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Blue Down Two
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Well after two games, there's sure a lot to wallow in. New acquisitions Luis Gonzalez and Juan Pierre are 0-for-15. Starting pitchers Derek Lowe and Randy Wolf have combined for a not-so-stellar 9.00 ERA in 10 innings. And Rafael Furcal remains mired on the disabled list with a sprained ankle (not necessarily the best of injuries for a speedy lead-off hitter).
However, as Rocky Balboa mentioned to Clubber Lang repeatedly in the third round of their championship fight, "Ain't so bad. Ain't so bad." There are still quite a few reasons not to throw in the towel on the Dodgers (yet). Namely...
1) The best pitcher for the Dodgers has yet to pitch. Jason Schmidt signed a 3-year, $47 million contract during the off-season, and makes his debut today against the Brewers in Milwaukee. At roughly 30 starts per year, Jason should average roughly $500,000 per start during his Dodger tenure. That should be reason enough to tune in today's game.
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2) The best hitter for the Dodgers has yet to hit. James Loney hit over .400 during Spring Training, and was the Dodgers' best hitter during the stretch drive last year. Currently, the left-handed slugger is languishing in AAA Las Vegas, but should make his way to the big club soon enough when Gonzalez and/or Garciaparra breaks their first hip of the season. The guess here is that once Loney gets back to the Show, he'll be there to stay.
3) The best broadcaster for the Dodgers is still broadcasting. Vin Scully is back for at least another year, and that in itself should be enough reason to listen to or watch a Dodger game in the Southland. Win or lose, the Dodgers always sound just a little bit better with Mr. Scully behind the microphone.
4) The best secret weapon for the Dodgers has yet to be unveiled. Sure, it looks bleak now, but just wait until the rest of the National League gets a taste of Dodger home cookin'. Specifically, the forty dollar all-you-can-eat Right Field Pigvillion. The Dodgers' home opener is next Monday against Colorado, and anyone that thinks Rockies right fielder Brad Hawpe won't get beaned by a free Dodger Dog or two is kidding themselves. The only question is, whether the yellow stains on Mr. Hawpe's jersey will be caused by mustard or nacho cheese.
Game time today is 5:05....GO BLUE!!
AP Photo by Darren Hauck
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