Know Your Foe #42: Dodgers look to win 437th consecutive series over Rockies
by Bryan Kilpatrick on Aug 27, 2010 12:00 PM MDT
in Know Your Foe
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PrintLOS ANGELES DODGERS (66-62, 4th in NL West)
2010 Record vs. Rockies: 6-3 (despite being outscored 34-30)
Not trying to beat a dead horse or anything (more like trying to jinx LA), but the Dodgers are 20-7 vs. Colorado since the beginning of 2009, and have yet to lose a single series.
Last Series vs. Rockies: August 17-19 (W 2-1)
Behind strong starting pitching, the Dodgers took the series while shutting the Rockies out twice in the process. Clayton Kershaw went seven scoreless innings in Game 1 and allowed five hits and three walks while striking out six. Jonathan Broxton continued his nearly two-year dominance of Colorado by pitching a perfect ninth that included a strikeout. The L.A. offense drew five walks against Rockies starter Jhoulys Chacin en route to a 6-0 victory. Casey Blake led the Dodgers by going 2-for-4.
In Game 2, Hiroki Kuroda further kept the Rockies' bats off-balance as he too went seven innings, giving up two runs on six hits while notching seven Ks. However, Colorado's Jason Hammel held serve for six innings of his own, forcing a battle of the bullpens. Despite Broxton (again) and Kuo shutting the Rockies down, the Dodgers weren't able to do much offensively against the Rockies' side either, so it came down to Octavio Dotel. He entered the game in the tenth inning and promptly began having control issues, walking three batters and tossing three wild pitches - one of which scored the winning run for the Rockies. The Dodgers had a rough game with the bats, as they were led by Scott Podsednik's two hits - both of which were singles.
The series finale saw Ted Lilly completely own Colorado's offense, as he tossed a two-hit shutout, walking two and striking out eleven. Ryan Theriot had two hits for Los Angeles, while Reed Johnson accounted for the only scoring with a two-run homer off of Jorge De La Rosa in the second inning.
Recent series results: L 1-2 vs. Cincinnati, W 3-0 at Milwaukee
The Dodgers find themselves just a game back of Colorado after sweeping the hapless Brewers in Milwaukee. They received very good starts, once again, from Kuroda and Lilly. Over the past couple of series, Matt Kemp (1.070 OPS, 3 HR) and Casey Blake (1.036 OPS, HR) have been their hottest hitters. Manny Ramirez has an .808 OPS since coming off the DL, but he may end up in a different uniform by the time this series ends (or starts, for that matter). The Dodgers recently acquired Rod Barajas from the Mets, and so far he's been worth the investment as he has four hits, a homer, and four RBIs in two games with the Bums.
Friday-Sunday: 3-game series @ Coors Field
Expected Pitching Matchups
Friday, 27 August 2010 @ 7:10pm MT
Saturday, 28 August 2010 @ 6:10pm MT
Sunday, 29 August 2010 @ 1:10pm MT
More after the jump...
Expected Lineup
| Player | Pos | AVG | OBP | SLG | OPS | ISO | BABIP | wOBA |
| Ryan Theriot | 2B | .295 | .346 | .379 | .725 | .084 | .338 | .314 |
| Andre Ethier | RF | .296 | .359 | .507 | .866 | .211 | .321 | .370 |
| Manny Ramirez | LF | .313 | .407 | .513 | .920 | .200 | .346 | .394 |
| Matt Kemp | CF | .253 | .312 | .449 | .761 | .195 | .299 | .323 |
| Casey Blake | 3B | .251 | .327 | .408 | .735 | .157 | .306 | .320 |
| James Loney | 1B | .277 | .333 | .402 | .735 | .125 | .313 | .319 |
| Jamey Carroll | SS | .284 | .380 | .329 | .709 | .045 | .337 | .326 |
| Rod Barajas | C | .231 | .274 | .435 | .709 | .204 | .224 | .301 |
Bench
| Player | Pos | AVG | OBP | SLG | OPS | ISO | BABIP | wOBA |
| Brad Ausmus | C | .240 | .309 | .260 | .569 | .020 | .333 | .258 |
| Ronnie Belliard | IF | .217 | .301 | .329 | .630 | .112 | .261 | .279 |
| Jay Gibbons | OF | .364 | .440 | .636 | 1.076 | .273 | .333 | .463 |
| Reed Johnson | OF | .308 | .329 | .420 | .748 | .112 | .384 | .322 |
| Scott Podsednik | OF | .307 | .353 | .388 | .741 | .081 | .348 | .331 |
Closer
*The aforementioned Broxton and Dotel have also closed games for the Dodgers as of late.
Injuries
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I noticed it was like that on MLB.com, but on ESPN it says Lilly.
Just an average guy with exceptional hair. Nothing more, nothing less.
Bear Naked - My thoughts on sports, music, and life.
by Bryan Kilpatrick on Aug 27, 2010 12:20 PM MDT up reply actions
Just figured this out...
Ken Rosenthal reports the Dodgers put Lilly on waivers.
Hahah....waive a guy who's 5-0 with damn near a negative ERA.....
Sure, I’d put in a clam….
not as punny as SDcat00
Doesn't necessarily mean anything
unless he’s on irrevocable waivers (which I highly doubt), but yeah, with Lilly due for free agency and the Dodgers probably out of it, they could see if somebody will dangle a couple of prospects to get Lilly down the stretch.
It is interesting timing, though
I wonder what does happen if the Rockies sweep. If the veil comes off and everybody goes to save them some money in September, or if I’m completely misreading the situation and they keep everybody.
Interesting timing
in that if we take two or three games this series, the Dodgers might decide the season is a lost cause, and they can’t wait until after the series to place him on waivers.
Yeah, I know they're trade waivers, but wouldn't we be the first team up the line....
….likely to actually put in a claim to improve the roster for this season?
See, I say if we take 2 of 3, we put in our claim, we’re likely to be the team awarded the claim. And we don’t offer squat in trade. Make LA either eat the money, or we get him for the waiver price.
Worst case scenario is that LA pulls him back and has to eat the rest of the money, when they’re already out of the playoff picture. Best case scenario, we bolster our rotation big time.
not as punny as SDcat00
It might be a little risky
because you never know if a team will just decide to rid themselves of the contract, though the amount owed to Lilly (probably around $2 million for the remainder of the season) isn’t crippling. Aside from that, though, Lilly will probably be a Type A or Type B free agent, I’d think, so if it’s us claiming him the Dodgers might decide to hang on to him and take the compensation picks rather than helping us boost our rotation.
Yes, it's a gamble, but a gamble worth taking
The Dodgers, like last year, won’t be offering any arb. They don’t want the extra high picks, because they can’t afford to sign them all.
There is risk in any waiver claim, but in this instance, as long as Lilly is healthy, which certainly seems to be the case, the downside here is minimal, and the possible upside is quite significant.
not as punny as SDcat00
Right
This wouldn’t be a claim on a guy who’s still got a season or two left on his contract; it’s essentially $2 mil for a month of Lilly, who’s a definite improvement on Rogers.
And since we can wait until, say, after Saturday's game to put in the claim...
…and again, I don’t see a single NL team ahead of us in line likely to claim him.
Well, a worse team can claim him, solely to offer arb to get the draft picks, but there’s always the risk for that team that he accepts, and given his performance the last couple of years, he’d be likely to cost something like at least $8m….and I don’t really see that. Maybe, just maybe, the Nats, who will have a bit staff hole to fill next year. But I find it unlikely.
not as punny as SDcat00
I'd put in a bucket of them...
We're trying to win a (#)(*@$%#)@#&$#)^ argument here!!!!
Bazinga!!
by Junction Rox on Aug 27, 2010 5:14 PM MDT up reply actions
Hawpe a Ray
If you follow that link to Rosenthal’s article at Fox it says that Hawpe signed with the Rays and will report to Single A for now. Sorry if this has already been mentioned.
please god
for once take a damn series from the Dodgers…preferably a sweep
time to make another run to the postseason....get it going guys!!
Troy Tulowitzki: "When people think of the Rockies, I want them to think of a winning organization."
Do the Dodgers look at their schedle a few weeks before every Rockies
matchup and say to themselves “how do we make absolutely sure that Kershaw makes a start in the Colorado series”. I swear we never miss this guy. You would think that with a 40% chance it would happen every once in a while.
The 2010 Rockies are done!!!!! Do you hear me Rockies? You have NO SHOT at making the postseason. In fact I guarantee you will not make the postseason. (Okay, now that I have removed all expectations go out and make me eat these words)
Yankee Haters Encouragement Group Member #1
by RhodeIslandRoxfan on Aug 27, 2010 12:34 PM MDT reply actions
I approve of these pitching matchups
We’re throwing our 3 best guys out there against them, their lineup is weak (their only strength is Ethier and Manny, and Manny is probably going to be gone soon), and all of these pitchers haven’t pitched well at Coors at all in the past.
In key words, any thing other than a series win is a disappointment and there should be a chance we sweep this series.
Trying to figure out ...
A. Will the Dodgers play Manny if they’re in the middle of dealing w/ the White Sox for him. One hamstring strain & the deal is off. Not sure what the protocol is in such situations.
B. If we want him to play. He does present certain risks as a hitter, but especially with his recently-hobbled status, he’s a huge (in more ways than one) liability in LF in Coors.
Mediocrity sucks
He's always been a defensive liability in Coors, but we haven't been able to take advantage of it
I’d prefer he didn’t play, for that reason alone.
My guess is the Dodgers hold him out of the lineup now. He played enough to convince a team to claim him, but the Dodgers know if he gets hurt this weekend, a) the transaction will be off and b) they’ll be dead in the water on the WC.
Basically, imho, if Manny plays tonight, the Dodgers’ intention is likely to pull him back off waivers, and make their unlikely play for the WC.
not as punny as SDcat00
Well, if they were going for the WC, now's the time
Their Sept schedule sucks, but their next 3 series are against us, the Phillies, and the Giants. When they’ve typically owned us either way, and play the two teams that directly cause them their most problems at home, this should be their last hurrah if they’re going for it.
As I read it in several articles
the Dodgers can drag out the negotiations on Manny until Tues.
By that time, they think they’ll have a better idea on whether they’re really in the wildcard race or not.
Talk about pressure. Not only do we need to beat the Dodgers to keep our own playoff chances alive, but doing so would also probably get rid of Manny. Big, big series
here. We need to get at least 2 of 3.
Mediocrity sucks
They can, but if Manny reaggravates the injury before Tuesday, the deal's off
And then they’re also stuck paying the last $4m of his contract, while being out of the WC. Not a great recipe for those money grubbing soon-to-be-divorcees.
not as punny as SDcat00
I tweeted about this, but I think that supposed WC attempt is a ruse.
Trying to drive up the pressure on the White Sox to up their offer for Ramirez. LA’s really done with him, and I don’t think they really feel they’re a contender for the playoffs since Furcal and Martin went down.
Sweeping the Dodgers would undermine that false leverage they’re trying to build, though.
I can get behind this
I’m just troubled a bit by the fact they did play him on Wednesday for a full game, unless their whole idea was as a one game showoff exhibition.
Remember, Manny has a full no-trade, so the pressure isn’t all the Dodgers’ to apply.
not as punny as SDcat00
And there it is from Ned Colletti
BNightengale #mlb #dodgers GM Ned Colletti on moving trading Manny Ramirez: "Not inclined to move anyone so long as we have a chance.’’
I still think it’s a game, a ploy for a return, and I think the Dodgers FO staff are playing it a lot better than the Rockies staff did with Hawpe. I hope Kenny Williams sees through the bluff and offers nothing, and I hope the Rockies win at least these first two games to take the pressure off him to do something foolish.
Eh, it's Kenny Williams.
He could do something brilliant or something completely idiotic. You never know.
Another sign the Dodgers are bluffing: Manny's not in the lineup tonight.
If they’re holding onto him because he helps them down the stretch, why not play him against a key rival that’s ahead in the standings?
This. They don't want him getting injured...he's as good as gone. Awesome.
I’m sure he’ll be available to PH, tho.
not as punny as SDcat00
Ned has the advantage
as he can wait and wait until Williams ups the offer, or he can just give him Manny and the salary and use the savings on next year’s free agents or draft.
What’s up people?? Kershaw/Billz and Lilly look like a solid top 3 to me, and there is word the Dodgers will go hard after Lilly this offseason.
raygu
www.faketeams.com
www.sbnation.com
by Ray Guilfoyle on Aug 27, 2010 5:08 PM MDT up reply actions
What's that word based on?
All indications are that the Dodgers aren’t raising payroll, and Lilly’s in line for $9-10m in arbitration.
It should be a barnburning series, tho
not as punny as SDcat00
ESPNLA's Tony JAckson
mentioned it in his chat yesterday…..but to offset that bit of good news, is he thinks they will re-sign Podsednik as well. I guess to keep LF warm for Jerry Sands or Trayvon Robinson?
raygu
www.faketeams.com
www.sbnation.com
by Ray Guilfoyle on Aug 27, 2010 5:20 PM MDT up reply actions
So, given that last winter John Lackey winded up turning into Vicente Padilla
Ted Lilly’s going to turn into what, Dontrelle Willis? Jamie Moyer?
I’m still more worried about what the Giants and Padres are going to do, even if your team does go after Lilly. The Dodgers really don’t have a lot of solid options to upgrade themselves this winter that would fall into their price range.
how do you know
McCourt won’t raise payroll, if he still owns the team, after all the negativity press he has received this year? TJ also said LAD will look top upgrade 3B in the offseason. Could an Adrian Beltre reunion be in the Dodgers future?
raygu
www.faketeams.com
www.sbnation.com
by Ray Guilfoyle on Aug 27, 2010 5:33 PM MDT up reply actions
Because he's already received a metric crapton of press this year
And hasn’t raised payroll a whit in the meantime.
And it’s far from certain that he will even continue to be the team’s owner.
And given the arb increases already on the way for players like Ethier and Kemp…um…nope.
And with the McCourt’s basically claiming it’s taking all their funds just to pay their many mortgagi…..um…nope.
not as punny as SDcat00
ummmm
Kemp and Ethier are signed thru ’11
McCourt could sell the team to an owner who wil spend more…..possible
raygu
www.faketeams.com
www.sbnation.com
by Ray Guilfoyle on Aug 27, 2010 5:40 PM MDT up reply actions
You're right. Loney and Billingsley are arb eligible
So is Padilla.
And yes, Kemp and Ethier are signed for ’11, but both get sizable raises over ’10. Kemp gets a $3m increase, and Ethier about $3.75.
So that’s $6.75m more just to those two players.
not as punny as SDcat00
This
I don’t care what the LA homer broadcasters say, there is zero chance the Dodgers risk getting locked into serious money with Lilly.
not as punny as SDcat00
TJ
is a baseball writer for ESPNLA
they have Manny and Kuroda’s contracts off the books….so they WILL have money to spend.
raygu
www.faketeams.com
www.sbnation.com
by Ray Guilfoyle on Aug 27, 2010 5:42 PM MDT up reply actions
Kemp
could happen….they would get alot in return I would imagine
the other clue, for me, that Ned will get something in return for Manny is that he is sitting tonight. Why sit him, unless Williams blinked? Otherwise, play Manny, if he gets hurt, turn him over to Kenny…
raygu
www.faketeams.com
www.sbnation.com
by Ray Guilfoyle on Aug 27, 2010 5:58 PM MDT up reply actions
It could be that way, it could also be
that Williams hasn’t blinked and Colletti doesn’t want to foul up the chance that he might by risking a Ramirez injury. If Williams had blinked already, wouldn’t the trade have already been made?
Plus, you would have that entirely disingenuous dog and pony show of "competing" at that point.
Benching Manny because you have a trade in hand puts a lie to that, as the Dodgers aren’t going to win the WC with Scott Podsednik.
nor the Rockies
with Todd Helton at 1B
raygu
www.faketeams.com
www.sbnation.com
by Ray Guilfoyle on Aug 27, 2010 6:37 PM MDT up reply actions
Choose one:
.317/.408/.517
.294/.351/.343
Those are the lines put up by the players since the trade deadline. One came from the AL, one came from the DL. Helton’s looking good as long as he’s healthy.
"s a baseball writer for ESPNLA"
exactly.
Yes, the Dodgers will theoretically have money to spend. In the end, the operative phrase should be “we’ll see”.
Because the divorce fight itself is far from over. And while not all the savings from ManRam are committed to other players, a chunk of it is.
not as punny as SDcat00
how's this an advantage?
Dwight Schrute: This car is crap. I will buy it for next to nothing.
Andy: How next to?
Dwight Schrute: Well, here are your options: You can sell it for parts, drive it off a cliff, you can donate it to a person who you’d like to see die in a car crash, or you can sell it to me and I’ll use it as I would a wagon on my farm. It will be towed by a donkey.
Andy: I have to pick one of those?
Dwight Schrute: Yes.
Andy: Can you go over those options again?
Seriously, unless Williams is a totally gullible buffoon in this case, he’s got the upper hand here.
are you serious?
if the White Sox win tonight, LAD win tonight, Twins lose, don’t you think Williams will give up something for Manny to DH in that ballpark? Williams is a gambler….he will deal SOMETHING for Manny and save a few bucks.
raygu
www.faketeams.com
www.sbnation.com
by Ray Guilfoyle on Aug 27, 2010 5:30 PM MDT up reply actions
If the White Sox win, LAD lose, Twins lose...
why panic?
Williams is a gambler, he knows a bluff when he sees one, he will deal nothing for Manny and get him anyway. Sell some tickets, maybe beat the Twins and get to the playoffs.
of course.....
btu reports yesterday said they were negotiating a deal
raygu
www.faketeams.com
www.sbnation.com
by Ray Guilfoyle on Aug 27, 2010 5:42 PM MDT up reply actions
Twins deal for a former Rockie
Brian Fuentes!!!
raygu
www.faketeams.com
www.sbnation.com
by Ray Guilfoyle on Aug 27, 2010 5:44 PM MDT up reply actions
This is what I see, as well
So, let’s just jump out to a five run lead early, and eliminate the incentive….
not as punny as SDcat00
5 run leads clearly are not safe
so lets jump out to a 15 run lead
"I am an optimist - it does not seem to be much use being anything else" - W. Churchill
this startling note brought to you by TrueBlueLA
“I have to admit, I was a bit shocked by this…2010 Matt Kemp: .253/.312/.449; 2010 Andruw Jones: .205/.310/.455”
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by Andrew T. Fisher on Aug 27, 2010 1:17 PM MDT via mobile reply actions
Ouch
The oxen are slow, but the earth is patient.
by rockieprogress on Aug 27, 2010 2:02 PM MDT up reply actions
Kemp has the hotter girlfriend, though...
We're trying to win a (#)(*@$%#)@#&$#)^ argument here!!!!
Bazinga!!
by Junction Rox on Aug 27, 2010 5:18 PM MDT up reply actions
BEAT LA!!!
I still believe...
This is R year!
by prettyinpurple on Aug 27, 2010 1:29 PM MDT via mobile reply actions
I hate dodger series
for many reasons, but the one bugging me the most lately is that I have no TV and the games are blacked out on MLB.tv here in SB.
It is either listen and watch at-bat
or go to the bar to watch
hmmm, what to do…
"I am an optimist - it does not seem to be much use being anything else" - W. Churchill
Go to the bar and watch...
Ubaldo’s pitching!
Just an average guy with exceptional hair. Nothing more, nothing less.
Bear Naked - My thoughts on sports, music, and life.
by Bryan Kilpatrick on Aug 27, 2010 2:20 PM MDT up reply actions
Now you know how I feel
whenever the Rockies play the Cubs, Cards, Brewers, Royals, Twins, or White Sox.
The lack of Seth Smith's beard is irrational
Yankee Haters Encouragement Group Member #π
Welcome to the Row
The 2010 Rockies are done!!!!! Do you hear me Rockies? You have NO SHOT at making the postseason. In fact I guarantee you will not make the postseason. (Okay, now that I have removed all expectations go out and make me eat these words)
Yankee Haters Encouragement Group Member #1
by RhodeIslandRoxfan on Aug 27, 2010 4:26 PM MDT up reply actions
Awesome name!
I still believe...
This is R year!
by prettyinpurple on Aug 27, 2010 5:18 PM MDT via mobile up reply actions
The Rockies have signed Luis Ayala to a minor loeague contract.
He has been assigned to AAA.
PROJECT LIBRA: Depth / Transactions
"The highest form of human excellence is to question oneself and others." - Socrates
also signed Mexican Leaguer Pablo Menchaca, but I don't know where he'll be heading
if anywhere before 2011. Ayala definitely helps us, Andy Graham tweeted that the Sky Sox pen is really hurting for being short staffed right now.
Yeah, I saw the note on BA about Menchaca
I think that signing is a few days old (could be anywhere in the range of the week covered in that post). If he hasn’t been assigned anywhere yet, they may have loaned him back to the Mexican league.
PROJECT LIBRA: Depth / Transactions
"The highest form of human excellence is to question oneself and others." - Socrates
by Greg Stanwood on Aug 27, 2010 4:42 PM MDT up reply actions
Menchaca is indeed still on the roster for the Sultanes de Monterrey in the Mexican League
PROJECT LIBRA: Depth / Transactions
"The highest form of human excellence is to question oneself and others." - Socrates
by Greg Stanwood on Aug 27, 2010 4:46 PM MDT up reply actions
I know.
That doesn’t mean anything in regards to the roster. You see players assigned and unassigned from minor league teams in the off season regularly. His presence on that roster means he hasn’t been assigned to another Rockies team as of yet.
PROJECT LIBRA: Depth / Transactions
"The highest form of human excellence is to question oneself and others." - Socrates
by Greg Stanwood on Aug 27, 2010 4:49 PM MDT up reply actions
Kershaw AND Lily again.....
lets hope the Coors Field effect helps us this time. Also nice to know that the better part of the rotation is facing the Dogs for once.
Ubaldo "Iron Arm" Jimenez
Seth Smith’s beard looks on in anticipation.
His name is Dan Uggla!
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