Dodgers Braves Pregame

Today's lineups:
Dodgers
Furcal, SS
Ethier, RF
Ramirez, LF
Blake, 3B
Loney, 1B
Kemp, CF
Martin, C
Hudson, 2B
Wolf, P

Braves
McLouth, CF
Prado, 2B
Jones, 3B
Anderson, LF
Diaz, RF
LaRoche, 1B
Ross, C
Hernandez, SS
Lowe, P

The Dodgers look for 3 consecutive victories today, as they play the Braves.

Dodgers-Braves Recap 7/31

64-39, 7.5 games ahead in West
Jason Schmidt pitched a great game tonight giving up only one hit while going 6 innings, in his longest outing in more than two years. Ethier had another big night with a home run and driving in four runs. Newly acquired Sherrill stuck out the side in the seventh inning, while the other two relievers only gave up two hits after Schmidt's exit. Manny continues his slump by going 1 for 4 with two strikeouts, while this was his 1 year anniversary of his trade to the Dodgers. With the final score being Dodgers 5, Braves 0

W: Schmidt (2-1)
L: Hanson (5-2)

Game notes, from ESPN, Braves manager Bobby Cox said OF Ryan Church (elbow) and SS Yunel Escobar (bruised right wrist) were unavailable. 2B Martin Prado (bruised left ankle) did not start and hit a deep fly ball to center in the ninth as a pinch-hitter. ... Cox had to change his lineup after the team traded 1B Casey Kotchman to Boston for 1B Adam LaRoche. 1B Barbaro Canizares started after he was recalled from Triple-A Gwinnett before the game. ... RHP Tim Hudson was scratched from his injury rehab start at Gwinnett with a mild groin strain. ... Sherrill filled the roster spot of RHP Claudio Vargas, traded to Milwaukee on Friday for minor league C Vinny Rottino.

Trade Deadline Passes

The trade deadline passed and the Dodgers didn't make any moves today. Over the past few days they
Gave: Josh Bell, Steve Johnson, and Claudio Vargas
Got: George Sherrill and Vinny rottino
Do you think they did a good job filling their needs at this deadline?

Trade Rumors

• The Dodgers traded away Claudio Vargas for Vinny Rottino, a career minor league catcher
• They are interested in Heath Bell

Dodgers 5 Cardinals 3

63-39, 7.5 games ahead in the West
The Dodgers avoided a 4 game sweep on a game in which they didn't neccesarilly play their best game. Blake had four hits and is 7 for 10 the last two games for Los Angeles. The Dodgers were 4 for 11 with runners in scoring position after going 4 for 25 the first three games. Manny was 3 for 18 in the series with no RBIs and he's 4 for 26 in his last six games with no RBIs. The NY Times reported today that manny tested positive for banned substances in 2003. A revamped bullpen, with newly acquired George Sherril and recently called up Scott Elbert, recorded 4 innings with only 1 run given up. Kemp drove in a 2 run game winning single in the top of the 10th.

W:J. McDonald (3-2)
L:D. Reyes (0-2)
SV:J. Broxton (24)

Game Notes(From ESPN)Cardinals SS Brendan Ryan bruised his left ankle on a foul ball in the second and was replaced by Julio Lugo. X-rays were negative but he left Busch Stadium on crutches. "It was kind of scary there for a second," Ryan said. "I'm glad to hear that nothing's broken or anything like that." ...The Cardinals plan to recall RHP Mitchell Boggs from Triple-A Memphis Friday to start the opener of a three-game series with Houston. Boggs replaces Wellemeyer.

Dodgers Cardinals Pregame

Tonight's lineups:
DODGERS
Furcal SS
Hudson 2B
Ramirez LF
Ethier RF
Blake 3B
Loney 1B
Kemp CF
Ausmus C
Kuroda P

CARDINALS
Schumaker 2B
Rasmus CF
Pujols 1B
Holliday LF
Ankiel RF
DeRosa 3B
Molina C
Ryan SS
Lohse P

Prior to the game tonight, the Dodgers recalled LHP Scott Elbert from Triple-A Albuquerque and optioned LHP Brent Leach to Triple-A. Elbert will wear No. 57
They will try to avoid being swept tonight. Los Angeles' high-powered offense has been completely grounded in St. Louis, combining for three total runs in the first three games of this series. They had a rough game last night, but their opening day starter, Kuroda, will try to get them at least 1 win in St. Louis.

Dodgers Get Sherrill

The Dodgers acquired George Sherrill from the Orioles for Josh Bell and Steve Johnson.

Dodgers 2 Cardinals 3 Recap

So much to say on a tough game.
4 straight losses. 2 blown leads. In 15 innings. 8 shutout innings. Blown. Mull over those few words. Kershaw threw 8 shutout innings, giving up 4 hits. Broxton blew a 1-0 lead. They took
A 2-1 lead, only to have Troncoso blow another save. Manny was thrown out at home by Ludwick in the 13th.Today was the longest game for the Dodgers in 16 years. Ethier made a nice play, and so did Manny. After almost getting out of a jam, weaver gave up a game winning hit to Pujols. With all the other National League teams making moves, the Dodgers need to make one soon, very soon.
W- Hawksworth 1-0
L- Weaver 5-4

Update

Ned Colletti says the scratch does not have anything to do with a trade. He did not elaborate further.

Trade Coming?

Elbert was scratched from his start at Alberquerque tonight not due to an injury. He couldn't have been called up, unless there was an injury as it has not been 10 days. It does not involve Sherrill.

Dodgers-Cardinals Recap 7/28

Billingsley got lit up tonight especially in the 6th inning when he was hit for 6 runs in the bottom of the inning. This will be the first time this season that the Dodgers have lost three straight games. Billingsley had a one hitter through five of the course until the 6th inning came around and he was roughed up pretty bad. The game was delayed 1 hour and 25 minutes due to rain before it was finally started, something im sure they wish wasnt. The Dodgers are now 2-10 at the new busch stadium so they will be glad when the series is over. The only high point of the series so far is that they have held Pujols to 1 for 7 on the series so far.

W: A.Wainwright (12-6)
L: C. Billingsley (10-6)

Cardinals Dodgers Pregame July 28

Dodgers

1. Furcal, SS

2. Hudson, 2B

3. Ramirez, LF

4. Ethier, RF

5. Blake, 3B

6. Loney, 1B

7. Martin, C

8. Kemp, CF

9. Billingsley, P


Cardinals

1. Schumaker, 2B

2. DeRosa, 3B

3. Pujols, 1B

4. Holliday, LF

5. Ludwick, RF

6. Rasmus, CF

7. Molina, C

8, Ryan, SS

9. Wainwright, P



The Dodgers are in danger of having their first 3 game losing streak of the season tonight, as Wainwright faces off against Billingsley. Wainwright is 1-2 with a 5.30 ERA in three career starts against the Dodgers, who are 3-15 in St. Louis since the start of the 2004 season. They're 2-9 at four-year-old Busch Stadium. The dodgers return to their normal lineup, used in most of their games. We'll see if they can keep the streaak of not losing in 3 in a row alive.

Cardinals 6 Dodgers1 July 27 Recap

62-37, 8 games ahead in West
Randy Wolf has allowed three earned runs or less in six straight starts but took the loss. He pitched 6 innings while giving up 2, but didn't have the offense behind him. The bullpen fell apart though and gave up 4 runs. The Dodgers only RBI was from Furcal, on a sac fly. Every hitter in the Dodgers lineup had at least one hit. The Dodgers had at least one hit in every inning and 11 in all, but could muster only one run.

W:C. Carpenter (9-3)
L:R. Wolf (5-5)
SV:R. Franklin (23)

Game Notes(from ESPN):Wolf has not won consecutive starts all season. ... Juan Pierre is 2-for-16 as a pinch-hitter with no RBIs after grounding out to start the seventh. ... Paid attendance of 43,756 was the Cardinals' 15th sellout of the season. ... Carpenter hit two batters after plunking three total in his first 15 starts. ... Dodgers reliever Hong-Chih Kuo worked a perfect eighth against the top of the order after coming off the 60-day DL from an elbow injury. ... Furcal was 3-for-4 and is 12-for-30 during a seven-game hitting streak.
Kuo could be very valuable out of the back of the 'pen as the Dodgers need relief help.

Dodgers Cardinals Pregame July 27

Dodgers
Furcal, SS
Hudson, 2B
Manny, LF
Ethier, RF
Blake, 3B
Loney, 1B
Martin, C
Kemp, CF
Wolf, P

Cardinals
Lugo, 2B
DeRosa, 3B
Pujols, 1B
Holliday, RF
Ludwick, LF
Molina, C
Ankiel, CF
Ryan, SS
Carpenter, P

The Dodgers have been in many trade rumors recently, linked to Cliff Lee among others. Tonight though, their same old team battles against a St Louis team that looks very different then it did at the start of the year. They now have Matt Holliday, Mark DeRosa, and Julio Lugo. Wolf hasn't won back-to-back starts all year, but four of his five victories have come on the road, where he has a 2.90 ERA in 10 outings. The Dodgers will try to expand their 8 game lead in the division, or at least keep it the same tonight.

Cliff Lee may be coming?

According to Foxsports.com's Ken Rosenthal, The Dodgers and Indians are in serious discussions about a trade that would trade Cliff Lee and Victor Martinez to the Dodgers for a package including either Clayton Kershaw or Chad Billingsley, James Loney would also be included in the deal since Martinez would have to play first with Martin behind the plate. Most likely it will be Kershaw in the deal since he will be alot cheaper then Billingsley.

Sorry

I wasn't able to post a pregame or recap today, sorry. I will for the next while though. Thanks

Dodgers 4 Marlins 3

62-35 9 games ahead in the NL West, Kuroda matched his season high in strikeouts with 9 tonight in six innings of six hit ball, while giving up three runs and leaving with a no decision. Down 3-1 in the 6th inning, Loney singled to right to score Ethier and make it a 1 run game, later on in the 6th Martin singled to right to score blake who advanced to third by the hit of loney, who was thrown out trying to stretch it to a double on the throw. After Mota threw two hitless innings, Broxton came on to pitch a perfect ninth, in the bottom of the ninth Blake blooped a base-loaded single with two outs to score the winning run. Broxton notched his 7th win of the season, most of any relief pitcher in the majors. This is the 10th dodgers walk-off win of the season, The dodgers have won 6 of their last 7 and are 20-9 in one run games this season.

W: J. Broxton (7-0)
L: D. Meyer (2-1)

Dodgers-Marlins pregame 7/25

Dodgers:
R. Furcal
O.Hudson
M. Ramirez
A. Ethier
C. Blake
J. Loney
R. Martin
M. Kemp
H. Kuroda

Marlins:
C. Coghlan LF
E. Bonifacio 3B
H. Ramirez SS
J. Cantu 1B
J. Hermida RF
D. Uggla 2B
C. Ross CF
J. Baker C
R. Vandenhurk P

The Dodgers will send Kuroda to the mound tonight, hoping he can improve on his pitching tonight and the rest of the season. Kuroda is 3-5 with a 4.73 era on the year and has not completed 6 innings in his last three starts, in four appearances this month. Kuroda faced the Marlins twice last year while posting a 3.95 era with no decisions in either game. Ethier looks to continue on his latest hot streak, He has had a hit in 10 of his last 11 games against the Marlins, Batting at a .381 clip with 10 rbi's. On the other side for the Marlins will be Rick Vandenhurk, who is 1-0 with a 3.00 era, in his last start he pitched very well, he gave up two runs on five hits in six innings, This will only be his second start of the season.

Marlins 6 Dodgers 3

61-35, 9 games ahead in West. For Full Recap, Click Here

Kershaw pitched an average game, 6 innings 3 runs, 2 earned, and got a no decision. Ethier drove in 2 on a 2 run double. Casey Blake also scored on a wild pitch. McDonald gave up 2 runs in 0.2 innings. Manny went 0-3. Trancoso gave up a solo home run.

W: J. Johnson (9-2)
L: J. McDonald (2-2)
SV: L. Nunez (7)

Marlins Dodgers Pregame July 24

Marlins
Bonifacio LF
Helms 3B
Ramirez SS
Cantu 1B
Uggla 2B
Ross CF
Paulino C
Carroll RF
Johnson P

DODGERS
Furcal SS
Hudson 2B
Ramirez LF
Ethier RF
Blake 3B
Loney 1B
Martin C
Kemp CF
Kershaw P

Today should be agreat pitching mathup as two pitchers with ERA's under 3 match off. Kershaw is 5-0 with a 0.63 ERA in his last seven starts with the Dodgers winning each game. The Dodgers lineup has been on a roll, scoring 34 runs during a five-game winning streak. Josh Johnson will be a tougher opponent though, as he comes into the Ravine with a 2.74 ERA. Manny is back in the lineup tonight, after his big grand slam. Kemp tries to continue raking from the 8th spot in the line-up. The Dodgers will look to win their 6th in a row, and solidify their lead, as either the Rockies or Giants will lose tonight. The Dodgers NL competitor, the Cardinals, picked up Matt Holliday today, trying to compete for a pennant.

Halladay News

• This from ESPN Rumor Central, The Dodgers apperantly will take Halladay's contract and have several prospects to trade. This is an interesting take.
• This from ESPN Baseball Prospectus, it points out that the Dodgers 4 man playoff rotation of Halladay, Kershaw, Billingsley, and wolf or Kuroda could be nasty. It also points out that the Dodgers have never been afraid to trade their pieces in the past and may do it again. They have many A ball and AA ball players to trade. The question is: Are they willing to part with Ivan DeJesus Jr. or Devaris Gordon and Josh Bell or Pedro Baez?

Trade Talk

• According to the LA Times, Colletti knows what players the jays have interest in. He will not include Kershaw in any trade. The Dodgers have watched Cliff Lee and Halladay this week.


• Jarrod Washburn, a trade target, has expressed interest in signing an extension with the Mariners.


• According to Fanhouse, many scouts including Braves scouts were at the Dodgers AA affiliate. Could the Dodgers be interested in Javier Vasquez though the Braves are said to be keeping him? Maybe someone else?


• Adding a reliever is now the Dodgers' top priority.


• Rafael betancourt has been added to the Dodgers division rival rockies


• The Dodgers would have interest in Pedro Feliciano if the Mets become sellers.


• This last part is merely speculation on my part. According to Fanhouse, the Rays may be looking to move Kazmir who has struggled this year. He has 22.5 million left on his deal, and they might trade him to free up space for a big name player. The dodgers have not said they are interested as of now, but maybe they could pry him from the rays with a package of a few prospects.

Dodgers 6 Reds 2 July 22 Recap

61-34, 9 Games ahead in West
Manny stole the show on his bobblehead night. He was not in the starting lineup, but he pinch-hitted with the bases loaded and 2 outs in a tie game. On a first pitch fast ball he stroked a laser into mannywood in left field. Ethier also hit a HR. Loney drove in a run on an RBI triple. Billingsley finally got his 10th win with a 6 inning 2 run effort. The bullpen threw 3 more shutout innings. The Dodgers still have not lost a game against the Reds at home in a long time.

W- C Billingsley 10-5
L- B Arroyo 10-9

Dodgers vs Reds July 22 Preview

The Dodgers go for the sweep tonight against the Reds on Manny bobblehead night. manny is not in the lineup tonight though, due to a bruised hand. here are the lineups:
Dodgers:
Furcal, SS
Hudson, 2B
Ethier, RF
Blake, 3B
Loney, 1B
Kemp, CF
Martin, C
Billingsley, P
Pierre, LF

Reds:
Dickerson RF
Taveras Cf
Votto 1B
Phillips 2B
Nix LF
Encarnacion 3B
Hairston SS
Hanigan C
Arroyo P
Billingsley tries to break out of his recent struggles(0-2 with a 6.55 ERA in his past six outings), and regain his earlier form(9-3 with a 2.72 ERA through his first 14 starts). Manny will not be in the lineup on his bobblehead night, but who know, he might get a pinch hitting oppurtunity in a big spot. James Loney and Matt Kemp both look to continue hitting Arroyo very well. Pierre is hitting 9th again, as Joe Torre likes to do.



Tidbits: The Dodgers' four-game winning streak is the club's longest since it won four in a row May 25-28. ... At 60-34, the Dodgers are off to their best 94-game start since 1974, when they were 62-32. ... The Dodgers extended their winning streak over the Reds to eight games with their 12-3 win Tuesday night. ... Matt Kemp homered Tuesday for the third time in his past eight games. He has 14 RBIs in his past 14 games.

More Roy Halladay Stuff

ESPN's Peter Gammons says the Dodgers are still in the mix for Halladay. Pros for the Dodgers are a number of Single-A and Double-A prospects and the willingness to take on Halladay's contract. Cons are a lack of near-ready pitching prospects, and absence of Toronto scouts at Dodger games.

Dodgers 12 Reds 2 July 21 Recap

60-34, 9 Games Ahead In The West
The Dodgers won another game against the Reds, this one fairly easily. Manny left the game after being hit in the hand with a pitch. X-Rays were negative and he is listed as day to day. He was 1-1 with a triple and 2 RBI's. Kemp hit a HR, Loney drove in 2, and Furcal hit a HR while driving in 4. Wolf pitched 7.1 innings of 2 run ball, along with getting 2 hits with the stick.
W- Randy Wolf 5-4
L- Homer Bailey 1-2

Dodgers-Reds pregame 7/21

Dodgers:
R. Furcal
O. Hudson
M. Ramirez
A. Either
C. Blake
R. Martin
J. Loney
M. Kemp
R. Wolf

Reds:
W. Taveras CF
J. Hariston, Jr, RF
J. Votto 1B
J. Gomes LF
E. Encarnacion 3B
R. Hanigan C
A. Rosales 2B
P. Janish SS
H. Bailey P

Its been nearly 2 months since the dodgers have won 4 straight games, They can also become the first team in the majors to 60 wins with a win tonight. The dodgers send Randy Wolf to the mound tonight who is 4-4 with a 3.51 era, But is 8-2 with a 3.15 era in 15 career starts against the reds. On the other side is Homer Bailey 1-1 (6.43 era), Who the dodgers have never faced, Kemp looks to continue his recent hot streak, Manny also looks to climb the list of most home runs in major league history. The reds are 3-18 against the dodgers since 2006. Randy Wolf looks to give the dodgers another quailty start, which he has done in his last four starts.

Roy Halladay

According to ESPN Rumor Central:
ESPN's Peter Gammons is reporting that the Dodgers are in on Roy Halladay, but they won't trade their top young players and they want the Blue Jays to pick up a lot of the money owed to Halladay for this year. So how are they going to make a deal? Well, they imposed similar conditions but still pulled off trades for Casey Blake and Manny Ramirez last year, so never say never.

Dodgers 7 Reds 5 July 20 Recap

59-34, 1st in West by 8 Games

For a full recap, click here

Schmidt started of the game very, very shakily. He gave up hits to the 1st 4 batters and gave up 3 runs in the 1st. he continued on to throw 4 more scoreless innings. His line for the day: 5 innings, 3 runs on 5 hits, 3 walks and 2 K's. Not a bad outing for his first start in the show since 2007. manny went yard, shattering Mickey Mantles mark of 536. It was his 1st HR at dodger stadium since his suspension. Ethier also went deep. Blake also drove in 2 runs. Cincinnatti still has not won at Dodger Stadium since July 28, 2005.

W-Jason Schmidt 1-0

L- Micah Owings 6-10

S- Jonathon Broxton 23

Milton moved to 60-Day DL

Eric Milton was moved to the 60-Day DL to make a spot for Jason Schmidt on the 40 man roster

Dodgers-Reds Pregame 7/20

Dodgers:

R. Furcal

R. Martin

M. Ramirez

A. Ethier

C. Blake

J. Loney

M. Kemp

J. Castro

J. Schmidt

Reds:

W. Taveras CF

J. Hariston, jr. SS

J. Votto 1B

B.Phillips 2B

L. Nix LF

E. Encarnacion 3B

C. Dickerson RF

R. Hanigan C

M. Owings P

Obviously the story is Jason Schmidt takes the mound tonight for the Dodgers after a 2 year absence because of shoulder surgery. This is the opening game of a 3 game series, Schmidt was 2-0 with a 4.18 era in 6 appearances (5 starts) for Triple-A this year. Schmidt is 4-2 with a 5.27 era in his career against the Reds. Reds have lost 9 straight games against the dodgers at dodger stadium. Kemp looks to continue his recent tear, He is a .317 hitter against the Reds lifetime but he is only 1-5 against tonights starter Micah Owings, who is 6-9 with a 4.94 era on the year. Scott Elbert was optioned to Triple-A to make room for Schmidt on the roster. Also Hudson is not in the lineup tonight, but he will be able to pinch hit and he will be back in the lineup tuesday.

Dodgers Eyeing Reds Relievers

According to MLBTradeRumors, the Dodgers are looking at Arthur Rhodes, Francisco Cordero(left), and David Weathers, along with George Sherril.

Dodgers 4 Astros 3 July 19th recap

58-34 7 Game Lead
The 7th and 8th hitters in the Dodgers lineup tonight were the difference. Kemp went 3-3, scored all 4 runs, and hit the go-ahead HR. Ausmus drove in 2 runs with 2 doubles. Arias made 2 errors which gave the Dodgers a run. Ethier also had 3 hits. The bullpen threw 4 shutout innings after Kuroda threw 5 innings and gave up 3 runs.
W- R Trancoso 4-0
L- L Hawkins 1-4
S- J Broxton 22

Orlando Hudson Update

Orlando Hudson has been listed as day to day. While runnning to first base he hurt his surgically repaired wrist.

Hudson Injured

Orlando Hudson has left the game with an apperant leg injury. I will update his status once I find out what happened.

Pregame Astros-Dodgers 7/19

Dodgers:

R. Furcal
O. Hudson
M. Ramirez
C. Blake
A. Either
J. Loney
M. Kemp
B. Ausmus
H. Kuroda

Astros:

M. Bourn CF
J. Keppinger 2B
M. Tejada SS
C. Lee LF
G. Blum 3B
H. Pence RF
I. Rodriguez C
C. Coste 1B
R. Ortiz P

Wrap up of a four game series the dodgers look to even the series and win two in a row after losing the first two of the series, Kuroda looks to creep closer to .500 after his last appearance of only going 1 1/3 giving up 3 runs that ended in a no decision, Kuroda is 1-0 with a 0.66 era lifetime against the Astros and looks to continue his success against the Astros. Russ Ortiz for the Astros has struggled as a starter this year goes against the dodgers today with a 3-4 record and a 4.44 era.

Dodgers 5 Astros 2 July 18 Recap

57-34 7.5 Game Lead
Kershaw pitched another gem tonight, 7 innings and only 2 hits all while giving up 0 runs. Kemp drove in 2 runs and Hudson had an RBI triple. The 9th inning was a high wire act as Broxton loaded the bases with 2 outs, then struck out Pudge. He did strike out the side. The Dodgers still have not lost 3 games in a row this season, and picked up a game against the Giants. They look to get a split of the series tommorow.
W- Kershaw 8-5
L- M Hampton 5-7
S-J Broxton 21

Jason Schmidt

was named the Dodgers starter on Monday by the team today. We will see him start his 1st game in a long time.

Pegame Astros Dodgers 7/18

Today's lineups:
DODGERS
Furcal
Hudson
Ramirez
Blake
Kemp
Martin
Lorretta
Kershaw
Pierre

ASTROS
Matsui 2B
Keppinger 3B
Tejada SS
Lee LF
Pence CF
Coste 1B
Michaels RF
Quintero C
Hampton P

Ethier and Loney get days off today, and Torre gives the line-up a little change, by putting a speedster in the 9 hole. Lorretta will get the start at 1B. Kershaw will look to continue his dominance, and win another game tonight. The Dodgers will try to keep their streak of not losing 3 games in a row all season alive tonight.

Astros 8 Dodgers 1 July 17 Recap

Today, the Dodgers had a rough game. Bills struggled greatly, and Oswalt pitched a great game. Altogether they will just brush this one aside and try to have a better game tommorow.
W-Oswalt 6-4
L-Billingsley 9-5

Dodgers 0 Astros 3 7/16 Postgame

Today was a dissapointing game for the Dodgers. Wolf pitched better then his 6 + inning 3 R line showed. They had many chances to score, but they were unable to break through. Manny, in his 1st game back at the Ravine, went 1-4 with a couple of K's
W- W Rodriguez-9-6
L- R Wolf-4-4
S-J Valverde-9

Pregame Dodgers Astros 7/16

Today's lineups:
DODGERS
Furcal
Ethier
Ramirez
Blake
Kemp
Martin
Loney
Hudson
Wolf

ASTROS
Bourn CF
Keppinger 3B
Berkman 1B
Lee LF
Tejada SS
Pence RF
Matsui 2B
Quintero C
Rodriguez LHP

Kemp is hitting 5th today, after hitting 7th or 8th in most of his other games. He will get more rBI chances.Manny is back in the lineup for the 1st time in LA tonight. It will be a zoo at the stadium tonight. Heres what he said earlier today:
On playing his first game in Los Angeles since the suspension:
I'm excited. These are the best fans in the world. I'm ready.
It will be the same ovation as when I came from Boston. Maybe better.
On the Dodgers:
We have unfinished business. We are trying to win the World Series. I like to compete. I like the attenton. It makes me want to do better.
The team doesn't depend on me. We've got great players. Juan Pierre is a great player.
These are the best teammates I've ever had. I love these guys. We care about each other. We pick each other up and that's the way the game is supposed to be play.
On next year:
I'm going to think about today. Everything will work out.

Back From The All Star Break

What an all star break it was. Prince won the home run derby and
Barack Obama was the highlight of a great all star game. The AL won
4-3, costing a NL team to not have home-field advantage. Carl Crawford
robbed a HR from Brad Hawpe.Also, Chad Billingsley pitched 1 inning,
giving up 1 run.
According to mlbtraderumors, the Dodgers are looking for a 5th starter
about as good as Randy Wolf, and a relief pitcher.

Dodgers 7 Brewers 4 7/12 Recap

Record: 56-32, 7 Games Ahead in the NL West
Full Recap Here
The Dodgers ended the 1st half on a high note, beating the Brewers. Kershaw continued his dominance, going 6+ innings and giving up only 1 run. His ERA is down to 3.16. Kuroda came in for relief, and gave up 3 runs. Hudson hit a HR from both sides of the plate for the 2nd time of his career. Ausmus went deep for the 1st time of the season as well. Also, Manny had a great game. 3 for 3, with 2 doubles, and also a walk.
W- C Kershaw 7-5
L- Y Gallardo 8-7
S- R Trancoso 5

Dodger News

• Bill Shaikin of the LA Times wrote that the Dodgers need Halladay in order to win a WS, and this may be their best chance with this team to. he suggests giving up Russell Martin, Devaris Gordon, and Josh Lindblom. I do not think this would work for the Dodgers, and think in house options would be better.
• Last Year Andruw Jones couldn't hit a lick. Now this year, he has the highest HR Ratio in the American League.

Pregame Dodgers at Brewers 7/12

Today's lineups:
DODGERS
Furcal
Ethier
Ramirez
Blake
Loney
Kemp
Hudson
Ausmus
Kershaw

BREWERS
Kendall C-232
Hart RF-254
Braun LF-315
Fielder 1B- 316
McGehee 2B-329
Cameron CF-257
Hall 3B-198
Counsell SS-285
Gallardo P- 2.95

Today will be a tough one for the Dodgers, as the Brewers have their ace going. Kershaw, suprisingly, has the lowest ERA of any Dodger starting pitcher. It should be a good pitching matchup. With a depleted bullpen, hopefully Kershaw can pitch deep into the game. Ausmus catching should help him.

Brewers 6 Dodgers 3 7/11 Recap

The Dodgers lost a tough one today. In the 1st, Martin missed a throw coming home to him, allowing a run. Weaver only lasted 3 1/3 innings. The Dodgers only source of offense was a 2-run HR by Furcal and a solo HR right after by Ethier. Mota, coming into the game with 1 out and 2 on down by 1 in the 8th, gave up a double to plate 2.
W- M Burns 2-2
L- J Weaver 5-3
S- T Hoffman 20

Dodger News

• Blake DeWitt was sent down before the game, and Scott Elbert called up.

• Broxton is out for the next couple games, will not pitch in the all
star game, and possibly the 1st few games of the 2nd half.

• The 5th starter job is up for grabs, who do you think should have it? Weaver, Schmidt, J-mac, Milton, or someone else? Comment here.

Dodgers vs Brewers 7/11 Pregame

Tonights Lineups:
Dodgers
Furcal SS-258
Ethier RF-251
Ramirez LF-342
Blake 3B-288
Loney 1B-279
Martin C-262
Hudson 2B-284
Kemp CF-324
Weaver P-3.32

Brewers
Kendall C-233
Counsell 2B-281
Braun LF-319
Fielder 1B-313
Gamel 3B-257
Cameron CF-259
Catalanoto RF-256
Hardy SS-227
Burns P-5.57

Kemp continues to hit 8th in the order even after a couple of great games. Manny looks to break Mantles HR total, and Weaver looks to pick up a win. Well see if the dodgers hot hitting can pick up another victory

Some Morning Dodger Talk

This is all according to Dylan Hernandez of the LA Times:

-The Dodgers sent two scouts to watch Roy Halladay, but the Jays are believed to want a package that includes Clayton Kershaw or Chad Billingsley. They also sent a scout to watch Pedro throw, but they don't appear to be interested in him.

-Ronald Belisario could be out a month with inflammation.

Dodgers Looking For A Reliever

According to Ned Colletti, the Dodgers #1 priority is a relief pitcher, while # 2 is a starting pitcher better than what they have currently. The article is at

http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2009/07/dodgers-looking-for-a-reliever.html

Brewers 8 Dodgers 12 Recap 7/10

Sorry I wasn't able to post the lineups and a spin, but I was very busy. This was a good one for the Dodgers. Billingsley obviously struggled, 5 Innings and 5 Runs. Manny had another HR, Martin finally went deep, and Kemp hit a grand slam! Kemp also made an amazing play, ala Willie Mays, to end this game. The Dodgers scored 6 runs in the 10th to take the lead for good.
W- Jonathon Broxton- 7-0
L- Carlos Villanueva- 2-6

Mets 2 Dodgers 11 7/9 Recap

The Dodgers had a great game. What more can I say. Wolf threw 6 1/3 innings and gave up
2 runs. Furcal had 3 hits, Hudson a couple, Manny 2-2, 2walks, and 2 Rbis. Kemp also had 3 more hits tonight. Orlando Hudson left the game in the 7th after being hit in the knee by a pitch. Expect him to be Day to day.

W- Randy Wolf - 4-3
L- Livan Hernandez-5-5

Dodgers At Mets 7/9 Pregame

Tonights Lineups:
Furcal SS-254
Ethier RF-247
Ramirez LF- 333
Blake 3B-288
Loney 1B-278
Martin C-257
Hudson 2B-285
Kemp CF- 314
Wolf P- 3.49

METS
Castillo 2B- 276
Evans LF- 282
Wright 3B- 325
Sheffield RF- 277
Tatis 1B- 247
Church CF- 285
Santos C- 262
Cora SS-251
Hernandez P- 4.56

Torre has placed a struggling Ethier in the 2 hole to try to break out of his recent slump. We'll see if Wolf can finally get a victory tonight. He changed his number to 43, as he hopes to move his record to 4-3 tonight. Hopefully, Furcal can continue his hot streak. Game time: 405 Pacific Time

Some Dodger Talk Before The Game

On BP Daily, Jaffe wrote "The Dodgers certainly have the resources to pull off a Halladay deal, but with a seven-game cushion in the NL West and the league's second-best ERA, they'd be killing flies with a sledgehammer."
Ronald Belisario, as reported by the Associated Press, went back to LA for testing and no structural damage was found. He will be activated on July 20.

Mets 5 Dodgers 4 7/8 Recap

The Dodgers had many chances to win the game on a day in which they did not play their best. Kuroda pitched 4 1/3 innings giving up 5 runs, 4 earned. Going into the bottom of the 9th, the Dodgers were down 5-3. Manny led off the inning with a solo home run off of K-Rod. Then, with runners on 1st and 2nd with 1 out, Ethier could not break out of his slump. He grounded into a double play to end the game. On a side note, Blake drew 4 walks, a career high.

W- Oliver Perez- 2-2
L- Hiroki Kuroda 3-5
S-Francisco Rodriguez- 22

Dodgers vs. Mets 7/8 Pregame

Tonight's lineups:
Dodgers

Furcal SS-251
Hudson 2B-289
Ramirez LF-340
Blake 3B-289
Loretta 1B-242
Martin C-252
Ethier RF-251
Kemp CF-307
Kuroda P-3.91 ERA

METS
Cora SS-259
Murphy 1B-241
Wright 3B-322
Sheffield LF-282
Church RF-286
Reed CF-280
Schneider C-233
Castillo 2B-275
Perez P-9.97 ERA

Interesting to see Ethier batting 7th in the line-up. He has not batted there all year. Lorretta gives Loney a needed day off, but he will likely pinch hit. On a side note, Ronald Belisario will be placed on the DL and Corey Wade will be recalled from AAA Albuqurque

Trading Deadline

Who do you think we should trade for at the trading deadline? Make your opinion heard here. I think we need starting pitching and maybe relievers...Some names out there are Halladay, Washburn, Arroyo, and others..Who do you want to see us get? What do you think we should give up?

Welcome!

Welcome to "The Boys In Blue Blog." I have a lot of great plans for this blog, but they may take a while to all work out, so just bear with me. I will talk about games, trades, possible free agent signings. There will be links to all sites necessary about the dodgers, easy, in one place. also some great pictures, and hopefully a forum. I may add some other things. For now, siyonara, and 1st place baby!