Dodgers Trade Penguin, Get Director of Pro Scouting
by Eric Stephen on Dec 8, 2009 1:41 PM PST
in News
353 comments
Vance Lovelace, who along with Dan Cataline was acquired by the Dodgers from the Cubs for Ron Cey in 1983, has been named Director of Pro Scouting, a newly created position by the Dodgers. Lovelace has been with the organization in some sort of scouting capacity since 2001, previously held the title of special assistant to the general manager, one of eight such positions.
Lovelace, 46, was largely responsible for the advance scouting of the Cubs prior to the 2008 NLDS, a series swept by the Dodgers in three games. Earlier this spring, Ned Colletti said Lovelace was so fired up about the scouting report, that he had Lovelace address the team to give the report. Colletti had nothing but praise for Lovelace:
In my four years with the Dodgers, Vance has proven himself to be a trusted advisor and a keen judge of baseball talent on the Major League level. I think he will flourish in his new role overseeing all of our professional scouts and I look forward to strengthening our working relationship in 2010 and beyond. His passion for baseball and for the Dodger organization will help many advance to a higher level.
As a player, Lovelace pitched in the Dodger organization for three seasons (1983-1985), and pitched in the majors for parts of three seasons (1988-1990) with the Angels and Mariners.
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diamond83
Vance Lovelace named special advisor to GM Ned Colletti and director of pro scouting. He was once Gary Sheffield’s bodyguard.
So Vance Lovelance.
- Is named Vance Lovelance.
- Was Sheffield’s bodyguard.
- Maybe the Ultimate Ned’s type of guy.
- Special asst. to the GM.
Good thing we got rid of this guy :)
from Diamond Leung:
#Indians prospect Carlos Santana out 4-6 wks after right wrist surgery http://bit.ly/5wa3c7
What does “out 4-6 weeks” on December 8 mean? 4-6 wees ffrom now is the start of spring training… or is he expected to be out until mid-May?
http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20091202&content_id=7746032&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb
This report said he left his winter ball team due to the Flu. :)
No wonder
our prospects all have command issues. I remembered Lovelace as a big "wild ass lefty" and sure enough that is xactly what he wase. . He was big time number one pick for Cubs and the price the Cubs paid for our own Ron Cey. Safe to say we did not get a very good return for the penguin.
I mean – come on
16 seasons in the minor leagues and he had a career walk rate of 7.7 with highs of 13. 2. That is right he walked 13 guys every nine inning and yet managed to pitch 16 seasons in the minors because his K rate was also …. Check it out, baseball reference has how many players he walked every season but no K information. Guess we have to hit the Cube for the full picture.
I’m just glad he’s a scout and not an instructor.
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
Exciting news!
Just the beginning of the many “big” splashes Dodgers are poised to make this winter. ;-)
PS: Don’t you mean, “acquired from the Cubs” (Lovelace that is)? Just being nitpicky.
There's no need to fear, Underdog is here! / Broncos/Dodgers fan in Niners/Raiders/Giants country, and damned proud of it.
No worries
Again, just a nitpick from a procrastinating editor. ;-) You were probably distracted by all the exciting Padilla rumors today.
There's no need to fear, Underdog is here! / Broncos/Dodgers fan in Niners/Raiders/Giants country, and damned proud of it.
Wouldn’t that just be tragic/funny if they had a report mixed up, and the Dodger pitchers/catchers were so slavish to the scouting report that they just kept pitching to Ruiz’s strength? :)
My intense dislike for Ruiz, which, during the playoffs, graduated into an irrational hatred, has not abated.
The Ultimate Ned's Kind of Guy
2009 Ruiz
including playoffs
against non-Dodger opponents: .242/.332/.402
against Dodgers: .481/.650/.852
I keep my disgust
for our pitchers who could not get him out. Ruiz did his job, the Dodger pitchers didn’t.
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
Well
I did describe my hatred as irrational.
And intense. But mostly irrational.
The Ultimate Ned's Kind of Guy
BrockandSalk
Chone Figgins deal is official. He has signed with the Mariners!!!
You know its official, because he used three exclamation points.
Anticlimactic news
of the day Award ;-)
There's no need to fear, Underdog is here! / Broncos/Dodgers fan in Niners/Raiders/Giants country, and damned proud of it.
The Brewers are working to re-sign pitcher Claudio Vargas, MLB.com’s Adam McCalvy learned. They view him as a reliever.
dgoold
Seattle just announced signing Figgins to 4year deal, with an option for fifth. La Russa said price was too high to consider for too long.
Four years now
they like to sign their 3rd baseman in four year increments.
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
what about the
Fjords?
There's no need to fear, Underdog is here! / Broncos/Dodgers fan in Niners/Raiders/Giants country, and damned proud of it.
jonmorosi
Expect Luis Ayala to sign a minor league deal with the #Dodgers or #Rockies.
Will the Dodgers lose on the Luis Ayala sweepstakes?
If I'm a minor league
free agent pitcher, I’m looking to stay away from the PCL and the Isotopes in particular. Ayala should notice that no matter how well Strickland and Choi pitched they never smelled a major league game. Ned would throw any veteran starter onto the roster but not so much the veteran relievers not on the 40 man.
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
It's not like Colorado Springs is going to do him any better...
But apparently he likes the Northern New Mexico/Southern Colorado region.
Hope there's nothing to that Buster Olney report
that we have no money for player moves during the offseason and 2010 season
yanks stole granderson..
They gave up a highly overrated prospect in Austin jackson..
A middle reliever at best in the Al East in ian Kennedy
and a LOOGY Phil Coke
to get curtis granderson.. who might hit 50 home runs next year in yankee stadium..
looll YAA
50!!!
the man is a left handed fly ball hitter who pulls the ball everytime…
50 home runs is not out of question… remmember he was playing in detroits ballpark everyyear… that huge kingdom.. now he gets to go in some small ballpark.. he might do it
Granderson's banner year of 2007
he hit an insane 38 doubles, 23 triples, and 23 homeruns. So he was only 7 homeruns shy of 30 that year whilst playing in Detroit.
While that year may likely go down as his abolute best, I don’t think much of an adjustment would need to be made for him to hit 30+ HR’s in lefty friendly New York.
by Michael White on Dec 8, 2009 2:39 PM PST up reply actions
I would definitely take the over on that one!
I’ve been to the new Yankee stadium a couple times and the ball absolutely flies out of there to right field. Its actually kind of pathetic, because a lot of balls that wouldn’t even hit the warning track at a night game in Dodger Stadium clear the wall. Even Juan Pierre would hit a couple in that park.
his career high is only 30..
i think he will hit at least 30 next year for sure…
but whats more important is to hit 30 and keep ihs average north of .275
He should be able to get north of .275 easily. His BABIP was just .275 last year despite a 21% LD rate.
If he gets his BABIP up to a more normal .310 (his previous career low was .316), his average would have been right at .275. He’ll be fine.
the man is a left handed matt kemp
sttrikes out a lot hits for power cf with speed..
and both kill opposite handed pitching while struggling somewhat about same handed..
So you are low on A Jackson huh?
I’ve heard good things about him, but I’m not one of the most involved prospect guys on this board…
I agree with the people here, the team that this deal looks the worst for is AZ.
by Michael White on Dec 8, 2009 2:17 PM PST up reply actions
az rotation could be dominant next year..
haren webb and edwin jackson…
but they gave up sherzer who they probably think is a reliever long term
and yes i am low on the overrated yankee prospect austin jackson
The ZIPS projection for Austin Jackson is not kind.
Jackson 551 58 136 26 4 6 50 38 132 16 .247 .298 .341 68
197. Bring Me the Head of Alfredo Griffin (Vlad) Posted: December 08, 2009 at 05:40 PM (#3407301)
“Jason Repko is a comp for Austin Jackson? Ouch.”
Not just any comp – the best-case scenario. Moran got cut by the Phillies without ever making the majors, and Terrero (who spent last season as a bench player for the Northern League’s Kansas City T-Bones) put up a .234/.319/.356 line in 551 ML AB.
It seems highly speculative to argue a fact just because some other guy said it in a comment somewhere, that he heard from another guy.
Okay, I was wrong.
203. Dingbat Charlie Posted: December 08, 2009 at 06:01 PM (#3407333)
How did you find the comps for Austin Jackson?
Yankees 2010 ZIPS projections.
http://www.baseballthinkfactory.org/files/oracle/discussion/2010_zips_projections_new_york_yankees/
he was in AAA last season too..
he has no power.. strikes out too much.. doesnt walk enough
the only plus is that hes a CF..
Big rumor
from Jamey Newberg (the Newberg Report):
Texas offered Feliz and Smoak for Josh Johnson, huh? Umm, wow
And the Marlins didn’t go for it!? I love Johnson, but if you’re not signing him. JUMP JUMP JUMP on that rumor. Fuck, I’d do that for Billingsley in a sec.
Exactly why it sounds false. Don’t see how the Marlins pass on that.
The commenter formerly known as El Lay Dave.
It did not pass the smell test
but then again would we have accepted that offer for Billingsley? Smoak is not exactly living upto his hype and is there any concern that Feliz doesn’t have the arm for the rotation? Then again if Texas traded Feliz then we might be witnessing Pedro II.
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
If you were down on Billingsley, yes, I would guess. And while Smoak is not living up to his hype, Loney pretty much dug his own grave and shouldn’t be given the benefit of the doubt that he can get better.
That is a bold statement
he has hardly dug any graves and at least he’s being productive at the major league level. Let us see what Smoak can even do.
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
Loney is a league average hitter at 1st base. If we had any money, I’d say we’d trade him and sign Adam LaRoche, but we don’t have money so never mind.
adamn laroche only plays
i nthe second half.. hes russell martin offensivley in the first half..
Adam LaRoche hits like he’s Joe Mauer in the 2nd half. I’d take one great half over two bad halfs by Loney
and James Loney looks better than Adam LaRoche when he's on the road
so there’s half a season right there. Plus, he had more RBIs overall, far less strikeouts, is a better fielder, and is 5 years younger. If Loney was a year younger and his only experience had been a successful September callup where he did well, people would be crowning him the Dodger first baseman of the future. But because he got called up so young, excelled at first before working through occasional struggles at the major league level, the bar has been set very high for him.
One guy on DT a few weeks ago (in reference to Torre’s comparisons) asked something like, “So when is Loney gonna stop being Andy LaRoche (ie. a bust) and start being Bernie Williams?” I pointed out that was an ironic comment, since at Loney’s age, Bernie Williams HIMSELF wasn’t even Bernie Williams. And as far as being “league average”, that’s an awfully tough thing to do when your competition is Prince Fielder, Albert Pujols, and Ryan Howard, among others.
I’m sure he’ll do fine with some more experience- especially with the swing that he’s got!
Some good points, especially nice one on Road Loney.
I think the league average comment is that he is a league average hitter period (103-104 OPS+ the last couple seasons), which is a drain at 1B.
The commenter formerly known as El Lay Dave.
Hell ya
Especially considering his cost and years left under club control.
by Michael White on Dec 8, 2009 3:39 PM PST up reply actions
ah, I see- fair enough
so I’ll retract that. But the rest stands! :)
I guess one thing that’s fortunate about “us” (ie. the McCourts) being broke is that we HAVE to continue giving the younger guys a chance. Hopefully, the ownership situation changes a year from now- two at the absolute latest- so judgements can be made about who to keep and who to let go based primarily on MERIT, and not cost. (I know cost always comes into play no matter what- I just don’t want it to be the MAIN thing driving personnel decisions.)
Road Loney +
PLAYOFFS LONEY don’t forget ;-)
There's no need to fear, Underdog is here! / Broncos/Dodgers fan in Niners/Raiders/Giants country, and damned proud of it.
I remember that Bernie Williams comment
And I felt it kinda came outta nowhere. Bernie Williams is not a comp for James Loney.
Thing is, the name many of us think of for Loney is Mark Grace — high avg, takes a walk, not a lot of homers but a doubles machine — and Loney isn’t showing a lot of signs there, either.
I root for Loney, but he’s got roughly 700 more PA to prove himself or he won’t be a Dodger.
The Ultimate Ned's Kind of Guy
James Loney hits like a pitcher at Dodgers Stadium though. And that’s the rub. He’s an offensive sink hole for 82 games for the Dodgers.
Yeah, he struggles. But “hits like a pitcher”? Maybe, if that pitcher is Carlos Zambrano! :))
There’s no question his struggles at Dodger Stadium are troubling. But that’s just something they’re going to have to work on with him. No one has the answer right now as to what’s going on with that, but anyone who can hit the way he does on the road should be able to do so at home, too. It was encouraging to see him break out of that a little bit at the end of the year, particularly in the playoffs.
I would assume that Vance never seriously dated a girl named Linda.
The commenter formerly known as El Lay Dave.
"seriously" is the key word there, as in "for very long"
I would love to see the reaction on her face when she made that inevitable association – "hmmm…if we got married, my name would be…..argh!!!!
Aisle424
No reason left to watch ESPN Baseball Tonight. RT @TheBlogfines: RT @dsportsdaily: AP reporting that Peter Gammons will join the MLB network
Interesting
I guess MLB just wasn’t Eastern enough.
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
No, I can understand Plesac. Well most of the time. :)
Plesac is kind of a loon, but I enjoy him on there.
I can't stand Mitch Williams
so I kind of stopped watching this summer.
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
They have a highlight show that comes on later at night with no studio talking heads. I found that edition very satisfying.
Sadly, though, Plesac was never a Loon, having played for just Plainsville, Stockton, and El Paso in his minor league career.
Don't remember the specifics
but earlier in the year, Mitch made some comment regarding the number of bases loaded walks he had given up, and the producers looked it up quickly and they all busted his balls on air. It was classic
I do remember that
based on how they analyze, all ex – ballplayears seem to be victims of hyperbole.
I actually liked what I saw of Cal Ripken on the other station.
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
I'm going to hate
having to root against E Jackson now. It was easy to root for him as a Ray since they were my 2nd favorite team. Not as easy on the Tigers, now it will be impossible.
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
Less evil maybe. Scherezer’s eyes were like a cat. Two colors and made him look like s a super villain.
They think
Jackson/Kennedy > Scherzer/Sch…
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
It's hard to get a handle around Schlereth
the Tigers blog is talkign about him being the closer as soon as next year. But the only memory I have of him is him imploding against the Dodgers.
by Michael White on Dec 8, 2009 3:08 PM PST up reply actions
I just remember
him looking like the Mad Hungarian Al Hrabosky and thinking he had nasty stuff. Then I looked up old Al and was shocked to find how undominating he was from a K point of view.
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
Don’t know what the D’backs think they’re going to get for Kennedy. The Yankees wouldn’t use him when they’re throwing guys like Chad Guadin in the rotation. How good can Kennedy really be?
Kennedy
was unable to pitch this summer, it was not like he was available.
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
jackson was really good in the al last yaer..
imagine just what he can do in the NL..
and he is still improving..
and the dbacks think sherzer is an injury awiting to happen and that he will be a relieiver
so the annswer is yes
Jackson has a career FIP of 4.72
Scherzer has a career FIP of 3.73
That’s pretty much a 1 run difference
well with jackson going to the NL
and sherzer going to the AL
i think you can now flip those around cause the Al is tougher then the NL
huh
any al lineup is tougher then a NL lineup with a pitcher in it..
Jackson did face tougher opponents
per Baseball Prospectus opponents quality OPS (aggregate of all opposing batters):
Jackson .760
Scherzer .717
is that weighed by
the fact that scherzer didn’t get to face the d-backs?
The Ultimate Ned's Kind of Guy
Excluding the Tigers and Diamondbacks:
AL Central in 2009:
ChiSox, OPS+ of 91
Indians, OPS+ of 103
Royals, OPS+ of 91
Twins, OPS+ of 103
NL West in 2009:
Rockies, OPS+ of 98
Dodgers, OPS+ of 104
Padres, OPS+ of 96
Giants, OPS+ of 81
Not much of a difference. But boy do the Giants suck.
The commenter formerly known as El Lay Dave.
Keep in mind
that both players are basically the same age and Jackson’s career numbers include some tough years with the Dodgers when Scherzer wasn’t even a pro yet. Comparing their career lines seems misplaced.
And I’m happy to note that x-FIP has shown up at fangraphs already!
2009 x-FIP
Jackson: 4.28
Scherzer: 3.88
Not quite as drastic as the delta you were looking at…
by Michael White on Dec 8, 2009 3:18 PM PST up reply actions
I used career FIP because I don’t think Jackson is anywhere near as good as he was the first half of last season. I also wanted to factor in his 2007and 2008 seasons with Tampa.
FIP you can do by dropping it in a spreadsheet from the data on B-Ref.
x-FIP is a bit tougher though (and by tougher, I mean impossible for us to calculate.)
And you would only be able to use 2 years because Scherzer has only been up for 2 years (and he only threw 56 innings in 2008.)
by Michael White on Dec 8, 2009 3:26 PM PST up reply actions
I know you can do it in Excel, I just didn’t want to set one up for a single comment. I meant a website where you can filter stats for the last 3 years like on ESPN.
I use my Excel spreadsheet for single comments all the time!
Actually once you have the spreadsheet set up, it doesnt take much more time then looking up all the info anyway. Especially since the info your looking for doesn’t exist.
by Michael White on Dec 8, 2009 3:32 PM PST up reply actions
alright if you say that jackson was not as good as he was in the first half
then i dont think sherzer is as good as he was in 2008..
you cannot say
I don’t think Jackson is anywhere near as good as he was the first half of last season.
There’s been some talk about Scherzer not getting deep into ballgames; he averaged something like 5 2/3 IP/GS last year. EJax was at 6.5 IP/GS last season, but before 2009 he was just like Scherzer in that regard. I hope Scherzer takes off for the Tigers.
The commenter formerly known as El Lay Dave.
TBrownYahoo
Nothing imminent, but Cubs and M’s are talking Bradley and Silva. 7 minutes ago from web
I hate when sportswriters shorthand
“M’s”. There are Mariners, Mets, Marlins. I mean I know who he means but had to think about it for a second.
There's no need to fear, Underdog is here! / Broncos/Dodgers fan in Niners/Raiders/Giants country, and damned proud of it.
Sweet quote by Ned
Ned says, "If we can end up with one bonafide big league starter, we have enough young talent who can contend for the fifth spot #Dodgers
No matter how or why they choose to do it, I like giving one spot in the rotation to Elbert/McDonald/Lindblom, et al
I'd prefer Elbert
I really think if they just threw him in there, he’d do well. Of course, I’ve said the same for Stults
They like his stuff better as a reliever, which I think is true. I don’t ever want to close the door on him starting though.
mcdonald as a reliever.
is great..
i wouldnt mind keeping him in relief..
I don't think he's really changed his stuff as a reliever all that much
He’s not burning out in 1-2 innings like Gagne did when he transitioned. JMac had a great relief extra innings appearance where he was still throwing 97 in his third inning of work.
JMac could be a closer/setup man if they wanted.
by Michael White on Dec 8, 2009 3:29 PM PST up reply actions
Fair enough. I was just stunned to see him topping out at 97 in his third inning of work. I thought it was really impressive. And that’s really why I’m still high on him as a starter. Love the velocity and curveball.
by Michael White on Dec 8, 2009 3:33 PM PST up reply actions
I wonder if it is simply a confidence issue, affecting his mechanics. In other words, could he throw as free and loose as he was as a reliever, as a starter? Maybe. Hopefully.
I've never cried as a reliever either
I’m expecting my NRI invite as a result
by Michael White on Dec 8, 2009 3:40 PM PST up reply actions
Sure I have
I was a ROOGY in my softball league last year.
by Michael White on Dec 8, 2009 3:47 PM PST up reply actions
I think its between Elbert/McDonald, with Lindbolm only getting consideration after June due to service time considerations.
I don't see it
Lindblom pitched great out of the spring last year and nearly made the club as a reliever. Don’t see him jumping all the way to the starting rotation, particularly considering he’s been pitching as a reliever for the most part.
by Michael White on Dec 8, 2009 3:28 PM PST up reply actions
He was starting until midseason when they moved him relief because they thought he might be needed in that role with the big club.
He’s a starter going forward
I hear ya on that point
But its not like McDonald last year who had pitched exclusively as a starter for 2 years in the minors, performed as a reliever in the pros, and then was selected as the number 5 starter.
I don’t see Lindblom as having the body of work to be considered as a starter this spring.
by Michael White on Dec 8, 2009 3:30 PM PST up reply actions
I don’t think they are concerned with Lindblom’s service time. If he pitches well enough to make the team, he will.
kershaw is
Clayton Kershaw..
Lindblom is not somebody the dodgers will care much about service time..
I still vote McDonald.
But I wouldn’t be heartbroken if JMac continues his solid play in the bullpen and Elbert is used in the rotation.
by Michael White on Dec 8, 2009 3:27 PM PST up reply actions
From divorcesource.com:
Property Distribution: California is a “Community Property” state. Community property is all property that was acquired during the marriage. This property will be divided equally (50-50) by the court if the parties are not able to come to an agreement.
For the purpose of division of property on dissolution of marriage or legal separation of the parties, property acquired by the parties during marriage in joint form, including property held in tenancy in common, joint tenancy, or tenancy by the entirety, or as community property, is presumed to be community property. This presumption is a presumption affecting the burden of proof and may be rebutted by either of the following: (a) A clear statement in the deed or other documentary evidence of title by which the property is acquired that the property is separate property and not community property. (b) Proof that the parties have made a written agreement that the property is separate property.
I don’t that to be the case. The Opening Day payroll already dropped significantly from 2008 to 2009, so the signs were already there. The low payroll is due to the Dodgers operating on very small margins.
The commenter formerly known as El Lay Dave.
Right
The lower payroll for 2010 may be due to any number of reasons, but I’ll pin it to the financial crisis/real estate crash. The Mannion piece says that regardless of the divorce, the Dodgers would be under financial constraints this year, and I believe that.
For ’11, ’12, and beyond, the divorce could affect payroll in any number of ways.
The Ultimate Ned's Kind of Guy
jonmorosi
#Dodgers definitely like the Paul Maholm of the #Pirates. Not sure if there’s a trade fit.
I'd like Maholm more
if I could just figure out how to pronounce his last name. Ma-home? Ma-hollum? The mind boggles.
The Ultimate Ned's Kind of Guy
It’s the second one. At least that’s how I pronounce it in my head.
by Michael White on Dec 8, 2009 3:46 PM PST up reply actions
I like that alot
That is the bonafide big league starter….
by Michael White on Dec 8, 2009 3:45 PM PST up reply actions
What's Maholm's contract like?
Is he currently arb-eligible?
by Michael White on Dec 8, 2009 3:48 PM PST up reply actions
Maholm's contract
2010: $4.5m
2011: $5.75m
2012: $9.25m option ($750k buyout)
They’d likely throw in some cash but I’d do that deal
If Ned swapped Pierre for Maholm I would freak out
Ned would be the greatest GM ever!
by Michael White on Dec 8, 2009 3:53 PM PST up reply actions
Give them another lefty
Leach sounds about right.
by Michael White on Dec 8, 2009 3:59 PM PST up reply actions
I like that
Leach is a hard throwing lefty with some ML experience, the Pirates would go for it! Sold!
There's no need to fear, Underdog is here! / Broncos/Dodgers fan in Niners/Raiders/Giants country, and damned proud of it.
Based on stats, he sure seems to get hit a lot. Career: .282 / .345 / .424 / .769.
His one good year (2008) he allowed a BABIP of .294, but the other full seasons it was .332, .319, and .329 last year. That would be tough to watch.
The commenter formerly known as El Lay Dave.
x-FIP's are solid
Career 4.25.
By comparison, Randy Wolf’s career x-FIP is 4.24.
by Michael White on Dec 8, 2009 3:58 PM PST up reply actions
And yet the reality is one good year – ERA+ in the 110s – and three years / 560 IP of suck – about a 92 ERA+. I know that Pirates are pretty crappy, but is their defense that horrible? The had a decent SS some of the time – Jack Wilson – and some decent OFs, etc.
The commenter formerly known as El Lay Dave.
Just eyeballing it, my guess woudl be that the delta between the x-FIP and triple slash line you are seeing could be park factors. The x-FIP will normalize the home run numbers, but if the ball is flying out of Pittsburgh (I have no idea if that’s true, but Juan Pierre did hit a home run their last year) it shoudl catch that.
by Michael White on Dec 8, 2009 4:10 PM PST up reply actions
I know why peter gammons quit
“Preliminary reports indicate that he was upset at an internal memorandum that would have limited Red Sox/Yankees coverage to a mere 97% of ESPN baseball reporting”
It's always darkest just before dawn
Ned adds, "We’ve talked to Toronto about #Halladay. It’s tough to tell. They’re playing somewhat coy with their thinking. @mlb
What’s “tough to tell”???
Is that a masturbatory exercise for Ned? No way he can take on that contract.
The commenter formerly known as El Lay Dave.
If you’re that hell bent on getting rid of Martin, they would just trade him. I don’t think you realize how bad the catching situation is.
Its Joe Mauer
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Martinez in Boston -Jorge Posada
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Russell Martin
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Even more dreck.
Slot him around Martinez, or above if you're on him.
But really, there about 5-6 really good catchers, and everyone else looking to ‘upgrade’.
Which is why
we were so lucky with Martin in the beginning, having an above average catcher when it is such a weak position gives you such an advantage. Now that advantage is in the Diamondbacks favor and possibly the Giants and Rockies as we hope that Martin can at least do better then Hundley.
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
unless we are and Frank’s stupid… like a FOX
it’s a one year deal. It’s a lot of money, but what if they pull an F McCourt special and over-pay to get the Ace by including more prospects in exchange for a bit of salary relief?
think about it…
I have my doubts that Toronto has money to give us. They still have that cash fire hose they have to aim at Vernon Wells every pay period.
The commenter formerly known as El Lay Dave.
The Rockies can’t quit Torreabela.
5:58: Renck reports that the Rockies made a two-year offer worth $4.5-6MM. The two sides continue to talk and they could reach a deal tonight. Miguel Olivo is currently a fallback option for the Rockies.
You know what? We should ask if they want to swap catcher.
Yeah, how did that work out in 2009? If they’re both on the team, Tracy is just going to play his non-whipping boy.
Might it be mean and spiteful on my part to be looking forward to the train wreck that will be the end of Tracy’s Colorado honeymoon? Yes, that indeed may be the case.
The commenter formerly known as El Lay Dave.
I don't know about Dave, but...
….to me, he played Jason Phillips. At first base! That’s like saying “Screw you, Humma” while kicking my dog and burning down my house and putting the moves on my wife.
The Ultimate Ned's Kind of Guy
Don't get us started
or you will end up with a mini thread like Delias had yesterday after he said he was tired of hearing about Carlos Santana.
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
Actually, it worked out really well in 2009...
The Rockies were in the top five in the NL in production from the catcher’s slot, and I know this isn’t at all predictive, but Torrealba was easily the best hitting catcher in the NL in run producing situations last season.
I would have been worried if they really were looking to sign him to be the primary guy, but the team’s made it pretty clear that they prefer Iannetta.
But that’s not how it works. If the Rockies resign Torrealba, Tracy will play him over Iannetta. Heck even if he doesn’t, Tracy will like take the random outfielder he’s not using and convert him into a catcher. That’s what he did when he needed a first baseman and didn’t want to use the guy the front office favored.
Maybe he’ll play one of the two catchers at first base instead of Helton for 50 games or so.
The commenter formerly known as El Lay Dave.
After Torrealba came back on July 5
They pretty much split time 50/50:
Torrealba: 43 starts
Iannetta: 39 starts
For years Martin's seldom
used backups were always making more money then him. Now that he’s making money he sucks so don’t complain to much about Torry making more then Iannetta, it might be a good thing since he’s motivated and our boy isn’t.
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
I can’t believe that any organization wants Olivo. Just bring up your AAA catcher, he’s probably better than Olivo
Is your comment
completely based on his OB% because the man had one of the highest slug% for a catcher in baseball. Lot of hyperbole flying today between you and Tripon.
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
I’m not the one claiming the Dodgers would non tender Martin just to fit some silly notion of trading for Halladay.
No
I’m still referring to your over the top comment Loney comment about digging his grave. As though his road numbers and playoff numbers don’t matter at all, only the fact he sucks at home.
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
Yes he does
and if he sucked like that on the road we’d be throwing the dirt on his grave but if you can hit you can hit, he just has to figure out why he can’t hit at home.
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
It’s hard to improve if a batter sucks against a particular handedness of pitcher (except for Ryan Howard in the NLCS), but the home/road Loney thing seems kinda freaky to me, and much more likely to change.
The commenter formerly known as El Lay Dave.
Ryan Howard didn’t improve against lefties in the NLCS. The fucking umps just wouldn’t dare to call him on strikes. The Umps did the same thing for Howard in the World Series. He was dead to rights a couple of times by C.C. and Petitte
Miguel Olivo
is the new Bengie Molina but without the World Series ring and the platitudes that come from playing for Scoscia.
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
So
your point is? My point is he is exactly what Bengie is, someone with above average power for a catcher who never takes a walk.
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
What?
Olivo had a good SLGin 2009, but I don’t think he is going to continue at that level. Teams are paying for his future performance. Bill James predicts a .420 SLG for him. I also don’t think a sub .300 OBP is reasonable for a catcher.
Olivo is also 31 and unlikely to improve. He also ranks as the second worst defesnive catcher in this chart at -8.8.
What is your fucking point????
I said he was Bengie Molina not that he was any fucking good. What are you debating?
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
I am debating your statement that asked if my position was “completely based on his OB% because the man had one of the highest slug% for a catcher in baseball. Lot of hyperbole flying today between you and Tripon”
My point is that OBP isn’t the only reason I think Olivo is nothing more than a back-up catcher. Defense, age and a likely regression in his SLG make him a poor investment. How is that Hyperbolic? I don’t think Bengie Molina is worth a large contract either.
Well then put it the right thread
so I know what the hell we are talking about.
Now that we are clear, the only problem I had with your comment was that no one should want him which I found ridiculous for a guy who had a slug% of 490 last year. He may not be good but he’s surely better then the dreck of catchers playing in AAA.
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
I agreethat it would have made more sense to posted it above and apologize for an confusion
I still think you were quick to assume my opinion was based entirely on OBP, but it might have been somewhat hyperbolic to compare him to a AAA catcher. My main point is that he is a back-up catcher, yet several teams are interested in him. I believe that he will be overpaid and that teams would be better off using a cheaper option as their back-up.
umm
the rockies are considering olivo as a fall back option for the Back up job..
and thats what you were saying..
and im stupid
Dylan H
Source: Dodgers talked to Detroit about Edwin Jackson; they were scared off by the combination of the prospects they would have trade…
… and Jackson’s projected salary for 2010.
"they were scared off by the combination of the prospects they would have trade"
Well, that part is encouraging. Trading prospects for a former Dodger prospect would be too much to take- and we’ve already had to take quite a bit!
That Danys Baez trade
the gift that keeps on giving.
Or, wait, not gift. What’s the opposite of a gift? Whatever it is — that.
The Ultimate Ned's Kind of Guy
Penny gets the O.Cabrera/J.D. Drew clause
per Matthew Leach (Cards beat writer for MLB.com), Penny deal is done and Cards can’t offer arbitration if he’s a Type A.
Agreed
He would have to have a Wolfian season, but those 109 strikeouts in 2009 will kill that chance (Wolf had 162 K in 2008 for instance).
Oh snap, fake news before!
PeteAbe
Now it can be told as press release is in: Gammons to NESN and NESN.com.
Gammons, 64, will work for MLB Network and MLB.com as well. He will be an on-air analyst for MLB Network programming and a regularly featured writer on MLB.com
Not so fast my friend
from Sports By Brooks:
Sources familiar with the Gammons negotiations with ESPN and MLB Network told me that MLB Net offered the longtime baseball writer more money than ESPN, and just as important, the ability to reduce travel. The 64-year-old had grown weary of commuting even to nearby Bristol, so he jumped at the opportunity to make more money while working closer to home in Boston and Cape Cod
Cha-ching for Gammo
Tron Tron in the rotation?
From Dylan Hernandez, LA Times:
Colletti said he hopes to add one starting pitcher this off-season, adding that the fifth spot in the rotation could be filled in-house by the likes of James McDonald, Josh Lindblom, Charlie Haeger and Ramon Troncoso
Yeah
Weird because that wasn’t a quote from Ned, whereas Ned mentioned Elbert yesterday specifically as a starting candidate. My guess is it was an omission by Dylan, not Ned.
Or Elbert was just traded for a 2nd baseman:)
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
Yep, just an ommission by D. Hernandez
Ken Gurnick has a similar report up:
Colletti said if he could get “one bona fide veteran starter somehow, some way, we have enough faith in our young pitchers to give them a chance to be the fifth.” He named James McDonald, Scott Elbert, Josh Lindblom, Charlie Haeger and Ramon Troncoso as candidates. The top three starters are Clayton Kershaw, Chad Billingsley and Hiroki Kuroda.
Shouldn't come as too much of a suprise
Last year at this time Tron was being considered for a role as a starter and I believe he was playing the winter leagues as a starter. His winter league performance was poor and so was his spring training, so that left Tron fighting for his 25 man roster spot. Tron makes it (with JMac ultimately getting the #5 role) as a long reliever. He then performed rather well in that role (who can forget the 4 inning save) and then with some injuries he gets his role elevated a bit. Kuo goes down, Wade can’t perform and next thing you know Tron is the set up man. He does this well for a while, but then in comes Sherrill and a healthy Kuo and Tron is left without a role.
Long story short, I like that Tron is goign to be given another look as a SP. He has performed in pretty much every role so far for the Dodgers and the Dodgers probably feel like they need to find a spot for him.
by Michael White on Dec 8, 2009 5:38 PM PST up reply actions
Agreed
I always like to have a guy start if he can, rather than relieve, unless there is such a gap in performance in short stints
I think one of Tiger’s tawdrier “girlfriends”, the one in “films”, said that.
The commenter formerly known as El Lay Dave.
And my apologies
for my irritation earlier at you. Just getting in practice for the Clipper game tonight. A mini TBLA game with Mwhite, Dave, and BH attending as we witness Superman on his birthday dismantle the iron poor blood Kaman. Hands down the Clippers have the worse training staff in sports. Hands down.
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
No hard feelings.
I felt bad about how the whole thing happened. Looking back, my claim about Olivo was quite ridiculous. I should have said that I didn’t think he is worthy of a starting catcher job for several reasons and is somewhat overrated due to his power. I never meant to cause you any frustration.
Your two cents
Solving the dilemma in house, who would be your two selections to fill out the rotation?
Not to toot the TBLA horn but toot toot
at the 1st ever TBLA attended Dodger Blog night a TBLA correspondent asked Ned if they had considered moving Troncoso to the rotation given how successful he was in throwing multiple relief innings and the fact he was starting in the winter leagues. Ned answer at the time was that anything is possible but he was to important to the bullpen to send to AAA to lengthen his innings.
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
again with this shit
elbert is the best option
la times ugh
by hirambocachica on Dec 8, 2009 9:59 PM PST up reply actions
I’m pulling for Elbert more than anyone, to grab that spot in the back of the rotation and capitalize on competing against the lower echelon of pitchers in the league (#4/#5). His stuff is amazing, control issues could use an adjustment, but the kid is a real competitor and has great makeup. He’s been blessed with the tools and the brain power to function them to their utmost capacity….okay that’s going a little far LOL. I do have a ton of faith in him, but here’s hoping the brass does too since JMac was on a limited leash. As Scotty will be as well.
Is he what you invision at 2B? Dewitt was a SS in HS but seems like he’s better suited for 3B, do you see the battle coming down to them, or a Jamey Carroll type hire?
I don’t think DeJesus will play with the Dodgers until September, unless they have a rash of injuries.
2B will probably come down to some combo of DeWitt, Hu, and a Belliard/Carroll type splitting time.
As high as he’s rated in our system as a position player, it kind of puts it into perspective how long it’s going to be before we see this next wave of prospects come up. Btw my power three are Matt Kemp, Clayton Kershaw & Dee Gordon, and I hope it remains a constant over the next ten years…lucky for me I’ve got McCourt at the help..uh…..wait
wow thats crazy
but why would you want to scroll through comments without them being “marked as read” lol?
William Doolittle at your service, a.k.a. will do.
Business as usual my ass
from Bill Shaikin:
A settlement for temporary support is nearing completion, said two sources familiar with the case, speaking on the condition of anonymity because an agreement has not been finalized and filed with the court. The so-called “interim support” settlement would postpone a hearing to decide the issue, currently scheduled for next Tuesday.
Also, despite a consistent refrain from Dodgers executives and Frank McCourt’s lawyers that the club is conducting “business as usual” despite the divorce proceedings, McCourt said the “distraction is … creating a hardship for the Dodgers management.”
Thoughts on the Sherrill/Blanton trade rumor?
I can rationalize it more than I can with most of the other rumblings out there. I was a huge Josh Bell fan (he was the star on the Vero A club), and Johnson’s numbers were very sharp so any movement of Sherrill is going to be completely weighed against the ceilings of the aforementioned Bell/Johnson. The only positive I could see happening (if only optimistically) is getting a player like Blanton who in return gives us 200 innings and a sub 4.00 ERA . Like Lowe with but with more wins and less pressure back at the end of the rotation. Wishful thinking, but can our resources net these numbers in return? It’ll make things a lot easier for whomever wins the final rotation spot, which is important because I see it going to youth (Elbert/McDonald)
Kemp / Gordon / Kershaw / Elbert/ Withrow
If they want to go even cheaper (I assure you they are capable), the brass can fill that bullpen hole from within, through the farm (Lindbloom?). Actually Lindbloom may have progressed even further than I thought and is cemented to make the 25….any insight? My guess is that a year of experience bodes well for his chances but he’s no lock, he’ll have to play his way on, as will NRI’s hired.
Gotcha. So the money makes sense too, I hope they net something similar to Blanton, or Blanton himself.
Check this out:
“In a linked issue, Colletti disputed suggestions by agents and other clubs’ officials that he cannot sign any player to a multiyear contract, the implication being that ownership uncertainty has limited his ability to make significant deals.
“Nobody told me that,” Colletti said of a multiyear limitation. “When people come up with that, I’d like to have them come up here and tell me that’s what they know.”
Tom Verducci on MLB Network
mentioned something about Scherzer that he was one of 22 guys (not sure if he said 20 or not, but it’s 22) to strike out a batter per inning making 30 starts at age 24 or younger.
Here’s the list, which also includes Clayton Kershaw (2009) and Chad Billingsley (2008)
Great List! Btw Kershaw and Lincicum were drafted the same year (#7 & #10), I’d like to think we will be happier with our pick in the long run.
I'd rather have Kershaw than Lincecum no matter what
Because Kershaw is 21 and still putting up sick numbers, and I think will be at the level Lincecum is now in 2 years.
Also, i don’t want some dirty hippie looking guy instead of Kershaw; Lincecum fits in with the SF look.
Lincecum’s been putting up Lincecum’s numbers since he’s been Lincecum. So the Giants are getting 6 years of Lincecum’s being Lincecum while Kershaw might only give the Dodgers 3 years of Kershaw being Linecum.
You Didn't Address The Hippie Factor...
I don’t want Lincecum because I hate hippies. And beatniks. I don’t like beatniks or hippies.
And I don't like
Self Righteous fundamentalists of any ilk but I keep that to myself and I’d appreciate if you all did the same.
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
Phillies sign Ross Gload to a 2-year deal
Here is their bench right now:
Francisco OF
Gload 1B
Castro IF
Dobbs PH
Schneider C
Actually, that’s not as bad as I thought when I started typing. Just don’t care much for Castro or Gload I guess.
Some idiot at the LA Times says if McDonald or Troncoso is our 5th starter we can kiss the season goodbye.
I hate when people say stupid shit like that.
Or, they asked him to fill in for a couple of games while Mychal Thompson deals with a death in the family.
by Eric Stephen on Dec 9, 2009 7:05 AM PST via mobile reply actions
Randy Wolf to be a Brewer
Yahoo’s Tim Brown tweets that the Brewers will agree with Wolf today on a three-year deal worth just under $30MM. Ken Rosenthal says an agreement has been reached.
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NL West Standings
| W | L | PCT | GB | STRK | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
San Diego
|
60 | 42 | .588 | 0 | Lost 2 |
|
San Francisco
|
60 | 45 | .571 | 1.5 | Won 2 |
|
Los Angeles
|
54 | 50 | .519 | 7 | Lost 4 |
|
Colorado
|
54 | 50 | .519 | 7 | Won 3 |
|
Arizona
|
38 | 66 | .365 | 23 | Lost 1 |
(updated 7.31.2010 at 9:51 PM PDT)
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