Broken Record
The Dodgers' offense continues to struggle as fans wait for Shawn Green to break out. In 6 games this week, the Dodgers hit just .218 with a .372 SLG. They scored just 19 runs.
Lo Duca on a Tear
Paul Lo Duca has been the team's hottest hitter with a 14 game hitting streak. During the streak, Paul is hitting .482 (27-56) with 4 doubles, 1 triple, 2 homers and 7 RBI.
Brown Dominating
Kevin Brown has been absolutely brilliant of late and is arguably the best pitcher in the NL right now. "There's no question to me. Right now he's the best pitcher in the National League," said Paul Lo Duca. In 13 starts, Brown is 8-1 with a 2.06 ERA and 0.95 WHIP.
Since losing on April 18th to the Giants, Brown has pitched 9 straight quality starts and has a record of 7-0. In those 9 starts, he hasn't allowed more than 2 runs in any of them and allowed 1 run or less in 7 of the 9. In his last 65 innings, he has allowed 42 hits, 10 runs (1.38 ERA), 10 walks and 59 strikeouts.
Amatuer Draft
Dodger management may need to pick up a copy of Moneyball by Michael Lewis because they rolled some risky dice on draft day. 16 of their first 20 picks were high school players and 35 of their 50 total. They didn't select their first college player until the 9th round. History has shown that high school players have a much lower success rate than college players in developing into major league players.
In typical Dodger style, nine of their first 14 picks were pitchers despite the major league squads obvious need for more offense. 14 of their final 15 picks were positional players.
The Dodgers' first round pick was Chad Billingsley, a right-handed power pitcher from Defiance High School in Ohio. Billingsley, 6-2 and 200 pounds, went 7-2 with a 1.21 ERA and one save in 13 games. He had 138 strikeouts against 16 walks in 56 innings. Scouting report: Well developed, muscular body. Similar to Kevin Appier. Fastball 91-93, occasionally 94, tailing, running life. 2-seam fastball, curveball, slider. Change shows potential. Throws 4 pitches. Signed with South Carolina.
In the 26th round, the Dodgers drafted catcher Thomas Piazza, the 21-year-old brother of Mets slugger Mike. Piazza is 6-0, 200 pounds and bats left-handed.
Transactions
- activated Dave Roberts from the DL
- placed Daryle Ward on the DL
Injuries Darren Dreifort (SP) - 15-day DL (right knee)
Dreifort has a sprained MCL and he was fitted with a brace to help ease his pain. However Dreifort still felt pain and could be headed for his second knee surgery in as many years. It's not looking good for Dreifort.
Daryle Ward (OF) - 15-day DL (right wrist)
Ward was placed on the DL last Saturday with tendinitis in his right wrist. He will go on a rehab assigment before being activated. He is hitting just .169 with no extra base hits in 71 at-bats.
Todd Hundley (C) - Status: 15-day DL, irritation of sciatic nerve (back)
Hundley had surgery on his lower back on Thursday and will be out for at least another eight weeks.
Hot (last 7 days)
Paul Lo Duca (C): .435 (10-23), 4R, 3-2B, 1-3B, 3RBI
Adrian Beltre (3B): .350 (7-20), 1R, 2-2B, 3RBI
Not (last 7 days)
Alex Cora (2B): .000 (0-12)
Cesar Izturis (SS): .105 (2-19), 1RBI
Shawn Green (RF): .190 (4-21), 2R, 3-2B, 2RBI
Last Week's Results (3-3)
5/30: 5-3 loss to Brewers
5/31: 3-0 win over Brewers
6/1: 4-3 loss to Brewers
6/3: 4-3 win over Royals
6/4: 2-1 loss to Royals
6/5: 5-2 win over Royals
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Check back every Friday for the latest Dodger news. If you have any questions, comments or suggestions about this column, please use the comments section below or feel free to e-mail me at dodgers@fantasyinfocentral.com
Posted by Chris Wang at June 06, 2003 09:36 PM
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