Forgive me if I am not the least bit upset about the Dodgers' unfortunate weekend against Toronto. Sure, they wasted a complete game, 4-hit gem by D. Lowe on Saturday and lost, 11-5, on Sunday, but I just can't bring myself to get down about losing to Roy Halladay when the future looks so bright.
With the promotions of Matt Kemp and James Loney to the big club and the demotions of Juan Pierre (to the eighth spot, at least temporarily) and Brady Clark (designated for assignment), the Dodgers have instantly gotten younger (obviously) and better, both offensively and defensively. Both made an instant impression on Sunday, Kemp going 2-for-3 and Loney driving in a run in his first plate appearance.
They say that Loney is prepared to play corner outfield spots and there will be plenty of at-bats for both of the young studs, as it appears Grady Little has finally had enough of Juan Pierre's inadequacy. In the wake of the, "We're trying to make it a big deal like the NFL," MLB draft last week, it's fun to see some homegrown talent make it to the majors and appear to be in the plans for good.
In terms of the pitching, it's not a complete surprise that Jason Schmidt struggled. He went six innings and gave up one hit in his previous start at San Diego, but he wasn't especially dominant then and the Jays' lineup is no joke. Schmidt may very well be merely past his prime, but he can still be an effective part of a pretty good rotation. Plus, with the plethora of starters-turned-relievers and the crop of young talent in the majors and minors (Andy LaRoche), the Dodgers still have the ammo to make a move for a bat, as was the plan since the offseason.
But for now, it seems like the squad as it currently exists will get its chance, and that should be encouraging for Dodgers fans. Should be a great series today through Wednesday with the Mets/ I hope the Dodgers don't play like crap and get two outs at home plate like they did in the playoffs last year because I don't want to deal with Mets' fans if they do.
On another note, Blue Chips has reasserted itself among my favorite movies of all time. The movie is a much more accurate depiction of big-time college basketball than I remember, from Nick Nolte's depiction of a struggling coach to the cutthroat nature of the recruiting process. Shaq, Penny Hardaway, and some guy who looks like Troy Glaus were awesome as Neon Bodeaux (sp?), Butch McRae and Ricky Roe before we had even met Jesus Shuttlesworth.
A sports movie with actors who actually play the sport, Blue Chips combined decent game action with compelling drama and a good amount of humor. No surprise to find out that the movie was written and executive produced by Ron Shelton, the creator of one of my other favorite movies, Bull Durham.
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