The Battle for Last Place

Padres @ Dodgers
7:10pm
Game 1

After our weekly win last night, we're probably looking at at a typical shut-out or 1-run offense tonight, Dodger fans. San Diego comes into town for the last series before the All-Star break. San Diego is 10 games out in the NL West, while the Dodgers are 12 games out.

Chad Billingsley (7-7, 4.15) pitched a complete game last Sunday, only allowing 3 hits. He still lost because of the Branyan homerun. Bills has been pitching better his last few games after being in a bit of a slump. Mat Latos (5-9, 4.26) will go to the mound for the Padres. Latos has only won once in his last 5 starts. Even though the Padres are in 4th place, they still have a good bullpen with closer Heath Bell. Bell has saved 26 of 27 save opportunities this season. The Padres are also 33-0 when leading after the 8th inning, so the Dodgers need to take the early lead.

It was reported that the Dodgers held a players only meeting before Thursday's game since their confidence is very low. Matt Kemp said being in last place was "embarrassing." Which brings me to a fear I have of Matt Kemp, Ethier & Kershaw being frustrated with all this losing and wanting to play somewhere else. Kemp has stated that he would like to stay with the Dodgers, but I would really like to see the Dodgers lock down these guys, especially Kersh, in a long-term contract soon. You can't blame their embarrassment, yet it's definately not the fault of any of those 3 mentioned players.

2011 Dodger All-Stars

Great news came in today when we learned that Rat Face was placed on the DL, and Andre Ethier was named as his replacement as a All-Star reserve! Yay Dre! This is Dre's second All-Star appearance in as many years. Ethier also has been taking some balls at 1st base since Blake is on the DL and won't be able to play there should Loney need a rest.

Lineup:

Gwynn 7
Furcal 6
Ethier 9
Kemp 8
Loney 3
Uribe 5
Miles 4
Ellis 2
Bills 1

Go Blue:)