Dodgers take over AT&T Park

Posted on July 1, 2010

Manager Joe Torre #6 of the Los Angeles Dodgers gets ready in the dugout before the game against the San Francisco Giants at AT&T Park on June 30, 2010 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Brad Mangin)

 

The Dodgers vs Giants rivalry goes back to the glory days in New York when the Dodgers played in Brooklyn and the Giants played under Coogan’s Bluff in Manhattan. There are so many stirring memories of this great feud: The Shot Heard ‘Round the World; Mike Ivie’s Grand Slam; Joe Morgan’s Home Run; Steve Finley’s Grand Slam. The two teams squared off against each other for the first time in San Francisco this season the past three days and no great memories were created as the visiting Dodgers swept the Giants in a boring series that left the Giants hobbling to Denver to begin an 11-game road trip that could make or break their season before the All-Star break. On the other hand the Dodgers used this series to right their ship and send a message to the National League West that they were going to be in the race for the entire season.

After winning the first two games of the series the Dodgers were pretty loose in their dugout before yesterday’s game. There was no batting practice, so the first time I had a chance to see them was when they came into the dugout 20 minutes before the 12:45 pm first pitch to get ready for the game. They appeared to be relaxed and confident as they gathered in the dugout, and so did their manager Joe Torre (see top photo). Why wouldn’t they feel confident? They totally have the Giants number this season, especially in San Francisco. The Dodgers were pitching well and swinging the bats, something the Giants couldn’t do at all this past week.

Sure enough, the confident Dodgers smoked the Giants 8-2 to complete the sweep. The sell-out crowd on a gorgeous Bay Area afternoon had nothing to cheer for, again. After the game the Giants traded their much-maligned catcher Bengie Molina to the Texas Rangers for a box of baseballs and a Mota Stick. This could be a huge turning point for the Giants. Buster Posey will now be the starting catcher. This could spark the team to start winning some games and ignite their offense. Or not. One thing is for sure- I am worried about the Dodgers. They look good. And loose.