DODGERS - 5/2/03
3rd place in the NL West
14-15, 6 games behind the Giants


Last Week's Results (5-2)
4/25: 5-2 win over Pirates
4/26: 4-3 win over Pirates
4/27: 6-2 win over Pirates
4/28: 3-0 loss to Phillies
4/29: 6-2 win over Phillies
4/30: 4-0 win over Phillies
5/1: 4-1 loss to Phillies

Beltre Turning the Corner
After being benched in 4 of 7 games a couple weeks ago, Adrian Beltre may have turned a corner this week as he had much more productive at-bats. Manager Jim Tracy clearly wanted to give Beltre a wake up call that he must produce to stay in the lineup. Last season Beltre struggled for the first half, but when the Dodgers traded for Tyler Houston, his bat suddenly came to life.

Over the last week, Beltre hit .308 with 3 doubles, 2 homers and 7 RBI. He drove in the go ahead run in the 9th against the Pirates on Friday night; and then had a huge 3-run homer against the Phillies. Hopefully, Beltre can remain consistent and finally prove his long-term value.

Dodger Bullpen Dominating
The Dodger bullpen has been the most dominant in baseball in 2003. So far, the bullpen has thrown 81.2 innings allowing only 56 hits and 22 walks while striking out 86. It has a 1.43 ERA and 0.96 WHIP. Closer Eric Gagne leads the power bullpen with a 0.00 ERA and a 0.63 WHIP. He has struck out an incredible 24 in just 14.1 IP. 32-year-old left-hander Tom Martin has been a huge suprise so far this season. He is throwing in the mid-90s and has been superb. He has a 0.93 ERA and 0.83 WHIP. He has struck out 13 in 9.2 IP and leads the team with 5 holds.

Local Spin
I'm not sure if I've blocked out the annoying Laker car flags, but I haven't seen them like in previous years. Unfortunately, the Lakers look great in the playoffs as Shaq is actually playing at maximum effort.

The Dodgers finally had a good week as they swept the Pirates and then split with the Phillies. The bats woke up a bit as the team hit .255 and smacked 6 homers over the last 7 days. The Dodger playoff hopes are reliant on more offense. When the Dodgers score at least five runs, they are 8-0. Shawn Green has always been a slow starter with his long swing, so once he gets it going, expect the Dodgers to go on a tear.

Injuries
Paul Shuey (RP) - Status: 15-day DL with sprained right knee
Shuey will be ready to come off the DL on May 9th.

Dave Roberts (CF) - Status: day-to-day with strained right hamstring
Roberts has missed the last 5 games with a strained hamstring. He said that he still felt a "twinge" in it, but he remains hopeful of returns to the lineup by tonight. Keep him benched until you see him in the lineup.

Brian Jordan (LF) - Status: day-to-day with flu
Jordan has been so sick that he remained home during the first 2 games of the Phillies series, but he did pinch hit in the final game of the series. He's been feeling much better the past couple of days but was still too physically drained to play. He may be ready to start tonight.

Hot (last 7 days)
Alex Cora (2B): .381 (8-21), 3R, 3-2B, 2RBI
Cesar Izturis (SS): .360 (9-25), 3R, 3RBI
Adrian Beltre (3B): .308 (8-26), 5R, 3-2B, 2HR, 7RBI

Not (last 7 days)
Shawn Green (RF): .172 (5-29), 4R, 4-2B, 1HR, 3RBI
Fred McGriff (1B): .217 (5-23), 3R, 1-2B, 1HR, 2RBI

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