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Winter Meetings Day 1: Dodgers Shopping Pierre?

Today is the first day of the winter meetings in Indianapolis.  Everyone who is anyone in baseball has descended upon Indianapolis for four days.  This is the peak of the hot stove season, and there will be rumors galore for most of this week.  There will be a lot of news that isn't really news, so remember to take everything with a grain of salt.  That said, this is a pretty exciting and fun few days.

Today's highlights:

For a good overview of the winter meetings, read this Fan Post by BHSportsGuy, who saw first hand last year's meetings in Las Vegas.

Mark Timmons of LA Dodger Talk is in Indianapolis and at the winter meetings.  Be sure to check his site for updates.

This is the first winter meetings of the Twitter era, so the information will be fast and furious.  If you want to follow True Blue LA on Twitter, go to twitter.com/truebluela.

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aand the braves have brian bruney now.

what they have an excellent bullpen.. one of the best if soriano accepts

by matthewmafa on Dec 7, 2009 8:52 AM PST reply actions   0 recs

Even if they trade a starter

That pitching staff is pretty damn great as a whole

by Eric Stephen on Dec 7, 2009 8:54 AM PST up reply actions   0 recs

Trading Vasquez would be a mistake.

by Tripon on Dec 7, 2009 9:09 AM PST up reply actions   0 recs

Yeah

But I don’t think they will trade him

by Eric Stephen on Dec 7, 2009 9:13 AM PST up reply actions   0 recs

who should they trade instead then?

d lowe is almost untradeable.. hanson and jurrjens are young studs and they just signed hudson and kawakami will kil their relationship with japan if they trade him..

by matthewmafa on Dec 7, 2009 9:14 AM PST up reply actions   0 recs

Steve Henson reports
Yes, the Braves want to deal Lowe or Vazquez, but source says not Kenshin Kawakami (3.86 ERA), who has 2 years and $13.4M left on his deal

http://twitter.com/stevehenson333/status/6437214736

by Eric Stephen on Dec 7, 2009 9:58 AM PST up reply actions   0 recs

lowe is pretty much untradeable..

so it looks like vasquez will probably be dealt

by matthewmafa on Dec 7, 2009 10:01 AM PST up reply actions   0 recs

Depends on the return I guess

But I am not as bullish on the Braves without Vazquez

by Eric Stephen on Dec 7, 2009 10:03 AM PST up reply actions   0 recs

To bad he hates the West Coast

I love Vazquez

Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen

by Phil Gurnee on Dec 7, 2009 10:05 AM PST up reply actions   0 recs

Maybe his wife has changed her tune by now :)

by Eric Stephen on Dec 7, 2009 10:06 AM PST up reply actions   0 recs

Vazquez – gone after 2010
Lowe
Hanson
Jurrjens
Hudson

with Kawakami in reserve. Looks good on paper and if Chipper can stave off old man winter for one more year they might just have an enough offense. If Soriano does accept arbitration that would be a shitload of money tied into the bullpen and it might not be all that great. I have grave doubts about Wagner or Saito, and Soriano himself is not Mr. Healthy. I could see better places to spend money then on old closers coming off of surgery or an old pitcher in general.

They need a guy like Sherrill who never gets hurt.

Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen

by Phil Gurnee on Dec 7, 2009 9:16 AM PST up reply actions   0 recs

Sherrill for Kawakami. Done and done.

by Eric Stephen on Dec 7, 2009 9:17 AM PST up reply actions   0 recs

I almost wrote that

then I checked and say that his XERA was 4.85 compared to his sub 4.00 ERA but I still think I’d do that deal if nothing better came my way.

Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen

by Phil Gurnee on Dec 7, 2009 9:23 AM PST up reply actions   0 recs

I was trying to check earlier on Hardball Times for his x-FIP but their player pages are gone, because they made a deal with Fangraphs. So if you do a player search now on Hardball Times, it takes you to the Fangraphs page instead (his FIP was 4.21).

I’m assuming Fangraphs will eventually incorporate x-FIP, because otherwise mwhite06 will be an unhappy camper. :)

by Eric Stephen on Dec 7, 2009 9:25 AM PST up reply actions   0 recs

This news does not please me.

Maybe Fangraphs won’t incorporate x-FIP because they believe they have a better stat in WAR. I would disagree with that, but it wouldn’t surprise me if x-FIP is gone.

By the way, I looked up Kawakami’s x-FIP a few weeks ago when somebody floated the idea of trading for him and I wasn’t too pumped about it. Can’t remember the exact number though, but Phil mentioning that his xERA of 4.85 is about what I remember.

by Michael White on Dec 7, 2009 10:27 AM PST up reply actions   0 recs

The shitty part of dealing Sherrill is that the Dodgers have to “win” that deal. Otherwise we will lament Josh Bell for two months of Sherrill for a while (which of course we still could lament even if Sherrill stays).

by Eric Stephen on Dec 7, 2009 9:35 AM PST up reply actions   0 recs

That's what happens

when you get a guy built to get the big lefties out in the postseason and he fails.

Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen

by Phil Gurnee on Dec 7, 2009 9:37 AM PST up reply actions   0 recs

sherrill

for hanson..

or sherrill for kawakami/johnson

by matthewmafa on Dec 7, 2009 9:18 AM PST up reply actions   0 recs

You know the first line

is pure fantasy, but the 2nd would have been possible before they outlaid so much money for Wagner/Saito.

Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen

by Phil Gurnee on Dec 7, 2009 9:24 AM PST up reply actions   0 recs

I would guess any Sherrill to Braves deal is contingent upon Soriano declining arbitration.

by Eric Stephen on Dec 7, 2009 9:26 AM PST up reply actions   0 recs

Bruney deal not quite done yet

by Eric Stephen on Dec 7, 2009 8:57 AM PST up reply actions   0 recs

the yankees will recieve in return for bruney...

..
..
..

……
……….
…………..
………………..

Stephen Strasburg and a few lower minor leaguers..

by matthewmafa on Dec 7, 2009 9:59 AM PST up reply actions   0 recs

Heh

Joel Sherman says PTBNL, but I somehow doubt it’s Strasburg :)

by Eric Stephen on Dec 7, 2009 10:00 AM PST up reply actions   0 recs

*nats

... we sittin here talking about practice. not a game, not a game.

by wongy on Dec 8, 2009 1:31 AM PST up reply actions   0 recs

Red Sox sign reliever Scott Atchison

who was in Japan for 2 years…one year deal, with two option years (per Rosenthal)

I only care because he is the closest player in the majors to my exact birth date (he is one day later).

by Eric Stephen on Dec 7, 2009 9:16 AM PST reply actions   0 recs

Not many of those going to be left soon:)

Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen

by Phil Gurnee on Dec 7, 2009 9:27 AM PST up reply actions   0 recs

I’m hoping for someone older than me in 2020, but that’s a long shot (age 44)

by Eric Stephen on Dec 7, 2009 9:30 AM PST up reply actions   0 recs

Thought this quote was interesting

from Joe Strauss in the STL Post-Dispatch:

Several within the organization privately rooted last summer for the team to land Dunn over Holliday. However, the Nationals remained disinclined to deal Dunn at the time. They have since changed general managers and managers

by Eric Stephen on Dec 7, 2009 9:33 AM PST reply actions   0 recs

Bad contracts

Arroyo, Harang, Millwood, Oliver Perez, Gil Meche, Castillo – any others in play

Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen

by Phil Gurnee on Dec 7, 2009 9:36 AM PST up reply actions   0 recs

not gil meche

too much money on his contract..

by matthewmafa on Dec 7, 2009 9:36 AM PST up reply actions   0 recs

Paying more

but you are getting a rotation guy for a 4th outfielder so while not saving money they would not need to spend anymore money for a rotation guy.

Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen

by Phil Gurnee on Dec 7, 2009 9:38 AM PST up reply actions   0 recs

I don't think Meche is out of bounds

If the Dodgers end up trading Pierre for a pitcher or someone with less total money on the contract, it’s likely they would have to throw in money anyway.

by Eric Stephen on Dec 7, 2009 9:39 AM PST up reply actions   0 recs

I'd do Arroyo or Harang for Pierre

in a second. But I think it would need Dusty Baker’s strong influence for that to happen. ;-)

There's no need to fear, Underdog is here! / Broncos/Dodgers fan in Niners/Raiders/Giants country, and damned proud of it.

by underdog on Dec 7, 2009 9:47 AM PST up reply actions   0 recs

I'd do Pierre for Millwood

one second before I’d do the Reds deal.

Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen

by Phil Gurnee on Dec 7, 2009 9:49 AM PST up reply actions   0 recs

I'd do that one too

Done and done. What papers do we have to sign to make it official?

There's no need to fear, Underdog is here! / Broncos/Dodgers fan in Niners/Raiders/Giants country, and damned proud of it.

by underdog on Dec 7, 2009 9:54 AM PST up reply actions   0 recs

If you could do a blockbuster trade

that makes sense for both teams,(Dodgers don’t add salary) what would it be. I mean a big deal where Manny is headed back to the AL as a DH. If we are going to pay attention to rumors on this day then lets have some fun.

Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen

by Phil Gurnee on Dec 7, 2009 9:40 AM PST reply actions   0 recs

Here's one

Manny + Pierre + Sherrill + Blake for Miguel Cabrera + Edwin Jackson

by CarolinaDodger on Dec 7, 2009 10:58 AM PST up reply actions   0 recs

I played with a few Miggy scenarios

but in the end we all know we can’t take on a contract like his as much as I’d like to dream about it.

Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen

by Phil Gurnee on Dec 7, 2009 11:15 AM PST up reply actions   0 recs

What's the best scenario there?

Even money and a slightly better defensive left fielder if we traded for equal value.

I don’t see the point. Really the only surplus we have is pitching (with projected restocks in minors), so it wouldn’t make sense give up a big bat.

Dumping Manny’s and Pierre’s and Kuroda’s contract would be the only blockbuster, but we certainly would not get equal value, so net it would hurt the team.

by Cool Dudes on Dec 7, 2009 11:45 AM PST up reply actions   0 recs

Funny comment from the Tigers blog

Bless You Boys, re: Pierre:

I wish I had an extra set of hands so I could give the thought of acquiring Pierre four thumbs down

by Eric Stephen on Dec 7, 2009 9:41 AM PST reply actions   0 recs

That was great, I'd like that as a tag line

Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen

by Phil Gurnee on Dec 7, 2009 9:41 AM PST up reply actions   0 recs

I like Pierre,

but I like that line even more! :))

by sarcastro9 on Dec 7, 2009 11:38 AM PST up reply actions   0 recs

Pierre for Halladay!

Problem solved. ;-)

#delusionaltradeproposalMonday

There's no need to fear, Underdog is here! / Broncos/Dodgers fan in Niners/Raiders/Giants country, and damned proud of it.

by underdog on Dec 7, 2009 9:44 AM PST reply actions   0 recs

That, my friends, is progress!

by Eric Stephen on Dec 7, 2009 9:49 AM PST up reply actions   0 recs

The counterargument is that we never actually traded Kershaw, BIlllingsley, and Kemp when they were rumored in trades. Now that they aren’t, they can now be traded in non-rumors!

by Tripon on Dec 7, 2009 9:50 AM PST up reply actions   0 recs

Scary

I was just thinking that after I posted. We are always afraid aren’t we?

Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen

by Phil Gurnee on Dec 7, 2009 9:50 AM PST up reply actions   0 recs

We have Ned Colletti as a GM. It took him 5 years to become half-decent, and the worry is that he’ll never be good enough to be considered above average.

by Tripon on Dec 7, 2009 9:52 AM PST up reply actions   0 recs

hes below average

until he stops selling our prospects..

by matthewmafa on Dec 7, 2009 10:00 AM PST up reply actions   0 recs

not really his fault though, is it? That comes from ownership.

by LA Taco on Dec 7, 2009 11:00 AM PST up reply actions   0 recs

He's average for the one's that don't get fired

Which could mean he’s above average (scary thought).

by Cool Dudes on Dec 7, 2009 11:48 AM PST up reply actions   0 recs

But while many rumors are just that, there is some truth quite often. At least in the fact that those names were being talked about. Sure, nothing ever happened, but they were discussed. Now, they are not.

by Eric Stephen on Dec 7, 2009 9:55 AM PST up reply actions   0 recs

we’re going to trade pierre for some scrub, then turn around and trade kersh/bills/kemp for pierre back. kind of like how laroche reacquired adam laroche.

... we sittin here talking about practice. not a game, not a game.

by wongy on Dec 8, 2009 1:33 AM PST up reply actions   0 recs

By the way,

Doug Harvey was the umpire behind the plate for Gibson’s HR.

by Nofatmike on Dec 7, 2009 9:58 AM PST reply actions   0 recs

Basically told Ron Hassey to fuck off when he halfheartedly tried to argue interference on Gibson when Mike Davis stole 2B! :)

by Eric Stephen on Dec 7, 2009 9:59 AM PST up reply actions   0 recs

Good morning!

Trading Pierre and Sherrill for salary relief and some decent talent would be great.

As for 2B, now that Scutaro and Polanco are gone, does that assure us of going in-house? I figured those were Ned’s targets.

by silverwidow on Dec 7, 2009 10:06 AM PST reply actions   0 recs

Lopez would be a good addition…but I doubt he’s interested in a 1 yr deal. Ned will only give out 1 yr deals this time around.

by silverwidow on Dec 7, 2009 10:09 AM PST up reply actions   0 recs

maybe he will be hudson 2.0

wait too long.. no market for him and boom hes dodger property on a 1 year deal

by matthewmafa on Dec 7, 2009 10:11 AM PST up reply actions   0 recs

Dont worry...

Nick Green is still available

by delias man on Dec 7, 2009 10:08 AM PST up reply actions   0 recs

wow

i read somewhere the dodgers where talking with his agent…

please no..

by matthewmafa on Dec 7, 2009 10:09 AM PST up reply actions   0 recs

I figure an in-house combo of DeWitt with an occasional starter FA like Belliard for 2B

by Eric Stephen on Dec 7, 2009 10:11 AM PST up reply actions   0 recs

Why

What good would come out of it?

Are you thinking the money would go to the team?

by Cool Dudes on Dec 7, 2009 11:49 AM PST up reply actions   0 recs

bigleaguestew
  
Per @TBrownYahoo: A Yankees source confirms Brian Bruney to Nats for a PTBNL. #WMSTEW

by Tripon on Dec 7, 2009 10:07 AM PST reply actions   0 recs

if joe blanton is available...

which team would trade for him.?? knowing that he will make over 6.5 million dollars a year next year..

by matthewmafa on Dec 7, 2009 10:17 AM PST reply actions   0 recs

I would imagine a number of teams would be interested in Blanton on a one-year deal.

by Eric Stephen on Dec 7, 2009 10:24 AM PST up reply actions   0 recs

From Dylan Hernandez
Nothing to the rumors linking Pierre to the Pirates. Pittsburgh doesn’t want to trade its pitching

by Eric Stephen on Dec 7, 2009 10:27 AM PST reply actions   0 recs

Shocking news

Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen

by Phil Gurnee on Dec 7, 2009 10:38 AM PST up reply actions   0 recs

I tweeted this earlier

but Arrested Development is on sale for $29 — the whole series, all 3 seasons — on Amazon.com today

by Eric Stephen on Dec 7, 2009 10:33 AM PST reply actions   0 recs

Steal of the season

Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen

by Phil Gurnee on Dec 7, 2009 10:38 AM PST up reply actions   0 recs

Thanks for the tip Eric

Just ordered it

Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen

by Phil Gurnee on Dec 7, 2009 10:43 AM PST up reply actions   0 recs

with all the talk being about our starting pitchers and 2nd basemen holes

what about Back up Catcher?

Are we going to sign someone or is it AJ ellis?

by matthewmafa on Dec 7, 2009 10:39 AM PST reply actions   0 recs

If I had to guess, Ausmus will likely be back for one more run at it.

by Eric Stephen on Dec 7, 2009 10:40 AM PST up reply actions   0 recs

Anyone have a Kindle and if so what do you think of it?

I’m thinking of getting one for my Dad.

Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen

by Phil Gurnee on Dec 7, 2009 10:44 AM PST reply actions   0 recs

I have never used one

I limit my reading small text on a tiny screen to reading True Blue LA on my iPhone :)

by Eric Stephen on Dec 7, 2009 10:47 AM PST up reply actions   0 recs

I've had some serious

readers tell me it is awesome but I wanted more feedback. Nothing like carrying a 1500 book library on a 10 ounce product.

Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen

by Phil Gurnee on Dec 7, 2009 10:56 AM PST up reply actions   0 recs

Yeah

That would be the huge upside obviously. I guess eyesight will play a role

by Eric Stephen on Dec 7, 2009 10:58 AM PST up reply actions   0 recs

I got one for my Mom. No way of knowing if she will use it, but if not I will get it.

A friend who has one, and my sister, both say it’s the greatest thing since sliced bread once you get used to reading on it, which takes a week or so.

by LA Taco on Dec 7, 2009 11:02 AM PST up reply actions   0 recs

I'm going with that idea also

if he won’t use it, I’ll probably end up with it.

Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen

by Phil Gurnee on Dec 7, 2009 11:04 AM PST up reply actions   0 recs

I just bought one for my wife, but haven’t given it to her yet. I sat next to a guy on a plane this summer and he swore by it. With regards to the eyesight comment above, that’s a big plus because you can adjust font size and lighting.

by KellyStephen on Dec 7, 2009 3:51 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

As a librarian and personally

I am against it. Job security and whatnot. My one real argument against it is that by using electronic books, people miss out on the tactile enjoyment of the artwork of the book. SImilar to music these days. It cheapens the experience of getting a tangible thing in your hands that someone maybe spotted with their eyes and it attracted it to them. Kindle are also much less versatile….you cannot just throw it in your back pack or let your friend borrow it if it was a great read.

by Ian Capilouto on Dec 7, 2009 11:05 AM PST up reply actions   0 recs

True

but if you were like like my Dad who lost his Civil War collection in a flood, you never lose the information inside the book since Amazon keeps track of each of your purchases. And I haven’t had a friend borrow a book of mine in over 35 years.

GIven the popularity of MP3’s I would think that having your hands on the book/LP/CD is something that will pass away in time and only those young enough to ever actually hold a book will really care about losing that. It is why I would not expect my Dad to embrace the technology but he’s already read every book in his small library in a town of 1,000 people and to buy a book every time would wipe out his limited storage ability. His choices are very limited right now and this would expand everything from books to papers to magazines.

Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen

by Phil Gurnee on Dec 7, 2009 11:12 AM PST up reply actions   0 recs

Electronic storage is good for things like floods and backing up

important information. I agree on this. I disagree that books/lp’s/cd’s will die out. They have reorganized and found a niche market is what has happened. I know a few record shop owners who have actually enlarged their LP vinyl products because that market has grown in the last 10 years. There are old school guys like me and my cohorts who love records and playing sides, but there are also young people who learn that sonically, there is nothing that matches analog signal. So it isn’t out of the question for a ten year old kid to eventually buy a record player because old and new bands still record to analog tape. Someone like the Ramones to modern acts like Wilco and Jenny Lewis have been noted for recent analog recordings.

As for the room your father needs, a kindle is great for storage needs. But I still like the experience of being able to buy someone a book I liked or to let them borrow it. I am not against modern technology, but I have a problem with the perception that is better quality. You do lose a lot of quality in my opinion. Sorry for the rant. I am a dork.

by Ian Capilouto on Dec 7, 2009 11:25 AM PST up reply actions   0 recs

personally

there is nothing like a book in your hands to enjoy reading. There is a lot to be said for the book, it doesn’t need batteries, can be dropped, put on a shelf and treasured, is foldable, etc. For certain kinds of reading though, electronic makes a lot of sense.

by LA Taco on Dec 7, 2009 11:27 AM PST up reply actions   0 recs

If your Dad is <30 I would say go for it.

> 30 NOOOOO!

> 70 HELL NOOOOOO!

I recommend sending him anything written by Cormac McCarthy instead.

by Cool Dudes on Dec 7, 2009 11:55 AM PST up reply actions   0 recs

Have you seen the amount of textbooks we give kids today? Not to turn this “DO IT FOR THE CHILDREN RANT”, but a typical kid has to carry about 3 or 4 textbooks in his locker, class, and carry it from home to school. Using a Kindle and just uploading the information and the text should be cheaper than having to buy 5 or 6 textbooks per student.

by Tripon on Dec 7, 2009 11:17 AM PST up reply actions   0 recs

But then the fun of making book covers out of paper bags is lost! Lost!!!!

by Eric Stephen on Dec 7, 2009 11:19 AM PST up reply actions   1 recs

I made some last year for my brother in law with a manny poster give away at DS.

by delias man on Dec 7, 2009 11:22 AM PST up reply actions   0 recs

Ditto that

Parents/Children/Teachers/Trees would all be for every kid using a Kindle. Problem would be they would lose it and then what? I think I lost about 10 watches when I was a kid before my parents finally figured out that I just couldn’t be trusted with one.

Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen

by Phil Gurnee on Dec 7, 2009 11:23 AM PST up reply actions   0 recs

I think it would be better to use a cheap laptop for textbooks than a Kindle. Kindle is proprietary and locks you in, a laptop connected to the web allows teachers/students/parents better resources and avoids running into the same price monopolies down the road that currently exist with textbooks.

by LA Taco on Dec 7, 2009 11:24 AM PST up reply actions   0 recs

Yet these kids know where their cellphones/iPhones/whatever they use to text are at all times.

by Tripon on Dec 7, 2009 11:31 AM PST up reply actions   0 recs

I think you are paying for the publication/author fees

not necessarily the production of the material needed for the book. Uploading a book will still cost you. You make a good point about the convenience of not having to carry a large load of books……

by Ian Capilouto on Dec 7, 2009 11:32 AM PST up reply actions   0 recs

I am an old guy who have never used a Kindle, but I loathe reading more than a page or two of text from a screen. When I have to read several pages or more or some electronic document at work, I print the damn thing out.

Electronic books are great for reference material that you want to search through, not so much for books that you want to read cover-to-cover, IMHO.

Lenny Dykstra says not to read at all because it is bad for your eyes.

The commenter formerly known as El Lay Dave.

by David Young on Dec 7, 2009 12:14 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

I think you have to try the kindle before making judgment

the people I’ve talked to who use the Kindle also hated reading off of laptops and such.

Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen

by Phil Gurnee on Dec 7, 2009 12:15 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

Love my Kindle

It is really not just for the tech savvy. The screen is nothing like a computer or cell phone, it is actually very easy on the eye. Text size can also be changed to make it easier. Since I’ve had mine, I’ve also purchased one for my wife, both of my parents, and my mother-in-law. That being said, I’ve heard really great things about the new Sony reader.

by prosellis on Dec 7, 2009 1:12 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

Thanks for the feedback

Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen

by Phil Gurnee on Dec 7, 2009 1:19 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

Brad Penny nearing a deal with the Cardinals, per Andrew Baggarly (Giants beat writer)

by Eric Stephen on Dec 7, 2009 10:51 AM PST reply actions   0 recs

And maybe Brad Penny can stop sucking on life.

by Tripon on Dec 7, 2009 10:54 AM PST up reply actions   0 recs

In turn

Penny can show them how to run their fingers through their hair and/or yell at opponents and teammates :)

by Eric Stephen on Dec 7, 2009 10:54 AM PST up reply actions   0 recs

Great

now Duncan can turn him into a Cy Young candidate. Penny has the kind of stuff Duncan might be able to do some good things with.

Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen

by Phil Gurnee on Dec 7, 2009 10:57 AM PST up reply actions   0 recs

Yeah, I still think Penny has some gas left in the tank

by Eric Stephen on Dec 7, 2009 10:58 AM PST up reply actions   0 recs

Unless Duncan can give movement to Penny’s straight ass fastball, he’d still be the same version as the 2009 Penny is.

by Tripon on Dec 7, 2009 10:59 AM PST up reply actions   0 recs

Apparently he is close to re-signing with the Mets. Darn :)

by Eric Stephen on Dec 7, 2009 10:58 AM PST up reply actions   0 recs

Can Giovanni

be far be behind. He of the mystical ability to conquer any batter who enters the Ravine.

Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen

by Phil Gurnee on Dec 7, 2009 11:01 AM PST up reply actions   0 recs

Bob Nightengale on the Tigers
The Detroit Tigers are close to trading starter Edwin Jackson, perhaps as early as today, and still hope to trade CF Granderson this wk

No other team listed…yet

by Eric Stephen on Dec 7, 2009 10:59 AM PST reply actions   0 recs

wowwwwww

i realy wonder where hes going.. it isnt going to be the dodgers tho..

by matthewmafa on Dec 7, 2009 11:01 AM PST up reply actions   0 recs

I expect they

will get more the Joyce this time around. One of the few recent trades the Rays failed at.

Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen

by Phil Gurnee on Dec 7, 2009 11:01 AM PST up reply actions   0 recs

its not a failed trade yet..

tampa was not going to pay for edwin anyways.. and joyce is not a bust yet.. he is still there right fielder of the future..

by matthewmafa on Dec 7, 2009 11:05 AM PST up reply actions   0 recs

True

but I doubt Joyce is their RF of the future.

Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen

by Phil Gurnee on Dec 7, 2009 11:20 AM PST up reply actions   0 recs

Why

aren’t more teams in on Granderson?

Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen

by Phil Gurnee on Dec 7, 2009 11:01 AM PST up reply actions   0 recs

Kind of surprising. Maybe turned off by his relatively down year, plus struggles against LHP

by Eric Stephen on Dec 7, 2009 11:03 AM PST up reply actions   0 recs

Still a top 10 CF though, and hopes that the struggles against CF are a combination of SSS issues, plus BABIP funkiness.

by Tripon on Dec 7, 2009 11:04 AM PST up reply actions   0 recs

Sure

Just trying to figure out why the lukewarm demand

by Eric Stephen on Dec 7, 2009 11:05 AM PST up reply actions   0 recs

Yeah

I’d be all over Granderson.

Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen

by Phil Gurnee on Dec 7, 2009 11:05 AM PST up reply actions   0 recs

Struggles against LP, not CF

by Tripon on Dec 7, 2009 11:07 AM PST up reply actions   0 recs

I wish I could find LD% on splits

but Granderson against LHP is a lost cause at this point.

689 career PA, .614 OPS

.262 BABIP against LHP, but at one point isn’t that a fluke? Does he not hit the ball as hard off LHP? That’s why I would like to know the LD% split.

by Eric Stephen on Dec 7, 2009 11:08 AM PST up reply actions   0 recs

like ethier vs leftys o nthe road last year,,,

it was hilarious.. he either did a mile high pop up or a weak grounder vs LHP on the road..

by matthewmafa on Dec 7, 2009 11:10 AM PST up reply actions   0 recs

At some point

strong RHH who only kill LHP will come back in vogue instead of just throwing outs away on those who have proven they will not hit LHP.

Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen

by Phil Gurnee on Dec 7, 2009 11:14 AM PST up reply actions   0 recs

Olmedo Saenz is doing a Rocky IV style workout right now.

by Eric Stephen on Dec 7, 2009 11:16 AM PST up reply actions   0 recs

Lots of his types

but I’m talking about outfielders and infielders not DH guys.

Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen

by Phil Gurnee on Dec 7, 2009 11:19 AM PST up reply actions   0 recs

It's a bit easier now to find LD% splits

Check out this site:

http://video-moments.com/joe/batter_card.php?pid=434158

It also has a pitch f/x tool that outputs a spreadsheet, making it a lot easier to calculate those splits.

by Sam PHL on Dec 7, 2009 11:36 AM PST up reply actions   0 recs

I would really like to see Edwin back in blue

But will only give up Trayvon straight up (he can replace Granderson at some point).

by silverwidow on Dec 7, 2009 11:24 AM PST up reply actions   0 recs

From Jon Heyman
#tigers seek youg pitching for edwin jackson. execs believe he’ll be dealt

by Eric Stephen on Dec 7, 2009 11:31 AM PST up reply actions   0 recs

Elbert and JMac

our last two minor league pitchers of the year for our past winner of minor league pitcher of the year. Good times.

Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen

by Phil Gurnee on Dec 7, 2009 11:44 AM PST up reply actions   0 recs

Jason Bay apprently wants 5 years/$80 million. Andre Either and his agents must be licking his slips at hearing that.

by Tripon on Dec 7, 2009 11:12 AM PST reply actions   0 recs

lips, not slips

by Tripon on Dec 7, 2009 11:12 AM PST up reply actions   0 recs

Jason Bay

may not heard but times have changed. If he gets that from anyone other then the top 5 payroll teams I’ll be shocked.

Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen

by Phil Gurnee on Dec 7, 2009 11:13 AM PST up reply actions   0 recs

kevin correia

he might be non tendered by the padres after earning only 1.1 million last year and having a great year… Wow what a cheap move by the padres if they do.. how sad..

by matthewmafa on Dec 7, 2009 11:14 AM PST reply actions   0 recs

And then he’ll sign with the Dodgers!

by Tripon on Dec 7, 2009 11:15 AM PST up reply actions   0 recs

He said he had a great year last year

Not that he was a double amputee with limb re-attaching surgery performed over the Summer :)

by Cool Dudes on Dec 7, 2009 12:03 PM PST up reply actions   1 recs

He'd have to be happy about that

given that he should score even more in the free market then arbitration. He had a solid year and was even okay on the road.

Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen

by Phil Gurnee on Dec 7, 2009 11:18 AM PST up reply actions   0 recs

Really? I actually think being Kevin Correia is going to work against him, and won’t get offered more than a million.

by Tripon on Dec 7, 2009 11:20 AM PST up reply actions   0 recs

Mark Timmons of LA Dodger Talk is in Indianapolis at the Winter Meetings.

http://www.ladodgertalk.com/2009/12/winter-meetings-12709-2pm-est-10-things/

by Eric Stephen on Dec 7, 2009 11:23 AM PST reply actions   0 recs

3. There Dodgers payroll will not be over $90 million next year as they are "cash poor." It may be less!

by Julio Nievas on Dec 7, 2009 11:26 AM PST up reply actions   0 recs

I don’t buy that. Mark has made some incorrect payroll assumptions in the past, and I assume he is off again here.

by Eric Stephen on Dec 7, 2009 11:27 AM PST up reply actions   0 recs

The only way to get there would be trade Sherrill and Pierre and realize savings from both deals. Otherwise they are over $90m even if they don’t add much, aren’t they?

by LA Taco on Dec 7, 2009 11:33 AM PST up reply actions   0 recs

They could do it

Paul SImons says there are 50 ways to get below 90 Million

Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen

by Phil Gurnee on Dec 7, 2009 11:40 AM PST up reply actions   0 recs

trade duck bill, Will
non-tender our C, Lee
Dump Juan, John

by LA Taco on Dec 7, 2009 11:48 AM PST up reply actions   0 recs

… and trade prospects to get veterans for yourself, free. (The meter may be off there….)

The commenter formerly known as El Lay Dave.

by David Young on Dec 7, 2009 12:21 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

I still think December 12 (this Saturday) will be a big newsday

Martin is probably being quietly shopped (sworn to secrecy at the Winter Meetings) and if there isn’t enough interest, he and his future $6M salary will be cut loose.

by silverwidow on Dec 7, 2009 11:34 AM PST reply actions   0 recs

If I had a nickel for everytime you said “wanna bet”… :)

by silverwidow on Dec 7, 2009 11:37 AM PST up reply actions   0 recs

I might take that bet

I could really see Martin being moved. No need to block Santana anymore. Plus we can move Blake now that Bell has improved enough at 3rd base to handle the job defensively.

Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen

by Phil Gurnee on Dec 7, 2009 11:42 AM PST up reply actions   0 recs

That joke is getting old.

I can not wait for these 2 to fail in the bigs so everyone can pipe down about this.

by delias man on Dec 7, 2009 11:44 AM PST up reply actions   0 recs

That’s pretty cold to want those guys to fail.

by silverwidow on Dec 7, 2009 11:44 AM PST up reply actions   0 recs

i agre with delias man

i want them to fail.. fail miserably.. or maybe get a big contrct then fail.. so at least it wont be that messed up

by matthewmafa on Dec 7, 2009 11:45 AM PST up reply actions   0 recs

It's not their faults our Owner is a fricking douche

I seriously hope Bell succeeds, I got to see he (and Santana actually) play a game against the Red Sox Single A and beat them 25-1. Bell was 4-5 :(

by Ivdown on Dec 7, 2009 2:54 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

I am fed up with everybody all over these two’s nuts when they have 0 MLB AB’s.

by delias man on Dec 7, 2009 11:46 AM PST up reply actions   0 recs

Why So?

we spend hours upon hours discussing our prospects and while Santana has not had one single major league at bat he’s won two straight MVP trophies and is now a top 10 prospect in baseball. If he was a Dodger he would be all that we’d be talking about.

Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen

by Phil Gurnee on Dec 7, 2009 11:48 AM PST up reply actions   0 recs

If he was a Dodger, I think I’d like him more than Withrow. And that says a LOT.

by silverwidow on Dec 7, 2009 11:49 AM PST up reply actions   0 recs

There are a million cases of kids flaming out. I just think that it is getting old that people are still going on about the trade. You can not judge these trades for years down the line. Like any kid, I will believe it when I see it. Don’t you roll your eyes when someone brings up the Pierre debate? That is where I am at with this.

by delias man on Dec 7, 2009 11:54 AM PST up reply actions   0 recs

I'm rolling my eyes right now

Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen

by Phil Gurnee on Dec 7, 2009 11:58 AM PST up reply actions   0 recs

we CAN judge this trade now

As we all know, the Dodgers just had to give up a measly TWO MILLION DOLLARS (ie. a little over 50 cents per ticket sold in a season), and they could have had Santana AND Casey Blake! To put it another way, there would have been no need to risk trading a blue-chip prospect if the McCourts had been willing to pony up a fraction of the money they spend on themselves. Yet they still raise ticket prices, with no intention of putting that extra cash towards the team- and this was BEFORE their personal lives imploded! Unreal.

There is nothing the McCourts won’t try to get away with, so long as they think the public won’t notice. My hope is that in 2 or 3 years, Josh Bell and Carlos Santana are among the best position players in baseball, right behind Kemp, Ethier and Loney (who will all hopefully still be wearing Dodger blue). Their success is the best chance that your everyday fan will really see just how bad for the Dodgers the McCourts have really been.

by sarcastro9 on Dec 7, 2009 12:24 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

There are also five hundred thousand cases of kids making it. The people making the trades have to judge them now, not years down the line, therefore it is reasonable for pundits to analyze it as well, based on what we know. If the stats on a kid are great and the scouts love him, then he must be considered some sort of good asset, doesn’t he?

The commenter formerly known as El Lay Dave.

by David Young on Dec 7, 2009 12:24 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

Based on what we know the Dodgers were able to stop the revolving door at 3B that has been going on since Beltre left. They filled in a glaring need. Nobody here was in the room and know what happened between the Indians and Dodgers. I am not saying Blake is much better than league average at anything, but if you have to judge it today based on MLB production which is all that really matters here?

by delias man on Dec 7, 2009 1:52 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

if you have to judge it today based on MLB production which is all that really matters here?

Not really, no. There is also opportunity cost. Santana could have been used to nab a better player. How did the Indians get a better prospect for Blake than for CC Sabathia?

by Eric Stephen on Dec 7, 2009 1:58 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

I believe it was

about 10 months ago when Eric said he never wanted to hear the word Carlos Santana on TBLA ever again or he was going to punch a baby. Welcome to the Dark Side amigo.

Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen

by Phil Gurnee on Dec 7, 2009 1:59 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

That damn was busted upon with last Tuesday’s floodgates.

by Eric Stephen on Dec 7, 2009 2:01 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

Upon us

would have also worked.

Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen

by Phil Gurnee on Dec 7, 2009 2:03 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

I also note you meant

dam instead of damn, unless you didn’t.

by Humma Kavula on Dec 7, 2009 2:04 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

I did mean dam, but I like that I added the n :)

by Eric Stephen on Dec 7, 2009 2:05 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

The people making the trade didn’t judge it then or today on MLB production only, so why should we? The circumstantial evidence is pretty strong that Santana was added to the deal so get Cleveland to send the $2M cash to cover Blake’s salary, which is the basis of my objection to having Santana in the deal.

The commenter formerly known as El Lay Dave.

by David Young on Dec 7, 2009 1:58 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

by Delias

even commenting on my flippant comment we have now extended this long long past what that comment deserved. Not time I’d just suggest ignore if you don’t want a debate about it.

Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen

by Phil Gurnee on Dec 7, 2009 2:02 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

Next not Not

Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen

by Phil Gurnee on Dec 7, 2009 2:03 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

LOL

I laughed but now I feel like crying :(

by Ivdown on Dec 7, 2009 2:52 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

What makes you think Martin getting $6 million?

by Tripon on Dec 7, 2009 11:38 AM PST up reply actions   0 recs

Ask Eric. He’s the payroll whiz. :)

by silverwidow on Dec 7, 2009 11:39 AM PST up reply actions   0 recs

It won’t be that far off

by Eric Stephen on Dec 7, 2009 11:39 AM PST up reply actions   0 recs

A 65% pay increase for one of the worst offensive performances in the majors?

by Tripon on Dec 7, 2009 11:41 AM PST up reply actions   0 recs

Welcome to the world of arbitration

by Eric Stephen on Dec 7, 2009 11:42 AM PST up reply actions   0 recs

If they can't come to a deal

The Martin arb case will go like this:

Dodgers argue Martin is in decline, point to 2009 and/or post 2008 ASB numbers, etc

Martin’s side will argue career stats, young catcher, most innings in MLB caught since he joined Dodgers, 2-time all-star, etc

~50% raises in arbitration are pretty normal.

by Eric Stephen on Dec 7, 2009 11:49 AM PST up reply actions   0 recs

Are they normal

when the player has sucked the prior year? I mean we are not talking 1/2 a million to 1 million we are talking 3 million to 6 million coming off a terrible season. He wasn’t much better then Navarro offensively and Navarro already lost his job. Luckily for him he can point to Navarro as someone he was better then.

Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen

by Phil Gurnee on Dec 7, 2009 11:51 AM PST up reply actions   0 recs

Garrett Atkins was 20th of 28 MLB 3B in 2008, at 96 OPS+, with a few previous good seasons, and no all-star appearances. He went from $4.3875m in 2007 to an arbitration hearing with the following figures:

team – $6.65m (51.6% increase)
player – $7.95m (81.1% increase)

They settled at $7.05m, a 60.7% increase.

Even if Atkins went to arb and lost, he would have received a 51.6% increase.

Martin was 18th of 28 catchers in OPS+ in 2009. Get prepared for the new $6 million man

by Eric Stephen on Dec 7, 2009 11:58 AM PST up reply actions   0 recs

Wait, my math sucks. Okay, a roughly 33% pay increase for one of the worst offensive performance in the majors? :)

by Tripon on Dec 7, 2009 11:43 AM PST up reply actions   0 recs

It's 54%

He made $3.9m in 2009

by Eric Stephen on Dec 7, 2009 11:44 AM PST up reply actions   0 recs

Good thing I’m trying to get a credential in history then. :)

by Tripon on Dec 7, 2009 11:47 AM PST up reply actions   0 recs

Is this mini-thread serious? Do people really think that Martin will be “cut loose?” what does “cut loose” even mean? I read that as meaning “released,” which I have to doubt will happen.

by Humma Kavula on Dec 7, 2009 11:47 AM PST up reply actions   0 recs

Good gosh amighty.

If that happens, what will I do with all of my "Humma Kavula [Heart]s Russell Martin pillows?

by Humma Kavula on Dec 7, 2009 11:49 AM PST up reply actions   0 recs

If they were afraid

of the arbitration costs for Wolf and Hudson why wouldn’t they be scared of paying Martin six million if Eric is right on the math? No where can the Dodgers save more money then cutting Martin loose while replacing his production with a cheaper solution. Not saying it is going to happen but it would not surprise me in the least if it did.

Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen

by Phil Gurnee on Dec 7, 2009 11:54 AM PST up reply actions   0 recs

The problem is that they have nobody who can catch in the next 2 or 3 years.

Unless the Dodgers actually think a Lucas May/A.J. Ellis platoon is actually viable.

by Tripon on Dec 7, 2009 11:58 AM PST up reply actions   0 recs

in a trade

they would get back a league-average C along with the P they are trading for, etc.

by LA Taco on Dec 7, 2009 11:59 AM PST up reply actions   0 recs

Nobody internally

which makes it unlikely but journeyman catchers abound. What did the Rays just give up to get a 2 Million Dollar Shoppach?

Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen

by Phil Gurnee on Dec 7, 2009 12:00 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

The problem is all the would-be acquisitions to replace Martin are gone, except for of course Bengie Molina, who may end up a Met.

And we all know a baby gets punched in the face if Molina ends up a Dodger

by Eric Stephen on Dec 7, 2009 12:01 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

Punching a baby seems like an overreaction

seeing as how Molina was a better player than Martin last year and will cost quite a bit less.

by Michael White on Dec 7, 2009 12:03 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

Not to mention, we’d all miss Eric’s TBLA writing. :)

by silverwidow on Dec 7, 2009 12:04 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

Like hell he was. Molina was the one who played in a hitters environment according to park factors.

.265 /.285 /.442 for a 86 OPS+ for Bengie Molina.
.250/.352/.329 for a 86 OPS+ for Russell Martin.

by Tripon on Dec 7, 2009 12:05 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

So they were the same at hitting

I personally think Martin was a horrible defensive catcher, but that should be considered too, no?

by Michael White on Dec 7, 2009 12:08 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

What makes you think Molina was any better?

by Tripon on Dec 7, 2009 12:09 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

Ha

Actually, you are right. He wasn’t (at least according to this metric)

101 Russell Martin LAD 5205 1.5 -5.1 -0.7 1.0 -3.3
102 Bengie Molina SFG 4582 -1.0 -2.6 0.9 -0.6 -3.4

http://www.drivelinemechanics.com/2009/10/13/1082419/2009-catcher-defense-filling-in

So basically, Martin and Molina were the exact same player.

by Michael White on Dec 7, 2009 12:11 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

Given that OBP is more important than Slg% in terms of run production, Molina was worse.

The commenter formerly known as El Lay Dave.

by David Young on Dec 7, 2009 12:28 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

Molina wOBA: .308
Martin wOBA: .307

by Michael White on Dec 7, 2009 12:30 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

But the

huge difference in slug between the two still makes them even per wOBA.

Face it guys, for 2009 the hated Molina was just as bad as Martin.

Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen

by Phil Gurnee on Dec 7, 2009 12:46 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

???

Yes HRs and the Yankees suck

by Cool Dudes on Dec 7, 2009 1:53 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

Most people would agree

that OBP is more important than SLG.

The most important thing in baseball is the ability to not make an out.

And the Yankees don’t have low OBP.

by Michael White on Dec 7, 2009 1:55 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

misread average

Correction, yes the Padres suck.

by Cool Dudes on Dec 7, 2009 1:56 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

The Padres team OBP was .321, ten points lower than the NL as a whole, .331.

The highest NL team OBP was the Dodgers at .346, who were 7th in Slg% with a just above average .412. They managed to win the most game in the NL.

Low OBP, high Slg%? Arizona: .324 / .418

The commenter formerly known as El Lay Dave.

by David Young on Dec 7, 2009 2:12 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

Would he cost less?

Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen

by Phil Gurnee on Dec 7, 2009 12:06 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

Out of curiosity

Do you foresee a bounceback season for Martin — something more like 2008? Or is 2009 his true level? Or do you think he declines further?

by Humma Kavula on Dec 7, 2009 12:07 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

Has to bounceback

can’t be any worse then he was last year. I don’t think we ever see the man we referred to as the Golden God again. I would not release him, but we really don’t know what the financial picture is for the Dodgers and the biggest saving on the team would be to cut him loose. I’d spend the six million and see what happens in 2010 because he if doesn’t bounce back then let him go but don’t be premature.

Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen

by Phil Gurnee on Dec 7, 2009 12:12 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

I was working off the estimate somebody else brought up that he would cost about half Martin would.

But I really have no idea on that front….

by Michael White on Dec 7, 2009 12:09 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

I doubt Molina would settle for 3 million.

by Tripon on Dec 7, 2009 12:10 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

Even if Molina was better in 2009, which I don’t think he was (especially given the relative value of OBP), one catcher will be 27 in 2010, and one will be 35. Surely that is a factor

by Eric Stephen on Dec 7, 2009 12:06 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

I don’t want to see Molina up at the plate in Dodger Blue hacking at the first pitch.

It's always darkest just before dawn

by Sordid on Dec 7, 2009 12:03 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

Would like to see him trotting around the bases

after a home run?

Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen

by Phil Gurnee on Dec 7, 2009 12:03 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

I never quite understood your reaction to Molina?

Care to explain? Other then being old, he’s got skills. OB is not one of them but it is the only skill he does not possess.

Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen

by Phil Gurnee on Dec 7, 2009 12:05 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

I don't mean to say

that Molina is a good catcher anymore but neither is Martin.

Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen

by Phil Gurnee on Dec 7, 2009 12:06 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

He’s old, he’s slow, and he wants to be paid like a starter. He’s also a bit of a prima donna.

by Tripon on Dec 7, 2009 12:07 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

I like Molina’s power, and he would be a fine backup catcher, but he never walks, is the slowest player in baseball, and doesn’t throw out runners anymore (although that has a lot to do with pitchers too).

It’s more that Martin has a much better chance to have a better season in 2010 and/or 2011 than Molina

by Eric Stephen on Dec 7, 2009 12:11 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

What kind of season

 would Martin have to put up to be worth $6m?

by Humma Kavula on Dec 7, 2009 12:12 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

The same but

I don’t put any credence into that.

Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen

by Phil Gurnee on Dec 7, 2009 12:13 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

http://www.fangraphs.com/statss.aspx?playerid=4616&position=C

If you believe in Fangraphs dollar conversions of WAR, even his crappy 2009 season was worth $9.1 million.

by Tripon on Dec 7, 2009 12:13 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

Would be fun to have the

1 Billion Dollar payroll that fangraphs must use.

Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen

by Phil Gurnee on Dec 7, 2009 12:14 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

yup

war is stupid

by matthewmafa on Dec 7, 2009 12:15 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

This is going to sound snotty but I really mean it

What relation does Fangraphs have to reality? Is there any kind of page I can read that can even sort of sell me on that?

by Humma Kavula on Dec 7, 2009 12:16 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

I will not sell you something

I don’t believe in.

Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen

by Phil Gurnee on Dec 7, 2009 12:24 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

It's just that I see it quoted a lot

I mean, not that Rob Neyer is the be-all end-all but he’s surely earned respect, and he cites Fangraphs values. Still, I haven’t read anything at all that implies it has any more meaning than throwing darts. If I’m wrong, I’ll happily stand corrected.

Until then I consider it something to cite when it agrees with my point and something to ignore when it doesn’t :-)

by Humma Kavula on Dec 7, 2009 12:29 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

I think WAR is and can be useful, but their tying it to a salary worth is off.

by Eric Stephen on Dec 7, 2009 12:31 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

For fun

we should build the Dodger Payroll based on WAR. Or what team has the highest payroll based on WAR.

Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen

by Phil Gurnee on Dec 7, 2009 12:40 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

You still have to think Yankees, no?

by Julio Nievas on Dec 7, 2009 12:41 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

Yankee's already

pay based on WAR values:) Okay how about the team that has the highest WAR net value (WAR Value – Actual Payroll)

Tampa
Dodgers

Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen

by Phil Gurnee on Dec 7, 2009 12:43 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

tampa

or marlins win hands down.

by matthewmafa on Dec 7, 2009 12:44 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

Its certainly outdated. They apprently put the point at around $5 million per 1 WAR point. But only base the amount on FA salaries.

by Tripon on Dec 7, 2009 12:17 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

Actually I have to agree

I’ve always found him a fun player to root for even though it goes against my OB leanings.

Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen

by Phil Gurnee on Dec 7, 2009 12:16 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

If we’re going for a Molina, we might as well go for Jose Molina who will cost $5 million earlier and be just as productive.

by Tripon on Dec 7, 2009 12:12 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

TBLA Tweet

That killed me! More so with the 55-year-old woman putting up the ladder.

by Julio Nievas on Dec 7, 2009 11:37 AM PST reply actions   0 recs

 

jorgearangure says chapman may not even get 20 million.

. far from the 50 million thought of at first..

by matthewmafa on Dec 7, 2009 11:50 AM PST reply actions   0 recs

Twitter down for “scheduled maintenance”??? Bad timing.

by Eric Stephen on Dec 7, 2009 11:51 AM PST reply actions   0 recs

ed_price
  
Rumor that #Mets acquire Edwin Jackson

by Tripon on Dec 7, 2009 11:58 AM PST reply actions   0 recs

smart move for the mets if true, I think.

by LA Taco on Dec 7, 2009 11:59 AM PST up reply actions   0 recs

nm

i completely misread your post. may or may not be smart depending on what they gave up.

by LA Taco on Dec 7, 2009 12:00 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

Shit!

I wonder if they gave up that stud pitcher Mejia.

by silverwidow on Dec 7, 2009 11:59 AM PST up reply actions   0 recs

I doubt it. The current Mets regime are many things, but they haven’t traded any of their stud prospects. They kept Wright/Reyes/etc. and didn’t have to trade anyone worthwhile for Johan Santana.

by Tripon on Dec 7, 2009 12:00 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

Edwin Jackson was a steal last season but he declined in the second half so it depends on what the Mets gave up.

It's always darkest just before dawn

by Sordid on Dec 7, 2009 12:01 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

yeah it would..

i bet they gave up holt..

by matthewmafa on Dec 7, 2009 12:04 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

or jon neise..

or MAYBE they traded luis castillo and some prospect for jackson

by matthewmafa on Dec 7, 2009 12:10 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

Haha

Price just said “the Rumor was Heard in the Lobby”

hahaha he heard some guy whispering to the other that edwin got ttraded to the mets..

by matthewmafa on Dec 7, 2009 12:08 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

Amezaga

per Joe Frisaro, Marlins beat writer:

Marlins The Dodgers are inquiring about Alfredo Amezaga

by Eric Stephen on Dec 7, 2009 12:13 PM PST reply actions   0 recs

Why?

It's always darkest just before dawn

by Sordid on Dec 7, 2009 12:15 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

Amezaga can play the outfield and infield, and won’t ever cost much. He is arbitration eligible though. And also this will be an excuse to not play Hu again.

by Tripon on Dec 7, 2009 12:18 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

So I guess Hu would go the other way.

by silverwidow on Dec 7, 2009 12:19 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

i dont know

maybe ching lung for amezega or maybe someone like elbert.. thats how ned deals..

by matthewmafa on Dec 7, 2009 12:20 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

elbert hahaha

the sad part, colletti might be that dumb

by hirambocachica on Dec 7, 2009 12:22 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

But shouldn’t there be someone in the minor leagues who could that type of job

It's always darkest just before dawn

by Sordid on Dec 7, 2009 12:19 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

You must be really disliked when you are traded for a carbon copy of yourself

It's always darkest just before dawn

by Sordid on Dec 7, 2009 12:21 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

Does Torre

every play anyone who made a bad first impression?

Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen

by Phil Gurnee on Dec 7, 2009 12:19 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

Pitchers more than position players?

He put Stults on his eternal shit list, but he used McDonald and Elbert as relievers after McDonald failed, and Elbert made the post season roster as a LOOGY.

by Tripon on Dec 7, 2009 12:21 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

But

McDonald made a huge first impression in Sept/Oct 2008.

Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen

by Phil Gurnee on Dec 7, 2009 12:22 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

Amezaga = FOOLS GOLD.

Fuck!

by silverwidow on Dec 7, 2009 12:15 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

You can't really say FUCK

over a backup infielder can you?

Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen

by Phil Gurnee on Dec 7, 2009 12:20 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

I thought it was for the starting 2B job. Was I wrong on that?

by silverwidow on Dec 7, 2009 12:20 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

Good God I hope so

otherwise I’ll be saying more then Fuck

Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen

by Phil Gurnee on Dec 7, 2009 12:21 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

I thought he'd be of interest as a

utility guy, no? He’s very useful that way, not so much as a starter. Or am I missing something? Would the price be too high for him as a utility guy? Sounds like he’d be had cheap…

There's no need to fear, Underdog is here! / Broncos/Dodgers fan in Niners/Raiders/Giants country, and damned proud of it.

by underdog on Dec 7, 2009 1:07 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

does this mean Pierre may be on the way out?

I’d rather give X Paul his shot.

by LA Taco on Dec 7, 2009 12:15 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

pierre for luis castillo

wow, suddenly I want pierre on my team

by hirambocachica on Dec 7, 2009 12:15 PM PST reply actions   0 recs

Full Tweet from Jon Heyman:

juan pierre talked about in trades by #dodgers. #mets would consider luis castillo for pierre

by Eric Stephen on Dec 7, 2009 12:17 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

Deja Vu

It's always darkest just before dawn

by Sordid on Dec 7, 2009 12:18 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

Castillo can't play shit for defense though.

Even if you’re not a fan of UZR, the scouting reports will say that Castillo can’t play D anymore.

by Tripon on Dec 7, 2009 12:22 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

We'd save

four million per year and have an OB machine at 2nd with DeWitt backing him up. Big part of Kensai’s offseason plan and I don’t see much downside to it.

Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen

by Phil Gurnee on Dec 7, 2009 12:19 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

Nope

From Bill James / John Dewan, on plus minus, Castillo ranked among MLB 2B:

2009: 31st
2008: 32nd
2007: 23rd
2006: 21st

by Eric Stephen on Dec 7, 2009 12:21 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

Yucko

now I remember why I wasn’t sold on the swap of bad contracts. I’d forgotten that little tidbit.

Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen

by Phil Gurnee on Dec 7, 2009 12:23 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

I think the Dodgers should put a premium on Defense so I am not a fan on this.

by LA Taco on Dec 7, 2009 12:24 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

It’s a feasible deal in that it is bad contract for bad contract, and that the Dodgers “fill a need” at 2B.

Upside is Castillo’s OBP. Downside is fact that he might be the worst defensive 2B in baseball. Still a reasonable deal (bench player for starter)

by Eric Stephen on Dec 7, 2009 12:19 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

I dunno

sounds like a grass-is-always-greener kind of thing. You think Dodger fans have issues with Pierre, check out Amazin’ Avenue to see what they think of Castillo! If that’s the best the Dodgers can do, I’d rather keep Pierre, and roll the dice on DeWitt.

by sarcastro9 on Dec 7, 2009 12:31 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

Why though?

We know Juan won’t be a starting outfielder.

Why roll the dice on DeWitt when you don’t have to? If DeWitt works out, then great, if not you’ve brought in another guy who can do the job.

by Michael White on Dec 7, 2009 12:46 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

ed_price
  
Multiple denials on #Mets and Edwin Jackson, to me and others. I apologize if it was unclear that it was a rumor and not confirmed.

by Julio Nievas on Dec 7, 2009 12:18 PM PST reply actions   0 recs

To be honest.

I rather Hu just get the 2nd base job until DeJesus is ready. He’ll probably suck defensively, but he’ll suck as a Dodger.

by Tripon on Dec 7, 2009 12:28 PM PST reply actions   0 recs

if you really want hu to have the job

then you dont care one bit for offense.. wow

by matthewmafa on Dec 7, 2009 12:30 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

Dodger press release
Los Angeles Dodgers President Dennis Mannion, who has overseen day-to-day business operations since January 2008, will assume greater responsibility that includes the club’s baseball operations.

To date, Mannion has had responsibility for business operations, including marketing, sponsorships, finance, ticket sales, human resources, communications and legal affairs. In his new role, Mannion will also oversee General Manager Ned Colletti, who manages the team’s baseball operations.

Mannion is one of the most tenured executives in professional sports. He first joined the Dodgers in 2007 following 27 seasons with the Philadelphia Phillies, Denver Nuggets, Colorado Avalanche and Baltimore Ravens.

"Dennis is a seasoned sports executive who has done a great job since arriving at the Dodgers," said Dodger Owner Frank McCourt. "He has already begun integrating baseball operations with the rest of the organization, and today’s announcement formalizes that transition."

"Connecting the baseball operation to the rest of the organization is a smart move that is good for the team," said Colletti. "I have long believed that both sides of the operation will function better as one – both understanding the challenges each has and working together to celebrate the triumphs as one group. This move acknowledges that and I embrace it wholeheartedly."

"We are all extremely proud of the team’s results on the field and the direction of the organization," said Mannion. "Our talented staff on both the baseball and business sides of the organization are committed to making the Dodgers a world championship team and a world class operation."

by Eric Stephen on Dec 7, 2009 12:30 PM PST reply actions   0 recs

Of course there’s a decent chance that Mannion’s going to pushed out when the Dodgers are sold. :)

by Tripon on Dec 7, 2009 12:30 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

Maybe it was MANNION’S decision to not offer arb last week. He’s the new sherriff in town.

by silverwidow on Dec 7, 2009 12:33 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

Only in the same way that Jon Heyman’s reports on Scott Boras clients are words out of his mouth. :)

by Eric Stephen on Dec 7, 2009 12:34 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

“Randy Wolf? NO WAY we offer him arb. Our business model indicates that he’s not worth his projected award.” —Dennis Mannion

by silverwidow on Dec 7, 2009 12:39 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

Is that Frank McCourt’s hand in my back?
No!
I am not a puppet!

by 68elcamino427 on Dec 7, 2009 12:47 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

It’s not Frank’s hand, and it’s usually a little lower….

The commenter formerly known as El Lay Dave.

by David Young on Dec 7, 2009 1:10 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

I don't see how this is good for the team on the field

The Dodgers have already made too many bad baseball decisions based on financials. I see this as de-emphasizing the baseball decisions even more to the primacy of business decisions.

by Sam PHL on Dec 7, 2009 12:36 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

Hmm

this will probably have huge ramifications in how they conduct business in the future but in what way I have no idea.

Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen

by Phil Gurnee on Dec 7, 2009 12:51 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

Keeps Frank above the fray and reinforces the idea that the entire Dodger franchise is operated separately from the McCourts’ personal interests in the divorce settlement. Mannion makes the decision if a baseball move aligns with business needs, not Frank.

The commenter formerly known as El Lay Dave.

by David Young on Dec 7, 2009 1:14 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

So Frank is willing to have Ned report to Mannion, but not to Jamie.

The commenter formerly known as El Lay Dave.

by David Young on Dec 7, 2009 1:00 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

"Connecting the baseball operation to the rest of the organization"

AKA = “Desperate attempt to siphon off all Dodger profits and assets to Quixotically attempt to fill exponentially expanding black whole in F MC’s finances until inevitable endpoint reached where Dodgers suck and F MC is bankrupt.”

After going through the BS translator.

by Cool Dudes on Dec 7, 2009 1:46 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

diamond83
  
#Dodgers announce that GM Ned Colletti now works under president Dennis Mannion, who previously was responsible for business operations.

Of course there’s a decent chance that Mannion’s going to pushed out when the Dodgers are sold. :)

by Tripon on Dec 7, 2009 12:31 PM PST reply actions   0 recs

Sounds like Mannion is the money man, not the baseball man

He stays and sinks with the SS F MC organization.

by Cool Dudes on Dec 7, 2009 1:47 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

SI_JonHeyman
  
#angels shopping half their OF (matthews, rivera). jason bay has to like clear-out approach. odd they dont want holliday, tho.

by Tripon on Dec 7, 2009 12:34 PM PST reply actions   0 recs

Buster_ESPN:
The Tigers’ asking price on Edwin Jackson is said by other teams to be very, very high at this point.

by matthewmafa on Dec 7, 2009 12:34 PM PST reply actions   0 recs

jcrasnick:

If San Diego does shop Kevin Correia, you have to figure the Brewers will be one of the teams in the mix.

by matthewmafa on Dec 7, 2009 12:35 PM PST reply actions   0 recs

LOL
jcrasnick:

For what it’s worth (on the Edwin Jackson front), the Mets and Tigers haven’t even talked today in Indy.

by matthewmafa on Dec 7, 2009 12:35 PM PST reply actions   0 recs

jaysonstark:
Hear Seattle has Nick Johnson high on its 1B shopping list. Other teams we’ve heard on Johnson: Giants, Mets, Red Sox, Dbacks, O’s, Yanks

by matthewmafa on Dec 7, 2009 12:36 PM PST reply actions   0 recs

Yankee's

they looking for a pinch hitter because last I looked they had a 1st baseman and plethora of DH guys.

Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen

by Phil Gurnee on Dec 7, 2009 12:44 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

Rosenthal said we’re not in on E Jax? We’ll probably get him then.

by oshea2002 on Dec 7, 2009 12:42 PM PST reply actions   0 recs

+1

so whats the opening day rotation?

kershaw starts opening day.
bills
jackson
Kuroda
Haegar/Elbert

by matthewmafa on Dec 7, 2009 12:45 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

kershaw
bills
bedard
jackson
Kuroda

once bedard gets injured, go to what you suggested :)

by LA Taco on Dec 7, 2009 12:47 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

no money

sadly…

no money for bedard..

by matthewmafa on Dec 7, 2009 12:57 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

Don’t know why but after that comment I couldn’t get Money for Nothing out of my mind

That ain’t workin’ that’s the way you do it Get your money for nothin’ get your chicks for free

Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen

by Phil Gurnee on Dec 7, 2009 1:37 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

lemme tell you them guys ain’t dumb

(maybe in this case they are)

by LA Taco on Dec 7, 2009 1:44 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

Buster_ESPN:
Mets expected to meet with agent for John Lackey tonight, among many meetings. Unclear whether they could meet financial demands for Lackey.

by matthewmafa on Dec 7, 2009 12:53 PM PST reply actions   0 recs

MikeSciosciasTI
  
#Dodgers in on Alfredo Amezaga, 32, missed year with microfracture surgery. What’s with these horrible infield rumros? http://bit.ly/4pv7Qs

From the way MSTI puts it, trading for Amezaga would be a bad thing!

by Tripon on Dec 7, 2009 1:04 PM PST reply actions   0 recs

Amezaga’s career year (2007 – age 29):
.263 / .324 / .358 / .682, 79 OPS+

He fields a lot of positions so Torre would play him a lot. What exactly is the upside? He’s not a true SS (though he came up through the minors as one), so I don’t even like him for Juan Castro’s old job.

The commenter formerly known as El Lay Dave.

by David Young on Dec 7, 2009 1:09 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

Mitch Jones received a $7,000 award for leading the minors in HRs this past season.

The commenter formerly known as El Lay Dave.

by David Young on Dec 7, 2009 1:04 PM PST reply actions   0 recs

Hope he likes Japan

by Tripon on Dec 7, 2009 1:05 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

He didn't last time

Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen

by Phil Gurnee on Dec 7, 2009 1:25 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

So what would people be willing to give up

for Kelly Johnson?

There's no need to fear, Underdog is here! / Broncos/Dodgers fan in Niners/Raiders/Giants country, and damned proud of it.

by underdog on Dec 7, 2009 1:07 PM PST reply actions   0 recs

Juan Pierre. :)

by Tripon on Dec 7, 2009 1:08 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

Heh

In real life I mean.

There's no need to fear, Underdog is here! / Broncos/Dodgers fan in Niners/Raiders/Giants country, and damned proud of it.

by underdog on Dec 7, 2009 1:09 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

Pedro Martinez.

The commenter formerly known as El Lay Dave.

by David Young on Dec 7, 2009 1:09 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

We should have drafted Delino Shield’s kid, and traded him for Pedro Martinez’s kid.

by Tripon on Dec 7, 2009 1:14 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

Hu:)

I could play this game all day. Or for five more minutes.

Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen

by Phil Gurnee on Dec 7, 2009 1:24 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

Okay, me too then

Darren Dreifort and Juan Pierre?

There's no need to fear, Underdog is here! / Broncos/Dodgers fan in Niners/Raiders/Giants country, and damned proud of it.

by underdog on Dec 7, 2009 1:30 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

Should be a buy-low opportunity, so I wouldn’t want to see anything but a lower-level prospect – Pedro Baez? He’s a second-time arb-eligible, so the price shouldn’t be too high for taking his salary off the Braves hands.

The commenter formerly known as El Lay Dave.

by David Young on Dec 7, 2009 1:31 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

The Dodgers couldn't afford him

via arbitration, the hope has to be they non – tender him.

Adam Kennedy is in play, the same guy who the Cardinals ate 4 Million on just this past summer. He’s like the Padilla for middle infielders except without the reputation baggage.

Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen

by Phil Gurnee on Dec 7, 2009 1:33 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

Adam Kennedy still got on Tony LaRussa’s shit list.

by Tripon on Dec 7, 2009 1:34 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

How does one get on LaRussa’s good list? Offer to be his designated driver?

The commenter formerly known as El Lay Dave.

by David Young on Dec 7, 2009 1:40 PM PST up reply actions   1 recs

Adopt a pet?

by Eric Stephen on Dec 7, 2009 1:53 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

What’s Johnson going to get in arb, $5M?

Given the Dodgers apparent financial situation, there’s probably nothing for L.A. to do until the deadline to tender / non-tender passes.

The commenter formerly known as El Lay Dave.

by David Young on Dec 7, 2009 1:40 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

dgoold
  
#Cardinals policy to await physical before announcing deal. Told it could be worth $9m w/ all incentives http://bit.ly/80L6ES #stlcards

by Tripon on Dec 7, 2009 1:30 PM PST reply actions   0 recs

What the Cardinals should really wait for more is Penny’s mental.

The commenter formerly known as El Lay Dave.

by David Young on Dec 7, 2009 1:32 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

I will say one thing about TJ Simers

The guy will write you back if you send him an email critical of something he wrote.

by Ian Capilouto on Dec 7, 2009 1:44 PM PST reply actions   0 recs

tell the story...

what did you write?

by LA Taco on Dec 7, 2009 1:45 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

I have just written him emails several times over the years

in regard to columns that he has written. It is usually a couple of sentences defending his point of view when he replies. His latest column bothered me because it seemed he was blaming a lot of USC’s problems this year only on Pete Carroll deciding to use a freshman quarterback. I felt that while that is partly true, he neglected to point out how the defense has been sucked dry the last few years by the NFL draft and that their best power back who would have helped them in the tough late season games neraly died weightlifting.

by Ian Capilouto on Dec 7, 2009 1:55 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

Did you make the HB hike

okay or find another way to get to your interview?

Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen

by Phil Gurnee on Dec 7, 2009 1:50 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

I made it no problem.:)

It was an easy walk and the interview went well I thought. I guess I will find out in the coming weeks what will happen. Interviewing 4 and hiring two, so I have a %50 percent chance.

by Ian Capilouto on Dec 7, 2009 1:57 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

Nats are looking at Ausmus.

Might be time to hand the keys to the castle to AJ Ellis. Maybe the Dodgers will put up a HUGE poster of him near the escalators.

by silverwidow on Dec 7, 2009 1:45 PM PST reply actions   0 recs

I'd like a back up catcher who Torre

wouldn’t be afraid to play, if we went with Ellis, Martin might as well start digging his grave with the stumps of femurs.

Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen

by Phil Gurnee on Dec 7, 2009 1:49 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

Ellis calls a magnificent game. I remember he caught a DOMINANT Billingsley game one night at Dodger Stadium.

by silverwidow on Dec 7, 2009 1:53 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

We keep hearing he's an excllent defensive catcher but

who really knows.

Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen

by Phil Gurnee on Dec 7, 2009 1:56 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

I don't mean to be flip but

Sometimes it seems like “He calls an excellent game” is code for “he doesn’t hit at all.”

There must be some catchers who truly call an excellent game, but how would you measure that? How would we know?

by Humma Kavula on Dec 7, 2009 1:58 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

Bills had 11 Ks in 7.2 IP, but also walked 3 and allowed 3 runs. “Dominant” is a stretch.

http://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/LAN/LAN200906300.shtml

by Eric Stephen on Dec 7, 2009 2:04 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

One of the walks was intentional, so I stand corrected :)

by Eric Stephen on Dec 7, 2009 2:07 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

Not sure who the options are

We figured Torre would be more interested in playing Ausmus than he had been playing Ardoin/Ellis/Bennett the year before but he didn’t.

Not sure what catcher would actually get reps. The logical choice would be a guy in the system (like Ellis or May) but I don’t see that happening either. Pudge I gues (he’s got enough name recognition to warrant the extra PT) but really I think Torre is going to continue riding Martin.

by Michael White on Dec 7, 2009 1:53 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

Yep - amazed that Ausmus

didn’t get more time. For one he was doing well when he started and for two, Martin sucked. Now Torre may have known that Ausmus would also suck the more he played but at least Martin would have been more rested.

Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen

by Phil Gurnee on Dec 7, 2009 1:55 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

Ausmus was pure crap during the Kershaw/Kawakami duel if I remember correctly. Dodgers would keep getting on base and he’d fuck it up.

by silverwidow on Dec 7, 2009 1:58 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

Ausmus also drove in two runs during the un-epic Kuroda vs. Ortiz match up a couple of weeks earlier. =P

by Tripon on Dec 7, 2009 2:02 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

“The Stumps of Femurs” is a great band name

by Eric Stephen on Dec 7, 2009 1:54 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

I wouldn't mind it if you posted a band name

everytime you think of one. We are trying to find names for my new band.

by Ian Capilouto on Dec 7, 2009 2:11 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

are you all Librarians?

Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen

by Phil Gurnee on Dec 7, 2009 2:12 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

They have a hell of a back catalog.

The commenter formerly known as El Lay Dave.

by David Young on Dec 7, 2009 2:14 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

Withdrawn From Circulation.

The commenter formerly known as El Lay Dave.

by David Young on Dec 7, 2009 2:16 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

Maybe that’s the first album title from The Librarians.

The commenter formerly known as El Lay Dave.

by David Young on Dec 7, 2009 2:17 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

Tracks:
Shelving for Eternity
Weird Phone Calls
Yes, An Advanced Degree
(What Is) That Smell?

The commenter formerly known as El Lay Dave.

by David Young on Dec 7, 2009 2:20 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

and a cover of Bob Dylan’s “My Back Pages”

by Eric Stephen on Dec 7, 2009 2:21 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

Check Me Out (Just Show Me Your Card)

The commenter formerly known as El Lay Dave.

by David Young on Dec 7, 2009 2:24 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

brilliant

Now write the music to the titles

Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen

by Phil Gurnee on Dec 7, 2009 2:26 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

I think we have enough for a pitch meeting with RCA!

by Eric Stephen on Dec 7, 2009 2:27 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

btw, as your agent, True Blue LA takes a modest 30% of all contracts :)

by Eric Stephen on Dec 7, 2009 2:27 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

Yeah I was going to mention

if lightning strikes, and we become huge, TBLA would be hooked up with something nice like season tickets and some backstage passes.

by Ian Capilouto on Dec 7, 2009 2:29 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

That works!!

by Eric Stephen on Dec 7, 2009 2:31 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

I'm actually going to

float a few of those names by the other guys and see what they think. They also gave me some other ideas for names.

by Ian Capilouto on Dec 7, 2009 2:33 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

Another possible album title is “Don’t Judge an Album by it’s Cover”

by Eric Stephen on Dec 7, 2009 2:22 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

Surely that already exists!

The commenter formerly known as El Lay Dave.

by David Young on Dec 7, 2009 2:24 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

An amazon search yielded two matches, one exact, one with “Can’t” as the first word.

The commenter formerly known as El Lay Dave.

by David Young on Dec 7, 2009 2:29 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

The Out of Print.

The Exposed Myself and Asked to Leave the LIbrary.

Hmm, have I revealed too much?

by Humma Kavula on Dec 7, 2009 2:18 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

Are you asking that now or did you say that then?

The commenter formerly known as El Lay Dave.

by David Young on Dec 7, 2009 2:29 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

Actually

come to think of it “The Stumps of Femurs” would be a good album name. Band name is open for discussion :)

by Eric Stephen on Dec 7, 2009 2:13 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

Flesh Wound?

Or maybe the first song is “Just a Flesh Wound”

The commenter formerly known as El Lay Dave.

by David Young on Dec 7, 2009 2:17 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

I was thinking more of a children’s album :)

by Eric Stephen on Dec 7, 2009 2:17 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

I tried to name a band Lather, Rinse and Repeat, but they wouldn’t go for it.

The commenter formerly known as El Lay Dave.

by David Young on Dec 7, 2009 2:13 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

Band

I always wanted to see a band named after one of those phrases, life Attorney General or Court Martial, that the adjective comes after the noun. The Attorneys General. The Courts Martial.

by Humma Kavula on Dec 7, 2009 2:14 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

It is kinda odd that all the teams that want to trade for Granderson are teams with good CFs already.

by Tripon on Dec 7, 2009 1:50 PM PST reply actions   0 recs

Is Melky now considered

 a good CF?

Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen

by Phil Gurnee on Dec 7, 2009 1:51 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

Austin Jackson is projected to be a good CF. But good point about Melky.

by Tripon on Dec 7, 2009 1:52 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

Per Joel Sherman
nyp_joelsherman
  
#Mets likely to meet Molina’s agt tonight and Lackey’s tomorrow

#Mariners officials downplay involvement on Edwin Jackson.

by Julio Nievas on Dec 7, 2009 1:53 PM PST reply actions   0 recs

jcrasnick
  
Randy Winn is telling clubs he wants to play fulltime. That might be a challenge, but he should attract lots of interest as a 4th OF in Jan.

by Tripon on Dec 7, 2009 2:00 PM PST reply actions   0 recs

I'm sure

he could get a starting gig if he agreed to play for 1 Million.

Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen

by Phil Gurnee on Dec 7, 2009 2:11 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

Yes, at triple-A.

by Tripon on Dec 7, 2009 2:12 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

jcrasnick:
Just to clarify: Randy Winn is confident he can find a 4th OF job in January if regular job fails to materialize in December.

by matthewmafa on Dec 7, 2009 2:26 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

From MLBTR
With USA Today’s Bob Nightengale suggesting the Tigers hope to trade Curtis Granderson this week, the center fielder requires his own post.

ESPN’s Peter Gammons says the Tigers wanted shortstop prospect Starlin Castro and two others from the Cubs. That price is too high for the Cubs. Gammons’ colleague Buster Olney says the Tigers want Phil Hughes and Austin Jackson from the Yankees for Granderson.

Okay, so you won’t be able to rip off the Tigers.

by Tripon on Dec 7, 2009 2:14 PM PST reply actions   0 recs

But from the Dodgers they want Matt Kemp and Chad Billingsley.

The commenter formerly known as El Lay Dave.

by David Young on Dec 7, 2009 2:15 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

I was thinking more like Dee Gordon, and Chris Withrow.

by Tripon on Dec 7, 2009 2:20 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

Kershaw is probably worth more than Granderson on a one to one basis.

by Tripon on Dec 7, 2009 2:22 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

probably?

it would take granderson and edwin jackson along with a prospect or 2 to get kershaw..

by matthewmafa on Dec 7, 2009 2:23 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

I am trying to be objective

by Tripon on Dec 7, 2009 2:25 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

Dee Gordon for sure would = Austin Jackson

but WIthrow does not equal Hughes since the want someone in the rotation now.

Elbert/Gordon/Troncoso for Granderson seems rich but it is always fun to listen to Canucks arteries harden.

Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen

by Phil Gurnee on Dec 7, 2009 2:21 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

we dont even need granderson..

why granderson to dodgers trade proposals? for fun?

by matthewmafa on Dec 7, 2009 2:24 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

The Tigers started Rick Porcello as a 20 year old. They’re not scared of starting young pitching like other teams are.

by Tripon on Dec 7, 2009 2:24 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

He was ready, Withrow is not.

Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen

by Phil Gurnee on Dec 7, 2009 2:25 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

he was ready>?

had he ever played about A ball?

by matthewmafa on Dec 7, 2009 2:26 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

He spent only one year at high-A

by Tripon on Dec 7, 2009 2:27 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

and withrow has spent a year in high a and part in aa

one can argue that withrow is even more ready then porcello..

by matthewmafa on Dec 7, 2009 2:29 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

He had a walk rate of 2.4

granted his K rate was dismal but from what I undertand he was under orders not to use his full arsenal.

Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen

by Phil Gurnee on Dec 7, 2009 2:30 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

he didnt have those orders..

he was just a groundball pitcher.. its not like he struck anyone out at the major league level either..

by matthewmafa on Dec 7, 2009 2:31 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

I think you be wrong on this one.

Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen

by Phil Gurnee on Dec 7, 2009 2:32 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

nope

his offspeed pitches just arent good yet..

by matthewmafa on Dec 7, 2009 2:34 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

Okay

You be right, I misrembered about the program.

The Good: Porcello has everything it takes to be a top-flight starter in the big leagues. His frame and arm action are nearly ideal, and he throws two plus fastballs—a 90-93 mph two-seamer with heavy sink, and a four-seam that can get into the mid-90s. He throws a slider and a curveball that both project as plus, while his changeup is highly advanced for his age and he has the confidence to use it as another out pitch. His command is outstanding, and he has the mound presence of a veteran.
The Bad: Porcello wasn’t as dominant as many expected him to be as far as missing bats, but he was under a specific program that was designed to develop all of his offerings and get him to pitch efficiently, with one scout noting, “he was just toying with hitters really, as you could tell he could overpower them whenever he needed to.” He’ll still flatten a slider from time to time.

Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen

by Phil Gurnee on Dec 7, 2009 2:39 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

Above quote

from Kevin Goldstein and Baseball Prospectus

Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen

by Phil Gurnee on Dec 7, 2009 2:39 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

Adam Everett re-signed with Detroit for a year

by Eric Stephen on Dec 7, 2009 2:15 PM PST reply actions   0 recs

jcrasnick:
Justin Duchscherer declined salary arbitration from the A’s. He’s on the open market.

by matthewmafa on Dec 7, 2009 2:16 PM PST reply actions   0 recs

Another one of many

flawed but skilled pitchers FA pitchers when on the mound.

Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen

by Phil Gurnee on Dec 7, 2009 2:22 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

peter gammons just said in Baseball tonight

that the dodgers are trading sherill for sure and are looking to move him for a young reliever..

by matthewmafa on Dec 7, 2009 2:30 PM PST reply actions   0 recs

Just what we need

 another young reliever. Ned does love his relief pitchers, but he’s never traded for a “young” relief pitcher. I call four ball on Gammons.

Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen

by Phil Gurnee on Dec 7, 2009 2:31 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

Torre must have said Sherrill is on the shit list.

by Tripon on Dec 7, 2009 2:31 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

What team is looking to be the other end of that deal? Doesn’t ring true to me.

The commenter formerly known as El Lay Dave.

by David Young on Dec 7, 2009 2:32 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

I would love to trade Sherrill back to Seattle for Mark Lowe.

by silverwidow on Dec 7, 2009 2:33 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

I like Mark Lowe

but if we moving Sherrill either move him for something we need of for some prospects, not to bolster our strongest area.

Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen

by Phil Gurnee on Dec 7, 2009 2:34 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

Sherrill for Andy LaRoche?

LaRoche competes with DeWitt for the 2B job? :)

by silverwidow on Dec 7, 2009 2:40 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

Why?

The new management looks like they like OB and Jose Lopez struggles in that area.

Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen

by Phil Gurnee on Dec 7, 2009 2:33 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

he said

jose lopez will move to first.. uggla at second

by matthewmafa on Dec 7, 2009 2:36 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

More likely

if the get Uggla, the sign Nick Johnson and send Jose Lopes to the Dodgers for Sherrill

Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen

by Phil Gurnee on Dec 7, 2009 2:40 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

Lopez

Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen

by Phil Gurnee on Dec 7, 2009 2:41 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

If it was Lopes, that’s too much pressure on him :)

by Eric Stephen on Dec 7, 2009 2:42 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

I believe I

mistyped every word in that sentence other then Uggla

Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen

by Phil Gurnee on Dec 7, 2009 2:47 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

and then john kruk just said

if uggla goes to San fransisco… that they would be Heavy favorites in the division

by matthewmafa on Dec 7, 2009 2:33 PM PST reply actions   0 recs

Skinny guys like

Tiger are not exactly having a boffo time of it.

Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen

by Phil Gurnee on Dec 7, 2009 2:36 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

Boffo = comedy gold :)

by Eric Stephen on Dec 7, 2009 2:37 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

Weis’ random blast on Carroll was just out there and funny. Like it never occurred to him that it had a good chance of blowing up in his face.

by Tripon on Dec 7, 2009 2:37 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

I was hoping it was true.

by delias man on Dec 7, 2009 2:40 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

I work

Just down the street from the Marriott here in beautiful downtown Indy. I was thinking about snooping. If I run into the mustachioed one, what should I ask him? ;-)

by Son of Steve Sax on Dec 7, 2009 2:38 PM PST reply actions   0 recs

Did you not offer arbitration to Randy Wolf because the club didn’t want to taken on the financial burden of two extra draft picks?

by Eric Stephen on Dec 7, 2009 2:39 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

Not sure

I could get through that question without sobbing.

by Son of Steve Sax on Dec 7, 2009 2:41 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

Why did you sign Juan Pierre and Andruw Jones to multiple years when Matt Kemp was ready in less than a year?

by Tripon on Dec 7, 2009 2:42 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

How about which

ball was Frank squeezing when he told him to tell the press it was a baseball decision or did he have both of them.

Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen

by Phil Gurnee on Dec 7, 2009 2:42 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

If I can be metaphoric

I’d say that Frank McCourt ties Ned’s hands behind his back and trims his mustache for him, when all Colletti really wants is a full beard.

by Son of Steve Sax on Dec 7, 2009 3:04 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

Just how many prospects would you have to give Toronto in order to obtain Roy Halladay with the Blue Jays paying his entire salary?

by Eric Stephen on Dec 7, 2009 2:42 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

Eric

the dark side does not befit you, recant and use the force for good. We must be balanced and you are overweighting the short sidedness of the Dodgers. We can’t all be over here.

Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen

by Phil Gurnee on Dec 7, 2009 2:43 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

Good times will come again

In six or seven years.

That’s positive right?

by Cool Dudes on Dec 7, 2009 2:45 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

The Isotopes

and a few other teams.

by prosellis on Dec 7, 2009 2:43 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

When you go home at night

do you cry yourself to sleep?

by Cool Dudes on Dec 7, 2009 2:43 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

Why trade for George Sherrill if you’re going to shop him in the off season? Did you just not like Joshua Bell and Steven Johnson?

by Tripon on Dec 7, 2009 2:43 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

A follow up to that

At what point did you realize that Sherrill just might be a tad expensive in 2010-2011 for a non-closer? Before or after the trade?

by Eric Stephen on Dec 7, 2009 2:44 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

Whatever the question is

be sure to preface it with “When your contract expires after 2014…” just to see how he responds or gives a definitive date :)

by Eric Stephen on Dec 7, 2009 2:46 PM PST up reply actions   1 recs

Nice

The commenter formerly known as El Lay Dave.

by David Young on Dec 7, 2009 2:52 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

Saxy,

you opened up one hell of a can of worms and comedy gold.

Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen

by Phil Gurnee on Dec 7, 2009 2:46 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

Indeed

Figured it was a throw-away, talked to my boss for 5 minutes, and all hell’s broken loose.

by Son of Steve Sax on Dec 7, 2009 2:54 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

Another potential Ned question

Do you know how to pronounce the last name of the Jays’ GM?

by Eric Stephen on Dec 7, 2009 3:06 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

For those Wang rumors

from Pete Abraham:

Once Wang is non-tendered, wouldn’t he be a good risk/reward sign for the Red Sox? His agent says he’ll be ready May 1

by Eric Stephen on Dec 7, 2009 2:47 PM PST reply actions   0 recs

That's beautiful

Completely made up. No promise or implication of having talked to the Red Sox. Just spitballing.

by Humma Kavula on Dec 7, 2009 2:48 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

I was more interested in pointing out that he wouldn’t be ready until May 1

by Eric Stephen on Dec 7, 2009 2:52 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

If he was a Clipper that would mean

he’d be out until 2011

Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen

by Phil Gurnee on Dec 7, 2009 2:53 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

Wonder if he’ll get $5 million like Penny/Smoltz did. :)

by Tripon on Dec 7, 2009 2:49 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

O-dog is on the PHONE

on baseball tonight…

they are talking about his benching…

by matthewmafa on Dec 7, 2009 2:49 PM PST reply actions   0 recs

i didnt listen.. i dont like the 0 dog

but john kruk said he would be a great signing because he helps out your pitchers also

by matthewmafa on Dec 7, 2009 2:51 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

Kruk said

the way he acted after being benched was the most important thing we learned about him as a player this season. Because being a cheerleader is a commodity that most teams are looking for when seeking a starting second baseman.

That is almost a quote. It almost made my ears bleed.

by prosellis on Dec 7, 2009 2:55 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

I loved watching Kruk

play baseball but man he sucks at his job

Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen

by Phil Gurnee on Dec 7, 2009 2:56 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

He said he would listen to any and all offers. Didn’t have a set price. They asked if 3year/8 mill or 2 year/10 mill would do it. He wouldn’t answer.

by prosellis on Dec 7, 2009 2:53 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

One year

five million, so he ends up suing the the Dodgers saying his benching messed up his value and gave teams the perception he was injured goods. As he signs the court documents he breaks his wrist trying to make an R.

Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen

by Phil Gurnee on Dec 7, 2009 2:55 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

The Angels must be happy that the Mariners traded that boatload of talent for Bedard and that the Mariners will end with nothing for him because otherwise they’d be one imprressive looking team right now for the AL West.

Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen

by Phil Gurnee on Dec 7, 2009 2:50 PM PST reply actions   0 recs

Great return for Bedard

At some point this year, or for sure 2011, the Orioles will field a team with Adam Jones in CF, Josh Bell at 3B, and Chris Tillman starting on the mound

by Eric Stephen on Dec 7, 2009 2:54 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

It is the Oriole

equivalent to the AJ Deal.

Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen

by Phil Gurnee on Dec 7, 2009 2:58 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

and Kam mickolio

closing out the game…

and steve johnson slated to start the next game…

wow.. what a franchise changing deal..

by matthewmafa on Dec 7, 2009 2:59 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

jaysonst:
Phillies have quietly let teams know they’d listen on Joe Blanton. Trying to free up $ for bullpen upgrades.

by matthewmafa on Dec 7, 2009 2:54 PM PST reply actions   0 recs

Hmm

Sherrill for Blanton?

Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen

by Phil Gurnee on Dec 7, 2009 2:55 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

Would save the Phils a couple million and Ned needs a starter….

The commenter formerly known as El Lay Dave.

by David Young on Dec 7, 2009 2:56 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

What is Blanton making next year?

Because the is one of the better semi-plausible things I’ve heard.

by prosellis on Dec 7, 2009 2:57 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

Probably ~$7m or so in arbitration

by Eric Stephen on Dec 7, 2009 2:58 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

Well

There went the whole plausible thing.

by prosellis on Dec 7, 2009 2:58 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

It's still plasubile

we add a starter for roughly $3.5 – $4m, and fill in the bullpen spot with either a kid or a ~$1m veteran

by Eric Stephen on Dec 7, 2009 2:59 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

I am still operating under the assumption

that the payroll is going to be significantly less than $100 mill. This way, I can’t possibly be horribly shocked by anything that happens. Its all roses for me from here on out.

by prosellis on Dec 7, 2009 3:05 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

Sherrill may be around $4M in his arb.

The commenter formerly known as El Lay Dave.

by David Young on Dec 7, 2009 3:00 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

I remember when we had to give up some combo of LaRoche, DeJesus, Meloan, and Hu for Blanton.

by silverwidow on Dec 7, 2009 2:58 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

LOL

The commenter formerly known as El Lay Dave.

by David Young on Dec 7, 2009 2:59 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

I feel for you today. This must be like “the weatherman is dead” SNL skit when the morning TV show broke their teleprompter! :)

by Eric Stephen on Dec 7, 2009 3:00 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

Seeing as how I got into arguments

with other people defending the x-FIP metric over WAR or whatever, I just don’t want there to be a post from THT saying that they were wrong all along about x-FIP and that there is no correlation between HR/FB ratio, etc. That would be emarassing for me.

by Michael White on Dec 7, 2009 3:04 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

Blanton xERA

was 4.23 in 2009. Just a tad better then 2007 and way better then normal for him. Even had a decent K rate this past year for the first time since his rookie season. Actually quite a big jump.

Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen

by Phil Gurnee on Dec 7, 2009 3:06 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

Dodgers trade George Sherrill/Casey Blake/Juan Pierre for Jayson Werth/Joe Blanton.

by Tripon on Dec 7, 2009 3:04 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

Yes, please.

by prosellis on Dec 7, 2009 3:06 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

Salaries match up, but Casey Blake could be argued to be the 2nd most valuable position player behind Matt Kemp, and there’s no place to play Werth.

by Tripon on Dec 7, 2009 3:07 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

They signed Polanco

have no need for Blake or Pierre. They don’ t want to weaken the team simply move a starter for a relief pitcher.

Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen

by Phil Gurnee on Dec 7, 2009 3:08 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

Sherrill for Blanton, though...

….that’s all right. Woudl the Phillies ever do that?

by Humma Kavula on Dec 7, 2009 3:10 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

Because Jayson Werth was my favorite Fox-era Dodger.

I can’t cheer for him in Philly.

Quit using your logic to shatter my dreams!

by prosellis on Dec 7, 2009 3:10 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

I never stopped rooting for him

one of biggest irritations of the 21st century Dodgers is the pitch that broke his wrist during his first spring training at bat in 2005. That one pitch may have been a franchise changer.

Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen

by Phil Gurnee on Dec 7, 2009 3:12 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

Broke my heart.

Worked out okay for him. Been to two WS and got a ring. I’m happy for him.

But that first inning 3 run bomb he hit against the Dodgers this year was really painful.

by prosellis on Dec 7, 2009 3:14 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

If he stays healthy we have an outfield of Ethier, Kemp, Werth?

and no Manny? I think I’d like it…too bad I hate Werth now.

by Ivdown on Dec 7, 2009 4:30 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

can werth play 3rd?

or move ethier to left werth to right kemp in center and manny at 3rd

by matthewmafa on Dec 7, 2009 3:06 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

Make him a catcher again

Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen

by Phil Gurnee on Dec 7, 2009 3:07 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

Platoon Ethier and Werth in RF

Let Werth kill lefties and Ethier kill righties.

by prosellis on Dec 7, 2009 3:08 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

That would be the most potent

of platoons. Maybe even worth the 20 Million you’d have to pay for it.

Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen

by Phil Gurnee on Dec 7, 2009 3:09 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

I’d say so. that’s too forward thinking for just about anyone though

by LA Taco on Dec 7, 2009 3:16 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

We could also make Werth into a 1st baseman.

by Tripon on Dec 7, 2009 3:11 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

But he's an

 excellent right fielder.

Anyway NWIH that Werth is traded.

Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen

by Phil Gurnee on Dec 7, 2009 3:13 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

Fat for fat?

by Tripon on Dec 7, 2009 2:56 PM PST reply actions   0 recs

stevehenson333
  
Frank McCourt is addressing his inattentiveness, handing Dodger baseball ops to Dennis Mannion, who previously ran only the business side.

Posting only because of the conclusion.

by Tripon on Dec 7, 2009 2:57 PM PST reply actions   0 recs

Frank is to busy making sure

Jamie is not swimming during off hours in his house.

Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen

by Phil Gurnee on Dec 7, 2009 2:59 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

Maybe its Frank McCourt with the grad student in Malibu.

by Tripon on Dec 7, 2009 3:00 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

… with the rope.

The commenter formerly known as El Lay Dave.

by David Young on Dec 7, 2009 3:01 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

jcrasnick:
The Marlins are also getting some trade inquiries on OF Cody Ross, who went .270-24-90 this season.

the yankees should defintly trade for ross

by matthewmafa on Dec 7, 2009 3:09 PM PST reply actions   0 recs

Heisman Finalists for NYC

McCoy, Ingram, Suh, Gerhart, and the cry baby.

My only beef is cry baby over Spiller, but no way was he getting left in Gainesville for the weekend.

by oshea2002 on Dec 7, 2009 3:13 PM PST reply actions   0 recs

Cry Baby?

What did Tebow do to become a cry baby?

by Ian Capilouto on Dec 7, 2009 3:15 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

yah sucks to show

emotion after playing your last game and realizing that the best part of his life is now over.

Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen

by Phil Gurnee on Dec 7, 2009 3:17 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

He cried last year as well after losing to Ole Miss.

by Tripon on Dec 7, 2009 3:17 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

I'm more referring to his display after the Ole Miss game last year

this just sealed it. Sorry, I can’t take any more of Tebow.

by oshea2002 on Dec 7, 2009 3:18 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

seriously..

his future in the nfl doesnt look too bright..

his best days are all behind him now..

by matthewmafa on Dec 7, 2009 3:18 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

Uh… isn’t he a virgin? I’d say his best days are ahead of him

by LA Taco on Dec 7, 2009 3:18 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

Money for nothing and chicks for free will console him as he moves beyond college ball. Someone sweet looking will dry his tears.

Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen

by Phil Gurnee on Dec 7, 2009 3:19 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

How much money can he really expect in the NFL?

by Tripon on Dec 7, 2009 3:20 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

top 20 draft pick, probably 10-20… almost sure 14-25 I think. How much would that be?

by LA Taco on Dec 7, 2009 3:22 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

huh??

i doubt he goes in the first round… and if some stupid team like the bills take him.. they will waste their first round pick..

by matthewmafa on Dec 7, 2009 3:23 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

I’m sure you know more than me, but I saw two mock drafts that had him in the top 25

by LA Taco on Dec 7, 2009 3:24 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

mathewmafa

is putting his own feelings toward his worth into the draft. He may be right about what he ends up doing but he’s going to make some money next year.

Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen

by Phil Gurnee on Dec 7, 2009 3:24 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

tim tebow in the first round??

you think tim tebow will go in the first round?

by matthewmafa on Dec 7, 2009 3:25 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

 I realize now that both of the mock drafts I saw had him going to Jacksonville… home town hero kind of pick but then you’d have to wonder why they’d bother if no one else is going to pick him.

by LA Taco on Dec 7, 2009 3:29 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

Their owner even said something along the lines of Tebow being a realistic option to help sell tickets. They don’t have a 2nd round pick, so pretty much every mock draft I’ve seen has the Jags taking him in the 1st. As a Jag fan, I am not too thrilled about that scenario. I’ll gladly take Locker, though.

by uclatroy on Dec 7, 2009 3:37 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

I know nothing about college football

anymore but I do know the man will make more money in his lifetime then probably all of us combined.

Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen

by Phil Gurnee on Dec 7, 2009 3:30 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

suprisingly

the nfl mock drafts have him as the 20th pick..

i wouldnt draft him.. but im not a gm or scouting directer..

by matthewmafa on Dec 7, 2009 3:33 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

14-25

got you between $7.55m and $11m of guaranteed money in the 2009 draft

http://walterfootball.com/forum/showthread.php?t=10264

by Eric Stephen on Dec 7, 2009 3:23 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

If he slips

2nd round is probably between $1-3m guaranteed.

3rd round and lower is less than $1m guaranteed

by Eric Stephen on Dec 7, 2009 3:24 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

More like 2nd rounder that has a good chance of busting out. Of course he can still make a couple of million, but ‘only’ that.

I could be wrong, but I don’t think teams will give him a chance to fuck around like they do with other QBs because his mechanics are pretty bad and if a team don’t think they can fix him they will cut him.

by Tripon on Dec 7, 2009 3:24 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

The dude will be a tight end

he has the perfect tight end body.

He will either come to terms with that, or be like Eric Crouch refuse to play anything but QB and end up being the local weatherman.

by Michael White on Dec 7, 2009 3:25 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

You brought us full circle with the weatherman reference. Well done.

by Eric Stephen on Dec 7, 2009 3:26 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

DId you expect USC

to have four conference losses in your wildest dreams?

Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen

by Phil Gurnee on Dec 7, 2009 3:28 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

Nope

Very, very disappointed in the season. But I have to keep reminding myself that if 8-4 is a bad year you don’t have much to worry about.

by Eric Stephen on Dec 7, 2009 3:31 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

Until

you remember you went 5-4 in conference.

Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen

by Phil Gurnee on Dec 7, 2009 3:32 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

It just means more uppance will come for 4 teams :)

by Eric Stephen on Dec 7, 2009 3:33 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

Or it could mean the

ride is over. It was one hell of a ride but it might be time for a new cycle to begin.

Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen

by Phil Gurnee on Dec 7, 2009 3:36 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

I’ll believe that if 5-4 happens again in 2010

by Eric Stephen on Dec 7, 2009 3:38 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

Coaching was a debacle this year.

And Barkley was terrible. Those 2 things get fixed, SC bounces right back. They don’t, we have problems.

by oshea2002 on Dec 7, 2009 3:36 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

and the defense sucked ass. Taylor Mays has got to be kicking himself.

Barkley played like a freshman, no doubt. But if Corp was the starter they might have gone 4-8

by Eric Stephen on Dec 7, 2009 3:38 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs