?????

I don't know what to think about what has happened to my beloved Dodgers. Over the past 3 days we have experienced the most heart wrenching disaster on the playing field since I don't know when. Heck, I don't even want to think about it. I'm at a loss for words. I just can't come up with the thoughts or ideas that could possibly satisfy me, or anyone else. I feel like a guest on the Titanic. I'm looking out at the horizon when the realization hits me. The ship is going down and there is nothing I can do about it.

Please. Oh, Please. Where are the rescue ships to save me from this terrible disaster.

I know this is a bit over the top, but this is how I truly feel right now. I have that empty pit feeling in my stomach.

Realistically, I know they can't lose like this every game. Afterall, wins and losses ebb and flow throughout the year. Nevertheless, we must find some consistency if we hope to make the playoffs.

It's early, I know. Let's just hope this momentary lapse of reason transforms itself into a formula that get everybody on the same page.

New Dodger items arrived in the mail over the weekend. My favorite eBay win are these 2 ballpark pins of Steve Sax and Fernando Valenzuela. Made in the 80's, these pins are plentiful and inexpensive. Not only that, there are plenty of players available on these vintage pins, and many different variations out there to keep most fanatical Dodger fans busy. I've seen them with facsimile autographs and without, with the players name in print and without, and with a reference number and without.

The Fernando is actually a duplicate for my collection. So, I will not be keeping it long. If anyone is interested in buying or trading for the pin please let me know. Otherwise, you should be able to find it on eBay in the next month or so.

Roster Moves

Well... Jon's got the news... Jonathan Broxton and Joe Beimel up, Lance Carter and Hong-Chih Kuo down... Inside the Dodgers... I expect Kuo to came back up later in the year and do better than he has so far... I think Carter can still be effective- he just needs to get things worked out... We may never see Broxton in Las Vegas uniform again... Joe Beimel- well- lets see what he can bring to the table.

1947 Tip Top Bread Dodgers!!

I just did some scanning this afternoon. Please check out my photo album for pics of Dodger players from the 1947 Tip Top Bread Set. This is one of the all-time rare regional issued sets. A complete set is very difficult to complete. A mint set is virtually impossible. Cards where distributed in Tip Top Bread packs with only the players in the respective area available
in the packs. For instance, only Detroit players where available in Detroit, and St. Louis Browns & Cardinals available in the greater Missouri area. I'm about 40 cards short of completing my set. If you have anything available, please let me know.

Emotionally Drained

Oh My.

I feel like my bike that held up great for most of my ride through the mountains. That was before a fateful event occurred. Right when the sun was going down and my car in sight, I crashed with a thud. I had hit a bump on the road and landed on my backside. Ouch! That hurt.

This afternoons game was just like that ride. All day I enjoyed the tempo of the game as Derek Lowe went 6 innings, and allowed only 2 hits. He has been good all season, we'll forget about opening day. That was an anomaly. Osoria pitched a masterful 2 innings. Everything was good in the world.

Then, lightening strikes. The ninth inning. An unlikely event comes at you out of nowhere, and you are soon groaning in pain on the ground. You wonder what happened. An perfect storm consisting of a road hazard, a bike chain dislodged from its crank and my own misfortune leads to a harrowing event. Man, my bum hurts! Carter comes in and continues to throw poorly. A landslide turns into a avalanche. Soon, Baez proves he's human giving up the tying run in the ninth after 2 walks. One to pitcher Trevor Hoffman. Ouch! We lose in the tenth and stumble back home a little embarrassed and as worn out as that bike after the crash.

After my ride I knew I had two choices. I could lie in pain rubbing my knees as blood and dirt cover my legs. Or, I can get up, wipe my legs, pick up my bike, re-hook the chain and ride the remaining way to the car. I choose the latter. Afterall, as the saying goes, its how you land that's important. Its always best to land with two feet firmly on the ground with a ready hop, skip and a jump in your heals. Chalk it up to a painful memory and trudge along standing straight up.

The Dodgers go to Arizona to close out this roadtrip with two games. They then go home for a homestand with the Padres and Brewers. Its still early and we have plenty of time to fix whatever kinks remain. Lets hope that the Dodgers choose the latter option and stand straight up.

1st Great Dodger Moment of 2006: Nomar's Grand Slam!

He muscles it!