Martin's Miscues Cost Dodgers

The Los Angeles Dodgers fell to the Atlanta Braves 4-3, evening the series at a game apiece. The Dodgers had a 3-2 lead in the sixth inning, but when Martin tried to pick-off Adam LaRoche at first, the ball got away from James Loney, allowing LaRoche to take second base. Diory Hernandez then singled, and Martin dropped a throw from Andre Ethier that could have gotten LaRoche out at home. Hernandez took second on the throw, and Greg Norton singled him in for the winning run. Ethier had a homer, his second in as many days, and scored two runs, and Loney had two hits and drove in a run. Casey Blake had a double and an RBI. Former Dodger Derek Lowe got the win, holding LA to only three runs over six innings of work.

Schmidt Leads Way to Dodger Victory

The Los Angeles Dodgers defeated the Atlanta Braves 5-0, the first meeting between the two clubs this season. Jason Schmidt cruised to his second victory, allowing only one base hit in six innings of work. Andre Ethier had a three-run homer which was more than enough, and Rafael Furcal drove in a run. Orlando Hudson scored twice, and Russell Martin had two hits and a run scored. Ethier capped it with another RBI. The Braves had only three hits in the entire game, with Chipper Jones reaching base three times, twice by walk.

George Sherrill made his Dodger debut, inheriting a two-on, no-out situation. He struck out the side, allowing only a walk.

It's Official: Odom Returns

The Los Angeles Lakers finalized a deal with free-agent Lamar Odom and held a press conference to announce the agreement. During the conference, Odom explained that while he considered Miami, he always wanted to remain in Los Angeles. He also revealed that a team gave him a lucrative offer but he turned it down; Odom did not reveal the identity of the team.

Editor's Note: Waiver 'Round, Boys

The trade-deadline has come and gone, and the Dodgers have added a key component to the bullpen in the form of George Sherrill. But that doesn't mean all the wheeling-and-dealing is finished. The waiver deadline is still in effect, and won't end until August 31. While guys like Roy Halladay and Andrian Gonzalez won't be mentioned, there can still be plenty of bargain players to be picked up. Aaron Harang, Bronson Arroyo, Jon Garland and Doug Davis are just some of the names being thrown around as trade possibilities. While the marquis names are no longer available, there are still plenty of cheap substitutes to be had.

Quiet Deadline for Dodgers

The Los Angeles Dodgers made no significant moves today as the non-waiver trade deadline came and went. While there were stories coming out that linked LA to San Diego's Heath Bell and Adrian Gonzalez, the only transaction completed was purely to make room on the roster for George Sherrill. LA traded Claudio Vargas to Milwaukee in exchange for minor-league catcher Vinny Rottino. Vargas was a candidate for the fifth-starter slot early in Spring Training, but had to start the season on the disabled list. He was activated in early July, and in eight appearances he put together an ERA of 1.64. Rottino will be sent to Double-A Chattanooga.

Lakers Decline Sun's Option

The Los Angeles Lakers declined their option on Chinese guard Sun Yue, according to the LA Daily News. Due to the immense depth of the roster and luxury tax purposes, the Lakers felt it was wise to let the young guard pursue other opportunities in the NBA.

Editor's Note: Sherrill-y You Can't Be Serious?

I am serious. And don't call me Sherrill-y. The Dodgers gave themselves a shot in the arm by trading for George Sherrill. Whether or not the addition is necessary, it definitely makes the bullpen one of the best in baseball. Entering the season, the 'pen looked like a weak spot. LA was relying on Ronald Belisario, Guillermo Mota, and Ramon Troncoso. Now, those names headline a powerful late-inning lineup, with Jonathan Broxton being the main star. Hong-Chih Kuo looks like his old self now that he's back, and while he can't be relied upon too much, he certainly provides some backup as we saw in their victory over St. Louis. But as always, the Dodgers look to add a starting pitcher. Schmidt cannot be counted on to be a solid fifth-starter, and if LA could bring in a competent hurler, he could preserve the bullpen and even be a solid 'pen presence in the playoffs. Names like Garland roll around as possibilities. The addition of Sherrill increases the Dodgers' strength, and they only look to get stronger.

Dodgers Salvage Series in Extras

The Los Angeles Dodgers defeated the St. Louis Cardinals 5-3 in 10 innings, salvaging a victory from this four-game series. The Dodgers had a 3-2 lead going into the seventh, but Rick Ankiel tied it with one swing of the bat. The game entered extra innings, and with two out Matt Kemp singled to drive in two runs, more than enough for the win. Jonathan Broxton pitched a scoreless 10th to get his 24th save, and James McDonald's perfect ninth gave him his third career victory. Casey Blake had four hits, including a double, and scored twice, and Rafael Furcal drove in two runs. Kemp finished with three hits and three RBI's, and Brad Ausmus singled twice and had a run scored. Matt Holliday finished with two runs-batted-in, and Albert Pujols scored a run.

Scott Elbert was called up from Triple-A, and Brent Leach was demoted after he struggled this month.

George Sherrill will join the team tomorrow in Atlanta. A move on the roster will need to be made to make room for him.

Odom Returns to Lakers

J.A. Adande and Marc Stein of ESPN have reported that the Lakers and Lamar Odom came to an agreement. The contract is for four years, with the fourth year at the Lakers' option. The deal guarantees $27 million, the original amount the Lakers offered to Odom, and could reach as high as $33 million. While GM Mitch Kupchak declined to comment, agent Jeff Schwartz confirmed an agreement had been struck in principle, though he "declined to discuss specifics".

Carroll Refutes Alleged NCAA Violations

The LA Time reported that the USC football team violated NCAA regulations when Pete Rodriguez attended practices and monitered games. However, Pete Carroll denies any wrongdoing, instead explaining that Rodriguez, along with Alex Gibbs and other coaches with NFL experience, served as consultants, and USC did not violate any rules. Each football team is allowed nine assistant coaches and two graduate assistants, and Rodriguez was not listed as a coach last season. Carroll spoke at today's Pac-10 conference media day about the issue.

Sherrill to LA

Ed Price of AOL Fanhouse is reporting that the Dodgers completed a trade for Baltimore's George Sherrill.

UPDATE: Ken Gurnick reports that the Dodgers have completed the trade. The Orioles will send Sherrill to LA, and Baltimore will receive 3B Josh Bell and RHP Steve Johnson. Sherrill is under team control through 2011 and will set-up for closer Jonathan Broxton. The trade is said not to impact the Dodgers' negotiations with Toronto over Roy Halladay.

Rumors: Halladay Still on Dodgers Radar

The Los Angeles Dodgers are still considering Roy Halladay as a mid-season trade acquisition. However, as Sports Illustrated reports, the price is still astronomical, with as many as six top-prospects needed to get a deal done. The Blue Jays would lower that number, but only if Chad Billingsley or Clayton Kershaw headline the deal. The Dodgers are reportedly balking at the asking price, and have focused their attention on acquiring George Sherrill from Baltimore. The Orioles are looking for a pitcher and third-baseman, and have interest in Scott Elbert and Double-A slugger Josh Bell.

Cards Outlast Dodgers into 15

The Los Angeles Dodgers fell to the St. Louis Cardinals 3-2 in 15 innings, their fourth consecutive loss. The Dodgers were nursing a 1-0 lead going into the bottom of the ninth, but with two outs Jonathan Broxton gave up a game-tying single. The Dodgers took the lead again in the 11th, and again the Cardinals came back to tie it. Jeff Weaver could not hold on, giving up a triple, walk, fielder's choice and single in the 15th to give the Cards the victory. Clayton Kershaw was outstanding, pitching eight shutout innings. Casey Blake scored both Dodger runs, and Matt Kemp and James Loney split the two RBI's. Loney finished with four hits, and Blake had three, including a triple. Albert Pujols had three hits, including the game-winning single, and Ryan Ludwick scored and drove in a run. Mark DeRosa scored the winning run.

Scott Elbert was scratched from his start in Triple-A Albuquerque. While it is possible that Elbert could be part of a trade, Ned Colletti told LA Times's Dylan Hernandez that there is no trade. Elbert could be called up to replace Brent Leach, who has been struggling of late.

Dodgers Lose Out on Lee

If the Dodgers make a trade for a starting pitcher before the trade deadline, it won't be for Cliff Lee. The Cleveland Indians sent Lee along with Ben Francisco to Philadelphia for four prospects. The Dodgers now must look at Jarrod Washburn, or if the market has softened, Roy Halladay.

Billingsley Implodes as Dodgers Drop Third Straight

The Los Angeles Dodgers fell to the St. Louis Cardinals 10-0, their third loss in a row and their first three-game losing streak. Chad Billingsley cruised for the first five innings, but he fell apart in the sixth, giving up three hits, four walks, two wild pitches and their first six runs in the inning. The Dodger offense did nothing to help, stranding nine runners while going 1-for-7 with runners in scoring position (the "one" being an infield single). Rafael Furcal, James Loney and Russell Martin each had two hits, and Andre Ethier doubled. Ryan Ludwick and Yadier Molina both drove in two runs, and Matt Holliday had a hit and a run scored.

The Dodgers are rumored to have focused their energy on acquiring George Sherrill from Baltimore, according to various sources. The Dodgers are also reported to have interest in Cliff Lee, Roy Halladay and Jarrod Washburn, though they are considered long-shots to trade for any of the three.

Mark Loretta pitched to two batters in the eighth inning after Brent Leach surrendered four runs. Loretta hit a batter and produced a fly-out.

Odom Will Make Decision Soon

Lamar Odom is close to making a decision as to which team he will sign with. Odom is stuck between the Miami Heat and the Lakers. Dwyane Wade traveled to Los Angeles to talk with the power-forward, while many Lakers have publicly expressed how much they would want him back. The Heat's deal is approximately $34 million over five years with an opt-out clause after the fourth year, according to ESPN. The Lakers restarted talks after pulling their deal from the table, but their proposal is reportedly less than the three-year, $27 million deal they previously offered.

Editor's Note: Vick Should Count His Blessings

Moral outrage has ensued after it was suggested that NFL commissioner Roger Goodell might levy a six-game suspension on Michael Vick. Many people are crying that Vick has paid his debt to society with his jail time, and any further punishment is unecesarry and cruel. Vick should consider himself lucky the NFL has not banned him from the sport for good. Pete Rose gambles and is removed permanently from baseball. Vick commits a federal crime, but he deserves a second chance. He knew dogfighting was illegal, but continued to orchestrate fighting rings anyway. He was well aware of the consequences he might endure if caught. Playing football is not a right, but a privilege. Nothing's stopping him from getting a job somewhere else. He could work at McDonald's, get a job as a bank teller, or even (my personal favorite) become a mailman. The fact that Vick can come back to the game so many work so hard to play is evidence enough he was let off easy. He made his bed, and now he won't have to sleep in it.

Dodgers Can't Handle New Cardinals

The Los Angeles Dodgers fell to the St. Louis Cardinals 6-1, the first meeting between the two teams this season. The game was a pitchers' duel until St. Louis scored four times in the seventh inning to take a commanding lead. Matt Holliday, Julio Lugo and Mark DeRosa, all three being mid-season trade acquisitions, combined for three runs scored and three RBI's for the Cards, with DeRosa homering. Brandon Ryan had four hits and two runs-batted-in, and Rick Ankiel scored twice. Rafael Furcal had three hits and drove in the only Dodger run, and Matt Kemp scored the only run.

Hong-Chih Kuo was activated from the 60-day disabled list, and pitched a scoreless inning of relief. Xavier Paul was transferred from the 15-day DL to the 60-day to make room on the 40-man roster.

Dodgers Can't Make Up Ground Against Marlins

The Los Angeles Dodgers fell to the Florida Marlins 8-6, dropping the series two games to one. Florida roughed up Jason Schmidt for five runs, then tagged Jeff Weaver for three more runs to take an 8-0 lead. However, the Dodgers tried to come back, scoring four in the sixth and two in the ninth, and had the tying run at the plate in Matt Kemp, but he popped out to end the game. Andre Ethier had two hits, two runs scored and an RBI, and James Loney drove in three runs. Russell Martin had a two-run home run, and Rafael Furcal tripled and scored a run. Hanley Ramirez had two hits and three RBI's for the Fish, and Jorge Cantu doubled twice. John Baker scored two runs and reached base three times.

Blake DeWitt was optioned to Triple-A Albuquerque in order to make room for the return of Hong-Chih Kuo. Since Kuo is on the 60-day disabled list, the Dodgers must make a corresponding move to clear space on the 40-man roster.

Dodgers Have Interest in Indians' Players

FOX Sports is reporting that the Dodgers are involved in serious discussions with the Cleveland Indians, initially saying that the teams would swap Cliff Lee and Victor Martinez for James Loney, a young starter from the rotation, and prospects. However, both sides refuted the claims, though they are said to be talking, though the specifics are unknown.

Ned Colletti appeared on Dodger Talk, and vehemently refuted all trade rumors.

Editor's Note: Live From Dodger Stadium

Your's truly had the privilege of attending last night's walk-off victory, and there were plenty of photographs to share.

Comedian Tom Arnold gets ready to bat in the "Hollywood Stars Softball Game"

Larry King at the bat

A fight ensues between Dave Annable and Rob Lowe

Hiroki Kuroda stretches before game-time

Manny Ramirez throws some warm-up tosses

The Dodgers dog-pile Casey Blake at first after his game-winning single

"I love LA"

Blake Pushes Dodgers to Walk-Off Win

The Los Angeles Dodgers defeated the Florida Marlins 4-3, evening the series at a game apiece. Florida had a two run lead going into the sixth, but the Dodgers rallied to tie, and in the ninth Casey Blake singled with the bases loaded to drive in the winning run. Rafael Furcal had two hits, including a triple, and scored twice, and Orlando Hudson singled three times and drove in a run. Andre Ethier reached base in all five of his plate appearances, three times by hit and twice by walk. Jonathan Broxton pitched a perfect ninth for his seventh win of the season. Hanley Ramirez scored a run for the Marlins, and Jorge Cantu had a double and an RBI.