Falling Short

That was a close game, but it could've been over long before Yunel Escobar's sprawling play to get Matt Kemp.

For instance, why does Joe Torre have to hit-and-run on every full count? Like today, he sent Orlando Hudson and Tony Abreu in the bottom of the fifth with nobody out and Brad Ausmus at the plate. Like clockwork, Ausmus strikes out and Hudson is dead to rights at third. It's seriously terrible, and I hate how the excuse for dumb moves like this is "being aggressive". Over the years, i've learned that "being aggressive" is code for "giving away free outs" or "doing the most illogical **** I can think of".

Just like in the bottom of the seventh with the bases loaded and 1 out. Why pinch hit with Mark Loretta, the worst field player on the team? What was wrong with Juan Pierre, Russell Martin, or Casey Blake? Even Juan Castro would have been better. Ugh.

On the positive side of things, Ronald Belisario looked healthy. Contrary to some reports, his velocity seemed fine.

Anybody else out there getting a bad feeling that George Sherrill will be dead because of Torre's usage by the time the playoffs roll around?

Oh, and by the way, how was that for an "ace" performance by Clayton Kershaw? Cliff Lee, eat your heart out.