They WON???

Okay, so much for my prediction that the Angels would sweep the Dodgers. Who knew Chan Ho Park would be resurrected from the dead, and would pitch an absolute gem? This guy is playing every game (except one really bad outing) like it’s Turn Back the Clock to 1995 Night. His velocity is still in the mid 90’s, he’s in incredible shape and he’s actually kind of tough and sullen out there. I like this new Chan Ho Park… for now.

We were aggressive on the bases, made things happen, got a couple of unlikely blasts from Martin and Ethier and last night, the Dodgers looked like the Angels and the Angels looked like the Dodgers. Don’t count on it lasting too long. These are still the Dodgers. Ya never know, though. They’re not entirely incapable of putting together a winning streak. Especially since the Snakes can hear their footsteps (more like tiptoes) and can feel their soft, effeminate breath on their scaly necks.

What a crap division the West has turned out to be thus far. The Dodgers MUST have a strong, smart, consistent approach at the plate. Yesterday, Andy LaRoche steps to the plate with the bases loaded and one out and HE TRIES TO BUNT!!! I’d have sent him back down TODAY. Come on, guys, I know you’re all young, but do you have to be so damn stupid?? Who bunts in that situation? The ball bounced up and hit him while he was still in the box, but the ump didn’t see it that way. It’s early and he seems like a nice kid but I see little value in LaRoche at this juncture.

So, the song remains the same. The team still stinks without Furcal, but there are rays of hope. The strong, unlikely performances from Stults and Park, the emergence of Delwyn Young as a potential star, either giving the team another option with the bat (the outfield is getting pretty full and it’s gonna get even fatter – I mean fuller – when Andruw Jones returns - or elevating his trade value. Question is, where the hell is Nomar gonna play? WHY is Nomar gonna play? I love Blake Dewitt and he should just have the job, unless they can grab up a Scott Rolen, a Garret Atkins or even a Russell Branyan by the trading deadline. (Check out Branyan’s numbers with limited playing time. Amazing!) There’s talk about Eric Chavez from Okaland, but I’m not sure I’m a big Chavez fan. Bottom line is, they need someone to drive in some freaking runs from the 3rd base position if they’re not gonna get it from their outfielders. Here’s hoping the Rockies continue to tank and Matt Holliday becomes available. As much as I like his future, I’d let ‘em have Kemp in a heartbeat. Problem is, the Rocks’ll probably also insist on Kershaw.

Everyone, I like Joe Torre. I mean, I'm not the charter member of his fan club or anything, but I like him a lot better than the incompetent Grady Little and Jim Tracy. He's not to blame him for the team's faliures. Sure, he just sits there most of the time like a statue and acts like he doesn't care, but I think he does. He and Bowa are good cop/bad cop. If you need to blame Joe, blame him for even thinking about using Scott Proctor ever again. Otherwise, Torre's doing the best with what he has.