SB Nation User Blog: Kenchanayoh

Now What? Indians Trade Martinez Before His Bobblehead Night

Kenchanayoh — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 22:30:36 -0000

On the trading deadline, the Cleveland Indians traded their catcher, Victor Martinez, to the Boston Red Sox for several young arms. The transaction wasn't out of the ordinary until you realize that tomorrow game against the Detroit Tiger is Victor Martinez Bobblehead Night at Progressive Field. It is true that only in Cleveland would something like this happen to baseball fans. I have never seen this happen in my life.

Now my only question is what are they going to do with that 40,000 or so bobbleheads? Are they going to pass them out as part, so kids could put Victor next to his catcher's mitt giveaway and the Cliff Lee bobblehead they got from earlier this season? Or are they just going to scrap it and have some employees flip them for great money on eBay, making them an awesome rare collectible?

My idea is this: Since the Red Sox and Indians have similar colors on their uniforms, why not package those bobbleheads along with Victor as offer them as part of the trade. The Red Sox employees can slap a team logo on the helmet of the doll and distribute them in a Fenway giveaway night to welcome him to town. The final line will show this: Justin Masterson, Bryan Price and Nick Hagadone for Victor Martinez and 43,000 bobbleheads.

Poll

What are the Indians gonna do with the bobbleheads?

Junk em

1 votes

Pass em out

7 votes

Ship em to Fenway

7 votes

Dodgers buy em, redo em, and give em out as Ausmus bobblehead night

8 votes

23 votes | Poll has closed

I tear this Daily News moron a new one

Kenchanayoh — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 04:10:26 -0000

I couldn't stand this guy at the Daily News, Thomas Hoffarth. He wrote that the Dodgers should trade Kershaw, or we will be in deep trouble, at least until the beginning of 2010. So, I just told him how i felt about him.

Ken from Lincoln Heights:

If you were GM, you would be fired trading someone who
1) is 21 who is suddenly the most reliable starter on the rotation
2) makes 400k instead of Halladay's 14 mil
3) knowing how fans love Kershaw's potential growth
4) also, he is 10 years younger than Halladay
5) calling his last 8 starts, unproven
6) umm did I mention he is only 21 and has less than 1.00 ERA in the past 8 starts?
You are an idiot. Go be friends with Steve Phillips, you tool.

Read his dumb rant here:

http://www.dailynews.com/ci_12927468?source=rss

...The Impossible Has Happened: Manny Ramirez Edition

Kenchanayoh — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 06:56:19 -0000

"This is more Hollywood than Hollywood! No wait, you're right, it's Mannywood."
-Vin Scully

Were you there tonight? If you were at the stadium for Manny Ramirez bobblehead night, you were in for an amazing treat and great moment in Dodgers baseball history. In front of a soldout crowd, the ultimate Hollywood (or should I just say Mannywood) story was written before our eyes.

After getting hit in the hand in last night's game, Ramirez was unable to start due to a bruised hand. That is right. Manny was unable to start or maybe even play on his own bobblehead night. However, in all of our minds, we knew that he was going to pinch hit in a key situation. Now, this is where the story becomes really improbable.

Joe Torre chose to bat the pitcher 8th tonight, which he does quite often. The Reds managed to tie the game at 2 in the top of the sixth inning, but Bronson Arroyo loaded the bases by walking Russell Martin with the pitcher's spot coming up. Pretty much everyone in the stadium knew that Manny was going to come off the bench and at least hit a sacrifice fly to score the go-ahead run. He looked uncomfortable all night sitting on the bench, and also went into the tunnel on one occasion, to probably hit in the batting cage. Reds manager, Dusty Baker, had a double-switch and brought in Nick Masset in relief of Arroyo. With nowhere to put Manny, everyone knew Masset would have to pitch to him. The atmosphere was intense, almost like a playoff game. The sellout crowd was the loudest it has ever been all season, and that includes the amazing World Baseball Classic Final. To a standing ovation, Manny hit Masset's first offering straight to the Mannywood section. Right after that, the crowd just erupted and everyone went crazy, high-fiving and hugging everyone next to them.

My friend and I have often called the impossible moments in sports, "Bullshit Moments". I classify this one, a 9 points out of 10 on the "BS" meter. How could it be that Manny would be unable to start the game due to an injury, come up to pinch hit for the pitcher with the bases loaded, and hit a first-pitch grand slam on his own bobblehead giveaway night? Also, he provided what proved to be the difference in the game. Masset has given up only 2 home runs all year. I believe that Dennis Eckersley gave up 5 homers all year in 1988 before he gave up the one to Kirk Gibson in the world series. Of course, Manny was no where as injured as Gibson was, and this wasn't in the playoffs. Either way, this was still a special game. And this team is definitely special. I haven't seen so many "Bullshits" in one season since the "Rally Monkey" Angels who won the World Series in the early 2000s.

One more thing to note. I am sure the Dodgers fans just shut up Bill Plaschke for his constant Manny-bashing since the end of his 50-game suspension. Did you see the fans cheer for Manny and the Dodgers? Did you see how happy Manny was when he hit the slam and the fans went crazy? Bill, I hope you enjoyed this one! I will certainly enjoy my Manny bobblehead!

Poll

Where you at Dodger Stadium for Manny bobblehead night?

Yes!

10 votes

No =(

23 votes

33 votes | Poll has closed

Kemp 4, Astros 3: My Bro-mance of Kemp and Kershaw

Kenchanayoh — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 02:21:11 -0000

Rarely can you say that one guy singlehandedly won the game in the sport of baseball, but Matt Kemp showed that his career-high 4 runs were enough to take the final game of the series against the Houston Astros. Ever since being put into the Final Vote ballot, Kemp has been impressing fans on both sides of the ball. Today, he went 3-3, stole a base, scored 3 runs, and hit the game winning home run on the bottom of the 8th, allowing the Dodgers to fuel another comeback and win another one-run game. His homer was a massive blast to left-center, measuring about 450 feet.

The bottom of the lineup did all of the damage for the Comeback Kids. Andre Ethier, Brad Ausmus, and Kemp accounted for all of the team's hits. Ausmus had 2 timely doubles and 2 RBI filling in very well defensively and offensively for Russell Martin. Hiroki Kuroda looked very shaky in 5 innings of work, as his pitches weren't fulling anyone in the Astros lineup. He was fortunate not to give up more than the 3 runs he gave up in the 3rd inning.

It was another hot day at the ballpark, as I kept drinking a lot of fluids to keep from getting heatstroke. But I was glad to finally witness a late-inning comeback in person. This is my 3rd blog posting about Matt Kemp, so I might as well be joining the Kemp and also the Clayton Kershaw fan club.

Speaking of Clayton, he had another magnificent pitching performance last night, picking up his 5th straight win with his 7 shutout innings. By far, these two youngsters have carried the load for this team for the past month. Kershaw has given up 4 earned runs in the past 7 outtings (42-2/3 innings). In that same stretch, Chad Billingsley has not won a game in 6 tries, including losing 2 of them, and allowing 25 earned runs in the last 33-1/3 innings. Very interesting numbers to consider for fans and observers.

Anyways, I will be at the game tomorrow to watch the return of Jason Schmidt, our highest paid player in the pitching rotation.

Plus also visit my blog sometime, especially for more pics and dumb opinions!

http://kenchanayoh.blogspot.com

You Are Now Entering Mannywood

Kenchanayoh — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 08:31:28 -0000

Tonight was Manny Ramirez first home game since his 50 game suspension. Unfortunately, there wasn't too much to talk about, at least on the Dodgers side. The Blue Crew was shutout by the Houston Astros pitching staff despite having 8 base hits.

Manny received a standing ovation each time he went up to bat. Most of the fans in the pavilions and Mannywood remained standing and showed their support for the slugger when he took the field for defense. He looked very appreciative and acknowledged the crowd whenever they were chanting. The Los Angeles sportsfan treats their star athletes with a lot of respect and admiration. This was certainly the case tonight. It seemed more like a player coming back from an injury than from a huge suspension. The fans didn't forget Juan Pierre, who also received a standing ovation from the crowd when he came up to pinch hit.

I got to sit in Mannywood with my friend. While it definitely not my first time sitting next to the Dodgers bullpen, it was certainly special to be there on Manny's return. In addition to being poster-giveaway night, the whole Mannywood section was given free Mannywood tshirts to signal the return of Manny and the Mannywood seats. A very nice gesture, as the organization showed a lot of appreciation for the fans.

Please visit my blog!!!

http://kenchanayoh.blogspot.com/

Matt Kemp, Where Amazing Happens

Kenchanayoh — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 06:15:46 -0000

A couple days after losing the MLB Final Vote and being snubbed by Charlie Manuel, Matt Kemp is showing the nation where amazing happens. Though he isn't an elite player just yet, Kemp has been playing on an impressive and all-star caliber level for the past week.

Just to illustrate how much of a tear Kemp is actually on, here is what Kemp has been doing on the roadtrip: He has a 7-game hitting streak, batting .556 (15-27) with 1HR and 9 RBIs. Also, Kemp has 5 multi-hit games during the roadtrip. In the past 3 games, he has gotten 9 hits in 12 official at-bats (.750).

Tonight, Kemp went 3 for 5 with a grand slam in the top of 10th, which proved to be the difference in the game. In the bottom of the 10th, he ended the game with a Willie Mays-esque basket catch running towards the center field warning track, preventing an extra base hit.

Now, my question is will Raul Ibanez play in the All-Star game? Also, if he doesn't play, will Manuel pick Kemp to fill in? Gut feeling he will not pick Kemp even if Ibanez sits out.

Here's my main BLOG if you want to look me up. http://kenchanayoh.blogspot.com/

Poll

Will Matt Kemp make it to the All-Star game roster next week?

Yes, Manuel will pick him as a fill-in

10 votes

No, Ibanez will play or Manuel will pick Sandoval to fill the spot

25 votes

35 votes | Poll has closed

Biggest Disappointment?

Kenchanayoh — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 23:34:07 -0000

With the Dodgers getting some good production from their acquisitions from Juan Pierre, Randy Wolf, Furcal, Manny, Blake, and even veterans like Ausmus and Loretta, the Dodger-faithful are enjoying the success from smart free agent signings and timely trading. Since there has been so much talk about trades as we are coming to the deadline, why not discuss the pickups from the past couple of off-seasons and mid-seasons that have made us not-so happy.

The first acquisition that comes to mind is Andruw "Mr. Big Mouth" Jones. Not only did he bat under the Mendoza line for the whole season, he had the nerve to say that he was worth his paycheck due to his reputation. If baseball was a real-job, he would have been fired, and never working in this industry again! Another one that comes to mind is Jason Schmidt. I was psyched about his arrival, but he hasn't lived up to his reputation or paycheck. Heck, I don't remember the last time I saw him pitching. And of course he is making his 16 million for not doing anything. At least Andruw ate up some innings snagging flyballs. I hope he does make a nice recovery and contribute to the team.

But these have only been some of the names that have made us vomit our 6 dollar Dodger dogs. Feel free to elaborate on your views.

Poll

Which acquisition's performance (or lack thereof) in the past few seasons have you been most disappointed with?

Jason Schmidt

33 votes

Andruw Jones

24 votes

Brett Tomko

0 votes

Brad Penny

2 votes

Mention of any of the names above makes me cringe

11 votes

Some one else

1 votes

71 votes | Poll has closed

Who else do the Dodgers have to beat in order to gain RESPECT?

Kenchanayoh — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 09:54:30 -0000

I was in my car on Monday, thinking about the recent series with the Angels. After losing the first game by a Juan Rivera home run, the Dodgers took the next two games in convincing fashion. This team has been doing that a lot lately. Any other year, the Dodgers would probably get swept by their freeway series rivals. Not this year. This is definitely a special team.

Despite having the best record in the majors, the Dodgers still don't get that much credit from a lot of people, especially from sports radio guys. There are a lot of haters on there. Those same guys are saying that the Dodgers were playing nobodies, or the NL West sucks. Despite winning series against the Rangers, Phillies, Mets, Marlins, and Angels, some people are still thinking that this team is not for real. Might I remind the pessimist that they won all of those aforementioned series without Manny Ramirez. All of them, except the Mets series, were on the road. Yes, they are a good road team!

Doesn't it seem whenever the Dodgers go out there, they seem like they are the Underdog? Despite succeeding without Manny, the Dodgers are still a team that is not at full-strength. The Dodgers have played with no excuse since the suspension. They seem like they have a point to prove: This team is bigger than Manny.

Despite the Rockies and Padres achieving amazing winning streaks, the Dodgers have just winning series left and right. No, they have not been sweeping people, but they have been winning those rubber games. Despite not scoring that many runs recently, the pitching staff has kept them close. Despite not hitting many homers, the Dodgers are still one of the top teams in offense. There are a lot of "despite" statements you can think of for this team. But one thing I don't want people to think is that this team is playing nobodies. Because, that is not true. The NL West is a Jekyll and Hyde division, yet the Dodgers have remained constant.

Now, who do they have to beat in order to get the sports media lovin'? Crushing the NL Central in the coming few weeks? Then will they get respect? Well, I don't really care who respects them or not. I respect them. And if the Dodgers do go to the World Series this year, this storybook year will be complete.

I always think about my favorite baseball movie whenever I think of the Dodgers. Major League. It has been over 20 years since the Gibson homer. I was three years old back then. Since that time, every team in the NL West has made it to the World Series except the Dodgers. How fitting would it be, that with this team, that they would make it there. In the words of Jake Taylor: "Well then I guess there's only one thing left to do.Win the whole (expletive) thing!"

Arms Race

Kenchanayoh — Sun, 21 Jun 2009 08:28:01 -0000

With the Dodgers in first place so close to the All-star break, it is not unreasonable to think ahead to the postseason. I think many people will agree that the Dodgers are one solid pitcher from a World Series birth.

Recently, the has been much speculation of another big acquisition by the Dodgers' GM. There are some arms available to the Dodgers, and not all methods require giving up a great prospect or a young player.

The first suggestion was the acquisition of the Blue Jays' Roy Halladay. The Jays' GM did suggest that they are putting his name on the trading block, but are not actively shopping him. Halladay has a 10-1 record, and is probably going to be the AL Cy Young winner if he continues on this pace. He is, however, on the 15-day DL with a groin strain. But this is seen as a temporary and mild setback. ESPN Radio did talk about how it is possible that the Jays would like a good arm for their team as well, such as Broxton or Kershaw. Halladay is 31 and Kershaw is 21. So the dilemma is this: Would you trade for a proven number 1 starter for an inconsistent young pitcher with a lot of upside? Win now, or win in maybe 5 years? I don't see the Dodgers pulling off a trade to move their youngsters, and a lot of fans would be against this. As a fan, I would love the Dodgers to have someone to put them over the top. But are you giving up a gem like when Pedro Martinez went goodbye?

Also available is a former Dodger, in Pedro Martinez. Now, Pedro hasn't pitched since the WBC and is probably going to want a prorated salary that is going to be pricey. He has been very average his past 3 seasons (17-15), with a very undesirable ERA. Pedro's effectiveness is going to be in question. Speaking about questionable, so is Mr. Glavine.

Tom Glavine is without a team now. Now who would gamble on the 43 year-old Glavine. In 07, he was still very effective, posting a 13-8 record. However, Glavine was cut by the Braves and is without a bidder.

I entirely understand that it might be a middle reliever or hitter that the Dodgers might need. Huston Street might be a good option if the Dodgers could steal him. But getting him would cement an already effective but well-worked bullpen. The Dodgers have to worry about tired arms with Torre's philosophy of running his guys out there a ton. Jeff Weaver was a very effective long reliever, and they might need him to be in the pen instead of the starting rotation.

I would love to here your thoughts. Who is needed to put the Dodgers over the top? Or are the Dodgers already there with the return of Kuroda, and rising of Billingsley? One thing I do know is that Jake Peavy is out of the question. No way the Padres will trade him to the Dodgers, and he is on the shelf anyways.

Poll

What would you do to bolster the Dodgers' team before the playoffs?

Trade for an effective ace, but lose a young player

26 votes

Acquire a Free Agent pitcher

45 votes

Or bolster another aspect of the team, such as a set-up man or power hitter

57 votes

128 votes | Poll has closed

Free Parking for A's Series

Kenchanayoh — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 07:12:30 -0000

A friend gave me a page which showed that it will be complementary general parking for everyone who makes it to the park for the Interleague series against the Oakland A's June 16-18. June 16th is my birthday, so unfortunately, I will not be there. A nice mid-week series to bring the family and friends and save that $15.

Link is right here if you want to glance at it:

http://losangeles.dodgers.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20090607&content_id=5200284&vkey=news_la&fext=.jsp&c_id=la