DODGERS TAKE THREE OF FOUR FROM ROCKIES. The Dodgers held on to a ½ game lead in the division by taking three of four from the Colorado Rockies. The Dodgers outscored the Rockies 27-12 and demonstrated to the Rockies and anyone else that happened to look in why the starting pitching on this team gets as much publicity and money as it does. Well, at least most of the starting pitching did. Greinke, Beckett and Kershaw managed to throw 21 innings and give up only two runs in Colorado-COLORADO! Dan Haren did not fare as well, giving up 8 earned in five innings on Friday night. Haren’s performance added more fuel to the fire burning with some Dodger fans who would like to see David Price wearing a Dodger uniform regardless of price. Haren’s performance likely put some pressure on Colletti to at least entertain the idea. Relax Dodger fans, the game was played in Colorado and despite Haren’s struggles, the Dodgers were in position to still win the game. Don’t get distracted. This series was all about the great starting pitching. Kershaw and Greinke made sure that the bullpen was not overworked which could have caused problems for the next series. While we are at it, let’s talk about that bullpen. The bullpen worked 10 innings giving up two runs and only one of them earned. This occurred in Colorado-COLORADO! It is a little premature to declare the bullpen fixed, but they had a nice series and confidence is important when one is coming out of the pen. Once again though, things were not perfect. Both Chris Perez and Brian Wilson did give up runs on Sunday. Although Chris Perez did not give up an earned run, he was far from impressive-again. Dodger fans are also continuing to grow restless with Wilson. In a game the Dodgers have to win, it would be interesting to see who Mattingly would hand the ball to in the eighth. Our manager gave us all a little clue Thursday night when he left Greinke in to gut out the eighth inning. While some may view it as a tip of the cap to Greinke’s determination and competitiveness, a more jaundiced conclusion is that there was no reliable alternative. Overall, the relief pitching was very, very effective. As for the position players, Dodger fans have to be excited that Hanley Ramirez did not go on the disabled list. In fact, he was almost immediately tested at short twice in game one and was able to pass the tests. In addition, he is hitting. Juan Uribe also had an outstanding series going 7/19 and continuing to look good as he puts the hamstring problems behind him. The one Dodger who is continuing to struggle at the plate is AGon, but the few hits he was able to manage produced runs and that is far more important than batting average. Finally Dodger fans, if it was not enough for you to watch the offense and pitching perform at elite levels, Dee Gordon made the all-star team. The “off with Mattingly’s head” crowd won’t want to hear this, but much of the credit goes to DM and his staff. Last year, most Dodger fans would have traded DG for a six pack of beer and a player to be named never. What we got this year is an all-star second baseman. When that young man tips his cap at the game, every Dodger fan, wherever you are, better be on their feet. While on those feet, tip your cap to the coaching staff for helping facilitate this kid’s coming out party. It is really sweet to watch such a nice guy do so well. The Dodgers are in first. Clayton and Greinke are the best two pitchers in the league and Dee Gordon and Yasiel Puig are all-stars. This was a great series. (RJ the New Guy)
Posted on: Mon, 07 Jul 2014 04:34:42 +0000