Joe Torre and Ned Colletti Talk to the Media
by Phil Gurnee on Oct 23, 2009 7:31 PM PDT
119 comments
Joe Torre and Ned Colletti talked to the media today
Free Agents - There's not a long list of guys where you would say, this guy would make a dramatic difference," Colletti said of the upcoming crop of free-agent starters. "It's a thin market. There are pitchers who would make us better. But tremendously better?
"Every club needs an ace and we're not unlike any club. We might have one or two in the making [referring to Clayton Kershaw and Chad Billingsley]. But the likelihood of an ace becoming available by trade is very slim. And this [free-agent] class doesn't have that type of allure to it."
Said Torre: "Clayton Kershaw has not been lobbying for it, but the way he pitched, he's not afraid of it. Billingsley, even with a rough second half, he has the personality and ability to be a No. 1. [Hiroki] Kuroda got beat up. We'll have to see what going outside means. In all likelihood, that guy is not available."
Colletti and Torre are in agreement on the key needs -- starting pitching depth and a starting second baseman.
Impact of Divorce on baseball operations:
"I don't anticipate that it will," Colletti said, when asked if their divorce would impact the baseball operations. "I don't know for sure, but I don't anticipate that there's been any change in how we do business in the last few weeks."
Torre was asked if he was "definitely" returning for the final season of his contract and he said, "Yes," adding that he already is "enjoying the thought of next spring." However, he did sidestep questions about the McCourt divorce.
"We're of a mind that we'll be able to address our needs," he said. "The question is legitimate. I'd like to believe, as unsettled as it seems right now, the Los Angeles Dodgers the last couple years have become a presence, and I'd like to believe that's not going to change."
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“Every club needs an ace and we’re not unlike any club. We might have one or two in the making [referring to Clayton Kershaw and Chad Billingsley]. But the likelihood of an ace becoming available by trade is very slim. And this [free-agent] class doesn’t have that type of allure to it.”
I’m guessing they wont take a shot at Harden or Lackey
by Julio Nievas on Oct 23, 2009 7:44 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
“I don’t anticipate that it will,” Colletti said, when asked if their divorce would impact the baseball operations. “I don’t know for sure, but I don’t anticipate that there’s been any change in how we do business in the last few weeks.”
We’re fucked.
by Julio Nievas on Oct 23, 2009 7:45 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
No big money changes likely now for sure.
Frank’s gotta hold tight, pare salary where he can until he knows how the soap opera will pan out.
Hopefully the smoke will clear by the trading deadline.
by 68elcamino427 on Oct 23, 2009 10:21 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
You're absolutely right
That’s exactly what I read.
by Cool Dudes on Oct 23, 2009 11:02 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
http://www.tmz.com/2009/10/23/dodgers-owner-cold-as-ice/
End well, this will not
by pdotmac1 on Oct 23, 2009 9:00 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
"Inappropriate behavior with a direct subordinate"
What could that refer to? Could she have been having an affair with the dentist who had the head of PR job and was recently let go?
by CanuckDodger on Oct 23, 2009 9:17 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Maybe Frank McCourt wanted to axe GBA, and she wouldn't let it. =P
Although Jamie McCourt was the CEO. If you can’t trust the CEO to run your business, you picked the wrong person to run it. :)
by Tripon on Oct 23, 2009 9:28 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
During the on fiield celebration upon clinching the west she was all over some guy on the infield by the pitchers mound. A younger man, but too old to be one of her sons.
May have been nothing, but I noticed it and it made me wonder at the time.
jus say’in
by 68elcamino427 on Oct 23, 2009 10:11 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I don't think it is infidelity as a reason for divorce..
There is too much money involved. I always thought it was weird that she was in Israel in July, during the baseball season, and she is CEO, so there must had been something happened in early in the season. They would have to work it out for the sake of their ownership. Given I have been following the Dodger’s financial picture, I always felt the McCourts had to sell because of how they heavily leverage they bought the team..
There is a chance that they should didn’t have much in common anymore, because the last of their children are grown up and moving out… However, they both have worked together for years.
Forget all the Kabuki like PR moves, and shadow acting. The McCourts have to sell the team. The Banks and Hedge Funds will probably force them to.
by superferret on Oct 24, 2009 10:01 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
My dream offseason
1. Trade Bills and Martin for Halladay
2. Sign Lackey
3. Manny doesn’t accept his contract. We make a run at Matt Holliday, he doesn’t take it then roll with Pierre. I’m the biggest Manny fan their is, he has been my favorite player long before he wore a Dodgers uniform. Dude is just done. You can put up with Manny being Manny if he is hitting .300+, 30+ HR and 100+ RBI. I think those days are done. In the end Manny will be back because he would be stupid to decline a huge player option.
4. Re sign Wolf and Padilla to reasonable contracts
5. Find a catcher
That starting rotation would be insane, it would be good if we could just get Lackey. I think Lackey would add some toughness to the Dodgers in a good way not in the Jeff Kent way.
Its my dream and not one of them will happen.
by Bison27 on Oct 23, 2009 9:42 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Bills and Martin is an awful lot to give up for one year of Halladay.
I’m also not sure who you expect to pay for a rotation of Lackey, Halladay, Kuroda, Wolf and Padilla. Let alone who you’d bump out of that group for the most talented of all of them, Kershaw.
by pdotmac1 on Oct 23, 2009 9:47 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I wouldn’t be bumping out Kershaw, I would take Kuroda out. Kershaw is an ace in the making. Right now he is best suited as #3 or 2 in the Dodgers case for what we got.
Kershaw just needs to find his control and thats when Kershaw will take the world over….Mark It Down.
by Bison27 on Oct 23, 2009 9:50 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
What I have been hearing around Costa Mesa is that Lackey is headed for Texas
Who is his agent if it is Borass forget about it, I mean now we are stuck with Manny from that A hole.
Player: coach Wooden how do ya bounce the ball
Wooden: ups and downs
Player: thanks you are a wizzs
by so.cal.native1952 on Oct 24, 2009 3:00 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
That would be like a $200 million payroll for 2010.
That’s not happening at all.
by Tripon on Oct 23, 2009 10:04 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Exactly. In a dream I don’t care who’s money I spend.
I already made my mind up, I just want Lackey as our big FA signing.
I would like to see Wolf and Padilla back. I think Kuroda is past his prime but I do understand the Dodgers if they don’t bring back one of the two to make sure Kuroda is a starter considering the money he is making
by Bison27 on Oct 23, 2009 10:11 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
If We Are Talking Dreams
You have weird dreams. Why not keep Bills and Russel and pick up Lackey and a guy like Harden?
If you want to get rid of some guys, get rid of the guys who aren’t going to be able to hang with the young guys because they’ll be too old.
by Cool Dudes on Oct 23, 2009 11:07 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Exactly
if you don’t want to base your dream in reality, why not keep the 25 year old pitcher and starting catcher?
by Michael White on Oct 24, 2009 9:19 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
It was a bizarro dream
In my dream Billingsley become Halladay, Martin become 2008 All-Star Martin, Wolf resigns for a reasonable deal because he loves LA, Kuroda pitches 200 innings, and Haeger becomes Wilbur Wood.
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
by Phil Gurnee on Oct 24, 2009 9:21 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
If it’s a dream, I’ll take Pujols :)
by Eric Stephen on Oct 24, 2009 9:24 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'll with something closer to reality
I think everything in my dream could actually happen.
One quick question:
Would you rather have playoff Loney and his pedestrian regular season or pedestrian playoff Teixeira and his great regular season if you knew going forward it would always be like that?
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
by Phil Gurnee on Oct 24, 2009 9:26 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
if you knew going forward it would always be like that?
I don’t think that could ever be the case. Over time, a player’s postseason numbers will end up being very close to his overall numbers.
But I would take Tex, because he would make it easier to get to the dance
by Eric Stephen on Oct 24, 2009 9:35 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
halladay isnt coming to LA
Because when I think of Boris Diaw, I think of Beethoven and the age of Romanticism....
by shaqfor3 on Oct 23, 2009 11:26 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Why not?
It would be the only way he wouldn’t be completely ridiculed at Dodger Stadium.
Guy probably has pride.
But barring Manny being traded or not re-opting, you are right.
by Cool Dudes on Oct 23, 2009 11:32 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
theyll ask for a ton of our prospects again and maybe kershaw or bills
i dont see it happening…
Because when I think of Boris Diaw, I think of Beethoven and the age of Romanticism....
by shaqfor3 on Oct 23, 2009 11:46 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
HA
I misread Holliday. He’s a free agent.
I’de take either though, although Manny’s more fun, Hollidays does funnier things.
by Cool Dudes on Oct 24, 2009 12:01 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
One important but down the list is George Sherrill.
We need to figure out if he’s a real 8th inning set up man, or a guy who should only pitch to left handers.
by Tripon on Oct 23, 2009 10:06 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Probably just depends upon if lefties are coming up.
I like that he’s still young, I’m think he is a keeper.
by Cool Dudes on Oct 23, 2009 11:09 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Isn't that young for a Ned special?
He’s at least good for the year left we have him.
by Cool Dudes on Oct 23, 2009 11:16 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Sherrill is under team control through 2011
by Eric Stephen on Oct 24, 2009 9:04 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Well they better decide because both of our closers are just not getting it done when it matters.
You know we lost this series on F-ing Walks
Player: coach Wooden how do ya bounce the ball
Wooden: ups and downs
Player: thanks you are a wizzs
by so.cal.native1952 on Oct 24, 2009 3:04 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Pay no attention to him.
He never really makes much sense or uses punctuation.
by Seanny Rotten on Oct 26, 2009 1:24 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
The walks (and HBP) sucked, but the 10 Phillies’ HR and their ungodly hitting with RISP killed the Dodgers
by Eric Stephen on Oct 24, 2009 9:23 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
How did you come up with plural closers?
I’m assuming you meant Sherrill and Broxton and I would agree there walks were much more damaging then the hits they gave up. Ibanez only hits a solo home run if Sherrill doesn’t walk them both and it is very possible that in the fifth game Broxton faces a different crew if Sherrill doesn’t walk and hit a batter. He eventually got Howard but caused the lineup to turn over more then it needed allowed Rollins to bat in the 9th after Broxton also delivered a crushing walk.
However, we just can’t base the fact they failed in those instances as a reason for removing them. They just didn’t do the job that day but they did the job most of the time all season.
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
by Phil Gurnee on Oct 24, 2009 9:33 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
That day is the MOST important day of their lives it is what they are overpaid for.
Player: coach Wooden how do ya bounce the ball
Wooden: ups and downs
Player: thanks you are a wizzs
by so.cal.native1952 on Oct 24, 2009 10:04 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
It seems that it only becomes “MOST important” when they fail. Game 2 of the NLCS was also damned important, and Broxton got the job done.
It seems you want a closer who never blows saves. That person does not exist.
If you are arguing that you would rather have Brad Lidge, who royally sucked all season, but has yet to blow a save in the playoffs this year, well then I wish you good luck.
by Eric Stephen on Oct 24, 2009 10:07 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I don't even know who Brad Lidge is and don't care I just what them to figure out who the real closer is.
I realize that shize happens in all sports but all the walks in this series and in the last month is killing whatever the hitters do. Really what is the mind set of these young pitchers one min. they all on top of the world next they can’t control anything. Know is it coaching or is it the catching, but I am throwing Martins pitch calling after watching Torre pretty much call all of Kershaws pitchs. I have been pulling for this team since 1958 have seen a lot but I guess since the high paid princes, I am losing fanhood.
Player: coach Wooden how do ya bounce the ball
Wooden: ups and downs
Player: thanks you are a wizzs
by so.cal.native1952 on Oct 24, 2009 12:36 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
The real closer is Broxton. They have figured it out.
by Eric Stephen on Oct 24, 2009 1:38 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
If you don't even know who
Brad Lidge is, then I’d say you already lost your fanhood.
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
by Phil Gurnee on Oct 24, 2009 1:39 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Not really it means I don't pay attention to all and that is my deal.
Player: coach Wooden how do ya bounce the ball
Wooden: ups and downs
Player: thanks you are a wizzs
by so.cal.native1952 on Oct 24, 2009 2:51 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
OKKKK he is on the Puck Pillies
Player: coach Wooden how do ya bounce the ball
Wooden: ups and downs
Player: thanks you are a wizzs
by so.cal.native1952 on Oct 24, 2009 2:56 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I know it sucks having a closer that is nearly unhittable
and only gives up runs because of walks.
Because you know, its so much easier to will yourself to become a superhuman pitching machine then to make a few minor tweaks to your approach and stop walking people.
We should get one of those guys throwing batting practice and teach him to overpower hitters, he ALWAYS throw strikes.
by Cool Dudes on Oct 24, 2009 11:28 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'm not the biggest fan of Lackey.
He’s an injury risk, and he’ll want to be paid like he’s A.J. Burnett. Pass.
by Tripon on Oct 23, 2009 10:23 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Might as well get into the mix though, never know what might happen.
But reading between the lines above, I see my worst fears being confirmed:
WE AREN"T SIGNING ANYBODY GOOD
NED GETS 200K from petty cash to buy another starter.
Then we’ll here some vague promise to "buy " one in midseason ;\.
And then it will be: Garland again!
In other words, were fucked.
by Cool Dudes on Oct 23, 2009 11:23 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Reading between the lines for me:
says we will not pay big money to average pitchers so Garland is out. I don’t see why were are fucked if we don’t spend money this winter. The only person of significance who are leaving are Wolf and Hudson. Hudson’s production should be replaceable at 1/2 the cost or 1/10 the cost if DeWitt works out. Wolf could simply be replaced by a healthier year from Kuroda and McDonald or Elbert stepping up.
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
by Phil Gurnee on Oct 24, 2009 9:23 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yes, big time injury risk.
Lots of innings on that arm and he had some difficulties with it this season.
JMac and Elbert cost a lot less too.
by 68elcamino427 on Oct 24, 2009 11:54 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I would say he is better then Burnett, who is also an injury risk, but at the price and length he would ask for I would have to agree that the dodgers should pass.
by nolander on Oct 23, 2009 10:33 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
I don't buy that there are no impact starters available
that’s bullshit. Lackey would dominate in the NL.
by oshea2002 on Oct 24, 2009 7:20 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
For five innings.
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
by Phil Gurnee on Oct 24, 2009 9:16 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Lackey
IP per start
2009: 6.53 (22nd in MLB out of 107 qualifiers)
2008: 6.81 (8th out of 128)
2007: 6.79 (6th out of 122)
2006: 6.60 (15th out of 115)
Lackey is an absolute horse…when he pitches. I can see an argument to be made that he is injury prone, since he did total just 51 starts over the last two years, but when he pitches he is among the very best in MLB in terms of stamina.
To quote Lackey, “you’re shitting me. This is my game!” :)
by Eric Stephen on Oct 24, 2009 9:31 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
2009 Dodgers
IP per start
Wolf 6.30
Bills 6.08
Kuroda 5.80
Kershaw 5.63
by Eric Stephen on Oct 24, 2009 9:33 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
The Angels pushed Lackey though so many innings out of nessicity.
Not though choice. The Dodger-Angels start in Anaheim is a good example. He got roughed up in the 7th a bit, and was clearly tiring, and they still sent him in the 8th when it looked like he had nothing left. Innings per 9 is going to be skewed a bit because of that.
by Tripon on Oct 24, 2009 9:35 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
He still pitched the innings
He struggled in the 7th inning this year (.932 OPS against), but most pitchers do as the game gets later.
In the 8th and 9th innings, Lackey faced 43 batters, and they hit .244/.262/.463 off him, and he didn’t walk anyone. He did alright in the 8th & 9th.
by Eric Stephen on Oct 24, 2009 9:48 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Well he would fit in here just fine then.
I’ll take 5 shutdown innings over a 7 inning workhorse, we have Stults for that.
by Cool Dudes on Oct 24, 2009 11:31 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
What did Jason Schmidt average before coming to the Dodgers?
He was also an absolute horse.
My five inning comment was flippant.
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
by Phil Gurnee on Oct 24, 2009 9:35 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I like Lackey
just not interested in paying for his future production instead of his past production but if Frank has the money I won’t complain. I just don’t see the Dodgers spending any money this winter on top of the line free agents. You have seen the budget, the money doesn’t exist unless you think Frank is going to raise the budget from 2009.
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
by Phil Gurnee on Oct 24, 2009 9:38 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah
I don’t think they will sign him either
by Eric Stephen on Oct 24, 2009 9:41 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I’m going to guess McCourt, Colletti, et al, won’t approve another contract if the physical shows a torn shoulder muscle again (or whatever the hell Schmidt had).
by Eric Stephen on Oct 24, 2009 9:38 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
And the fact 51 starts over the two years does
seem significant when you are about to tie up someone for the next four years.
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
by Phil Gurnee on Oct 24, 2009 9:39 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I agree, he is a huge risk. Plus I think he will end up signing for 5 or 6 years instead of 4 anyway.
by Eric Stephen on Oct 24, 2009 9:40 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
He's no CC
his age will keep him from getting those years. I don’t see this winter being much different from last winter. If any pitcher who will be in their mid 30’s by the end of the deal gets 5-6 ever again I’ll be shocked.
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
by Phil Gurnee on Oct 24, 2009 9:41 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Burnett got 5, at one year older than Lackey is now.
Although that was from the Yankees
by Eric Stephen on Oct 24, 2009 9:43 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Right
take the Yankee’s out of the equation and who is giving out the long term deals?
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
by Phil Gurnee on Oct 24, 2009 9:43 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
If any team was going to give him that, It would have been the Angels.
I was surprised that Lackey didn’t try to work out an extension with the Angels.They would have paid him close to what he wanted.
by Tripon on Oct 24, 2009 9:43 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
If you think he is a huge risk
so will most general managers. Times have changed. A little or maybe a lot, we will find out.
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
by Phil Gurnee on Oct 24, 2009 9:42 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
My main complaint
was your “five inning” comment.
I agree Lackey is risky.
by Eric Stephen on Oct 24, 2009 9:43 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
It was supposed to be a play
on Billingsley but it failed.
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
by Phil Gurnee on Oct 24, 2009 9:44 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Just saying
Chad Billingsley 2009 x-FIP: 4.04
John Lackey 2009 x-FIP: 4.11
Chad Billingsley 2008 x-FIP: 3.74
John Lackey 2009 x-FIP: 3.99
Even if you wanted to say Lackey’s an upgrade if he joined the NL (I’m not so sure, but whatev) there is no way he’s worth what he’ll get in the F.A market.
by Michael White on Oct 24, 2009 11:02 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Two Bills is better than one
We are in the middle of a recession. I don’t think we know what the market is. We got Wolf and Odog on the cheap last year, you never know.
by Cool Dudes on Oct 24, 2009 11:44 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
He didn't have to be pinch-hit for
other than the occasional interleague game in an NL park.
by David Young on Oct 24, 2009 11:43 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Some comments in the thread
based on a few comments by Joe and Ned remind me of game threads comments based on one at bat. We aren’t fucked based on any comments forthcoming yesterday. We aren’t even fucked if the Dodgers hold budget. We aren’t fucked even if they slash some payroll provided Ned and Management make great decisions.
We could increase payroll with bad decisions and be in worse shape then if we cut payroll and made great decisions. Payroll is important but good decision making is even more so. JMO
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
by Phil Gurnee on Oct 24, 2009 9:28 AM PDT reply actions 1 recs
I think the Dodgers will be fine
as long as Ned and Co. don’t buy into the LA Times/ESPN “need an ace” bullshit. When Ned hits the panic button, the Dodgers tend to get hosed pretty bad. At this point I’m almost ready to say the Dodgers should stand pat, plug holes with Isotopes, and worry about free agents in 2011.
by prosellis on Oct 24, 2009 9:40 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
We do need another starter
I don’t get it , we are fucked if we loose Wolf and don’t pick anybody else up according to my definition. At least looking to next years performance. Winning the wild card and getting swept in the division series wouldn’t be a successful season in my mind with the potential of this club. Battling SF and San Diego for NL West mediocrity would be a major failure.
A few minor tweaks, an extra arm or two at starting pitching, and we rival the aging Yankees.
by Cool Dudes on Oct 24, 2009 11:49 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
JMac and Elbert will be given every opportunity to assume these roles.
Tough to beat the price of these two.
by 68elcamino427 on Oct 24, 2009 11:59 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
In 2008 Billingsley...
…had pretty much the kind of season Wolf just gave us: 200 IP, slightly better ERA than Wolf’s 3.25 or so. Billingsley is going to either return to 2008 form next season, or he will improve upon it. I am confdident of that. Kershaw will be even better than he was this season. THESE are our two ACES. For different reasons they weren’t that in 2009, but they should be in 2010. So, with Kuroda as a #3 (and circumstances conspired against him this year too), we are really only looking for a #4 and a #5 for the rotation. I say those spots should go to McDonald and Elbert. They have the talent, the plus pitches, to be more than back-end pitchers. They probably won’t fulfill their FULL potential in 2010, but it will start them on the road to accomplishing more beyond 2010, when Kershaw and Billingsley will also continue to progress. What I am saying it is NOT all about 2010. I want us to use 2010 to set us up for a really long run of dominance in the rotation. In other words, I am being the opposite of all those short-sighted fans who say "Get “Halladay!” even though Halladay is a free agent after 2010 but don’t care because they are incapable of doing anything other than living in the moment.
by CanuckDodger on Oct 24, 2009 12:33 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Great post.
Wonder how a pitcher in Billingsley’s situation after this year’s All-Star break may have responded three or four years ago under similar circumstances with some mild application of steroids to enhance recovery? LIkely that pitcher would continue the season with results similar to the first half.
As previously noted here today, Lackey has had some issues the past two years that were not as pronounced before. Coincidence perhaps, but he is not the only one.
In this new “cleaner” era, the emphasis will tend more toward youth.
by 68elcamino427 on Oct 24, 2009 1:05 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
elbert has only 2 pitches
plus no command what so ever…
his fastball is very fast but isnt as dominate as you would think it should be plus he has no pitch to get rightys out..
he needs to develop a third pitch to become a starter and i see him becomes a reliever long term
by matthewmafa on Oct 24, 2009 1:44 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Elbert Has THREE Pitches
He uses a change-up when he starts, and he did a lot of starting between Double A and Triple A this year, with good success. You only saw Elbert in relief in the majors, and most relievers will limit themselves to their best two pitches.
As for the claim that Elbert “has no command what so ever,” people say the same thing about Billingsley and Kershaw. None of the three pitchers named have good command; you expect walks from all three, but their stuff is good enough to rack up high K rates to compensate for the free passes. In the meantime, one hopes that all three will improve their command with MLB experience.
by CanuckDodger on Oct 24, 2009 1:59 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
alright we will see
but i dont think elbert deserves a chance to start yet…
i dont trust the guy at all..
by matthewmafa on Oct 24, 2009 2:21 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
6’1", 210 lbs., plus arm, First round pick 2004 (17th pick), in the majors the past two seasons, 24 years old, and a lefty.
Is it reasonable to assume Elbert may gain command and develop two ar three more pitches?
by 68elcamino427 on Oct 24, 2009 2:01 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Casey Blake is the 6th best fielder in MLB according to Total Zone and THT
http://www.hardballtimes.com/main/blog_article/top-fielders-of-2009/
And also the 3rd best defensive 3rd baseman
by Tripon on Oct 24, 2009 9:42 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Yeah, how did that happen?
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
by Phil Gurnee on Oct 24, 2009 9:43 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
His defense was actually good this year?
by Tripon on Oct 24, 2009 9:44 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Right
so how does a 35 year old 3rd baseman all of the sudden get better defensively?
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
by Phil Gurnee on Oct 24, 2009 9:45 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I heard from some Indians fans that Eric Wedge would force his corner infielders to position theselves a certain way.
Might contribute to bad defense if they’re being burned by this at unlucky rate.
by Tripon on Oct 24, 2009 9:48 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Was he good
or is overall defense at 3b declining everywhere?
by prosellis on Oct 24, 2009 9:45 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Ha, that is what I was wondering
but in watching him play, he seemed to make every play. I had no complaints about his defense this year. Though DeWitt looked crappy in the few few games we saw him play, and Belliard looked awful.
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
by Phil Gurnee on Oct 24, 2009 9:47 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
UZR does show that Blake has increased his range this year, and particulary good at keeping errors down.
by Tripon on Oct 24, 2009 9:52 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I never thought he sucked
but after looking, he was actually significantly better than I thought. I’m still not ready to call him a premiere defensive guy, but he was damn good.
by prosellis on Oct 24, 2009 10:00 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I personally think its a fluke for Blake, but he still turned in a good year.
I don’t expect Blake to be this good defensively next year.
by Tripon on Oct 24, 2009 10:05 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
The guys ahead of Casey Blake is Evan Longoria, and Chone Figgins, two guys with good defensive reps.
I’m going to assume that its a legit ranking.
by Tripon on Oct 24, 2009 9:47 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'm not saying there aren't any good third basemen out there
just that the top tier may be a lot smaller than in past years.
by prosellis on Oct 24, 2009 9:48 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Casey played great, but he needs to be paced over the course of the season.
His right hammy went out in August and he never recovered at the plate.
This cost him on defense too as he was letting balls to the left go by with no attempt when previously he would get some. No explosion on the right leg – no power at the plate – big drop in bat speed.
Hope it doesn’t become a chronic problem for him.
by 68elcamino427 on Oct 24, 2009 12:05 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
The Iowa Athlete of the Year
is in great shape for being 35.
He did a HELL of a job the 2nd half last season & this whole season.
by IeatMidgets on Oct 24, 2009 9:52 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
What 2nd half of 2008 did you watch?
because the one I watched had him hitting .251 with a .313 OBP for the Dodgers.
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
by Phil Gurnee on Oct 24, 2009 10:26 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Tonight's Angels-Yankees game might get rained out tonight.
Doesn’t the WS start on Wed? Phillies would have a huge advantage if the ALCS goes 7 games, and finishes on Monday.
by Tripon on Oct 24, 2009 10:04 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Kind of like the Dodgers advantage in the NLCS that Cliff Lee didn’t pitch until Game 3 :)
by Eric Stephen on Oct 24, 2009 10:14 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
True or False, JP finally gets traded this year.
by Tripon on Oct 24, 2009 10:14 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
True
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
by Phil Gurnee on Oct 24, 2009 10:27 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
SF
He would be SF’s best outfielder. I’ve said it before, but how sad is it that our 4th outfielder would be their best? Hell they may even put him in CF – I think he’s better than Rowand.
by Seanny Rotten on Oct 26, 2009 1:37 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
False – More likely Manny will go if he doesn’t respond in the spring.
by 68elcamino427 on Oct 24, 2009 12:07 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Missed by that much
According to John Perrotto of Baseball Prospectus, Super Two cutoff is 2 years 139 days, Mark Reynolds, is at 2 years, 138 days. That one day cost him not only probably 3+ million next year, but if he had a similar year, 5-6 million in year 4. I could see the D-Backs trying to get an extension deal by using this situation as incentive for him to make more money in year 3 and 4.
by bhsportsguy on Oct 24, 2009 11:12 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Another of many excellent observations.
I would never have dug that out.
Thanks.
by 68elcamino427 on Oct 24, 2009 12:19 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Both Lincecum and Wilson will be Super Twos
For the Giants.
by bhsportsguy on Oct 24, 2009 11:13 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Matt Garza and Adam Jones
Will also be Super Twos, those four (Lincecum, Wilson, Jones and Garza) highlight the list.
by bhsportsguy on Oct 24, 2009 11:23 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Make it a fanpost - good information, lets not let it get buried in the comments
unless Eric wants to make a story about it.
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
by Phil Gurnee on Oct 24, 2009 1:42 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
New post
A look at the 2010 offense
http://www.truebluela.com/2009/10/24/1099240/a-look-toward-2010-the-offense
by Eric Stephen on Oct 24, 2009 3:12 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
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