tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27169285733851394892024-03-05T15:29:25.488-08:00Dodger Blue ForeverA Forever Blue Brother/Sister run blogsite dedicated to the Dodgers, Mark Landers, our Family, and all Dodger fans all over the world. GO BLUE!formathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09600539719505718865noreply@blogger.comBlogger426125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2716928573385139489.post-62801437907466665782012-04-05T03:48:00.000-07:002012-04-05T03:48:31.301-07:00Happy Opening Day Dodger Fans!Hi Dodger Fans! DBF would like to wish the Dodgers and their fans a very happy and successful opening day and 2012 season. Let's bring the World Series back to the Ravine where it belongs.<br />
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Check out <a href="http://lasordaslair.com/">http://lasordaslair.com</a> for the best Dodger coverage on the internet. <br />
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Happy Opening Day Dodger Fans! Go Blue!formathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09600539719505718865noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2716928573385139489.post-42082986441081141462012-02-21T13:43:00.000-08:002012-02-21T13:43:46.075-08:00Vote Dorn and Hamilton for the 2012 MLB Fan CaveHey Guys!<br />
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There is one day left to vote in the campaign for the 2012 MLB Fan Cave. This year the contest is open to fans, and 50 out of over 22,000 or so, were chosen to campaign their way to spring training, and the fan cave. Only two out of the 50 will make it to the Fan Cave, but the top 30 will make it to spring training for a few days.<br />
There are two Dodger fans in the top 50. Jeremy Dorn, and Nick Hamilton.<br />
Please go and vote for both. Let's get two Dodger fans into the Fan Cave.<br />
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Vote for Jeremy Dorn here. <a href="http://mlb.mlb.com/fancave/index.jsp?content=vote&fliqzid=4d19d64fef6d427b93ebeeda70c85373&tcid=fb_share#fbid=-cDgOP0Rq7l">Vote Jeremy Dorn for the 2012 MLB Fan Cave</a> <br />
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Vote for Nick Hamilton here <a href="http://mlb.mlb.com/fancave/index.jsp?content=vote&fliqzid=fdc3890389cb4324903bf939c67cc4fc&tcid=tw_share#fbid=-cDgOP0Rq7l">Vote for Nick Hamilton for the 2012 MLB Fan Cave</a><br />
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You can vote as many times as you like, as long as you hit refresh on your browser. Thanks guys! Lets get these two Dodger fans to Spring Training, and into the Fan Cave!<br />
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Spring Training is here! It won't be long until we hear those five beautiful words we love to hear....ITS TIME FOR DODGER BASEBALL! Go Blue in 2012!formathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09600539719505718865noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2716928573385139489.post-89745226414546452332012-01-17T22:02:00.000-08:002012-01-17T22:26:27.767-08:00Happy Blue Year from DBFGreetings DBF'ers<br />
I would be remiss in my duties if I didn't wish everyone over here at DBF a very happy Blue Year in 2012! We would like to remind everyone to check out our content over at <a href="http://lasordaslair.com/">lasordaslair.com</a> .<br />
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We have a special post coming up over here to commemorate Baseball Blogger's Alliance Day. So keep it here for that special post, and check out our content over at <a href="http://lasordaslair.com/">lasordaslair.com</a>. The Dodgers begin spring training in just over a month. We're ready for another exciting season of Dodger Baseball! Go Blue in 2012!formathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09600539719505718865noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2716928573385139489.post-19504087166284422212011-12-13T11:23:00.000-08:002011-12-13T11:23:59.317-08:00Justin Sellers Appearance RecapHello DBF land!<br />
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We are still around and I figured I would post some of the pics from the Sellers event at <a href="http://valleysportscards.com/">valleysportscards</a><br />
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Last Sunday I went to the Justin Sellers event at the Vally Sports Cards Shop in Tarzana, CA. The event was originally scheduled for November, but got pushed back because Sellers was playing in winter ball.<br />
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As I showed up I immediately noticed all of the great sports memorabilia in the shop. This is a terrific shop, and I recommend any sports fan to come and check it out. This shop has everything, cards, bats, balls, Jerseys, from all major sports. They have a ton of Baseball stuff there. They throw raffles, and give away prizes, it has a nice family owned feel to it.<br />
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When I walked in there were already a few Dodger fans there, and I got a picture and a Baseball for Justin to sign. I walked back outside, and saw Josh, A.K.A. <a href="http://www.dodgerbobble.com/">Dodgerbobble</a> and we began talking Dodgers. <br />
While Josh, Irene, and myself were talking outside, Justin showed up. and we all filed in to get our autographs.<br />
Sellers signed my Picture, and Baseball. I also got a photo with him as well. Justin was very nice and signed everything, and was answering questions from the fans.<br />
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I had allot of fun at this event. Its great to go to these events and meet and talk to other Dodger fans, while getting to meet some of our favorite players. Thanks to Josh for providing us with the info, and a big thanks to Valley Sports cards for hosting the event. I cant wait for the next player event. Dodgerbobble had said these events are addicting, and he is right they certainly are! We'll see you next time Dodger fans.....GO BLUEformathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09600539719505718865noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2716928573385139489.post-82628027627843445822011-12-08T09:45:00.000-08:002011-12-08T09:45:32.439-08:00Justin Sellers Appearance rescheduled for December 11Hi guys!<br />
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I just wanted to let you know that the Justin Sellers appearance was rescheduled for December 11th. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg98lfEb5GyalktvTvXywG-7uwosj6QzogWOhyphenhyphenZOYP82zas43S4VSMj5uENqmbRSv4aAW-J2mo1rftT1pyz8uMyJjvM21dACJI_th8R8PR-hr-zyzpy6fd74Yain1uDONMoGArUKG7N4LE/s1600/Sellersrunning.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="229" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg98lfEb5GyalktvTvXywG-7uwosj6QzogWOhyphenhyphenZOYP82zas43S4VSMj5uENqmbRSv4aAW-J2mo1rftT1pyz8uMyJjvM21dACJI_th8R8PR-hr-zyzpy6fd74Yain1uDONMoGArUKG7N4LE/s320/Sellersrunning.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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<strong><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #073763; font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; line-height: 14px;">Valley Sports Cards is located at:</span></span></strong><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #073763;"><strong><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; line-height: 14px; text-align: left;">19640 Ventura Blvd</span><br style="background-color: white; line-height: 14px; text-align: left;" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; line-height: 14px; text-align: left;">Tarzana, CA 91356</span></strong></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #073763;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; line-height: 14px; text-align: left;">(818)705-BALL(2255)</span></span></b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #073763;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; line-height: 14px; text-align: left;"><a href="mailto:valleybaseballcards@yahoo.com">valleybaseballcards@yahoo.com</a></span></span></b></span><br />
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The event will begin at 1PM, at Valley Sports Cards. thats 1PM at Valley Sports Cards. There giving away some discounts on autographs, according to Dodgerbobble. Check out his link <a href="http://www.dodgerbobble.com/2011/12/justin-sellers-appearance-reminder-and.html">http://www.dodgerbobble.com/2011/12/justin-sellers-appearance-reminder-and.html</a> for all the information on the appearance. Remember thats this Sunday. So make your plans to be out there. I will be there for sure. I hope to see you all on Sunday!<br />
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We also wanted to let you guys know that Stacie and I have switched over to another site. Were now over at <a href="http://lasordaslair.com/" target="_blank">Lasordas Lair</a> We want to let you guys know that DBF will NOT be shutting down. We will continue to post over here from time to time. however all of our content including our gamecapping will be moving over to LasordasLair. This wasnt an easy decision for Stacie and I, we love our original home over here at DBF, and wont forget it, but this was an oppurtunity we couldnt refuse. Keep checking here from time to time, we will mostly be posting player appearance info over here. You are all invited to join us over at Lasordas Lair, which is part of the Fansided Sports Blog family. Stacie and I would like to thank all of our readers. Join us over at the new site for all things Dodger Blue related, and our DBF style!<br />
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Once again thanks everyone for visiting Dodger Blue Forever over the last year and a half. We hope to see you at our new home......and always......GO BLUEformathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09600539719505718865noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2716928573385139489.post-41257733189113581682011-11-13T11:00:00.000-08:002011-11-13T11:00:04.045-08:00Justin Sellers appearance PostponedHello everyone in DBF land!<br />
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I just wanted to let everyone know over here, that the Justin Sellers appearance that was scheduled for today november, 12th has been postponed.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-0teELA-DI3vx129l2P7w-HLudbyCtyV6dlfb0kErRQVw88LOSW72w3bfWB5d6Kbdc-1YjA49-lItITDM_4c5P90ldS4qc-GgO1XibglsLULbK83J8_JUJggbGnmaR3CRs7DXm88ShBs/s1600/Sellersrunning.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="229" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-0teELA-DI3vx129l2P7w-HLudbyCtyV6dlfb0kErRQVw88LOSW72w3bfWB5d6Kbdc-1YjA49-lItITDM_4c5P90ldS4qc-GgO1XibglsLULbK83J8_JUJggbGnmaR3CRs7DXm88ShBs/s320/Sellersrunning.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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Sellers was scheduled to appear at Valley Sports Cards in Northridge. However Sellers decided to play in Winter ball, so his Appearance has been Postponed for sometime in December. As soon as we hear when the new date is we will post the info up. Thanks to Dodgerbobble at <a href="http://www.dodgerbobble.com/">http://www.dodgerbobble.com</a> for providing the info on some of these appearance signings. Thanks Dodgerbobble!<br />
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Here is the info for Valley Sports Cards, and their website address.<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><span class="pp-headline-item pp-headline-address" dir="ltr" style="display: inline; margin-bottom: 1px;"><span><b>19640 Ventura Boulevard</b></span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><span class="pp-headline-item pp-headline-address" dir="ltr" style="display: inline; margin-bottom: 1px;"><span><b>Tarzana, CA 91356</b></span></span></span><br />
<span class="pp-headline-item pp-headline-phone" style="display: block;"><span class="telephone" dir="ltr"><nobr><b>(818) 705-2255</b></nobr> </span></span><a href="http://valleysportscards.com/Home_Page.html"><span style="color: #035581; font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">www.valleysportscards.com</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Stacie and I have been very busy latly, and we have a huge announcement to come! We have changed addresses ourselves. Well have more information coming in an upcoming post very soon. In the meantime....GO BLUE</span>formathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09600539719505718865noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2716928573385139489.post-83202765182925250852011-10-24T16:30:00.000-07:002011-10-24T16:30:19.445-07:00Hit Machine's journey from Disabled List to World Series<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaqMe_Hw1mw_-UR5oE8wN8Z-2DTWDG5kOxquW-8DE0mHmcy8hSWr9LUzORdOfoz7x_IB4PMww0FZL7L9eUf8ltOTClzPpL3sp2AzHUClJ2H5wvTyyDEkNWvaZ1U2Rryba_9ERaVzq3UYo/s1600/hit+machine+runs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaqMe_Hw1mw_-UR5oE8wN8Z-2DTWDG5kOxquW-8DE0mHmcy8hSWr9LUzORdOfoz7x_IB4PMww0FZL7L9eUf8ltOTClzPpL3sp2AzHUClJ2H5wvTyyDEkNWvaZ1U2Rryba_9ERaVzq3UYo/s320/hit+machine+runs.jpg" width="205" /></a></div><br />
As we continue to document the Dodgers Baseball seasons, weve had several side stories that have continued throughout the year. one of these side stories has been the Journey of Hit Machine, (Rafael Furcal) from the Disabled List to the World Series. its been quite a ride for HM this year. <br />
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Who is Rafael Furcal? Hit Machine is our beloved shortstop for over 6 seasons with the Dodgers. orignally signed in 2006 from Atlanta, he was with the Dodgers until this past July 31st, when he was traded to the Cardinals for double AA outfielder Alex Castellanos. <br />
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Hit Machine is the shortstop I had most coveted during the 2005 season when we were completly desperate for a shortstop. after watching guys like Antonio Perez, Cesar Izturis, and Olmedo Saenz flail away, we wished upon a star for a shortstop that could ya know, play baseball.<br />
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our wishes were granted when the Dodgers signed HM for the 2006 season. over the next 6 plus years, Hit Machine blessed us with his amazing range, strong throwing arm, and vibrant bat. <br />
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depsite being injured often Hit Machine was one of the best shortstops we had ever seen in our lifetimes as Dodger fans. not only is HM a great shortstop, but hes an even better person. often times contributing huge amounts of money to his home town of Loma de Cabrera, Dominican Republic. apparently HM has single handedly sponsored charities, built homes, and even funded the building of a brand new fire station. When the small town desperatly needed help, they would often turn to Hit Machine. <br />
during early june of 2010, Hit Machine's father passed away. Furcal left the team for a week and was placed on the bereavement list. Once he returned, he went on a tear like we have never seen. the understandably emotionally distraught Hit Machine, took out all his emotions on NationalLeague pitching, which is a good way of taking out your aggressions! And boy did he ever! Furcal destroyed the league that month batting .362 and collecting 17, yes 17 multi hit games during a 30 day stretch, earning him National league player of the month honors, his new moniker as Hit Machine, and our permanent admiration.<br />
at the start of the 2011 season, we had high hopes for Furcal during his final year on his contract. we knew with speedster phenom Dee Gordon waiting in the wings, this could be Hit Machine's final hurrah with the Dodgers. it wa a rough start for Raffy. he broke his thumb in early april, and then tore an oblique in june. he was on the DL for most of the season. in July he returned to the Dodgers for what would be his final stretch of games. one of his last games with the Dodgers was a walk-off hit at Dodger Stadium against the Nationals.<br />
<a href="http://dodgerblueforever.blogspot.com/2011/07/hit-machine-walks-off-dodgers-to-win.html">http://dodgerblueforever.blogspot.com/2011/07/hit-machine-walks-off-dodgers-to-win.html</a><br />
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Sadly this would be one of his final games wearing Dodger Blue. the very next week he was traded to the Cardinals. as we said a very sad farewell to our beloved shortstop, the journey didnt end for Hit Machine there. after he cleaned out his locker (he was very torn about leaving the Dodgers, according to various sources) he joined the redbirds and into a pennant race. of coarse he wasnt the only ex Dodger to wear a Crimson Cap. the cardinals were already chock full of former useless Dodger castoffs, like Ryan TOOTBLAN Theriot, and Octavio Bumtel. but Hit Machine doesnt fit into the category with those useless players. hes really in a category and league of his own. Furcal found himself in the middle of a playoff race, and as the Red Birds made their historic run by winning the wild card on the final day of the season, Hit Machine was an important part of that run. <br />
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Hit Machine kept up his solid play during the playoffs for the Cardinals. in game 5 of the division series against Philadelphia, he tripled and scored the winning and only run of the game, and also made several great defensive plays to help the Cardinals advance to the NLCS, and Vanquish the evil Filthies from the playoffs.<br />
Hit Machine also homered in game 6 of the NLCS helping the Cards beat the Brewers to advance to the World Series. as the Cards play the Rangers for the championship, we cant help but root for him.<br />
We hope that Hit Machine can take hom a world series ring to his native town of Loma de Cabrera.<br />
he deserves one. the 34 year old former all-star will never be forgotten and will forever be in our memories for his contributions to the Dodgers. good luck in the world series HM!<br />
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We Miss you Hit Machine, We miss you........GO BLUEformathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09600539719505718865noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2716928573385139489.post-55806859787382025872011-10-16T17:40:00.000-07:002011-10-28T22:08:16.176-07:00DBF 2011 Dodgers Season in RecapAs the dawn of the 2011 Dodgers baseball season began, Stacie and I started our first full season of chronicling the Dodgers. Hope sprung eternal, as the Dodgers made a flury of moves during the offseason. not without much debate though. there was no huge star signing, but a bunch of average and below average signings sparked the debate even before spring training began.<br />
Was it quantity over quality? you decide. <br />
<br />
after the shrewd trading of the completly useless Ryan Theriot, for young relief pitcher Blake Hawksworth. The Dodgers made their big offseason splash by signing Juan Uribe to a 3 year 21 million dollar contract. coming off of his 24 homerun 85 RBI season with the FORMER (fluke championship) world series champion Giants, was epexcted to provide the Dodgers with the power they sorley needed. they also added setup man Matt Guerrier, coming over from the American League. left fielder Marcus Thames, and notorious innings eater Jon Garland. Vicente Padilla was resigned to fill in when and where he could, with Ace Clayton Kershaw, and what was supposed to be a rebound year from Matt KeMvP (whooa boy KeMvP), a new coaching staff announced in november, and a new voice in the clubhouse, rookie manager Don Mattingly, there was initial excitement. things were fun fun fun in the sun.....at least for a little while.<br />
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while we grew accustomed to a rookie manager, and spring training started to take shape, I wondered how I would make it through the long stretch drive in August, as Stacie's second child was due in August, and she was Disabled because of child berthing when Little Ali Wheeler decided she wanted out only hours after Stacie covered a game. well get to that later.<br />
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but as soon as the fun began, the bad news started to slowly trickle in. in feburary we learned that for the third straight year, Ronald Belisario would not only not make it to Spring Training on time, but he would miss the season entirely unable to make it into the Country because of Visa Problems.<br />
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<a href="http://dodgerblueforever.blogspot.com/2011/02/where-in-world-is-ronald-belisario.html">http://dodgerblueforever.blogspot.com/2011/02/where-in-world-is-ronald-belisario.html</a><br />
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after Belisario's murky whereabouts were announced, the first injury of 2011 soon followed. Vicente Padilla, who was signed more as a staff utility guy, underwent surgery to fix a reccuring injury to a nerve in his forearm. he was expected to miss the first few weeks of the season. but no biggie we signed Jon Garland so we should be all good right.....well about that.....<br />
<br />
Garland suffered a torn oblique in basically his first spring game of the year, and landed right on the disabled list. the injuries wouldnt stop there though, oh no they wouldnt....<br />
<br />
in early march, Manager Don Mattingly asked Casey Blake to lay down a bunt, and he tweeked out his back. with his lower back in rustyness, Blake began the year on the disabled list.<br />
<br />
as the Dodgers played poorly during the spring, they were forced to shuffle their cards due to injury. the original starting infield of Blake, Furcal, Uribe, and Loney, only played together two games during the first half, and Juan Uribe had to be moved to third base to replace Blake. <br />
<br />
as spring training concluded, we got a chance to see several non-roster players we would normally not get to see. players like Aaron Miles, Hector Gimenez, and Mike Macdougal. While Macdougal (Dougie) somehow stayed on with the team, catcher/first baseman Hector Gimenez would only last 7 at bats before tearing his knee up and never to return.<br />
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because of the injury to Padilla and Belisario's disappearence, The Dodgers were forced to start the year with Dougie, Lance Cormier (uggghhh) and John Ely in the bullpen. this gave us returning nightmares of last year's reclamation project Ortizi.<br />
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but Padilla and Garland were due back in late April, and so was Blake, and certainly the Dodgers could get through a few weeks without tottally screwing up the first part of the year right?<br />
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of coarse our MVP center fielder who I have an admitted man crush on would have a season for the ages. after the former coaching staff did nothing but scream at him, and after breaking off his much publicised relationship with pop star Rhianna, KeMvP refocused on his game, and boy did he ever.....<br />
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there was also Ace lefty Clayton Kershaw, who dominated all opponents with his magnificence. but we knew that already.....<br />
<br />
well.......and then of coarse there was Jonathon Broxton. after last years second half collapse, it was painfully clear that Broxton's arm was completly blown to smithereens, ending his Dodger and possible his Baseball career. it was obvious. still Broxton had a quiet spring, and despite him losing a full 6-8 MPH off his fastball, we still clung to hope that he could still be an effective closer.<br />
<br />
Spring Training ended with Broxton blowing a meaningless game. depsite knowing he was finished as a major league pitcher, Stacie and I still held out hope that he could rebound and called for fairness.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://dodgerblueforever.blogspot.com/2011/03/jonathon-broxton-has-special-place-in.html">http://dodgerblueforever.blogspot.com/2011/03/jonathon-broxton-has-special-place-in.html</a><br />
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our calls for fairness would later be replaced by our calls of agony. you will see why later.<br />
<br />
While April was a .500 month for the Dodgers, it was filled with controversy. With the ownership situation unfolding, the Dodgers began their 2011 schedule at home agaist the Giants. Follow the links below to see the highlights and lowlights of the first half of the season.<br />
<br />
The Dodgers would score a tremendous victory on opening day. beating the hated Giants 2-1. Kershaw beat Lincecum. his first of five victories against the Giants. the first run scoring on an error by Buster Posey, and the second run being knocked in off an RBI double from Loney.<br />
Broxton while allowing a homerun to the second hitter he faced, still got the job done by saving the first three out of four games.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://dodgerblueforever.blogspot.com/2011/03/revenge-is-dish-best-served-cold.html">http://dodgerblueforever.blogspot.com/2011/03/revenge-is-dish-best-served-cold.html</a><br />
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The Dodgers would come from behind to win the second game.........<br />
<br />
<a href="http://dodgerblueforever.blogspot.com/2011/04/dodgers-come-back-to-snag-win-for-bills.html">http://dodgerblueforever.blogspot.com/2011/04/dodgers-come-back-to-snag-win-for-bills.html</a><br />
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Matt KeMvP and Kiroki Kuroda would help the Dodgers secure their first winning series of the season.<br />
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<a href="http://dodgerblueforever.blogspot.com/2011/04/kemp-offense-power-dodgers-to-series.html">http://dodgerblueforever.blogspot.com/2011/04/kemp-offense-power-dodgers-to-series.html</a><br />
<br />
<br />
but tradgedy would strike Chavez Ravine. immediatly following the opening day game, Giants fan Bryan Stow was nearly beaten to death in the Dodger stadium parking lot, by two psychotic thugs. <br />
the two thugs were finally brought to justice later in the year, Stow remained in a medically induced coma clinging to life as his family sued Dodger stadium for lack of security.<br />
<br />
Things would only get worse from their. after the Dodgers dropped a pari of games in Colorado, they had to play two games in one night, after one of their games was suspended due to rain while tied in the 9th inning.<br />
the game resumed with the Dodger taking the lead for good. they won the night cap too, and as Vin Scully said that night "here we go again"<br />
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<a href="http://dodgerblueforever.blogspot.com/2011/04/here-we-go-againvin-scully.html">http://dodgerblueforever.blogspot.com/2011/04/here-we-go-againvin-scully.html</a><br />
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unfortunatly Casey Blake's return from the DL was short lived after a collision with Chase Headly.<br />
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after John Ely's lone start of 2011 ended with a loss to San Diego.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://dodgerblueforever.blogspot.com/2011/04/return-of-elymania-dodgers-go-for-sweep.html">http://dodgerblueforever.blogspot.com/2011/04/return-of-elymania-dodgers-go-for-sweep.html</a><br />
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The Dodgers opened their first series of the season in San Francisco. it was not a good one for the Dodgers....<br />
<br />
Rafeal Furcal (Hit Machine) broke his thumb while sliding into third base. this landed him on the DL for several weeks.<br />
fortunatly for the Dodgers, the dependable Jamey Carroll came to the rescue providing his usual solid work at shortstop,<br />
<br />
<a href="http://dodgerblueforever.blogspot.com/2011/04/furcal-heads-to-dl-as-dodgers-mull.html">http://dodgerblueforever.blogspot.com/2011/04/furcal-heads-to-dl-as-dodgers-mull.html</a><br />
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and after Ted Lilly (who was the but of many jokes as he allowed homerun after homerun and many stolen bases) did the unthinkable by allowing a go-ahead homerun to Mike Fontenot that landed in the McCovey cove.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://dodgerblueforever.blogspot.com/2011/04/road-trip-finally-ends-lilly-gets.html">http://dodgerblueforever.blogspot.com/2011/04/road-trip-finally-ends-lilly-gets.html</a><br />
<br />
The Dodgers returned home down but not out. but after three straight blowout losses to the Cardinals, things looked bleak. until our MVP Matt KeMvP had enough........<br />
<br />
<a href="http://dodgerblueforever.blogspot.com/2011/04/walkoffpalooza-2011-kemp-saves-dodgers.html">http://dodgerblueforever.blogspot.com/2011/04/walkoffpalooza-2011-kemp-saves-dodgers.html</a><br />
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Finally in order to improve the non-existant offense the Dodgers called up PCL rookie slugger Jerry Sands. Jerry started by doubling in his first at bat, and driving in a run with a sac fly. leading the Dodgers to a win against the Braves.<br />
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<a href="http://dodgerblueforever.blogspot.com/2011/04/sands-of-time.html">http://dodgerblueforever.blogspot.com/2011/04/sands-of-time.html</a><br />
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however after the ownership battle between Frank Mccourt and MLB commissioner Bud Selig came to a head, as Selig and MLB announced a planned takeover of all Dodger finances. McCourt cried wolf as he threatened to sue, while still attempting to assure us that by selling off the Dodgers TV right's would bring the Dodgers out of their financial troubles.<br />
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<a href="http://dodgerblueforever.blogspot.com/2011/04/bud-selig-announces-mlb-takeover-of.html">http://dodgerblueforever.blogspot.com/2011/04/bud-selig-announces-mlb-takeover-of.html</a><br />
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we were shocked, as attendance declined. however Matt KeMvP would hit his second walk-off homer of the homestand lifting the Dodgers to victory over the Braves.<br />
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<a href="http://dodgerblueforever.blogspot.com/2011/04/bison-blake-dodgers-jitterbug-past.html">http://dodgerblueforever.blogspot.com/2011/04/bison-blake-dodgers-jitterbug-past.html</a><br />
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<br />
The bizzarre injuries continued for the Dodgers, especially for poor Casey Blake, who was in his final year of his contract.<br />
Blake after playing a game at wrigley field, suffered some kind of wierd staff infection in his elbow and had to be hospitalized. <br />
more bad news later, as the first of many bullpen meltdowns saw the Dodgers drop a game to the Cubs.<br />
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<a href="http://dodgerblueforever.blogspot.com/2011/04/pathetic-bumpen-gives-away-game-to-cubs.html">http://dodgerblueforever.blogspot.com/2011/04/pathetic-bumpen-gives-away-game-to-cubs.html</a><br />
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another classic Jonathon Broxton 2 out 9th inning meltdown left us all fuming as the Dodgers blew a game in florida, with help from a Carroll fielding error of coarse. we had finally seen enough of Broxton's blown arm induced meltdowns....I mean come on enough was enough right? Stacie correctly identifies the end of Broxton's career as a Dodger.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://dodgerblueforever.blogspot.com/2011/04/2010-redux-broxton-blowup-387497497549.html">http://dodgerblueforever.blogspot.com/2011/04/2010-redux-broxton-blowup-387497497549.html</a><br />
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this was nothing new to Stacie and I. after last years major meltdowns, we were able to easily spot and predict the impending bullpen implosions. with this year though it was different. the meltdowns were more precise and final. there would be no extra-innings like last year, the game's were blown completly away in the 9th innings, often times with 2 outs and nobody on base. yes the bullpen would blow any and all leads obtained.<br />
Often 5 or 6 run leads would be blown in a blink of an eye. <br />
On april 1st, Andre Ethier would get a hit. this seemingly meaningless hit, would start the beginning of a record 30 game Dodger hitting streak. a wonderful reprieve from the losing that would continue throughout the first half.<br />
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Ethier, who had a solid all-star season despite a knee injury that prevented him from hitting homeruns at his usual pace, single-handedly beat the Marlins, with a heroic homerun giving the Dodgers a mircaulous victory, and extending his streak.<br />
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<a href="http://dodgerblueforever.blogspot.com/2011/04/today-was-great-dre.html">http://dodgerblueforever.blogspot.com/2011/04/today-was-great-dre.html</a><br />
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<br />
while KeMvp and Ethier were crushing the ball, Uribe and Loney struggled. Uribe was a momumentally embrassing disaster. a Bum of epic proportions. while Uribe struggled to stay above the mendoza line, Loney also struggled while hitting nothing but weak little groundballs. earning his nickname of "groundball" Loney. he would later atone in the second half.<br />
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in Late arpil Tony Gwynn Jr. son of former batting champion Tony Gywnn Sr. made the first of his two game saving flying catches to preserve Dodger victorys. this saved us from what was an obvious two out 9th inning Jonathon Broxton meltdown. while Andre Ethier extended his record hit streak to 25 games.<br />
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<a href="http://dodgerblueforever.blogspot.com/2011/04/guardian-angel-gwynn-saves-game-with.html">http://dodgerblueforever.blogspot.com/2011/04/guardian-angel-gwynn-saves-game-with.html</a><br />
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Andre Ethier with a three hit game, extends his hitting streak to 30 games. moving into second place on the all time Dodger hit streak record books. only 1 behind Willie Davis' 31 game streak.<br />
<a href="http://dodgerblueforever.blogspot.com/2011/05/ethier-only-dodger-in-ny-state-of-mind.html">http://dodgerblueforever.blogspot.com/2011/05/ethier-only-dodger-in-ny-state-of-mind.html</a><br />
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Andre Ethier's 30 game hitting streak, was unceremoniously ended while in New York. <br />
oh and the Bullpen blew another game in New York........<br />
<a href="http://dodgerblueforever.blogspot.com/2011/05/ethiers-streak-snapped-bullpen-blows.html">http://dodgerblueforever.blogspot.com/2011/05/ethiers-streak-snapped-bullpen-blows.html</a><br />
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Ethier saved the Dodgers and our sanities from an embarassing sweep, with another game winning homerun....<br />
<a href="http://dodgerblueforever.blogspot.com/2011/05/today-is-good-dre.html">http://dodgerblueforever.blogspot.com/2011/05/today-is-good-dre.html</a><br />
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while the Dodgers were blowing out the Pirates, Hong-Chih Kuo was put on the disabled list because of an Anxiety disorder. with Kuo down, Jansen a sore shoulder, the Dodgers were defensless in the late innings. <br />
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<a href="http://dodgerblueforever.blogspot.com/2011/05/dodgers-pick-up-another-win-but-lose.html">http://dodgerblueforever.blogspot.com/2011/05/dodgers-pick-up-another-win-but-lose.html</a><br />
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We all continued to be intoxicated with Kershaw's magnificent doinance on every level. he whiffed 11 Dbacks during this game in May.....<br />
<br />
<a href="http://dodgerblueforever.blogspot.com/2011/05/kershaw-snake-charmer-strikes-out-11-d.html">http://dodgerblueforever.blogspot.com/2011/05/kershaw-snake-charmer-strikes-out-11-d.html</a><br />
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Stacie and I attended a game against the Dbacks. Bills pitched a 1 hitter and lost....the only run scoring on a botched pickoff play and a sacrifice fly. <br />
<a href="http://dodgerblueforever.blogspot.com/2011/05/dodgers-waste-bills-one-hitter.html">http://dodgerblueforever.blogspot.com/2011/05/dodgers-waste-bills-one-hitter.html</a><br />
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hey check out this forfiet concoction from Don Mattingly. one of his many first half indescretions.<br />
<a href="http://dodgerblueforever.blogspot.com/2011/05/donnie-uses-forfeit-lineup-for-rubber.html">http://dodgerblueforever.blogspot.com/2011/05/donnie-uses-forfeit-lineup-for-rubber.html</a><br />
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despite pitching with nearly no run support whatsoever, Hiroki Kuroda still comes up a hiro....<br />
<a href="http://dodgerblueforever.blogspot.com/2011/05/kuroda-gets-by-with-little-help-from.html">http://dodgerblueforever.blogspot.com/2011/05/kuroda-gets-by-with-little-help-from.html</a><br />
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As the Giants returned to Dodger stadium, we witnessed the Dodgers rally for three runs to tie the game, off a groundball single from Loney, that seemed to be on the back of an invisible winged guardian. followed by us forced to watch an unspeakable horror. Mattingly let Lance Cormier pitch the 9th inning of a tie game. several meatballs later Cody Ross crushed a three run homerun just inside the left field foul pole.....<br />
<a href="http://dodgerblueforever.blogspot.com/2011/05/thanks-for-nothing-donnie.html">http://dodgerblueforever.blogspot.com/2011/05/thanks-for-nothing-donnie.html</a><br />
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I won the first of two Dodgerbobble contests.....<br />
<br />
<a href="http://dodgerblueforever.blogspot.com/2011/05/dodgers-hit-road-dbf-wins-dodgerbobble.html">http://dodgerblueforever.blogspot.com/2011/05/dodgers-hit-road-dbf-wins-dodgerbobble.html</a><br />
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as the Dodgers began their interleague schedule in Chicago, Jon Garland made his final start before succumbing to shoulder surgery to repair a torn labrum. he would not pitch again.<br />
with the Dodgers down 3-2 in the 9th inning, down to their last out, Bench man Russ Mitchell launched his hail mary homerun just inside the foul pole to tie the game. The Dodgers followed with a three run rally in extras, highlighted by Juan Castro batting with the bases loaded. the miracle win followed a game filled wtih fog...<br />
<a href="http://dodgerblueforever.blogspot.com/2011/05/fog-clears-for-miracle-extra-inning-win.html">http://dodgerblueforever.blogspot.com/2011/05/fog-clears-for-miracle-extra-inning-win.html</a><br />
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<br />
Hit Machine returns to the lineup, pushing the dependable hard working Jamey Carroll back to the bench.<br />
<a href="http://dodgerblueforever.blogspot.com/2011/05/hit-machine-returns.html">http://dodgerblueforever.blogspot.com/2011/05/hit-machine-returns.html</a><br />
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while playing a series in Houston, Andre Ethier's pinch hit tied the game for the Dodgers, but Strikeout machine Kenley Jansen, blew the tie in the 9th inning. <br />
<a href="http://dodgerblueforever.blogspot.com/2011/05/jansens-meltdown-wastes-dres-clutch.html">http://dodgerblueforever.blogspot.com/2011/05/jansens-meltdown-wastes-dres-clutch.html</a><br />
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Fireballing Rookie Phenom, Rubby De La Rosa, who ends up filling in for the injured Jon Garland, makes his MLB debut in Houston for the Dodgers, helping them to victory. Jerry Sands blasted a grand slam<br />
<a href="http://dodgerblueforever.blogspot.com/2011/05/kids-incorporated-dodgers-youth-lead.html">http://dodgerblueforever.blogspot.com/2011/05/kids-incorporated-dodgers-youth-lead.html</a><br />
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Matt Guerrier blows another game against the Astros. nothing new here......<br />
<a href="http://dodgerblueforever.blogspot.com/2011/05/matt-guerrier-blows-another-game.html">http://dodgerblueforever.blogspot.com/2011/05/matt-guerrier-blows-another-game.html</a><br />
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Because of Injuries the Marlins are forced to use their entire bullpen through the entire game. The Dodgers are unable to hit the fishpen....<br />
<a href="http://dodgerblueforever.blogspot.com/2011/05/dodgers-cant-hit-fishpen-or-anyone.html">http://dodgerblueforever.blogspot.com/2011/05/dodgers-cant-hit-fishpen-or-anyone.html</a><br />
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Clayton Kershaw continued hs wonderful dominance. his two hit shutout gives the Dodgers a win against the Marlins. Kersh whiffed 10 fish that day.<br />
<a href="http://dodgerblueforever.blogspot.com/2011/05/series-win-for-dodgers-is-like-shooting.html">http://dodgerblueforever.blogspot.com/2011/05/series-win-for-dodgers-is-like-shooting.html</a><br />
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Bills followed up the next day with a win of his own......<br />
<a href="http://dodgerblueforever.blogspot.com/2011/05/rock-climber-billingsley-reaches-summit.html">http://dodgerblueforever.blogspot.com/2011/05/rock-climber-billingsley-reaches-summit.html</a><br />
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A Dodger sweep of Colorado is spoiled by a shutout from Ubaldo Jimenez. Rookie reliever Josh Lindblom also debuts<br />
<a href="http://dodgerblueforever.blogspot.com/2011/06/put-those-brooms-back-in-closet.html">http://dodgerblueforever.blogspot.com/2011/06/put-those-brooms-back-in-closet.html</a><br />
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There was absoltuly no way of stopping Matt KeMvP this season. his MVP year continued as the Dodgers played a road series in Cincinnati. KeMvP's onslought on National League pitching and the triple crown threat was unstoppable. his grand slam homerun brought the Dodgers a victory during an historic come from behind win.<br />
<a href="http://dodgerblueforever.blogspot.com/2011/06/kemps-grand-slam-home-run-sparks.html">http://dodgerblueforever.blogspot.com/2011/06/kemps-grand-slam-home-run-sparks.html</a><br />
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um yeah Matt KeMvP again......<br />
<a href="http://dodgerblueforever.blogspot.com/2011/06/kemp-public-smasher-1-leads-dodgers-to.html">http://dodgerblueforever.blogspot.com/2011/06/kemp-public-smasher-1-leads-dodgers-to.html</a><br />
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After Furcal tore his oblique muscle on a throw to second base in Houston. Rookie Shortstop Dee Gordon was called up to fill in. he made his first start against Philadelphia collecting three hits in a Dodger victory. it would be their only victory against the Phillies in 6 head to head games.<br />
<a href="http://dodgerblueforever.blogspot.com/2011/06/bison-blast-and-dodger-rookies-put.html">http://dodgerblueforever.blogspot.com/2011/06/bison-blast-and-dodger-rookies-put.html</a><br />
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The Dodgers bullpen blows another game in Colorado. needless to say Stacie and I were pretty pissed as the loss dropped the Dodgers into last place.<br />
<a href="http://dodgerblueforever.blogspot.com/2011/06/bullpen-of-losers-blow-another-game.html">http://dodgerblueforever.blogspot.com/2011/06/bullpen-of-losers-blow-another-game.html</a><br />
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KeMvP hit a ball into the next universe to spark a 9th inning rally that fell just short.....<br />
<a href="http://dodgerblueforever.blogspot.com/2011/06/9th-inning-rally-too-little-too-late.html">http://dodgerblueforever.blogspot.com/2011/06/9th-inning-rally-too-little-too-late.html</a><br />
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Tony Gwynn Jr. picks up his second game saving flying catch. preserving a Dodger win and a save for rookie Javy Guerra.<br />
<a href="http://dodgerblueforever.blogspot.com/2011/06/tony-gwynn-jr-saves-dodgers-baconagain.html">http://dodgerblueforever.blogspot.com/2011/06/tony-gwynn-jr-saves-dodgers-baconagain.html</a><br />
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Once the Dodgers returned home to begin their longest homestand of the year, a 12 gamer, Dee Gordon made his debut at home a smashing success! unfortunatly Matt Guerrier ruined it.....<br />
<a href="http://dodgerblueforever.blogspot.com/2011/06/gordon-debuts-guerrier-blows.html">http://dodgerblueforever.blogspot.com/2011/06/gordon-debuts-guerrier-blows.html</a><br />
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Despite another dominating performence against the reds, Kershaw gets only a no-decision. this time its Blake Hawksworth blowing this game....<br />
<a href="http://dodgerblueforever.blogspot.com/2011/06/bumpen-puts-gasoline-on-fire-as-dodgers.html">http://dodgerblueforever.blogspot.com/2011/06/bumpen-puts-gasoline-on-fire-as-dodgers.html</a><br />
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After being swept by the Reds, the Dodgers drop two out of three to the lowly Astros. were saved the emabarassment of a home sweep, thanks to the heroics of Hirokie Kuroda, and a solo homerun from Dioner Navarro on Father's day....<br />
<a href="http://dodgerblueforever.blogspot.com/2011/06/kurodas-gem-and-pudjitos-homer-give.html">http://dodgerblueforever.blogspot.com/2011/06/kurodas-gem-and-pudjitos-homer-give.html</a><br />
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Clayton Kershaw completly shuts down the vaunted Tiger's lineup, by pitching a two hit shutout, and whiffing the side in the 9th inning and beating former Dodger Brad Penny....<br />
<a href="http://dodgerblueforever.blogspot.com/2011/06/penny-for-your-thoughts.html">http://dodgerblueforever.blogspot.com/2011/06/penny-for-your-thoughts.html</a><br />
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The Dodgers lose a game to the Angels, despite the Halos committing TOOTBLANs throughout the game....<br />
<a href="http://dodgerblueforever.blogspot.com/2011/06/pickoffs-tootblans-and-reckless.html">http://dodgerblueforever.blogspot.com/2011/06/pickoffs-tootblans-and-reckless.html</a><br />
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in the final game of the homestand, Clayton Kershaw and Halos ace Jerred Weaver do battle, until they both are out of the game, as the Dodgers pull out a win in the 9th inning on a walk-off hit from Tony Gwynn Jr.<br />
<a href="http://dodgerblueforever.blogspot.com/2011/06/just-gwynn-baby-dodgers-finally-beat.html">http://dodgerblueforever.blogspot.com/2011/06/just-gwynn-baby-dodgers-finally-beat.html</a><br />
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The Dodgers have one of the most lopsided games in blue history pounding out 15 runs and 25 hits in a 15-0 drubbing of the Twins in Minnesota....<br />
<a href="http://dodgerblueforever.blogspot.com/2011/06/24-hits-later.html">http://dodgerblueforever.blogspot.com/2011/06/24-hits-later.html</a><br />
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In the final game of the series rookie Rubby De La Rosa gives up a run in the first inning and that was it. as the Dodgers were shut out in Minnesota 1-0....<br />
<a href="http://dodgerblueforever.blogspot.com/2011/06/dodgers-shut-out-in-minnesota-dont-ya.html">http://dodgerblueforever.blogspot.com/2011/06/dodgers-shut-out-in-minnesota-dont-ya.html</a><br />
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As the Dodgers headed into July, we could only watch with hopeless terror as the boys in blue plummetted into last place and couldnt get out. as Injuries, poor hitting, and bullpen metldowns continued to doom the Dodgers, Stacie and I and the rest of Dodgertown prepared ourselves for our inevitable nightmarish descent into hell.....but things would slowly begin to change as the all-star break approached.<br />
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The Dodgers started July off on a winning note by beating the Angels in Anaheim 5-0, behind Kuroda....<br />
<a href="http://dodgerblueforever.blogspot.com/2011/07/july-begins-on-winning-note.html">http://dodgerblueforever.blogspot.com/2011/07/july-begins-on-winning-note.html</a><br />
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As Hit Machine returns and Dee Gordon is sent back down, the Dodgers lose their final interleague game of the year, thanks to a Russell Branyan homer....<br />
<a href="http://dodgerblueforever.blogspot.com/2011/07/branyans-homer-gives-dodgers-another.html">http://dodgerblueforever.blogspot.com/2011/07/branyans-homer-gives-dodgers-another.html</a><br />
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on July 4th, De La Rosa has a terrible start as the Dodgers will soon discover a tear in his arm that will end his season....<br />
<a href="http://dodgerblueforever.blogspot.com/2011/07/de-la-rosa-blows-up-in-6th-inning-and.html">http://dodgerblueforever.blogspot.com/2011/07/de-la-rosa-blows-up-in-6th-inning-and.html</a><br />
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Kuroda picks up his 10th loss in his 100th start in a loss to the Mets.....<br />
<a href="http://dodgerblueforever.blogspot.com/2011/07/kuroda-picks-up-his-10th-loss-on-his.html">http://dodgerblueforever.blogspot.com/2011/07/kuroda-picks-up-his-10th-loss-on-his.html</a><br />
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Things began to change though as the Dodgers won their final four games before the all-star break....<br />
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Clayton Kershaw.....yep.....<br />
<a href="http://dodgerblueforever.blogspot.com/2011/07/law-of-clayton-kershaw.html">http://dodgerblueforever.blogspot.com/2011/07/law-of-clayton-kershaw.html</a><br />
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Then there is another victory against the Padres, Bills pitches a shutout, and Guerra works out of a nobody out bases loaded jam to pick up a save....<br />
<a href="http://dodgerblueforever.blogspot.com/2011/07/bills-shut-outs-padres-guerra-gets-rare.html">http://dodgerblueforever.blogspot.com/2011/07/bills-shut-outs-padres-guerra-gets-rare.html</a><br />
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The next day in a game that saw only 1 hit between both teams until the 9th inning, the Dodgers who did not have a single hit walk off with a victory in the bottom of the 9th. the two worst hitters on the team came through. Uribe doubles, and Dioner "Pudjito" Navarro singles home Uribe for the winning run....<br />
<a href="http://dodgerblueforever.blogspot.com/2011/07/dodgers-say-no-no-as-pudjitos-walk-off.html">http://dodgerblueforever.blogspot.com/2011/07/dodgers-say-no-no-as-pudjitos-walk-off.html</a><br />
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The Dodgers ended the first half of the season with a win and a four game winning streak. Andre Ethier slams two homeruns in the Dodgers sweep of the Padres. The Dodgers finish the first half with a 41-51 record. as KeMvP, Kershaw, and Ethier are all selected to the all-star game.<br />
<a href="http://dodgerblueforever.blogspot.com/2011/07/dodgers-have-great-dre-win-fourth.html">http://dodgerblueforever.blogspot.com/2011/07/dodgers-have-great-dre-win-fourth.html</a><br />
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during the all-star break the Dodgers made a move that was very quietly announced. they acquired former Angel outfielder Juan Rivera, and desginated the useless Marcus Thames for assignment.<br />
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While KeMvP, Kershaw, and Ethier were helping the National League beat the American League for the second year in a row in the All-Star Game, The rest of the Dodgers were flying to Arizona to begin a roadtrip.<br />
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Despite a nightmarish first half, winds of change would begin to blow through Dodgertown, as we would watch the Dodgers finish with one of the best records in the second half and get back to .500.<br />
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in the second half we would see Clayton Kershaw and Matt KeMvP continue to have seasons for the ages as they completly dominated all opponents. We drink in Kershaw's magnificent dominance of all opponents, as he was on his way to winning the pitching triple crown.<br />
Matt KeMvP falls just one home run short of a 40/40 season, while leading the league in homeruns, RBI, runs scored, and total bases.<br />
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we saw Juan Rivera acquired from the Blue Jays from waivers seemingly grabbed out of the trash bin. Rivera would supply lineup protection for KeMvP that the Dodgers would sorly need.<br />
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we would see COC graduate Dana Eveland filing in for the injured Rubby De La Rosa and pick up his first win in a rain makeup win in Pittsburgh.<br />
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we would see a flury of Dodger rookies come to the rescue. we would see Dee Gordon return, Josh Lindblom catching a red eye flight from Albuquerque arriving just in time to help the Dodgers get out of a late inning jam preserving a Dodger win in Pittsburgh.<br />
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we would say a sad goodbye to Hit Machine as he would be traded to the Cardinals.<br />
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Then we would see rookie Dee Gordon amaze us with his game changing speed while taking home NL rookie of the month honors for september<br />
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We would see a new and improved and resurgent James Loney with his new swing, that not ironically coincided with the firing of hitting coach Jeff Pentland and the promotion of Dave Hansen into this role.<br />
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we would see the Dodgers trade rookie outfielder and top hitting prospect Trayvon Robinson for catching prospect Tim Federowicz and two pitchers.<br />
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we would see Stacie give birth to Aliana Wheeler only hours after covering a Dodger win, and then land on the disabled list for a month.<br />
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we saw Vin Scully, the greatest sports braodcaster in the history of sports announce his return for 2012, gracing us with his wonderful voice. <br />
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we would see the one thing that Frank McCourt could never ever steal from us...ever.....hope......he cant take away our hope......<br />
Remember guys, dont ever lose hope, dont ever give up. no matter how the Dodgers play, we wil always be here. we wont bore you with pointless adavanced stat calculations and formulas. or annoying win graphs. this blog is an everyman blog, for the true blue Dodger fans. the fans that grew up in the Dodger culture. the fans that were Born into Blue. Join us next year as Stacie and I cover another exciting year of Dodger Baseball! thank you all for reading!<br />
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as we continue to chronicle the Dodgers Baseball Seasons, our DBF season in recap will become a tradition after the season ends. expect more posts in the upcoming weeks. the hot stove is ready to start.<br />
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I would love to say more about the second half but Stacie is already coming to the plate.....swing away Stac!<br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">The Year Of the Bison<o:p></o:p></span></b></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">2011 was a rollercoaster of a season that started out abysmal, but finished somewhat better. We witnessed both arguably the best player in baseball, Matt Kemp, and surely the worst player in baseball, Eugenio Velez. We suffered major rustiness and were plagued with many trips to the DL. By the start of the second half of the season we had already lost Jon Garland and Vicente Padilla to season ending injury, and others were soon to follow suit. At the All-Star Break the Dodgers had a disappointing 41-51 record. We basically had not chance at that point of any playoff hopes. We were depressed, rusty, and Groundball Loney had yet to reclaim his place as an honest to goodness major league player. Yet with all the losing, Broxton blowouts, Donnie’s love of bunting and allowing fatty Navarro to pinch-hit in the 9<sup>th</sup> inning, and more losing, we managed to pick ourselves up and actually finish the season with a winning record. How did we do it? </span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
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</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">We took out the trash.</b> The first item of business that was announced was on July 12<sup>th</sup> during the All-Star Break. They <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">finally</i> DFA’d useless Marcus Thames and picked up Juan Rivera from the scrap heap after the Blue Jays let him go. Juan would be integral in the Dodgers turn around in the second half. He finished with a respectable .274 batting average, 5 homeruns and 46 RBIs with the Dodgers. Later on we would cut lose the horrid Dioner Navarro as well.</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
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</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">We actually won some games and series</b>. The Dodgers continued to win after the All-Star Break, and won their 5<sup>th</sup> game in a row off of Kersh’s 10<sup>th</sup> victory against the D-Backs on July 15<sup>th</sup>. The newbie Rivera even hit his 7<sup>th</sup> homerun of the season, which was on his first pitch as a Dodger. </span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
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</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">We retain our core.</b> By July 22, the Dodgers were mired in last place in the NL West and swirling trade rumors regarding Hiroki Kuroda were rampant. Although many less than blue Dodger fans called for him to allow himself to be traded for perhaps some mediocre prospects, we at DBF said he would stay, and he did. His loyalty to the team was refreshing, and his contribution to the team in 2011 was tremendous. Hiro finished the season with a 13-16 record, pitching 202 innings, whiffing 161, and had an impressive 3.07 ERA. </span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
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</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">We usher in the new.</b> At the trade deadline, July 31<sup>st</sup>, we said goodbye to Hit Machine (Rafael Furcal) as it was made official that he was traded to the St. Louis Cardinals for a minor league outfielder and some cash. Furcal was injury plagued all season and spent a month on the DL for a broken thumb and then another month long stint from a torn oblique. He had a disappointing 2011 with the Dodgers, but he is now playing in the NLCS with the Cardinals and we wish him the best! Another trade came seconds before the 1pm deadline and sent shock waves through the Dodger community. Trayvon Robinson, a top prospect, was involved in a 3-way trade between us and Boston and Seattle. Trayvon went to the Mariners and the Dodgers picked up two minor league pitchers and a catcher, FedEx. With the departure of Hit Machine, a new age came upon the Dodgers at shortstop with the rookie debut of Dee Gordon. More about him in a bit.</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
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</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">The Dodgers finished July with a 12-13 record. They had taken over third place, and were 64-70. Hot August would see the rookie debut of yet another pitcher vying for that cursed 5<sup>th</sup> spot. Nathan Eovaldi who will be making his case for the 5<sup>th</sup> spot in 2012, made his first start on August 6<sup>th</sup> vs. the D-Backs. The young 21 year old pitched 5 innings picking up his first win as the Dodgers beat the D-Backs 5-3. </span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
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</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">By mid August we found ourselves being swept by the Phillies at home. One of the most sickening games of the season came on August 10<sup>th</sup> when the Dodgers blew a 6 run lead and lost to the Filthies 9-8. Billingsley was awful in this game, there were some bumbling errors, yada yada and the Dodgers lose in typical 2011 style. After the pathetic series with the Phillies, the Dodgers need some easy wins to make themselves feel better, and playing the Houston Astros always seems to do the trick, right? The Dodgers sweep the Astros and it’s a nice little departure from all the losing. </span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
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</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">The Dodgers Beer Trip 2011 began in Milwaukee, and the Dodgers narrowly avoid being swept by the far superior Brew Crew as Clayton Kershaw picks up his 15<sup>th</sup> win on August 18<sup>th</sup>. After they chug a Miller, they get on a plane to the Rocky Mountains of Denver to partake in an ice cold Coors. And yes the Dodgers were also ice cold when they lose the series after another crappy Billingsley start in the rubber game. Bills melts down in the 7<sup>th</sup>, and the Dodgers blow another one. The Dodgers then head to Busch Stadium to beer bong a Budweiser and take on the Red Birds. Sadly we must encounter our friend Hit Machine now wearing a crimson cap, and the likes of former Dodger losers like TOOTBLAN Theriot and Bumtel. Ok, how did they get into the NLCS with those two guys? At this point the Cardinals were actually 8.5 games back of Milwaukee in the NL Central. They really turned things around and stole the Wild Card from the Braves. THEN they beat the Filthies, which was wonderfulness so thank you St. Louis, thank you. </span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
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</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Anyways, the Dodgers are in last place now. August 22<sup>nd</sup> we witnessed a marvelous come from behind win at the hands of Aaron Miles. <span style="color: #222222;">Down 1-0 in the top of the 9th inning, Aaron Miles’ game tying hail Mary RBI triple scored Justin Sellers to tie the game, and the winning run scored on the next play, a Fielder's choice grounder that our beloved former shortstop Hit Machine dropped and threw wide to home plate, allowed Miles to score the winning run. Aaron Miles all surprised us this year with his surprisingly usefulness. He finished the season with a .275 average, 45 RBIs, and 125 hits. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
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</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: inherit;">More rubbish removal is clearly needed. We finally get our wish and Dioner Navarro is cut from the team on August 24<sup>th</sup>. He was god-awful all season, yet they kept him around for no apparent reason. He hit a paltry .193 in 64 games with only 34 hits, 5 homeruns, and 17 RBIs. A true auto out indeed. He also was supposedly not preparing himself for games, and Donnie ain’t havin’ none of that. That didn’t come soon enough for us though. We had been calling for A.J. Ellis’s return for quite some time. Next season we will probably see FedEx and Ellis work behind the plate since Bog Rod’s return is uncertain. <o:p></o:p></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
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</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: inherit;">The Dodgers begin a slight uptick in the latter days of August as they sweep the Cardinals in St. Louis and pick up some momentum. The Dodgers return home for a feel-good game on August 26<sup>th</sup>. We enjoy the glorious announcement that Vin Scully has decided to come back and grace us with his beautiful voice in 2012. This game also saw a Colorado meltdown, Kemp’s 30<sup>th</sup> homerun and a surging Loney also homers. Miles pulls a Casey Blake and draws a balk to score the tying run. Matt Kemp joins the 30/30 club as the Dodgers beat Colorado and pick up their 4<sup>th</sup>win in a row. The next day was equally exciting as Loney homers again and Matt Kemp blasts a walk-off homerun in the bottom of the 11<sup>th</sup> to win it and give him RBI #100. <o:p></o:p></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: inherit;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #222222;">Andre Ethier slams critiques in their face.</span></b><span style="color: #222222;"> 2011 was also the Dre bashing year. For some unknown reason, some have insisted that Dre wants to be traded or should be traded and his year has been a disappointment. Dre has been known to spew nonsense to the media, but even suggesting that we should trade him is asinine. We find out later that Dre has been playing with a bum knee, and later in the season he bows out to have surgery. After a ridiculous L.A. Times article by T.J. Simers, Dre hits a grand slam against the Padres to lead the Dodgers to victory. They end up sweeping the Padres to end the month. The Dodgers are now 64-70 at this point. They have won 8 of their last 9 games and finish August with a 17-11 record, the first winning month of their season. Our All-Star outfielder finishes the season with a .292 average, 11 homeruns, 62 RBIs, 30 doubles, 142 hits, a 3-game hitting streak, 8 assists, and plenty of awesome catches. Next year Dre will be back and even stronger after fixing his knee. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #222222;">Dead bats came alive. </span></b><span style="color: #222222;">September rolls around, and at this point we are well beyond the acceptance phase when it comes to any hope of a playoff berth. We now are fully in the midst of playing out this last month and counting the games needed to finish the season with a winning record. The month began with a long 11 game road trip starting with a rainout makeup game in Pittsburgh. We also learned that Rusty Anchor, a.k.a Casey Blake, was going to have season-ending surgery on his neck. The Dodgers also declined his option year for 2012, so Casey Blake’s days as a Dodger and even possibly his baseball career could be over. Blaker finished the season with a .252 average in 63 games, with just 4 homeruns and 26 RBIs. Dana Eveland, called up from AAA helps the Dodgers win the game in Pittsburgh before the Dodgers head down to Atlanta. Loney’s bases clearing three run double helps overcome yet another shaky Billingsley start in the 1<sup>st</sup> game of the series. The Dodgers extend their winning streak to 6 games by winning game two vs. the Braves in 10 innings. Then they drop the ball in game 3 when Mattingly brings in Hawksworth who proceeds to blow the game in the 9<sup>th</sup> inning. Hawskworth had a very crappy second half. You can read more about Hawksworth’s inadequacy in Scott’s analysis of him here </span><a href="http://dodgerblueforever.blogspot.com/2011/09/what-has-happened-to-hawk.html"><span style="color: blue;">http://dodgerblueforever.blogspot.com/2011/09/what-has-happened-to-hawk.html</span></a><span style="color: #222222;">.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
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</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: inherit;">After a rainy series in Washington, the Dodgers head to San Francisco for the last time in 2011. Clayton Kershaw’s magnificence is highlighted as he beats Tim Lincecum for the 4<sup>th</sup> time in the season and picks up his 18<sup>th</sup> win on September 9<sup>th</sup>. The next night Dana Eveland, who pitches well on the road, shuts out the Giants in game 2 getting the Dodgers back to that elusive .500 mark which we hadn’t seen in months. With the loss, the Giants are assured a spot on the couch this postseason. The only time we will see Blackbeard during October is in his annoying Taco Bell commercial. <o:p></o:p></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: inherit;">The Dodgers then returned to Dodger Stadium for their final home stand of the year. 2-run ball was the norm for the Dodgers this season. Other than Kemp and second-half Loney, their offense was lackluster. Then there were the couple of games like the blowout on September 18 vs. the Pirates that totally goes against the reality of the Dodgers non-existent offense. The Dodgers scored 15 runs on 23 hits that day including a Bison blast and a Sandblast. On September 21<sup>st</sup> Kershaw became the first Dodger since Ramon Martinez in 1990 to win 20 games. Kersh would finish the season with an impressive 21 wins in total. It was quite fitting that Kersh won his 20th vs. Lincecum and once again proved his utter dominance. In the final home game of the year, the Dodgers beat their hated rivals 8-2 as Hiroki Kuroda quite possibly took the mound for his final start at Dodger Stadium. In the 8<sup>th</sup> inning against Zito, Bison crushes his 36<sup>th</sup> homerun, giving the fans an extra goodbye 2011 treat.<o:p></o:p></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
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</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: inherit;">On Sunday, September 25<sup>th</sup> Clayton Kershaw wins his 21<sup>st</sup> game and the Dodgers pick up win #80 against San Diego during the final road trip of the season. In the finale series we get one last bullpen meltdown for old times sake. As a Dodger fan we have grown accustomed to bullpen meltdowns ever since the second half of 2010 after Jonathan Broxton’s arm was blown out at the hands of former manager Joe Torre. Since then these oft bottom of the 9<sup>th</sup> 2-out blown games have become predictable in nature. Mattingly has yet to fully understand the conditions, which create these perfect storms, but us, the fans, are experts in seeing them come from a mile away. As we have said before no lead is enough for the bullpen. Now admittedly the bullpen was very effective in the second half with Javy Guerra and Kenley Jansen leading the way, yet you can never let your guard down…there just might be….a meltdown. September 27<sup>th</sup>, the second to last game of the season, was just that. A 6-1 lead vs. the D-Backs was gone in a blink of an eye with a little help from Guerrier, Hawksworth and Guerra. Tattooed buffoon Ryan Roberts hits a game-winning grand slam off Guerra in the 10<sup>th</sup> inning thanks to Donnie’s poor bullpen management. We were all super angered at this game. Yes, it’s meaningless in the scheme of the season, but every game counts and this game should have been a W and not a L. The finale game of 2011 was indeed a win, complete with a solid Lilly start and Matt Kemp’s 39<sup>th</sup> homerun. For some reason Mattingly brings in Tronsucko to serve up many runs in relief, but luckily Jansen comes in to close out the game and the season for the Dodgers. <o:p></o:p></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
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</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: inherit;">The Dodgers finish the season 82-79. In August they had a 17-11 record. Undoubtedly the second half was much much better than the disaster we call the first half. Miraculously we end up with a winning record and in 3<sup>rd</sup> place in the NL West. <o:p></o:p></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
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</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: inherit;">Highlights of this season of course include MVP candidate Matt Kemp’s monster year. He played all 161 games, had 115 runs, 195 hits, 39 homeruns, 126 RBIs, 40 stolen bases, and a .324 average. He truly had a historic year. I must say I do not think I have seen a Dodger have such an amazing year since the likes of Mike Piazza back in the day. <o:p></o:p></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: inherit;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: inherit;">Then there was our Cy Young candidate Clayton Kershaw who dazzled us with his league leading 21-5 record, 2.28 ERA, 248 strikeouts, 2 shutouts, 5 complete games in 233.1 innings pitched. <o:p></o:p></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
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</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: inherit;">Other bright spots included the fireballer Kenley Jansen’s strong year out of the pen. He battled some heart troubles late in the year, but he has the right stuff to be our future closer. He whiffed 96 batters in only 53.2 innings. Javy Guerra was another pleasant surprise after being called up when Broxton failed. He had 21 saves for the Dodgers this season, and will definitely be important in the bullpen next year. <o:p></o:p></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: inherit;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: inherit;">Then there was some relievers who struggled out of the pen. Matt Guerrier had a ho-hum season although he was signed for big bucks before joining the Dodgers. Guerrier and Hawksworth both had similar mediocre ERAs at 4.07 & 4.08. They both contributed to quite a few meltdowns. Hong-Chih Kuo had a very tough season as he battled the yips and anxiety. He appeared in 40 games pitching 27 innings and ended up with a very uncharacteristic 9.00 ERA. He also walked 23 batters while striking out 36. There was some glimpses of the old Kuo we enjoyed last season, but his return to the Dodgers or baseball is uncertain. He said if he doesn’t pitch next year he wants to open a restaurant in his native Taiwan.<o:p></o:p></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
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</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: inherit;">Mike MacDougal finished up with a low 2.05 ERA, and he appeared in 69 games. He had some ups and downs, but his fastball makes him a possible option next year to return. <o:p></o:p></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
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</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: inherit;">The other bit players like Scott Elbert and Josh Lindblom have potential as well.<o:p></o:p></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
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</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: inherit;">Ted Lilly had a strong second half, and even stopped serving up the homeruns. 12-14 was his record with a 3.97 ERA in 192.2 innings pitched. The crafty lefty cannot hold runners on to save his life, and his fastballs are anything but, yet he is pretty dependable and we are stuck with him for a while. <o:p></o:p></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
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</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: inherit;">Chad Billingsley had an awful second half, and we are left to wonder whether he can ever pull two good halves together again. He ended with an 11-11 record, pitching 188 innings, whiffing 152 with a 4.21 ERA. <o:p></o:p></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
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</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: inherit;">Our catching was pretty atrocious this year. Big Rod hit 16 homers but then there was his awful .230 average. Dioner Navarro doesn’t need any more words wasted on him. A.J. Ellis didn’t get a chance, and FedEx is too new to judge. Sigh. <o:p></o:p></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
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</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: inherit;">Offense was at a premium this year, and if your name wasn’t Matt Kemp you pretty much weren’t hitting. James Loney came out of nowhere to finish with a .288 average with 12 homeruns and 65 RBIs. That may not sound very impressive, but if you saw the James Loney of the first half you know how incredible his turnaround was. We went from writing him off as a for sure non-tender this offseason to actually welcoming his return to first base next year. <o:p></o:p></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: inherit;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: inherit;">Jamey Carroll and Aaron Miles may be short in stature, but they are hugely valuable in their ability to fill-in when needed and we sure needed them. I haven’t even discussed the useless Uribe, and you know what he’s really not even worth mentioning since he was utterly and completely horrid this year. He played in 77 games and barely hit over the Mendoza Line at .204. He had only 4 homeruns and 28 RBIs. Where Uribe fell short, Aaron Miles stepped up. He started off slow in the start of the season, but he ended up with a respectable .275 average in 136 games. He had 125 hits and 45 RBIs. Pretty good from a guy who we really didn’t expect much out of. Jamey Carroll also picked up the slack from an injured Furcal. Carroll hit .290 in 146 games with 131 hits. <o:p></o:p></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
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</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: inherit;"> Dee Gordon dazzled at shortstop after being called up, and he most likely will be making acrobatic plays and sprinting like a cheetah for years to come. When we first saw him, we asked who is this skinny guy? Now he’s made a name for himself in the short time he’s been in the league. In 54 games he hit an impressive .304 with 24 stolen bases. He did have 10 errors, and we hope he can settle down a bit next season. His speed really puts pressure on pitchers, and is truly exciting to watch.<o:p></o:p></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
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</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: inherit;">Left field was an interesting potpourri of randomness this season. Jerry Sands also had a couple of stints on the big team this year, and he finally broke out in the last part to get us excited to see what he can do in the future. Tony Gwynn Jr. made some incredible game-saving catches, and he will be a great asset to the team next season if he is to be resigned.<o:p></o:p></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
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</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: inherit;">2011 has been emotionally draining indeed. We never stopped rooting for our boys in blue even in the darkest moments. Don Mattingly still has a lot to learn, but the second-half turnaround gives us hope that he can transcend the Torre tradition and carve out his own path with the Dodgers. We will say goodbye to some players this offseason, and we will welcome new ones as well. With some fine tuning, continued offense production from Loney, Kemp, Sands, Rivera, and Dre, and the dominance of Clayton Kershaw we may be able to contend next season Dodger fans. Thank you for reading and remember every season can be the Year of the Bison. Go Blue<span style="color: #222222;">J</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
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</div>formathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09600539719505718865noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2716928573385139489.post-12849942625850025922011-10-08T11:24:00.000-07:002011-10-08T11:45:18.624-07:00DBF Joins the Baseball Bloggers Alliance<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPUyX5Nx45Wad30TKzsNoyUIbMyRQvvJ55zDCyqj4z-NwplySgmsAXltohjKxIazOi8NMqntRiv-BHuioT9BYAopri24rxBtxPgIKEijwWE8348AWfr7_zNzJCLF9qKGzhsF53wVCQMX0/s1600/BaseballBloggersAlliance-thumb-200x155-12545.png" /></div><br />
Stacie and I are very proud and Honored to announce, that we have been accepted into the Baseball Bloggers Alliance (BBA)<br />
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<strong></strong>The purpose of the Baseball Bloggers Alliance (BBA) is to foster communication and collaboration amongst bloggers across baseball, increasing understanding and knowledge about the game.<br />
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<a href="http://baseballbloggersalliance.wordpress.com/">http://baseballbloggersalliance.wordpress.com/</a><br />
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Here is the Link above. The Alliance consists of about 375 blogs now I believe, and continues to grow. fostering a collective collaberation and cooperation amongst all Baseball Bloggers. the BBA also votes on Postseason awards, and votes on a sportswriter of the year. <br />
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as the BBA continues to grow, we at DBF look forward to future collaberations and projects with our fellow men and woman members of the BBA.<br />
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our good friend Daniel Shoptaw of <a href="http://www.cardinal70.com/">http://www.cardinal70.com</a> is the founder and head honcho of the Alliance. there are also many chapter presidents, and we belong to the Los Angeles NL chapter. <br />
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we hope to make the BBA proud, as we look forward to our first year in this great organization of Baseball Bloggers.<br />
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Stacie and I have been battling the flu, but we will be back very soon with more new posts. were gonna have some very interesting posts coming up, and will update you with any and all Dodger news. <br />
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We want to thank you for reading along and being a part of this season with us. keep reading and checking in as we continue to chronicle the Los Angeles Dodgers Baseball Seasons.<br />
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Thank you BBA! If anyone has any questions or comments please let us know. also you can reach us via email if you would like.<br />
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<a href="mailto:formatallan@gmail.com">formatallan@gmail.com</a><br />
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<a href="mailto:rudegirl3@msn.com">rudegirl3@msn.com</a><br />
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enjoy the rest of the postseason and GO BLUE in 2012!formathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09600539719505718865noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2716928573385139489.post-80793802452575523352011-10-02T22:24:00.000-07:002011-10-03T11:13:39.675-07:00Sometimes players come in all sizes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkHdFMgM8RNO-BrdWrPDjRGE_uI27jnxfs8xC7tD2TVlZK8uODwIMpm01duGvJidlneB8wm-3P6mOj6NO1x0aZ63HPLAOF1bySR9EMIbwB8xQOlPswWSZSsbE5H8tvQx10hZxM0oaazIs/s1600/gordonruns.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="188" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkHdFMgM8RNO-BrdWrPDjRGE_uI27jnxfs8xC7tD2TVlZK8uODwIMpm01duGvJidlneB8wm-3P6mOj6NO1x0aZ63HPLAOF1bySR9EMIbwB8xQOlPswWSZSsbE5H8tvQx10hZxM0oaazIs/s320/gordonruns.png" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Dodgers Rookie Phenom Dee Gordon made quite an impact on the Dodgers this season. The top ranked rookie made his major league debut for the Dodgers in 2011.<br />
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The 23 year old shortstop was drafted by The Dodgers in the 2008 draft as a fourth round pick. he came out of southeastern university seminole state college of florida. Dee who is the son of former major league pitcher Tom "flash" Gordon, was ranked in the top 50 prospects in the major leagues. <br />
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Gordon who began the year in AAA, was called up ahead of schedule due to an injury to Furcal. <br />
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Gordon appeared in his first game on June 6th as a pinch runner and scored a run. the next night he started his first game, and collected three hits, with his Father in attendance.<br />
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<a href="http://dodgerblueforever.blogspot.com/2011/06/bison-blast-and-dodger-rookies-put.html">Gordon collects three hits in debut</a><br />
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in a game on july 1st against the Angels, Gordon stole second, third, and home in the same inning. the first player to do this since Jayson Werthless in 2009. also the first Dodger since Harvey Hendrick in 1928.<br />
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<a href="http://dodgerblueforever.blogspot.com/2011/07/july-begins-on-winning-note.html">Gordon steals home</a><br />
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Dee was sent back down, but was recalled on july 31 after Furcal was traded to St. Louis. Gordon took over at starting shortstop and leadoff role. Gordon excelled in the second half of the season. <br />
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With his game changing speed, solid bat, and flashy defense, led Gordon to earn NL Rookie of the Month honors for September. <br />
in his award winning Month, Gordon batted .372 with 14 multi hit games. Gordon stole 12 bases that month. after returning from a three week stint on the disabled list because of a sore shoulder, once healthy again Dee went on a 9 for 16 tear. Dee had a four hit game on sept. 8th, and finished with an 11 game hitting streak, and mutli hit performences in the final three games.<br />
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Dee bats left and throws right. he is listed as 5'11 and 150 pounds. however he looks more like hes 130. small and thin, Dee flys around the bases like nothing weve seen before. his amazing speed single handedly won games for the Dodgers. for example this game in Atlanta, where he scored the game winning run.<br />
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<a href="http://dodgerblueforever.blogspot.com/2011/09/gordons-speed-and-dodger-bullpen-extend.html">Gordon scores winning run in extra innings</a><br />
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In total Gordon finished the season batting .304 in 224 ABs. he stole 24 bases out of 31 attempts. he had a .325 OBP, with 68 hits, 34 runs scored, 9 doubles, and 2 triples. Gordon drove in 11 runs, and played in 56 games. Dee's 24 steals were tops among all rookies in the National League.<br />
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Gordon still has to work on his defense though. Dee has a -3 total runs zone rating and commited 10 errors. (ugghh I hate zone ratings)<br />
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Gordon is only 23 years old, and the skys the limit for this young flashy speedster. he runs like a track star, makes spectacular plays, and has a solid line drive bat. the starting shortstop job is his to lose next year. Dee gives alot of small guys hope, that they can make it too, despite their small stature.<br />
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were looking forward to seeing Dee at short, and at the top of the lineup for many years to come! congratulations Dee on a great first season!<br />
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Check back in with us soon, as we will have our DBF season in recap. until then have a great week and Go Blue!formathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09600539719505718865noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2716928573385139489.post-3647835921054183192011-09-28T21:38:00.000-07:002011-09-28T21:49:51.573-07:00Dodgers survive bullpen De Ja Vu to win final game, as KeMvP blasts number 39Dodgers 7 12 0<br />
Dbacks 5 7 0<br />
WP-Lilly-12-14<br />
LP-Saunders-12-13<br />
SV-Jansen-5<br />
HR-KeMvP-39-Loney-12<br />
Gillepsie-1-Blanco-8(GS)<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh76Va3YGZrHgMbMfiolKIOPQXUzpQQbVVUXTXJ91DPWHqsXaADikEZQEnu4lnTrBaVPznH_t9-GTVrmHGYRVS5uPeYvnvUz9u_C2YuwBXGzPAN7AUOBjcmxvDYPXPDLfX2EH1cMYHOh80/s1600/KeMvPhr39.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh76Va3YGZrHgMbMfiolKIOPQXUzpQQbVVUXTXJ91DPWHqsXaADikEZQEnu4lnTrBaVPznH_t9-GTVrmHGYRVS5uPeYvnvUz9u_C2YuwBXGzPAN7AUOBjcmxvDYPXPDLfX2EH1cMYHOh80/s320/KeMvPhr39.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thank you Bison for a wonderful season!-MVP</td></tr>
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In the Final game of the 2011 season, the Dodgers ended it on a good note, well somewhat. They did win, but barly survived another bullpen collapse as Mattingly decided to leave Troncosco in to serve up a bunch of homeruns. (why donnie?????) the Dodgers beat Arizona 7-5 and win their final series. Ted Lilly pitched 7 shutout innings, earning the win. Matt KeMvP, our MVP completes one of the best seasons in Dodgers history. he goes 1 for 4 with a homerun, as he leads the league in homeruns, RBI, and runs scored. he becomes only the 5th player ever in history to do this. the season wouldnt be complete without one last Bison Blast! also note, Dee Gordon finishes the season hiting .304. <br />
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Gordon leads off the game with a single into center. thats Dee's 41st hit of september. pretty darn good. Gordon then takes off and steals second, his 24th steal. Sellers groundball to the first base side moves Gordon to third. Bison is hit in the foot with a pitch and is awarded first base. Rivera's deep fly to right brings home Gordon. 1-0 Dodgers. Loneys groundball ends the inning.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju0mt4oBeVUqBrEV3ywWhxJmytZxSs7vDWvhA5sAJN-FOrku_nVVUyyTpK-y6pLqpvM88pck3NtmgUkKKko0XQd8M6IfCGphy5DollZQG-wlWyl4wtBCDuuuneqHcBhkQ6DmqdRsB-Bvk/s1600/loneygordon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="221" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju0mt4oBeVUqBrEV3ywWhxJmytZxSs7vDWvhA5sAJN-FOrku_nVVUyyTpK-y6pLqpvM88pck3NtmgUkKKko0XQd8M6IfCGphy5DollZQG-wlWyl4wtBCDuuuneqHcBhkQ6DmqdRsB-Bvk/s320/loneygordon.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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Lilly begins the game like Saunders by giving up a hit to Bloomquist. and then of coarse Bloomquist steals second hills fly ball to sands advances Bloomquist to third. Sands throw is offline. Upton's pop up to Sellers is to shallow to score Bloomquist. Lilly whiffs Goldschmidt to get out of the jam.<br />
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Sands Grounds out to start the second. Big Rod flies out to Upton. Carroll grounds out. <br />
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bottom of the second. Lilly whiffs Young. Roberts and Parra ground out. <br />
move to the top of the third. Lilly whiffs. Gordon, another hit to right. Sellers bangs a double down the left field line. Gordon flies around the basepaths to easily score. 2-0 Dodgers. in Bison's second at bat he flies out to left. Rivera's line drive smash to third has Ryan Roberts making a good play to throw out Rivera. they dont call it the hot corner for nothing, dammit!<br />
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Bottom of the third. former Dodger Henry Blanco lines out to Carroll. Saunders bounces out. Bloomquist whiffs.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh687X5PJ0TCm-cgzvG45cj_JmpXGxDRkA8kpEZ22E2GsxA24kaP_ADFDlMjuyNMPXS3v4KwTUDn9U_I-xAVN_rgdBnds7LU0z4VUxcQCi_6pNTZjIGXyeV6CEsYLuWFQVrih3kBx0umY/s1600/goldschmidt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="215" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh687X5PJ0TCm-cgzvG45cj_JmpXGxDRkA8kpEZ22E2GsxA24kaP_ADFDlMjuyNMPXS3v4KwTUDn9U_I-xAVN_rgdBnds7LU0z4VUxcQCi_6pNTZjIGXyeV6CEsYLuWFQVrih3kBx0umY/s320/goldschmidt.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Godlschmidt reaches over the railing to catch a foul ball neatr the Dodger Dugout.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
top of the 4th for the Dodgers. Loney flies out. Sands a pop fly single. Big Rod swings away on a 3-0 pitch, and pops it up, Goldschmidt reaches into the Dodger dugout to catch Big Rod's foul out. Carroll promptly follows with a triple into the right field corner. Sands scores. 3-0 Dodgers. Lilly gets into the act as well, he singles into center, scoring Carroll. 4-0 Dodgers. Lilly's 5th hit of the season. with Gordon at bat, there was some kind of busted hit and run play, or a sing got crossed, or maybe because its the last game of the year, all of those explanations are the only ones that can explain as too why lilly would try and steal second. he is easily thrown out of coarse. ha the last day of the year, you never know what you will see.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu8LuRjmpFWSpVLb1vr3V4k2rsMRjE5bXVtG7P2i3nyan98GfqAkXCax3MrTmtQ4vWfwB_n4mb5kK1KrwHCrzO5sQzI4QbRt7UOGp74MuKTFuUI-XxvXMAci09hY8CxQcsGAVhXdo6CHc/s1600/carrolltriple.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu8LuRjmpFWSpVLb1vr3V4k2rsMRjE5bXVtG7P2i3nyan98GfqAkXCax3MrTmtQ4vWfwB_n4mb5kK1KrwHCrzO5sQzI4QbRt7UOGp74MuKTFuUI-XxvXMAci09hY8CxQcsGAVhXdo6CHc/s320/carrolltriple.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Carroll triples in a run</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
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Bottom of the 4th, Hill singles. Upton flies out. Goldschmidt flies out to Bison. Hill swipes second, but Young whiffs. <br />
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top of the 5th, Gordon and Carroll ground out. In Bison's third at bat, KeMvP grounds out to short. <br />
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Bottom of the 5th, Upton flies out to Sands near the foul line. Parra the bastard, is plunked by a Lilly pitch. I guess this was our last chance to hit that MoFo, so why not? then Lilly walks Blanco. ugh.<br />
Saunders tries to bunt, but pops it up to Sellers. two outs. Lilly whiffs Bloomquist to end the inning.<br />
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top of the 6th, Loney blasts a homerun to right field. his 12th of the year. the 29th homerun allowed by Saunders, 5-0 Dodgers. Sands follows with a single. Big Rod whiffs. Carroll singles Sands to third. but Lilly's looper to second ends it.<br />
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Bottom of the 6th, Lilly allows a long out to Rivera, off the bat of Aaron Hill. Upton flies out to Bison, Parra also flies out to Rivera, for a 123 inning for Lilly.<br />
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Top of the 7th, Joe Saunders calls it a night. he comes out losing 5-0, going 6 innings, 5 runs on 9 hits, no walks, 2 whiffs. <br />
Miley comes in from the bullpen. with 1 out, Sellers doubles into the gap. then KeMvP hits one out! a Bison blast over the left field wall. thats Bison's 39th homerun, and he has 126 RBI. oh yeah and the Dodgers lead 7-0! Loney follows with a single. Sands groundball ends the frame. Bison should get one more at bat. can Bison get number 40 before the clock runs out?<br />
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Cowgill leads off with a single in the bottom of the 7th. Roberts whiffs. Gilespie flies out. Blanco pops out.<br />
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top of the 8th, Owings pitching. the same guy who got the win last night. Big Rod flies out. then the Hitless Wonder, Eugenio Velez solidifies his name into the record books for historic futility. he grounds out, going 0 for 36 on the season. wow what a waste of 36 at bats. thankfully this will be the last we will ever see of him again. goodye Eugenio! may your journey away from us be safe. <br />
Fedex grounds out to end the inning.<br />
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Ely comes in to pitch the bottom of the 8th. what a great outing from Lilly, he pitches 7 strong shutout innings, allowing only 3 hits, 1 walk, and 5 whiffs, he made 95 pitches. Lilly finishes with a 3.97 ERA. thank you Ted for a great second half! <br />
Ely quickly gets through the inning 123. move to the top of the 9th, for Bison's last at bat, with the Dodgers winning 7-0.<br />
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with Cook pitching the 9th inning for Arizona, Gordon quickly grounds out. Sellers walks. In KeMvP's final at bat, he whiffs. KeMvP finishes the season at .324 with 39 HRs, and 126 RBI. with Bison's final at bat over, we know the season is really over. Matt KeMvP=MVP. <br />
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bottom of the 9th. last inning. Ramon Troncoso, comes in to finish the game. Overbay grounds out. Goldschmidt singles. then Cowgill singles. ughhhhh. ok can we please not have a repeat of last night? oh then theres a wild pitch advancing the runners.troncoso walks Roberts to load the bases. im having deja vu. thank goodness we have a 7 run lead. oh wait its Troncoso. so as expected Gillespie hits a grand slam homerun. the second straight game Arizona has hit a grand slam. im not suprised. its now 7-4 Dodgers. Mattingly leaves Troncoso in while Jansen has to warm up. unreal we even have to get Jansen up in the first place. then Henry Blanco goes deep. its 7-5. Don! wake up! take him out! Of coarse he waits until the last possible moment to do anything, and finally brings in Jansen when its a two run game. 7-5. just unreal. <br />
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Jansen enters and gets Burroughs to fly out. and Mcdonald flies out to Gwynn for the last out of the season, and the Dodgers "hold on" and win. it should have been a shutout of coarse, but at least we get a win and go into the offseason on a good note.<br />
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well thats it Dodger fans. 2011 is officially over and out. weve had quite a year havent we The Dodgers finish the season at 82-79. Thanks Boys in Blue for an exciting season!<br />
Heckl even the last inning was dramatic Dodger fans. I would like to thank anyone and everyone who has read our blog this year. please join us during the offseason for more Analasys, Blue Bios, our DBF season in recap, team reviews, some interesting Podcasts, and more! <br />
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Until then check out Dodgerbobble's Don Mattingly contest over at-<br />
<a href="http://www.dodgerbobble.com/2011/09/don-mattingly-bobblehead-contest.html#.ToPz0E7ckzs.facebook">http://www.dodgerbobble.com/2011/09/don-mattingly-bobblehead-contest.html#.ToPz0E7ckzs.facebook</a><br />
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until the next time we see each other goodbye Dodger fans! were planning on a special live opening day recap next year. only 188 days until opening day of 2012! <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLb6xKfbwuuNbDvxnqGDbqpn84zttyD7X2fNLyKQ3XFGtXqLlt3Q3W6eMUTEtsd2Vq41RfHhvPM8Qa1DSLCueb8ScozCUYSx-FhYVYQx-78mMsqSaNdCmRzLJ_oUQM4vV92y8-6W1XQA0/s1600/dodgersbattinghelmet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="215" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLb6xKfbwuuNbDvxnqGDbqpn84zttyD7X2fNLyKQ3XFGtXqLlt3Q3W6eMUTEtsd2Vq41RfHhvPM8Qa1DSLCueb8ScozCUYSx-FhYVYQx-78mMsqSaNdCmRzLJ_oUQM4vV92y8-6W1XQA0/s320/dodgersbattinghelmet.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBLw5m_q4DIT4SdugnOKpHmpRxRmbaqNeo6nB-ECeTEHMMWbqBq590LuGqoJq4bONlnUqrXGlHOcxoBV7nKfCvNjxdzgSwkuk2o-x4Koc4Ar5EuSm3aEQJNmE_WjNmuWm3QTMu9ap0LJ8/s1600/IMG_20110403_112503.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBLw5m_q4DIT4SdugnOKpHmpRxRmbaqNeo6nB-ECeTEHMMWbqBq590LuGqoJq4bONlnUqrXGlHOcxoBV7nKfCvNjxdzgSwkuk2o-x4Koc4Ar5EuSm3aEQJNmE_WjNmuWm3QTMu9ap0LJ8/s320/IMG_20110403_112503.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>and always remember...........................GO BLUEformathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09600539719505718865noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2716928573385139489.post-55520259722877860422011-09-28T14:41:00.000-07:002011-09-28T18:14:18.334-07:00Cant Stop the BlueDodgers Lineup<br />
Gordon6<br />
Sellers5<br />
KeMvP8<br />
Rivera7<br />
Loney3<br />
Sands9<br />
Big Rod2<br />
Carroll4<br />
Lilly1<br />
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Ted Lilly-11-14 vs. Joe Saunders-12-12<br />
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Hi Everyone! well we made it. here we are, the final Dodger game of the 2011 season. Its been a dizzying season of ups and downs. weve made it through though, and as we prepare to look back on one of the most controversial seasons in Dodgers history, The Boys in Blue will be wrapping up their final series with tonight's game in Arizona.<br />
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I wont delve to much into last night's disgrace, but I'll just say its a real shame that was Stacies' last game of the year. Im sorry Stac. I wont spend too much time analyzing, but it should have been very different, instead we had to watch Ryan Roberts crush our souls with hs grand slam and moc Gibson fist pumps. It could have been avoided. despite what other Blogsites will have you believe, the Manager is in fact responsilbe for his teams play and ther place in the stadings at the end of the season<br />
Dont believe the hype that the Dodgers have had no talent, and that Mattinlgy was dealt a poor hand. wrong. theyve had talent, its been there, it just hasnt been used properly. granted theyve had plenty of issues.<br />
Im not trying to bash Mattngly. he should be commended for his ability to prepare the players, and keep them focused for every game, and his great second half. however his strategies last night were disastrous, so none of us were suprised when the Division Champions led by a former World Series hero, drew walks, got hits, and pummeled a guy who hasnt been even remotly effective in the second half, as he was mistakenly left in to allow a run with the bases loaded. then when Guerra was called in, it was already too little too late, as the momentum had already turned, and Guerra was asked to pitch out of a stretch with the bases loaded. <br />
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I will give Guerra a reprieve since hes pitched so well this year, but Hawk gets no reprieve as he clearly sucked, and didnt cover first base on a play that would have been the last out. It appears Hawk has pitched himself into DFA-o-ville. some people will have you believe that the game was meaningless or whatever. this is a poor argument, and a similar losing attitude prevents us from moving forward. yes I agree that the game had no playoff implications for the Dodgers, but that doesnt mean it wasnt meaningful. every game counts. you play to win, and put your best lineup out evrey game. thats how you edge out your competition. we will be posting our ow reviews this season, and one will be for Mattingly. we will not be grading on expctations, but on overall performence which is how players, and managers should be graded. Mattingly could learn alot by watching Kirk Gibson.<br />
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lets get to tonight's pitching matchups. in the Finale, Dodgers lefty Ted Lilly will take the hill. Lilly has had a very effective second half. posting a 2.32 ERA in his last ten starts. according to reports hes begn using a different grip on hs slider, which he lists as a top reason for his recent success. <br />
Lilly is 11-14 with a 4.12 ERA. he is 4-7 againt Airzona.<br />
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Arizona will counter with left Joe Saunders, who at times has pitched very well. Saunders who is 20 in his last thre starts, pitched the Dbacks division clinching game. he didnt gt a decision but pitched very well. he is 12-12 on the year, and 3-5 against the Dodgers.<br />
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while the Dodgers have arady clinchded a winning season at 81-79, Arizona wil be fighting for home field advantage in the division series. With a win and a Brewers loss, the Dbacks will take over the second spot in the league and can avoid a first round trip to Philadephia.<br />
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the big story for the Dodgers today will be KeMvP. who needs just two more homeruns in this final game to finish with a 40/40 season and cement hs MVP candidacy. KeMvP, who cant win the batting title is third in avergae at .324, tied for first in homeruns with 38, and frst in RBI with 124. he is also first in runs scored 114, second in hts 194, and second in steals. can he do it? sure, hes hit three homers of Saunders this year.<br />
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well that about does it, lets take a moment to look back on everything this season. weve had Bison Blasts, Meltdowns, questionable lineups, questionable in-game decisions. shut-outs, extra innings games, ohfers, Eugenio Velez, (uggghh), shady Umpire calls, Triple plays, winning streaks, losing streaks, TOOTBLANS, roster changes, glimpses into the future, weve had a Cy Young pitcher, and an MVP centerfielder. weve had off the field controversy, ownership turmoil, Bankruptcies, legal poceedings. Weve had bumbling errors, game saving catches, (ahem, Tony Gwynn), agonizing defeats, and glorious come from behind victories. weve lost several players due to injuies, grew acustomed to a rookie Manager, and said a very sad farewell to Hit Machine (Furcal) <br />
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throughout it all, weve remained blue to the core. The Dodgers and their fans are like a family. we were born into blue. Stacie and I have been watching every Dodger game since we were old enough to walk. (ok almost every game). at heart were traditionalists, which is why we feel keeping the core group of players intact is the only way to hold onto Dodger tradition. at times weve been hard, (especialy on Mattingly) but its only because of our deep passion and Love for the Dodgers. we think this shows in our work. our Uncle and Grandfather were at Sandy Koufaxs' perfect game, we met Mike Scioscia in the Dodger dugout. we know that the players park just behind the bleachers, as we used to wait for hours there after games for autographs, we know that Roger the Peanut guy works the lodge section, The Men's Bathrooms still have troughs, and we could tell you how to get to the back way of Dodger stadium. you cant find those things out by calculating WAR formulas, you have to grow up in the Dodger culture of Los Angeles to know those types of things. <br />
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Let's stay united under our comon goal. to bring the World Series back to Dodger stadium. well be rooting passionatly for the Dodgers to win tonight, like always, so check in with us for the final Postgame recap of the 2011 season immedatly following. think weve been to harsh or critcal? let us know, we appreciate all comments and opinions. we would like to thank everyone and anyone who has read or commented. and of coarse a huge thanks to Matt KeMvP, for stepping his game up to the elite level. <br />
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the game starts at 640. televised on Prime ticket. If you cant get to a tv, tune in to KABC 790, for their final broadcast. the Dodgers will be moving to KLAC 570 next year.<br />
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well thats about it, Lets ends the season on a good note with a win shall we boys? in DBF tradition during the final pegame started last year, we give you a little fun video from Ozomatli. enjoy, and GO BLUE!<br />
<em>YOU CANT STOP THE BLUE! GO DODGERS GO!</em><br />
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<center><object height="325" width="400"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/2CY_5BKSrhU&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/2CY_5BKSrhU&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" width="400" height="325"></embed></object></center><br />
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<a href="http://www.ozomatli.com/site.php" target="_blank">Ozomatli</a>, "Can't Stop the Blueformathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09600539719505718865noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2716928573385139489.post-62391716322275114832011-09-27T23:30:00.000-07:002011-09-27T23:30:50.294-07:00An Ol' Fashioned Bullpen MeltdownDodgers 6 12 1<br />
D-Backs 7 11 2<br />
Final/10<br />
WP-Owings (8-0)<br />
LP-Guerra (2-2)<br />
HR-Roberts (19)<br />
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We couldn't finish 2011 without one more classic bullpen blown game, now could we? Ahhh...this game harkens back to the first half of the season when bullpen meltdowns were rampant and Broxton was serving them up with 2-outs in the 9th inning regularly. Well, tonight Matty Guerrier lead the way, and Blake Hawksworth and Guerra really gave it their all to completely blow a 6-1 lead in the 10th inning. Hiroki Kuroda and rookie Jarrod Parker both pitched very well. Neither allowed a run, and neither were a part of the decision. Fittingly Javy Guerra gets the loss in this one after he serves up a grand slam to Roberts in the 10th. Humorously Owings gets the win even after he had his own meltdown in the 10th allowing 5 runs. Well, here we go Dodger fans...it's almost like the baseball gods are playing a cruel trick on me. My last game of the season, and I get....this one.<br />
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Both pitchers have easy 1st and 2nd innings sending down the opposing team in order.<br />
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Moving on to the 3rd inning, Carroll singles, but the Dodgers fail to score. In the bottom half, Blum singles and Bloomquist gets a high bouncer infield single, but Parra flies out to end the inning.<br />
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In the 4th, Bison doubles then takes 3rd on a Rivera groundout. Loney pops up to end any threat. Kuroda whiffs Upton in the 4th, then allows an infield single to Young and a single to Overbay. He gets out of it when Blum grounds out.<br />
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Carroll gets a single when the ball hops by Blum's glove, but that's all the Dodgers accomplish in the 5th. Kuroda whiffs Roberts in the 5th, then the pitcher Parker doubles for his first big league hit. Bloomquist flies into a double play and Parker is out at 2nd.<br />
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In the 6th Gordon bunts for a single, and Sands bunt sacrifices him over. KeMVP flies out. Rivera walks. Parker is taken out, and Patterson comes into pitch for AZ. He gets Loney to ground out. Kuroda strikes out Upton again and sends the Snakes down 123 in the 6th.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img height="320" id="il_fi" src="http://answers.bettor.com/images/Articles/thumbs/extralarge/Jarrod-Parker-yields-benefits-of-Cactus-League-game-58106.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-bottom: 8px; padding-right: 8px; padding-top: 8px;" width="226" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jarrod Parker Pitches Well in His MLB Debut</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Jarrod Parker goes 5.2 innings, allowing 4 hits, 0 runs, 1 walk, and 1 strikeout on 73 pitches.<br />
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Kuroda goes 6 innings, allowing 5 hits, 0 runs, 0 walks, and 5 strikeouts, on 101 pitches.<br />
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Cook comes in to pitch the 7th, and Big Rod singles. Carroll walks. Gibson brings in Castillo who gets Gwynn to hit into a force play. Gordon then singles in the pinch-runner, Velez, giving the Dodgers a 1-0 lead. Gordon tries to go for two on the play and overslides the bag and is out at 2nd, but the run scored. The lead wouldn't last very long since Guerrier (bum #1) is brought in to pitch the 7th. Donnie could have had Kuroda pitch one more inning, but nah let's just use our tired out bullpen instead. Ellis is now behind the plate. Young promptly is walked. Then predictably Overbay doubles over the head of Bison scoring Young, 1-1. Elbert (bum #2) is then brought in. He walks Hill. <i>Then</i> he brings in Dougie. Roberts bunts, and Loney makes a good play getting the out at 3rd. Goldschmidt hits into a double play to end the inning. Dougie did good.<br />
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Hernandez is in for the 8th, and strikes out Sands. KeMVP grounds out. Rivera whiffs. Jansen, the fireballer, comes in and strikes out Bloomquist. Then he walks Parra and allows a single to Upton. Tis ok he comes back and blows away both Montero and Young to end the inning.<br />
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Putz pitches the 9th for the D-Backs and allows a 2-out Ellis single and a Carroll single, but Oeltjen pathetically whiffs to end any rally. Lindblom is in for the 9th and Burroughs singles, Hill fouls out, and then he strikes out Roberts and Goldschmidt.<br />
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The 10th inning gets crazy. Owings does his imitation of Jonathon Broxton. Gordon gets an infield double, Sands sacrifices and reaches on a fielder's choice and Gordon scores on a fielding error by Owings, 2-1 Dodgers. KeMVP singles in Sands and Matt goes to 2nd on another error by center fielder Young, 3-1. Rivera grounds out, KeMVP to 3rd. Loney singles in KeMVP, 4-1. Miles walks. Yes, Owings is still in. The Ellis hits a massive triple which bounces off the wall hitting Justin Upton in the face! Upton is stunned and the ball rolls away from him. He had just recently been beaned by Tim Lincecum. He comes out of the game. 6-1 Dodgers! Carroll lines out, and Sellers whiffs to end the 10th for the Dodgers. They hang a high 5, and you would think that would be enough, right? C'mon, haven't you guys paid attention this season? No lead is enough for the bullpen, they blow any and all leads obtained.<br />
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Bottom of the 10th...gahhh...do I have to write this? Blake Hawksworth (bum#3) comes in. We know the game is pretty much lost right then. Gillepsie gets an infield single. Montero singles. Young walks. Then there's the nightly Miles error allowing McDonald to reach base and allowing a run to score, 6-2. Donnie gets the hook and brings in Guerra (bum#4). Now Guerra has been very good this year, but there still has been some sketchy moments here and there and I'm not fully confident in him all of the time. He walks Hill making it 6-3. Bases are loaded for Roberts. Guerra serves up a hot meatball, and Roberts blasts a grand slam winning the game 7-6 for the D-Backs. Awful. I felt sick.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Ryan3" border="0" class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00d8341c630a53ef015391eb6615970b image-full" height="240" src="http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/.a/6a00d8341c630a53ef015391eb6615970b-800wi" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Arizona's Ryan Roberts celebrates after hitting a walk-off grand slam home run in the 10th inning of the Dodgers' 7-6 loss Tuesday." width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Roberts Learned Well From Gibson</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Well so that was that. KeMVP did get his 124th RBI which ties him with Mike Piazza for 3rd best by a LA Dodger. Prince Fielder hit three, yes three, homeruns today so now he is tied at 38 with Bison for the league lead. Sands hitting streak is ended as well.<br />
<br />
Kuroda deserves a standing ovation for his season and his Dodger career. He truly is a team player, and even though the Dodgers do not give him run support and the bullpen blows games like this one, he always goes out and pitches his heart out. He is a Hiro!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img height="410" id="il_fi" src="http://www.dodgersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/070411-Hiro.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-bottom: 8px; padding-right: 8px; padding-top: 8px;" width="349" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thank You, Hiroki</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
Tomorrow is our final game of the season:( It's a battle of the lefties when Ted Lilly will go up against Saunders. Bison still needs two more homeruns to reach 40, can he do it in the finale? Join us tomorrow for our last pregame and postgame edition of the 2011 season. Thanks for reading and being a part of the season with us! Please feel free to comment on what you would like to see in the upcoming offseason and next season here at DBF. We love input and comments!<br />
<br />
Go Blue:)formathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09600539719505718865noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2716928573385139489.post-60064869292684882152011-09-27T14:48:00.000-07:002011-09-27T14:48:49.868-07:00Sayonara Kuroda?Dodgers @ D-Backs<br />
Game 2<br />
6:40pm<br />
<br />
Hiroki Kuroda (13-16) vs. Jarrod Parker (0-0, --)<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img height="280" id="il_fi" src="http://www.hardballtimes.com/images/uploads/0070810040152_NLDS_Cubs_v_Dodgers.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-bottom: 8px; padding-right: 8px; padding-top: 8px;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bison & Hiro Celebrate During Winning Times</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
Two games left, and two homeruns left for Matt KeMVP to reach 40/40. Can he do it? Even if he doesn't reach that mark, he has most certainly already rightfully captured the National League MVP award. Matt now has 123 RBIs, 38 homeruns, and a .324 batting average. There's no way Ryan Braun is even close in my opinion. Yes, he may have a few measly percentage points higher in his batting average, but overall KeMVP is clearly the best player in the league and possibly in all of Major League Baseball. Let's root for our Bison tonight since we will be without Bison Blasts for 6 long cold months.<br />
<br />
The real story tonight is whether this will be Hiroki Kuroda's last start as a Dodger. He has said that it is a 50/50 chance he will go back to Japan or stay and play another year in Los Angeles. Kuroda has had a great season even with low run support throughout most. He will be vying for his 14th win tonight, and trying not to pick up a 17th loss. He's pitched in 31 games this season and needs 4 more innings to reach 200 innings pitched. Kuroda is 9th in the NL in ERA. I'm pretty confident that Kuroda will stay on board for another season with the Dodgers. I'm not sure he's ready to leave just yet, especially after having a solid year. He said he may play a farewell season for his old team in Japan, the Hiroshima Carp. Let's hope that farewell season is down the road, and Kuroda will continue to wear Dodger Blue. There's plenty more baseball left in Hiro.<br />
<br />
Hiro will be pitted against the rookie Jarrod Parker making his Major League Debut. Parker was the #1 pick in the 2007 First-Year Player Draft. He had Tommy John surgery in 2010 and has a 11-8 record with a 3.79 ERA in AA this season.<br />
<br />
The D-Backs have won 10 of 17 this season against the Dodgers. But the Dodgers have been playing red hot since July 7th going 44-27 since. They have won 8 of their last 10 and now are 3 games above .500. The Dodgers will have to hold a lead going into late innings, because the Snakes are the only team who are undefeated (83-0) in the NL when leading after 8 innings.<br />
<br />
Russell Mitchell, who had been apparently been playing with an injury to his wrist will be undergoing surgery on his left wrist to repair torn cartilage. I guess unknowingly to us, he was playing with the assistance of injections, but his wrist became inflamed and his surgery had to be moved up to Tuesday. He should be okay to play some winter ball this season.<br />
<br />
Lineup:<br />
<br />
Gordon 6<br />
Sands 7<br />
KeMVP 8<br />
Rivera 9<br />
Loney 3<br />
Miles 5<br />
Big Rod 2<br />
Carroll4<br />
Kuroda 1<br />
<br />
Tonight is my last game to write about for the season and somewhat bittersweet. I'm excited about our first full season here on DBF, but I also know how boring and long the postseason will be. Continue following DBF during the offseason, and we will have some surprises and new features to come!!<br />
<br />
Watch the boys in blue on KCAL for our second to last game, and stay tuned after for our postgame wrap up.<br />
Go Hiro! Go Bison! Go Blue!formathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09600539719505718865noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2716928573385139489.post-71210487566964746002011-09-26T22:00:00.000-07:002011-09-26T23:02:05.610-07:00Dana Eveland (the Cougar), and Matt KeMvP (the MVP) help lead Dodgers to a winning seasonDodgers 4 6 1<br />
Dbacks 2 5 0<br />
WP-Eveland-3-2<br />
LP-Hudson-16-12<br />
SV-Guerra-21<br />
HR-KeMvP-38<br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLHKf2IyHCI11xg02PKUIbWRCMnGdT5G9jpFO75EQG08hIv9hBPWfGVhgK0_QvjUekkHGTWIqJmjYZVsQR_wqkZD0OHHWl7U5xfmXcuJ2GPRfJWHojfjjuKG7VxMuM5k60JzHfrPXmaL8/s1600/KeMvPhr38.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLHKf2IyHCI11xg02PKUIbWRCMnGdT5G9jpFO75EQG08hIv9hBPWfGVhgK0_QvjUekkHGTWIqJmjYZVsQR_wqkZD0OHHWl7U5xfmXcuJ2GPRfJWHojfjjuKG7VxMuM5k60JzHfrPXmaL8/s320/KeMvPhr38.jpg" width="269" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">our MVP hits another homerun</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The Dodgers secured their 81<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">st</span></sup> win tonight, and a winning season. Thanks to a great performance from COC graduate Dana Eveland, a first inning home run from KeMvP (his 38<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">th</span></sup>), and another great job from the bullpen, despite a flustery 8<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">th</span></sup> inning, where Dodger pitchers walked 5 Dbacks, and allowed two runs, but escaped with the lead. Javy Guerra recorded his 21<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">st</span></sup> save. </span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">COC graduate Dana Eveland continued his great work on the road, by pitching 5.2 innings, allowing 5 hits and no runs, no walks, and whiffing 5. Opposing pitcher Daniel Hudson pitched tough but was credited with the loss after pitching 7 innings. </span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Matt KeMvP goes 1 for 4 as he stays at .324, in his continued quest for the triple crown. </span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Arizona was playing for Home Field advantage and Playoff positioning. </span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></div><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Gordon leads off by slapping a base hit into left field, and stretches it into a double with his game changing speed. Weve seen him do this many times this year. Sands draws a walk, and KeMvP comes up with runners at first and second. After working the count to 3-2, KeMvP blasts another home run to deep center field. The ball landing well over the center field bleachers. 3-0 Dodgers. That’s 38 homeruns, and 123 RBIs. I think hes locked up the MVP at this point. </span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA6jH3-cEsFcbQQSmdLzO6NRsFrTNVlHxizumoKG39_E5KZoVhtTQZsx-NeoeTaNpTHeSTnSLP2x1n_p4Qb-ydb-rqJDm19y7ZGqiwHi3oUzhFLDxytA6zEgx8J1PhC5Sw57XX4hsUjLU/s1600/KeMvPhr38swing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA6jH3-cEsFcbQQSmdLzO6NRsFrTNVlHxizumoKG39_E5KZoVhtTQZsx-NeoeTaNpTHeSTnSLP2x1n_p4Qb-ydb-rqJDm19y7ZGqiwHi3oUzhFLDxytA6zEgx8J1PhC5Sw57XX4hsUjLU/s320/KeMvPhr38swing.jpg" width="246" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Matt KeMvP leads the league in home runs, RBIs, and runs scored</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Rivera follows with a grounder to third, that Ryan Roberts makes a great diving play on to retire Rivera. Loney’s long fly bal to center is the second out, and Miles grounds out to end the first.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Dana Eveland begins his first inning of work by retiring the Dbacks in order 123. He ends the inning by whiffing Chris Young. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Daniel Hudson sends the Dodgers down in order to end the top of the second.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Eveland retires the Dbacks in order again, whiffing Cowgill to end the inning. That’s 6 In a row retired by Eveland.</span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Hudson has a 123 inning in the top of the third. KeMvP whiffs in his second at bat. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The Ever annoying Parra is called out on a close play at first base. Loney had strayed too far off the bag, and Eveland (the Cougar) rushed to just get there in time. Another fly ball, and a grounder and Eveland had retired 9 in a row.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The Dodgers go down 123 again in the fourth. Hudson has now retired 12 in a row since KeMvP’s homer in the first. Still 3-0 Dodgers.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Eveland’s streak is ended in the bottom of the fourth. He gets the first two hitters, Roberts flies out, Hill whiffs, Young singles over Sellers head. Montero grounds out to end the frame.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The ohfers continued through the 5<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">th</span></sup>. Elli flies out, Sellers pop out, and Eveland whiffs.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhST6XQqjsvdSKQeNLP-YJSPYTWXyAwbTHiqgYR3AZMywLlSAxr1PQw8ZmxqSnjLwIxMNyr397WzuO46GvORJAsIPFEF6xR0cHrIAnzQaO23KwtPOpn3qj-Nd9SVCnpNC3rMTRos3eeMJg/s1600/Evelandpitch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhST6XQqjsvdSKQeNLP-YJSPYTWXyAwbTHiqgYR3AZMywLlSAxr1PQw8ZmxqSnjLwIxMNyr397WzuO46GvORJAsIPFEF6xR0cHrIAnzQaO23KwtPOpn3qj-Nd9SVCnpNC3rMTRos3eeMJg/s320/Evelandpitch.jpg" width="255" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbyxg5ns2w_hjlp6OdLZbkOz2tdKSkfbj-Y_GXsKhFfYFyxSfJJK2kXRXtE5abP99cxwdxPxjFIpIjJvQ5z4aGgf-_arfBqTqrfemVpOj5OlignaTBdGeP0Qo-BCEY4-SgPiQwkzXBrsM/s1600/sellersthrow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="247" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbyxg5ns2w_hjlp6OdLZbkOz2tdKSkfbj-Y_GXsKhFfYFyxSfJJK2kXRXtE5abP99cxwdxPxjFIpIjJvQ5z4aGgf-_arfBqTqrfemVpOj5OlignaTBdGeP0Qo-BCEY4-SgPiQwkzXBrsM/s320/sellersthrow.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">In the bottom of the 5<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">th</span></sup>, Goldschmidt whiffs. Cowgill gounds out as Gordon’s sidearmed throw is picked nicley by Loney. Parra bunts his way for a base hit. Miles can only watch as the ball rolls fair. However Mcdonald grounds back to Eveland, and we move to the 6<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">th</span></sup>. Still 3-0 Dodgers.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Top of the 6<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">th</span></sup>, Gordon singles. Parra catches Sands long fly ball. Bison whiffs on a called third strike. Rivera flies out to right.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Naturally I was skeptical of Eveland. I wasn’t sure he could keep this pace up. Hudson the opposing pitcher singles. Roberts singles Hudson to second. Hill flies to Bison. Young flares a hit into right field, loading the bases with 1 out, and bringing Miguel Montero to the plate. Eveland whiffs him with one heck of an Uncle Charie Two outs. Mattingly brings a hook. Enter Josh Lindblom. Exit Arizonas chance to score in the 6<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">th</span></sup>. Exit Paul Goldschmidt’s bat through the strike zone, as he whiffs on some nasty Lindblom smoke. The Dodgers get out of it. Eveland cant get through the 6<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">th</span></sup> inning though. Still a good effort from Eveland. His final line is 5.2 innings, no runs, off 5 hits, no walks, and 5 whiffs. Eveland makes 78 pitches, while ahead 3-0.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Top 7<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">th</span></sup>. Loney leads off with a double off the center field wall, Miles sacrifices Loney to third, because I guess that’s what you do when you have a runner at second and nobody out. Sigh. With an out wasted, Ellis is hit by a pitch in the back. Sellers singles into right field. Loney scores 4-0 Dodgers! Gywnn hitting for Lindblom lines right to Hill, for an inning ending double play.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Guerrier begins the bottom of the 7<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">th</span></sup> by whiffing Cowgill, Parra lines out to Loney. Mdonald grounds to Miles who throws wide, and Loney has to acrobatically reach and leap for the throw all the while keeping his foot on the bag for the third out. Wow.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Patterson relieves Hudson. The Dodgers don’t score in the 8<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">th</span></sup> inning. Gordon flies out. Gibson brings in Ziegler to pitch to Sands and KeMvP. Sands singles up the middle. Rivera bounces out to end the top of the 8<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">th</span></sup>.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Bottom of the 8<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">th</span></sup>, Mattingly brings in the sometimes sketchy Nathan Eovaldi. Dodger pitchers walk 5 batters in this inning., Why does Donnie bring in Eovaldi? Im not sure, but he begins by walking Sean Burroughs. Roberts force out erases Burroughs, but his takeout slide prevents the double play. Hill walks. And cue flustery meltdown……..NOW Young walks. Bases loaded. Finally Mattingly decides to do something. His choice is to bring in Scott Elbert. An impossible spot for poor Elbert, should have never been in the first place. Theres a passed ball that scores Roberts. Its 4-1 now.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Then Montero walks. Bases loaded again. Can someone, nay anyone come in and throw strikes please? Mattingly’s answer is Dougie. Somehow Dougie whiffs Goldschmidt. Dougie then predictably walks pinch hitter Blum. Let me retype this Dodger fans. Dougie walks Geoff Blum. This brings up that bastard Parra. I cover my eyes, not wanting to see the inevitable blown game. Im pleasantly surprised as Parra flies out. Dougie barly is able to clean up after Eovaldi takes a big dump on the mound. Its 4-2 Dodgers going into the 9<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">th</span></sup> inning.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Castillo starts the 9<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">th</span></sup>. Getting loney to ground out. Gibson makes another move, and brings in shaw. Miles is hit by a pitch. With Ellis at bat, Miles is pathetically picked off for what could be the final TOOTBLAN of the season. Ellis grounds out and we go to the bottom of the 9<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">th</span></sup> with the Dodgers up 4-2.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">As Javy Guerra enters to close the game out,The bottom of the 9<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">th</span></sup> starts lovely with a throwing error from Dee Gordon. Lyle Overbay’s grounder to second, should have been an easy double play, but Gordon couldn’t turn it, as Mcdonald takes him out with a good slide. Oh Dee. Roberts sacrifices for some reason. Hill flies out, and the Dodgers win! Eveland gets the win. KeMvP another game ball, and Guerra a save. All around a good night. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Tomorrow Hiroki Kuroda will take the mound, in what could be his final start for the Dodgers. Stacie will return to cover her final game this year. Join us tomorrow for a 640 start time televised on KCAL, as Hiroki goes for his 14<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">th</span></sup> win. If you wanna catch the Dodgers before the season ends, you better do it now! 2011 is officially a winning season for the Dodgers. People may not think this is much but it’s a huge moral victory for Don Mattingly and the Dodgers. Well see you tomorrow. GO BLUE</span></div>formathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09600539719505718865noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2716928573385139489.post-48656865755542501302011-09-26T14:45:00.000-07:002011-09-26T22:56:45.424-07:00Dodgers begin final 2011 series in the desertDodgers Lineup<br />
Gordon6<br />
Sands9<br />
KeMvP8<br />
Rivera7<br />
Loney3<br />
Miles5<br />
Ellis2<br />
Sellers4<br />
Eveland1<br />
<br />
<br />
Dana Eveland-2-2 vs. Daniel Hudson-16-11<br />
<br />
<br />
Here we are Dodger fans. The final series of the 2011 season. The Dodgers will play their final three games of the year in the Desert of Arizona against the Dbacks.<br />
The NL west division champions led by Manager and former Dodger world series hero Kirk Gibson, have already clinched, and are playing for home field advantage in the playoffs. apparently they hold a tiebreaker over the Brewers becuase of head to head games.<br />
<br />
The Dodgers are pretty much just playing out the schedule. well all be on triple crown watch, as Matt KeMvP enters the game with a .324 avg, which is third behind Reyes and Braun, 37 homeruns, which tie him for first with Pujols, and 120 RBI which are first. he also ranks first in runs scored 112, and second in steals with 40. KeMvP also was named NL player of the week. congrats Bison! thank you for an amazing season!<br />
<br />
The pitching matchups tonight has COC graduate Dana Eveland going for the Dodgers tonight. As you know Eveland was basically rescued from the garbage bin, going from total journeyman, to triple A all-star. Eveland had a great season for the Isotopes, but has been up and down in his time with the Dodgers. on the road, he was terrific. two great starts, one in Pittsburgh, and one in San Francisco. two wins. then he had two lousy starts at Dodger stadium, and two losses. quite perplexing. Im not sure what to make of him this season. this could be his last chance to prove to the Dodgers that he can be an option for the vacant 5th starter spot. Eveland is 1-1 against Arizona.<br />
<br />
The Dbacks will counter with Daniel Hudson. he has had a solid year, going 16-11 with a 3.43 ERA.<br />
He had won four starts in a row, before losing the last two. The Dodgers have always had issues with him. and he is 2-1 against the Dodgers lifetime.<br />
<br />
<br />
there is an article that Kuroda is still 50/50 on returning next year, but the stupid Japanese Media is trying to coax him back to play for a "farewell season with the Carp" well keep you posted on this breaking story, as Kuroda's final start will be tomorrow. I still believe hell be back next year, at least I hope.......<br />
<br />
in other news, the Dodger rookies were subjected to some playful hazing. they were forced to dress up and run around Petco Park in the stands and sign autographs while wearing their costumes. its great to see the Dodgers so loose, and having fun. the Rooks are great sports! notice Trent Oeltjen as Harry Potter, Dee Gordon as Gumby, Justin sellers as the Blue Man, Jansen, and Fedex in dresses, and Javy Guerra as a taco??! ha! check it out below.......<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL_P0u9fepB4cfbQYVTw2omtTlhBOfjGzdw_Pj2cKLFswaMmw8XBc2TUYOZ2TY8-73q7YgqVJ_9xfKO4aw90dezVeZGTyEmCfTKOYjm8b9hoASFfpfTNMVmA78KOz7pskN3gwWyI-HZLs/s1600/dodgerrookies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL_P0u9fepB4cfbQYVTw2omtTlhBOfjGzdw_Pj2cKLFswaMmw8XBc2TUYOZ2TY8-73q7YgqVJ_9xfKO4aw90dezVeZGTyEmCfTKOYjm8b9hoASFfpfTNMVmA78KOz7pskN3gwWyI-HZLs/s320/dodgerrookies.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Its a little early for Halloween guys</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<br />
Well otherwise there is not much else to talk about. after this series, we will have alot of cool stuff coming up during the offseason. our DBF season in recap, Stacie will have Blue Bios, well have some Podcasts on their way....well tell you more later.<br />
tonight's game is at 640PM. Make sure you get your Dodger fix in before the season is over. With a win tonight the Dodgers will assure a winning season. quite an accomplishment, for Don Mattingly and the Dodgers. Join us after the game for our postgame recap. GO BLUEformathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09600539719505718865noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2716928573385139489.post-52603837142977814052011-09-25T17:31:00.000-07:002011-09-25T17:31:42.248-07:00Kershaw wins 21st, as Dodgers win 80th gameDodgers 6 6 0<br />
Padres 2 51<br />
WP-Kershaw-21-5<br />
LP-Luebke-6-10<br />
HR-Cunningham-3-BigRod-16<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBKcygQgQlxz4Ub9YTwjOeqJ1RZDRv9I63aDmY9mIEXQ8YMu1kzGa3Fwdpf0tQe8rnROYRO1zV6aSaTC-bd389oXhltjerTD4DVAYCduZgbdHUDAD151N1jQvfLB6wzLuK5VF3qNYDiqs/s1600/kersh21win.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBKcygQgQlxz4Ub9YTwjOeqJ1RZDRv9I63aDmY9mIEXQ8YMu1kzGa3Fwdpf0tQe8rnROYRO1zV6aSaTC-bd389oXhltjerTD4DVAYCduZgbdHUDAD151N1jQvfLB6wzLuK5VF3qNYDiqs/s320/kersh21win.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dodgers Ace Clayton Kershaw gets his 21st win</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
Dodgers Ace Clayton Kershaw completed his Cy Young award season. his final start completes what is likely the most dominating single season pitching performance of any Dodger pitcher not named Koufax.<br />
The other story going on was Matt KeMvP's quest for the MVP and triple crown. he currently began the day tied with Pujols for home runs, first in RBIs, and third in avg .3 points behind crazy eye Ryan Braun. otherwise this was a meaningless game.<br />
<br />
Kershaw and the Dodgers beat San Diego 6-2. Kershaw pitches 7.1 allowing two runs off 4 hits. he walked 1 and whiffed 6. The Dodgers scored two runs early in the first, two in the 5th, and then two more in the 8th.<br />
<br />
The Dodgers score in the first, with 1 out, Carroll walks, and Bison doubles into the gap. Maybin attempts to slide in order to cut off the ball. but it careems off of his foot. allowing Carroll to score from first.<br />
Bison tags up to third on Rivera's fly ball to right. Miles then immediatly singles in KeMvP. 2-0 Dodgers.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1C8rM-xvjSF9hzacttFdHSKF4ZcVsBcmmI8qkeLET8jply9oOQ4zZgpTvoOKYle62x6X0pwnUPFesTFAv7T0YmY-fd_y40ZZhapgH8vyHgDVHcllO0_XyrM3V0T8S12DR_rhrUxiLWIE/s1600/Milesrbi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="227" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1C8rM-xvjSF9hzacttFdHSKF4ZcVsBcmmI8qkeLET8jply9oOQ4zZgpTvoOKYle62x6X0pwnUPFesTFAv7T0YmY-fd_y40ZZhapgH8vyHgDVHcllO0_XyrM3V0T8S12DR_rhrUxiLWIE/s320/Milesrbi.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Miles singles in a run</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
Kershaw whiffs Bartlett and Hundley in the first. Kershaw whffed 6 on the night.<br />
<br />
in the top of the third, KeMvP's second at bat sees him hit a long towering fly ball right to the wall in center, anywhere else this ball is a homerun but you know playing in the mosoleum that is petco park its an out. <br />
<br />
move to the 5th, Gordon grounds out, Carroll walks again. KeMvP's groundball single is ruled an error on Bartlett, even though KeMvP beat it out. Rivera singles in Carroll, and Miles groundball force out, scores KeMvP. making it 4-0 Dodgers.<br />
<br />
That would he more than enough for our Ace, despite tiring out in the 8th inning. boy San Diego really sucks. Kershaw had only allowed one hit until the 5th. Aaron Cunningham homered just over the wall in left. 4-1 Dodgers. Kershaw has a 123 6th inning. Luke Greggerson relieves opposing pitcher Cory Luebke in the top of the 7th. Luebke pitched ok, but is no match for Kershaw.<br />
<br />
move to the top of the 8th, with Josh Spence on the mound, Miles and Loney grounded out, San Diego makes a pitching change. Hamren relieves Spence. Sands walked, and Big Rod follows with a two run home run. 6-1 Dodgers. its Big Rod's 16th homerun of the season.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhqCTH3rEFd4xyUWUp_BrGee_T-_KXMJz6dhgYaFBXwDqkMM_KqlAxJ6JUPNIYrEeBbLv9W9YleFieGUCN3zlo-cj3nXUu42GWvGKJvQ00kGYt_mXWvXtQKXmWMY-koXhLt51Pd4f0DsE/s1600/Bigrodhr16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhqCTH3rEFd4xyUWUp_BrGee_T-_KXMJz6dhgYaFBXwDqkMM_KqlAxJ6JUPNIYrEeBbLv9W9YleFieGUCN3zlo-cj3nXUu42GWvGKJvQ00kGYt_mXWvXtQKXmWMY-koXhLt51Pd4f0DsE/s320/Bigrodhr16.jpg" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Big Rod watches his 16th homerun go out.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
Bottom of the 8th and Kershaw begins to tire. Hudson leads off with a double, Cunningham flies out, but Hudson tags up to third. Gonzalez triples home Hudson, and its 6-2 Dodgers. Mattingly calls in Jansen to relieve Kersh, and he predictably, blows away pinch hitter Will Venable, who apprently doesnt believe in wearing batting gloves, as he flings his bat in the stands twice after whiffing trying to hit the Aspirin tablets Jansen was throwing. Jansen whiffs Maybin to end the 8th.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOi20RmL0_LPjAX8T_WAQGIC2TnUTs0LCcfD-iMGgVI9e6inz-yQk8_9GaUxKzTFF2PZxje4_5IJFYHjA6rlqPrjrfR7r4u1BoxGwLB5rZkCqrovViwvpT3RoKLSOWaPLC2qu_7yuaBxg/s1600/Venable+no+bat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOi20RmL0_LPjAX8T_WAQGIC2TnUTs0LCcfD-iMGgVI9e6inz-yQk8_9GaUxKzTFF2PZxje4_5IJFYHjA6rlqPrjrfR7r4u1BoxGwLB5rZkCqrovViwvpT3RoKLSOWaPLC2qu_7yuaBxg/s320/Venable+no+bat.jpg" width="224" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Will "no bat" venable has no bat, and he also flinged his into the stands</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
The Dodgers go down 123 in the top of the 9th, as KeMvP grounds out in his last at bat. he ends the day going 1 for 4 with a double, and his average drops to .324 hes about .8 points behind Braun.<br />
<br />
Guerra into close it in the bottom of the 9th. he whiffs Bartlett, hundley singles to center, Guzman walks, and Denorfia grounds into a double play to end the game.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOEwZX6K3kv8g0_wiVbf52XrYTHSJBiPtUnSIz2pN5C8sPQPr3eJ5wrDm2wrJJGUwDJOoipRB6Z1DF1q5h2x1IzfwqPvbcattF3VKAnvr1G_sZb30SltxOR3IOP8w7pkNxzZhYcM9Z7a0/s1600/dodgerswin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="235" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOEwZX6K3kv8g0_wiVbf52XrYTHSJBiPtUnSIz2pN5C8sPQPr3eJ5wrDm2wrJJGUwDJOoipRB6Z1DF1q5h2x1IzfwqPvbcattF3VKAnvr1G_sZb30SltxOR3IOP8w7pkNxzZhYcM9Z7a0/s320/dodgerswin.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<br />
The Dodgers now have their 80th win of the season with three games left to play. Clayton Kershaw finished what should be his Cy Young season by leading for the pitching triple crown. he leads in wins, ERA, and strikeouts. Kershaws final numbers are a 21-5 record, 2.28 ERA, and 248 strikeouts.<br />
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Congratulations Kershaw on an excellent season. The Dodgers finish 13-5 against San Diego, and have won 6 of their last 8 games.<br />
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Join us tomorrow as COC graduate Dana Eveland will take the mound against Daniel Hudson. this should be a good game, as the Dodgers fly to Arizona for the final three games of the 2011 season. tomorrow's game is at 640 on Prime Ticket. theres still lots of reasons to watch the last three games. KeMvP's quest for the triple crown and or 40/40. The Dodgers quest for one more win to ensure them of a winning season. and this may be our last chance to watch Dodger baseball before four long boring months of the offseason. congratulations to Kershaw for an amazing season. his dominating excellence is wonderfully refreshing isnt it Dodger fans? weve been drinking up his magnificence all season long.<br />
Go Kersh!, and GO BLUEformathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09600539719505718865noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2716928573385139489.post-78409735379501373502011-09-25T11:47:00.000-07:002011-09-25T11:47:53.464-07:00Kershaw goies for win 21, while Dodgers go for win 80Dodgers Lineup<br />
Gordon6<br />
Carroll4<br />
KeMvP8<br />
Rivera7<br />
Miles5<br />
Loney3<br />
Sands9<br />
Big Rod2<br />
Kershaw1<br />
<br />
<br />
Clayton Kershaw-20-5 vs. Cory Luebke-6-9<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Clayton Kershaw will take the mound for the final time today, as The Dodgers play the rubber game of this three game series in San Diego.<br />
Kersh has already solidified himself for the NL Cy Young Award. heis 12-1 over his last 13 decisions. Kershaw is tied for the leage lead in wins, first in strikeouts, and first in ERA. this extra win could certainly help his chances, but I think hes already got the cy young won. Hes been the most dominating pitcher this season, and him leading the pitching triple crown should be enough to give him the Cy Young. <br />
Kersh is 6-3 against San DIego, and he needs 9 strikeouts to take over the MLB lead again. (he trails Verlander) <br />
<br />
San Diego willl counter with righty Cory Luebke. his last start in Colorado, saw him carry a no-hitter into the 6th inning. he allowed a two run homerun that game, but that was the only hit, in the one-hitter that he allowed while whiffing 9 Colorado batters, which was a career high for him. Luebke is 1-1 against the Dodgers. although we really havent faced him much.<br />
<br />
normal lineup today playing behind Kershaw. not much really going on right now. The Dodgers are just playing out the schedule. after today, they have just three games left in Arizona, as the season ends after wend night's game. Arizona has already clinched the NL west division, and the Giants have been eliminated. <br />
after today, the last three games will be a Bison watch. Matt KeMvP only needs three more homeruns for 40/40, and we watch as he pursues the triple crown. <br />
<br />
The Dodgers are 79-78, and only need two more wins in their last four games to ensure a winning season.<br />
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Today's game is on at 110 televised on Prime Ticket. tune in Dodger fans, this will be your final chance to see Kershaw pitch. catch the games while you can, the season is almost over. join us after the game for our daily game recap. GO BLUEformathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09600539719505718865noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2716928573385139489.post-8238124054110147442011-09-24T20:37:00.000-07:002011-09-24T20:37:53.450-07:00Harang Hangs the Dodgers Out to DryDodgers 0 4 1<br />
Padres 3 5 0<br />
WP- Harang (14-7)<br />
LP- Billingsley (11-11)<br />
S- Bell (42)<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://images.tsn.ca/images/stories/2011/9/24/harang2_82725.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Aaron Harang (Photo: The Canadian Press)" border="0" height="150" src="http://images.tsn.ca/images/stories/2011/9/24/harang2_82725.jpg" width="218" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Harang Shuts Out Dodgers</td></tr>
</tbody></table>The Dodgers barely squeak out a measly 4 hits against Aaron Harang tonight in San Diego. Chad Billingsley has a classic 5th inning meltdown and only makes 78 pitches. He ends the season with a even 11-11 record and a 4.21 ERA. The offense sputtered as KEMvP went 1 for 4 while Sands, Loney, and Gordon had the other 3 hits.<br />
<br />
In the 1st, Bison has a 2-out single, but that is all. Bills has a very quick 1st inning. It only takes him 7 pitches to strikeout Venable and retire the Padres in order.<br />
<br />
Loney singles when the shortstop Parrino can't handle the hotly hit ball, but FedEx whiffs after. Loney then proceeds to steal second. He is 4 for 4 in steal attempts this season. Sellers whiffs to end the inning. Bills only walks Hermida in the bottom half of the inning.<br />
<br />
The Dodgers go down 123 in the 3rd. Bills allows another walk to Parrino but nothing else.<br />
<br />
KEMvP strikes out in the 4th, and the Dodgers go down in order again. Ugh. Why can't we hit Harang? In the bottom of the 4th there's an awesome play from the youngins. Hermida doubles and as he attempts to get greedy and go for a triple, Sands throws to Sellers who then cannons the ball over to Mitchell at 3rd who tags him out! Nice!<br />
<br />
FedEx whiffs, and <i>again</i> the Dodgers go down pathetically in the 5th. The bottom of the 5th gets ugly for Bills. He's pitching well up to this point, and I'm not sure what triggers the meltdown to ensue. He begins by whiffing Martinez. Ok, good. Then Rizzo singles. Maybe that rattled him? He walks Parrino. Harang misses a bunt and strikes out. Then for some ungodly reason Bills serves up a slow 66 mph curve to Venable who promptly singles bringing in Rizzo to score, 1-0 San Diego. Hudson then singles in Parrino, 2-0. Then Venable scores on a FedEx error when he tries to pickoff Hudson and throws it away. 3-0. Bills hits Maybin before the inning is finally over when Headley grounds out.<br />
<br />
Bills goes 5 innings, allowing 4 hits, 3 runs, 3 walks, and 3 strikeouts.<br />
<br />
In the 6th Sands doubles extending his hitting streak to 12 games. The Dodgers fail to do anything else. Kuo comes into take over where Bills left off and he only allows a 2-out walk to Rizzo who is then cut down by FedEx attempting to steal 2nd. Nice throw!<br />
<br />
In the 7th, annoying Parrino makes two good plays to help Harang take down the Dodgers in order. Kuo is still in and he hits Parrino but Harang strikes out trying to bunt him over for the 2nd time during the game.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://www.washingtonpost.com/rf/image_296w/2010-2019/Wires/Online/2011-09-25/AP/Images/Dodgers%20Padres%20Baseball.JPEG-05dec.jpg" style="-webkit-user-select: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Will Kuo Pitch Next Season?</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
Useless Oeltjen whiffs in the 8th, and the Dodgers-you guessed it-go down 123. Lindblom strikes out Maybin, and then Elbert comes in and strikes out Blanks, Hermida singles, but Martinez whiffs to end the inning.<br />
<br />
Harang goes 8 strong innings, allowing 3 hits, 0 runs, 0 walks, 5 strikeouts on 105 pitches.<br />
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Heath Bell comes running in for the 9th, and allows a Gordon squib single. That's 11 games straight now for Gordon with a hit. Sands whiffs. KEMvP hits into a double play to fittingly end this horrible game.<br />
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Tomorrow is the rubber game at 1:05pm. Clayton Kershaw will go for his 21st win of the season. Join us tomorrow for our pregame post in the morning. Good night, Go Blue!formathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09600539719505718865noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2716928573385139489.post-32997370213034502372011-09-24T15:20:00.000-07:002011-09-24T15:20:49.189-07:00Chad Billingsley Takes Final Trip to the MoundDodgers @ Padres<br />
Game 2<br />
5:45PM<br />
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Chad Billingsley (11-10, 4.23) vs. Aaron Harang (13-7, 3.82)<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img height="234" id="il_fi" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOTibxFHpssRPV32s2KCTAiMbcHD33XP_N_KTa6ylfp6hcocaM2pqkGiCpaVvsXOETV_mmMAqwoe_z5SS0zFk2Z_WdFMO8IETv45GAXWtyn64jSnX9S6mOJrhrdRThbdLGLggdRVA3WzA/s1600/billingsley.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-bottom: 8px; padding-right: 8px; padding-top: 8px;" width="340" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chad Billinglsey is 70-51 with a 3.68 ERA in His Career</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Tiffany Billingsley and Chad Billingsley - Premiere Of "Bluetopia"" height="298" id="currentPic" src="http://www1.pictures.gi.zimbio.com/Chad+Billingsley+Tiffany+Billingsley+Premiere+K4823-aXR7Pl.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Tiffany Billingsley and Chad Billingsley Photo - Premiere Of "Bluetopia"" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chad & His Wife Tiffany</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Chad Billingsley's season has been up and down with both glimmers of greatness and myriads of meltdowns. We can't forget the May 14th loss to the D-Backs when Bills only allowed 1 hit and 1 unearned run on an error when he threw to second base and Miles and Carroll were no where to be found. Or there was his complete game 3-hitter on July 3rd when he lost to the Angels because of a Branyan homer. Then of course there was the September 8th debacle in Washington when he only lasted 2 1/3 innings. Luckily the bullpen pitched scoreless ball afterwards and the Dodgers scored 3 runs in the 9th to win the game 7-4. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Bills will try to avoid another meltdown when he pitches for his final time this season in San Diego tonight and tries to capture his 12th victory. Chad has had a few good starts in a row, and he looks to finish strong as he heads into his multi-year contract with the Dodgers. During Spring Training he signed a 3-year deal worth $35 million with an option for a $14 million 4th year. He is 11-7 in his career against the Friars with a good 2.76 ERA. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;">Billingsley made his Major League Baseball debut with the Los Angeles Dodgers on June 15, 2006, against the </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;">San Diego Padres</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;"> at </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;">PETCO Park</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;"> in </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;">San Diego, California</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;">.</span> The Dodgers went on to win 7-3 in that game. In 2008 Bills had a record 0f 16-10 with a 3.14 ERA and was even 5th in the NL with 201 strikeouts. This season he only has 149 strikeouts so far. After his ace-like season in '08 Bills has been somewhat stalled and in 2009 and 2010 he was 12-11 and this season is looking quite similar. Bills is a decent hitting pitcher and has 9 hits this season with 1 homerun. Can Billingsley ever attain ace stature? I'm not sure, but he is one of the core players which we have built this team around. He may not ever be on Kershaw's level, but he has potential if he can put two good halves together during the season. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Aaron Harang will pitch for the Padres, and he is looking for his 14th win in a surprisingly successful season for the righty even though the Padres are mired in last place. He is 3-6 with a 4.83 ERA in his career against the Dodgers. Matt KEMvP has 1 homerun and 4 RBIs against him in 9 ABs. </span><br />
<br />
The Dodgers have won 6 of their last 7 games, and we are now 2 games over .500. The Dodgers are 12-4 against the Padres this season and 5-2 at PETCO Park.<br />
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Lineup:<br />
<br />
Gordon 6<br />
Sands 9<br />
KEMvP 8<br />
Rivera 7<br />
Loney 3<br />
Mitchell 5<br />
FedEx 2<br />
Sellers 4<br />
Bills 1<br />
<br />
Thankfully we're back to a lineup without three automatic outs in it like last night. Sands is hitting 2nd in the lineup today and should see some good pitches batting in front of KEMvP. Loney is back at 1st, and FedEx is behind the plate again.<br />
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<br />
Let's hope for some more Bison blasts! Only 3 more for 40!<br />
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Go Blue!</div>formathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09600539719505718865noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2716928573385139489.post-55375792500021565842011-09-23T22:29:00.000-07:002011-09-23T22:58:39.220-07:00KeMvP's birthday homer, and Lilly's gem down San DiegoDodgers 2 4 0<br />
padres 0 4 0<br />
WP-Lilly-11-14<br />
LP-Leblanc-4-6<br />
SV-Guerra-20<br />
HR-KeMvP-37<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Do I need to say more?</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
The Dodgers Celebrated Matt KeMvP's birthday in style today. our MVP turned 27 as his Mom watched from the stands. The Dodgers beat the Padres 2-0. Mattingly's throwaway lineup could only muster up 2 runs off 4 hits. No Loney, No Rivera, with KeMvP and Sands the only legitimate threats. not suprisingly Bison and Sands accounted for both of the Dodgers runs,( a Sands double, and A bison homer on his bday). Crafty Lefty ted Lilly and the Dodger Bullpen made it stand up. as much as weve ridiculed Ted Lily on this site, he gave another solid outing. pitching 6.1 innings of shutout ball while whiffing 7 San Diego batters. Dougie, Jansen, and Guerra took care of the rest.<br />
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the Dodgers go down 123 in the top of the first with Gordon and KeMvP whiffing.<br />
Lilly pitches around a denorfia single for a scoreless bottom of the 1st. the Dodgers score their first run in the top of the second. Sands leads off with a double. oeltjen sacrifices Sands to third. (why are we sacirficing a runner from second and third, when second base is in scoring position?, but I digress...)<br />
Mitchell's grounder scores Sands, 1-0 Dodgers. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sands scores in the second inning</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
we were forced to watch in horror as Eugenio Velez was inserted into the lineup and gave his predictable 0 for 4. except this time he tied the major League record for most hitless at bats in a season. tied with Councell, and Bill bergen. if none of you are familiar with Bergen, please look him up. he was a Dodger. and known for his offensive failures. however he also was known for amazing defensive abilities. anyways, hes not gonna get a hit Donnie, stop playing him! we cant take watching him hit anymore. just move on! geez<br />
<br />
so with the Dodgers up 1-0, the Padres threatened in the third. Parrino walks, Leblanc sacrifices him to second. Maybin walks. bartlett's force out grounder is broken up nicly by maybin, as Gordon is unable to turn the double play. but it wouldnt matter as Lilly whiffs Denorfia.<br />
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bottom of the 4th, Hundley doubles, but Lilly gets the next three San Diego hitters to all pop up. Hudson, Cunningham, and Gonzalez. nice!<br />
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move to the top of the 6th, Gordon reaches on a bunt hit. it appears that Leblanc picks him off first base, but instead a balk is called. apparently Leblanc flinched his leg before coming to a complete step. Gordon is awarded second base. sellers flies out to end the inning.<br />
<br />
the Padres had 8 men in scoring position, but couldnt score any of them. in the bottom of the 6th, bartlett singles, but Lilly whiffs Denorfia, and Hundley, and Hudson grounds out.<br />
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top of the 7th. The Birthday boy, Matt KeMvP, our MVP, blasts his 37th homerun to right field. his Mom was watching from the stands. after KeMvP crossed the plate he high fived Mamma Bison. (or Mamma MVP)<br />
This gives the Dodgers some breathing room, up 2-0.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">you cant spell MVP with out KeMvP</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
Cunnningham doubles to lead off the bottom of the 7th. The ball dropping in between three Dodgers near the foul line. Gonzalez grounds out to Lilly. with Lilly at 99 pitches, Mattingly brings the hook. Dougie is called upon from the bullpen. Kyle Blanks, hits a groundball to Sellers. Cunningham had broke for third, but Sellers fakes to first, and catches Cunningham in a rundown, and eventually tagging him out. heads up play! always get the lead runner if you can. Hermida bats for Leblanc and walks. Dougie whiffs Maybin to end the frame.<br />
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Bottom of the 8th. Dodgers stil up 2-0. Jansen enters and whiffs the side. Bartlett, Denorfia, and Hudley all had no chance to even make contact off of Jansen.<br />
<br />
Guerra enters to close shop. Hudson grounds out, Venable pops out, and Gonzalez whiffs ending it. thats Guerra's 20th save! great job Javy!<br />
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with this win, the Dodgers improve to 79-77. they need just two more wins for a winning season. <br />
thank goodness San Diego sucks as bad as they do, or we might have had some issues with the lineup Donnie out out. <br />
both the Brewers and Arizona officially clinched tonight. its the Brewers first division title since 1982. Arizona had essentially clinched weeks ago.<br />
we also learned that the Dodgers will be leaving KABC 790 after the season. our new flagship radio station will now be 570 KLAC. an all sports talk format. interesting is this could conflict with Dodger talk, as that is still under contract with KABC. <br />
well the Dodgers get another win, KeMvP htis another home run. on his birthday no less, with his mom watching! there should be no argument at this point. KeMvP is the best palyer in baseball, and deserves to win the MVP. remember the MVP and Cy Young are individual awards, based on individual performences, not team performences.<br />
great game! join us tomorrow as Stacie returns to cover an early game. a saturday 535pm start time. televised on Prime Ticket. Chad Billingsley will take the mound in what could be his final start of 2011. hell draw Aaron Harang. tune in tomorrow Dodger fans! GO BLUEformathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09600539719505718865noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2716928573385139489.post-1285204166577683252011-09-23T15:17:00.000-07:002011-09-23T15:27:38.198-07:00Dodgers Look for Win on Bison's BirthdayDodgers @ San Diego<br />
Game 1<br />
7:05pm<br />
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Ted Lilly (10-14, 4.27) vs. Wade LeBlanc (4-5, 5.07)<br />
<br />
The Dodgers open the second to last series of the season in San Diego for a three game set against the last place Padres. The AZ Diamondbacks magic number is down to 1 in order to clinch the NL West Division title. Last night's finale at Dodger Stadium was magical, wasn't it? Not only did we beat San Francisco and take the series, but Matt KEMvP was unearthly and crushed 3 doubles and a homerun in his final at-bat of the season at Chavez Ravine. Hopefully next season we can unleash Bison's Beastmode in the playoffs.<br />
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Tonight Ted Lilly will go to the mound, and he is on a bit of a hot streak and has not allowed a homerun in his past four games which is one game shy of his personal record. Last time out against the Pirates he only allowed 1 run on 4 hits in in 7 innings. This most likely will be his second to last start. LeBlanc lost to the Dodgers back on August 31st, allowing 4 runs on 6 hits in 6 innings.<br />
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Jerry Sands has a 10 game hitting streak, and Dee Gordon has a 9 game hitting streak. Sands is hitting .358 since he was recalled from AAA on Sept. 6.<br />
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Lineup:<br />
<br />
Gordon 6<br />
Sellers 5<br />
KEMvP 8<br />
Sands 9<br />
Oeltjen 7<br />
Mitchell 3<br />
FedEx 2<br />
Velez 4<br />
Lilly 1<br />
<br />
Wow, this lineup looks awful. One of Donnie's forfeit-like concoctions. Good thing we are playing San Diego since we have Mr. 0 for 33 at second base tonight and Aussie boy in left field.<br />
<br />
Today is Matt KEMvP's 27th birthday, the same number which adorns his jersey. Happy birthday, Matt! thank you for an incredible season!<br />
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Can Bison get 4 more homeruns to reach 40? Can Loney continue his incredible comeback from the dead? Can Sandman cement a spot next year on the team? Only 6 games left Dodger fans. Let's enjoy them! Join us after the game for our recap! Go Blue!formathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09600539719505718865noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2716928573385139489.post-17969024638002178752011-09-22T22:22:00.000-07:002011-09-22T22:40:36.794-07:00Kuroda, KeMvP and Dodgers dethrone Giants in final home gameGiants 2 6 0<br />
Dodgers 8 13 0<br />
WP-Kuroda-13-16<br />
LP-Bumgarner-12-13<br />
HR-Rivera-5-KeMvP-36<br />
Beltran-21-Sandoval-23<br />
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<br />
The Giants have been dethroned form their fluke thrown. we could all hear the Giants withering playoff hopes dwindle away into the cool Chavez Ravine night, the Dodgers win in their final home game 8-2 as they finish their home schedule 42-39. our MVP center fielder Matt KeMvP went 4 for 5 with three doubles, and a two run home run. Rivera drives in three runs with a two run shot and an RBI single. and Hiroki Kuroda in what could be his final start in blue at Dodger stadium, pitched 7 innings of two run ball to earn his 13th victory.<br />
the loss almost assures San Francisco of a trip home for october to watch the playoffs from their living rooms. the touching moment came in the 8th when Kuroda left to a standing ovation, and KeMvP made a curtain call to the fans after hitting his 36th homer. we won't see Dodger stadium until next April. kind of sad isn't it?<br />
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of coarse we can't escape the first inning without allowing run or runs to score. Christian and Keppinger both ground out. Beltran drives one over the wall in center field for a home run. 1-0 SF. Sandoval annoyingly singles, but Huff's grounder ends the inning.<br />
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Gordon annoying tries to bunt and pops out to Sandoval. someone please teach this kid how to bunt, or tell him to knock it off. Sands long fly ball is caught at the warning track in center field. Bison drills a double into the left field corner. then boom goes the dynamite. Rivera slams a huge homer halfway up the left field bleachers. Dodgers lead 2-1! thats the 5th home run for Rivera with the Dodgers, ad his 26th RBI in 25 games. yeah baby! Miles singles up the middle, but Loney is called out on strikes. but the damage is done!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rivera watches his home run go out, in the first inning.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Kuroda retires the Giants in order in the 2nd inning, as Kuroda whiffs Sandoval.<br />
Bumgarner retires the side 123 in the bottom of the 2nd.<br />
<br />
top of the 3rd, Bumgarner whiffs. Christian tries to bunt for a hit, and Kuroda has to come off the mound to throw him out. Keppinger lines to Loney ending the third.<br />
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Bottom of the third, Gordon leads off with a single. Sands singles into left, and runners at first and second, and here comes Bison! he hits a long drive into right field, Beltran makes a nice running catch as the ball sliced into his glove. Gordon tags up to third. Rivera's base hit up the middle scores Gordon. 3-1 Dodgers!<br />
Miles line drive is snared by Huff, and Rivera is doubled up off first base. but the Dodgers get one more. 3-1 blue.<br />
<br />
Matt KeMvP makes a diving catch off the bat of Beltran's liner. great catch! sandoval singles. Carroll grabs Huff's grounder, they get a force on sandoval, but his takeout slide prevents Gordon from turning the double play. Belt pops out to Rivera, and thats it for the 4th.<br />
<br />
Big Rod singles in the bottom of the 4th, with two outs. Kuroda's little pop fly into shallow right is completely FUBARed by Keppinger and beltran as it bounces off of Keppinger's glove. Big Rod hustles into third. Gordon's base hit past the diving Keppinger scores Big Rod. 4-1 Dodgers. thank you Dee!<br />
Sands long fly ball is caught for the last out.<br />
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Kuroda polishes off the Giants 123 in the top of the 5th inning.<br />
Bumgarner who was hit for in the top half, is done for the night after only 4 innings of work. he allows 4 runs off 9 hits. walking none, and striking out only 1. he makes 74 pitches. Steve Edlefsen relieves him, and allows a leadoff Double to KeMvP, that almost goes out. Rivera lines out to left. then the youngster begins to have a walkapalooza. Miles walks. and Loney (now a legitimate hitting threat) also walks. bases loaded. Bochy brings a hook for the youngster.another youngster Joaquin enters to pitch to Big Rod. he walks, and the team walkapalooza is official, as the Dodgers take a 5-1 lead. Carroll's RBI force out, brings Miles home. Big Rod is erased at second. 6-1 Dodgers. Kuroda grounds out to end the frame.<br />
<br />
Kuroda gets three consecutive grounders to end the 6th inning 123.<br />
Gordon walks to leadoff the bottom of the 6th. with Sands at bat, Gordon is thrown out trying to steal. good throw darn it. Sands grounds out. KeMvP hits his third double of the game! MVP. Rivera's grounder ends the inning.<br />
<br />
Sandoval goes deep off of Kuroda to begin the 7th. the home run ball going over the short wall in left field.<br />
6-2 Dodgers. beltran flies to Rivera. Belt flies out to KeMvP. Crawford pops out ending the top of the 7th.<br />
<br />
Runzler the Simi Valley native relieves Jouquin in the bottom of the 7th. Miles grounds out. Big Rod Whiffs. Carroll flies out. 6-2 Dodgers after 7 innings.<br />
<br />
With Jansen warming in the bullpen, Kuroda allows a leadoff single to Hector Sanchez. Mattingly brings a hook, and calls in Jansen. Kuroda leaves to a standing ovation. The honorable right hander leaves leading 6-2. we can only hope that this will not be the last we see of Kuroda.<br />
Kuroda pitches 7+ innings, allowing 2 runs off 5 hits. walking none, and whiffing 4 making 92 pitches.<br />
<br />
Burrell draws a pinch hit walk. Burriss runs for him. Andres Torres pinch hits for Christian. Jansen whiffs Torres. Keppinger who was 6 for 37 against the Dodgers this year, flies to KeMvP. with two outs, we have a rematch from the other night. Carlos Beltran vs. Kenley Jansen. remember Jansen struck him out the first time. Jansen wins round two by retiring Beltran on a pop up to Gordon. man Jansen is awesome!<br />
<br />
high sock wearing barry Zito enters to pitch the bottom of the 8th. Mitchell batting for Jansen grounds out. Gordon walks. Sands flies out. as Bison steps up to the plate chants of MVP grow louder for our Elite Center fielder. KeMvP blasts his 36th homer of the year to straight away center field. he raises his average to .326 with 36 home runs, 118 RBIs. with a Home Run in his final home at bat, he takes a curtain call from the crowd, amidst more chants of MVP.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Matt KeMvP blasts his 36th homer</td></tr>
</tbody></table>move to the top of the 9th. with an 8-2 lead, the Dodgers bring in Elbert. Derosa flies out to Sands. Huff grounds out. Belt singles, Pill walks. hector Sanchez whiffs to end the game. as Tommy Lasorda watched from the bench.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxqW_uv2whLId20kDkQgpStR88BMpSOJSjtFZPniIvQqGMJzJJzELYxIG9FKJUvf_8CfyXW-0zpXHdt6VyDR4huzoM8vAV96QWrpG1rpHw9Lr04IYyhQYfvTkoncWCLtEHo12hQzC_mg4/s1600/tommy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="199" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxqW_uv2whLId20kDkQgpStR88BMpSOJSjtFZPniIvQqGMJzJJzELYxIG9FKJUvf_8CfyXW-0zpXHdt6VyDR4huzoM8vAV96QWrpG1rpHw9Lr04IYyhQYfvTkoncWCLtEHo12hQzC_mg4/s320/tommy.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tommy Lasorda watches from the bench on his 84th birthday</td></tr>
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thats two out of three from the Giants. the Dodgers improve back over .500 at 78-77. Kuroda wins his 13th.<br />
If this was Kuroda's last start at Dodger stadium, it was a good one. I hope well see him again next year.<br />
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what a great way to end the home schedule. the Dodgers will go out on the road for their final road trip. three in San Diego over the weekend, and then three in Arizona and then thats it. tomorrow is a 710 start time, as Ted Lilly takes the mound against matt Leblanc. join us tomorrow for our daily recap.<br />
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think about this though...if KeMvP goes 40/40 he probably wins the MVP. if KeMvP wins the triple crown theres no way anyone can deny him what he rightfully deserves....the 2011 national league most valuable player award. I must confess my never-ending love for Matt KeMvP. don't judge me. Im happy with Bison. The Dodgers have dethroned the Giants. looks like San Francisco will have to wait another half a century for their next fluke championship. Auld lang Syne San Francisco. GO BLUEformathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09600539719505718865noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2716928573385139489.post-77903925899049956182011-09-22T14:22:00.000-07:002011-09-22T14:22:01.441-07:00last home gameDodgers Lineup<br />
Gordon6<br />
Sands9<br />
Kemp8<br />
Rivera7<br />
Miles5<br />
Loney3<br />
Big Rod2<br />
Carroll4<br />
Kuroda1<br />
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Madison Bumgarner-10-12 vs. Hiroki Kuroda-12-16<br />
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Tonight the Dodgers will play their final home game of 2011. no matter the results, the Dodgers will have a winning record at home. <br />
too bad we couldnt get a win on my birthday last night. we learned that Dana Eveland is not the answer to our 5th starter vacancy. tough start for Dana. I still believe he can still be useful as a spot starter. I hope the Dodgers keep him around.<br />
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tonight The Giants who are within 3.5 games of the Wild Card behind Atlanta, will give the ball to Lefty Madison Bumgarner, who has won his last five starts. including a sept .11th win against us. <br />
Bumgarner is 12-12 against the league, and has always pitched well against the Dodgers. 4-1 record and a 2.97 ERA will prove that. <br />
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The Dodgers will counter with righty Hiroki Kuroda. the former Japanese league ERA champion was battling a sore neck, but looking to finish the season on a good note. Kuroda is 12-16 this year with a 3.19 ERA. hes always been effective against the Giants too with a 3-3 record and an ERA of about 3.00. with 1 more inning pitched, his 175,000 Dollar option vests. he is a free agent, and this could conceivably be his final start at Dodger stadium. but my bet is he comes back next year. man I hope so. as you know, Kuroda has shown loyalty to the Dodgers, unheard of in this modern age. He invoked his no-trade clause back in July amisdt swirling trade rumors. insisting he only wants to pitch for the Dodgers. our opinion as you know is that by holding onto our core players will allow us to hold onto Dodger tradition as long as we can. Kuroda a man of deep integrity is a big part of this core group that should wear Dodger Blue forever. Let's root Hiroki onto victory in his final home start!<br />
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Stacie will be covering two games during the last week. this saturday against San Diego, and the tuesday night game in Arizona. I will be covering the finale on wend. night.<br />
once the season is finished we will have our DBF season in recap, and lots more stuff in the offseason, so stick around!<br />
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the Giants have won 9 of their last 10, during their desperate last minute run at the playoffs. Their payoff chances are dwindling away. one more loss could be the dagger in their coffin. wouldnt it be just fitting and wonderful for the Dodgers to be that dagger stabber? The Dodgers will be playing the role of spoiler during their final week.<br />
Lets send these bastards home. The Dodgers need 4 more wins for a winning season, and a win will give the Dodgers a season split with San Francisco. join us afterwards for our postgame recap.<br />
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one last note about tonight's game. Tommy Lasorda will be in uniform and in the dugout as a honorary coach. it is also Tommy's Bday today! happy Birthday Tommy! he is 84. it is also "sweet" Lou Johnson's birthday, as he turns 77. wow! lots of birthdays going on!<br />
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we will not go gently into that good night. we will fight. we are going to play on. we will protect and serve the citizens of Dodgertown. we will make our final stand. GO BLUEformathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09600539719505718865noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2716928573385139489.post-56116386385524194772011-09-21T23:38:00.000-07:002011-09-22T08:56:48.695-07:008-5, The Giants Keep Hope AliveDodgers 5 13 1<br />
Giants 8 12 1<br />
WP- Vogelsong (12-7)<br />
LP- Eveland (2-2)<br />
S- Wilson (36)<br />
HR- KEMvP (35)<br />
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The Dodgers slip back to .500 after the Giants and Vogelsong snap their 4 game winning streak. Dana Eveland gave up three runs in the 1st inning after making 29 pitches, and only lasted four innings in another disappointing outing. In an otherwise meaningless game, we at least got to see Matt KEMvP hit his 35th homerun of the season.<br />
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Eveland has pitched horribly at Dodger Stadium, and he starts off shaky right away in the 1st inning. Pesky Christian gets an infield single to lead off, but Keppinger hits into a double play. Beltran doubles, and Pill singles him in giving the Giants a 1-0 lead. Eveland walks Belt and DeRosa, and then Fontenot doubles both of them in, 3-0. In the bottom half of the inning Gordon leads off with a single and steals second (#23). Carroll bunts him to 3rd, KEMvP walks, but Rivera hits a comebacker into a double play to end the inning.<br />
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In the 2nd Vogelsong whiffs, Christian reaches on a typical Miles error, but Keppinger hits into an inning ending double play. Loney and Ellis single in the bottom of the second, but Eveland flies out to end any hope of scoring.<br />
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In the third Beltran is hit by the pitch, and we are told later that he bruised his foot. Pill hits into a force, and Belt hits into a double play which is the third double play in as many innings. The Dodgers go down in order in the bottom of the third.<br />
<img alt="" height="400" id="pop-image" src="http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/media/ALeqM5i0d-J5X7MUQaV7M2p2E64q2KMMQQ?docId=185dac19322043b1831e46d2827bbd42&size=l" width="393" /><br />
The Giants score more off Eveland in the 4th when DeRosa singles, Stewart walks, and Vogelsong bunts the runners over, and Christian then doubles in DeRosa and Stewart making it 5-0. In the bottom of the 4th Loney and Miles have back-to-back singles but then Sands and Ellis have back-to-back whiffs.<br />
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Eveland only goes 4 innings, allowing 6 hits, 5 runs, 3 walks, and striking out 1 on 70 pitches.<br />
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Blake Hawksworth comes in to pitch the 5th, and strikes out Beltran, but then Pill singles when Gordon drops the ball in shallow left field. That should have been caught by Rivera. Pill is doubled up caught stealing second while Belt strikes out. In the bottom of the 5th Eugenio Velez keeps his 0 for 33 streak intact by getting hit by the pitch. This is the only way Velez reaches base, so we'll take it. Gordon singles, and Carroll singles in Velez, 5-1. Then Bison comes up and hits a monster 414 foot 3-run homerun into the pavillion making it a closer 5-4 game. That's #35 for Bison! Miles singles, but Sands strikes out.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bison Hits #35</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/media/ALeqM5iLjxOTVqVkJmSIWvJQ2ImfhR3HCQ?docId=01858ed3fd544c60bb896a5c6b228380&size=l" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="400" id="pop-image" src="http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/media/ALeqM5iLjxOTVqVkJmSIWvJQ2ImfhR3HCQ?docId=01858ed3fd544c60bb896a5c6b228380&size=l" width="301" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">MVP!!!</td></tr>
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Lindblom comes into pitch the 6th. DeRosa promptly singles, Gillaspie walks, and Christian once again singles in DeRosa, 6-4. Keppinger whiffs to end the inning. Former Dodger Guilermo Mota comes in for the Giants in relief and strikes out Gordon and sends the Dodgers down in order.<br />
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Vogelsong goes 5 innings, allowing 9 hits, 4 runs, 1 walk, and striking out 3 on 104 pitches.<br />
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A very shaky Kuo comes in and walks Torres and allows a Pill double which scores Torres making it 7-4. Donnie brings in Guerrier and DeRosa hits a sac fly which scores Pill, 8-4. Ramirez pitches the 7th for the Giants and allows a Carroll single, then whiffs Bison and Rivera. Bochy seemingly threatened by Loney (wow can't believe that's happening now) brings in the the lefty Lopez. Loney lines out to DeRosa.<br />
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Troncoso pitches a nice 123 inning in the 8th striking out Christian. In the bottom of the 8th with Lopez still in, Miles whiffs, Sands singles and takes second on a Belt error. Sands extends his hitting streak to 9 games. Blackbeard Jr. comes in and both Ellis and Big Rod pathetically strike out on 6 pitches by Romo.<br />
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Ely is brought into pitch the 9th and promptly serves up a single to Keppinger, Burris runs for him and steals second. Torres singles. Pill hits a comebacker. Belt is intentionally walked to load the bases with 1 out. DeRosa strikes out. Sandoval is brought up to pinch-hit and hits a line drive right to Carroll. Amazingly Ely gets out of the inning unscathed. Casilla starts out the bottom of the 9th and the Dodgers have one of their futile late rallies. KEMvP singles which is his 184th hit of the season. Rivera walks. Bochy then brings in Blackbeard to close it out. Loney hits a pop-fly single which scores KEMvP, 8-5. Miles flies out to end the game.<br />
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So we learned that Eveland most likely is not the answer to our 5th starter issues. Either is Ely. I'd like to see Eovaldi get another start, but I doubt that is going to happen. Tomorrow the rubber game of the series is both our last game of the season against the Giants and the final home game of the year before we embark on the last road trip of the season. Hiroki Kuroda will fittingly take the mound for what might be his last start at Dodger Stadium. Join us tomorrow Dodger fans!formathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09600539719505718865noreply@blogger.com0