I am glad the rapture was scheduled for last weekend, because I would be much more worried if it were still forthcoming given the Diamondbacks current position in first place in the NL West. While this accomplishment doesn’t exactly spell out the end of days, it is surprising given their middling start and long absence from the position (they last graced sole ownership of first place back in September of 2008).

The D-backs have currently won 6 in a row and 9 out of their last 10 games. They are 14-2 since May 14.

Take a look at the striking difference between the turnaround the Diamondbacks have delivered

(as evidenced by the number and margin of their victories) since the beginning of the season:

Diamondbacks Game Results (source: baseball-reference.com)

Now, contrast that with the same data for the Dodgers

:

Dodgers game stats (source: baseball-reference.com)

I am no statistician, but the D-backs clearly have a strong trend going while the Dodgers have had a few peaks during specific series this season (ATL/CHC in April, PIT in May).

In fact, the D-backs performance is even more impressive when you note that 6 of the 8 losses the team has suffered since May 5 were by only one run each.

Can we clone Kershaw and get him active for every start? If not, the Dodgers likely have a long road ahead of them if they are going to snap their mediocre performance to-date.

We all know that seats at Dodger Stadium are pretty easy to come across these days, but that doesn’t make the trip any less expensive with parking and concession costs being what they are. Fortunately, the Dodgers are giving everyone a break on Monday (and doing their best to come up with creative ways to spark attendance) by offering dollar Dodger Dogs for the Memorial Day game against the Rockies.

Looks like there will be a 4 Dodger Dog limit per transaction.

Well, looks like Dodger players and front office staff will be getting their direct deposits on May 31st. Dodgers owner Frank McCourt has successfully made the 5/31 payroll of approximately $9.8 million according to a blog post at the Los Angeles Times.

June 15th payroll appears to still be at risk, as the same LA Times blog report indicated that McCourt was still searching for funds to enable him to pay staff and players for June.

Late June becomes even more problematic for the team, as Manny Ramirez is owed more than $6 million in deferred compensation in addition to regular team payroll according to the Times.

Well, it’s official – Jerry Sands has been called up and will play his first game for the Dodgers tonight (April 18th). Sands will initially start in left field but has said he is comfortable at first base also and saw a fair amount of time at that position during spring Training.

Sands is batting .400 (10-for-40) with five home runs and 17 RBIs with an OPS of 1.297 in his 10 games thus far in Albuquerque. While many expected Sands to hone his play in the minors until later in the season, the Dodgers clearly saw a need to try and spark the offense beyond Matt Kemp’s strong performance this season.

From Dodgers.com:

Dodgers management wanted Sands to remain in the Minor Leagues at least until midseason, but his hot bat, coupled with the Major League club’s inconsistent offense, forced the move.

Sands will be sporting number 47 and is slated to bat 7th tonight against Atlanta.

Alex will be joining Daniel Shoptaw of C70 @ The Bat tonight at 7:45 p.m. to discuss the upcoming Dodgers – Cardinals series. You can catch the show and even call-in questions by clicking here.