His Day

His Day

Time again to honor a legend.

120 Responses to His Day

  1. trublu4ever says:

    My heart to goes out to the people in Boston. So sad there are so many crazy people out there. As you can imagine, Dodger Stadium will have beefed up security tonight.

  2. Dodger4life says:

    I’m so sick of terrorist!! My thought’s and prayers are with the people of Boston…
    .
    I calling it now…Kemp goes yard!!

  3. Hi Everybody
    I saw “42” today, Always a wonderful story of Jackie breaking the color line and making many lives better. That’s the important thing but I have to say that I always feel proud that he was a Dodger.
    I think this is a very important game for the Dodgers to win tonight, they just can’t afford to slip too far back of the Giants, D’backs and Rockies.
    GO DODGERS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  4. And the beat goes on.

  5. He was always a good hitting pitcher.

  6. Crawford is amazing!

  7. Crawford’s hot again,

  8. trublu4ever says:

    CC is the guy!

  9. trublu4ever says:

    Oh, no…Belli-sorry-o! Here goes the damn ball game!

  10. vl4eccjr says:

    WTF Beli?

  11. I don’t know what I am.

  12. trublu4ever says:

    PATHETIC!

  13. We were just what the doctor orderd for the Padres.

  14. I guess the highlight of the evening were Vin’s stories about Jackie.

  15. JhallWally says:

    Sad effort… Ethier leaves 6 on. Kemp and Gonzo not far behind. Major fail……..

    I can’t say I am that surprised however. I thought from day one this team was made up of coat hangers and expensive duct tape…. Hence, my prediction of 89 eind and no playoffs…

    I know, it’s early. But this bunch so far is pathetic……

  16. Dodger4life says:

    Wally, I will agree that so far this bunch is uninspiring…I’d like to say we will win 100 games, but heck, that dream is over already!
    .
    Now I’m starting to wonder if Mattingly will survive the season???

  17. Dodger4life says:

    On that note…they could start playing good ball any day now!

  18. kahliforni says:

    Mattingley has this team playing at an elevated level of boredom and predictability…a true reflection of the manager. This is Torre’s hire, not Ned’s (“bring your successor with you…”), and certainly not Kasten’s. The bench is also a collection of midgets with no power. Fire Mattingley, fire the guy who rubber-stamped Mattingley. I know it’s REAL early, but this team has been the same uninspired bunch for a couple years now. Shake it up, Magic and Stan!

  19. crash24now says:

    At least Kemp got two strong hits last night. He’s looking better at the plate.

    Not so much for Luis Cruz, despite his one hit.

  20. Dodger4life says:

    How many hitting coaches have we seen in the recent past. The only one who energized the team was Manny ( I know he wasn’t really the hitting coach!)
    .
    How many times have we seen these guys say, we just have to hang in there, things will turn around?
    .
    I am not sure Billy Martin could energize this bunch…I say this after they lose the opening series to our heated rivals, lose their Co-Ace to a charging cup cake then lose to the cupcakes ball club on Jackie Robinson Day at home, which coincidentally comes a mere 4 days after the game in which we lost Greinke…Not to mention losing the series to Arizona after failing to score runs in two of those games.
    .
    Like I said, how many hitting coaches have we seen…since the energizing duo of Mattingly/Manny???
    .
    Something or someone needs to set a fire under these guys…not just on offense either but as group in general!

  21. I don’t know. These things have a way of working themselves out someway, somehow…
    All we can do as fans is sit and watch and hope for the best.
    It’s frustrating, to say the least, but things could change– and the sooner the better, of course.
    Don’t give up…..especially in April.

    • Dodger4life says:

      Oldbrooklynfan…I haven’t given up, and I agree things can change overnight, especially with quality of arms and big bats on the roster…but like a rooster, I still wake up crowing and mad when they don’t!

  22. trublu4ever says:

    I know it is the players who have to hit, field and pitch the ball…however, Donnie must go! He has poor managerial skills. When you look at our team compared to the Giants, we should be kicking butt….their lineup is not as good as ours and, their pitching is a bit under par this year. Yet, they are winning…we are not….so, I say FIRE DONNIE & NED TOO!

  23. Dodger4life says:

    I’ve also given thought about having Dee and Puig on the roster…Puig cause he looks to be ready enough, and Dee cause he generates a spark on the bases. Right now my conclusion is who does Puig replace…and Gordon still makes too many errors and would be better served in AAA, fighting for a roster spot.
    .
    How long do you have patience with Belisario, He isn’t exactly the poster boy in terms of good character, so if he isn’t doing his job, why even bother.
    .
    Cruz should be fairly easy to replace but that isn’t the case…( I suppose when Hanley comes back, if Cruz hasn’t come around Sellers can be moved over, or Hanley can play third??)
    .
    Leaving the agile platoon duo of Uribe and Hairston to be used elsewhere.
    .
    Sellers (at least to me, at the moment) is what he is, but at least it is at a position where defense is regarded as the strong point.
    .

    Just my thought’s as I rake and water the yard today…

    • crash24now says:

      How about the following lineup? I know, I know, Puig can’t play third base. But what if they have him play 60 games at 3B in Chattanooga, then bring him up?

      Gordon ss
      Crawford lf
      Kemp cf
      Gonzalez 1b
      Puig 3b
      Ethier rf
      Ramirez 2b
      Ellis c
      Pitcher

  24. kahliforni says:

    I don’t want to brow-beat Mattingley. There’s nothing “wrong” with him. I just feel there’s nothing outstanding about him. The Dodgers deserve a manager with National League savvy. I’m still waiting for him to put on a play that’s not a bunt in the 8th inning that any Little League manager would call, as well. Put some pressure on the opposing defense already. After two weeks they have 3 stolen bases, that’s all, and four of their six home runs belong to Kershaw, Uribe, and Sellers. OUCH! This offense needs to “make” things happen.

  25. Dodger4life says:

    Runs Batted In
    .
    Gonzo – 11
    Ethier -3
    Kemp – 4
    Cruz – 1
    .
    Crawford – 2
    M.Ellis – 2
    .
    A.J Ellis – 4
    Sellers – 1
    .
    Uribe – 3
    Schumaker – 1
    Hernandez – 1
    Hairston – 0
    .
    Kershaw -1 ( which kept us from being swept by the hated rivals)
    .
    There’s the run production so far.
    .
    Kemp and Ethier are slacking…
    Cruz isn’t playing at the intensity levels needed
    And the bench… well, Uribe seems to be holding that up!

  26. crash24now says:

    Cruzer sits down, Uribum starting tonight.

  27. koufax1963 says:

    The tension mounts, will tonight be our third loss in a row?
    Dah da daah

  28. trublu4ever says:

    1st inning and I already need a drink!

    • Dodger4life says:

      Line em’ up Tru & show these Boy’s how Power Hour is done!!
      .
      Let’s Go Tru, Let’s Go Tru!!!

  29. messagebear says:

    Bottoms up!
    Things are looking up for Lilly, or maybe they just ought to get Fife up here.

  30. Dodger4life says:

    I just tuned in…and already I want to tune out!!
    .
    I have slowed way down on my drinking these days, but I will say “Down the Hatch” for you, tru…
    .
    Hey Batter, Batter!! Score Some Stinking Runs!!

  31. Dodger4life says:

    One of these days I’d like to see a struggling bearded pitcher come out the following inning clean shaved…

  32. Dodger4life says:

    I think it’s time to twirl the Rally Bra, tru…

  33. vl4eccjr says:

    The Dodger offense is just floating another putrid air biscuit tonight!
    Stinky & rank enough to peel paint!!!

  34. Dodger4life says:

    Somewhere, someone wants to play baseball…
    .
    What do ya’ say we send a plane to Chattanooga!!!
    .

  35. messagebear says:

    How about we fire Donnie, Ned, and Kasten.

    • Dodger4life says:

      One of these mornings Donnie will go to the beach to retrieve his daily line-up from the floating bottle that has washed upon the shore…and won’t be heard of again.
      .
      Ned on the other hand…

  36. kahliforni says:

    Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz….wake me when the Dodgers have a manager that inspires passion from both players and fans…

    • Dodger4life says:

      kahli, we’ll send nurse tru over with one of her IV bags to keep you healthy in the meantime…enjoy your rest!!

  37. vl4eccjr says:

    Another stinkaroo!!!

  38. grizzy says:

    Last year someone on this blog, and I can’t remember who, made the comment that all the pitchers the Dodgers faced were made to look like Cy Young candidates. The trend continues and on top of that I read this morning that Marquis struggled. You’d have to think Kemp and Ethier will come around, but they may not. Good players can have bad starts to a year and the whole season stays bad. I’d give these guys a couple of more weeks and then call up Puig. Something needs to happen. I still think management should keep Reggie Smith around just to turn over a couple of tables in the clubhouse once in while just to shake things up. I don’t see ownership investing so heavily to watch this crap indefinitely.

  39. Dodger4life says:

    I just read that Ken Howell say’s Ted Lilly is ready for “The Show” again, after giving up 4 runs, (3 earned) on 7 hits, while throwing 81 pitches in 5 innings of Class A ball.
    .
    http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20130416&content_id=44977908&notebook_id=45015880&vkey=notebook_la&c_id=la
    .
    81 pitches in 5 innings of Class A ball is hardly a quality start in “The Show”…
    .
    Let’s all hope Ken is right, cause we need a MLB caliber guy taking the mound as we head out on the road, in search of some series wins!

  40. messagebear says:

    I think these “advisory” guys have their head up their ***, but what are they going to say, “this guy really can’t make it in the big leagues anymore?”

    The trouble is we have men with untold amounts of money, but very little sense about building a successful franchise from the ground up. With a $230 million payroll we’re playing .500 ball at the major league level, which has got to be a real laughingstock for the rest of the owners – and I thought Frank was a laughingstock. Look at our standings in our minor league affiliates, and there’s nothing to be hopeful about. None of these guys know how to build anything – only how to buy it, and that isn’t working; not with Ned around, and I have my serious doubts about Kasten. We should be sending Puyg up to the majors, and maybe Fife for the pitching staff, and maybe they would learn to contribute. Might even provide some excitement for the club and the fans. Where would they play? How about in place of Kemp and Ethier for starters? Those guys have their big long term contracts and aren’t showing shit. Guys like Cruz and Sellers should be back at AA or lower, because neither should be aspiring to be on a major league club EVER. They’re a waste. If we can’t match them from somewhere in our minor league system, it just proves my point. What a SICK organization; yes, with a lot of money, but brains?

    • It’s hard to find fault in what you say Messagebear, you can’t come closer to the truth but I doubt if this could happen in a short time. We’ll just have to watch things move along (or maybe not) and hope that things will start changing for the best.

  41. koufax1963 says:

    Does Matt kemp wear contacts when he bats? Not helping. A team of winners with an inspiring manager would look at a positive spin at the current situation. Don’t see it

  42. kahliforni says:

    I can’t blame the players…Kemp and Ethier, et al, have performed in the past. But sometimes a new message/messenger is needed. Nothing against Mattingley–I’m sure he’s a swell guy–but I can’t remember a time under his leadership that the Dodgers have played balls-out, exciting baseball. Ever. It’s the same-old, same-old, year after year. Again, I know it’s early, but it’s time for a fresh approach, a fresh aura. Why wait? I won’t accept the excuse of injuries, or chemistry, or or this or that. The bottom line is, the Dodgers have NEVER excelled under Mattingley. Why will this change any time soon?

  43. JhallWally says:

    Incredilbly Pathetic… I can’t say I am surprised… I didn’t think this bunch was that good.
    Once again, I am not fully on board until Nedcompoop is gone….
    And take Dildon with you…

  44. Dodger4life says:

    AGon and Crawford have been doing just fine…I don’t think anyone predicted Kemp ( .185 BA – 4 RBI -0 HR – 17 K ) would have this type of start to his season. Some may have said that Dre ( .261 BA – 3 RBI – 1 HR – 13 K ) would of though. Hanley is a non factor at the moment and I for one, thought he would be the catalyst to this group having fun.
    .
    If Kemp and Dre start driving in runs like they are paid to do…We will all start to enjoy the season a little more, providing the bullpen doesn’t give the game away.
    .
    There are still a lot of holes on this team, but it is believed that this team will have the resources to make adjustments when and if needed. If not, well then, my best guess is our conversation will soon turn to who will replace Donnie and whether or not we like the new replacement for Ned.
    .
    I do share kahli’s sentiments that if change is inevitable, make it sooner rather than later and looking at the way things are going after the first two weeks this season and half of last season, one wouldn’t be out of their mind to foresee more of the same. However, with whom do you make this change? Also would Donnie be the only person cut loose or do you replace other members of his staff as well, mid-season. If you are talking about making Wallach the manager and finding someone else to man the third base coaches box, I suppose it would be easier than if you plan to go outside the current staff looking to hire.
    .
    I think Wallach has the credentials to manage well, but would be skeptical as to whether he would be the right person to lead this group of guy’s after a mid-season change??
    .
    Anyhow things would become much simpler and much more enjoyable if the RBI guys would just drive in some runs and the so called anchors in the bullpen would do just that, keep the game and a win, from drifting away.
    .
    So far most our loses have come at home, which makes this even more baffling in my opinion.

  45. lbirken says:

    I think it is too early to make managerial and coaching changes and maybe too early to really know for sure where this team is headed. The question is when is “too early” no longer relevant. The difficulty this team has driving in runs is frustrating to everyone but nothing new. We were all hoping Cruz could duplicate the magic from last season and no one could have predicted Kemp’s struggles. No one has stepped up offensively except for Agon and Crawford, and we all know Crawford will cool down eventually. Sellers offensive struggles are not all that surprising but still are an issue. Maybe having Hanley back will make a difference.

    I do agree that it is a major disappointment at how the season started. I hope current ownership is putting some money into player development at the minor league, scouting and international levels.

    • I think they are putting money into player development, but unless messers Colletti and Mattingley are axed, the likelyhood of ever seeing any of them other than a pitcher or two are nil. That’s been a major part of the problem for years – too much reliance on worthless PVLs over more talented, but inexperienced youth.

  46. vl4eccjr says:

    Congrats to Kershaw on his reaching 1000 K’s!

  47. Hi, I thought I’d join youse.

  48. vl4eccjr says:

    Sheeit!
    Rough inning for Kersh!

  49. With all the losing lately this somehow seems even worse.

  50. vl4eccjr says:

    DAMN!!!

  51. Move along. Nothing to see here. Move along…

    This team couldn’t score 4 runs in a month of Sundays. They really play with fire and passion don’t they?

  52. vl4eccjr says:

    Double Damn!

  53. trublu4ever says:

    H-E-L-P !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  54. I never thought Kershaw would have a night like this especially when a win is so sorely needed. You’d think he was the one to stop the bleeding.

  55. vl4eccjr says:

    No pitcher is invincible. Even aces get roughed up from time to time.
    I’m not trying to make excuses. This offense is just so anemic & sluggish these days. I say give em all a dose of salts, castor oil, or mass quantities of Prune juice to try to end this sickness!!!

    • Of course I’m not blaming Kershaw, I’m just thinking that usually this would’ve been the best time to have him in there pitching, just to turn things around. It has happened often, BUT not tonight.

  56. vl4eccjr says:

    PATHETIC!!!

  57. Dodgers had 3 hits in the inning.

  58. vl4eccjr says:

    Oh no! Not Waco again!

  59. JhallWally says:

    Pfffffffft~~~~~~~

    Another stinker….

  60. grizzy says:

    I think it too early to change managers,but if this continues…I was thinking along the same lines as as Dodger4: who do you replace him with?
    *
    Meanwhile I’d still keep Reggie Smith around and give him a bat.

  61. Dodger4life says:

    All I have been able to see were a few highlights of last nights game. Kershaw got the ball up in the strike zone on those two jacks. Gameday stated that he had a high pitch count early on as well, with a high number of pitches thrown out of the strike zone.
    .
    Like vl4 said, everyone is human. Kershaw usually has better control of his game plan and better control of his pitches. He will bounce back.
    .
    I seen a stat yesterday referring to Kemp
    .
    Most tellingly, he’s now 0-for-16 on pitches below the waist and 0-for-14 on pitches low and away.
    .
    I know both Matt and management have claimed the shoulder is strong. Although if it wasn’t, this is the type of stat that one would assume would be prevalent
    .
    Here is the entire article, for those who are interested and may have missed it. The part about Kemp is towards the middle/bottom.
    .
    http://espn.go.com/mlb/story/_/id/9180406/which-teams-players-worried-mlb
    .
    Well we didn’t take advantage of playing games in front of our fans, and now we’re off to entertain fans in Baltimore and New York, and if we continue our same struggle’s… entertained they will become. I seen another stat earlier this morning, that the Boy’s are 1-16 with bases loaded. Kind of hard to have fun playing the game when this stat is prevalent. The good news is the Boy’s are getting on base, the unsettling news is nobody has the willpower/drive at the moment to make some noise.
    .
    Management needs to spark a fire somehow, whether it be through lineup changes, roster moves, or motivational whispering.

    • FYI, it’ stands at 1-19 with the bases loaded, at the moment.

      • Dodger4life says:

        Thank’s oldbrooklynfan…This just makes me shake my head in disbelief (I hate to be on the negative side of things)…I think these numbers can be reversed fairly easily and that we will catch some breaks along the way though.

  62. Dodger4life says:

    Here are some more stats…Yasiel Puig’s stats to be more precise…
    .
    http://www.milb.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?pos=&sid=milb&t=p_pbp&pid=624577
    .
    According to my math, he has played 75 games since he has been a part of the organization…and his BA has never dropped below .300. This doesn’t take into account (I believe) his ST numbers, which would make this even more impressive.
    .
    Kahli talked earlier about a new message or messenger being what brings about change in attitude. Enchanted brought up the PVLs over youth subject.
    .
    I’d like to see some competition on the field or better use of the platoon with Yasiel vs…
    .
    Punto
    Hernandez
    Uribe
    Fed Ex
    .
    If they say it is better to send them packing a year early vs a year late…Don’t hesitate…If my company is struggling and I pass on a guy who clearly has shown the desire and ability to help…I’d be a fool not to tap into this resource.

  63. messagebear says:

    Donnie reportedly had a club meeting after last night’s game, and he apparently did what he does best, “calm talking” – explaining what is not acceptable, as if that lecture isn’t already well known by the time you get to the major leagues.
    How about KICKING SOME ASS!
    How about someone KICKING DONNIE’S ASS!
    How about someone KICKING DONNIE’S ASS RIGHT OUT OF HERE!

    • Dodger4life says:

      I am calmly laughing…

      • Dodger4life says:

        Not at the situation, not at the team…I mean Donnie looked to me, in the interview with reporters the night before to be beat up, tired…I am simply laughing at the message above.

  64. messagebear says:

    The trouble is that Torre and consequently his hand-picked guy Donnie are of totally different makeup than our team requires. Their style may have worked for the Yankees who were successful regardless, as unlimited funds were flowing there for many years.
    What we have needed, especially with the reawakening of new ownership, is somebody with that so-called fire-in-the-belly attitude, who can inspire a bunch of guys who have become self-sufficient millionaires – not necessarily an easy task; yet quite contrary to what Donnie possesses. That’s why I think the new owners needed to clean house as soon as they arrived, but it is not too late. They need to set the tone that this Dodger organization is clearly different than what has transpired the past five-six years. That point can not be brought across with Ned and Donnie still in their positions. Are they easily replaceable? I think so, and only benefit to the organization can result. I’d settle for Wallach in the interim, just to see what he can do with the rest of the season. I’d settle for pretty much anybody in place of Ned for the rest of the season, especially if Kasten is really the one pushing the buttons.

    Let’s light a fire in the clubhouse, in the dugout, in the bullpen, and maybe it will catch on with the fans and our players.

  65. Well said, Bear, very well said.

  66. Dodger4life says:

    Not exactly Billy Martin, but somewhat cut from the same mold.
    .
    He has had success in both leagues (2008 in Cincy, Seattle fared well with him at the helm, and the Cubs made a run under his watch.)
    .
    In 23 years of coaching he has 1 pennant and 1 World Series title
    .
    http://www.baseball-reference.com/managers/pinielo01.shtml
    .
    I think if I was going to make a change today, I would talk to Lou Piniella and see what his thoughts about coaching again are.
    .
    If I wasn’t thinking of making a change soon, Wallach would be my interim pick, if things didn’t pan out.

  67. I think everyone has made some good suggestions but right now maybe this change of scenery in Baltimore and Ryu continuing his fine pitching may do the trick to end this spell.
    Just saying.

    • Dodger4life says:

      There is nothing wrong with thinking positive. Especially if you’re trying to battle your way through disappointment. The key word here though is battle. Limit the distractions and play each game like it’s the only one on the agenda, are you gonna succeed or fail today?

  68. kahliforni says:

    Again, not to beat a dead horse, but sometimes change is good. We’ve been hearing for almost 6 months now that the Dodgers need a leader. But when I think back to the Lasorda years, HE was the leader….coaching third base and screaming encouragement during slumps…chewing out a pitcher on the mound…on and on. Garvey, Cey, et al, were quiet types. Gibson in ’88 was the exception. If this team is going to have a lot of passive personalities, wins will be hard to come by with a passive leader. Who’s to say this club wouldn’t respond better to a manager like Lopes…or as Dodger4life said, Lou Piniella (though I’d prefer a former Dodger)? I just know that in 2+ years, Donnie Baseball is a collective 12 games over .500. That’s not going to cut it, Frank McCourt and his legacy notwithstanding.

    • Dodger4life says:

      A few years ago I read a book about Lasorda, in the book it stated that Tommy used to fight guys in the dugout who weren’t giving it 100%. I believe he claimed that he didn’t really play all that much and needed a reason to stick around.
      .
      The players on this team could benefit from someone such as this. Kershaw seems to have some moxie and seems to get respect, as does Kemp. Both are young, both are in the prime of their career and both have been with the Dodgers from the start.
      .
      I’m suggesting that perhaps these two should be co captains of the team. These two in my mind would be a good source of energy in which to keep the team motivated and on the subject of winning ballgames.
      .
      (Truth be told I like Donnie, his temperment is a lot like my own as I am usually layed back, although on a ball field If you weren’t on my team, I wasn’t to be trusted!!) I am just saying regardless of whether Donnie is or isn’t the guy we all want as the manager, someone needs to step up as the voice of the team.
      .
      Hopefully we can switch subjects soon, as that would entail that something other than losing games and series has happened. (Although as long as I have been around ITD/OTD someone is always calling for someone to be fired, not that there is anything wrong with that…)

  69. 32and53fan says:

    Is Bobby Valentine volatile enough for you?
    Even Kevin Kennedy would be better than Donnie.

  70. lbirken says:

    Funny how when a team struggles it is often suggested someone needs to “light a fire” under the team. Not quite sure if that means screaming at players and getting in their faces or words of encouragement when things are not going well. And then there is the idea of lineup changes to stimulate an under performing team. Does any of this work? Do players respond with improved performance from any of these moves? Why should a well paid major league player even need to be motivated?

    I don’t think a manager has to be like Lasorda or Valentine to win. Joe Madden has been successful, Bruce Bochy has been successful, Tony LaRussa has been successful and I don’t think anyone would call these guys screamers or volatile compared to Bobby Valentine or others like him. I believe what these successful managers do is find a way to get the most from the talent he has. I think Lasorda had that trait. Tommy somehow in his corny way instilled confidence and made it clear he had no time for slackers. His enthusiasm somehow rubbed off on the players. Donnie has yet to demonstrate that he can do something similar.

    • Dodger4life says:

      Well said lbirken…
      .
      I do think that everyone can use some motivation from time to time though..regardless of what the paycheck states at the end of the day (how one becomes motivated is another story, as you mentioned)…I myself have worked long days on the road away from my family and they wear a guy down… fortunately, or unfortunalely ( depends on how you look at this) I wasn’t trying to hit a 90+ mph fastball or slider.
      .
      I think that even guys like Bochy and Torre who don’t lose their cool, have a way of displaying their disappointment in situations.
      I would agree Donnie needs to find his and soon.

      • Dodger4life says:

        I have also been on construction jobs with no so called captain. One that comes to mind was a huge megaplex cinema that was under the gun to be completed…They took several capable framers and set them loose, building walls at adjacent ends of the space. Like I said they were all capable framers and have been successful on many projects before…but because of the sheer size and time frame that this project entailed, chaos was prevalent…needless to say when the many qualified framers and their workload’s came together, they didn’t line up.
        .
        This ball club has many capable players…each trying to become a big part of this season in their own right. Someone has to show them direction, someone has to keep them focused on the end result, someone has to make sure that each and every day they complete the job satisfactorily… Someone has to make certain that things line up at the end of the season. by starting off on the correct path…

  71. messagebear says:

    I don’t recall that Donnie was regarded as a team leader when he was a player, and those were the years when the Yankees didn’t win anything. All I’m saying is that nothing’s changed.

  72. kahliforni says:

    All I’m saying is I don’t like the “Mattingly” fit, and deep in my bones, I never liked the fit. It’s not the 7-8 start. I’m not an impatient reactionary. When Lasorda started 7-8, no big deal. When the Dodgers finished last in ’92, not for one second did I blame Lasorda. Certainly a manger doesn’t have to be a spark plug to succeed. But I always felt Ned did a HUGE disservice to many capable Dodger managerial candidates when he allowed Joe Torre to pick his own successor (I thought that was the GM’s job)…and Joe’s choice just happened to be a guy with ZERO managerial experience at ANY level. What’s up with that?

  73. 32and53fan says:

    How do we even know how Mattingly behaves behind closed doors with his players? One thing we do know is that he tells the truth to the media when he is displeased with something. He also has been kicked out of several games defending his team. Walter Alston seemed to do pretty well with the Dodgers and he was known as “The Quiet Man”.
    I will cut Donnie some slack until at least the All-Star break after we get to see how Ramirez and Greinke affect the team’s fortunes.

  74. Dodger4life says:

    Annyeonghaseyo (Good morning) OTD,
    .
    Ryu takes the hill today as we take on the Orioles (which just happens to be my first little league team, although the colors were changed to red and white). It should be interesting to see how the 3 catchers are used, as I doubt Ryu will be asked to continue his impressive skills with the bat. Ned traded Harang ( who as luck would have would be very useful now) for Hernandez saying several factors were involved, such as having a third catcher in case one goes down, having more pop off the bench and using Hernandez to further A.J.’s education behind the plate . Fed Ex was sent down shortly after.this transaction, but has since been recalled to the Dodgers, just in time to make the road trip to the east coast. My guess is none of them will go 3 for 3 like the man they are replacing (Ryu) did last time out. Still though, why take three backstops, instead of adding a bat, or an arm, to a team struggling in both categories right now?
    .
    Anyhow just food for thought as I sip my java on this gray/grey and rainy day.
    .
    I am hopeful that the Boy’s can turn this skid around, even if they have to do it playing on the road.

    • I think that a road trip right now should do the Dodgers good. Any kind of a change could help. The new scenery in Baltimore, just looking around at different surroundings may take there minds away from these past few days.
      I’m looking forward to them using the DH for a few days, maybe even that could stir up the impotent lineup.
      Well I’m not one to predict the future but I’m just trying to think positive as I’m hoping the players will do the same.

  75. messagebear says:

    I don’t see how using a DH helps us in any way. We don’t have anyone to designate for that position, other the the usual stiffs that don’t bring any special batting prowess to the table. Who would you say is the guy who can really hit the ball, but can’t be played in the field for one reason or another. AL team lineups are built around such guys, but in our case I doubt that we’ll see our DH with an average over .225. So where does that get you?

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