The last thing you could call the Dodgers season is boring. As expected, they’ve lived and died with their pitching staff and they’ve gotten solid contributions from some expected players (Jeff Kent) as well as some surprising performances like Russ Martin’s. At the end of the day though, they’re just one game (two losses) behind the Padres with a three loss lead over third place Diamondbacks. Even the Rockies at .500 and 5 1/2 games back of the Padres are in it and they’re closing then most other third place teams are in their division.
The team MVP has to go to Russ Martin. To produce like he has, and from a catcher, is nothing short of phenomonal. He should both scored 100 and drive in 100 and 20 homeruns isn’t out of the question. Throw in a 46/34 strikeout to walk ratio and an .865 OPS and it goes to show how good of a first half that Martin has had.
The biggest disappointment, and I’m not surprised here, has been Juan Pierre. Yes, he leads the team with 52 runs and he very well could end up with another 200 hit season but that .649 is low, low low. Even when you factor in the fact that he turned 34 singles in to doubles with stolen bases doesn’t make up for a truly disappointing season.
The top pitcher is Brad Penny, who sports an impressive 10-1 record with a team leading 2.39 ERA. Penny goes out there and gives the Dodgers a chance to win. Prior to getting hit hard on July 5, Penny went five straight starts where he pitched at least seven innings and gave up just one run (he only won three of those games). His walk rate is good and his strikeout rate is good but not great and it all adds up to a potential Cy Young. He just has to avoid the poor second half like he had last year.
Most disappointing pitcher is Jason Schmidt, just because he didn’t earn his keep and he’s been damaged goods. Live and learn here, because I thought this was a big signing and so far it’s a major bust.
It’s Derek Lowe against Matt Cain on Friday night. Saturday’s game is an afternoon one and taking this series is appealing on a couple of different levels. It puts heat on the Padres and we beat our arch-rivals. I liked how the Dodgers players got booed at the All Star Game last night. You have to keep that rivalry alive.
