Manny
Returning Wounded Making Quick Mark
07/17/10 23:21 Filed in: Baseball
Only a couple of days into the season’s second half,
some of the returning walking wounded are making
their presence felt.
In Chicago, the Phillies were in danger of losing two out of their first three to the pathetic Cubs, when a four run ninth inning gave them a 4-1 win, with the catalyst to the comeback win being a leadoff hit from Placido Polanco, in his first game back.
In Boston, Kevin Youkllis, fighting numerous injuries but staying in the lineup most of the time, doubled in the ninth to tie up their game against Texas, (stealing a win from Cliff Lee) then won the game with a sac fly in the 11th. The winning pitcher? Manny Delcarmen, returning form the DL and making his first appearance of the month.
The big news on the comeback front, however, came in Cincinnati, where Edinson Volquez made his first appearance in one and one-half seasons. In his return from Tommy John surgery, Volquez showed he was really healthy, throwing six innings, allowing only one run, and striking out nine. A healthy Volquez might be what the Reds needed to stay ahead of St. Louis, and make the playoffs for the first time since 1995.
But then, there is the Dodgers’ situation. No Manny, again, and now Russell Martin has joined the hurt list, and the Dodgers have started the second half 0-3 against St. Louis.
In Chicago, the Phillies were in danger of losing two out of their first three to the pathetic Cubs, when a four run ninth inning gave them a 4-1 win, with the catalyst to the comeback win being a leadoff hit from Placido Polanco, in his first game back.
In Boston, Kevin Youkllis, fighting numerous injuries but staying in the lineup most of the time, doubled in the ninth to tie up their game against Texas, (stealing a win from Cliff Lee) then won the game with a sac fly in the 11th. The winning pitcher? Manny Delcarmen, returning form the DL and making his first appearance of the month.
The big news on the comeback front, however, came in Cincinnati, where Edinson Volquez made his first appearance in one and one-half seasons. In his return from Tommy John surgery, Volquez showed he was really healthy, throwing six innings, allowing only one run, and striking out nine. A healthy Volquez might be what the Reds needed to stay ahead of St. Louis, and make the playoffs for the first time since 1995.
But then, there is the Dodgers’ situation. No Manny, again, and now Russell Martin has joined the hurt list, and the Dodgers have started the second half 0-3 against St. Louis.
theHoundDawg
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Watch Your Step. Oh No!
07/09/10 23:34 Filed in: Baseball
How about an infield of Vic Martinez at first, Dustin
Pedroia at second, Jed Lowrie as short, and Mike
Lowell at third. You’ve got Jason Veritek behind the
plate, and Jacoby Ellsbury and Jeremy Hermida in the
outfield. Starting pitchers are Josh Beckett and Clay
Buchholz, and there are Manny Delcarmen and Junichi
Tazawa in the bullpen. Not to shabby of a major
league team.
Well, it’s not a team, it’s the current Boston Red Sox disabled list.
How about this list of players: Jake Peavy, Grady Sizemore, Kendry Morales, Josh Fields, Greg Zahn, Joe Nathan, Kelvim Escobar, Justin Duchscherer, Travis Buck, J.P. Howell, Dustin McGowan, and Joel Zumaya.
Pretty good nucleus for a team? Or two?
Those are some of the major league players who this year have suffered season-ending injuries, some as early as spring training, some as recent as Jake Peavy’s injury this past week.
The Philadelphia Phillies played a big chunk of the season without Jimmy Rollins, and J.A. Happ has pitched 10 innings. Placido Polanco, Carlos Ruiz, and Chase Utley are currently disabled and will be for some time.
Starting pitchers Brandon Webb, Edinson Volquez, Eric Bedard, Chien-Ming Wang, and Jordan Zimmerman have yet to throw a pitch on a major league field this season, and Carlos Beltran has yet to step foot on CitiField this year.
The Braves are still in first despite injuries to Nate McLouth and rookie sensation Jason Hayward; the Orioles are still last despite injuries to Brian Roberts, Mike Gonzales, Luke Scott, Jim Johnson and Kevin Millwood. Injuries in the past few days have thrown the AL Central askew, with the White Sox losing Peavy and the Tigers losing Zumaya, for the duration, as did earlier the Twins lose Nathan. Had the last place Indians not lost Sizemore, Asdrubal Cabrera, and now Shin-Soo Chu, they might have been in that race.
I’ll hold off mentioning Dodger starting pitchers, Manny, and the Angels and Morales and Maicer Izturis, and..... Do I really have to go on?
When has there been a season with this number of major injuries? None that I can remember in the more than 50 years that I’ve been a fan.
A final note: HE DID IT AGAIN TONIGHT! Mario Solis on tonight’s late news sports segment, talking about the possibility of Derek FIsher signing with Miami, “quoted” Kobe regarding Fisher being indispensible to the Lakers, thusly: “Fisher’s significance cannot be understated.”
Well, it’s not a team, it’s the current Boston Red Sox disabled list.
How about this list of players: Jake Peavy, Grady Sizemore, Kendry Morales, Josh Fields, Greg Zahn, Joe Nathan, Kelvim Escobar, Justin Duchscherer, Travis Buck, J.P. Howell, Dustin McGowan, and Joel Zumaya.
Pretty good nucleus for a team? Or two?
Those are some of the major league players who this year have suffered season-ending injuries, some as early as spring training, some as recent as Jake Peavy’s injury this past week.
The Philadelphia Phillies played a big chunk of the season without Jimmy Rollins, and J.A. Happ has pitched 10 innings. Placido Polanco, Carlos Ruiz, and Chase Utley are currently disabled and will be for some time.
Starting pitchers Brandon Webb, Edinson Volquez, Eric Bedard, Chien-Ming Wang, and Jordan Zimmerman have yet to throw a pitch on a major league field this season, and Carlos Beltran has yet to step foot on CitiField this year.
The Braves are still in first despite injuries to Nate McLouth and rookie sensation Jason Hayward; the Orioles are still last despite injuries to Brian Roberts, Mike Gonzales, Luke Scott, Jim Johnson and Kevin Millwood. Injuries in the past few days have thrown the AL Central askew, with the White Sox losing Peavy and the Tigers losing Zumaya, for the duration, as did earlier the Twins lose Nathan. Had the last place Indians not lost Sizemore, Asdrubal Cabrera, and now Shin-Soo Chu, they might have been in that race.
I’ll hold off mentioning Dodger starting pitchers, Manny, and the Angels and Morales and Maicer Izturis, and..... Do I really have to go on?
When has there been a season with this number of major injuries? None that I can remember in the more than 50 years that I’ve been a fan.
A final note: HE DID IT AGAIN TONIGHT! Mario Solis on tonight’s late news sports segment, talking about the possibility of Derek FIsher signing with Miami, “quoted” Kobe regarding Fisher being indispensible to the Lakers, thusly: “Fisher’s significance cannot be understated.”
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theHoundDawg
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Monumental Series for the Dodgers
06/30/10 14:54 Filed in: Baseball
The three games in SF to start this week provided a
monumental step up for the Dodgers, on several
fronts.
Since briefly pulling into a tie with the Padres a couple of weeks ago, the Dodgers have been floundering, including the almost total tank in interleague play. The bullpen had been in shambles, and the 48-pitch losing effort by Jonathan Broxton on Sunday seemed to foretell worse days approaching. The horrible play and subsequent benching of the team’s most talented player, Matt Kemp, seemed to be a microcosm of the entire team as far as overall play and attitude.
With all this, the Dodgers headed to SF and three games with the second-place Giants, likely without the option of Broxton in the bullpen, and the big question of the health of Chad Billingsley coming off the DL to start game one, followed by the recently inconsistent John Ely in game two, and then with Vicente Padilla making his thirdd start since returning, in game three.
Well, game one saw Billingsley pitch an excellent six innings, with fine relief following him, including a save from Hong-Chih Kuo. Tuesday saw Ely in fine form, plus a save from Ronald Belasario. But, the game also saw an injury to Manny, who is now likely day-to-day for a couple of weeks. But that injury meant a return to the lineup for Matt Kemp. He responded with two hits yesterday, but he followed that up today with three hits, including his 13th HR, 3RBI, and perhaps a re-awakening. Padilla was also in top form, giving up three hits and a run in seven. The bullpen, no thanks to George Sherrill, managed to hold on to most of an 8-1 lead.
This series could be a turning point in a so far erratic season. Healthy returns by Rafael Furcal, Billingsley and Padilla have been key, but Matt Kemp has to be the offensive leader the rest of the way.
Since briefly pulling into a tie with the Padres a couple of weeks ago, the Dodgers have been floundering, including the almost total tank in interleague play. The bullpen had been in shambles, and the 48-pitch losing effort by Jonathan Broxton on Sunday seemed to foretell worse days approaching. The horrible play and subsequent benching of the team’s most talented player, Matt Kemp, seemed to be a microcosm of the entire team as far as overall play and attitude.
With all this, the Dodgers headed to SF and three games with the second-place Giants, likely without the option of Broxton in the bullpen, and the big question of the health of Chad Billingsley coming off the DL to start game one, followed by the recently inconsistent John Ely in game two, and then with Vicente Padilla making his thirdd start since returning, in game three.
Well, game one saw Billingsley pitch an excellent six innings, with fine relief following him, including a save from Hong-Chih Kuo. Tuesday saw Ely in fine form, plus a save from Ronald Belasario. But, the game also saw an injury to Manny, who is now likely day-to-day for a couple of weeks. But that injury meant a return to the lineup for Matt Kemp. He responded with two hits yesterday, but he followed that up today with three hits, including his 13th HR, 3RBI, and perhaps a re-awakening. Padilla was also in top form, giving up three hits and a run in seven. The bullpen, no thanks to George Sherrill, managed to hold on to most of an 8-1 lead.
This series could be a turning point in a so far erratic season. Healthy returns by Rafael Furcal, Billingsley and Padilla have been key, but Matt Kemp has to be the offensive leader the rest of the way.
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theHoundDawg
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Jason Who II and a Four Game Streak
07/21/09 22:47 Filed in: Baseball
Well, after a very shaky first inning, Jason Schmidt
gave a decent impression of a major league pitcher
for another four innings last night, and tonight
Randy Wolf got the run support missing from his
starts most of the season, and suddenly the Dodgers
have a four game winning streak and have their best
overall record in 19 seasons.
The one downside of the Dodgers' great overall performance tonight was the hand injury Manny suffered when hit by a Homer Bailey pitch, but as they say, x-rays were negative and he's day-to-day.
In three games today and tonight, Los Angeles averaged 10 runs per game, with the Dodgers scoring 12 against the Reds, and the Angels taking two from KC, 8-5 and 10-2. The Angels are 5-1 since the break, and are weathering the losses of Vlad and Torri Hunter quite well, thanks in large part to the schedule maker, loading them up with KC, Oakland, and Cleveland while 2/3rds of the outfield is healing.
Injuries are affecting the current complexion of the AL East, with TIm Wakefield joining Dice-K Matsuzaka on the Boston DL, and the Red Sox falling into second, with a four game losing streak, despite the return of Jed Lowrie. The current success of the scumstripes not withstanding, I'm sticking with my pre-season picks that two playoff teams will come out of the AL East and neither will be from NY. With a healthier Scott Kazmir and a new ace in Jeff Niemann, Tampa will finish the season in second, behind Boston.
The one downside of the Dodgers' great overall performance tonight was the hand injury Manny suffered when hit by a Homer Bailey pitch, but as they say, x-rays were negative and he's day-to-day.
In three games today and tonight, Los Angeles averaged 10 runs per game, with the Dodgers scoring 12 against the Reds, and the Angels taking two from KC, 8-5 and 10-2. The Angels are 5-1 since the break, and are weathering the losses of Vlad and Torri Hunter quite well, thanks in large part to the schedule maker, loading them up with KC, Oakland, and Cleveland while 2/3rds of the outfield is healing.
Injuries are affecting the current complexion of the AL East, with TIm Wakefield joining Dice-K Matsuzaka on the Boston DL, and the Red Sox falling into second, with a four game losing streak, despite the return of Jed Lowrie. The current success of the scumstripes not withstanding, I'm sticking with my pre-season picks that two playoff teams will come out of the AL East and neither will be from NY. With a healthier Scott Kazmir and a new ace in Jeff Niemann, Tampa will finish the season in second, behind Boston.
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theHoundDawg
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Angels Weather Storm, Dodgers Still in Trouble
05/15/09 07:55 Filed in: Baseball
The Angels' early-season nightmare is over.
With Earvin Santana back in the rotation, John Lackey about to be back, with Joe Saunders and Jared Weaver pitching outstanding, consistent ball, and with the emergence of Matt Palmer, the Angels' decimated rotation is now back to AL dominance. With the anticipated return of Glad, the consistent play of Kendry Morales, and the tremendous defensive improvement of Chone Figgans at third base, and with a division full of early-season pretenders, the Angels should now be on their way to another year of regular-season dominance.
Whether or not they can, for the first time since 2002, carry that over to the post season and actually win something of importance, is another matter.
Yet another matter is the Dodgers. Despite winning two-of-three on the road from the Champion Phillies, the Dodger mess is still not pretty. Andre Ethier continues to struggle, Juan Pierre is coming back to earth, and the previously dominant Jonathan Broxton "vultched" his fourth victory of the season yesterday, after blowing his second save of the season.
With Jeff Weaver entrenched in the rotation (at least for now), Eric Mitlon's recall, Jason Schmidt's beginnng rehabilitation, the demotion of John McDonald, and Clayton Kershaw's struggles, the face of the Dodger staff is seemingly in the process of a dramatic change from reliance on strong, young, healthy arms, to being composed of tired, old, questionable, injury-prone retreads.
This could, in the long run, be more of a problem then the loss of Manny.
theHoundDawg
With Earvin Santana back in the rotation, John Lackey about to be back, with Joe Saunders and Jared Weaver pitching outstanding, consistent ball, and with the emergence of Matt Palmer, the Angels' decimated rotation is now back to AL dominance. With the anticipated return of Glad, the consistent play of Kendry Morales, and the tremendous defensive improvement of Chone Figgans at third base, and with a division full of early-season pretenders, the Angels should now be on their way to another year of regular-season dominance.
Whether or not they can, for the first time since 2002, carry that over to the post season and actually win something of importance, is another matter.
Yet another matter is the Dodgers. Despite winning two-of-three on the road from the Champion Phillies, the Dodger mess is still not pretty. Andre Ethier continues to struggle, Juan Pierre is coming back to earth, and the previously dominant Jonathan Broxton "vultched" his fourth victory of the season yesterday, after blowing his second save of the season.
With Jeff Weaver entrenched in the rotation (at least for now), Eric Mitlon's recall, Jason Schmidt's beginnng rehabilitation, the demotion of John McDonald, and Clayton Kershaw's struggles, the face of the Dodger staff is seemingly in the process of a dramatic change from reliance on strong, young, healthy arms, to being composed of tired, old, questionable, injury-prone retreads.
This could, in the long run, be more of a problem then the loss of Manny.
theHoundDawg
Bob Melvin - 2007 Manager of the Year is Now Arizona Scapegoat
05/08/09 19:49 Filed in: Baseball
In 2007, the season before last, the Arizona
Diamondbacks had the NL's best record, and manager
Bob Melvin was Manager of the Year. Now, with the
team off to a 12-17 start, behind the stellar hitting
of Chad Tracy (.221), Stephen Drew (.205), Chris
Snyder (.204), Conor Jackson (.191), Chris Young
.177), and Eric Byrnes (.139), and a team batting
average of .222, plus the loss of ace starter Brandon
Webb, on the DL with an era of 13.50, he no longer
knows how to manage.
He brought the team back from oblivion in his first season as the Diamondbacks' manager, leading a 51-111 2004 team to 77 wins in 2005. His 2007 team won with mirrors, and Melvin's rare managerial talent, compiling a 90-72 record, despite being outscored for the season, by 20 runs.
GM Josh Byrnes and owners Ken Kendrick, Paul Schloss, and Jason Ellis should be ashamed of themselves. Melvin's replacement, former catcher A.J. Hinch, has zero managerial experience anywhere. Learning on the job, a team batting average of .222, and a disabled list loaded with key players, makes for a long season for Hinch and, unfortunately, for the D'Back fans.
All I can say is that what certainly seemed to be no worse than the second most talented team in the NL west is now no longer a threat to overtake the Manny-less Dodgers.
theHoundDawg
He brought the team back from oblivion in his first season as the Diamondbacks' manager, leading a 51-111 2004 team to 77 wins in 2005. His 2007 team won with mirrors, and Melvin's rare managerial talent, compiling a 90-72 record, despite being outscored for the season, by 20 runs.
GM Josh Byrnes and owners Ken Kendrick, Paul Schloss, and Jason Ellis should be ashamed of themselves. Melvin's replacement, former catcher A.J. Hinch, has zero managerial experience anywhere. Learning on the job, a team batting average of .222, and a disabled list loaded with key players, makes for a long season for Hinch and, unfortunately, for the D'Back fans.
All I can say is that what certainly seemed to be no worse than the second most talented team in the NL west is now no longer a threat to overtake the Manny-less Dodgers.
theHoundDawg
Here Yesterday, Gone Today
05/07/09 22:52 Filed in: Baseball
At this time last evening, the Dodgers, led on the
field, as well as emotionally and spiritually, by
Manny Ramirez, possessed the best 2009 won-lost
record in baseball, the record for most home wins at
the start of a season, and looked to most observers
as the team to beat in the NL, if not in the majors.
24 hours later, the team is demorzlied and fans disgusted, as Manny is gone for 50 games under baseball's baned substance policy, and after a valient offensive effort failed due to a total meltdown by the bullpen, the Dodger's home win streak is now just a piece of historical fluff.
The young Dodger nucleus, of Andre Ethier, of Matt Kemp, of James Loney, of Russell Martin, of Chad Billingsley, of Jonathan Broxton, needs to focus on the game and nothing else, and play as if there is and there was no Manny. They cannot feel that his loss is a reason, an excuse, to lose. The Dodgers can, and should, win the West Division, without Manny. The team needs to prove that to the fans and to themselves.
Joe Torre needs to show why he is one of the game's great managers, and that he belongs up there with Walter Alston as the best the Dodgers have had. He needs to convince his team they had their bad day, and that the season starts tomorrow, with a new winning streak, and a drive to still be in first place, and maybe they'll even have the best record in baseball on July 3, when that guy with the long hair returns.
theHoundDawg
24 hours later, the team is demorzlied and fans disgusted, as Manny is gone for 50 games under baseball's baned substance policy, and after a valient offensive effort failed due to a total meltdown by the bullpen, the Dodger's home win streak is now just a piece of historical fluff.
The young Dodger nucleus, of Andre Ethier, of Matt Kemp, of James Loney, of Russell Martin, of Chad Billingsley, of Jonathan Broxton, needs to focus on the game and nothing else, and play as if there is and there was no Manny. They cannot feel that his loss is a reason, an excuse, to lose. The Dodgers can, and should, win the West Division, without Manny. The team needs to prove that to the fans and to themselves.
Joe Torre needs to show why he is one of the game's great managers, and that he belongs up there with Walter Alston as the best the Dodgers have had. He needs to convince his team they had their bad day, and that the season starts tomorrow, with a new winning streak, and a drive to still be in first place, and maybe they'll even have the best record in baseball on July 3, when that guy with the long hair returns.
theHoundDawg
While We Were Away, Part 1
04/23/09 19:05 Filed in: Baseball
After being away from SoCal, and much of the sports
world, for almost nine days, some random thoughts:
The Angel pitching woes just keep getting worse. Since April 14, they have now also lost Dustin Moseley, Darren Oliver, and Kevin Jepsen; Brian Fuentes, Scott Shields and Jose Arredondo have ERAs of 13.50, 14.40, and 7.20, respectively, and tonight they are starting Matt Palmer, whose Triple-A ERA this season was approaching 12. Paul Byrd, Pedro Martinez, and maybe the late Art Fowler, are you busy at the moment?
Manny is heating up, and the Dodgers are still in first place, despite one reliable starting pitcher. As I'm writing this, Chad Billingsley is on his way to becoming the first pitcher to reach 4-0.
I saw a game at SAFECO Field in Seattle, and it's a great place to watch a game. Friendly, really helpful staff, great food, and wonderful site lines, seating, and other accutremonts make it one of the best partks I've been to. As an aside, as I saw Mike Sweeney go 3-for-3, I commented to one of the people I was with what a great hitter he could have been if not for so many debilitating injuries the past few years. Then I saw that he got injured yet again the next night.
The scumstripes are feeling the pressure from so many empty premium seats, and, according to Yahoo Sports are considering lowering their pricing from the obsene $2625 price tags they have been trying to extort from the rich and famous. If they don't improve attendance, and revenue, it would be real nice if the scumstripes have their new house that greed built forclosed.
theHoundDawg
The Angel pitching woes just keep getting worse. Since April 14, they have now also lost Dustin Moseley, Darren Oliver, and Kevin Jepsen; Brian Fuentes, Scott Shields and Jose Arredondo have ERAs of 13.50, 14.40, and 7.20, respectively, and tonight they are starting Matt Palmer, whose Triple-A ERA this season was approaching 12. Paul Byrd, Pedro Martinez, and maybe the late Art Fowler, are you busy at the moment?
Manny is heating up, and the Dodgers are still in first place, despite one reliable starting pitcher. As I'm writing this, Chad Billingsley is on his way to becoming the first pitcher to reach 4-0.
I saw a game at SAFECO Field in Seattle, and it's a great place to watch a game. Friendly, really helpful staff, great food, and wonderful site lines, seating, and other accutremonts make it one of the best partks I've been to. As an aside, as I saw Mike Sweeney go 3-for-3, I commented to one of the people I was with what a great hitter he could have been if not for so many debilitating injuries the past few years. Then I saw that he got injured yet again the next night.
The scumstripes are feeling the pressure from so many empty premium seats, and, according to Yahoo Sports are considering lowering their pricing from the obsene $2625 price tags they have been trying to extort from the rich and famous. If they don't improve attendance, and revenue, it would be real nice if the scumstripes have their new house that greed built forclosed.
theHoundDawg
the Season Starts in Fifteen Minutes
04/05/09 16:49 Filed in: Baseball
As the 2009 season is about to start, I think...
1) I underestimated the Royals. They should overtake the Tigers, and maybe even Chicago.
2) In perusing the 2009 Award Winners as picked by the experts at Yahoo, I think they're crazy. Milton Bradley? Kevin Slowey? Joey Votto? Huh?
MVP in the NL will be between Manny Ramirez and Ryan Braun. In the AL, between Dustin Pedroia and Grady Sizemore.
Cy Young in the NL will be between Cole Hamels and Tim Lincecum; in the AL between Roy Halladay and Josh Beckett.
3) season starting - no time for more.....
theHoundDawg
1) I underestimated the Royals. They should overtake the Tigers, and maybe even Chicago.
2) In perusing the 2009 Award Winners as picked by the experts at Yahoo, I think they're crazy. Milton Bradley? Kevin Slowey? Joey Votto? Huh?
MVP in the NL will be between Manny Ramirez and Ryan Braun. In the AL, between Dustin Pedroia and Grady Sizemore.
Cy Young in the NL will be between Cole Hamels and Tim Lincecum; in the AL between Roy Halladay and Josh Beckett.
3) season starting - no time for more.....
theHoundDawg
The Season Starts Sunday - This is How It Will End
04/03/09 21:31 Filed in: Baseball
AL 2009
Boston - A healthy Beckett and a return to form from Brad Penny, and the BoSox won't be caught.
Tampa - Last year was no fluke, but not enough with Boston in their division.
New York - More bucks, more losses. Girardi may not last the season. Pressure on Teixeira won't be pretty.
Toronto - Could have been vastly improved but for injuries to Marcum and McGowan.
Baltimore - By July, theHoundDawg may be their fourth starter.
Cleveland - Healthy Martinez, Hafner, and Pavano, and the Tribe is back.
Minnesota - Baker, Bonser and Neshek - too many injured pitchers.
Chicago - Would need BIG comebacks from too many to challenge.
Detroit - Best thing going is no more Sheffield, but pitching is too suspect
Kansas City - They seemed to be building on their young starters, but sending down Bannister and Hochevar while giving spots to Ramirez and Ponson are major steps backward.
Los Angeles - Second Best team in AL when healthy, and starting season with injuries to three starters should not effect division runaway.
Oakland - Much improved but too much depends on totally inexperienced starters.
Texas - As always, questionable pitching, but no longer the offensive machine of past few seasons.
Seattle - Ten more wins still means last place. Outfield was a disaster before Ichiro got sick.
Division series - Los Angeles over Tampa and Boston over Cleveland
Championship Series - Boston over Los Angeles
NL 2009
Los Angeles - Top-notch offense, defense, bullpen, but will go only as far as their starters will take them.
Arizona - Pretty much the same as with LA, but D'Backs have no Manny.
San Francisco - Reverse of division's top teams - starting pitching and lots of question marks. OF and catching are set, but that infield?
San Diego - Improved from last year, but young talent not ready to compete for top three spots.
Colorado - Not the power-laden team of the past, and questionable pitching depth, but biggest problem is no more Matt Holliday, plus Jeff Francis gone for the season.
Milwaukee - Outstanding offense and despite loss of Sabathia and Sheets, staff has good mix of savey, dependable vets and young talent.
St. Louis - Return of Chris Carpenter solidifies starters, but big voids in bullpen, and infield looks like Pujols and three guys from central casting. Glaus return from injury is always tenuous.
Chicago - No team depending on Milton Bradley and Rich Harden will ever win anything.
Houston - Only health, depth of starting staff keep then behind Cubs.
Cincinnati - Overrated pitching staff won't keep up with up-and-coming offense, plus too many questions in outfield.
Pittsburgh - Lots of young talent on the field, but lack of same on staff will keep them in cellar, unless Karstens and Ohlehdorf suddenly become major league pitchers.
Philadelphia - Improved pitching from start of season and except for Ibanez for Burrell, same team on field as last year's champs.
New York - Addition of great closer more than offset by signing of worst person in baseball, G. Sheffield.
Atlanta - Will go as far as totally revamped pitching will take them, plus rookie CF Jordan Schafer must be for real.
Florida - Health of returning starters, poor defense, big question marks at 3B and entire outfield, all point to disappointing season.
Washington - Addition of Adam Dunn not nearly enough.
Division series - Los Angeles over Milwaukee and Philadelphia over Arizona
Championship Series - Philadelphia over Los Angeles
Boston over Philadelphia in World Series
theHoundDawg
Boston - A healthy Beckett and a return to form from Brad Penny, and the BoSox won't be caught.
Tampa - Last year was no fluke, but not enough with Boston in their division.
New York - More bucks, more losses. Girardi may not last the season. Pressure on Teixeira won't be pretty.
Toronto - Could have been vastly improved but for injuries to Marcum and McGowan.
Baltimore - By July, theHoundDawg may be their fourth starter.
Cleveland - Healthy Martinez, Hafner, and Pavano, and the Tribe is back.
Minnesota - Baker, Bonser and Neshek - too many injured pitchers.
Chicago - Would need BIG comebacks from too many to challenge.
Detroit - Best thing going is no more Sheffield, but pitching is too suspect
Kansas City - They seemed to be building on their young starters, but sending down Bannister and Hochevar while giving spots to Ramirez and Ponson are major steps backward.
Los Angeles - Second Best team in AL when healthy, and starting season with injuries to three starters should not effect division runaway.
Oakland - Much improved but too much depends on totally inexperienced starters.
Texas - As always, questionable pitching, but no longer the offensive machine of past few seasons.
Seattle - Ten more wins still means last place. Outfield was a disaster before Ichiro got sick.
Division series - Los Angeles over Tampa and Boston over Cleveland
Championship Series - Boston over Los Angeles
NL 2009
Los Angeles - Top-notch offense, defense, bullpen, but will go only as far as their starters will take them.
Arizona - Pretty much the same as with LA, but D'Backs have no Manny.
San Francisco - Reverse of division's top teams - starting pitching and lots of question marks. OF and catching are set, but that infield?
San Diego - Improved from last year, but young talent not ready to compete for top three spots.
Colorado - Not the power-laden team of the past, and questionable pitching depth, but biggest problem is no more Matt Holliday, plus Jeff Francis gone for the season.
Milwaukee - Outstanding offense and despite loss of Sabathia and Sheets, staff has good mix of savey, dependable vets and young talent.
St. Louis - Return of Chris Carpenter solidifies starters, but big voids in bullpen, and infield looks like Pujols and three guys from central casting. Glaus return from injury is always tenuous.
Chicago - No team depending on Milton Bradley and Rich Harden will ever win anything.
Houston - Only health, depth of starting staff keep then behind Cubs.
Cincinnati - Overrated pitching staff won't keep up with up-and-coming offense, plus too many questions in outfield.
Pittsburgh - Lots of young talent on the field, but lack of same on staff will keep them in cellar, unless Karstens and Ohlehdorf suddenly become major league pitchers.
Philadelphia - Improved pitching from start of season and except for Ibanez for Burrell, same team on field as last year's champs.
New York - Addition of great closer more than offset by signing of worst person in baseball, G. Sheffield.
Atlanta - Will go as far as totally revamped pitching will take them, plus rookie CF Jordan Schafer must be for real.
Florida - Health of returning starters, poor defense, big question marks at 3B and entire outfield, all point to disappointing season.
Washington - Addition of Adam Dunn not nearly enough.
Division series - Los Angeles over Milwaukee and Philadelphia over Arizona
Championship Series - Philadelphia over Los Angeles
Boston over Philadelphia in World Series
theHoundDawg
Numbers Game Means Goodbye to Some, Hello Again to Other Former Dodgers
03/23/09 14:55 Filed in: Baseball
The numbers game has apparently hit the 2009 Dodger
outfield hard, as it looks like Joe Torre will be
carrying only four outfielders to start the season.
Starters Manny Ramirez, Matt Kemp and Andre Ethier
will be joined by only one more outfielder, and that
will have to be the un-deserving but big-buck
contracted Juan Pierre. The more deserving and
eventual major league regular Delwyn Young is thus on
the way out, as is super-talented but injury-prone
Jason Repko.
All this because Torre feels he needs seven infielders. The inf now figures to include the four regulars, Casey Blake, Rafael Furcal, Orlando Hudson, and James Loney, plus free-agent pinch hitter, inf and of sub Mark Loretta, slick-flelding Doug Mientkiewicz, who can also play third and right field as well as first, and the return of middle infielder Juan Casto, who came up with the Dodgers seemingly decades ago. Thus, on the outs are Chin-lung Hu and last season's rookie sensation at third (and later second), Blake DeWitt.
The starting staff seems still in limbo, though the Dodger stay for Shawn Estes was short and un-sweet. Former Dodger Randy Wolf has solidified his spot in the rotation, and apparently Eric Milton has impressed Torre enough to still be in the running for a spot, though it seems that James McDonald now has the edge over the earlier front-runner Jason Schmidt, for the fifth rotation spot.
The Dodgers unloaded Andruw Jones. but they are sabotaging this year's roster by keeping big-contract under-producers like Pierre and Schmidt, causing talented players like Young, Repko, and others to find work elsewhere. With Manny's big contract and this off-season's acquisitions, the Dodgers look like they can go really far this season, and by signing Manny, Wolf, Hudson, and others, it seems like management was doing all it could for that end. They need to pull the plug on some other contracts if the players involved cannot contribute as much as others could, and put the best 25 in the dugout.
theHoundDawg
All this because Torre feels he needs seven infielders. The inf now figures to include the four regulars, Casey Blake, Rafael Furcal, Orlando Hudson, and James Loney, plus free-agent pinch hitter, inf and of sub Mark Loretta, slick-flelding Doug Mientkiewicz, who can also play third and right field as well as first, and the return of middle infielder Juan Casto, who came up with the Dodgers seemingly decades ago. Thus, on the outs are Chin-lung Hu and last season's rookie sensation at third (and later second), Blake DeWitt.
The starting staff seems still in limbo, though the Dodger stay for Shawn Estes was short and un-sweet. Former Dodger Randy Wolf has solidified his spot in the rotation, and apparently Eric Milton has impressed Torre enough to still be in the running for a spot, though it seems that James McDonald now has the edge over the earlier front-runner Jason Schmidt, for the fifth rotation spot.
The Dodgers unloaded Andruw Jones. but they are sabotaging this year's roster by keeping big-contract under-producers like Pierre and Schmidt, causing talented players like Young, Repko, and others to find work elsewhere. With Manny's big contract and this off-season's acquisitions, the Dodgers look like they can go really far this season, and by signing Manny, Wolf, Hudson, and others, it seems like management was doing all it could for that end. They need to pull the plug on some other contracts if the players involved cannot contribute as much as others could, and put the best 25 in the dugout.
theHoundDawg
Manny Is Signed - Let the Season Begin
03/04/09 19:46 Filed in: Baseball
| Well, it took an extra month from
when I said it should happen, but the deal is
done, and on the same basic terms as were on
the table then, and months earlier.
Months of aggravation for the fans, gamesmanship by Boras, and lounging by Manny. All just a ploy for Manny to avoid spring training? Can we enjoy spring training now? No, but the season looks a bit more promising. Rafeal Furcal Orlando Hudson Andre Ethier Manny Ramirez Matt Kemp James Loney Russell Martin Casey Blake Not too bad a lineup. The bench as well looks powerful, with Mark Loretta, Blake DeWitt, Juan Pierre, Brad Ausmus, Jason Repko, and Delwyn Young. Now about that starting staff ......... |
Manny Ramirez Dodger T-Shirt $21.95 |
theHoundDawg
We Should Be Enjoying Spring Training - Why Not?
03/01/09 15:54 Filed in: Baseball
We should be enjoying spring training -
seeing the prospects play above their heads, visions
of "This Year" in our heads, the thought of Opening
Day!
But we are not; at least, I'm not.
What am I thinking about?
The hole in left field and in the batting order, that may only be filled by paying out as much as $55 million over the next two years to the spawn of Scott Boras. The stigma of steroids that has totally eveloped baseball. Jim Bowden's resignation in light of allegations of skimming of bonus money from third world prospects. The scumstripes new rotation. The Dodgers no longer in Vero Beach. The Brad Penny-Larry Bowa he-said-he-said absurdity.
Some things are, however, as they normally are: Andruw Jones struck out in eight of his first nine abs with Texas and Milton Bradley is injured.
Somehow, that's just not enough to make it good.
theHoundDawg
But we are not; at least, I'm not.
What am I thinking about?
The hole in left field and in the batting order, that may only be filled by paying out as much as $55 million over the next two years to the spawn of Scott Boras. The stigma of steroids that has totally eveloped baseball. Jim Bowden's resignation in light of allegations of skimming of bonus money from third world prospects. The scumstripes new rotation. The Dodgers no longer in Vero Beach. The Brad Penny-Larry Bowa he-said-he-said absurdity.
Some things are, however, as they normally are: Andruw Jones struck out in eight of his first nine abs with Texas and Milton Bradley is injured.
Somehow, that's just not enough to make it good.
theHoundDawg
Dodger Starting Staff Ages Quickly
02/12/09 08:53 Filed in: Baseball
I've written a few posts this off-season about the
makeup of the Dodgers' starting staff, basically
referring to the lack of experience and depth. In the
past week, Ned has gone the other extreme, signing
every out-of-work cast-off he could find.
This characterization does not include Randy Wolf, who is a capable starter, and should fit well as the number four or five starter. His one prior year with the Dodgers started well, but ended early due to injury, but given his effectiveness and history, I felt then he should have been re-signed despite his missing half of that 2007 season. He was decent last year with a bad Padre team, and then went 6-2 down the stretch with Houston.
The same cannot be said for the other two out-of-work re-treads signed this week, neither of whom saw the majors last year - Jeff Weaver and Eric Milton. Milton was 0-4 with a 5.17 ERA in Triple-A last year, and Weaver, who went 7-13 with a 6.20 ERA with Seattle in 2007, sat out last season altogether. The chances of either making the team and contributing are below minimal, but the cost is low, and who knows, it might be worth the gamble.
Meanwhile, there appears to be no progress with Manny, and Adam Dunn is off the boards.
theHoundDawg
This characterization does not include Randy Wolf, who is a capable starter, and should fit well as the number four or five starter. His one prior year with the Dodgers started well, but ended early due to injury, but given his effectiveness and history, I felt then he should have been re-signed despite his missing half of that 2007 season. He was decent last year with a bad Padre team, and then went 6-2 down the stretch with Houston.
The same cannot be said for the other two out-of-work re-treads signed this week, neither of whom saw the majors last year - Jeff Weaver and Eric Milton. Milton was 0-4 with a 5.17 ERA in Triple-A last year, and Weaver, who went 7-13 with a 6.20 ERA with Seattle in 2007, sat out last season altogether. The chances of either making the team and contributing are below minimal, but the cost is low, and who knows, it might be worth the gamble.
Meanwhile, there appears to be no progress with Manny, and Adam Dunn is off the boards.
theHoundDawg
Manny, Now IS the Time to Get It Done
02/04/09 12:52 Filed in: Baseball
Now is the time for Boras and the Dodgers to get
together and get this done. It seems after Boras
rejected the Dodgers' one year - $25 M offer, that
their original offer of around $45 M for two years is
about to be put back on the table, and would look
much more attractive to the agent, after months of
hype, but no actual offers from other teams. Boras
needs to stop dreaming, look at reality, and get a
deal done now.
If not, then maybe the Dodgers do need to look elsewhere. Adam Dunn looks pretty good from here.
theHoundDawg
If not, then maybe the Dodgers do need to look elsewhere. Adam Dunn looks pretty good from here.
theHoundDawg
What's Up With Dodgers' Staff?
11/06/08 08:46 Filed in: Baseball
It looks like the Dodgers are taking the initiative
and making an offer to Manny, but what is up with the
Dodgers' starting staff? What does Ned Colleti have
in the works?
With Derek Lowe a free agent and little being heard about re-signing him, and now with Brad Penny gone, is this the Dodger's starting staff:
Chad Billingsley - Major League Starts: 68
Hiroki Kuroda - Major League Starts: 31
Clayton Kershaw - Major League Starts: 21
James McDonald - Major League Starts: 0
??
theHoundDawg
With Derek Lowe a free agent and little being heard about re-signing him, and now with Brad Penny gone, is this the Dodger's starting staff:
Chad Billingsley - Major League Starts: 68
Hiroki Kuroda - Major League Starts: 31
Clayton Kershaw - Major League Starts: 21
James McDonald - Major League Starts: 0
??
theHoundDawg
Manny and the Dodgers
10/16/08 21:16 Filed in: Baseball
The Dodgers have to sign Manny, whatever the cost.
Pre-Manny, they were a moribund team, underachieving, fighting a slew of injuries, aging veterans competing with great but raw young talent, and a frustrated Joe Torre. The under .500 second place Dodgers were playing before unenthusiastic but hopeful fans.
Then Ned Colleti saved his job by trading for Manny.
They need to rid themselves of the albatross
that was Andruw Jones, the contract of the
never-to-be-seen Jason Schmidt, the worst throwing
arm in baseball in Juan Pierre, the attitude of Jeff
Kent, and, unfortunately, the walking hospital ward,
and no longer defensively adequate, Nomar.
They need to keep, along with Manny, the other guy that played so well once he came on board, Casey Blake, and Rafeal Furcal. Unless they pull off another coup and sign C.C. Sabathia, and maybe even if they do sign him, they also need Derek Lowe back. The success of the pitching staff, however, depends on the health of Takashi Saito, and Brad Penny. A healthy Saito means a great bullpen, a questionable Saito means question marks, and dependence on a yet unreliable and inconsistent Jonathan Broxton. A healthy Brad Penny means a stalwart to grind out innings, win games, and maybe even re-establish himself as the ace of the staff.
theHoundDawg
Pre-Manny, they were a moribund team, underachieving, fighting a slew of injuries, aging veterans competing with great but raw young talent, and a frustrated Joe Torre. The under .500 second place Dodgers were playing before unenthusiastic but hopeful fans.
Then Ned Colleti saved his job by trading for Manny.
|
Manny Ramirez Dodger T-Shirt $21.95 |
With that move, following the trade for Casey Blake, the Dodgers were a different team. It was more than the home runs, more than the clutch hitting, more than the excitement, it was a new attitude, not seen in LA in years. The team, and the fans, came together, and the whole was greater than the parts. For more than a month, the Dodgers were the best team in baseball. They played that way through the Division Series against the Cubs, but it didn't last, and a solid Phillies team is champion of the National League. They can continue that compassion, that excitement, and be that team for the whole of next season, if Manny returns. With him, the continued development of Matt Kemp, Russell Martin, James Loney, Andre Either, Blake DeWitt, Chad Billingsley, with a healthy bullpen, led by Takashi Saito and Jonathan Broxton, and no more Andruw Joneses, this team can jump that final hurdle and be play until the final out of the season. |
They need to keep, along with Manny, the other guy that played so well once he came on board, Casey Blake, and Rafeal Furcal. Unless they pull off another coup and sign C.C. Sabathia, and maybe even if they do sign him, they also need Derek Lowe back. The success of the pitching staff, however, depends on the health of Takashi Saito, and Brad Penny. A healthy Saito means a great bullpen, a questionable Saito means question marks, and dependence on a yet unreliable and inconsistent Jonathan Broxton. A healthy Brad Penny means a stalwart to grind out innings, win games, and maybe even re-establish himself as the ace of the staff.
theHoundDawg