Schmidt's rehabilitation process will consist of several steps over a period of about thirty days. Joe Torre said that, "It was a good first step." Schmidt will be back in a Los Angeles Dodgers uniform in a few more weeks if he continues to progress.

Dodgers Give Brazoban The Call

The Los Angeles Dodgers have called up Yhency Brazoban from Triple-A Las Vegas. This will be the twenty-seven year old relief pitcher's first time in the Major Leagues since his shoulder surgery. Thankfully, he is back where he belongs.

It has been a long trip for the Dodgers' reliever. In 2006, Brazoban went under the knife for Tommy John surgery. After recovering and returning to the Dodgers' bullpen in 2007, he made another trip to the Disabled-List with a torn labrum in his shoulder. The four-year, once again, veteran required season-ending surgery.

The Dodgers always had confidence in him. He confessed, "I really felt that my career was going to end - especially after the second surgery. I was always told by the Dodgers that despite the injuries and the surgeries, that I had a bright future and that they stood behind me." The Dodgers weren't going to let such talent walk out their door and retire.

Brazoban walked into Spring Training 2008 topping the scales at about 250 pounds. He said, "They told me to lose weight and strengthen my shoulder. I worked harder than ever before." His work obviously paid off as he returned to the Major Leagues within a couple of months.

Although his injuries will always be a concern, he has displayed excellent command while pitching above 90  miles-per-hour. Also, the right-hander pitches well into the late frames of each game and should be a valuable reliever for the Dodgers' organization in the future.

The former-outfielder showed his talents at Double-A Jacksonville, where he struck out thirteen batters in ten and two-thirds innings. The young relief pitcher has the raw talent of a sensational set-up man or closer. Los Angeles is fortunate to have him on their roster.

Brazoban got his first taste of Major League Baseball since 2007 on Friday night, pitching one full inning against the Houston Astros. He walked two batters and gave up a hit in the outing. Hopefully, he will continue to improve and become an asset for the Dodgers.


Sweep: Failed - Mets Crush Dodgers, 12-1.

The New York Mets avoided a potential sweep by capturing a win in today's game. The Los Angeles Dodgers were limited to only four hits, as John Maine picked up the win for New York. It was a poor performance by Los Angeles on both sides of the diamond.

The Los Angeles defeated the Mets in the first couple of games in this series, but was unable to complete the sweep. Joe Torre said, ""When you win the first two games, you get a little greedy. You need to ride a hot streak as long as you can. We appeared a little flat. Then again, [Mets starter] John Maine was responsible for us being flat." The Mets couldn't close the curtain on the, "Main Event."

Brad Penny had his worst start of the 2008 Regular Season, surrendering ten runs in only four and two-thirds of an inning. His Earned-Run Average is currently 4.79, reflecting an increase by 1.60 after today's horrific performance. Hopefully, Brad Penny will not make this a habit.

When asked about Penny's poor start, Joe Torre was puzzled. "I wish I knew. It wasn't very good. Hopefully, we won't see that for a while. He got in bad-count situations and paid the price." This terrible performance caught everyone by surprise.

The Dodgers called in Scott Proctor to stop the Mets' onslaught. But, he couldn't aid the Dodgers as the reliever gave up a couple of runs in two innings in one and one-third innings on the mound. The former-Yankee hasn't been having a stellar season thus far.

Andruw Jones smacked his fifth double of the Regular Season. The All-Star candidate has struggled during 2008, as evident in his .170 batting-average. Originally, Ned Colletti wanted to give Jones the day off to "clear his head." But, the Dodgers still used him as a pinch-hitter in today's game.

James Loney celebrated his twenty-fourth birthday today. The Dodgers' first-baseman is on-pace to hit 15 homeruns and 123 RBIs in the 2008 Regular Season. The 2002 first-round draft pick is finally becoming one of the top sluggers in Major League Baseball, as projected in his Scouting Report.

The Dodgers have an off-day on Thursday, as they await the Houston Astros' arrival. Derek Lowe is scheduled to be the starting-pitcher for the Dodgers on Friday. Hopefully, he will get Los Angeles back on the winning-track for success.

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Caption: Angel Pagan of the New York Mets is sliding underneath Chin Lung-Hu's glove for a stolen base. (AP)

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Blog Note: I finally realized how to post pictures to DodgersBlog. In the future, I will be sure to share any great photos that I see regarding the Los Angeles Dodgers. Until then, I have included a photo from today's game that is simply astounding.


Dodgers Homer Thrice in a Game!

The New York Mets were unable to defeat the Dodgers in yesterday's game. Los Angeles whacked three home-runs in the game, compliments of Rafael Furcal, Blake DeWitt, and Matt Kemp. Chad Billingsley was credited with his second win of the 2008 Regular Season in the 5-1 victory.

Blake DeWitt smashed his first homerun in his Major League Baseball career in the fifth inning. The youngster now has a .295 career batting-average. Although he may not be considered a candidate for the National League's prestigious Rookie of the Year Award, he has been an integral part of the Dodgers' success thus far.

When the Blake DeWitt's fly ball sailed over the outfield wall, the fans at Dodger Stadium went ecstatic. He said, "When I got around first base, I saw it go. I got the chills. I was so excited, I didn't notice anything." Blake DeWitt probably experienced the best moment of his life and he happily trotted around the bases.

Chad Billingsley pitched six innings, striking out four batters. After surrendering a run in last night's performance, the starting pitcher's Earned-Run Average is now a high - 4.54. Hopefully, he will be able to lower that statistic in the future.

Joe Beimel has done an excellent job lowering his Earned-Run Average during the 2008 Regular Season. The stellar relief pitcher pitched a perfect inning last night and now has an Earned-Run Average of 0.75. Hopefully, he will continue his bullpen success throughout the rest of the season.

The Dodgers have another game against the New York Mets tonight at 10.10 PM EST. Hiroki Kuroda will be the starting-pitcher for the Los Angeles Dodgers. Hopefully, he silent the Mets' impressive offense in tonight's performance.

Los Angeles' starting line-up has been provided below, thanks to the Dodgers' Front Office:

  • Pierre, LF
  • Jones, CF
  • Kemp, RF
  • Kent, 2B
  • Martin, C
  • Loney, 1B
  • DeWitt, 3B
  • Hu, SS (Rafael Furcal was scratched from tonight's game with a stiff back).
  • Kuroda, SP

Mets @ Dodgers

The Los Angeles Dodgers have a difficult match-up tonight against the New York Mets. The Dodgers' manager, Joe Torre, once played for the Mets and even managed the organization in the late 1970's! But, that's ancient history compared to today's era of Major League Baseball.

Joe Torre also faced the New York Mets when he was the manager of the New York Yankees. He said, "It'll be strange for me. Normally, we play the Mets in New York and, normally, it's crazy. This is a different environment." Thankfully, the Mets aren't huge rivals with the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Chad Billingsley will be the starting-pitcher for the Los Angeles Dodgers. The hurler earned his first win of the 2008 Regular Season during his last performance. In his past four starts, Billingsley has struck out at least eight batters. Hopefully, he will extend his streak against the New York Mets.

The Mets will hand the ball to Nelson Figueroa. The 33-year old pitcher starting-pitcher has been noted to have poor control, which evidently gets him into trouble when runners are on-base. The Dodgers should be able to capitalize on Figueroa's poor pitching.
[Blog Note: Oliver Perez has been declared the starter for tonight's game. The New York Mets have decided to make Figueroa the starting-pitcher for tomorrow's game at 10:10 PM EST.]

Josh Rawitch has released the Dodgers' line-up for tonight's game:

  • Furcal, SS
  • Pierre, LF
  • Kemp, RF
  • Kent, 2B
  • Martin, C
  • Loney, 1B
  • Jones, CF
  • DeWitt, 3B
  • Billingsley, SP
The first-pitch is scheduled to be thrown at 10:10 PM EST at Dodger Stadium. XeiFrank of Dodger Sims calculated that Los Angeles has a 52% chance of defeating the Mets. Lets start another winning-streak with a victory tonight!

Rockies Crumble to Dodgers

The Los Angeles Dodgers are on a roll. After yesterday's 12-7 victory over the Colorado Rockies, the Dodgers extended their winning-streak to eight games. If they win today's game against the Rockies, then the Dodgers will have swept three-straight teams in their 2008 Regular Season schedule. It will be a memorable moment in Dodgers' history.

James Loney smashed his third home-run of the season in the fifth inning. The young first-baseman accumulated six-RBIs in tonight's game. However, he has accomplished the feat before. In the last week of the 2006 Regular Season, Loney had a remarkable nine-RBI game. The slugger is on-pace to knock in a grand total of 135 RBIs in the 2008 Regular Season, based on his spectacular offensive production  thus far.

Esteban Loaiza lasted only two and one-third innings on the mound, surrendering five runs on five hits. The starting-pitcher has a 5.63 - Earned-Run Average thus far. Unfortunately, his role in the Dodgers' rotation is in jeopardy once again.

Hong-Chih Kuo grabbed his first win of the Regular Season, pitching three and two-thirds innings. Kuo struck out five batters, lowering his season Earned-Run Average to 3.05. It is possible that he will switch roles with Esteban Loaiza and have another opportunity at becoming a starting-pitcher.

The Los Angeles Dodgers have their final game of their series against the Colorado Rockies later today at 3.05 PM EST. Derek Lowe will be the starting-pitcher for the Dodgers, hoping to get his third-win of the Regular Season. Hopefully, he will succeed in his goal.
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