To the poster who kept telling us he didn't think Broxton had the mental tools to be a successful closer, we all owe you an apology. (even though I did kind of agreed with you)
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Closing for your 2011 Dodgers....Kenley Jansen?
Truly depressing about this year is the regression of most of the core players as the season has gone on:
Martin - Gold Glove/Silver Slugger/All-Star in 2007, now a weak hitting, barely passable defensive catcher. The mental errors piled up this year, culminating with his failing to slide on a play that ended his season and likely Dodgers career due to a very tough injury for a catcher.
Kemp - Ditto with Gold Glove/Silver Slugger but only a year removed. Still have faith because he has the same tools, but the mental game took a major step backwards. Everyone was worried when he started dating Rihanna, and while it's hard to make a direct connection, his attitude and attention to detail has been very poor. His defense and base-running have been below average, once two of his greatest strengths. I fear the Dodgers will trade him for what may still be a major haul in return and we'll see Kemp excel in another uniform
Loney - Strong start to the season and was clutch and an RBI machine, but in the second half his average has dipped badly and his once slight power has almost disappeared completely. Love the defense, but wonder if the Dodgers can live with his sub-standard power at 1B. Would be OK keeping him around, his value is great on defense but if Fielder is available it'd be tempting to but a bat like that in the lineup.
Broxton - From the All-Star closer to struggling middle reliever in 2 months. Only hope is that it's due to some undetected injury or mechanical flaw that can be corrected in the offseason. Need to have him back @ 100%.
Ethier - Hottest bat in the league til he was injured. Though I tend to think the overall performance for the year is more indicative of his ability (.275-.290, 25-30 HR, 90-100 RBI) which is still very solid. But I'm not sure he's a superstar or franchise type, rather a very solid player.
The core starting pitchers have both made positive strides, Kershaw is on the way to being an ace if he isn't already, still think he needs to win some big games to be a true ace. Billingsley has responded to rough patch to becoming a solid #3 starter.
Originally Posted by Ice24
I don't know, why don't you ask your Angels how winning can suddenly boost up the attendance and losing can make you hear a pin drop?
Not so much for the Padres, eh? Winning, losing. Makes no difference.
The Padre fans are consistent. They do not go overboard when losing and are the same when they are winning. I like consistency. If they make the playoffs more will come for the experience but they will not go nuts and sellout every game.
To be honest, once Football starts the baseball season ends. They should start the playoffs in August and conclude around Labor Day. It is going to be hard to get anyone to a Padre game since the Chargers are now playing.
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