Andre the Giant Infant

Get this guy a diaper. What the hell is wrong with Andre Ethier? Yeah, the team stinks, but is that why he's been such a Pouty Poutington lately? Doesn't seem like it. One impression I get from Ethier is that he's always been a little bit more about himself than the team. The team can be up 8 runs (not often these days) and he can be seen sulking in the dugout because he's 0 for 3. His 30 game hitting streak ended and he's suddenly flipping the bird to LA Times beat writers and photographers because they're taking photos of him during bp. Welcome to the Bigs, Andre. And then he crashes into the chain link right field fence at U.S. Cellular Field against the Chisox on Sunday and hurts himself. (I think he shoulda made that play) A little banged up, he doesn't play in the woeful Houston series. So, when asked by a reporter how he feels, he responds, "I don't need you to check on me. We have trainers to do that." Waah! What's the matter, Andre, didn't get your nap? Grow up, stop pouting, show some grace and some class, get out there and lead. Otherwise, keep your mouth shut and play. You're not THAT good.

Look, folks, this team is terrible. I know, I know. The injuries. Furcal, (he's back, but mighty, mighty rusty.) Blake, Uribe, Broxton (not a problem) Kuo (he's anxious) Hawksworth, now Barajas. Yeah, yeah, yeah. You have all of those guys back and healthy and you're still teetering on last place. It's just the way this team is assembled. Matt Kemp is having a monster year thus far, Ethier was, then he stopped, and Jamey Carroll has been as awesome as a Jamey Carroll can be. I like Jerry Sands, he of the 2 HRs of late, including a grand slam, and maybe Rubby De LaRosa will prove to be a key guy, but, aside from Kemp, there just isn't enough consistent pop and there's not enough BA. As predicted, offensively, too many K's, not enough guys making things happen. Their starting pitching is overrated but solid. Kershaw is NOT the lights out ace we hoped he'd be. Not yet. Billingsley has been solid but not great. Kuroda has been mostly good. Lilly has been OK and Garland has been passable. No world beaters in the bunch. Face it. This team has lousy personnel and the only way it'll change is if their top prospects were all ready NOW or, more realistically, to get that new owner with deep pockets in there and hope for quick improvements via free agency and trades. Why anyone would think this team can improve greatly or contend is beyond me. It doesn't help when the guy that's supposed to be the team leader is behaving like a spoiled brat. It's going to continue to be a dismal, horrid year unless things change quickly in the clubhouse, in the front office and in the West. The only bright spot will be the MLB seizure of the club from the despot, McCourt, and the hope of a happy future.