Pirates vs. Dodgers, 14 April 2008
by Charlie Wilmoth on Apr 14, 2008 6:47 PM EDT
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PrintPittsburgh Pirates at Los Angeles Dodgers, Apr 14, 2008 10:10 PM EDT
10:10 PM, Zach Duke and Hiroki Kuroda.
Check this out:
Duke: 12.2 IP, 7 K, 2 BB, 2.13 ERA
Kuroda: 12.2 IP, 8 K, 2 BB, 2.13 ERA
The Dodgers are in fourth place, and while I'd love to chalk that up to their lack of confidence in their young talent, it's not that simple - yeah, Juan Pierre is off to a predictably terrible start and they'd be better with Matt Kemp out there every day, but Andruw Jones and Russell Martin have both been dreadful too. The real problem is that they're underperforming their runs scored and runs allowed; they'll probably climb over .500 eventually.
One thing to watch for this year - I've seen the Dodgers a little so far this year, and I don't know how representative this is, but Blake DeWitt was just awful at third. He probably started Spring Training as the Dodgers' fourth-string third baseman, but Nomar Garciaparra, Andy LaRoche and Tony Abreu all went down with injuries. DeWitt may be a good third baseman eventually, but he probably isn't ready; he spent most of 2007 all the way down in Class A.
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Dodgers
DeWitt actually started 2007 in A+ ball not AAA (typo?). DeWitt has actually made some very nice plays this year and is doing a fine job defensively. Offensively, he's done as well as Nomar or LaRoche would be expected to do minus some of the pop that LaRoche has in his bat. DeWitt is just a placeholder though, and anything the Dodgers get out of him is a plus.
Matt Kemp will be in the lineup today, and most likely against any LHP the Pirates throw at the Dodgers. Dodger fans are upset with all the playing time Pierre is getting. Both Pierre and Kemp have 28 ABs on the season.
Kuroda has been Ok so far, one very good outing and one subpar outing. His line drive rate is much lower than Duke's so far. Eventually those line drives will start going out of the stadium.
Game Win Probabilities:
Simulator: LAD 56.30%
LV Hilton: LAD 62.26%
vr, Xeifrank
That was a typo - thanks for catching that.
Did you see DeWitt in the first Padres series? Ooh, that was ugly. I guess it's good to know he's not always like that.
by Charlie Wilmoth on Apr 14, 2008 8:58 PM EDT up reply actions
Loads of young talent from the Dodgers
Either and Loney are breaking out in a big year. Furcal is having a hot start as well. Gotta keep them off the basepaths.
I've decided
that I don't like the late starts. Even though I'm home for the home game, it starts way too late. It's homework time now... not 1st inning time.
Actually, I don't mind late starts. They're just not good when I have HW due tomorrow.
Biased Fan
A disillusioned Pirates fan in Utah...
No LaRoche again. And Rivas at SS, batting 8th.
Andruw Jones is batting .100???
Biased Fan
A disillusioned Pirates fan in Utah...
Huh. The Dodgers' announcers love DeWitt at third. Beware small sample sizes, I guess.
by Charlie Wilmoth on Apr 14, 2008 10:12 PM EDT reply actions
Indy update
Burnett pitched another scoreless inning for the save
That's 8 scoreless innings and Indy's 9-3
High-scoring? It's a pretty wacky offensive environment, I think.
Minor league ballparks are something that interest me way too much.
by Charlie Wilmoth on Apr 14, 2008 10:20 PM EDT up reply actions
Yeah.
Very high scoring.
The first games I remember going to ended with the scores 19-1 and 20-1. In favor of the Bees/Buzz/Stingers... whatever they were called then.
That, or the guys the Angels (& Twins back then) have in AAA are good at generating runs in some fashion.
Biased Fan
A disillusioned Pirates fan in Utah...
Hate Scully
Hate hate HATE him. Take a breath, blowhard. Not one second of dead air.
Yeah. It's impressive, but it's too much.
by Charlie Wilmoth on Apr 14, 2008 10:19 PM EDT up reply actions
Love Scully
What a great voice, what great pacing - and he does his own color commentary. He barely has time to take a breath
by Trogluddite on Apr 14, 2008 10:19 PM EDT up reply actions
Not sure
Didn't start listening to him until I bought MLB.com audio. Loved listening to him when the Giants (and Bonds) were in LA last year w/Bonds chasing Aaron.
by Trogluddite on Apr 14, 2008 10:23 PM EDT up reply actions
...and one of the nicest people you'll ever meet in your life. I did some work for him when I lived in L.A. - beautiful home, wonderful man.
When the going gets weird, the weird turn pro. -- HST
by cocktailsfor2 on Apr 14, 2008 10:32 PM EDT up reply actions
Off-topic, but
I'm really starting to hate this "z" button feature here.
Now, no matter what site I'm at, I'm hitting "z" to refresh it automatically... and getting pissed off when it doesn't do anything.
Biased Fan
A disillusioned Pirates fan in Utah...
What is the "z" function? I've never used that. For me the comments always update automatically. You shouldn't have to press anything.
by Charlie Wilmoth on Apr 14, 2008 10:21 PM EDT up reply actions
It kinda
scrolls through them, I guess that's the word.
Biased Fan
A disillusioned Pirates fan in Utah...
But it can add up
He's w/15 pitches in the first inning - w/luck he gets six at this pace.
by Trogluddite on Apr 14, 2008 10:29 PM EDT up reply actions
For the most part
if the Pirates' starter goes more than 6, something screwy is up (ignoring Snell).
Most of the times, that screwy thing is an implosion.
Biased Fan
A disillusioned Pirates fan in Utah...
Over/Under on Runs given up by Morris tomorrow?
I just heard he's pitching. Guess we won't sweep this series. Does anyone have a phone number for Tanya Harding? We can start a collection
DeWitt
When did you see him? When you say awful at third do you mean overall, or just defensively?
Co-Author Of The Fourth Most Popular NL West Based Blog On SBN
Just defensively. At the first San Diego series a week or two ago DeWitt made a series of very bad plays.
Apparently they weren't representative.
by Charlie Wilmoth on Apr 14, 2008 10:27 PM EDT up reply actions
By the way, Andrew, I'm glad you're here, I've been trying to email you for months, but my email to you doesn't go through.
I wanted to know what you thought of the idea of my doing another "Worst GM" tournament, now that Littlefield's gone. This would have been a better idea when the firing occurred, but it'd still be funny.
by Charlie Wilmoth on Apr 14, 2008 10:29 PM EDT up reply actions
Yeah, i had some E-Mail issues for a while. Apparently you can't delete E-Mails when your inbox is full. I think it's time for another one since we've had some terrible ones get culled recently.
Co-Author Of The Fourth Most Popular NL West Based Blog On SBN
You want to do it, or do you want me to do it? because I'd be thrilled to. I'd give you credit for the idea, of course.
by Charlie Wilmoth on Apr 14, 2008 10:31 PM EDT up reply actions
Wow. The Bucs are getting it done with the long ball recently.
by Charlie Wilmoth on Apr 14, 2008 10:32 PM EDT up reply actions
Jose waited on that curve ball
and WAILED on it.
What is up w/Jose's power?
Two years ago, I recall him having a power flare-up near the end of the season. That raised expectations.
Last year, he had all the power of a Louis Rivas.
Come on
He was a doubles machine and hit 15 HR.
Well, 15 isn't a lot for 3b - we saw some guy
named Alex hit like 50 up here last year. Most of my questions though, are just based on vague impressions and not firm stats.
by Trogluddite on Apr 14, 2008 10:39 PM EDT up reply actions
Haven't done any stat homework yet and I know the season is still young but does this team remind anyone of the '97 Lamont led Pirates?
by Pirates_of_the_Windy_City on Apr 14, 2008 10:35 PM EDT reply actions
Wouldn't know...
...was in ole' Virginnie
by Trogluddite on Apr 14, 2008 10:38 PM EDT up reply actions
What? Why didn't Mientkiewicz throw there?
by Charlie Wilmoth on Apr 14, 2008 10:39 PM EDT reply actions
If Ryan Doumit called his own pitches, that wouldn't have happened. :)
by Charlie Wilmoth on Apr 14, 2008 10:40 PM EDT reply actions
Mild victory?
Sure, giving up a run is no fun. But in years past, Andru would hit a triple or something and ignite the dormant Dodger offense.
Chocolate Sugarbombs are ROCKING tonight
Haven't checked your lineup (no, seriously), how you doin' Charlie?
Charlie and I are going h2h this week in the Bucs Dugout Fantasy league.
Not so great so far.
I'm like a long-distance runner, though. I hang out behind you all week and then you check the league page on Monday and wonder what happened. So watch your back, Zibuck.
by Charlie Wilmoth on Apr 14, 2008 10:48 PM EDT up reply actions
Duke?
Just walked away from my computer. Did Duke single?
by Pirates_of_the_Windy_City on Apr 14, 2008 10:47 PM EDT reply actions
i mean
he is a real good hitter...we pinch hit with him
You're a Pirates fan?
by thegetupkids on Apr 14, 2008 10:49 PM EDT up reply actions
just checking, went to the fridge for a beer.
by Pirates_of_the_Windy_City on Apr 14, 2008 10:50 PM EDT up reply actions
concerned he was hit by a pitch
by Pirates_of_the_Windy_City on Apr 14, 2008 10:53 PM EDT up reply actions
Small sample size, yes...
but Duke now has a higher BA than LaRoche.
Just saying...
Biased Fan
A disillusioned Pirates fan in Utah...
Good AB by McLouth
Worked it to a full count, fouled off several pitches. Hopefully those on deck and in the hole were watching.
Bay worked it too a full count
yet Furcal made a very nice play
Nice play by Furcal, good effort by Duke.
by Charlie Wilmoth on Apr 14, 2008 10:54 PM EDT reply actions
At least the Bucs are doing an excellent
job being patient. Kuroda will get knocked around sooner or later
anyone see the pens game?
pretty sweet
You're a Pirates fan?
LONEY'S HIT PARADE meets Bucs
James Loney has hit in 12 straight games as the Pirates arrive in L.A.
Straight from the front page of MLB.com. No mention of McLouth's 12 game hit streak, of course. Sorry if this has been pointed out already, I just arrived.
I haven't seen it mentioned...
why would they mention the Pirates though? I mean, it's just the Pirates, right???...
Biased Fan
A disillusioned Pirates fan in Utah...
i agree
i hate looking at espn and never being able to read anything on the pirates...except for that one article a year by crasnick or kurkjian
You're a Pirates fan?
by thegetupkids on Apr 14, 2008 11:11 PM EDT up reply actions
I must
check out the 1 article/year... don't think I've seen it. Ever.
Biased Fan
A disillusioned Pirates fan in Utah...
That throw must not have felt very good for Freddy.
by Charlie Wilmoth on Apr 14, 2008 11:12 PM EDT reply actions
I'm pretty sure there are no teams in the MLB with those colors.
We all know the only teams are the Red Sox, Yankees, Mets, Dodgers, Giants, Cubs, and whatever teams Randy Johnson and Roger Clemens are playing for this year.
just curious
im not watching the game but is duke still sporting the goatee?
You're a Pirates fan?
That's pretty much the only way Rivas is ever going to get a hit, huh?
by Charlie Wilmoth on Apr 14, 2008 11:18 PM EDT reply actions
"A terrible bunt"
according to LA announcers. So glad we focused on fundamentals. I've seen better bunting from American League pitchers
Un F'ing Believable
Kuroda with a double against a drawn in infield
Now my post on how Kuroda's inability to hit is going to kill is value is going to look dumb.
Co-Author Of The Fourth Most Popular NL West Based Blog On SBN
Duke is gonna fall apart here
We need a DP in the worst way
Duke got out of that jam!
Can't afford another crummy inning though
Jason-ity...
0-3, 2 Ks.
Come on dude... we even thought you were back.
Biased Fan
A disillusioned Pirates fan in Utah...
ack!
that looked like the jason bay of last year
Dodgers Announcers Making an Interesting Point
Last 15 years Pirates minor league system has a big shortfall in big players. The stars we have we've traded for.
Man that's too bad about Joey Bats
2 warning track shots and a long HR
almost
nice hit by bautista. that's a solid home run in a lot of parks
Duke is getting shelled now
Warm up the bullpen somebody
Scully: "You know, it is hard to pitch in the big leagues, but it is especially hard if you don't strike anybody out."
by Charlie Wilmoth on Apr 14, 2008 11:51 PM EDT reply actions
Agreed completely.
It has seemed that way all season (yes, I know we're only on game 13 right now0.
Biased Fan
A disillusioned Pirates fan in Utah...
Rivas
ends the inning.
As a shortstop, nonetheless.
Biased Fan
A disillusioned Pirates fan in Utah...
Well let's get that run back
Nate's due for a hit, right?
Dodger bullpen can't be too good, right?
I wait
till the play is over.
Most of the time, at least.
Biased Fan
A disillusioned Pirates fan in Utah...
How about that respect for Morgan. Torre is blowing his only lefty on him!
by pirateinvirginia on Apr 15, 2008 12:07 AM EDT reply actions
crazy
i guess torre has to compete with larussa now that he's in the NL
yeah
and former duquesne duke none the less
Nice guy
signed a ball for me @ dodger stadium while w/Bucs.
When the going gets weird, the weird turn pro. -- HST
In the interest of NOT jinxing
Nate is NOT due
When the going gets weird, the weird turn pro. -- HST
Wouldn't be
the first time.
I suck, apparently.
When the going gets weird, the weird turn pro. -- HST
by cocktailsfor2 on Apr 15, 2008 12:14 AM EDT up reply actions
Ah, well...
Thanks for not raking a noob over the coals.
'Nite, all.
When the going gets weird, the weird turn pro. -- HST
thanks for the heads up
always good to see the towel on national television
Nope
I really don't think that Jason-ity is "back".
Biased Fan
A disillusioned Pirates fan in Utah...
Anyhow...
I'm done. 7:30 class tomorrow, have to get to bed.
Nite.
Go Buccos!
Biased Fan
A disillusioned Pirates fan in Utah...
Man, Broxton and then Saito. This is why you don't want to get one run behind against the Dodgers.
by Charlie Wilmoth on Apr 15, 2008 12:46 AM EDT reply actions
Charlie: Is it you or your brother that went to W & L?
by pirateinvirginia on Apr 15, 2008 12:46 AM EDT reply actions
My brother. I actually went to W&M.
by Charlie Wilmoth on Apr 15, 2008 12:49 AM EDT up reply actions
He's pinchrunning for Bautista. Any chance of having him steal?
by pirateinvirginia on Apr 15, 2008 12:54 AM EDT reply actions
Got it. Sorry. I'm doing like three things at once. :)
by Charlie Wilmoth on Apr 15, 2008 12:54 AM EDT up reply actions
Yeah, that was kind of amazing, wasn't it? I was about to post how I expected Nate to come through...then thought the better of it.
by hisjazziness on Apr 15, 2008 1:01 AM EDT up reply actions
I was going to come on
and post that he's about to line one in the gap, but luckily I didn't make it in time.
Nate's Sack
Nate might have the biggest ballsac in the major leagues right now, if that was a statistic, he'd surely be kicking ass and taking names
by OpiateOfTheMasses on Apr 15, 2008 1:46 AM EDT reply actions
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