What we learned from Tuesday's game (8/2/11)

Kuroda in 1914, the last time the Dodgers provided him with any run support.

Overview: Hiroki Kuroda learns what it takes to get a win.  Kemp does more great stuff.  Dodgers win, 1-0.

Pros: Fun fact- five of Hiroki Kuroda's seven wins have come via shutout.  Look, I think we were all a little disappointed when Kuroda invoked his no trade clause prior to the trade deadline, especially when it came out that the horrifying deadline trade of Trayvon Robinson (he's wearing a Tacoma Rainiers jersey in that link, which I guess means that whole thing wasn't a nightmare I had while laid up with a strained ligament and hopped up on my mother-in-law's arthritis meds) was kind of his fault.  But it's hard to be angry with him when he's pitching shutouts.  Matt Kemp shockingly provided the only offense for the Dodgers by knocking in Dee Gordon in the fourth inning.  Javy Guerra nailed down his ninth save- and yes, saves are overrated, and yes, Javy Guerra is probably not a great choice to be our closer long term, but dammit, he's a rookie who's been a bright spot this season, and I'm happy for his success.

Cons:  Outside of Gordon (2 for 4! get ready for your Profile in Courage, Dee!) and Kemp, no Dodger reached base more than once.  Also, they didn't work a single walk.  Mat Latos is a solid pitcher, but damn.  That's kind of embarrassing.  Good thing our new hitting coach has fixed everything.

What we learned:  Same story, different day.  If teams ever learn how to pitch around Matt Kemp, the Dodgers are screwed.  One interesting thing to note- Andre Ethier sat, with Rivera getting the start in RF.  Mattingly said he was frustrated after a tough game Monday and needed a breather.  But it certainly sounds like the frustration runs a little deeper than that- Roberto Baly of Vin Scully is My Homeboy had some first hand contact with just how frustrated Ethier is/was.  Sounds like those of us hoping to lock up Ethier long term might be out of luck...

Breaking: Jeff Pentland fired as Dodgers hitting coach

You mean I don't have to put up with this bullshit anymore?

Yeah, that'll fix everything.

Look, the Dodgers' offense has been atrocious this year.  But I don't know how much blame you can put on Pentland for Juan Uribe, Rod Barajas, James Loney et al.  Pretty much anyone could see that this team was going to be offensively challenged going into the season- a collection of over the hill, injury prone vets, guys who career OBPs hovered at or below .300, and rookies called up before they were ready is not the best testing ground for a hitting coach.
 
Pentland makes for a decent sacrificial lamb, though.  The team ranks at the bottom of nearly all the offensive statistics, and July has been the worst month so far.  Replacing Pentland with Dave Hansen may not do much, but it's a token gesture to the fans from the front office that they are still 'trying' to turn things around.  Do the fans want them to?  That's a question for a much longer post...