Dodgers 9, Red Sox 6
The boys exploded for seven runs in the ninth, all of them scoring on a three-run, pinch-hit homer by Lucas May to tie the game and a grand slam by Jason Repko to break it open, Repko is now 4 for 11 for the spring. Red Sox left the bases loaded in the ninth, which ended on a sliding catch in LF by George Lombard. Derek Lowe started and struggled, giving up five runs on six hits in two-plus innings. Torre later said Lowe wasn't locating well and speculated it might have something to do with emotion Lowe felt by pitching against the Red Sox and in front of Red Sox fans. Eric Stults, who is likely to start the season at Triple-A Las Vegas but might be the first in line if the Dodgers need a starting pitcher, pitched two perfect innings, striking out one. Ramon Martinez was on base five times, walking twice, singling twice and reaching on an error. Dodgers win this game for the fourth year in a row and go to 3-5-1 for the spring.
Tony Jackson has covered the Dodgers for the Daily News since 2004 and has covered Major League Baseball on a regular basis since 1995. He previously covered the Colorado Rockies and Cincinnati Reds. He is a native of Springdale, Ark., and a graduate of the University of Arkansas.
Comments
It may just be that I'm a stat guy and so I view players as being automatons, but I'd hope our #2 pitcher has a _little_ more emotional fortitude than imploding in a Spring Training game in front of Floridian Red Sox fans.
garciapierra.blogspot.com
Posted by: Garciapierra | March 6, 2008 2:16 PM
On a lighter note, it was very nice to see Repko come up big. Where does he fit into the 25-man roster? Is there room for him in their *ahem* crowded outfield? I'd really like to see him get a shot.
Posted by: Garciapierra | March 6, 2008 2:19 PM
ditto Garciapierra. spring training and the guy can't hold it together? did anyone laugh when Torre said that?
yeah for juan pierre!
Posted by: chris | March 6, 2008 3:12 PM
Join the campaign to get Joe Beimel his own bobblehead giveaway night at Dodger Stadium!
Vote now! Vote often for Joe Beimel!
http://www.dodgerblues.com/fanforum/nfphpbb/viewtopic.php?t=12658
Posted by: Joe Dodger | March 6, 2008 4:46 PM
Vote for the Beimel Bobblehead!
Stuff the box people!
Posted by: Joe Beimel's Mullet | March 6, 2008 5:17 PM
I'm tired of reading that Matt Kemp and Andre Ethier will "share time." So there are going to be days when Kemp's power is on the bench IN FAVOR OF JUAN PIERRE?!?!?
Posted by: Marcel | March 6, 2008 10:56 PM
In case you don't know what Marcel is referencing, Tony's newest newspaper article contains this paragraph (emphasis mine):
"The mountain Repko must climb to make the club is this: THE DODGERS ARE PLANNING to use four outfielders on a regular basis, with Juan Pierre in left, Andruw Jones in center and Andre Ethier and Matt Kemp sharing time in right."
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Tony - and I ask this because I want to know which Dodger official to harangue, not to bash you - is there a source for this plan, or is this your personal conjecture?
Posted by: El Lay Dave
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March 6, 2008 11:44 PM
Also this:
"While Torre conceded there would be no way to replace Kent's power in the middle of the lineup, he wasn't ready to concede that likely backups Young and Tony Abreu are banjo hitters with no pop."
While Young is no monster HR hitter, do you recall how far up the bleachers Young planted Zito's hanging curve? Literally halfway up. (You can still see the highlight at dodgers.com top plays archive for 9/30.) That's not "no pop". You know who is the best example of a "banjo hitter with no pop."
Posted by: El Lay Dave
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March 6, 2008 11:47 PM