This was a very painful weekend series against the Brewers yesterday afternoon. The Dodgers got swept by our Central Division nemesis; having lost five of the six games we've played them this season. BTW, this is the first time the Dodgers have been swept this year. As a result, the Dodger now have just a 3.5 game lead over the Giants. We are far from settling who will win the West this season.
The afternoon started well enough. It was Cuban Heritage Day during Viva Los Dodgers, and much of the stadium was in a celebrating mood. Puig and Hanley Ramirez greeted fans to much excitement, and Jessica Alba
showed some great form during her warmups for her ceremonial first pitch. Unfortunately, things went awry soon afterwards.
Foreshadowing the Dodgers start, Jessica Alba missed the plate during her first pitch, and starting pitcher Dan Haren gave up an first inning two-run homer to start the game. From there, everything went downhill. By the time the dust settled, the Brewers lead the Dodgers 7 to 0 at the end of the fourth inning. The Dodgers wouldn't come close to threatening the Brewers lead the entire game. Graphic above via
@SportsNetLA on twitter.
Oh well. Thankfully, the Dodgers get a day off today. They have played twenty straight games, and are due for a rest. As Vin Scully mentioned yesterday afternoon, Baseball union rules dictate that a team cannot play more than twenty games in a row. No doubt, we need a little rest.
Now, here are some more links to check out.
- ICYMI: Juan Uribe was placed on the 15-day DL on Saturday. Carlos Triunfel was called up from AAA in his place. This injury hurts. For all the criticism Uribe received when he first joined the Dodgers he has since become an important part of the Dodgers offense and defense. He's a spark plug, and is easily the most underrated player on the team.
- BTW, to complete the Roberto Hernandez trade the Dodgers sent former 2012 1st round draft pick, Jesmuel Valentin, to the Phillies, via Eric Stephen at True Blue LA. This completes one-half of the trade. Another player is still slated to go to Philadelphia. This might seem like a hefty exchange, but it really isn't. As an infielder, Valentin appeared to be blocked at every potential position, but likely received a good depth piece in Hernandez for a pennant run.
- You should expect Pederson and Guerrero in Dodger Blue in September, via Jim Bowden on twitter. With the injuries currently hampering the Dodgers, September couldn't come fast enough.
"We love Hanley," Kasten said." There is still lots of time this
season for him to make a big impact in September, and hopefully in
October.
"Both sides have agreed we'll sit down and talk at the
end of the season and decide. We both decided that makes the most sense.
As difficult a season as he's had physically, there is still lots of
time for him to have an enormous impact for us."
Do not be shocked if the Dodgers part way with Hanley this winter. Considering his injury history, the potential cost and the current minor league depth the club has in the infield, we just might choose to go another direction. Of course, if Hanley takes a discount then the aforementioned issues might be worth it.
