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Saturday, August 02, 2008

Nick Piecoro: D-Backs spoil Manny’s LA debut

Flash bulbs popped throughout the game on Friday night as fans at Dodger Stadium chronicled every step of Manny Ramirez’s first day in Dodger Blue.

They cheered when he emerged from the dugout for pregame warm-ups, cheered when he made his way to his position in left field, cheered as he made his way to the plate for every at-bat.

But they let out a groan as Ramirez bounced into a double play in the ninth inning as Diamondbacks closer Brandon Lyon preserved Randy Johnson’s 293rd victory by nailing down a 2-1 win over the Dodgers.

Manny being Manny!

1k5v3L, Useless Posted: August 02, 2008 at 02:04 AM | 13 comment(s)
Related News: General, Arizona, LA Dodgers, Game Recaps

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1. 1k5v3L, Useless

Posted: August 02, 2008 at 10:49 AM (#2887523)

Random facts...
RJ is now the only pitcher to have at least 2,000 strikeouts for 2 different teams.
RJ has never lost at Dodger stadium, where he's 7-0 in 11 career starts (2.04 ERA).
Last night's win was his 5th straight; it was the 293rd win of this career.
During his 5 game win streak, he's had 25K/2BB in 32.1 IP, and 1.39 ERA.

2. Raskolnikov Posted: August 02, 2008 at 11:06 AM (#2887533)

Crazy. Isn't RJ a free agent after the season?

3. Posada Posse Posted: August 02, 2008 at 11:07 AM (#2887535)

The Unit is kicking some butt and taking names right now. He is 7 wins from 300 with roughly 10 starts to go.

4. 1k5v3L, Useless

Posted: August 02, 2008 at 11:23 AM (#2887540)

Yes, RJ is a free agent after this year. But really, he'll either retire or return to Arizona for another year.

5. Rough Carrigan

Posted: August 02, 2008 at 11:23 AM (#2887541)

Those numbers are great, Levski, but I was kind of unimpressed by Johnson's stuff. His fastball went from 92 to 89 as the game progressed and, on MLB EI with the feed from Vin Scully, Scully said over and over how Johnson's slider was nothing like it used to be.

6. greenback

Posted: August 02, 2008 at 11:26 AM (#2887544)

Manny hustled out a single last night, beating Randy Johnson in a foot race. To reward Manny for his hustle, Matt Kemp was thrown out rounding third on a continuation of the same play.

Maybe the Dbacks can get RJ a cheap win on the last day of the season.

7. 1k5v3L, Useless

Posted: August 02, 2008 at 11:28 AM (#2887546)

Well, the guy's ancient. It's a miracle he can still make it to the hill every fifth day.
He's realized he can't throw like he used to, and is focusing more on controlling the strike zone.
He can throw the fastball at about 94-95 if he really has to, but he's mostly 90-92 these days.
Whatever works for him, I say. If he can baffle them with BS and get the results, I'm a-ok.

8. Matt Clement of Alexandria Posted: August 02, 2008 at 11:29 AM (#2887549)

RJ is now the only pitcher to have at least 2,000 strikeouts for 2 different teams.

I predict this will still be true, say, 50 years from today.

9. qudjy1 Posted: August 02, 2008 at 12:52 PM (#2887613)

RJ is definately using his Split as a changeup more effectively, and has given up only one earned run since working with Snyder as catcher. They are definately making an effort to be more efficient with pitches and pitching to contact.

But htere is no doubt - his stuff isnt what it once was.

10. PH Posted: August 02, 2008 at 01:01 PM (#2887620)

But htere is no doubt - his stuff isnt what it once was.

I couldn't tell by watching Andruw Jones. He just looks seven kinds of awful at the plate.

11. Darren

Posted: August 02, 2008 at 01:02 PM (#2887622)

I was going to post something like #8. That's a ridiculous record to hold. His strikeout total is ridiculous as well. I was able to watch a little of him last night and he clearly doesn't have the stuff he had even a couple years ago, but he is making it work for him. Reminds me a lot of Clemens in his Astros years.

12. rlc Posted: August 02, 2008 at 01:31 PM (#2887658)

Scully said over and over how Johnson's slider was nothing like it used to be.

And neither is anyone else's.

When you're one of the best ever, you can decline a whole hell of a lot and still be better than most everyone else. Scully of all people should understand this, since it describes his own situation so aptly.

13. ValueArb Posted: August 03, 2008 at 01:18 PM (#2888441)

Crazy. Isn't RJ a free agent after the season?

I say offer him arb, and take the draft picks!

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Saturday, August 02, 2008

Nick Piecoro: D-Backs spoil Manny’s LA debut

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