On June 12 in Arizona, the Dodgers put out a lineup with Nick Punto at shortstop and an outfield of Jerry Hairston Jr., Andre Ethier and Alex Castellanos (who went 2 for 3, by the way). That was the last time the Dodgers entered a game without starting Hanley Ramirez or Yasiel Puig — until today.
Off the bench, Puig singled and scored the Dodgers’ second run in the bottom of the 12th inning of that June 12 game, but Los Angeles still lost, 8-6. Since that time, they are 54-18, including an unfathomable .800 stretch of 52-13.
Speaking of days off: J.P. Howell hasn’t pitched in a game since August 24 and has faced two batters, throwing 11 pitches, in the past two weeks.
TAFKA_Gagne55
Go Blue!
KT
No It’s
Go BLUE!!!!
Jon Weisman
I feel a disturbance in the force …
KT
With this lineup and tomorrow’s pitching match up…we might hit a little bump in the road
btimmer
Edinson Volquez told Ken Gurnick that he was tipping his pitches and he’s going to fix that. I was betting on “mechanical flaw.”
WBBsAs
So he’s not a robot?
dalegribel
Goodness knows teams want to build leads like this in order to give some starters time off down the stretch. Wouldn’t be surprised to see both these guys, plus AGon, AJ, Ethier, and Crawford see significant time off. I also won’t be too concerned if Kershaw, Greinke, and Ryu miss a start or two.
And though I suppose under-used relievers are a good thing and I miss JP, I miss Kemp more.
Bumsrap
If players are going to get a rest I guess that gives more opportunities for bench players to get sharper but just the same, I would like to see Pederson called up and play some.
Bob_Hendley
Hard for me to imagine that pitchers would skip a turn. I would guess that they might add a day between starts a couple of times and reduce their pitch counts.
dalegribel
Although I was far from clear, that’s what I meant. I could see a whole start skipped for Ryu based on innings, but probably not Kershaw or Greinke.
TAFKA_Gagne55
I think this is a planned off day for Jensen as well. 18, 14, and 19 pitches the last three days.
Jon Weisman
No doubt.
John_from_Aus
I’m surprised (but pleased) he pitched yesterday
scooplew
Well, my journey to Dodger Stadium Sunday with my 92-year-old mother was a smashing success. Thanks to a friend in the Dodgers front office, I was able to buy tickets that did not require us to walk down even one row. The seats were also in the shade, important on a day when the temperatures were in the 80s. I had purchased a parking spot in the “D” lot, which adjoins the loge entrance. We walked slowly into the stadium, arriving in more than sufficient time. The game was great, as you all know. Greinke was at the top of his game, Puig hit the game-winning home run, and we each had a Dodger Dog. When my mother was a teen-ager in Brooklyn during the 1930s — she emigrated from Romania when she was 10 — she worked across the street from Ebbets Field, which meant a very short distance to the ballpark. That is how she saw her first games and fell in love with the Dodgers. Thanks to all of you who sent good wishes. I think they played a great role in the success of the day. My wife and I drove back home to the Monterey Peninsula yesterday,
Jon Weisman
That’s wonderful – so happy to hear things went well and especially relieved about the shade!
KT
Glad you had a great time and everything went smoothly
RBI
So pleased for your Mom, and you!
Bob_in_Vegas
I know you wanted to see Kersh and I’m sure the results would not have been the same had he pitched at home, but you saw a great game by the ace-on-any-other-team.
Happy for you for the experience and the memory . . . thanks for sharing with us!
John_from_Aus
Mets have just taken a lead over the Braves
Jack Dawkins
Michael Young knows his baseball cliches.
ASW1
Michael Young could be to Yasiel Puig as Crash Davis was to Nuke LaLoosh!
John_from_Aus
I would love to pretend I know who those people are………. but nevermind :)
ASW1
If you’ve never seen Bull Durham, I highly recommend it – it’s one of the best baseball movies ever.
John_from_Aus
I think i saw bits of it many years ago, I’ll take your advice!
ASW1
I really liked Eight Men Out about the Chicago Black Sox because of the time period. Field of Dreams and For Love of the Game were both good. I thought The Natural was just OK – but Bull Durham is a true classic.
Have not seen Moneyball yet. Anyone see it? Any good?
Bob_in_Vegas
Never thought I would root for the A’s, but I did in that movie! Once you see it — and it IS good! — watch “Trouble With the Curve” for the opposition’s response. :)
ASW1
Will do – haven’t seen Either yet and looking forward to both.
Jeffrey Thomas III
Moneyball is great. And I’m with you, Bull Durham is my favorite baseball movie of all time.
Jack Dawkins
The center field camera feels like it is center in name only. Id call it more of a power alley cam. Hard to judge pitches from this angle.
KT
good start CC & Nicky
John_from_Aus
similar start to yesterday, but lets get more than 1 run
Bob_in_Vegas
worse!
John_from_Aus
Ok, i’ll take it back, i’m happy with 1!
Bob_in_Vegas
who’dve thunk we would long for an inning as effective as yesterday’s 1st!
John_from_Aus
Arg, the old debate, whether to swing at a 3-0 pitch
Bob_in_Vegas
A K and DP . . . take a deep breath, Young!
Jeffrey Thomas III
Well Adrian didn’t do much more to be fair.
Bob_in_Vegas
I meant his first two at-bats for the Dodgers.
Jeffrey Thomas III
I know. And Adrian’s first bat as a Dodger? That home run we will not all soon forget.
John_from_Aus
That seems like years and years ago, I remember it well, just as clearly as my first ever at bat in baseball (I got plunked in the middle of the back) (I didn’t do a Quentin though)
John_from_Aus
patience everyone, both players and bloggers
Bob_in_Vegas
RicKy!
Bob_in_Vegas
Andre!
Bob_in_Vegas
Break it open! . . . at least one, please?
ASW1
There ya go!
Jeffrey Thomas III
Got one!
Jeffrey Thomas III
Make it three!
Bob_in_Vegas
All three outfielders heard Matt’s getting ready to try to find a spot!
ASW1
Carl’s got it goin’ on right now – great to see.
KT
Nicky!
KT
Nice start…need to keep the pressure on
Bob_in_Vegas
I don’t think anyone can be accused of “piling it on” at Coors.
KT
Nice quick inning
Bob_in_Vegas
to whomever voted “down” — KT was referring to Ricky getting the Rox out quickly
KT
probably this guy who has been trolling me at MSTI…I’ve been ignoring him out of courtesy to the thread
John_from_Aus
It’s a shame it doesn’t identify you like the ‘up’ votes do
KT
I think it does if you sign in….doesn’t matter anyway…I really don’t care about up or down votes…I use it to let someone know I like their comment but have nothing to add
John_from_Aus
like so :)
Bob_in_Vegas
This is me adding that I was the one who gave that “up” vote . . . all right, I’m messing around when I should be working! But that’s how I use it . . . I don’t think I’ve ever given a “down” vote . . . I’ve either expressed my opinion or let it go.
Jeffrey Thomas III
In the past if I was commenting from my phone I have accidentally clicked the down vote button. Dang touch screens.
John_from_Aus
I assume if you click it again it takes it off, I know it does for the like button
ASW1
Yep – I just tried it
Jeffrey Thomas III
True.
Jeffrey Thomas III
Nice try Ricky, just go back to dominating the mound.
Bob_in_Vegas
With Zack and Kersh setting the bar, you know we’re dealing with great expectations when we’re disappointed after a pitcher fails at the plate!
(In a Dickensian streak we visited many moon ago, this year started with great expectations, turned into “Bleak House,” and is now “A Tale of Two Seasons.”
John_from_Aus
Our pitching lately is certainly ‘no thoroughfare’
KT
Adrian looking at MEllis like why did you take my ball
ASW1
That was comical.
ASW1
Nolasco is a freaking stud – what a great pickup by Ned.
Bob_in_Vegas
PLEASANTLY surprised!
Has Ricky credited Honeycutt?
KT
CC! and Nicky!
Bob_in_Vegas
The Bostonians! — c;mon, AGon!
KT
got a Sac out of him
Bob_in_Vegas
I just heard the sac fly — which sounded much more like CC’s speed more than AGon’s hit.
John_from_Aus
lucky the roles weren’t reversed!
KT
that and a bad throw
Jeffrey Thomas III
Ok I concede, Young has not had a great Dodger start. Though I understand starting him with Uribe’s numbers against Chacin. My question would be why hit him fourth?
KT
pressing?
WBBsAs
Not very good any more?
Jeffrey Thomas III
Sure. And I’m sure he’ll have some nice contributions at some point.
Bob_in_Vegas
I hope Mo talking about Young wanting to join the fun and perhaps pressing isn’t prescient about Matt’s return.
John_from_Aus
Hopefully with the 4 run lead, it won’t matter what Young does today
ASW1
Looked like Helton might have been out on his 2500th hit but the ump let it slide.
ASW1
Schumaker’s arm a far cry from Puig’s.
Bob_Hendley
Ricky had 20 scoreless innings under his belt.
KT
ok…Let’s get that one back and Moar
btimmer
OK. Toronto up 4-0 on Arizona.
John_from_Aus
bad news is quiet news
KT
could be down to 12 magic number with the BJ’s leading now 5-0
KT
DP Time
KT
Stand down from DP Time
KT
Gonzo Speed
Spence
Ricky Nolasco’s going to get a huge contract if he keeps this run up
John_from_Aus
I hope 4 is enough, as I am worried that it does not look like we are going to add to it anytime soon
KT
sure have the faith or as someone posted on MSTI:
http://i.imgur.com/Q4JT2qF.jpg
If you don’t get the reference I’ll explain
Bob_in_Vegas
I’ve been quoting that to my own “Moriarty” on one committee I’m on . . . LOVE “Kelly’s Heroes”!
KT
I loved oddball
Bob_in_Vegas
The George Clooney Iraqi movie “Three Kings” started out like “Kelly’s Heroes,” then gained a conscience. It’s about time I see that one again as well.
KT
I liked that one also
John_from_Aus
Ok, how about we score 5 this at bat and win running away :)
KT
did you get the reference?
John_from_Aus
No I didn’t, sorry
KT
From the Movie Kelly’s Heroes a comedy set in WW II starring Clint Eastwood…good movie
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0065938/
Bob_Hendley
Hard to imagine 4 being enough at Coors.
Jeffrey Thomas III
Nice to see ya Howell!
Bob_in_Vegas
Okay, full disclosure since I claimed some favorable cause-effect relationship before: I just came back from taking my dog to the park. Not only did the Dodgers NOT score, but they were scored upon — twice.
Bob_Hendley
Get a new dog!
Bob_in_Vegas
You’re barking up the wrong tree! If anyone’s to blame, I’ll take it.
However, I just thought of something else that was different. Let’s just say that I didn’t need to use any of the bags I brought along.
Jeffrey Thomas III
You and your dog have failed us Bob.
KT
It’s coors…disregard all know lucky charms
Bob_in_Vegas
I’ll take that clause and keep the dog.
John_from_Aus
I could take my kangaroo for a walk instead
Bob_in_Vegas
Hop to it!
John_from_Aus
I don’t really have a pet one, they just hang around in the field behind my house
Jeffrey Thomas III
Nice to see Fed getting hits, he looked hopeless on saturday.
Bob_in_Vegas
Since I only have audio, I’m surprised that MEllis didn’t score, since he should’ve been running with two outs.
Bob_Hendley
Cargo out there patrolling LF.
Bob_in_Vegas
“Cargo, ergo don’t run” ???
Bob_Hendley
Ellis you wanna get thrown out.
Bob_in_Vegas
Not giving in to those negative waves, but at least Ricky can’t get tagged if things really turn south up north.
KT
NICE!!!!
Bob_Hendley
DP! And KT didn’t even have to ask.
KT
coors reversal
Bob_in_Vegas
Cool — something to look forward to . . . actually, just heard it now!
Bob_in_Vegas
How does that go . . . Let’s get some moar!
Jeffrey Thomas III
Well I’m not sure Kenley gets the day off unless they tack on a few more.
Bob_Hendley
Lack of oxygen getting to Charlie and Rick.
KT
Nicky 4-5
Bob_Hendley
The Bearded One for the save?
Bob_in_Vegas
wouldn’t it be nice? (him getting it)
KT
I think you bring him in
Bob_in_Vegas
I think the relievers’ confidence need a rehab assignment after Coors.
Jeffrey Thomas III
Unfortunately they go to Cincinnati.
Bob_in_Vegas
C’mon, Andre!
KT
moving on up
Come on Dre make it 2-14
Bob_in_Vegas
We want League! (because the lead is big enough!)
Bob_in_Vegas
YES!
Jeffrey Thomas III
HA!
KT
LOL
Bob_in_Vegas
Nice to be on the other side of the laughs!
Jeffrey Thomas III
Now bring in Wilson, Marmol, heck even League.
Linkmeister
What exactly happened with Mellis?
KT
long fly ball…catchable but the LF’er played it like Puig (nonchalantly) and he dropped it for 3 runs and a 2 base error
RBI
Long but very catchable fly ball. Culbertson (?) slowed down and it tipped off his glove.
Linkmeister
Thanks!
RBI
Man, I’m glad we’re up by 4.
RBI
C’mon, Belli!
bluespop
Don’t know if anyone has commented on this before, but why let a catcher(Rosario) advance on defensive indifference. Should be a fairly easy out.
twaseverthus
So let’s get this straight:
1. Walt Weiss replaces his starting LF with Carlos Gonzalez, who proceeds to, in his only inning in the game, make a run-saving play.
2. Said defensive replacement is pinch-hit for in the bottom of the inning by a .216-hitting 2B. He hits a HR. Walt Weiss looks like a genius.
3. However, that was only 8th inning, so the Rockies are now forced to play their third-string LF, a converted 2B whom they traded Marco Scutaro for. Mark Ellis hits a bases-loaded fly to deep left center, the third-string LF drops it, and 3 runs score.
KT
Cargo finger still bothering him to hit a little
RBI
Baseball!
KT
Ball Game Dodgers Win!!!! 28 games over .500, Magic Number is 13!!!!
won 24 of last 27 on the road (.889) best road record in MLB 40-27
won 26 of last 32 gms (.812) in August/Sept., 36-8 since ASB (.818)
53-13 since 6/22 (.803), 60-23 since Puig (.723)
12.5 gms ahead of the Dbags, 2nd largest lead by a division leader
Dodgers 2 games back of the Barves for MLB’s best record
Last 22 series 17-1-4, going for series sweep tomorrow
http://i.imgur.com/AMbO5zV.jpg
KT
Run differential for the Dodgers:
302-173 since 6/22
105 – 72 6/22 – ASB
206 – 105 second half
KT
Dodgers are in 2nd place in the NL standings.
2 games behind the Barves….We got this…Go BLUE!!!!
http://imgur.com/O3LYcVJ
Jeffrey Thomas III
Hoping for the best from Volquez tomorrow.
KT
Los Angeles Dodgers @Dodgers2m
3-0 in September. Six straight. 36-8 since the All-Star break. 53-13 since June 22. #Dodgers
KT
Dodgers PR @DodgersPR6m
First career save for Chris Withrow. #Dodgers
ASW1
Where have all the Ned and Donnie haters gone?
Hilarious how they’ve been rendered speechless.
WBBsAs
I continue to be skeptical of both.
Bob_in_Vegas
Nice to see a win without Hanley or Puig! Bet they’re both itching to get back on the field.
KT
Los Angeles Dodgers @Dodgers2m
RECAP: @CarlCrawford_ goes 3-for-5 with 2 RBIs in 7-4 win over Rockies: http://atmlb.com/15rMGEP pic.twitter.com/hZI1pCRTGV
KT
From MSTI:
Off The Wall 79 just now
http://i.imgur.com/GvJNWbX.png
KT
Looks like the Gnats are going to be down to 3
http://i.imgur.com/cG15gmW.jpg
ASW1
Nolasco as a Dodger : 10 starts, 6-1, 2.20 ERA, 163 ERA+, 1.060 WHIP
Came across this article from June 25 before picking him up – fun read now that we know what we know….
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1684576-giants-must-beat-nl-west-rival-dodgers-in-ricky-nolasco-trade-sweepstakes
KT
yea it was a good read
KT
Eric Stephen @truebluela
Since 1st All-Star Game in 1933, best MLB 2nd half record was 1954 Indians, 55-16 (.775). Dodgers (36-8) need to finish 17-7 (.708) to top
KT
Gnats down to 3
Jon Weisman
Chris Withrow became the fifth Dodgers pitcher to get a save this season. In 2011, seven Dodgers got saves – can you name them?
KT
posted on MSTI and the names they came up with are kuo, brox, kj, macdougal, guerra, and then two question marks of guerrier and Eovaldi
KT
I can’t even remember the 2011 team
Jon Weisman
Seven Dodgers with saves in 2011: Guerra (21), Broxton (7), Jansen (5), Padilla (3), Elbert (2), Guerrier (1), MacDougal (1).
Jon Weisman
Seven Dodgers had saves in 1988 regular season: Howell (21), Pena (12), Orosco (9), Belcher (4), Holton (1), Hershiser (1), Valenzuela (1).
Jon Weisman
Valenzuela had a four-inning save in 2-1 Dodgers victory over Giants on 10/1/88.
Jon Weisman
Nine (!) Dodgers had saves in 1987: Pena, Young, Crews, Holton, Hershiser, Leary, Howell, Havens, Niedenfuer.
Jon Weisman
The last year the Dodgers had more complete games than saves was 1986. 35 CG (Fernando had 20) vs. 25 saves.
Linkmeister
20 CG. That’s astonishing, particularly when it’s 18 years after The Year of the Pitcher, when Gibson had 28. 28! Just to prove it wasn’t a fluke, he had 28 CG again in ’69.
KT
Night All
John_from_Aus
I used to love watching Mr Ed, but I never saw the episode featuring the Dodgers before!
http://wapc.mlb.com/cutfour/2013/09/03/59410272/sandy-koufax-once-allowed-a-homer-to-mister-ed-on-tv
KT
I remember see that as a new episode on TV
KT
Grant is such a good writer especially when his team is losing:
Entertaining Read
http://www.mccoveychronicles.com/2013/9/3/4692884/giants-padres-recap
KT
Kevin Kennedy @KevinKennedyMLB8h
For 40% of a Mlb season Dodgers have played .800 baseball most incredible run I have ever seen..glad to be covering them everyday..congrats!
Jon Weisman
NPUT