Happy Birthday Ramon Troncoso
by Eric Stephen on Feb 16, 2010 8:00 AM PST
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PrintNow that the Dodgers' equipment truck has arrived at Camelback Ranch in Glendale, Arizona, spring training is well within our sights. I hope one they packed candles on that truck, since this is a busy birthday week in Dodgertown. Yesterday, Russell Martin turned 27 and The Penguin celebrated number 62. Today, pitcher Ramon Troncoso turns 27, with a future that appears more secure than it did when he turned 26.
Troncoso had a fine major league debut season in 2008, putting up a 3.00 FIP and 4.26 ERA in 38 innings, all while striking out a batter an inning. That said, a spot on the major league roster for 2009 wasn't a lock as spring training began last year. There was some talk last year of using Troncoso as a starter, something he hadn't done since 2005. As BHSportsGuy, JJ24, and I took a tour of the Camelback Ranch grounds, there were two players in the clubhouse as we walked through -- Troncoso, and some Venezuelan pitcher named Belisario, whoever he was -- a pair we thought for sure would at least start the season in Albuquerque.
In Troncoso's case, it's not as if he was unnoticed; after all, Dave Cameron of FanGraphs in December 2008 called Troncoso a "hidden gem." Well, Troncoso of course ended up making the club, and had a good season. Among his highlights from 2009:
- The four-inning save in Colorado, entering with a one-run lead and making it hold up
- 23 relief appearances of four or more outs, third-most in the National League
- He allowed just five of 32 inherited runners to score, and was sixth in the NL in inherited runs prevented (per Baseball Prospectus)
- The two-pitch, two-out save against Oakland
- Held right-handers to a paltry .291 slugging percentage
The life of a middle reliever can change in a heartbeat -- just ask Cory Wade -- and there is reason for some concern with Troncoso. His strikeouts decreased (from 23.9% of plate appearances to 15.8%). His walks were up in 2009, but nine of his 34 free passes last year were intentional. His unintentional walk percentage was pretty much the same this year (7.2%) as last (6.9%).
However, with Troncoso there is also a lot to love. The power sinker, inducing a ton of ground balls (admittedly, we should hope for more of the 60.8% ground ball percentage in 2008 than the 55.1% in 2009), is too good of a pitch for Troncoso not to succeed. At the very least, with Casey Blake threatening to play this season clean shaven, Troncoso (seen here with Roberto Baly of Vin Scully is My Homeboy) may have to assume the role of The Beard for 2010.
At any rate, happy birthday Ramon. Here's to a fine 2010 season.
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I was kind of shocked by that yesterday when I saw it.
by Eric Stephen on Feb 16, 2010 8:57 AM PST up reply actions
As expected, no CMW in LA
Per Bill Ladson / MLB.com:
The #Nats have agreed to terms with right-hander Chien-Ming Wang. The #Nats have not confirmed the agreement
The Nats are scheduled to hold a press conference regarding Chien-Ming Wang on Friday at Space Coast Stadium
I’m guessing it is for the $2m guarantee, plus $2m in incentives that was reported last week.
FYI
back to the Clipper talk….
Deal not done, Clippers looking for more value
http://www.clipsnation.com/2010/2/16/1312723/deal-not-done-clippers-looking-for
So anyways, as I was saying, I think lebron will go sign a big deal this year because this is the last year of the big contract. He is sure to make less if he signs his big deal after the new CBA.
Ya. That’s a good point. Lock the contract in before the negotiations.
by Michael White on Feb 16, 2010 9:13 AM PST up reply actions
The NBA’s proposal to the union (which was essentially ripped up by the players association) included “retroactive modifications,” which would alter any deal to conform to the new agreement. Although good luck getting that passed.
by Eric Stephen on Feb 16, 2010 9:14 AM PST up reply actions
And it looks like the deal is now completed
Blazers threw $3MM in the deal.
You guys think McCourt is bad, Sterling just sold Camby for $3MM. No basketball reasons at all. This is like a movie.
I haven’t seen the numbers, but does the amount they gain in expiring contracts (Camby is what, $1.5m more than Outlaw/Blake?) make the Blazers able to sign a max free agent this offseason? If so, I have to figure they are an attractive destination.
by Eric Stephen on Feb 16, 2010 9:21 AM PST up reply actions
I doubt it
They have a lot of money tied up in Roy and Aldridge….
Oden can’t be that cheap either going into his third year. They might be in play for a mid to lower end FA, like Ray Allen.
by Michael White on Feb 16, 2010 9:23 AM PST up reply actions
Interesting
by Eric Stephen on Feb 16, 2010 9:25 AM PST up reply actions
and ESPN’s NBA trade machine is one of the coolest things ever.
by Eric Stephen on Feb 16, 2010 9:29 AM PST up reply actions
I love the NBA
cap and machinations that result from it but others disagree. When you can trade dead guys to meet cap trade requirements, that is something to embrace.
by meercatjohn on Feb 16, 2010 10:11 AM PST up reply actions
Perhaps besides Laker fans, nobody liked the Gasol trade more than Aaron McKie, who was volunteering as a coach at the time of the trade (he was still being paid $7 million via the “amnesty clause” by Philadelphia, but the Lakers owned his rights). He pocketed an extra $750k out of the deal.
by Eric Stephen on Feb 16, 2010 10:24 AM PST up reply actions
I renominate Sterling
as the worst owner in sports
by MammothDodger on Feb 16, 2010 9:55 AM PST up reply actions
No way
He is not even the worst owner in that building. Sterling has turned over a new leaf and is at least spending something to try to win.
Are you implying that Donald Sterling is a better owner than Dr. Buss or Philip Anschutz?
2009-10 Kings Hockey: Delivering Milk Steaks from the Meat Train at an arena near you!
by DodgerBlueBalls on Feb 16, 2010 12:42 PM PST up reply actions
Sorry Clips fan...Kings will figure to be the better franchise for many years to come
No way he’s better than Anschutz. The Kings are finally on the cusp of greatness this season, and the blueprint they’ve used to come to this point should ensure that they will contend for a long time to come. Can’t say the same thing about DTS and the Clips.
Also, if Anschutz is the worst owner in the building, keep in mind which owner was primarily responsible for building Staples Center in the first place.
2009-10 Kings Hockey: Delivering Milk Steaks from the Meat Train at an arena near you!
by DodgerBlueBalls on Feb 16, 2010 1:15 PM PST up reply actions
Half a good season does not mean anything.
The Clips were pretty good a couple years ago but have obviously never got over the hump. Maybe the Kings are in that same place but I need to see a lot more from this Kings franchise in general because I am very pessimistic. I would call myself a Kings fan do not have much interest after 3-4 failed attempts at rebuilding.
I do not think Anschutz has done enough over the years to please a good fan base, and we know he does not care as he only speaks through his mouthpiece Tim. Staples has never impressed me. It always looked like it was never finished.
Definitely valid points there. However, Anschutz has been wise enough to ditch Tim in favor of Luc and Dean. The Kings may have claimed to go through the rebuilding process 3 or 4 times in the past as you say, but I can’t recall a time in their history where they have truley aspired to rebuild through organizational paradigm change and a committment to internal player development. That is the model for success in the NHL.
Even though DTS has been spending more money on NBA free agent acquisitions in recent years, it seems as though it is more of a lets throw turds at the wall and see what sticks as opposed to being truley committed to a plan to create a contender for many years to come.
I’m surprised that you don’t enjoy Staples Center, but that just seems to be a subjective matter of personal preference. Every out of town fan I have been there with in the past was impressed with the facility at agreed with me that it is one of the nicest multi-purpose facilities in North America.
2009-10 Kings Hockey: Delivering Milk Steaks from the Meat Train at an arena near you!
by DodgerBlueBalls on Feb 16, 2010 1:37 PM PST up reply actions
Now that the surrounding area
has caught up with it, Staples is cool. Having to deal with all the other construction before this year was a pain, but I like what they have done. It is kind of like leaving Petco and heading into the Gaslamp district. Now I can get a killer sundae after the game, have some drinks at any number of establishments, and watching the girls go by has improved 1000 fold.
The best thing DTS
did was not spend money on free agents and that is all GM work anyway, but spending the money on a world class practice facility. Until this summer the Clippers were a joke when it came to practice facilities. The Colleges in town had better facilities.
Good points about the Clips new practice center. I had not even considered that. It should be mentioned that AEG has valued the importance of a top-of-the-line training facility to create a similar world class center for the Kings as well.
2009-10 Kings Hockey: Delivering Milk Steaks from the Meat Train at an arena near you!
by DodgerBlueBalls on Feb 16, 2010 2:01 PM PST up reply actions
Based on this?
Let us see how it all works out by the deadline. I’m sure there is more to come and he didn’t just do this to put 3 Million in his pocket. If he did that is another story but I doubt it, DTS hasn’t cheaped out with the Clippers for years. Camby needed to go and the expectations that Camby was worth something is probably off target. We did acquire him for nothing, absolutely nothing and that two long years ago in NBA terms. He may be the most overrated defensive player in the league.
by meercatjohn on Feb 16, 2010 10:04 AM PST up reply actions
You guys are missing the point
Al Davis is still alive, ergo, he is still the worst owner in sports.
Unless of course you have already accepted that given, and are simply talking about the worst owner other than Al.
by Eric Stephen on Feb 16, 2010 2:04 PM PST up reply actions
Trevor Hoffman and Doug Jones
laugh at the speed gun, then laugh behind the backs of the hitters as they trudge back to the dugout with the bat being dragged through the dust of despair.
by meercatjohn on Feb 16, 2010 10:09 AM PST up reply actions
I don’t think Gagne in particular can be effective without a dominant fastball.
by Eric Stephen on Feb 16, 2010 10:17 AM PST up reply actions
He's done.
He wasn’t even effective in the Independent League last year
If our bullpen
was not loaded I’d take the gamble but come on at some point they have to stop bringing in NRI’s don’t they?
by meercatjohn on Feb 16, 2010 10:05 AM PST up reply actions
Yeah, there has to be a saturation point somewhere, right?
by Eric Stephen on Feb 16, 2010 10:06 AM PST up reply actions
I think with the B games and Taiwan trip
there probably isn’t a saturation point to speak of. Now, you’ve been to Camelback, so maybe you counted how many lockers there were …
Could be
The Dodgers have 31 pitchers in big league camp.
Last year, 41 different Dodgers threw a pitch in a big league ST game, although some of those started out in minor league camp. I suppose a few more NRis wouldn’t hurt.
Note to self: count the lockers this year. :)
by Eric Stephen on Feb 16, 2010 10:35 AM PST up reply actions
Back to Ramon
The most interesting thing about the blogger night was Ned’s comments on Ramon. He seemed to imply he put Ramon on the 25 man roster and hoped that Joe would eventually use him. That he didn’t have a good spring but felt he would be an important part of the bullpen if Joe gave him a shot.
Its the happiest time of the year...
Bats are crackling, the leather is snapping its the hap-happiest time of the year.
Bats are crackling, the leather is snapping
Sounds like the Munsters after dark.
by Eric Stephen on Feb 16, 2010 10:44 AM PST up reply actions
I bet Eddie Munster saw some crazy shit growing up.
by Eric Stephen on Feb 16, 2010 11:03 AM PST up reply actions
+1
Ahhhh…the memories of my youth (and puberty!)…
by KellyStephen on Feb 16, 2010 4:36 PM PST up reply actions
Basically just to temper your expectations. Around the 1:10 mark of this sums it up pretty well.
by Eric Stephen on Feb 16, 2010 11:50 AM PST up reply actions
Sorry bout the double post. I was trigger happy.
by Skunkburner on Feb 16, 2010 12:36 PM PST via mobile reply actions
No problem, Patches.
No problem, Patches.
2009-10 Kings Hockey: Delivering Milk Steaks from the Meat Train at an arena near you!
by DodgerBlueBalls on Feb 16, 2010 12:44 PM PST up reply actions
http://insider.espn.go.com/espn/blog/index?entryID=4917847&name=olney_buster&action=login&appRedirect=http%3a%2f%2finsider.espn.go.com%2fespn%2fblog%2findex%3fentryID%3d4917847%26name%3dolney_buster
anyone have Insider for this as well. I’d like to see the Dodgers portion.
Delias Man
Sorry, I deleted my comment (too late for you obviously) but if there are others, I don’t mean to spoil it….
Sorry
I think I finally figured out what you guys are talking about.
I am recording the USA Hockey game too, so that I can watch with friends after work today. If that was what you were referring to, then thanks to MWhite for removing the spoiler and thanks to Delias Man for speaking up about the spoiler.
2009-10 Kings Hockey: Delivering Milk Steaks from the Meat Train at an arena near you!
by DodgerBlueBalls on Feb 16, 2010 2:40 PM PST up reply actions
RE: Gagne
Tony Jackson brings some news…interest is lukewarm at this point:
“Logan saw him throw the other day, and that is all we have right now,‘’ Colletti said. "We aren’t as far along as people would like us to be. I don’t have any idea what [Gagne and Boras] are thinking or what they are looking for.’’
Minor league depth? Maybe we can catch lighting in a bottle (again) and have a guy on a minor league deal actually contribute at the MLB level for almost nothing? Bringing back an old fan favorite to try and boost ticket sales if indeed he ever does make it to the Dodgers.
I’d say it’s a no lose situation.
I think it's more that
Gagne is trying to get a job, most of the “interest” is coming from Gagne, not the Dodgers.
The Rockies (Jim Tracy, et al) watched him throw today, but it sounds like those are the only two teams linked to Gagne. I agree with you, though, Gagne has been proactive in this regard.
by Eric Stephen on Feb 16, 2010 3:09 PM PST up reply actions
Agent doing his job…controlled workouts and rumours and innuendo trying to land him a job. Just hopefully not w/the Dodgers (unless he gets back on the juice).
by KellyStephen on Feb 16, 2010 4:27 PM PST up reply actions
Thats funny!
I just read a small write up on MLB.com. I went to the blog section for Dodgers tags. They have the NL West predicted order of finish as Giants, Rockies, Dodgers, D-Backs, and Padres. Our starting 4 is the problem according to whomever wrote the article. He “assumes” the Giants will have just enough offense to get them the division this year.
I don't know if you know this
But Hudson and Wolf were everything to the Dodgers, and without them, they are a blithering mess.
DuranLA
Dodgers P Ramon Trancoso @Lakers game “grew up with Jordan, Pippen and 90s Bulls, now its all Lakers”
Our pitching staff will be ok.
As long as our bats can wake up everything is good.
by Skunkburner on Feb 16, 2010 8:39 PM PST via mobile reply actions
NPUT
http://www.truebluela.com/2010/2/17/1313956/2010/2/17/1313956/clayton-kershaw-the-object-of-our
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
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