Extra! Extra! (8.26)

Sorry for the delay. Some issues surfaced creating an unavoidably late post time. Although really, isn't a little fitting for the news of last night's 9-7 loss to the D-Backs to come behind schedule, considering the game itself took it's sweet time to end? It took 15 innings for Orlando Hudson to finally put the game on ice with a walk-off jack. One expects the Dodgers have spent the equivalent 5 hours, six minutes (and then some) stewing in the visions of what might have been. Wasted opportunities, such as the multi-homer effort by J.D. Drew. Russell Martin's shot went by way of the scrap heap as well. Takashi Saito's blown save (Jonathon Broxton also had one of this own) was largely the result of a bad exchange between Wilson Betemit and Nomar Garciaparra. Thus, it's only fitting that Aaron Sele would worm his way out of 13th and 14th inning jams, just to see the "L" next to his name in the box score.

It was very subtle, so you might have missed it. But there was apparently some discord on the field during Wednesday's Pads-Dodgers contest. And there still hasn't been word on what punishment, if any, will be levied against the offenders in question (Brad Penny, Julio Lugo and Grady Little). Penny in particular has garnered headlines for this outburst (and others) and says he's working on keeping his emotions in check.

Tonight's game: The Dodgers look to widen their NL West lead by sending Derek Lowe against Miguel Batitsta. Lowe has been poetry in motion on the mound during a very strong August. As a bard/writer who's always on the road, Batista is by definition poetry in motion. But his pitching's been pretty good lately, too.

Comments

[MattC]

I have a terrible feeling about the next two games after last night's. I wouldn't be surprised if we lose the next two, and would be happy if we're able to salvage even one. M. Batista can't seem to pitch well against anyone else but my recollection is that he has at least two wins against the Dodgers this year and in games in which the Blue Crew looked overmatched.

Then tomorrow we go with either the Chadster or the great savior of the starting rotation from Tampa known as Mark "Timberrrr" Hendrickson. In either case not a great match-up against Livan Hernandez who allowed only 3 runs to the Dodgers over 7 innings in his start earlier this year when still with the Nats.

Couple these facts with the clear streaky nature that is the Dodgers, and it just doesn't look good for them to get back home with even 1 more win on this road trip. I hope I am wrong, but I got the same bad feeling after the Boys in Blue dropped the opener in SD against their last minute, fill-in starter from AAA!!

[MTI]

"Noticed Tim "Cy Young" Stauffer of the Padres was sent to the minors after throttling the Dodgers. He gave up 4 runs in the first inning against the 51s in his start last night.
"

I still think the Pads threw a curveball at the Dodgers, pun intended, by inserting Cy Young in the lineup tha last minute. The Dodgers came in that game thinking they are facing Chan Ho.

[Andy B]

The D'backs deserved to win that game. They should have won it in 9 innings (if they could run the bases) and saved everyone a long night.
The Dodger pitchers did what they could to keep them in the game but they just couldn't hold them when they had to. And the Dodger hitters just kept the pressure on our pitchers.
I hate it when the other team does what the dodgers can't... come from behind and win.

This is a weird team. If they get in the post season they'll either get swept or go on a string of wins until they win the series.

[Tony]

dodgerstalk.com to further discuss todays action

[Dodgerdog]

Jim, in the previous topic, mentioned that in 2004 the Dodgers had a superior defense. That was the infield anchored by Izturis and Cora who must have saved a gazillion runs with their gloves. That team did not have a dominant pitcher-featured Lowe, Lima Time and, of course, Gagne. It greatly needed that solid defense, and was a winner.

This year's squad hits better, though not necessarily efficiently. Pitching is somewhat the same, but the defense is very shaky (3 unearned runs last night).

Lowe, in particular, requires defensive strength being a ground ball pitcher. I'm with Matt C. I see trouble. The Dodgers turn Poet Batista into another Cy Young and Livan Hernandez, despite not having much, gives them trouble.

We've already gotten the most we can expect from Drew. Nomar and Kent haven't really done great things since coming off the DL--obviously still hurting.

Please, not another 1-13.

[LoLo]

CRAP!!!

If the Dodgers lose this game and Lowe loses time due to his apparent broken wrist, I am offically hitting the panic button.

[Dodgerdog]

Of all the luck! Good win, but Lowe's status makes this scary. Very expensive game, considering the previous night's game and having to use nearly the whole pitching staff and then having to do it again tonight due to the injury.

Thank goodness someone (Ned?) had the good sense to make a quick personnel move by sending Gio down and bringing Hamulack back. Gio couldn't have pitched tonight, nor could Sele. Would have been one pitcher short. As it was, had to stretch Tomko beyond his usual one inning.

If Lowe isn't too bad, the off-day Thursday will help. Maybe he can return Friday, kind of in his regular routine.

Sunday, we need Billingsley to give us innings. 'Pen is pretty spent, unless Ned pulls another fast one and brings up another pitcher. We'll need a good outing, because next up is Timberrr and I don't have much faith there.

[MattC]

Well, thanks to Kent (finally), poor defense by the D'Backs (the play by Counsel throwing to 2nd instead of 1st to get Lowe) and base running (the failure by O. Hudson to tag on Gonzales' 400' fly to center and then thrown out trying to steal 3rd), my prediction of a loss tonight was barely averted!!

Thanks D'Backs! (But, again, the Dodgers made Batistia look like Ferguson Jenkins in his prime!)

[Brian Kamenetzky]

MattC-

That's what Batista does. He's their daddy. As for Lowe, if his only problem is a bad thumb on the glove hand, he probably won't be out too long. But how will he hit? I'd hate to see that .097 BA drop too far. Dude's been on a tear lately.

BK