Still There
With five days before the trade deadline, giving up with just a five-game deficit would probably wreck the psyche of a franchise already walking a public relations tightrope. The public and the media might understand trading away Jeff Weaver and Jeff Kent with an eight-game deficit, but not five. The Padres have looked so horrible lately, that it's possible the Dodgers are just one or two decent additions away from backing into the playoffs. And when you get into the playoffs, anything can happen.
Hee Seop Joy
Well, perhaps we're in a little over our heads, but Hee Seop Choi had the best weekend of any Angeleno, single-handedly leading the Dodgers to a series win over the Twins. Choi hit six home runs in three games, including three yesterday to beat a probable playoff team.
Valentin Out
LAist never ever wants a player to get hurt. But is it possible this is a blessing in disguise for the Dodgers? This was the Paul DePodesta offseason move that we actually questioned the most. Valentin is a low-average, high-power player, and historically those players have been awful at Dodger Stadium. Additionally, his third base defense is lousy. Hitting .194, Valentin had been a liability for the Dodgers.

