first pitch: 7:10 p.m., PT
television: Channel 4
matchup: Brian Lawrence (4-6, 4.42 ERA) vs Elmer Dessens (0-0, 3.32 ERA)
previews: ESPN | CBS | Padres.com
You are trying to establish yourself as a credible playoff contender. Which of the following do you do?
- Lose twice in the same month to a Rule V draftee.
- Go 2-4 while establishing leads of 2-0 or greater in six straight games.
- Start a third baseman whose ISO is lower than those of Cesar Izturis, David Eckstein, Luis Castillo, and 164 other big-league hitters with the requisite number of plate appearances.
- Bat said third baseman ahead of your best power source to date again despite homers in four consecutive games from the latter.
- All of the above.
195 Comments
Damn, are those my only choices???
I dunno, but I’ll choose… NONE OF THE ABOVE!!!!
Food for thought…
AB/R
Brian Giles 5.57
D. Jackson 5.75
Xavier Nady 5.88
Robert Fick 6.08
Mark Loretta 6.67
Ryan Klesko 6.70
Dave Roberts 6.73
Khalil Greene 8.04
Geoff Blum 8.18
Mark Sweeney 8.27
Phil Nevin 8.57
R. Hernandez 9.08
Miguel Ojeda 11.00
S. Burroughs 12.22
AB/RBI
Xavier Nady 5.42
Phil Nevin 5.47
Robert Fick 6.64
Brian Giles 6.72
Mark Sweeney 7.00
Ryan Klesko 7.09
R. Hernandez 7.15
Khalil Greene 7.73
Dave Roberts 7.77
D. Jackson 8.85
Geoff Blum 10.00
Miguel Ojeda 11.00
Mark Loretta 12.31
S. Burroughs 16.92
AB/HR
Xavier Nady 15.67
Ryan Klesko 19.08
Mark Sweeney 22.75
Phil Nevin 28.56
D. Jackson 28.75
Brian Giles 29.11
Dave Roberts 33.67
R. Hernandez 33.71
Robert Fick 36.50
Geoff Blum 45.00
Khalil Greene 50.25
S. Burroughs 220.00
Miguel Ojeda inf
Mark Loretta inf
I cant believe that Bochy is sticking with the all lefty lineup again. I know that Nevin and Hernandez are on the d/l but give me a break. 2 thru 6 have garnered only 1 hit combined in the last 2 games. Lets get Nady higher up in the dang order. What gives?
How bout: Jackson, Giles, Nady, Klesko, Sweeney, Greene, Fick, Burroughs.
eh?
I hear ya, Hank. I’m in favor of any configuration that gets Nady ahead of Burroughs.
Burroughs hit for tremendous power in his 11-and 12-year-old seasons. He is merely in a slump. You guys have all the patience of George Steinbrenner.
I dont believe I have ever seen a Major league lineup with six consecutive lefties.. I am sure I have, I just dont remember it.
At some point the Dodgers will bring in a RHP, and Boch will clear his bench.
Nady must’ve slept with Bochy’s wife or something…
I also think that when pitchers have to face so many opposite hand hitters consecutively, they can get into a groove, pitching backward, as it were. I think it’s good to break it up a little, to keep the opposing pitcher from being able to use the same approach for too many batters.
Gee, Mark, where’d ya hear such a rumor???
Just made it up..
Damn, I thought I had made that one up. My new rumor relates to Nady and Bochy’s mother, daughter, and golden retriever.
And based on this rumor, I wouldn’t play nady, either.
At the Pizza Feed, I actually asked Kevin Towers if Boch was angry with Nady for having slept with his wife.
I think my question has left Towers a bit suspicious.
That wasn’t a homer, X!
Where’d everybody go?
Nada in two innings. Crap.
Still here. Kinda hoping LA scores first so we can’t blow another lead.
I’m here too.
Hey Brian, sorry you couldn’t make it down for the feed.
I am here, but kinda depressed after the way we have laid down for the Dodgers. It really ticks me off to lose to these bums. We should be beating them but still we manage to give away games to them. It is very different to lose a game as opposed to giving one away.
Fick comes through. Seventh straight game we have at least a 2-0 lead. Let’s make this one stick.
well I will be danged. giles finally hit a dang ball. And then fick drives in two on a seeing-eye single. Well here is another lead that we can lose.
Thanks, Geoff. Sounded like you guys had a good time. Although the pizzaless pizza feed was no doubt stellar, it was the pre- and post-game events that I regret missing most.
Wouldn’t it have been nice to get Nady up in that inning and with a chance to pile on? Oh well. Wouldn’t want him to get more than four plate appearances in a game…
I’m thinking Nady could’ve made that throw.
I am presently monitoring two supposed rumored Padre trade targets, Barry Zito and Jamie Moyer, pitch against each other. Moyer has not looked particularly strong.
Beane says he isn’t trading Zito.
And how often do you see batter’s interference?
Hell of a play by Greene.
omg what a play by greene and jackson too for hanging in there..
Khalil just bailed out Burroughs with that play to end the inning. For those not watching, Kent hit one into the 5.5 hole; Greene made a diving stop and put some mustard on his throw to second to get Drew. You’ll see it on ESPN.
Good point about Jackson’s half of the play.
Good call, Hank. That was a nice job by DJ.
I know Beane said that. I don’t happen to believe it. The right offer would get Zito. I’m also not saying the Padres will make the right offer.
Oh, and Zito just tied supposed Padre trade target Bret Boone in knots.
Also..good call on Khalil bailing out Burroughs…what was that throw to first??
I’m also not seeing the point in bringing in Boone. What are we going to do @ 2nd when Loretta comes back?
Agree. That one puzzles me too. We have far greater needs.
Stat of the night (as Moyer gives up another run): Mark Kotsay, career, vs. Moyer: 13 for 20 (.650). That’s some serious ownage.
so what are our “greater needs?” I’m having trouble with that question.
A third baseman would be nice.
Are there any 3b options out there better than Nady?
The rumors have Boone staying at 2nd, and Loretta moving to 3rd upon his return. Careful analysis will reveal that such a move would have virtually no impact.
it’s depressing when they talk about Sean’s dad.
Sure would like to have Nady up right now.
We keep letting Dessens off the hook.
Towers has made it clear (and I don’t necessarily disagree) that Nady would be stretched to handle 3rd on a daily basis.
Don’t forget that Burroughs is younger than Nady, and that Nady was not exactly an established star at that age.
Don’t get me wrong; I think Nady belongs in the lineup. I just think Burroughs will get much better, as nearly all players his age do.
Not really a Nady versus Burroughs on my point, just that Nady should be batting higher than Burroughs in the order. I wouldn’t give Nady the everyday job at third, but I do think that they should be platooned at this point.
We’re still in first place, and I think the fluke lies in how near the D-backs and Dodgers are. I suspect we’ll pull away, albeit slowly, regardless of the in-season moves made.
That makes some sense, Bruce.
Ain’t gonna happen, though.
Okay, how the heck did they turn that DP?
sweeet DP
I think DJ’s sort of a rich man’s Pokey Reese.
He sure is fun to watch.
Who’s a better 2B–Loretta or DJ?
Is Pokey even in the majors this year? Just wundrin’.
Loretta turns the DP better, which is a HUGE skill at 2B. But based on all the other requisite talents, I’d say they’re about even. DJ would be significantly better than Loretta if he played everyday, but it would never make up for the offensive difference.
I wouldn’t give Nady the everyday 3b job either..but I would give him some starts. It would seem that as long as he’s hitting the ball well, there should be a spot in the lineup just about every day at some position
the smoothness of Scully’s commentary still amazes me. I just had to comment.
I’m hoping Greene is heating up.
Eric LOOOOOVES Vin Scully! He wants to KIIIIS him!!!
Agreed, Eric.
How old is Scully now? Shouldn’t he be losing his mind by now, sorta like Coleman???
DJ. GREATEST HITTER WHO EVER LIVED>
A startling contrast to Jerry Coleman, no?
Eric-and-Vin-ny sitting under a tree?
There’s an image I didn’t really need at this point..
B-Law is having a lot of good 1-K games this year.
K-I-S-S-I-N-G!!!
Jerry Coleman, senile as he may be, has become a sort of sage-savant. Wiser than Yoda, he is.
Do or do not…there is no try… wisdom from master yoda.
Coleman is talking about his days as Padre manager in 1980. Or he would be, if Leitner would shut the hell up.
On DJ being better than Loretta defensively: Loretta wasn’t just the best offensive second baseman in the league last year, he was the best defensive second bagger, too.
Gee, umm… thanks , Mark.
You’re actually QUOTING Yoda. I guess it was a rough childhood, huh?
8-pitch inning, shutout intact. Remember when we were all concerned about Lawrence back in May?
I wasn’t
Nope. I don’t recall being especially worried about B-Law…
I watched A LOT of tv as a kid…possibly too much..
I don’t recall being worried about him either..
I’m holding fast to that stance with Nevin as well.
Maybe it was just non-AOL message board people?
I’d like to make it known (like it isn’t already) that I don’t believe Nevin will be any good this year.
What are you saying, Richard?
You don’t think there’s lots of weak-hitting scrubs who can out-perform star players defensively? You know it to be so (call it the “Doug Flynn Syndrome.”), but even the dolts who run baseball teams know that you have to eventually score some runs to win.
Richard-do you mean to say that Loretta’s defensive stats were the best?
B-Law really likes pitching against the Dodgers…
Based on Fielding Runs, Eric.
Ryno with a big RBI double…
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20 FRAA last year for Lo.
I personally don’t think any defensive stats are comprehensive enough to make any ‘he was the best’ conclusions from them. I’d only go as far as to say “Loretta was tops in Fielding Runs.”
This is what I like to see. Keep piling it on.
I continue to be aboard the Scully bandwagon. Only thing I like about the Dodgers.
Lead 3-0 we do, every game, and little does it mean(ode to Yoda). 4-0 makes better feel me (another tip-o-the hat to the master.)
Let’s build an unblowable lead
Gameday sucks.
I don’t know Lance..read that again and take out the numbers and it takes on a whole new meaning…
as of today, “unblowable” is a word.
I TOTALLY agree with that, Eric. It seems any bastard with a blog thinks he knows everything!!!
Still, I agree with Eric.
rbi for Robert F*ck
And, Eric, that was regarding Loretta’s defense, not the word “unblowable.”
It’s reasonable to assert that a given player is the best given the context of measuring the best by fielding runs.
Think Phil Nevin took note of how to get a guy home from 3B with less than two out?
He was probably in the can.
And Burroughs hits another weakass ball right at somebody to end the inning. I’m really going to have to stop watching his at-bats. In all seriousness, I’d rather see Deivi Cruz at the plate.
Lance, don’t you have a blog?
How many innings has Burroughs ended now?
I demand that Richard explain how such a measurement is acertained.
I’d like to nominate Jim Leyritz as the worst Padre 3B ever.
Burroughs has unofficially ended 264 innings this season…
Eric, it’s Richard’s blog. I only post there because nobody else would have me.
I appreciate what the defensive metrics bring nonetheless…Loretta is undoubtedly a good 2B.
Chris Brown and Mike Pagliarullo are tied for the worst 3B in Padres history for me..
Brian G., you clearly don’t remember Barry Evans.
I nominate Mike Pagliarulo.
And yet our hottest hitter languishes behind Burroughs, and has now twice missed out on good RBI chances.
Burroughs made the third out in the third with Fick on first.
Burroughs made the third out in the fifth with Klesko on second.
Burroughs made the third out in the seventh after hitting into a double play with Giles on first.
I lied, I just wanted an excuse to say ‘Pagliarulo.’ My real nomination is Archi Cianfrocco.
I lied again.
Archi had some redeeming qualities at least…he could play other positions and he spit in his helmet before his atbats…
Why can’t Boch bat Nady at least 6th?
It’s revealing that Luis Salazar might be considered one of our BETTER third basemen.
Coleman is commenting on how good DJ’s hands are at 2B. Worth noting, as Jerry played a bit of 2B hisself…
Good point, Mark. That’s huge spitting in the helmet.
I ABSOLUTELY DO remember Barry Evans! Mr. Two-Out-Nobody-On-Basehit?
I entertained the Mike Ivie notion but gave Layritz the benefit of the doubt because he was also an asshole.
I can’t believe there aren’t more voting for Chris “i’ve got a hangnail and can’t play” Brown
If Sean is going to quit playing defense well, too…
Now I can’t watch him in the field anymore. WTF.
I am an asshole, myself. Sadly I have never played an inning at 3B for the Pads, or this would be an easy choice.
Leyritz only played two games at third for the Padres and only 0.8 Adjusted Games…
how did this poll come up?
If Sean is going to play crappy defense, I think we’re running out of reasons not to play Nady there…
are we trying to make us feel better about Burroughs?
Richard, you have to be kidding me! You mean I had the privilege of witnessing the only two games Jim Leyritz played 3B for the Padres? I remember them both because he was so horrid.
Richard, I’m wondering if your girlfriend knows you’re a dork.
Now howza about Barry Evans, my nominee? I think I’m gonna win here.
Dodger Toaster has an interesting look at how the 2005 free agents are doing so far:
http://dodgerthoughts.baseballtoaster.com/archives/202178.html
No Padres included. I think I’ve got their methodology right in figuring these:
Name $M OPS G WARP WARP Cost
Blum 0.575 672 54 1.3 $0.21
Fick 0.400 868 32 0.9 $0.21
Jackson 0.320 732 48 1.3 $0.12
Sweeney 0.580 867 62 1.1 $0.25
Name $M ERA IP WARP WARP Cost
Hammond 0.750 1.64 38.3 2.4 $0.15
Reyes 0.550 4.08 35.3 0.6 $0.44
Seanez 0.550 2.34 34.7 1.8 $0.15
Williams 3.000 4.24 68.0 1.8 $0.79
Woody has been our least productive FA signing, and he’s still been a lot better value than all but a few of the pitchers inked this off-season.
Chris Hammond vs Troy Percival? Don’t get me started.
Geoff, how dare you do actual analysis?!
Cool stuff, Geoff. However, when looking at value stats like that, it’s worth remembering that the Devil Rays paid the fewest marginal dollars per marginal win last year.
Geoff, maybe that will post better in the blog text?
Sorry, it won’t happen again.
I believe Towers filled us in on the D-Rays organizational philosophy, eh, Richard?
Ojeda has a negative WARP1. That’s hard to do.
Richard will post it, Geoff. I’m sure of it. Richard?
KT is a big Chuck Lamar fan as I understand it.
What do we all think of DePodesta now? Good but unlucky? or overrated?
The hell I will…
Good point, Richard. I was mainly trying to figure out where our guys stacked up against the bigger name signings. I still really love the job KT did of assembling a bench and bullpen this winter.
Lance, I think you’re right. I’ll post some of this stuff in the blog. BTW, day game tomorrow…
I always thought Scott Erickson looked like something Jim Lee would draw.
Early start — 12:10, I believe.
His face I mean
Also, without the injuries to key players, the WARP wouldn’t be so high. Still, KT did a great job putting together the bench and bullpen. I can’t think of any better in the game.
Ojeda may have a neg WARP1, but at least he’s not being paid $4.25M this year to do it like Cristian Guzman. Ouch.
G’night all. Here’s hoping they hold on to win it.
I appreciate the info, of course. It was just hard to read, and I am ever-so-lazy. I try to whore out Richard to compile and post stuff, as he friggin’ loves it. Couldn’t ask for a finer bunch of baseball junkies to hang with…
On the other hand, Lance, we must never forget the stellar effort of Randy Ready.
I empathize with your laziness. I used to love crunching numbers.
Bowden made some funny moves. huh? But people will think they were ALL good moves if they stay above .500.
It’s all good, Lance. My “sorry…” comment was actually in response to Brian’s “how dare you do actual analysis” comment; I should’ve put a smiley.
In other news, that was a heckuva game by B-Law.
Randy Ready was a solid ballplayer. As Bill James said, you could run him out there and tell him to lead the league in walks, and he’d do it. And on a decent team he’d score 120 runs, with decent defense.
Geoff, you best not shortchange me my “smileys”
Just sayin’
I agree, Lance. He had that one year where he made going to the park worthwhile. Anyone know/recall if he got his health problems rectified?
Brian, you’re talking about Ready?
Off topic: I still think Nevin has one big month in him. A .400/.590 July (he has at least one of those every year) would quickly bring his numbers up to .330/.470.
…and thanks, Geoff. I’ve had my fix now.
Yes. Sorry for the confusing conversation streams.
Calling all white supremacists….we need some K’s
doh
Nevin has at least one .400/.590 July, every year? One July like that is about all you can have, I guess.
and wouldn’t it be nice to have a .400/.590 first baseman all year?
What were Ready’s health problems?
And was any of that Fick’s fault????
arright my comment was kinda silly
How do you let two guys score on a wild pitch? Colossal mental breakdown there.
How can we lead 3-0 EVERY GODDAMNED DAY AND NEVER HAVE A SAFE LEAD!?!?!?!?
wait a minute…what happened to the K? Isn’t there a rule where the batter who K’d can’t advance on the wild pitch when there is a runner at first? or when the bases are loaded? something like that?
seanez pitches to saenz
Eric, all that death-metal band drug use has melted your mind.
If we don’t win this game… well, I just don’t know what drastic measures I might take.
D-Backs got an ass-whuppin’ from the Giants tonight.
And Sweeney’s aboard…
hah…I don’t even smoke cigarettes or drink alcohol.
UNBLOWABLE UNBLOWABLE! please!
oooh…nice piece of hitting by Mac
I figured as much, Eric. I only drink, but I do it like I mean it.
And Fat Paul has another hit.
Some really fine work from the catchers tonight. What the heck was that?
Bases loaded, nobody out. Fick first pitch swinging pops up to second. Burroughs up. We’re not going to score, are we?
3-0 to Sean. Gotta take two pitches.
I’m like begging for a ball.
Full count. C’mon, no DP. Let X bat.
phew
Thank God he missed badly with that pitch. Burroughs walks to drive in the run. Go Nady.
X cannot be stopped
I think we’re approaching unblowability status.
unblowable: n. that which cannot be blown. sl:in the bag.
The Padres had such a huge lead, it was practically unblowable.
X comes through again.
After 8-1/2, a five-run lead. Am I wrong to feel confident????
I was on the phone with my wife for Nady’s AB. What did he do?
Reyes in. Unblowability levels reduced significantly.
Nady singled sharply up the middle
If Richard’s watching, the presence of Reyes HAS to make him nervous.
And a hit by the leadoff man, just to make things fun.
DP by Greene and DJ, to reduce the threat.
That was more exciting than it needed to be, but I’ll take it. D’backs are getting blown out by SF.
What does Kevin do to note the last three outs of a game finished by Reyes? Say a short prayer of thanks?
I just tuned in, Brian, and that might not be a bad idea. I just watched the last three outs at work.
Welcome, Kevin. And goodnight.
Enjoyed this one, boys…
Bochy quote from official site:
“Obviously, we’ll have to get creative to get him more at-bats. Infield, outfield, we’ll be giving guys days off. When we get to the so-called ‘dog days,’ with Nady you can have a [six-man] rotation in the outfield and at first base and third base. They all play five or six days a week.”
This is what I wanted all year.
This one was fun, but not without its moments of despair. De ja vu, all over again… dodgers come back to score 3(or should I say we gave them 3) and scare the heck out of me. I am thinking to myself, here we go again… But the boys picked me up by scoring some more(something they havent been doing) and give me a satisfied happy face. I needed a win tonight for an attitude adjustment.
see yall tomorrow.