Pirates Dodgers Preview With Lasorda’s Lair: Who Are They, Who Wins Series?

When we need to know answers about the most talked about team in Major League Baseball– The Los Angeles Dodgers, we ask our friends at Lasorda’s Lair. 

With a big series coming up this weekend to launch the Pirates West Coast trip, we asked Stacie and Scott at the Dodger’s coolest blog, Lasorda’s Lair a few quick questions.  Be sure to give them a follow on Twitter as well.

So what does it feel like to have Grienke as your FOURTH starter and how did that come about?

Stacie:  Zack Greinke has had some elbow soreness this Spring, and the Dodgers had to shut him down for a few weeks in March. He only has made two outings since, so he may not go deep into the game Friday. We expect the Dodgers to reshuffle the rotation eventually. Greinke says his elbow feels better, but it’s still a cause for concern.

Scott:  It feels great, as long as he is healthy. As you know, the Dodgers signed Birdman Zack Greinke to a record six year 147 million dollar deal during this past winter, to slot in as the Dodger’s second ace, behind the complete and utter domination of Clayton kershaw. The Mark Fidrych look-alike and former Cy Young award winner was the top free agent pitcher on the market. It made us happy to see aother team’s and their fans jealous and bitter over our free spending ways. Birdman did have some problems with his elbow during the spring, but was able to heal and reported no pain over his last few starts. We hope he was able to build up enough arm strength to pitch a nice quick clean shutout of your Buccos on Friday night. However as Stacie stated, he may have a short leash since this is his first start, and the Dodgers want to be extra careful not to overwork him too much.

Does having such a roster of superior talent place a target on the backs of the boys in blue?

Stacie:  Absolutely. There are high expectations for this lineup. This far we have had some disappointing results in the first series versus San Francisco, but we are hoping that the Dodgers can break out against the Pirates whom they historically dominate at Dodger Stadium over the years.

Scott:  Indeed it does Tom. Of course, the games are played on paper, and anyone can beat anyone on any given day. Still watching other teams be jealous of our success and talented roster, and hordes of Dodger Blue Cash monies, fills us with Joy and contentment.

Who do you have winning the series this weekend?

Stacie:  Of course I’m going to go with the Dodgers since they have gone 32-10 against the Bucs at Dodger Stadium.

Scott:  Well, I’ll take the Dodgers to win two of three. With Birdman Greinke going on Friday night, and the complete and utter domination of Clayton Kershaw on Saturday, it seems unlikely the Bucs will be able to score if at all in the se first two games. Although A.J.Burnett will be tough to face for the Dodger’s struggling offense. I’ll still take the Dodgers to win two of three.

What are one or two things Buccos fans should watch for in the series? Last year, Matt Kemp went on a tirade and a youngster had to have their ears covered by their parents….do you expect any excitement this time around?

I’m anticipating that the Dodgers will play a little more aggressive, and I know Matt Kemp is anxious to collect his first base hit of the season. Yes, he’s hitless.

Stacie:  Carl Crawford has brought some excitement to the lead-off spot, and we should see him running this series. Of course we always look forward to seeing how the Dodgers deal with Andrew McCutchen who I hear already has four stolen bases. The Dodgers have no stolen bases yet by the way.

Scott:  Im sure there will be a few fireworks. One guy to watch out for is Dodger lead-off man Carl Crawford. He is really on a mission to prove himself, as he extends his middle finger to the Boston Red Sox through mutliple hit games for the boys in Blue.The Craw man recorded two multil-hit games oin the Giant series, inclduing going 3 for 4 in the final game,and reaching base in six of his first ten at-bats. He has five hit already,and is poised to become the Dodger lead-off hitter and base threat we sorely need.

As Stacie pointed out, the Dodger lineup is bereft of any semblance of speed, so Craw man’s base stealing is something we must have.

Did we miss anything you want us to know?

Not really. Andrew McCutchen is always tough, and annoying. So I am sure he will annoy us the entire series. We’re interested in seeing the return of former Dodger Catcher Russell Martin back to Dodger Stadium for the first time since he left after the 2010 season.