Two for One

Here you have it...the official box score for today's marathon game, which lasted almost five hours.



The Dodgers edged out the Padres by a score of 5-4. The bullpen was absolutely superb! After starter Derek Lowe was pulled in the 7th in a 4-4 tie, a combination of Joe Beimel, Jonathan Broxton, Chin-Hui Tsao, Rudy Seanez, Takashi Saito and Chad Billingsley, snuffed any Padre hopes of winning the ballgame. Combined, they gave up one measly single in the 13th and that was all.

I must reluctantly give props to the S.D. bullpen who almost (but not quite) matched the Dodger pen. Wilson Valdez who has been quite a nice little fit as a utility player for the Dodgers carried in the winning run. He singled and was knocked in on a Brady Clark double in the top of the 17th inning. Thank God, coz I was this close throwing in the towel after the Dodgers left so many damn men on base! I think it was something ridiculous like 15! Argh! No matter, Wilson Valdez scores...Dodgers win! Since this game almost went 18 innings, perhaps the win should count for two in the standings! Yes, I know, wishful thinking!



The Dodgers jump on the 5 Fwy and head north to Chavez Ravine to meet the D'Backs who are hot on their heels in the standings. Randy Wolf better be on his game tomorrow as the bullpen is pretty spent!

Mr. Clutch Does San Diego!

The Dodgers finally ended a painful four game skid with a dramatic come from behind victory in San Diego. After getting swept at home by the Hated Ones from S.F., the Dodgers took to the road to open up a three game series with the Pads. Up until the 9th inning, the losing streak looked as though it might have been extended to five.

I must give praise where praise is due. For his second straight start filling in for the ailing Jason Schmidt, lanky lefty, Mark Hendrickson had another solid outing, allowing only 2 hits and one earned run through 5 innings. This is not the same fellow from last season, is it? Unfortunately, Hendrickson left the ballgame tied at 1-1 and was replaced Chad Billingsley, who promptly served up 3 runs in the 6th. I was pissed! Billz has been shaky and his ERA has ballooned to 6.94. Not good...this kid has got to get it together!

The Dodgers added a run and cut the lead in half in the 7th, the score 4-2. In the 9th, the Dodgers mounted a comeback with some timely hitting in addition to poor fielding by Padre first basemen, who muffed a bunt by Raffy Furcal. Another bunt later and the Dodgers had runners on 2nd and 3rd. The Padres brought in their closer, Trevor Hoffman, who has given the Dodgers fits throughout the years. It was also Trevor Hoffman Night at Petco Park. Not to worry though, Nomar Garciaparra(4-4), who is hitting an astonishing .625 with runners in scoring position, waited on deck. Nomar struck again. He scorched a double and tied the game at 4-4. And for whatever reason, Hoffman intentionally walked the next batter, Luis Gonzalez, setting the table for hot hitting Russell Martin. Personally, I thought they were insane for that move! They were burned instantly, as Russ roped a long double to centerfield. Mike Cameron could not catch up to it and just like that, the Dodgers were up, 6-4. Dodger closer, Takashi Saito gave up a homerun in the bottom of the 9th, but eventually got his 7th save.

Kudos to Mr. CLUTCH, Nomar Garciaparra and to rightfielder, Andre Ethier who made some dazzling catches and saved a whole mess of runs keeping the Blue close.



The Dodgers are 8-3 on the road and 6-6 at home. At this rate, and although I'd miss them terribly, I wish they didn't have to play at the home. Their record stinks at the Ravine! Is there any way to keep them away?

I Heart Russell Martin

Is there anything this boy can't do? Apparently not! With the game tied at 3-3 and the bases bulging with blue, Russell crushed a homerun into the left field bullpen for his first career Grand Slam. A walk off to boot! This kid is special. He hits for average and power, he the best defensive catcher the Dodgers have had since Mike Scioscia. He's got a cannon for an arm throwing out baserunners runners trying to steal and he calls a helluva ballgame! He's got it all!

Russell Martin's grand slam!



This was a bizarre game. There were lots of wild pitches, pass balls, errors, walks and tons of pitching changes. I believe there were 11 in total. Although the Dodgers didn't bring their "A" game, they managed to hang in there, until the bottom of the 10th, when Russ uncorked his slam. The Dodgers win, 7-3 and are 13-5 over all, the owners of the best record in all of baseball.

This team has been interesting to watch thus far. They don't have the one big power hitter to rely on, consequently, when one or two players are struggling, someone steps up to pick up the slack. The other observation is the harmony in the clubhouse. These players really do seem to like and respect each other. I swear Jeff Kent has smiled more this short season than the rest combined. They seriously look as though they're all having fun on the field. The team chemistry is the best I can remember in years, if not decades. So perhaps Ned Coletti was correct in signing "character" players rather than egomaniacs concerned with their own stats. Whatever it is, I love it and it's a fan's dream!

The Dodgers go for the sweep against the Pirates tomorrow. Let's get the brooms out peeps!

Go Dodgers!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Dodgers Stylin'

The Dodgers dropped one last night in Colorado. It was pretty much a give-away, as Grady Little gave most of the starters the night off. Derek Lowe lacked any sharpness and was in constant trouble, finally succumbing in the 4th. Final score, 7-2. Bleh!

This afternoon was a different story all together. The regulars were back and so were the hot Dodger bats and stellar pitching. Mark Hendrickson, who had been relegated to the bullpen last season, was given the start in place of Jason Schmidt. He hurled a fantastic game, scattering 5 hits, giving up one run through 6 innings. When the Dodgers traded for Hendrickson from the Devil Rays last season, this type of effort is what I thought we'd see. Instead, he was just atrocious, hence the bullpen duties. But if today is any indication of what he can give us, Brett Tomko better stay on his toes, otherwise, he'll be bumped out of the rotation pronto!

Jeff Kent seems to have found his stroke, going 3-4 with a couple of ribbies. I swear that dude is playing with a fire I've never seen before...I love it! Pierre picked up a pair of hits. Andre Ethier also picked up a pair of hits. He has perked up as of late, his average now at .282. Luis Gonzalez keeps chugging along nicely. Unfornuately, Russell Martin's 9 game hitting streak came to an end, but not without him picking up a run. It was a productive O-pher. The bullpen was brilliant once again. Tsao, Beimel and Broxton SLAMMED the door on the Rox and closed out the game. Dodgers win, 8-1.

Today's Stud
Jeff Kent



What I'm really digging so far is the fact that no one player is carrying the team. Every game produces a different hero, whether it's the starting pitcher, the bullpen or a extra hot hitter in the lineup. This is a total team effort. Raffy Furcal and Wilson Betemit are hitting below the Mendoza line, but I expect them to turn it around soon. Watch out when they do!

Speed Kills

Look out, a rabbit is on the loose and his name is Juan Pierre! This guy can flat out fly around the base paths. In the 7th inning, with the game on the line and a runner on second base, Juan lined a triple into the right center gap and came around to score on a bad relay throw to third. He makes pitchers and players nervous with his speed causing them to hurry up their throws and make mistakes. Sure his defense is a bit shaky, but I'll take his speed any day of the week! Pierre started the season slowly, but his bat is showing definite signs of life. Rock on dude, I'm rooting for you!

Juan Pierre



This game was a struggle for starter Brett Tomko who went a grueling 5 innings. He did not retire the side in order in any of those innings, however, he battled and hung in there. Tomko allowed 8 hits and 2 earned runs. The infield saved his bacon on more than one occasion, turning two double plays. With the game knotted at 4-4, Tomko was replaced by Chad Billingsley, who had better luck with the D'back's lineup, shutting them down. Big Bad Jonathan Broxton pitched the 8th and Samurai Saito closed it out, earning his 6 straight save. Dodgers win 6-4.

Additional note: Jason Schmidt was placed on the DL. Mark Hendrickson will probably get the nod.

Chalk up another "W"

Pitching and defense wins ballgames. That and a little timely hitting, which is exactly what the Dodgers did to beat the D'Backs tonight in Arizona by a score of 5-1.

Brad Penny pitched a strong 7 innings, scattering 5 hits, giving up one run. He's looking good so far. Penny seems to have changed tactics in regards to his pitching style. Last season it was pure heat. This season, he's mixing in a lot of offspeed stuff, thereby keeping the hitters off balance. Whatever he's doing, its working!

My main man, Nomar, has been on a tear, batting over .400 in the last week. He hit his first dinger tonight and now has 10 ribbies! Yee-haw! It was just a matter of time before his bat woke up.



Russell Martin, once again threw what is now becoming his trademark the leg block, thus preventing a run from scoring. It began with a rope double, which Gonzalez fielded nicely. He fired to Furcal, who then threw a bullet to Russell. It was textbook! Out at the plate! I could get used to hearing that all season!



The Dodgers are in first place and now own the best record in baseball at 9-4. Yeah, it's early, so sue me!

Forty-Two

After the brawl this weekend with the San Diego Padres, the Dodgers are the last ones standing! The slugfest began at Chavez Ravine on Friday night when the Dodgers pulverized the Pads, 9-1. That game also signified the return of shortstop Rafael Furcal. Raffy went 2-5 and had 2 RBIs. He also made his presence known on the field making some marvelous plays. Oh how I missed you!

Saturday was not a good day. Jason Schmidt seems to be having a hard time adjusting to his new team, as evidenced by his ERA which is now a whopping 7.36. His fastball is nowhere to be found. The Mads won 7-2.

Sunday's contest was not only another spanking of the Padres by the Dodgers, 9-3, but also a tribute to the great Jackie Robinson. Jackie, of course, broke the color barrier in the Major Leagues sixty years ago on this date. It was not an easy journey, but it was one which Jackie handled with strength, character and pure class. The entire Dodger team and coaching staff wore number "42" in his honor, along with many other players in the MLB. Jackie's number is the only one retired by all major league teams. It is a fitting tribute to a great player and man.

Shut Out for Penny

Another "W" for the Blue. The recently slimmed down Brad Penny pitched another gem tonight. He also made two great defensive plays. One was a diving catch on a pop up bunt. The other was a bouncer up the middle that he bare-handed then flipped to first for the put out. I'm convinced he could not have made any of those plays last season, as he was carrying quite a few extra pounds as shown on the 2006 vs. 2007 pic below!



The Rockies were held to only two hits and were completely shut down. Brad wobbled a little in the 7th and was pulled for Big Bad Jonathan Broxton, who promptly came in and put a stop to any ideas of a rally. Brox also pitched a flawless 8th. Saito came on in the 9th and earned his 5th straight save in as many chances.

For the Dodgers, the scoring came in the 3rd inning, when with two outs, Pierre singled, quickly followed by a Martin single. With Nomar at the plate, Pierre and Russell pulled off a text book perfect double steal. They caught Rockies pitcher Hirsh napping on the mound. Nomar, of course, singled them both in. The Rockies pitcher was obviously rattled because he then committed a balk. Nomar was awarded 2nd base and Kent singled him in. Dodgers wiin 3-0! Nice start for the Dodgers who have now won 6 of their last 7 games.

Off topic: You're an a$$hole JD "Princess Nancy F'en" Drew!

Dodgers Down Rox

Brett Tomko


The Dodgers beat the Colorado Rockies, 2-1 tonight. Brett Tomko had one of his best starts ever while wearing a Dodgers uniform. He allowed 1 hit while striking out 9 through 6 innings. Unfortunately, Chad Billingsley could not hold the Rockies and allowed the tying run.

As much as the game belonged to Tomko, once again Russell Martin was very involved in the win. He had three hits, scored a run, threw out a runner while trying to steal, completed a crucial bang bang double play and knocked in the go ahead run in the bottom of the 8th. Is there anything this kid can't do? I doubt it!

Saito came in to pitch the top of the 9th and shut down the Rockies and set them down 1-2-3!

My main man Nomar had a couple of hits! Thank goodness, coz he's been in a teeny tiny slump. Mia and the babies are probably keeping his mind otherwise occupied No matter, he'll start hitting the ball soon enough! He's NOMAR, after all!

Dodgers and Rockies meet for the rubber match tomorrow night! Brad Penny is taking the hill!

Additional note: The parking was a bit better tonight! I didn't feel like committing murder!

Opening Day 2007

The Dodgers took the field for their home opener and lost! Nothing new, as they have a pretty terrible record for Opening Day. The Rockies beat them 6-3. Meh!

This is a map of the new parking configuration at Dodger Stadium...or at least what it felt like to me!



The loss wasn't the worst part of the day though. That honor belongs to the new parking system at Dodger Stadium. Not only is there a 50% increase for parking making it a ridiculous $15.00 now, but they are making Dodger fans miserable trying to enforce the "new" system. Needless to say, it is a total CLUSTERFUCK! Trying to get into the Stadium, I spent nearly two hours in lanes that did not move miles outside the Stadium. However, trying to get out was so much worse. According to the owner, Frank McCourt, the increase pays for hundreds of additional parking attendants who are supposed to guide and direct traffic. They don't do jack shit! In the end, there was nothing we could do but sit in our cars for a couple hours and honk! Here's a little comic relief provided by big sis, Gloria!

HOSTAGE CRISIS AT DODGER STADIUM - Hour 1




HOSTAGE CRISIS AT DODGER STADIUM - Day 12



HOSTAGE CRISIS AT DODGER STADIUM - Week 16



Update 4/10/07: More on the parking fiasco...the Dodgers official message board has a thread with many complaints about the parking situation.

LA Times No Picnic For Fans

John Stodder How To Get To Dodger Stadium

LA Observed Parking Hell

Dodger Thoughts The Day After

Sweet Sweep!

Not much to say about this game except, WooHoo!

The Dodgers took out the trash completing a three game sweep in Frisco, pounding the Gnats, 10-4. This win makes it 8 in a row and 13 of 14 going back to last year. The Dodgers own them! The Blue kicked around the newest Giant, Barry Zito! My Grandma throws harder than he does and they are paying him $126 million?? Ouch!! Nothing feels better than beating up the Giants, especially on their turf!

On another note, we've all been ragging Luis Gonzalez for his defensive faux pas out in left field, but he delivered two homeruns today going 3-4 at the plate. Luis can still hit, no doubt about it. I just hope he settles himself and makes the right adjustments defensively! Come on Luis!

The Dodger home Opener is tomorrow as they face the Rockies! I'll be there!

Lets Go BLUE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Pitching and Defense

Our bench players rule! Shortstop Wilson Valdez made his first start today and flashed some nice leather. He made some great defensive plays and started a nice double play to end a possible threat. He short-hopped and backhanded some tricky grounders and fired to first flawlessly, while thoroughly frustrating the Giants. He also went 3-4.

Jeff Kent always seems extra pumped when returning to his old haunt. The former Giant always receives the loudest round of boos! Of course, this only serves to pump him up as evidenced by an amazing over the shoulder catch in fricken centerfield to begin the bottom of the 9th. He looked like a 20 year old out there. Jeff also picked up a pair of ribbies on a double which would be all Dodger pitcher Derek Lowe would need on this afternoon.



D-Lowe pitched a superb game. You just know he’s on when he induces 15 grounders in a game. He scattered 4 hits though 7 innings, giving up only 1 run. Sorta makes up for his hideous Opening Day start! Big Jonathan Broxton pitched the 8th then Sammy Saito came on in the 9th to pick up this 3rd consecutive save. Just like that, the Dodgers beat the Giants, 4-1.

Additional highlights: Didn’t have see Barriod’s big ass mug since he was not in the lineup. And thankfully Gonzalez didn’t drop any flyballs in left field today!

Randy Wolf faces Barry Zito tomorrow.

Bring out the brooms! Yee Hah!

Ode to Russell Martin

The Dodgers have found a diamond in the rough. I hate admitting this, but they have Paul ”Satan” DePodesta to thank for it. Good ol’ Depo dismantled the 2004 NL division championship Dodger team and traded away catcher Paul LoDuca. LoDuca was much beloved in Los Angeles. We fans, cried, pissed and moaned about it! I actually boycotted until Depo was fired!

After that fateful trade, the Dodgers went through several catchers, none of them ever making an impression. They tried Jason Phillips, David Ross, Dioner Navarro and even experimented with outfielder Jayson Werth behind the plate. As the 2006 season opened, Navarro injured his wrist and went on the disabled list. The Dodgers were forced to call their minor league team looking for some help. Arriving on the scene was a baby faced pudgy kid named Russell Martin.

Russell immediately made an impact. The Dodgers went on a roll and ended up winning their division. It was only the third time in MLB history in which a rookie catcher led his team to the playoffs. Russell is at the beginning of his career and the possibilities are limitless. He can hit, run, throw and call a game with the best of them.

Tonight, as the Dodgers beat the Giants 2-1, Russell threw out two baserunners trying to steal second. The highlight though, was when he masterfully blocked the plate (ala a hockey goalie) preventing a hustling Feliz from scoring on a play at home. Feliz never even touched the plate! I'm having flashbacks of Mike Scioscia! It was beautiful!



I’m not even going to comment on the state of our outfielders. Suffice to say, they are killing me with their frightening play! Every flyball is an adventure...and not a good one! Argh! Do something Grady!!!

Edited to add: Barriods went 0-4! Yee Hah!

Dodgers Hang On

Woo, that was close! The Dodgers escaped Milwaukee with a win, 5-4. This was only the third game of the season and they're already trying to give me a heart attack. I think it's time to invest in a defibrillator.

Jason Schmidt, former Giant, and formerly known as the Pilsbury Doughboy, by me, pitched a fairly decent game. I can't call him that anymore, he's wearing the sacred Blue! Jason went a strong 4 innings and got into a little trouble in the 5th. He eventually battled his way out and gave way to the bullpen. The score was 2-1, heading into the 6th. In the 7th, the Dodgers loaded the bases on a wild Villanueva that couldn't find the strike zone. Olmedo "the Tomato" Saenz came in to pinch hit and lined a double to left center knocking in two runs. Matt Kemp's flyball scored the third run of the inning. You'd think a score of 5-1 in the 8th would let you breathe a sigh of relief, wouldn't you? Wrong!

After retiring the first hitter, reliever Rudy Seanez, also had trouble finding the strike zone and loaded the bases. Seanez gave way to Takashi Saito, who promptly allowed a double to Craig Counsell! Argh! The Dodgers escaped the 8th with the score of 5-3. The 9th wasn't any easier. Saito didn't look very sharp as he struggled with his control. The Brewers scored another run and Saito came close to blowing the game. Luckily, he beared down and the Dodgers finally got their first win of the season, by a score of 5-4. Yiipes!

Additional game notes: Luis Gonzalez and Juan Pierre finally got a couple hits a piece. However, what seems to be missing is the timely hit. My main man, Nomar, has been slow out of the gate. Must be Mia and the babies! No matter, he'll get his hits. It's good to see Jeff Kent swinging a good bat. That will be key. Russell Martin had another outstanding play at the plate. God, how I love this kid! Overall, it is a win and I'll take it!

The Dodgers have the day off and prepare themselves for San Francisco and Barriods on Friday night!

GO BLUE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The Good, The Bad, The Ugly

The Dodgers dropped another yesterday to the Brewers, 4-3, for their second straight loss.

What I liked:

First, Russell Martin. He went 3 for 4 with a homerun and had an outstanding play at the plate, tagging out a runner. I love him!

Second, Randy Wolf. Although he gave up the 2 homeruns, I thought he pitched well enough to win. His curve looks nasty. I think he'll do okay!

Third, Jonathan Broxton. This mountain of a kid, came in the the bottom of the 8th and set down the side on strikeouts. Sheer POWER! He looked Gagne-esque!

What I didn't like:

First, Luis Gonzalez' play in the outfield. Two games straight, he's looked pretty shaky. A line drive to left by Estrada went for a double. He came around to score. THAT BALL SHOULD HAVE BEEN CAUGHT! Later, another Brewer stretched a single into a double. Gonzalez didn't charge and everyone knows he has no arm, so they all run. Argh! I don't have anything personal against Gonzalez and he seems like a nice guy, but honestly, it looks as though he's on his last legs. Not good for us. Andre Ethier should be the starting in left field.

Second, the offense looks a little lifeless and apart from Martin, no one is really hitting the ball. New Dodgers, Gonzalez and Pierre are hitless in 15 at bats. MAKE SOME NOISE DAMN IT!

Thrid, the Dodgers don't seem to be playing with any intensity. They're so quiet its kinda eerie! Raffy Furcal needs to hurry his butt back from the DL to breathe a little fire into the team. He's the spark that's missing.

It's early, I'm not worried in the least....just a little frustrated! I hate dropping games in April, they come back to bit you in the ass in September.

The Dodgers new $47 million dollar man, Jason Schmidt, takes the mound today. Let's see if one can be salvaged.

Purdy please, with sugar on top....

Bring It!

The Dodgers open up on the road in Milwaukee today! Woo Hoo, time for Dodger baseball!! Here is today's starting lineup.



I love hearing this song before every broadcast on the radio. It is deeply ingrained into my system and puts a smile on my face everytime. The song is by Jon Weisman.

Let's go...batter up...we're taking the afternoon off.
It's a beautiful day for a ball game, a ball game today...

It's a Beautiful Day for a Ballgame,
for a ballgame, today.
The fans are out to get a ticket or two
From Walla Walla, Washington to Kalamazoo

It's a beautiful day for a home run
But even a triple's okay
We're gonna cheer
And boo
And raise a hallabaloo
At the ballgame, today.

Go Blue!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Update, 1:45 PM : What's new? Dodgers got hammered by the Brewers, 7-1. Derek Lowe lost his third straight opening day start. I want a new pitcher in there next year. No more Lowe please. Although, all the blame cannot be placed on Lowe, as the Dodger offense decided to take the afternoon off. Two measly hits against Ben Sheets. Come on boys, he ain't no Oswald or Santana...wake up the hell up!

Lefty Randy Wolf takes the hill tomorrow.