The MLB thread

[Ghoulish Delight]

Rather than digging up the old Dodger thread, which hasn't seen action since day one of the season, I thought now would be a good time to start a new one. With the exception of the NL east, every race is an interesting one right now, eh? This is a really good rundown of how crazy some of the divisions have been, with team after team oscillating between red-hot streaks and ice-cold streaks.

Of course, the real reason I'm starting this thread is the Dodgers. Hottest team in baseball right now, they've won 15 of their last 16, after losing 13 of 14. Last to first in 10 days. Ditched a young gold-glove allstar in return for a future Hall of Famer in his twilight. Rookies getting the job done in spades. A pitching staff without a dominant ace that's pulled together some solid performances. A bullpen that was greatly improved simply by removing one member (Baez). Nutty.

I wasn't big on the Maddux acquisition. And I'm still convinced that giving up Izzy was a bad long term decission. But Mad Dog's certainly doing his best to make the case that he's gonna be an asset for this season at least.

On a whim, shocked to find tickets still available, we went to yesterday's game. Not a bad choice of game for my only one this season! Maddux was, well, Maddux. 8 innings, 22 batters out in a row after 2 1st inning singles, a spectacular catch of a Bonds line drive, and only 68 pitches. 8 innings, 68 pitches. Most Dodgers starters have been lucky to make it out of the 3rd with 68 pitches. And a 10th inning walk off by Martin was a nice treat.

Even got a good view of Bonds flashing the leather (took 2 runs away from the Dodgers with that pla ). Since we bought our tics day-of, we had...unique seats (left field Reserve deck, absolute last seats before the bullpen. Great view of Maddux and the relievers warming up).


Damn, what an exciting game. Alwasy is when the Giants are in town. Now, if only San Diego would get off the Dodgers' tail. It's never a good sign when the Pads are hanging around.