I just got back from the dugout and Torre’s pregame media pow wow. Some updates for today’s game.
Kuroda will be limited to around 80-85 pitches today. He was brought up, despite a poor rehab outing in the minors, because his arm appears good and he said he was ready to go. Torre noted that Kuroda has always been honest about his health and that factored in too. And Kersahw is ready to go in case Kuroda falters.
Speaking of the Kershawshank Redemption, he will only start an inning tonight and will not come into a situation. He may also get skipped in the rotation the rest of the way, if he makes it back to starting, in order to keep his innings down.They will be careful with him the rest of the season, limiting his pitch count. He may pitch and inning, maybe two. I personally believe that it will all depend on how he looks and his command. But I am worried of the Derek Lowe syndrome of a starter trying to transition into a relief role. Hopefully Kershaw is better prepared and I believe that the Dodgers will give him ample time between appearances.
AJ Ellis was sent down today.
Kuo was at the park today, Torre says that he comes and goes. Kuo is having trouble with keeping a consistent releas point and that is what was getting him in trouble before. It also results in the loss of control. He just cannot get that feel back and keep a consistent release point. The inconsistency in his release point also puts a strain on his arm. Torre noted that even when Kuo was going good there was always a little something that he felt. That many surgeries and that much strain just makes it that way. He has had to battle through it like many players have when injured. It sounds like its something that he will always have to deal with. It does not sound like Kuo has a good chance of rebounding, anytime soon that is.
More after the game, check our twitter account for updates from time to time.
This is exactly what a class blog should have. Pregame info just like Tony used to provide when he worked for that rag that no body reads any more.
Looks like Blake and Furcal on the bench tonight.
A conceited new rookie was pitching his first game. He walked the first five men he faced and the manager took him out of the game. The rookie slammed his glove on the ground as he yelled, "Damn it, the jerk took me out when I had a no-hitter going."
We have a "Class" Blog.
Low, but Class!
Lineup:
1. Pierre LF
2. Loretta 3B
3. Hudson 2B
4. Loney 1B
5. Martin C
6. Ethier RF
7. Kemp CF
8. Castro SS
9. Kuroda P
Dodgers #1 in Baseball Power Ratings:
http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/powerranking
Free Furcal
Mr. Russel, good to see your bobble head. (Don't read too much into that! )
Furcal needs to be freed from his age/injuries. I, like Mark, am worried about him.
Bill Buckner is back. What are we doing to do with Loney?
Good to see that Bill Russ has re-emerged. Loney will close that gap between Billy bucks legs. I was wondering what TF they were thinking starting Kuroda, now I know, they weren't thinking. Young Clayton may relish in this role, a 6 inning relief pitcher.
I think Drew was safe, but I'll take it!
Somebody told me the D-Back had a bunch of good young players – to me they look like a bunch of free-swinging hacks who will strike out 200 times and hit .210.
Kuroda throwing belt high lollipops. He won't last 5 if he keeps this up.
It is good to be in Kuroda's Spring Training event . . . see how this goes.
Wonder what the D-Backs record is when they score first.
Hey, can the Dodgers hit this guy?
Buckner will last about 5…
I knew Bill Buckner played LF and 1B, but I never knew he could pitch….
Vinny was just talking about the tear that Pierre has been on, but he did not mention that before tonight's game, Pierre was 1 for 13
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Wow, Dr. Hiroki and Mr. Kuroda. My bad…
If Kuroda pitches 5 innings and only gives up 2 runs, I will consider that an excellent outing!
Mark you are on point! Kuroda done as his spot is up this inning and he has surpassed Torre's pitch count mandate of 80-85.
I mean, are some of these guys on the same planet?
Are they watching the same game?
What is the deal?
Check it out sometime. It is unbelievable!
OK – I am done!
You are welcome Mr Mark
Wow. The offense is in a coma. Or maybe it's jetlag.
Why would Pierre not attemp a steal in the 6th? Furcal would have gotten a hit….
Keep it up, Billy! You are also welcome!
Russell Martin's first HR is coming now!
OK, maybe not!
My homeboy has this under control…
Jetlag is an issue – but champions can find a way to win.
Blake not even close, swinging at ball three at his ankles and ball four in the dirt. Nice at bat Casey.
Kuroda got lucky. He was missing over the middle of the plate for at least two innings, but the Dbacks hitters suck so he survived.
When these guys don't hit as a team, they look bad. How come all of a sudden they are swinging at pitches at their feet? Or, has this been going on for a while. This is the first game I have seen in a while, and the at bats look wimpy. Martin hits it on the screws twice with nothing to show for it, then with runners on, he looks at two right over the heart of the plate. Weak. Ethier, weak.
Oh well. It ain't over yet.
Miguel, you like Mark are out to lunch on Raffy.
Raffy is raising up and Blake just needs some at bats. Nice comeback but it fall a little short. Still an exciting 9th.
Missed it by that much
Is the Flu is going around the clubhouse?
There are always ups and downs, but Pierre's still at .333 for the last 7 games. I don't look at that as much at what the last dozen AB's over the last week.
For instance, here' the last 7 days for the other starters:
Furcal .333
Ethier .250
Martin .348
Kemp .407
Blake .278
Loney .323
Hudson .259
That tells you who is hot and who isn't given a larger sampling. I just like to look at the past 7 games. That tells a whole lot more.
Kuroda = 6K's and several pitches at 94MPH!
Excellent start for a guy who hasn't pitched in 2 months!
I have been cruising other websites, and it is amzaing how little fans know. I am just speechless…
I mean, I cannot believe the drivel…
I see why baseball writers have such low esteem for bloggers & the morons who post on some of these blogs.
I am so thankful for some of the guys we have here!