The bottom line is Manny f 'ed this one up pretty bad, and it's up to the team to pick him up. Might an unsung hero fill the void? Only time will tell.With Ramirez set to return to action soon, what has time told us? Who, if anyone, filled the void over the past fifty games? Stats below over past 48 games. Bold numbers indicate team leader.
Russell Martin
.250/.384/.303/.686, 1 HR, 8 RBI, 26 K's, 30 BB
A quick glance at OBP makes it appear Martin is holding his own during Manny's suspension period. However, when you see that his SLG is lower than his OBP (only player on the team to do so) it brings to light just how much Martin is struggling with actually HITTING the ball.
James Loney
.278/.328/.412/.740, 5 HR, 29 RBI, 27 K's, 15 BB
"Big Game James" seemingly earned that reputation on a handful of games over the course of his career, not games played this season. Loney hasn't played to his ceiling at any point in the season, though perhaps we've come to expect greater things from a player with such a moniker. This season marks the third straight year where James has posted declining numbers in OBP, SLG, and OPS.
Orlando Hudson
.269/.327/.363/.690, 2 HR, 24 RBI, 42 K's, 18 BB
Through 50 games this season, Hudson was posting an all star line of .349/.421/.921. Sadly he's fallen back to earth as of late with just a .269 OBP and .583 OPS. Still, he's played better than what I believe people had in mind at the seasons onset. What has been lacking with his bat as of late has more than been forgotten about thanks to his fine defense all season long. The Dodgers pitchers might want to chip in and get him something nice at years end.
Rafael Furcal
.225/.299/.319/.618, 2 HR, 9 RBI, 28 K's, 17 BB
The biggest disappointment thus far in 2009. Nagging injuries? Mental pressure? Not much else to say here, lets move on.
Casey Blake
.327/.379/.543/.922, 6 HR, 33 RBI, 30 K's, 15 BB
Here's what I said back in December regarding the signing of Casey Blake...
"While he may not put up great numbers he provides a veteran presence and brings a professional attitude to the game. I think this is a great deal for the Dodgers."The veteran presence and professional attitude are still there, but hot damn, Blake is putting up good numbers too. While no one saw it coming Casey is having a career year (at age 35 no less) and is on pace to tally career highs in most offensive categories. Sure his team leading 33 RBI's during Manny's absence aren't any kind of reflection of a hitter's true worth, but Blake's .922 OPS over the past fifty games carries noticable weight. Especially when he usually resides in the .700's. His work with the leather has been superb as well.
Juan Pierre
.325/.390/.422/.813, 0 HR, 21 RBI, 17 K's, 16 BB
A torrid start has been replaced with the Juan Pierre of recent years, but lets not discredit Pierre's accomplishments during the past fifty games. His OPS of .813 ranks him 3rd on the team, behind only Casey Blake and Matt Kemp. Factor in the 20 stolen bases and Juan has been pleasant surprise during his time roaming left field.
Matt Kemp
.328/.380/.481/.861, 7 HR, 24 RBI, 42 K's, 16 BB
Kemp has been stable, never too high, never too low during the past fifty games. Yeah he still strikes out a lot, but he's also hitting the ball all over the field. Take away Andre Ethier's three home run game and Kemp would be leading the team in home runs during the duration we are measuring. And oh boy, the defense. A gold glove just might be in his future, and I'm talking about this year.
Andre Ethier
.229/ .302/.453/.755, 9 HR, 25 RBI, 40 K's, 16 BB
A hideous start (.133/ 2.29/.167 ) during the first fifteen games of Ramirez's departure have left Andre still trying to catch up to pre-Manny suspension levels. He's done much better since the initial out of the gate stumble (.282/.344/.609) and has been making the ball the cry (1.337 OPS) over the last handful of games.
With the exception of above average, but not superstar, play by Blake and Kemp, you'll notice most players staying in check with their career norms. No single player has claimed outright dominance on the team, but with the lineup listed above perhaps no one had too. Sure there have been bright spots, and tough times have been no stranger, yet in the end it's been 9 guys banding together and putting forth a team effort. An effort that has been an outright joy to watch.
Tomorrow we'll turn to the great equalizer, starting pitching.
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