Extra! Extra! (5.29)

It's only fitting that we pay tribute to our fallen soldiers today, because Sunday in Washington, the boys from L.A. got killed in battle. In falling 10-4 to the Nationals, the Dodgers lost their first series in what feels like about 30 years (though it's only been since May 4).

Grady Little was pretty blunt about the fact that Jae Seo's start put the team behind the eight-ball pretty early. Unless you consider a six-run deficit after three innings no biggie, it's hard to accuse the skip of throwing his man under the bus. Given that Seo's been all over the place lately, Sunday's collapse was enough to threaten his spot in the rotation (with fellow doghouse member Odalis Perez the likeliest candidate to take his spot). And as anybody who's been within earshot of O-Dog will tell you, he'd take that pen parole in a heartbeat.

The Dodgers did their best to escape the hole Seo dug them, rallying for three runs in the sixth and presenting a bases loaded situation in a one-run eighth inning (Russell Martin unfortunately answered the call with a ground out). As one would imagine, not the prettiest of box scores.

Many folks watching the game were probably thinking, "Who the hell is that dude in center field?" But they shouldn't beat themselves up for being ignorant fans. They just didn't recognize the face of Matt Kemp, making the jump from AA Jacksonville. The call to the bigs took Kemp and Kemp's parents by surprise (although the demoted Lance Carter probably saw things coming). But given the dinged up state of Dodger outfielding, new blood is required to mind the store, especially a shopkeeper who can play all three spots. What's another kid on this roster, you know? Kemp's versatility doesn't cancel out his inexperience and lack of track record, which is why Ned Colletti remains open to the idea of bringing in an established outfielder via trade.

Today's Game: FSW2, 10:05 a.m.

A three-game series against Atlanta kicks off with Brad Penny facing John Thomson. Both teams have been hot as of late, but when it comes to the hurlers, Penny's been the bigger stud. Even though his back sometimes nags him, Penny's been making life pretty miserable for opposing batsmen. Thomson's been a little more vulnerable.

Comments

[RobertCJParry]

Here's a clue: I sent eight friends home from Baghdad in boxes last year. They got killed in battle. The Dodgers merely embarrassed themselves, much as you have with such a hollow, immature and ignorant lede. I hope your blog goes the way of Hiltzik's.