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This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.

This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.

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Now I’ve refrained from saying this, but I’m afraid now is right time for it.

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On the July 6th game against the Florida Marlins, I conducted an informal survey while at the game. I went up to people specifically in Nomar jerseys and asked them, “Should we bench or trade Nomar?”

Surprisingly most people responded that they loved Nomar and support him, but given his horrible play he should be warming the bench. Though most were split between Tony Abreu and Wilson Betemit, it just shocked me that they would prefer those two at third base over the beloved Nomar.

And they say LA fans are blind and stupid.

Let’s face it. Nomar has at most warning-track power, and his defense at third is quite adventurous at best. If a player is an offensive and defensive liability, shouldn’t the player be benched especially after being patient for half a season?

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Thankfully there is no sense of urgency with respect to the offense. It seems that since Bill Mueller replace Eddie Murray as hitting coach in the beginning of June the Dodgers have responded well. So far in the month of July, the Dodgers have the best on-base percentage in all of baseball.

And in today’s game that was indeed Brett Tomko getting a win. I had a hunch he would have a good game, but I wasn’t willing to bet anything on it. I was ecstatic the Dodgers were aggressive pitching against Barry Bonds. It’s gratifying that the Dodgers made him look even more ridiculous than Nomar.

I still don’t think Tomko is reliable enough to be a regular starter. Perhaps Ned Colletti could use him as trade bait?

The Dodgers did well against the AARP Giants sweeping them for the second time in San Francisco this season. The Dodgers now lead the NL with 52 wins. They are back home this week with a series against the Phillies and the Mets.

Nomar graphic manipulated oh so professionally by moi from picture provided by the Dodgers. AP photo of Tomko by Ben Margot.

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