Results tagged ‘ NL West ’
2nd Half Preview: Can the Dodgers finish with a NL West Title and more?
It’s back to work for the Boys in Blue now that the All-Star Break is over it’s time to resume where the Dodgers left off. The 1st half of the season started great with the Dodgers having the best record in MLB and a good lead in the NL West only to take a turn for the worse when the Injuries began to stock pile, offense disappeared, and a slump happened. The Dodgers went into the break finding themselves a half game over the Giants and the Diamondbacks not too far off also the Dodgers find themselves 7 games over .500. Makes you say yikes the Slump did a lot of damage. However there’s help with Matt Kemp Andre Ethier and Mark Ellis Back in the line up the offense will have less pressure off. While there’s some solutions theres also plenty of questions to be answered that plague the Dodgers.
One question that many will ask is the Trade Deadline and what the Dodgers will do. The Dodgers need to address starting pitching help, LHP help, and add another bat to the corner position to help the Dodgers. We’ve heard so much about the Dodgers intrest with the Cubs on getting Matt Garza or Ryan Dempster which is a sign but with teams like the Brewers and Phillies being possible sellers it could be something if Cole Hammels or Zack Grenkee is available. Dodgers will likely have to give up prospects but to get players like that the Dodgers have to be cautious on the asking prices of these teams. Likely the Cubs and Brewers will not have high asking prices. As far as a bat the Dodgers have been real aggressive on trying to land a bat and missed twice. Missed out on Kevin Youkillis to the White Sox and Carlos Lee Vetoed a trade to LA only to land in Miami. The Dodgers could be aggressive again for a bat again but weather they strike gold or not is a question. It’s obvious this team wants to win THIS YEAR. A bat to the 1st and 3rd Base position looks to be a area as Juan Uribe and James Loney have been under performing at this point to make a solid contribution to help but the emergence of Eillian Herrara has been huge to the LF 3rd base position.
Another issue is the health and performance of the Dodgers again. The Injuries played a huge part in the wheels falling off in that slump that cost them that huge lead. What scares me personally is will key players stay healthy? Injuries happen but on slaught of injuries will be very bad to The Dodgers in the dog days. The performance of certain Dodgers will also be in mind like starting pitchers Chad Billingsley and Clayton Kershaw. Will they be able to get it together to make a big run into September October? Billingsley’s meltdowns has been really bad in games and Kershaw hasn’t played like his usual Cy Young self. If they can pull through the the Dodgers will be dangerous. Another is the team itself. Will they bring it together to once again be the team that had the MLB talking? It all starts with the team but there’s no doubt Management and Mattingley will have this team ready to do battle.
All in All the Dodgers are in first place and will resume the season to keep that lead. But it won’t be easy. They start off with San Diego at home then go into a series at Dodger stadium with the Phillies. The same team that they swept in Philadelphia. After that a road trip in New York with the Mets then travel to ST Louis to play the Cardinals then conclude the road trip in San Fran against the hated giants in what could be a pivotal series in the NL West so the Dodgers have their work cut out. The 2nd Half is under way and the Boys in Blue have work to do.
Andre Ethier’s Extension: We All Knew it was coming
While the all the action was going on in LA with the Dodgers/Angels playing eatch other and Kings winning the NHL Stanley Cup news broke of Andre Ethier signing a 5 year $85 Million Dollar deal which keeps him with the Dodgers through 2017. One of the Dodgers most popular players and one of the best players on the Dodgers is locked up with LA for a good while. Through out my twitter feed the one thing I kept seeing was for many people yelling for the Dodgers to pay Ethier after every play he made. Well the man is paid. Now at the begining of the season I made a note that the Dodgers success would come if Ethier played a part in it he he sure has leading the MLB in RBI’s and making an Impact in anyway. I also noted that Ethier would have his contract extention depending on his play and so far his play is doing worthy of the extension. Right now Andre Ethier is in a slump so many will say it came at a bad time then again this maybe something good. Only time will tell if this could be something that breaks the slump.
Now I look at this deal and can’t help but to think of the possible risks you take making a huge deal like that. First thing you think is Injuries or if he falls off but thats always the fear you have. Ethier hasn’t showed signs of falling off anytime soon. Reading an article on Lasorda’s Lair a few months back it reviewed how the Offense would suffer without Ethier and I must say he is important to the offense. Numbers such as Batting Avg, RBI’s, OBP, and so on dropped a good number so this extension was something needed opposed to letting him leave after the season and risk searching in the FA Market and signing somewhere else for just about the same deal. Now this was something that wasn’t possible in the Off-Season or Last Year at that because of the lack of funds but with this deal and how the way Stan Kasten and Magic Johnson talked about Ethier it seems as if the front office is prepared to build a Championship winning team around Kemp, Ethier, and Kershaw (Whenever his extension comes) but something tells me that this deal is worth it.
Yes they’re fears and what not about this deal but an Ethier extension is just another indication that the front office is ready to win and win right now. This is only the begining but weather its the right moves is beyond me. Now that Ethier has his extension lets hope he remains hungry, gets out of this slump, and Keep up the stellar play. Clayton Kershaw you’re up next!!
Freeway Series: Dodgers vs Angels
This Time Its For Real!! The Dodgers and Angels kick off the Freeway series Tomorrow and this years Freeway Series will be pretty interesting when you look at all what built up. You start off with the Angelsmaking the big signing grabing Albert Pujols and CJ Wilson which sent shockwaves through the Baseball world. Instantly the attention and hype was surrounded Anaheim. Many media felt the Angels would not only be favorites for a World Series but Take over the L.A. Market as Builboards popped up ALL over Los Angeles (They are in Anaheim we shall remind you) While the Angels got Prase the Dodgers were dealing with a Bind of finding a new owner with an uncertain future and many questions going into the season but came Late March Magic Happened. Magic Johnson Stan Kasten, Mark Walter and their group made the perchase of the Los Angeles Dodgers whichs sent LA into a big frenzy. Many Dodger fans were really excitied and it transfered into the field as the Dodgers started off Hot quickly becoming MLB’s best team with a 39-22 Record. The Angels honeymoon quickly ended as the struggled out the gate even Albert Pujols struggled.
Going into this Series the Dodgers are in first place coming off two series wins over the Phillies and Marniers while the Angels are coming off sweeping the Rockies in Colorado and 3 Games over .500. Dodgers will be without Matt Kemp but the rest of the Dodgers have been picking up the slack after going through an offensive struggle. Both teams are hot so it will be interesting to see. The Freeway Series starts off in Los Angeles for the 11th, 12th, and 13th then after shifts to Anaheim for the weekend of the 22nd 23rd and 24th of June. Last year the Angels won the bragging rights 4-2 Last year and the Dodgers looking to grab the first series win since 2006. This year Freeway Series will be a real special one when you look at what took place.
While this will never reach the level of Dodgers/Giants and Yankees and Dodgers AL/NL rivalry this is still that Rivalry where you want Braging rights for the whole season. With the Freeway Series 6 game Home and Home series in question thanks to the new realignment things are bound to get interesting based on both teams position in their respected Divisions but steaks are high. Dodgers looking to keep the Lead in the NL West and show why they are the MLB’s best team while the Angels are looking to trim the Rangers lead in the AL West. The Freeway Series kicks off. Lets Get It Started!!
Dodgers swept by Brewers: Is it time to worry?
This series seems like a long nightmare for the Dodgers and it’s fans. With the Brewers coming to LA for a four game series it seems like the Brewers have been the Dodgers kryptonite. Losing close games due to the Offense disappearing and now with the Dodgers losing Matt Kemp to injury again things seems to be bad for the Dodgers. After getting swept by the Brewers losing 4 Straight and headed on a Long road trip to Colorado, Phillidelphia, and Seattle is it time to be worried? In my opinion No but I am concerned. Now there’s no reason to panic because There’s plenty of games to be played in this season but I am concerned because the offense has seemed to disappear this whole series and now with Kemp gone that really makes the offense anemic. The Dodgers are already without Juan Rivera Mark Ellis and Uribe and losing Kemp really hurts the offense as far as scoring runs as it was shown in the series vs the Brewers. Mattingley tried different line ups to get it going but seems like it hasn’t worked. Hopefully the Dodgers turn it around on the road trip and get it together.
Another thing is the fact that the Dodgers get to go on a good week long road trip facing Colorado which is a Home Run area, Phillidelphia where they seem to struggle. Dodgers just have to take at least 2 of 3 just to survive. Can the Dodgers do it? Yes they can but the offense has to pick up. Pitching and defense will only go so far. One game can turn things around but it starts with one game. Yes it will be tough but before the Freeway Series the Dodgers have to take care of business on the road.
Yes the Dodgers are in a slump and got swept by the brewers by 3 runs or less but it’s not time to panic. The Dodgers and the front office will do what it takes to keep the NL West lead. They won’t let it go without a fight but they must do something before it disappears in a hurry. The Dodgers are in a good position but coming off that sweep questions start to appear again and the Dodgers have to answer them in order to succeed.
Is changes needed to umpiring?
It seems like as of late the Umpiring in Baseball games have been pretty bad..well from what I’ve seen. Blow Calls at the plates, Wild Strike Zones, so on and so on and it’s really upseting some fans, Managers, and Players. I know I can’t speak for every baseball fan but I can speak for myself that the Umpiring so far this season hasn’t been all that. I mean I can count for a few Dodger games that really cost the Dodgers some wins. Two Bad calls against the Brewers (AJ Tagging Morgan more than a mile from home plate and Loney’s call) the one in Colorado from Hariston, Few blown calls at the plate. Its really annoying to see it and when its argued you get two sides of it. I’ve seen the fan arguements and some say its the right call where I strongly disagree at times. I understand it’s baseball but you have to remember games like that can come back to bite teams later on in the season where it Could cost them that ONE Playoff spot. Regardless I’m all about having the Right Call and getting Calls right. There have been options looked at to make sure the RIGHT CALL is made in Baseball and a few options was brought up.
One of them was adding Replay to plate calls. The issue with that was the fear of slowing the game down even more which is something that pushes the replay idea away. Baseball is already 2-3 Hours long and Replay to every Plate call would slow the game down even more. Now if Replay should be added make it to ONLY close plays at Home play like a sliding situation but THATS IT. Many will say Umpiring at home plate and blown calls is part of the game and makes baseball exciting and while I agree it makes things exciting making sure we have a 100% right call would also make sure things better for teams. Another Idea was electronic Umpires and this was an Idea I really don’t agree with. Human error is a common thing and we all do it but going total electronic technology where we replace human umpires don’t do it. First off its Baseball Umpires will be there and two you then force a change all over Baseball which sends many Umpires out of a job. I don’t like umps sometimes but I don’t think replacing them helps either So out goes that. I Believe that MLB should encourage more Umpire help like meetings if majority disagree with the call. That is the next best thing to replay and keeps the normal speed of the game. That along with the Replay at Home Plate Tag/Safe Calls will be an upgrade. nothing drastic, nothing less.
As I stated earlier I’m about having the Call right. Getting the RIGHT Call and helping umpiring helps big time. They are human just like us and they will mess up just like us but its becoming a very constant thing where now MLB should address something to improve the umpiring for the good of Baseball in my honest opinion. Will it happen? I think something will happen but what it is I can’t say but I hope its nothing that slows down or really messes up the game of Baseball. We all will agree or disagree with the call but I think The RIGHT CALL has to be made and getting it right is the key.
Dodgers in First Place! So wheres the Respect?
Your Los Angeles Dodgers are 29-13 which is a MLB Best, 1st Place in the NL West, Playing really good baseball with Matt Kemp, Jerry Hariston, Juan Rivera, Mark Ellis, and Juan Uribe. The Dodgers are getting all types of production from everyone this season at this point. The Dodgers even Swept the Defending World Series Champion St Louis Cardinals with a dangerous line up. Yet the Dodgers still have not received any National media attention. It seems like no matter what obstacles the Dodgers over come it gets little to no notice. Why is that? It’s beyond me but whatever it is I don’t like it but at the same time I do. Last year the Dodgers were in the headlines for all of the wrong reasons. Bankruptcy, Frank McCourt Draining the franchise, Losing, Brain Stow beatings. It seems like the Dodgers and it’s fan base couldn’t get a break. Come winter meetings the Dodgers only big move was Extending Matt Kemps contract while another team in Anaheim was making big moves signing Abert Pujols and CJ Wilson. Came the start of the Season Dodgers had new Owners in Magic Johnson, Stan Kasten, and Mark Walter and great display of baseball but national recognition hasn’t been all that.
Sometimes not having that National spotlight on you isn’t always a bad thing if you think of it. Right now the Dodgers have the best record in the MLB but is also staying quiet. As you see teams with the most pressure are usually teams like the Yankees, Red Soxs, or even now the Rangers where if one minor thing can become big news for you. The Dodgers having a big media spotlight just adds pressure to them to win. With the Starting Pitching playing well, Bullpen getting it together, and Everyone stepping up for the Dodgers it seems like things are going pretty well. So not having that national exposure isn’t always a bad thing when it comes to the play on the field. Just as good as it is to fly under the radar comes that respect.
As of now the Dodgers may have the top spot on a lot of Power Rankings but there’s others who talk more about other teams more than the Dodgers. How is it that Collin Cowheard can go on his show as with a straight face say the Cardinals are the best team in the MLB. The Dodgers swept the Cardinals in a competitive series but a Sweep is a Sweep. I’ve also heard many say the Texas Rangers are the best team which you can argue but comes this argument on why the Dodgers don’t get that recognition is the Schedule. Dodgers have played teams like San Deigo, Pittsburgh, Houston, Cubs, Rockies. Well let me kill the arguement that it’s hard to beat teams the way the Dodgers do in Baseball regardless of the teams and not to mention the Dodgers have hung around in games vs Atlanta and was robbed in two straight games vs Milwalkee. Not only that but Swept the Washington nationals and St Louis Cardinals as well as come back from a 6-1 defecit on the Road against Arizona to continue a 6 game winning streak without Matt Kemp. Want to talk about other stuff? the Bullpen is getting better and the Starting Pitching staff like Chris Capuano, Ted Lilly, Clayton Kershaw (Defending Cy Young Award winner), and at times Chad Billingsley playing very very well. So the Dodgers should have that notice from the media that the Dodgers are something special. Now its not how you start but how you finish and the Dodgers have to keep this good play up once June July and September October hit.
As long as the Dodgers keep winning then all is well but most Dodger fans have to be some what frustrated that they’re being OVERLOOKED by the national baseball media. Does it bother me? Some what but the Dodgers are 30-13. As long as they complete the season in October with a World Series back in Los Angeles then Im fine and happy. Dodgers playing great baseball and I love it how they’re doing it!!
2012 All-Star Game Voting: Lets Get to it!!
Its About that Time to fill out your Ballots!! We’re about 3 Months away from the Midsummer Classic and this year it’s being hosted in Kansas City Missouri (Royals). Yesterday the Ballots were released for the fans to Vote for the Starters in the All-Star game and many on the Ballot are well worthy while others you wonder why they’re on there. For the Dodgers the Ballot consisted of James Loney, Matt kemp, Andre Ethier, Juan Rivera, Juan Uribe, AJ Ellis, Dee Gordon, and Mark Ellis. Yeah Pretty much the Starting Line up for the Dodgers. There are others who are on the Ballot who have been there before and others who are putting up really good numbers. Now In my honest opinion its kind of early to vote right now seeing the season started a few weeks ago but It never hurts to Vote right now.
I took the liberty of voting early because Voting just once doesn’t hurt. So far my NL Picks are basiclly What I think will be the picks come the Announcements. Many people may agree many may disagree but It’s a good discusion.
1B- Joey Votto (Reds)
2B- Aaron Hill (D-Backs)
SS- Starlin Castro (Cubs)
3B- David Freese (Cardnials)
c- AJ Ellis (Dodgers)
OF- Matt Kemp (Dodgers) Andre Ethier (Dodgers) and Micheal Cuddyer (Rockies)
This isn’t final as there may be some guys who show me that they deserve to be a Starter in the All-Star game. For my AL People no need to worry I kept a close eye and so far the AL Infield is almost a Detroit Tiger dominated one with Prince Fielder, Miguel Cabrerra, and Alex Avila. If Derrick Jetter continues his play then watch for him to be a starter as well. It’s Still early so theirs enough time to vote. Remember fans you can only vote up to 25 times but take time to see who’s really worthy to go.
Dodgers Start off Hot
Dodgers starting off the season on Fire going 9-1 making it their best Start since 1988…That was the year they won the World Series. After All that the Dodgers have went through this is a start that the Dodgers and it’s fans could use. Now not to rain on parades but the last time the Dodgers had a great start was 2005 where the Dodgers jumped out of the gate at 12-2 but ended the season at 71-91 which was one of the Franchises worst records but what makes this so different is that the Dodgers have the players to do damage. I’ve heard it all from people regarding this start and while Many are excited about the 9-1 start others are skeptical stating that they’ve only played two teams that the Dodgers Should handle. I for one am Excited at the 9-1 Start but see room for improvement but what can you say?
I understand that we’re 10 games into a 162 Game season and anything can happen but rallying the wins for this Ball club won’t hurt. I will throw out one argument is the whole “Look at who the Dodgers played” or They’re suppose to be them comments. Its hard to go 9/10 In Baseball against Any Team in Baseball and the way the Dodgers Did it makes this start impressive. The Dodgers will be tested this week against on the road against the Milwaukee Brewers and get the Atlanta Braves and Washington Nationals (Yes I said the Nationals) at Dodgers Stadium before hitting a tough month of May. The 9-1 Start is a good build in momentum leading up to the tough games.
Why are the Dodgers on this good start. Well 10 Games in the Dodgers are playing really good Baseball. offensively the Dodgers are getting great production from Matt Kemp who has been continuing to play out of his mind and Andre Ethier is redeeming himself from a not so good 2011 Season and Juan Rivera is still that solid player to back them up but it’s not only those three stepping up to help. Mark Ellis, AJ Ellis, and YES Juan Uribe are also contributing with their bats. The Dodgers however need Dee Gordon to get on base to provide another Base Stealing threat for the Dodgers but Dee will have to have better plate discipline for that to happen. Pitching has also been pretty good. While Clayton Kershaw has yet to record a win others behind him has stepped up to help provide the wins. Chad Billingsley in two games has played like he did in his All-Star years proving to be a Solid number two. Ted Lilly in his first start back from injury and Chris Capuano has really stepped up as well. While some like the Bullpen right now Outside of Javy Guerra, Kenley Janson, and Josh Lindbloom ,who has done a great job so far, Im not yet sold on the Bullpen but so far has done a good job.
What does this start mean? Well for the Dodgers and Dodger fans it means a lot. After enduring what went down last season and the off-season with McCourt the Dodgers and the City of Los Angeles are riding a high off Momentum. Momentum that has started with Magic’s Group Purchase of the Dodgers and continuing with the Dodgers play and if the Dodgers keep this up then sky is the limit for the team. Now the Dodgers won’t sweep everyone or win every series but if the Dodgers can take 2 of 3 or 3 of 4 in most series games and the NL West then they’re in the Playoffs and add another NL West title. Los Angeles is buzzing thanks to the Boy in Blue. Something Special is happening in Los Angeles Baseball Fans.
Opening Week at Dodger Stadium
What a memoriable Week it’s been for the Dodgers and it’s fans. After going 3-1 in San Diego the Dodgers came back home to a much hyped crowd at Dodger Stadium to play the Pittsburgh Pirates. I was able to get myself to all three games in the series and I have to say it’s truely amazing to see the Dodgers in person no matter what. Opening Day at Dodger Stadium was the Day everyone was looking forward to and in front of a packed Stadium. I couldn’t catch the festivites due to the traffic getting to Dodger Stadium but was able to see the Game where Clayton Kershaw took the mound and pitched really good game. The highlight of the game had to be Andre Ethier’s Home run to go on top and win the game ON HIS BIRTHDAY!! and the Festivites before (Even though I couldn’t catch them). The celebration of Dodgers Stadium 50th Anniversary was something very special to All Dodger fans. Those in the Stadium and those who couldn’t make it it was special. Not only was it the First game at Dodger Stadium but it was the a chance to reflect on the history of moments that has happened at Dodger Stadium and reflect on Past Dodgers and appriciate the Tradition and What being a Dodger fan is all about.
The Second night the threat of rain couldn’t stop some of those to make their way to the Stadium and see the Dodgers and even in the Cold the Boys in blue and Billingsley play couldn’t cool of the Dodgers and they rolled through Pittsburgh in this game. The Pirates looked very out matched and the Dodgers showed what they could do. Even though there was less of a crowd than Opening Day the Dodgers still played and fed off that energy. And How could I forget!! Clayton Kershaw recieved his Cy Young that night and what a epic night after having a Monster 2011 Year. The fans also got the
The Final Night once again faced a threat of rain which was a cause for another low attendance but still Didn’t Stop Dodgers from doing their thing. Los Angeles was able to hold off the Pirates and complete the sweep 3-2 Improving the Record to 6-1. Solid controbutions by the Dodgers have helped this team really step their game up and get off to a great start and even though the Pirates made it interesting late Dodgers Pitching was able to help them out in this game to hold them off completing the Sweep. With this sweep the Dodgers are off to their first 6-1 Start since 1981…..That was the year they won the World Series. Now weather it’ll have the same results is something we ALL hope for but now it’s early in the Season with the Padres coming to Los Angeles for another series with the Dodgers.
This week was something that Many Dodger fans including myself will never forget this week at all. The Dodgers are also on a roll but will they keep it up? Lets hope but after this week Dodger fans should be very excited for whats to come for the rest of the season! Keep it going Dodgers and Dodger fans keep up the support and come see your Boys in Blue
Dodgers Veiwing Party
Yesterday the Dodgers opened the season in San Diego against the Padres and while many Dodger fans made their way to Petco Park Dodger Stadium opened their doors for those who couldn’t make it to Petco Park. For weeks Dodger Stadium and the Dodgers promoted a Viewing Party at the Stadium which included Discounts on foods and gear from the Dodgers Team Store. Tickets were also on sale for future games. Many Dodger fans made their way to the Ravine to see the Boys in Blue face the Padres on the Dodger vision. JT The Brick made an apperance to promote the upcoming Games and promotions coming up also pointing out where people could buy tickets and mini plans. The foods being half-off was a very cool thing that they could do seeing Foods are already at a price they shouldn’t be so this was something great.
Dodgers and Dodger Stadium did a great job making it some what feel like a Home game with the lights going off after a Home Run and playing I Love LA after the win. Being with Dodger fans are always priceless and on a day where Magic Johnson makes his apperance to catch his Team play, Kershaw pitch 3 scoreless innings with the Flu and Dodgers grab the win No one couldn’t ask for better. I could do without the constant promotion of what give a ways the Dodgers will have but They must sell tickets. All in all The Dodgers did a great job with the viewing party. Good success overall to tend to your loyal fanbase who couldn’t be in San Diego for the game. Dodgers Lets Do It again Soon!!
Matthew
Recent Comments