Angels at Dodgers, 7:10 p.m.
Dee Gordon, SS
A.J. Ellis, C
Andre Ethier, RF
Juan Rivera, 1B
Bobby Abreu, LF
Adam Kennedy, 2B
Juan Uribe, 3B
Tony Gwynn Jr., CF
Aaron Harang, P
Switch-hitting trade-of-all-jackers Elian Herrera will see a streak of 10 consecutive starts end tonight, a streak in which he had a .366 on-base percentage. That actually constitutes a slump for the unexpected spark plug, who has a .394 on-base percentage through 105 plate appearances in his first taste of the big leagues.
Herrera has odd splits in his short career so far. Against righties, he has a .406 OBP and .302 slugging, while against lefties he goes .351/.457, with five doubles in 35 at-bats. In any case, a lineup that begins with Herrera, A.J. Ellis and Andre Ethier against Angels righty Jerome Williams doesn’t sound half-bad.
Instead, Herrera, who has started at center field, second base and third base, is riding the Dodger bench in favor of Tony Gwynn Jr., Adam Kennedy and Juan Uribe. Gwynn is a left-handed swinger who plays great defense, while Uribe is due for a start, having gone exactly one month since his last one.
Then there’s Kennedy, who will be making his fifth start of June. The difference between Kennedy and Herrera is probably less than people believe, but still, Kennedy’s name on the lineup card seems untimely. However, for the Adam Kennedy Marching & Chowder Society, there’s this: He went 4 for 9 last week.
One stat in which the two are closely matched is pitches per plate appearance. Herrera has seen 4.1 P/PA, Kennedy 4.0.
Jon Weisman
Dodgers announcer Vin Scully calls in to surprise and congratulate his good friend Bob Miller. es.pn/MJow2o
Linkmeister
I’ll bet this is the photo Vin and Bob are talking about:
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/multimedia/photo_gallery/1008/vin.scully.rare.photos/content.8.html
Anonymous
Weren’t they in studio for a prime ticket show? It was Vinny, Chick, and Bob Miller. Nice touch. I didn’t know they were friends.
Jim Hitchcock
The call in unexpectedly brought tears to my eyes.
Anonymous
Hairston is missing as well, which might be an even better choice to start than Kennedy or Herrera, although he might be due for some rest. That we’d be clamoring for him to start would not have been expected at the beginning of the season either.
Anonymous
If the Dodgers are thinking about trading or releasing Rivera, Uribe, Abreau and Kennedy and just want to take a few last looks at them, then I guess this lineup has merit. Otherwise, the lineup is a bore.
Christopher Staaf
I really hope Rivera and Kennedy find their ways onto the DL or be designated for assignment by the All Star break. Both of them give me the feeling of another former Angel turned over the hill Dodger, Garret Anderson. Just like Anderson, the Dodgers need to cut their ties with Rivera and Kennedy before it’s too late. I would much rather see Castellanos and Van Slyke back in the big leagues instead of those two old guys who can’t do much.
Anonymous
I don’t think that’s a fair comparison. Rivera and Kennedy are OPSing 112 and 155 points higher than GA did.
Anonymous
good post esp after the game
Anonymous
The Stanley Cup will be at Dodger Stadium tomorrow. That’s likely a first.
Interestingly, the Angels will also be involved with the pregame ceremonies. Apparently, the Angels do not play in the same city as the Ducks.
Anonymous
The Angel righty also keeps Loney out of the lineup.
Old Bear
Loney should be in the lineup today against Williams, a righty. Also, I see where Rivera, hitting .235, is batting cleanup. I wonder how often the Dodgers have had someone with that low of a batting average bat fourth this late in the season.
Christopher Staaf
I guess defense doesn’t matter today.
Anonymous
Gwynn and Uribe are better fielders than some of their counterparts. And you can always bring in defensive replacements if you’re ahead late in the game.
Christopher Staaf
You make a valid point, except one thing: Rivera hasn’t exactly been a world beater at the plate this season. I would rather see Loney’s bat instead of Rivera’s.
bcmaiden
Donnie is baffling. Tomorrow is a LH in which he could sit James and start Rivera. Again, this makes no sense to me. Rivera has like 3 or 4 hits since coming off the DL and has been awful vs RH. Gwynn looks like he could use a day off, another reason to play Elian. Kennedy over Elian or Hairston is ridiculous.
Anonymous
Nothing is more baffling than pitching to Pujols last night.
Anonymous
>> I see where Rivera, hitting .235, is batting cleanup. I wonder how often the Dodgers have had someone with that low of a batting average bat fourth this late in the season.
Van Slyke batted cleanup on May 21 and 23, when his BA was .214 and .167, respectively.
Old Bear
With very few at bats, however. What was that? — 3-for-14 and 3-for-18, I would guess.
Anonymous
>> The difference between Kennedy and Herrera is probably less than people believe
Herrera in June (39 AB): .282 .391 .385 .776
Kennedy in June (16 AB): .313 .389 .375 .764
Small data, but it doesn’t get much closer than that!
KT
well hopefully the game on MLB will end soon and they have the Dodger’s feed…watching Angels feed right now
Old Bear
Rivera vs. righties in 2012 — batting .208
Loney vs. righties in 2012 — batting .264
Rivera since his return from the DL — 4-for-21, no extra-base hits, 2 RBIs, 9 K’s, 1 walk
Oh, and then there is the matter of defense by each of them.
KT
I hate MLB network…showing commercials and other scores instead of going to this game
KT
MLB has dodgers feed..love it hopefully not too many in game breaks
KT
good defensive positioning or that’s a run
Anonymous
I was thinking the same. Gordon placed perfectly.
KT
Good hit Dee
KT
Dee never sees the ball get away until too late to advance another base
Jon Weisman
Even if he had seen that one right away, he couldn’t have advanced.
KT
true but that doesn’t take away the fact that of all the games I watched He’s only advanced on 1 ball that got away on a stolen base attempt…He needs someone to teach him how to pay attention on the basepaths just like Loften said on his “steal” of 3rd yesterday when Bobby hit the ball that struck him
He still has the little league mentality of looking only at the base ( so you won’t slow down) when you are trying to steal
KT
alberts playing 3rd….didn’t notice until that shot with Dee
Anonymous
Williams is a true mediocrity who should give up four or five even to a lineup with Kennedy and Uribe in it.
Christopher Staaf
I dunno; the Dodger offense has the ability to make any pitcher look like Bob Gibson. Kennedy, Rivera, and Uribe will do their part as always.
Anonymous
So true, when anyone outside of ethier drives in a run I’m surprised, and now he’s in a slump too lol
Anonymous
He had 8 quality starts out of 10 total when you posted the above.
Christopher Staaf
Wow, why is Rivera hitting cleanup again??
Anonymous
From the Ethier topic:
>> a contract extension that would keep him in Dodger white and blue
Don’t forget that the Dodgers play half their games wearing GRAY and blue. That’s how those of us in other cities are accustomed to seeing them.
Jon Weisman
If we must be literal, the caps have white and blue 162 games a year.
Anonymous
Dee on second with no outs, and he gets LOB, awesome
KT
Nice pitch Aaron
bcmaiden
Unbelievable. Love how we are wasting all of Dee’s hits for the middle of the order.
KT
too quick
Anonymous
Well, that’s the Uribe we’ve been waiting for.
Anonymous
Lol the pitcher gets a double and we just groundout
KT
good throw bobby…Come on Aaron
KT
Nice boot Adam
Anonymous
An utterly routine play. Tell me why Herrera and Hairston are not in the lineup.
Anonymous
Presumably, because Uribe is the starting 3rd baseman and Hairston needed a rest in Mattingly’s opinion; it is a long season and Mattingly has stated he thinks rest is essential
KT
will that run be too much to overcome
Christopher Staaf
I like to think it can be overcome but the way Dre’s been going, I am not so sure.
Anonymous
We answer that by going down 123 in the bottom of the inning. Painful
Christopher Staaf
Wow, Kennedy boots one. I am at a loss for words.
Anonymous
Thanks for that Kennedy
Christopher Staaf
Hmmm and why is Herrera sitting again?
Anonymous
>> As for the rooks, I’d like to see Castellanos back when he’s ready to play second base
Maybe then we can send Kennedy down to learn how to play second. :(
Christopher Staaf
Kennedy needs to be released outright. I hope when Ellis comes back, Kennedy gets gone.
bcmaiden
Don’t count on it. They will send IDJ down before that happens. Ned signs these turkeys and Torre/Donnie play them like they’re still good. You know, it’s all that gooey, veteran presence.
KT
When are you coming back Mark
Christopher Staaf
Not soon enough.
underdog
I miss that guy almost as much as I miss Kemp!
Well, probably about half as much as I miss Kemp, but I miss Matty a ton. ;)
Anonymous
Mark Ellis vs RHP 220/340/256 in 2012. miss him all you want
bcmaiden
As if we needed more fodder for our Kennedy displeasure.
Christopher Staaf
He keeps proving us right.
underdog
Well at least the right team has the 1-0 lead in Guatemala City!
(Apologies if you’re Guatemalan.)
Anonymous
Equivocado.
KT
Nice running catch Bobby
Christopher Staaf
The old man’s still got some wheels!
KT
Way to start it off AJ
KT
Come on Dre…Base hit
KT
Good Job Dre
Come on Juan…Base hit
KT
Nice hit Juan
Come on Bobby…base hit
Anonymous
Ok maybe he could provide the 3 run HR
Anonymous
3 run Hr would be good too ;)
KT
No such luck John
Christopher Staaf
hit delivered! Looked good there!
Anonymous
Do something, don’t waste this opportunity.
Christopher Staaf
OK Rivera, keep doing that and I will stop bashing you!!
KT
Almost Bobby
KT
Come on Adam…Base hit
KT
hit the ball hard…nice grab by the pitcher
At least we tied it
Christopher Staaf
I am trying to be as optimistic as you KT but man, Kennedy makes it so tough for me.
KT
it’s tough with Adam but lately he’s been hitting the ball a little better..I still would have played Herrera myself
Christopher Staaf
It’s a homer during a day game.
KT
yea your right Chris
Christopher Staaf
Wow…let the Kennedy bashing continue.
Old Bear
Kennedy, Kennedy, Kennedy.
Anonymous
And Kennedy kills it, Good Job Kennedy!!!!
Anonymous
Ten years after the 2002 Series, Kennedy is once again the Angels’ player of the game.
Christopher Staaf
That’s funny and harsh!
Anonymous
Double agent Kennedy would put John Le Carre to shame.
Where’s my accent-aigu?
KT
was not in play vinny
KT
but the fan should have let Dre catch it unless he’s an Angel fan of course
bcmaiden
I love Adam Kennedy. I love Adam Kennedy. I love Adam Kennedy. Toto…Auntie Em…I just wanna’ go home to Kansas…
bcmaiden
Stupid Bartman. Kick him out.
KT
His Ball…might have been an Angel fan…When I go to Petco…I’m always thinking about taking one away from the home team…that’s why I sit front row
Anonymous
Trout really gets down the line.
KT
Like Flash and I don’t mean Flash Gordon ^_^
Christopher Staaf
Great K by Harang to get Pujols.
KT
Way to sting the ball Aaron…much better at bat
Anonymous
When Gwynn was up, he hit a foul ball that some idiot fan fell out of the stands to gobble up. If I’m not mistaken, that was the same a-hole who interfered with the popup that Andre could have caught for an out.
KT
No different idiot…This idiot was one and half sections closer
David Farinella
Hee Sop Choi …. I’d rather have him at second than Adam Kennedy.
Old Bear
That would have been worth watching,
bcmaiden
Irony alert OT – DFish is going to get his 6th ring and Kobe is not.
Anonymous
Meh, role player vs star
Old Bear
Not so fast….
Old Bear
Giants up 3-1 after 4.
Christopher Staaf
Sure would have been nice had Loney been at 1st for that roller.
Anonymous
You or I would have had that.
David Farinella
What is Rivera doing over there!!!!!!!!! GRRRRRRRRR.
Hee Sop woulda had that.
Anonymous
You or I would have had that.
Christopher Staaf
My grandma could have fielded that and got slow Conger at 1st!
David Farinella
Hee Sop catches the ball and falls over to get the out. Wasn’t he like 6’9″?
Anonymous
wow, just so bad
KT
keystone cops…
Christopher Staaf
Kidding me. Just kidding me.
David Farinella
KENNNNNNNNNEDY
Anonymous
Why would you go to second
Christopher Staaf
Exactly…but Dee still should have caught it.
Old Bear
Amazing back-to-back plays, something out of Little League play. That’s why we need Loney at first and Herrera at second.
Anonymous
I don’t care who gets the error, it’s Kennedy’s fault.
Christopher Staaf
Should have gone to 1st, especially with the pitcher running.
David Farinella
He did have time to double clutch and still get Williams at first.
David Farinella
While I agree emotionally, Dee still shoulda caught it.
KT
your right Kennedy was on his knees so the easier throw was to second…Dee should have been there
Anonymous
>> I don’t care who gets the error, it’s Kennedy’s fault.
No, it isn’t. I’d blame Kennedy if I could, but really, throwing to second is an option, and it was a good throw. That was Dee’s fault all the way.
David Farinella
You know what MLB could do to help their fans? At the All-Star break, fans get to pick one player to DFA from their favorite team. Vote early. Vote often.
Christopher Staaf
Kennedy would be the anti-Josh Hamilton.
KT
^_^
Lucas Bauer
You have to be bleeping me..
bcmaiden
The Bermuda Triangle of great defensive players employed by Donnie unnecessarily. Does Donnie actually watch them play?
Christopher Staaf
That’s how you overcome errors. Strike ’em out. Good outing by Harang, especially since the infield defense has been subpar.
KT
I been winning at solitaire so I have no idea why we aren’t winning on the field…It almost always works
Anonymous
Ugh this is gonna be another one run game, and Kennedy gave them 2.
David Farinella
I don’t know if this is breaking a rule, so apologies in advance, but I’ll be anyone here one crisp hundred dollar bill that to earn his way back in our favor that Kennedy makes a weak out the next time he comes to bat. Who’s in?
KT
Good Eye Dee
KT
Make it a Double dee
Come on AJ base hit
bcmaiden
Elian, IDJ, and Hairston are ALL better options than Kennedy except in the eyes of our manager.
bcmaiden
Sciosia must salivate every year at the thought of playing the Dodgers and waxing their butts.
Christopher Staaf
Dre just missed that. A day time HR. :(
KT
Again…but too bad we play most of our games at night though
Old Bear
Dee looks like a cross between E.T. and Willie McGee. Now we need him to get home.
Anonymous
The match is over in Guatemala:
Gua 1 – 1 US
Didn’t see the match, just followed it on line. Still a valuable point. Four points after two matches not bad, still a work in progress. Congrats to the lads.
Jon Weisman
I’m invoking Rule 8 on Adam Kennedy. It’s all been said over and over. Time to move on.
KT
So what does this mean? I’m just trying to make sure no disrespect intended.
If he makes a bad play we can’t comment on the play?
David Farinella
Can we refer to him by his secret agent code name, Eugenio Velez?
KT
^_^
Did Velez retire on the funds he received
David Farinella
I’m waiting for Jon’s answer before I reply.
KT
I’m waiting too…I really don’t know
Anonymous
Hey, I guess the gag order on Velez has been lifted! :)
Anonymous
Hopefully Mattingly will do the same.
KT
that bat was sawed off in half…looked pretty straight for a bat broken by a ball…Conspiracy…Loney wanting playing time????
Old Bear
George Clooney doing an ad for Jiffy Lube? I guess he needs the money.
Anonymous
Dee stranded yet AGAIN…
KT
Nice play Juan
Anonymous
Great catch!!!!
KT
Excellent diving catch by Dre on a sinking line drive
Christopher Staaf
Great catch Dre! Very good 7 innings for Harang.
Anonymous
Yes, another nice outing for Aaron. Too bad he might get stuck with the loss. And if he does, as much as those errors in the field hurt, the real fault is the lack of offense. You’re not going to win when you only score one run.
bcmaiden
Hurt? They’re both unearned dude. We probably lose because of it.
Jon Weisman
Unless you don’t allow any.
Anonymous
Our offense has gone down the tubes at home since Milwaukee came to town. How about this: 1 run, 1 run, 3 runs, 2 runs, 2 runs, 1 run so far tonight :(
David Farinella
Always think of WBB when this song is performed. Makes me laugh.
KT
I always ffwd/change the channel or mute it.
I don’t think it belongs in a baseball stadium and I served my 20 yrs in the military so you can’t say I’m not Patriotic
Anonymous
“Dog Bless America…”
Anonymous
I hope Jamey Wright isn’t the first choice to come in in a one-run game…
KT
well you got your wish… oh wait you didn’t want wright
Jack Dawkins
GBA…..was uncomfortable….I wonder if the sgt couldnt hear herself?
Jon Weisman
Could she time herself?
KT
Jon…Can you please give me an answer on the rule 8 question I have
Anonymous
The real Uribe is back.
Jon Weisman
Rule 8 on Adam Kennedy means we don’t need 20 people saying over and over again that he should be cut. Especially when no one seems to be arguing the point (thank goodness).
If you want to react to a specific play, fine.
KT
Thanks Jon
Anonymous
I may have seemed to be arguing the point in my earlier post above. But I am not in disagreement with whatever it is we’re not supposed to talk about. :)
bcmaiden
Aren’t players who are cut/traded/DFA’d supposed to destroy their old teams? I guess Rivera, Abreu, and the guy we don’t mention didn’t get the memo.
Anonymous
Herrera in at second! YES! YES!
Christopher Staaf
He should have been there since the 1st inning.
bcmaiden
Is it too late to save us?
Anonymous
yes
Jack Dawkins
Im guessing the feed in her ear was out..so she was listening to the pa…which means she was way behind Nancy…
David Farinella
Does Vin know he’s now in violation of Rule 8?
KT
Let’s get some hits Guys
Old Bear
The Angels lead the Dodgers, 51-36, in interleague play including last night. When we play the Angels, it seems as if we are running in quicksand.
bcmaiden
AND, the Giants get to play the A’s who have been terrible for years.
Anonymous
You know, as much as Vin has been talking about the “mass confusion” on that squibbler by Hank Conger, I don’t think anyone could have made a play on the ball anyway. It rolled just past Harang into the Bermuda Triangle of him, second, and first, and nobody could have gotten to it in time to throw out the runner.
Old Bear
Neither Harang nor Rivera committed to field the ball. Had Loney been in, I think he would have instinctively gone for it. Perhaps Harang would have then have sprinted to first, although he doesn’t appear to have much speed. It simply looked awful, but you may be right.
bcmaiden
Stop being practical. I still would like to have Loney @1st & anybody else @2nd and dream of a different outcome.
KT
Good at bat Elian
KT
Come on Dee
Christopher Staaf
Please tie this puppy up AJ.
David Farinella
I do like AJ up here.
Christopher Staaf
Left hand got in just barely.
KT
I honestly couldn’t tell
KT
SAFE!!!! as the ump calls it
Christopher Staaf
Come on Dre. You got this big man.
KT
Let’s go Dre
Old Bear
Can’t believe they won’t bring in a lefty vs. Ethier.
KT
My thoughts exactly…I was actually praying that they wouldn’t
KT
DRE!!!!
Christopher Staaf
Now that’s what I’m talking about!!!
Anonymous
Well, it looks like he’s started earning his money tonight.
KT
JUAN GONE!!!!!!!
KT
That’s why he’s batting 4th
Christopher Staaf
OMG Donnie is a genius lol
Lucas Bauer
DRE! Can’t believe they didn’t bring in Downs to face him… JUANNNNNNNNN GONNEE
Christopher Staaf
I will not say anything bad about Rivera for a while lol
Boom!
David Farinella
That’s what your 1 through 4 batters are supposed to do!
KT
good bye Angels fans see you tomorrow
Anonymous
A wild Juan Rivera appears!
Anonymous
I will refer everybody to my 7:29 post: “Williams is a true mediocrity who should give up four or five even to a lineup with Kennedy and Uribe in it.”
Christopher Staaf
Only took 8 innings!
Anonymous
7 2/3. I hope Wbb was making fun of himself.
David Farinella
What a hack that was…. Almost the exact swing that Pujols put on the double he hit a couple innings ago.
bcmaiden
RIVERA GOT THE MEMO
David Farinella
There was a memo? Man, I miss all the important stuff.
bcmaiden
Pay attention, Dave. There’s gonna’ be a test later.
David Farinella
Story of my life.
Christopher Staaf
OK boys, save some for Wilson tomorrow!!
Old Bear
Dear Mr. Mattingly: I apologize for criticizing your decision to start Juan Rivera…Sincerely yours
KT
Way to get on Bobby
KT
Nice Dre at 500 rbi’s good job Dre
KT
Thought bobby was safe with a high tag…I guess Country Joe had to give one to the Angels
KT
No he was out on my replay…my fault
underdog
Man, whoever thought Rivera wasn’t any good anymore and shouldn’t be starting, you are foolish!
Looking at you, underdog! (and many of us)Also, whoever thought Williams should stay in there to face Ethier, you are foolish!Looking at you, Mike Scioscia!
KT
^_^
Lucas Bauer
Was the KCAL 9 audio muffled on TV during Juan’s blast? Wondering because it kept cutting out on MLB.TV..
Anonymous
It cut out on my MLBTV also.
Christopher Staaf
I think yes because there was a lot of cursing in disbelief in the Dodger dugout.
KT
For those of you not listening to Vinny…Rivera’s Hr was his 900th hit
KT
Great come from Behind victory for our Boys
Christopher Staaf
Now that’s more like it! Let’s take the series tomorrow! Good night guys!
KT
Got to get that rubber game..night Chris
David Farinella
And, Dog say that was good.
Jon Weisman
NPUT
bcmaiden
Don’t forget folks, that beautiful inning was started by our beloved Elian, the Dodger lucky charm.
Anonymous
If he had started the game, the Anaheimers would never have scored.
bcmaiden
Totally agree, and Harang gets the W.
KT
Of course the Angels announcers say Dee was out at 2nd
Blue-eyed Gal
When I heard Vin telling us tonight’s lineup with Herrera and Hairston out and Uribe and Kennedy in, my first thought was, “Well, the other night, when things got tough in late innings, Mattingly’s hands were tied because he had losers like Kennedy to pinch hit; so tonight he’s saving the two H’s for pinch hitting and double switches late in the game.”
Which is of course not at all the way to manage, but it’s telling that I thought of Uribe and Kennedy as the pieces that would need replacing, and the two callups as the “emergency bailout” guys that would save our bacon if things went south.
It does not amaze me that some of Ned’s ever-replenishing supply of aging vets have been letdowns, but I am indeed stunned and pleased to be thinking of the two H’s as vital cogs on the team, not superstars, but approaching AJ Ellis in terms of “dependable parts.”