As of this writing the L.A. Dodgers are 65-67. This is not all because they have pitching problems. While it's true they do have major question marks with their rotation and the bullpen and also do not have a "closer," their biggest concern should be their anemic line-up. Currently they do have pieces missing, such as Andruw " batting .161" Jones and Rafael "can't stay healthy" Furcal." Of course, everyone expected the Dodgers to instantly become a better team offensively with the arrival of Manny Ramirez, but things don't always fall into place as we would like. Even though Manny has done his part, the Dodgers would probably be 7 or 8 games out without him. Since Mannys arrival the team is 11-13 and that includes the 4 game sweep by the Phillies and last nights loss to the Nationals.
You can't really blame Torre and his staff too much for this downward spiral. As I watch the Dodger games, I see that they do not do the little things to score runs. I see no bunting to get a runner in scoring position. I know some will say "you can't ask Ramirez, Kemp, Loney...etc to bunt." I say, "why not." The bottom line is scoring runs and everyone on the team should learn to do it properly, not just the pitcher. I constantly see hitters swinging at the first pitch. Make the pitchers throw as many pitches as possible.
Here's an example of why the Dodgers (players) need to get their offense in gear, or they will once again be on the outside looking in. In last nights game the Dodgers hit into 4 double plays. Twice they had bases loaded with 0 outs and managed to score 1 run on a sacrifice fly. In their last 5 games they have scored 6 runs while their opponents collectively scored 29. That is not going to get the job done. Ask Derek Lowe how he feels after pitching a complete game and getting the loss, because his teammates gave him 1 run support.
Solution: Performance! Talk is cheap and having close door meetings is not going to get the job done. If that was true teams would have meetings everyday. They need to start hitting in a timely manner, which means when runners are in scoring position. Ten hits will mean nothing if you're not scoring runs. Also in the off-season they definitely need to upgrade their bench. Currently they have the likes of Sweeney .143, Berroa .220, Ardoin .235....etc, not won't be the job done.
Okay, let hear all your opinions, I know you have them. Thanks!
Damaris Lewis
Irina Shayk
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College Superfans
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Great blog, a lot of insight. It's looking pretty bleak for LA.
dudeman is gone.
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The Dodgers suck Sandy and I am saying that as a fan.
We need to rebuild next year by jettisoning old guys who have got us nowhere(Pierre, Blake, Kent, Furcal).
If we had replaced players at the pitching position instead of fill-in guys on the offensive roster, maybe we could win games like the Dodgers used to do in the glory days: 2-1.
Great blog and I appreciate you as a fellow female Dodger fan.
Cassidy's House:…
Whatsittoya, NO
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Thanks for the kind words, Privilege.
You are right the suck, but I still hope they can get it going. Last year they were good leading into Sept and fell flat. Maybe this year the will end Aug flat and then go 25-5 in Sept.
Foxy's Back
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Hey, at least Colin Balester kept ManRam from smacking one out of Nationals Park last night. Of course, we couldn't get him OUT, either...
Now me, I try to keep a sense of humor when it comes to the Nats' futility. Notice I said TRY, mind you...lol
Let's see, the Dodgers are...what, 3 games back of Arizona?? Looks like the Nats can play spoiler for a LOT of teams these next 4 or so weeks (like we ruined the Mets' season last year...oh, joy!!!).
DC Sports Nut: Nats,…
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Hey, at least Colin Balester kept ManRam from smacking one out of Nationals Park last night. Of course, we couldn't get him OUT, either...
Now me, I try to keep a sense of humor when it comes to the Nats' futility. Notice I said TRY, mind you...lol
Let's see, the Dodgers are...what, 3 games back of Arizona?? Looks like the Nats can play spoiler for a LOT of teams these next 4 or so weeks (like we ruined the Mets' season last year...oh, joy!!!).
DC Sports Nut: Art's in!!! | 08/27/08, 05:28 PM
Sucks to be DC. Waiting for HIS team to be a SPOILER since every year of their existence. Time to change teams cuz their was no DC MLB team for forever? Go back to your original team DC and stop suffering heartburn from April to October every year. LOL
Sandy, you are the best of us.
Cassidy's House:…
Whatsittoya, NO
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I agree with you on your second paragraph Sandy. Everybody in the majors should be able to get a simple bunt down. Plus, if those hitters can bunt well, it would be a huge surprise to see one of them drop one down, and the defense would be completely unprepared for it.
Injuries kill some teams. Not having Saito, Penny, Schmidt, and Furcal has killed the Dodgers. Luckily, they still can comeback and win this division, unlik my Yankees.
I am a huge fan of small ball. Moving guys over, stealing bases, and PITCHING DUELS. It's enteraining to watch the defense screw up on simple bunt plays, double steals, and my favorite- the wheel play. For those of you who aren't familiar with the wheel play here's what happens: There is a runner on second and less than two outs. The batter squares to bunt, but pulls back. The third baseman charges, and the runner steals third. I would love to see small ball inserted into more teams offenses.
As usual, great blog Sandy
YN
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