Hey dingos, there will be a first-pitch thread up later.

Sometimes Homer is a good pitcher, but sometimes Homer is not. Regardless, Homer is never a good name for a pitcher.

Ol' Hoss looks to shake off a few rough outings recently, pitching a combined 9.1 innings with 10 runs allowed (eight earned) over his last two starts. He'll look to tame the bronc tonight in Dodger Stadium, where his career numbers are not particularly encouraging (two starts and a 6.52 ERA). It's only two starts though, so Ol' Hoss gives you a look like he'd really appreciate it if you hens would stop cluckin' so much around his locker. He's trying to read his Louis L'Amour.

Chad Billingsley was conceived in the basement of Fort Defiance. He's been a solid #2-3 starter for the Dodgers for the past few years, striking out a good number of hitters, walking too many, eating a goodly number of innings, and generally demonstrating the archetypal qualities of a solid #2-3 starter. He's no Clayton Kershaw, but he ain't no Kip Wells, neither. The Reds have gotten the best of him in the 10 games he's pitched against them, as he's posted an ERA of nearly 5 in nearly 50 innings.

If you would like to read the 'pen log, please do so after the jaernk.

Jaernk.