Dodgers v. Man Diego Padres, April 6th (Opening Day)

[lasportzphan]

Dodgers
SS Rollins (S)
RF Puig
1B Gonzalez (L)
2B Kendrick
LF Crawford (L)
3B Uribe
CF Pederson (L)
C Ellis
P Kershaw (L)

Was hoping to see Yasmani get the nod, but Ellis has a proven history with Clayton. Kendrick/Crawford/Uribe in the 4/5/6 spot is going to be interesting this year. To be a contender this team needs to improve upon the following:

1) Bullpen efficiency. This is essential in order to protect our fragile and note very deep starting rotation, Kershaw/Grienke/Ryu/McCarthy/Anderson. Bullpen is always difficult to predict, I hope we have shored it up and can rely on them without forcing our starters to go deeper than they should.
1A) Fielding upgrades should improve our efficiency as well - no more free outs.

2) Plate discipline. Mattingly said it himself this Spring - they are going to work counts, take pitches - major difference from last year. Of course, Uribe, will never do that consistently.

3) Puig's maturity. I could see him heading into Mike Trout stratosphere if he keeps advancing and improving. This line up needs a fire starter, i hope it's him.

 

[lasportzphan]

Super start. Hit batter, stolen base and Kemp gets the RBI. 1-0 Padres.

 

[lasportzphan]

Kemp giving us an instant gratification welcome back performance.

 

[Broncosballer32]

Way to go Rollins. Nice to see that. Good stuff.

 

[LALakersboy24.7]

Nice closeout by hatcher.

 

[lasportzphan]

Undefeated!!!

 

[LASports96]

I think we're going to really like this team.

 

[Villain]

I think we're going to really like this team.

Yessir.

 

[lasportzphan]

I think we're going to really like this team.

I think we are one game in.

 

[Villain]

I think we are one game in.

That's fair, but it's pretty awesome that the team did EXACTLY what the front office wanted it to do. The team was solid at SS, 2B, and CF: Dodgers prove strong up the middle in opening day win - True Blue LA

The bullpen was great: Dodgers bullpen does its part - True Blue LA

And, of course, the Dodgers won.

Bonus points:

 

[OutlawImmortal]

Great play, I'm starting to see why they started him over Puig, we might have 2 defensive beasts in the outfield.

 

[lasportzphan]

Great play, I'm starting to see why they started him over Puig, we might have 2 defensive beasts in the outfield.

Post steroids era, youth is essential.

 

[LALakersboy24.7]

damn it Rollins!

 

[lasportzphan]

Defense working itself out a bit... Early season hiccups.

 

[lasportzphan]

Defense fails....check. Bullpen fails.... Check. Blow a solid start from one of your top guns.... Check.

Well, as long as this is the exception not the rule we will be fine. Can't win 'em all!

 

[LALakersboy24.7]

A Bomb!

 

[LASports96]

Sloppy game. Throw it away and forget it ever happen.

All you can ask for on a realistic consistent basis is a chance to win series. Rubber game tomorrow, win the series.

 

[lasportzphan]

Cold night at the Ravine, late start = bad defense.

But the bullpen has to be better collectively - everyone gave a up a hit.

 

[LALakersboy24.7]

A Gone on fire!

 

[lasportzphan]

I forget sometimes that Adrian Gonzalez is only 32....

Nice wine last night, great to see Peralta come in and shut the door. McCarthy had 9Ks, but was hit or miss all night otherwise. He should settle down a bit.

Great series win, I love beating the Border Town Madres.