Duren, Duren

Canning off the hook.

Now that is excitement! Finally a clutch hit. Let the unearned runs keep coming

Nice rally! Two errors and an HBP.

Gloves today are too big to have full control if the ball isn't right in the pocket.

Ugly game. Seems to be played in slow motion.

A chance for a big inning. But not to be.

Canning just couldn't through five. Ninety pitches and one brutal inning but not sharp overall.

Stretching full body for a grounder from Trout deep in the SS hole near the grass, he stumbled and fell hard on his left shoulder.

Unusual way to separate your shoulder if that's the problem. Usually happens with hard contact in hockey and football.

Rendon joins the pop out parade. Feeble at bats by all concerned.

Really weak contact so far. Not getting the bat head out in front.

They still need him to eat some innings. Can't use up the bullpen at the start of this series.

Can it get worse for Canning? Batting practice pitches.

A reality check, facing a good team again. But most of the game is still ahead.

Canning not sharp with his control. Terrible buzz killer.

Canning not sharp with his control. Terrible buzz killer.

Looks like the cheering will be short term.

Nice finish to the top of the first. Can't lose the momentum by falling behind that early.

13 mph difference between hard and soft pitches.

Play ball !!!!

Four of the nine in the lineup are batting under .200. For what that stat means these days. But obviously there is room for some of them to get their bats going. Can't depend on homers from two players. Sandoval had a complete reversal of form from start one to two. Hopefully the same thing happens tonight.

Now here's a guy who got the most out of his ability with a gritty attitude and smart understanding of how to pitch.

They should get it authenticated as soon as possible. Once leaving the stadium there is the possibility of some shady dealing. But the ball itself would have certain marks of identification though forgeries and substitutions are known to have happened. In this case there is video but that just refers to the catch. Not what happens after. With Dodger personnel all over this it puts pressure on the ball holder. Easy to get swept up in the moment and easily persuaded to give it up for what turns out to be minimal compensation. And the ephemeral feel good moment of being a good Dodger supporter. Try taking that to the bank! Obviously there is a world wide market for Ohtani stuff. Holding on to it and waiting for potential deals is smarter. And even if no one bids it's still a one of a kind item that will go up in value over time. Historically there has been a wide diversity of what happens to these historic balls. Many just settle for a picture and handshake. And some token gifts. Others have sold things or donated them to baseball museums. The guy who caught Maris' 61st (Sal Durante) had some minor fame for many years and became a friend of Maris. But that was a different era. https://nypost.com/2022/12/02/sal-durante-who-caught-roger-maris-61st-home-run-dead-at-80/ If the collectible world wasn't so mercenary and cut throat being a good citizen and team loyalist would be nice. But giving away something potentially worth really big bucks is naive.

He's been very patient in most at bats this season. Quite a contrast to the past. And has put good wood on the ball quite often. He has to maintain that discipline and not panic if he goes into a slump. He has the strength to drive pitches to all fields and shouldn't just try and over power the ball. Solid contact regularly will take care of itself. That's why he needs playing time. To build up a hitting routine and habits game after game. Even at DH for some lineups. I remember Tim Laker as an Expos catcher way back when. Nice to see him resurface with the Angels.

There are lots of different dynamics. Not necessarily translating into results far beyond expectations. But still cautiously hinting at sustained optimism. A different sort maybe than the past but at least towards a solid revamped (still in progress) and forward looking team. I just have a gut feeling (and hope) that Washington and his staff will keep the team more steady and focussed than in recent years. And some unexpected players will surprise positively. As well as having less devastating injuries. Hanging around .500 or better and sniffing at the wild card scramble would equate a positive season. Playing meaningful games in September rather than spoiler would be a solid success.