Today's lineup: Martin rests
Funny exchange in Torre's pregame. One of us asked if Martin would have rested anyway even if it wasn't for the fact he had a career .059 average (1 for 17) against today's Rockies starter, Aaron Cook. Torre responded by saying, ``Good, then I look really smart.'' He later admitted that he hadn't even looked at the numbers. Russ was getting the day off. ... I also asked Torre whether he could define a role for Jeff Kent when he returns -- i.e., everyday second baseman, extra bat off the bench, etc., and he said he couldn't. ``That wouldn't be fair for him or the team to make an appraisal now,'' Torre said, and he later added, ``I think it's hard to believe he would be ready to go out there and play nine innings.'' The prediction here: Kent will come off the bench if he comes back at all. DeWitt brings a lot more range to the position, and the lineup is producing right now like it hasn't all season.
Pierre, CF
Kemp, RF
Ramirez, LF
Loney, 1B
Blake, 3B
DeWitt, 2B
Berroa, SS
Ardoin, C
Maddux, P
Wow Joe doesn't look at numbers? That's shocking. Getting Kent's bat out of the middle of the lineup really helped this team. People were writing about this guy like he was actually good this season. He only hit where he hit because his name was Jeff Kent. Before Manny came around Jeff Kent was on pace to be one of the worst cleanup hitters in history! He needs to be gone for good. The team is obviously better without him. Of course I wouldn't be surprised if he comes back and starts game 1 in the playoffs. Joe and Ned have done everything in their power to stroke the egos of the old guys on the team. People(Bill Plaschke) wrote about how the Kids were spoiled and they received special treatment but I have NEVER seen players get so much praise for their age and experience or how good they played 5 years ago. Kent hit .250 in the clean up spot all year! Nomar hit .230 was hurt, couldn't play everyday and he got to bat 5th whenever he wanted. Mark Sweeney still has a job! It was pathetic. Andruw Jones and Juan Pierre shouldn't have started a game this year over Ethier or Kemp and they did for half the season because they are veterans. This veteran bullcrap could have cost us the season but Joe fianlly decided to play his best players everyday after we got Manny and look what has happened. First place with No washed up vets playing everyday. But you know if they fail in the playoffs the Kids will be the first ones to get blamed.