Jeff Kent: A Superstar on TV as Well as the Baseball Field
Jeff Kent & Ali Landry...Superstars!
Ahh, yes, The Superstars! Remember this classic show from the 1970’s? Well it’s back and starring none other than Mr. Personality himself, Jeff Kent! Don’t get me wrong, I loved having Jeff Kent on the Dodgers, but he was known to be a tad bit grumpy, so it’s slightly ironic to see him smiling, laughing and encouraging his partner Ali Landry on the show.
The crazy thing is, Jeff almost NEVER takes off his black baseball cap…even when doing a long jump off a pier into the ocean. I’m actually surprised he’s not pictured with it in his official cast photo. In any case, Jeff and Ali had a rough go of it last night and just avoided elimination, so we’ll see what next week’s episode has in store for them!
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dodgerfan Live From The Pressbox Tonight!
View from the Dodgers' Vin Scully Press Box
Bring on the Draft!
So the 2009 MLB Draft is just moments away, but unfortunately there isn’t much excitement for Dodger fans as LA doesn’t pick until #36 this year. Super-phenom Stephen Strasburg is a virtual lock to be the No. 1 pick by the Nationals. Well documented is Strasburg’s reputation as the greatest pitching prospect in history with his 103 mph fastball, but almost as well known as that is his notorious agent Scott Boras.
One of my favorite baseball writers of all time is Tom Boswell of The Washington Post. Boswell has a great story in today’s paper about why the Nats should suck it up and sign Strasburg, despite the hefty price tag and, if you believe history, the equally high chance he could be marginal at best. Check out Boswell’s research:
Of all the pitchers ever picked No. 1 overall since 1965, here are the best: Andy Benes, Mike Moore, Floyd Bannister and Tim Belcher, all 150-150 types. The list of flops, like Boras client Brien Taylor, a lefty who never reached Yankee Stadium, is much longer. In fact, to find a great pitcher in the draft, you have to go all the way to a No. 18 overall choice: Roger Clemens. The list of Hall of Fame hitters picked earlier is at least 20.
Ouch. Check out the rest of the article for more, but note that you may need to sign up for a free registration to view the story.
Dodgers Phlat against Phillies; Split Series
Man, you could almost taste it – the Dodgers had a chance to rob the Phillies of their consecutive record of road series wins…and then Philly pulls out some great starting pitching whilst also bringing the big stick to the party. No es bueno.
Antonio Bastardo, who probably has the greatest name in Major League Baseball, took it to the Dodgers this time. Through two starts, he has a 2.45 ERA and a 9/2 K/BB ratio in 11 innings. Not bad for a guy who has played only two games in the majors.
The Dodgers still have the best record in baseball at 39-20 and lead the NL in batting average, runs and on-base percentage so they can’t complain too much. However, if there is one gripe it’s that they have delivered only seven runs in 46 innings against opponents’ starting pitchers over their last seven games. The bats only seem to come alive once the releivers are in – something that’s not sustainable.
Oh well, the Lakers won – does that count for anything? Nah, didn’t think so.