S.O.S.!!!

Why do Dodger beat writers and radio guys appear to be soft peddling the Dodgers' weaknesses? I know I've been Mr. Doom & Gloom over a team with the best record in baseball, but quietly, the wheels are coming off the cart and no one seems to notice. After last night's ugly loss to Houston at home, the clever and likeable Josh Suchon and Ken Levine conducted Dodger Talk from what sounded like a racuous party on the club level at the Ravine. Fans were hootin' and hollerin' and havin' a good ol' time, as they should. (However, it was odd to see Kemp yukking it up with Manny in the dugout in the bottom of the 9th, down 3 runs and being shut out) But when I called the show and I heard the hosts take comments from the glass is half full crowd and everyone laughing and enjoying themselves, I couldn't help thinking of 1974's The Poseidon Adventure with Gene Hackman, Shelly WInters, Ernest Borgnine, et al, where everyone's on board the cruise ship, having a great time at a New Years Eve party just before a tidal wave capsizes the boat. The Dodger Fun Cruise is heading for extremely rough waters, people, and the crew needs to start getting the life boats ready.

Dodger beat writers and fans should be MUCH more worried about their starting pitching. I just don't feel Randy Wolf is a playoff pitcher and I don't believe Kershaw, in spite of his talent, can be trusted to perform well at a high level under an October spotlight. Kuroda could very well be done (HE STINKS!) and I look for them to perhaps send him to Triple A for awhile until he can smooth out his mechanics and his effectiveness or drop him from the rotation altogether. Billingsley has looked sharp in only one of his last 5 outings. (6, if you count his All Star appearance. We'll see how he looks tonight against a difficult Stros lineup) Therefore, the Blue are really in need of not one, but TWO starting pitchers if they're to get to the World Series. Halladay is out of the question unless they're willing to part with Matt Kemp or Kershaw, (or both) Lambo and more. I would hate to part ways with Kemp, as Kemp can certainly contribute to a playoff birth. However, Halladay can all but guarantee them a trip to the World Series. Also, if they allow the Giants or Phils to acquire Halladay, it's pretty much over.

Last year's AL Cy Young winner, Cliff Lee has had only had a handful of good outings this year and may not be the answer, but he could help. What about a deal that would send Russell Martin, James McDonald and some big prospects for Lee and catcher, Victor Martinez, who's been rumored to be on the move before the deadline? Lee pitched well last night. It's something to consider. I seriously doubt KC would be willing to part ways with Zack Greinke. Washburn would help, but the Mariners are still very much alive in the AL West race and he's not a top tier arm anyway. Gil Meche is a possibility, but doubtful. But don't forget about the injured Jake Peavy who has expressed more than veiled interest in becoming a Dodger. He'll be back in August and by that time the Dads may be willing to take a little less to unburden themselves of his salary.

Why do Dylan Hernandez and other Dodger writers laud Guillermo Mota?? Mota's awful. He may have an ERA under 4.00 but he gives up everyone else's runs. Leach, also, is not ready. As the sore and overworked Belisario could be done and Broxton's performance of late having become worrisome, along with his sore toe excuse, they desperately need a reliable arm like a Chad Qualls or a Huston Street in the pen.

In spite of their 7 game lead and they're being 23 games over .500 with the best record in MLB, I think, if left as is, this team will be lucky to even win the West. Lincecum and Cain are co-Cy Young winners if the season ends today and their interest in Halladay scares the daylights out of me. Also, if they can add a Derek Lee or Nick Johnson to Pablo Sandoval in the lineup, they can pick up some games in a hurry. And don't count out the Rockies. Both the Giants and the Rockies will be much better equipped to prevail in any short series.

How can the Blue win this thing? Furcal's resurgence must continue so that Ethier can bat 3rd and Manny cleanup. Also, Ethier and Loney will have to be more consistent. Ethier has become an all or nothing hitter of late and a double paly waiting to happen. He leads the entire MLB in grounding into DP's. And is it me, or does James Loney appear to not really run or play that hard? And, yes, Martin's bat has improved slightly, but has anyone noticed how poor he is behind the plate these days? A young catcher's game is supposed to get better as he matures, not worse. But in the end, pitching help is a must or THIS TEAM WILL LOSE.

As far as continuing to have the best record in the MLB, Boston will likely have the best record in baseball in 2 week's time if the Dodgers pitching doesn't improve.

The All Star game was quick and painless, but the fact that a pitcher for the San Diego Daddies - Heath Bell - who have no chance whatsoever of making it to the post season this year or any year for quite some time, can have a bad inning and actually determine which league gets home field advantage in the World Series is the dumbest thing on earth.