Some Pre-game Random Thoughts

(photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)

There is a lot of news that has been distributed via the blogosphere.  Some of the noteworthy stuff:

• Scott Van Slyke's side issue has improved.  He's good enough to start tonight. 
• Hanley Ramirez and Matt Kemp are both in the starting lineup.  Hanley bats third and Kemp will be fifth.
• Clayton Kershaw's scheduled start for tomorrow has been pushed back to Saturday in San Diego.

Regarding the Kershaw news, there isn’t a reported injury with the Dodger ace.  The move is just a restructuring of the order of the starting rotation as they attempt to adequately line it up for post-season play.  That leads me to ask the question: “don’t you have to get to post-season play first?”  It’s nice to know the organization is confident that they’ll avoid a historic collapse.

Because that’s what the Dodgers would need to do to not make the playoffs.  A collapse of 1951 pennant chase proportions.   If the Diamondbacks run the table at 12-0, the Dodgers would have to finish 3-9 to be eliminated.  By the way, 3-9 is the Dodger record over the last 12 games.

I’m bummed about Mattingly’s decision making last night, but what’s over is done.  Time to (don't bunt Donnie) move (don't bunt Donnie)  on.  Yeah, I'm over it.

If there was a silver lining to be found in last night’s loss it is that the bullpen is well rested.  Don’t discount that fact either, because after the Saturday night schellacking by the Giants, the arms in the pen really needed the extra day.  With Greinke going tonight, look for the bully to get some more rest again.  They may need it because Fife is going tomorrow and he hasn't been right for over a month now.

The Dodger lineup tonight is as follows:

Puig RF

M Ellis 2B

Ramirez SS

Gonzalez 1B

Kemp CF

Uribe 3B

Van Slyke LF

A Ellis C

Greinke P

What?  No Nick Buss?