If I had a sledgehammer …

Posted on April 24, 2012 by Jon Weisman

I’m trying not to be the person that worries about guys getting hurt when doing good. So moving past that, I think this Habitat for Humanity effort by the Dodgers today is great — and appealingly photogenic.

Roberto Baly of Vin Scully Is My Homeboy and Jon SooHoo of the Dodgers Photog Blog have highlights. Here’s a sampling, featuring Josh and Aurielle Lindblom, Clayton and Ellen Kershaw and Matt Kemp.

Braves at Dodgers, 7:10 p.m.
Dee Gordon, SS
Mark Ellis, 2B
Matt Kemp, CF
Juan Rivera, 1B
Andre Ethier, RF
Jerry Hairston Jr., LF
Juan Uribe, 3B
A.J. Ellis, C
Aaron Harang, P

Anonymous

Matty has been doing the same to NL pitchers.
Anonymous

I was at the Habitat event as well (Roberto, were you there? I didn’t see you.) I’m the guy in the yellow shirt in the photos on VSIMHB, and in the photos on my site, Dodgersdiaries.com.

A highlight of the day was when one of our Habitat staff asked Kemp if was worried that the construction work, especially the sledgehammer, would affect his swing. His answer:

“Don’t worry, I work out.”

http://twitter.com/rbaly79 Roberto Baly

Yes I was there. I was going to ask you if you leave comments here or in True Blue L.A. I’ve seen your face before. Now I know it’s you. Great event!

Anonymous

I usually leave comments on Jon’s site. I can’t keep up with True Blue.

Anonymous

Don’t understand why Rivera is batting this high in the lineup especially when Ethier has been doing fine against lefties

Anonymous

Funny how that worked out…

Anonymous

OT. SSS, but hard to believe that they would be “phasing out” Elbert. He has had a couple of rough outings, not helped by his walks nor by a .462 BAbip, but he is striking guys out at a 10/9 rate.
Anonymous

Giving back to the community is always good. Glad to see these guys out there. I would prefer the off season though.

Anonymous

They stayed far away from the roof we were tearing off, and didn’t put themselves in a situation where they could have been hurt. I was looking out for their safety as much as they were, to be quite honest. Our safety record at Habitat is excellent. 21 years and no Tommy John surgeries required. LOL
Anonymous

dale, I noticed you posted that you can’t get the dodgers on the radio. Have you checked all their radio affiliates? Last season they had 15 in english in CA alone.

Anonymous

yeah. Vegas is shut out. Ironic that for over 20 years, they were on one of the most powerful stations in the west. If I can’t get it on TV, I rely on Yahoo and Dodger Thoughts. One guess which is quicker and more accurate.

http://www.twitter.com/ElJefedor Jeffrey Thomas III

Of course Kemp wore some Jordans to do some home demolishing.
Anonymous

Rice pitched on Sunday and Monday, 28 pitches on Sunday only 8 yesterday. Also, he gave up at least 1 run in his 3 appearances before last night. I would think they didn’t want him to pitch 3 consecutive days.
Anonymous

Wow, she sure is purdy!
Anonymous

Mrs. Lindblom is quite attractive

Anonymous

Funny how wealthy athletes’ wives usually share that feature.

Anonymous

Lindblom ain’t wealthy yet, but she’s indeed an attractive woman in person. So’s Clayton’s wife.

Anonymous

He was a 2nd round pick. Guessing the signing bonus was none too shabby. This year salary $483k.

Anonymous

Hey, tonight’s game is the free game of the day on MLB.TV!

Anonymous

And its a home game, so we get Vin the whole time!

http://www.linkmeister.com/wordpress/ Linkmeister

Curse you, Prime Ticket. The Clippers are already in the playoffs, so why are you showing their game instead of the Dodgers?

That said, I’ll check to see if MLB is showing it to me out here and report back.

Anonymous

It’s a KCAL game in L.A.

http://www.linkmeister.com/wordpress/ Linkmeister

Grrrh. And so far MLB on cable is showing me the end of the Yankees-Rangers, as I said. I’ll have to wait and see if it automatically goes over to the Dodgers game.

KT

just found the braves feed is blacked out to me in SD…wow…Hopefully MLB free tv works since I don’t have an account this year…so far so good

KT

just found out it’s on 749-1 mlb extra innings channel with the braves anouncers just in case

KT

Good defensive alignment to save a run there…come on guys start it off
KT

They are using the same video feed for both KCAL and the braves feed…the mlb computer feed is about 2-3 seconds ahead
KT

Juan gone!!!!
Anonymous

Way to go!!

KT

welcome john

Anonymous

Anyone else tuning in and seeing 2-0 would assume a Kemp 1st innings HR with Dee or Mark on base

http://www.twitter.com/ElJefedor Jeffrey Thomas III

I need to complain about Rivera’s lack of power more often. It’s about time Juan!
Anonymous

Who else can we complain on DT about their lack of production , first Uribe follows with a 4-4, now Rivera with his HR
KT

MWP of the LA Lakers received a 7 game suspension…I guess they don’t want LA to make it out of the 2nd round

http://www.twitter.com/ElJefedor Jeffrey Thomas III

Ron Ron is to blame, nobody else. Such a terrible, classless act. Don’t worry, LA’s other team will do just fine

KT

never been a clippers fan…never will be…and they won’t make it to the championship either

The only reason my brother is a clippers fan is because my dad had season tickets (because he couldn’t get good enough laker tickets) so he could see the other teams that came into town…my brother was so young he didn’t understand he wasn’t there to root for the clippers
http://underdog.typepad.com/ underdog

Yeah, I can’t blame the NBA for that one, that’s what he deserved. Even if he didn’t mean it maliciously, it was still violent and stupid.

Anonymous

He absolutely meant to do it.

Anonymous

Per Anthony Jackson: Rivera’s HR was first to reach the Loge level since Adam Dunn in 2010. First Dodger since Kemp in ’07.
Anonymous

If I was to go on memory alone, I would say Hairston was batting at least .750
KT

That high inside pitch to the bunters really works…they use the bat to stop the ball…that’s how we got our triple play
KT

now the feeds are finally different and they are almost in snyc now
http://www.linkmeister.com/wordpress/ Linkmeister

Why on earth is an island 2500 miles away blacked out, even on the web? Rats.

KT

Link…I don’t have a current mlb account and I’m considered in the Dodger area even though I live in San Diego and I still get the free game on mlbtv…did you try? or are they only trying to blackout your household ^_^

KT

Nice play Juan…saved a run most likely
http://underdog.typepad.com/ underdog

Rivera’s having a nice game — now picking it with the glove, too. Maybe Donnie’s platoon at 1st (even though we’re not supposed to use the p word) is a good idea after all.

Btw, I’m sure Martin Prado appreciates Vin relating the childhood nose-picking story.
KT

Big shift for McCann
http://www.twitter.com/ElJefedor Jeffrey Thomas III

I love Vin as much as anybody but I’m not sure I can hear him tell us that Uggla means owl one more time and retain my sanity.
KT

Nice hit matty…way to start it off
KT

matty doubled off by maybe 2 inches

Anonymous

I am amazed that Uggla caught that.

KT

yea it was a good play…that’s why Matty was so close to second on that play

Anonymous

Not much of a choice for him on that one.

KT

I agree

Anonymous

My only real complaint of Mattingly is that he doesn’t get out of the dugout and argue the calls he should. He should take a jog out to first on that last call.

KT

he was out…definitely out by my dvr

Anonymous

OK, but still.. When your player seems adamant about a call you might want to have his back once in a while. I remember having similar thoughts last year of Donnie.

KT

the way I look at it is if you come out all the time they being the umps say oh here he comes again…but if you seldom come out then they take you seriously

Anonymous

I don’t think they ever take you seriously…

http://underdog.typepad.com/ underdog

Well, happy birthday Chipper Jones. I’ve always liked him, and he grew up a Dodger fan… and that still made me unhappy.

Anonymous

Chipper can have that one, feliz cumpleanos, but we need to get it back.

KT

my 21 month old son hears the clapping and claps for chippers’ HR…I raise my voice a little saying NO and he stops clapping for 2 seconds the hears the croud and starts clapping again…He still has a lot to learn but he’s trying
KT

looked like Harang had a shot at third on that bunt attempt
KT

Come on Aaron
KT

Well there goes Rivera’s early offense exploits that helped us today…at least his defensive exploits have us still tied
KT

Not this time Uggla

Anonymous

His enthusiasm may have deterred Bourne for going all out for it (but I don’t have a dvr).

KT

rewound…that would be a definite yes

Anonymous

Yeah, Bourne’s body language suggested such (at least in his own mind).

KT

Except for the NY and Philly fans Vinny

Good play Dee
KT

Harang walking the tightrope and doesn’t get away with it

KT

willd pitch does him in…that ground ball base hit to ellis would have been an easy out at 2nd

KT

Come on Dee

KT

Yes…make it a double Dee

KT

Nice Mark

Come on Matty
KT

We will take it
KT

No turn
Anonymous

Now Donnie comes out, when Kemp is trotting back to the dugout.
Anonymous

Uh oh, has the old Matt Kemp, Baserunner, returned? That’s 3 outs on the basepaths in 2 nights.

Anonymous

Well, with a lot of practice, he does seem to have the homerun trot down pat.

KT

^_^

http://pulse.yahoo.com/_U3DPMRWHEJOLO4JUFORAC5VFLI Josh

Kemp can certainly be an airhead at times. Why he would even think about taking a step toward second at that point is beyond me.

KT

me too

http://www.facebook.com/ryan.hindinger Ryan Hindinger

Not sure how taking one step 25ft outside of the lane constitutes a commitment, but I guess the rulebook must be pretty clear. Heh.

KT

no he made an attempt about 15 ft pass the bag…it was a definite step

Anonymous

Still.. I think that rule should allow for some umpire interpretation.

KT

Did you see the replay…if you did you could see the intent..then the oh S*** stop

Anonymous

Yep doesn’t matter how far past the bag if you make a move to 2nd, you’re live and able to be tagged out.

KT

At least we are tied again
Anonymous

Based on where that ball was hit, I was thinking it must have been a homer. Force out still scored Gordon!
KT

throw strikes Elbert

KT

Nice inning Scott

KT

Kenley sighting

Come on Juan
KT

Nice job AJ
http://www.facebook.com/ryan.hindinger Ryan Hindinger

Attendance in the ravine looks high tonight.

Anonymous

Yep 44k. That’s a whole bunch for the middle of the week, no?

Anonymous

Natural Balance Pet Foods fleece blanket giveaway. That commercial with Guerra wearing it and doing that odd tribal clapping/praying thing really did the job.

http://www.facebook.com/ryan.hindinger Ryan Hindinger

44,014 I believe Vin said.

http://www.facebook.com/ryan.hindinger Ryan Hindinger

Definitely not bad for a Tuesday night.

Anonymous

I’m gonna go ahead and say this PRE- Kennedy AB. Time to cut ties. Now prove me wrong, Adam.
KT

I don’t know why I was expecting anything different from Adam Kenedy…too tough to come off the bench to pinch hit when you haven’t been hitting at all

Anonymous

Adam Kennedy hasn’t hit in 3 years.

KT

If they’re not a Dodger….I really don’t follow

KT

For a second there I thought Ethier was going to have to jump for the ball by the way he set up
KT

Braves replay showed he went but doesn’t matter now except for the extra pitch
Anonymous

Heyward K, come on Kenley!

Anonymous

Thank you.

KT

you asked for it…you got it…Love it

Anonymous

I’m asking for a Loney HR next….might as well go big!

Anonymous

Nope.

KT

Come on Dee
KT

Brave telecast showed dee’s foot in Harangs size 15 shoe…looked like my son trying to wear my shoes
KT

Do you walk him?

KT

they did but not intentionally

KT

throw it away pitcher

KT

Almost

Anonymous

Let’s go, WGJ!
KT

Come on DP

Anonymous

K will work.

KT

oh yes

KT

Nice Javy…1 more
KT

Kemp played that ball poorly
Anonymous

That’s not very Gold Glovish..
Anonymous

Matt’s gotta shake this jumping act, that in the last few series alone, has interfered with his ability to make running catches that I think he would expect himself to make. That looks like the case on that one.

http://pulse.yahoo.com/_U3DPMRWHEJOLO4JUFORAC5VFLI Josh

Yeah, that ball should have been caught. Hate to pile on the MVP tonight, but he is kind of in la-la land tonight.

http://profile.yahoo.com/DQKCUJVYNHPWJGM36UUHRXUPP4 Gilbert

He didnt need to jump… way to pretty much cost us the game…. oh btw javy, your fast ball isnt the greatest in the world have some respect for your opponent…. 2 strikes on Pastornicky and Prado and only throwing your fastball… mix it up.
KT

Come on Dre
Anonymous

Vin: Ethier at bat in the bottom of the 9th, down by a run, is not the time for a human interest story on the pitcher.
http://profile.yahoo.com/DQKCUJVYNHPWJGM36UUHRXUPP4 Gilbert

thats game…. f-ing annoying that they lose like that in that manner

KT

My game is still on…what one are you talking about…Is it over?

Oh I get it now you just gave up

KT

Nice Jerry
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=713935344 Jason Ungar

come on Uribe, if you swing extra hard u can win this thing
Jibin Park

Green light, AJ. Two-run walk-off bomb!

Jibin Park

Or walk.

KT

Come on Tony…Have a good eye
KT

Night all
Anonymous

We wanted it less than they did tonight.

Anonymous

What!? I wanted it.

http://profile.yahoo.com/DQKCUJVYNHPWJGM36UUHRXUPP4 Gilbert

Kemp lost it for us…He’ll win more games for us then lose but its just the reality…
http://pulse.yahoo.com/_AGJN4PYDJLDR3O2PSOU3PSVJ6Q Michael

Guerra allowing the lead off hitter on hurt. Couldn’t agree more that he shoulda changed up his pitches instead of high fastball after high fastball. It was only a matter of time before the damage was going to be done. And Kemp’s error….unbelievable. Won’t happen often, but definitely cost us the game tonight.

http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=713935344 Jason Ungar

whenever we let a leadoff hitter on in the 9th I just assume we will loose

Anonymous

Maybe the ceiling in the photo actually came down on Matt’s head, causing a temporary loss of abilities :)
Anonymous

Interesting criticism of Kemp’s defense last night on a play which, IMO, was much more difficult than his flubbed throw to home last week.
http://www.facebook.com/people/Peter-Zales/100001766283823 Peter Zales

I think this has been at least three games that Kemp has made bonehead mistakes on the bases. Torre and Bowa must be shaking their heads and rolling their eyes. Regarding his defense, we all know that Kemp is not a natural born CF and therefore a true Golden Glove outfielder. He is probably a better RF with his arm. He doesn’t get a natural jump on the ball and is more athlete than ball player, but, hey, let’s nick pick about the best player in baseball right?!?

Anonymous

I love the position of CF. It is such a difficult position. Applause to those who make it look easy. And overall I think Kemp is one of the best in the game.

Anonymous

I thought Matty made a great attempt. But it looked like he hesitated for a split second when the bat made contact and that was enough. I’d like to think Pete Reiser makes that catch. But if Matty tries to emulate ol Pete that will bring all sorts of “headaches “.
http://www.dodgerthoughts.com/ Jon Weisman

I think the Kemp catch looks like one that should be made – except I don’t think most of us can imagine what it’s like to have the wall right there. I think it takes a special fielder not to let that affect you.

It was disappointing that he didn’t catch it, but there’s a reason it’s not ruled an error. The biggest disappointment for me was watching that .170-hitting shortstop reach base four times.

Anonymous

“Pastornicky!!!!!!”
Anonymous

That really bugged me too, starting with his first AB. I know bona fide major leaguers are always dangerous at the plate, but three hits and a walk are a week’s worth for him.
Anonymous

I wonder if the Braves felt the same way about Uribe after Monday night’s game?

Anonymous

Any information released on the severity of Juan Rivera’s injury? All I’ve seen is Mattingly saying he doesn’t excpect him to play on Wednesday.

http://www.dodgerthoughts.com/ Jon Weisman

There was going to be no update until at least after Rivera arrived at the ballpark today.

http://pulse.yahoo.com/_7PNAFNXM7T73BGEJ4GML6UCTC4 scottF

Juan Rivera just when you showed power?
LF 3b & 1b needs a serious upgrade.
Ned move: Garrett Jones
Reason I say this is Ned never gets a real hitter. Don’t tell me Manny. Mccourt wanted Manny.

http://www.dodgerthoughts.com/ Jon Weisman

Manny. (Sorry – I couldn’t resist.)

Anonymous

I blame Habitat for the loss. If Kemp hadn’t been swinging the sledgehammer so hard yesterday morning, he woulda had more energy to track down that ball.
Anonymous

Could be the SVS callup we’ve been waiting for?
Anonymous

The Pirates split a doubleheader with the Rockies. They lost the first game 2-1 and won the second 5-1. That means the Pirates have gone 18 straight games to start the season without scoring more than 5 runs or giving up more than 5 runs.

From what the Pirates announcers said, that broke the mark set by the 1943 Tigers.
http://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/DET/1943-schedule-scores.shtml
In Game 18 for the Tigers that season, they lost 7-6 to the A’s.

In that game, A’s starting pitcher Lum Harris went all 12 innings and scattered 16 hits. There was a war going on! Relief pitchers were needed on the front!
http://www.dodgerthoughts.com/ Jon Weisman

NPUT