Diamondbacks 9, Dodgers 3
Ugly loss for the boys, who went 1 for 7 w/RISP and now are hitting .232 w/RISP for the season. Andruw Jones went 0 for 4, all four of those outs coming with runners on base, and now is hitting .115 (3 for 26) for the season. Esteban Loaiza put the boys in an early hole with a four-run first inning that started with a leadoff walk, and Torre was non-committal when asked after the game if he'll continue to use Loaiza in the fifth spot. But Loaiza settled in from there, and after the Dodgers clawed back to 4-3 and got Dan Haren out of the game after six innings, the Dodgers bullpen let down, with Chan Ho Park and Scott Proctor combining to give up three late HRs. Dodgers fall to 3-2 and into third place, a game behind the Snakes and a half-game behind the Pods. ... A week after designating him for assignment, the Dodgers traded minor-league reliever Eric Hull to Boston tonight for a player whose name I am not at liberty to disclose because he hasn't been told yet. But believe me, it's nobody you're going to care about. He is an infielder and an undrafted free agent who is now in his sixth season of pro ball and still playing in the Single-A California League, where he batted .238 last season for YOUR Lancaster JetHawks. Can you say ROSTER FILLER? Without talking to Ned, my guess is this deal was all about giving Hull, who spent some time in the bigs last year, a better chance somewhere else.
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
Christian Lara
Posted by: Andrew Jones' Clutch Hitting | April 7, 2008 10:31 PM
Did you know, or did you just guess?
Posted by: tony jackson | April 7, 2008 10:34 PM
Once you said .238 last year for Lancaster, all it takes is a look at baseball-reference.com (minor league section).
Posted by: silverwidow | April 7, 2008 10:36 PM
Just a wild guess, how did I do? Great job as always Tony.
Posted by: Juan Pierre' Weak Fly To Left | April 7, 2008 10:37 PM
Scouting Report: Outstanding glove at shortstop. Excellent speed and good ability to get on base. Switch hitter with extremely quick hands. Average to above average plate discipline. No power, doesn't get the bat on the ball enough.
Posted by: Matt Kemp's Bench Buddy | April 7, 2008 10:39 PM
i think you mean that the dodgers are 4-3, might want to correct that
Posted by: pierre juan | April 7, 2008 11:51 PM
I thought we got rid of Brett Tomko? Oh wait, he just changed his name to Esteban Loaiza. Next stop: long relief mop-up duty/spot starter. Ugh!
Posted by: AlyssasTankTop
|
April 8, 2008 6:05 AM
Given that he settled down, I'm guessing that Loaiza will be given at least another start or two. If he doesn't get straightened out, then the decision to replace him will likely be determined by how ready they deem someone on the farm (Kershaw, McDonald, etc.) is ready to replace him. Could also be that Park will be given a start or two, despite not being very impressive in his brief appearance last night (although his velocity was OK).
If he's not effective soon, I doubt that the Dodgers would hesitate to eat the remainder of Loaiza's contract. If memory serves me correct, Loaiza didn't last the full season the last time he pitched for Torre in NY.
Posted by: Brooklyn Dodger | April 8, 2008 7:26 AM
WHY THE HECK ISN'T KEMP PLAYING?
Torre is so wrong here. Kemp needs to battle through it.
$150 million in Schmidt, Pierre and Andruw....Colleti needs to be shown the door.
Posted by: scmike | April 8, 2008 9:18 AM
Tony,
Am I on the field taking extra BP, or am I enjoying the pre game spread in the clubhouse?
Posted by: Anduw Jones | April 8, 2008 12:48 PM
It will be good to watch Kemp take a few wacks tonight against the lefty Doug Davis. I hope he calms down a little at the plate and just waits for his pitch.
I wouldn't be suprised if Torre benches Andruw instead of Pierre.
I would be suprised if he benches Ethier.
Posted by: Joe Pierre | April 8, 2008 2:34 PM
$47MM + $44MM + $36.2MM = $150 million? Must be new math.
Jones is making $18 million so he won't be benched and besides, defense doesn't slump and we need his bat to come alive.
Guessing Pierre being 1-for-the season will help Kemp going forward, but I'd like to see a multi-hit game tonight.
Posted by: Dave R. | April 8, 2008 3:09 PM