Oh Joy It’s The Freeway Series Again

Dodgers Lineup vs. Angels

C.J. Wilson-4-3 vs. Zack Greinke-2-1

*This is one of the worst lineups I have ever seen in my life. Apparently Mattingly is trying to lose*

*It’s official, Gordon optioned to make room for Hairston*

Oh joy it’s that time of the year that I love to hate. Yes, it’s time for the interleague Freeway series again. Excuse me if I don’t start dancing.

I hate the Angels, and the Dodgers have too. The Dodgers lost four of six to the Halos last season, and have always been unable to beat the NOT Los Angeles of Orange County, of Anaheim Angels during the regular season. The interleague series between the cross city rivals has changed slightly this season. Instead of playing six games, the two teams will play four games in four days (A home and home series) starting tonight. The first two games at Dodger Stadium, and the last two in Anaheim.

On this Memorial Day, the red-hot Halos are coming in riding an eight game winning streak. Yes that’s right, the Angels are still in fourth place in the A.L. West, but it looks like they’ve figured things out before the Dodgers have. Remember, the Angels have gotten off to a terrible start too, and the rumors are flying about Mike Scioscia’s job. The Dodgers however are coming off just another pathetic series loss. Yesterday afternoon they lost to the Cardinals 5-3. What made that game unusual was Clayton Kershaw allowing four earned runs in a game for the first time in 22 starts. What wasn’t unusual was the Dodger’s punch-less offense and Don Mattingly’s failed bunting strategies.

Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Zack Greinke pitches in the 1st inning against the Milwaukee Brewers at Miller Park. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports

Tonight the Dodgers will have to deal with a suddenly hot Halos team. Today’s Memorial Day affair will feature another marquee pitching match-up of another two aces. The Halos will give the ball to C.J. Wilson. The left hander has started ten games this season. He’s posted a 4-3 record, and 3.39 ERA. Wilson has whiffed 60 batters, and allowed just six home runs all season, but his walk rate has risen very high. He has walked 32 and his walk rate is up to 4.5 this season. Wilson has only faced the Dodgers twice in his career, and only started against the Dodgers once. Wilson has a 1.13 ERA against the Dodgers in eight innings. He’s allowed one run and five hits, and has no record against the Boys in Blue. The current Dodgers have never been able to figure out C.J. Wilson. The Dodgers are hitting just .200 (16 for 80) against Wilson, with a .531 OPS and one home run. Carl Crawford has hit the only homer, but he is also hitting just .143 (3 for 21) against Wilson. Adrian Gonzalez is 4 for 10 off of Wilson.

The Dodgers will counter with ace Zack Greinke. Greinke is now back, and the Birdman is in full effect, with no problems with his collar bone. Greinke is 2-1 this season with a 3.48 ERA. In four starts he’s whiffed 15 and walked only four. Greinke is 1-4 with a 3.70 ERA versus the Angels. The Halos are hitting .247 (19 for 77) with no home runs and a .682 OPS against Greinke. Josh Hamilton is hitting just .053 ( 1 for 19) against Greinke. But, the Dodgers have to watch out for Albert Pujols. He’s hitting .292 (7 for 24) off of Grienke. The Dodgers have to watch out for Erik Aybar as well. The annoying infielder is hitting .438 (7 for 16) with four doubles against Greinke.

We are still waiting to hear word on the condition of A.J. Ellis’s wrist. A.J. was hit by a pitch in the wrist during yesterday afternoon’s 5-3 loss to the Cardinals. A.J. stayed in the game, but there were reports that his wrist was swollen and he was going to see the team doctors. Pray that A.J. is ok. If we lose him, we are really screwed.

I hate the Angels-Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

Jerry Hairston is also due to be activated today. Hairston has been disabled with a sore groin but is supposed to be activated today. That means the Dodgers will have to make a roster move to clear room for Jhair. Who will the Dodgers bump off the roster? We are all hoping it is the useless Luis Cruz. But it is possible the Dodgers will do what they usually do and use the DL for roster manipulation in order to delay having to DFA one of the roster spot wasters. Scott Van Slyke has whiplash from diving for a fly ball, and there is talk he could be Disabled. Will the Dodgers make the right move? We’ll keep you updated.

I can’t remember the last time the Dodgers won a series against the Angels. It’s been years. Hopefully the Angels are due for a loss at this point. This season sucks, but if we can get a couple of wins over the Angels, then that’s something we can celebrate and be proud of. As you now I hate the Angels, and beating those NOT Los Angeles Angels of Orange County of Anaheim of Disneyland is always enjoyable. With the season being so lousy anything that gives us a little joy should be relished.

The game will start at 5:10 PM tonight. Let’s all take a moment to think about the men and woman of our armed services that have sacrificed their lives for our safety. Their sacrifices mean more than any Baseball game could. That’s what Memorial Day is all about.

We hope you guys have a great Memorial Day as well. We also hope that you will join us over here for our game recap immediately following the Dodger game. Go Blue.