Just put me in, Coach!!!

Woah. Did I just see Loretta pitch in a major league game?? We're talking a utility infielder, here. Man would I have wanted to be a fly on the wall in the Dodger dugout last night. Maybe something like this:
Joe: who should we put in?
Bowa: Well, Troncoso is warming up in the bull pen, Joe. Let's bring him in. Even though he's pretty worn out.
Loretta: Hey guys, I couldn't help but overhear you talking about bringing in a new pitcher. Listen, Troncoso is tired, we're already down by 10. It's been about 8 years...but i think I can do it!!
Joe: Hey, you know what? Let's do it. There's no need to bring in an actual reliever at this point.

The best part? Loretta hit Holliday and then got the out that he had promised he would. Man, I love the Dodgers.

The last few games could be a glimpse into what we're facing in October (cuz we're gonna make it). If we don't play the Cards then we're gonna have to play the Phillies and they still have an incredible pitching staff. I'm not down on the dodgers. So what that we've lost 3 in a row now? Hellllo, it's the 1st time in 100 games we've lost more than two. Shouldn't we commending our boys on a job well done? I'm not too worried about our pitching staff either, but we need to find a kid that can go deep into the game. Bills would be a GREAT Cy young candidate if games were only 5 innings long. What also needs to happen is our offense needs to back up our pitching. But can we really expect that from our team when they're playing a team who's pitching staff have a collective ERA's of less than 2?

Enter: Kershaw. He is our light at the end of the tunnel with an ERA of what, .95 in the last 8 starts. Hopefully he can go deep into tonights game. Our boys in blue really need it. I can't believe that ANYONE thought that Ned would trade this pride and joy even if it was for veteran Lee. What the Dodgers are getting back to are their roots of growing their own team. Even if we don't win the world series this year, we will and soon. These kids are gooooooooood.

My opinion: We need to let Leach rest it out a little bit and bring Elbert back up when he passes his "has to be in the minors for 10 days" stint. I can't believe we put him back down there to make room for Schmidt. Ok, so Schimidt should get the perserverance award but if he doesn't figure out how to throw with his "new" arm, then he better kiss the rotation goodbye. He's had one good(ish) outing and one not so good. So far as it seems at the moment, he'll be pitching on Friday. Do or Die time Schmidty. Let us remember why we're excited we brought on board 10 years ago. :)

I'm anxious about the trade deadline. I don't always understand or agree with Coletti's picks and moves, but I do admire his ballsyness (is that a word?) and I'm sure that this Friday won't disappoint. For a ball club that needs some help in the bull pen so much, it's been awfully quiet on the forefront. But, really...that's my boy Ned's style. And then......all of the sudden....BAM!! and something awesome happens. For now, we know it's not longer Lee. Sherill perhaps? Only time will tell......fortunately it's a short time!