For Once, the Offense Leads the Way
August 22, 2010 at 1:36 am | Posted in Jay Gibbons, Jonathan Broxton, Manny Ramirez, Vin Scully | 14 Comments
In a game mostly notable for the returns of Manny Ramirez (to the team) and Jonathan Broxton (to the 9th inning), it was the return of a long dormant offense which was the biggest surprise of all. Home runs by Ryan Theriot (!), Andre Ethier, Jay Gibbons, and Matt Kemp powered Chad Billingsley to his 10th victory, despite the late efforts of Billingsley and Travis Schlichting to give it back. It should be noted that Gibbons now has as many homers (two) in 19 at-bats as his predecessor, Garret Anderson, had in 155.
As for the two big stories of the night, Manny – activated today, with Juan Castro DFA’d, just as I’d hoped – went 0-3 with two strikeouts. That’s disappointing, but not all that unexpected; he’s barely played in two months, after all. That’s a big part of the reason that I wanted him activated as soon as possible, because if he’s going to build up any trade value, he’ll need as many games as he can to get his timing down.
Broxton was slightly wild in the 9th, going to a 3-2 count on the first batter, but still set down the Reds in order to get his first save since August 3. I’m not sure if this means he’s “back” – his velocity was still down, by the way – but it had to be a huge boost to his confidence. Since Hong-Chih Kuo pitched 1.2 innings today and Octavio Dotel hasn’t gained any trust, I’d imagine Broxton would be the man should the Dodgers have a lead in the 9th tomorrow, as well.
******
Of course, the real big news is that there’s an announcement coming tomorrow on Vin Scully’s future, says T.J. Simers:
“I know what I am going to do and I would imagine the Dodgers will arrange things so an announcement can be made before [Sunday's] game,” said Scully, who will be 83 before the start of next season. “I’d like to do that so everyone hears it at the same time. It’s the proper way to do it.”
My guess, just from comments he’s made over the last few months, is that he won’t retire yet, but he’ll cut back further on his schedule. I’d imagine that means that he’ll do only home games and no longer make the NL West trips, with the possible exception of the short journeys to Anaheim and San Diego.
Of course, it’s very possible that’s just my own selfishness speaking, praying that he’ll stick with us on even a reduced schedule, rather than heading off into the retirement he obviously so richly deserves.
Gulp.
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10th victory for Billingsley.
Comment by JayHowell— August 22, 2010 #
Seriously, how more emo could we get than if Vinny left.
Comment by Table— August 22, 2010 #
I hear that. That’s been the only enjoyable part about watching the Dodgers play recently.
Comment by Jorge— August 22, 2010 #
The best part of my day is hearing Vin say, “it’s tiiiiiiime for Dodger baseball!”
Comment by Jeff— August 22, 2010 #
I was at the game tonight, and this was a great game! very shocking seeing the dodgers hit four homeruns, back to back in two innings. bills pitched well and picked up his 10th win, and even the no heart, scared, lack of v-energy broxton pitched a 123 ninth to earn the save!
I was completly flabbergasted in the second inning witnessing Ryan Theriot’s homerun to left field. I half expected them to stop the game and give him the ball considering he hits like half a homerun a season.
Ill be scared preparing for the news about Vinny. I cant even imagine what it would be like next season without him. im praying he stays with the team for the home games next season. lets go blue!!!!!
Comment by format— August 22, 2010 #
I think several good lineup decisions helped jumpstart the offense. of coarse the return of manny, even though he had a bad game. no suprise since he hasnt played in so long, but it seems when hes in the lineup he makes everyone better. the benching of POD, and the addition of Jay Gibbons in the lineup batting cleanup and playing first base for the slumping loney.
MSTI-do you think we could see some of Russ Mitchell in september when rosters expand? im curious to get a look at him. could it be possible we might see him next year at third base? or is he not ready to come up?
Comment by format— August 22, 2010 #
I do think Mitchell could come up in September. He’s not viewed as a starter, but he can play a few spots so he may be in contention for a bench role next year.
Comment by Mike Scioscia's tragic illness— August 22, 2010 #
If Brox’s problem WASN’T mental, then we have to believe that it is just coincidence that he solved his problems just at the same time that he was removed from the closers role.
Comment by Davids— August 22, 2010 #
Even last night, his velocity was lower than usual and he was a little wild, so I still think his mechanics are out of whack. But even if it was in his head, I think that’s different than saying “he’s a loser with no heart”.
Comment by Mike Scioscia's tragic illness— August 22, 2010 #
dont forget about his lack of v-energy!
Comment by format— August 22, 2010 #
We may see Ox in the 9th again on Sunday, but based on Torre’s comment about how he used Kuo in the 7th on Saturday because that’s when he thought the game needed to be saved, tells me that he still considers Broxton out of the closers role.
Comment by Gibby's Limp— August 22, 2010 #
Hey,
I live in Florida so this is 9AM. But what are you guys doing up so early on a Sunday.
Comment by Davids— August 22, 2010 #
The acquisition of Rod Barajas suggests that management still considers the Dodgers to be contenders (yeah, I know he’s not very good, but he is an upgrade).
Comment by WBB— August 22, 2010 #
[...] In a game mostly notable for the returns of Manny Ramirez (to the team) and Jonathan Broxton (to the 9th inning), it was the return of a long dormant offense which was the biggest surprise of all. Home runs by Ryan Theriot (!), Andre Ethier, Jay Gibbons, and Matt Kemp powered Chad Billingsley to his [...] Mike Scioscia’s tragic illness [...]
Pingback by For Once, the Offense Leads the Way - Bay Badminton— August 25, 2010 #