This will be the last post for a while. Movin' Day has arrived! We are grateful, but the internet goes with the old place and won't be up until Monday.
So what did Juan do yesterday?
1. K. #257.
2. Popped to center. #258.
3. Singled to short. Would score.
4. Grounded to first. #259.
5. Singled to right. Would score on an error.
6. Popped to second. #260.
So Juan gets a little more of that luck that we were talking about the other day. It's a fine day, but when we consider that it's the best we can expect on anything approaching a regular basis by Juan... it still looks pretty meh to me.
Part of me wonders how he keeps getting opportunities to make outs. Perhaps he is an alien -- the batter from another world -- who has brainwashed Dodger management into giving him a large fortune and a spot in the batting order. It is as likely a reason as any. He is not earning his spot with production.
Pace: 533 outs. And Washington didn't play yesterday, so -- TRIUMPH OF TRIUMPHS! -- Juan Pierre has retaken the major league lead in outs! He leads Zimmerman by two, Rollins by three, and Lopez by eight. Pierre is on an outmaking roll! Can anything stop him now?
Yes. Grady Little can. And should. But likely won't. Sigh. The alien, the batter from another world, will press on.
See you all on Monday... until then... Watch the outs, everywhere! Keep looking. Keep watching the outs!
Friday, June 29, 2007
Thursday, June 28, 2007
13 Angry Men (Left On)
We knew this would be a tough game going in. Brandon Webb is one of the best pitchers in the league. It's just frustrating when you get scoring opportunity after scoring opportunity and can't cash none of 'em in. 13 left on base, zero runs scored. That's the Dodger offense we've come to know and live with in mind-numbing agony.
Juan had a nice plate appearance in the third. Not so much, rest of the game.
1. Flied to center. #253.
2. Walked! Stole second! Stole third! Got stranded!
3. "Lined to pitcher," says the yahoo play-by-play, but I recall this being my least favorite play: the bunt pop-out. Either way, it's #254.
4. Fielder's choice. #255.
5. Grounded to short. #256.
Juan for five in a 2-0 loss. What can ya do. Meanwhile, on the James Loney front, #7 goes 3-for-4. Holy cats, is that guy seeing the ball well or what?
Juan's pace: 531 outs. He's just two off of Zimmerman for the league lead!
Juan had a nice plate appearance in the third. Not so much, rest of the game.
1. Flied to center. #253.
2. Walked! Stole second! Stole third! Got stranded!
3. "Lined to pitcher," says the yahoo play-by-play, but I recall this being my least favorite play: the bunt pop-out. Either way, it's #254.
4. Fielder's choice. #255.
5. Grounded to short. #256.
Juan for five in a 2-0 loss. What can ya do. Meanwhile, on the James Loney front, #7 goes 3-for-4. Holy cats, is that guy seeing the ball well or what?
Juan's pace: 531 outs. He's just two off of Zimmerman for the league lead!
Wednesday, June 27, 2007
Juan Pierre's bat, on the other hand, will be denied
What a fun win. The kids -- especially James Loney and Tony Abreu -- get to play a big part. Loney especially -- the Garciaparra move to third happens sooner than expected and Loney continues to show why: his bat will not be denied. Tony Abreu couldn't have picked a better time for his first major league home run. First place was on the line. Just great.
But this is the Juan Pierre OutWatch, so we focus on him. Vin made a big deal about how Pierre wasn't getting any breaks, and out of respect for Scully, I considered for a moment that maybe I was looking at this all wrong. In my opinion, though -- and I say this with humility and respect for the broadcaster -- I'm not sure I agree.
There are those who say that though they recognize that Pierre isn't getting it done, they like Pierre's game -- his hustle and his drive. Hustle and drive are all good, but another way of putting it is that Pierre's entire game in "getting the breaks." He puts himself in a position where he *has* to beat out close throws at first and have others muff plays, because if he doesn't, he's oh-fer. Last night, he went one-for-five... the very most he could have expected is one of those other four close plays to go his way.
1. Flied to left. #249.
2. Lined to first. #250.
3. Fielder's choice. #251.
4. Grounded to second. #252.
5. Beat out an infield grounder for a single. Stole second.
Could Pierre have gotten luckier? Of course. All of those four outs required good plays to get Pierre. But it doesn't change the fact that Pierre's main offensive weapon is luck. I would much rather root for James Loney, who, in his last six at-bats, has hit for the cycle.
Pace: 530 outs. Pierre is just three outs off of Zimmerman for the Major League lead.
But this is the Juan Pierre OutWatch, so we focus on him. Vin made a big deal about how Pierre wasn't getting any breaks, and out of respect for Scully, I considered for a moment that maybe I was looking at this all wrong. In my opinion, though -- and I say this with humility and respect for the broadcaster -- I'm not sure I agree.
There are those who say that though they recognize that Pierre isn't getting it done, they like Pierre's game -- his hustle and his drive. Hustle and drive are all good, but another way of putting it is that Pierre's entire game in "getting the breaks." He puts himself in a position where he *has* to beat out close throws at first and have others muff plays, because if he doesn't, he's oh-fer. Last night, he went one-for-five... the very most he could have expected is one of those other four close plays to go his way.
1. Flied to left. #249.
2. Lined to first. #250.
3. Fielder's choice. #251.
4. Grounded to second. #252.
5. Beat out an infield grounder for a single. Stole second.
Could Pierre have gotten luckier? Of course. All of those four outs required good plays to get Pierre. But it doesn't change the fact that Pierre's main offensive weapon is luck. I would much rather root for James Loney, who, in his last six at-bats, has hit for the cycle.
Pace: 530 outs. Pierre is just three outs off of Zimmerman for the Major League lead.
Tuesday, June 26, 2007
What's good, what's not
I am -- finally! and at long last! -- falling in love with this team. Of course, I have finally been given a team that I can fall in love with, so maybe that's no surprise.
It is a privilege and a pleasure to watch James Loney, Matt Kemp, Russell Martin, Jonathan Broxton, Takashi Saito, Brad Penny, Derek Lowe, and Chad Billingsley play ball for my team. It is also good to see Andre Ethier come back around, and I have high hopes for Tony Abreu, though I also believe that he might need more time in the minors. I believe that Hong-Chih Kuo will prove himself to be a back-of-the-rotation starter. I am enjoying the fine swan-song season from Luis Gonzalez. Wilson Betemit is fun off the bench and it would be good to see him get a second chance (though I admit that he got a good look in April and May and didn't do much with it). Rafael Furcal is a fun player when he's not hurt (and I believe he may be hurt more than he's letting on). Get well soon, Andy LaRoche, and get back to the majors. It is a good time to be a Dodger fan.
Of course, it's not perfect. And OutWatchers got the best non-Pierre-benching-or-even-Pierre-related news out there: in deference to James Loney's bat, Nomar Garciaparra -- the poor-hitting first baseman -- is moving to third base soon. If the management is willing to do this with Nomar -- one of the faces of the team -- we know what's next....
...less and less of this:
1. Grounded to second. #245.
2. Grounded to second. #246.
3. Reached on error. Should have been a DP... instead, #247 and noted it in the addendum.
4. Flied to left. #248.
5. Singled to center.
1-for-5, three outs. 2 RBI, a run scored. As excited as I am about the team, I just can't get excited about that... Tells you all you need to know.
Today was a fun win, and as we get more and more lineups with both Kemp and Loney in there, it'll get more and more fun.
It is a privilege and a pleasure to watch James Loney, Matt Kemp, Russell Martin, Jonathan Broxton, Takashi Saito, Brad Penny, Derek Lowe, and Chad Billingsley play ball for my team. It is also good to see Andre Ethier come back around, and I have high hopes for Tony Abreu, though I also believe that he might need more time in the minors. I believe that Hong-Chih Kuo will prove himself to be a back-of-the-rotation starter. I am enjoying the fine swan-song season from Luis Gonzalez. Wilson Betemit is fun off the bench and it would be good to see him get a second chance (though I admit that he got a good look in April and May and didn't do much with it). Rafael Furcal is a fun player when he's not hurt (and I believe he may be hurt more than he's letting on). Get well soon, Andy LaRoche, and get back to the majors. It is a good time to be a Dodger fan.
Of course, it's not perfect. And OutWatchers got the best non-Pierre-benching-or-even-Pierre-related news out there: in deference to James Loney's bat, Nomar Garciaparra -- the poor-hitting first baseman -- is moving to third base soon. If the management is willing to do this with Nomar -- one of the faces of the team -- we know what's next....
...less and less of this:
1. Grounded to second. #245.
2. Grounded to second. #246.
3. Reached on error. Should have been a DP... instead, #247 and noted it in the addendum.
4. Flied to left. #248.
5. Singled to center.
1-for-5, three outs. 2 RBI, a run scored. As excited as I am about the team, I just can't get excited about that... Tells you all you need to know.
Today was a fun win, and as we get more and more lineups with both Kemp and Loney in there, it'll get more and more fun.
Monday, June 25, 2007
Movin' Day (Part I)
Apologies, loyal readers and OutWatchers. It's been a busy weekend for Mrs. Kavula and I. Next weekend is the big move -- we move into our new home and wait for the arrival of Spawn of Kavula. That is causing much anxiety and not much time to OutWatch.
After reading about the games, though, perhaps it's all for the best.
SATURDAY's box score is extremely troubling. It says the Dodgers left 15 men on base. What'd Juan do?
1. Grounded to pitcher. #237.
2. Fielder's choice. #238.
3. Singled to left.
4. SQUEEZE! Redemption, finally! And #239!
5. Lined into double play. Aarrggghhh. #240 (apparently, this only counts for one out.)
SUNDAY -- no better. Apparently, Grady Little thinks they aren't trying hard enough. I think if you give up 9 runs, you'll generally lose... the pitching has generally been great, so don't pick on them. Pick on the offense all you like.
1. Singled to center. Would be erased on Martin's double play. I amend my previous sentence: pick on the offense all you like unless you pick on Russell Martin, because he is thirteen kinds of awesome, despite this double play.
2. Singled to center; caught stealing. #241. Apparently, he got jobbed on this play. Hopefully, a little later, I'll have a report from someone who actually saw it.
3. Grounded into double play. #242 and #243.
4. Grounded to second. #244.
Wow, that's some fantastic outmaking over the weekend by Juan... pushing his pace all the way up to 527 outs.
Juan's back to the Juan we know. Since his 3 SB game last week, he's 5-for-22 with no walks, a double, and a CS (that's .227/.227/.318). Yeah, five games, I know. Small sample size, blah blah blah. That's an OPS of 545 and it won't even get him dropped from the 2-spot in the lineup, much less benched.
I will continue to post as opportunity allows, but when the Actual Moving Day comes on Saturday (meaning the computer gets unplugged Friday night at the latest), be prepared for a big gap in your OutWatch entertainment.
After reading about the games, though, perhaps it's all for the best.
SATURDAY's box score is extremely troubling. It says the Dodgers left 15 men on base. What'd Juan do?
1. Grounded to pitcher. #237.
2. Fielder's choice. #238.
3. Singled to left.
4. SQUEEZE! Redemption, finally! And #239!
5. Lined into double play. Aarrggghhh. #240 (apparently, this only counts for one out.)
SUNDAY -- no better. Apparently, Grady Little thinks they aren't trying hard enough. I think if you give up 9 runs, you'll generally lose... the pitching has generally been great, so don't pick on them. Pick on the offense all you like.
1. Singled to center. Would be erased on Martin's double play. I amend my previous sentence: pick on the offense all you like unless you pick on Russell Martin, because he is thirteen kinds of awesome, despite this double play.
2. Singled to center; caught stealing. #241. Apparently, he got jobbed on this play. Hopefully, a little later, I'll have a report from someone who actually saw it.
3. Grounded into double play. #242 and #243.
4. Grounded to second. #244.
Wow, that's some fantastic outmaking over the weekend by Juan... pushing his pace all the way up to 527 outs.
Juan's back to the Juan we know. Since his 3 SB game last week, he's 5-for-22 with no walks, a double, and a CS (that's .227/.227/.318). Yeah, five games, I know. Small sample size, blah blah blah. That's an OPS of 545 and it won't even get him dropped from the 2-spot in the lineup, much less benched.
I will continue to post as opportunity allows, but when the Actual Moving Day comes on Saturday (meaning the computer gets unplugged Friday night at the latest), be prepared for a big gap in your OutWatch entertainment.
Saturday, June 23, 2007
Ohhhh Juan.
Say this for the guy: at least he's consistent. He goes out there every day, knowing he's mired in a season long slump, and gives it his all. Nothing changes for Juan... he just knows his game will come.
Unfortunately, it's not coming very quickly. Just when he seems to be having some success, he enters another minislump that makes me wonder if he ever got out of the maxislump to begin with.
Once again, it's difficult to get too upset about it when the Dodgers are pitching like they are... and The Kids are certainly driving the offense nicely (good game for just about all of 'em yesterday, when those of us who root for the kids big time got the lineup we'd been waiting for). I'm just picking on Juan because, well, it's easy, and I'm lazy.
1. Lined to center. #233.
2. Popped bunt out to pitcher. I swear, the more I see this play, the more I hate this play. I know it's just another out, but it drives me completely bonkers. #234.
3. Well-timed single to center! Comes home from a single by Martin! Wow, do we ever love Russell Martin. What a player!
4. Grounded to first. Nice of him to run it out... made it a close play, and only looking on the replay do we know for sure that Juan did, indeed, earn out #235.
5. No such questions about his K. #236. He's been better lately with the Ks, I have to say.
Pace: 524 outs.
Unfortunately, it's not coming very quickly. Just when he seems to be having some success, he enters another minislump that makes me wonder if he ever got out of the maxislump to begin with.
Once again, it's difficult to get too upset about it when the Dodgers are pitching like they are... and The Kids are certainly driving the offense nicely (good game for just about all of 'em yesterday, when those of us who root for the kids big time got the lineup we'd been waiting for). I'm just picking on Juan because, well, it's easy, and I'm lazy.
1. Lined to center. #233.
2. Popped bunt out to pitcher. I swear, the more I see this play, the more I hate this play. I know it's just another out, but it drives me completely bonkers. #234.
3. Well-timed single to center! Comes home from a single by Martin! Wow, do we ever love Russell Martin. What a player!
4. Grounded to first. Nice of him to run it out... made it a close play, and only looking on the replay do we know for sure that Juan did, indeed, earn out #235.
5. No such questions about his K. #236. He's been better lately with the Ks, I have to say.
Pace: 524 outs.
Friday, June 22, 2007
Eighth Blunder
Just when I thought that Pierre had turned his season around... after all, on Wednesday, I noted that he'd batted .361 in his previous 10 games... but since then, 1-for-9, including a truly Pierrish performance in the eighth inning yesterday.
It's hard to get too upset about an inning in which the Dodgers score six times to take an 8-3 lead (they'd eventually win 8-4), but c'mon. Pierre hits a comebacker; Nomar singles; Kent doubles; Gonzalez is intentionally walked; Martin doubles; Saenz singles; Kemp doubles; Abreu singles; Furcal singles. Good stuff so far, right? Then -- in an inning that has been so improbable, the entirely predictable happened. Pierre lines out to third. (Nomar finishes things up by lining to short.) JimBilly4 wonders: hmm, if he'd hit into a double play, he'd have been responsible for all three outs in the inning. Then he wondered: occasionally a team will have one of those mammoth innings in which they bat around twice, scoring 13 runs or more... in any of those incidences, has any one player been up three times in an inning and made out all three times? That's gotta be embarrassing. Pierre's performance in the eighth: only slightly less embarrassing.
So the question is: in a season full of Pierrish performances, was yesterday's eighth inning Pierre at his Pierrest? I don't know. The busted sqeeze play has got to be up there. And the five flyouts day was infuriating. But two outs in an inning in which every other Dodger is taking batting practice? Mirror, mirror on the wall, perhaps this is Pierrest of them all.
At the very least, it looks like the Pierre we ruefully accept as our every day center fielder is back.
1. Grounded bunt out to catcher. #229.
2. Fielder's choice. #230.
3. Doubled! Would score on Kent's homer!
4. Grounded to pitcher. #231.
5. Lined to short. #232.
Pace: 522 outs.
It's hard to get too upset about an inning in which the Dodgers score six times to take an 8-3 lead (they'd eventually win 8-4), but c'mon. Pierre hits a comebacker; Nomar singles; Kent doubles; Gonzalez is intentionally walked; Martin doubles; Saenz singles; Kemp doubles; Abreu singles; Furcal singles. Good stuff so far, right? Then -- in an inning that has been so improbable, the entirely predictable happened. Pierre lines out to third. (Nomar finishes things up by lining to short.) JimBilly4 wonders: hmm, if he'd hit into a double play, he'd have been responsible for all three outs in the inning. Then he wondered: occasionally a team will have one of those mammoth innings in which they bat around twice, scoring 13 runs or more... in any of those incidences, has any one player been up three times in an inning and made out all three times? That's gotta be embarrassing. Pierre's performance in the eighth: only slightly less embarrassing.
So the question is: in a season full of Pierrish performances, was yesterday's eighth inning Pierre at his Pierrest? I don't know. The busted sqeeze play has got to be up there. And the five flyouts day was infuriating. But two outs in an inning in which every other Dodger is taking batting practice? Mirror, mirror on the wall, perhaps this is Pierrest of them all.
At the very least, it looks like the Pierre we ruefully accept as our every day center fielder is back.
1. Grounded bunt out to catcher. #229.
2. Fielder's choice. #230.
3. Doubled! Would score on Kent's homer!
4. Grounded to pitcher. #231.
5. Lined to short. #232.
Pace: 522 outs.
Wednesday, June 20, 2007
Cure for the Common Offense
Scoring 10 runs in a game? Nothing like a little Roy Halladay to nip that in the bud.
Juan caught it bad, but everyone was bad.
1. Grounded to pitcher. #225.
2. Flied to left. #226.
3. Grounded to short. #227.
4. Grounded to short. #228.
Just when I'd started to have hope. Maybe I picked the wrong day to start to have hope.
Pace: 520 outs.
Juan caught it bad, but everyone was bad.
1. Grounded to pitcher. #225.
2. Flied to left. #226.
3. Grounded to short. #227.
4. Grounded to short. #228.
Just when I'd started to have hope. Maybe I picked the wrong day to start to have hope.
Pace: 520 outs.
Fantastic Five: Rise of the Silver Sluggers
Okay, the subject line overstates the case. The Dodgers' hitters are not going to be winning any awards this year. But the fearsome fivesome (I wonder who sits out when they play bridge?) of Pierre, Nomar, Kent, Gonzalez, and Martin went 11-for-20 with three walks and the 5th-worst offense in MLB entering Tuesday scored 10 runs to whomp on the Blue Jays.
Pierre played a big part.
1. Ground rule double to left! Would score!
2. Walked! Stole second! Stole third! Scored! Maury Wills, eat your heart out.
3. Singled to right! Stole second! Would score!
4. Grounded to short. #223.
5. Grounded to first. #224.
Sure, he also bobbled a play in the outfield that led to the Blue Jays' only run, but yeah, I think 2-for-4 witha double and a walk and three stolen bases and three runs scored might be considered a very good day. Congratulations, Juan! More, please! Make us eat our words! Unfortunately, Juan is still on a pace to set the Dodger record for outs. His pace is 518 and falling.
Pierre played a big part.
1. Ground rule double to left! Would score!
2. Walked! Stole second! Stole third! Scored! Maury Wills, eat your heart out.
3. Singled to right! Stole second! Would score!
4. Grounded to short. #223.
5. Grounded to first. #224.
Sure, he also bobbled a play in the outfield that led to the Blue Jays' only run, but yeah, I think 2-for-4 witha double and a walk and three stolen bases and three runs scored might be considered a very good day. Congratulations, Juan! More, please! Make us eat our words! Unfortunately, Juan is still on a pace to set the Dodger record for outs. His pace is 518 and falling.
Monday, June 18, 2007
The Return of Juan-for-Five
Well, at least the Dodgers won on Friday, so they didn't get swept... but man, the Angels do seem to have the Dodgers' number these days.
SATURDAY, the offense struggled, but they were in the game the whole way. After he was caught stealing -- on a guy who Vin pointed out is slow to the plate -- Juan ended up with one useful apperance and the Dodgers had no runs.
1. Flied to center. #216.
2. Singled to center!..... aaaaand caught stealing, #217.
3. Walked!
4. Grounded to second. #218.
SUNDAY was very bad. Juan-for-five returned...
1. Grounded bunt out to second. Juan's favorite play. #219.
2. Grounded to short. #220.
3. Grounded to first #221..
4. Singled to right.
5. Grounded to second. #222.
Juan's pace: 521 outs.
* * *
The OutWatch sends its very best to James Loney. Get well soon.
SATURDAY, the offense struggled, but they were in the game the whole way. After he was caught stealing -- on a guy who Vin pointed out is slow to the plate -- Juan ended up with one useful apperance and the Dodgers had no runs.
1. Flied to center. #216.
2. Singled to center!..... aaaaand caught stealing, #217.
3. Walked!
4. Grounded to second. #218.
SUNDAY was very bad. Juan-for-five returned...
1. Grounded bunt out to second. Juan's favorite play. #219.
2. Grounded to short. #220.
3. Grounded to first #221..
4. Singled to right.
5. Grounded to second. #222.
Juan's pace: 521 outs.
* * *
The OutWatch sends its very best to James Loney. Get well soon.
Saturday, June 16, 2007
All about the pitching
It continues to be All About the Pitching for the Dodgers, who, behind a remarkable performance from Derek Lowe, defeat the Angels, who got only a slightly less remarkable performance from Ervin Santana.
Fortunately for the Dodgers, Juan Pierre was part of the sixth inning rally that resulted in their two runs, which was good enough for last night.
1. Popped to pitcher. I wasn't watching -- was it a bunt pop-out? Somebody tell me. #213.
2. Flied to left. #214.
3. Singled to left, would score the winning run.
4. Grounded to second. #215.
Good enough for one day.
Pace: still 520 outs -- and falling by fractions.
Fortunately for the Dodgers, Juan Pierre was part of the sixth inning rally that resulted in their two runs, which was good enough for last night.
1. Popped to pitcher. I wasn't watching -- was it a bunt pop-out? Somebody tell me. #213.
2. Flied to left. #214.
3. Singled to left, would score the winning run.
4. Grounded to second. #215.
Good enough for one day.
Pace: still 520 outs -- and falling by fractions.
Thursday, June 14, 2007
Work to do
Though I'm loving Juan's recent offensive outburst, it's important to recognize that he still has work to do. Even after yesterday's 2-for-5...
1. Grounded to short. #210.
2. Lined to third. #211.
3. Singled to right! An RBI for Juan! But out stretching at second. Addendum #4.
4. Grounded to third. #212.
5. Singled to center.
...we note that he was still responsible for four of the team's 27 outs... and still, his OPS is only 641. He's got to get that up.
* * *
Despite all this evidence to the contrary, the LA Times still thinks that Juan is a good ballplayer, cherry picking his stats like hits, runs scored, stolen bases, and batting average, but not outs, on base percentage, slugging percentage, and caught stealing.
The OutWatch, realizing that it still has work to do, is cowboying up. We are ready.
* * *
Juan's pace is still 520 outs.
1. Grounded to short. #210.
2. Lined to third. #211.
3. Singled to right! An RBI for Juan! But out stretching at second. Addendum #4.
4. Grounded to third. #212.
5. Singled to center.
...we note that he was still responsible for four of the team's 27 outs... and still, his OPS is only 641. He's got to get that up.
* * *
Despite all this evidence to the contrary, the LA Times still thinks that Juan is a good ballplayer, cherry picking his stats like hits, runs scored, stolen bases, and batting average, but not outs, on base percentage, slugging percentage, and caught stealing.
The OutWatch, realizing that it still has work to do, is cowboying up. We are ready.
* * *
Juan's pace is still 520 outs.
Wednesday, June 13, 2007
Production continues
Juan follows a good game with a good game! What's going on here?
1. Lined out to center. #208.
2. Tripled to right! Run, Juan, Run!
3. Flied to center. #209.
4. Singled to second -- beat out grounder and went to second on an errant throw.
Of course, the true story of this game were the three home runs on three pitches by the 7-8-9 hitters, but I can't help it. Juan's pace is now 520 outs and still falling due to actual production at the plate. I could not be more happy for him.
It's also important to note -- I hadn't been paying attention! -- that Juan is no longer the league leader isn outs. That dubious honor goes to Jimmy Rollins, who has followed up his fantastic April (.297/.366/.613/.979) with a hoooooooorrrrrrrible May (.250/.279/.400/.679.... ouch, babe) and now has 216 outs. (In fairness, Rollins has been better so far in June, but there's a lot of June left to go.) Messrs. Lopez and Zimmerman, both of the Washingtons, are tied for second with 211 outs. Juan Pierre is fourth. With his initial lack of opportunity and his subsequent production, he is no longer quite the embarrassment that he was.
I just found the bright spot in Juan Pierre's 500+ out pace: "not quite the embarrassment." Hey, that's just the sunny guy I am.
1. Lined out to center. #208.
2. Tripled to right! Run, Juan, Run!
3. Flied to center. #209.
4. Singled to second -- beat out grounder and went to second on an errant throw.
Of course, the true story of this game were the three home runs on three pitches by the 7-8-9 hitters, but I can't help it. Juan's pace is now 520 outs and still falling due to actual production at the plate. I could not be more happy for him.
It's also important to note -- I hadn't been paying attention! -- that Juan is no longer the league leader isn outs. That dubious honor goes to Jimmy Rollins, who has followed up his fantastic April (.297/.366/.613/.979) with a hoooooooorrrrrrrible May (.250/.279/.400/.679.... ouch, babe) and now has 216 outs. (In fairness, Rollins has been better so far in June, but there's a lot of June left to go.) Messrs. Lopez and Zimmerman, both of the Washingtons, are tied for second with 211 outs. Juan Pierre is fourth. With his initial lack of opportunity and his subsequent production, he is no longer quite the embarrassment that he was.
I just found the bright spot in Juan Pierre's 500+ out pace: "not quite the embarrassment." Hey, that's just the sunny guy I am.
Monday, June 11, 2007
Extra! Extra!
Read all about it! Juan Pierre walks twice in a game!
...all on tonight's Dodgers Believe it or Not!
The game started like any other. Juan -- back in the 2-spot -- comes up in a game in which the Dodgers are down 2-0 already, and...
1. Grounded to second. #207.
...but then!
2. Walked! Stole second! Scored on a single!
3. Walked!
4. Singled to short!
1-for-2, 2 BB, SB, Run. Holy crap. Maybe he's turned his season around after all.
Pace: 524 outs and -- due to actual production and not lack of opportunities -- falling.
...all on tonight's Dodgers Believe it or Not!
The game started like any other. Juan -- back in the 2-spot -- comes up in a game in which the Dodgers are down 2-0 already, and...
1. Grounded to second. #207.
...but then!
2. Walked! Stole second! Scored on a single!
3. Walked!
4. Singled to short!
1-for-2, 2 BB, SB, Run. Holy crap. Maybe he's turned his season around after all.
Pace: 524 outs and -- due to actual production and not lack of opportunities -- falling.
Changes
One thing was clear to me during the Jays' shellacking of the Dodgers yesterday: there has been a change in thinking about Juan Pierre. He was given exactly 2 at-bats on Sunday -- after making the third out for the second time, Juan was pulled. Granted, it was part of a double-switch -- Schmidt had just allowed his sixth run, making it 6-2 -- and countless other Dodgers (Martin, Furcal) would get a break as the score would get even more lopsided. But at that point, the game was still very much in reach and there was no fear of offending the $44 million man.
That's the bright spot in an otherwise thoroughly dispiriting game: Little and Colletti have seemed to realize that only the kids can save this season and they are going to find ways to get them at-bats.
1. Grounded to pitcher. #205.
2. Grounded to third. #206.
As far as the pace goes, it seems kind of silly to keep this up. Pierre has lost his job (or part of it, at least). He's batting eighth. The record is out of his reach. His pace, for what it's worth, is 529 outs and falling.
That's the bright spot in an otherwise thoroughly dispiriting game: Little and Colletti have seemed to realize that only the kids can save this season and they are going to find ways to get them at-bats.
1. Grounded to pitcher. #205.
2. Grounded to third. #206.
As far as the pace goes, it seems kind of silly to keep this up. Pierre has lost his job (or part of it, at least). He's batting eighth. The record is out of his reach. His pace, for what it's worth, is 529 outs and falling.
Sunday, June 10, 2007
Batting eighth, in center field...
It was good that Juan finally got moved to the 8-spot. I don't think it'll make much difference, except that it means that he'll have fewer chances to make outs for the Dodgers.
Last night: complete offensive failure, but Juan did get two hits.
1. Singled to second.
2. Grounded to third. #204.
3. Singled to right. Dodgers get three hits and fail to score. Argh.
So despite complete offensive failure, it wasn't Juan's fault. He had a fine game.
As for me: off to Dodger Stadium!!
Last night: complete offensive failure, but Juan did get two hits.
1. Singled to second.
2. Grounded to third. #204.
3. Singled to right. Dodgers get three hits and fail to score. Argh.
So despite complete offensive failure, it wasn't Juan's fault. He had a fine game.
As for me: off to Dodger Stadium!!
Saturday, June 9, 2007
Juan's back, and more the same than ever!
Last night was a frustrating, joyful, frustrating, and joyful game to watch, in that order.
Memo to the Dodgers: when Juan does his job and does it well, you cannot waste the effort. It just doesn't happen often enough that you can let such opportunities go to waste.
Memo to the Times, Daily News, and P-E: See, Sammy Saito can blow saves, too -- and his was a home run. Sure, it was just one run, but that's the thing -- it happens to the best of 'em. So lay off Broxton.
Memo to Grady Little: when you use Matt Kemp as a pinch runner in a close game, you are wasting his bat.
Juan started the game quite well... then, not so much.
1. Singled to left. Stole second. Went to third on Furcal's flyout. He's on third with one out... and doesn't score. Come on, Dodgers!
2. Popped bunt out to pitcher. I know that Juan is supposed to be especially good at beating out the bunt, but it gives me hives to watch him try. I just hate this play. I know that my hate doesn't make sense -- if Juan is good at it, he should do it, but I just can't stand watching the ball go thirty feet for an out when he doesn't make it. Anyway, #201.
3. Grounded to second. #202.
4. Grounded to second. #203.
One for four, a stolen base, two grounders to second and a bunt pop-out. If there was just a fifth at-bat in which Pierre made flyout to shallow center, it would have been the most Pierrish game so far this year, but Saenz's walk-off home run came with Pierre on deck. Probably -- no, certainly -- for the best.
Pace: Well, I think all those games in the 2-spot and sitting out a full game have taken their toll on the record chase. Juan's now on a pace for "just" 539 outs, which would be fourth all time (and the Dodger record).
Memo to the Dodgers: when Juan does his job and does it well, you cannot waste the effort. It just doesn't happen often enough that you can let such opportunities go to waste.
Memo to the Times, Daily News, and P-E: See, Sammy Saito can blow saves, too -- and his was a home run. Sure, it was just one run, but that's the thing -- it happens to the best of 'em. So lay off Broxton.
Memo to Grady Little: when you use Matt Kemp as a pinch runner in a close game, you are wasting his bat.
Juan started the game quite well... then, not so much.
1. Singled to left. Stole second. Went to third on Furcal's flyout. He's on third with one out... and doesn't score. Come on, Dodgers!
2. Popped bunt out to pitcher. I know that Juan is supposed to be especially good at beating out the bunt, but it gives me hives to watch him try. I just hate this play. I know that my hate doesn't make sense -- if Juan is good at it, he should do it, but I just can't stand watching the ball go thirty feet for an out when he doesn't make it. Anyway, #201.
3. Grounded to second. #202.
4. Grounded to second. #203.
One for four, a stolen base, two grounders to second and a bunt pop-out. If there was just a fifth at-bat in which Pierre made flyout to shallow center, it would have been the most Pierrish game so far this year, but Saenz's walk-off home run came with Pierre on deck. Probably -- no, certainly -- for the best.
Pace: Well, I think all those games in the 2-spot and sitting out a full game have taken their toll on the record chase. Juan's now on a pace for "just" 539 outs, which would be fourth all time (and the Dodger record).
Friday, June 8, 2007
Okay, now I want to talk about it
What is the deal with the beat writers blaming Broxton for the loss? What game were they watching? The Times, the Daily News, and the Press-Enterprise all center their stories on Broxton's failure to save the game.
I'm not saying Broxton is completely blameless. You give up a double and a single with the bases loaded and you shoulder some blame. But how did those bases get loaded?
1. Grounder to Kent that could have beeen scored an error
2. Error by Nomar
3. Tough-luck single to left (it hung up there, just not quite long enough)
4. Chopper to Nomar -- he refuses to toss to Broxton, who's right there, ready to tag the runner or step on the bag... and instead, tries to make the play himself and loses the race to the bag.
Then Gonzalez's double and Cameron's single and it was all over but the cryin'.
Only Tony Jackson in the Daily News properly covers the ninth inning, and I'm not sure he's right when he says that Broxton might have been late getting to the bag on that chopper. (Of course, Jackson does say "might," so he's covered himself.)
By my count, he should have been out of the inning already... I mean, bad luck happens and you have to roll with it, but at least, could the beat writers acknowledge that Garciaparra's play in the ninth was completely terrible?
Picking arbitrarily, here's how I assign blame in Thursday's loss:
Garciaparra: 70%. If he makes both routine plays, the Dodgers are fine.
Broxton: 20%. His fielders will, occasionally, let him down, and he has to make the best of the situation.
Kent: 10%. Make that play and get the inning started off right.
* * *
In brighter news, Matt Kemp has been recalled. The proper move, Grady Little, is to bench Pierre again and play Kemp in center field.
What I expect Grady to do, however, is to sit Andre Ethier, who hasn't hit all that well himself (though better than Pierre).
I'll wait and watch.
I'm not saying Broxton is completely blameless. You give up a double and a single with the bases loaded and you shoulder some blame. But how did those bases get loaded?
1. Grounder to Kent that could have beeen scored an error
2. Error by Nomar
3. Tough-luck single to left (it hung up there, just not quite long enough)
4. Chopper to Nomar -- he refuses to toss to Broxton, who's right there, ready to tag the runner or step on the bag... and instead, tries to make the play himself and loses the race to the bag.
Then Gonzalez's double and Cameron's single and it was all over but the cryin'.
Only Tony Jackson in the Daily News properly covers the ninth inning, and I'm not sure he's right when he says that Broxton might have been late getting to the bag on that chopper. (Of course, Jackson does say "might," so he's covered himself.)
By my count, he should have been out of the inning already... I mean, bad luck happens and you have to roll with it, but at least, could the beat writers acknowledge that Garciaparra's play in the ninth was completely terrible?
Picking arbitrarily, here's how I assign blame in Thursday's loss:
Garciaparra: 70%. If he makes both routine plays, the Dodgers are fine.
Broxton: 20%. His fielders will, occasionally, let him down, and he has to make the best of the situation.
Kent: 10%. Make that play and get the inning started off right.
* * *
In brighter news, Matt Kemp has been recalled. The proper move, Grady Little, is to bench Pierre again and play Kemp in center field.
What I expect Grady to do, however, is to sit Andre Ethier, who hasn't hit all that well himself (though better than Pierre).
I'll wait and watch.
Thursday, June 7, 2007
I don't want to talk about it.
...except to say that it did not go unnoticed that the momentum of the game swung not long after Juan Pierre entered.
I don't know what mystical forces he presents, and the logical side of my brain says that this loss gets pinned on Nomar and, to a much lesser extent, Kent, and, to an even lesser extent, Broxton. But I can't be sure Pierre had nothing to do with it.
Just to be safe, maybe he should sit out an entire game.
I don't know what mystical forces he presents, and the logical side of my brain says that this loss gets pinned on Nomar and, to a much lesser extent, Kent, and, to an even lesser extent, Broxton. But I can't be sure Pierre had nothing to do with it.
Just to be safe, maybe he should sit out an entire game.
Success! (Sort of.)
Starting in center field for your Los Angeles Dodgers... Brady Clark! Mr. 200 outs, grab some pine. It is good to see Pierre being used in his natural role as a pinch hitter. I bet he'll be a very good one.
Obviously, this is not exactly what we wanted. Brady Clark is not a long-term answer in center field. We want Matt Kemp*.... but this is a start and worth applauding. The first step to recovery is recognizing that you have a problem.
*We would also accept, for shits and giggles, Mitch Jones, though we recognize that he probably does not have enough talent or skill to start every day in the major leagues. Of course, neither does Pierre, and Jones's skill set (power and lots of it) is more in line with what the Dodgers require. Also: it would be fun to see a 29-year-old journeyman minor leaguer get his first crack at the majors. That said, if the Dodgers are serious, their next position player callup will be Kemp.
Obviously, this is not exactly what we wanted. Brady Clark is not a long-term answer in center field. We want Matt Kemp*.... but this is a start and worth applauding. The first step to recovery is recognizing that you have a problem.
*We would also accept, for shits and giggles, Mitch Jones, though we recognize that he probably does not have enough talent or skill to start every day in the major leagues. Of course, neither does Pierre, and Jones's skill set (power and lots of it) is more in line with what the Dodgers require. Also: it would be fun to see a 29-year-old journeyman minor leaguer get his first crack at the majors. That said, if the Dodgers are serious, their next position player callup will be Kemp.
Even Vin!
Even Vin Scully is getting in on the act now. Paraphrasing, he singled out Pierre after one of his outs last night, saying something like, "It's the leadoff man who makes things happen. Pierre isn't getting on, so it's no surprise that things aren't happening." Of course, nobody else is getting on either, but Pierre does symbolize an inability to get on base.
1. Grounder to first. #198.
2. Grounder to second. #199.
3. Grounder to first. #200.
4. Infield single? Or reached on Kouzmanoff's error? Anyone watching the game would assume the latter; play-by-plays say "Pierre safe on Kouzmanoff's throwing error"; but box scores credit Pierre with a hit, so I will too. I'll edit this post if that changes.
Pace: 552.
1. Grounder to first. #198.
2. Grounder to second. #199.
3. Grounder to first. #200.
4. Infield single? Or reached on Kouzmanoff's error? Anyone watching the game would assume the latter; play-by-plays say "Pierre safe on Kouzmanoff's throwing error"; but box scores credit Pierre with a hit, so I will too. I'll edit this post if that changes.
Pace: 552.
Wednesday, June 6, 2007
Match game
If he reaches 550 outs -- his current pace -- Juan Pierre would hold the #2 spot in the single-season list of all-time outmakers, second to Omar Moreno.
Obviously, this would set the Dodger record for outs in a season. Any guesses who currently holds the Dodger record? And what year did he set it?
Hint: I was surprised, but I shouldn't have been.
Obviously, this would set the Dodger record for outs in a season. Any guesses who currently holds the Dodger record? And what year did he set it?
Hint: I was surprised, but I shouldn't have been.
Ohfer
It's tough to get on Juan's case when no Dodgers were getting on last night, but maybe, just maybe, last night was a time for him to try that bunting-for-a-hit he supposedly does so well. Looks like he tried in the first, couldn't get it down, and then swung away...
1. Foul bunt out to third. #194.
2. Fouled out to third. #195.
3. Popped to center. #196.
4. Grounded to first. #197.
Juan is now hitting .269/.298/.318. That's just 2 points of OPS above where he was before his great game last week. He's basically given it all back.
Pace: 550 outs.
1. Foul bunt out to third. #194.
2. Fouled out to third. #195.
3. Popped to center. #196.
4. Grounded to first. #197.
Juan is now hitting .269/.298/.318. That's just 2 points of OPS above where he was before his great game last week. He's basically given it all back.
Pace: 550 outs.
Tuesday, June 5, 2007
Baseball's Diamond
Diamond Leung cites USA Today: Juan Pierre is the best clutch player in baseball.
I could do the math and the research and show why this really isn't much of a deal... after all, if Juan was a little better at getting on base, maybe the Dodgers wouldn't be in so many late-and-close games.
But no bother. Congratulations, Juan, for having sliced out your tiny sliver of goodness.
P.S. Yesterday, Diamond noted that 200,000 people think that Juan Pierre is an All-Star. Surely some of these folks are just Dodger homers, voting for any Dodger on the ballot... but really? 200,000 people? Is that possible?
I could do the math and the research and show why this really isn't much of a deal... after all, if Juan was a little better at getting on base, maybe the Dodgers wouldn't be in so many late-and-close games.
But no bother. Congratulations, Juan, for having sliced out your tiny sliver of goodness.
P.S. Yesterday, Diamond noted that 200,000 people think that Juan Pierre is an All-Star. Surely some of these folks are just Dodger homers, voting for any Dodger on the ballot... but really? 200,000 people? Is that possible?
Monday, June 4, 2007
One hit, no-hitter
This game was exciting (can Lowe seal the no-hitter), then, briefly, boring (no-hitter gone, Dodgers have 5-run lead), then way more exciting than it should have been as the Dodger pitching looks a little shaky and it's up to the Dodger offense to hold on.
In short: Russell Martin is a golden god, and Juan Pierre is not. This wasn't his worst game, but it wasn't great, either.
1. Bunted, beat it out! Came around to score on Kent's double! Awesome.
2. K, looking. #191.
3. Sacrifice -- but fielders rush the throw, and Juan reaches on the error. #192, and noted in the addendum.
4. Grounded to second. #193.
This post has been edited so that it no longer reflects my stupidity.
In short: Russell Martin is a golden god, and Juan Pierre is not. This wasn't his worst game, but it wasn't great, either.
1. Bunted, beat it out! Came around to score on Kent's double! Awesome.
2. K, looking. #191.
3. Sacrifice -- but fielders rush the throw, and Juan reaches on the error. #192, and noted in the addendum.
4. Grounded to second. #193.
This post has been edited so that it no longer reflects my stupidity.
Splits
I'd had such high hopes for Juan after Tuesday. I don't know why; he's had a career of proving otherwise.
SATURDAY's loss was too bad. Kuo got a bit unlucky, then a bit lucky... but they lost the game because the offense did not show up.
1. Beat out a bunt to the shortstop.
2. Popped to right. #184.
3. Grounded to first. #185.
4. K. #186.
Nice game SUNDAY by the Dodgers, pulling victory from the Fightin' Tracys. I seem to recall that the Dodgers used to be on the losing end of this kind of game when the Tracy was on the other foot... Definitely a better-late-than-never performance by the Dodger offense.
Of course, Juan-for-five showed up.
1. Popped to left. #187.
2. Flied to left. #188.
3. Bunted to pitcher. #189.
4. Grounded to pitcher, beat it out! Lucky hit, but we'll take it.
5. K. #190.
Pace: 549 outs.
SATURDAY's loss was too bad. Kuo got a bit unlucky, then a bit lucky... but they lost the game because the offense did not show up.
1. Beat out a bunt to the shortstop.
2. Popped to right. #184.
3. Grounded to first. #185.
4. K. #186.
Nice game SUNDAY by the Dodgers, pulling victory from the Fightin' Tracys. I seem to recall that the Dodgers used to be on the losing end of this kind of game when the Tracy was on the other foot... Definitely a better-late-than-never performance by the Dodger offense.
Of course, Juan-for-five showed up.
1. Popped to left. #187.
2. Flied to left. #188.
3. Bunted to pitcher. #189.
4. Grounded to pitcher, beat it out! Lucky hit, but we'll take it.
5. K. #190.
Pace: 549 outs.
Saturday, June 2, 2007
Tick, tick, tick.
The ticking time bomb in CF ticks away with more of the same.
1. Grounded to pitcher. #181.
2. Singled to left. Would get to second on a passed ball and steal third. Good stuff; too bad his teammates couldn't get him home.
3. Grounded to second. #182.
4. Grounded to first. #183.
That's not so bad, but he usually gets another at bat and wastes another out. Again, this is not a problem when the Dodgers get pitching performances like they did yesterday (from Billingsley and Saito).... but as soon as the pitching fails to be quite as spectacular as it's been, CF will be the biggest problem on the team.
Pace: 549.
1. Grounded to pitcher. #181.
2. Singled to left. Would get to second on a passed ball and steal third. Good stuff; too bad his teammates couldn't get him home.
3. Grounded to second. #182.
4. Grounded to first. #183.
That's not so bad, but he usually gets another at bat and wastes another out. Again, this is not a problem when the Dodgers get pitching performances like they did yesterday (from Billingsley and Saito).... but as soon as the pitching fails to be quite as spectacular as it's been, CF will be the biggest problem on the team.
Pace: 549.
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