Dodgers go North

The Dodgers finish up this homestand with a 4-2 loss to the Astros. As Jon says, "This loss feels more like a flat tire - just fix it and move on." After a week of fearing a ugly summer I am suddenly at ease. Everything will be OK. Lets take one game at a time.

I was invited to go up to San Francisco this weekend to catch a couple games between the Dodgers and Giants. Unfortunately, work got in the way and I will be unable to go, but my friend promises to take plenty of pictures. When I have them they will be posted.

Ebay Oddball win of the Week: WWI BF2

This is one of the most unusual items I've ever won on eBay. Arriving this week was a 1916 Ferguson Bakeries (Roxbury Mass) WWI Allied Hereos mini pennant of US Major General James G. Harbord. Its about 5 5/8" long and has a black & white picture of the General. Its very similar to the baseball BF2 version. I'm not sure how many different pennants exist in the set. If anyone has a clue please let me know.

I know the seller had several different pennants; including a 22 inch long large pennant of Allied Hero flying ace Lieutenant Ed Rickenbacher- famous for fighting the Red Baron, available for sale over a couple week period. Other heroes included: Admiral Mayo, Admiral Gleaves, Admiral Benson, King Victor Emanuel III, of Italy, Secretary of War Baker, General Brewster, General Menoher, General Pershing, Lieutenant Ed Rickenbacher (mini version) and President Woodrow Wilson. The Gleaves and Benson should be arriving in a few days.

Are things starting to come together?

Well, it appears that the season is not all lost. We are in the midst of a 4 game winning streak after a succession of ugly losses. The team seems more confident out there as they start to get some consistent hitting throughout the lineup. Russell Martin is proving why he will be the catcher of the future. Nomar is playing well beyond his expectations. Was he a steal or what? Starting pitching has been surprisingly sharp from the top 3 starters- Penny, Lowe and Tomko. Relief needs some help that, I think, only experience can provide. Broxton, Hamulak, Osoria will be better as they get more opportunities to pitch. Saito is proving to be a reliever we can trust. Baez has turned out to be a fortuitous pick-up.

Seo has been OK, but needs some help. Duaner Sanchez, the top flight reliever we traded for Seo, has been lights out for the Mets. Perez is more inconsistent than ever. Will Sele take over his starting position? Really? I read that Billingsly is expected to grace Dodger Stadium mid-year. So maybe there is something else going on. Trade Perez now for some prospects or experienced relievers (or Sele) with the expectation that Billingsly will have a chance to take a job away from Seo or the other starting pitcher (Sele or Perez). I look forward to seeing this battle.

The rookies are coming to town. Russell Martin will be our future catcher. Broxton and Osoria will solidify our bullpen. Kuo is not far behind as he gains confidence in Las Vegas. Billingsley will come in to show us what a future #1 pitcher looks like. Aybar will arrive and prove he belongs. Repko is already proving he belongs in the lineup. Can Ethier be far behind? How about Guzman or Young? The future is exciting and the present show us the way.

1939 HOF Induction Ceremony

Wow. I found this link on Forum54. It is a audio recording of the 1939 Hall of Fame Induction ceremony. Hear the greats.


1939 HOF

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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.