A Bullpen, A Bullpen - My Kingdom For A Bullpen

I'll ignore the fact that the Lakers just lost and focus on the Dodgers very quickly.

Yes, they won.

But it wasn't for lack of effort!

For the second time in two weeks, Joe Torre has summoned Jonathan Broxton from the bullpen to pitch a five out save.

Now listen here, Joe... I don't know how they do things back in NYC but out here, that's a recipe for disaster.

A two inning save in 2009 should be saved for the most desperate of situations. I'm talking a huge game in September or October with playoff implications. Not twice in the first three weeks of the season!

It worries me. The 'pen is likely going to be a rough spot all season and right now, Broxton's the only thing going well in it. So, if you abuse him [as Torre is infamous for doing] then there's nothing left. For Christ's sake, they're already talking about bringing up Weaver to pitch out of the bullpen.

You've got Bellasario who is basically an unknown. Kuo who is injury-prone and apparently has confidence issues now after his royal fuckups last week. Cory Wade is injured because Torre ran him into the ground last week. They're hesitant to use McDonald much since he'll probably need to start until Kuroda comes back at least.

It's getting ugly out there. In the past, I was perfectly confidence (most of the time) when the 'pen took over the game. Now, I'm nervous as soon as it happens. And no, calling Broxton in early doesn't soothe my fears.

"It's still early" - I know.

But this wound needs to be treated before it gets worse.

Oh, and in a parting shot, I figured the Lakers would lose one in Utah. It's not like they could play any worse than they did tonight, right?