Dodgers Turn To Capuano For Game Two Versus Braves

Dodgers Lineup vs. Atlanta

Chris Capuano-1-2 vs. Kris Medlen-1-5

 (Schumaker batting fifth! Ha!)

Are you a sunny optimist? I’m not. But whether you are , or you are not, you must be able to see the writing that’s on the wall can’t you? This season is a failure. And I don’t expect it to change anytime soon. The Dodgers just suck. They play crappy Baseball, and no matter how sunny you want to be, you can’t keep ignoring what’s been right in front of our faces since opening day.

After last night’s pathetic, but predictable 8-5 loss to the Braves (Thanks to Justin Upton’s grand slam) in game one, it became apparent this season isn’t going to work out our way. Just spending money on high priced players doesn’t equate to wins. It just doesn’t. Not to say the Dodgers don’t have good players, or didn’t buy some good players. They did, and do. However that is not always enough to win games. You need more than just talent to win.

Cappy has always pitched well in Atlanta-Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports

The team has an average pitching staff this year. Even with Clayton Kershaw, and Zack Greinke. The pitching staff went from being the third best in the league, to what the 20 best? Terrible. The bullpen is below average, the defense shoddy, and the base running is pathetic. You can’t win with a below average pitching staff, and a terrible bullpen. No matter how sunny you want to be, it won’t change anything.

The truth is, the Dodgers suck, and pay crappy Baseball. They’ve been playing crappy since opening day. They have not been competitive this year, and it doesn’t look like they will. It’s time for a change, and a big change at the top.

Anyways, let’s get to the pitching match-up for today’s game. The Dodgers will have lefty Chris Capuano take the mound in the second game. Cappy is coming off his best start of the season, which was a win against the Marlins last week. Let’s hope that Capuano is able to regain his form.

Capuano has pitched well against the Braves and in Atlanta. Cappy is 2-0 with a 3.34 ERA in six games at Turner Field. Against Atlanta during his career, Capuano is 5-3 with a 2.75 ERA, and 63 whiffs in ten starts. The Braves are only hitting .234 (22 for 94) against Cappy. But Justin Upton is batting .357 (5 for 14) with a home run against Capuano. Capuano is 1-2 this season in three starts.

Atlanta Braves starting pitcher Kris Medlen (54) pitches in the first inning against the Washington Nationals at Turner Field. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Shirey-USA TODAY Sports

Atlanta will counter with Kris Medlen. The 27 year old right hander is from Artesia, California, and has had a somewhat rough start to the season, and has only won once. Medlen is 1-5 with a 3.44 ERA, and 33 whiffs in 49 innings. He’s allowed seven home runs, and 9.2 hits per nine innings. Medlen has never lost to the Dodgers, and is 2-0 with a 2.30 ERA in six games. He has 14 whiffs and only one walk when facing the Dodgers. To make things even worse for the Dodgers, Medlen has a 2.55 ERA pitching at Turner Field. The Dodgers hit .258 (8 for 31) against Medlen and haven’t done anything against him ever. Last season Medlen got off to a great start, and ended up finishing the year at 10-1 with a 1.57 ERA. This is his first full season in the rotation for the Braves.

Remember, Mark Ellis is due back from the disabled list tomorrow, so expect a roster decision to come soon. That doesn’t mean the Dodgers won’t get swept in this series. I’m sure they will. Hey don’t be surprised when they are.

The Dodgers are still in last place. The lousy 2013 season marches on for the Dodgers. Join us over here after the game for our nightly recap and analysis. Game time is at 4PM and on KCAL 9. Go Blue.