Game Blog: San Diego Padres v. Los Angeles Dodgers

by Brent S. Gambill

If you are a regular listener of Baseball Beat with Charley Steiner or a regular reader of MLB on XM and/or Baseball Beat: The Blog, than you are aware I am in Los Angeles this week. This is day six of nine on the left coast.

On Tuesday night, I did the first MLB on XM game blog. Tonight at Dodger Stadium, the San Diego Padres and Los Angeles Dodgers meet for the first time since last season’s once in a lifetime four home run game. Jeff Kent, J.D. Drew, Russell Martin and Marlon Anderson made history by slugging four consecutive home runs in the bottom of the ninth inning to tie the game off Trevor Hoffman. Nomar Garciaparra won it in the bottom of the 10th inning with a two-run walk-off shot. On such a momentous occasion, there must be a complete record. This will be the first game blog for Baseball Beat: The Blog.

I’m sitting front and center in the Dodger Stadium press box. Tonight is the season debut of shortstop Rafael Furcal as he returns from a spring training ankle sprain. He had one hit, one walk and one steal in a two-game rehab assignment for Single-A Inland Empire. The front side of the line-up looks as General Manager Ned Colletti envisioned it for the first time this season. Catcher Russell Martin moves to the six-hole after successfully filling the two-hole for the first two weeks of the season.

Before I head to see what excitement awaits me in the press box cafeteria, I’ll post tonight’s starting lineups:

San Diego Padres

2B Marcus Giles
RF Brian Giles
CF Mike Cameron
1B Adrian Gonzalez
SS Khalil Greene
LF Terrmel Sledge
3B Kevin Kouzmanoff
C Rob Bowen
P David Wells (L)

Los Angeles Dodgers

SS Rafael Furcal
CF Juan Pierre
1B Nomar Garciaparra
2B Jeff Kent
LF Luis Gonzalez
C Russell Martin
RF Brady Clark
3B Ramon Martinez
P Derek Lowe (R)

I am back from the $7 dinner special. I asked about the early-bird, which got a polite chuckle. The dinner consisted of roast beef, broccoli, and potatoes with a salad (chicken, ham, tomatoes, and ranch dressing) and my favorite beverage of choice Coca-Cola. There was also pasta but knowing I’d end up wearing some of it I took the safe pass. I tell you these things, because before working in baseball I always wondered what was being served. I am assuming you have the same curiosities.

Los Angeles enters play tied with the Padres for second place in the NL West, 0.5 games behind Arizona. The Dodgers have won six of their last seven games. Thanks to the Dodgers Game Notes brought to you by Dodgers Media Relations.

Pre-Game Observations:

Some of the Dodgers players originally from California including Jeff Kent, Brett Tomko, and Mike Leiberthal had a photo-op in their Dodger uniforms while wearing their high school caps. Kent’s cap looked like an Oakland Athletic’s cap which prompted several “walk-by’s” to see what was going on.

Injured outfielder Matt Kemp was the most popular Dodger as he was imminently available for interviews. We talked on Wednesday, so I only said “Hello.”…ESPN’s Peter Gammons is here tonight as he will be a part of Sunday night’s national broadcast of the Padres/Dodgers game on Jackie Robinson Day…David Wells was the first Padre on the field tonight.

I had to look more than once to realize I was actually looking for future Hall of Famer Greg Maddux in a San Diego uniform. It looked like Willie Mays as a New York Met. The difference is Maddux can still play at this point in his career. It was fun to watch the boyish grin and enjoyment he was getting during the workouts. He would do the exercises with the rest of the players, but disappear near those standing next to dugout. He was then the first finished on the way back…It always seems the pre-game workout is one of the most disenchanting times of the players game days. One person leading and about a half dozen, young players participating whole heartedly…During the National League Championship Series, or any St. Louis Cardinals games I’ve cover, Albert Pujols would always be one of the last to arrive for the workouts.

Top of the 1st Inning:

Here’s the first pitch of the game. We’re off and running. Dodgers starter Derek Lowe has posted a 2.37 ERA in his career against the Padres, his best mark against any NL team and second-best against any Major League team behind his hometown Tigers (1.82). Credit the game notes.

Marcus Giles is batting lead-off for the Friars tonight. Let’s hope he has more success on the west coast as a lead-off hitter than he did for the Atlanta Braves. He works the count decently, but harmlessly grounds out to third base. Brother Brian Giles follows suit by working the count to 3-0. He gets the predictable four pitch strike called on him looking. Next pitch is a fly-out to Juan Pierre in center.

The next batter is a regular listener of Baseball Beat with Charley Steiner. He also holds the distinction of the only player to call in regularly to chat with a writer on air. He first called the studio in December when John Donovan of Sports Illustrated was discussing the inflated salaries of free agents in the off-season. Cameron called into give his take on the matter. When I answered the phone, he said “This is Mike Cameron. I want to talk to Charley.” After putting him on hold, I double-checked his mobile with the cell number I had for him. Sure enough, it was him. I put him on with Baseball Beat and he proceeded to describe how much money owners were making, so why shouldn’t the players take what the owners are offering. It was an impressive and enjoyable argument. Cameron just struck out. More on Cameron during his next at bat.

Bottom of the 1st Inning:

Furcal is introduced to a mild ovation. In his first at-bat of the season, he grounds out to shortstop. He seemed to run well to first, so I guess that means he’s healed. While this may not be popular opinion, I like Pierre as a two-hole hitter. He gets a lot of hits and seems to be a productive outs player. Any sabermetricians out there, please send your comments. Pierre hits a fly-ball to shallow left-center field. Terrmel Sledge makes a sliding catch for the second out.

Nomar Garciaparra, who gets the best ovation of any player in Dodger Blue each night, lines the first pitch he sees directly to the Giles in right field.

Top of the 2nd Inning:

Adrian Gonzalez steps to the plate. You think the Texas Rangers wish they’d held onto him? I think Padres General Manager Kevin Towers is underrated. He is one of the best bullpen architects in the game. He also pulled off a pair of solid deals last year in acquiring Chris Young and Gonzalez from rookie General Manager Jon Daniels. He also got middle relief star Cla Meredith from the Boston Red Sox’s Theo Epstein for back-up catcher Doug Mirabelli early last season. Gonzalez grounds out to first.

Khalil Greene almost took Lowe’s head off as he lined one back to the mound as part of his bat sailed toward shortstop. Lowe caught the ball and ducked. Nice play by the pitcher. The crowd is still oohing and awing.

Sledge hits one deep in the hole at short. Furcal, who has one of the best arms in baseball, throws a laser to Garciaparra at first who drops the ball. Runner is safe. Error 3. Kevin Kouzmanoff quickly grounds out to Jeff Kent at second for the out.

Bottom of the 2nd Inning:

In all the games I’ve watched Jeff Kent this week; he has not worked the count very much. On the second pitch, he sends a fly-ball to right field for the quick out.

One of the more impressive hitters I’ve watched this week, Luis Gonzalez looks to back to the younger version of himself this season. He had two home runs on Sunday in San Francisco and he’s had nice swings in each of the earlier games this week. He gets a hold of one that is headed for the gap. Cameron looks to be zoning in on it, but it’s just over the “Auto Club” (AAA.com) sign in right-center field.

Russell Martin grounds out to short. Former Milwaukee Brewer Brady Clark walks to the plate. He sends one just out of the reach of Kouzmanoff down the third base line for a double. Manager Grady Little spoke very highly of Clark during his daily pre-game chat with reporters. Of the players, I’ve seen on the field working before the game this week, Clark and back-up catcher Mike Leiberthal have been the most active.

Runner on second, two outs. Ramon Hernandez works the count to 2-2. Let me be the first to say, the most overused phrase in this game blog already is “works the count.” I am aware. Hernandez hits a looper to the outfield just over the head of first baseman Gonzalez. Marcus Giles has a read on it. He gets to the ball, but it falls out of his glove as he falls down. With two outs, Clark is running and he comes around to score. It’s quickly 2-0 Dodgers. Most overused word in this game blog: “quickly.” I keep track of these things.

Pitcher Derek Lowe is at bat. Let’s hope Opening Day home run king and starter Jason Schmidt taught him something. Well, maybe not. Lowe swings and the ball literally dribbles one-third of the way to third base. Wells gives up and starts to walk halfway to the ball. No play. Lowe’s safe at first.

Furcal gets his second at bat of the year with runners on first and second. Wells gets him looking at the third strike leaving two runners stranded.

Since dinner, I’ve now eaten three oatmeal-raisin cookies. Those are truly my weakness. I’m on my third Coke as well. I may be coming back to DC more man than when I left. Yes, I now have cookie number four in my hand.

Top of the 3rd Inning:

I’ve never heard of Rob Bowen. If he does something, I may remember him next time. Guess not. He strikes out looking. Cecil, I mean Wells comes to the plate. He looks like he actually rests the bat on his shoulder right before the pitch comes his way. Wells hits one to the gap between second and shortstop. Furcal makes a diving stop and whips up and rifles the ball to first for the out. I like Edgar Renteria in Atlanta, but I really did enjoy watching Furcal man short all those years.

There is an interesting phenomenon at Dodger Stadium. Beach balls. They are everywhere. You’ll see one fall from the upper tiers and scare the living daylights out of fans in the lower levels. It never gets old. At least a couple times a game, you’ll see a stoppage of play for one falling in the outfield.

Former Brave Giles grounds out to third. Lowe’s looking solid thus far, but some credit needs to be given to some exceptional defensive plays behind him tonight. Guilt got me as I have yet to eat the fourth cookie. A beach ball just fell in front me.

Bottom of the 3rd Inning:

I am listening to the game on XM 188 with Hall of Fame broadcaster Vin Scully on the call. Legend says the game is played around Scully’s stories. He can start a story with a player having a 3-2 count and two outs and he’ll still get the story finished before the inning is over. Remarkable.

Pierre hits a strong grounder back to Wells, who gloves it and gets the out at first. Garciaparra walks to the plate. He’s been swinging at first pitches, along with Kent, exclusively of late. He does it again knocking a single right up the middle. Kent’s up and takes the first pitch for a ball. On the second, Nomar steals second solely off Wells. The catch never had a shot. From Scully, “Wells really had his wallet lifted.” On a 1-2 count, Kent hits a solid single over second base for a single. Cameron gets to the ball quickly and sends a one-hopper to the plate. Third base coach, Rich Donnelly, wisely holds Nomar at third.

Gonzalez hits first pitch, a curve ball, he sees between first and second for a single. Kent rounds second and barely gets to third before the throw. There’s a quick trip to the mound from the Padres dugout along with the catcher. San Diego’s bullpen is warming up. The hits have been off curve balls that Scully said “have no bite.”

Things could break wide open as Russell Martin takes his turn. On a 0-1 count, Martin swings, misses, and falls down. Gonzalez steals second without a throw. The next pitch is hit to centerfield. Kent scores making it 4-0 Dodgers. Donnelly again shows respect to Gold Glover Cameron as he holds Gonzalez at third.

Bowen walks out to the mound. The crowd is cheering. As the crowds roaring grows, Padres Manager Bud Black emerges from the dugout and the crowd goes bonkers. Black signals to the bullpen and Wells is coming out. His line is two and one-third innings pitched, eight hits, five earned runs, one strikeout, no walks, and one home run allowed. Hope he wasn't starting in your fantasy league.

Mike Thompson is the new pitcher. The hit and run is on with the first pitch. Clark hits the ball directly to second base. Giles is running to second to cover the base for the steal and falls to his left to catch the ball. The runner is already at second, but Giles gets the second out at first. Gonzalez crosses the plate to make it 5-0.

Martinez is up. He grounds out for the final out of the inning. Martin is stranded at second.

Top of the 4th Inning:

Charley Steiner and Rick Monday return on the Dodger’s Radio Network broadcast on XM 188. Outfielder brother Giles leads-off the inning. He lines the first pitch to center for a single. No hitter over. Cameron lines the second pitch to center. Lowe’s in his first trouble of the night. Gonzalez is up and he drives a base hit to right field for single. Clark makes a fantastic throw to the plate that is cut off by Garciaparra. Four pitches, three singles for the Padres.

Greene’s at the plate and hits a ground ball to Furcal. 6-4-3 double play. One run scores. 5-1 Dodgers. Cameron is at third with two outs. Sledge is the batter. Full count. Lowe sends it over the plate. Looks like he caught the corner from my vantage point, but umpire Mark Carlson saw a ball. Kouzmanoff is up with runners on first and third. He hits a slow roller to Furcal, who sends a fastball to first base for the out. Lowe gets out of the inning that started with the bases loaded no outs by allowing only one run. 5-1 Dodgers.

Bottom of the 4th Inning:

Lowe is the first batter for the Dodgers. Thompson walks him on four pitches. Not a good start to the inning to walk the pitcher so easily. If this were little league, you’d hear a lot of “good eye” from the crowd. Furcal, who has looked spectacular on defensive, is up. Thompson throws his fifth consecutive ball. The catcher makes a trip to the mound. The next pitch is right over the plate and Furcal hammers a double to deep right-centerfield. That may have been the hardest hit ball tonight. Furcal was flying around first, but looked a little pensive doing it. There are runners on second and third with no outs.

Pierre moves from the on deck circle. He hits a bouncer to Gonzalez at first for an out. Lowrider begins to play and the crowd is on its feet for Garciaparra. He again swings at the first pitch for a lined single to left field. Lowe and Furcal score. 7-1 Dodgers. Furcal was rolling around third without any hesitation this time. He’s looking healthy. Rick Monday just said that Nomar swings at the most first pitches in baseball.

Kent and Gonzo are next. Each sends fly-balls to the outfield for outs. Inning over.

Top of the 5th Inning:

Bowen is up and sends a slow roller to first for the quick, easy first out. Another beach ball just fell from the rafters to the right of the press box. Who else is going to give you that sort of information? Pitcher Thompson is going to bat for himself. Looks like Black is going to let him eat some innings tonight. He strikes out on three pitches.

Second baseman Giles hits a single to Gonzalez in left. Brian Giles sends a high fly-ball to short left field that Gonzo runs down for the out.

Bottom of the 5th Inning:

Russell Martin starts the inning. He gets a lead-off walk on five pitches. Brady Clark strolls to the plate. Steiner just said, “All of Clark’s hits this season are doubles.” He then gives the scores and stabs me with Braves getting routed at home by the Florida Marlins. I watched part of the game during dinner. Not pretty. Mark Redman’s earned run average in two starts is now over 12. Once Lance Cormier is back healthy, he may be sent down or released. Clark gets his first single of the season. There are now runners on first and second with nobody out. The Padres pitching coach trots out to the mound. “There is no one up in the Padres bullpen,” said Steiner. “Looks like he’s going to take one for the team.”

Monday and Steiner are now discussing Lou Pinella’s blow-up following the Cubs loss after being up 5-0 to the Cincinnati Reds earlier today. They went on to discuss Tommy Lasorda and other manager tirades of years past. “That’s the G-rated version,” says Monday as Steiner laughs. I have to admit, it sound like they have a lot of fun. In the spring, there was a game where the topic was airplanes and Steiner started calling Monday “Sky Captain.”

Martinez hits the 3-1 pitch to short left field for the first out of the inning. Lowe bunts the ball perfectly down the first base line to advance the runners to second and third. Two outs. Furcal up again. Bite of oatmeal raisin cookie. Did I sneak that by you? That’s for my lovely wife. 1-2 count on Furcal. He pulls the next pitch to the gap in right-center for a two-RBI double and his second two-bagger of the night. “You can clearly see his ankle is bothering him,” comments Monday sarcastically. 9-1 Dodgers. There is still no one up in the San Diego bullpen.

Pierre, the only Dodger without a hit tonight walks to the plate. He hits a slow roller toward first. Thompson fields the ball. The only play is to race Pierre to first and he barely beats him for the third out.

Top of the 6th Inning:

Watch your head the closest beach ball yet, just fell right in front of me. I’d jump back startled, but I’d be more surprised if one didn’t drop near me. While I typed that another one just shocked a visiting San Diego writer on the left side of the press box.

Cameron strikes out on 2-2 count. Gonzalez is up and swiftly lines out to first.

I don’t know if anyone realizes how much work these game blogs, or as Bill Simmons calls them game diaries, are. I am already over 3,000 words.

I am not trying to short change the Padres, but Sledge just hits a looping line drive to short centerfield for the third out. With the score 9-1 Dodgers, it seems like they are just swinging for the end of the game. Crowd is getting the hint and starting to head to the exits. Unless this is the Dodger Dog 6th Inning Eats.

Bottom of the 6th Inning:

Garciaparra is up. The first pitch is well off the plate, so we’re going to have a full at-bat this time. Full count. He hits pops a ball to short right field for the first out of the inning. Kent makes up for Nomar by swinging at the first pitch for an easy out to centerfield. Gonzalez pops the third pitch up to shortstop for the third out. This game is officially on cruise control. I would not be surprised to see some substitutions soon.

Top of the 7th Inning:

Andre Eithier to right field and Wilson Betemit to third base with Brady Clark moving to left field and Ramon Martinez to second. I am disappointed as I just missed the always exciting Kiss Cam while I was making note of the changes in the Dodgers line-up. A correction, or rather an addition, from earlier. Rangers GM Jon Daniels dealt Gonzalez, Young, and Terrmel Sledge to the Padres for Eaton and reliever Akinori Otsuka along with a minor leaguer. Otsuka did have a solid year in 2006. Of course, former Dodger Eric Gagne was signed in the off-season so that make the deal look even worse if he’s no longer the closer. Okay, okay, I’ll move on.

Sledge singles to start the inning. Kouzmanoff makes the next out. Bowen hits a screamer to centerfield. Runners on first and second with one out. Paul McAnulty pitch hits for departing pitcher Thompson. “If there’s one thing we know from seeing McAnulty play is that he goes full tilt,” comments Monday. He works the count full. Lowe delivers a pitch just off the corner for ball four. Bases loaded, one out.

Grady Little makes the walk to the mound. Joe Beimel is up in the bullpen. Marcus Giles, who is one for three, is at bat. Giles hits a hopper back to Lowe, who throws home to Martin then to first for the 1-2-3 double play. I’m guessing that’s Lowe’s last inning, but he’s looked good tonight. The depth in the Dodgers rotation has really shined this week as their pitchers having been going six innings plus most of the week minus Jason Schmidt’s minor cramp that caused him to leave early on Opening Day.

Bottom of the 7th Inning:

Rule 5 selection from the Baltimore Orioles, Kevin Cameron is the new pitcher for San Diego. Thompson's line is three and two-third innings pitched, four hits, four earned runs. Martin hits a screamer to right that tails off toward the line, but its easily run down by Brian Giles.

Let’s give Major League Baseball from credit. They know how to do logos. There are logos for everything. Spring Training, Civil Rights Game, All-Star Game, World Series, and now Jackie Robinson Day. The logos are painted on the field. The logos are generally done pretty well. My biggest concern in seeing logos is that they are overly busy, but baseball tends to be pretty good about having solid, simplistic logos produced.

Here’s the announcement you’ve been waiting for. 49,090 fans in attendance.

Martinez hits a looping single to short centerfield. Runners on first and second with one out. They are going to let Lowe stay in the game. There is quickly a 2-0 count on Lowe. A trip to the mound apparently signals the start of the wave in the crowd. Ball three. A bright yellow beach ball with a Wal-Mart-like smile on it is bouncing around below us. Ball four. Lowe takes a base. Bases loaded, one out.

Rafael Furcal, who is two for four, comes to the plate. He was looking to cap off his night with something big and strikes out with all his might. Pierre, who is still the only hitless Dodger tonight, is up. Pierre hits the 2-2 pitch on a slow roller to Marcus Giles, who just gets him at first for the third out.

Top of the 8th Inning:

Lowe returns for the eighth inning. I’m a bit surprised he is still in there in a game like this. The Dodgers have won this game, so why chalk up more pitches and innings for Lowe this early in the season. Brian Giles hits a sinking liner to centerfield. Pierre takes a couple steps in and has to fall to the ground to catch the falling ball. As he lands the ball jars loose for a single.

Cameron has not had a good night as he is easily disposed of with a strikeout. Lowe’s had his number tonight. Gonzalez moseys up to the plate. I honestly just wanted to use the word “moseys”. Sue me. He hits one deep to shallow centerfield for another diving attempt by Pierre. This time he makes the play for the second out.

Another nice thing about being in the press box besides the free seat, nice view, free economical all you can eat dinners, unlimited caffeine, and game notes. I think that’s everything. Anyway, it’s nice to get one of the free items for fans each night. Tonight it’s a Los Angeles Dodgers hat sponsored by Frazee Paint. The problem with these gifts is who to give them to. You don’t think, I’m going to debate it out loud in this blog. Not a chance. I’ll only say this. Its coming soon to a friend or family member soon.

Greene is up and sends a fly-ball to right field. Eithier trots toward the gap in right-center for the out.

Bottom of the 8th Inning:

Garciaparra looks at the first pitch. He sends a come backer to the pitcher for the out. The next batter is Wilson Betemit, who is batting for the first time tonight. While he’s been struggling thus far this season, but he has been patient at the plate.

“Wilson’s coach told him he had zero chance to play baseball,” said Monday. “Sounds like he was quite a motivational speaker,” replies Steiner.

Betemit goes down on strikes. Following the at bat, the following exchange took place.

“You ever roller blade?” queried Monday.

“No,” replied Steiner.

“When he was with the Mets he used to roller blade to lose weight. He lost 20 pounds.”

“If he was roller blading flushing, he probably lost more than weight.”

“Yeah, like his wallet.”

“If your looking to lose weight and a wallet, we know where you can do it.”

“Yeah, Flushing,” joked Monday as each laughs.

To be honest, I have no idea who they were talking about but I laughed none the less.

Eithier heads to the plate for his first at bat of the night. He’s struggled almost as badly as Betemit this season. He follows Betemit’s lead and strikes out. He did do it faster, though.

A quick look at the crowd, its obvious a mass exit is continuing to ensue. Before the break, Steiner states sarcastically, “Leaving what a good idea.”

Top of the 9th Inning:

Derek Lowe has retired for the night, so Rudy Seanez enters the game for the Dodgers. Sledge promptly gets walked to put the lead-off hitter on. Kouzmanoff swiftly strikes out for the first out of the inning. Bowen is up. He works it to a full count. Seanez fools him as he tries to check swing, but couldn’t hold up for the third strike and he’s out.

Geoff Blum enters the game as a pinch hitter. The remaining crowd is on its feet. Blum sends a liner to right-centerfield, but Eithier runs it down for the final out of the game. Dodgers win 9-1 for their third consecutive win.

Conclusion:

It is time to get down to the clubhouse for post-game sound. I am going to try the Padres clubhouse first to see if I can catch Wells. I hope you’ve enjoyed tonight’s game blog. The final tally is over 3,600 words. As the Dodgers post game song plays, “I love L.A. (We Love It)”, I’m off.

Remember to tune in Sunday at 6 p.m. (eastern)/3 p.m. (pacific) for a special Jackie Robinson Day Edition of The Show with Rob Dibble and Kevin Kennedy live from Dodger Stadium.