Dodgers Diaries

No, I’m not going to take credit for the fine performance put on Sunday by the 2010 Dodgers. But I’m going to enjoy it. Great pitching (on both sides) and some extremely timely hitting from Manny Ramirez, who seems to have a flair for the dramatic, in case you haven’t noticed, contributed to a thrilling 2-1 victory over the visiting Giants.

If only Clayton Kershaw could have gotten the win. The 22-year-old lefty has a talent for pitching brilliantly, only to see the game decided after he departs. Can’t blame him for Sunday’s game: he gave the Dodgers 7 strong innings, and maybe went a batter too far when he gave up a home run to Juan Uribe. Ramon Troncos snuck off with the victory, as he was the last of the four FOUR! Pitchers Torre used in the 8th inning to get three outs.

As if to underline the point I made yesterday, Jonathan Broxton got his first opportunity 12 games into the season. Thankfully, he converted it with six strikes on eight pitches.

Day off today means the nobody in the bullpen will have to work consecutive days for a bit. They’ll need the rest: the Dodgers play 13 games in a row until their next off day May 3. Prepare for a lot of Jeff Weaver. Those games are against the Reds, Nationals, Mets, and Pirates. They need to make hay against the underbelly of their schedule if they’re going to compete this year.

-- JOHN ROSENTHAL