July 2009 Archives

Tonight's lineups for the 4:35 P.M. start at Turner Field:

Dodgers
Furcal, SS
Ethier, RF
Ramirez, LF
Blake, 3B
Loney, 1B
Kemp, CF
Martin, C
Hudson, 2B
Schmidt, P

Braves
McLouth, CF
Johnson, 2B
Jones, 3B
McCann, C
Anderson, LF
Canizares, 1B (replacing Casey Kotchman, who was dealt today to the Red Sox for A. LaRoche)
Diaz, RF
Hernandez, SS
Hanson, P

George Sherrill will be available to make his Dodgers debut tonight.

Ken Rosenthal has confirmed a late deadline deal that sends Padres ace Jake Peavy to the Chicago White Sox for left-handers Aaron Poreda and Clayton Richard, and righties Dexter Carter and Adam Russell.

In other words, it's the same exact deal the two teams agreed on two months ago, only to have Peavy utilize his no-trade clause to nix it.

According to Peavy's agent, Barry Aexelrod, Peavy decided to accept the move this time after growing weary of the constant trade rumors.

"I think Jake just got to the breaking point," Axelrod said. "One team wanted him bad enough, and the other team wanted to get rid of him."

Peavy, 28, is currently on the disabled list with a strained tendon in his right ankle. The date of his return is uncertain.

He is signed for $15 million next season, $16 million in 2011 and $17 million in 2012, with a $22 million club option for 2013.

It was obvious the Padres were intent on making a big deal today, and after failing to move Heath Bell or Adrian Gonzalez, they decided to revisit the Peavy to White Sox trade.

As far as the Padres go, they are in full-on rebuilding mode, and it wouldn't surprise me if Bell and Gonzalez are moved next winter.

The Wasington Post is reporting that the National have dealt left-handed relief pitcher Joe Beimel - the former Dodger - to the Rockies.

Ken Rosenthal was just on Major League Baseball Networtk to report the Dodgers are discussing a trade with the Padres that will bring them Padres 1B Adrian Gonzalez. According to Rosenthal, it's a blockbuster deal in which a third team is involved, and that James Loney is involved.

More details to come.

USA Today's Bob Nightengale is reporting that Victor Martinez will be traded to the Boston Red Sox.

We'll get you the information as soon as possible.

The Dodgers just traded pitcher Claudio Vargas to the Brewers.

In return, the Dodgers got minor league catcher Vinny Rottino.

As soon as I track down some information on Rottino, I'll pass it along.

UPDATE 10:55 a.m.

Rottino is a 29-year old catcher currently playing in Double-A and hitting .249 with four home runs and 48 RBIs.

The Dodgers beat the Cardinals 5-3 tonight to end their season-high four-game losing streak. For a full recap and boxscore click here.

THE BARE ESSENTIALS:

• Oh, was this one big. The Dodgers eeked out a victory to salvage a game out this four-game set with the Cardinals. Neither the pitching nor the offense was great, but the Blue found a way to win.

• Matt Kemp came up with the game-winning single in the top of the 10th, knocking in two runs with two outs against Todd Wellemeyer.

• The 1-4 hitters in the Dodgers lineup went 1-for-17, including a woeful 0-for-5 day for Manny Ramirez on the day his name came up in a New York Times report that said he tested positive for PEDs in 2003.

• Hiroki Kuroda turned in a quality start, going six innings and giving up two runs. Cardinal starter Kyle Lohse did him better, allowing only one run in his six frames.

ETC...ETC:

• The Dodgers revamped their bullpen today, trading for George Sherrill and replacing Brent Leach on the active roster with Scott Elbert. The 'pen did a solid job, allowing only one run in four innings -- a solo shot by Rick Ankiel off Guillermo Mota. It broke Mota's 20+ scoreless innings streak.

• Casey Blake went 4-for-5 and scored two runs. Matt Kemp had two other hits besides the game-winner and had an incredible stolen base in which he took off before Kyle Lohse even started his delivery.

• Jonathan Broxton got the save but didn't look all that impressive a day after he blew a crucial save attempt. His fastball didn't appear to have the same velocity as usual and he walked the leadoff batter, Joe Thurston.

ON DECK:

• Jason Schmidt (1-1, 7.88) and Tommy Hanson (5-1, 2.95) at 4:30 P.M. PST in Atlanta tomorrow.

Tonight's lineups:

Tonight's lineups:

DODGERS

Furcal SS
Hudson 2B
Ramirez LF
Ethier RF
Blake 3B
Loney 1B
Kemp CF
Ausmus C
Kuroda P

CARDINALS

Schumaker 2B
Rasmus CF
Pujols 1B
Holliday LF
Ankiel RF
DeRosa 3B
Molina C
Ryan SS
Lohse P

UPDATE, 1:52 p.m.

Prior to the game tonight, the Dodgers recalled LHP Scott Elbert from Triple-A Albuquerque and optioned LHP Brent Leach to Triple-A. Elbert will wear No. 57

Ed Price of FanHouse just twittered that the Dodgers have traded for Balimore reliever George Sherrill.

We'll get you updates as quickly as possible.

UPDATE, 12:45 p.m.

Yahoo! sports' Gordon Edes reports that the Baltimore Orioles are on the verge of trading George Sherrill to the Los Angeles Dodgers on for prospects Scott Elbert and Josh Bell, according to two baseball sources.

UPDATE, 12:57 p.m.

Ken Gurnick of mlb.com now reports the Dodgers are acquiring George Sherrill for third baseman Josh Bell and pitcher Steve Johnson, according to baseball sources.

Our good friend Tim Brown at yahoo! sports is reporting the Dodgers and Red Sox have grabbed the lead in the Roy Halladay sweepstakes.

According to Brown, the Dodgers' offer is believed to be all minor league prospects except right-handed pitcher James McDonald, who has pitched 38 major league innings.
Starters Chad Billingsley and Clayton Kershaw have not been offered, and neither have any of the team's starting position players.

Additionally, the Red Sox's offer includes top pitching prospect Clay Buchholz. The Blue Jays also have been given the choice of reliever Justin Masterson, Triple-A pitcher Michael Bowden or Double-A first baseman Lars Anderson, with lesser prospects from the farm system filling out the Boston offer. The Red Sox from the beginning have included Buchholz because the Blue Jays made it clear he would have to be the starting point of any deal.

This is getting crazy. I mean, if the Dodgers can somehow pry Halladay loose without giving up anyone of note on the big club, it would be a huge, huge get.

Jon Heyman at si.com says the Marlins are in serious talks with the San Diego Padres about a trade for closer Heath Bell.

According to Heyman, the Padres are seeking young pitchers Andrew Miller or Sean West in return.

Bell is enjoying a sensational year as a first-time closer with San Diego, compiling 25 saves with a 2.01 ERA. That being said, he's one of the few chips the Padres have that will bring back a decent return.

The Marlins are on a roll, winning seven of eight to climb withing two games of the Wild Card lead, and getting Bell will definitely improve their fortunes.

According to the New York Times, Manny Ramirez and David Ortiz were among the roughly 100 Major League Baseball players to test positive for performance-enhancing drugs in 2003, according to lawyers with knowledge of the results.

In the story, the Times says:

The information about Ramirez and Ortiz emerged through interviews with multiple lawyers and others connected to the pending litigation. The lawyers spoke anonymously because the testing information is under seal by a court order. The lawyers did not identify which drugs were detected.

Unlike Ramirez, who recently served a 50-game suspension for violating baseball's drug policy, Ortiz had not previously been linked to performance-enhancing substances.

Scott Boras, the agent for Ramirez, would not comment Thursday.

I don't really know what to think anymore about any of this, other than I wouldn't be surprised no matter whose name showed up on that list.

I'm not condoning anything any user did, but at the same time anonymous is supposed to be anonymous, and as we're now finding out, that wasn't true at all.

si.com's Jon Heyman reports the Dodgers have bowed out of the Roy Halladay sweepstakes, deeming the price to high to pay.

Instead, the Dodgers are now turning their attention on beefing up their bullpen, with Orioles closer George Sherrill very high on their list.

This makes sense, as I just didn't see the Dodgers meeting the required asking price of Chad Billingsley or Clayton Kersaw, even for an ace like Halladay. The Dodgers will not plug one hole on the big league team while creating another.

Of those players, I wouldn't be surprised if McDonald is the one who gets dealt.

The Cardinals defeated the Dodgers 3-2 tonight in St. Louis. For a full boxscore click here.

BARE ESSENTIALS:

* Albert Pujols singled home Julio Lugo in the bottom of the 15th inning for the winning run.

* The Dodgers led 1-0 with two outs in the bottom of the ninth inning, at which point Jonathan Broxton gave up a single to Ryan Ludwick, then threw a wild pitch to allow Ludwick to reach second, and a single to Colby Rasmus to enable Ludwick to score the winnin run.

* The Dodgers took a 1-0 lead in the fourth inning on James Loney's RBI single.

* Clayton Kershaw was sensational hrough eight innings, giving up just four hits while striking out seven.

* The Dodgers left 24 runners on base.

ON DECK

* The Dodgers hope to salvage one game in this four-game series, and stop their season-worst four-game losing streak, by sending RHP Hiroki Kuroda (3-5, 4.57) vs. Kyle Lohse (4-6, 4.35).

Buster Olney of espn.com is reporting that the Indians will move C/1B Victor Martinez before Friday's trade deadline.

Olney quotes an American League official as saying now that the Indians have traded pitcher Cliff Lee to the Phillies, they will increase their efforts to deal Martinez.

"I don't think they'd move one without thinking about moving the other," the American League official said.

Martinez is hitting .285 with 15 home runs and 67 RBIs for the Indians, who have a club option on Martinez for the 2010 season.

I mean, wow, how exciting has this trade deadline been already? And to think we still have a couple of days to play with.

In any event, things should get real interesting over the next 48 hours.

Tonight's lineups:

DODGERS

Furcal SS
Hudson 2B
Ramirez LF
Ethier RF
Blake 3B
Loney 1B
Martin C
Kemp CF
Kershaw P

CARDINALS

Lugo 2B
DeRosa 3B
Pujols 1B
Holliday LF
Ludwick CF
Stavinoha RF
Molina C
Ryan SS
Pineiro P

It's been a busy day for the local guys on the Pirates. According to Joel Sherman of the New York Post the Giants will soon land Pirates second baseman Freddy Sanchez, the former Burbank High standout.

Additionally, Jon Heyman at Si.com reports that the names being talked about from the Giants end are prospects John Bowker, Kevin Frandsen and Jesus Guzman.

Sanchez has an $8 million option for next year, after which he becomes a free agent. He recently declined a contract extension from the Pirates, which pretty much guaranteed he's be traded this year.

Earlier, the Pirates traded SS Jack Wilson (Thousand Oaks High) to the Mariners.

Wow, how would you like to be a Pirates fan and lose your entire middle infield in one day? By the way, if you're keeping track at home the Pirates have now dealt Sanchez, Wilson, 1B Adam LaRoche, CF Nate McLouth and LF Nyjer Morgan this season.

Foxsports.com is reporting the Phillies have reached an agreement to aquire Indians pitcher Cliff Lee. pending the review of medical records.

According to sources he Phillies will get Lee and outfielder Ben Francisco from the Indians for Class A right-hander Jason Knapp, Class AAA right-hander Carlos Carrasco, shortstop Jason Donald and catcher Lou Marson.

Wow, that's a pretty good deal for the Phillies, who didn't have to part with either current pitcher J.A. Happ or prized pitching prospect Kyle Drabek.

As I said earlier, though, the Dodgers simply don't have the minor league prospects right now to put together a serious package, and since they are unwilling to include either Chad Billingsley or Clayton Kershaw in any deal, they have to lower their sights, or not make any deal at all.

The Seatttle Mariners traded for Pirates pitcher Ian Snell and SS Jack Wilson for a five-player package today.

Wilson, a former Thousand Oaks High standout, was trhe main target of the trade, according to the Mariners.

Ken Rosenthal and Jon Paul Morosi at FOXSports.com are reporting the Dodgers are making a big push for Indians' ace Cliff Lee.

Here is the specific item:

The Phillies look like the front-runners for Indians left-hander Cliff Lee. But the Dodgers were planning to make a "hard push" for Lee on Wednesday, according to a major-league source.

Whether the Dodgers will be too late remains to be seen. The Angels, too, are interested in Lee, while the Phillies also are pursuing Mariners left-hander Jarrod Washburn.

The Phillies scratched Class AAA right-hander Carlos Carrasco from his start on Wednesday, a strong indication that he is about to be traded.

I just don't see it happening for the Dodgers, who seem unwilling to deal Clayton Kershaw or Chad Billingsley, and I'm convinced one or the other would have to be included in a deal for Lee.

Too many teams are expressing interest in Lee, especially now that no one can meet Toronto's demands for Roy Halladay. The Phillies have enough minor league prospects to make a deal work for Lee, whereas all of the Dodgers best prospects are already on the big club.

Joe Torre has not named his starting pitcher for Friday's game in Atlanta, although he's expected to do so today.

Basically, Torre and the Dodgers are still deciding if Jason Schmidt is up to the challenge. Unless they make a trade for a starter, Schmidt is on target for the Friday start, but after his brutal outing Sunday they may decide to go in another direction.

Barring a trade, if the Dodgers opted to not use Schmidt, the next logical choice would be Jeff Weaver.

The Cardinals beat the Dodgers 10-0 tonight to give the Dodgers their first three-game losing streak of the season. For a full recap and boxscore click here.

THE BARE ESSENTIALS:

• Chad Billingsley was masterful in his first five innings of work, walking two and allowing only one hit, but he truly imploded in the sixth, issuing four walks (two intentional) and giving up three singles while being charged with six runs.

• Adam Wainwright wasn't fooling the Dodgers, but he navigated out of jams with incredible consistency in eight innings of work, stranding nine runners. He got better as the game went on, retiring the last eight batters he faced.

• The 3-4-5 hitters in the Dodgers order went 1-for-11 on the day, including two strikeouts from Manny Ramirez.

ETC...ETC:

• Brent Leach continued to struggle in relief, allowing four batters to reach base while retiring none. He was charged with three runs.

• There was an 80-minute rain delay that pushed the start of the game back from 5:15 P.M PST to 6:35.

• The Dodgers had been 10-0 in games in which they had a two-game losing streak this season. This is the first time since August 30, 2008 that the Blue have lost three in a row.

• Joe Torre was non-committal today of his Friday starter. It would be Jason Schmidt's turn in the rotation but he struggled his last time out. Jeff Weaver could make the spot start.

ON DECK:

• Clayton Kershaw (8-5, 2.96) and Joel Pineiro (9-9, 2.95) are scheduled to start tomorrow at 5:15 P.M. PST.

The Dodgers and Cardinals are currently on rain delay in St. Louis. According to weather.com, there's an 80% chance of the rain continuing tonight.

We'll see how the rain affects the pitching for tonight if the game turns out to be played. Chad Billingsley and Adam Wainwright are scheduled to start.

Tonight's lineups:

Dodgers
1. Furcal, SS
2. Hudson, 2B
3. Ramirez, LF
4. Ethier, RF
5. Blake, 3B
6. Loney, 1B
7. Martin, C
8. Kemp, CF
9. Billingsley, P

Cardinals
1. Schumaker, 2B
2. DeRosa, 3B
3. Pujols, 1B
4. Holliday, LF
5. Ludwick, RF
6. Rasmus, CF
7. Molina, C
8, Ryan, SS
9. Wainwright, P

Also, Jay Johnstone of 1981 World Series fame will be at the ESPN Zone at L.A. Live tonight signing autographs for fans. The ESPN Zone is hosting a Dodgers viewing party for the game, starting at 5 p.m, featuring an all-you-can-eat buffet complete with unlimited Dodger Dogs for $10. Check it out?

The Cardinals beat the Dodgers in the first game of a four-game set in St. Louis, 6-1. For a full recap and boxscore click here.

THE BARE ESSENTIALS:

• Randy Wolf threw his sixth consecutive solid start, throwing six innings and giving up two runs, but took the loss to fall to 5-5. By comparison, Wolf made 18 starts in 2007 with a 4.73 ERA and was 9-6. This season, he's made 22 starts with a 3.43 ERA.

• The Dodgers had at least one hit in every inning and 11 in all, but could muster only one run. The Cardinals also had 11 hits but produced big hits, going 3-for-8 with RISP.

• Chris Carpenter, operating almost strictly in the high 80's with his fastball, threw seven strong innings, although he allowed 11 baserunners. Carpenter is a good example of a starter getting older and losing MPH on his fastball but still being effective -- although Carpenter is younger and has a bit more left in his fastball than the Dodgers' Jason Schmidt.

ETC...ETC:

• Every hitter in the Dodgers lineup had at least one hit. Rafael Furcal went 3-for-4 with the lone RBI, raising his average to .263.

• Manny Ramirez struggled, going 1-for-5, grounding into two double plays and striking out once. He left 5 men on base.

• Left-hander Hong-Chih Kuo made his first appearance since April 29 tonight, throwing a scoreless inning.

• Jeff Weaver was fined an undisclosed amount today by MLB for hitting Hanley Ramirez with a pitch in the sixth inning of Sunday's loss to the Marlins.

ON DECK:

• Chad Billingsley (10-5, 3.72) and Adam Wainwright (11-6, 2.95) start tomorrow at 5:15 P.M. PST.

Tonight's lineups:

Dodgers
Furcal, SS
Hudson, 2B
Manny, LF
Ethier, RF
Blake, 3B
Loney, 1B
Martin, C
Kemp, CF
Wolf, P

Cardinals
Lugo, 2B
DeRosa, 3B
Pujols, 1B
Holliday, RF
Ludwick, LF
Molina, C
Ankiel, CF
Ryan, SS
Carpenter, P

The Marlins beat the Dodgers 8-6 today to win the weekend series. For a full recap and boxscore click here.

THE BARE ESSENTIALS:

• Jason Schmidt was completely ineffective, allowing five runs in 3+ plus innings and earning the loss. Long reliever Jeff Weaver didn't get the job done either, allowing three runs of his own in 3 innings. That put the Dodgers in a 8-0 hole.

• .The Dodgers put up four runs in the sixth and two more in the ninth, but couldn't rally all the way back. They put up 13 hits to the Marlins' 11.

• Spots 2-6 in the Dodgers order -- Orlando Hudson, Andre Ethier, James Loney, and Kemp -- went 9-for-18. Loney had 3 RBI.

ETC...ETC:

• Manny Ramirez had the day off with a sore left hand and didn't pinch hit. Juan Pierre replaced him, batting ninth, and went 1-for-4.

• Marlins starter Chris Volstad shut the Dodgers down through five innings, but he ran into trouble quickly in the sixth. A two-run homer by Russell Martin sent Fredi Gonzalez to the mound to pull him.

• A ninth-inning rally that brought in two runs fell short when Matt Kemp popped out on a Leo Nunez fastball to end the game.

ON DECK:

• Randy Wolf (5-4, 3.45) and Chris Carpenter (8-3, 2.26) face off in St. Louis tomorrow as the Dodgers face a Cardinals team featuring new acquisition Matt Holliday.

A Dodgers spokesman said there was no truth to a published report that the Dodgers and Indians were in serious discussions in a trade that would bring pitcher Cliff Lee and catcher Victor Martinez to the Dodgers and send James Loney and either Chad Billingsley or Clayton Kershaw and prospects to the Indians.

The report surfaced on Foxsports.com, but the Dodgers shot it down immediately.

The Dodgers beat the Marlins 4-3 tonight at Dodger Stadium. For a full recap and boxscore click here.

THE BARE ESSENTIALS:

• Casey Blake won it with a walk-off single in the ninth with the bases loaded, two outs, and a 2-2 count. He was facing Marlins reliever Luis Ayala and hit a bloop pop-up that found a hole between second and center.

• Hiroki Kuroda turned in only his second quality start this season, going six innings and giving up three runs.

• The Dodgers won this one on the strength of their bullpen, as Guillermo Mota and Jonathan Broxton turned in spotless relief (only one walk and no hits allowed in three innings), and they scored three runs off a total of five Marlins relievers. Mota extended his scoreless innings streak to 19. Broxton got the win, his seventh.

• Andre Ethier and Orlando Hudson each had three hits as Ethier continued his tear of late. Rafael Furcal went 2-for-5.

ETC...ETC:

• Marlins starter Rick Vandenhurk stymied the Blue, allowing a run in the first but shutting them down before exiting after five innings.

• After 14 hits last night, Florida had only six Saturday. No Marlin had more than one hit.

• Manny Ramirez went 1-for-5 and struck out in a key situation in the ninth.

ON DECK:

• Chris Volstad (7-9, 4.34) and Jason Schmidt (1-0, 5.40) tomorrow night in the rubber game of the three-game set.

Tonight's lineups:

Marlins
Coghlan, LF
Bonifacio, 3B
Ramirez, SS
Cantu, 1B
Hermida, RF
Uggla, 2B
Ross, CF
Baker, C
VandenHurk, P

Dodgers
Furcal SS
Hudson 2B
Ramirez LF
Ethier RF
Blake 3B
Loney 1B
Martin C
Kemp CF
Kuroda P

The Marlins beat the Dodgers 6-3 tonight at Dodger Stadium to win the first game of a weekend series. For a full recap and boxscore click here.

THE BARE ESSENTIALS:

• Clayton Kershaw wasn't nearly as sharp as he has been in recent weeks, but he still turned in a quality start: 6 innings and two earned runs, with nine hits and three walks.

• The bullpen lost it for the Dodgers, as James McDonald was charged with the loss and the Marlins scored three runs (their margin of victory) after Kershaw exited.

• Only six hits for the Blue, and half of them were from Andre Ethier. Ethier drove in the two runs with a double in the sixth.

• Wes Helms did it big for the Marlins, going 3-for-6 with an RBI and kick-starting the scoring off Kershaw. Florida ace Josh Johnson turned in a solid start: seven innings, seven baserunners, and three runs.

ETC...ETC:

• The Dodgers go back to 26 games above .500 at 61-35. Joe Torre said earlier this week that his next goal for the team is 30 games over.

• Don't look now, but bullpen newcomer Claudio Vargas has allowed just one run in seven innings pitched since his return on July 4.

• Ramon Troncoso was a bit out of control in the eighth, hitting two batters and giving up three hits. He was charged with two runs.

ON DECK:

• Rick VandenHurk (1-0, 3.00 in one start) and Hiroki Kuroda (3-5, 4.73) tomorrow night in the second game of the series.

Tonight's lineups:

Marlins

Bonifacio LF
Helms 3B
Ramirez SS
Cantu 1B
Uggla 2B
Ross CF
Paulino C
Carroll RF
Johnson P

DODGERS

Furcal SS
Hudson 2B
Ramirez LF
Ethier RF
Blake 3B
Loney 1B
Martin C
Kemp CF
Kershaw P

The Dodgers defeated the Reds 6-2 tonight at Dodger Stadium to complete a sweep of the three-game series. For a full recap and boxscore click here.

THE BARE ESSENTIALS:

• Manny Ramirez, who didn't start after getting hit by a pitch on his left hand the night before, was summoned from the bench in a tie game in the sixth inning with the bases loaded, and promptly blasted a grand slam to put the game out of reach. It was career-grand slam No. 21 for Ramirez, which ranks second all-time behind Lou Gehrig's 23. The pinch-hit homer was the Dodgers' fourth this season and Ramirez's first-ever pinch-hit bomb. In 16 games since coming off his 50-game suspension, Ramirez is batting .347 (17-for-49) with four homers and 17 RBI.

• Dodger starter Chad Billingsley allowed just two runs over 6.0 innings and Manny Ramirez made him a winner for the first time since June 14. Billingsley becomes the first Dodger to 10 wins and the ninth National Leaguer.

• James Loney went 1-for-3 with an RBI-triple and is now hitting .453 (24-for-53) in his career against the Reds.

ETC...ETC:

• The Dodgers victory tonight was their 12th consecutive over the Reds at Dodger Stadium, dating back to 2006. The last time Los Angeles had a 12-game home winning streak against any team was 1958-59, when they beat the Pirates in 12 straight. The sweep of the Reds marks the seventh time the Dodgers have broken out the brooms this year.

• The Dodgers are a season-high 27 games over .500 for the first time since the final game of 1988, when they finished 94-67 and went on to win the World Series. Their 61-34 record is the club's best 95-game start since going 63-32 in 1974.

• Guillermo Mota fired 2.0 scoreless innings tonight and has now worked 17.0 consecutive shutout frames over his last 14 outings. Mota's ERA is just 0.29 (1 ER/31.0 IP) since May 22.

ON DECK:

• The Dodgers have the day off Thursday and open a three-game series against the Florida Marlins Friday at Dodger Stadium.

Tonight's lineups:

REDS

Dickerson RF
Taveras CF
Votto 1B
Phillips 2B
Nix LF
Encarnacion 3B
Hairston SS
Hanigan C
Arroyo P

DODGERS

Furcal SS
Hudson 2B
Ethier RF
Blake 3B
Loney 1B
Kemp CF
Martin C
Billingsley P
Pierre LF

Gordon Edes of Yahoo! Sports thinks the Dodgers would have interest in Mets LH relief pitcher Pedro Feliciano.

Feliciano is 2-3 with a 2.95 ERA in 36 inings over 51 appearances this season for the Mets. Left-handed hitters are batting just .186 against him.

The 32-year old Feliciano is eligible for arbitration next season, and can become a free agent after the 2010 season.

Depending on the cost, the Dodgers would be wise to look into Feliciano, who has proven to be one of the more durable, effective relief pitchers in the National League.

And lets face it, with a potential playoff rematch looming against heavily left-handed Philadelphia, the Dodgers can help their cause by adding an effective lefty out of the pen, especially someone as experienced as Feliciano is against the Phillies.

The Dodgers defeated the Reds 12-3 tonight at Dodger Stadium. For a full recap and boxscore click here.

THE BARE ESSENTIALS:

• Manny Ramirez exited the game in the top of the third inning after being hit on the side of his left hand by a Homer Bailey pitch. Ramirez was taken to Huntington Hospital in Pasadena for precautionary x-rays, which came back negative. He is listed as day-to-day.

• Randy Wolf worked 7.1 innings, his longest outing since tossing a season-high 7.2 innings May 18 vs. New York Mets. Wolf gave up two runs on four hits.

• Matt Kemp homered for the third time in his last eight games. He has 14 RBIs in his last 14 games.

• Rafael Furcal established a season high with four RBI, two of which came on his fifth home run of the year.

ETC...ETC.

• The Dodgers have the best record in baseball at 60-34, 3.5 games better than the Yankees (56-37).

• At 60-34, the Dodgers are off to their best 94-game start since 1974, when they were 62-32 after a 7-5 win vs. Montreal on July 18.

• The Dodgers improved to a season-high 26 games above .500. Los Angeles is 26 games above the break-even point for the first time since October 1, 1991 at 92-66. the Dodgers were last 27 games above .500 when they finished the 1988 regular season with a 94-67 record.

• The Dodgers extended their winning streak over the Reds to eight games...they also extended their winning streak over Cincinnati at Dodger Stadium to 11 games, a stretch that began August 28, 2006. Cincinnati hasn't won here since July 28, 2005.

• The Dodgers are 32-15 at Dodger Stadium for the best home record in the National League. Los Angeles trails only the Red Sox, who have a major league-best 31-14 mark at Fenway Park.

• Wolf is unbeaten in his last six starts against Cincinnati, going 4-0 with a 2.25 ERA (10 ER/40.0 IP) beginning May 14, 2005...he is 9-2 with a 3.11 ERA (36 ER/104.1 IP) in 16 career starts against the Reds.

ON DECK:

• The Dodgers go for the sweep Wednesday, sending RHP Chad Billingsley (9-5, 3.76) against RHP Bronson Arroyo (10-8, 5.07).

Just got word that the X-rays on Manny Ramirez's left hand were negative, and he's being listed as day-to-day.

Dodgers beating the Reds 12-1 in the bottom of the sixth.

Manny Ramirez was taken to the hospital for X-Rays after getting hit by a pitch on his left hand in tonight's game against the Reds.

As soon as we get more information we'll pass it on.

Manny Ramirez left tonight's game against the Reds after getting hit by a pitch in the third inning. Ramirez was replaced by Juan Pierre.

We'll update as soon as we get more information.

Tonight's lineips:

REDS

Taveras CF
Hairston RF
Votto 1B
Gomes LF
Encarnacion 3B
Hanigan C
Rosales 2B
Janish SS
Bailey P

DODGERS

Furcal SS
Hudson 2B
Ramirez LF
Ethier RF
Blake 3B
Martin C
Loney 1B
Kemp RF
Wolf P

The Dodgers defeated the Reds 7-5 tonight at Dodger Stadium. For a full recap and boxscore click here

THE BARE ESSENTIALS:

• It was a mixed bag for Dodger starter Jason Schmidt, who struggled just to get out of the first inning while giving up three runs and a handful of hard-hit balls. But after the Dodgers gave Schmidt the lead with four runs of their own in the top of the first Schmidt settled down and held the Reds scoreless over the next four innings. Schmidt left after five innings, giving up three runs on five hits and three walks. He struck out two.

• Manny Ramirez hit his 537th career home run to pass Mickey Mantle for sole possession of 15th place on baseball's all-time list...next up is Mike Schmidt, who hit 548 career homers.

• Andre Ethier hit his team-leading 19th home run...the fifth-inning blast also gave him a team best 58 RBI, one more than Casey Blake.

ETC...ETC.

• The Dodgers have the best record in baseball at 59-34, 3.5 games better than the Red Sox and Yankees (55-37).

• The Dodgers improved to a season-high 25 games above .500...Los Angeles was last 25 games above the break-even point on the second-to-last day of the 2004 regular season at 93-68...the Dodgers were last 26 games above .500 on October 1, 1991 at 92-66.

• The Dodgers extended their winning streak over the Reds at Dodger Stadium to 10 games, a stretch that began August 28, 2006...Cincinnati hasn't won here since July 28, 2005.

• The Dodgers moved back into a tie with San Francisco for the best home record in the National League at 31-15...both teams trail the Red Sox, who have a major league-best 31-14 mark at Fenway Park.

• Schmidt picked up his first win since April 4, 2007 at Milwaukee.

• Jonathan Broxton is 12-for-12 in save opportunities at Dodger Stadium, and has a 0.36 ERA (1 ER/24.2 IP) in 22 games here overall.

ON DECK:

• In Game 2 of the three-game series the Dodgers send LHP Randy Wolf (4-4, 3.51) against RHP Homer Bailey (1-1, 6.43)

Jason Schmidt's first MLB start since 2007 didn't start well - he gave up three runs in the first inning to the Reds - but he settled down from there and delivered a performance before exiting the game after five innings. THe Dodgers lead 7-3 in the top of the seventh.

Schmidt gave up five hits and three walks while striking out two. His fastball topped out at 87, but he mixed in a decent change up and curve ball to keep the Reds off balance after the first inning.

Not great, but decent.

Dodgers manager Joe Torre just concluded his pregame chat with the writers. Here are some of the highlights:

On Jason Schmidt making the start tonight:

Jason needs to find a comfort zone out there. He's not going to throw middle 90's, but he knows how to pitch. I'm sure he'll be jittery. Hopefully he'll get into the game quickly and get beyond that. If you can locate the fastball it opens up a lot of areas for you. Its going to come down to command.

Before we went on the last road trip we (Ned and Joe) thought Schmitty was a possibility here. He's done pretty well down there.

On Orlando Hudson's injury, and him sitting out tonight:

Orlando is ok. He's ready to play according to him. He's available if we need him tonight.

On the rotation:

Right now we won't skip anyone despite the off day on Thursday. Schmidt is penciled in for his next turn.

To make room for Schmidt, the Dodgers optioned pitcher Scott Elbert to Triple-A.

Tonight's lineups:

REDS

Taveras cf
Hairston Jr. ss
Votto 1b
Phillips 2b
Nix lf
Encarnacion 3B
Dickerson RF
Hanigan C
Owings P

DODGERS

Furcal. SS
Martin. C
Ramirez. LF
Ethier. RF
Blake. 3B
Loney. 1B
Kemp. CF
Castro. 2B
Schmidt. RHP

O HUDSON

The Dodgers defeated the Astros 4-3 today at Dodger Stadium, For a full box and recap click here.

THE BARE ESSENTIALS:

* Matt Kemp blasted a two-out homer in the eighth inning to break a 3-3 tie and help the Dodgers earn a series split. Kemp was 3 for 3 on the day. In a word, Kemp was sensational today.

* Jonathan Broxton earned the save and is now 11-for-11 in save opportunities at Dodger Stadium, and has a 0.38 ERA (1 ER/23.2 IP) in 21 games here overall.

* Guillermo Mota extended his scoreless innings streak to 15.0 over his last 13 appearances...he has allowed just three hits in that time.

* Andre Ethier went 3-for-4 after going 3-for-16 in his previous four games with an at-bat.

ETC...ETC:

* The Dodgers have the best record in baseball at 58-34, 2.5 games better than the Red Sox (55-36).

* The Dodgers are a season-high 24 games above .500 for the third time...they were also 24 up at 56-32 on July 12 and at 55-31 on July 10.

* The Dodgers won for the 18th time in their last at-bat.

* The Dodgers improved to 19-9 in one-run games, including a 15-2 mark at Dodger Stadium.

ON DECK:

* The Dodgers open a three-game series against the Reds Monday, sending RHP Jason Schmidt (No Record) against RHP Micah Owings (6-9, 4.94),

Today's lineups:

Dodgers
Furcal, SS
Hudson, 2B
Ramirez, LF
Blake, 3B
Ethier, RF
Loney,1B
Kemp, CF
Ausmus, C
Kuroda, P

Astros
Bourn, CF
Keppinger, 2B
Tejada, SS
Lee, LF
Blum, 3B
Pence, RF
I. Rodriguez, C
Coste, 1B
Ortiz, P

The Dodgers beat the Houston Astros 5-2 tonight at Dodger Stadium. For a full box score click here.

BARE ESSENTIALS

* Orlando Hudson went 3-for-4 with a triple and an RBI, and is now 9-for-14 (.643) with a double, two triples, two homers, and three RBI in his last four games.

* Clayton Kershaw didn't give up a run in seven strong innings, surrendering just two hits while striking out five.

* The Dodgers improved to 57-34, the best record in all of baseball, 1.5 games ahead of Boston (55-35).

ETC...ETC:

* Kershaw is unbeaten in his last seven starts, going 5-0 with a 0.63 ERA (3 ER/42.2 IP). The Dodgers are 7-0 in his last seven starts.

* Los Angeles remained the only team in the Majors that has yet to lose three games in a row. The Dodgers have not lost three games in a row since dropping eight straight from August 22-29, 2008.

* Prior to the game, the Dodgers announced that RHP Jason Schmidt will be activated from the 60-day disabled list (shoulder surgery) to make his first start since June 16, 2007 on Monday vs. Cincinnati.

* Joe Torre's clubs have now won games in five consecutive years on his birthday.

ON DECK:

* In the finale of the four-game series Sunday, the Dodgers send RHP Hiroki Kuroda (3-5, 4.67) against RHP Russ Ortiz (3-4, 4.44)

....welcome back, Jason Schmidt.

Monday's game against the Reds just got a whole lot more intriguing.

Tonight's lineups:

ASTROS

Matsui 2B
Keppinger 3B
Tejada SS
Lee LF
Pence CF
Coste 1B
Michaels RF
Quintero C
Hampton P

Furcal SS
Hudson 2B
Ramirez LF
Blake 3B
Kemp CF
Loretta 1B
Martin C
Kershaw P
Pierre RF

The Astros defeated the Dodgers 8-1 tonight at Dodger Stadium. For a full recap and boxscore click here

THE BARE ESSENTIALS:

• This one was essentially over in the first inning when the Astros tagged Dodgers starter Chad Billingsley for four runs in the top of the first inning. Just for good measure they added two more on Billingsley in the second to take a 6-0 lead - as well as all the air out of Dodger Stadium.

• Houston starter Roy Oswalt, staked to the early lead, thoroughly shut the Dodgers down while giving up four hits and a run in a complete-game effort. Oswalt was still sitting at 95 in the ninth inning when he retired the Dodgers in order, punctuating the win by blowing a fastball by a swinging Casey Blake for the final out.

• Billingsley lasted a season-low 1.2 innings and gave up a season-high tying nine hits in his short tenure. Over his last five starts, Billingsley is 0-2 with a 6.98 ERA (22 ER/28.1 IP).

• Orlando Hudson went 1-for-2 with a triple and now has six hits in his last 10 at-bats over the last three games.

ETC...ETC.

• Manny Ramirez was 0 for 4.

• Scott Elbert fired 2.0 scoreless innings out of the bullpen tonight and has tossed 5.0 shutout innings while striking out six in three appearances since being recalled last Sunday in Milwaukee.

• Oswalt has now won a season-high three straight starts. Oswalt is 3-0 with a 1.65 ERA (7 ER/38.0 IP) over his last four starts and is now 6-0 with a 2.59 ERA (13 ER/45.0 IP) in seven starts against the National League West this season. Oswalt's gem was the third complete game by an opposing starter against the Dodgers this season.

• Astros' outfielder Carlos Lee left the game in the sixth inning with a left knee contusion. Lee fouled a pitch off his leg during an at-bat in the fourth frame and is day-to-day.

ON DECK:

• In Game 3 of the four-game series the Dodgers send LHP Clayton Kershaw (7-5, 3.16) against LHP Mike Hampton (5-6, 4.52).

Dodger starter Chad Billingsley could not make it out of the second inning tonight against Houston, getting chased after giving up six runs on nine hits in 1.2 innings.

Jeff Weaver is now pitching, although he's already been touched for a solo home run by Ivan Rodriguez. The Dodgers trail 7-0....and Roy Oswalt is on the hill for the Astros.

Could be a long night for the home team.

Tonight's lineups:

ASTROS

Bourn CF
Matsui 2B
Tejada SS
Lee LF
Blum 3B
Pence RF
Rodriguez C
Erstad 1B
Oswalt P

DODGERS

Furcal SS
Pierre CF
Ramirez LF
Blake 3B
Ethier RF
Loney 3B
Hudson 2B
Martin C
Billingsley P

Joe Torre is just starting his talk with reporters, so we'll get an explanation on whether something's up with Matt Kemp, or if he's just getting a day off. Kemp is working out in center field at the moment and everything seems fine physically, so it looks like Torre just wants to get Pierre a start tonight.

First of all, yesterday's stat of the night: the Dodgers went 0-for-8 with runners in scoring position.

Our J.P. Hoornstra has a recap of the 3-0 loss to the Astros, and columnist Jon Gold ventures out to Mannywood.

The LAT's Bill Plaschke takes an anti-Manny stance. Jon Weisman wants to move on.

If you need another opportunity to brag to your Angel fan friends, Halos Heaven passes on this season's Nielsen ratings. Thus far, the Dodgers have averaged 125,000 viewers a game to the Angels' 66,000.

Roy Oswalt and Chad Billingsley tonight.

The Astros defeated the Dodgers 3-0 tonight at Dodger Stadium. For a full recap and boxscore click here.

THE BARE ESSENTIALS:

• The Dodgers offense must not have gotten the memo that the All-Star break is officially over, managing just eight hits against five Houston pitchers while leaving a whooping 21 runners on base.

• Manny Ramirez, playing his first game in Los Angeles since coming off the 50-game suspension, was 1 for 4 with two strikeouts. His only hit was a single in the eighth inning.

• Orlando Hudson finished with three hits in four at bats, including a double.

• Randy Wolf gave up three runs on five hits over six innings and took the loss to fall to 4-4 on the year.

• Houston starter Wandy Rodriguez was superb over his six innings, surrendering five hits while striking out six to improve to 9-6. Rodriguez lowered his ERA to 2.81.

ETC...ETC.

• The Dodgers were blanked for the fifth time this season and failed to reach 25 games over .500 for the second time this year. The Dodgers now hold a 6.5-game lead over the Giants in the NL West.

• Dodger first baseman James Loney singled in the fifth inning, extending his hitting streak to a season-high 12 games. During the run, Loney is hitting .304 (14-for-46). The Texas native has appeared in 88 of the club's 89 contests

• Wandy Rodriguez has now tossed 17.0 scoreless frames over his last three outings.

• Houston reliever Alberto Arias extended his scoreless innings streak to 20.1 frames after retiring Juan Pierre, Rafael Furcal, and Andre Ethier in the seventh inning. The consecutive scoreless innings streak is the second-longest current run in the Majors behind Jeremy Affeldt.

ON DECK:

• In Game 2 of the four-game series the Dodgers send RHP Chad Billingsley (9-4, 3.38) against RHP Roy Oswalt (5-4, 3.85).

The Dodgers just announced they have put pitcher Cory Wade on the 15-day D.L with a right shoulder strain. To replace Wade, the Dodgers have recalled second baseman Blake DeWitt from Triple-A.

Manny Ramirez met briefly with the media a few minutes ago at Dodger Stadium. Here are some highlights:

On playing his first game in Los Angeles since the suspension:

I'm excited. These are the best fans in the world. I'm ready.

It will be the same ovation as when I came from Boston. Maybe better.

On the Dodgers:

We have unfinished business. We are trying to win the World Series. I like to compete. I like the attenton. It makes me want to do better.

The team doesn't depend on me. We've got great players. Juan Pierre is a great player.

These are the best teammates I've ever had. I love these guys. We care about each other. We pick each other up and that's the way the game is supposed to be play.

On next year:

I'm going to think about today. Everything will work out.

Tonight's lineups:

ASTROS
Bourn CF

Keppinger 3B

Berkman 1B

Lee LF

Tejada SS

Pence RF

Matsui 2B

Quintero C

Rodriguez LHP

DODGERS

Furcal SS

Ethier RF

Ramirez LF

Blake 3B

Kemp CF

Martin C

Loney 1B

Hudson 2B

Wolf LHP

You just knew things would be crazy tonight with Manny Ramirez playing his first game at home since his suspension, but I really didn't think it would start this early in the afternoon.

Anyway, picture this: A few minutes ago 570 AM radio personality Vic "The Brick" Jacobs just walked out onto the field and made a dash to where the Dodgers were doing some early stretching. As soon as Manny spotted Jacobs he jumped up and gave him a big hug. The two shared a few laughs, then Manny started introducing Jacobs around to other players, some of whom gave Jacobs big hugs.

Keep in mind this was on the field, in the middle of a team-only stretching session.

If you don't know who Vic is, maybe this will ring a bell:

At least Vic was wearing Dodgers' colors.

LASORDA AND BOWA TO BE INDUCTED INTO

PHILADELPHIA SPORTS HALL OF FAME

The Independence State Honors Two Pennsylvania Stars for their Achievements in Sports

LOS ANGELES - Hall of Fame manager and Special Advisor to the Chairman Tommy Lasorda and Dodgers Third Base Coach Larry Bowa will be inducted into the Philadelphia Sports Hall of Fame, it was announced today. The induction ceremony will be held on November 12 at the Hyatt Penn's Landing in Philadelphia.

"It is an honor and a privilege to be enshrined into the Philadelphia Sports Hall of Fame," said Lasorda. "I am proud to come from Norristown and have always tried to represent my hometown to the highest degree of class, dignity, and character."

Lasorda was born and raised in Norristown, PA where he lived until he signed a contract with the Philadelphia Athletics in 1944 by local scout, Jocko Collins. After signing, Lasorda reported to his first team, the Concord Weavers in Concord, NC in 1945, a minor league affiliate of the Athletics. In 1946 he was drafted into the United States Army and served two years. After he fulfilled his duty he rejoined the Athletics where he was sent to the Schenectady Blue Jays, another affiliate of the Athletics' organization only to be drafted by the Dodgers in 1949. Lasorda, who is in his 60th season in the Dodger organization, managed the Dodgers for 20 seasons (1977-96) and was inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 1997.

"I am honored and humbled to be enshrined into the Philadelphia Sports Hall of Fame and to be mentioned in the same breath s the city's other great sports stars. I owe a great deal of gratitude to the baseball fans of Philadelphia and the surrounding communities for supporting me during my time with the Phillies. Those 16 years as a player and manager in Philadelphia were some of the most special of my professional career," said Bowa.

Bowa, who signed with the Philadelphia Phillies as a non-drafted free agent in 1965, played in 16 Major League seasons (1970-85), his first 12 with the Phillies (1970-81). He was a five-time All-Star (1974-76, 78, 79) and a two-time Rawlings Gold Glove Award-winning shortstop (1972, 78) while finishing third in the NL MVP voting in 1978 and third in NL Rookie of the Year voting in 1970. He later managed the Phillies from 2001-04 and finished with 337 wins, the ninth highest total on the franchise's all-time list. He wrote a weekly column for the Philadelphia Inquirer in 1977.

Lasorda is currently enshrined in 12 halls of fame (for a complete list please refer to page 12 of the 2009 Los Angeles Dodgers Guide). By the end of the year he will be enshrined in 15. Bowa was enshrined in the South Atlantic League Hall of Fame in 2002, an honor Lasorda also received in 2001. Lasorda and Bowa will join the only other Dodger in the Philadelphia Sports Hall of Fame, Roy Campanella, who was inducted posthumously in 2006.

The Philadelphia Sports Hall of Fame Foundation was founded in 2002. Its mission is to develop a sports hall of fame for Philadelphia as a means to preserve and promote the rich history of Philadelphia sports. The ultimate goal is to build a museum in the city to honor its sports history.

With all the attention being paid to the return of Manny Ramirez - he plays his first game in Los Angeles since his 50-game suspension Thursday against Houston - it's easy to forget the outstanding job Juan Pierre did filling in for Manny in left field.

Baseball America's Tracy Ringolsby wrote a nice piece about how well Pierre played and what his role is moving forward.

The Dodgers were 29-21 without Manny and Pierre hit .318, stole 21 bases and scored 34 runs. Now he goes back to the bench - or maybe onto the trading block - with Manny back in the lineup.

It's hard not to root for a guy like Pierre after reading this article, which is interesting because most Dodger fans probably wanted to ship him out of town last winter after he slumped and pouted through a terrible 2008 season, the last three months spent as Manny's backup.

As the old saying goes, sometimes the best trades are the ones you don't make.

Just got an e-mail from the Dodgers p.r. staff regarding pitcher Eric Milton:

Eric underwent micro diskectomy on his low back this morning. The surgery was performed by Dr. Robert Watkins. The surgery went as expected and the disk herniation was removed. The expected return to baseball competition will be at least three months and he will start the first parts of the rehab program, which will entail mostly walking, in the next few days. He should be out of the hospital by tomorrow.‬‪ ‬‪

Here's a couple things to keep you busy on this first of three straight off days. The Home Run Derby airs tonight at 5 PST on ESPN. Albert Pujols, Ryan Howard, Adrian Gonzalez, and Prince Fielder will represent the NL.

Jon Paul Morosi at Foxsports.com has a great story on Chad Billingsley's hometown, Defiance, Ohio.

Since you're here, we're wondering, if you had the choice between Chad Billingsley (9-4, 3.38) or Clayton Kershaw (7-5, 3.16) for one start, who'd you pick?
Yes, Billingsley has been the Dodgers ace all season but Kershaw has the potential to be as good or better, as the stats show even in his age-21 season. Think of it as a hypothetical Game 7 must-win situation with each pitcher on four days' rest. Who would you take considering all factors, with the current Dodger bullpen as is.

The Dodgers beat the Brewers 7-4 today in the finale of the first half of the season. For a full recap and boxscore click here.

THE BARE ESSENTIALS:

• Dodger starter Clayton Kershaw continued his utter dominance of late, going 6+ strong innings and allowing only two hits and one run. Hiroki Kuroda came in in relief and allowed three runs of his own and Kershaw's run. Unbelievably, Kershaw now has the best ERA on the staff and the 18th best in the majors at 3.16.

• Matt Kemp had his first hitless game since July 1 -- striking out twice and leaving 5 men on in four at-bats -- but Orlando Hudson picked up the slack, hitting two solo homers.

• The Dodgers' offensive effort off of a solid starter in Milwaukee's Yovani Gallardo was impressive: six hits and four walks in five innings. They scored five times off of him.

• Manny is the same old Manny, in case you were wondering. 3-for-3 and a walk puts him at a .308/.400/.654 clip since he came back.

ETC...ETC:

• Brad Ausmus went deep for his first homer of the season. That makes the Dodgers' season total of home runs from behind the plate three.

• James Loney was solid, hitting two base knocks to drive in runs. He's two behind Andre Ethier for the team lead in RBI with 54. Casey Blake has 55 as well.

• James McDonald and Ramon Troncoso pitched well in relief, going 1 2/3 scoreless.

ON DECK:

• The Dodgers will take a three-day break before hosting Houston for a four-game set beginning Thursday. Randy Wolf is scheduled to make the start.

Today's lineups:

DODGERS

Furcal SS
Ethier RF
Ramirez LF
Blake 3B
Loney 1B
Kemp CF
Hudson 2B
Ausmus C
Kershaw P

BREWERS

Kendall C
Hart RF
Braun LF
Fielder 1B
McGehee 2B
Cameron CF
Hall 3B
Counsell SS
Gallardo 1P

The Brewers beat the Dodgers 6-3 tonight at Miller Park. For a full recap and boxscore click here.

THE BARE ESSENTIALS:

• Dodger starter Jeff Weaver went just 3 1/3 innings in what Joe Torre called his worst outing of the year. Still, Weaver was only charged with two earned runs due to a throwing error by Rafael Furcal in the first.

• Although he struck out seven in five innings, Brewers starter Mike Burns definitely wasn't fooling the Dodgers. Still, he got the job done and three Milwaukee relievers combined to toss four scoreless innings.

• No one really shined offensively for the Dodgers, as no player had more than one hit. Only Russell Martin and Orlando Hudson were held hitless.

• All three LA runs came in the fifth on back-to-back jacks by Rafael Furcal and Andre Ethier.

ETC...ETC:

• Scott Elbert -- fresh off a call-up from Albuquerque (with Blake DeWitt being sent down -- pitched wonderfully, going 2 2/3 hitless while allowing only one walk.

• Jonathan Broxton's going to miss the All-Star Game with a toe injury.

• The Dodgers couldn't get to Brewers closer Trevor Hoffman this time, as the 41-year-old saved his 20th in 1-2-3 fashion after blowing a save last night.

ON DECK:

• The Dodgers attempt to win the series in Milwaukee, sending out lefthander Clayton Kershaw (6-5, 3.27) to face Brewers ace Yovani Gallardo (8-6, 2.95) in an 11:05 AM PST start.

Tonight's lineups

DODGERS

Furcal SS
Ethier RF
Ramirez LF
Blake 3B
Loney 1B
Martin C
Hudson 2B
Kemp RF
Weaver P

BREWERS

Kendall C
Counsell 2B
Braun LF
Fielder 1B
Gamel 3B
Cameron CF
Catalanotto RF
Hardy SS
Burns P

The Dodgers beat the Brewers 12-8 in 10 innings tonight at Miller Park. For a full recap and boxscore click here.

THE BARE ESSENTIALS:

• And what a game that was, as the Dodgers rallied to tie the score in the ninth off Trevor Hoffman and then put up six in the tenth to open the game up, only to have the Brewers put up a mini-rally in the bottom of the tenth off Jonathan Broxton. Still, the Blue came away with the win.

• It was the Matt Kemp show tonight, as the snubbed center fielder went 3-for-5, including a masterful bunt for a base hit in the ninth and grand slam in the tenth. That's not to mention his Willie Mays-esque catch to end the game, running with his head turned towards the wall but still managing to make the grab.

• Chad Billingsley struggled, lasting only 5+ and allowing five runs on five hits and four walks. He raised his ERA to 3.37 heading into the all-star break.

• Jonathan Broxton wasn't great either, giving up two runs in the tenth inning in his first appearance since Sunday. It wasn't a save situation, though. An indicator: Broxton didn't strike out any of the seven batters he faced.

ETC...ETC.

• Five homers for the Dodgers tonight, the most they've had in a game since the epic back-to-back-to-back-to-back home run game against San Diego on September 18, 2006. You may remember that Hoffman was the partial culprit in the game as well.

• Home run hitters included Andre Ethier, Manny Ramirez, James Loney, Russell Martin and Kemp.

• Solid relief turned in by Guillermo Mota (allowed only one runner to score when he inherited a bases-loaded, no-out situation, Ramon Troncoso (a scoreless inning and two thirds), and Cory Wade (another scoreless inning).

ON DECK:

• The Dodgers continue the three-game set in Milwaukee, sending RHP Jeff Weaver (5-2, 3.32) for his first start since June against Brewers RHP Mike Burns (1-2, 5.57) at 4:05 PST.

Tonight's lineups:

DODGERS

Furcal SS
Ethier RF
Ramirez LF
Blake 3B
Loney 1B
Martin C
Hudson 2B
Kemp CF
Billingsley P

BREWERS

Kendall C
Counsell 2B
Braun LF
Fielder 1B
Gamel 3B
Cameron CF
Catalanotto RF
Hardy SS
Looper P

It was speculated that Dodgers center fielder Matt Kemp would replace Carlos Beltran on the NL All-Star roster, but it turns out that Phillies right fielder (and former Dodger) Jayson Werth will be in St. Louis instead. Werth has hit homers in his last four games and evidently proved his all-star worth to Phillies -- and NL -- manager Charlie Manuel. All three Philadelphia starting outfielders will be All-Stars.

This means that barring a last-minute injury replacement, the Dodgers will have only one position player in St. Louis: second baseman Orlando Hudson. Chad Billingsley and Jonathan Broxton will accompany the O-Dog as well.

Rob Neyer at espn.com picked his All-Time National League All-Star team, a 33-member club with at least one player from every National League team since the All-Star game began in 1933.

For instance, Neyer picks players from the Brooklyn Dodgers, New York Giants, Montreal Expos and Milwaukee Braves in addition to players from all the current N.L. teams.

Two Los Angeles Dodgers made the team - Mike Piazza from the 1997 seasaon and Sandy Koufax from the 1966 season.

It's a pretty good read and a definite argument starter.

The Dodgers defeated the Mets 11-2 tonight at Citi Field. For a full recap and boxscore click here

THE BARE ESSENTIALS:

• The Dodgers ended any suspense by jumping on Mets starter Livan Hernandez for four runs in the top of the first, the big blow coming on a three-run double by Orlando Hudson.

• Rafael Furcal, a noted Mets killer in his Atlanta days, feasted on some New York cooking with three hits and three runs scored.

• Manny Ramirez added two hits and two RBIs.

• Randy Wolf wasn't as sharp as usual, but after struggling a bit early he settled own with the lead and gave the Dodgers 6.1 innings while giving up two runs on seven hits.

ETC...ETC.

• The Dodgers got 2.2 more innings of scoreless relief from their bullpen, this time from James McDonald and Claudio Vargas.

• Matt Kemp had three hits and is now batting .319 on the year.

ON DECK:

• The Dodgers open a three-game series in Milwaukee sending RHP Chad Billingsley (9-4, 3.14) vs. RHP Braden Looper (7-4, 4.78)

LOS ANGELES - The Los Angeles Dodgers today announced the June
winners of the Dodger Pride Awards, given each month to the players at each level of the club's minor league
system who play the game with a hustling, smart, aggressive style.
The players and staff on each respective club vote for the awards.

The winners for June are as follows:

Triple-A Albuquerque Isotopes

Pitcher - RHP James McDonald went 1-0 with 28 strikeouts and a 1.89
ERA (4 ER/19.0 IP) in three June starts, earning a promotion to the
Dodgers on June 19...the 24-year-old has allowed just one run in 6.2
innings (1.35 ERA) of relief since being recalled...the Long Beach
native was selected in the 11th round of the 2002 draft, and was
recognized as the Dodgers' Minor League Pitcher of the Year both of
the last two seasons.

Player - INF Chin-lung Hu batted .304 (34-for-112) with four doubles
and 11 RBI in 28 June games, raising his average to .258 from
.228...the Taiwan native is batting .324 (23-for-71) with two homers
and 30 RBI with runners in scoring position overall.

Other Notables - OF Jamie Hoffmann is 11-for-22 (.500) with three
homers and 11 RBI in seven July games...overall, the 24-year-old is
batting .299 (32-for-107) with five homers and 21 RBI in 29 games
with the Isotopes...OF Jason Repko is batting .370 (10-for-27) in
seven July games...RHP Scott Strickland has allowed just one run in
his last 10.0 innings over 10 games...the 33-year-old is tied for
second in the Pacific Coast League with 17 saves...overall, he has 40
strikeouts in 28.2 innings.

Double-A Chattanooga Lookouts

Pitcher - RHP Travis Chick went 3-1 with a 1.69 ERA (6 ER/32.0 IP) in
five June starts...his lone loss was a quality start of 6.0 innings
and two runs June 22 at Huntsville (Brewers)...the 25-year-old, who
signed with the Dodgers as a minor league free agent in November
2008, is 6-4 with a 3.78 ERA in 16 games (14 starts) overall.

Player - OF Tommy Giles batted .351 (20-for-57) with five homers and
10 RBI in 24 games in June...the Dodgers' eighth-round pick from the
2006 draft is hitting .278 with six homers and 14 RBI in 42 games
with Chattanooga since his May 12 promotion from Single-A Inland
Empire...this is Giles's first taste of Double-A action...he is
batting a combined .304 with 10 homers and 31 RBI in 58 games with
Chattanooga and Inland Empire...the left-handed hitter had 100 RBI in
2008 to tie for the organization lead and rank second in the
California League.

Other Notables - OF Andrew Lambo is batting .385 (10-for-26) with
three doubles, a homer, and eight RBI in seven games in July...he had
11 RBI in 26 games in June...C Lucas May is 6-for-17 (.353) with
three doubles and six RBI in five games since returning from the
disabled list on Friday...five of the RBI came last night vs.
Huntsville...May missed nearly two months of action with a broken
right wrist...OF James Tomlin is batting .429 (24-for-56) with 10
walks and 11 runs scored in his last 16 games to raise his average
from .284 to a season-high .322...RHP J.D. Durbin tossed 7.0 innings
of two-run ball in both his starts since joining the rotation June
28...he starts again tonight vs. Huntsville...LHP Victor Garate has
tossed 13.1 consecutive scoreless innings in his last 12 games
beginning June 11...he has allowed only three hits in that time.

Single-A Inland Empire 66ers

Pitcher - RHP Steve Johnson went 3-1 with a save and a 2.28 (7
ER/27.2 IP) in five June games (three starts)...the 21-year-old ranks
third in the California League with 98 strikeouts in 90.1
innings...overall, the Baltimore native is 7-4 with one save and a
3.79 ERA in 17 games (15 starts).

Player - INF Steven Caseres batted .418 (28-for-67) with six homers
and 15 RBI in 21 June games... ...the New York native had a two homer
and five RBI effort on June 15 at Lancaster (Astros)...overall, he is
batting .292 with 11 homers and 29 RBI in 68 games.

Other notables - OF Elian Herrera is batting .357 (10-for-28) with a
homer and four RBI in seven July games...overall, he is hitting .333
with three homers in 43 since being promoted from Single-A Great
Lakes on May 12...RHP Tim Sexton is 4-0 with a 1.32 ERA (4 ER/27.1
IP) in his last four starts...the 22-year-old tossed 8.0 innings of
one-run ball in a June 28 victory vs. Rancho Cucamonga (Angels).

Single-A Great Lakes Loons

Pitcher - RHP JonMichael Redding went 3-1 with a 2.96 ERA (9 ER/27.1
IP) in five starts in June...since being touched for six runs in 1.1
innings May 22 at Cedar Rapids (Angels), the 21-year-old is 4-1 with
a 2.58 ERA (11 ER/38.1 IP) in seven starts to lower his ERA to 4.29
from 5.88...the Dodgers' fifth-round pick from the 2008 draft is 9-3
in 16 starts overall...his nine wins rank third in the Midwest League.

Player - SS Dee Gordon batted .347 (34-for-98) with 14 steals and 22
runs in 24 games in June...the 21-year-old, who entered the season as
the Dodgers' No. 7 prospect according to Baseball America, is batting
.306 with a Midwest League-best 43 stolen bases in 80 games
overall...he is also tied for the league lead with 102 hits.

Other Notables - RF Kyle Russell hit his league-leading 20th home run
last night at Peoria (Cubs), five more than the closest player,
Peoria's Josh Vitters...Russell also has a league-leading 63
RBI...LHP Geison Aguasviva has given up just one earned run in 24.2
innings (seven games) since joining Great Lakes from Extended Spring
Training, a 0.36 ERA...RHP Javy Guerra has allowed only one run in
his last 11.1 innings (seven games), lowering his ERA to 1.54 from
1.82...RHP Nate Eovaldi has a 0.59 ERA (2 ER/30.2 IP) in his last
seven games (three starts), lowering his ERA to 3.90 from 7.36.

Rookie-level Dominican Summer League Dodgers

Pitcher - RHP Yimi Garcia went 2-0 with a 0.47 ERA (1 ER/19.1 IP) in
eight June appearances...the 18-year-old tossed a season-high 5.0
innings of scoreless relief on June 13 vs. DSL Royals, allowing just
two hits and striking out four...overall, he is 2-0 with a 0.34 ERA
(1 ER/26.2 IP) with 23 strikeouts in 10 appearances.

Player - INF Bladimir Franco batted .326 (31-for-95) with six homers
and 18 RBI in 25 June games...the 18-year-old is batting .326
(15-for-46) with three homers with runners in scoring
position...overall, he is hitting .310 with six homers and 21 RBI and
has collected 10 multi-hit games in 33 games.

Other Notable - RHP Gustavo Gomez is 0-1 with a 1.28 ERA (2 ER/14.0)
in his last three starts...overall, he has 31 strikeouts in 31.0
innings.

Tonight's lineups

Dodgers:

Furcal SS
Ethier RF
Ramirez LF
Blake 3B
Loney 1B
Martin C
Hudson 2B
Kemp CF
Wolf P

METS

Castillo 2B
Evans LF
Wright 3B
Sheffield RF
Tatis 1B
Church CF
Santos C
Cora SS
Hernandez P

Randy Wolf has switched his uniform number to #43 as he seeks to improve his record to 4-3. Wolf wore #43 while with the Phillies before being issued #41 at his introductory news conference when he signed with the Dodgers. By Spring Training, he was #52 for his first season with Los Angeles. Last season, he wore #25 with the Padres and #39 with the Astros before starting this year as #21. .

Wolf has logged 12 no decisions in 18 games this season. Of the 32 big league pitchers with an ERA below 3.50, Wolf, Carlos Zambrano, Cliff Lee, and Doug Davis are the only ones with less than five wins.

Um, OK.

si.com's Jon Heyman put out his list of midseason award winners, and interestingly, only one Dodger player makes Heyman's top five for any award - Ronald Belisario checking in at No. 5 in the N.L. Rookie of the Year category.

Dodgers G.M. Ned Colletti was Heyman's choice for N.L. Executive of the Year and Joe Torre took the honors for N.L. Manager of the Year.

While the lack of Dodger player representation was noticeable for the team with the best record in all of baseball, I can't say I disagree. Fact is, the Dodgers have been a collection of good to very good players, but with no real star to speak of.

Colletti and Torre absolutely deserve their honors, especially Joe for the way he kept things together when Manny got suspended.

The Dodgers fell 5-4 last night, with Andre Ethier (0-for-5, 8 LOB) going down as the main culprit. Randy Wolf vs. Livan Hernandez tonight at 4:10, but first, let's recap some of the day's blue-related news.

A year ago today: Derek Lowe took a perfect game into the seventh inning before giving up a single, and eventually, a solo home run but still earning the 2-1 victory over Atlanta. The Dodgers' record entering play that day? 44-46.

Ronald Belisario is okay, relatively. Dr. Neil ElAttrache found no structural damage in the 26-year-old's right elbow in a Wednesday MRI, but the rookie reliever has been placed on the DL in what appears to be primarily a precautionary measure. Belisario missed the entire 2005 and 2006 seasons due to Tommy John surgery.

There are less than 10 hours left to vote for Matt Kemp in MLB's Final Vote 2009 campaign.

Lastly: yes, Daniel Murphy really did make that play last night.

The Mets beat the Dodgers 5-4 tonight at Citi Field.

THE BARE ESSENTIALS:

• The Dodgers left 22 runners on base, including two in the top of the ninth when Andre Ethier grounded into a game-ending double play.

• Hiroki Kuroda was not sharp at all, giving up eight hits and five runs in just 4.1 innings.

• The Dodgers bullpen threw 3.2 scoreless innings to give the team a chance to come back. But they couldn't quite get it done in the ninth.

• Ethier was 0 for 5 and left eight runners on base.

• Rafael Furcal had two hits and two RBIs.

• Manny Ramirez hit a solo home run in the top of the ninth off Mets closer Francisco Rodriguez to cut the lead to one run.

ETC..ETC

• Manny had only one hit to show for his effort, but he was tagging the ball all night, and the opposite home run he hit against K-Rod was a thing of beauty.

• Russell Martin had two hits and two walks.

ON DECK

• The Dodgers send LHP Randy Wolf (3-3, 3.49) against. RHP Livan Hernandez (5-4, 4.56) at 4:10 p.m. in the finale of the three-game series Thursday.

Few notes to pass along before Hiroki Kuroda and Oliver Perez -- making his first start since May 2 -- face off in New York.

31-year-old outfielder Mitch Jones, who spent 16 days with the big club and was designated for assignment last Thursday, cleared waivers and has been sent down to Triple-A Albuquerque.

Two more picks from the June draft have signed with the Dodgers in the last week: lanky high-school righthander Brandon Martinez and Oklahoma catcher Jeremy Wise. The Dodgers took Wise in the fifth round at 157th overall; Martinez -- who's yet to turn 18 -- was a seventh-round selection.

Lastly, our Clay Fowler has a nice feature on Matt "The Bison" Kemp, who's currently in fourth place out of five candidates in the MLB Final Vote campaign. Find out how to vote here.

4:10 p.m. PST first pitch tonight.

Tonight's lineups:

Dodgers

Furcal SS
Hudson 2B
Ramirez LF
Blake 3B
Loretta 1B
Martin C
Ethier RF
Kemp CF
Kuroda P

METS

Cora SS
Murphy 1B
Wright 3B
Sheffield LF
Church RF
Reed CF
Schneider C
Castillo 2B
Perez P

Joel Sherman of the New York Post says Philadelphia is the leader to land Toronto ace Roy Halladay, who seems destined to get dealt before the trade deadline.

Wow, how tough would Philly be with Cole Hamels and Halladay heading the pitching staff, especially in a five or seven-game playoff series?

But are you willing to part with a potential ace like Kershaw to make it happen?

Manny Ramirez refused to answer any questions about his 50-game suspension yesterday in New York, immediately telling reporters "I'm not talking about anything I talked about in San Diego" as soon as he arrived at Citi Field Tuesday.

As you can imagine that didn't go over too well with the horde of reporters waiting for him at his locker.

Interestingly, the reaction wasn't as harsh as I expected, and I'm starting to get the feeling Manny will get off easy on this. I'm not the only one, either, Tim McCarver is outraged but how fans and the media are letting Manny off the hook, as opposed to the way Barry Bonds, Alex Rodriguez etc...etc were/are treated.

Pretty interesting, to say the least.

The Dodgers defeated the Mets 8-0 to start a three-game series in New York tonight.

The bare essentials:

+ Manny Ramirez drove in three runs, but also got thrown out after getting called out on strikes twice by plate umpire John Hirschbeck. Ramirez was tossed for throwing three pieces of equipment, including an arm protector that landed near Hirschbeck.

+ Clayton Kershaw allowed three hits and struck out seven in six scoreless innings for his third consecutive win. He's allowed two runs in his past five starts covering 29 2/3 innings and the Dodgers have won each game.

On deck:

In game two of the three-game series the Dodgers send RHP Hiroki Kuroda (3-4, 3.91) vs. LHP Oliver Perez (1-2, 9.97) .

Thought I'd pass this along for the enjoyment of those who were Dodger fans in 2006-2007. Now-Yankees pitcher Brett Tomko is still drawing. This time, though, he's drawing himself -- and in his self-portrait, he appears sad after what looks like another a bad outing. Article from the Star-Ledger (with pictures and video! here, via Deadspin).

In other news, the LAT's Dylan Hernandez reports that Ronald Belisario has left the team to have an MRI on his elbow. Cory Wade has been called up to replace him in the relief corps. Belisario has thrown 48 1/3 innings this season and is on pace to log 95 -- which would be his highest season total since 2002, when he was in Single-A.

Tonight's lineups:

Dodgers

Furcal SS
Hudson 2B
Ramirez LF
Blake 3B
Loney 1B
Martin C
Ethier RF
Kemp CF
Kershaw P

Mets

Castillo 2B
Cora SS
Wright 3B
Sheffield RF
Tatis 1B
Church CF
Evans LF
Santos C
Pelfrey P

Ian Begley and Nathaniel Vinton from the New York Daily News wrote a nice read on how Manny Ramirez's hometown of Washington Heights, New York has handled their heros 50-game suspension for violating MLB's drug policy.

I think fans sometimes forget these professional athletes actually had childhoods and lives before reaching stardom, and it's refreshing to see someone talk to people who knew Manny way back when to get their reaction to what happened.

The New York media is already feasting on Manny Ramirez's trip to the Big Apple.

The Daily News' Roger Rubin and Times' Chris Hine attended Joe Torre's charity gold tournament Monday in Briarcliff Manor. They bring similar perspectives. Rubin's piece discusses how, amidst the Manny madness, Torre himself will judge accomplishments from the steroid era; Hine's focuses on how Torre has been able to navigate the Dodgers through the first half of the season. MLB.com's Jared Diamond was there as well.

An interesting blurb from Ken Gurnick on the Dodgers' get-out-the-vote effort for Matt Kemp: "The Dodgers are attempting to enlist two of Kemp's NBA friends, Trevor Ariza and Sheldon Williams, via their Twitter accounts in hopes of enrolling all of their followers to vote for their buddy."

In other news, the LAT's Kevin Baxter has an interesting story on Manny's stomping grounds.

I was just driving down Fallbrook in Woodland Hills, and much to my surprise, I spotted a Dodgers billboard with Kim Kardashian on it. I found her to be quite an interesting person for the Dodgers to use in their ``This is my town'' campaign. I was at Dodger Stadium earlier this season when Kim and her two sisters - all reality TV stars - threw out the ceremonial first pitch. They sat behind home plate for the game and left after a couple of innings, which is even crazy by L.A. baseball fan standards. Whatever sells!

ESPN's Buster Olney writes in a recent blog that the Dodgers could be a potential suitor for Atlanta pitcher Javier Vazquez.

Vazquez is a player who makes perfect sense for the Dodgers, who will be looking to add starting pitching at the deadline. He's having a good year - a 3.05 ERA with a 3-5 record - and the financial cost isn't prohibitive. Vazquez is under contract for $11.5 million in 2009 and $11.5 million in 2010.

The question, of course, is what it will cost the Dodgers in return. It's no secret the Braves want to add a bat to spark their struggling offense, and though the Dodgers could offer fourth outfielder Juan Pierre, he doesn't exactly fit the Braves need for more power.

Keeping you up with Dodger news on this Monday off day.

Scott Hairston, who made a crucial out in the tenth inning on Sunday, was traded to the Athletics shortly after the game.

Via Eric Stephen at TrueBlueLA, the intentional pass Jeff Weaver issued to Adrian Gonzalez with the bases empty was only the third four-pitch IBB in a bases-empty situation. The previous walkees? Albert Pujols and Chipper Jones.

This weekend's Dodger-related pieces: our Jill Painter thinks Manny is still hiding something. The LAT's Bill Plaschke says the rest of the season started Sunday. And Bill Shaikin and Ben Bolch catch up with former Dodgers fading into different stages of oblivion: Eric Gagne and Joe Beimel.

The Dodgers edged the Padres, 7-6, in 13 innings today. For a full recap and boxscore click here.

THE BARE ESSENTIALS

- And that was a wild one. Entering the bottom of the ninth inning, the Dodgers were up 6-1 as Chad Bilingsley went for the complete game. Suffice to say, Billingsley -- although he threw only 97 pitches and allowed only four of the 28 batters he faced to reach base -- couldn't get the job done, and neither could Jonathan Broxton. The Padres scored five in the ninth to tie the score.

- James Loney came up huge. He went deep to lead off the 13th against Padres reliever Edward Mujica, providing the only run the Dodgers would need in extra frames.

- Ronald Belisario and Guillermo Mota struggled a bit in the tenth, but the Padres put a couple of horrid at-bats and the Blue escaped a risky situation.

ETC...ETC

- The Dodgers had 18 hits. The Padres had six.

- Both Orlando Hudson and Manny Ramirez were out of the starting lineup, but each made appearances as a pinch-hitter. Neither reached base.

- Adrian Gonzalez was intentionally walked twice. Once in the 10th to set up a forceout, and once in the 13th with no one on base.

ON DECK

- The Dodgers have the day off tomorrow. They'll have the day to spend in New York to prepare for what will surely be a circus, as they face the Mets Tuesday-Thursday. Clayton Kershaw (5-5, 3.49) and Mike Pelfrey (6-3, 4.26) are slated to start.

Manny, Orlando Hudson out of the lineup for today's day game. Hudson is one of the Dodgers' three All-Stars, as named today. Jonathan Broxton and Chad Billingsley also make the list, and Matt Kemp still has a shot to get in with the final vote or as a replacement for the likely-to-bow-out Carlos Beltran. Find out how to vote here.

Rubber game today.

Dodgers
Furcal, SS
Pierre, LF
Loney, 1B
Blake, 3B
Ethier, RF
Martin, C
Kemp, CF
Castro, 2B
Billingsley, P

Padres
Gwynn, CF
Eckstein, 2B
Hairston, LF
A. Gonzalez, 1B
Kouzmanoff, 3B
E. Gonzalez, RF
Alfonzo, C
E. Cabrera, SS
Banks, P

The San Diego Padres beat the Dodgers 7-4 today at Petco Park. For a full recap and boxscore click here.

THE BARE ESSENTIALS

- Manny Ramirez went 1-for-3 with a home run in his second game back. He was again lifted for Juan Pierre in the sixth inning.

- Casey Blake a had a bit of a slump-busting performance, going 2-for-4.

- Three errors and unusually spotty relief were the Dodgers' undoing today, as both Ronald Belisario and Ramon Troncoso allowed three runs. All of Troncoso's were unearned, though.

- Randy Wolf got...another no-decision. He went six strong innings, allowing only four hits and one run.

ETC...ETC

- The Dodgers mounted a bit of a rally in the top of the eighth to trail by only one, 4-3, but Troncoso couldn't do the job in the bottom of the inning. The Blue put together another run in the ninth, but it wasn't enough. Padres closer Heath Bell got the five-out save.

- The top three of the Padres' order -- Everth Cabrera, David Eckstein, and Adrian Gonzalez -- combined for six of the team's 10 hits.

- Orlando Hudson got the day off today. Joe Torre said he might not play tomorrow either.

ON DECK

- The Dodgers will try to win the series tomorrow at 1:05 p.m. Chad Billingsley (9-4, 3.12) and Josh Banks (1-0, 3.38) face off.

Today's lineups:

Dodgers:

Furcal. SS
Martin. C
Ramirez. LF
Ethier. RF
Blake. 3B
Loney. 1B
Kemp. CF
Castro. 2B
Wolf. LHP

Padres:

Cabrera. SS
Eckstein. 2B
A. Gonzalez. 1B
Hairston. CF
Kouzmanoff. 3B
Headley. LF
Blanco. C
Gwynn. RF
Geer. RHP

Manny Ramirez returned to the Dodgers last night from his 50-game suspension in a 6-3 victory over the Padres. He was 0 for 3 at the plate, his only contribution a walk in the Dodgers' five-run first inning.

The big story was his pregame talk with the media, his first real meeting with the press since being suspended for violating MLB's drug policy.

Not surprisingly - although very disappointingly - he shed no light on the subject of steroids, refusing to answer any questions pertaining to his use over a 15-minute meeting in which he apologized to fans and teammates for not being there for them the last 50 games, but never explaining why he was disciplined in the first place.

The media asked Manny direct questions about his steroid use, but Manny refused to bite, continually stressing he was happy to be back, and ready to move on.

I can't say I'm all that surprised by the way Manny handled the press conference, but I have to admit I'm disappointed.

By giving us nothing he leaves us no choice but to wonder if he's hiding something more sinister than an isolated instance.

The Dodgers defeated the San Diego Padres 6-3 tonight in San Diego. For a full recap and boxscore click here

THE BARE ESSENTIALS

• Manny Ramirez was 0 for 3 with a walk in his first game back since returning from a 50-game suspension. He was lifted for defensive replacement Juan Pierre in the sixth inning.

• Matt Kemp had a double and two RBIs.

• Russell Martin had two hits and two RBIs.

• Rafael Furcal, building on his game winning RBI Wednesday, had four hits and scored a run.

• Hiroki Kuroda worked 5.1 innings, giving up four hits and three runs, including a solo home run to Scott Hairston.

ETC...ETC

• The Dodgers removed any suspense by scoring five runs in the opening inning - all with two outs. The big blow came on a two-run double by Matt Kemp.

• Manny wasn't a factor at the plate, but his presence seemed to invigorate the Dodgers offense, which had struggled over the last week.

• The bullpen was stellar once again, delivering 3.1 scoreless innings.

GAME BALL GOES TO

• Rafael Furcal, who had four hits from the lead off spot to raise his average to .250.

ON DECK

• In Game 2 of the series the Dodgers send LHP Randy Wolf (3-3, 3.61) vs. RHP Josh Geer (1-3, 5.68) at 1:10 p.m.

Manny Ramirez was 0-for-3 with a walk in tonight's game. That's understandable since he just came off a 50-game suspension, but he had promised before that it was going to be ``Showtime.''
Ramirez was taken out of the game after the top of the sixth inning.
Ramirez didn't even have to deal with much grief from fans and there was no syringe thrown at him, which happened to Barry Bonds here in 2006.

Here's what Manny Ramirez had to say from his afternoon press conference at Petco Park on Friday. He said plenty of words in his 12 1/2-minute press conference, but he really didn't say anything significant. Here's the transcript:

The Dodgers slugger met with the media today in San Diego, and while he said he was sorry to teammates and fans he refused to talk about steroids.

Sorry Manny, but this isn't good enough, and frankly it's only going to prolong this whole situation. Come clean, come correct. Deal with the issue so you, and we, can move on.

But he completely closed the door on that, and that looks really bad.

And you thought the fireworks were scheduled for tomorrow? No, no no.

Anyway, Manny Ramirez makes his return to the Dodgers tonight against the San Diego Padres, and everyone has an opinion. Some more explosive than others.

Lee Jenkins at si.com wonders how the Dodgers will handle the circus.

Ken Rosenthal at foxsports.com predicts a love fest between Manny and Dodger fans.

USA Today explains why some fantasy owners will be rewarded for their patience.

Finally, Jayson Stark at espn.com can't understand why so many people are celebrating Manny's return.

Obviously the Dodgers are in for a strange experience today when they arrive at Petco Park in San Diego, and it will be interesting to see how they handle it.

If he tries to sidestep things, the scrutiny will only linger.

The national media is ready and waiting for the return of Manny Ramirez to the Dodgers tomorrow in San Deigo.

In fact, some are already chiming in.

In San Francisio, Scott Olster explains why Manny has made him see the light.

Meanwhile, USA Today says fans canforgive but not forget Manny's actions.

This is just the start, and that's not a bad thing. Steroids is a complicated matter for baseball, and it's not going away anytime soon. We need to have a feeling about it, an opinion. and we need to figure out how to deal with the issue. For right now and in the future.

It will settle down at some point, but expect a circus for the next few weeks, at least.

The Dodgers defeated the Rockies 1-0 today at Dodger Stadium. For a full recap and boxscore click here

THE BARE ESSENTIALS

• Rafael Furcal lined a single to right field to drive in pinch-runner Russell Martin from second base for the winning run in the bottom of the eighth. The inning was text book late inning execution as Brad Ausmus singled, Juan Castro bunted him over, then Furcal singled in the winning run.

• Clayton Kershaw allowed just one hit over 5.0 scoreless innings before being lifted for a pinch hitter in the bottom of the fifth. Kershaw has given up just two runs over his last 23.2 IP (four starts), for a 0.76 ERA over that time. Kershaw has lowered his ERA from a season-high 5.46 on May 1 to 3.49.

• Ausmus went 2 for 3, including the single that led to the Dodgers' winning rally in the eighth inning. Ausmus is now hitting .292 (14-for-48) in his 13 starts.

• Jonathan Broxton fired a perfect ninth inning and struck out two Rockies. Broxton now has 19 saves in 21 opportunities and leads all Major League relievers with 62 strikeouts.

• Ronald Belisario worked 2.0 scoreless innings in relief of Kershaw and has now posted 13.2 consecutive scoreless innings over his last 12 games. Beginning May 12, Belisario has a 0.95 ERA (3 ER/28.1 IP) in his last 25 appearances. The right-hander leads the Dodgers with 41 appearances.

ETC...ETC

• The Dodgers are now 17-8 in one-run games, which is the most wins and the best winning percentage in the Major Leagues in one-run contests. At Dodger Stadium, they are 14-2 in one-run contests.

• The Dodgers played their final game of the first half at home and became the first team in Major League Baseball to win 50 games, which includes a big-league best 28-13 home record. The club is on pace to win more than 100 games for the first time since winning 102 in 1974.

• Now for the bad news. Since scoring eight runs on Friday night, Los Angeles has plated just eight runs and collected just 27 hits over their last five games, averages of 1.6 runs and 5.4 hits.

GAME BALL GOES TO

• Rafael Furcal

ON DECK

• The Dodgers welcome back Manny Ramirez in San Diego Friday after he completed a 50-game suspension. RHP Hiroki Kuroda (2-4, 3.77) takes the mound against RHP Chad Gaudin (4-6, 4.97) to begin the three-game series.

Wow, Manny can't get back soon enough, as the Dodgers' bats have suddenly fallen silent. Furcal's game-winning RBI snapped a 17-inning scoreless streak, and going back to Monday the Dodgers had scored just one run over their previous 24 innings. The good news is, thanks to the pitching, defense, and late-game execution they won two of the three games against the Rockies. Nevertheless, Manny's bat will be a welcome sight come Friday, and for the rest of the season.

On the morning of the last game without Manny Ramirez and 48 hours in front of the slugger's return from a 50-game drug suspension, Joe Torre held court with the media inside the Dodger dugout before today's game against Colorado.

The topic, as to be expected, was Manny rejoining the team in San Diego Friday.

Nothing groundbreaking was covered, with Torre fielding questions he's already answered multiple times this week.

What do you expect from Manny?

Do you understand how some fans will never completely embrace him again?

Torre answered each question thoughtfully, honestly and earnestly.

He never got frustrated, even though he answered many of the same exact questions last night, and the night before that and the day before that.

He never got flustered or angry, even though some of the queries were uncomfortable, and potentially controversial.

He simply provided thoughtful answers, as honestly as he could.

I stood there thinking the Dodgers couldn't possibly have a better manager in place to handle the circus that's about to hit San Diego this weekend, the one that will follow them to stops in New York and Milwaukee just before the All-Star break.

Torre's seen all this before during his 12 hectic years with the New York Yankees. Maybe not the same precise controversy - although Jason Giambi's brush with steroids unfolded under Torre's watch - but when you've spent so much time dealing with the overbearing George Steinbrenner and soap opera that is Alex Rodriguez and the daily grind of managing in New York, everything else palls in comparison.

Even the return of Manny Ramirez from a 50-game suspension.

Bottom line for Joe, what's going to happen is going to happen. There is no sense worrying about it or dwelling on it.

It would be a mistake not acknowledge what's about to take place, but an even bigger error to bring more attention to it than will naturally happen.

Manny will come back, it will take some time for him to whip into baseball shape. But he'll eventually get back into the swing of things and the team will be better off for it.

Manny will get an earful from opposing fans "He always has," Torre said. "Only now they'll have even more ammunition, so to speak."

He'll be wildly embraced by Dodger fans that will quickly, if not immediately, shove aside whatever wrong he did as if it never happened - just as hometown fans always do when their local heroes go astray.

Yes, a fraction of fans and media will never completely accept Manny again because they feel he cheated the game.

"I respect their feelings, I understand them," said Torre, who agrees that steroids literally make players stronger, and therefore give the users an unfair advantage over the non users.

In other words, they cheated.

But he's quick to point out he's yet to meet the person who hasn't done something they've regretted in life, and he wonders if one mistake should ruin a life, or career.

You don't have to agree with everything Torre says about Manny, but you get the sense when listening to him he'd say the same exact thing if an opposing player got caught up in the same controversy.

He's honest, practical.

That's to be respected, and it makes him the best manager to handle what's about to unfold over the next few weeks, if not remainder of the season.

Today's lineups:

ROCKIES

Dexter Fowler CF
Clint Barmes 2B
Brad Hawpe RF
Garrett Atkins 1B
Troy Tulowitzki SS
Ryan Spilborghs LF
Ian Stewart 3B
Paul Phillips C
Jason Hammel P

DODGERS

Juan Pierre LF
Matt Kemp CF
Orlando Hudson 2B
Andre Ethier RF
Mark Loretta 3B
James Loney 1B
Brad Ausmus C
Juan Castro SS
Clayton Kershaw P