Sports: Dodgers are done?

The Dodgers aren't out of it mathematically. But emotionally, are they done?

Today's heartbreaking loss could fold up their tent. On Tuesday, they face the Padres whom they are chasing. If they have some fight left in them, they will somehow find a way to scratch out a win against Jake Peavy, the likely Cy Young winner for this year. If they are done, look for them to get shut out by the Padre ace.

Really have to feel for Jonathan Broxton. The hard throwing reliever is just 23 years old. But in the last 4 games he has served up 3 home runs which cost the Dodgers two losses. If the Dodgers are in a close game on Tuesday, will Broxton get the phone call in the bullpen?

Do you send the kid out there so he can get the outs and restore his confidence?

What happens if he gives up the go ahead runs again? Will he psychology be totally messed up and he will have to be put on the shelf for mop up duties?

I wonder what do sports psychologists advise in situations like this?

Though Broxton was directly involved in the loss, it is after all a team game.

If the Dodgers had gotten more runs (they were only leading 2-1) the dynamics is different for the pitchers.

The key decision was made in the top of the seventh inning. The Dodger had runners on 1st and 3rd with two outs. They were leading 2-1. Manager Grady Little had to decide, do I send up Penny to bat or do I pinch hit.

He sent Penny up and oddly enough he got hit by a pitch.

The next batter, Abreu, grounded out.

Obviously, it is now spilled milk. But did the Dodger brain trust consider sending a pinch hitter for Penny in the hopes of getting another run?

The next key decision was the bottom of the eighth. Penny had given up one run and seven hits with one walk and one strikeout. Little sent him out there to pitch. His pitch count wasn't outrageous but the conventional wisdom is to use your set-up pitcher at the beginning of the inning: Broxton in the eight and Saito in the ninth.

Instead, Penny gave up a double, Little pulled him and sent out Proctor. He wild pitched the runner to third but then struck out the batter. Beimel was sent in and walked Bonds intentionally. Broxton was then sent in.

So many what ifs?

Anyway, a fan is what a fan does: Go Dodgers!