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Let The Rubby & Dee Era Begin

By Kenny Shulsen

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Of course it’s a Tuesday that Rubby De La Rosa makes his MLB debut as a starting pitcher. That’s led to hundreds of “Rubby Tuesday” references, but Philadelphia and the rest of the baseball world will see tonight that Rubby’s stuff is legit, and he’s not just a gimmicky nickname. The first time he follows up a 97MPH fastball with a knee buckling change-up that dances through the strike zone like a breaking ball Philly batters will take notice. 

Regardless of the outcome, and I predict a quality start, but his offense must score for him, Rubby has the stuff to be special. He also has the make-up that one needs for greatness. When asked earlier today if he will be nervous tonight he responded with the following:

"“No, I’m not excited, It’s what starters do. They start. I’m not nervous. I never get nervous. I don’t feel butterflies when I pitch; I don’t feel anything. I grew up in the streets. How can I be scared of anything compared to that?”"

It’s that kind of make-up that makes me such a fan of Rubby and why I think he takes the mound against the top team in the NL tonight and pitches like he’s a 10 year vet.

Also making his first career start will be shortstop Dee Gordon. He will be hitting lead-off, the last Dodger to do that in his debut was Jose Offerman. Dee got into the game last night and went first to third on a single by James Loney. Check out this video on MLB.com of Dee flying around the base paths. Wow!

I remember as a kid watching Mariano Duncan get bunt doubles he was so fast. Dee will either bunt for a double or score from first on a single this year, mark my words it will happen. This is an exciting time for Dodger fans with the youth they have throughout their lineup tonight. Let’s just hope they produce.

Stay tuned for post game analysis of Rubby’s start as well as a recap of day 2 of the MLB draft. For now here’s tonight’s lineup:

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