Pierre plays, Kemp sits
Could have something to do with Kemp's .133 average. Torre said before the game yesterday that Matt was a little too excited at the plate. A day off should serve him well, and will give Pierre a chance to get some at-bats, but I doubt this is more than a one-day thing. ... Martin is playing a day game after a night game, but Torre said before the game yesterday that he didn't want to sit Russ while he is struggling at the plate, and maybe now he wants to give Russ a chance to ride the momentum of that first hit of the season last night, especially since it was such a key hit in such a clutch situation. ... The 51s got knocked around again last night, but John Lindsey just keeps hitting. He went 4 for 5. Arkansas' own Terry Tiffee went 3 for 5 with two doubles. ... At Double-A J-ville, Clayton Kershaw actually took a loss in his first start of the year, giving up two runs (one earned) on two hits and two walks in three innings. The Suns lost 5-1 to West Tennessee. ... There is an African-American ladies' choir rehearsing today's national anthem right now, and they are incredible, best rendition I have heard this year and maybe in several years. Fox probably won't show it on the broadcast, but these girls are definitely ready for prime time.
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
Brilliant logic. Don't sit Martin, because he's struggling. Bench Kemp, because he's struggling.
More of the same. Ridiculous.
Posted by: gpellamjr
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April 5, 2008 10:42 AM
As an ardent Kemp supporter, and Pierre critic, I can fully understand Torre's logic. It's clear from watching Kemp that he's overanxious at the plate, swinging too hard, and trying to pull too many outside pitches. If memory serves me correct, Kemp began the season by lining a hit to center. He needs to do more of that, and then the hits will come, to all fields. Also, given that he's struggling, it's probably best to keep him away from Jake Peavy today. And giving Kemp a little time to refect, and maybe do some work with Mike Easler might also be beneficial. And who knows, maybe a determined and pumped Pierre can have a big day against Peavy. I may not be a Pierre supporter, but I do recognize that he does have some strong points, such as the ability to make contact (important against Peavy), and of course, speed (yes, I know that Kemp has that in abundance too).
As for Martin, not only did he get the clutch hit last night, but also lined out in a previous at bat. It seems that he is getting on track, and it's probably best to reinforce that by having him in today's lineup.
Posted by: Brooklyn Dodger | April 5, 2008 11:20 AM
I don't understand the logic of Pierre batting in front of a slugger like Jones. I doubt if Jones would ever see anything good to hit with the pitcher more anxious to get to the non power hitting JP, than getting Jones out. I wish Torre would copy LaRussa's batting the pitcher 8th and Pierre ninth, whenever he is in the lineup. OR let Pierre lead off, where he can help us more.
Posted by: Joe Pierre | April 5, 2008 4:52 PM